Marti Hampton

Shopping for a Home this Christmas?

2009-12-15T14:51:00.001-05:00

Hello Holidays Bloggers@ While, most folks are out Christmas shopping, homes are selling! Home buyers always seem to ask the same question, “is now the best time to buy a home?” Raleigh real estate and Cary real estate is “on sale”, but still home buyers ask, “Is this the bottom of the market?” Here are the facts.
Freddie Mac recently stated the average rate on a 30-year loan was 4.71% with an average 0.7 point, the lowest rate since the agency began its weekly tracking of long-term interest rates in 1971. A point is equal to 1% of the loan amount, payable as a lump sum at closing. While the decline wasn’t overly dramatic, the dip is likely to get people wondering whether it’s time to sign on the dotted line.

The 5 following questions may help you decide if now is the time to go ahead and purchase a home or refinance your current home.

Q: Why are rates so low?
A: Since early January, the Federal Reserve has been purchasing mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae in an effort to stabilize the housing market by making homes more affordable for consumers. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York, which is managing the program, plans on purchasing $1.25 trillion of securities.

Q: Are rates expected stay this low?
A: It’s hard to tell, but don’t count on it because the lending landscape is likely to change next year. In September 2009, the Fed said it would gradually wind down the purchase program, ending it by March 30, 2010. That has some in the mortgage lending industry worried. E-mail me now to see if you qualify for our current “no money down” loans at Marti@MartiHampton.com
In a recently published mortgage survey, more than 60% of Bankrate.com’s panel of experts predicted that rates will move higher over the next 30 to 45 days. How much higher is anyone’s guess? Last year at this time, the average 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage was 5.53%.

Q: Why do different mortgage surveys come up with different average interest rates?
A: It depends on which lenders are in their sample, when the survey was taken and whether the rates quoted are the posted rate, the application rate or the commitment rate. Also, some surveys take into account the points paid to secure the rate.
But regardless of the survey, the general consensus is that rates are ultra-low right now and may be the lowest the market will see.

Q: What else does a consumer need to know?
A: The lowest rates are offered to the most credit-worthy customers who can make sizable down payments. Shop not just for the interest rate and the points involved but also for the fees involved, which can vary widely from one lender to another.
If you’re refinancing, remember the bigger the loan, the greater the payoff for finding a lower interest rate. Savvy customers put in their paperwork with a lender and set a “strike” interest rate at which to lock in the loan, a good move considering rate volatility.
Several refinancing calculators are available online that let borrowers plug in all the required numbers and determine the monthly savings and how long it will take to recoup the expense of a refinancing.
Any home buyer that has not owned a home in the last 3 years qualifies for the $8000 Federal Tax Credit. But did you know that those same home buyers may also qualify for an additional $2000 MCC housing credit, earning them an incredible $10,000 the first year they buy a home and up to $2000 per year for 10 MORE YEARS!

Q: So is now the best time to buy a home?
A: It depends on personal situations. Homebuyers certainly have a lot of factors working in their favor right now—low interest rates, plenty of marked-down homes for sale and an extended and expanded federal tax credit that will expire in the spring.

On the flip side, there’s growing sentiment among analysts that housing prices, which are showing ever-so-minor improvement, may fall further. The reason? Lenders are expected to get better at determining which borrowers will qualify for loan modifications. That means lenders also will get faster at moving homes through the foreclosure process.
Our teams list of pre-foreclosure homes is growing by leaps and bounds. Top neighborhoods in Cary and North Raleigh now have some outstanding home values?
Idea! Is this the year for keys to your new homes in your Christmas stocking?
As always, God Bless and thanks for stopping by.

Operation Real Hope

2009-11-16T17:54:00.007-05:00

Hello Real Estate Bloggers.

Today, very little about Raleigh real estate and much about how many poor families we can join together and help this holiday season.

We need your help collecting coats and canned goods to be given to the poor this Holiday Season. Please join RE/MAX One Realty agents by going through your pantry and closet! Coats for all ages and sizes, new or in good condition will be accepted. Foods should be non-perishable food stuffs.

Please help someone in need stay warm and have a hot meal this year. Bring your donations to RE/MAX One Realty, 100 Lynn Road in Raleigh at the corner of Six Forks and Lynn directly across from the CVS. We will be open to receive your donations between 9 to 5 Monday through Friday. Call 919-781-9883, e-mail me at Marti@MartiHampton.com or just drop by from 9 to 5. Donations will be collected between now and Dec 11.

Feel free to contact me for more information! Thank you.

Tax Credits for All!!

2009-11-07T11:49:00.001-05:00

Dear Bloggers: I just received word that the US House passed the unemployment extension bill that contains the homebuyer tax credit extension/expansion and NOL carry back just a few minutes ago. The final tally was 403 to 12. We had a very strong bipartisan showing.

The tax credit extension would allow the first time home buyer tax credit of $8,000 to continue for homes under contract by April 30th with construction completed by June 30th. It also created a new tax credit for existing homeowners (who have been in their homes 5 years or more) of $6,500 until April 30th.

The full vote tally will be posted here in about 30-45 minutes, if you want to see how particular members voted:

http://clerk.house.gov/cgi-bin/vote.asp?year=2009&rollnumber=859

The bill now goes to the White House. We do not yet know when the bill will be sent over to the President or when it will be signed, other than we expect it to occur quickly.
It’s good to know they can agree on something in Washington! This will help real estate in Raleigh and Cary real estate and the entire Triangle! So I would consider the possible passage of this bill as good news for buyers and sellers. God Bless you and yours. marti

How about a Tax Credit for Move Up Home Buyers?

