buildgreenville

213 Rogers Ave. | English Tudor Cottage

Tue, 07 Jan 2020 13:18:15 GMT

213 Rogers Ave. | English Tudor Cottage

New Home Of The Week | English Tudor Cottage

$260,500

213 Rogers Ave.| Greenville, SC 29617

(864)-360-6940

This week’s real estate new home of the week features an English Tudor Cottage home in historic Sans Souci. New construction with a classic design….This home was built with the past in mind. In keeping with the charm of the streets of the Sans Souci community this home features an English Tudor Cottage exterior design paired with a timeless classic interior color palette & design (including real copper accents on the exterior).

What Is An English Tudor Style House?

Tudor architecture developed in England in the late 15th and early 16th century during the beginning of the reign of the Tudor monarchs. It mixed elements of Renaissance architecture with elements of a late English medieval style called Perpendicular Gothic, that emphasized vertical lines.

English Tudor homes are characterized by their steeply pitched gable roofs, focal front facing chimneys (often with chimney pots), embellished doorways, groupings of windows, and decorative half-timbering. See infographic below:

Check out the transformation:

This home has a custom feel at an affordable price including real copper accents, open kitchen/living concept, custom wood island countertop, granite countertops throughout, matching granite backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and a barn door in the master.

213 Rogers Avenue in historic Sans Souci brought to you by BuildGREENville!

More Photos | HERE

202 Paris Mtn Ave. | Sans Souci

Sun, 11 Feb 2018 13:05:34 GMT

202 Paris Mtn Ave. | Sans Souci

Real Estate | New Home of The WEEK

$247,900

202 Paris Mtn. Ave, Greenville, SC 29617

(864)-360-6940

This week’s real estate new home of the week features a 1930’s Sans Souci Bungalow That Was Rehabbed With The Past In Mind. Hardwood Floors & Ceramic Tile Through Out. Granite Countertops With A Two-Tone Cabinet Package & Glass Subway Tile Accent This Kitchen’s Open Concept. Huge Master Suite, With Full Walk In Closet, Sitting Area & A Bathroom Finished With Marble Herrringbone Tile.Location- 3 Miles From Downtown Greenville.

Check out this beautiful kitchen….

The master bathroom…

And the guest bathroom...

More Photos | HERE

Inspiration Renovation | 805 N. Franklin Rd.

Sun, 28 Jan 2018 12:56:04 GMT

Inspiration Renovation | 805 N. Franklin Rd.

Real Estate | New Home of The WEEK

$239,900

805 N. Franklin Rd, Greenville, SC 29617

Set Up A Showing | (864)-360-6940

This week’s real estate new home of the week features a 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom 1930’s Tudor Bungalow. It Is A Sans Souci Show Stopper! Rehabbed With The Past In Mind, Encaustic Art Tile & The Original Pine and Oak Floors Continue This Home’s Retro Profile. New Kitchen, Bathroom, Roof & Electrical. This Character Filled Home Includes A Partially Unfinished Laundry Basement, Backyard Dog Park & Stainless Steel Appliances. (Even The Refrigerator) Location- 3 Miles From Downtown Greenville.

Check out this beautiful kitchen….

The retro bathroom…

And a great open floor plan…

More Photos | HERE

Milestone – Inspiration Home

Thu, 11 Jan 2018 12:17:26 GMT

Milestone - Inspiration Home

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TOP 6 GREENVILLE BRAVES PLAYERS OF ALL TIME

Tue, 07 Nov 2017 11:22:42 GMT

TOP 6 GREENVILLE BRAVES PLAYERS OF ALL TIME

Do you remember going to a Greenville Braves game at the Greenville Municipal Stadium? I know I do, they were such a major staple here in the city before we were the “booming metropolis” in the state. So many nights at the park with my glove, Greenville Braves hat, and a bunch of those ice creams in the upside down helmet (you know what I’m talking about). The team had their highs and lows throughout the years, with arguably their best season coming in 1992. A few of the guys on this list help guide them into the history books in becoming the Southern League’s first 100-game winner. So without further ado, here are some of the biggest names in baseball (in no particular order) to come through # yeahTHATgreenville !

1.) Tom Glavine – LHP

Arguably the most famous ace to ever throw a pitch for the Atlanta Braves, Tom was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014. But did you know this World Series MVP spent time here in Greenville as well? Tom most recently visited the city to lend a hand to the Furman Baseball program . He had this so say about Greenville:

“This city was a blast. Nothing like it is now. The renovation they’ve done here is unbelievable, but it was a fun place to play minor league ball and a fun place to be.”

Seasons With The Greenville Braves: 1986

MLB Awards: MLB Hall of Fame, NL Cy Young Award (2), MLB All Star (10), World Series MVP, Silver Slugger Winner (4), NL League Leader in Wins (5), 300 Career games won.

Fun Fact: One of Tom’s favorite foods is Lasagna, and even has his own recipe. Get it HERE .

2.) Larry Wayne “Chipper” Jones – 3B

Chipper was the first player drafted in 1990 and joined the Greenville Braves during their successful 1992 campaign, making quite the impact. Playing at shortstop he batted an impressive .346, while collecting 37 extra base hits in only 266 at bats. Despite his brief stint, he was named to the Southern League All-Star team while also being selected Double-A player of the year. He is considered the best switch hitter to ever play the game.

Seasons With The Greenville Braves: 1992

MLB Awards: MLB All-Star (8), NL Silver Slugger Award (2), NL Batting Champion (1), NL MVP (1), Sporting News Rookie of the Year Award (1), First Player Drafted in 1990

Fun Fact: Jones received the nickname “Chipper” from his father and other family members, who saw the younger Larry as a “chip off the old block.”

3.) Javy Lopez – C

From the batters box, the ’92 Braves were led by their hard-hitting catcher, Javy Lopez (.321-16-60). He was a mainstay during the season and his performance garnered him All-Star honors. The Ponce, Puerto Rico native then move up and continued what was an amazing career in the MLB.

Seasons With The Greenville Braves: 1992

MLB Awards: MLB All-Star (3), NLCS MVP (1), Silver Slugger Award (1)

Fun Fact: Lopez lives in Suwanee, GA no and enjoys: golfing, fishing, swimming, playing cornhole with the neighbors.

4.) Andruw Jones – CF

Andruw Jones is no doubt one of the best center fielders to play the game. Before making the jump to the big leagues, this young phenom spent part-time with the Double-A Greenville Braves in 1996. He made his MLB debut later that year on August 15 and never looked back. In the 1996 World Series, Jones became the youngest player ever to hit a home run in the postseason, and just the second player ever to homer in his first two World Series at bats. See it HERE .

Seasons With The Greenville Braves: 1992

MLB Awards: NL All-Star (5), Gold Glove Award (10), Silver Slugger Award (1), NL Hank Aaron Award (1), MLB Home Run Leader (1), NL RBI Leader (1)

Fun Fact: Lopez lives in Suwanee, GA no and enjoys: golfing, fishing, swimming, playing cornhole with the neighbors.NL All-Star (5), Gold Glove Award (10), Silver Slugger Award (1), NL Hank Aaron Award (1), MLB Home Run Leader (1), NL RBI Leader (1)

5) David Justice – RF, DH

With a picture-perfect left-handed hitting swing, Justice is thought by many to be the best clutch hitter in Atlanta franchise history. He played in 112 postseason games, including 36 in six World Series, winning two titles, one with the Braves and the other with the Yankees. In 1998, between the Double-A Braves and Triple-A Richmond he hit a combined .238 with 17 home runs and 65 RBIs, penciling him as the Atlanta Braves future right fielder. And the rest, as they say…is history!

Seasons With The Greenville Braves: 1992

MLB Awards: NL All-Star (3) NL Rookie of the Year (1), Silver Slugger Award (2), ALCS MVP (1)

Fun Fact: David was previously married to the famous Halle Berry

6) Adam Wainwright – RHP

The Atlanta Braves selected Adam Wainwright with the 29th pick in the first round of the 2000 MLB Amateur Draft. He moved his way up the minor league ranks and joined Greenville in 2003. He posted good numbers, finishing the 2003 season with a 3.37 ERA across 27 games started. Also, Wainwright tied his career-high minor league win total with 10 wins. He was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals later that season.

Seasons With The Greenville Braves: 2003

MLB Awards: MLB All-Star (3), Gold Glove Award (2), NL Wins Leader (2), Hutch Award (1)

Fun Fact: His favorite TV show of all time is The Sopranos

7 FACTS ABOUT THE OLD GREENVILLE BRAVES

Fri, 03 Nov 2017 11:58:11 GMT

7 FACTS ABOUT THE OLD GREENVILLE BRAVES

Some of us remember the days before “#yeahThatGreenville,” the days when we were just little ole’ Greenville, SC. Entertainment was simple back then, anyone between the ages of 5 and 65 spent Friday nights right off of Mauldin Road at Greenville Memorial Stadium. Mauldin was home to our AA Greenville Braves, or “G-Braves” if you were local. Greats like Chipper Jones & Tom Glavine to the “shy & humble” closer from Georgia, John Rocker, those games were star-studded. Looking back on how many G-Braves actually made it to the “Bigs,” makes me even more proud of Greenville, SC. So if you are new(ish) to Greenville and want to be able to wear the Old Greenville Braves hat with confidence, here are 7 facts that should catch you up.

1. 21 Years Of Baseball Greatness

From 1984- 2004 the Greenville Braves graced us with their presence. Home to Shoeless Joe Jackson, Greenville, SC has always been a baseball town. In the Textile Baseball Leagues of the early 1900’s baseball provided not only a healthy distraction from the average 12- hour work day, but created an entire social events in the 5+ mill villages within a couple miles of Main Street. Fast forward 90 years and for a small town in the Upstate South Carolina, the G-Braves provided the same dynamic.

2. Atlanta Braves’ Farm Team

Back when everyone watched baseball, everyone was an Atlanta Braves fan, well at least you were if you lived in Greenville,SC. Watching stars before they became stars was part of the Vintage Greenville Braves experience. Future Atlanta Brave greats like Chipper Jones, Andruw Jones, Tom Glavine & David Justice all wore the Old Greenville Braves Hat before making it big.

Chipper Jones Dawning The Old Greenville Braves Hat (1991)

“This city was a blast. Nothing like it is now. The renovation they’ve done here is unbelievable, but it was a fun place to play minor league ball and a fun place to be albeit you didn’t want to be there any longer than you had to be there.”

Tom Glavine

3. Greenville Municipal Stadium

Currently Conestee Park , Greenvilel Municipal was was built in 1984 and holds 7,048 people. It is located on Mauldin Road off exit 46C on I-85. The Braves played all of their seasons at this location. The idea of the Greenville Drive playing in Mauldin today, doesn’t sound too crazy, but remember, this was the 80’s, Mauldin was out there just like Woodruff Rd. had zero traffic.

