Be sure to mark your calendars and make sure to purchase tickets early for The Spirit of Christmas at the Brooks Center in Clemson. The press release describes this as a holiday theatrical performance takes you on a magical journey to a winter wonderland of fun and festive cheer.

There will be gorgeous costumes, wonderful Christmas songs, and the highest kicking chorus girls this side of the North Pole. This glittering Christmas spectacular will delight your entire family so make plans to bring everyone for a great time.

To find out more or to purchase tickets visit the Brooks Center Website

Lake Hartwell waterfront lot with dock in place! Good water! Gentle slope leading to open water. Lot sits on large cove off Fair Play Branch. Lot is in sight of I-85 bridge between exits 1 & 2, which gives you ready access to the Tugaloo or Fair Play Branch. Platform dock currently on property will pass with the lot, but verbal Ok from COE for larger covered dock.

Property marketed by Mark Brian, Realtor @ Silver Star Real Estate 864-353-1253 To see more pictures and details of this property please visit Hartwell Lake SC Lot for Sale

Greater Anderson Musical Arts Consortium, or GAMAC will present Celebrate the Season on Saturday, December 12, 2009 at 8PM at  the Rainey Fine Arts Center on the campus of Anderson University. This has been an Anderson holiday tradition for many years, and this year is no different as this annual Christmas performance will feature the GAMAC Orchestra, Chorale, Boychoir, Girl Choir and Youth Chorus. 

 

Tickets to this event are expected to sell quickly! Reserve your seats today! Prices are $25.00 for adults and $12.00 for students.

 

 

To purchase tickets, please call the GAMAC office at (864) 231-6147.

 

 

I read an article today about how Oconee CVB has requested and received $20000 to do a study about  building a hotel/conference center. And at first it might seem that in this economy any spending needs to be scrutinized. But if we are thinking about long term growth and adding jobs it could be a great thing for Oconee County to host conferences at a Hotel/Convention Center.

Why? Well getting businesses to become more aware of our area is always going to be a good idea. Also every person that goes to a conference is also going to become aware of all the fantastic recreational facilities such as the golf course and lakes that are in Oconee County. There is no doubt this is an expensive self promotional undertaking but unless we work towards long term growth, both by attracting new businesses and new residents, we will never be able to move forward. there will be jobs created by the Hotel/Convention center itself, but the real benefit will be attracting more businesses to Oconee County.

The article also talks about is how this study could help county officials. County officials could use the information to help them to decide what project they’d be willing to help with incentives or other financial help. To me, this is where we must really watch the money. But using a little money to help us make a more informed decision can only help us get the best type of facility that will contribute to the most to the growth of Oconee County.

We are all aware of the work to have more businesses come to the southern portion of Oconee County recently by expanding sewer service. But we cannot forget about how blessed we are with the natural beauty of our area. And we can take advantage of the scenic wonder that is Oconee County by using it to recruit new businesses and residents. Imagine a conference of one hundred business owners seeing the beauty of Oconee County and all these business owners having the subliminal suggestion implanted in the back of their minds about how great it would be to relocate to Upstate South Carolina. With the work on the expansion of sewer service in southern Oconee County and a method to get more visitors to Oconee County, this could be the one-two combination we need to attract more businesses!

If it is done intelligently and with an eye on getting the most bang for our buck, then there is no doubt that this could be a great tool for helping Oconee County grow in ways we never imagined in the past!

In this market, it seems that many potential real estate buyers in Upstate South Carolina want to get the best possible deal and are too willing to ignore the sage advice of their REALTOR. And while it is admirable to get a good deal, submitting offers based upon what you feel instead of the comps is a good way to anger a seller.

 But should a seller ignore a lowball offer? I say never ignore any offer, even if the offer is so low and so unrealistic that it angers you. Do not bite your nose off to spite your face!

 Counter my fine friends! Counter and be willing to negotiate. I understand the annoyance of people submitting offers that are based upon fairy tales and wishful thinking. But at least it is a starting point for negotiations.

 

Please do not think that a lowball offer should not anger you, and do not let your anger punish you by not countering a lowball offer. Instead realize your opponent in the negotiations just showed us their ignorance of Upstate South Carolina real estate market conditions and trends. We can use our knowledge to defeat them or at least send them scurrying away with their tail tucked between their legs when faced with the reality that you have the most powerful of allies: a REALTOR!

