Is Refinacing right for you ?

Mortgage Bankers Association reports that the average American refinances his or her mortgage every 4 years. It is important to consider both cost & benefits before making your decision.

Three Top Reasons Refinancing Is Right For You

1. To Obtain A Lower Fixed Rate. If you took out your fixed mortgage several years ago & interest rates have dropped, refinancing may lower your payment considerably.
2.To Build Your Equity Faster.You may want to refinance your mortgage with a shorter term.This results in a higher monthly payment but pays off your mortgage with a shorter term. You will save substantially on long term interest charges.
3.To Turn Home Equity Into Cash.This is called a cash out refinance.You may want to take out a new mortgage with a larger loan amount.You can get cash out to pay off existing debt, such as credit cards at a much lower rate.You can pay for college tuition or make that improvement to your home you have longer for.

IS MORTGAGE REFINANCING RIGHT FOR YOU?

How long you expect to stay in your home should be considered before refinancing. Also, you might want to check with your current lender to make sure there is not a prepayment penalty to pay off your loan early. If you need help deciding whether refinancing is right for you please give me a call for assistance. The process is easy & takes less than 30 days from start to finish.It can be done where this does not cost you any money out of your pocket. The cost to close is rolled into your new loan amount.Rates are at an historic loan and probably will never be this low again.

Shop 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!

Why We Call Rock Hill Home

When potential homeowners are looking to buy a property one factor that has been embedded in them is location, location, location. This is key and certainly an important factor that should be consider when purchasing a home or property. One of the reasons we chose Rock Hill, SC as our home is the close proximity to Charlotte, North Carolina and all the amenities that come with a large city. If we drive to Uptown Charlotte it takes less than 30 minutes depending on traffic. Since the lightrail has opened we use this form of transportation more that driving all the way into Uptown. For just $3 for a roundtrip we park at I485 and South Boulevard and take the lightrail if we are going to a Carolina Panthers game, a Charlotte Bobcats game, the Blumenthal Theater for a show or even to some of the many bars and restaurants in Uptown such as Cosmos, Whiskey River, Blue, Merts Soul Food and so many more. We prefer living in a small college town like Rock Hill so we feel we have the best of both worlds with all the NCAA Sports Winthrop University offers and also the unique shopping experiences, however we have the luxury of large city living if we prefer to head that way. Can’t go wrong as long as you know about location, location, location. Check out our blog at Rock Hill Home Values to find out the latest happenings in the Rock Hill area including our favorite local places to eat and shop.

Homes for Sale in Rock Hill gives you up to date information on all homes available in the Rock Hill area and we hope yo ufind the free links below useful

Homes for Sale in Rock Hill under $100,000
Homes for Sale in Rock Hill 100,000 to 150,000
Homes for Sale in Rock Hill 150,000 to 200,000
Homes for Sale in Rock Hill 200,000 to 250,000
Homes for Sale in Rock Hill 250,000 to 300,000

The Varsity

Located in Rock Hill, SC is a landmark which is a popular hangout for many residents of the area. The Varsity Restaurant is located on Oakland Avenue which is right down the street from Winthrop University. The Varsity is open 6 days a week and features some of the best breakfast and lunch menu items that you can find in all of Rock Hill. What we love is that they serve breakfast all day. The hash-browns are killer. For lunch they will do daily specials with vegetables, but they also feature out of this world hamburgers, hot-dogs, sandwiches and some of the best desserts around. The staff is always friendly and whenever you are at The Varsity you will always see people you know. Be sure and check out this local gem soon and discover what comfort food is all about.

