Lake Murray Environmentals

A NEW Lake Murray information page from Mel Coker...

Which month is better for a dip in Lake Murray, November or April? (November)
Which month, on average, gets the 2nd most amount of rain at Lake Murray? (January)

All of this and more is answered on my new web page with Lake Murray average air temperaturess, average precipitation, average lake levels, and average water temperatures.

CLICK HERE: Lake Murray "Environmentals"

Mel Coker
Your Lake Murray Realtor
RE/MAX Metro Associates
(803) 388-8011
http://www.melcoker.com/
http://www.lakemurray-sc.com/

TOP 5 Reasons for Boating Citations from DNR

Don't Get in Trouble Boating at Lake Murray!
Here are the TOP 5 Reasons for Boating Citations from S.C. Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Officers on Lake Murray:

1. Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) inadequate

2. Negligent Operation
3. Boating Under the Influence
4. Violation of "No Wake" zones
5. Lapsed Boat Registation decals

Links for Lake Murray Boating & Boating Safety:
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
Boating Laws and Responsibilities
South Carolina Boating Regulations
S.C. Online Boating Safety Course & Exam
South Carolina - Personal Flotation Devices (life jackets)

Lake Murray Merchandise Now For Sale

LakeHeads Lake Murray Merchandise For Sale at Capital City Lake Murray Country
Capital City Lake Murray Country now has Lake Murray merchandise for sale online and at the Visitor's Center.  Official merchandise includes: caps and visors, t-shirts, sweatshirts, women's tanks, polos, tote bags, license plates, Lake Murray prints and more.

CLICK HERE to view the LakeHeads Official Merchandise Store

A portion of the profits will go to the Capital City Lake Murray Country Visitor's Center to help promote Lake Murray, and the region of Columbia and Richland, Lexington, Newberry and Saluda counties.  Capital City/Lake Murray Country (CCLMC), is one of the state's eleven tourism regions recognized by The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism (PRT) and The South Carolina Association of Tourism Regions (SCATR).

The Capital City Lake Murray Visitor's Center is located at Lake Murray, on the north side of the Lake Murray Dam at 2184 North Lake Drive (SC 6), Irmo.
Lake Heads Official Lake Murray merchandise:
http://estore.websitepros.com/1910038/StoreFront.bok

Lake Murray - South Carolina's GREAT Lake!

Lake Murray information from Mel Coker, Columbia SC Realtor:

Lake Murray website

Lake Murray Blog

Lake Murray eBook

Lake Murray Fishing

Walk Across the Dam

Mel Coker - Columbia SC real estate

Lake Murray Dusk  *  November 16, 2009

Win a Trip to Lake Murray Country

Capital City Lake Murray Country is giving away a trip in March 2010 for a family to stay in the Lake Murray area.

You can't have a chance at winning if you don't register!

CLICK HERE to enter

More Lake Murray information:
http://www.lakemurray-sc.com/

Mel Coker's eBooks

eBooks by Mel Coker

I've published several eBooks at issuu.com.  Take a look at some of my books!

Veterans Day is Wednesday, November 11th

Veterans Day is Wednesday, November 11th!

The City of Columbia Veterans Day Parade will be November 11th in downtown Columbia. This parade is one of the largest Veterans Day parades in the United States.  The parade route starts at the Laurel & Sumter Street intersection and runs south on Sumter Street to Gervais Street.  The parade starts around 10:45 a.m.

This federal holiday was initially known as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I on November 11, 1917. The holiday officially began in 1926 and in 1954 the holiday name was changed to Veterans Day.

History of Veterans Day website

Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to United States national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served - not only those who died - have sacrificed and done their duty. PLEASE BE SURE TO THANK A VETERAN FOR THEIR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY!

I've created a webpage with information for the Columbia, SC Veterans Day parade and to honor our veterans. Please check the page out as it contains other information such as: Veterans Day links, pictures from our Memorial Park in Columbia, SC and the name of America's most decorated soldier from ANY international/foreign war (HINT: it's not Alvin York or Audie Murphy and he WAS born in South Carolina!).

CLICK HERE for the Veterans Day website from Mel Coker
 

Click Here for: Military in South Carolina

"The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation."
– George Washington
General and Commander-in-Chief & First President of the United States of America

Tired of HIGH real estate Taxes? Move to Columbia SC.

