Summer Festival Season

Upcoming Events Section

Apr 17: Spring Bonanza - McCormick - local music, hot air tethered balloon rides, balloon sculptor, art & crafts, food

Apr 17: Touch-A-Truck - Columbia - kids will have fun exploring big rigs and

Apr 17-25: Striped Bass Festival - Manning - fireworks, dances, parade, children's rides,"Miss Striped Bass"

Apr 22: Thursday Night ReLeaf - Greenville - food, drinks, entertainment - a tree is planted in Greenville Co. for each ticket sold

Apr 22-24: Artista Vista - Columbia - 'crawl' the galleries of the Vista, many with refreshments and performing arts

April 22-24: Rholetter's Spring Bluegrass Festival - Long Creek in Oconee County - bluegrass bands, open jams - camping too!

Apr 22-24: South Carolina BBQ-Shag Festival - Hemingway - cook-offs, fireworks, rides, pageant

Apr 23: Wine Tasting at Riverbanks Botanical Garden - Columbia - plus food from local chefs and music

Apr 23-25: Colleton County Rice Festival - Walterboro - parade, crafts, 5K Rice Run, cooking contest, fireworks, street dance

Apr 24: Congaree Arts Festival - Columbia - State Museum displays artwork by South Carolina artists

Apr 24: Hilton Head Seafood Fest - Gourmet food, live music, "Iron Chef" competition, farmers' market, crab races, kid zone

Apr 24: Soft Shell Crab Festival - Port Royal - food, crafts, community booths

Apr 24: Sparkleberry Country Fair - Columbia - petting zoo, rides, food, crafts, tractors - proceeds benefit local schools

Apr 29 - May 1: Spring Festival on the Square - Abbeville - carnival rides, antique cars, talent show, Swingin' Medallions concert

Apr 29 - May 2: Black Cowboy Man or Myth African-American Festival - Rembert - concerts, horse show, period demonstrations

Apr 29 - May 2: Piedmont Plant and Flower Festival - Greenville State Farmers' Market - click, then scroll down

Apr 29 - May 2: SC Strawberry Festival - Fort Mill - "Strawberry Jam" music, rides, pageant, recipe & eating contests, fireworks

Apr 30 - May 1: Greer Family Fest - Live music, children's parade, KidsZone, Creation Station, arts & crafts, restaurant row

Apr 30 - May 1: Taste of Beaufort - Friday night is "Shag Night", dishes from local restaurants, 5K run

Apr 30 - May 2: Orangeburg Festival of Roses - Petting zoo, arts & crafts, airplane rides, Princess & Queen of Roses

Apr 30 - May 2: Spring Fling - Spartanburg - street festival - dozens of bands, art show, kids' carnival, food court

May 1: Charleston Dog Show - Demonstrations, exhibits, competition - proceeds benefit local animal rescue organizations
Learn more about how you can save an animal and help South Carolina's animal rescue organizations

May 1: Cinco De Mayo - Charleston - Mexican cuisine, salsa band, DJ, "Dancing with the Local Stars," professional dancers - benefit

May 1: Greer Family Fest - Live music, children's parade, KidsZone, Creation Station, arts & crafts, restaurant row

May 1: Heart & Sole Women's Five Miler - Columbia - run/walk 3 or 5 miles to raise heart disease awareness, post-race expo & celebration

May 1: Lowcountry Shrimp Festival & Blessing of the Fleet - McClellanville - entertainment, art, kids' corner, food

May 1: Miles of Hope - Rock Hill - 5K run or 1-mile fun run - benefits area hospice care patients

May 1: Peach Blossom Festival - Johnston - parade, rides and games, arts & crafts, food vendors, live entertainment

May 1: Rosewood Crawfish Festival - Columbia - kids' area, Creole & Cajun cuisine, live music, 'Crawdaddy Dash', pole vaulting - benefit

May 1: Spirit of South Carolina Adult Education Sail - PDF - Charleston - learn about marine science and maritime history

