3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage, pond view, 1,140 heated sq. ft. $136,990
Last model in this development.
A few Larger models left.
4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2 car garage. Pond view. 1,980 heated sq. ft. $172,990
Interest rates are low, Now is the time to pick up these deals.
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Saturday, January 26, 2008
Women make the real estate decisions?
A MAN'S home may be his castle but women hold the keys to most real estate decisions, new research says.And presenting a home in a way that appeals to women can help secure a sale, real estate experts said.
A national survey of 2000 people says real estate purchases by couples were mostly instigated by the female.
The research, by a real estate agency, found women were responsible for 90 per cent of all decisions related to a couple's home.
The survey found that in more than two-thirds of cases, women choose which home to buy. And in nearly three-quarters of cases when couples sell real estate, women choose the agent.
The results were backed by other real estate experts, who said women often had the final call with property purchases.
Women were also playing an increasing role in real estate sales, with the number of women agents increasing from 20 per cent to about 40 per cent over the past two decades.
A national survey of 2000 people says real estate purchases by couples were mostly instigated by the female.
The research, by a real estate agency, found women were responsible for 90 per cent of all decisions related to a couple's home.
The survey found that in more than two-thirds of cases, women choose which home to buy. And in nearly three-quarters of cases when couples sell real estate, women choose the agent.
The results were backed by other real estate experts, who said women often had the final call with property purchases.
Women were also playing an increasing role in real estate sales, with the number of women agents increasing from 20 per cent to about 40 per cent over the past two decades.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Mortgage rates lowest in four years
Mortgage rates for fixed-rate loans sank to their lowest levels in nearly four years, pushed downward by further evidence of weakness in the housing market and by an emergency rate cut from the Federal Reserve, Freddie Mac's chief economist said on Thursday.
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.48% for the week ending Jan. 24, down from 5.69% last week, according to Freddie Mac's weekly survey. The mortgage averaged 6.25% a year ago; the 30-year hasn't been lower since the week ending March 25, 2004, when it averaged 5.40%.
The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage fell to an average 4.95% this week, compared with 5.21% last week. The mortgage averaged 5.98% a year ago; it hasn't been lower since the week ending April 1, 2004, when it averaged 4.84%
www.843Realtor.com
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.48% for the week ending Jan. 24, down from 5.69% last week, according to Freddie Mac's weekly survey. The mortgage averaged 6.25% a year ago; the 30-year hasn't been lower since the week ending March 25, 2004, when it averaged 5.40%.
The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage fell to an average 4.95% this week, compared with 5.21% last week. The mortgage averaged 5.98% a year ago; it hasn't been lower since the week ending April 1, 2004, when it averaged 4.84%
www.843Realtor.com
stimulus plan - loan limits
Nineteen metropolitan areas are likely to notice a direct impact from an increase in conforming loan limits included in the proposed economic stimulus plan, according to a Washington-based policy research firm.
Seven of those areas are in California, six are in the greater New York area and two are in Massachusetts, according to Stanford Group Co. Others are in the greater Washington area, Boulder, Colo., the greater Miami area and the Seattle-Tacoma region.
The proposal, discussed by House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank (D-Mass.) this week, permits Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to securitize mortgages up to 125% of the local median home price, according to the research firm. The limit is capped at $729,750.
But the limit won't dip lower than $417,000, the existing loan limit, even in less-expensive housing markets where 125% of the median home price is lower than that amount, according to Stanford's interpretation of the proposal. The temporary loan limits would expire on Dec. 31, 2008, the group reported
www.843realtor.com
Seven of those areas are in California, six are in the greater New York area and two are in Massachusetts, according to Stanford Group Co. Others are in the greater Washington area, Boulder, Colo., the greater Miami area and the Seattle-Tacoma region.
The proposal, discussed by House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank (D-Mass.) this week, permits Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to securitize mortgages up to 125% of the local median home price, according to the research firm. The limit is capped at $729,750.
