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Home Hunter
By Phoebe Chongchua Building your own home can be a truly rewarding project and a lesson in frustration all framed beneath one rooftop. When I was 10 years old my dad was 42 and he started building his first home from scratch when I was 42 and my son was 10 we started [building our] house, says Jim VeNard. The Arizona resident, built his first custom home six years ago and quickly figured out that patience is key, especially because of the critical role he played in the process. I was a general contractor; I pulled my own permits and worked with a home designer because in Arizona you dont have to be an architect. Then you send [the designs] to an engineer to get approved, says VeNard. VeNard built a 5,000-square-foot home in Mesa, Arizona for a little more than halfa-million dollars. The home is now worth approximately $1.2 million. Do your due diligence If youre considering taking on this challenge youll want to do your homework first. This advice could save you thousands of dollars and endless headaches. I interviewed financial expert Kevin Daum, who is a co-author along with Janice Brewster and Peter Economy, of the newly released Building Your Own Home for Dummies. Between the pages of his book is valuable information that takes you from concept to dream home and even shares problems and resources. Unlike VeNard, most people dont build their home alone. Less than 25 percent of those building homes actually attempt to do it themselves; instead most will hire someone to handle the construction and oversee the process. However, Daum says that many books are geared toward the owner/builder person who plans to be a general contractor; he said he wrote his book to addresses the rest of the population. The bulk of [those building custom homes] are going to hire an architect, hire a contractor because they have to work for a living to pay for it. But theyve been widely ignored by most of the marketplace in the books that are out there, says Daum. Here are some important tips to help you custom-build your dream home. Dont undereducate yourself: gather as much information as you can before you dive into the process, use multiple sources and ask for plenty of advice from experts. Dont underestimate the amount of liquidity needed to build a home: The American public is deeply misguided in thinking that equity is considered cash not just in construction
DRIVERS LICENSE OFFICES 1755 Richland Ave., Aiken 803-641-7752 1913 Ascauga Lake Road, North Augusta 803-279-6659 TAGS/REGISTRATION
Newcomers have 45 days after establishing residency to purchase South Carolina license tags. To purchase license tags, you will need to fill out Form 400, available from any Division of Motor Vehicles office. Before getting your tag, you will need to pay the property tax on the vehicle at your local tax office. The South Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles handles vehicle tags. Offices are open Mon.- Fri. 8:30am - 5:00pm.
UTILITIES:
ELECTRICITY Aiken Electric Co-op 803-649-6245 or 1-800-922-1262 www.aikenco-op.org Mid-Carolina Electric Co-op 803-749-6400 or 1-888-813-8000 www.mcecoop.com South Carolina Electric & Gas 803-442-2000 or 1-800-251-7234 www.sceg.com/en NATURAL GAS SCE&G Gas Operations 106 Langley Dam Road Aiken, SC 29834 (803) 643-5916 TELEPHONE AT&T Residential 1-888-288-2020 Business 1-866-620-6000 www.att.com Atlantic Broadband 1-888-301-8649 WATER City of Aiken 803-642-7613 www.aiken.net City of North Augusta 803-441-4219 www.northaugusta.net Jackson Water Department 803-471-2229 New Ellenton Public Works Commission 803-652-2862
GOVERNMENT
Aiken Co. Administrative Offices 828 Richland Avenue W. 642-2012 Aiken City Offices 214 Park Avenue, S.W. 642-7654 Jackson Town Offices 106 Main Street 471-2228 New Ellenton City Offices 200 Main Street 652-2214 North Augusta City Offices 400 Buena Vista Ave. E. Municipal Bldg 441-4202 VOTER REGISTRATION Voter Registration Office 916 Vaucluse Road, Aiken 642-2030 TAXES Aiken County Tax Office 642-2081
INFORMATION SOURCES:
Aiken Chamber of Commerce 121 Richland Avenue E. 641-1111 www.aikenchamber.net Aiken Board of Realtors 648-1891
