For some odd reason, the original post was deleted - BOO! Well, instead of writing about why you should come to the event, brief recap:

The 2017 Chili Cookoff was a complete success and it was actually a lot of fun seeing it implemented day of event. The VIP Hour seemed to be a hit and people enjoyed space to move around. Once 5:30 general admission hit, Music Farm started to fill, fast! We had a total of 23 different chili contestants and they brought out all the bells and whistles! The decor on their table, the t-shirts, heck we even had one group giving out tequila shots - ha! (Funny thing, they won People's Choice and First Place!!)

We can't wait until next years event and hear the final numbers on the proceeds raised this year! Cheers to a successful event! 

2017 has been here for 16 days now and it's time to hold each other accountable. I'm a firm believer in writing things down. Why you might ask? Well, it's been proven to hold you more accountable and there is a higher percentage you will actually make those goals if you just WRITE IT DOWN. 

As a personal testimony, in 2010, I wrote down my goals. They were as follows:
1. Take Ballet
2. Be in a movie
3. Move to back to SC
4. Become a Realtor
5. Sell my first home

And guess what? I was able to check all FIVE as complete. 

So, for 2017, I have my goals written down sitting right beside me as I type. They are ambitious, but goals are just that. They are not comfortable or mediocre. To hold myself accountable, one goal is to blog at least once a week no matter how busy life/work gets. So, here we go -- hold me accountable! 

Would LOVE to hear your goals. Share them in the comment section and I'll reach back out to you in early 2018 to see if you were able to achieve them. We can hold each other accountable!

Cheers to you 2017!

LG

So, it's been a while and I'm not sure where to even start. 

I guess I'll give you the skinny version of where the last year (seriously, a year?! - I'm horrible!) has gone? Long story short...

I personally sold/built/moved, Coldwell Banker was bought out by NRT, then NRT bought out Russell & Jeffcoat (a local, larger real estate firm in Columbia), our entire office was renovated & entered new office mates, my co-worker/co-marketer is moving to Florida, I almost left Coldwell Banker for a small, local boutique real estate company before realizing, "If it isn't broke, don't fix it.", all while having the best (and busiest) year in real estate since starting in 2010.  Life is busy, y'all. 

My house is a hot mess. Boxes still need to be unpacked. Pictures stalk me screaming of a nail to hang on. Rooms still bare needing the proper furniture/decor. And here it is, October 18th. Truthly, the only thing I care about during all of life changes is/were my clients and serving them. Beyonce says it best:  #ISlay everyday for them/you!

Where does the time go? I've been meaning to write for months and though this post isn't the most stimulating - man, it feels dang good to finally write again. Till next time... 

XOXO,

MouthOfASouthernRealtor

For those unfortunate souls who have not had the honor of savoring the taste of Grill Marks, now is your chance! Grill Marks has opened in prime location in the Vista on Gervais! While I haven't had the chance to try out this particular location yet (snapped the pic at red light on way back from showings last night), but I have enjoyed the tasty-ness of the Downtown Greenville location.

Grill Marks features an open air venue in a casual atmosphere. The food is creative as their burgers feature an actual "grill mark" on the toasted hamburger buns. You can also order a sample of fries with the choosing of your own seasoning. My favorite was of course the truffle fries #yum!

To anyone who enjoys a good burger and fries, Grill Marks is your new Vista stop to fill up that belly!

Being a younger, female comes with its own challenges - can we all agree? After a long flight and long layovers, I've compiled a list of items I believe have helped me (and my kick-butt counterparts) succeed as independent women in the entrepreneur/business field. Is it what the kids are calling #On-Fleek? Hum, please let me know as I'm still trying to uncover that mystery. 

1. We are our own worst critic.
2. Schedule time off. For the love of ourselves and others - please.
3. Go with confidence. It's sexy.
4. Set a schedule. 
5. Write it down. Got goals? WRITE IT DOWN.
6. GO the extra mile.
7. Sleep. Its an easy thing. 
8. Exercise. Look and feel great - #winning.
9. Wake up early. Ever heard of the saying the, "Early bird catches the worm"
10. Celebrate the milestones. Buy that expensive bottle of champagne and pop-it.
11. Don't be too hard on yourself. 
12. Mistakes are the best lessons for improvement.
13. Don't be afraid to say, "No".
14. Evaluate if its worth your valuable time. 
15. Be nice. People like to work with nice people. 
16. Prepare and think for the future. 
17. Only YOU can make yourself feel inferior. 
18. Treat people as you want to be treated. Luke 6:13.
19. Grind hard every single day. 
20. Don't take it personal. Business is business. (Too bad; they missed out.)
21. People WILL disappoint you. Forget and move on. 
22. Take the higher road - always. Karma is a little b*tch. 
23. Invest in yourself. 
24. If you say you're going to do it - produce. 
25. Always be 5 mins early. 
26. Playing dirty won't get you anything in the long run but a bad reputation. 
27. Use your youth to your advantage.
28. By all means, respond in a timely fashion. 
29. Network and follow-up. Hand written letters go a long way these days. 
30. You will be copied & trash-talked at times. Haters gonna hate - It's flattery. 
31. (Unofficial) Kick-*ss!

Power to the Lady Moguls! 

