Let's Talk Real Estate!
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This section is updated often, so please check back soon! (Previous topics can be viewed by scrolling down....) |
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Jan. 1, 2010 (My editorial as written for Forsyth Family Magizine - Jan. issue)
New Year.....New Home?
Happy New Year! I hope that your year is off to a terrific start as we look forward to a happy, healthy and prosperous 2010. As our new year begins, you might be wondering what kind of activity we can expect in our local housing market. If you have followed this page on my website throughout the past year, you are already aware that our housing market out-performs most in the nation. Most of the country suffered through a dismal housing market and were not able to enjoy activity reflective of ours. With that in mind, I've been very encouraged by the recent news that financial analysts are announcing across the nation. Most are reporting that 2010 will be the best year to buy real estate! The extension and expansion of the tax credit has generated lots of interest as the deadline for qualification approaches. This kind of activity results in a decrease in inventory of homes on the market. As inventory decreases, housing markets will shift from a buyer's market to a seller's market.
Mortgage interest rates have remained low as the Federal Reserve continues to purchase mortgage-backed securities. If our economy continues to strengthen, we could see an increase in mortgage interest rates. I am reminded of the days when I worked in the mortgage industry in the late 80's and early 90's. Homeowners would spend thousands to lower their interest rate down to an "affordable" 12%. Thankfully, our financial forecast is not expected to resemble those days! However, even a slight increase can have a drastic effect on the "amount of home" that can be financed. For example, the principal and interest payment for a $200,000 mortgage financed at 5.25% for 30 years would be $1,106 per month. If the interest rate was 6.5%, the same monthly payment would only finance $174,720 - that's over a $25,000 difference! If you are considering buying a home, this could be the best year to make that move.
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Nov. 6, 2009
It's Official! Home Buyer Tax Credit has been Extended & Expanded!
The $8,000 credit was scheduled to lapse the end of this month, but will now be in effect through the end of June! Homebuyers must sign a contract before April 30th and close by June 30, 2010. The income limits were also raised: Single buyers can now earn up to $125,000 and still get the full credit while a married couple can earn $225,000. Other expansion details include: First-Time buyers -- those who have not owned a home in the past three years -- still qualify for an $8,000 rebate. Repeat Buyers -- those who have owned and occupied a residence for at least 5 of the past 8 years - - can now claim a $6,500 tax credit if they close on a purchase by the end of June, 2010. This will certainly stimulate the closing activity of properties that are currently outside of the first-time home buyer market. This is very encouraging news for sellers of higher-end properties.
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Nov. 5, 2009
NC ranked #1 Business Climate in the Nation!
NC was recognized as being ranked #1 in the country for its business climate, followed by Texas, Virginia, Ohio and Tennessee. Srengths for business growth in this area include new high-tech development and our state's technology-focused academic centers. The annual rankings are determined by the number of new and expanded business facility projects in each state, as well as the state's transportation infrastructure, existing work force skills and state / local taxes. The good news was released by the Associated Press yesterday. Click here to read the article as it appeared in The Charlotte Observer.
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Nov. 3, 2009
Positive News! Home Sales are Up - Tax Credit Extension Likely
Since my last posting, I have had the pleasure of helping two more clients reach agreeable terms with contracts on their homes! Apparently, this trend is happening nation-wide. The number of signed sales contracts rose in September for the eighth straight month, according to recently released data from the National Association of REALTORS®. Most analysts trace the steady improvement to the government's first-time homebuyer tax credit program, which has brought in between 200,000 and 400,000 additional sales that would not have otherwise been made.
This $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit will likely be extended beyond its current Nov. 30th deadline. It is also expected to include a tax credit of $6,500 for repeat buyers who have lived in their home for five of the previous eight years. An increase in the income limits for tax credit qualitication is also being proposed. The extension and expansion of the homebuyer tax credit is the pending business in the Senate right now, and a vote is expected sometime this week. Check back soon and I'll keep you posted!
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Oct. 27, 2009
10 Homes Under Contract in only 46 Days!
Tonight I had the pleasure of saying to another happy seller....
"Congratulations - your home is under contract!"
