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        <title>All About Greenville SC Real Estate</title>
        <link>https://tammy-crabtree.delcorealty.com/blog/</link>
        <description>All About Real Estate in Greenville South Carolina.  Are you considering relocating to Greenville SC?  Find out about the best schools, neighborhoods, where to live, major employers of Greenville SC, and much, much more!</description>
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    <guid>https://tammy-crabtree.delcorealty.com/blog/should-i-use-a-realtor-when-purchasing-new-construction.html</guid>
    <link>https://tammy-crabtree.delcorealty.com/blog/should-i-use-a-realtor-when-purchasing-new-construction.html</link>
        <author>crabtreeandyoung2@gmail.com (Tammy Crabtree)</author>
        <title>Should I Use a REALTOR® When Purchasing New Construction</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Considering a new build? New construction can be a great option for a lot of buyers. There’s a lot to be said for being able to customize features and buy a new home with warranties in place. It can allow you to sell an existing home without having to put yourself in a contingent-offer situation, buy you the time needed to relocate, or help you to avoid a multiple offer situation and the stress that can come with trying to secure a contract in our competitive Greenville market.


The process seems simple enough: tour a few neighborhoods, talk to the on-site agent, pick a floorplan and a lot, make your deposit, and the build begins. There are no sellers to deal with, no inspection period with repairs to consider, and no drawn-out negotiations. So why involve a buyer’s agent? Won’t you get a better price if a buyer’s agent isn’t involved? Won’t negotiations go better if you can handle them yourself?


Not so fast. In any real estate transaction, it’s important to have a professional on your side, even if the process seems straightforward. As realtor.com puts it: “You can rely on the builder’s agent for background information- just don’t make this individual your sole point of contact on the buying and selling process.” Besides the peace of mind gained by having an experienced professional along for the ride, “


 Unfortunately we’ve heard many stories where someone visits a gorgeous model home and impulsively decides to start the process then and there. A few signed documents later, with a non-refundable deposit in place, they end up wishing they had given themselves more time to think it through and had brought with them a professional who works full-time in the industry to act as a go-between with the on-site agent and help decipher the myriad of paperwork. Their remorse is furthered when they realize the price of the home would not have been impacted if they had been assisted by a buyer’s agent. Besides the peace of mind gained by having an experienced professional along for the ride, “Your REALTOR® will be key to helping you navigate this process . . . they can guide you through construction and help anticipate and solve any possible snags along the way.” (The Mortgage Reports) 



Still have doubts? Here are the top 5 reasons you should consider using a REALTOR® when buying new construction:


1. Help you find a great builder


An experienced agent can rely on their own experience and that of their colleagues to help you find a builder you can trust. Quality of workmanship, warranty, included features that make them stand out from others, and track record in resolving issues all contribute to a builder's reputation. Getting a clear understanding in the beginning can alleviate serious headaches down the road. For custom builders or developers who don't have a model home, an agent can find you examples of existing builds to look at for comparison and see finishes in person. With the help of a REALTOR®, you can focus your time on creating your home buying checklist, layout, and list of must-haves.


2. Advocate for you


Even though a friendly representative will greet you at the sales center, don’t forget that they work for the builder. The goal of on-site agents is for you to have a great experience, but their fiduciary duty ultimately lies with the builder. Ideally your own agent should accompany you from the start (in fact, many builders require your agent register with them at the first visit). Good agents will attend your options meetings, walk-throughs, and inspections. Through experience, REALTORS® typically have an understanding of the parts of the house where you're likely to find problems during a build and will be sure the builder is aware of them if found. An experienced buyer’s agent can help you navigate any sticky situations that may arise, whether at the construction site, with financing, or getting to the closing table.


3. Help you review your contract


Even if you’ve purchased a home before, the contract for new construction is a whole different animal. Your buyer's agent will make sure you understand everything, from floor plans to earnest money requirements, escalation clauses, financing or existing home contingencies, deadlines for requesting changes, and timelines for completion. Since the process can be overwhelming, it is important to work with someone whose only job is to communicate your best interests to the builder and their agents. A good agent will also help identify if there are addenda required to protect you if something falls through. Experienced agents know the language and do their due diligence to be sure you have a great experience. 


4. Assist with negotiations


Buyer's agents know the areas where you’ll find the most wiggle room when it comes to negotiations. Because builders ideally want to keep the actual sales price higher to help convince future buyers of the value of homes in the community, they’d rather throw in closing costs or other upgrade credits. As skilled negotiators who can advocate on your behalf, buyer’s agents can secure better deals, upgrades, or incentives for you throughout the process. Some builders are still using escalation clauses to cover the rising cost of building supplies. An experienced agent can help the buyer recognize and understand the financial ramifications of an escalation clause. They can also help negotiate ways to minimize your risk, like requesting an option to void the contract if the total price exceeds the original price by a certain percentage.


