POOK'S SUN CITY CAROLINA LAKES NEWS: May 2016

Sunday, May 29, 2016

MEMORIAL DAY MESSAGE

I have always found it strange to wish someone a Happy Memorial Day and I can never bring myself to say those words. Yes, we all look forward to the first long weekend that marks the unofficial beginning of summer and the first barbecue of the season, picnic, trip to the lake... or the Indy 500. But, while all of those things make Memorial Day weekend a fun time, we need to remember the real meaning of Memorial Day. As we enjoy time with family and friends, let us be sure to take time to honor the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms we cherish.

MEMORIAL DAY LINKS:
Memorial Day History
American Widow Project
The Origin of Sounding Taps
Arlington Remembrance by Trace Adkins
Buglers at Arlington National Cemetery
God Bless the USA by the Texas Tenors

As we remember those who died in service to our country, let us give thanks to those who are serving now and to all our Veterans for their past service to our country.

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Rental Costs Eat Up 70% of Your Income in These Locations

Source: National Association of REALTORS®
REALTORMag
Daily Real Estate News | Thursday, May 12, 2016

Here are 10 popular cities ranked from highest to lowest in terms of the percentage of starting monthly income that goes towards rent:

San Francisco: 79%
New York City: 77%
Los Angeles: 61%
Boston: 56%
Seattle: 51%
Chicago: 47%
Orlando: 44%
Atlanta: 36%
Austin: 36%
Houston: 29%

Read the entire article HERE.

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Cell Phones for Seniors

While on Facebook today I saw an ad for cell phones for seniors... curiosity got the best of me and I clicked on it. It is a site called "Social Choice" and in this article they present a questionnaire about your cell phone usage that would lead you to the best choice for your particular needs. Of course there were ads embedded in the article for various phones and services, but, if you overlook those and just read the article and answer the questions, you get to the information that you really want. I was told to check out the "Jitterbug." That won't be happening anytime soon, as I love my iPhone and am quite happy with my Verizon service. But, for those who have less demanding needs than I do, the Jitterbug might be a good choice. I must confess that I didn't retake the questionnaire, so I don't know what other options they suggest, but, if you're a senior with minimal cell phone needs, I'd recommend answering the questions and seeing what is suggested for you.

I would also recommend that, no matter what service your are currently using, you call your provider and see what they can recommend for you. Their offerings change and what worked for you 6 months ago might not the best for you now. I recently changed my Verizon plan to something called "Small Plan" which includes unlimited talk and text, 1 gig of data, and "hot spot" availability (allowing me to use my phone as wi-fi connection for my computer). For security reasons, I try not to use public wi-fi (especially in airports and hotels), so the "hot spot" allows me to have my own personal wi-fi. Doing so uses up phone data, but it hasn't been an issue for me. Anyway, the plan is relatively inexpensive (under $80) and includes my husband's phone (a flip phone which he says he's never getting rid of).

http://socialchoice.com/g/seniorphoneplans/?ss=best%20cell%20phones&c=8776&nr=3&pagetitle=Top%203%20Senior%20Cell%20Phone%20Plans&adsource=3&fref=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29t&yc=2203b_fc7

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CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

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"Pook helped us find our perfect home. She was so patient with me while I looked at different houses over 3 trips to town. She looked out for our very best interest and security. She kept us informed on availability in our search. Once we found "the one" she guided us through the process and made sure that everything was done correctly and timely. She managed us (buyers), the seller's agent, the closing agent with professionalism and courtesy. We can't say enough great things about Pook. She is the best we have ever worked with!"
- Heather and Ron W.
Purchased SCCL Home

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"Pook was a pleasure to deal with. Knowledgeable and professional. She walked us through the entire selling process and answered all our questions. I would highly recommend her."

-Mary Jane S.

Sold SCCL Home

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"I worked with Pook Bellini to purchase a home in Sun City Carolina Lakes in Fort Mill SC. I was so fortunate to select her among a number of choices available. She was so knowledgeable, resourceful and helpful. She was always available. Because she resides in the community, Pook was the ideal choice of a realtor for me!!!"

-Donna C.

