Happy New Year!

Insight into 2010

Read the Message Below! 

 

Brian J O'Shea

 

www.WandoHomes.com  

843.416.2057 phone

843.416.2257 fax

E Mail :   BOShea@WandoHomes.com 

 

If you know someone needing Real Estate information or help, please let us know.

Referrals are how we do business.

   

 

---

From: Green, Robert L [mailto:robert.l.green@bankofamerica.com]
Sent: Thursday, December 31, 2009 12:53 PM
To: Aaron Eller; Alan Donald; Alan Donald; Alisha Alfonso; Allen Mcubbin; Allison Carter; Amy Whitney; Andy Rosenbaum; Ann McAnallen; Anna Saavedra; Anton Roeger; Barbara Fuller; Beth Tavel; Bill Anderson; Bill Barnhill; Bill Talbott; Billy Shuman; Blake Miller; Bob Gately; Boo McGoogan; Brenda & Michael Hart; Brenda Piaskowski; Brian O'Shea; Brittaney Lee; Bruce McGowan; Carol Williams; Catherine Hagood; Cathy Hunnicutt; Chris Anderson; Chris Avera; Chris Baldwin; Chris Nelson; Christina Davis; Christine Milroth; Chrysti Carol Propes; Chuck Avera; Cindy Hunt; Dan Anderson; Daniel Dukes; DanielDukes; Danny Freshwater; Darragh Doran; David Draper; David Saari; David Tice; David Williams; Donald Slowek; Ed Hunnicutt; Ed Reynolds; Edward Faircloth; Elizabeth Chase; Erika Mueller; Franne Schwarb; Fred St. Laurent, Jr.; Gale Stanley; Gary Johnson; Gary Short; GeorgieAnn Hoerner; Gerald Thomas; Ginny Snipes; Harriet Ethridge - SMTP; Heather Otterbein; Jacqueline Davidson; James Patenaude; Jan Pinney; Jane Fox; Janice Harper; Jeanne Anne Copleston; Jennifer Frampton; Jennifer Ramirez; Jericha McGee; Jerry Herrmann; Jill Nguyen; Jim Fox; Jim Grady; Jim Near; JimmyJenkins; John Arrington; John Garrity; John Stone; Jon Stroud; Judy Tice; Karen Abrams; Karen Rigot; Katherine Rast; Kathy Coulthard; Katie Badger; Katie Moore; Kim Meyer; KristenWhitehead; Lane Carlson; Laura Rembert; Laura Fox; Laura Hunt; Lee Taylor; Lexa Ayer; Linda Jamison; Linsey Dudley; Lynn Floyd; Lynn Shaarda; Margie Byard; Marilyn Stewart; Mark Macpherson; Mark Schwarb; Mary Ann Lykins; Mary Ann Seamon; Mary Clement; Melissa Martin; Michael Guglielmello; Michael Saintsing; Michelle Forrester; Michelle Mejia; Michelle Whitbeck; Mike Gardner; Mike Santos; Nancy Hawkins; Paul Henson; Paul Remoll; Paula Watts; Peggy Anderson; Perry Jenkins; Peter George; Rachel Roberts; Ralph Tice; Randy Campbell; Randy Espeseth; Rebecca Gooden - SMTP; Rhea Avera; Rob Woodul; Robert Basha; Robert Jordan; Robert Weaver; Rolando Ramirez; Ron Altman; Rose Finley; Russell Price; Sally Graham; Sandy Perry; Shawn McCarthy; Steven Ginsberg; Sue Davis; Sue Orick; Susan Cawthorne; Susan Fischer; Suzy Kopp; Tammy Harrison; Terry Hamlin; Tiffany Bonnoitt; Timothy Mallard; Tom Dougherty; Tom Gralski; Tommy Bulwinkle; Tracey Eco; True Edwards; Victoria Cox; Wendy Hermance; Whitney Arnold
Subject: insight

 

