<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?>
<rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom">
    <channel>
        <atom:link href="http://www.greenvilleliving.com/blog/rss/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
        <title>Upstate Real Estate News</title>
        <link>http://www.greenvilleliving.com/blog/</link>
        <description>The latest real estate news for the South Carolina upstate, including Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, and Taylors</description>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.greenvilleliving.com/blog/greenville-positive-review-jobs-county.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.greenvilleliving.com/blog/greenville-positive-review-jobs-county.html</link>
            <author>will@greenvilleliving.com (William Stewart)</author>
            <title>Greenville, SC gets positive reviews as more jobs roll into Greenville County</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Lion King performer gives Greenville high praise


For the last month, the the Lion King has performed at the Peace Center. As with any Broadway show when they roll into town, Greenville has the priviledge of hosting the cast and crew.


Fortunately for us, one of the understudies has an active blog where he and his wife posts about their adventures on the road. Our fair city is no exception: Mike and Angela Hollick have written extensively on the downtown as well as local businesses.


"So then why is Greenville, SC just the most glorious place right now?," Angela writes.


"Perhaps because it's a cute little city that's impeccably maintained. Maybe because the local people we've met are genial and very taken with The Lion King. It could be because everything is so kid-friendly!"


Mike is enthusiastic about Greenville as well:


"...each restaurant I pass on the way to work seems to beckon, and we tried one place our first night here called The Lazy Goat — Mediterranean-style tapas in a picturesque setting on the Reedy River. Then we took our first look at Falls Park. I felt like I was in some fantasy, Alice in Wonderland-like world. This was all within 4 hours of arriving in town!"


Ladies and Gentlement, I think we've won them over.



279 new jobs coming to Greenville County


In this depressed economy, it's always good to hear of manufacturing businesses moving into the area or expanding. AVX has annouced they will invest over $14 million into their manufacturing and research operations in Fountain Inn. The company predicts a generation of 279 new jobs over a span of several years.


AVX is relatavely new to our area, having moved to Greenville County in 2009. The plans call for an expansion and renovation of the former Mita building (located in Southchase Industrial Park).


Given that more investments by corporations into local infrastructure means a greater dedication to the Greenville area, this is welcome news!


AVX Corporation is a leading international supplier of electronic passive components and interconnect solutions with 24 manufacturing and customer support facilities in 15 countries around the world. AVX offers a broad range of devices including capacitors, resistors, filters, timing and circuit protection devices and connectors.



Greenville kids flying high


If you're a kid with a desire to learn more about aviation, you don't want to miss AeroCamp sponsored by MintAir.


The week-long event will be held from July 16-20 at Greenville Downtown Airport.


"This is the first time AeroCamp has been offered in this region," said Alex Park, General Manager of Mint Air. "The closest place that I know of that offers it is in Ohio," he said.


The summer camp is designed for young adults in 6 to 12th grade, and no previous aviation experience required. According to the program, students will learn what makes an aircraft fly, how pilots use instruments, basic radio communication skills, about weather, rockettry, airport traffic patterns, basics of aeronautical charts and best of all 1 - 2 hours of actual flight time. Best of all, the flight time accrued can count towards future pilot training if the student wishes to continue.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 09 Jul 2012 17:47:58 -0400</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.greenvilleliving.com/blog/learn-more-about-greenville-sc.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.greenvilleliving.com/blog/learn-more-about-greenville-sc.html</link>
            <author>will@greenvilleliving.com (William Stewart)</author>
            <title>Learn more about Greenville, SC with these great sites</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
If you are looking to move to Greenville, SC and want to get a feel for the local flavor, there are several amazing sites that give a unique perspective.


The typical first stop for people wanting to know about an area is local real estate and news websites. While we specialize in giving as much valuable data as we can, if you dig a bit deeper, you'll find there are other sites that show the uniqueness of an area, not just the facts regarding real estate.


When I was looking to move to this area several years ago, I used these two key sites to stay abreast of the flavor of the area. Needless to say, they were great resources.


Greenville Daily Photo


As the name suggests, they provide a daily snapshot of a Greenville, SC scene along with a bit of commentary. Run by three photographers, Greenville Daily Photo provides a unique visual cross-section that gives an amazing perspective of the inner workings of Greenville.


Some of my recent favorites are:




Cruisin' in Purple


Herding Ducks


Next




The Greenville, SC forum


As with any forum, there are an amazing diversity of opinions. As with all opinions, take them as they are and verify for yourself. But if you want to ask questions of the locals or simply browse the discussions underway, it's a fantastic resource!


Some of the current topics are:




What do you think is the prettiest building in the Upstate?


