How America Got Its First Christmas Tree

Christmas trees now sparkle in millions of homes, but did you ever wonder how the tradition began? No doubt there are several stories regarding the start of this custom, and here's one I'd like to pass along.

"It's now been more than 150 years since Professor Charles Minnigerode decorated Williamsburg's first Christmas tree," says Robert C. Wilburn, president of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation .

"A German native, the College of William and Mary professor brought the festive tradition with him to the United States. When Nathaniel Beverley Tucker invited Professor Minnigerode to celebrate the holiday season at the St. George Tucker House, he trimmed a tree with candles and fancy paper decoration as a present for Tucker's children."

A Christmas Tree can add Excitement throughout our homes during the Season!

Beverley Randolph Tucker, a descendant, says that "regular sized candles were cut down and fastened on the tree, nuts were gilded, and other ornaments made. Presents were probably not distributed at this time, but there were songs, games, and refreshments." (Tales of the Tuckers, 1942).

From that humble beginning (and likely similar celebrations with other German immigrants), evolved what is now an American tradition observed in millions of homes.

As to the St. George Tucker house, it was donated to Williamsburg in 1993 after more than 200 years of family ownership. Used now as a donor hospitality center, the home is one of the most unusual examples of original colonial architecture to be found.

St. George Tucker was born in Bermuda and came to the colonies to study law at William and Mary under George Wythe, whom he later succeeded. He was a member of the collegiate Flat Hat Society -- a fraternity that evolved into what we today know as Phi Beta Kappa.

In 1788, Tucker bought three lots on the green in Williamsburg near the governor's palace. This was once the site of the first theater in America (Levingstone's) as well a small house. Tucker then built a home on the property which was expanded, wing after wing, until he decided to try something different: the house was pushed outward with the result that a visitor now finds parlors that have windows looking over the Williamsburg green as well as windows which look into the home's central hallway.

Such expansion was a necessity because Tucker had nine children and five stepchildren from two wives. While not all lived to adulthood, a family dinner could include Tucker as well as three children who served in the Congress at the same time: John Randolph (a stepson), Beverley Tucker, and Henry St. George Tucker. His brother, Charles Tucker, a physician, was appointed Treasurer of the United States by Jefferson and served from 1801 to 1828.

"When he was in his early twenties," writes Beverly Randolph Tucker, "he happened to be in Richmond during the meeting of the Assembly at St. John's Church and to have been sitting in the gallery when Patrick Henry made his famous 'Give me Liberty or Give me Death' speech and immediately afterward St. George Tucker wrote what we know of the speech today."

When the Revolution began, the British seized the Williamsburg magazine to deprive the colonialists of ammunition and powder. Believing that fair is fair, Tucker sailed to Bermuda, "liberated" the British magazine, and brought tons of ammo back to the colonialists.

After the revolution, Tucker taught at William and Mary, became a judge, and 1803 published an Americanized edition of Blackstone's Commentaries: With Notes of Reference to the Constitution and Laws, of the Federal Government of the United States, and of the Commonwealth of Virginia . This five-volume set is one of the foundations of our legal system and today is still in print.

Tucker held a number of opinions which are at the core of American law and custom.

On religion he wrote, "Liberty of conscience in matters of religion consists in the absolute and unrestrained exercise of our religious opinions, and duties, in that mode which our own reason and conviction dictate, without the control or intervention of any human power or authority whatsoever."

Tucker was also a strong believer in the concept of a free press.

"Liberty of speech and of discussion in all speculative matters, consists in the absolute and uncontrollable right of speaking, writing, and publishing, our opinions concerning any subject, whether religious, philosophical, or political...."

Perhaps most remarkably, in a state and a society where the ownership of slaves was equated with wealth and status, Tucker wrote "A Dissertation on Slavery: With a Proposal for the Gradual Abolition of It in the State of Virginia."

