60 Second Insight

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

Why Winter Is a Smart Time to Sell in Upstate South Carolina
By Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.

Most sellers think spring is the only “right” time to hit the market — when azaleas bloom, the grass is green, and the sun makes every home sparkle. But here in the Golden Corner of South Carolina, waiting for spring can actually mean missing your best opportunity.

Winter sales are strong in our area — and they offer advantages that many sellers overlook.

Let’s walk through why selling now could be the most brilliant move you make.

1️⃣ Less Competition Means More Serious Attention
In spring, buyers have dozens of homes to choose from.
In winter? Not so much.

✓ Fewer homes for sale
✓ Less competi...

???? How to Be Sure the Septic Tank Is Actually on the Property You’re Selling
In real estate, surprises are rarely a good thing—especially when it comes to septic systems.
Imagine getting to closing only to discover that the septic tank or drain field is not actually located on the property being sold. Unfortunately, this happens more often than you might think—particularly with older properties, rural tracts, and sites where county records have been “purged” after a set number of years.

When the approved septic drawing is missing from county files and the current owner doesn’t have a copy, the burden falls on the listing agent, buyer’s agent, and sometimes the closing attorney to verify...

Back to School: Giving Back to Your Neighborhood School

As the school year kicks off and the back-to-school hustle begins, many of us are focused on getting our kids ready for class. If you’re not in the midst of school shopping, you might be considering how to save or how to make the most of this busy season. But have you thought about how you can give back to your local school?

While most of us are busy buying supplies, there's a chance to make a real difference in the lives of students, teachers, and families in your community. Let’s explore some ways you can give back and help support our local schools.

Supporting Teachers with Supplies

Teachers are the backbone of education, and ...

The More Homes on the Market Act (H.R. 1321) is a bipartisan proposal introduced in the 118th Congress to address the ongoing housing inventory shortage by incentivizing homeowners to sell their primary residences.

What the Act Proposes
Currently, homeowners can exclude up to $250,000 ($500,000 for married couples) in capital gains from the sale of their primary residence—a threshold set in 1997 and not adjusted for inflation. As home prices have risen significantly since then, many homeowners, particularly older individuals, face substantial tax bills upon selling, discouraging them from listing their properties.

H.R. 1321 seeks to:

Double the exclusion to $500,000 for single filers an...

SCDNR Courtesy Boat Inspections – July 4th Weekend on South Carolina Lakes

The July 4th weekend is one of the busiest times for boating on South Carolina’s beautiful lakes and waterways. To ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) Law Enforcement Division will be conducting courtesy boat inspections at public boat landings across the state.

These inspections will focus on verifying that your boat has the required safety equipment and that your boat and motor registrations are up-to-date. It’s a quick and thorough check to keep you safe and compliant on the water.

SCDNR Boat Inspection Locations in Oconee County:

South Cove Coun...

Most people don’t realize that one of the greatest architectural minds of the 20th century was born right here in Walhalla, South Carolina.

On December 4, 1924, John Portman was born early, in this quiet mountain town. Though his time here was brief, it marked the beginning of a life that would leave a global legacy in architecture, development, and design.

Portman became famous for creating spaces that were not only functional, but breathtaking. His design for the Hyatt Regency Atlanta in 1967 was a game changer. With its soaring 22-story atrium and glass elevators, it redefined how we experience hotels—and launched a worldwide trend.

But his vision didn’t stop there.

From that first...

???? Movie Suggestion of the Week: “What We Did on Our Holiday” ????????✨
By Gwen Fowler | Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.

If you're looking for a funny, heartfelt movie to enjoy this week—especially if summer travel plans are still a few weeks away—let me recommend What We Did on Our Holiday.

Set in the stunning Scottish Highlands, this British gem follows a family on a trip to celebrate the grandfather’s birthday, all while juggling chaos, secrets, and hilarious moments courtesy of three very clever kids. Think Little Miss Sunshine with accents and even more heart. ????

It’s a light-hearted reminder of how life’s messiest moments often make the best memories—something all of us in re...

