Kara's Blog

...or this is what I used to think. I am the first to admit that I can't tell a cedar tree from an oak tree.   I think that is about to change.  I live in Downtown Aiken - and I just found out we have a CITYWIDE ABORETUM! (say it like this:  arbor-eee-tum)

Trees are our greatest assests and our arboretum provides a natural learning lab for EVERYONE!

Aikens' downtown streets are laid out in a grid pattern - creating 176 parkways which total over 15 miles in length!  Pretty cool huh!  All that green space - throughout the city :)    AND HOME TO OVER 150 DIFFERENT KINDS OF TREES.  (yes - over 150 tree species!) 

I'll be paying more attention to the different trees as I take my morning/evening walks - and trying to learn the differences.   The City provides a guide/map - with a nice route to see the different parkways - and list of the trees and their descriptions.       To get a copy of the guide/map you can call The City of Aiken.  803.642.7613.   

This Citywide Arboretum was established in 1995.

I wasn't born here in Aiken - but it sure feels like home!   Come see for yourself.  What are you waiting for?     

Give me a call for real estate assistance!

That's right - we had a little contest in September and received many wonderful entries.    Oh - when I say we --- I am referring to Aiken Board of Realtors, 2008 Education Committee! (I'm on this committee)

Aiken Board of Realtors has a new Real Estate School!!  Yaay!  We will now be able to have our MCE classes right here in town!  This will save our members some MONEY!!    We needed a logo so we ran a contest ! 

We have so many talented artists in our community.  We received entries from Realtors, family members, local artists, students and more!   It was a lot of fun going through them all.  Creativity and imagination galore :)

Thank you to everyone who submitted an entry.

This is our winner: 

Submitted by:  Dan Ackenbrack   (Dan's wife Michelle is our MLS Coordinator)      The Education Committee selected this entry - and our Board of Directors approved :)

2008 Education Committee Members:

Lyvia May, Chair - Kristyne Blake, AE - Kit Parker - Renee Pope - Christy Osbon - Kara Casamassina

I am proud to serve on this committee, I consider it an honor  :)

A side note for members of the Aiken Board of Realtors:  This year's Realtor Holiday partywill be held at Woodside Plantation County Club.  AND SPOUSES ARE INVITED!!  (at a charge of $25/ticket)   Great dinner planned - music - dancing - door prizes - and of course the Education Committee has a few surprises up their sleeves as usual :)        YOUR INVITATIONS WILL BE COMING SOON!   JUST GIVING YOU A HEADS UP :)       Watch your email - and the next Newsletter for details!            

Have a great day in the Rain :)

Did you know that there are classes available to Aiken area seniors?  Well there are!  And lots of them, too.

Here is the list:

Ceramics:  Mon/Wed/Thurs  9am        Mon/Tues 6pm                  

Line Dance: Tues 10-11am

Yoga I & II:  Tues/Thurs/Fri 8;45-(:45am

Basic Dog Training Class:  Wed  7-8pm     Oct 8 - Nov 12, 2008.

Evening Fitness:    Mon/Thurs  7:34 - 8:45pm

Fit 4 Ever:  Mon/Wed/Thurs/Fri  10-11am

    Ballroom Dance: Tues  7:30-8:30pm

SilverSneakers I:  Mon/Wed  9-9:45am        Tues/Thurs?fri 11:15-12:00pm

Learn To Ride:  (at Valhalla Equestrian Center)   Wed  10-11am  

YOU MUST REGISTER FOR THESE CLASSES EACH MONTH.  NON-RESIDENT FEES APPLY.

Register at Odell Weeks Center on Whiskey Road, Aiken.   (on the Southside - between Pine Log Road and Price Avenue)

For More Info:  803.642.7631

If you know someone moving to Aiken, it would be great if you would pass on my name and number to them!     Kara Casamassina, The Carolina Real Estate Company, Aiken SC.  803.648.8660

Did you know that the Seniors play BINGO every Tuesday at Odell Weeks?   Yup, they sure do!  It is a fun game, and a great way to some new people - and have some fun too :)      And there are prizes for the winners!

Cost:  2 cards for $1  (max is 6 cards)

Time: 9am - 10am

For more info contact the Weeks Center at 803.642.7631.              Whiskey Road, Aiken SC.

