Aiken Downtown Fall/Winter Schedule 2014

Our Fall/Winter Downtown Event Schedule is out! Lots of fun activities coming up that you do not want to miss! Let us know if you would like one mailed to you.

Storytime in the Gardens for September and October for Fall 2014

Storytime in the Gardens for September and October. Every Tuesday at 4pm at the sand patio at Hopeland Gardens.

Hopelands Gardens is located at 135 Dupree Place Aiken, SC 29801. In case of inclement weather, the readings will be held inside the H. O. Weeks Center - Rooms 6&7 located at 1700 Whiskey Rd. Aiken, SC 29801. For inclement weather information, please call 803-643-4661. For all other information, please call 803-642-7631

Aiken Home and Lifestyle Magazine Fall 2014 is out…pick up a copy

This a beautiful and easy read magizine; offers some interesting articles about Aiken’s history, people, features unique homes and will keep you up with what’s happening in Aiken, SC.

This is their (A) List which offers a variety of short articles on people, places, and the best place to get a chili dog in Aiken, S.C.,  most locals know the secret.

http://www.augustamagazine.com/Augusta-Magazine/Aiken-Homes-and-Lifestyles/Fall-2014/A-List/

The Aiken Homes Team of Meybohm Realtors is proud to part of the fall 2014 issue….Let Us Welcome you to YOUR AIKEN HOME

MOVING WHAT AN experience!!!

Moving

What An
experience

Moving is often a stressful experience, even when it goes well. While you may never have a great time boxing up your possessions and moving them to a new place, there are certainly steps you can take to make the experience as easy as possible. Here are a few tips from Styleathome.com that can help you save time and reduce your stress when moving.

CHOOSE WISELY:  This is the perfect time to donate or give away unwanted items to lessen your load. You will want to make sure whatever transportation you choose has enough room for all of your things; especially if the move is far enough that you only want to make one trip. Generally, the contents of a one-bedroom apartment will fit in a 16-foot cube truck, while two or three bedrooms usually fit in a 24- or 26-foot truck. If you’re moving a full house, you can also use a 24- or 26-foot truck, but if you have a lot of possessions, it might require two trips.

MAKE A PLAN: Before you put anything in a box or contact movers, create an itemized list of everything that should be done and follow it as you go. This will make the move easier for yourself and others who are helping you. If you’re using movers, you should also make an inventory as you pack, and check it when you unpack to make sure none of your items were lost.

COMMUNICATE: Once you have a plan, make sure your movers are aware of your requirements. The more information they have about the situation, the less time they will require and the more prepared they will be. If you’re moving into a condo or apartment, ask your landlord or building supervisor if there is anything you should know about moving into the building. For example, condos often have service elevators you can reserve for the move.

Savannah River Ecology Lab Touch an Animal Day - August 22, 2014

Looking for a Family Fun morning?

Savannah River Ecology Lab will hold a "Touch an Animal Day" on Saturday to allow visitors to examine and handle local wildlife and learn more about native plants and animals.

Touch an Animal Day offers visitors a chance to examine and handle local wildlife, including alligators and nonvenomous snakes. The event will be held Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon and is free. 

http://srel.uga.edu/outreach/

Save the Date - Aiken Fall Steeplechase 2014

Aiken Fall Steeplechase 2014

Aiken, SC comes alive with series of horse events and festivities with the fall Steeplechase being one of the local favorites!

HOLIDAY CUP

The tradition of Steeplechasing continues in Aiken with the 23rd Renewal of the Aiken Fall Steeplechase on Saturday, October 25, 2014. The Committee seeks your continued support in making the day worthy of Aiken's sporting traditions and welcomes your participation for the benefit of The Hitchcock Woods Foundation.

The Fall Fête is held every year on the Friday before the Fall Steeplechase event. The fête includes a fun night of dinner and dancing plus live music and an open bar.

