Back To School</h1> <article> <h1>Back To School</h1> <div style="font-family:arial, geneva, lucida, sans-serif;"> It’s that time of year again when the ring of the school bell begins again. Sharpen your pencils and get ready to go!!! However, before you do, you might want to check out these resources to help you get ready to go back. If you are new to the area or just in need of information on the schools in your area visit Great Schools. It is a valuable resource for parents with children in grades K-12. Update your child’s emergency ID kit. The next time you are at a community festival or expo and you walk by a booth with your local law enforcement agency offering child identification kits, take the time to do one for your child. If you haven’t seen one you can do the following: to inquire about a child identification kit check with your local Sheriff's Office or contact the local crime stoppers. Hit the local Back to School sales. While you may be able to salvage last years backpack, without a doubt, ..<span style="font-size:90%;margin-left:5px;color:#0000FF;vertical-align:baseline;"><font size="-3" color="gray">(</font><a style="text-decoration:none;" href="http://thesmartmoveteam.com/blog_post.asp?post=16372">read more</a><font size="-3" color="gray">)</font></span></div> </article> <article> <h1>New Housing Bill Signed</h1> <div style="font-family:arial, geneva, lucida, sans-serif;">After vows from the White House of vetoing a bill designed to help rescue homeowners buried under increasing mortgage payments, President Bush quietly approved and signed a new housing bill behind closed doors. The bill will give the Federal Housing Administration the authority to help homeowners refinance with mortgages backed by the federal government. Current lenders, however, will have to agree to take a loss on their loans. The new bill will offer up to $300 billion in loans and will reportedly help as many as 400,000 homeowners refinance and be able to keep their homes. This bill also gives the Treasury Department the authority to protect the mortgage giants Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. Those who opposed the bill have said it will end up taking money out of the pockets of the taxpayers and putting it in the pockets of the stockholders. At this time there is no limit to the amount of help Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae will receive. The ..<span style="font-size:90%;margin-left:5px;color:#0000FF;vertical-align:baseline;"><font size="-3" color="gray">(</font><a style="text-decoration:none;" href="http://thesmartmoveteam.com/blog_post.asp?post=16186">read more</a><font size="-3" color="gray">)</font></span></div> </article> <article> <h1>Flood Insurance: Are You At Risk?</h1> <div style="font-family:arial, geneva, lucida, sans-serif;">What would happen if you woke up tomorrow and your house was underwater? What would you save? What would you do? It’s a scary prospect isn’t it? Even if you are dealing with a few inches of water, flooding causes serious damage to your home. There is a slogan that comes from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) is that “Everyone Lives in a Flood Zone”. While this certainly doesn’t sound optimistic, it is true. Even where there have not been floods for 40 years or more, floods do happen, the recent floods this spring are a sobering reminder. The hard facts are that a regular homeowner’s insurance policy does not cover flooding. Homeowners insurance covers damage to your property if caused by other means, such as a fire or a tree falling on it, but it does not cover water damage that results from flooding. <br /> If you are looking for a unique way to evaluate your risk, there is an assessment tool ..<span style="font-size:90%;margin-left:5px;color:#0000FF;vertical-align:baseline;"><font size="-3" color="gray">(</font><a style="text-decoration:none;" href="http://thesmartmoveteam.com/blog_post.asp?post=15966">read more</a><font size="-3" color="gray">)</font></span></div> </article> <article> <h1>Selecting a Lawn Care Company</h1> <div style="font-family:arial, geneva, lucida, sans-serif;">You have seen them on television- lawns that are immaculate. You scan over their green lushness to find their blooming flowers and perfectly pruned hedges and shrubs. But, what happens then if you don’t have a green thumb, let alone time to fuss with the crab grass and dandelions? You hire a lawn care maintenance crew! So what do you look for in a lawn care crew? How much does this cost? Lots of companies provide a table or scale for lawn care. If you don’t already have the tools to maintain a lawn, the start up can be quite expensive. Call around and get a few quotes and find out what a general fee is like and what they handle. A good place to start is the Professional Landcare Network. This is an organization for lawn care, landscapers and other garden professionals. Get a ballpark figure from them and go from there. TruGreen offers a free lawn analysis which can give you an idea of what your lawn ..