May 1: Spring Festival on the Square - Abbeville - amusement rides, antique car show, local performers, Swingin' Medallions concert

May 1: St. Francis Mud Run - Greenville - 4-person teams, kids' course - benefits Goodwill Foundation & Marine Toys for Tots Foundation

May 1: Taste of Beaufort - Features dishes from 15 local restaurants, live music, 5K race in the morning

May 1: Tour de Cure - Little Mountain - bicycling with choice of 4 routes, 5 miles to 100 miles - for American Diabetes Association

May 1-2: Battle for Columbia - Sandy Run - Civil War reenactment, period demonstrations, exhibits - don't forget your lawn chair

May 1-2: Black Cowboy Man or Myth African American Festival - Rembert - concerts, horse show, period demonstrations, and food

May 1-2: Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach Adoptathon - Reduced adoption rates - see some of the animals

May 1-2: Orangeburg Festival of Roses - Kids' area with inflatables, arts & crafts, car show, airplane rides, Princess & Queen of Roses

May 1-2: Piedmont Plant and Flower Festival - Greenville State Farmers' Market - click, then scroll down

May 1-2: South Carolina Strawberry Festival - Fort Mill - "Strawberry Jam" music, rides, pageant, recipe & eating contests, fireworks

May 1-2: Spring Fling - Spartanburg - street festival - dozens of bands, art show, kids' carnival, food court, Rock Band competition

May 1-8: North Charleston Arts Festival - Over 40 performances at various venues, art exhibits, kids' activities, fireworks

May 3: Government Finance Officers Association of SC Spring Conference - Columbia - seminars, networking

May 3 - Jun 5: Allendale Paleoamerican Expedition - Near Martin - help excavate the Topper Archaeological Site

May 6-8: South Carolina Poultry Festival - Batesburg-Leesville - parade, fireworks, chicken calling and Cook-Cluck-Win-A-Buck contests

May 7: Bid for a Cure - Columbia - wine tasting, silent auction - benefits South Carolina Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

May 7: Relay For Life of Clarendon County - Manning - benefits American Cancer Society

May 7-8: Allendale County Spring Cooter Fest - "Carolina Cooter" turtle races, carnival rides and games, live music, parade, fireworks

May 7-8: Walterboro Rodeo - Local riders welcome

May 7-9: Artisphere - Greenville - visual arts, live performances, opening night gala, 'Kidsphere' area, local restaurants

May 7-16: Myrtle Beach Bike Week and Spring Rally - Murrells Inlet - motorcycles - view City of Myrtle Beach's rules & ordinances

May 8: Bluegrass on the Waccamaw - Conway - live music festival, plus workshops, encouraging all to bring a lawn chair

May 8: Bluffton Village Festival - live music, children's activities, art vendors, ugly dog contest, Civil War reenactment, after hours party

May 8: Dragon Boat Charleston Festival - 250-meter paddling races celebrate cancer survivors

May 8: Lancaster Area Literacy Cooperative 5K Race for Literacy - Race location is USC-Lancaster - benefits increasing literacy efforts

May 8: Mayfest on Main - North Myrtle Beach - street festival with live music, car show, community stage, children's area, crafts, food

May 8: Ride for the Rack Breast Cancer Benefit - Spartanburg - poker run, auction, music, professional bull riding and barrel racing

May 9: Mother's Day - Sunday - Hooray Moms!

May 10: Confederate Memorial Day - Monday - observed state holiday

May 11-12: InnoVenture Southeast Conference - Greenville - information to assist small and medium enterprises grow

May 13-16: BMW Charity Pro-Am - Spartanburg - golf tournament benefits 99 charities - $7.3 million raised over the last 9 years!

May 13-16: Charleston Lindy Exchange - Lindy hop, balboa, blues dancing at various venues - DJs & live music

May 13-16: Greek Festival - Greenville - live music, folk dancing, children's rides, arts & crafts, tours, and lots of food!