Have fun :)

Kara Casamassina, SRES & Assistant to Jane Page Thompson, ALC.   The Carolina Real Estate Company, Aiken SC.  803.648.8660

Disclaimer: names and locations have been eliminated to protect the innocent, the ignorant, and those too full of themselves (or too stupid) to step out of the box! 

Well - I had a chance to put the power of my Active Rain Network to work for me yesterday.   I am not sure how this customer found me, but the message I received in my inbox said they had just moved to FAR-AWAY-STATE from EVEN FURTHER AWAY STATE and just were not happy in the neighborhood.   Here is the kicker --- they wanted to know if I could help them with a rental in NoName County.   (now remember --- I am located in Aiken, South Carolina)

Of course the first thing that went thru my mind was "uhh...is this lady nuts! - how could I possibly help her with a rental from across the Country!      

The second thing to mind was 'ohhhh---   yaayy -  I can find someone to help her thru my Active Rain Network - yaaay!!!'

Needless to say I was excited - so I punched up the list of agents in NoName County and started dialing!  The first agent I dialed was NUMBER 1 in The County-  NO ANSWER.    I guess I am part of the 'want it now' generation, because I DID NOT leave a message...I proceeded to dial NUMBER 2...once again - NO ANSWER.  (and once again I DID NOT leave a message)   

I took a few seconds to think about it.  I looked through the list, looking for someone I recognized---and there she is! Great!!  I'll call her.  (she was somewhere in the middle of the first page of agents in NoName County)  This agent is always talking about how to give great client service, be the best agent...etc.... I thought she would be a great choice!     I dialed - she answered.  So far, so good!  

I explained who I was, how I found her...blah blah blah....and what I needed!   Imagine my surprise when she said 'as a sales agent - I don't have to deal with rentals'.   Ok - so I was a little more than surprised!  I double checked that I had heard her correctly and she stated again(matter of factly) that she doesn't have to deal with rentals as a sales agent. And that in FAR-AWAY-STATE none of the agents have to deal with rentals.     Ok then, I guess I heard her right the first time.   

I have spoken with a few of my close network of associates- across the country- and all of them felt the same way about it as I do.     I mean come on!  Yes, we are Realtors (and some of you are sales agents).  Yes we make money from SELLING properties.  BUT..... what do you do when a client tells you that they have decided to rent for a few months so they can look around the different neighborhoods on their own, and see which one they will feel most comfortable living in?   If you don't help them find the rental ---chances are they won't call you when they are ready to purchase.   Duh!  It's a no brainer in my eyes.        

So, if I were to call you later and ask if you could help out a client that was moving your way...but wanted to rent for a little bit first,  what would you say?   Just curious!   (and I am NOT expecting - nor do I WANT any type of referral fee!)

I'm looking forward to hearing what y'all have to say.  Thanks in advance :)

...but it's true name is:  Aiken Brewing Company Grille & Bar.     Located in the heart of downtown Aiken at the corner of The Alley and  Laurens Street.  You can't miss it!   Look for the red/green striped awning and the tables out front - full of happy customers - under the big green umbrellas :)      We have several options for al fresco dining downtown.   I think my favorite is the Brew Pub.

Where do I start!  Ok - I guess the beer, haha.    They have HANDCRAFTED AND AWARD WINNING MICRO BREWS.     My friend Jen is a server at the Brew Pub so I picked her brain about the beer on Friday night.  (I'm not that much of a beer drinker)   Will was very helpful too - he's the new guy.    My buddy Adam behind the bar was busy with the after work crowd :)

Ok - so the beer.  They make it there.  They make about 17 different brews - - and could have up to 9 on tap at one time!  (during Masters week they are at maximum tap capacity!)

Two special brews available now for Oktoberfest -   

Name                                                        Alc %       Born on:

Oktoberfest    -  Amber Lager            5.5           10/1

Pumpkin Pie Spice   - Great               5.5           10/3

Here are a few of their most popular: (always available)

Thoroughbred Red - Amber             5.6

West Coast Pale Ale - Hoppy           5.9

Blonde -  Light/Hoppy                     4.1

All of the beers are posted on a giant chalkboard by the bar - with all the data including the 'born on' date.     Jen says that she enjoys the beers more after they are about a week old - instead of newborn, lol - but the guy next to me at the bar disagreed.  To each his own right? Right!            

