Kara's Blog

Park Place Update 11-16-09

Kara Casamassina, "Boomers and beyond..." (The Carolina Real Estate Company) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:05:35 -0600

Another beautiful sunny day here in Aiken, SC. Ida has blown thru and we are back to clear blue sunny skies! The Park Place Cottages are coming along nicely --- although it has been awhile since I've been inside---- I am due for another tour!

Here is a pic I just took this morning :) Isn't it a beautiful building! I absolutely LOVE everything about it! The bricks - the details - the windows - the balconies - the doors - AND ESPECIALLY THE LOCATION!! You couldn't ask for a better spot right downtown :) Stevens Builders (Buddy Stevens) are DOING AN EXCELLENT JOB WITH THIS PROJECT!! It is a perfect fit for our downtown.

Here's some info on the property:

New Residences at 343 Park Ave. SW
All Units Feature

Master Bath -large double vanity
large whirlpool tub,
custom 42"x48" shower ,Tile and Travertine flooring w/travertine stone walls and 2 closets
Locally crafted, custom cabinets
9 ft. Ceilings
¾" Hardwood Flooring 20 Yr Warranty
4-stop elevator
Fireplace with gas logs
Large laundry room
Granite/solid surface countertops
Tankless water heater
Gas cook top, convection oven and 25Cu. Ft Refrigerator
With upgraded insulation, Low E tinted windows
Built for maximum energy efficiency        2X6 Exterior wall
Highest rating for energy efficiency for central
HVAC and heat pump
2 on site parking spaces available. (covered parking area being applied for with City Design Review Board- will keep you posted!)

Pre-Construction Prices:
2 Bedroom/2 Bath unit (1500 square feet)   $429,000
3 Bedroom/2 Bath unit (1740 square feet)   $489,000

Give me a call to get in on the ground floor!   Be sure to let me know you saw my blog :)

Have a great day - talk to you soon!

You could be my new neighbor!! :)

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

Give us a call when you are ready to move South :)

Kara Casamassina - The Carolina Real Estate Company - Historic Aiken SC - 803.648.8660 --- or you can reach me on my cell: 803.270.1024

Talk to you soon!

Park Place Update! We've come a long way since February!

Kara Casamassina, "Boomers and beyond..." (The Carolina Real Estate Company) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:53:10 -0500

Just to refresh your memory - back in February Paul was 'shooting the corners' to get ready to pour the footers.

Here is where we are today!!

If you are considering a move to Aiken - check out these downtown condo units that will soon occupy this space:

New Residences at 343 Park Ave. SW
All Units Feature

Master Bath -large double vanity
large whirlpool tub,
custom 42"x48" shower ,Tile and Travertine flooring w/travertine stone walls and 2 closets
Locally crafted, custom cabinets
9 ft. Ceilings
¾" Hardwood Flooring 20 Yr Warranty
4-stop elevator
Fireplace with gas logs
Large laundry room
Granite/solid surface countertops
Tankless water heater
Gas cook top, convection oven and 25Cu. Ft Refrigerator
With upgraded insulation, Low E tinted windows
Built for maximum energy efficiency        2X6 Exterior wall
Highest rating for energy efficiency for central
HVAC and heat pump
2 on site parking spaces available.

Pre-Construction Prices:
2 Bedroom/2 Bath unit (1500 square feet)   $429,000
3 Bedroom/2 Bath unit (1740 square feet)   $489,000

Give me a call to get in on the ground floor!   Be sure to let me know you saw my blog :)

Have a great day - talk to you soon!

You could be my new neighbor!! :)

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

Give us a call when you are ready to move South :)

THE FAIR OPENS TOMORROW!!! THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2009

Kara Casamassina, "Boomers and beyond..." (The Carolina Real Estate Company) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 22:24:53 -0500

THE FAIR IS HERE - I FORGOT ALL ABOUT IT, MEANT TO MENTION IT LAST WEEK. SORRY Y'ALL.

WHAT: WESTERN CAROLINA STATE FAIR

WHERE: FAIRGROUNDS - HIGHWAY ONE NORTH

MORE INFO: CHECK OUT ONE OF OUR LOCAL NEWS STATIONS: www.wjbf.com

Have fun at the fair!!

Got real estate questions? Give me a call :) 803.648.8660

The Carolina Real Estate Company - 333 Park Avenue SW - Aiken, South Carolina

Aiken Fall Steeplechase - 10/23 & 10/24/09

Kara Casamassina, "Boomers and beyond..." (The Carolina Real Estate Company) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:05:53 -0500

YaaaayyY!!! It's just about time for the Fall Steeplechase. The 18th Renewal of the Aiken Fall Steeplechase to be exact!!

Start the events with the gala on Friday night - in the grand tent at the Steeplechase track (Ford Conger Field)

Friday, October 23rd, 2009
Fall Fete "The Gamekeeper's Lodge"

7 p.m. Ford Conger Field
Dinner and Dancing
Entertainment by The Headliners
Individual tickets are $90
Table of eight is $720

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Saturday is RACE DAY!!!