Tired of high real estate taxes?
You may want to consider South Carolina.

A recently released study by the Tax Foundation ranked all states by Median Property Taxes Paid on Homes.  The top 10 states with highest real estate taxes:
1.) New Jersey (3.3 times higher than the U.S. median), 2.) Connecticut, 3.) New Hampshire, 4.) New York, 5.) Rhode Island, 6.) Massachusetts, 7.) Illinois, 8.) Vermont, 9.) Wisconsin, 10.) California (1.5 times higher than the U.S. median).

In South Carolina, real estate property taxes on owner occupied homes are reasonable.  In fact, our state ranks 6th lowest.  Other taxes are reasonable in South Carolina and there are tax breaks for senior citizens on real estate taxes and income.

Click to view the Tax Foundation Tax Data

CLICK HERE: Why Taxes Matter



“We contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.”

—Winston Churchill
 
Columbia, SC real estate
Call Mel Coker to buy a home in the Columbia, SC area (Lexington, Chapin, Lake Murray, Irmo)
(803) 223-6214

Columbia SC Named One of America's Best Places to Live for Retirees!

U.S. News & World Report has named Columbia SC as one of America's Best Affordable Places to Retire!
Of course, I knew that already as a Columbia Realtor and life-long resident of Columbia.  Columbia IS a great place to live, especially for retirees.

The complete article (September 28, 2009):

America's Best Affordable Places to Retire
U.S. News & World Report worked with a data search company to seek out places with a low cost of living and reasonable housing prices that still offered access to the services and amenities that people should look for in an ideal retirement spot. Each city on the list has high-quality healthcare and elder-care facilities, as well as an abundance of educational and cultural events.

Columbia SC - Editor's Pick for Best Place for Retirement Living

Topping the list of reasons that Columbia SC was chosen as a BEST PLACE TO LIVE FOR  RETIREMENT:  low median home prices AND low owner occupied property taxes (homeowners over age 65 get even lower tax bills).  The median home sale price in 2008 was about $148,000.  Average property taxes were listed around $1,000.  Homeowners over age 65 get a $50,000 reduction on assessed tax value to further lower property tax bills.

More reasons to choose Columbia SC for affordable retirement living: 

• LOW overall cost of living
• GREAT weather - lots of sunshine and mild winters (snow is rare)Friendly people and Southern hospitality
• Excellent health care facilities
• Lake Murray  - one of the BEST lakes in all of the South is popular for boating, fishing and fun
• Easy access to city, regional and state parks and even a National Park close to Columbia
• THREE rivers through Columbia - Congaree, Broad and Saluda for canoeing and kayaking
• Numerous and diverse cultural activities: antebellum architecture in historic districts, excellent   musuems, outdoor concerts, University of South Carolina athletic events
• Military retirees enjoy amenities and benefits provided by U.S. Army Fort Jackson and Dorn VA hospital
• Nice places to shop including several malls and special shopping districts including Five Points and Congaree Vista
• Stable economy and work force employers
• There's more, but at least the above list is a start as to why you should choose Columbia SC for your place to call home for retirement!

More Columbia SC information:

Columbia "A to Z"  |  Columbia Blog  |  Lake Murray  |  Lake Murray Blog  |  |  Lake Murray eBook  |  Columbia SC real estate  |  Search Columbia SC real estate

When you're ready for more Columbia SC real estate information, contact Mel Coker:

Office: (803) 223-6214

Mobile: (803) 318-2007

email contact form

email

Columbia SC real estate website

Mel Coker

Search for Lake Murray homes for sale

Search for  Lake Murray or Columbia area Homes for Sale

I've updated my GreatColumbiaSChomes.com website to include NEW MLS search features.  Click below to see this website:
GreatColumbiaSCHomes.com
At this website, I have 4 different MLS search features available for your convenience.

Of course, the BEST way to get started with buying ANY Lake Murray or Columbia area home is to contact Mel Coker.  I live ON Lake Murray and I know Lake Murray.  Mel Coker should be YOUR Lake Murray Realtor.  Call Mel Coker at (803) 388-8011.

I've included one of my MLS search features below with a starting point of zip code 29036 (Chapin area).



