The Most Common Backyard Birds You Can Attract In North Carolina

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Want to attract more birds to your North Carolina backyard? 

That’s easy. 

Feed the birds, plant shrubs and flowers they’d love in your garden. In no time, you should start seeing a few beautiful species frolicking in your yard.

But you most likely know that already. 

And want to know your potential visitors a little more up close.

In this list, I’ll show you North Carolina birds that are most likely to visit your backyard.

What do they look or behave like? How can you attract them? Is it difficult? 

You’ll find out in a bit. 

Top 10 Most Common Backyard Bird Species in North Carolina

1. Northern Cardinal

The Northern Cardinal is a unique bundle of beauty and courage. Ironically, they are known to fight their reflection (trespasser) in mirrors, which can be a bad and good thing – fun to watch, but can get bloody for the bird.

Nonetheless, their captivating red plumage and affectionate side are an incredible sight to behold. Sometimes, you may catch a cardinal couple feeding each other if you watch frequently.

The best part about the Northern Cardinals is that they are year-round visitors to North Carolina residents. This gives you an abundance of their rare personality in your backyard. 

Also, they’re punctual. Cardinals are usually the first and last avian visitors at a feeding station. 

If you want to attract Northern Cardinals, do these:

  • Feed sunflower seeds
  • Use a hopper or tray feeder
  • Learn tips to attract them

2. Carolina Wren

The Carolina Wren is a home-favorite in North Carolina and much of eastern America.

The chunky bite-sized bird is also an avid explorer. You’d find a few of them navigating your backyard, garage, or nesting, even in an old coat or jacket. You just need to make them feel at home.

Essentially, the Carolina Wren frolics around shrubs and thickets – waiting for the perfect time to swoop in for a treat at your feeder. 

If you want to attract the Carolina wren, serve black oil sunflower seeds. Suet is also a sumptuous alternative, especially in winter.

3. Carolina Chickadee

If you serve seeds in any North Carolina backyard, you will likely have this bird as the first visitor. 

The Carolina Chickadee is about the size of an American Goldfinch – a little bird in essence. That said, it feels at home in cities, towns, or villages. In fact, if you’re friendly enough, she’d eat seeds off your hand.

Typically, the Carolina Tit isn’t much work to attract. If you want them to nest, set up bird boxes streamlined to their size. Not that they won’t find a way to already once they get fed regularly in your yard. Serve BOS or suet on a hopper feeder to reduce competition with larger birds. 

4. Tufted Titmouse

The Tufted Titmouse is another popular North Carolina bird. It has a fluffy crest and chest, with pale dark grey plumage. 

If you judge by character, this is a close cousin of the Northern Cardinal. It’s a funny bird to watch with its comical childlike personality.

The Tufted Titmouse is an all-year visitor, especially in winter. And they eat almost any seed you’d serve, such as sunflower, peanuts, suet, and so on. 

Finally, by feeding this bird, you are serving a greater course than just your pleasure – you’ll help the species expand to the north. 

5. Mourning Dove

Whether you like the famous coos of the mourning doves or not, they are going to visit your feeders at first.

It’s up to you to feed them or keep them off your feeders. They can be invasive, and I personally don’t fancy their droppings all over my patio.

But if you want to keep them, serve seeds like corn, millet, or BOS in a ground feeder. 

Typically, you’d have to resist serving these foods if you don’t want Mourning Doves in your yard. However, you can install a small wired mesh feeder to keep the doves out and allow smaller songbirds access. 

6. Red-Bellied Woodpecker

If you live close to a woodland in North Carolina, you have a higher chance of attracting this beauty. 

The Red-Bellied Woodpecker, ironically, has a red-colored head and a black-and-white body. But don’t make the mistake of calling it a Red-Headed Woodpecker. That’s another species entirely. 

Like every woodpecker, the red-bellied woodpecker would nest in a dead around your home. 

If your backyard fits the bill, serve peanuts and sunflower seeds, and suet in winter. 

7. Blue Jay

“The Blue Jay is one of our best-known birds, breeding across all 100 counties of the state.” – NC Carolina Bird Club.

That’s one thing. Here’s another thing. The Blue Jay is easily the most aggressive visitor at any feeder, especially if there’s an abundance of smaller birds. It won’t be surprising to see one knocking on your window.

