Jeff Craig Greensboro Realtor/Broker /Real Estate Agent CSP/CNRS's Blog

Open House: 109 Brantmere Ct. Jamestown, NC

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:46:10 -0700

Open House: 109 Brantmere Ct. Jamestown, NC

Sunday, April 22, 2-4PM

$334,000

Immaculate, updated, four bedroom, brick home on a quiet cul-de-sac in Jamestown. Huge bonus room. Oversized master suite Large bright family room, deck and yard. Perfect for entertaining. Convenient to shopping and amenities. This home will go quickly, so stop by and preview this Jamestown jem this Sunday.

109 Brantmere Court, Jamestown NC

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:20:00 -0700

109 Brantmere Court, Jamestown NC

$334,000.00

Immaculate, updated, four bedroom, brick home on a quiet cul-de-sac in Jamestown. Huge bonus room. Large bright family room, deck and yard. Perfect for entertaining. This home was meant for you! Close to major highways, amenities, downtown Jamestown, yet quiet and secluded.

Get ready, set, BUY!

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 11:33:02 -0800

Get ready, set, BUY!

It's a new year, the economy is looking up a bit, interest rates are still crazy low and you're tired of waiting to make a move. So, get off of that fence and make your move! Wouldn't you love to be in your new yard planting flowers this spring?

You may have waited and waited for prices to go down more, but guess what, they don't seem to be going any lower in our area. Coupled with fairly high inventory, low pricing and interest rates below 4%, there's no more reason to wait.

The holidays are over and the kids are going back to school. Take advantage of this time and start looking. Sure you have been looking online, but that's just a start. Call a REALTOR....Call ME! We can help with all of the ins and outs and guide you through every step of the way. I'll just bet your computer can't do that.

Hmmmm, someone must have read my mind. Two new potential buyers have called already today. Now that's the way to start the new year!

Open House: Sunday 2-4 2800 Kinsey Ct. Summerfield, NC

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 09:41:18 -0700

Open House: Sunday 2-4 2800 Kinsey Ct. Summerfield, NC

$272, 900

Everything you want in a convenient yet out of city home!! This charming family home has a large homesite w/plenty of open space for the kids to play & fire pit for late afternoon gatherings. Screened in porch, deck and a rocking chair front porch. Spacious laundry w/window & granite countertops in kitchen. Large family room and plenty of space for everyone to have their own room upstairs. Great price for Lochmere location.

Open House Sunday:Jamestown Town-Home-New Construction

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 11:04:15 -0700

Open House Sunday: Jamestown Town-Home - New Construction

Sunday 9/17 2-5PM Open for the first time.

214 Jordan Ridge Way, Jamestown, NC

$226,100.00

Beautiful new 1,500+ SF, one level townhome, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, with hardwoods in family room, granite in kitchen and tile flooring in bathrooms, stainless appliances, gas heat & HW, 2 car garage, brick and stone exterior.

Convenient to Greensboro, High Point, I40, Wendover Ave, shopping and amenities.

Luxury living in Jamestown NC town-homes.

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 11:24:25 -0700

Luxury living in Jamestown NC town-homes.

Jordan Creek town-homes in Jamestown NC are selling like hotcakes lately. Now is the time to get a great luxury, no maintenance home on your choice of lots.

Prices range from $219,900 to $285,900, for single story or double story homes built by D. Stone Builders, one of Guilford County's most respected custom builders.

All brick and stone exteriors, sprinkler systems, 2 car garages, 3 bedrooms with all masters on the main floor, 2 to 3 baths, formal dining rooms, large storage areas, granite counter tops, wood flooring, stainless appliances are just some of the features included.

Jordan Creek is set in a beautiful rural setting, just minutes to major roads and highways. Amenities abound nearby.

Of course, all of the exterior building maintenance and landscaping maintenance is included.

Contact me now for more information or an appointment to view our newest model home.