Mel Coker
http://www.melcoker.com/
http://www.lakemurray-sc.com/

Lake Murray FISHING Page

The Fishing is GREAT at Lake Murray!
CLICK for my NEW Lake Murray Fishing Web Page

Tournaments are hosted frequently on the lake, including the Forest Wood Cup at Lake Murray in August 2008. Lake Murray is known as one of the most productive lakes in the Southeast for largemouth bass and striped bass. Lake Murray state record fish include: white bass, white perch, white crappie, and white catfish.

What's on my Fishing at Lake Murray page: link to Buddy's fishing guide service, DNR fishing report, Lake Murray fish attractors, license information and link to buy online, Lake Murray weather link, order Lake Murray map or poster online and more.

Fishing at Lake Murray  |   Lake Murray website

Selling Your Home or Property at Lake Murray?

Selling Your Home or Property at Lake Murray?
Contact Mel Coker.

I am a life-long resident of Columbia and have been living on Lake Murray now for the past 7 years in the Chapin area.  I know Lake Murray!

I provide unmatched Internet marketing for listings for sale on the lake.  As Columbia's exclusive CyberStars Realtor, I always work to provide the best use of technology in marketing my listings.   Some of the technology that I utilize includes: virtual tours on multiple web domains and platforms, RealBird virtual tours, Animoto virtual tours, and the ownership of a Lake Murray website and Lake Murray Blog.

Mel's Featured Real Estate Websites for Your Home Listing
Mel Coker's Columbia Real Estate Website  |  About Mel Coker
Columbia SC Selling Tips

Lake Murray lot listing

NEW Lake Murray Waterfront Lot Listing

I've got a NEW Lake Murray lot listed for sale in the Prosperity area. It's only about 12 minutes from Chapin. It's an AFFORDABLE Lake Murray lot! Buy your lot now and build when you're ready. I can assist with an excellent builder referral.

Highlights for this Lake Murray lot:

• 82 feet of water frontage (.33 acre lot)
• Existing approved dock in place
• Slightly sloped lot is ideal for walkout basement
• Public water
  
  CLICK HERE For more information, pictures and survey plat

Call Mel Coker to BUY or SELL any property on Lake Murray. I'm a Lake Murray homeowner - I know Lake Murray! Call (803) 388-8011.

Lake Murray Sales Update - Waterfront Lots

An Update from Mel Coker
Lake Murray Waterfront Lots


I've just finished a detailed analysis of Lake Murray waterfront lots closed during the past 5 years and current sales activity. Buying a lot on Lake Murray is still a very viable option to enjoy lake living. One of my clients bought a lake lot last year and started building their dream Lake Murray home just this past week with my recommended builder.


For my analysis, the "average" Lake Murray lot is: less than 1.5 acres, has a minimum of 100 feet of water frontage. Also, my base year for minimum price is 2004 at $75,000. The average minimum price has been adjusted each each for the previous year price change percentage. I've even tracked average discount from final list price for sales prices.
(For average prices and number of sales, percentage changes are from previous year; average days on market includes 25% adjustment for expireds and withdrawns)




2004
Number of sales: 44 DOWN 12.0%
Average price: $183,813 UP 22.6%
Avg. DOM: 381
Avg. discount from final list price: 5.87%


2005
Number of sales: 85 UP 93.2%
Average price: $204,994 UP 11.5%
Avg. DOM: 276
Avg. discount from final list price: 5.26%


2006
Number of sales: 79 DOWN 7.1%
Average price: $217,391 UP 6.0%
Avg. DOM: 215
Avg. discount from final list price: 6.0%


2007
Number of sales: 61 DOWN 22.8%
Average price: $246,145 UP 13.2%
Avg. DOM: 168
Avg. discount from final list price: 5.1%


2008
Number of sales: 30 DOWN 50.8%
Average price: $276,096 UP 12.2%
Avg. DOM: 262
Avg. discount from final list price: 10.1%


2009 (thru June 30)
Number of sales: 13 DOWN 13.3%
Average price: $251,262 DOWN 9.0%
Avg. DOM: 422
Avg. discount from final list price: 10.8%



Currently, there are 184 lots for sale on Lake Murray (meeting my criteria above) with an average sales price of $336,502. The average days on market is 434 days. Obviously, the asking price for many lots is way too high based on the much higher price compared to actual closings over the last several years, a very high DOM and the large number of lots for sale.


