Friday night, the Horry County chapter of the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps met for the second time to discuss illegal immigration.
Many at the meeting say the topic is a top concern when picking our next president.
"If you look at the top polls in the nation, it is one of the top one or two in most cases, issues," says attendee, Roan Garcia-Quintana.
Kendra Linkowski of Charleston says "It's the number one issue that we're dealing with."
Margaret Thompson spoke to a group of more than 150 people at Conway High School Friday night, during the second meeting of the Horry County Chapter of the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps.
On immigration she has several questions.
"What are we going to do with the people that are already here about seeing if they're legal or not and what we can do to not give them amnesty."
Thompson thinks the candidates didn't confront the issue enough during Thursday night's debate. She, and others, say immigration is the top issue facing the nation.
"This is not a single issue. It affects every single aspect of our lives, from education, from law enforcement, from healthcare."
Others who spoke at Friday's meeting include State Representative Thad Viers and former Myrtle Beach Mayor and now US Senate candidate Mark McBride.
They're next meeting is set for February 7th at Conway High School
www.843Realtor.com
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Friday, January 11, 2008
Bank of America and Countrywide Financial
In a career defined by blockbuster deals, Bank of America chief executive Ken Lewis has taken his biggest gamble yet with an attempt to rescue the country's biggest mortgage lender, Countrywide Financial.
Lewis may have become a market savior by buying the troubled Countrywide for about $4 billion in stock, and keeping the industry and regulators from the messy task of cleaning up the bankruptcy of a company that is servicing 9 million U.S. home loans worth $1.5 trillion.
But Bank of America must first take on billions in mortgages at a time when the nation is facing an ever-widening credit crisis, foreclosures are on the rise and the odds of a recession seems to grow each day.
The prize for Lewis' gamble, however, is a "state of the art" mortgage origination and backoffice business on the cheap. It was unclear if there would be any changes that would affect borrowers, but Lewis said Bank of America would analyze how the deal would affect both brands.
"I am of the opinion that this is not what Bank of America wanted to do right now, but I think that their hand was forced with Countrywide teetering," said Gary Townsend, president of Hill-Townsend Capital, a newly launched Maryland-based private investment group.
Shares in the Calabasas, Calif.-based company have traded for as much as $45 in the past year, but plummeted after a widespread spike in mortgage defaults and foreclosures, especially in subprime loans -
those made to borrowers with weak credit.
Countrywide shares plummeted 18.3 percent, or $1.42, to $6.33 Friday, giving back some of their 51.4 percent rise on Thursday when reports of a likely deal emerged.
As of the close of trade Friday, the deal represented a premium of 10.8 percent to Countrywide's shares.
Bank of America shares fell 80 cents to $38.50.
Shareholders of Countrywide will receive 0.1822 of a share of Bank of America stock in exchange for each share of Countrywide. The deal is expected to close in the third quarter and to be neutral to Bank of America earnings per share in 2008 and lift earnings per share in 2009, excluding buyout and restructuring costs.
Bank of America expects $670 million in after-tax cost savings in the transaction, or 11 percent of the expense base of the two companies' mortgage operations.
The agreement has been approved by both companies' boards and is subject to regulatory and Countrywide's shareholders approval.
Bank of America already has infused $2 billion in cash in Countrywide - money that Lewis contributed in August, during the height of the summer's global credit crisis.
Since, Countrywide shares have fallen 57 percent. That purchase of preferred stock was convertible into a common shares of Countrywide at $18 per share, for roughly a 16 percent stake in the company.
Lewis may have become a market savior by buying the troubled Countrywide for about $4 billion in stock, and keeping the industry and regulators from the messy task of cleaning up the bankruptcy of a company that is servicing 9 million U.S. home loans worth $1.5 trillion.
But Bank of America must first take on billions in mortgages at a time when the nation is facing an ever-widening credit crisis, foreclosures are on the rise and the odds of a recession seems to grow each day.
