Greenville SC has been experiencing a lot of growth since it was named the fastest-growing city in America. With a population increase of over 5% and an average home price that is higher than nearby cities, Greenville SC real estate is one of the hottest markets to invest in right now. 

Sellers who are looking to make their move should consider listing their homes or apartments for sale before prices continue to rise. Buyers will be able to find more options because inventory will still be plentiful while housing prices stay competitive with other areas around the country. It might be time for you to list your property!

Auto Manufacturing in Greenville SC

The auto manufacturing industry, especially the BMW manufacturing plant in Greer, South Carolina, is expected to increase from this year up until 2022 by 11%. For those of you interested in auto manufacturing (specifically auto plant jobs) or even auto manufacturing laborers (wages typically range between 10-20 an hour), consider looking into how much money you can make in auto manufacturing.

Residential Real Estate in Greenville SC

The auto manufacturing plants are not the only ones doing well in Greenville, South Carolina. The residential real estate industry there has seen an influx of new residents and also helped out with the increase in job opportunities thanks to the multiple manufacturing plants in the area. 

In fact, homebuilders have noted that building homes for families who work at BMW’s manufacturing plant or even those working for Nestlé have resulted in a population boom since 2000 that has been sustained to this day. It was noted that, even in the agricultural sector where owning a horse property has grown in popularity, growth in Greenville, SC was forecasted to grow by 1.4% steadily until 2022.

Industrial Real Estate in Greenville SC

Industrial real estate is doing well in Greenville, too. The industrial real estate space has helped out in other ways with companies purchasing land to help create more jobs as well as lodging spaces for folks who work in that area or even lodges for visitors.

Conclusion

Real estate isn’t stagnant. In fact, you should see growth by 11% this year and gradually decline to 3%. So whether you’re looking at relocating or staying put, try investing in Greenville , South Carolina if you want that auto manufacturing job. However, plan for the amount of money it takes to live there long-term. If you have questions, contact a reputable real estate agent who has attended real estate school to help you start this journey!

When trying to make a decision on which city is the best city to own a horse property, one should consider all of the reasons why the location is a good choice. One should look at how close it is to major highways, whether there are public transportation options, how many other people and businesses are in the immediate area, and how much the monthly rental fees are. Whether you are planning to buy a farm or one of those professionally managed race horses, these cities have everything that you need.

Greenville, South Carolina

Greenville, South Carolina is easily one of the best cities to own a horse property because it has an abundance of available equestrian properties. The city has an abundance of horse farms and tack facilities that cater to equestrians of all levels. Horse properties in Greenville, SC give you the opportunity to own and raise your own horse or pony so that you can compete in the most prestigious equestrian shows in the nation. 

When looking at the available equestrian properties in Greenville, South Carolina there are two main types of land use. Large tracts of pasture with plenty of room to move and groom are available and many people enjoy the equestrian properties that allow them to take full advantage of the natural beauty found in the mountains. The large variety of pasture land and equestrian properties makes finding the right place to purchase a horse property a snap. You can find both freestanding and mounted tack on a multitude of different locations including free riding and groomed pastures. Many of the horses that are raised on free riding hills have come from young foals that have been hand tied by their mommies after she gives birth and then sent to live at a stable until they are old enough to roam freely on their own. There are also horses that are rescued from abusive situations and are trained to be the perfect companion for those people who love to spend time riding horses.

Another great feature of the Greenville SC area is that the equestrian landscape is vast and varied. The climate is cool and mild and the horses need little maintenance or help when they need it. If you want to own a horse and make sure that the animals get the care and attention that they need while living in the best climate in the world, the Greenville SC area is the perfect place to invest in your new horse property. The large amount of acreage available and the fact that there is no pollution to worry about will give you peace of mind when making your investment decision.

Middleburg, Virginia

Another great city to own a horse property is none other than Middleburg, Virginia. It is considered as one of the best locations to buy and lease a horse. There are many reasons why this city is considered as one of the best places in the world to do business in horse property leasing and buying. One of the main factors that make Middleburg a wonderful choice for horse property is that it has all of the amenities and safety measures needed by the horse owners.

