There’s Nothing Better Than Living Along The Lake – The water draws us in with its promise of peaceful times and recreational family fun. To own property beside it is a dream for many. And the Southeastern part of the United States has the waterfront property in the highest demand. To help you investigate this part of the region and make a sound waterfront investment, we founded NClakefront Realty.

About NClakefront Realty – If you’re looking for property in a lakefront community in North Carolina, you’ve come to the right place: NClakefront Realty. We work with many developers throughout the state to help families, like yours, find just the right property. We are committed to creating places where the wonders of nature combine with everyday life. Our professional staff will provide a pressure-free experience and guide you through the process of purchasing property. Our reputation for service and attention to detail are clearly evident both during and after the sale.

The process of searching for just the right property can be done at a pace that is comfortable to you. Best of all, you can buy your homesite now and build when you’re ready. We can even help you choose a custom builder.

We specialize in exclusive, residential communities that are gated and have protective covenants to secure your investment We invite you to discover everything NClakefront Realty has to offer. Please call us at 1-800-517-5899 or 828-221-2505 for more information and to schedule your visit.

Here are communities where people can live the life you’ve always imagined, in the kinds of places you’ve always dreamed of.

Matt Lahtela – Director of Sales and Marketing

Matt grew up in Minnesota, and enjoyed lake living in the “Land of 10,000 Lakes”, but quickly grew tired of the long, cold winters. He moved south and graduated from Georgia Tech, then began his career in Electrical Engineering. He realized that Corporate America wasn’t where he wanted to be; and by chance, in 1999 he discovered the world of Land Development and Real Estate, specifically on lakes in North Carolina. From there, he became a successful Real Estate Agent working in 100+ communities throughout the Southeast, and eventually broadened his horizons by representing many land developers in North Carolina and continues to remain focused on lake communities. Today, NClakefront Realty is one of the largest sales and marketing companies focusing on North Carolina Lake Properties, and continues to grow everyday.

You’re living the dream in a prestigious waterfront haven. Dangle your feet from the dock. Peer across the wide, expansive peninsula that juts into the main channel of Lake Hickory. Cruise through the big waves or just kick back and take in the bountiful views. You’ll never look back.

Plantation Pointe Amenities:

Heavily Landscaped Illuminated Entrance

Electronic Security Gate

Paved roads

Lantern-lit streets

Underground utilities

Community Boat Slips with outdoor grill.

Secure Boat Storage Area

Hickory Key Facts

Geography – Catawba County and Hickory, NC are located in Western part of North Carolina situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Official elevation of the county is 1140 feet. We are one hour east of the Mountains and 4 ½ hours west of the Atlantic Ocean.

General Information

Avg. Annual rainfall: 49 inches

Avg. annual snowfall: 9.6 inches

Avg. relative humidity: 74%

Avg. January High Temp.: 48 degrees

Avg. July High Temp.: 87 degrees

Sunshine an avg. 300 days a year

Population (October 2006)

Catawba County: 153,784

Hickory Metropolitan MSA: 359,856

Median age: 36.4

*Includes Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba Counties

Economic Indicators

Average Household Size: 2.54

Households: 58,500

Average Household Income: $54,726

Median Household Income: $42,349

Per Capita Personal: $21,351

Total effective buying income: $2,558,253,000

Total retail sales: $2,395,750,000

Source: Sales and Marketing Management Magazine, 2005 Survey of Buying Power and 2000 Census

Area Activities for Children

AMF COLONIAL LANES BOWLING ALLEY

1951 Highway 70 SE, Hickory, North Carolina

828-327-2695

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 12:00pm-12:00am

Wednesday 10:00am-1:00am; Friday 12:00pm-2:00am

Saturday 10:00am-2:00am; Sunday 10:00am-12:00am

CATAWBA SCIENCE CENTER

Exhibits on display and educational activities year round.

