December “Must Do’s” for Homeowners

It’s the last month of the year and what a year it has been. During some portion of this year, we have all been locked into our homes working, teaching children, working out along with many other things. But I bet you didn’t stop to do any of these things. Here is my list of items you need to do this month before we head into a brand-new year!

• Clean all your light fixtures and the bulbs in them. Now that the days are shorter, you want as much light as you can get and that includes clean bulbs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, dirty bulbs give you 30 percent less light than clean ones. Use a solution of water white vinegar and a touch of dish soap to clean them up. Fewer chemicals, better for you.
• Call your insurance agent to get a home insurance checkup. Go over the coverage that you have and determine how much of it you really need. Ask how you can lower your premiums before the next payment. Whether it be monthly or yearly from your escrow.
• Create a home emergency kit. In the winter months where it snows you must have a kit for cold emergencies. In the fall months in the deep south, you need to have a hurricane kit. You can include items like bottled water, a radio with a hand crank, a flashlight or two, batteries, a portable charger, blankets, a first-aid kit.
• After December 25th buy your holiday lights for next year. The day after Christmas, sales are huge, and this is a great time to find deals on Christmas decorations priced at least half price.

Real Estate News

HouseCanary has reported that the craving for high-end single-family homes is surging around the U.S. From the start of the pandemic in March to the end of November, the number of single-family detached homes priced over $1 million to enter under contract jumped to 28.8 percent compared with last year.

However, single-family homes below $200,000 contracts have fallen by 13.7 percent compared to last year. This data is supporting a desire for buyers to upgrade to larger homes with more amenities. Working remotely and spending more time at home has made buyers realize they need larger spaces. And these larger spaces often cost more money.

The CEO of HouseCanary anticipates that the housing market will maintain the status quo through year-end but there may be a significant shift next year. For now, this demand is motivating potential sellers to sell their current homes. Many are empty nesters downsizing, some are just taking advantage of the higher market so they can in turn invest in an upgraded property.

Local Greenville SC News

Greer is looking to approval several developments soon. These include a 120-unit townhome community, a medical office, an industrial park, and the possible conversion of a hotdog stand. Also, another development that includes 50 new townhomes and 80 new single-family homes is called Saddlebrook Farm. Church & Stone is a 43-unit townhome community located in Greenville. Plan approval is being sought for a new medical office near Riverside High School.

Victoria Cottle is a Realtor? in the Greenville South Carolina area and if you, a friend, or a family member need assistance with selling or buying a home I can help. Referrals and people needing relocation assistance are welcome! Search Single Family homes in Greenville. Search Condos and Townhomes in Greenville.