CURBING THE WINTER BLAHS

CURBING THE WINTER BLAHS

While the weather outside might be frightful, your home’s curb appeal can still be delightful. The following ideas from HGTV.com can help make your home stand out even when it’s cold and gray outside.

Clean the gutters. Clogged gutters can cause water damage to your home, create ice dams that can damage gutters and attract pests.

Keep visitors safe. Clear the walkways, driveway and stairs of snow and ice so prospective buyers can make it to your front door without slipping.

Provide proper lighting. As the days get shorter, it gets darker earlier. Lights can illuminate the path to the front door, and sconces or lanterns on each side of the door can give buyers a warm welcome. A bright color can make it stand out amidst the gray landscape.

        Use winter decorations wisely. Keep holiday decorations to a minimum, and use them to show off your home’s best features. A  

        string of white lights around the windows can make your home look festive.

        Bring out the green. Evergreen trees and cold-weather plants, such as pansies and witch hazel, can liven up a dreary landscape.

 

         By following these simple tips, your home can make a great first impression in any season.

Merry Christmas from the Aiken HOMES Team at Meybohm Realtors

Vikki and Brandi's Monthly Selling Tip

Aiken, SC Fall/Winter Schedule for 2015.....

Aiken, SC…a place like no other

The MAGIC is still here in Aiken, SC

https://vimeo.com/97722521https://vimeo.com/97722521

Provided by:  http://www.visitaikensc.com/http://www.visitaikensc.com/

Your AikenHOME Tips and trends for homeowners, buyers and sellers

Your AikenHOME

Tips and trends for homeowners, buyers and sellers

RETURN ON improvement

Are you thinking about selling your home, or do you just want to spruce things up and don’t know where to start? If you’re working within a strict budget, the thought of remodeling your home can be daunting. It’s best to assess your needs and also educate yourself on current market trends before you get started. The 2015 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report, produced by Remodeling magazine in cooperation with the National Association of REALTORS®, reports that large-scale jobs aren’t likely to return sellers their full cost. Instead, smaller replacement jobs tend to generate a higher return than remodeling projects. The report uncovers that replacement projects showed an average return of 73.2 percent, while the cost-value ratio of remodeling projects showed an average rate of return of 60.8 percent. Arming yourself with information like this is key before you invest in making improvements. Here are the five mid-range projects that are most likely to recoup the cost of investment.

HOME REPLACEMENTS MOST LIKELY TO RECOUP COST:

"Get REAL About Pricing"

Vikki and Brandi’s Home Selling Tip

“Get REAL About Pricing “

Today’s buyers are smart, well-educated about the market trends in your area.  Price your home ahead of competition to stand out as the best value.   With so many properties for sale, your home may not even be considered if not priced well and in its best condition.  Think of it as a beauty contest…you want to be the one that gets all the attention not the runner up!

Contact your favorite REALTOR or us to discuss your specific real estate goals!

BIG CHANGES in REAL ESTATE that may AFFECT YOUR Real Estate closing!

BIG CHANGES in REAL ESTATE that may AFFECT YOUR Real Estate closing

GOOD BYE…old HUD-1 and closing statements.

Starting August 1, 2015, any transaction involving a mortgage will use the new disclosure forms created by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”). The Truth-in-Lending Act/RESPA Integrated Disclosures (“TRID”) creates timing requirements for disclosures that lenders need to make to consumers. 

What should YOU expect?

·      New closing disclosures forms and loan estimates.

·      The consumer (buyer) must receive the new Closing Disclosures must be received within three business days of closing.

·      CHANGES will require a new Closing Disclosures and another three-day waiting period. For example… APR changes, loan product changes, delayed inspection of repair, final inspections on new homes, additional documents and host of others items can trigger a 3 day delay.

·      Prepare that closings time frame will be longer. They are recommending adding additional 15 days to “normal” closing time frame when a loan is involved.

As REALTORS, we will be learning how to navigate this change to best educate and guide our clients.  It’s apparent that being timely in all facets of the contract process is a must.  Buyers need to provide lenders the information requested as soon as possible and sellers need complete any agreed upon inspection reports or repairs well advance of the closing.  For example; CL100 Wood/Pest Report, repairs required, Certificate of Occupancy and final loan inspections for builders.

Summary… having “all ready and in” place 7 days in advance of the closing date would be the best goal.   This would give time just in case a 3 day waiting period is triggered for any reason.

AIKEN GARDEN SHOW is this WEEKEND

Starting the morning of May 15^th & May 16^th, 2015 our Historic Banksia, the Aiken County Historical Museum, will be the heart of the 2015 Aiken Garden Show this year.  You have the rare opportunity to tour some the most impressive private gardens in the Aiken area, which are short drive from Banksia.  At Banksia you can meet with vendors, listen to speakers and an all-arrangement rose show.

For some excitement watch the “Dueling Designers” creating fairy gardens; a popular trend among young and old and flower arranging, using the same materials with different outcomes!

There will be enjoyable food at the Banksia Bistro at the Winter Colony mansion. Come out and join the fun which will helps the Aiken Garden Club Council raise funds to maintain the historic Doll House in Hopeland’s Gardens, one of Aiken's garden gems.

