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Surviving 6 Days Without Power After Hurricane Helene: Lessons Learned

On September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene swept through, leaving a trail of destruction and knocking out power for days. Like many in the storm’s path, we found ourselves without electricity for six long days. It was a real test of preparation, patience, and problem-solving. Here's what I learned from the experience and some tips for anyone who might find themselves in a similar situation.

Day 1-2: Reality Sets In
As soon as the power went out, my immediate concern was preserving food. With no electricity, I kept the fridge and freezer shut tight to maintain the cold. By the second day, I knew the perishable items would...

Surviving Hurricane Helene: A Community's Resilience
Hey there, neighbors and friends!

Well, we made it through Hurricane Helene, and let me tell you, it's been quite an adventure. Who would've thought that a place 250 miles from the coast could feel the impact of a storm so intensely? It's been a challenge with 18 inches of rain and trees down everywhere, but our community is coming together like never before.

First things first: the power's out. Yep, we're among the millions across the state without electricity. It's a bit eerie at night without the usual glow of streetlights and porch lamps, but we're managing with flashlights and candles. Thankfully, our water pressure is steady, whi...

Things to Remember When Selling an Asset of an LLC
When selling an asset owned by a Limited Liability Company (LLC), several important steps must be followed to ensure a smooth, legally compliant transaction. Here are five essential things to keep in mind when navigating the process.

1. Check the Operating Agreement
The first step is to review the LLC's operating agreement. This document typically outlines the rules for selling company assets and may require specific procedures, such as member approval. It’s crucial to follow these guidelines to avoid internal disputes or violations of the agreement. If the operating agreement requires consent from all members or a vote, ensure this approv...

Discover Serenity at Fiddlers Cove Lake, Tamassee
Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Tamassee, South Carolina, Fiddlers Cove Lake offers a tranquil escape surrounded by natural beauty. Located within sight of Tamassee Knob, this area is renowned for its serene wooded surroundings and stunning sunset views, making it an ideal setting for those seeking peace and natural splendor.

Ideal Location for Your Dream Home
Imagine building your dream home on a perfect lot tailor-made for a basement house. The gently sloping terrain not only provides a scenic backdrop but also offers practical advantages for creating a spacious and comfortable living space. Whether you envision a cozy re...

5 Things That Can Make or Break a Closing

Closing on a property culminates weeks or even months of anticipation and preparation. It's the moment when ownership officially transfers from seller to buyer, but it's also a critical juncture where several factors can determine the smoothness of the process. Here are five crucial elements that can make or break a closing:

1. Survey: Know Your Property Inside Out

The property survey is one of the most essential documents in a real estate transaction. It outlines the boundaries, improvements, and potential encroachments on the land. Not having a survey might seem like a cost-saving measure, but it could lead to expensive disputes later on. Und...

When receiving an offer on your property, understanding how the money will be distributed is critical. This is where a net estimate spreadsheet, which your real estate agent should provide, comes in. This document gives you a detailed breakdown of how much you’ll take home after all the costs are accounted for, helping you make an informed decision.

Traditionally, the seller pays the commission for both their agent and the buyer’s agent. However, a newer trend is emerging where buyers can directly compensate their agents. This shift can have a significant impact on the financial dynamics of the sale. Having the buyer pay their agent's commission decreases the seller's financial responsib...

Get to Work: Excuses Don’t Pay the Bills

It’s time to get moving. Excuses don’t pay the bills, and time wasted doesn’t create wealth. Every minute you scroll through social media, lingering at the coffee shop, or making unnecessary stops is time and energy diverted from your real goals. If it doesn’t bring you closer to financial success, it’s a distraction. Period.

Put yourself in work mode and focus on the actions that generate income. Small habits lead to significant results. So, when the alarm rings in the morning, choose productivity. Start doing the things that will make you money.

Get Selfish: Put Yourself First
Selfish? Yes, you heard that right. Put yourself first. Put your fam...

In June 2024, fewer homes were sold than last year because mortgage rates (the cost of borrowing money to buy a home) went up, making it harder for people to buy houses. The average price of homes went down some to about $299,700. Houses stayed on the market for about 58 days before being sold, a bit shorter than before.

More houses were put up for sale in June compared to last year, but fewer people signed contracts to buy them.  Overall, more homes were available, but prices still increased across the country.  The average cost for a home reached a record high of $419,300 in June.

Charming 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Home with Modern Amenities!

???? Location: Just 10 minutes to the hospital and shopping and a convenient 30-minute drive to Clemson University!

???? Details:

Age: Less than five years old
Layout: One level for easy accessibility
Bedrooms: 3 spacious bedrooms
Bathrooms: 2 full baths
Front Yard: Newly sodded with fresh landscaping
Porch: Screened-in porch with a cat flap, perfect for your feline friend
Storage: Extra closet space inside plus an outdoor shed for all your lawn and yard equipment
Features You'll Love:

Modern Design: Enjoy the benefits of a contemporary home with all the latest features and fixtures.
Outdoor Living: Relax on the screened porch, which ...

This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home is located on a spacious 1/2-acre lot by beautiful Lake Keowee.

1.     You can quickly get to the lake at the public landing at Cane Creek, which is excellent for boating and other water activities.

2.     This home is designed for low-maintenance living with no carpet.

3.     The front yard has fresh landscaping and lush new sod, making it a great place to hang out.

4.     The exterior has durable vinyl siding and a metal roof, so you can spend less time on upkeep and more time enjoying your home.

5.      The kitchen has stainless steel appliances and flows into the laundry room, making household chores easy and efficient.