"Whilst America hath been the land of promise to Europeans," he wrote in 1796, more than 60 years before the Civil War, "it hath been the vale of death to millions of the wretched sons of Africa. The genial light of liberty, which hath shone with unrivalled lustre on the former, hath yielded no comfort to the latter...."

Tucker died in 1828, and it was his son, Nathaniel Beverley Tucker, also a judge and professor of law at William and Mary, who hosted the famous tree in 1842.

No doubt if Mr. Tucker were with us today he would extend to one and all the very best wishes for this holiday season and the coming New Year.

Should You Purchase A Home In the Winter?

Spring and summer are the high season for home sales, but winter can be a buyer’s market. If you don’t mind a smaller pool of homes for sale or moving around the holidays, winter might be a good time for you to house shop.

Less Competition, More Leverage
Since spring and summer are the most active real estate seasons, many home sellers wait until then to list their homes. That means there are fewer homes for sale in the winter, but the sellers often have strong reasons to sell their homes soon, such as job relocation. These motivated sellers can be a boon to the home buyer.



Buying a home in the winter has many unique benefits.

While there are fewer homes to choose among, the smaller selection can save you a lot of time. Do you really want to traipse through 50 houses? It may be simpler to view the handful of homes for sale in the winter and choose the one that best suits your needs.

Just as there are fewer homes for sale during the winter, there are fewer buyers, too. That means less competition and sellers who are more willing to accommodate potential buyers. Use this knowledge to your advantage. Offer a relatively low (but not insultingly low) bid for the home you’ve selected, or ask for perks such as the living room furniture or the chandelier that you admire. The low number of potential buyers also means you have more time to make your decision. In the spring, you often need to choose a home and act quickly, but in winter you may be able to take your time.

Assessing a Home’s Winter Fitness
Viewing homes in the winter lets you see how it holds up to the weather. Did you feel cold while looking through the house? Is there a functioning heating system and hot water? Are the windows letting in drafts?

Availability of Agents and Others
Another advantage of buying a home in the off-season is the greater availability of industry professionals. Real estate agents will have fewer clients and more time to focus on your home search. Lenders will be more accessible for questions and assistance. Some lenders even waive fees during the off-season to encourage borrowers to use their services. Likewise, movers tend to lower their costs during the winter months.

Gray Gardens or Winter Wonderland?
Home buyers can be turned off by the bleak look of prospective homes in winter. Bare trees and lawns covered in gray snow aren’t the most picturesque. However, you’ll be able to see how well neighbors tend driveways and sidewalks, whether the town plows or salts icy streets, and whether kids come out to play in the snow. Around the holidays, you might even see the neighborhood decorated in its winter finest.

Go Ahead. The Time May be Just Right for You.
If the only thing that's holding you back is the season, then take the plunge. You may be surprised to find lovely properties and eager sellers willing to negotiate. Good Luck!

 

 

Captialize on Fall to Sell your Home Now!

When people think of buying or selling a home, they often associate springtime with sales. It's true that spring is the busiest time of the year for real estate, with a surge in homes entering the market, and more buyers emerging to begin a home search. But did you know that fall is the second busiest time of the year for home sales?



Enhance your home's curb appeal with a great fall pumpkin theme. 

This fall 2013 is a particularly good time to think about putting your home on the market if you've been considering a move. It's a seller's market right now, with fewer properties available for buyers to choose from. And less inventory on the market means that you have a greater chance of making a sale. Meanwhile, though mortgage interest rates have been rising, they are still very attractive. Savvy buyers are going to want to lock in those rates before they climb any higher.

And fall is a particularly lovely time to sell a home. With shorter days and cooler weather, and lower humidity in our area, it's easy to make your home seem cozy and inviting to a prospective buyer. If you have children, fall can be a great time to show your home since the kids are back in school during the daytime and it's easier to keep rooms picked up. As with any other season, before you list your home, don't forget to clean and de-clutter each room. Sort furnishings and belongings into the following categories: keep, toss, store, and donate. De-personalize rooms by removing family photos and knickknacks and make your home a warm canvas open to a prospective buyer's imagination. If necessary, do some repainting in warm, neutral colors.