Meet 198 Carlyle. Those familiar with Forest Acres will recognize the location - The Laureate. In all the hustle and bustle of Forest Acres main strip (Forest Drive) you will find The Laureate. This gem is secluded by a 8/9 foot-something brick wall around the complex only to be nestled in the heart of Forest Acres. Established trees and common green spaces line the streets of this small, quiet community. Location doesn't really get any better folks. You can walk to Trader Joes, Gold's Gym, Pasta Fresca, Tombo Grill, Groucho's, Trenholm Plaza!

This 2 bedroom / 2.5 bathroom /1200 sqft home has it all for the buyer looking for a low-maintenance in-town living at an affordable price. Updated kitchen with granite and SS appliances, thermopane windows, hardwood floors throughout first floor, and each bedroom has a private full bathroom! You even have a small, private backyard area to enjoy the outdoors. Zoned in popular and award winning schools include Satchelford, Crayton Middle, and AC Flora High adds the icing on the cake. 

Like I said, I'm not sure what else you could ask for in a home. 

For more information, check out the full link here to 198 Carlyle. Want to see this gem? Call/text/email: 803.409.9667 or lgilstrap@cbunited.com

It was nice to have a long weekend to spend a little extra time to catch up on life. Though this past weekend wasn't made a Holiday just because the government felt like it. No, it actually stands for something. It stands for the day all American's should pause and think about why we have. The sacrifices of our soldiers who selfishly gave their freedom so that we may have ours. 

Below is one of my all time favorite speeches along with images of our great America. "We are Americans"

I enjoy a fine glass of wine. I certainly have my favorite brands and types of white/red, but I don't discriminate in trying something new. I might find a new favorite when venturing out but it's rare. So, when I am drinking one of my favorite bottles of wine, it seems to go so much faster and smoother. Isn't that a bummer?! How come all the sub-par wines seem to last forever, but the good ones (the favorite, savory ones) always get gone too dang fast? You obviously want to share this amazing goodness with friends, only to feel the amount of disappointment when just a drop hits your glass on a refill - womp, womp. Such is life. 

Well, Columbia real estate is like fine wine. To be more descriptive, the months of May-August are the finest of the real estate market. It's true. Buyers, saddle-up and tighten down the buckles because buying during May-August 2015 in primo areas isn't for the faint of heart. The Columbia market has been fruitful since about the end of January. Now that we have officially entered into Spring, it is expected to be one of the best for the housing market since the crash in 2008. Isn't it about time? 

Sellers, some of you have the fine wine buyers are hoping to find. You have the prime location and the well-cared for home. You have the fine wine that is going, going, GONE due to supply & demand. If you are toying with the idea of selling your home in 2015, these next few Summer months is going to be one of your best chances. Just in March, I had several homes listed that stood apart from the rest - both had multiple offers within a month of listing. So, like that fine wine we all so much enjoy, take advantage and savor the potential of the next few months. It's almost May and you know what you need to do - start prepping your home. Schedule the lawn guy, do those paint touch-ups, clean & tidy up. Not sure of what you should do to prep your home for the market? Call/text/email me. I enjoy helping sellers get the most out of their investment. 

Cheers!

-Lauren

Looks as if the Winter has finally passed and we are hitting Spring here in fine Columbia, SC - FINALLY! Can I get an AMEN?! It seems as if everywhere in the US endured a harsh Winter and Columbia was no different. Yes, we did pray and wish for a snow day, but all we got was freezing cold temperatures and busted pipes - backfired on us Southerns wishing for a little R&R. Maybe in 2016?

Which leads to my next topic - the booming housing market. It seems that shortly after the cold weather left us, the housing market has been running at full speed. It leaves me to wonder what the Summer (prime real estate season) will actually be like. All five homes above have lovely contracts and are set to close by April 10th. A few even had multiple offers. It just goes to show, if it's a pretty decent home in a pretty decent location, it's just logic that it's gonna sell fast. 

It's so wonderful to see the housing market finally perking back up after years in a constant downturn. It's wonderful to see sellers in a place to sell and buyers in a place to buy.  The Spring has brought the showers that are bringing out the flowers all for a beautiful real estate season. 

Just remember folks, while you are "sleeping on it" others are "moving on it". 

Cheers! 

Lauren

Last week, 409 Crown Point hit the market! This brick stunner is located in the ever so popular Olde Woodlands neighborhood of Columbia. Located on a cul-de-sac street, Crown Point is a beautiful street with stately homes and a secret access to Woodland Park. This 4 bedroom / 3 (full) bathroom home features updated electrical, plumbing, tankless hot water heater, replacement windows, a newer architectural roof, gleaming hardwoods and tiled floors throughout. The stained-glazed wood doors and molding makes this home an absolute show stopper. To add some icing to the cake, this ones got not only a 2 car garage but an extra 2-car carport - a rare find anywhere in-town! 

I held an open house yesterday and was expecting a low turnout due to the gloomy/raining weather. Well, I was wrong! The house was absolutely slammed the entire two hours -multiple people were always in the house. A few couples even stayed an hour trying to find something wrong with the home. Much to my expectations, we are getting another offer in tomorrow, so I don't think this home will last much longer.  This one is turn-key ready for the next owner. 

Tip to buyers/sellers: If the home is priced within the market comps, updated, primo location, shows well, then it's gonna sell - fast! It's not going to last and the days of making low-ball offers are fading out. Columbia real estate is slowly (but surely) turning back into a sellers market. Buyers: buy now - waiting means missing out. Sellers: prep your home and price it right - buyers will swarm!