MMG Special Report: Barry’s Detailed Forecast for 2010 by Barry Habib The past couple of years have been challenging for the mortgage and housing industries, as well as the global economy as a whole.  So what does the future have in store?  Let’s first look back to see how we did on our forecast for 2009. Scorecard for 2009 Forecast: After accurately forecasting a down year for the Stock market in 2008, we hit the nail on the head again by forecasting an up turn in 2009. Our predicted hot Stock picks – which included a variety of financial companies as well as oil – were on the mark again this past year. We also predicted that the Federal Reserve would hold the Fed Funds Rate where it was for the year, and sure enough, they did. On the employment front, we accurately stated that the job market would get worse; with the unemployment rate rising at least into the 8% range…and that turned out to be an understatement as unemployment topped 10% late in 2009. We saw the US Dollar weakening during 2009 before stabilizing and even strengthening. The Dollar did in fact weaken, and has strengthened a bit at the end of 2009. In the housing market, we predicted home prices would begin to stabilize and that consumers would start buying again during 2009…and this appears to have been the case. Most importantly, our home loan rate forecast was on target. We predicted rates would remain in a range of 4.5 - 5.5%, with the lower end of that range coming in the earlier part of the year and then moving toward the higher end of the range later in the year.  Rates did remain lower longer than we thought, thanks to additional Fed buying – although they did begin to creep toward the upper end of the range at the end of the year.   What’s Next? What Should You Expect in 2010? After a couple of rough years, the big question again this year is the global economy.  In 2009, Stocks helped put us on the path of recovery with an amazing run after Congress addressed the mark-to-market accounting rules.  For example, Stocks have soared since hitting lows in March of 2009.  In fact, between March and December, the Dow was up close to 60%, and the NASDAQ climbed over 70%.  Unfortunately, the market is still fragile, which means any negative surprises will take the wind out of the sails quickly and make it tough for Stocks to eke out significant gains this year.  The sector I like best for growth this year is healthcare, since it hasn’t rebounded as much as other sectors and is due for a bump.  American demographics show that the country is aging, which means more medical attention will be needed.  Additionally, any Healthcare Bill that insures more people should translate into more volume for healthcare providers. Having almost doubled during 2009, oil prices are still half of what they were in July of 2008.  This wild range for oil makes it hard to forecast.  There is plenty of supply, which will weigh on prices.  But the US Dollar may continue to struggle, which will help buoy the price of oil.  Overall – we see oil making its way higher by the summer. Gold has had a huge run higher – and although prices declined at the end of the year, we see Gold resuming its uptrend.  A lack of confidence in sovereign debt, a struggling Dollar, and the overhang of inflation in the future should help Gold make new highs and push toward $1400/ounce. As far as the Dollar goes, it had declined significantly during 2009, and will likely decline a bit more in 2010.  The endless supply of debt from government programs and low interest rates will weigh on the Dollar.  In the job market, we’re not nearly out of the woods yet.  Even in the waning months of 2009, we still saw unemployment rates at 10% and nearly 500,000 new jobless claims coming in each week.  The fact is…we need to see Initial Claims drop beneath 400,000 before we see stabilization in the labor market and unemployment rate.  There are about 154M people in the US labor force.  And the size of the labor force rises on average by 125,000 per month, due to population growth.  That means we will need to create very close to 125,000 new jobs each month to simply keep the unemployment rate stable.  In order to get the unemployment rate to decline – significantly more jobs will need to be created.  For example – if we would like to see the unemployment rate get back down to the 6% level that had been the norm in recent years, an additional 6 Million jobs would need to be created.  If this were going to happen over a five-year period, that’s an additional 100,000 jobs per month over and above the 125,000 per month needed to keep up with the population.  That means we’d need to see positive job growth of at least 225,000 jobs created per month, just to reach that 6% level within five years.  Is this easy to do?  Well, in the entire history of the United States, it has only happened one year – during 2006.  This leads us to believe that the new normal will be higher unemployment rates for quite some time. And consider the almost 800,000 workers who are not even categorized as unemployed, but simply as “discouraged”, as they have not actively searched for a job in the past four weeks.  There’s a lot that can be assumed here, but it’s hard to imagine that these people would not reenter the ranks of those seeking employment if conditions improved a bit.  That means that these people would need to be absorbed into the system before the actual unemployment rate could decline.  Additionally – perhaps the largest category that could skew the numbers are those individuals who are accepting part-time work but would prefer full-time employment.  A whopping 10 Million people are in this category.  You have to think that many employers would take these current part timers and give them full-time work, before hiring someone new.  Again, this will make it very hard to see the rate of unemployment make any meaningful decline this year.   Home prices began to stabilize during 2009, and homes sales showed some signs of encouragement.  We expect more of the same in 2010, although there will be some additional headwinds: higher rates and expiring tax incentives will likely create a lull during the summer months.  After a modestly good start to the year, home prices could actually decline in some areas by 5% to 7% once the temporary stimulus expires.  In the end, however, home prices should eventually and slowly begin to firm up toward the end of the year. The Fed will have their hands full during 2010, and a big question will be whether the Fed can retain their independence in the face of political pressure.  Remember, the long-term best interests of the country often conflict with the short-term reelection interests of politicians.  