Maria Pettis

In the latest edition of my newsletter, "Summerville Scenes", I had written about how Dorchester County was set to pass a new ordinance pertaining to the burning of leaves and other yard debris. After a good bit of heated debate, the ordinance was to limit leaf burning to those homeowners who had a third of an acre of more. (For the full story visit http://www.summervillerealestateonline.com/Newsletter/page_2165076.html and click the Jan-March 2009 edition)

Since that writing however, the debate has sparked anew with many residents claiming it would create too much of a burden for those who would no longer be allowed to burn since the county does not pick up and haul leaves and trash.

Council is now considering revising the ordinance to limit burning within 75 feet of another house. Opponents contend that even at this distance, the smoke which supposedly releases toxic fumes can still be seen and smelled a good distance away. According to the Post and Courier in an article posted on November 10th 2008, even "The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the state Department of Health and Environmental Control have been encouraging residents to burn less".

This is a topic that has been revisited many times by Dorchester County Council and if the ordinance does not pass or is tabled, it's sure to come up again. One solution of course, would be to have leaf hauling services made available to residents, however, that would most likely mean a tax increase.

Yet with leaf burning posing both fire safety and health hazzards, isn't that something that council should be exploring? Perhaps leaves and yard debris could be picked up only two or three times a year with the schedule published well in advance giving residents time to rake and bag. ( That's how it was done in one county that I had lived in previously.)

How much of a tax increase would we be talking about here? Perhaps if it's a modest increase, residents would be ok with that since it is a safety and health issue.

Obviously, there are no easy answers here or this issue would have been settled long ago. But if it is one that constantly resurfaces, then it seems that County Council should work to find a compromise that most can live with (since there's no pleasing everyone!).

For additional information or to find out when this issue will next be discussed at county council meetings visit the Dorchester County website at dorchestercounty.net/.

Maria Pettis
Realtor, e-Pro
Century 21 Properties Plus, Inc
118 W. Richardson Ave.
Summerville, SC 29483
Maria@MariaPettisHomes.com
SummervilleRealEstateOnline.com

Copyright 2009. All Rights Reserved. Do not copy or reproduce without express written permission of the author.

While we only have about one month left of hurricane season to go, it wasn't a hurricane that recently made headlines here. This past Friday, a bad rain storm dumped approximately 9 inches of rain on the Greater Charleston area. This storm caused serious flooding in different areas stranding cars and damaging homes. This is called "the Lowcountry" for a reason and we do expect to have flooding on occasion in some areas. Buyers often ask me if certain homes are in a "flood zone". But here's the thing, according to local news reports, many of the homes that were flooded in this storm were not in high risk flood zones which begs the question, did these homeowners bother to get flood insurance? Sadly, many did not.

Here's what you need to know about flood insurance...

According to www.floodsmart.gov, the National Flood Insurance website, about 25% of all flood claims come from low to moderate risk areas. Our recent storm would seem to back that up. So no matter where you live, can you really afford to not carry flood insurance? The standard homeowner's policy does not include flood insurance so a separate policy is necessary. You can choose a policy that covers just the building, contents only, or both the building and it's contents. It's not as expensive as you might think with rates preset by FEMA, and if you need it (God forbid), it surely will be worth every penny.

If you live in a low to moderate risk area, you have the option of purchasing flood insurance. Is it a good idea? I would recommend it and just ask those poor folks that I mentioned in the opening of this blog. If you don't purchase the insurance and get into a fix like these folks, you could apply for goverment assistance to get back on your feet, but it will most likely be in the form of a loan and do you really need that on top of your mortgage and other bills as you try to rebuild your life after such an event?

If you are in a high risk or "Special Flood Hazard" area, then federal law requires you to purchase flood insurance and you will not be able to close on your home without it. Here in the Charleston area we have homes that fall into both categories so be sure to ask your real estate agent about the home you are interested in purchasing and then CONFIRM it with your insurance agent prior to entering into a contract. It's also important to note that there is a 30 day waiting period before flood coverage takes effect.

