The Heather Lamp Group

My sister who just graduated from ECU last year landed a great job at the local hospital and decided it was time to move out from mom and dad’s. The reason I am sharing this with you is because last night, I hear the text notification bing on my phone letting me know something new and exciting had just arrived. Sure enough, a message from my dearest friend, my sister. It was a photo of her decked out Christmas tree standing in her new living room with a message that read, “Can’t wait for you to get here!” (She works two jobs and this was her only free time to get the tree up:)  I love how  she  shared that moment with me although I wasn’t actually there. Only with technology! Which leads me to my long over due blog…  
 
It’s hard to believe Thanksgiving is  only one week away. Next week at this time, I too will be pulling out the tinsel, lights, tree and who knows what else. But before that, I can  whole heartedly  say I am ready for some  much needed time spent in the comfort of a friends home, nestled next to the fire with a wonderful red in hand while  conversations  from sports to politics to the latest small town who done it’s are  bouncing around in fun debate  with the smell of dishes,  prepared  by everyone who gathers, filling the air and delighting my senses. It’s been a tough year for everyone, including the top producers (I don’t care what  we tell you!), and I think we all need some time to reflect on 2010 and be thankful. Be very thankful!
 
Thankful  we are still here…working in this economy, sticking our necks out to gobble up the next transaction so we can take over the farm when this market turns around! I have seen a lot of “Turkey” agents walk the long and narrow to the chopping block, never to see the light of real estate again. It’s sad but true. Not me! I refuse. I will work five times harder for a little less (Short sales are hot!) because this turkey loves what she does.
 
Thankful I have such a great group of  friends and colleagues  who share with me  honestly during these good and bad times. There is something about an understanding heart who loves you without  having judgment, condemnation, guilt or “I told you so!” attached to the conversation.  For me it’s the true meaning of love and it’s what God wants us all to be towards one another. I have  been that friend and I have  friends who have been that friend  to me at times.  I believe it just might be the reason we are all still standing tall. But  there was  something magical that happened this year for me. No! It’s not my turning 40! Wise guy. It was  on the work front.  Some of my  work friendships have become deeper and more meaningful as we all work towards the same goals.  We as  agents are helping one another more, encouraging each other to stay focused  by  working smarter and  harder. Sometimes we found each other face to face sharing a cup of joe at the local five bucks, even though our offices were  in the same building.  It was our escape out of the office  to get recharged and all the while we were reconnecting too.  We praised, prayed and sometimes paid for one another’s coffee as we listened to the stories of our struggles and success. This year I realized  something…even though we are competition in our field  we are first and foremost friends who are all after the same thing…. building a successful business we can be proud of calling our own.  It’s in the toughest times this truth is revealed but never to be  hidden moving forward.      
 
Thankful  that the tough times have challenged me to learn more. Never has my business been so internet involved as it is today. I have a Facebook fan page, twitter, foursquare, blog and we are building our very first custom website to launch in early 2011. My out of town clients receive videos of neighborhoods and homes that peak their interest and yes, I took my first continuing education class online through our local board. Times will always change how we run the world of communication and  people are naturally  fearful of  change. This year, I chose to embrace it and the confidence it has given me in return is immeasurable.

Last and most importantly, I am thankful you have read this far. It’s a true measure of how much you care about me and my business. I am still here and need your help now more than ever going into 2011. Please remember to tell people about me when they mention real estate. I have helped families move from Germany to California this past year. There are no boundaries when it comes to helping families move. The world is my office, thanks to Technology:)

Happy Thanksgiving,

Heather Lamp

The Heather Lamp Group

More than Realtors…Professionals, Neighbors, Friends.

 …in Dual/Designated Agency to both clients.

The following example from the NC Real Estate Commission is discussed in our Update 2008-09 Course on pages 41 and 42. I want to give everyone a “friendly reminder” regarding the disclosure of compensation applying to dual and designated agency sales in your firm. Our NC Real Estate Commission is “adamant” that all licensees comply with brokerage and compensation rules effective October 1, 2008.

