Planning on enjoying fireworks this Fourth of July?

Well, we have America’s first Vice President to thank for that.
So, thank you, John Adams.

The idea of lighting up the sky on Independence Day was thought up by our nation’s second President.
“It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”  
He wrote, to his wife Abigail, and the Declaration of Independence was transposed the next day.
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Charlotteans have an abundance of ways to celebrate with Fireworks shows and more beginning this weekend.

The first annual “Strut your Mutt Talent Show” will be held at Lucky Dog Bark and Brew with proceeds from entry fees going to benefit Long Trails to Happy Tails Dog rescue. There will be dogs available for adoption, as well. This event is a 21 and over party so only your fur children are allowed. For additional details visit https://luckydogbarkandbrew.com/event/strut-mutt-talent-show/

Sunday, July 1st the Charlotte Symphony will light up the sky with colorful fireworks and an amazing performance of songs celebrating America. Tickets are $18.00 for adults and children under 12 are free. “Celebrate America” Festivities begin at 8:15. For more information go to http://www.charlottesymphony.org/

On July 3rd, Tuesday, the family can take in shows such as “Red White and Boom” in Old Town Rock Hill beginning at 9:45 pm.  This spectacular will include fireworks and a free concert.
The US National Whitewater center will also be holding an event on the 3rd with free admission and many other free activities including live music and fireworks. There is a charge for parking.

I am thinking I just might attend the July 4th extravaganza at BB&T Ball Park which is the Skyshow Firework Spectacular. Fireworks will light up our gorgeous skyline right after the 6:05 pm game ends and right outside the stadium from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm there will be a street fair at Romare Bearden Park.  Plenty to do for the whole family.

Whether you celebrate with family and friends I leave you with this sentiment from Sinclair Lewis…
"Intellectually I know that America is no better than any other country; emotionally I know she is better than every other country."

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So, you want a career in Real Estate . . . 
The good news is it is relatively simple process to take the first step - getting your real estate license in both North Carolina and South Carolina!  
The process is the same while some of the details vary per state. Here are the nuts and bolts:
Process:
¨ Have a high school diploma or GED
¨ Be 18 years old or older
¨ Complete Real Estate Commission approved pre-licensing Education
¨ Successfully complete the state real estate licensing exam
¨ Work for a Broker-in-Charge
Pre-licensing Requirements:
Both pre-licensing classes are available from Fortune Academy through York Technical College.  (Real Estate Sales 1 and Advanced Principles of Real Estate)
North Carolina
After successful completion of 75 hours of education, you are eligible for the state level exam.  Once you've passed that exam, you are ready to activate you license and go work for your Broker-in-Charge!  
South Carolina
You must complete a total of 90 hours of education.  Successful completion of the first 60 hours are required to sit for the state exam.  (You must attend all 60 hours and pass a written, multiple choice exam)  The last 30 can be taken before or after passing the state exam.  (The 30 hour class does not have an exam at the end of the class - yea!)  Once you've completed the 90 hours and passed the state level exam, you are ready to activate your license and go to work for your Broker-in-Charge!  
 
Post Licensing
North Carolina requires a total of 90 hours of post licensing be completed within 3 years.  You can take them in less than 3 years if you wish.  You must take at least 30 per year.
South Carolina has no post-licensing requirement
There are some exemptions from the education requirement. Contact me for those details.
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​The Fastest Growing City in America – FORT MILL. SC (Part 2!)
A few details that landed on the cutting room floor from my segment on The American Dream TC Charlotte on Fort Mill, SC (You know I had soooo much more to say!!)
Fort Mill residents really do have the best of both worlds - The amazing small town atmosphere and southern hospitality with all that Charlotte has to offer just a hop, skip and jump up the I-77 freeway.  Add to that the top performing schools  - academics currently ranked #1 in the state (consistently in the top 5) with championship sports teams and marching bands.  And the vibrant Main Street area with several new local businesses (#SouthernSugar, #Hobos, #AmorArtis, #LocalDish, #TowneTavernExpress, #TheImproperPig, #Puckerbutt, #CrossingsOnMain, #ZBakery, #MainandGrayHome, #MudPuddle) plus several more under construction!  There is access to Lake Wylie and the Catawba River.  Plus the low property and sales taxes. 
The downtown is rich in architectural history.  Founded in 1755, the town is proud to have a variety of eras represented in the buildings on Main Street.  And thanks to Roots and Recall,  the town has recently unveiled TBHH (This Building Has History), a mobile friendly way to tour and share information on historical sites in South Carolina.  Just scan the QR code on the sticker in front window of the building and you can read all about it’s history!
There is a good variety of housing choices, both existing and new construction. Existing homes range from historical to built last year!  New Construction home choices are plentiful in Fort Mill with almost all of the national new home builders plus the local builders developing communities.  There are single family homes and town homes, master planned communities and intimate neighborhoods.   Property values are strong, with the median home price rising 33% over the past 10 years to $392,610.  With half the homes being under and half being over the median value, there are styles and prices for everyone!
As always – don’t hesitate to reach out anytime with any real estate need.  I am your ‘go to’ person with all my resources available for you!
And a huge shout out to Jamie Shirey!  He crushed it as my guest on The American Dream TV Show!!
 

