New Bern Homes Blog Cast

Has the Real Estate Market Bottomed?

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Dunn) — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 12:41:00 +0000

I read an article this morning which said that most Americans believe the housing market has hit the bottom and that it's a good time to buy, in part because many also think rents will rise faster than home prices.

Fannie Mae's latest nation housing survey found that 70 percent of Americans think it's a good time to buy a home, up from 64 percent in January.

By an overwhelming majority, 78 percent, also believe home prices will either hold steady or increase over the next year, compared to 85 percent believing the same thing about rental increases.

While Americans expect rents to rise by 3.6 percent on average, home prices are expected to turn up only 0.9 percent, Fannie Mae found.

Also, the winter months are a good time to consider purchasing ... sellers might be willing to negotiate more after they've been through a slow spring, summer and fall.

It's a Buyer's Market, so let the advantage work for you!

Dianne Dunn

http://www.newbernhomes.com/

Real Estate Outlook Promising

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Dunn) — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 13:48:00 +0000

According to national cyndicated columnist, Ken Harney, after a few weeks in August, where the economic and housing outlooks have been a little sobering, the numbers at the beginning of September are looking increasingly positive.

The latest Commerce Department study finds that consumer spending is on the upswing, and just registered the biggest upswing in four months.

On the housing front, there are even more encouraging numbers:

Pending home sales, which had been sliding since the phase out of the tax credits last spring, rose by 5.2 percent according to the National Association of Realtors.

Standard and Poors/Case-Shiller index reported home prices in the top 20 metropolitan areas gained 4.2 percent over last year.

As long as rates remain in the mid four percent range -- the Federal Reserve Chairman says he's committed to keeping them low. Housing should look increasingly attractive to first-home buyers and move up buyers, who find they can now afford much more house than they might have imagined.

10 Staging Tips to Help Sell your Home!

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Dunn) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:43:00 +0000

Remember … “Decorating” is personalizing to your taste, while “Staging” is depersonalizing, to appeal to a larger percentage of the public.

1. Visit model homes and examine shelter magazines for inexpensive decorating ideas. Always keep in mind you are not decorating for yourself but for the general public.

2. Start with the outside. Give the house a fresh coat of paint, add shiny hardware to the front door and plant a few flowers to send a subliminal message the house is loved and well cared for.

3. Declutter every room to make it look larger. Get rid of family pictures, trophies and knickknacks. Closets and drawers should be no more than 30% full.

4. Invest in eco-friendly but bright lights. Open the drapes or remove them completely. “Light, bright rooms give the impression this is a happy place—and everyone wants to move into a happy place.”

5. Feature only a few pieces of furniture with mainstream appeal. Pull pieces away from walls to make rooms look bigger.

6. Make sure a room’s primary use is obvious. A bedroom should look like a bedroom, not an office, hobby center or gym.

7. Bedrooms and kitchens are difficult to stage because they are in daily use, but make the effort. Clear everything off the counters and nightstands, roll up the rugs and hide the laundry hamper. Buff the cabinets with car wax and clean under the sinks. Invest in pristine white bed linens and towels.

8. Minimize the “pet effect.” Remove food bowls and litter boxes to the utility room. Deodorize thoroughly.

9. Organize the utility room and garage. Hang up the bicycles, roll up the hose. Renting a storage locker is worth the cost if it helps you sell faster and for a higher price.

10. Once your house is staged, invite your friends or Realtor over and walk them through to get an objective opinion.

Dianne Dunn and Team New Bern
Keller Williams Realty
New Bern, NC

Email Dianne!
Visit our Website:

Search All Properties in the New Bern area.

Need a Loan? Pre-Qualification Guidelines for FHA

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Dunn) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:39:00 +0000

You'll hear many people say that loans are not available during these recessionary times. That's not true!

Home loans are READILY available with certain criteria.

According to the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), their pre-qualification essentials include:

* Having a steady employment history, at least two years with the same employer.
* Consistent or increasing income over the past two years.
* Credit report should be in good standing with less than two thirty day late payments in the past two years.
* Any bankruptcy on record must be at least two years old with good credit for the two consecutive years.
* Any foreclosure must be at least three years old with good credit for the past three years.
* Mortgage payment qualified for must be approximately 30 percent of your total monthly gross income.

