Closing Costs Are Negotiable? - 01/31/11 07:34 PM
It is so important to realize that closing costs are negotiable and that there are definitely parts that can be lowered to make the deal happen. Ask the lender where there is play and what is a firm fee. Sellers are also much more willing in the current market to pay a portion of the buyers closing costs and should be negotiated up front.

Via Christopher Pataki Hockessin Delaware Real Estate (RE/MAX Associates):
Many customers don’t realize that closing costs are negotiable, mortgage experts tell The New York Times. “There’s a lot of room for negotiation in the costs of … (2 comments)

5 Things to do Before Putting Your Home on the Market - 01/31/11 07:06 AM
1. Have a pre-sale home inspection. Be proactive by arranging for a pre-sale home inspection. An inspector will be able to give you a good indication of the trouble areas that will stand out to potential buyers, and you'll be able to make repairs before open houses begin.
2. Organize and clean. Pare down clutter and pack up your least-used items, such as large blenders and other kitchen tools, out-of-season clothes, toys, and exercise equipment. Store items off-site or in boxes neatly arranged in the garage or basement. Clean the windows, carpets, walls, lighting fixtures, and baseboards to make the house … (3 comments)

Funnel Your Email Address Through Gmail - 01/30/11 04:20 PM
How could I not re-blog this? Exellent information on getting yourself organized and having your email all in one place each with their own signatures. I knew that there was alo I could do with gmail but this post opened my eyes to more. The APP on my iPhone rocks too!

Via Kristal Kraft ~Denver Real Estate~720-279-4599 (The Berkshire Group Realtors):
Recently I wrote a post about how much I like using Gmail.  Like many people in the real estate business I've had an email address for a long time.  In fact my original email address attached to my domain of … (4 comments)

Should a REALTOR call back a missed call if they do not recognize the number and the caller doesn't leave a message? - 01/30/11 08:04 AM
I get a TON of calls a day from clients, friends, aquaintances, and sales people.
Some leave messages, others do not.
If I do not recognize the number and a message is not left, I do not - assuming that it was a misdialed number.

If I miss the call I call back everyone as quickly as possible as long as I recognize the number or a message is left. I received a call from someone interested in seeing my listing and called me the day before but I missed the call and a message was not left. When he … (14 comments)

Take the Stress Out of Homebuying - 01/29/11 02:11 PM
Buying a home should be fun, not stressful. As you look for your dream home, keep in mind these tips for making the process as peaceful as possible.
 
1. Find a real estate agent who you connect with. Home buying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It's critical that the REALTOR® you chose is both highly skilled and a good fit with your personality.2. Remember, there's no "right" time to buy, just as there's no perfect time to sell. If you find a home now, don't try to second-guess interest rates or the housing … (3 comments)

What Not to Overlook on a Final Walk-through - 01/29/11 09:26 AM
It's guaranteed to be hectic right before closing, but you should always make time for a final walk-through. Your goal is to make sure that your home is in the same condition you expected it would be. Ideally, the sellers already have moved out. This is your last chance to check that appliances are in working condition and that agreed-upon repairs have been made. Here's a detailed list of what not to overlook for on your final walk-through.
 Make sure that:
 
•·         Repairs you've requested have been made. Obtain copies of paid bills and warranties.
•·         There are no major … (2 comments)

What's a Home Warranty? - 01/29/11 09:14 AM
A home warranty is a service contract, normally for one year, which helps protect home owners against the cost of unexpected covered repairs or replacement on their major systems and appliances that break down due to normal wear and tear. Coverage is for systems and appliances in good working order at the start of the contract.
Check your home warranty policy to see which of the following items are covered. Also find out if the policy covers the full replacement cost of an item.
•·         Plumbing
•·         Electrical systems
•·         Furnace
•·         Water heater
•·         Heating ducts
•·         Water pump
•·         … (2 comments)

After Foreclosure - Can You Buy Another Home? - 01/29/11 07:57 AM
Had to re-blog this great article about purchasing a home after foreclosure! I wrote a post a few weeks ago on the same topic trying to explain how to move forward after a foreclosure entitled Regrouping After Foreclosure...You Can Rebound.
Speak with Eleanor Thorne at First Financial Services for specifics on requirements that you will need to get a loan after foreclosure, and then call me when you are ready to find your next home. Foreclosure is not the end and you are entitled to a new beginning.