SOURCE: 2008-2009 Mandatory Update Workbook, NC Real Estate Commission

Example of Disclosure Required When Company/Broker Acting as Dual Agent

Example #6:
Facts: XYZ Realty represents a seller. In its listing agreement, the seller agrees to pay the Company a 5.5% commission and authorizes the Company to pay 2.5% to any buyer agent or seller subagent who brings a buyer. The listing agreement also specifies that the seller will pay any selling agent a $2,000 bonus above the commission split offered a selling agent, and that the seller authorizes the Company to act as a dual agent. An agent with XYZ Realty is working with a buyer as a buyer agent under an oral buyer agency agreement. The buyer agent told his buyer client initially that the broker expects to receive a commission from the listing company or seller equal to 3% of the sales price of any property on which the buyer makes an offer which is accepted by the seller. After showing the buyer several properties listed with other companies, the buyer now decides she wants to see XYZ™s listing. Prior to showing the property, the buyer agent orally informs the buyer client that they are now in a dual agency situation, obtains the buyer™s consent thereto, and also tells the buyer client that the seller of this property will pay a total commission of 5.5% of the contract price plus a $2,000 bonus to the Company which is acting as the agent for both parties. After viewing the property, the buyer decides she wants to make an offer on the property. What must the buyer agent do?

Comments: Because as yet there is no written agency agreement with the buyer, the buyer agent must prepare and have the buyer client sign a written buyer agency agreement in which the buyer also authorizes the Company to act as a dual agent. Since the buyer agent already knows what compensation is being offered on this particular property, the agent should specify that the buyer authorizes the Company to receive a 5.5% commission plus a $2,000 bonus as its compensation, all paid by the seller, if the buyer™s offer is accepted. The agent may indicate that the Company will not hold the buyer responsible for any sums not paid by the seller.After obtaining the buyer™s signature on the agency agreement, the broker may prepare an offer on behalf of the buyer. Had the buyer agency agreement already been in writing and authorized dual agency and had it specified a commission of 3% paid by the seller, then the buyer agent merely would have been required to tell the buyer that the Company would receive a 5.5% total commission and a $2,000 bonus paid by the seller. Prior to preparing the offer, the agent would also confirm in writing to the buyer the amount of the total commission and bonus the Company would receive from the seller. Total commissions and bonuses or consideration to be paid to the Company by either the buyer or seller must be disclosed to each principal in a dual agency situation as there is no “split” “ the Company receives all consideration paid by either principal.

Summary

Once the underlying buyer agency agreement is in writing, identifies the amount of compensation the buyer agent expects to receive from the listing agent or seller, and also authorizes the buyer agent to receive any bonuses, incentives or additional compensation paid to a buyer agent by the seller or listing company, the buyer agent does not need any additional consent from his/her buyer client, as s/he already has that permission in the written buyer agency agreement. What the revised rule requires is that the buyer agent merely put his/her principal on notice by timely disclosing to his/her buyer client those properties which are offering compensation above the amount stated in the buyer agency agreement, the value of the additional compensation, and to confirm that oral disclosure in writing prior to submitting an offer on behalf of the buyer. The buyer agent also should inform his/her buyer client if the compensation offered by the seller/listing company is less than the amount the buyer agent told the buyer s/he expected to receive. This is particularly important if the buyer agent expects his/her buyer client to pay the difference between the amount stated in the buyer agency agreement and the amount the seller/listing company will pay. The buyer should understand what his/her financial liability will be before s/he makes an offer. Where the buyer agent is working under an oral express agreement with his/her buyer client, s/he still must orally disclose to the buyer in a timely manner the amount or value of any compensation offered by the seller which differs from the amount the buyer agent has informed his/her client s/he expects to receive and must confirm that disclosure either in the buyer agency agreement itself when reducing it to writing prior to preparing any offer, or simultaneously in a separate writing at the time the broker and client enter into the written buyer agency agreement.

In a dual agency situation, because the Company has two principals and does not share the commissions, fees, bonuses or other consideration with any person or entity outside of the Company and its associated agents, it must disclose to both parties/principals the total commissions, bonuses, incentives, or other consideration the Company will receive from either its seller or buyer. Typically, the seller already is aware of the total compensation the Company will receive as it generally is paid by the seller and should be set forth in the listing agreement. The buyer should be informed orally of all consideration the Company will receive when showing an in-house listing (regardless of whether the Company is practicing traditional dual agency or designated dual agency) and the total consideration to be received by the Company should be confirmed in writing prior to either principal making or accepting an offer, if it is not already in writing. Where the Company also is receiving consideration from its buyer client in addition to any consideration paid by its seller client, then the form and value of the consideration paid by the buyer client must be orally disclosed to the seller client and confirmed in writing before either principal makes or accepts any offer from the other.

