The Linda Hall Team has had many clients come to us after having used Zillow and other 3rd party websites. Their feedback is what helped us build a robust website that answers their direct needs. They are why we pay the extra money to have specific features dedicated to their needs. Here are some of those features.

1. Our Advanced Search Tool. When you search with our IDX tool you receive a list of the most updated listings versus other sites where the information may be outdated. Many times clients have complained that a home they were interested in and which they had found elsewhere was no longer on the market. That happens, but not if you search using our tool and that's because our tool draws directly from our local MLS. 

2. Map Search. This is probably high on the list of favorites. Our out of town people love that they can search using our interactive map tool. That helps them know the lay of the land and where the home is in relation to other area amenities. Although, even locals like this search option. When they are looking in a specific neighborhood it really comes in handy. 

3. Property Evaluation Tool. This is another useful tool showing how much your home may be worth. It is more accurate than the Zestimate offered by Zillow, and will give you an idea of the worth of your home, but is best to have us help you with a proper evaluation. 

4. Market Reports. These reports will give you a specific idea of the real estate market in the area of your choice. You can create a very customized report using this tool. 

In the end, we feel that the more our clients know the better choices they can make. We also like to provide information for those who are moving to our area from out of state. If you find there's an area of interest that we need to expand upon, please send us an email and let us know. We are ALWAYS willing to improve the experience for all our clients.

We had the good fortune of discovering this WONDERFUL Tega Cay local small business known as Tega Graze. It was so wonderful in fact that we decided we needed to share it with our followers. We are sure that you will be engaging with them over the holidays!! We've asked them a few questions so that you can get to know them. Here's a sample of just one of their graze boxes. 

Q&A with the Owners of Tega Graze -

Who are the owners of this wonderful business? 

Just two besties, Lindsay Gore and Chelsea Prevette.

When did you open? 

We began in the first part of July. COVID had influenced many to want more options for dining at home. We decided, "Hey! Why Not?" Let's throw it out there and see if there is interest. 

What brought you to the idea of this business?

 I (Lindsay) had a friend back home who started something similar and I thought, “Oh my gosh that is brilliant and I could totally see the Tega Cay/Fort Mill community eating this up (quite literally)”. Chelsea agreed that it seemed like the perfect fit for our community. We hadn’t seen anything like it in the area. With this particular season of more folks eating at home and social distancing, we felt like it was a great time to start. But even post-COVID it will be great for entertaining and gatherings with friends & family.  We loved the idea of providing a fun surprise for people each week. Our graze boxes have the same components in each box (meats, cheeses, veggies, fruits, crackers, spreads/dips, nuts, pickles/olives) however, the specifics change each week. Similar to other “order by mail” box subscription services, we use a basic framework and then create a beautiful and delicious surprise for our customers. 

Are you local to the area? If so, for how long? If not, where have you lived before this? 

We have both lived in Tega Cay for over 10 years. We used to be next-door neighbors, which is how we met and became besties.  Chelsea grew up in Indian Land and Lindsay is originally from Columbia, SC. 

How has the business been for you both?

The business has been crazy busy and we feel super blessed to be able to say that amid the global crisis happening around us! We felt like it would be something that the area would take a hold of and love, but you never know! We just weren't sure if people would be spending their money on this sort of thing right now. What we have found though is that it has become a bright spot in people’s week and we have so many families who have made Friday night graze boxes a weekly "lifestyle" tradition! 

Do you have further ideas of expansion? 

Honestly, right now it's hard to think of expansion because most of the time it feels like we’re just two busy moms trying to keep our head above water! But we do love, love, love this business and see so much potential in it. We definitely have dreams of ways that this could expand one day :)

Where can we connect with you online?

We have Facebook and Instagram accounts, which is how we pretty much begin taking orders. We have recently added a website to streamline the ordering process and free us up a bit to connect with our customers, answer questions, etc (www.tegagraze.com)

Can people from outside of the area order from you? 

Right now our boxes are only available via in-person pickup or delivery within the Tega Cay/Fort Mill area, as we are not able to ship our boxes.  We have had many people who live in different states place and order for us to deliver to their loved ones here locally as a birthday, new home or baby gift or just simply a sweet surprise on their doorstep! We offer personalized notes with our boxes by request as well! 

