The Aiken HOMES Team’s Loves, Dislikes and Kind of Hates About Living in Aiken, SC

Considering relocating to the Aiken area? There’s plenty to love about Aiken and some things to dislike. Stay with Brandi and Vikki of Meybohm Real Estate to learn what the team LOVES, dislikes a little about the Aiken, SC area. 

I’m Vikki Crossland lived here a while, originally from California. There’s no doubt what I love most…the people. While enjoying dinner with friends who relocated here from New Jersey, I asked them what they loved most, people are what they truly loved about Aiken too. There is southern charm and friendliness here you have to experience to understand. Dislike that we do not have a good walk score as a community or bike lanes to get to different parts of town. Some neighborhoods do have their own walking paths or sidewalks.

I’m Scott Linkenhoker, been supporting the team for ten years, I assist with background planning & support. For me I love the weather you can enjoy outdoors activities year-round. There are excellent golf courses, in fact the Augusta’s Master tournament is held 30 minutes away. Pickleball, tennis, water sports, fishing, hunting and we love kayaking. Really dislike the pollen in spring time. The Pine pollen like a thick yellow dust everywhere which means you have pressure wash everything. A couple weeks of hassle and sneezing for the beauty that appears makes it all worth it though.

I’m Brandi Cook of Meybohm and lived in Aiken since one year old. Loving Aiken is easy but what stands out most for me is its central location. I refer to it as a hub to clients. Within 2.5 hours you can be in the coastal areas like Charleston, SC, Edisto Beach, the mountains, big cities like Atlanta, Georgia or Charlotte, NC. Less than 45 minutes be at major lakes, Savannah River, Augusta or Columbia, SC, our state capital. The downtown Aiken has charming one-way streets, interspersed with squares and circles which can confuse some. Just remember when driving in Aiken, “Circles go, squares no,” and you’ll be navigating like a local.

I am Nancy Harwood of the Aiken HOMES Team. What I love most about the Aiken community is the equine culture and all the wonderful horse events. The Aiken Horse District is quite special. What I do not like there is lack of great shopping. We do have major big box stores like Target, Lowes, Home Depot, WalMart. We are waiting for that new shopping area where the old Aiken mall was located that is in the works, maybe we will have it in a year or two. You still can do most of your shopping here in Aiken. Or Augusta mall is 30 minutes’ drive and has plenty of other options. 

I’m Cindy Linkenhoker of the team and have lived here for five years from Florida. The local love is the best. There are many local places to go instead of big chain stores. It’s easy to shop for locally sourced foods as well dine at excellent restaurants and lots of cool shops to discover. There is something for everyone. I really hate the litter on the road side it’s not just our area but seems to be a southern thing. Not sure why someone would toss stuff on the road. I don’t get that but we choose to be proactive and why Aiken Homes Team is involved in Keep Aiken County Beautiful and adopted a highway.

I am Stephanie Carraway and lived in the Carolinas all my life. I love the cost of living here in Aiken compared to other areas and states. Aiken’s cost of living is 15% below the national average. The median home price is under $250,000, plus the 8^th lowest property taxes in the nation. The medical care is good and caring, there are many dedicated local general practitioners but what I dislike is driving to Augusta or Columbia which is 30-45 minutes away for a specialized physician. We are local to Aiken’s hometown Regional Medical Center, VA Outpatient and less than an hour a major VA hospital, University Hospital, Augusta University Medical Center, Children’s Hospital and more.

Hi I’m Steve Block of the Aiken Homes team and moved here 6 years ago. What I love and attracted me to Aiken most is the small-town feel. It offers a vibrant downtown and within less than an hour offers big city options.

No place is perfect but Aiken is close. I really do not like the late summer months heat and what always comes with it...HUMIDITY. We do enjoy four distinct beautiful seasons which makes up for it.

I‘m Ryan Cook-an Aikenite, lived here all my life. What I love about  living in a smaller town you get to know everyone and what’s going on. The flip side is… that everyone knows you. It’s all good though.

Now that you know the good and maybe the ugly about Aiken SC, we best describe it as a good friend you love that you know is not perfect but they are perfect for you. Come and visit, we’d be happy to show you the town we love. To keep up with our weekly videos about our area, just like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/AikenHomesTeam and subscribe on YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/user/aikenhomesteam and you will be notified of our next video.

Brandi Cook and Vikki Crossland

Meybohm Real Estate

 #thesearchisover #aikenhomesteam #meybohmrealestate #theplacetobe #aikensc #luckyenough #csra #pros #cons #favorites #realestate #realtors #hometown #welcomehome #aikencounty #afewofourfavoritethings #teameffort #ourhome #southcarolina #local #workhardplayhard #outdoors #seasons #medical #horsecountry #whatwelove #yourhomeyourlifestyleyourteam

NEW LISTING: 895 Trail Ridge Road, Aiken SC

This immaculate home was JUST LISTED and trust us you DO NOT want to miss out on it!

