by Michael Dey | Nov 5, 2019 | Blog, Government Affairs/Advocacy, Upstate Parade of Homes
General Election: Tuesday, November 5
City Council Elections
Polling Hours: 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Don’t know where to vote? Check here.
Don’t know who is on the ballot? Click here to get your sample ballot.
Election day for city councils and other municipal offices is tomorrow, Tuesday, November 5. If you are registered to vote, please plan to go to the polls. Not registered to vote? Why not?
Builder Ballot
The Political Education Committee has screened these candidates and offers these positions on their candidacies:
Greenville City Council, Mayor
- Knox White, Republican, Incumbent, Recommended
Mayor White is running unopposed.
Greenville City Council, District 1 (seat is being vacated by Councilwoman Amy Ryberg-Doyle)
Greenville City Council, At-large
Mauldin City Council, Mayor (Non-Partisan)
The committee did not interview the other candidates in this race.
S.C. Builders PAC has contributed to the following candidates:
- Matt Johnson (D), Greenville City Council District 1
- George Fletcher (R)(incumbent), Greenville City Council At-Large
- Dennis Raines (incumbent), City of Mauldin, Mayor
The Process
Your Home Builders Association has formed two Political Action Committees that raise money from our members, screen candidates, and make contributions to the campaigns of the candidates. The Political Education Committee members screen the candidates and recommend scores and campaign contributions to the Board of Directors and the PAC Trustees. Their recommendations are based on the candidates’ positions on housing-related issues (party affiliation is not a consideration).
About the Political Education Committee
The Political Education Committee membership is limited to members who have made a $250 or greater contribution to the association’s PACs.
About the PACs
South Carolina Builders PAC is a partnership between the Home Builders Association of South Carolina, Home Builders Association of Greenville, and other local HBAs in South Carolina. Its scope is local, statewide, and legislative races.
BuildPAC is a PAC organized under Federal Election Laws and managed by the National Association of Home Builders. It’s scope is Congressional races. BuildPAC does not take a position on the Presidency.
by Matt Shouse | Oct 13, 2019 | Approved Professional Builder, Blog, Upstate Parade of Homes
Thinking about your home’s energy efficiency? After a very hot summer and early fall, many people are considering upgrading to a new, energy-efficient home. Analysis by the National Association of Home Builders shows that the newer a single-family home, the less energy it uses. And even though newer homes are larger, their increased efficiency means that homes built since 1999 use the same or slightly less energy than homes built before 1950.
Yet, even though new homes are built to be more efficient, true energy savings will depend on household behavior. Here are some ideas for making your home, no matter how old, more efficient.
- Installing compact fluorescent or LED light bulbs throughout your house is an easy and inexpensive money saver.
- Electronics: Turn them off when they are not in use. This includes TVs and computers!
- Use your dishwasher and washing machine only with full loads.
- Install a programmable thermostat. Even small changes in temperature can save money.
Study your home’s energy usage and understand where the energy is going. Do you have a new home but an old refrigerator? Is someone taking excessively long showers? Do you leave lights, a computer, or the television on even when you are not in the room or at home? Small changes in your energy habits can save big money over time.
Upstate Parade of Homes
The Upstate Parade of Homes, produced by the Home Builders Association of Greenville and presented by Ryan Homes, begins this weekend and will feature more than 30 new homes by the top Approved Professional Builders in the Upstate. The Parade will spotlight our Signature Community, Riverstone by Ryan Homes, a community of more than 450 new homes near Simpsonville.
Homes are open to the public 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. daily on the weekends of October 11-13 and October 18-20. Admission to the homes requires a complimentary ticket. Visit UpstateParadeofHomes.com for information and tickets, and download our parade app in your phone’s app store.
by Matt Shouse | Oct 6, 2019 | Approved Professional Builder, Blog, Upstate Parade of Homes
Thinking about buying a new home next year? It is not too early to start planning to buy your first home, or a new home. And the Home Builders Association of Greenville has the perfect event to help you get started on your new home search.
Upstate Parade of Homes
The Upstate Parade of Homes, produced by the Home Builders Association of Greenville and presented by Ryan Homes, will feature more than 30 new homes by the top Approved Professional Builders in the Upstate. The Parade also will spotlight our Signature Community, Riverstone by Ryan Homes, a community of more than 450 new homes near Simpsonville.
Homes are open to the public 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. daily over two weekends, October 11-13 and October 18-20. Admission to the homes requires a complimentary ticket. Visit UpstateParadeofHomes.com for information and tickets, and download our app in your phone’s app store.
While you start your new home search at the Upstate Parade of Homes, here are some tips to help you understand the home buying process:
- Attend a home buyer education seminar. The Greenville County Human Relations Commission offers seminars on a regular basis.
- Conventional mortgages require a 20 percent down payment. Some government-backed mortgage programs require lower down payments. Set a savings goal and start saving now for your down payment.
- Establish a budget, calculate your monthly payment, and stick to it. A home is an emotional purchase. Having a plan and sticking to that plan will help you find a house that you love and can afford.
- Get your credit in order. Pay down your debts. Other debts will limit how much you can borrow for your dream home.
- Select a lender and get pre-approved. When you find your dream home you may find that it is someone else’s dream home as well. Be ready to make an offer.
by Matt Shouse | Sep 29, 2019 | Approved Professional Builder, Blog, Upstate Parade of Homes
Kitchens are the focal point of any home, and not just for cooking. It is the primary gathering spot in most homes today. If you are interested in adding some pizazz to your kitchen, here are a few top trends:
Colors and Finishes
Single hues are passé, and bold colors are in. Designers are mixing and matching different colors all around the kitchen. When it comes to finishes, metallics continue to be popular.
