Doug Patterson ABR®, SFR REALTOR®

Fiddlers Glenn is a relatively new subdivision located in Winston Salem, North Carolina.  The construction is good, and you would almost call them cluster homes for sale, but they are really single family homes a little bit close to each other. 

There is a Fiddlers Glenn Homeowners Association that takes care of the usual things which include the "Lamp Post" lighting along the neighborhood streets along with the maintenance of the "Commons Areas".  Throw in the "Master Insurance Premium" and the "Real Property Taxes for the Common Areas, and you arrive at an annual rate of $200, paid in quarterly installments of $50.00.  Not a bad deal at all.  The street lighting are enlargements of "Driveway Lamp Posts", which is kind of quaint. 

So, when I received an email notice from Zillow.com on my Blackberry recently that read, "I'm interested in seeing the house at "bla bla bla" Street, I was thrilled.  I was going into Lowes Grocery at the time, but emailed her that I would get back to her in about 15 minutes, which I did.  Then, she said she was interested in selling her home immediately in order to purchase this home in question, and "I've already spoken with my mortgage loan officer".   Whew!!  Can you believe my good fortune?  To make a long story shorter...I met with this young lady at the new house she wanted and again was thrilled at how wonderful she was and how "together" she was with her life!  What lucky stars am I living under?!

Here's some photographs of the house at 2584 Fiddlers Glenn that we now have under contract to sell in order to buy her new home.   We have placed the contract on the new home, with this home as a contingency.  Yeah, it's complicated.

The home has a Great Room with a gas fireplace, dining and kitchen along with three bedrooms, and 2 full baths.  

Now the Master Bath is more than just a "Full Bath".  THere's a "Garden Tub" that has the "glass block" window....I love those.... and a walk-in shower with a glass door...yes, I love that too....and a large vanity with double sinks...and throw in those "large earth-tone Ceramic Tiles for flooring,  and a glass of Wine, and I'll call it "my office"!

Before your imagination starts to run wild, I'm going to put in some photos of the Kitchen!                  

 Since this home is  basically a "Great Room" for Living, dining and the kitchen, it truly lends itself to either "the family setting", or the not so lonely "bachelor or bachelorette" setting! 

Listen to some music included as you Watch The Video about 2584 Fiddlers Glenn! in Winston Salem NC 27127.    Thanks for stopping by!

 I would like to help you reach your real estate goals.   Please visit our website at Park Place Real Estate . Perform FREE SEARCHES with your own free account with Listingbook, or  (MLS) Multiple Listing Searches of homes for sale in Winston Salem and the Greater NC Triad Region.  There is never an obligation to ever purchase or sell any real estate by using this free services.  

I'd love to hear from you and answer any questions you may have about real estate! Thanks for stopping by and please...  EMAIL Me Today with any comments or questions you may have.                         

NORTH CAROLINA RANKED THIRD PLACE IN THE USA FOR DOING BUSINESS!

Forbes is Business and North Carolina is Approved!  Okay!  Let's get excited!!  Those of us in the Tar Heel state have always said we have a great place to live and work, and now we have further confirmation!  It's nice to be able to brag a little, especially right now in this economy, don't you think?  May I add this too, we've kept our property prices reasonable, in an effort to not overstate values. 

We've moved up from last year's ratings, which was number five! 

    <----I drew this, can you tell?  ":>)

We've created more jobs in NC than 46 of the other states!   N.C. Governor Purdue has recently stated , "There's nothing I love more than convincing a corporate executive of what a great place this is to live and work."   Well said Madam Governor!

How does the NC Triad Region  (including Greensboro, High Point and Winston Salem) relate to jobs in the past few years? 

Answer:  North Carolina was hit hard with the loss of so much manufacturing and exports in recent years.  However the Triad attracted more fields such as transportation and logistics and that's started to make a big difference.  The state is poised to handle the demand for higher skilled workers because of our strong state educational system.  (reported from the May, 2010, Piedmont-Triad Economic Summit held in Greensboro, NC)

           Come on and give the Triad a look!   Check these out!

                   Winston Salem Uptown Hopping! 

                        Greensboro Uptown Too!                                    

               Colleges and Universities of the Triad 

        Search Neighborhoods in and around the Triad

I welcome the opportunity to hear from you and answer any questions you may have about real estate! 

Thanks for stopping by and please...  EMAIL Me Today with any comments or questions you may have.                         

