https://blog.thedowningteam.com We’ll guide you through all your options for selling your home in Columbia, SC & Greenville and provide insights into our local market so you can make the best decision for your move. en brentd@thedowningteam.com Fri, 30 Oct 2026 17:44:24 +0000 Owner/Broker | Realtor® at The Downing Group Business brentd@thedowningteam.com Owner/Broker | Realtor® at The Downing Group Owner/Broker | Realtor® at The Downing Group false We’ll guide you through all your options for selling your home in Columbia, SC & Greenville and provide insights into our local market so you can make the best decision for your move. We’ll guide you through all your options for selling your home in Columbia, SC & Greenville and provide insights into our local market so you can make the best decision for your move. https://blog.thedowningteam.com/how-to-choose-between-clemson-and-seneca-sc.html brentd@thedowningteam.com Fri, 16 Oct 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://storage.googleapis.com/podcast-shows/Brent%20Downing/2026/How%20to%20Choose%20Between%20Clemson%20and%20Seneca%2C%20SC.mp4 If you're comparing Clemson and Seneca, the map will tell you they're basically the same decision, and the map is wrong. They're close enough that buyers put them in the same search, but they can build very different daily routines depending on where the home actually sits. In this video, I walk through the questions that help you decide which town should be your starting point, and why the lake decision is separate from the town decision. A Clemson mailing address doesn't automatically give you the same relationship to the university, Lake Hartwell, or downtown. Watch the video before you start saving homes. false A Clemson address and a Seneca address can mean very different things. Start with the week you want, then compare specific properties. Owner/Broker | Realtor® at The Downing Group A Clemson address and a Seneca address can mean very different things. Start with the week you want, then compare specific properties. https://blog.thedowningteam.com/north-lake-murray-irmo-ballentine-and-chapin-compared.html brentd@thedowningteam.com Tue, 29 Sep 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://storage.googleapis.com/podcast-shows/Brent%20Downing/2026/North%20Lake%20Murray_%20Irmo%2C%20Ballentine%2C%20and%20Chapin%20Compared.mp4 If your Lake Murray search includes Irmo, Ballentine, and Chapin, it's tempting to treat those names like they're interchangeable. They sit close together on a map, but a mailing address won't tell you about your routes, your weekly routine, or what a property actually offers on the water. In this video, I share a practical way to compare these three areas and the questions to ask before you get attached to a listing. Watch my video before you save a hundred listings. false These three north side areas aren't interchangeable. Learn how to build your search around your weekly routine instead of a mailing address. Owner/Broker | Realtor® at The Downing Group These three north side areas aren't interchangeable. Learn how to build your search around your weekly routine instead of a mailing address. https://blog.thedowningteam.com/lake-keowee-vs-lake-hartwell-where-to-start.html brentd@thedowningteam.com Mon, 14 Sep 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://storage.googleapis.com/podcast-shows/Brent%20Downing/2026/Lake%20Keowee%20vs.%20Lake%20Hartwell_%20Where%20to%20Start.mp4 If you're shopping for a lake home in the Upstate, you've probably already narrowed it to one question: Lake Keowee or Lake Hartwell. Treating that as a ranking is where a lot of waterfront searches go sideways, because the lake name tells you almost nothing about the property. In this video, I show you what separates these two lakes, starting with a water-level swing of up to 20 feet on one of them. Once you know what to look at, you'll know which lake, and which part of it, fits the way you'll really live. Watch my video before you start touring waterfront homes. false One lake isn't better than the other, so here's how location, water levels, price, and permits should decide which search you start with. Owner/Broker | Realtor® at The Downing Group One lake isn't better than the other, so here's how location, water levels, price, and permits should decide which search you start with. https://blog.thedowningteam.com/lake-murray-29212-waterfront-access-or-near-the-lake.html brentd@thedowningteam.com Tue, 01 Sep 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://storage.googleapis.com/podcast-shows/Brent%20Downing/2026/Lake%20Murray%E2%80%99s%2029212%20ZIP%20Code.mp4 If you're searching for a home around Lake Murray and you see a Columbia address in the 29212 ZIP code, don't assume you know exactly what you're getting. That one ZIP code can put you in a very different home depending on the property, your routes, and how you plan to use the lake. In this video, I explain why 29212 is a great starting point but a poor filter, and how to search by your real relationship with the lake, your weekly drive, and the listing details that actually need verifying. Getting specific up front is what helps buyers land a home that works after move-in, not just one that looked good online. Watch the video to see how I'd approach it. false A Columbia 29212 address can put you anywhere from true waterfront to a short drive from the lake. Here's how to search so the home fits your life. Owner/Broker | Realtor® at The Downing Group A Columbia 29212 address can put you anywhere from true waterfront to a short drive from the lake. Here's how to search so the home fits your life. https://blog.thedowningteam.com/greenville-vs-greer-sc-which-location-fits-your-life.html brentd@thedowningteam.com Tue, 25 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://storage.googleapis.com/podcast-shows/Brent%20Downing/2026/Greenville%20vs.