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What Augusta National Teaches Us About Selling Real Estate

Every April, Augusta takes center stage. While the golf is world-class, what truly sets it apart is the setting. 

Augusta National is known for its beauty—but more than that, it’s known for its discipline. Every detail is considered. Nothing is rushed. Nothing is out of place. 

That level of intention is what makes it memorable. And its lessons are also very applicable to the art of selling real estate.  

Some of those lessons are 

  • You Don’t Get a Second Chance to Make a First Impression 
  • Consistency Creates Confidence  
  • People Respond to how a place feels  
  • Details Thoughtfully Done  

These lessons translate seamlessly to Auben Realty’ s real estate sales philosophy that our Augusta team has sought to learn from and incorporate into our recent condo conversion project at The Clubhouse in North Augusta, SC  

You Don’t Get a Second Chance to Make a First Impression 

At Augusta National, the experience begins well before the first swing. The approach is thoughtful. The grounds are immaculate. The tone is set immediately. 

A home (or a condo) is no different. 

By the time a buyer reaches the front door, an impression has already been formed. If the exterior feels neglected or uncertain, it’s difficult to overcome. 

When a home is presented with care – clean lines, maintained landscaping, a welcoming entry – it creates ease. It invites people in. 

For our condo project in North Augusta, all of the units face an immaculately maintained baseball field, so we have the challenge of matching our living experience to a professionally-monitored, minor league baseball team’s home.  

Consistency Creates Confidence 

One of the most striking qualities of Augusta National is its consistency. Every corner (Amen’s and many, many others) reflects the same level of care. 

Same at a professional stadium. 

And also in a home, where consistency aligning and meeting buyer expectations also matters…a lot. 

Anything overlooked against a backdrop of elevated expectations can produce hesitation or even worse for potential sellers: objections.  

Buyers may not always articulate it, but they sense and feel it, immediately. 

A well-presented home carries a sense of continuity. It feels settled. Considered. Complete. 

People Respond to How a Place Feels 

There’s a quiet calm to Augusta National. It’s not showy. It’s assured. 

At a recent visit to our condos in North Augusta, SC, Auben Strategic partner Erin Eisele commented how serene the setting is overlooking a perfectly manicured field.  

That same goal applies to selling all homes. 

Buyers don’t just evaluate features- they respond to feelings. When a home feels balanced and intentional, it allows buyers to imagine and envision themselves living there with very little effort. 

And when that happens, decisions tend to follow. 

Details, Thoughtfully Done 

At Augusta, the details are never excessive, but they are always precise. 

In real estate, those same subtle touches make a meaningful difference: 

      •     Defined edges in the landscape 

      •      Seasonal plantings, thoughtfully placed 

      •     Well-chosen lighting 

      •     An entry that feels welcoming and complete 

Individually, they’re small. Together, they shape the experience. 

The Takeaway 

You don’t need grand gestures to present a home well. 

You do need intention and execution.  

When a property is prepared with care—inside and out—it carries a quiet confidence that buyers recognize immediately. 

And more often than not, that’s what sets it apart.


 To learn how you could call this home please reach out to Alexis Steed Foust or Ryan Widener.

Property Management Company in Columbia | We’ll Cast a Wide Net for the Best Tenants

You may already know that finding good tenants is critical when renting out a property in Columbia or the surrounding area. But how do you find those tenants? That’s where it gets tricky. Looking for reliable renters on your own is a daunting task, but we can help. With years of experience as a trusted property management company in Columbia, we have a proven method of finding good renters for our client’s properties.

It’s a Lot of Work | Property Management Company

This is the part of the property rental process that owners tend to underestimate. You might think that you could just quickly put out an ad and immediately have plenty of great renters to pick from, but that’s not always how it works. You can easily invest a ton of time – and some money – in the process of looking for a tenant, only to struggle to find a good one. As your property management company in Columbia, we’ll do all of the legwork like background checks, following up with references, and more. All of that effort will pay off in the long run if you wind up with a tenant who is reliable and pays on time.

We Know Where to Look

There are certain channels to use in the search for quality tenants that tend to provide better results than others. As a result of our many years in this business, we know how to use the best paths to find good renters, and then we put those candidates through our review process to find the right person or people for your property. If you don’t have a property management company in Columbia working for you, it will be difficult to find great renters – and even if you do, you’ll have to spend a tremendous amount of time on the process.

Working with the right property management company can take a huge weight off of your shoulders. Auben Realty would be proud to serve in this role for you, so reach out today to learn more about our services. We hope to hear from you soon!

