Landscaping can make a difference
We’ve all heard the old adage: you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Nowhere is this more true than in real estate, especially if you’re considering selling your home. Prospective buyers will be evaluating the property from the second they pull up to the curb.Landscaping [...]]]>
Landscaping can make a difference
Landscaping can really enhance the exterior of your property. Trimming any surrounding trees and shrubs as well as proper maintenance of your lawn immediately lets the buyer know the beauty of the property. Also, pay attention to the doors and windows around your house; treat any excess growth or deterioration immediately.
By taking these small but important steps, you’ll not only enjoy your property more, but also make your home that much more attractive to a buyer. Call or email me to hear more tips on how to make a great first impression!
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Ready to downsize?
Whatever type of property you’re searching for, I can utilize the Multiple Listings Service (MLS) to locate the right house for you. I can even send you instant email updates whenever a new property becomes available! Call or email me today to get started!
]]>380 Jethro Mills Rd., Greenville, NC
Interested in a well-kept, comfortable brick veneer ranch home on a nice lot for less than $200,000? Then you must tour 380 Jethro Mills Road in Greenville. This house is an excellent choice if you want the country setting but close to the city amenities.You’ll enjoy your sunroom, ceiling [...]]]>
380 Jethro Mills Rd., Greenville, NC
You’ll enjoy your sunroom, ceiling fans throughout the house, three bedrooms, master bath suite, landscaped yard, plantation blinds, and plenty of light throughout the home!
See more here or call Pat Taylor today for your private tour.
]]>Free home inspection from Pat Taylor
For most people, purchasing a home is the largest investment they will ever make. It is no wonder then that many home buyers employ professionals to inspect the structural and mechanical systems of the home and report to them on their condition. Sometimes sellers also [...]]]>HOME INSPECTIONS
Free home inspection from Pat Taylor
This information is from a joint publication of the North Carolina Home Inspector Licensure Board and the North Carolina Real Estate Commission designed to give consumers a better understanding of the home inspection process. What a home inspection is, who can perform an inspection and what to expect. If you have further questions regarding home inspections and Home Inspectors, you should contact the North Carolina Home Inspector Licensure Board, 322 Chapanoke Road, Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27603 919/662-4480.
Q:What is a home inspection?
A: It is an evaluation of the visible and accessible systems and components of a home (plumbing system, roof, etc.) and is intended to give the client (usually a homebuyer) a better understanding of their condition. It is also important to know what a home inspection is not! It is not an appraisal of the property’s value; nor should you expect it to address the cost of repairs. It does not guarantee that the home complies with local building codes (which are subject to periodic change) or protect you in the event an item inspected fails in the future. [Note. Warranties can be purchased to cover many items] Nor should it be considered a ‘technically exhaustive” evaluation, but rather an evaluation of the property on the day it is inspected, taking into consideration normal wear and tear.
Q:Can anyone perform a home inspection?
A: No. Only persons licensed by the North Carolina Home Inspector Licensure Board are permitted to perform home inspections for compensation. To qualify for licensure, they must satisfy certain education and experience requirements and pass a state licensing examination. Their inspections must be conducted in accordance with the Board’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
Q: Why should I have the home inspected?
A: Most homebuyers lack the knowledge, skill and emotional detachment needed to inspect homes themselves. By using the servicers of a licensed Home Inspector, they can gain a better understanding of the condition of the property, especially whether any items do not “function as intended” or “adversely affect the habitability of the dwelling” or “warrant further investigation” by a person who specializes in the item in question.
Q: In my home purchase I have chosen to sign the standard Offer to Purchase and Contract* form which many real estate and legal professionals use. It states that I have the right to have the home inspected and the right to request that the seller repair identified
problems with the home.
Q: Will the home inspection identify all of these problems?
A: Yes and No. Home Inspectors typically evaluate structural components (floors, walls, roofs, chimneys, foundations, etc.), Mechanical systems (plumbing, electrical, heating/air conditioning installed appliances and other major components of the property.
