Christmas Shopping in York County

Hard to believe that we are in the holiday season, but ready or not here it is. People are decorating their homes, putting up the Christmas tree and thinking about all the gift giving they plan to do. During this time of year shopping can quickly become a frustrating task, but make it fun and special to find the perfect gift for the people you are blessed to have in your life. As I start thinking about the shopping I will do I plan this year to try and stay away from the hectic pace of a big city and enjoy the many local shopping opportunities that our area has to offer. A couple of favorite places that will be part of my shopping destinations include the Millwood area, Baxter Village, Manchester, the Galleria and downtown Rock Hill. Great shops that are unique and quaint and offer selections galore include Monkeys and Mermaids, Paula Gillman and Company, Birds of a Feather, Chicos, Overhead Station, TJ Maxx, Books A Million, New South Interiors, Target, Belk and so many more. The new Wal Mart in Rock Hill is incredible and I love the layout so I am sure I will be making a trip or two for many items. Make the most of your shopping by sticking close to home and enjoying all the many shops that York County has to offer. Have fun and let the shopping begin!

Improve Your Credit

1. Review your current credit report for accuracy. Everyone is entitled to one free credit report per year from each of the three credit bureaus-Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Get a copy of your credit report and look at it for accuracy. First, make sure that the information in your file is about you and only you, not someone who has a similar name or a similar Social Security number. It is very common for your credit reports to have mistakes or incorrect information. At a minimum, make sure that the information you are being evaluated on is current and correct.

2. Repair credit report mistakes. If you find something on your credit report that is incorrect or missing, you should dispute the mistake by contacting the credit bureaus directly. All credit bureaus have their dispute procedures on their website. They are also required by law to investigate any disputed items and these investigations will usually be done within 30 days of your request.

3. Pay your bills on time. Sounds like a no-brainer, right? Payment history accounts for roughly 35% of your credit score. Paying bills on time is the most important thing to do. If you’re struggling to catch up, contact your creditors to work out a payment schedule.

4. Increase the length of your credit history. This accounts for about 15% of your score. Don’t cancel your old card or get a lot of new ones in a short time span because this can hurt your score.

5. Keep credit card balances low. It’s a good idea to keep the balances below 25% of your available credit. Even if you pay off your credit cards every month, a high average balance will impact your score. This accounts for about 30% of your credit score.

6. Keep new credit requests to a minimum. This accounts for 10% of your score. Every time a lender runs your credit, an inquiry is recorded. If you are trying to get a loan, don’t apply for new credit cards first.

7. Be aware that paying off a collection account will not remove it from your credit report. It will stay on your report for seven years.

8. Pay off debt rather than moving it around. The most effective way to improve your credit score in this area is by paying down your revolving credit. In fact, owing the same amount but having fewer open accounts may lower your score.

9. Beware credit-repair scams. By all means, don’t pay someone to wipe away the negative items in your file. If they don’t follow through, the damaging items will reappear in two or three months.

Know your homes market value

In today's economy it is important to know the market value of your home and this is a question we get almost every week. Many of us would like to believe that we know what our home is "worth" and many potential sellers know what they want to sell their home for, but in most cases the perception of what a home is worth to the seller is not reality with today's market. Investing in real estate is still a solid long term investment strategy, however, owners need accurate and reliable information at their fingertips to really understand and weather today's market conditions. There are a number of outstanding websites that are free to people to go and receive this type of information. Information truly is power so utilize these tools that are right at your fingertips. If you have questions with any of this information or you are having trouble accessing these websites please give us a call and let us help you better understand the value of your home and the value of homes on the market or feel free to use our free link below.
Free Home Value Market Research

Hvae you considered refinancing?

With the interest rates of late being so low we had been discussing refinancing our home. After doing some checking and getting various quotes on interest rates we decided this was something we needed to explore. After finding one of the lowest rates around we worked with a lender to get a good faith estimate and much to our surprise we decided that refinancing would save us a tremendous amount of money each month and over the course of the loan. Refinancing may not be an option for everyone, but it certainly is something that everyone should consider. There are a lot of first time home buyers feverishly trying to take advantage of the $8000 tax credit that will soon end so we are seeing financial institutions offering some awesome rates to another group of folks who are looking to refinance. Even if you refinanced just 2 years ago a couple of phone calls may be worth several hundreds of dollars in savings per month. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain so check it out today and see if refinancing is right for you!