May 14-15: Blue Ridge Fest - Pickens - music, food, car cruise-in, motorcycle ride - benefiting 13 local charities

May 15: Angel Walk - Mount Pleasant - 5K walk, pre-event expo, post-walk festival - for MUSC medulloblastoma research

May 15: Cateechee Fest - Ninety Six - honoring Native American heritage, performers, costume & tee-pee contests, plus Model A cars

May 15: HOGS Gone Wild Rally For The Rugrats - Myrtle Beach - motorcycles - benefits Toys For Tots & Freedom Alliance Scholarship

May 15: Strawberry Festival - Slater, Greenville County - pancake breakfast, music, food, arts & crafts

May 15: Tour de Midlands - Lexington - bicycling with choice of 4 routes, 15 miles to 102 miles - benefits Lexington Greenways Alliance

May 15-16: Blue Crab Festival - Little River - live music, arts & crafts, kids' area, food, community booths, car & motorcycle show

May 15-16: Carolina Children's Home BBQ Cook-Off Festival - Columbia - music, kids' activities, "Save the Pigs Party" - benefit
Learn more about barbeque in South Carolina

May 20-24: Greenwood Music Festival - "Vive La France!" - concerts, opera, movie - at various venues

May 21-22: Chesnee Festival - Midway rides, BBQ cookoff, live entertainment - benefits Kop's Kids Organization & Boys and Girls Club

May 28-30: Gullah Festival - Beaufort - entertainment, food, local tours, forums, plays

May 28-31: Freedom Weekend Aloft - Simpsonville - hot-air balloons, concerts, fun zone, disc dog nationals, amusement rides, car show

May 28 - Jun 13: Spoleto Festival USA - Charleston - international arts festival, performing and visual arts

May 29: Invitational Golf Tournament - Longs - four-man captain's choice - benefits Cedar Branch Community Empowerment Center

May 31: National Memorial Day - Monday - state and federal holidaySui

Columbia, SC The State Capital

The Market: Geographically, Columbia -- the state capital -- is in the center of the state, with a two-hour drive from either the Atlantic coast or the Blue Ridge Mountains, and about halfway between New York City and Miami, with easy access to interstate highways. Not just the center of state government, Columbia also is home to the main campus of the University of South Carolina (with 27,000 students) and its developing research park, Innovista, and to Fort Jackson, the largest Army training base in the country.

Area Population: 576,557
Area Households: 223,500
Household Growth Rate: 7.45% (projected 2006-20011)
Households with Children: (Younger than age 18) 36.8%


Households Owned: 69.1%
Median Value of Owned Homes: $121,762
Average Household Income: $62,501
Median Household Income: $47,821

Education: (Columbia Metro, which includes Richland and Lexington counties)25.6% have high school degrees21.7% have some college education27.2% have associate or bachelor's degrees10.2% have advanced degrees

Ethnic Makeup: 61.9% white; 33.3% African American; 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Nat.; 1.6% Asian; 0.1% Nat. Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander; 1.3% other; 1.6% two or more races
Median Age: 35.3 years
Average Rent: $826

Climate: A temperate climate year-round, averaging 82 degrees in summer, 53 degrees in
winter; average annual rainfall 50 inches

Major Employers/Industries: Palmetto Health, 7,500 employees; Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, 5,100 employees; University of South Carolina, 1,621 employees; Richland School District #1, 5,000 employees; SCE&G, 4,000 employees; UPS, 3,528 employees; Wachovia Bank, N.A., 3,422 employees; Richland School District #2, 2,500 employees; Fort Jackson, 4,200 employees; South Carolina State Government, 30,753 employees


Culture: Koger Center for the Arts, a $15 million complex; The Columbia Museum of Art; South Carolina State Museum; Carolina Coliseum; the new Colonial Center; 11 theater groups including professional theater; professional ballet troupe and numerous other dance companies; opera; symphony; The Township, which has hosted cultural events in Columbia since 1929.

