Home For Sale

Tucked away just off of Mineral Springs Road this well-built Essex home with Remington floor plan is just minutes from downtown Lexington. Enjoy the quiet neighborhood as you relax on your front porch. You will be impressed with the soaring ceilings, heavy molding, natural light, and beautiful hardwoods when entering the home. The cozy but spacious family room will become a favorite gathering spot for family and friends. Gas fireplace and high ceilings are just two of many features. The popular floor plan also features the master bedroom on the main level, with an additional three bedrooms and two full baths on the second floor. Current owner loves the functionality of the well-appointed kitchen which comes equipped with all appliances and has large breakfast bar with additional eat-in-area. Formal living room at front of house could also function as home office. Formal dining is spacious and great for entertaining family and friends. Just off of family room is nice wooden deck that overlooks natural area behind home. Deck is large enough for cooking out or lounging on a lazy summer afternoon. Shady backyard has six foot wooden privacy fence. Double car attached garage has automatic openers and additional storage space. You will want to see this home in person. Call today to setup a tour. Call Joe Nester at 803-730-7269.

This attractive home in Chestnut Plantation is ready for you to move in. The neighborhood has amenities for many different lifestyles. Residents may stroll along the sidewalks or nature trails, play a game of tennis or just relax by the community pool and clubhouse. You will be impressed with the soaring ceiling in the entry foyer of this home, the bright natural light and hardwoods invite you in to the space. The well-appointed kitchen is both functional and a place to gather with family and friends. The living room has a feel of spaciousness with its high ceilings, hardwood floors, and fireplace. Enjoy the big game or gather together on those special holidays. Large formal dining room features crown molding, wainscoting, hardwood floors and high ceilings. Fantastic master suite will feel like going on vacation every time you enter. The double trey ceilings lend architectural interest while the master bath features double vanity, garden tub, and separate shower. Master also features his and her walk-in-closets, and huge sitting area that could be used for exercise. Four additional bedrooms and finished bonus room will allow you to accommodate as much company as you can handle. In addition to all of the recreational activities available in the community this home also features a back yard wooden deck and play area. Call agent today about taking a tour of this exceptional home. Also inquire about special deal on closing costs with preferred lender and lease to own option. Ellyn Nester 803-348-4602

January 29, 2011, felt to me like a date somewhere in the distant future. In reality, at the time of this story, it was less than a month away. January 29 is my mother’s birthday; this year she would be turning 90. My sister from Minneapolis had just phoned to inform me that there was a celebration being planned. My initial thought was that I would send my mom money. I reasoned that she could probably use it, and besides I hated to fly. Unfortunately my thoughts were actual words that had tumbled out of my mouth in the presence of my wife. I could see by the expression on her face that I was about to be questioned about my sanity.  After a brief discussion I decided to go.

For me, going someplace and completing arrangements to go someplace are two separate activities. And despite frequent “Did you make your reservations yet?” reminders, I somehow had let three weeks slip by unnoticed. I learned two important lessons when I forced myself to confront my travel plans. Airlines do not like procrastinators, and they also think you should be financially penalized for not living in a major city. The original fare my wife had graciously looked up the day of the phone call from my sister had now more than doubled.

Panic stricken and fearful of the deadly “I told you so,” I began to search frantically on Google. I felt like a gambler looking for a longshot. I keyed multiple start dates, multiple return dates, and multiple airports; roll the dice…no luck. Orbitz, Priceline, Travelocity, roll the dice…no luck. Any time, any day, I will help load the luggage, roll the dice…no luck. With perspiration beading up on my forehead, I decided to go “all-in”-one last roll. And like magic, after several flashes from my computer screen, there it was, almost hidden at the bottom of a column of $600 plus fares. Air Tran Economy Fare $298 was shining like salvation. I had hit the Jackpot.

