The date of July 4 in North Carolina is a little more than America’s Birthday for area fisherman. This is because, since legislation was first passed in 1994, anyone across the entire state can enjoy “Free Fishing Day.”

What exactly is “Free Fishing Day,” you may ask? Well, it is exactly what it sounds like, actually. It is one day (July 4) where from 12:00 a.m.- 11:59 p.m., both NC residents and out-of-state visitors may fish statewide, without having to purchase a license. This is not just some free-for-all however, as all other state fishing regulations do apply. For example, length and daily possession limits or all bait and tackle regulations are applicable as usual. The only difference at all is that anyone can fish license-free on “the Fourth.”

Why Have I Never Heard of North Carolina Free Fishing Day?

This, is a good question? North Carolina Free Fishing Day is not a new thing. Authorization for the day came from the North Carolina General Assembly (NCGA) in 1994. The idea and then bill passed by the NCGA is sponsored by the North Carolina Wildlife Commission (NCWC). he entire premise and idea behind the annual “freebie” was a simple one. It was introduced to promote and build the sport of fishing in the “Tar Heel State.”

Over 500 public fishing and boating areas are currently listed on the interactive map at the official NCWC website. Thus, given the combination of celebrating “Independence Day” weekend and North Carolina Free Fishing Day, there may be some issues with crowds on the weekend of the 4th.

Since this is a foreseeable possibility, the NCWC has offered up the following guidelines. These will help to remind those wanting to take part in both the holiday weekend and North Carolina Free Fishing Day of proper etiquette and courtesy.

• Parking lots will be full. Be patient and calm until an open parking space is available
• Patiently wait for your turn in the launch line. Its asked that you get in line without blocking or cutting off others
• If possible, park your vehicle and trailer while someone else is moving the boat away from the ramp
• Likewise, have someone move the boat away from the ramp while you retrieve your vehicle and trailer
• Observe no-wake zones and always be cautious

What Effect Does the COVID Regulations Have on This Activity?

A very viable question, given the current situations we are all surrounded by. So, simply put, because of COVID-19, the NCWC recommends maintaining a social distance of at least 6 feet between you and others while on the boat ramp, on beaches or islands, or when rafting up with other boaters. Other than this, it we recommend that you use your better judgment and respect the space of others during this time.

Happy Birthday, America…Let’s Go Fishing!

With all the regulations and “red tape” covered above, let’s get down to the fun part and celebrate our independence. Let’s celebrate it by enjoying one of America’s great outdoor activities as part of North Carolina Free Fishing Day.

Christian Waters, the Chief of Inland Fisheries Division of the NCWC spoke about the annual cost-free day. “Free Fishing Day is a great opportunity for families to enjoy some quality time together on the water.” He also says, “Fishing is a relatively inexpensive activity that anyone, no matter what their age or skill level, can enjoy.”

We couldn’t agree more with Mr. Waters, so we hope to see you all with poles and flags waving high on the upcoming July 4 holiday.

For nearly fifty years, an emphasis of a “client-first” philosophy was implemented by multiple-time “Realtor of the Year”, Kenneth Moorefield. This led to unmatched success in Rocky Mount home sales for him and his Rocky Mount real estate company. Likewise, the current team at Moorefield Real Estate implements the strategies and techniques they were fortunate enough to learn first-hand from Mr. Moorefield prior to his passing this past September. Many on the staff looked at Moorefield as a mentor and father figure in their real estate careers.

On more than one occasion I had an opportunity to share a few words with Ken. He pointed to several of his employees and it was clear he looked at them with admiration, pride, and confidence. Admiration as he spoke of their youthfulness. Pride is what he wore across his face as he pointed out the incredible statistics and accolades the employees which he spoke of. Confidence, well, Moorefield’s confidence was refreshing, in no way whatsoever arrogant, however, incredibly sure of the fantastic job and results that his top prized realtors would deliver.

Consequently, each realtor who had the opportunity to sit under Moorefield’s tutelage refers to Ken’s ideology often. Likewise, each proud member of the Moorefield Real Estate team strives daily to represent Ken’s namesake and carry on his near half-century tradition of excellence and relationship building with clients, customers, fellow employees, and any resident familiar with the Rocky Mount area.

Carrying on The Moorefield Real Estate Tradition at Belmont Lake Preserve

When the Halle Companies made the purchase of Belmont Lake Preserve in late 2011, any Rocky Mount real estate company had to sit up and take notice. The Halle team began to invest, and invest largely in the over 1,400 -acre, spectacular, forested community, they did. Unlike a previous failed attempt by an ill-prepared suitor for the land, the Halle Companies was able to make the acquisition of Belmont Lake entirely through a cash purchase.