2009-10-29T14:06:00.002-04:00

Dear Real Estate Bloggers, For those of you keeping score on the first time home buyer tax credit extension, here is the latest:

— The tax credit would be $8,000 for first-time home buyers and $6,500 for move-up buyers (from December 1, 2009 to April 30, 2010).

— Move-up buyers will be eligible, so long as the home they are leaving has been used as their principal residence for 5 years or more.

— The tax credit would sunset on April 30, 2010. However, there would a binding contract rule that will permit those with contracts as of April 30th to qualify for the credit so long as they complete the transaction within 60 days.

— The income limits for both first-time home buyers and move-up buyers would be $125,000 for single return and $225,000 joint return.

— Cost of the home may not exceed $800,000 to be eligible.

— For purchases made in 2010, taxpayers would be able to claim the credit on their 2009 income tax return.

— Home buyers would not have to repay the credit, provided the home remains their principal residence for 36 months after the purchase date.

— The amendment includes a military waiver provision, meaning the recapture provision would not apply in the case of a member of the Armed Forces, military intelligence or Foreign Service who is on qualified official extended duty. In addition, members of the military who have been deployed overseas for 90 days or more in 2008 or 2009 would have until April 30, 2011, to claim the home buyer tax credit.

— The amendment also includes anti-fraud language that provides math authority to the IRS to do greater oversight during the processing of the return rather than waiting for an audit situation. The amendment requires the taxpayer claiming the credit to be 18 or older as well as requiring a HUD-1 settlement statement to be attached when claiming the credit.

AND supposedly, sometime after 11a, the Treasury and HUD Secretaries will officially call on Congress to extend the credit and the higher conforming loan limits.

This is the latest update from Washington. No doubt it will impact the Raleigh real estate, Cary real estate and entire Triangle market for the coming months. Please e-mail me with any questions Marti@MartiHampton.com
stop by again soon.

Washington will extend the $8000 tax credit, or not? It looks good for now.

2009-10-28T17:06:00.002-04:00

Hello Dear Bloggers, Just a short update on the $8000 tax credit. There is no doubt the tax credit has helped Raleigh real estate rebound in sales. Here is what we know right now on the status of will the $8000 tax credit be extended?
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Top Democrats in the Senate have reached an agreement to extend the soon-to-expire $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers, Senate Banking Committee Chairman Christopher Dodd said on Tuesday.
"We have that. Done," Dodd told reporters. He declined to specify the details of the agreement.
But a Republican who has worked with Dodd cautioned that they were still negotiating on the measure, which could come up for a vote on Tuesday evening as part of a package that would extend unemployment benefits.
"We're close, we're close but I can't get into any details until it's a done deal," said Republican Senator Johnny Isakson.
The popular tax credit, which has helped lift the housing market out of its worst slump since the Great Depression, is set to expire on November 30.
Dodd and Isakson want to extend the credit through June of next year and broaden it to anyone buying a primary residence, not just first-time buyers.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid had backed a narrower version which would extend the full credit through March and gradually phase it out through the end of 2010.
Dodd said that the deal would merge the two proposals.
We are sitting on the edge of our seat waiting and watching until this measure finalizes. Thanks for stopping by. Please e-mail me at marti@MartiHampton.com with any questions about real estate.

It Began as a Loan and is now a $8000 gift !!!

2009-10-22T16:59:00.001-04:00

Hello Bloggers – thanks for stopping by today. I spent a few minutes with Scot Fitzgerald on WPTF’s morning show this a.m. and the talk was about the $8k tax credit. The history on this current law began in 2008 when the Fed rolls out a $7500 tax credit. The 2008 tax credit did give an immediate credit for qualifying home buyers. Unfortunately, the credit was really a tax free loan. A little benefit maybe, but who is seeking additional debt in today’s world?

In 2009, this weak adventure in stimulating the real estate market turned to a true asset. The Feb began offering an $8000 tax credit for home buyers that have not owned a home in the past 3 years. There are income qualifications. A single tax payer may earn up to $95,000 and still qualify and a married couple may earn up to $150k with declining benefits up to a joint income of $170,000. To qualify, the home buyer must live in the principle property for 36 months. If they fulfill this 36 month principle residence, they DO NOT HAVE TO REPAY the tax credit. If you happened to have bought a home last year during when the $7500 tax free loan was in effect, you can simply fill an amended tax form.

Curious? Click here to email me.

One other advantage we talked about this morning was the additional $2000 tax credit that many if not most of our first time home buyers qualify for in addition to the $8000. My math may not be the best, but I can figure a $10,000 bonus when I see one! Please, if you know anyone that hasn’t owned a home in 3 years – tell them about this benefit – the time is running out. Will the Fed extended. I hope so, but Washington is a little busy these days. The program may not be the same. The Fed may revert back to the loan status, who really knows! Right now, $10,000 is possible to many buyers that qualify to buy a home today.

Interested in what was said on the radio? Click here to listen!

Stop by again soon, God Bless you and yours.

The Top 7 Reasons to Buy Your First Home Today

2009-09-18T12:36:00.004-04:00

Hello - thanks for stopping by. Time is running out for the $8000 tax credit for any home buyer that has not owned a home in the last 3 years. Here are the Top 7 Reasons to Buy Your First Home Today!!!

1. Free Money. The $8,000 tax credit for first time home buyers is valid before December 1, 2009. This is a special tax credit from the government that you don't have to pay back, as long as you stay in the home for at least 36 months.