5. Point you toward smart upgrade choices


Builders will offer you endless options for finishes and upgrades, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Many times the on-site agent has relocated here to represent the builder and doesn't know much about the area. An experienced REALTOR® will have knowledge of the local market- what’s trending (or perhaps may be too trendy), what improves the value of a house, and what modifications or additions to consider to allow for ease of future upgrades (think: pre-wiring for fans or including both electric and gas service for the range, etc.). A seasoned real estate agent can recommend the upgrades that will get you the most bang for your buck in resale value, suggest finishes that might be cheaper to do on your own, and help you avoid over-improving, which can also jeopardize your appraisal before closing. Their expertise ensures you focus your budget on areas that will give you the greatest return on your investment.


The guidance, knowledge, and expertise of a local real estate agent can make all the difference in turning your vision of the perfect home into a reality. With a professional you trust by your side, you’ll rest easy knowing someone is there to protect your money, your time, and your new home. Wondering if new construction is right for you? Search new construction listings and get more homebuying tips on our website.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 24 Aug 2023 10:32:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://tammy-crabtree.delcorealty.com/blog/maybe-you-should-cry-over-that-spilled-milk.html</guid>
    <link>https://tammy-crabtree.delcorealty.com/blog/maybe-you-should-cry-over-that-spilled-milk.html</link>
        <author>crabtreeandyoung2@gmail.com (Tammy Crabtree)</author>
        <title>Maybe You Should Cry Over That Spilled Milk</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



We’ve all heard of various things that should never be disposed of in the kitchen sink- grease, pasta, potato peels, but milk? Yes, indeed. While it may not damage or clog your pipes, pouring milk down your drain is actually terrible for the environment. It takes a lot of oxygen to break down milk, taking oxygen away from living organisms that need it to survive. Large amounts of milk have even been known to suffocate entire ecosystems. In fact, some places fine businesses for disposal of milk down drains. 


 


So if your milk is getting close to expiring, find another way to dispose of it- maybe a tasty batch of rice pudding, homemade Greek yogurt, or even fresh ricotta.


 



Other no-nos for your drains:


Cooking Oil and Grease: Two of the worst things to pour down your drain are cooking oil and grease. Because they are liquid, it seems like they won’t do any damage. However, grease and cooking oil create globs of fat that mix with the moisture in your pipes to solidify and clog up your system. Same goes for bacon fat. It cools quickly after you dump it down the drain, causing the liquid to congeal and solidify. Put these substances in jars or cans to cool before disposing of them in the trash. Vaseline falls in this category, too


Coffee Grounds: Washing coffee grounds down your drain, even a small amount, is bad for your pipes. Coffee grounds are one of the most common causes of kitchen sink blockages. They don’t get properly ground by garbage disposals and can clump up, causing buildup in the pipes. Instead, try incorporating the coffee grounds into your compost. Coffee grounds also are thought to be a mosquito and bug repellant, especially when spread in a dish and burned like incense.


Eggshells: Another seemingly harmless bi-product like coffee grounds, eggshells are not easily handled by your garbage disposal and can get stuck in viscous pockets of other difficult-to-drain substances.


Flour: When mixed with water, flour becomes a firm and thick substance, almost like glue. While not harmful to your pipes, washing large amounts of flour down your drain can cause it to clog up your drain and could even jam your disposal. Think of the consistency of bread dough – it pretty much just takes flour and water. We don’t recommend making a sourdough starter in your kitchen sink drain


Expanding Food: We’re talking about the rice, pasta, and oatmeal of the world. Most starchy or grainy solids that puff up will cause blockages if they are poured down your drain. Scraping plates into the trash before rinsing is a must. Just like with flour, a small amount of pasta or rice probably won’t be harmful, but the risk increases significantly if you pour a full cup down


Fibrous Fruits and Veggies: Produce like pumpkin, corn husks, potato peels, lime rinds, and other tough-shelled fruits and veggies can easily clog your kitchen sink. Trash or compost them instead.


Medication: Pouring medication down the drain does serious damage to the environment. They are extremely toxic, contaminating lakes, affecting water supply and animals in the lakes. Medication is a leading source of contaminating water supplies.  Be conscientious and don’t pour unused medication down the drain (or flush it).


Paint and other chemicals: Paint is a no in both directions: it can immediately cause serious drainage issues and poses serious environmental risks. There are reasons why there are hazardous waste labels on most paints, so avoid rinsing them down your drain. Paint thinner is also a no-no. Turpentine and other mineral spirits can eat away at your pipes, not to mention contaminate the water supply. This applies to water-based and oil-based paints, neither of which should go into the sink. Most areas have rules and regulations concerning the disposal of paints. Some regulations are so strict that even washing out paintbrushes inside a sink isn’t allowed.


Bleach: Pouring bleach down the drain will do more harm than good to your plumbing system. Bleach is a toxic and powerful substance that should always be handled carefully. It can react with other substances trapped in your pipes, potentially releasing fumes or further clogging the system.


So, what is acceptable to pour down the drain, to clean pipes or freshen a sink?