Greensboro Tour of Remodeled Homes

Sun, 21 Aug 2011 10:55:06 -0700

Greensboro Tour of Remodeled Homes

Friday august 26 - Sunday August 28 12-5PM

The Greensboro Home Builders association and the Remodelers Council are holding the home tour this coming weekend. It's a great opportunity to see what can be done to your existing home. Whether staying in your home, or selling soon, it will give you some great ideas.

Many of Greensboro's top builders have begun remodeling over the last couple of years. Some represented at the show include; Wolfe Homes, Piedmont Personal Builders, Acorn Construction, Southern evergreen and several more. Most of the boulders/remodelers will be on-site to answer any questions.

Tickets are $10.00 per person to see ten remodeled homes.

Open House: 9 Notting Hill Greensboro, NC

Sat, 20 Aug 2011 12:06:08 -0700

Open House: 9 Notting Hill Greensboro, NC

Sunday 8/21 2-4PM

$324,900.00

5BR/3BA/2 Car Garage

4/5 bedroom home in the gated community of Notting Hill. Great value in this new home! Hardwood floors in the living areas, beautiful cabinets w/glaze throughout home, vaulted ceiling in master bedroom, stainless steel appliances, tile backsplash and granite countertops in kitchen. 5th bedroom/study on first floor. Access from the neighborhood to one of Greensboro's most beautiful walking trails. Convenient location to restaurants and shopping

Greensboro in the spotlight again: The Wyndham Championship

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 11:07:57 -0700

Greensboro in the spotlight again: The Wyndham Championship

It's that time of year again. The Goodyear blimp is flying overhead. The hotels and restaurants are full. The fairways and greens are manicured to absolute perfection. The news trucks have descended on Sedgefield. Best of all the weather is perfect. The PGA is back in Greensboro and we are in the spotlight again.

It is held at Greensboro's beautiful Sedgefield Country Club again, where it began in 1939. sam Snead was the first winner that year.

The Wyndham championship is back in full swing. Some of golf's biggest names are here in town for the start of the game t
tomorrow. Today is the pro-am, with many locals playing alongside the pros.

Last year's winner, Arjun Atwal is back to defend his title.

Tickets are $40.00 per day or $120.00 for the week.

So, take some time to make it over to the Wyndham.

Open House: Sunday 2-5 8921 Grove park, Oak Ridge, NC

Sat, 13 Aug 2011 09:35:39 -0700

Open House: Sunday 2-5 8921 Grove park, Oak Ridge, NC

$298,500.00

4BR/2.1 BA/2 Car Garage

Fabulous 2-story home in Oak Ridge! Lots of space for your money! ENERGY STAR CERTIFIED! Main level features hardwoods, spacious dining room, kitchen with granite tops, walk-in pantry and mud room/laundry room. Upstairs you will find a flexible loft area that could have many uses, stunning master suite w/huge walk-in closet, master bath w/tile flooring and granite tops. Two additional spacious bedrooms with enormous walk-in closets. Fantastic bonus room.

SOLD: 104 Jordan Creek drive Jamestown NC

Sat, 13 Aug 2011 09:30:12 -0700

SOLD: 104 Jordan Creek drive Jamestown NC

3BR/3BA/2 Car Garage 2145SF

Hogan plan w/vaulted great room, end location, master & 2nd bedroom on main level,granite counter tops w/tile backsplash,formal dining room,butler's pantry,wood flooring on majority of mail level,unfin bonus room upstairs,storage upstairs.

Call for information on Jordan Creek Town-Homes. Many lots available to build on.

Today is the last day for tax free savings in NC/SC

Sun, 07 Aug 2011 10:37:46 -0700

Today is the last day for tax free savings in NC/SC

Shopping for a new bandanna? You can avoid paying North or South Carolina Sales Tax on such a purchase if you wait until the weekend of August 5-7, 2011. No such luck, however, if you want to buy a handkerchief that weekend in North Carolina. You’ll have to make that purchase in South Carolina…which doesexempt a handkerchief from sales tax. Yes, the rules surrounding the Carolina’s “August Sales Tax Holidays” can be confusing, but the consumer benefits are enormous.

