Marti Hampton

2011 Best Places for Military Retirement

2011-11-15T10:51:00.000-05:00

Raleigh makes yet another "best place to live" list!! Please read this article to see where Raleigh ranked!

How's The Real Estate Market?

2011-10-31T16:29:00.000-04:00

If you have real estate in Cary, North Carolina or are interested in real estate property values- do not miss the weeks "How's the Real Estate Market" report from Marti Hampton of RE/MAX One's top selling team in Triangle NC

What is the Best Day to List Real Estate for sale?

2011-10-23T16:42:00.000-04:00

The Marti Hampton Team of Remax One Realty is the top sales team in the Triangle area for selling previously owned homes. No one sells more homes in Raleigh real estate or Cary real estate. When you list as many homes as I do, you can bet that we (my team & I) have the basic’s covered very well.

Truthfully, I don’t like basic anything. Basic means average in my book and average is unacceptable. Just the basics are not what I’m interested in delivering. I want cutting edge, stellar service and I want the latest and greatest technology and tools to sell my listings. In addition, I want ‘real time’ market input on what our current market is doing and how that will affect my sellers home’s value and their bottom line proceeds at closing. I want to be on top of the market, not following the market. Frankly, we are more in touch with our area's market pulse than anyone. I use this information to make daily recommendations to give my seller clients advantage.

I list and sell many homes. We do the job very well. Just to put this in prospective, any agent selling their 20th home is doing ‘on the job’ training with your homes listing. . When you’ve sold 5000 homes you’re level of expertise is much stronger and sharper. I’ve always asked “do you choose a doctor that has done few surgeries to perform open heart surgery on you or your loved one or do you want the surgeon that’s preformed thousands?” My bet is on the more experienced doctor....... the same goes for the agent.

Real estate is not open heart surgery, but it is still very important to families and home owners. Recently I found an ‘edge’ for my home sellers. An in depth study over the past 21 months with 12 million home listings. Their study revealed the day of week your home goes on the market matters! The study revealed that homes that were listed on ‘this’ day were 12% more likely to sell within 90 days and would sell closer to list price. That is $1000 extra for a $200,000 home. The study also showed that if your home was listed on this ‘lucky’ day, your home was 18% more likely to be toured by prospective buyers. Makes sense, doesn’t it? More showings, more offers, more offers equal a higher sales price and result in more homes sold. What is the day?

Tomorrow morning, I will be directing my team to follow this new evidence and make a slight procedure change with each newly listed home for our team. What day? ...................... I'll tell you later. However, if you are serious about selling your home in Wake County, call us. We study the market everyday to give our home sellers every imaginable edge to sell their home for top dollar in our current market. I'd love to hear from you. Marti

Whats the Plan?

2011-10-19T16:42:00.000-04:00

I am honored to be mentioned in the RE/MAX Above Magazine- Please click on the link and read about my real estate ideas and business plans.

what is a great agent worth?

2011-10-19T16:04:00.000-04:00

Hello Bloggers, I’ve had the pleasure and hard work of selling Raleigh real estate and Cary real estate for over 20 years. Most days are really good, Some days – not so much. During the present challenging market, it is great to hear an ‘atta’ girl now and then. Most home sellers don’t understand fully what exactly they are paying for when they hire an agent. That is a question worth asking and finding the answers.

One of the ‘many’ things a great agent does for you is to give your home the benefit of network and influence. Once upon a time, real estate was a local game, but that was in a land long ago and far away. Today, let’s talk ‘global’ reach. Ask your agent, what will your network do to help me reach buyers across the US and ‘globally’. Check out the wonderful referral we just received from another agent in Pennsylvania. The tragedy is that home sellers don’t usually know what they are missing when they list their home and it doesn’t sell. Length of time in the business, monthly, yearly advertising and building one’s network is not easily ‘seen’ by the public. The results are a ‘sold sign’.

Greetings Marti,

Just read your advice in the latest issue of ABOVE magazine. Didn't know you were famous when I refered you and your team. Having worked with your staff thus far I understand why you rank where you do. The Weymers are thrilled , so I am very pleased. It's just too bad you're so far away...I'd love to do more business with you Marti! It's been a pleasure.

Thanks for everything!

Regards,

Barry Lausch

Realtor , GRI

RE/MAX of Reading

1290 Broadcasting Road

Wyomissing, PA 1961

Buy Low and Sell High

2011-09-27T15:04:00.000-04:00

Local home buyers that are interested in buying a home in Raleigh or Cary have several 'little known' financing options. I will be blogging more about these options this week. One of my favorite loan options gives a prospective home buyer with good credit scoring but little cash the option to qualify for a 100% loan.

this program has several options:
Inside Wake county:

Income for a family up to $63,000 with a credit score of 660 would be eligible for 100% financing with no mortgage insurance

Income for a family up to $78,000 would be 3% down with no mortgage insurance (so still less per month than FHA)

There are other areas where you can use the loan and their are no income limitations and the loan amount goes up to $470,000

If you wish to learn more about this special program of financing - call or email us at Marti@MartiHampton.com or 919 781 9883. We would love to show you how to take advantage of the lowest home prices in 25 years! There has never been a better time to make the advice "buy low and sell high' to work for you. marti

Na-na-na-na! We’re a better place to live than Honolulu !!!

2011-09-21T11:25:00.000-04:00

And I can prove it!!! Click here:

http://finance.yahoo.com/real-estate/article/113528/americas-best-cities-2011-businessweek

Take that all you buff surfers! American’s rate everything on a 1 to 10 system and everyone knows #1 is the place we crave. Congratulations “City in the Park’. I’m proud of you "City in the Park'. Marti

ACE Club Promo

2011-09-13T16:37:00.000-04:00

Please take a look at this video to see all the exciting opportunities that the ACE Club has to offer!!

7 Rules for Smart Home Buyers - Rule #6

2011-06-10T11:54:00.001-04:00

North Carolina Realtor, Marti Hampton of Re/Max One Realty presents Rule #6 in the 7 Rules for Smart Home Buyers, details on "how to buy" Raleigh and Cary North Carolina's real estate.

7 Rules for Smart Home Buyers - Rule #5

2011-05-31T13:50:00.000-04:00

North Carolina Realtor, Marti Hampton of Re/Max One Realty presents Rule #5 in the 7 Rules for Smart Home Buyers, showing Raleigh new home buyers the top ways to buy for less.

Raleigh Real Estate Answers – Looking for something to do in Raleigh, NC? Downtown Raleigh has lots of great places to go.

2011-05-28T12:09:00.000-04:00

Raleigh Real Estate Answers – Looking for something to do in Raleigh, NC? Downtown Raleigh has lots of great places to go.

One thing that makes Raleigh, NC real estate so valuable is the quality of life in the Raleigh, NC area. Raleigh consistently ranks in the top places to live in the U.S. and the word about Raleigh is getting out.

Realtor.org released their April real estate data last week and it shows that Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill is the 22nd most searched real estate market in the country.

Recently, the Charlotte Business Journal reported that “North Carolina ranks 10th among the 50 states for economic growth during the past half-century, according to an analysis of U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis data.”

Downtown Raleigh is located in the heart of the Triangle and it is the fastest growing metropolitan region in the Carolinas.

Downtown Raleigh offers culture, entertainment, and fun. You can find a numerous activities ranging from casual to elegant dining at over 165 restaurants or bars; shopping at a variety of clothing, furniture or antique stores; browsing though more than a dozen art galleries, or enjoying the night club scene.

Downtown Raleigh also features outstanding museums, the historic State Capitol and the IMAX theater.

Downtown Raleigh is changing and growing. The following is a list of nine new street-level businesses added during the first quarter 2011.

Crema at City Plaza has added a second café location to Crema on Fayetteville Street.

Several art galleries have opened at the Blake Street Studios in City Market, including African Beauty Jewelry and Artifacts, Emerge Fine Art, and Victoria Powers Studio Ten and Designbox Shop.

Two restaurants/bars opened in the Warehouse District – Brewmasters Bar and Grill and Chris London’s Backstage

Fai Thai – a new Asian restaurant, opened across from Moore Square.

Gypsy Jule – a contemporary women’s clothing and accessories boutique, has opened in the Glenwood South District.

The Marti Hampton team recommends that you get out and enjoy entertainment, dining, shopping, and the many other fun-filled events held throughout the year in the heart of the capital city.

Looking to search for Raleigh North Carolina residential real estate? The Marti Hampton team has a great Raleigh home search tool, click here: Search Raleigh NC Real Estate

Raleigh Real Estate Answers – Looking for something to do in Raleigh, NC this Memorial Day Weekend? Why not consider a trip to the North Carolina Farmers Market?

2011-05-26T10:12:00.000-04:00

Raleigh Real Estate Answers – Looking for something to do in Raleigh, NC this Memorial Day Weekend? Why not consider a trip to the North Carolina Farmers Market?

If you have not been to the Raleigh State Farmers Market, it is well worth the time to go. It is conveniently located near any Raleigh NC home just off I-40 at the Lake Wheeler Road exit (#297). The hours of operation are Monday thru Saturday 5:00 am - 6:00 pm and Sundays 8:00 am - 6:00 pm – every day of the year.

This facility is one of 5 Farmers Markets owned by the State of North Carolina and it is operated by the NC Department of Agriculture. The Raleigh Farmers Market is a fun place for young and old alike.

The Market covers 75 acres and has over 225,000 square feet of space that allow local NC Growers and producers to market their produce and other commodities.

The picture above shows the part of the 30,000 square feet that is allocated for North Carolina farmers to sell their fresh fruits, vegetables, foodstuffs, plants, and other specialty items. Here you will find plants, flowers, trees, and shrubs beginning in March. Local fruits and vegetables are sold throughout the growing season but there is always something exciting going on. During the Christmas season, there are Christmas trees, wreaths, poinsettias and other decorations.

There are also three restaurants located here – The Market Grill, the NC Seafood Restaurant and the State Farmers Market Restaurant.

The NC Seafood Restaurant specializes in serving fresh fried Calabash style and broiled seafood in a casual atmosphere.

The State Farmers Market Restaurant features home cooked breakfast and lunch every day. The State Farmer’s Market restaurant is open 363 days a year till 3pm, closed only 2 days, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

If you are new to the area or haven’t been to the Farmers Market in awhile, why not plan an outing this weekend.

Remember the Marti Hampton team is here to help with all your Raleigh real estate needs. Give us a call today.

7 Rules for Smart Home Buyers - Rule #5

2011-05-23T17:06:00.000-04:00

Marti Hampton with Re/Max One Realty shows you that a deal is made not when you sell - but when you buy.

Raleigh Real Estate Answers – What’s happening in regards to Raleigh, NC home sales?

2011-05-18T20:14:00.003-04:00

Raleigh Real Estate Answers – What’s happening in regards to Raleigh, NC home sales?

Let’s first examine briefly what is happening at the national level in regard to home sales.

Pending Home Sales Index (a leading indicator for housing activity is released during the first week of each month by the National Association of Realtors NAR), shows March with an increase in pending home sales. While this is good news for Raleigh home sellers, it is important to remember that all real estate is local. The Raleigh real estate market is not an exact mirror of the National market.

There is some good news for the local area, but there is also some sobering news as well.

According to the Triangle Multiple Listing Service (TMLS) report for Wake County for April 2011 there was a 0% change in Median Home Sales Price for April of this year when compared to April of 2010 ($205,000). This is good news for Raleigh home sellers.
More good news is found in the report in regards to inventory. The number of homes on the market for sale in the Triangle Multiple Listing Service in Wake County is down 29.5 % in April when compared to last year inventory to 8,512 properties. A lower the supply of homes will tend to push home prices up.

This is important because the number of closed sales of all housing types in Wake County in April was only 948 homes as compared to 1,311 during April of last year. Remember that April of last year was the end of the $8,000 Tax Credit which increased the Raleigh area home sales numbers.

The TMLS April report shows a 10.4 month supply of inventory which represents a very strong buyers market. While not all good news for Raleigh home buyers, the report provides mostly good news for Raleigh home buyers. Combine this week’s lowest home mortgage interest rates of the year and it is easy to see why it is a great time to purchase a home.
To read the full April 2011 Wake County Local Market Update click here: Raleigh area home sales statistics

Raleigh Real Estate Answers – Looking to sell your Raleigh area home? In a strong buyers market, condition is the second most important cause for a successful home sale. Here are some Staging Tips to help.

2011-05-12T15:52:00.000-04:00

Raleigh Real Estate Answers – Looking to sell your Raleigh area home? In a strong buyers market, condition is the second most important cause for a successful home sale. Here are some Staging Tips to help.

In a strong home buyers market like we are in currently requires Raleigh home sellers to pay close attention to the condition of their home. Making a good first impression is vital to a successful home sale. In fact, the right pricing of the home is more important than condition. The old adage of location, location and location is not as important. Home buyers will “travel” to get the best deal.

Staging your Raleigh, NC area home to sell can be simple and even inexpensive.

First of all it is important to recognize that we all get emotionally attached to our homes and often overlook things in our own place. It is important to have an objective eye when you tour your home and consider what needs to be done to generate a positive first impression. As another old adage goes, you don’t get a second chance at a good first impression. It really is a good first impression that helps any home sell faster.

So as you tour your home, think back to the time you purchased your home. As you tour your home looking for things to spruce up, think of yourself as a “buyer” coming to your home for the first time. Begin your tour from the street as you pull up to the drive. This is what is known as “curb appeal.” Often great curb appeal can be achieved without a major renovation or makeover.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself. Is the grass mown? Are the hedges trimmed? Does the mailbox need painting? Are the driveway and walkways clean? Are there children’s toys (pet toys, tools) lying around? Most folks who offer advice on staging a home to sell begin by talking about de-cluttering the home. This is very good advice and it should include the exterior of the home as well as the interior.
Remember the Marti Hampton team is here to help with all your Raleigh real estate needs. Give us a call today.

Looking to buy Raleigh North Carolina residential real estate? Click here: Search Raleigh NC Real Estate

7 Rules for Smart Home Buyers - Rule 2

2011-05-11T13:40:00.001-04:00

Rule #2 in Series "7 Rules for Smart Home Buyers" by Marti Hampton, Re/Max One Realty, Raleigh realtor extraodinaire - shows Raleigh North Carolina real estate house hunters how to position themselves to get the best price on a new home.

Raleigh Real Estate Answers – Are You Considering Going Green in your Raleigh home? Here are some suggestions:

2011-05-03T12:09:00.000-04:00

Raleigh Real Estate Answers – Are You Considering Going Green in your Raleigh home? Here are some suggestions:

You may not realize that going “Green” can actually save you money. Sure some environmentally friendly approaches in regards to real estate can cost more than items that use more resources. However, actions that can be taken to reduce one’s carbon footprint can also reduce a Raleigh homeowner’s expenses.

Yes, going “Green” can save money, especially on utilities. It allows the Raleigh home owner to use and consume less. You should consider repairing, reusing, and recycling where and whenever possible.

Going “Green” can also improve the health and well-being of the home owner, while it protects the planet for the future of our children and grandchildren.

We suggest that you evaluate all products and services that you use and select those that protect the environment and human health, and pay particular attention to how things are packaged.

What are some of the items that we can do that are considered green than can also save money for the Raleigh home owner? The following reduce your carbon footprint and can save you money:

Turn down the thermostat on warm winter nights and up during hot summer days.
Turn off the lights and unplug appliances when not in use.
Use compact fluorescent bulbs.
Run only a full dishwasher and laundry loads.
Replace incandescent lght bulbs with more energy efficient fluorescent equals.
Replace older appliances with new energy efficient Energy Star Models.
Use a carpet sweeper instead of the vacuum for small cleaning jobs.
Recycle
Insulate windows, door, attics and crawlspaces.
Replace non-renewable resources with renewable ones.
Replace air filters on a schedule and maintain air conditioning and heating units.

Looking for more suggestions? Contact the Marti Hampton team and watch future blogs.

7 Rules for Smart Home Buyers - Rule #3

2011-04-29T17:33:00.000-04:00

Rule 3 of "7 Rules for Smart Home Buyers" from the top realtor in Raleigh, NC - Marti Hampton, Remax One Realty.

Raleigh Real Estate Answers – why is Raleigh Real Estate a good investment?

2011-04-29T10:04:00.000-04:00

Raleigh Real Estate Answers – I am thinking of investing in Raleigh residential real estate, what are some more of the basics I need to know.

Today, I will answer a key question that you might be asking, why is Raleigh Real Estate a good investment? The answer really will be true of investing in real estate anywhere.

A real estate investor who purchases can earn a return or make money on his or her investment in different ways. The first way is cash flow. This is where you have “extra money” at the end of the year after paying for all operating expenses including any mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, repairs, etc.

The second way a Raleigh real estate investor can earn a return on their money is through equity income. This is also known as principal reduction. Sometimes an investor will not purchase real estate using all cash. They will make the purchase using a mortgage. Often the down payment requirements for an investment loan are higher as well as the interest rate on that loan, but it is still using other people’s money to purchase the investment property. This is known as leverage.

Usually every time a payment on the mortgage is made a certain amount of money paid is applied against the original loan amount (principle). This reduces the balance that is owed. Eventually over the life of the loan, the equity in the home builds until the loan is paid off and no more is owed. In a way it is like putting money in the bank each month, but in the case of rental real estate, someone else is paying the mortgage payment for you. When it comes time to sell the property, the investor owes less and receives the difference at closing.

The third way a real estate investor earns a return is through appreciation. Since the mortgage and housing meltdown several years ago, many areas within the Triangle have not been appreciating. In fact, home sale prices have declined, but this trend is not going to last forever. This is why it is important to recognize that investing in real estate is a long term investment. As an example, if you purchased a home in Raleigh area prior to 2003, it probably can be sold at a profit.

The fourth means whereby real estate investing can produce a monetary return is through tax savings. There are different types of real estate investments that can produce tax free returns. Some of these can produce cash and others produce a “loss” which can be written off against other income.

Watch for more to come regarding investing in Raleigh real estate in future blogs. Or give the Marti Hampton team a call for answers to your questions.