Major Community Events: First Ladies' Walk for Life: Steps Against Breast Cancer; Summer Concert Series; Central Carolina Community Foundation's International Festival of Food and Wine; South Carolina State Fair; Palmetto Health Children's Hospital's Festival of Trees; Junior League of Columbia's Clean Sweep Sale; Columbia Festival of the Arts; Home Builders Association of Greater Columbia's Home and Garden Show; Black Expo
Famous Citizens: Coach Steve Spurrier; anchor Rita Cosby; Leeza Gibbons; astronaut Charles Bolden; the late novelist and poet James Dickey; novelist William Price Fox; the late Republican National Committee Chairman Lee Atwater; Miss America Kimberly Aiken; Hootie and the Blowfish; actress Kristen Davis; Strom Thurmond; Jesse Jackson; the late James Brown; comedian Steven Colbert

West Columbia SC Monitoring Rental Homes

YOU MUST READ THIS IF YOU OWN RENTALS IN WEST COLUMBIA, SC OR KNOW SOMEONE THAT DOES.................... I PERSONALLY DONT AGREE WITH TOWNS HAVING RIGHT TO COME INTO RENTAL HOMES TO INSPECT THEM.



STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

CITY OF WEST COLUMBIA
AN ORDINANCE TO REVISE
TITLE 5, CHAPTER 2
TO ADOPT RENTAL HOUSING REGULATIONS

ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CITY OF WEST COLUMBIA ORDINANCE TITLE FIVE, CHAPTER 2, TO REGULATE RENTAL HOUSING

WHEREAS, the City Council of West Columbia (the “Council”)desires to regulate residential rental properties, the Council finds it necessary to require owners of residential rental property to obtain a permit for the rental property; and

WHEREAS, the Council has found it necessary to monitor infractions including noise offenses, occupancy, alcohol offenses, and disorderly conduct as well as health, zoning, and property maintenance regulations arising at residential rental properties and to provide a coordinated response to neighbors who are adversely affected by repeated offenses on problem residential properties; and

WHEREAS, the Council intends, through the adoption of this ordinance, to provide additional enforcement tools to protect its residents and effectively deal with problem residential rental properties; and

WHEREAS, the Council finds these goals are met by the attached provisions which regulate residential rental housing throughout the City of West Columbia; and

NOW BE IT THEREFORE ORDAINED that Title Five, Chapter 2, of the City of West Columbia Code of Ordinances be amended to include the attached provisions regarding Rental Housing Regulations.

IT IS FURTHER ORDAINED that these provisions shall take effect immediately upon passage.


Done this ____ day of ______________, 2009

ATTEST.




City Clerk Mayor


First Reading:
Public Hearing: _________________
Second Reading:
Rental Housing Regulations

Section 5-2-120 Definitions.

1. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning.

(a) Occupant. A “family” as defined by the City of West Columbia Zoning Ordinance.

(b) Owner. Any person, firm, or corporation having a legal or equitable title in the property; or recorded in the official records of the state, county or municipality as holding title.

(c) Residential rental unit. That portion of a “dwelling” as defined by the City of West Columbia Zoning Ordinance for which payment or other consideration is being made to an owner, agent, or manager for the use and occupancy of that portion as a living facility, excluding manufactured homes, hotels, motels, medical or long term care facilities, and bed and breakfast establishments. Whenever the words “rental unit” are stated in this Code, they shall be construed as though they were followed by the words “or any part thereof.”

(d) Absentee landlord. (a) the owner of residential rental units who are shown as the most-recent property owner(s) on the real property tax notice for the then current year issued by the Richland or Lexington County Treasurer’s Office; and, (b) who resides outside of or, if the rental property is managed by or through a business office, and that business office is outside of Richland or Lexington County; or, (c) whose tax notice is addressed to a post office box regardless of the county of residence of the owner.


