FREE MOBILE HOME SEARCH APP!

Did you know that more than 65% of home searches are done on a smartphone or tablet?  How convenient would it be to drive through your favorite neighborhood around Camp Lejeune, or down the beach on Topsail Island and have information for homes for sale at your fingertips?

It's very simple- either scan this QR code,

or go to your Google Play or App Store and download the Keller Williams Home Search App,

or text APP to 9105450450 and it will be sent to you right away!

The next step is simply input this secret squirrel code:  KW2LVJEME under the "my agent" section and it will automatically connect you to me!  

I'll be able to give you even more information about any of the properties you save or schedule times for us to take a look at them!  

~~Now thru March 16 2013, there is a sweepstakes for anyone who downloads my app!  You will be entered to win $50,000!!~~

Call or Text Amanda for complete sweepstakes details and instructions for downloading the FREE home search app!

Amanda Parmer

REALTOR®

Keller Williams Realty

910.545.0450

www.JacksovnilleNCHomeSeller.com

NEW Construction Townhomes For Sale In Carolina Plantations!

These new construction town homes for sale in Carolina Plantations are the perfect alternative for those who are paying rent and would like to invest OR for the first time homebuyer!

Homeowners of these new construction town homes will enjoy living in Carolina Plantations with amenities like a dog park, community sewer, sidewalks and street lighting with the added bonus of low county taxes!

These charming town homes offer 2 bedrooms and 2.5 baths at approximately 1,067 heated square feet. The foyer welcomes you in and opens to the spacious family room. Throughout the home you will find plantation blinds installed and ceiling fans in the bedrooms and family room. 
Open to the family room, the kitchen is sure to please with plenty of cabinet and counter space and breakfast bar. Stainless appliances include a smooth-top range, microwave hood, dishwasher, and REFRIGERATOR! 

The laundry room is just off the kitchen and includes a new WASHER & DRYER! Half bath on the first floor. 

Bedrooms are found upstairs and both include private, full bathrooms, ceiling fans, and

spacious walk-in closets! 

Enjoy your morning coffee on the screened in back patio. 6ft white vinyl fence gives you that additional privacy you've been dreaming of. Talk about "all that and the kitchen sink!"

The builder is currently offering (as of December 19, 2013) a one year builder warranty AND a $2500 furniture allowance...all for a LOW affordable price of $110,000!  

Call Amanda if you'd like to take a look at these new construction town homes in Carolina Plantations!

Amanda Parmer

REALTOR®

Keller Williams Realty

910.545.0450

www.JacksonvilleNCHomeSeller.com

2014 BAH Rates have been released!

Good News for military members!  BAH will be increasing for a lot of troops!  BAH, or Basic Allowance for Housing, is provided to military members not living in government quarters.  The allowance depends on the service members duty station zip code, rank, and dependency status.

The 2014 rates have been released (see them here!) and troops will enjoy, on average, a 5% increase in the previous year's allowance. 

BAH is non-taxable income to cover the cost of housing and/or utilities and has played a huge role in the housing market.  Military members are able to use this non-taxable income to invest in real estate and build their financial wealth.  Despite the fact that military families move every three to five years on average, many decide the benefits of purchasing a home far outweigh the reasons not to.  Homeowners can enjoy the tax benefits and appreciation of real estate, as well as the more personal reasons like the ability to paint, or have pets, or the feeling of ownership and home.

Many homes for sale in the Jacksonville, NC area will be purchased by military members and they will be counting on BAH to help fund their home purchase.  This slight increase will go a long way in the local real estate market.

Questions about homes in the area?  Call Amanda!  910.545.0450

Onslow County Christmas Cheer! Spread it around!!

Onslow Christmas Cheer, begun in the early '70s, is a program run completely on donations from the community and volunteers so that children and families can experience a Christmas, when they otherwise might have had to go without!  Onslow Christmas Cheer helps needy families and their children by providing gifts for children up to 12 years of age, supplies and personal items for older children and seniors, and a box of food for the whole family.
In 2012, the community program helped 5,100 individuals, 1,474 families and gave 42,015 toys- all within Onslow County!!