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but in everything; it is very, very wrong; its a depression-era mentality that is not applicable any more, explains Daum. Equity is equity and it is not liquid and from a banks standpoint they dont care how much equity you have. You could have a halfmillion-dollar lot that is completely paid off and if you dont meet their reserve requirements, their liquidity requirements, you will not get a construction loan, says Daum. New home and neighborhood should be equal Decide what you want to build before you buy the lot: its critical to realize when building your home that the two main issues, the ability to finance it and secondly to protect your investment are basically the same issue. Matching the size and price of the home you build with the neighborhood can help protect your investment. Youre not going to build the Taj Mahal in a 1,500-square-foot neighborhood because nobody is going to buy it; by the same token youre not going to build a 1,500- square-foot shanty in a 5,000-square-foot neighborhood because if you do that youre going to spend more money than the property is worth, says Daum. When designing the house, design the whole house including picking all the materials: building a home is not the time to leave anything to chance. Spend three more months with the architect, spend $5,000 more with the architect and spec out every single detail -- every hinge, every doorknob, every cabinet knob, says Daum. The point is, when you have a custom home, if you do that extra work and have your contractor check on availability of certain items youre going to know exactly what youre dealing with and thats your absolute best remedy against having cost overruns. Pick the items before you start, cautions Daum. Realize that what you spend may not be what your home is worth: If you go into a milliondollar neighborhood and you spend $2 million [building your home] that does not make that house worth $2 million because people who are spending $2 million dont necessarily want to buy a $2-million house in a $1-million neighborhood, says Daum. So if youre ready to go for it, heres one last bit of advice from VeNard, Youd better be in a really strong marriage and youd better be in a situation where that person is going to give you enough freedom and flexibility to do what you have to do on the fly because you dont always have time to say Hey we have to do xyz; sometimes you have to just make those decisions and move forward. Copyright by Realty Times
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POWDERHOUSE LANDING
From the $150s, Seller pays $3,000 to C.C. +/or upgrades on existing specs. Open Daily. Dir: East Pine Log Rd to Powderhouse Ext. S/D on lt. #71534
Energy Star Homes, 4 & 5 bedroom plans. Dir: From Hwy 118 to Trolley Run Station, at second roundabout veer left up Cantenary Blvd to lt into Tarton Station. Agent on Duty: Michelle Schutts #73250
From the $200s, 1-2 acre lots-Energy Star! Seller pays $5,000 closing cost w/preferred lender & attorney. Open Fri - Sun. Dir: Whiskey Rd S to rt on Chimebell Church Rd, then rt on Anderson Pond Rd, Graylyn Lakes entrance on rt. #73420
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South Side Location 1070 Silver Bluff Rd. Aiken, SC 29803 803-648-7653
www.Meybohm.com
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2 BR/2 BA - stainless steel appl, HW floors, walk in closets, privately fenced. $89,900-$115,900 (some w/ one car garage!) Dir: From 118 bypass turn into Trolley Run Station, go thru first circle, Wheaton Townhomes are on left Agent on Duty: Judy Johnson/Martha Warrick #75545
Builders Special Seller pays $5000 cc for buyer! Master BR down, FP in great rm w/vaulted ceilings, granite, stainless appl, privacy fenced. Dir: From 118 bypass turn into Trolley Run Station, go thru first circle, Curzon is first right. Agent on Duty: Judy Johnson/Martha Warrick #72760
GRAYLYN MEADOWS
From the $160s, 1 acre lots. Seller pays $2,500 closing costs w/preferred lender & attorney. Open Fri - Sun. Dir: Whiskey Rd S to rt on Chime Bell Church Rd, then rt on Anderson Pond Rd, Graylyn Meadows entrance on rt. #77363
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Spring Stone Gem! Absolutely charming! Must see! Very open & light with lots of windows 4 BR, Move in ready. Private yard! Hurry Home. Dir: Whiskey Rd S to rt on Stratford Dr. Lt on Ascot, lt on Steepel Ridge, house on lt. Agent on Duty: Nancy Cerra #72268
Completely Renovated 3 BR, 3 Bath home. Fabulous Great Room, Spectacular kitchen & sunroom. Dir: Take Whiskey to Barnard to left on Oleander. Take first right on Momosa Circle, house on rt. Agent on Duty: Cissie Sullivan #77303
Soaring ceilings, skylights & FP accent this beautiful, much loved updated, 3 BR, 2 BA home. A Must See Dir: From Whiskey Rd take 118 west to rt on Northwood, then rt on Hickory Ridge. Agent on Duty: Donna Taylor #77266
Easy living in this one level villa w/easy access to south side, USCA & ARMC. Dir: RTE 118 (Hitchcock Pkwy) rt on Varden, lt into Parkway South Agent on Duty: Dick ONeill #76523
GREAT LOCATION
Close to shopping & school. 4 BR, 3 BA w/2 master bedrooms. Sun porch, above ground pool, fenced backyard w/large storage bldg. w/elec. Priced to Sell! #77198
JUST LISTED
Beautiful 4 BR, 2 BA brick ranch has a very open floor plan. Spacious kitchen w/snack bar, breakfast area & window seating. Huge master suite, privacy fenced, all appliances! $229,900 #77223
COLLEGE ACRES
Bright one owner home in excellent condition. 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, hardwoods, 0.59 acre yard. Carport. #77209
