Before you make your final buying or selling decision, you should have the home inspected by a professional. An inspection can alert you to potential problems with a property and allow you to make an informed decision. Ask these questions to prospective Greenville home inspectors: 1. Will your inspection meet recognized standards? Ask whether the inspection and the inspection report will meet all state requirements and comply with a well-recognized standard of practice and code of ethics, such as the one adopted by the American Society of Home Inspectors or the National Association of Home Inspectors. Customers can view each group's standards of practice and code of ethics online at www.Ashi.org or www.Nahi.org. ASHI's Web site also provides a database of state regulations.
2. Do you belong to a professional home inspector association? There are many state and national associations for home inspectors, including the two groups mentioned in No. 1. Unfortunately, some groups confer questionable credentials or certifications in return for nothing more than a fee. Insist on members of reputable, nonprofit trade organizations; request to see a membership ID.
3. How experienced are you? Ask how long inspectors have been in the profession and how many inspections they've completed. They should provide customer referrals on request. New inspectors also may be highly qualified, but they should describe their training and let you know whether they plan to work with a more experienced partner.
4. How do you keep your expertise up to date? Inspectors' commitment to continuing education is a good measure of their professionalism and service. Advanced knowledge is especially important in cases in which a home is older or includes unique elements requiring additional or updated training.
5. Do you focus on residential inspection? Make sure the inspector has training and experience in the unique discipline of home inspection, which is very different from inspecting commercial buildings or a construction site. If your customers are buying a unique property, such as a historic home, they may want to ask whether the inspector has experience with that type of property in particular.
6. Will you offer to do repairs or improvements? Some state laws and trade associations allow the inspector to provide repair work on problems uncovered during the inspection. However, other states and associations forbid it as a conflict of interest. Contact your local ASHI chapter to learn about the rules in your state.
7. How long will the inspection take? On average, an inspector working alone inspects a typical single-family house in two to three hours; anything significantly less may not be thorough. If your customers are purchasing an especially large property, they may want to ask whether additional inspectors will be brought in.
8. What's the cost? Costs can vary dramatically, depending on your region, the size and age of the house, and the scope of services. The national average for single-family homes is about $320, but customers with large homes can expect to pay more. Customers should be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
9. What type of inspection report do you provide? Ask to see samples to determine whether you will understand the inspector's reporting style. Also, most inspectors provide their full report within 24 hours of the inspection.
10. Will I be able to attend the inspection? The answer should be yes. A home inspection is a valuable educational opportunity for the buyer. An inspector's refusal to let the buyer attend should raise a red flag.
Are you a Greenville home buyer with questions concerning home inspections? Give me a call. I'm happy to answer all your questions. Also, visit LizFreeman.com
Information is courtesy of Realtor Magazine with permission by the National Association of Realtors
Beauty, warmth and value is what you'll find in this three bedroom, 1523 square foot home located in the popular Craft Winds neighborhood. Just minutes from the hospital, shopping, and area restaurants, this home has lots of appeal.
The floor plan includes a bright foyer, with spacious coat closet, that opens to all major living areas while cheerfully welcoming any guest. A marble fireplace, mantle with dentil molding, built-in bookshelves, ceiling fan, recessed lighting, two skylights, beautiful bay window, plush carpeting, and an exit to outside deck area is what you'll find in the oversized great room.
The U-shaped kitchen makes every square inch count. Amenities include refrigerator, electric range, dishwasher, double stainless sinks with large window above, ample counter space, lots of cabinets, and vinyl flooring. The adjoining kitchen nook and office area is carpeted, with three large windows and small chandelier-like lighting. Both convenient and functional, this space will host everything from mealtimes to homework.
In the master bedroom you'll find a spacious walk-in closet, ceiling fan, carpeting, and large windows that provide an abundance of natural light. Master bath offers tub/shower combination, and vanity with oversized mirror. Simply serene, this space provides a nice, relaxing get-away after a long, hard day. Growing children or overnight guests are no problem here. Two additional bedrooms and a hall bath with tub/shower combination and vanity offer plenty of room, function and storage to meet everyone's needs.
Have a green thumb? This large sunny backyard has plenty of room for planting. Beat high food prices by planting and picking your very own fruit, vegetables and herbs on this spacious .34 acre lot. Laundry room with storage, new interior paint, and double attached garage are also among the many desirable features this home has to offer. For those who appreciate beautiful simplicity among natural surroundings, you'll want to see this one. Don't delay - Call us today at 252-439-4000 or visit us on the web at www.lizfreemanhomes.com or www.lizfreeman.com.
