Buying in Today’s Housing Market | Aiken, SC

Every day we get the question is it a good time to buy or sell a home? In this video we talk about buying a home, when is a good time?

Here are seven points to consider.

 

#1    Individual Decision

Buying a house—in any market—is a highly personal decision. It is the largest, single purchase most people will make in their lifetime. If you are thinking of relocating … Don’t buy! Wait until you are sure you want to stay in a home 3-5 years.

 

#2    Solid Job & Steady Income

Being in a good financial position is important. Hate your job? Planning on leaving or thinking you may be fired…don’t buy now! Buy when your job is solid with a steady income, if you are the person who will be on the mortgage. 

 

#3    Emergency Cash

Would all of your emergency funds be completely tapped out if you bought a home? Don’t’ buy now. Make sure you have some sort of nest egg for unexpected emergencies.

 

#4    Got 1-3 Covered

So, you are in good position to buy but trying to predict what might happen next year.  Most experts say this is probably not the best home-buying strategy. The best time to buy is when you find a home that you like, that meets your current needs and that you can afford. Still not convinced?

“Based on Aiken MLS data Market Trends Jan. 2022- August 2022 and Jan. 2023- August 2023’ As of August 2023, the Median nor the Average home prices have not dropped for 2023… it increased! Saving ½ to 1 percent of interest rate sounds good but if the home prices rise 5-10% like this report shows you have not saved on your monthly house payment since the price went up. Don’t wait, if you are ready and wanting to buy a home.

 

#5   Stay Flexible

Have reasonable expectations on what type of home you can purchase for your price range. Getting on housing ladder now is worthwhile to begin building equity and net worth. If you are already on the housing ladder and it is time for you to step-up, we can help you with that balancing act of selling and buying.

 

#6   Have your Ducks in a Row

Do this in advance: Meet with a lender and provide the required documents to get pre-approved NOT pre-qualified. If you are cash buyer, have a proof of funds letter available. You will be in a better position to act fast in this market.

 

#7   Choose Wisely

Do not call your friend who just got in the business or someone’s name on the for-sale sign. Do some real research, make sure they have the time for you, read reviews, go to google, Realtor.com, ask a few trusted friends for some trust worthy REALTORS®, better yet interview a few agents. YOU need to work with hard-working, trustworthy, knowledgeable REALTORS®, that will work for your best interests throughout the homebuying process and even afterwards. 

 

Crucial Edge

This will give you the crucial edge in a tight, trending housing market.

 

Brandi Cook + Vikki Crossland

803.645.3325 | info@aikenhomes.com

Meybohm Real Estate

 

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📣𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧'𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝟰𝟭𝟭 𝗔𝗶𝗸𝗲𝗻 + 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮📣

3 words... Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions + this week's CSRA stats! . . . Brandi Cook + Vikki Crossland 803.645.3325 | info@aikenhomes.com Meybohm Real Estate . . . . #thesearchisover #aikenhomesteam #meybohmrealestate #theplacetobe #aikensc #augustaga #csra #realestatetaxes #homesteadexemption #aikenrealestate #augustarealestate #whatsthe411 #weeklystats #411friday #realestate #aikencounty #columbiacounty #richmondcounty #southcarolina #georgia #itsabigdecision #weknow #heretohelp #Responsive #Experienced #Authentic #Loyal #generationsofREALservice #yourhomeyourlifestyleyourteam

Kid’s Events in Aiken, SC: Fall Edition 2023

Kid’s Events in Aiken, SC: Fall Edition

 

Fall Fun is here! Looking for Activities for your kids?

We have 8 ideas for your kiddo’s entertainment, several are new! Stay with us, there may be info on a hunt for prizes!

 

#1. Eco-Venture!

Part of Hopelands Educational Programs

Saturday, Sept. 30^th, 10:00-11:00 a.m. AGES: 5-10  Free Event

Kimberly Fickling from USC Aiken will guide your children on an Eco-Venture through Hopelands Gardens. Each child will be given a backpack that will have magnifying lenses, bug collection boxes, a ruler, binoculars, etc. Along the way, students will find some interesting items to put into a Ziploc bag to analyze.

More questions? Hopelands Gardens • (803) 642-7650

 

 

#2 FALL BREAK CAMP

Held at Odell Weeks Activities Center

DATES: Session 1: October 2^nd – 6  | Session 2:  October 9th –

Want to keep your kids busy during Fall School Break? We have the solution!