Downtown Fireworks -- Worth the crowds??? [In my opinion, the answer is YES!]


Where does the real estate market in the area stand?


Suggestions of areas for my mother to move to.




Between these two sites, you will find there are more than than enough people who are enthusiastic about their home and are great ambassadors for Greenville.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 03 Jul 2012 12:11:05 -0400</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.greenvilleliving.com/blog/5-warnings-to-look-for-touring-a-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.greenvilleliving.com/blog/5-warnings-to-look-for-touring-a-home.html</link>
            <author>will@greenvilleliving.com (William Stewart)</author>
            <title>5 warnings to look for when touring a home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
When touring a potential home to buy, sometimes the residence can give hints as to its general condition. These signs certainly do not show the complete health of the property, but they are indicators that further inspection may be necessary.  As I show homes in the Greenville, SC area, here are a few things I typically look for on behalf of my real estate clients.


1. Age


When thinking of age, we naturally consider the overall age of a home.  But unlike the human body, a home does not age at an equal rate.  A 50-year old home that has been maintained will most likely have great bones and plenty of charm and character...once you remove the shag carpets, that is.  But if that 50-year old home still has its original roof, then you have problems!


Experts say your typical roof lasts 15-20 years.  Of course, your mileage may vary but if you are considering a home with a 19-year-old roof, then chances are good you will need to replace it in the near future.


While a home's years plays the greatest role in any homebuyer's decision, other parts of a home to consider are the heating and cooling as well as the water heater.


Always check the age and condition of the parts of a home that age quicker.  Here at Carolina Realty Associates, we do much of the investigation for you and generally have that info when we show a home.


2. Look up


Water stains on a ceiling are a sign that either there is a leak in the roof or there once was.  In many cases, it could be a non-issue: sometimes a insignificant leak can occur, the homeowner fix it and then never bother to paint over the stain.Regardless of whether it is a small leak or Greenville's very own version of Niagra Falls, a proper home inspection can further inlighten a potential home buyer.


All South Carolina home sellers must fill out a standardized form called the "Sellers Disclosure".  It's a detailed document that prompts the seller to reveal the condition of the home as well as certain appliances and fixtures.


I always check the Sellers Disclosure before showing to ensure my clients are not walking into a potential problem home.


3. Not all it's cracked up to be


Cracks in the foundation or walls happen over time in many if not all homes.  It may be a minor cosmetic issue or it could be a sign of something bigger.


Unless the crack in the foundation is big enough for a dog to walk through, I wouldn't discount the home just yet.  But it is something to have checked out by a qualified professional home inspector before signing on the dotted line.


4. Windows


Old windows can be a pane.  Sorry, that pun was just begging to be made.  But seriously, an old window is a drafty window and the inefficiencies will be reflected in your utility bill.  Replacing windows can be expensive and sometimes a home owner would rather sell it to you and let you do it.


In any older home it's always a good thing to get a report from the seller of the average utility costs.  More information will help you be an informed buyer and further negate future surprises.


When our clients are interested in making an offer for a home, we try to get all that information for them so they can make the best decision possible.


5. Do you smell that?


If you smell mold or mildew, it's an indicator of water issues somewhere.  Like everything on this list, it could be a non-issue.  But it doesn't hurt to stop and smell the mold spores.



Buying a home is tricky and it takes experience to ensure you are getting the right deal.  Let us be your advocate and help you!  It costs you absolutely nothing to have us represent your interests: we offer our services free of charge for the home buyer.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 28 Jun 2012 21:47:43 -0400</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.greenvilleliving.com/blog/verdae-greenville-sc.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.greenvilleliving.com/blog/verdae-greenville-sc.html</link>
            <author>will@greenvilleliving.com (William Stewart)</author>
            <title>Introducing Verdae, a Greenville, SC real estate development</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Greenville, SC is once again making national headlines as a great place to live and work. This time we are in the real estate section of the New York Times where they discuss the development of Verdae.


Located near the Shops at Greenridge at the intersection of Laurens and Woodruff Rd., the New York Times describes Verdae as “…a city within a city, designed with a walkable ‘live, work, play’ ethos. A master plan approved in 2005 includes single-family homes, town homes and apartments, retail and office buildings, a retirement complex and a large medical building. A 20-acre recreation area called Legacy Park is already finished.”


Homes are currently on the market in Hollingsworth Park at Verdae. Prices range between $250,000-500,000 with lots starting at $80,000.


Once the 15 to 20 years of renovations and planning is complete, a predicted 10,000 residents will call Verdae home along with over 500 businesses who are estimated to hire 15,000 people.