Play where you live! Lounge in the lovely club house, make a splash in the 1800 square foot pool and keep slim and trim taking advantage of the exercise facility at Tara Condos.
This unit has an open floor plan with high tech floor system for sound reduction. The private entrance with security system offers a two-story foyer with ceramic tile flooring. The great room boasts a gas log fireplace, vaulted ceiling and TV cabinets. Exit onto a screened balcony with outside storage for your sports equipment.
The step-saver kitchen is designed with ample storage and counter space and has beautiful maple cabinets and a breakfast eating bar. The three bedrooms and two baths provide convenience and comfort at the end of a day.
The master bedroom is complete with a large walk-in closet and its bath has a whirlpool tub, walk-in shower and separate lavatories that will eliminate early morning traffic jams. Other features include plantation blinds throughout and Frieze carpet.
With a 10 year warranty, and seller paying $1500 in closing costs when you use his attorney and lender, you will benefit from buying this new unit and saving money!
In today's competitive real estate market, Greenville home sellers must have their homes in tip-top condition before putting it on the market. Buyers aren't interested in seeing dirty socks lying around or dirty dishes in the sink. Below are a list inexpensive things, from Realtor Magazine, that you can do to make buyers fall in love with your Greenville home.
1. Move it. Simply rearranging the furniture can reenergize a room. Add and remove furniture, lamps, rugs, and accessories from other parts of the house to create a whole new look. Mirrors are particularly useful when it comes to updating a room. Try one out in different rooms to see where it fits best. Even just moving a mirror to a different wall can create a more welcoming feel.
2. Plant it. Houseplants are a generally undervalued design component that can add texture, warmth, and color to any room. Just drop plants in their store containers into decorative planters. Small plants can be moved easily and regrouped to change a room's look, while larger ones make a statement on their own.
Group plants together of differing heights, fullness, and color for the most dramatic effect. It's important to have plants that are well maintained and in tip-top condition.
3. Paint it. Paint is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to make a substantial change. Use dramatic colors in powder rooms and dining rooms, and more neutral colors in living spaces. When selecting colors, "be sure to ask, 'What am I trying to do? How do I want this to feel?'" And always, always do a test before you paint the whole room.
4. Organize it. Clutter just happens. So neaten up! A variety of organizing tools can make a space feel polished while maintaining utility. Hooks and shelves inside the door give people a place to hang coats and keys, while canvas bins or natural baskets help contain magazines and mail. Just a row of hooks pre-attached on a board is so easy to install. And shelves are a great way to neatly display collectibles.
5. Hide it. Have a banged-up wall? It may be easy to camouflage. Paintable wallpaper will smooth out an uneven wall or hide minor dents and dings. Adventurous home owners can even try a simple two-step painting process for a more complex finish. A apply a solid base coat, then a glaze.
Your intent should never be to mislead buyers; be sure to disclose flaws that would affect home value.
6. Replace it. Cabinet handles, switch plates, and other small pieces of housing hardware can update a home for just a few dollars a piece. Scan each room to see what looks worn or outdated and then replacing it. Inexpensive quick-connect faucets can make upgrading the look of your bathroom a snap. Just be sure to measure before you go to the hardware store. Some sinks are drilled for an eight-inch spread. Others require just four inches.
And don't forget the toilet seat. Fresh towels and a new toilet seat go a long way toward making a bathroom feel clean and new.
7. Light it. Lighting can have a major impact on a home's look and feel. Whether a room seems dark or too bright and harsh, try "layering" the lighting by adding accent pendants and lamps. Make sure they have independent controls, so that you can turn them on and off at will.
Light is such a mood setter. You can create a cozy feel just by turning down the lights. Add dimmers in the dining room, bathrooms, kitchen, and even the hallways for less than $4 each. Then adjust the lighting to create the mood you want.
8. Clean it. Turn a critical eye to the flooring to make sure it's up to snuff. Scrub grout and seal natural stone. Rub out scratches and nicks on wood floors with scratch cover. Get down on your hands and knees and detail the floors. It takes a little elbow grease, but the results are well worth it. Vinyl flooring is a bit harder to spruce up but usually can be replaced easily and inexpensively.
