Blog

You’re thinking about making a big change—moving to a new area. For those of you who have just endured one of the coldest winters in your life, you might be looking at a southern locale where the weather is so much milder. Not that we’re biased, but McGuinn Hybrid Homes can offer 6 reasons to live in Columbia, SC!

Reason #1: Go coastal or take to the hills

The Columbia area is almost the same distance from the beach as it is from the mountains. Head in one direction to bask on a beach along the Atlantic coast, or just stay local and get your water energy from one of the many lakes that are close to Columbia. Lake Murray, for example, spans 48,000 acres and 41 miles, and offers 620 miles of shoreline, and it’s just outside of Columbia. Dreher Shoals Dam lets you walk across Lake Murray. The 1.5 mile dam includes biking and walking paths, a beach, and a picnic area. The 213-foot-high dam is a popular place to get a stunning view.

McGuinn Hybrid Homes builds communities—like Harbour Watch—that offer lakeside living and all the recreation and relaxation that goes with it.

From your central location in Columbia, you can take a scenic drive to the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s one of those trips where the journey is just as enjoyable as the destination.

Reason #2: We have really great sports

Do you like to watch great basketball, football, or other sports from the stands instead of a TV? Columbia is home to the University of South Carolina Gamecocks. Many pro players have emerged from USC, including the NFL’s Stephon Gilmore and Alshon Jeffery (both Super Bowl winners), NBA Hall of Famer Alex English, World Series 2018 MVP Steve Pearce and Adam Everett, who played both for the Cleveland Indians and the gold-medal-winning 2000 USA baseball team. Watching the Gamecocks play at the Columbia Area is like getting a sneak preview of future all-stars!

Columbia is also home to the Lexington County Blowfish, a summer collegiate team playing in the Coastal Plain League. Their home is here at Lexington County Baseball Stadium and, like the USC Gamecocks, you can expect to see young talent that’s getting ready for big league careers. Oh, and the team is named after Hootie and the Blowfish, that also happens to be from South Carolina.

Over at Spirit Communications Park, you can catch Fireflies. Don’t bring a jar, because you’ll be watching the New York Mets’ Class-A affiliate play top-notch baseball.

Reason #3: There’s a lot of history here

For you history buffs, you’ll find no shortage of fascinating stories, landmarks, and museums in and around Columbia. The South Carolina State Museum in Columbia presents a wealth of knowledge that comes from more than 70,000 pieces of art, artifacts, fossils, and other treasures that paint the picture of South Carolina’s past. For an even bigger picture, the museum features a planetarium and observatory.

Reason #4: Fun is a Columbia tradition

A good time is just part of our culture here in Columbia, SC. How do you like to spend your free time? Naturally, as a city, Columbia and all of the surrounding areas will treat you to a limitless array of dining and shopping. Whether you want down-home, real Southern cooking or an epicurean experience, you’re never far from great food.

Columbia has more ways to entertain you. The Icehouse Amphitheater is a key part of the city’s revitalization that began in 2012. This outdoor theatre regularly fills its 900-seat capacity for live performances, movies, and more.

The EdVenture Children’s Museum is a family-friendly place that welcomes curious hands and minds to explore learning. Whenever a youngster complains about being bored, head straight for EdVenture.

Colonial Life Arena is a busy venue for everything from USC Gamecocks and other sports events to concerts. The upcoming events calendar features an eclectic mix of entertainment, like James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, Fleetwood Mac, Elton John, and Pink. Then there’s WWE wrestling and Monster Jam. And the kids will love shows like Disney on Ice and Sesame Street Live.

The Riverbanks Zoo & Garden in Columbia gives the whole family a respectful view of our wildlife citizens. The zoo focuses on education and environmental conservation, with plenty of fun that includes getting up close and personal with giraffes and kangaroos, ziplining, and scaling a rock wall.

Reason #5: The great outdoors is really great

With the idyllic South Carolina climate, you’ll probably want to get out and enjoy the sun-drenched days. Columbia is filled with parks where you can hike, bike, wander, picnic, and play. Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park offers a glimpse of Columbia’s history, while also featuring trails, playgrounds, an amphitheater, picnic spots, and fishing. Saluda Shoals Park is a riverfront recreation area, and the splash park there is just the thing for a hot day.

Take a hike through the Harbison State Forest or Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve. Go canoeing or camping at Sesquicentennial State Park. Wander through the many gardens at Virginia Hylton Park.

You can also blend the outdoor experience with casual shopping at the Soda City Market. This weekly street market in Downtown Columbia takes place every Saturday, rain or shine. With about 150 vendors, this event blends the best of local purveyors of food, art, crafts, and much, much more.