It’s highly likely that the Fed will be “on hold” for rate changes during most of 2010.  The Fed will have to try and play Goldilocks…and get it “just right” for the amount of time they leave interest rates at these historically low levels.  Hike rates too soon, and it could derail an already fragile US economic recovery.  And let’s remember that the government has literally spent Trillions to try and provide stimulus to spark that economic recovery.  And the Fed will likely err on the side of keeping rates lower longer, as they certainly would not want to send the US into a double-dip recession, making all the stimulus appear to be a wasted effort.  And the Fed will have an excuse to keep rates low, so long as unemployment shows no sign of improving.  But there is a very big risk in keeping rates too low too long…and that is inflation. While inflation doesn’t appear to be a present concern, it can be very difficult to control once it takes hold.  And its effects can be very damaging.  Inflation is the enemy of all Bonds – and if it does take center stage, the Fed will have to hike rates very aggressively to attempt to keep it at bay. This low interest rate environment in the US has provided fertile ground for what is known as the carry trade.  This is where large investors can borrow at very low rates, and leverage into higher yields, resulting in huge returns.  Let’s take an example:  An investor wishes to purchase $1M in Bonds yielding 4.5%.  This would provide $45,000 as an annual return.  In order to make the purchase, the investor puts up only 10% of $1M, or $100,000 in cash – and borrows the other $900,000 at current low rates offered to large investors, such as the 3 month LIBOR currently at 0.25% plus .75%, bringing them to a total borrowing cost of 1%.  This investor borrowed $900,000 at 1%, which means their interest costs are only $9000.  When the $9000 is subtracted from the $45,000 investment return, this leaves them with a $36,000 return on their $100,000 investment – or a whopping 36% “carry trade” return – on a very stable Bond investment vehicle. At some point in the future, this carry trade will be unwound as short-term rates begin to move higher.  The results will not be pretty – and many will get caught in the buzz saw.  This also means that Bond prices will come under pressure as the investments are sold. 2010 is a big election year, and politicians will be doing their best to influence the Fed to keep rates low.  With 36 of 100 Senate seats being contested and all members of the House facing re-election, there could be some interesting changes ahead.  Currently, the Senate is made up of 58 Democrats, 40 Republicans, and 2 Independents. But, as mentioned above, 36 of those positions are up for re-election.  In the House, there are 256 Democrats, 178 Republicans, and 1 vacancy…and they all face re-election.  When the votes are counted, I see Democrats losing a number of seats…but probably not enough for Republicans to regain control. Now for the big question… where will home loan rates go during 2010 and why?  We’ve been forecasting rates for a long time, and this is by far the easiest call we have ever had.  Rates are going higher in 2010.  We do not think that the low rates seen during 2009 will be seen again.  There will be more supply coming to the market in the first quarter, while the Fed’s purchases will be winding down.  The overall trend for rates during this period will be higher, but as usual, this will never happen in a straight line.  There will be waves and cycles moving up and down – but the trend is clearly up for rates.  Once the Fed’s Mortgage Backed Security buying program has expired at the end of March, it is likely that rates will edge higher still towards the summer.  Eventually, supply will decline as origination volume slows – and mortgage rates should stabilize.  But if there are hints that the Fed will be looking to hike rates, thus signaling the end of the carry trade, mortgage pricing will significantly worsen.  The range for rates during 2010 is wide, with the lower end just above 5% toward the very beginning of the year.  The upper end of the range could be as high as 6.5%, with rates being very volatile throughout.  It is typical to see prices worsen more rapidly than they improve…but 2010 will exaggerate that characteristic, with pricing losses coming far more quickly and sharply than pricing improvements.   Final Words of Wisdom Overall, 2010 will look better than 2009.  But, good economic news is a double-edged sword, as it increases the risk of rising taxes and rates.  Many people won’t understand the relationship between rates and the economy – so make sure you use the changing economic climate – and your understanding of it – as a way to establish your expertise with clients and referral partners. You’ll also want to continue to educate your database about the Homebuyer Tax Credit and low rates in the early months of 2010.  Use the impending tax credit deadline to move them off the fence before they miss this opportunity.  Remember, rates are about 1% lower than they would be if Fed weren't buying all those Mortgage Backed Securities.  On a 200K mortgage, that would mean about $8,000 would be needed to buy your rate down that 1%.  Of course, you also have to factor in the Homebuyer Tax Credit – which is $8,000 for new homebuyers or $6,500 for current homeowners who are moving up.  When you combine the 1% lower rate with the tax credit, you see that homebuyers stand to gain between $13,500 and $16,000 on a home in the mid-200K’s. That’s a big incentive for homebuyers to act now, while both incentives still exist. Finally, in today’s wired world of Internet news and social networking sites…don’t confuse data with insight.  Remember data is everywhere – anyone can regurgitate economic report numbers.  But trusted insight and advice is a valued commodity.   The forecast for 2010 is challenging and realistic.  But through it all – there is reason to be optimistic.  Each economic condition described above offers an opportunity for us to capitalize on, whether it be by trading the markets or educating our customers, there are ways to come out ahead and differentiate ourselves from our competitors.  Additionally – the mortgage herd will continue to thin.  Those currently in the business are survivors, and stand a good chance of gaining further market share in the year ahead.  While we often wish for conditions to be better – we should be mindful that conditions could always be worse.  Make the most of the current market conditions you are in – and have a great year ahead. All the best to you from myself, and the rest of the team at Mortgage Market Guide!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bobby Green