Because of the change in weather and the dwindling hours of daylight, there are a few extra steps to take in the autumn months to ensure that your home will present well at showings. Step up your yard work efforts and make certain to clear fallen leaves and other debris regularly – it might be necessary to do a little of this sort of upkeep daily depending on the type of foliage you have in your yard and neighborhood. Take care that the front steps and walkways are clear for any buyers who might come by.

Fall is a beautiful season, so capitalize on its bounty. It isn't difficult to place a few hanging baskets or planters of cheerful yellow mums to greet guests and buyers alike. A fall wreath transforms a front door into a warm welcome. Ears of Indian corn and pumpkins and gourds also speak to the season.

Inside your home, make sure there is plenty of warm lighting to showcase your home's highlights and cheer up the shorter days. It's a perfect time of year for the most welcoming of scents, like cinnamon, apples, and pumpkin, all of which make a home seem inviting.

So, if you're thinking about selling this fall, there's no time like the present! Call me. I'm an expert and I'll guide you through the process. Together we'll get the ball rolling!

 

 

 

We've Done it Again!

The accolades just keep on coming for Charleston. Like winning - for the third time in a row from Condé Nast Traveler magazine - the #1 City destination in the U.S. And while we say "thank you... again!" You cannot help but wonder what does all of this really mean to and for our city?

Charleston's economy does rely heavily on tourism... but most of the residents are not involved in that business at all. We are doctors, laborers, mechanics, Realtors, marketers, lawyers, designers, and the list goes on and on. 

The Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park

We live downtown, on James Island, Johns Island, Mt Pleasant, Daniel Island, Awendaw, Kiawah, Seabrook and many other wonderful parts of greater Charleston. 

So how do these designations effect us and why should we be so proud? Well the publicity that goes along with them is national and actually since Condé Nast Traveler is an international publication we are talked about around the globe. So with people hearing all about what a beautiful, "hospitable" city we are, travelers make plans to come to our city and spend their money here. Those dollars are taxed and we use that revenue to improve our roads, schools, public buildings, and other essential services.

When you're downtown driving the busy streets or weaving through crowded sidewalks, remember that even though we all feel somewhat territorial about our precious city, since it's now opened up to the world it's up to us to be ambassadors of patience and good will... even though we may lose our own patience once in a while!

(Click the link below for the full story.)

Condé Nast Traveler

Mortgage Rates Rise, How will That Effect Your Home Sale?

Mortgage rates have been rising and that has some Buyers wondering if they missed the best time to buy. Not at all, say experts. That's because the rates are still considered very low and the increase isn't sharp.

Today’s rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage is approximately 4.375%, climbing from the June 1, 2013 rate of approximately 3.9%. Based on the higher interest rate, monthly payments on loans ranging from $100,000 to $300,000 don't go up significantly.

While the increases are monthly – they will add up over 12 months – it's still quite possible for many buyers to manage. Rick Allen, the chief operating officer at Mortgage Marvel suggests that if the payment isn't manageable, the consumer could buy a less expensive home. 

Get the information you need NOW from your Realtor and Mortgage Broker. Then start saving!

Rising interest rates often cause people to act quickly and jump into the housing market which can start to increase home prices in tight inventory markets as these potential buyers get more serious about home ownership.

If you're considering homeownership and wondering how the rise in interest rates will impact you, consult with a mortgage broker. An expert in the field can help you determine exactly how much home you can afford, at which rate, and for how long you'll have to pay.

If homeownership is high on your list, start your due diligence now. Meet with an experienced real estate agent to decide who can help you the most. Buying a home is a lengthy process and there is a lot to understand so you'll want to make sure you're compatible with the agent. You'll also want to make sure you have a clear picture of what you can afford, what you want in a home, and for how long you want to own it.

