The best part of one agent’s job

This morning I enjoyed the beautiful drive from Elizabeth City to the ReMax Alpha office in Moyock.  Our office is always busy, agents coming and going,  people in and out,  it is a great place to work and the atmosphere is upbeat.   This is a great time to buy in Carolina,  so many  choices and low interest rates.  One of our agents, Gretchen Keeter, came up to the front desk and she had a great big smile on her face.  That smile is recognizable because it can mean only one thing, clients are on their way to the office.  When you ask some real estate agents what they enjoy the most about their jobs, some will answer the money, others will say I get to help families find their dream homes, but this top gun agent enjoys helping clients finish their dream home.  Today is a particularly special day because something very exciting awaits her clients in the conference room.  The family gets to pour over an array of samples;  cabinets, counter tops, tile, carpet and choices of board and batten siding and shutters for their home.  The clients,  Barry and Linda Dailey and their son, Stephen,  have purchased a custom built home in Snowden Crossing.  The  home is built by Quality Homes of Currituck.  I’m sure when these homeowners have settled in their new home and time has past by , they will remember this special agent who helped them choose the decor of their dream home.

A Free Home

An intelligent gentleman whom I admire ask me to go to lunch the other day.  He can always be counted on for several great stories to which I closely listen because there is considerable  knowledge to be gained.  We started our conversation about the housing market and that at this time in history home prices are down and the interest rates are lower than they have been in forty eight years. My friend told me of a pastor he knows whom he approached about buying a home several years ago.  The pastor asked him, “Why in the world would I want to buy a house, I have the parsonage the church has given me to live in free?”  My friend began stating his case for home ownership versus free housing by saying, “Well first of all, what are you and your family going to do if the church gets mad at you for some reason or another and lets you go?”  Or what if you have an accident and die?  The pastor was taken back but the gentleman kept stating his case.  “You know right now you are driving a nice car, it is a newer model and as I remember you usually trade your car every two years or so and  you also take at least two vacations every year to faraway locations.  I”m sure these trips are rather expensive especially with the kids in tow. You are spending your money anyway why not invest in something that is going to give you security?  You could put your money in stocks but there is always the chance you will take a loss.  A house would provide you and your family security. Home prices could drop but they will rebound.  You will always have your home and the security ownership brings with it.  The pastor said I’ll think about it.  The following week my friend received a phone call, the pastor wanted to look at homes for sale..He purchased a lovely home whose value has more than doubled and I am told sometimes in conversation you will hear him advising a parishioner to purchase a home because renting is simply throwing your money away.

A Nice Address

 I am still haunted by those days of living in a rented home.  When my kids were growing up I focused on trying to find a rental in the best neighborhood possible.  I wanted my kids to be able to play outside with other children and not have to worry about them getting into fights or being approached by drug dealers.  I myself wanted to live in a neighborhood that I could be proud of telling friends about.  I to remember the high price of rent that came with the nice address.  Needless to say my family moved a lot.  The rent would go up because the homeowner thought she had rented such a nice house too cheap or the dreaded phone call would come saying, “My son and his family are moving back to town, you have a month to find something else but he’s going to be moving in.”  And the search for the perfect house would start over,  packing boxes,  driving around looking for empty houses hoping to find another perfect neighborhood and address.  The kids were uprooted once again. They complained about missing their old house, their friends and the great yard they had to play in.  I felt a failure as a parent.  Why didn’t we buy a house?  Why were we throwing away our money every month paying someone else’s mortgage payment?  Did we have commitment issues?  Were we not comfortable finding a real estate agent?  No we were  afraid, we didn’t know any better and ignorance was not bliss.  If you want to own a home you can,  you just simply have to take the first step.  Call a real estate agent,  preferably someone you know or a reputable agent a friend recommends and start looking for your perfect address.  The agent will take the fear out of buying and walk you through the entire process.
Finally after 18 years of marriage, my husband and I bought our first home.  We were able to put down our family’s roots in a home with a nice address.

By Laura Carsey

March Maintenace List- Indoors Part 2

Indoors
Now move indoors to complete your moisture-detective tour and perform some other TLC.

