Are you planning to sell your home? Regardless if this is your first time as a home seller, or maybe you’ve sold many homes, understanding the selling process can assure you that things are going smoothly. Successful transactions don’t just happen; it takes experience and professionals to navigate from staging to closing.

Who Are The Experts?

• Real Estate Agent – Before you start, do your homework and find an experienced listing agent in your area.
• Escrow Officer – Your escrow officer is a neutral 3rd party, they take the terms agreed to by the parties and ensures they are fulfilled properly.

Timeline For Your Home Sale

• Meeting With Your Agent – Your agent will tour your home and discuss your market value (including a comparative market analysis), timing and financial goals in order to create a custom plan for selling your home.
• Preparing Your Home For Sale - Typically even a dated home can be spruced up with small changes in furniture placement, fresh paint, new lighting and/or minor repairs.
• Listing Your House - Once your home is ready for buyers, you will list your home and your agent will implement their marketing plan.
• Offers - Once you receive offers, you will meet with your agent to review them together and determine how to respond.
• Inspection - As the seller, you will also complete any conditions you’ve agreed to, such as repairs or termite work.
• Closing – Once all conditions have been completed, you will close the sale and receive the proceeds.

The sales process is a series of steps that you and your agent will take together. Knowing what to expect, and when, can alleviate the uncertainty you might feel as a seller.

It's that time of year when we gather with our friends and family for some quality time together. I think it is probably one of my favorite times of the year because who doesn't love having our friends and family visit, but it can be stressful if this is your first time taking on the tradition yourself. How exciting though!! 

My motto is the more you can do ahead of time the better because who wants to be stuck in the kitchen while the party and people are in the family room! Let's start by thinking about the menu and what we can do ahead of time so we can get out of the kitchen. This article by Southern Living will help us all with that. 

Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes

And who doesn't LOVE good biscuits?! I know I do!! Southern Living has our covered in that department as well with this article.

25 Biscuits That Belong At Every Southern Table

And what Thanksgiving dinner would be complete without PIES?!! Not sure what your favorite pie is but I have yet to meet one I didn't like. Food and Wine has a great reference for practically any pie or tart you can think of!

34 Showstopping Thanksgiving Pies and Tarts

Another cause for anxiety is the actual cooking of the turkey. How long, how do we prep it, should we stuff or not? Well, unless you have your mom standing there by you then you might need some technical help. This particular recipe I'm sharing with you is one that will take any stress out of the equation for you. 

How to Cook a Turkey

Here are some further prep techniques you might want to view and my suggestion has everyone contribute to the meal. In other words, share a dish to pass. :) 

10 Smart Tips to Help You Prepare for Thanksgiving

That's about it! Remember - you've got this and just like buying your first home, hosting your first Thanksgiving is something you'll only be a novice at one time and ASK FOR HELP!! 

Let's dive even deeper than this. Let's begin by looking at a year over year comparison of specific real estate data that will help us understand what our local markets are doing compared to the rest of the country. 

OCTOBER New Listings:

We start by looking at the NEW LISTINGS that came on the market in October and we begin with 2017, where we see there were 345 NEW LISTINGS that came on the market. In October of 2018, we find an increase of +31.6 percent with 454 NEW LISTINGS. The following year in October of 2019, we decreased slightly by -2.0 percent with 445 NEW LISTINGS. 

OCTOBER Homes for Sale:

We again, start by looking at October of 2017, where we see there were 924 HOMES FOR SALE. In October of 2018, we find an increase of +6.8 percent with 987 HOMES FOR SALE. The following year in October of 2019, we decreased by -16.1 percent with 828 HOMES FOR SALE. 

OCTOBER Pending Sales:

Let's view October of 2017, where we see there were 291 PENDING SALES. In October of 2018, we increased by +19.6 percent with 348 PENDING SALES. The following year in October of 2019, we increased by +25.3 percent with 436 PENDING SALES. 

OCTOBER Median Days on Market:

Let's view October of 2017, where we see there were 21 MEDIAN DAYS ON MARKET. In October of 2018, we stayed even at 21 MEDIAN DAYS ON MARKET. The following year in October of  2019, we decreased by -19.0 percent to 17 MEDIAN DAYS ON MARKET. 

OCTOBER Months Supply of Homes for Sale:

In October of 2017, the MONTHS SUPPLY OF HOMES FOR SALE was 2.8. In October of 2018, we remained unchanged at 2.8 MONTHS SUPPLY OF HOMES FOR SALE. The following year in October of 2019, we decreased by -25.0 percent to 2.1 MONTHS SUPPLY OF HOMES FOR SALE. 

So there is your comprehensive LOCAL look at the real estate market. If you are thinking about purchasing a home, please reach out to the Linda Hall Team. We'd love to assist you!!

