I want to buy a foreclosure property, but don’t know where to start my search. Help!

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:26:53 +0000

There seems to be a ton of foreclosure search sites popping up everywhere, so it’s understandable that starting a foreclosure search can be a bit overwhelming. If you’re looking for property in Southeastern NC, we’ve made it easy to find foreclosure homes and land in our area.

To browse foreclosure properties, our foreclosure properties list is a great place to start. Sorted by price, you can view all foreclosure properties on the market at any given moment in real time.

To search foreclosure properties, use our advanced search tool. Select “Foreclosure” under Property Types, then select your other criteria. If you’re looking for a foreclosure property in a particular price range or school district, for instance, this is an excellent place to start.

Once you’ve narrowed down a few properties of interest, contact one of our real estate experts for a personal preview. You agent can be a wealth of information and a great resource to have on your side during your search, so doing this in the beginning can also help save you valuable time.Similar Posts:

Flooring: An Overview

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:48:49 +0000

When perusing the real estate market, buyers should be picky, thorough and informed on every aspect of their purchase. Exterior foundation, insurance, floor plan, etc. are components of home-buying that should not be overlooked. Even flooring plays an important role in the longevity of your home as well as the quality.

There are tons of flooring options—granite, wood, stone, linoleum, bamboo, tile, carpet, vinyl, etc. — and it can be overwhelming if you’re remodeling. Ultimately the decision will depend on what your budget is as well as what ‘look’ you’re going for. Let’s investigate hardwood, carpet, vinyl and more.

Carpet has its advantages. It’s less expensive than some other flooring options and it absorbs noises. Don’t get me wrong—it’s soft, warm, and quiet but when you have enough spills to give BP a run for their money, carpet can become your enemy. You can try to remove the stains but unfortunately soiled carpet can make a home look and feel dirty. It’s also costly and difficult to have carpets professionally cleaned and the dirty water can get beneath the surface of the carpet. Also, carpet can hold onto dust and pollen, making it a bad choice for someone with allergies. If you’re replacing carpet, the cost ranges and additional fees for labor—pulling up old carpet, moving furniture, etc.—also factor in to the overall cost. Also, it depends on the type of carpet and the retailer or installer you choose. Keeping these issues in mind, it’s important to now look at other options if carpet doesn’t seem like the right fit for your lifestyle.

Hardwood floors are a completely different look. Hardwoods look smooth, clean and chic. They are a great investment because they last forever and actually look better with time. They are natural and non-allergenic and won’t absorb spills as bad as carpets. However, they are also more expensive to install, can become costly to maintain and can be noisy.

If hardwoods are too expensive, laminate might be a good alternative since it can provide the realistic look of wood. Like hardwoods, laminate is extremely durable and will last 15-30 years. It’s easier to install because interlocking floating pieces can attach to each other without glue. It’s also environmentally responsible since it can imitate wood without cutting down all the trees needed for production. Since it is an imitation, it doesn’t have the same perceived value as other natural flooring materials and therefore will run slightly cheaper.

Vinyl, a flooring option with the broadest range of colors and designs, can be a definite value-buy if you’re on a budget. Like laminate, it can also imitate the look of hardwoods and other flooring products. Vinyl can be great because it’s pretty low-maintenance, resistant to water and easier to stand on because of its cushy construction. However, also like laminate, it lowers the value of your home.

Green building is an important trend that has many home-buyers and renovators considering environmentally-friendly building materials and appliances. Bamboo is the ultimate choice for a wood floor that won’t damage the environment. Not only is bamboo sustainable and eco-friendly, it can enhance the look and feel of your home. It can add a classic, rustic or modern style to your home. While bamboo is a great option, it can also be easily damaged by furniture or high heels and it may not last as long as hardwoods or be as easy to maintain as hardwoods.

Between finding an installer, choosing the type of floor, considering all the costs and finally making a decision, it definitely helps to do the research and decide on a budget. Decide what look you’re going for and then consider costs. You’ll be much happier with the finished result if you know that you explored all of your options.

Valerie Carr is the Marketing Coordinator at CENTURY 21® Sweyer & Associates. Most of the time you will find Valerie laying on the beach with a good book and soaking up the rays. She freelance writes for several local magazines and finds it exciting to research the latest trends in home décor as well as just about any other topic you can imagine.Similar Posts:

8 Sources of Inspiration for your Next Home Decor Project

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 18:59:02 +0000

In just a few weeks, I’ll be moving into a bigger, brighter home and my mind is just twirling with ideas on how I can dress up the space. I tend to favor a more hands-on, crafty approach to decor so these sites have been eye-candy for me lately. If you prefer a handmade approach to decorating, you’ll enjoy these resources!

The book that started it all: The Nest Home Design Handbook. For a novice like me, this book helped me tie many interior design concepts together to create a cohesive look. Plus, it’s just an all-around great book for decor inspiration. If you’re not familiar with how the terms harmony, rhythm, scale, emphasis and balance apply to interior design, this is the book for you. (Hint: Our local New Hanover County library has it in stock!)

The Queen herself: Martha Stewart. Come on craftinistas! When you’re revamping your space, Martha’s website is the place to start looking for ideas and inspiration.

Hands-on projects for interiors and exteriors: ReadyMade Magazine. I started reading ReadyMade way back when the very first issue came out. I remember a project for a brick BBQ featured inside and I’ve been an avid reader ever since.

Home projects from the DIY fashion trend-setters: Threadbanger Decor It Yourself. If you like Threadbanger for clothes, you’ll love Threadbanger for homes.