You may also want to see what your insurance company can provide in the way of wind and hail. This coverage can be costly, but you can keep your premiums down by choosing a higher deductible. Putting some money aside to use for your deductible, should you need it, can provide you with greater peace of mind and be a much needed umbrella on that windy, rainy day. Shop around for the best rate and terms, but also be aware that there is a wind pool overseen by the South Carolina Underwriting Association for those that can't find coverage in the regular marketplace.

Finally, I want to briefly mention that you should also investigate earthquake coverage as we actually have a fault-line running through the area. Yes! Here in South Carolina, believe it or not.

The Summerville/Charleston, SC area is a truly beautiful place to call home. Nature has blessed us with beautiful beaches, waterways and a temperate climate. But Mother Nature has a way of reminding us periodically that she is also a force to be reckoned with, so it's best we are prepared. Knowing your insurance options and getting the appropriate coverage is the first step in protecting your home. Talk with an insurance agent for expert advice and to get more details about what coverage and options are best for you.

For more info and additional resources, check out:
www.floodsmart.gov
www.fema.gov
www.dnr.sc.gov/water/flood/
www.scwind.com/index.html

Kind Regards,

Maria Pettis
Realtor, e-PRO
Olde Towne Realty, LLC
Maria@MariaPettisHomes
(843) 860-3901
www.SummervilleRealEstateOnline.com

All Rights Reserved. 2008
Contents of this blog may not be reproduced without express written permission of Maria Pettis.

How's the Weather Down There?

As an agent who frequently works with people looking to relocate to South Carolina, I'm often asked what the weather is like throughout the year. How cold does it get in winter? How hot is it during the summer? Do you get four seasons? Do I worry about hurricanes and flooding? Well, believe or not, there are no simple answers to some of these questions, at least not in my mind, even though most locals will kid with you that there are only two seasons here...summer and not summer!

Right now it's fall and fall has been my very favorite season. Being from Long Island originally, I miss having a true fall that you can count on like clockwork. October rolls around and the weather is cool and crisp and the leaves change to vibrant colors. But here in the Charleston area, anything goes! I remember one fall when we first moved here that it was so warm we were wearing shorts all the way through til mid-December! I remember having Thanksgiving and preparing for Christmas thinking "this just isn't right!". While not unheard of, that was probably a bit unusual. There have been other years when we've had very Autumn-like conditions with cooler days and pretty foliage that has lasted several weeks. Most years, it's probably somewhere in between these two scenarios.

I do love winter here though. While it can get downright cold overnight, most days are moderate enough to enjoy being outside. Great weather to take a walk or take the dog to the beach or a bike ride with the kids.

Ok, I won't lie to you...summers are just plain hot! I'd never heard of the heat index until moving here. We get heat waves where temps are 100 degrees and the heat index makes it feel like 105! Those are days you just stay in the air conditioning or jump in the pool! But it does fluctuate and you can have days where it's quite warm, but tolerable.

Even with the extreme heat of the summer, most of the year the weather is moderate and pleasant. It's one thing that makes living here in the lowcountry so special...oyster roasts outside in the winter, the Coast Carolina Fair in late October, Christmas festivities where you don't have to freeze your tuckus off, summer days at the beach cooling off in the water (which is never freezing in the summer by the way unlike the waters up North!)

As for the hurricanes and possible flooding, I'll save that for another day as that is a topic in and of itself. But suffice it to say that hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, etc can hit any part of the country. Being prepared and having a plan is the key should anything happen no matter where you live.

For now let me say good-bye so I can head outside to plant some mums that I just bought because today is a beautiful, crisp autumn morning with crystal clear blue skies!

Year Round Average Temps for Charleston, SC

Maria Pettis
Realtor, e-PRO
www.SummervilleRealEstateOnline.com
Maria@MariaPettisHomes.com(843) 860-3901

Do not republish or reproduce without permission of Maria Pettis.

