The Team Blog

Buying a home is an exciting milestone, and understanding the process can help make it a smooth and successful experience. In this 10-step quick view how-to, you can walk through the essential steps to buying a home in the Greater Greenville Area of South Carolina.

Let's get started!

• Step 1: Determine Your Budget and Secure Financing
  • Assess your financial situation and determine how much you can comfortably afford.
  • Get pre-approved for a mortgage to understand your borrowing capacity and demonstrate your seriousness to sellers when submitting an offer.
• Step 2: Define Your Home Requirements
  • Make a list of your needs and preferences regarding the location, size, amenities, and features you desire in a home.
  • Consider factors such as proximity to schools, work, transportation, and other essential services.
• Step 3: Find a Knowledgeable REALTOR®
  • Research and choose a reputable REALTOR® who is experienced in the local South Carolina market.
  • A skilled REALTOR® will guide you through the process, provide valuable insights, and negotiate on your behalf.
• Step 4: Start Exploring the Market
  • Browse online listings to familiarize yourself with the local real estate market.
  • Narrow down your options and communicate your preferences to your REALTOR® for targeted property searches.
  • Make a plan to view your top picks with your REALTOR®.
• Step 5: Make an Offer
  • When you find a home you love, work with your REALTOR® to draft a purchase offer.
  • Consider factors like the home's condition, comparable sales, and market conditions when determining your offer price.
• Step 6: Conduct Inspections and Due Diligence
  • Hire a professional inspector to thoroughly assess the property's condition and identify any potential issues.
  • Review property disclosures and other relevant documents provided by the seller to ensure you have a clear understanding of the property's history.
• Step 7: Finalize Your Mortgage
  • Work closely with your lender to complete the mortgage application process.
  • Provide all necessary documents and information required for underwriting and secure your loan commitment.
• Step 8: Review and Sign Closing Documents
  • Prior to closing, carefully review all documents related to the sale, including the purchase agreement, loan documents, and closing disclosures.
  • Seek clarification from your REALTOR® or attorney on any questions or concerns you may have.
• Step 9: Perform a Final Walk-Through
  • Just before closing, conduct a final walk-through of the property with your REALTOR® to ensure it's in the agreed-upon condition and any repairs have been completed.
• Step 10: Close the Deal
  • Attend the closing, where you'll sign the necessary documents and pay any closing costs.
  • After the funds have been transferred, you'll receive the keys to your new home!

By following these steps and working closely with your REALTOR®, you'll be well-prepared to navigate the home buying process with confidence. Remember, purchasing a home is a significant investment, so take your time, ask questions, and make informed decisions. Contact me today and we can start searching for your dream home!

Within Greenville County, SC, there are currently 3,532 homes listed for sale, ranging from $9.7K to $22M. In the past week 677 homes have been listed. Additionally, there are 646 rental properties starting at $750 per month.

Homes in Greenville County, SC typically sell for approximately the asking price, with an average sale-to-list price ratio of 99.51% in April 2023.

The median days on the market have decreased compared to the previous month and have slightly increased compared to the previous year. On average, homes in Greenville County, SC are sold after spending 33 days on the market.

As of April 2023, the median listing price for homes in Greenville County, SC stood at $370K. The median price per square foot for listed homes was $177, while the median sold price reached $337.7K.

Want to see what your neighborhood market looks like? Create your own personalized market report.

Photo By David McBee | Source: realtor.com

Start the weekend off strong with a Shakespearean play in Falls Park, a parade down Main Street in Greenville on Friday and Greenville Scottish Games at Furman University on Saturday!

Upstate Shakespeare Festival

Presented by The Warehouse Theatre, the festival begins this Thursday, May 25th, recurring weekly on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, starting at 7pm the show is 2 hours long. This is the festival’s 27th year running!

• The Merry Wives of Windsor: May 25th to June 18th.
• Macbeth: July 6th through July 30th.

Located in Falls Park on the Reedy River, bring your own lawn chairs, blankets, and plan a picnic with food. Alcohol is allowed with a valid ID and purchase of a $1 wristband. The show is Free for everyone!

Gallabrae presented by Greenville Scottish Games

The Parade: On Friday May 26th at 6pm on Main Street in Downtown Greenville, SC the parade begins at the Peace Center and ends at E North St. Bag pipes, marching clans, floats and much more! The parade is free to everyone!

The Games: On Saturday May 27th from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Furman University, 3300 Poinsett Hwy, Greenville, SC. Come out to enjoy the opening ceremonies, athletic competitions, dancing, pipe competitions, border collie invitationals, antique cars, Celtic rock bands for the teens, Wee Scotland for the littles, and so much more! The games are $20 for adults and $10 for kids. 5 years old and under get in for free.

Two Greenville, SC annual events are this weekend! The 13th annual Brew in the Zoo at the Greenville Zoo is on Friday and the 37th annual Greek Festival in Downtown Greenville will be Friday through Sunday.