2. Affordability. Based on recent property declines and current interest rates, home affordability has not been higher since it was first tracked over 40 years ago. Your grandparents couldn't have received a better interest rate than you can today.

3. Tax Breaks. The IRS allows you to deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, your property taxes and, in many cases for those who qualify, some of the costs to buy your home and mortgage insurance. Owning a home is a great way to lower your tax bill.

4. Build Wealth. Unlike paying rent, with each mortgage payment you make, you build equity and you decrease your income tax liability. Owning a home is still the best long-term investment.

5. Appreciation. As home prices have fallen precipitously in today's tough economy, the basis for realizing appreciation in future years is very strong. Historically, even with other periods of declining value, home prices have exceeded consumer inflation. From 1972 through 2005, home prices increased on average 6.5%, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

6. Stability. Knowing you can establish roots and raise a family in one location, free of the desires or needs of your landlord to sell the property you are living in. This is something no other investment provides. You can't live in a stock, and you can't raise your kids in a bond.

7. Independence. Enjoy the freedom to do what you want to your home. After all, it's yours to do what you wish. And, with any improvements you make, you have the ability to benefit from your investment. Try that with an apartment!

Having Trouble making your house payments?

2009-08-20T13:17:00.005-04:00

Hello Bloggers, thanks for stopping by today. My opening question is both provocative and timely. Approximately 25% of all home mortgages are in trouble. Although our area has not as hard hit as other areas in the US, we still have more homes than ever before going into foreclosure.

Recently I completed a designation for CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert). This has allowed our team to expand our service to include short sales. If you know of anyone facing foreclosure, behind on their payments or suffered a hardship that has caused them to get behind on their house payments, this is a credible option. The differences between going through foreclosure and engaging in a short sale of your home are vast. Please read this fact sheet about short sales (PDF, 928KB). Feel free to pass along as appropriate.

There is another benefit in dealing with the pre-foreclosure market. Short sale properties are often among the top home values available. Our team has the information concerning these pre-foreclosure homes BEFORE it is available market wide. Please e-mail me at marti@martihampton.com to receive a free list.

Until next time, God Bless you and yours.

Marti

Important dates ahead for home buyers and sellers in 2009

2009-08-14T17:33:00.003-04:00

Hello Bloggers: - I’ve wanted to catch up, but have been running hard to keep up with the fast paced Triangle real estate market. I wanted to let you know about two important dates ahead in 2009 that may influence the value of your real estate. If you are buying or selling Raleigh real estate or Cary real estate, the importance of these dates will highlight “timing is everything!”

First, November 30, 2009 is the last day to earn the $8000 tax credit for home buyers that have not owned a home in the last 3 years. This means that your home loan must be CLOSED by November not in process. One day later, will cost you $8000. Even if you don't qualify for this benefit on your next home purchase, prospective buyers for your present home, may. Since 51% of our market is first time home buyers, this is an important date that may result in more home buyer prospects for your home before November than afterwards. More buyers mean a higher price for your home.

Second, December 30, 2009 the Federal Government will stop buying mortgage backed securities. It is my belief that interest rates are currently artificially lower because the Fed is buying mortgage securities. Interest rates will go higher when there is less demand for mortgage securities. Higher rates mean fewer home buyers with less buying power.

Our local market is still hot and cold. I am experiencing multiple offers on certain price ranges and locations. Of course, the reverse is true of other areas and price ranges. Through 2009 started out weaker than 2008, we pulled even in comparable sales in July and I predict that sales will rally towards the end of this year for the reasons I outline above.
God Bless you and yours. Thanks for stopping by and here is a question from my prospective. Shouldn’t back to school shopping include buying a new home? Mh

Independance Day and Cap and Trade talk

2009-07-03T15:44:00.003-04:00

Dear Bloggers – thanks for stopping by. Raleigh real estate is keeping me quite busy. My days are longer and longer, but they never seem long enough to get to my blog. Today, I will make the time.

The celebration of Independence Day is quite special to me. And I do want to reflect on the current economy and the bill called Cap and Trade just passed.
Cap & Trade continues the long list of assaults against the most perfect form of government ever devised by man. Of course I mean American capitalism. Independence Day seems the perfect time to share my voice and concern about the path of government.

Our heritage of capitalism has allowed more prosperity to thrive in this country than anywhere else in the world. People from around the world still stand in lines to get here, they still steal across boarders in the middle of night and they board shabby vessels to float across to the shores we call home. Yet our own country is divided.

The current Cap and Trade bill has many negative aspects for the real estate industry. The bill, if passed, provides that homes sold submit to an “ECO test” to determine any environmental and energy inefficiencies. Each home would receive a rating before the home can be sold. This would bring more havoc to our real estate industry. Regulations have consequences as do elections.

Among the other hidden factors in this bill is a new direct deposit transfer of wealth that would go to anyone earning up to 150% of the poverty level in the US. Poverty level is 10k for a single person and up to 24k for a family of 4. Americans that qualify would receive cash back for the coming rise in energy costs. More welfare.

Real estate values are down. In our area, we are very fortunate indeed. While the number of sales is lower this year, our home values are stable with the exception of higher priced homes and certain areas that harbor high foreclosure activity. E-mail me directly for information about foreclosures and short sales at marti@MartiHampton.com

Our form of government has 233 years of evidence that it works far better for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness than any other in the world. But now, economic growth is negative and unemployment is in double digits.