Other lenders' ideas regarding pre-qualification are all similar to those outlined above. A mortgage lender will look at your credit report, earnings, debts, and savings in order to see how much home you really can afford.

Why is this important? In recent years there has been a “mortgage crisis,” where the industry was rampant with fraud and with loans that put homeowners into situations they could not afford. As payments rose, homeowners found themselves unable to meet their monthly obligations. According to Realtytrac.com and their U.S. Foreclosure Market Report, in January 2010, one in every 409 households in the country had received a foreclosure filing.

Since pre-qualification for a home loan typically costs you nothing, but gives you both a goal of what homes are in your affordability range, as well as how much money you should look to have saved for a downpayment, you can hardly wait to take this step.

During the pre-qualification process, you will be expected to provide the following information:
** Your gross monthly income
** Your total monthly payments (car payments, credit cards minimums, child support payments, student loan payments, any other monthly debts)

The lender will be looking to see that your debt to income is below about 40 percent, and the lower the better. So, if you are looking to buy in the near future, be sure to get "Pre-Qualified".

Contact your local Realtor Professional, who can give you the names of lenders who have very competitive rates.

Dianne Dunn and Team New Bern
Keller Williams Realty
New Bern, NC

Email Dianne!
Visit our Website:

Search All Properties in the New Bern area.

Local New Bern News - Market Update

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Dunn) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:58:00 +0000

Under $99,999 = 07
$100K-$139,999 = 13
$140K-$179,999 = 22
$180K-$219,999 = 07
$220K-$259,999 = 04
$260K-$299,999 = 02
$300K-$349,999 = 02
$350K-$399,999 = 00
$400K-$499,999 = 01
$500K-$999,999 = 02
Over $1,000,000 = 00

Total February 2010 = 60
Total February 2009 = 89
Total February 2008 = 125
Total February 2007 = 158

NEIGHBORHOOD PROPERTIES "SOLD", February 1 through February 28 (from NRRAR MLS Service)

NEIGHBORHOOD PROPERTIES "FOR SALE" (from NRRAR MLS Service)

For the BEST Internet Marketing, and the Most Responsive Service in New Bern, Contact DIANNE! Email Dianne (252) 636-3301 or Toll Free: (888) 781-8800

www.NewBernHomes.com

Search ALL Properties in New Bern!

Don't Forget the April 30th Deadline for Tax Credit!

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Dunn) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:06:00 +0000

Hi Folks,

This is a great opportunity for many people, whether you're a first-time buyer or currently own a home. The following are the basic guidelines of the program:

Tax credit: 10% of the purchase price of a primary residence, up to a maximum of $8,000 for first-time homebuyers and $6,500 for repeat buyers. First-time homebuyers are defined as people who have not owned a home in the previous three years. Repeat buyers must have owned their current home at least five years. The credit cannot be used for houses costing more than $800,000.

Deadline for qualifying: Purchase agreements must be signed by April 30, 2010, and closings must be final by June 30.

Military deadline: The deadline is extended by a year for members of the military who have served outside the U.S. for at least 90 days from Jan. 1, 2009, to May 1, 2010.

Income limits: Individuals with annual incomes up to $125,000 and joint filers with incomes up to $225,000 qualify for the full credit. Individuals with incomes up to $145,000 and joint filers with incomes up to $245,000 qualify for reduced credits.

How to apply: Taxpayers can claim the credit on their federal income tax returns. If the credit exceeds their tax bill, the government will issue a payment. Taxpayers who want immediate refunds can amend their tax returns for 2008 to claim the credit.

If you need any help, please feel free to contact us!

Dianne Dunn and Team New Bern
Keller Williams Realty
New Bern, NC

Email Dianne!
Visit our Website:

Search All Properties in the New Bern area.

