Are you thinking of doing some updates on your home in Wake Forest NC?  Ever wonder what you'll recoup on a kitchen remodel?  A basement remodel?

The latest Cost vs. Value Report 2009-2010 is now available and there are some surprising numbers on the list. Among the top items that will get you the most return are:

• Attic Bedroom - 90% cost recouped
• Back-up Generator - 59.9% recouped
• Basement Remodel - 84.4% recouped
• Roof Replacement - 71.8% recouped

Most other improvements made to homes were down in Cost vs. Value compared with last year.  A few to note are:

• Sunroom Addition 
• Bathroom Remodel
• Deck Addition
• Kitchen Remodel
• Home Office Remodel

If you are thinking about performing a few jobs around your house to increase your resale value in Wake Forest NC you might want to take a look at the 2009-2010 Cost vs. Value Report.

If you are interested in placing your home for sale in Wake Forest NC I would be happy to review the report with you and how the improvements you may have made you your home have been impacted.  Remember, a professional Realtor® will prepare a detailed Market Analysis for you which will include updates and upgrades that you have done before listing your home!

Feel free to check out my website at www.wakeforesthousechick.com for some great tools in helping you to prepare your home for sale in Wake Forest NC!

Yes it is true!

HUD wants to make it clear that they appreciate the sacrifices and commitment to keeping communities strong throughout North Carolina. Law enforcement officers, teachers- pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, firefighters & emergency medical technicians can become homeowners through the Good Neighbor Next Door Sales Program sponsored by HUD while contributing to community revitalization.

 

A nice break for our police officers!

 

 

 

If you think about it this opportunity is better than buying a foreclosure!

 

 

HUD offers a discount of 50% from the list price of the home.

 

 

How it works

You can get a 50% discount off the HUD appraised value. For example, if HUD lists a home at $200,000, you can buy it for $100,000 provided, you occupy the home as your personal residence for 36 months. If you qualify for any FHA-insured mortgage program, your down payment is only $100 and you can finance closing costs.

 

You have to use a real estate broker or agent to buy the home

 

The purpose of the program is to strengthen communities by encouraging employed, professional law enforcement officers, teachers and firefighters & emergency medical technicians to live in the community. You will have 30, 90 or 180 days to move into the home you purchase, depending on HUD's determination of the condition of the home and the level of repairs that may be required, if any.

A great benefit for our brave fire fighters

 

You must live in the home as your sole residence for a full 36 months

Beware: HUD views the occupancy obligation seriously and vigorously pursues violators to the fullest extent of the law. 

The 30th, 90th or 180th day is the start date for the occupancy period. You are released from all obligations under this program at the end of the 36th month following the start date.

 

The homes are located in revitalization areas as defined by HUD

 

Search here for designated areas

 

Locate an address using HUD's map

 

 

You can use FHA, VA, or conventional mortgages, or even cash

 

HUD requires you to sign a Second Mortgage and Note on the discounted amount (which is $50,000 in the example above). No interest or payments are required on this "silent second" mortgage if you live in the home for the entire 36 month occupancy period. You may be required to pay a pro-rata portion of the discount to HUD should you fail to fulfill the three year occupancy requirement.

 After living in the home for three years you may sell it and keep the profit!

Other questions?

 

 

You know who can help you find one of these HUD homes?

Leesa Finley can!

 

Click her photo to contact

 

 

 

Superb new listing in established North Raleigh NC neighborhood - Kingsmill Village.

6012 Bramblewood Drive is a traditional home that is located on a culdesac/corner lot.  Mature landscaping abounds in entire yard which will provide glorious blooms year after year.  The rear yard is fenced and has a perfect spot for your herb or flower garden!

Fully equipped kitchen is bright and sunny, offers tremendous counterspace, plenty of cabinets and an ample pantry.  Breakfast area overlooks the rear yard and is conveniently located between the kitchen and family room.

This home offers ALL formal rooms, a family room with fireplace, oversized master suite with gorgeous master bath, screened in porch, side entry 2 car garage and fantastic bonus room!