Raleigh Real Estate Answers – Why should I consider working with a Raleigh REALTOR® for Selling or Buying a Home in Raleigh, North Carolina?

2011-04-27T09:30:00.000-04:00

Raleigh Real Estate Answers – Why should I consider working with a Raleigh REALTOR® for Selling or Buying a Home in Raleigh, North Carolina?

When one begins to consider the buying or selling of a home in the Raleigh, NC area of North Carolina, one of the first decisions that you will have to make is whether or not to utilize the services of a REALTOR®. Some people decide to try to sell their home without representation or FSBO (For Sale by Owner) or they decide to use a limited service licensed broker.

Did you know that only about half of all those who practice real estate are Realtors®? Realtors® agree to follow a very stringent code of ethics.

Everyone who is a member of the National Association of Realtors® makes a commitment to the Public to provide honest and ethical treatment to all parties involved in the home buying and selling process. Realtors® are held accountable for their ethical behavior.

Here are a few of the basic principles of the National Association of Realtors:

- Protect and promote your clients’ interests, but be honest with all parties.
- Avoid exaggeration, misrepresentation, and concealment of pertinent facts. Do not reveal facts that are confidential or under the scope of your agency relationship.
- Disclose present or contemplated interest in any property to all parties.
- Avoid side deals without your client’s informed consent.
- Accept compensation from only one party, except with full disclosure and informed consent.

Another reason for Raleigh home sellers to hire a Realtor® is that the price that a seller obtains for his home when listed by a REALTOR® is usually 16% higher than those who don’t.

The purchase or sale of a Raleigh, NC home involves one of the largest investment decisions that a person will ever make. Using the service of a REALTOR® will enhance the Raleigh home buying or selling experience – give the Marti Hampton team a call and we’ll be glad to explain more.

For more information click the follow the following: Why use a REALTOR

Raleigh Real Estate Answers – Does a Raleigh home buyer really need a home inspection?

2011-04-25T15:50:00.005-04:00

Raleigh Real Estate Answers – Does a Raleigh home buyer really need a home inspection?

A poll done earlier this year by Harris Interactive on behalf of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) found that 88 percent of all home buyers across the U.S. felt a home inspection was a necessity and not just a luxury.

It is not surprising that most homebuyers were glad that they had a home inspection performed. According to the BusinessWire press release of February 22, 2011, just under ¾ of the homeowners surveyed said that the home inspection they had before buying their home helped them avoid potential problems with the home.

In addition, 64 percent said that over the long run, they saved a lot of money as a result of their home inspection.

Most of the time, a home inspector is going to find something wrong in even the best maintained homes during the inspection process.

What’s included in a home inspection?

A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house. According to ASHI the home inspection will examine “the condition of the home’s heating system; central air conditioning system (temperature permitting); interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement and structural components.” Safety will be the first concern for the items that are being inspected and then the items that are in need of repair will be addressed.

And in this strong home buyers market, homebuyers often have high expectations in regards to the condition of the home they are about to purchase. For this reason, it can be helpful for a Raleigh home seller to have a home inspection performed prior to placing it on the market.

Contact the Marti Hampton team for a list of qualified home inspectors that work in the Raleigh, NC area.

7 Rules for Smart Home Buyers- Rule 1

2011-04-25T15:33:00.006-04:00

North Carolina real estate specialist, Marti Hampton with Re/Max One Realty, shows you how to find the best home for sale in Raleigh, NC.

Part I

Part II

7 rules for Smart Home Buyers - Know The Rules

2011-04-20T16:24:00.003-04:00

Introduction to "7 Rules for Smart Home buyers" - Raleigh NC realtor, Marti Hampton of Re/Max One Relaty shows finding Raleigh real estate to buy is easy, once you know the rules.

Intro to 7 Rules for Smart Home Buyers

2011-04-18T17:09:00.005-04:00

To find the perfect Raleigh home - review the 7 Rules for Smart Home Buyers from Raleigh realtor, Marti Hampton, of Remax One Realty in Raleigh, NC.

Raleigh Real Estate Answers – Are you purchasing a home in the Raleigh, North Carolina area? Here’s some information about Radon.

2011-04-15T21:11:00.005-04:00

Raleigh Real Estate Answers – Are you purchasing a home in the Raleigh, North Carolina area? Here’s some information about Radon.

What is Radon?

Radon is a colorless and odorless radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown or decay of uranium in soil, rock and water. Radon can be found all over the U.S. You cannot see, smell, or taste radon. It can get into any type of building through the ground or cracks in the foundations of homes, offices, and schools. As it enters the home and mixes with the air you breathe, it can result in a high indoor radon level. Radon can also enter your home through well water. The Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today.

The EPA estimates that nearly 1 out of every 15 homes in the United States has an elevated radon level.

Should you test for Radon in a Raleigh, NC home?

Yes. It is the only way that you can know if your family is at risk to exposure to radon. The EPA recommends that you test all homes below the third floor. What is the acceptable level for Radon? 4 pCi/L or more is considered to be a level of risk.

Can you fix a home that is found to contain radon?

Yes. Radon reduction systems work and they can be reasonable in price. Some radon reduction systems can reduce radon levels in your home by up to 99%. Because of this even very high levels can be reduced to acceptable levels.

Here is a link to the EPA Radon Guide in PDF format: Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Guide to Radon

Want to test your Raleigh, NC home?

Contact the Marti Hampton Team for information on how to get a radon test performed.

You might also want to visit the State of NC website: http://www.ncradon.org/

Looking to buy Raleigh North Carolina residential real estate?

Click here: Search Raleigh Residential Real Estate

Raleigh Real Estate Answers – Should a Raleigh home buyer purchase a home warranty?

2011-04-12T17:10:00.005-04:00

Raleigh Real Estate Answers – Should a Raleigh home buyer purchase a home warranty?

For most people that are buying North Carolina real estate, whether it is a single family Raleigh home, a townhome or even a condo, the home purchase is one of the biggest investments they will make. Thus it makes sense to protect that investment and most people do this by buying homeowners insurance to cover losses from fire, severe weather, etc.

Did you know that there are items that are not covered by the home owner’s hazard insurance policy? These include the major systems and appliances in the home and an unexpected breakdown can present a challenge to the budget of most home owners. A home warranty is a service contract that usually can be renewed annually that covers the repair or even replacement of the home’s systems and appliances.

Recently someone purchasing Raleigh real estate asked me, “I am planning on having a home inspection performed; do I still need a home warranty?”

According to the statistics in the 2004 Marshall & Swift report “Home Repair and Remodeling”, there is a 68% chance that a major system or appliance will break down in the first year after a home purchase. It is important to have a home inspection performed, but the home inspection does not provide insurance or a guarantee on any of the systems or equipment. A home warranty can provide an extra level of comfort to the homebuyer and help avoid the aggravation of home repair.

What types of things are covered by a home warranty? Since there are different levels of coverage between home warranty companies and most offer different amounts of coverage, it is important to obtain information from a number of companies to get the best deal. Most home warranty plans cover things like air conditioning and heating systems, plumbing and electrical systems, the hot water heater, the range, the garbage disposal, ceiling fans, and the dishwasher. Most plans can be upgraded to include the refrigerator, washer and dryer, garage door opener, and even pools and spas.

As always, feel free to contact the Marti Hampton team for answers to your questions on home warranties or other Raleigh real estate questions.

How to find a good home

2011-04-07T15:15:00.004-04:00

Marti Hampton of Re/Max One Realty in Raleigh, NC real estate answers the question, "With so many homes for sale in NC, how do you find a good value?" Marti gives her advice on what home buyers should be seeking in the Raleigh and Cary real estate markets.

Raleigh Real Estate Answers – I am considering purchasing a Raleigh, NC home? Should I consider an Adjustable Rate Mortgage?

2011-03-28T20:34:00.003-04:00

Raleigh Real Estate Answers – I am considering purchasing a Raleigh, NC home? Should I consider an Adjustable Rate Mortgage? According to an article in the NY Times last week, more borrowers are opting for adjustable-rate mortgages. One has to ask why? After all, ARM’s were trademark of the subprime mortgage boom that helped to bring about the high rate of mortgage defaults and home foreclosures across the country. Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARM’s) are a non-traditional form of loan where the borrower takes on the risk of rising interest rates. Because ARM’s shift the risk of interest rate fluctuations to the borrower, lenders normally charge a lower rate for an ARM than for a fixed-rate loan. ARM’s are popular as they can help borrowers qualify more easily for a home loan or for a more expensive home. ARM products of the past had “gimmicky” extra-low “teaser” rates that adjust every six months or the “pick-a-pay” and “option” features that allow borrowers to pay less than the monthly interest, only to be hit with a huge bill down the road.” The majority of borrowers prefer the security of a fixed rate (provided the rate is not too high). ARM’s have maintained a place in the market despite comparatively low mortgage rates. As interest rates rise, so does ARM popularity. So, how do ARM’s work? A borrower’s interest rate is determined initially by cost of money when the loan is made. Once initial interest rate for loan is set, rate of loan is tied to a widely recognized and published index such as Average One-Year Treasury Constant Maturity Index (TCM), the Cost of Funds Index (COFI) or the LIBOR (London Interbank Offering Rate). Future interest rate adjustments for ARM loans are based on the up and down movements of the index. The larger the loan, the more significant the savings an ARM can bring but again there is the built in potential of a rate increase which can wipe out the initial savings. Thus it is important to know your goal when it comes to home ownership. If you are considering an ARM for your Raleigh Home purchase, be sure to have your lender explain the differences in your specific situation between the ARM and a fixed rate loan.

Raleigh Real Estate Answers – Raleigh Home Owners - Did you know you must comply with the Fair Housing Act?

2011-03-26T07:23:00.003-04:00

Raleigh Real Estate Answers – Considering selling or renting your Raleigh NC home without the assistance of a realtor? Did you know you must comply with the Fair Housing Act?

Yes, it’s true. The 1968 Federal Fair Housing Act applies to all Raleigh homes including those that are being offered as For Sale by Owner. What does that mean?

Those endeavoring to sell or rent their home must not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status in the sale or lease of residential property; these groups are protected classes. The Fair Housing Act further prohibits discrimination in: advertising, real estate brokerage, lending, against individuals associated with individuals in protected classes, and against U.S. citizens and non-citizens.

There are some exemptions for those selling their home without the assistance of a real estate agent under the 1968 Federal Fair Housing Act but under the State of North Carolina Fair Housing Act there are only a fewer exceptions.

The one exemption specific to a Raleigh home for sale by owner is in regards to “the rental of housing accommodation in a building which contains housing accommodations for not more than four families living independently of each other, if the lessor [the home owner] or a member of his family resides in one of the housing accommodations.”

One question that comes up a lot is what is “Familial status”? Simply it is anyone single, married, divorced, legal guardians, etc. who has one or more persons who have not attained the age of 18 years living with them. This includes any person having legal custody, the designee of the parent or other person having custody, provided the designee has the written permission of the parent or other person. This means that “Family” includes a single individual.

What are the penalties for breaking the NC Fair Housing law? The first offence brings a fine up to $10,000 and subsequent offences can bring fines up to $50,000. However, there is greater potential liability if a civil suit is brought for punitive damages. So, learn and obey the law. You can obtain a copy here: State of North Carolina Fair Housing Act

As always, feel free to contact the Marti Hampton Team with any questions.

Houses for sale in NC that 'won't sell'

2011-03-25T14:25:00.007-04:00

Hello Bloggers, I often receive emails from sellers and buyers. Today is no different. I received the following email. Of course, 'the names have been changed to protect the innocient' and privacy. But the content is common, and I felt you might have a friend in the same circumstance.

------- Dear Marti, My name is Jane and I have heard your name for years. In fact my best friend Susuan McWhorter knew you and almost went to work with you. I hear Glenn Beck advertising for you every day. Your reputation surely preceeds you. I am writing with probably an out of line request, but hear the desperation in my writing. We live in Small Town outside Raleigh and have our house on the market with a home town realtor. My husband has known him all of his life and in small towns, that is just how it works. He is a sweet old thing, but a fireball he is not. We are on MLS and the house address is 123 Your Street. The pictures do not do the house justice. There has been a lot of love gone into this place. several acres, kitchen totally remodeled.etc. My husband has lived here his whole life and I have been here 31 years. Our youngest son is in the AF and lives in Arizona and our goal is to go out west to live near our grandchildren. Both of my parents have passed away and I do not live near any of my siblings. I know this is TMI, but it is hard to get people to understand how desperately we want to move. This is a great place to have animals. Horses welcome. I am just afraid we are missing people that may be interested in our place. If you have anyone looking for this type of property, would you mind referring them to my agent. We would like to be able to move this summer if at all possible. Thank you for your time and feel free to disregard this message if it is too inappropriate Thanks, Jane -------

Dear Jane - please click this link for your answer. In addition, a few points I did not have time to say in my video.

* Listing agent is the controling agent, so asking other agents to bring their buyers to your property is a weak plan. What you need is an agent that finding the agents with the buyer and finding the right buyers that could be swayed to view your property. Without showings, your property cannot sell.

Raleigh Real Estate Answers – How “Green” is your Raleigh, NC Home? Do you recycle?

2011-03-18T13:38:00.004-04:00

Raleigh Real Estate Answers – How “Green” is your Raleigh, NC Home? Do you recycle?

Wake County NC promotes recycling and most trash haulers provide recycling bids for their customers. There are other special programs where Wake County promotes recycling as well.

One of the programs offered is phone book recycling. Every February thousands of tons of new phone books are delivered to Raleigh home owners. What can you do with the old ones? In the past, there was a one month phone book recycling program. Now Wake County offers YEAR-ROUND recycling options for telephone books at all Convenience Centers and both Multi-Material Recycling facilities.

Phone book directory paper does not come from freshly cut trees and the recycling of phone books helps to provide additional recycled material for future uses. These include products like coffee cup trays, egg cartons, cereal boxes and cellulose insulation.

According to the Yellow Pages Association, they have established programs to reduce the size of directories, the use of more efficient pagination systems. In addition, the expansion of their digital and mobile search products provide consumers a choice of not using the paper phone book. All of these programs have reduced the demand for directory paper by 29 % since 2006.

Members of the Yellow Pages Association also work to reduce the environmental impacts of their phone books through the use of vegetable-based inks, eco-friendly glues and bonding agents that pose little threat to soil or groundwater supplies. These have replaced petroleum-based products.

If you are interested in making your Raleigh NC home more eco-friendly by recycling your phone books, there are currently 11 locations throughout Wake County to do this:

Click here: Telephone Book Recycling Program

If you would like to reduce waste by using online phone directories, here are a few to consider:

Yellow Pages

Super Pages

Read about opting out of delivery of the paper copy of the phone book here: Consumer Choice Opt-Out-Site

Raleigh Real Estate Answers – Are you considering refinancing your Raleigh, NC home?

2011-03-16T10:53:00.003-04:00

It is important to understand that refinancing is not the best option for everyone. The generally accepted wisdom is that if your current interest rate is 2 percentage points higher than current mortgage interest rates, then it probably makes sense to refinance. This is based upon the average costs that are incurred in refinancing a loan.

A major factor to consider in making a decision to refinance is how long you plan to stay in your home. The costs incurred in refinancing usually take at least three years to “pay off” at the lower interest rate.

Refinancing your Raleigh NC home might also be a good idea if you have an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) and you would like to have the certainty of knowing exactly what the mortgage payment will be for the life of the loan.

If you want to build equity in your home or pay it off quicker, you might want to refinance into a shorter term loan. Current 15 year interest rates are still very low – today’s 15 year fixed rate for very well qualified borrowers from at least one mortgage broker is 4.0% , APR 4.135%.

Another reason to refinance may be to draw on the equity that you have built up in your home to get cash for a major purchase or to pay for the education of your children.

For more information on Home Mortgages check out the following resources published by the Federal Reserve Board:

A Consumers Guide to Home Mortgages

A Consumer's Guide to Mortgage Lock-Ins

Understanding the Process and Your Right to Fair Lending

The Marti Hampton team would be happy to recommend a number of qualified mortgage lenders to help you with your particular situation.

Raleigh Real Estate Answers – Are you considering refinancing your Raleigh, NC home? I’ve heard that mortgage rates went up – is this a good idea?

2011-03-16T07:26:00.003-04:00

Raleigh Real Estate Answers – Are you considering refinancing your Raleigh, NC home? I’ve heard that mortgage rates went up – is this a good idea?

Here’s some information on refinancing Raleigh Real Estate.

It is important to understand that refinancing is not worthwhile for everyone. The generally accepted wisdom is that if your current interest rate is 2 percentage points higher than current mortgage interest rates, then it probably makes sense to refinance. This is based upon the average costs that are incurred in refinancing a loan.

A major factor to consider in making a decision to refinance is how long you plan to stay in your home. The costs incurred in refinancing usually take at least three years to “pay off” at the lower interest rate.

Refinancing your Raleigh NC home might also be a good idea if you have an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) and you would like to have the certainty of knowing exactly what the mortgage payment will be for the life of the loan.

If you want to build equity in your home or pay it off quicker, you might want to refinance into a shorter term loan. Current 15 year interest rates are still very low – today’s 15 year fixed rate for very well qualified borrowers from at least one mortgage broker is 4.0% , APR 4.135%.

Another reason to refinance may be to draw on the equity that you have built up in your home to get cash for a major purchase or to pay for the education of your children.

For more information on Home Mortgages check out the following resources published by the Federal Reserve Board:

A Consumers Guide to Home Mortgages

A Consumer's Guide to Mortgage Lock-Ins

Understanding the Process and Your Right to Fair Lending

The Marti Hampton team would be happy to recommend a number of qualified mortgage lenders to help you with your particular situation.

Raleigh Real Estate Answers – Should I obtain my own home inspection on a newly constructed home, or is the inspection by the building inspector OK?

2011-03-11T13:09:00.003-05:00

Raleigh Real Estate Answers – Should I obtain my own home inspection on a newly constructed home, or is the inspection by the building inspector adequate?

