Found your dream home? Don't wait!

If you've been home shopping and think you might have found your dream home- you probably have!  If you continue to compare other homes to your dream home that you've all ready seen- you're just stalling.  That's the cold, hard truth of it.  And here's the thing- if you're looking at this home and feel that it's a good deal and can picture yourself living in it- other people are too!  So if you want to "sleep on the decision," you may not ever be sleeping in the home.  When it comes to buying a home, it's more of a process of elimination, more than including more homes to view.

Your buyer's agent will be able to explain how quickly things are moving and offer you advice on structuring your offer to the seller so that your offer is the strongest offer for your dream home!  For information on homes for sale in the Jacksonville, NC area, please let me know!  I'm excited to help you find your dream home!

Real Estate Tax Value Change in Onslow County

So homeowners in Onslow County should have received a new "Notice of Real Estate Assessed Value" in the mail.  Every four years, the tax office reassesses property tax values and they determine the value based on an average of recent sales in that community.

The last time the assessment was performed in Onslow County was 2010.  The real estate market was completely different then- we hadn't started seeing the large amount of foreclosures and short sales that we're experiencing now, and there were many more new construction communities sprouting up everywhere.  So the 2010 assessment would be more a little more inflated than the 2014 assessment.

What does this mean for homeowners?

Well, the budget for the county will be set in June, which means they can either increase, decrease or keep the tax rate the same to meet the budget's needs.  So, theoretically, the tax values of real estate might have gone down and the tax rate might go up- but the point is to meet the budgetary needs.

The tax value does not necessarily constitute market value, however!  Our real estate market in the Jacksonville, NC area changes about every three months.  So a four year assessment can't accurately reflect real estate market values.  The only two ways to get a good idea of market value is to get an appraisal, or a comparable market analysis.  Appraisers are the only ones licensed to perform an appraisal and the cost ranges between $400-$600.  If you're interested in receiving a comparable market analysis click here!  I'd be happy to help with any confusion or doubts concerning the different values you might be seeing!  Keep in mind that real estate market value (determined by what things are selling for, how long it took them to sell, and how many more homes are on the market) and real estate tax value in Onslow County are two completely separate things.

Call Amanda Parmer for all of your real estate needs!  910.545.0450.  If you're unsatisfied with your current tax value, there is a method to appeal- contact Amanda for more info!

11 Things Homeowners Need to Know To Do FOR SALE BY OWNER

Aside from marketing, advertising, staging, pricing and showing the home, and the legal process of contracting and transferring ownership, homeowners considering to sell their home for sale by owner,  must consider these important eleven factors!
1.  The buyer will be fighting tooth and nail to get the best deal they can.  Everyone does.  Everyone tries to save money and get the most bang for their buck.  Negotiating a Win-Win deal for everyone can mean the difference between selling it or having it on the market.
2.  Most buyers will use a buyer's agent.  That agent is going to negotiate the homeowner for a commission.  Homeowners need to be prepared for this and know up front that most buyers agents get paid by the seller, even though they're in a written agreement to work for the buyer's best interest.  And, of all the homes on the market, they're bringing the buyer to the transaction and deserve to be paid.  How and who pays can be negotiated!
3.  Homeowners may have to negotiate with the buyer's attorney as well.  Many homeowners contribute to buyer's closing costs, but don't actually know what that means.  Negotiating these fees with the buyer's attorney, as well as closing date could save money in the long run.
4.  Buyers should get inspections on the home- home inspection, septic inspection, heat/air inspection, etc.  This is a normal part of a buyer's due diligence, however, the findings of the inspections may require homeowners to negotiate costs, repairs or replacements with the buyer or buyer's agent.
5.  Many homeowners are asked to have pest inspections performed for the buyer.  Homeowners need to know which inspections to get and why they are necessary.  The relevance and costs of some of these can be negotiated as well.
6.  Depending on the mortgage program the buyer chooses, some costs associated can be reduced or eliminated.  This will require the homeowner to understand the mortgage program and process and negotiate with the buyer's lender.
7.  Appraisals often determine the final sale price.  This is one of the reasons why knowing market value will be important when pricing your home for sale.  In the event it comes in lower, homeowners may be required to negotiate and work with the appraiser to adjust the value.
8.  Sometimes title companies find errors before closing.  Errors can be something as simple as a misspelled name on a deed to something like a mortgage not being released during a previous refinance.  These are issues that homeowners will need to address and fix before a title company can clear a buyer to close.
9.  Occasionally permitting issues can arise.  For instance, if there was an improvement done on the house and no permit on record for it, or a small business located in an area zoned for residential would require a variance from the local municipality.
10.  Buyer contingencies.  If the buyer is waiting on someone else to sell their home and that transaction has hiccups, negotiating better terms, or assisting the buyer with negotiating better terms for their sale might be necessary.
11.  Lien Holder.  In the event of a short sale, the homeowner will need to negotiate costs, terms of the deficiency and the contract with their lender. This can be an arduous task and very lengthy, and usually requires extensive short sale process knowledge.  