I am so excited to share my personal housing market activity with you. Since September 11th, I have successfully assisted 10 of my clients in negotiating acceptable offers on their homes! Well over half of those listed properties were on the market less than 57 days - 63% of them to be exact! Six of the homes were under $165,000; two homes were over $200,000; and two homes were over $300,000. The best news is that the sellers I represent didn't have to discount their home greatly during negotiations with the average list-to-selling price ratio being 98% for these 10 homes. It is my understanding that 6 of the 10 home buyers qualified for the $8,000 tax credit and will be closing on their homes before Nov. 30th.
I am very encouraged by the local housing activity and the strength of our market. I am expecting the market sales to experience a "trickle up" effect in price ranges. Once the sellers of the lower price ranged homes are able to move up, it will create a push in sales of the medium price ranged homes. We can then anticipate an increase in sales of the higher price ranged homes as most buyers continue to move up in price ranges. I am confident that our market will continue to be even stronger in the months ahead.
Check back soon for another market update on Let's Talk Real Estate!
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Oct. 11, 2009
The "Green" Movement in Real Estate
What does "Green" mean to you? The best definition I've heard was given to me by a building contractor, Rick Tozier of Sonoma Building Comany, who is Green Certified by the National Association of Home Builders and an Energy Star® Partner: "Green" - simply defined - is using fewer resources over the life expectancy of the home.
In my real estate business, I have noticed a growing trend in homeowner demands for energy-conserving features. I was delighted to see the number of visitors who were familiar with the Energy Star® qualification of Sonoma's 2009 Parade of Homes entry. As I greeted our guests and began to explain the features and benefits of the home, most were already on board!
The energy movement is here to stay and it is important that your home meet the expectations of future buyers should you decide to market it. If you are considering remodeling or building a new home, I would like to share some of the most informative links that I refer to often in my business:
NAHB - National Green Building Program
Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency
FHA - Energy Efficient Mortgages
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Sept. 5, 2009
Visits to On-Line Home Searching Sites are UP! I have posted a report below that includes stats and data to support this good news. According to a national study, 89% of buyers begin their home search on-line. For this reason, internet exposure is where I direct most of my efforts (and money) to market my client's homes. Effective internet marketing can be quite expensive - but it works! I pay for a listing syndication service to maximize the on-line presence of my homes. This investments assures me that each home remains in the BEST possible position. In fact, I am not aware of an on-line home searching site that my homes do NOT appear on! Walmart even offers a classifieds link to search of real estate in your area - and yes, all of my homes are there. My commitment to clients includes spending numerous hours "behind the scenes" analyzing the exposure their homes receive in today's market. If you would like to know more, call me! I hope you enjoy the positive news I'm sharing in the following article:
Source: Nielsen Wire (09/01/2009)
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August 29, 2009
I am FORSYTH FAMILY MAGAZINE'S Real Estate Expert! I have been asked to write the new monthly real estate column for Forsyth Family Magazine! It's an honor to have been chosen as the real estate professional they trust to advise their estimated 50,000 readers. Their high quality publication provides information on activities and events for families in Forsyth County. Their commitment to publish articles on keeping families healthy in mind, body, and spirit is impressive.
My monthly column debuted in their September issue. Follow this link to read the article: Real Estate with Sherri Buxton - Your Neighborhood Expert NOTE: The article will open in a new window. To enlarge the text, you may hit the " + " symbol at the top of the screen to increase the size to a comfortable font size.
As a contributing writer for the magazine, I will be covering various real estate related topics each month. If you would like to suggest an upcoming topic, please let me know! I will include the links to each month's article on my website for those who do not live in the area.
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August 22, 2009
Positive National News for the Housing Market!
I am thrilled to pass on this good news! This morning, our local paper published a VERY encouraging headline: Home sales in July up more than 7 percent as 1st-time buyers cash in!
The article referenced a story posted by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS - August 22, 2009 - WASHINGTON: The U.S. housing market is rebounding faster than expected. Home resales in July posted the largest monthly increase in at least 10 years as first-time buyers rushed to take advantage of a tax credit that expires Nov. 30. Sales jumped 7.2 percent and beat expectations, the National Association of Realtors said yesterday."
On a LOCAL level, I am especially encouraged by this news being reported nationally! The Winston Salem, NC area was recently identified as the #2 Best Performing Housing Market Nationally. As you can see, our area has not suffered like most in the country. However, dismal and discouraging national news headlines can have a negative impact on everyone. It can create fear and panic in those who hear it, even if their local market is performing much better. Therefore, now that they are finally able to report positive housing market news, our local area will perform EVEN better!