Purchased SCCL Home

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"Our home was under contract the first day it was listed! Pook did an outstanding job of having sharp photographs displayed in an orderly way for the listing and marketing materials. We appreciated her attention to detail. She communicated as needed in a timely fashion with everyone involved in showings, inspections, inquiries, and legal matters. We highly recommend Pook to those who have real estate needs. She treated us like family and has earned our respect. We believe Pook would be an excellent trainer and mentor to peers for doing and getting a job done well."

-Julie G. and Charlie B.

Sold SCCL Home

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"We could not have been more pleased with the experience we had with Pook Bellini as our realtor. She was extremely knowledgeable, efficient, personable, professional, detail-oriented, and responsive to our needs and concerns. We will highly recommend Pook to others given our positive experience."

- Charlie B. and Julie G.

Purchased SCCL Home

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"Pook helped me stage my home so it would be presented at its best. It sold in ONE DAY. For asking price."

- Arlene M.

Sold SCCL Home

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"I would summarize Pook Bellini in 4 words- "THE BEST REALTOR EVER." "I am sure that other clients who have worked with her as their realtor would agree with me. Because I was from out of state, I needed someone like Pook to represent me and guide me through the purshase of the home I bought. I am so thankful that Pook was recommended to me by a friend who had used Pook as their realtor. In return, I would highly recommend Pook Bellini to anyone needing a realtor."

- Deborah P.

Purchased TreeTops Home

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"We were SO happy with how helpful and professional Pook Bellini was when purchasing our home. Her attention to detail was outstanding. We literally could not have purchased our home without her. She is by far the best agent we have ever used!"

- Helen P.

Purchased SCCL Home

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"A chance meeting that turned into one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! Pook is one of the best realtors I’ve ever worked with - the (survey) categories should have another top choice - like “AMAZING” - just for her. Helen Adams Realty is VERY lucky to have Pook representing them, and I hope I have the opportunity to recommend Pook to others who may need a great realtor."

- Meg H.

Purchased SCCL Home

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"Pook was fantastic! She was thorough, quick to respond, always helpful, extremely patient, and never pushy which was very important to us."

- Liz and Bob N.

Purchased TreeTops Home

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"Pook did an excellent job, she is very patient and detail oriented."

- Dieter K.

Sold SCCL Home

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"Pook was a pleasure to work with! She is very knowledgeable in all aspects n guided me thru the process. She answered all questions n concerns quickly n even followed up with me after the sale on items I needed to finalize. Very friendly, a great gal! A smooth process!"

- Jan P.

Purchased SCCL Home

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"Pook was recommended by a friend and I am so thoroughly pleased that I reached out to her. She was with me each step-of-the-way which meant a lot to me. Although I am quite capable, it was very nice having that extra support and her to answer questions I had. It was an excellent experience working with Pook and I have already recommended her to multiple people. She listened very carefully and when providing matched listings they were in line with what I was looking for. Pook is a wonderful person and did a beautiful job working with me on the purchase of my new home in Tree Tops."

"Pook Bellini is very thorough, listens and responds to her client's needs. I have been SO pleased working with her and she feels like a friend looking out for me with each step of the buying process. Thank you so much."

- Shelley P., Indian Land, SC

Purchased TreeTops Home

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"I've worked with hundreds of brokers as part of my insurance activities, and personally with over a dozen on my own homes. Pook is right up there with the top people."

- Les R., Indian Land, SC

Purchased SCCL home

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"Pook Bellini provided an impressive presentation of her marketing proposal and was forthcoming in answering all questions honestly. Her knowledge and candidness were highly influential in our selecting her as our realtor.

Pook Bellini's performance as our real estate agent was outstanding in all respects. She provided a comprehensive list of comparable homes such that we could intelligently price our home. She provided valuable insights into our community and the selling process. Her sales campaign planning and implementation were highly effective. She was always available to give us guidance and answer any questions we had. Since we were not in South Carolina throughout most of the selling process Pook made sure that the home was properly presented and represented us with various inspectors and contractors. She went above and beyond in all aspects of the sales process and we would definitely recommend her as an agent.