Credit Info

A very important part of your credit education is staying on top of credit facts in the news. This week we will take a look at things that are happening right now that affect your total financial future.
According to Nurido News, There are a lot of myths about the credit score. Many people tend to think that some credit activities can lower their credit score. Here are a few facts about your credit score.
Checking your credit report does not deteriorate your credit score: Checking your own credit report goes down in the credit report as a soft inquiry and hence does not affect your credit score. However if a lender or a credit card company checks your credit report, it goes down as a hard inquiry and may cost you five points. But another important fact to be kept in mind is that all the inquiries in a 14-day period are considered as a single inquiry. The credit score rating system also does not take into consideration all the inquiries made within a period of 30 days before the day the credit score is to be computed.
Closing old accounts does not improve your credit score: Many lenders might tell you to close old accounts that are not in use. But doing this simply robs you of a long credit history and more percentage of your total credit limit is used up if you close your account.
Your FICO score is all you need: All the three major credit bureaus give you a FICO credit score rating formula. So your FICO score says all about your credit score and you don't need to bother to look for something else to calculate your credit score. Using the FICO Credit Score Rating System, the credit bureaus give you a credit score. However the names for these credit scores are different at these bureaus. At Equifax, they call it Beacon credit score. At TransUnion, they call it Empirica. At Experian, it is called Experian/Fair, Isaac Risk Model.
The reason that you get different credit scores from all the bureaus is that reports of some credit activities performed by you is sent to one bureau and some to other. But more or less your credit score is the same.
Credit counseling does not hurt your score: The FICO credit score rating system does not take into consideration any reference to credit counseling in your report. In fact if you are facing troubles managing your finances then you can try credit counseling. It does not go down as a negative in a credit report.
The perfect way to improve your credit score is of course the simplest of them all - pay your bills on time. Rid yourself of credit score myths and start your credit improvement stint as soon as possible.

Open Houses in Rock Hill

This weekend we are hoping you will come and visit us at the Augusta Place Open House in the Laurel Creek subdivision. Five beautiful homes will be featured in the community by O'Connell Signature Homes , Benchmark Builders and The Guilliams Team. Come and see what sets these homes apart from all the rest because these homes are truly unique and one-of-a-kind. Wonderful custom features are found throughout these beautiful homes and if you are looking for a low maintenance home for active adults then you have to come and check out the homes featured in this event. The homes will be open on Saturday, October 17 from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm and then again on Sunday, October 18 from 1:00pm - 4:00pm. If you have not discovered Augusta Place you are missing out on a real Rock Hill gem. Augusta Place is a quaint community within the Laurel Creek neighborhood with amenities galore including a magnificent club house, tennis courts, walking trails and swimming pool. Paradise on earth is what Laurel Creek is all about and Augusta Place is a find that you can't afford to miss. Hope to see you this weekend at this special showcase of tremendous homes.

Rock Hill is the location of choice

When potential homeowners are looking to buy a property one factor that has been embedded in them is location, location, location. This is key and certainly an important factor that should be consider when purchasing a home or property. One of the reasons we chose Rock Hill, SC as our home is the close proximity to Charlotte, NC and all the amenities that come with a large city. If we drive to Uptown Charlotte it takes less than 30 minutes depending on traffic. Since the lightrail has opened we really use this form of transportation more that driving all the way into Updown. For just $3 for a roundtrip we park at I485 and South Boulevard and take the lightrail if we are going to a Carolina Panthers game, a Charlotte Bobcats game, the Blumenthal Theater for a show or even to some of the many bars and restaurants in Uptown such as Cosmos, Whiskey River, Blue, Merts Soul Food and so many more. We prefer living in a small college town like Rock Hill so we feel we have the best of both worlds with all the NCAA Sports Winthrop University offers and also the unique shopping experiences, however we have the luxury of large city living if we prefer to head that way. Can't go wrong as long as you know about location, location, location.
We have included numerous links on our webste at The Guilliams Team that will take you to local points of interest including some of our favorite places to eat and play. We hope you enjoy the site and and we hope to see you out and about in our area.

Active Lifestyles

More and more adults are discovering the benefits of active lifestyles. Go to any park, fitness center, tennis facilty and so forth and you will see more baby boomers than ever adopting more healthy and active lifestyles. Today more than ever many homeowners are looking for ways to downsize the size of their home without sacrificing the quality and amenities they expect. Many builders are recognizing the desires of active adults and as a result low maintenance, quality throughout and custom feature neighborhoods are popping up more and more. The options are incredible and there are more features than ever to meet the demands of this group of adults as they enter a new phase in their lives. Wonderful communities featuring incredible homes which are smaller in size and require less maintenance for upkeeping are becoming more and more popular. People want to enjoy their free time enjoying many active lifestyles instead of feeling that the weekends were meant for cleaning house and doing yard work. We would love to help you transition to this type of lifestyle so give The Guilliams Team a call and let us introduce you to the number of options available to homeowners today.

