Judy McPherson

Business is booming in the Midland’s real estate market. It is brimming with people, both young and retired, seeking shelter in our Palmetto state. Building continues to soar, accommodating job growth and extending Columbia’s boundaries.

“We hear it over and over, again,” said Judy McPherson, a local realtor. “Retirees tell us they want to live in Columbia because it’s a friendly place.”

Real estate research shows the trend of retirees wanting to move south. McPherson says retirees seem to start with a vacation on our Carolina coast. Many of our new residents are seeking the sanctions of fair weather. They like mild winters so they can play golf, tennis, and hunt on a year–round basis. They begin as tourists, visiting our scenic coastlines. Many of these people are still land–lovers at heart and don’t want the hurricane hassles. Many find beach property not as affordable for their budget. They also want to enjoy the accessibility of being close to the mountains and yet close to the ocean and they also want the accessibility of community cultural events. So, they start looking in our Midlands.

The clients seem to want an all brick home or all vinyl. Low maintenance. They seem to want small yards, but enough space to tend a small garden. The most desired floor plan seems to include a master bedroom on the ground floor or the master bedroom on a separate side of the house. McPherson said the frog (finished room over garage) room is still a popular selling point as well as a media room.

Couples and families moving to the Midlands are community seekers. “We fell in love with the friendliness of Columbia’s people,” Marion Conklin, a first year resident to Columbia said. “We came to visit friends, and fell in love with the lakes and natural resources but mostly the people. People here in Columbia take the time to talk and relate. We could have retired anywhere, but we chose Columbia. We choose SC over Florida for friendliness.”

“Our market also includes many first–time homeowners,” McPherson said. She said that homebuyers are more informed than they used to be. There is so much information on the Internet, TV, and in magazine articles.

McPherson and other local realtors find Columbia homes sell themselves. “Sell friendliness, sell community, sell SOLD.”