But, then again, it’s hard for anyone not to want these beautiful creatures at all. So, if you prefer not to keep them out totally, serve them peanuts away from your main feeders. 

Just a reminder, blue jays have something of an appetite! 

8. American Robin

This beautiful songbird is no stranger to the North Carolina backyard, foraging for worms and insects in the grass.

In no time, you would be telling tales of its spring-ushering tunes. Or maybe fall-in-love with its “eyeliner” mark. 

The Robin’s diet is typically made up of worms and fruits. Fortunately, you can recreate these Robin delicacies at your feeder by serving mealworms and berries in a suitable platform or tray feeder.

Finally, you can expect to host this friendly bird all-year-round. 

9. American Goldfinch

The beautiful yellow feathers of the Goldfinch is always a pleasure to watch in North Carolina backyards. 

Popular in the avian world for it’s “gold” plumage, the Goldfinch is also called a “wild canary.” The non-breeding female or male has a cooler olive color. 

The Goldfinch is only about 5 inches from bill to tip, but having a few of them in your backyard, can be tranquil and eye-catching. 

The Wild Canary is an acrobatic bird that loves to cling while eating. Speaking of which, it’s easier to attract this bird in a weedy area with an abundance of thistle plants. But you don’t necessarily have to fit the exact description.

If you want the goldfinch frolicking in your yard, serve nyjer or BOS seeds in a tube or sock feeder.

10. Northern Mockingbird

The Northern Mockingbird is more of a passerby than a regular visitor. 

pass up 

But the mockingbird is not one to easily pass up. Its unique mimicking melody piercing through your home regularly can become an addiction.

Mockers don’t often stay at a feeder. But they might swoop in intermittently for a quick feed ever so often. Sometimes, you may catch sight of their outstretched wings fighting off intruders. Or find a pair perched on a fence nearby, singing. 

In the end, you can entice them with mealworms, suet, or fruits, like berries and apple slices. 

Wrapping Up

As you welcome these common North Carolina birds to your backyard, you’d usher in so much more. 

You’d begin to notice the tiniest details on different species, like markings or their calls. A quality birding binocular should help you out with the former. 

Also, install birdbaths close to your feeders to attract a greater diversity of birds to your yard. 

On a final note, learn more about attracting different bird species to your backyard, the best feeders, and other birding equipment from Garrett at Birding Hub. 

Steps to Building Your Dream Home

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Everyone has the idea of a dream home. Whether it is the home size or specific features that will make your life more comfortable, the final design will suit your particular needs. However, dreams won’t come true if we don’t put them into action. Building your dream home is a challenging process, so you need to plan each step carefully. If you don’t know how to get started, we have a useful guide for you. Once you go through the process, it will become more straightforward for you. 

Save money

Your home is a massive investment, so you need to think upfront. It all starts with money, so saving is the first step to achieving your goals. Find a way to make an additional income to make your dream a reality.

Consider your lifestyle

Your home should reflect your lifestyle and make your everyday life comfortable. Consider your specific needs and determine whether you need a home office, poo, indoor gym, or any other features that will make your life easier. 

Budget estimates

Get a budget estimate to know the price for the overall project. Reach out to professional architects and get a price estimate for your dream home. If your savings don’t match the price, you can find alternative ways to finance your home.

Work with the right designer

The designer is the one that puts your dreams and wishes into reality. Make sure to check their portfolio to find out if you like their style. Despite looking at their experience, look for a person with excellent communication skills. They should be able to listen to your needs and put them on paper. Make sure that you are included in the process as well. The designer will do their job, but you should have insight into every phase and suggest changes if you aren’t satisfied. Alternatively, you can do the design yourself, and if you want to execute it like a pro, learn how to become an interior designer.

Find the perfect site

The location is one of the essential things to consider. For some people, the proximity to shops or school is necessary. Others might prefer to be near the beach and enjoy the fantastic views. Hence, make sure to find the ideal site that suits your preference.

Blueprints

The next step in the process is obtaining the blueprint design. The blueprint contains crucial architectural details and technical information needed for the procedure. 