Via Eleanor Thorne 919-649-5057 Cary Mortgage Loans NMLS #67179 (First Financial Services, Inc):
If … (6 comments)

Stunning Preston Home with 1st Floor Master, Updated Kitchen and Custom Screened Porch Overlooking Private, Wooded Backyard Oasis! - 01/27/11 05:43 AM
Click here to view the VIRTUAL TOUR for this beautiful Preston home with over 3600 sq. ft.
Click here to view more information such as schools, walk score, maps and features!
… (1 comments)

What is an e-PRO® - and why should I use one? - 01/26/11 11:59 AM
What is an e-PRO - and why should you use one?

K.C. McLaughlin is a Certified e-PRO and REALTOR.
When you're on the Internet, you don't have time to waste on endless searches for useful real estate information. You want to get things done quickly and without hassle. So chances are you'd like a real estate agent who:
Answers email promptly and professionally. Respects your on-line privacy. Offers home listings and other Internet tools to help you find or market a home. An e-PRO is a REALTOR® who has successfully completed the e-PRO training program for real estate professionals. … (0 comments)

How to Remove a Popcorn Textured Ceiling - 01/26/11 07:00 AM
The dreaded popcorn ceiling. I have been asked by many clients how to remove it and knew I needed to re-blog this post. Popcorn texture is not well received when seen in a house and I believe that it is better to remove it if you can. Alternatively, sellers may choose to offer an "allowance" toward the removal of the textured ceiling to buyers.

Via Karen Bernetti (North Star Real Estate):
In a recent post, What to Do With a Popcorn Textured Ceiling  I took a survey on ....how buyers and real estate professionals really feel about the dreaded popcorn-texutred ceiling?  … (3 comments)

Downtown Raleigh Gourmet Food Tour - Saturdays at 2 PM - 01/25/11 10:19 AM
Downtown Raleigh Gourmet Food Tour - this Saturday at 2 PM

Raleigh is home to some of the most dynamic restaurants in the country. Known for effortlessly blending modern architecture with historic buildings and monuments, Raleigh showcases fine dining and eclectic eateries. Whether a resident or visitor, you'll enjoy the opportunity to talk with chefs and owners who are serving innovative ethnic and southern cuisine, house-made chocolate, beautiful and delicious cupcakes, local beer, and organic wine. Tickets must be purchased through the website.
For more information, visit Event Website
Raleigh City Museum
220 Fayetteville St. Raleigh, NC 27601 (919) … (1 comments)

Why You Should Work With a REALTOR® - 01/25/11 07:25 AM

Not all real estate practitioners are REALTORS®. The term REALTOR® is a registered trademark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Here are nine reasons why it pays to work with a REALTOR®. 
1. You'll have an expert to guide you through the process. Buying or selling a home usually requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multi-page settlement statements. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes.
2. Get objective information … (1 comments)

Get Your Finances in Order: To-Do List - 01/24/11 04:18 PM
photo © 2010 o5com | more info (via: Wylio)   1. Develop a household budget. Instead of creating a budget of what you'd like to spend, use receipts to create a budget that reflects your actual spending habits over the last several months. This approach will factor in unexpected expenses, such as car repairs, as well as predictable costs such as rent, utility bills, and groceries.2. Reduce your debt. Lenders generally look for a total debt load of no more than 36 percent of income. This figure includes your mortgage, which typically ranges between 25 and 28 percent of your net household … (0 comments)

2011 At a Glance - 01/24/11 07:16 AM
 Focused Planning and Goal Setting Now Will Yield Long-Lasting Results in the Coming Year
 

 
The illuminated ball in Times Square just dropped, the celebratory confetti sprinkles the dance floor, and the remnants of an entire season of holiday decor still cover the walls when the urgency to regroup hits you. The books are officially closed on 2010, and it seems impossible that the year came and went so quickly. The realization of a new year and transition into it are nothing surprising; so break the monotony in 2011 and approach the twelve months ahead with a rejuvenated fervor … (2 comments)

Housewarming Gifts: 3 Ideas for First Time Homeowners - 01/23/11 10:37 AM
Thought this blog on Housewarming Gifts for First-Time Homeowners was great and definitely worthy of a re-blog. My clients loved the House Maintenance book that I gave them at closing as they were not particularly handy.