But the limit won't dip lower than $417,000, the existing loan limit, even in less-expensive housing markets where 125% of the median home price is lower than that amount, according to Stanford's interpretation of the proposal. The temporary loan limits would expire on Dec. 31, 2008, the group reported
www.843realtor.com
Real Estate Trusts Lobbied on Tax Rules
A trade association representing real estate developers and operators paid Washington Council Ernst & Young $160,000 in the second half of 2007 to lobby the federal government.
The firm lobbied Congress and the Treasury Department on tax rules involving real estate investment trusts, according to a disclosure form posted online Tuesday by the Senate's public records office. The trade group paid the firm $160,000 in the first six months of 2007 to lobby on the same issues.
Congress is considering ways to increase taxes on private equity firms, which are usually structured as partnerships. Many real estate investment trusts are also set up as partnerships, and changes to the taxation of partnership income could affect them.
ProLogis, Boston Properties Inc. and AvalonBay Communities Inc. are among the members of the trade group.
Lobbyists are required to disclose activities that could influence members of the executive and legislative branches, under a federal law enacted in 1995. They must register with Congress within 45 days of being hired or engaging in lobbying.
The firm lobbied Congress and the Treasury Department on tax rules involving real estate investment trusts, according to a disclosure form posted online Tuesday by the Senate's public records office. The trade group paid the firm $160,000 in the first six months of 2007 to lobby on the same issues.
Congress is considering ways to increase taxes on private equity firms, which are usually structured as partnerships. Many real estate investment trusts are also set up as partnerships, and changes to the taxation of partnership income could affect them.
ProLogis, Boston Properties Inc. and AvalonBay Communities Inc. are among the members of the trade group.
Lobbyists are required to disclose activities that could influence members of the executive and legislative branches, under a federal law enacted in 1995. They must register with Congress within 45 days of being hired or engaging in lobbying.
SC Cigarette tax increase
A senate subcommittee has less than three weeks to finalize a possible increase in our state's cigarette tax.
Two key senators from that group will go public on their progress.
Senators Tom Alexander, of Orangeburg and Nikki Setzler, of Lexington will address issues that came up earlier this week, regarding the possible tax increase on tobacco use, and where the money would go.
You'll remember that Governor Mark Sanford has advocated increasing the state cigarette tax by 30-cents a pack to cover income tax cuts.
According to the American Lung Association the last time the tax was raised was in 1977.
www.843Realtor.com
Two key senators from that group will go public on their progress.
Senators Tom Alexander, of Orangeburg and Nikki Setzler, of Lexington will address issues that came up earlier this week, regarding the possible tax increase on tobacco use, and where the money would go.
You'll remember that Governor Mark Sanford has advocated increasing the state cigarette tax by 30-cents a pack to cover income tax cuts.
According to the American Lung Association the last time the tax was raised was in 1977.
www.843Realtor.com
Thursday, January 24, 2008
malfunctioning voting machines
A group called the Progressive Network is holding a meeting in Columbia focusing on the voting problems in Horry County's Republican primary last Saturday.
Horry county was in the spotlight for malfunctioning voting machines in 80% of its precincts this past weekend.
Some voters were even turned away when the paper ballots ran out.
The meeting is meant to remind all counties that they need to be prepared for the upcoming Democratic primary and to make sure that enough paper ballots are available at each precinct.
Horry county was in the spotlight for malfunctioning voting machines in 80% of its precincts this past weekend.
Some voters were even turned away when the paper ballots ran out.
The meeting is meant to remind all counties that they need to be prepared for the upcoming Democratic primary and to make sure that enough paper ballots are available at each precinct.
Obama endorsement of the state's two largest newspapers
On Wednesday, the presidential hopeful visited the Pee Dee including stops in Darlington and Dillon.