It did not matter that I had never heard of Air Tran or that the flight originated out of Atlanta, which is approximately 200 miles from my home I had to have that fare. I quickly scanned the small print. “Flight times would be assigned after purchase.”  I tried to calculate how early I would need to leave my home if it assigned a 5:00 a.m. flight. It was impossible; I could not think straight, I was out of options. I mashed the enter key to purchase and held my breath. Lady Luck smiled down on me that day as 3:45 p.m., non-stop from Atlanta to Minneapolis flashed up on the screen.

Four short days later I started the first leg of my journey by driving from Columbia, SC, to Atlanta on Interstate 20. I suspect that the scenery along the route was pretty unremarkable, since I found myself admiring the geometric symmetry of cell towers and imagining the various water towers that dot the horizon as alien spaceships with their support legs acting as tentacles destroying everything in their path. I also noticed a large percentage of billboards that were advertising for advertisers. It occurred to me that an economist might be able to predict a recovery by monitoring billboard activity.

I finally arrived at the airport and managed to navigate into the general vicinity of the Air Tran terminal. Of course keeping with the theme of my trip I chose economy parking. Within minutes I figured out why it was called economy parking. The airport could not afford any signs directing people toward the terminal. I grabbed my carry-on bag, locked the car and began to meander in the general direction of where I had entered the lot. After several minutes I changed strategies and decided to follow the fence line hoping for a break where I might be able to escape.

High above the parking lot a light-rail train rattled across its track. If only I could get to that train, I thought. I looked around for any means of ascending to that great height.  Not seeing anything that resembled stairs or an elevator, I began to wonder if economy parking people were somehow expected to scale the support piers manually. This productive thought process was interrupted by a break in the fence, where I was able to slip through and cross a road that led into a covered parking lot. This lot I assumed was non-economy parking. Still not seeing any signs about where a terminal might be, I peered across the dimly lit space and could just make out what looked like a set of double sliding doors at the far side of the lot. I took that as a positive sign and walked in that direction.

My hunch paid off and after passing through the doors and up an escalator I found myself in a grand ticketing hall, which to my surprise had very few travelers for such a large space. After finding the Air Tran section, I was directed to an e-ticket kiosk. After several attempts of swiping my credit card with the mag stripe facing multiple directions, the kiosk told me I was not recognized. I nodded my head in agreement knowing that it would have been too expensive to have had someone input an economy fare. I moved over several feet to interact with a real human, which turned out to be a pleasant experience. The human had no trouble finding me, and she was able to print my boarding pass and direct me toward the gates in less than a minute.

Holding my head high I walked past the bank of Kiosks on the way to the gate. I knew I had arrived at security when I saw multiple lines of people alternately facing each other. I wondered why theme parks and airports employ the same methods used for cattle to herd people through a narrow channel. I took my place in line and took note of all the people that were facing me in the adjacent line. Each time I rounded a corner into the next aisle I was fortunate enough to be able to see all of the same people again going the other direction.

It looked like all of the security procedures were the same as I had remembered, except for a large capsule-looking device that resembled a high tech, state fair ride. This must be the controversial full body scanner that peeks beneath a person’s clothes, I thought. I noticed people were being selected randomly to enter the chamber. I tried not to stare, knowing that someone was currently looking at them naked. I felt guilty by association. When my turn came, I was blandly waved through the normal metal detector. Apparently nobody wanted to see me naked, but it did leave me thinking about what the selection criteria might be.

I had my shoes back on and laced up, my ID back in my wallet, boarding pass back in my carry-on bag, phone, keys, voice recorder in my pockets, and I was ready for the next step.

 In the Atlanta airport subway trains whisk you between concourses. I descended a large flight of stairs to reach the trains. A female computer generated voice tells you valuable information like “Hold on, the train is about to depart,” and “Hold on, the train is about to stop.” Good information since it seemed like when it arrived at each new concourse 50 mph to a dead stop happened in about 100 feet.

