Abberly Village Apartment Homes

In the American mind, renting has long symbolized striving rather than achieving. But as we climb our way out of the Great Recession, it seems something has changed. Americans are getting over the idea of owning the American dream; increasingly, they're OK with renting it.

Home ownership is on the decline, and renting is on the rise. But the trend isn't limited to the housing market. Across the board, Americans are increasingly acclimating to the idea of giving up the stability of being an owner for the flexibility of being a renter. This may sound like a decline in living standards. But the new realities of our increasingly mobile economy make it more likely that this transition from an Ownership Society to a Rentership Society.

The unsentimental fact about the American dream is that Americans never really owned it in the first place. For the past three decades, especially, consumers haven't so much bought their quality of life as they've borrowed it from banks and credit card companies.

Now consumers are following the example of corporations, becoming more efficient. And it starts at home.

Housing is the biggest single component of consumption in the U.S. economy and the source of much of our present misery. The typical consumer spends about 32% of his or her budget on shelter. In the last decade, that generally meant borrowing a lot of money to take "ownership" of a home.

During the boom, the homeownership rate grew steadily, peaking at a record 69% in 2006.

Ownership-boosters failed to note that homes purchased in 2005 and 2006 with no-money-down, interest-only mortgages weren't really bought. They were simply rented until the "owner" flipped them or walked away from the mortgage.

In the post-bust climate, renting has emerged as a much more economically efficient way to pay for housing. A one-year lease represents a far less onerous financial obligation than a 30-year mortgage. It's difficult to get into too much financial trouble as a renter. The homeownership rate has fallen from its peak in 2006 to 65.4% today.
 
For an increasing number of Americans it makes more sense to rent. According to Moody's, by late 2011 it was cheaper to rent than to own in 72% of American metropolitan areas, (such as West Columbia) up from 54% a decade ago. And the more people who do it, the more socially acceptable and desirable it becomes. The decline in the ownership rate means that about three million more households rent today than did at the height of the bubble.

It's tempting to view the rise of renting as an economic step backward. But many would argue the rise of renting is a sign of a system adapting to new realities.

The U.S. economy needs the dynamism that renting enables as much as, or more than, it needs the stability that ownership engenders.

And the rising popularity of renting is hardly contained to the housing market.

Finally, perhaps, Americans are absorbing a piece of wisdom from Thoreau: "And when the farmer has got his house, he may not be the richer but the poorer for it, and it be the house that has got him."

For information on renting an apartment in West Columbia, SC, contact Abberly Village.

Wall Street Journal

This Sunday, May 13, is Mother’s Day. Living in an apartment in West Columbia, SC are you looking for a special treat for your mother or wife? There are plenty of restaurants around Columbia that are offering special mother’s day menus, cocktails and champagne brunches.

Whether you are looking for a champagne brunch or a five star dinner, there are so many restaurant choices in the Columbia area. Many restaurants are offering complimentary mimosas, Bloody Marys, and champagne for moms.

Abberly Village would like to give you an easy list of the area restaurants that are offering special menus, treats and cocktails this Sunday:

Blue Fin
Hamptons
Liberty Tap Room
O’Charley’s
Harper’s Restaurant
Bluefin Seafood Restaurant and Bar
Cafe Strudel
Motor Supply Company Bistro

Happy Mother’s Day!

This is the weekend that many who live in apartments in West Columbia, SC wait for. The Rosewood Crawfish Festival is Saturday, May 5th.

That delicious Creole cuisine is coming to the Midlands in Columbia, SC at the 7th annual Rosewood Crawfish Festival! From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., those who enjoy all things Creole and Cajun are welcome to Rosewood Drive to take part in one of Columbia’s favorite celebrations, featuring over 7,000 pounds of fresh Louisiana grown crawfish.

Don’t like crawfish, no problem, there will be a large assortment of other food options along with live music on three stages and fun for the whole family.

The Rosewood Crawfish Festival will have live music, family fun, an artist village, delicious food, and the Crawdaddy Dash.

The Crawdaddy Dash is the perfect way to kick off the festival.
 
The race starts at 9 a.m. and participants will be the FIRST in the gate to enjoy post race refreshments.

