Adjustable Rate MortgagesThere isn't a week that goes by that I don't find myself sitting down and having a preliminary meeting with a would be home buyers in Durham, Chapel Hill or Cary. I generally enjoy these meetings, their low key and give both they and I a chance to meet one another and simply have a low key conversation about what it is their ideally looking for.

These initial meetings also give me the opportunity to explain the home buying process to them, give them samples of all the paperwork their going to encounter regardless of whether they decide to work with me or someone else, answer any questions they might have and in most instances get them started in getting pre-approved for a mortgage. This way they are in the strongest possible position when the time…

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Investing In Real EstateAt any given time I'm always working with a handful of investors, most of whom have experience and who have very specific criteria for me to work with. In most cases these clients are looking to exchange a lump sum of money for a rental income cash-flow. Because of that, I've put together: A Beginners Guide to Investing in Real Estate for those buyers in the Durham, Hillsborough, Carrboro, Chapel Hill market.

In the past 6 months; I've been inundated with would be investor buyers; most of whom are discouraged by the almost non-existent interest their money is earning sitting in a bank, and many expressing concerns about the stock market. As I tell them, “Trust me; I understand exactly where you're coming from.”

What I know that most of them don't is…

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About Highcroft Village Homes In Cary, NC

Highcroft Village in Cary, North Carolina 27519 is a wonderful community perfectly located at the intersection of NC Highway 55 and Green Hope School Road. The home prices in Highcroft Village range from the low $400’s up to the low $700’s. There are about three home sales a month and the average price per square foot for homes sold in 2015 (11/19/15) was $150.There are five and four bedroom homes available, both new construction and resales. The average lot size is about .15 acre. Highcroft Village is a highly sought after neighborhood with homes selling quickly, the average days on market is only 50 days with some homes selling in as little as 3 days. Currently the main builders in Highcroft are national…

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The Preston Real Estate Market, Cary NC

The Preston Community in Cary, NC is a wonderful mix of neighborhoods built around the prestigious Prestonwood Country Club. There are many different home styles and prices range from $230,000 up to $2,900,000. Most of the homes were built between the mid eighties and late nineties. There are beautiful tree lined streets connecting the different neighborhoods and bike lanes are on most main streets. The more expensive homes are often found in small private cul-de sacs with golf course views. The community is a walking delight with wide sidewalks and miles of different options.

The average price per square foot for homes sold in the third quarter of 2015 (11/19/15) was $165 and the average size of the homes was…

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About Renaissance At Regency In Cary, NC

ForeverHome, a local Triangle area builder, is building magnificent luxury cottage homes in the beautiful community of Renaissance At Regency in Cary, NC. These luxurious homes start in the low $400’s and there are a number of floor plans ranging in size from 2300 square feet up to 7000 square feet. YTD 2015 (11/18/15) shows the average homes sold in the low $600's. The homes feature meticulously landscaped yards that are maintenance free, stone and brick exteriors with long lasting fiber cement . The interiors of the homes are splendidly equipped with the finest of appliances and fixtures. In the kitchen, stainless steel appliances match with custom cabinets, exquisite lighting fixtures and granite countertops.…

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About Copperleaf Homes In Cary, NC

Copperleaf, Cary NCThe neighborhood of Copperleaf is a wonderful community of luxury custom built homes ranging in price from the high $700’s to the low $1,000,000's. Copperleaf is located near the intersection of Morrisville Parkway and White Oak Church Rd. The homes feature a mix of the top of the line in luxury finishes and features. Beautiful stone exteriors, stately home styles, circular driveways and extensive landscaping all combine to provide a magnificent community atmosphere. The Copperleaf walking trails connect you to the American Tobacco Trail system which provide miles of walking, running and bike riding opportunities. The Thomas Brooks Park home to the USA Baseball National Training Complex is a short drive away.

The…

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Durham NeighborhoodsHow to Find The Perfect Neighborhood

You're out looking to buy a home in an area you're not truly familiar with. How can you know whether it's a good match for what you are ideally looking for? There’s an art to knowing if a neighborhood is a great one, and it goes far beyond tree-lined streets or summer block parties.

Let’s assume you stumble upon what appears to be your ideal neighborhood in. It’s close to the things that matter to you and it’s filled with the things you love. Fantastic. But even if it seems to tick all your boxes, there are 7 important things you really need to do before allowing yourself to fall head over heels with any particular location:

1. Get A Bird's Eye View

Type the address in Google Maps. Then zoom out. And zoom…

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What is a Seller Concession?

A seller concession is an agreement between buyer and seller for the seller to pay some or all of the buyers closing costs, up to the percentage allowed by the lender. One example is if the buyer is getting a VA loan, there are certain closing costs that the Seller must pay, and the addendum that is signed as part of the contract will spell those out. Buyer's regardless of the type of mortgage they are getting may ask for closing cost assistance and it's not necessarily an indicator that they are "weak buyers". When asked for a concession initially Seller's should bear in mind that in reality it's no concession at all as they are simply adding this on to their bottom line sales price and in the end it's the buyer's money…

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It Doesn't Pay To Chose A Discount Buyer Broker

Discount real estate agentAs a Realtor actively engaged on the Internet I regularly see Sellers and Buyers asking questions about getting rebates from their agent, looking for someone who will simply post their home in their local MLS, and in general seeking a Realtor who will discount their services. Home Buyers should think carefully before using a Discount Buyer Broker.

There's no doubt in my mind that they will have little trouble finding a real estate agent in Durham or Chapel Hill willing to do this for them, what surprises me is that anyone would actively seek such a person/service. I wonder for example; if they would seek a discount doctor or surgeon, or perhaps actively choose to use a discount lawyer if they were in…

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If you are considering buying a home in Durham NC, here are five common mistakes you want to avoid!

1. Not taking the time to properly interview buyer brokers. Experience counts.

2. Not getting yourself pre-approved (not pre-qualified) for a mortgage. (Your buyer broker can and should be an excellent resource to check with. )

3. Pushing the envelope, just because a bank tells you that you can qualify for $X amount doesn't mean that you won't be better off if you can stay 10-15 % below this maximum amount.

4. Opening up new credit cards or running up large bills once you are under contract, this will lower your credit score and may either disqualify you from getting a mortgage or cost you a higher rate.

5. Putting yourself under pressure on…

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