4. Super Retro | Old Greenville Braves Hat

From caterpillar mustaches to guy’s nailing the whole “I’m an athlete, but i am also a dad” look. These guys were the REAL deal. Check out these 80’s studs rocking their Old Greenville Braves Hats.

“I am an athlete, but i am also a dad look”

5. They Were Winners

1992 Greenville Braves :“At 100-43 (.699), Greenville was the best team in the Eastern Division by 30 games, was 10 games better than Chattanooga from the West and defeated Charlotte and Chattanooga in the playoffs to win the league crown. Managed by Grady Little, Greenville outscored its opponents by 258 runs and set league records for most wins, fewest losses, best road record (50-23) and most shutouts (24). The Braves led the league in runs, home runs, stolen bases, batting average, slugging percentage and ERA, among other categories. Catcher Javy Lopez was the league’s MVP. Chipper Jones, who came up to play shortstop when former South Alabama star Mike Mordecai was promoted to Richmond, was among the 11 position players, plus 10 pitchers, who made it to the big leagues from the Atlanta Braves’ farm team.”

Hats Off To The 1992 Champ

6. Kind of A Crappy Stadium But Everyone Was There

The G-Braves, as we called them, took pride in the fact that they were the only AA baseball club “in the world” to draw more than 200,000 fans per year for 17 consecutive seasons . ( Greenville County’s population was just over 300,000 in 1995) Watching guys like Chipper Jones, while eating dip & dots ice cream and wearing your Old Greenville Brave’s hat in Mauldin was a Friday night well spent for the majority of us Greenville locals.

7. End Of An Era

In September 2004, after a year long negotiation with the city the Braves announced they were leaving for Mississippi, where a city there would build them a stadium that Greenville couldn’t. As the guy in the below non- smartphone generated video says, “Old Greenville Braves, this is sad.” That being said, Greenville has always been a city that works a plan, after seeing how far we have come the last 13 years and hearing about the Mississippi Braves’ latest stadium and the 392 Million Dollars in public funding it received, it is probably for the best :)

Projects

Tue, 10 Oct 2017 12:20:37 GMT

Projects

Welcome to BuildGREENville. Our site was created out of our extreme passion for five topics: Greenville, South Carolina, real estate, new construction, green building, and most importantly, the amazing people that make up the Upstate.

Current Projects

213 Rogers Ave. | Sans Souci

3 Bedroom / 2 Bath – 1,310 sq. ft.

New Construction | Tudor Revival | Style is adapted from Medieval and Renaissance English architecture. This home just finished framing and will be for sale early August. Master is on the main floor, open kitchen concept with large central island, and 9 ft ceilings are just a few of the features to look forward to.

Project Photos Coming Soon

Previous Projects

805 N. Franklin Rd. | Sans Souci

3 Bedroom / 1 Bath – 1,400 sq. ft.

Beautiful brick home in Sans Souci. where we did a complete interior up fit, dubbed the Inspiration Renovation! 3 Bedroom / 1 Bath – 1,400 sq. ft.

See Entire Project HERE

202 Paris Mtn. Avenue | Sans Souci

2 Bedroom / 1 Bath – 950 sq. ft.

Very fun project by Harts Homes where we turned the home into a 3br/2ba adding a 400 sq. ft. master suite. 3 Bedroom / 2 Bath – 1,350 sq. ft.

See Entire Project HERE

107 W Decatur Street | Sans Souci

3 Bedroom / 1 Bath – 1,150 sq. ft.

Complete renovation took a total of 14 days. A total of 18 days and 12 hours from the day we closed to the day we received an offer.

See Entire Project HERE

110 Maco Street | Nicholtown

2 Bedroom / 1 Bath – 1,120 sq. ft.

Completely renovated from top to bottom. Brand new everything. Located in beautiful Nicholtown.

See Entire Project HERE

8 E. Decatur Street | Sans Souci

3 Bedroom / 2 Bath – 1,150 sq. ft.

One of our first properties. When purchased, this house was in a real need of a tune-up. Completely gutted and rehabbed, 2 months later it was under contact.

See Entire Project HERE

9 Must-Have Local Christmas Gifts | Greenville, SC

Fri, 16 Dec 2016 12:56:06 GMT

9 Must-Have Local Christmas Gifts | Greenville, SC

With the holidays literally right around the corner, you’re probably scouring shops and websites for the perfect local Christmas gift for everyone on your list. But look no further; we’ve rounded up a list of homemade, handcrafted and hand-stitched gifts made right here in our home town of Greenville, SC . This list of 9 local Christmas gifts is sure to cover everyone on your list!

1.) Wood Beam Anchor Bracelet – Maritime Supply Co.

Maritime Supply Co. specialize in rustic, coastal themed jewelry. Each of their anchors is hand casted and hand finished in here in Greenville SC. They have partnered with Water for Life International and donate 10% of our net profits to further support the provision of clean, disease-free water in West Africa and India.

Get yours before Christmas…. BUY ONLINE HERE

2.) GVL Tees – Greenville Clothing Co.

Greenville Clothing Co. is a new lifestyle brand in Greenville SC. Their online store launched earlier this year, offering up 8 designs that represent #WearWeLive. They use a local printing and shipping company and even make their own designs. Recently they had some super cool Retro Greenville Braves Hats, but unfortunately they sold out in one day (sad face). They print on tri-blend tees, resulting in shirts so soft you won’t want to take them off. Be sure to add one of their tee’s to your Christmas wish-list!

Get yours before Christmas…. BUY ONLINE HERE

3.) The Worlds Best Moonshine – Dark Corner Distillery

For the 21+ customers this is an absolute must! Dark Corner Distillery is a craft micro distillery located in Greenville, South Carolina. Their focus is on producing small batches of “The World’s Best Moonshine,”aged whiskey, gin, absinthe and other distilled spirits while educating locals and tourists alike about our rich Appalachian heritage. This is an awesome local Christmas gift for all of the whiskey drinking fathers out there.

Get yours before Christmas…. BUY ONLINE HERE

4.) Hand Crafted Bark Candles – We Took to the Woods

We took to the Woods offers candles that are created with the same ideas that inspired their store. Their store shop is meant to involve all the senses that each season awakens, while at the same time embracing the change that comes with the turning of time. (Tons of local Christmas Gifts there) The candles are meant to be enjoyed in subtlety, stirring memories of the past while creating memories for the future. To top it off all candles are handcrafted from start to finish in Greenville, SC.

Get yours before Christmas…. BUY ONLINE HERE

5.) Herb Garden Soap – Augusta Twenty

Nestled in the historic West End district of downtown Greenville, Augusta Twenty proudly offers online clients from around the globe the same level of personalized service that has made the brick-and-mortar boutique a regional mainstay since its inception in 2002. Owner Jennifer Houde and manager Melissa Stroud have been in the apparel industry for decades and have done an amazing job bringing that feel to our home city. “Our favorite local vendor is Herb Garden Soaps who offers up healthy skin-care products. All of their soaps are created with herbs, spices, flowers, fruit fibers and clays.”

Get yours before Christmas… BUY ONLINE HERE

6.) Cherry, Chocolate, Berry Coffee Beans – Methodical

Methodical is one of the coolest coffee shops to ever hit Greenville. Owners David, Will, and Marco have done a fantastic job at making everyone that walks into their store feel like a regular. They even offer take home coffee beans from countries such as: Colombia, Ethiopia, El Salvador and Kenya. Choose your favorite for a great start to your Christmas morning.

Get yours before Christmas…. BUY ONLINE HERE

7.) Greenville Popcorn Mix – Poppington’s Popcorn

There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about popcorn. Bob and Rose opened their doors in 2012 and never looked back. Poppington’s Popcorn offers up an array of flavors with favorites such as: buffalo wing, dark seas-salt chocolate, habanero caramel and more. They love putting smiles on customer’s faces and heavily support the saying that “Every Day is a Popcorn Day”

Get yours before Christmas…. BUY ONLINE HERE

8.) Hand Crafted Salt and Pepper Mill – Kings Woodshop

Where no two pieces are exactly alike, The Kings Woodshop offers up handmade wooden treasures and is one of my favorite on our list of local Christmas gifts. They have had an online presence since 2010. Their pieces are fairly priced and reflect the time and effort required to hand make a wooden treasure one-at-a-time. You will be proud to display this in your home or give as a heartfelt gift.

Get yours before Christmas…. BUY ONLINE HERE

9.) Book – Mice On Main

A must own for every Greenville lover. As we all know there are 9 bronze mice hidden throughout downtown. What we don’t know is why or how it all started. The book tells the story of 9 pet mice who find their favorite places on Main Street. . The trio, Jim Ryan, Zan Wells, and Linda Kelly brought the book to life in 2008 and never looked back. The full story is amazing and a quick read at their website will explain in full detail. This is a great local Christmas gift for children.

Get yours before Christmas…. BUY ONLINE HERE

“Pokemon Go” In Greenville (Interactive Map)

Thu, 14 Jul 2016 13:10:01 GMT

“Pokemon Go” In Greenville (Interactive Map)

Have you caught on to the virtual gaming craze , Pokemon Go, that has revived a beloved 1990s Nintendo game and nearly knocked Twitter off its pedestal? The former kids’ gaming sensation was launched by Niantic as a mobile app for adults last week in the U.S., Australia and New Zealand.

Greenville Reddit users have provided an assist for those residents wanting to scour every corner of town for “Pokemon Go” points by compiling a user-friendly Google map of about 150 Pokestops at gyms, offices and businesses across the city.

If you are into Pokemon Go in Greenville make sure to head downtown, where there is an influx of pokemon, pokestops, and pokegyms. Check out the crowdsourced map below for dozens of specific locations. If you have another spot, feel free to add it to the map.

Pokemon Go in Greenville Recommendation

According to Mapquest Parachute Downtown is the center of the Pokemon universe in the area. A walk down Main Street will fully stock you up on pokeballs as well give you access to 25+ different types of pokemon. There are several gyms as well, but they do change hands quickly. Falls Park is a goldmine of action. With the combination of both grass and water, this is a prime spot to find a variety of Pokemon. Check here for tips on where to find Pokemon in Greenville SC . Just check out the map of main street below:

Rumor has it that on July 21 there will be a Pokemon Go trainer meet up and pub-crawl and meet up. Wear your favorite Pokemon attire and meet at Upstate Craft Beer Company at 6:30 p.m. to leave toward downtown at 7 p.m.