One of the things that I love about living in Summerville is that there is so much to do here. Our climate is such that much of the year we can spend time outdoors. And with gas prices the way they are, it's nice to know there are so many options so close to home. With the kids back in school and the summer heat soon to wane (hopefully!), the Fall season gears up with all kinds of activities. I couldn't possibly list them all here, but a few of my favorites follow...

On recent Saturday morning, my sister-in-law and I grabbed a cup of coffee-to-go and headed off to the Summerville Farmer's Market which continues every Saturday morning through November 22nd. As we strolled along Doty Avenue, we checked out a variety of booths including a local photographer, a vendor selling children's books as well as several others with different wares. And of course there were the local farmers with lots of fresh produce. The baked goods, jams and jellies were hard to resist too! After that we made our way to window shop along Main Street and Short Central. It made for a nice, relaxing morning away from the kids!

Scarecrows made by local groups and school kids will be on display at Hutchinson Square throughout the month of October and the Harvest Moon Hayride and Ghost Walk is scheduled for October 25th. This great family event is sure to get everyone in the Halloween spirit!

But one of my most favorite Fall events is the Coastal Carolina Fair which begins this year on October 30th at the Fairgrounds in Ladson. It's really a great event for everyone and for lots of reasons...first it has appeal, not just to young kids, but it's great for a date, just hanging out with friends, or for families of all ages and stages. There are baking contests, a flower show, equestrian events, farm animals, rides, games, and of course, the huge ferris wheel that every fair must have. There's too much for me to list. But it's proceeds also benefit a variety of charities which just makes it all the better.

The other great thing about living in Summerville is it's location..it's.a short drive from Charleston where there is much to do as well. As most people probably are already aware, the history and architecture alone are good reason to visit. There's the South Carolina Aquarium, the Market, Ft. Sumter, the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry, the beautiful Battery and on and on. Summerville is also only about an hour and a half from Columbia and the Riverbank's Zoo. Fall is a terrific time to visit since it's not unbearable (no pun intended) to be outside visiting with your favorite animals!

Another thing that is definitely worth mentioning is the "Be a Tourist in Your Own Town" promotion sponsored by the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. Last year's cost was just $20.00 for a single pass or $50.00 for a family pass. These passes give you access to over 35 local attractions and discounts at area restaurants. The pass is good for the entire month of January. Sorry! This one is for locals only...any resident of Berkeley, Dorchester or Charleston Counties can purchase passes. Passes go on sale November 1st. Check out www.beatourist.net for a list of last years venues and restaurants to get an idea of what a great opportunity this is! It's like a mini vacation without leaving home.

There are plenty of other things to do in Summerville on a more ongoing basis...you can join the YMCA and get a good workout, take a swim in winter, or sign the kids up for a team. There are an number of parks to enjoy and public tennis courts as well. Don't forget all the great shopping and fantastic restaurants...whether you want an inexpensive family meal or a quiet, romantic dinner for two there's a restaurant to suit you.

Truly, I could go on and on, but instead let me provide a few more links that might be useful in finding out about the happenings in and around Summerville...

The Greater Summerville Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce: www.gsdcchamber.org

Also visit:

www.SummervilleDREAM.org

www.SummervilleRealEstateOnline.com

But let's not forget the simple things in life...one of my favorite spots is my front porch swing where I can sit and watch my kids draw with chalk on the driveway and ride their bikes back and forth. I also think Fall is really the best time to have a backyard cookout with your family and friends since you can actually enjoy being outside without sweating to death!

So whether in you live in Summerville or just want to visit, I'm sure you'll be able to find something to entertain you! I hope to touch on a few of these in more detail in future blogs as well as some others I didn't even list this time. But meanwhile, what's your favorite thing to do here in the Lowcountry? I'd love to hear your thoughts and comments!

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