1. Use a Full Time Producing Real Estate Agent. If you want to sell quickly, this is the most important decision you™ll make. Top agents have a huge sphere of influence and  know the market. They  can gauge the correct price for your home, and give you an unbiased view of what you need to do to make your house shine.

2. Be flexible. After you decide on your initial asking price, think some more. How long will you wait until you consider reducing the price? What™s your bottom-line number?

3. Work with the buyer. Consider giving money for closing costs. Offer incentives such as a decorating allowance. Give the buyers a homeowners warranty. They don™t cost much, but they go a long way toward giving buyers peace of mind.

4. Declutter. Consider renting a storage unit (there are companies that will bring the unit to you to fill and return it when you™re ready to move). Clean out those closets, organize your cabinets, put everything you don™t use on a daily basis into storage. The more open and organized your house looks, the better.

5. Make it pretty. When prospective buyers arrive, you want the house to look good, smell good, feel good “ but don™t go overboard.

Here are some tips:

· Check your front door “ first impressions count! Clean off the scuff marks and the layer of pollen, wash any windows and polish the handle. Make sure the welcome mat is tidy and the entrance area is neat.

· Leave the house. Every time. Even better “ take your pets with you or arrange to drop them at a neighbor™s house. Don’t pressure or hurry buyers. Tell them to take all the time they need.

· Don’t expect buyers to remove their shoes. If they choose to do so, that™s great. But don™t insist.

· Don™t be stingy with the utilities. Turn on the heat or the A/C to ensure a comfortable temperature. · Beware the “fresh scent” trap. Yes, chocolate-chip cookies smell great. But your prospective buyer may be on a diet. Candles and air deodorizers can fill a room with a nice scent. But some people are allergic. You want your air to smell neutral, not flowery and not musty. · Open all the curtains and blinds to let in lots of light. However, if there™s an unattractive view, keep the blinds at an angle.

So, you have to relocate. Or the new house you’re building is finished. But you haven’t sold your current house.
    And now it’s sitting empty. Is that a big deal?
    “Your house still needs protection,” said John Frounfelter, an Allstate insurance agent in Rock Hill. “If the house is empty, you need a ‘vacant home policy’ to cover it.” A house is considered vacant after 30 to 60 days, Frounfelter said.
      When you purchase a vacant home policy, it’s “pretty bare bones,” Frounfelter said. It will cover the home’s structure, and damage from fire, wind, hail and hurricanes. But like regular homeowner policies, it excludes earthquake and flood damage.
    “You also can get protection for burglary and vandalism at an extra cost,” Frounfelter said.
    The bad news? The cost of a vacant home policy can be double, sometimes triple, of a standard homeowners policy.
    “Your standard policy can run $500 to $1,000 a year, depending on the house,” Frounfelter said. “But a vacant home policy is generally $1,500 to $2,500.”
    Many companies do give discounts for security systems, deadbolt locks and smoke detectors.
    Do you really need the coverage? Extreme, but still possible, scenarios include squatters moving in, an unnoticed fire or flooding, vandals wrecking the place. If someone were living in the house, each scenario could be avoided or dealt with.
    You may have to do some legwork to find a policy.
    “Not every company offers this,” Frounfelter said. “I’d say it was about 50/50. Allstate doesn’t cover vacant houses, but we have a brokerage partnership with a company that will.”
      It may not be your home any more, but it’s still your house and your responsibility. Think hard before deciding to leave your investment unprotected.

For 2009 Home Purchases

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 expanded the first-time homebuyer credit by increasing the credit amount to $8,000  for purchases made in 2009 before Dec. 1st.

For homes purchased in 2009, the credit does not have to be paid back unless the home ceases to be the taxpayer’s main residence within  a three-year period  following the purchase.

First-time homebuyers who purchase a home in 2009 can claim the credit on either  a 2008 tax return, due April 15, 2009, or  a 2009 tax return, due April 15, 2010. The credit may not be claimed before the closing date. But, if the closing  occurs after April 15, 2009, a taxpayer can still claim it on a 2008 tax return by requesting an extension of time to file or by filing an amended returnOver the past 12 months there have been 2 incentive packages of a Tax Credit for 1st time homebuyers. Here are some of the differences between the 2 so everyone is aware.