It's easy to help!  You can donate toys to the Christmas Cheer Center at the old Army Reserve Center on Drummer Kellum Road, or if you'd like to make a financial donation, you may bring it to the Christmas Cheer Center on Court Street.  
Others choose to sponsor a family.  There are thousands of applicants, for various reasons.  And whatever those reasons are, it's never the children's fault.  Sponsoring a family can be very rewarding, however you must be able to also offer compassion and love in the spirit of Christmas.  This website will show you some of the available cases that you can choose from to sponsor this holiday season.  If you have any questions, please contact Shelly Bishop at 910.545.4869.
Giving back is the true spirit of the holiday season.  Spread the cheer!

Bah Humbug....Christmas Lights!!!!

Do you become "Clark Griswold" at Christmastime??  We all have it in us to decorate and be merry, but sometimes we can be a little over zealous...  Here are some Christmas light tips to save you time and money, and maybe keep you a little more sane and safe!!

1. Safety first. Emergency rooms are filled with home owners who lose fights with their holiday lights and fall off ladders or suffer electric shocks. To avoid the holiday black and blues, never hang lights solo; instead, work with a partner who holds the ladder. Also, avoid climbing on roofs after rain or snow. 

2. Unpack carefully. Lights break and glass cuts. So unpack your lights gingerly, looking for and replacing broken bulbs along the way.

3. Extension cords are your friends. Splurge on heavy-duty extension cords that are UL-listed for outdoor use. To avoid overloading, only link five strings of lights together before plugging into an extension cord.

4. LEDs cost less to light. LED Christmas lights use roughly 70% to 90% less energy and last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. You can safely connect many more LED light strings than incandescents. Downside: Some think they don’t burn as brightly as incandescent bulbs.

5. Solar lights cost nothing to run. Solar Christmas lights are roughly four times more expensive to buy than LEDs, but they cost zero to run. They’re a bright-burning, green alternative. Downside: If there’s no sun during the day, there’s no light at night. The jury’s also still out on how long they last; they’re too new on the market for results.

6. Dismantle lights sooner than later. Sun, wind, rain, and snow all take their toll on Christmas lights. To extend the life of lights, take them down immediately after the holidays. The longer you leave the up, the sooner you’ll have to replace them.

7. Plan next year’s display on Dec. 26. Shop the after-Christmas sales to get the best prices on lights and blowups that you can proudly display next year. Stock up on your favorite lights so you’ll have spares when you need them (and after they’re discontinued).

8. Permanent attachments save time. If you know you’ll always hang lights from eaves, install permanent light clips ($13 for 75 clips) that will save you hanging time each year. You’ll get a couple/three years out of the clips before sun eats the plastic. 

9. Find those blueprints. Instead of guessing how many light strings you’ll need, or measuring with a tape, dig up your house blueprints or house location drawings (probably with your closing papers) and use those measurements as a guide. 

10. Store them in a ball. It sounds counterintuitive, but the best way to store lights is to ball them up. Wrap five times in one direction, then turn the ball 90 degrees and repeat. Store your light balls in cardboard boxes, rather than in plastic bags: Cardboard absorbs residual moisture and extends the life of your lights.

Good Luck, and Happy Holiday Decorating!!!

Amanda Parmer

Keller Williams Realty

www.JacksonvilleNCHomeSeller.com

HOP on the FORECLOSURE CARAVAN!!!

Saturday, December 7, 2013 at 11am, the Foreclosure Caravan will be leaving the Keller Williams Station!

I've identified several great foreclosure properties (**by the way, "great" means equity potential, for either an investor or first time home buyer or someone looking for a deal!!**) and we're going to take a look at them!

Call or text Amanda to reserve your spot on the caravan!!  910.545.0450  It never hurts to just take a look!!

For a complete list of foreclosures in the area, click here!  Or call Amanda!

Amanda Parmer

REALTOR®

Keller Williams Realty

910.545.0450

www.JacksonvilleNCHomeSeller.com

Just Listed!! 102 Landover Drive, Richlands, NC 28574

Welcome Home to 102 Landover Drive, Richlands, NC  28574!  

This four bedroom home is immaculate and ready for its new family!!

TONS of upgrades in this home!!  Notice the custom blinds installed, gutters, security lighting, stone accents outside, wooden privacy fence, custom professional paint throughout,  oversized cabinetry with "no slam" hardware and pulls installed, stainless steel appliances, laminate hardwood and carpet!!  All of this is included in the price!!

