HOMEOWNERS VOICE A SHIFTING SENSE OF HOME VALUE IN NEW STUDY

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THE FOXHOLE

I've spent the last week doing a lot of yard work... trimming our magnolia tree, removing dead and dying shrubs, removing pine straw and replacing it with hardwood mulch, and planting... lots of planting.  The problem with doing all that trimming and pine needle removal is that you can't put it in your trash can and be done.  Of course you can hire someone to haul away your yard waste (or do the whole landscaping job for that matter), but, being the do-it-yourselfers that we are, we chose to haul ours to the dump.  So, today my husband and I loaded up my car and went to "The Foxhole" with all our yard debris.  The Foxhole is a Mecklenburg County landfill located immediately north of the Walmart shopping center on 521, but, unless you actually know it's there,  you'd never know that there's landfill beyond the lovely entry sign and the meandering driveway lined with a pretty white fence. Once we entered the facility, we waited in line to pay our $8.50 fee (since we had more than a wheelbarrow size load) and then drove down to the yard waste area.  We emptied all of our bags and a rather humongous box and then had an interesting chat with the guy standing by with a bull dozer.  He told us about the compost and mulch that's made out of all the yard waste and about the other areas of the dump where construction and demolition waste go.  In addition to the "dump" areas, there's also a recycling center at the facility, so this place is definitely the place to go if you've got stuff to dispose of.  The Foxhole is easy to get to and pretty inexpensive... just be prepared to wait in line and to empty out your bags or boxes, as they cannot be included in the with the yard waste.  And one more thing, you can't include any stumps, roots, or dirt in with your yard waste... apparently, it screws up the machines that make the compost and mulch. 

MEMORIAL DAY 2015

All gave some... some gave all.

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.  

And, 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. 

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

In June 2014, an 11-year-old boy visited Normandy, France for the 70th anniversary of the D-Day invasion.  As part of the boy’s personal project, titled “Project Vigil,” this little boy spent four days teaching visitors and tourists about three paratroopers who had been buried in the American Cemetery.
http://www.littlethings.com/project-vigil-d-day-memorial/?utm_source=loud&utm_medium=fb_share

littlethings.com|By Paul Morris

This boy's parents taught him well!

Teach Your children Well by Crosby, Stills, and Nash:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztVaqZajq-I

Buying a Home is 35% Less Expensive than Renting!

Courtesy of Keeping Current Matters/The KCM Blog

Posted: 18 May 2015 04:00 AM PDT

In the latest Rent vs. Buy Report from Trulia, they explained that homeownership remains cheaper than renting with a traditional 30-year fixed rate mortgage throughout the 100 largest metro areas in the United States. The updated numbers actually show that the range is from an average of 16% in Honolulu (HI), all the way to 55% in Sarasota (FL), and 35% Nationwide!

The other interesting findings in the report include:

• Interest rates have remained low and even though home prices have appreciated around the country (3.9%), they haven’t greatly outpaced rental appreciation (3.7%). “In the past year, these two trends have made homeownership even more affordable compared with renting.”
• Some markets might tip in favor of renting if home prices increase at a greater rate than rents and if – as most economists expect – mortgage rates rise, due to the strengthening economy.
• Nationally, rates would have to rise to 10.6% for renting to be cheaper than buying – and rates haven’t been that high since 1989. 

Bottom Line

Buying a home makes sense socially and financially. Rents are predicted to increase substantially in the next year, so lock in your housing cost with a mortgage payment now.

The Difference Your Interest Rate Makes

Courtesy of Keeping Matters Current/The KCM Blog

Some Highlights:

• Even a small increase in interest rates drastically impacts your budget.
• Securing a mortgage now while rates are still low means you can get more house for your money.
• Spend your money on your dream home, not on interest.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Today I'd like to share a very eloquent Mother's Day message that was posted on Facebook by my friend and Arizona colleague, Kirsten Johnson.   Thank you, Kirsten, for allowing me share this!

I want to share something that comes to mind not only on Mother's Day, but often....

I think of women I know who have not had the opportunity to have children either because of a medical condition or because they have not found the right person to have kids with, like in my situation. Please do not judge these women or ask them why they do not have kids, because I can guarantee it is not because of lack of want, it just is what it is right now. Be Kind. Be Loving. Be Understanding. Be Supportive of these ladies. It is a journey.

I think of people who I have met along the way who did not have a mother who was present in their lives either physically or emotionally. Their stories hurt my heart. Be Kind. Be Loving. Be Understanding. Be Supportive of those who did not have the true presence of a Mother. It is a journey.

I think of many of you who I know who have lost your mother and the "missing" her never goes away. The wanting to pick up the phone and call her to say Happy Mother's Day and I Love You doesn't go away. Be Kind. Be Loving. Be Understanding. Be Supportive of those who have lost their Mother. It is a journey.

