Mike & Darlene – Team Anderson, USAA Members Advantage “A” Team

Ready for a PCS move to South Carolina? Team Anderson can help. Introducing our exclusive Military Relocation Assistance Program at Fort Jackson. This program offers a high-level of service and special benefits.  Contact us today to find out more.

We sell real estate in the Greater Columbia area. So, if you are going to Fort Jackson (or even Shaw AFB), We can help you buy a home in the Greater Columbia area. We will also provide a referral for any other service base in South Carolina so you may purchase a home in that market through our USAA Members Advantage relocation net work.

Please click on the form to the right and complete, or, contact me directly. Be sure to ask for the Members Advatage benefits.
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Fort Jackson (SC) – A Tradition of Excellence

Fort Jackson is the largest and most active Initial Entry Training Center in the U.S. Army, training 34 percent of all Soldiers and 69 percent of the women entering the Army each year. Fort Jackson is located in Columbia, SC.

Columbia is the capital city of South Carolina and the metropolitan area has a population of over 400,000. The Columbia area has a number of very nice city, regional and state parks. Riverbanks Zoo is one of America’s top-rated zoos and Lake Murray is a beautiful place for boating and fishing. Downtown Columbia is a vibrant place for shopping, entertainment and sports action with the University of South Carolina sports teams.

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Fort Jackson and Columbia Area Schools:

Northeast Columbia & Fort Jackson area: Richland 2
Southeast Columbia & Fort Jackson area: Richland 1
Irmo, Dutch Fork & Chapin area: Lexington 5
Lexington area: Lexington 1
South Carolina Department of Education School Report Cards

Army & Fort Jackson Information & Links

Army

The United States Army Homepage
Army Life – Relocating
Army Permanent Change of Station
Join the Army | Nine Weeks

Fort Jackson

In addition to basic training, the post has other missions as well. While some military installations have experienced downsizing and closure in past years, Fort Jackson has added several new schools and training institutions since 1995 including the U.S. Army Soldier Support Institute, the U.S. Army Chaplains Center and School, and the Defense Academy for Credibility Assessment. Within the last three years new projects included a Post Exchange complex, an Emergency Services Center and a Naval Reserve Center. A $4.5 million family water park opened in the summer of 2004.

Fort Jackson has a significant economic impact on the local area. Annual expenditures by Fort Jackson exceed $716.9 million for salaries, utilities, contracts and other services. In addition, over 100,000 family members visit the Midlands area each year to attend basic training graduation activities.

Fort Jackson – Army website
Fort Jackson – Columbia “A to Z” | Fort Jackson – Wikipedia
Newly Assigned Soldiers & Families
Fort Jackson “A to Z”
Fort Jackson Map
Fort Jackson Commissary
Fort Jackson National Cemetery Dedicated

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Are you a First Time Home Buyer?

Are you planning to buy Columbia SC Real Estate?

Investing in the Columbia SC real estate market at present is a very good idea. The market is picking up and the economy is hovering above the danger line. Realty has always been the best asset you could invest in. This is particularly true if you are investing in high-return areas like land or warehouses. If you’ve got the money for it, you can easily find the best Columbia SC real estate deals going for ridiculously low rates. But don’t be hasty; make sure that you invest in properties that will pay off in the long run even when the stock market corrects. To help you out, we’ve made a quick list of the top property investment options that you can try out.

Columbia SC real estate / Location

If you are an investor in real estate throughout the US, choose locations which have lower than average property rates. For example, Columbia real estate is at an all time low. It is the state capital of South Carolina with an average population of about 700,000 people. The city has several large companies located close-by and the current economic boom has meant that more and more people are relocating to the area for employment. The annual cost to own a home averages about $9,885 while the annual cost to rent is about $8,016. Columbia SC Real Estate has been rated as no 9 on the MSN top 10 cheapest housing markets in the US and now is a great time to buy.

Short sales / Columbia SC real estate

Short sales are quickly becoming the next best alternative for real estate investors even in the Columbia SC real estate market. Homeowners wanting to relocate to another location quickly want to sell their home quickly but cannot afford to do so as they have a mortgage. As a result, they list the home with the banks and short sale realtors for sale. The bank will then negotiate a rate with potential buyers. As homeowners are in a hurry, the bank is willing to sell at a lower-than-market rate to get the deal done with. This is particularly effective for buyers as they can get really great homes for lower-than-market rates. However, a lawyer and a realtor trained in short-sale property are necessary to get the best rates.

