Links to more information on this amazing story:
WRAL News
Raleigh News and Observer
MyNC.com
Greenville, NC The Daily Reflector
Video of story shared at King's Park Int'l Church in Durham, NC
TTG'S KELLEE METTY SURVIVES HAITI'S EARTHQUAKE
April 12, 2010
Fifteen minutes before landing, the pilot of American Airlines flight #4414 came over the loudspeaker, "I'm not sure why or how it happened, but we will be landing 15 minutes early in Port-au-Prince today." That fifteen minutes proved critical as it allowed all the passengers to clear the airport building in time to avoid the falling blocks and concrete due to the devatstating earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010. Kellee Metty, of The Tuscan Group, was on that flight, and remembers it well. "We cleared customs and loaded our baggage into the vehicle and were waiting under some trees in the parking lot of the airport. Suddenly the car began to rock violently, and the trees above us shook as if someone had them by their trunks. But there was no wind and we realized what was happening." Kellee says she had no idea how serious the situation was until they began to drive through the city.
"We began seeing thousands of people running throught the streets, crying and praying. Then the chaos of devastated buildings, crazy traffic maneuvering around the rubble, injured and traumatized people everywhere...it was insanity."
Kellee and her four companions, Julia Zervos, Linda Graham, and Lisa Lewis of North Carolina, and Pastor Franklin Val of Port-au-Prince, spent that first night on the ground in a soccer stadium. "There was no place to go. We were refugees like everyone else, only we knew we had a place to go home to, if we could get out." The spent the first 48 hours trying to make contact with family, and bandaging up the wounded, and even delivering two babies. With no medical training, the women just used common sense and lots of prayer to try and help as many people as they could. "We cried many tears for the people of Haiti that week. And many since." They were aboard an evacuation flight provided by Rick Hendrick Motorsports the following Saturday, January 16.
They have spent the past three months speaking and raising funds for immediate relief efforts and the rebuilding of the orphanage that they were originally going to visit with Pastor Val. "Obviously, our plans changed. We never made it to the children that week. Their buildings were all destroyed in the quake, but thankfully all the children were found to be safe." Pastor Val has been caring for twice as many children and many others in his community since the quake. Fundraising has been focused on helping him assist those who are now looking to him for aid.
The rebuilding of the nation of Haiti will take generations. Kirk and Kellee Metty plan to continue their involvement with this effort for the long-haul. "We met each other in Haiti 25 years ago. We've taken our children to Haiti. They've gone to visit on their own as young adults themselves. We've already been involved long-term; that won't change."
More informationon the orphanagecan be found at www.valschildren.weebly.com.
This Month's Top Ten
April, 2010
Reasons to consider a new home in
the Triangle area of North Carolina
1. Three top (UNC, NCSU, and Duke) universities within 40 miles.
2. Rich cultural life with diverse communities, fine arts and concert venues, world-class restaurants, sporting events and recreational activities.
3. Terrific climate - four seasons with mild winters, beautiful fall foliage and plenty of sunshine.
4. Top research and medical facilities.
5. Clean, private beaches and gorgeous mountain recreation locations within a few hours.
6. New state of the art airport at RDU within 30 minutes.
7. Abundant boating, biking, golf, and hiking.
8. Numerous farmer's markets, local dairies, and pick-your-own produce farms.
9. Plenty of great shopping including Southpoint Mall, Crabtree Valley Mall, North Hills, and downtown boutiques.
10. Cost of living and quality of life significantly better than other metro areas.
________________________
August 10, 2009
What to know when building a home
1. Consider price per sqare foot. A basement may be a better value than more on the first floor.
2. Choose a plan that offers room to grow...unfinished attic space or basement.
3. Choose neutral colors and tones that will go with anything.
4. Use durable, low maintenance materials like stone, ceramic tile and concrete. May cost more up front, but will save in the long-run.
5. Keep a file of ideas you like, and take pictures of things you see in other homes, so that design selections are easier.