 Instead of refusing to counter, we can use this opportunity to sell your home at your price!

 

 

I found this handy list and thought I would share it since so many people are looking to remodel or update their Upstate South Carolina home before they put them on the market.

1. Get at least three written estimates.

2. Check references. If possible, view earlier jobs the contractor completed.

3. Check with the local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau for complaints.

4. Be sure the contract states exactly what is to be done and how change orders will be handled.

5. Make as small of a down payment as possible so you won’t lose a lot if the contractor fails to complete the job.

6. Be sure that the contractor has the necessary permits, licenses, and insurance.

7. Check that the contract states when the work will be completed and what recourse you have if it isn’t. Also, remember that in many instances you can cancel a contract within three business days of signing it.

8. Ask if the contractor’s workers will do the entire job or whether subcontractors will be involved too.

9. Get the contractor to indemnify you if work does not meet any local building codes or regulations.

10. Be sure that the contract specifies the contractor will clean up after the job and be responsible for any damage.

11. Guarantee that the materials that will be used meet your specifications.

 

12. Don’t make the final payment until you’re satisfied with the work.

 

Reprinted from REALTOR Magazine (realtor.org/realtormag) with the permission of the National Association of REALTORS. Copyright 2008 All rights reserved

Enjoy a pleasant 4 season climate with this affordable lot for a vacation or retirement home. Many amenities including pool, tennis, fitness facility, club house,boat ramp, full time patrolling security, playground, banquet facilities, game room, and much more. Located in Westminster South Carolina, this land has easy access to I85 & only 97 miles from Atlanta! Tasteful architectural guidelines for homes and great ammenities plus friendly neighbors in a peacefull relaxed atmosphere! This lot has nice hardwoods and is almost as flat as a pancake! Must see! Motivated seller asking $7500

Property marketed by Mark Brian, Realtor @ Silver Star Real Estate 864-353-1253 To see more pictures and details of this property please visit Westminster SC Land for Sale

Today the SC Department of Commerce and Oconee County announced a local company, Greenfield Industries is expanding. greenfield plans to invest $18 million and add 85 jobs in the next 5 years.

The company is planning to add 50,000 square feet to its current facility. The expansion will allow the company to consolidate some operations and add a North American Distribution Center.

Greenfield Industries plans to begin hiring for the new positions this month through Phillips Staffing in Seneca.

I have no doubt that this is just the beginning of many companies looking to either expand their current operations in Upstate SC or for companies from all over the world to open new facilities in our area. There is no doubt that our business-friendly climate and skilled workforce provide the solid foundation businesses need to grow and succeed.

And considering the projected number of people looking to relocate to Upstate South Carolina, it is a great sign that Oconee County is getting a head start on making sure there are plenty of jobs!

Solitude at a Bargain Price

This lot for sale in Westminster is an incredible opportunity to own a wonderful lot in the Panola section of Foxwood Hills. Close to I85. Many wonderful amenities such as Fishing, Boating,Olympic Size Swimming Pool, Play Area, Security Patrols, Boat Ramp, Golf, Tennis Courts. Nice hardwoods and gentle slope. Peace and quiet with a wonderful 4 season climate. Asking $13000 but the motivated seller has said to make all offers known!

I have discovered that many homes buyers in Upstate SC are not reasonable when it comes to the cold hard facts. No matter what you have heard regarding the housing market, just because you want to buy a home at a really low price does not mean it will always happen. When looking to purchase a home, everyone wants a great price for the perfect home. But honestly, if it is not realistic, I will tell you. If the recently sold comps do not support your price, I am going to tell you. There are steps to take to make your offer more attractive to sellers and I will tell you what you must do to make it possible to get a great deal! And a realistic price is just the beginning.

But what if you want to sell your home and want to get a price that honestly is not going to happen? I am going to have to be the bearer of bad news! I understand you want more money for your home. But if the market will not support the price you had in mind, I am sorry. As much as I want to get more money for your home, if it is not possible in today’s real estate market, it is not going to happen. No magic trick, no super secret marketing tricks, no bonus to the buyer’s agent is going to make an overpriced home sell! If you must sell and you owe more than the market will bear, then maybe we will have to discuss doing a short sale.

A person selling a home in Upstate SC is going to have to understand that the majority of buyers are going to need a mortgage. If your home will not appraise for the purchase price, it will not sell. Realistic list prices are the key to selling your home. And if the buyer is paying cash, they are more than likely going to want a discounted price. Either way, an overpriced home will not sell!