<span style="font-size:90%;margin-left:5px;color:#0000FF;vertical-align:baseline;"><font size="-3" color="gray">(</font><a style="text-decoration:none;" href="http://thesmartmoveteam.com/blog_post.asp?post=15762">read more</a><font size="-3" color="gray">)</font></span></div> </article> <article> <h1>Home Inspections</h1> <div style="font-family:arial, geneva, lucida, sans-serif;">Does the thought of termites, black mold or buying the home from the money pit fill you with terror? There are ways to avoid the hidden traumas that can come with purchasing a home. While most states require a home disclosure, if the house was a foreclosure OR there are issues that the home owner was not aware of, this does not offer any protection or warning of possible pitfalls your new home may have. With foreclosures, the bank is not going to be aware of any of the possible problems that a person who lived there might have been aware of. Nor is it likely that you would be able to contact the previous owner. If the home-owner was not living in the home for more than 90 days or if the house was being leased out/rented out. The home owner may not be aware of any difficulties that may have arisen in the home. In these cases and for your own peace of mind, it is always advisable to have a home inspection. So how do you go about selecting a ..<span style="font-size:90%;margin-left:5px;color:#0000FF;vertical-align:baseline;"><font size="-3" color="gray">(</font><a style="text-decoration:none;" href="http://thesmartmoveteam.com/blog_post.asp?post=15576">read more</a><font size="-3" color="gray">)</font></span></div> </article> <article> <h1>Real Estate Prorations</h1> <div style="font-family:arial, geneva, lucida, sans-serif;">At the closing, certain costs are often prorated between the buyer and the seller, typically property taxes. The reason for this is because taxes are typically paid toward the end of the year for which they are assessed. Often the closing agent must use the taxes from the previous year to compute the prorations for the sale. Taxes are not the only costs that can be prorated, below are some other prorations that a buyer may be charged. Homeowner Association Dues-Some homeowner associations collect monthly dues upfront while others bill quarterly or annually. Thus, if a seller has not yet paid the dues, the dues will be paid from the seller's proceeds. Insurance Prorations-Insurance premiums are typically paid in advance. If the buyer is assuming the seller's existing loan or buying on a land contract, a buyer might ask the seller to transfer the existing insurance policy. Utility Prorations-While utilities are not typically prorated at closing, in certain ..<span style="font-size:90%;margin-left:5px;color:#0000FF;vertical-align:baseline;"><font size="-3" color="gray">(</font><a style="text-decoration:none;" href="http://thesmartmoveteam.com/blog_post.asp?post=15319">read more</a><font size="-3" color="gray">)</font></span></div> </article> <article> <h1>Pool Safety</h1> <div style="font-family:arial, geneva, lucida, sans-serif;">Summer is in full swing and the sunny days and hot weather make the thought of a dip in the pool is a very tempting prospect. For children, it is even more tempting. It comes as no surprise that the National Safety Council reports that the number two cause of injury-related death among children is drowning. About 1000 children drown each year and another 4000 are hospitalized for near-drowning. Many of these tragic events could be prevented by the installation of a pool fence or barrier. Most county and townships have specific requirements for a perimeter fence around a yard containing a pool. Those requirements have to be met to the letter. However, if your yard is like most, it does double duty in the summer, housing a pool and also a play area. While nothing can replace a parents vigilant supervision, there are a number of products on the market that can make things a little safer and offer a little more peace of mind. Pool Fences: Pools ..<span style="font-size:90%;margin-left:5px;color:#0000FF;vertical-align:baseline;"><font size="-3" color="gray">(</font><a style="text-decoration:none;" href="http://thesmartmoveteam.com/blog_post.asp?post=15157">read more</a><font size="-3" color="gray">)</font></span></div> </article> <article> <h1>Independence Day In Chapel Hill</h1> <div style="font-family:arial, geneva, lucida, sans-serif;">For many people the 4th of July is the highlight of the summer. Backyard barbecues, parades, and of course fireworks! Chapel Hill has much to offer in fun for everyone. Take a look at what different events your family can enjoy together on this holiday! Old Fashioned July 4th at the Horace Williams House Enjoy their famous celebration of America's birthday. Free ice cream, children's games, picnicking, and demonstrations of by historic fire equipment by members of the Chapel Hill Fire Department. Enjoy a free concert by the Village Band. At the Horace Williams House Grounds from 1 - 3 p.m. Town of Chapel Hill Celebration The town’s fireworks show will be held at UNC's Kenan Memorial Stadium. Lots of fun, live music and a spectacular fireworks display at the end of the evening. Family Fourth Of July Celebration Join the parade with marchers in appropriate holiday costume starts 11am at Weaver Street Market lawn and ends ..