Photo from Ski Team’s Website

The Carolina Show Ski Team in Tega Cay has begun another fun season of waterskiing. The ski team is a club made up of youth and adults from the area who love to ski. The competition ski team practices and participates in various ski events in the US. They are an active member of the USA Water Ski Association. Best of all for Tega Cay and Lake Wylie residents they put on weekly ski shows in Tega Cay.

The water ski shows will start on Friday June 7th, 2013. Shows are every Friday night at 7 PM near Tega Cay’s Windjammer Park on Lake Wylie. Their last show is August 16th, 2013. There is not a ski show on June 28, as the team will be in Tampa, FL preparing for the Southern Regional Tournament. They also perform on July 4th.  The 4th of July show is part of  Tega Cay’s Windjammer Park Beach Blast, beginning at 1:30pm (approximate). See their road show on July 5th, 2pm and 5pm, at Lake Junaluska near Asheville, NC.

The Carolina Show Ski Team is a non-profit organization.  They always welcome donations of any amount to help support the team for the cost of gas for the boats, new equipment and new costumes. See their website to join their team or offer a donation.

Miller Realty Group is a proud supporter of the Carolina Show Ski Team.

Really PSA from FMHS The Buzz TV on Vimeo.

“Really?” won an Emmy. No, “Really?” , a video public service announcement really did win a regional Emmy. Fort Mill High School TV Production students Sawyer Bengtson, Mark Caponigro, Ryan Long and Mason Strohl produced a public service announcement last year called “Really?”.
Karin McKemey, the TV production class teacher (although she claims her role is a facilitator), who submitted the video project to the southeast chapter of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) stated in a post and Tweet…

“Ummm- ya, so my kids just won a FLIPPING EMMY… no big deal or anything….I’m speechless… very proud project facilitator moment!”

Other Tweets from friends, supporters and students echoed Karin’s happiness and excitement for her students.

The video project foursome was up against 6 other  schools in the category of Public Service (PSA)/Public Affairs/Community Service Excellence.

Their PSA video project promoted checking  facts before students spread information.  A great message since social media is now a way of  life for most students.

The students used time lapse techniques to create the creative posted note scene in their video.

The TV Production class is well known for their popular weekly TV show called FM BUZZ TV. Now they will be well known for winning an Emmy! Congratulations to Sawyer, Mark, Ryan, Mason, and Karin for a job well done, Emmy style!

Click to view  the Buzz TV FM Video Channel on You Tube.

Side note: Karin has produced videos for Carmen. See her videos 

The City of  Tega Cay is continuing it’s tradition for the Sumner of 2013 of offering free summer concerts at Runde Park. Families sit on either chairs or blankets in the grass at Runde Park and listen to music, watch their kids play, eat, drink, and socialize with neighbors.

The festivities begin at 6:30 pm with a DJ paying music until the main band begins to play at 7 pm. Here is the band line up and dates for the Summer of 2013:

May 18th: Summer Daze

June 15th: Too Far Gone

Aug 17th: Vintage Soul Band

Sept 14th: Joey Bishop & the Newz

Tega Cay’s Concert Information

All concerts are at Runde Park

Luxury Lawn Seating! No more arriving early to stake out your seats or waiting in line for drinks. Located in left center field (the shady side) the 10×10 “boxes” will be marked off with 4 chairs all set up, ready for you to rock ‘n roll. Included with the seating are 4 reusable Tega Cay Concert Series Souvenir Cups and best of all beverage service from Casual Water! Stop by the Beach and Swim Center to reserve your seats for the entire season at the low cost of only $100 (seating is limited). For more information please contact Joey Blethen, 803-548-3787.

DJ Tim Brown “The Brownsound” will be back again to play for the kids from 6:30-8:30. Headliners will be on stage from 7:00-10:00.

Kids area with Jumpy Castles, popcorn and cotton candy!

Park at Turner Field and take the shuttle to Runde Park. Additional parking at the lower tennis courts – just a short walk to Runde Park. Parking at Runde is for vendors, band & volunteers only
NO BYOB, NO DOGS, NO GRILLS

Imagine an entire community having one big yard sale. If your looking for deals on furniture,  appliances, decor, clothing, etc, head over to the grand daddy of yard sales this Saturday in Baxter Village.