Reason #6: A good life is affordable

You can live well in this Southern area without spending a fortune, Housing costs are below the national average. See for yourself. McGuinn Hybrid Homes has brand new, single-family homes starting from the mid-$100,000s and townhomes from $133,900. Look at our communities, floor plans, and move-in ready homes. Then, let’s talk about the many reasons to choose a McGuinn Hybrid home.

Lexington, SC, offers the ideal blend of country living with a broad variety of things to occupy your free time. Add in the beautiful South Carolina weather, close proximity to the state capital (Columbia, in case you forgot), and top-rated schools, and who wouldn’t want to live in Lexington? Well, if you want a little more green living, McGuinn Hybrid Homes has a new community in Leesville, just 12 minutes away. Get ready to move into Hallman Meadows, because our first new homes here are ready!

We chose this location to give our homeowners a more savory taste of small town life. With a population of about 5,500 people, this friendly community appreciates the simpler things in life, like relaxing at Lake Murray or spreading out a picnic in the park. Catch the Lexington County Blowfish play ball or the nationally ranked USC Gamecocks take to the court or the field in Columbia before they make their way into the pro leagues.

Hallman Meadows is also served by the sought-after Gilbert schools in the Lexington School District 1: Gilbert Elementary, Gilbert Middle, and Gilbert High School.

Take US-1 to SR-32 (also known as Hallman Wagon Road) and you’ll make your way to Hallman Meadows. Nestled in a quiet area, this new McGuinn Hybrid Homes community is designed for rustic living with contemporary style. We chose single-level and two-story floor plans—from 1,399 to 2,334 square feet—to accommodate different needs. No matter which home design you choose, we include our superior energy-efficient features. You’ll gain lasting value by lowering the cost of owning your home—starting as low as $165,600!

McGuinn Hybrid Homes has begun construction at Hallman Meadows. We have some brand new homes that have just been completed, with others at various stages. If you want to choose your finishes, take a look at these homes that are now underway:

161 Switch Grass Drive, 1,775 square feet, Cedar A floor plan, 2 stories, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2-car garage, $176,600

319 Bush Clover Way, 1,399 square feet, Spruce B floor plan, 1 story, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2-car garage, $165,600

320 Bush Clover Way, 2,075 square feet, Cypress floor plan, 2 stories, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2-car garage, $185,300

332 Bush Clover Way, 2,073 square feet, Willow floor plan, 2 stories, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2-car garage, $189,500

327 Bush Clover Way, 1,700 square feet, Magnolia A floor plan, 1 story, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2-car garage, $184,900

Hoping to move sooner? We have new construction homes for sale at Hallman Meadows that are ready for a quick closing:

146 Switch Grass Drive, 1,775 square feet, Cedar B floor plan, 2 stories, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2-car garage, $176,600

157 Switch Grass Drive, 2,334 square feet, Maple A floor plan, 2 stories, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2-car garage, $197,100

145 Switch Grass Drive, 2,075 square feet, Cypress floor plan, 2 stories, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2-car garage, $185,300

153 Switch Grass Drive, 1,883 square feet, Birch floor plan, 2 stories, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2-car garage, $174,300

149 Switch Grass Drive, 1,399 square feet, Spruce A floor plan, 1 story, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2-car garage, $165,600

150 Switch Grass Drive, 2,073 square feet, Willow floor plan, 2 stories, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2-car garage, $190,665

Hallman Meadows is transforming from a scenic location to a scenic community of new construction homes in Leesville! Come and take a look. Plan now to schedule a personal tour.

We’re not even halfway through winter yet. How are you handling the weather? Here in Columbia, SC, we don’t get the severe weather like areas north of us, but it’s still colder than you might expect. At McGuinn Hybrid Homes, we’re always looking for ways to help our homeowners save money by conserving energy. After all, “Hybrid” is our middle name! Here are some energy-saving tips that will lower your bills, not your comfort.

Smarten up your thermostat. Heating costs can soar in the winter. Switch out your current thermostat to a smart thermostat that allows you to adjust the temperature from an app on your smartphone. Lower the temperature when you’re gone and turn it up just before you return so you’re not walking into a chilly home. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that you can reduce your heating bill by 10% when you lower your thermostat 10 to 15 degrees for 8 hours a day.

Get your systems serviced. Have your furnace and water heater inspected and serviced by a professional to get the heat and hot water you need without wasting energy. Steps like replacing dirty air filters help the furnace work more efficiently.

Plug the leaks. Check for drafts around windows, doors, switchplates, outlets, vents, and any spaces that are directly connected to the outside. Use caulking, weather stripping, and insulation to eliminate drafts that wastefully suck up energy.

Close your damper. Heat can escape through your fireplace. Inspect the seal on the damper to make sure it is preventing leaks, and keep the damper closed when you don’t have a fire burning. Make sure the fire is completely extinguished before closing the damper.