Other important highlights:

• the number of lots closed annually has decreased the past 3 years and is on pace to decrease again in 2009.
• average closed prices in 2009 are showing the possible first ever price decrease on Lake Murray
• there is enough current inventory at Lake Murray to last app. 7 years at the current sales pace

NOW may be the time to BUY your Lake Murray lot! When you're ready to BUY or SELL a Lake Murray lot, be sure to contact Mel Coker. I am a lake resident and I know Lake Murray!

Buy a lot, get on Lake Murray.

24kmpjghen

Mel's Welcome to Lake Murray Video

I'm starting videocasting with my first Lake Murray video!




Lake Murray video in HD!

Thanks to my videographer, Kelly Coker!

US Airways | Miles Away

Never a Better Time for a First-time Home Buyer!

NOW is the time to buy your first home!
Why pay rent and buy a property for someone else? People that buy homes have more wealth - that's a fact. When you're a homeowner, you build equity (net worth) and enjoy substantial tax benefits. Plus, you will have pride of owning your own home!

There are several INCREDIBLE reasons to buy a home NOW! Call or email Mel Coker when you're ready to buy.

1.) $8000 Federal Tax Credit - When you're a first-time homebuyer (not owned a home within the past 3 years) you will get $8000 credit when you file your next federal tax return. That's $8000 FREE! This credit runs out soon... you have to close on your home on or before November 30, 2009.
Click Here for more information
My Previous Blog on First-time Homebuyer Program



2.) GREAT FOUNDATIONS Mortgage Program from Homeowner's Mortgage
This program will match your payment to purchase a home. It's more FREE money, but, only only limited funds are available for the program. ACT NOW! Quick Details: available to first-time homebuyers; can be used for downpayment and/or closing costs; income limitaitons apply; maximum match not to exceed $10,000; program is limited in time due to funds allocated by government.


The program matches your down payment at a 5:1 ratio. Example: you put down $2000 and this program will match that with $10,000! Click Here for more program information


For more information, you must contact Mike Wetzel at Homeowner's Mortgage. Tell Mike that you are working with Mel Coker at RE/MAX. Call Mike at: (803) 609-3177 or email: mwetzel@homeownersmtg.com


3.) LOW Mortgage rates - mortgage interest rates are near historical lows! You save big money because you pay a lower interest rate. Call Mel Coker for a referral to an excellent mortgage professional.


4.) Home prices have moderated - Home prices have moderated or in some cases decreased in the Greater Columbia area. In most cases, you will have more negotiating power due to an abundance of inventory.

Ready to BUY a home in Greater Columbia? Contact Mel Coker, your Columbia Realtor:
Office: (803) 749-5800
Internet: MelCoker.com
email: melcoker@remax.net

Lake Murray Sales Update

Lake Murray Sales Update

My semi-annual Lake Murray sales update follows:

Sales Report as of July 5, 2009:

Current waterfront homes for sale on Lake Murray: 230

Average Price: $707,271

Avg. square feet: 3294

Avg. $/s.f.: $214.72

Avg. Days on Market (DOM): est. 214 *

*Avg. DOM: the MLS provides a DOM number, but, this does not include homes listed for sale and never sold, and homes listed and withdrawn from market and re-listed and those listed that expired and were re-listed. My previous analysis of such situations reveal on average a number that is in the range of 25% higher for DOM. So, my DOM figures includes this 25% upward adjustment.

The current average listing price is somewhat higher than expected or normal due to the somewhat higher number of Million dollar listings currently active on Lake Murray. Currently, there are 30 homes for sale on Lake Murray listed at $1,000,000 or more. Only 5 homes sold on Lake Murray in 2008 for $1,000,000 or more. Consequently, there is enough current inventory to last 6 years.

