Shawna Woodward

Editor’s note: With all eyes on Augusta this week and visitors pouring in from across the country, we thought it would be a good time to refocus on a neighborhood that’s a good fit for someone who loves golf and might be ready for moving day. Jones Creek’s disputes related to the drainage situation at the community golf course created an epic saga that ended with what seemed the end of an era. This prestigious golf community was a well-known jewel located in Evans, GA. Situated very close to the

Have you ever dreamed of living in a permanent vacation home? With the onset of Spring Break, better known to us here as Masters Week, you are likely planning a trip to relax and recharge at a peaceful destination. Today, I’m here to tell you that you could enjoy the novelty of peace and serenity in your own backyard every day, by living by the lake! We are blessed to be surrounded by great lake life options. Lakeside living has jumped in popularity as life becomes more stressful and people

As the warm breeze of spring graces Augusta, Georgia, the real estate market in our charming city is bustling with activity. Augusta continues to attract homebuyers seeking a blend of Southern charm and modern amenities. Here’s a quick update on the current state of the Augusta real estate market, highlighting key trends and opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Strong Demand and Limited Inventory: Like many markets across the country, we are experiencing robust demand for housing coupled with limited inventory. This breeds consistent competition among buyers, still resulting in

With the recent proposed settlement by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in response to a class action lawsuit alleging antitrust violations, there’s been much speculation about its impact on the public and the real estate industry at large. Antitrust laws, designed to protect consumers from harmful practices like price-fixing or monopolistic behavior, are intended to ensure fair competition and transparency in the marketplace, particularly in sectors like real estate where significant financial transactions are at stake. Amidst the media frenzy surrounding the settlement, it’s essential to separate fact from

A homestead exemption is a valuable benefit for homeowners. It provides a reduction in local property taxes, providing a little financial relief. The deadline is looming to take advantage of this homeownership benefit. April 1st is the most common deadline locally; Aiken County may give you a little more time. It seems like a huge burden and a lot of work, but I just completed mine in Columbia County and it was so easy. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or looking to maximize your savings, understanding how to file for

Editor’s note: As the April 15 tax deadline approaches, we thought it would be a good time to do a rerun of tax-deductible home-buying expenses. Hope this helps ease your tax pain! It’s tax time and homeownership comes with numerous perks, one of them is the potential to benefit from tax deductions. While not every expense related to buying a home is tax-deductible, there are several key items that can contribute to significant savings this tax season. Let’s explore the home-buying expenses that may qualify for tax deductions, helping you

Growing up, I always loved looking at new homes. I can remember when I was 10 years old, we moved to Ft. Meade, Maryland. This is where my love for real estate started. My family was and is still big on daydreaming! My parents would take my brother and I to wander through newly built communities and I would “envision” a life in one of these homes. Everywhere we lived from Maryland to Hawaii, with a brief stop through Colorado, led me to explore new construction and model homes. The

As a local, you know that spring in Augusta starts before the rest of the country. Along our picturesque Savannah River, we have a rich history of southern charm coupled with a warm and sunny climate, creating the perfect place for an abundance of outdoor activities that cater to nature enthusiasts of all kinds. People migrate here regularly to stay, specifically, those who are tired of the cold weather and desire a lifestyle that is focused on finding somewhere full of a diverse range of outdoor experiences. Augusta is a

Everyone needs a place to live and buying a home is a significant milestone. The financial requirements of putting down large sums of money to buy a home can be a major barrier to making this dream become a reality. I often get asked about first-time home buyer programs, and while there are not actually “first-time” home buyer programs, there are several options available for those looking to purchase a home with no down payment. Essentially, this would be any loan program that offers 100% financing. 100% financing can be

In my short lifetime, few activities have surged in popularity like pickleball. This fast-paced, easy-to-learn game has taken communities by storm. It’s become so popular, that a few of our subdivisions have added their own courts directly supporting its abundant growth. Do you know the story of how pickleball began? In the summer of 1965 on Bainbridge Island, a picturesque location near Seattle, Washington, this sport was invented. Three fathers were searching for a way to entertain their families. They improvised, playing a game combining elements of badminton, tennis, and