Use natural daylight. The days are shorter in the winter, but you can still utilize the sunlight you have. Open up curtains and blinds to let the sunshine in during the day. Then close them at night to keep warmth inside.

Shift your fan blades. Warm air rises. Push it back down where you want it by reversing the direction of the blades on your ceiling fan. They should move in a clockwise manner from the ceiling to the floor.

Adjust your appliance temperatures. It’s not just the thermostat that needs adjusting in the winter. Lower the temperature on your refrigerator a few degrees, or switch to the energy-saving feature. You can also reduce the temperature on your water heater to no more than 120°F; wrap a blanket around it to insulate the water heater. Use cold water when washing your laundry, which also happens to protect colors and fabrics.

Unblock vents. Make sure the vents are free of any obstacles, like furniture, plants, or boxes. The system works more efficiently when there’s a free flow of air.

Put motion sensors on your outdoor lights. With the sun setting earlier, you probably use your exterior lights more often. Instead of a timer, use motion sensors to turn on these lights.

Switch to LED bulbs. LED bulbs use less electricity and last far longer than incandescent, halide, or fluorescent. Use this calculator to see how much you’ll save.

Beware of phantom load. Some electrical cords continue to eat energy even when the item it powers isn’t turned on. Phantom load, also known as “standby power” is drawn 24 hours a day from charging cords for electronics, power cords for appliances, and some power strips. On average, a household has 40 electrically powered items that draw power as soon as they’re plugged in, which accounts for about 10% of electricity use. Unplug your microwave, toaster, coffee maker, TV, phone and computer charging cords, computer, printer, and loaded power strips when not in use.

When you’re ready to upgrade to a home that actually performs for you, look at McGuinn Hybrid Homes. We incorporate the latest in energy-efficient home design to protect you, your investment, and the environment. Our communities of single-family homes and townhomes are located in and around Columbia, SC. If you have a particular location in mind, talk to us about building a home on your land.

Our crews have been busily building over the last few months and we’ve got a lot to show for that effort. McGuinn Hybrid Homes has communities of single-family homes and townhomes all over the Columbia, SC, area. Right now, these new homes are move-in ready. The question is, are YOU?

Hillcreek, Columbia, SC

112 Aspen Court is a custom home on a wooded lot. With 2,313 square feet of indoor living space, this new construction home combines comfort, style, and energy efficiency. The master suite and 2 more bedrooms are located on the second floor, while the main floor features an open concept—a large, center island kitchen, family room, and dining area—plus a flex room by the foyer. $219,900

Crystal Cove, Irmo, SC

106 Crystal Manor Drive is the only move-in ready home now available in this popular community, and it’s a great choice for families. With 5 bedrooms—each with its own walk-in closet—3.5 baths, an upstairs loft, deluxe kitchen, and large, covered porch, this new home welcomes your busy household. $299,900

Panorama Point, Gilbert, SC

511 Sunny Cove Court presents a stunning home in an equally distinctive neighborhood. We expanded the Cleveland floor plan to 3,618 square feet that includes 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, a gourmet kitchen, loft,  and a wealth of details in a luxury home. Details include coffered ceiling, expansive kitchen island, large windows that stream natural light into the home, and an awe-inspiring owner’s suite. $799,900

Harbour Watch on Lake Murray, Leesville, SC

115 Southpark Place will set you up right away for lakeside living. Check out the curb appeal on this two-story, brick home with a large covered porch. Inside, you have 3,343 square feet that features 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, an open concept in the main living area, and a flex space that could be used as a formal dining room, home office, playroom, or other function.  Take a virtual tour now! Boat storage is also available with this home for just $300 a year. $379,900

Summerlake, Lexington, SC

249 Garden Gate Way presents a unique exterior that combines stone, board and batten, and horizontal vinyl siding. Inside, the Wilshire floor plan offers a first-floor master suite, with 3 more bedrooms upstairs—each with a walk-in closet—a total of 3.5 baths, loft, and designer kitchen. The covered patio extends the living area outside. $320,792

578 Hopscotch Lane shows off the qualities of our 2,507-square-foot Meadowbrook floor plan—a 2-story home with 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths, second-floor laundry, a chef’s kitchen with granite countertops, and a spacious open floor plan that’s perfect for entertaining. $244,900

Woodmill, Lexington, SC

202 Woodmill Circle is now ready! Explore all the possibilities for decorating the versatile Stonebridge design. The spacious master suite provides a well-deserved haven in this home. You’ll also appreciate the hardwood floors, crown molding, 9-foot ceilings, and design details that McGuinn Hybrid Homes included in the 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home’s 2,307 square feet. $247,900

Centennial at Lake Carolina, Columbia, SC

913 Layton Way offers an inviting home in the award-winning Lake Carolina community! Live lakeside where you have an abundance of amenities. This single-level, Woodland design features 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. Perfectly sized for the first-time homebuyer, empty-nester, or as a vacation retreat, this home’s 1,700 square feet are creatively used for convenience, comfort, and style. $209,000