Downsizing for Active Adults

Today we are seeing more and more people looking to downsize at earlier ages. Used to be when people wanted to downsize it was in preparation for retirement. Not the case any more. Today many people are starting out in larger size homes and once the kids leave the nest people are looking to move to smaller homes and enjoy another phase of their lives. The downsizing is also having an effect of folks that want to spend more time enjoying leisurely activities and less time on maintenance and upkeep of a home. Wonderful options are available on the market for people looking to downsize and whether you are looking for a smaller home or a community with smaller homes and active lifestyles there are so many options to meet every need. We would love to meet with you and learn what your downsizing wish list includes and we know we can find the perfect scenario for you. Give The Guilliams Team a call today and let us show you how downsizing is often the best rightsizing option.

Understanding your credit scores

Life events can effect our credit drastically. We run into people everyday who had great credit at one time but now they find themselves in a situation where they cannot qualify for a home loan.
It does not take very long and a great credit score can go down quite quickly. Sometimes it is a job lay off (there are almost 7 million Americans drawing unemployment checks right now), an accident or an illness. These things many times come upon us without warning.
Many times people find themselves unprepared for these emegencies. The bills keep coming due every month and the income has been drastically reduced. Before long they start to fall behind and new lates begin to show up on their credit reports. We have seen one new late drop a credit score 100 ponts while the average is probably more like 30 to 40 points. The rest of the bad news is that it will effect their credit scores for at least two years.
Whether unexpected life events have lowered your scores or just bad past credit decisions there is a way back to healthy scores again. There are certain prinicipals, if followed, that will cause your scores to climb fairly rapidly. You can rebuild your credit file so that it will be healthy, assuring you of a much better interest rate.
If you would like to know how you can improve your current credit situation contact us at The Guilliams Team or at Credit Restoration Advice.

Getting your home ready to market

When getting your house ready to sale and in order to get top dollar there are a few key suggestions to keep in mind. Potential buyers should come in and be WOWED at all the details you have taken care in preparation of showing your home. Below is a list of some of the basics, but for more help and suggestions on how to make your home stand out in the marketplace to potential buyers your best bet is to consult with a realtor. We are here to help give you expert advice and recommendations so give us a call today.
1. Make sure to clean all countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms.
2. Clean ceiling fans.
3. Replace any light bulbs that are not in working order.
4. Declutter cabinets and closets.
5. If there are any obvious items that are in need of repair fix them.
6. Complete any home projects that you have started. Buyers don't want to come in and have to finish what you started.
7. Make sure your house in clean and in order.
8. Don't leave any dirty laundry in the floor.

Courtney's BBQ

Let me tell you something new I have discovered. Being from Eastern North Carolina I am a HUGE fan of great barbeque. I've tried lots in my days and even though nothing compares to the Eastern North Carolina style that I love we found a place tonight that makes the drive worth it. In Clover, SC which is probably 20 miles or so from Rock Hill, SC is Courtney's Barbeque. For quite some time I have heard people talk about how good Courtney's was we had to go and discover it for ourselves. Their chopped barbeque is pretty darn good. Tim had the ribs, brisket (one of his favorites), chopped barbeque and barbeque chicken. Needless to say when we left we were stuffed and happy. Courtney's has a friendly atmosphere and your order comes out lightning fast. The menu features the above mentioned items plus salads, wings, hamburger steaks, chicken sandwiches, fried chicken and so much for. No matter what you crave you can find it at Courtney's. Gene Courtney has done a tremendous job building the reputation of this establishment and it is definitely one you need to put on your list to try and do it soon. You will be thrilled and satisfied and full to the gills. Hurry and enjoy.

Relocating to our area?