He dropped by a spaghetti dinner at St. James United Methodist Church in Darlington Wednesday evening for a quick pep talk. He told the crowd of about 50 to keep the prayers coming as he makes his final push in the state. People there were re-energized by his stop.
"It was just great. It was exciting, and we've been fired up ever since. We're going to stay that way until we see him in the White House in Washington," says church member Helen Scipio.
Obama continued his Pee Dee push as he left Darlington for Dillon, where he electrified a crowd of several hundred at Dillon High School.
He spoke there for about an hour telling the crowd it is time for a change from the way Washington has been run for the past eight years.
Obama now has the endorsement of the state's two largest newspapers.
He dropped by a spaghetti dinner at St. James United Methodist Church in Darlington Wednesday evening for a quick pep talk. He told the crowd of about 50 to keep the prayers coming as he makes his final push in the state. People there were re-energized by his stop.
"It was just great. It was exciting, and we've been fired up ever since. We're going to stay that way until we see him in the White House in Washington," says church member Helen Scipio.
Obama continued his Pee Dee push as he left Darlington for Dillon, where he electrified a crowd of several hundred at Dillon High School.
He spoke there for about an hour telling the crowd it is time for a change from the way Washington has been run for the past eight years.
Obama now has the endorsement of the state's two largest newspapers.
Has anyone seen Hillary?
In fact, Former President Bill Clinton is making a dozen stops around the state the next couple days.
One of those stops was in Myrtle Beach Wednesday night, where he spoke to a crowd of roughly 300 people. He addressed the crowd from 9:00 p.m. until about 11:30 p.m., then stayed until nearly Midnight greeting audience members.
During his speech, Clinton talked about his wife's campaign and the issues she wants to take on-- healthcare, the economy, global warming, and education.
"Surely, is there any issue Hillary Clinton is more conservative than President Bush on? I said, the budget," Clinton said.
"My dearly departed father-in-law, who I wish for all the world could have lived to see his little girl run for president, never even bought a car he couldn't pay cash for."
Bill Clinton will make several stops in the Midlands and Lowcountry Thursday.
Hillary Clinton will return, too. She's scheduled to make a speech at Furman University Thursday morning.
One of those stops was in Myrtle Beach Wednesday night, where he spoke to a crowd of roughly 300 people. He addressed the crowd from 9:00 p.m. until about 11:30 p.m., then stayed until nearly Midnight greeting audience members.
During his speech, Clinton talked about his wife's campaign and the issues she wants to take on-- healthcare, the economy, global warming, and education.
"Surely, is there any issue Hillary Clinton is more conservative than President Bush on? I said, the budget," Clinton said.
"My dearly departed father-in-law, who I wish for all the world could have lived to see his little girl run for president, never even bought a car he couldn't pay cash for."
Bill Clinton will make several stops in the Midlands and Lowcountry Thursday.
Hillary Clinton will return, too. She's scheduled to make a speech at Furman University Thursday morning.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
curb illegal immigration
Legislation intended to curb illegal immigration in South Carolina is headed to the House floor.
The House Judiciary Committee passed the bill Tuesday after three hours of debate, largely on technical wording.
The bill requires employers to check the legal status of their workers, bar illegal adults from public assistance, outlaw sanctuary cities, and make it a felony to help someone into the country or avoid detection.
House leaders said their bill is more comprehensive than a similar Senate bill, passed by that chamber last year. Leaders expect the House to debate its bill on the floor next week.
The House Judiciary Committee passed the bill Tuesday after three hours of debate, largely on technical wording.
The bill requires employers to check the legal status of their workers, bar illegal adults from public assistance, outlaw sanctuary cities, and make it a felony to help someone into the country or avoid detection.
House leaders said their bill is more comprehensive than a similar Senate bill, passed by that chamber last year. Leaders expect the House to debate its bill on the floor next week.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
cut a key interest rate by three-quarters
The Federal Reserve, confronted with a global stock sell-off fanned by increased fears of a recession, cut a key interest rate by three-quarters of a percentage point on Tuesday, the biggest one-day move by the central bank in recent memory.