932 Layton Way presents a real charmer. The single-level brick home is accented with board and batten siding. Step inside to 1,506 square feet of energy efficient living, without compromising the features you want in a new home—3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a comfortably sized kitchen with an open concept to the great room and dining area. $199,000

Cumberland Place, West Columbia, SC

219 Shell Mound Court and 211 Shell Mound Court each reflect McGuinn Hybrid Homes creativity with the Stonebridge floor plan, a 2.317-square-foot, 2-story design with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and both a covered front porch and rear patio. The first-floor master suite is accented with a tray ceiling and luxurious master bath, with convenient access to the laundry. $200,900

Harbison Grove, Columbia, SC

435 Angel Grove Lane, 437 Angel Grove Lane, and 439 Angel Grove Lane present the first 2-bedroom townhomes available in this brand new community. Each one provides 1,428 square feet that includes a large kitchen, open floor plan, 2.5 baths, walk-in closets in each bedroom, and a rear covered patio that includes a locking storage closet. $133,900

Find your new home and a new lifestyle in one of these move-in ready homes, or check out the floor plans available in our communities or to that we can build on your land. McGuinn Hybrid Homes takes pride in the quality of our craftsmanship, energy-efficient design, and the personal service you’ll always experience with our team. Let’s see where life will take you!

The new year is still fresh. Maybe you haven’t given a lot of thought yet to the next 12 months. Or maybe you have. No matter how good or bad 2018 was for you, you’ve got a fresh start right now. How are you going to make the most of it? Are you looking to buy a new home in 2019? It’s a good time right now. If you’re a first-time homebuyer, consider these tips, courtesy of McGuinn Hybrid Homes.

It’s a big decision but doesn’t have to be a permanent one.

You might fear the commitment of buying a home. What if you decide to move in a couple of years? You can’t predict the future, but don’t postpone your life for the “what if’s”. If you decide to move in a couple of years, you can sell or rent your home, and likely turn a profit. Instead of paying rent, invest in a home. Real estate values are on the rise—but so are home prices and interest rates. The longer you wait, the more you’ll pay.

Add up the total cost of ownership.

The price you pay for a home isn’t the same as the cost to own it. You might find that a resale home is less expensive than a new one, but you should consider the other funds you’ll need to invest. Add in everything necessary to make this home the way you want it—like replacing a roof or air conditioning system, buying major appliances, redoing the floors, and rewiring for your smart technology.

While an existing home might appear to save you money, there could be a lot more costs involved in actually owning it. Remember that a new home comes with brand new systems and appliances. It comes with numerous warranties. You don’t have to worry about footing the bill for repairs. How much is THAT worth to you?

Pay attention to the energy efficient features.

Don’t underestimate that value of a well-built home that reflects a builder’s commitment to energy efficiency. From the construction and HVAC system to the appliances, insulation, and fixtures, everything contributes to the carbon footprint of your home. A home should be designed, engineered, and built to “perform”—creating a comfortable, safe atmosphere while using less energy. Why pay more to heat or cool your house because it doesn’t have top-notch insulation in the walls and ceilings, and radiant barrier sheathing in the attic? Plus, systems like a tankless water heater save energy, work better, and last longer.

You’ll be paying energy bills as long as you own your home, so be sure to consider everything that impacts those costs. Also, remember that an energy-efficient home carries a higher resale value than those that are not as eco-friendly. Take a look at these “green building” features included in McGuinn Hybrid Homes so you can see how they affect your investment.

Talk to a mortgage lender first.

There are plenty of mortgage programs out there. Before you start looking for a home, learn which one best fits your financial situation. If you don’t have a large down payment, ask about programs, like FHA home loans, that require as little as 3.5% down. A mortgage professional can also give you guidance on preparing to buy a home. Find out how to improve your credit score, how much to set aside for closing costs, and what’s involved in getting a mortgage. You should also get pre-approved so you can shop for a home that’s within your reach.

If your new home search brings you to the Columbia, SC, area, talk to us at McGuinn Hybrid Homes. Our communities of new construction, single-family homes and townhomes are located near the lakes, in good school districts, and close to all the amenities you need. Want to build a home on your land? We have experience with that, too.

With mortgage payments that could be less than your current rent, you owe it to yourself to make this important move in 2019.

Are you one of those people who gathers up the shreds of wrapping paper and ribbons as people are unwrapping their gifts? (Our hands are raised.) Do you feel the urge to take down all the decorations the day after the festivities, or do you like to let the look linger through New Year’s Day? However you approach the aftermath, you could probably use some tips for getting your home back to normal after the holidays. Count on McGuinn Hybrid Homes to share a few.