Interested in selling your Greenville home? Give me a call, I'm glad to help!
Elegant Simplicity is what you'll find in this three bedroom two and a half bath beauty. Follow the landscaped walkway to the inviting front entrance where the covered porch provides a tranquil setting and the atmosphere of charm cheerfully welcomes any guest. Enhanced by gas log fireplace, neutral Frieze carpeting, chair rail, crown molding, ceiling fan, and large windows, the great room is a bright, spacious room you and your family will love and enjoy.
The fully equipped kitchen features lots of cabinets, ample counter space, stainless sink, built-in microwave, dishwasher, smooth-top range, pantry, and breakfast bar. The adjacent dining area has crown molding, chair rail, updated lighting feature, and an exit to back deck. This space is large enough to seat all your guests comfortably and enhance your mealtime pleasure.
Privately located on the lower level, the master suite has ceiling fan, tall streamlined windows, and lush carpeting. The bath offers a double vanity with storage, whirlpool tub, separate shower, walk-in closet, and easy to maintain ceramic tile flooring. Spacious yet intimate - it's a tranquil place for quiet, relaxing times at the end of a long, stressful day. Two additional bedrooms with interesting architectural features and a full bath with vanity and tub/shower combination are located upstairs, providing plenty of stylish space and function for children or overnight guests.
Over the attached double car garage, you'll find an unfinished bonus area. This multi-purpose space could serve as a guest room, office, home gym, or game room. The possibilities are endless! Outdoors you can entertain all summer long or enjoy quiet, private relaxation on the large deck overlooking the backyard. Accessible from the dining area it's a casual place for expanding leisure activities to the out-of-doors.
Enjoy graceful living, beautiful surroundings, and a selective residential area, in this home that speaks the pride of ownership! Call us today at 252-439-4000 visit our websites at lizfreemanhomes.com.com or lizfreeman.com.
You'll be captivated by this four bedroom, three-bath home, where the front door opens to a wide foyer with crown molding, chair rail, archways, and polished hardwood flooring, leading guests to posh, sophisticated living areas. The vast great room with its soaring, vaulted ceiling, recessed lighting, chair rail, ceiling fan, and gas log fireplace, exits onto a lovely, spacious screened porch with ceiling fan, providing a serene setting for a quiet afternoon of relaxation, or expanding leisure activities with friends and family to the great outdoors.
Nothing is spared in the spacious gourmet kitchen featuring recessed and pendant lighting, premium wood cabinets, granite countertops, detailed tiled backsplash, crown molding, chair rail, all stainless steel appliances, and breakfast nook with chair rail, crown molding, and extra large window overlooking the backyard. Restore a forgotten family tradition, as you gather around the dinner table for a delicious home-cooked meal. Arched doorways, vaulted ceiling, impressive arched window, chair rail, exquisite chandelier, and gorgeous hardwoods offer an elegant, relaxed atmosphere in the formal dining room where you can enjoy wonderful meals with friends and neighbors. Whether its casual lunches or intimate dinners, this space offers a dining experience that's guaranteed to impress.
Spacious first floor master suite offers a sumptuous personal retreat featuring a double trey ceiling with recessed lighting, ceiling fan, wall of windows for lots of natural light, and built-in corner unit. Stress management begins in the upscale master bath with tiled whirlpool tub, separate tiled shower, separate water closet with large window, double vanity with storage, massive walk-in closet with built-ins, and detailed ceramic tile flooring. Relax, close your eyes, and let the bubbly bliss of the whirlpool wash away your day. Two additional first-floor bedrooms feature crown molding, ceiling fan, windows, and carpeting, and second bath with vanity, tub/shower combo, window, and detailed ceramic tile flooring provide plenty of stylish space and function for children or guests.
Carpeted stairs lead to huge, second level bonus room with vaulted ceiling, ceiling fan, window, lush carpeting, and access storage. This multi-purpose room could serve as a guest room, office, hobby/game room, or even an in-home gym -- the possibilities are endless. This space also leads to fourth bedroom with crown molding and large walk-in closet, as well as a second floor bath featuring vanity with storage, small window, tub/shower combo, and detailed ceramic tile flooring.