For many homeowners, this list can be very daunting.  Selling a home can be one of the biggest financial undertakings a homeowner can experience.  Who would you want to negotiate for you?  Someone with no experience, or someone who wants to put food on their table?

Call Amanda Parmer for all your real estate needs!  910.545.0450  Check here for a list of featured homes for sale in Jacksonville, NC!

Move in ready homes in Jacksonville, NC

Move-In Ready Homes Available in Jacksonville, NC for under $750!!

True Story!  

303 Quail Ridge Road, Jacksonville, NC  28540 is a three bedroom, two bathroom home that has been COMPLETELY remodeled!  NEW roof, heat pump, carpet, vinyl and hardwood flooring, ceiling fans installed throughout, kitchen cabinets, countertops, stainless steel appliances, paint throughout, light fixtures, 6' privacy fence, garage door opener, and MORE!!

You'll enjoy the tall vaulted ceilings in the living room with the wood burning fireplace.  The dining area and kitchen look into the huge backyard, which is completely fenced!  All three bedrooms feature new faux wood blinds and ceiling fans.  The master suite has double closets and lots of bathroom storage as well!

 

            

 

Move in early and pay nothing until the second month after you get the keys!!  For under $750/month, this home is a steal- and the seller will assist with closing costs!!

For more information about available homes in Jacksonville, NC, call Amanda Parmer 910.545.0450 for more homes for sale or rent in Jacksonville, NC!

**Payment estimate of $750/month is based on sale price of $115,000 and 30 year fixed rate mortgage at 4.5% or less.  Actual mortgage payment, interest rate, insurance rate and taxes should be verified by qualified professional.  For mortgage prequalification and information, contact Lauren Boger, with OnQ Financial.

Home Buyer FAQ!

All home buyers have questions!  That's totally normal!  No one is born with the innate knowledge of how to buy a home, or how to navigate the home buying process.  That's why we're offering a FREE Home Buyer Education Workshop on February 6, 2014!

This informative workshop is designed to educate consumers who may be thinking of purchasing a home in the near future!  We're at the start of a new year, so let's start on the right foot!  Lauren Boger with OnQ Financial will be on hand to discuss all loan programs, down payment assistance, available grants, and offer a FREE Credit Report!  Carol Moore with Nationwide Insurance will discuss homeowners insurance and how it can impact your investment,  And I will be able to discuss the home buying process, as well as offer real estate market information!

Call 910.353.2970 or contact me at 910.545.0450 to register- space is limited!

Amanda Parmer

Keller Williams Realty

910.545.0450

www.JacksonvilleNCHomeSeller.com

Have you been renting? You're still paying a mortgage!

Jacksonville, NC is growing by leaps and bounds!

If you've been in the Jacksonville, NC recently, you've noticed a lot of road construction, new routes, new signs, and lots of new stores coming to town!
Recently published in the Jacksonville Daily News, an article highlights a lot of the new growth Onslow County will see this year!  Residents can expect another 30 businesses coming into our local area.

•New Wal-Mart in Richlands, NC!  Not only will it add convenience, cut down grocery trip time, but the Richlands Wal-Mart will provide about 300 job opportunities to the area!
•Tons of new restaurants and eateries coming to the Jacksonville area- Chuy's Tex Mex, Zaxbys, Tropical Smoothie, Asian Bistro, Krispy Kreme, Chipotle, and yes- you guessed it- another McDonald's & Taco Bell!  Rumors have been circling about another Starbucks, but I haven't seen anything to get hopeful about yet.
•The Jacksonville Mall is planning to expand their footprint as well.
•Downtown Jacksonville has been experiencing a face lift with the rehabilitation of many of the older buildings, which allows the integration of Jacksonville's vintage historical charm with a breath of fresh air.  You'll see Biagio's Italian Coffee & Espresso Bar under construction on New Bridge Street, with spaces for more local eateries and shops!

Biagio's Italian Coffee & Espresso Bar

City planners expect more commercial growth in the Piney Green area, once road construction completes.  Here we grow again!  Jacksonville, NC is becoming a retail landmark for surrounding areas, bringing the economy up and helping to provide jobs to residents.

For information on how this can impact the local housing market, give me a call!  I'd love to sit down at one of the new eateries with you and discuss what it looks like!  For an up to date market analysis on your home, check out this helpful link!

Amanda Parmer

REALTOR®

Keller Williams Realty

910.545.0450

www.JacksonvilleNCHomeSeller.com

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