Featuring an office/den, formal dining room, large eat in kitchen and family room 

downstairs, you'll love entertaining in this home! 

 

The kitchen features stainless steel appliances, pantry, and oversized cabinetry 

with "no-slam" hardware and pulls installed. 

 
 

Upstairs you'll find 4 bedrooms, and a loft!  The master suite is phenomenal with tray ceilings, huge walk in closet, dual vanities in the bathroom and a large soaking tub!  Truly fit for a king, and his queen!

                                               

 



 

The other three bedrooms are spacious and have very large closets!  

The laundry is also conveniently located upstairs.

 

The entire backyard is fenced and there is a deck all ready installed.

Located in the highly sought after Trifield Estates, this home is convenient to Richlands school district, Camp Lejeune, Steed Park, and New River MCAS.  Enjoy the "away from it all" without truly being away from it all!

Call Amanda for your personal viewing of 102 Landover Drive, Richlands, NC  28574!  910.545.0450 

Should I buy new construction or an older home in Jacksonville, NC?

Home is where the heart is!  But does that mean it needs to be in a home with new stainless steel appliances and energy efficient heating and cooling, or a home with more charm, a brick fireplace and original hardwood floors?

There are many advantages to either option.  But first ask yourself some questions:
In an older home, are you comfortable with the cost of maintenance and repair?  You may need to factor in newer electrical wiring and plumbing, or even just new light fixtures and windows.
Do you have time for maintenance?  Is a "fixer-upper" worth your evenings and weekends?  There will be little projects that will be necessary along the way.
What style do you prefer?
Many of the older homes offer gabled roofing, bay windows, unique trim details and other characteristics.  In newer homes you'll find clean straight lines and open floorplans.  Which would you prefer?
How about location and space?
A lot of the time, older homes were cheaper to construct, and often the land was gifted to the homeowner.  Which meant more land, back in the day.  More recently, neighborhoods are designed for quantity and community so the homesites are significantly smaller.  

Home buying is a process, and sometimes the answers will come easily.  Sometimes the answer deserves some thought and consideration.  Call Amanda for all your home buying needs!  She would love to walk you through the entire process! 

910.545.0450  www.JacksonvilleNCHomeSeller.com

Wanna See Foreclosures in Jacksonville, NC??

Join me this weekend!  Saturday, November 16, 2013 at 11:30 am!

We're going to take a look at all the great foreclosure deals on the market this week, one by one!  We can compare foreclosure homes to other homes that are in the immediate area so you can see what kind of deal you could be getting.  It's a great opportunity to get an inside scoop on the market and get first dibs on any of the great foreclosure deals in Jacksonville, NC!

Call Amanda to reserve a spot!  The caravan leaves at 11:30am!!  Don't miss it!!

910.545.0450    www.JacksonvilleNCHomeSeller.com

Foreclosures in Jacksonville, NC and surrounding areas!

Click here for a complete list of foreclosure homes in Jacksonville, NC and surrounding areas!

Have you been thinking of buying a foreclosure, to fix up, gain equity, and later sell?  Now might be the time to do it!  Interest rates are still very low, and there is a surplus of foreclosures on the market- but they sell fast!  

Truly, the really great homes don't last for more than about a week on the market.  To avoid missing out on the good deals, we've begun a "Foreclosure Caravan!!"  Once a week we tour homes from our exclusive "Best Buy" list so that we have first hand knowledge of foreclosure homes in Jacksonville, NC and surrounding areas!  

For more information on our exclusive "Best Buy" list or the "Foreclosure Caravan" contact Amanda Parmer at 910.545.0450!  Our "Best Buy" list is a list of homes that will sell within two weeks and is put together by REALTORS® with over 20 years of experience and updated weekly!

If you've been waiting to buy a house, your wait may be over!

If you've been waiting to buy a house, your wait may be over.  Buying a home before 2014 may be in your best bet in the long run.  For instance, if you could buy milk and eggs at today's prices for the next thirty years, would you agree to it?  Of course you would!  These are necessities in most people's homes and would it be nice to avoid inflation and hedge against the rising cost of goods.