To Learn more and the source of information is:

 http://www.aikensteeplechase.com/fallevent.html

Paddlefest 2014 Sponsored by Savannah River Keepers

Paddlefest 2014 Sponsored by Savannah River Keepers

Video news clip:

http://www.wjbf.com/story/26138963/2014-paddlefest-preview

When: Saturday, August 2nd (9 AM-3 PM)

Where: Downtown Augusta Riverfront Marina

More Info: paddlefestga.com

Dos and Don’ts of Real Estate Social Media     

Everywhere you turn people are posting, tweeting, commenting and instant messaging.  Buyers, sellers and real estate agents are using Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, U-Tube, Instagram and it is an excellent marketing tool for selling or buying real estate when used properly.

On the reverse side, we have noticed many seemingly harmless or simple posts on social media that could affect the outcome of home buying or selling process and may even cost you thousands of dollars if the wrong person reads your post.

Here’s Aiken Home’s Team of Meybohm Realtors “Dos and Don’ts” to take advantage of the social media when selling or buying a real estate.

Do’s

Sellers…make sure you list your home with a Realtor that is tech savvy utilizes and incorporated several of social Medias in their marketing plan and posts positively.

When your Realtor shares links of your home on the internet or posts your home on their business website or Facebook page… share, share and share with your family and friends with a simple message.  We just listed our home for sale… can you please share this post or link with anyone you may know who might be interested in buying our home?  You’ll be astonished how far reaching this marketing technique can be.

Buyers…If you see a home or property of interest on the market or posted somewhere on website or social media for sale call your buyer’s agent for more information.  

Don’ts

Sellers…Be careful not to make postings and comments that may affect the outcome of a sale or interested buyer.  It's best to keep your real estate business transaction private until property is officially closed.

Even, if you are frustrated with lack of showings, buyer’s feedback do not post any negative or emotional comments and any details of an offer received or accepted.  It’s always best to contact your listing Realtor to talk directly to her or him versus posting your frustrations.  Your posts could be interpreted that you are anxious or desperate to sell. Posting details or comments of an offer received or accepted can hurt you if transaction doesn't work out and your home goes back on the market for sale.

Buyers…You found your dream home. You’re really excited and want to share with all your friends and family and you post the home you about to make an offer.  Not a good decision; posting anything before you have a fully signed “ ratified” contract with the sellers and never post the details of your offer even if accepted is not in your best interest.  An unassuming post could affect your power of negotiations if the seller or seller’s agent knows how much you love the property, costing your thousands of dollars.  Maybe one of your friend’s, friends is thinking about the same home. You can end up in a multiple offer situation and lose your dream home completely.

Social networking is fun and wonderful way to share good news but buyers and sellers post carefully, it could impact the success of your real estate transaction.

Aiken Music FEST… this Saturday JULY 12th, 2014

Aiken Music FEST… upcoming Saturday JULY 12^th, 2014

Summertime Fun…check out the awesome MUSIC lineup with so many FUN events to Participate in and ENJOY.

Aiken Music Fest is home to some of the best bands in the CSRA and Aiken, including Preston and Weston, Mike Frost Band, Anybody's Guess and Palmetto Groove and more! Bring your family and friends, eat some of the best BBQ in the State of South Carolina, and participate in the Jeep Invasion.  Bring your Jeep to the Invasion, or enter your vintage Willys in the Kaiser Willys Classic Jeep Show!

Run through the giant sprinkler; have a great time under the open sky at the beautiful Highfields Event Center.

Directions to Highfields:  http://www.psjshows.com/highfields.html#directions

Gates open to the general public at 2:00pm on July 12, 2014.

Gates open for Jeepsat 11:00am.

Music starts at 3:30pm.

For more information:  http://www.aikenmusicfest.com/

The HEAT is ON to BUY your Aiken Home

We all been hearing about national home sales but let’s talk about what the Aiken, SC market trends are year to date.

Based on Aiken Multiple List System year to date sales data the average sales price range for the Aiken, SC,  NW, NE, SW, SE and Aiken rural area is $193,578, with the median sales price is $154,000. The average day on the market is 261, which is up.  There have been 680 new listings and 319 closed property year to date 6/9/14.  It is still considered a buyers’ market since there is more properties coming on the market as compared to amount of selling.  

Buyers Tips:

It’s simple…Buy Now. The rates are still low and favorable and the home pricing index low, there are many wonderful opportunities. We always suggest you speak with a local lender to get yourself pre-qualified and we are happy to provide several names of local lenders our buyer’s client have been happy with.  We are here to guide you through the home buying process and find you the right home for YOU.

