Remembering OC and Patches
Our home feels a little quieter now.

This week we said goodbye to OC, our faithful companion for almost 19 years. As we grieve her loss, we also remember Patches, who shared our lives from 2008 until 2020.

OC came into our lives in a way that seemed almost meant to be. The weekend we returned home after meeting the twins, we heard the cries of a tiny kitten in the woods near our parking lot. She was frightened, alone, and injured, with a large sore on her chest. She was so small that it was hard to imagine how she had survived.

For a week, Henry sat on a rock and talked to her every day. She would not let him touch her. She was scared and cautious, watching fr...

BACK ON THE MARKET due to the buyer losing her job before closing.

189 Little Choestoea Road, Westminster, is giving buyers a second chance at this beautiful country property on 2.03 unrestricted acres.

3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | Spacious floor plan | Carport with storage

Enjoy country living with room for chickens, gardening, outdoor living, and privacy while still being convenient to I-85 and Lake Hartwell.

The seller is motivated and ready for a new offer.

Call Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc. today at 864-710-4518 to schedule your showing before this opportunity is gone again.

California Mexican Grill in Salem, SC: Casual Outdoor Dining Near Lake Keowee

One of the things people quickly discover after moving to the mountains and lakes area of Upstate South Carolina is that some of the best local places are the ones you hear about from neighbors and friends.

California Mexican Grill on McCall Brothers Drive in Salem is one of those places.

This relaxed outdoor food truck venue has become a favorite stop for locals and visitors alike, offering authentic Mexican food, casual outdoor dining, and a laid-back atmosphere near Lake Keowee and Jocassee.

Relaxed Outdoor Dining in the Mountains

The setting fits perfectly with the Upstate South Carolina lifestyle tha...

ttps://www.coolmountainescapes.com/listings/index/mlsnumbers:20299471,20299633,20299178,20299863

Today was a great morning touring four very different Lake Keowee properties, and it really showed how much variety buyers can find around the lake depending on their lifestyle, budget, and long-term plans. From lake cabins tucked away on private drives to larger waterfront homes with room for entertaining and future expansion, each property offered something unique.

Touring Four Lake Keowee Homes This Morning

This morning, I toured four homes on and near Lake Keowee, and each offered a different way to enjoy lake living in the Western Upstate of South Carolina. Some buyers are looking for ...

Jewel of the Week on Lake Keowee | 729 Navigators Pointe

Disclaimer: This is not my listing. The property is listed by Gregory T. Coutu with Howard Hanna Allen Tate Lake Keowee Seneca. I would love the opportunity to represent the buyer for this beautiful Lake Keowee home. NOW TAKING BACK UPS.  IF YOU REALLY LIKED THIS ONE, YOU STILL HAVE TIME TO WRITE AN OFFER INCASE THE FIRST ONE DOES NOT WORK OUT.  

As I preview homes around Lake Keowee for buyers seeking mountain views, boat slips, and homes designed for entertaining, every once in a while I walk into a property that truly stands out. This week, 729 Navigators Pointe is my Jewel of the Week on Lake Keowee.

Dreaming of a home near L...

When Are Concessions and Commissions Paid? Understanding the Process After the August 2024 Changes

If you are buying or selling real estate today, one of the most common questions is simple:
Who pays what, and when does everyone get paid?

The answer has changed. Since the August 2024 settlement changes, commissions and concessions are no longer handled the way they were for decades. Here is a clear, step-by-step explanation of how it works now.

Commission Is Not “Standard” Anymore

There is no set or standard commission in real estate.
Every fee is negotiated and agreed to in writing.

Two separate agreements now control compensation:

Listing Agreement → determines what the seller agree...

Offered through Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc. | MLS #20300292 | Western Upstate MLS

New to the market and never before offered for sale, this custom-built home is ready for its next owner. Situated on 2 unrestricted acres, this property offers the flexibility and space that is getting harder to find.

This 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home has been thoughtfully designed with accessibility in mind. The main level features handicap access with ramps, 36-inch doorways, and a walk-in shower, making everyday living comfortable and convenient.

