Master Bedroom Downstairs is Growing as a Homebuyer Trend

Lately, more and more we're seeing homebuyers seeking homes with the master bedroom downstairs.  Reasons for this seem to vary, whether it's homebuyers increasing in age and don't want to deal with the hassle of stairs, or the size of families increasing, or just a personal preference.  

Homebuilders in the area are responding with gorgeous new construction homes featuring the master bedroom downstairs.  The Sonoma Floorplan by Wynn Construction is a perfect example.  This five bedroom home has three and a half baths, two story living room and tons of storage!  The 14'x18' master bedroom is privately located downstairs and features crown molding and a tray ceiling.  The roomy master bath features double vanities, large soaking tub and oversized shower and the huge walk in closet shows off Wynn's wooden shelving design!                                     

New construction homes aren't the only homes featuring the master bedroom downstairs, however.  196 Royal Bluff Road, Jacksonville, NC  28546, listed by William Sanders, Coldwell Banker Fountain Realty, is a custom home built in 2005 and located in the exclusive gated community of Williams Farm in Jacksonville, NC.  This well appointed home has over 5,000 heated square feet, two story foyer, hardwood flooring, crown molding and intricate trim work throughout.  The downstairs master bedroom measures 21'x25' and boasts hardwood floors, fireplace and patio!  The en suite bathroom is massive and features a two way gas fireplace in front of the oversized whirlpool tub!  Convenience and opulence was built into this home.

                             

Homebuyers searching for homes with the master bedroom downstairs have several options available to them, like new construction homes, custom homes or renovation projects to suit.  Here is a complete list of homes for sale in the Jacksonville, NC area with the master bedroom downstairs.  For a free consultation and to view these beautiful homes, contact Amanda!  910.545.0450

Summerhouse on Everett Bay- The Perfect Community with Coastal Colonial Style Homes For Sale Near Topsail Beach and Wilmington!

Summerhouse on Everett Bay is a perfectly planned gated community featuring coastal colonial new construction homes for sale!  Conveniently located along the Intracoastal Waterway, you'll see Topsail Beach's white sandy coast!  This location allows homeowners to enjoy the quiet, relaxed beach life and the advantage of being minutes from Wilmington, Surf City, Holly Ridge and Jacksonville.

 

 This waterfront community features a day dock, boat ramp, and storage is included.  Summerhouse at Everett Bay boasts 6 lakes, a gorgeous pool, open air pavilion, a 10,000 sq ft. clubhouse with billiards, kitchen and bar area, fitness center, 9 miles of walking/running trails, multiple picnic areas complete with fire pits, playgrounds and two tennis courts!!

 

 

There really is something for everyone in this amazing community.  New Construction homes for sale feature beautiful hardwood floors and oversized trim to set off the exceptionally high ceilings and designer lighting.  The double pane vinyl windows are storm rated and allow tons of natural light in but are energy efficient, keeping the cool air in and the hot summer air out!  Beautiful granite countertops perfectly compliment the architectural cabinetry.  The bedrooms are spacious and built for comfort!  You'll love the closet space and upgraded bathroom features.

It's easy to fall in love with this gorgeous community but with homes like these, you'll love to come home at the end of the day, or maybe make your "vacation home" your permanent home!

Summerhouse on Everett Bay truly is like no other.  The gorgeous coastal colonial style homes invite you to stay and relax and enjoy Topsail Island and the beach life!

Call Amanda Parmer for your personal tour of Summerhouse on Everett Bay or to see homes in the community!  910.545.0450

Check this website more information about the community, or to see homes for sale near Topsail Beach.  Summerhouse on Everett Bay is a private gated community, call for more information!

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!

How To NOT Sell A Home? Bad Listing Photos!

Atrocious listing photos are an excellent way to insure no one will look at your home, let alone buy it!  If you've spent any time at all on the internet shopping for homes, I'm sure you've come across some pictures of homes and thought, "What the heck?"

I have!  This blog is in no way meant to be offensive, but merely to shed some light on the world of Bad Listing Photos and encourage sellers to think about how they are presenting their home to the world, via the internet.

You can have this home, creepy doll included!!

Multi-purpose kitchen- do your dishes and your laundry!

Either this ghost means business, or the home has a ventilation problem...

Wait....are we in the kitchen or the garden or...wait...what's going on here?

Always nice to see a dirty toilet.

They're all looking at you.  Don't you want to buy this house?

Yep.  This screams, "Fabulous Home!"  Not really.

Couch potato included!

"I'm too lazy to get out of the car to take a picture, but you can bet I'll work hard to sell your house," said no successful Realtor ever.

So, the alternate potty seat is on the trash can, why?  Just put your stuff away!

"I'm such a fabulous Realtor, I'm going to be in the picture too!"

"Fireman pole and party included in the purchase of this home!"  Liability insurance may vary.

Have you heard the saying, "Can't see the forest for the trees?"  This is kinda like that.  Can't see the kitchen for the clutter.

If you want to sell your home, take the time to put your home's "best foot forward!"  There are enough challenges as it is when your home is on the market, don't create more with bad listing photos!  Your Realtor should be providing professional photos to best market your home, otherwise they're not working in your best interests.  If you would like a referral for a professional photographer in the Jacksonville, North Carolina area, please contact me.  

I would love to help you with all of your real estate needs!  I'm never too busy for 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!!

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.