South Carolina adopted the Sales Tax Holiday in 2000, and North Carolina followed suit two years later. The annual event begins at 12:01am on the first Friday in August and ends at 11:59pm the following Sunday. Both states exempt clothes, shoes, school supplies, and computers from Sales Tax that weekend. North Carolina adds sporting goods to the mix.

Open House Sunday 2-4 8161 Apple Grove Greensboro, NC

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 10:50:25 -0700

Open House Sunday 2-4 8161 Apple Grove Greensboro, NC

$579,000.00

Enjoy old world charm in this beautiful 4 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath home, with over 3700 square feet of living space including sitting on a beautiful pond lot. Great view from great room, kitchen and master suite. Incredible woodwork throughout with heavy moldings and wide baseboards!

Yearning for that Small Town Life

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 10:48:18 -0700

Yearning for that Small Town Life

by Tom Gongaware of Allen Tate REALTORS

I just returned from a visit with my family…something I loosely refer to as a “vacation.” While navigating the overstuffed minivan for hours on end, counting down the miles and searching for a clean bathroom, I was reminded of that great line from the late Tar Heel Charles Kuralt: “Thanks to the interstate highway system, it is now possible to travel across the country from coast to coast without seeing anything.“ Plus, nothing says “It looks like you’ve gained 20 pounds” quite like meeting up with loving relatives who haven’t seen you in a full year.

While I always come away happy to have reconnected with my siblings and friends, I also experience intense nostalgia for the small town in which I grew up. Or is it just mourning for my lost youth? Regardless, there is something to be said for small town life…even when that small town is slowing losing its population and vitality. Cue John Mellencamp:

No I cannot forget where it is that I come from
I cannot forget the people who love me
Yeah, I can be myself here in this small town
And people let me be just what I want to be

My small town is Latrobe, Pennsylvania…home of Mister Rogers (I grew up in his original neighborhood), Arnold Palmer, and the banana split. Latrobe Brewing Company used to brew Rolling Rock Beer…now a product of that big city brewery, Anheuser-Busch. The Pittsburgh Steelers train there every summer, although even that traditional small town event was temporarily disrupted this year due to some big city NFL labor dispute.

I love my small town. I assume I’d be mayor by now if I had remained or perhaps I’d be penniless and sleeping near the railroad trestle.

So, I return to Raleigh and wonder. Maybe I should consider life in one of the Triangle area’s small towns. (My fantasy world doesn’t seem to account for the wishes of my spouse, who retains absolute veto power.) Wake Forest is pretty cool. My homeboy Arnie Palmer went to college there …back before Wake Forest College went big town to Winston-Salem and became Wake Forest University. But Wake Forest seems to be growing a bit too rapidly to be considered truly small town. Maybe Fuquay-Varina would work…although I’m troubled by the fact that the hyphenated small town started out as two smaller towns (Fuquay Springs and Varina). This merger mania clearly points to big city aspirations. Clayton has a wonderful performing arts center and a cute downtown. Downtown Apex is also full of small town charm…maybe that would work. Hmmm.

Of course, the reality is, none of these wonderful small towns are Latrobe. For one thing, they’re all growing …not shrinking.

Another Tar Heel, Thomas Wolfe, said it best: “You Can’t Go Home Again.” But if you’re considering a new home in one of our small towns, you can’t go wrong. The Carolinas are full of wonderful towns within a single small zip code.

SOLD! 212 Jordan Ridge Way Jamestown, NC

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 10:43:14 -0700

SOLD! 212 Jordan Ridge Way Jamestown, NC

3 Bedrooms/2.5 Baths/2 car garage/1500+ square feet

Beautiful one level townhome with hardwoods in family room, granite and stainless steel in kitchen and tile flooring in bathrooms. Brick and stone exterior. Beautiful country setting, minutes from major highways and amenities.

Barbeque, A Taste of The Carolinas

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 10:51:52 -0700

Barbeque, A Taste of The Carolinas

by Phyllis Brookshire of Allen Tate REALTORS

According to Wikipedia, there are four main types of barbecue in the United States: Memphis style, Kansas City style, Texas style, and Carolinas style. I will agree that the other three types are distinctive and enjoyable, but especially for those of us native Carolinians, there is no barbecue like ours.