The floor plans will give you insights into the bigger picture, but they lack some specific details. The blueprint will provide crucial technical information and serve as a guide for the builders during the process. Also, you will need to enclose the blueprint to obtain a permit. Before you get started with the building process, the blueprint should be ready. 

Nowadays, anyone can create their blueprint using special platforms. This is completed with a special blueprint design software. You don’t need to pay for costly services when you can access the software online and create the ideal house plan.

The blueprint isn’t the only thing you need to get up front. You should gather additional paperwork, depending on requirements set by the local authorities. This includes permits, so check to complete your paperwork on time. Also, your contract with the building company should be ready before the start. 

Be present during the building process

The building process is the technical part, but it requires your presence. You can supervise the whole project and make sure that everything goes according to your wishes. Do periodic checkups on the progress and consult with your contractor. Once the exterior is completed, they will move to the functionalities of the interior. Finish off with landscaping to make your home more visually appealing. 

Overview Of The Costa Del Sol Property Market

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Costa del Sol is located on the southern coast of Spain, which offers many things for tourists. The attractive beaches and world-class service attracts a vast number of visitors each year. Located in the Andalusia region, this is the most expensive area in Spain. The high number of tourists attracts real estate investors that want to make an additional income. Still, you need to know the characteristics of the region and use them to your advantage.

The CEO of Virto Property Sergey Sinyugin states:

“Not many know that the water in this area is cold. The Atlantic current significantly reduces the water temperature to 22 degrees Celsius. For the real estate market, this means that buyers will prefer a property with a swimming pool. “

Property in Costa del Sol is characterized by new high-end buildings, which incorporate the latest modern innovations. Each city in this area has its advantages, so consider carefully before you buy. Estepona is a popular holiday destination, well known for the fantastic beaches that stretch 21 kilometres. Although Malaga is the largest airport hub for the area, it is considered for work and studying. 

Marbella is a high-end and luxury resort famous for the rich nightlife. The high-end stores and luxurious yacht port attract many people that are after the Monaco lifestyle. The popularity results in high demand, as famous people want to secure their space in the gem of Costa del Sol. Add the lack of vacant land, and you have high real estate prices that start from 400,000 euros.   

The average price per square meter in 2020 is 1,646 euros. This means that property prices have increased compared to 2019. Besides, we review the location options for property in Costa del Sol. 

Sotogrande

This city is the home of the largest polo tournament in Spain. Purchasing real estate is recommended for those who work in this field, as there are many good training courses. Also, there is a luxurious port for sailors. Despite this, this city isn’t a good option for residence due to the inadequate infrastructure.

Casares

This area is close to Estepona and has cheap property. This picturesque village has traditional Spanish houses, which cost 80,000 euros on average. However, the town is 10 kilometres away from the beach. 

Bahia Dorada

Bahia Dorada used to be a seasonal resort for foreigners. Local authorities have a clear plan for improving the infrastructure, which leads to raised property prices. Investors can buy cheaper property now and sell it later when the prices drastically increase. If you want to earn from the prospective resale, this is a great option. 

Estepona

Around 70% of the population in Estepona are foreigners. This city is perfect for permanent residence and vacations since it is quiet and cozy. The excellent infrastructure and proximity to supermarkets, restaurants and schools make it convenient for living here. There are a few museums too, so tourists have lots of things to do. The best thing about Estepona is the Playa de la rada, which is the prettiest beach on the whole coast. However, expect to pay a premium price for real estate starting from 250,000 euros for the cheapest options. Besides, this will bring you a rental income from 100 to 150 euros per day during the high season.

San Pedro de Alcántara

San Pedro de Alcantara offers the right balance between education, comfort, recreation, and beach access. First-line apartments cost from 350,000 euros, while you can pay 150,000 euros for a two-bedroom apartment 15 minutes away from the beach. Expect to earn from 600 to 800 euros from monthly rents. 

How is Technology Shaping Romance

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Since the first commercial dating site was launched in the mid-1990s, this form of interaction has gone from strength to strength. In 2020, around one-in-three relationships will have been instigated by singles connecting via online dating. Given the pandemic closing nightclubs and other social outlets, the numbers joining web dating services have exploded. Matchmaking websites represent a haven where kindred spirits can be introduced. So how is this increasingly popular activity benefitting from technology?

