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!

6 Reasons To Reduce Your Home Price

Of course you want to get the most money for your home when you sell it, but consider these six reasons on why you should improve your price:
1. You're getting little to no showings.  Buyers are typically looking first by price, then by features.  Make your first impression the best!
2.  You're getting showings, but no offers.  Look at your competition- are there other homes that have similar features and amenities for the same price?  It's all about the bang for your buck!
3.  Your home's been on the market longer than similar homes.  This is what we tend to call "shop worn."  When a home sits on the market for 30, 45 or even 60 days, buyers are waiting for the price to drop to "get a good deal."
4.  You have a deadline.  It's not always home much money you need from the sale that determines the price of the home, it's how much money the buyer is willing to spend.  If you have a deadline, your better option is to price it aggressively, instead of holding onto the property- and the mortgage payment and carrying costs.
5.  You can't make upgrades.  Maybe you're flat broke and absolutely cannot afford fresh paint on the walls, carpet cleaning, or adding curb appeal.  But the feedback you're getting is that your home isn't as well-appointed as similarly priced homes.  That means you're not competitive.  It's time to accept that buyers expect to pay less for a home that doesn't show as well as others.
6.  The competition has changed.  If weeks go by with no offers, continue to check out the competition.  What new listings have hit the market?  Are the other listings dropping their prices or offering incentives?  Talk to your Realtor for the best options!

Please contact me if you're considering buying or selling a home!  I would love to help, and 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!!