Today is the day ! Today we on Active Rain will join bloggers around the world for the purpose of raising awareness and to trigger a "global" discussion on the issue of poverty. Thousands of different people today will give their viewpoints and opinions on the subject of poverty. Blog Action Day is a chance to view these issues through the eyes of others just like us. I have been reading various posts from the web all on this same topic and all for the same cause. BLOG ACTION DAY 08'. Lots of GREAT ideas, suggestions, comments, tips and advice. You can do any of the following for cheap or Free ways to help fight against poverty: You can dontate canned and non-perishable foods to your local food bank, Organize a free lunch/food distribution, Donate used-books and/or school supplies to in... 10/15/2008

Hey everyone... Any out there using TWITTER ? This is another kind of Blog page... I just started there too....It is hard to keep up ! It is kool...I can follow conversations from SC Realtor Board, My local Summerville chamber news, and  even the channel 2 news...Friends, Family, associates and more.... Here is the Link to my site, Check it out for your self and let me know your TWITTER experiences. http://twitter.com/belindasanchez   10/09/2008

There's a lot of talk these days about the Meltdown and the Bailout.  There's an interesting history similar to this in the World.  This crisis happened on a local level in Japan in the 80's.  And, after years of turmoil, the government had to step in and clean it up.  It was a similar circumstance (on a smaller level) but with equal turmoil. Bottom line:  Yes, we the taxpayers will end up paying for at least some of this, and many of the greedy leaders of companies who created this will walk away millionaires with large bonuses for their years of corrupt practice will go in the History Books. But, if we don't (as a country) put an end to this crisis, we'll continue to lose far more money on the value of our homes than it will cost us in taxes.; more Americans will lose their jobs, our ... 09/22/2008

Wescott Plantation Summerville, SC Market Report - 16 November 2010 Wescott Plantation is a beautifully planned neighborhood with a large assortment of different subsections each with unique floorplans and price ranges. The neighborhood is highlighted by the Wescott Plantation Golf Course, a favorite of many local Charlestonians. Schools - The residents who live in Wescott Plantation enjoy the benefit of living in the Dorchester II school district. The area schools include, Ft. Dorchester Elementary; Oakbrook Middle, and Ft. Dorchester High. Below is the Residential Real Estate Market Report for Wescott Plantation as of 16 November 2010. Month Year Monthly Sales Avg List $ Avg Sale $ Avg $/Sqft Median Sold $ Avg DOM Current Inventory Months Inventory January 2010 10 $164,491 $162,832 $9... 09/10/2008

Below is a report that compares the number of homes in each major price bracket that were sold from Jan-Aug of 2007 and 2008 in Summerville SC.  As you can see most price brackets have dropped in the number of homes sold from last year. If you are a home owner in Summerville and are considering selling, the most important decision you will make is determining the right Realtor and the right company to get your home sold in this very competitive buyer's market.  My job is to help people make good decisions in real estate.  Contact Michael Johnson at 843-817-5299 for a free personalized home consultation. If you are a buyer looking for a home in Summerville you can visit my website to perform a free home search.  Visit www.providingthelight.com or give me a call and we can schedule a time... 09/02/2008

Register for a FREE Top Producer 8i Training Class! As Top Producer's Sales Representative covering North Carolina and South Carolina; I offer FREE training sessions on a regular basis.  Get your first look at Top Producer 8i! This class is open to all agents and assistants!!!                                                                                                                     September 5, 2008    (10:00am-1:00pm) Summerville, South Carolina Hampton Inn 1015 Jockey Court Summerville, SC   29483 *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** Topics to be covered in the class include the following: Agent Set Up Contact Entry Action Plans (follow-up campaigns) Listing and Closing Plans Mass Email/Mail Out Customer Web pages CMA's and Buyer Presentations Community and School Reports... 08/28/2008

Are you looking for a townhome for sale in Summerville? A wonderful option for those that want to live close to heart of it all are the townhomes for sale in Central Commons.  Built by DR Horton, these townhomes are located close to the downtown area of Summerville off of Central Avenue. The gated community of Central Commons is completely built and townhomes for sale in Central Commons do not come on the market that frequently. As a result, if you click over to see what is currently for sale and don't see anything, don't be discouraged. Send me an email and I will set up an alert to make sure you know as soon as one becomes available.Townhomes for sale in Central Commons have sold for an average price of $148,000 over the last few years which is a great increase from the average of 115... 08/22/2008

If you are thinking about investing in a townhome for sale in Summerville, SC you need to weigh the pros and cons of living in a townhome.  Townhomes have long been popular in the United States. Originally designed to allow a maximum amount of people to live "in town" these tall homes were built side by side and typically shared adjoining walls.  Today, these types of homes are still popular and the town of Summerville has seen many town homes built in the new developments going up around town. Browse Townhomes for Sale in Summerville, SCBelow you will find a list of the communities who offer townhouses as well as the pros and cons of townhouse living!Pros of Town Home Living:1.Less Exterior Maintenance-If you are looking for very little yard to maintain, town homes usually are built on... 08/21/2008

You may have heard that the housing bill passed two weeks ago will end Downpayment Assistance Programs on September 30th, 2008. However, it's important that you know that recently, many government investors have begun proactively eliminating the program in advance of that deadline, like Chase. As one of the market lenders in the banking industry, they do set many trends which means other banks will follow suit.  I have been given information from one of my lenders that the guidelines they have set for their bank is that all FHA loans that use Seller Paid Down Payment Assistance Programs must be closed and funded (disbursed) by Wednesday, September 10, 2008!!!  Schedule your closing before this date to ensure funding!  This means that if you do not have a ratified contract in hand by the... 08/19/2008

Green is the new black right?  Heck, there is even a new Green channel on cable!  One of the things I love about my neighborhood in Summerville, SC is that recycling is made so easy.  I try to be green both at work and at home and making it easy is a key component in making it actually happen.  Here in The Bridges of Summerville, they make it super simple by having pick up services every Friday.  One week they pick up cans, plastic, etc and the next week they pick up paper.  Weeks alternate, except when there is a 5th Friday in the month.  That Friday they have off.  I will admit that I do get a little frustrated sometimes by the lack of enthusiasm from our neighbors of this awesome benefit in our little community.  Monday is garbage day and yesterday, as I left the neighborhood to go t... 08/11/2008

Daniel's Orchard is something new and distinctive in Summerville, yet in step with the atmosphere and charm of Historic Summerville.  As their slogan states, "Bringing Summerville back to Summerville" Daniel's Orchard is one of the new developments that is building homes and townhomes that mirror Summerville & Charleston architecture with sweeping front porches, large open rooms, tall windows, heart pine hardwood floors, detached garages, gas lanterns and double stacked porches.   Many of the homes are reminiscent of houses along Sumter Avenue and the downtown historic area of Summerville.    If you enjoy the architecture that has made Summerville & Charleston into the charming towns we love today,  you may find homes for sale in Daniel's Orchard in step with your taste.If you would lik... 07/22/2008

We are proud to have begun the first stages of our large coaching initiative in the Coldwell Banker Summerville office.  Whether you are a consumer reading and chosing who to select as an agent or an agent making a career change, this article is for you.  In today's market, agents must be informed, knowlegable and strong.  Each of my agents and those who join our office are going through a complete business planning and skill development coaching initiative.  We begin by helping each agent obtain a specific and written business plan.  We also are very serious about helping agents define their perfect customer.  This program insures that each client/customer gets the appropriate service and that each agent can be more productive in their career. Prepared, well informed and diligent agent... 07/20/2008

Homes for Sale in Branch Creek are conveniently located off of Highway 78 and the Berlin G. Meyers Parkway, and are just one mile from the downtown area of Summerville.  The Branch Creek subdivision is desirable for many reasons, among them is its close proximity to I-26,  Dorchester District II schools, and its close location to the new restaurants/stores/etc. slated to be built around the intersection of Berlin G and 78. View Homes for Sale Right Now in Branch Creek.The homes for sale in Branch Creek  contain homes built by Meridian Builders, Sabal Homes and town homes built by Beazer Homes. Sabal Homes is proud to be building Earthcraft Homes and is featuring a line of eight floorplans with varying elevations. Meridian is no longer building in Branch Creek, but is still carrying inve... 07/17/2008

A free community concert featuring Ann Caldwell will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at Summerville's town square, also known as Hutchinson Square. Caldwell, known in the Lowcountry as the first lady of jazz, works full time as a jazz singer, jazz vocalist, blues singer and musical producer, according to Summerville DREAM, host for the event. Caldwell's credits include performances for Piccolo Spoleto for the last eight years. She has been the featured vocalist with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and the CSO Gospel Choir and has appeared in "Porgy and Bess" and Clay Rice's musical production "Lowcountry Legends." She studied with Charleston's June Bonner when Bonner was at the Metropolitan Opera. Bring a beach blanket or a lawn chair. Refreshments will be available. No alc... 07/16/2008