Follow the groups “ Pokemon Go – Greenville SC ” or “ 864 Pokemon Go ” on Facebook represent your team. (Valor, Mystic, Instinct)

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5 New Homes For Sale in Simpsonville | 29680 | Under 200k

Mon, 11 Jul 2016 13:22:16 GMT

5 New Homes For Sale in Simpsonville | 29680 | Under 200k

New construction is a desirable option for several reasons, but finding a new home for sale in Simpsonville, SC that is move in ready and under $200,000 is not an easy task. Here are 5 brand new homes for sale in Simpsonville, SC 29680 under 200k. From a “Charleston Style” home with tons of upgrades, to a traditional one-story with a bonus room on a cul-de- sac lot, this list has something for everyone. Currently Eastwood Homes is also contributing up to $6,000 if buyers use one of three preferred lenders.

[metaslider id=18322]

*****The official MLS listings are here , shoot me a call or email to schedule a viewing today.

Top 10 Greenville Instagram Accounts

Fri, 08 Jul 2016 13:41:31 GMT

Top 10 Greenville Instagram Accounts

You may have guessed it by now, but we’re pretty much in love with Greenville, SC . It’s no surprise that there’s a wealth of inspiring Greenville Instagram accounts by creative GVL locals. We put together a list (in no particular order) of our favorite foodies, artists, and explorers who each contribute to a visual tapestry of life in our wonderful and diverse city.

1. @Visitgreenvillesc

Visit Greenville SC is the official destination tourism account for Greenville, with a hefty following of 17.3k people from Greenville and afar. It is mostly user submitted photos using the now very popular hashtag, #yeahthatgreenville.

2. @Swamprabbitcafe

Swamp Rabbit Cafe is a local food market, bakery, and cafe. They sell produce, meat, milk and groceries from over 150 different small family farms and producers. Their Greenville Instagram page definitely brings a pop of color and fresh food thrill to their 14.7k followers.

3. @Methodicalcoffee

Methodical Coffee has been serving speciality coffee to Greenville since the winter of 2015. Including pour overs, cold brews, siphon coffee, and several other special seasonal drinks. Though coffee is their thing, these guys have esthetics and design down to a science (just like their coffee), which their Greenville Instagram account sure shows to their 14.4k followers.

4. @Gvltoday

GVLtoday is a new daily newsletter about whats going on in Greenville each day, curated just for you. Though newly launched, their instagram reaches almost 10k followers regarding all things Greenville; from food, live music, festivals, and other attractions.

5. @Tandem_cc

Tandem is located about 20 minutes from downtown Greenville. They serve sweet and savory seasonal crepes as well as absolutely delicious pour over coffee. Their Greenville Instagram page shows their over 8,000 followers together really is best.

6. @Billiamjeans

Billiam is a Greenville based homemade jean brand. Their Greeenville Instagram page shows their over 7,000 followers an inside look at their shop, processing, and team. Not to mention, they donate 20 percent of our their-end profit to Wellsping Living in Atlanta to fight sex trafficking.

7. @Theupstatefoodie

One of the most eye appealing accounts out there, The Upstate Foodie provides mouth-watering photos of all things delicious in the Greenville area. Serving up detailed restaurant reviews of the best food in the city, good luck following without getting hungry!

8. @Thejaredcollection

Jared Emerson is a Greenville based artist and performance artist. His studio is a part of the Arts Crossing district in downtown Greenville. He participates in local art, church based, and music events. This Instagram reaches over 5,700 Greenville art lovers. He may originally be from Michigan, but we’re proud to claim him as apart of the Greenville community now!

9. @Cityofgreenville

This page is the official Instagram account for the City of Greenville. They share photos of things going on in and around Greenville with their almost 5,700 followers.

10. @Gvilleevents

The Greenville Events Instagram account shares photos from events going on around town to over 6,000 followers. Including the large outdoor concerts and festivals which Greenville is known for.

Home Of The Week | Lismore Park

Thu, 16 Jun 2016 13:51:56 GMT

Home Of The Week | Lismore Park

Real Estate | New Home of The WEEK

$197,059

112 Vauburen Court, Greer SC 29650

MLS #1318356

This week’s new home of the week features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, maple cabinetry, an open style kitchen with eating area and breakfast bar. There are 10 foot ceilings in great room, an elegant gas fireplace, master walk-in-closet, dual sinks & separate tub and shower in master bathroom.

3 Bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | Hardwoods in Foyer | 2 Car Garage

View Floor Plan | Laurens

Check out this open kitchen…

Learn about the benefits of new construction. This home comes with a 10 year structural warranty and everything in the home from workmanship to materials is covered by Eastwood Home your first year of ownership.

Home Of The Week | Griffin Park

Mon, 16 May 2016 13:59:17 GMT

Home Of The Week | Griffin Park

Real Estate | New Home of The WEEK

$177,429

12 Hatcher Creek, Simpsonville, SC 29680

This week’s real estate new home of the week features a 2 Huge bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 5 -inch hardwood floors and a spacious kitchen. This USDA eligible new home is in Eastwood Home’s Griffin Park

View Floor Plan | Oakley

Check out this awesome Kitchen….

The Best Burger Joint in Greenville SC?

Tue, 12 Apr 2016 14:09:23 GMT

The Best Burger Joint in Greenville SC?

Who doesn’t love a good burger joint? Unique burgers, great beer, yummy sides, relaxed atmosphere… what’s not to love at Grill Marks ?! Located in the heart of downtown Greenville , with a patio perfect for people watching, and indoor dining complete with full bar and wide-screen TVs, Grill Marks delivers atmosphere and a taste of the unexpected.

Everything at Grill Marks is served a la carte. So, no, fries aren’t included with your burger, but order the fries–worth every penny! All of their sides are a perfect match for a burger, but luckily you don’t have to choose just one! Grill Marks offers a “three way,” a selection of three sides so you can try them all. So, go ahead, order the Blue Cheese and Pimento Fries, Onion Rings, and Fried Pickles… you know you want to!

The Portobello Napoleon was an unlikely addition to their appetizer menu, but offers a lighter, and just as tasty, option! Two thick, grilled Portobello mushrooms are topped with tomatoes, grilled onion, brie cheese, and pesto. If you enjoy a classic wedge salad with no fuss, then I would highly recommend the Marks Wedge. Crisp iceberg lettuce is topped with crunchy bacon, bleu cheese crumbles, diced tomatoes, and finished with a drizzle of blue cheese dressing.

Grill Marks’ burgers are a step above the rest. I thoroughly enjoyed reading through the interesting combinations with many inventive and scrumptious choices. They even have a burger called “The Boneafide” topped with brie, red wine butter, bone marrow, and demi glace. Talk about decadence! Grill Marks also gives customers the option of upgrading their burger to a DeBragga dry aged patty for $3.99 more.

Normally I’m a fan of the classic, no-nonsense burger, but Grill Marks may have changed my ways after trying their “Hawaiian Punch.” This one of a kind burger is topped with applewood smoked bacon, pepper-jack cheese, grilled pineapple, jalapeno pesto, lettuce and tomato. With every bite you get a kick of spice from the cheese and pesto, and then a hint of sweetness from the pineapple. Combine all of those flavors with a toasted, soft bun and you have yourself a true burger experience. You just can’t order a burger without fries, so I indulged in the White Truffle Parmesan Fries. These fries are crispy and topped with a dusting of parmesan cheese and a hint of truffle flavor, served with a side of dijonnaise for your dipping pleasure.

Grill Marks famous milkshakes come in two varieties. The classic shake is spun with house-made Madagascar vanilla ice cream, but if you’re feeling adventurous, go for the “Shaketails” which are milkshakes minus the milk, add liquor! The S’Mores Shaketail is spun up with s’mores vodka, chocolate, graham cracker, and mashmallows. My sweet ending to the meal came in the form of the classic Caramel Espresso milkshake. It was sweet, creamy, and made caramel and espresso an irresistible combo.

Great burgers, inventive toppings, craft beer… and alcoholic milkshakes!? It almost sounds too good to be true. Realize the dream at Grill Marks!

Check out the full menu HERE !

The Best Meal In Greenville ?!? | Larkin’s On The River

Thu, 31 Mar 2016 14:17:28 GMT

The Best Meal In Greenville ?!? | Larkin’s On The River

When someone asks where to get the best steak in Greenville, Larkin’s on the River is consistently at the top of the list. Sitting on the edge of the Reedy River, Larkin’s is the ideal spot for relaxing, dining on high-quality food, and simply enjoying others’ company. Larkin’s specializes in the quality, cut, and decadence of their steaks. From Filet Mignon and Ribeyes to their reserved DeBRAGGA Wagyu New York Strip, you can count on perfection. While their steaks are monumental, I was impressed by the full experience from start to finish.

Larkin’s menu offers a wide-variety of items without causing a migraine deciding what to order! Each of their starters is southern at heart with an elegant twist. I highly recommend the Calamari Steak, not your typical fried, chewy calamari. Tender chunks of herb-crusted calamari are served alongside sautéed spinach and drizzled with a rich and flavorful mustard beurre blanc: simple, delicious, and satisfying.

Larkin’s is famous for their She Crab Soup. Naturally, when I saw a special that featured a crab cake and fried green tomato stack with the She Crab Soup poured over the top, I couldn’t resist! For a taste of the best that southern food has to offer, this is the starter for you.

Larkin’s takes the classic spinach salad to a whole new level with their Spinach, Arugula, and Goat Cheese salad. The spinach and arugula is dressed with a bacon, tomato, and balsamic vinaigrette and then topped with a generous serving of warm peppered goat cheese. Be sure to take a bite that incorporates each and every component of this dish, including the spiced pecans!

Now for the star of the show…The Larkin’s Signature Bone-In Filet Mignon is simply out of this world. I almost didn’t want to cut into this beautiful cut of meat due to the sheer beauty of this dish. As if the steak isn’t rich enough, they serve it atop creamy smoked Gouda mashed potatoes. The meat cut like butter and had a flavorful, earthy crust that complemented the potatoes perfectly. If you want to truly eat like a king or queen, this is the dish for you.

To finish off a meal like this, dessert is a must. Their Bourbon Bread Pudding was highly recommended, but overshadowed by their Chocolate Lava Cake, also a customer favorite. This is no Applebee’s lava cake my friends! A Larkin’s tradition, this sinful treat has an authentic, rich chocolate flavor and is served with homemade vanilla ice cream and fresh berries.

Larkin’s on the River is to the restaurant scene as a great pair of jeans are to the fashion scene; they will simply never go out of style. Whether you have company in town to impress, or want to unwind with friends, Larkin’s is waiting by the river!