Before you list your home for sale, it’s time to do a little work around the house – to prepare and make sure your home is seen in the best possible light. These “must-do” items are about showing your home to buyers as one which is cared for and ready for them to add their own brand of home to the space. Taking a little time upfront can mean thousands of dollars as buyers start writing their offers.

3 Must-Do’s Before Listing Your House for Sale

1. Declutter, Depersonalize and Clean – This is the time to take spring cleaning seriously, in any season. Clear out all unnecessary items from the home; closets, drawers, extra clothes, old unwanted furniture. Donate to charity, hire a dumpster or rent a storage space; buyers will look in every space and open all drawers and cabinets, make sure your home seems spacious. Spend some time to depersonalize by removing excessive pictures and hide heirlooms. Finally, deep clean every space top to bottom.

2. Address Deferred Maintenance – Make small repairs or hire a handyman to take care of problems that could appear during the home inspection. Replace caulking, fix broken windows and screens, replace light bulbs and freshen up and clean grout; buyers want to see a home that is cared for with “good bones.”

3. Go for Curb Appeal – Spend some time in the yard. Trim bushes and trees, clean and repair hardscape and make sure there is adequate lighting. Welcome your buyers with seasonal flowers or décor and place a fresh mat by the front door.

Before you put that sign in the front yard, spend a little time and elbow grease to make sure you welcome your potential buyers with the best version of your home.

It's a busy and exciting time in Fort Mill as the Fort Mill Scarecrow Crawl has started. This event runs from October 13th through October 31st. 

You'll find scarecrows that have been created by town residents, as well as area non-profits, school groups, and area businesses. It's a great community activity enjoyed by all.

This year a Linda Hall Team member, Elaine Siegel, is participating with the theme being, "Opt to Adopt, Shop Til You Drop @PAWSibilities Thrift Store and the Christmas Shop." Elaine is a very active volunteer in the community and this is just one of the important ways she involves herself in paying it forward. 

The scarecrow entry by Elaine Siegel's group is named, "PAWSY." Be sure to vote for PAWSY!! 

Also, don't forget to shop at the PAWSiblities Thrift Store and the Christmas Store, as well. Here's some information about the thrift store from their website -

PAWSIBILITIES THRIFT STORE

2144 Carolina Place, Fort Mill, SC 29708
803-802-0600

Shopping Hours:

• Wednesday; 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Thursday; 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
• Friday & Saturday; 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Sunday & Sunday; 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
• Monday & Tuesday; CLOSED to the public for processing

Donation Drop-Off Hours

Donated items are highly preferred during our regular business hours, especially, if you wish to receive a tax-deductible donation receipt. If you drop off items during non-business hours, we kindly request that you protect any items (such as placing in plastic bags) that may get damaged due to rain or inclement weather. Any damaged items will be disposed of.

Here's a flyer about the Christmas Store -

The Linda Hall Team has three places you will want to put on your bucket list for October. So much fun and close by!! Enjoy and share with your friends.

Grace Pumpkin Patch

2955 W SC-160

Fort Mill, SC 29708

803-548-0800

Website

Pumpkin patch hours:

Monday – Saturday - 10 AM to 7 PM

Sunday – 1 PM – 7 PM

Events:

Saturday, Oct. 19^th

4:30 PM to 7:30 PM

Enjoy great homemade BBQ. $10 for a plate of bbq with sides and a drink or purchase bbq by the pound for $13.

Saturday, Oct. 19^th

7:30 PM

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

Bring a blanket and find a spot in the pumpkin patch for a 7:30 PM showing of It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. Free event for the WHOLE FAMILY!!

Sunday, Oct. 27^th

4:30 PM to 6 PM

Fall Festival

Come wearing your Halloween costume and enjoy trunk-or-treat, games, and a hot-dog dinner. Another free event for the WHOLE FAMILY!!

Bush-N-Vine Farm

1650 Filbert Highway

York, SC 29745

803-684-2732

Website

Bush-N-Vine Hours:

Monday-Saturday - 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Closed Sundays

Events:

Saturday, Oct. 12th
Hayrides 9:00-4:00
Pick Your Own Pumpkins
Bounce House
Hotdogs for sale

Friday, Oct 18th
Hayrides 1:00-4:00
Pick Your Own Pumpkins
Bounce House

Saturday, Oct. 19th
Hayrides 9:00-4:00
Pick Your Own Pumpkins
Bounce House
Hotdogs for sale

Monday, Oct. 21st
 Hayrides 1:00-4:00
 Pick Your Own Pumpkins
​ Bounce House

Saturday, Oct. 26th
Hayrides 9:00-4:00
Pick Your Own Pumpkins
​Bounce House
Hotdogs for sale

Anne Springs Greenway

Lake Haigler Entrance

2573 Lake Haigler Drive

Fort Mill, SC 29715

803-547-4575

Website

Fall Frolic Hours

Saturday – Sunday l October 12^th-27^th l 10:00 AM – 4 PM

Activities include –

• Wagon rides
• Hay bale mazes
• Corn crib
• Tube Tumbler
• Wagon slide
• Pedal carts
• Farm animals
• Cow train
• Monster Mural
• Bull bouncers
• Kiddie corn maze
• Corn hole games
• Ladder ball
• GaGa ball
• Kayaking
• Little farmer’s area (ages 5 – under)

Pumpkins for Sale – payment taken in the pumpkin patch (cash/credit)

Let's dive even deeper than this. Let's begin by looking at a year over year comparison of specific real estate data that will help us understand what our local markets are doing compared to the rest of the country. 

