Don't Shoot the Messenger!!

So part of my job as a professional REALTOR® is prospecting.  One of my methods of prospecting for future clients is telling people about my current inventory.  Not only does it give me the opportunity to speak with other people about real estate, but serves as a great service to my seller when I call other people to talk about their home for sale.  Point blank, it's cold calling.  It's not easy, it's not always very fun, but it does work.  So I do it.  Today, I was calling around my listing at 146 Locust Court, Jacksonville, NC, 

 and one of the gentlemen that I had the pleasure of speaking with asked me to never call his home again because, "Realtors® are nothing but scam artists and take advantage of these young Marines in this town."  He belabored the point to tell me about the new 3.8% real estate tax that everyone has to pay is in the Obamacare bill and how no one in Jacksonville will be able to sell their home and it's only going to add to the 200 foreclosures in our town.  (His words, not mine!!)
Little did he know, I am, in fact, a US Army Veteran and I am in a very committed relationship with a Marine, and actually come from a military family.  So truly, scamming young Marines is not on my list of things to do.  I know not everyone has the same goals, but I think I speak for most of my REALTOR® comrades by saying that it's just not true.
I tried to explain to him that his information isn't accurate.  The fact is, the real estate tax of 3.8% ONLY applies to individuals who make more than $200,000 (adjusted gross income) and $250,000 for couples.  I don't think that's going to harm the average consumer in the Jacksonville, North Carolina real estate market right now.  
And as far as there being 200 foreclosures on the market- the actual statistics, according to Jacksonville Board of Realtors® MLS today, there are 2,424 homes on the market for sale in Onslow County.  Of those homes, 165 are foreclosure homes.  That's less than 7%.  And nationally, speaking, foreclosure sales are at an all time low since 2007, according to Les Christie at CNN Money.
Another part of my job, and probably the most important job, is educating.  I think it's more important for people to know the facts, rather than what they heard in the media or what their neighbor told them about the housing market in Toledo.  I don't go to the salon to ask about a weird noise my car is making, I go to the mechanic.  REALTORS® are here to educate and guide, as well as sell houses.  All REALTORS® aren't the same, and some are better than others.  Call me for a more detailed statistical analysis about the Jacksonville real estate market!  I'd love to help!

Is This Worth My Money?

So, how do you know that what you are offering is even based on a realistic amount? This a very good question and one that every buyer should be asking.   While there is NOTHING or NO ONE that can guarantee that today’s good value will be worth any thing tomorrow, you need to get the best deal you can today based on today’s market conditions.

Here is where to begin…

•   Search for comparable properties (similar sq ft, beds, baths, garage, age) that have sold in the community of the subject property within the last 90 days.  If there are not at least 3, stretch the search to 180 days.

•   Your competent buyer's agent should also give you a comparable market analysis report which should be very similar to your findings, as well as the current deed on the property, plat map, septic permit (if applicable) and tax record.

THE DO NOT’s…

•   DO NOT- base the value on the tax record or a "zillow estimate".  Both are un-reliable sources in a fluctuating market.  Nor do these two tools take into account upgrades, changes in the home or neighborhood or rental properties.

•   DO NOT- base your offer price on what the seller owes or what you think they owe.  However, your buyer's agent should be able to give you an "guestimate" on about how much they owe to help with your negotiations.

•   #1 DO NOT- work with the listing agent or builders agent as they work FOR THE SELLER.  It's in your best interest to choose someone who has your best interests at heart and can completely negotiate on your behalf.  The seller typically pays the buyer's agent's commission, so you're getting the benefit of working with a professional, for free!

A necessary tool in the homebuyer's toolbox is the appraisal.  The lender is going to require an appraisal and it can be completed during the due diligence period and the buyer should be more than willing to pay for it.  The appraiser will determine the value for which the bank will finance, and if the seller refuses to re-negotiate, so that the selling price at least matches the appraisal value, the buyer has the opportunity to back out of the contract, free and clear.

At the end of the day, a home is only worth what a buyer is willing to pay for it.  But, until the last “i” is dotted, purchase with intelligence.  When everyone is well informed and realistic, you will have a smooth transaction with no surprises!

Whether you're curious about buying or selling your home, I would love to help!  I'm never too busy for any of your referrals!