Initial Tax Credit
Amount of credit- lessor of 10% of cost of home or $7500
Revised Change to a maximum credit to $8000

Initial Tax Credit
Revenue Bond Financing-no credit allowed if home financed with state/local bond funding
Revised Change to purchasers who utilize revenue bond financing can use credit

Initial Tax Credit
Repayment- yes. Portion (6.67% of credit or $500) to be repaid each year for 15 years, starting with 2010 tax filing
Revised Change to NO repayment for purchases on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009

Initial Tax Credit
Recapture- if home sold before 15-year repayment period ends, then outstanding balance of repayment amount recaptured on sale.
Revised Change if home is sold within 3 years of purchase, entire amount of credit recaptured on sale. Applies only to homes purchased in 2009.

Initial Tax Credit
Termination of program July 1, 2009
Revised Change December 1, 2009

Initial Tax Credit
Effective Date- Purchases on or after April 8, 2008 and before January 1, 2009. Repayment to begin for 2010 tax year.
Revised Change all revisions are effective January 1,2009

There are a few things that remained the same between the 2 packages. Both are eligible on a primary residence only. Property type any single family residence (including condos, co-ops, townhouses) that will be used as a principle residence.

Both are refundable. It reduces (or can eliminate) income tax liability for the year of purchase. Any unused amount of tax credit will be refunded to purchaser. Both have income limits. Full amount of credit available for individuals with adjusted gross income of no more than $75,000 ($150,000 on joint return). Phases out above those caps ($95,000 and $170,000).

This program is for 1st time homebuyers only. Purchaser (and purchaser’s spouse) may not have owned a principle residence in 3 years previous to purchase.

This program gives  homebuyers a great opportunity and plenty of incentive to by a home. This in addition to the fact rates are still as low as they have been in decades. It is a great time to buy!

To apply for a home loan visit:

Ed Butler
Sr. Loan Officer
Cell 704-281-3822
E-fax 866-546-1902

ebutler@wrstarkey.com
www.EdButlerTeam.com

The State of South Carolina real estate commission mandates how  all real estate agents/brokers are to  work with the public.  In the state of SC it is required that at the first available opportunity,  agents are to review and  explain the SC Agency Brochure to the consumer. In the state of NC, the NC real estate commission requires a signature  from  both the agent and the consumer stating agency disclosure has been explained.

In the state of  SC & NC, you have the choice of two representations as a consumer. You can choose to be a  customer or a client. It’s very important as a consumer, you understand the difference  and  make the choice as to how the agent will represent you before you begin the process of looking at property. In the states of North &  South Carolina the agent must be hired to either represent the seller or the buyer. If you are purchasing a property and have not signed an agreement “Exclusive Right to Represent Buyer” then the agent  must represent the seller during the transaction and you will remain a customer.

*** It’s very important you as the consumer understand the importance of this information and decide how you will be represented prior to meeting with an agent. If you select to be a customer, keep all information as a buyer to yourself. Ex: How low you will go in the offer negotiations. Remember…the agent will represent the seller without an ERTRB signed.

A customer is entitled to  honest and full disclosure of all material facts, information about listings, showings of properties you select to view as well as  prepare contract forms to be submitted as offers. As a consumer, your agent is not allow to make suggestions about property value, or negotiate on your behalf or obligated to point out “Non-Material” facts.  Agents are not able to disclose sales history of the property or  provide any information about the seller’s reasons for moving. The agent can not provide you with confidential information or offer you confidentiality. Nor  is the agent allowed to interpet the market analysis of the neighborhood you are interested in purchasing a home. As a customer your agent will always work in the best interest of the seller.  Home shoppers who hop around agent to agent are not likely to find out all the information they need to make a best offer in their best interest. These are the very reasons why it’s important for consumers to find  an agent/broker  they can build a professional partnership with and contract to work with them in the purchase of their next property.

A client is entitled to full confidentiality as with a client/attorney fiduciary relationship. As a client you will benefit from the agent/brokers negotiation expertise, full disclosure of all non-material and material facts which may or may not effect the property value, property showings of all listings including for sale by owners and MLS lsitings which disallow sub-agency. As a client you hire the agent to represent you. You are not obligated to purchase a property. However, you are obligated to use  your buyer agent in the transaction. Your real estate agent is committed in writing and obligated to  work 100% in your best interest and commit to serving your best interest only.