SEPTEMBER New Listings:

We start by looking at the NEW LISTINGS that came on the market in September and we begin with 2017, where we see there were 486 NEW LISTINGS that came on the market. In September of 2018, we find a decrease of -6.6 percent with 454 NEW LISTINGS. The following year in September of 2019, we increased by +24.7 percent with 566 NEW LISTINGS. 

SEPTEMBER Homes for Sale:

We again, start by looking at September of 2017, where we see there were 1,577 HOMES FOR SALE. In September of 2018, we find a slight decrease of -0.1 percent with 1,576 HOMES FOR SALE. The following year in September of 2019, we decreased by -11.9 percent with only 1,389 HOMES FOR SALE. 

SEPTEMBER Pending Sales:

Let's view September of 2017, where we see there were 376 PENDING SALES. In September of 2018, we increased by -13.0 percent with 327 PENDING SALES. The following year in September of 2019, we increased by +51.4 percent with 495 PENDING SALES. 

SEPTEMBER Median Days on Market:

Let's view September of 2017, where we see there were 16 MEDIAN DAYS ON MARKET. In September of 2018, we decreased by -6.3 percent with 15 MEDIAN DAYS ON MARKET. The following year in September of  2019, we increased by +6.7 percent to 16 MEDIAN DAYS ON MARKET. 

SEPTEMBER Months Supply of Homes for Sale:

In September of 2017, the MONTHS SUPPLY OF HOMES FOR SALE was 3.8. In September of 2018, we slightly decreased by -5.3 percent to 3.6 MONTHS SUPPLY OF HOMES FOR SALE. The following year in September of 2019, we decreased by -22.2 percent to 2.8 MONTHS SUPPLY OF HOMES FOR SALE. 

So there is your comprehensive LOCAL look at the real estate market. If you are thinking about purchasing a home, please reach out to the Linda Hall Team. We'd love to assist you!!

If you’ve been searching for a new home no doubt you’ve seen the term, “move-in ready.” This description sounds very appealing, but understanding what it actually means is important so you have the right expectations when arranging your home listing tour.

First, it’s important to remember that the descriptions in real estate listings are written by the listing agent or broker. There is no set industry standard for what agents can say in their listings. While there are guidelines and rules which prevent blatant lying, most home buyers have become aware of the fluffy language used to market a home for sale.

The meaning of “move-in ready” is fairly straightforward; it means that the home is in a condition which is acceptable for immediate occupancy. The home meets the standards of living and assures the buyer that the essential elements needed to occupy the home are present and in running condition. For example, the home should have working plumbing, appliances, sound roof, electricity, gas and locking doors and windows.

What “move-in ready” does not necessarily mean is that the home is in pristine condition. A home that is “move-in ready” might still need significant updating and while systems are assumed to be operational, they might still be old or outdated.

“Move-in ready” is a common phrase in real estate listings. Understanding that the home might still need quite a bit of work to suit your taste and lifestyle, you can approach the listing with realistic expectations and determine if the property is the right fit for your needs.

Last year we did a feature on an adorable flower and gift shop in the Fort Mill area, known as "Crossings on Main." Unfortunately, when we redesigned our website we lost that article, but we've been able to find our notes and reconstruct the featured article and we'd like to share it with you. 

1. Can you tell me who owns Fort Mill Flowers & Gifts and a little background about the owner(s) and how they came to the decision to build a flower and gift shop?

I am the owner, Cathie Smith, but it hasn't always been that way.  My mother in law, Gail Lavender, and I opened "Crossings" 25 years ago. My husband's family has been in Fort Mill since he was in elementary school and I loved the town so setting up a business here in the historic downtown seemed natural. 

Things started to fall into place when Jerry Lavender, Gail’s husband, owned this adorable building on the bottom of Main Street that became open.  I was a stay at home mom at the time and was looking for something to do, so we decided to open a little store and sell antiques. That was the beginning of great things! We needed accessories and gifts which led to going to The Atlanta Gift Market (which is overwhelming especially for first-timers!) We painted the walls, brought in antiques for displays and even bought a monogram machine.  After a few years, I decided to stay home full time with my two girls and Gail kept the business going for 20 years!  When Gail retired I decided to keep the store open with the promise of help from my husband, Chip Smith.