To discuss your specific real estate goals, please never hesitate to your favorite Realtor or the Aiken Home Team.

We very much appreciate and welcome your referrals.  It’s always our pleasure to serve you, your family and friends.

HOME AWAY from home........

HOME AWAY

 from home

It’s the season for vacations and travel. We thought we might share some good tips if you are considering renting a vacation home or planning a trip where you prefer to stay in a private home or condo. My family has done this numerous times and overall with very positive results. There are several short terms furnished rentals in Aiken, SC to consider if you are planning a trip to our area.   

Renting a vacation house offers a lot that hotels or other accommodations often don’t provide: keeping your large group together, cooking out and eating family style, and unique amenities such as a private pool or hot tub. Finding the right rental for your group isn't always easy, however. Here are some tips from The New York Times and Frommers.com to help you make a decision on a rental this summer.

DO YOUR RESEARCH: These days, there is no shortage of information about available rentals. Web sites like VRBO.com, FlipKey (which is run by Trip Advisor), and HomeAway.com list thousands of rental homes in North America and across the world. Once you've located a few rentals you like, make sure what you see is accurate. Check the owner’s website, online reviews and comments from past users on sites like Yelp or Facebook.

IDENTIFY WHAT YOU WANT: Determine your priorities before you start looking. A beachfront place may be more expensive, but if your family loves the water, it may be worth it. If you know your group is more likely to be out and about and just use the house as a place to sleep, you probably want to go for a less expensive option.

DECIDE EARLY ... OR DON’T: Good rental properties are tough to find, and that is doubly true if you’re heading somewhere during popular vacation times such as Christmas or spring break. So if you locate a place you’re particularly fond of, book it as soon as you can finalize your plans. However, if you’re the spontaneous type, you can sometimes find big dis-counts by waiting until the last minute because discounted renters are better than no renters at all for property owners.

Hopeland Garden Concert Schedule 2014

Relax and Enjoy the Music at

Hopeland's Garden Summer Concert Series!

Admission to the series is free.

Tip: Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on.

Food is welcomed, but alcohol is prohibited.

For more information, please call

803-642-7631 or visit www.facebook.com/ExperienceAiken

Edgefield Highway (SC 19 Hwy) Corridor Planning Study - April 24th at 4pm

Today….Third Annual Horses and Courses

Today….Third Annual Horses and Courses

Where else can golf and horses go together?  Aiken, SC of course!

Downtown Aiken will be the place to be on Tuesday, April 8th during Masters Week!  The 3rd Annual Horses and Courses Event begins at 5pm until 9pm and is sponsored by the City of Aiken Arts Commission, City of Aiken Parks, Recreation & Tourism Department, the Aiken Artists Guild, and the Aiken Downtown Development Association and Carolina Outdoors Equipment Company.

This year the event will focus on Aiken's numerous talented artists including an art walk along the sidewalks and Alley in our vibrant downtown. The air will be filled with the sounds of numerous performing artists and displays of original paintings, sculptures and jewelry from visual artists. Artwork will be on display and for sale inside and outside of numerous businesses.

The mission of the Horses & Courses events is to promote and highlight the arts, equine, and golf communities as well as showcase downtown Aiken.

http://www.visitaikensc.com/calendar/event/horses_and_courses_art_walk

Source of info: City of Aiken website

2014 Springtime Lunch and a Play - April 9th at 11am - Aiken, SC

We are thrilled to be sponsoring the Springtime Lunch and a Play on April 9th at 11am! Guess what….ITS FREE to the public!!! All you need to do is bring your lawn chair/blanket and a picnic lunch! Come and enjoy “The World of Anansi the Spider!” Hope to see you there!

Brand New Listing at 6091 High Meadow Loop, Aiken, SC 29803

Show your LOVE for Aiken, SC and VOTE…

Show your LOVE for Aiken, SC and VOTE…

Garden and Gun’s…Greatest Southern Towns

The battle for the best Southern town is on! In the spirit of March Madness, we've set up a bracket featuring 32 great Southern towns going head-to-head for the championship. And your votes will determine which towns advance. (For the record, we kept it to towns with populations under 150,000).