Residents of Baxter Village will begin setting up goods for sale in their yards, driveways, or Village Green for preview night Friday May 10, 2013 between 4:30 and 6:30 pm. The actual “Yard Sale” is Saturday May 11th, 2013 between 7 am and noon.

We have heard this yard sale event is so popular, people from as far away as Tennessee bring U hauls to the event and load up. Baxter Village is located in the Fort Mill Township in South Carolina near the Intestate 77 and Hwy 160.

Picture from Nations Ford HS Website

Newsweek published their 2013 America’s Best High School List on May 6th. Fort Mill High School ranked at 1124 and Nations Ford High School ranked at 1166 out of the top 2000 high schools.

Newsweek explained their ranking methodology as high schools with the best:

• College readiness.
• Graduation rates.
• Participation in college-level classes via Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs.
• Acceptance into a two- or four-year college program.

See more about the methodology at Click Here

See the complete 2000 list of Americas Best High Schools at Click Here

Not only are the local high schools doing well, GreatSchools.com rank the Fort Mill School District 9 out of 10 with ten being the best. How do they rate the schools? The rating is an overview of a school’s test performance by comparing the school’s state standardized test results to those of other schools in the state.

Congratulations to both local high schools. One more reason why we love living in the Fort Mill, South Carolina area! Come join us!

located at 106 Monteray Oaks Circle, Fort Mill

The Community Features:

Up to 1-acre, heavily wooded home sites, which adds an intimate, serene, private estate-like setting.

The Homes

Standard Pacific Homes offering 6 distinctly designed homes which plans range from 2,655 to 4,206 sq. ft.

• Included are a ranch plan and five two-story plans, with two offering downstairs master bedrooms
• Main level guest suites, lofts and mud rooms
• 3-6 bedrooms with generous walk-in closets

Picture form Standard Pacific Homes

• Large open kitchens with islands.
• Side entry garages with optional 3rd bays.
• Private driveways on select home sites.
• Lavish interior appointments, including granite counter-tops with tile back-splashes stainless steel appliances, hardwood flooring.
• Energy efficient construction standards.

Picture form Standard Pacific Homes

Home prices in the Forest at Fort Mill start at $320,000. See more info on Standard Pacific Homes Website or call me for more information.

Massey in Fort Mill SC

Located in the Fort Mill area off of Doby’s Bridge Road is a subdivision with new homes called Massey. Massey is  a master-planned community “resort style neighborhood” of new single-family homes.

Massey features a stunning 2-story clubhouse, fitness center, Junior Olympic sized pool with lazy river and bathhouse, sidewalks, walking trails, acres of open space, and a planned new elementary school. Award-winning Fort Mill schools and low York County taxes enhance the appeal of living in Massey

There are 2 home builders in Massey Ryan and David Weekly Homes.

Ryan Homes

The Ryan Model home is the James Joyce floor plan from the Upper $230s. The home features

• 4+ bedrooms
• 2+ bathrooms
• 2,572+ square feet
• 100% ENERGY STAR® Certified

or choose from a variety of exquisitely crafted ranch and 2-story homes with prices from the $190’s, all masterly finished with your choice of available designer options. Ryan Massey home info link.

David Weekly Homes

You’ll find a variety of floor plans from the $321s|2371 – 3366 sq. ft. Their website is currently showing 8 different floor plans. Link to David Weekly Home Plans.

Call me if you would like to know more about Massey or see a new home model

For many families a discretionary move has not been an option in many years. This trend is changing rapidly. Fort Mill and Tega Cay home pricing has gone up, interest rates are down, inventory is moving quicker than in years past.

Here are some homes in Tega Cay recently sold by Carmen Miller:

1142 Dove Trace  Tega Cay, SC under contract in 18 days

4007 Beach Club LN Tega Cay, SC  under contract in 28 days

12120 Songbird Court Tega Cay, SC under contract in 38 days

1165 Windsong Bay Tega Cay, SC under contract in 54 days

Is your home is too large or too small? Are you ready for a change? Find out what your neighborhood real estate market is doing. Visit this link to sign up for a free no obligation report. Have questions please call me.

Price: $425,000 – Custom Built Home!

4 Bedrooms 3 Full Baths 1 Partial Baths 0.50 Acres, Sq Ft 4,173

1153 Windsong Bay Court, Tega Cay, South Carolina 29708

Lake Shore Subdivision of Tega Cay, SC, Fort Mill School District

Full Brick Custom! Hard to find finished basement! Enjoy the privacy of a golf course lot with a wooded setting! This beautiful home offers a gourmet kitchen, spacious Master suite, custom features throughout. Fort Mill schools, Tega Cay lifestyle and just minutes from everything!

