It seems that Greenville, South Carolina, is not immune to suburban expansion. New construction of single family homes can be found in just about every part of town. For some prospective buyers, only new will do and older homes hold no appeal. After all, what could be better than that smell of freshly painted walls and new carpet? Here are some guidelines for those interested in buying new construction:

• You need a buyer’s agent to represent YOU. Period. The agent that shows you a model represents the builder. Even though you hire your own agent, it is customary that the seller pay the buyer’s agent’s fees. Even if you end up footing the bill, having someone on your side for all the negotiations will be worth the money.
• Don’t assume that the lender referred to you by the builder is going to have your best interests at heart. Find your own lender and see if you can get better terms. Check with your own bank or credit union; they just might have the best terms out there.
• Hire a lawyer to review all paperwork before you sign it.
• Learn the difference between standard, optional and upgraded. You might love the model but is what you see what you get? If you decide to buy upgrades, makes sure that you are getting a fair price and get all prices in writing.
• Check your builder’s references. Try searching public records online and see if there has been any litigation involving the builder. Locate others who have purchased this builder’s homes…are they satisfied?
• Get a Home Inspector. Make sure he is licensed and you should be there for the walkthrough. All kinds of mistakes can be made during construction, and now is the time to find out, not after you have moved in.
• Check out the competition. There are many new communities in Greenville and the surrounding areas. Compare quality of construction, price per square foot, amenities, school districts, parks and nearby recreational facilities.

Enjoy your new home!

Here are a few things to consider before undertaking a bathroom project:
* Gutting the bathroom versus a cosmetic make-over. If you are not expanding the size of the bathroom, and the walls are in good condition, then maybe simply a coat of paint on the walls and cabinets is all you need.
* If structural changes are in your plans, hire a contractor who will send someone in to check on the integrity of the walls, plumbing, joists, electric and flooring.
* Consider water and energy saving fixtures: low-flow faucets and toilets that work with less water will keep your home “greener”.
* Look into new counter surfaces such as granite, marble and stone. They are attractive and will last for decades. Typically, you don’t need to buy much of these products to finish a bathroom and your money will be well spent.
* To save money, think about refinishing tubs and sinks. Sometimes, just a patch here and there is all you need to make your bathroom sparkle like new.
* Change your floors. Nothing makes a bathroom look so outdated as a grungy, dull floor. Tile is the perennial favorite but you should also look at laminate flooring as a warm, inexpensive alternative. If budget is a consideration, take a look at the new linoleum products that mimic tile and wood, or those that come in unique patterns to match any décor.

Enjoy your “new” bathroom!

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By: Admin

Greenville is known for the quality of its public school system, stimulating cultural activities and beautiful, safe neighborhoods. It is also a city that provides some of the best revitalized urban living areas in the South. A leisurely walk down Main Street proves that “urban renewal” is taken seriously by Greenville residents.

Does it make more sense to rent or buy in Greenville?

It’s Yours!

Paint the bedroom walls puce and the kitchen chartreuse, play drums at 2 AM, let the dog run free in the back yard and dig a hole to China. You own your home; it’s your domain. No landlords dictate what you can and cannot do. This is the most popular reason why people prefer owning over renting: the freedom, the independence.

Home Values Increase over Time

That’s right, even in the toughest of times, when the graphs show more valleys than peaks, it has always held true that single family residences increase in value in the long run. Investing in a home is just that, an investment that will provide a better return for one’s money than most of the other options.

The IRS Smiles Down on You

Your home is your shelter, “tax” shelter that is. The interest incurred on your home loan is tax deductible and most of your monthly mortgage payment is, indeed, interest. Ah, and lest we forget, your property tax on a first home purchase is also deductible from your income tax. Nice. And then there is that old Capital Gains Tax so hated by past generations. A couple who has lived in their home for at least two years can sell their home with up to $500,000 profit, and Uncle Sam says that profit is not taxable. Sweet.

Equity Builder

Every monthly mortgage payment builds equity in your home. More equity translates into more assets, more wealth, and security. More equity also means that one can borrow on that equity for home improvements, tuition, financing a business and the interest rate is tax deductible. Often, homeowners pay off their credit card debt with a home equity loan because credit card interest is not tax deductible.

Article source: GREENVILLE, SC: Why it Makes Sense to Buy a Home and Stop Renting

Author: If you want more info about:  Greenville SC Real Estate come to greenvillerealestatemarket.com

Canebrake is located in Greer.  Most of the homes in Canebrake were built in the 80′s so the subdivision is well established.  The trees are grown and beautiful, especially in the Fall.  There are about 350 homes in Canebrake and they range from about $110,000 to $200,000 with an average of about $150,000.  The subdivision is located right across the street from the award winning Buena Vista Elementary school.  Needless to say there are a lot of kids in Canebrake.  Canebrake has many amenities including a club house and playground that overlook a small pond.  There is also a pool in the subdivision.  The pool competes in swim races with the kids from some of the neighboring subdivisions.  

Canebrake is in a great location not far from the intersection of Pelham road and I85.

Overbrook is located north east of Downtown Main street.  The subdivision is in the Historic district of downtown Greenville.  If you want to live in the downtown area and want to stay in a reasonable price range, Overbrook may be a good option for you.  The home prices range from about $80,000 to $400,000 with the average price being around $140,000.  Many of the homes were built in the 1950’s and some were built in the 20’s.  Needless to say, many of these homes have a lot of character and charm.  Overbrook is filled with mature trees that compliment the homes as well.  You could walk to downtown main street, but it is only a 3 minute drive.