Lexington South Carolina Real Estate

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Merry Christmas to all

Merry ChristmasFrom My Family to yours a very Merry Christmas. May peace and joy be with you all.

For a child is born to us, a Son will be given to us, and
the government shall rest upon His shoulders and His name
will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal
Father, Prince of Peace.

Copyright © 2009 by Laura Jefferson, Acquire Real Estate

 www.lauraslexingtonhomes.com

I specialize in Buying and Selling Lexington South Carolina Real Estate in and around the Midlands of  South Carolina.  If you are thinking about buying or selling your home in Lexington, Lake Murray, Gilbert, Irmo, West Columbia, Columbia, Red bank, Pelion, Gaston, Chapin, Prosperity, Saluda, Newberry or other surrounding areas of South Carolina, and more importantly, want to work with the local area expert, please contact me at your earliest convenience.

 

 

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11 commentsLaura Jefferson • December 24 2009 10:56AM

Wordless Holiday Lights on the River

River Lights

Photo compliments of Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission. Dazzling, animated light displays, crafts and activities, horse-drawn carriage rides and much, much more...  Holiday Lights on the River is a magical event for the entire family! Open to the public daily and its a must do in Lexington South Carolina.

Copyright © 2009 by Laura Jefferson, Acquire Real Estate

 www.lauraslexingtonhomes.com

I specialize in Buying and Selling Lexington South Carolina Real Estate in and around the Midlands of  South Carolina.  If you are thinking about buying or selling your home in Lexington, Lake Murray, Gilbert, Irmo, West Columbia, Columbia, Red bank, Pelion, Gaston, Chapin, Prosperity, Saluda, Newberry or other surrounding areas of South Carolina, and more importantly, want to work with the local area expert, please contact me at your earliest convenience.

 

 

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13 commentsLaura Jefferson • December 20 2009 10:26AM

Things to do In Lexington South Carolina

Things to do In Lexington South Carolina

 

 

Lights Before Christmas Sunday, Dec 20 6:00p at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, Columbia, SC Bring the kids and the camera and see why Lights Before Christmas has continued as a family tradition for more than 20 years. Nearly one million twinkling lights. Countless animated images. Dazzling Music in Motion Lights spectacular. Nightly visits with Santa through Christmas Eve. Warm memories and holiday cheer around the Jingle Bell Bonfire.

Holiday Lights on the River For 37 magical nights this holiday season, Saluda Shoals Park will come alive in a blaze of more than a million sparkling lights.  Holiday Lights on the River features over 300 themed, animated light displays on a two-mile loop of the Park!

This man called Jesus a passionate drama performed in Lexington South Carolina at Lake Murray Baptist church. It is a Christmas Drama that draws thousands each year from near by states.  40,066 attended in 2008 during 17 performances over three fabulous weekends. Presented by a costumed cast of over 405 with live animals, inspiring music, drama, awesome sound effects and lighting, this is a "must see" Christmas holiday event! Venue website

Snowville Friday, Dec 18 9:00a at EdVenture, Columbia, SC Children and families from all across South Carolina can visit Snowville - EdVenture's winter play land, located in the Southeast's largest children's museum. Enter a make-believe world of imaginative play in the North Pole, become a scientist and study penguins at the South Pole, get creative in an igloo-building activity, create your own snowflake and discover more about the science of snow and ice.

The Nutcracker Friday and Sunday Dec 18 and 20. The Columbia City Ballet’s holiday family tradition, Nutcracker, dazzles South Carolina audiences each season and is a must see show. More than 200 local children and 40 professional dancers, this award-winning Nutcracker has been proclaimed by The State newspaper “as close to perfect as you can get.” Experience it for yourself its a great Holiday show! Visit the Columbia City Ballet for show times.

Holiday Tour Of Historic Homes Saturday, Dec 19 10:00a to 4:00p at Robert Mills Carriage House, Columbia, SC .Visitors can take guided tours of decorated house museums including the Robert Mills House, Hampton-Preston Mansion and Mann-Simons Cottage. All tours offer a glimpse of the holidays during late 19th and early 20th century Columbia. Reservations required.