Get your motor running! Keep your vehicles looking new when you park them in the oversized, double attached garage featuring storage area and separate side entry. With a winning combination of subtle elegance, warmth, and charm, this two-story beauty is formal, yet inviting. The best of everything has gone into this stunning home....the only thing missing is you. Call today for your tour 439-4000 or 1-800-240-6303 # 3713 visit our website http://www.lizfreemanhomes.com/.
Many folks living in Greenville fantasize about running off to their own personal retreat in the mountains, at a lake or at the beach. But how do you know which vacation home is best for you?
Choosing a location
Do you want your vacation home to be in the middle of all the activity, or enjoy the peace and quiet of a secluded location? Is a condo at the mountain your cup of tea or a farmhouse tucked away in the woods? Whichever environment you prefer, here are some things you should consider:
Popularity. A house in a hot vacation market will usually cost more than a place off the beaten path. At the same time, continued popularity may help you profit from appreciation.
Proximity to your home. If you plan to visit regularly, look for a place that's easy to get to.
Rental possibilities. If you're hoping to offset some costs by renting the home for part of the year, find out about seasonal demand for rentals in the area.
Maintaining your getaway
Regular upkeep is more difficult with a vacation home than with your primary Greenville residence, but no less important. The value of the home, both as an investment and as a place you enjoy visiting, depends on good maintenance.
If your primary residence is not far from Greenville, you may want to make weekly visits to mow the lawn, water the garden, clean the gutters or shovel snow. If doing it yourself is impractical, consider hiring a vacation property management company to provide maintenance services during the times when you're not using the home.
Visit LizFreeman.com and LizFreemanHomes.com to learn more about buying a vacation home or give me a call for more personal service.
A paved walk, professional landscaping and a large wrap around front porch with ceiling fan and pendent lighting, and white pillars add lots of Southern charm to the entrance of this impressive home. A cozy foyer with glass transoms, crown molding, and gleaming hardwood floors further enhance the beauty of the entryway. The great room has gas log fireplace with marble surround, ceiling fan, crown molding, chair rail, three large windows for an abundance of natural light, two small windows, and glass transoms over doorways.
The great room also opens to a large rear deck overlooking the generous backyard. This wonderful outdoor space invites bare feet, and hours of casual entertaining with family and friends. Coffered ceiling, French doors, chair rail, large windows and gleaming hardwood floors complement the formal living area and provide the perfect setting for treasured antiques and elegant entertaining.
Experience the joy of cooking in the fully equipped kitchen with double stainless sink, custom glazed cabinetry, some with glass fronts, hardwood flooring, and breakfast nook with chandelier overlooking the backyard. Warm and welcoming, it's a family center that lets the soul of the house shine through. The formal dining room with trey ceiling, chandelier, chair rail, crown molding, glass transom doorway and hardwood flooring, is the perfect setting for old-fashioned holiday dinners with family and friends, or romantic candlelit moments with that special someone.
First floor offers a handy utility closet underneath the stairs, a laundry room with ceramic tile flooring, and a guest room with two closets; one is walk-in and full bath with custom paint. An additional third bedroom has crown molding, large window, carpeting, and doorway to full bath. Fourth bedroom has crown molding, large window, carpeting and walk-in closet, offering lots of room and privacy for children or overnight guests.
Second floor master suite boasts trey ceiling, ceiling fan, crown molding, windows, plush carpeting, and master bath with tiled whirlpool tub, separate tiled shower, large mirrored vanities that includes a dressing table, custom glazed cabinetry, large walk-in closet, and ceramic tile flooring. Beauty, glamour and function combine here, making it a soothing space to unwind and relax at the end of a long hard day.
Second level also features a huge bonus room with crown molding, two ceiling fans, walk-in closet, windows, carpeting, and eave storage. If it's more storage you need, you'll also appreciate the partially floored attic with pull down stairs. If you like the beauty of clean lines and visual excitement, look no further. With charm, warmth and traditional elegance, this is a place you'll be proud to call home. Call us and see 252-439-4000.
You'll be proud to put your name on the mailbox at this beautiful Georgian style home located in the distinguished Greenville Country Club golfing community. The front door opens up into a spacious foyer featuring a lovely chandelier, crown molding, chair railing, and radiant hardwood flooring. Beamed family room creates a comfortable space with two lovely built-ins, wood-burning fireplace with wood box, large windows, and French doors leading to the bright, cheerful sunroom featuring ceiling fan, crown molding, carpeting, and a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows, making it a perfectly serene spot for savoring the sunshine! The sunroom exits onto a massive multi-level deck and sizable treed backyard.
