We asked a few past clients if they had any questions, they ever wanted to know... DISCLAIMER: We did not know these questions beforehand. Featuring a cameo from our videographer, Randy we answer all your burning questions about the Aiken Homes Team. Enjoy!
What
do purple paint and trespassing have in common? Stay with us and learn
something NEW.
Purple paint is the new sign for NO Trespassing in South
Carolina.
South
Carolinians can now mark parts of their property with purple paint in place of
no trespassing signs.
·The
markings must be painted to immovable, permanent objects like this tree.
·The
marking must not be more than 100 yards apart and need to be easily visible to
anyone approaching the property.
·The
purple line should be at least eight inches long and two inches wide and the
bottom of the line should be between three and six feet from the ground.
·A
diagram from SC Forestry Commission is included in video.
So,
why purple paint?
From
what I read, it’s not a color that is used in the forest industry. So, it
wouldn't be easily confused with other paint markings
Beware
…Those who cross that purple paint marking illegally could face a $100 fine or
up to 30 days in jail. Look before you walk onto property or into those woods if
you don’t have permission to enter.
Let’s
all help by spreading the word about this new purple paint South Carolina law
by sharing this video.
First,
Brandi nor myself are experts on solar panels but we want to share what a buyer
needs to be asking when thinking about a home with solar panels. We understand
the value and commitment of many to conserve Earth’s resources and minimize
their carbon footprint.
#1 Check if the Solar Panels
are financed, leased or owned outright by the seller.
If there the sellers have an outstanding
solar loan or lease you need to find out if the seller plans on clearing that loan
or buying out of their lease. OR… are they expecting you as the buyer to
assume the burden of the loan or lease?
This is key question. Let’s say, as a buyer
if you ARE willing to assume the seller’s liability of a solar loan or lease
there can be a couple hitches.
1-It can affect your qualifications for the home
mortgage.
2-Finding a lender to loan on a pending solar
loan can be difficult.
3-Leases are complicated and you need to
understand all facets of the lease terms.
Sellers owning the Solar panels free
and clear is the easiest and better option as a buyer since it comes with no
strings attached.
#2 Maintaining Solar Panels
Consider any
additional costs associated with upkeep and add that to your monthly budget
when considering your savings. Always ask an expert in the field, not a person
trying to sell you solar panels.
#3 Advantages of buying a home with
solar panels
Can save you money on electricity
bills, provide cleaner air for your family to breathe, and reduce your carbon
footprint
#4 Do solar panels affect the resale value?
Having
solar panels can increase the value of the property but you really need to
compare the financial debt or responsibility you are accepting. Also, each
market is different on how they affect value.
If
you are in an area that has high rates for electricity or even no utility service,
they become invaluable when compared to an area where utility cost is moderate
and readily available.
#5
Appraiser Opinion on Solar Panel Value
In
our area when asking appraisers, we find the value increase to be minimal
compared to the actual cost. Appraisers cannot give any value to leased solar
panels.
Stay tuned for some great tips and see some adoptable pets
here at FOTAS
Yes, the good ole Sniff test needs to be done but not by
YOU. Recruit a real candid friend for an honest opinion or a trusted REALTOR.
We’re here with Steve Block one of our licensed team members
who has a vast amount of past experience and knowledge in the Pet industry.
Steve has some valuable tips even if not selling a home. Yes, we do love our 4-legged family members, but when it comes
to unwanted smells in our house, our 4-legged kids are usually the culprit.
Let’s start with our Feline Friends which can be a tricky
odor to get rid of.
I have 4 tips for help with cat odors.
It is all about litter boxes.Keeping litter boxes scooped daily and then
completely cleaned and refreshed with new litter weekly is a great plan.
The BEST litter boxes out there for controlling
odors are auto scoop boxes.They
automatically scoop when used and keep the box fresh.
TYPE of litter box, what material it made from
Best litter and truly helps the “smell” to use
premium clumping litter.The clumps seal
in the odor and keep the ammonia smell at a minimum.
Steve’s has 5 helpful tips for fido
Wash your pet
Do not forget to wash their collars and harnesses; they can
get a funky smell too.
Thoroughly clean all their bedding or any areas they lay on.
Use refreshening sprays and deodorizers between washings
reduces lingering odors.
