Let’s take a look at some of the opportunities for today in Upstate South Carolina’s real estate market for BuyNowUpstate.com.

1. Great prices. Our Builders, Developers, and REALTORS have drastically cut prices on great homes in great neighborhoods.

2. The time is right. Home sales volumes are rising again – a clear signal that today’s “buyers market” may be changing soon.

3. High inventory levels. Conditions are ideal for buyers to find their dream home. Inventory is still plentiful in all price ranges. But as sales volumes increase, inventory levels are likely to shrink. That reality translates into this advice for buyers: Don’t wait too long.

4. Low mortgage rates. Mortgage rates are still at the lowest levels since the 1960s. Lower rates multiply a buyer’s financial power. Even half a percent can make a sizeable difference. For example, on a $200,000 home, half of 1 percent could save the homeowner about $815 a year. Buyers can get more home for the money, which is a perfect scenario for families looking to upsize.

5. Incentives to buy. Federal, state and local housing programs can help buyers make that big purchase. The U.S. Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2009 include an $8,000 tax credit for first-time buyers. President Obama’s 2009 economic stimulus package also identifies and offers incentives to help home buyers with mortgages.

6. Homeownership has value. We believe – and research supports that belief – that homeownership provides a variety of tangible and intangible benefits to the community and homeowners. Studies show that home equity is still the largest single source of household wealth, both for the individual homeowner and for homeowners as a group.

7. Greater sense of well-being. Owning a home leads to increased personal well-being. Research shows that people who own their own homes tend to show higher levels of personal esteem and life satisfaction, which in turn helps to make homeowners and their children more productive members of society.

8. Beneficial for kids. Studies show that children raised in homes owned by their families are more likely to stay in school and more likely to graduate high school. They’re also shown to have a higher lifetime annual income.

9. Community involvement. People who own homes have a strong financial stake in what happens to their community and tend to become more involved in community and civic affairs. Studies show that homeowners also interact more with their neighbors and communities. Compared to renters, homeowners join up to 41 percent more civic and/or nonprofessional organizations, such as the PTA or Scouts; vote in local elections 15 percent more often; enhance their neighborhoods with gardens 12 percent more often; attend church about 10 percent more often; and have a 3 percent greater chance of being interested in public affairs.

10. An unsurpassed lifestyle. Finally, let’s not forget the things that brought people to Upstate South Carolina in the first place, and will continue to attract them – beautiful mountains and lakes, fabulous 4 seasonal weather and a friendly business climate.  It’s no wonder that with the combination of temperate climate, outstanding recreational amenities and economic opportunity has consistently put Upstate South Carolina in the top ten of Harris Poll’s “Most Desirable Places to Live” survey each year.