 Thank you so much for helping us learn more about you both, Lindsay Gore & Chelsea Prevette! The Linda Hall Team looks forward to continuing to do business with you! Here are a few more photos to help entice you. :) 

The chatter on Facebook lately would like as if people are really interested in local Thanksgiving dining and take-home options this year. So The Linda Hall Team thought we would compile a list of the restaurants we've seen that are offering such options and here they are. 

FISH MARKET

Salmeri's Italian Kitchen will be offering hot take out Thanksgiving packages on Nov 26th from 11-4. Just like their Easter and Mother's Day package, you will receive some of everything on this menu. Click below to reserve your package today, before they run out.

THE PUMP HOUSE

The Pump House is offering a Thanksgiving Day dine-in 3-course menu. View the menu and make reservations by clicking the below button.

THE FLIPSIDE RESTAURANT

The Flipside Restaurant is offering customers both dine-in or take-out options for Thanksgiving. Click below for further information.

So that is some LOCAL Thanksgiving dining and take-home options for you. If you have more to add, please let us know! The Linda Hall Team is always looking to support local businesses!!

OCTOBER 2020 New Listings:

We start by looking at the NEW LISTINGS that came on the market in October and we begin with 2018, where we see there were 455 NEW LISTINGS that came on the market. In October of 2019, we find we decreased by -0.7 percent with 452 NEW LISTINGS. The following year in October of 2020, we decreased again by -2.7 percent with 440 NEW LISTINGS. 

OCTOBER 2020 Homes for Sale:

We again, start by looking at October of 2018, where we see there were 989 HOMES FOR SALE. In October of 2019, we find a decrease of -4.7 percent with 943 HOMES FOR SALE. The following year in October of 2020, we decreased significantly by -63.0 percent with only 349 HOMES FOR SALE.

OCTOBER 2020 Pending Sales:

Let's view October of 2018, where we see there were 349 PENDING SALES. In October of 2019, we increased by +14.6 percent with 400 PENDING SALES. The following year in October of 2020, we increased again by +7.3 percent with 429 PENDING SALES. 

OCTOBER 2020 Median Days on Market:

Let's view October of 2018, where we see there were 21 MEDIAN DAYS ON MARKET. In October of 2019, we decreased from the previous year with 17 MEDIAN DAYS ON MARKET. This year in October, we decreased by -58.8 percent to 7 MEDIAN DAYS ON MARKET. 

OCTOBER 2020 Months Supply of Homes for Sale:

In October of 2018, the MONTHS SUPPLY OF HOMES FOR SALE was 2.8. In October of 2019, we decreased by -14.3 percent with a 2.4 MONTHS SUPPLY OF HOMES FOR SALE. This year in October, we decreased by -62.5 percent with only 0.9 MONTHS SUPPLY OF HOMES FOR SALE! 

So there is your comprehensive LOCAL look at the real estate market.  If you are considering a sale of your home then now might be a perfect time as the competition is low and the number of days on market is shorter than normal. If you are interested in buying a home then let us help you get a competitive advantage. Please reach out to the Linda Hall Team. We'd love to assist you!!

There are many upgrades buyers are looking for today due to spending more time at home. We would like to share a few that have been brought to our attention. 

1. Home Gyms. A lot of people would prefer personal exercise space in their own dwellings these days as opposed to going out to a public gym. So providing a specific space within your home that is dedicated to that purpose is a great idea!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by CLASSIQUES (@classiquesofficial) on Oct 19, 2020 at 11:45am PDT

2. Office/School Workspace. Many jobs are remaining fully remote or like schools, are adapting a hybrid schedule and so it is crucial that there is a specific area that accommodates this need. Preferably it is a room that has a door that can be closed off for privacy and quiet. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cottages & Gardens (@cottagesgardens) on Oct 22, 2020 at 7:15am PDT

3. Outdoor Space. Even if you live in a cooler climate it is important that you have an inviting outdoor space that you can retreat to. Add an outdoor furnace and a throw rug, if needed.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Modern Fireplaces (@modernblaze) on Apr 18, 2018 at 8:00am PDT

4. Large Open Kitchen. Families are cooking more these days so having a nice large open space to work together in is something that Buyers are definitely drawn to.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by deVOL Kitchens (@devolkitchens) on Feb 29, 2020 at 4:39am PST

5. First Floor Full Bathrooms. The convenience factor of having a first-floor bathroom with a shower and/or tub is something buyers are also seeking these days. Spending more time outdoors and not having to track through the entire home is definitely a big reason. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bathrooms of Instagram (@bathrooms_of_insta) on Oct 10, 2020 at 9:16pm PDT

Those are our Buyers' top 5 features they are interested in when shopping for a home today. If you would like help selling your home, please feel free to reach out to The Linda Hall Team of Century 21 First Choice. We would love to assist you!