Additional Features

• Exterior Features: Deck, Patio
• Fireplace: yes
• Lot Description: Golf Course View
• Parking: 2 Car Garage
• Type: 2 Story/Basement
• Year Built: 2006
• Basement Level Rooms: Laundry, Bedroom 4, Rec Rm, Bar/Entertainment
• Equipment: Cable Prewire, Ceiling Fan(s), Cooktop Electric, Dishwasher, Disposal, Ice Maker Connection, Microwave
• Exterior Construction: Brick Veneer Full
• Fireplace Location: Gas Logs, Great Room, See Thru, Master Bedroom
• Floor Coverings: Ceramic Tile, Wall-to wall Carpet, Wood
• Foundation: Basement
• HLA Basement: 1248
• HLA Basement Range: 1100 – 1400
• HLA Main: 1200
• HLA Main Range: 1000 – 1300
• HLA Upper: 1725
• HLA Upper Range: 1500 – 1900
• HVAC: Central Air
• Interior Features: Attic Stairs Pulldown, GardenTub
• Laundry Location: Basement
• Main Level Rooms: Computer Niche, Entry Hall, Great Rm, Kitchen, Pantry, Dining Rm
• Total HLA Range:
• Upper Level Rooms: Bedroom 2, Bedroom 3, Master BR

Call Me For More Info

The Fort Mill School District bond referendum vote is Tuesday April 30th 2013. If you live in the Fort Mill School District including Fort Mill, Fort Mill Township, and Tega Cay your polling locations will be open Tuesday April 30, 2013 from 7am to 7pm.

The vote asks for your approval for a $54 million bond sale to expand Nation Ford and Fort Mill high schools, build a new Riverview Elementary School and make technology and security improvements at all district schools. The  referendum also includes $1.8 million for turf fields for both Nation Ford and Fort Mill high school stadiums.

Here is a list of the polling locations:

Make sure you bring a photo ID. There is a new 2013 law which requires you to have a photo ID to vote in any election in the state.  You will be asked to show one of the following IDs to vote:

• S.C. Driver’s License
• S.C. ID Card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
• S.C. Voter Registration Card with photo
• Federal Military ID
• U.S. Passport

Below is a link to a sample voting ballot.

46 – Fort Mill School District Ref – Sample

For more information see our post last week => fort-mill-school-board-referendum-vote-april-30-2013.

More info on the York County’s website

Are you voting Tuesday?

Home buyer Russell Tvedt explains why he recommends using an agent to buy a home and why he recommends Realtor Carmen Miller. Russell sold his Tega Cay home using Carmen Miller and bought a Charlotte Home using Carmen Miller.  Video production by pieceofkakeproductions.com.

This is our first of many videos to come about our Fort Mill, Tega Cay, Lake Wylie area. This specific video is a dual testimonial. Home buyers David and Kelley MacDonald give their expert opinion on living in Baxter Village, why they picked Baxter Village to buy a home and why they used Fort Mill Realtor Carmen Miller of Century 21 First Choice.

We want to thank Karin Mckemey for her time and dedication in shooting and producing  this video. Karin has set up her own video and photography company called Piece of Kake Productions.  We love her video production work and we think you will too.

And of course Thank You David and Kelley MacDonald.

Want to learn more about living in Baxter Village? Just give me a call, text, tweet, or email

A school bond referendum vote is coming up at the end of this month. Lisa McCarley is a referendum committee member and sent out information this week giving details on the referendum. There are public forums set up so you can learn more. See Lisa’s info below

Dear Friends and Community Members – Please support and share this information. We do have yard signs available and need help distributing flyers in mailboxes and promoting at the polls on April 30th. Let me know if you are willing to help.

On April 30th, the residents of the Fort Mill and Tega Cay areas will be given the opportunity to vote on the upcoming $54 million School Bond Referendum.

During the Fall 2012, Dr. Epps initiated the conversation with the public about the growing need to address future capacity issues at both high schools. Enrollment numbers indicated that around 2015/2016, FMHS and NFHS would reach their student capacity of 1,800 (or 3,600 students total).