This for AGES: Kindergarten-5th Grade and the COST is $100 per week per child.

Kids get to enjoy crafts, games, activities, and fun adventures at Odell Weeks Activities Center from 8:00 am-5:00 pm with early morning drop off beginning at 7:30 am and late pick up by 5:30 pm.

More questions?  Jeremy Grimes 803-293-7851 or jgrimes@cityofaikensc.gov

 

 

#3 Monarch Butterflies

This program is free and also part of Hopelands Educational Programs

Saturday, Oct. 21 10:00-11:00 a.m. for ages AGES: 8-11

Let’s explore wonderful world of Monarch butterflies! The kids will get to spend the morning with Holly Vault from the Savannah River Ecology Lab Outreach Team. They will get to discover about the lifecycle and great annual migration that Monarch butterflies complete. This is a hands-on STEAM class.

 

 

#4 Nature Rocks

This a great event held at Hopelands Gardens is for the entire family and free!

Sunday, October 15 1:00-4:00 PM

Come out and join the Friends of Hopelands and Rye Patch partnered with the City of Aiken Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department for Nature Rocks an educational and fun day while learning about nature. To add to the fun for the month of October we have hidden 3 rocks in Hopelands Gardens…check them out. 

If you find one follow the instruction underneath and make sure to follow the instructions on the back to win a $25.00 prize (There are three chances of winning a prize)

Point of contact: Kathy Wise frankwise@gforcecable.com

 

 

#5 FALL FARM FEST

Saturday, October 21, 7:30 - 11:30 a.m.

This if all AGES and its Free Admission

Come on down to the Aiken County Farmers Market for a celebration of fall harvest featuring informational vendors and children's activities including a pumpkin decorating contest. Refreshments are available for purchase.

Please read this IMPORTANT Message: Pumpkin decoration contest participation; you need  pick up  pumpkins at the Farmers Market on Saturday on October 14^th, 2023, which is a week before the contest. Get there early since supplies are limited.

Questions? (803) 293-7846 for more information.  

 

 

#6 BREYER HORSE KIDS FUN DAY

Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum at Hopeland Gardens

Saturday, October 28, 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

For 12 and under (with an adult) and free event.

Breyer horses have been a favorite of equine loving children for over 70 years! Join others in celebrating this American toy institution. Bring your favorite Breyer horse to show and make new friends. There will be arts and crafts activities as well as Breyer horse giveaways. This event is sponsored by Pitter Patter Children’s Boutique located in historic downtown Aiken.

 

 

Lucky #7 TRUNK OR TREAT

Saturday, October 28, 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Held at Citizens Park- 1060 Banks Mill Road Southeast, Aiken, SC

An Aiken Halloween tradition. This is for ages 12 and under and admission is a $1 per child. Thrills and chills .... beats and sweets .... Trunk or Treat 2023 is sure to be neat! Everyone is invited to participate in this great family and community-based event. Enjoy food, games, music, live DJ, and plenty of Trunks with Treats!!!

Got Questions? (803) 642-7631

 

 

#8 Story Time

is every Tuesday at 4pm at Hopelands Gardens the month of Sept and Oct.

Held at the Rye Patch 100 Berrie Road, Aiken, SC

Come to our special “Halloween” Story Time on 10/31/23.Which, we sponsor, there will be “special treat bags” for all the children attending.

Story Time is a FREE event and children under 8 receive a free book [one book per family please]. This “Spooktacular” event ends the fall series. 

We hope to see you there! Don’t forget to wear a costume!

 

Brandi and I love our community, we are proud to call Aiken our HOME.  Can we help you with your next sale or purchase of a home? It’s a BIG decision, we know. We’re here to help!

 

Brandi Cook + Vikki Crossland

803.645.3325 | info@aikenhomes.com

Meybohm Real Estate

 

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Five Things to Do- Aiken, SC + Augusta, Georgia

Southern College Football Rivalries are strong in the South including the CSRA.

One popular event other than watching college football is the Border Bash.

#1 30^th Border Bash

September 15^th, 2023

5:00 pm - 11:00 pm

SRP Park 187 Railroad Avenue North Augusta, SC, 29841

 

Border Bash is an exciting event that brings Georgia Bulldog and South Carolina Gamecock fans together on the Savannah River to celebrate the annual, rivalry football game.

