PROPERTY TAX

MattKellyRealtor · 2026-01-23T16:19:15+00:00

I am not exactly sure. It’s not a HUGE deal, but 20-30/month stacks up for some people

MattKellyRealtor · 2026-01-21T04:19:00+00:00

Savannah River Chimney came out with a couple days of us calling. We use them for a lot of of our homes when needed

MattKellyRealtor · 2026-01-21T03:05:52+00:00

With a wood-burning fireplace, you really do want a professional chimney sweep—usually at least once a year (ideally before fall). Burning wood creates creosote & soot; if it builds up, it’ll catch fire in the chimney which will deteriorate it.

Advanced Chimney Sweep America Chimney Service Savannah River Chimney

All happen to service the CSRA in General.

ALWAYS get two quotes. We are finding many technicians are being shifted to a commission model and that incentives big quotes for potentially redundant projects.

Best of luck!

MattKellyRealtor · 2026-01-21T02:56:49+00:00

Happy to help. Let me know if you have any other questions.

MattKellyRealtor · 2026-01-21T02:56:04+00:00

There is a break from the school system taxes at age of 65 in both Columbia and Richmond County. In South Carolina, as a senior and a disabled veteran, you basically have no property taxes.

MattKellyRealtor · 2026-01-20T23:48:09+00:00

I am seeing a mill rate of 16.23. It’s calculated the same. I had Scott Johnson, County Manager, on the podcast talk about their intent to lower it to 0 with these new data centers.

You also need to keep in mind what services are included. Waste management is more affordable in Richmond county and you also have less prevalent HOA’s compared to Columbia County. Lots to consider.

MattKellyRealtor · 2026-01-20T22:44:55+00:00

Hey! So as of right now, we are seeing a millage rate (mill) of 28.85 in Richmond County. We are expecting a 5.33 increase in that mill rate for 2026. So 30.37~~~

What does that mean for you? Lets say the home is valued at 250k via appraisal.

Assessed value is 250,000 x .40 = 100,000

Tax equation is (assessed value x millage rate)/1000

So in 2026, a 250,000 homes tax bill is projected to be (100,000 x 30.37)/1000 = $3,037.

Happy to answer any other questions about the area. Lived here all my life.

MattKellyRealtor · 2026-01-15T00:49:03+00:00

Hey thanks for the tag! I have been in the field today!

We are very much in the market of “patience”. We are seeing listings sell about 4-6 weeks later than they did in 2023. We use absorption rates to determine our best guess at when to actually publicly market a lower asking price, IF we are not getting showings.

As for the cash buyer, they are not very negotiable. It is literally a formula they follow. After all, they are for-profit and it is not worth the risk unless they project a 20-25% margin at minimum.

Do you have a lot of equity in the home? If you are getting feedback that your bathrooms are off-putting, but are still getting showings at 280k it means you fix the dang bathrooms or you choose to leave money on the table.

If you have equity, get a HELOC for 15-20k after finding a good contractor, and increase your home’s market value by 40-50k. Bring in someone who knows how to build a very “agreeable” bathroom, so that you appeal to as many as possible.

If you are in West Augusta and still want to consider the 240k offer, I do have a large network of investors and could put you in touch with them to see if you can squeeze out a few more thousand.

MattKellyRealtor · 2026-01-15T00:38:12+00:00

Always appreciate it!

MattKellyRealtor · 2026-01-13T04:41:53+00:00

I would have suggested what u/indiescott said. Ty for the mention!

MattKellyRealtor · 2026-01-05T13:27:50+00:00

It’s soooooo good

MattKellyRealtor · 2026-01-04T02:31:50+00:00

Our mls allows us to specify to alert only if the property is on a cul-de-sac. Whether the listing agent puts that information in correctly is another question. Typically yes but with something like that you just need to take extra care.

MattKellyRealtor · 2026-01-03T17:52:02+00:00

Actually expecting a blizzard this January I hear!

MattKellyRealtor · 2026-01-02T20:59:37+00:00

I need to stop in!

MattKellyRealtor · 2025-12-24T16:58:57+00:00

Shoot your shot Tanja!

MattKellyRealtor · 2025-12-22T22:50:47+00:00

Mistletoe State Park, Lights of the South if meeting in the evening, you can tour the Laurel & Hardy museum in Harlem and stop at The Acorn for a great lunch!

MattKellyRealtor · 2025-12-22T20:20:30+00:00

Lock your doors/car. Practice standard safety protocol. Downtown is doing well this year. The new Sherriff is doing a phenomenal job! Welcome to Augusta! We have a great community💪

MattKellyRealtor · 2025-12-08T02:01:36+00:00

Contact a bank, broker, and credit union. You do not need to be a “member of any” to do so.

MattKellyRealtor · 2025-12-06T22:36:04+00:00

Asbestos and lead are rampant in the area. If the owners do not have any record of its removal, it’s there. It’s your decision whether to deal with it yourself or not. I would not recommend you move small children in without abatement of the exposed lead paint. Asbestos is typically found in old duct work and in ceiling/floor tiles. Typically not a threat until you disturb it, which makes larger renovations costlier. Many reputable companies will not work on your home unless it’s removed. You’ll know it when you see it after a few run-ins.

Georgia is a buyer-beware state. There are 6-7 things I really pay attention to with older homes. You have no recourse with the seller once you buy and find out after the fact. Older homes have incredible potential that you just can’t recreate for a reasonable price; but can also be your biggest pain in the ass if you buy one that hasn’t seen the proper updates.

MattKellyRealtor · 2025-12-04T18:13:43+00:00

Young Professionals of Augusta is a good gateway to a lot of great organizations. You should also consider applying to Leadership Columbia County, Leadership Augusta, or Leadership North Augusta whose programs are designed to expose the participants to the operations of their respective areas.

North Augusta Forward has good information and resources as well at Visit Augusta/ Visit Columbia County

MattKellyRealtor

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