Posts

Three Waterfalls to Visit in Walhalla, SC

Looking to cool off and enjoy nature? Check out these three easy-to-reach waterfalls:

Issaqueena Falls: Off Hwy 28, just past Stumphouse Tunnel. A short trail with a big payoff. This is a fee park, so please enjoy the falls, bike trails, and the Stumphouse Tunnel.  The tunnel is a great place to cool off as it is always around 60°F*. 

Yellow Branch Falls: Across from Stumphouse Tunnel, a 1.5-mile hike with rewarding views. The forest fire this spring has burned away most of the debris from Hurricane Helene.  Watch for snags; this is a wooded trail with a meandering path.  The walk to the falls is a medium-length trail.

Station Cove Falls: Near O...

How to Plan a Car Trip Around Road Construction
Highway 11 from I-85 to I-85

Construction season is here, and your road trip doesn't have to be a headache.

Here’s how to plan smarter:

Use Apps Like Waze or Google Maps: Real-time updates help you reroute.

Check DOT Websites: They often post lane closures and project maps.

Avoid Peak Times: Early mornings or late evenings usually mean lighter traffic.

Bring a Paper Map: Old-school, but great if the signal drops.

Planning keeps frustration down and the fun up. Happy travels!

P.S., if you see a service station and construction signs, stop and use the bathroom.

Discover Jocassee Ridge: A Place to Build, Breathe, and Belong
Posted by Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.

If you’ve been searching for a peaceful place to build your mountain escape, Jocassee Ridge might be exactly what you’ve been hoping to find.Nestled between Lakes Jocassee and Keowee, this gated community in Salem, SC offers a beautiful mix of privacy, natural beauty, and convenience. Whether you're planning to build a retirement home, a vacation getaway, or your forever residence, the lots in Jocassee Ridge give you room to breathe—and dream.

What Makes Jocassee Ridge Special?

Gated entrance for peace of mind

Generous lot sizes, many over an acre

Underground utilities and paved roads a...

Is It Time to Sell Your Lake Home This Spring? Let’s Talk.

Spring is here—and with it comes warm weather, blooming flowers, and families returning to the lake for Easter and Spring Break traditions. For many second-homeowners, this is the season when lake houses come back to life. But for some, it’s also the time when a new question comes up:

“Is it time to sell?”

If you’ve found yourself using your lake property less and less—or if you're ready for a change—spring might be the perfect season to move. Whether your home is on Lake Keowee, Lake Hartwell, Lake Jocassee, or tucked away in one of the smaller mountain lakes (Lake Cherokee, Lake Chattooga, Whitewater Lake, Fiddlers Cove, Moun...

Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc. Understanding Real Estate Agency in South Carolina

⭐ WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT AGENCY ⭐
In South Carolina, real estate agents can work with you in two different ways:

CUSTOMER vs. CLIENT
Customer: There is no signed agreement hiring me. We treat you honestly, share known facts, and handle money properly, but we don’t advise or advocate for you.
Client: You sign an agreement, and we represent you. That means full loyalty, advice, negotiation help, and advocacy throughout the process.

OLD CAR: What We Owe Our Clients
If you’re a client, we owe you:

Obedience
Loyalty
Disclosure
Confidentiality
Accounting
Reasonable care and skill
We are legally required to put your...

Build your dream home on this beautiful 1.08-acre lot in Jocassee Ridge, a gated mountain community between Lakes Keowee and Jocassee. This gently sloped homesite offers the ideal location for a full-time residence or a peaceful weekend retreat, surrounded by natural beauty and breathtaking sunset views over the mountains.

Lot S-41 is restricted to homes of 1,650 square feet or larger, preserving the neighborhood's quality and charm. The land provides plenty of space for creative site planning while maintaining privacy and access to all the community's amenities.

Boat and RV owners will love the convenience of a private storage yard located right within the subdivision. This yard ...

