Ashton Pointe Blog

This Saturday is the 26th annual Gullah Festival. This is the weekend when everyone who lives in an apartment in Beaufort, SC can celebrate the history, customs, cultures, and language of the African Americans of the Lowcountry.
 
The festival is always held in Beaufort on the weekend leading up to Memorial Day festival activities begin on Friday, May 25th and run through Sunday, May 27th. The 2012 festival, which is the 26th annual will again be held at Waterfront Park with additional celebrations throughout Historical Beaufort.

The festival will have an excellent line up of entertainment including  featured artist, recording artist Tony Terry as well as jazz, blues, reggae, gospel, storytelling, dance, arts & crafts, delicious food, vendors market, beauty pageant, art shows, museum displays, dances and plays.  The Gullah Festival is family oriented and has become an excellent destination and weekend activity for everyone. This celebration of Lowcountry culture and heritage is highlighted with authentic arts and crafts, exhibits in the Black Inventions Museum, Gullah presentations, music, workshops, dance and regional foods.

Gullah is more than the language and name of a people, it is the essence of struggle, spirituality, perseverance and tradition. Enjoy the festival!

In the American mind, renting has long symbolized striving rather than achieving. But as we climb our way out of the Great Recession, it seems something has changed. Americans are getting over the idea of owning the American dream; increasingly, they're OK with renting it.

Home ownership is on the decline, and renting is on the rise. But the trend isn't limited to the housing market. Across the board, Americans are increasingly acclimating to the idea of giving up the stability of being an owner for the flexibility of being a renter. This may sound like a decline in living standards. But the new realities of our increasingly mobile economy make it more likely that this transition from an Ownership Society to a Rentership Society.

The unsentimental fact about the American dream is that Americans never really owned it in the first place. For the past three decades, especially, consumers haven't so much bought their quality of life as they've borrowed it from banks and credit card companies.

Now consumers are following the example of corporations, becoming more efficient. And it starts at home.
 
Housing is the biggest single component of consumption in the U.S. economy and the source of much of our present misery. The typical consumer spends about 32% of his or her budget on shelter. In the last decade, that generally meant borrowing a lot of money to take "ownership" of a home.

During the boom, the homeownership rate grew steadily, peaking at a record 69% in 2006.

Ownership-boosters failed to note that homes purchased in 2005 and 2006 with no-money-down, interest-only mortgages weren't really bought. They were simply rented until the "owner" flipped them or walked away from the mortgage.

In the post-bust climate, renting has emerged as a much more economically efficient way to pay for housing. A one-year lease represents a far less onerous financial obligation than a 30-year mortgage. It's difficult to get into too much financial trouble as a renter. The home ownership rate has fallen from its peak in 2006 to 65.4% today.

For an increasing number of Americans it makes more sense to rent. According to Moody's, by late 2011 it was cheaper to rent than to own in 72% of American metropolitan areas, (such as the Beaufort area) up from 54% a decade ago. And the more people who do it, the more socially acceptable and desirable it becomes. The decline in the ownership rate means that about three million more households rent today than did at the height of the bubble.

It's tempting to view the rise of renting as an economic step backward. But many would argue the rise of renting is a sign of a system adapting to new realities.

The U.S. economy needs the dynamism that renting enables as much as, or more than, it needs the stability that ownership engenders.

And the rising popularity of renting is hardly contained to the housing market.

Finally, perhaps, Americans are absorbing a piece of wisdom from Thoreau: "And when the farmer has got his house, he may not be the richer but the poorer for it, and it be the house that has got him."

For information on renting an apartment in Beaufort, contact Ashton Pointe.

Wall Street Journal

Low mortgage rates and more affordable home prices in the Beaufort area are creating an interest in home ownership by those who live in apartments. However, potential buyers who are unprepared for the true cost of owning a home may be shocked by the bite homeownership can take out of their wallet in addition to their mortgage payments.

Inspection and Appraisal Fees
Before you purchase a home you need to pay for a home inspection, and an appraisal, possible even inspections for pests or radon. The costs of these inspections are borne by buyers and are a necessary protection to avoid buying a flawed property or paying too much.

Closing Costs
Buyers need to be prepared with the cash for anywhere from 2% to 4% of the mortgage balance depending on your area.

Taxes
As a homeowner, you'll need to pay property taxes, which are generally part of the escrow you pay into each month. Remember, even if you have a fixed-rate home loan, your property taxes could go up and increase your monthly housing costs.

Insurance
Your lender will require home insurance, the cost of which depends on factors including the construction materials of your home and the location. Even if you have renter's insurance, you'll find that home insurance costs more because you are paying for the ability to rebuild your home in addition to replacing your personal possessions. Insurance costs will rise over time, and you will need supplemental insurance if you live in a flood zone.

