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home: Jodi Bakst Earns Designation as Short Sale Expert - 09/05/08 03:17 PM
I have been a Real Estate Broker for 11 years. As are you, I am very concerned about the mortgage crisis not only for its affect on the real estate business but more importantly for its affect on homeowners. The more important thing to understand is that not only are those with subprime loans affected, today we are seeing more and more defaults by homeowners with conventional, "A" paper loans.
Because of the magnitude of the problem, I am working toward gaining my designation as a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE). My coursework will be completed and the designation earned by … (5 comments)
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home: Deal or No Deal? - 09/04/08 05:24 PM
When the real estate market was better, sellers usually planned on walking away from the sale with a nice profit that they could bank, spend, or more likely, put down on their next home. There have always been expenses connected with selling a home, but in these days when home prices are down, times on the market are up, and buyers are more prone to drive a hard bargain, sellers are much more attuned to what those costs are.
Though some buyers want a "fixer-upper", all buyers at least want to know what they're getting into. You, as a seller, don't … (0 comments)
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home: The Mortgage Report - 09/03/08 06:40 PM
The Good News
According to the Federal Reserve, American homeowners saw their net housing equity-or the values of their property minus mortgage debt-grow from $6.2 trillion to $9.6 trillion from 2000 to 2007.
According to the National Association of Realtors, America is adding close to 1.5 million new households per year which will create an increasing demand for homes.
The Bad News
According to the Office of Thrift Supervision, nearly 2.3 million homes totaling 3 percent of the nation's housing stock, are vacant and on the market. This represents over a 10-month supply given current sales. Foreclosures and mortgage payment delinquency … (0 comments)
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home: Answering the Tough Questions - 08/25/08 04:41 PM
Today a prospective homeowner turns on the T.V. or picks up a newspaper and hears little about the housing market but doom and destruction. Foreclosures, mortgage-loan related bank failures, slow housing starts, and poor home sales dominate the news. Tougher credit requirements are now the norm as a remedy to further financial trauma for consumers and banks alike. All of this may lead a would-be buyer to quickly answer the question "Is now a good time to buy a home?" with a resounding "NO!"
Before signing that apartment lease for another year, a would-be buyer scared off by current events in … (0 comments)
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home: Eco-Friendly Siding Options - 08/22/08 07:01 PM
Sustainable siding needs to contain eco-friendly ingredients as well as be a product that will stand the test of time. When considering the eco-friendliness of a particular type of siding, make sure to account for any resins and adhesives that may have an off-gassing effect. Some popular green siding options include solid wood, fiber cement, metal, engineered wood, and stucco.
Solid wood: FSC-certified or repurposed wood products are the most environmentally friendly choices for solid wood siding. This renewable material does, however, require frequent maintenance. Fiber cement: Products like HardiePlankTM from James Hardie offer the look of natural wood with the … (3 comments)
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home: Thinking of Stucco? - 08/20/08 01:08 PM
In North Carolina, sellers are required to disclose if a house's exterior is actually artificial stucco-EIFS Stucco-instead of concrete stucco. EIFS is basically a form of styrofoam placed on the outside of the house with a "stucco" look-alike finish on the surface. While a house with EIFS can absorb the inevitable settling of the house over time without cracking, it does come with other hazards. Unfortunately, EIFS stucco applied on a wood-framed home (especially if not applied properly) tends to hold moisture inside the walls, which can cause the houses wood and frames to rot. If you fall in love with … (0 comments)
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home: Energy Efficient Windows - 08/15/08 04:53 PM
Energy efficient windows are available in many shapes, sizes, and styles-single pane, double pane, and triple pane, casement and double hung and more. There are energy efficient windows to meet any practical and aesthetic need. Energy conservation in the home is no longer limited to only the plain and functional.Not only are energy efficient everyday window styles easy to find, but there are many other specialty styles that use the same energy efficient technologies. For example, sliding patio doors and skylights can now be made of efficient materials, and bay windows can be built using various components of other energy efficient … (0 comments)
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home: Los Angeles Times Axes Real Estate Section - 08/14/08 05:23 PM
The following article was recently posted by Inman News.