243 3rd Avenue NE, Hickory, North Carolina

828-322-8169

Tuesday-Friday 10:00am-5:00pm; Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm; Sunday 1:00pm-4:00pm

CHUCK E CHEESE

Pizza, Games, and More

2032 SE Catawba Valley Blvd, Hickory, North Carolina

828-328-3694

Sunday-Thursday 9:00am-10:00pm; Friday-Saturday 9:00am-11:00pm

F3: FABULOUS FAMILY FUN CENTER

Arcade, Phaser Zone, Go Carts, Batting Cages, Bumper Boats, and Mini-Golf

1991 15th Avenue Place SE, Hickory, North Carolina

828-322-2025

Sunday-Thursday 11:00am-10:00pm; Friday-Saturday 11:00am-11:00pm

HICKORY DICKORY DOCK

Arcade, Playground, Bumper Cars, Laser Tag, and Mini-Golf

825 Highway 70 SE, Hickory, North Carolina

828-322-3625

Monday-Thursday 10:00am-9:00pm; Friday-Saturday 10:00am-11:00pm; Sunday 12:00pm-8:00pm

PIN STATION

Smoke-free Bowling Alley, Mini-Golf, Arcade, and Pool Tables

525 West A Street, Newton, North Carolina

828-466-2695

Monday-Thursday 8:00am-9:00pm; Friday-Saturday 8:00am-1:00am; Sunday 1:00pm-9:00pm

VALLEY HILLS MALL

Indoor Playground—FREE

1960 Highway 70 SE, Hickory, North Carolina

828-328-2436

Monday-Saturday 10:00am-9:00pm; Sunday 1:00pm-6:00pm

Hospitals in Hickory, NC Area

Frye Regional Medical Center

420 North Center Street

Hickory, NC 28601

Phone: (828) 315-5000

Frye Regional Medical Center is a 355-bed acute care facility located at 420 North Center Street in Hickory, NC. The hospital has been serving the medical and health care needs of Catawba County since 1911. The hospital’s main campus includes a comprehensive heart center and cardiac rehab, orthopedics, bariatric surgery, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, pediatrics, center for neurosciences, cancer center and women’s pavilion. Frye has several extended campuses to serve families throughout the area including: Wellness and Education Center which houses the Center For Diabetes Self-Management Care, perinatal education and community wellness classes; South Campus for psychiatric services; Viewmont and Tate Surgery Centers; Vein and Wound Center/Infusion Care; Pain Center; Piedmont Therapy, offering sports and industrial rehabilitation; an urgent care facility; FryeCare, an outpatient diagnostic facility; Alexander Campus, which provides 24 hour emergency care along with diagnostic and laboratory services and infusion care; plus HealthPoint, which provides extensive industrial services and programs to employers.

Frye Regional Medical Center is accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the nation’s oldest and largest hospital accreditation agency. To learn more about the hospital, visit www.fryemedctr.com

For the second year in a row, Frye Regional Medical Center has been named a Distinguished Hospital by J.D. Power and Associates. This distinction acknowledges a strong commitment by Frye to provide “An Outstanding Inpatient Experience”. Frye is the only hospital in North Carolina to receive the recognition.

For the fifth year in a row, Frye Regional Medical Center has been named a Consumer Choice Award winner and designated as a Most Preferred Hospital for Best Overall Quality and Image by National Research Corporation.

Catawba Valley Medical Center

810 Fairgrove Church Road SE

Hickory, NC 28602

Phone: (828) 326-3800

Catawba Valley Medical Center is accredited by the Joint Commission and a member of the American Hospital Association, NC Hospital Association and the Health Care Advisory Board. In addition, CVMC is licensed by the N.C. Division of Facility Services, Licensure and Certification Section, for 258 beds and to provide general acute care, psychiatry, comprehensive rehabilitation services, critical care services, radiation therapy services, obstetrical services, Level III and neonatal services. CVMC also serves as a training site for Wake Forest University Medical Center and for numerous other clinical training programs across the state.

In May 2001, Catawba Valley Medical Center marked a significant milestone by being designated by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Magnet Hospital. CVMC is only the 32nd hospital in the nation to seek and attain this level of excellence-the gold award in patient care. And CVMC continues to meet and exceed the ANCC standards by achieving reaccreditation again in August 2005. To date, less than 2% of the nation’s 6,000 hospitals have been designated Magnet facilities including leaders in healthcare like Johns Hopkins and the Mayo Clinic.

The hospital has become a regional provider, serving patients from a five-county area. The hospital has achieved local, regional, state and national recognition and accreditations for medical excellence. The hospital is an established training site for Wake Forest University School of Medicine and East Carolina School of Medicine for physician residency programs. More than 250 medical staff members represent the range of medical specialties consistent with those practicing in a regional medical center.

Valdese Hospital

720 Malcom Blvd

Rutherford College, NC 28612

Phone: (828) 874-2251

Valdese Hospital (VH), located in Valdese, N.C., serves residents of Burke, Caldwell and western Catawba counties by providing services that are high quality, cost effective and patient centered.