After a thorough analysis, the administration determined an expansion of both high schools was the best option for a variety of reasons. Expansion bundled with other district improvements proved to be less costly than added a third high school, $54 million versus $110+ million, which translated into less of a tax burden to the public (over a 50% savings). Also, the school district is still carrying significant debt from the construction of other schools and a very tight operational budget, so delaying the construction of the third high school (which is inevitable) until the mid-2020’s would allow the district time to pay down its debt and have the operational resources for the third high school. Projections indicate a saturation point of 7,200 students at the high school level, so having three high schools with capacities of 2,400 apiece would service the community effectively.

The referendum committee, co-chaired by three community members: Michele Branning; Lisa McCarley, and David Macaulay, will be providing several public forums during the coming weeks to address questions and concerns from the community. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

• Thursday, April 18th at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church – 7:00 pm
• Tuesday, April 23rd at Fort Mill Middle School – 6:30 pm*
• Wednesday, April 24th at Unity Presbyterian Church – 7:00 pm
• (*Free Child Care available)

The following information is the actual question to be voted upon in April, with bullets a-f providing the specifics of the referendum.

REFERENDUM QUESTION – FORT MILL SCHOOL DISTRICT – VOTING ON APRIL 30, 2013

Question: Shall the Board of Trustees of Fort Mill School District No. 4 of York County, South Carolina, be authorized to issue and sell, either at one time as a single issue or from time to time as several separate issues, general obligation bonds of School District No. 4 of York County in the total principal amount of not to exceed $54,345,000, the proceeds of which shall be applied to defray costs of issuance of such bonds, architectural and engineering costs, and the costs of:

a) Renovating, expanding, equipping and furnishing the existing Riverview Elementary School for use as part of Fort Mill High School and upgrading existing facilities at Fort Mill High School;

b) Upgrading, expanding, furnishing and equipping Nation Ford High School;

c) Constructing, equipping and furnishing a new elementary school to replace the existing Riverview Elementary School;

d) Upgrading information technology equipment and security systems at School District facilities;

e) Installing artificial turf at Fort Mill High School And Nation Ford High School stadiums to meet increased demands for school and community use; and

f) To the extent proceeds of such general obligation bonds remain available and in such priority as determined by the Board of Trustees, acquiring land for, renovating, repairing, expanding, equipping and furnishing of facilities of the School District?

Inventory levels continue to be at an all time low for Lake Shore homes, specifically homes that are priced under $350,000. 1142 Dove Trace in Tega Cay Lake Shore subdivision went under contract in 18 days. 

If moving up or downsizing is something you are considering don’t let the market leave you behind!

Have more questions or just want more information regarding recent sales or what is listed, please sign up for a free Market report

or contact me

The following message was posted on TCBY Yogurt in Baxter Village Facebook Page this morning…

Our “SOFT” OPENING DAY has finally arrived just in time for this b-YO-tiful weather! In just 3 hours, we will begin swirling The Country’s Best Golden Vanilla | Chocolate | White Chocolate Mousse | Cookies & Cream | Cheesecake | Bananas Foster (Nonfat) | Peanut Butter | Salted Caramel (No Sugar Added / Nonfat) | Orange Sorbet (Non-Dairy / Nonfat) | Kiwi Strawberry Sorbet (Non-Dairy / Nonfat) | Italian Tart (Nonfat) | Honey Vanilla Greek (Nonfat) in BAXTER VILLAGE… See y’all 11:00 am!
Will YOU be our FIRST CUSTOMER?!?!

See more on our February post about TCBY Yogurt Opening Soon In Baxter

The leaves are “sprouting out” in the city of trees, Tega Cay SC. Love the warmer weather!

The South Carolina Strawberry Festival has been a huge success the last 3 years . In fact last year’s Strawberry Festival was recognized as South Carolina’s Event of the Year during the annual Carolina Showfest Conference Awards Ceremony, held in Charlotte, NC on January 2012.

So plan on coming to our humble Fort Mill area and join us for this years, sure-to-be-fun Strawberry Festival. The core festival events are Friday and Saturday, but the event actual has several events beginning on Saturday April 27, 2013. Below is a  schedule.

Saturday, April 27th

7:00 PM to 10:00 PM Strawberry Festival Pageant @ Nation Ford High School, Strawberry Queen Titles Awarded in Teen, Miss & Mrs. Divisions.

