Publix Opens Downtown Greenville, South Carolina

I wouldn't normally blog about the opening of a grocery store, but this is actually pretty big news for downtown Greenville, South Carolina. Today's opening of Publix and and the recent opening of Staples within walking distance of the Central Business District and Main Street marks a new era in downtown living. If you live in one of the many great downtown condo complexes or neighborhoods, you now have the convenience of a grocery store and office supply store within walking distance--a big selling point and added value that wasn't there before.

I'm looking forward to stopping by, I'll see you there in cereal aisle.

Share the Light -- Kelller Williams Video

Here is a great new video from Keller Williams Realty...

Greenville News Says Greenville Real Estate Strong

The Greenville News reported last week that market conditions in Greenville real estate remain strong despite national and regional shifts. According to the article, sales in the Greenville market (which includes Pickens and Laurens counties) are up 6.5% over the same period a year ago. In contrast, existing home sales throughout the South was down 3.4% in May, with Florida leading the decline with a 34% decrease in sales.

I am cautiously optimistic this trend will continue. However, there are several trends to watch that could take the wind out of our sails: the continued rise of interest rates (fewer buyers able to afford real estate), the sub-prime meltdown (fewer buyers qualifying) and trickle down effect from other markets (potential Upstate area buyers that can't sell their home in Florida).

Anyone have any thoughts or opinions?

Jumbo Sports Sale Mentioned in Greenville News

The Greenville News published an article Friday on the sale of the former Jumbo Sports building on Wade Hampton Blvd. in Taylors. Peak Fitness from Charlotte, North Carolina was the purchaser and they will be upfitting it for use as a fitness facility. I think its a great location for something like that, and I always thought it would be bought for something like that or a church. Its a great building and it was a good deal for the both the buyer and seller.

You can read the Greenville News article here.

Greenville's Cost of Living Among the Lowest

Here is a statistic that we don't mind being at the bottom of: Cost of Living. According to Kiplinger's, Greenville has the 20th lowest cost of living of any city in the county. You can read the full article here.

Video Tour of 1017 Still Hollow Lane in Taylors, South Carolina

Here is a video tour of a great listing we are marketing in the popular Peppertree subdivision in Taylors:

Interesting Lunch Today

I went to Moe's today with some members of my team and Chris Sligh of American Idol fame got in line behind us. We started chatting and next thing you know, we're having lunch him and a buddy of his. He gave us the scoop on what goes on for a contestant on American Idol and a little bit about his future plans. Interestingly, we overlapped a couple years in college and somehow he remembered me from those days.

He seems to be a very nice guy and was very gracious to us and all his fans that interrupted his lunch asking for pictures. We wish him the best in his future endeavors and contract negotiations and hope he remembers us when its time for him to buy a home.

New Meaning to "Let Your Fingers to the Walking"

Imagine starting your home search with this advanced multi-touch screen system. Apparently, its not too far off in the future.

Five New Restaurants Opening Soon in West End

According to this article, five new restaurants are on tap for Greenville's West End. Liberty Taproom will open soon at the ballpark.

Downtown Greenville and especially the West End is quickly becoming a fabulous dining destination. Rumor has it Greenville native and Food Network star Tyler Florence is actively seeking a location for a signature restaurant in downtown Greenville....preferably on the West End.

Charleston-based High Cotton is now open at RiverPlace. I haven't been to the new location yet, but if its anything like the Charleston version, it will be awesome.

Let me know if you've been to any of these and what you think.

Dan on the Radio

Just a quick reminder to those in the Upstate, South Carolina or Western, North Carolina to listen to my real estate call in program, My Greenville Home, every Saturday from 11:15 AM to 12:15 PM on WMUU 94.5 FM.

I have to say its been great fun doing the program. We started out last year with a 5 minute segment on Thursday mornings. We expanded the show to 1 hour in January, which has allowed us to cover a wider range of topics with more analysis. The funnest part for me is the interaction with callers. You never know what you're going to get when that phone rings.

If you get a chance, give us a listen....better yet, give us a call.