Banish household smells

• Clean the garbage disposal. It’s good to get in the habit of doing this monthly. Pour a cup of vinegar into an ice cube tray, fill up the rest of the tray with water and stick it in the freezer. When the solution has frozen, pop out the vinegar ice cubes and place them in the disposal. Turn it on and let the ice cubes scrub the disposal as they are ground up. The vinegar will remove accumulated grease and eliminate odors coming from the disposal. Clean all drains, including the disposal, two or three times a year by pouring in equal parts salt, baking soda and vinegar, followed about 30 seconds later by two quarts of boiling water. Give the mixture a chance to work overnight to clear clogged drains. (Learn more: “Drains 101: Skip the plumber and tackle these tasks yourself.”)
• Clean or replace garbage cans and pails. Check garbage containers inside and out for cracks and breakage. Replace cracked or broken outdoor cans and use bungee cords to keep lids closed tightly. Take the kitchen garbage pail outside, sprinkle in a half-cup of baking soda and fill the can with hot water. Let sit for an hour, then dump out the water and use spray cleanser to wipe down the can inside and out. Dry it thoroughly before putting it back in the kitchen and inserting an empty garbage bag. Clean the refrigerator by removing everything and washing down the inside with hot water and baking soda.
• Eliminate bathroom and kitchen smells. Trapped moisture encourages smelly mildew, mold and rot, which can create odors in the kitchen, laundry and bathrooms. Thoroughly inspect each of these rooms for cracks and breakage in grout and caulking that let water seep behind tile and flooring. (See the August home-maintenance checklist to learn how to replace cracked or chipped tile grout and read “How to caulk your bathtub neatly.”) Check appliances for plumbing leaks by looking for moisture under or around sinks, tubs, washer, dryer, shower and toilets. Check for toilet leaks: Add a few drops of food coloring into the tank (not the bowl) of a toilet. Don’t flush. Come back in an hour to see if any of the color has reached the toilet bowl. If it has, you probably need to replace the flapper in the tank. If water is collecting around the base of the toilet, the seal – the wax gasket between the toilet and floor – may have failed and need to be replaced.  (To diagnose more toilet troubles, read “Troubleshoot your toilet without a plumber.”)
• Install two simple water-saving devices:
  • Toilet-tank displacers. If you’ve been meaning to try some of those water-saving tricks you’ve read about, here’s an easy one to start with: Older toilet tanks hold a lot more water than they need for flushing. Cut water usage by displacing some of this tank water. The Alliance for Water Efficiency cautions that this is a good idea only for toilets with a rated flush volume of 3.5 gallons or more. (Look for information about your toilet’s rated flush volume on a label behind the seat hinge or stamped into the porcelain of the back of the tank. If you can’t find it, ask your water utility to help while conducting a no-charge home audit of your water usage. Or contact the toilet’s manufacturer for help identifying your model’s specifications.) Here’s how to displace water in the tank: Fill a clean, half-gallon plastic milk bottle with water and add some small stones to help weight it down, then lower the bottle into the tank, being careful to avoid the working parts. Or, purchase and install a Toilet FlushLess water displacement bladder bag. But whatever you do, don’t – as some advise – put bricks in the toilet tank. They’ll crumble and the sediment can wreck a toilet.
  • Aerators. Kitchen and bathroom faucets consume a great deal of water. Trim your home’s water usage by installing aerators in the faucet heads. Some shower heads accept aerators, too. Aerators mix air into the water to maintain good water pressure while reducing the amount of water flowing through the faucet. They cost $2 to $3 at a hardware store. Some water utilities give them free to customers. To install, screw the aerators onto the faucet tip. If you already have aerators on your faucets, remember to remove them annually to clean off any mineral deposits that can clog the screw-on screen and interfere with your water flow. Just toss and replace badly clogged aerators.
  • Inspect and repair drywall.  Once a year, walk around the interior of your home with a spatula and container of lightweight putty (ask at the hardware store for help choosing products). Inspect the walls for dings, nail holes and gouges. Use the spatula to smooth putty into holes and scrape the repaired spot even with the wall. Return the next day and touch the putty to see if it has dried. Once dry, gently rub it with fine-grained sandpaper so the patch will be smooth and even with the wall. Gently retouch the spot with primer, then with paint. If a repainted area shows up when dry, you may have to repaint the entire wall. (For bigger problems, read “How to fix a hole in the wall.”)                                                          By Marilyn Lewis of MSN Real Estate

We will bring our readers a two part series on March Home Maintenance today and Wednesday.

