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November 4, 2023October 19, 2023

4 Reasons to Buy a Home during Fall

Let’s face it, the fall market gets a bad rap. The majority of buyers assume that they’ll be unable to find a house that fits their needs during the fall—hence the mad rush during the summer. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Here are four reasons why a buyer should disregard the myths, and make a fall real estate purchase.

Star of the show
The realty market clears out as soon as the weather turns crisp. The majority of warm-weathered buyers have already found a home, meaning a fall buyer will have less competition for the available houses on the market that spark their interest.

Exhaustion is real
Countless showings and no offers make for one tired seller. After months of no action, lingering summertime sellers are more than ready to make a deal. This puts the buyer in a prime position to negotiate a price that more than fits their budget.

Home for the holidays
Not only are sellers tired after an unsuccessful summer, but the holidays are looming. The majority are aware that if they want to be settled in time for the holiday season, they have to close quickly. Buyers can use this time crunch to their advantage.

Season of deals
After settling, furnishing the house is next on a buyer’s list. Fortunately, December proves to be an ideal time to purchase large ticket items. According to Consumer Reports, appliances like refrigerators, stoves, washers, and dryers are at their very cheapest. Buyers can also snag great deals on furniture and home decor during an end-of-year sale.

If you’re serious about moving, there’s no reason to wait until the spring. With just a little patience and persistence, you can be in your dream home before the start of the new year!

Finding your dream home in Aiken, SC, is now within reach with the expertise and experience of Woodside-Aiken Realty. Let us guide you through the process, so you can enjoy the beauty and culture of Aiken from the comfort of your perfect home. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make Aiken, SC, your home. Contact Woodside-Aiken Realty, your Aiken SC real estate agency today and start your journey toward homeownership in this enchanting city. Your dream home is just a click or a call away.

October 7, 2023September 4, 2023

Ways to Improve Security in Your New Home

There’s nothing like the excitement of moving into a new home. There is a lot of promise in this fresh start, from decorating the living room to planning the first home improvement project. However, it’s essential not to overlook the importance of improving your home’s security after moving in. Use these tips to help heighten the safety of your new residence.

Change the locks

As soon as you come into possession of the keys to your new home, changing the locks on all the exterior doors should be a top priority, as you don’t know who has a copy of the current key. You can buy and install locks on your own, or you can hire a locksmith to switch them out for you. Additionally, make sure to update any passwords or security codes for devices like security systems and garage doors.

Avoid hidden keys

Do not keep a spare key in common hiding spots, like under a doormat or inside your mailbox. If you’re concerned about locking yourself out of your home, you can leave a key with a trusted neighbor, or you can install smart locks that allow you to open your doors by using a smartphone app, scanning your fingerprint, or entering a numerical code. You can even let guests in remotely or give babysitters and pet sitters their own unique access code that you can turn on and off.

Install window protection

The latches on your windows may be flimsy, so you may want to upgrade to window locks that will help make your home less accessible to the outside world. Make sure to install window locks on any window that are easily accessible from the ground, like first-story windows and basement windows. You can also install window security film, which can make windows more shatter-proof.

Use your landscaping

If your yard has plants or bushes in front of windows, it can be helpful to keep them trimmed below the window line or replace them with low-growing shrubs to prevent a home intruder from using your landscaping as cover. Additionally, replace mulch in flower beds near windows with gravel due to the noise it makes underfoot.

Ways to Improve Security in Your New Home

Invest in a security system

A home security system secures the entry points of your home and can alert authorities to a disturbance. If you install a security system, don’t forget to add a sign to your yard and stickers to your windows to deter potential intruders. You can also install a video doorbell that will send updates to your smartphone if there is motion outside your front door. If you’re considering installing a home security system, check out this guide to selecting the best safety device for your home.

Lighten things up

By making your home brighter, you can paint the picture that you’re home, even if you’re not. Start by placing interior lights, along with televisions and radios, on timers to make your home appear occupied. You can also install motion-activated exterior lights, perfect for discouraging any activity outside your home after dark. Make sure to install outdoor lights in areas around your home that get particularly dark.

Lock your shed

If your yard has a shed or an exterior garage, it’s just as essential to keep these spaces locked. If your shed doesn’t come with a lock, make sure to install a padlock. Finally, avoid keeping ladders in an easily accessible location outside your home, as this can give people easy access to second-story windows.

Develop relationships in the neighborhood

Aside from being good manners, it’s also a good security measure. By forming relationships with your neighbors, you’ll gain an extra set of eyes who might notice when something doesn’t look right, and they may be able to alert you of any potential risks when you’re not home. If you’re looking to raise the security level of your entire block, consider joining or starting a neighborhood watch program.