The layout provides a functional flow for both daily living and gathering, with space to spread out inside and out. Step outside and enjoy the above-ground po...

There is a point in almost every listing where the seller’s emotions start to rise.

The showing traffic slows.
The feedback is mixed.
The neighbor’s house sells first.
Or worse… nothing happens at all.

That is when the calls start.
“Are we priced right?”
“Did we make a mistake?”
“Should we just take it off the market?”

After almost 40 years in this business, I can tell you this is normal. The key is not to dismiss the anxiety, but to guide it.

1. Acknowledge the Emotion First

Before you talk numbers, talk people.

Sellers are not just selling a house. They are letting go of memories, routines, and sometimes a life stage.

What to say:
“I understand why you feel this way. This is a bi...

Build Where the Mountains Meet the Lake – Fiddlers Cove in Tamassee, SC

There are still places where you can step back, take a breath, and build something that fits the way you want to live. Lot 63 and Tract M in Fiddlers Cove Lake offer that opportunity with mountain views, lake views, and sunset exposure in one of the most consistent communities in Tamassee.

This is not just land. This is where your plan begins.

A Property That Is Ready to Move Forward

One of the biggest challenges buyers face when purchasing land is uncertainty. Septic, water, and buildability can slow everything down. This property removes those roadblocks.

Approved for a 3-bedroom septic system
City water availab...

How a Survey Can Change a Land Sale

I recently closed on a tract that was believed to be 343 acres. After a survey, it was sold as 228 acres. That is not a small adjustment, and it changed everything.

The seller was firm at $5,500 per acre and paid for the survey, hoping there was more land than the county records showed. Instead, the survey revealed:

330 acres identified
2.3 acres in overlap
Final usable acreage: 228 acres without a cloud on title
The buyer was satisfied with a clean, clear purchase. The seller, understandably, was not. This property had been taxed for generations as part of a historic land grant dating back to King George, yet only what could legally be transferred was ...

How to Get the 4% Property Tax Rate and Homestead Exemption in Oconee County, SC

If you are moving to Oconee County or have recently purchased a home, one of the most important steps you can take is making sure your property is taxed correctly. South Carolina offers a 4% primary residence tax rate, along with additional savings through the Homestead Exemption for qualified homeowners.

These benefits do not happen automatically. You must apply.

Here is how to get it done the right way.

What Is the 4% Property Tax Rate in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, owner-occupied homes qualify for a reduced 4% tax assessment ratio, compared to higher rates for second homes, rentals, or investme...

Coming Soon vs. Aldi Finds: What Real Estate Sellers Can Learn from the Grocery Aisle

If you have ever walked into Aldi looking for one of their weekly “Aldi Finds,” you already understand the power of anticipation.

You saw the ad.
You made a plan.
You showed up… and it wasn’t there yet.

That feeling—waiting for something you want—is exactly where “Coming Soon” listings live in real estate.

And when used correctly, they can be one of the most powerful tools a seller has.

The Aldi Finds Model: A Preview That Builds Demand

Aldi releases its Finds ads ahead of time. You get a preview of what is coming, but you cannot buy it yet.

That does two things:

It creates awareness
It builds a...

This is not my listing, but one I previewed for a buyer this week. He turned it down because it did not have a garage, so the question becomes:

Would You Pay Over $2 Million for a Home Without a Garage?

It’s a fair question—and one that stops people in their tracks.

No garage.
No place to build one.

And yet, this Lake Keowee waterfront home is listed at almost $2,200,000.

At first glance, it challenges what many buyers believe a luxury home should include. But when you look closer, the conversation shifts from what’s missing… to what truly matters.

What Are You Really Buying?
This is not a home where the garage defines value.

This is a property where the water does.

Located on Lake ...

The Three Ways a Buyer’s Agent Gets Paid

1. Paid by the Buyer

(Buyer Broker Agreement)


This is the foundation of representation.