The Fed said it was cutting the federal funds rate, the interest that banks charge each other on overnight loans, to 3.5 percent, down by three-fourths of a percentage point from 4.25 percent.
The Fed action was the most dramatic signal it can send that it is concerned about a potential recession in the United States. It marked the biggest one-day move by the central bank in recent memory.
The Fed decision was taken during an emergency telephone conference with Fed officials on Monday night. Those discussions occurred after global financial markets had plunged Monday as investors grew more concerned about the possibility that the United States, the world's largest economy, could be headed into a recession.
In a brief statement, the Fed said it had decided to cut the federal funds rate "in view of a weakening of the economic outlook and increasing downside risks to growth."
www.843Realtor.com
The Fed said it was cutting the federal funds rate, the interest that banks charge each other on overnight loans, to 3.5 percent, down by three-fourths of a percentage point from 4.25 percent.
The Fed action was the most dramatic signal it can send that it is concerned about a potential recession in the United States. It marked the biggest one-day move by the central bank in recent memory.
The Fed decision was taken during an emergency telephone conference with Fed officials on Monday night. Those discussions occurred after global financial markets had plunged Monday as investors grew more concerned about the possibility that the United States, the world's largest economy, could be headed into a recession.
In a brief statement, the Fed said it had decided to cut the federal funds rate "in view of a weakening of the economic outlook and increasing downside risks to growth."
www.843Realtor.com
slashed interest rates 0.75 percentage point
U.S. stock futures seesawed Tuesday after the Federal Reserve, responding to a growing financial market crisis, slashed interest rates 0.75 percentage point.
Dow Jones industrial futures, down more than 500 points, or more than 5 percent, before the Fed move, were fluctuating violently an hour before the start of trading, but improved to a level where they were down 206, or 1.70 percent, to 11,900.
The Fed move was unsurprising, given that world stock markets were falling precipitously the past two days, and that U.S. stocks had tumbled last week amid growing fears of a recession in the United States. Still, the markets are still quite anxious, not sure that even interest rate cuts will lift an economy slammed by an ongoing housing and credit crisis.
The Fed's move came a week before the central bank's regularly scheduled meeting, a sign that the Fed recognized the seriousness of the world financial situation.
www.843Realtor.com
Dow Jones industrial futures, down more than 500 points, or more than 5 percent, before the Fed move, were fluctuating violently an hour before the start of trading, but improved to a level where they were down 206, or 1.70 percent, to 11,900.
The Fed move was unsurprising, given that world stock markets were falling precipitously the past two days, and that U.S. stocks had tumbled last week amid growing fears of a recession in the United States. Still, the markets are still quite anxious, not sure that even interest rate cuts will lift an economy slammed by an ongoing housing and credit crisis.
The Fed's move came a week before the central bank's regularly scheduled meeting, a sign that the Fed recognized the seriousness of the world financial situation.
www.843Realtor.com
1 in 5 registered voters cast ballots
Nearly 20 percent of South Carolina's
registered voters cast ballots in Saturday's Republican
presidential primary won by John McCain, according to state
officials.
The state Election Commission says more than 437,000 people out
of the state's more than 2.25 million registered voters braved
chilly, wet weather to make their picks. Pickens, Greenville and
Lexington counties had the top rates, with all seeing more than 26
percent of registered voters turn out.
In 2000, more than 26 percent of the state's registered voters
cast ballots in the GOP primary.
The Democratic presidential primary will be held Saturday.
Voters do not register by party in South Carolina and can
participate in either party's contest, but not both.
registered voters cast ballots in Saturday's Republican
presidential primary won by John McCain, according to state
officials.
The state Election Commission says more than 437,000 people out
of the state's more than 2.25 million registered voters braved
chilly, wet weather to make their picks. Pickens, Greenville and
Lexington counties had the top rates, with all seeing more than 26
percent of registered voters turn out.