Developers will starting on an upscale 240-unit apartment complex entitled the Tapestry at Hollingsworth Park. The apartment complex will be part of a greater development that features 725 single-family and multifamily homes set picturesquely in tree-lined streets with sidewalks and bike paths.


Verdae serves a wide variety of people through multiple developments, including furnished apartments called the “Azalea Hills Suites”.


As mentioned, there are also commercial development including Internal Medicine Associates, a 50,000-square-foot facility with 30 physicians and 150 support staff members. The YMCA is slated to open a 6,000 square foot facility in September.


#hollingsworth-park-blog#


For a complete list of homes for sale in Verdae, check out our Hollingsworth Park at Verdae MLS page.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 23 May 2012 12:40:57 -0400</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.greenvilleliving.com/blog/the-costs-of-selling-a-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.greenvilleliving.com/blog/the-costs-of-selling-a-home.html</link>
            <author>will@greenvilleliving.com (William Stewart)</author>
            <title>The costs of selling a home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Part of the consideration in selling a home is how much it will cost to sell it and how much money will be earn from the transaction. The Greenville, SC real estate market is no different. As mentioned in previous articles, the profit you need to make from a home has no bearing on what a potential buyer will pay, but counting the cost beforehand allows you to know if it makes economic sense to sell now or wait.We all can get emotionally vested in our homes: that is no criticism or surprise.  Selling a Greenville home by the numbers helps a homeowner have a proper expectation of what is reasonable in the market today.  It also keeps a home from languishing on the real estate market and further hurting the seller’s position.Factoring the overall costs goes beyond deducting the mortgage from the sales price. We will be discussing some of the additional costs to selling real estate. MortgageA home mortgage is the first cost we all associate with a home sale. Unless it is a short sale, the entirety of the mortgage balance is paid in full at the point of sale. Obviously, the lower the mortgage, the more flexibility one has in pricing.Deed StampThis cost varies by region. In Greenville, SC (at the time of writing) the rate is $3.70 per $1000. In other words, if a home sold for $200,000 it would cost $740 ($3.70 X ($200,000/1000)). Lawyers feesA closing attorney is necessary to take care of the legal filings and paperwork associated with the sale. Prices vary from region to region, but Greenville, SC real estate lawyers seem affordable. Property taxesProperty tax is paid in arrears, meaning we pay for the previous year's taxes, not the upcoming year. Because of that, when a home is sold, the seller must pay all the taxes accrued while living in the home year to date. If you have a mortgage, property taxes are typicallyl collected along with your payment and held in escrow.Calculating what is owed on property taxes is fairly straightforward. Take the amount you paid the previous year and divide by 365. That gives you your daily tax rate. Then multiply that number by the amount of days you have lived in the home up to the sale. That is the amount of taxes owed. Typically, the home buyer pays the property taxes from the day of the sale on but that could be a negotiation point in the sale.CommissionsFor most home sellers, the commissions of Greenville, SC real estate agents is the biggest expense. That is why Carolina Realty Associates sets our rate as reasonably as possible. The cost varies between real estate brokerages: there is no legislated amount.


We would be happy to discuss our rate and the services we provide.  As real estate marketing professionals, we give our clients unique opportunities that may not be available to others.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 17 May 2012 16:24:06 -0400</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.greenvilleliving.com/blog/5-tips-first-time-home-buyers.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.greenvilleliving.com/blog/5-tips-first-time-home-buyers.html</link>
            <author>will@greenvilleliving.com (William Stewart)</author>
            <title>5 tips for first time home buyers</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Buying your first home is one of the most important events in your life. Finding the best Greenville, SC real estate for your money is essential because not only are you buying a home, you are purchasing a major investment. Even if you plan on moving again someday, it is still worthwhile to get a home that is worth your financial commitment.1. Talk to the bankGet all your finances in order with as little outstanding debt as possible.  See your loan officer at your bank and find out whether you can be pre-approved for a loan and for how much.  Doing this before you search for a home insures you are not looking for “too much house”. Keep in mind the bigger a down payment you have, the less you will pay in interest. When dealing with a twenty or thirty year mortgage, even ten thousand dollars or more will make a big difference. Financial expert Dave Ramsey recommends all home buyers get a mortgage that does not exceed 25% of the household's take home pay.   2. Find a trusted Greenville, SC real estate agentWhile many home buyers seek to find real estate on their own, it is important to find a Greenville, SC real estate agent that you can trust. An experienced real estate agent can help you avoid major pitfalls in purchasing your home.The wonderful thing about being a home buyer is all the fees are typically paid by the seller.  That means you get a dedicated professional working on your behalf at no cost to you!When searching for a Realtor, recommendations help: ask relatives or friends what their experience was with their real estate agents.3. Check out the neighborhood thoroughlyWhile your agent can help you find a Greenville, SC home that fits your criteria, it is very important that you do your own homework and research to ensure it is in an acceptable area.  A home may be perfect, but if it is in an area that is depressed or too far from shopping and entertainment, you may become dissatisfied in the future.Each of us have different goals and preferences.  I commute over 25 minutes every day to work and enjoy it, but I have had clients who want to be within 20 minutes of downtown Greenville. 