6012 Bramblewood Drive was built in 1993 and boasts some extraordinary updates and upgrades:

• Stainless Steel Appliances
• Solid Surface Countertops
• Hardwoods in the formal living room and dining room
• Dual Zone Surround Sound for both the Family Room and Screened in Porch
• New HVAC downstairs unit May '09

Some basic details to note:

• 2032 square feet
• .27 acre with fenced rear yard
• 3 bedrooms / 2.5 baths plus a Bonus Room
• Screened in Porch
• Side Entry 2 car garage with cabinets and counterspace for work area
• Tremendous storage space: TWO walk-in closets in master bedroom, walk-in closet in one of the secondary bedrooms, floored attic space,and overhead platform storage in garage
• $330,500.00

Of all the homes for sale in Raleigh NC this is one opportunity you won't want to miss!

 

With all the news lately about the subzero weather and snow that the Midwest and east coast areas are experiencing, we shouldn't forget that Southern California has its share of devastating weather also.

This is a photo illustrating the excessive damage caused to a home from a west coast storm that passed through the San Diego area a week ago. It really makes you cherish what you have, and reminds us not to take life for granted.

 

 

 

 

I don't know how they'll get this resin chair back in the upright position!  My prayers go out to this family.

If you want to get the lowest rate and fees on a mortgage then you have to understand how the game is played:

1) Mortgage rates change daily and sometimes several times a day. To learn more click here.

2) Every loan has fees.  Third party vendors want to be paid for their services.  Loan officers and their company want to be paid for their services.  You will always pay for these services so the question is how?  A higher rate = less fees.  A lower rate = higher fees.  You will not get the best rate paying no fees - if you think you have then you have been duped.

Now that you are armed with the facts, this is how to get the lowest rate and fees on a mortgage:

A)  Ask the loan officer how much do you need to make on my loan?  Ask what service will be provided and then both should agree on a figure.

B)  What will the lender charge in fees? (They all have them and I can prove it)

C)  Are you a direct lender, correspondent or a broker?  Brokers must credit all lender rebates back to the   customer.  Direct lenders and correspondent lenders do not have to disclose any lender rebates.  Keep this in mind when choosing a loan officer.

Following these simple directions will make shopping for the lowest rate and fees on a mortgage less stressful.

 

 

   

 

 

 

First Priority Financial is licensed by the California DRE # 654852  Nevin's California DRE license 016552

  The opinions expressed in this blog are not necessarily those of First Priority Financial.

                     3700 Hillborn Rd #700, Fairfield, California 94534.   This is not a guarantee to lend.  * Not a licensed branch.

 

So many times potential sellers want to try and sell their home themselves (FSBO - For Sale By Owner)  Why is that?  Well, I have found, more often than not, that it is because sellers sometimes aren't quite sure what a professional Realtor® can do for them.

A professional, equipped and skilled Realtor® will assist you with a wide range of skills and aid you in making invaluable decisions during the real estate transaction.  While the following list is by no means inclusive of all of the significant services a Realtor® will provide it is an outline of how you can most certainly benefit from employing a professional:   

• Pays for all marketing and advertising costs.  Be sure to ask your Realtor® for their marketing plan.
  
• Adds experience and expertise in all aspects of the sales process including, but not limited to marketing, negotiations and more.
  
• Brings a network of known, trusted real estate professionals. If your Realtor® doesn't have the answer, he or she likely knows someone who does.
• Always has your interests in mind so you always have someone on your side.  Ask your Realtor® what the difference is between Seller's Agents vs. Buyer's Agents!
  
• Handles and advises on all price and contract negotiations.  A competent Realtor® will have prepared a rock solid CMA that will assist you with arriving at a List Price.  For more information regarding CMAs/Market Analysis you can check out this post.
  
• Gives an unbiased, realistic view of your home and your options. Unlike buyers and sellers, an agent has no emotional attachment to property.  It is important to listen to your Realtor® when discussing the highlights and potential short-comings of your home.
  
• Being an objective liaison, potential buyers are more likely to tell your Realtor® the truth about your home, even if it is unflattering. This un-biased viewpoint will help you make the necessary changes to get your home sold.
• Your time is valuable. A Realtor® allows you to spend your time how you want.

Selling your home in Wake Forest NC can be a tricky and sensitive process.  Most times it is best to remove yourself from the front line and allow an experienced and qualified Realtor® handle the process.

If you are currently contemplating selling your home in the Wake Forest NC Real Estate Market I can help!  I would be happy to meet with you and review your options, current market conditions and my marketing plan with you.  I am just a phone call away at 919.649.6128 or you can simply send me an email.