Facilities

The Columbia SC real estate market has the best infrastructure and facilities in South Carolina. The city has a diversified economy and several large employers are based in the state. A few of the major hirers in the state include Fort Jackson, United Parcel Service, Square D, CMC steel Spirax Sarco, Harsco Track Tec, Michelin Tireh and many more. Along with employers, the city has diversified its neighborhoods to ensure that settlers can pick and choose from condos, townhouses, flats and land. The most popular counties include Richland County, Lexington County, Fairfield Country and Saluda County.

If you are interested in Columbia SC real estate, make sure that you hire a local realtor who knows when property listings will be listed in the market. You should have the cash ready if you are interested in purchase and make sure that the purchase price covers the entire house and any other incidentals.

Hot deals in Lexington South Carolina

Lexington SC homes for sale are on the increase. Established as Saxe Gotha in 1735, the backcountry city has remained one of the most popular settlement areas. The real estate market is active in this city and making an investment at this time could be your golden opportunity. The US Bureau of Statistics indicated in the weekly Lexington real estate statistics that 68 houses were listed which is a 3% rise and 31% were sold which is a 35% drop. These statistics were released at a time the national real estate industry is at its knees as foreclosures sweep across the nation. However, the 2011 indicators from National Association of Realtors® in December showed improving sales and hence the time for investing in the area is now.

Why Lexington SC homes for sale?

Benefits of the Lexington SC homes for sale Despite experiencing disaster such as the 1916 fire, the development of infrastructure in the county has greatly increased the value of the city for investors such as Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation which in 2011 pumped $313 million in its business. As such, an investment in the real estate here gives you a chance to make a killing within the coming few years as the economy stabilizes. The county is one of the fastest growing in the US and with the U.S. Census Bureau indicating only 398,000 households were formed in 2009, you can bet there might be a shortage of homes for sale in South Carolina and this will be the time to make big bucks. Additionally, the city is one of the safest in the region and with the local authorities announcing almost $500,000 in 2011 for security operations from different law enforcement agencies; the investment starts to make more sense.

How to get Lexington SC homes for sale

Getting a home was once a nightmare but with the internet, things have become easy. There are hundreds of realtors in Lexington SC and online who can assist you to buy or sell your house in record time.  Ask for references from previous clients and testimonials. In addition, make sure they belong to NAR and check their Better Business Bureau (BBB) certification to ensure there are no complaints about their professionalism. More importantly, compare the prices on the listings and also the demographics of the neighborhood to ensure the home you buy will suit your needs. Where possible, you should visit the house and check all the details though most online realtors have all the details including the price on their web pages.

What to expect

There are many categories of real estate inthat may suit all your needs. From  land, Lake liviving to luxury upscale homes, the city has everything for everyone. The fact that all services such as electricity and water are fully developed makes this the ideal place to start a family or even for a first time home owner who wants a permanent place. There are entry level houses going for around $125,000 to luxurious ones going even over $1,000,000. The areas to choose from are also magnificent with property being available on all major streets such as 125 Brookdale, 213 Bill Williamson and coming in all manner of designs and room capacity.  With companies such as Michelin using $200 million to expand in the area, Lexington SC and throughout Lexington County you can be sure Lexington SC homes for sale market will continue growing.

There are many resources anyone can use to locate the best Homes for Sale in Lexington SC. You can always find a house that will suit your needs. The way you look for the house is very important. Anyone would want to save time and avoid any hassle when shopping for a house. Below are some of the things you can do to get the best deals as far as housing is concerned.

Create a Budget

Before you start looking for a homes for sale in Lexington SC, it is important to determine how much you are ready to pay for it. This is an important aspect of your search. It will be useless looking at houses that cannot fit into your budget. Always remember that the cost of any house is more than what you pay to the house seller. Beside your down payment and the monthly rates, you will need to buy home insurance and pay taxes. These are part of the investments you have to make on the house. There are other additional fees like home owners association fee and maintenance expenses. Before you start shopping, make an estimate of the cost of the house you would want to buy. Experts suggests that you do not spend more than 38% of your salary on house purchase.