At this 172-bed, nonprofit hospital, VH’s staff of more than 350 provides a full range of medical and surgical services in pleasant surroundings designed to maximize privacy and convenience. As part of Blue Ridge HealthCare and Carolinas HealthCare System, the VH staff has confidence in their ability to keep pace with emerging medical advances and wellness initiatives in a joint quest to safeguard patient health.

In 1971 Valdese Hospital was the first private hospital in North Carolina to gain approval for its cancer program from the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons, an honor that has been continually earned.

Big profits from personalized wristbands are an excellent fundraising tool used by most organizations and foundations.

These big profits from personalized wristbands are becoming a fashionable accessory for many people.

Everywhere, you can see many people wearing these wristbands from all colors and messages. They can be ordered by less than $1 dollar each, so you can get big profits from selling them at a superior price. Compared to other promotional items like mugs, pens, pins, t-shirts, big profits from personalized wristbands are the most practical and popular accessory to fundraise money.

Big profits from personalized wristbands are ideal for those who want to show their support to certain causes such as animal protection, breast cancer awareness, charities, etc. Moreover, people can customize their own silicone wristbands so that they can include messages and colors representing a particular cause. These big profits from personalized wristbands s can also promote an upcoming event or a fundraising campaign. They can also promote products, values, religious beliefs, and so forth.

Also, people can include the name of a beloved one in a bracelet to remember this person forever. Silicone wristbands have a great impact on the people’s lives since they are used with affective purposes.

Anyone can order these rubber bracelets. They are accessible to everyone because they are cheap to manufacture and can be customized in many ways. Any person can order a bulk of big profits from personalized wristbands for birthday parties, bloc parties, weddings, graduations, etc.

silicone wristbands are flexible and durable. They won’t easily break or lose their shape even if you pull them hard. In this respect, customers can count on the particular properties of silicone wristbands to use them for many purposes.

These big profits from personalized wristbands can be produced for less than one dollar each. This way, many customers and big organizations can take advantage of the low cost of production in order to get good retails from one to three dollars for each bracelet. Consider this! Have you ever seen those high profit margins in such a product? If your answer is no, then you should get your own order of silicone wristbands and start getting these excellent profits.

Hendersonville and surrounding Henderson County has most everything a new or experienced homeowner is looking for. Hendersonville real estate is a great investment. Nestled between the Great Smoky and the Blue Ridge Mountains, the climate is mild, the property taxes are low (around 37 cents per $100), and the people are friendly.

Hendersonville is located in Henderson County – a size of approximately 375 square miles. Only 22 miles south of Asheville, NC, Hendersonville real estate is a great buy for a new or experienced homeowner. Henderson County also encompasses the surrounding areas of Fletcher, Flat Rock, Arden-Skyland, Etowah-Horse Shoe and Laurel Park are also close to Hendersonville and can allow someone interested in Hendersonville homes to escape to the country, where large fruit orchards and outlying valleys span the horizon, and still have all the amenities of living close to a medium-sized town like Hendersonville, NC.

If you are driving, Interstate 40 and Interstate 26 pass right by Hendersonville, which makes it easy to access by automobile. Asheville Regional Airport is only 10 miles north on Interstate 26 and connects to many major hubs and airports throughout the United States utilizing several national airlines.

Hendersonville homes are a smart buy because it is so close to so many interesting attractions. The economy of Hendersonville is an interesting and diverse mix of agriculture, tourism, retirement communities, and business. Hendersonville homeowners are also close to great outdoor activities from fishing, camping, hiking, and the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway. According to local Hendersonville Real Estate professionals Beverly-Hanks, Hendersonville has attracted hundreds of families for these very reasons.

Hendersonville is known as the “City of Four Seasons”. This is because of the distinct seasons the area enjoys. Living in a Hendersonville home means you enjoy beautiful fall colors, winters without the chilly bite of northern winters, summers without the muggy haze of southern summers, and beautiful spring seasons.

Hendersonville’s downtown area is bustling. It boasts a treasure trove of art galleries, fine restaurants, live music, and other local business, all set in a backdrop of historic buildings, old-fashioned lamp posts, and a town clock. While other downtowns around the country may be in economic hard times, Hendersonville’s local businesses are thriving. This only helps to enhance the ambience and vitality of the entire area. This includes Hendersonville real estate, as everyone likes to live next to a bustling downtown.