When living at the beach is not enough: Completely Coastal. Sure, you’re the envy of all your out-of-town friends because you get to live at the beach, but that’s no excuse for not bringing the beach home with you! I love Completely Coastal’s interior design ideas. It inspires me to hunt the beach for driftwood and seashells.

When the backyard leaves you longing for more: WindowFarms.org. I’m moving from one townhouse to another, which essentially means I’m leaving a place with no backyard space and moving to one with a tiny bit of dirt. I enjoy gardening so this year I’ll be planting my very own window farm. Fresh veggies and herbs year-round? You can’t beat that!

Color for the color-challenged: The ColorSnap app. Brought to you by Sherwin-Williams, this app will pull colors in from your favorite photos and suggest to you the nearest paint color match. For the color-challenged like me, it’s completely awesome.

And just because: Color Me Katie. This blog has absolutely nothing to do with home decor, but I love Katie’s sense of whimsy and if I can capture just a smidgen of her colorful taste in my decor, I will have succeeded.

Image Credit: Morgan Bradley Interior Design

Lisa Ashby is the Digital Marketing Coordinator for CENTURY® 21 Sweyer & Associates. When she’s offline, she enjoys spending time with her family, knitting & crafting, and riding her bike around town. Similar Posts:

Water World Part II

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 15:07:56 +0000

Remember the film Water World? Kevin Costner played a mutant called “Mariner” in a post-apocalyptic world where the polar ice caps have melted and most of Earth is under water. I remember wondering why our antihero was so distressed. An eternal life at sea seemed like a pretty good deal to me.

Growing up on the Connecticut shore I had a row boat called “Pe Pie Woo.” When I was twelve my grandfather and I split the cost of a 1.5 horsepower British Seagull outboard which we mounted to the back of Pe Pie Woo with drywall screws. The next day I got up before the sun and I took her out around the gray lighthouse, past the rocks with the white seagulls crying, all the way to an island called Cucchini. When I returned the next day my grandfather was waiting for me on the beach with a screwdriver. That was the last powered vessel I owned until last summer when I purchased a bay boat with a four stroke Yamaha.

Having grown up in boating bliss I didn’t expect to be super impressed with eastern NC’s water world but I was blown away. If you haven’t explored the many islands and hidden beaches that Wilmington and the surrounding area offers, jump on something that floats and go. To live here and not explore the waterways and rivers is like buying a home with a view and never looking out the window. There are plenty of great boating days left in the year so plan to take one and create a keepsake, a place you can go to on a rainy day. Using your hand as a visor look into the distance, Captain. Somewhere out there, as the sun is just a sliver of fire rising from the ocean or as the moon is shimmering down on sea oats and sand, you will think of Kevin Costner and you won’t feel so bad for the mutant called Mariner.

Jamie Cook is a real estate professional with CENTURY 21® Sweyer & Associates. When he’s not helping his clients buy and sell homes in the area, you can find him navigating the waters with his wife April and his two golden retrievers, Fisher King and Captain Cook. Find out more about Jamie at CaptainCookProperties.com. Similar Posts:

Raw products show their inner beauty

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 18:06:05 +0000

I’m always on the lookout for sustainable products that are visually appealing so I decided to share just a few of my favorites. When you are considering a remodel or building a new home, consider some of the products below to make your house materials more durable and beautiful.

Slate

A natural stone with a virtually endless life span. It is often used for roofing shingles, flooring and countertops. It’s durable and beautiful. What’s not to love!

Recycled Glass

100% post-consumer recycled glass that’s heated and compressed to create a solid surface. This can give a dramatic effect to any type of décor.

Bamboo

This material is naturally durable and is eco-friendly. And it’s just nice to know that it doesn’t require chemical fertilizers to grow. I have it in the bathroom, kitchen and even have clothes made out of it. Now that’s what I call a versatile material.

Sydney Jones is the Advertising Director for CENTURY® 21 Sweyer & Associates.

For Wilmington NC real estate, visit Century21Sweyer.com.Similar Posts:

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How will selling my home for less than I paid for it benefit me?

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 17:45:51 +0000

If you’re thinking about selling your home and you owe more than your home is worth, you probably have a good reason for wanting to sell. Perhaps you’re facing financial difficulties and can no longer afford the payment. Or maybe your company has relocated you to another part of the country and you don’t want to be a remote landlord.

There are a variey of reasons one may feel that they have to sell their home for less than they paid for it. If you’re faced with this choice, there are a few benefits to you as a seller based on your situation.

For instance, you no longer have to pay that particular house payment. This might be good if you are facing financial difficulty as the payment will no longer be a burden. If you have already purchased another home and are having a hard time making two payments, losing the extra payment could also be a benefit.

If you purchase another home, you will have a chance to make up for the lost equity in your new home when the market improves.

However overall, it’s not much of a benefit to you to sell your home at a loss unless the benefits of selling in your unique situation outweigh the negatives of taking a loss. In our economy, some people have very tough decisions to make. If you need guidance making a decision about selling your home, one of our real estate agents would be happy to help you weigh the pros and cons of selling in today’s market.

Looking for Wilmington NC real estate? For all things real estate, visit Century21Sweyer.com.Similar Posts:

Agent Spotlight: Freddie Jean Baker

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 18:50:00 +0000

How long have you worked for CENTURY 21 Sweyer & Associates? I received my real estate license in November 1995 and came to work with Sweyer in December of 1995.