Flowers, gardens, playing in the dirt is my passion, I look forward to this event.

To learn more information & how to buy tickets visit:  http://aikengardenshow.org/index.html

Farmstead Subdivision in Aiken, SC

6091 High Meadow Loop


Farmstead Subdivision in Aiken, SC! Lives UP to your EXPECTATIONS!
Distinguishing architecture with attention to details, extensive amount of reclaimed heart pine floors and pride of ownership. Picturesque views of the lake and open community areas with a wooded buffer in rear. An open floor plan; full of livability that works for every lifestyle. You'll love the wainscoting, trim work and craftsmanship along with solid wood cabinetry, coffered ceilings adds to the charm and character. Chef's delight kitchen with lots of cabinetry, luminous granite and all the bells and whistle the cook in the house would desire. The grand and gracious formal dining room with custom cabinetry with built in wine cooler. The serene master suite offers a spa like bathroom boasting over sized walk in tiled shower with twin shower heads, overhead rain faucet plus a relaxing jetted garden tub, large double bowl vanity with great storage space and a wonderful walk in closet. There is a downstairs guest bedroom and two bedrooms upstairs. All bedrooms are inviting and offer their own appeal and have access to a quality featured bathroom. The bonus room is awesome with the reclaimed wood floors and back stairwell. The lower level is where you can use your own imagination family room, theater room, workshop, or optional 5th bedroom and full bath! the choice is yours on how you finish and use this space. The lower area opens up to wonderful rear yard with plenty of space for array of family activities and enjoyment. The laundry room adjoins a wonderful space with a built in coat/storage area that is just delightful. You will relish the 3-car garage with plenty of space. This home was thoughtfully built with extras not normally found in most homes; spray foam insulated, pre-wired for networking, encapsulated crawlspace, tankless water heaters and upgraded HVAC system. This desirable FINE home is perfected situated in the gated community of Farmstead; natural green space, trails and a community pavilion with dock on the lake.

Click on the link below for a virtual tour on this lovely home:

https://youtu.be/UZOBDAlIqF4

Hopeland Gardens Concert Schedule 2015

Thinking of RELOCATING to the Aiken, SC area?

Thinking of RELOCATING to the Aiken, SC area?

Our fabulous Aiken Chamber of Commerce offers tons of valuable information for anyone considering moving to the area. One of TOOLS they offer is Cost of LIVING INDEX Calculator to compare your area to the Augusta, GA/Aiken, SC area.

Try their Cost of LIVING INDEX Calculator:

http://www.aikenchamber.net/index.php?submenu=Relocation&src=gendocs&ref=CostofLiving&category=Relocation

Enter your Income and the area you want to compare, to find how AFFORDABLE it is to live in our GA-SC Augusta-Aiken area! 

PUMP UP the WATTAGE…brighten and lighten UP your Aiken HOME

Vikki’s and Brandi’s Monthly Home Selling Tip

PUMP UP the WATTAGE…brighten and lighten UP your HOME

Take full advantage of the light in your home.  Take down the drapes, open up your blinds, clean the windows, replace old/torn screens, and raise the wattage on light bulbs, add extra lighting in dark corners of your home.  Limb up the trees and trim back overgrown bushes, let the sun shine in your home.  A bright and cheery HOME will always be more sellable.

To learn more how to “dress your home for SOLD success” call us!

Aiken SC REAL ESTATE 2014 in REVIEW...

Aiken SC REAL ESTATE 2014 in REVIEW...
banner year for Aiken Homes Team at MEYBOHM REALTORS


It's hard to believe we are already mid February 2015.

2014 was a banner year for he Aiken HOMES Team at Meybohm REALTORS.  Our Aiken HOMES team helped over 120 families by being part of the buying or selling process of real estate. We had a 30% increase in volume of personal team sales and we are thankful for a great first year.

Our new marketing, launching of our website www.Aikenhomes.com, lots of plain old fashion hard and honest work was successful.  We are rolling up our sleeves and ready to do it again in 2015; hopefully it will be even a better year! 

Per Aiken Board of Realtors Multiple List System data for the year of  2014 real estate in review for your information.

• 9% increase in total sales volume
• Days on the market no remarkable change
• Average sales price of home is $162,513 a slight increase over 2013
    There were 151 more home sales/units sold in 2014
• Most sales range categories had increased number of sales except for the price ranges
    of over 1.25 million
• Big increase of listing inventory on the market by 665 homes.

This year will bring more positive changes in our marketing approach.  We are expanding our
internet marketing by the use of LIST  HUB as well as other exciting changes.

LIST  HUB will submit our listings to over 900 different  internet websites.  Our seller clients receive valuable and informational statistics reports. Thinking of selling contact us to discuss how we will sell your real estate.

Thank you again for wonderful 2014, we are truly blessed. We welcome the opportunity to serve you with all your real estate needs.

Our goal is to provide clients and customers with the best real estate experience  possible with the results they deserve. 