Several weeks ago I discussed the topic of home inspections in the Marti Hampton Blog and you may wonder why I am writing about it again.

The answer is that questions about inspecting new homes are asked very frequently and the answer is vital to anyone planning on purchasing a new Raleigh home.

The experts tell us that all new homes have defects of one kind or another, regardless of the quality of construction or the integrity of the builder. This is because home construction is complex, home builders are human and as a result no construction is done flawlessly.

Further more, it is unrealistic to think that all construction defects will be discovered by the local home building inspectors. This is not to suggest a lack of professionalism on the part of those inspectors. The purpose, scope, time allotment and procedures for Raleigh and Wake county home inspections are not the same as for licensed home inspectors.

Raleigh and Wake County inspectors inspect primarily for code compliance, not for quality of workmanship. They can cite a builder for improper structural framing and require the Raleigh home builder to make corrections. They do inspect the home for plumbing problems like non-complying drain connections. The electrical inspection will make sure the home meets the North Carolina Electrical code as well. However, a poorly fitted door, an uneven tile countertop and slipshod finish work are not included in the list of concerns.

They come to the job site with a clipboard and a codebook. They are not looking closely at the finishes, appliances, etc. A home inspector will often spend two to three hours at the home and will test the stove top, oven, hot water heater and other appliances. The Home Inspector Licensure Board does not require a home inspector to inspect for pools and spas, detached structures and certain other items.

Since licensed NC (Raleigh) home inspectors are not required to inspect for these items it is important to ask what the new Home Inspection will cover.

In conclusion, if you want to buy Raleigh real estate do not forego the benefits of a thorough home inspection.

And be sure to find an inspector with years of experience and a reputation for thoroughness – ask the Marti Hampton team and we’ll be happy to recommend several qualified home inspectors.

Thinking of buying a Raleigh home? Don’t forget title insurance. Raleigh home sellers, this is important information for you too!

2011-03-09T15:25:00.002-05:00

Title Insurance is often misunderstood or not even considered by home buyers, sellers and sometimes even Raleigh, North Carolina real estate agents. Yet title insurance is one of the important parts of the real estate transaction.

Did you know that purchasing Title Insurance does NOT mean that the title to your Raleigh home is “good”, and it does NOT guarantee that you can maintain possession of your property? A title to real estate in Raleigh (or anywhere for that matter) can be lost due to unrecorded documents, errors in public records, identity theft or a host of other things.

OK, so what do Title Insurance Companies do? Title Insurance Companies "insure” “title” to “real property”. This means that they indemnify or make payment for loss or damages that arise as a result of defects in title. This is the equivalent of an insurance policy that compensates the insured for loss or damage up to the limit of the title policy.

Title insurance is not like other kinds of insurance. It covers past risks and for the most part it does not cover future risks like a home owner’s policy does for things like fire, storm damage, accidents, etc.

If the homeowner leaves the stove on, causing a fire, their hazard insurance policy covers the loss. But, if the owner adds a deck to his home, doesn’t pay for it, and has a mechanic’s lien filed, the title company will NOT pay off the lien.

So what typically is covered by a title insurance policy? All title companies do not have the same coverage, but the following are the general categories:
•Someone has an interest in the property that has not been disclosed
•Invalid documents
•Undisclosed Liens including: Taxes, Assessments, Mortgages, Judgments, State or Fed Tax Liens, Mechanic’s Liens, and Homeowners Association Liens
•A deed executed under falsified power of attorney, forgery or impersonation or by a person who is insane or mentally incompetent or a minor

Don’t forget – you can always ask the Marti Hampton team (your Raleigh Realtors) to answer any questions you may have.

It’s Almost Tax Time – Here are some Tax Tips for Raleigh area homeowners.

2011-03-04T09:38:00.006-05:00

April 15 is fast approaching and while the Marti Hampton Team are not accountants or tax attorneys, we have learned a few things that you should consider if you own Raleigh real estate and particularity if you purchased a home last year.

If you are a Raleigh area homeowner, these tips can potentially save you thousands of dollars on your tax bill.

The first item that is usually deductible for your primary residence is the mortgage interest that you paid during the tax year. This includes interest paid on your first and second mortgages, home improvement loans and home equity lines of credit.

If you purchased a home this past year the closing costs you paid are usually not deductible, but if you paid points they may be. Points are the amount of money you paid to reduce the interest rate on your loan. If you purchased last year, the points you paid to reduce the interest rate on the original loan or loans are usually deductible in the year they were paid.

Should you have refinanced your home last year, the points are usually deducted each year over the life of the loan.

Another item that is usually deductible is the real property taxes on the home. If you had to pay some form of special assessment to the city, county or Home Owners Association for improvements for things such as water, sewer, and street repairs or common area maintenance – I am sorry but these usually are not deductible.

Did you pay your mortgage late (like so many others) and have to pay a late fee? Again, these are usually deductible as are fees charged for paying off the home loan early.

What about private mortgage insurance (PMI)? If the loan was originated after January 1, 2007 this can be deductible, but there are limitations.

All of these are governed by strict rules and not everyone may be eligible. Be sure to check with a qualified tax preparation professional before taking any deductions on Raleigh NC real estate.

One Big Advantages to Living in the Raleigh, NC area: Our Schools – Parents – Sign up for a specific calendar or Magnet School ends March 4

2011-02-28T19:37:00.008-05:00

One Big Advantage to Living in the Raleigh, NC area: Our Schools. Parents, remember to sign up for a specific calendar or Magnet School – the March 4 deadline is approaching!

I am sure you are aware that when it comes to real estate the most important thing in determining a home or property value is location, location, and location. One very important factor that contributes to the value of a particular location (neighborhood, community, municipality, etc.) is the quality of the school system.

For those who own real estate in the Raleigh, NC area, we are blessed with an excellent public school system. The Wake County Public School System receives a 7 out of 10 rating based on student test scores from GreatSchools. This is a well recognized organization that is funded nationally by such organizations as Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Robertson Foundation and the Walton Family Foundation.

You can check out the ratings of the Raleigh area schools here: Top-Rated Raleigh Public Schools
Another good source of information regarding Raleigh area schools is the NC Report Card website. The reports here include important information about student performance, class size, school safety, and teacher quality in the schools of North Carolina.

The following example chart shows the results for West Lake Middle School.

This and other website reports are available for every school in the State of North Carolina. Visit the website here: Education First NC School Report Cards

If you are newcomer to the Raleigh area or have moved to a new home, you will want to visit the Wake County Public School System website: Newcomer One-Stop Info Center

Important reminder for parents and students: the application period for the Wake County Public School System calendar and magnet schools will opened on Feburary 21 and continues through March 7. Don’t miss the deadline!

Apply here: Application for a Magnet and/or Calendar Choice

Are you new to the Raleigh, NC? Home buying may be different than other areas of the country. What is the difference between a condo and a townhome?

2011-02-23T11:32:00.004-05:00

The major difference is in what is owned. Condominium owners in North Carolina actually own the “air space” inside the unit. It is the ownership of one unit in a multiunit development while at the same time having an undivided interest in the common areas used by all the unit owners. These common areas would include hallways, lobbies and the grounds (which could also include pools, tennis courts, clubhouse, etc.). Maintenance of the exterior of the development buildings, the common areas and amenities is usually controlled by the Homeowners Association and are paid for by HOA dues.

Townhome owners own the whole unit which would include the exterior walls, roof and surface materials as well as the land below the unit (sometimes the land extends a few feet outside the unit as well). The common areas of a townhome community are owned by the Homeowners Association (HOA) for the benefit of all townhome owners and they are maintained through the payment of HOA dues.

Both condominium and townhome developments are usually subject to protective or restrictive covenants which are usually recorded in the County Register of Deeds office and in the Counties of the Triangle area they can be found on-line (the on-line search can be somewhat tedious). These are deed restrictions that can be enforced and they are conveyed and recorded as a part of the deed of each unit at the time of transfer of the property.

Under the new Offer to Purchase and Contract the home seller is now required by contract to provide the completed Owners’ Association Disclosure and Addendum (Standard Form 2A12-T) to Buyer on or before the Effective Date of the contract and to pay for any costs required to obtain the disclosure.

These covenants describe the character of the development and control the use of the units and the common areas. Typically covenants do the following:

Set forth that governance of the HOA and voting rights of the unit owners.
Deal with annual expenses and special assessments.
Restrict the use of the property – this is usually single family residential but it varies.
Deal with what is maintained.
Make the entire set of covenants binding on successors and assigns of the original owners.
State the time the covenants will be in effect and how they will be renewed.

Interested in a particular Raleigh Condo or Townhome Community? Give the Marti Hampton team a call and will gladly help you find out what you need to know.

With the new NC Offer to Purchase and Contract I understand that there is no longer a repair contingency in the contract. Do I still need to inspect?

2011-02-16T14:07:00.005-05:00

With the new NC Offer to Purchase and Contract I understand that there is no longer a repair contingency in the contract. Do I still need to have a home inspection done before purchasing a home in the Raleigh area?

It is true that the new NC Offer to Purchase and Contract does not have a repair clause anymore, but a Home Inspection is just as important as ever. The new form that is used by most Realtors in not only our area but all of the state of North Carolina has a new due diligence period that is very similar to the due diligence in commercial real estate transactions.

The Due Diligence Period allows the home buyer time to investigate the Property that is being purchased for a specific length of time that is negotiated between the buyer and home seller. The buyer may pay a fee (Due Diligence Fee) for this due diligence time frame (or not again depending upon the negotiations between the home buyer and seller) and during this time, the buyer can decide whether they, in Buyer’s sole discretion, will proceed with or terminate the transaction. If they decide to terminate, they are entitled to receive their earnest money back as long as they provide written notice to the seller before 5 PM on the last day of the due diligence period.

During the Due Diligence Period, the Buyer (or Buyer’s agents or representatives) can conduct all desired home inspections, tests, surveys, appraisals, investigations, examinations and inspections of the Property. All of these are paid for by the Buyer.

Still have questions? The North Carolina Real Estate Commission publishes a brochure on this topic. You can read it on-line here: Questions and Answers on Home Inspections

Or you can download the brochure in PDF format – it’s free! Questions and Answers on Home Inspections

As always feel free to contact the Marti Hampton team – we can recommend some great home inspectors and help you through the home buying process.

What is there for kids to do in Raleigh, NC? Raleigh is family friendly city with lots to do.

2011-02-14T22:45:00.007-05:00

The Raleigh IMAX theater and Marbles Kids Museum are located in the near the center of downtown Raleigh in the Moore Square district. The Raleigh IMAX is the only 3D-capable giant screen IMAX Theatre in North Carolina.

The Marbles Museum is an exciting hands-on museum for children 10-and-under, and The Corner Store features a mixture of toys, games, and gadgets. In addition to galleries and exhibits, the museum provides a variety of camps for children from 3 – 13 years of age including summer camps, School’s Out Camps, First Friday’s Camps, and Group Camp in.

The Marbles Museum is a great place for birthday parties and special events.

There are lots of activities for families. Check out: What’s Happening

Find out what’s happening at the IMAX: Raleigh IMAX Theater

Raleigh is known as a family friendly city and there are many museums, parks, lakes, live performances and festivals. There is the North Carolina Museum of Art, North Carolina Museum of Natural Science, North Carolina Museum of History, the North Carolina Railroad Museum and others.

One example is Blue Jay Point County Park, which is a 236-acre park located on the shores of Falls Lake in northern Wake County that features environmental education programs with demonstration areas and exhibits. It is but one of a number of environmental education parks in the Raleigh area.

The arts are exemplified in the Raleigh Little Theater. It has been providing enriching, educational and entertaining community theater for over 75 years. It also offers summer camp programs for children ages 4–12 and teenagers with comprehensive theatrical training. Check out the upcoming shows and events on the website: http://www.raleighlittletheatre.org/

Raleigh Real Estate Market Update - February 2011

2011-02-10T19:18:00.006-05:00

I know we had snow this week, but springtime is just around the corner. Springtime in Raleigh is a beautiful time of year and if the weather forecasts are right, we will begin having warmer weather next week. Maybe your thoughts will turn to buying a home?

Spring is the most popular time to purchase a home in the Raleigh area. Most sales occur in the March to May time frame because home buyers want to be settled into their new home before the start of the school year at the end of summer.

The home sales numbers for 2010 were shocking – both from a national and a local perspective. CoreLogic Home Price Index that was just released on February 8, 2011 revealed that home prices in the U.S. declined for the fifth month in a row. Distressed properties contributed to this decline in December as they accounted for 36% of all home sales.

While the number of home sales was down in 2010, it was a fantastic year for home buyers – great interest rates were available and there were lots of choices available.

The numbers for the real estate market in Raleigh, NC are not something that home sellers would want to applaud, but they are healthier than many other areas of the U.S.

In Wake County both the average and median home price increased when compared to the previous December. The number of closed home sales was down for all of 2010 by 8 % when compared to 2009, but sales in the month of December 2010 were up 1.2% over the previous December.

Is there any reason for optimism regarding the real estate marketplace in 2011? Actually there is. Fannie Mae and the Mortgage Bankers Association forecast that the new-home market will begin a rebound in 2011 that will last through at least 2012.

According to the median forecast of 30 economists at a Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago symposium in December 2010 residential investment probably will increase 9.6 percent in 2011. And the National Association of Home Builders is projecting that housing starts will increase by 17 % in 2011.

Want more specifics? Give Marti Hampton a call today.

I am purchasing a home in Raleigh, NC. Should I consider a home warranty?

2011-02-08T12:43:00.006-05:00

Home Warranties are just about always a good idea for the first time home buyer. They are also a really good idea for any home buyer who is buying a home that is not new construction or for the home buyer who does not have readily available cash to make unexpected repairs.

According to a 2004 report cited by American Home Shield, there is a 68% chance that a major system or appliance will break down in the first year you live in your home. With the protection of a home warranty, a breakdown or repair won’t break your budget.

New home builders generally supply a one year limited warranty and a longer structural home warranty, but it is important to verify what is included.

What is a home warranty? It is a contract that is generally renewable that covers the repair or replacement of many of the major home systems and appliances in the home. Exactly what is covered varies by the home warranty company and the options they provide.

What are the benefits to a seller for purchasing a home warranty?

First of all, if a system fails during the listing period when a home warranty is purchased with seller coverage, the repair will be covered by the home warranty.

A home warranty is an excellent marketing tool. Potential home buyers appreciate a home that is covered knowing that they will be protected from unexpected home repairs that are covered.

Studies show that 76% of Realtors® recommend a home warranty.

According to a study done by Marshall & Swift LP, in 2005, homes with warranties sell up to 15% faster and they sell for a price that is 2.2 % higher.

It is important to understand that generally there is a trade service fee each time a service call is made but it is usually very reasonable and the fee can often be reduced by paying a slightly higher up front fee.

Home warranties typically have limitations and conditions to the coverage. Refer specific questions to the home warranty company.

Contact the Marti Hampton team for a list of Home Warranty Companies that we recommend.

Rental protocal in Raleigh, NC

2011-02-07T11:34:00.006-05:00

Thinking of renting a home in Raleigh, NC while you get ready to purchase a home? Are you having trouble selling your home and thinking of renting it? Here are some answers to some questions that you might have about leasing NC real estate:

When I find a house to purchase, can I terminate my lease with 30 days notice? It depends upon the lease agreement. Usually you are obligated for the whole lease term, even if you have a good or “valid” reason for leaving like a job transfer, major illness, etc. Only military relocations are excused in North Carolina. If you know you are going to purchase a home within 6 months, then you should consider looking for a place that will give you a 6 month lease or a month to month lease.

What happens if I walk away from my lease? If you leave early, the landlord and the landlord is not able to find someone to re-rent your place, he has the right to sue you for all the unpaid rent and court and other associated costs. In addition, the landlord may file a negative report to the credit bureaus.

Can the landlord charge me more because I have a pet? Yes and that fee can be a non-refundable fee serving as a security deposit to cover the cost of cleaning, etc. The landlord can have different charges or rules governing different breeds and sizes of pets and can even prohibit pets. Any agreement you have with the landlord should be in writing to avoid problems in the future.

Does the landlord have to paint the apartment or home before the tenant moves in? There is not automatic requirement for painting. The landlord is responsible to only rent premises that are fit and habitable. This means that the landlord cannot offer a discount on the rent to accept the premises in less that fit and habitable condition.

As always, the Marti Hampton team is happy to help with any real estate questions you might have. Give us a call.

Considering buying a short sale home in Raleigh, NC?

2011-02-03T11:49:00.010-05:00

What is a short sale? What are the advantages, if any, are there for a home buyer?

First of all, let’s consider how a short sale is defined here in Raleigh, NC.

A short sale indicates a real estate sale where there is more debt owed on the property than the property is worth. This is a home sale where the amount of the sale price is less than amount owed to all those who have an interest in the property, with lender or lenders accepting the sale proceeds as payment in full. The home seller thus needs the lender(s) and all lien holders to accept a payment that is less than the amount that is owed. There may be other parties that have to approve the home sale as well. These include those who insured the loans (like PMI), bankruptcy trustees, and taxing authorities.

According to the North Carolina Association of REALTORS® standard form 104 that is used along with the offer to purchase a short sale is where:

· The purchase price is or may be insufficient to enable Seller to pay the costs of sale, which include but are not limited to the Seller’s closing costs and payment in full of all loans or debts secured by deeds of trust on the Property due and owing to one or more lender(s) and/or other lienholders
· Seller does not have sufficient liquid assets to pay any deficiencies and
· The Lienholders agree to release or discharge their liens upon payment of an amount less than the amount owed, with or without the Seller being released from any further liability.
* STANDARD FORM 104 Revised 11/2010 ©2011

The obvious advantage to a home buyer in regards to the purchase of a short sale is the possibility of getting a significantly reduced price and this does happen. However, the timeline for the home purchase is anything but short. The short sale purchase is also significantly more complex than the standard home purchase.

Another advantage to the buyer is that often due diligence fees are lower and earnest money deposits are often not required until the lenders have approved the transaction.