Brew in the Zoo

Explore the Greenville Zoo after hours while sampling an assortment of beer and wine. Beer and wine samples are unlimited and included in the cost of admission along with light food options and Pepsi. This is an adult only event, only those 21 years and older will be admitted.

• Friday, May 19th 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Greenville Zoo, 150 Cleveland Park Dr, Greenville, SC 29601
• Early Admission (6:00 pm) – $70
• General Admission (7:00pm) - $55
• Designated Driver Early Admission (6:00pm) – $40 (Food and Pepsi only)
• Designated Driver General Admission (7:00pm) - $30 (Food and Pepsi only)

The Greek Festival

Be Greek for a Day! There will be live Greek music each day, tours every half hour, and live dance performances kick off with a parade at 5:00 p.m. on Friday featuring all the dance troupes participating. Amazing Greek food and pastries can be purchased by drive-thru or enjoyed on-site. Gyros, Greek Meatballs, Baklava, Greek Beer, Greek Wine, Greek Donuts, Lamb Burgers and much more will be on the menu. 

• Friday, May 19th 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
• Saturday, May 20th 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
• Sunday, May 21st 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Location: St George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 406 N Academy St, Greenville, SC 29601
• $3 admission, rain or shine event.
• Clear bag policy in effect, and no pets allowed except for service animals.

Too late to plant in May? Of course not!

Late Spring Vegetable Gardening: Starting Seeds, Outdoor Planting, and Propagation Techniques

May is a vibrant time for Greenville, South Carolina gardening enthusiasts, providing ample opportunities to nurture your plants and enjoy the beauty of nature. By following these consolidated guidelines, you can create a flourishing garden that brings you joy and abundant harvests. Start seeds indoors, providing a head start for warm-weather crops. Begin by selecting heat-loving plants such as okra, pumpkin, cucumber, summer and winter squash, and melons. Ensure optimal conditions for growth, including adequate warmth, moisture, and sunlight or artificial light. Once your seedlings have become robust, transplant them outdoors.

To prepare frost-tender plants started indoors for the outdoors, undertake the crucial process of hardening them off. Gradually expose your vegetables, herbs, perennials, and annual flowers to the outdoor elements. Increase their time outside over a week or two, allowing them to adjust to sun, wind, and temperature variations without experiencing shock.

Next you can focus on direct sowing seeds outdoors. Consider planting sunflowers, nasturtiums, marigolds, borage, basil, and other warm-season flowers and herbs. Follow the instructions on seed packets regarding spacing, planting depth, and care. Ensure the soil is adequately prepared with organic matter and proper drainage.

In early June, take advantage of propagation techniques to create new plants. Softwood cuttings can be taken from shrubs such as spirea, lilac, and viburnum.

As late spring transitions into early summer, it is safe to plant a wide range of crops outdoors. Tender annual flowers like impatiens, as well as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, can be planted with confidence. Prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter and ensuring good drainage. Follow recommended spacing guidelines and provide support structures for vining plants. Water thoroughly after planting and remain vigilant for signs of stress or pests.

Don't forget the upcoming summer vacation is also for houseplants! It is an opportune time to grant your houseplants a summer vacation outdoors. Find a shady spot in your yard where potted houseplants can enjoy fresh air, increased humidity, and filtered sunlight. Protect them from direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn and monitor their watering needs closely as potted plants outdoors tend to dry out faster than indoor plants.

Embrace the joys of late spring gardening, and you'll be rewarded with a bountiful harvest and the satisfaction of watching your garden flourish. Happy gardening!

Experience the 19th annual Artisphere event in downtown Greenville SC next weekend, rain or shine, with free admission for the whole family. The event will take place on May 12th from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm, May 13th from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, and May 14th from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Artists Row will feature nearly 150 visual artists showcasing various mediums, including Oil Painting, Mixed Media 3D, Ceramics, Jewelry, and Furniture. The festival will also include exhibits such as Kidsphere, Clemson STEM, Art Lab, Artists on the Rise, Artists of the Upstate, Arts and Drafts, Chalk Art, Demo Row, Festival Store, Pop-up Street Stages, and TCMU Imagination Playground.

Indulge in the culinary arts on the Main Street Bridge, with a variety of food vendors such as Society Sandwich Bar and Social Club, Abanico, Bonjour Crepe, and Latin Flavors featuring their empanadas.

Live entertainment will be ongoing throughout the festival, featuring musicians Sunny War, Robert Jon & the Wreck, Caitlin Krisko and the Broadcast, Kentucky Gentlemen, The Pinkerton Raid, Andrew Wooten with Caroline’s Roost, Kismet Kind, Run Kate Run, Linda Faye’s Sound, Quasi Quasar, Chris Gladson, and Dazer. The performing artists include Center Stage Theatre, Glow Lyric Theater, Vocal Matrix Chorus, Fine Arts Center Jazz Department, The Palmetto Statesman, Greenville Theatre, Carolina Bronze handbell Ensemble, Fine Arts Center Department of Theatre, Dance Theatre of Greenville Performance Company, Carolina Ballet, and SC Childrens Theatre.