You can read more about the tax credit referenced by scrolling down to my May 20, 2009, article below. If you should have specific questions, please do not hesistate to contact me. I'm always happy to give realistic answers to your questions as they pertain to our local market.
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July 9, 2009
Certain Improvements Increase Market Value More
I often receive phone calls from potential seller wanting to schedule an interview after they "get their home ready" for me to see. I can appreciate the pride they have in wanting their home to make the best impression. However, I strongly encourage these meetings take place BEFORE they schedule improvements or renovations. This gives me the opportunity to make suggestions as to which improvements will give them more "bang for their buck", so to speak. I allow my experience to serve as a guide in directing prospective sellers in the right direction. My advice may include paint colors, flooring choices, or which particular updates within their budget would impact the market value the most. Particular updates will add 50-70% to the actual market value. Certain updates will not add "value" but will enhance the marketability greatly! Clients are amazed when they see how certain seemingly effortless and inexpensive tasks can make such a huge difference in their home.
I have a short list of very reputable service providers who consistently work with my clients to prepare their home for the market. Just this week, I have referred four service providers who are busy preparing homes to be listed next week. My list includes handymen, house cleaning services, flooring installers, heating & air technicians, wallpaper removers, and more. I consider myself an excellent source for any home-related need that you may have. I have trusted the same individuals to work in my own home numerous times and I'm always pleased when I my clients tell me how much they appreciated the outstanding service they received from my recommended service providers.
If you would like details or particular advice about an improvement you are considering, please do not hesitate to call me or send an email. I'm here when you need me!
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June 6, 2009
Incredible Market Update - Prepare to be AMAZED!
Those who know me best will contest that I could be one of the most positive people you will ever meet. I retained my high energy level while marketing my clients homes during what many consider to be the most economically-depressed past few months that our housing market has experienced. I absolutely refused to be effected by negative national news. Take a moment now and scroll down the archives below and see for yourself that I maintained a positive attitude and my clients have shown so much appreciation - they are the BEST!
The news I have to share with you now is amazing! I have just gotten two more homes under contract and am THRILLED to report that in the past 54 days, I have had 11 homes go under contract! What a privilege it is each time that I can speak with my clients and say, "Congratulations! You are under contract!"
A message to potential buyers: Interest rates continue to be at record-low percentages - now really is the time to buy! Scroll down to my November 15, 2008 update and read about my experience in the 80's. Just below, you can read details about the $8,000 tax credit - and the clock is ticking. Please avoid waiting to close at the end of November because unless the government extends the dates, you do not want to risk a delayed closing that might go beyond the November 30th dead line.
A message to my clients: "I'm so grateful for the opportunities I have been given to offer you the the service you desire and deserve. I recognize that you could have chosen from many outstanding agents in our area -- so thank you for trusting me with one of the largest investments you have!"
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May 20, 2009
$8,000 Tax Credit Explained
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 authorized a tax credit of up to $8,000 for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. I have found that there are a number of potential home buyers who really do not understand this credit. Many are not aware that they qualify - even if they owned a home 3 years ago! Here are some of the qualifying factors:
* If you or your spouse has not owned a principal residence in the past 3 years. * Income limits: Single $75,000, Married $150,000. * If you income exceeds qualifying amount, you may quality for a partial credit. * Credit does not have to be paid back if you remain in the principal residence 3 years. * Tax credit is equal to 10% of the purchase price of the home, up to $8,000
For more details, visit the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit.
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April 17, 2009
Spring Festival of Homes!
It's that time of the year again - the annual event presented by the Home Builders Association! This year's event features 53 beautiful homes in various price ranges that will be open April 18th, 19th, 25th, and 26th from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet the area's finest local builders and to admire their workmanship. I would like to share three homes that I have the honor of representing is this year's Spring Festival of Homes - click the links to view the visual tours:
Lot 20 Essex Farm - Sonoma Building Co. - Advance, NC - $399,900
Lot 22 Covington Place - Aher Builders, Inc. - Lewisville, NC - $460,000
Lot 79 The Village at Fair Oaks - EJ Hanes Construction - $370,000
Come out and see these gorgeous homes - hope to see you there!