Choice of dating sites mirroring customer demand

The initial commercial dating sites that were launched a couple of decades ago presented a database of expectant singles for like-minded individuals to sift through as they searched for likely candidates for romance. Online dating has now exploded to become one of the defining aspects of social interaction in the early 21st-century. Technology has shaped romance because it has expanded with the demand from the customers, with new websites and apps being launched daily, catering to every possible dating aspiration. If the original commercial outlets remained focused on boy meets girl equations, nowadays people from every possible background – whether they are into same-sex or polyamorous relationships or any other type of get-together – can interact on a diverse range of platforms, confident their tastes will be catered for. The available topics can be drilled down to the Nth degree: if you were to search for an app aimed at fans of Harry Potter movies and PS4 gaming, you can check best dating apps for nerds on a dating review service and chances are you’d come across something along those lines!

Greater instances of compatibility

Technology allows people to be matched according to those who would be most suitable, meaning those romantic partnerships forged online can become focused much quicker than they would in the real world. From the outset, singles can express precisely what type of person they are eager to connect with, while websites provide algorithms that ensure kindred spirits will be presented on their screens as a matter of priority. As innovations continue to be launched, aspects such as artificial intelligence will begin to take even greater precedence, with technology suggesting rendezvous locations for couples based on analyzing the encrypted messages they exchange with each other. While this might raise questions about confidentiality, with some site users feeling their privacy is being intruded upon, the majority of singles are far more likely to embrace the possibilities on offer.

Enhanced communication techniques

Although the 2020 pandemic situation has driven more people to rely on online communication, the dating world has long embraced new aspects of messaging. Site users can get in touch with prospective partners in so many different ways, from texting to phone calls, video chatting to employing virtual reality software for ultra-realistic get-togethers. A lot of this might seem as if romance is entering the realm of science fiction, but these innovations are being used right now.

Innovations for remote connection

It would be worth underscoring the latter point to illustrate the extent to which technology will be shaping romance as we move further into the 21st-century. Some dating outlets veer towards soft porn, such as those that are already employing sensory technology during cam sex. Site users can interact with models on these outlets in a variety of ways. Within the secure chat room environment, they can activate sensory software directly from their keyboard to prompt reactions from whoever happens to be at the end of their computer connection. The same software is likely to become far more readily available in generic dating platforms, allowing partners to keep in touch intimately.

Pandering to busy lifestyles

One of the greatest achievements of dating technology is the fact that it is now so widespread, and can seamlessly integrate with other aspects of our social lives. Dating apps can readily be downloaded to integrate with all the other icons on anyone’s smart device home screen.

North Carolina’s Economic Forecast: Steady Growth for 2021

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North Carolina’s economy – which experienced its biggest decline since the Great Depression – will bounce back in 2021, according to John Connaughton, director of the Barings/UNC Charlotte Economic Forecast.

Economic Forecast_May 2020.jpg“As a devastating 2020 comes to an end, all factors are indicating a steady expansion is ahead,” said John Connaughton, Barings Professor of Financial Economics at the Belk College of Business. “2021 represents the first full year of an economic comeback.”

Connaughton – who released his quarterly Barings/UNC Charlotte Economic Forecast on Thursday, Dec. 10 – said among the factors he is watching in 2021 are how quickly a vaccine will be available and the willingness of Americans to take the vaccine.

“At the end of the day, it is ultimately people who will decide their risk to re-engage in the economy,” Connaughton said. “That remains to be seen.”

For 2021, Connaughton forecasts an output increase for all 15 of the state’s economic sectors.

These sectors will see the largest inflation adjusted output increases in 2021:

  • Agriculture: 21.7%
  • Hospitality and Leisure Services: 7.3%
  • Educational and Health Services: 6.8%
  • Information: 6.0%
  • Other Services: 5.6%

Looking back at 2020, 12 of 15 economic sectors in North Carolina are forecast to experience Gross Domestic Product (GDP) output decreases, Connaughton said.

Hospitality and Leisure Services, particularly devastated by the government-mandated shutdown this spring, will experience the largest decline, a projected real decrease of 33.9%, followed by:

  • Other Services: 10.7% decrease
  • Durable Goods Manufacturing: 9.3% decrease
  • Educational and Health Services: 6.9% decrease
  • Retail Trade: 3.75% decrease

For 2020, only three sectors – Finance, Insurance and Real Estate; Agriculture; and Mining – are expected to experience growth.