Via Valerie Zinger (Royal Lepage Gale Ottawa-Ontario-Canada):
 First time homeowners need everything.  If you want to give them something that lasts buy them books, binders and boxes.
Give a book or two on house maintenance. I have both of Mike Holmes' books.  They are good.  There is also the Reader's Digest book and, if you are at a bookstore, you will see a whole section of … (2 comments)

Tips to Guide You On Your Home Search - 01/23/11 07:13 AM
1. Research before you look. Decide what features you most want to have in a home, what neighborhoods you prefer, and how much you'd be willing to spend each month for housing.
2. Be realistic. It's OK to be picky, but don't be unrealistic with your expectations. There's no such thing as a perfect home. Use your list of priorities as a guide to evaluate each property.3. Get your finances in order. Review your credit report and be sure you have enough money to cover your down payment and closing costs. Then, talk to a lender and get prequalified for a … (3 comments)

When is Foreclosure Removed From Your Credit Report? - 01/21/11 01:54 PM
This is great information and worthy of a re-post. There are other articles on Short Sales and Foreclosures but I will be posting soon on the differences and how each affects your credit score. You need to know the facts and what you can do to avoid foreclosure and choose a short sale if possible.

Via Nato Ruiz (Keller Williams Realty):
When is Foreclosure Removed from Your Credit Report? Use this handy guide to figure out how quickly you can buy a home after a major financial setback when applying for a loan through FHA, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac. … (0 comments)

How To Create Your Customized QR Code Images - 01/21/11 11:57 AM
I had to re-blog this ... How To Create Your Customized QR Code Images. I followed the directions and the QR code looks so professional and is so easy to customize. It took me less than 15 minutes and it looks great. I am putting it on all of my marketing materials! Check it out!


Via Brad Andersohn (Zillow - Outreach Manager):
I've seen many posts about QR codes, here's one on how to Customize yours and make it different than others.
The QR Code was just one of the hot topics at NAR in New Orleans this year.  Out … (2 comments)

FATE - Free Association Theatre Ensemble Presents...THE RETREAT in Cary NC January 20-22 - 01/21/11 07:26 AM
Free Association Theatre Ensemble presents (FATE) The Retreat It's a little-known oddity of literary history that one particular writers retreat set Emily Dickinson, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Stephen King, Anais Nin, and Dr. Seuss on their respective paths to greatness. At least that's the topsy-turvy notion behind Mark Cornell's The Retreat, which will be presented by Free Association Theatre Ensemble on January 14 and 15, and 20-22 in Cary.
Performances take place in FATE's performance space, located in the Harrison Pointe Shopping Center, 267 Grande Heights Dr, Cary, (corner of Harrison Ave and Maynard Dr). Shows are at 8:00 PM January 14 … (0 comments)

What Credit Scores Are Based On - 01/21/11 06:56 AM
Credit scores range between 200 and 800, with scores above 620 considered desirable for obtaining a mortgage.
The following factors affect your score:1. Your payment history. Did you pay your credit card obligations in a timely manner? If they were late, then how late? Reasons for being late? Bankruptcy filing, liens, and collection activity also impact your history.
2. How much you owe.  You do not want to be perceived as overextended. If you owe a great deal of money on many accounts, it can indicate that you are overextended. However, it's a good thing if you have a good proportion of … (4 comments)