Local New Bern News - Market Update

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Dunn) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:42:00 +0000

HOMES SOLD (Closed), January 1 through January 31 (from NRRAR MLS Service)
Under $99,999 = 04
$100K-$139,999 = 07
$140K-$179,999 = 12
$180K-$219,999 = 16
$220K-$259,999 = 03
$260K-$299,999 = 04
$300K-$349,999 = 05
$350K-$399,999 = 01
$400K-$499,999 = 00
$500K-$999,999 = 03
Over $1,000,000 = 00

Total January 2010 = 55
Total January 2009 = 55
Total January 2008 = 97
Total January 2007 = 144

NEIGHBORHOOD PROPERTIES "SOLD", January 1 through January 31 (from NRRAR MLS Service)

NEIGHBORHOOD PROPERTIES "FOR SALE" (from NRRAR MLS Service)

Building Trends for 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Dunn) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:27:00 +0000

The survey's from two recent articles in RISMedia said that Americans want smaller houses and they are willing to strip some of yesterday’s most popular rooms—such as home theaters—from them in order to accommodate changing lifestyles, consumer experts told audiences at the International Builders Show.

The penchant for smaller homes will necessitate some design changes. Builders, attempting to respond to those consumer demands as well as hold the line on prices, told the NAHB surveyors that they were most likely to include these features as standard in their houses this year:

What's "In" for 2010?
-Walk-in closets in the master bedroom.
-Laundry rooms.
-Insulated front doors.
-Great rooms.
-Energy-efficient windows.
-Linen closets.
-Programmable thermostats.
-Energy-efficient appliances and lighting.-
Separate shower and tub in master bathrooms.
-Nine-foot ceilings on the first floor.

Among the things that builders said they were least likely to add to houses in 2010:
-Outdoor kitchens.
-Outdoor fireplaces.
-Sunrooms.
-Butler’s pantries.
-Media rooms.
-Desks in kitchens.
-Two-story foyers.
-Eight foot ceilings on the first floor.
-Multiple shower heads in the master bath.
-Smaller kitchens.

It seems like the new trend is "down-sizing", with certain conveniences!

Email Dianne!
Visit our Website:

Search All Properties in the New Bern area.

Top 10 Must-Have Features in Today's Home

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Dunn) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:22:00 +0000

I just read an article, where surveys were conducted by an architectural firm, inquiring what buyers want most today.

Americans want smaller houses and they are willing to strip some of yesterday’s most popular rooms—such as home theaters—from them in order to accommodate changing lifestyles, consumer experts told audiences at the International Builders Show.

Buyers today want cost-effective architecture, plans that focus on spaces and not rooms, and homes that are designed "green" from the outset. The key for home builders is finding the balance between what buyers want and the price point. It’s all about family togetherness—casual living, entertaining and flexible spaces.

Paul Cardis, CEO of AVID Ratings Co., which conducts an annual survey of home buyer preferences, said there are 10 “must have” features in new homes:

1. Large kitchens, with an island. “If you’re going to spend design dollars, spend them where people want them—spend them in the kitchen,” McCune said.

2. Granite countertops are a must for move-up buyers and buyers of custom homes, but for others “they are on the bubble,”.

3. Energy-efficient appliances, high-efficiency insulation and high window efficiency. Among the “green” features touted in homes, these are the ones buyers value most, said Cardis. While large windows had been a major draw, energy concerns are giving customers pause on those. The use of recycled or synthetic materials is only borderline desirable.

4. Home office/study. People would much rather have this space rather than, say, a formal dining room. “People are feeling like they can dine out again and so the dining room has become tradable,” Cardis said. And the home theater may also be headed for the scrap heap, a casualty of the “shift from boom to correction."

5. Main-floor master suite. This is a must feature for empty-nesters and certain other buyers, and appears to be getting more popular in general. That could help explain why demand for upstairs laundries is declining after several years of popularity gains.

6. Outdoor living room. The popularity of outdoor spaces continues to grow, even in Canada. The idea of an outdoor room is even more popular than an outdoor cooking area, meaning people are willing to spend more time outside.

7. Master suite soaker tubs. Whirlpools are still desirable for many home buyers, but they clearly went down a notch in the latest survey. Oversize showers with seating areas are also moving up in popularity.

8. Stone and brick exteriors. Stucco and vinyl don’t make the cut.

9. Community landscaping, with walking paths and playgrounds. Forget about golf courses, swimming pools and clubhouses. Buyers in large planned developments prefer hiking among lush greenery.

10. Two-car garages. A given at all levels; three-car garages, in which the third bay is more often than not used for additional storage and not automobiles, is desirable in the move-up and custom categories.

Dianne Dunn

Email Dianne!
Visit our Website:

Search All Properties in the New Bern area.

$6500 TAX CREDIT!