Tell us about your most rewarding or satisfying experience, your proudest moment, since you joined the company? I would say closing a $3,000,000 property at Wrightsville Beach. I also am a Breast Cancer survivor, having to go through chemo and radiation. But it has been 10 years now.YEA!!!!

Before working here, what was the most unusual or interesting job you had? I once worked fora writer who was writing a novel. I went to his home every day to edit, etc. Another fun job was selling Lancome Cosmetics at a major department store. I was pretty much a stay at home MOM.

Are you married? Have kids? What do you enjoy doing with your family? I am married, have a daughter Allen Christina, who is married and has two lovely girls, Emily age 7, and Morgan Lee age 4. They live in Alexandria Va.

What are your hobbies? Tennis is my passion. I am a member at Echo Farms and in 2008 went to two state playoffs, one in Chapel Hill and one in Winston Salem. Needless to say, we were put in our placevery quickly, as this is the cream of the crop from all over the State. I also like to walk. Another passion is reading . I like John Grisham, Pat Conroy, Nicholas Sparks, etc. I am also a member of Ocean Investors, a ladies investment group that meets once a month to buy, sell and discuss stocks. We are always looking for a ‘FEW GOOD WOMEN”.

Describe yourself with one word. Grateful.

Find out more about Freddie Jean Baker here.Similar Posts:

Can real estate agents work across MLS boundaries?

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 18:55:42 +0000

If you are looking for real estate in the Wilmington NC area, chances are you’ve looked at real estate in the surrounding areas as well – Belville, Leland, Ogden, Hampstead, Carolina Beach, Topsail Beach, Wrightsville Beach, maybe even Jacksonville. Although all of these cities are in a small radius around Wilmington NC, they are actually served by four MLS services.

So the short answer is yes, a real estate agent can work across MLS boundaries but not all agents subscribe or have access to all four MLS systems. This might not be an issue if you are looking for real estate in Wilmington NC or Brunswick County NC since both MLS systems share information between them. But if you’re looking for real estate in Jacksonville and are working with an agent from Wilmington, your Wilmington agent may not have access to the Jacksonville MLS. Therefore, you may not be exposed to homes you might otherwise find through an agent with access to the Jacksonville MLS.

Confused yet? That’s why we make finding a home easy. In fact, we subscribe to all four MLS systems so that you don’t have to worry about whether or not your agent has access to information across MLS boundaries. We make sure that they do.

If you work with us, the answer is yes; we can work across MLS boundaries and also have access to the information you need to successfully buy or sell a home.

Looking for Wilmington NC real estate? For all things real estate, visit Century21Sweyer.com.

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Tax-free weekend!

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:07:50 +0000

: Image by KooKoo Bear Kids via Flickr

Can you believe that in less than 30 days, kids on the traditional school calendar will be hitting the books, making new friends and completing homework on a daily basis again? I know, I can’t believe it either.

To prepare for this event, you should take advantage of North Carolina’s Tax Free Weekend starting at midnight Friday, August 6th. It’s the only time of year where you can purchase lots of goodies without paying tax for them, and it can be a great savings for you and your family.

Clothing, footwear, and school supplies of $100 or less per item; school instructional materials of $300 or less per item; sports and recreation equipment of $50 or less per item, computers of $3,500 or less per item; and computer supplies of $250 or less per item will be exempt.

For more information, visit the NCDOR Sales Tax Holiday page.

Lisa Ashby is the Digital Marketing Coordinator for CENTURY® 21 Sweyer & Associates. When she’s offline, she enjoys spending time with her family, knitting & crafting, and riding her bike around town.

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Agent Spotlight: Deryl Smith

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 19:23:24 +0000

How long have you worked for CENTURY 21 Sweyer & Associates? 15 years.

What type of real estate do you specialize in? My specialty is not to specialize. I sell what I list and I sell what my Buyers want. I have done a lot of new construction over the years. That would be the closest thing to a specialty.

Tell us about your most rewarding or satisfying experience, your proudest moment, since you joined the company. There have been many rewarding experiences. One that comes to mind is a couple that I sold a modest bare bones home to that they could barely afford. I watched them work hard in their own business and prosper over the next 5 years. We eventually sold that home (it was very hard to sell) and they were able to buy a gorgeous upscale home in a great neighborhood. The rewarding part is that they never forgot where they came from and took nothing for granted. They also appreciated and realized the value of everything I did to help them along the way. My proudest moment on the company side of things, was the year I hit Double CENTURION, Agent of the Year, CENTURION Honor Society and was a charter member of the Sweyer Hall of Fame.

What’s the strangest request you’ve ever had from a caller or a customer? I got a buyer referral from a very prestigious CPA. The couple had a mobile home they wanted to sell to pay off debts. When I inquired about the money for the new home, they informed me they wanted an organization to give them a grant for the amount of the purchase.

Before working here, what was the most unusual or interesting job you had? When I was growing up I worked as a Longshoreman at State Ports and Sunny Point.

Are you married? Have kids? What do you enjoy doing with your family? Norma and I have been married for 38 years and we have 3 terrific kids, 2 precious granddaughters and 3 awesome grand dogs. Two of our kids are married and the youngest is getting married this summer. We enjoy meals together and beach activities.

What are your hobbies? Fishing, sports, real estate and whatever the family is doing.

Describe yourself with one word. Blessed.

Find out more about Deryl Smith here.Similar Posts:

Planning the Fall container garden

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 17:27:23 +0000

: Image by LollyKnit via Flickr

It’s July, and that means it’s time to start planning the fall garden! If you’re like me, you have just a bit of patio space to make a perfect container gardening spot. I used to think that not having much land would inhibit my ability to grow many plants or veggies, but I’ve found that if you have a small space that gets enough sun, you can get creative and grow just about anything in a container that grows well in the ground.