It is amazing the number of people that continue to relocate to our area with their jobs and to get closer to their family. Many folks relocating to the area are trying to figure out where to live which is typical of anyone moving to a new area. When looking to purchase a home folks should consider distance to work, schools, convenience to many amenities such as shopping, restaurants, hospitals and proximity to interstates. Many newcomers coming to the area will try to figure out on their own even though they don’t know much about the area. Since the purchase of a home is one of the largest purchases a person will make it is important to make the right decision. This is where the expertise of a Realtor can be your best bet. Find a fulltime Realtor that is familiar with the area, knows the housing market, knows the available inventory and can even help with referrals to lenders and mortgage companies. We have helped a number of people from all over the country and we have even assisted with several international relocations. It would be our pleasure to meet with you and understand the needs of you and your family and be part of helping you find your perfect home. Give The Guilliams Team a call today.

Why Rent?

Now more than ever is the perfect time for first time home buyers to seriously consider real estate as an investment. Interest rates are at incredible lows and with the $8000.00 tax credit program you will never have a better opportunty . If you have been renting and are in a position to make your first home purchase it may be one of the most sound investments you will ever make. To assist you with understanding some of the programs available check out the attached link and if you would like to speak to knowledgeable real estate professionals who can help answer your questions contact The Guilliams Team today.
http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=118806965336&h=MiMng&u=DesZ9&ref=mf

Our Network of Real Estate Professionals

As we continue to grow our business, and with our professional background, we both realize the importance of building and maintaining a strong network of contacts. We have been fortunate in our careers to build relationships with real estate professionals throughout the United States. How does our network benefit our clients? Easy. We are often asked for advice from friends and previous clients who are relocating to another area if we know of a real estate professional who can help them in their new area with finding a new home. Moving to an area where you don't know any real estate professionals can be a daunting task and many times people will just take potluck and call someone from the yellow pages. Let us help connect you with a person that we trust who we know will offer you top service and share their knowledge of the area when you are moving and looking for a new home. We have such a strong network of professionals willing to help you that we trust and we will follow up to make sure they are doing you a good job. If you find you are in a position where you have to relocate let us help take the hassle and anxiety out of the process and connect you with one of the real estate professionals we trust and recommend. Give The Guilliams Team a call today.

Remodeling and Renovations

Today many folks are adding value to their homes by doing remodeling and major renovation projects in hopes of adding upgrades that many potential buyers are searching for. If you are considering such a project here are a couple of tips to keep in mind.
* If you have a homeowners association make sure you understand the convenants and restrictions before beginning the project.
* Get several quotes from reputable contractors in the area. Make sure you are comfortable with the contractor you select and have an understanding of project details, deadlines and so forth.
* Listen to your contractor. Most are experienced with home renovations and they may offer tips they have learned from previous projects. Be open minded, but remember the final decision belongs to you.
* Establish a budget and stick to it. Make sure your contractor understands your budget and before the project begins make sure you agree to materials and other specifications that you are looking for which will avoid last minute decisions.
* Make sure the renovations or remodeling you are undertaking will add value to your home. Many projects have been taken on by homeowners only to find out they have overpriced the neighborhood which can make resale a challenge.
If you need some guidance as to what kind of renovations and remodels can add the most value to your home or if you need some great references for contractors in your area give us The Guilliams Team a call today and let us help. We want to be your partners in making your dreams come true.

York County , SC

York County is consists of 685 square miles and nine municipalities which make this the South Carolina’s fourth most populated county. Though the county maintains a thriving business climate with investment by numerous national and international firms, the region retains much of its rural character, particularly in the western portions. The largest city, Rock Hill, remains the commercial and financial center of York County, but each of the others, including Fort Mill, Tega Cay, Clover, Hickory Grove, McConnells, Sharon, Smyrna and York, along with the Lake Wylie community, is vital in its own way.
York County boasts an industrial base with a strong blend of heavy and light industries, service businesses and professionals, as well as access to rail, freight and international travel, and state-of-the-art medical facilities. All the various areas of York County are conveniently located to large cities such as Charlotte, NC which make the opportunities limitless depending on what folks are searching for. York County offers amenities suitable for any person or family looking for a desirable area to call home. Give us a call and let us show you all York County has to offer.