I grew up on Eastern North Carolina barbecue at places like Wilber’s in Goldsboro and Clyde Cooper’s in Raleigh. Eastern North Carolina barbecue is made from the whole hog, is usually cooked over a wood fire, and has a thin vinegar-and-pepper sauce. We eat it right from the hog at a “pig pickin’” or chopped and served on a soft white sandwich bun with homemade coleslaw. Our friends in Western North Carolina (the line is Lexington, NC) use only the shoulder and like a thicker, tomato-based sauce.

And then if you head to South Carolina, there are three more types of barbecue. If you visit Columbia, you should eat at Maurice’s BBQ and try the “Carolina Gold” sauce which is mustard-based. Go west and you will find a thicker tomato-based sauce; go east and you will find a spicy vinegar-based sauce.

With so many choices, it’s easy to see why the Carolinas is the premiere location for the barbecue in the country! Do you have a favorite Carolinas barbecue restaurant?

SOLD! 106 Jordan Creek Drive in Jamestown NC

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 10:46:49 -0700

SOLD! 106 Jordan Creek Drive in Jamestown NC

Snead Plan, end location, formal dining room, 2-story great room, open kitchen with oversized island, granite countertops & tile backsplash, built-ins in great room,master on main w/large walk-in shower and walk in closet, wood flooring on majority of main level, loft w/wrought iron handrail overlooks great room.Very open w/lots of natural light.

Two Of The Most Affordable States In The United States

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 10:42:03 -0700

Two Of The Most Affordable States In The United States

by Tony Jarrett of Allen tate REALTORS

We have written in recent blog posts that now is the time to buy your next home in North Carolina and South Carolina. Combine low mortgage rates and lower housing prices, and you have an incredible housing value. We believe these will be the days we all look back and wish we had bought another house. As billionaire investor John Paulson recently said – “If you don’t own a home, buy one. If you own one home, buy another one. If you own two homes, buy a third. And lend your relatives the money to buy a home.”

Now comes more great news: North Carolina and South Carolina are two of the most affordable states in terms of mortgage closing costs. Bankrate.com introduced its 2011 Closing Costs Survey and only Arkansas has a lower average closing cost for a homebuyer.

Assuming a $200,000 loan, a 20 percent down payment, and good credit, the following results appear on the survey:

NC ranked No. 51 on the survey with an average of $3,410 in closing costs (the survey included San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Washington DC along with 50 states)

SC ranked No.31 on the survey with an average of $3,856 – an improvement of two spots since 2010!

The average of all on the survey was $4,070

The most expensive state was New York at $6,183

This is great news for homebuyers in the Carolinas! Lower closing costs, low mortgage rates, and great housing prices equals BUY NOW!!

How to Prepare for a Home Inspection

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 10:20:33 -0700

How to Prepare for a Home Inspection

by Amanda Serra of Allen Tate REALTORS

Most people would think about the inspection of their home the day before the home inspector is scheduled to arrive. But if you are planning to sell your home it is always good practice to take care of some of the potential issues before you put your house on the market.

Is the banister to the deck and/or the stairs loose? Is there chipping paint on the window frame? If the house was built before 1978, lead-based paint is a concern. And depending on the loan type, it may be a requirement that this be fixed.

Anything that is a potential safety risk is always a good idea to fix right away. Not only will it reduce your liability before potential buyers visit your home, but by not fixing the issue, you may lead someone who is interested in your home to change their mind. What sellers sometimes don’t realize about buyers is that most of them prefer to buy a home that they see as being free from burdens.

You want to replace any cracked or missing glass in windows. Again, for safety reasons, but also many sales contracts require this be fixed by the seller. Ours in the Greater Greenville area does, and it also requires repairs of:

Any active leaks. Not only should you repair the leak, but repair any cosmetic damage as a result of the leak. Nothing will scare a buyer off quicker than a leaky roof, leaky ceiling or a leaky anything for that matter!
Issues with your heating, air conditioning, electrical and plumbing systems and any appliances that will remain in the home. Repair it. Not only in operative condition but one where it functions as it should!

