Wednesday, June 30, 2010

21 Things You Should Never Buy New

I saw this post this morning and found #13 very interesting. The writer says to NEVER buy a new home for some very weak reasons. In reality a new home today can offer significant cost savings in the long run over older homes. But good deals are to be had regardless of whether the home is old or new. And lets face it housing doen't really fit in this list.

And well I thought the rest of the list was kinda funny as well ...


21 Things You Should Never Buy New


If you're looking to get the most value for your dollar, it would do your wallet good to check out secondhand options. Many used goods still have plenty of life left in them even years after the original purchase, and they're usually resold at a fraction of the retail price, to boot. Here's a list of 21 things that make for a better deal when you buy them used.

1. DVDs and CDs: Used DVDs and CDs will play like new if they were well taken care of. Even if you wind up with a scratched disc and you don't want to bother with a return, there are ways to remove the scratches and make the DVD or CD playable again.

2. Books: You can buy used books at significant discounts from online sellers and brick-and-mortar used book stores. The condition of the books may vary, but they usually range from good to like-new. And of course, check out your local library for free reading material.

3. Video Games: Kids get tired of video games rather quickly. You can easily find used video games from online sellers at sites like Amazon and eBay a few months after the release date. Most video game store outlets will feature a used game shelf, as well. And if you're not the patient type, you can rent or borrow from a friend first to see if it's worth the purchase.

4. Special Occasion and Holiday Clothing: Sometimes you'll need to buy formal clothing for special occasions, such as weddings or prom. Most people will take good care of formal clothing but will only wear it once or twice. Their closet castouts are your savings: Thrift stores, yard sales, online sellers and even some dress shops offer fantastic buys on used formalwear.

5. Jewelry: Depreciation hits hard when you try to sell used jewelry, but as a buyer you can take advantage of the markdown to save a bundle. This is especially true for diamonds, which has ridiculously low resale value. Check out estate sales and reputable pawn shops to find great deals on unique pieces. Even if you decide to resell the jewelry later, the depreciation won't hurt as much.

6. Ikea Furniture: Why bother assembling your own when you can pick it up for free (or nearly free) on Craigslist and Freecycle? Summer is the best time to hunt for Ikea furniture--that's when college students are changing apartments and tossing out their goodies.

7. Games and Toys: How long do games and toys remain your child's favorite before they're left forgotten under the bed or in the closet? You can find used children's toys in great condition at moving sales or on Craigslist, or you can ask your neighbors, friends, and family to trade used toys. Just make sure to give them a good wash before letting junior play.

8. Maternity and Baby Clothes: Compared to everyday outfits that you can wear any time, maternity clothes don't get much wear outside the few months of pregnancy when they fit. The same goes for baby clothes that are quickly outgrown. You'll save a small fortune by purchasing gently used maternity clothes and baby clothes at yard sales and thrift stores. Like children's games and toys, friends and family may have baby or maternity clothing that they'll be happy to let you take off their hands.

9. Musical Instruments: Purchasing new musical instruments for a beginner musician is rarely a good idea. (Are you ready to pay $60 an hour for piano lessons?) For your little dear who wants to learn to play an instrument, you should see how long his or her interest lasts by acquiring a rented or used instrument to practice with first. Unless you're a professional musician or your junior prodigy is seriously committed to music, a brand new instrument may not be the best investment.

10. Pets: If you buy a puppy (or kitty) from a professional breeder or a pet store outlet, it can set you back anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. On top of this, you'll need to anticipate additional fees and vet bills, too. Instead, adopt a pre-owned pet from your local animal shelter and get a new family member, fees, and vaccines at a substantially lower cost.

11. Home Accent: Pieces Home decorating pieces and artwork are rarely handled on a day-to-day basis, so they're generally still in good condition even after being resold multiple times. If you like the worn-out look of some decor pieces, you can be sure you didn't pay extra for something that comes naturally with time. And don't forget, for most of us, discovering a true gem at a garage sale is 90% of the fun!

12. Craft Supplies: If you're into crafting, you probably have a variety of different supplies left over from prior projects. If you require some additional supplies for your upcoming project, then you can join a craft swap where you'll find other crafty people to trade supplies with. If you have leftovers, be sure to donate them to your local schools.

13. Houses: You're typically able to get better and more features for your dollar when you purchase an older home rather than building new. Older houses were often constructed on bigger corner lots, and you also get architectural variety in your neighborhood if the houses were built or remodeled in different eras.