Remember, I live, work and play in Wake Forest NC - I know this market better than anyone!

 

 

 

 

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Welcome to Wake Forest NC!

Live, Love, Work and Play...

And the Surrounding Towns and Cities of Youngsville, Franklinton, Creedmoor, Raleigh, Oxford, Louisburg, Knightdale, Wendell, Garner, Cary, Apex & Holly Springs

Leesa Finley the "Wake Forest NC House Chick"

Circa Properties

919-649-6128

To Search for Homes for Sale in Wake Forest NC please visit
www.LeesaFinley.com

    

 

 

 

All content including design, code and any other material that is provided or is part of the site are copyrighted, unless stated otherwise. The copyright forbids you to reproduce or distribute any material anywhere on the Internet or offline (magazine articles, CD etc.) without a written permission and consent from me.

I have a confession to make...I've got a thing about staging Laundry Rooms. The Kitchen may be the "heart of the home" but many hours are spent each week in the laundry room. And THAT makes this room a very important space to feature when selling your home.

Many times when I am consulting with homeowners and we get close to the laundry area, they'll ask if I want to see it because after all, it's only the laundry room. In their minds, it's that space that's a catch-all for dirty clothes, shoes, coats, 5 cases of water bottles, dog food and old paint cans. Oh yes! I tell my clients, I DEFINETLY want to see what's behind that door.

The Laundry Room needs some attention and staging too. This is one space you don't want to forget about! The biggest issue is getting rid of everything that is not needed so the room can breathe and look spacious. Yes...that means you have to get rid of the 20 pairs of shoes on the shoe rack behind the door, the dog food has to find a new home and you're going to have to store all that water neatly in the garage.

(Image: Hampton Designs)

Here's a few Staging Tips that can help you transform your laundry room into a fabulous space that buyer's will love:

• DECLUTTER: Get everything out that you don't need. The only thing that should be in there is the stuff you need to do laundry...(detergent, softener, etc.) Now is not the time to buy the HUGE 50 gallon jug of detergent. I'll tell you why in a minute.

• CLEAN LIKE CRAZY: Wipe down that washer and dryer from top to bottom. Push it back against the wall if needed. I've seen a lot of washer and dryers pushed out with all those hoses showing. Tuck the hoses in while you're at it. Think NEAT and ORGANIZED.

• PAINT. Most laundry rooms need a fresh coat of paint and a different color. For some reason, I see alot of sponge painting in these spaces. Probably because it was a "safe" room to try your hand at the technique years ago. I'm speaking from personal experience here and mine looked just dreadful! Trust me, a fresh coat of paint goes a long way.

• STAGE: Canvas Bins and Baskets make a HUGE DIFFERENCE visually when used to store all those detergents. Buyers do not want to see all those bottles that look like clutter anyways. It looks so much more organized and fresh staged with these pretty bins or baskets. This is why you don't want to hit Cosco for the jumbo size detergents. I want you to hide it in the bins.

• KEEP UP THE LAUNDRY: Not letting the laundry get out of hand during selling can be a challenge. We lead busy lives. Doing a load a day keeps you on top of the process. Buyers should NEVER see dirty clothes in piles, in a basket, anywhere. Ever. The same goes for clean laundry. It should not be sitting out on the counter or top of the dryer waiting to be put away or hanging around. Buyers don't want to see your laundry. They want to see the space. Show them an organized room they can emotionally connect to. Not how much work laundry can be.

• HANGERS & CLOTHES BASKETS: Yes...we need them to do laundry but during showings, they should not be anywhere in sight. Storing all those extra hangers on the clothes rack is not an option either. Throw them in one of the bins/baskets or if you are lucky to have a closet in your laundry room, store them there.

• HIDE IT: And one last mention here. If you have a last minute showing or you are just REALLY behind on laundry because you didn't listen to my "one load a day" advice, make sure you get it out of sight and HIDE those baskets. When I sold our house a few years back, I would actually take those baskets of dirty laundry and hide them on the garage shelves during a last minute showing. (They were concealed well and no one ever knew!) I have also been known to take it with me in the car. Hiding it in the actual washer or dryer is good too. For those that have always kept your laundry up, stop laughing. The rest of you know what I'm talking about and it's a great strategy to use.

