Kara's Blog

I know I haven't been keeping y'all up to date on what's going on around town, and I apologize.  Several of my faithful followers have 'nudged' me to get my butt back in gear and put some info up! haha.  Ok!  I hear y'all :)

It's Summer!  Enjoy it!!    

One of my favorite summer things:

Anyway - If you like Klondike bars....especially on a hot summer afternoon - - - or late in the evening....

ON SALE RIGHT NOW AT PUBLIX!!!   BUY ONE - GET ONE FREE :))

Enjoy the Summer!

Enjoy Aiken :)   Watch for upcoming Aiken area events!

I was quite surprised to see a truck delivering windows next door the other day.   I just can't get over how fast things happen.

Here's a look after most of the windows were installed:

It's really coming along.    'pre-construction' pricing won't last much longer -  call me today to take advantage of these great prices!

Park Place residential units - perfectly located in beautiful downtown Aiken.

Pre-construction prices won't last!!

2 Bedroom/2 Bath:  $429,000

3 Bedroom/2 Bath:  $489,000

You couldn't ask for a better location than this!  Perfectly Downtown :)        If you are thinking about a 'Southern get-away' ----  this would be ideal!     A place to get away to --   a place for family and friends to get-away to.....     You could even make a few bucks and rent it out for Master's week (next year... (if you weren't coming down for the tourny)

Give  a call!      Be sure to let me know you saw my blog :)       Jane Page and I are looking forward to helping you.

Summer is officially here :)   Woo hoo!!   For me, that means beach trips.....and that football season is just around the corner!  :)     

Save money this summer on your power bill - and treat yourself to an NFL or College ball game this fall!

Here's how:

1.  Set your thermostat at 78 degrees or above.   Each degree lower than that can significantly increase your cooling costs, especially in our historic (and older) homes with less thermal efficiency.  

2. Install a programmable thermostat.   Programmable thermostats allow you to conveniently maintain the comfort of your home when you're there and reduce energy costs when you're not.  Be sure to install a thermostat compatible with your HVAC system.  (If you rent, you will need to check with your landlord first)

3.  Maintain your HVAC.  Have your HVAC system serviced at least once a year to make sure it's operating at peak efficiency. (If you rent, be sure to ask your landlord if it has been done)

4.  Used fans in place of or as a suppplement to air conditioning.  This will allow you to increase the thermostat setting and still be comforable.  Turn fans off when you leave a room.

5.  Close window coverings.  Keep window covering closed to keep the heat out.  (this will also protect your carpets and upholstery from sun fading)

6.  Protect your home from cooling loss.   Caulk, seal and weather-strip around all seams,cracks, and openings.  Pay special attention around windows and exterior doors. 

7.  Set your water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.  Also consider adding a water heater tank insulation wrap.  (If you rent, have your landlord turn it down - and ask about the insulation wrap. Offer to pay for it, of course ! )

Some of these tips help to save money in the winter season as well.   Don't forget to change your air filters once a month :)    Oh - and those new squiggly 'energy saver' lightbulbs really DO SAVE ENERGY, which in turns SAVES YOU MONEY!!

Let's save some money this summer and have fun with it!!

Give us a call if we can help with your Aiken area real estate needs.   Ask for Jane Page or Kara - The Carolina Real Estate Company - 333 Park Avenue, Aiken SC.  803-648-8660.   Toll Free:  800-880-0108

They say this is an annual event - but how can it be that I have never heard about it before???!!!    We do have some great festivals here in downtown Aiken :)

Check it out:

What:  Annual Tomato Festival

Where:  Aiken County Farmers Market

Location:  897 Richland Ave, E  - Downtown Aiken

When:   Saturday, July 11.

More Info:  803.642-7761

  This annual event offers an opportunity to sample a huge variety of locally grown farm fresh tomatoes and items prepared from them.  

Locally grown fruits, vegetable & flowers, as well as fresh eggs, milk, baked goods and crafts will also be available.  

Stop by the farmers market to get some fresh 'in season' fruits and veggies :)

Things are moving right along next door -  all three stories are up and they are working on the roof as we speak!

Here is a pic I took this morning:

THE PRE-CONSTRUCTION PRICES WON'T LAST LONG----- IF YOU ARE INTERESTED, GET WITH ME NOW!!!

These are going to be some great units - at a great location.  Get in now at a great price :) 

Don't forget - here is what they (Stevens Builders) are building:

Give me a call for the details on these great downtown residential units!  (2 and 3 bedroom)

  Perfectly located :)

Talk to you soon !