Copyright © 2009 by Laura Jefferson, Acquire Real Estate

 www.lauraslexingtonhomes.com

I specialize in Buying and Selling Lexington South Carolina Real Estate in and around the Midlands of  South Carolina.  If you are thinking about buying or selling your home in Lexington, Lake Murray, Gilbert, Irmo, West Columbia, Columbia, Red bank, Pelion, Gaston, Chapin, Prosperity, Saluda, Newberry or other surrounding areas of South Carolina, and more importantly, want to work with the local area expert, please contact me at your earliest convenience.

 

 

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3 commentsLaura Jefferson • December 18 2009 09:05AM

Pro-Consumer GFE/HUD Rules Coming In January of 2010!

 

Via Gabrielle (Kamahele) Rhind, Associate Broker (Tierra Antigua Realty, Tucson AZ Real Estate):

Many buyers have seen last minute mortgage-settlement cost shocks and mystery junk-fee charges that pop up last minute or the "good-faith estimates" from lenders saying that closing costs would be about $2,000, but doubled to $4000 on the final settlement sheet.  Worse - the Buyer had to come up with the extra money to cover the surprise costs or the sale or refinance just isn't going to happen. 

But drastic changes are coming. On January 1, new federal rules adopted by the Department of Housing and Urban Development will implement pro-consumer real estate and mortgage transactions across the country.  The bottom line? Lenders who lowball fees - and/or "surprise" Buyers at the last minute with extra fees, will have to pay these fees - instead of the consumer.

Also, loan charges and settlement fees will be clearly stated on a revised, consumer-friendly version of the good-faith estimates (GFE).  Lenders must provide this GFE to the borrower within three days of their mortgage applications.

Charges must fall into three categories on the form:

• Fees that cannot increase from upfront estimates to final closing. These include lender's or broker's origination fee, processing and underwriting charges, (a huge source of junk fees),  lender's or broker's loan discount "points", and local transfer taxes.

Fee estimates that can, may increase by as much as 10 percent from upfront estimates if they are on a lender approved list.  Common charges here include appraisals; lender's title insurance and settlement services where the borrower chooses a firm on a list approved by the lender; owner's title insurance when the borrower chooses a company on the lender's approved list; and recordation charges by local governments.  Keep in mind, these are combined fees of charges that cannot increase more by more than 10%. Total.

Fees that can increase without limit, due to factors beyond the lender's control and come from non-lender approved lists.  These include lender-required services where the borrowers choose a title insurance, escrow or other settlement company that is not on the lender's list; the cost of homeowners' hazard insurance; daily interest charges on the loan; and the amount of the initial deposit by the borrower into an escrow account.

Other benefits to the new rules:

The new good-faith estimate encourages loan applicants to shop and compare lenders. The form includes space for comparing up to four competing lenders' GFEs on interest rates, rate locks, prepayment penalties or balloon payments, among other factors. The cost estimates you receive from each competitor are required to remain available for 10 business days. Interest rates can change unless locked by the lender and borrower.

The new GFE rules include  an updated standard closing-cost statement, also known as the "HUD-1."  The revised HUD-1 is programmed into the GFEs allowing consumers to directly compare, line by line, what they were told upfront by a lender to the actual close costs.

The new rules requires disclosure of fee splits between the insurance underwriter - the company actually insuring the title - and the title agent, who is often the settlement agent. Consumers may be stunned to learn that in some markets, 80 percent to 90 percent or more of the premium they pay at closing actually goes to the title agent - and not the insurance itself.

Source: Class on the new rules and HUD and Dept of Urban Development website.