Please contact our team at www.Heather-Lamp.com to request a copy of the NC or SC Agency Disclosure. If you are looking to partner with a professional real estate agent for the purchase of your next property, please call our  Buyer/Relo Specialist Katherine Finley at 803.524.0965 or our office at 803.835.0213. Via email yournextmove@kw.com

about how much the house down the street  really  sold  for!

We are in a high tech society  with  information that is available for all consumers  at their fingertips 24/7. Yet we  continue to  rely on those we know  personally to  help provide us with information we believe to be fact. Unfortunatly, the information provided to us by our neighbors, family and friends  won’t always benefit us in the long run if the facts are streched even the slightest.

A homeowners  ulitimate goal is  to  purchase a home where  the  value of the neighborhood  will continue to rise as they continue to reside there 3,5,10,20+ years.  And for those tough economic  times such as today’s when  national financial hardship has taken a toll  on our largest investment,  homeowners hope their neighborhood value will  sit steady.  Never does a homeowner want to see or hear that  the value of their home  or neighborhood has  decreased!

Because of this,  we  should not be surprised when  our neighbors  so matter-of-fact like tell us  how much  we should  price  our house for the market. “Mr. Smith down the street just sold his house last week for XXX amount of dollars. I wouldn’t list it for any less than his  contract price!”

And there it it! So despite  the Realtor’s  recommended  list price for today’s market value,  you end up  taking the bait otherwise known as advice of your neighbor and place the home “For Sale By Owner”.

Two weeks  go by… a few showings

Four weeks go by… a few more showings and a Open House

Six weeks go by…. active  buyers have slowed down and showings are minimal

You run into a friend who you haven’t seen in a while  that happens to  have lived  next to  Mr.Smith. You quickly learn Mr. Smith  had moved 8 months  prior to the closing  and the home was vacant. Mr.Smith was paying alimony to his mortgage here and ready to get it off the books.  You are mad at the thought of how much time you have wasted because your own neighbor mis-informed you with information you thought to be valuable.

The next day, you call the Realtor to schedule another meeting. He/She brings the neighborhood statistics of what had actually “Sold” in the last 6 mths and once again offers a recommended market price for your home. You sign the paperwork and within the first 8 showings, you have solidified terms and are “Under Contract”.

*** According to National Association of Realtors, if your house is priced right for todays market value, you should have an offer within the first 8 showings.

It’s important in todays market you know the facts! Ask your local real estate professional to provide you with those facts.  You get what you pay for…Don’t pay for your mortgage another 6-8 mths if you have to sell your home  quickly! It pays to have a professional represent you in the sell or purchase of your home.

To get  sold information within your own neighborhood, visit  http://sales.carolinahome.com/  and call me, Heather Lamp at 704-345-3869 or 803-835-0213.

TWITTER! And this one is singing a new song of praises from everyone, everywhere!

I must say, as a professional real estate practitioner, I understand the importance of feeding something.  And Yes,  this is just one more hungry cyber-mouth. Already, everyday I have to feed myself to get the energy  needed to work with clients and perform full speed ahead for 9 hours straight, I feed my sphere to increase my influence, I feed my applications with information so the world will hopefully list or buy property from my team. I feed my car with the enormous amounts of gas it takes to  complete my daily tasks, I feed my team with positive energy so they will feel empowered, I feed my clients with stats and other valuable information so they are educated on the market place, I feed hungry families through “Bag of Blessing” a company I founded in 2008 to help those who have experienced a crisis from either un-employment or unexpected medical treatment. And at the end of the day…I go home and feed my family.

So, as I try to keep up with this fast pace techie world that depends on us to feed it constantly, I do what I know needs to be done… I feed the birdie!

Follow Me, Heather Lamp, for real estate updates on TWITTER.

But it’s about time!  In today’s market,  buyers are benefiting greatly  when crossing over into South Carolina’s Fort Mill town. In the midst of financial turmoil around the nation, Fort Mill retains its small town, suburban appeal – and at an incredible deal  , according to one survey by “Business Week”.

The former mill town turned suburban hotspot ranks among the top 10 most affordable suburbs.

The magazine considered the affordability of suburbs around the country and selected one suburb from each state that met the magazine’s criteria for affordability. Suburbs within 25 miles of a major city with populations of 5,000 to 60,000 people and median incomes of $51,000 to $120,000 were considered.Ranking the suburbs was done by factors such as quality of education, crime rates, ease of commuting and availability of green space. Locales were penalized for poor weather, high divorce rates and lack of racial diversity. When the numbers were all in, Fort Mill ranked 10th among the most affordable suburbs.