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March 31, 2009
Is your lawn blooming?
At this time of the year in the local area, certain trees and bulb-type flowers are in full bloom! If your lawn has Bradford Pear trees, Blooming Cherry trees, Dafodils, etc. - I have a great real estate tip for you! Even if you have no intention of selling your home, do yourself a favor and take some digital photos of your home while the lawn is bursting with color! Include some close-ups of the blooms and several front photos of the home. If you should decide unexpectedly to put your home on the market during a dreary time of year - your real estate agent could use these photos to market your home at its BEST! Can you imagine the difference that would make as visitors view your home on-line?
Statistics indicate that nearly 90% of buyers first saw their home on-line before buying it, so your home's on-line appearance is so important! Beautiful presentations create more showings - more showings create contracts! My marketing plan includes beautiful visual tours and maximum number of photos allowed for each particular website that buyers use for home searching.
I pay for extra enhancements so that my listings are shown off on Realtor.com, HGTV Front Door Real Estate, The Real Estate Book, Coldwellbanker.com, Yahoo! Real Estate Classifieds, PrudentialProperties VOW, Homepages.com, Google, Trulia Real Estate Search, Vast Real Estate, Hotpads.com, Zillow.com, PropSmart, LiveDeal On-line Marketplace, Oodle, and much more!
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March 27, 2009
"Green Living" can Qualify for Tax Credits!
Did you know that the American Recovery and Reinvestement Tax Act of 2009 offers tax credits for qualifying improvements made to your home? If you are considering making improvements to your heating and air systems, windows, hot water heaters, and more - you might want to do some research first. If qualifying products are installed between February 17, 2009 thru December 31, 2010, you will be eligible for a tax credit equal to 30 percent of the product cost! Follow this link for more information: Federal Tax Credits.
This information is provided by Energy Star - a division of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Rick Tozier with Sonoma Building Co., is an Energy Star Partner, Certified Green Builder, and Green Remodeler. I market newly-constructed homes by Sonoma Building Co. that are Energy Star qualified and new home owners are seeing a difference in their energy costs. If you are considering a remodeling project and would like to discuss the best products to use, feel free to visit the company's website at Sonomabuilding.com.
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February 6, 2009
Agents & Builders Food Drive for Second Harvest Food Bank this Sunday!
I am proud to be participating in a neighborhood food drive that will be held this Sunday, February 8th, from 2:00 to 5:00, during our open house event at Essex Farm. Collection boxes for non-perishable food items will be in each of the 7 available properties in the newly-constructed neighborhood. Second Harvest Food Bank provides food for many in need throughout the year. In 2008, they provided 164,591 lbs. of food to charities such as Storehouse for Jesus, Davie County Group Home, and Faith & Victory Ministries - this is equilivant to nearly a quarter of a million dollars worth of food! The Advance Fire Department will also be on site giving children of all ages the opportunity to see the fire truck and tour the Fire Safety House. Visitors will also have the opportunity to tour the new homes that are available.
Directions to Essex Farm from I40: I-40W Exit 180 (Hwy 801) Turn left at the ramp going South on 801, in 5 miles turn right on Cornatzer Rd., then right into Essex Farm. I will be at 249 Essex Farm Road, another Energy Star home presented by Rick Tozier with Sonoma Building Company. This is a lovely home under construction which offers the possibility of some customization of your choice at this point. Please come out and join us as - together we can help provide the blessing of food to many families in need. Thank you SO MUCH for your support!
If you are viewing this article on the internet and would like to make a monetary donation, please make your donation check payable to "Second Harvest Food Bank" and mail it to: Sherri Buxton - CBTR, 129 Hwy. 801 South, Advance, NC 27006.
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February 1, 2009
Housing Market Update - Buyer Confidence is up!
I would like to share some positive news with you - I was amazed by the showing activity on the listings that I am marketing over the weekend! TWELVE of the homes that I am currently marketing had FOURTEEN showings scheduled for the past 3 days! (All price ranges) This is the most impressive showing activity that I have seen in a long time - which is an encouraging sign for us. Two of my listings have gone under contract in the past couple of weeks and I am promised another offer tomorrow!