Ready to prepare your home for the Spring selling season? We're ready to help you and look forward to your call!

Happy Staging!

 

I can't sell my home, buyers aren't buying or it's the bad economy seem to be the key phrases from home sellers these days when their home doesn't sell.  Truth is those things have little to do with a home sitting on the market. I can't sell my home tells me that the seller did not listen to their agent or that they have not properly prepared their home for sale. 

I have successfully sold a multitude of homes all with a listing time of 45 days or less.  Did I list under the market?  Nope.  I made my properties available for viewing at a moments notice, staged the homes, priced them correctly (listen to your real estate agent-this is why you hired him/her) and always made sure the info on MLS was accurate.  So I think this article hits the nail on the head. It explains in detail precisely why homes don't sell. Get busy selling or get busy yelling!

 

Wake Forest NC had some great things to do last week and I hope you got the chance to get out and enjoy a few of them!  This week will be just as busy here in Wake Forest NC with some really exciting things to do!

There is some rain in the forecast this week but there are plenty of Things To Do In Wake Forest NC that will keep you spirits sunny.......check out Life in Wake Forest NC!

From the Town of Wake Forest NC website:

Take Pounds Off Sensibly (TOPS) Club Meeting - Special Meeting: Putting Your Dreams and Visions into Action
Monday, Jan. 25; 9:30 am weigh in and 10:10 am meeting
St. John's Episcopal Church, 830 Durham Rd., Wake Forest
TOPS is a non-profit weight loss support program that welcomes all! In this special meeting, we will create memory boards and show you how to put your visions and dreams into action. Your first session is free and annual membership is only $26. Contact Laura Wickwar for more information at (919) 621-3613.  www.tops.org 

Margaritas and Mambo - Salsa Dance Lessons
Monday, Jan. 25; 7 pm - 11 pm
Tuxedo Junction, 405 S. Brooks St., Wake Forest
Join us for margarita specials and $10 salsa dance lessons! (919) 556-2038  www.tuxedojunctioninc.com

Take Pounds Off Sensibly (TOPS) Club Meeting - Evening
Tuesday, Jan. 26; 6:45 pm 
Wake Forest Baptist Church Room 213, 103 N. Main St., Wake Forest
TOPS is a non-profit weight loss support program that welcomes all! Your first session is free and annual membership is only $26. Contact Laura Wickwar for more information at (919) 621-3613.  www.tops.org 

Ear Infection Workshop: Ear Infections and Antibiotics - The Truth Every Parent Should Know
Tuesday, Jan. 26; 7 pm
Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce
Join this free interactive community special workshop on ear infections, facts, and other choices sponsored by the National Wellness Foundation. Call (919) 453-0367 to reserve your seat.

Book Reading: Connections...100 Years of Wake Forest History

Tuesday, Jan. 26; 7 pm
Northern Regional Center, 350 E. Holding Ave
The Friends of the Wake Forest Library present Carol W. Pelosi, local author and journalist, to discuss her recently published history of Wake Forest. Carol's book, Connections...100 Years of Wake Forest History, tells the story of the Town of Wake Forest as it grew from 1,443 people in 1910 to over 26,000 in 2008. This program is part of the 2009-2010 Friends of the Library Speaker Series and is free and open to the public. Email friendswflibrary@yahoo.com or contact Terri during business hours at Alphabet Soup Educational Supplies (919-554-3035) for information.

Town of Wake Forest Blood Drive
Thursday, Jan. 28; 9 am - Noon
Parking lot across from Town Hall (401 Elm St.)
Rex Blood Services and the Town of Wake Forest have joined forces once again to collect much needed blood the blood bank. Now, you can register online at www.mysignup.com/wakeforest. Contact Laura Shook-Marino at (919) 784-4776 or email laura.shook-marino@rexhealth.com for more information or to register via phone.

Open Computer Lab
Thursday, Jan. 28; 6 pm - 8 pm
Wake Forest Boys & Girls Club
The Wake Forest Boys & Girls Club offers a computer lab on most Thursday evenings. Visit www.wakebgc.org for more information.