2. Where did the name, Fort Mill Flowers & Gifts come from?

The name comes from our proximity to the railroad track, which runs through the center of town.  Some days we get 5-6 trains going by, blowing their horns so loud you have to cover your ears!  One day we saw the Barnum and Bailey circus train go by on their last performance tour. 

3. Has Fort Mill been open and welcoming to your new business?

The growth of the business was steady for the first 20 years.  Some years were better than others and I credit Gail with great perseverance for staying open during the recession.  Businesses have had a hard time staying open on Main Street but finally, we are seeing some real growth and that is exciting.  The restaurants and bars have brought life back to our town.  It is now a destination spot.  I think people want what we have to offer and more is on the way!  We could not stay in business if customers didn't choose to come here for dining and shopping and for that I am so grateful. 

4. Do you plan on expanding either in your current building or to other future stores?

I am constantly changing our inventory and displays.  There is always something new and fresh to see.  The thing I love to hear from our customers is that they find inspiration and happiness inside our doors.  That is my goal, to create beauty and offer items that bring customers joy to give or receive.  I don't have any plans to open another store because this one takes all my time, but you never know!  I couldn't run this place alone, I have a wonderful store manager, Keith Suttles, and 2 very loyal employees who treat Crossings as their own.  My husband, Chip handles the accounting and advertising.

Thank you so much to Cathie for the time she took in answering our questions. I hope you will take the time to visit their shop and tell them that the Linda Hall Team sent you. It is definitely a Fort Mill Treasure!!

The Linda Hall Team would like to share 7 Local Tega Cay - Fort Mill area Upcoming Halloween Related Events. So grab your calendars and start making your plans and if you know of an event in the area that we neglected, please contact us so we can add it to the list. 

Haunted Ball – Annual Halloween Celebration

Date: October 18, 2019, from 7 PM to 10 PM

Location: Dance Center USA, 855 Gold Hill Road, Fort Mill, SC

Description: Great evening in an elegant Halloween atmosphere.
Enjoy the open wine bar, canape buffet, social dancing, and exciting entertainment by Dance Center USA professionals.

The party will start with a Fun Group Dance Class at 7 PM.
Dance Class 7-8 PM: $15
Party Admission 8-10 PM: $15
Entire Experience of Dance Class & Party 7-10 PM: $25

Attire: Theme Costume / Smart Casual

Tega Cay Fall Festival Featuring the Big Bamboo Band

Date: October 26^th, 2019, from 11 AM to 5 PM

Location: Philip T. Glennon Community Center, 15083 Molokai Drive, Tega Cay, SC

Description: The Fall Festival, traditionally held at the end of October, offers a little bit of something for everyone. The event features arts & crafts, businesses and food/beverage vendors. The day is filled with local entertainment hitting the stage along with the very popular kid zones. The day would not be complete without the Children's Halloween Costume Contest and the Hula Hoop Contest for all ages. 

Macaroni Kid Fort Mill - Tega Cay - Rock Hill Trunk or Treat & Family Fun Fest

Date: October 26, 2019, from 5 PM to 7 PM

Location: Fort Mill at Baxter Branch YMCA, 857 Promenade Walk, Fort Mill, SC 29708

Description: Come enjoy this FREE family-friendly "Trunk or Treating", pumpkin painting, bounce houses and more! 

Three's A Crowd Halloween Improv Show

Date: October 26, 2019, from 8 PM to 9:47 PM

Location: Fort Mill Community Playhouse, 220 Main Street, Fort Mill, SC 29715

Description: The group consists of a three-person team called Three’s a Crowd which includes Paul Marks, Tim Counts, and Mel Ratliff and all together they make ‘Three’s a Crowd’ very successful. Come see why this has been a sold-out show for the past 2 years! 

Philadelphia UMC – Trunk R Treat

Date: October 27, 2019, starting at 5 PM to 6:30 PM

Location: Philadelphia UMC – 1691 Highway 160 W, Fort Mill, SC

Description: The Children’s and Family Ministries of Philadelphia Church will host a Trunk R Treat event for the church and community on Sunday, October 27th from 5:00-6:30 pm. Children are invited to come to the church in their Halloween costume and take candy from the differently decorated trunks. Hot dogs and drinks are free. 

Halloween Kids’ Trick or Treat!

Date: October 31, 2019, from 8 AM to 4 PM

Location: 982 N. Anderson Road, Rock Hill, SC

Description: Bring the kids by your Rock Hill Southern States on Halloween to trick or treat up and down our aisles for festive candy goodies! 

Historic Tega Cay Halloween

Date: October 31, 2019, from 6 PM

Location: Runde Park, 5110 Windward Drive, Tega Cay, SC

Description: Details will be provided closer to the event.