Foreclosures Are Here! Jacksonville Real Estate

Foreclosures are here!

The current market comprised of foreclosure properties is an unfortunate situation for all parties involved, and is increasing daily. HomeTeam Real Estate has positioned itself with local and national banking institutions including national REO asset management companies, which allows us to understand the process more thoroughly, have access to more inventory and work more efficiently for our buyers.

What is a foreclosure?
Foreclosure is the legal process by which a bank seeks to recover the amount owed on a mortgage typically due to default. There are several stages in the foreclosure process:

• Pre-Foreclosure / Short Sale: Basically, when the proceeds of a home "fall short" of what is still owed on a mortgage. During this time, the owner may possibly have the option to sell to a third party for less than what is owed on the mortgage and the bank may potentially avoid a costly and lengthy foreclosure process by accepting this lesser amount.
• Auction: If the property is not sold during the pre-foreclosure period (if there is one), a public auction is then typically held to sell the property to the highest bidder. Foreclosure sales may include a minimum bid amount along with accrued interest, attorney fees and possibly other foreclosure fees. Typically, the property is purchased "as-is."
• Bank-Owned / REO (Real Estate Owned): If the property fails to sell in the pre-foreclosure stage or at auction, ownership reverts back to the lender.

Short Sales

• Mortgage servicers have 10 days to accept or deny a short sale request. After a sale is completed, the borrower could be completely released from debt.
• Borrowers are eligible to receive a $1,500 moving allowance, if they sell their home through a short sale.
• Mortgage servicers will receive $1,000 for each completed short sale.
• Investors who hold first mortgages can get as much as $1,000 for allowing second lienholders to release their liens.
• Second lienholders can get only as much as $3,000 in proceeds from short sale to release their liens.
• The property must be the homeowner's principal residence.
• The homeowner is delinquent on the mortgage or default looks likely.
• The loan was made before Jan. 1 this year and is less than $729,750
• The borrowers' total monthly mortgage payment exceeds 31 percent of their before-tax income.
Source: Keeping Current Matters 3/2010, HAFA Guidelines

Avoid Foreclosure Checklist -- Homeowners' Options

• Bring your loan current and maintain regular payments in a timely manner.
• Work out a repayment plan.
• Refinance your home with better rates and terms.
• Modify your current loan with your lender.
• Rent your home and make the mortgage payments to your lender.
• Sell your home and pay off the loan amount due.
• Borrow money from a relative or friend to bring your payments current.
• Get protection under the Service Members Civil Relief Act (SMCRA).
• Enter into a Deed In Lieu of Foreclosure or "friendly foreclosure."
• File for bankruptcy protection to stall the foreclosure process.
• Sell your home in a "short sale" if the lender will accept a discounted payoff for the outstanding mortgage due.
• For more information about foreclosure laws in your state visit http://www.foreclosurelaw.org

For homeowners struggling to make ends meet or who can no longer afford to keep their mortgage current, there are options!  A qualified REALTOR® can help you realize those options, whether it be a loan modification, short sale, or other type of government relief.  I would love to discuss your options with you, or if you know someone that could benefit from a consultation, please let me know!  

I'm never too busy for any of your referrals!

Why Carolina Plantations Is An Ideal Neighborhood in Jacksonville, North Carolina

Have you heard about Carolina Plantations?  It’s a new construction community off of Ramsey Road in Jacksonville, North Carolina.  Conveniently located in the Carolina Forest school district and outside the city limits, you get the best of both worlds!  Great schools and low taxes!  Still only about 5 minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Jacksonville shopping and commerce, but tucked away in a quiet community featuring a dog park, community center, playgrounds, sidewalks and street lighting, and a community sewer.  

The design of the community allows for plenty of privacy with cul-de-sac lots everywhere and many homesites that back up to corn fields and woods. 

Featuring homes from Wynn Construction, A. Sydes Construction, Northstar Capital Group, Nolan Commercial Contractors, H&H Homes of Fayetteville, the look and feel of this community is far from cookie-cutter!  There are very affordable townhomes at around 1,000 heated square feet, as well as single family one and two story homes from 1,400 heated square feet and up.  