Next, since you know that rates are rising, start preparing. If you know that the home you wanted to buy was, for instance, in the $300,000 range but, due to rising interest rates, your monthly payments would be higher, and then look at your finances and see where you can cut back now to save a little more. Saving now will allow you to put more down on the home and reduce the amount of money you need to borrow which, therefore, lowers your monthly payments.

I write this often but it is most important – do your research. Don't give up on homeownership just because rates are rising. Instead, take a good look at your finances with experts and understand what you can afford now and/or how much you need to bring in to make your monthly payments manageable so you can afford a home in the near future. Education and understanding will lead to a more successful home-buying experience.

Why You Need to Change Your Residential Tax Status Now!

I'm always surprised to learn how many home owners have either forgotten to or just don't know to apply for the lower tax rate in South Carolina. It's simple and easy to do , but if you don't apply for it, your tax rate will stay at the rate of 6% versus the 4% that a full-time resident is entitled to.

Property taxes in South Carolina are assessed by the local counties, cities and school districts. Residential property taxes on the homeowner's legal residence and up to five acres of land are assessed on 4% of the property's value. Other residential property such as a second home is assessed at 6% of the value.

According to the South Carolina Department of Revenue,  to be sure you get the 4% assessment rate on your home you need to file an application with your county assessor. You should do that as soon as you move into your home, but you can file it anytime before taxes are due on January 15 after you've settled on your property. Once you file this application you do not have to file another one unless ownership changes or you use the property for a different purpose.

The local millage rates, which vary by location, are then charged on the assessed value to determine the tax liability.

Your Credit Score. What it Means & Why You Need to Know it!

Thanks to Carrie Van Brunt-Wiley, Editor of the HomeInsurance.com for the infomation contained in today'sblog.

Your credit score and your insurance payments- what’s the connection?
You’re likely not surprised when your loan officer asks for your social security number- a thorough credit check is standard when applying for a loan. However, many consumers are caught off-guard when a homeowners insurance agent asks for their social security number. It’s widely debated, but quite commonly practiced- for an insurance carrier to use a customer’s credit score to determine their insurance premiums.

What does your credit score really mean to your potential insurance carrier?
While many businesses will use a consumer’s credit score to determine eligibility for a line of credit or to discern whether a deposit should be held for an advance of services, insurance companies actually perform a different type of credit inquiry that they use for a very different reason.

A “Soft” Credit Check
First and foremost, it’s important to know that when an insurance company runs your credit they are actually performing what is called a “soft” credit check which accesses only your credit score and is not reflected as an inquiry on your credit report. As you probably can surmise, this is different from a “hard” credit check that a lender, for example, may run which does show up on your credit report as an inquiry. Since credit inquiries from “hard” credit checks can hurt your overall score it’s good to limit these types of credit checks when shopping for a mortgage, for example. However, since insurance carriers only perform a “soft” credit check you can feel free to shop for multiple insurance quotes without worrying about hurting your credit rating.

What they use it for
Here’s where a lot of confusion, and sometimes even frustration, can set in from a consumer’s perspective. Once an insurance company has your credit score, they use it (along with many other factors about you and your home, car, etc.) to assign you an “insurance score”. This insurance score reflects your potential risk to the insurer.
The insurance carrier then takes your risk potential and calculates your premiums. The more risk you pose, the higher your premiums will most likely be. This is where the real question comes in:

What does poor credit history have to do with my potential to file a claim?
If you’re asking this question, you’re not alone.
There is much debate over the use of credit scoring as a way to determine risk, and therefore assign rates to insurance consumers. However, insurance companies defend the practice saying that studies have shown a direct correlation between a person’s credit score and their likelihood to file a claim. Therefore, consumers with a lower credit score often pay higher rates for insurance.
Whether you agree with the practice or not, qualifying for better insurance premiums is just one other way that you can save money by keeping a good credit rating

Home Appreciation: Why it's Important to You

A positive recovery rate is predicted through 2017!

We've all gone through several years of a very poor real estate market. It really didn't feel good to be a Seller, and to watch the value of your home depreciate year after year. And some Americans lost everything in the devestation of short sales and home reposessions. We all know someone who was effected.