6. Consider furniture arrangement, lamp placement and Christmas decorations when laying out electrical oulets.
7. Environmentally friendly starts with a minimal "footprint."
8. Walk through at the end of the framing to be sure everything feels right. It's much easier to make changes at this stage before plumbing and electrical go in.
9. Plan for the maximum usage of your kitchen...think about where you will put things, and plan cabinets accordingly.
10. Find a builder that works with you through the decision process.
CARDINAL CREST CT. UNDER CONSTRUCTION!
July 1, 2010
Take a drive out to Cedar Mountain subdivision these days and the first thing you'll notice is the large earth-moving equipment. Just beyond the Cedar Mountain sign, Cardinal Crest Ct. is under construction. This private road crosses a creek with a lovely bridge and will open up large premium lots for four new homes. Lots range from 3 to 8.4 acres at prices in the low $100Ks.
"Work is progressing nicely, right on schedule," says Kirk Metty. The bridge installation is expected to be completed by the end of August.
CEDAR MOUNTAIN BUYING SPREE
Along with the greening of the forest and the blooming of tulips and daffodils, shoppers have flocked to Cedar Mountain this spring. "Every weekend, we're talking to new people about building their dream home on our verdant hills," Kirk Metty of The Tuscan Group says. "We're selling our inventory, and starting new projects every week."
Lots in Cedar Mountain, just 10 minutes from Chapel Hil, NC in beautiful Chatham County, range in size from 1.5 acres to 8 acres. Some lots are adjacent to creeks, some on hilltops with great views, while others are perfectly suited for a basement. All are situated among quiet green forests, plenty of wildlife and fresh open air. Lot prices begin in the $80,000's.
"If you're interested in getting started on your home in Cedar Mountain, I recommend coming and talking to us soon. The best lots are selling fast," says Metty.
Special financing is also available on a limited number of projects.
SPRING HOUSING BOOM?
March 14, 2010
Spring is in the air, and is typically time for home-shoppers to be out en masse. But this year, it's even more welcome news for the area's home builders.
This spring could be different, agents say, largely because of a confluence of factors luring buyers off the sidelines: low interest rates, plenty of discounted homes and soon-to-expire federal tax credits for both first-time home buyers and repeat buyers...
Read more: News and Observer
SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE ON CEDAR MOUNTAIN HOMES
August 22, 2009
Kirk Metty of The Tuscan Group, has arranged special financing with local lending institutions on properties in Cedar Mountain, just 10 minutes from Chapel Hill, NC.
"During these lean economic times, we are happy to announce that our banking partners have produced mortgage packages that encourage home sales," Metty reported over the weekend. "These rates are structured so that the reticent shopper can lock into a reasonable rate."
Two banks are offering low fixed rates on conventional mortgages for 10 years. First Bank is offering 4.875% and Crescent Bank has an attractive 3.9% deal for qulaified buyers. These offers are on specific properties and for a limited time.
MORTGAGE RATES FALL
August 11, 2009
The Associated Press reports that this week's average 30-year fixed rate mortgages has dropped to 5.22% from 5.25% last week. The record low was set earlier this year at 4.78%.
As the market strengthens, rates are expected to climb. More activity can be seen in the refinance market, and buyers are shopping in earnest again, trying to lock in low rates ahead of the climb. Pending home sales rose for a fifth straight month in June.
The economy continues to grow, and at a faster pace than originally thought. Through the recession, predicitons of slow growth have continued to morph as Americans get out and shop. Aided by low prices, home buyers are looking for good deals and snapping them up.
"As the summer closes, now's the time to lock in to a great rate, and a home at a great price," says Kirk Metty of The Tuscan Group. Next summer promises rising prices and interest rates as the economy is predicted to make a strong comeback in 2010.
MEET THE BUILDER!
Every Sunday 2-5 pm
Kirk Metty of
The Tuscan Group
will be in
Cedar Mountain
ready to answer your questions and show you around.
Click here for directions.
Kirk T. Metty, PE kirk_thetuscangroup.com 661 Cedar Grove Rd. Pittsboro, NC 27312 Phone 919.235.2077 Fax 919.929.2649