This afforded the Halle Companies the luxury of proceeding with patience and the ability to operate at the proper pace necessary to mold the Belmont Lake property exactly how they envisioned.

If the “top dogs” among any Rocky Mount real estate company had not noticed Belmont Lake Preserve to this point, they were about to. Keeping the community on sound financial footing as noted above, allowed in 2014 for the Halle Companies to begin adding amenities unlike any seen previously in Rocky Mount new home communities.

Unique Amenities and A Move To a Familiar Name in Rocky Mount real estate

These retreat-like additions would see the construction of the “Community Clubhouse.” This featured both an indoor and outdoor swimming pool. It also has a state of the art work out facility. Likewise, a Golf Clubhouse was also built. This addition saw the launch of a full time on-site operational restaurant in the “clubhouse.” In addition was a full professional golf pro shop. Obviously, at the time, the “crown jewel” of the community, the Belmont Lake Golf Club, was also given a full revamp. Following the course renovations, the 18-hole, David Johnson professional design course has commonly been named among the state’s most enjoyable and decorated courses.

It would seem that all items were in place for Belmont Lake Preserve to be the premier Rocky Mount new home community. However, the one thing that the Halle Companies still is lacking, was the “realtor/client connection.” Enter Moorefield…

Moorefield and BLP: Rocky Mount’s Perfect Pairing

After very careful consideration, a decision was made to replace the initial “Broker-of-Record” at Belmont Lake Preserve. Residents who were asked “who do you trust?” in Rocky Mount real estate had one answer. Thus, as of July 2016, Moorefield Real Estate is brought in to be the property’s “Exclusive Realtor.”

Ken Moorefield spoke with jubilation us upon his company being Exclusive Realtor at BLP. “We are excited as the leading Rocky Mount real estate company for over four decades to represent the premier development in our city.” He continues, “I’m absolutely thrilled to work alongside, the Halle Companies, who also bring over 40 years of experience and excellence in residential development with them to the table.”

The founder of Moorefield Real Estate continues speaking with excitement about BLP. “With the unique amenities that are exclusive to this community, it’s golf course, the swimming pools, the restaurant, and so forth,” Moorefield starts. “We just can’t wait to put our brush to the canvas and paint this picture that we have been envisioning for all the families and residents of Rocky Mount at Belmont Lake Preserve.”

Moorefield Brings Out the Best for Belmont Lake Preserve

In the introduction to this post, I referred to the interaction that I personally had with Ken Moorefield. This was during the several years in which I had the pleasure of working with him. The conversations saw Ken showing an almost “parent to child” like relationship when speaking of his realtors. He was sure of their capabilities and proud to speak of them. Now as we move forward without Moorefield, no question that two of his “proteges” will continue to lead the way.

As far as the confidence Moorefield had in his “understudies,” well that confidence is something one earns through actions. Ken took great pride in training all of his Rocky Mount real estate company’s employees. However, his pride swelled when discussing the two brokers that came with him to BLP when the relationship started in 2016.

Doing the Moorefield Name Proud

Moorefield was a multi-million-dollar producer in every one of his near fifty years in real estate. As proud as he was of that feat, he no doubt saw some of himself in his “Broker-in-Charge, Jay Hooks. Jay brings a unique relationship with the Rocky Mount public that one only achieves through years of impeccable customer service. Again, like his mentor, Jay has reached a “double digits” in years that he’s been a multi-million-dollar producer. He also boasts several REALTOR Associate of the Year honors to his credit, too.

Much like Mr. Moorefield “lit up” when speaking of Jay, he also took a similar tone when talking of Trevor Foote. Mrs. Foote is also an annual lock for multi-million-dollar production. She too has received countless honors and accolades for her professionalism. She too, like Ken and Jay, shares that ability to form strong bonds and true relationships with her clients.

A “Client First” Philosophy Off into the Future Rocky Mount real estate

With his “proteges,” Hooks and Foote, leading the way, Moorefield Real Estate is in very good hands moving forward. While all involved miss their leader, there is no question each wears his company’s name as a badge of honor. Likewise, they look to do him proud in carrying on the legacy of his Rocky Mount real estate company.

The Moorefield Real Estate philosophy is one that echoes the approach that made Ken Moorefield number one. That philosophy in simplest form states “put the client first.”

This philosophy, at moorefieldrealestate.com basically states the following. “There are many qualities and skills that go into being an excellent real estate professional.” Integrity, in-depth community and market knowledge are other traits given emphasis. Lastly, marketing savvy, effective negotiation skills, and a high-quality professional network are important also. All of these traits are important pieces to the Moorefield puzzle. On the website it explains these, saying “all of which are hallmarks of how we work.”