I had now arrived at the concourse for my flight and the sign indicate gates 1 through 22 to the left. I checked my boarding pass and saw that I was assigned to Gate 3. Fantastic, I should be very close. As I began to walk down the corridor I realized the gates were in descending order. The economy fare strikes again.

 The long walk gave me an opportunity to experience an additional problem for air travelers. The men’s rooms are tricky places, because travelers are no longer supposed to be separated from their luggage. At some point in a restroom, setting down your luggage becomes imperative. I am suspicious about what might be on the floor in the general proximity of urinals. I would suggest that a shelf above the urinals would be a great solution. This would solve a sanitary issue for our luggage, except for the most errant aimer.

I arrived at my gate with one hour to spare before departure. Three hours of automobile travel, one and a half hours of parking, walking, ticketing, security, riding the train, going to the bathroom and I was ready for the main event- 908 miles in the air. I felt a real sense of accomplishment knowing all of the obstacles that I had overcome to get this far. I could now proudly call myself a modern traveler and enjoy all the benefits associated with that designation.

This house in Irmo is situated on a quiet dead end street. The sub-division is within five minutes of Columbia’s largest retail shopping district featuring over 50 restaurants, movie theaters, and hundreds of retail stores. It is also close to Lake Murray and all of its recreational opportunities.

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The four bedroom three full bath home feels like new. The interior of the house is fresh and bright with new paint, new carpet, new flooring and fixtures. The spacious eat in kitchen overlooks a large fenced-in backyard where you will be able to entertain guests and spend time with friends or family.

The dining room is bright and big enough to accommodate a large table with additional furniture without overwhelming the space.

The living room area has brand new hardwood floors that flow into the dining room and down the hallway to master suite and guest bedroom on first level. There is ceramic tile at front door entry, and steps lead from living room to two spacious bedrooms and a full bath on second level. Each bedroom features a walk-in-closet, new carpet, and fresh paint. Either second level bedroom space could be easily converted to office or media room.

Call Ellyn Nester today 803-348-4602

Irmo Real Estate for Sale

Irmo SC Real Estate - Homes for Sale in Irmo South Carolina. We also provide you with Advanced Market Segments such as Irmo Startup Homes, Irmo Median Homes, Irmo Upscale Homes, Irmo Luxury Homes, and Irmo Homesites and Land for Sale in Irmo SC. Surrounding Towns included are West Columbia, Irmo, Columbia, Lexington, Lexington County, Cayce, Gaston, Swansea as well as niche communities: Agape Village, Charwood, Churchill Heights, Edenwood, Forest Acres, Moss Creek, Quail Hollow, Saluda Gardens, Saluda River Club, Saluda Terrace, Shadblow, The Avenues, and Westover Acres. Exit Agapé Real Estate Services is your West Columbia SC and South Carolina Senior Real Estate Specialists. (803) 454-3504

Irmo Startup Homes [under $125K] Irmo Median Homes [$125K- $250K] Irmo Upscale Homes [$250K - $500K]   Irmo Luxury Homes [over $500K]   Irmo Homesites and Land for Sale   West Columbia SC Homes for Sale

Town of Irmo, SC – “Gateway to Lake Murray”

Irmo was recognized by Money Magazine in 2007 as the 12th “Most Affordable Place to Live in the Country”.

Located off the shore of Lake Murray and only ten miles from Columbia, the capital of South Carolina, Irmo was a sleepy little town of 500 people in the early 1970′s. Today with more than 12,000 residents Irmo is one of the country’s most sought after places to live.

The Cherokee Indians first roamed the waterways and woodlands of this area while following the Cherokee Trail. Later German and Swiss immigrants were the first Westerners to settle the area bounded by the Broad and Saluda Rivers and extending to the Newberry county line. Germans, using land grants from the King of England, settled the Dutch Fork area in the mid 18th century. Self-sufficient farms were established in spite of the rocky, red clay that was unsuitable for plantation farming.