  Visit REAL ESTATE NEWS to learn more about what's happening with real estate in North Carolina and the Triad Region.    

HOMES FOR SALE WINSTON SALEM NC

As the fall market is in full swing in Winston Salem, Greensboro, High Point Triad area, this is the time to find the great deals....and it's not necessarily the "Foreclosed and Short Sale Home"!  

People are still relocating.   Interest rates are the lowest they've ever been, and jumbo rates are down. 

Beware however, that there are influences in the making that may change the current interest rate scenario. 

Mortgage lenders are reporting that the"United States interest rates are tied closely to the relationship between the Chinese currency and our bond market".  That will inevitably change at some point, and "Home Loan Interest Rates" will begin increasing!  

The ability to get a 30 year mortgage at 4.5% is incredible!  It's an opportunity that should not be missed!  

Give yourself a Great Christmas Gift this year....a New Home!

You've always heard the expression "BUYER'S BEWARE" !    

EXAMPLES of "TRUTH IN LENDING" With 30 YEAR  Mortgages

* Financing a $116,000 mortgage at 6.5%, you will pay  $183,488.    That's $67,049 in Interest!

*  Financing a $112,697 mortgage at 5.55% you will pay $166,402.    That's 53,705 in Interest!

*  Financing $153,000 mortgage at 6.24%, you will pay $279,000.     That's 125,900 in Interest!

Low Interest Rates are the reason to buy in today's market 

I welcome the opportunity to hear from you and answer any questions you may have about real estate! Thanks for stopping by and please...  EMAIL Me Today with any comments or questions you may have.                         

  Visit REAL ESTATE NEWS to learn more about what's happening with Homes for Sale In Winston Salem and the Triad Region.    

TOWNHOME IN HISTORIC WEST END WINSTON SALEM NC WITH GARAGE

 THREE FULL BATHROOMS AND ONE HALF BATH                TWO  MASTER BEDROOMS

 EXTRA 3RD BEDROOM or STUDIO or Office!  

MLS# 585298        Appraised Value by NC Certified Residential Appraiser before Recent Improvements:  $234,350    

After improvements, List Price:  $235,900 

       WHY BUY THIS HOUSE?

In Uptown Winston Salem, there are wonderful restaurants, such as Bernardin's Restaurant at the Zevely House  and the West End Cafe, around Grace Park in the West End Historic District  area.  

Here you'll also find beautiful period homes, many restored to reflect their original historic appearance.    Three blocks away is the Central YMCA and Hanes Park, a mile from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center  and two miles from Wake Forest University, main campus. 

Keeping with this historic tradition, in 1985 these six units were built to blend into the neighborhood setting and yet cosmopolitan in nature.   There are 2 Upper level "Master Bedrooms".  Each has excellent closet space and a full bath (shower and tub).   

 There is another room in the lower level that also has a full bath.  This room is ideal for a 3rd bedroom, an office, or guest room.   All in all, it's approximately 1500 square feet (or more) of excellent living spaces.

Having a garage in uptown is truly a luxury!  This provides two off street parking spaces.

 Attic Storage available.

The living room has a brick, gas log fireplace, great crown mounding, recessed llighting  (with dimmers), built-in book shelving, and fabulous hardwood floors!    

The Galley Kitchen is open at both ends with natural light coming from the dining and living room area.

New stove, dishwasher, porcelain sink, designer faucet, and new disposal are great additions! 

Master Bedrooms 1 and 2  are shown here (prior to the move).   The entire home has been professionally painted in neutral colors.

The rear courtyard view from the patio of this unit is stunning!  The patio does not face any other units so it's very private.  Also, the courtyard does not have "street access" which makes it more secure and private as well...a great feature!

To see more detail, please enjoy a Photo Video Tour of this terrific home (includes music).   MLS# 585298 (Agent Owner)

Association Dues:  $400 Quarterly:  Includes Exterior Building Maintenance, Property Tax on Common Areas, Master Insurance Premium and Pest Extermination.         

I would like to help you reach your real estate goals.   Please visit our website at Park Place Real Estate . Perform FREE SEARCHES with your own free account with Listingbook, or  (MLS) Multiple Listing Searches of homes for sale in Winston Salem and the Greater NC Triad Region.  There is never an obligation to ever purchase or sell any real estate by using this free services.  

I'd love to hear from you and answer any questions you may have about real estate! Thanks for stopping by and please...  EMAIL Me Today with any comments or questions you may have.                         