Section 5-2-121 Rental permit required.

1. No owner, whether a person, firm or corporation, shall operate any residential rental unit as defined in Section 5-2-120 unless that owner holds a current rental permit issued by the City for the residential rental unit named therein.

2. Permits are not transferable from any owner to another.

3. The permitting year shall begin on January 1 and end on December 31. If a permit fee is required, it must be paid by the 30th of April each year. If a permit fee is required, renewals of permits after April 30 will be assessed a late penalty fee of five percent of the unpaid fee per month. For the year 2010, the permitting period shall be as specified by the Building Official.


Section 5-2-122 Application.

1. Applications to operate residential rental units and for renewal thereof shall be on a form provided by the City of West Columbia.

2. The form shall set forth the owner’s name, address, and telephone number, the residential rental unit address, the name of the person, firm, or corporation responsible for the care and maintenance of the building and additional information as outlined on the application for rental housing.

Section 5-2-123 Property owner and the person in charge.

1. A permit will not be issued to an absentee landlord, unless a person in charge is designated. The person in charge must reside in or have an office within a 30-mile radius of the City and be able to act as the agent for the owner. The Building Official shall be notified in writing if there is a change of owner or person in charge within 14 days of the change.

2. The property owner and/or the person in charge shall maintain all residential rental units under their control in compliance with the City codes and is responsible for providing access for the purpose of making inspections necessary to ensure compliance with the City’s ordinances and accepting legal notices or service of process with respect to the rental unit.

3. For every residential rental unit, the owner or person in charge shall be responsible for the repair and maintenance of the common areas of the dwelling and responding to service requests and emergency needs, including entry into units where an emergency appears to exist. Such person or persons shall be situated close enough to the dwelling as to be able to service tenant and emergency calls with reasonable dispatch. The owner shall advise the tenants individually of the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of such owner and/or person in charge.

4. Rental property owner(s) and/or the responsible person in charge, if applicable, shall be solely responsible for insuring compliance with all zoning, nuisance and property maintenance codes. Failure to abate violations after notice shall result in enforcement action against the rental property owner(s) or responsible person in charge if applicable. The City, in addition to or in lieu of issuing a uniform ordinance summons for a violation of this ordinance, may pursue any other remedy permitted by law. The filing of an appeal shall not act as a stay of the City’s right to pursue any other remedies as permitted by law.

Section 5-2-124 Acknowledgement of applicable codes.

The rental property owner(s) and/ or responsible person in charge, if applicable, shall be required at the time of registration to sign a form acknowledging the existence and access to city codes applicable to the rental and maintenance of residential properties and their responsibilities related to said code sections.

Section 5-2-125 Notice procedure.

Notices of violation to registered rental property owner(s) or the responsible person in charge, if applicable, shall be:

(a) In writing and include a description of the property.
(b) Include a descriptive statement of the violation and required corrective action.
(c) State the compliance and applicable appeal period.
(d) Be delivered personally or by first-class mail to the rental property owner(s) or responsible person in charge, if applicable, at the last address furnished as part of the registration process.
(e) The city may elect but is not required to provide supplemental notice by e-mail and/ or facsimile.

Section 5-2-126 Reduction in notice requirements.

The standard notice, appeal and compliance periods stated in all property maintenance codes adopted by the city, including the International Property Maintenance Code, shall be reduced to seven (7) days for registered rental properties. The only exception to this provision shall apply to notices of condemnation proceedings.
Section 5-2-127 Inspections.

The City reserves the right to inspect rental units. Nothing in this section shall preclude the inspection of dwellings.

