Tickets are very reasonable and the team hosts discounted nights that can include special ticket prices and food and drink specials.  Going to the Road Warriors game is a great way to celebrate a winter birthday as well.  Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster or at the BI-LO Center.

January 13. 2012 is Clemson night where the Road Warriors will look more like Clemson Tigers with their Clemson themed jerseys.  They host the Gwinnett Gladiators.  After the game, the jerseys will be auctioned off.  Fans can also save on tickets that night by purchasing a Spinx Family Four Pack which includes four tickets, four hotdogs, four soft drinks and four bags of chips for only $48.00.

This community highlight is part of our ongoing series titled 52 Hot Spots in Upstate South Carolina. You can also view all of our available homes at Les Walden Team Featured Listings.

"December 2011 Market Update"

The month of December was a consistent month for this year.  Home sales were up from December to 71, but down from 73 homes sold a year ago.  The average sales price is up from a year ago to $214,439.  This month and time of the year is generally slower due to it being winter break, but were consistent from past years numbers.  Looking forward to a great year in 2012!

Do you have the winter blues?  Is the cold keeping you inside?  Head on over to the Trailhead Climbing and Outdoor Center located in Anderson, South Carolina and blast away those winter blues.  The Center offers over 6500 square feet of climbing space for all ages and skill levels.  Along with 22 top roped faces and 6 lead climbing faces, Trailhead also has two bouldering caves packed full of great routes. 

Trailhead offers reasonable rates and gear is available to rent at very reasonable prices.  You can also buy a membership and come as often as you like.  There are also great rates for college students as well as group rates.  This is a great place for a birthday party or just a fun way to spend some time with family and friends.

Trailhead is open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm and Saturday from 1:00 pm - 9:00 pm.  College Night is Tuesday and Thursday night and if college students bring their ID they can climb for just $10.00 after 8:00 pm. 

Let us know if you've ever been rock climbing before and what your think about it....we'd love to hear from you.  For more "Hot Spots" check out our blog, "52 Hot Spots in Upstate South Carolina."  If you have any spots that we have to hear about, contact The Les Walden Real Estate Team today.

NAR released its latest pending home sales index figure last week and for the second month in a row the index is up. But more than that, the index has broken 100. This is significant because the only time since the housing boom collapsed that the index has broken 100 is when the home owner tax credit was in effect. The fact that the index has returned to that level a year since the credit has been in effect means the housing market is strengthening completely on its own, without any stimulus.

NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun is upbeat about 2012 because in a number of areas indicators are pointing upward. Not only are home sales up but housing starts are up and home prices are stabilizing in many markets and heading up in some. In areas where they’re still down, the declines aren’t that great. More fundamentally, broader U.S. economic signs are looking positive, including the all-important jobs picture. About 100,000 job are being created a month, and that could rise to 150,000—still not a quick enough pace to get us back to where we were before the downturn but the headwinds are in the right direction.

Happy New Year

2012

Usher in the New Year in downtown Seneca, South Carolina this year.  Get "funky" with Funky Town and enjoy a wonderful fireworks display over downtown after the countdown to the new year.  Festivities begin at 10:30 pm.  Have a safe and wonderful New Year!!!

The light display features an interactive Winter Wonderland  with Santa and his sleigh, lighted walking trails, a balloon artist, giant holiday greeting cards, a concession and more.  A $100 donation will sponsor a snowflake.  An 18 inch snowflake can be named after family or friends and will be displayed in the Winter Wonderland.

Winter Wonderland is open rain or shine nightly from 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm until December 30, 2011.  Santa Claus will be inside the North Pole Trading Post nightly from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm. 

Check out the beautiful display and have a very Merry Christmas.....

For more fun things to do in Upstate South Carolina, follow The Les Walden Teams Featured Blog, The 52 Hot Spots in Upstate South Carolina.

"Rita Meigs"

Les Walden speaks with a buyer specialist, Rita Meigs, as to why it is important to have a buyer specialist when you are looking to purchase a home.

"What is a Short Sale?"

"November 2011 Market Update"

November was another good trend for home sales in the area.  The average home sale price was up again so with homes in the area increasing by over $60,000 from last November.  While the number of homes sold decreaed in this time, it is not uncommon because of the holiday season just around th the corner. 

                                                                                                                                                                                     For For more infomation please give us a call at 864-985-1234.