46 Greenville Postcards That You Have Never Seen Before

Mon, 21 Mar 2016 14:51:58 GMT

46 Greenville Postcards That You Have Never Seen Before

Here is a glimpse of some of the oldest postcards from Greenville SC ! Each card is followed by the back side, most containing descriptions of the picture on the front. Some of them are even stamped, with the oldest one here being from 1905! Scroll to the Right –>

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Wouldn’t it be amazing if you could briefly go back in time? See what life was like 100 years ago? If you and me are anything alike, we both are constantly on our phones/computers. Texting, Emailing, checking social media…constantly being updated with information. Could you imagine having to write a handwritten postcard to someone far away? The hope that the postcard actually makes it to the recipient and they would write it back. To a loved one in a different country, maybe to family back home. Just think of the 3 of your close friends not in the same city as you and if you had to write postcards to stay in touch with them. Would you still be close?

Which one is your favorite? All postcards are available for purchase HERE !

New Home Of The Week | 6 Hawksbill Lane

Wed, 09 Mar 2016 15:01:35 GMT

New Home Of The Week | 6 Hawksbill Lane

3.9.16

Real Estate | New Home of The WEEK

$189,464

6 Hawksbill Lane , Simpsonville, SC 29680

This week’s real estate new home of the week features a 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms a HUGE bonus room and a spacious kitchen. This USDA eligible new home is in Eastwood Home’s Watermill Pond . (W. Georgia Road)

3 Bedrooms | 2.5 bathrooms | Bonus Room |Formal Dining Room

View Floor Plan | Hawthorne

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“Should I Wait To Buy A House?” | Economics 101

Tue, 08 Mar 2016 15:17:16 GMT

“Should I Wait To Buy A House?” | Economics 101

“Next Year” always seems like a much better time to do something a little tough, particularly if that something might put you out of our comfort zone. Be it starting a new workout or the seemingly HUGE task of buying or building a new home. Recently a Facebook post by the leader of Greenville Real Estate team, The Haro Group, Haro Setian got me thinking. How much money are buyers really leaving on the table when they have a year long “think about it” session.

Over the last several months i have heard a reoccurring question, “it is a little tough to find the perfect home, should i wait to buy a house?” As a home builder I personally know that construction and land costs have continued to go up. Consequently the exact same home I could build last year would be impossible to build today for the same price. You have heard the economy has improved, you’ve heard that unemployment rates are down, you’ve even heard that Greenville, SC is one of the top places in the country to relocate, but what does that really mean for YOU when considering buying or building a new home later than sooner? It’s a pretty simple concept, Supply & Demand….

Supply
[suh–plahy]

Fundamental economic concept that describes the total amount of a specific good or service that is available to consumers. Supply can relate to the amount available at a specific price or the amount available across a range of prices”

realtor.com recently released their monthly report on the Greeenville,SC market. The amount of available inventory has dropped by 10.5% year-over-year . So there are fewer homes available now than there were March of 2015. So the homes, lots and condos you see with your agent on Sunday are typically sold the following day. I heard Greenville agent, Jennifer Jagodizinski of the Bachtel Realty Group refer to this as a “sleep on it or sleep in it” market when talking about some of her clients that missed out on another opportunity because they were a day late making a decision.

Demand [dih-mand, –mahnd]

Describes a consumer’s desire and willingness to pay a price for a specific good or service. Holding all other factors constant, the price of a good or service increases as its demand increases and vice versa.

The lack of supply would not be the biggest deal if we didn’t live in #YeahThatGreenville . Greenville remains one of the top places in the country to relocate. Featured in dozens of national publications Greenville has attracted huge corporations and new “Greenvillians” alike. Of course there are several economic indicators that impact housing demand, but for simplification sake lets just use one undeniable metric, population growth.

“ Net migration ” is the number of people that move to a defined area each month minus the number of people leaving. Back in 2015 Greenville, SC was averaging an addition of about 5,500 new people each month. #YeahThatGreenville now attracts about $8,000 more residents each month. So that’s about 30,000 more folks this year “demanding” places to live just like you.

So what do fewer opportunities for more people get YOU as a consumer? Lets pretend you were thinking about buying a home last summer but decided to hold off because… well, it was just not the most convenient thing to do at the time. Had you decided to purchase then you would have paid around 7% less than you would today. As Greenville continues to grow and home production remaining steady, a natural conclusion would be; you will pay more for the same house this time next year OR you will pay the same amount for a smaller home.

Example:

(Assuming the same 7% increase in property values)

Michael buys a house for $150,000 in 2015.

Chris buys an identical home for $160,500 in 2016.

Michael decides to move and sells his house to Peter for $171,375 in 2017.

Don’t be Peter , if its building a new home with me or buying a cool existing bungalow downtown, i think you would be wise to buy much sooner than later.

Local Housing Data Powered By

5 “New” Restaurants | Greenville SC

Tue, 01 Mar 2016 15:44:24 GMT

5 “New” Restaurants | Greenville SC

Do you enjoy trying new Greenville restaurants? I’m sure most of you can relate to me when I say I love dining out, especially in the great city of Greenville, SC. Here are 5 “new” Restaurants in our city that seems to be on everyone’s lips. I had no choice but to go try these places first hand, and let me tell you…..they didn’t disappoint!

Brazwells Premium Pub

Greenville has a new spot for watching the big game, enjoying happy hour after work, and eating elevated pub food with friends. With over 20 television screens and a comfortable, yet modern atmosphere, Brazwells Premium Pub is just what Greenville needs as a gathering spot for all. The service is exceptional, food is delicious, and the prices are extremely reasonable. So, gather up some friends and come check out Brazwells Premium Pub! Brazwells Premium Pub is located on S. Main Street in the former home of Ford’s.

Check out the Brazwells Menu HER E .

Upstate Foodie Favorites: Chicken wings may sound like a boring starter, but these are not! Brazwell’s offers a variety of wing sauces and their blue cheese dressing is to die for. You can’t go wrong with “The Matheny” signature burger or the Shrimp and Grits. The burger is served on a warm Brioche bun and the shrimp and grits are packed with flavor and served over some of the best cheese grits I’ve ever tasted. (Pictured above next to the Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich)

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ASADA

ASADA started out as a food truck selling mission style tacos, nachos, burritos, and quesadillas. Their menu’s inspiration comes from the Mission District of San Francisco, a multicultural Latino neighborhood influential for introducing Latin food and Art to the US. There are a wide variety of choices on the menu such as a fish tacos, huge burritos, as well as quesadillas with your choice of meat, nachos, and some vegetarian options with some unique and flavorful sides. Their restaurant is located at 903 Wade Hampton Blvd. They are closed Sunday and Monday, open from 11:30am-3:00pm Tuesday and Wednesday, and open from 11:30am-9:00pm Thursday-Saturday. Follow ASADA on Instagram and Facebook to find out where Lola is located in the Greenville area and to keep up with all ASADA news and events!

Check out the ASADA Menu HERE .

Upstate Foodie Favorites: I order this meal every single time I eat at Asada. The Carnita Taco with a side of guacamole and a taste of all their spicy sauces. The meat is melt-in-your-mouth delicious. (pictured above next to the Carne Asada Quesadilla)

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Roots Smokehouse

Roots Smokehouse is far from your typical barbeque joint. Located in the up and coming Pendleton Arts District, Roots incorporates flavors from around the world into their cuisine. There is currently no outdoor sign for Roots, but they are located inside of Mac Arnold’s House of Blues. The simple menu was a pleasant surprise! They offer starters such as Smoked Rosemary Pecans and Carolina Trout Dip, small plates including Smoked Duck Wings and a Fried Catfish Po’boy, and Smoked Protein Plates with the choice of smoked meat, two sides, and a sauce. All of their flavors are innovative, enabling them to stand apart from any other barbeque restaurants in Greenville. Roots Smokehouse is open Tuesday – Saturday from 11am to 2pm and Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights for dinner at 5pm.

Check out the Roots Smokehouse Menu HERE.

Upstate Foodie Favorites: The Carolina Trout dip (seen above) is oh so flavorful and served with pita chips that are warm, crispy on the outside, and chewy on the inside. I would go with one of the Smoked Protein Plates as your entrée in order to try their inventive side items (seen above). Vegetarian? Try the Moroccan Quinoa Bowl.

Bacon Bros. Public House

Bacon Bros. Public House is one of my go-to restaurants in Greenville due to its unique, delicious menu and relaxed atmosphere. Chef Anthony Gray serves up a menu that offers scrumptious snacks and salads, hearty sandwiches, classic entrees, traditional barbeque, and an awesome selection of cured meats and unique cheeses. There is even a cure room located inside the dining area so you can see which meats are curing at that time! Their cocktail menu is incredible. You could spend the majority of your time at Bacon Bros. just choosing from, and thoroughly enjoying, one of their inspired cocktails. Bacon Bros. Public House is located at 3620 Pelham Road. They are open Monday – Thursday from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm, and Friday – Saturday from 11:30 am – 11:00 pm.

Check out the Bacon Bros. Menu HERE.

Upstate Foodie Favorites: Wet your palate with one of their inventive cocktails. Then, order one of their Meat Boards, which comes with the chef’s choice of 5 meats and cheese served with crispy crackers, chewy sourdough, and fluffy biscuits (pictured above). You must try one of their deviled eggs. For 75 cents a pop, that’s a steal! You truly can’t go wrong with any of their entrees, but they are best known for their burgers and BBQ samplers.

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Upcountry Provisions

Nestled in the heart of Travelers Rest, Upcountry Provisions Bakery and Bistro is a charming spot to enjoy pastries, sandwiches, soups, salads, and more. Located right off the Swamp Rabbit trail , it is a wonderful place to stop and breathe in the fresh air on their porch, or cozy up inside with a cup of coffee. Upcountry Provisions prides themselves on using organic and local ingredients to serve food that is homemade and simply delicious. Their menu is unique in that it offers a list of roughly ten sandwiches that can be served on your choice of bread, or made into a salad. They also have fresh side items and homemade soups of the day. All of their sandwich combinations sound mouth-watering, so be ready to make a tough decision! There are so many wonderful restaurants to eat at in Travelers Rest, but if you’re looking for something simple, homemade, hearty, and delicious Upcountry Provisions is the place for you! They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 7:30am-7:00pm and are located at 6809 State Park Road.

Check out the Upcountry Provision Menu HERE .

Upstate Foodie Favorites: The Upcountry Sandwich served on dark honey wheat bread is simple, flavorful, and unique. It consists of turkey, Havarti cheese, cranberry chutney, and mayo (seen above). At Upcountry Provisions you simply cannot skip dessert. I would try one of their signature cookie sandwiches for a small, yet indulgent, bite (seen above).