%20Greer%20SC_%20Which%20Location%20Fits%20Your%20Life.mp4 When people search "Greenville vs Greer," they usually want to know which one is better, but that's not really the question. The one that matters is which location fits the way you're actually going to live every week, and the answer changes how you should search. In this video, I walk through how to build your search around your weekly routine, how to weigh downtown Greenville against your real day-to-day, and the questions to ask before you commit to a specific house. You might love the idea of one area, then find the other makes more sense once you map out your normal week. Watch the video to see how to choose the area and the property that actually fits your life. false Most buyers pick a city by the name they know first. Here's how to choose between Greenville and Greer based on how you actually live each week. Owner/Broker | Realtor® at The Downing Group Most buyers pick a city by the name they know first. Here's how to choose between Greenville and Greer based on how you actually live each week. https://blog.thedowningteam.com/lakefront-lake-access-or-near-lake-murray-explained.html brentd@thedowningteam.com Mon, 10 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://storage.googleapis.com/podcast-shows/Brent%20Downing/2026/Lakefront%2C%20Lake%20Access%2C%20or%20Near%20Lake%20Murray%2C%20Explained.mp4 If a listing says a home is near Lake Murray, that does not automatically mean you can walk out your back door, step onto a dock, and put a boat on the water. It is one of the easiest ways buyers end up disappointed after falling in love with the photos. In this video, I break down the real difference between true lakefront, lake access, and simply being near Lake Murray, and the exact questions to answer before you make an offer. Get these three categories straight, and you will shop with a clear head instead of a listing headline making the decision for you. Watch the video to see which one actually fits the life you want on the lake. false On Lake Murray, the same word can mean a private dock or a 20-minute drive to a public ramp. Here's how to know what you're really getting. Owner/Broker | Realtor® at The Downing Group On Lake Murray, the same word can mean a private dock or a 20-minute drive to a public ramp. Here's how to know what you're really getting. https://blog.thedowningteam.com/how-to-enjoy-lake-murray-without-spending-a-million.html brentd@thedowningteam.com Mon, 20 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://storage.googleapis.com/podcast-shows/Brent%20Downing/2026/How%20to%20Enjoy%20Lake%20Murray%20Without%20Spending%20a%20Million.mp4 When people think about living on Lake Murray, they picture million-dollar lake houses and a lifestyle that feels completely out of reach. It isn't, and the buyers who figure that out are on the water every weekend for a fraction of what everyone assumes it costs. In my latest video, I break down where I'd actually be looking if I wanted lake access without draining my bank account, starting with the one mistake that costs buyers hundreds of thousands before they ever make an offer. Watch my video to find out which option fits your budget. false Most buyers want the Lake Murray lifestyle, not the waterfront price tag. Here's where I'd look to get both. Owner/Broker | Realtor® at The Downing Group Most buyers want the Lake Murray lifestyle, not the waterfront price tag. Here's where I'd look to get both. https://blog.thedowningteam.com/the-5-lexington-new-construction-neighborhoods-worth-your-time.html brentd@thedowningteam.com Mon, 13 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://storage.googleapis.com/podcast-shows/Brent%20Downing/2026/5%20Lexington%20New%20Construction%20Communities%20Buyers%20Are%20Touring%20Now.mp4 If you're thinking about buying a brand-new home in Lexington, most buyers start by comparing floor plans, and that's the wrong place to start. After helping thousands of buyers, I've found that the neighborhood you choose usually matters more than whether the kitchen has white or gray cabinets. In my latest video, I walk through five new construction communities in Lexington that buyers are touring right now, what I like about each, and who I think each one fits best. I also share one piece of advice about model homes that could save you thousands of dollars. Watch my video before you schedule your first tour. false Before you fall for a floor plan, here are five Lexington communities worth touring and which one each one actually fits. Owner/Broker | Realtor® at The Downing Group Before you fall for a floor plan, here are five Lexington communities worth