The Home Inspector Licensure Board’s Standards of Practice do not require Home Inspectors to report on: wood-destroying insects, environmental contamination, pools and spas, detached structures d certain other items listed in the Offer to Purchase id Contract form. Always ask the Home Inspector if he covers all the things which are important to you. If not, it is your responsibility to arrange for an inspection of these items by the appropriate professionals. For a description of the services to be provided by the Home Inspector (and their cost),you should read carefully the written contract which Home Inspector must give you and which you must sign before the Home Inspection can be performed.
Q: How do I request a home inspection, and who will pay for it?
You can arrange for the home inspection or your real estate agent to assist you. Unless otherwise agreed, you will be responsible for cost of the home inspection and any subsequent actions. If the inspection is to be performed after you have signed the purchase contract, be sure to schedule inspection as soon as possible to allow adequate time for any repairs to be performed.
Q:Should I be present when the home inspection is performed?
A: Whenever possible, you should be present. The inspector can review with you the results of the inspection and point out any problems found. Usually the inspection of the home can be completed in two to three hours (the time can vary depending upon the size and age of the dwelling). The Home Inspector must give you a written report of the home inspection within three business days after the inspection is performed (unless otherwise stated in your contract with the Home Inspector). The home inspection report is your property. The Home Inspector may only give it to you and may not share it with other persons without your permission.
Q: Are all inspection reports the same?
A: No. While the Home Inspector Licensure Board has established a minimum requirement for report-writing, reports can vary greatly. They can range from a ‘checklist” of the systems and components to a full narrative evaluation or any combination of the two. Home Inspectors are required to give you a written “Summary” of their inspection identifying any system or component that does not function as intended, or adversely affects the habitability of the dwelling, or appears
why should I have the home inspected?
A: Most homebuyers lack the knowledge, skill and emotional detachment needed to inspect homes themselves. By using the services of a licensed Home Inspector, they can gain a better understanding of the condition of the property, especially whether any items do not “function as intended” or “adversely affect the habitability of the dwelling” or “warrant further investigation” by a person who specializes in the item in question.
Q: In my home purchase I have chosen to sign the standard Offer to Purchase and Contract * form which many real estate and legal professionals use. It states that I have the right to have the home inspected and the right to request that the seller repair identified problems with the home.
Call Pat Taylor at 252-439-4003 or email Pat today!
]]>Advice to home buyers from Pat Taylor
Check with your lender on any local programs that might help with closing costs or in other ways. Even though the media [...]]]>Step 1. Find a Local Lender You Can Talk To in Person
Local lenders understand your market and know of loan programs that might be beneficial to you.
Advice to home buyers from Pat Taylor
Step 2. Be Specific in the Area You Want To Live
Educate yourself. Familiarize yourself with the neighborhoods you’re interested in, the taxes and school districts. This not only helps you narrow down your search when you need to move fast, but also helps you figure out potential mortgage payments. Search for homes in your desired neighborhoods.
Step 3. Find an Agent Specializing in the Area You Want to Live
This will save you time and effort. Once you’ve identified an agent, trust him or her to do the job. Agents who are thriving in this challenging market have proven their worth. They have the resources and skills to help you find your next home.
Step 4. Don’t Shy Away From Houses That Need Some Work
Just because a house needs some paint or cosmetic fixes doesn’t mean it’s not a good buy. Most real estate agents have an address book full of trusted businesses they work with to help you fix up your new home. There’s an HUD program known as 203(k) that enables you to fold repair money into a primary mortgage; ask a RE/MAX agent in your market about the program.
Read more about the 203(k) program.
Step 5. Be Prepared To Act
Sometimes the first home you see is the right one for you. Don’t discount it. Remember, good deals still go fast. Take advantage of the electronic tools your real estate agent has to offer. In many instances, real estate agents have access to better information than what you can find in a standard Internet search.
Find a RE/MAX agent in your area.
Search for homes in your desired neighborhoods.
The advice offered here comes from sales associates affiliated with independently owned and operated RE/MAX offices and may not be applicable to all areas.
Written by Lisa Escue (CDPE), with RE/MAX Masters II in Grapevine, Texas.
]]>Call Pat Taylor at 252-439-4003 or email Pat today!