Mortgage Loan Officer

Bank of America Home Loans

843.884.9225 office

843.991-9274 Cell

866.517.1103 Fax

1960 Riviera Dr. Ste. A

Mt. Pleasant, SC `29464

 

 

Andy Schwartz (assistant to Bobby Green)

843-654-5898 office

843-216-7372 fax

Andy.Schwartz@bankofamerica.com

 

 

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This was an awesome Christmas gift. 'Kindle Wireless Reading Device by Amazon.com http://bit.ly/7mNMdA

Boeing Dream Liner flying over Seatle!





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Brian J OShea
www.wandohomes.com

sent from my T-Mobile phone

Where am i?

Brian J OShea
www.wandohomes.com

sent from my T-Mobile phone

R U looking for the Kindle Wireless Reading Device for $259.00 http://bit.ly/5aB45k

Good night to all and to all a Good night!!!!

Time to watch GI Joe with Adrianna!

tourney at the copahee sound

You just can't beat fall fishing in Charleston. The highlight of the month was the Heroes On the Water fundraiser tournament held at Copahee Sound. There were 19 people kayak fishing in the tourney is the toughest conditions so far this year. The Best fish of the day was a 27 1/2 inch redfish.


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Kayak Fish SC

Kayak Fish SC: "You just can't beat fall fishing in Charleston. The highlight of the month was the Heroes On the Water fundraiser tournament held at Copahee Sound. There were 19 people kayak fishing in the tourney is the toughest conditions so far this year. The Best fish of the day was a 27 1/2 inch redfish."

Who is the Most Recognizable Real Estate Franchise Brand? realtor realestate Vote here http://bit.ly/6dPnVr

mmmmm. AMOS is making chocolate cookie cake!

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Waiting for the runners.

Congrats johnathan on getting on price is right.

CashFlow Game in Charleston SC

 
 
 
 


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Internet Deals Charleston area

Amazon Black Friday.. Super Great Deals

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Home tour with rich dad

IGP @ carter center

Institute of Green Professionals meeting

Condo's eaiser to get a mortgage or refinance

Owner Occupancy Ratio Requirements (Investor Concentration)

Established condominium projects consisting of attached units (5 or more) must have an owner occupancy ratio of at least 51% at the time the loan is originated (purchase or refinance). · REO units that are for sale (not rented) as owner-occupied units may be included when calculating the owner-occupancy ratio. · Projects that do not meet the owner occupancy ration of 51% will need to be submitted for approval under the PERS. Note: Owner-occupancy requirements apply to investment loans only. The requirement does not apply to principal residence or second home loan transactions.

This is Huge News! If your borrower is buying a primary residence, the 51% rule of owner occupancy does not apply!!! Look at the section that starts with Note.

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Social media info meeting

Please Help out KWCares
http://ping.fm/Gtam9

Cap and Trade: A License Required for your Home

Cap and Trade: A License Required for your Home

We encourage you to read the provisions of the Cap and Trade Bill that has passed the House of Representatives and will soon be considered by the Senate.

A License Required for your house

Beginning 1 year after enactment of the Cap and Trade Act, you won't be able to sell your home unless you retrofit it to comply with the energy and water efficiency standards of this Act. H.R. 2454, the "Cap & Trade" bill passed by the House of Representatives, if also passed by the Senate, will be the largest tax increase any of us has ever experienced.

The Congressional Budget Office (supposedly non-partisan) estimates that in just a few years the average cost to every family of four will be $6,800 per year.
No one is excluded.
However, once the lower classes feel the pinch in their wallets, you can be sure these voters get a tax refund (even if they pay no taxes at all) to offset this new cost. Thus, Mr. and Mrs. Middle Class America will have to pay even more since additional tax dollars will be needed to bail out everyone else

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I'm getting good reviews on the new web site. http://ping.fm/N2viV

Free website - Wix.com

Looking forward to Meeting my Team this morning. Its time to set the goals for 2010. What will your goal be?