Gorgeous features vary between the floorplans, but for example, you can enjoy the expansive Sonoma floorplan by Wynn Construction with over 3,100 heated square feet, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, TONS of storage space, extra large two car garage, upgraded trim package, wooden shelving, coffered ceiling and pillars in the dining room, two story living room with fireplace and beautiful built-in shelving, all for right around **$1200/month!  (**Payments based on an estimated 30 year fixed rate loan at 4% for current market price with no down payment.  Should be verified with qualified mortgage broker.)

With over fifty floorplans from five different builders, the possibilities are truly endless.  Carolina Plantations in Jacksonville, North Carolina has something for everyone.  I would love to personally show you some of the great new homes that areavailable, or help you build yours from the ground up!  Check out our buyer's seminar coming up- there will be LOTS of great information for both home buyers as well as home owners!

I'm never too busy for any of your referrals!!

January Contest Rules!

Happy New Year everyone! As you know, it is the time to make New Year's Resolutions! Studies show that you will be 68% more likely to keep it if you tell someone! In an effort to help you keep your resolution, I am holding a contest! All you have to do it go to my facebook pageHERE and tell me what your New Year's Resolution is! You must also "like" the page to be eligible. Only one entry per person please! The winner will be randomly selected and announced January 21st! 

Want to earn a 2nd entry? SHARE my facebook REALTOR page on your facebook! Once you have done that, make a comment on your New Year's Resolution and let me know you shared it! Good luck!

Since weight loss is the #1 New Year's Resolution, the winner will receive:
-A subscription to your choice of: Women's Health Magazine, Men's Health Magazine, Cooking Light Magazine
 -A $20 Visa Gift Card

Help the victims of Sandy Hook Elementary School!

UPDATE  - Another AWESOME way to donate stuffed animals is by purchasing them through Kohls.com (select the Kohl’s Cares animals and they will donate the profit so it’s a way to help in more than one way!!).
Also, if you can think of ANY other ways or have a shop where you sell stuffed animals etc, please feel free to leave it in the comments.
So I got to thinking…I have received several emails from several readers who want to support the Sandy Hook Elementary students and families of the victims by sending Stuffed animals/teddy bears and letters to them. Below is a P.O. Box that was set up to do just that!
And…I scoured Amazon looking for what I thought was a good deal on stuffed animals (see below, most are around $5 shipped). I was thinking, we could purchase these animals right on Amazon and have them sent DIRECTLY to the P.O. Box…that way you don’t have to worry about shipping them yourself and you can support them from your living room. Imagine if we all sent a stuffed animal or letter… what an impact!!
Here is the address to send letters (and stuffed animals if you choose):

Messages of Condolence for Newtown
P.O. Box 3700
Newtown, CT 06470

Amazon deals on Stuffed Animals to send directly to them:

You will get FREE shipping with Amazon Prime (sign up for a FREE 30 day trial here) or when you spend $25 or more with super saver shipping! OR, many of these are about the same price with shipping (just took to the right side of the screen to see more buying options).

Webkinz Velvety Elephant $6.29 shipped (Reg.$14.99)

Aurora Plush 12″ Baby Slushy Aurora Babies Polar Bear $8.99 (Reg. $11.99) My favorite!

Aurora World 12″ Teo The White Tiger $10.88 shipped! My second favorite!

Aurora World Esmeralda $5.49 (Reg. $9.99!)

Webkinz Pinto $6.49 (Reg. $14.99!)

Melissa & Doug Baby Roscoe Bear – Vanilla $8.75 + FREE Shipping So Loving and Cute

Webkinz Charcoal Cat $6.29 (Reg. $14.99!)

Webkinz Hippo $5.10 (Reg. $14.99!)

Webkinz Pom Pom Kitty $8.40 (Reg. $14.99!)

Webkinz Caramel Lion $5.99 (Reg. $14.99!) I LOVE this one!

Aurora World 14″ Lucky Puppy $5.99 (Reg. $14.99!) Super cute! 

Aurora World Shepherd Dog $6.08 (Reg. $9.99)

Webkinz Hedgehog $6.65 (Reg. $14.99!) 