4 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | 2500+ Sq. Ft. | Salt Water Gunite Pool

$459,900

Tropical Paradise Poolside Lifestyle Awaits YOU. Step outside for outdoor enjoyment with this custom salt water gunite pool with all the features you desire, sun deck, aggregate pebble finish w/mother pearl accent, soothing natural rock water fall & magnificent hardscape, fenced for privacy. Tons of architectural interest at this refreshing, meticulous one level brick home.  Formal & fun living areas, warm hardwood floors, tons of windows, detailed moldings, all in which enhance the desirability. Popular split-bedroom plan, full of livability. The chef in the house will love this kitchen which has lovely cabinetry, stunning granite counters, tiled back splash, some SS appliances, pantry, serving bar & cheery breakfast room with picture perfect views of the sparkling in-ground gunite pool. The sunroom is ideal segway to the fabulous backyard. “Relax and Refresh” in the primary suite that offers inviting bathroom with two separate vanities, shower, jetted tub, new faux marble flooring and walk in closet. The inviting bedrooms each with their own appeal. Enjoy pool side relaxation, dining under the stars or chilling around your firepit. Freshly painted & is move in ready. Located in established Houndslake North with easy access to Southside & Downtown Aiken including N. Augusta, nearby shopping, medical facilities & recreational activities. Everyday is a vacation at this Aiken Home. 

Vikki Crossland and Brandi Cook

Meybohm Real Estate

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156 Winged Elm Circle, Aiken, SC 29803 - Woodside Subdivision

Hitting the market today is this sought after golf course setting on 12th fairway Cupp Course located in the Southern Living Inspired Community of Woodside! 156 Winged Elm Circle, Aiken SC 29893 4 Bedroom | 3 Bathroom | 3,100 Sq. Ft. | $495,000 . Abundance of natural lighting add to the appeal of this flexible floor-plan boasting spilt bedroom arrangement with two defined areas and all bedrooms on level. Magnificent dimensions, soaring ceilings, vaulted & tray ceilings, lots of windows on a .47 acre golf course lot. The well-planned kitchen with lots of cabinetry with granite counters, stainless steel appliances, serving bar and island opens to beautiful family room which offers a comfortable lifestyle with its lovely gas fireplace, two built-ins and peaceful views. Primary suite is well-sized, trey ceiling, town closets, with an adjoining bathroom offering two large vanities, well-sized tile shower with built-in seat, garden tub and tile flooring. The suite offers easy access to a quaint screen porch. There is guest bedroom or potential home office with a full bath nearby. Inviting 3rd and 4th bedrooms have access to a full bathroom with a door to add some additional privacy. The flex bonus room offers array way to enjoy and storage space. Outdoor entertainment and relaxation are a breeze on the extra-large deck. The two-garage is side load and offers good storage and parking. This home is full or flexibility and livability with tons of possibilities to add your own personal style and upgrades. Woodside a gated community offering miles of biking / walking trails and greenspace. It’s your optional to join Woodside and/or Reserve Club membership to enjoy golfing, tennis/pickleball, swimming, social and fine dining. Live the life you dreamed about in this splendid Aiken HOME. #thesearchisover Vikki Crossland and Brandi Cook Meybohm Real Estate #thesearchisover #aikenhomesteam #meybohmrealestate #theplacetobe #aikensc #woodside #southernliving #villa #brickhouse #welcomehome #newlisting #golf #gatedcommunity #social #realestate #realtors #yourhomeyourlifestyleyourteam #aikenhomes #aikenrealestate #realestate #newlisting #golfcourseview http://www.aikenhomes.com/

Median and Average Home Sales Price; the Difference- Aiken, SC

ATTENTION Y’ALL! This post includes a chance to win a PRIZE! Make sure to pay attention and watch until the end to learn how to WIN!

As a real estate agent many of us are guilty of using real estate lingo. We use the terms like MEDIAN home and AVERAGE home sales price. Are they the same or different? Join Vikki and Brandi this week as they break down some of the jargon and stay tuned for that prize info [hint: it involves a thumb and a 9-letter word that starts with an s and ends with an e].

Brandi Cook and Vikki Crossland

Meybohm Real Estate

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How Much House Can You Afford with the Current Interest Rates?

How are higher Interest Rates going to affect Home Price Affordability? Stay tuned to learn why you should be buying a home now.

