HAPPY FALL!
There’s just something special about fall in the Midlands. Here’s to a season full of beautiful weather, local fun, and time with the people you love! 🍁
Local event Spotlight the south carolina state fair
@ South Carolina State Fairgrounds
October 15-25
A Midlands fall tradition is back! The South Carolina State Fair brings together thrilling rides, live entertainment, exhibits, animals, and—of course—all the fair food we wait for every year. Keep an eye out for the fair’s special admission and themed days, including opportunities traditionally offered for seniors, military members, students, and families.
🍗 Wondering what’s new to eat this year? Be sure to check out my Fall Guide, sent to your inbox, where I included all the details on the new 2026 State Fair foods you’ll want to try!
pet of the month – meet ariel
Ariel is enjoying plenty of puppy adventures and quality time with her doodle sister, Belle. If you recognize those names, there’s a reason! Their owners are huge Disney fans, so Belle is named after Beauty and the Beast and Ariel after The Little Mermaid. 🏰✨
These two sweet girls even joined their pawrents at the closing table this past month—and I’m not sure who was more excited to have them there, their owners or me! They absolutely made everyone’s day. Welcome home, Ariel! 💕🐶
hooked on the water
A brand-new lakeside dining and entertainment destination is headed to Lexington! Hooked on the Water, expected to open in late 2026 at 110 Anglers Way, is bringing a whole new waterfront experience to Lake Murray.
The property is planned to feature five concepts in one destination, including elevated fine dining, casual downstairs dining, an outdoor social space, live music, and private event space.
Local chef Andy Marchant will lead the culinary program, with plans for everything from prime steaks and fresh seafood to gourmet burgers and unique flatbreads—all with Southern influences and an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients.
Menus and entertainment schedules haven’t been released just yet, but this is definitely one I’ll be keeping an eye on! 👀
📍 110 Anglers Way, Lexington, SC 29072
🗓️ Expected opening: Late 2026
currently reading… mad mabel by sally hepworth
With family secrets, unexpected relationships, and plenty of questions about what really happened, this one blends suspense with Sally Hepworth’s signature wit and quirky characters.
Perfect for anyone who loves a mystery that keeps you guessing while still having plenty of personality!
ask a realtor ® q&A: How’s the market right now?
This is a question coming up a LOT lately in conversations with buyers, sellers, and other local agents—and the truth is, our market has definitely shifted.
Buyers currently have more negotiating power than we’ve seen in the past few years, but higher interest rates are keeping some would-be buyers on the sidelines. The result? Homes are generally taking longer to sell, and sellers are competing for a smaller pool of active buyers.
So, what does that mean if you’re selling? Your home needs to stand out! Thoughtful staging, great condition, a home warranty, assistance with buyer closing costs, and strong marketing can all help—but pricing is especially important. This isn’t the market to push the envelope on price if your goal is to sell. Buyers have options, and they’re paying attention to value.
The good news? Real estate is a bit of a yin and yang. While sellers may have to be more strategic, buyers can have opportunities to negotiate on price, closing costs, repairs, and other terms. If you need to sell AND buy, the additional negotiating power you gain on your purchase may help balance what you give up on your sale.
Every situation—and every neighborhood—is different. The key in today’s market is having a strategy that makes sense for both sides of your move.
Community spotlight – beulah roasting co.
Jordan recently discovered Beulah Roasting Co. in Batesburg-Leesville, and this adorable local coffee shop has something that immediately caught her attention—Stitches & Sips!
Grab your current stitching project and spend a Saturday morning sipping delicious coffee while stitching alongside other local crafters. Upcoming Stitches & Sips dates include September 26, October 31, November 21 & December 12 from 8:30 AM–1:00 PM. Such a fun and unique way to spend a Saturday morning!
Even if stitching isn’t your thing, Beulah is worth a visit. Founded by Jess and Jeremiah Sowards, Beulah roasts its own coffee and focuses on thoughtfully crafted coffee and tea while building relationships with coffee farmers and supporting fair and sustainable practices.
And, of course, fall calls for a seasonal drink! 🍂 Their fall menu includes favorites like a Banana Bread Chai, Pumpkin Spice Latte & Caramel Apple Cold Brew.
Local coffee + fall flavors + a morning spent stitching? Count us in! ☕🧵🍂
532 Lexington Ave
Batesburg-Leesville, SC 29070
Recent Stitches + Finishes
But don’t worry—she still has two recent finishes to share this month! At this point, she’s officially lost count of just how many ornaments she’s completed. 🎄🪡
And the best is yet to come! Christmas will be here before we know it, which means we’ll finally get to see the FULL needlepoint Christmas tree in all its glory, along with her growing stitched Christmas village. I can’t wait to share it all with y’all! ❤️🎄
Full Circle Real Estate Moment
I’ve known my dear friend Monica for over 20 years, and for six of those years, we were homeroom moms together when our girls were little. We planned classroom parties, birthday celebrations, take-home bags, goodie bags—you name it! Somewhere between all those school events and memories, we became great friends.
So when Monica called me all these years later and said they were ready to sell their home and find something new that better fit this next chapter of life, I was absolutely thrilled to help.
Getting to walk alongside them through both the sale of their longtime home and the purchase of their new one was incredibly special. They were truly some of the BEST buyers and sellers, and it was an honor to be trusted with both sides of their move.
And there was one more full-circle moment that made this closing extra sweet. Monica has saved ornaments our daughters made together at school all those years ago, and this year, Jordan and I got to add two new Disney-themed ornaments to her tree. 🎄🏰
From classroom parties and little girls to closings and new chapters more than 20 years later—this is the kind of full-circle real estate story that means the most to me. ❤️
Until Next Time
Thank you for spending a little time catching up with me! I hope this month’s newsletter gave you a new place to visit, something fun to add to your calendar, or a helpful real estate tip to keep in your back pocket.
As always, if you have questions about real estate, need a local recommendation, or just want to say hello, my door is always open.
See you next month! 🤎
