David A. Patterson, a licensed instructor with the Real Estate School for Success, has launched a new blog - "The Patterson Files". "The Patterson Files" is an online resource for those living, working, relocating or interested in real estate happenings around the metropolitan Columbia area.   "The Patterson Files" provides relevant and useful information on a variety of topics from buying and selling a home to area news, events and vendor reviews. Apart from these handy tips and news updates, this blog also offers helpful links to other websites. Since being recognized as a Certified Residential Specialist by the National Association of REALTORS' Council of Residential Specialists, Mr. Patterson has vowed to share his knowledge with South Carolinians, his clients, real estate studen... 01/23/2008

While speaking with one of my prospective relocation clients, "Maggie" asked me some questions about employment opportunities in the metropolitan Columbia area. I said to myself......"This is good information for those moving to the Palmetto State." Hence.....Here is my Top 10 List of Metropolitan Columbia Employers.NOTE: This post is not meant to be an endorsement for any company. This is my unscientific observation of the Columbia Job Market.1. State of South Carolina   2. United States Army - Fort Jackson 3. Palmetto Health System     4. BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina 5. All Local School Districts6. City of Columbia, South Carolina        7. SCANA/SCE&G 8. The University of South Carolina9. South Carolina Department of Corrections10. Richland County, South CarolinaFor more in... 01/23/2008

It's official! After a stimulating and, at times, heated debate in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, The State Newspaper has endorsed the presidential campaign of Senator Barack Obama from Illinois. What is your reaction to this news? Please post your comments. Staff Writer Ben Smith with The Politico reported this endorsement news on his blog. One of the reactions included the following quote...  "I am a Republican and would gladly work with Obama......."Congratulations Senator Obama! I wish you much success on this journey called life and your pursuit to become the 44th President of the United States of America. If you like reading this type of information, SUBSCRIBE to this blog. Click Here for The Patterson Files HOMEPAGE.   01/22/2008

Today The State ran a nice piece on "Lock and Leave" communities in Columbia, SC.  The Epcon Community in NE Columbia is a good section of the article.  While the article belongs to The State newspaper, I have placed a link below to the article.  It's a good read about people downsizing, etc.http://www.thestate.com/your-home/story/290611.htmlFor more information about The Epcon Community in Northeast Columbia South Carolina, contact Daniel Elmaleh at 803-223-9545 or email info@PeachGroveVillas.com The NE Columbia Epcon Community website: www.CondosColumbiaSC.com is a great source of information and photos.The lastest events can be seen at www.PGVEvent.com  01/20/2008

With all of the national attention on the housing market being "down" I really must say tht if the traffic and sales at our new Earth Road Community (outside of Woodcreek Farms, WildeWood and Woodlands) is any indication, Columbia is still alive and well.  Since we stated selling homes just two months ago six have sold and there have been well over 100 prospects!  All this with almost no marketing and through what is supposed to be the slowest time of the year in Real Estate!  Things truly are unbelievable.Perhaps it is the unique pinwheel design, the great stonework or the location near some great communities like Green Hill Parrish, WildeWood, Woodcreek Farms and The Woodlands or perhaps it is the proximity to Village at Sandhill.  Still, for whatever the reason things are moving at T... 01/19/2008

Earth Road Ranch Condos (PGV) is a new maintenance-free Epcon Community of 100 ranch-style condos in the heart of the growing area of Northeast Columbia. On Earth Road, just outside of Woodcreek Farms, The Epcon Community in Northeast Columbia, SC offers excellent quality, award winning design features, a private Clubhouse and pool all for prices starting in the 190s (Act now for special pre-construction pricing). Sitting on 20 acres of a former Peach Farm, The Epcon Community in Northeast Columbia, SC sits just 1.5 miles from the new Village at Sandhill mall and about 1.5 miles from I-20 with convenient access to both Exit 80 and Exit 82. Each elegantly appointed home has its own private two car garage, comes with included feature of granite countertops and designer flooring in the kit... 01/19/2008

November 15, 2008 UPDATE: Would you like a $1000 Rechargeable Visa Card for the Holidays for buying a home in Turtle Creek? Email David Patterson at blogger@davidpatterson.net  NOTE: Purchase must be complete by December 11, 2008. Turtle Creek is one of the few all-brick communities in Columbia real estate that is priced under $185,000. This community is within five minutes of the Village at Sandhill and Summit Parkway Middle School. Turtle Creek offers well landscaped sidewalks & walking trails with homes on lots ranging from 1/4 to 3/4 acres. This featured home has bamboo flooring, granite countertops and upgraded lighting. If you like homes that offer plenty of natural light and minimum maintenance, then Turtle Creek has your next home.   -- CLICK HERE FOR HOMES FOR SALE IN TURTLE CR... 01/17/2008

