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
Take a look at what is playing at the movies (Aiken Mall Cinema 8) now thru Thursday, June 18, 2009
Imagine That (PG) Noon, 2:30, 5:05, 7:35, 10:00
The Taking of Pelham 123 (R) 11:50am, 2:20, 4:50, 7:20, 9:50
Land of the Lost (PG13) 11:55am, 2:25, 4:45, 7:15, 9:45
The Hangover (R) 12:10, 2:35, 5:00, 7;30, 10:05
Drag Me to Hell (PG13) 11:50am, 2:10, 4:35, 7:20, 9:40
Up (PG13) 11:40, 2:05, 4:30, 9:35
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (PG) 11:45am, 2:15, 4:40, 7:40, 10:10
Terminator Salvation (PG-13) 12:15, 4:25, 7:10, 10:10
Aiken Mall Cinema - located off East Gate Drive - Next to the Aiken Mall - Behind the new Hilton Garden Hotel.....next to Publix... you know!
Have fun.
Don't wait till the wedding to dance with your daughter!
Enjoy some father/daughter special time right now with your 4-14 year old :) Not just limited to dads ---- grandpas, uncles, brothers or other father figures are invited too!
Here's the deal:
What: 'Daddy, Wanna Dance?' (Father/Daughter's Ball)
Hosted by: City of Aiken Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism.
When: Friday, June 19
Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Where: Aiken-Electric Cooperative Building - Community Room.
Location: 2790 Wagener Road, Aiken
Tickets: $20/couple and $5 per additional daughter.
Tickets can be purchased at Odell Weeks prior to the dance.
Come on down for a fun evening with your daughter --- entertainment - photo memories - refreshments - door prizes........
For more information on Daddy, Wanna Dance?, call 642-7631.
Have fun Dads - Happy Fathers Day!
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!
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Aiken, SC ~ One of the most beautiful cities that I have had the honor to live in. I'm serious. I fell in love with Aiken the first time I visited. I'll tell you all about it in a blog, sometime.
Hi. My name is Kara, and I work for/with Jane Page Thompson. We are both Realtors. Jane Page is originally from Virginia and has lived and traveled all over the world :) (I am just filling this in for now, I'll get with her one of these days for more specifics, haha)
(yes, I am a KC Chiefs fan - and I like the St. Louis Rams, too. so?)
I took this picture for a photo contest a few years ago. I won 2nd prize :) How cool is that! I also took a picture at New Bridge Polo that ended up on the cover of Farm & Ranch/Country Estates Magazine! Isn't that awesome :)
Me on the other hand: I grew up in New Jersey, and lived there most of my life. (pleeeeease--- don't say Joyzey!) Small town. North Western part of the state. I love being a Jersey Girl. Jersey will be in my heart forever. I've been in Aiken since 1996 and wish I had moved here sooner. Seriously! It is one of the prettiest little towns. I'll have to write a blog on 'why I love Aiken'.
I've been involved in real estate in some way, shape or form for the past 9 years - but have been a SC Licensed Real Estate Agent and a Realtor for about the past 2 years. Jane Page is great to work with. I am learning a lot, that's for sure.
A little bit more about me...well, I have a grown child, and I am recently divorced and back doing the dating thing. I have a feeling you will see a blog or two about this, lol. (for those of you who may not be familiar---- lol = laugh out loud) I tell you this, because I use that term ALOT!!
I love my family, friends and I love the beach. I have a very large extended family....tons and tons of cousins. If you think you have a large family, I think mine can beat yours! And not going back 100's of years!! I mean starting with MY Grandparents :)
Well, as you can see, I'm a talker. Guess I'll save all that stuff for some blogs. Oh - there will be plenty of real estate tips, news, updates, etc..... as well. Watch for it!
I like to read blogs...and I like to write blogs. :) A bunch of blogging Realtors, how fun is that!! And to be part of this great community of real estate related professionals is just wonderful. Advice - opinions - suggestions - perspectives - comic relief - insight - sounding boards ...... from so many different professionals in so many different locations. I'm happy to be here.