But the tide has turned and the experts (Home Price Expectation Survey 2013*) are predicting that home prices will fall back into step and become more predictable at an average of 4.7% over the next four years as we move into the mid-20teens. This is on a national basis and will be different based on your regional area. But it's all mainly positive.

Why is this great news for sellers? Now you can plan when you want to sell and even "expect" within a pretty good range, what your home's value will be.


*A nationwide panal of 100+ economists, real estate experts, investment and market strategists

Five Reasons Why Americans Want to Own Our Homes

With all the talk about our fluid housing markets, do we ever stop to wonder why we buy homes?

 

There is a plethora of opinions voiced by real estate gurus as to why the dream of home ownership is so important to most Americans. However, study after study reveals the same five reasons families decide to buy a home. They…

1. Want a good place to raise children
2. Want a place where their family feels safe
3. Want more living space
4. Want control of that living space
5. Realize that owning makes better financial sense than does renting

(For those who question the validity of number five after the recent housing crisis, Harvard University just finished a study on the issue)

If you are considering purchasing a home, look at the five reasons mentioned above. If any of them apply to you and your family, maybe it is time for you to take the plunge. With both prices and interest rates rising, waiting will only increase your monthly cost as we move forward.

Three Things You Should do to Get Your Home Sold and Why!

We've all seen them, the before and after DIY TV shows that transform homes for sale. But are they true? Well folks, as an experienced Realtor, after getting the right listing price, there's nothing more important you can do for the sale of your home than prepare the way it looks. We know that a "well-polished" house appeals to more buyers and will sell faster and for a higher price. Additionally, buyers feel more comfortable purchasing a well-cared for home because if what they can see is maintained, what they can't see has probably also been maintained.

Here are the three top things you should do to prepare your home - even if you can't do anything else - before you put it on the market:

1. Maximize the Exterior and Enhance the Curb Appeal



It's just as important to beautify the exterior of your home as the inside!



Why? If Buyers don't like what they see on the outside they may not even go into your home. Don't forget, if we're not there already, we are approaching a "Buyers Market" meaning they have their pick of many homes to choose from. Make your's the one they want more than any other! Now's the time to trim overgrown trees and bushes, check the foundation, steps, walkways, walls and patios for cracks and crumbling, look for peeling paint and clean the gutters out. And if you have the space, don't forget to put a beautiful (showy) pot of colorful flowers on the front porch to welcome all Buyers and hopefully a quick sale. We know it's a lot of work, but this will pay off in the end. 

2. Maximize the Interior Appeal
Why? Buyers are not really interested in your taste in decoration (unless you happen to be an award-winning interior designer), they want to envision it as their own. Re-paint rooms in neutral tones, re-place broken stove burners, fix that loudly humming refrigerator. And also repair dripping faucets and showerheads. All of these things will distract potential Buyers away from the possibilities.You may even want to purchase pretty new towels for the bathroom, to be brought out only when prospective buyers are on the way.

3. De-Clutter and Thoroughly Clean the Home top to Bottom:
Why? Now's the time to start packing for the move to your next home. Put away all those baby pictures, graduation photos and wedding collages that mean so much to your family. You don't want Buyers to spend time looking at them, you want them to see the beautiful woodwork, the shining hard wood floors and the lovely (expensive) kitchen granite. When your "stuff" is all around they will miss out on the important features of your home. So pack away the knick knacks that you love, hide the 101 spice jars in a neatly arranged cabinet and do a "clean sweep" of all the spaces in your home. You may come to love the uncluttered life.

Good luck selling your Ready-to-List home!

Colonial Lake, A Jewel in the Center of the Holy City

Sometimes we don't know what we have until we almost loose it. Or until it's so broken or outdated.

Colonial Lake in the middle of Charleston has always just been there. A pretty, plain, peaceful place to drive or walk by, but generally not a destination. When my kids were growing up in the seventies, they loved to rollerskate on the wide walkway, fish with their PopPop and see who could race around the entire perimeter the fastest. And the great thing about Colonial Lake today is that kids of any age can still do the same things!