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New Construction | Home Of The Week

Sat, 27 Feb 2016 15:53:06 GMT

New Construction | Home Of The Week

2.26.16

New Construction | Home of The WEEK

$273,289

212 Hearthwood Lane, Simpsonville, SC , 29681

This week’s new construction home of the week features 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a loft with an amazing balcony. Located in Five Forks, Simpsonville it is in Eastwood’s newest community Grayson Park .

4 Bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | Loft| Second Story Balcony | Guest Bedroom On First Floor

See Floor Plan Here | Cypress II

Interested in this new construction home?

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“Why I Decided To Build” – Real Estate Agent

Wed, 24 Feb 2016 16:05:26 GMT

“Why I Decided To Build” – Real Estate Agent

Real Estate Agent -“Building always made more sense for me”

I am a licensed real estate agent practicing here in Greenville and I have built all three of my home purchases in the last decade. From a downtown condo, to the home my family is currently building in Simpsonville, here is why building new has always made a little more sense for me.

The real estate market is hot right now in Greenville SC . Greenville has continuously made one Top10 list after another in recent years. Homebuyers are flocking to our area for a number of reasons: our thriving and attractive downtown scene, our abundant and growing job market, our moderate climate that lends itself to numerous outdoor activities …etc etc etc.

Even with all of this going for us here in Greenville, there is one big negative that is affecting the real estate market that we share with most of the country. That issue is lack of inventory . What good is a thriving city if there aren’t any homes to shop for? Don’t get me wrong, there are still plenty of people selling their existing homes, but just not as many as some years ago. With such a shortage of resale homes, buyers are left with very little to consider for purchase. The option to build a new home vs. buying a resale has become the best option (for some) in today’s market.

Personal Touch | Customization

Most builders have numerous options for you to choose from by way of standard and upgraded finishes for your home to make it “you” with your style and look. To do this with a resale home usually requires a good bit of cash after you move in to do renovations and remodeling, which is not an option for a large majority of buyers.

Home Buyers deciding the colors for their new home.

Equity

In a thriving market, you will typically see builder pricing go up as development in the community progresses. If you get into a development early enough, oftentimes the price of what you will have built will increase and be decidedly more expensive as the neighborhood nears completion. Cha-ching.

Hand-Pick Your Homesite

Is a big yard a plus to you and your kids? Is a more easily maintainable yard more suited for your busy lifestyle? Do you want a basement lot to expand your square footage? Building new often allows you to answer these questions quickly and easily to suit you and your family’s needs.

Home buyers picking the exact home site their new home will go on..

Warranty, Warranty, Warranty

Most builders warranty their product “bumper to bumper” for the first year or two and will almost always cover the structural warranty of the home for up to 10 years. If you are like me, your busy schedule does not include weekends of doing home maintenance and repair. You can rest easy knowing that all of the systems in place in your home are brand new and should run problem free for years to come. If something should go wrong, lean on your home warranty to have it fixed at no cost to you!

Check out one of the actual Warranty Booklets that came with one of my client’s new home.

Size Matters

If you look at how much square footage you can buy in today’s market “new vs old”, you will typically see that you can get more house for your money when you consider buying new. The idea of “less is more” is applicable in some scenarios, but when it comes to home buying I rarely have conversations with clients who wish to spend more money for less house.

Now, I know there are plenty of instances where a resale will always make more sense over building new, but we will save that conversation for another post. Every homebuyer’s needs and priorities are unique, and no two home purchasers are the same. But I have found, for myself as well as a good many of my clients , that the benefits of buying new far outweigh those of buying used in the current market.

Share your thoughts below and please feel free to contact me to represent you in your next home purchase, whether that be resale or new.

Chinese Food | Greenville SC

Fri, 19 Feb 2016 16:23:44 GMT

Chinese Food | Greenville SC

Chinese Food | Greenville, SC

Who doesn’t love Chinese food?!? Here are the 6 Chinese Restaurant staples of Greenville SC . Everything from an authentic fine dining experience to delicious take out, this list has it all. Don’t forget your fortune cookie!

Lieu’s Chinese Bistro

Lieu’s Chinese Bistro is a locally owned hotspot that opened in September of 2003. They offer a classic yet modern Asian inspired décor with a large 7,000 sq. foot dining room that can hold up to 200 guests. Lieu’s also has a full bar with dual flat screen televisions, which is a great place to enjoy a game with friends. The restuarant offers large portions with main dishes coming out in a pot-luck style. For all you rice lovers, everything here comes with unlimited rice so make sure to wear your elastic pants. You can calibrate every dish with 1 to 5 stars depending on your “spicy tolerance.” I learned the hard way that 3 is always for me.

Must Try: Spicy Shrimp with Green Beans (seen above)

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Koi Asian Bistro

Koi, a new Asian bistro, opened for business in early 2015. It is located in a small shopping center off of Pelham Road near the intersection of East North St. Owner Canas Lam and her husband David Cheng opened Koi Asian Bistro , which will be their third restaurant. They also own popular Spartanburg restaurants Lime Leaf and Monsoon Noodle House . Lam decided to open Koi after seeing the space and even painted some of the wall murals herself. Everything is made from scratch including the sauces, and they even use local ingredients when possible. Diners are able to look out at a large koi pond outside, which inspired the restaurant’s name.

Must Try: Duck Pannag

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Asian Delight

Looking for some quick and on the go Chinese food? Look no further than Asian Delight , located off Pelham Rd. You can now place your order online making for fast and easy pick up. Known for their large portions, Asian Delight offers a menu that consists of a large variety of combinations, house specialties and a la carte entrees. Lunch specials are a huge hit here with all of them priced under $6. In fact, the entire menu is reasonably priced for the amount of food you receive. They are open everyday of the week and have continued to be a local favorite here in Greenville SC.

Must Try: Sesame Chicken (seen above)

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Red Bowl Asian Bistro

Red Bowl Asian Bistro is a contemporary Asian restaurant with a menu featuring not just Chinese food, but fusion cuisine from various Asian cultures including Thai, Vietnamese and Japanese. Each dish is handcrafted and cooked to order from fresh ingredients. It is owned by Mr. Wai Sim and is located on S. Pleasantburg Dr next to the Fresh Market . They have a full service cocktail lounge and bar with a variety of draft beer and even have an array of Asian-inspired drinks. Red Bowl offers one of the best happy hours in Greenville with a selection of half priced appetizers and half-off all sushi. Happy hour is from 3-6:30 everyday.

Must Try: Beef A La Szechuan

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Yellow Ginger Asian Kitchen

New on the Greenville scene is Yellow Ginger Asian Kitchen . Chef and owner Alex Wong most recently owned the restaurant YAP downtown but have since relocated and re-branded to a menu with the full flavors of Southeast Asia. At their new location on Poinsett Hwy, Yellow Ginger offers reasonable prices starting with their lunch specials and even into main dinner dishes. It has a very family friendly atmosphere, that makes you feel at home. They offer a full service bar with two TVs to check out the latest game while you enjoy your food. With their friendly staff, unique style, and a home like atmosphere Yellow Ginger Asian Kitchen looks to be a new go-to for your Chinese Asian cuisine.

Must Try: Hong Kong Beef Chow Fun

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Oriental House

Whether you’re coming from work or a ballgame, the dress code at this laid-back Chinese restaurant is come-as-you-are. Oriental House has been a household name in Greenville for over 25 years with a menu that offers a mixture of authentic Chinese-Wok and Japanese-Hibachi dishes. Health nuts will also be pleased with the menu at Oriental House, which includes a number of fresh, nutritious items. There are two locations, one on Woodruff Rd and the other on Augusta St. They offer an easy pick up or delivery service for those nights you just want to lounge on the couch and watch Netflix w/ your favorite Chinese food . For popular Asian fare prepared with a fusion of culinary influences, be sure to keep Oriental House in mind.

Must Try: Kung Po Chicken (seen above)

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Which one is your favorite? What restaurant did we miss???

Real Estate | New Home of The Week

Fri, 12 Feb 2016 17:11:42 GMT

Real Estate | New Home of The Week

[URIS id=13236]

2.18.16

Real Estate | New Home of The WEEK

$312,774

11 Morton Grove Lane, Simpsonville, SC , 29681

This week’s real estate new home of the week features a 5 bedroom, master on main, double bonus room, new build in the heart of Five Forks. This house is in a 20 home-site community and is just one mile from the Five Forks Sports Club . The McDowell, which features masonry siding , is the newest floor plan from Eastwood Homes and is located in their newest community, Morton Grove .

5 Bedrooms | 3.5 bathrooms | Bonus Room | Media Room | Masonry Siding

View Floor Plan | McDowell

Interested in this week’s home? Click Here .

Beer | Breweries | Greenville, SC

Sun, 31 Jan 2016 17:49:45 GMT

Beer | Breweries | Greenville, SC

Greenville, SC is known for a lot of things: Restaurants, Food, Parks, The Arts … but what about BEER? Here are the 7 Breweries that are proud to call Greenville, SC home.

Quest Brewing Companyquest

Quest Brewing Company houses a 25 barrel brewhouse occupying 5,300 sq. ft. of warehouse space near the downtown airport in Greenville . It was founded in 2012, and has quickly become a local favorite. Besides making a superior brew, Quest maintains several sustainable business practices benefiting the Upstate. Quest produces tons of spent mash every week. They offer this to local farmers and Clemson’s Agricultural Dept . as an alternative to the high cost of feed such as soybean meal or corn. A great way of helping out the local agriculture industry as well as reducing the amount of waste they send to the landfill.

“People in Greenville are always on some kind of quest. Whether it is to bike the entire Swamp Rabbit Trail or hike Table Rock, there is a very adventurous spirit here. We wanted to embrace that.” -Quest’s Andrew Watts

Must Try: Ponce Cucumber Jalapeño Saison and Ellida IPA

Location : 55 Airview Dr

Greenville, SC 29607

Phone: (864) 272-6232

Website: http://questbrewing.com

Get Directions | Google Map

Blue Ridge Brewery

In 1995, the Blue Ridge Brewing Company officially opened its doors for business. Bob Hiller brought this concept to Greenville, SC after tasting the full-bodied, unique craft brews served in brewpubs throughout the Pacific Northwest. Blue Ridge Brewery imports only the finest authentic hops, malts, and grains from around the world and brew all their handcrafted ales on site.