Further analysis of Lake Murray waterfront home sales over the past 5 years:

2004: (over the previous year)
Number of sales: UP 19.6%
Avg. Price ($/S.F.): UP 18.0%

2005:
Number of sales: UP 21.9%
Avg. Price: UP 7.2%

2006:
Number of sales: DOWN 10.9%
Avg. Price: UP 12.9%

2007:
Number of sales: DOWN 2.9%
Avg. Price: UP 3.4%

2008:
Number of sales: DOWN 19.3%
Avg. Price: DOWN 4.2%

Closed waterfront homes on Lake Murray in the first six months of 2009: 32
(Down 49.2% from the first 6 months of 2008)
Average Price: $487,758
Avg. S.F.: 2721
Avg. $/S.F.: $179.26 (Down 4.4%)
Avg. DOM: 176

Lake Murray is still the water playground for central South Carolina! When you're ready to buy or sell on Lake Murray, contact Mel Coker.

Mel Coker
More Lake Murray information:
Mel Coker's Lake Murray website
Mel's Lake Murray Blog

Lake World - 25 Years at the Dam!

Lake World celebrates 25 years of business "at the dam." Congratulations!

Richard and Dona Hall have operated Lake World at the Lake Murray Dreher Shoals Dam since 1984. They offer a wide selection of quality tackle, tackle repair service, guide service, and bait including live herring.

Lake World is located just up from the spillway on the Lexington side of Lake Murray at the junction of S.C. Highway 6 and Corley Mill Road. The store number is (803) 957-6548.

Stop in soon to offer congratulations to Richard and Dona on 25 years of service to Lake Murray fishermen!

Lake Murray Lake Level Update

June 2nd update - Lake Murray lake level & temp:
Lake Level: 358.44
Top Water Temperature: 79.4 degrees


Previous (May 7th):
Lake level: 358.89 Water Temp: 73.7

Typical summertime lake elevation is 357-358. Typical June-August water temperature is 80.0 - 84.3 degrees F.
Lake Murray Website

Lake Murray eBook

Watch out for Lightning this Summer!

Lightning... A Real Danger on South Carolina Lakes
More thunder storms are headed our way during the spring and summer. Please pay attention to the weather while boating on Lake Murray and other South Carolina lakes.

Open publication - Free publishing - Mel's Lake Murray eBook

Walk Across the Dam!

Lake Murray Pedestrian Walkway

The Columbia area’s newest walking pathway is directly across the top of the Dreher Shoals Dam along S.C. Highway 6 at Lake Murray. It's a popular place for walking and jogging. The distance is 1.7 miles each way for a total walk of 3.4 miles. The walkway offers spectacular views of Lake Murray and even the downtown Columbia skyline 11 miles away. This pathway was completed after the construction of the new backup dam at Dreher Shoals Dam on Lake Murray (in 2005) and with the widening of S.C. Highway 6 across the top of the dam (in 2007).

I've walked the pathway twice recently. It's a great walk. Try it soon!

CLICK HERE to visit my Walk Across The Dam webpage with more information and pictures

Walk Across the Dam at Lake Murray website

Lake Murray Lake Level Update

May 7th update - Lake Murray lake level & temp:
Lake Level: 358.89
Top Water Temperature: 73.7 degrees

Previous (April 23rd):
Lake level: 358.60
Water Temp: 61.9

The recent lake level (on May 6) at 359.08 was one of the highest lake levels on record. Typical summertime lake elevation is 357-358. Typical June-August water temperature is 80.0 - 84.3 degrees F.

Lake Murray Website

Lake Murray e-Book

Mel Coker's Lake Murray eBook

Please check out my new Lake Murray Guide in e-Book format. You will find interesting Lake Murray information along with some great pictures. CLICK on the ebook below to open in full screen mode and then "turn" the pages to read.
"Issuu Lake Murray e-Book" link:
www.issuu.com/mcoker/docs/lakemurray
PDF format:
http://www.lakemurray-sc.com/lakemurray.pdf

Open publication - Free publishing - More lake murray sc

Mel Coker
http://www.melcoker.com/

Lake Murray Lake Level Update

April 23rd update - Lake Murray level & temp:
Lake Level: 358.60
Top Water Temperature: 61.9 degrees

Previous (March 31st):
Lake level: 358.63
Water Temp: 55.9

Click here for Mel Coker's Lake Murray website
Columbia, SC Real Estate
Columbia, SC "A to Z"
Columbia Blog

Ready to Jump in Lake Murray? I'm almost ready...

Lake Murray Real Estate

Columbia, SC Real Estate:

Mel's Real Estate Website

MelCoker.com

All Real Estate Agents Are Not The Same

Search Columbia, SC Real Estate

Mel Coker's Lake Murray website

Ready for Boating Season on Lake Murray?