Saturday, October 24th, 2009
18th Running of the Aiken Fall Steeplechase
Featuring the Southern Bank & Trust Holiday Cup

9:30 AM:    Gates Open
10:00 AM:   Village of Shops Open
11:00 AM:   Guarantor Tent Party Starts
1:00 PM:    First Race
1:15 PM:    Carriage Parade
1:30 PM:    Second Race
2:00 PM:    Third Race
2:30 PM:    Fourth Race
3:00 PM:    Fifth Race
3:30 PM:    Sixth Race

General Admission Tickets $10 in advance, $15 at the gate.
NEW General Parking $10 in advance, $15 at the gate.
Children 6 and under free.

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An Aiken tradition! Be there or be square :)

See y'all there.

More info: Aiken Steeplechase office - Two Notch Road - Aiken Horse District (dirt road!) Girl and Mia have ALL THE ANSWERS FOR YOU!! (803) 648-9641

Senior Adult Activities in Aiken, SC

Kara Casamassina, "Boomers and beyond..." (The Carolina Real Estate Company) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:38:14 -0500

Attn: Senior Adults! Stop by Room 2 at the Weeks Center on Wednesdays between 9am -2pm and check it out!

Lots to do at Odell Weeks Center - Aiken, SC

FREE!!! FREE!!! FREE!!!

Wii WEDNESDAY! Have fun with this new electronic game! Play Wii games such as Bowling (just like the real thing - but better!!! )

Other games will be on hand as well : Table top shuffleboard, scrabble, darts and more. You can even bring your own games! Snacks welcomed.

WHERE: Odell Weeks Center - Whiskey Road, Aiken (on the Southside - across from Home Depot/Zaxbys/South Aiken Presb. Church) ROOM 2

WHEN: WEDNESDAYS!!

TIME: 9am - 2 pm

CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION: 803.642.7631

FREE!!! FREE!!! FREE!!!

Have fun :)

For real estate assistance please give us a call at 803.648.8660. The Carolina Real Estate Company, located in Historic Downtown Aiken, South Carolina.

Be sure to mention you saw my blog :)

Chocolate Festival coming soon - save the date! 10/3/09

Kara Casamassina, "Boomers and beyond..." (The Carolina Real Estate Company) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 20:23:48 -0500

It will be here before we know it! I can't wait :)

What: St. Mary's Chocolate Festival

When: Saturday, October 3, 2009

Where: St. Mary's School - 118 York Street, Aiken

Time: 10am - 4pm

What to expect: chocolate - chocolate - chocolate!! Bake sale - home made ice cream - treats - chocolate - book sale - frozen casserole sale - chocolate - games to play - prizes to win - chocolate - rides for kids - local talent performing - face painting - chocolate - chocolate - chocolate - silent auction - did I mention chocolate!!!..... and more :)

See you there!

Football Friday Nights in Aiken, SC - High School Schedule 2009

Kara Casamassina, "Boomers and beyond..." (The Carolina Real Estate Company) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 19:52:19 -0500

Are you ready for some football!!!

Here's the schedule for Aiken & South Aiken High Schools

South Aiken Thoroughbreds

9/25/09 - 7:30pm at Barnwell

10/2/09 - 7:30pm vs. Dreher

10/9/09 - 7:30pm at Brookland-Cayce

10/16/09 - 7:30pm vs. Airport

10/23/09 - 7:30pm at Swansea

10/30/09 - 7:30pm vs. Midland Valley

Aiken High Hornets

9/25/09 - 7:30pm at Lexington

10/2/09 - 7:30pm at Irmo

10/9/09 - 8:00pm vs. Richland NE

10/16/09 - 7:30pm at White Knoll

10/23/09 - 8:00pm vs. Orangeburg

10/30/09 - 8:00pm vs. Dutch Fork

11/6/09 - 7:30pm at North Augusta

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Have fun at the games! Good luck to all the teams :)

Give me a call for real estate assistance around the world!! (be sure to mention my blog when you call)

The Carolina Real Estate Company - Aiken, South Carolina - 803.648.8660

Upcoming Polo Tourneys!

Kara Casamassina, "Boomers and beyond..." (The Carolina Real Estate Company) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 20:05:06 -0500

Fall polo action has started here in Aiken! Come join the fun :)

HERE'S A COUPLE OF TOURNAMENTS HAPPENING NOW!!

What: USPA MONTY WATERBURY

When: September 17th - October 4th

Finals: October 4th at New Bridge Polo & Country Club, 862 New Bridge Road, Aiken SC

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What: USPA SILVER CUP

When: October 2nd - October 18th

Finals: October 18th at New Bridge Polo & Country Club, 862 New Bridge Road, Aiken SC

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Happy to help with your real estate needs! Give us a call. (be sure to mention my blog!)