Pook Bellini is genuinely interested in the welfare of her clients. She is highly knowledgeable, professional and respectful in all her dealings with her clients. She is very articulate and provides clear and timely communications."

- Eleanor and Frank K., PA

Sold SCCL Home

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"Pook went out of the way to provide excellent service. She was always available and volunteered to do things one wouldn't expect. She was a master at providing extremely good service. She was always available and timely. Pook is outstanding."

-Marv K. and Kathy M., Lancaster, SC

Sold SCCL Home

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"Throughout this entire process, Pook had our best interests at heart. She asked questions and negotiated for things we would never have thought of! She was always on top of any situation that arose! Pook walked with us each step of the way. She was always available to guide us and answer any question we had. Her knowledge of the real estate world is astounding. Her patience and kindness are unmatched! We would definitely recommend her as an agent to friends and family. Helen Adams Realty is blessed to have her as an agent! We are forever grateful! "

- Marv K. and Kathy M., Lancaster, SC

Purchased TreeTops Home

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"Pook Bellini was always there when I had a problem and addressed them to the seller. She gave us good advice and saved us money on the purchase of our new home. We would highly recommend using her as your realtor."

- Jan K., Lancaster, SC

Purchased TreeTops Home

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"Pook Bellini was a neighbor for 2 1/2 years, and we became good friends as well. Since I wanted to stay in a Sun City neighborhood, she was the perfect choice because of her first hand knowledge of our community. She understood my personal situation and I trusted her sincere desire to help me achieve a new place to call home in a caring and professional manner. Pook worked tirelessly finding me a home quickly, showing me prospects, and handling all the details of my closing. She communicated promptly with my mortgage agent, home inspectors and seller's real estate agent. My closing happened in less than three weeks because of her can do attitude and diligence. She is my amazing Energizer Bunny Real Estate Agent and friend! Thank you, Pook! You're the BEST!"

- Carmen F., Indian Land, SC

Purchased SCCL home

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"You won't find a better realtor than Pook Bellini, knowledgeable, professional and genuinely cares about her clients."

- Cathy and Bill E, Lancaster, SC

Purchased TreeTops home

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"As a resident of Sun City/Carolina Lakes, Pook Bellini has tremendous insight into this community. It was critical for us to find a realtor who not only knew this area, but was willing to work with us from Virginia. Pook was always available for us - day or night by phone or email. Pook represented us during the inspection for our new home and ensured all repairs were performed by qualified contractors, since we were not able to travel back to South Carolina. Choosing Pook Bellini and Sun City was definitely a win win for us. She proved to be a trustworthy and knowledgeable realtor, and now a friend as well."

Joan and Michael W, Indian Land, SC

Purchased SCCL home

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"Helen Adams Realty should be grateful to have Pook Bellini as their agent, she's tops! I know what it takes, as I have been a realtor in Columbus, Ohio for 34 years. I was impressed with her computer knowledge and hard work. She went above and beyond..."

- Sally M, Indian Land, SC/Bexley, OH
Sold SCCL home
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"In my estimation Pook Bellini far exceeded our expectations. For us, she not only knew our requirements, but paid particular attention to my emotional state. I lost my mother earlier this year so moving away from family and friends was tough. She was caring and considerate beyond my expectation. I hope to remain friends with her for years to come. Outstanding. A real energizer bunny!"
- Karen S, Indian Land, SC
Purchased SCCL home
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"Roy & I want you to know how much we appreciate your attention to detail, to help us through every step of the way in the purchase of our home. Your professional & pleasant manner was indeed what made the transaction stress free & enjoyable."
- Doreen and Roy M, Scottsdale, AZ
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"Pook helped my wife and I buy our first home together. She was extremely knowledgeable, reliable and always maintained great communication with us. Pook also helped me lease my old condo. She got it leased in under 3 weeks -- the last time I listed it, it took months before I even got any prospects. Pook is among the best in her field. We were lucky to have her as our agent and are proud to have her as a friend."
- Brad P, Scottsdale, AZ

Pages

Sunday, May 29, 2016

MEMORIAL DAY MESSAGE

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Rental Costs Eat Up 70% of Your Income in These Locations

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Cell Phones for Seniors