Information on www.rosewoodcrawfishfest.com

Low mortgage rates and more affordable home prices in the Columbia, SC area are creating an interest in home ownership by those who live in apartments. However, potential buyers who are unprepared for the true cost of owning a home may be shocked by the bite home ownership can take out of their wallet in addition to their mortgage payments.

Inspection and Appraisal Fees
Before you purchase a home you need to pay for a home inspection, and an appraisal, possible even inspections for pests or radon. The costs of these inspections are borne by buyers and are a necessary protection to avoid buying a flawed property or paying too much.

Closing Costs
Buyers need to be prepared with the cash for anywhere from 2% to 4% of the mortgage balance depending on your area.

Taxes
As a homeowner, you'll need to pay property taxes, which are generally part of the escrow you pay into each month. Remember, even if you have a fixed-rate home loan, your property taxes could go up and increase your monthly housing costs.

Insurance
Your lender will require home insurance, the cost of which depends on factors including the construction materials of your home and the location. Even if you have renter's insurance, you'll find that home insurance costs more because you are paying for the ability to rebuild your home in addition to replacing your personal possessions. Insurance costs will rise over time, and you will need supplemental insurance if you live in a flood zone.

HOA and Condo Fees
If you buy a home within a homeowners' association or a condominium association, you'll be required to pay a monthly or quarterly fee. These fees can rise, or your association may need to charge a special assessment for projects such as repaving the parking lot or repairing a roof.

Utility Bills
Depending on where you live, your costs for electricity, gas and water could be higher when you move into your own home than when you live in an apartment in West Columbia, SC. You may also need to pay for garbage collection along with your Internet, cable and phone bill.

Furniture
While this is essentially a discretionary expense, most people who move from an apartment to a larger home need to buy at least some new furniture.

Lawn Care
Whether you handle your yard work yourself or hire a professional, you will have to pay something to keep your landscaping in check. Lawn equipment can be costly and you may need a leaf bloweror other lawn equipment, too.

Maintenance
Home maintenance costs time and money. While you may be able to change your furnace filters, clean your gutters and keep your appliances running smoothly yourself, you may also need to hire a contractor to clean and inspect your chimney and to keep your heating and air conditioning system in top shape.

Repairs
While maintenance tasks can be predictable, the most costly part of home ownership typically comes with unexpected repairs such as replacing or repairing the roof, removing a tree, or paying for mold mitigation in a damp basement. The list of possibilities is endless, so homeowners should set aside savings for an emergency. Experts suggest budgeting for 1% or 2% of your mortgage balance as a yearly maintenance and repair fund.

The Bottom Line
Buying a home costs more than you think. If you don’t expect to stay in your home for at least seven to 10 years, contact Abberly Village Apartment Homes.

SF Gate

This is one of the best times of year to live in an apartment in West Columbia, SC. This coming weekend begins one of the best festivals in South Carolina. The 6th annual Indie Grits Festival is presented and created by the Nickelodeon Theatre, the only non-profit, art-house theater in South Carolina. Indie Grits has grown to span 11 days of film coupled with several official festival partner events that present an array of cultural events that showcase progressive cultural life in South Carolina's capital.

The juried film festival began in 2007, designed to empower all levels of Southern filmmakers with an independent mentality and far-reaching artistic scope.

The Indie Grits Festival is able to create exhibition opportunities for all levels of filmmakers, artists, musicians and performers and welcome thousands of festival goers to Columbia.

Enjoy the 2012 Indie Grits Festival, April 19-29, 2012 in Columbia, SC.

Information on Indiegrits.com.

Well it is certainly too late to decide to run in the Palmetto Half Marathon. But perhaps living in an apartment in West Columbia, SC seeing and hearing all the hype on the upcoming race has made you decide to start running. The spring is the time when community races, cancer walks and 5K’s start.
 
If you are interested in running one of these races successfully it is best to start training at least 8 weeks  or more in advance (training time required depends on length of race) to prepare your body. Watch the video below for tips.

What else does Friday the 13th mean besides scary movies and bad luck? Well if you live in an apartment in West Columbia, SC it means the Palmetto Half Marathon.  If you have been training for the race, good luck! If not, it is always fun to go out and support the runners and have fun.