BRPH Leads Design Team for Boeing's 787 Final Assembly Building

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Boeing has awarded the design-build contract for design and construction of the company’s new 787 Dreamliner assembly plant in North Charleston to a Greenville-based design firm.

BE&K Building Group and Turner Construction, with design partner BRPH, were given the contract.

This project represents the largest single capital investment in South Carolina’s history, a record previously tied to BMW’s historic decision to bring its luxury car assembly to the state in 1992


Press Release Here

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Realty Times - Short-Sale Pre-Foreclosure Investing

Realty Times - Short-Sale Pre-Foreclosure Investing: "Bent-Twyford: First, we don't want to be doing any sprucing. Remember, I'm trying to get the bank to take less than what's owed. We don't want anyone to be painting and sprucing and making it look any better. I want it to look as bad as possible. The gist of it is when we put a package together, we actually put together and prepare three offers. On the $200,000 house, again as an example, I know I'm going to offer $80,000. I may come back on my second offer and raise it to $92,000.
Then, with my third offer, I really want to try and buy this house so I offer $100,000. I'm going to raise my offer a couple times, so I'm leaving room to negotiate and appear flexible. I'm going to actually present three independent packages, each one from a different point of view. My first package is going to be all about the homeowner, their distress, what's happening in their lives, any disrepair their house might have and anything that might help build an emotional attachment between the bank rep and my homeowner. Then when they come back with a counter offer, I'm going to talk about the area, the market, all the things on the news, the bailout and all the bad things. Then when they come back and I go in for my final offer, I'm going to say this is my last offer and present to them a timeline that lays out how much money they are losing since the very first missed payment."

Looking to Buy or Sell - Contact Brian at Agent@WandoHomes.com - www.WandoHomes.com - 843 416 2057

Northwest Voices | Backlashes to Boeing decision to head east | Seattle Times Newspaper

Northwest Voices | Backlashes to Boeing decision to head east | Seattle Times Newspaper

Boeing relo meeting

Boeing relo meeting

Iop home for sale

Happy b day Sarah

All profits going to Charity!

Rick Reinert auction

Are you ready to get out of the Rat Race?

Boeing news | Why Charleston could land 787 line | Seattle Times Newspaper

Boeing news | Why Charleston could land 787 line | Seattle Times Newspaper

I still am wondering on where they would build these planes?

Looking forward to playing Cash Flow game by Rich Dad Poor Dad.

What can be done on FB Pages and Twitter? http://ping.fm/jHKFd

Awendaw Fire Department receives grant for six new firefighters | WCBD

Awendaw Fire Department receives grant for six new firefighters WCBD

Looking to Buy or Sell - Contact Brian at Agent@WandoHomes.com - www.WandoHomes.com - 843 416 2057

Just a little pumpking carving by my daughter

A Rush on home sales!

Brian J O'Shea



www.WandoHomes.com

843.416.2057 phone

843.416.2257 fax

E Mail : BOShea@WandoHomes.com



If you know someone needing Real Estate information or help, please let
us know.

Referrals are how we do business.

"Facebook has changed their status. What you think of it?"

Carnival Cruise coming to Charleston!

Carnival Cruise Lines To Launch First Year-Round Cruise Program From Charleston in 2010
For Immediate Release, September 2009


Carnival Cruise Lines, the world?s largest cruise operator, will introduce the first year-round cruise schedule from Charleston, S.C., with the deployment of the 2,056-passenger Carnival Fantasy in May 2010.

Carnival Fantasy will operate five-, six- and seven-day voyages to The Bahamas and Key West, Fla., from the Passenger Terminal in historic downtown Charleston beginning May 18, 2010. Including Charleston, Carnival Cruise Lines will operate from 20 North American homeports in 2010, with 12 year-round departure points - the most in cruising.

The new year-round departures from Charleston dramatically expand upon Carnival?s decade-long relationship with the port. Previously, Carnival has operated seasonal voyages from Charleston, including two five-day departures on the Carnival Triumph this year and two on the Carnival Glory next year.

Charleston?s centralized location within the southeastern U.S., as well as the city?s strong appeal as a tourist destination, were key factors in the decision to launch year-round service aboard the Carnival Fantasy.

?Charleston is an extraordinary city within easy reach of millions of U.S. residents who will now have convenient access to Carnival?s fantastic and affordable cruise vacation options year-round,? said Gerry Cahill, Carnival?s president and CEO. ?Our past experience with the Port of Charleston, which has a very efficient and conveniently located cruise terminal, has been outstanding.?

