Comments for Raleigh Real Estate Talk

Comment on Why You Need a Survey When You Buy a Home – Reason Number 43 by Laurence Wall

Laurence Wall — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 13:26:45 +0000

Hi! I’m a land surveyor just going around the internet to update my stock speech to a group of realtors about surveying. It’s always a pleasure to hear professionals in all areas… I know we have our “rag-tape” surveyors & ya’ll (did I mention I’m from Texas) have your “glorified Mary Kay salespeople”.
Just enjoyed reading the intelligent & informative insight here….

Comment on Home Buyer Tax Credit Gets Expanded For 2010 by Bob Fortner

Bob Fortner — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:07:24 +0000

Hi Marilyn – August 2008 has been a while back, but I think the original $7500 tax credit was in place back then. It had some different parameters, such as having to be paid back to the IRS at the rate of $500 per year. It seems that there was a deadline to claim this as well. You should check with your tax professional to be sure.

Comment on Home Buyer Tax Credit Gets Expanded For 2010 by marilyn

marilyn — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:14:53 +0000

we bought a house as a primary residence 2008 aug. do i qualify for the tax credit of $6500? who gets qualified for the $6500 tax credit?

Comment on Top 7 Reasons Why I Love Christmas by Winston Hodges

Winston Hodges — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 20:17:32 +0000

Bob,

Number 7 is also my favorite reason for Christmas; the celebration of the birth of Christ. Where would we be without HIS love and the hope that HE brings to our life and the world. To HIM be all Glory and Honor.

Let’s get together this week for a cup of coffee. I have three closings this week but I will call you to see if you could meet one morning before 9am.
I look forward to seeing you.

In HIS Peace,

Winston Hodges

Comment on Remodel Opportunity Inside The Beltline Raleigh by Bob Fortner

Bob Fortner — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:21:25 +0000

Hi Gina – The prices for these homes is all over the board, depending on location, condition, etc. This particular one sold for $320K. It needed about $15K of just good old fashioned maintenance. Another $50K or so would likely result in a very nice remodel with an updated kitchen, hardwoods, some fresh paint, etc. After all that the new homeowner would have about $385K invested. Homes of similar square footage in this area, with updates done, sell in the $550K range. That’s a $165K equity gain in this example! Not bad…

There are lots of other scenarios out there too, depending on your budget. The main thing is to go for location, the one thing that cannot be changed or cured after you purchase. Other than that, it’s a matter of buying a house with “good bones” and not paying too much. Call me if I can help –Bob

Comment on Remodel Opportunity Inside The Beltline Raleigh by gina

gina — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:33:14 +0000

This sounds good. What is the price range for these character-filled fixer uppers? Gina

Comment on Short Sale at 3800 Hamlin Court in North Raleigh by Bob Fortner

Bob Fortner — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:40:38 +0000

Hi Lisa – Elementary is Harris Creek, Middle is East Wake, and High is Knightdale

Comment on Short Sale at 3800 Hamlin Court in North Raleigh by Lisa Ruskie

Lisa Ruskie — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:17:56 +0000

Bob – what school are for this house? Lisa

Comment on What You Should Do About Radon Levels Just Under 4.0 by Bob Fortner

Bob Fortner — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 10:51:07 +0000

Hi Sarah – This is a great question for your agent. If you don’t have an agent you’re going to need to seek the advice on a good real estate attorney to determine what “as-is” means in the specific context of your contract. Your agent, or real estate attorney, is the only person qualified to determine that for you.

Regardless of who pays, my opinion, and the opinion of the EPA, is that any home with a radon level of 11 in the basement needs to be fixed for health and safety reasons. Please don’t take a risk with your health by doing nothing. Good luck with this!

Comment on What You Should Do About Radon Levels Just Under 4.0 by Sara

Sara — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 02:08:22 +0000

Hi there!

If you don’t mind, I have a question. My husband and I have recently put in an offer on our first home and it was excepted. We had the home inspection done and it turns out there is a radon level of about 11 in the basement. Now, here is my dilemma; the house is sold in ‘as is’ condition. Does that only cover the structure of the home? Would the sellers be obligated to mitigate the property before we purchase it?