If you are not sure what may be considered a safety risk or an item that you should fix before the inspection, ask your Realtor to walk through the home with you. They may see something that you may not have thought of and may more easily be able to see red flags and concerns as a buyer would.

Open House Sunday 7/31 2-4PM 9 Elm Ridge Ct. Greensboro, NC

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 12:14:28 -0700

Open House Sunday 7/31 2-4PM 9 Elm Ridge Ct. Greensboro, NC

$715,000.00

5 Bedrooms / 4 Full baths

Classic home built by Southern Structures. Warm and rich in color and woods used in trim. Incredible kitchen with 2 Bosch silent dishwashers, 3 zone beverage cooler, rustic stone metallic glazed floor and backsplash, cherry wood cabinetry, hardwood floors in primary living areas, breakfast and den. Sunporch overlooking brick patio and lush landscaped yard. Central vac, 5 zone irrigation. Private neighborhood. Security patrols from dusk to dawn

Call me for more info at (336) 209-0096

It is Now Hurricane Season - Think Smart

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 11:25:20 -0700

With beach vacations so big at this time of year, it's so important to keep an eye on the upcoming weather and be prepared for hurricanes. Here in North Carolina, they threaten our coast and sometimes the entire state 'til late in September. This blog has some good information on being prepared.

Via Ginny L Gorman North Kingstown Realtor Expert (401)529.7849 www.RIHouseHunt.com (Phillips Post Road Realty- Waterfront & luxury homes):

It is Now Hurricane Season - Think Smart. There is no doubt about it we're already 6 weeks into hurricane season here in Rhode Island which lasts through November 30th. So guess what - it is time to get your house in hurricane preparedness order. Yes, we have been spared for a couple of decades here from hurricanes and their damage and so we have become complacent I believe.

How prepared are you in the event of a hurricane? I can say truthfully that I have not met one person yet in my RI real estate business or personal life who has an organized thought out plan of hurricane preparedness. Not making a judgment but an observation that emergency planning takes a back seat when it should be on the front seat and ready to go. Why don't you make a plan this week for your family.

Here are some pointers I have gleaned that we all need to do:

- Check your home insurance policies to see your dollar coverage and deductibles for hurricane related damage. Perhaps it is time for dollar adjustments here.

- Prepare an inventory of your personal possessions in every home room ( I keep mine in cloud storage).

- Keep important documents and papers in plastic water tight bags to take with you upon evacuation.

- Prepare your pets for evacuation (where will you take them, who will take care of them) since emergency shelters do not allow pets.

- Do you have a written list of emergency family member numbers, clients, friends and neighbors.

- Do you have a well thought out evacuation plan including how to connect with the rest of your family (especially if communication towers are down) in a nearby safe location after the storm?

- Prepare an emergency kit of supplies of water, pet food and non refrigerated food.

- Have a generator with fuel ready to go or propane for an outside grill plus have extra tarps on hand for possible window or roof damage coverage.

Most Insurance companies have great tips for the RI hurricane season on their web sites. So Google your insurance company for more information. Also, the insurance industry has a Home Inventory free software program you can download to help you through this process. This is a great resource. As unpredictable as tomorrow may be, be prepared now...it is hurricane season - think smart.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ginny Lacey Gorman is a North Kingstown Realtor who works and knows the RI geographic area of homes for sale, schools happenings, important tidbits of information and businesses well here. Also, as a North Kingstown short sale agent, she helps clients navigate the rough short sale waters successfully with their home sale. Waterfront, oceanfront, luxury and coastal RI homes for sale are her specialty, so call Ginny for your buying and selling needs in homes. So feel free to search for RI homes for sale. When you are in need of an internet savvy RI Realtor® who SELLS RI houses in this real estate market, call Ginny today at 401.529.7849.