We highly recommend that you have buyer representation in the process. The lenders usually do pay the buyer’s agent fee. Still interested? Give us a call today.

Tryon Place Townhomes

2011-02-02T16:45:00.003-05:00

One of the great new Raleigh, NC townhome communities is Tryon Place Townhomes. This new subdivision is located off Tryon Road near Gorman Street, which is close to NCSU, I-40 and just about everything.

Let’s review a few of the special features of this new subdivision.

Tryon Place Townhomes is a 71 classy 2-story townhome community with garages, master suites, 2-3 bedrooms, 9’ ceilings and front and back covered porches. They range from 1342sq.ft. to 1700sq.ft. Some of the interior features are: a gas log fireplace, smooth finished ceilings, cascading kitchen cabinets, walk in closets in the master bedrooms (and in other bedrooms on some of the floor plans), a security system pre-wire, cable outlets in the family room and all bedrooms, and pedestal sink in the first floor powder room.

The townhome community offers easy access to interstate travel, to city and NC State campus bus lines, to the RDU airport and to the Amtrak station. Tryon Place Townhomes is just 1 ½ miles from the fishing, walking and biking at Johnson Lake; and just 2 ½ miles from the oldest public golf course in Raleigh, now redesigned, the RGA Golf Course. Are you a student or professor at NC State University? The main campus is just 3 miles from Tryon Place Townhomes. You can catch the city bus right around the corner and connect to the Wolfline.

The builder for Tryon Place Townhomes is the award winning builder Ross Construction, Inc, a company known for their concern for the details in the building process, for their customer service, and for bringing a good deal financially home to the buyer. They have built similar award winning townhomes off of I-540 near Buffalo in Townes at Landover, which we’d be happy to show you if you would like to see them.

With new Lower base prices ranging from $149,900 to $164,942, we believe these townhomes and this community are wonderful place to call home and offered at excellent value. Want to see more? Follow the link below for a virtual tour of a Tryon Place Townhome.

There is much more to tell about Tryon Place Townhomes, so if this sounds like the new Raleigh townhome that you are looking for- call Paul at (919) 880-3271. If I am not available, I will return your call at my earliest opportunity.

Feel free to access to search on our website for this subdivision, Marti Hampton Search for Raleigh Townhomes and find out more information about available floor plans and lots.

Looking to buy a real estate deal in Raleigh, NC?

2011-02-01T10:40:00.006-05:00

Looking to buy a Raleigh, NC home that already has built in value? Here are two tips to help you find the perfect home at a bargain price:

Tip #1 – Hire a real estate professional. Yes, we would love for you to consider the Marti Hampton team, but we highly recommend that you have a real estate agent represent you even if we aren’t your first choice. Maybe we can be your second?

Your agent needs to be very familiar not only with the Raleigh real estate market, but also the very specialized market of Foreclosures, Real Estate Owned properties (REO’s), short sales and Government Owned properties. These are often referred to as distressed properties. This is a great time to look for value in a home, not only these, but others as well.

Everyone knows about fixer uppers – like you see on HGTV – where a little sweat and effort can bring a large return. Not every real estate bargain or distressed property is a fixer upper. Many of the above foreclosures, REO homes and Government properties that are available from HUD, or the VA are a fixer upper.

There are also other types of homes that are offered at below market value. These include estate sales, auctions, divorce sales and builder close outs.

Tip #2 – Determine the true condition of the property. Most fixer uppers and distressed homes are sold “As Is” meaning that the home owner, whether it is the lender, government or individual home owner, is not willing to fix anything. There are exceptions to this, but they are rare and it is important to find the major issues that need to be addressed and how much the repairs will cost. This is where the new NCAR offer to purchase and contract can be helpful. It includes a due diligence period where the buyer has time to investigate the home for a negotiated period of time and can walk away from the sale with a refund of the earnest money during that time frame depending upon what is found. Again, this is where a real estate professional can help you avoid the pitfalls and dangers in this type of purchase.

The Marti Hampton team is a HUD Registered Broker and we can help with all the types of properties as well. Call us today to get started in finding a great buy!

Retiring in the Raleigh, NC area?

2011-01-28T10:04:00.006-05:00

Did you know that more and more people are choosing to retire in the Raleigh, NC Area? Are you looking for a Maintenance Free Homes in the Raleigh area?

Yes, Money Magazine ranks Durham, North Carolina as the number 1 place to retire on their listing of their 25 Best Places to Retire. Benefits cited by Money Magazine include the weather where there are four seasons and yet none are usually too extreme (contrary to this year). There are an abundance of parks, golf courses, cultural activities, and home prices are affordable. Then there is the world renowned Duke Medical Center. Durham has a new 2,800 seat performing arts center (DPAC) and it is home to the Durham Bulls baseball team.

Duke University has a senior learning program that has been around for over 30 years. It is one of the biggest in the country and there are more than 100 courses offered every term which cover a wide variety of topics.

Many of the same features that might draw retirees to Durham are found all over the Raleigh, NC area as well. Top notch medical treatment and care can be found at the Duke Medicine Plaza on Duke Raleigh Hospital’s campus which has specialties from Neurosurgery, Cardiovascular Care to the Duke Raleigh Cancer Center that have won local and national awards.

Healthcare in the Raleigh area also includes two other nationally known healthcare systems, Rex Healthcare and WakeMed Hospital systems. All three of these major healthcare providers have urgent care and campus locations in many of the surrounding areas of Raleigh.

The Raleigh, NC senior housing market offers a wide variety of choices that range from maintenance free homes, senior friendly apartments, independent living, assisted living, and continuing care retirement living.

Maintenance Free Homes in the Raleigh area include detached homes, condominiums, and townhomes. They can be found from Apex, to Cary, Raleigh, Midtown (North Hills) Wake Forest and even Knightdale.

Here are just two examples:

Renaissance at Regency – “These easy living one and two story homes provide a carefree lifestyle along with exceptional features and amenities. English styled exteriors and state-of-the-art interiors exhibit stone, decorative iron work and hardwoods including quality features such as 10’ ceilings and extensive moldings.”

Carolina Preserve at Amberly – this is a Del Webb community. “Whether they’re part of a smaller, more intimate setting or a large resort-style community, amenities are one way that Del Webb encourages residents to realize their full potential as individuals and as members of a community. Amenities are more than buildings and pools and fitness centers; they are invitations to meet your neighbors and explore new interests.”

There are many more options and the Marti Hampton team would consider it a privilege to be able to help you with your home search.

Considering buying a short sale home in Raleigh, NC?

2011-01-26T16:26:00.013-05:00

What is a short sale? What are the advantages, if any, for a home buyer? First of all, let’s consider how a short sale is defined here in Raleigh, NC.

A short sale indicates a real estate sale where there is more debt owed on the property than the property is worth. The home seller thus needs the lender(s) to accept a payment that is less than the amount that is owed. There may be other parties that have to approve the home sale as well. These include other lien holders, those who insured the loans (like PMI), bankruptcy trustees, and taxing authorities.

It appears that we will have these types of transactions for some time to come. Here’s but one prediction: Travis Waller, a certified residential specialist at RE/MAX Advantage Plus in Teaneck, N.J., expects negative equity to trigger a second wave of foreclosures "that no one is even speaking about." (Short-sale market has legs, Inman News Thursday, January 13, 2011)

According to the North Carolina Association of REALTORS® standard form 104 that is used along with the offer to purchase a short sale is where:

· Seller does not have sufficient liquid assets to pay any deficiencies and

· The Lienholders agree to release or discharge their liens upon payment of an amount less than the amount owed, with or without the Seller being released from any further liability.

The obvious advantage to a home buyer in regards to the purchase of a short sale is the possibility of getting a significantly reduced price and this does happen. However, a short sale is anything but short when it comes to the amount of time it takes – sometimes as much as a year to close one of these types of home sales. There is a larger amount of paperwork and the response times for many lenders can be long.

So, if you are considering a short sale purchase, you will want to have a professional real estate agent assist you in the transaction. Contact the Marti Hampton team if you would like more information.

Important questions to consider when buying your next Raleigh, NC home

2011-01-20T12:43:00.009-05:00

What are some questions a buyer should ask when deciding upon the home search criteria for purchasing a home in the Raleigh, North Carolina area? Here is a list that will help you define and narrow your home search for your ideal home:

What is your ideal location? In that regard, what is your ideal commute time?

Are schools important? Which schools do you prefer? Do you need the Marti Hampton team to assist with providing information regarding schools?

What are you looking for in a neighborhood?

What is the approximate size lot you would like to have?

What style of home are you interested in?

What types of siding will you consider?

Are there any restrictions for steps?

Do you want a porch? Do you want a deck?

Do you want a fenced yard?

Do you have a style of home that you would like? (i.e., Colonial, Ranch, Traditional, Bungalow, Cape Cod, Charleston, Contemporary, etc.)

How big is your ideal home? Approximate square footage?

What type of flooring do you prefer?

In general, how should the interior look? (e.g. open, cozy, new age, etc.)

How should your home make you feel when you are in it?

When others visit your home, what do you want your home to portray?

What are your likes and dislikes as far as the general interior of your home?

Seems like a lot of questions to ask, doesn’t it? All these and more will help to define the ideal home for you and make the home search process easier.

Questions such as these will allow the serious home buyer to restrict the home search process and make it easier to not feel you have to look on the internet for every Raleigh, NC home that is actively being marketed. Currently there are over 16,000 active or contingent listings in the Triangle Multiple Listing Service, so it is important to narrow down your search criteria. After you’ve thought about the questions above, visit the new Advanced MLS Search on MartiHampton.com so you can search and find the home that fits your needs.

Speaking of searching for Raleigh area homes, did you know that you can find homes before they go on MLS? Here is our team's 'Coming Soon' listings for the week:

Marti Hampton’s Coming Soon Homes

Selling or buying? What stays, what goes.

2011-01-14T10:40:00.014-05:00

Thinking of selling your Raleigh, NC home? Do you want to purchase Raleigh residential real estate? Do you know what a fixture is? It’s important in marketing your home.

It doesn’t matter which side of a real estate transaction you are on (home buyer or seller), you will want to understand how a fixture is defined in the home sale. For home sellers, we understand that there are items in your home you may not want to part with; however, there are several items in every home that are considered “fixtures” according to the Offer to Purchase and Contract. If you wish to remove any fixture and take it with you to your new home, you will want to exclude it in the listing agreement you have with your real estate agent and have it noted in the MLS. Another approach that we recommend is to remove the fixture prior to any showings of the home and replace it if necessary. The seller is responsible to repair any damage caused by removal of any items.

If you are considering buying a home in Raleigh, NC and you are relocating, this is important because what is considered a fixture here may be different than your present state. As an example, in North Carolina, the refrigerator typically is not considered a fixture.

So what is a fixture?

According to the North Carolina Real Estate Commission, a fixture is “an item of personal property, a chattel, affixed to a building or structure, or real estate to which it is affixed and annexed.” Because it is affixed or attached to real estate (it’s also called an appurtenance), it passes with the sales of the real estate to the buyer unless something is stated to the contrary in the Offer to Purchase and contract.

According to the new contract that just became effective January 11, 2011, the following items, if any, are deemed fixtures and are included in the Purchase Price. These must be free of liens:

In addition to what is listed above any other items that are attached or affixed to the Property, would be included.

Thinking of buying a home in Raleigh, NC?

2011-01-11T16:16:00.002-05:00

Are you looking for a fixer upper? Are there any good foreclosures to purchase?

As you have probably heard, foreclosures are abound in the real estate marketplace across the United States. According to Realtytrac, California had the highest rate of foreclosure in November 2010 – 57,378 foreclosure properties or one in every 233. North Carolina has far less foreclosures, but in November there were 4,083 foreclosed properties or one in every 1,029 units.

Once a home goes to the foreclosure auction, if a home buyer or real estate investor does not purchase the home, it usually becomes bank owned or real estate owned (REO) property. Often REO property is sold below normal “market value” and it can be a good investment for those willing to take the extra time and make the additional effort that is required in this type of home purchase.

How many listings fall into this and other “discounted” real estate categories in the greater Raleigh, NC area?

As of this week there are a total of 16,062 residential listings in TMLS – this includes all the surrounding counties including Durham, Johnson, Orange and Wake. Of the total,
1405 (8.7 % of the total real estate inventory) that fall into the categories of Bankruptcy, HUD/VA owned, REO – real estate owned (by bank or lender), sales subject to court approval, and Short sales which require lender approval.

Specifically in Wake County there are a total of 7,642 residential listings. Of these, 733 (9.6 % of the Wake County real estate inventory) are in Bankruptcy, HUD/VA owned, REO – real estate owned (by bank or lender), sales subject to court approval, or Short sales requiring lender approval.

Want to see what is available? You can search for active foreclosure properties on the Marti Hampton website. Raleigh NC Foreclosure Search

Click the foreclosure tab at the top of the map.

Want help finding the best deal? Contact Marti or her team today.

Interested in what a neighbor's home sold for in Raleigh, NC?

2011-01-07T11:13:00.010-05:00

Did you know you can search for Sold Homes on the Marti Hampton website? Want to know the sales price on your neighbor's home? Want to buy Raleigh real estate and know what the sale prices have been in a neighborhood? If so, we have the tool for you. We have a "SOLD History" feature on the Marti Hampton website that allows you to search for sold homes on a map. This powerful tool is simple to use. Just click on the Search for Homes tab on the home page and then click the search by map option on the drop down menu. Then navigate to your subdivision or the location you want to search. Click on the Sold History tab and you will see something similar to the graphic below:

When you mouse over a balloon you will get a picture of the home and when you click on the home the details on the home sale will be displayed as shown in the example below:

As you can see this view gives valuable information regarding the sale of the home: Original listing price, days on market (DOM) – how long the home took to go under contract, the list price to sale price ratio, the type of financing or loan terms and it provides the calculation of sales price per square foot. This powerful tool allows you to compare and contrast the prices of all the surrounding home sales recorded in the Triangle Multiple Listing Service (TMLS) with this same level of detail.

Try out this powerful tool for yourself: Search for Homes

Feel free to contact us with any questions or if we can help with your Raleigh, NC real estate needs.

Buying Real Estate in the New Year? Interest Rates in 2011.

2010-12-30T12:56:00.009-05:00

As 2010 comes to a close, all of us at the Marti Hampton team want to wish you a happy and prosperous new year. We also want to thank you for allowing us to help with your Raleigh real estate needs.

Everyone is wondering what is going to happen in regards to the real estate market. Are we going to see some improvement?

The home sales data for our area was not improved in November as reported by the Triangle Multiple Listing Service. In fact, November closings for all home types (condos, townhomes, and detached – both re-sales and new construction) in Wake County were down 42% from November 2009. The good news was that home sales prices were up – 6.48% for re-sales and 1.89% for new construction.

According to Stacey Anfindsen, the market analyst for the TMLS, the lower sales figures are a result of the government intervention into the marketplace with the $8,000 tax credit. Its first expiration was October 31, 2009 and there were increased sales at that time where home buyers wanted to get the credit.

According to Mr. Anfindsen, there were some other positive indicators in November. The number of pending home sales was up over October 2009 and showing were up as well. Not by a large amount, but it might be enough to indicate that a turnaround may be beginning.

One factor that may affect next year’s Raleigh home sales is interest rates. The Federal Housing Finance Agency today reported on Tuesday of this week that the National Average Contract Mortgage Rate for the Purchase of Previously Occupied Homes by Combined Lenders, used as an index in some ARM contracts, was 4.42 percent based on loans closed in November. This is a decrease of 0.07 percent from the previous month. Here is a chart showing what happened before November.

What has happened in the last several weeks has been a rise in interest rates. They have risen almost one half a percent. It appears that rates are not going to fall again and they are expected to rise through 2011.

If you are thinking of purchasing a Raleigh home in 2011, it would benefit you to make your move before interest rates rise even more. Contact the Marti Hampton team and we’ll help you get pre-approved for a home loan.

Should I sell my home in January 2011?

2010-12-29T14:02:00.011-05:00

Where are we in the current real estate business cycle? Everyone knows that the real estate market has been in a downward trend for the last several years, but have we reached the bottom yet? When will we know? The answer is that even the experts only know after the fact by looking back at the numbers of closed home sales.

What we do know is that we are still in a strong buyers market. What does this mean? A buyer's market occurs when there is over 7 months of real estate listing inventory available. A balance market or transitional market occurs when there is 5-7 months of listing inventory available. Finally, a seller's market occurs when there is less than 5 months of listing inventory available.

So, how many months of inventory are there in the Raleigh real estate market currently and what classification of real estate market are we in?

As of today in the Triangle Multiple Listing Service (TMLS) there are 7,733 homes listed for sale in Wake County that are currently in the active status. These are homes of all types including single family detached, town homes, and condos; new homes and re-sales - everything in the TMLS. Sales numbers are typically down at this time of year so, we will examine how many home sales there were in the last six months and then divide by 6 to give us the average sales per month rate. 5,011 homes of every category sold in Wake County since June 22. Therefore, 5,011 homes / 6 months = 835 homes per month. If we take the number of homes on the market and divide by this sales rate, (7,733 homes / 835 homes per month) we get 9.26 months of inventory. Thus, Wake County is still a strong buyer's market.

It is important to understand local market conditions when making the decision to sell. In a strong seller’s market, just about every home sells. In a strong buyer's market, only the homes in the best condition that are priced right sell.

So, if you do not have to sell your home, you might want to consider not putting it on the market at this time.

But as a Raleigh area homeowner, you may need to sell despite the market. Perhaps you are being relocated and you need to sell to be able to purchase at your new location. Or maybe you are interested in selling so you can purchase a larger or more conveniently located home. Whatever your home selling needs, why not contact the Marti Hampton team to give you expert professional advice? We’re always happy to help!

VOW system complete home search with Team Marti!

2010-12-27T11:57:00.009-05:00

Home Buyers – are you searching for homes for sale in Raleigh, NC? Try out our VOW system that has the most complete home information available.

We actually have two ways to search for real estate in Raleigh, NC on the Team Marti website.