CONVENIENT TO SHOPPING
this 3 BR, 2 BA home has just been renovated. New roof, H/A, fresh paint throughout, new carpet, tile & laminate flooring. All appliances included. #77208
SPACIOUS
3 BR, 2 BA home w/large kitchen, new heating & air, dishwasher, corner lot, fenced backyard, close to Aiken Elementary. Priced $179,000 #77207
GEM LAKES
All brick 3434 sf home on large lot is priced to sell. Beautiful master suite. Formal living rm, family rm., & rec room. Master plus 3 large bedrooms. $275,000 #77261
GREAT LOCATION
All appliances, 3 BR, 2 BA, bonus, Mohawk hardwood floors & Anderson windows. Path to Hitchcock wood for you and your animals. #77263
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Doug Haley Sr. Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS ID: 609887 803.644.3013 douglas.b.haley@bankofamerica.com
Angie Webber Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS ID: 628763 803.644.3012 angela.k.webber@bankofamerica.com
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The Aiken Standard is pledged to the letter and spirit of the U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtain housing. All real estate advertising in the Aiken Standard is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discriminations. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate that is in violation of the law.
Publishers Notice
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MO RE VE AD IN Y!
www.aikennewhomes.com
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Once youve selected a mover, begin by taking inventory of your belongings and their worth and decide
If you choose not to take advantage of full service mover packing services, or are planning to do it yourself and rent a truck, Start packing things into boxes. Figure out the logistics of the move, travel plans and if other specialized plans need to be made. Tip: If you are using a professional mover find out what items are on their non-allowables list and discard those items or find a way to transport them separately. Tip: Instead of stacking plates, pack them vertically; they will travel safer this way. Tip: If you are moving long distance, remember travel arrangements for your pets. There are pet-exclusive airlines available such as Pet Airways but regular airlines have travel options for pets as well. Tip: If you have young children, you may want to make childcare arrangements so you can be 100% focused on moving day and your little ones remain safe and busy with fun activities. Tip: Schedule move out cleaning service, carpet cleaners and heavy appliance disposal if necessary for once youll be out of the home youre vacating. Even if youre selling your current home, its a nice welcome for
days so youre prepared. Might be smart to drop off a fresh box of light bulbs too!
Set aside valuable items and keep those with you. Clean before moving and leave your house or apartment as clean as it was when you moved in. Tip: Make sure the details for paying the moving company are taken care of. Some will require money orders or cashiers checks upon delivery; know their policy in advance to avoid stress on moving day. Tip: Start eating all the frozen foods you have, or give them to a neighbor or friend. This way you wont have to throw them away on moving day, or worry about packing an ice chest. Tip: Also think about necessities for managing moving day like confining your pets and anticipating the amount of time you will need. Tip: Place necessities such as toiletries, toilet paper, rags, musthave cooking supplies and organize them in boxes marked open first so its easy to find the initial items youll want handy on those first few days of being in your next home. Dont forget the flashlight! Tip: If possible, take one last tour of the new location and identify water and gas shut off locations, as well as the electrical breaker box just in case something happens in the first few
Take one last walk through and make sure nothing has been forgotten or overlooked. Also, make sure all doors and windows are locked and switches turned off, then you are on your way to your new house or apartment. Tip: Go back to the photos you took when you began to pack up. Now you can show the movers or those helping you unpack exactly where everything goes with photos. Tip:Unpack one room at a time according to basic needs starting with the kitchen and at least one bathroomand dont forget to make a bed as early in the day as possible if youll be sleeping in your home that evening! Remember, you dont have to unpack everything in one day, or even in one week. Tip: After youve settled in a bit, introduce yourself to some neighbors, ask for advice on the best places to eat, grocery shop, etc. This way you will feel like part of the community and can get some great local tips. Copyright by Move, Inc.