By making home security a top priority, you’ll be able to enjoy your new surroundings with peace of mind.

Woodside-Aiken Realty understands that buying a home is a significant decision, and they are committed to making the experience as stress-free and rewarding as possible. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or an experienced buyer, their dedicated Aiken SC realtor is here to assist you every step of the way. Contact Woodside-Aiken Realty to start your home-buying journey in Aiken, SC today.

September 4, 2023

House Selling Checklist

Getting your house ready to put on the market can seem like a massive undertaking. From cleaning to staging, you might not know where to begin. In search of advice? Break each room into sections, and tackle the room head-on with this house-selling checklist.

Living Room

Use pillows and throw blankets to soften up the room.
Clear off the coffee table.
Store toys out of sight.

Dining Room

Clear off the dining table—only leave the centerpiece.
Remove extra chairs from the table.
Set the table with 4 to 6-place settings.

Kitchen

Clean the appliances—stove, oven, and microwave.
Remove magnets from the refrigerator.
Empty the trash can before each showing.

Bedrooms

Invest in new bedspreads if necessary.
Remove distracting wall decor.
Keep daily necessities in either bins, drawers, or closets.

Bathrooms

Display a new bottle of hand soap.
Replace shower curtains if necessary.
Clean any moldy areas.

Laundry Room

Store soap and supplies in a cupboard.
Clear out all clothing.
Keep all surfaces clean.

Although it will take time and effort to get your house ready to show, just remember—the better it looks, the shorter the time it will stay on the market! Woodside-Aiken Realty offers a wide range of homes for sale Aiken SC. Whether you’re looking for a cozy single-family home, a spacious estate, a townhouse, or a condominium, they have a diverse selection of properties to meet your needs and preferences. To explore the current listings of homes for sale in Aiken, South Carolina through Woodside-Aiken Realty, you can visit their website or contact their office directly. They will be happy to provide you with detailed information about available properties and guide you through the process of purchasing your dream home in this charming Southern city.

August 5, 2023June 14, 2023

Buying a New Construction Home

What do you look for when you are searching for a home? Do you love a house with all of the latest technology and a host of exciting, up-to-date bells and whistles or do you prefer architectural touches from a bygone era? Do you love imagining the people who lived there before or do you want to consider your new home a clean slate? Are you captivated by the history of a property or are you more interested in the history you’ll make there?

Depending on your wish list and your personality, you may find that a new construction home offers better options than the resale of an existing property. This is especially true if you are looking for customization options geared toward your family’s particular preferences. Buying new construction isn’t for everyone, however, and it’s important to think through the pros and cons of the process.

What follows are some of the advantages and disadvantages of building your next home, rather than buying an existing property. Consider your goals, your preferences, and your lifestyle as you think through the options and choose the right home for you and your family.

Advantages of buying a new construction home

For some people, new construction is the only way to go when it is time to buy a home. Whether you’re in that camp or just looking for an alternative to the current resale market, there are a few distinct advantages to moving forward with a new home build.

An answer to low inventory

In markets around the country, low inventory has driven up home prices and turned most real estate transactions into multiple offer scenarios. The advent of COVID-19 has exacerbated this problem, making even less desirable properties and markets hot commodities. With a new construction home, you can avoid wrangling over a property that may not be your dream home to start with.

With new construction, much of the uncertainty is taken out of the equation, and as long as there’s a lot available in your chosen community you know you’ll get the house. Your builder will then be able to give you a fair estimate of your expected timeline so that you can plan your move-in date. In addition, the flexibility of new construction may allow you to truly build the home you’ve envisioned rather than looking for that magic dream home on the resale market.

No worries about old systems

One of the reasons the home inspection process is so nerve-wracking for home buyers is because they fear buying someone else’s problems. Older systems or systems that have been improperly maintained, along with deferred maintenance and hidden damage can make it a bit intimidating to buy a resale property.

By contrast, new construction offers you a baseline wherein all of the systems, fixtures, and appliances are brand new at the same time. That gives you several years of worry-free, low-maintenance living, along with a clearer idea of the replacement horizon for the home’s systems, appliances, and fixtures.

New technology and materials

With a new home, you can take advantage of the benefits offered by newer construction materials and new technology to create a home that is more up-to-date and energy-efficient than any resale home could be. Smarter building methods, greener building materials, and more energy-efficient systems and appliances not only save you money but may mean that your home is healthier than an older home as well.