FORECLOSURE HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN WINSTON SALEM NC

If you know of someone who is behind on mortgage payments, Click on This Video to learn about the new rules put into place in April, 2010, to help homeowners who are facing foreclosure for whatever reason.

The program is called "Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives",  HAFA for short. 

HAFA PROGRAM ELIGIBLITY

Short Sales processes have better rules now, under the guidelines of HAFA.    The Lender/Servicer of the homeowners loan must abide by the following:  T

• here must be a Uniform Process, using model forms, and there will be deadlines. 
• The Lender must establish in the beginning of the process what the closing costs and net proceeds will be as well as and what a "fair offer" will be for the home.  
• Lender/Servicers must participate in the program guidelines, which includes about 90 % of all Mortgage Lenders. 

The eligibility requirements are simple.  The homeowner going into default must not have purchased the home recently, and the balance owed cannot exceed $729,750.   The homeowner must be deliquent already or in a reasonably foreseeable future.  The program is not for investors, so you must be living in the home.  Finally, your payment must exceed 31% of your gross income.   To get more details go to "Making Home Affordable"

 I would like to help you reach your real estate goals. Please visit our website at Park Place Real Estate . Perform FREE SEARCHES for homes for sale in Winston Salem and the Greater NC Triad Region. There is no obligation to ever purchase or sell any real estate by using this free service.

I would love to hear from you and answer any questions you may have about real estate! Thanks for stopping by and please... EMAIL ME today with any comments or questions you may have.

Doug Patterson  ABR®

HOMES FOR SALE WINSTON SALEM NC -EXTERIOR REMODELING

Winston Salem homes are selling!  Spring has sprung, the neighborhoods are being spruced up, to enjoy a well deserved respite from the news "That Groundhog" gave us a several weeks ago.  It was a long winter to say the least!

                                                    Finally!  We're enjoying greener grass, the trees are budding, and the daffidils are blooming, especially in the established neighborhoods like where I live.  That's where you'll find the beauty of nature, because families have had time to see their efforts "take root", so to speak. 

It's also the time to begin those projects like exterior painting, enclosing a patio with privacy fencing or installing those energy efficient windows. 

Mine this year was the privacy fencing. 

We moved two houses down recently. I'll save that one for a later blog.  Anyway, the new house is on the corner and has no backyard privacy.  We have the best neighbors and we wanted to keep it that way.

Our garage doors are the white vinyl type, so I decided to stay with the same material and shoot for vinyl fencing to match.  I'm a firm believer in not having a variety of building materials used on a home exterior, which comes from my architectural background. 

I called Lowes Home Improvement and Home Depot to get some pricing, with the 12 months, no interest plan, of course!  Lowes got this one.    

Can you see why we needed a Privacy Fence?

I was intrigued at how simple it appeared, but that's because of Justin Latham's skill and experience which definately played a huge role. 

The land was pretty level, but not entirely.  How to match up the tops to be in a straight line was one decision process...                    

 As they made the 90 degree turn back towards the house, it was more important to me to have the tops level for that entire run, rather than "stepping it down" to meet the gradual slope of the land.  That decision turned out well.                

They ran into a problem next to the sunporch because the footing for the house extended out underground alittle too far, not allowing a post hole close enough to the structure.   No worries, though, because Justin cut a piece of another panel, used some additional brackets and secured it to the last post and the brick.   Problem Solved!

It was a good project and a pleasant experience.  I highly recommend Lowes' sales person, David Glascow, for the planning, estimating, and ordering materials.   You can contact David at (336) 768-2400. Justin Latham will do right by you, as he did for me!  (336) 477-5008 

Several of the neighbors have asked for his contact information to do other types of fencing for them.

I would like to help you reach your real estate goals.   Please visit our website at Park Place Real Estate . Perform FREE SEARCHES with your own free account with Listingbook, or  (MLS) Multiple Listing Searches of homes for sale in Winston Salem and the Greater NC Triad Region.  There is never an obligation to ever purchase or sell any real estate by using this free services.  

I'd love to hear from you and answer any questions you may have about real estate! Thanks for stopping by and please...  EMAIL Me Today with any comments or questions you may have.

TAX CREDITS FOR HOMES FOR SALE WINSTON SALEM TRIAD NC

Since we're all headed towards April 15th, Tax Day, I thought it would be appropriate to post information on the topic from House Logic , a service provided by the National Association of Realtors.  