This is one of Greenville's most favored festivals, a definite must-do if you are in the area next weekend.

(Image of Oil Painting by George Hodan, CC0)

The annual Mauldin Blues & Jazz Festival is set to occur at the Mauldin Cultural Center Outdoor Amphitheater on Saturday, April 29th, 2023, between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. This is a FREE family event. Parking is free too!

Activities will include a photo booth, face painting, an art station, lawn games, and a Lego building station. Visitors are welcome to bring their leashed dogs to the festival. 

Among the attractions will be food for purchase, featuring One Love Fusion Foods, Project Host, Maverick Biscuit, Salads by Ms. Deb, Travinia Italian Kitchen, Chocolate Artworks, Chick-fil-a Mauldin, Kona Ice, Obey the Crave, and Growler Haus. 

Music Line Up:

Iliana Rose Cuban Jazz Band 2:00 – 3:15

Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’ Blues 3:30 – 4:45

Greenville Jazz Collective Big Band 5:15 – 7:00

Albert Cummings 7:30 – 9:00

For more details about the bands, you can go to https://mauldinculturalcenter.org/events/festival-season/mbj-festival/

The Parker Group and Longbranch Development purchased 6.5-acres at the intersection of Jenkins Street and Jenkins Court from the city of Mauldin on April 14 for $1.15 million. The land will be used for Maverick Yards, a mixed-use project that will initiate Mauldin's City Center Village. A project that will eventually provide access to the Swamp Rabbit Trail

Mauldin’s City Center Village project aims to create a livable and walkable downtown area. Maverick Yards includes renovating a 20,000-square-foot industrial warehouse into "The Pickle Yard," an attraction that will offer pickleball courts, several food concepts, outdoor seating, live performances, fire pits, and a beer garden.

Adjacent to The Pickel Yard, over 40 townhomes will be constructed on the 2.4-acre land that was previously home to the city's Public Works facility and a light industrial building.

The sale proceeds will be used by the city to fund public improvements in the development area, including the installation of new sidewalks, road upgrades, landscaping, the construction of a pedestrian/bike trail, and public parking spaces. The City Center Master Plan was developed in 2012.

Both projects are planned to be finished and open to the public by winter 2024!

The ACI is a global trade association that represents airports around the world. Each year, the organization recognizes airports that have demonstrated excellence in a number of categories related to airport operations, customer service, and sustainability.

For 2022, GSP was honored with five awards from the ACI, demonstrating the airport's commitment to providing an outstanding travel experience for passengers while also being a responsible steward of the environment. Here are the awards that GSP received:

1. Best Airport by Size and Region (2-5 million passengers in North America): This award recognizes GSP as the top-performing airport in its category in North America. It takes into account factors such as overall passenger satisfaction, on-time performance, and airport cleanliness.

2. Best Airport Staff in North America (2-5 million passengers): This award recognizes the dedication and hard work of the airport staff at GSP. It is based on a survey of passengers, who rate their interactions with airport staff in areas such as helpfulness, friendliness, and efficiency.

3. Best Customer Experience Initiative: GSP was recognized for its innovative use of technology to enhance the customer experience. The airport has implemented a number of digital tools, such as a mobile app, to help passengers navigate the airport more easily and efficiently.

4. Best Environmental, Social, and Governance Initiative: This award recognizes GSP's commitment to sustainability and responsible environmental practices. The airport has implemented number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, such as using electric vehicles and installing solar panels to generate renewable energy.

5. Best Health Measures: This award recognizes GSP's efforts to keep passengers and staff safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. The airport has implemented a number of health and safety protocols, such as enhanced cleaning measures and mandatory face mask requirements.

These five awards are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff at GSP, who are committed to providing an exceptional travel experience for passengers while also being responsible and sustainable in their operations. Whether you're flying for business or pleasure, you can rest assured that you'll have a top-notch experience at GSP. Congratulations to the entire team at GSP on these well-deserved accolades!

A Celebration of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics in the Upstate

This Saturday, April 1st, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the annual iMAGINE Upstate STEAM Festival will take place in Downtown Greenville, SC with over 72 exhibitors set up along Main Street.

The festival is for children and families to participate in the core concepts of STEAM (Science, technology, engineering, arts & mathematics). Drone racing, a variety of interactive activities, live demonstrations every 30 minutes by the Roper Mountain Science Center, food trucks and even a photobooth will be there. All activities are free!

iMAGINE is a program of South Carolina’s Coalition for Mathematics & Science at Clemson University and is hosted by numerous educational institutions, community organizations and businesses. For more details go to https://www.imaginesteamsc.org/upstate/

Photo courtesy of iMAGINE Upstate Festival, a program of SC Coalition for Mathematics & Science at Clemson University.