First of all, we are excited to share about the new Raleigh home search tool that is available on the Team Marti website. It allows the home buyer to search for homes with a scalable map that also can show results in a map view, satellite view or a combination of the two. In addition, the map search can be narrowed by home price, number of bedrooms, number of baths and home size in square footage.

The VOW system also allows those interested in Raleigh real estate to search by Condo/Town Home, Single Family, vacant land, New Construction homes or Foreclosures.

The following picture presents an example of using our VOW system to search for a Town Home in Raleigh, NC priced between $140 – 180,000, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and 1,400 sq. ft.

As you can see, the search shows the town homes that meet the search criteria by the use of colored balloons to distinguish just listed, single property, new construction and previously viewed. In this case, by putting your mouse over a balloon you will be shown additional information about the listings.

It is even available to find out sales history in any area of Raleigh, by clicking on the Sold History tab.

Try it out – TriangleMapHomes.com

The Team Marti website also has the traditional method to search for homes search that has been available on many real estate websites for a number of years. We like to think that even our traditional home search is the best:).

By clicking on the Search for Homes tab in the upper left corner of our homepage, you will get a drop down that gives a number of choices in your home search. These include searching for Marti Hampton’s listings, searching all homes in the Triangle, searching only new construction homes in the Raleigh area, searching only foreclosures and short sales or searching for open houses to visit.

These two Raleigh real estate search features are just two more reasons to choose Team Marti to be your Raleigh North Carolina Realtor.

Is Now A Good Time to Sell Real Estate in North Carolina?

2010-12-22T13:42:00.009-05:00

Is now a good time to sell real estate in Raleigh, NC? Should you put your home up for sale in January?

When considering when to sell real estate it is important to understand that all markets are cyclical. It doesn’t matter what market you consider; stocks, bonds, crude oil, pork bellies or real estate, cyclical means that markets go up and they go down. They can also be flat or experience a lull. The following chart shows a simple example.

Currently the Raleigh real estate is experiencing a slowdown in home sales due to the economy and a number of other factors. Yet homes are still selling. There are still people buying homes, even in the higher price ranges. It is a great time to be a home buyer in the Raleigh, NC area. There are lots of homes for sale in our area in all price ranges and interest rates are still very low.

But should I sell my home now? The answer is that it depends upon your individual goals.

Real estate is not a liquid asset meaning it takes time to sell and it should be regarded as a long term investment. Like most of the real estate markets around the country, if you purchased a home within the last 2 or 3 years in our area, you probably can not expect to see a large amount of appreciation in your homes value, except in certain neighborhoods or unless you have upgraded and or remodeled. The good news is that in our area median home prices are up when compared to last year, but the rate of increase has declined somewhat recently.

The truth is that homes sell all year long. Even in the upper price ranges. As an example, you may have heard that “nothing is selling” in the upper price range. This is simply not true. In Wake County there were 75 single family homes that sold (closed) in the last month (since November 17, 2010) for over $500,000 as recorded in the Triangle Multiple Listing Service (TMLS). Also in the last month, eight million dollar homes closed between $1,025,000 and $1,710,000.

Why not contact me, Marti Hampton my team to learn how we can help you achieve your home selling goals? Contact Marti Hampton & Team

Help For North Carolina Home Owners In Need

2010-08-24T21:47:00.004-04:00

A new federal aid package that totaled over $159 million dollars was just recently approved, and it will be providing help to struggling home owners in the Triangle area and all of North Carolina. North Carolina is among one of five states in the nation that will be receiving money from an almost $600 million dollar aid pool which is intended to help prevent foreclosures on those who are unemployed.

In order to qualify for this federal money the state of North Carolina had to submit a plan to the U.S Department of Treasury indicating how the funds would be used. $115 million will be used to launch a new program that is similar to the existing state funded effort to provide mortgage payment help. The Housing Finance Agency is anticipating that this program will save 7,200 homes in North Carolina from foreclosure over the next three years. With the current plan that was approved, unemployed homeowners who qualify will be able to receive up to 24 months of mortgage payment assistance. However, for those living in higher unemployment counties there can be up to 36 months of mortgage payment assistance.

Many families who have found themselves ineligible for the current state’s mortgage project may now find they are eligible for this new program. The new program is intended to help needy families in North Carolina who have fallen into hard times by no fault of their own. Prior to receiving assistance the borrower’s mortgage history will be analyzed, and it will be determined if the existing mortgage would be affordable if the home owner found employment. This program will be available in October to 17 counties on a pilot launch basis, and expanded statewide in December.

If you are interested in buying a home in the Triangle area, now is the time to contact Marti Hampton and let her and her team at RE/MAX One Realty help you find a perfect home in Raleigh or the surrounding area.

Companies Search For Real Estate Deals Too

2010-08-22T16:04:00.006-04:00

In this real estate market, home buyers in the Triangle area are not the only ones searching for a great deal. Businesses are also trying to take advantage of great deals.

Inspire Pharmaceutical, based out of Durham, is one such company that is taking advantage of this competitive real estate market. The large pharmaceutical company that sells drugs to treat various ocular diseases will be moving its headquarters to Northwest Raleigh. Currently, the pharmaceutical company is renting a space in nearby Research Triangle Park, six miles from where their new location will be in Briar Creek. They plan to relocate there in January when their lease is up. The lease for the Briar Creek location will span seven years, and allows for Inspire Pharmaceutical to expand into additional space if needed.

Inspire Pharmaceutical will be the first one to occupy the 121,388 square-foot building space that was built in 2008 by American Asset Corporation. The developer reported that 550,000 square feet of office space located at the Briar Creek location will now be occupied, which is a 72% increase. Currently, Inspire Pharmaceutical is in the stages of experimenting with a drug to treat cystic fibrosis, and if successful will increase their employees.

More jobs keep opening in the Triangle area. Take advantage of a growing job market and make your move to relocate now. If you are interested in buying a home in the Triangle area, now is the time to contact Marti Hampton and let her and her team at RE/MAX One Realty help you find the perfect home.

Pricing Your Home to Sell

2010-08-12T21:29:00.004-04:00

In today's competitive Triangle real estate market, it is important when you are selling your home that it stands out above the rest. Many struggle to decide if they want to price their home high with the expectation that buyers will bargain them down in the end, or to price their home low enough to attract the attention of buyers from the get go.

The pricing of your home is an important decision and you must take into consideration the competition. Knowing the price of properties that recently sold in your neighborhood is also a good starting point. It can be difficult to price your home competitively if you know that you will be receiving less than you paid for it. It is essential though that those sellers be realistic in this difficult market.

Many experts tend to agree that pricing the home high with the idea of coming down later is a big mistake that sellers make. With the real estate market flooded with homes for sale, you want yours to stand out as a good value. First impressions are everything, and the amount of traffic your home gets in the first week it is on the market is five to seven times what it will get in the weeks that follow. If you lower the price of your home after a few weeks on the market you are likely to draw attention from a smaller audience than you did when you first listed the home.

If you are interested in selling a home in the Triangle area, now is the time to contact Marti Hampton and let her and her team at RE/MAX One Realty help you find a perfect home in Raleigh or the surrounding area.

Is A Housing Shortage In The Near Future?

2010-08-11T00:02:00.008-04:00

At a time when we hear about all the foreclosures and distressed properties, it is hard to imagine there being a housing shortage in the future in the Triangle area and across the country. However, a report from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology feels that the large decrease in new-home construction that has happened over the past few years may lead to a housing shortage in the future.

It is hard to believe a housing shortage could exist in our near future at a time when the National Association of Realtors reported a total housing inventory increase of 2.5 % to 4 million homes in June. When you step back and look at the decreased number of new homes being built, however, it is easy to see how in the years to come there just might be a housing shortage, even in our Triangle area.

In 2005 when housing was at its peak, 2.1 million new houses were being built. The year 2006 noticed a drop in new houses to 1.81 million, and in 2007 only 1.34 million houses were built. The most drastic decrease can be seen in the year 2009 when there were only 550,000 new homes built. If the rate of new homes being built stays comparable with 2009, it is expected that by mid-2012 the regions where supply and demand are now balanced could see the impact of a housing shortage.

If you have considered moving, now is the time to jump right in and move to the Triangle area where the housing growth is one of the top in the state. There are many great deals to be had in the area. Contact Marti Hampton and her team at RE/MAX One Realty to help you find your dream home.

Small Company Growing In The Triangle Area

2010-08-05T19:14:00.002-04:00

Scimetrika, a research company, is a small business here in the Durham area. Scimetrika mostly relies on government- public health contracts to run the small company, and is currently in the process of expanding their office space here in the area. This coming October the company will take over an additional office space in the Alexandria Technology Center which is located near Research Triangle Park. With the expansion of the new office space Scimetrika will now have almost 12,000 square feet, which is quite a jump from their current 3,500 square feet.

Scimetrika was founded in 2001, and currently conducts surveys of health care provider’s satisfaction scores for Medicare and Medicaid. Other studies done by the company include studying the effectiveness of carbon monoxide detectors, along with studies focusing on increasing access to childhood vaccinations and immunizations.

Revenue for the company is expected to more than double this year to $12 million as a result of contracts with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The good news for the Durham area is that new employees are being added as the company attracts new government contracts. The company feels that the Triangle area is the perfect ground to attract many qualified employees. Scimetrika also has offices in Atlanta and McLean , Va.

More jobs keep opening in the Triangle area. Take advantage of a growing job market and make your move to relocate now. If you are interested in buying a home in the Triangle area, now is the time to contact Marti Hampton and let her and her team at RE/MAX One Realty help you find the perfect home.

Mortgage Rates Continue To Fall

2010-07-31T09:35:00.006-04:00

July has proven to be a good month for those looking to purchase a home or refinance an existing home loan in the Triangle area. Long-term mortgage rates dropped again this past week to the lowest levels ever recorded. The week ending July 22nd, 2010 showed a decrease in thirty-year fixed-rate mortgages from 4.57 percent to 4.56 percent. Mortgage rates this low have not been seen since 1971. For those not interested in a thirty-year fixed-mortgage, but would rather tackle a 15-year fixed-mortgage, an interest rate of 4.03 percent was the going rate, which has not been seen since 1991.

The down side to mortgage rates continuing to drop means it is a result of decreased confidence in the current strength of our economy. The National Association of Realtors reported that existing home sales fell by 5.1 percent in June, marking the second straight month for a decline. However, this was to be expected as a result of the home buyer’s tax credit coming to an end.

The good news is the Triangle area is faring better than other areas in the nation with overall decreased home sales. Buyers in the Raleigh-Durham area closed on 2,676 homes during this month, which is 7 percent higher than the number of homes sold in May and 13 percent higher than the homes sold in June of 2009.

Home sales are still strong in the Triangle area, and what better time to buy than now to take advantage of these historic low interest rates. If you are interested in buying a home in the Triangle area, now is the time to contact Marti Hampton and let her and her team at RE/MAX One Realty help you find a perfect home in Raleigh or the surrounding area.

A Not so Great Honor for North Carolina

2010-07-28T22:30:00.007-04:00

North Carolina and the Triangle area have been noticed a lot in the media recently for being top in the nation among many things, but the recent attention that North Carolina is receiving is not the best news. A new study just released by Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has ranked North Carolina 10th in the nation for obesity. A total of 29.4% of adults living in North Carolina are considered obese, and this number is up a whole percentage point from last year’s study. Last year North Carolina was the 12th most obese state with 28.3% of adults being obese. When it comes to men and woman, the women in North Carolina are heavier with 29.7% of woman being obese.

Not only are adults in North Carolina suffering from obesity, but so are children from ages 10 through 17, where 18.6 % of them are obese, ranking North Carolina children 11th in the country for obesity. United States as a whole has two-thirds of the states whose adult obesity rate is greater than 25%. In order to determine the obesity rate in the United State, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted phone surveys and calculated residents BMI’S based on the height and weight given.

If you are looking to lose weight or stay fit, consider moving to a town that has plenty of activities to keep the family active. Now is the time to make your move. Contact Marti Hampton and her team at RE/MAX One Realty to help you find your dream home.

Data Centers To Eventually Bring More Jobs To North Carolina

2010-07-27T00:03:00.010-04:00

In this downturn economy, it is reassuring that so many companies both large and small are looking to call the Triangle area and North Carolina home. Software company Microsoft is in the market to build a large data storage center facility, and is considering an industrial park site in Alamance County. Pending legislation in North Carolina’s General Assembly could help businesses benefit from a new economic incentive if the legislation passes.

Microsoft is not alone in considering the move to North Carolina to take advantage of this new legislation should it pass. Fidelity Investments is also looking to gain the advantage. If Fidelity chooses to move another data storage facility to the area, that would be their second data center here in the Triangle area.

The state of North Carolina would require Fidelity Investments to invest at least $75 million to qualify for the proposed state tax exemptions, and Microsoft Corporation would need to invest $225 million. Microsoft should have no problems meeting the minimum $225 million investment, since the data center they opened in the Chicago area in 2009 reportedly cost $550 million.

Not only would the proposed legislation benefit data centers but also a paper manufacturing plant and a turbine manufacturing plant that are also considering building in the North Carolina area.

More jobs keep opening in North Carolina and the Triangle area. Take advantage of a growing job market and make your move to relocate now. If you are interested in buying a home in the Triangle area, now is the time to contact Marti Hampton and let her and her team at RE/MAX One Realty help you find the perfect home.

Stimulus Money To Be Used In Construction Work This Summer

2010-07-21T22:05:00.005-04:00

The Economic Stimulus Bill will finally put stimulus money to work this summer in the Triangle area and across the nation. President Obama recently visited Columbus, Ohio to promote what the Administration is calling “Recovery Summer,” and to visit the 10,000th road project funded by the Economic Stimulus Bill. The stimulus dollars for construction are improving communities and putting thousands of construction crews to work.

It is estimated that the stimulus spending will increase this summer, and recently the Obama Administration published a report highlighting a few projects that are in the works.

• Six times as many highway projects will be under way this July as were under way last July.
• More than 2,800 water projects will be under way this summer, compared with only 129 last summer.
• About 82,000 homes will be weatherized vs. only 3,000 last summer.
• Nearly 9,000 projects will be under way in July in national parks, compared with 101 last July.

In January President Obama announced that North Carolina will receive $545 million in funds. North Carolina Governor Perdue says she is “Committed to putting the federal recovery funds to use with a high level of efficiency, transparency and accountability.” The North Carolina Department of Transportation plans to use some of the funds to refurbish passenger coaches and locomotives and to expand rail services across North Carolina.

The “Recovery Summer” will do a fine job in providing construction workers with work this summer, but many feel that until the housing and construction industry returns to its state prior to the recession, employment in the construction industry will be temporary. Construction employment declined in 25 states between April and May, and in 45 states between May 2009 and May of this year, according to Associated General Contractors of America.

North Carolina is booming and more jobs are being created every day. Now is the time to make your move. Contact Marti Hampton and her team at RE/MAX One Realty to help you find your dream home.

Home Sales Decrease As Tax Credit Ends

2010-07-18T23:12:00.009-04:00

When the home buyers tax credit came to an end in April, so did the large amount of home sales it seems, with the Triangle area also being impacted. Many experts had predicted that there would be a decline in home sales, but did not predict that it would be as big a drop as it has been.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported that pending home sales fell a drastic 30% in May. Mike Larson, a real estate analyst for Weiss Research sales say, “Sales fell off a cliff after the tax credit expired. It’s the biggest monthly decline ever and the index is at its lowest since NAR began tracking in 2001.” However, economists do not seem too concerned by this drastic drop in the sale of homes and feel that once the economic recovery returns in full force the housing market will once again heat back up. Economic experts expect the job market to begin to recover later this year, and expect to see the housing market recover right along with it.

Currently the market is very favorable for the purchasing of a new home with much lower home prices, and low mortgage rates.

If you are interested in buying a home in the Triangle area, now is the time to contact Marti Hampton and let her and her team at RE/MAX One Realty help you find a perfect home in Raleigh or the surrounding area.

Wake County Boasts Housing Growth

2010-07-14T22:42:00.004-04:00

In June the U.S. Census Bureau released data showing that Wake County ranked number 28th for housing growth. Between July 1, 2008 and July 1, 2009, Wake County housing grew by 2.3 %. The housing growth that Wake County has experienced placed it among the top 100 fastest growing communities in the United States. The housing estimates on growth are not related to the 2010 Census Bureau that is currently being conducted.

Wake County was the only county in the Triangle region to be included in the fastest growing housing growth in the area. Data showed that housing units for Wake County in July of 2008 were 352,956 and were up to 361,166 in July of 2009. Wake County may have been the only county in the Triangle area to experience this type of housing growth, but two other counties in North Carolina also had a noticeable increase. Hoke County noticed a 2.6% increase, and Mecklenburg County noticed a 2.5% increase.

Results of how other Triangle Counties faired:

• Johnston County noticed an increase in housing growth by 1.35%
• Chatham County noticed an increase in housing growth by 1.18%
• Durham County noticed an increase in housing growth by 1.02 %
• Orange County noticed an increase in housing growth by .87%

If you have considered moving, now is the time to jump right in and move to Wake County where the housing growth is one of the top in the state. There are many great deals to be had in the area. Contact Marti Hampton and her team at RE/MAX One Realty to help you find your dream home.

Raleigh- Durham International Airport To Take Shopping To The Next Level

2010-07-12T18:56:00.004-04:00

Raleigh-Durham International Airport is well underway in redeveloping phase two of Terminal 2, and plans to open this phase in early 2011. With the revamping of Terminal 2, travelers will be able to shop in style, and have many options for fine dining. Travelers will have options such as relaxing with a glass of wine at the Vintage Carolina Wine Bar, or browsing for the latest trend in clothes at Brooks Brothers. The design of more than a dozen restaurants is nearing completion.

Additional stores coming to Terminal 2:
• Starbucks
• PGA Tour Shop
• CNBC News Stand

Kids were also taken into consideration in the redevelopment of Terminal 2 by offering places to eat that they may enjoy such as Jason’s Deli and Five Guys. Kids will also be able to spend time at the KidsWorks. Design work on restaurants and shops is nearing completion and travelers can expect to enjoy these changes around January 23rd, 2011.