Even though I work as a 'licensed assistant', I AM A REALTOR! I have been a member of the Aiken Board of Realtors - Education Committee since 2006, and have been asked to serve on the Grievance Committee in 2009. I feel very honored to have been selected for this position, and I am hoping for a VERY SLOOOOW year, haha -- let's all play by the rules - ok guys!?
The agent that I assist is an Accredited Land Consultant, but she has expertise in more than just land sales/purchases! Aiken's historic and luxury properties, as well as equestrian estates top the list.
Hard to separate business from personal sometimes, I am who I am - I am no different with my clients as I am with my friends. Always honest - always looking out for them - dependable - ethical - loyal...... Ok, so I know you need to get to know me, and you will, but I'm not here to brag on myself by no means. (even though that is what 'they say' to do.) Hey, I know that I still have alot to learn when it comes to real estate. The way I look at it, I am learning from one of the best in the business, as her assistant. I need to look into getting her on the speaker circuit. Yes, she is that good at what she does!! :)
My title is assistant, but we work more as a team. I love doing the administrative stuff, keeping things organized. (as best I can anyway) No problem for me, I'm a Virgo, haha. I love meeting new people and showing them around this great city, too.
In 2008 I took some extensive education to earn a designation of "Seniors Real Estate Specialist"and was very excited to put it to work for me ----- after weighing the expense of maintaining this designation, it was with a heavy heart that I chose to let my membership lapse this year. (it didn't bring us any more business, so why keep on paying for it - times are tough these days, afterall!) NOW REMEMBER - I can help a buyer/seller of any age, but I had hoped to create a specialty niche with the mature crowd. I hate the word 'senior citizen', and I never want to hear it said to me, so I will never use those words here on my blog, again. (I don't even like being called ma'am...and in the South you hear that ALOT) I may be a Baby Boomer, but I'm far from old. And most of the other Boomers I know feel the same way. When does old happen? Hmmm.... sounds like a good blog topic to me, lol.
I'll be posting all sorts of things! I hope you come back and check from time to time so you can get to know me ----and then hopefully when you or someone you know needs some real estate assistance, you can contact me ---even if you/they are not moving to/from my town...I can help by way of a referral. With our affiliation with Leading Real Estate Companies of The World, we are connected to over 5500 offices worldwide!! Please come back and get to know me. I'd like the opportunity to assist you with your real estate needs. Let me find an agent to help you no matter where you are moving to/from ----whether you are buying/selling.
Like I said, my topics will vary, please enjoy :)
Welcome to Aiken :)
Because Jane Page is the selling agent (and I am the assistant), most of the letters received are to her. (I will add some of those to the comments below soon) There is an occasion or two where we will have more than one client coming on the same day....then I am 'out in the field' so to speak :)
Here are a few of the notes that I have received from previous clients:
"....we had a wonderful visit to Aiken. You and Jane Page just couldn't have been more pleasant to work with as well as thoughtful. Thanks to both of you for your efforts on our behalf....... Fondly, Beth S"
"Thank you Kara for the informative packet.... You have been the most helpful out of all the real estate people I have contacted, which is a tribute to how hard you work. I prefer to work with people like you.... All the best, Jan M"
"...thanks for all your efforts involving the Drafts property. But most of all thank you for the kind words on the note you sent...... That was very thoughtful......See you in Aiken soon. Frank"
"Hi Kara, Thank you!! Thank you for just an exceptional wonderful afternoon of 'house shopping'!! You are the consummate pro for that job!!!..... Love, Jan and the two horses"
(Jan, her husband Bob, and their horses are all retired. The house they purchased was the first house we looked at - it was perfect! I had a great time helping them through the entire process from the first look at the property .... all the way to the closing table)!
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Even though I wasn't born here, Aiken feels like home.
Come see for yourself! What are you waiting for?
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