My son, Rob with his grandpop. Probaby about 1975.
 

And the neighborhood residents would love to keep it that way, but it may not be "plain old" Colonial Lake for long. The Charleston Parks Conservancy and the City of Charleston have just begun fundraising to transform Colonial Lake with beautiful landscaping and more seating areas where the public can enjoy this landmark downtown park.

They elicited ideas from the public as well as design consultants and the capital campaign will begin very soon. If you're a lover of our public spaces, I know you'll want to contribute. Right now the Park is beautiful in its simplicity. When the renovation is complete sometime in 2014, it will become a destination and will make us even prouder of our wonderful city.

If you would like more information about the effort, just log on to http://www.charlestonparksconservancy.org/ 

Just Do Something!

I love that Ellen DeGeneres makes things happen. She recognizes a need and does something about it. For example, this past winter a young man from Summerville, SC responded to her show's Valentine's Day solicitation. Something like "what romantic thing did you do when you proposed to your fiancée?"

 
Well, young Brad Emmerton had sold his car to purchase the perfect ring for his love! Ellen's crew loved the story and set out to find out more about Brad and his new fiancée, Jennifer Balyeat. It turned out they were both teachers at Newington Elementary School in Summerville, a Title 1 school with a population of underserved children, at least 50% of whom received supplemental meals.
The Ellen Show flew Brad and Jennifer to celebrate their story where she presented Brad with a brand new RAV4 and a trip to Australia for their honeymoon! Wow!!
If you're wondering when I'll get to the punchline... here we go. During their interview on the show Ellen learned from Brad and Jennifer that because the school doesn't have the resources, the teachers in the school regularly use their own money to purchase school supplies like notebooks, pens, pencils, erasures, and other essential supplies. And if you know anything about South Carolina, you know that teacher salaries are NOT high. This "tradition" is a sacrifice by these dedicated teachers.
Getting back to Ellen, her team set up a Skype session with Brad and Jennifer, their principal and their kids and pretended they were just going to "check in." In fact, they had someone there to present them with a $50,000 check (!) donated by Skype to go toward all the essential supplies and whatever else the School decided to use it for.
That's what I mean, she recognizes a need and does something about it.
Thanks Ellen!http://www.journalscene.com/article/20130312/SJ01/130319956

Subject: Winning those Listing Challenges!

It's happened before – I receive a call from a potential client. Someone looking for a Realtor to assist them in selling their home. But this one is different, I can tell the minute I pull up to the curb. I can tell when I see the difficult listing appointments at homes that we know will be less than easy to get ready to sell.

One of my toughest had to be with the “Brown's,” a lovely couple who really, really loved their dog… and their cats… and their bird… and their hamsters. Ugh. I had to face it, they practically had a menagerie living with them and all the paraphernalia that went along with them including the correllating smells, pet stains and the wear and tear that goes along with that too!

The minute I pulled up to the messy front yard strewn with bright green tennis balls and chewed up sticks I had a feeling there might be an issue. And when the front door opened and a friendly golden retriever bounded past me and out the door with a strong pet smell wafting behind him my fear was confirmed… The “Brown's” home was an animal haven and the animal inhabitants were every bit as important as the humans. I put a smile on my face and waded past the dog beds and bird cages to discuss “de-cluttering” and “boarding” the animal family members when we got down to listing and showing time.

Being a dog-lover myself (you’ll hear lots about my Golden Retriever, Annie here) I understood just how deeply that “animal love” can go. So treating it seriously and with respect, I was able to help them understand that their home and their animals while cute, loving and wonderful to them may turn-off potential buyers. It may seem like a lot of work to some sellers, but in today’s market, while may seem like it's benefitting sellers, as Realtors, it’s our responsibility to encourage our sellers to do everything they can to get a leg up on their competition.

And happily this relationship turned out to be a win-win for my sellers, for me and for the menagerie!