Living Right In N.C.

CHANGES TO FEDERAL LOAN PROGRAMS

Mary Stevenson (Best Choice Realtors) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 03:44:05 -0700

In the latest attempt to address the ailing housing market, the government on Monday announced changes to a federal program that will make it easier for struggling homeowners to refinance to today's near-record low rates. Under the new program, homeowners who owe more on their homes than they are worth will be able to refinance no matter how much they are underwater, as long as they are current on their payments. More than 1 million homeowners could get cheaper mortgages as a result, officials estimated. The revamped Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) will also streamline the refinancing process, doing away with certain types of appraisals and underwriting requirements, and reducing or eliminating fees that prevented homeowners from refinancing in the past. More than 890,000 homeowners have already refinanced under HARP, which is available to borrowers with loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac originated before May 31, 2009. But hundreds of thousands more could not qualify -- mainly because of the previous 125% loan-to-value limit on the program or because banks would not take on the risk. Currently, about 11 million borrowers are underwater on their mortgages, with about 4.7 million of those loans meeting or exceeding the 125% loan-to-value limit. By the time HARP expires in 2013, the federal housing agency estimates, up to 1 million more borrowers may benefit from the new regulations. The problem: Mortgage holders still must be current on their payments for the past six months -- with no more than one missed payment in the past 12 months --and they also must be able to qualify for a new loan. Under the newly-revamped program, Fannie and Freddie will also reduce the fees they have charged in the past in order to enable borrowers to better afford the new loans. Among the fees that may be reduced or eliminated are those for loan level price adjustments. Going forward, borrowers may not be penalized for less-than-perfect credit scores, for example. Fees will also be waived for some underwater borrowers who refinance into 20-year or other, shorter-term loans. By doing so, it could help homeowners get above water faster. We urge all of our clients to go to https://www.efanniemae.com/sf/mha/mharefi/pdf/refinancefaqs.pdf to see if you qualify for participation in these changes. -Mary Stevenson Broker / Owner Best Choice REALTORS www.bestchoice-realtors.com 704-641-9601

Haunted Charlotte or Halloween Fables?

Mary Stevenson (Best Choice Realtors) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 06:55:11 -0700

Did you know that Founders Hall was at one time a medical school and while it was there in the late 1800's some unsavory folks apparently stole a young girl’s body from a grave in Salisbury and sold her body to the school? People began to tell tales of seeing a young woman wearing a sheet wandering around the school and standing on top of the building. She would scream “why” and it was not long before people discovered that it was the ghost of a young woman whose body had been stolen from the grave and sold to the medical school. Legend has it the ghost would communicate to medical students who she was and what had happened to her as well as pleaded to be returned to her grave. It is said that police records actually document that people went to the local police at the time and told the girls story. The legend goes on to say that because of the information provided by the ghost, police were able to follow the trail and the story “checked out” at the time. It was discovered that the girl’s body had in fact been stolen from a grave in Salisbury and her remains were returned to her grave. Did you know that Latta Plantation may be haunted? The original Latta family is said to haunt the Plantation. Employees who work at the plantation say they often hear voices of loud arguments and often hear the laughter of children. A young woman in a yellow dress is also said to be seen just inside the front door of the house. Some say she is seen carrying a basket of flowers. There is a walking cane that is shown on tours of the home that is often seen to move on its own. A man with mutton side burns is seen going up the steps. He appears to be in a hurry and some people have claimed he speaks to them and orders them to leave the home. No one has any idea who he is. There are also often wonderful smells of apple pie cooking and people ask about it but no one is cooking. Did you know that Spirit Square may be haunted? The original building was a church. In 1903 it was rebuilt into the structure that exists there today. The location was taken over by the city in the late 1940's just after the war and was turned into the theater. It’s said that if you walk by on rainy nights you can hear people inside the old church building singing hymns. People also claim to see ghosts in the building. The ghost of a young girl is seen in different parts of the building wearing clothes similar to fashion from the late 1890's. She is seen hurrying along and looks unlike a ghost until she walks into a wall and vanishes. She never speaks but has been seen in the building for more than 75 years. Did you know that The Grove Park Inn may be haunted? The Asheville hotel is apparently haunted by “the Pink Lady.” The legend says she was pushed or jumped from a balcony to her death. It is said that room 545 was her room while she stayed at the Inn and that is where she is seen. People report all kinds of strange paranormal things going on in room 545. There is said to be another ghost who regularly yells at the security guards to get out. Did you know that The Biltmore House may be haunted? George Vanderbilt, the owner of Biltmore House, died from complications of surgery and understandably so, his wife was horribly upset. She would sit in front of a fireplace downstairs and talk to her decease husband. It has been said that the servants claim they could hear George talking back to his wife. A headless orange cat is seen in the house and on the grounds. Legends says that the cat was a pet of the Vanderbilt’s and one day a servant cut the cats head off because it kept coming in the kitchen. As well, there is a pool in the basement of the house and sounds of people swimming can be heard at night even though the pool is no longer functional. Boo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!-Mary Stevenson Broker / Owner Best Choice REALTORS www.bestchoice-realtors.com 704-641-9601

Strategies For Your Kitchen Remodel

Mary Stevenson (Best Choice Realtors) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 06:52:01 -0700

Home owners spend more money on kitchen remodeling than on any other home improvement project. Makes sense because kitchens tend to be the center of home life…even for those who don’t cook. Done right a significant portion of the expense of a kitchen remodel can be recovered by the value it brings to your home. To make sure you maximize your return, follow these smart kitchen remodeling strategies. Get Your Priorities Straight: Spend time planning your kitchen remodel. Cooking traffic patterns: A walkway through the kitchen should be at least 36 inches wide. Work aisles should be a minimum of 42 inches wide and at least 48 inches wide for households with multiple cooks. Child safety: Avoid sharp, square corners on countertops, and make sure microwave ovens are installed at the proper height—3 inches below the shoulder of the primary user but not more than 54 inches from the floor. Make sure you know ALL the dimensions of the appliances and cabinets you are buying. Especially be aware of details like how wide doors open so it allows for enough clearance from other appliances and center islands. Don’t start any work until all the materials have arrived in your home Once you’ve completed your kitchen remodel plan…DO NOT change your mind. Mid-renovations are the most costly “not planned on” expenses on record. Get Professional Help: If the thought of planning your remodel makes you sick to your stomach consider hiring a professional designer. Pros can help make style decisions, foresee potential problems, and schedule contractors. Expect fees around $50 to $150 per hour, or 5% to 15% of the total cost of the project. Appliances:It’s easy to get carried away during your kitchen remodel when looking to upgrade some of your appliances. Yes, that six-burner commercial-grade range and luxury-brand refrigerator may look like “must-haves” but they may not fit your cooking needs or lifestyle. High-priced appliances are worth the investment if you’re an exceptional cook. Otherwise, save thousands with trusted brands that got high marks at consumer review websites, like www.ePinions.com and www.amazon.com, or Consumer Reports. Lighting: Task lighting: recessed or track lights, over sinks and food prep areas. Assign at least two fixtures per task to eliminate shadows. Under-cabinet lights are so functional and look great as well. Ambient lighting includes flush-mounted ceiling fixtures, wall sconces, and track lights. Pair dimmer switches with ambient lighting to control intensity and mood. Even if you are planning on moving, functionality and durability should be top priorities during a kitchen remodel. Resist the urge to purchase low-quality bargains!!!!! Instead choose products that combine low maintenance with long warranty periods. Solid-surface countertops, for instance, may cost a little more, but with the proper care, they’ll look great for a long time. Remember ….products with substantial warranties is a selling advantage.-Mary Stevenson Broker / Owner Best Choice REALTORS www.bestchoice-realtors.com 704-641-9601