The Carolina Real Estate Company - 333 Park Avenue - Aiken, SC - 803.648.8660

Park Place update 9/09

Kara Casamassina, "Boomers and beyond..." (The Carolina Real Estate Company) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 19:23:10 -0500

I snapped this picture on Saturday, September 5 on my way out of town! Isn't it amazing how this building is coming along! Don't you want to live here??!! Give me a call :)

I don't know how much longer the 'pre-construction' prices will last - give me a call for more information, and to take a closer look at these great downtown residential units.

Perfectly located in Historic Downtown Aiken! Ready to move south? - Give me a call :)

The Carolina Real Estate Company 803-648-8660 (be sure to mention my blog!)

toes in the sand!

Kara Casamassina, "Boomers and beyond..." (The Carolina Real Estate Company) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:51:23 -0500

Aiken is a great little city - but every once in awhile we all need to 'get away'!

My place to go has always been the shore. Down here they call it 'the beach' :)

My favorite beach (since moving here) in SC is definitely Hilton Head Island. Just a little more than a 2 hour drive and you are at the coast - with your toes in the sand :)

Just one of about 500 sunrise pics I took last week:

Come see what South Carolina has to offer!! Give me a call - I'm happy to help with your Aiken area real estate needs.

Have a great day!

Park Place update 8-20-09

Kara Casamassina, "Boomers and beyond..." (The Carolina Real Estate Company) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 08:05:42 -0500

Good Morning!! We had our first brick delivery next door the other morning - very exciting :)

And here is the progress this morning - scaffolding in place - ready to get started!

Stay tuned for more updates :)

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.

Park Ave Update - 8/11/09

Kara Casamassina, "Boomers and beyond..." (The Carolina Real Estate Company) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 07:56:31 -0500

yes -the sky was really that blue!

Just a quick update for y'all - we now have a front door!! :) It was installed a few days ago!

I haven't been inside in awhile - but I'm sure things are moving along inside as well as outside.

Give us a call when you are ready to live downtown! This is a perfect downtown location :)

Tips for when the lights go out

Kara Casamassina, "Boomers and beyond..." (The Carolina Real Estate Company) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 20:13:03 -0500

Storm season is here and power outages should be expected in many parts of the country. Lucky for me I live in Aiken, and my power rarely goes out! Let me know when you are ready to move here :)

THINGS TO KEEP ON HAND FOR POWER OUTAGES:

a cooler (or more if you have room to store them)

ice - keep as much on hand as you can store.

WHAT TO DO:

Keep your freezer FULL - it will keep the temp longer than a 1/2 full freezer (with the door kept closed)

Keep fridge and freezer doors CLOSED!!

Use up the perishable stuff first --- then go to non-perishable items.

Give us a call for your Aiken SC real estate needs :)

Happy Summer!

Thanks for lunch, neighbor!! :) Todd rocks :))

Kara Casamassina, "Boomers and beyond..." (The Carolina Real Estate Company) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:29:08 -0500

As y'all know - we've got some new construction going on for the past few months next door ----- what I haven't told you is that on the other side of us they've been working away , too! Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right...here I am, stuck in the middle of all this construction!! hahahaha.

Well, the old Post Office is getting a fresh look (maintaining the historical aspect) for some new tenants. Yup - we're gonna have some new neighbors :)

Here's the old post office (on the corner of Park Ave & Laurens St - downtown Aiken)

Todd Lista Photography has been our neighbor in this historic building for many years - he has moved out to make room for some new tenants to occupy his building. Stewart Builders has been hard at it - turning it into office space - keeping the historic charm at the same time! They have done a great job.

Anyway - today our friend Todd brought us lunch! Just his way of saying 'thanks for putting up with all the construction noise/mess... next door'. WHAT A GUY! THANKS TODD - U ROCK :) Lunch was deeee-lish! -- and dessert was to-die-for! Thanks again neighbor :)

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Just a reminder of what is happening on the other side of us............

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

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

Pre-construction prices won't last!!

2 Bedroom/2 Bath: $429,000

3 Bedroom/2 Bath: $489,000

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Have a great weekend y'all! Thanks again for lunch Todd - you're the best :))

Be sure to mention my blog when you call!!

2009 SC Tax-Free 'Back to School' Shopping Weekend Coming Soon!!!! 8/7-9.

Kara Casamassina, "Boomers and beyond..." (The Carolina Real Estate Company) — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 21:25:11 -0500

That's right - pay no sales tax for your 'back-to-school' items the weekend of August 7 - 9, 2009.

Right here in South Carolina :) SAVE THE DATE!!

Area stores are all stocked up and ready for the blitz. Get everything you need for you and your children. Rulers - notebooks - pens/pencils - bookbags -calculators... even clothing, clothing accessories, footwear, bed linens and shower curtains are state and local sales tax free during this shopping period.

There will be awesome sales everywhere from Staples to Target....watch for the sales flyers in the mail and in the newspaper.

I'll probably see you out and about! I'm always in need of a few notebooks :)

Enjoy the summer!

Watch for upcoming events. Give us a call if we can help with your Aiken area real estate. (be sure to mention my blog)