Green Medal Awards Nominations Deadline
Friday, Jan. 29; 5 pm
Wake Forest Town Hall, 401 Elm Ave.
The Wake Forest Urban Forestry Board is seeking nominations for the 2010 Green Medal Awards of Excellence. The Green Medal Awards recognize individuals, groups, and businesses that promote good environmental stewardship and excellence in service, while demonstrating as unwavering commitment to the enhancement of Wake Forest's urban forest. To view award categories or download a nomination form, click here. Contact Ann Ayers at (919) 554-6607 or aayers@wakeforestnc.gov for more information.

Wake Forest Cemetery Clean Up
Friday, Jan. 29
Wake Forest Cemetery, N. White Street
The Town of Wake Forest will conduct a cleanup at the Wake Forest Cemetery on Friday, Jan. 29. The cleanup will include the removal of all unsightly and/or deteriorated flower arrangements. Residents should remove any arrangements they wish to keep no later than Thursday, Jan. 28 and may reset them beginning Saturday, Jan. 30. All removed arrangements will be placed in storage for one week and will then be discarded. For more information, call (919) 554-6123.

Wake Forest Boys & Girls Club Fine Arts Exhibit
Friday, Jan. 29; 6 - 8 pm
Cameron Village, 430 Woodburn Rd., Raleigh
Visit the Boys & Girls Club organizational Fine Arts Exhibit!  www.wakebgc.org

Winter Blues Coffee House
Friday, Jan. 29; 7 pm
Wake Forest Baptist Church
This event will feature acclaimed jazz pianist, Bradley Sowash, and a jazz instrumental combo. Jazz instrumentalist are invited to join Bradley in an open jam session during the Coffee House. This free event is open to the public and will be held in the fellowship hall with free coffee provided by the Wake Forest Coffee Company. Contact David Fitzgerald at the Wake Forest Baptist Church at (919) 556-5141 for more information.

Leon Jordan and the Continentals On-Stage
Saturday, Jan. 30; 7 pm - 11 pm
Tuxedo Junction, 405 S. Brooks St., Wake Forest
(919) 556-2038  www.tuxedojunctioninc.com

Read the Bible in 90 Days
Sunday, Jan 31 thru Sunday, May 2
Wake Forest Presbyterian Church, 12605 Capital Blvd.
The Bible in 90 Days is a Bible Reading curriculum that helps people read attentively the entire Bible in 90 days (only 12 pages per day). This is not a speed-read through the Bible class, rather more akin to reading the Bible like a novel. Each participant reads on their own, then gathers once a week with other participants. The weekly meetings include a small group discussion, activities, and a video lesson. Many class sessions are available. Registration is free. Visit www.wakeforestpres.org for more information or to register. (919) 556-7777

Bradley Sowash Inspirational Concert
Sunday, Jan. 31; 3 pm
Wake Forest Baptist Church
The Virginia Tull Music and Arts Series of Wake Forest Baptist Church will feature Bradley Sowash in an Inspirational Concert on Sunday, Jan. 31. The concert will feature sacred jazz music by this acclaimed jazz pianist, composer, author, and educator who has delighted listeners for two decades. Tickets for this event are $10 per adult and $5 for children 10 years old and under. Tickets are available at the church office.  (919) 556-5141

 

This series explained the most common types of real estate fraud but I'm sure there are new schemes being thought up all of the time.  I hope this series provided some insight on some of the crazy schemes being perpetrated and how to recognize them.

 

Below is a copy of a suspicious activity report which is filed by financial institutions when they suspect possible fraud.  Below that are links to the authorities that investigate real estate and mortgage fraud.

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.irs.gov/compliance/enforcement/article/0,,id=162992,00.html

 

 http://www.occ.treas.gov/sar.htm

 

http://www.fincen.gov/forms/bsa_forms/

 

http://www.marisolutions.com/

 

http://www.mortgagebankers.org/FBIMortgageFraudWarning.htm

 

http://www.interthinx.com/?gclid=CI-Tnrqg1p4CFQO2sgodnhF4rQ

 

http://www.radian.biz/about/index.aspx

 

 

Information for this series was gathered from mortgage fraud blog, the FBI 2008 fraud report and the IRS.

 

 

Home loans since 1977

 

  First Priority Financial is licensed by the California DRE # 654852  Nevin's California DRE license 016552

  The opinions expressed in this blog are not necessarily those of First Priority Financial.

                                 3700 Hillborn Rd #700, Fairfield, California 94534.   This is not a guarantee to lend.