The Palmetto Half Marathon takes place over two days 4/13 - 14 in Columbia. The event also include a 5K run/walk, youth half marathon, kids' fun run, an expo, and all proceeds benefit your favorite charity.

Kids' Fun Run will be held on April 14th and is coordinated for children ages 10 and under to promote physical fitness, healthy habits, and fun competition.  After the race your kids can enjoy the bounce house, face painting, balloon art and so much more!

At our apartments in West Columbia, SC spring is here! The warmer weather has made many of us want to bring light and airiness into our apartments.  Do you want to do some spring renewal redecorating in your apartment home? Here are some suggestions that will not break the bank.

Fresh paint-  For under $100 you can dramatically change any room’s appearance with paint and a few basic supplies. Pulling a vibrant color from a room’s patterned upholstery or rug and putting it on the walls can have a dramatic effect.

Throw rugs -  Roll up or throw down a rug as the seasons change. A soft area rug could really pull all the colors together in a room, and reduce echoes from hardwoods and tile.  

Add throw pillows and place mats -  Fabric can really brighten up a room.  Plain sofas can be livened up with patterned pillows. New place mats are a great way to change the presentation of a meal. Pair a contrasting color or a pattern with plain plates. Dining room chairs or bar stools can be recovered for a whole new look.

Add a photos collage to the wall -  Use family photos and mismatched frames to fill a blank wall space in a family room or hallway. Lay them out on the floor and make a grid. Play with the design until it feels balanced and looks good. If you have trouble following the pattern, make paper bag cut-outs of the same pictures and tape them to the wall for the placement of the frames.

Sheers and Curtains – inexpensive sheers and sheer curtains can really change the feel of your room. Take down the drapes or blinds and put up shears for spring instead. See how the light changes the room.

New Hand Towels - New towels and a bath mat in can give your bathroom a whole new look.

Have fun making some colorful changes in your apartment homes at Abberly Village.

Gas prices will only be going up and as we approach summer. They may get as high as $5.00/gallon! If you live in an apartment in West Columbia, SC and you like to explore the south on your summer weekends, gas mileage is very important.

You can improve your car’s gas mileage. If you do them all, you can increase your gas mileage by 50%. When you bought your car you had a specified number of miles per gallon, but you may not be seeing that mileage today. Why?

Don’t neglect regular car maintenance.  If it has been awhile since you have had a tune up on your car, schedule one! Be sure to keep up on your car’s regular maintenance. Regularly maintained cars get the best gas mileage. You will be pleasantly surprised.

Check your tire pressure. Your tires can directly affect your gas mileage. As the temperature changes, so does the pressure in your tires. Regularly check that your tires have the required PSI. When the pressure in your tires is too low, your tires no longer work efficiently, they work like water balloons. With too much surface on the road, there is too much friction causing your car to work harder. Your gas mileage can be dramatically affected by poor tire pressure.

Believe it or not, changing your driving habits can affect your gas mileage. The way you drive affects how much gas you burn. Not planning to stop, revving up and slowing down and driving over the speed limit all use too much gas.  By changing your behavior behind the wheel, you can increase the gas mileage in your car.

Have fun exploring, enjoy the summer. Keep money in your pocket as gas prices rise, follow these tips from Abberly Village to increase your gas mileage.

There are so many reasons for renting, and the debate about buying or renting continues. There is much to be said for owning your own home, but today, that is no longer the priority for many. With the argument being made about renting instead of buying, more people are listening.

The flexibility of renting an apartment in West Columbia, SC is a big factor for many people. If they change jobs, it’s easier and faster to get out of your lease than put your home on the market. Not to mention, your money is tied up in the home until you sell it.

Another big factor in renting an apartment home is avoiding the hidden costs of home ownership. You can budget for your monthly mortgage, but many people forget to consider insurance, repairs, utilities, appliances and maintenance. Without those hidden costs, depending on where you live, you can actually get more home for your money if you rent.

Consider this, you will have more free time when you rent. We all know someone who owns a home. How do they spend their weekends: mowing, weeding, repairing, painting? Of course they do. As a renter, when you have time off, that time is your time. Do what you want with it; get out and explore West Columbia and surrounds, or sit on your couch and watch old movies with friends. The choice is yours.
 
For more information on renting an apartment in West Columbia, SC contact Abberly Village Apartments.