Time is running out

Now more than ever is the perfect time for first time home buyers to seriously consider real estate as an investment. Interest rates are at incredible lows and with the $8000.00 tax credit program you will never have a better opportunty .If you have been renting and are in a position to make your first home purchase it may be one of the most sound investments you will ever make. To assist you with understanding some of the programs available check out the attached link and if you would like to speak to knowledgeable real estate professionals who can help answer your questions contact The Guilliams Team today.

http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=118806965336&h=MiMng&u=DesZ9&ref=mf

Do you have realistic expectations

It is definitely a buyer’s market, but if you don’t have realistic expectations as either a buyer or a seller this can be a disappointing time. Due to the current state of the economy homes are selling for as a high a price as they may have a couple of years ago. Having said that, if you are selling and buying you need to remember that even though the house may not sell for the price you are hoping you can recoup on the buyer side of the transaction and end up purchasing more house than possible a couple of years ago. Be realistic with your expectations and take the emotion out of the deal. Understand the market in your area and understand that the goal is to offer fair deals to buyers and sellers. Many people trying to sell their home will believe their home is worth a certain amount without performing due diligence to determine the true value of the home. This is where a realtor can be an excellent resource in gathering comparable information for one to consider as well as helping to determine the right price for the transaction. If you are considering selling your home or buying a property give us a call and let us help insure you are getting the best value.
For more information contact The Guilliams Team

Is it time for you to become a first time home buyer?

Now more than ever is the perfect time for first time home buyers to seriously consider real estate as an investment. Interest rates are at incredible lows and there are a number of outstanding programs and incentives available to first time home buyers. If you have been renting and are in a position to make your first home purchase it may be one of the most sound investments you will ever make. To assist you with understanding some of the programs available check out the attached link and if you would like to speak to knowledgeable real estate professionals who can help answer your questions give us a call today.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mA4zE2vUK-U&feature=player_embedded

Why Rent ?............now is the time to buy

With all the incentives available right now for first time home buyers we are asked all the time by potential first time home buyers if this really is the time to buy. Without question the answer is YES. Renting is often a necessity, but when it comes to investing in your future becoming a homeowner is one of the best investments you can make. Until December of this year first time home buyers may be eligible to receive an $8000 tax credit which most likely will be gone after this year. There are also a number of great deals right now so home buyers are actually in a position to purchase more house than they originally thought they could. Purchasing a home can be a scary process no matter whether you are a first time home buyer or you are buying your 10th property. The process does not need to be scary nor frustrating particularly if you are working with a real estate professional who can help you through this process. Please give us a call today and let us help you determine if purchasing a home is the best investment for you and also allow us to help determine what may be available to you on the housing market. The Guilliams Team wants to be your partner in making your dreams of being a homeowner possible and we have included a link that helps answer any questions you may have . Give us a call today!

Link to First Time Home buyer information http://www.theguilliamsteam.com/atj/user/AdditionalGetAction.do?pageId=167383

Clover , South Carolina

The Town of Clover is located in northwestern York County, South Carolina. Clover is a quiet and peaceful community rich in history and antiques shopping. The town officially began around the site of a 5,000 gallon water tank constructed to serve the steam engines of the Chester and Lenoir Railroad Narrow Gauge Railroad. According to a legend, excess water spilling on the ground caused patches of clover to spring up. Residents affectionately referred to the town as Clover Patch. Shortly after, the town became a booming textile community. The town has since grown steadily and the population is currently hovers around 4,700. The small town atmosphere combined with easy access to big city dining, shopping and entertainment make Clover an exceptional place to live. The proximity of Clover to the rapidly growing Charlotte, North Carolina, (about 45 minutes northeast of town) and Rock Hill, South Carolina, (about 30 minutes southeast of Clover) urban areas, provides a plentiful job market and economic variety. Clover real estate options consist of single-family homes, new construction and land lots for custom building.