The play is a comedy/mystery and centers around main character Harry Monday who is a down and out detective who has taken to walking dogs for extra income.  A case pops up that has to be solved in one day because low and behold - Santa is missing and it's Christmas Eve.  Santa along with the Harrigans department store payroll is missing and it's up to our hero Harry Monday to solve the case.  Wise cracks and plot twists fly faster than Santa's reindeer in this yuletide whodunit.  Show times are as follows:

December 9 - 11 and 16 - 18, 2011, Evenings 8:00pm, Sunday Matinee 2:30pm.  Purchase your tickets here.  Enjoy the show!

Looking for more things to do in Upstate South Carolina?  Follow our weekly blog, 52 Hot Spots in Upstate South Carolina.  

Real Estate is Local. You may have heard someone say this in the recent past, but what does this really mean? As we look around the country at real estate sales and pricing, it strikes me that each area has been affected differently by the economic recession.

Get the family together and head on over to Greenville, South Carolina and search for the famous "Mice On Main."  Back in 2000, Jim Ryan had an idea based on the book, Goodnight Moon, which he and his mom ready every night when he was small.  In the story, there are nine mice pictured.  Ryan and sculptor, Zan Wells created nine bronze mice statues, each with his own look and character, and placed them in special places all along Greenville's fanciful downtown on Main Street.  The are spaced all the way from the Hyatt to the Westin Poinsett Hotel.

Searching for the mice is a fun way for the family to learn about Greenville, see the beautiful art, listen to music (if you're there during the right time) and get some excercise.  To find the mice, you'll need the Mice on Main book or a set of clues - or both.

To begin your search, check out the clues.  Happy mouse hunting!!

By Paul Bianchina
Inman News™

No one likes wasting money, especially in these tough economic times. So it certainly makes sense -- dollars and cents -- to make a small investment of time and supplies to close up those heat-wasting air leaks around your home. It'll pay back big dividends in reduced energy bills and a warmer, more comfortable house this winter. So let's look at some of the areas where those drafts may be lurking, and see how to take care of them.

1. Doors and windows: This should be an obvious one. If you can see gaps between your siding and your windows or exterior doors, close them up with a bead of clear or paintable acrylic latex caulk. Larger gaps can be filled with foam backer rod before applying the caulking.

2. Exterior penetrations: Some of these areas are going to be obvious, while some may take a little bit of searching. Some examples of exterior penetrations where air can leak into the house include exterior faucets, dryer vents, exterior electrical outlets, exterior light fixtures, holes that have been drilled for phone and TV cables, conduit penetrations, exit points for plumbing drains, and penetrations for air conditioning lines. Closing these penetrations may require a variety of different techniques, including caulk, expanding spray foam, or, in the case of electrical boxes and fixtures, specific gaskets that are designed to fit the boxes.

3. Exhaust-vent covers: Dryer vents, range hood vents, bath fan vents, and other interior ventilation equipment typically terminate outside the house in a plastic or metal cover that has one or more louvers on it. The louvers are designed to be in the closed position whenever the fan is not in use, so that outside air doesn't leak in. Check all of these louvers to be sure they're closing completely, with no air leaks. If they aren't, you can adjust the spring tension to hold them closed more tightly; add foam weatherstripping tape for a more air-tight seal; or replace the entire vent cap with a new one.

4. Gaps around interior vents and recessed lights: Inside your home, heated air can be leaking out around that same ventilation equipment, where vent pipes pass through the walls or ceiling, or where vent covers meet wall and ceiling surfaces. Recessed light fixtures can also be real air-leakers. Around the vent pipes and recessed light cans, seal any gaps with caulking. For the vent covers and recessed light covers, remove the covers, then adjust the springs and/or add foam weatherstripping tape to create a tight seal between the cover and the ceiling.

5. Heat-duct penetrations: Gaps around heating-duct cans where they pass through the floor or wall allow cold air to enter from the crawl space, while gaps around ceiling-duct cans allow heated air to escape into the attic. To close those drafts, first remove the register, then use a combination of caulking and/or metallic duct sealant tape to close any gaps between the sheet metal cans and the floor, wall or ceiling surface.

6. Fireplaces and woodstoves: Lots of gaps can occur around these appliances. With a conventional fireplace, keep the damper closed except when burning a fire to prevent heated air from escaping up the chimney. Consider investing in a set of air-tight doors, which close off the air leaks and also make your fires more efficient. Look for gaps around woodstove and gas fireplace flue pipes, and air leaks around masonry chimneys. Use a metal collar if necessary around flue pipe penetrations, and seal gaps with heat-resistant sealant specially formulated for this application.

7. Attic and crawl space hatches: These can be real air losers if they're not weatherstripped, so take care of that with some foam tape. Make sure the hatches are insulated as well.