Hire a Real Estate Agent

Working with a professional consultant can make the search very easy for you. After browsing the internet and doing a lot of research on your own, you would love to receive professional coaching from someone who knows the business, cares about your needs and have worked in Lexington SC area for many years. Real estate agents will have listings that you do not have. After listening to your needs, an agent can lead you straight to the kind of house that fits you. An experienced agent can also help you understand how the market works and get the best resources to help you find homes for sale in Lexington SC. Some of the agents are connected with financial institutions and insurance companies that can offer you the best products.

Request for Home Inspection

If you have found new homes for sale in Lexington SC, the most important thing you would have to do is to request that a specialized home inspector assess it. There are many reasons you would want to have the house inspected. Home inspection will help you know whether the house is in good condition or not. It will also uncover the presence of harmful materials like asbestos, detect the defects in the building and elements that can cause harm to it. This can help you know the kind of repair works to be done on the before sealing the deal. With reports generated from home inspection, you can also determine the kind of insurance policy to buy for the house.

Locating a house is not difficult especially if you have the necessary resources. Your budget and the way you shop for the house are important. If you take the above points into consideration, you will be able to locate the best housing products when looking for Homes for Sale in Lexington SC.

In all cities there are a lot of new homes for sale in Columbia SC on the market, mainly due the present recession. This recession has resulted in a great decline of the home’s value overall. Although the housing economy is tending at a steady pace, the most of home prices remain low. For this reason, now is the perfect time for  buying new homes for sale.

First things firsts

If you are one of the many people that are looking for new homes for sale in Columbia SC, it is important to keep in mind few things before you choose the right house for your family. First of all, you have to think about your family requirements. Every family has their criterion when choosing a house. They all have special needs, certain requirements and many different expectations. When you are looking at new homes for sale in Columbia SC, the first condition to check a house is it meets your requirements. You have to verify if it has enough bedrooms, living and dining areas are enough spacious, how many garage has, how big is the backyard, how does look the house from the outside, and many other things like these. These are very important things that need to take into consideration before you make up your mind about pursuing further.

The importance of pricing

Secondly, you have to take into consideration the price. The price is a main factor in any kind of purchase and when you buy a new house, it is no exception. Although the actual recession has slashed the home prices almost overall in the world, every person wants a great home at a good price. It is very important, when you seek new homes for sale in a certain area of the town, to know the right price of the houses in that area. In this way, you will be able to negotiate better the price of the house that you want to buy. Also, when you are looking for new homes for sale in Columbia SC, you have to think to the future. There are many aspects that can enhance the value of a house in the coming years.

Choosing a community

When you visit a community with new homes for sale in Columbia SC, you can inform about the projected future expansions. Many communities reserve some space for schools, hospitals, malls or commercial areas. These projects can increase the value of your house in the long run. Furthermore, if a new house will be located near a major highway or a popular attraction, it is very likely that these things to add some worth your house in the future. Finally, it is essential to know who constructed the house. If it was constructed by a reputable home builder, the value of the house may be higher.  There are a lot of other things that you should look for when you browsing new homes for sale. These are the most common and it is recommendable to do a plenty of research before you make a final decision.  In this way you will be able to buy a new house that you like at a good price.

If you have begun dreaming about purchasing a home, there are many great Columbia SC homes for sale. In fact, you can find everything from luxury estates to modest and affordable three or four bedroom, single family homes. The type of home you need will depend on the number of people in your family as well as your financial means. Fortunately, there are plenty of homes that span all budgets and size requirements.

Budgeting for Your New Home

One of the first things you will want to consider when looking  Columbia SC homes for sale is how much you can afford to pay. While most experts agree that you should limit your housing expenses to no more than 30% of your income, even this figure can be too high for some people. It is important to consider other expenses and financial obligations before taking on a monthly payment that may be too high for you to manage comfortably.

It is certainly better to underestimate than to overestimate when it comes to what you can afford to pay. Many people have lost their homes to foreclosure because they have found themselves in over their heads. Additionally, when looking at housing expenses it is important to remember that you will not only have your mortgage, but there will be property taxes, maintenance, repair bills and utilities that must be paid.

The Importance of a Real Estate Agent

Once you know how much you can afford for your housing expenses, it is time to enlist the help of an expert. A local real estate agent can provide a wealth of information regarding Columbia SC homes for sale, local economy, properties for sale and even community amenities. Additionally, a real estate agent will be able to help you locate properties that best satisfy your family’s needs while staying within your budget.