Hendersonville has seen many businesses move to town looking for a clean environment and a place where their employees can raise their families in Hendersonville homes.

In every way, Hendersonville North Carolina is a great place to live work and play.

Everyone wants to own their own home, but often times there are obstacles standing in the way. High home prices, other pressing expenses and nowadays, the instability of the economy and housing market can all make deciding to buy a home a difficult decision. But there are alternatives, and one of the best out there for all kinds of buyers is Georgia foreclosure homes.

While most properties are sold through real estate agents on behalf of homeowners, Georgia foreclosure homes are sold by lenders attempting to collect a debt. But oftentimes, these properties end up selling for much less at auction than they are actually worth. They are often in exceptional condition, and buyers end up walking away from sales paying prices that are 10 to 50% below the property’s market value.

The market for Georgia foreclosure homes also happens to be booming right now, creating even more opportunities for discounted purchases. With a foreclosure rate that ranks 8th in the nation among states and a 5% increase year over year in foreclosures, there are plenty of buying opportunities for investors in all kinds of different locations.

Buying Georgia foreclosure homes is a great way to not only save money on home purchase, but also to ensure you make a solid investment when homes on the open market can be risky in terms of their future property value. If you’re going to look for Georgia foreclosure homes, a good place to start is to get a wide angle view of what’s available through a listings service like Foreclosure-Support.com. Foreclosure-Support.com provides updated listings and quality advice for all levels of buyer experience.

Many buyers search for South Carolina real estate but don’t know where exactly in the state to live.  I’ve listed below 5 of the most popular places to relocate in South Carolina.

Columbia is South Carolina’s capital, and a lot of people choose to live here.  It’s centrally located to the beach and the mountains.  It’s one of the biggest cities in the state, and the population has grown to just over 120,000.  Some of the biggest employers in the area are the University of South Carolina, the state government, and the hospital systems.  Columbia (and Greenville) are the most affordable places to live in South Carolina that are also relatively good sized cities.

Greenville is located at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains and has cooler weather than the coastal areas of South Carolina.  It snows usually about once or twice a year in the uppermost part of the state, and Greenville is the largest city in the upstate.  It has an estimate of about 60,000 residents.  This area has seen some of the largest growth for non-coastal areas in South Carolina, and it’s expected to grow even more in coming years.  The city has plenty to do and lots of nice areas, but it’s also considered an up and coming area simply because of its past and projected growth.

Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular tourist areas in South Carolina.  Every year, more than 15 million people visit South Carolina’s coast, and Myrtle Beach is at the top of the list of beaches, statistically speaking.  Although a lot of people in Myrtle Beach live there year round, it’s considered more of a vacation spot.  You’ll find putt-putt courses and beach shops sprinkled throughout the area.  It also has a lot of large hotels and condo complexes right on the beach.  Myrtle Beach is the most coastal city on this list.  The residential population is estimated around 23,000.

Charleston is known for its history and culture.  Its economy is also based largely on tourism, and it has started to make its way into the international tourism and real estate markets as it’s become the cultural hub of the state.  You’ll find historic sites, museums, and art galleries throughout the main peninsula and surrounding areas.  Charleston is considered more of an upscale port city and has 6 beaches along its coast (plus several islands and towns further inland).  Charleston is comparable to Columbia in size, at just under 118,000.

Hilton Head does not attract as many tourists, and it’s known as a smaller and quieter coastal area.  The AARP often lists Hilton Head in its top places to retire, but you’ll find a mix of people there.  Its population is estimated at about 33,000.  Real estate prices are relatively high, as the town has strict development and commercial guidelines.  The town incorporated these rules in an effort to preserve the natural setting that people associate with Hilton Head.

At some point in time most regions of the United States go through their growth phases. During the industrial revolution of the 19th century the Northeastern United States was seeing huge economic growth and prosperity. Eventually that faded and the prosperity moved to the Carolina region the United States.

Texas has seen its share of economic success and for a long time Florida was the focal point of the real estate market both real and imagined. Wanna buy some swamp land in Florida? In the last 20 years or so that real estate prosperity has shifted from the Eastern United States to the Western United States. Las Vegas has been recognized as one of the fastest growing cities in the United States in the past decade and Southern California has always been a spot for real estate investors to make their fortunes.