Rent your Home Columbia | Rent your Home Faster with these Updates

Rental homes are in hot demand, but developers are scrambling to build more housing to keep up with population growth in the Midlands. Investors in rental properties can find a lot of luck in attracting and retaining high-quality tenants by making updates that will have applicants clamoring to get a showing.

Best Updates to Make To Rental Properties

The best updates to make before you rent your home in Columbia are the fast and easy updates including:

Fresh coat of paint in the interior

Replacing carpet

Upgrading appliances

Refacing cabinets

maxing/polishing non carpeted flooring

Replacing the tub surround

Adding simple landscaping to the exterior

These simple and quick updates to rental properties make a big impact during applicant tours because it helps the home look cleaner and brighter. However, investors who want to rent their home in Columbia and stay towards the above average end of the market rent can consider:

Replacing siding or fresh exterior painting

Replacing laminate flooring with tile or hardwood

Replacing cabinets

Remodeling the master bathroom

Creating outdoor space such as a deck, patio, or garden

In addition to making updates and renovations to increase the rent value on the home, investors should always stay on top of pest control, keeping landscaping up to date (including tree trimming and pruning), and more. Keeping rental properties in pristine condition can be difficult, especially once a new tenant moves in. Investors should ensure that their property management company includes mandates in the lease for proper interior and exterior care of the home, as well as biannual inspections of the home.

One of the worst things that can happen to an investor is a tenant not taking care of a property and previous updates and renovations being ruined. Working with property managers to provide oversight to your investments can help you yield a larger return, and increase the value of your property.

If you need property management services in Columbia, call
Auben Realty of the Midlands
at .

Rent your Home Columbia | Top Amenities Renters Want

One of the best ways to make residual income is to rent your home in Columbia. However, the generation looking to rent single-family homes are younger millennials and generation Z who are now in their early to mid 20’s. These generations of tenants are looking for properties that are modern, spacious, and can be their safe haven to entertain and relax with friends and family. Homes that had owners for many years, or decades, are often in need of a lot of updates to increase the appeal. Luckily, we know just the top amenities renters are looking for in and around Columbia, SC.

Top Amenities for Rental Properties

Outdoor Space- The weather is beautiful most of the year in the Midlands and renters are looking for space to entertain their friends and family both indoors and out. A patio or deck in the backyard, lots of space for a fire pit and chairs, and maybe even room for a swingset will help investors get top dollar for rent.

Energy Efficient Appliances- The younger generations are more eco-conscious than ever and if the appliances are more than 20 years old you should consider upgrading them before you rent your home in Columbia. Energy efficiency isn’t just good for the environment, but it will help lower the utility bills for the tenants.

Ample Parking- Off street parking can be hard to find depending on where you are renting in Columbia and the surrounding areas. However, a driveway and garage can increase the value of the property and land your home on the higher end of the market rate. Everyone wants off-street parking if they can get it!

Smart Home Features- The more a millennial or genZer can control with their phone, the better for them. Smart Home features such as digital thermostats, automatic lights, and even shades that go up and down with the tap of the screen will impress tenants and future buyers.

Lots of Storage- Minimalism is in, but not everyone wants to throw out every item that doesn’t bring them immediate joy. Millennials are especially into the streamlined look where they can keep most of their kitchen appliances, dishes, and food tucked away into pantries and cabinets. They also love large walk-in closets with built-in shelves and bookcases.

These top amenities will help your property stay occupied and turn a profit in Columbia and all around the Midlands. Most of these amenities are easy and fast to complete without breaking the bank!

If you need property management services in Columbia, call
Auben Realty of the Midlands
at .

Property Management Company Columbia | Why the Midlands is the Place to Invest

Diving into investment properties is an exciting time but knowing where the best place to invest is can be tricky. South Carolina has a growing population, but the number of available properties in the big cities such as Charleston is not keeping pace with the number of tenants coming to the state. Many first time investors are finding more success and less competition for properties in communities like the midlands and Columbia.

Benefits of Investing in the Midlands

Housing costs in Charleston are 127% more expensive than Columbia. This HUGE disparity makes investing in properties in the Midlands very attractive for first time investors.

More than half of the residents in Columbia rent their homes and are happy to do so as rents have remained relatively affordable compared to Charleston.

Columbia is a buyer’s market according to realtor.com and is one of the best places to find great property values with high returns on investment.

University of South Carolina along with business growth in Columbia keep a steady stream of people moving into the area. There will always be quality renters so your properties won’t remain vacant.

A property management company in Columbia can help you manage properties no matter where you live or if you want to travel.