Don’t Buy a House to Impress Other People
By Gwen Fowler

Going into debt to impress others isn’t confidence; it’s insecurity with a mortgage. In real estate, I’ve seen buyers stretch far beyond what they can reasonably afford, not because the home suits their needs, but because it “looks good” to friends or family.

Here’s the truth: granite countertops and vaulted ceilings won’t make your payments for you. A big house doesn’t fix self-worth. And buying based on image, rather than functionality, can leave you house-poor, stressed, and stuck.

Your home should serve you, not your social media feed.

Buy the house that fits your life: your income, habits, and plans. If it also happens to i...

Eggplants are ready, and so am I.  This is one of Henry's favorite things to make.  Enjoy!!

1 Medium Eggplant, cut into 3" x 1" pieces
1/2 cup flour

Flavoring mixture:

1 tsp chopped garlic
1 tsp chopped ginger
1 Tbs chopped onion
1 Tbs chopped fresh hot peppers

1/2 cup ground beef
2 Tbs cooking oil
1 Tbs chopped onion

Sauce Mixture:
1 Tbs dry sherry (or other wine)
2 Tbs hot bean sauce
1 Tbs Chinese black vinegar
1/3 cup stock
1 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp cornstarch

Shake the eggplant in flour to coat. Fry for 2-4 minutes until golden brown. Stir fry the flavoring mixture in 2 Tbs oil, add the ground beef, and fry. Add the sauce mixture and stir well. When the sauce turns glossy, mix in the...

Whether you’re buying or selling a home, understanding the appraisal is crucial to making informed decisions. The appraisal is an official document that determines a property's market value based on various factors. Here's a guide to some common appraisal terms and why they matter to you as a buyer, seller, or investor.

1. Market Value
Definition: The appraised market value is the estimated price a property would sell for under normal conditions in the open market.
Why It Matters: Market value is what lenders use to determine how much they are willing to lend on a property. It’s essential for buyers and sellers to understand whether the asking price aligns with the property’s actual wort...

 Waiting for the “perfect” market? You might miss out on building equity and locking in today’s prices. The economy is changing daily, gas prices are different every time you go to fill up, and mortgage rates are fluid.  Don't let these things be why you don't buy a house.

✅ Home values are still rising in many areas
✅ You can refinance if rates drop later
✅ More sellers are offering concessions
✅ Owning beats paying rising rent

If you're financially ready and planning to stay put for a few years, now could be the right time to move. Homes are on the market for more days, and fewer offers make contracting simpler--less competition.

Let’s discuss your goals and how to make...

Home Price vs. Home Value: What Buyers Should Really Be Looking At
Published: Monday, May 12, 2025

In the world of real estate, numbers matter — but not all numbers carry the same weight. Many buyers and sellers focus heavily on closed sales when trying to understand the market. But if you want to know what’s happening right now, you should be watching pending sales instead.

Pending homes — those under contract but not yet closed — are your best indicator of what today’s buyers are willing to pay. They reflect current market demand, buyer activity, and urgency. These homes show us where the action is, what features buyers are chasing, and what price points are generating offers.

So...

Building or Buying Your Mountain Retreat: What to Know
If you are considering a move to the mountains of Upstate South Carolina, whether for a second home, a future relocation, or simply a peaceful getaway, you might be asking an important question: Should you purchase an existing home or buy land and build? Both paths have advantages, depending on your timeline, goals, and vision for the future.

Purchasing an existing home offers convenience and speed. You can move in and begin enjoying the natural beauty of the area almost immediately. Financing is often straightforward with traditional mortgages readily available for existing homes. Plus, you have the benefit of seeing the finished hom...

Planting Around Your Home's Foundation: What You Need to Know Before You Dig

Spring in the South Carolina mountains is the perfect time to get your hands in the dirt and give your home some extra curb appeal. But when you're planting near the foundation of your home, it’s not just about looks—it’s also about protecting your investment.

Many homeowners don’t realize that certain plants can cause long-term damage when planted too close to the foundation. Roots can grow into the structure, hold moisture where it shouldn't be, or even cause cracks and movement in the foundation over time.

How to Landscape Safely Around Your Foundation
Here are a few practical tips for planting near yo...

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.

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...