In my real estate business, I have strived to reject any negative attitudes and not allow them into my business. I function better by shaking it off - keeping my eye on the target - and keeping the positive attitude that every home that I am marketing will sell soon. I have seen an increase in traffic for a while - witnessing buyers scurrying around like crazy - and I still feel very confident that the market we have been in is turning around. I believe this with all my heart and these recent showings confirm it. I encourage my clients to keep a positive mind-set and do everything they can to make sure their homes are in the best possible position right now with regard to pricing and showing condition.
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January 15, 2009
Winston Salem - #2 Best Performing Housing Market in US!
In two separate independent real estate market studies, our local housing market has done an outstanding job at staying on top! NC has become the # 1 retirement destination for most which brings them our way; Winston Salem was recognized in a study conducted last month as the # 2 best-performing housing market in the nation! In fact, THREE of the FIVE best performing housing markets were in NC! Our nearby local market, Burlington, NC, was ranked #5. If you would like details, please do not hesitate to contact me.
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November 15, 2008
Housing Market Update - Interest Rates are Down!
There is increased activity in our local housing market! Across the board - in all price ranges - I have seen an increase in showings and interest in the properties that I am marketing. It is a great market for buyers because the interest rates are outstanding! Yesterday our Coldwell Banker Morgage advisor quoted a client an interest rate of 5.8% for a 30 year fixed. Let me repeat that...“5.8%” - I think that is AWESOME don’t you?!! When I worked in the mortgage industry from the mid-80's to the mid-90's, the interest rates were at an all-time high. It was very common for buyers to pay a few thousand dollars in discount points to "buy their rate down" to 14%. To put this in perspective, a $100,000 mortgage payment today at 5.8% would be $586.....a $100,000 mortgage payment then at 14% would have been $1,184....that is more than DOUBLE the amount due each month for principal and interest! Buyers today have the wonderful opportunity to buy a more expensive home for a lower financial commitment each month. I speak from experience when I advise that there has NEVER been a better time to buy a home.
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October 19, 2008
Winston Salem Journal Article
The Winston Salem Journal featured my business in a full-page article written by their Homeplace writer, Cindy Hodnett. I was selected as the agent to be featured in the recent publication covering the 2008 Parade of Homes. Please click this link to read the article: Winston Salem Journal Parade Agent Profile
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October 14, 2008
Congratulations to the Parade of Homes Builders!
Today was the Golden Home Awards for the Parade of Homes. I proudly represented 3 Parade entries this year. EJ Hanes Construction was presented with the Gold Award at the semi-formal 2008 awards ceremony which was held downtown on Tuesday, Oct. 24th. Sonoma Building Company won the Silver Award in its catagory. A luxury twinhome built by Castlegate Construction was recognized for its formal dining room being the favorite feature by the judges.
You may visit these homes Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 18th & 19thth, from 1:00 until 5:00 as we wrap up our 2008 Parade of Homes:
Lot 75 The Village at Fair Oaks - EJ Hanes Construction - GOLD Award Winner
Lot 29 Covington Place - Sonoma Building Company - SILVER Award Winner
Lot 65 Glenhaven Luxury Twinhomes - Castlegate Construction - Best Feature Award - Dining Room
I would like to congratulate my builder clients and thank them for allowing me to assist them in marketing their beautiful homes!
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October 13, 2008
I Spoke about Local Housing Market on Fox-8 WGHP TV
I was asked to speak to the media twice this week about our local market. In the link below, you can see FOX-8's television coverage of Coldwell Banker's national 10-Day Sales Event. A few of the sellers I represent wanted to participate in the event to take advantage of additional exposure from the company's heavy marketing of the event. They reduced the price of their homes by 5% to benefit for a 10-day period in what the local media is calling a "red tag sale". Once you open the link, just click the "play" button under the blue & red Fox-8 logo that appears at the bottom left of the TV-screen. You may click this link to see the report which will likely be active for a limited time only:
My goal was to stress that now is a great time for a buyer to buy a home. In my opinion, the housing market qualifications have merely been corrected. The fact remains that those who......(A) have a job.......(B) have an acceptable credit score..........and (C) have money for a down payment....CAN buy a home in today's market. It truly is the BEST time for qualified buyers to purchase their dream home!