Disadvantages of buying a new construction home

While you may be excited at the idea of a new construction home, for some homeowners there is nothing like the history and overall feeling associated with an older home. In addition, there are a few ways in which a new construction home may present challenges.

Lack of mature landscaping

Many new construction communities feature little or no mature landscaping, with small, stunted trees and immature lawns. If you favor the insulating and environmental benefits of tree-lined streets and residential lots, you may want to look for an existing home in a more traditional, older neighborhood. Alternatively, you may want to consider buying a lot in an older neighborhood, and then hiring a custom builder rather than buying in a completely new community.

Buying a New Construction Home

Not all builders are the same

While a new construction home can offer years of peace of mind, that’s only when the builder and construction team are competent and reliable. Unfortunately, not all builders are created equal and you could find yourself struggling with unfinished interiors and poorly installed systems. Your real estate professional should serve as your guide to the most skillful, reliable builders in your local market.

Lack of bargaining power

If you’re looking for a bargain on your home purchase or if you love the excitement of negotiating your purchase price, you will not get much satisfaction out of a new home purchase. Here, the costs are fairly standardized and you will have little bargaining power in regard to the cost of the home. You may be able to negotiate some of the extras and upgrades.

Talk to your Aiken SC realtor or broker about the process of buying a new construction home. You’ll want an agent’s representation like Woodside-Aiken Realty throughout the process, especially as you consider financing scenarios, builder contracts, and other aspects of the transaction.

July 8, 2023June 14, 2023

5 Summer Staging Tips

Summer is the season when home selling really starts to heat up. According to a study by ATTOM Data Solutions, the months of June, July, and August are some of the most seller-friendly months of the housing market.

But, despite the summer being a popular time for real estate, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t put some work in when trying to sell your home. By using some of these staging tips, you’ll make your home more welcoming to potential buyers.

Add some flair to your curb appeal.

Try adding some color to your yard by planting summer flowers and plants. Even some inexpensive annuals can add elegance to your yard and leave an impression. If you don’t want to plant anything new in your yard, add some planters of flowers around your outdoor space—once you move, you can bring this new greenery along to decorate your new home.

A fresh coat of paint can really help your front door stand out. You can go with a classic color like white or charcoal, or go for a pop of color like red or yellow. Other curb appeal changes to make to your home include:

Replacing your mailbox.
Upgrading your house numbers to a modern font.
Switching out a worn welcome mat for a new one.
Pressure washing your home’s siding to give it a good-as-new look.

Highlight your outdoor space.

The summer is a prime time to use outdoor spaces like patios and decks, and you should emphasize these spaces when selling your home. Make sure to leave your patio setup with chairs, tables, and even a grill to give buyers an image of what their outdoor entertaining could look like. Add some colorful accents that capture the summer spirit with an outdoor rug or a centerpiece for a table, and you can include a few throw pillows to emphasize the coziness.

Other outdoor space enhancements you should consider before showing your home include:

Decluttering your yard by putting away any gardening tools or kids’ toys.
Power washing and refinishing your deck, patio, or fence.
Checking and upgrading your outdoor lighting for showings in the evening.
Trimming any trees and shrubs.
Adding a layer of mulch to flower beds.

Keep it cool.

Depending on where you live, the summer can range from warm to sweltering. While you may typically turn off the air-conditioning or raise the temperature before leaving your home, you should instead leave it at a comfortable temperature for the showing. Also, leave ceiling fans on to help circulate the air throughout your home, especially if your house doesn’t have air conditioning. As for your yard, providing areas of shade will allow potential buyers to take their time while appreciating every aspect of your outdoor space.

Brighten things up.

Summer is filled with sunny days, and you should use this to your advantage. Start by cleaning all your windows and screens to let in as much light as possible, and keep blinds and curtains open to make your home feel spacious and welcoming. Also, keep any trees and plants near your home trimmed back so they don’t block light. If there are any dark corners or rooms in your home, install lightning or add a lamp to brighten up the space.

Keep visitors refreshed.

A welcoming gesture can’t hurt when selling your home, so provide potential buyers with refreshments. Keep it simple with bottles of water or a glass dispenser filled with cold water or iced tea, and leave a note welcoming the buyers to help themselves.

If you’re ready to embark on your journey to find the perfect home in Aiken, SC, Woodside-Aiken Realty is here to assist you every step of the way. Reach out to our dedicated Aiken SC realtor today and let them help you turn your dream of homeownership into a reality. Contact us or visit our website to browse our current listings and start your search for the ideal home. Discover the joys of living in Aiken, SC, with Woodside-Aiken Realty as your trusted real estate partner. Let them guide you toward finding your dream home in this beautiful city!