Fort Mill , South Carolina

Since 1986 Gina has called York County home and if there is one area that has made a complete transformation, but retained the hometown feel it is Fort Mill, South Carolina . In the beginning Fort Mill was well known as the home of a textile empire, Springs Industries. One of the original manufacturing plants burned in the early 1980s and that space, which is near downtown, has been converted into a wonderful community park known as the Walter Elisha Park. The park is located near the quaint downtown area that still boasts many unique shops great for spending a leisurely Saturday afternoon. Fort Mill has grown tremendously with residential developments such as Baxter, a new Lowe's store, an unbelieveable Wal-Mart and lots of niche shopping centers and restaurants unique to the Fort Mill area. Locals will tell you to be sure and check out the Peach Stand which offers a great selection of produce, famous Fort Mill peaches, an incredible butcher shop and much more. Fort Mill is growing, however, it maintains the quaintness of long ago. Fort Mill is conveniently located right off of I-77 and is just minutes from Charlotte, NC. Fort Mill is home to the Charlotte Knights which is a AAA baseball franchise. There are so many offerings in Fort Mill and this is just an area that you have to discover to truly appreciate. Give us a call today and let us show you this wonderful South Carolina gem.

Visit Homes for Sale in Fort Mill to see the wide variety of home selections only minutes from downtown Charlottte, North Carolina and we hope you find the free links below useful in your search. This area has all the amenties of a large city but it has retained its small town flavor.

Homes for Sale in Fort Mill under 100,000

Homes for Sale in Fort Mill 100,000 to 150,000

Homes for Sale in Fort Mill 150,000 to 200,000

Homes for Sale in Fort Mill 200,000 to 250,000

Homes for Sale in Fort Mill 250,000 to 300,000

Homes for Sale in Fort Mill 300,000 and above

"WOW"

Have we got a place that you have to check out. Not even sure how to describe it, but when you go make sure you have your walking shoes on. In Fort Lawn, SC just 30 minutes from Charlotte, NC and 20 minutes from Rock Hill, SC you will find "WOW". Two of the previous manufacturing facilities owned and operated by Springs Industries are now home to a furniture and rug superstore in one plant and home accessories in the other plant. In the old Elliott Plant you will find items such as lamps, dishes, Christmas ornaments, candles, outdoor furniture, odd and end pieces, mirrors, home decor and so much more. In what use to be the Frances Plant you will find furniture, rugs, mattresses and deals that are truly unbelievable. We kept hearing about WOW and there is no way to describe it other than "wow". Make the drive to Fort Lawn and check out both of these locations. They are open 7 days a week and it is so worth the drive.

Know the market value of your home

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

Is refinancing for you?

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!

Active Adults in York County

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.

Seeking 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.

Low Maintenance 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 believe in customer service

As the REALTORS® you have chosen to exclusively represent you in the purchase of your new home, we promise that we will:
Provide you with guaranteed customer service during the entire buying process.
Organize and schedule your home search process.
Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each home in relation to your specific needs.
Provide you with on-going updates on available homes.
Help you to compare homes and make a decision.
Advise you on the terms and issues of the offer and fill out the purchase offer contract.
Present your offer and negotiate on your behalf.
Coordinate and supervise the preparation of all closing documents and guide you through the
closing process.
Help you resolve any closing issues.
Coordinate move-in and assist with any post-closing issues.
We look forward to being your "Partners" in making your dreams come true

Its up to you to take action

Are you looking for a solid investment due to the stock markets wild ride or are you just getting out of college and renting ? If so, you should be considering real estate to build your future. With interest rates at such a low rate and great values on the market , today is the perfect time to get started on the new home you have been dreaming of. In addition , why pay rent when there are so many first time home buyer programs out there to get you in your dream home. Contact us at Rock Hill Homes to get started .Have a great day

One of life's most important experiences

Buying real estate is one of the most important experiences in any person`s life. Choices, wise or otherwise, made when choosing a home or investment will affect the quality of your life for years to come.For a buyer to make a wise choice, many questions need to be asked, decisions must be made, and numerous options must be weighed. It is the real estate consultant`s responsibility to help you through this complicated and often confusing process. Please choose your Realtor carefully!The most important asset a real estate consultant can possess is empathy. Be sure the agent cares more about your needs than the commission checks he/she may earn.The Guilliams Team would appreciate having the opportunity to be your real estate consultant. Our primary responsibility is to help you make wise choices. It is a responsibility we don`t take lightly. Thank you in advance for your consideration. You are appreciated!

Is "For Sale By Owner" really for you?

