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September 12, 2007 — homes (Views: 251)
Since my news article in July on the newest Sumter, SC Apartment, I have received numerous e-mails from people looking for additional apartment information. I have done my best to answer some of these questions but not all answers are that easy to come by. Is there an increasing need for a better information source for Sumter area apartments? If the number of e-mails I have received is any indication of this need, I’d say yes!
Dear, I don’t think this is the Sumter Apartments
We Just Want a Phone Number
The most vexing questions were from people “just looking for contact information”. Phone numbers and/or website addresses are just not that easy to find for a place like the Dillon Trace Apartments. I had to physically drive out to two apartment complexes to get the phone numbers so my viewers could contact the manager. If there is one thing I have learned in life, it’s “if a few people are asking the same question, there are plenty more people wanting the same answer but are unwilling to ask the question“. So how many people are out there looking for information about a apartment in the Sumter area that just give up and settle on the places that have “just some information…any information on the internet”? Good question!
Where is the information?
Help Them
In an effort to help newcomers find a place to live in Sumter, I would be glad to have any or all apartment managers do a complete write-up about their complex and post it on this website. From the inquiries I have had, the information you might provide would run along the lines of:
1. Number of total units in the Apartment complex.
2. Rental Prices.
3. Pictures of both the inside of a typical apartment and of the grounds.
4. Contact information like phone numbers and e-mail addresses.
5. You might also want to include the amenities you provide like pools, storage and garage opportunities.
Is this what I get for $500 a month?
Information is Power…ahh, and maybe a Rental
If you are the owner or rental manager of a Sumter Apartment complex and wish to take advantage of crafting a write-up about your property, I will give you this opportunity. Contact me via this link and I will provide all the details you need to get your press release published on SumterSubdivisions.Com
This is what your apartment could look like.
September 3, 2007 — homes (Views: 242)
It’s been said by many real estate professional that “All Real Estate is Local”. This may be true but some real estate is locally International. For those of you who are all settled into your comfy Sumter home, maybe you should think about a vacation home. For this I turn my blog towards an exotic place…Costa Rica.
The Surfing Nosara - Buying Property in Costa Rica website will give you just a sample of where you can buy some inexpensive real estate outside the country. Why Costa Rica? Have you ever been to this Central American country? No? Why not? It’s a wonderland of volcanoes, jungles, beaches, mountains and even big city life.
The owner of this website has packed up his family and moved to Costa Rica to be near his passion and…oh yeah, to sell real estate. His real passion in life is surfing along the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. And I suspect real estate is just a means to his passion.
The real reason I am highlighting this real estate website is probably because I am jealous. I dream of just packing up my family and following my dreams like “Eric the Nosara Surfing Real Estate Person”. Of course this dream just isn’t practical for the vast majority Sumter residents. But that doesn’t mean our feet are glued to the rich soils of Sumter. We all need a vacation to recharge our batteries.
Why not think outside the usual “big box vacation” spots. Myrtle Beach is nice and so is a week in the Appalachian Mountain. But expanding your horizons could be just what the “boredom doctor” ordered. My vacation of Costa Rica a few years ago was one of the most memorable vacations I have taken. Yes, I got hopelessly lost in the sprawling Capitol City of San Jose. Yes, the river crossing in our rental jeep didn’t go as planned. But these little setbacks are distant memories. The things I remember was walking down a beach most people only dream of. Walking through the town of Samara, Costa Rica taking in the unusual sights, sounds and smells. The local restaurants and grocery stores were more enjoyable than anything I’ve experienced in New York City, Los Angles or even Kuwait City.
So, if you ever get the opportunity to take a huge step of buying a vacation home, don’t just think local…Think International and think BIG. There is whole big world out there waiting to be discovered. The Internet is just waiting for you to research, armchair explore and act upon your dreams. Costa Rica may not be for you! But until you really to the research it, you’ll never know.
August 13, 2007 — homes (Views: 294)
Life in Sumter comes with many perks! Softball and baseball is a way of life for some and just one of life’s extras for others. Palmetto Park is the place to find that recreation you seek. With 6 regulation sized ball fields, a pavilion and a nice picnic area, the “Bobby Richardson Baseball Complex” is custom made for you.