 Have a great weekend!

it's that time of year again!   Time for the annual Downtown Aiken Beach Blast :)    A ton (more or less, lol) of sand is brought to our Newberry Street party block  - get ready for toes in the sand!  ahhhhh :)

Not just toes in the sand....but sand toys, too - till the sun goes down anyway.  Once the sun goes down, it's time for the adults to do some shagging!   Yessirreebob - that's our state dance.  The Shag :)   

When:   June 18, 2009

Where:  Newberry Street Festival Block (between Park and Richland)  Downtown Aiken

When:  6pm

More Info:  803.649.2221

What to expect:    antique-classic car show/cruise in - food vendors - music - fun - dancing .....

SAVE THE DATE!!!  MARK YOUR CALENDAR!!   YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS FUN DOWNTOWN EVENT :)

See you there!

A day to remember, first and foremost!    Remember the thousands of men and women who fought for our country - our freedom - our rights - our lives!   OUR HEROES!!

 These great people will be honored all over the country this weekend in different ways, including our own backyard bar-b-ques.

If you are looking for something to do right here in Aiken - here are some ideas:

Aiken's Annual Memorial Day Parade will be on Saturday, 5/23 at 1pm -   Starting downtown on Park Avenue at 1:00.   The parade will head up Park Avenue towards Laurens Street - then turn up Laurens Street and head down the center of town.   Come on out and show your support and thanks.

How about a Polo match on Sunday!  3pm at the Whitney Field on Mead Ave in Aiken's Horse District.

Monday evening you can wind down your weekend with a FREE CONCERT on the lawn at Hopelands Gardens.   Monday at 7pm enjoy the Aiken Civic Ballet.   (bring your lawn chair or blanket! )

However you decide to celebrate and honor our heroes - be safe! 

Have a great weekend :)

Today is the day we (SC Realtors) Rally at the Statehouse - lunch on the lawn with our legislators.   Bring anyone you know that owns a home - pays property tax - plans on buying a home - rents commercial space - rents residential space.......... 

What: Rally at the Statehouse

Where: Columbia, South Carolina

Why:  To try to get a reform on 'Point of Sale' .....property tax bill H3272 ,  S435

We received this note last week from Nick Kremydas... 

"You did it!

Today, REALTORS achieved a major victory in the SC Senate.  H3272, our point of sale reform bill, was set for special order, meaning that we will have debate on our bill next week.

This major procedural step gives us a real chance of passing this legislation before the Senate adjourns next Thursday, one week from today.

Our REALTOR Rally on Tuesday the 19th, is more important than ever!   Help us send a message on Tuesday to the Senate that we need POS reform now before they adjourn for the summer!  We need you on the steps of the statehouse at noon for our press conference and charge into the lobby!  We'll also have lunch on the grounds from 1-3pm.  "   .

WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.  SEE YOU THERE FOR THE CHARGE !!!

I've been to our state capitol twice in the last two weeks...and will be going back again next Tuesday.    Lobbying the Senate with other SC Realtors regarding the tax reform bill we would like them to support....and get it done this session!  (S.435)

It was a beautiful day - here is a shot of the Capitol building.  Notice the flowers planted --- they resemble our state flag!  Blue, with white Palmetto Tree and moon :)

Here is another shot of our State House -- and that statue is of our most famous Senator - Strom Thurmond!

AN INTERESTING TIDBIT I LEARNED YESTERDAY REGARDING THE COLUMNS OF THE CAPITOL BUILDING.

The Corinthian columns of the State House are among THE LARGEST IN THE WORLD!  They are monolithic (cut from a single piece of stone) and stand 43 feet high.  Each column weighs 37 tons!   Wow!!

Want to learn how to ballroom dance?  I do!  I soooo admire those couples at weddings and other functions that are out there dancing so fabulously.  You know the ones, lol - they are at every single party!

Now is our chance to learn!       The City of Aiken - Parks, Rec & Toursim Dept is offering classes, yaaay :)

What: Ballroom Dance Classes

Where:  Odell Weeks Center - Room 1 & 2

When:  Wednesdays, 7:30pm - 8:30pm

          TWO 6-WEEK SESSIONS:       Session 1:  June 10 - July 15

                                                   Session 2:  August 5 - September 9

Bring your partner  (whether they are a beast, a prince, or a princess - registration is accepted IN PAIRS ONLY!)

Ages:  12 and up  (under 16 must be accompanied by an adult)

Cost:  $45 per Couple (non-resident fees apply)

More Info:  803.642.7631

Have fun learining to dance :)   I have to find a partner!!