Employment
North Carolina started 2020 with a 3.6% unemployment rate. Both the U.S. and North Carolina unemployment rates jumped dramatically in April to 14.7 and 12.9 percent respectively.

Since April, the U.S. and North Carolina unemployment rates have fallen dramatically. The North Carolina rate, at 6.3% by October, is expected to decline to 6.0% by December, Connaughton said.

For 2020, Connaughton expects the state will lose 224,100 net jobs, and 12 of the state’s 14 nonagricultural sectors of the economy are expected to experience employment decreases.

The sectors with the largest expected employment decreases are:

  • Hospitality and Leisure Services: 17.3% decrease
  • Durable Manufacturing: 7.6% decrease
  • Information: 5.3% decrease

Looking ahead to 2021:

  • North Carolina’s unemployment rate is expected to decline to 5.1% by December 2021, still higher than the pre-COVID rate of 3.6%.
  • North Carolina’s employment is expected to reach 4,614,900 persons by December 2021, an increase of 5.4% over the employment level in December 2020.
  • The state is expected to add 245,100 net jobs.
  • 12 of the state’s 14 nonagricultural sectors in 2021 are expected to experience employment increases, with Hospitality and Leisure Services, and Information both at 16.0%.

Gross State Product
For the fourth quarter of 2020, Gross State Product (GSP) is expected to increase by an annualized inflation adjusted rate of 5.6%. For 2020, inflation adjusted GSP is expected to decrease by 3.4% as compared to the 2019 level.

Looking ahead to 2021:

  • GSP is forecast to reach $589,755.5 million, an inflation adjusted increase of 4.5% over the 2020 level.
  • The quarterly GSP is expected to increase each quarter of 2021, starting with a 4.8% annualized real rate increase in the first quarter.

COVID-19 in North Carolina 
Connaughton is partnering with Craig Depken, Belk College professor of economics, on a collaborative research project that measures the county-level economic impact in North Carolina caused by the mandatory stay-at-home orders enacted earlier this year.

Connaughton and Depken discussed preliminary data during the question-and-answer portion of the Economic Forecast.

Among the findings:

  • In April, the North Carolina economy was less severely impacted by the mandatory shutdowns than the average state, ranking 25th among states based on unemployment.
  • By October, North Carolina had the 29th lowest unemployment rate, indicating that the recovery from the shutdowns has not been as strong as the average state.
  • In April, North Carolina county unemployment rates ranged from 19.3% in Dare and Swain counties to 8.1% in Bertie, Chowan and Duplin counties.

The research, funded through the North Carolina General Assembly, aims to provide new data and information to state lawmakers and policymakers to help guide the state’s response.

Barings: A Decade of Support
During the virtual event, Belk College Dean Jennifer Troyer recognized Barings for a decade of support of the Economic Forecast. Barings’ title sponsorship, which began in 2010, concludes at the end of this year.

The full report and a recording of the presentation will be available at belkcollege.uncc.edu/forecast.

North Carolina Ranked As 3rd Worst State For Getting Scammed When Buying a Dog

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A new study done by Honest Paws found that puppy scams increased by over 280% during the pandemic. With an increase in puppy adoptions during COVID-19 and for those looking to purchase a pup as a gift during the holidays, being aware of common scams is important.

Honest Paws also looked at the top 15 states you’re most likely to get scammed, and North Carolina ranked as the 3rd in the nation – losing an average of $791 due to puppy scams. The most popular app those in NC lost their money on in the scam was on Zelle.

Honest Paws spoke to three victims of puppy scams, and common red flags included:

1. The seller claims that due to social distancing regulations, you will not be able to see the animal in person before adoption and/or is unable to provide you with multiple pictures/videos of the puppy up for adoption.

2. When performing an internet search of a picture of the puppy you’re considering, you notice the same picture appears on multiple websites or in Facebook groups. You can use Google’s helpful ‘reverse image’ tool to find instances where the picture is being used elsewhere on the internet.

3. When performing an internet search for the text from ads or testimonials on a breeder’s website or ad, you notice they’ve been copied from other websites.