As I start planning my fall container garden, I thought I would share a few of my favorite container gardening articles and sites with you.

Life on the Balcony – Fern writes about container gardening and gives lots of tips for those gardening in small spaces.

The You Grow Girl Container Gardening Forums – There are always some really great ideas here. Whether you have questions about your current garden or want some inspiration for the new season, this is the place to hang out.

Container Vegetable Gardening in NC – If you’re thinking about trying veggies this fall and you live in NC, this article is a tremendous help. It even includes a chart for what types of containers you should use for specific plants.

Successful Container Gardening – If you’re new to container gardening, read over this booklet from the NC Cooperative Extension. It gives a good overview of what you should know and will help you feel more prepared when you give container gardening a try.

I hope you find these resources as valuable as I do!

Are you considering remodeling?

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 19:38:22 +0000

I have been thinking about adding a bathroom to my house, so I have been doing quite a bit of research to see if it is worth the investment. In my research, I ran across this article from National Association of REALTORS® that I thought had some good information. I hope you find it as valuable as I did.

2009-10 Cost vs. Value Report: Small Projects, Big Bang

Uncertainty and restraint are the order of the day in this economy, and that sense of caution is reflected in home owners’ return on their investment in remodeling projects, according to REALTORS® in 80 metropolitan markets surveyed by Remodeling magazine for this year’s Cost vs. Value Report.

The majority of the 10 remodeling projects with the best return on investment nationally are a testament to pragmatism. Six of the 10 projects-siding and window replacement using a variety of materials-involve home maintenance that costs less than $14,000.

Two more-adding an attic bedroom or a wood deck-reinforce the notion that boosting the amount of livable space in and around your home will attract buyers who are increasingly looking for more room for their buck. In past years, converting an attic into a bedroom was a project that landed squarely in the middle of the rankings, but this year it leapfrogged over other categories into third place. It’s an admittedly pricey project, with an average national cost of nearly $50,000, but it generates an average national return of 83.1 percent and a better-than-100 percent return on investment, according to REALTORS® in 14 of the 80 cities surveyed. Adding a wood deck is much more economical, with an average national cost of slightly more than $10,000. Its average national return is 80.6 percent, but in six cities, its return is estimated at 100 percent or greater.

The six siding and window home maintenance projects in the top 10, combined with the project with the biggest return on investment-a mid-range entry door replacement-prove something that every sales associate tells sellers throughout the country: First impressions count. A mid-range entry door replacement, a project new to the survey this year, is the only home remodeling project that REALTORS® expect to generate a full return for the money nationally. It’s the least expensive of the 33 projects included in the analysis, yet it brings a whopping average national return on investment of 128.9 percent. It generates a better-than-100 percent return in 48 of the 80 cities, according to REALTORS® surveyed, and in several cities, its return is estimated at more than double its cost.

Additional data prove the value of restraint. Upgrading kitchens and baths is still a smart bet. However, home owners will recoup the greatest share of their costs by foregoing super-deluxe projects in favor of mid-range kitchen and bath remodels. A mid-range kitchen remodel brings an average 72.1 percent return on investment, while an upscale kitchen re-do returns only an average of 63.2 percent of the money invested. A mid-range bathroom project has an average 71 percent cost recovery, but the average recovery on an upscale bathroom project is nearly 10 points lower, at 61.6 percent.

The only upscale projects that cracked the top 10 were the home maintenance projects of fiber-cement siding replacement and vinyl window replacement. The average cost of fiber-cement siding is more than $13,000, but its return on investment reached 83.6 percent, placing it squarely in second place in the survey. The average cost of vinyl window replacement is nearly $14,000, and it generates an average return of 76.5 percent, or tenth place in the survey. Of the 12 upscale projects, nine landed in the bottom half.

Overall, home owners recouped an average of 63.8 percent of their investment in 33 different home improvement projects, according to REALTORS® who responded to the survey. The expected cost recoup was generally down from previous years in line with the drop in home prices nationally (see page 23). The return on home owners’ investment in remodeling projects has declined an average of 3.5 percentage points between 2008 and 2009. That’s down from the 2.7 point drop between 2007 and 2008 and much less than the 5.5 point drop between 2006 and 2007 and the 10.5 point drop from 2005 to 2006.

Zooming in from the national to the city level, Honolulu sits atop the rankings for having the most projects-18-that generate at least a full return on investment. In Honolulu, adding a wood deck, completing a minor kitchen remodel, adding fiber-cement siding, and replacing an entry door bring the highest returns, ranging from 121.1 to 195.3 percent return on investment. San Francisco is closest behind with 10 projects generating at least a full return on investment. Adding a master suite, doing a minor kitchen remodel, and replacing an entry door have the biggest returns, producing between 112.2 and 119.1 percent return on investment.

One surprise: Despite the common perception that contractors are hungry for work and therefore willing to wheel and deal, the average national cost of every project surveyed has gone up, though at a slower rate than in the previous year.

Sydney Jones is the Advertising Director for CENTURY® 21 Sweyer & Associates.

For Wilmington NC real estate, visit Century21Sweyer.com.

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Did you know?

Agent Spotlight: Paul Grimsley

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 16:06:13 +0000

Paul Grimsley

How long have you worked for CENTURY 21 Sweyer & Associates?
Since 1997

What type of real estate do you specialize in?
Residential and commercial as well as land acreage, parcels, tracts and lots

Tell us about your most rewarding or satisfying experience, your proudest moment,since you joined the company?
Going to work everyday with positive associates and enjoying being in the real estate business since 1974.