One of their rules to live by: In all things, practice moderation. Except with regard to beer, ale, and whiskey. Blue Ridge Brewing Company recently announced they will be moving to downtown Greer, until then…

Must Try: Colonel Paris Pale Ale and Rainbow Trout ESB

Location: 217 N Main St

Greenville, SC 29601

Phone: (864) 232-4677

Website: http://www.blueridgebrewing.com

Get Directions | Google Map

Thomas Creek Brewery

Thomas Creek Brewery started in 1998 and the brewery is open to the public for tours, pints, growler & 6-pack purchases, events, and home brew supplies. They have a unique home brew shop that offers everything from equipment kits to ingredients including malted and flaked grains, grain milling, hop pellet varieties, liquid & dry yeast, and bottles. Tom Davis (Owner, Brewmaster, Brewery Manager) is responsible for the formulation of all beer styles and handles daily operations, production, and maintenance of all systems.

Distributors in: South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee.

Must Try: Up the Creek IPA and Banana Split Chocolate Stout

Location: 2054 Piedmont Hwy,

Greenville, SC 29605

Phone: (864) 605-1166

Website: http://www.thomascreekbeer.com

Get Directions | Google Map

Swamp Rabbit Brewery and Taproom

The Swamp Rabbit Brewery & Taproom is located right off the Swamp Rabbit Trail on main street Travelers Rest, SC. Close to Furman University and a short drive from downtown Greenville, “SRB” has a selection of amazing, award-winning craft beers on tap, brewed on location. Ben Pierson, a.k.a. the godfather of beer, opened the Swamp Rabbit Brewery and Taproom in early 2014. The godfather has over 30 years experience and has installed over 20 craft breweries across the country. While the brewery does not serve its own food, you are welcome to carry in your own from one of the great local restaurants surrounding the brewery. (Our Favorite: Side Wall Pizza ) They also have a regular schedule of local food trucks serving lunch and dinner throughout the week. There is plenty of outdoor seating including dog-friendly tables at the rear of the building and they have a large selection of games, such as cornhole and battleship, free for your use and enjoyment.

Must Try: White Ale and Nitro Chocolate Brown Porter

Location: 26 S Main St

Travelers Rest, SC 29690

Phone: (864) 610-2424

Website: http://www.theswamprabbitbrewery.com

Get Directions | Google Map

Grape and Grains

Shoeless Brewing Co. history isn’t a long one, but it is inspired by over 25 years of home brewing mixed with the continued inspiration for always wondering how much farther beer can be taken. Opening in August of 2015, Shoeless is the smallest brewery in the Upstate, SC area, which they claim as a bragging right. Their beginnings are humble and keep the brewery grounded to what it is the craft beer drinkers of the area want. Upon arrival Janel and Kenny will pick your palette so they can better understand how you think this beer could be better. Every one of their beers goes through this process whereby the Greenville craft beer community gets a say in how our beer is made and what it will taste like when it’s done. They offer home brewing classes as well as beer kits of their original recipes.

Must Try: Kama-Citra, Sas-Squash Winter Ale and Mother Pucker

Location: 104 Mauldin Rd

Greenville, SC 29605

Phone: (864) 236-5676

Website: http://grapeandgrains.com

Get Directions | Google Map

Brewery 85

Brewery 85 is a microbrewery that specializes in marrying Southern culture with craft beer spirit while using traditional German brewing techniques. The name of the brewery pays homage to the big interstate that passes through the region. The idea of Brewery 85 started in 2012 and had its official grand opening February 1st, 2014. Will McMameron is the President and co-owner and was a former member at Thomas Creek Brewery before deciding he wanted to operate another serious brewery in Greenville, SC. They offer a free tour every Saturday from 3-3:30.

Must Try: Fat Lighter IPA, Southern Style and Great Danish Ale

Location: 6 Whitlee Ct

Greenville, SC 29607

Phone: (864) 558-0104

Website: http://brewery85.com

Get Directions | Google Map

Upstate Craft Beer Company

Upstate Craft Beer Company is the newest brewery in Greenville SC. It opened December 26 in the historic former Claussen Bakery building on Augusta Road. The brewery combines a traditional brewpub and small kitchen with a unique make-your-own beer system. Home brewers can purchase supplies at the brewery, talk over ideas with brewer Chris Hardin and create their own ales and lagers, which will be bottled or kegged and taken home to drink. Lastly a unique facet of the business is a deal that allows homebrewers to cook up batches on site. For $150, you can brew beer on the company’s equipment and then bottle it later to take home with you.

Must Try: Sweet Baby Jesus and Funkmaster Brett & The Furious Hops

Location: 400 Augusta St

Greenville SC 29601

Phone: (864) 609-4590

Website: http://www.upstatecraftbeer.com

Get Directions | Google Map

House Plans | 6 Tips on Finding one FAST!

Fri, 15 Jan 2016 17:59:38 GMT

House Plans | 6 Tips on Finding one FAST!

“I don’t know what I’m looking for.” “How much space do I really need?” “What are the most important aspects when evaluating house plans?”

Narrowing down house plans can be one of the most challenging obstacles to any new home experience. With thousands of house plans on the internet and builder offices it can take weeks just to decide which plans you will even consider, let alone finding the house plan that fits your lifestyle the best. Here are six ways to find a floor plan that will fit your unique needs in half the time/faster.

1. What is actually working in your current home?

For whatever reason, be it a job transfer to an amazing city—like Greenville, SC —or the growth of your family unit, you find yourself looking for a new home . Instead of belaboring your brain/mind with the intricacies of dozens of house plans, the best place to start is right at home. What are the things that you love about your current home? It is easy to villanize our current living situation when considering a new home but step one should be about identifying what is right with your current home. This will help you identify those same traits when you go to find a floor plan.

Example, if you were to say, “The size of our dining room is perfect, we have guests over often and it fits my grandmother’s furniture perfectly,” then chances are you’re going to want your new dining room to be similar.

2.What “Grinds Your Gears?”

Do you and your spouse have to get ready in separate rooms due to lack of space? Is your kid’s 10 x 10 room getting smaller with every year that passes? Are you unable to see your kids playing in the living room as you cook because of a compartmentalized house plan? A house should grow with you. The right house plan should have the ability to suit your present needs, as well as any anticipated changes down the road. By identifying and objectifying exactly what’s not working in your current situation, coming up with solutions will be much easier.

3. What are Your 3 Must-Haves?

Think long and hard other than minimum bedroom count, what are your 3 “must-haves?” Of course it would be nice to find house plans with exactly every feature you want, but the chances of actually finding that one are slim to none. Do you want an open-concept , a mud room or a master bedroom on the main floor? This will help eliminate all the noise, so you can quickly and easily eliminate the 80% of plans that don’t have these 3 “must-haves.”

4. Quantify and Qualify Your Needs.

What do you mean when you say you want a big living room? The human brain understands and references size based on its previous experiences. What does a dramatic entrance mean? A long formal hallway, a two-story foyer or a living and dining room within eye-sight of entry? There are thousands of house plans, so understanding and defining some of the ambiguous terms used to describe homes is a must. If I live in a tiny apartment, i may define a HUGE living room as 14×20, but if you’re downsizing from a huge estate, you might feel a little differently about that 14×20 “closet.”

5. What’s Special In Your Life?

Is it a man cave? A special room for your collection of cat t-shirts? Or a patio that you and your family grill on every weekend? When you move you will still be the same person and will enjoy the same activities and hobbies. It’s important to make sure you have identified places within your new home to be yourself.

Example: If your dog will only sleep on the floor in your room, you need to make sure master bedrooms you are considering have enough space, for not only that king size bed, but also a little parking pad for Sparky at night.

6. Use a Marker, Change the House Plans.

No, I don’t mean the structure of the home, but instead, the names and descriptions of the rooms. Instead of “Bedroom #3” or “Formal Living Room,” I guarantee upon moving in it will quickly become “the office” or “little Johny’s play room.” Put yourself in the space before you finalize your plans, so you can humanize the home and really evaluate its ability to become an extension of your life. You will be surprised at how quickly your perception changes when you begin viewing house plan as real homes and not just a square with dimensions.

Moving to Greenville SC, why would they do that?

Fri, 08 Jan 2016 18:08:34 GMT

Moving to Greenville SC, why would they do that?

Moving to Greenville SC ????

I recently took an informal poll at work of my twenty-two co-workers. My question was simply this: How many of you are originally from Greenville? Not surprisingly, only four of us were actually from the area. I will show my age now, but I was born at Greenville General Hospital in 1966, which no longer exists. So what’s the deal, why has everyone decided on moving to Greenville SC of all places?

Cost of Living

Greenville has become somewhat of a superstar with its great economy, gorgeous downtown, and new businesses springing up. But is it really practical to move here?

Let’s put this into perspective, if you are from the New York area and the average national income is $51,939, a move to Greenville would see you pay 45% less in housing and 17% less in utilities. Curious what it will cost you to make the move to Greenville? You can find out here .

According to the vice president and general manager of Hildrup Moving & Storage, Billy Morrison, less expensive housing, taxes and real estate are the main reasons for moving to Greenville SC.

International Business

Over 150 different international firms from 27 countries are located in Greenville County. Through the years I have had German neighbors and heard moms speaking in just about every language with their children in the car line at school. Pretty cool for a little southern town. It feels almost international at times while still maintaining its friendliness and inclusiveness.

BMW – Germany
Michelin – France
Samsung Networks America – Korea
Adidas America – Germany
Fuji Film Manufacturing – Japan

Here is the complete List of International Companies who decided moving to Greenville SC was the right move for their company, and brought hundreds of well-paying jobs with them.

Culture

It seems every time you pick up a newspaper or read an article lately it says something positive about Greenville to the nation. We have one of the top ten prettiest downtown districts in the country. The Swamp Rabbit Trail is on its way to being one of the longest continuous biking and walking trails around. We have the Peace Center for performing arts where Tony Bennett said it is one of his favorite places to sing in the country. Greenville living has truly been revolutionized by several key local fixtures.

Charter Spectrum Ampitheather
Greenville County Museum of Art
Centre Stage
Falls Park

Greenville is also one of the best places to retire in the country, and why wouldn’t it be with all the great restaurants and shopping? We are on the 1-85 corridor between Charlotte and Atlanta, both being two hours away. We are at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains and only an hour from Asheville, NC. If you want to experience some of the most diverse food, business, entertainment, and scenic places, why wouldn’t you consider moving to Greenville SC.

Why are you thinking of moving to GREENVILLE SC?

Buy A Builder’s Model Home! ?

Tue, 20 Oct 2015 18:14:54 GMT

Buy A Builder’s Model Home! ?

5 Reasons To Buy A Builder’s Model Hom e

Eastwood Homes recently listed one of their most popular model homes for sale in Simpsonville,SC. (Video of Home Below) Unlike most new homes, purchasing a model home allows buyers to take advantage of several finishes, features and upgrades that may not be normally offered by the builder. Here are 5 reasons why purchasing a builder’s model home might be for you.