It’s time to see what winter’s wind, rain and snow have done to your home and make fixes quickly to head off water-related damage. First, head outside.

Outside
Spiff up the front entry. One way to stay on top of your home’s maintenance and protect your investment is to look at it as though you’re a stranger considering it for purchase. Perform repairs as the need arises and try each year to add a little to the home’s attractiveness on the outside. One good way to boost curb appeal, as real-estate agents call it, is to make the entrance more appealing. Once the weather is dry, check steps, decks and porches for wood rot and peeling paint. Repaint porch steps and railings yearly with durable deck paint. Wash winter grime and dust off the front door and door frame. Repaint or stain the front door to protect wood doors and give the whole home a little face lift. Consider using a fun accent color such as barn red, black, hunter green, navy blue or gold, depending on the other colors on your home’s exterior. You may want to add built-in planters to a deck or front porch and change the plants with the season.

Check for roof dams. Now that the worst of the weather is behind us, pull a ladder up to the roof to check the valleys and remove accumulations of sticks, leaves, tree needles and other storm debris. Similar to the dangers posed by melting snow on a roof, dammed-up debris can let moisture penetrate the roofing and reach into structural timbers and walls, causing rot and mold. Also, check the flashings, or metal seals, around roof joints, chimneys, skylights and other structures that penetrate a roof for holes or rust. Make repairs or call a professional.

Check for water under the house. While spring rains are still falling, or shortly after, get beneath the house to see if there’s any accumulated water. It should be dry there, even when it’s raining outside. If not, first eliminate the possibility of leaks from inside the house by checking the underside of the floor for dripping water or water stains. Track down any plumbing leaks and repair them or call a plumber. If an inside leak is not to blame, look next for seepage from outside the house. Check where the foundation meets the ground for spots where the earth slopes toward the house. Even dirt mounded around shrubs should be corrected by replanting. Fix any sloping earth so that it directs water away from the house. If you live at the bottom of a hill, that may mean calling a drainage expert to diagnose problems or help devise solutions. Keep up preventive maintenance by trimming trees and shrubs to keep them from touching the house and channeling water down the walls; remove ladders, wheelbarrows and other equipment stacked against the outside of your home. Install extensions on gutter downspouts to keep water far from the structure.

Book a home inspector. The only time most folks meet a home inspector is during the sale of their home. But by then, you’re learning about troubles too late. To stay on top of your home’s maintenance and head off expensive repairs, hire a home inspector to scrutinize your home from top to bottom. Cost: $200 to $400. (Read “4 tips for finding the best home inspector.”) Tag along on the inspection so you can see any problems for yourself and learn about your home by asking questions. The inspection will give you either peace of mind that everything’s in good shape or a list of chores to be done. Ask the inspector to help you prioritize the repairs.

By Marilyn Lewis of MSN Real Estate/© Kim Steele/Digital Vision/Photolibrary

Re/Max Alpha’s Quick Tip on Real Estate

For most people, buying a home is the largest investment they will ever make. Home inspections are an integral part of the home-buying process because they can bring to light any serious issues a home may have; making the decision to buy just a little bit easier. Getting your house inspected before you buy it can minimize the unpleasant surprises you may come across later on.

A standard home inspector’s report will cover the condition of the home’s heating and central air systems; interior plumbing; electrical systems; the roof, attic, and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows, and doors; the foundation, the basement and the structural components of the home. Typically a home inspector will give you a summary highlighting the main problem areas as well as a full report that covers everything. As tempting as it may seem, don’t just skim through the summary; always read the entire report, so that you know what is going on in your future home.