Aurora Plush 12″ Perry Flopsie $9.36 (Reg. $12.99) This one is bright and cheery

Gund Matisse Brown 14″ Bear Plush $13.18 Shipped – More expensive but SUPER cute and nice

Webkinz Pink Pony $6.60 (Reg. $14.99)

Melissa & Doug Luster Dragon $12.22

Melissa & Doug Princess Soft Toys 12″ Plush Sunny Yellow Lab $12.04

Melissa & Doug Princess Soft Toys Thatcher Bear

Melissa & Doug Princess Soft Toys 16″ Plush Lovey Lamb $11.86 Shipped $11.86

Look for more HERE!

Originally posted HERE.

Do you know the danger of Identity Theft?

Identity theft is a growing problem in the United States. Do not be a victim of this crime! Here are a few ways to protect yourself:

Credit Reports
Check your credit report! If you discover anything suspicious, especially in the form of a credit card you don't have or debt that does not belong to you. 

You are entitled one free credit report every year from each of the three nationwide credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and Transunion.

To get your free credit reports, go here or call (877) 322-8228. (HINT: To monitor your credit year-round, request a report from a different bureau every 4 months)

Security Freeze
A security freeze prevents credit bureaus from releasing any information about you to new creditors without your approval, which can stop identity thieves from obtaining credit in your name. For details, visit this website. All North Carolinians can get security freezes online. 

Social Security Number
Your social security number is a helpful tool for crooks who are trying to take out credit in your name. Protect it! Don't carry your social security card in your wallet. Do not print it on your checks. Do not give it out unless it is absolutely necessary. Always ask why it is needed, who will have access to it, and how it will be kept confidential. 

Shred
Your records often contain confidential information. Shred or erase hard drives from old copiers, printers, and computers that might hold private information. Clear all date from old cell phones to ensue that your private information can't be recovered. Shred outdated tax records, credit card applications, old financial statements, insurance forms, etc.

Finances
Watch billing cycles for missing bills, which can be an indication of ID theft or other financial fraud. Review monthly statements. If you discover incorrect charges, notify the company and dispute the charges. Reduce the private information on your checks and limit the number of credit card you carry. 

Notify your credit card company in advance when you travel, especially out of country. Photocopy credit cards (front and back) and keep the copies in a safe place in case a card is lost or stolen. Review your Social Security Earnings and Benefits Statement for errors. Call (800) 772-1213 to order a statement.

Passwords
Carry PINs and passwords in your head, not in your wallet or purse. Do not share PINs  or passwords with anyone, even close friends or relatives. Don't over-use the same PINs and passwords. Create different ones for different accounts. Passwords should have at least eight characters. Use letters, number and symbols (#%$). (HINT: Avoid consecutive numbers, family names, birthdates, SSN, phone numbers, etc.)

Online
Use public wi-fi hotspots for casual web surfing ONLY. Only access email, financial information, or enter private information on a secure wireless system. Make sure your home wireless router is encrypted and password-protected. Create a long, complex password to deter hackers from breaking in. Confirm that your computer is protected by an active firewall. Keep your operating system, spyware and virus protection up to date. 

Shop with online merchants that you trust. Do not click on pop-up messages or ads offering prices too good to be true. Never enter private data like your SSN or a credit card account number online unless you are on a secured website. Look for https (instead of http) in the web address and a "lock" icon somewhere on the screen. When you place an online order, print out your order confirmation. Keep receipts and copies of communications about your order, along with a description of the product and its price. Read refund and privacy policies.

When selling items online, watch out for (real-looking) fake checks and money orders. Be wary of overpayments and endorsed checks. Never wire "excess" payments back to the buyer or to someone else. Pay for online purchases by credit card. 

Email
Beware of emails that ask you to confirm your personal information or account number, or to transfer money. Avoid clicking on anything in an email, even it appears to come from a trusted source like your bank or a friend.  Forward spam emails to spam@uce.gov. Never send your SSN or financial account information by email unless they are encrypted. (HINT: Emails that say you have won money, can make a lot of money, or please for help are usually scams).

Mail
Stop pre-approved credit card offers by calling (888) 5-OPT-OUT or visit this website. Place outgoing mail containing private information into a locked mailbox. Avoid leaving your incoming mail in an unlocked mailbox. Consider getting a locking mailbox. Don't send money to cover taxes or fees on a prize, lottery or sweepstakes winning. It is a scam.