In 2000, more than 26 percent of the state's registered voters
cast ballots in the GOP primary.
The Democratic presidential primary will be held Saturday.
Voters do not register by party in South Carolina and can
participate in either party's contest, but not both.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Democratic Debate in Myrtle Beach
The national spotlight will once again shine intensely on the Grand Strand.
Monday morning, CNN'S American Morning will host their show live in front of The Palace in Myrtle Beach. Their big story is the Democratic Debate.
The political showdown between the democratic front-runners will only last a short time, but CNN Bureau Chief David Bohrman says the preparation takes hours and lots of manpower.
Bohrman said there are more than 100 CNN crew members putting the cameras in place, framing the shots and setting the audio.
Bohrman says one of the biggest challenges is the set. Its been a lot of places and had its share of wear and tear.
"The first place we put this set was on a hockey rink in New Hampshire. Its been in the Citadel in the big gym, but this is a much more intimate theater and we've tried to adapt to that intimacy," he said.
So far, its been a smooth ride and when the nation tunes in, Bohrman says is the best part. "Sitting in the truck, putting the debate on the air listening to the candidates answers. Pushing wolf, joe johns and suzanne to get some...some tough questions asked and get some really good answers out of the candidates."
It's not only been a long day for cnn but dozens of volunteers were inside the palace theatre, helping prepare for the debate.
If you're not going to the debate, police are urging everyone to avoid this area tomorrow, near 17 bypass and 21st avenue.
Monday morning, CNN'S American Morning will host their show live in front of The Palace in Myrtle Beach. Their big story is the Democratic Debate.
The political showdown between the democratic front-runners will only last a short time, but CNN Bureau Chief David Bohrman says the preparation takes hours and lots of manpower.
Bohrman said there are more than 100 CNN crew members putting the cameras in place, framing the shots and setting the audio.
Bohrman says one of the biggest challenges is the set. Its been a lot of places and had its share of wear and tear.
"The first place we put this set was on a hockey rink in New Hampshire. Its been in the Citadel in the big gym, but this is a much more intimate theater and we've tried to adapt to that intimacy," he said.
So far, its been a smooth ride and when the nation tunes in, Bohrman says is the best part. "Sitting in the truck, putting the debate on the air listening to the candidates answers. Pushing wolf, joe johns and suzanne to get some...some tough questions asked and get some really good answers out of the candidates."
It's not only been a long day for cnn but dozens of volunteers were inside the palace theatre, helping prepare for the debate.
If you're not going to the debate, police are urging everyone to avoid this area tomorrow, near 17 bypass and 21st avenue.
House Committee Action
The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Constitutional Laws met twice this week to take up an issue that has been identified as a priority by House leadership and the Governor - immigration. The Subcommittee favorably reported:
H.4400 (Harrell), enacting illegal immigration reform
S.392 (Ritchie), enacting the South Carolina Illegal Immigration Reform Act
H.4385 (Viers), relating to arrest status reports
H.4353 (Viers), providing state services in an English-only format
These bills now move to the full House Judiciary Committee for consideration next week. The Subcommittee also gave a favorable report to S.453 (Senate Banking & Insurance Committee), enacting the Financial Identity Fraud and Identity Theft Protection Act.
The House Labor, Commerce and Industry Subcommittee on Insurance took up S.588 (McConnell), creating a small employer health group cooperative, on Tuesday. The legislation is similar in its aim to the Small Business Health Care Plan legislation that the National Association of REALTORS® has been pursuing at the federal level. S. 588 would allow a nonprofit corporation, like SCR, to form a health group cooperative through which its members could purchase health insurance. The bill now moves to the full House Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee for consideration. South Carolina REALTORS® support S. 588 and have been working for its passage since it was introduced last year. House LCI Committee Chairman, Harry Cato, introduced companion legislation in the House last year.
www.843Realtor.com
H.4400 (Harrell), enacting illegal immigration reform
S.392 (Ritchie), enacting the South Carolina Illegal Immigration Reform Act
H.4385 (Viers), relating to arrest status reports
H.4353 (Viers), providing state services in an English-only format
These bills now move to the full House Judiciary Committee for consideration next week. The Subcommittee also gave a favorable report to S.453 (Senate Banking & Insurance Committee), enacting the Financial Identity Fraud and Identity Theft Protection Act.