The prize for Lewis' gamble, however, is a "state of the art" mortgage origination and backoffice business on the cheap. It was unclear if there would be any changes that would affect borrowers, but Lewis said Bank of America would analyze how the deal would affect both brands.
"I am of the opinion that this is not what Bank of America wanted to do right now, but I think that their hand was forced with Countrywide teetering," said Gary Townsend, president of Hill-Townsend Capital, a newly launched Maryland-based private investment group.
Shares in the Calabasas, Calif.-based company have traded for as much as $45 in the past year, but plummeted after a widespread spike in mortgage defaults and foreclosures, especially in subprime loans -
those made to borrowers with weak credit.
Countrywide shares plummeted 18.3 percent, or $1.42, to $6.33 Friday, giving back some of their 51.4 percent rise on Thursday when reports of a likely deal emerged.
As of the close of trade Friday, the deal represented a premium of 10.8 percent to Countrywide's shares.
Bank of America shares fell 80 cents to $38.50.
Shareholders of Countrywide will receive 0.1822 of a share of Bank of America stock in exchange for each share of Countrywide. The deal is expected to close in the third quarter and to be neutral to Bank of America earnings per share in 2008 and lift earnings per share in 2009, excluding buyout and restructuring costs.
Bank of America expects $670 million in after-tax cost savings in the transaction, or 11 percent of the expense base of the two companies' mortgage operations.
The agreement has been approved by both companies' boards and is subject to regulatory and Countrywide's shareholders approval.
Bank of America already has infused $2 billion in cash in Countrywide - money that Lewis contributed in August, during the height of the summer's global credit crisis.
Since, Countrywide shares have fallen 57 percent. That purchase of preferred stock was convertible into a common shares of Countrywide at $18 per share, for roughly a 16 percent stake in the company.
South Carolina Immigration bills
Two immigration-related bills are heading to the full State Senate Judiciary Committee
The first bill would require government paperwork in South Carolina be written only in English.
It would stop the DMV from distributing driver's manuals in Spanish and offering driver's license tests in Spanish, German, and French.
The second calls for a constitutional convention on immigration.
A convention would require a similar request to congress from 33 states.
Senate President Pro-Tem Glenn McConnell says a constitutional convention is needed because Congress has failed to act on illegal immigration.
www.843Realtor.com
The first bill would require government paperwork in South Carolina be written only in English.
It would stop the DMV from distributing driver's manuals in Spanish and offering driver's license tests in Spanish, German, and French.
The second calls for a constitutional convention on immigration.
A convention would require a similar request to congress from 33 states.
Senate President Pro-Tem Glenn McConnell says a constitutional convention is needed because Congress has failed to act on illegal immigration.
www.843Realtor.com
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Presidential debates hotline for Myrtle Beach
The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce has established a presidential debates hotline for the public to call with questions regarding either debate.
The number is 1-877-8-DEBATE or 1-877-833-2283.
Volunteers will be operating the phone lines from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through Thursday.
In preparation, Horry County will operate its Emergency Operation Center, or EOC, for Thursday's big event. It's the same place emergency officials track hurricanes and tropical storms.
The State Law Enforcement Division is leading the security initiative, along with Myrtle Beach and Horry County Police.
"I feel very confident with the resources the Horry County Police can bring to the table. What or how many of these resources will be called into play with these presidential debates is yet to be seen," said Captain Scott Rutherford, with Horry County Police.
The Secret Service has participated in planning too, even though none of the Republican candidates qualify for their protection right now. If that changes, Secret Service will be onboard.
The number is 1-877-8-DEBATE or 1-877-833-2283.
Volunteers will be operating the phone lines from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through Thursday.
In preparation, Horry County will operate its Emergency Operation Center, or EOC, for Thursday's big event. It's the same place emergency officials track hurricanes and tropical storms.
The State Law Enforcement Division is leading the security initiative, along with Myrtle Beach and Horry County Police.
"I feel very confident with the resources the Horry County Police can bring to the table. What or how many of these resources will be called into play with these presidential debates is yet to be seen," said Captain Scott Rutherford, with Horry County Police.