Boating Season is about to start on Lake Murray!


Warm weather brings an increased level of boating traffic on Lake Murray. Are you ready for fun? Is your boat equipped for safety? Do you know boating basics and laws for operating a boat safely?

Nationally, over 69% of all fatal boating accident victims drowned. Of those who drowned, over 89% of the victims were not wearing a life jacket. Over 83% of the boaters who drowned were using boats less than 26 feet in length. Consistent with previous years, 75% of reported fatalities occurred on boats where the operator had not received boating safety instruction.


Did you know? Only 7 states have a higher number of boats registered than South Carolina? South Carolina's Number of Deaths per 100,000 Registered Boats is lower than the national average? (2.3 vs. 5.3)

Links for more South Carolina Boating information:
The Handbook of South Carolina Boating Laws and Responsibilities
South Carolina Online Boating Safety Course and Exam
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
Boating in South Carolina
Check a Watercraft/Motor Status


Check the weather:
Lake Murray Weather Station
Mel Coker's Columbia Weather Page

Boating Safety:
Lake Murray Power Squadron Boat Smart Course
National Safe Boating Council
Safe Boating Campaign
Boating Safety - U.S. Coast Guard
FloatPlan Central
2007 Boating Accident Statistics (read this!)

Lake Murray Lake Level Update

March 31st update:

Lake Level: 358.63

Top Water Temperature: 55.9 degrees

Previous (March 7th):

Lake level: 358.01

Water Temp: 53.2

Click here for Mel Coker's Lake Murray website

Columbia, SC Real Estate

Columbia, SC "A to Z"

Columbia Blog

Columbia, SC Emergency Contacts

NEED an emergency number FAST for Columbia, SC?

CLICK HERE
Of course, for real emergenices, just dial 911.

While working on my new Telephone/Internet Directory refrigerator magnet*, I could not find a really good online resource for emergency numbers. The best available resource is the AT&T telephone book. So, I have created one! Visit my new webpage: www.ColumbiaSouthCarolina.com/emergency.html

I also have this in PDF format, so you can easily print this: Emergency list in PDF format

*If you would like my NEW refrigerator magnet when it is published, please send me an email with your name and mailing address. (only available for Richland, Lexington & Newberry county residents) email to: melcoker@remax.net

For Lexington County residents, I have a link for information about the My9-1-1 program. Sign up online for FREE. I highly recommend this. I've done this myself. Do it TODAY!

My new Emergency Contact List webpage has telephone numbers and internet links for local sheriff and police departments, other law enforcement agencies, EMS, forest fire reporting, underground locator service, weather service reports, SC sex offender registry, Amber Alert, Homeland Security and more. When all else fails, there is even a link to God.

Lake Murray's Realtor - Mel Coker

Ready to Buy or Sell on Lake Murray or near Lake Murray?
Contact Mel Coker

Mel Coker is your Lake Murray Realtor. Mel lives on the lake. Mel knows Lake Murray!

Click to learn more...

Mel's Lake Murray website
All About Mel Coker
Columbia, SC Real Estate
MelCoker.com
MelCoker.info
Search Columbia MLS
All Real Estate Agents Are Not The Same

Call Mel Coker: (803) 749-5800 office or (803) 318-2007 cell
Mel's Contact Form

Lake Murray Update

Lake Murray Update

I will attempt to start providing a Lake Murray update periodically on my Columbia blog and on my new Lake Murray blog. The update will be on the 15th and last day of each month through the end of summer on the Lake Murray blog and on the last day of each month on my Columbia blog. The blog will cover current lake levels, current water temperature and upcoming significant events on the lake.

Click here for my new Lake Murray Blog

Today, we had our warmest temperatures (low 80's) for the new year. So, I saw lots of boaters and fishermen on the lake today.

March 7th stats:

Lake Murray water level: 358.01 (essentially highwater mark for a typical summer)

Water Temp (Fahrenheit) (top): 53.2

Live at Lake Murray - Mel's Lake Murray listings:

Lake Murray Access #1

Lake Murray Access #2

Lake Murray Waterfront near Prosperity & Chapin

Search Columbia MLS

Mel Coker

Columbia, SC Realtor

Lake Murray Home Sales Update

Lake Murray Sales Update

I've put together the most complete Lake Murray sales update you will find anywhere. My family has enjoyed living on Lake Murray for 6 years now. We bought a lot on Lake Murray in the Chapin area in 2001, built one year later and moved in during August 2002. We love Lake Murray living!