If you are looking to relocate into the Charlotte area, let me be the first to invite you to tour our town “Fort Mill”. It’s the only time you can cross a line and not get into trouble!

For additional information, please contact Heather Lamp at 803-835-0213 or Yournextmove@kw.com

I can still remember the smell! I  was young  but I knew instantly this was the worst thing my eyes had ever seen in the 5 years I’ve been looking at the world.  I watched the  smoke racing to beat the flames as both of them  over powered each other and destroyed our home.  Thankfully, we were not  inside  when the fire broke out.  However, we were  just around the corner. In an instant, all was lost material wise and we found ourselves staring at our  small single wide trailer  destroyed by the devestation that lies before us in a burnt offering. We  agreed, had we been inside asleep, we would not be here today.

Times have changed and local firefighters are taking advantage of the tools to keep us safe.   Fort Mill Firefighters are better equipt with two thermal imaging cameras.

“It helps us do our job better because it helps us see where the human eye can’t,” Fire Chief Ken Kerber said. “It’s a tool that we use that can be a life saver.”

Per the Fort Mill Times, the fire department recently purchased the cameras as part of a $27,715 V-SAFE grant. The cameras cost $22,193, according to fire department records. Also purchased was a laptop and associated software and fire rescue supplies and hoses used to help victims and injured firefighters.

Kerber applied for the grant in 2007. The S.C. State Fire Marshal’s Office received 406 applications. Of those, 104 fire departments, including the Fort Mill Fire Department, were awarded the V-SAFE grant – a joint effort between the S.C. State Fire Marshal’s Office and the S.C. Firefighters’ Association.

The grant is specifically structured for fire departments with a high ratio of volunteer firefighters, Kerber said. In the Town of Fort Mill, nine firefighters are full time and 14 are volunteers, he said.

Notification of the grant award was handed down Feb. 1, 2008, paving for the way for the fire department to purchase its new gear last summer.

“Everything we bought with the grant proceeds is either directly or indirectly related to life-safety issues,” Kerber said.

“It takes us about three or less minutes to search a house with our thermal imaging camera,” he said of an average size house. “Without it, that [search] goes up to five or more minutes.”

Since acquiring the cameras, the department has not responded to a fire in which there was a victim hidden from view that needed to be located, Broome said. But if the unthinkable happened, the department stands ready. The technology also makes actual firefighting more efficient.

“We use the thermal imaging camera to find heat in walls,” Kerber said. “This camera helps us find those hidden hotspots and the fire that is potentially fatal.”

With the grant, officials also purchased two air cylinders for two rapid intervention packs and two hoses that, if needed, attach to the air cylinders. The gear is available for the “worst-case scenario and are a necessary part of the safety of our firefighters and civilians during a working fire,” Kerber wrote in a letter documenting his progress in executing the grant.

The purchase of RIT bags was a necessary first for the fire department. The RIT bag is loaded with everything firefighters wear when battling fires and having such a bag could be the difference between life and death for a fire victim or down firefighter, Broome said.

“RIT is to get the (breathing) air to the guys who are running out of air,” Broome said. “It has enough oxygen for about 35 to 40 minutes.”

Also purchased with the grant money was a laptop. Officials plan to use the computer for quarterly inspections and to document emergency calls as well as origins and sources of fires, Kerber said. With the computer, fire officials can complete their fire reports on scene.

The computer also will be used when the department makes bimonthly fire prevention stops throughout the community, including schools. The idea is safety.

“Our priority is life safety and property preservation. That’s what we do. Any new tools that we get that make our job more efficient or safer and makes our citizens safer is an appropriate use of the grant.”   ###

If you or anyone you know is a local firefighter and looking to purchase or sell a home, please have them contact Heather Lamp at 803-835-0213. We  offer a Neighborhood HERO program which gives back 20% of earned commission on the HUD  to those HERO’s who live  within our community. This program also applies to police officers, teachers, EMT’s and military service men and women.  Vendors who  specialize in loans, home inspections, pest inspections, accounting services, hair salons, banks have also partnered with Neighborhood HERO. Visit www.NeighborhoodHERO.org for more information.