Starbucks Card Mobile App...Now it is even easier to get your CAFFEINE! - 01/20/11 07:47 AM
Just enter your Starbucks Card number and your iPhone becomes your Starbucks Card. You can register your card, check your balance and track the Stars you earn toward free beverages through My Starbucks Rewards.
You can pay for your drink using the Starbucks Card Mobile app! Enter your card number and your device will display a barcode you can use as your Starbucks Card to make purchases. It's fast. It's easy. And it's a revolution in mobile payment. Mobile Pay is available at more than 7,500 Starbucks stores, including all Target® Starbucks stores, in the United States. To find a store, … (0 comments)

January is National RADON Action Month...FREE Radon Kits for Your Home for NC Residents - 01/19/11 07:19 PM
 

Radon is a colorless, extremely toxic radioactive gas. It comes from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home traps radon inside, where it can build up. Any home may have a radon problem. This means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements. Exposure to Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US behind smoking. Test your home. If … (0 comments)

FREE Smart Job Seeker Seminar in Raleigh NC! - 01/19/11 07:12 AM


Free Smart Job Seeker Seminar - Jump start your career.
When:  Friday January 19th, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AMLocation: Triangle Business Journal,  3600 Glenwood Ave., Ste. 100, Raleigh, NC 27612
Find jobs, Land jobs and set yourself apart.
Learn how Triangle Business Journal can help you stand out, know more about your employer, have a firm grasp of the marketplace and find more qualified job leads.
Topics include:
Learn how to recognize job opportunities through reading Triangle Business Journal. Using the Book of Lists to narrow your search. Increase your knowledge and awareness of the industry you are targeting. … (0 comments)

FREE Business Plan Workshop in Cary NC! - 01/19/11 06:43 AM
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Time: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Place: Western Campus of Wake Tech, 3434 Kildare Farm Road  Cary, NC 27511
A well written business plan is the key to securing funding and support for your small business. Without this plan, it will be nearly impossible to develop excitement and interest in your new venture. Raleigh SCORE is offering a FREE workshop to help you prepare a winning business plan. The first half of the session will cover the structure and content of a typical plan, using examples to illustrate writing techniques. In the second half of the session, … (3 comments)

Helpful Tips to Lower Your Homeowners Insurance Costs - 01/18/11 04:36 PM
1. Review the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE) report on the property you're interested in buying. CLUE reports detail the property's claims history for the most recent five years, which insurers may use to deny coverage. Make the sale contingent on a home inspection to ensure that problems identified in the CLUE report have been repaired.
2. Seek insurance coverage as soon as your offer is approved. You must obtain insurance to buy. And you don't want to be told at closing that the insurer has denied your coverage.
3. Maintain good credit. Insurers often use credit-based insurance scores to determine … (1 comments)

Cary NC Now has Post Office Kiosks in Gas Stations! - 01/18/11 07:33 AM

 
The Dolphin Gas Station on the corner of NC 55 and Green Hope School Road was the first to have a post office kiosk. The owner of the station lobbied the USP for a Post Office Kiosk in his station and it was approved. It is so convenient to have the post office kiosk right at the gas station, enabling customers to avoid the long lines at the post office especially at the holidays. The pack and ship stores were always an option but you were forced to pay a premium. A full line of postal products and services are … (2 comments)

Regrouping after Foreclosure...You can Rebound - 01/17/11 05:02 PM
It won't be easy to obtain a mortgage after foreclosure. With enough time and discipline, you can own your own home again.
1. Keep the same job
Job stability is crucial. Lenders will require stable employment before they'll give you a new mortgage loan after a foreclosure. Even if it means taking a lower-paying job, it's worth it.
2. Rebuild your nest egg
Financial planners recommend six months of living expenses in an account, You need to show stability and that you are able to pay your bills including your mortgage for an extended period if you lose your job.
3. Raise your … (1 comments)

Any Home...Any Phone! Want to Get 24/7 Information on any Home? - 01/17/11 06:19 AM