<span style="font-size:90%;margin-left:5px;color:#0000FF;vertical-align:baseline;"><font size="-3" color="gray">(</font><a style="text-decoration:none;" href="http://thesmartmoveteam.com/blog_post.asp?post=15010">read more</a><font size="-3" color="gray">)</font></span></div> </article> <article> <h1>Summer Vacation In Your Own Backyard</h1> <div style="font-family:arial, geneva, lucida, sans-serif;">With record-high gas prices at the pump, it is forcing people to stay closer to home instead of driving or flying long distances for their summer vacation. However, that does not have to mean any shortage of fun. The Chapel Hill area area is full of fun things to do with something for everyone! You can enjoy a fun and relaxing destination in your own backyard. Below are just a few of the wonderful attractions that you can enjoy-close to home! Morehead Planetarium and Science Center<br /> 250 East Franklin St<br /> Chapel Hill, North Carolina Phone: 919-962-1236 Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, one of the largest planetariums in the United States, is located on the north end of the campus of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The Morehead Center Building and grounds, complete with a 68-foot, domed Star Theater and Zeiss Model VI Star Projector, scientific exhibits and classrooms, 24-inch Cassegrain reflecting telescope and ..<span style="font-size:90%;margin-left:5px;color:#0000FF;vertical-align:baseline;"><font size="-3" color="gray">(</font><a style="text-decoration:none;" href="http://thesmartmoveteam.com/blog_post.asp?post=14861">read more</a><font size="-3" color="gray">)</font></span></div> </article> <article> <h1>Bridge Loans</h1> <div style="font-family:arial, geneva, lucida, sans-serif;">You may have never heard of a bridge loan before and that is probably because the housing market has been doing well for so long that most people haven't needed them as homes sold within days of being listed. Homeowners did not have to worry about paying for their new homes before they'd sold the old ones. But in recent times, the housing market slowdown has given the bridge loan a boost in popularity. What is a Bridge Loan? Bridge loans are temporary loans to cover the difference between the sales price of a new home and a home buyer's new mortgage if the old home hasn’t sold. The bridge loan is secured to the buyer's existing home. The loan is then used as a down payment on the new home, helping the homeowner to bridge the gap between buying and selling a home. There are two types of bridge loans. The first pays off the mortgage on your current home and makes a down payment on the new one. This means that you pay the mortgage only on the new property, agreeing ..<span style="font-size:90%;margin-left:5px;color:#0000FF;vertical-align:baseline;"><font size="-3" color="gray">(</font><a style="text-decoration:none;" href="http://thesmartmoveteam.com/blog_post.asp?post=14712">read more</a><font size="-3" color="gray">)</font></span></div> </article> <article> <h1>Chapel Hill-One Of The 10 Brainiest Places to Retire!</h1> <div style="font-family:arial, geneva, lucida, sans-serif;">When you decide to retire that doesn’t mean your brain has to retire too! In fact your brain needs more stimulation than ever. The good thing about retirement is that finally, you have the time to supply the required intellectual input. Keep in mind that the location that you decide to pick to retire can be key to that process. Most retirees want to continue learning and there are several communities that boast thriving intellectual centers where cultural activities keep residents (and their brains) as busy and interested as they want to be. According to the U.S. News and World Report, they consulted their list of more than 1,000 Best Places to Retire and came up with 10 retirement destinations that attract highly educated folks. Chapel Hill, N.C. was on that list of the most brainiest places to retire. Residents might spend their evenings paddling out in kayaks to watch the stars with an astronomy educator from the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center at the ..<span style="font-size:90%;margin-left:5px;color:#0000FF;vertical-align:baseline;"><font size="-3" color="gray">(</font><a style="text-decoration:none;" href="http://thesmartmoveteam.com/blog_post.asp?post=14533">read more</a><font size="-3" color="gray">)</font></span></div> </article> <article> <h1>BBQ Safety</h1> <div style="font-family:arial, geneva, lucida, sans-serif;">Summertime means more time spent outside and more meals cooked on the grill. However, before you do it’s a good idea to go over a few simple safety tips to ensure that your trip to the barbecue does not end with a trip to the hospital. Food Safety- There are a few things to keep in mind when cooking out. • The safe temperature for food is below 40 degrees and above 140. If food is kept outside of the safe range you risk food poisoning.