From the category archives:

Buying a Home

Buying A Home – Get A Survey

January 15, 2010
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I’ve always been an advocate for getting a survey whenever you buy a home.  I always do whenever I buy a home.  I’ve written about getting a survey before on this blog.  Doesn’t matter if it’s a new home or a home that’s 50 years old, you still need a survey.  Here’s a quote from [...]

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Home Buyer Tax Credit Gets Expanded For 2010

January 7, 2010
tax credit money

A nice bonus awaits many home buyers in this new year.  The Home Buyer Tax Credit has been extended and expanded to include many more potential home buyers.
The Home Buyer Tax Credit actually began back in 2008 as a $7,500 credit only available for first time home buyers.  And it had to be paid back [...]

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Fed Cannot Keep Mortgage Rates Low Forever

December 2, 2009
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When buying a home one very important component of the decision making process for most people is the mortgage rate.  Lower rates mean you can afford more house for your money.  As rates increase, typically home buyers must scale back their expectations and settle for less size and/or amenities in their home.  Some home buyers [...]

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Mortgage Pre-Approval More Important Than Ever

November 23, 2009
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To say that things have changed in the mortgage business would be a huge understatement.  Qualifying is more challenging, down payment requirements have changed, and sources of income that once were allowed now are not.  The rules have changed and it seems new guidelines continue to be put in place almost every month.
Because of new [...]

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Senate Ponders Extending Home Buyer Tax Credit

October 30, 2009
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The Wall Street Journal is reporting that the US Senate has reached a compromise on a revamped version of the First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit.  This version, if passed, would extend and expand the current tax credit.
The proposed version would keep the current $8,000 tax credit for first time home buyers while raising income [...]

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Wake County Real Estate Appreciation Over Last 10 Years

September 25, 2009
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This chart shows a real clear picture of what’s been going on with residential real estate prices over the last 10 years. The numbers from 2006 forward are particularly interesting.
As I help great clients buy and sell homes, I hear lots of buzz in the marketplace about how much homes prices have fallen recently.  I’ve [...]

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November Will Be A Very Busy Month For Closings

September 24, 2009
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Are you one of the lucky folks who will be taking advantage of the $8,000 tax credit for first time home buyers? Awesome! Just make sure you don’t cut it too close to the November 30th deadline.
October closings are already beginning to stack up and if predictions hold true, November could be one of [...]

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Pay Off Debt First Or Buy A Home Now?

July 30, 2009
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The decision to buy a home is a really big one. You want to get this right. Should you pay off debt first, or go ahead and buy a home now? Paying off debt is always a good idea and needs to be carefully weighed against the benefits of buying a home now.

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First Time Home Buyer Seminar Coming Soon

July 27, 2009

An exciting seminar for First Time Home Buyers is being planned for the Raleigh, NC area. Come find out how to take advantage of low home prices, low mortgage rates, and an $8,000 tax credit.

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It’s Okay To Change Your Mind

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The home buyer decision process cannot be rushed. And it’s okay to change your mind. If a Realtor ever tells you different, run as fast as you can.

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