 

Gabrielle (Kamahele) Rhind - 2009. If you want to reprint parts of this - just email me for my permission rhindohana@msn.com or TucsonsRealEstate@gmail.com. Buying or selling Tucson real estate, Mt Lemmon, Tucson bank-owned homes, Tucson rental homes, or Tucson lease option homes? Visit www.BuyMyTucsonHome.com

   

               

Copyright © 2009 by Laura Jefferson, Acquire Real Estate

 www.lauraslexingtonhomes.com

I specialize in Buying and Selling Lexington South Carolina Real Estate in and around the Midlands of  South Carolina.  If you are thinking about buying or selling your home in Lexington, Lake Murray, Gilbert, Irmo, West Columbia, Columbia, Red bank, Pelion, Gaston, Chapin, Prosperity, Saluda, Newberry or other surrounding areas of South Carolina, and more importantly, want to work with the local area expert, please contact me at your earliest convenience.

 

 

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1 commentLaura Jefferson • December 16 2009 07:11AM

things to do in Lexington South Carolina

things to do in Lexington South Carolina

things to do in Lexington South Carolina

 

Snowville Friday, Dec 11 9:00a at EdVenture, Columbia, SC Children and families from all across South Carolina can visit Snowville - EdVenture's winter play land, located in the Southeast's largest children's museum. Enter a make-believe world of imaginative play in the North Pole, become a scientist and study penguins at the South Pole, get creative in an igloo-building activity, create your own snowflake and discover more about the science of snow and ice.

Crafty Feast  Saturday, Dec 12 11:00a to 5:00p at The Tapp's Building, Columbia, SC. Over 35 vendors from the Southeast will be participating in Columbia’s independent craft fair. These crafters focus on experimental, non-traditional and unique handmade or repurposed crafts. Vendors are coming from around the Southeast to bring their original jewelry, bags, clothes, funky children's items and more.

A night in Bethlehem Wednesday, Dec 16 6:00p to 8:00pat North Trenholm Baptist Church, Columbia, SC. A hands on Holy Land experience. A night of crafts, shops, food and fun. You'll enjoy festive music, wander through the market-place, encounter a frantic census taker, and meet shepherds with a remarkable story to share. You may pre-register at our website for less wait time upon arrival.

Christmas Peddler craft show Saturday, Dec 12 10:00a at Tri-City Leisure Center, West Columbia, SC. Local/regional arts and crafts show. Handmade items only. Visit from Santa and Olaf the Elf. Door prizes. Local entertainment.

Lights Before Christmas Sunday, Dec 13 6:00p at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, Columbia, SC Bring the kids and the camera and see why Lights Before Christmas has continued as a family tradition for more than 20 years. Nearly one million twinkling lights. Countless animated images. Dazzling Music in Motion Lights spectacular. Nightly visits with Santa through Christmas Eve. Warm memories and holiday cheer around the Jingle Bell Bonfire.

This man called Jesus
a passionate drama performed in Lexington South Carolina at Lake Murray Baptist church. It is a Christmas Drama that draws thousands each year from near by states.  40,066 attended in 2008 during 17 performances over three fabulous weekends. Presented by a costumed cast of over 405 with live animals, inspiring music, drama, awesome sound effects and lighting, this is a "must see" Christmas holiday event! Venue website

Holiday Lights on the River
For 37 magical nights this holiday season, Saluda Shoals Park will come alive in a blaze of more than a million sparkling lights.  Holiday Lights on the River features over 300 themed, animated light displays on a two-mile loop of the Park!

Martina McBride has been rescheduled UGHH

Ribbon Cutting-Lake Murray Hearing When: Mon Dec 14, 2009, 12:00pm Ribbon Cutting at Lake Murray Hearing. at noon on December 14 at Lake Murray Hearing . They are located at 109 Suite B Vista Oaks Drive (the corner of Old Chapin and Old Cherokee in Lexington SC)

With so many things to do in Lexington SC how is one to chose? There are some really must do's on this list!

Copyright © 2009 by Laura Jefferson, Acquire Real Estate

 www.lauraslexingtonhomes.com

I specialize in Buying and Selling Lexington South Carolina Real Estate in and around the Midlands of  South Carolina.  If you are thinking about buying or selling your home in Lexington, Lake Murray, Gilbert, Irmo, West Columbia, Columbia, Red bank, Pelion, Gaston, Chapin, Prosperity, Saluda, Newberry or other surrounding areas of South Carolina, and more importantly, want to work with the local area expert, please contact me at your earliest convenience.

 

 

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5 commentsLaura Jefferson • December 10 2009 07:09AM

Experience the Magic, Holiday Lights on the river

Saluda Shoals Park

Holiday Lights on the river at Saluda Shoals Park

The Midlands of South Carolina Largest Drive-Through Lights Show! 

Experience the Magic


For 37 magical nights this holiday season, Saluda Shoals Park will come alive in a blaze of more than a million sparkling lights.  Holiday Lights on the River features over 300 themed, animated light displays on a two-mile loop of the Park!

Enjoy the dazzling Dancing Forest with it's dancing, lighted trees synchronized to classical and whimsical holiday music.  See the expanded three dimensional Victorian Village in lights.  Watch as Old Man Winter create an icy winter wonderland in Let it Snow and enjoy the holiday classic Twelve Days of Christmas in sparkling lights.

New this year!!!  Winter Wonder Ride at Holiday Lights on the River Saluda Shoals Park Holiday Lights SC

New at Holiday Lights this year is the Winter Wonder Ride. Get ready for the slide of your lifethrough a series of lighted arches on our outdoor winter fun ride!  Try your hand at downhill tubing without the snow on this 125 foot, exciting, fun-packed family experience.  Tubes are provided. The Winter Wonder Ride is suitable for children and adults 42" and taller.  If you are under the age of (4) you must be accompanied by your parents or guardian. 

Fee:  $2 per ride with Holiday Lights admission

Open Friday and Saturday nights only November 27-28, December 4-5 and December 11-12  

Also open nightly from 6-10 p.m. during the Nights of Wonder, December 17-23 at Saluda Shoals Park

772-1228 or www.icrc.net

NIGHTS OF WONDER


Join us December 17-23 only for Nights of Wonder and enjoy seven fun-filled evenings of family activities.  Take a ride on the Red-Nose Express Hayride, or ride the Saluda Shoals Choo-Choo. Enjoy a leisurely trip through the lights in a horse-drawn carriage.  Concessions, crafts to make & take home, roasting marshmallows and a visit with Santa are additional highlights of the Nights of Wonder!  Nominal fees ($1-$5) for concessions and activities apply.  Holiday Lights on the River is a magical experience you won't want to miss! 

Nights of Wonder Activity Fees

Crafts:  $1.00 per craft

Carriage Rides: $5.00 adults, $3.00 under 12

Hayride: $2.00 per person

Train Ride: $2.00 per person

Winter Wonder Ride:  $2.00 per person

 

Concessions:

3 cookies:  $1.00

3 marshmallows on a stick:  $1.00

Soft Drinks:  $1.00

Hot Chocolate:  $1.00

Hot Cider:  $1.00

Bottled Water:  $1.00

Popcorn:  $1.00

Holiday Lights Admission
Cars: $10     15-Passenger Vans: $20     Buses:  $35

Holiday Lights Group Rates (cars only)
1-9  $10.00 per car pass
10-24  $9.00 per car pass
25-49  $8.00 per car pass
50+  $7.50 per car pass

Dates, Times and Location
November 25-December 31, 2009, 6:00-10:00 p.m.  Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Road

Nights of Wonder-December 17-23 only! 6:00-10:00 p.m.  Environmental Education Center, Saluda Shoals Park

Winter Wonder Ride - Friday and Saturday nights only November 27-28, December 4-5 and December 11-12

December 17-23 open nightly from 6-10 p.m. during Nights of Wonder

Directions
From Interstate 20-Exit at Bush River Road. Turn west on Bush River and continue to the traffic light at St. Andrews Road. Turn left onto St. Andrews Road, then left again at the third traffic light to continue on Bush River Road. The Park entrance will be 1.5 miles on your left.

From Interstate 26-Exit at Piney Grove and turn west. Proceed 2 miles to St. Andrews Road. Turn right onto St. Andrews, then left at the first traffic light onto Bush River Road. The Park entrance is 1.5 miles on your left.

Contact Us  
Call 803-772-1228 for additional Holiday Lights information or visit Saluda Shoals Park!

 

Copyright © 2009 by Laura Jefferson, Acquire Real Estate

 www.lauraslexingtonhomes.com

I specialize in Buying and Selling Lexington South Carolina Real Estate in and around the Midlands of  South Carolina.  If you are thinking about buying or selling your home in Lexington, Lake Murray, Gilbert, Irmo, West Columbia, Columbia, Red bank, Pelion, Gaston, Chapin, Prosperity, Saluda, Newberry or other surrounding areas of South Carolina, and more importantly, want to work with the local area expert, please contact me at your earliest convenience.

 

 

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6 commentsLaura Jefferson • December 08 2009 08:54AM

This man called Jesus

THIS MAN CALLED JESUS   is a passionate drama performed in Lexington South Carolina at Lake Murray Baptist church. It is a Christmas Drama that draws thousands each year from near by states.  40,066 attended in 2008 during 17 performances over three fabulous weekends. Presented by a costumed cast of over 405 with live animals, inspiring music, drama, awesome sound effects and lighting, this is a "must see" Christmas holiday event!  This two-hour production brings to life before your eyes the story of "Jesus" beginning with his birth and continues with his ministry, miracles, trial, and death by crucifixion, glorious resurrection and awesome ascension.  A spectacular "Heaven" scene finale' leaves the audience in awe!  Bring all your family and friends!  Arrive early as seating is on a first-come, first- serve basis. Free parking.

Since 1988,total of 429,161 have attended the annual drama, and 13,213 have made life-changing decisions of professions of faith and re-dedications. In 2008, 40,066 attended during 17 performances. The drama mailing list consists of over 28 states and 510 cites. For a full list of performance time's click here. This is a must see show for all.

This man called Jesus

Copyright © 2009 by Laura Jefferson, Acquire Real Estate

 www.lauraslexingtonhomes.com

I specialize in Buying and Selling Lexington South Carolina Real Estate in and around the Midlands of  South Carolina.  If you are thinking about buying or selling your home in Lexington, Lake Murray, Gilbert, Irmo, West Columbia, Columbia, Red bank, Pelion, Gaston, Chapin, Prosperity, Saluda, Newberry or other surrounding areas of South Carolina, and more importantly, want to work with the local area expert, please contact me at your earliest convenience.

 

 

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4 commentsLaura Jefferson • December 07 2009 01:26PM

Lexington South Carolina's Christmas Parade

Lexington South Carolina's Christmas Parade

The Christmas season will be welcomed to Lexington South Carolina by all this Sunday December the 6 TH at 3:30PM. The parade will feature local bands, floats, beauty queens and all of our local politicians.

Come out and enjoy a great day with the family in my great little Lexington South Carolina.

Copyright © 2009 by Laura Jefferson, Acquire Real Estate

 www.lauraslexingtonhomes.com

I specialize in Buying and Selling Lexington South Carolina Real Estate in and around the Midlands of  South Carolina.  If you are thinking about buying or selling your home in Lexington, Lake Murray, Gilbert, Irmo, West Columbia, Columbia, Red bank, Pelion, Gaston, Chapin, Prosperity, Saluda, Newberry or other surrounding areas of South Carolina, and more importantly, want to work with the local area expert, please contact me at your earliest convenience.