1. Professionally Decorated – The builder’s model home is always beautifully decorated. The model home has generally been staged and styled by an interior designer for maximum appeal.

2. Appliances – In a builder’s model home the appliances are often included and are generally top-of-the-line. In this home everything from kitchen appliances to the washer and dryer are included.

3. Landscaping – The Builder’s Model home is usually landscaped to provide a much more appealing look than other homes in the community.

4. Extra Features – For a model home, the builder usually wants to go all out and make it look spectacular. They want to show off their building ability and they want to excite potential customers. Therefore, you can sometimes get a few little extra touches thrown in.

5. Warranty- Just like purchasing a brand new home from the builder, model homes include warranties on both workmanship and materials up to 10 years. A 10 year new home warranty can save you thousands of dollars after the purchase of your home.

Best Coffee Shops | Greenville, SC

Wed, 23 Sep 2015 18:47:37 GMT

Best Coffee Shops | Greenville, SC

We’re all creatures of habit, right? We settle into routines and rituals that quickly become a way of life. Our preferences creep into every part of life, including the most important: coffee. Being a coffee conneisseur you would think I’d have searched the very best coffee shop in the city. Alas, I tend to forego the excitement of discovering new places in leiu of my usual Starbucks.

But if you ever find yourself in Greenville, SC , be sure to visit one, or more of these exceptionally awesome coffee shops. Or if you are a native of G-vegas , take some time to go explore. They each offer a unique environment that appeals to everyone. I promise you won’t be disappointed and might even bestow a “Best Coffee Shop” tag for one of them.

Due South—”An Artistic Venture”

Drive down the entrance to this massive industrial building and you’ll see various photographers capturing their models against the aged cement siding. Carpenters, painters, sculptors, and most importantly, Due South Coffee Roasters , have transformed this enormous mill into an artist’s dream and trendy hangout.

Since its opening last February many already consider Due South as the best coffee shop in Greenville. Due South has embraced roasting their own coffee and chocolate. Be sure to try out their specialty drink called the Southern Hemisphere; it has chilled espresso with grapefruit syrup and rosemary infused milk. Due South also features local artists and caterers for both the music and food lover’s soul.

MUST TRY : Southern Hemisphere

Get Directions

+1 864-283-6680

Methodical Coffee—“Open for the Masses”

While strolling Main Street in Downtown Greenville, be sure to stop in at the newest coffee shop located in the Bank of America Plaza. Methodical invites everyone in with a sign on their door that says, “Open for the Masses.”

Although they just opened in 2015, Methodical is already a downtown Greenville staple. Not only would one consider them for “best coffee shop in Greenville,” the decor and energy is definitely the “coolest.”I greatly enjoyed a Chai Tea Latte with a shot of espresso while chatting with Will Shurtz, the head of Methodical’s Coffee and Hospitality. They offer cold brews, pour overs, and much more. Their approach is simple, yet sophisticated. “We see a humble sophistication in the simplicity of brewing coffee and the complexity of its master.”

MUST TRY : Dirty Cha

Get Directions

+1 864- 735-8407

Coffee to a Tea— “Cakes Galore”

This perfect hideaway on Augusta Street in Downtown is every gluten-free eater’s paradise. Coffee to a Tea offers comfortable seating in a calming and conversation-encouraging atmosphere.

Coffee to a Tea also bakes their own specialty cakes, bread and signature cinnamon roles and are locally supplied. If a bagel with a twist peaks your ear, you have to try their Spinach & Feta Sandwich. For delicious gluten free cakes, cookies and sweets alone, Coffee to a Tea is always a “best coffee shop” consideration.

I thought only Starbucks knew how to make a White Chocolate Mocha the way I liked but Coffee to a Tea made it, well, perfect to a tee!

MUST TRY : White Chocolate Mocha

Get Directions

+1 864- 735-8407

Coffee to a Tea— “Cakes Galore”

Yet another unique feature in Greenville, you can go underground to get your favorite coffee accompanied by any meal of the day, or just dessert. They also offer beer, wine, and cocktails. Their diverse coffee menu offers some of the best, and biggest, lattes,cappuccinos and slabs of cake in town.

Our most tenured shop on the list, Coffee Underground has been a staple of Greenville’s downtown since 1995. You’ll find a business-like atmosphere that is conducive to studying, meetings, and other work. If they aren’t the best coffee shop in Greenville, their clients definitely seem to make up the most affluent.

You’ll also want to attend one of CU’s stand-up comedy nights and poetry readings.

MUST TRY : Cherry Kiss Latte

Get Directions

+1 864- 735-8407

Coffee to a Tea— “Cakes Galore”

For those looking for great coffee and a cozy and relaxing west-coast atmosphere. Moe Joes sells various local baked goods as well as lattes, mochas, and fresh coffee.

In addition, Moe Joes has a beer and wine bar that complement the sports games featured on multiple TV screens throughout the establishment.

And one more thing, Moe Joes features some of the best local talent throughout the Upstate and if you’re feeling like a rockstar, be sure to go to open mic night every Wednesday! For energy and music alone, Moe Joe Coffee & Music House is definitely one of the best coffee shops in Greenville. Check out upcoming singer-songwriters here !

MUST TRY : White Tiger Latte

Get Directions

+1 864- 735-8407

Where is your favorite local coffee shop in Greenville,SC ?

6 Flashback Photos Of Downtown Greenville

Thu, 06 Aug 2015 19:14:05 GMT

6 Flashback Photos Of Downtown Greenville

Downtown Greenville Flashback

With all of the new development in downtown Greenville it’s easy to forget how much both the street scape and skyline of the city have changed over the years. From the half a century it took to plan, market & build our amazing Falls Park, to the trees lining Main Street, that most assume have always been there.

Checkout these blasts from the past, just scroll east to west to see Greenville flashback to yesteryear. My favorite is #6 !

1. Main Street (c. 1950)

2. City Hall (c. 1950)

3. When the trolly tracks instead of tires were used (c. 1922)

4. Main Street (c. 1940)

5. Falls Park, Liberty Bridge (c. 1960)

6. Corner of Main Street & Coffee Street (c. 1950)

Photo Credits:

VisitGreenvilleSC.Com

Greenville County Historical Society

Greenville History Tours

“How long does it take to build a house?” – Slideshow

Mon, 03 Aug 2015 19:22:42 GMT

“How long does it take to build a house?” – Slideshow

The choice to build a new home can be one of the most intimidating decisions for any home buyer. From the customizing of home selections to deciding exactly what floor plan , lot and community will be best can be down right scary. One of the biggest dettering variables is industry confusion or miscommunication to the question “how long it take to build a house?” Most production builders will typically take 4-5 months from initial contract to the delivery of the home, while some custom home builders could tell you it will take up to a year to build a house depending on the scope of the project. For those buyers who are brave enough to take on this seemly monstrous task the benefits far away the work.

Compared to buying old, building a house allows for complete customization and flexibility throughout the design process, as well as a selection of state-of-the-art features , more space in the areas that matter most, higher appreciation rates, and longer, more inclusive home warranty options. The most common question i get is ” How long does it take to build a house?” Though several variables can drastically dictate the building timeline, here are the highlights below from The Riley Home that we just finished and delivered today.

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Tommy and Jennifer Riley wanted a home with a scenic view, a master bedroom on the main floor and a secondary bonus room or loft for their kids. We found the lot, floor plan, selected options, completed financing and built the home in exactly 5 months. In February before making any decisions to move forward their very first question had everything to do with the build process and timing, “How long does it take to build a house? We want to make sure we are in the house before our kid’s summer break ends.” Thankfully we met the deadline with a couple of weeks to spare ��

“How long does it take to build a house?” – Slideshow

Hilarious…New Construction VS. Used Homes

Sat, 25 Jul 2015 19:28:03 GMT

Hilarious…New Construction VS. Used Homes

Source: www.startfreshbuynew.com

New Construction Vs. Used Homes

There are many factors that contribute to the popularity of new construction when searching for your new home, be it in Greenville or anywhere else. Compared to buying old, building new allows for complete customization and flexibility throughout the design process, as well as a selection of state-of-the-art features, more space in the areas that matter most, higher appreciation rates, and longer, more inclusive home warranty options.

Buying a used toilet seat definitely doesn’t sound as good as buying a new one. �� Headlining the list of reasons to go with new construction for your next home is the money you will save on utility bills. Green building practices and materials with save you thousands of dollars. From millennial home buyers to empty nesters more folks are choosing to go New Vs. Used.

So what do you think? Do you prefer a new or used home?

The “Millennial” Home Buyer (INFOGRAPHIC)

Sun, 19 Jul 2015 19:38:34 GMT

The “Millennial” Home Buyer (INFOGRAPHIC)

“Millennial”

adjective | mil·len·ni·al | \m ə -ˈle-n ē -əl\

My generally accepted definition of Millennial:

1. A generation of men and women between the ages of 18-34 that value independent thinking, counter-culture, progressive politics, creativity, intelligence, Netflix and a trendy “high-tech, low touch lifestyle.”

According to a recent study released by the National Association of Realtors, the largest group of home buyers in 2014 was this ambiguous group, millennial home buyers composed 32% of all buyers. This highly evaluated/scrutinized group is often referenced in the housing industry, but who are they?

How long does a millennial plan to stay in their current home?
Does a millennial prefer a condo, single-family residence or town home?
Do millennials prefer a newly built home or a resale?

Endeavor America Loan Services , a mortgage company based in Walnut Creek, California, surveyed loan application data collected from more than 5,400 Millennials in 2014 to gain a true picture of this increasingly important home buyer.

The average Millennial is 28 years old with a $76,900 household income.

Click the infographics for the rest of the data:

The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Source: Endeavor America

6 Reasons to Choose Grey!

Mon, 06 Jul 2015 19:45:10 GMT

6 Reasons to Choose Grey!

6 Reasons to Choose a Grey Paint Color!

One of my favorite anchor colors to use when designing a space in a new home is grey. I have probably used way more than 50 shades of it over the years and I could probably list just as many reasons (or more) of why I like to use it, but here’s six of my favorites.

Grey Showcases your furniture. Grey is a perfect neutral backdrop to really help your Inside the Design Dining Roomfurniture stand out.
It Makes your accent colors really pop! Because grey is a neutral, most people like to use a couple of accent colors with it and it really helps to highlight your accent colors. Blue, green, orange, yellow, orange…really, you can’t go wrong with any accent color that you put with grey.

Grey is gender-neutral. Not only is grey a neutral color, it’s also gender-neutral so it helps to balance out the masculinity and femininity of a space (and every space should have both qualities to keep the balance!).
Grey is crisp and clean. Grey has a tendency to effortlessly appear both crisp and clean. No matter if you choose a warm or cool tone of it, it always comes out looking fresh and clean.