I have produced a short video of an Independent Softball Association tournament that took place at Palmetto Park in early August 2007. This girl’s fast-pitch tournament featured teams from all over South Carolina and Georgia. I hope this gives future residents of Sumter an idea of just some of the great things we have to offer.
In addition to baseball and softball, there is a full on Tennis Center located at Palmetto Park.
Click the “More” link below to see the video and a map to Sumter’s Palmetto Park.
(more…)
August 10, 2007 — homes (Views: 243)
Constructing a fence is never a fun job and rarely is it an easy task. When a friend calls you up and says he needs some help with a project at his house on a hot August afternoon, your heart can sink into your stomach. Then you hear the typical words...“this job will take no longer than 3 hours”. Yeah, yeah, I’ve heard that before and 8 hours later I’m covered in sweat, tired to the bone and the job is still unfinished.
Ready to dig?
Hot and New Fangled = Hate?
I got to Frank’s house at 4:00pm and the temperature is only about 102F. I’m dreading this 3 hour job but put on my “smiley face” we get to work. The first thing I notice is a new fangled contraption leaning against the side of the house. It looks like a post hole digger only smaller. Now I’m scared...the post hole digger I’ll be using looks like a 100 pound weakling. I mutter under my breath saying “at least we should have a real hole digger”. Frank tells me he just got this new fangled device and it’s supposed to make digging all the holes much easier. At that moment, I really hated Frank. My job was to dig all the post holes.
Surprise!
This new post hole digger made by Fiskars made my job 100% easier. For anyone who has ever used the traditional post hole digger knows it’s not the best designed tool and probably hasn’t changed in basic design since 1880. Fiskars has changed the face of digging post holes. A positive change...real positive.
Fiskars makes the job easier!!!!!!
Done and Gone in Three Hours
Thanks to a lot of prep work done by Frank and the new post hole digger, my 3 hour job turned into a 2 hour and 45 minute job. For any of you do-it-yourselfer out there, I can recommend the Fiskars All Steel Post Hole Digger. Search the internet an you’ll be able to pick up one of these cool new tools for about $60.
PS. Frank...you know I was kidding about hating you.
July 22, 2007 — homes (Views: 350)
I’ve been watching the Saresden Subdivision for quite a while now. Located on Liberty Street in Sumter, SC and close to Swan Lake, this should be one of the more exclusive small neighborhoods in the County.
Click image for larger image of Second Mill Pond
Saresden backs up against Second Mill Pond and will have a maximum of 12 homes. The entire subdivision is surrounded by a nice brick wall except along the small section of Second Mill Pond. Currently there is a small dock extending into this pond behind the only existing home.
The lone home with 11 other lots in Saresden
The builders have let a few large old trees stand where they are to provide some nice relief from the hot South Carolina sun.
Click image to enlarge
About 3 months ago a local real estate agents asked me to include this subdivision on this website. He only gave me a small summary of what was here. I asked him to e-mail all the information about Saresden, but he never got back to me. I finally found some time to fully explore this new community.
The Welcome Building at Saresden Home Entrance
At the the entrance to the Saresden Subdivision, there is what looks like a security building so my assumption is this neighborhood will be a fully gated community?
If anyone has additional information about the Saresden Subdivision, please contact me by filling out my Contact Us form.
To see a map of the Saresden Subdivision, Click Here
July 5, 2007 — homes (Views: 161)
I’ve been asked many times “why did you create the Sumter Subdivisions website”. There were many reasons to create this type of website. I can honestly say I enjoy creating websites. This is a part time job of mine. I am fully employed in another industry and use web development as a creative outlet. BUT, the main driving forces behind creating this website are:
1. Enjoyment of Real Estate
I enjoy the real estate industry and turned this enjoyment into a hobby. This hobby is called Sumter Subdivisions.Com. What I envisioned this website turning into was a one-stop information website. A place where prospective homebuyers could get a preview of all the great places Sumter has to offer. A place where homebuyers and home owners could find businesses that specialized in the “Home” business. A place for them to start their search for that perfect home, even if they live 5,000 miles away.