Aiken is most definitely the best Southern town, we deserve the bragging rights. Please go and vote online we are in the South Atlantic section.

http://gardenandgun.com/article/southern-towns-bracket#pd_a_7860092

You can help spread the word to vote for the best Southern town on Twitter using the hashtag #SouthernTowns.

Induction of Palace Malice 2013 Aiken Trained Horse of the Year! Join the celebration...

Aiken Board of Realtor’s Housing Supply Overview-January 2014

With 2013 in the rear view mirror, a new year is upon us. For the 12-month period spanning February 2013 through January 2014, Pending Sales in the Aiken region were up 15.3 percent overall. The price range with the largest gain in sales was the $100,000 and Below range, where they increased 41.3 percent. The overall Median Sales Price was down 5.5 percent to $139,813.  The property type with the smallest price decline was the Condo segment, where prices decreased 1.8 percent to $97,200. The price range that tended to sell the quickest was the $100,000 and Below range at 158 days; the price range that tended to sell the slowest was the $300,001 and Above range at 297 days. Market-wide, inventory levels were down 2.8 percent. The property type that lost the least inventory was the Single-Family segment, where it decreased 2.5 percent. That amounts to 12.2 months’ supply for Single-Family homes and 12.3 months’ supply for Condos.

Brandi Cook named 2013 Aiken Realtor of the Year

The 2013 Aiken Realtor of the Year is Meybohm's Brandi Cook.

Cook was announced as the recipient of the honor at the Aiken Board of Realtors holiday party on Thursday evening at The Reserve Club.

She was praised for the time and effort she gives to the association and the community.

Cook volunteers as a member of the board of directors for the Aiken Board of Realtors, is a member of its education committee and devotes her energy to the MOMS Club of Aiken. She also was involved in the past with Camp Puzzle Palooza, an extension of the Aiken Family Y, which caters to children who have mental or physical disabilities.

“She quietly makes a difference in people's lives and doesn't take credit for it,” said Laraine Clark, who was the Realtor of the Year for 2012.

Cook has been a Realtor since 2004, and said she wanted to work in real estate since the age of 18.

It is in her blood. Her mother, Vikki Crossland, is an Aiken Realtor, too.

“It is truly an honor,” Cook said. “To even be nominated ... and nominated by an agent from another company. It's nice when your peers think so highly of you. I would not be where I am today without the community of Aiken Realtors.”

Crossland said she certainly was a proud mother.

“She (Brandi) really does care. She really believes in doing the right thing. She's Miss Ethics,” Crossland said.

Other recognitions on Thursday were given to board Executive Director Kristyne Shelton, who was honored for her commitment to the Board of Realtors, and to sitting board President Diane Miniard for her many contributions this year, including her part in initiating a partnership with Aiken County Habitat for Humanity for its 25th anniversary build.

Read more: Brandi Cook named 2013 Aiken Realtor of the Year | Aiken Standard
Follow us: @aikenstandard on Twitter | aikenstandard on Facebook

Haley Hughes is the news editor for the Aiken Standard. She joined the newspaper in 2007 and covered the Aiken County government until her promotion in 2013. Hughes, a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, hails from Knoxville, Tenn.

MEYBOHM SOUTHSIDE TOP SALES AGENT

Vikki Crossland was awarded Meybohm Southside Top Sales Agent and the Elite Gold Agent in SC for 2013!

Edisto Lake - An Idyllic Lakeside Community in Aiken County, SC

Recently I had the pleasure of visiting Edisto Lake; a private gated community away from the hustle and bustle of big city life with a pristine 200 acre lake.   Edisto Lake offers a hundred lakeside home sites on which 60 have already been built on.  The community has a road that gently curves in and around the lake and community. The area offers a tall canopy of mature trees, lush grounds and fabulous views of Edisto Lake. The lake offers wonderful fishing opportunity for the angler. The lake offers bass, crappie, blue gill and catfish.  I personally saw several large bass off the dock of one of the home sites! You can also enjoy bird watching, boating (no wake policy), swimming, walking areas and just a wonderful place to slow down, catch your breath and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

Edisto Lake is located just outside of the town of Wagener in Aiken County and is a very scenic drive from Aiken. You'll pass by numerous horse farms, fine estates and farmlands heading to Wagener; it is approximately a 30 minute drive. You are about equal driving time to Columbia.