But if you are passionate about buying or selling real estate in Upstate South Carolina then as that very wise man said:

Let Reason Hold the Reins!

1. Know about exclusions to coverage. For example, most insurance policies do not cover flood or earthquake damage as a standard item. These types of coverage must be bought separately.

2. Know about dollar limitations on claims. Even if you are covered for a risk, there may be a limit on how much the insurer will pay. For example, many policies limit the amount paid for stolen jewelry unless items are insured separately.

3. Know the replacement cost. If your home is destroyed you’ll receive money to replace it only to the maximum of your coverage, so be sure your insurance is sufficient. This means that if your home is insured for $150,000 and it costs $180,000 to replace it, you’ll only receive $150,000.

4. Know the actual cash value. If you chose not to replace your home when it’s destroyed, you’ll receive replacement cost, less depreciation. This is called actual cash value.

5. Know the liability. Generally your homeowner’s insurance covers you for accidents that happen to other people on your property, including medical care, court costs, and awards by the court. However, there is usually an upper limit to the amount of coverage provided. Be sure that it’s sufficient if you have significant assets.

 

 

 

 

Great wooded corner lot in peaceful community only a mile from boat ramp. Nice hardwoods. Private road. Five other lots for sale, each an acre or more.Buy more than one for reduced price. Owners will consider owner financing for up to 2 years with 10% down. 8% interest based on 20-yr loan with two-year balloon payoff. Asking $17500

Property marketed by Mark Brian, Realtor @ Silver Star Real Estate 864-353-1253 To see more pictures and details of this property please visit Fair Play SC Land for Sale

In observance of Native American Heritage Month, the Pickens County Cultural Commission invites you to join the friends of the Pickens County Museum for a special, and free, day of milling, memories and a Native American Celebration at the Hagood Mill Historic Site & Folklife Center. The Mill will be operating, rain or shine, on Saturday, November 21 from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

“Selugadu” (Cherokee for cornbread) celebrates our Native American influences. A number of groups will be represented, including individuals born and raised here as well as those who have made South Carolina their home.

Hosted by “Reedy River Intertribal,” this third annual event will begin with a “Presentation of the Colors,” honoring America’s veterans, and will continue throughout the day with a great program of drumming, dancing, singing, storytelling, demonstrations and games. Reedy River’s “Sagan” (head-man), Pat Langley, will be present to interpret Native American culture, along with Joseph Jordan, a Tuscarora Indian from Georgia, who will act as Master of Ceremonies. Jordan is an award-winning dancer and presenter. Native American dancing will be a big part of the celebration.

Dr. Will Goins, Chief Executive Officer of the Eastern Cherokee, Southern Iroquois and United Tribes of South Carolina will be on hand to share in stories, dance and song and will talk with visitors about the Cherokee and other Native American history, culture and tradition.

For those who get “caught up” in the spirit of the day, the dancing will include audience participation dances and a “candy dance” for kids. A highlight of the dancing will be 13 year old Austin “Redbird” Sweat, an Eastern Shawnee, who has won numerous awards for his performances. Native American flute music (of different styles and tribes) will be presented along with songs in Cherokee performed by the Reedy River Intertribal Singers. Native jewelry and crafts will be demonstrated and available for sale. “Sagan” Langley has won awards for his beadwork. Reedy River member, Gale McKinley will demonstrate basket making. Native-cooked roasted corn and fry bread will also be available.

Activities for youngsters will include face-painting with Native designs and participation in (and learning about) drumming on a “kid’s drum” the group will bring.

Another delight for the kids will be the presence of the Foothills Indian Horse Club with their Colonial Spanish horses. These horses are descended from the first horses brought to the New World by the Spanish and are similar to the wild horses that roam the West. The club is affiliated nationally with the American Indian Horsed Registry and the Horses of the Americas Registry. Kids will be allowed to “paint” the horses with their hand prints in the style of the Plains Indians.

The Crawford Collection of local ancient stone points and tools will be on display along with experimental archaeologist, Roger Lindsay’s, “river-cane” technology exhibit and demonstration of the lance and atl-atl, blowgun and bow & arrow. The mill site's regular flintknapper, Steve Compton, will also be showing how stone tools and weapons were made. The Foothills Chapter of the SC Archaeology Society will be present with a table of information and to do free artifact identification of any stone tools visitors wish to bring. The Crawfords and Lindsay will also be available to tell visitors about the mill site’s “petroglyph” rock with its seventeen human “stick-men,” carved by Native Americans more than a thousand years ago and the “South Carolina Rock Art Center” that will be built over it.