Unlike some of the other places that you might find, Middleburg does not have an excessive amount of horse acreage. This makes equestrian properties much more affordable and accessible. There is also no shortage of room for expansion and growth of the horses or the equestrian businesses associated with them. This is what makes Middleburg the best city in which to buy and lease a horse.

Another reason why owning a horse property in Middleburg is such an excellent option is that the city is served by four major highways and twenty bridges. These highways connect major cities all over the country and offer great scenery in the process. Additionally, the roads head towards Canada and the Atlantic Ocean ensuring easy access to the best horse riding destinations in the world. The beautiful countryside also makes for a fantastic destination for equestrian lovers.

Woodstock, Vermont

The beautiful town of Woodstock, Vermont is nestled between two mountains and surrounded by a lush green landscape. There are miles upon miles of trails for you and your horse to explore. In addition to this there is an abundance of horseback riding, skating, and carriage rides available. The people of Woodstock are welcoming to visitors from around the world and there is no better place to visit in order to take in all that this beautiful and historic town has to offer.

Woodstock has all the necessities for a comfortable living including a good hospital, grocery store, doctor, and many of the services that you would expect from a small town. With a large population, this city has plenty of job opportunities for those looking to be a horseman or horse breeder and you will not have a hard time finding a job.

Ocala, Florida

There is a wide range of equestrian properties in Ocala, Florida that will allow you to get out into the open and into the cooling breezes and the cool grass. The climate in Florida over the months of April through September is considered mild with temperatures around seventy-five to eighty degrees, but the warmer months remain much more humid, regularly reaching ninety degrees. If you are looking for a horse property, then the time of year and the type of climate are two of the most important factors that should be considered.

Wellington, Florida

If you are looking for a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere, then Wellington Florida is perfect. You will find that there is everything you would want from an outdoor living space, including amazing views of the Gulf of Mexico. In addition, you will also find plenty of equestrian properties available that include barns, stables, and horse trailers. Whether you have a large or small horse, you can find a great piece of property to call your own, but make sure you understand your property rights in the state.

No matter what your needs are for owning a horse, Wellington Florida will be able to give you what you are looking for. In Wellington, you will find Wellington horse trailer parks that have a variety of different types of trailers. You will also find equestrian properties that are available for lease. Whether you are looking for a year-round pasture or you are just looking for a place to relax with your horse in the summertime, there is something for everyone in Wellington Florida. With the weather being as hot as it is during the spring and summer months, you will be able to find the perfect place to purchase property for your horse.

Lexington, Kentucky

Lexington, Kentucky is one of the best cities in the United States to own a horse because of many factors. The climate of Lexington is mild to moderately cool. This allows equestrian properties in the city to thrive year round regardless of the temperature. Also, equestrian tenants can enjoy all of the fun activities and competitions that are hosted in the town during the summer. While other cities may have warm days occasionally, they don’t allow as much of a chance for the horse lover to get away from it all and enjoy some horseback riding or trail rides during the spring weather.

Another reason that Lexington is the best city to own a horse property is that the city is full of exciting things to do with regards to horses. The Bluegrass State Park has horse trails where the equestrian trail runners can test their mettle and the riders can also learn about the history and culture of the American southwest. The largest animal shelter in the country is located in Lexington and it is open to people who would like to take part in horse adoption. Also, the Kentucky Horse Park offers horse shows and clinics to educate the public about proper care and grooming of horses. As someone interested in equestrian properties, owning a house on a stable in a quiet and peaceful place is an ideal way to make horse ownership a reality and even make some extra money in the process.

San Antonio, Texas

There are a variety of equestrian properties in the city of San Antonio that are available to the people who wish to invest in them. The competition among the different equestrian property companies has made the prices go down quite a bit. One of the best things about investing in this particular type of investment is that it is a safe bet that the value of the asset will appreciate in the coming years.