"Carnival and this vessel fit perfectly with the internationally acclaimed Charleston tourism market, which draws cruise passengers from across the Southeast and beyond," said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the South Carolina State Ports Authority. "We have enjoyed a successful, long-standing relationship with Carnival, and we are very pleased to significantly expand that relationship with a year-round calendar. This commitment by Carnival underscores Charleston's cruise development potential."

New Year-Round Departures from Charleston
On its new Charleston-based program, Carnival Fantasy will operate five-, six- and seven-day voyages on a variety of departure days beginning May 18, 2010.
Five-day voyages departing Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays will call at Nassau and Freeport, The Bahamas. Six-day voyages departing Saturdays will visit Freeport, Nassau and Key West, Fla. Seven-day voyages depart Saturdays and will feature Grand Turk, the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay, and Nassau.

Each of these tropical destinations has a character all its own and offers a wide range of snorkeling, fishing and water sports opportunities, as well as beautiful beaches and a distinctive island ambiance.

Carnival Elation to Mobile
Carnival Fantasy is currently based in New Orleans and is scheduled to transfer to Mobile for a program of four- and five-day cruises that will operate from that port from Nov. 10, 2009 through May 10, 2010.

Replacing the Carnival Fantasy in Mobile will be its sister ship, the 2,052-passenger Carnival Elation, which will reposition from San Diego to launch year-round service from that port May 15, 2010. In addition to four- and five-day cruises from Mobile, Carnival Elation will operate a series of seven-day Western Caribbean voyages in spring, summer and fall 2010.

Prior to the start-up of its new Mobile-based program, Carnival Elation will sail on a 15-day Panama Canal cruise departing from San Diego April 30. Guests will have the option of debarking the vessel in Tampa on May 14 or in Mobile on May 15. Featured ports will include Cabo San Lucas and Acapulco, Mexico; and Puntarenas, Costa Rica; followed by a Panama Canal transit; and visits to Cartagena, Colombia; and George Town, Grand Cayman.

Truly a ?Fun Ship?
The namesake vessel in Carnival?s 70,000-ton Fantasy-class, the Carnival Fantasy offers a host of on-board amenities and facilities: a 12,000-square-foot health spa, extensive children?s facilities for kids in three age groups - Camp Carnival (2-11), Circle ?C? (12-14) and Club O2 (15-17), a variety of formal and casual dining options and 12 lounges and bars.
Also featured is Carnival WaterWorks, an expansive, all-ages aqua park featuring a 300-foot-long water slide, 82-foot-long dual racing slides and a splash zone. Carnival Fantasy also offers Serenity, an exclusive adults-only retreat, and a resort-style main pool area.
An Internet caf? with ship-wide Wi-Fi access and cell phone service are also available.
The ship also offers a variety of spacious accommodations, all of which feature the Carnival Comfort Bed sleep system with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high quality linens and pillows.
Reservations
Carnival will begin accepting reservations on the Carnival Fantasy?s new year-round departures from Charleston on Thursday, September 17. For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.

http://ping.fm/ZjjSt They do it again in queens...

@sc_realestate got a grade of 86/100 on @grader. Check it out: http://ping.fm/NZPcK

Dunes Debate on Sullivans Island

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Concert in Charlotte

Lowest motor speedway and 50 degrees

http://ping.fm/ief6N New HUD Form available here

Tax credit extended?http://ping.fm/evHlX

Jim near teaching about twittering for the KW agents. @jimnear

Lowcountry Highrollers when they were Babies!

These kids were born to be Highrollers!





Highrollers facebook page

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Price list for builder in Carolina Park http://ping.fm/ZPzSD

"Testing SpinVox with Ping. Pretty cool."

Waiting for tomorrow! The Taste of Charleston! mmmmm

Football in the Carolinas

Are you Ready for some FootBall

Real Estate Transactions The Post and Courier - Charleston SC newspaper

Real Estate Transactions The Post and Courier - Charleston SC newspaper

Shared via AddThis

Fingerprint your kids and help out lowcountry orphan relief in Charleston

Children’s Fingerprint ID Kit Events
Tuesday, August 11th, 2009
September 26, 2009
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
LOWCOUNTRY ORPHAN RELIEF HEADS UP CHILD PROTECTION PROGRAM OFFERING CHILDREN OF CHARLESTON A CHILD FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION KIT

The LOWCOUNTRY ORPHAN RELIEF will be offering a Child Fingerprint Identification Kit to all children in the Charleston County area on September 26, 2009 from 10:00-1:00. All children will be fingerprinted and measured and a card will be filled out for each child with pertinent information such as: moles scars, birthmarks, blood type, weight and comments. A picture will be on the back of the identification card and each child will receive a free gift from a local police officer.