4. The breeder’s website offers no information about the sire or dam of the litter and/or is unable to provide proof of health records or AKC Certification.

5. The seller asks for payment up front through Western Union, MoneyGram, a digital money app like Zelle or CashApp, or via a gift card.

6. In the case of purebred breeds, the puppy in question is being offered at a significantly steep discount when compared with the average price for a puppy of its breed.

7. The seller or a third party asks for payment to cover additional items such as a climate-controlled crate for shipping, vaccinations, or transportation insurance/life insurance. In many cases, fraudulent emails will claim the shipping costs/crate rental feels will be refunded upon the puppy’s delivery. However, they never are.

8. The adoption contract contains multiple spelling or grammatical errors.

3 People Rushed To Hospital After Police Involved Shooting in Mount Holly

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A shooting last night in Gaston County involving police resulted in 3 individuals being taken to the hospital with gunshot wounds.

The shooting occurred at around 4 am in the morning. Mount Holly PD officers were responding to a break-in report at the Mount Holly Car Wash off Beatty Drive when they encountered multiple suspects.

One suspect was shot and one officer was shot. Police have not yet released information about the 3rd individual who was shot.

 

All 3 individuals were rushed to CaroMont Regional Medical Center in Gastonia for treatment.

NC Highway 273 was closed for most of this morning as multiple police agencies and the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) investigated the scene.

We will update this article when new information is released.

How do you get guaranteed free followers on Instagram?

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Julian Kawohl, Professor at the Berlin University of Technology and Economics, and the business economist Ulrike Nestler took a closer look at the 20 most influential Instagramers and analyzed their profiles. The aim was to find out which behavior leads to more followers, positive comments and attention. Remember, buying fake Instagram followers is a violation of instagram Terms and Conditions, so they don’t encourage you to buy. Many accounts have been suspended because of this.

The result shows a few important behaviors that make your own Instagram account more successful:

Tip 1: There are already more than enough food and fashion accounts. If you start a new account now, you should look for other, but not too small, niches. With a common thread that should run through the entire account, credibility increases automatically. 

If you are just starting out, you shouldn’t overwhelm your few followers. One to two posts a day are sufficient. The number of posts then increases with the number of followers. 

The number of followers can be increased at the beginning via friends and family, they like the account, comment and share the posts and thus attract more attention.

Tip 2:  You should follow other influencers with your own account to comment on and like their posts and thus draw the attention of this community to your own channel.

Tip 3: It is important to continuously work on the visibility of your own account and thus your own brand, also at offline events – post, link, share.

If possible, other strong accounts should be integrated through cooperation and their images shared accordingly.

Tip 4:  Instagram is an international medium. If you want to reach a lot of people, you should communicate in English and use image descriptions and hashtags in English.

Sounds exhausting? There is an easy and safe way to bring you with free Instagram followers. 

You may want to try an app named GetInsta. It is a free app that used by lots of real Instagram users.  You will be guaranteed to grow your Instagram followers and likes by using it. 

It is very easy to use, check the few steps below: 

Step 1: Search GetInsta in Google Play and install it on your Android phone.

It also works on Windows and iOS devices. As I used it on my Android, here I take it on the Android devices as an example. 

Step 2: Sign up an account. After you log in, you’ll get some digital coins instantly. You can use the coins to buy followers and likes.

Step 3: Add your Instagram accounts to get started and get more coins

Step 4:  Use the coins which you get free charge to publish tasks for free Instagram likes or followers

If you would like to get more free followers for your Instagram, tap on “Get Coins” icon. Here you can follow or like other Instagramers to get more coins. 

The more coins you earn, the more free followers Instagram and free likes you can get. In this way you can get unlimited followers and likes just by keeping using it.  However as GetInsta is very popular, it has lots of uses. Sometimes you may not able to earn enough coins as the tasks may be completed very soon. GetInsta also provides you with the option to pay for the coins. You can decide which way you prefer. 

Sued for Debt? What You Can Expect Next

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If you’ve fallen seriously behind on your debts and you haven’t been able to make a payment in months, the debtor may sell your debt to a collection agency. These agencies usually will not file a lawsuit to collect the debt, but it’s not unheard of. If it’s happening to you, you may be worried and wondering what will happen next. 