FUN and STRESS-FREE Ways to Enjoy Autumn

Mary Stevenson (Best Choice Realtors) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 02:28:21 -0700

Stop worrying for a few hours about life and enjoy some of these MANY area attractions with your family. Check out the smiles on your kid’s faces as you do silly things like bounce around on a hayride or a watch your kids try to pick up pumpkins bigger than they are. Let your teenagers get rid of some energy by screaming their way through a haunted house. They may even think your cool for bringing them!! As well, Davidson College offers FREE lectures and concerts monthly. Their offerings run the gamut and truly have something for everyone’s interest. I’ve attached links to all these events so please take a second to peruse the below. You’ll be happy you did. Scarowinds Halloween HauntAvenue of the Carolinas, Charlotte, NC 28273.Friday and Saturday, September 16 to October 1. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 7 to October 23. October 27, 28, 29 and 30. Terror By the Creek717 Howard's Creek Mill Road, Lincolnton.October 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 26-31. The Haunted Mill6325 Wilkinson Blvd., Belmont.Weekends in October. Fri. 5:30 to 11 p.m. Sat. 4 p.m. to Midnight. Sun. 4 to 10 p.m. Hickory Grove Haunted Trail4064 Mountain View St., Gastonia.Friday, Saturday and Sunday in October (and Wednesday, Oct. 29 through October 31.) The Amazing Maize Maze at Rural Hill4431 Neck Road, HuntersvilleSept. 3 to 25: Friday to Sunday (10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.)Sept. 30 to Nov. 6: Fridays (10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.); Saturday to Sunday (10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.) Flashlight Maze (at Rural Hill)Last Friday in September. Every Friday in October. First Friday in November. NC Fright Factory835 Graham Street, at NC Music FactorySep 30, Oct 1, Oct 7 to 9, Oct 13 to 16, Oct 19 to 23, Oct 26 to 31. Woods of Terror*One of "25 Must See Haunts" by Haunted Attraction Magazine*5601 N. Church St. Greensboro, NC 27455.Sundays & Thursdays: $15; Fridays: $25; Saturdays & Halloween: $30. Dates: October 7-8, 13-16, 20-23, 26-31; November 4-5. Scarrigan Farms1261 Oak Ridge Farm Hwy., Mooresville (Carrigan Farms.)Oct. 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31. Haunted Hayride Latta Equestrian Center.6201 Sample Road, Huntersville.Fridays and Saturdays October 7 to October 29 (and October 27.)Straw maze, Pony ride, Cow train ride, Marshmallow roast. Ghost Tales in the DarkLatta Plantation.5225 Sample Road, Huntersville.October 14 to 15, 21 to 22. Renaissance Festival Weekends, Oct 8-Nov 20th. 10-5:30pm Saturday and Sundays. Davidson College Oct. events: Music, theater, lectures Check out this website for all the FREE lectures and music offerings. This month has a number of health lectures that will relate to some important everyday changes you can make to keep yourself healthy at any age. Take this opportunity, before holiday shopping time arrives, to have a few laughs. October is the perfect time and weather for distressing!!-Mary Stevenson Broker / Owner Best Choice REALTORS www.bestchoice-realtors.com 704-641-9601

Community Is Important… Not Just When You Are Looking To Move

Mary Stevenson (Best Choice Realtors) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 04:43:43 -0700

I was at an orientation-type meeting for my daughter’s school a few weeks ago. As I sat there waiting for the director I was thinking only of my own “to do” list and wondering who long I would have to sit here. As the director spoke I began to hear some stories that made me very ashamed of the attitude I had going into the meeting. The director spoke briefly but concisely about all the wonderful attributes of the school. To my surprise though, she quickly began describing in detail what the school meant to the others in our community. She began to tell stories of how significantly the children who attend the school gave back to our community. She described stories of how the artwork of a 4 year old had brought such joy to elderly at a local nursing home. She talked about holiday cards that she would bring to the sick or elderly who could not get out of their homes. She spoke about the cards and letters that they give to sick members of the community and not just their church members. She spoke in particular a young mother whom was battling cancer and how cards and artwork from the preschool children was something she looked forward to during her months and months chemotherapy treatments. And although this young mother lost her battle with cancer, her diary told the story of what it really meant for her to receive those little treasures from our preschoolers. These were real life examples of people who live (and die) in our neighborhoods and are not random unknown people seen on Oprah. These were mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, and grandparents just like us who were sick and not worried about “to do” lists. AND they actually looked forward to and drew strength from scribbles on a piece of paper or the hand-shaped turkey picture sent home for Thanksgiving. Needless to say I felt like _ _ _ _ (fill in the blank with your own expletive). Community is an important thing and not just when you are looking to move into a neighborhood. When clients come to me looking to buy a home they ask for neighborhoods with a “strong sense of community,” a good school district, responsive fire and police departments in low crime areas. These attributes are a direct correlation to how strong the sense of community is. Good communities are made up of good neighbors…good communities don’t just happen. They are built by the individuals who live there. Strong communities are built from people who actually volunteer their time…time they probably don’t really have to spare. Strong communities in turn bring strong commerce in the form of solid local and national businesses and subsequently tax dollars. Whether you are looking to buy a home or sell a home, helping build a strong community will only be a benefit to your bottom line as well as your communities. For goodness sake, get involved!!-Mary Stevenson Broker / Owner Best Choice REALTORS www.bestchoice-realtors.com 704-641-9601

WHAT IS THAT SMELL?!

Mary Stevenson (Best Choice Realtors) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 03:15:38 -0700

When I was looking for homes in my neighborhood I saw many of them. Just like the rest of you, what makes one house perfect for some makes it a definite “no” for others. Many of them were very nice homes and there was one that I looked at that seemed perfect except for one thing…the smell. I distinctly remember the smell of wet dog as soon as I walked in the home. Needless to say, as I walked around the house instead of looking at how nice and open the great room was I was thinking about how I may have to pull up carpet or pull down plasterboard to get the smell out. As I walked out I couldn’t help but think how different the experience would have been if the home didn’t have such a strong smell. Having your home staged, everyone knows, is vital to success in selling your home but how your home smells can be a deal breaker as well. I’ve often walked into a home and smelled the faint yet distinctive odor of cigarette smoke and wondered if I was the only one. The truth is that those who have lived with such scents for so long, no longer smell it. That is why it becomes so important to have your realtor or other unbiased person give their opinion. Pet Odor: Thankfully there are remedies for these odors. That being said, the more offensive the odor the more work it will take to remove it. First and foremost you’ve got to remove the source of the problem so as not to introduce new odors. This may mean keeping your pet in non-carpeted areas of the home until the house is sold. Doing a good deep cleaning of all furniture, including washing couch covers is your first step. Having the carpet cleaned professionally is second. Airing out is always a must as well. Odors like cat urine are among the worst and can seep into carpet fibers, carpet padding, concrete and wood floors, upholstery fabrics, and furniture cushions and pillows. In particularly bad instances, you may have to remove the carpet, remove the pad and seal the floor, and then replace the carpet and the pad. Cleaning the carpet might help but humidity will raise the odor from the padding or floor beneath. Smoke: Cigarette smoke can cling to furnishings, drapes and other window coverings and work its way inside walls. Some topically applied solutions can help to reduce the stench, but an ozone generator, hydroxyl generator or air scrubber should be more effective. These approaches are very effective in absorbing odors though there is no guarantee that an odor can be eliminated. Get an Unbiased Assessment: The best way to find out whether a house smells or not is to have someone who doesn't live there to come inside and give an opinion. The obvious person should be your realtor. Unfortunately not all brokers will point out that a house smells bad for fear of offending. If you have pets or are a smoker, you may need to ask your realtor to be honest with you knowing now that these smells may be in your home despite that fact that you do not smell them. Having your realtor help in these seemingly small ways is really the best and most effective way of getting your home ready for selling. -Mary Stevenson Broker / Owner Best Choice REALTORS www.bestchoice-realtors.com 704-641-9601

Surprisingly Easy Ways to SLASH YOUR BILLS AND SAVE MONEY

Mary Stevenson (Best Choice Realtors) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 03:26:09 -0700

· Put your Computer to Sleep: Save $75 or more a year using the standby or hibernating feature on your computer. · Wash in Cold Water: You can save about $60 per year. Tide 2X Ultra for Cold Water is a top performer in Consumer Reports testing for conventional top-loading washers. · Give your Dryer a Rest: Consider line-drying when it’s warm outside. Also, avoid overloading the dryer which extends the dry cycle. · Stop Pre-rinsing Dishes: Unlike our mother’s dishwashers, chances are yours is made a bit tougher. Consumer Reports testing shows that scraping the food off the dishes is enough clean up. Doing this can save you up to 6,500 gallons of water per year and about $75 in hot-water costs. · Clean the Refrigerator: Check the door seals for damage and wipe them clean to help prevent leaks. Use the appliance brush to defuzz the coils behind and beneath the fridge. Oh, the dust bunnies you’ll find!!! · Unplug Video Games: Turning them off an unplugging them when they aren’t being used saves about $125 per year. · Cover Your Water Heater: Simply putting a water-heater blanket around the tank helps keep the heat inside, especially if it’s in a cold basement or garage. · Insulate and Seal Ducts: Doing both can cut annual heating AND cooling costs by 30%. · Upgrade your Toilet: Low-flow toilets can save about 4,000 gallons of water a year by using 1.6 gallons or less of water per flush, compared to the 8 gallons the older models use. Check for small leaks by simply putting food coloring in your tank. As well, the rubber pieces of the guts in the tank can degrade over time. Regularly changing out the guts on a regular basis can prevent leaks. · Move your Thermostat: Having it installed on an inside wall away from windows and doors keeps any drafts from making the heating system kick on unnecessarily. · Change Your Showerhead: Installing a high-efficiency showerhead slashes hot-water use by up to 50%. · Light with CFLs: Simply switching 10 of your most-used bulbs to CFLs saves about $60 per year in electricity costs. · String LED Holiday Lights: They last longer than incandescent lights and are cool to the touch which makes them safer regarding fire hazards. A lot of small changes can add up so don’t turn your nose up at some of these small ideas. -Mary Stevenson Broker / Owner Best Choice REALTORS www.bestchoice-realtors.com 704-641-9601

MORTGAGE CHANGES COMING TO GUARANTEED LOAN AMOUNTS

Mary Stevenson (Best Choice Realtors) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 04:28:35 -0700

If you’re thinking about buying a home, now may be the best time to do it. Starting Oct 1st buyers (and sellers) may have to deal with much more stringent rules regarding their maximum allowable loan amount. The new limits on conforming loans, mortgages eligible for government guarantees, are said to roll out in October of this year. Both buyers and sellers are likely to feel the pain as even tighter credit availability becomes the new reality. As the government tries to reduce its footprint in the housing market, limits on government-backed loans are scheduled to reset to prior levels — a high of $625,500 in some markets — which, some say, could lead to higher mortgage rates and more downward pressure on home prices. What is really relevant for those in our area is that the impact of resetting loans levels will fall on middle-of-the-market buyers and sellers, like those in the Charlotte market Our concern for our readers is that prospective borrowers could face higher mortgage interest rates for loans that exceed the new caps, which would increase the overall cost of owning a home. Taking into considering the lowering of guaranteed loan levels, prospective buyers may have to look at less-expensive properties in order to compensate for putting more money down and higher interest rates. The issue is that this scenario could exacerbate existing weakness in the middle-priced segment of the market. Ergo, sellers are going to feel the impact too, especially if their asking price is above the new limits. This all does not bode well for the already struggling housing market or the economy. Being proactive, consumers can start preparing for the shift now, ahead of the Oct. 1 transition. The best thing consumers can do now is evaluate their needs and do their research now. Consumers should look for a closing guarantee and lenders that are going to be able to lock in your rate as quickly as possible, because your rate could float even over the time. -Mary Stevenson Broker / Owner Best Choice REALTORS www.bestchoice-realtors.com 704-641-9601

Do You Have A Clue About Your Insurance Claims History?

Mary Stevenson (Best Choice Realtors) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 05:23:43 -0700

What is CLUE? CLUE stands for Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange. And there is a reason it’s important to understand. There was a hail storm a few years back and our roof got pelted beyond recognition. When the opportunity presented itself to get it fixed, we took it. We filed our insurance claim, paid our deductible and that was it...or so I thought. Just like how the amount of debt you carry figures into your credit score, the insurance claims you’ve filed personally AND the claims filed on your home affect your CLUE score. In and of itself, this is not a big deal. But the fact that it is a precursor to what your insurance premiums will be is a big deal…or should be. The CLUE Personal Property report has two parts: your personal record of claims (“Claims for the Subject”) and claims on your home (“Claims History for Risk”). The number of claims affect whether you can get insurance for your home, how much coverage you can get, and how much you’ll pay in premiums. If you’re turned down for homeowners insurance because of information in your CLUE report, your insurance company is required to let you know why you were rejected. The CLUE database is used by most insurance companies. This means that your claims history will follow you from one insurer to another. Actual claims remain in the CLUE database for seven years from the date you filed them. Insurance companies rely on CLUE reports because statistics show that people, who have filed a claim in the past, are more likely to file one in the future. Insurance companies consider this, and their own proprietary formulas when calculating what your premiums will be. It goes without saying that the fewer the claims the less you’ll likely be charged. Knowing what’s on your CLUE report will give you a sense of whether you’ll need to pay extra for homeowners insurance, or even if you run the risk of rejection. Even a pristine report doesn’t mean you can be sure of getting homeowners insurance at a great price. The claims on your CLUE report aren’t the only things that affect your overall insurance risk. Your credit score, if you pay your bills on time and how much debt you carry are things insurance companies consider as well. Insurance companies believe that the more likely you are to file a claim, the bigger risk you are to the insurance company. And more risk means a higher premium or even denial of coverage. Review your CLUE report. Thankfully, federal law allows one free CLUE report a year. The owner of the CLUE report is a company called LexisNexis. To check you report, go to the LexisNexis order page at this address: https://personalreports.lexisnexis.com/fact_act_claims_bundle/landing.jsp. As well, you can review a sample report so you know what you are looking at. If there are errors, the report lays out how to dispute them. Be proactive and find out why your insurance premiums are the way they are. If there are errors in your report, you may even end up saving yourself some money. So go ahead and get a CLUE! -Mary Stevenson Broker / Owner Best Choice REALTORS www.bestchoice-realtors.com 704-641-9601

CHOOSE HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS BASED ON ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Mary Stevenson (Best Choice Realtors) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 12:39:42 -0700

Energy efficiency....everyone wants it. We just recently were shopping for a refrigerator. We knew the accessories we wanted, the color, and we knew we wanted energy efficiency. So we packed into the car and headed out to store. Our experience was far from seamless. The idea of efficiency seems like a no-brainer but unless you know what you are looking for and how to decipher what you see, you can make a mistake. If you’re shopping for products from appliances to plumbing systems with energy efficient performance there are three rating programs (the Consortium on Energy Efficiency [CEE], Energy Star, and Energy Guide) that you should be looking to for guidance. Energy Star is the popular organization, but for an even higher standard of energy performance ratings go to the CONSORTIUM FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY (CEE). CEE rates appliances, electronics, lighting, HVAC systems, and gas heating systems. Be warned, the CEE does not put labels on the products that meet their criteria, so download the list from their website before you shop. CEE ratings are so stringent that the highest-rated Energy Star products are considered the low end of CEE’s roster.Appliances and HVAC systems are grouped into three tiers, taking both energy performance and water usage into account. Tier 1 products meet Energy Star requirements at a minimum. Tier 3 products are super-efficient—the cream of the crop. CEE updates its ratings every month. Pricing: Often high-efficiency products rated by CEE (and Energy Star) are more expensive than their less-efficient peers, but may cost less to operate annually. ENERGY STAR, which is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s label, identifies the top 25% of each product category it rates in terms of energy performance. It’s the best-known and most widely applied green stamp of approval, covering more than 50 product categories. Energy Star beefed up its standards after getting bad press in 2010 and its standards get more stringent every two years to coincide with manufacturing cycles for new products. Often high-efficiency products rated by Energy Star are more expensive than their less-efficient counterparts, but you save money on annual operating costs.ENERGY GUIDE: What does that yellow Energy Guide sticker mean? Energy Guide lists the manufacturers’ self-reported performance numbers, not the results of independent third-party testing. The numbers may not reflect how you’ll use the product in your own home (do you make a special effort to use the most energy-efficient settings at all times, or do you dry tons of laundry on high heat?) or the rates your utility charges. So if you use Energy Guide labels at all, use them to compare models in the store in terms of up-front cost vs. annual operating cost. But the labels don’t provide enough context to tell you whether a product is really the best energy-saving deal you can get for the price. That’s where Energy Star and CEE come in.Energy Guide labels are government mandated and appear on all products in all price ranges. So it’s not a way to sort by price. Here are some links that may help you in your efforts: Consortium for Energy Efficiency website: http://www.cee1.org/ Energy Star website: http://www.energystar.gov/ How to read the Energy Guide label: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/homes/rea14.shtm Energy efficient.....lots to understand to be it!-Mary Stevenson Broker / Owner Best Choice REALTORS www.bestchoice-realtors.com 704-641-9601

A Piece of Nature....New Listing In Latta Springs

Mary Stevenson (Best Choice Realtors) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 03:13:56 -0700

Fabulous new listing in Latta Springs in beautiful Huntersville NC. This home boasts the surroundings of the beauty of nature. You get the best of all worlds - it's like living in the woods, but having all the amenities of a neighborhood! Latta Springs streets are lined with traditional brick homes and has the benefit of boarding the Latta Plantation nature reserve. Nature trails, lake pavillion, Mountain Island Lake to kayak in, a community pool, playground and so much more! This home listed at $345,000 offers 4 bedrooms - 2.5 baths - a large kitchen with granite, black appliances and updated hardware & lighting. A large eating area in the kitchen overlooking the beauty of the yard. Great room open to kitchen. Fresh interior paint in the entire home and new carpet in practically the entire home as well! This home is clean and ready for you to move in! There are two features of this home that make it unique and the best home avialable..... The bonus room is located on the first floor! In an area where there simply are not that many basement homes this is an ideal placement. When you entertain, be it kids or adults, they are centrally located to all the activity. No trapsing up to the second story to enjoy a play room, or some billards! This room also features a door leading to the deck - which makes it fabulous for entertaining. Come see this fabulous layout! The other "can't be beat" feature of this home is it's location. Three sides of the home are surrounded by green space! Sit on your new front porch and enjoy green space across the road - or sit on your deck and enjoy the green space behind and to the side. Also enjoy the .27 acre level lot which offers great space in the yard. Already fenced with a privacy fence and offering a playset. The deck with direct natural gas line grill and the patio and pergola are just additional features which allow you to enjoy your home! To see more pictures click here.-Mary Stevenson Broker / Owner Best Choice REALTORS www.bestchoice-realtors.com 704-641-9601

$55 a Gallon? … I Must Have Been Sniffing Paint!

Mary Stevenson (Best Choice Realtors) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 00:12:58 -0700

Have you ever gone to a friend or family member’s house and every time you get there you notice that something looks different? A room has been painted or furniture moved maybe? Well, I HAVENT and am always surprised that everything looks the same as it did the last time I was there. I am one of those people who like’s things feeling fresh and new. I will move a piece of furniture around until I feel like it is in the right spot, and then in a few months, move it again. I love duvet covers and command strips and wall decals. AND I love paint!!! I will paint and then paint again if I don’t like the color. Painting is the best way to freshen up the look of you house. Before I start a painting project I research myself into a tizzy and always feel that I am well prepared to make a good decision regarding the products that I choose. Unfortunately, a lot of the product descriptions or “claims” that I read and the advice I’ve gotten from store salespeople were wrong or disappointing. I’m a perfectionist so when something doesn’t deliver as promised, I get mad. Hoping that you all can learn from my mistakes is why I will bore you with the details of my painting woes. Painting is a seemingly boring topic, right. One that involves going to the store, putting the color swatch under the right light, bringing home and painting. Ha, if only it were that simple. I’ve spent many an afternoon cursing and frustrated. I’ve used many popular paint brands in the 6 years I’ve lived in my current NC house. I’ve been particularly interested in the “one coat to cover” and low VOC paints. I can tell you in no uncertain terms ALL of them were still really stinky; ALL of them needed two good thick coats of paint and ALL of them needed days of good room ventilation. One actually involved the need to stuff a towel under the door to keep the smell from permeating the other rooms of the house. Ridiculous when you spend $55 on a gallon of paint BECAUSE it’s low VOC. I had gone to the Benjamin Moore store having researched the Aura paint in Eggshell and left there with Regal Select costing $55 a gallon. Not only did the salesperson tell me that it was better and less smelly but also talked me into the Matte finish. To make matters worse, two women in the store added their two cents. I must have been sniffing paint to change my mind. The matte paint touts the ability to “touch up” the paint unlike other paints so there is no need for a choosing a shiny finish for durability. In my experience, it is not that easy. Unless you want to paint the entire wall again, stick with the eggshell finish. I’ve painted with Lowes Valspar and Olympic (low VOC / High Definition) lines as well as using Home Depot’s Behr paints. Bottom line, don’t do what I did and buy expensive paint because it is supposed to be thicker or be “high definition” (whatever that is) or to be less smelly. The truth is, these low or no VOC paints are that way UNTIL they mix with it the color. Apparently the color is the “smelly” additive. So since you can get away with adding color to base product you are better off just buying regular paint and opening the windows. Two new tips that I’ve recently learned that have made my life so much easier: One, to get nice clean lines when using painters tape, your first layer of paint when cutting in should be very light. Using a light coat will prevent the paint from bleeding and will seal the tape. Once it is dry, you can go back and paint a heavier coat. Two, after removing the paint can cover but BEFORE pouring the paint, take a flat head screw driver and a hammer and puncture a few holes in the ridge that collects all the paint when you pour it out. These holes allow the paint to fall back into the can rather than dripping down the side of the can and on to your drop cloth. I hope that these help you in your endeavor to freshen up your home. -Mary Stevenson Broker / Owner Best Choice REALTORS www.bestchoice-realtors.com 704-641-9601

Protecting Your Home From Disaster

Mary Stevenson (Best Choice Realtors) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 12:34:42 -0700

Driving into my neighborhood this morning I noticed the fountain at our entrance overflowing with all that heavy rain we had last night. As I drove I saw that 60mph winds downed trees, branches and debris was all over the place and I quickly remembered watching my gutters overflow into small tide pools outside my house. Then I began thinking about that horrible drought we had two years ago. No fountain, no watering lawns, no live flowers to be found anywhere. Lake Norman was practically empty. Is it me or have our weather patterns become more dramatic? Well, some research identified that it may not just be me. According to Money magazine, "Climate change is intensifying the extremes of rain and snow as well as drought." The season for natural disasters may be year-round now. “Floods and a record number of tornadoes have already caused billions of dollars of property damage across the nation in 2011.” As well, forecasters expect an active hurricane season. This got me thinking…am I adequately protecting my home from disaster? Do I have the right homeowners insurance for the natural disasters that I could face in my part of the country? A 2011 survey by the Insurance Information Institute found that about a third of homeowners have recently lowered their home or auto coverage to save money. Even if your insurance is adequate it may not have the right coverage for the risks that you face in your neck of the woods. For those of us in NC, tornadoes are a huge risk and major concern. In a tornado, your roof is at greatest risk of being damaged. Small upgrades, like making sure your loose shingles or flashing are secured will go along way. As well, make sure your garage doors are secure and strong. Removing debris from your yard will help ensure that your not having to replace windows from flying 3 wheel bikes. Do you have the right coverage? What is your policy's payout: Home values have dropped but make sure you are still getting adequate coverage. Your insurance should cover the cost of building a new home from scratch. It may be worth paying extra for guaranteed replacement coverage or an inflation guard, which protects against higher-than-expected rebuilding costs. Buy the right extras: Do you have or need flood insurance? Apparently flood insurance must be purchased separately through the government's National Flood Insurance Program (see fema.gov). To lower your premium, bump up your deductible and call around; insurers are competing hard and may give a deal to new customers. Help yourself file a claim: Could you rattle off the top of your head all the valuables you have in your home that will need to claimed on your homeowners insurance? Well, to file a claim, you must list the property that was damaged or destroyed. Unless you have a photographic memory it may be hard to remember what you had. A great idea I came upon is to take a video camera through your house; record your possessions and zoom in on collectibles, jewelry, or other valuable items. Copy it and store it in a safe-deposit box. I know it may cost more but if you live in an area prone to a specific disaster, it's worth paying for extra coverage to insure against disaster. And in addition to disaster like floods or hurricanes your area may be prone to, residential fires represent 23% of all fires in the U.S. As well, The U.S. has one of the highest fire death rates in the industrialized world. Please, be proactive about protecting yourselves and documenting your assets. -Mary Stevenson Broker / Owner Best Choice REALTORS www.bestchoice-realtors.com 704-641-9601

Home Buying Fees You Should Try to Avoid

Mary Stevenson (Best Choice Realtors) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 04:51:10 -0700

You know you're supposed to avoid "junk" fees when you get a mortgage but junk fees can be hard to spot. Many fees are legitimate although lenders can play games with fees and the interest rates they charge. One might offer a rate slightly lower than the competition but jack up the fees. Another may advertise a "no cost" mortgage, with those fees built into a higher rate. One good way to shop for a mortgage is to apply with a few lenders and compare their good-faith estimates on similar loans. Shopping around can be expensive (some charge up to $500 and some charge none) but the potential savings may make paying the charges worthwhile. Here are some fees to compare: ORIGINATION FEES Lenders may chop these up into different categories and call them by various names: commitment fees, application fees, processing fees, underwriting fees. The names don't matter as much as what it costs, which should be in the good-faith estimate. You're likely to pay more in some states than others, although NC rated one of the LOWEST in the country for these fees. Home sweet home: Rent or own? Some origination fees are calculated by "points," or a percentage of the loan you pay to lower the interest rate. Paying points can make sense if you're going to be in the home, and keep the loan, for many years. But make sure that you are comparing the origination costs of “like” loans to get an accurate comparison. APPRAISAL FEES Lenders hire appraisers to evaluate your property's value. Appraisal fees typically range from $225 to $750, depending on the value of the property. If the lender is proposing to charge more, you should find out why. Lenders are not supposed to mark up third-party services, which include appraisals, credit reports, settlement fees, flood certifications, pest inspections, surveys and title work. But keep in mind that lenders also don't have to choose the most economical providers which may be passed down to you. CREDIT REPORT FEES Lenders have to pay for pulling your credit reports and scores. Lenders typically pay less than what you would so these fees should be very reasonable. If you're being charged much more $25, you should ask why. Your credit scores shouldn’t be penalized for applying at different mortgage lenders. The formula lenders use lumps all mortgage-related inquiries made within 45 days together. Furthermore, the scoring formula ignores all inquiries made within the previous 30 days. TITLE INSURANCE AND RELATED SERVICES A title insurer researches your property to make sure there aren't any problems involving the deed. There are two kinds of title insurance: lender's policies, which protect the lender and are usually part of the mortgage deal, and owner's policies, which protect you and may not be required. A Bankrate survey showed that title costs averaged $993 in NORTH CAROLINA but $2,811 in New York state. COURIER, POSTAGE AND WIRE-TRANSFER FEES A lender should be open to reducing or waiving these fees if they're being charged as part of the origination costs. A Bankrate survey found that postage and courier costs typically average $55 to $75. Finally, to make sure there are no last-minute surprises, ask your lender to give you a form called a HUD-1 at least 24 hours before your loan is scheduled to close. This form lists all the fees you'll be charged and should closely match the good-faith estimate you were given at the start.-Mary Stevenson Broker / Owner Best Choice REALTORS www.bestchoice-realtors.com 704-641-9601

New Listings - Northstone Club Huntersville NC

Mary Stevenson (Best Choice Realtors) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 02:01:03 -0700

We have a great new listing in Huntesrville NC. Located in the Northstone Community this full brick 2 story home as a fabulous view of the 18th hole. A quiet, low traffic street in the neighborhood makes this home very appealing. Then, you take a look at the inside and realize it's move in ready! Clean, clean, clean! Updated kitchen with granite & updated appliances - great counter space as well! Screen porch and open deck to enjoy the beautiful back yard and views of golf course. Room on main floor with french doors makes great home office. Downstairs bedroom and full bath makes great guest suite. Bonus room upstairs with a second staircase leading to the kitchen makes it a great family room! All bedrooms are of ample size - no one gets cheated of space in this home. Master bath is updated with granite, frameless shower and all new tile. Even the secondary baths have granite. This home is a must see - it is ready for the perfect buyer! Here are just a few pictures to get you started....click here to see more! This fabulous home is listed at $441,000 and is just under 3800 sq feet. -Mary Stevenson Broker / Owner Best Choice REALTORS www.bestchoice-realtors.com 704-641-9601

Home Buying Fees to Avoid

Mary Stevenson (Best Choice Realtors) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 02:36:22 -0700

You know you're supposed to avoid "junk" fees when you get a mortgage but junk fees can be hard to spot. Many fees are legitimate although lenders can play games with fees and the interest rates they charge. One might offer a rate slightly lower than the competition but jack up the fees. Another may advertise a "no cost" mortgage, with those fees built into a higher rate. The best way to shop for a mortgage is to apply with a few lenders and compare their good-faith estimates on similar loans. Shopping around can be expensive (some charge up to $500 and some charge none) but the potential savings may make paying the charges worthwhile. Here are some fees to compare: ORIGINATION FEES Lenders may chop these up into different categories and call them by various names: commitment fees, application fees, processing fees, underwriting fees. The names don't matter as much as what it costs, which should be in the "A" box on Page 2 of the good-faith estimate. You're likely to pay more in some states than others, although NC rated one of the lowest in the country for these fees. Home sweet home: Rent or own? Some origination fees are calculated by "points," or a percentage of the loan you pay to lower the interest rate. Paying points can make sense if you're going to be in the home, and keep the loan, for many years. But make sure that you are comparing the origination costs of “like” loans to get an accurate comparison. APPRAISAL FEES Lenders hire appraisers to evaluate your property's value. Appraisal fees typically range from $225 to $750, depending on the value of the property. If the lender is proposing to charge more, you should find out why. Lenders are not supposed to mark up third-party services, which include appraisals, credit reports, settlement fees, flood certifications, pest inspections, surveys and title work. But keep in mind that lenders also don't have to choose the most economical providers which may be passed down to you. CREDIT REPORT FEES Lenders have to pay for pulling your credit reports and scores. Lenders typically pay less than what you would so these fees should be very reasonable. If you're being charged much more $25, you should ask why. Your credit scores shouldn’t be penalized for applying at different mortgage lenders. The formula lenders use lumps all mortgage-related inquiries made within 45 days together. Furthermore, the scoring formula ignores all inquiries made within the previous 30 days. TITLE INSURANCE AND RELATED SERVICES A title insurer researches your property to make sure there aren't any problems involving the deed. There are two kinds of title insurance: lender's policies, which protect the lender and are usually part of the mortgage deal, and owner's policies, which protect you and may not be required. A Bankrate survey showed that title costs averaged $993 in NORTH CAROLINA but $2,811 in New York state. COURIER, POSTAGE AND WIRE-TRANSFER FEES A lender should be open to reducing or waiving these fees if they're being charged as part of the origination costs. A Bankrate survey found that postage and courier costs typically average $55 to $75. Finally, to make sure there are no last-minute surprises, ask your lender to give you a form called a HUD-1 at least 24 hours before your loan is scheduled to close. This form lists all the fees you'll be charged and should closely match the good-faith estimate you were given at the start.-Mary Stevenson Broker / Owner Best Choice REALTORS www.bestchoice-realtors.com 704-641-9601

Good Pizza

Mary Stevenson (Best Choice Realtors) — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 07:32:08 -0700

After being away for a week we got home yesterday to laundry and unpacking and not much food in the house. So naturally, a trip to a restaurant was needed. We went to Brooklyn South Pizza in Cornelius. Gosh, I love that place! (We listed the owner’s home a few years ago for them!) Nonna – “grandmother” in Italian. I am not sure which grandma decided to change up the typical pizza recipe – but I have to love her for it. I can’t go to Brooklyn South without getting a slice of Nonna’s. My kids aren’t fans – they go the traditional pizza route. Nonna's, or Grandma's pizza is very poplar on Long Island (where I am from) and is cooked in a square pan like Sicilian, but it is much thinner. It has a thin, crispy crust, usually has tomato chunks in addition, or in exception, to the sauce. Generally, it will contain less cheese than regular slices, and sometimes has extra spices or oils baked into the crust. But, no matter what we get when we are there we all come away happy. Food is always good. If you are in the area of Jetton Rd in Cornelius stop by and give it a try. And if you have never done a slice of Nonna’s – try that too! -Mary Stevenson Broker / Owner Best Choice REALTORS www.bestchoice-realtors.com 704-641-9601

MORTGAGE MYTHS: DON'T FALL FOR THEM!!!

Mary Stevenson (Best Choice Realtors) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 00:49:00 -0700

FACT: the housing market is still a mess. Every day the media reports the housing recovery is moving “slowly”, “in increments”, “sideways”, etc. Call it what you will, it just continues to stink. That got me thinking about those, for the first time in their lives, facing the reality of foreclosure. For some, it is a foreign concept. There are many so many myths about foreclosure and YES it is a complicated process but the main thing to remember DON’T just put your head in the sand and assume it is a foregone conclusion. No matter how frustrating it is, keep in touch with your lender and keep asking for help, guidance, advice…whatever you want to call it, but keep trying to figure a way out until the lender says ‘Uncle.’ Below are some situations that may come up for you and I wanted you to be prepared for them: IF YOU'RE LATE ON YOUR MONTHLY PAYMENTS, YOU'LL LOSE YOUR HOUSE If you have a financial hardship and fall behind, it's possible to keep your house and get back on track if you tell someone who is able to help. Contact your lender to discuss your options that include forbearance, loan modification, reinstatement, repayment plans, even a short sale. GIVE UP IF YOUR LENDER IS NOT RESPONDING TO YOUR INQUIRIES Never give up. Lenders are deluged. It may take longer than you'd like to reach your lender, which is why you should contact your lender at the first sign of trouble. The process of obtaining a loan modification or other foreclosure alternative may require diligence in the form of multiple calls and multiple submissions of documents between you and your lender. The process isn't perfect, the procedures continue to change. ALL THE OFFERS FOR HELP ARE PROBABLY ALL SCAMS Scam artists do often target homeowners who are struggling to meet their mortgage commitment or who are anxious to sell their home. Deal with your lender first, rather than an outside party. If you do deal with an outside firm avoid those that ask for a fee in advance to work with your lender to modify, refinance, or reinstate your mortgage. Ignore guarantees from outside firms that claim they can stop a foreclosure or modify your loan. Legitimate offers will have specific information identifying your current mortgage, including the loan number of your mortgage. Shy away from offers that come from a company other than your current lender or an authorized agent of your lender. WORKOUT OPTIONS ARE OVER ONCE YOU GET A FORECLOSURE NOTICE Lenders would prefer that you keep your mortgage and continue to make payments because they lose money when they foreclose on you. Even if foreclosure proceedings have begun, it's not too late to be considered for a workout or other alternative. YOU NEED TO LEAVE YOUR HOME AS SOON AS YOU'RE NOTIFIED THAT YOUR PROPERTY IS IN FORECLOSURE A notice of foreclosure is the first step in the foreclosure process. There are procedural and legal guidelines and applicable state and federal laws that servicers and lenders must follow in every foreclosure. Foreclosures take months to complete. AFTER A FORECLOSURE, YOU'LL NEVER GET ANOTHER MORTGAGE Perhaps you borrowed more than you could afford or your ability to pay for what you thought you could afford went away. You may not qualify for a home for as long as seven years, but that's not "never." Work to create a spending and savings plan that will rebuild your credit. Get approved counseling that will reveal your effort to recover. Foreclosure is a scary prospect but don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions and insist on explanations until you are satisfied with answers. -Mary Stevenson Broker / Owner Best Choice REALTORS www.bestchoice-realtors.com 704-641-9601

Save Your Flip Flops, Seriously!!!!

Mary Stevenson (Best Choice Realtors) — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 02:16:37 -0700

I’ve lived in many Manhattan apartments and one of the big “bug” jokes for folks like me was the variety and size of our bugs. Waiting for crowded and hot subways is no fun but laughing about “riding a roach to work” is a way to get through it. I’ve been in NC for some time now and I have to say that the bugs here rival those I’ve experienced in NYC. What type of pest control used is a personal preference but for me I opt for as natural a solution as possible and am always on the lookout for some advice. Other than the “smack them with a flip flop” approach that I am instituting currently, I’ve come across some ideas that I thought I’d share with our readers. Prevent, prevent, prevent is my motto. Here are some SIMPLE ways to win the war against nasty bug in your homes. START OUTSIDE: Termites eat wood and carpenter ants tunnel into wood to nest. So remove piles of wood and other debris from around your home. The same goes for rotted stumps and logs. KEEP IT DRY: Termites, carpenter ants, and powderpost beetles thrive in moist areas, so maintain a dry zone around your home’s perimeter. In general, you shouldn’t have bushes, shrubs, vines, or trees touching the house, which can trap moisture that causes rot and attracts pests. Many pests use vegetation as a bridge between the ground to the walls and roof of your home. Keep foundation plants (shrubs, bushes, perennials) and wood mulch at least 18 inches away from the foundation. Prune trees, bushes, and vines that touch or overhang the house. And don’t plant anything close to your home that’s aphid-prone, such as peonies or roses..Even an infrequent puddle close to the house can become an oasis for pests on the prowl for food, so direct water away from the house. Drain puddles, don’t overwater flower beds, point sprinklers away from the structure, and make sure the ground near the foundation slopes away from your home. Clean gutters so they don’t overflow. Use downspout extensions and splash blocks to direct rainwater runoff away from the foundation. Fix dripping faucets, water pipes, and air conditioning units. DENY ACCESS INTO YOUR HOME: The tiniest gap or crack can become an express lane for pests—and not only insects. Here is a frighten fact, apparently “If you can push a pencil through a hole, a mouse can get through it.” Inspect walls, doors, windows, and roof for possible points of entry as well as moisture-inducing leaks. Use caulk or epoxy to seal any cracks in the foundation or gaps in the structure. Use steel wool or hardware cloth (1/4-inch wire mesh) to block any openings where wires, pipes, and cables come into or out of the house. Paint weathered and/or unfinished wood to stop carpenter bees from drilling holes to build their nests.Ventilate attics and crawl spaces, and make sure vents aren’t blocked by debris or vegetation. Good air flow prevents the buildup of moisture. Cover any exposed earth in the crawl space with a plastic vapor barrier. ONCE THEY GET IN DON’T INVITE THEM TO STAY: Termites typically feed on wood, but will eat anything with cellulose, so never store paper or cardboard—or wood—in the crawl space. Deal with interior moisture, too. Inspect the base of toilets, around bath tubs and shower stalls, and areas where pipes go through walls, such as under sinks. Repair any leaks and wrap any pipes that produce excess condensation. Check behind and under washing machines and dishwashers, which are notorious for leaks, to make sure there’s no condensation or old moisture damage. Fix leaky faucets; in some cases, replacing a simple O ring might not only save water, but also stave off a potential invasion of pests. Use these simply ideas to keep the pests out and save your flip flops. -Mary Stevenson Broker / Owner Best Choice REALTORS www.bestchoice-realtors.com 704-641-9601

River Run - Golf Course Home $644,900

Mary Stevenson (Best Choice Realtors) — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 14:10:41 -0700

Fantastic home on the second fairway of the River Run County Club in beautiful Davidson NC! This cedar and stone home features over 3500 sq ft, 4 bedrooms plus a bonus, 3.5 baths, an office, large kitchen, beautiful great room overlooking backyard. The master suite on the main level also overlooks the golf course. The large suite with spacious updated bath and walk in closet features plenty of space! The valuted ceiling on the bedrom with ceiling fan and uplighting. The bath features updated tile, hardware, shower - it's a modern bath! Just a quick look at the social areas....take a look at the large dining room, great room with built-ins, kitchen with cherry cabinets, granite counters and stainless appliances. Features incredible counter and cabinet space! Huge island, desk for keeping the household organized. Need more info on this home?? Contact us mstevenson@bestchoice-realtors.com 704-641-9601 -Mary Stevenson Broker / Owner Best Choice REALTORS www.bestchoice-realtors.com 704-641-9601

How This Market Has Changed Me....

Mary Stevenson (Best Choice Realtors) — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 09:32:24 -0700

So I just was thinking - what has changed about the way I do business in the last year or so? I have to say I have gotten a lot bolder with what I am willing to tell a seller. This has to do with both price and condition. Things that it takes to sell their home! While I beleive I always knew my stuff - I am a lot more willing to let it show now! I admit I was much more timid with this during our "boom" years. Perhaps this is because I went into a listing back in 2006 - gave them a listing price based on the data - and they told me they wanted to list it $10,000 higher (this was 2% of the value). Granted percentage wise, not a huge amount. But when I say there was NO data to support it - I mean there was NONE! And of course I based their list price about 4% higher than where I felt they should sell. This gave them 2-3% room for negotitaion which was the norm in our area at the time and 1% room for price drop if necessary. I told them we could try to price it there and see what the feedback was - (the house really had no upgrades....beautiful lot....but no upgrades....typical 1990's home). I told them I was cautious about doing it - but I would. Well - if that didn't come back to bite me. Offer on day 1 with the first showing at full price. Great news for seller - but I admit I felt a little like pulling a blanket over my head. The seller was wonderful and never said "I told you so!" Not sure how that home ever appraised. Oh wait, yes I am.....I remember what was happening back in those days! So I challegend my clients a bit less - and things kept selling. But that isn't the way it works any more. I have to tell it like it is. I tell them what they need to do - where they need to price and sometimes they aren't happy - but I still get referrals so I guess it's working..... -Mary Stevenson Broker / Owner Best Choice REALTORS www.bestchoice-realtors.com 704-641-9601

Be Good To Your Water Heater Or You May End Up With A Pool

Mary Stevenson (Best Choice Realtors) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 01:15:05 -0700

My neighbor came over to my house the other day looking frantic. She started talking immediately as she saw me. "My water heater broke" she said out of breath, "and now there are 50 gallons of water leaking down the inner walls and floors of the house." That next morning, as the forth workers truck pulled up in front of our homes, she walked over to me and began relaying the literal ordeal of the last few days. She said that the heater was fine one minute and wasn't the next. She said that if you were to look at it there was no outward signs of distress. Then she dropped the bomb and said something that made me shutter. She reminded me that my water heater is the same age as theirs was (15+ years) and is in the attic. Then she began to explain what the last 48 hours of NO WATER with 3 kids and 2 adults was like and how she had spent hours on the phone with their insurance company to see what covered and what is not. Not to mention the hours on the phone and internet to see how they can salvage their hardwood floor in the living room and how bad the water damage IN the walls is, as well as getting various quotes from contractors on clean up and installation of a new water heater. I began to do some research myself about water heaters and realized that a tank water heater is designed to be a mystery. All the major parts are INSIDE so you never know if something is old or corroded or just not working properly. To be frank, at a certain point when it is going to break is a crap-shoot. It's easy not to think about the hot water heater until a problem happens. Though water heaters are one of the most important home appliances, they are typically forgotten about and improperly maintained until there's no hot water. There are some problems that can easily be avoided and efficiency preserved if electrical hot water units are maintained. To avoid having a pool in your living room take the mystery that is your water heater seriously. Use these tips to prolong it's life. Noisy Water Pipes? This can happen for several reasons. Luckily that doesn't necessarily mean that there's a serious problem. Sediment or lime scale buildup in the tank burns on the heating element can result in steam and unwanted noise. Another cause could be from low water pressure, which could cause spot boiling and result in noise as well. The problem could also derive from voltage going beyond the capacity of the heating element. Slow to Reheat Water? One simple reason, hot water usage could be more than what the tank can handle and may necessitate a larger capacity tank. The thermostat could be set too low and needs to be adjusted. As well, sediment or lime buildup slows down the tank's ability to reheat quickly. Flushing the tank will get rid of any buildup. Or, either the lower heating element or thermostat are faulty and need replacing. Leaking Pressure Relief or Drain Valve? If the pressure relief valve is leaking, the water temperature may be set too high. The water pressure may be too high and requires a pressure-reducing valve on the supply line installed. Also, the valve could have failed and needs replacing. If the issue is the drain valve, it is typical of many water heaters to have installed a low-quality valve that can be difficult to close tight. Make sure the valve is completely tightened and use slip joint pliers if necessary. Another possibility is that the valve failed and only needs to be replaced. No hot water? Check the circuit breaker to see if the circuit breaker tripped. If not, then possibly the heating element burnt or the upper thermostat failed and needs replacing. The Energy Cut Off (ECO), which is the switch that sets the limit on high temperature, could have tripped and only needs resetting. From everything I've read, regular maintenance on the tank will help keep it running efficiently AND is good preventative medicine from serious problems. Make sure the tank is flushed completely on a regular (some say annually) basis to be sure there is no sediment or lime buildup that could ruin the heating element or heat inefficiently. Not only will this extend the tanks lifespan but it will reduce money spent on costly plumbing repairs.-Mary Stevenson Broker / Owner Best Choice REALTORS www.bestchoice-realtors.com 704-641-9601

CHANNEL YOUR INNER “HANDY MAN”

Mary Stevenson (Best Choice Realtors) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 01:12:47 -0700

My father-in-law is one of those "I can fix that" type of guys and truth be told, HE CAN. For a man whose very first experience with any tool was when he was first married in his first house, it seems incredible to me that he now can practically build a house by himself now. He always reminds us though that he never had the money to hire a handy man so he had to do things himself. After he fixed something once, he knew how to do it until he evolved into his own handy man. There are certain tools though that he suggests we have around the house to help us channel our own handy man spirit: • 4-in-1 screwdriver: A must have honestly. • 14-volt lithium battery-driven drill and bits: The tool performs as a drill and a power screwdriver. For everyday usefulness. Get a set of twist bits and screwdriver bits. • 16-ounce rip hammer: It's sturdy enough for heavy jobs yet light enough for the non-pro to control. The claw is straight, allowing for pulling nails or ripping out a wall. Go for the fiberglass or steel handle as he's broken many a wood handle in his day. • Tape measure: A 25-footer with a 1-inch-wide blade is the most useful. It's long enough to measure pretty much anything you want, and the 1-inch width allows the blade to extend up to 8 feet without buckling. This comes in handy when working alone. • Utility knife: This all-purpose cutting tool has any number of uses from marking wood to scoring and cutting drywall. Utility knives are available in two configurations: the old standby where the blade retracts into the handle and one where the blade folds into the handle like a pocketknife. Choose one that feels best for your hand. • Level: The longer the level, the more accurate the line so for bigger jobs a 4-foot level is a good size. For smaller jobs, such as leveling picture frame, a line level or torpedo level is the ticket. One side is usually magnetized, allowing it to stick to metal and allowing for free movement of the piece without trying to balance the level. • 1-inch putty knife and 6-inch drywall knife: The tools you need for filling nail holes and patching dings in the wall. • 6- and 14-inch adjustable crescent wrenches: Crescent wrenches adjust to fit most nuts and bolts. The larger size gives more leverage, and the smaller size fits more easily into tight places. • Pliers: There are three types you should look at; Channel-lock pliers are adjustable, Lineman's pliers are also wire cutters and are the tool for twisting wire and Needle-nose pliers are good for fine work in tight places. • Painting tools: A 9-inch roller frame, a few disposable roller covers, a paint tray and a 2 1/2-inch angled brush will meet basic painting needs. We always buy top-quality brushes and clean them well after each use. • For the garden: A round-point shovel, a flat-edge shovel, a rake and a handheld garden spade will take care of most garden maintenance. The cost of all this should be around $200 which is far less than calling out a professional handy man. Go ahead, don't be afraid, pick up that hammer and feel the power!!!! -Mary Stevenson Broker / Owner Best Choice REALTORS www.bestchoice-realtors.com 704-641-9601

GETTING A MORTGAGE IN 2011 MAY BE LIKE PULLING A RABBIT OUT OF YOUR HAT

Mary Stevenson (Best Choice Realtors) — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 01:05:01 -0700

The mortgage landscape has changed significantly recently. If you are considering a mortgage, there are a few things that have changed that you'll need to have in mind prior to starting the process. •Inadequate Home Equity As home values in many areas fell, some homeowners found that they don't have enough home equity to refinance and take advantage of low mortgage rates. •High Credit Scores More consumers are facing credit problems due to unemployment YET credit score requirements remain high. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac require at least 620 scores for all programs except the Home Affordable Refinance Program. FHA home loans require a minimum credit score of 640. •High Down Payment Requirements Borrowers need a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio of 80 percent to obtain a mortgage without private mortgage insurance (PMI). The LTV shows how much home equity homeowners have. For example, if you purchase a home valued at $200,000 and make a $40,000 down payment, you have an LTV of 80 percent. If your LTV is over 80 percent, you may be able to qualify for a mortgage if you pay for private mortgage insurance. In one improvement in lending requirements, Fannie Mae will allow LTVs of up to 97 percent for home purchases and rate and term refinances for borrowers with good credit. •Rising Mortgage Rates Economists predict that rates will increase throughout the year. Some think the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage could be 5.5 percent by the end of 2011. Higher rates can affect loan eligibility by increasing the monthly mortgage payments and borrowers' ability to qualify for loans. •New Price Adjustments Fannie Mae increased costs for borrowers with lower credit scores, less home equity, and second mortgages when it changed its loan-level price adjustments. While borrowers with excellent credit and significant equity in their homes are unaffected, lenders will pass along those greater costs to most borrowers, prompting their mortgage rates to increase anywhere from 0.125 to 3 percent. •Lower Conforming Limits The conforming loan limit in high-cost areas is scheduled to expire Sept. 30, 2011 and drop from $729,750 to $625,500. Because Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the FHA cannot guarantee mortgages over the conforming loan limit, mortgages over the limit will face higher interest rates and tighter restrictions. •Fewer Lenders The FDIC shut down 157 failed banks last year and expects to continue taking over banks in 2011, although the pace of bank closings will slow. Fewer lenders mean less competition and fewer options for mortgage borrowers. Navigating the muddy waters of the mortgage world can be frustrating. Make certain that you have a knowledgeable realtor to help you come out the other end clean. -Mary Stevenson Broker / Owner Best Choice REALTORS www.bestchoice-realtors.com 704-641-9601

A Nice Complement

Mary Stevenson (Best Choice Realtors) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 15:26:54 -0700

So last week I got a call from a local agent. She was looking to put her home on the market. I had done a deal with her in 2005 when she was with a big name firm. Since then she left that firm. It had to be the easiest and fastest listing appontment ever! She knew the drill - review of the paper work, well that was easy! And she was fully prepared with everything we needed! As we were leaving she told me the reason she called me to list her house was based on something I did back in 2005. She was a fairly new agent in 2005. She had been having a rough week with another agent on a different transaction. She and I were two days away from closing our transaction. There was a problem - something I should have caught earlier. I told her I was going to take care of it so closing wouldn't be held up. She never told me at the time - but she did tell me now - my effort showed her that there were some agents out there who do the right thing. Good karma....and it also feels good when an agent you have done business with in the past calls on you to list their home....-Mary Stevenson Broker / Owner Best Choice REALTORS www.bestchoice-realtors.com 704-641-9601