Sort before you stash.

Before you pack up all of your holiday decorations into the containers where they will hibernate for the next 11 months, look it over. You might have some items that are ready for retirement or to be passed along to someone else. Don’t take up precious storage space with decor that doesn’t excite you anymore. And if you open the storage containers and see decorative accents and ornaments you didn’t even use this season, it’s probably time to part with them as well. Check all holiday decorations and dishware for chips, cracks, and other damage that might render them part of your Christmas past.

Sort your decor according to where and how it will be used, like Christmas tree ornaments, entryway decor, dishes and, serving ware. Small plates and saucers can be stacked with paper or styrofoam plates in between. Pack them in containers that are clearly labeled with the contents; be sure to put the label on more than one side so that you can see it even if the box is improperly stacked in storage.

Wrap your string lights around spools or pieces of cardboard to prevent the tangled mess that is such an unwelcome sight when you’re ready to hang them up. Mark each string with the length and number of lights so it will be easy to grab the right ones next year.

Start your spring cleaning a little early.

After you organize Christmas ornaments and have packed up all remnants of holiday cheer, give your home a good cleaning. You’ll probably find an errant ornament that slipped away, a holiday accent you overlooked—did anyone remember to store the Elf on the Shelf?—and evergreen needles that are hiding in corners. Scrub the floors, dust away the glitter, and scrub spaces like the fireplace hearth and mantel, stair railings, window sills and trim, and other places that were graced with decor.

Empty the fridge and get rid of leftovers and extraneous food items that have been pushed to the rear. Clean the interior shelves and drawers of the fridge. Then, tackle oven cleaning to get rid of all the spills that landed in there over the holidays.

Rethink “normal”.

You’ve already achieved one of the first steps in redecorating. You “de-decorated”—removing decor and furnishings that interrupted the holiday theme. Before you put back everything in its previous place, think about making a change. Spring will be coming, the season of rebirth. Start now by refreshing some spaces in your home. From repainting the trim to changing the color of an entire room, moving the furniture around, or doing a complete makeover, plan on heading back to normal with a new normal. You could even fill in the blanks that Santa left behind, like a chair for the living room, new bedding, or something smart—like a home hub, appliance, or thermostat.

As you’re looking over and through your home, also ask yourself if this is where you want to be during the next holiday season, or even through the summer months, for that matter. If the answer is “no” or “not sure”, and you’re interested in the Columbia, SC, area, McGuinn Hybrid Homes has more tips. We build communities of single-family homes and townhomes that are fully appointed, energy-efficient, affordable, and located in very desirable areas. We have homes that are move-in ready right now, and we’d also like to help you build your dream home on your land. Once you’ve finished your post-holiday clean-up, find inspiration for next year by browsing our gallery and then let’s talk!

Your biggest monthly living expense is probably the rent or mortgage payment. Every month, when you write that rent check, do you wonder how long you’ll be repeating this process? Buying a home is a scary proposition for some people. They fear the long-term commitment to the property and the return on investment. As you’re pondering, renting versus buying, McGuinn Hybrid Homes offers these things to consider to determine which choice is right for you.

When renting makes sense.

For the short-term, renting can be a viable option, particularly when you’re just getting to know an area. You can take your time checking out towns and neighborhoods, looking at schools and commutes, and exploring the local amenities. If that’s your plan, look into tenant-at-will agreements, where you don’t need to sign a long-term lease, but can simply offer 30-day notice that you’re leaving.

People who are in an uncertain situation—with employment or financial struggles, for example—may also opt for renting. Again, it should be viewed as a temporary solution, while you build up your buying strength.

The value of buying a home.

The biggest difference between buying a renting a home or apartment is in the equity. Rent is an expense. A mortgage is an investment. With every mortgage payment, you gain equity—getting closer to ownership. As your property value increases, so does your equity. With housing values on the rise, the return on your investment grows. If you had bought a home last year for $200,000, it could be worth $220,000 today, even if you made no upgrades whatsoever.

As a renter, the equity goes in the landlord’s pocket.

Buy a home. Get tax deductions.

Homeownership comes with the benefit of deductions on your income tax return. Every year, you can deduct the mortgage interest, property tax, and mortgage insurance premiums. When you buy your home, you can claim the points you paid for closing costs.

If you have a dedicated home office, you gain even more deductions as a homeowner. A portion of your mortgage, home insurance, and utilities is deductible for space that is used exclusively for business.

Either choice is getting more expensive.

Every year, you can expect your rent to go up. The landlord may call it a “cost of living” increase, even though the property’s mortgage has likely stayed the same. Your landlord is profiting from your decision to postpone buying a home. Wouldn’t you rather be in that position?