Los Angeles Times axes real estate section
Expect continuing cuts in newspaper industry, says analyst
By Glenn Roberts Jr., Monday, August 4, 2008.
Inman News
The Los Angeles Times has ceased publication of its weekly real estate section -- born more than a century ago -- amid major staff cuts.
In mid-July, newspaper managers began to carry out the "largest staff and production cuts in the newspaper's history," according to an article in the Times, citing "a continuing slide in advertising revenue." The newspaper has a circulation of more than 1 million … (6 comments)
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home: Home Wiring - 08/13/08 03:43 PM
It is important to consult a reputable home inspector to check the home wiring before purchasing a house. Knob and tube type wiring and aluminum wiring are common in older homes, and both are considered substandard today. In fact, many insurance companies will refuse to insure homes with these types of wiring, and since banks require homeowner's insurance before extending mortgage loans that are conditional on the ability to obtain insurance, this is significant. Knowing what type of electrical system you're dealing with is crucial when trying to close a real estate transaction. Knowledge is power.
Commonly used in homes built … (2 comments)
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home: Short Sales - 08/07/08 05:52 PM
What is and is not a Short Sale?
A short sale is an arrangement between a homeowner and their lending institution to accept an offer on the home for less than the total amount owed on the property.
A bank-owned house, or foreclosure, is not a short sale. A seller deciding to lower their price and take less profit is not a short sale. To have a short sale, one of the parties has to be "shorted"; either the seller or the bank.
To further explain the difference; with a typical foreclosure situation, homeowners fall behind in their payments and the … (2 comments)
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home: North Durham Gem - 04/25/08 11:01 AM
This Lovely spacious home on a Landscaped lot in desirable Greyson's Green is located at 5 Petersburg Place. This 2 story home has a wonderful sized kitchen which is open to the adjoining family room and breakfast areas. The home has separate living and dining rooms for a more formal feel. The large master suite features dual vanities in the bath as well as a large garden tub, separate shower and a walk-in closet. The 2 secondary bedrooms have a "Jack & Jill" shared full bathroom. AT just under 1900 square feet, this 3 bedroom, 2 ½ bath home has all … (0 comments)
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home: Incredible Chic Renovations in Carrboro - 04/25/08 10:56 AM
Incredible chic renovations in this 4 Br home on a .5 acre lot walking distance to downtown Carrboro. Beautiful bamboo floors in the main living areas & Master BR & HW flrs in 3 other BRs. Fantastic lighting, decorative archways, smooth ceilings & skylights make the home light & inviting. All new updated kitchen with SS appliances, new cabinets, countertops, sink and faucet. Master bedroom suite recent addition with incredible bath with large tile shower and wonderful walk-in closet. Tasteful landscaping to enjoy the great lot on a wonderful Carrboro street. All new interior paint, redone, updated electrical system & more. … (0 comments)
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home: Majestic Horse Property in Orange County (Chapel Hill, NC) - 04/25/08 10:54 AM
Welcome to Avalon Farm, a majestic 9+ acre horse property. Walk the property and see lovely views, streams and see and hear the peaceful sites and sounds of fox, owls, deer and many different birds. Enjoy the large pasture with three board fencing; the four stall barn with feed and tack rooms; the two paddocks and dog run; and the dressage ring. The barn even has over 700 square feet of unfinished space perfect for an apartment, studio or bonus room. The house at Avalon Farm is a beautiful custom built, one-level brick home. This house was tastefully designed to maximize … (2 comments)
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home: Best Value in Hope Valley Farms - 04/25/08 10:50 AM
This beautiful home is the best value in Hope Valley Farms. 4604 Dolwick Drive is a 4 bedroom, 2 bath home with 1460 square feet. This home features a 1st floor master suite with 3 spacious secondary bedrooms on the 2nd floor. The kitchen is large and features a spacious eating area. The living room has hardwood floors and a lovely gas fireplace that is the focal point of the room. Upon entry into this home, you instantly have a warm and welcoming feeling. The exterior space is just as welcoming. The stone paver walkway along the side of the home … (0 comments)
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home: New Construction with the Best of Everything in Chapel Hill - 04/25/08 10:47 AM