What’s the strangest request you’ve ever had from a caller or a customer?
Feed pets every day while they were away on vacation.

Before working here, what was the most unusual or interesting job you had?
Trust Officer with Wachovia Bank

Are you married? Have kids? What do you enjoy doing with your family?
Divorced. I have two sons, Paul Stroud Grimsley Jr. and William Floyd Hufham Grimsley and one granddaughter, Abigail Grimsley.

What are your hobbies?
Sailing, boating, fishing, hunting and history.

Describe yourself with one word.
Positive.

Find out more about Paul Grimsley here.

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How can I find out what my credit score is?

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 20:44:26 +0000

Image via Wikipedia

When you start to consider buying and financing a home, you may not know right off-hand what your credit score is. If you’ve requested your free annual credit report for the first time, you may be surprised to find that your credit score (or FICO score) is not included in the free reports.

For a charge, you can request that your FICO score be given to you, but there is a more cost-conscious alternative available to you.

CreditKarma will provide you with your estimated credit score at no charge. It’s not as exact as purchasing your score from the credit bureaus, but it will give you a good idea of where your credit stands currently. CreditKarma is powered by TransUnion, one of the three major credit bureaus.

Of course, when you apply for a mortgage loan your credit score will be obtained by the lender, so paying for your exact score beforehand may not make sense in your situation.

If it does, you can request that your FICO score to be given to you for a small fee when you request your free annual credit report. But if you’re out of free annual credit report requests for this year, try myFICO.com. Obtaining your credit score directly from FICO costs $15.95.

Do you know of any other valuable places to obtain your credit score? Please share them in the comments.

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12 tips for a DIY move

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:12:44 +0000

Image via Wikipedia

Making a do-it-yourself move to save money is a great idea - if you do it in a way that actually saves money and is not overly stressful. Here are some tips.

Take stock

First, estimate how much work it will be for you, and be honest about whether you’re up for it.
Estimate your savings

Compare the cost of a full-service move against what you’ll save doing it yourself. Is the savings worth it? Could you use the time you spend moving more fruitfully in other endeavors – at your job, playing with your kids, or just relaxing and taking a break from your busy lifestyle?
Don’t underestimate truck rental costs

When renting a truck, most people focus on the per-day charge and neglect the additional costs: gas, or often, mileage. You’ll need to return the truck when you’re done, so double the distance when figuring costs.

Also, if you underestimate how big a truck you’ll need, you might need to make extra trips. Factor those in. And budget in an extra day in case you need to keep the truck overnight, and factor in toll expenses as well.
Budget for important tools

When using a truck rental, you’ll also want to rent a dolly, hand trucks, tie downs, ropes or other equipment to make your move easier and keep things safe on the truck. This costs extra, of course, but these items are crucial.
Know proper loading techniques

A few of the more important ones: leave no dead spaces in the truck, otherwise there might be shifting during the trip. If you don’t use the entire truck, be sure to use tie-downs to keep things from moving toward the back of the truck when it’s moving. Pack heavy items on the bottom, lighter items on top.
Designate someone to be in charge

It’s smart to have one person decide where things will go on the truck, rather than have many individuals load things on the truck, which can become chaotic.
Don’t load many heavy items into one box

The box will quickly become too heavy to lift. Heavy items should go in small boxes.
‘Pad wrap’ your items

Make sure you get moving blankets from your moving company, and then wrap them around furniture and other items to protect them during the move. Use packing tape to secure the blankets to the furniture.
Know proper lifting techniques

Don’t forget friends or family who are helping you – you don’t want them to get hurt on the job!
Research truck restrictions

Make sure you understand any truck restrictions in your new and old neighborhoods, as well as the parking situations. That money you save on a do-it-yourself move could be washed away with a few parking tickets.
Take your time

It’s much better to take a few more minutes moving than to hurt someone, or damage your goods.
Verify your reservations

Truck rental companies can be notorious for not honoring reservations. Even if you have a reservation, try to be early to pick up the truck just in case.

Adapted from Trulia

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Pricing your home right the first time

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:01:02 +0000

Why didn’t your neighbor’s home sell? The home is in a good location with a corner lot and a large landscaped yard, plus it’s a newer home with all of the plush amenities a buyer could want like an open floor plan, spacious bedrooms, and high grade cabinets and appliances. So why wouldn’t at least one buyer want to buy the place?

There is a one word answer: price. Homes that don’t sell are more than likely overpriced. The market isn’t rejecting the home so much as it’s rejecting the price of the home, and in today’s ultra competitive real estate market buyers will only purchase a home that offers them the best value for every dollar spent.

