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