The food is great - the atmosphere is great.  The staff is soooo friendly :)  They have some high tables near the bar - and on the other side are dining tables.  And of course the outdoor dining :)   

No matter what you order you can't go wrong.     If you are a 'burger' person---go for the Big Tony!  It's a burger - but not the usual, lol - and it is my favorite :)   If you are not that adventurous - then go for the Brew Burger - it is more the norm.  

We have club meetings there occasionally and I think between us we have tried just about everything - and it was all delicious - and NOT OVERPRICED LIKE SOME OF THESE KINDS OF PLACES!    

It is a friendly crowd :)      

You could: 

• stop by after a round of golf with the guys (or girls! - yes, ladies play golf, too!)
• meet up with a friend that also works nearby for lunch or dinner
• stop by for lunch while doing some afternoon downtown shopping
• come after work on a Friday to bitch discuss your wonderful week with a group of friends :)
• stop by for a quick beer and chit chat with my friend Adam -
• watch whatever sports are playing on the tv's hanging around while you are waiting for an order to take home and enjoy with someone special :)
• plan a Monday Night Football night with the guys (or girls! - yes, we like football, too!)---wings, wings, wings!!  ohhh - and the cheese fries...and the moon wedges (mozzerrella sticks sorta) yummmm. :)  and don't forget THE BEER!!!!!
• DATE NIGHT GUYS!!!  Definitely a good place for a date :)     Dinner on the way to a play perhaps!
• sit at an outside table and enjoy the beautiful Aiken weather while dining with friends and family
• network with associates who happen to be there too!  kinda like 'Cheers'....where everybody knows your name :)    It's great :) 
• great place to go for lunch or dinner if you have clients in from out of town.  Any style of dress goes here!  everything from jeans and t-shirts,shorts, golf shirts and khaki's, button down collar shirt and slacks, suits, dresses, skirts... I've even seen people upstairs in their formals! (after the reception or play or something, lol
• Enjoy after hours at a second bar upstairs!  Play darts, foozball (my fav) or a game of pool. Maybe even hear a band play and do some dancing on the dance floor :)
• Saturday afternoon college football- - - they even have a tv hanging in the front window so you can see it while dining outside :)    a bunch of people were there Saturday afternoon enjoying the weather - the food - the drink - eachother - and the game (well, not really enjoying the game because at the time the gamecocks (USC) were losing)
• celebrate your birthday or some other special event (they won't sing and embarrass you like in those chain bar & grilles, hahaha)

Next time you are hungry or thirsty --- come on down to the Brew Pub :)       You are sure to enjoy it!

Please think of me when the time comes that you or a friend or family member needs some help with Aiken area real estate :)   Thanks.       (dont' forget to let me know you found me through my blog)

Look no further!   I could use every adjective in the book and it still wouldn't be enough to describe this property.  It is absolutely stunning. 

WOOD VALLEY ESTATES

Secluded French Colonial home within 22+ gated and fenced acres.   Several sites to build a barn, add some cross fencing and you are set for the horses!  Also room to put in the swimming pool that YOU want -  instead of settling for what someone else designed.     

 Stepped Ceilings, Vaulted Ceilings, Hitchcock Ceilings, Bowed Window Walls, Interior Columns and Arches are a few of the architectural details throughout.     If you are not familiar with Hitchcock Ceilings, it is a local term  used for 'Coffered Ceilings', and if you look back in history you will see that this type of ceiling treatment has been called different names regionally throughout the years. Back in the day of Charlemagne....oh sorry, I digress, lol.   

Spacious interior with vaulted ceilings, wet bar, state of the art kitchen, built-in cabinetry throughout and a covered veranda overlooking the paddocks.

Gourmet Kitchen with no detail missed. Some cool features to the kitchen - Even a specially designed cabinet to house the free standing electric mixer - a special shelf holds the mixer and pops out of the cabinet to counter level.  It is pretty neat.   Also the decorative woodwork surrounding the range is not just decorative.  It is actually built-in spice racks. 