The same goes for housing.  A 30 year fixed rate mortgage at today's rates will protect your mortgage and housing expenses from inflation.  When inflation takes hold, it will eat up more of your income, which is why a fixed rate mortgage will be helpful.  Call Amanda for more information about buying homes in the Jacksonville and surrounding areas!  It's time to stop waiting to buy a house and start looking!

Call Amanda Parmer for all your real estate needs!  If you're buying or selling a home in the Jacksonville or surrounding area, Amanda is your REALTOR®!  910.545.0450

Click here for a complete list of foreclosure homes in the Jacksonville area.

Write The Best For Sale By Owner Ad!

As a For Sale By Owner, you'll want your description to make a very significant first impression.  It's your first opportunity to make a potential buyer contact you!

Writing a real estate for sale by owner ad can be difficult, despite the fact that most publications and sites have a strict word limit.  There are several important things you need to say and a few tricks that will help you make the real estate ad text more exciting.

Flashy Title
Usually the first thing a homebuyer sees when searching is the title of the listing and the photos.  These two factors will determine whether or not they click thru or keep looking at yours.  Your catchy title should include the location, price, and briefly, the features.  Squeezing that much information into a title can be challenging.  However, your title can sell your for sale by owner property.
No cliches and Be specific!
Look at other real estate ads- notice the repeated phrases?  Don't use those.  They're safe and easy, but no one gets excited by it.  And be specific!  Don't say "modern bathroom."  Instead, describe what makes it modern.
Write a Little Bit About the Neighborhood
You have an advantage over most Realtors because you can personally account for what the neighbors are like and share details about the community.  What makes your neighborhood special, and worth relocating to?
Encourage Potential Buyers to Ask Questions!
Provide a few communication options.  Texting, emailing and chat are very popular possibilities.  The perfect for sale by owner listing is difficult to create. But keep it original and fresh.  Be specific and descriptive.  Spending some time on writing a house listing that stands out can help you sell your house faster.  The results are worth the effort!  Contact me today for more information on selling for sale by owner.  I'd love to help!!

303 Quail Ridge Road FOR SALE! 3bed/2ba in Jacksonville, NC

Check out this home for sale in Jacksonville, NC!  Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, minutes from Camp Lejeune!

303 Quail Ridge Road, Jacksonville, NC 28540 has been renovated and is MOVE IN READY!    You'll love the NEW carpet, NEW kitchen, NEW paint, and tons of other features in this super cute home.

Call Amanda for a personal viewing!  Priced to sell and ready for it's new family!

Amanda Parmer, Keller Williams Realty  910.545.0450

Homes for sale in Jacksonville, NC

How Do I Sell My Home?

If you're thinking of selling your home, whether with a REALTOR®, or for sale by owner, you'll need this valuable information to understand the mechanics of how it all works!  Real estate is a market, like any other commodity, however, each location has it's own nuances and specifics, depending on location.

For instance, sellers in the Jacksonville, North Carolina area understand that it is primarily driven by buyers using the VA loan.  There are certain contingencies and conditions that are presented with using this particular loan program.  Knowing who you will most likely be selling to allows you to market it properly and understand how the rest of the experience will go.
So first, do your homework and clean up after yourself!  
Get your home in "show room" status.  Selling a home right now is a beauty contest and a price war!  Be proactive and get it looking good for those buyers you've all ready identified!
Next, Stage That House!
This simply means, get it clean, declutter and consider moving the furniture!  You live in your home differently than how you sell your house!  You don't have to hire a professional stager- you can simply move your furniture and possibly declutter to make it feel more inviting and brighter.  Ask your listing agent for help with this, and don't be offended if they give their honest opinion and advice!
Listing and Marketing
Figure how much your home is worth by checking comparable homes in the immediate area that have sold recently.  Comparable equals same age range, size range and features!  Immediate area is as close as possible!  Be reasonable and don't factor in personal details.  Overpricing your home is never a good idea.  Overpricing your home by as much as 10% will shut out over 50% of potential buyers!  
Consider if you're going to want internet advertising and/or print advertising.  Consider professional photography!  There is a world of difference between a good photo and a good photo that sells a home!  How about an open house?  There is a right way to do it and a wrong way!  Be sure to study up on the art of an open house.
Selling Your House
This can be tricky if you choose for sale by owner.  Much easier, usually, with a professional REALTOR®.  You'll need a place for the key, and you need to be gone for showings!  No one would feel comfortable viewing a home if the owner were lurking over their shoulder during the viewing or talking incessantly about the improvements they've made.  Leave!  It's the best way to show your house!  Consider each offer carefully.  Never reject an offer- if someone took the time to make an offer, take the time to counter it.  Most people want to get the best deal possible, so be reasonable, even if the offer isn't.
A Proper Closing
Typically, a buyer will want to do a home inspection, appraisal, septic inspection and perhaps a survey.  In the Jacksonville, NC area, the seller typically gets a pest inspection prior to closing.  Make time allowances for these instances and plan to be away from the home.  If you're using a REALTOR®, they will be organizing closing with the closing attorney, title company, lender and other agent.  If you go it alone, make sure you know who the experts are in your area for all of these. Once all of these items are completed and everything is negotiated, it's time for settlement with the closing attorney.  
This very basic overview of the home selling process is meant to answer questions, however, things always come during the process.  And if you need assistance, you can always hire a REALTOR® or a real estate attorney to help you with the experience!
It isn't hard to find tips on how to sell a home in today's market.  The difficult part is keeping it all in line!  If you could skip the hassle and sell your home today, would you?  Call Amanda to find out how!  910.545.0450