So if you don’t want to follow in your neighbor’s footsteps how can you pick the “right” price, one that provides you with top dollar but doesn’t send potential buyers running into the arms of your competition? Let’s look at some quick tips to help you set the right price for your home:

Look at the comparables

Identify homes that have sold in your market area over the last few months that bear some resemblance to your home. This is called researching the comparables. Next, take an objective look at each listing and ask yourself based on what has sold recently what you should expect to receive for your home. By the way, this is exactly the same approach that appraisers will use to determine market value should your home sell to a buyer who requires a new loan. (It’s highly likely as 93% of buyers will finance at least part of their purchase)
Look at the trend line

Where is your market heading? Is it going up, down, or sideways? By understanding the market’s trend line you can price your home ahead of the curve instead of chasing the market. For instance, a seller who overprices his home in an area of declining prices is actually more overpriced everyday he remains on the market, while a seller using a more aggressive pricing structure may seem to be selling too cheaply today but may look like a genius in six months.
Look at the days on market

If you only have a limited amount of time to sell, it may be wise to closely study the average days on market. This number is the average length of time it takes a home to sell from start to finish in your current market. For instance, if on average it takes 90 days to sell in your neighborhood but you need to sell in 30 days – guess what? You may need to adjust your price downward to attract a buyer more quickly.
Get opinions

One way to help determine a price for your home is to ask for a competitive market analysis (CMA) from a CENTURY 21® Sweyer & Associates real estate agent. Always a free service, these reports will detail market statistics, active and sold comparables, and often include adjustments for unique items that your home may offer.
Avoid the traps

Many sellers fall into some classic pricing traps that can easily be avoided. One is assuming that the tax value of a home is an accurate pricing gauge. This is a bad idea as many taxing authorities use computer models that have not yet accounted for the steep price declines experienced in most areas of the country. Another trap is assuming that the insurance replacement cost is a good indicator of value. Nope – the replacement value is an estimate of what it would cost to rebuild the home, not what the home is worth today. The last trap is assuming that your home is always superior to the comparables. This is not likely – your home has pluses and minuses like all the homes that have sold in the marketplace.

So how will you know if you get the price right?

If you have a steady stream of buyers pouring through the front door every week, odds are you have done a good job with placing a fair market value on your home. On the other hand if all you hear outside your home is the unnerving sound of silence, you may need to make a quick pricing adjustment. Sure many home owners make the “I don’t have to sell” speech in the mirror every morning, but the fact is if they have a for sale sign in their front lawn they do want to sell, and the best way to ensure a successful sale is to set a realistic price relative to the market conditions.

Adapted from TruliaSimilar Posts:

Welcome to the CENTURY 21 Sweyer family Donna Grady!

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 17:31:29 +0000

We’re happy to have you on our real estate team!

Donna Grady

For all things real estate, visit Century21Sweyer.com.

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The $10,000 cash raffle to benefit Easter Seals UCP has started!

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:58:12 +0000

$10,000 CASH RAFFLE
Proceeds benefit Easter Seals UCP of North Carolina

Tickets are $10 each and only 6,000 tickets will be sold!

The winning ticket will be drawn Friday, August 6th at Noon at
CENTURY 21 Sweyer & Associates
1630 Military Cutoff Rd in Wilmington, NC

You DO NOT have to be present to win.

Last year, Maxine James won. This year, will it be you?

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Welcome to the CENTURY 21 Sweyer family Michael Peters!

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 14:17:29 +0000

We’re happy to have you on our real estate team!

Michael Peters

For all things real estate, visit Century21Sweyer.com.

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What questions should I ask when choosing a REALTOR®?

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 13:16:36 +0000

When choosing a REALTOR® for your next home sale or purchase, there are a few key questions you should be ready to ask during the interview. This will help you make a confident decision about the professional that will consult, guide and assist you during this important time

1. How long have you been in residential real estate sales? Is it your full-time job? While experience is no guarantee of skill, real estate — like many other professions — is mostly learned on the job. CENTURY 21® Sweyer & Associates has been a locally owned and family operated company since 1987.

2. What designations do you hold? Designations such as GRI and CRS® — which require that agents take additional, specialized real estate training — are held by only about one-quarter of real estate practitioners.

3. How many homes did you and your real estate brokerage sell last year? By asking this question, you’ll get a good idea of how much experience the practitioner has. CENTURY 21® Sweyer & Associates is the #1 CENTURY 21® in North Carolina in closed sales.

4. How many days did it take you to sell the average home? How did that compare to the overall market?
The REALTOR® you interview should have these facts on hand, and be able to present market statistics from the local MLS to provide a comparison. For example, in 2009, CENTURY 21® Sweyer & Associates’ REALTORS® sold homes in an average of 130 days. That’s 30 days less than the MLS average of 160 days!

5. How close to the initial asking prices of the homes you sold were the final sale prices? This is one indication of how skilled the REALTOR® is at pricing homes and marketing to suitable buyers. Of course, other factors also may be at play, including an exceptionally hot or cool real estate market.

6. What types of specific marketing systems and approaches will you use to sell my home? You don’t want someone who’s going to put a For Sale sign in the yard and hope for the best. Look for someone who has aggressive and innovative approaches, and knows how to market your property competitively on the Internet. Buyers today want information fast, so it’s important that your REALTOR® is responsive. CENTURY 21® Sweyer & Associates has an in-house marketing team that focuses on strategic marketing methods for listings to help our REALTORS® get their homes sold fast.

7. Will you represent me exclusively, or will you represent both the buyer and the seller in the transaction? While it’s usually legal to represent both parties in a transaction, it’s important to understand where the practitioner’s obligations lie. Your REALTOR® should explain his or her agency relationship to you and describe the rights of each party.

8. Can you recommend service providers who can help me obtain a mortgage, make home repairs, and help with other things I need done? Because REALTORS® are immersed in the industry, they’re wonderful resources as you seek lenders, home improvement companies, and other home service providers. Practitioners should generally recommend more than one provider and let you know if they have any special relationship with or receive compensation from any of the providers.

9. What type of support and supervision does your brokerage office provide to you? Having resources such as in-house support staff, access to a real estate attorney, and assistance with technology can help an agent sell your home. CENTURY 21® Sweyer & Associates has a strong team to support our agents.