Power of Attorney vs. Will vs. Living Will: What’s the Difference?
When planning for the future, it’s important to understand the legal tools available to protect your interests and communicate your wishes. Three of the most commonly used documents—Power of Attorney, Will, and Living Will—serve different but equally important roles. Here’s how each one works:

Power of Attorney
A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that authorizes someone (known as the agent or attorney-in-fact) to act on your behalf in legal, financial, or healthcare matters.

Financial Power of Attorney: This allows your agent to manage your money, pay bills, handle real estate, file taxes, and oversee other finan...

Understanding Mortgage Pre-Qualification vs. Pre-Approval ????

When you're gearing up to buy a home, navigating the mortgage process can feel like learning a new language. Two terms that often come up early in the journey are pre-qualification and pre-approval. While they sound similar, they serve different purposes and carry varying levels of weight in the home-buying process.

Pre-Qualification: Testing the Waters ????
Think of pre-qualification as dipping your toes into the mortgage waters. It’s a preliminary assessment conducted by a lender based on information you provide about your income, assets, debts, and credit score. This process gives you an estimate of how much you might be a...

The Importance of a Will: Planning for the Future

Life is unpredictable, and while it may be uncomfortable to think about the future beyond your lifetime, having a will is an essential step in protecting your loved ones and ensuring that your wishes are honored. A will, also known as a last will and testament, is a legal document that outlines how your assets will be distributed after your death and who will care for any minor children. Without a will, these critical decisions could be left to the courts, which may not reflect your preferences.

A will isn’t just for those with significant wealth or approaching old age—it’s for anyone, at any age, who wants to direct future actions regar...

I apologize for the earlier confusion. As of March 26, 2025, the wildfire at Table Rock State Park has significantly expanded, leading to mandatory evacuations and road closures in Pickens and Greenville counties. The fire has burned over 1,000 acres and remains uncontained. citeturn0search6

Evacuations: Mandatory evacuations have been ordered for residents in specific areas of Pickens and Greenville counties. Residents are advised to evacuate immediately for their safety. citeNews Channel 4

Road Closures: Heavy smoke and fire activity have led to hazardous driving conditions along South Carolina Highway 11. Residents and motorists are advised to avoid the area. citeNews Channel 4...

Experience Lakeside Living at 251 Cherokee Drive, Fair Play, SC

Located in the charming town of Fair Play, SC, 251 Cherokee Drive is more than just a house—it’s a gateway to a peaceful, outdoor-oriented lifestyle. Nestled near Lake Hartwell, this property offers privacy, beautiful sunsets, and easy access to some of the most desirable destinations in the region.

A Home Designed for Relaxation and Privacy
Step inside and you’ll immediately notice how this home brings the outdoors in. The open-concept great room is bathed in natural light, thanks to large sliding doors and expansive windows that frame scenic views. With a coveted west-facing orientation, you’ll be treated to breathtaking s...

Why I Ask for Reviews: A Personal Note from Gwen
Buying or selling a home is one of the most significant milestones in life, and I’m honored every time a client chooses to trust me as their guide through that process. From the first showing to the closing table, my goal is to provide you with exceptional service, clear communication, and expert advice every step of the way.

One of the best ways I can continue to improve and help others like you is through feedback — and that’s why I ask for reviews.

Your Voice Matters
When you leave a review, you’re not just sharing your experience; you’re helping others who are searching for the right real estate professional. Buying or selling a home is...

Teamwork Sells Homes: The Power of Collaboration in Real Estate

In the world of real estate, every sale is the result of teamwork. As the saying goes, "It takes two to tango," and in this case, it took two professionals working in tandem—albeit from very different places! I recently had the privilege of selling the stunning 5,000-square-foot home at 3100 Chatham Drive in Cross Creek Plantation. It was a smooth and successful closing, but like every great story, there’s more to it than meets the eye.

This impressive property, listed by a fellow agent, offered luxury living at its finest. It featured four spacious bedrooms, including a master suite on the main floor, a formal dining r...

Seoul Food: A Flavorful First Visit – Definitely Not the Last!