Stunning home with the best of everything in Chapel Hill's Cross Creek neighborhood. Open the door and the American Cherry hardwood floors and the lovely detailing throughout will catch your eye. The family room has an 11' high coffered beam ceiling and soothing stone fireplace. The kitchen has the best of everything: custom cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel Viking appliances including a 6-burner gas cooktop and a 36"built-in refrigerator. There is a lovely first floor master and 5 additional bedrooms. There are two bonus rooms on the second and third floors both with custom cherry built-ins designed for at least a … (0 comments)
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home: Immaculate Townhome Convenient to UNC Chapel Hill - 04/25/08 10:43 AM
This townhouse is located at 68E Cole Place in Chatham County's Cole Place neighborhood. This home is over 1500 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2 ½ baths. There are hardwoods throughout the first and second floors. The living and kitchen areas are bright and sunfilled. The kitchen features new countertops and and expanded island with seating for 4 making it a wonderful eat in space. The master suite is large and features a walk-in closet and large bath. There is floored attic space accessible through the pull down stairs. There is a one car garage and a fenced patio area … (0 comments)
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home: Stunning Home with The Best of Everything! - 04/25/08 10:39 AM
Exquisite executive home in Brackenridge with the best of everything on a gorgeous 3.7 acre lot. This 4 bedroom, 4+ bath home has over 6,000 sq. ft. Open the door to taste and elegance throughout. Be welcomed by a gracious marble foyer leading to Brazilian cherry floors with an ebony inlay in the dining room, living room and great room. There iss a very generous size dining room with a lovely trey ceiling. As you enter the great room you see dramatic soaring ceilings, incredible windows and a floor to ceiling limestone fireplace. There is an elegant two-story curved staircase taking … (0 comments)
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home: Elegant Plantation Style Home in Lake Hogan Farms - 04/25/08 10:35 AM
This Elegant Plantation Style home is a former Parade of Homes entry by Homescape Builders. The details in this home will astound you. The two story foyer greets you upon entry. There is crown molding throughout the first floor and chair rail molding and wainscoting in the formal dining room. French doors lead into the family room from both the foyer and living room. Custom built-in bookshelves and cabinets frame the tile surround gas fireplace. From the family room, the views of the backyard and surrounding area are beautiful. The family room opens to a true cook's kitchen. From the solid … (0 comments)
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home: Custom Built Adirondack House is a True Storybook Home - 04/25/08 10:32 AM
This custom built Adirondack house is a true storybook home. This unique home sits on 3.7 acres. There are hardwood floors throughout the main level including the cook's kitchen. High ceilings, wide open spaces for entertaining and an elegant floor to ceiling stone fireplace are but a few of the details that make this home stand out. The kitchen has double Thermador stainless steel ovens, a 6 burner commercial grade stainless steel cooktop, a stainless steel microwave and built in Amana refrigerator. The tile countertops complete this wonderful space. There is a first floor office that could be used as a … (0 comments)
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home: Stunning End Unit Townhome Convenient to Duke & UNC-Chapel Hill - 04/25/08 10:28 AM
This stunning end unit townhome is located at 64 Scottish Lane in Durham's MacKenzie Place neighborhood. The home's interior has been freshly painted in elegant colors. The home features a new kitchen floor, new carpet in the downstairs master, crown molding as well as chair rail molding & wainscoting. There are hardwood floors in the main level living areas as well as a striking fireplace in the living room. All of the 4 bedrooms are generous in size and there is a spacious landing area on the second floor that is currently used as an office space. The large front porch … (0 comments)
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Team Jodi - Chapel Hill Real Estate, Durham Real Estate
Chapel Hill,
NC
More about me…
Jodi Bakst, Broker @ Chapel Hill Realty
Address: 6011 Farrington Road, Ste 102, Chapel Hill, NC, 27517
Cell Phone: (919) 697-5014
Email Me
If you are buying or selling in Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Durham, Hillsborough, Durham or Orange, Durham or Chatham Counties, you have come to the right place. Jodi Bakst and her Team of Real estate specialists provide seamless customer service for our buyer and seller clients throughout their relocation or move.
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