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Dunn) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 22:25:00 +0000

Did you know that if you contract on another home by April 30, 2010, and close by July 2, 2010, you may be eligible for the $6500 Tax Credit?

This credit is available to ANYONE, provided you have lived in your principal residence (home being sold) consecutsively for 5 of the previous 8 years!

The following two links by the National Association of Realtors will explain the bill in more detail:

NAR Issue Brief
Questions and Answers

Let us know if you need some assistance:
Toll Free: 888-781-8800

Local New Bern News - Market Update

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Dunn) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 22:21:00 +0000

This column is customized each month so that I can share with you, the current monthly statistics. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions! Or, visit my website at www.NewBernHomes.com.

HOMES SOLD (Closed), December 1 through December 31 (from NRRAR MLS Service)
Under $99,999 = 09
$100K-$139,999 = 17
$140K-$179,999 = 17
$180K-$219,999 = 13
$220K-$259,999 = 04
$260K-$299,999 = 04
$300K-$349,999 = 02
$350K-$399,999 = 01
$400K-$499,999 = 00
$500K-$999,999 = 01
Over $1,000,000 = 00

Total December 2009 = 68
Total December 2008 = 80
Total December 2007 = 119

NEIGHBORHOOD PROPERTIES "SOLD", December 1 through December 31 (from NRRAR MLS Service)

NEIGHBORHOOD PROPERTIES "FOR SALE" (from NRRAR MLS Service)

Happy New Year from Dianne Dunn & Team New Bern!

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Dunn) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 19:56:00 +0000

Dear Neighbors and Friends,

The holidays have come and gone and you've probably just finished cleaning up from your New Year's party! Now it is time to get started on your New Year's Resolutions! Here are a few helpful websites with tips on the 3 top New Year's Resolutions. I hope you find them helpful. Good luck!

New Year's Resolution #1 - Get In Shape

If a grip on fitness and diet is in your New Year's Resolutions, these sites might help you chart a course of action...

Nutricise: a great online health and fitness resource
Lifelines: resources for improvement of health, productivity, and effectiveness
HealthFinder: a gateway consumer health and human services information website
DietWatch: has a calculator and will help you monitor your intake.
The Mayo Clinic: has a section on healthy tips, coping with grief, and keeping stress in line.
American Dietetic Association: your link to nutrition and health information
Ask Dr. Andrew Weil: brought to you by Dr. Weil himself

New Year's Resolution #2 - Get Organized

Being organized means more than filing papers, using a daily list and knowing what time to be where. It's a habit, much the same as any other skill you master. Tips from this site will help you organize your home office, get ahead, take control of projects and maintain balance in your life.

New Year's Resolution #3 - Create a Financial Plan

How do you invest to meet your goals? There are no one-size-fits-all investments. Of course, the best investment you can make (and enjoy) is in your home. Today's interest rates are the lowest in 30 years, there are extra Tax benefits, homes are affordable, the property taxes are moderate, the cost of living is competitive, and the quality of life is excellent!

Create a Financial Plan. A personal financial plan provides strategies for dealing with periods of personal hardship and helps develop a prudent economic agenda for you and/or your family.

Chart Your Financial Future with these Top 10 Financial Resolutions from Smart Money.

Some Extra Fun Tidbits!

Celebrations!
Find out the History of the New Year from Babylon to Times Square with a soft rendition of "Auld Lang Syne". How familiar are you with the "history" of the song? This encyclopedia views various versions of the popular ballad. Yes, the celebration is still on! With over 100 celebrations for New Year's Eve in Times Square, New York City is bigger than ever. Speaking of large celebrations, the Chinese New Year is considered the longest festival. Check out Chinatown Online!

Throwing a Party?
Check out some traditional New Year's Recipes for Luck!

Calendars, Celestial and Astrology!
Have some fun visiting the Calendar Zone and Astrology.com for some fun predictions this upcoming new year.

Best Wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year!
Dianne

Feel free to forward this page to your family and friends, and please recommend me as your Realtor for both New and Resale Properties. Thank You!

Dianne Dunn and Team New Bern
Keller Williams Realty
New Bern, NC

Email Dianne!
Visit our Website
Search All Properties in the New Bern area.