I think of those mothers who have lost a child to sickness or tragedy. My heart hurts with you. No Mother should have to feel this pain. Be Kind. Be Loving. Be Understanding. Be Supportive of those who have lost a child. It is a painful journey.

I think of the nearly 17,000 kids in foster care in Arizona and the 500,000 in the United States that are confused and conflicted about their Mother, wondering why she abandoned, neglected or hurt them. Be Kind. Be Loving. Be Understanding. Be Supportive of our Kids in Foster Care. It is a scary and painful journey.

I want to recognize those mothers who have found their way to adopt or foster a child. Thank you for giving a child a sense of family and what it means to have a Mother. Biology has nothing to do with being a Mother. Love has everything to do with being a Mother. Be Kind. Be Loving. Be Understanding. Be Supportive of those who have adopted, fostered or are thinking about doing so. It is a journey. 

To all Mother's....your children are a gift! Thank you for giving them a loving home. Do not ever forget how important your role is to your children. Be Kind. Be Loving. Be Understanding. Be Supportive of yourselves, other mothers, fathers and your children. It is a journey.

We all have a story when it comes to our mother and our motherhood! Be Kind. Be Loving. Be Understanding. Be Supportive of One Another. It is a Journey.

WHERE SHOULD I RETIRE?

Courtesy of Keeping Current Matters/The KCM Blog Posted: 01 May 2015 04:00 AM PDT Some Highlights From The Report: 80% of all pre-retirees in the South Atlantic region plan to stay there in retirement 4 out of 10 pre-retirees plan to relocate in retirement Retirees in the South Central Region are most satisfied with their Cost of Living For more information or to read the full report: Click Here

INDIAN LAND TO GET RECYCLING FACILITY ON NORTHFILED DRIVE

Source:  Fort Mill Times

Article By Katie Rutland
Special to the Fort Mill Times

04/24/2015 2:42 PM

Read more here: http://www.heraldonline.com/news/local/community/fort-mill-times/article19392705.html#storylink=cpy

After years of searching for the perfect piece of land for a new recycling center, Lancaster County Leaders have closed a deal on more tha 4 acres in Indian Land.

The purchase means residents no longer will have to travel across state lines to the Foxhole Landfill in Charlotte, off U.S. 521. 

District 7 County Councilman Brian Carnes said that about two years ago the county was forced to abruptly close its recycling and solid-waste center on leased land on Jim Wilson Road. The property owner sold the parcel to a developer who built homes on the site.

County officials wasted no time searching for land for a new center, but it wasn’t easy. “There’s not a whole lot of cheap property in Indian Land anymore,” Carnes said.

In the meantime, a deal was worked out for South Carolina residents to take solid waste and recyclables to the Charlotte facility. Carnes said the Foxhole facility recently has considered charging S.C. residents for using the landfill and began limiting the number of bags of garbage that could be brought in one trip.

Over the years, several pieces of land were ruled out because of push back from nearby residents, but county leaders finally purchased 4.61 acres in the 521 Perimeter Commerce Park on Northfield Drive on April 15. County Administrator Steve Willis confirmed the purchase price, including closing fees, was $300,000, and that construction will be paid by property taxes.

Read more here: http://www.heraldonline.com/news/local/community/fort-mill-times/article19392705.html#storylink=cpy

SOUTH CAROLINA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL 2015

SOURCE:  http://www.scstrawberryfestival.com/

VOLUNTEERS

> more information

The award winning South Carolina Strawberry Festival is definitely one you don't want to miss!  It is Fort Mill's signature salute to spring!  Join us in 2015 for a week of events and activities, culminating in the festival on May 1 and 2.  Admission is free. NO PETS ALLOWED.

HOME SALES NATIONWIDE ARE SKYROCKETING

Information courtesy of Keeping Current Matters/The KCM Blog

Yesterday, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) released their Existing Home Sales Report. The numbers shocked many analysts as they revealed a 10.4% increase over the same month last year. This is the highest number of sales since September 2013. Sales have increased year-over-year for six consecutive months and the 10.4% increase is the highest annual increase since August 2013. March's sales increase was the largest monthly increase since December 2010. Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist, explained:

"After a quiet start to the year, sales activity picked up greatly throughout the country in March. The combination of low interest rates and the ongoing stability in the job market is improving buyer confidence and finally releasing some of the sizable pent-up demand that accumulated in recent years."

Here is a graph showing home sales so far this year:



















An increase in sales occurred in every region of the country even the Northeast that experienced one of their roughest winters in years:

 

 

 

Bottom Line: 
Houses are flying off the shelves. This may be the perfect time to sell yours.