(a) Basis for inspections. Inspections may be made to obtain and maintain compliance with the standards of this article based upon one of the following:

(1) A complaint received by the building department or forwarded to the building department by another city department, indicating that there is a potential violation of the standards or the provisions of any ordinance adopted by the city;
(2) An observation by the building department or forwarded to the building department by another city department of a violation of the standards or the provisions of any ordinance adopted by the city;
(3) A report or observation of a dwelling unit that is unoccupied and unsecured or a dwelling that is damaged by fire;
(4) The registration, re-registration, and certification of a rental unit as required by this article;
(5) The need to determine compliance with a notice or an order issued by the City;
(6) An observed condition or condition reasonably believed to exist deemed dangerous to human life or public welfare;
(7) Requirements of law where a dwelling is to be demolished by the City or where ownership is to be transferred to the city.

(b) Inspection procedures.

(1) If a basis for inspection is established under subsection (a) of this section, the owner and/or responsible person in charge will be notified in writing by the building department of the desired time and place of the inspection.
(2) In the event that the alleged violation appears to be a clear and imminent threat to human life, safety or public welfare as determined by the building department, the owner and/or responsible person in charge will be contacted to schedule an immediate inspection. If code violations are found to exist, immediate compliance with adopted building, property maintenance, zoning or other applicable codes, will be required.
(3) If the alleged violation is not a clear and imminent threat to human life, safety or public welfare, the owner will have seven (7) calendar days to correct such violation unless otherwise authorized in writing by the city, after which a reinspection or written verification from owner and/or responsible person in charge and complaining party that the violation has been corrected, will be required.

Section 5-2-128 Permit and inspection fees.

The license permit fee, if any, and any fees for inspections shall be set by City Council by ordinance as required by S.C. Code Ann. § 6-1-330. If a permit fee is required, registered property owners shall be billed annually based on registration information on file with the city as of December 31. No reductions in billed fees shall be made as a result of the failure of a property owner or responsible person in charge to update information as required by this chapter.

Section 5-2-129 Penalty.

Violation of this article shall be unlawful and an offense punishable pursuant to the general penalty provision of the Code of Ordinances of the City of West Columbia.

Section 5-2-130 Severability.

The provisions of this article are severable and if by section, sentence, clause, part, or provision thereof shall be held illegal, invalid, or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision of the court shall not affect or impair the remaining sections, sentences, clauses, parts, or provisions of this article. It is hereby declared that the intent of the council is that this article would have been adopted as if such illegal, invalid, or unconstitutional section, sentence, clause, part, or provision had not been included herein.

Comments about Home Inspections from Edwin Gerace and Kip Craig of Columbia SC

Home inspections on homes is something I used to suggest, now days I am requiring them on homes. Not to promote the industry but to protect my clients. I feel very strong that having a professional look over your largest investment you own is something that needs to be done.

What are most common maintenance issues you see when inspecting a home?
Some of the easiest items to maintain often cause the most expensive damage. Most common are clogged gutters leading to drainage problems and wood rot/decay. Not keeping trim and caulking maintained around doors and windows causing wood rot/decay in these areas including inside walls and sub-structure in crawl space. Small plumbing leaks that are often not corrected until is too late.

What are the largest misconceptions about home inspection?
I am sometimes asked to create and inspection to be used as a maintenance or wish list to present to the seller to make the home perfect. The home inspection is a tool to help the client make decisions regarding their purchase and to give them understanding of the general condition of the home at the time of the inspection.

What do you look for generally in a home inspection?
A thorough inspection will cover: Electrical System, Water Heater, Plumbing System, HVAC, Attic, Insulation, Ventilation, Roof and Flashing, Gutters, Basement, Crawlspace, Foundation, Grading, Siding and Trim, Driveways and Walks, Ceilings, Floors, Walls, Doors & Windows, Chimney, Fireplace, Major Appliances, and More


What do you say to people that say they don’t need one in new homes?
They are making a mistake. Just this week I inspected a 2 year old home where the 1st floor hall bathroom tub drain had never been connected to the main drain. For 2 years the tub drained into the crawl space and the owner never it. I have several stories just like this one. The home inspection fee would have been much less than the plumbers repair bill.

