It shouldn't take a particularly observant eye to see the historic affordability available to home buyers, thanks to current home prices and mortgage rates. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) Housing Affordability Index reached a 42-year high in January. An index of 100 represents a median-income family's ability to afford a median-priced, existing single-family home, with a 20% down payment and mortgage payments at 25% of gross income. January's record reading was 206.1!

Freddie Mac's chief economist commented, "the typical family had more than double the income needed to purchase a median-priced home in January." There's also talk about prices finally bottoming out. Data aggregator CoreLogic's National Home Price Index in January was at its lowest level since January 2003, and their chief economist noted prices are "not far from the bottom." Finally, the NAR forecasts existing home sales UP 6.8% for the year.

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Wow - I can't believe it is March already!! Seems like I was just ringing in the New Year with family and friends and here we are with St. Patricks Day and Easter right around the corner, wow! Happy Spring!! See you around town :)

If you are looking for some fun day trips - check out the Aiken County Rec. Dept 2012 Senior Trips Schedule below!

(South Boundary Avenue, Aiken SC - under a shady canopy of Live Oaks..... I <3 Aiken!)

Thursday, March 22 - Ridge Spring/Saluda, SC
Let's begin by visiting the Saluda County Museum and Flat Grove, the birthplace of Alamo hero, James Butler Bonham. Enjoy lunch at Juniper and shopping the downtown antique shops. We will end the day at Watsonia, touring a peach packing facility and farm!

Thursday/Friday, April 19 and 20 - Pawley's Island & Georgetown, SC
Day 1: Tour Hopsewee Plantation's tea room and pre-revolutionary home, take a boat-ride through Brookgreen Garden's, shop at the Hammock Shops and end the night with dinner at Sea View Inn on Pawley's Island.
Day 2: Explore downtown historic Georgetown, the third oldest city in South Carolina. On our way back home, we travel to Monck's Corner to visit Mepkin Abbey. The working monastery has breathtaking gardens.

Friday, May 18 - Orangeburg/Eutawville, SC
Visit Elloree Heritage Museum and the historic Church of the Epiphany. We will finish the day with lunch at the Parish House and antique store.

Monday, June 25 - Anderson, SC
Tour the Happy Cow Creamery and shop downtown Anderson. Lunch will be in downtown Pendleton at Farmer's Hall. Then visit Split Creek Farm, a Grade A goat dairy. End the day with dinner at Grits and Groceries.

July (date to be announced)- Greer, SC: BMW Plant
Witness a car being made during our BMW plant tour.

Monday/Tuesday, August 6 and 7 - Cherokee, NC
Day 1: Spend the day at Harrah's Casino and enjoy dinner at Paula Deen's Kitchen.
Day 2: Visit Chimney Rock on the way back to Aiken.

Friday, September 14 - Wadmalaw, SC
Begin with lunch at Tomato She Cafe and shopping at Stono Market. Then visit the Angel Oak that has been shading John's Island for over 1400 years. Enjoy a trolley ride through the tea plants at Charleston Tea Plantattion. Sample wines and cheese at Irvin House Vineyards. End the day shopping at Tanger Outlet.

Friday, October 12 - Barnwell/Blackville, SC
Visit the historic Episcopal Church and The Little Red Barn where local artist, Liz Ringus, does her work. Enjoy lunch at Miller's Bread Basket. Then visit the Healing Springs and Healing Springs Country Store. End the day with tea at Lil's Herb Garden.

November (date to be announced) - Oconee/Pickens, SC
Pick apples at Bryson's Apple Orchard and then have lunch at The Steakhouse. Sample wines at Chattooga Belle Farms and enjoy a catered dinner by Humble Pie.

Friday, December 7 - Edgefield, SC
First stop will be the National Wild Turkey Federation museum. Then explore Old Edgefield Pottery. Lunch at Park Row Market No. 1. End the day with a guided tour of the historic properties.

For More Info and to register please contact :

917 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Graniteville, SC 29829 / 803-663-6142
Recreation Program Supervisor: Tandra Cooks
Email: tcooks@aikencountysc.gov

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

Have real estate questions? Give us a call, we're happy help.

The Carolina Real Estate Company - 333 Park Avenue SW - Aiken, SC 29801

803-648-8660

be sure to mention that you saw my blog!! thanks :)

These days more homeowners are facing a tough decision about whether foreclosing is the only option they have left. Deciding to foreclose on your home will have implications on your family and your credit for the rest of your life.

When a homeowner can no longer make payments to a lender for a home, the lender may repossess a home in the process of foreclosure, usually with the purpose of reselling it, to recover the amount owed on the defaulted home. Homeowners facing foreclosure proceedings will face lasting implications.

Get Started Now -- Click Here To Learn About How To Avoid The Foreclosure Process!

A few of the effects of foreclosure are:

1) Your credit scores will be significantly lowered, sometimes by more than 300 points. This is the single most devastating mark on your credit report and will affect all of your future credit possibilities.

2) A foreclosure listed on a credit report is nearly impossible to have repaired and will most likely remain a permanent mark on this valuable personal report.

3) Any future application for a mortgage you apply for will require you to reveal a previous foreclosure, greatly affecting your mortgage rates.

4) Most employers will also conduct a credit check. With a huge drop in your credit score due to a foreclosure, this may also hinder your future employment opportunities. This is especially true of many government positions, including military and law enforcement agencies.

5) If your current employer runs a credit check, then a foreclosure may even put your current position in jeopardy.

6) In order to recuperate money they did not receive during a bank sale of the property, a lender may seek a deficiency judgment against you to obtain the balance.

7) Depending on your state law, you may be responsible for deficiencies after the foreclosure for an undetermined time period, placing you in a prolonged cycle of continued collections.

8) Your family will have to relocate. This is always a disturbance for children, marriages, careers, and other important aspects of your life.

A short sale process may be the better way out. Click here now to see if you qualify.