We are continuing to ask members of The Linda Hall Team to answer some questions so we can get to know them better. This week is Sabine Hammermann's turn!

1. What was your favorite vacation and why?  A Nile Cruise in Egypt with stays in Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. Seeing the historic monuments was humbling and amazing, the people were so friendly and the food was great!
2. What is your favorite way to spend a day off? Spending time with my family and dogs, trying out a new recipe and just relaxing.
3. What was the last book you read?  I started to listen to audiobooks, mostly mysteries, and thrillers. I like books by Daniel Rosenfelt who writes about a lawyer who Has a Golden Retriever and also runs a dog rescue. The protagonist has a very dry sense of humor.
4. What are your hobbies? Before having dogs it was traveling, now it’s reading, listening to music, volunteering in dog rescue, and watching movies and documentaries. 
5. What instantly calms you? Cuddling with my dogs. 
6. What is your favorite season? Fall, I love the colors, the crisper air, and my pumpkin spiced latte.
7. What was your very first job? I started an apprenticeship with Lufthansa German Airlines for a sales and marketing position.
8. What is your favorite part of the workday? When I ticked off all items on my to-do list.
9. What’s the best career advice you’ve been given? To listen carefully, to be authentic, honest, and professional. This has served me well throughout my professional life.
10. If you could go back in time, what piece of advice would you give your younger self? To be more patient and to not give up on your dreams.

Well, we sure hope you enjoyed getting to know Sabine, and if you have any real estate needs that you will feel free to reach out to her. 

With so many people transitioning to working from an in-home office environment, we thought it would be a good idea to create a blog and video that would give some style options that might inspire ideas.  

Many who can afford to do so, will simply upgrade their homes to one with more square footage and/or extra bedrooms or even an extra living room/den space. If you can afford to do that it is a great direction to head in. If you cannot there are several other options.

Large bedroom. If you have a home with a large bedroom you can simply add a desk to a corner or side of the room. Many buyers are looking for 2 master suites that will accommodate this option. What's great about this is you have a door which can be closed when necessary.

Dining room. A lot of dining rooms go unused except for holidays. These are currently being considered by buyers as extra potential space for either the kids' workstations or the adults' home offices.  

Closets. This may sound a bit out there, but when you have a tiny space you have to think outside of the box or inside the closet. Yes. Some people are converting closets into workspaces.

Kitchens. Yes, kitchens that have large tables or countertops can be used as well. The countertop may not be too comfortable unless you can use it as a standing option.

In the below video, we share some inspiration via Architectural Digest. Hopefully, it will help you with ideas. If you find that you would rather look for a home to accommodate this need, please reach out to The Linda Hall Team of Century 21 First Choice. We'd love to help you!!

SEPTEMBER 2020 New Listings:

We start by looking at the NEW LISTINGS that came on the market in September and we begin with 2018, where we see there were 338 NEW LISTINGS that came on the market. In September of 2019, we find we increased by +26.0 percent with 426 NEW LISTINGS. The following year in September of 2020, we increased again, but only slightly this time, by +5.9 percent with 451 NEW LISTINGS. 

SEPTEMBER 2020 Homes for Sale:

We again, start by looking at September of 2018, where we see there were 1,004 HOMES FOR SALE. In September of 2019, we find a decrease of -1.7 percent with 987 HOMES FOR SALE. The following year in September of 2020, we decreased significantly by -64.1 percent with only 354 HOMES FOR SALE.

SEPTEMBER 2020 Pending Sales:

Let's view September of 2018, where we see there were 268 PENDING SALES. In September of 2019, we increased by +36.6 percent with 366 PENDING SALES. The following year in September of 2020, we increased again by +34.4 percent with 492 PENDING SALES. 