Purchasing a home requires a great deal of searching, negotiations, inspections and other essential tasks before the keys are finally handed over and you have your new home. When you work with someone who is knowledgeable and experienced in these matters, you can rest assured that the process will be as smooth as possible.

Finding the Home that Meets your Needs

Anyone who is looking for  new Columbia SC homes for sale will certainly have their own unique set of criteria regarding what items are necessary. Families are often looking for larger homes where each child can have a bedroom, but there can be many other important factors as well.

For example, location is certainly a major determining factor for many home buyers looking for Columbia SC homes for sale. Other items that may help determine if a property is right for you might be the square footage, size of the yard or particular amenities. While some items may be absolute necessities, it is important to differentiate between absolute must-haves and those items that are simply wishes. It might not be possible to find everything you want in a home, but depending on what is on your wish list, it might be possible to add these items after you get settled. With the many Columbia homes for sale, you will certainly find something that is right for you.

Anyone who is starting their search for houses for sale in South Carolina will certainly have plenty of unanswered questions. They may be wondering about where to get the best financing, how much they qualify for or even which areas they should consider. These are all important questions that need to be answered. Fortunately, there are a number of important criteria that can help the prospective home buyer understand the process and work their way from novice to home buyer in a short amount of time.

 Know Your Particular Needs When

You have made the important decision to purchase houses for sale in South Carolina, the choices and amenities can become overwhelming. It is important to realize that with each new upgrade or added feature, the price of the home will likely go up as well. It is unlikely that the average homebuyer will be able to purchase everything they want in their new home, especially if this is their first home. However, you will find that the best way to ensure that you get the things that are most important to you is if you spend some time thinking about your priorities and getting a good understanding of what will be essential in your new home.

Some criteria that is often on the top of a new home buyer’s list would be the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the property’s location, square footage and other physical features of the home. Obviously, a family with several children will not be comfortable in a one or two bedroom home, but if they can get specific about the things that are absolute necessities for them, it can certainly help them narrow down properties that best suit their needs, to a manageable level.

Financing

Financing for a new houses for sale in South Carolina is something that almost every home buyer will find necessary. While you will not be able to get a mortgage prior to finding a property and navigating through contracts, inspections and final closing; you can get a prequalification letter from a lender. This prequalification is an important part of the home buying process and lets the seller know that you are a serious buyer. It also establishes the amount that a lender will be willing to finance for your new home purchase.

Preparing for your Property Search When you have everything ready and your search is about to begin, another important factor will be to find an agent who can help you navigate the local real estate market. While many people will definitely be able to locate their own homes by using a variety of advertising methods, a local real estate professional brings a great deal of added value to your search for houses for sale in South Carolina.

Real Estate Professionals

When you work with a real estate professional, you have the advantage of their experience and expertise. They can help you narrow down properties to those that best meet your family’s needs as well as your financial position. Additionally, an experienced real estate agent can help you with all the confusing paperwork; everything from the purchase offer to closing requires someone with knowledge regarding these matters. In fact, when you have a third party, such as your agent, presenting your offer, the entire transaction has a better chance of success. It is easy to let emotions get in the way when conducting negotiations.

Regardless of where you choose to purchase houses for sale in South Carolina your new home, the many beautiful houses for sale in South Carolina offers home buyers plenty of options. Choose the home that best meets your needs and you will have a home that will give you many happy years and memories.

Top Considerations When Choosing Lake Murray Homes for sale

Are you interested in Lake Murray Homes for Sale? If you have extra cash and want to invest in real estate, then waterfront properties can be a really good investment. Properties based on river fronts can be the ideal location for a vacation home. They can also be rented out during the tourist season to families and couples who will pay good money for the property. As a result, even if you are not using the property, you are assured of a good income all year through.

Can you afford it?

Price What can you afford in the large range of Lake Murray homes for sale? Lake front properties are not cheap. As the house is located close to the waterfront, there is a good chance that you will have to pay to protect the home from moisture, humidity and other natural occurrences. Maintenance costs are always going to be high along with property taxes which have to be paid. Property taxes for lake property are always higher and if you have two homes, you will have to pay more on the Lake home property. Most Lake Murray Home for sale properties will usually have large grounds to ensure privacy. Maintenance and upkeep of the grounds along with removal or invasive plants, pests and wood rot can also be expensive. However, renting the house out during the tourist season means that the rental rate will cover most of the expenses for maintenance and upkeep.