HOA and Condo Fees
If you buy a home within a homeowners' association or a condominium association, you'll be required to pay a monthly or quarterly fee. These fees can rise, or your association may need to charge a special assessment for projects such as repaving the parking lot or repairing a roof.

Utility Bills
Depending on where you live, your costs for electricity, gas and water could be higher when you move into your own home than when you live in an apartment in Beaufort, SC. You may also need to pay for garbage collection along with your Internet, cable and phone bill.

Furniture
While this is essentially a discretionary expense, most people who move from an apartment to a larger home need to buy at least some new furniture.
 
Lawn Care
Whether you handle your yard work yourself or hire a professional, you will have to pay something to keep your landscaping in check. Lawn equipment can be costly and you may need a leaf blower and other yard tools, too.

Maintenance
Home maintenance costs time and money. While you may be able to change your furnace filters, clean your gutters and keep your appliances running smoothly yourself, you may also need to hire a contractor to clean and inspect your chimney and to keep your heating and air conditioning system in top shape.

Repairs
While maintenance tasks can be predictable, the most costly part of homeownership typically comes with unexpected repairs such as replacing or repairing the roof, removing a tree, or paying for mold mitigation in a damp basement. The list of possibilities is endless, so homeowners should set aside savings for an emergency. Experts suggest budgeting for 1% or 2% of your mortgage balance as a yearly maintenance and repair fund.

The Bottom Line
Buying a home costs more than you think. If you don’t expect to stay in your home for at least seven to 10 years, contact Ashton Pointe Apartment Homes.

SF Gate

Everyone knows that South Carolina has great golfing, and the Beaufort area is no exception. If you live in an apartment in Beaufort, SC head over to one of the courses this week for Healing Heroes Golf Week.

This week in Beaufort, the Healing Heroes Golf Week tees off.

Independence Fund is sponsoring this event which supports the vets who have been severely injured in Iraq and Afghanistan. The event gives golfers, who pay a registration fee, a chance to play with the vets.

Golf began yesterday at the Callawassie Club, and today at the Golf Club at Hilton Head Lakes. The Thursday round is at the Sanctuary Golf Club on Cat Island and the Friday’s round is being held at the Fripp Island Ocean Point Links.

A paramobile allows an injured golfer to make their way around the course and can be raised to support the player as they swing. Independence Fund has a goal is to raise $17,000 for a paramobile.

Monday was the official start of the shrimp season in South Carolina. That is about two weeks earlier than normal because of an unusually mild winter. If you live in an apartment in Beaufort, SC you probably love shrimp and you probably have some favorite local haunts that prepare it the best.

Shrimp are the most commercially valuable seafood caught in South Carolina, and many would argue they are also the most delicious.

To celebrate the beginning of shrimp season, here is a delicious, easy and light shrimp recipe. Do you have a favorite recipe? If so, share it with us.
 
Garlic Shrimp

• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1 1/2 to 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 to 6 medium cloves garlic, crushed and minced
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 to 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• salt, to taste

Add the remaining ingredients; stir well. Remove the pan from the heat and serve immediately, with rice or a salad.

As you know, this coming Friday is Friday the 13th. Besides being the scariest day as a result of pop movies which began in the 80’s, Friday the 13th is also known as the most unlucky day of the year. But this reputation of being unlucky only started in the 19th century. Folklorists believe that the unlucky reputation of this day began because 13 is known as an unlucky number and Friday is known as an unlucky day. This unlucky day typically occurs 2-3 times per year during months that begin on Sundays.

Are you wondering how to avoid bad luck in your apartment in Beaufort this Friday? Here are some tips from folklorists to keep luck on your side all day on Friday the 13th.

1. Feng Shui is the Chinese practice of creating harmony in your life. Start this day off right. Get out of bed on the left side.

2. Red is the luckiest color of them all. Wearing a red piece of clothing or lipstick stops evil spirits.

3. Disguise yourself and hide from death! It is suggested that you do this by wearing your clothes inside out.  This way death or evil spirits will have a hard time finding you.

4. Drink a cup of coffee. This one is easy for coffee drinkers. Drink your daily dose of coffee, but don’t stir it with a fork. While you are at it, scoop up some bubbles in your coffee and drink them, too.

5. Unlock the doors to health, wealth, and love by carrying only three keys on your key chain.

The Beaufort Twilight Run is the most popular 8K in the Lowcountry! Do you live in an apartment in Beaufort? Here is the perfect race to usher in the most beautiful season for running in the south. Even better, you get oysters too!
 