8. Interior doors to unheated spaces: If you have any interior doors that lead to unheated spaces, including basements, garages or attics, be sure the doors are weatherstripped to prevent air leakage. If possible, replace older, hollow-core doors with solid-core or, better yet, insulated metal doors.

9. Sill plates and penetrations: This one's not as easy to deal with, but it's well worth the effort to try to do whatever you can with it. Air can leak both into and out of the house through gaps where the sill plate meets the foundation or the siding, and around plumbing and wiring penetrations drilled through wall plates in various areas. If you have a gap between your siding and the bottom of your exterior wall, especially in older homes where the use of sill sealers was not a common practice, consider closing up this big air gap with a bead of caulking or expanding foam. In the basement, crawl space and attic, if you can access any of the pipes and wires that pass through the wall plates, seal the penetrations with expanding foam.

There are several tax credits and deductions set to expire at the end of the year, and given the federal deficit problem, there's a good chance they won't be extended. If you want to take advantage of them, you need to act before Jan. 1, 2012.

Mortgage insurance premium deduction

If you itemize deductions, you may deduct the premiums you pay for mortgage insurance, just like you do mortgage interest. However, this deduction is phased out if your income exceeds certain levels. To qualify for the full deduction, a couple or a single taxpayer must have an adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less. The deduction is phased out completely if AGI exceeds $109,000.

This deduction, which was first enacted for 2007, is scheduled to expire at the end of 2011. Thus, your payments are deductible only if you pay them during 2011; a payment after 2011 is not deductible.

Education expenses deduction

A deduction of up to $4,000 for qualified education expenses is available for 2011. All or part of the amount you pay can be for classes beginning in 2012. But you must make your payments during 2011, because the deduction expires at the end of the year. This deduction is not available if your modified adjusted gross income is more than $80,000 ($160,000 if filing a joint return). Nor is it available if any of education tax credits are claimed.

Home energy credit

First, any homeowner may qualify for an energy credit of up to $500. You can qualify for the credit if you purchase during 2011 solar panels to generate electricity or for water heating, or install wind energy equipment, a geothermal heat pump, or certain types of fuel cells to generate electricity. The credit is up to 30 percent of the amount you spend, up to the $500 limit. This credit is not available for purchases in 2012.

Sales tax deduction

If you itemize, you can deduct either your state and local taxes or your sales taxes paid during the year. This deduction is a boon for people who live in states with no or low income taxes. However, the deduction for sales and use taxes instead of state income taxes is scheduled to expire at the end of 2011. To maximize this deduction, you should make any large purchases before the end of the year.

Adoption credit

A tax credit for adoption expenses (adoption fees, court costs, attorney fees, travel, etc.) has been available for many years. However, an enhanced adoption credit is available for adoptions finalized before 2012. The credit is up to $13,360 of adoption expenses. For 2011, this is a nonrefundable credit, meaning you qualify for it even if it exceeds the amount of your 2011 tax liability. This means that you could qualify for a tax refund even if you did not have federal income tax withheld.

Stephen Fishman is a tax expert, attorney and author who has published 18 books, including "Working for Yourself: Law & Taxes for Contractors, Freelancers and Consultants," "Deduct It," "Working as an Independent Contractor," and "Working with Independent Contractors."

If you've been on the fence about homeownership, now is the time to take a leap! Don't let the negative press deter you from one of life's greatest joys.

Take a look at five short and sweet reasons that homeownership is great!

1. Equity. When you pay rent, you never see that money again. It is lining the landlord's pocket. Yes, buying a home may come with some hefty initial costs (downpayment, closing costs, inspections), but you will make that money back over time in equity built in the home. Historically, homes appreciate by about 4 to 6 percent a year. Some areas are still experiencing normal appreciation rates. For the areas that have seen harder times since the recession, experts feel that the housing market will recover. Homeownership is about building long-term wealth. A home bought for $10,000 in 1960 is most likely worth 10 times that in today's market.

2. Relationships: Renters tend to see their neighbors come and go quickly. Some people sign year leases while others are in the community for much shorter terms. Apartment complexes also tend to have less common shared space for people to meet, greet, and socialize. Homeowners, however, have yards, walking trails, or community pools and clubhouses where they can get to know each other. Neighbors stay put much longer (at least three to five years if they hope to recoup their closing costs). This means more time to develop relationships. Research has shown that people with healthy relationships have more happiness and less stress.