10. What’s your business philosophy? While there’s no right answer to this question, the response will help you assess what’s important to the agent and determine how closely the agent’s goals and business emphasis mesh with your own.

11. How will you keep me informed about the progress of my transaction? How frequently? Again, this is not a question with a correct answer, but it reflects your desires. Do you want updates twice a week or do you not want to be bothered unless there’s a hot prospect? Do you prefer phone, e-mail, or a personal visit?

12. Could you please give me the names and phone numbers of your three most recent clients?
Ask recent clients if they would work with this REALTOR® again. Find out whether they were pleased with the communication style, follow-up, and work ethic of the REALTOR®.

For all things real estate, visit Century21Sweyer.com.Similar Posts:

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Welcome to the CENTURY 21 Sweyer family Caitlin O’Neill & Theresa Reed!

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:40:43 +0000

We’re happy to have you both on our real estate team!

Caitlin O’Neill

Theresa Reed

For all things real estate, visit Century21Sweyer.com.

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How can I find out what my home is worth?

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:10:18 +0000

Image by thinkpanama via Flickr

When you start thinking about selling your home, this is one of the first questions you may ask yourself. If you’ve purchased your home in the last few years, you may wonder if you have enough equity to sell in today’s market. Or if you’ve been a resident in your home for many years, you may wonder how much equity you have to play with once your home sells.

The easiest way to find out how much your home is worth today is to contact a real estate agent for a no-obligation Comparative Market Analysis. Using statistics from recent comparative sales along with their expertise and an unbiased opinion, you’ll get a clear snapshot of how much you could expect to receive from the sale of your home in today’s market.

It’s easy to get started. Request a Comparative Market Analysis from a CENTURY 21® Sweyer & Associates real estate agent today.

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The CENTURY 21® iPhone app is here!

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 18:54:15 +0000

CENTURY 21® Real Estate has been working hard on an iPhone app, and it debuts today in iTunes. I’ve already downloaded it and love it! It’s completely free, and you can search listings or open houses based on your geolocation or any location you desire. From there, get area information, school information and more! You can even view area photos in the city you’re interested in.

Looking for Wilmington NC real estate? This is a great place to start!

From the iTunes Store:

The CENTURY 21 Real Estate App is the ultimate field tool for homebuyers!

Looking for a new home? The CENTURY 21 app can help! By utilizing the iPhone’s location technology, the app allows users to get a sense of place and community within the areas of their home search.

Check out a slide show of any area. Get a wiki summary of the community, history and overview of the town. Find detailed community demographics, stats on everything from population to teacher/student ratios at local schools. In just two minutes in the Area section, this app will provide key insights to a community, even for lifelong residents!

Additionally, you will find listings, open house and CENTURY 21 office info for that area.

The CENTURY 21 app customizes itself to the search requests of the user. You can add filters, for you, your spouse, your dream home or your bargain hunt – and save them. You can apply them repeatedly as you narrow down your search.

The must have tool for the new homebuyer and seasoned homebuyer alike.

Five different navigation tabs provide features and functionality:

Area Tab: Ever asked “Where do I want to live?” The Area tab aims to answer that question by providing a wiki summary and stats on an area’s population, annual income, ethnicity, recently sold homes and education level. The stats also provide school info in the form of ratings and grade clusters. The tab also features photos of the area from Panoramio in an easily viewable touch navigation slide show.

Listings Tab: In addition to listings in the traditional format, users can take pictures and make notes that display together and stay with that listing.

Open House Tab: Provides information on open houses in the area you are visiting. This tab provides the time, location and other information about the event.

Office Tab: This handy tab will help you locate the nearest CENTURY 21 office so a real estate professional can assist you.

My Favorites Tab: Find a home you like or a detail you want to learn more about? Save it here in My Favorites for safe keeping.

Download the app here or by searching for “Century 21 Real Estate” in the apps store.

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Should I get pre-approved for a home loan or talk to a real estate agent first?

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 15:34:52 +0000

: Image via Wikipedia

We find that home buyers ask this question quite often. The fact is, many people start their home search by viewing houses online (and if you’re finding them on our website, by saving them to your property portfolio!), but sometimes there is confusion on whether you should contact a mortgage professional or real estate professional first.

There is a benefit in contacting a real estate agent first. Many real estate agents have relationships with quality vendors including mortgage professionals, and they can recommend a few trustworthy professionals to you. At CENTURY 21® Sweyer & Associates, our agents are not the only ones that have relationships with mortgage professionals that they know and trust. We also have a relationship as a company with Alpha Mortgage, a locally owned and operated mortgage company, and our experiences with them have been fantastic. We believe that when you contact a real estate agent first, you get the service from a mortgage professional that you deserve.

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10 iPhone apps for growing a garden

Century 21 Sweyer & Associates — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 18:55:37 +0000

I came across this article from Mashable.com and thought it was very fitting for this time of year in Wilmington NC. The weather is great, and it’s almost time to start planning the fall garden! I have a small summer container garden full of herbs and peppers, but these apps make me want to expand that to flowers, veggies and more. Have a look…

Those who garden know that timing is everything, and a bountiful crop requires planning and organization. For novice and advanced gardeners alike, there is always something that can be learned about getting the best from the earth. Following are 10 great gardening apps that serve that very purpose, and can help yield juicier tomatoes, more fragrant rosemary, and brighter hydrangeas.

1. Landscaper’s Companion

Although the cost of this app is high, gardeners of all levels will appreciate the sheer volume of information that is contained in Landscaper’s Companion. This app serves as an encyclopedia of more than 1,400 plants across 16 categories, including perennials, shrubs, annuals, house plants and more. There are also approximately 5,700 photos within the app for visual reference.