This USATF sanctioned running festival for all ages has a competitive 8K Run and 5K Run, a 5K Fun Walk and a 1/4 mile Kid's Fun Run.
 
The evening is capped off by a traditional Lowcountry Oyster Roast! The Oyster Roast will begin at 6:00pm and go till 10:30pm. A ticket for the race is good for unlimited oysters.
 
The event is located in the Village of Habersham and benefits Riverview Charter School in Beaufort.
 
"The course is one of the most scenic in South Carolina, there's no doubt...and it's fast!"
- Danny White, co-owner of RMS Sports and USATF/IAAF

There is more information on beauforttwilightrun.com.

You have probably heard by now that gas prices will only be going up and as we approach summer they may be as high as $5.00/gallon! If you live in an apartment in Beaufort, SC and you like to drive around Hilton Head, Beaufort and the South Carolina coastline on your summer weekend, gas mileage is very important.

You can improve your car’s gas mileage. If you do them all, you can increase your gas mileage by 50%. When you bought your car you had a specified number of miles per gallon, but you may not be seeing that mileage today. Why?

Don't neglect regular car maintenance.  If it has been awhile since you have had a tune up on your car, schedule one! Be sure to keep up on your car’s regular maintenance. Regularly maintained cars get the best gas mileage. You will be pleasantly surprised.

Check your tire air pressure. Your tires can directly affect your gas mileage. As the temperature changes, so does the pressure in your tires. Regularly check that your tires have the required PSI. When the pressure in your tires is too low, your tires no longer work efficiently, they work like water balloons. With too much surface on the road, there is too much friction causing your car to work harder. Your gas mileage can be dramatically affected by poor tire pressure.

Believe it or not, changing your driving habits can affect your gas mileage. The way you drive affects how much gas you burn. Not planning to stop, revving up and slowing down and driving over the speed limit all use too much gas.  By changing your behavior behind the wheel, you can increase the gas mileage in your car.

With so much to see and do in the Beaufort area, enjoy the ride. Keep your money in your pocket as gas prices rise, follow these tips to increase your gas mileage.

Since St. Patrick’s Day is a perfect excuse to have a party, and the Irish know how to celebrate, are you having a “luck of the Irish” party in your apartment in Beaufort, SC? If you are, you live in the South so your St. Patrick’s Day menu needs to embrace the Lowcountry as well as the Irish. Here is a great appetizer idea. It uses both Beer and Buttermilk, how southern!

First go out and get the (green) beer, green beads and some fun leprechaun hats. Download some Irish music, and grab some gold foil covered chocolate coins to toss around your apartment home. What’s on the menu? Here is an idea.

Beer Battered Fried Onion Rings

• 1 large sweet onion
• 1/4 cup low-fat buttermilk
• 1/4 cup light beer
• 1 egg white
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Vegetable cooking spray
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt

1. Cut onion into 1/4-inch-thick slices, and separate into rings. Select largest 12 rings, reserving remaining onion slices for another use.
2. Whisk together buttermilk, beer, and egg white in a small bowl until blended.
3. Dredge onion rings in flour; dip into buttermilk mixture, coating well. Dredge again in flour, and place on a baking sheet.
4. Heat 2 tsp. oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Tilt pan to coat bottom of skillet. Add 4 onion rings to skillet, and cook 1 minute on each side or until golden. Wipe skillet clean. Repeat procedure twice with remaining onion rings and oil. Place fried onion rings on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet coated with cooking spray.
5. Bake at 400° for 3 minutes. Turn onion rings, and bake 3 more minutes. Remove from oven, and sprinkle with salt. Serve immediately.

Recipe: Southern Living- June 07

This is perfect time to live in an apartment in Beaufort, SC. March is the start of Spring and it is also time for the 27th Annual Wine and Food Festival in Hilton Head.

This coming weekend, celebrate great southern chefs and cuisine along with fine wine. This is a great culinary experiences on Hilton Head Island. In its 27 years on the Island, the Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival has grown from a small wine tasting to one of the East Coast’s largest tented wine festivals.

Festival Events
March 5 - 10, 2012 - Great Chefs of the South Wine Dinners; Check www.hiltonheadwineandfood.com for details.

Friday, March 9, 2012 - Grand Wine Tasting & Silent Auction; The Sea Pines Resort - Harbour Town Conference Center, $65 per person, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.  Admission includes a Grand Tasting souvenir wine glass and premium wine tastings.

Saturday, March 10, 2012 -  Wine & Food Festival and Auction; Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn, 12 – 3 p.m., $45 per person, advance discount tickets available for $39.99. Admission includes a souvenir wine glass and access to all of the free tastings from the domestic and international wineries, vineyards, wine distributors and more!

See more information on the Hilton Head Island Website.