Now, here’s the real question. What does a higher interest rate mean for your dream of a home purchase? I’m Brandi Cook of Aiken Homes Team of Meybohm Real Estate and I really love helping buyers realize their dream of homeownership.  

If you plan on getting a loan, higher interest rates will reduce the amount of home you can purchase and qualify for. This is true for homes in Aiken, SC, Augusta or Evans, Georgia, the east or west coast basically anywhere. Hi I’m Vikki Crossland of Aiken Homes Team of Meybohm.

Vikki and I want you to check out this great visual to show what we mean. It’s a hypothetical example based on estimated principal and interest payment only of $1500 per month.

Notice for every 1/4 % more of interest rate you lose about $10,000 in buying power in this example. Starting at $334,000 down to $296,000.00

Yes, the market might feel tough right now, but it’s still possible to secure a home in today’s market. The Best Time to Buy is NOW.

The KEY is to work with a real estate professional willing to dedicate time to you to navigate today’s market effectively as your buyer’s agent.

 We are the team with the experience to advise you in this high-stake real estate market.

To keep up with these valuable topics of what’s happening in the real estate market like our page https://www.facebook.com/AikenHomesTeam and subscribe to our YOU Tube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/aikenhomesteam

It’s your HOME, your LIFESTYLE and WE are your real estate team.

Brandi Cook and Vikki Crossland

Meybohm Real Estate

#thesearchisover #aikenhomesteam #meybohmrealestate #theplacetobe #interestrates #themoreyouknow #weeklyvideo #tipsandtrends #homeowners #sellers #buyers #realestate #realtors #southcarolina #georgia #aikenhomes #homesforsale #homeownership #buyingahome #buyersagents #listingagents #heretohelp #local #csra #aikensc #augustaga #yourhomeyourlifestyleyourteam

8 TIPS when Buying a HOME with Friends Aiken, SC’s Preferred Real Estate...

Buying a home with friends, ever considered that idea to get your foot on the first step of the HOMEOWNERSHIP ladder?  Stay tuned for some valuable tips.

Rents have been on the rise and homes prices are going up, some people are making the choice to partner with friends and buy a home together. This is a creative way for people who would not be able to afford a house to share expenses and achieve the dream of becoming homeowners. Pretty attractive idea vs. renting. The question is how do you know if buying property jointly is the right move for you?  

Here are few 8 tips to consider before buying with a friend.

Tip #1: A very important tip to remember is that this is a business transaction, so you and your friends will have to approach it that way. It’s just business. You and your friends need to have a very frank and open conversation about their future plans, finances and what to do if one of the owners want to sell. Ok I’ll say it if this type of conversation is uncomfortable or you are concerned about the effect they might have on your friendship, then buying a home with friends is probably not the right choice for you!

BTW…If you find real estate topics interesting go ahead hit the subscribe button below on our YouTube channel or like our page to keep up with all our future videos.

However, if you and your friends can come to terms, owning a home while sharing the burden of all the costs can help you build your savings while gaining equity in a home.

Tip #2:  Everyone should to be aware of everyone’s credit scores, income, savings and any other relevant assets. YOU must make sure that you and your friends are financially prepared to become homeowners.

Tip #3:  Decide how payments and costs will be split. You need to consider how much each person will contribute to the down payment and if that will affect how you and your friends divide the mortgage payments.

Tip #4:  Utility bills and repairs. How will those expenses be split?  Evenly or by percentage. It is so important that these details be worked out and understood by everyone involved before the home is purchased.

Tip #5: Decide on the type of house. Are you planning on buying a single-family home, multi-family home or condo, you all need to be together on this decision.  

Questions to discuss. Do you see yourself sharing a kitchen and bathroom, or are you looking to buy a place where you will each have your own private residence like a duplex? Will you have other roommates? All important things to discuss in advance.

Tip #5: Make a realistic “must-haves” list.  Bet you will learn a lot more about your friends on what is important. This way your REALTOR can seek the right property that will work for everyone.

Tip #6: Get everything in writing in a contract, including the financials, responsibility and if a friend wants to sell or be bought out.

Tip #7:  Have local attorney draw up an agreement, all parties should sign and retain a copy before you buy.  This will help you to avoid conflicts and surprises down the road. Buying a home is an important decision, and whether you are doing it on your own or with a friend. If you enter the arrangement educated and prepared, co-purchasing a home can be a great way to get your foot on the first step of the homeownership ladder.

Tip #8:  Use an experienced REALTOR with years of experience that will negotiate on your behalf and help you stay focused on the issues that are most important.

We are REALTORS that are knowledgeable, offer years of experience and want to be your go to team. Give us a call if you are considering buying or selling a property. 

It’s your HOME, your LIFESTYLE and WE are your REAL ESTATE team!

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