Keep reading to learn how to handle a debt collection lawsuit. Understanding the process can help take the worry out of it. 

Is the Lawsuit Valid?

Some debt collection lawsuits are valid while others are mistakes or outright fraud. Here are some of the reasons you may not be responsible for the debt.

  • Identity theft: Someone stole your identity and used your name and credit card details to make unauthorized purchases.
  • The bill was paid: It could be that you paid the bill and the creditor made a mistake. You can try looking for the receipts for the payment to prove that you paid it.
  • Mistaken signup: Someone could have signed up for something, made a mistake, and used a credit card with detail similar to yours. To determine if this is the case, you can run a credit report.
  • Expired statute of limitations: Different states have varying statutes of limitation. This is the time frame in which a claim can be filed. In most cases, it runs four to six years from the day the last debt payment was made. If your debt lawsuit is filed after that time expired, then it will be dismissed. However, you must attend the court hearing and state that the time has indeed passed.

Regardless of what the reason for the lawsuit may be, it would be best to seek confirmation. If you do not owe, then there is no need to go to court. You will most likely be able to clear it up with the debt collector directly.

If You Owe

If the stated claim is valid, then there is no need to panic. You can take these steps to handle it.

  • Respond to the lawsuit: Do not ignore the claim. Usually, the response time given is 14 to 21 days, so be sure to respond within that time frame. Failure to do so means that the claimant may file for a default judgment, and you end up losing part of your income and property.
  • Seek legal help: These matters require the help of a legal representative. Consider seeking a lawyer to assist you. The claimant will have a lawyer, and so should you.
  • Consider your defense: Just because you are sued does not mean you go ahead and accept it. You may be lucky to find out that the debtor does not have all the records for the unpaid debt. This works in your favor. In other instances, the statute law of limitation may have run out.
  • Attend the court hearing: A lawsuit means you will be required to show up in court during a particular time and date. Be sure you are there to avoid a default judgment. In the case of court proceedings, be sure to follow through. 
  • Challenge the judgment: If you owe the debt but are not in a position to pay for it, you may challenge the judgment by filing for bankruptcy. Alternatively, if you are able to settle the debt, then please do so.

How to Handle Debt Collectors

If you have a debt collector hot on your trail, to avoid further costly damages you should do the following.

Do Not Ignore Them

If the collectors are constantly bugging with calls, answer each one. Failure to do so may result in a low credit score.

Guard Your Details

Do not give the creditor the details of your personal information or anything else except the basic facts.

Settle for Negotiation

It is easier to handle the case through negotiations rather than in court. If you have this option, take advantage of it.

Gather information

Regarding the debt and creditor, have ample information. You can follow this link for more information about how to handle collections and debt collectors.

Conclusion

It is in your best interest to follow through with the lawsuit by responding, seeking legal services, and attending any hearings. You can put this debt and the lawsuit behind you, but only if you handle these proceedings correctly. 

Global Electric Vehicle Maker Announces Plans To Build US Headquarters in Charlotte

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One of the world’s largest electric vehicle companies has just announced plans to build its North American headquarters right here in the Queen City.

Founded in 2015, UK-based Arrival quickly became a leader in the electric vehicle business by developing a new way to produce zero-emission vehicles with proprietary hardware, vertically-integrated technology, and comparatively low-cost Microfactories.

Their first US headquarters will be built in South End, costing $3 million and creating 150 new jobs for Charlotte.

Bringing the massive project to our city was a collaborative effort between the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and the City of Charlotte with support from the North Carolina Governor’s Office and the North Carolina Department of Commerce.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Arrival to Charlotte and appreciate their selection of the Charlotte Region for their company’s multi-faceted growth. Their two-pronged investment—Microfactory production in Rock Hill and North American headquarters in Charlotte—illustrates that our region has diverse offerings to meet the needs of next-generation manufacturing, technology, and headquartered companies,” said CLT Alliance president and CEO, Janet LaBar. “Arrival is bringing foreign direct investment and sustainability and EV expertise, offering opportunity for greater global visibility and mobility solutions in the Charlotte Region — we look forward to building on our partnership with Arrival.”

You can hear more details about the project here: