John and I are down visiting with Mom for a few days. At 87, every visit is precious. My sister-in-law just lost her Mom last week. It really drove home how important these visits are. Fortunately Mom is still in great health and mobile. Her knee surgery went very well and she is getting around much better now. She did managed to fall and fracture her wrist. It is a worry. She is flying to Detroit to visit her first cousin (Aunt Lil a spry 90) and her sister (Aunt Loretta who is 84 and in an Alzheimer facility). This is not always the fun time in life, but it such an important time in life. I helps me to remember how precious every conversation is. We will be off doing some shopping and going out to dinner this evening. Time is always relative here as we don't generally get out the door until 11 or 12. I did have a nice water aerobic workout in mom's pool. John is out for his morning walk.
If you are looking for something fun to do in our area;
All Aboard! Head over to the Kingsland Station in downtown Kingsland and hop aboard the Georgia Coastal Railway! Bask in the history of a historic railcar and the scenery of coastal Georgia while enjoying a themed train-excursion. Themes vary monthly and seasonally so you never know what you may find!
Want to learn archery? Join us on the range to learn how to use a bow. Get the chance to show off your skills, and maybe find your next hobby.
Space is limited. Please call or visit the main office to register Ages 8 and above only. Fee is $15.00 per person
SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 2023 AT 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Sensory Friendly August Water Day
St. Marys Aquatic Center
It’s getting that time of year! It’s time for our annual Sensory Friendly Water Park Day! Join us Saturday, August 19th from 6:30pm-8:30pm at St. Mary’s Aquatic Center! The park will be closed so that way we can ensure a sensory safe evening!
Tickets are $2 per person and limited to 6 tickets per family, immediate family only please.
To ensure a sensory friendly environment we will limit the amount of tickets distributed...first come, first serve basis.
*Concession stand will not open, however we will have light snacks and bottle water. Families are encouraged to bring your child's favorite snack.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 12, 2023 AT 6 PM – 8 PM
Music in the Park - Man Apart
St. Marys Waterfront Park
Join us for Music in the Park 6-8pm. Bring your lawn chair. Pack a picnic or come early for dinner downtown. Music in the Park is presented by the St. Marys Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sponsored by Jerry Lee's Music Store.
Coastal Camden Art League Make an acrylic pour seahorse & an acrylic chain pull picture. All supplies included $35. Call Terry to register at 912-464-4146 2006 Osborne Rd St. Marys, GA 31558
July 19
TODAY AT 5:30 PM
Wednesday Night Suppers
First Baptist Church St. Marys
Wednesday Night Supper followed by Adult/Youth Worship and TeamKID. This week we will be having Fried Chicken, Potato Salad, Slaw, Baked Beans, Rolls and Dessert.
Sign-up for Supper through the registration on REALM. Please be sure to sign-up. We want as accurate of a count as possible. Cost will be $4/person, $2/child, $10/family. You can also pay at the door or come into the office. Hope to see you there!
July 22
SATURDAY AT 12 PM – 5 PM
Summertime Sizzle
Mugu's Pet Resort
Are you tired of there being nothing fun to do in Camden county? I mean sure, you could go throw rocks through windows or put m80s in mail boxes but most of the windows are already broken and the mailboxes have all been hit by people texting and driving. How about instead of committing low level crimes you have the time of your life at our Summer Sizzle event?! Instead of being a public nuisance you and your kids (or grand kids or adult friends we don't really care) can enjoy all day water slide, bounce house, inflatable soccer target, 9 hole mini golf, and an RC race course for, get this, only $10 per person! That's $10 to keep your kids (and husbands) out of trouble and more importantly off of your nerves. There will be food for sale and the legendary Doc and Nene's Shaved ice truck will be making an appearance.
If you want to have the most legal fun you can have in Camden county for a fraction of the price of a disorderly conduct citation, join us July 22, 12-5pm across from Agape church to party like your case was dismissed on a technicality.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2023 AT 7 PM
Pentatonix: The World Tour - Jacksonville, FL
Dailys Place Amphitheater
GET READY NORTH AMERICA!
We’ll be hitting the road for a brand new tour this summer! Tickets for Pentatonix: The World Tour will go on sale to the public starting MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH at 10AM local time. Keep your eyes peeled for some exclusive pre-sales. We can’t waiiiiiiiiit!
Point Peter Baptist Church A final Summer celebration for the whole family! Waterslide and water games, hot dog dinner, kids hair cuts, door prizes and tons of fun. Everything is free and open to all. No pre-registration needed. Just comment below to tell us how many in your family are coming.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 10, 2023 AT 7:30 PM
Snoop Dogg with Nelly & Ying Yang Twins
VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
Sale Dates and Times:
Public Onsale : Fri, 16 Jun 2023 at 10:00 AM
Artist Presale : Thu, 15 Jun 2023 at 10:00 AM
Venue Presale : Thu, 15 Jun 2023 at 10:00 AM
Official Platinum : Fri, 16 Jun 2023 at 10:00 AM
SUNDAY, AUGUST 13, 2023 AT 4 PM
Church in the Park
St. Marys Civic Park Please bring chips, a dessert and 2-liter drink and enjoy a church-wide cookout from 4:00 - 6:00. Followed by swimming at the Aquatic Center for church members and their guests.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 5, 2023 AT 12 PM
Rock the Books 2023
205 Saint Marys West, Saint Marys, GA 31558, United States
The real estate industry is an ever-changing landscape where the future is difficult to predict. Whether you are a potential homebuyer, seller, or investor, staying informed about the latest developments is crucial for making informed decisions. Below are a few of the latest trends in the market as well as some predictions for the rest of the year.