Cost: $9.99

2. Fruit Garden

Fruit Garden focuses on the harvesting of 22 different fruits, and includes tips and tricks on soil preparation, planting, and recommended varieties. Note, the harvesting schedule in this app is specific to the UK, but even if you are not in that region, valuable information about growing each fruit can still be gleaned.

Cost: $1.99

3. iGarden USA

iGarden is a comprehensive compilation of fruit and vegetable harvesting schedules based on your designated zone. When any particular seed is selected, helpful information such as days to harvest, planting depth, space between rows and optimum germination temperatures is offered. Each entry also includes recommended insecticides to keep your plants pest-free.

Cost: $4.99

4. Bugs and Insects

Speaking of bugs, with a database of more than 900 pests, the Bugs and Insects app is a great resource for gardeners looking to determine the culprits who have been nibbling on their harvests, or just identify frequent visitors. Users can create lists, tag “favorite” bugs, or just flip through the entire database to satisfy a curiosity about entomology.

Cost: $0.99

5. Botany Buddy

Botany Buddy focuses solely on trees and shrubs and contains information on approximately 1,300 species. One hindrance is the lack of an A-Z directory from which to peruse. Instead, users must enter a search term to find the tree or shrub of choice. Despite this, the app provides very detailed information and also enables registered users to share collections with fellow tree and shrub enthusiasts through the Botany Buddy website.

Cost: $5.99 (Reduced from its usual $9.99 price for a limited time)

6. Botanical Interests

Botanical Interests is another information-laden app that includes harvesting advice on approximately 287 varieties of vegetables. There are beautiful illustrations to accompany each entry and avid gardeners will appreciate the myriad varieties of vegetables it covers, including 26 different kinds of lettuce, 19 peppers, 20 tomatoes, and 13 types of basil.

Cost: $5.99

7. Herbs+

This is a great app that provides valuable information on 25 different herbs. Within each herb, you can find information on how best to plant it, culinary ideas, and even medicinal uses. In addition, there’s a comprehensive tab outlining basic guidelines on planting an herb garden.

Cost: $1.99

8. Garden Pilot

Garden Pilot combines a directory of more than 14,000 plants with a comprehensive article database. It covers a wide range of topics, including plant diseases, fertilizers and chemicals, organic gardening and eco-friendly ideas. A recent update to the app also shows which plants are available for purchase at local app-participating retailers. A lite version of this app is available for free, but only contains a listing of 150 plants.

Cost: $2.99

9. Gardens

If you prefer more visual gardening instruction, this app features informative videos on topics such as “Small Gardens, Big Ideas,” “Novice Knockout Gardens,” and “Adding Pizzazz to Your Patio.” The video quality is fantastic, but due to the large amount of space it consumes, please note that the download time is much longer than others.

Cost: $5.99

10. The Plant Doctor

You’ve sowed the seeds, watered per instruction, and eagerly await the fruits of your labor. But wait — is that plant supposed to be yellow?

The Plant Doctor is a free app that provides a listing of the ten most common plant ailments. If your plant’s issue isn’t addressed by any of these, a form can be filled out within the app and sent directly to a plant pathologist for an official diagnosis and treatment options — each one costing $1.99.

Cost: Free

BONUS: iLocate – Gardening Supplies

In order to get the garden, you need the garden tools. iLocate – Gardening Supplies offers listings of garden supply retailers in your area. With a simple and easy-to-use interface, this app provides one-click calling functionality and relies on Google maps to identify locations nearby.

Cost: $0.99

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I want to buy a foreclosure property, but don’t know where to start my search. Help!

Flooring: An Overview

8 Sources of Inspiration for your Next Home Decor Project

Water World Part II

Raw products show their inner beauty

How will selling my home for less than I paid for it benefit me?

Agent Spotlight: Freddie Jean Baker

Can real estate agents work across MLS boundaries?

Tax-free weekend!

Agent Spotlight: Deryl Smith

Planning the Fall container garden

Are you considering remodeling?

2009-10 Cost vs. Value Report: Small Projects, Big Bang

Agent Spotlight: Paul Grimsley

Paul Grimsley

How can I find out what my credit score is?

12 tips for a DIY move

Take stock

Estimate your savings

Don’t underestimate truck rental costs

Budget for important tools

Know proper loading techniques

Designate someone to be in charge

Don’t load many heavy items into one box

‘Pad wrap’ your items

Know proper lifting techniques

Research truck restrictions

Take your time

Verify your reservations

Pricing your home right the first time

Look at the comparables

Look at the trend line

Look at the days on market

Get opinions

Avoid the traps

Welcome to the CENTURY 21 Sweyer family Donna Grady!

The $10,000 cash raffle to benefit Easter Seals UCP has started!

Welcome to the CENTURY 21 Sweyer family Michael Peters!

What questions should I ask when choosing a REALTOR®?

Welcome to the CENTURY 21 Sweyer family Caitlin O’Neill & Theresa Reed!

How can I find out what my home is worth?

The CENTURY 21® iPhone app is here!

Should I get pre-approved for a home loan or talk to a real estate agent first?

10 iPhone apps for growing a garden

1. Landscaper’s Companion

2. Fruit Garden

3. iGarden USA

4. Bugs and Insects

5. Botany Buddy

6. Botanical Interests

7. Herbs+

8. Garden Pilot

9. Gardens

10. The Plant Doctor

BONUS: iLocate – Gardening Supplies