Asheville Real Estate Blog

Anyone done a BPO lately?

Cheri Swigart (Stone Mountain Realty and Building Co.) — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 16:15:52 -0800

48 hours to make $45.00...............

Well, I can't believe that I thought I would give BPO's a try. I never used to do them because I was always busy. Slow times, you do what you gotta do. Did the first 8, took a while to get paid but got paid. The last one came this past week and I found time and fit it in over the weekend. It was on a house they paid 1.6 mil for and was not listed. Got my info and downloaded.. Photo's were a bit difficult considering that they were in private gated communities and mostly private. The BPO called for exterior. I sent everything in and get an email that they are not paying since I did not get inside photo's. Well..................How do you get inside photo's if the house is not listed and the homeowner doesn't know that this is going on anyway.. Anyone else experience this?

The vendors really need to be aware of what they are asking for. Come on, you want the Realtor to give you a full appraisal in 48 hour turn around and make them wait a month to get their $45. check in the mail. NOT FOR ME!

Know someone moving to Asheville, NC? Win-Win situation

Cheri Swigart (Stone Mountain Realty and Building Co.) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 10:30:22 -0800

You Get - 30% Referral Fee

I give 110% working for my buyers to get their new home for the best price while producing Professional Results with a Personal Touch!

Another freezing gripe!

Cheri Swigart (Stone Mountain Realty and Building Co.) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 09:04:44 -0800

The banks don't want to heat these large homes, they don't want the power on, instead they will just keep dropping the price until it sells. That's what the agent said. I showed a property, it was freezing out, my client couldn't stop shaking as we walked in the door. We proceeded to go downstairs after viewing the upstairs, no power, complete darkness, no flashlight in the house. Got to get one that I keep on my keychain so it is with me at all times!!! At least keep the power on, heat turned down, winterize the house...............Price of that house $799,900.

It wasn't long ago, I sold a foreclosure that had been winterized and when we did the home inspection , there were multiple leaks throughout the home. Needless to say, we did close but the seller took a lot less than if that didn't happen and still had to repair all leaks. Same price range.

I just wonder, is it less expensive to fix the leaks and lower the price than keep the house above the freezing point.

KNOW SOMEONE WHO MAY BE FACING FORECLOSURE?

Cheri Swigart (Stone Mountain Realty and Building Co.) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 08:58:23 -0700

Here's a new Fannie Mae site that is informative. KNOW YOUR OPTIONS

PRIVATE, SPACIOUS & CONVENIENT

Cheri Swigart (Stone Mountain Realty and Building Co.) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 08:41:50 -0700

CLICK HERE FOR TOUR

HEALTHY BUILT CERTIFIED! Priced under appraisal $249,900

Cheri Swigart (Stone Mountain Realty and Building Co.) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 08:34:17 -0700

CLICK HERE FOR TOUR

What are you experiencing in this foreclosure market?

Cheri Swigart (Stone Mountain Realty and Building Co.) — Wed, 12 May 2010 21:21:22 -0700

Alright, I can honestly say that I have been focusing on our new healthy built home more than keeping up with my blogging on Active Rain. My last 2 sales have been foreclosures and I have to admit that it has not been fun. I have learned alot and have successfully made it to closing which if it weren't for my building expertise, probaly wouldn't have happened. I have experienced delayed communication responses, lack of knowledge, major faux paus and I wonder if anyone else sees this?

I love what I do and I see that we are now just barely hanging in there in our field. For all the agents that know what they are doing and taking the extra time and are results driven, Hang in there! There are definately going to be more foreclosures, I just hope that the banks can keep up with this and hire professionals that know the market and what it takes to sell a home right now.

REO Direct Partners

Cheri Swigart (Stone Mountain Realty and Building Co.) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 09:53:03 -0800

Has anyone out there signed up with REO Direct Partners? I signed up and paid $275. and have not heard a word by email or phone. I have tried to set up my profile on their site and can't. While searching the internet, I am hearing that it is a scam. I would like to hear from any of you active rainers that have had experience with them.

Buying a foreclosure...What do I need to know?

Cheri Swigart (Stone Mountain Realty and Building Co.) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 09:23:35 -0800

Buying a foreclosure? What do I need to know????????