Grey isn’t always an attention grabber, but it’s almost always an attention giver. Grey tends to be perfectly content with letting other items steal the spotlight, like your trim work. It helps showcase your trim work (especially white trim), adding helpful dimension to your space. I love when detailed crown molding get its due respect.
Grey fits in anywhere! Grey is a color that fits in with most all design styles, making it the perfect backdrop for mixing and comingling styles.

Where do you have grey in your home?

The Rise of the Home Office

Wed, 13 May 2015 19:52:53 GMT

The Rise of the Home Office

Remember the days before everyone was constantly using phones and computers to navigateHome Office through life? Yea, me neither. Technology is prevalent in every part of our lives, including our homes and in ways we probably don’t even realize. One of the most dramatic ways technology has transformed business and how we work is the amount that we can do without ever stepping foot in an office. According to Forbes Magazine , 1 in 5 Americans now work from home, and love it! Which means the number of home-workers will only continue to grow as well as the newest must-have room: a home office. Amy Hoak from Market Watch explains why this room is growing in popularity and necessity. There are also some hidden benefits when you include an office in your home.

With mobile technology, it’s easy to work in any room of a house. And yet, according to designers and home builders, the home office is becoming one of a home’s must-have features.

Dedicated office space might not always be a full room. In fact, it might be a nook with desk space on the landing of a staircase or a corner of a bedroom or family room. But as people do more work away from the office and kids do more work outside of the library, the home office is growing in importance.

“That office or desk space is becoming as essential as the family room,” said Mollie Carmichael, who leads the consumer research team at John Burns Real Estate Consulting, based in Irvine, Calif. And that’s true no matter how large of a home it is, from a small apartment to a large single-family home, she added.

In fact, 77% of people surveyed by John Burns said that any additional rooms not dedicated as bedrooms would be used as an office in their next home — the most popular response. (Fifty-six percent said they’d use the extra space as a guest room, 25% said multipurpose room.)

There’s also some evidence that home offices can make a home more attractive to buyers. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2014 Cost versus Value report, you can recover an average 48.9% of the cost of a home office remodel at resale, up from 43.6% in 2013 and 42.9% in 2012. A midrange office remodel, as defined by the report, is a $28,000 investment that involves installing custom cabinets that include 20 feet of laminate desktop, a computer workstation and wall cabinet storage, along with rewiring of the room for computer, fax machine, cable and telephone lines.

There are a couple of reasons that people are demanding a dedicated office space.

“For one, it gives them a place to collect all the paperwork and miscellaneous stuff they need to run the household, as well as for the work they may be doing from home for their job,” said Elissa Morgante, co-principal of Morgante-Wilson Architects, based in Evanston, Ill., in an email. “And secondly, it is helpful to have a space that is dedicated to work and not filled with other distractions—plus they have all the things they need within arm’s reach. I think it helps focus and provides a sense of intention.”

If you’re one of the growing number of people who regularly work from home, you’re more apt to want an office space away from the center of the house, Morgante said. The number of people who work from home on a regular basis (and are not self-employed) grew by 89.8% from 2005 to 2013, to 3.5 million employees, according to data from Global Workplace Analytics, a consulting and research firm that studies work-at-home trends. The most recent statistics show that 2.5% of the workforce works from home at least half of the time, said Kate Lister, president of the organization.

Those who don’t regularly work from home may want the office space on the first floor, close to the center of the home, Morgante said. Workspace near the kitchen or great room can make it easier for parents to keep their eyes on kids—whether it’s the adults or the children who are working at the desk space. With an open office area, kids are also prevented from sequestering themselves in their rooms with laptops, she said.

“I think in five to 10 years from now it is going to become a big conversation about how to keep kids engaged and present in the family, because the constant chatter with friends and outside stimulation on their phones and devices is very addictive,” Morgante said.

Builders are getting creative in setting up office-friendly areas for their new-home customers . Some buyers are requesting office spaces be put in places that are often underused, such as large landings on staircases, or lofts, said Jeff Benach, co-principal of Lexington Homes, a builder based in the Chicago area.

Home offices have become a growing priority over the past five years, he said. Even in Lexington’s townhouses where floor plans are smaller, most often people choose the option to have a flexible space that can be used as an office, den or playroom in the home, as opposed to having a larger kitchen, Benach said.

Having a specific area dedicated as a home office may make it easier for those who work from home to deduct office expenses on their income taxes. But remember: You need to regularly use that room or area exclusively for conducting business, and if you are an employee and you work from home, your business use needs to be for your employer’s convenience, among other stipulations. (For more information see the Internal Revenue Service’s guidelines on the home office deduction.)

Building Trends | 2015

Thu, 09 Apr 2015 20:02:25 GMT

Building Trends | 2015

Have you ever considered that your taste in homes and what is in them can change just as much as your sense of fashion in clothing or taste in cars? Just like the “trendy” pair of platform shoes with built in aquarium capacity, used homes reflect the styles, preferences and trends of the year in which they were built. One of the greatest reasons to buy a new home is that builders shift with the times. Building trends are constantly changing to reflect today’s tastes, styles and priorities.

According to an article from realtor.com , there may be a few things in your new home that go missing or may reflect the newest building trends. One of those new highlights is energy-efficient products along with closet space, programmable thermostats and laundry rooms just to name a few.

The whirlpool tub in the master bathroom makes the list of the 10 features builders are least likely to include in a home built this year, according to a recent survey from the National Association of Home Builders. And its popularity, at least among builders, has dropped since 2012, the first time this survey was done.

Admittedly, it isn’t the least likely amenity—that would be an outdoor kitchen, complete with cooking, refrigeration and sink. But that one, unlike a whirlpool, is actually a touch more likely to be included this year than in 2012.

The NAHB ask builders to rank features from 1 (not at all likely to include in a typical single-family home) to 5 (very likely to include). The lists show few changes in the top 10, and most ratings show only incremental shifts, if any. That’s because preferences don’t change very quickly, noted Rose Quint, assistant vice president for survey research at the National Association of Home Builders.

Linen closets aren’t quite going the way of laminate countertops, one of the least likely features builders will include this year, according to the NAHB survey. But their popularity has dropped over the past three years, from 4.6 to 4.2.

The focus on energy efficienc y is curbing builders’ interest in building two-story rooms, Quint said. “Consumers consider those spaces to be energy inefficient,” she said.

The most popular energy-efficiency feature are low-emissivity, or low-e, windows. These have a special coating that helps keep heat inside during the winter and outside during summer.

They are now “almost the norm” in new construction , said Jeff Lowinsky, vice president for technical services at the Window and Door Manufacturers Association. Consumers looking to replace windows can judge their energy efficiency by ratings from the National Fenestration Rating Council . The U-factor, which measures how well it keeps heat from escaping, is more important in colder climates, while the solar heat gain is the more important number in warmer climates, he said.

Building Trends

13 Builder Terms You Need To Know

Wed, 01 Apr 2015 20:18:44 GMT

13 Builder Terms You Need To Know

Builder Terms

Builder terms can be one of the most intimidating parts of the construction process From words that have always meant one thing and now mean something totally different, to builder terms that make absolutely no sense. Here are 13 builder terms that will surely allow your building experience to go smoothly.

Binder Money

AKA “Earnest Money” shows the builder that a buyer is serious about purchasing the home from the builder once the property is 100% complete. When the transaction is finalized, the funds are put toward the buyer’s down payment or credited back to the buyer if they are doing a loan with 100% financing.

Elevation

The exterior face of a home, including the materials (like brick or stone) used on that face. Typically

you get to choose from 3 or 4 different elevations, or architectural styles, in addition to a selection of colors for each of our plans. This will allow you to customize your new home.

Framing

The construction of the skeleton structure , or framework, of a house.

Floor Plan

An architectural drawing, showing the overall layout of a home. The size and shape of each room, as well as any optional configurations of those rooms, are shown on the floor plan . At Eastwood, most of our communities offer several plans from which to choose: single-story plans, two-story plans, etc.

HOA (Homeowners Association)

In many new communities, an association of homeowners is formed. The Homeowners Association is responsible for enforcing the rules and regulations of the community, and also for the maintenance and upkeep of any common areas, including community centers, swimming pools, health club facilities and landscaping.

Lot

Each new community is divided into individual lots, or home site’s. A lot is a surveyed and bounded plot of land that is set aside for a building. In most communities, a home buyer gets to choose their home site and the home plan that suits them best, with some restrictions to insure a varied neighborhood.

Master Plan Community

A large community, with homes built by several different builders, in a wide variety of prices. Master plan communities usually include community centers, pools and other recreational facilities. Often there are commercial districts with shopping and entertainment within the master plan.

Phase

A group of home site’s within a community. Most home builders sell all the lots within the current phase before moving on to the next phase of the community. The benefit to the home buyer is that construction activity is focused in one small area at a time. When you move in to your new home, most of the construction for neighboring homes will already be complete. Builders “release” a new phase when the current phase is almost sold out. This means that there is now a completely new selection of lots available for purchase.

Punch List

A written list of items which need to be fixed, repaired or replaced prior to the final walk-through.

Pre- Start

Before a house physically begins, there can be anywhere from 4-8 weeks of work that need to be completed. Though you will not phycially see progress, the builder is spending money and systematically completing a very thorough check list.

Pulling Necessary Building Permits
Ordering Materials Based On Your Selections
Developing And Crafting the building schedule so the home is completed on time
Completing a soil compaction test to ensure ground is suitable for building

Lot Fit

Ensuring that the floor plan selected fits between designated lot setbacks and does not encroach on any utility or drainage easements located on the property. (i.e. because the footprint of each home is different an official or unoffical lot fit should be performed to ensure the fitting)

Standard Feature

A specific item that is automatically included when you purchase a new home. Standard features may include a specific style of cabinets, or a specific type of countertops. A common misconception is that a “Standard Feature” is not paid for. Standard features are just automatically added to the base price of a home.

Walk-Through

A buyer’s final inspection of a newly built home prior to move-in. At Eastwood Homes, the walk-through includes an orientation with instructions on how to maintain certain items in the new home, as well as a review of the 10-year limited warranty coverage.

Warranty

A plan to fix or repair specific items of your home according to the warranty terms. At Eastwood Homes, we offer a 10-year limited warranty that includes a 10-year structural warranty; a two-year warranty on electrical components, heating or cooling systems , and plumbing; and a one-year warranty for all other components of the home. All elements of the warranty are reviewed with the homeowner at the time of the walk-through. This is by and large the greatest reason to buy a new home.