It helps to drive from the potential home to local shopping, entertainment, as well as to investigate the area.  Knowing the area where you will live is just as important as knowing the home in which you will live.4. Discover the monthly and yearly costsA qualified agent will help you understand the costs of home ownership.  Property taxes, utilities, and insurance are all costs that will chip away at your monthly income.  Whatever your concerns, the real estate agent can help you find an approximate cost so that there are no surprises once you move in.Ask as many questions as you can think of regarding prior repairs to the house, including the age of the A/C and heating system, the age of the roof and which appliances convey. Turn light switches on and off. Flush the toilets. Turn on faucets in sinks. Open closet doors.Home repair expert Mike Holmes recommends a potential home buyer turn on all the water faucets at once to give you an idea of the water pressure.  A proper home inspector will help you find potential issues with the home, but it certainly doesn't hurt to do your own investigation!5. Order a home inspectionA Greenville, SC real estate agent is typically very good at one thing: real estate.  Once they help you find a home that meets your criteria, you will need hire another qualified expert: a home inspector.  A home inspector can save you major headaches down the road by finding potential problems in the structure of your home as well as alerting you of things you need to keep an eye on.This will cost you a little extra but when you think of investing a few hundred thousand dollars in your home, a couple of hundred dollars for inspections are well worth it.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 14:24:35 -0400</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.greenvilleliving.com/blog/5-things-to-do-before-selling-your-greenville-sc-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.greenvilleliving.com/blog/5-things-to-do-before-selling-your-greenville-sc-home.html</link>
            <author>will@greenvilleliving.com (William Stewart)</author>
            <title>5 things to do before selling your Greenville, SC home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
1. Think curb appeal.They say you're not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but we all do. A buyer's first impressions are based upon a Greenville, SC, home's curb appeal. Fresh mulch, a well-manicured lawn, and the home's overall appearance can give the intro your home needs.


2. Make your interior look great. Many small things we overlook everyday may be immediately spotted by a potential buyer. You will want your interior to appeal to as many buyers as possible so that they fall in love with your home.


3. Consider the season.Historically, spring is usually the best time to put your home on the market. This is when the buyers are out in numbers so don't miss out on this important marketing window.


4. Hire the right Greenville, SC Realtor. When hiring a Greenville, SC real estate agent, they should also be experts in marketing. We utilize professional photography, online virtual tours, high-resolution professional video, and other marketing tools to ensure your home is highly visible in the market.


5. Price for success.The most effective marketing is the price. If you want to sell quickly for top dollar, choose a team that does serious research on the current market to give you the best data possible.



What makes CRA different? Carolina Realty Associates was founded by three brothers with the express purpose of providing a personalized real estate company that specializes in two things: thorough knowledge of the local real estate market and exceptional customer service.


Since then it has grown into a boutique company with a unique team of agents ready to serve and continue the vision that was begun years ago.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:46:46 -0400</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.greenvilleliving.com/blog/greenville-drives-double-rainbow.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.greenvilleliving.com/blog/greenville-drives-double-rainbow.html</link>
            <author>will@greenvilleliving.com (William Stewart)</author>
            <title>Greenville Drive's double rainbow</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
While the Greenville Drive waited for the rain to clear, they captured this spectacular picture of a double rainbow.





The Greenville Drive is a minor league baseball team located near the West End of Greenville, SC.  Watching the ballgame is a great and inexpensive way to spend a beautiful evening.  My wife and I typically get supper from any number of the restaurants in downtown Greenville, walk to the game, and then afterwards cap it off with an ice cream at Spill the Beans. 


A popular development adjacent to the Greenville Drive is the Field House at West End.  It is housed in a mixed use building that has restuarants on the ground level and great condos on the floors above.  
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:51:24 -0400</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.greenvilleliving.com/blog/south-carolinas-economic-outlook-is-positive.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.greenvilleliving.com/blog/south-carolinas-economic-outlook-is-positive.html</link>
            <author>will@greenvilleliving.com (William Stewart)</author>
            <title>South Carolina's economic outlook is positive</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
New data released by the South Carolina Department of Commerce proves once again that South Carolina is a great place to live and work.  Part of the allure of Greenville, SC is not only its future viability but also how the city (and state) is currently faring economically.


