My New Blog

Things I am Thankful for this Year…

1. A great husband. My husband and I have not been married a long time, but during our few short years together we have been through a LOT. But through all, he has been there with me holding my hand and making me thankful to have him with me. Plus he really kicked into overdrive today and helped cook most of our dinner.
2. A successful surgery. My husband has lived in back pain for so many years he can’t remember. He was further injured on the job in 2005 to the point of having to leave full time employment and try to get some long term action done with his back. He was in constant pain since the accident and we had to fight for worker’s comp coverage. He finally was able to have surgery this year and the talented and skilled doctor (another thing to be thankful for) did a disc replacement and fusion. He is now free of pain in his back!
3. My family. They have stood beside me my entire life and have rallied even more when I needed them over the past couple of years. I also think I have some of the greatest parents in the world. When I look at all they have taught me in life, I only hope I can be as good a parent.
4. My friends and internet friends. Again, many have stood beside me during the past couple of years and caught me when I started to fall. They have always had an encouraging word for me and helped me to stay positive.
5. Liz and Boyd Loadholt. Liz and Boyd founded AgentOwned Realty. I started with the company almost a year ago and what a journey it has been. Liz and Boyd are some of the most outstanding and honest people that I know. Liz has a great knowledge of real estate and people skills. Boyd has people skills as well as a great business sense. Together they have developed a brokerage that is focused on the agents and making their lives better. They have done what I never thought would be possible in real estate.
6. Madeline Marie. Miss Maddie as we have nicknamed her is due to arrive in February. She was an unexpected gift that has brightened our lives all ready and make us ready to get up and go out in this crazy world some days.
7. My prior clients and future clients. You brighten my days and really let me know my efforts in this business make a difference in your lives. I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to work with so many wonderful people who appreciate my efforts.
8. Our office and the Manning and Santee Office. Holly who keeps us all straight and Kirk who has worked so hard to bring in more agents to our office. For Manning and Santee for offering me a temporary home while I was in transition until the Sumter office opened. You guys gave me a wonderfully warm welcome to the AgentOwned family and hold a special place in my heart!

Though everyone’s business could be better, we can all find so much to be thankful for. We live in a great country and have many opportunities before us as well as many challenges. Even though business may be challenging, we will all succeed in our own ways.

October was an up and down month in Sumter county real estate. Some agents were busy with buyers and sellers, while others were trying to find the elusive buyer. There are buyers out there, but it seems the closer to elections we were, the more they were waiting to see what happens.

The number of units sold in October was slightly lower than the units sold in September (80 vs.86). October in prior years has been consistent on the August and September levels. While our numbers are lower than September, they are not drastically off. Wile factoring in the election, I would have expected the numbers to be right where they are at. Normally during November and December we do see buyer activity decrease with the exception of a few potential buyers coming into town over the holidays.

The number of new listings in October were the exact same as September numbers. Yes, I checked twice but September and October both had 161 new listings per month. Out of the past four years we have seen the number of new listings decrease in October three our of those four years. If November and December follow with prior year trends, Sumter County should expect to see the number of listings decrease in those two months. As in September, we have had agents changing brokerages and reentering their listings and that could also have affected our October numbers.

Sumter County remains below the 2004 sales levels with the total number of units closed. The trend on the charts indicate that the sales are following the normal progression through out the year, with no big movements up or down. Even though our numbers are lower, not seeing a big swing in any month is a good indicator.

I still expect the remainder of 2008 to remain slow due to the holidays. I have not seen any big changes in the financial markets to indicate any large changes in the 2009 market. We can all talk about the elections and changes that will bring, but there will be a lag between when those are implemented and when we see the changes. Real estate is a local market and fortunately, Sumter has still maintained their home values, but we are still in a buyers market.

Copyright®, November 2008, Kim Peasley-Parker.

Well, if you own real property in Sumter County, you should have received your holiday greeting card from Caroline Richardson at the Treasurer's Office.  (You know this makes me wonder how many votes she received yesterday during the election?) 

Look over your tax bill and make sure it is correct.  If you are the owner occupant of your home, the home should be taxed at 4%.  If you have other property, the tax rate is 6%.  If you just purchased your home and the taxes are much higher than what you expected, you more than likely are not being taxed at the correct rate. 

There are two ways to check this information.  First, you can call the tax assessors office at 803-436-2115 and they can verify your tax rate.  The second method is to go to the Sumter County Government Website for real property and mapping.  Enter your address and click enter.  If you click on property card a new window will open up.  Scroll to the bottom of that window and you will see if the taxes are at 4% or 6%.  Normally there will be a note of a letter being sent to the home owner for verification. 

If you are not being taxed at the 4% rate, you can go to the Tax Assessors Office in the County Administration office and file for a change.  You will need to provide proof you are a resident at the house and that can be as simple as a bill with the property address and your name on it.  Also a driver's license or LES if you are military will also work. 

This is worth checking though as I have received many frantic phone calls from neighbors inquiring as to why their tax bills is almost twice their neighbors.  Take the time and make sure the bill is correct.