But there is one area that has been seeing a steady rise in real estate property values over the past couple of decades and has gone largely unnoticed. Seattle real estate has increased in value steadily for some time now and as Seattle real estate continues to increase in value as Seattle continues to grow it remains as the best kept secret in real estate.

Back in the 1970’s the Boeing Company was just coming into its own as one of the premier manufacturer’s of commercial and military planes. At that time Seattle did not have the sprawling downtown with its majestic buildings that it has now. The tallest structure in Seattle was the Space Needle from the World’s Fair and it remained that way for many years. But soon talented and young engineers were settling in Seattle to work for Boeing and Seattle real estate started to take off. Downtown Seattle real estate became prime land and more and more businesses began to realize the many advantages to investing in Seattle real estate.

Smells Like Real Estate Prosperity

In the late 1980’s and early 1990’s Seattle started to become known for more than just Boeing. The grunge rock scene started in Seattle and soon Seattle real estate became even more coveted. Soon record labels were setting up shop in Seattle and musicians and artists were pouring in from all over the world to try and make it big in show business. Once again Seattle real estate took off and it has not stopped.

Boeing has since announced moving most of its offices out of Seattle but with major international corporations such as Starbucks still headquartered in Seattle it looks like Seattle real estate will just keep on rising in value for the foreseeable future.

There has never been a better time than now to move to the Blue Ridge Mountains region of North Carolina. The areas of Asheville and Hendersonville, NC, for example, are two of the best places to raise a family in the United States. While housing prices are currently unstable in most of the rest of the country, North Carolina is seeing steady prices and a reasonable amount of turn-over in real estate inventory.

There are many things for you and your family to do in the Western North Carolina area. The Blue Ridge Mountains are a vacation destination for people from all over the country. Living in the area gives you and your family access to many amazing places to visit and experience, each and every day. The Blue Ridge Mountains, called this because they appear blue from a distance due to their abundant, native plant life, have some of the best lakes, rivers, and historic places for you and your family to visit and enjoy.

In the spring and early summer, the Blue Ridge Mountain region bursts alive with many different varieties of wildflowers. Exploring the area you will find a plentiful supply of native flowering plants and trees such as: Azaleas, Bloodroot, Dogwood, Firepink, Redbud, Rhododendron, Serviceberry, Spring Beauty, Trillium, and many varieties of violets. A day of enjoying the wildflowers of the area is a must. Enjoying the entire wildflower season is an added bonus if you own real estate and live in the area!

If you like to fish or swim this region has many lakes and rivers. If you would like to live in the area year-round, be sure to check out the abundant water-front real estate on the local rivers and lakes. The best of which can easily be found in the greater Asheville, Brevard and Hendersonville areas of Western North Carolina. By working with an experienced local Henderson real estate agent they can show you some of the best places to live based on your personal requirements.

Some of the most scenic and popular lake front real estate can be found on Biltmore Lake, Lake Glenville, Lake Lure, and Lake Toxaway. Water-front property on any of these four man-made lakes can be a perfect place for you to retire or raise your family. Though each lake is man-made, you would never know it from the amazing scenery and naturalness of the lakes.

If you are looking to live river front, Cane Creek to the natural rivers of Davidson, French Broad, Rocky Broad, and Swannanoa have some wonderful and affordable real estate locations. In addition to the major rivers, there are a multitude of natural creeks and streams which flow in the area. Many of them have private property available. The rivers and streams of the surrounding area are some the best fly fishing areas you can find in Western North Carolina and the United States.

The Asheville and Hendersonville areas are known for their rich heritage and historic attractions. Some of the best places to visit in the area are The Mineral & Lapidary Museum of Henderson County, the Biltmore Estate, and the Folk Arts Center, just to name a few.

The Blue Ridge Mountains have something to offer for everyone. Living in the Blue Ridge Mountain region is like living no where else on earth. Enjoy!