San Antonio is the perfect place for horse lovers and investment seekers. There are so many people who visit this part of the country on vacation, seeking to enjoy the warm weather and all that it offers. Investing in the equestrian industry makes a lot of sense because the city of San Antonio is the home of the San Antonio Horse Park, which is considered to be one of the best horse property destinations in the entire United States. The horse property is priced well below market value, which means that if you are willing to invest in it, you will definitely be able to make good returns.

Conclusion

The top horse places in the United States usually have a lot of land to accommodate the horses and an excellent infrastructure to support them. Some of the professional race horses are treated like celebrities and are even allowed to spend their days and nights at the pool, gym, or whatever they wish. As long as the place provides adequate accommodation and enough horse-related paraphernalia for the horse’s needs, you will be able to give the animal the best of care. You may also hire an equestrian properties manager to take care of other things for you while you keep an eye on the horse.

Real Estate School: Online or In-Person?

You are interested in becoming a real estate agent, but you have no idea where to start or what steps to take to achieve your goals. The first step in becoming a real estate agent, like most careers, is to get the proper education or certification from an accredited real estate school and complete the state licensing exam.

One of the first big decisions you will have to make in starting your real estate career is which school you would like to attend and whether it is more beneficial for you to take classes online or in-person. There are benefits and drawbacks to each, so you will have to analyze which option will help you gain the most success.

One big benefit of online programs is that there is a lot of flexibility around them. It is very likely that you have other responsibilities to take care of while you are completing coursework, such as other work schedules or a family to attend to. Online programs allow you to complete your licensing on your own time and schedule while still being able to carry out your everyday tasks.

Furthermore, it can be a big money saver. Online classes can wind up being less expensive than in-person classes because you will be saving money on the cost of traveling to campus, the cost of a babysitter if you have a family to care for, and the cost of having to ask off of work on the days and times you have classes. 

There are Drawbacks

However, there are drawbacks to doing online schooling as well. You need to take into account which method of schooling will be most beneficial to you in acing the state licensing exam. Although it is tempting to take classes in the comfort of your own home, you must have the self-discipline to log onto the online program and complete the coursework in a timely, efficient manner. You must be able to stay organized, motivate yourself, minimize distractions, and manage your time efficiently. 

Also, there is a lack of face-to-face communication with peers and teachers. Some people benefit more from being able to have discussions with students and teachers throughout a class time or lesson. With online schooling, you still have the ability to communicate through emails or discussion boards; however, you may not get the feedback or answers to your questions as quickly as you would like. There is also a higher likelihood of miscommunication through online mediums since there is no way of indicating tone of voice or body language. 

Interaction

In turn, one of the biggest benefits of getting your education in the classroom is being able to have that face-to-face communication with teachers and other students that want to obtain their real estate licensing. The ability to have that interaction allows you to build relationships and trust with those around you and to obtain answers to your questions in a quicker manner. You may also find that you are able to learn more efficiently in a classroom where you are allowed that clear interaction instead of staring at a computer screen in which you will have to lead yourself in the learning process. 

One drawback is that you will not have that flexibility to complete your coursework on your own time like online real estate courses allow. There will be a limited amount of days and times to choose from when it comes to scheduling your classes, which may cause problems if you have a work schedule or child’s school schedule to work around. You will not be able to work at your own pace so, if you feel like you may be learning ahead or behind the rest of the group, you will more than likely have to stay at the same pace as the rest of the group. 

There is also the additional drawback of the extra costs of travel or time. You will have to account for the money it will take to travel to the campus, whether that be by car or public transportation options, and the cost of taking off of work for those class times or finding childcare while you are in class if needed. 

Conclusion

Remember that requirements for real estate licensing depends on the state that you live and plan to work in. Make sure that you are aware of all state requirements before making your decision and do research on local programs and online programs. For a better idea of what type of education is better for you, ask for recommendations from friends or coworkers, compare the costs of courses, materials, and travel, and assess which aspects of learning are going to be the most advantageous for you to obtain your real estate certification.

Whether you choose to go into the classroom or stay home and take your classes online, you want to make sure that your choice will be the most useful to you in jump starting your real estate education!

