Frequently Asked Question
at 9:06 pm on Thursday, 7 June 2007
Like most Realtors, I get this question all the time: “How is the market doing?” Well, it certainly depends where you are. This post talks some about the doom and gloom that most of us are used to hearing. And it’s true…in those markets. However, one of the things that I love about Columbia is that the real estate market here is extremely stable. It is very unlikely that you will see any amazing swell in property value (Bubble) but at the same time, you almost certainly won’t see any great trough either (Bubble Burst).
I believe that the Columbia area is a fantastic place to own real estate. You can pretty much count on a slow steady increase in value. Here are a couple of reasons why the real estate industry is stable in this area:
- Geographic Location. People want to live here because of the weather. Also, you can be in the mountains or at the beach in about 2 hours. There are a few really nice lakes in the area. Charlotte, Charleston, Savannah, Asheville and Atlanta are all an easy drive from here. We’re also inland enough that hurricanes are not too much of a threat.
- Employment. This is another big one. Being the state capital, there are many government jobs - state and federal. The University of South Carolina provides many jobs. And Fort Jackson creates an economy in the Northeast part of town. There are other large companies in town, too.
One thing I’ve noticed while talking to people around town: A large percentage of the people living here aren’t originally from here. I, too, am a transplant. I’m originally from Natchitoches (Nak-a-tish), Louisiana but I moved here from Charleston. Which brings me to the last reason I’ll list that people love to live here…It’s the reason I’m here:
Carolina Girls! You’ll hear that they’re the best in the world…and that’ the truth. I live here because my wife is from here. If you’re lucky enough to get hooked up with a Carolina Girl, you’ll be willing to live 800 miles from home, too!