Selling The South: The Upstate's Real Estate Podcast - Blake Kirsch

While paying taxes is never anyone’s favorite task, I’ve developed a deep respect for the people who keep our systems running smoothly—especially when it comes to property taxes. In this insightful episode of Selling The South: The Upstate’s Real Estate Podcast, I have the honor of sitting down with Mrs. Sharon West, the esteemed Auditor of Spartanburg County. With her extensive knowledge and experience, we dive deep into the complexities of property taxes, tax sales, tax rates, and much more.

Taxes are often seen as a necessary evil, but when you understand how they work, you’ll be in a much better position to save money and avoid costly mistakes. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned seller, or someone simply looking to maintain your property, understanding the ins and outs of property taxes is crucial. It’s not just about numbers—it’s about making informed decisions that can have a lasting impact on your finances.

In real estate, knowledge truly is power—and when it comes to taxes, a little understanding can go a long way. This episode will not only clear up common misconceptions but also provide valuable tips on how to navigate the often-confusing world of property assessments, tax liens, and the local tax structure.

If you’ve ever been uncertain about how property taxes affect you or if you’re considering buying or selling in the Upstate, this episode is a must-listen. Armed with the right information, you can avoid unexpected surprises and make smarter choices in your real estate journey.

As always, I’m here to help guide you through the process. If you have any questions about property taxes in South Carolina or are looking for expert advice on buying or selling a home in the Upstate, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact me directly at (864) 580-8272. Let’s get you the information you need to make the best decision for your future!

In real estate, having an experienced attorney you can trust is essential. Realtors are not lawyers and do not practice law, nor do we want to! We rely on the expert advice of legal counsel throughout various stages of a real estate transaction, not just at closing. One significant advantage of working with a Realtor is their network of trusted professionals in the industry, including contractors, lenders, and attorneys.

One of the first people I invited to be a guest on "Selling the South: The Upstate’s Real Estate Podcast" is George “Buck” Brandt. Buck is my go-to person for any legal questions I have for my clients. He’s known me since I was born and has provided legal support for my family for over 40 years. Beyond his expertise, he has a great sense of humor and makes every closing a joyful experience.

In this episode, I ask Buck a variety of questions, including:

- How long have you been a closing attorney in the Upstate of South Carolina?
- Why are buyers and sellers required to use a closing attorney in South Carolina?
- How can you represent both a buyer and a seller in a real estate transaction?
- What is the number one question buyers should always ask their closing attorney?
- What is the purpose of conducting title work in a real estate transaction?
- What is the craziest thing you’ve discovered while doing a title search?
- What is Title Insurance?
- What common issues arise on title searches that must be resolved before closing?
- When do you recommend a buyer has a new survey conducted on a property?
- For older individuals, what’s the best way to structure property for smooth transfer to heirs?
- What are deed stamps?
- What are the advantages of placing property in an LLC or Trust?
- What risks are associated with wiring funds in a real estate transaction?
- What is an escrow account, and how does a closing attorney handle earnest money?
- How are taxes and other expenses prorated at closing?
- What is the most unusual thing that has happened to you at a closing table?
- What do you love most about being a real estate attorney?

Buck is deeply involved in the Spartanburg community and is truly a local institution. He chose to highlight Ballet Spartanburg as his nonprofit of choice in this episode. 

To learn more about Ballet Spartanburg, visit their website at https://www.balletspartanburg.org/ 

Contact Information:

Henderson, Brandt, and Vieth PA 
Website: https://www.hbvlaw.com/ 
Location: 360 East Henry St, Suite 101 Spartanburg, SC 29302
Phone: (864) 582-2962

Blake Kirsch - Realtor | Broker
Century 21 Blackwell & Company Realty Inc.
Phone: (864) 580-8272
Location: 2260 Boiling Springs Road, Boiling Springs, SC 29316
Email:  [email protected]

What’s Happening in Spartanburg, SC? | Selling The South: The Upstate’s Real Estate Podcast

As a native of Spartanburg, South Carolina, I am deeply involved in this dynamic part of the Upstate. Spartanburg County is booming with growth—from new commercial developments and retail establishments to expanding housing projects. At the heart of much of this progress is One Spartanburg Inc. In this episode, I sit down with Allen Smith, the CEO of One Spartanburg, to discuss the exciting developments in the area.

In this Episode, we cover:

What is One Spartanburg and what is Allen’s role within the organization?
Why Spartanburg is becoming the ideal location for businesses of all sizes.
New businesses setting up shop in Spartanburg.
Current capital investment projects being pursued for the county.
An update on the Saluda Grade Trail project and its impact.
The influence of Fifth Third Park on commercial development.
Exciting new projects in Downtown Spartanburg and Boiling Springs.
How Spartanburg is meeting housing needs with the influx of new residents.
How Spartanburg is promoting residential development while maintaining its charm.
The annual celebration hosted by One Spartanburg and its role in the community.
The potential for Spartanburg to become a new hub for the film industry.
Allen Smith’s favorite aspects of his role.
Allen provided invaluable insights into these topics and highlighted the incredible individuals driving change in Spartanburg. Tune in to this episode of Selling The South: The Upstate’s Real Estate Podcast to discover what’s truly happening in Spartanburg, South Carolina!