Instead of bailing out mortgage companies, our government could have opened up the small, private investor market and spurred growth in the housing sector by giving tax incentives to all buyers, including investment buyers. The 80’s were alive with the small investors investing in rental houses. This act alone would have drastically reduced the harm that bail outs and stimulus packages continue to have on the housing market and economy in general. There is one reason our government chose not to do this. It was not because it doesn’t work – it’s been proved to work! The reason your elected congressmen and representatives chose NOT to vote for tax incentives is that it would have given power back to American people to begin taking control of our economy again. It’s that simple. We have to face the fact that the monster government we’ve elected prefers us all sitting on the edge of our seat waiting for their next demolition move to our economy.

If I sound a bit pessimistic about our current path, you’ve accessed my position correctly. I believe and want the best for every American; I don’t look at people and see victims. I see those that are exceptional. We have the ability to be our best – or our worst, because we have FREEDOM. Our freedom gives us the possibility of risk and the reward of that risk is both failure and success. Thank God for that freedom. The thought that some should not have more than others has fueled a movement to try to equalize all Americans. I do not agree with equally divided misery, equally divided mediocrity, or the illusion of equality divided security! The beauty of America is that everyone can be better than we think we can be. Government just needs to get out of the way.

This is not exactly the kind of blog you write if you are seeking business. So if you disagree with me, I hope you’ll forgive me for indulging in my own opinion on the occasion of Independence Day. God bless you and yours and God Bless America.

Real Estate Update for week of May 11. 2009

2009-05-16T12:30:00.002-04:00

Hello Real Estate Bloggers. Thanks for stopping by today.

Everyone always ask me “How’s Real Estate Marti”. The answer is real estate is very busy. Real estate is also very stressful. Real estate is stressful in good times, but in bad times the stress just keeps on coming. After all, moving your household is in the top 4 or 5 of all the top stress categories. Who makes up those lists anyway? We are right up there with divorce and loosing a job – great company, ah?

More than once this week I heard that, while things are bad, the rate at which they are getting worse is slowing down. Unemployment and manufacturing both showed their rate of decline slowing. So, while it’s still bad, the rate of “bad-er” is slower.
But if real estate will lead us out of this recession, then it appears that the ship is turning. Last week the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported that the pending home sales index increased for the second straight month due to increased affordability created by lower prices and low mortgage rates. This is influenced by the spring buying season, but it’s still a positive. NAR also said that the median existing home price increased and that months of home inventory remained steady.

The giant ship we call the economy is beginning to turn. But like an aircraft carrier, it takes a while and momentum carries it forward before it comes about. We WILL see another drop in the stock market and ups and downs in real estate reports, but the basic fundamentals are starting to firm up.

This week rates dropped to a range between 4.625% & 5.0% depending on points and credit score.

There are two schools of thought on the economy. One says America is finished as the world super power and our economy will sink or at best take 10 years to recover. The other view, says we’ll rebound soon (and in fact already are) and have slow steady growth. If you think the “doom and gloom” folks have got it right – please don’t buy a home.

If you agree with me that America’s has not seen it’s best days yet, you might want to e-mail or call me now to buy a home or trade up to a better holding. When you hear that the buyers market we have today is disappearing, it will be too late for you to benefit from both low mortgage rates and a lower priced home.

Thanks for stopping by. You’all come back now, hear. God Bless. Mh

What advice does Warren Buffett have for Home Buyers?

2009-04-04T18:03:00.001-04:00

Hello Bloggers, Thanks for stopping by this weekend. It’s 5:28 p.m. Do you know where your real estate professional is?

Marti Hampton is right here in her office! I’ve completed my appointments for the day and am getting ready to do some paperwork that requires quiet reflection of the current market condition to review plans for our sellers and buyers to reach their goals in real estate. The market has picked up with showings and with offers. I am looking forward to seeing March’s numbers of pending sales. I feel a “change” a coming! Since Raleigh real estate and Cary real estate lagged behind the 2.1% national gain posted nationally, I am convinced our Triangle market will not be far behind.

Warren Buffett’s is quoted giving real estate advice as such: “Be a buyer of real estate when everyone else wants to sell real estate”. It sounds so simple when he says it. I was asked to join a meeting at WRAL last week and was asked by one of the executives to answer “What is the problem with the real estate market and why we are not currently selling more homes?” I don’t remember how I answered that question, but have thought a lot about the answer since that meeting. After all, why aren’t we selling more homes?

The answer I believe is closest to the truth is that we have a crisis of national confidence and it hit critical mass (I hope several months ago). We got so much negative news that we all went on overload. The news media is not all roses and hearts now, but it’s backed off of the intensity that it was at the height. So we’re beginning to believe again.
My personal belief that a simple tax credit of $18,000 for ANYONE that buys real estate would have given us a jump start on getting homes sold to borrowers that have good credit. Send that idea to your congressmen and representatives if you dare. I certainly have. Mail them a tea bag too while you are at it. Here is my last opinion of the day. The Fed printed money last week. A lot of money! When this happens, you can bet that inflation will not be far behind. House prices will go up right along with everything else. Even during this slow down, Triangle real estate has risen slightly during a recession. Imagine what it will do during inflation. Rates will also go up.

Buy a great home in a great location or trade up or down for a better home in a stronger location that will be a solid investment. Then pay your mortgage off! If you have questions about what really is a good investment in real estate – that’s what we are here for! Call or e-mail me at marti@martihampton.com. I’d love to hear from you. Till next time, God Bless and have a great weekend.

Current Mortgage information for Raleigh real estate Home Buyers

2009-03-31T11:09:00.001-04:00

Hello Bloggers, thanks for stopping by today. What is one of the biggest factors that effect Raleigh real estate and Cary real estate? Answer – Mortgage rates. I want to be sure to send out important news about refinancing or purchasing a home. The media has been speaking about rates dropping. It is very important that we share news that the Chief Executive of Freddie Mac said last Friday that home rates are near the BOTTOM! Now really is the time to buy. Here is the update for mortgage rates today, please read carefully.