]]>Call Pat Taylor at 252-439-4003 or email Pat today!
]]>Once on that page, click on the link to the real estate report you are interested in. You’ll need Adobe Reader installed to [...]]]>
The real estate market reports for Pitt and Greene counties showing real estate transactions, average prices and days on the market are now available by going to our Market Reports page.
Once on that page, click on the link to the real estate report you are interested in. You’ll need Adobe Reader installed to view or print the report.
]]>SCARY EXPERIENCES WHEN SHOWING HOMES
TO PROSPECTIVE BUYERS!!
Real estate agents take all kinds of risks when showing homes to prospective buyers. Several years ago, I was working with a couple that insisted on looking at a home located on the creek in Pitt County. It had about 5 acres of land and very secluded. As we drove up to the house, we noticed how wooded the property was and very private Of course, they were very excited. It was just like they had imaged.
Well, we got out and went up to the stairs to go inside of the house. Home had been vacant for sometime and it looked spooky to me. We went inside and started looking around. I walked through the bedrooms, kitchen and saw another stairway leading to the 2nd floor. The buyers were following close behind me. I started up the stairs when I saw not One but Two large snakes coming down the stairway.
Needless to say, I almost fell on top of my buyers. I didn’t walk back down the stairs, I run backwards to get down. The buyers had no idea what was wrong. I couldn’t scream –too scared! Buyers got out of my way fast and luckily no one was hurt. By that time, they also saw the snakes and we all got out of that house as fast as possible.
We stood on the front porch until we got ourselves together. About that time, another agent drove up. She looked at us so funny. We told her what happen. She said that her buyers wanted to see the house anyway. The agent said we probably scared the snakes away when we screamed and run outside. We told them be careful and good luck!
Has anything ever happened to you when looking at a home to buy? Share your experiences of the home buying process.
]]>Today, buying the home of your dreams is easier than ever before. Real Estate values have always risen steadily. Of course there are highs and lows, but the long term trend for making this investment is a consistent increase. What that means for you…every time you make a mortgage payment-the [...]]]>
Today, buying the home of your dreams is easier than ever before. Real Estate values have always risen steadily. Of course there are highs and lows, but the long term trend for making this investment is a consistent increase. What that means for you…every time you make a mortgage payment-the principal goes to paying down the loan, therefore, the value you have in your home increases. The more value you have and the less you owe on your mortgage you start building “equity”. This is a good reason to make this investment, a very good reason you can’t afford NOT to buy a home, especially now.
In searching for homes, it is very typically for the spouse to start the process. Usually, the wife will call and discuss the criteria she is looking for her family. Women are very concerned about the proximity and quality of schools, types of neighborhoods, location of medical facilities, and nearby shopping amenities.
After making several selections, the husband and wife will schedule appointments to meet and discuss the home buying process. We will then preview homes selected from their criteria. I find it amazing as we walk through homes and listen to the husband point how he liked the backyard or the workshop, and the wife likes the kitchen and family rooms. After previewing homes that they have selected the husband will say, I am at work most of the day, and you will be home more than me, so which one do you think that we ought to get?
It doesn’t always work out this way, but I guess that old saying that “if mama ain’t happy, then ain’t nobody happy”. I can only remember selling a couple of homes that the wife never looked at. One incident was when a spouse was transferred here and the wife moved after their home in Boston sold. She had only seen photos of the house that he took. (Note: This was before the virtual tour days). I prayed that she would like it. The day of closing, she came and we went over and looked at it. She immediately liked it, said it was not her dream home but it would work out fine. They lived in it about 5 years before he was transferred again. Sometimes, the men know enough about what their spouse likes, that they can make the decision, but it rare that both are not involved in the home buying process.
Women put a lot of thought in where they want their children to live and play. It is an important part of motherhood when purchasing a home. I even work with grandparents that they want a place that their grandkids can play and enjoy visiting. Home is still the American Dream! It where we go after a long day’s work to enjoy our peace and relaxation.
If you are interested in learning more about the home buying process, please feel free to contact me at 439-4003 or 559-3805. I offer free consultation and will email you a home buying informational free.
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