Any Home ....Any Phone!
Want to Get 24/7 Information on any Home?
I am proud to offer a new tool for my buyers called
CURBSIDE CONNECTION
You can call a LOCAL phone number from ANY PHONE and follow the simple directions to hear the FULL DETAILS on ANY Listing 24/7.
If at any point in time during your phone call listening to the details of a home you would like to speak directly to me to see the home or get more information, you can hit 1 and you will be routed to my cell phone. One agent … (0 comments)

Is it really that hard to be truthful? - 01/16/11 07:55 PM

photo © 2010 Stansberry | more info(via: Wylio)
 
I submitted an offer for my client on a beautiful home in Cary. It was just what they were looking for and priced fairly. We made a good offer on the home with a expiration of 48 hours from the time it was given.
As the deadline drew near, I called the agent to check on the status of the offer and to try to feel out the situation. The agent told me that they were going to try to respond by the deadline but that it would be close. First … (1 comments)

Everyone LOVES Coupons! - 01/16/11 07:12 AM
Here are the latest coupons offered to my clients and friends. I mail out postcards every month for coupons from local businesses. Visit my Website at www.KCMcLaughlin.com and click on Coupons and Offers if you would like to be added to my mailing list and receive these great offers FREE! 
 
January 2011 The Twisted Fork
 
www.thetwistedfork.com
The Twisted Fork is a family-friendly restaurant that celebrates playing with food. But that doesn't mean they don't take their cuisine seriously. It's your plate, and you should have it any way you like it. So they want you to play with the possibilities … (1 comments)

Questions to Ask Your Home Inspector - 01/15/11 06:21 PM
Before you make your final buying or selling decision, you should have the home inspected by a professional. An inspection can alert you to potential problems with a property and allow you to make an informed decision. Ask these questions to prospective home inspectors:
1. Will your inspection meet recognized standards? Ask whether the inspection and the inspection report will meet all state requirements and comply with a well-recognized standard of practice and code of ethics, such as the one adopted by the American Society of Home Inspectors or the National Association of Home Inspectors. Customers can view each group's standards … (1 comments)

Is it so hard to see things from the other side..are we really that short-sighted? - 01/15/11 08:50 AM

 
Is it really so difficult to see things from the other side? I have inspection negotiations going on at the same time for two transactions - one representing the seller and the other representing the buyer. I am amazed how unreasonable and disrespectful everyone has been. Be polite, be courteous and get real! Do you really want to sell your house Mr. Seller? Is this really your dream home Mr. Buyer? Everyone is so focused on winning that they are all going to lose the desired end result...to get the home sold!
… (5 comments)

A Place for Everything...and Everything in its Place - 01/15/11 08:45 AM
Proportion and balance are the most important things to consider when planning a room. Color is secondary. Take the time to layout the room aestetically and functionally making sure that it is not too cluttered and the furniture is proportional to the room.

 
To Read the Full Article, Click here 
As Seen in my Monthly Home and Lifestyle Magazine

… (2 comments)

Re-blogging to the extreme...what is the point? - 01/14/11 07:13 AM
photo © 2009 Search Engine People Blog | more info (via: Wylio) I can see re-blogging a post when you want to comment on a topic, or you appreciate the writer's style, but when re-blogging emcompasses your entire blog, what is the point? I am seeing more blogs with tons of re-blogging from others on Active Rain lately. Won't you be perceived as someone without an original thought or too lazy to start a discussion?
… (9 comments)

FENG SHUI TIPS...Chi is the LIFE FORCE of all things... - 01/14/11 06:49 AM
Do you believe that Feng Shui Helps Sell a Home?
Use Feng Shui to get that seller to listen when getting their home ready to sell.
Chi is the LIFE FORCE of all things.
The front door is the "mouth of chi" and one of the most important parts of the entire property. It is the FIRST IMPRESSION buyers have of how well the sellers have taken care of the rest of the property. Make sure the area around the front door is swept clean, free of cobwebs and clutter. Make sure all lighting is clean, straight and properly hung.
The master bed should be … (1 comments)