There are many types of pests that you do not want to invade your home and cause damage. The damage these pests cause can be expensive and dangerous.

Types of pests

You know the saying, “Don’t let the bedbugs bite” well it is true.

Bed bugs do bite; unfortunately, it is often mistaken for spider or mosquito bites, and the bite itches just like other insect bites. It is extremely rare, but in some instances, a person can have a severe allergic reaction to a bed bug bite.

Other types of pests include;

•    Termites which weaken the structure of the home
•    Ants
•    Fleas
•    Ticks which can carry Lyme disease that is harmful not only to humans but our pets such as dogs and cats
•    Spiders some of which can be dangerous
•    Cockroaches
•    Rodents carry disease conditions as well as fleas

Not all pests are insects so do not forget pests such as snakes, raccoons, birds, and other wild animals.

How to control and get rid of pests

First you will need to determine what type of pest you have; apparently, some are more difficult to spot than others. If you are finding rodent droppings, you apparently have a problem. You canset traps or poison out to get rid of the problem; however, if you have children or pets you should probably stay away from the toxins. Don’t like removing the rodent from a trap? There are now traps that lure the rodent in, and you throw the trap out with the rodent inside so you never must see or touch the rodent. Ant traps work similarly, however; they have poison in then so do keep them out of reach of children and pets.

Often it may seem like you are losing the battle when it comes to some of the household pests such as ants and roaches; this is the time to call in pest control. When you call a pest control company, they will come in and do an inspection first. They look for signs of activity, to see what it is you have in your home. Based on that inspection they will recommend ways to control re-infestation once they problem is gone. Once the type of pest has been determined, they will use the proper products and equipment to rid your home of the pest. Depending on the problem you may have to leave your home for a day or two.  

If you are concerned about the effects of the products they use on your children or pets, speak to them to find out how long before it is safe for your children or pets to be on the floor, etc.

Things you can do

• To keep mice and roaches out of your house do not leave things that they can find to use as a source of food or nesting materials such as cardboard boxes sitting around.
• Do not store things such as food in bags, purchase plastic containers with airtight lids to save things like cereal, sugar, flour, etc. in the pantry.
• Keep counters and sink washed and clean of crumbs, grease, and other food sources.
• You may use your vacuum at least once a week to prevent food crumbs off the floor that could attract things like ants or mice.
• Keeping things clean does not mean you will never find pests in your home, but it does reduce the number of infestations.
• Every couple of months, inspect the areas under your sinks, around your toilets and tubs, or appliances such as washers for water leaks that could cause puddles to form in the basement or under your home which could be a water source for insects or rodents.
• If you do not leave food or water sources for pests, they will move on quickly.

Get Rid of Pests Before Listing Your Home

Nothing will kill a real estate showing faster than the potential home buyer seeing insects or rodents when viewing your home.  Make sure to get rid of the issues well before listing your home for sale.  In addition, make sure that any dead bugs or carcass are removed before putting the house up for sale.  Although this sounds like very basic information, countess homes are put up for sale with dead bugs around after the home has been treated.

All About Boston Real Estate

Looking for a home in Boston? You may want to look elsewhere. The Boston real estate market is broken for many of its potential buyers. Inventory is tight and there is not nearly enough entry level homes. It seems to be that fewer homeowners are trading up. Add in the fact that cash bearing investors and foreign buyers dominate the market which is wonderful for sellers by its often miserable to the ordinary homebuyers.

Boston’s real estate market is only normal when it is compared to other popular areas such as New York and Silicon Valley. The need for a reasonably priced home market for next generation workforce has yet to be found in Boston. The invisible hand of capitalism has not been able to meet entry level demand. Instead developers prefer to build luxury units instead catering to another class of home buyers were more money can potentially be made.

Boston is aware they have a problem on their hands but the issue never rises to a level of urgency that inspires any political action. Quietly we may enjoy watching our home prices escalate without considering the consequences of torturing a new generation of would be homeowners. Really what possibly could be the problem in having one’s home equities rise by $100,000 in 2 years?