  In 2008, State Senators John M. "Jake" Knotts, Jr. and Nikki G. Setzler hope to pass legislation that would give college tuition assistance to a select number of Palmetto State students. Knotts and Setzler would like to see military children receive an opportunity to obtain an education at a state college or university. The proposed legislation would impact children of military members that are classified as one of the following categories:ActiveMissing in Action (MIA)Killed in Action (KIA)Prisoner of War (POW)Congressional Medal of Honor RecipientPurple Heart RecipientThose dying from diseases contracted due to service to their countrySenator Knotts hopes a Senate Subcommittee will consider the proposed bill in the near future. Please write or call your South Carolina State Senator o... 01/16/2008

After reading a post from my Guest Contributor Jorge Merlos on my outside blog, I had an epiphany. I hadn't given my readers a real life example of a reputable loan officer in the Columbia area. Hence....this post is dedicated to correcting my faux pas.There is a lady that is unique in several ways and brings her artistic creativity to the world of mortgage lending.Let me introduce you to Leah Avery with Bank of America. She can be reached at (803) 255-7759 or you can email her at LEAH.AVERY@BANKOFAMERICA.COMPatterson Group has teamed with Leah and her fellow loan officers to market a full range of banking products and real estate services to Columbia, South Carolina real estate home buyers.Leah is a Columbia native and a Graduate of The University of South Carolina. Yes...Clemson Fans.... 01/15/2008

 The Columbia real estate market has remained strong throughout the year. It closed 2007 about 5% down from 2006. However, 2005 and 2006 were two record setting years for the Columbia, SC real estate market. Therefore, closing out 5% down from two of the best years on record is really not that bad.  We are however a little over-saturated in the market at the moment. Many of the builders in the area are still offering a lot of incentives in order to sell off their excising inventory. The vast majority of these incentives are coming in the form of lowered prices. This is a good thing for a buyer to take advantage of, imagine purchasing a $215,000 house for $200,000. Sounds good right? Well, at this current point in time, those kinds of deals are still out there.  As for existing homes and... 01/15/2008

    Do you remember the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006? This signed legislation will allow 2008 and 2009 homebuyers to deduct premiums paid for mortgage insurance - which typically is required when homebuyers purchase a home with less than a 20% down payment. This new insurance premium deduction will only apply to mortgage insurance contracts issued in 2008 and 2009 and is only available to taxpayers whose adjusted gross income does not exceed $110,000 ($55,000 for married taxpayers filing separately). For more information about H.R. 6111 (look in Act 419-Code 163-6050H) , contact your CPA or tax attorney. From the author of The Patterson Files 01/14/2008

When determining the amount of net funds finding its way into your pocket from the sale of your home, you must account for the fees charged by the State of South Carolina.The State of South Carolina Code of Laws (Title 12 - Chapter 24) requires a recording fee to be imposed for the privilege of recording a deed in which any realty is transferred to another person. Unless negotiated within the Contract of Sale, the homeowner is the party that pays these fees at the closing table.Question #1 - How much are you "the homeowner" going to pay to the State for selling your home?In most cases, a homeowner will pay $1.85 per each $500 represented by the sales price negotiated to consummate the realty transaction. For example, if I sold my personal home for $200,000, I would pay a deed recordatio... 01/14/2008

What is the second most common question asked of me by first time home buyers ? "Is the current market idea for purchasing a home?"In the current climate of daily foreclosure stories and "experts" using words and phrases like "recession" and "bursting bubbles", I am going to answer this question and issue my perception of the current real estate market in Northeast Columbia, South Carolina.We all have goals and dreams for our lives. Some of the items on my "Bucket List" or "Goddard's List" include visiting all 50 states in The Union, competing on a game show and becoming one of the most trusted real estate professionals in South Carolina.In my opinion...Anytime is a great time to realize your dream!If you are looking to own a home and experience the "American Dream" of home ownership, R... 01/13/2008