Martin Luther King DREAMFEST Celebration - 01/12/11 08:21 AM
photo © 2007 the.urbanophile | more info (via: Wylio)  
There will be remembrances from community leaders as well as the Annual March in downtown Raleigh. The celebration will begin with events on Saturday and continue through Monday when Martin Luther King Day is officially observed.
Saturday, January 15th 2011
On Saturday, Jan. 15,  Page-Walker Arts and History Center in downtown Cary will host "The Journey Continues" from 2:00-4:00 PM. The Community Expo, Children's Craft Activity and Dream of Inspiration Art Exhibit will run from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
The band Sweet Potato Pie will perform a free concert at … (0 comments)

FREE Disaster Response Training by CERT in Cary - 01/11/11 08:41 AM
Do you know what do during and after a disaster such as a hurricane or tornado?

Disaster training is being offered by the Town of Cary Fire Department by the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) FREE OF CHARGE. You will be trained on what to do during and after a disaster such as a tornado, hurricane, flood, etc. Distaster response techniques such as fire extinguisher use, search and rescue and medicine will be discussed.
Register For CERT Training at the Cary Fire Station #7, 6900 Carpenter Fire Station Road, Cary, NC
February 25th 2011 7-10 PM
February 26th and 27th … (0 comments)

Printable Coupons SAVE you BIG BUCK$! - 01/10/11 02:49 PM
 
Looking to save a little or ALOT of money on your food bill each week? Go to the COUPON NETWORK at: http://www.couponnetwork.com/ to print out coupons for your favorite items. I saved so much money and it is so easy! Seems that the food bill is the only one we have some control over. The money saved could be put toward a much needed vacation! 
 
… (1 comments)

FREE Flu Shots in Cary! - 01/09/11 07:14 PM
photo © 2009 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Europe District | more info (via: Wylio)  
Cary Area EMS still has the flu vaccine available - for FREE. 
People who are interested should call 380-6909 for more information.
Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to get your flu shot for free while supplies last.
Free Flu ShotsCary Area EMS
Steven Cohen, Chief of Cary EMSCall: (919) 380-6909
… (2 comments)

Smart Spending: How to Tighten those Purse Strings Without Sacrificing the Lifestyle Your Deserve! - 01/08/11 07:14 PM
We're all trimming our budgets these days, which also means we're steering clear of any wallet-draining vices like a dieter avoiding a donut shop. And that's a shame because that daily latte habit and bottle of weeknight wine gives us something to look forward to during tough times. Fortunately, there's no need to cut out all of life's pleasures, large or small. Even if you need to tighten the purse strings this year, you can indulge in your vices by employing tricks to make them cost less.
 To Read the Full Article, Click here 
As Seen in my Monthly Home … (2 comments)

Come and See this Beautful House in Preston - Over 3600 sq ft - 1st Floor Master, Updated Gourmet Kitchen, 2 Fireplaces and an Incredible Screened Porch overlooking your Backyard Oasisi! - 01/07/11 07:16 AM
… (0 comments)

Polar Bear Ride & Chili Cook Off! - 01/06/11 02:58 PM
Polar Bear Ride & Chili Cook Off
January 8, 2011 - 8:00am - 4:00pm
Ray Price Harley-Davidson
1126 S Saunders StRaleigh, NC 27603Gear up in your Leather for the Polar Bear Ride in the cold and then warm up with the spice and heat of the Chili Cook-Off at Ray Price Harley Davidson.
For more information call 919-832-2261
 
 
… (1 comments)

Mellow Mushroom is coming to Cary NC! - 01/06/11 07:45 AM

MELLOW MUSHROOM IS COMING TO CARY NC!
The Mellow Mushroom is known for incredible pizza but you can also get salads, calzones, hoagies and so much more..
Mellow Mushroom is due to open the second quarter of 2011 in the spot formerly occupied by Giorgio's at the corner of Cary Parkway and High House Road. But will Cary's strict ordinances allow the Mellow Mushroom to have their signature mushroom fixtures outside?
… (1 comments)

Beautiful Brick Front Home on Large Cul-de-sac Lot! Low Maintenance Brick Front and Fiber Cement! - 01/03/11 04:34 PM
… (0 comments)

 

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