As a service to the Native Americans present, the National Tribal Development Association will have their Outreach Liaison, Gina Bass, on site with a table of information on Federal Grants and assistance for Native Americans and Family Farms.

Join in the fun from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for this FREE day of Native American celebration and demonstrations along with the regular monthly feature of “milling, music and memories.” The Hagood Mill hosts a variety of folklife and traditional arts demonstrations each month, including blacksmithing, bowl-digging, cotton-ginning, flintknapping, moonshining, quilting, spinning, woodcarving and more!

All this should make for a day surely not to miss. Bring your lawn chairs, enjoy a plate of barbeque, a hot dog or some Native fry bread or roasted corn and experience a day at the Mill and a great time at this wonderful celebration of American Indian culture. Show your support for the Mill and the Pickens County Museum by joining them at this monthly Third Saturday event. The Hagood Mill operates, rain or shine, the third Saturday of every month and is located just 3 miles north of Pickens or 5 ½ miles south of Cherokee Foothills Scenic Hwy 11 off SC Hwy 178 at 138 Hagood Mill Road. Hagood Mill is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 until 4:00, to tour the buildings and grounds and to visit the Mill Site Gift Shop.

Part of "Music in the Mountains 2009", Selugadu III: A Native American Celebration is sponsored by a private benefactor. The Pickens County Museum of Art & History is funded in part by Pickens County, members and friends of the museum and a grant from the South Carolina Arts Commission, which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

For additional information please contact the Hagood Mill Historic Site & Folklife Center at (864) 898-2936 or the Pickens County Museum at (864) 898-5963. Be sure to become a fan of Hagood Mill on Facebook!

Every year thousands of shooting stars amaze stargazers around the world.  You can have a special evening of wonder as learning about the Leonid meteor shower and the comet that started it all at the SC Botanical Gardens in Clemson on November 17th from 7 to 9PM. The dark skies provided by the new moon should provide excellent viewing conditions, but remember there are no guarantees.  Clemson University professors and curators will guide you in viewing with and without a telescope, counting and measuring meteors, as well as helping you understand what you're seeing.  Bring a notebook & pen, blankets or chairs, and dress for the weather! You can leave your flashlight at home since it will not be needed.  There will be light refreshments provided.  The fee for the event is $10/family (up to 5).  Meet at the Kelly Meadow at the SC Botanical Garden.

For more information please call 864-656-3405 or visit their website

Just a few days ago I wrote about how the SC Secretary of Commerce had talked at a luncheon with the Anderson County Council and REALTORS from Anderson County on my Upstate SC Real Estate Blog. And today I read this article how Oconee County is taking the bull by the horns and working to do exactly what is needed to get growth in the southern portion of the county.

I am glad to see that Oconee County is taking the needed steps to plan for future growth. Without the necessary utilities already in place, almost all businesses will look elsewhere. I am sure that no one wants to spend the money but if we want Oconee County to continue down the path towards future growth we must take steps today.

There is so much room for growth and with the excellent workforce available in Oconee County, many manufacturers are going to want to move here. Look at the recent news about Boeing moving to SC. It was many reasons, but one that really made it happen was the site was ready for Boeing to break ground almost immediately.

Imagine if Oconee County were to have a huge impact in the economy like Boeing has made in the lower part of South Carolina. It is up to us to ensure our children can look forward to a robust job market right here in Upstate SC. We are blessed with so much natural beauty in Oconee County. But it is going to take proper planning to have more jobs for future generations in Oconee County.

Please take the time to think about this very important issue and let your elected officials know that you want more jobs and growth in Oconee County.

 

Make your South Carolina home more appealing for yourself and potential buyers with these quick and easy tips:

1. Trim bushes so they don’t block windows or architectural details.

2. Mow your lawn, and turn on the sprinklers for 30 minutes before the showing to make the lawn sparkle.

3. Put a pot of bright flowers (or a small evergreen in winter) on your porch.

4. Install new doorknobs on your front door.

5. Repair any cracks in the driveway.

6. Edge the grass around walkways and trees.

7. Keep your garden tools and hoses out of sight.

8. Clear toys from the lawn.

9. Buy a new mailbox.

10. Upgrade your outside lighting.

11. Buy a new doormat for the outside of your front door.

12. Clean your windows, inside and outside.

13. Polish or replace your house numbers.

14. Place a seasonal wreath on your door.

 

Reprinted from REALTOR Magazine (REALTOR.org/realtormag) with the permission of NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS Copyright 2008 All rights reserved.