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Dunn) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:44:00 +0000

Freddie Mac (NYSE:FRE) recently released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 4.71 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending December 3, 2009, down from last week when it averaged 4.78 percent.

Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 5.53 percent.

The 30-year has never been this low since Freddie Mac began its weekly survey in 1971. It's a great time to buy real estate!

Dianne Dunn
www.NewBernHomes.com
www.SearchNewBernHomes.com

Local New Bern News - Market Update

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Dunn) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:55:00 +0000

HOMES SOLD (Closed), November 1 through November 30 (from NRRAR MLS Service)

Under $99,999 = 13
$100K-$139,999 = 24
$140K-$179,999 = 26
$180K-$219,999 = 12
$220K-$259,999 = 09
$260K-$299,999 = 05
$300K-$349,999 = 02
$350K-$399,999 = 01
$400K-$499,999 = 02
$500K-$999,999 = 01
Over $1,000,000 = 00

Total November 2009 = 95
Total November 2008 = 69
Total November 2007 = 121

NEIGHBORHOOD PROPERTIES "SOLD", November 1 through November 30 (from NRRAR MLS Service)

NEIGHBORHOOD PROPERTIES "FOR SALE" (from NRRAR MLS Service)

Happy Holidays from Dianne Dunn & Team New Bern!

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Dunn) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:51:00 +0000

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

This holiday season is a special time to reflect on the year that is nearly over, and to be thankful for those closest to our hearts. I hope that you'll enjoy the information in the web site links that follow.

Planning a Holiday Meal?

Don't have time to plan dinner? M eals.com has done all the planning for you with over 15,000 recipes!

Sill feeling overwhelmed? H ere is a list of tips, and some printables to help you in planning your holiday meals.

The holidays can be a tough time for families, especially families dealing with diabetes. This site has all the help you need.

Need a cookbook? Here is access to name brand recipes and great ideas for a holiday meal.

If your idea of a holiday meal doesn't include meat, you can get some vegan holiday feast ideas from the The Low Fat Vegetarian and the Veg etarian R esource Guide. The Vegetarian Kitchen has a great selection of recipes too.

Mrs. Claus has lots of great holiday recipes for you to enjoy!
Click on each image and you will go directly to her cookbook!

Stressing About the Holidays?

Worried about gaining weight this holiday season? Join WebMD's weight loss clinic and party without adding pounds. The holiday season and all that comes with it can cause a great deal of stress for you and your children. Find out how to relieve it at Parenting.org.

Check out this site for the To p Ten Holiday Lists.

Want some great ideas for keeping collected after the holidays are done? Post-Holiday Cleanup has the "Best Hints for Undecorating and Packing Away Your Christmas Decorations."

Where do you go to ship that gift last minute? Help is here! Here are some packaging tips and services:

United States Postal Service
UPS.com
FedEx.com
DHL.com

Still Don't Know What to Give?

What to get for him....still don't know? Does he love history? Give him a distinctive gift package tailored to his historical interest. Find gifts for him for all occasions.

And now for her! Want to give her something unique? These gifts ideas are loved by Courtney Cox, Renee Zellweger & more stars! Give her something to snuggle up in from PajamaGram.c om, and you don't have to wrap it! Or, give her something that will make her heart and her eyes sparkle from BlueNile.com.

Giving gifts to your co-workers or your employees can be a tricky business...this site can help. Do you know picky people who only like the best.

Looking for Hanukkah gifts? FTD.com has baskets, figurines, toys and more.

Send Holiday Cheer with an e-Greeting

Send your friends and loved ones Holiday cheer with a Holiday e-card from:
123 Greetings - Hanukkah
123 Greetings - Christmas
Blue Mountain Greetings

Holidays for the Kids

To keep the kiddies occupied before and after the holidays, there are games and entertainment galore at these sites:

The Holiday Spot has crafts, games, quizzes, and tons of fun stuff for all ages.
Billy Bear makes the holidays fun for all ages.

At Santa's Countdown to Christmas, the kids can send their very own email to Santa!

In the mood for Christmas caroling? Check out this website for some popular sing-along songs!

Discover the spirit of the season as the four Theme Parks of Walt Disney World Resort present magical holiday celebrations for the entire family. Join the festivities and ring in the holiday season with millions of lights on a studio backlot, stunning Candlelight Processionals, snow at Magic Kingdom Park and, of course, holiday parades featuring Santa. Come celebrate at the "Merriest Place on Earth."

If you enjoy viewing Christmas trees in all of their splendor, then head to New York City's Rockefeller Center to see the most famous tree of all!

Best Wishes for a Wonderful Holiday!
Dianne

Feel free to forward this page to your family and friends, and please recommend me as your
Realtor for both New and Resale Properties. Thank You!

Dianne Dunn and Team New Bern
Keller Williams Realty
New Bern, NC

Email Dianne!
Visit our Website
Search All Properties in the New Bern area.

Breaking News - Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended and Expanded!

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Dunn) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:38:00 +0000

Earlier this week, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed an extension and expansion of the homebuyer tax credit. The House of Representatives approved the agreement reached in the Senate by a vote of 403-12, and the bill was signed by the president!

Below is a summary of the new modifications in the extension and expansion of the tax credit:

1) The $8,000 tax credit will be extended and available for first-time purchases before May 1, 2010.

2) A new $6,500 tax credit will be available for repeat buyers who purchase between December 1, 2009, and May 1, 2010. To qualify for this provision, buyers must have used the home sold or being sold as a principal residence consecutively for 5 of the previous 8 years.

3) Prospective purchasers with binding contracts in place as of April 30, 2010, will be allowed an additional 60 days to complete the transaction.
4) Income limits are expanded to $125,000 on a single return and $225,000 on a joint return.

The following two links by the National Association of Realtors will explain the bill in more depth:

NAR Issue Brief
Questions and Answers

If you know anyone looking to buy their first home at a time when prices and interest rates are still down, or if you are thinking of buying another home and getting the new $6,500 credit please contact me today ... we're glad to help!

Dianne Dunn
www.NewBernHomes.com
www.SearchNewBernHomes.com

Local New Bern News - Market Update

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Dunn) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:56:00 +0000

HOMES SOLD (Closed), October 1 through October 31 (from NRRAR MLS Service)
Under $99,999 = 12
$100K-$139,999 = 14
$140K-$179,999 = 28
$180K-$219,999 = 15
$220K-$259,999 = 09
$260K-$299,999 = 04
$300K-$349,999 = 02
$350K-$399,999 = 01
$400K-$499,999 = 01
$500K-$999,999 = 00
Over $1,000,000 = 01

Total October 2009 = 87
Total October 2008 = 104
Total October 2007 = 128

NEIGHBORHOOD PROPERTIES "SOLD", October 1 through October 31 (from NRRAR MLS Service)

NEIGHBORHOOD PROPERTIES "FOR SALE" (from NRRAR MLS Service)

For the BEST Internet Marketing, and the Most Responsive Service in New Bern, Contact DIANNE! Email Dianne (252) 636-3301 or Toll Free: (888) 781-8800

www.NewBernHomes.com

Search ALL Properties in New Bern!

Happy Thanksgiving from Dianne Dunn & Team New Bern

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Dunn) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:17:00 +0000

Dear Neighbors and Friends,

Fall is upon us! With the leaves beautifully turning colors, I have decided to share with you a few fall recipes that I have collected. For a tasty snack, try this toasted pumpkin seed recipe. For a hearty meal, try this flavorful baked corned beef recipe. Served with tender baked potatoes, this meal is guaranteed to be a hit!

A Great Way To Enjoy Your Thanksgiving Meal

Got your feathers ruffled worrying about having the folks over for Thanksgiving? "Stuffed" with dozens of recipes, cooking tips, with a thawling video and suggestions for leftovers Butterball talks turkey!

This Thanksgiving Feast is loaded (but no calories), with sites to prepare you for your big day, from Thanksgiving recipes to saying grace, to the scoop on diets (for after the big day!).

And to watch 30 famous chefs demonstrate their favorite Thanksgiving recipes, check out the Virtual Chef. Then check out the All Recipes for pie recipes. What do they serve in the rest of the nation? Epicurious has the menus! Reader's Digest has a Thanksgiving Guide for Entertaining, recipes and just plain fun.

If your idea of giving thanks doesn't include turkey, you can get some great holiday feast ideas. The Vegetarian Kitchen has a great selection of recipes as does the The Low Fat Vegetarian and the Vegetarian Resource Guide.