Latest Trends
Steady Prices, Declining Sales Median sale prices for homes in the U.S. have been consistent year-over-year and are currently around $516,000. However, the number of homes sold in April 2023 decreased by around 3.4% compared to April 2022. Low inventory and high interest rates are to blame for declining home sales, but nearly every area in the U.S. has experienced year-over-year declines.
Faster Sales One sign that the market is currently healthy is that properties are spending fewer days on the market month over month. In March 2023, homes were on the market for a median of 54 days. That number dropped to 46 days in April and 43 days in May.
Balanced Market Conditions The U.S. real estate market is gradually moving towards a more balanced state. While the market has favored sellers for several years, buyers are gaining more leverage in negotiations. The number of new listings has increased in recent months, offering buyers a wider range of options to choose from. Sellers should be prepared to price their properties competitively and consider strategies to make their listings stand out in the increasingly competitive market.
Predictions for Remainder of 2023
Steady Rates and Demand Since interest rates remain high, it’s unlikely the market will change much in the coming months. The average interest rate for a 30-year mortgage is close to 7%. While many forecasts indicate that interest rates will start to drop soon and may reach close to 5% by the end of 2023, it will take significant movement to impact buyer demand by a substantial amount.
Demand for Affordability Throughout the rest of 2023, there will be increased demand for affordable housing. The combination of stagnant wages and high living costs means that more buyers will be searching for homes that they can actually afford. However, these properties remain hard to come by.
Work From Home Dynamics Remote work is still common across the country, meaning buyers will continue searching for large homes that offer ample space. Demand for larger, affordable homes will likely push buyers to purchase in rural and suburban areas. Even though there's slightly less demand for homes at the moment, home values will likely increase throughout 2023.
New Tech The remainder of the year will also see an increased investment in technological advancements. Everything from virtual tours to online document signing is commonplace. However, technology may also help introduce more affordable housing to the market via 3D printing and modular homes.
While there are some promising signs for the current housing market, 2023 will likely be shaped by interest rates. If these rates start to drop, buyer interest might once again rise.
5 Things New Homeowners Waste Money on
Becoming a homeowner is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with financial responsibilities. While it's natural to invest in your new space, it's important to spend wisely and avoid unnecessary expenses. Unfortunately, many new homeowners fall into common traps and end up wasting their hard-earned money on things that don't add much value or benefit to their new home. Here are a few common financial mistakes to avoid.
1. New Furniture and Decor One of the biggest pitfalls for new homeowners is overspending on furniture and decor. Filling every room with brand-new pieces is tempting, but this can quickly drain your budget. Stay away from the furniture store in the weeks following your move. Instead, focus on the essentials and consider purchasing second-hand or refurbished items, which can save you a significant amount of money without compromising on quality. Additionally, compare prices at different stores before making any major purchases.
2. Lawn Services New homeowners are often eager to get their yard and home exterior in perfect condition soon after closing. Lawn care services may even send offers in the weeks and months after you purchase your new home, but these services can be costly. You can do most of the things that lawn services advertise with some basic tools and some elbow grease. You can even consider hiring a neighborhood kid to help you! Either way, the cost will be far lower.
3. Extended Warranties If you're buying a new appliance, there's a good chance that an employee will try to get you to purchase an extended warranty. While these warranties are useful on rare occasions, it's unlikely that a major appliance will malfunction during the warranty period, meaning you'll be spending money on something you'll never use.
4. Costly Additions Making an expensive addition to your home right after you move in isn't recommended. While your backyard might be perfect for an outdoor kitchen, spending thousands of dollars on a second kitchen that you don't need is a quick way to waste a lot of money. Instead, prioritize improvements with a high return on investment, such as energy-efficient upgrades, or focus on smaller items that will improve the functionality and appearance of your home.
5. Impulsive DIY Projects While do-it-yourself (DIY) projects can be a great way to save money, they can also lead to costly mistakes if not approached carefully. New homeowners often get carried away and tackle complex projects without the necessary skills or experience. This can result in expensive repairs or hiring professionals to fix the mistakes. Before embarking on a DIY project, thoroughly research and assess your abilities, and start with small, manageable tasks. For major renovations, it's often best to consult with experts to ensure the job is done properly.
As a new homeowner, it's crucial to spend your money wisely. A well-thought-out approach to homeownership will not only help you stay within your budget but also ensure that you maximize the value and enjoyment of your new home for years to come.