Best Neighborhoods to Invest Around Columbia

Columbia offers a great urban-suburban environment, but there are many other neighborhoods perfect for single-families in the suburbs as well.

Cayce
is a small community where nearly 50% of the households are renters. The neighborhood is just a bit south of downtown Columbia and sits along the Congaree River. Homes in Cayce average 5 days on the market, so this community is hot for investors.

West Columbia
is another community where there are many renters. 45% of the households rent and homes are more affordable in West Columbia than other places in the metro area.

Chapin
has a lower population of renters but this tiny community with a population less than 2,000 is ranked as the second-best community to purchase a home in the Columbia area. Average rent is $1,200 and worth every penny, especially lakefront properties.

A property management company in Columbia can help investors decide which neighborhoods are the best for rental property profits.

If you need property management services in Columbia, call
Auben Realty of the Midlands
at .

Property Management Company Columbia | Rental Trends to Look For in 2023

South Carolina home values have increased by nearly 27% in the last year and the trend will continue into 2023. The housing market is so strong because of high demand and limited supply of single family homes. Throw inflation in the mix which is causing contractors to spend more and more on building, and the biggest trend for 2023 will be rent increases. However, there are a few more trends a property management company in Columbia should consider to keep returns increasing.

Trends in Rental Properties

Cohabitating in Single-Family- More and more single young adults are finding themselves looking for single-family homes where they can cohabitate with friends to save money. Sometimes a property management company in Columbia can increase profits by charging rent per bedroom when there are multiple unrelated adults living in a home.

Shorter Term Leases- The market is changing quickly and shorter term leases allow a property management company in Columbia to be flexible when it comes to terms such as rent. Generally landlords cannot change the price of rent until lease renewal time, with inflation rising as fast as it is, landlords need to be able to keep up with market trends.

Summer Vacation Rental- One of the best ways to make higher profits on homes used for student housing in South Carolina is to rent the home for summer vacation rentals. These types of rental turn a profit fast, especially if the property is close to the beach.

One of the best ways for investors to keep up with the trends in the ever-changing rental market is to use a property management company in Columbia. Property managers keep a close eye on market trends and rates, take care of all the day-to-day tasks associated with being a landlord, collect and process rent, and much more. Taking on these duties allows investors to focus on their business, while a manager focuses on the tenants.

If you need property management services in Columbia, call
Auben Realty of the Midlands
at .

Property Management in Columbia SC | What to do About Tenants Who Sneak in Pets

There are many reasons why property management in Columbia SC companies do not allow pets in their rental homes. Pets likes dogs and cats can scratch up carpets, walls, doors, and can leave stains and odors that are impossible to get out. The investor’s insurance may not cover pets or the risk that comes with some pets such as dogs which is one of the biggest reasons to put a no pets policy in the lease. Nonetheless, some tenants will want to have a cat or dog in the home and property managers will be left to figure out how to deal with the violation.

Confronting a tenant about their lease violations can be a tricky situation, but we have tips and best practices to make it easier on everyone.

Make Multiple Attempts to Contact-
The first time a property manager notices evidence of a pet they should contact the tenant immediately via phone call and a follow-up email. The tenant may admit to the animal being present in the home and have an excuse, but they could also deny they have a pet. If there is no answer, try again the next day and post a letter to their door asking the tenant to contact you. When all attempts to contact have been exhausted, you can send a certified letter to the tenant giving them notice of inspection.

Use Proper Escalation-
Unless the lease provides for immediate eviction on discovery of an animal, property management in Columbia SC should follow reasonable steps of escalation. First offense of a lease violation could result in a warning and demand to remove the animal. The second offense could result in a lease violation fine and a call to animal control. If a third offense is noted a move to eviction could be necessary.

Keep the Rules Consistent-
One of the key rules for property management in Columbia SC and anywhere is to make sure you keep the rules consistent. If all the properties are pet-free, you should not make concessions for some tenants and not others. The last thing a property manager wants is a lawsuit claiming discrimination because a tenant was treated differently than another.

Working in property management sometimes puts managers in confrontational situations with tenants but following our tips for tenants who sneak in pets can be applied to many different situations.

When you are ready to have a professional property manager handle the nitty gritty stuff, call
Auben Realty of the Midlands
at .

Property Management in Columbia SC | How to Assemble a Maintenance Team

When you work in property management in Columbia SC one of the most important things you need is a solid maintenance team. However, assembling the team can often be difficult, and some property managers do not know where to start. Luckily, we have some terrific tips and tricks that will help you find and hire the best candidates for your maintenance team.