You can ask your real estate agent at Re/Max Alpha Realty to help arrange an inspection or you can arrange one yourself. Fees in North Carolina usually start as low as $200 and can cost over $400 for larger and older homes. Don’t let the cost scare you away from the decision to get your home inspected; it can save you thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs or it may even sway your decision to buy. Even if your home inspection finds nothing wrong, at least then you can buy with confidence.

Amy Rowe

Re/Max Alpha Realty

Family Fun Friday & more in Elizabeth City.

The weekend is here and there is lots to do in Elizabeth City.  
FOR THE KIDS  Tonight, the Mariner’s Wharf Park is hosting a FREE showing of An American Tail , it’s the 1986 animated feature film about a Russian-Jewish mouse, Fivel, who gets lost on the family overseas crossing as they are immigrating to America.  And so, his adventure begins!  This show  begins at 8:30 p.m.  Concessions will be available.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
LIVE MUSIC Tonight, singer/song writer Drew Sablon will be performing at Big Daddy’s Pizza.  Drew loves to play music from the 60′s all the way back to today.  He might even play a song from the future.  So come out and enjoy some great music free of charge in a casual comfortable setting.  No cover!
www.drewsablonmusic.com
 
SATURDAY So much is going on you are going to have to make a day of it.  You can start your day out at the Waterfront Farmers Market.  It’s always a great place to start my day.  Meet your neighbors and make new friends.  You will find vendors who become favorites. You will want to patron your favorite tables week to week.  I have my personal favorites which include the “soap and candle” lady, and two of the local farms who I find myself in front of every week.  I buy the eggs if they haven’t sold out and always stock up on the freshest of vegetables.  The market has vendors whose wares include fruits, vegetables, dairy, pottery, jewelry, herbs and crafts.  This is one of the best ways to promote your local businesses, buying local and enjoying your own community offerings.
 
After the Farmers Market consider crossing the street to “Page After Page” bookstore.  They are hosting a book signing by Jean Oaks, author of Diggin Dirt from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Jean Oaks book of poems is getting great reviews and writes abut and for gardeners.  I just keep finding more things to do than I have time for in this wonderful area.
 
This blog is mostly to share information and become a community resource for all people in the Currituck, Camden, Chesapeake, Dare, Pasquatank Counties and also Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads, Virginia.  I encourage your input and suggestions for blogs everyday.  Let me hear from you so I can share your great stories, too.
Have a beautiful weekend and get out there and enjoy our wonderful North Carolina, it’s a great place to live.

Scot Stor in Moyock!!!

Moving? Need to clean out your house? Or just need somewhere to store things? Well Scot Stor is located in the Moyock area with great prices and deals on storage units! Scot Stor offers climate control units and sizes ranging from 5×10 to 15×20 with boat/RV parking too. The prices run from $30.00 a month to $155.00 a month depending on size and if it’s a climate control unit. On starting a rental, cost is prorated till the end of the month. Thereafter renters are charged for a full month, there is no refund for unused days. There is a onetime $5.00 fee charged for processing, and a onetime refundable fee of $25.00 for clean out of your unit. Also your first lock if free!! The storage hours are 24/7 so you may feel free to receive things out of your storage unit any time day or night. The office hours are Monday – Saturday 8-5pm and you may call in a payment, set up on auto draft, drop of payment, mail it in or come into the office during business hours. The office is located at 378 Caratoke Hwy, Moyock, NC 27958. Call today!!!!! (252)- 435- 2531 or (800) 462 – 6503!!!!!!

Also, right now we have refer a friend deal!! If you know someone who already has a storage unit at Scot Stor use their name and you and your friend will both receive $25.00 off your next full month storage unit!!!

Smart Renovation Ideas for Sellers

Many home sellers in and around the Moyock area want to get the most for their money at the closing table. Two RE/MAX Associates, from the Deep South, share their tips for making it happen.

 

Big Ideas

Whether they’re looking to sell right away or in a few years, there are several sound renovation investments that are worth the money, according to HGTV real estate expert Heather Unger, a Sales Associate with RE/MAX Central Realty in Lake Mary, Fla.