HOMES BY DESIGN FOR 2015

Looking for a few ways to freshen up your home’s interior design for the New Year?  Check out these ideas from home furnishings retailer BoConcept New York and Cheryl Hucks Interior Design.

Get the Blues – Blue is the color of the year, and while cooler tones have been popular for several years, shades of blue will be more prominent in home design in warmer and bolder shades. To update your home décor, add a sofa or accent pieces in midnight blue or indigo.

Heavy Metal – Add a little sparkle to your home décor by adding a few metallic elements, such as a brass floor lamp, silver picture frame or throw pillows with copper stripes.

Natural Elements – Using natural materials adds more space and depth within your living space. Furniture made of natural wood, especially in lighter shades, creates an open, airy atmosphere. Try mixing wood pieces with other natural materials.

Tone on Tone – Create a contemporary tone-on-tone look by layering one color with varying shades and textures of the same color. Despite using different textures and saturation levels, designers at BoConcept say the overall appearance will be soft, calm and sophisticated.

Make a Statement– Some designers say using large prints and floral fabrics for accent furniture pieces can make a bold statement and give a room a creative focal point. 

For HOME selling purposes put your bold personal color choices in your accents and furniture pieces. Keeping your home more sellable and the new owners can add their own personal color touches and easily to make their own. Call your favorite Realtor or Vikki and Brandi at “The Aiken HOMES Team” if you need guidance on “dressing your HOME for home SALE success”.

Financing Your First Home

FINANCING A FIRST HOME

Although financing a first home can be challenging, buyers who are prepared and know what they can afford up front can help expedite the process and save themselves unnecessary headaches later. Before starting your home search, follow these financial tips from the National Association of Home Builders and Bankrate.com.

     First, figure out what you can afford to pay each month. In addition to principal and interest, figure expenses for local taxes, insurance, and if buying a condominium, monthly assessments. Once you have this calculation, don’t be tempted by lenders to pay more than that. Free mortgage calculators, which are available on many real estate and finance websites, can help you estimate monthly payments based on current interest rates and down payment. Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of gross monthly income should be allocated to housing costs.

     Pay down your debts. Any credit card debt you have can limit how much you can borrow from a lender. Check your credit report thoroughly for any errors or unpaid accounts, and resolve those issues before moving ahead. Allow at least six months to iron out any credit problems before shopping for a home, experts suggest.

     Determine your monthly cash flow. Track your spending for two or three months to see where money is going. Once you know what you can afford and what your cash flow is, you can determine your down payment.

     Organize documents, especially those that validate income and taxes. Most lenders may want to see two recent pay stubs, W-2s and tax returns from the previous two years, and the last two monthly bank statements. Having these documents ready ahead of time can help the lending process run more smoothly.

 If you are just getting started, talk to an experienced Realtor who is willing to guide you through the process. Also, check out local home-buying seminars or sites like HUD.gov, which provides information about shopping for and financing a home. Ask friends, family and co-workers for referrals for lending professionals they’ve worked with previously, and talk with lenders and credit counselors to find financing options that will work best for you.

DESIGN DO’S AND DON’T’S FOR YOUR AIKEN HOME…

DESIGN DO’S AND DON’T’S FOR YOUR AIKEN HOME…

Before you start your next home renovation project, consider your space needs first. HGTV and DIY Network offer these tips for taking on room projects that will give your home a fresh look.

First, think long term. Since most homeowners are likely to stay in the home at least five years before they see real appreciation, avoid installing the hottest design trends of the moment for expensive items like flooring, bathroom tile and backsplashes. Instead, design with affordable and more disposable accessories such as pillows and throw rugs, which can be changed out easily and quickly.

Don’t purchase furniture before you move in to the home. Live in the space for a few months and get accurate measurements of each room before spending your hard-earned cash on oversized items that may not fit. The same holds true for selecting paint colors. A room’s natural lighting changes throughout the day, so paint colors that stand out during daylight hours may appear muted at dusk.

When it comes to your kitchen, focus on quality, not quantity. Not everyone can knock down a wall to install a kitchen island. Develop a good space plan that includes efficient storage for your dinnerware and small appliances.

Need a second opinion? Seek the advice of a novice home designer or your favorite REALTOR who can give you a fresh perspective at an affordable rate and return on your investment. Finally, make sure all decision-makers are on board with the project and budget. Otherwise, you’ll have to start all over.

Best Boomer Towns…Aiken makes the List “Best Place to Thrive”

Best Boomer Towns Website is based on the largest U.S. population, Baby Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, who will be leaving the workforce. Research is comprised from the U.S. Census Bureau 2000, Wall Street Journal, Money Magazine, AARP, New York Times, Del Webb Survey, and U.S. World News Report. Based on the research, twenty-one towns have been selected in the United States that deliver the high standards that Baby Boomers expect when they relocate and retire. Key criteria for each town includes: Airport Access, University Presence, Good Hospitals, Social Opportunities, Cultural Activities, Variety of housing costs, Mild Climates

Learn more about Aiken, SC and why it’s so popular with Boomers.

http://bestboomertowns.com/towns/aiken_south_carolina/

Source of information website bestboomertowns.com.