Terri Parrish, David Fann, Sandy Borowiec, Jeff Broadbridge, Van Coley, Beverly Femia, Whitney Leonard, Cecilia Litvak and Polly Floyd with CENTURY 21 Sweyer & Associates have earned the nationally recognized Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource certification. The National Association of REALTORS^® offers the SFR certification to REALTORS^® who want to help both buyers and sellers navigate these complicated transactions, as demand for professional expertise with distressed sales grows.

According to a recent NAR survey, nearly one-third of all existing homes sold recently were either short sales or foreclosures. For many real estate professionals, short sales and foreclosures are the new “traditional” transaction.  REALTORS^® who have earned the SFR certification know how to help sellers maneuver the complexities of short sales as well as help buyers pursue short sale and foreclosure opportunities.

“As leading advocates for homeownership, REALTORS^® believe that any family that loses its home to foreclosure is one family too many, but unfortunately, there are situations in which people just cannot afford to keep their homes, and a foreclosure or a short sale results,” said 2009 NAR President Charles McMillan, a broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Dallas-Fort Worth. “Foreclosures and short sales can offer opportunities for home buyers and benefit the larger community, as well, but it’s extremely important to have the help of a real estate professional like a REALTOR^® who has earned the SFR certification for these kinds of purchases.”

The certification program includes training on how to qualify sellers for short sales, negotiate with lenders, protect buyers, and limit risk, and provides resources to help REALTORS^® stay current on national and state-specific information as the market for these distressed properties evolves. To earn the SFR certification, REALTORS^® are required to take one core course and three Webinars.

If you’re facing foreclosure, there are options. Contact us in confidence today via email or by calling 1-800-848-0021 to speak to one of our Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource certified agents. We’d be happy to talk with you about your options no matter what stage of the foreclosure process you are in.

We are very excited to welcome Lisa Sledzik to our company.  She is joining the Landfall sales office and brings 23 years of real estate experience with her.  Prior to real estate sales, Lisa worked in mortgage lending as a loan originator and underwriter.  Lisa and her husband, David, live in Wilmington and have 2 sons.  In her free time, she enjoys cooking, boating, and traveling.

For all things real estate, visit Century21Sweyer.com.

We announced today that with the combined efforts of our Sales Division; Community Management Division, CAMS; and the Rental Division; in 2009 our company donated close to $80,000 to local charities including Easter Seals UCP, New Hanover Regional Hospital, UNCW, and Boy Scouts of America.

“Difficult economic times is when it’s most important to bring focus and awareness to worthy causes such as education and the disabled, among others. They need our help and support the most when the economy is down.  And it is a great pleasure to realize that there are people in our community who are still willing to donate their time and resources to support others,” said Dave Sweyer, owner of CENTURY 21 Sweyer & Associates.

“Our company has been providing real estate service to the area for 22 years and truly believes in building strong relationships through community support.  We are so thankful to everyone who contributed: our sponsors, sales agents, and employees, and we are looking forward to topping 2009’s contributions in 2010,” said Jeff Sweyer.

Thanks to our incredible family of real estate agents and staff that helped in the raising of funds for these charities. The best part of being a local business is the opportunity to give back to the local community. We are proud to be a part of that effort!

For all things real estate, visit Century21Sweyer.com.

When the winter cold starts breaking and spring is on it’s way, you’ll find lots of Wilmingtonians at the New Hanover County Arboretum. If you haven’t been yet, what are you waiting for?

You’ll find the most gorgeous NC gardens at the Arboretum and best of all, it’s completely free of charge so you can take the entire family without feeling guilty! A winding trail will take you through all of the gardens including the veggie patch, the Japanese garden, the butterfly garden, the children’s garden (complete with playhouse), the bog garden and more. In the middle of it all sits a spectacular water garden atop a pretty pond.

Our family visits at least once each season and it has become a tradition for us. If you’re planning a visit to Wilmington NC, make sure you stop by. There’s beauty hidden behind the Arboretum’s grey brick exterior just waiting for you to discover it.

The Arboretum is located on Oleander Drive right before you cross the bridge to go to Wrightsville Beach.

Lisa Ashby is the Marketing Coordinator for CENTURY® 21 Sweyer & Associates. For all things real estate, visit Century21Sweyer.com.

Every month, we pull the market statistics from the previous month for our local area including New Hanover County, Pender County, and Brunswick County. As a buyer or seller, this information is important to know as it can give you an edge in today’s market. For more information on these statistics or , call one of our local offices or your CENTURY 21® Sweyer & Associates REALTOR®. We’re happy to help.

Century 21 Sweyer Market Recap December 2009

THE VILLAGE AT HAWKESWATER

Now Selling!
Prices starting in the low $200’s

FEATURES:
- Brick & hardiplank homes on wooded lots.
- Convenient to downtown Wilmington.

AMENITIES INCLUDE:
Pool, Clubhouse & Tennis Courts

MODEL HOME OPEN:
Monday-Saturday 12-5
Sunday 1-5
or by appointment

Call:
Sandra Britt (910) 262-4400
Tim Kelly (910) 540-3607

Directions:
Cross Cape Fear Memorial Bridge. Take First Leland Exit. At traffic light turn left onto Hwy 133; Go about 1 mile.  Turn Right into Hawkeswater.

More Information: http://www.SandraBrittHomes.com

For all things real estate, visit Century21Sweyer.com.

Have a safe & cheerful New Year!

Every month, we pull the market statistics from the previous month for our local area including New Hanover County, Pender County, and Brunswick County. As a buyer or seller, this information is important to know as it can give you an edge in today’s market. For more information on these statistics or , call one of our local offices or your CENTURY 21® Sweyer & Associates REALTOR®. We’re happy to help.

Century 21 Sweyer Market Recap November 2009

Thank you all for a wonderful 2009! We send warm wishes to you and your family this holiday season. Merry Christmas!

This Christmas eve, take a moment to relax! Tomorrow will be a busy day for sure, so for now, grab a blanket and a cup of hot cocoa and settle in with a good audio story or book.

For the kids - Storynory has a few Christmas stories for the wee ones. Download A Christmas Carol or one of the many other available stories.

For you - Get started on one of many public domain audiobooks available at OpenCulture.com.