6.     The maste...

We are setting new guidelines for making appointments for our listings. Life makes showings very hard. To show a house that is occupied at a moment's notice, either the house is not cleaned like a show house, or the appointment is made to give enough time to straighten up, put the dog in the car, put the cat in the carrier, and put all the kids in the car—during what should have been dinner.

1. Prequalification and Proof of Funds will be delivered to the listing agent when the showing appointment is requested. I find it essential for potential buyers to be prequalified and provide proof of funds before scheduling appointments.  This ensures that serious buyers are prioritized and helps st...

Mr. Buffalo's story beautifully encapsulates the perpetual cycle of home maintenance, likening it to a complex puzzle where each task represents a piece that must be carefully tended to. By dividing the maintenance process into manageable chunks, Mr. Buffalo's father not only ensured that the workload was manageable but also instilled in his sons a sense of responsibility and skill.

The annual ritual of painting one side of the house each summer not only transformed a mundane chore into a bonding experience for the family but also served as a masterclass in attention to detail and perseverance. Each side of the house presented its own unique challenges, requiring the brothers to adap...

Embarking on purchasing a building lot is an exciting yet intricate endeavor, delving into a realm of real estate that not everyone ventures into. It's a step-by-step process that requires thorough consideration and due diligence to ensure a smooth and successful acquisition. Let's explore some pivotal factors to contemplate when venturing into this realm:

1. Review Covenants and Restrictions: Before diving headfirst into purchasing a lot, it's crucial to meticulously review the covenants and 4. restrictions governing the parcel of land. These rules dictate what you can and cannot do with your property. Assess whether you're comfortable abiding by these regulations enforced by a committe...

Due Diligence is not only a time-intensive process but also a financial one. It's important for buyers to understand that they'll incur costs during this period.

To begin with, there's a fee associated with ending Due Diligence, regardless of the outcome. This fee is typically non-refundable and serves as compensation for the seller's time and commitment to the transaction.

Additionally, buyers often enlist the services of various outside experts during Due Diligence. This includes inspectors for areas like termite, home, and environmental inspections. These professionals thoroughly examine the property to identify any potential issues or concerns.

Furthermore, buyers may opt to bring ...

Are you envisioning your serene retreat near Lake Keowee? Look no further than this picturesque 1.2-acre parcel, nestled near the shores of beautiful Lake Keowee. While it's not directly on the water, it offers deeded access to a boat slip, ensuring you can enjoy all the lake's recreational opportunities.

Situated in a gated community close to the heart of Lake Keowee, this building site boasts paved access and level terrain, making it easy to navigate and build your dream home. With approval for a septic system, you'll be one step closer to turning your vision into reality.

Imagine spending your days boating, fishing, and soaking up the sun on the pristine waters of Lake Keowee. In t...

As the real estate market evolves, so do the prices of properties. In today's landscape, a budget of $250,000 might not stretch as far as it once did. You may face the reality of purchasing a 65-year-old house with 1.5 bathrooms within this budget. While feeling a bit apprehensive about this shift is natural, embracing a new mindset can help you navigate this change with confidence and optimism.

1. Focus on Value Over Age: Instead of fixating on the property's age, shift your focus to the value it offers. A 65-year-old house may have character, charm, and sturdy construction that newer homes lack. Consider the craftsmanship and unique features that make the house special rather than dwel...

• MLS Commission Changes: Have you heard about the new changes coming to how commissions work in real estate? The MLS is updating its policies, and we have until July 15th to get up to speed.
• New Rules Explained: So, here's the deal: instead of sellers paying commissions to buyers' agents, buyers themselves will agree to pay a set commission when they sign with their agent.
• Options for Buyers: Buyers now have a few options for paying this commission. They can either pay it out of their own pocket, negotiate with the seller for a concession, or, if they're not on board, move on to another property.
• Benefits for Sellers: You might wonder why sellers want to pay the commission. Well, it's...

Hey there! Last week, I had a real estate experience that made me pause and reflect. It was a rollercoaster ride, but we made it happen against all odds. Let me share the journey with you.

So, picture this: my company represented the buyers in a house hunt. We embarked on a whirlwind tour, checking out more than 20 homes over two days! We aimed to snag a place and seal the deal by mid-April, aligning perfectly with the buyer's retirement plans. They were all set to put down 25% plus closing costs, and we had a tight deadline of three days to get them under contract.

Starting in early March, we hit the road, scouting neighborhoods and houses that matched their wish list. We covered almos...

The week our appraisal came in low.  The appraiser did a great job, went beyond what was expected but could not show the price the listing agent had put on the property.

History:  The house was build and sold in March of 2023.  The closing price was $333,000 in 2023.  The buyer, who is now the seller, got a VA Loan.  Knowing he got a VA Loan and had not owned the property for a full year made this a hard sale.  This house was in competition with new constructions the builder is building and finishing now, they are on the market  at less than the current seller was asking for his.

The appraiser did his job, he provided the seller and the current buyer with 6 comparables supporting his ap...

Title: "Debunking Misconceptions: The Truth Behind the NAR Settlement Agreement"

Introduction: Recent announcements regarding the National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement agreement have stirred up misconceptions about its implications for the real estate industry. Budge Huskey, CEO of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, sheds light on the realities of the agreement and its effects on buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals.

1. Misconception: The Settlement Forces Brokers to Reduce Compensation

Reality: The settlement does not impose limitations on Realtors' fees, which have always been negotiable. Fees vary based on services offered and market conditions.
2. Misconce...