Having Fun on Lake Murray

Recreational Potential of Lake Murray homes for sale properties are an ideal location for recreational sports. For example, if you have a boat, water-ski or even an infinity pool, your property can easily pull in double the rent. Tourists pay for additional features like boats and water-skis which they can use for fishing and recreational boating. Kayaking and canoeing are also wonderful options that can be enjoyed by active couples or families. Proximity to the city and to the local nightlife areas means that tourists will pay more than average for your Lake Front property if it has recreational potential along with being close to the local entertainment spots.

Climate & Weather on Lake Murray

SC Weather and Seasons allow most homes along the lake to be rented all through the year compared to our neighbors the north, lakefront homes cannot be used from December to April due to the cold front which sweeps the north. Compared to year round use of lake homes for sale around Lake Murray, northern homes can only be used from Mid-Spring to Mid-Fall which  reduces the rentals that you will get on the northern properties. To get the best returns on your investment, it’s a good idea to choose Lake Murray Homes for Sale in temperate regions like South Carolina. The weather remains warm all through year and these Lake Murray Homes for Sale can be a really great investment.

Evaluating Property Features

Not all Lake Murray Homes for Sale will have the same features. For example, when you are evaluating the homes for purchase, check out the lake front shore area, dock or pier that is attached to the home. Most homes will also have attractive views out to the lake along with a patio you can sit on to enjoy the weather and view. The home also has to follow local regulations. For example, most homes have to be built 100 feet to 200 feet from the waterline and have buffer zones and high water marks and possible flood zones.

All these considerations have to be evaluated before investing in Lake Murray Homes for Sale. Ideally, your agent can help you find the best property for your particular needs.

Dreaming of owning Lake Property?

Many people dream of owning lake property, and having a home on Lake Murray. There are several great reasons to own lake property. Many of these benefits are related to lifestyle and enjoyment. Additionally, waterfront property can also have financial advantages as a long-term investment.

Lake Murray Property Lifestyle

One of the most appealing aspects of a waterfront location is the unique viewpoint. While many houses have neighbors on all sides, a home on a lake has a beautiful and unobstructed view. This natural vista is perfect for viewing sunrises and sunsets, or simply enjoying a horizon that is not blemished by construction.

Another major lifestyle benefit of a lake location is the easy access to water recreation. Fishing enthusiasts, boaters, and swimmers can enjoy having these activities only steps away from their home. Owning a home on Lake Murray eliminates the hassles of transporting a boat or packing a vehicle for a fishing trip, and adds considerable enjoyment to aquatic hobbies.

Lake Property Getaways

City locations often bring noise, traffic, and frustrations. Lake property can provide a sanctuary away from these headaches, and become a peaceful getaway for relaxation. Many lakes are away from cities, and some lake properties have zoning in place to prevent unwanted urban development. Whether a lake house is used as a primary residence or a vacation home, the isolated location can be a welcome break from the stress of crowds.

There are cost benefits for having a lakefront getaway, as well.  A home on Lake Murray allows owners to take a vacation for a very low price. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on transportation, hotels, and activities, owners of a waterfront property can keep these entertainment expenses to a minimum. Even if a property is used only once or twice per month, the savings compared to a hotel can be significant.

Investing in Lake Property

The common saying of “location, location, location” with regard to real estate certainly applies to lake property. Waterfront property is often in high demand, and the number of available locations is declining each year. This trend is an advantage for buyers who view a lake home as a long-term investment. While no investment can be absolutely guaranteed, many owners are able to see their waterfront property values increase over time.

Lakefront vacation homes can also provide great tax benefits. The interest paid on a vacation home mortgage is often tax-deductible. Property taxes can usually be deducted, as well. Of course, potential property buyers should always consult a qualified attorney to verify the relevant tax laws.

A home on Lake Murray can also be used to generate income. Many owners rent their location to other visitors during the year, and are able to earn a respectable flow of cash in this manner. In some cases, the expenses of operating this small rental business can be written off on a tax return.

Every individual is interested in a lakefront location for their own unique reasons. No matter the exact purpose, waterfront property can be enjoyed by people of all ages. For people who enjoy activities outside of the everyday grind, a lake property can be a great benefit.

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