A donation will help us cover the costs and help an abused child. Please bring your child to the new Harris Teeter on 17 South at the West Ashley Store, the Oakland Walmart on 17 North, the Tanger Outlet Walmart, the Rivers Avenue Walmart, the Bees Ferry Walmart, Bi-Lo on 1440 Ben Sawyer Blvd, and Piggy Wiggly on Meeting Street. If you cannot donate a dollar – we will be more than happy to do it free for your child.

This in itself is a gift to your child in case he is lost, abandoned, abused, etc. you can take this card to your local authorities and they will have all the information necessary to enact a quick response in locating your child. YOU CAN NEVER PROTECT YOUR CHILD ENOUGH!!!!

GIVE YOUR CHILD A GIFT OF LIFE!

Things to do in Summerville

Things to Do in Summerville, SC

By: Lee Keadle

Whether you’re looking for something to do or are simply trying to learn more about the area, you’ll find below 7 of the top things to do in Summerville, SC.

1) Shopping: Some of the best shopping will be at Azalea Square, which is just off Highway 17 (also called North Main Street). This outdoor shopping center is like Summerville’s version of the Towne Centre in Mt. Pleasant. For shops, you’ll find everything from Dick’s Sporting Goods to Ross and TJ Maxx, Petsmart, World Market, Pier 1 Imports, and more. If you’re hungry, you can get a burrito at Moe’s Southwest Grill, a sandwich at McAlister’s Deli, a burger at O’Charley’s, or a steak at Logan’s Road House. If there is still room after that, you can stop by Marble Slab Creamery for an ice cream – all in Azalea Square shopping center.

2) Visit downtown Summerville: Summerville has a very charming downtown area with stores and restaurants. This section has a very different feel than the Azalea Square shopping center which is brand new (and quite large). The downtown section of Summerville has more locally owned shops and restaurants. You can even go “antiquing” (looking at antique stores) in downtown Summerville.

3) Go see a movie: The Regal Movie Theater at Azalea Square has 16 individual stadium theaters, so you’ll find a good mix of movies showing throughout the day or night.

4) Summerville Farmers Market: This farmers market is only open from early spring to late fall. It is up and running every Saturday morning, though. You can get fresh local produce, baked goods, flowers, and other specialty items. It’s located on West Doty between Main Street and Cedar Street.

5) Spend time outdoors: Charleston has one of the best county park systems in South Carolina. The two closest options to Summerville are the Caw Caw Center and Wannamaker. It’s about a 30 to 40 minute drive to the Caw Caw Nature and History Interpretive Center in Ravenel. This nature center used to be home to rice plantations, but it’s now part of the Charleston County Park system and is open to the public. There are more than 6 miles of walking trails, including elevated boardwalks. You can see wildlife, visit 18th century rice fields, or go canoeing. And, if you don’t want to drive all the way out to Caw Caw, you can go just 10 minutes to the North Charleston Wannamaker County Park, which has 2 playgrounds, intramural fields, a dog park, picnic sites, and over a thousand acres of preserved woodlands and wetlands. Admission to both parks is one dollar per person, so these options are about the least expensive entertainment you’ll find.

6) Flowertown Festival: Every year in April, Summerville hosts the Flowertown Festival. This is the largest arts and crafts festival in the state. The festival gets its name from the numerous azaleas downtown, which are always in full bloom during the weekend of the festival.

7) Francis Beidler Forest: This is owned by the National Audubon Society and was established to preserve an old growth swamp forest. You’ll find Bald cypress trees that are about a thousand years old! There are lots of hiking trails as well and guided canoe tours. The park is more than 15,000 acres, and it’s about a 30 minute drive from Summerville.

Author Resource:-> You can search all Summerville SC homes for sale on Lee’s website, including Carolina One Real Estate Summerville listings. You will also find more info about the Summerville SC real estate market!

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Helping Out for Sept. 16, 2009

Helping Out for Sept. 16, 2009

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Price Reduced on Handicapped home in Mt. Pleasant, SC

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$489,000 4 br: 1518 Macoma Dr, Mount Pleasant SC 29466

$489,000 4 br: 1518 Macoma Dr, Mount Pleasant SC 29466

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Mount Pleasant wants to grow!