Things to ask when getting credit advice

I am often asked what do I look for to be sure I get the best credit advice. I think there are at least 10 things to look for.
1. Be sure the company has a good reputation. Many companies over promise and under deliver. It is important that the company has a good track record. See what former clients have to say about the service the received.
2. Be sure the company did not just start doing business last month. Again a proven track record goes a long way toward being sure the company will perform well and will be around for some time in the future.
3. Ask how long it will take to help you achieve your goals. Some companies want to keep you in their program as long as they can to make more money off of you. Pick a company that will help you achieve your goals in the shortest amount of time possible.
4. Ask the company exactly how they are going to help you obtain a healthy credit report. Find a company that will do more than just put a temporary band aid on your credit. Find a company that will teach you how to obtain a healthy credit report and how to keep it healthy for the rest of your life.
5. Find a company that will keep you informed about the process all along the way. Communication and the ability to ask the company questions will go a long way toward helping you obtain your goals faster and with better results.
6. Find a company that will charge reasonable fees and is not out to gouge you.
7. Using a company that has been in business for years will help you negotiate and pay off accounts at great savings, sometimes thousands of dollars in savings. These companies will have contacts all over the United States that will work with you.
8. Find a company that will counsel you on making wise credit decisions. To maintain a healthy credit file you need proven and trusted professionals that know what they are doing so they can advise you properly.
9. Find a company that will keep you updated about current credit issues that will affect your financial future. Part of our credit education is staying on top of new laws and news that can benefit your total credit picture.
10. Find a company that reveals everything upfront with no hidden fees or rules that you will find out about later. Look carefully at the materials and web site to see if they disclose things clearly to you up front. Also be sure they do not pressure you to sign up today. If they are a reputable company there services will be available to you tomorrow, next week, next month and even next year. Be sure you feel comfortable and have confidence in the decision you finally make.

New Homes in Laurel Creek

Recently we have listed three gorgeous patio homes in Augusta Place which is a community within the Laurel Creek subdivision. These new construction homes were built by O’Connell Signature Homes who is one of the premier builders in York County. Each of these homes has a unique floor-plan, however, they all share in the quality and beauty of the many features found throughout these homes such as granite counter-tops, hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances and moldings throughout. The homes are spacious with an abundance of storage and quality construction throughout. As you walk in you can immediately tell that care, quality materials and experience went into each of these homes. One really unique feature of Augusta Place is that the HOA maintains the lawn and exterior of these homes which makes this kind of living ideal for people that keep a busy and hectic schedule and want to really enjoy their time home relaxing and being home. Give us The Guilliams Team a call today and let us introduce you to a piece of paradise right here in Rock Hill

Low Maintenance Living for Empty Nesters

Not too long ago when you talked about empty-nesters the impression was one of older individuals who slow down and don't have much going on. Today when you say empty-nesters you talk about folks who have an active lifestyle, can set their own schedule and the kids are finally out of the house (until of course someone returns home). Folks are living longer and staying active and even though they become "senior" in years there is really no senior in their living habits. Empty-nesters tend to get involved in activities and social groups that they never had time for when working and raising families. Now empty-nesters can set their own schedules and participate in activities on their own time. They can truly enjoy living the lifestyle they have often dreamed of whether that means taking up golf, playing in a bridge club, joining a gardening club, taking in the theater on a Tuesday night and the list goes on and on. Part of the lifestyle that empty-nesters look for in today's market is one that offers comfortable and even luxurious living without all the demands of a yard and outside maintenance. Popular concepts emerging today including luxury type patio homes where homeowners pay a monthly fee which covers the outside maintenance of their home including lawn care, landscaping, paint, shingles and so forth. Having such a large part of home maintenance taken care of by other means allows many empty-nesters who are homeowners to enjoy the activities they want to participate in without feeling guilty of all the chores of maintaining a home. After years of working hard folks deserve "luxury" living which includes being an empty nester and enjoy spending the time the way you want to spend your time.
Enjoy life and let The Guilliams Team show you how to transition to the lifestyle you deserve today. Being an empty-nester is great so let the living begin!