touring and which one each one actually fits. https://blog.thedowningteam.com/why-families-love-forest-acres-in-columbia-sc.html brentd@thedowningteam.com Thu, 25 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://storage.googleapis.com/podcast-shows/Brent%20Downing/2026/Why%20Families%20Love%20Forest%20Acres%20in%20Columbia%2C%20SC.mp4 If you're moving to the Columbia area and want a family-friendly neighborhood, one community comes up again and again: Forest Acres. But is it actually the best family neighborhood in Columbia? In this video, we take an honest look at what makes Forest Acres so popular, including the drawbacks most buyers don't hear about until later. Watch our video for the full picture. false A close look at what makes Forest Acres so popular with Columbia families, plus the drawbacks worth knowing before you buy. Owner/Broker | Realtor® at The Downing Group A close look at what makes Forest Acres so popular with Columbia families, plus the drawbacks worth knowing before you buy. https://blog.thedowningteam.com/is-the-shandon-neighborhood-in-columbia-worth-the-price.html brentd@thedowningteam.com Wed, 10 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://storage.googleapis.com/podcast-shows/Brent%20Downing/2026/Is%20the%20Shandon%20Neighborhood%20in%20Columbia%20Worth%20the%20Price_.mp4 What's it actually like to live in Shandon, one of Columbia's most recognizable neighborhoods, and is it really worth the higher price tag? Shandon isn't cheap, but for the right buyer, it may be one of the most desirable places in the city. In this video, I break down Shandon's lifestyle, homes, and location, and give you my honest take on who the premium makes sense for and who might find better value elsewhere. Watch my video before you decide whether Shandon is the right fit for you. false Shandon isn't Columbia's cheapest neighborhood, but for the right buyer, it may be the most desirable. Here's what that premium actually buys you. Owner/Broker | Realtor® at The Downing Group Shandon isn't Columbia's cheapest neighborhood, but for the right buyer, it may be the most desirable. Here's what that premium actually buys you. https://blog.thedowningteam.com/What-Its-Really-Like-Living-in-The-Vista-Columbia.html brentd@thedowningteam.com Fri, 22 May 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://storage.googleapis.com/podcast-shows/Brent%20Downing/2026/What%20It's%20Really%20Like%20Living%20in%20The%20Vista%2C%20Columbia.mp4 What's it actually like living in The Vista in Columbia, South Carolina? It's one of the first neighborhoods buyers ask about when they want to walk to restaurants, meet friends for drinks, and live near downtown. But living there is very different from visiting for dinner. In this video, I break down condos, nightlife, and walkability in The Vista so you can decide whether it actually fits your lifestyle. Watch my video before you start looking at units. false A walkable, urban pocket of downtown Columbia with real trade-offs. What works about The Vista and what might not work for your lifestyle. Owner/Broker | Realtor® at The Downing Group A walkable, urban pocket of downtown Columbia with real trade-offs. What works about The Vista and what might not work for your lifestyle. https://blog.thedowningteam.com/south-carolina-2026-market-update-are-prices-still-rising.html brentd@thedowningteam.com Wed, 06 May 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://storage.googleapis.com/podcast-shows/Brent%20Downing/2026/South%20Carolina%202026%20Market%20Update_%20Are%20Prices%20Still%20Rising_.mp4 If you're wondering what's happening in the Upstate South Carolina real estate market, the first quarter of 2026 told an interesting story. The numbers are shifting in ways we haven't seen in a few years, and it's changing what works for both buyers and sellers. In this video, I break down what the Q1 numbers actually mean for your next move across the Upstate. Watch my video for the full Q1 2026 market update. false Prices are rising at a healthier pace, inventory has improved, and buyers have more room to negotiate. Here's what the first quarter numbers mean for your next move. Owner/Broker | Realtor® at The Downing Group Prices are rising at a healthier pace, inventory has improved, and buyers have more room to negotiate. Here's what the first quarter numbers mean for your next move. https://blog.thedowningteam.com/top-reasons-to-move-to-chapin-sc.html brentd@thedowningteam.com Sat, 04 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://storage.googleapis.com/podcast-shows/Brent%20Downing/2026/Top%20Reasons%20to%20Move%20to%20Chapin%2C%20SC.mp4 Looking for a place with lake access, strong schools, and a friendly community? Chapin, SC, offers all that and more, just a short drive from Columbia. But what’s it really like to live there? In this video, I’ll take you inside the neighborhoods, the local lifestyle, and why residents love calling Chapin home. Check out my latest video to know more. false Chapin offers lake access, strong schools, and a quieter pace of life, all just a short drive from Columbia. Owner/Broker | Realtor® at The Downing Group Chapin offers lake access, strong schools, and a quieter pace of life, all just a short drive from