Providence Downs South in Union County, North Carolina is a beautiful and exquisite gated community. This luxurious community will include large estate style lots and houses built by some of the area’s leading custom home builders.  Home architectural guidelines are in place to ensure that proper homes will meet the overall theme of the neighborhood.  Precautions have been taken to keep the land in its pristine state. And to further protect the value of this community, certain subdivision deed restrictions apply, designed to assure the quality of the natural environment for years to come.  Each individual property is unique and must be visited in person to truly appreciate

What’s the first rule of Real Estate?  Location, Location, Location.  Providence Downs South in Union County, North Carolina is conveniently located minutes from cultural attractions, local events, entertainment establishments, shopping, hospitals, and fine dining.  This area has become famous for its quality lifestyle and family friendly activities fit for all ages. From museums to shopping, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and explore.  North Carolina has many major metropolitan areas throughout the state. The largest cities include the Charlotte Area (Cornelius, Mooresville, Huntersville, Davidson, Denver), Raleigh Area (Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, and Apex), Asheville, Wilmington, Hickory, Burlington, Salisbury, Greensboro, Winston Salem, and High Point.  Wherever you live, you’re a short distance to a major metropolitan area.  Why is NC #1 on many people’s short list to live?  All of the reasons above plus a Better Climate, Lower Taxes, Lower Cost of Living, and Southern Hospitality.

Charlotte Luxury Communities is not just a financial investment – but also an investment in your family, your future, your enjoyment, and your peace of mind.

About Charlotte Luxury Communities – If you’re looking for property in the Charlotte area in North Carolina, you’ve come to the right place: Charlotte Luxury Communities. We work with many developers throughout the area to help families, like yours, find just the right property. We are committed to creating places where the wonders of nature combine with everyday life.  Our professional staff will provide a pressure-free experience and guide you through the process of purchasing property.  Our reputation for service and attention to detail are clearly evident both during and after the sale.  We assist buyers in finding a primary, vacation, or retirement place. Some of the amenities in subdivisions we work with include:  Gated stone entrance, walking trails, fitness center, tennis, swimming pool, lazy river, spa, hot tub or whirlpool, and so much more!

You could spend a lifetime exploring all that North Carolina has to offer.  Some of the types of beach, lake, and mountain properties in North Carolina include: 55+ or Active Adult, Coastal, Private and Gated, Land Conservation, Luxury Condominiums and Townhomes, Million Dollar, ocean front, and Resort communities.

For more information on properties in Charlotte, North Carolina, contact Charlotte Luxury Communities at www.charlotteluxurycommunities.com, rich@ebrcorolinas.com or 704-582-2096 and we’ll help you find that ideal house or lot.  Information provided by Rich Talbert – Sales and Marketing at CharlotteLuxuryCommunities.com.

If you love to live in the country and are looking for the finest rural setting to settle down, what better place to choose from than America’s top ten rural places? The February issue of Progressive Farmer features the top ten best places to live in rural America in 2007. These rural counties have been chosen based on statistics such as education, crime, health care etc. and as well as their picturesque settings. The ten rural places that made it to the top list are:

1. Barren County, Kentucky

Rolling farmlands, friendly residents, a rich historical background and thriving businesses attract settlers to Barren County. The County rates high on education with the County schools having some of the top scores in the State. The County offers rich country living amidst a background of strong farming heritage.

2. Warren County, Pennsylvania

A flowing Allegheny River adds to the picturesque beauty of the County as do its famed hills that give character to the milieu in each season. The breathtaking beauty of the seasons – whether it is the brightest green in spring or the intense reds and yellows of fall – makes Warren County a perfect place for every season. Nature’s bounties include mild summers and winters, water spots that offer fishing and camping and the Allegheny National Forest with copious attractions such as skiing and snowmobiling. The County also has excellent schools.

3. Randolph County, Illinois

The country living here is characterized by numerous festivals and events such as the annual Popeye Picnic that celebrates the town’s native son Elzie Segar – the creator of the popular comic-strip character. Agriculture drives the economy of this County and is aided by river transportation. With the local administration planning the preservation of open space and agricultural heritage of the County, Randolph County is sure to stay on the top 10 list for long.

4. Gillespie County, Texas

A land that gets clothed by beautiful flowers every spring, Gillespie is a wonderful rural setting and a typical Texas County where one can find wide-open spaces, cattle ranches and old men wearing cowboy hats. The German influence is profound on the eating places here. The County is popular for its peach orchards and citrus farms.

5. Union County, South Dakota

The merging of the Missouri River and the Big Sioux River has rendered this County with not only a beautiful topography but also a rich fertile soil. This rural County offers a few surprises too in terms of achievements. Union County is proud of its excellent schools which has a Blue Ribbon school amongst them. The County offers a favorable atmosphere for children and is a great place to raise a family.

6. St. Lawrence County, New York

On the sixth place is St. Lawrence County which boasts of a renowned music school, the Frederic Remington Art Museum, traditional arts, etc. The County also offers a plethora of recreational activities that include hunting and fishing. Although winters are severe, summers are beautiful and highly enjoyable.