Raleigh-Durham International Airport is sparing no expense in the remodel and is holding store owners to rigorous design standards. The airport is looking for a visually appealing atmosphere, while still being able to withstand the extremely heavy foot traffic. Rent from Terminal 2 vendors is expected to generate $3 million in a fiscal year.

Now is the time to make the move to live in Raleigh so that you can have the best quality of life in the United States. Let Marti Hampton and Marti's team at RE/MAX One Realty help find you the home of your dreams.

Raleigh-Cary Home Prices Up From April 2009

2010-07-07T21:20:00.003-04:00

Home prices in North Carolina recently fell 0.7 percent, but that was not the case in the Raleigh-Cary area. The recent home buyer’s tax credit did wonders to help sell homes in the area, and the numbers prove it. Home prices in Raleigh-Cary increased by 1.37 percent in April 2010 compared to April 2009, according to CoreLogic’s Home price index. New data for May has also shown increased sales and prices for the Triangle area.

Home prices across the country, including distressed properties, showed an overall increase of 2.6 percent in April. It is believed that increase in home prices in April was a lingering effect of the home buyer’s tax credit. Chief economist, Mark Fleming, of CoreLogic expects home prices to remain strong in early summer, but expects the second half of the year to show a moderate decline.

Hawaii was the state with the highest overall yearly price increase with 10.6 percent. Coming in also in the top five were:

· California 8.4%

· North Dakota 6.0%

· New York 3.7%

· Virginia 3.6%

States with the largest home price value decline include:

· Idaho 7.2%

· Illinois 5.8%

· Nevada 4.6%

· Maryland 4.3%

· Washington 3.7%

The price of homes may be slightly higher in these areas, but that does not mean there is not a deal to be found. If you are interested in purchasing a new home now is the time to contact Marti Hampton and her team at RE/MAX One Realty and find the home of your dreams.

More Jobs For North Carolina

2010-07-03T10:11:00.013-04:00

At a time in our economy when we are hearing a great deal about layoffs and downsizing, it is refreshing to learn that more jobs will be coming to North Carolina. Clearwater Paper Corporation recently was made aware that they would receive up to $4 million in state incentives to help build a new 672,000 square foot manufacturing and distribution facility in Shelby. The facility will be built on 100 acres in the Cleveland County Industrial Park West on Washburn Switch Road.

Clearwater Paper manufactures quality paperboard, consumer tissue and wood products. The corporation is based out of Spokane, WA but has facilities located throughout the United States, and looks forward to building their newest one in Shelby. Clearwater Paper has plans to invest $260 million into the construction of the facility, and will hire 250 new employees over the next five years. The facility will manufacture private-label tissue products for retail grocery chains in the Southeast and along the East Coast. Once at full capacity the site will produce 70,000 tons of bathroom tissue and household towels per year. Production is expected to start the second half of 2011.

The average salary for the expected 250 new employees will be in the $38,000 range, which is higher than Cleveland County’s average of $31,200. The company itself is set to earn up to $3.48 million in Job Development Investment Grant incentives, as well as $500,000 in One North Carolina Fund incentives.

North Carolina is booming and more jobs are being created every day. Now is the time to make your move. Contact Marti Hampton and her team at RE/MAX One Realty to help you find your dream home.

Durham Among The Top Healthiest Housing Markets

2010-06-28T21:36:00.008-04:00

Data recently released by RealtyTrac is full of good news for the Durham area. ReatlyTrac reviewed foreclosures on U.S. housing markets with at least a population of 200,000, and found Durham to be one of the U.S. healthiest cities to live in, in regards to low foreclosure rates.

In May of 2010 Durham had only 78 recorded foreclosures, which was a whopping 21.21 percent decline from April, 2010. Year after year the decrease in foreclosures in Durham has been impressive with a decline of 56.42 percent. The current foreclosure rate for Durham has improved to 1 in every 2,772 homes. With this type of foreclosure rate per home rate, it makes Durham the top best places over the other five North Carolina metro areas. The area that encompasses Durham, Orange, Chatham, and Person counties saw a decrease from 18th in most foreclosure in April to being 12th in May.

The Raleigh-Cary area is also fairing well when it comes to foreclosure rates. There was a noted decrease by 11 percent from the month of April to May. However, with a total of 590 foreclosure notices sent out, it was still an increase of 35.63 percent over May 2009. Raleigh-Cary ranks 128th out of 203 metro areas ranked for foreclosure rates with 1 and every 609 homes facing foreclosure.

Out of all the counties in the Triangle area, Wake County fared the worst. One in every 673 homes was facing a foreclosure. Orange County posted the lowest with 1 in every 6,131 homes facing foreclosure.

Even though home foreclosures are down in the Durham area that does not mean that there is not a deal to be had. If you are looking to purchase a new home or sell your existing home contact Marti Hampton and her team at RE/MAX One Realty to find the home of your dreams.

Changes to Forclosure Program Expected in North Carolina

2010-06-23T23:08:00.011-04:00

New Bill Offers More Foreclosure Notice to Wake County Home Owners

During these tough economic times, you more than likely have heard of someone or know someone personally in the Triangle area who has lost their home to foreclosure. A Wake county senator by the name of Dan Blue is doing all he can to help all home owners of North Carolina get a fair deal when it comes to facing home foreclosure.

Sen. Blue is sponsoring a bill that would change the process for home foreclosures. Current legislation requires only pre- foreclosure notices be sent to those on subprime home loans and to the North Caroloina Administrative Office of the Courts. With the new changes that have been proposed the pre -foreclosure notice would have to be sent to all home loans, not just those under a subprime, which would allow the home owner more time to seek a loan modification and less chance of losing their home.

Another new thing added to this bill is that mortgage services would have to pay a $75 fee when filing a pre-foreclousre notice. The money the state would receive from these fees will then in turn build a state Home Foreclosure Prevention Trust Fund under the Office of the North Carolina Commissioner of Banks. It is estimated that in 2010-2011 fiscal year $1.4 million will be put into the fund with it increasing to $2.29 million the year after.

This bill is still currently in the Senate and if passes will still have to pass in the House.

Now is the time to buy a home in the Triangle area, contact Marti Hampton and her team at RE/MAX One Realty to help you find the perfect home.

Commuter Rail in Triangle's Future?

2010-06-21T21:49:00.006-04:00

Many feel the Triangle area is lacking in transportation options, so there have been many different ideas proposed to relieve this problem in the years to come. With the population in the Triangle area growing and the future population growth expected to rise, it is essential that something be done to help the flow of traffic. International transportation planning consultant, Steer Davies, was hired by The North Carolina Railroad Company (NCCR) to do a study on what motion rail could do to improve the Triangle area. The findings of the study were released recently at the Progress in Motion rail conference which was held in downtown Raleigh. Does this mean a commuter rail is in the Triangle's future?

In this proposed study the rail line would travel through Raleigh, Durham and Cary. Chapel Hill will be left out, as the report found that there was just not enough demand from this area. The study showed that there is great ridership potential between downtown Greensboro and Burlington and in the greater Triangle area from Princeton to Durham.

This study was done as a follow-up to the 2008 NCCR study that found it would be easy to operate a commuter rail service on the same tracks that carry the Norfolk Southern freight trains and the Amtrak passenger trains.

Getting from one place to another can sometimes be a feat in itself, but the Triangle area is trying to make it easier for all residents to move about. Wouldn't you love to live in an area that has its citizens in mind? The Triangle is just such an area. If you are interested in buying a home in the Triangle area, now is the time to contact Marti Hampton and let her and her team at RE/MAX One Realty help you find a perfect home in Raleigh or the surrounding area.

Raleigh Living Offers The Best Quality of Life

2010-06-17T23:39:00.009-04:00

Life in Raleigh provides many opportunities for its residents such as high tech jobs, excellent education and economic stability. Recently a new study by portfolio.com found Raleigh to be the major metropolitan area that offers the best quality of life in the United States. No longer are cities such as Los Angeles, New York City and Chicago at the top for providing the best quality of life.

What makes Raleigh stand out?

• Raleigh has experienced a rapid rate of growth. The population in Raleigh has increased by 37% since 2000.
• New homes are abundant in the area. Over 50% of new homes in the area have been built since the year 1990.
• Raleigh offers a wide supply of high-level jobs. The report showed that 44% of Raleigh’s workforce had management or professional positions.
• Not only are there many high-level jobs in the area, but the workforce is well educated. 41% of those in the workforce held at least a bachelors degree.

Portfolio.com, when deciding on what metropolitan areas to assess, chose 67 areas that had populations greater than 750,000. The data that they used to come to the conclusions they reached came from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2006-2008 American Community Survey.

Now is the time to make the move to live in Raleigh so that you can have the best quality of life in the United States. Let Marti Hampton and Marti’s team at RE/MAX One Realty help find you the home of your dreams.

Local Triangle Group Expands Its Business

2010-06-14T21:44:00.008-04:00

Triangle Capital Corporation based out of Raleigh has announced that it has received notification from the Small Business Administration (SBA) that their application for a second Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) license has been approved. With this new license Triangle Capital Corporation will be able to provide up to $75 million in additional SBA debentures to fund future investments.

Who is Triangle Capital Corporation?

Triangle Capital Corporation is a publically traded, internally managed business development company. They provide custom financing solutions for lower middle market companies located throughout the United States.

Typical Investment:

$5 to $15 million for
• Leveraged Buyouts
• Management Buyouts
• Recapitalization
• Growth Financings
• ESOPs
• Acquisition Financing

The approval of this second SBIC license is great news for the Triangle area. SBA debentures are a highly sought-after source of investment capital, and a great fit for the type of investments that Triangle Capital Corporation makes. Under the Investment Company Act of 1940, Triangle has chosen to be treated as a business development company. Triangle Capital Corporation is required to meet a series of regulations including those of NASDAQ, as well as federal and state laws.

If you are interested in buying a home in the Triangle area, now is the time to contact Marti Hampton and let her and her team at RE/MAX One Realty help you find the perfect home.

Triangle Residents Want Better Transportation Options

2010-06-12T09:54:00.012-04:00

Triang le residents want better transportation options and are willing to have an increase in taxes to help fund public transportation in the area, according to a survey done by Fallon Research out of Columbus, OH. The survey was done for the Regional Transportation Alliance, a nonprofit Triangle business group who lobbies for transportation improvements in the Triangle Area.

The phone survey was done in early March and 58% of those polled said they would vote in favor of a half-cent increase in local sales tax to pay for a network of rail transit and more buses. The surprising part of the survey is that a majority of people polled do not currently use public transit, but are in favor of increasing it in the Triangle area to benefit others who do utilize it.

Poll Results:

• 9% use public transit and 69% do not use it.
• 23% of public transit users are between the ages of 18 and 29.
• 32% of those polled would use a new expanded bus system frequently.
• 43% said they would use a train system if made available.
• 29% of those polled believed that travel between Wake, Durham and Orange counties should be the highest priority for an improved transit system.
• 27% of people polled felt that travel to Research Triangle Park should be the highest priority.
• 5% of those surveyed felt that more public transportation choices would improve the area's quality of life.

Elected officials in the Triangle area are in the process of developing a long-range plan for an improved transit system. It is expected that in 2011 or 2012 a local referendum on whether to increase sales tax to fund transit will be held.

If you are interested in buying a home in the Triangle area, now is the time to contact Marti Hampton and let her and her team at RE/MAX One Realty help you find a perfect home in Raleigh or the surrounding area.

Businesses Play State Against State For the Best Deals

2010-06-09T21:52:00.005-04:00

Many in Garn er are devastated at the news that an agreement could not be reached to keep ConAgra operating in Garner. However, businesses play state against state for the best deals so ConAgra will be relocating to Troy, Ohio.

Why ConAgra Moved
The state of North Carolina went to battle trying hard to save the plant, but was no match against the state of Ohio which offered up to $9.58 million in incentives to ConAgra to relocate to their area. The state of North Carolina only offered $2.2 million to ConAgra to keep the Slim Jim plant in Garner.

Deputy Commerce Secretary, Dale Carroll, understands that at a time with high unemployment every effort to keep any part of the plant open is necessary, but their goal proved unattainable. North Carolina was just not prepared to give away such a high tax base as was Ohio, who worked out a plan with ConAgra to waive all property taxes and 70% of employment taxes for 15 years. Beasley said, “It’s hard to compete whenever Ohio gives away the whole ball park.”

When the move takes place the new ConAgra plant in Ohio will only operate with 190 workers who will not be part of a union, compared to the larger numbers of unionized workers in Garner.

Gift to Garner
As a gift to the town of Garner, the ConAgra factory and the 96 acres that it sits on will be donated, along with $500,000 to help market the industrial property. Tony Beasley, Garner’s Economic Development Director, has high hopes for what will be done with the plant once ConAgra relocates. Beasley’s goal is to create at least 440 jobs or more in the former ConAgra property in years to come.

If you are interested in buying a home in the Triangle area, now is the time to contact Marti Hampton and let her and her team at RE/MAX One Realty help you find the perfect home.

A Piece Of History Not to Be Forgotten

2010-06-07T21:31:00.009-04:00

Even though decades ago Baxter/Liberty Mill in Clayton stopped producing textiles, to a local man named Jack Lee the area around the mill is a piece of history not to be forgotten. Jack's father, Alder Milton Lee, worked at the mill and so did his mother. As a child growing up Jack Lee lived in one of the cottages that were built by the mill and sold to employees. Recently, a local genealogist named John McPhail was surprised to discover while working on the 1930 census data for the Johnston County Heritage Center, that Liberty Mills was a separate place within Clayton Township. Did you know that crossing Mulberry Street toward the west side of town would have meant at one point in time you were entering into a different unique community?

Liberty Mills and the Village Surrounding It
After more research Mr. McPhail learned that the mill opened in 1907, and the area around it was later called Cotton Mill Hill, which was even later named Bartex when the company changed the name. Mr. Lee looks back fondly to the days of his childhood that he spent growing up here and remembers it as,”It was like a little community within itself. Everybody knew everybody, and everybody knew everybody’s child.”

Mr. Lee himself may have had what now resembles an average childhood playing with friends growing up; however, his parents’ generation had it quite different. At the young age of seven, children were allowed to work at Liberty Mills, and Mr. Lee’s own father began work there at the age of nine. Working in the mill was dangerous with many unsafe conditions for both children and adults alike. McPhail is currently looking to see if Liberty Mills had any involvement in the creation of today's Child Labor Laws.

If you are interested in buying a home in the Triangle area, now is the time to contact Marti Hampton and let her and her team at RE/MAX One Realty help you find the perfect home.

Wake Area In For A Change In Magnet Schools

2010-05-26T20:50:00.004-04:00

For many years magnet schools in the Wake area have had vacant seats needing to be filled, but now the Wake area is in for a change in magnet schools. As a result of the recent Schools Board’s decision to quit using relative wealth as a requirement, many area magnet schools will find those seats filled with students come fall. Parents who had had enough of the magnet schools selection process banned together, and pushed for the election of four new School Board members last fall who pledged to end the districts socioeconomic diversity policy, and they are doing just that.

For over twenty years, magnet schools have been a major part of Wake’s diversity efforts. The original goal was to draw affluent applicants from mainly lower income suburban areas. In the past the selection process was designed to give priority to those applicants who wanted to leave overcrowded schools in affluent areas. Those students with higher than average poverty levels were placed at the bottom of the selection process. Under this new guideline, priority will be given to those students desiring to leave crowded schools regardless of their poverty level. With the old policy in place, it made it more difficult for middle-class families to leave higher poverty schools.

Not everyone is pleased with this move including Board Member Kevin Hill, who says, “This may be the start of more high-poverty schools.” Those opposed feel that this will now allow more of a family choice issue instead of keeping poverty levels down as intended.

Are you interested in moving to the Wake area where your child can attend a magnet school? Look no further-Marti Hampton and Team Marti of RE/MAX One Realty are here to help you find your home.

470 New Jobs to Come to the Cary Area

2010-05-24T22:14:00.003-04:00

Are you looking for a job in the Cary area or know someone who is? There are soon to be almost 470 new jobs to come to the Cary area. These jobs would come as the Wake County school system moves its main administrative offices from Raleigh to Cary. The administrative offices will be moving to Crossroads Corporate Park off of Dillard Drive and near the Crossroads Shopping Center by spring of 2011. The new home of the Administrative Offices will be bigger than their previous home with over 99,540 square feet of space. This location was chosen over another alternate location in Raleigh, because the district will not have to share the office with any other tenants and will be the only one in the building.

With the current budget crunch, it is reassuring that the move is expected to save the district $29 million dollars over the next twenty years. The big change for parents will be that this is the location where you will register your children for school and pick up records, along with attending Board meetings.

Wondering what the District will do with the empty buildings they are leaving behind? The plans are to sell the buildings on Wake Forest Road, and the properties on New Ben Avenue and Nobel Road. The sale of these buildings alone is expected to generate much of the savings of the move, which is expected to equal over $20 million during the next five years.

Are you looking to buy a home in the Cary area to take advantage of the new jobs that will be opening up there? Look no further Marti Hampton and Team Marti at RE/MAX One Realty are here to help you find your dream home, and help you sell your previous home.

Cary Continues With a Tight Budget

2010-05-22T21:31:00.007-04:00

Cary continues with a tight budget with the 2011 budget expected to be the smallest of the last three years. Not only do families have to tighten their belts across the country, but so are towns everywhere. It is anticipated that Cary will enter next year with a $4 million surplus. In 2008 the recession started impacting the town when sales revenues and building permits began to drop. As a result of the dip in revenue it led the town to budget 52% less for building permits this current fiscal year. Not only did the town budget less for building permits, but also budgeted 24% less for sales tax returns.