3. Predictability: Well, as long as you have a fixed-rate term on your mortgage it's predictable. Most people buying homes today know that a fixed-rate is the way to go. This means your payment amount is fixed for the life of the term. If your mortgage payment is $500 today, then it will still be $500 a month in 10 years. This allows for people to budget and make solid financial plans. The sub-prime crisis meant many homeowners with adjustable rate mortgages saw their monthly payments rise and then rise some more. Homeownership, though, generally comes with a predictable table of expenditures. Even the big purchases are predictable. You know most roofs last just 15 years (or so). You know that each year you'll need to pay for the gutters to be cleaned, and so on.

4. Ownership: Okay, this is a given. Homeownership means you "own" your home. That comes with some incredible perks, though! You can renovate, update, paint, and decorate to your heart's desire. You can plant trees, install a pool, expand the patio, or do holiday decorating that would rival the Kranks (if the HOA allows!). The bottom line is this is your home and you can personalize it to your taste. Most renters are stuck with the same beige walls and beige carpet that has been standard apartment decor for 20 years. Now is your chance to let your home speak!

5. Great Deals: It's a great time to buy. Interest rates are at historic lows. We're talking 4.0 percent instead of 6.0 or higher. This means big savings for today's buyers. Home prices have also taken a dip since the recession, which means homes are more affordable than ever. If you have steady income and cash for a downpayment, then be sure to talk to your local real estate agent about what homes in your area could be a fit for you.

Homeownership can be a real joy. It's time to get off the fence and into a home that is right for you!

By: Carla Hill, Realty Times Published: November 2, 2011

It is estimated that 2 out of 5 people have the wrong information on their credit reports.  Incorrect information can cause long delays in the approval process and can be the basis for denial of credit, including a mortgage.

The time to check with the three major credit reporting agency is when you don't need the credit.  It sometimes can take months to straighten out any problems and you don't need the added stress while you are going through the homebuying process.

There are three major credit reporting agencies - Experian, Equifax, and Trans Union.  Because they operate differently, it is wise to check with all three.  By law you are allowed to check your credit with each of these agencies once a year.  A little secret:  Check each agency every 4 months and you'll keep yourself in check with your credit year round!  You can either do it on-line or by phone.

The museum features various exhibits, educational programs, festivals and more throughout the year.  Special events take place each month.  On the second Saturday of each month from 3:00 - 5:00pm the Oconee Heritage Center hosts an Old-Time Music Gathering.  Enjoy the sounds of claw-hammer banjo's, guitars, fiddles and more.  The event is free and open to everyone.  On the third Saturday of each month swing buy and enjoy movie night.  It begins at 6:30pm and a classic movie is shown prefaced by a short presentation on the history associated with the film.  Admission is free and popcorn is also provided.

The Oconee Heritage Center is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 12 - 6 pm and on Saturday from 10:00 - 3:00pm.

Sunrise Farm Bed & Breakfast is located in Salem, South Carolina and is a restored 1890 Victorian farmhouse that sits on 10 acres.  This charming bed and breakfast offers spacious, individually decorated farmhouse bedrooms and private self-contained cottages.  It's only minutes from Lake Keowee and Lake Jocassee and includes stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  Room Rates vary on the room and special discounted rates and packages are available. 

Historic Fieldstone Farm Inn is located on the outskirts of Seneca, South Carolina and sits on 23 gorgeous acres.  Gaze out the windows at the ancient oaks and the large lawns are perfect for family gatherings or outings with friends.  This stately 1870 Plantation includes High Speed Internet in all of the guest rooms and also features a hot tub and swimming pool. It is convenient to all area attractions and provides cottage rentals, cabin rentals and plantation rooms.  Special rates are also available. 

Nestled in the Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, step back in time at the Oconee Belle Bed and Breakfast located in Walhalla, South Carolina.  This 1885 Victorian home sits in the middle of town and offers today's conveniences with yesterdays history and the finest Southern Hospitality.  All rooms include wireless Internet service and rates vary.  Stroll through town and enjoy Walhalla's antique and specialty shops.  If nature is what you crave, this bed and breakfast is only minutes away from waterfalls, trails, Lake Keowee and Lake Jocassee.

This blog is part of our ongoing series "52 Hot Spots in Upstate South Carolina."  If there is a hot spot that we need to know about, please contact us and let us know.

October has brought a positive trend for home sellers: Sellers are getting more money for their homes. The list-to-sales price ratio stands for the amount of money sellers are getting for their homes compared to what they listed at. For example: A house that is listed for $100,000 and sells for $90,000 has a ratio of 90%, the seller received 90% of list price. October 2011 has shown a recent high record of 95.55% ratio, which means sellers are able to stay closer to their list price in negotiations.

Give us a call to see what your home is worth in this ever changing market. 864-985-1234.