Here are tips to pass along to your clients:

• Rev up curb appeal- A green lawn and fresh exterior paint are sure ways to attract potential buyers. Plant colorful flowers or hang flower boxes from windows, repair cracked walkways and choose a neutral, pleasing exterior color to maximize your home’s appeal.
• Upgrade the kitchen- This is where you’ll get the best return on your investment. Buyers want granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, modern cabinets and hardware, and updated light fixtures, Think IKEA kitchen: modern and functional. For the average kitchen in a 2,000- square-foot home, you’ll spend $8,000 or more for basic upgrades.
• Redo the bathrooms – After kitchen, bathrooms are the next places to get the best bang for your buck. Granite countertops, modern faucets and light fixtures and tile floors are popular with buyers. The more you do yourself, the more money you’ll save. Expect to spend about $3,000 or more. You can save even more by buying store floor models for sinks and vanities, or going to granite bone yards for materials.
• Add Space- If you have the money, consider adding square footage to your home by finishing your basement, expanding the master closet or knocking down some walls to create a more open floor plan.

 

Economical options

If your sellers don’t have time or a ton of money for major renovations, don’t worry, says Laura Smith, a Licensed Sales Assistant with RE/MAX First in Baton Rouge, La. A clean, clutter-free home goes a long way for many buyers, says Smith, who has appeared on HGTV’s “bang for Your Buck.”

Here are Smith’s tips:

• Make your home smell incredible – Get your air-conditioning unit professionally serviced and cleaned. Most companies charge under $150, and it goes a long way in removing odors and allergens. Also, use plug-in fresheners and fabric deodorizing sprays.
• Steam-clean the carpets- Instead of replacing carpets call a professional to have them steam-cleaned and watch the transformation! You will be delighted to see that steam cleaning the carpets (price depends on carpet area) is money well spent.
• Remove clutter- Check your closets and donate old clothes, shoes or other items that you haven’t used in the past year. Buyers want to see storage space; this goes for the other closets in your home, as well as garages. If you’re having showings, remove all personal photos and clear off all appliances and knickknacks from countertops and display shelving.
• Create an outdoor living space- Adding a sense of comfort to your patio, desk or backyard adds value to your home. Stage your patio or deck with a table and chairs, as well as an outdoor rug, lively plants, some colorful flowers or a small fountain. Get rid of unsightly weeds and keep the lawn mowed and presentable.

 

By Deborah Ball Kearns, RE/MAX Times Online Editor

Short Sale Info

                                                  Do you need to sell your home because you simply cannot afford it? Do you have a significant change in your financial situation that makes keeping your current mortgage difficult? No one wants to have their home foreclosed on and there are government programs in effect to help you out of a difficult situation.

You may qualify for the US Treasury program HAFA (Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives) Program. Your home must be owner occupied. This is a Short Sale (your home is sold for less than what is owed on it). Your credit report will “take a hit” showing the mortgage and other loans on your house were “satisfied according to the terms”. The terms are not reported on your credit report. This shows that you were in a difficult situation and did your best to settle your debts equitably and did not just walk away from your debts.

There are several advantages to you, the seller, in seeking this kind of assistance:

                Sellers receive $3,000 relocation assistance.

                The foreclosure sale must be suspended while eligibility is determined, the property is marketed, or closing is pending.

                Sellers are released of all liability on 1^st and subordinate liens.

                Sellers cannot be required to sign a note or pay any additional amounts to satisfy liens.

                The short sale is Pre-Approved.

                Purchase agreements are approved or disapproved within 10 days.

If a short sale is not successful, a deed-in-lieu may be possible with the seller receiving the $3,000 relocation assistance or being able to lease the home back at below market rent, depending on the type of loan.

Please contact one of our agents at Remax Alpha Realty in Moyock for any assistance with selling your home. They are well schooled in short sales and would love to help you. We have agents on duty everyday if you would like to stop by are office located on Carotoke Hwy or you can call 800-462-6503 and set up an appointment. Here at Remax Alpha Realty in Moyock we put our clients first!!