Part of these gains were driven by a recovering real estate construction market:


The real estate and construction industries show some signs of recovery as more than 1,400 residential building permits were issued in February, exceeding January’s total by 8.7 percent and the total from February, 2011 by nearly 30 percent. The total value associated with the permits issued in February was $267 million, surpassing the previous February by $80 million. While the median home sales price of closings in South Carolina fell to $140,000 from $145,000 in January, the number of residential closings increased 17 percent to 3,291 in February. Foreclosure activity increased considerably in February, with a total of 3,339 foreclosure filings or 12 percent more than the previous month.


The data for South Carolina real estate closings was positive with 10.7% more real estate closings in South Carolina versus last year.   There are, however, 56.7% more foreclosures than February 2011.


Specific data for Greenville, SC real estate shows that the median price has increased from $121,000 in February 2011 to $135,000 in February 2012.  Greenville is also blessed with one of the lowest unemployments rates of the state (7.7%).


The median home sales price increased slightly over the previous year to $140,000 from $136,800. The volume of residential building permits and the valuation of those permits both continue to show strong increases over last year. The total Residential Valuation associated with the permits increased 43.5 percent, while total number of permits issued grew by 29.9 percent, up by 336 permits compared to a year ago. Foreclosures rose 56.7 percent percent with 1,582 more foreclosures filings than the previous February.


The SC Department of Commerce has released a PDF with all the data.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 09 Apr 2012 13:02:08 -0400</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.greenvilleliving.com/blog/addison-homes-on-the-latest-kitchen-building-trends.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.greenvilleliving.com/blog/addison-homes-on-the-latest-kitchen-building-trends.html</link>
            <author>will@greenvilleliving.com (William Stewart)</author>
            <title>Addison Homes on the latest kitchen building trends</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
If you are looking to remodel your kitchen or maybe build a new one, here is a list from Addison Homes on the latest kitchen building trends.


Outdoor kitchens. Once you experience a true outdoor kitchen with a full range of function, you'll never go back to a rollout charcoal grill again. Outdoor kitchens have become a legitimate industry. Manufacturers offer improved products that better withstand the weather (such as polymer-based cabinet fronts) and refreshment centers that more aptly accommodate outdoor needs, such as snacks and beverages.


New fronts. Raised-panel cabinet fronts are a mainstay in kitchens, but the natural wood look is waning a bit in favor of paint finishes in deep reds and lighter greens. Designers mix and match painted and natural-wood finishes to add distinctive style and to identify subtle differences in function. For appliances, popular stainless steel finishes have evolved into brushed metallic and graphite-like looks to broaden the options and upgrade style.


Secondary kitchens. Also called butler's pantries or prep kitchens, these smaller spaces allow caterers and party-throwers to keep the mess out of the main kitchen (where, as we said, everyone gathers) while also creating convenient access to food and refreshments from the dining room. Smaller-scale appliances, including warming drawers, built-in coffee makers and wine chillers, not to mention specialty storage options, suit the function of these spaces. Morning kitchens, located in or adjacent to the master suite, are also gaining popularity.


Specialization. Once upon a time, there was only one sink in the kitchen. Now, there can be a handful, serving specific functions and equipped with varying styles of faucets. Long trough sinks, multi-basin designs with integral cutting boards, small bar basins, and deep, single-basin sinks for large pots and pans can dot every corner of the kitchen.


Zoned approach. The advent of secondary spaces has affected the main kitchen. Smaller-capacity appliances and other products have fostered "snack zones" for busy families. Equipped with a microwave oven, dedicated storage for non-perishables, and various undercounter drawers for refrigerated foods, dishwashing, and warming chores, these zones accommodate a wider (and hopefully healthier) mix of quick meals in a self-contained area.


Want more tips? Check out their latest email newsletter.


--


Addison Homes is a Greenville, SC home builder with projects across the Upstate. Known for their energy efficient homes, Addison Homes recently was featured in Greenville’s Business Magazine.


They build all their homes to rigorous ENERGY STAR®, EarthCraft House™, National Green Building Standard™ and/or LEED® for Homes standards and has received numerous awards.


If you are looking to stay informed of the latest news in energy efficiency and advanced building techniques, subscribe to their monthly email newsletter. It is informative and original and well worth the read.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:38:42 -0500</pubDate>
                    </item>
    </channel>
</rss>