 

 People Want to Live in our Region

I am always blogging about how great Upstate SC and found an interesting interview with Bruce Yandle, economist at Clemson University. While the articel is mainly about the economy recovering, the very last sentences were just confirmation for what I have been preaching!

 You Are Preaching to the Choir

With the huge amounts of people that call me very week from all around the US wanting to move to my area it is apparent to me. And hearing someone quoted in the newspaper, especially when it is from a reputable source like a economist at Clemson University, well that just makes me even happier. Hate to say I told you so....

Now if you are looking to relocate to Upstate SC and would like to learn more about my area or find out how much home you can buy for your money, please feel free to contact me!

I read an interesting article about an unlicensed agent selling real estate. Now first off, I am not sure how you can call someone that is not licensed an agent. Being licensed goes hand in hand with being an agent. Not being licensed and calling yourself an agent seems like telling a lie to me.

And considering the huge amount of money involved when buying or selling real estate, it goes without saying that unlicensed individuals with ulterior motives creeps in. And why would they want to get a license when, more often than not, they are trying to take advantage of someone? Being licensed might hurt their business, and leave them more liable for their actions!

Just because I say I work for a real estate company or have a sign to put in your yard that says realty, real estate etc--it does not mean I am licensed!

But how can you find out if someone is licensed as a real estate agent in South Carolina? How can you protect yourself?

Very easily! Follow and bookmark this link to the SC Real Estate Commission and their Licensee Look Up page.

I hope before you ever sign paperwork about buying or selling real estate in SC, well just make sure you know who you are dealing with!

Moving to a new home can be stressful, to say the least. Make it easy on yourself by planning far in advance and making sure you’ve covered all the bases.

1. Plan ahead by organizing and budgeting. Develop a master “to do” list so you won’t forget something critical on moving day, and create an estimate of moving costs. (A moving calculator is available at REALTOR.com)

2. Sort and get rid of things you no longer want or need. Have a garage sale, donate to a charity, or recycle.

3. But don’t throw out everything. If your inclination is to just toss it, you're probably right. However, it's possible to go overboard in the heat of the moment. Ask yourself how frequently you use an item and how you’d feel if you no longer had it. That will eliminate regrets after the move.

4. Pack similar items together. Put toys with toys, kitchen utensils with kitchen utensils. It will make your life easier when it's time to unpack.

5. Decide what, if anything, you plan to move on your own. Precious items such as family photos, valuable breakables, or must-haves during the move should probably stay with you. Don't forget to keep a "necessities" bag with tissues, snacks, and other items you'll need that day.

 

6. Remember, most movers won’t take plants. If you don't want to leave them behind, you should plan on moving them yourself.

7. Use the right box for the item. Loose items are prone to breakage.

 

8. Put heavy items in small boxes so they’re easier to lift. Keep the weight of each box under 50 pounds, if possible.

9. Don’t over-pack boxes. It increases the likelihood that items inside the box will break.

 
10. Wrap every fragile item separately and pad bottom and sides of boxes. If necessary, purchase bubble-wrap or other packing materials from moving stores.

11. Label every box on all sides. You never know how they’ll be stacked and you don’t want to have to move other boxes aside to find out what’s there.

12. Use color-coded labels to indicate which room each item should go in. Color-code a floor plan for your new house to help movers.

13. Keep your moving documents together in a file. Include important phone numbers, driver’s name, and moving van number. Also keep your address book handy.

 

14. Print out a map and directions for movers. Make several copies, and highlight the route. Include your cell phone number on the map. You don’t want movers to get lost! Also make copies for friends or family who are lending a hand on moving day.

15. Back up your computer files before moving your computer. Keep the backup in a safe place, preferably at an off-site location.

16. Inspect each box and all furniture for damage as soon as it arrives.

17. Make arrangements for small children and pets. Moving can be stressful and emotional. Kids can help organize their things and pack boxes ahead of time, but, if possible, it might be best to spare them from the moving-day madness.