Wet Bar opens to Great Room.  this is the best wet bar I have ever seen.  Very functional for personal use, as well as for when you are throwing huge dinner parties and have a bartender taking care of your guests.   Any bartender will be right at home in this wet bar.    

An entire wing is devoted to the comfort of the Master Suite.  Luxurious bath features corner Whirlpool tub, walk-in shower, built-in vanity shelving, unbelievable walk-in closet, and French Doors to the Veranda.

More Details:

#BR:   3

#BA:   3  1/2

Fireplace: 1

Year Built:   2006

Square Ft: 3664

Total Acres: 22.64

Listed at: $1,398,325.00

For more information on this great property give us a call!   803.648.8660  Kara or Jane Page :)

We are looking forward to hearing from you :)

(please be sure to let me know that you found me thru my blog.  Thanks!)

I like to stop in the Art Center every chance I get.  I stopped in there Saturday after the Chocolate Festival.  Aiken has such talent!    One of our past presidents (Kit Parker) of the Aiken Board of Realtors is a member of the Artist Guild, and had an exhibition there a few months ago. It was a great turnout :)

Kit and I serve on the Education Committee together!

Stop by The Aiken Center for the Arts next time you are downtown - you'll be glad you did :)

Sign up for a class! - Have some fun and let your creative juices flow.....

I love Aiken :)     Something to do for everyone - of every age!        The City of Aiken Parks & Rec Dept has a few Senior Adult Day Trips planned.

Check this out!

OCTOBER 16, 2008:    GRIST'S, GOATS & GENERAL STORES     $50 (includes lunch)   Departs at 7am

Travel to Anderson County and tour the Happy Cow Creamery, the Obediah Shirley House, enjoy a catered BBQ lunch at Timms Mill, take some time shopping in downtown Pendleton and take a tour of Split Creek Farm!     

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NOVEMBER 14, 2008:  SOUTHERN CHRISTMAS SHOW  $25 (lunch not included)  Departs at 7am.

Charlotte Merchandise Mart. The Windows of Christmas.    THE SOUTH'S FAVORITE CHRISTMAS TRADITION FOR OVER 40 YEARS :)    (registration opens 10/14/08)

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DECEMBER 4, 2008:  FORT GORDON DINNER THEATER  $45 (dinner included)  Departs 5:30pm

'Plaid Tidings'   a brand new show that offers the best of Forever Plaid tied-up in a nifty package with a big Christmas bow on top!!  Truly a holiday treat.  Come enjoy dinner and a show.    (registration opens 11/4/08)

**All trips depart from the Weeks Center.  You must register at the Weeks Center front desk for each trip.  Seating is filled on a FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED basis.   For more info contact the Weeks Center at 803.642.7631

Odell Weeks Center, Whiskey Road, Aiken SC 

If history is what you are looking for - look no further!  We have several historic properties presently listed for sale.   Take this old church for instance!

Over 100 years old - sits on once acre.  Two great magnolia trees in the front yard.  Owner is willing to sell the building seperately if you wanted to move it to a different location.

In need of restoration but some of the work has been started for you!

Here is what has been done:

• NEW ROOF DECK AND SHINGLES
• TOP EAVE REPLACED
• FOOTINGS POURED
• SOME SILLS HAVE BEEN REPLACED

Waiting for you to finish it up and create your space - the possibilities are ENDLESS!   Perhaps a shoppe, art gallery, unique residence, office space, or even put it back to its original purpose - a church.... :) 

There are utilities on the property  (power pole, city water, septic)  The seller makes no representation as to the condition of these utilities, and the property is being sold as-is.    $32,000.         

Located in the hamlet of New Holland,SC at 2296 New Holland Road.  Convenient to I-20 at Hwy 39.   Approx 20 mins to Aiken taking the back roads :)   A lovely drive past horse farms, cotton fields, etc...

For more information on this historic property - or other historic properties in the Aiken SC area, please give me a call.   I'd love the opportunity to help you find your own piece of history :)

(dont' forget to let me know you found me through my blog! thanks) 

Kara Casamassina, Seniors Real Estate Specialist and Assistant to Jane Page Thompson, Accredited Land Consultant.    The Carolina Real Estate Company.  333 Park Avenue, Aiken ~ SC.  803.648.8660.

  ONLY 79 MORE DAYS TILL CHRISTMAS!!!!