Boston Real Estate Market

The real estate market is not considered broken to the current homeowner it’s broken for the home hunters competing in the unforgiving front lines of the real estate market. Old rules are being changed for new ones. Potential buyers are being pre-qualified, while also willing to bid higher than the asking price, and also buyers are willing to waive the mortgage contingency, meaning they would remain on the hook for buying the property if the financing falls through. Lastly buyers are willing to waive the inspection contingency, committing to the purchase of the home no matter what the inspector finds.

The question is the difference between winning a bid they placed or not. Imagine being a first time home buyer and facing the biggest purchase of your life and feeling pressure to make your decision on blind faith alone. Victories do come to persistent first time home buyers, but is it really worth the price you ultimately pay.

Boston’s Growth

Boston continues to lose population to places like Atlanta, Denver and Dallas. The Boston area has lost jobs due to the lacking population. Because of the high prices associated with Boston real estate, many have moved to the outskirts of Boston purchasing homes in Quincy MA and Cohasset MA.  Maybe if homes were more affordable people would move their families here and businesses would come to the area to expand in growth.

The board at a zoning appeals don’t seem concerned with the job problem in Boston, but their decision on zoning are. They regularly turn down multi-family projects and feel justified in the decision because we lack the transportation infrastructures to support them.

There are signs of hope for housing in Boston. A bill passed in senate last year requiring cities and towns to create multi-family zones. All though the bill has yet to be used, the issue of tackling zoning to permit more housing creation is starting to pick up.  

With all of that being said, Boston continues to gain ground as one of the hottest places to own property. Housing prices are way above the national average in the last year. The median home price for the Boston area real estate has an astonishing $378,500 compared to the national average of $215,767. While very appealing to Boston investors and homeowners, even better is places like Beantown where home appreciation rates remain some of the best in the nation. This trend seems very promising for the year to come.

The Boston and real estate market have seen mild gains in home appreciation within the last year. The appeal for home buyers and Boston real estate is found in equity gains which have exploded in the last couple of years.

Bostons Real Estate Market Is Booming

Homes purchased in Boston’s housing market a year ago have appreciated an average of $10,187. While the national average was $15,781 over the same year. Over the past three years Boston real estate began to overthrow the national average which saw gains of $64,281. For homeowners and Boston investors they get the real advantage around year seven of home ownership when total equity gains reach their full potential. Over all price appreciation and principal payments have boosted total equity growth since the recession.

As of June 2016 there currently are 779 properties in the Boston area in some type of foreclosure. According to Realtytrac the number of Boston foreclosures in the month of June was 9 percent lower than the month of May and 8 percent lower than the same time in 2015. In addition the number of REO properties decreased 37.5 percent from the previous month while decreasing 50 percent from the same time last year.

If busy city living, great food, and great sports teams interest you, Boston, MA is the place to call home. If you’re willing to make some crazy offers in this competitive market you have found the right place.

What to Expect When Buying a Waterfront Home

Are you searching for a new home? Why not consider purchasing a home or property on the water? There are many benefits and luxuries associated with waterfront living, and homeowners who purchase homes near the water live a different lifestyle than typical homeowners.  Living on the water can even reduce stress and provide a healthier lifestyle!  If you are in the market for a new home and want to know more about what to expect when buying a waterfront home, this article is for you. Read further to find out more about what waterfront living will look like for you.

Life on the Water

If you’re thinking that living in your dream home near the water would be a fun and relaxing experience, then you are correct! Living near the water comes with many advantages. For one, you have nonstop access to the water and all of the water-related activities you can think of.

You can kayak, paddleboard, swim, fish, ski, snorkel, take out your boat, and more!  In some cases, you can even keep your boat and kayak on your own personal dock. You will be able to enjoy all that the water has to offer without the inconvenience of parking fees, dock fees. etc. You can simply walk out your door and step right into the water! And think of the views! You can enjoy your water view without the high price tag of a luxury waterfront hotel. Enjoy beautiful sunsets and sunrises right from the comfort of your own home.