The cost of homes and mortgages is going up, so the longer you wait to buy, the more it will cost you. As you put off making the decision, you’re missing out on the equity you could be reaping. The affordability of a new home is getting tighter, as the home you could buy now might be out of your reach in six months, with the rise in the home’s price and interest rate.

Plus, if the rate actually drops, you can refinance. If you decide to move, you can become that landlord who makes a profit on someone else’s decision to rent.

The best step to take when you’re uncertain is to contact an experienced lender. This professional can discuss the mortgage programs that are available to you now, so you can make an informed decision. With so many choices—including 100% financing or low down payments—you might be surprised at your buying power.

Take a look at McGuinn Hybrid Homes’ communities of single-family homes and townhomes in Columbia, SC, and the surrounding cities and towns. Our energy-efficient features conserve energy, lower utility bills, and increase the resale value. In the month of December, McGuinn Hybrid Homes is offering special pricing and incentives on a selection of our move-in ready homes.

Stop wasting your money. Get on the path to homeownership. Contact McGuinn Hybrid Homes to get started.

As you’re counting down the days to Christmas, we have another countdown for you. McGuinn Hybrid Homes presents “The 12 Deals of Christmas”. Take advantage of reduced prices on move-in ready homes. We’ve made it even easier (and more affordable) to buy a new construction home in prime locations around the Midlands of Columbia, SC.

UPDATE: Make that “9” because these homes are going fast! Three homes have already sold. But you have 9 more ways to benefits from McGuinn Hybrid Homes’ season of giving.

Have you made a wish to life in an award winning community? Centennial at Lake Carolina in Columbia presents all the amenities you’d want, like a swimming pool, clubhouse, park, lighted walking trails, 200-acre lake, a YMCA, and an active community. Here are 5 ways to make your Christmas wish come true:

#1. 909 Layton Way is a single-level home with 1,506 square feet, perfect as your year-round residence or a vacation getaway on the lake. This Calhoun floor plan features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, an open concept floor plan, 2-car garage, and private patio. Reduced from $224,900 to $209,900

#2. 905 Layton Way offers 1,700 square feet of stylish space. From the brick exterior to the grandeur of the open concept and lavish master suite, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath Woodland design includes hardwood flooring in the foyer, a fenced back yard, and energy-efficient appliances and systems. Reduced from $249,900 to $219,900

#3. 932 Layton Way also reflects the 1,506-square-foot Calhoun home design from McGuinn Hybrid Homes. Starting with eye-catching curb appeal with the brick facade and covered porch, this new construction home provides the comfort and convenience of single-level living. Reduced from $224,900 to $209,900

#4. 913 Layton Way is distinctive at first glance. Architectural details of this Woodland floor plan continue from the exterior to the smartly designed 1,700-square-foot interior. The master suite includes both a garden tub and step-in shower. With 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, this unique home could be the perfect fit for you. Reduced from $249,900 to $219,900

#5. 908 Layton Way is getting its finishing touches. With our holiday special, you’ll save $30,000 on this Woodland home design, one of our most popular. This ranch-style home provides energy efficiency that increases the value even more. If you want 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 9-foot ceilings, and a spacious, open living area, this home and special offer are waiting for you. Reduced from $249,900 to $219,900

Our Hill Creek community in Irmo is a short drive from Lake Murray, and offers easy access to I-26 for a quick trip to Columbia. McGuinn Hybrid Homes has included one home on our “12 Deals of Christmas List”.

#6. 112 Aspen Court is a stunning, 2-story home with a spacious deck and front porch. Step inside to 2,313 square feet of living space that includes 3 large bedrooms, 2 baths, a center island kitchen, open floor plan, and large yard. Reduced from $247,900 to $219,900

Lexington, SC, is close enough to Columbia to keep you connected with city life, but far enough away to enjoy suburban serenity.  Woodmill is one of McGuinn Hybrid Homes’ Lexington communities, not far from Lake Murray and the Saluda River, as well as close to great schools. Our Christmas “gift list” continues with 2 Woodmill single-family homes for sale at a reduced price.

#7. 274 Woodmill Circle shows off our Stonebridge floor plan, a 2-story home with 2,307 square feet, 4 bedrooms, and 2.5 baths. We’ve incorporated quality details throughout the brick home’s interior, like a butler’s pantry, pendant lights, granite countertops, crown molding, and a luxurious master suite. Reduced from $267,900 to $247,900

#8. 202 Woodmill Circle showcases how McGuinn Hybrid Homes personalizes every home. We approach each one with a vision of the family that will live there. Like 274 Woodmill and 206 Woodmill, this single-family home includes 4 bedrooms and 2 baths, and so many more details to appreciate. Reduced from $267,900 to $247,900