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The spring and summer months are traditionally the busiest times of year for the residential real estate market. Weather is more cooperative and many families like to move while the kids are on their summer break. But in recent years spring, for many regions, has meant more homes on the market, but also more buyers, fierce competition and an increase in prices. If youre in the market for a house this spring, there are a number of steps you can take to try to give you the advantage over
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By Ilona Bray
From the Nolo Property & Money Center Answer these eight questions to find out whether youre ready to start shopping. Can you stay put for three to five years? If youll be off to grad school in a year or are angling for a job transfer, why bother? Buying a house involves a lot of upfront effort, and you wont want to have to do it again in a year or two. Buying a house also involves expensive transaction costs like loan setup fees, property inspections, and more -- sometimes in the thousands of dollars. And if you need to move during a market slump, you could have to sell for less than you purchased for -- plus pay commissions to the real estate agents (averaging 5% of the house purchase price, or $5,000 for every $100,000). Does a home-improvement hobby sound exciting? Some homeowners like nothing better than to pull out the tools, buckets, and plaster to paint the bedroom purple or re-tile the bathroom. But such projects can eat up every weekend, even if youre just overseeing contractors. And those are the optional improvements -- every house needs basic fix-ups and ongoing maintenance. Calling the landlord can start to sound pretty good. Ask your home-owning friends with similar interests how maintaining their houses fits their lifestyles. You might want to choose a lower maintenance option, like a condo, where your monthly association fees will relieve you of maintenance duties. Are your finances organized? If you never balance your checkbook, occasionally forget the credit card bill, or hand a tax preparer an overstuffed shoebox in April, its time to get organized. First, to get a mortgage with good terms, youll need a clean credit history -- order your free credit report and resolve any errors. Second, youll need to set aside extra money for house repairs and annual property tax and insurance bills (ouch). Third, to take advantage of tax deductions that come with homeownership, youll have to keep good financial records.
Do you know your housing market? Browsing the real estate section of the paper isnt enough -- you need to know what houses have actually sold for in the neighborhoods where youre hoping to buy. Local real estate agents can help you with this, and you can plug local addresses into a website that tracks recent, completed sales -- try Realtor.com. Also, start going to open houses, to get a sense of whats available. Can you scrape together enough cash? Youll need cash for various closing costs, and for a down payment (20% is standard). Closing costs typically include not only the transaction costs mentioned above, but homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance, your share of that years property taxes, and more. The total is usually around 2%-3% of the house price, depending on what state you live in, what kind of mortgage you get, and more. Whats your budget for ongoing costs? Figure out how much income you bring in each month after taxes and other withholdings. Then calculate how much you spend each month for regular costs (like food, transportation, clothing, and regular debt payments -- but not rent), plus occasional costs (dental visits, car insurance). Subtract the second figure from the first, and youve got the amount of your monthly spare cash. Will your spare cash cover ongoing house costs? To get an idea of what a mortgage will cost you, use one of Nolos mortgage calculators. Also budget for homeowners insurance (usually between about $450 and $1,300 per year), maintenance (roughly 1% of the houses purchase price each year), property taxes, utilities, and decorating and furniture. Can you compromise? Your first home may not feature everything youd dreamed of -- but at least its yours! And by breaking into the market and waiting until the house appreciates (or adding value yourself with improvements) you may be able to trade up later -- perhaps much later, depending on where the real estate market goes. Flexibility usually pays off: Consider going for a condo or fixer-upper, buying with a friend, getting a loan from a family member, or buying a duplex and renting out a unit.
La Folie
Marketed by Robyn
Rosemary Cottage
Marketed by Robyn
Marketed by Robyn
Marketed by Robyn
Marketed by David
Marketed by Robyn
Marketed by Jeanne
Marketed by Robyn
Marketed by Jeanne
Marketed by Peggy
Marketed by Peggy
To Include Your Fine Property Listing Over $750,000 call Lauren Molony at 803.644.2376.