Here are some pictures of the lake and link to a fabulous newer home that is available for sale with its own private dock where you can be nature's neighbor!

View our  listing: 

www.usamls.net/aikenhomeslink/default.asp?content=expanded&search_content=my_listings&this_format=0&mls_number=82583&page=1&sortby=2

SCIway.net…South Carolina Information Highway

Have you ever checked out this website? It is chocked full of great information on South Carolina. It offers a really complete listing of information about the different cities and communities located in SC. 

It offers a fun filled packed schedule of events:  http://www.sciway.net/sn/81.html

Here is the link about Aiken with tons of additional linkage: http://www.sciway.net/city/aiken.html

I have used this website personally for information, offered FREE relocation information packages on Aiken, SC, marketed properties for sale and found it’s great resource for information on South Carolina and very beneficial to my real estate business.  

Recently I was asked ….was there really a “Battle of Aiken”?

The answer was YES…there was a battle in located in Aiken County in 1865. Here is a great link to learn some interesting Aiken history and the details of events leading up to the Battle of Aiken:

http://www.battleofaiken.org/history.html

http://www.battleofaiken.org/history-detail.html

There is a tremendous amount of work, effort, money  and detail that goes into this type of event. 

This upcoming weekend the Battle of Aiken will be reenacted, which has won the Governor’s Award for Carolina best tourist event and the Dr. James Butler national award for the best living history program. February 21st through 23rd rain or shine, re-enactor will eat, sleep, live and fight in recreated version of the world in 1865. The battle has grown over the years to full-blown Civil War festival.

The Battle will be held at Confederate Park,

1210 Powell Pond Road

just of Interstate 20, exit 18 and a quick 10 minute drive from downtown Aiken on Hwy 19N/Laurens Street. Look for the signs.

The cost is very affordable and looks like this is going to great weekend to enjoy an outdoor event like this. Advance admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students (ages 6 to 18); 5 and under are admitted free. At the gate, the price is $12 for adults and $6 for students.

The activities start at 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday; programs, tours and seminars start at 9 a.m. and continue through the day.  The actual battle begins at 2 p.m. and they suggest arriving no later than 10 a.m.


Here is link for more info and where you can purchase tickets in advance: http://www.battleofaiken.org/spectators.html


Source of information Battle of Aiken website 

Ideas to Increase Value and Desirability of your Aiken HOME in this Challenging Real Estate Market

Buyers are scarcer; sellers must make more improvements and resolve maintenance issues on their home to obtain top dollar value.  Here are some fixes that bring the best return on your time and dollar invested.

First Impression count… step up your curb appeal.  It’s critical to get buyers to want to look on the inside.  View your home from the street be objective.  Would you want to come inside and see more?  Look and check the condition of your landscaping, paint, roof, shutters, front door, knocker, windows, house number, and even how window treatments look from the outside. Make your home special; add some color and large flower pots or some architectural interest, like a park bench, something that welcomes a buyer home!

Color.  Paint is the cheapest investment and one that has the best returns. White is too stark or cold for most buyers. I suggest warm or soft colors that lead the eye from room to room, that works well together and flatters the home, nothing shocking.  Trim and ceilings, if needed, should be painted or freshened up too!

Upgrades in the kitchen and bathroom are always appreciated.  Clean, clutter free and odor free is must.  Update the cabinet hardware, sinks, and faucets.  Granite counters are popular if your home is in the price range that a buyer would expect that feature in a kitchen. Cool appliances are always a plus, such as an espresso maker on your kitchen counter is a cool accent.

Details Count.  Install crown molding at least six to nine inches in depth, proportional to the room’s size, and architecturally compatible. For ceilings nine feet high or higher, add dentil detailing, small tooth-shaped blocks used as a repeating ornament. It’s all in the details, after all.


De-clutter, dump, and organize your closets and drawers.  Less is best…Make your closets, cabinets empty enough so a buyer can visualize their treasures in your home.