The origin of Irmo tells the story of the railroad’s influence. Irmo was incorporated in 1890 and flourished along the tracks of the Columbia, Newberry and Laurens railroads on the high ridge between the rivers. The town was named by combining the first two letters of the names of two railroad company men – C.J. Iredell and H.C. Moseley.

A quarter of a century later, the largest earthen dam in the world (at that time) was built across the Saluda River, forming Lake Murray. The dam, along with the construction of I-26 adjacent to Irmo in the late 1950′s, made possible the continuing rapid growth of the greater Irmo area. The beautiful Lake Murray provides much sought after real estate along its 528 miles of shoreline and provides a recreational paradise for the residents of Irmo – truly the “Gateway to Lake Murray”.

This home has a brand new kitchen with modern appliances and custom cabinetry. The kitchen space will entice you to practice your culinary skills or just enjoy your morning coffee in the cozy eat-in area. The crisp white bead board in bathroom with convenience shelf, new vanity, fixtures, and shower surround are all highlights of the renovated space.

The large living room and dining room combination with arched transition adds character and charm to the home. Natural light streams through the new windows showing off the luster of the re-finished hardwoods that run throughout the home.

Two of the three bedrooms are bright and cheerful with neutral paint, crisp white trim and lots of natural light. The third bedroom with knotty pine paneling could be used as a den.

The laundry is in a newly enclosed heated and cooled space with additional room for a folding table or craft area. The former breezeway out to carport has been converted to heated and cooled space and would make an excellent office for working from home. The granite walls and surrounding windows make the space cozy and bright.

The home is situated in the Saluda Gardens neighborhood in West Columbia and is within walking distance of restaurants, shopping, river-walk greenway, and five minutes from downtown and the Vista. You will not want to miss the opportunity to own this move in ready home. Call Ellyn Nester today at 803-348-4602 for your personal tour.

West Columbia SC Real Estate, Columbia SC – Joe Nester Realtor. EXIT Agape Real Estate Services is ready to serve your real estate needs in Lexington, West Columbia, Irmo, Forest Acres, and Columbia South Carolina. Our experienced agents have all the right tools to properly market your listing or to search for your perfect new home. We strive to exceed your expectations on every transaction. (803) 730-7269 or (803) 454-3504.

West Columbia Agape Senior Employees Get Stuck for a Great Cause

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. ~Winston Churchill

According to the American Red Cross, one blood donation can save up to three lives. On Aug 24, 2010, the employees, associates, and friends of Agape Senior teamed up to help replenish depleted blood supplies. The event took place on the West Columbia campus on Leaphart Road.

Agape Senior employees from the West Columbia campus came, along with other employees from across the Midlands. Employees from the Harbison campus in Irmo, the Kathwood campus in Forest Acres, and the Lexington campus gathered to give the gift of life. The volunteers rolled up their sleeves and within four hours had donated 44 units of blood. The total donation has the potential to save 132 lives.

Every person that donated seemed to have a different story for making the commitment to be there that day. Some donors had never given before. One donor had not donated in over fifteen years. It was truly an amazing team effort to meet and exceed the goal set for the event by the Red Cross.

Agape Senior is no stranger to supporting worthwhile causes. The company is committed to involvement in the local communities in which it has operations. Agape Senior has a fundamental philosophy to empower its employees to look for and become part of the solution for any problem. Read more about Agape Senior.

