We always have lots of available properties – to buy, rent, lease-to-own, owner finance, manage, sell – whatever your real estate needs, we can help!
The Back Story – from a CEO
You may have come across this letter before because it was widely circulated on the internet in 2009.
It was originally published anonymously, however it, at some point, became attached to an innocent man in Wake Forest, NC. As you can imagine, he stepped forward to say he was not the author and to please remove his contact info from all publications.
At any rate, it is an interesting read and appears to have been written by a very disgruntled boss who had/has major concerns with our government. He believes our economic woes were created by the government while we-the-people, specifically small business owners, are the ones burdened to fix the mess.
Please read this interesting letter and let me know your comments about the author’s thoughts.
Hardwood or Laminate Flooring: Which is Right for Your Home?
One of the many dilemmas for a homeowner doing some remodeling is what type of flooring to install. Hardwood and laminate flooring are two of the popular choices. Each choice has advantages and disadvantages to be considered. Let’s look at what differentiates these two types of flooring so you can make a more informed decision before moving forward with your remodel.
Hardwood Flooring
It’s tough to beat the natural beauty and allure of hardwood flooring in a home. The natural look and feel of real hardwood is something that laminate flooring cannot match. Hardwood flooring can also add considerable value to your home, which may be especially useful if you are remodeling with the intent to eventually sell. Many people shopping for a new home consider hardwood flooring very appealing, whereas laminate flooring is usually not considered a significant bullet point for home shoppers.
the Essential Handbook for Buying a Home
Thank you SO MUCH to everyone who attended my book signing at Barnes and Noble in High Point, NC! It was a huge success.
This was my first book signing so I really had no idea what to expect. I truly enjoyed meeting and talking with so many random people as they came in the store and walked up to me to discuss their real estate “issues.” Real estate is definitely something everyone can talk about!
What was fascinating was how many people were asking concerned questions not only for themselves and their families, but for their neighbors as well.
I made some really great contacts and I plan to keep in touch with many of my new “friends” throughout their years of real estate endeavor.
The Barnes and Noble management was so impressed by the response and number of books sold that they actually gave me a designated table in the store for my books and are doing a featured local author area in their real estate section. Helping others always reaps a reward!
For those of you who haven’t yet purchased or read the book, please go to the link at KarensPerspective/book, Amazon.com or any Barnes and Noble store in your area. If you order here, I offer discount for bulk orders. These books make wonderful client gifts!
Again, thanks to all of you who supported me at the book signing, who have already purchased and read my book, and who have left such wonderful reviews on my Amazon.com site.
If I can help you in any other way with buying, selling, renting, lease to own, property management, owner financing – anything real estate – please let me know!
RUCO Laws – Are They Still in Effect?
In June, the NC General Assembly voted to amend the state RUCO laws (Rental Unit Certificate of Occupation). Until June, the law had been that, before a property could be rented out, it had to be checked by a RUCO inspector and was not deemed marketable without a RUCO certificate of occupancy.
The question is whether or not that law is now dead. The June amendment has been interpreted as an abolishment. But was it?
The section of state law that was amended pertained to building inspections in cities and counties and stated that these inspections can no longer be made without “reasonable cause.” The Greensboro ordinance, however, was enacted under a separate statutory section dealing with minimum housing standards.
What do First Time Homebuyers Look For?
Are you selling a home?
Are you a real estate agent working for a buyer?
If so, you’d better know what buyers consider important and how they make their decisions!
A recent study shows how important the following home-buying factors were to buyers:
• List Price: 72%
• Location: 69%
• Neighborhood: 55%
• Floor Plan: 37%
• Square Footage: 28%
• Schools: 22%
Does knowing this change the way you’ll market to sell?
Why You Need an Estate Plan
Prepared by MetLife – Presented by Lee Thomas
A common misconception is that estate planning is only for the wealthy. Too often individuals neglect putting an estate plan together for this very reason, leaving loved ones to make complicated, heart-wrenching decisions without proper input and guidance from the individual who should have the most say – you.
In its simplest form, an estate plan helps ensure that that your wishes are carried out. This protects your family from making tough decisions and ensures that your assets are divided in the way you want. It includes how your assets transfer to chosen beneficiaries, at the right time with the right supervision, while minimizing tax consequences. Also, proper documents ensure that your financial and medical affairs are handled according to your wishes.
Getting Started
Greensboro, NC – One of America’s 50 Best Cities!
This post was blatantly stolen from an article in Bloomberg Businessweek, dated September 20, 2011.
I live in Greensboro and I’m proud of it! Greensboro ranked 31 out of 50 top cities; Charlotte, NC ranked 20; and our very own Raleigh, NC ranked number 1! I love North Carolina!
Greensboro, N.C.
America’s Best Places Rank: 31st
Population: 245,776
Mayor: William H. Knight
Why it’s ranked: For a relatively small city, Greensboro has a large number of restaurants, bars, and museums. The city also has a high number of acres of parks per person. This pretty city would have scored higher were it not for above-average unemployment and high levels of both violent and property crime.
How it ranked:
Return on Investments – Stocks vs. Real Estate
The above is a graph published in November, 2011 by MSN Money.
In case you didn’t already know, I love real estate. But why do I pick real estate over stocks? A number of reasons including:
- Leverage - If you have $100,000, you can buy $100,000 worth of stocks. Or, in real estate, you can leverage your money meaning, if you have $100,000, you can put 10% down ($10,000) on ten $100,000 houses and have control over $1 million worth of real estate. You have mortgages on those properties, yes, but put in a tenant and they’re the ones who pay those mortgages over time for you.
- Discount - Real estate can be purchased at a discount, especially in our current economy. There are properties, in any economy, that can be purchased at significant discounts off true market value. Stocks cannot be purchased at less than their current market rate.
Tips for Reducing Fire Hazards in the Home
Thanks to Phill from Fire Safety Store for this post.
With the approaching holidays and holiday decorations abounding in the home, fire hazards and dangers increase. Here are a few tips to increase fire safety in your home.
Install a Smoke Detector -The holidays are a great time of year for decorating and bringing the family together. To avoid fire dangers in your home, install smoke detectors and keep them in good working order. If you do not already have smoke detectors installed in your home, now is a great time to put one in. Smoke detectors are inexpensive and you can find them at any home improvement center or home department retailer. Install a smoke detector in every region of your home, including the living areas and bedroom hallway. If you already have smoke detectors installed, check the batteries to make sure they are in good working condition.
Christmas Tree Safety -
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February 3, 2012 3665 Single Leaf
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February 3, 2012 2432 Wickham
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January 19, 2012 814 Magnolia Court
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January 18, 2012 3416 Langdale
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January 18, 2012 1812 Willora
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January 11, 2012 435 S. Cliffdale
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January 11, 2012 113 Royal Rd
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January 10, 2012 5400 Solar Place
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For Sale, For Rent, Rent-to-Own
January 6, 2012 1508 Elam
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December 27, 2011 708 Beckwith
Greensboro, NC
For Sale, For Rent, Rent-to-Own
November 9, 2011 5402 Greenough Way
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October 18, 2011 624 N. Elm Street
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August 29, 2011 1444 Whilden
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