You can also expect a sense of tranquility and peace by living near the water. The air quality is naturally cleaner near the water as well. You can also expect more privacy with your waterfront home, as part of your home will face the water instead of someone else’s backyard.

You likely won’t have to worry about noisy neighbors or dealing with new homes being built and ruining your view. Waterfront homes often have the added benefit of enjoying the outdoors in general. From hiking the woods in a lake residence to strolling the beach in an oceanfront home, if you love the outdoors, waterfront living is for you.

Maintenance for Waterfront Homes

You can expect the maintenance for waterfront homes to be a little more extensive than that of homes that are not located near the water. For example, you might want to consider adding in additional maintenance checks and precautions depending on where you live. If you live near the ocean, the salt from the ocean can do damage to certain materials, so preparing for that prior to building or purchasing is essential. Of course, flooding can occur, high winds, etc. While the upkeep might be a little more taxing, most waterfront homeowners find the extra work well worth it.

Finding the Right REALTOR

Just like with anything, you are better off when using an expert.  In this instance, we strong recommend using a real estate agent that has a specialty in waterfront properties. With all of the unique aspects of the sale that come with buying a waterfront home, having a real estate agent with experience in representing buyers for this type of property is critical.

For instance, many waterfront homes for sale have a bulkhead installed – this is the man-made barrier where the water meets the land.  Bulkheads can get extremely expensive to install or repair – we are talking up to $500 per linear foot – your agent should be able to connect you with the proper home inspector for such a project.  Bulkheads are just one example of the uniqueness of purchasing a waterfront property, there are many things that an agent who specializes in waterfront properties will be able to help with.

Insuring Waterfront Homes

The insurance for waterfront homes is typically more costly than other homes as well. This is due to the increased risks such as flooding, hurricanes, etc. that are often associated with waterfront living. Flooding, hurricanes and other storm-related damage are not usually covered in general homeowners insurance. And by living on or near the water, your home is more susceptible to these types of risks and damages. Therefore, you will likely be required to purchase wind, flood, and general homeowners insurance for a waterfront home.

Finding out the price of these insurances before choosing a waterfront home will help you understand how much you can afford as far as a monthly payment is concerned. Chances are the insurance could push you over the limit you set for yourself for mortgage payments, so that figure is important to know beforehand. As with the maintenance and upkeep for waterfront homes, most homeowners find the extra cost of insurance for waterfront property to be well worth the investment.

Beachfront Homes

Owning a beachfront home is generally something that most people consider to a factor of the Lifestyles of the Rich ad Famous.  Truth is, if you want to own your own little piece of beachfront real estate, a condo may be a way to make your dream come true.  Condos can be a very cost-effective way to live not only on the water…but on the beach!

Affordability of Beachfront Condominiums

When you purchase any condominium, you are buying into “shared ownership” with the other condo owners.  This lets the major costs of living on the beachfront be shared with your neighbors.  The bulk of the cost in living on the beach is the land itself – which in the instance of a condo, is split between all owners.  This means that owning a beachfront condominium is by far the most cost effective way to have a beachfront abode.  Of course there are unique aspects to purchasing a condo, so once again, we recommend a condo expert. One of the biggest differences between buying a condo and a single family property is the reviewing of the condo documents.   One of the hottest and most affordable destinations for beachfront condos is Panama City Beach  With the huge influx of tourists who travel to #PCB for vacations and Spring Break – many people rent out their condo’s and turn them into Vacation Rentals.

Learn About Condo Docs

Waterfront Homes Are Always in Demand

Another benefit that you should consider when purchasing waterfront property is the resale value. If you think about it, there are only so many waterfront properties available, and because of this limited supply, the homes located on waterfront property are much more valuable and desirable. If you ever consider selling your home or even renting it out as a vacation home, you will probably bring in top dollar for it. So in the grand scheme of it all, your waterfront property could serve as a great investment for the future.

If you are looking for a waterfront property, consider all of the benefits that waterfront living has to offer. Now that you know more about the waterfront lifestyle, you can begin your search for the perfect waterfront home!