Recentlly, one of my neighbors asked me if I knew if there were tax advantages for adding insulation in the ceiling of their garage and beefing up the existing insulation in the attic.  Just so happens that there are alot of tax credits along those lines.  Here are a few:

I would like to help you reach your real estate goals. Please visit our website at Park Place Real Estate . Perform FREE SEARCHES for homes for sale in Winston Salem and the Greater NC Triad Region. There is no obligation to ever purchase or sell any real estate by using this free service.

I would love to hear from you and answer any questions you may have about real estate! Thanks for stopping by and please... EMAIL ME today with any comments or questions you may have.

LAWN MAINTENANCE FOR HOMES FOR SALE IN WINSTON SALEM TRIAD NC

Those of us who are thinking about selling a home, now is the time to begin the plans for the maintenance and preparation of the lawn, and all it's components, for the spring. 

Now, I'm no expert on what needs to be done to bushes, grass, and natural areas...but I do know it takes planning to have those items looking great when the weather turns around.  Also, I know that now is the time to get on the schedules of reputable lawn maintenance companies in order to achieve that all, important, "CURB APPEAL".  

It's truly critical in that first "60 second" time frame, when a potential buyer drives up to your home and thinks..."Ummm, very nice".....as opposed to... "Ummm, NO WAY!"  ...when your yard is the foundation of your curb appeal. 

 A prime example:  I had a client from New York, who found me on the Internet.   We developed a long distance - real estate - relationship over a few months.   When he was ready to buy, he arrived in Winston Salem to look at some homes to consider.   I had selected several properties that fit the bill, based on our previous discussions.  So, off we went, with a schedule of 30 minutes per home, and a total of 10 homes to see.  

My favorite for him was scheduled for the first viewing, knowing it had the majority of his criteria.   It Looked great, but we had 9 more to go.  Here's my point:  4 of those homes were never stepped into for a look-see.  Why?  Curb Appeal.   This is what he said:  "UMMMM, NO WAY!  Let's move on to the next house"!   He made this statement,  "If the homeowner didn't care enough to have the yard in decent shape, then the home was probably not properly cared for either." This example of the process is fairly typical.  From the street, if the landscaping is pooly presented, buyers begin to see all kinds of negatives about the "House". 

As we left the last home on our list, he requested that we return to the first property, which in the end, he purchased.   Yep!  The yard and grounds were landscaped beautifully!  The interior was well prepared for showing and maintenance records were displayed to indicate the property's systems were maintained regularly, by professionals.  It does make a difference.  The electical panel was labeled properly.  That one item speaks volumes to buyers.

For the Winston Salem and surrounding areas, we have an excellent landscaping maintenance company on OUR TEAM ...or simply EMAIL them directly!  They know how to "get it done" for buyers to appreciate!

I would like to help you reach your real estate goals.   Please visit our website at Park Place Real Estate . Perform FREE SEARCHES for homes for sale in Winston Salem and the Greater NC Triad Region.  There is no obligation to ever purchase or sell any real estate by using this free service.   I'd love to hear from you and answer any questions you may have about real estate! Thanks for stopping by and please...  EMAIL Me Today with any comments or questions you may have.

PREPARING TO PURCHASE HOMES IN WINSTON SALEM AND TRIAD NC LOCATIONS

Buying a home is one of the most detailed and expensive transactions that most people do in their lifetime. Preparing yourself to be positioned correctly to achieve the goal is a key factor for a successful and rewarding experience. 

There are definite "steps" that pave the way for home ownership,  whether it's your first home or your last home you plan to buy.   Here's the process:

FIRST on the list is to decide what you can afford to pay for your home.  In general, you can afford a home equal in value between two and three times your gross income.   Planning for short fall periods that will require some back up savings is wise.  Minimizing all your short term debt, like credit card debt is smart to consider, because it takes bulk payments to rid yourself of the high interest rate loans such as these.

• Consider a savings plan that will allow you enough money for a down payment.  Depending on how much you plan to spend on the purchase price, the down payment should be adequate to secure a good financing scheme with a mortgage lender.   If you have an IRA account, you can use that money you've save to buy your "First Home" without paying a penalty for early withdrawal.
• Take considerations on how much closing costs will be for things like taxes, attorney's fees, transfer fees, and escrows of insurance funds that may be required by your lender.  A good rule of thumb would be to have an average between 2% to 7% of the home price for these items. 

