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When you get a 'short list' of properties, look them up on gcgis.org. That is the Greenville County Government Information System, and you can zoom out to see what else might be in your neighborhood, such as a sewage treatment plant. You can also see if you're in a flood area, look up crime statistics; all kinds of stuff on there. We started with a list of 2 dozen properties, and quickly whittled it down to only 2.
When you get a 'short list' of properties, look them up on gcgis.org. That is the Greenville County Government Information System, and you can zoom out to see what else might be in your neighborhood, such as a sewage treatment plant. You can also see if you're in a flood area, look up crime statistics; all kinds of stuff on there. We started with a list of 2 dozen properties, and quickly whittled it down to only 2.
I wish it were possible to shop for homes on my own. What I mean is, wouldn't it be nice if you could get a list and the keys and just go out for a couple of days on your own? I hope this isn't off topic, but this is the way I like to shop for cars, furniture, etc. When I purchase a car, the salesperson who lets me take my time and test drive everything, take the car home, on the highway, etc., is the person who will get the sale. I've made some very serious mistakes in my life because I felt obligated to buy or didn't want to offend someone. I've decided that since this is such a life-changing decision for me, I can't worry about what a bother I am or what anyone thinks of me. It has to be my decision. As Meg Ryan said in When Harry Met Sally "I just like it the way I like it" and this isn't a salad, it's a place to live for many years, maybe until I die.
Other than not getting the keys (if you were the seller would you want people having access to your home without an agent present?) you can drive around, list in hand, without an agent and decide based on curb appeal if you want to see the house. A house is a major purchase so I see nothing wrong with taking your time in deciding. If you find your dream home in a weekend, great but for most it will take a bit of looking. I think the best to hope for in a weekend is deciding where you DON'T want to live.
A couple of things I'd like to point out in response to comments on this post:
A Realtor's job is to protect you in all aspects of a home purchase. To be honest, any fool can open a door. You want someone that can protect you financially, legally, and make it smooth transaction.
A Realtor shouldn't pick the homes you see, you should pick the homes you see. I provide my clients with a list of homes that fit their needs and they pick the ones we look at. A good Realtor goes a little up and little down on your provide price to make sure nothing is missed. You worry about a Realtor missing your dream home, a Realtor reduces your chance of missing your dream home.
A good Realtor doesn't decide or pressure you into buying any particular home. We just open the door and you decide what home you like. The last time I checked we couldn't make someone buy a home, the home must sell itself.
SooninSC- Friendly advice from a real estate expert: I'm glad you've looked at websites of local agents (I'm not in G-Ville). If you would like to save yourself time and hassle, shop for an agent upfront rather than shopping for a home and calling that agent. Interview a couple of agents and see who you connect with. Then let that agent do the legwork for you. If you have detailed questions about why you'll benefit from this method please ask away and I'll provide answers if I can.
Botany Woods is beautiful but note they tend to lose their power for a while due to the lines being above ground and the mature trees during ice storms.
Sugar Creek is another nice development though, like Botany Woods at the top of your range.
Be careful of some of the homes in Del Norte as some (not all) have flood issues.
Pelham Estates is another subdivision to consider though you might have to knock on doors and ask them to sell ;-) Don't see immediately any homes for sale.
Pelham Falls is also worth a look.
I found this thread because I am searching for info on the Del Norte subdivision. I saw some homes listed for around $160. These older homes look beautiful and some have been updated. I will keep your comment in mind, however. Good to know.
Hi All
Since I did initiate this thread I will let everyone know that things are progressing well with the house in Simpsonville. We ended up negotiating with buyer to fix some things found on the home inspection and so far it has been pretty good.
Just as general FYI- 4 of the 10 homes we saw just in last 2 weeks have dropped in price again. Not much as a % but it is a sign that as a buyer it is a GREAT time to look for homes. Precluding of course that your home will not sit also. I am lucky, one of our 2 homes we are selling(my parents) sold in PA in 3 days and my home has been on market officially 2 days and I am expecting an offer this week.
So, I would definitely consider this a great window of opportunity to buy a home esp with some of housing stock in greater greenville metro area.
I found this thread because I am searching for info on the Del Norte subdivision. I saw some homes listed for around $160. These older homes look beautiful and some have been updated. I will keep your comment in mind, however. Good to know.
Del Norte is in a nice area just about 1/2 mile to a mile from me. Close to everything. Just watch the "creek". It maybe dry now but believe me, when it rains it floods. Since only a few homes there are actually on the creek you should be able to find something there. Another place you might look at similar priced homes is Canebrake. It's located across from Buena Vista Elementary.
I Have Lived In Greenville 30 Years And Can Offer A Bit Of Advice. I Have Lived In The Gower/parkins Mill Area The Past 10 Years And Its Wonderful. Its A Great Location, And Without High Traffic. Property Value Has Continued To Go Up And People Care About Their Homes And Continue To Do Improvements, As Most Of These Homes Are Older. Gower Is Popular And Has Mostly Ranches Because Its Older, And If You Have Kids They Have A Very Popular Community Pool You Can Join And A Top Ranked Swim Team! Parkins Mill And Gower Run Into Each Other And Its Generally A Bit More $$'s. People Are Friendly In Both And Both Are Extremely Kid Friendly.
Dove Tree Is A Really Nice Older Neighborhood Too, And My Friends Who Live There Like It A Lot And Folks Are Also Friendly, And They Too Have A Great Pool And Swim Team.
Do You Have Kids? Both These Neighborhoods Have The 3 Newly Built And Award Winning Magnet School Programs. So Thats A Plus For Your Kids And For Resale!!!
Oh Gosh, I Didnt See That You Have Already Found A House. Good Luck To You,
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Del Norte