The formal living area with tall ceiling, artificial fireplace with mantle and dentil molding, chair rail, large windows that flood the room with lots of natural light, and gleaming hardwood floors provide the perfect setting for treasured antiques and elegant entertaining. Spice up your life in this stylish, fully function kitchen featuring large over-the-sink window, smooth top range, microwave, dishwasher, lots of cabinets, solid surface countertops, eat-in bar, pantry, and kitchen nook with bay window. Warm and welcoming, it's the room your family will head when they come home.
Lavish entertaining will be yours in the formal dining room with lovely chandelier, large windows, crown molding, chair rail, and polished hardwood floors that will set off your Oriental rugs. With room for your china cabinet and buffet too, this large space lends an air of gracious formality sure to enhance any mealtime gathering.
First floor master suite has built-ins, single closet, two walk-in closets, crown molding, chair railing, large windows, and hardwood flooring. Crown molding and ceramic tile flooring enhance the master bath, along with a garden tub, separate double shower, tiled walls, and two separate vanities with storage, placed on each side of the room for separate access and use during the early morning rush hour. Three additional bedrooms upstairs have ceiling fans, crown molding, chair railing, lots of windows for natural light, and hardwood floors underneath carpeting in two of the bedrooms. Two baths have vanities with storage, and ceramic tile flooring, providing stylish comfort and privacy for children or overnight guests.
While the kids are hanging out in their very own tree house, you can entertain all summer long, or enjoy peaceful relaxation on the large multi-level deck overlooking your beautiful backyard. And, with flowers that bloom almost all year long, including azaleas, camellias, lots of perennials, and an arbor with jasmine and decorative stones, the sprinkler system is ideal for helping your landscape flourish and survive all season long. It's sure to make your yard the envy of the neighborhood.
Enjoy graceful living, beautiful surroundings, and a pristine 18-hole golf course, when you own this home that speaks the pride of ownership!
Call us today 439-4000 or 1-800-240-6303 #2112 or visit us on the web at LizFreeman.com and LizFreemanHomes.com to learn more about Greenville real estate.
It doesn't matter if you are moving across town or across the country, moving is stressful! But a little planning can go a long way to making the move to your new Greenville home less stressful. Below are 10 time-saving tips for a hassle-free move.
1. Make a list.
Create a week-by-week checklist of everything that needs doing. Start 60 days prior to your move and include the most trivial items. Staying on schedule will eliminate a lot of headaches, especially the closer you get to moving day.
2. Hire a quality moving company.
If the quote you get from a moving company seems too good to be true...it probably is! An unreliable company will cost you more in the long run, so be sure to check out the companies you interview with the Better Business Bureau.
Now is the perfect time to get rid of items you haven't used in the last few years. Why pack, move and unpack something you most likely won't use in your next Greenville home? Discard it now rather than later.
4. Create a system.
Create a color coded boxing system with a different color for each room in the house. Only pack items for a specific room in specific boxes. Let your movers know which colors correspond to which room so they will put the boxes in the correct room.
5. Unplug.
Most movers won't unplug appliances, computers, etc. Before the movers arrive, disconnect all appliances, electrical equipment and lighting fixtures that go to your new Greenville home.
6. Stock up on packing supplies.
Don't run out of packing tape the morning of the move; have plenty of packing supplies on hand. Early on in the moving process, start gathering boxes, tape, bubble wrap, newsprint, box cutters and markers. Try to save time and the environment by packing with materials you already have. Load up suitcases and plastic containers and use pillows, scarves and towels to "wrap" fragile items.
7. Pack a moving survival kit.
Pack a "last-to-go" box with all of the necessities-toiletries, snacks, important documents-and keep it with you instead of packing it in moving truck.
8. Clean it up.
An empty house is much easier to clean than one with boxed stacked everywhere. Clean your new home before you move in so you can concentrate on unpacking after the movers leave.
9. Create a floor plan.
Prior to the move, create a floor plan with graph paper and cutouts for the furniture. Plan where the furniture will go so the movers can put it in the right place the first time and you don't have to move it around later.
10. Change service prior to the move.
Arrange for your mail, utilities, phone, cable, Internet and any other services to be transferred prior to the move so you don't have a lapse in service. There is nothing worse than not having water, heat or air conditioning on moving day!
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
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Choosing a location
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