SECOND is to decide on a general location to begin your home searches.  Think about the things you like to do for recreation, schools for your children, safety issues concerning traffic and crime.  Research the areas chosen to take into consideration what city, county, and state governments have planned in those areas such as highway construction , or shopping center developments that may have an adverse change to your proposed neighborhoods. 

THIRD, check up on your Credit Scores.  Order your credit reports from the three reporting agencies.  They are:  Equifax, Transunion, and Experian.   Go over your credit reports for accuracy and if you find any errors, get them corrected at once.  Since a credit report tracks a history of your bad debts, any late payments and all other credit activity, it's vital that this report be a good as it can be.  Getting a "FICO Credit Score" is what your mortgage lender will use to determine what mortgage you may or may not qualify for.  Your "Score Power" is the key to the best interest rates and whether you can even obtain a mortgage.   

FOURTH is scheduling a meeting, either by telephone or in person, with a reputable Mortgage Lender.  This is a crucial step, unless you are paying cash for your home purchase.   Before you even begin "Searching for a home to Purchase", you must know what Mortgage Loan you will qualify for.  Sellers will not consider an "Offer to Purchase" without a "Pre-Approved Letter" from your Mortgage Lender, stating that you are financially able to purchase the home.   Some things you will want to gather for your meeting are:   W-2 forms,  copies of at least one pay stub, account numbers, and copies of two to four months of bank or credit union statements.

FIFTH is to calculate the costs of home ownership.   You should add up items like (1) Property Taxes, (2) Homeowners Insurance, (3) maintenance and utilities, and (4) Homeowners Association Dues (if applicable) 

SIXTH is to contact a REALTOR® and preferably one that is an "Accredited Buyer's Agent" (ABR®) from  the Real Estate Buyer's Agency Council of the National Association of REALTORS®. 

I would like to help you reach your real estate goals.   Please visit our website at Park Place Real Estate . Perform Free SEARCHES for homes for sale in Winston Salem and the Greater NC Triad Region.  There is no obligation to ever purchase or sell any real estate by using this free service.   I'd love to hear from you and answer any questions you may have about real estate!   EMAIL Me Today.  

Snow Day in Winston Salem, North Carolina

FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS FOR HOMES FOR SALE IN WINSTON SALEM TRIAD NC

There are several reasons why owning a home is better renting an apartment or a house.  The housing industry is set for an  upswing right now in the Winston Salem and greater Triad region of North Carolina.  The main reason is because of the tax incentive for First Time Home Buyers (as well as other homeowners now included)  Here's the basics for First Time Home Buyers:

TIME OF OF THE ESSENCE

• Tax Credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers until April 30, 2010
• The purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase
• Credit may only be awarded on homes purchased for $800,000 or less.
• Single buyers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000-may receive the maximum tax credit.
• The buyer will have until July 1, 2010 to close.

Here are several reasons why home ownership is better than renting:

1. Homeowners can deduct the interest paid on their mortgage and  the taxes paid on the property.   There are also some deductions for costs involved in the purchase process of a new home as well.
2. Real estate has long-term, stable growth in it's value.  Generally homes have a history of an average of 6.5% increase in value each year. 
3. By paying mortgage payments rather than rent, homeowners have the opportunity to build equity, unlike renting, where your dollars paid, are benefiting the landlord and not the homeowner.
4. Building equity in your home is like having a "Built-In Savings Plan".    When you sell your home, generally you can take up to $250,000 ($500,000 for married couples) as a gain without owing the government for income tax on that gain.
5. Rent payments usually go up every year.  A "Fixed-Mortgage" payment does not.  Taxes and insurance costs will increase.   But the longer you stay in your home, housing costs may actually decrease as opposed to renting.
6. You can decorate your home any way you want.   Landlords generally have restrictions to those sort of things.
7. Stability in family relationships, developing community activities and being good neighbors are great benefits of homeownership.  This stability also provides your children with lasting benefits of continuity in their educational pursuits, which is a great benefit of owning a home.

I would like to help you reach your real estate goals.   Please visit our website at Park Place Real Estate  to perform searches for homes for sale in the Winston Salem and the Greater Triad Region ... whether you're a  BUYER or a SELLER .  There is no obligation to ever purchase or sell any real estate by using this free service.

I'd love to hear from you!   EMAIL Me Today.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS