John March, Broker/Realtor Low Country Home Buyer Services

Two Companies reported earnings in our portfolio on Sep 3rd:

Reuters reported that "Hovnanian Enterprises Inc's (HOV) results were far worse than Wall Street expected, while Toll Brothers Inc's (TOL) loss was half what analysts had anticipated."

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. is holding a Homebuilding Symposium on Sept 22, Pulte--the Builder- Developer for Sun City Hilton Head , Meritage homes and others will make presentations.

We started our paper trading builders's portfolion as of 8/29/08 (We are not giving investing advice.)

This portfolio was up by 11.25 % at Friday's close.

Here's where we are as of 2:20 PM today (09/08)

You've probably NEVER heard of Okatie. Okatie, SC lies between Bluffton and Beaufort. Sun City is actually in the Okatie SCZip code (29909)

Okatie ( along the 170 Corridor) is home to Old Field--with upscale homes, more affordable modular homes in Oaktie park and new townhomes along with a lot of newer vacant commercial buildings in Riverwalk Park.

We have tons of new homes in inventory, all along Route 170 and guess what folks, we're going to be getting more new construction--to the tune of 1252 new homes.

The Developers (Jim Robinson and LaCasa of Hilton Head) of the new community Okatie Village--on S.C. 170 have agreed to pay $10.7 million in fees to Beaufort County. The fee is a concession (Bribe) from both the town and the developers to get the development project approved for more commercial and residential property than is allowed under current rules

The agreement calls for Robinson and LaCassa to give Beaufort county $6.7 million for public school construction, plus $4 million for use by the county any way they see fit.

At least $1.85 million of the $4 million will go toward road improvements along S.C. 170, since Okatie Village residents would contribute to the increased traffic and deterioration of the highway.

According to the terms of the agreement they will set aside 32 homes and 34 apartments for affordable housing. Second, 3 lots are set aside foe habitat for humanity to build 3 homes and an acre for a fire house

The developer claims that Okatie village is a new type of development that is eco-freindly where people will drive less, walk and bike more. Okatie Village would include shopping and a grocery store. .

There was only one vote against the agreement. Zoning would also change. Instead of ONE home per THREE acres, the new zoning permits 4.4 Homes per acre.

As one councilman put it: "What we're really doing is creating Okatie City along S.C. 170 ... or Bluffton 2, or whatever you want to call it."

I gotta tell ya, I think development is really good. The price point for the new homes ($185000)--I think is still too high (Okatie Park starts at $150,000--modular homes.)--but these will move--just need to get the financing. Perhaps with all that's happening now, the path will be smoother for first-time homebuyers.

I think--overall--the county has lived up to its promises, improved roads and increased services--and I am just not sure about the timing of this development. Perhaps these guys know something I don't. " Build it and the buyers will come?" I hope so.

Before you read on--Imagine if Rangel was a REALTOR--

This was reported on August 12th: Charles Rangel (Democrat Congressman from, NY) did not know that the Caribbean resort villa he purchased 20 years ago was financed with a no-interest mortgage from the developer and has generated $75,000 in income that he should have reported on tax and financial disclosure forms, his lawyer said yesterday.

Lanny Davis, former legal counsel to Bill Clinton--we all remember him defending Bill on all the talk shows--tells us that he just didn't know all of the TERMS of his financing arrangement

I guess Rangel is just as irresponsible as all of those stupid, greedy people who bought into the risky mortgage loans and didn't bother to read the fine print.

Has anyone heard BOO about this?

This is news you will not  hear much about because the press corps  finds it easy to overlook things like the sins of liberals but finds bashing conservatives fair game.

Constituents praise Rangel for his "leadership" for sponsoring federal housing legislation for low income people--here is just one accolade:

"House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles Rangel has once again demonstrated his deep commitment to providing affordable housing help to those who need it most. Because of the Chairman's leadership, the housing stimulus legislation signed into law significantly expands and strengthens two of the most effective federal housing programs-the Low Income Housing Tax Credit and tax-exempt Housing Bonds-and the ability of State Housing Finance Agencies to put these resources to work on some of the toughest affordable housing challenges our country has ever faced."

Barbara J. Thompson
Executive Director
National Council of State Housing Finance Agencies

Rangel did not disclose income, got favorable loan terms and is now being investigated by the House Ethics committee.

I find it hard to believe that a congressman who can understand tax-credits and tax-exempt bonds and state financing issues and tax policies and chairs the house ways and means committee could be excused by Lanny Davis as follows:

"He simply didn't realize that there was any actual income being generated, since he never received . . . any checks over the last 20 years," Davis said. "So he never realized there was any income tax filing issue or financial disclosure issue. Now that he knows what he knows, we're going to fix all that."

Come on! So called "leaders" who cannot be trusted to do the right things in their personal lives: who point fingers at others (like all of those greedy Finance Corporate CEOS) , --should be kicked out of office.

If this were anyone else (a conservative, a Republican, the President or a conservative VP Candidate named Palin) The press would have been all over this like "white on rice."

We live in a society where the press calls right-wrong and wrong-right. Quick to forgive the sins of unrepentant evil-doers and even quicker to hammer the "Upright", who stand strong for what is right!

I do believe this: that the majority of Americans know right from wrong--I exclude from that majority politicians who, as John McCain points out--are in public service to serve themselves. I believe most know when it looks like poop and smells like poop--it is poop!

So, let me ask YOU: if Rangel were a Realtor, would we find him squeaky clean, ethically speaking? Maybe we can't conclude anything here because we still do not have the DEFINITION OF what "IS" is! Well, PooPoo on that.

Am I passing judgement someone's veracity?

No, I know only God can and will judge. However I do want to discern truth--discenr the fox  in a sheeps costume. This takes the  use of reason and logic as FACTS are analyzed:  to figure out "is it? or isn't it?" I just don't want to step in it.

In the name of civility and poltical correctness we seem not to be "allowed" to call the behavior or certain people into question--Rangel, Dodd, Clinton, et al

--there is no such thing as equal treatment under the media--so,I am going to do my little bit. The media "cook the books", play on peoples emotions and expect that most of us are a bunch of dumb sheep who will just "step in it"--(the poop-drivel they put out there) 

Whether one is liberal or conservative, what really counts is upholding right, and condeming wrong--when we are silent about what is wrong there is a vaccum which must be filled--I know YOU KNOW what it gets filled with.

"Something for everyone"

There are plenty of benefits that lure seniors into 55-plus communities like Sun City. One of the things that makes Sun City Hilton Head very special is our weather--not as cold as the north in the winter, not like Florida in the Summer, but "just right", most of the time. And, we haven't had a Hurricane in 8 years--maybe we're due...

When you come to Sun City, you are among your peers--we're all in the same boat
No children's' toys in the yard or loud music from screaming teenagers on skateboards--you're neighbors are like you. They are on the move in their cars, golf carts or on foot doing what they love to do or on the way to doing it.

Work and play makes for a great day, every day
If you're 55, maybe you still want to work. Some may also want to use Sun City as a base and continue to work for organizations outside of the area. There are about 1/3rd of the residents who work part-time or full time. Some choose to donate their time to worthy causes. Many of us are not ready to quit working--we like being in the game, but we also want to have fun, too--So, if you want to continue working or perhaps start a new career, people are doing it and so can you. Many Sun City homes include a den which you can use as your workspace for a home based business. Start your day by chipping a container of Golf balls at one of our ranges or go for a run or swim-then off to work you go.

Easy care homes that are easier on the knees, too
Downsizing can be tough for some. But, it's liberating. You'd be surprised at all the "stuff" you've accumulated over the years. You can dispose of a lot--sell it, give to charity, to your kids -Sun City homes are one story --so there are no stairs to climb. That makes it much easier to clean without knee joints objecting. And, If you living area in the 2000 and above square feet range, we have homes here for you.

Work as much or as little as you wish on your yard or garden
Some areas of Sun City provide lawn care, tree trimming and generally take care of all of the outside of your home. Generally, most yards are easy to care for, and if you want someone to cut your lawn and do landscaping, these services are plentiful and inexpensive. Common areas are taken care of by the Sun City Home Owners Association.

Feel like you're on vacation everyday
All I can say is that we're truly blessed to live in a place like Sun City Hilton Head. And, you'll never be bored! Ever. Fun-filled activities of all kinds are available just about every day of the week at Sun City Hilton Head--There are over 100 Clubs and special interest groups. There is something for everyone. Participate as much as you want to.

If you want to know more about Sun City Hilton Head or you know someone who is interested in learning more about Sun City, please get in touch with me. I live here. I work here and I am happy to help.

Want to get more info and a lot of inside information? then please register with us at Sun City Hilton Head Home Search

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"Active Adult Communities Active Rain Network:" Do you work with Seniors? Focus on active adult communities? Can we network? I'd be pleased to (a) post your listings on web site, post content (b) refer clients (c) have information about the communities you serve (d) share strategies and tactics (e) exchange links. if you're interested please email me: john@j-march.com

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Unfortunately some seem to think Sun City folks are a bunch of old foogies who sit on their duffs and do nothing but eat and sleep. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The only place they may be sitting is atop a motorbike.

So here is the poster lady for Sun City: Joan Cooper is a California transplant who was leaving--of all places--the Woodworking shop--more on that in a minute--

By the way, Sun City Hilton Head has about 100 clubs and special interest groups-- including a motorcycle club with some bikes that are much more menacing than the scooter above--

Now, about that woodworking shop-- it is not just some tiny shed. It's about 10,000 square feet. And, there's some serious equipment in there and 600 members who really know what they're doing.

If you want to know more about Sun City Hilton Head, please contact me.

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