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May 14, 2008
Tornados in Clemmons and Advance Area
My heart goes out to the families who lost so much during the tornados that hit our area on May 8th. Two of the sales associates in my office are among the families who suffered great losses. I am touched by their positive attitudes of giving thanks that no one was injured at a time of such devastation. I have past and present clients in the Bridge Pointe and Frye Bridge Estates subdivisions who have shared touching stories with me. They were so comforted to see how all the residents have pulled together and remained focused on one another's needs. They feel that it has truly been a blessing to see the unselfish actions of their neighbors, friends, and those in the community who care so much about their well-being. Please keep these families in your hearts and prayers.
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May 5, 2008
Real Estate Technology is Crucial in Today's Market!
You hear the term "real estate technology" used quite often in today's market. To effectively market a home, technology MUST go beyond simply listing homes on the MLS. I gladly pay over $900 each month on real estate-related technology. I continue to invest this amount in the properties that I market because I've learned that you get what you pay for! Only the BEST will do for the clients who have trusted me with one of the most important financial decisions they may ever make.
My marketing technology includes listing enhancements on a number of websites where my listings appear such as Realtor.com - the #1 most visited real estate searching site where buyers spend 75% of their time when searching on-line. These enhancements include links to the visual tour, additional photos, expanded remarks, mapping, mortgage calculators, my contact numbers, my website, and most importantly - a place to click for more information. Once the visitor clicks the link, they can enter specific information desired. The moment they hit "send", my cell phone rings! I have assigned a special ring tone so that I will never miss the call. A computerized voice reads the visitors comments about the property they requested information on, as well as their preferred method of contact. Whether they prefer phone or email contact, I am able to respond immediately to their needs with the use of my cell phone. With smart phone access to the web, my email, texting, etc., the visitor gets IMMEDIATE detailed information from the person who knows the property better than any other....the marketing agent!
My website provides a high level of exposure for the homes I market averaging nearly 16,000 hits each month. My lawn sign directs those who drive by directly to my website. Statistics indicate that 86% of buyers first saw their home on-line. I want to make sure that the properties I market are beautifully represented with photos, loads of information, and a virtual tour that will make visitors feel as if they are walking through the home!
Remember, homes for sale demand strong web presence in today's market. Today's busy lifestyles demand 24/7 access to homes in the comfort of one's own home. Only the BEST will do!
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April 10, 2008
2008 Spring Festival of Homes is here! I would like to personally invite you to visit another beautiful Energy Star home by Sonoma Building Company during the Spring Festival Homes: 329 Hilly Creek Lane - Lot 38 - Covington Place The homes included in the festival will be open April 12, 13, 19 and 20. Sponsored by the Home Builders Association of Winston-Salem and the Winston Salem Journal, homes will be open to the public from 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. each day of the event.This event is FREE, so plan out your weekends and be sure to stop by and see the new construction the builders have to offer. You may see a home that you like or a style that you want to build somewhere else. Or maybe you aren't ready to buy just yet but you want to start a file for a few years down the road when you know you'll have a lifestyle change to adjust to. Check out the Winston-Salem Journal on April 11 and 18 for the insert with all of the directions and descriptions of the 100 houses! The Energy Starhome that I represent is #48 in the insert. You may learn more about this home by clicking my "Featured Listings" tab where you will also find the Visual Tour. The builder, Rick Tozier, and I hope to see you there! |
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April 1, 2008
Thanks to my clients in 2007, I have earned International President's Circle membership once again!
I have received an award for which I owe thanks to the clients who trusted me with their real estate needs in 2007. Thanks to them and many of you who referred them to me, I have qualified to join the International President’s Circle once again! This annual membership is only awarded to the top 3 percent of more than 116,800 sales associates worldwide in Coldwell Banker. I have been invited to attend the “Elite Retreat” in Ontario Canada, a three-day conference exclusively for the company’s top sales associates later in the year. This honor was only possible because of you and I truly appreciate your business. I can’t thank you enough for remembering me as you hear of those needing real estate assistance.
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March 12, 2008
Great News for the Housing Market!