The all time winningest football coach at any level coaches for the Summerville Green Wave.  John McKissick has been the head coach for the Green Wave for over 50 years with 556 wins and counting.  Last year he led his highly talented team to the state championship before being beat by Byrnes.  The Green Wave have  some  huges holes  to fill with the graduation of last years seniors which included nationally ranked and highly regarded wide receiver, AJ Green.  The school has a total of 10 state championships and this year they will strive to add another trophy to the trophy case.     2008 Summerville Green Wave Aug 29th v/s Conway Sept 5th at Goose Creek Sept 12th v/s Irmo Sept 19th v/s Ft. Dorchester Sept 26th at Stratford Oct 3rd v/s West Ashley Oct 10th at James Island Oct 17th at Wa... 07/15/2008

I had an Open House on Sunday in White Gables located in Summerville, SC. It was a great turnout for a steamy Sunday afternoon.  This community is patterned after downtown Charleston, but without the price tag and with cheaper taxes!  It's less than 5 miles from historic downtown Summerville and included in the awesome Dorchester District II schools! Anyone will love driving home every day and enjoy the well landscaped neighborhood, amenities, and friendly neighbors!  When you enter the neighborhood, you are greeted by ponds, fountains and arbors.  It's quite picturesque.  It feels like Rainbow Row as you troll down the main drag and enjoy unique architecture, piazzas, and double front porches.  The community has courtyards, green spaces, parks and sidewalks. I have yet to be in the nei... 07/14/2008

UPDATE: Trip is over :-( So much FUN ! We went everywhere and saw everything. Buffalo, Deer, Mountain goats and even Chipmunks ! Mt Rushmore and Yellowstone and even the Mall of America ! Wall Drug in South Dakota, what a trip ! We even got caught up in the middle of the Sturgis bike rally ! WOW ! GO ON VACATION AND SEE AMERICA.....You will not regret it ! Belinda     Yeah, Summer is here. My family and I are hitting the road once again. Our kids will celebrate their birthdays on the road, they will be 13 & 16 ! FUN, FUN, FUN !                                                                         My Kids                                   My Husband & Me Every other year we drive form Summerville, South Carolina (Our home of residence) to San Diego, California (Our dream home and where... 07/13/2008

Yes, July to October is the time of year that we in the south have to be prepared for hurricanes. I have for you a list of Emergency supplies that every household should have. Please plan ahead so that you will be ready for what ever may happen. Here is a link to the National Hurricane Center. You can track storm status and get more information from here .   http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ I hope this list will be helpful to everyone, Be sure to add anything else to your kit that you think would be helpful to you and your family. Disaster Preparedness KitThe most important part of your disaster plan is having a portable kit that includes the basic life support you will need after a disaster. Prepare to be self sufficient for at least 3 - 14 days. Here is a list of survival materials that shoul... 07/13/2008

Homes for Sale in Waterside Landing are located in Summerville, SC.  Waterside Landing is located off of Dorchester Road, between Bacon's Bridge Road and Main Street of Summerville.  Eastwood Homes is the builder in Waterside Landing and they plan to build on 120 wooded home sites, with a beautiful conservation area, boardwalk and nature trail to the Ashley River, hence the title "Waterside Landing." Another benefit of buying a home for sale in Waterside Landing is that you are just a short distance from I-26, the Charleston Air Force Base and North Charleston. View Homes for Sale in Waterside Landing and see if one fits your needs! To learn more about real estate for sale in Summerville, SC and about Waterside Landing, please e-mail me or call 843-974-6029. 07/11/2008

The annual 4th of July celebration "Red, White & Blue on the Green" will be held Wednesday, July 4 from 4 to 7 p.m. on Summerville's Town Square. This old fashioned 4th of July celebration focuses on families and is hosted by Summerville D.R.E.A.M. (Downtown Restoration Enhancement and Management Corporation). Events and activities include a magic show, live music, games for children of all ages, jump castles and prizes. Hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, cookies and cool treats will be sold and proceeds will benefit Summerville D.R.E.A.M. VanDoren the Magician will perform a professional magic show at 5 p.m. in front of the bandstand and a non-motorized parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. Registration for the parade begins at 4 p.m. As tradition calls for, participants bring their own decorated b... 06/26/2008