14. Office Furniture: Good office furniture is built to withstand heavy use and handling. Really solid pieces will last a lifetime, long after they're resold the first or second time. A great used desk or file cabinet will work as well as (or better than) a new one, but for a fraction of the cost. With the recession shutting down so many businesses, you can easily find lots of great office furniture deals.

15. Cars: You've probably heard this before: Cars depreciate the second you drive them off of the dealership's lot. In buying a used car, you save money on both the initial cost and the insurance. It also helps to know a trusty mechanic who can check it over first. This way, you'll be aware of any potential problems before you make the purchase.

16. Hand Tools: Simple tools with few moving parts, like hammers, hoes and wrenches, will keep for decades so long as they are well-made to begin with and are well-maintained. These are fairly easy to find at neighborhood yard or garage sales. If you don't need to use hand tools very often, an even better deal is to rent a set of tools or borrow them from a friend.

17. Sports Equipment: Most people buy sports equipment planning to use it until it drops, but this rarely happens. So when sports equipment ends up on the resale market, they tend to still be in excellent condition. Look into buying used sporting gear through Craigslist and at yard sales or sports equipment stores.

18. Consumer Electronics: I know most folks like shiny new toys, but refurbished electronic goods are a much sweeter deal. Consumer electronics are returned to the manufacturer for different reasons, but generally, they'll be inspected for damaged parts, fixed, tested, then resold at a lower price. Just make sure you get a good warranty along with your purchase.

19. Gardening Supplies: This is an easy way for you to save money, and all you need to do is be observant. Take a look outdoors and you'll likely find such gardening supplies as mulch, wood, and even stones for free or vastly reduced prices. Used garden equipment and tools are also common goods at yard sales.

20. Timeshares: Buying timeshares isn't for everyone, but if you decide that it suits your lifestyle, purchasing the property as a resale would be a better deal than buying it brand new: on average, you'll save 67 percent on the price for a comparable new timeshare. If you're new to timeshare ownership, give it a test run first by renting short term.

21. Recreational Items: It's fairly easy to find high ticket recreational items like campers, boats, and jet skis being resold. Oftentimes, they're barely used at all. As long as they're in safe, working condition, they'll make for a better value when purchased used than new.

Lynn Truong is the co-founder and Deals Editor of Wise Bread, a blog dedicated to helping readers live large on a small budget. Wise Bread's book, 10,001 Ways to Live Large on a Small Budget, debuted as the #1 Money Management book on Amazon.com.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Mortgages Can Help, Rather than Hinder, Finances

RISMEDIA, June 28, 2010--(MCT)--While most financial-savvy consumers do their best to avoid debt, one debt that is unavoidable to many families is a mortgage. Because many of us feel more in control of our home and expenses without a mortgage, a common question is whether to pay it off as quickly as possible.

The answer depends on each person's financial situation. A mortgage can actually be a blessing to some.

For example, mortgage interest is tax-deductible. This deduction saves taxpayers about $103 billion a year, according to the U.S. Treasury. The benefit is less to owners of low- to moderate-valued homes who may not have much interest or enough to claim it by itemizing deductions. But for families with a higher net worth, it allows a tax savings and may encourage them to buy larger homes.

With tax brackets for the wealthy rising next year, this tax break becomes more valuable. When the break is included, a 6 percent mortgage could have a rate closer to 4 percent in reality. Calculate your mortgage's effective rate by subtracting your tax rate from 100 and multiplying that number by the interest rate. For example, a 28 percent tax bracket with a 6 percent mortgage would result in (.06 x 72) to equal the equivalent of a 4.32 percent mortgage rate after considering tax savings if itemized. That helps the interest look less daunting.

In addition, with the possibility of investing with a goal of a 5 or 6 percent return, instead of putting that money into a mortgage the homeowner could get a return higher than the effective rate, which could help grow net worth. On the other hand, if the effective rate is higher, it may make sense to pay down the mortgage.

Another situation that makes paying off a mortgage attractive is for someone at risk of bankruptcy. Many states offer protection from creditors seizing a home to pay debts. If a home is paid in full, it is more likely the owner could stay in it if he goes broke, providing he can pay for the upkeep.

Money taken out for a mortgage also could reduce net worth later in life. The potential for higher investment returns are gone; that money will not be able to grow if investments grow over the long term. Not to mention having too much invested in a house. That could be detrimental at retirement. While we can get a loan for a house, there are no loans to finance retirement.