The Secret Service has participated in planning too, even though none of the Republican candidates qualify for their protection right now. If that changes, Secret Service will be onboard.
Thursday's Republican presidential debate
Candidates, staff members, reporters, thousands of people in all, will be arriving in Myrtle Beach soon for Thursday's Republican presidential debate.
It'll mean traffic changes and tight security, but police say they've been planning for months and they'll be ready.
A presidential debate isn't much like a Harley rally, but there are a couple of things they do have in common: Lots of police and many hours of planning. Captain David Knipes with the Myrtle Beach Police Department said, "Logistics, security, traffic direction, making sure we have all areas covered. They've met and re-met and gone over every scenario and situation, to make sure we've got our bases covered."
The State Law Enforcement Division will be the lead agency for the debate, but every Myrtle Beach police officer will be on duty, too, undercover and in uniform, with assistance from other local departments.
There are many security concerns for police, including the possibility that some debate-goers could become unruly. Knipes told us, "We've looked into every possible thing that could happen. Whether it's demonstrations, whether it's any sort of violent acts and making sure that we've got that area covered, that we have a plan."
One of the biggest worries is making sure traffic flows smoothly around the event, so gawkers will not be welcome near the Convention Center. "If people do not have to be up there for an emergency situation or legitimate reason, try to avoid that area because it is going to be congested because of the traffic patterns that we're going to have to implement," said Knipes.
Starting at 8:00 a.m. Thursday morning, traffic lanes on Oak Street will be reduced to two lanes, one going north and one going south. Westbound traffic at Oak Street & 21st Avenue North will also be closed from Oak Street to Farlow Street.
Those attending the debate are asked to use either the main parking lot entrance on Oak Street or the Farlow Street entrance off of 21st Avenue North.
Among the possibilities that police have to plan for are mass arrests and where to put people if many of them have to be taken into custody.
It'll mean traffic changes and tight security, but police say they've been planning for months and they'll be ready.
A presidential debate isn't much like a Harley rally, but there are a couple of things they do have in common: Lots of police and many hours of planning. Captain David Knipes with the Myrtle Beach Police Department said, "Logistics, security, traffic direction, making sure we have all areas covered. They've met and re-met and gone over every scenario and situation, to make sure we've got our bases covered."
The State Law Enforcement Division will be the lead agency for the debate, but every Myrtle Beach police officer will be on duty, too, undercover and in uniform, with assistance from other local departments.
There are many security concerns for police, including the possibility that some debate-goers could become unruly. Knipes told us, "We've looked into every possible thing that could happen. Whether it's demonstrations, whether it's any sort of violent acts and making sure that we've got that area covered, that we have a plan."
One of the biggest worries is making sure traffic flows smoothly around the event, so gawkers will not be welcome near the Convention Center. "If people do not have to be up there for an emergency situation or legitimate reason, try to avoid that area because it is going to be congested because of the traffic patterns that we're going to have to implement," said Knipes.
Starting at 8:00 a.m. Thursday morning, traffic lanes on Oak Street will be reduced to two lanes, one going north and one going south. Westbound traffic at Oak Street & 21st Avenue North will also be closed from Oak Street to Farlow Street.
Those attending the debate are asked to use either the main parking lot entrance on Oak Street or the Farlow Street entrance off of 21st Avenue North.
Among the possibilities that police have to plan for are mass arrests and where to put people if many of them have to be taken into custody.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Myrtle Beach Real Estate Offers you
As the Stock market hits some of the lowest levels in a year.
Interest rate are getting better for a home purchase. 30 year fixed rate are about 5.5% and 15 year fixed rates around 5%.
New Construction in Myrtle Beach SC are again offering lease back options, No HOA fees for 2 years and other promotions in order to get buyers into a new home.
These promotion are not just limited to the top tract builders like Centex homes, DR Horton, Beazer Homes, Lennar and Cana Corp.
Builders have again made the Mortgage process easy for people to qualify for homes offering 5% down. Don't miss out on these Low Interest rates, reduced home prices and low down payment options.