We recently visited Seoul Food for the first time, and it certainly won’t be our last! From the moment we arrived, we were impressed by the welcoming vibe and unique menu, full of authentic Korean dishes. Our server, Rhayne, was fantastic—helpful, friendly, and super knowledgeable. She took the time to explain the different flavors and dishes, which made navigating the menu much easier.

We started our meal with the Korean corn cheese, and it was the perfect first course. Warm, creamy, and delightfully cheesy, it was pure comfort in every bite. The sweet corn paired perfectly with the gooey, melted cheese—a simple dish th...

In real estate, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement when a home sells. You’ll often see agents boasting about their listings, implying that their marketing skills or negotiation tactics were the sole reason for the sale. But let’s be clear—just because someone brags about a listing doesn’t mean they’re the reason it sold.

The reality is simple: it takes two parties to make a sale. A transaction cannot happen without both a willing seller and a ready, able buyer. In today’s market, buyers play just as crucial a role as sellers, and their decisions ultimately determine which properties move and at what price.

Why Buyers Matter Just as Much as Sellers

1. Supply Meets Demand – A lis...

Why Pricing Your Home Right from the Start Matters

When it comes to selling a property, pricing is everything. As a real estate professional, I see a common trend: motivated sellers initially list their homes at a high price, only to gradually reduce it when the property lingers on the market. Often, they blame the market for the need to lower the price, but the truth is the property was overpriced from the beginning.

The Importance of Pricing History
Before showing a property, I always check the history of its pricing, terms, and days on the market. It’s revealing to see how many times the price has been adjusted. When a home has been on the market for an extended period or the seller h...

Henry orchestrated an unforgettable trip to Huntsville, Alabama, this Valentine's weekend, blending relaxation, culture, and adventure.

Friday: Arrival and Relaxation

We embarked on our journey through Atlanta, arriving by mid-afternoon at the Drury Inn in Huntsville, Alabama. Our spacious room offered a serene skyline and mountain views, providing a peaceful retreat. Opting for a cozy evening, we enjoyed drinks and hot hors d'oeuvres at the hotel amidst the lively atmosphere of students participating in a wrestling tournament.

Saturday: Shopping, Art, and Astronomy

Our day began with visits to local favorites Walmart and Trader Joe's, where Henry and Sandy experienced the unique offe...

2025 is the new way to do real estate.  Let me help you understand some of the changes

Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc (GFRE) recognizes that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has taken a firm stance against cooperating compensation in real estate transactions. This is evident through the DOJ's involvement in lawsuits against the National Association of REALTORS(R) (NAR) and its decision to withdraw from a past settlement agreement with the NAR.

GFRE has adopted the following procedural policy regarding contracts and agent compensation to ensure compliance with evolving industry standards and maintain transparency with clients.

Contract Structure in Transactions

Three separate contracts go...

https://www.audubon.org/community-science/great-backyard-bird-count

How to Attract More Birds to Your Feeder: A Simple Guide for Birdwatchers

If you’re a birdwatcher or simply enjoy the beauty of birds visiting your backyard, there are a few ways to make your feeder a welcoming spot for a variety of species. Whether you're seeing finches flit around, doves cleaning up fallen seeds, or even the occasional cardinal, knowing how to attract different birds can make your backyard feel like a mini aviary. Plus, with the Audubon Society’s annual Bird Count coming up on February 15th, now is a great time to prepare for this exciting event and contribute to citizen science.

Understanding Bird B...

Living in Oconee County offers a perfect blend of rural charm, natural beauty, and community spirit, especially in towns like Salem, Long Creek, Mountain Rest, and Westminster. Here’s why it’s such a great place to call home:

1) Homes Near Sumter National Forest & State Parks: Imagine having Sumter National Forest right in your backyard, with access to endless hiking trails, waterfalls, and camping spots. Plus, living near Oconee and Hartwell State Parks means you’re always close to boating, fishing, and family-friendly outdoor fun.

2) USDA Financing: Many homes in these rural areas qualify for USDA loans, which means no down payment and more affordable homeownership options.
Less Traffi...