Important Links & More Information:

One Spartanburg Inc.: https://www.onespartanburginc.com
Allen Smith: Learn more about Allen and his role at One Spartanburg https://www.onespartanburginc.com/team/allen-smith
Mobile Mills: Discover more about this local non-profit https://www.mobilemills.org
The Saluda Grade Trail: Get the latest updates and information https://www.saludagradetrail.com
Spartanburg County: Explore more about the region https://www.spartanburgcounty.org
Fifth Third Park: Learn about this new park and its impact on the community https://www.fifththirdpark.com
Blake Kirsch: Find out more about Blake and his contributions https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakekirsch
Support Our Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a comment! Your support helps us continue to bring you valuable content about the Upstate.

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https://www.instagram.com/blakekirsch/


Subscribe to Selling The South: The Upstate’s Real Estate Podcast for more insights into the dynamic world of Upstate South Carolina real estate!

Interior Design and Real Estate are both all about THE PEOPLE!  In this episode of Selling the South, Blake Kirsch interviews celebrated Southern Interior Designer Kerry M. Howard… the owner of Howard House Interiors based in Greenville, South Carolina.  Interior Design and Real Estate are both extremely intimate professions.  Every day, Realtors and Designers are in people’s homes sharing advise, opinions, and insights based on their experiences in their respective fields.  It is important for Realtors to have a good relationship with a great interior designer so they can ask advice on behalf of their clients during the listing process, the renovation process, the home buying process, and during day-to-day life!   

Blake asks Kerry questions like…

• How long have you been an interior designer in the Upstate of South Carolina?
• Why is interior design important for everyone and not just luxury homeowners?
• When you begin an interior design project, where do you start?
• For first time homeowners, how can they style their home without doing everything at once?
• What are some interior design trends that are popular right now?
• If someone is only going to live in a house for a short time, what interior design elements would you avoid when preparing the house for resale?
• I recently sold your home in Greenville. How did your skills as an interior designer help you prepare for listings, showings, and open houses?



For more on Interior Design & Kerry Howard… Visit

https://www.howardhouseinteriors.com/

To donate to Kerry’s Favorite Charity… Visit

https://www.greenvillehumane.com/

If you are looking to sell your house or to buy a new home in the Upstate of South Carolina, call Blake Kirsch today at (864) 580 – 8272.

Follow Blake on all social media platforms @blakekirschsells

https://www.century21.com/real-estate...

This has been an interview that I have dreamed of recording since beginning my career in Real Estate 7 Years Ago.  For my first Episode of this new podcast, I knew that I had to begin by interviewing my mom, Mitzi Kirsch, and my grand, Peggy Blackwell.  

Mitzi has been a Realtor in the Upstate of South Carolina for 37 years.  She is consistently the top agent in Spartanburg and one of the top agents in the state.  She recently won Best Realtor at Spartanburg's Best of the Best for the 5th year in a row.  She is my #1 mentor and source of training in business and in life.  

Peggy has been a Realtor in the Upstate of South Carolina for over 47 years.  She currently owns our three Century 21 Franchises in Boiling Springs, Greenville, and Spartanburg.  She is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to managing realtors and creating success in the real estate business.  

In this episode, we learn why Mitzi and Peggy have been so successful.  They truly show their expertise and heart for the business.

I ask them...

·      When did you start your career in Real Estate, and what made you decide to get into this profession?

·      What was the first deal that you ever closed?

·      How has selling homes in the Upstate changed since the beginning of your career?

·      When you meet with a seller for the first time at their house, what are the main things you discuss, and what are you looking for?

·      What is your favorite deal that you have ever closed and why?

·      What advice would you give to a first-time home buyer that was looking to buy a house in the Upstate of South Carolina?  What areas would you encourage them to check out and what type of house would you encourage them to buy?  

·      What has been the most challenging part about being in Real Estate?

·      What has been the best part about being in Real Estate?

·      What is the craziest thing that has ever happened to you while you were out showing houses?

·      If you made a podcast when you were in your 7th year of Real Estate, what would the first episode have been about?

As we sat in the studio recording this together, I realized just how special this opportunity was.  My Grand is 81 and still goes to work every day.  She is a true bad ass.  I will cherish this recording forever no matter who listens to it.  

I want to end every episode of "Selling The South" by highlighting a local charity or non profit organization.  My family and I chose to honor an organization that I am currently on the board of, The Cancer Association of Spartanburg and Cherokee Counties, in this first episode.  

• At the heart of the Cancer Association of Spartanburg & Cherokee Counties are three simple sentiments: caring, nurturing and giving. Three very comforting words when you or someone you love hear the words that can strike fear in your heart, "You have cancer."  Unfortunately, one in three women and one in two men will contract cancer in their lifetime.  CASCC provides critical supplies to their clients with cancer, including nutritional supplements, bras and breast prostheses, ostomy supplies, counseling, home care supplies, wigs and hats, gas cards for treatment transportation, funeral cost assistance, Foodshare boxes, loan of hospital equipment-- such as wheelchairs, walkers, bedside commodes-- and much more.
  
  Donations:  https://www.cancerassociation.org/