Anyone familiar with the Moorefield name over the course of the last fifty or so years, would agree. These are without question hallmarks of how they work. Thus, despite losing a true mentor, Ken’s values live on with his Rocky Mount real estate company. Likewise, it lives on at Belmont Lake Preserve. He and his great team wouldn’t want it any other way.

To see all the great new homes in Rocky Mount currently available at BLP, visit belmontlakepreserve.com.

The National Council for Home Safety and Security (NCHSS) does a detailed analysis annually on safety and security. They look at all municipalities across every state in the country in developing their rankings each year. Last month, they released their 2020 rankings and for the fourth consecutive year, Rocky Mount climbed significantly up the charts. This places the city in its highest ranking ever among the Safest Cities in North Carolina.

The 2020 Safest Cities in North Carolina listings are on the official NCHSS website, alarms.org. There, it explains in detail the research and final analysis process used in compiling the annual list. Likewise, they also explain what size municipalities are in the analysis and they give a full listing with statistics on all towns ranked. 

How Has Rocky Mount Continued its Climb Among Safest Cities in North Carolina?

This is a valid question for any of the municipalities in the 2020 Safest Cities in North Carolina. In the case of Rocky Mount, one can not discount the focus and effort of law enforcement in several areas. Programs, gatherings, and urging residents to work alongside police to make the city as safe as possible are example of how they continued to climb.

That being said, one could also not minimize the efforts of Rocky Mount residents in the continuous rise of their city on this list. Working together with public officials and police to provide a safer environment certainly is a factor in the movement among the Safest Cities in North Carolina.

The numbers that will be described below show exactly what areas of research and analysis weigh into these rankings. Rocky Mount’s numbers in all of these areas are the lowest they have seen in many years. Yes, the hard work of city officials, police, and residents has been a big help in mking the city safer. But, it is also safe to say that the introduction of family-friendly communities such as Belmont Lake Preserve has likewise added to the city’s increased safety levels, too.

How does the NCHSS Arrive at the final Safest Cities in North Carolina List?

At alarms.com, the experts from the NCHSS explain the analysis process . The explanation for how they name the Safest Cities in North Carolina begins under the subheading “Methodology.” 

“To identify the Safest Cities in North Carolina, we reviewed the most recent FBI Uniform Crime Report statistics. We eliminated any cities that failed to submit a complete crime report to the FBI.” It was added that they also would eliminate any town with a population under 10,000. That gave the entity a total of 3,381 cities to research and analyze. The two main categories in which each of these municipalities receive analysis then are violent and non-violent crimes.

How Does the NCHSS Define and Rank According to Crime Rate Averages?

The article on 2020’s Safest Cities in North Carolina goes deeper in its explanation of the process. As just noted, they look at the crime reports, more specifically at both violent and non-violent crimes. 

According to the article, per the FBI crime reports, “Violent crimes are … those offenses that involve force or threat of force.” In defining non-violent crimes, they also use the term “property crimes.” They explain these are usually “theft-type” crimes. 

“The object (of property crimes) …is the taking of money or property, but there is no force or threat of force against the victims.”

It is worth noting that this 2020 ranking is Rocky Mount’s best overall ranking ever in the listings. Consequently, the city has its lowest scores for both violent and non-violent crime in the six-year history of the NCHSS list.

How Do They Get Final Numbers for the Safe City Rankings?

To answer the following, we again refer to the official answer given by the NCHSS. “We compute the total number of crimes reported by each city by adding violent and property crimes. We then created a crime rate as the number of crimes per 1,000 population. Then we transform the total crime rate variable so that we reduce the skewness.”

For more details on the entire listing of Safest Cities in North Carolina, visit alarms.org.

For our third installment of this series of blog posts, we will move slightly up the road from our previous article…literally. Last article, the focus was the beautiful Rocky Mount NC New Homes built by DR Horton at the Belmont Lake Villas Estates. The “Villas Estates” has no question become one of the two most popular sections to build in at Belmont Lake Preserve. As a result, the other and neighboring section is the area we will focus on in this post. That section is the Belmont Lake Villas and was a long time coming. However, with “America’s #1 Builder, DR Horton and a variety of great floor plans, we think you’ll agree, this section of homes was worth the wait!

(This is the third article in a series of posts about DR Horton, our on-site builder at BLP, and the #1 Builder in the U.S. To read the previous two posts in this series, follow the links below.)