(c) 2010, McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Mount Pleasant named a Top 10 All-America City


Tuesday, 22 June 2010
By Daniel Brock

MT. PLEASANT -- It might technically be a town, but Mount Pleasant was named a Top 10 All-America City on Friday.

All-American Cities

Chandler, Ariz.

Lynwood, Calif.

Rancho Cordova, Calif.

North Miami, Fla.

Acworth, Ga.

Des Moines, Iowa

Salisbury, Md.

Gastonia, N.C.

Mount Pleasant

El Paso, Texas

The winners were announced by the National Civic League at the 61st annual All-America City awards in Kansas City, Mo. Town officials said the distinction can be used as a marketing tool.

To claim the title, each community had to demonstrate “innovation, inclusiveness, civic engagement, and cross-sector collaboration by describing successful efforts to address pressing local challenges,” according to league officials.

“These were communities who demonstrated good governance on a daily basis,” Deputy Town Administrator Eric DeMoura said of the winners.

In naming Mount Pleasant to the Top 10 list, the Denver-based National Civic League cited the town’s Johnnie Dodds Boulevard Mobility Study, Coleman Boulevard Revitalization Plan and the Weaving Aquatic Training with Education and Recreation program.

Mount Pleasant was one of 27 communities named in April as a finalist for the award. Mayor Billy Swails donated his $25,000 salary and local businesses and individuals raised more than $18,000 for the town’s campaign, according to Martine Wolfe-Miller, Mount Pleasant’s public information officer.

Part of that funding was used to pay for sending the delegation of 41 to Kansas City.

Mount Pleasant became the 11th All-America winner from South Carolina and the first since 2006.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Johnnie Dodds improvements to affect appearance of Mount Pleasant


By Jonathan Rivers
Published June 15, 2010


Following years of speculation and planning, the stretch of U.S. Highway 17 extending through Mount Pleasant will experience an extensive makeover beginning late this summer.

The Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce’s Developers Council met this morning to reveal the final decisions regarding several Charleston area roadway improvements.

Paramount in the discussion was the renovation plans of Johnnie Dodds Boulevard from the foot of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge to just north of the Interstate 526 interchange in Mount Pleasant.

The need for improvements along this stretch of highway has been an issue since a 2000 transportation plan study highlighted the town’s need to widen its main roadway to avoid congestion caused by a high volume of traffic.

The project is estimated at $80 million and includes widening the stretch of U.S. Highway 17 to three lanes in each direction and adding bike lanes and sidewalks along the frontage roads. The renovation also calls for an overpass carrying traffic over Bowman Road and extensive modifications to the intersections at Anna Knapp Boulevard and Shelmore Boulevard.

The development effort not only affects the highway’s commuters, but also the overall appearance of the town along that route.

“The town of Mount Pleasant will likely shift its development focus over the long term,” said Jim Fisher of TranSystems, lead engineer for the project’s preliminary design.

The new layout will encourage the town to stimulate development along the frontage roads, as the proposed improvements would make storefronts and offices in this area more visible and accessible, Fisher said.

Fisher also noted the town will add more prominent signage to welcome incoming traffic as well as a “way finder” system that will direct commuters to specific sites, shopping centers and hotels.

A major challenge engineers have faced is the limited right of way available to widen the roads in certain areas. Some buildings will be within feet of the frontage roads following the proposed project.

The primary source of funding for the project is the Charleston County Roadwise’s half-cent transportation sales tax. The county began collecting the tax in May 2005 to fund an array of Charleston County road improvements.

“About $70 million of the $80 million required for completing the project has been budgeted for and funded by the Roadwise transportation-half cent sales tax,” said Fisher, emphasizing that the estimate of the project’s final cost is closely in line with Charleston County Roadwise’s budget.

Fisher also noted that federal requirements have been considered so that if there is a need for funds in the future, they have the means through which to acquire them.

The project is expected to start in August.

Friday, June 11, 2010

Residential Real Estate Sales Reach Highest Level Since September 2007


Residential Real Estate Sales Reach Highest Level Since September 2007

Sales Up 29%, Prices Continue Pattern of Consistency

CHARLESTON, SC—(June 10, 2010) Preliminary data released by the Charleston Trident Association of REALTORS® (CTAR) shows 878 closings took place last month. This not only marks a 29% increase from the 678 sales in May 2009 but the highest level of closed sales in this region since September of 2007.

“We are pleased to see such high sales volume, but it’s equally important that home prices are continuing to stabilize. So far this year, price fluctuations have been minimal, which is ideal as we see inventory gradually returning to a healthy level” said Jeremy Willits, President of CTAR.