2. Subdivisions for Guinness
One of my weaknesses is Guinness beer. Not exactly the cheapest beer in the world. I know what you are saying though! What does Guinness beer have to do with a website devoted to Sumter real estate? I was hoping this website would attract people and businesses like me.
- People who have a love for the real estate industry.
- People who would want to advertise that fact.
- People who want to be known as “the expert” in their fields by writing about their industry.
- In short...people who would advertise on SumterSubdivisions.Com.
Well this hasn’t happened. So, you can say I haven’t drunk too much Guinness beer lately. I’m not looking at this website as a “living”. I’m realistic and just want to earn some extra cash while “helping people find a great place to live”. Buying the occasional 6 pack of Guinness is all the thanks I expected.
What They Say
I have tried to get people to advertise on this website but have found some resistance from businesses. Apparently the main resistance comes from the thinking that “Sumter doesn’t need a website like this one”. They don't feel Sumter needs a website that gives homebuyers a map of the newest subdivisions. They also don't think Sumter needs a website with home buying and selling information on it. They don't think Sumter needs a website where buyers, sellers and residents could collaborate and exchange information? But still I hear “Sumter Real Estate websites have all the information people need for buying, selling, maintaining or furnishing a home" argument. I disagree.
Deep Mind Diving
Deep down at the bottom of my mind and heart, I know Sumter needs a website like Sumter Subdivisions.Com But even without silly things like “thinking and hoping” I have concrete proof home buyers not only need a website like this one but crave it. I get e-mails from people telling me they like the website and wished other communities they are looking at had a website like Sumter Subdivisions.Com Heck, I even get e-mails from people wanting to see homes they’ve seen in subdivisions featured on this website. What do I do with these e-mails? I forward the information to real estate agents so they can give these people the service they deserve.
The Real Question
The question shouldn’t be "Why create a website like Sumter Subdivisions.Com?" The real question should be “Why aren’t there more websites like this one out there?"
May 21, 2007 — homes (Views: 193)
Want a good way to target “those” customers but just don’t know the right spot to advertise? Maybe you have overlooked Sumter Subdivisions.Com. We have various ways to increase your exposure in Sumter, SC.
I think this website provides a valuable resource to home buyers and home sellers in this area. It has been a long exhausting road finding and documenting all the newer subdivisions in Sumter. This work comes with some expenses and I cannot continue to maintain this site without advertisers.
The cost for one month of advertising on this website is less than a 3 x 3 ad in the local newspaper. Our visitors need your goods and services but they may not know the best place to go. You can lead them in the right direction…towards your company or business.
I am looking for businesses in the following industries to advertise on Sumter Subdivisions.Com
1. Furniture Stores
2. Lawn and Garden type businesses
3. Insurance
4. Churches
5. Real Estate AGENCIES
6. Craftsmen/craftswomen like carpenters, roofers, electricians, plumbers, and handymen.
7. Home builders
8. Hotels, motels and bed & breakfast
9. Home Inspectors
10 Real Estate Lawyers
11. Any business that could possibly aid in the home building, decoration or home needs.
I’d hate to just let this website go to waste. If you have a business or know of a business that could benefit from advertising on this website please contact me.
I have set a July 1st, 2007 as a drop dead date. On July 1st, this website will either cover my costs or I’ll turn it over to a different type of website. Please give me a chance to prove your business advertising dollars will be well spent.
Click here and fill in the form if you want to advertise on Sumter Subdivisions.Com
May 10, 2007 — homes (Views: 215)
It’s been said that 75% (or more) home buyers started their search on the Internet. So, with statistics like this, is there a reason to place a “For Sale” sign in your yard? Of course there is. Exposure, exposure and price sells a house. That’s right…exposure to as many potential buyers as possible is a sure fire way to sell your Sumter, SC home faster. The one caveat is…P-R-I-C-E. No home will sell in the toughening real estate market we are in right now if it’s not priced correctly.
Only Sumter Subdivisions.Com Says So?