MMG Update - Tuesday, March 31, 2009 10:17am ET
Current Trend Direction: Sideways
Risks favor: Floating for now
Current Price of FNMA 4.0% Bond: $100.62, +12bp
In light of the recent price improvement in Mortgage Bonds, we have now switched our focus back to the FNMA 30-year 4.0% Bond. This change is reflected on the Bond Page and text messaging.
Mortgage Bonds are trading slightly higher so far this morning, and Stocks are looking to rebound after yesterday's sell off.
Interesting note that supports our views on the unlikelihood of rates moving much lower - last Friday, Jack Koskinen, interim chief executive of Freddie Mac, said that home loan rates are near the bottom and that any further decreases will be small. Mr. Koskinen commented on mortgage rates after he attended the meeting between President Obama and the CEO's of the financial services companies on Capitol Hill. Perfect opportunity to get the word out to clients who are sitting on the fence waiting for that 4% rate...now is the time to purchase or refinance as rates are at historically low levels, and not likely to move much lower.
Add this news to the $8000 tax credit available for all buyers that have not owned a home in the last 3 years and you have a winning combination for immediate home equity gain, if you follow one simple rule. The rule is NEVER shop for real estate with a amateur. It’s just to big of an investment. Call or e-mail us today to get started ifinding the right home value for you.
As always, God Bless and drop by again soon. Marti

Do you Want More Energy?

2009-03-28T14:45:00.000-04:00

Hello Happy Bloggers, thanks for stopping by. Usually, as you would guess, my blog entries center on Raleigh real estate and Cary real estate. In general, the market is moving right along. I would not describe the pace of sales a fast nor slow, just steady. It’s still the best time to buy a home in years and take an 8K tax break if you haven’t owned a home in the last 3 years.

But ENERGY not Triangle real estate is the point of time with you today. If you’ve been blessed (as I have) with an abundance of energy, you are fortunate and blessed. However, if you’ve ever lived through a period of time where you are drained emotionally or physically, you’ve likely seen your energy dip. I can relate! Earnestly, I feel that the headlines and daily news have been draining many of us in small business.

About 2 years ago, I ran into a past customer that told me about a product that gave her new found, boundless energy. I immediately wanted to know more. It was a simple program of a tonic, morning energy shake and occasional cleanse day. Frankly, a cleanse day never appealed to me, but I ordered the whole program and began my new regime.

At once, when I began the tonic and daily shake, I found I did not crave junk food! Everyone has their weakness and mine was a sugar addition joined with caffeine on a daily basis. Immediately, I did not crave sugar! It was huge for me. Part of the produce line was a simple energy packet to be added to bottled water that was appropriately called “Want More Energy”. These two things worked so well for me the first few weeks, I did not even look to see what else was in the box.
Long story short. I lost a few pounds, but the real story was the difference in how I felt each day. I decided if the morning tonic and shake could do this for me, what else could this program offer? So I decided to try a cleanse day. The day before my cleanse, I took two shakes, one in the a.m. and one in the p.m. The day of my cleanse, I drank the bottled cleanse product and the little wafers provided. My reaction the next day was startling. The immediate difference in the clarity of thought was amazing. The crisp, clean way you felt when you were in your teens and twenties was BACK in a big way.

Since diagnosed with a life threatening health issues in my twenties, I’ve always been open to how nutritional products. I tried hundreds of vitamins. None have ever made me “feel” different. This one did. For that reason, I will never be without these products. I know with certainty that our foods do not provide us with the nutrition that our bodies need to maximum health. That’s why I add a simple shake a day, a tonic and an occasional cleanse day to wake up my body’s natural vitality. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in knowing more about, e-mail me at marti@MartiHampton.com and I’ll tell you how to get started.
I know it takes high energy for my job and family. Yours too, I’ll bet. Contact me anytime, and as always, God Bless you and yours.

Wil Home Morgage Rates move Up or Down and How Soon?

2009-03-21T15:30:00.002-04:00

Hello Bloggers, Thanks for stopping by on the weekend. I head rumors of mortgage rate increases and wanted to get the scoop. I asked a lender friend, Michael Martin of WR Starkey Mortgage to update me on what our buyers should be expecting on rates in the next few months. Raleigh real estate and Cary real estate remain a tremendous value. When inflation kicks in (and it will) the home prices we have now will go significantly higher. Add a higher priced home and a higher interest rate and buyers loose the buying edge of today's historic market.

Here are Michael Martin’s comments about our local financial market ......

Lightning strikes twice! This week the Fed announced that they will purchase an additional $750B of mortgage backed securities (the fed has purchased almost $235B year to date). So, just as it happened in January, rates dipped on the news. However, core CPI (Consumer Price Index - a measure of inflation) came in up 1.8% this week after being flat in January. Even in this economy we still see inflation and that is what keeps upward pressure on rates. And, just as in January, after the initial drop we see rates ticking back up. That’s OK with the FED though as their MAIN goal is to purchase enough mortgages to keep rates in that ‘high 4 - low 5’ percent zone through the end of 2009, but not necessarily push them dramatically lower. The extra time is needed so that congress’ new 105% refinance / foreclosure abatement plan, which is just kicking in, will be able to take advantage of the lower rate environment.