Whenever homeowners are considering selling their home one of the first questions they ask themselves is should they try to do "for sale by owner" instead of listing with a real estate agent. This is a fair question and many folks think they can manage the process of selling a home on their own while saving commission to a realtor. Many folks who take this path quickly become disenchanted with the process and all that is involved in trying to sell their home.
The truth is a real estate agent can help homeowners from the beginning of the process by gathering information such as comps in the area, analyzing home trends, make recommendations to get your home ready to sell and more than anything market your home. Potential buyers these days are fully utilizing the internet to do home searches and folks trying to sell a home on their own will not have the access to meet the mass number of folks that are surfing the internet each and every day. Realtors utilize a number of sites and can make sure your home is being exposed to as many folks as possible. In addtion the process of managing showings including having constant access for buyers is very critical in the seling process. Buyers will cross homes off their lists quickly if they cant get access to homes on their terms. With the large invnetory of homes on the market For Sale by Owners properties can miss out quickly on buyers due to communication issues.
Statistics show that sellers who list with an agent sell their home 20% faster and for a much higher price than those that try to sell themselves. For sale by owner can work, but you need to understand the pros and cons of the process. Give us The Guilliams Team a call today for a free consultation and let us help you determine what is the best way for you to sell your home.

Renovations and Remodeling

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.

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

Fort Mill , SC - Past and Present

Since 1986 I have called York County home and if there is one area that has made a complete transformation, but retained the hometown feel it is Fort Mill, SC. In the beginning Fort Mill was well known as the home of a textile empire, Springs Industries. One of the original manufacturing plants burned in the early 1980s and that space, which is near downtown, has been converted into a wonderful community park known as the Walter Elisha Park. The park is located near the quaint downtown area that still boasts many unique shops great for spending a leisurely Saturday afternoon. Fort Mill has grown tremendously with residential developments such as Baxter, a new Lowe's store, an unbelieveable Wal-Mart and lots of niche shopping centers and restaurants unique to the Fort Mill area. Locals will tell you to be sure and check out the Peach Stand which offers a great selection of produce, famous Fort Mill peaches, an incredible butcher shop and much more. Fort Mill is growing, however, it maintains the quaintness of long ago. Fort Mill is conveniently located right off of I-77 and is just minutes from Charlotte, NC. Fort Mill is home to the Charlotte Knights which is a AAA baseball franchise. There are so many offerings in Fort Mill and this is just an area that you have to discover to truly appreciate. Give us a call today and let us show you this wonderful South Carolina gem.

Now and Then ............Progress has been made

Over the last several days many folks in Rock Hill and the surrounding areas have been following the news about the fire at the old Rock Hill Printing and Finishing Plant which is affectionately referred to as the Bleachery. In the days when the Bleachery was running at full capacity about 5,000 people worked there so most folks at one point either worked at the Bleachery or knew someone who did. The Bleachery has been vacant for 10 years therefore when it caught fire on Friday it was really an end to an end. Much of Rock Hill and Fort Mill revolved around the Bleachery, but now you have to appreciate and respect the past as Rock Hill embraces and prepares for the future. Rock Hill and Fort Mill have become an area which continues to attract new businesses and industries and where textiles once was king the landscape of this community continues to become truly diversified. There are so many offerings for various industries and businesses in York County and as a result this area continues to become a melting pot community bringing folks from all over the US and other countries. It is always amazing to find out what brought folks to York County and even though the reasons are varied the one common comment we here from people is how much the love the area and the people and how glad they are to call this area home.

Money Saving Ideas

1. Give your dishwasher a break. Turn off the dry cycle and air dry your dishes instead. This can save you up to 1 percent of your energy bill. Or, for more savings, wash the dishes by hand.
2. Do laundry efficiently. Use the warm or cold water setting to wash your clothes instead of hot water, and always use cold water to rinse them. Whenever possible, line dry your clothes or hang them on a rack.
3. Replace your air conditioner filters. Dirty, clogged filters can force your system to run longer and use more energy. You should replace the filters monthly for maximum benefits.
4. Get some fresh air. Turning off your air conditioining can save money. Leave your windows open or buy several fans to circulate the air, especially at night when it’s already cooler outside.
5. Pull out the grill. Throw a barbecue outside instead of using the oven. It tastes delicious and will keep your home cooler. Many public parks have grills available if you do not own one.
6. Travel smart. With rising airline ticket prices and fees, you may want to consider another mode of travel, such as train. If an airline flight is necessry for a vacation, book it early to get the best rate. July is one of the busiest travel months, so perhaps choose a trip later in the summer.
7. Packing light will go a long way when traveling by air. Some airlines are charging extra fees for checked baggage. You can avoid these extra fees by only packing what you absolutely need for the trip.
8. Dust off the library card. Visit your local library this summer for an excellent assortment of books you haven’t read. Some libraries have DVDs or movies to borrow, which can save you a bundle.
9. Keep an eye out for end-of-summer sales. Experts say the best time to purchase home and garden supplies is after July 4. Watch for summer clothing and swimwear sales at the end of summer and stock up for next year.
10. Buy a city pass. Popular tourist ciites, such as New York, Seattle, San Francisco, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia and Hollywood, offer special passes that allow you to visit several attractions for a reduced price. Many theme parks, museums and national parks offer similar passes, which can be found online.