The subject of a blog I just read was on “The Internet and Selling Your Home”. You can read the entire article (blog) from The Real Estate Bloggers” at:
“Internet More Important Than a Yard Sign”
Marketing Exposure
The Internet and a “For Sale” sign combine to give you the best possibility to get your home sold quickly. There are other newer technologies coming out that will slowly catch on in the next few years but stick with the basics until then…Internet Marketing & Yards Signs. Your internet marketing should also include Sumter Subdivisions.Com.
What? Sumter Subdivisions.Com?
That’s right folks! Sumter Subdivisions.Com is developing a whole new portion of this website devoted to helping you sell your home. With a lot of our visitors asking for more pictures AND home listings we decided it was high time we listened. In the coming weeks, we will unveil Sumter Subdivisions.Com “Home Sales” website.
Sumter Home Sales on Subdivisions.Com
The Homes Sales section will merge the subdivision information with real live homes for sale. You’ll be able to search through our home listings by sellers that are motivated enough to “really market their properties”. Coming Soon!!!!!
April 19, 2007 — homes (Views: 246)
Here is a letter I received a few days ago about Sumter Subdivisions.Com While this family didn’t use Sumter Subdivisions to help them buy their home, they certainly wished they had.
Just thought I pass this information on to my readers. Hopefully I can get more pictures and some homes listed on this website. I’m working this issue right now. If you have a FSBO home, contact me and we can discuss this.
http://sumtersubdivisions.com/modules/formulaire/index.php?id=2
The Letter
I just wanted to tell you what a great web site this is. I wish I had found it before today! I am currently living in Germany and will soon be PSCing to Shaw AFB. I have been looking at homes online and was confused with all the subdivisions and where they where. Your web site cleared that all up!!
I have already found a realtor and a home in Sumter. Although if I had you website sooner You would have gotten my business and I would have looked at some different subdivisions.
My realtor has been great and I am sure I am going to love my new home.
You are on the right track with this web site it is really needed and very helpful. Love the pictures of the different subdivisions and the map as to where they are.
Need more pictures of existing homes inside and out though.
Not everyone can buy a new home.
To bad more realtors dont jump on board with this. Online home buying is the new way to find that perfect home. Especially for the military. Great way to see their new community and homes.
Thanks
T… R….
March 16, 2007 — homes (Views: 282)
You just moved into a new home in Sumter, SC. It doesn’t matter if the home was newly built or it was built 50 years ago…you still want to know how long certain items in your house will last. Knowing the average life span of, say, a "heat pump" should go straight into your decision of which home to buy and how much you can afford.
The National Association of Home Builders recently did a study on just this subject. Some of their findings surprised me and some I have seen in action. For example, I replaced my failing 24 year old heat pump two years ago. Way past the change out date of 15 years stated in the NAHB research.
Let’s look at some of the finding from this 2006 report.
The longest lived kitchen appliance is a gas range with a life of 15 years. Not too bad! However if you are buying a home with a gas range and its original color is avocado green, you should be expecting to buy a new range any day now.
That dishwasher should last you about 9 years. My experience is dishwasher don’t quite make the nine year mark. I have lived in Sumter for 8 years and the local appliance store salesperson has already seen me twice.
Your kitchen cabinets normally will darn near outlive you if you had them installed brand new. Look for a 50 year shelf life on your cabinets. I’m not positive but when I moved into my 1970’s era home, I think I found a box of Corn Flakes that was at least 50 years old. Makes me wonder how old my home really is.
Your kitchen facet should give you 15 years of uninterrupted use but there may be a washer or two you may need to replace if they are that old.
That garage door opener you use each day should last 10-15 years. The garage door opener in my Sumter home is already 12 years old..I have the receipt from the previous owner. It shows no signs of quitting but I’m budgeting for a new one. Maybe something a little quieter this time????
My electric water heater wore out on me about 4 years ago. I had to have emergency plumbing services come out and install a new water heater. Water was gushing out everywhere just as I was stepping out to go to work one evening. A call to a local plumber can be expensive but I shouldn’t have to worry about contacting a Sumter plumber for another 7 years. Look for about 11 years of use on your water heater. Budget for this one to go out when you least expect it and when it will cost you the most.
If you would like to read the full study, point that browser to:
http://www.nahb.org/news_details.aspx?newsID=4245
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