Window treatments.   Remove all the heavy window coverings.  Buyers want a light, airy feeling and accentuate the views, no dated heavy drapes that darken and close in the house.  Consider energy-efficient light shades and blinds.  Keep your blinds and curtains open, let the sunshine in!

Bring in a home inspector.  Fix the problems before the buyers see them and looks else well.  Buyers are looking for easy care living. This especially important now in the current Aiken real estate market, since there is so much competition with new construction.  Buyers are looking for the EASY BUTTON!

BUYING OR BUILDING A NEW HOME….Why you should have a HOME INSPECTION

I read an article From Gerald Hargrove Inspections and I felt it made some valid points for any new home buyer to consider.  I have used some points from their article and from my personal experience to give you my top SIX REASONS to have a home inspection on a new construction.

1)     It will help resolve potential items from being outstanding after closing.  The least amount of items remaining on your “builder’s punch list” is better. After closing most items will need to go through the builder's office, claims process and you may have to arrange to meet the subcontractors yourself and take time off work.

2)    Undetected minor items may become major items. For example… water leaks which can cause additional damage to the home.  I always suggest fix any water leaks or penetrations timely since I have seen more major damage to a home due to water.  For example a dishwasher needs to be run prior to closing; I have seen a kitchen floor flooded if improperly hooked up.  No one wants that to be their first experience in their new home.

3)    It helps ensure your HVAC system is working properly prior to moving in, as well as your other electrical systems and appliances.  If possible, they need to check both heat and air if the weather conditions allows.

4)    Most home buyers will not crawl up in the attic or under the house if there is a crawl space to inspect for problems.  A good home inspector will check all those places.

5)     Home inspector should check to make sure the house is built to current code.  Even though the county or city does inspect new construction their time is limited, they can't spend as much time as a private inspector will.

6)    Most importantly the home inspector is an independent representative that is hired by YOU the buyer, to hold YOUR INTEREST FIRST.

Using a licensed experienced home inspector for new or resale homes will help minimize potential problems down the road.  Happy home buying!

Aiken Tour by Trolley Car…

Experience Aiken’s grace, charm and elegance during this 2 hour guided tour aboard our “climate controlled” trolley.

 On the tour, you’ll see and hear about...• Historic Homes and Churches
• Equestrian Sites
• The Civil War’s Battle of Aiken
• The Live Oak Canopy on South Boundary
• A guided walk through Hopelands Gardens, the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame & Museum (weather permitting).


Even long term residents of Aiken learn something interesting about Aiken on this tour!  


To learn more about the tour, cost,  days and times: http://www.aikenis.com/whattodo/detail/aiken_tours

Where do HOMEBUYERS LOOK???

It’s no secret the home buyers use various WEB-based services to find homes in today’s market.  Based on the source from 2012 NAR Profile of Home buyers and Sellers the top four WEB-BASED places are:

Local Multiple Listing Service website

Realtor.com

Real Estate Agent Websites

Mobile and tablet Applications

TIP for SELLERS…. its important you choose a Realtor who  is very web savvy, as well as progressive and has their listing well-presented online on the websites,  great pictures and full of lots of detail that shows off your home’s  assets and amenities.   The buyers today are using friendly, easy to use AGENT WEBSITES and MOBILE APPLICATIONS to find homes.

When choosing your listing agent take the time to interview the agent, ask detailed questions what makes their internet marketing stand out when compared to other agents, visit the agent’s website, view their listing’s pictures online compared to other agents.  It’s easy to see the difference on a quality presentation…remember buyers and agents make decisions on inquiring or showing your home based on its presentation online. It’s the most important facet of marketing a home in today’s challenging market. 

2014 SRS FREE Public Tour Program Begins December 30^th, 2013 in Aiken County

Here is your opportunity to learn more about the site’s facilities, history, current activities and future missions. Driving tours are offered each year at SRS to provide members of the public.

The first of the tours will be held in January.  Each tour starts at the Aiken County Applied Research Center located off Highway 278, near New Ellenton, and begins with an overview presentation about SRS and a safety briefing.

SRS tours are free of charge.  Limited space availability… sign up now at www.srs.gov/general/tour/public.htm   or call  (803) 952-8994.

For more information:  http://www.srs.gov/general/news/releases/nr13_srs-2014-tours.pdf