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The Downing Group Blog

Lakefront, Lake Access, or Near Lake Murray? Know the Difference Before You Buy

When a listing says it is “near Lake Murray,” that does not automatically mean you can walk to a dock, launch a boat, or use the water from that property. For Lake Murray buyers, three phrases often get used as though they mean the same thing: **lakefront**, **lake access**, and **near the lake**. They do… Read more »

South Carolina Property Taxes: 4% vs. 6% Before You Buy

Buying a home in South Carolina comes with more than a purchase price and monthly payment. One detail that can meaningfully affect your budget is how the property is classified for property-tax purposes. Many buyers hear people talk about the “4% rate” and the “6% rate.” The most important thing to know is that these… Read more »

Buying Property on Lake Murray, SC: What to Check Before You Buy

Buying property on Lake Murray, South Carolina can look simple from the road: find a home with a great view, picture the boat at the dock, and start planning weekends on the water. The reality is more specific. Two homes that both appear to be “on Lake Murray” can offer very different experiences. The dock… Read more »

How to Enjoy Lake Murray Without Spending a Million

How to Enjoy Lake Murray Without Spending a Million When people picture living on Lake Murray, they often picture a waterfront home, a private dock, and a price point that feels out of reach. But waterfront ownership is only one way to enjoy the lake. For many buyers, the better starting point is not “How… Read more »

What It’s Really Like Living in The Vista, Columbia

  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,… Read more »

South Carolina 2026 Market Update: Are Prices Still Rising?

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… Read more »

Living in Lexington, SC: A Quick Guide for Newcomers

A lot of people relocating to the Columbia area end up choosing Lexington, and there are some real reasons why it keeps landing at the top of the list. I’ll give you a quick look at what living in Lexington is really like, from the lake and the commute to the school district that keeps… Read more »

Top Reasons to Move to Chapin, SC 🙌

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… Read more »

How Is the Columbia Real Estate Market in 2026?

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… Read more »

Interested in what homes are priced at in our area?

Interested in what homes are priced at in our area? This visual shows the median listing price for our market. If you want to know more about local home prices, let’s connect. #keepingcurrentmatters #kcmlocal #homeprices #listingprice #homesforsale #realestatemarket #expertanswers

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