We call Rock Hill home

Rock Hill is still a city that comes as a huge surprise to the many visitors that continue to find this gem of a city. With both of us transfers into Rock Hill (Tim is from Martinsville, VA and Gina is from Fayetteville, NC) we feel we can speak first hand about all the great things this city has to offer that many people don't know about. We are starting a new segment where we share some of our favorite Rock Hill finds. Of course let's start with food.
Sonny's Dutch Mill has been a Rock Hill institution for decades. If you are looking for some of the best hamburgers and hotdogs that you will ever eat then Sonny's Dutch Mill is a place you have to check out. Located on Anderson Road, Sonny's is conveniently located near the Rock Hill Galleria Mall, Manchester Theater and shopping complex and the Manchester Meadows Soccer fields. Sonny's is open for breakfast and lunch and offers great value for your money. If you are looking for great comfort food, hand cut fries and much more be sure and check out one of favorite finds today. We hope you enjoy our Posts and see more at Rock Hill Homes

Ready to Buy?

If you think you are ready to become a homeowner ask yourself the following questions.
1. Have you researched the market? Knowing what homes are selling for in the area can help you determine how much you should plan to spend.
2. Do you have sufficient savings to cover down payment and closing costs? Expect to have 3% - 20% of the sale price in the bank to cover your down payment, plus another 2% - 7% to cover closing costs.
3. Do you know how much home you can afford? A mortgage payment should not exceed 25% of yur gross monthly earnings. A home that sucks up more than a quarter of your income may lead to financial difficulties.
4. Is your credit report accurate? Inaccuracies on a credit report can cost you higher interest rates. Request your credit report from all three nationwide credit bureaus and report mistakes immediately.
If you answered yes to all these questions - you're ready to consider buying! Let The Guilliams Team help you find your dream home today!

Augusta Place Patio Homes

One of the most tremendous living experiences in all of Rock Hill, SC has to be found in Augusta Place. Tucked within the beautiful community of Laurel Creek, Augusta Place is a great living concept that is becoming more and more popular among homeowners. At Augusta Place you will find homes built by premier builders in the Charlotte, NC area. Homes range in size from 2400 sq ft to 4000 sq ft with attention to every detail and upgrades found throughout. Potential homeowners can find a variety of floorplans sure to please the requirements of any homeowner looking for a unique and wonderful living experience. One great feature is that the homeowners fees include all outside maintenance including lawn, roof, paint and so forth. This concept of living is ideal for folks who long to have a lovely yard, but the desire for someone else take care of the maintenance. Augusta Place is a friendly community quaintly tucked into Laurel Creek which offers a great neighborhood with sidewalks perfect for walking, biking, jogging and a neighborhood pool that is unlike anything else that you can find in Rock Hill. Give The Guilliams Team a call today and let us introduce you to Augusta Place and all the amenities that Laurel Creek has to offer.

Woodland United Methodist Church

When our clients move to our area there are many things they try to get connected with early on such as doctors, dentists, shopping, barbers, schools and churches. Several years ago we were attending a church with wonderful people yet we never felt we fit in. We started visiting churches in the area and after being invited by one of our neighbors to visit Woodland United Methodist Church we finally found where we belonged. Conveniently located on Cherry Road near Winthrop and Earthfare this church on the corner is one you have to visit if you are looking for a place of worship that offers so much for all ages. Woodland has a tremendous program for children, youth, college students, young adults, and seniors. Sunday School classes start at 9:30 am and church service at 10:30 am. During the week there are a number of serves for folks in the community to participate in such as choir, prayer serves and so much more. Many of our members serve on a number of missions opportunities locally, statewide and internationally. The church also has traditions that many in the community look forward to such as the annual Pumpkin Patch and Christmas Cookie Walk. The music program at Woodland continues to grow with choir, bell choir, youth ensemble, children's choir and so much more. Week after week Dr. Larry Parker teaches and inspires his congregation and you just can't get enough of his messages. Woodland also offers a Pre-school enrichment program that many in the community enroll their children. Woodland has been part of the community for years and with the outreach and reputation the church continues to grow. If you are looking for a church please know you are invited to a special place and we would love to have you visit our wonderful church on the corner.