Let www.843Realtor.com pick you up at the Myrtle Beach Airport and show you what the area has to offer.
Interest rate are getting better for a home purchase. 30 year fixed rate are about 5.5% and 15 year fixed rates around 5%.
New Construction in Myrtle Beach SC are again offering lease back options, No HOA fees for 2 years and other promotions in order to get buyers into a new home.
These promotion are not just limited to the top tract builders like Centex homes, DR Horton, Beazer Homes, Lennar and Cana Corp.
Builders have again made the Mortgage process easy for people to qualify for homes offering 5% down. Don't miss out on these Low Interest rates, reduced home prices and low down payment options.
Let www.843Realtor.com pick you up at the Myrtle Beach Airport and show you what the area has to offer.
NAR 2008 Public Awareness Campaign
I am pleased to announce the 2008 Public Awareness Campaign. This year’s campaign aims to give consumers the facts about the long-term value of real estate and current market conditions to balance the sometimes incomplete and sensational information presented in the national media.
The campaign launches nationally on January 14. The TV and radio ads will air more than 10,000 times on national TV and radio outlets from January through November, continuing the campaign’s on-air presence for 11 months of the year.
In addition to the advertising placed by NAR and various local and state REALTOR® associations, the campaign includes Web banners, presentation materials, and other resources that you can use to enhance your business.
www.843Realtor.com
The campaign launches nationally on January 14. The TV and radio ads will air more than 10,000 times on national TV and radio outlets from January through November, continuing the campaign’s on-air presence for 11 months of the year.
In addition to the advertising placed by NAR and various local and state REALTOR® associations, the campaign includes Web banners, presentation materials, and other resources that you can use to enhance your business.
www.843Realtor.com
Monday, January 7, 2008
republican presidential head to Myrtle Beach
Three days and counting until republican presidential hopefuls go head to head on the Grand Strand for the G.O.P. Primary Debate.
Thousands are expected to head to Myrtle Beach for the debate this Thursday. Political experts say the Republican race could very well be decided that night. And, the event is just as important for Myrtle Beach.
The Myrtle Beach Convention Center will house the G.O.P. debate Thursday, bringing worldwide exposure to Myrtle Beach. The center is already the temporary headquarters for the state republican party. Rob Godfrey is the spokesman for the South Carolina Republican Party. "We're planning to welcome hundred of volunteers here. Logistics for all those volunteers, and we're going to accommodate journalists from across the world."
Road closures are expected to be announced Tuesday morning. The debate starts Thursday on Fox News Channel at 9:00 p.m.
Thousands are expected to head to Myrtle Beach for the debate this Thursday. Political experts say the Republican race could very well be decided that night. And, the event is just as important for Myrtle Beach.
The Myrtle Beach Convention Center will house the G.O.P. debate Thursday, bringing worldwide exposure to Myrtle Beach. The center is already the temporary headquarters for the state republican party. Rob Godfrey is the spokesman for the South Carolina Republican Party. "We're planning to welcome hundred of volunteers here. Logistics for all those volunteers, and we're going to accommodate journalists from across the world."
Road closures are expected to be announced Tuesday morning. The debate starts Thursday on Fox News Channel at 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
New Construction deals - Myrtle Beach SC
If you are looking for 1000 heated square foot or 3000 heated sq ft.
New Construction is offering reduced prices on the home plus another $10,000 off if you take certain lots.
You can get another $10,000 off options (or another $10,00 off the price of the home, your choice).
$5.5% 30 year fixed rate mortgage (must qualify).
Or
New construction 2 bed condos for $119,900
3 bed for $137,900
These have 5.25% 30 year fixed rate for those who qualify.
www.843Realtor.com
New Construction is offering reduced prices on the home plus another $10,000 off if you take certain lots.
You can get another $10,000 off options (or another $10,00 off the price of the home, your choice).
$5.5% 30 year fixed rate mortgage (must qualify).
Or
New construction 2 bed condos for $119,900
3 bed for $137,900
These have 5.25% 30 year fixed rate for those who qualify.
www.843Realtor.com
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