 

 

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5 commentsLaura Jefferson • December 05 2009 02:56PM

things to do in Lexington South Carolina

things to do in Lexington South Carolina

things to do in Lexington South Carolina

 

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular Sunday, Dec 6 5:00pat University of South Carolina: Colonial Life Arena, Columbia, SC. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starring the world famous Rockettes will appear at the Colonial Life Arena for the First Time Ever. This beloved holiday show will delight the entire family when it hits the stage in Columbia on December 6, 2009. The Arena production was specifically designed for large-scale venues and replicates the grandeur of the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall on an entirely different scale

Snowville - EdVenture's winter play land Friday, Dec 4 9:00a at EdVenture, Columbia, SC Children and families from all across South Carolina can visit Snowville - EdVenture's winter play land, located in the Southeast's largest children's museum. Enter a make-believe world of imaginative play in the North Pole, become a scientist and study penguins at the South Pole, get creative in an igloo-building activity, create your own snowflake and discover more about the science of snow and ice.

Holiday Main Street Marketplace Friday, Dec 4 10:00a to 2:00pat Columbia Museum of Art, Columbia, SC. City Center Partnership’s Holiday Main Street Marketplace. Find that perfect gift this season at this open-air market. It is located at the corner of Main & Hampton Streets in front of the Columbia Museum of Art. Features holiday specialty items, prepared foods, baked goods, art, photography, books, handmade crafts, and much more.

Candlelight and Carriage tour  Friday, Dec 4 5:30p to 8:30p at Robert Mills House and Gardens, Columbia, SC. The Robert Mills House will be open for lantern tours for one evening only. Costumed guides will lead tours. After the lantern tour, visitors can tour the Robert Mills Historic Garden District on horse-drawn carriage. Call (803) 252-1770, ext. 24 for reservations or reservations@historiccolumbia

Babes in Toyland  Saturday, Dec 5 7:00p at Town Theatre, Columbia, SC . This delightful holiday musical classic features over fifty talented and enthusiastic young people from the Midlands. Fee photos with Santa.

The Living Christmas Story A Columbia and Lexington Favorite Friday, Dec 4 6:00p to 9:30p at Union United Methodist Church, Columbia, SC 16th annual “The Living Christmas Story” nativity.A true delight you don't want to miss.

Oyster Roast and Toast Saturday, Dec 5 7:00p at Gamecock Pavilion, Columbia, SC .All-you-can-eat Oysters, chili and vegetarian chili by Blue Marlin Signature Catering, open Beer and wine bar and live music by The Blue Laws. A benefit hosted by The Greater Columbia Jaycees (501c3). Email community@columbiajaycees.org or visit our website www.camphoperoast.webs.com .Camp Hope is a camp for SC’s mentally handicapped citizens aged 8 and up.

Tour of Decorated Historic Homes Saturday, Dec 5 10:00a to 4:00p at Robert Mills Carriage House, Columbia, SC. Visitors can take guided tours of decorated house museums including the Robert Mills House, Hampton-Preston Mansion and Mann-Simons Cottage. All tours offer a glimpse of the holidays during late 19th and early 20th century Columbia. Reservations required.

Town of Lexington SC 34th Annual Caro-lighting Thursday, December 3, 6:30 p.m. Virginia Hylton Park (located behind Lexington Municipal Complex – 111 Maiden Lane ) Enjoy music of the season from Higher Ground of Saxe Gotha Presbyterian Church,members of the Lexington Middle School 7 th and 8 th Grade Chorus, and the Lexington KEYS After-school Program Choir. See the lighting of the Town's Christmas tree, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies and visits with Santa. The event is free and open to the public. Bring lawn chairs or blankets.

Some great Things to do in Lexington SC this week with holiday fun for all!

Copyright © 2009 by Laura Jefferson, Acquire Real Estate

 www.lauraslexingtonhomes.com

I specialize in Buying and Selling Lexington South Carolina Real Estate in and around the Midlands of  South Carolina.  If you are thinking about buying or selling your home in Lexington, Lake Murray, Gilbert, Irmo, West Columbia, Columbia, Red bank, Pelion, Gaston, Chapin, Prosperity, Saluda, Newberry or other surrounding areas of South Carolina, and more importantly, want to work with the local area expert, please contact me at your earliest convenience.

 

 

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7 commentsLaura Jefferson • December 03 2009 06:41AM