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Aikens Only Weekly Real Estate Product

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Sunday, March 3, 2013

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AUTOMOBILE INFORMATION:
DRIVERS LICENSE Newcomers have 90 days after establishing residency to apply for a drivers license. With a valid out-of-state driver's license, only an eye exam or statement of visual acuity from an eye specialist is required. Military personnel may operate on a valid driver's license from their home state. For Information Call: 1-800-442-1DMV (1-800-442-1368) www.scdmvonline.com

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:
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Aiken Chamber of Commerce 121 Richland Avenue E. 641-1111 www.aikenchamber.net Aiken Board of Realtors 648-1891

Home Hunter Ad Deadline every Tuesday at noon.

Real Estate Sales Rep: Lauren Molony 644-2376 or Kathy Boyette 644-2349. Advertising Director: Dee Taylor 644-2371

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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.

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Tips for buying a home in todays market

StatePointIf youre considering buying a home, some experts think you should get a move on it. Interest rates are at 65-year record lows and national home prices have finally hit bottom and are on the rise. Despite what you may be hearing, loans are available for those with good credit histories, stable income and sufficient savings. But dont jump right in unprepared. Whether youre a seasoned buyer or a newbie, there are strategies that can help you throughout the home-buying process: mortgage payment (principal, interest, taxes and mortgage insurance) be less than 28 percent of your monthly gross income. Before looking for a home, consider calling a Department of Housing and Urban Development-approved housing counselor for free and confidential financial assistance.

Avoid Borrowing Pitfalls

Unscrupulous lenders can damage your credit and cause you financial hardship. Here are some ways to avoid becoming a victim: Say no to easy money. Beware if someone claims that your credit problems wont affect the interest rate. If a solicitation is really appealing, get it in writing and seek a second opinion. Talk to several lenders to find the best loan. Know if the loan offered to you charges a fee if you pay it off early. If its a requirement of the loan, ask about other products that dont contain this type of penalty. Ensure documents are correct and complete. Beware of anyone offering to falsify

your income information to qualify you for a loan. Never sign documents that have incorrect dates or blank fields. Ask for written estimates that include all points and fees. When you get to the closing table, if any fees or charges differ from what was previously disclosed, delay closing until all terms are understood. If youre taking equity out of your property, only take the minimum. Equity typically builds slowly over time, so its important to try to preserve it. If youre not sure, dont sign! Get advice first from a reputable consumer credit counseling agency or housing counselor.

Stick to Your Budget

Determining how much home you can afford depends on several factors, including your annual gross income, credit history, current mortgage rates and the amount of your down payment. In todays market, you can expect a down payment to generally be between 5 to 20 percent of the purchase price for a conventional mortgage. Lenders recommend that your

Know the Mortgage Process

Mortgages are serious long-term financial commitments. Selecting the right mortgage may make a big difference in your monthly payments and overall cost of your loan. To determine the best term for your personal situation and one that aligns with your financial goals, talk with your lender or financial professional for guidance.

Fotolia.com The prospect of making such a big investment can be intimidating, especially if youre a first time homebuyer. Do your research, reach out to the professionals, stick to your budget and be sure youre ready to take on the financial responsibilities of being a homeowner..

StatePoint-

5 Your Homes Value That Increase

When working with a small space, highlight storage options with shelving and update or remove wall decor, paint or wallpaper.

The Top Home Improvement Projects

Basement
Selling a home in todays aggressive marketplace can be challenging. The good news is there are a few tweaks that can give homeowners a serious leg up on the competition. With the warmer months being the most active time of year to buy and sell real estate, its important to ensure your home is seen in the best light possible. Despite the influx of homes for sale this season, the process of buying and selling a home can be simple, efficient and enjoyable, says Wendy Froehlich of Homes.com, one of the nations top online real estate listing and lifestyle resources. According to Homes.com, the top five projects that improve home equity are: Basement improvements can optimize livable space and protect the home from extreme weather, mold, moisture damage and mites. Whether transitioning the basement to a home gym, office or family room, the basics remain the same: insulate well and waterproof. Maximize space by including shelving and storage units. If the opportunity exists, make the space feel open and inviting by creating an open stairwell, a trick that visually connects the upper part of the house with the lower, and filters natural light into the space.

Bathrooms
If adding an additional bathroom isn`t an option, upgrade existing ones. Adding a dual vanity to a master or secondary bath improves functionality, allowing multiple people to use the space. Change out fixtures like faucets and shower doors to increase aesthetic appeal. If youre on a budget, replace light fixtures or switch plates to help refresh the space.

Kitchen
Kitchen renovations can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $40,000 and more. If thats not in your budget, upgrading cabinetry and paint does wonders to liven up even the most outdated spaces. Add crown or decorative molding to shape out the kitchen cabinets and modernize the space. Repaint cabinets, or add new hardware to add visual interest and brighten dark spaces.

Curb appeal adds immediate interest to any homes exterior. According to Remodeling Magazine, improving outdoor spaces can increase a homes resale value dollar-for-dollar. Frame the front walkway with items that add visual interest, like flowers, potted plants, large rocks of various sizes and solar-powered lights. If yard space is scarce, hanging plants are another great, low-cost option. Extend outdoor projects to the backyard -power-wash decks or patios and clean screenedin areas.

Outdoor Spaces

Mudroom
Mudrooms ensure families stay clutter-free and have a dedicated space to drop stuff as they come through the door. They can also make potential homeowners feel welcome upon entry. While knocking out a wall to create a mudroom is expensive and labor-intensive, you can make a drop zone` by simply anchoring a bench to an empty wall and hanging labeled storage units. Making homes stand out in a sea of real estate listings isnt always easy. More tips on increasing home values can be found at www.Homes. com.

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Home Hunter