REO, Bank Owned, Fannie Mae owned? There will be an addendum, make sure you get the addendum up front and read it. They are adamant on there time limits for inspections and closing dates. If there is going to be an extension, they have a form for that and it needs to be addressed ahead of time not after.

Get your inspections lined up immediately, surveys, get your contractors out if there if there is work to be done so you know what you are in store for.

Make sure all utilities are on for the inspection.

Keep a good communications line open with the listing agent.

Get a copy and read the restrictive covenants.

Check the tax bill, the tax assessment may be higher on a foreclosure and you will need to appeal to get an adjustment after closing. (Save the closing statement)

Check the title, your attorney will do this and you can also go online and find out a lot.

Just a few suggestions.

Short term Furnished Rental Asheville, NC

Cheri Swigart (Stone Mountain Realty and Building Co.) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:34:27 -0800

Short Term Furnished Rental located 15 minutes to downtown Asheville. Located across from community park with walking trail around the lake.

Everything included...cable, internet... just bring your personal belongings and food.

Check it out here!

www.NorthAshevilleHomes.com

Getting Ready for a New Year...Out with the Old and in with the NEW

Cheri Swigart (Stone Mountain Realty and Building Co.) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 15:39:38 -0800

As we end 2009 and get ready for 2010, everyone is wondering how the market will do. I believe that we are still adjusting and there are some really good deals out there. The banks are tightening up and we all have to work harder to get them everything they ask for.

As you get ready for the new year, file those tax returns so that you can get your hands on them, keep track of any improvements you put into your property, especially energy wise and eco smart. If you purchased a home in 2009 in foreclosure and the taxes are based on an amount more than you paid for the house, appeal it and get them lowered. This is also true for refinances were the market has dropped. Get a copy of your appraisal.

It is a new economy and owning a home is still Americas dream. I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year 2010....a good year to buy a home!

Less is More or More is Less?

Cheri Swigart (Stone Mountain Realty and Building Co.) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 08:15:17 -0700

I think Less is More when you consider reducing the size of the house to the not so big house and putting the details there. A tighter envelope, better air quality, water reducing features, energy star and this all leads to saving money on utilities. There is also talk that by 2012 all homes will need to be energy star.

Soooooooooo.. why is it that every time I get a buyer or talk to one all they care about is how much sq ft they can get for the money. Bigger is better if you can get more space for your money...they are more in tune to size than quality and energy savings.

I'd like to know your thoughts on this???

Marketing in the new economy

Cheri Swigart (Stone Mountain Realty and Building Co.) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:40:56 -0700

I started putting my listings on their own business card and now when I pass out my card I tell them about the listing as well. This works well when you run into someone who is looking for the type of home you may be marketing. I also hang these up on local bulletin boards. How many of you are using this idea?

Another thing my husband and I are doing with our spec homes this summer is planting a garden for the new homeowner along with a rainbarrel to water. We are building green and this does get points.

My New Buyers

Cheri Swigart (Stone Mountain Realty and Building Co.) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:20:28 -0700

Well we found what we want and the rates are creeping up but what about this new economy..................

Get off your perch!

Take the path to be good stewards of the earth.

Cheri Swigart (Stone Mountain Realty and Building Co.) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:46:36 -0700

2009 is the year that GREEN has made an impact. We all have been taught to conserve water, recycle, reuse, save the trees, etc. I know that we all have not practiced what we know is right. I believe that people are moving forward to becoming better stewards of the earth . Green Building is making an impact on building a better house that has a tighter envelope, better air quality, water conservation and energy effecient. Guidelines are being put in place right now and soon all houses will have to be energy effecient or energy star.

KC and I are building green these days. KC has always built a good house, now its a better house with 3rd party certification. KC has always tried to save the trees and now we are using any trees that have to be cut for mulch or lumber. Putting gardens in for the homeowner and water barrels for watering, sealing all places were leakage could occur and using water restrictors and dual flush toilets. These are just a few of the eco features we are doing to build a better house and be good stewards of the earth.

Check out Ashevilles Healthy Built Home Program. Many builders and homeowners are coming on board with this grass roots movement. I just don't know why we didn't promote this in the beginning........we've always known its the right thing to do.