I invest a lot of cost in the marketing of my client's properties. I justify these costs by the results that I am able to provide for them. For this reason, I constantly analyze data that reveals the true picture for me. Last week, I was so pleased with the data collected so far in 2008 that I would like to share it with you. The National news reports dismal news for the housing market almost on a daily basis. I have maintained that our LOCAL market is not suffering the same conditions. As you review my data, please keep in mind that I experienced my most productive year in 2007 and was recognized as one of the company's top producers. Last year was great, but this year seems to be even better!
My Closings & Contracts in 2007 (Jan - March 15th) compared to 2008 (Jan - March 15)
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February 6, 2008
My Local Housing Market Update
I have been very active in the local real estate market for the past few years and would like to offer my personal comments about our current local housing situation.
I have found our area to be strongly desired by many buyers throughout the country. I am contacted nearly each week by residents who have decided to make a move to the Triad. Many of them want to leave the Southern-most part of the country to escape the disasters that hit their area and destroy their property nearly every year. Their market has also taken a hit in the past couple of years and they have seen their property values drop considerably. The Triad is also attractive to buyers who decide to leave the harsh winters from the Northern-most part of the country. Our area seems to be the perfect part of the country to relocate to because we are driving distance from the sunny beaches on our beautiful coast, as well as the mountainous regions where they can enjoy snow skiing and the changing vibrant colors of the leaves each year. In the Triad, many of the out-of state buyers are able to enjoy the changing seasons for the first time in their life. We have it all!
The properties in our market continue to gain appreciation each year. We have experienced record sales since 2005 while many states were starting to be effected by their own housing bubbles. The typical and steady incline in property values has been very healthy for our area. Buyers have never had to pay more than a home is worth, only to find themselves in debt for more than they can get out of it a few years later. I am happy to report that we have not experienced a housing bubble.
The media can play a big part in the behavior of buyers. I personally experienced a few weeks in early September 2007 where buyers were being mislead by reports speaking of the real estate market in general. Their reports covered the entire country. The daily reports of "desperate sellers" "buyer's dream market" caused a lot of buyers to make extremely low offers thinking they would gain from it. They soon found out that our local sellers were not suffering as many were in other parts of the country. Sellers stood firmly on their property values and by the end of September 2007, buyers began making reasonable offers once again. Our local market has normalized.
It truly is a great time to buy and sell real estate in our area! I have been extremely busy helping clients with their real estate needs and feel that our market is just as strong as it's been for the past few years.
If you would like to discuss this further, please feel free to give me a call or send an email. |
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February 2008 The Importance of Having a Buyer's Agent Today I would like to talk about BUYERS AGENCY. The first step in buying a new or existing home is to go home shopping! If you have ever been shown property by a real estate agent, you should have been given a tri-fold brochure entitled "Working with Real Estate Agents" and been asked to sign a slip to acknowledge that you had received it. The Real Estate Commission takes this very seriously because of your rights and it is our requirement to discuss "agency" with every client that we work with. So why is it so important??? Because YOU have a right to know WHO the agent is representing while you are being shown the home. There are certain things that you could say to hurt your negotiating power if the agent is representing the seller. You can request that the agent fully represent your interests and show you the home acting as a "Buyer's Agent". You can expect the agent to point out certain items that might need further inspections and to give their professional opinion as to how well the property is priced. Furthermore, they should even prepare a complete marketing analysis for you, should you decide that you would like to write an offer on the home. They will prepare the documentation for you, present the offer to the listing agent, and negotiate on your behalf. They will set up and review all inspections, if you would like. They will be by your side, representing you throughout the whole process of buying the home. There is SO MUCH that goes into buying a home and you will have a professional by your side every step of the way with your best interest in mind! Sounds great, right? You will probably wonder how much this representation will cost you. In most cases, absolutely nothing! When you decide to write the offer, you will sign a Buyers Agency Addendum. This document clearly explains how the agent will be compensated for their services. For example, the document might state that the agent's company will receive 3% of the of the price of the home as commission. If the seller of the home is paying a 6% commission, and half of it goes to the listing company, the other half is being paid to the selling company. Therefore, the 3% commission that your agent's company receives is actually paid by the seller - costing you nothing! The seller's listing agent will be working just as hard to represent their best interests, so both the buyer and seller are equally represented. Call for more information!