Columbia. https://blog.thedowningteam.com/how-is-the-columbia-real-estate-market-in-2026.html brentd@thedowningteam.com Thu, 26 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://storage.googleapis.com/podcast-shows/Brent%20Downing/2026/How%20Is%20the%20Columbia%20Real%20Estate%20Market%20in%202026_.mp4 Wondering what the 2026 Columbia real estate market will look like? After years of uncertainty and fluctuations, many potential buyers and sellers remain on the sidelines, afraid of getting the timing wrong. In this update, I’m breaking down what's actually happening beneath the headlines about rates, inventory, and buyer behavior. Right now, mortgage rates are easing to around the low to mid-sixes, creating new opportunities for refinancing and purchasing that you might not have considered. If you want to know what the market may bring this year, check out my video. false Columbia’s market is stabilizing. Rates are easing, inventory is growing, prices are steady, and homeowners are deciding their next move. Owner/Broker | Realtor® at The Downing Group Columbia’s market is stabilizing. Rates are easing, inventory is growing, prices are steady, and homeowners are deciding their next move. https://blog.thedowningteam.com/what-are-the-best-ways-to-buy-a-home-before-selling.html brentd@thedowningteam.com Wed, 11 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://storage.googleapis.com/podcast-shows/Brent%20Downing/2026/What%20Are%20the%20Best%20Ways%20to%20Buy%20a%20Home%20Before%20Selling_.mp4 Are you worried about losing your dream home because your current house hasn't sold yet? Many homeowners feel stuck waiting for a buyer while perfect opportunities pass them by. Today, I will share four strategies to help you secure a new property before you even list your current one. This approach prevents the "double-move" chaos and keeps your finances protected throughout the transition. Check out my latest video to learn how to bridge the gap between homes with confidence. false Timing a home sale and purchase is tricky. Leverage bridge loans and rent-back agreements to secure your next property without the risk of two mortgages. Owner/Broker | Realtor® at The Downing Group Timing a home sale and purchase is tricky. Leverage bridge loans and rent-back agreements to secure your next property without the risk of two mortgages. https://blog.thedowningteam.com/what-steps-should-i-take-to-prepare-my-home-for-sale.html brentd@thedowningteam.com Tue, 17 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://storage.googleapis.com/podcast-shows/Brent%20Downing/2026/What%20Steps%20Should%20I%20Take%20To%20Prepare%20My%20Home%20for%20Sale_.mp4 Could a few simple updates make your home irresistible to buyers? Selling your home can feel confusing when you’re not sure what buyers notice or which improvements actually make a difference. Today, I’m breaking down the steps that can help your property stand out, from small repairs and smart staging to pricing it just right. Knowing what buyers focus on and how to highlight your home’s best features can help you sell faster and get the most value. If you want to learn how to make your home shine and attract serious offers, check out my video. false You need to focus on what buyers notice first, such as curb appeal and a clutter-free interior. Owner/Broker | Realtor® at The Downing Group You need to focus on what buyers notice first, such as curb appeal and a clutter-free interior. https://blog.thedowningteam.com/should-you-buy-or-refinance-your-columbia-home-in-2026.html brentd@thedowningteam.com Thu, 05 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://storage.googleapis.com/podcast-shows/Brent%20Downing/2026/Should%20You%20Buy%20or%20Refinance%20Your%20Columbia%20Home%20in%202026_.mp4 Mortgage rates are finally easing in early 2026, giving buyers and homeowners new opportunities. I spoke with John Morgan, mortgage expert, about what to watch, how to prepare, and when it might make sense to act. Don’t miss a chance to save money or secure your next home. Click the link below to get expert guidance and see how these opportunities could work for you. false Refinancing could make sense in early 2026. An expert explains how to weigh costs, savings, and timing. Owner/Broker | Realtor® at The Downing Group Refinancing could make sense in early 2026. An expert explains how to weigh costs, savings, and timing. https://blog.thedowningteam.com/welcome.html brentd@thedowningteam.com Fri, 16 Jan 2026 07:00:00 +0000 https://example.com/podcast.mp4 Here you can expect to find a variety of content designed to support you at every stage of your real estate journey. false Hello and welcome to our video blog! We are thrilled to have you here as part of our growing community of homeowners, future homeowners, and real estate enthusiasts. Owner/Broker | Realtor® at The Downing Group Hello and welcome to our video blog! We are thrilled to have you here as part of our growing community of homeowners, future homeowners, and real estate enthusiasts. Owner/Broker | Realtor® at The Downing Group Owner/Broker | Realtor® at The Downing Group nonadult We’ll guide you through all your options for selling your home in Columbia, SC & Greenville and provide insights into our local market so you can make the best decision for your move.