PEACEFUL REEMS CREEK

Cheri Swigart (Stone Mountain Realty and Building Co.) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 08:20:48 -0700

This is a photo taken off Parker Cove Rd which is 3 miles down Reems Creek Rd. They stock the creek several times a year with trout and there are some great fishing spots.

We are very near completion of the second Healthy Built home in Pathwood which is located about 1/2 mile down Parker Cove. Come check out the peaceful private setting, the eco features and for the gardener, the garden is planted. $319,900 MLS#439100

Realtors.. If you have a client in this price range...show them this property .....much attention to detail!

KC and I live down the street and someone is usually around, just call us at 712-4600

Take a hike!

Cheri Swigart (Stone Mountain Realty and Building Co.) — Fri, 29 May 2009 09:49:01 -0700

Had to walk up the mountain to find this GEM!

Take The Challenge!!!

Cheri Swigart (Stone Mountain Realty and Building Co.) — Fri, 29 May 2009 08:48:20 -0700

Take the challenge.. I challenge every one to tell everyone they meet today what a great time to buy real estate with interest rates below 5% and so much to choose from. We need to turn this thought pattern around. Too many people are glued to the TV and nobody wants to get off the fence. I challenge homeowners that have been sitting on the fence to take a look at the market availability and rates and tax credits, it won't stay like this and a lot of people can make a move! If we don't get the word out that it is not all gloom and doom we are going to end up like this!

Theres a pot of gold at the end!

Cheri Swigart (Stone Mountain Realty and Building Co.) — Fri, 29 May 2009 07:30:42 -0700

Yesterday after working on the computer, dreary rainy day...my son called me to the front door to show me this beautiful rainbow. It made me stop and think about that pot of gold waiting at the end! I hope all of you active rainers get your pot of gold when all this is over!

The Cats Not Telling

Cheri Swigart (Stone Mountain Realty and Building Co.) — Thu, 28 May 2009 13:05:23 -0700

I'm new to blogging and would like to get more comments and info. If you have any good articles to point me to, I've been reading the blogs. I've been twittering, facebook, Linkedin, Realtor.com...so far I like Active Rain, I realize its takes time and effort.

Anyway, I am looking to connect with people everywhere who may know more people and maybe someone will know someone that will make a move to this beautiful place I live in Western North Carolina, Asheville I have lived here for the past 30 years and have been a Broker since 1991. My husband KC and I have a small company just 15 minutes north of Asheville in Weaverville. KC is a licensed general contractor and we are building Healthy Built spec homes. It has been slow this year but it has picked up in the last few weeks. With the amount of inventory out there we need BUYERS!!!! I wish people would get off the fence and take advantage of these low interest rates and tax credits.

Thanks for all the info I have been reading and also the laughs!! We can all use some humor!

What Economic Downturn?

Cheri Swigart (Stone Mountain Realty and Building Co.) — Wed, 27 May 2009 13:50:22 -0700

Welcome to the new economy!

Quizzle

Cheri Swigart (Stone Mountain Realty and Building Co.) — Wed, 27 May 2009 09:26:10 -0700

Add Quizzle to your website, customers can prequalify and get their finances in order. I have found this to be a good tool. Quizzle

Visiting Asheville, NC?

Cheri Swigart (Stone Mountain Realty and Building Co.) — Wed, 27 May 2009 09:20:00 -0700

Short Term Furnished Rental-Fully Equipped Monthly $1500.00

Got a secret?

Cheri Swigart (Stone Mountain Realty and Building Co.) — Tue, 26 May 2009 17:31:19 -0700

Here's a picture of one of my clients horses talking after they got moved in. I think the little one is telling the bigger one "That nothing is more finer than Carolina" but of course when you move to Asheville, "Altitude affects Attitude"

Got any clients moving our way? I love referrrals!

PathWood...Reems Creek....Weaverville, NC

Cheri Swigart (Stone Mountain Realty and Building Co.) — Tue, 26 May 2009 11:27:18 -0700

Here's a photo of the neighborhood kids playing in the creek

This is the first house built

This is the lane leading up to the second house

Second House for sale now

This house is just a few weeks from completion. If you have any buyers looking for healthy built eco friendly features and want an established garden spot in a private peaceful setting at an affordable price of $329,900. This home has app 4000 sq ft under roof, a full basement plumbed and ready to expand, screened porch with grilling deck. Asheville Realtors take a look!