The median sale price for May 2010 settled at $186,497. In May 2009, preliminary reports showed a median sale price of $187,000. Last month, figures showed this year’s lowest median price of $180,175.

Year-to-date, 3,277 homes have sold in the Charleston region. This represents a 28% increase in sales activity when compared to the same period last year—at this point in May 2009, 2,553 homes had changed hands.

Mortgage rates remain at historically low levels, currently 4.81% for a 30-year fixed loan. “Low rates and an affordable selection of property should continue to support healthy market activity. This month’s sales show high seasonal activity and the lingering effect of the tax credit, which we anticipate will continue into June and possibly July. We’re optimistic that this is setting the stage for a stable market in the fall and later months” said Rob Woodul, President-Elect of CTAR.

There were 9,867 properties listed as actively for sale with the Charleston Trident Multiple Listing Service as of May 31, 2010.

BERKELEY COUNTY
Berkeley County led the way in both sales and price increases in May. Bolstered by a flurry of recent activity on Daniel Island, sales in the county increased 46% and median price increased 10% over 2009 levels. 202 homes sold at a median price of $165,517 last month. In May 2009, 138 homes sold at a median price of $150,964.

The majority of Berkeley County activity occurred in Goose Creek and Moncks Corner from Highway 52 to the Cooper River. Daniel Island had a strong showing this month with 22 homes sold at a median price of $540,450, the strongest month so far this year.

CHARLESTON COUNTY
Charleston County also posted impressive increases in May—475 sales resulted in a 31% increase over May 2009’s 363 sales and prices increased 6% from $215,000 to $228,000.

The majority of activity took place in Mount Pleasant, south of Highway 41. 99 homes sold at a median price of $341,236 in that area. An unprecedented 32 homes sold for a median price of $245,988 on Johns Island—the most sales on the island since March 2007.

DORCHESTER COUNTY
170 homes sold in Dorchester County last month, representing a 10% increase from May 2009, when 155 homes sold at a median price of $168,000. Prices showed a quiet decline of less than 2%, settling at $165,050.

The increase in sales was led by consistently strong activity in the Summerville/Ridgeville area, where 86 homes sold at a median price of $169,272.

APRIL 2010 ADJUSTMENT
Preliminary numbers reported for April 2010 indicated 784 homes had sold at a median price of $180,175. Adjusted numbers now show that 844 homes sold at a median price of $181,000.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

CHARMING JAMES ISLAND HOME ON LAGOON UNDER $300,000!

Owen Tyler Carolina One Real Estate owen@owentyler.com 843-224-5398


664 Ayers Drive, Charleston, SC
CHARMING HOME ON JAMES ISLAND
3BR/3+2BA Single Family House
offered at $298,750
Year Built1992
Sq Footage1,886
Bedrooms3
Bathrooms3 full, 2 partial
FloorsUnspecified
Parking2 Covered spaces
Lot Size52,272 sqft
HOA/Maint$10 per month

DESCRIPTION


Charming home on lagoon in Clearview, nothing to do but move right in. Open floor plan on one story perfect for entertaining. Huge family room with built-in surrounds, gas fireplace, ceiling audio speakers, and wood ceiling overlooking grand deck and lagoon. Large kitchen with tons of counter work space, breakfast bar, glass front cabinets and upgraded stainless appliances. Two generous bedrooms with ample closet space and a study/home office. Master suite complete with multiple closets, Jacuzzi tub, and free standing shower. Even patio doors in the Master that lead to large deck overlooking the lagoon. Two car garage with hanging cabinets, attic space, separate work room and 1/2 bath. HVAC is approximately 12 months old, transferable termite bond, can lighting, wood floor throughout. The pride of ownership shines in this wonderful home under $300,000 on James Island!

If square footage is important - MEASURE!!


see additional photos below
PROPERTY FEATURES



































- Central A/C- Central heat- Fireplace
- Walk-in closet- Hardwood floor- Tile floor
- Family room- Office/Den- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator- Stove/Oven- Microwave
- Stainless steel appliances- Attic- Washer
- Dryer- Laundry area - inside- Balcony, Deck, or Patio
- Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES





- Lake


ADDITIONAL PHOTOS



Photo 1

Photo 2

Photo 3

Photo 4

Photo 5

Photo 6
Contact info:





Owen Tyler
Carolina One Real Estate
843-224-5398
For sale by agent/broker

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Posted: Jun 3, 2010, 4:58am PDT