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Best Wishes
Hopeland Farms Encompassing over 4,000 square feet, this incredible custom residence centers 11 board fenced acres with wonderful 9-stall center aisle barn. Hardiplank and stone home features open floor plan, soaring ceilings, wood and tile floors, fabulous custom kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances, 5 bedrooms and 4.5 baths. Screened porch overlooks sparkling in ground pool, gazebo with fireplace and pool house with full kitchen, bath and loft area with sitting room and 2 bedrooms. Call Courtney Conger $1,500,000
Maysfield Plantation Gracious Georgian style home with 3 finished stories features polished wood floors, soaring ceilings and extensive millwork and encompasses more than 7,000 elegant square feet. With panoramic views, the expansive plantation includes double garage, in ground pool, restored historic overseers house, board fenced pastures and stable on 147 acres in Edgefield County. Call Courtney Conger or Randy Wolcott $1,980,000
Old Buckland Barn Historic downtown horse property has spacious main residence, smartly restored from two grooms cottages. Included on 1.6 acres are the renovated race barn with 8 large stalls, feed & tack rooms with upstairs apartment, 7-stall shed row barn, fenced paddocks and dressage arena. Call Courtney Conger or Lisa Hosang $1,425,000
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paddocks, grass jump field, and the NEW 7-stall stable has wash rack, 2 tack rooms and full bath. Custom built home features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, first floor master suite, formal living and dining rooms and eat-in kitchen with family room. Wrap-around front porch and screened porch. Call Randy Wolcott $689,000
Full View Farm . 13-acre farm has 4 pastures, 4 River Ridge Farm
dence with sunny, open floor plan and over 4,000 square feet of elegant, comfortable living space centers 15 acres of board fenced pastures and woods in Highway 302 horse country. Shed row stable has 4 stalls, 2 run-in sheds. Call Courtney Conger at 803.645.3308 $595,000
Dolan Cottage History & horses combine in this newly renovated cottage just steps from Hitchcock Woods. Once a carriage house and stable on the Dolan estate, the charming shingled residence features marvelous master suite, hardwood floors, updated kitchen and fireplaces inside and on outside terrace. Includes Hardiplank garage and 2-stall stable with board fenced paddocks on 1.63 acres. Call Courtney Conger or Lisa Hosang $698,500
Cedar Creek Farm Turn-key horse farm on 75 acres bordering Cedar Creek has 2-story cedar sided cottage with 3 bedrooms and screened porch. Center aisle 12-stall barn with office, wonderful scenic pond with dock and 4 fenced paddocks with run-in sheds. Call Lisa Hosang at 270.8020 $895,000
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Field House Farm Delightful and private 11-acre horse farm with like-new brick 3 bedroom cottage, in ground salt water pool, new 4-stall shed row barn and 3 large pastures. Adjacent to Five Cedars Farm, the two properties may be combined to make a marvelous equestrian estate. Call Courtney Conger or Randy Wolcott $369,900
Jodhpur Cottage Adorable 1920s cottage in historic downtown Aiken has been completely rebuilt. Luxury details include new master bath with tumbled marble and whirlpool tub, all new appliances, 3 bedrooms and 3 full baths, fenced yard. Call owner/agent Lee Hedlund at 803.221.6831 $499,500
Equus Farm Turn key horse farm on 31 acres of well established pastures in equestrian corridor. Main barn has 14 stalls and comfortable 1 bedroom, 1,275 sq. ft. owner's apartment. There are 8 paddocks and 5 large pastures, all with extensive 3-board fencing. Second barn has 4 stalls. Call Suzan McHugh at 292.8525 $495,000
Wisteria Farm Outstanding home with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths plus bonus room on 13.3 acres fenced coastal Bermuda pasture. Sparkling pool with cabana and outdoor shower. Metal 48x20 outbuilding with open bays easily converts to horse stalls. Bring your horses & enjoy country living close to town! Call Lisa Hosang at 270.8020 $439,000
Foxchase Delightful & spacious home with 5 bedrooms, huge bonus room, elegant formal living & dining rooms, chefs kitchen, family room with fireplace. Landscaped lot with 4-stall barn & paddocks with access to miles of trails in Hitchcock Woods. Call Lisa Hosang $539,000
South Boundary Cottage Charming 1950's cottage offers over 2,600 square feet of comfortable living space with 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths. Includes deck, covered patio and in ground pool on shady corner lot. New roof, tankless water heater, privacy fence, plumbing, new bath and fresh paint. Call Courtney Conger $350,000
and rocking chair front porch, this farm home overlooks 7-acre spring fed pond on 17 acres of fenced fields and woods. Large back deck, dock and gazebo, Morton barn with attached tractor shed. Call Courtney Conger at 645-3308 $250,000
Woodside Reserve Extraordinary value in Woodsides exclusive Reserve! Custom home with bright and open floor plan has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, formal dining room, colonnaded living room, oversized kitchen. Bay windows and sliders in great room and master suite overlook deck. Call Alex Tyrteos at 203.249.3071 $317,000
Morning Glory Farm Gorgeous 11 acre property in the heart of horse country. Mostly cleared with specimen hardwoods and a few pines running along back of property. Lot is nearly level with several possible homesites and frontage on both New Holland and Farmfield Roads. Call Lisa Hosang 803-270-8020 $181,500
Blythewood South Petite horse farm tucked behind trees in Windsor! 2 mostly cleared acres with 2-stall shed-row barn, 2 paddocks with 3-board fencing. Manufactured home is neat and well kept with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and fireplace. Call Samantha Grove at 803.443.1513 $69,500