West Columbia South Carolina Assisted Living – Agape Senior West Columbia

Agape Senior Assisted Living of West Columbia provides senior-focused solutions. In working with seniors and their families, the dedicated staff works diligently to optimize quality of life by embracing individuality and preserving dignity – Call us 803-939-3000

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Columbia SC Real Estate for Sale

Columbia Startup Homes [under $125K] Columbia Median Homes [$125K - $250K] Columbia Upscale Homes [$250K - $550K] Columbia Luxury Homes [$550K - $1M] Columbia Million $ Homes [over $1M] Columbia Homesites and Land for Sale

Columbia SC Real Estate for Sale - Homes for Sale in Columbia South Carolina. We also provide you with Advanced Market Segments such as Columbia Startup Homes, Columbia Median Homes, Columbia Upscale Homes, Columbia Luxury Homes, Columbia Million Dollar Homes, and Columbia Homesites and Land for Sale in Columbia SC. Surrounding Towns included are West Columbia, Irmo, Columbia, Lexington, Lexington County, Cayce, Gaston, Swansea as well as niche communities: Agape Village, Charwood, Churchill Heights, Edenwood, Forest Acres, Moss Creek, Quail Hollow, Saluda Gardens, Saluda River Club, Saluda Terrace, Shadblow, The Avenues, and Westover Acres. Exit Agapé Real Estate Services is your West Columbia SC and South Carolina Senior Real Estate Specialists. Contact the Team that understands Columbia SC (803) 454-3504.

West Columbia SC Real Estate, Columbia SC – Joe Nester Realtor. EXIT Agape Real Estate Services is ready to serve your real estate needs in Lexington, West Columbia, Irmo, Forest Acres, and Columbia South Carolina. Our experienced agents have all the right tools to properly market your listing or to search for your perfect new home. We strive to exceed your expectations on every transaction. (803) 730-7269 or (803) 454-3504.

Every day in South Carolina thousands of senior adults are struggling to get through the day. It might be a mobility issue that makes even simple tasks seem impossible. It might be a maintenance issue with the home that is causing an unsafe living condition. Or it could be isolation and loneliness that are causing depression. If the senior does not have a local support system he or she will usually suffer in silence.

Often in these cases the condition deteriorates to the point where the senior ends up in the hospital because of a fall, dehydration or dozens of other possibilities. When this happens a family member might come in from out of town and be faced with the reality that his or her loved one can no longer completely function on his or her own. This is a crisis situation for everyone involved. Important decisions about future care have to be made quickly and usually with limited information.

Agape Senior, a leading provider of senior care in South Carolina, has been working actively with local communities and churches to educate seniors about different care options available. “We want to help seniors avoid a crisis and be able to make an informed decision about additional care when and if the time comes,” states Scott Middleton, CEO of Agape Senior.

In response to this growing problem, Agape Senior just launched a brand new program that is focused on taking solutions and options to the senior. The Agape Senior Home Assessment program is now available throughout the state. The comprehensive program involves an (SSA) Senior Solution Advisor making a house call at the request of the homeowner or family member. The trained advisor will evaluate the current conditions and identify the areas that pose the greatest daily living challenges for the senior in the home.

The checklist for the program was designed by experts within the senior healthcare industry. The multiple categories within the checklist look at all of the areas of daily living. There is a large focus on safety and ease of mobility in the current home. The goal is to identify potential problems and help the senior connect to possible solutions before the problem becomes a crisis.

If you would like more information on the Agape Senior Home Assessment program or would like to schedule an assessment please call 1-800-411-AGAPE (2427)

Joe Nester

GMM Insurance can assist with virtually any insurance need, but our affiliation with Agapé Senior has led us to specialize in the field of long-term care insurance. Medicare does not pay for most long-term care services, so having a long-term care policy is the best way to ensure that you make all the decisions about your care and well-being later in life. Please watch our informative Long-Term Care Insurance video and then call us to talk to the professionals who know long-term care better than anybody else in the Midlands.

West Columbia SC Real Estate, Columbia SC – Joe Nester Realtor. EXIT Agape Real Estate Services is ready to serve your real estate needs in Lexington, West Columbia, Irmo, Forest Acres, and Columbia South Carolina. Our experienced agents have all the right tools to properly market your listing or to search for your perfect new home. We strive to exceed your expectations on every transaction. (803) 730-7269 or (803) 454-3504.