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January 2008 What is an e-Pro? I am an e-PRO certified by the National Association of REALTORS®. I am specially equipped to meet the fast-growing consumer demand for web-based real estate services. Here are the details: When you are on the internet, you do not have time to waste on endless searches for useful real estate information. You want to get things done quickly and without hassle. So chances are you'd like a real estate agent who
There are several benefits of working with a certified Internet professional. More privacyAre you reluctant to give out contact information through the Web for fear of being pestered or spammed? e-PROs understand. They've learned the Web isn't just a place to do business; you need information from someone you can trust. That's why e-PROs respect your privacy. They respond quickly to your questions, but don't send you unwanted communication. And they protect your personal information. Less hassleTired of struggling to find information? e-PROs are more likely to have access to the latest Internet utilities, making your life easier. These tools may include:
Should you use an e-PRO? Yes - especially if you're an Internet user. In this fast-paced age, technology has become a necessity. An e-PRO is someone who has recognized and responded to the needs of the new consumer. If you choose an e-PRO, it's a safe bet you'll get the kind of service you want - and need.
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Archived from 2006 A client's "Growing Potion" for trees: This is an article that I carried over from my previous website. I have had so much positive feed-back that I decided to feature this recipe on my website. Recently, as I assisted a client with the purchase of her new home I had the pleasure of meeting her father during this time. He was a Regional Director for Lowes Home Improvements who shared a wealth of knowledge with me! She had mentioned to me that he had a “miracle potion” that he uses to jump start healthy growth of trees and shrubbery. He was kind enough to share it with me and modest enough to give the credit to a gardener that he had heard years ago on weekend talk radio. He has used this mixture and watched with amazement as the trees, plants and shrubbery grew to incredible sizes in a very short period of time. Let’s go to Lowes to buy some of these ingredients and try it! Disclosure: I am forwarding this information that you may wish to try at your own discretion, however, I hereby disclose that I will not assume any liability for the use or misuse of the suggestions made in this article.
Get a 5 gallon bucket and drill a small hole on the side of the bucket, near the bottom. Place it beside of your tree. Fill the bucket with water and then add only 1 cup of the concentrate. The mixture slowly drops through the hole right into the roots of the tree without wasting it on the rest of the lawn, as you would if you just poured it on. As the bucket empties, place it at your next tree and repeat these steps. Mr. Ross suggests creating two different mixtures. For one, use the Miracle-Gro® powder which is formulated especially for acid loving plants, such as Azaleas, Dogwood, Rhododendron, and blue berries. It clearly states “acid loving” on the label. For the second mixture of concentrate, use a regular all-purpose Miracle-Gro® for all other regular trees and plants. This has been used on everything he grows! He knows all of the benefits associated with each individual ingredient and believes in using it as directed. This would be great for those of you who have planted trees such as the Leland Cypress for added privacy in your lawn. Do this every 6 weeks beginning in the spring through about the second week of August. He added the very last step with a chuckle, “Put your ear up to it and listen to it grow!”
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Archived from previous website Keeping a Positive Attitude Today I would like to share a touching story about a sweet, young couple that I had the pleasure of assisting while they purchased their first home. About a year ago, as they were speaking with their pastor about their plans to wed, he shared some words of wisdom with them. He said that their marriage would endure stressful times such as MOVING and CHANGING JOBS. They decided to get all of their stress out of the way at one time! They were just married last month, moved to this area, changed jobs, and bought their first home! As they were waiting for their home to close, they packed away all of their furniture and belongings and called a local motel "home" temporarily. They received many offers from friends and co-workers for shelter, but they didn't want to impose. My heart cried for them as I fought on their behalf on many issues related to their closing. As a caring agent, I want everything to go perfectly for every client and will do whatever it takes for a smooth and timely closing. Through it all, they kept smiles on their faces and continued to be thankful for many things, including me, their real estate agent! Their happiness and contentment was such an inspiration to me. I feel fortunate to have helped them realize the dream of owning their first home. Through the stress of marriage, moving, changing jobs and buying their first home as they began their new lives together, they held up impressively well. I think they are going to be just fine!
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Archived from previous website Congratulations Clemmons, NC !!! MONEY magazine and CNN/Money spent months looking for Great American Towns -- where you would want to raise your children and celebrate life's milestones. Starting with more than 1,300 cities, they selected 100 finalists. Factors considered were highest median income, average temperatures, safety, education, home prices, job growth, education spending, commute time, etc.
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