<br /> • Foods should be refrigerated within an hour of when they finish cooking.<br /> • While you might like that steak really rare, remember that undercooked meats can give rise to several food borne illnesses that would ruin a cook out.<br /> • With that said, don’t overcook the meat either. Studies have found that a cancer causing agent, heterocyclic amines, can be found in the blackened charred meat. Better to avoid it. Grill safety: Before you start up the grill ..<span style="font-size:90%;margin-left:5px;color:#0000FF;vertical-align:baseline;"><font size="-3" color="gray">(</font><a style="text-decoration:none;" href="http://thesmartmoveteam.com/blog_post.asp?post=14418">read more</a><font size="-3" color="gray">)</font></span></div> </article> <article> <h1>Summer Festivals 2008</h1> <div style="font-family:arial, geneva, lucida, sans-serif;">Memorial day kicks off the summer season and our area offers many festivals and events all summer long to enjoy. From music to art and everything in between, there is sure to be something to do for everyone! Summer always goes quick so take time to enjoy the below events! American Dance Festival Performance Season June 5, 2008 - July 20, 2008 <br /> The largest and most influential modern dance festival in the world featuring more than two dozen modern dance companies and hundreds of choreographers, writers and students participating in classes, seminars, and performances. Latino Festival June 14<br /> Cultural arts festival highlighting Hispanic traditions. Featuring Health Information. Diabetes/Blood Pressure Tests, Multicultural Booth, Arts and Crafts,Variety of Booth Vendors and games and prizes. For all ages and the event is free. Third Friday on the CCB Plaza June 20<br /> A free multicultural event featuring local talent and music for all ..<span style="font-size:90%;margin-left:5px;color:#0000FF;vertical-align:baseline;"><font size="-3" color="gray">(</font><a style="text-decoration:none;" href="http://thesmartmoveteam.com/blog_post.asp?post=14271">read more</a><font size="-3" color="gray">)</font></span></div> </article> <article> <h1>Questions To Ask HOA's</h1> <div style="font-family:arial, geneva, lucida, sans-serif;">If you are looking to buy a house, condo or townhouse you will likely look at some that are part of a homeowners association. New home buyers who have never lived in a community with an association before typically have many questions. The Community Associations Institute estimates that nearly one out of every six Americans lives in a community association and that, in 2007, HOAs governed 23.8 million American homes and 58.8 million residents. A HOA is essentially an internal regulatory board often found in planned communities, gated communities, condominium complexes and subdivisions. A homeowners association collects fees or "assessments" from individual home owners to cover certain expenses, such as maintenance of common areas, insurance, and health or safety improvements. An HOA also enforces the rules and regulations set forth by the developer or property owner. Before purchasing a home that is regulated by an HOA it is important to read the by-laws ..<span style="font-size:90%;margin-left:5px;color:#0000FF;vertical-align:baseline;"><font size="-3" color="gray">(</font><a style="text-decoration:none;" href="http://thesmartmoveteam.com/blog_post.asp?post=14146">read more</a><font size="-3" color="gray">)</font></span></div> </article> <article> <h1>Saving Money On Gas</h1> <div style="font-family:arial, geneva, lucida, sans-serif;">Everyone is talking about the steep gas prices and are feeling the pinch at the pump. The entire nation is seeing record high prices and the current average for a gallon of gas is now hovering at $3.73 according to a survey of stations by AAA and the Oil Price Information Service. Prices have now risen to the level at which the Energy Department forecasts they’ll peak in June, on a monthly average basis; that means prices may still go higher. Those feeling the sting the most are commuters as well as businesses that depend on driving as part of their job such as delivery persons and truck drivers. With summer coming up and the threat of stagflation -- inflation coupled with slower economic growth -- there doesn’t seem to be much relief in sight. To help you make the best of the situation, we have found a great resource to locate the cheapest gas closest to you in your area. Just enter your zip code and it tells you which gas stations have the lowest and the ..<span style="font-size:90%;margin-left:5px;color:#0000FF;vertical-align:baseline;"><font size="-3" color="gray">(</font><a style="text-decoration:none;" href="http://thesmartmoveteam.com/blog_post.asp?post=10432">read more</a><font size="-3" color="gray">)</font></span></div> </article> </main></body></html>