Panorama Point in Gilbert is close to Lexington and I-26 to take you to Downtown Columbia in just 25 minutes. In addition to convenient access, this lakefront community offers scenic views and plenty of recreation. We wrap up our “12 Deals of Christmas” with one move-in ready home in Panorama Point that presents an outstanding opportunity,

#9. 511 Sunny Cove Court is an executive home that is worthy of a closer look. We built this exceptional, 2-story home in our Cleveland floor plan, which provides 3,18 square feet, 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, and the smart use of space. This luxury home features a gourmet kitchen with a butler’s pantry, and a flex room that could be transformed to a home office, library, media room, or hobby studio. The dining area is accented with a coffered ceiling and six-foot windows. Live in high style at the lake!  Reduced from $824,900 to $799,900

Whether you’ve been naughty or nice in 2018, end the year on a positive and powerful note. Come and see any of these new construction homes and reap the rewards of huge savings! Contact McGuinn Hybrid Homes for more information and to schedule your personal tour.

Your decor reflects style, but it’s the light that creates ambience. From the style to the bulbs, your fixtures set the atmosphere. McGuinn Hybrid Homes can shed some light on the subject by offering tips for choosing the right lighting throughout your home.

The correct lighting will vary from one space to the next, so let’s take a walk through your home.

Entry and foyer

The first impression is made here. What should it be? Classically elegant, a warm welcome, or sleek contemporary? A chandelier is a good choice if you have the space, but be careful to balance the size of the fixture with the area it’s illuminating: too large and you dwarf the entry, too small and it gets lost.

Complementary wall sconces are a good addition to a foyer, lighting the way to the main living area and the staircase. Sconces should be mounted at eye level so that you see the light and not the bulb inside.

Main living area

Lighting an open floor plan might feel like a challenge, but if you break it into zones like you did with the decorating, you can see your way clear to do it right. Overhead recessed lights are great to brighten up the whole room, but be sure to add dimmers so you can control the intensity.

Then, focus on the zones for task lighting. Wall sconces brighten up dark corners. Table and floor lamps bring in style. Again, keep everything in proportion so that your lamps blend with your decor without overpowering it. Remember, a lamp shade is a quick makeover that can do wonders to brighten up the lamp or coordinate floor and table lamps that have different bases.

The dining area in your open floor plan will do well with pendant lights, particularly for rectangular tables. The number of pendants will depend on the size of your table.

The correct size for the fixture is half to two-thirds the width of the table or one foot smaller than the diameter for a round dining table.

For an 8-foot ceiling, hang the lights with 30 to 36 inches between the table top and the bottom of the fixture. If you have a higher ceiling, add 3 inches for every additional foot of ceiling height. The total wattage of your dining room fixture’s bulbs should be 200 to 400 watts.

Kitchen

The kitchen is the most task-oriented space in your home, so plan to utilize a variety of light fixtures here. Recessed lighting is a great choice to brighten up this vital workspace, but you’ll need focused lights on specific spaces.

The center island or peninsula benefits from pendant lights with dimmers, so you can go from bright light when you’re doing prep to a softer one when using it as a buffet. Like the light fixture over your dining room table, the pendants should clear the countertop surface by 30 to 36 inches. This distance is close enough to light up the area without blocking the view. Feel free to move them up a bit if you have taller people in the household.

Mount a fixture over the kitchen sink (unless it’s part of the island) so you have a clear view here. If you prefer, install recessed lighting directly over this space.

Under-cabinet lighting is the unsung hero of the kitchen. How many times have you found yourself trying to measure or chop something without good light?

In all the kitchen fixtures, use a bright CFL bulb so you don’t strain your eyes. It’s always better to have a dimmer switch than a dim bulb.

Bathroom

Here’s another task lighting project. The light you use over the sink is probably brighter than the one you want over your soaking tub.

Today’s bathrooms are trending toward more decor, treating this space like a room, rather than a function. Chandeliers present a popular choice to spark your bathroom’s style. Suspend the chandelier in the middle of a large bathroom, using the right proportions, or directly over your tub if you want to highlight that space. Since this bathroom chandelier provides mood rather than task lighting, use a dimmer switch to get the right glow.

The vanity usually has a fixture above it, but you’ll likely be the victim of overhead shadows that highlight the wrong features when you look in the mirror. Try placing wall sconces on each side of the mirror and recessed lighting that isn’t directly above it. The sconces should be mounted approximately 75 to 80 inches above the floor so the light is casting on you from the side and slightly above. Remember that while soft lights are easy on the eyes (particularly important when you get up in the middle of the night), they don’t reflect accurate skin tones. If that’s important to you, choose a crisp white LED bulb.

Overhead lighting should also be used in the shower and above the toilet.

Bedrooms

Overhead lights are good to provide just that, but since your bedroom is your escape from the rest of the household, you should do more.