This blog © and its contents is original to Ginny Lacey Gorman

Ginny L. Gorman a purveyor of Fine RI Real Estate

Specializing in waterfront, ocean front, vacation, coastal and luxury homes for sale in North Kingstown, South Kingstown, Narragansett, Jamestown, Charlestown, East Greenwich, Exeter, West Greenwich, Westerly RI and beyond ... I sell dreams! because there is no place like home...the RI Realtor in the Sparkly Red Shoes.

Looking for a terrific Rhode Island Realtor? Let me GOOGLE one for you!



cell: 401.529.7849   office: 401.884.4100 ext.268 Ginny Lacey Gorman, Realtor

Find me on Zillow.com

www.RIHouseHunt.com

Are all Insurance Agents Created Equal?

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 10:56:13 -0700

Are all Insurance Agents Created Equal?

By Robin Price of Allen Tate

Ten years ago, you didn’t expect to turn on the television and see insurance companies battling it out for commercial time in between your favorite shows. You also didn’t see them as some of the biggest sponsors of the sporting event of the year, the Super Bowl.

Times have changed though—and some of the big insurance companies out there are spending millions of dollars each year to tell you that you can save 15% in 15 minutes.

Their focus is price-driven and I understand why. Customers want to save money. You want to save money. I want to save money too. But I don’t agree with the fact that they simplify insurance as if it’s a commodity like gasoline.

All agents and all insurance companies are not created equal.

Price is important, but so is coverage. Insurance is a topic that requires you to be farsighted—you have to see the value of choosing something today that will protect you down the road.

You can go to any agent and any company this afternoon and get a lower price than what you got this morning. It’s no big secret that the lower the coverage, the lower the premium.

The question is…..do you want to work with someone who is not concerned with covering you the RIGHT way, only to undercut his or her competitor by $40 now? Given a little bit more thought and foresight you may find it a better option to work with someone who knows to provide you with more coverage now, rather than six months down the road when you get into an accident and have to scramble for proper coverage.

Let Allen Tate REALTORS help with your insurance homeowners and auto needs.

Under Contract, Beautiful Jamestown Town-Home

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 13:12:38 -0700

Under Contract, Beautiful Jamestown Town-Home

106 Jordan Creek Drive, Jamestown NC

$279,900.00

3BR/3BA, formal dining rm, family rm and den, 2 car garage, 2336SF on a corner lot, brick and stone exterior.

If this sounds interesting, contact me. There are many lots still available.

Open Saturday & Sunday in Jamestown North Carolina

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 12:48:32 -0700

Open Saturday & Sunday 2-5 in Jamestown North Carolina

The Town Homes at Jordan Creek

Jordan Creek Drive, Jamestown NC

Luxury one and two level town homes buit by renowned local custom builder D. Stone Builders.

All include three bedrooms with master down, 2.5-3.5 baths, completely finished 2 car garage, hardwoods, granite counter tops, stainless appliances, heavy molding, brick and stone exteriors.

In a beautiful country setting, just minutes to major highways and many amenities.

Prices ranging from $219,900 t0 $285,000.

Many lots to choose from including several basement lots.

Call me for more info at (336) 209-0096

What To Consider When Making A Price Adjustment

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 12:37:55 -0700

What To Consider When Making A Price Adjustment

by Stephanie Gossett of Allen Tate REALTORS

Does the following scenario sound familiar?

You’ve had several showings on your home and no one has commented directly on price. You’re hearing:

“Need another bedroom.”
“Need bigger backyard.”
“Want a little more space.”

What do these comments mean? It may be that potential buyers are seeing other homes in the same price range but with additional features (another bedroom, a bigger backyard or more square footage). If these are the kinds of comments you are hearing, talk to your Realtor. It may be that you need to adjust the price of your home.

A price adjustment will allow you to reach those buyers who are looking at properties that have the same or close to the same attributes as yours and either cannot afford or don’t want to spend the extra money to get that additional bedroom, bigger backyard or more square footage.

Proper positioning will allow your home to compete in the marketplace on a level playing field.

Remember, most times you will not hear a direct comment on your price, but if you listen closely, you will know when the feedback you receive is telling you to reposition the price on your home to be the next home to sell among its true competition in the marketplace.