Belmont Lake Preserve- “News and Events”- “DR Horton Builders at Belmont Lake Preserve: See Why They are America’s Favorite Builder”

Belmont Lake Preserve- “News and Events”- “DR Horton’s New Homes in Rocky Mount: The Belmont Lake Villa Estates

“Worth the Wait”: Welcome to DR Horton’s Rocky Mount NC New Homes at the BLP Villas!

As we alluded to in our previous blog post, both area transplants and residents searching for Rocky Mount NC New Homes had spoken. The “retiree” demographic seems to prefer a certain type of home to fit their needs. To place this type home at Rocky Mount’s most amenity-rich, spectacular new home and golf community at an affordable price would almost seem too good to be true. Enter “America’s Favorite Builder!”

Yes, once again, we travel briefly back in time to early 2018. It is at about this time that DR Horton begins building new Rocky Mount NC Homes at BLP. The prospective home buyer had spoken and there was a particular “style” home they were seeking. This was a more ranch-like, or one-story home that the buyer seemed to desire. Well, their desires were listened to and delivered upon, with several options. Those options for Rocky Mount NC Homes were brought to the table by DR Horton. Likewise, they were to become the section known as the Belmont Lake Villas.

DR Horton Rocky Mount NC New Homes at the Belmont Lake Villas: The Floor Plans!

Not only is that demographic thrilled to see the Rocky Mount NC New Homes at the BLP Villas, but so are prospective buyers of all ages. DR Horton is offering up four different floor plans for the “Villas.”

Those floor plans we will look at below include the following:

• Arlington
• Bristol
• Clifton
• Dover

The Arlington

Once again to refer to our previous post, the Rocky Mount NC New Homes and floor plans we will discuss will feature description from the official DR Horton website. 

“The Arlington is an open concept perfect for those looking to downsize or right size to the main level living.” The description continues at drhorton.com. “This home offers 2 bedrooms plus a private flex space that includes a closet. The heart of the home is the open kitchen, dining, and living areas which offer plenty of spaces for large gatherings. “

They conclude, “A covered rear porch allows for additional entertaining or enjoying the outdoors. If needed, this home has the option for a second floor offering a bonus room, full bath, and bedroom.”

The Arlington is 1,588 square feet and starts at $191,990. These one-story, Rocky Mount NC New Homes feature two bedrooms, two baths, and a two-car garage.

The Bristol

Priced right at $195, 990, the Bristol model from “America’s Builder” is another one-story plan. Like the Arlington, these Rocky Mount NC New Homes feature two bedrooms, two baths, and a two-car garage. There is an option on this floor plan for a second floor if needed. 

DR Horton describes this plan as having “a spacious main-level owner’s suite plan with optional 2nd floor. This home has it all: walk-in pantry, large granite island, guest bedroom, and flex space.” 

They conclude their detailing of this plan, saying the following. “Tons of windows ensure this home will be open and bright. The owner’s suite with dual vanity and huge walk-in shower with seat could not be better.”

The Clifton

Starting at just under $200K ($199,990), the Clifton floor plan is slightly larger than the previous two covered. This 1,797 square foot, two bed, and two bath home is also a one-story home, however. Likewise, as with the first two Rocky Mount NC New Homes in the “Villas,” this too has a two-car garage.

“The Clifton is a MUST SEE open concept floorplan,” it rages at the DR Horton website. “Airy & bright great room, large granite countertop island, dining area, and walk-in pantry. The main level Owner’s suite with dual closets and a spacious bath has a walk-in shower with seat.”

The Dover

“The Dover offers an abundance of space with 3 bedrooms and a flex room,” according to drhorton.com. “The open kitchen is in the center of the home with a large island and walk-in pantry. The dining and living areas feature with windows adding to light and airy feel of this home.” They conclude, saying, “Inside the owner’s suite is a private bath with two separate vanities and a must-see walk-in closet.”

This is the largest of our four Rocky Mount NC New Homes offered in the Belmont Lake Villas. It is 1,883 square feet and has three bedrooms. Similarly, the Dover does have two baths and a two-car garage. It is also very reasonably priced and starts at $202,990.

Next Look at DR Horton’s Rocky Mount NC New Homes: “Getting Smarter”

Among other things, our next blog entry on DR Horton will focus on a program called “Home is Connected.” This will discuss the products and steps being taken by DR Horton to keep people on top of the latest technological innovations.

Additionally, there are on-site agents to work with you on building the home you’ve always dreamed of at Belmont Lake Preserve. Likewise, there are several homes DR Horton has already built that are for sale also. To see the Rocky Mount NC New Homes at BLP currently on the market, visit belmontlakepreserve.com.