Bedside lighting shines the light you need while also accentuating the decor. Choose table lamps, wall lamps, or even pendants to fill this void. Any mounted fixture opens up the area on your nightstand—eliminating the issue of bumping the shade or knocking over the lamp. However, once you commit to installing a wall lamp or pendants, you also commit to the placement of your bed.

If you decide to use table lamps on your nightstand, choose a style where you can easily switch it on and off while reclining.

Don’t forget about closet lighting! Place overhead or recessed lights so you can see your wardrobe choices. In a large, walk-in, make sure the dark corners have sufficient light, too.

2019 lighting trends for the home

In the coming year, we’ll see some style changes in lighting for the home.

Pendants will make a bigger statement than ever in 2019. Decorators are taking a shine to mixing a blend of sizes of pendants, which can replace a chandelier and add definite visual appeal.

Edison bulbs are available in so many shapes and styles right now that they will be showing up in just about any clear fixture—pendants and globes to sconces and string lights.

While certainly not new, the industrial look will manufacture even more popularity. Expect the distinctive look to take on more gold tones—matte, not polished—giving homeowners more choices.

The Farmhouse style isn’t going anywhere either. You’ll see more choices for overhead fixtures, pendants, and lamps—with maybe an influence of industrial style.

Also look for Mid-Century Modern to maintain its strength as a decorating style. The simplicity and clean lines appeal to people who like minimalist decor, as well as those who welcome the retro look and feel.

Maybe you don’t just need a change in your current home, but a new one altogether! For 33 years, McGuinn Hybrid Homes has been pioneering the design and construction of energy-efficient, affordable, single-family homes in the Columbia, SC, region. Wander virtually through our communities of new construction homes and. We also build on your lot, so if you’re not finding the ideal location, let us know! Then contact us to brighten up your home life!

McGuinn Hybrid Homes has begun a unique community of new construction homes in the scenic area outside of Columbia, SC. You could be one of the first to discover Woodmill, where new homes are coming to Lake Murray in Lexington, SC.

Start with the right location

For this new community, McGuinn Hybrid Homes chose a location that’s near Lake Murray and the Saluda River, so homeowners can experience the benefits of these beautiful waterways. Off Corley Mill Road, Woodmill is surrounded by wooded areas, adding to the natural feeling of living out in the country, even though the city is just 15 miles away. You can easily commute to and from your peaceful community or head into the city for Columbia’s wealth of urban activities.

Students who live in Woodmill attend Midway Elementary, Meadow Glen Middle, and River Bluff High School—all highly rated for academics and the overall educational experience.

Living in Woodmill means you can spend a day on the lake—fishing, boating, swimming, and other water sports, hiking, camping, or simply picnicking by the shore. You’re close to championship golf courses, tennis clubs, parks, playgrounds, and more recreational venues. And with Columbia’s weather, you have many months to get out and get physical!

Your country lifestyle will also include farm-fresh food. Lexington’s weekly farmer’s market runs from May through September. It’s a popular place to get the first pick of the harvest, explore the work of local artisans, and meet up with friends and neighbors.

Lexington is also home to the Icehouse Amphitheater, a local destination for world-class entertainment. The site was purchased by the Town of Lexington in 2012. The facility is evolving into a community hub, with outdoor concerts, movies, and special events. As a Lexington resident, you’ll see the Icehouse continue to be an inviting destination in your hometown.

Create the right lifestyle

The homesites at Woodmill are designed for privacy, with woods defining the outer boundary. In the center of the community, the backyards are separated by an alley-like drive, rather than backing up to one another.

McGuinn Hybrid Homes designed the floor plans here for a comfortable 2,307 square feet, and with the versatility and flexibility to make the home uniquely your own. With prices starting in the mid-$200,000’s for a 4-bedroom home, you get quality construction and standard features that will feel far more luxurious.

As part of our energy-efficient construction, McGuinn Hybrid Homes builds with thermal enveloping air barriers, which protects your home from costly air leaks. We incorporate eco-friendly natural gas heat and Low E windows. The tankless water heater installed in every home doesn’t run out of hot water like conventional water heaters that store it up. Instead, the tankless system heats on demand, which uses less energy and delivers a steadier flow of hot water. The slow-flow faucets conserve water without compromising water pressure, and dual programmable thermostats give you more control over the indoor temperatures.

We also include ENERGY STAR-certified appliances. A stainless steel Frigidaire smooth top range, microwave, and dishwasher are installed in our homes, giving you the peace of mind that comes with lasting quality.

We also build in style and comfort, like a first-floor master suite, walk-in closets with every bedroom, and a covered front porch and rear patio.

Lexington delivers a quality of life that could be perfect for you. Come and see what we’re talking about. Contact us to see what’s coming to Woodmill, including three new homes now under construction. With payments as low as $1,527 per month, a new home and a new location could be more affordable than you imagined!