Bottom line - although the media is already spinning it differently, this is still NOT a time to wait and hope for lower rates. Your clients have a short window to grab the dip before history repeats itself and rates drift back up. Regardless, home loan rates remain within inches of all-time historic lows, but may not necessarily move lower based on this purchasing plan – Tell your clients to ACT now and that waiting is a very risky move.

This week the 30 year fixed rate is between 4.5% to 4.75% depending on credit and program type. Have a great weekend

Sincerely,
The Martin Mortgage Group
WR Starkey Mortgage
Michael A. Martin Tom Deadmore Tonya Martin
Raleigh Branch Manager Mortgage Planner Mortgage Loan Coordinator
Office: 919-845-2150 Office: 919-845-2150 Office: 919-845-2150
Mobile: 919-612-9978 Mobile: 919-625-1935 Mobile: 919-215-9743
Fax: 866-546-8920 Fax: 866-546-8920 Fax: 866-546-8919
mmartin@wrstarkey.com

As always, thanks for stopping by today. Call or e-mail us with questions. God Bless. Marti

Finally, some good news about real estate!

2009-03-20T12:39:00.005-04:00

Hello Happy Bloggers! If you’ve been following this week, I’ve given you over 10 reasons to buy real estate NOW instead of waiting for the news media to finally give you some good news about the real estate industry. Here is my wrap-up about why buying a home in the Triangle should be on the top of your agenda, especially if you have been putting off buying a first home or moving to a larger home.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has estimated that a one percentage point decrease in mortgage rates will increase home sales by more than 500,000. As of the first of the year, mortgage rates were at a 50 year low!
The average price of a home from November 2000 to November 2008 has increased by 17%. That’s worth saying again – a 17% increase in the price of homes. Has your stock portfolio performed that well?
NAR’s affordability index jumped to 131 at the end of 2008, up 17% from 2007 figures. The index indicated that households earning the national median income have 131% of the income needed to buy a home priced at the national average.

Finally, I want to give you a statistic that is truly staggering – are you ready? Over 30% of Americans own their home outright with no mortgage at all! Next time that someone tells you that this is the next Great Depression, please give them that number. Want to know how so many have achieved outright homeownership? Certainly they lived a disciplined life, but they also knew when and where to buy real estate. Many times they kept buying homes, improving them and then selling those homes until they were buying homes on an all-cash basis. Their advantage was knowing when and where to buy and sell real estate.

Do you want to own your home free and clear? Contact us now to find the very best homes on today’s market.

Have a blessed weekend,

Should you buy a home now, or wait and see if prices drop further?

2009-03-19T16:40:00.003-04:00

Hello Bloggers, thanks for stopping by today. I have to smile because the news media just keeps gleefully churning out negative comments about my beloved real estate industry! But that’s OK; I can ignore the hype because I’ve seen it before. The media conveniently forgets that real estate has been the single largest wealth creator for countless thousands of Americans. I am not talking about a "condo scheme" in Miami, or jumping on a Californian house of cards. I still believe that the American Home, thoughtfully purchased with the guiding hand of a trusted Realtor as an adviser, will be an investment that will weather this economic current quite nicely.

By the way, we would love to be your trusted adviser to find the right home for sale in Raleigh real estate or Cary/Apex real estate. If a home sounds like an investment you’d like to make in this buyer’s market, click here to talk to us.

Here are 3 more facts to consider:

North Carolina's population rose 2% during 2008, making it the nation’s fourth fastest growing state.
Three of the five best-performing real estate markets in the country for the first three quarters of 2008 were in North Carolina, according to Zillow.
UNC-Charlotte’s Carolina Economic Forecast has predicted that growth should begin in the second quarter of 2009, with the gross state productivity advancing by 1.4%.

These are very encouraging facts I believe would give confidence to the market IF they were being reported. Please tell others! See you tomorrow for more great news about Raleigh and Cary real estate.

Thanks for stopping by, and God bless you and yours.

Is NOW the Right Time to Buy a Home? Fact and Fiction

2009-03-18T16:45:00.004-04:00

Hello, thanks again for stopping by today. My mission is to get the FACTS out about buying Raleigh and Cary real estate in order to overcome all of the negative information that the national media pumps into our homes daily. Here are more facts to help you "take back control of your mind!"

Did you know?

North Carolina is consistently at the forefront of affordable housing.
Relocation.com states that for every 100 people leaving North Carolina, 180 move in.
The National Association of Realtors estimates the impact of the stimulus package and lower interest rates on the housing market to result in about 900,000 additional home sales in 2009 compared to conditions before the stimulus was passed.

It’s not rocket science folks – the market will be and is rebounding. Stop by tomorrow (or if you can't wait that long, click here to visit our website) for more facts they don’t tell your family on the nightly news!

As always, God bless and come back soon.

Is now the time to buy - or should you wait?

2009-03-17T16:56:00.007-04:00

Hello bloggers, thanks for stopping by today. I’m on a two day roll of adding info to my blog. I am doing this so YOU will begin to feel confident that NOW is the time to buy a home instead of waiting on “everyone” else to figure it out. Using facts, not emotion, is the way to make a solid decision. When you think about all the negative emotion that the 24/7 news media has injected into our lives for the last year, it’s a wonder we can even think at all! Here are some facts to consider:

North Carolina ranks among the lower half of US states for foreclosed homes
NC state chartered banks are better equipped than many national banks to handle loan losses. It also means that it is much easier to get a loan with a lower down payment than other more distressed states in the US. To find the very best loan available right now – click here.
In January of 2009, while US foreclosure rates were 18% higher, NC foreclosures DECREASED 29.3%

Come by again tomorrow and I promise to give you three more reasons to make the decision to buy a home NOW versus waiting for the news media to find some "good news." Raleigh real estate and Cary real estate continue to be a value, but the secret is beginning to surface. DO NOT WAIT until everyone else gets their emotions under control – buy a home when you’re supposed to buy a home – IN A BUYERS MARKET!