Softball at Cherry Park in Rock Hill

One of the landmarks that has put Rock Hill on the map has to be Cherry Park. Located on Cherry Road this park is perfect for all your sporting needs. Cherry Park is a state-of-the-art, award winning recreational complex that spans 68 acres. One of the features of Cherry Park is the control tower which is surrounded by 5 softball fields, 5 multi-purpose fields for soccer and football, several picnic areas and great playground areas for the kids. The picnic and playground area is a popular site for birthday parties and a wonderful gathering place for kids and their friends.
Cherry Park is also a popular location for walkers, runners and bikers who can enjoy the trails which wind within the wooded area and surround the parimeter of the park. Cherry Park hosts a number of sporting event tournaments throughout the year and during the annual Come See Me Festival this is one of the most popular spots with Gourmet Gardens help at the park.
If you are looking for a relaxing and enjoyable outdoor area to enjoy time with your family and friends then Cherry Park is a place you need to check out today.

York County

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.

Winthrop University

It is that time of year when school gets ready to crank back up into full swing and that includes the students returning to Winthrop University. Winthrop University is a tremendous institution and over the years it is evident to see the renovations and updates that are taking place all over the campus. Within the last year a state-of- the-art wellness center opened up to students and faculty that is not typical of many university facilities. The new student center is well underway and once completed this will be a gathering center that will be the heart and soul of campus. Many of the buildings have gone through renovations and "facelifts" and the campus is the pride of Rock Hill, SC. There is electricity in the community when the students arrive back for classes and the energy is definitely beginning to build. Students will find a new eatery about to open across from campus on Cherry Road called University Grille that will offer reasonable prices and a varied menu for students and other diners looking for good food. Groucho's Deli also across from Winthrop University has extended their hours to include being open on Sundays. So many convenient offerings continue to the students and reaching these destinations is only a short walk away. Winthrop University is a part of the history of Rock Hill and one of the many features that make us proud to call Rock Hill home.

Manchester Meadows Soccer Complex

We had a great experience this weekend and it was a first for both of us. Friends from Fayetteville, NC were in town for a soccer tournament which was held at Manchester Meadows. Teams from many states arrived at Manchester Meadows for the tournament and we heard comment after comment about how tremendous the complex was and everyone was so impressed and complimentary. Manchester Meadows is conveniently located in Rock Hill close to the interstate and it is surrounded by shopping, restaurants and many other amenities. Points of interest for shopping included Target, Khol's, Hobby Lobby, Pier I, Books-A-Million, Ross, GameStop and TJ Maxx. With all the choices of food options any taste or craving can be satisfied. Within walking range of Manchester Meadows is Olive Garden, Taco Bell, Bob Evans, McAllisters, McDonalds and just a short drive from the field is Cracker Barrell, Long Horn, Ruby Tuesdays, O'Charleys and so much more. There are a number of hotels near the fields which makes it super convenient for traveling teams and their fans. You can find Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn, Fairfield Inn and many more options. The developers who created the concept of Manchester Meadows did a great job with the fields, the park grounds and the picnic areas. All of us in Rock Hill are proud to show off such a wonderful place that brings visitors back again and again

Find an agent you can trust

Choosing a real estate agent can be daunting task, but in today's market sellers are much better off having a real estate professional representing them verses trying to market and sell a home on their own. With current economic conditions it takes patience when selling a home and depending on price point, some homes may not sell as quickly as if in better economic times so it makes it even more important to partner with a real estate agent that will work hard to market and get your home sold. When deciding which real estate professional to partner with here are some good questions to ask
* Do you do visual tours on the internet?
* What kind of weekly data can you provide me to see what kind of internet hits the listing is receiving?
* What kind of stats can you provide that will compare my home to similar homes in the marketplace (ie price per square foot, number of showings, etc).
* What market tools do you use that will make my home stand out against the competition?
* How many showings do many of your listings receive?
Be careful to choose a realtor you trust and try to avoid "jumping around" to find a better situation as each time a home is relisted you lose valuable exposure time and that one buyer you need may miss your home during the downtime between agents. We would love to discuss our marketing plans for your properties and feel to contact is at The Guilliams Team for more information

Why pay 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.

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Opportunity Knocking

This may be your opportunity to live in your dream home! Remember when you bought your current home, you really wanted to buy that dream home, but it was out of reach. With prices lower than never before,and interest rates till holding at a low rate this may be the time when that dream home is within reach! The money you may "lose" on the sale of your current home you can be more than made up on the ownership of your dream home! Let's sit down and take a look at your options before this opportunity passes you by for good. What are you waiting for!

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

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.
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