Before viewing homes, buyers sign a buyer broker agreement. This agreement outlines:

The services your agent will provide
The compensation the buyer agrees to pay
This creates a clear, professional relationship and defines expectations on both sides.

2. Paid by the Seller Through Concessions

In many transactions, the buyer negotiates for the seller to contribute toward their costs.

These funds can be used to cover:

Closing costs
Loan expenses
Buyer agent compensation
This is done through seller concessions written into the contract.

It is important to under...

What Is a Stale Listing and Why It Matters in Today’s Market
In today’s market, one of the most costly mistakes a seller can make is allowing their home to become a stale listing.

This is not about how long a home has been listed. It is about what happens when a property loses its momentum with buyers.

What Is a Stale Listing?

A stale listing is a property that has been on the market long enough that buyers begin to question it, overlook it, or assume something is wrong.

It is no longer seen as a new opportunity. It becomes a listing buyers pass over.

Why Do Listings Become Stale?

1. Overpricing at the Start

The first two weeks on the market are critical.
That is when the most buyers...

123 Sequayah Drive, Fair Play, SC

Located in a lakefront community with a pool, this well-maintained home offers an easy, low-maintenance lifestyle in a convenient location. Just minutes to I-85, shopping, and restaurants, you have quick access to everything while enjoying a quieter setting.

Designed for those looking to downsize without giving up comfort or those just starting out who need a low-maintenance home. This home is in great condition and ready for its next owner. Step out onto the back deck overlooking the wooded yard and enjoy your morning coffee while watching rabbits and deer move through the trees.

Priced at $275,000, this property qualifies for USDA financing, offering...

We are pleased to share that 441 Mountain Sunset Trail in Tamassee is now sold. This beautiful mountain and lake-area property went under contract in less than 30 days with a strong all-cash offer and a quick closing.

Located near scenic Lake Cheohee, this property captured buyer attention with its peaceful setting, natural surroundings, and access to outdoor recreation. Buyers today are looking for lifestyle as much as they are looking for square footage, and this home offered the opportunity to enjoy mountain living immediately.

The new owner will be able to spend the summer on and around the lake, taking full advantage of the quiet beauty that makes Tamassee so special. As the season...

Showing Homes When Children Are Present

Practical Tips for Buyers, Sellers, and Agents
Showing a home is not always a quiet or perfectly staged experience. Many families are balancing school schedules, work, and daily routines. Sometimes children are still home during a showing. When that happens, preparation, professionalism, and awareness make all the difference.

Here are key points to keep the show productive and respectful for everyone involved.

Prepare Ahead When Possible

• Schedule showings at times when children can be out of the home
• Arrange quiet activities such as homework, reading, or screen time
• Designate a specific area where children can remain comfortable
• Communica...

Lakefront Land for Sale at Fiddlers Cove Lake | 3.2 Acres Ready to Build

Opportunities to build on a private mountain lake are becoming harder to find. A new lakefront homesite at Fiddlers Cove Lake offers the chance to begin planning your dream home without waiting months for preliminary work.

This 3.2 acre lakefront property already has a survey completed and an approved septic plan, allowing the next owner to move directly into the design and building stage.

99 Feet of Lakefront on a Private Mountain Lake
The property includes approximately 99 feet of shoreline on Fiddlers Cove Lake, a private lake of more than 60 acres surrounded by mountain scenery. The community was developed in t...

BellFest 2026 at Devils Fork State Park
March 21, 2026 | 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM | Lake Jocassee, Oconee County, SC

Spring in Oconee County brings one of our most meaningful annual traditions. BellFest returns to Devils Fork State Park on March 21, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Set along the shores of beautiful Lake Jocassee, this event celebrates the rare and native Oconee Bell, a delicate wildflower that blooms only in select mountain regions, including the Jocassee Gorges area. This is not just a festival. It is a reminder of what makes the Upstate special.

What Is the Oconee Bell?

The Oconee Bell is a protected native wildflower found in very few places worldwide. It thrives in cool,...