For more information, ticket prices and information check out this website:

https://thesrppark.com/events-at-srp-park/2023/9/15/30th-anniversary-border-bash

 

The same day is the opening very popular 3-day festival in Downtown Augusta.

 

#2 Arts in the Heart Festival

September 15, 2023 - September 17, 2023 Daily 11am to 9pm

Location: Broad Street, 7th-10th Street, The Common Augusta, GA 30901

The Arts in the Heart Festival celebrates Augusta’s diversity and culture by displaying art and delicious cuisine from over 20 countries worldwide.

Enjoy the fine art and crafts market, a global village full of international fare, and five stages with constant live entertainment. This is ticketed event.

For more info or tickets hop on this website:

https://www.visitaugusta.com/events/annual-events-and-festivals/arts-in-the-heart-festival/ 

 

 

#3 Let’s RIDE over Aiken, SC to a different type event.

Best of the West Horse Sale

This is a 2-day event starting on

September 29^th, 2023 @ 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Sept 30^th, 2023 starting at 9am

 

Held at the Historic Aiken Training Track

538 Two Notch Rd SE, Aiken, SC 29801

Nothing represents the American West as completely as the horse. Come by and enjoy the spirit of the true “cowboy horse.” Best of the West Horses brings in some extraordinary horses from respected trainers. I heard last year was quite an event. Informative, lots of fun to watch and learn even if not there to purchase a horse.

https://bestofthewesthorses.com/2023horses/ 

 

These remarkable horses that are coming here to Aiken, SC and available for sale based on the best of “The of the West Horse” website.

Friday schedule includes: Tradeshow Shopping, Soft Preview, Buyer Social and Training Track Barns and Pitchfork Fondue Dinner (these Tickets sold separate)

Saturday starts at 9am, with the Tradeshow Shopping Opens, Preview.

And what everyone’s been waiting for the Best of the West Horse Sale starting at 3:00pm

For more information about this event, visit 

https://bestofthewesthorses.com/schedule

 

 

#4 Music and Mocktails

September 30^th, 2023 Saturday  

5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Generation Park located at 1596 Columbia Hwy N, Aiken, SC

 

This is a FREE event. We are Pouring Hope into Life with this event created for the entire family. Join Brandi and I to enjoy live music, mocktails, and food vendors. WE the Aiken Homes team are a proud sponsor of this event and HOPE to see you there.

Bring your lawn chairs and let us all chill together.

All are welcomed, as we focus on life and HOPE during National Suicide Prevention Month.

For more information

www.facebook.com/events/900506621164913

This is such a great cause. 

 

Speaking of great causes, do not miss our

 

#5 Run for Freedom 5K  

Held On October 7 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Odell Weeks Activity Center

1700 Whiskey Rd., Aiken, SC

 

Come out and literally RUN [or walk] for Freedom to raise awareness for the fight against human sex trafficking.  The need to raise awareness on a local level is more than you realize. This run benefits the charity of “The Bridge 2 Home”. We want raise money to open and establish a safe house right here in Aiken, SC. Every one deserves a safe place to call HOME.

We are proud sponsors of this event and support this charity. Please consider helping by donating or participating to be pert of the change.

To sign up for Run for Freedom 5k visit:

https://runsignup.com/Race/SC/Aiken/TheBridge2HomeRunforFreedom5KFunRun

Not able to make the run but want to support the cause donations can be made at:

https://www.thebridge2home.com/  

 

 

The CSRA offers so much diversity in events, many supporting worthy charities and causes. Our is community known for the graciousness and giving hearts of the people, that is what makes living here special to us and honored to call it our home. 

 

Considering relocating here to the CSRA or a “local” thinking of moving? Call us we would love to be your trusted REALTORS. It’s a BIG decision, we know. We’re here to help!

Brandi Cook + Vikki Crossland

803.645.3325 | info@aikenhomes.com

Meybohm Real Estate

 

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Pastport: Explore the History, Art + Culture of Aiken, SC

Looking for something fun to do around Aiken, we have just the thing! Brought to you by Friends of the Aiken County History Museum its the PASTPORT. Brandi + Marli let you know how to play! And if you're in need of a copy we have some in our office so just stop by and say the Aiken Homes Team sent me for one ;)

Brandi Cook + Vikki Crossland

803.645.3325 | info@aikenhomes.com

Meybohm Real Estate

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