Local governments instituted eminent domain, which is the practice of converting private property into public land in exchange for fair market compensation, as a way to add necessary infrastructure to growing towns. During the past century, the use of eminent domain has often caused rifts in the communities in which it has been employed. In South Carolina specifically, the addition of highways, airports, and service roads has uprooted homeowners whose families had often occupied the land for decades.

These seized properties are usually located close to the center of downtown or between urban hubs. Relative urban density is also often a predictor of which homes may be subject to eminent domain. A row of single-family homes located near a zoning district…

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Living near a business can be a polarizing experience depending on where you are located. While you will get a first-hand view of many of the organizations around you, some of the downsides can become very irritating. First, here are some of the positive aspects of living in a highly commercialized area.

Accessibility

Whether it is a restaurant or insurance companies, living near businesses means that you will not have a long journey ahead of you in terms of getting what you need. Compared to the distance that those who live in a residential neighborhood, those who have businesses overlooking their house can practically walk to their destination. This can prove to be very convenient, especially if you are in need of something urgently. There is no…

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Buying real estate involves more than just finding an available house or plot of land. Most buyers simply find what they want, make an offer, and go from there. But it’s wise to do a land survey first before buying a plot of land with or without a house on it. The land survey will reveal important things about the property you need to know.

The Importance of a Land Survey

A land survey tells you exactly what you’re getting. The surveyor will measure property boundaries to make sure they’re correct. Otherwise, you could actually get less than what you’re expecting. The surveyor can also determine if nearby driveways, sidewalks, fences, or other structures are on the property.

The survey is also important because someone might have a building or…

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Before a buyer chooses a home, there are certain conditions that they should be aware of. Most real estate agents can guide a buyer to a better selection, but if the buyer wants to look for their own home, they should read about the statistics within the neighborhood before moving into a home. Since a buyer is looking to purchase a home, there are additional facts to consider. Some of those facts are:

  • deteriorating houses in the neighborhood
  •  no street lights
  •  no caution lights
  •  no traffic lights
  •  drugs in the neighborhood
  •  no friendly neighbors
  •  increased crime rates
  •  people speeding through the neighborhood
  •   poor lawn service
  •   loud noises

A buyer can usually find statistics about a neighborhood in the local…

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The last thing that you want to do after purchasing your new home and getting unpacked is leaving the place cluttered.

Built-in bookshelves can enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your new living space by providing nooks for all kinds of things beyond books. You might decide to use built-in bookshelves for a media center or a place to showcase antiques and heirlooms that you've received over the years.

Pro: Use Otherwise Unused Space

Built-in bookshelves can, of course, be used for books and for turning an otherwise unused wall into a spot to put literally hundreds of books and DVDs. You'll finally be able to keep your closets clear for, imagine this, clothes. Then again, maybe you'll want to fold clothes and stow them on a built-in…

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As a homeowner, you take pride in your property and want to do everything that you can to protect it, and keep it looking great. You may even have a long list of maintenance items that you work on to keep the value of your house from going down. For the best care, pest control should be at the top of your list.

Pests can damage your home, and cost you thousands of dollars. Whether you are in your “forever home” or planning on selling in a few years, removing and fortifying yourself against these invaders is important. They can destroy load bearing beams, flooring, and nest in insulation. Once you have these unwelcome house guests, they can be hard to get rid of.

The Greenville area is home to many insects and animals that are classified as pests…

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There are a lot more options to buying a home than you might think. Prospective buyers will narrow in on amenities and square footage based on the budget at their disposal, but there are plenty of other factors to consider. It can be a truly intimidating task, especially considering the financial investment involved.

That is why we’ve created this guide to help you navigate the pros and cons of two of the most common options for buying a home: building a custom home and buying pre-owned. While the better option will depend on your situation, this guide should help you determine which route will best suit your needs.

Building a Custom House

Pros:

The biggest perk of building a custom house is being in control of every detail. You can add any…

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Taking out a mortgage is one of the biggest expenses most people will make in their lifetime. Even though it is a huge financial responsibility, almost half of new home buyers don't put in the necessary time to compare different lenders to find the best rate.

These days, there are more options to consider than traditional credit unions, banks and mortgage brokers. Many home buyers are turning to the internet to find mortgage lenders. It can be intimidating to think about taking out a huge mortgage from an online lender. Below are some of the pros and cons of using an online mortgage company to take into consideration.

Pros Of Using An Online Mortgage Company

1. Lower Interest Rates Available

One of the main advantages of an online mortgage…

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Whether you're interested in increasing the value of your home for yourself or for future sales, it’s best to consider multiple ways to do so. Some of the most innovative approaches to increasing the value of your house involve the use of timers. Considering the vast ways in which timers can help may encourage you to purchase at least a few.

Lighting Systems

Timers for lights are pivotal ways to raise both the value and security of your home. For example, you can time lights around the exterior of your home to go on when night falls, which brings up a sense of security. Furthermore, in the event that you are away from home, you can have the lights go on and off with a timer, thereby giving off the appearance that someone is home and making the house…

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8 Things to Consider Before Renting to Tenants

There are great reasons for renting an apartment that is above the garage of your home to earn extra cash, or alternatively, you might want to take an extended vacation abroad while renting your entire home to tenants. If you want to make money from your Greenville home, then there are several things that you should do first.

Check Your Local Zoning Regulations

Before you rent a room or an entire home, you must check the local zoning regulations. You may need a permit to rent to tenants, and in some cases, an inspection of your property is required first. Failing to follow these guidelines can lead to financial fines or other penalties.

Check Your Tax Situation

When you are renting a home or a…

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