Broker Associate David Patterson is an active real estate sales professional, licensed real estate instructor with the Real Estate School for Success and the Career Development Chairman for Keller Williams Realty in Columbia SC. David is a native West Virginian and Graduate of Queens University in Charlotte, NC with a degree in Mathematics. David's mission statement is to become one of the most trusted, best trained, solutions oriented real estate broker in South Carolina. He has earned the prestigious Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Designation and been awarded the Certificate of Professionalism by the Central Carolina REALTORS® Association. CCAR recognizes some of its members for their participation in educational opportunities which sets them apart as professionals with the kn... 01/07/2008

 If you or some one you know is looking for a Realtor, contact me today. I would like the opportunity to make you my top priority. The current market here in Columbia is most beneficial to the buyer. So, if you are thinking of buying a home, now is the time to begin your search. This downturn won't last forever and all those great deals out there won't last either.For sellers, it's a complicated market. That doesn't mean that you can't sell your home, nor does ot mean that you shouldn't if you want to. It simply means that you must make wise decisions in the process. The first wise decision you can make is to contact a good Realtor and have a consultation. I give both buyers and sellers free consultations to give them an idea of what's in store if they choose to proceed. Today's Realtor... 01/05/2008

About nine hours ago, I submitted a proposal to my fellow AR College Fooball Fans regarding a BCS Playoff. Because of something I just witnessed, I could not go to bed without submitting an apology and a correction. Yes, Oklahoma Fans! Get prepared to be MAD!If you visit the previous post, I had this proposed matchup: Orange Bowl - #4 Oklahoma v. #3 Virginia Tech.On behalf of the Bowl Championship Series, we apologize to West Virginia University.I should have done my research...............Oklahoma is ZERO for 4 in their last four BCS games! They've won as many BCS games as my family since 2004. You don't believe me.......Here's the history............Fiesta Bowl 2008 - West Virginia 48  Oklahoma 28 (without Steve Slaton)Fiesta Bowl 2007 - BOISE STATE 43   Oklahoma 42 (Note: Boise State... 01/02/2008

 Eureka!......It finally came to me! After months of listening to Talk Radio and experiencing this unpredictable season, I have a proposed playoff system for my fellow AR College Football Fans.Good News.....Other than those bickering over who should profit from the millions of dollars that these games would generate, the BCS system could have been improved with some simple changes.Bad News...It's too late to implement this! Except on your PS2 or your new Nintendo Wii.Here's my proposal.....You would only have to extend the football season by one week!#1 Ohio State & #2 LSU get byes to the Semifinal round.Orange Bowl - #4 Oklahoma v. #3 Virginia Tech (The winner will play LSU in the Semifinal Round.)Rose Bowl - #5 Georgia v. #7 USC (The winner plays Ohio State in the Semifinal Round.)Sor... 01/02/2008

 Currently the market is in a down turn in many parts of the nation. However, much the same way that all politics is local, all real estate is local also. Remember those three L's of real estate, location, location, and location. Well, that fact of the matter is that they still hold true. How bad the market is, depends solely on where you are. At this moment the Columbia, SC market is also a little slow compared to last year. We will not close as high in 2007 as we did in 2006. However, the fact is that in '05 and '06 we had record setting years for our real estate market. Then, after the nationwide market began to feel the affects of the rise in fore-closers lenders began to stiffen their policies in order to avoid a further rise in those fore-closers. This meant that less people were ... 12/31/2007

  Traditional, Luxury Homes, Waterfront Property, Relocation Columbia, Irmo, Chapin, Lexington, Lake Murray, St. Andrews, Richland and Lexington Counties.                                                                                                                  Let me start off by saying that I have the property that you want!! Let me explain. When looking to buy or sell real estate in the  Columbia, South Carolina area you need a realtor that is experienced and is willing to work for you. I have over 20 years of real estate experience and will try to answer any questions you have when purchasing or selling real estate. I can help you find your dream home whether it be in Columbia, Irmo, Lake Murray, Lexington, or anywhere in the Midlands.  I can assist you in buying or selling re... 12/29/2007

Keller Williams reached their second anniversary in Columbia SC over the weekend. Though 30+ years younger than some of the real estate leaders in our market, that fact did not prevent J.D. Power from issuin some good news to Keller Williams Realty Associates.Established in 1968, J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information firm that conducts independent and unbiased surveys of customer satisfaction, product quality and buyer behavior.Through a July 23, 2008 Press Release, J.D. Power and Associates has stated that "Keller Williams Ranks Highest among real estate companies in satisfying home buyers..."If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, please consider a Keller Williams Associate to help you through the process.   We thank J.D. Power for sharing the positive vi... 12/12/2007