With the holiday season being stronger than anyone would have expected, the town was able to beat sales tax revenue expectations by a whopping $1.6 million. Not only did Cary collect more than expected in sales tax they raked in another unexpected $1 million in property taxes. These savings have allowed the town to not have to raise taxes for another year. Towns have been advised to prepare budgets for 2011 similar to that of what they prepared this year, giving little increase to travel and training.

Want to make a difference in Cary? The town of Cary is now looking to fill 30 vacancies on the town’s 10 different Citizen Advisory Boards and Commissions. Applications are being accepted until June 30, 2010, and those appointed will be announced in September.

If you are interested in buying a home in the Cary area, now is the time to contact Marti Hampton and Team Marti at RE/MAX One Realty. Let our experience find you the perfect home.

Triangle Area Proves To Have A Strong Economy

2010-05-20T21:01:00.003-04:00

The Triangle area proves to have a strong economy, especially the Raleigh-Cary and Durham areas whose economy ranked high recently in an annual report released by the Policom Corporation. Policom is a firm that specializes in providing economic research, while analyzing city and state economies. The Raleigh-Cary area was ranked the 15th strongest economy in the nation, with Durham increasing twenty-six spots this year to 59th. This is the highest the Raleigh-Cary area has ranked since coming in 9th in 2004.

Durham’s increase in rank is a positive sign of growth here in the Durham area. The report focuses on 366 metropolitan areas, and uses 23 different economic indicators including: employment figures, and salary rates over a several-year period. Policom is careful not to include economic hot spots or boom towns in their rankings, and instead focuses on those which have the best economic foundation. In a recent news release William Fruth, Policom’s president, stated “While most communities have slowed or declined during the recession, the strongest areas have been able to weather the storm.” The numbers show that the Durham area did not just weather the storm, they conquered it by showing a large increase in their ranking. Some of the top metropolitan areas of the report were: Seattle, Washington, DC, Denver and Houston.

Charlotte has claimed the number one spot on the report three times since 2004 and ranked number 11 this year coming in behind Queen City which claimed the number 10 spot. North Carolina as a whole has many strong economic metropolitan areas.

Are you interested in purchasing a new home in one of these strong economic areas including Raleigh-Cary and Durham? If so contact Marti Hampton and Team Marti at RE/MAX One realty and let our experience help find you the perfect home.

New Housing Development Planned For The Cary Area

2010-05-15T09:29:00.005-04:00

Big things are happening here in Cary and the Triangle area. The Triangle area's largest home building company, Pulte Homes, has a new housing development planned for the Cary area called Davis Village, which will be built near the Prestonwood Country Club. This community will host an array of homes that are sure to fit everyone’s needs.

Davis Village will be a good size with plans to build 51 town homes and 20 single-family homes. Prospective home buyers will be able to choose from two townhome floor plans and four single-family floor plans. Homes will be offered with anywhere from three to five bedrooms, and square footage starting at 1,491 up to 2,898 square feet. The price of these townhomes and single-family homes will range from $169,900 to $269,000. Davis Village will offer convenience and style by allowing home buyers many options and ways to customize their homes. Homeowners will enjoy such luxuries as premier schools, convenient shopping and recreational venues in their own backyard. Some of the many amenities available in the Prestonwood Country Club area include Morrisville Community Park, golf courses, shopping, dining and movie theaters.

This development shows that builders have once again gained confidence in the Triangle area's economic status. Builders once again have faith in the area and many are in the process of planning new housing developments.

If you are interested in purchasing a new home in one of the housing developments in the Triangle area, contact Marti Hampton and Team Marti. Let our experience find you the perfect home.

Help For Those Facing Foreclosure In The Triangle Area:

2010-05-12T23:16:00.002-04:00

In today’s economy, you more than likely know someone or have heard of someone in the Triangle area who fears home needs help to stop foreclosure. A new rule in North Carolina, set to go into place on June 1st, 2010, is designed to help those facing foreclosure. The rule will prevent mortgage services from foreclosing on a homeowner until all requests for assistance have been pursued.

At this time, even if homeowners are in the process of trying to modify delinquent loans, mortgage service companies are allowed to continue to advance foreclosure proceedings. Due to the large number of homeowners seeking assistance, it has been difficult for some servicers to offer help in a timely manner. This has resulted in many individuals losing their homes, which could potentially be avoided under this new ruling. The new rule will halt or slow down foreclsoures if the homeowner is trying to get help.

A second rule set to take effect will set a time line for communication between a delinquent homeowner and the mortgage lender. Services cannot take their time in processing foreclosure. These rules were proposed by the North Carolina Office of the Commissioner of Banks (NCCOB), and were given the go-ahead by the state’s Rules Review Commission on April 16th.

Since 2008, North Carolina’s efforts to stop foreclosures through the NCCOB has helped over 4,000 homeowners avoid foreclosure and provided counseling to over 10,000additional homeowners.

For a great selection of homes in the Raleigh, Cary, Wake Forest area, check out my Triangle website and meet Team Marti. Let us guide you through the home buying process, and assist you in selling your previous home as well.

Building And Living In A Green Traingle Home

2010-05-05T12:13:00.003-04:00

Arnold Zuco, an employee of the Environmental Protection Agency in Research Triangle did the ultimate in taking his work home. In January 2008, he was was busy purchasing the land that would one day hold his new home. Today, Zuco is able to see his dream of living green complete in his new modernist contemporary home.

Going green is more popular than ever, and many new home builders are looking to do just that. The design of the home and the materials used can very much affect our future. Energy use is a big factor in building your perfect green home. Zuco’s home was designed by Randall Lanou and Nick Owings of Build Sense and Studio B architecture with energy savings in mind. The home boasts large windows covered by deep overhangs that allow for a vast amount of indirect light, which in return requires hardly any use of electrical lighting. Photo-voltaic panels were installed 100 feet from the home by Southern Energy Management, and are estimated to generate 30 to 40 percent of the homes power.

Some of the things Zuco used in his home can be used by you to make your home “greener.”

1. PEX Plumbing: Provides a better alternative to copper or PVC.

2. Blown In Cellulose Insulation: It is made of 80% recycled newsprint, and ensures every cavity is protected by being blown in.

3. Low/No Voc Paints: VOC are the toxic chemical you associate with painting. By decreasing the VOC you are improving air quality.

4. Energy Star Rated Appliances: The cost savings alone is a reduction up to 30% in utility bills.

5. Geothermal Heating: A geothermal heating system uses Earth's ability to store heat in the ground. Although these systems do cost 2-3 times more than conventional systems, homeowners will save money in the long run, seeing anywhere from 30-70% annual utility savings.

6. Tankless Water Heaters: Traditional water heaters continuously heat water they hold. Going tankless provides a better economical option than this.

There are many more things available to make your current home more green, or what to do when building your new home. If you are looking for the perfect place to make your green home contact Marti Hampton and Team Marti and purchase your new home in Raeligh, Cary, or Wake Forest today.

Raleigh Charter Narrows Down New Building Site To Three

2010-05-04T12:43:00.004-04:00

As this school year draws to a close Raleigh Charter High School, one of the nation’s top public high schools in the country, has narrowed their choices to three possible building locations for their new school. At this time the only site that has been made public is a well a known office building in at 1307 Glenwood Ave. It has been nearly two years since the Charter school hired a local real estate broker to help them find their perfect location.

Currently Raleigh Charter has about 530 Students and has no plans to increase their student body size as part of their move. The move is to help the economics of the school by allowing them to focus less on the real estate cost and invest more into their programming. In order to enroll in this high school parents must contact the school to see if they have openings, and if there are more prospective students than openings a lottery is held to fill the spots. This past year there were more than 870 students who applied for the 140 openings.

Not sure what a charter school is?

A charter school is one that allows students and parents their choice in education. Charter schools are funded by public tax dollars. These schools must allow for open enrollment, and have no discrimination in regards to religious associations and ability to afford tuition. Raleigh Charter High School challenges college-bound students in a creative and supportive environment to become knowledgeable, thoughtful contributing citizens.

Are you interested in your child attending Raleigh Charter High School and want to buy a new home in the area? Look no further - Marti Hampton and Team Marti are here to help you find your Raleigh home.

Triangle Housing Situation Fairs Better Than Many Other Cities

2010-04-30T20:52:00.005-04:00

Over 300 Triangle housing professionals last December filled the ballroom at the Briar Creek Country Club to attend a three hour long seminar in regards to the housing industry right here in the Triangle area. The results were more than positive and showed that the Triangle area is faring better than many other cities, and continues to improve throughout the beginning of 2010.

Mark Vitner, a senior economist from Wells Fargo who is well known on the national speaker’s circuit, addressed the crowd with his opinion on how the Triangle area was fairing during one of the toughest housing markets in history. Vitner felt that economy was better than it was a year ago, based on indicators such as third quarter of 2009’s Gross Domestic Product rising. The best place to find the least amount of unemployment are in areas with University towns and centers of government; Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill are great examples of this. Another sector of the economy that Vitner felt was growing strong was the mobile internet industry. Once again the Triangle area is the perfect place for this with the Research Triangle Park. The best news of all is that he feels the days of plummeting home prices is at an end, and now is the time to take advantage of low interest rates. It is estimated that by 2012 or 2013 interest rates will once again be up to 8%.

Now is the time to take advantage of the housing industries low interest rates and buy a home. Let Marti Hampton and Team Marti help find the Triangle home of your dreams.

Builders Have Confidence In The Raleigh Area

2010-04-24T17:30:00.005-04:00

Over the past couple years, the recession has led big builders to delay in purchasing multiple parcels of land in the Raleigh area. Now that the housing market is reaching its bottom, two local Triangle home builder groups have announced plans to develop two new communities in the area, while purchasing large amounts of land at low prices. These deals prove that builders have confidence that the Triangle area still has plenty of room to grow and attract new residents.

While some of the larger local builders are in a place to buy land at rock bottom prices, other local builders are struggling to stay afloat and to sell their inventory. Many builders have been foreclosed on by their banks, which has also added to the low price of land in the Triangle area.

Lennar Corp, which is based out of Raleigh, is in the final stages of finishing up their model home in the West Lake community located in Cary, and focusing on finishing the building of homes on fifty-eight lots in the final phase of the community at The Park at West Lake. The West Lake community is already home to an aquatics center that comes complete with a competition swimming pool, water park, and playground. Lennar ranked number 11 as the largest residential builder according to the 2008 Triangle Business Journal book of lists.

Royal Oaks Builders also out of Raleigh have proven that they can continue to remain strong during the recent recession. Parker Point community located in Fuquay-Varina is set to have over 156 homes priced from the @170,000s, with their first home in this community just completed. Royal Oaks ranked number 15 as the largest residential builder in 2008 in the Triangle Business Journal book of lists.

If you want a new home,now is the time to jump. Builders are taking advantage of lower land prices, and passing the savings on to the buyers. Let Marti Hampton and Team Marti here are RE/MAX One Realty make your dream home become a reality.

P.S. For the next few days, the Home Buyer's Tax Credit is still in effect through April 30, so both first time buyers and longtime homeowners can receive federal dollars to buy your affordable home. Take advantage of rarely seen low interest rates and buy a home with me Marti Hampton and Team Marti here at RE/MAX One Realty. ACT NOW!

Family Fun In Your Triangle Home

2010-04-22T22:26:00.007-04:00

In the Triangle area and across the country, more families are enjoying spending more time at home while not giving up the entertainment that they enjoy. The trend which spans game rooms to multimedia rooms is becoming more popular as it allow and allows families more time to bond together at home. This area in the home is very unique to each home owner and boasts their likes. It is not uncommon for sports enthusiasts to create a space decorated with their favorite team colors, accented by a large screen TV and to host numerous game day parties more economically than if everyone went to the stadium. Of course, with the advent of the Wii, people who like to watch sports can actually “participate.”

If professional sports are not what your family is into, you can still create a game room that is sure to keep the family happy at home for a long time to come. Cards, board games, pool, ping pong – all present a fun time for the family.

Here are some tips on creating your game room space:

• Ensure the space is well prepared: if the basement is where you would like to put your game room , make sure the humidity is controlled, and add extra insulation to the attic if that is the better game room choice in your home.

• Make the game room unique to your families likes by including games that your family will enjoy.

• If a pool table is in your future be sure to allow a 5 foot clearance on each side of the table.

• If poker is more your families game of sport, allow at least a three foot clearance around the table.

• If your game activities center around the Wii, make sure there is adequate room to dance, bowl, or sword fight to get the full effect.

Make the most out of your family’s space, and be sure to include a little something for everyone in the family. It is also becoming more of the norm to combine the TV room with a game room. Take the time to plan your entertainment room to best reflect the needs of your family.

Need more space to build the best entertainment room for your family? Contact Marti Hampton your Triangle home expert. Marti Hampton and Team Marti is here to help you find the home that best fits your family’s needs.

Help for the Unemployed in the Triangle area

2010-04-19T21:06:00.017-04:00

The last thing on someone’s mind when they are unemployed is to consider buying a new home. However, a local Triangle nonprofit organization Band Together NC is doing their part to help the unemployed find employment by teaming up with StepUp Ministry, so that they can once again consider purchasing a new home. Band Together was formed in 2001 after five friends came together after the tragic September 11th bombing of the World Trade Center wanting to do their part to help. Band Together hosts musical performances in order to raise money to help various charities. StepUp Ministry is their 2010 charity recipient.

Over 950 adults have gained employment through the StepUp Ministry job training program since 2004. The success rate of this job placement outreach is phenomenal with over 83% of graduates remaining employed longer than six months. StepUp Ministries main focus is to provide individuals and families with a second chance in life, by supporting their commitment to be independent and productive in the community. With the help of the job training program an unemployed Triangle resident can expect to receive one-on-one client mentoring along with employer support. The Triangle area is blessed to have a great agency to help support the areas unemployed, especially when Wake County’s unemployment rate just recently reached 9.2%.

When the time comes to purchase your new home in the Triangle area, take advantage of Marti Hampton’s knowledge of the area ,and let her help find you the home that is right for you. She and Team Marti are readily available to help you find just what you are looking for in Raleigh, Cary, Wake Forest, and other Wake county cities.

P.S. For the next 10 days, the homebuyer's tax credit is still in effect through April 30, so both first time buyers and longtime homeowners can receive federal dollars to buy your affordable home. Take advantage of rarely seen low interest rates and buy a home with me Marti Hampton and team Marti here at RE/MAX One Realty. ACT NOW!

Can't Afford Your First Home? A Foreclosed Home May Be Your Perfect Answer!

Mortgage Credit Certificate Can Be the Key to Your New Home!

Buy Smart Today to Sell Smart Tomorrow

2010-04-18T22:43:00.007-04:00

If you hoping to wrap up a deal on your first Raleigh home by April 30, you may be obsessing over whether you have found the perfect house. While you want to buy a home you love, your chances of success are best if your accept this reality: the home you buy will probably not be your last. Statistically, the National Association of Realtors states that the average America moves every six years. Since that is true, when you buy any home, but especially your first, you should plan an exit strategy for the future. If you buy smart today, you will be better able to sell smart tomorrow.

That means, first of all, that you should buy with an eye to re-salability. Though there is no guarantee of future prices that your home might bring, you should have an eye on the quality of the schools, the location, and the condition.

Modest priced homes tend to sell more quickly than more costly ones. Since your first home is likely to eventually be someone else’s starter home, your price should on a par with other starter homes if you hope to sell it quickly. This will help you too, as buying your first home is not the time to exceed your comfort zone on price.

You might foresee doing a few projects for the enjoyment of your family and to make it more attractive to future buyers, but you should refrain from buying a place that needs loads of money overall. There’s nothing wrong with buying a fixer upper, but you might want to carefully consider what will add to the resale value when you anticipate the projects you want to tackle. Remodeling the kitchen and bathroom usually add to value but adding rooms or a pool can out price the home for the neighborhood. If you immediately need more space or have certain amenities on your must-have list, you are better off considering a different, slightly more up sale home.

You should also buy a home that will meet your needs now and for the next few years – not forever. Your family may grow, you may get transferred, you may want a bigger yard, but those are not cast in stone when you buy your first home. You can’t read your future – certainly your housing future is no exception.

Buying your first home is a wonderful, exciting experience. Buying with an eye to the future does not diminish that – it’s just smart business to plan for the future. Buy smart today so you can sell smart tomorrow.

P.S. For the next 10 days through April 30, the homebuyer's tax credit is still in effect, so both first time buyers and longtime homeowners can receive federal dollars to buy your affordable home. Take advantage of rarely seen low interest rates and buy a home with me Marti Hampton and team Marti here at RE/MAX One Realty. ACT NOW!

Can't Afford Your First Home? A Foreclosed Home May Be Your Perfect Answer!

Mortgage Credit Certificate Can Be the Key to Your New Home!

Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternative Program (HAFA)

2010-04-08T21:55:00.005-04:00

The new Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternative Program (HAFA) guidelines took effect April 5, 2010. The program will terminate on December 31, 2012. HAFA is designed to simplify and streamline the use of short sales and deeds-in-lieu of foreclosure by improving the process. The HAFA guidelines are voluntary, but major banks and servicers including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo and Citimortgage, as well as many smaller lenders, have agreed to participate. All servicers participating must implement HAFA in accordance with their own written policy, consistent with investor guidelines. The policy may include such factors as severity of the loss involved, local market conditions, the timing of pending foreclosure actions, and borrower motivation and cooperation.

Loans that are eligible:

- Loans NOT owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac (Those agencies are expected to release their own, similar guidelines).
- The property is the borrower’s principal residence.
- The mortgage loan is a first lien mortgage originated on or before January 1, 2009.
- The mortgage is delinquent or default is reasonably foreseeable.
- The current unpaid principal balance is equal to or less than $729,750.
- The borrower’s total monthly mortgage payment exceeds 31 percent of the borrower’s gross income.