7. Sac County, Iowa

Rolling hills, fields of golden corn and soybean, friendly residents… Sac County has a lot to offer for the rural lover. A warm community feeling abides among the residents who enjoy fun activities and events such as the Farmall Promenade.

8. Garfield County, Okalahoma

Home to two medical centers and the Vance Air Force Base, Garfield County is a through and through agricultural land. Horse pastures and wheat fields adorn the countryside. The residents mostly live on acreages and are known for their honesty and hard work. The place has a rich history.

9. Amador County, California

Amador Country is a unique place where one can enjoy the luxury of three different climates. Famous for its wine region, Amador is one of the major grape-growing regions of the country.

10. Polk County, North Carolina

Polk County is one that has been untouched despite the rapid growth of its neighboring counties. Nestled amidst the foothills of the Appalachians, tourism drives the economy of the County. This scenic County once undiscovered is headed for growth in the near future.

If you are thinking of buying or selling a home, condo or any other type of real estate in the areas listed above, be sure to seek out the services of a local real estate agent to advise you about local real estate market conditions.

South Carolina

South Carolina allows for both judicial or in court and non-judicial or out of court foreclosure processes to take place in its jurisdiction.

As with all states that allow both kinds of foreclosure, the vast majority of cases are pursued through out of court processes, because it save the bank both time and money.  The determining factors as to which foreclosure processes will be employed is whether or not a power of sale clause is included in the language of the mortgage or deed of trust.

Most such documents include a power of sale clause these days.  That allows out of court foreclosure to be followed.  In the few cases where a power of sale clause does not appear in the mortgage or deed of trust, in court foreclosure must be followed.  In court foreclosure begins by the bank filing a legal complaint against the home owner.  This is an attempt to obtain a decree of sale from the judge.  It is of course almost invariably granted.

When the court finds the homeowner in default, it sets up a time frame in which the home owner is allowed to come up with the payments that have been missed, plus any additional costs such as attorney’s fees, which the bank has incurred as a result of the process.  If the home owner can pay that amount of money in the time allotted to do so, the sale of the property will be stopped.  Further, they will have kept a foreclosure off their credit history.

And, of course they will need to resume a current standing with the agreed upon payment schedule.

The sale of the property will proceed the same way whether it is by judicial or non-judicial process.

Three weeks before the scheduled sale date, a public notice announcing the sale must be posted on the courthouse door of the county where the property is located.  Also, during this time this same notice must be posted in two additional public places.

Also, an advertisement containing the same information as the public notice of sale must be run in a local newspaper which has circulation in the county where the property is located.

The judge can specify otherwise, but in almost all cases the sale of the home will be held at the court house of the county where the property is located.  The sale will be conducted by that county’s sheriff as well.

South Carolina is one of the few super sale day states.  All foreclosure sales in the state are held on the first Monday of the month unless that Monday is a holiday.  In such a likelihood, the sale will be held the next day which is the first Tuesday of the month.  All the sales will be run through from the hours of 11:00 am and 5:00pm the sheriff may close the process down earlier than 5:00 pm, if it is necessary.

Even if you are the highest bidder at the sale of the property, you must wait thirty days longer to be awarded the home.  During this thirty day period, following the conclusion of the sale, anyone may turn in a higher bid.  At the end of this thirty day time frame, the person or entity who have placed the highest bid, will be the one to get the property.  If you were the winning bidder at the public sale, but you were not the highest bid at the end of the next thirty days, the money you paid the sheriff will be returned and you will not get the home.

Even when you have been awarded the house at the end of the thirytday waiting period, you must still wait another three months until the sheriff will make the final deed endorsements.  During this final 90 day waiting period, an objection to the winning bid can be raised which would derail the winning bidders claim on the home.

The only entity that would raise such an objection on the sale price would be the bank.

This seems like a real headache for the investor, who wants to get the home at the sale.  On the other hand, I presume that during all this additional four months of time following the public sale, the former home owner could remain in the home.  I presume this, because, legally, no new clear title to the property has been established until after this time.

In South Carolina, banks are allowed to file for a deficiency judgment.  This means that is the bank feels it can get more money from the former homeowner, to make up for the loss it took between what is owed and the proceeds it received from the sale, then it is allowed to attempt to sue the home owner for those funds.