108 Farmgate Drive, Richlands, NC FOR SALE!

Perfectly situated on almost a half acre, this three bedroom two bath home is almost new! The vaulted ceilings in the living room make the room feel even bigger than it all ready is and the built in entertainment area is ready for your flat screen! 

The master bedroom boasts gorgeous tray ceilings, ceiling fan, lots of closet space. The master bath is a gem! Enjoy the dual vanity sink, large garden tub and separate shower! The other two bedrooms are generous in size and both feature ceiling fans, carpet and blinds all ready installed.

The eat in kitchen features a bar, tile backsplash and newer stainless steel appliances. Enjoy the private view from your dining room into the large backyard! Entertaining will be a breeze with the two-tier deck and firepit all ready in place! 














108  Farmgate Drive was built in 2010 and has been meticulously maintained and updated with blinds throughout, security lighting outside, alarm system installed, tile backsplash in the kitchen and updated fixtures. Not to mention the great back deck for entertainment! Conveniently located in the Meadowview Elementary and Richlands school districts, this home is only a few minutes from area shopping, Camp Lejeune MCB and New River AirStation. 

Call Amanda for your personal viewing or for more information on homes in Jacksonville, North Carolina!  910.545.0450

You've moved into your new house! Now what??

You've gone through the painstaking part of home shopping, closing, moving and unpacking.  Now what?  Time to decorate?  It's been my experience that home buyers, and home owners in general, love DIY projects, pinterest projects, and decorating!  Until they start doing it!
Decorating a new home can be an overwhelming undertaking, so here are five basic rules of decorating that won't break the bank or make you pull your hair out!
1.  Ask, "Where should I begin?"
That can be the tricky part!  But you must begin somewhere.  Choose a bathroom, or the dining room, or your bedroom.  But the trick is to begin.  And only do one space at a time, then move on!  It's best to concentrate all your efforts in one area and complete it.  The finished product will give you clarity and motivation to keep going!
2.  Decide what colors to use.
If you have furniture all ready, try to incorporate that into planning your color scheme, instead of choosing a wall color and planning everything else around it.  You'll save some money if you use what you have to begin with.  And make sure the colors flow, from room to room.  
3.  Find your style!
Everyone has their own style, the most common being traditional or contemporary.  Choose your style and what best fits you, and go with it!
4.  Shop wisely.
Beauty does not mean expensive!  Check for online sales, holiday sales, clearance outlets and discount stores.  You can mix and match and give your home your own touches, without breaking the bank!
5.  Ask for advice.
This can be kind of tricky.  Remember when you're asking for advice, you're asking for someone else's opinion and they don't necessarily have to agree with you or share your same tastes in decorating.  Also keep in mind, that furniture stores often hire interior decorators who may or may not give in home consultations!
Have fun with it!  Don't let it overwhelm you!

Call Amanda for all your real estate needs!  910.545.0450