Visit Open Houses

For potential home buyers who are looking to purchase a home immediately or in the future, visiting open houses is a great way to learn about neighborhoods, decide features that are important , and be current on what is available on the market in order to do some comparisons. Open houses are a great way to visit homes on the market at your leisure with no pressure to buy when you walk in. We encourage potential buyers to visit open houses to help them narrow down and determine what elements are important to them when they are ready to buy their home. Many buyers aren’t sure what features they want in a home so open houses can give buyers a visual to see how they have incorporated various features and functions in their homes. Open houses are an easy way to get ideas and check out things in homes to help buyers decide what matters most and there is also the chance that when you visit an open house you just might find your perfect home.

Renting?.........The Time to buy is now

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

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!

One of lifes most importnat experiences

Buying real estate is one of the most important experiences in any person`s life. Choices, wise or otherwise, made when choosing a home or investment will affect the quality of your life for years to come.For a buyer to make a wise choice, many questions need to be asked, decisions must be made, and numerous options must be weighed. It is the real estate consultant`s responsibility to help you through this complicated and often confusing process. Please choose your Realtor carefully!The most important asset a real estate consultant can possess is empathy. Be sure the agent cares more about your needs than the commission checks he/she may earn.

Baxter Homes Values would appreciate having the opportunity to be your real estate consultant. Our primary responsibility is to help you make wise choices. It is a responsibility we don`t take lightly. Thank you in advance for your consideration. You are appreciated!

New South Interiors

For shoppers in the market for furniture that is unique, tasteful and of the highest quality then you have to check out New South Interiors. PF and Chip Pryor are owners of this one-of-a-kind furniture store that is located in the historic Cotton Factory in downtown Rock Hill. PF has many years in the business and is also an interior designer who has incredible taste and vision making her a joy to her many clients. The quality of offerings in the store is tremendous and from the moment you walk through the doors you realize you have entered something very special and unique. The furniture they carry is furniture that you will be able to pass down as heirlooms. Prices are quite reasonable especially given the quality of craftsmanship and materials. It is important that the furniture is beautiful, functional and well made so you won’t find cheap furniture that has been glued together. New South Interiors has been in Rock Hill for about a year and people from all over the greater Charlotte area are discovering New South Interiors and all the wonderful qualities that truly set this store apart from all the other competitors. Be sure and check out New South Interiors today.

Every Home is a stage

Play your part when it's time to sell. A few simple techniques can help your home show better and sell faster.
Make it shine: Use orange oil on dried out wood cabinets to restore luster and shine.
Accessorize: Add a bowl of polished apples, oranges or grapes to the kitchen counter or dining room table.
Smells sell: Woo prospective buyers with the irresistable scent of fresh baked apple pie or cookies.
Let there be light: Natural light can enhance the look of any room. Make sure your windows and window treatments are sparkling clean and wide open when potential buyers arrive.
Pictures of you: Place photos of your and your family enjoying the home in at least three areas of the home to show how your family made this house a home.
Ready to sell? We have more ideas to make your home sparkle for prospective buyers so contact us at Baxter Home Values today.

Sellers , you must think like the buyer

As the seller, you can control three factors that will affect the sale of your home: * The home's condition* Asking price* Marketing strategyHowever, it's important to note that there are numerous other factors that influence a buyer, and you need to understand these consumer trends when you enter the sellers' market. The more your home matches these qualifications, the more competitive it will be in the marketplace. Your real estate agent can advise you on how to best position and market your home to overcome any perceived downsides. LocationUnfortunately, the most influential factor in determining your home's appeal to buyers is something you can't control: its location. According to the National Association of REALTORS(r), neighborhood quality is the No. 1 reason buyers choose certain homes. The second most influential factor is commute times to work and school. SizeWhile some buyers want to simplify their lives and downsize to a smaller home, home sizes in general have continued to increase over the decades, nearly doubling in size since the 1950s. Smaller homes typically appeal to first-time home buyers and "empty nesters," or couples whose children have grown up and moved out. AmenitiesPreferences in floor plans and amenities go in and out of fashion, and your real estate agent can inform you of the "hot ticket" items that are selling homes in your market. If your home lacks certain features, you can renovate to increase its appeal, but be forewarned: That's not always the right move. Using market conditions and activity in your neighborhood as a gauge, your agent can help you determine whether the investment is likely to help or hinder your profit margin and time on the market.