Starting in the early part of 2018, a partnership was formed at Belmont Lake Preserve (BLP) that brought the community together with DR Horton Builders. Known as “America’s Builder,” the Horton team has been an incredible edition at BLP, offering their creative and trusted brand of home building in Rocky Mount’s most sought after new home community.

In this series of posts, we will take a look at not only the history of DR Horton Builders but also give you a peek at what they are offering at BLP. This, the first post of the series, will bring you back to the company’s humble beginnings and walk you each step of their journey to becoming the number one builder in the U.S. for the better part of the last two decades.

DR Horton Builders: “An Industry Standard Since 1978”

Yes, it was a different time, for sure. Over four decades ago, to be exact. Regardless, the foundation for DR Horton Builders to become “America’s Builder,” began in Fort Worth, Texas. The year was 1978 and company Founder and Chairman, Donald R. Horton saw DR Horton break ground on its very first home. As described at the DR Horton Builders website, since that moment, “the company has defined its success not by bricks and mortar, but by the satisfaction of the families that make our houses their homes.”

When a company refers to itself as “America’s Builder,” there has to be some type of substance behind such a claim. DR Horton Builders certainly has the statistics and numbers to back up their claim as the top builder in the U.S., as just in the calendar year of 2019 alone, the company closed on 58, 434 homes. Likewise, they are building homes for American families in 90 different markets across 29 different states in the U.S. As mentioned above, this not only made DR Horton Builders number one in volume sold last year but the top builder brand in the country by volume since 2002.

A Brief Timeline of DR Horton Builders Expansion Over the Years

Since Mr. Horton opened the doors on this company 42 years ago, there have been several major milestones along the way to the present day. Again referring to drhorton.com, the following timeline represents what they feel to be the most important three moments in their history.

• 1978- DR Horton Builders broke ground on its very first home in Fort Worth, Texas.
• 1992- The company completes its first, initial public offering of stock.
• 2002- DR Horton Builders becomes the number one largest homebuilder by volume in the United States.

Value, Trust, and Tradition: The 3 Pillars of DR Horton’s Success

DR Horton Builders take great pride in their hard work, quality product, and the customer/builder relationships built to put them at the top of their field. They attest their success in each of these areas to three attributes that they have kept as their main focus for the past four-plus decades. At drhorton.com, they speak of these three areas, value, trust, and tradition. Below is how they define each in regards to delivering the customer a great home building experience.

Value

“Your home says a lot about what you value in life. It’s a refuge for you to relax, entertain, learn, grow, or just be. Which is why we build your home using only the finest materials, latest designs, and the kind of warranty that can only come from America’s Builder.”

Trust

“When you’re making the biggest investment of your life, you need to know that you can count on your builder. You’re not just a customer. You’re family. And we’ll take care of you like family.”

Tradition

You’re buying more than just a house. You’re investing in a place to call home as you grow through life’s stages, and one day retire. This is why since 1978, D.R. Horton has stood by its promise to deliver you top-quality homes at affordable prices. Or, what we like to call, the American Dream.

The Horton “Commitment to Excellence” and Why They Should be Your Home Builder

In the section titled “Our Story” at DR Horton Builders’ official website, they speak of the commitment to excellence that the company has always strived to deliver. Likewise, they again provide undeniable statistics that are offered up for your consideration before selecting a home builder. The opening sentence of this section asks, “What else should you consider as you select a new home?”

In an attempt to answer their question for, you, the DRHorton site goes on to offer up the following. “Below are a few items for your consideration in determining our ability to be there for you, both during the construction process and after you close on your home.”

• We’ve delivered more than 740,000 homes to our nation’s customers since our company’s inception.
• Since 2002, more homebuyers have chosen D.R. Horton than any other national builder.
• We operate in 43 of homebuilding’s top 50 markets in the U.S. and rank among the top five in 31 of these.
• Our team of 7,000 marketing experts is spread across the nation in 29 states and 90 markets.

DR Horton Builders are “Building the Future” at Belmont Preserve

The next article in this series of posts will take a look at “America’s Builder” and what they have to offer for new homes in Rocky Mount at Belmont Lake Preserve. A rich history, as detailed above, of taking care of their customers and a variety of floor plan options exclusive to BLP, make this the builder for you.

So, as they say at drhorton.com, “Continue to live out those dreams, America, and know we’ll be here for you every step of the way.” Likewise, they will be there at BLP for you every step of the way as well. For a sampling of the Rocky Mount homes for sale at Belmont Lake by DR Horton, visit belmontlakepreserve.com.