Cabinets and Sinks
Storage is important in any kitchen, but how much is too much? Fewer cabinets are trending this year. Kitchens without upper cabinets add a modern design element, and is part of a minimalist trend that makes the room feel less cluttered. Even the kitchen sink is evolving with a new hot color: black. Utility is key for any kitchen sink, but adding a bold dark finish elevates any basin.
Islands
Meals begin and end at the kitchen island. Home owners have moved the island to their “must-have” home features list. Trending this year are large islands with bold colors that contrast the rest of the kitchen.
Lighting
A bright, well-lit kitchen is always in style. Trendsetters are using single pendant lights grouped in a dramatic or unexpected way this year. The non-traditional arrangement of pendant lights can make a statement in any kitchen.
Upstate Parade of Homes
The Upstate Parade of Homes, produced by the Home Builders Association of Greenville and presented by Ryan Homes, is back again in October featuring more than 30 new homes by the top Approved Professional Builders in the Upstate. The Parade also will spotlight our Signature Community, Riverstone by Ryan Homes, a community of more than 450 new homes near Simpsonville.
Homes are open to the public 12 noon until 5 p.m. daily on October 11-13 and October 18-20. Admission to the homes requires a complimentary ticket. Visit UpstateParadeofHomes.com for information and tickets, and download our App in your phone’s app store.
by Matt Shouse | Sep 22, 2019 | Approved Professional Builder, Blog, Upstate Parade of Homes
Home Building provides a rewarding career path for women. Builders and remodelers in the Upstate are seeking skilled artisans and professionals, including carpenters, architects, engineers, plumbers, electricians and painters. With women making up about half of the workforce, here are some reasons why women should consider a fulfilling career in Home Building.
Competitive Pay. A pay gap exists between men and women across most industries, but not in construction. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women in the construction industry earn 97 cents for every dollar a man earns, much better than the 80 cents in the rest of the workforce.
Job Opportunities. Unfilled jobs in construction reached a post-recession high earlier this year. According to the National Association of Home Builders, the residential construction industry is one of the few sectors where demand for new workers has risen and significant shortages of labor continues to exist.
Scholarships. The National Housing Endowment offers several student scholarships and programs and the American Council for Construction Education has resources available for students interested in teaching opportunities in the field.
Network of Experts. A growing community of women in construction are willing to mentor and share insights with women entering the field. The Professional Women in Building Council of the Upstate is a group within the Home Builders Association of Greenville dedicated to empowering and supporting women in Home Building.
A Sense of Accomplishment. A career in Home Building brings a sense of satisfaction for completing high-quality work that contributes to the industry, our community, and the American Dream.
Upstate Parade of Homes
The Upstate Parade of Homes, produced by the Home Builders Association of Greenville and presented by Ryan Homes, is back again in October. The Upstate Parade of Homes presented by Ryan Homes will feature more than 30 new homes by the top Approved Professional Builders in the Upstate. The Parade also will spotlight our Signature Community, Riverstone by Ryan Homes, a community of more than 450 new homes near Simpsonville, and our Featured Community, Ridgewalk Cottages by Rosewood Communities in Greer.
Homes are open to the public 12 noon until 5 p.m. daily on October 11-13 and October 18-20. Admission to the homes requires a complimentary ticket. Visit UpstateParadeofHomes.com for information and tickets and download our App in your phone’s app store.
by Matt Shouse | Jan 28, 2019 | Approved Professional Builder, Blog, Southern Home and Garden Show, Upstate Parade of Homes
You really want a new kitchen and a living room that has not become the playroom. You seem to have too many people and not enough bathrooms, and ultimately, you will need a safer and more accessible home as you age. You are ready to make a change, but you need to decide: remodel or relocate?
There is no one right answer for every situation. Before you look at houses for sale, or draw up plans to remodel or add on, think about the approach that best meets your wants and that can help you determine what is the best plan of action.
Answering these questions can help you decide:
Do you like your neighborhood? Do your friends and your children’s’ friends live there? Is your favorite park or coffee shop nearby? Are the schools the right fit for your family? Or do you wish you lived closer to work, with a park nearby, as well as a neighborhood restaurant and pub?
How does your home compare in value to others in the neighborhood? Will your remodel make your home the most expensive on the street? Is a house that fits your needs more important than resale if you are planning on living there a long time?
How long do you expect a new space to meet your needs? If your children are making your house feel small, consider their age. How much longer do you expect them to live at home? Do you need more square footage now? Or can you wait a couple of years before downsizing?
What is your tolerance for living in a construction zone? Based on your list of needs, how long and disruptive will the remodeling process be? Temporary housing is expensive, but so is moving to a new home. There are costs for closing, fixing up your current house to sell, moving and even making your new home your own.
What’s the market like for the home you want? How likely are you to find a place you can afford, with the features you want and in the neighborhood you prefer?
Weigh these factors and decide whether you want to remodel or relocate.
Start Planning for the Southern Home and Garden Show
The professionals who can help you find your dream home or remodel your current home will be exhibiting at the Southern Home and Garden Show March 1-3 at the Greenville Convention Center. Make plans to attend now by visiting www.SouthernHomeandGardenShow.com.