Take Care – God Bless and stop by again tomorrow.

How does Raleigh real estate cand Cary real estate ompare to the rest of US

2009-03-14T16:41:00.002-04:00

Hello Bloggers, thanks for stopping by. I am the “good news” realtor today with many reasons why you should STOP listening to the National new media’s negative focus on real estate. Just like politics, all real estate is local. Raleigh real estate and Cary real estate are solid investments and NOW is the very best time in years to buy your dream home or buy your first home. We have some very strong indications that NC real estate is turning around and is poised for a rebound of steady continued growth in last two quarters of this year.
If you are buying a home, consider these facts:
• The NC Association of Realtors reported a 30% decrease in foreclosures for the month of November 2008 and a 13% decrease from 30 days prior.
• USA today reported that over half of the nations foreclosure happened in 35 counties – NONE of which are in North Carolina.
• Market’s where the number of foreclosed homes are high yield homes that are well below market value. The fewer foreclosure homes in any area give you the best option for buying a home that is a solid investment.
If you need more reasons, why not contact us to learn how to put $8000 free and clear into your pocket, fire your landlord and position yourself to earn some real money in real estate by buying at the best time in years. Call or e-mail us today! We are waiting.
God Bless and visit tomorrow for some additional FACTS about our area real estate statistics.

Survey - Have we hit the Housing Market Bottom Yet?

2009-02-27T18:37:00.002-05:00

Hello Happy Bloggers! It felt like spring today, perhaps that’s the reason home showings we UP! There are all kind of ways to forecast the real estate market, One of the best is found on a web site called “Builderonline.com ”. As you can imagine, builders are very interested in deciding how to adjust their business plans based on likely home sales.

Builderonline.com in conjunction with Handley Wood Market Intelligence, just debuted there metric system for determining market with the best and least potential for 2009. Raleigh real estate came in a strong #6 in projected strong markets for 2009. The first five spots where taken by Texas. We tar heels hate to loose to Texas, but they are 5 times our state’s size. North Carolina came up with 3 spots on the top 15 Hot List of the Healthiest Housing Markets. They listed Raleigh first at the #6 spot, Charlotte hung in there with a #12 spot and Wilmington ranked #14.
As I’ve stated before, when you see the first signs of recovery, we are on our way up. I’ve always known North Carolina real estate is a great buy. Now, we’re seeing the positive headlines come once again to the tar heel state. See this article and click here to e-mail me your thoughts on “have we hit the bottom yet.”

Does the Stimulus Package Help Your Real Estate Holdings?

2009-02-17T19:45:00.002-05:00

Hello – thanks for stopping by my blog today. It has been quite a while since I’ve had time to write. Seems it takes a lot more time than usual to sell real estate these days! My days are full of selling homes, marketing homes, answering questions for buyers and sellers and staying on top of a very challenging 2009 real estate market. Here is the latest on our new stimulus bill:
The bill was just signed and sealed…a $787 Billion Stimulus Plan made up of tax cuts and spending programs aims at reviving the US economy. Although the package was scaled down from nearly $1 Trillion, it still stands as the largest anti-recession effort since World War II.
Home owners and potential homebuyers in Raleigh real estate market stand to gain from key provisions in this stimulus plan. Here is what we know as of today...

Tax Credit for Homebuyers
First-time homebuyers who purchase homes from the start of the year until the end of November 2009 may be eligible for the lower of an $8,000 or 10% of the value of the home tax credit. Remember a tax credit is very different than a tax deduction – a tax credit is equivalent to money in your hand, as opposed to a tax deduction which only reduces your taxable income.
The tax credit starts phasing out for couples with incomes above $150,000 and single filers with incomes above $75,000. Buyers will have to repay the credit if they sell their homes within three years. Home buyers in the Raleigh and Cary real estate market will benefit greatly from this new tax credit.

Additional Housing-Related Provisions
Tax Incentives to Spur Energy Savings and Green Jobs — This provision is designed to help promote energy-efficient investments in homes by extending and expanding tax credits through 2010 for purchases such as new furnaces, energy-efficient windows and doors, or insulation.
Landmark Energy Savings — This provision provides $5 Billion for energy efficient improvements for more than one million modest-income homes through weatherization. According to some estimates, this can help modest-income families save an average of $350 a year on heating and air conditioning bills.
More Help for Homeowners in the Future
Another thing to keep an eye on in the coming weeks is President Obama’s plan to help struggling borrowers before they are faced with a default on their mortgage.
According to reports, the Obama administration is discussing plans to help borrowers who are struggling to stay afloat, but who have not yet fallen behind on their payments. At this point, details are scarce; however, reports indicate that President Obama is looking to spend approximately $50 Billion to directly help homeowners before they face foreclosure and financial disaster.
While this is good news for individual homeowners, it will likely be good for the housing industry as a whole. That’s because, assisting struggling borrowers before they default should help stop the wave of foreclosures, which are estimated to top two million this year. That, in turn, will help stabilize home prices.
The Economic Stimulus Plan is huge, and impacts a number of industries. I’ve highlighted some of the major provisions that may impact real estate.
Thanks for stopping by my blog today. I hope these details help you make plans for your real estate holdings in 2009. It will be a challenging year. As always, if I can help in any way, please contact me. Take care and God Bless.

What is up with Rates today?