The History of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving originated with three days of prayer and feasting celebrated by the Plymouth colonists in 1621. The first national Thanksgiving Day, proclaimed by President George Washington, was celebrated on Nov 26, 1789.

The First Thanksgiving has links to a picture timeline, a virtual voyage back in time to the seventeenth century. What did the Pilgrims really eat on Thanksgiving? Think it was turkey? Find out at the History Channel's Thanksgiving page.

At Things you can say at Thanksgiving, you'll learn why turkeys gobble and just about everything you need to know about turkeys. But, just in case that's not enough, you can check out the Thanksgiving Survival Guide to help you with your planning.

Thanksgiving Music

Just for fun, download Over the River and Through the Woods at Thanksgiving Traditions. And then, if it's Over the River and Through the Woods you go RoadTrip America will help you in preparing for your holiday travel plans.

For a Feast of Songs to go with your big feast visit Nine Stones. Or if you are a high tech listener check out this MP3 site for holiday music downloads.

Let the Thanksgiving Festivities begin with a Celebration of the first Thanksgiving, with entertainment, music, stories and a virtual turkey to take home!

Thanksgiving on the Web has more turkey facts, postcards, fall colors in different states, recipes and Thanksgiving stories. And what do Pilgrims and football have in common? They're all part of the Thanksgiving tradition. Thanksgiving Trivia will tell you how well you know your Thanksgiving history.

Thanksgiving Cards to Send to Friends and Family

Send your friends and loved ones thanks with a Thanksgiving card from:

A Kid's Thanksgiving

To keep the kiddies occupied before Thanksgiving there are games and entertainment galore at these sites.

The Holiday Spot has crafts, games, quizzes, and tons of fun stuff for all ages.
Kids Domain Thanksgiving Central has a complete list of animations, clip art, games, cards, and more!
Thanksgiving Kids Safe Site - Games, History, Crafts and Thanksgiving Fun Links.

Kids just love watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. It's an extravaganza! Find out how they inflate these huge balloons and create the floats! The site's drop-down menu has photos and information about all of the NY attractions and buildings.

Best Wishes for a Wonderful Thanksgiving!

Feel free to forward this page to your family and friends, and please recommend me as your
Realtor for both New and Resale Properties. Thank You!

Dianne Dunn and Team New Bern
Keller Williams Realty
New Bern, NC

Email Dianne!
Visit our Website
Search All Properties in the New Bern area.

Local New Bern News - Market Update

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Dunn) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:00:00 +0000

Under $99,999 = 26
$100K-$139,999 = 17
$140K-$179,999 = 33
$180K-$219,999 = 19
$220K-$259,999 = 10
$260K-$299,999 = 02
$300K-$349,999 = 01
$350K-$399,999 = 02
$400K-$499,999 = 01
$500K-$999,999 = 01
Over $1,000,000 = 01

Total September 2009 = 113
Total September 2008 = 127
Total September 2007 = 150

NEIGHBORHOOD PROPERTIES "SOLD", September 1 through September 30 (from NRRAR MLS Service)

Happy Halloween from Dianne Dunn & Team New Bern!

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Dunn) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:10:00 +0000

Dear Neighbors and Friends,

A quick reminder that November 1st is Daylight Savings! Don't forget to turn your clocks back AND change the batteries in your smoke detectors!

It's scary but according to the International Mass Retail Association, Halloween has become the second leading holiday after Christmas.

More Scary Facts: This Halloween, Americans will:

1. Consume $2 billion worth of chocolate and candy.
2. Spend $2.7 billion on pumpkins, greeting cards and party supplies.
3. Spend $1.5 billion on costumes and $756 million on decorations.
4. The Association also says that Americans will buy an estimated 20 million pounds of candy corn this year.

A Calorie-Free Way To Enjoy Halloween

Just surf on by and have fun on these sites - cool sites for Kids and Adults:

Need a Costume for that Halloween Party?

This one is dedicated to help you come up with the best! Halloween Street has costumes and accessories for all ages. Then there's spooktacular designs at Star Costumes.

Halloween Recipes and Goosebump Treats

Halloween Recipes and Ben and Jerry's Flavor Graveyard is full of fun for the kids. And don't miss Mimi's CyberKitchen is full of tasty treats.