For potty accident clean up.The biggest mistake people make is not cleaning spots up correctly.Use a product that has enzymes designed
for eliminating stains and odors is the key.
Steve, can you share some brands that worked for you? Brands like Nature’s Miracle, Simple Solutions, and Angry
Orange are a few of many good choices out there. Following the label instructions to the
letter is a must, otherwise the products won’t work and will cause you
frustrations.
Is it true Most brands have options for both dog and cat
options? Yes
We saved the best for last to show off some “adoptable dogs
and cats”.
Here is Kathy Jacobs who will introduce a couple furry
friends.
Furry family always bring extras love and happiness into a home.
Hope you enjoyed hearing these simple steps to keep your
home smelling fresh and that will benefit your home selling journey.
Aiken is always offering lots of fun activities geared
towards kids year-round. This fall is no exception. Here are Four FREE activities
for kids sponsored by the City of Aiken and community partners.
Be sure to watch to the end of this video for the
“secret scavenger hunt” you will only know if watch this video and be sure to
share with your friends.
#1 Story Time in Hope Gardens
This is one of our favorites, it’s held every
Tuesday at 4:00 PM during September & October on the lawn of Rye
Patch. There are reading adventures every Tuesday. Each family in attendance
receives a free book to take home to help build their library.
We are excited to announce a special Halloween
Story Time on Monday, October 31st at 4:00 PM we will be sponsoring.
Do not miss out on your treats!
#2 Touch-A-Truck on Saturday, October 1st
, Odell Weeks
9:00 AM-1:00 PM. Check out fun vehicles such as
bulldozers & police cars.
If you get hungry there will also be food trucks
to purchase food from PLUS Bounce houses and a train.
#3 Nature Rocks in Hopelands Gardens on Sunday,
October 16th
Held 2:00-5:00 PM. This is a joint event
presented by the City of Aiken Parks, Recreation & Tourism Department and
the Friends of Hopelands & Rye Patch.
Enjoy a fun and educational day of nature,
crafts, music, scavenger hunts and demonstrations by organizations such as the
Ruth Patrick Education Science Center and more.
#4 Trunk or Treat, Saturday, October 29th,
1060 Banks Mill Road, Aiken, SC
Be there 3:00- 6:00 PM. Join the Trick-or-Treating
festivities including trunks full of treats, carnival games, food trucks and a
DJ to spin some spooky tunes.
Now for the
Secret scavenger HUNT
For some extra FALL Fun, Aiken HOMES Team will be
hiding 4 rocks. The rocks will be hidden in Hopelands Garden, Rye Patch, Odell
Weeks or Citizens Park in Aiken, SC.
If you are the very first person to find them,
call or text the number on the rock with picture plus the special code for a
surprise gift.
This is for the month of September and October,
2022 only.
Considering buying or selling a home in the area;
let us help you, we love our community and have generations of experience to
get you the results you deserve.
#1 Not knowing your credit score. Buyers
with better credit scores get better mortgage rates.
#2 Looking at homes before being
pre-approved for a loan. You need to meet or talk with a lender first to
understand the process and know what you can AFFORD. You may need to talk to
couple to find the right loan officer that will take the time to explain the process.
#3 Spending all your savings to
buy a home.Keep yourself an cushion “emergency
fund” for un expected costs personally or due to homeownership.
#4 Know your Conditions, Covenants
and Restrictions, we also call these CC&Rs and to also know if there is an
HOA and a fee.
#5 Not researching the
neighborhood or area.Make sure you are
satisfied with location to amenities, schools, crime, driving time to work or
any other item else that is important to you.
#6 Waiving the rights to all inspections.It makes your offer more attractive to the
seller but if a major repair would devastate your finances, it may not be worth
it for you.
#7 Signing and not reading
documents. Completely read and understand what you are signing. Contracts are a
commitment, don’t get excited, be in a hurry and take 30 minutes to review and
read.
#8 Not asking questions, it’s
important to understand all facets of the home buying process, agency and home
buying contracts.
#9 Setting realistic housing goals
and expectations.
#10 Not working with an
experienced real estate professional that will represent your best interests.
Do your research and choose your
buyer’s agent carefully who will go to work to achieve your real estate goals.