The most important thing is getting all the buildup cleaned out from disposals and drains- those are what typically cause foul odors.


Salt: We just learned about this one Why pour salt down the drain? Salt helps break down grease and emulsified fats. When combined with vinegar and hot water it can contribute to clearer pipes.


Coca Cola: Coke and other colas are actually surprisingly decent pipe cleaners, so pour away They contain phosphoric acid which helps to break down certain buildups in your pipes.


Vinegar: Vinegar is both safe and beneficial to pour down the drain. It acts as a natural cleaning solution and can remove blockages and harmful bacteria that cause foul odors. Though not always the number one recommended long-term solution, baking soda and vinegar along with some hot water can prove to be a serviceable solution to clear your drains. Baking soda and vinegar can also help mitigate foul odors.


Ammonia: Ammonia is water-soluble and safe to clean drains. Use about a cup of ammonia in a quart of very hot (even boiling) water. Pour down the drain and wait 15 minutes or more. Flush with at least another gallon of hot water. Wear gloves and take care not to breathe the fumes. And definitely do not mix it with other household products, especially anything containing bleach Bleach and ammonia will mix to form an extremely toxic gas.


Boiling water: Boiling water is typically safe to pour down most drains – but make sure to watch out for you and other people while doing it In some extreme cases of damaged pipes, it could further degrade plastic seals, but those were likely already in serious jeopardy if plain water exacerbates it. Boiling water with citrus, or even just a soap and water compound can help with odors.


Alcohol: Alcohol is generally safe to pour down a drain in moderate quantities. If you need to dispose of large amounts of it, either dilute it or take time in between draining. Or better yet, call us to come and get it
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 06 Feb 2023 12:43:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://tammy-crabtree.delcorealty.com/blog/selling-your-home-in-the-winter.html</guid>
    <link>https://tammy-crabtree.delcorealty.com/blog/selling-your-home-in-the-winter.html</link>
        <author>crabtreeandyoung2@gmail.com (Tammy Crabtree)</author>
        <title>Selling Your Home in the Winter</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Selling your home in the wintertime isn't as difficult as you might think. In fact, with a little preparation and the right mindset, you can have your home sold before spring arrives To help get you started, we've put together this list of 10 tips for selling your home this winter.


1. Price your home correctly. Winter is a great time to capitalize on motivated buyers who may be looking to take advantage of lower prices, less competition from other buyers, or tax incentives. Be sure to price your home competitively – this may even mean pricing it slightly below market value in order to attract the most interest from potential buyers, increasing competition for it, and naturally driving the price up. 


2. Make your home inviting and comfortable for prospective buyers. Since winter weather can make outdoor activities less desirable, you want to make sure that people touring your home feel welcome and at ease inside. Invest in some cozy blankets, warm accents like scented candles or an area rug, and even offer complimentary hot drinks while people tour the property.


3. Maximize natural lighting indoors. With shorter days during the winter, it can be harder to show off your home’s full potential. Make sure that windows are clean and unblocked by furniture and open the blinds or curtains, so potential buyers can get the most out of the natural light when viewing your home.



4. Maintain your outdoor space throughout the winter months. Cut back dead/dormant vegetation. Put out pots of winter-durable plants, like pansies or ornamental cabbages. If snow or ice accumulates on outdoor surfaces like driveways or walkways, make sure these areas stay clear whenever possible so that prospective buyers have an easy time getting in and out of the property.


5. Keep a consistent temperature indoors. Temperature fluctuations can make prospective buyers uncomfortable or question the efficiency of your HVAC unit, which could possibly lead to lost interest in your property. Set your thermostat at a comfortable level and keep it there throughout any open house or tour of the property.


6. Install new energy efficient features. Winter months can be costly for homeowners in terms of energy bills, making it a great time to capitalize on the installation of energy-saving features such as a smart thermostat or double-paned windows. Not only will these features make your home more attractive to prospective buyers, but they could help you save money on utility costs too


7. Stage your home with cozy winter decor. Incorporate warm blankets and seasonal decorations in your staging to evoke a sense of comfort and coziness in potential buyers’ minds.


8. Hire experienced real estate agents to list your home. Selling a home during the winter months can be challenging, so it’s important to hire an experienced agent who knows how to market your property in the best way possible for the season. Crabtree and Young have been helping the Upstate buy and sell real estate for over 12 years


9. Utilize digital marketing tools to maximize exposure. With more people stuck at home due to cold weather, take advantage of industry websites and social media platforms to spread word about your property listing and gain maximum exposure from potential buyers. An experienced real estate agent will have these tools already in place.


10. Have patience when selling your home during winter months. It may take longer than usual to find the right buyer for your home during the winter season, but with a little preparation and perseverance you should be able to get your house sold before spring arrives



Good luck as you start selling your home this winter season With these 10 tried-and-true tips, you’ll have everything you need to make sure your house goes quickly. Happy Selling
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2023 07:53:00 -0500</pubDate>
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