nc: Funnel Your Email Address Through Gmail - 01/30/11 08:20 AM
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!

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 Denver Real Estate and Relocation had to be "retired" … (4 comments)

nc: 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 12:04 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)

nc: Take the Stress Out of Homebuying - 01/29/11 06:11 AM
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)

nc: What Not to Overlook on a Final Walk-through - 01/29/11 01:26 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)

nc: What's a Home Warranty? - 01/29/11 01:14 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)

nc: After Foreclosure - Can You Buy Another Home? - 01/28/11 11:57 PM
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.

If you are one of the millions of families that lost their home … (6 comments)

nc: Stunning Preston Home with 1st Floor Master, Updated Kitchen and Custom Screened Porch Overlooking Private, Wooded Backyard Oasis! - 01/26/11 09:43 PM
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)

nc: What is an e-PRO® - and why should I use one? - 01/26/11 03:59 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)

nc: Downtown Raleigh Gourmet Food Tour - Saturdays at 2 PM - 01/25/11 02:19 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)

nc: Why You Should Work With a REALTOR® - 01/24/11 11:25 PM

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)

nc: Get Your Finances in Order: To-Do List - 01/24/11 08:18 AM
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)

nc: 2011 At a Glance - 01/23/11 11:16 PM
 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)

nc: When is Foreclosure Removed From Your Credit Report? - 01/21/11 05:54 AM
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.

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. Read
Visit houselogic.com for more articles … (0 comments)

nc: FATE - Free Association Theatre Ensemble Presents...THE RETREAT in Cary NC January 20-22 - 01/20/11 11:26 PM
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)

nc: What Credit Scores Are Based On - 01/20/11 10:56 PM
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)

nc: Starbucks Card Mobile App...Now it is even easier to get your CAFFEINE! - 01/19/11 11:47 PM
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)

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

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)

nc: FREE Business Plan Workshop in Cary NC! - 01/18/11 10:43 PM
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)

nc: Any Home...Any Phone! Want to Get 24/7 Information on any Home? - 01/16/11 10:19 PM


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)

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

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)