Lake Murray is one of the finest lakes in all of the South. The lake is approximatley 41 miles long and has over 640 miles of shoreline. The lake has fantastic fishing and is a great place for boating and water sports. We enjoy going out for lunch or dinner by boat.

More information:

Mel Coker's Lake Murray website

Mel's Lake Murray Blog

Sales Report as of February 26, 2009:

Current waterfront homes for sale on Lake Murray:

#195

Average Price: $742,221

Avg. square feet: 3280

Avg. $/s.f.: $226.45

Avg. Days on Market (DOM): est. 218 *

*Avg. DOM: the MLS provides a DOM number, but, this does not include homes listed for sale and never sold, and homes listed and withdrawn from market and re-listed and those listed that expired and were re-listed. My previous analysis of such situations reveal on average a number that is in the range of 25% higher for DOM. So, my DOM figures includes this 25% upward adjustment.

Closed waterfront homes on Lake Murray in 2008:

#98

Average Price: $545,431

Avg. S.F.: 2884

Avg. $/S.F.: $189.10

Avg. DOM: 144

The current average listing price is somewhat higher than expected or normal due to the somewhat higher number of Million dollar listings currently active on Lake Murray. Currently, there are 35 homes for sale on Lake Murray listed at $1,000,000 or more. In fact, the average price of these 35 homes is $1,648,676 with an average dollars per square foot of $299.83. The average DOM is at least 231 days. The bad news is the fact that only 4 million dollar homes sold on Lake Murray in 2008 (only 3 sold in 2007). Consequently, there is enough current inventory to last over 8 years. If you are in the market for a really expensive home or million dollar home, you're in luck because there is great selection of such homes and pricing may be very good. It's definitely a buyer's market for such homes.

Excluding the million dollar homes reveals a market analysis of active homes for sale that is in much closer proximity to the actual closed results in 2008:

Active homes for sale on Lake Murray (excluding Million dollar homes):
#160
Average Price: $543,934
Avg. square feet: 2795
Avg. $/s.f.: $194.61
Avg. Days on Market (DOM): est. 216

Further analysis of Lake Murray waterfront home sales over the past 5 years:

2004: (over the previous year)
Number of sales: UP 19.8%
Avg. Price ($/S.F.): UP 19.4%

2005:
Number of sales: UP 10.1%
Avg. Price: UP 6.9%

2006:
Number of sales: DOWN 11.1%
Avg. Price: UP 13.1%

2007:
Number of sales: DOWN 3.7%
Avg. Price: UP 4.7%

2008:
Number of sales: DOWN 25.2%
Avg. Price: DOWN 5.2%

Lake Murray is still the water playground for central South Carolina! When you're ready to buy or sell on Lake Murray, contact Mel Coker.

Mel Coker
http://www.melcoker.info/
Columbia SC real estate

New Lake Murray listing

For Sale on Lake Murray
I've got a brand new listing for sale on Lake Murray! My clients have had the interior completely repainted. The home is beautiful inside. With a mostly brick exterior (some stucco on the front), the home is virtually maintenance free on the outside. On 149 feet of Lake Murray water frontage, there is a nice dock and boat lift. From the deck, the westerly view offers beautiful sunsets.

This beautiful home is approximately 3300 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 3 1/2 bathrooms. The master bedroom is downstairs and there is a second master bedroom upstairs. Both bedrooms upstairs on the back side feature balconies overlooking Lake Murray. Hardwoods are downstairs except in the master bedroom. The kitchen is very spacious with lots of cabinets. There is another room... A bonus room (oftentimes called a FROG in this market). This room works great for a media room, exercise room or game room. In fact, the pool table in the room stays with the home as a bonus.

This home is located at 49 Bay Court in Plantation Pointes Subdivision in Newberry County. The home is priced to sell at $512,500.

For complete details and more pictures, visit my virtual tour websites:
Mel's Lake Murray home listing webpage
Mel's RealBird listing page