SEPTEMBER 2020 Median Days on Market:

Let's view September of 2018, where we see there were 15 MEDIAN DAYS ON MARKET. In September of 2019, we increased from the previous year with 17 MEDIAN DAYS ON MARKET. This year in September, we decreased by -64.7 percent to 6 MEDIAN DAYS ON MARKET. 

SEPTEMBER 2020 Months Supply of Homes for Sale:

In September of 2018, the MONTHS SUPPLY OF HOMES FOR SALE was 2.9. In September of 2019, we decreased by -10.3 percent with a 2.6 MONTHS SUPPLY OF HOMES FOR SALE. This year in September, we decreased by -65.4 percent with only 0.9 MONTHS SUPPLY OF HOMES FOR SALE! 

So there is your comprehensive LOCAL look at the real estate market.  If you are considering a sale of your home then now might be a perfect time as the competition is low and the number of days on market is shorter than normal. If you are interested in buying a home then let us help you get a competitive advantage. Please reach out to the Linda Hall Team. We'd love to assist you!!

We are continuing to ask members of The Linda Hall Team to answer some questions so we can get to know them better. This week is Lorelei Beightol's turn!

1. Who is your hero? Jesus of Nazareth - He loved people for who they were, not what he wanted to be or what they were, or would become, but for who they were at that very moment. It reminds me that love is an action and a feeling or an obligation.     
2. What was your favorite vacation and why?  Any national park with my family.  We love our national treasures and spending time together making memories.  My favorite national park is Yellowstone. The volcanic activity and mystic geysers are enchanting.  
3. What is your favorite way to spend a day off? Day off?  Is there such a thing in real estate?  If I do get a whole day off, I love to spend it with my husband going for a hike or a paddle on the kayaks or with my friends touring local wineries.  
4. What was the last book you read?  Joyful Surrender
5. What are your hobbies? Reading 
6. What is your favorite quote? Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is watching. - C.S. Lewis  
7. What instantly calms you? A good foot massage!
8. What is your favorite season? Summer
9. What was your very first job? Lab Technician in a cream cheese factory.
10. What is your favorite part of the workday? Talking with people.  People energize me.  
11. What’s the best career advice you’ve been given? You don't have to know everything, you just need to know who to ask.  Being resourceful is much better than being a walking encyclopedia.  
12. If you could go back in time, what piece of advice would you give your younger self? If you wait a few minutes, someone will want to help you, don't be stubborn and do everything yourself.  
13. What is your definition of success? Everyone learned something and came out the other side better equipped to serve the world in their own special way.  
14. What are you most proud of in the last year? Still having a happy marriage after quarantine.  Also, my daughter who graduated from college this spring.  

Well, we sure hope you enjoyed getting to know Lorelei, and if you have any real estate needs that you will feel free to reach out to her. 

We are asking members of The Linda Hall Team to answer some questions so we can get to know them better. This week is Caroline McCarthy's turn!

1. Who is your hero? My Grandmother on my mother's side, a successful business owner, and a wonderful Christian woman.

2. What was your favorite vacation and why? Hawaiian Islands -  I love the beauty of the islands, their beaches, and the wonderful year-round temperature.

3. What is your favorite way to spend a day off? With my grandchildren.

4. What was the last book you read? Trouble the Water by Rebecca Bruff – rated 4.48 in Goodreads.

5. What are your hobbies? Reading, gardening.

6. What is your favorite quote?  You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough – Mae West.

7. What is your #1 pet peeve? People who are disrespectful to others.

8. What instantly calms you? Being at the Lake or Oceans.

9. What is your favorite season? Spring in the Carolina’s, Fall in the North.

10. What was your very first job? Insurance Policy typist.

11. What is your favorite part of the workday? Morning.

12. What’s the best career advice you’ve been given? Don’t just check off boxes, tell me what you accomplished.

13. If you could go back in time, what piece of advice would you give your younger self? This too will pass.

14. What is your definition of success? Success in business is achieving or exceeding my goals. Success in life is having a loving family and a wonderful circle of friends.

15. What are you most proud of in the last year? Significantly increasing my business.

This has been a fun and interesting activity that we will continue so that our friends can get to know who these great additions to The Linda Hall Team are. We believe that they are top tier individuals and we chose them because we know that they will exceed our clients' expectations!!