The House Labor, Commerce and Industry Subcommittee on Insurance took up S.588 (McConnell), creating a small employer health group cooperative, on Tuesday. The legislation is similar in its aim to the Small Business Health Care Plan legislation that the National Association of REALTORS® has been pursuing at the federal level. S. 588 would allow a nonprofit corporation, like SCR, to form a health group cooperative through which its members could purchase health insurance. The bill now moves to the full House Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee for consideration. South Carolina REALTORS® support S. 588 and have been working for its passage since it was introduced last year. House LCI Committee Chairman, Harry Cato, introduced companion legislation in the House last year.
www.843Realtor.com
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Paper votes Some precincts had several hundred
Some machines not working at the polls today, stemmed from not clearing the machines after testing them.
Around 9:30pm Saturday night, Horry County officials said they'd spoken with some of the people who tested the machines, and they say the machines were cleared properly.
To make matters worse, some of the machines would not close out as the votes were being tallied up. The manufacturer has been contacted to see if they can get to the bottom of what went wrong. Meanwhile, paper ballots have to be hand counted.
Horry County Spokesperson Lisa Bourcier said, "We are doing the paper ballots. We actually have about 40-50 county employees helping to sort those ballots now making it easier for the election commission to begin their count later this evening."
Some precincts had several hundred paper ballots. Some of them simply notebook paper... others, small scraps of paper stapled to larger ones. Any of these forms valid, as we learned from the State Election Commission.
Many people have been asking what went wrong, including State Representative Tracy Edge, who says Saturday's problems continue a pattern of voting issues from elections in the past and he's calling for the resignation of Sandy Martin, the head of Horry County's Registration and Election Office.
Edge told us, "Horry County makes Florida look like they were doing a lot right. I mean, we really have messed up today and the fact that so many people appear to be turned away from the polls or had to vote on blank ballots, I think is just a tragedy at this day and time."
County officials say it could be a late night.
Right now, it does not appear that the paper votes being hand counted here will affect the outcome, but officials say they're determined to get to year bottom of this and have everything resolved by next Saturday when Democrats take to the polls.
Around 9:30pm Saturday night, Horry County officials said they'd spoken with some of the people who tested the machines, and they say the machines were cleared properly.
To make matters worse, some of the machines would not close out as the votes were being tallied up. The manufacturer has been contacted to see if they can get to the bottom of what went wrong. Meanwhile, paper ballots have to be hand counted.
Horry County Spokesperson Lisa Bourcier said, "We are doing the paper ballots. We actually have about 40-50 county employees helping to sort those ballots now making it easier for the election commission to begin their count later this evening."
Some precincts had several hundred paper ballots. Some of them simply notebook paper... others, small scraps of paper stapled to larger ones. Any of these forms valid, as we learned from the State Election Commission.
Many people have been asking what went wrong, including State Representative Tracy Edge, who says Saturday's problems continue a pattern of voting issues from elections in the past and he's calling for the resignation of Sandy Martin, the head of Horry County's Registration and Election Office.
Edge told us, "Horry County makes Florida look like they were doing a lot right. I mean, we really have messed up today and the fact that so many people appear to be turned away from the polls or had to vote on blank ballots, I think is just a tragedy at this day and time."
County officials say it could be a late night.
Right now, it does not appear that the paper votes being hand counted here will affect the outcome, but officials say they're determined to get to year bottom of this and have everything resolved by next Saturday when Democrats take to the polls.
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