Wednesday, May 1st 

9:30 AM Shotgun Start Strawberry Festival Golf Tournament @ Springfield Golf Club. Four-Person Captain’s Choice Golf Tournament (Max. 32 Teams). Breakfast, lunch and of-course beverages included. Multiple Contests & Awards
Proceeds Benefit the Fort Mill Care Center.

Thursday, May 2nd

6:00 PM to 10:00 PM Strawberry Pick-n-Flick @ Springs Farm (Across from Nation Ford High School). Pick-Your-Own Strawberries. Live Entertainment, Food Vendors, Free Movie at Sundown

Friday, May 3rd

6:00 PM to 11:00 PM 4th Annual South Carolina Strawberry Festival @ Walter Y. Elisha Park 

• The Strawberry Jam (Free Outdoor Concerts). 
• Founders Federal Credit Union Stage
• Harris Teeter Stage
• Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Community Stage
• Food & Beverage Vendors
• Arts & Crafts Vendors
• Business Vendors
• Kids Zone Rides & Activities
•  Meet & Greet with the 2013 Strawberry Queens

Saturday, May 4th

8:00 AM to 11:00 AM Strawberry Pancake Breakfast @ The Peach Stand All-you-can-eat strawberry pancakes for one low price

10:00 AM to 10:00 PM 4th Annual South Carolina Strawberry Festival @ Walter Y. Elisha Park

• The Strawberry Jam (Free Outdoor Concerts)
• Founders Federal Credit Union Stage
• Harris Teeter Stage
• Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Community Stage
• Food & Beverage Vendors
• Arts & Crafts Vendors
• Business Vendors
• Kids Zone Rides & Activities
• Meet & Greet with the 2013 Strawberry Queens
• Texaco Country Showdown @ 10:00 AM
• Strawberry Ice Cream Eating Contests @ 2:00 PM
• Strawberry Shortcake Eating Contests @ 3:00 PM
• Berry the Competition Recipe Contest
• Piedmont Medical Center’s Healthy Hometown
• Car Show
• Petting Zoo
• Pig Races
• Fireworks @ 9:45 PM

More info at http://www.scstrawberryfestival.com 

Most of the motivation to change our website design was triggered by technology changes. The two primary changes are the overwhelming  increase in internet use via mobile devices. The second factor is a technology change by the home search provider Carmen subscribes to and passes on to you.

Smartphones and tablets are making huge changes to the internet, real estate, and life in general. There are approximately 133.7 million smartphones  in use in the US today. Tablet sales increased 177% last year. These facts triggered the need to make our website mobile friendly.

IDX Broker is the home search “IDX” ( Internet Data Exchange)   provider we use to deliver a robust homes for sale search on our website. We have switched to their new mobile friendly platform. Now you don’t have to have a separate mobile app to search for homes on your smartphone using our website home search.

There is one other point about the home search feature on our website. We use TWO Multiple Listing Service databases in our online search platform. So you are able to see homes for sale that are listed in either the Carolina MLS system and the Piedmont Regional MLS service.

So what did we change? We changed the website design and layout. We hope you agree the new look is cleaner and less cluttered. We have added tons of home search features. The home page has a large search box and an auto drop search form on the top. There are custom city search links and many more homes search tools. Best of all the website is mobile responsive. This means the website will adjust for different screen sizes automatically.

We have also redesigned our sister websites SeetegaCay.com and SeeFortMill.com. What do you think about the new website look?  We would like to hear your feedback.

In a cost cutting move, The Fort Mill School District, which owns the Banks Street property where the Care Center is located, is moving all district programs and services out of the building and into the former district office to save money on utilities. The district, which has allowed the Care Center to operate in the building rent- and utility-free, will close the building as soon as the Care Center can find a new home.

Fort Mill Care Center Director Carroll Higgins has asked to pass on the following message The Care Center will have to move from its current location by July. Our immediate need is for a building of around 7,000 sq. ft, as close to the center of town as possible.

If anyone knows of a space that will fill our needs please call the Care Center (803-547-7620) , Carol Higgins (803-548-3816) or contact us via our web site contact form.

Once a location is acquired we will need a lot of assistance adapting the space to our needs and help during the moving phase. This will also create a new financial burden.

Carol Higgins
Director Fort Mill Care Center

More info in an article by Jenny Overman in the Fort Mill Times