An eye on the future

Comprehensive planners seek input from residents on direction for East Cooper

By None None

The Post and Courier

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Photo by Jessica Johnson

Land on the west side of the Wando River bridge has been designated as a greenway and waterfront gateway for the town of Mount Pleasant, according to the current draft of the updated comprehensive plan.

Photo by Jessica Johnson

Sea Gull Gallery, in business for decades on Coleman Boulevard, was demolished last fall.

Photo by Jessica Johnson

Density can be doubled on Coleman Boulevard under the master plan, which is part of Mount Pleasant's current comprehensive plan. The town's comprehensive draft plan encourages redevelopment along the roadway.

The former Wando Restaurant on S.C. Highway 41 and the north shore of the Wando River sits empty, as it has for five years. Just across the Wando off Highway 41, Detyens Shipyard cranes hang over a twisted wooden dock.

With the exception of a handful of people milling about a gas station along the highway and some passing traffic, this route from Berkeley County into Mount Pleasant is quiet.

But growth and development rumble just beneath the surface.

The current draft of the town of Mount Pleasant's comprehensive plan identifies the area as a potential green waterfront gateway where development should be sensitive to homes on Highway 41 and the Wando River while "providing opportunities for deep-water access."

And property has been purchased with development in mind. Dick Catler of Carolina One Real Estate hopes to sell the Wando Restaurant and the house next to it on the north side of the bridge to a buyer who would reopen and expand the restaurant, possibly adding a dock over the salt marsh.

Just next door, a potential Cainhoy Village residential development would connect to a 56-acre parcel of land owned by Bennett Hofford Construction off Clements Ferry Road. A concept plan for the land includes several restaurants, a marina, a retirement community and commercial and residential buildings.

On the opposite side of the bridge, closer to Mount Pleasant, local businessman Joe Sharp wants to build a 40-slip marina.

"There's a lot going on," Catler said.

That's one of the reasons Mount Pleasant Town Council and the town's planning commission have asked residents for input on the town's future. The town's updated comprehensive plan draft suggests, on a framework map, how to develop property on the Mount Pleasant side of the bridge. It's part of the town's vision for the next decade.

Planning commissioners voted to recommend approval of the plan's final draft July 22 and now Town Council will examine the plan's details before holding a public hearing this fall. The time and date of the public hearing will be announced 30 days before the hearing.

Public meetings have been held on the plan since late 2008, but Mason Smith, Mount Pleasant Planning Commission chairman, said he would always like to see more residents chime in.

"We are trying to serve the community. We've got to know what the community would like," Smith said.

Public meetings thus far have revealed that people want more access to water, said Christiane Farrell, Mount Pleasant Planning Department director.

Creating water access and developing green water gateways are concepts new to the comprehensive plan.

Areas around the Highway 41 bridge and points within the Hamlin Farms neighborhood just south of Copahee Sound have been marked as a water access opportunity, although those areas lie outside the town boundary for now.

Increasing paths to the water is just a small part of the plan that lays out a vision for the town until 2019.

The Kmart Plaza along Bowman Road has been offered as a redevelopment opportunity, as well as all of Coleman Boulevard. The master plan to revitalize Coleman Boulevard allows people to double the density so long as new developments come without new curb cuts and traffic is directed to side roads.

The comprehensive plan also emphasizes development along the town's urban corridor linking Coleman, Chuck Dawley and Johnnie Dodds boulevards. The plan also marks out areas residents said they want to save and suggests creating a cultural landscape that would preserve and connect Boone Hall Farms, Hamlin Farms and the old Palmetto Fort at the end of Six Mile Road through the Sweetgrass Basket Cultural Overlay District.

Identifying community and neighborhood nodes are ideas new to the plan as well, Farrell said.

Community nodes marked on the map include places such as Belle Hall Shopping Center and Mount Pleasant Towne Centre. The nodes are intended to be mixed-use activity centers serving residents for several miles around while neighborhood nodes are commercial areas for neighborhoods similar to what one finds on Pitt Street in Mount Pleasant's Old Village.

Residents have said they would also like the town to encourage alternative transportation and build bike and pedestrian paths between those neighborhood and community nodes.

Mount Pleasant doesn't expect to see the growth and development of the past decade return anytime soon. According to the McKibben Report, a forecast on the town's population growth, the influx of new residents is expected to slow through 2025 and the town's average population will age.

"The most rapid growth of the town may be in the past, meaning that the challenges of the future will be more about managing existing development rather than controlling new development," the comprehensive plan states.

Reach Jessica Johnson at 937-5921 or jjohnson@postandcourier.com..

Brian J O'Shea

 

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843.416.2057 phone

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E Mail :   BOShea@WandoHomes.com 

 

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