Main Points:

- Allow borrowers to receive pre-approved short sale terms before listing the property (including the minimum acceptable net proceeds). Appraisals, review of financials, investor approvals, mortgage insurer approvals and second lien approvals can be done while the property is being marketed for sale.
- Servicers must give borrowers/homeowners at least 90 days to market and sell the property, or up to one year, depending on market conditions.
- Prohibit the servicers from requiring a reduction in the real estate commission agreed upon in the listing agreement (up to 6%).
- Require borrowers to be fully released from future liability for the first mortgage debt and if the subordinate lien holder receives an incentive under HAFA, that debt as well (no cash contribution, promissory note, or deficiency judgment is allowed).
- The amount of debt forgiven might be treated as income for tax purposes. Under the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007 which expires at the end of 2012, however, the tax may not apply. Forgiven debt will not be taxed if the amount of the forgiven debt does not exceed the debt that was used to acquire, construct or rehabilitate a principal residence. (Check with a tax advisor.)
- Use standard processes, documents and timeframes/deadlines. Within 3 business days after receiving an offer, the lender must be sent a completed Request to Approve a Short Sale form, with the fully executed Contract, and buyer loan prequalification letter. Within 10 business days of the lender’s receipt of these documents, the lender will approve the sale if it is within the terms and conditions of the Short Sale Agreement and any other liens are released.
- Provide financial incentives: $1,500 for borrower relocation assistance; $1,000 for servicers to cover administrative and processing costs; and up to $1,000 match for investors for allowing a total of up to $3,000 in short sale proceeds to be distributed to subordinate lien holders (on a one-for-three matching basis; up to 3% of the unpaid principal balance of each subordinate loan).
- The deal must be “arms length”. Borrowers cannot list the property or sell it to a relative or anyone else with whom they have a close personal or business relationship.
- Buyers may not reconvey the property within 90 days after closing.

If the property has not sold by the end of the term of the Short Sale Program, the borrower can convey title to the property to the Lender by Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure. This will prevent the borrower from going through a foreclosure sale and will release the borrower from all responsibility to repay the mortgage debt. Additionally, the borrower will receive $3,000 to help with moving expenses.
****
For a great selection of homes in Raleigh, Cary, Wake Forest, and the surrounding area, check out my Triangle website and meet the Marti Hampton Team. We can guide you through the home buying process and sell you previous home as well.

Big Spenders in Raleigh

2010-04-07T21:14:00.005-04:00

Move over Los Angeles and New York City because there are more big spenders here in Raleigh! A recent survey shows that the Raleigh area ranks 6th in the nation for spending.

According to the latest Bundle report released last week on how America spends Raleigh came in higher than many larger cities such as New York City and Los Angeles. Bundle is backed by Citigroup which used its credit card data to evaluate the average American spending amount in the top 100 cities in the nation. The average Raleigh household spent a whopping $53,398 on shopping, dining, and travel in 2009 alone. The Bundle Report is unique in that it does not take into consideration the amount a household spends on rent or mortgage, which is one of the reasons that ranked Raleigh above larger cities such as Los Angeles. Even more surprising is that Raleigh ranked number one in shopping with the average Raleigh area household spending on average $15,800 a year.

This finding is interesting as North Carolina was included in the second round of states slated to receive funding from the Housing Finance Agency Hardest Hit Fund (HHF). North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island and South Carolina are slated to receive a totat of $600 million diverted from Trouble Assets Relief Program (TSRP) funds to combat the results of foreclosures and unemployment in these state.

The figures indicate that many in Raleigh are in a good position to to take advantage of the lower priced real estate market compared to the bigger cities, and buy or sell a home in Wake County. For the next few weeks, the homebuyer’s tax credit is still in effect through April 30 so both first time buyers and longtime homeowners can receive federal dollars to buy your dream home. Take advantage of rarely seen low interest rates and buy a home with me Marti Hampton and team Marti here at RE/MAX One Realty.

Raleigh Homebuyers Race to the Finish Line As April 30 Nears

2010-04-03T22:29:00.006-04:00

First time home and repeat buyers as well are racing to meet the April 30th deadline for tax credits. There is no better time to be a home buyer in the Raleigh area than now, with the combination of decreased home values, low interest rates, and tax credits of $8,000 for first timers and $6,500 for repeat buyers. The tax incentive is slowing the decline in home sales. Now more than ever, it is easier for first time home buyers as well as repeat buyers to purchase the home of their dreams.

According to Zillow, the online real estate service, median listing values in Raleigh are $204,900, down 5% since last year at this time last year, while the median sales price is $190,600. In Cary, there is a 6% decrease since last year, while in Wake Forest, the decrease is 10.1%. Though there was a slight decrease in snowy February, home sales have generally outpaced sales from the previous year in past months.

Economist Kevin Gillen, of Econsult, attributed to over 350,000 sales in 2009 to first time home buyers throughout the country. The National Association of Realtors® expects that March and Aprils statistics will show that the credit has improved sales figures during the extension period as well.

Determining if you qualify for a first time home buyer credit is simple. If you have not owned a primary residence in the last three years, you would qualify. However, if you file taxes jointly with your spouse, neither of you could have owned a primary residence in the past three years to meet the requirements of this tax credit.

For the repeat buyer’s credit, you must have occupied a home you owned for five consecutive years of the last eight. You do not have to sell your old home, not so you have to be living in it now, so this credit offers a lot of flexibility for repeat buyers.

It is important for first time home and repeat buyers to understand that the tax credit is very different than a tax deduction. This tax credit will essentially be like putting money in your hands, whereas a tax deduction will reduce your taxable income. If a Raleigh home buyer were to owe $8000 in income taxes and qualify for the max first time buyers credit, they would then essentially owe nothing. The same principle applies to repeat buyer credits.

Without the pressure of having to sell a home, first timers are ready to buy. This ready market allows owners who want to make a change to put their homes on the market with confidence. Do not let this rare opportunity pass you by put your dream home under contract by April 30th.

For a great selection of homes in Raleigh, Cary, Wake Forest, and the surrounding area, check out my Triangle website and meet the Marti Hampton Team. We can guide you through the home buying process and sell you previous home as well.

Hunting Homes for Easter?

2010-04-01T18:53:00.001-04:00

Hello Bloggers – thanks for stopping by today. It’s very warm outside. It's also getting hotter by the day in the Raleigh real estate market. Two things to help you be in the 'know' about our current market if you are buying a home or selling a home.
First – the Federal Government ends their Mortgage Back security Program today. Rates are going to be sensitive and volatile.
Second – On April 5th, FHA will increase the up front mortgage insurance premium from 1.75% to 2.25%. In order to save this additional fee – all case numbers must be pulled before April 5th.
So if you are hunting houses instead of Easter eggs – Get –R- done! God Bless and Happy Easter. Marti

Year-Round Schools or Traditional Schools in Wake County

2010-03-30T18:51:00.003-04:00

Solve this problem. What is better for students and for the county budget? “Year-round” schools or “traditional” schools? The answer is not a simple equation.

To meet educational needs, Wake County turned to the year-round school concept in 2006. Since that time, all new elementary and middle schools opened on a year-round calendar, while more than 20 existing traditional-calendar schools were converted. Because not all students are on the same schedule, the buildings can be used more effectively and accommodate more students over the course of a year. While students do not have a traditional summer vacation, they have frequent breaks throughout the year. The jury is still out on the educational benefits of year round schools.

In view of slowed growth, this plan may need to be re-evaluated. Supporters of converting schools back argue that not as many year-round schools are needed because of fewer students entering the district. On the opposite end of this argument are supporters who speak in favor of leaving year-round schedules intact and maintain that the capacity will be needed when the economy improves and growth picks up. Both year round and traditional schools have strong supporters among parent groups.

As a result, Wake County school administrators are considering converting Wakefield Elementary, Leesville Road Middle, Mills Park Middle, and Salem Middle back to a traditional calendar as soon as this fall, while other school calendars are under discussion. The likely result is that some schools will be year round, while others will revert to the traditional calendar.

The school is also considering whether to abandon busing to promote diversity and returning to neighborhood schools. Discussion of the two issues will guarantee lively school board meetings this spring.

While these issues may appear unsettling to outsiders, this area is comprised of parents who want a strong voice in their children’s education. Strong parents mean a strong learning environment. We have full trust that school administrators will fairly weigh all options and formulate a plan that all will strongly support. What a great community these children are being raised in!

If you are looking for a great school district, we suggest you consider the Raleigh area. The final math equation is: Take the finest schools in the nation + caring administrators and teachers+ concerned parents = a learning environment second to none!

Check out my Triangle website and meet the Marti Hampton Team for your key to the best schools. We can show you the best homes in Raleigh, Cary, Wake Forest, and the surrounding area.

Can Cary’s New Development Plans Be Derailed?

2010-03-28T23:01:00.003-04:00

Cary shares a common link with other U.S, when it saw its core downtown business shrink as new subdivisions, shopping centers, and office parks became the norm. But in 2001, forward thinking town officials adopted a downtown master plan to re-define its historic core area with a mix of high density, mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly development. That's still the end goal, officials say, but a recessionary economy and plan to link Raleigh and Charlotte via high speed rail have caused city planners to regroup – and may cause them to do so again.

In December, town officials decided to delay spending on specific capital projects, including street, landscape, and other aesthetic improvements planned just four years ago. Plans for a digital media center have been shelved indefinitely. Wisely, at a town retreat in January, staff suggested an alternative "districting" proposal for downtown's core, the area radiating out two or three blocks in each direction from the intersection of Academy and Chatham streets. The new model for downtown splits the area, about 1,000 acres, into three districts with distinct attributes.

"We're not able to focus on the glitzy stuff right now," said Jeff Ulma, the town's planning director. "But it's an organic process, and I'm optimistic. Everyone wants this to happen."

For now, the town is doing what it can. The town is renovating the Old Cary Elementary building into a community arts center, acquiring land for a downtown park and designing new signage for the area. Water and sewer improvements are moving forward, too. Officials are taking time to refine old plans for Cary's core.

The new model for downtown splits the area, about 1,000 acres, into three districts with distinct attributes. Here's what downtown will look like:

Downtown South

The area surrounding the old Cary Elementary building up north past Waldo Street will focus on preserving and enhancing historic buildings, refurbishing the community center, and creating the town park. The area will feature a new county library and ultimately, a performing arts center if parking issues can be resolved, and a digital media center, if that plan is revived.

Chatham Street

Chatham Street will be the center of retail activity, restaurants, and nightlife, with housing above the commercial development. This will expand the retail hub of Cary and make Chatham Street the primary east-west gateway to the city core.

Downtown North

Previously an industrial area and site of the town hall and the train station, the area between Chapel Hill Road and the railroad tracks between Walker Street and North Harrison Avenue will be transformed by taller buildings, hotels and office space. Downtown North is another proposed site for a performing arts center as some parking is in place. The center would be a needed “destination” in downtown Cary that would draws visitors.

Obstacles to Overcome

Officials also worry downtown redevelopment could be delayed by rail plans as the N.C. Department of Transportation just received a $545 million grant in January to link cites. The Cary train station will be updated and expanded in the process but local railroad crossings could be closed for safety reasons. The resulting change in traffic patterns might not be amenable to the recently-crafted development plans.

Despite the uncertainty that high speed rail could bring to the process, a renewed commitment to development is the air. A revitalized downtown will only make Cary an even better place to live even if the new plans will have to be tweaked in view of the rail project..

Looking toward Cary as the location of you new home? For a great selection of homes in Raleigh, Cary, Wake Forest, and the surrounding area, check out my Triangle website and meet the Marti Hampton Team.

2010-03-25T20:46:00.008-04:00

Donors across North Carolina have reached out to survivors of Haiti’s horrific earthquake with, parts of themselves - artificial hands, feet and joints they no longer need but whch can make a life-changing difference to injured Haitians.

Travis Dessoffy, who runs the Greenville office of Hanger Prosthetics and Orthotics, will transport the prosthetics, as well as crutches, canes and walkers, to Physicians for Peace in Norfolk, Va., a nonprofit that will ship them to Haiti. Hanger is the largest U.S. producer of prosthetic equipment. All the company's 600-plus offices are participating in the limb drive, including those in Raleigh, Cary and Durham.

Physicians for Peace, working with several other groups, is collecting, sorting, and repairing prosthetics that patients in this country no longer want or need. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration bars the re-use of prosthetics here, but Haiti has no such rule.

"They'll be happy with anything they get," Dessoffy said.

As a result of crush injuries, an estimated 5,000 to 6,000 people have had limbs amputated during the Haiti quake or because of infections that weren't properly tended afterward. It will be weeks or months before the swelling and tenderness have subsided so the injured can be fitted for replacement limbs but aid groups have planned a new hospital wing for amputees and new production facilities where Haitians will learn to build prosthetics. . Child amputees may have to be fitted many times before they're grown.

Even before the earthquake, Physicians for Peace reported that Haiti had 800,000 disabled people, many of whom were treated as outcasts. Physicians for Peace and other agencies are collecting supplies and organizing medical volunteers to set up prosthetic manufacturing operations in Port-au-Prince and at the Hôpital Albert Schweitzer in Deschapelles, 60 miles away. The hospital, undamaged in the quake, will also be the site of a rehabilitation center for amputees.

Specialists working with patients in Haiti will likely lean toward low-tech solutions because those parts will be easier and less costly to maintain. Dessoffy hope to follow the same procedure he does in the U.S>: o fit patients with exactly the prosthetic they need for the activities they perform, whether it's surf fishing or pick-up basketball.

"I'm just making a tool," he said. "If you hand me a nail, I don't want to make a screwdriver."

Ron Sconyers, president and CEO of Physicians for Peace, said a limb replacement gives an amputee two things: hope and a chance for a normal life. "The most amazing thing we see is with upper-extremity amputees," Sconyers said. "When they get a prosthetic, the first thing they want to do is hug somebody."

Aside from the efforts of hanger and Physicians for Peace, members of the N.C. Association for Medical Equipment Services have sent truckloads of goods, including bandages, crutches, wheelchairs and oxygen concentrators to Haiti, according to Beth Bowen, the trade group's spokeswoman in Cary.
The generosity of the people in North Carolina is just another reason to live and work here. For a look at some beautiful homes in Raleigh, Cary, Wake Forest, and the surrounding area, check out my Triangle website and meet the Marti Hampton Team.

Hind Site is 20/20

2010-03-24T17:38:00.001-04:00

Dear Bloggers – Thank you for stopping by today. Raleigh real estate sales are slipping into ‘high gear’ while many home buyers take advantage of a unique set of circumstances. Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions an individual can make. So it’s understandable that one considering a home purchase may take their time to avoid rushing into such a large financial commitment. However, several factors might leave prospective home buyers who don’t purchase a property now wishing they had taken action sooner.
“Current market conditions have created a perfect storm of sorts that has made it an ideal time to purchase for first-time and trade-up buyers alike. Those who have the means and the desire to buy now but don’t, aren’t likely to see such a great opportunity again anytime soon.
Here are three reasons why those who aren’t under contract to purchase a new home by April 30, 2010 might regret it.
1. They won’t receive a sizeable amount of money from Uncle Sam.
For the past two years, the federal government has offered a home buyer tax credit to help stimulate the economy. But that financial incentive is set to expire soon. First-time buyers who aren’t under contract to purchase a home by April 30, 2010 will leave the $8,000 that is available to them through the tax credit on the table. Meanwhile, repeat buyers will miss out on the opportunity to collect up to $6,500 from the government.
2. They might not lock-in on the historically-low interest rates.
Thanks to measures taken by the Federal Reserve including the purchasing of mortgage-backed securities, interest rates have remained historically-low for several years. With the economy beginning to show signs of recovery, it is widely believed that the government will soon put an end to these stimulus efforts.
If that happens, many economists believe we will begin to see a sharp increase in interest rates which could result in a much higher monthly payment for those who wait. For example, an interest rate increase of 1% on a 30-year fixed mortgage of $300,000 could cost a buyer $188 more a month or $67,000 more over the span of the entire loan.
3. They might miss out on record home price affordability.
Home price affordability is at its most optimal level in decades. As a result, those who wait to buy will likely pay more for the home they purchase than what that same home would cost right now. In fact, home prices have already begun to rise slightly in some markets. Instead of getting a better bargain, waiting to buy a home might net buyers a higher purchase price, less appreciation and less house for their buck.
“There is no time to waste for anyone who wants to take advantage of this great buying opportunity. Particularly for those who have a home to sell first. If you are prone to saying ‘what if’ and wondering what could have been, you will thank yourself down the road for buying now.”
Home buyers seeking a home in the Cary real estate market or the Raleigh real estate market may look back at this time and wish they had acted boldly.

Settle Your Family in Healthy Wake County

2010-03-23T20:47:00.008-04:00

Wake County is not only the site of the best real estate in North Carolina, -it is also the healthiest. Whether you are looking for a palace or a starter home, where you buy is important for the well being of your family.

According to a new report prepared by University of Wisconsin and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Wake tops 100 North Carolina counties when weighting health factors (health behaviors, clinical care, social and economic factors, and physical environment) and health outcomes - how long people live (mortality) and the quality of their life (morbidity.) Though other counties like Orange and Durham rank high on the scale, Wake is the best all around location.

Here is how the factors were weighted:

40% - Social and economic factors (education, income, employment, family and social support, community safety)

30% - Health behaviors (tobacco use, diet and exercise, alcohol use, unseal sex), evidenced by smoking rates, obesity, binge drinking and motor vehicle crash rates, and teen pregnancy and STD rates)

20% - Clinical care (access to care, quality of care)

10% - Physical environment (environmental quality, polices and programs to promote health)

The great schools, good jobs, availability of healthy foods, and access to health care in Wake County gives county residents an advantage over many other North Carolina residents in all areas but air quality. In general, citizens in poorer, more rural counties fare worse in terms of health. Bertie and Columbus Counties are at the bottom of the list when data from those counties is compared to North Carolina statewide averages. The complete report of health ratings is available at http://www.countyhealthrankings.org/.

"There are big differences in health among North Carolina counties," said State Health Director Jeff Engel in a statement accompanying the report. He hopes the report will encourage counties to continue to invest in programs and policy changes that improve health.

I can show you beautiful homes in healthy cities in Wake County like Raleigh, Cary, Wake Forest, and the surrounding area. Check out my Triangle website and meet the Marti Hampton Team.