2009-01-12T10:56:00.002-05:00

Hello - thanks for stopping by. Just a quick post to let you know the Federal Reserve will be continuing to buy Mortgage Backed Securities this week. This action will help provide support for maintaining rates at these historic low levels.

It is extremely important for potential buyers to recognize we are at the intersection of a GREAT opportunity. Home Prices are great values today AND rates are at a level not seen in over 40 years. I realize that many potential Buyers have a home to sell before they can move up to a larger home. There is great benefit in selling your current home for a price, perhaps slightly less than you would prefer, TO GAIN the future benefit of a greater appreciation on larger home. The appreciation return on the new, larger home will exponentially greater than their current home. Plus, with rates being this low, the payment on a new, larger home may be much lower than they expected.

Remember, Raleigh real estate and Triangle real estate are "on sale"! Ask yourself this question, "Will home prices ever be this low again". My answer is NO! Call or e-mail us today for our TOP TEN BEST BUYS IN WAKE COUNTY.

Have a great week. God Bless. mh

What are Creative Ways to Buy and Sell Real Esate?

2009-01-08T13:41:00.002-05:00

Hello Bloggers- thank you for stopping by. The real estate market is "rolling" into 2009 and please don't miss the great opportunities in our current market.

Raleigh real estate and Cary real estate homeowners have always enjoyed one of the most robust housing markets in the US. Lately, more "creative" ways of selling real estate has become common. Our team is leading the way. We sell more homes than any other real estate team in the Triangle and are ranked the #1 real estate team on the East Coast. This did not happen by accident! When our competitors have been bemoaning a “down market”,our team has been actively finding creative ways to make sales happen thrill both buyer and seller. Today I want to talk about buying and selling a home by using a lease-purchase or a lease-option. Here are more about these tools.

The definition of a lease-purchase is a contract that has a set price, a set closing date and is preceded with an agreed upon amount of monthly rental. The key elements to this type contract are the amount of earnest money and/or security deposit and what portion, if any, of the monthly payment the seller is willing to apply towards price of home or the buyer’s down-payment. Another term for a lease-purchase is a delayed closing.

A lease-option is similar to a contingency offer. The same requirements as stated above apply with the exception that the buyer has the "option" to close or not to close at the agreed upon amount. All the terms of this type offer are negotiable between buyer and seller.

The down side to a seller is a home that is rented, not closed and is ready for costly repairs. The down side for a buyer is locking into a price and having the market go lower.

Another factor in deciding if a seller should consider a lease-purchase is the cyclical as well as seasonal nature of the Raleigh and Cary real estate. In fact, the market does hold promise of a higher number of sales in Spring and Summer than winter. I recommend that sellers and home owner take into consideration the factor of seasonal market increase. Sometimes when a seller has suffered through a very “dry” season of “no sales” and ”few buyers” they get discouraged at just the wrong time and decide to rent or try a lease purchase when they should hold on until their home has had time to be presented in a stronger market. Did you hear, “timing is everything”?

Thank you so much for stopping by today. I love hearing from you, so please give me an e-mail sometime, I’d love to hear from you. God Bless you and yours. Remember, real estate is “on sale” and it’s will not last forever, so go buy some!

What is Realty Happening in Raleigh and Cary Real Estate Market during the Holidays?

2008-12-26T12:39:00.002-05:00

Hello Bloggers – Thanks for stopping by today. What a perfect Christmas. The only thing that is missing is snow. I headed out to Williamsburg with the family to celebrate the holidays. I had not been to Williamsburg in years and it was so pleasant to slow down, step back in time and review our countries heritage and history along with the biggest Christian celebration of the year. We are so blessed.
Maybe the very best thing about getting away was leaving the media behind. The media is, after all, a whirlwind of non stop negativity especially about the real estate industry.
Here is a reminder for you and yours. Now is the VERY best time ever to BUY a home. Of course you’ve heard me say this before. But the media has a louder and strong voice than a lone realtor. Plus, people believe the news media, when the media says that banks aren’t lending money. However, that’s just not true! In fact it’s a complete falsehood. But the ones who are being believed are the ones who have the airwave power.
So I must do what I can to get out the truth. Tell anyone you know who has even thought about getting a loan to buy a property. Here are the facts. The first fact is to prove to people that this is the very best time to buy should be done with real numbers. For example: If a seller was selling a home last year at $290,000, he would probably get $280,000 for it, and the buyer would end up paying $2025/mo using a 6.25% interest rate. That’s reality. However the same house 1 year later would sell for $265,000 and the buyer would end up paying $1735/mo using a 5% interest rate. That’s reality. A home buyer right now would be buying a house worth $290-$300,000 and only paying $1735/mo…..that’s the reason we need to help homebuyers understand today’s great opportunities that will not last.
It is true that Raleigh real estate and Cary real estate continue to favor the home buyers. This creates the best buyers market in years. There are many sellers that were considering selling their homes in 2006 or early 2007 when we had a stronger seller market. Unfortunately, many sellers delayed their plan to sell until is was “ONE DAY TOO LATE”! If you have a family member, friend or if YOU have been considering buying a home, act now! Buyers markets’ pass quickly and you do not want to be the buyer that waited “ONE DAY TOO LATE”. Right now, you can earn you years of equity value by making the right home purchasing decision. Even though every home looks like “the deal of the century” this is not reality. When you take time to choose the right representation and prepare yourself for the home buying journey (Our “Smart Buyers Home Buyer Guide” is the best way to prepare). Call or e-mail me to make sure you get all the advantages in buying your next home.
Until then, God Bless and may you have a very healthy and happy 2009! Marti