​This month Charlotte bursts to life with a wide variety of family fun events and activities including quite a few exciting options for Father’s Day.
Starting this weekend the Queen City hosts the “Taste of Charlotte”. This annual favorite is a 3 day event spanning 5 city blocks with 4 stages of entertainment. This is a family friendly event for all ages.  Organizers have asked that dogs do not join this party.
If you do want to bring your dog into your social sphere, your fur friends are allowed at a large number of brewery activities happening in Charlotte during June. Check out the fantastic local resource https://www.charlottefive.com/ for the 10 best dog friendly events in Charlotte this summer. For the non-beer set, they have included Margaritas for Mutts at Vida Cantina which will donate $1 to dog/cat non-profits for every margarita sold.
If your crew feels like heading into Lake Norman, the Charlotte Symphony at Mc Guire Park is a musical extravaganza for the whole family.  Parking and admission are free.  Just bring a blanket, chairs and your favorite picnic.
The landmark home on the national register of historic places, The Duke Mansion, is hosting its 4th annual Home and Garden Tour on June 10th.  It has recently been named the 6th best historic inn in the South.  Sunday night visitors can stroll through the lush gardens, where they will be offering small bites and a cash bar.  Valet parking is free… for more information and reservations go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beyond-the-fountain-duke-mansion
And last but certainly not least, if you are stumped as to what to do with Dad for Father’s Day, why not take your favorite hero to HeroesCon at the Charlotte Convention Center.  This awesome event was founded in 1982 and it’s a Hero lovers must for fans, exhibitors, creators and you!
 
My dad is my Hero…Harry Connick Jr.

There has been a lot of talk recently about growth in Fort Mill and impact fees.  Residents of Fort Mill recently voted for an increase in impact fees requested by the Fort Mill School District.  Now we go through the process of readings and public hearings.  The second reading and public hearing is June 27, 2018.  It is open to all and anyone can speak.
So, just what are these impact fees and what impact could they have on you?  They will be assessed to developers of residential projects to capture a small/proportional share of cost of new infrastructure and  public facilities (in this case, schools)  that will be necessary due to  the growth.  They have been $2,500 per new home or apartment unit since 1996.  The current proposal is $19,000 per new home unit and $12,500 per apartment unit.

One perspective:

Pros:
Generally proposed with a reasonable degree of precision where they directly benefit the new users of the new facility. Compared to property taxes, which apply to all property owners, regardless of taxpayer’s use or derived benefits from the new facility.
 
Cons:
Charged one time, up front but are applied to the cost of the facility which may be in use 30 years or longer. How much of the cost of a particular facility should be borne by an individual or individuals who may or may not use it for a fraction of the thirty years?

​The Fort Mill Times has a couple good articles with information from both sides of the issue. 
http://www.heraldonline.com/news/local/article211251319.html  and http://www.heraldonline.com/news/local/article211251319.html
 
The second reading and public hearing is 6 p.m. June 27 at McCelvey Center, 212 E. Jefferson St., York. Final reading is tentatively planned for July 16.  Plan to attend to learn more, ask questions and share your opinion.