Tips to Hiring Great Maintenance Team Members

Knowing Where to Hire-
Posting on Indeed, NowHiring, or other job platforms can be great for hiring a variety of positions, but a property manager will likely be looking for applicants with a special skill set for the maintenance team. Property management in Columbia SC could partner with staffing agencies that work with laborers that have experience in painting, drywall, carpet replacement, carpentry, plumbing, electrical and other trade skills that can be extremely valuable on a maintenance team.

Interview Process-
When interviewing applicants for a property management in Columbia SC maintenance team managers should be able to conduct a skills assessment to ensure the team member will be able to complete the duties of their job. Skills assessments can be a verbal interview asking for steps to fixing a clogged drain, paint a living room, or other tasks your team will be completing, and can also be created on a computer as a formal test. In addition to the applicant’s trade skills, property managers should also be interviewing for on-call availability, great customer service skills, and time management ability.

Maintenance Supervisors-
One of the most valuable positions a property manager can hire for is a maintenance supervisor. This person should have extensive experience in trade skills, maintenance, and team management. The Maintenance Supervisor can oversee scheduling of the team, managing maintenance requests from tenants, and leading move-out procedures to restore a home post-tenant; as well as helping to interview, hire, and train new crew members.

Having a great maintenance team will have multiple benefits for property management in Columbia SC including keeping the property in pristine condition and keeping tenants in their homes and happy. Both scenarios are profitable for investors.

If you are looking for a property management team with professional maintenance, call
Auben Realty of the Midlands
at .

Property Management Companies in Columbia SC |How to Get Good Deals on Investment Properties

Property prices have been skyrocketing for the last decade and good real estate deals are harder and harder to come by, especially if you are looking to use the properties as rentals. With rent rising, now is the best time to get into the market and make a profit, if you can secure low-interest rate loans on great deals. Luckily, the property management companies in Columbia SC may have some tips and tricks that can help you find the best investment deals for your rental business.

Look Out of Town-
If you live in a big city and are only looking at properties around you, those real estate market will make you cringe. Home values are rising, and inventory is at an all-time low in many places around the country as people stay put amidst the COVID 19 pandemic. One thing that investors can do is check out the smaller towns and regions within a few hours of their home base if they want to stay close to their properties. Some investors have even been looking in other states like South Carolina where property management companies in Columbia SC can take their business off their hands and handle all the nitty gritty while owners are hundreds or thousands of miles away.

Do not Rely on the MLS-
Working with a realtor can be easy, but there are a lot of homes that are For Sale by Owners and not listed on Zillow or realestate.com. Make sure to check platforms such as Craigslist and even Facebook Marketplace for properties that are for private sale. This is also a great place to find investment properties for a low price that need renovations before habitation.

Have Your Preapproval Ready-
Deals go fast and you must be ready to strike with your offer as soon as you see the advertisement. Having a preapproval letter handy from your bank or mortgage company will help you be at the top of the list for accepting offers.

Owners and investors can also partner with property management companies in Columbia SC to be on the lookout for properties that are going up for sale. Most companies work with multiple owners and can often be vital in networking between owners to unload and pick up new properties quickly, all while still relying on the same property manager!

If you are ready to talk to a property manager and get the process started, call
Auben Realty of the Midlands
at .

Property Management Services Columbia SC | South Carolina Squatters Rights

One of the worst nightmares for owners and property management services Columbia SC is tenants who do not leave or refuse to leave after their lease is up. When people occupy a home, they are not supposed to live in, they are referred to as “squatters.” These squatters are not only people who might stay after the lease is up, but also people who break in, or friends that were not on the lease who try to stay after the original lessors move out.

Some people believe that squatters can get lawful possession of a home through a loophole called adverse possession which allows legal ownership of a property without having to provide payment under certain conditions. However, each state has their own laws, often called “squatters rights” that govern how these situations are handled.

Squatter’s Rights, Should I be Worried?

Squatters must occupy a home or property lawfully for more than 10 years before they can claim ownership of the property and get a deed or title in their name. These situations are unique to abandoned properties or properties that have been unclaimed through inheritances or other circumstances.

Squatter’s rights in South Carolina are not applicable to homes that are owned by someone or under contract with property management services Columbia SC. Investors may have to deal with tenants from time to time that do not want to leave after their lease is up, or when they are being evicted, but these folks are not squatters.

Property management services Columbia SC owners trust and work with regularly are adept at handling the legal side of evictions and tenants that violate their leases. These processes are often burdensome for owners, and a good property manager will be able to handle things from start to finish without the owner ever needing to come to court in most cases.

If you are ready to talk to a property manager and get the process started, call
Auben Realty of the Midlands
at .