How long does it take for a typical inspection?
It all depends on the size and condition of the home. A typical inspection takes between 2 or 3 hours.

Can you inspect a home that is not for sale but for persons ease of mind?
Yes, We are often asked to inspect homes for homeowners that are interested in properly maintaining their home and protecting its value by finding problems while they are small and less expensive to repair. It is also becoming more common for homeowners to have there homes inspected prior to listing their home for sale. This prevents surprises later when the home goes under contract.

Where would I search for a home inspector outside Columbia ( List or group)?
Google or use your favorite search engine. Also your real-estate agent often can supply you with names of several Home Inspection companies to choose from in your area. Then take the time to interview them. Check list of inspectors at associations such as ASHI and NACI

What is a question to ask a home inspector prior to hiring him/her?
I recommend calling and interviewing any prospective Home Inspector prior to hiring. As you know purchasing a home is possibly the largest invest someone will ever make in their life. Always ask these 4 questions:
A. What licenses do you hold. - Just a home inspection license is not enough, multiple licenses are recommended such as Home builder, Architect, Engineer
B. How many Home Inspections have you performed. Experience counts any number less than 2000 he is a rookie.
C. Are you or your company insured and bonded.
D. When do I get the inspection report. On-The-Spot reports are the best. Most home inspectors carry laptops and printers and print full color reports with pictures at the time of the home inspection. This will allow the inspector to review the report with and answer any questions while he is with you.


Kip Craig with Home Inspection One, 803-730-7954, http://www.scinspectionone.com/ Kip has been a professionally liscensed inspector for many years and seen thousands of homes. He has been a licensed builder for over 25 years. Kip has 10 years as a licensed home inspector. Feel free to email him at kip@scinspectionsONE.com


Edwin Gerace is a realtor with Russell and Jeffcoat Realtors with over 10 years of expierence in the Columbia market. He has help buyers,sellers and builders over the years reach thier real estate desires. Feel free to call or email him about real estate. Visit him on othe web at http://www.edwingerace.com/ or visit his blog at http://www.edwingeracesrealestateblog.com/ . Contact him at 803-609-7653 cause with Ed You Win.

NACA, Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America (NACA)

What is NACA ?

The Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America ("NACA") is a non-profit, community advocacy and home ownership organization. NACA’s primary goal is to build strong, healthy neighborhoods in urban and rural areas nationwide through affordable home ownership. NACA has made the dream of home ownership a reality for thousands of working people by counseling them honestly and effectively, enabling even those with poor credit to purchase a home or refinance a predatory loan with far better terms than those provided even in the prime market.

What is the first step to becoming a home owner through NACA?
You’ll need to attend a NACA purchase workshop. You can go to www.naca.com or call 888-302-6222, and sign up for the next workshop nearest you. Feel free to ask questions by calling the number or Calling Edwin Gerace at 803-957-5566

Feel free to email Edwin Gerace for more information mail@609sold.com or call him at 803-957-5566 or his cell at 803-609-7653.

Is there down payment and additional closing cost when using NACA?
There is no Down Payment or Closing cost There are no cost besides what NACA helps you save for the closing of your new home.

Who is eligible for NACA?
Everyone who does not own a home. You can sell your home, and then buy a new one with the NACA program

Can I buy a new home using NACA?
Yes

How does NACA’s Interest Rates compare to National Banks?
NACA’s Rate is always one point below the Conventional rate. Very Competitive.

Does NACA help me work through my financial issues so that I can buy a house now and in the future?
Yes. They guide you on down payment, monthly payment, saving money, and budgeting so that you are set up for success.

What are some of the major misconceptions of NACA?
NACA takes to long. NACA will work with each individuals circumstance to pre-pare them for home ownership. Depending on the client but you can expect a time frame from 3 weeks to what it takes to get you ready for home ownership.

NACA Overview
NACA Membership
Search Homes in Columbia SC
Kids Eat Free
About Edwin Gerace

Information was gathered from a Local NACA Representative.