Pumpkin Carving Sites

Pumpkin carving 101 has great tips for all ages and Halloween Web has some trivia and monster folklore for your younguns. Check out Pumpkin Masters for techniques and patterns.

Jokes and Riddles & Scary Sounds and Cool Midi Music

Halloween Central is full of Witchy Wonders and Scary Stories. Or to clear-up all those Halloween myths try Halloween-Online.com. Super Globe has lots of cool sounds and music. This site will entertain you with spooky music while you surf it!

Halloween Cards to Send to Friends and Family

Bluemountain is always a favorite and Hallmark has some great ideas too! Marlo has some great cards for kids. For extra scary cards try this site.

Halloween Safety

Halloween Online has some helpful tips to make your Halloween happy and safe. Also, be sure to check out our Halloween Safety Guide, including tips on Trick-or-Treat Safety and Costume Safety! I hope that you've enjoyed this site.

Have a Happy and Safe Halloween!

Feel free to forward this page to your family and friends, and please recommend me as your Realtor for both New and Resale Properties.

Dianne Dunn and Team New Bern
Keller Williams Realty
New Bern, NC

Email Dianne!
Visit our Website
Search All Properties in the New Bern area.

September News From Dianne Dunn & Team New Bern!

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Dunn) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 04:19:00 +0000

Fall is upon us! With the leaves turning beautiful colors, I wanted to share with you a few fall recipes that I have collected.

For a hearty meal, try this flavorful baked corned beef recipe. Served with tender baked potatoes, this meal is guaranteed to be a hit! For busy families, be sure to try this easy, "no-fuss" biscuit pot pie. In about 20 minutes, it is ready to be enjoyed.

This recipe for baked chicken with apricots takes full advantage of in-season fruits. Play around with this recipe, using pineapples or cherries, and discover a new family favorite!

For a tasty snack, try this toasted pumpkin seed recipe. Indulge your sweet tooth with this delightful baked caramel corn. Melted brown sugar, butter and vanilla provides a base for a syrupy concoction guaranteed to delight the whole family. Dig in!

Fall Fun In New Bern...

New Bern is the place to be! Looking for some fall fun? Click on the links below!

Cleaning Up!

Fall cleaning can be a hassle, but the links below have special tips to make saying your final good bye to summer a little bit easier.

Our Garden Gang has some wonderful ideas on how to clean up your home garden.
The Home Improvement Web offers 10 time-saving tips to give your backyard a head start on spring.
For a guideline on seasonal cleaning, visit About.com's Seasonal Cleaning Chores.

Decorate With Style

Love the autumn, but feel stumped when it comes to decorating your home? I have found some great links that have amazing decorating ideas for the interior and exterior of your home!

About.com has a wonderful section dedicated to fall decorating. Gorgeous centerpiece designs are featured on Better Homes and Gardens. They also have a section dedicated to Outdoor Halloween Decorating. For more recipes and craft ideas, be sure to visit Happy Harvest. Get your kids involved! KidsDomain is your source for all things fall.

Enjoy your September!

Local New Bern News - Market Update

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Dunn) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 14:52:00 +0000

Under $100K = 12
$100K-$159,999 = 39
$160K-$199,999 = 15
$200K-$249,999 = 14
$250K-$299,999 = 05
$300K-$399,999 = 07
$400K-$499,999 = 00
Over $500,000 = 02

Total August 2009 = 94
Total August 2008 = 149
Total August 2007 = 191

NEIGHBORHOOD PROPERTIES "SOLD", August 1 through August 31 (from NRRAR MLS Service)

NEIGHBORHOOD PROPERTIES "FOR SALE" (from NRRAR MLS Service)

For one of the BEST sites for New Bern information, and the Most Responsive Service:
Contact DIANNE!
www.NewBernHomes.com
Toll Free: (888) 781-8800

Only 92 Days Left!

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Dunn) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 21:48:00 +0000

That's right ... the last date for a purchase/close on a property is November 30, 2009, for the Federal Housing Tax Credit up to $8,000!

You, or a member of your family may be eligible. Here's a helpful link with guidelines to find answers about the government program:

Federal Housing Tax Credit

Feel free to give us a call if you would like more information: Toll Free 888-781-8800.

Dianne Dunn and Team New Bern
Keller Williams Realty
New Bern, NC

Email Dianne!
Visit our Website:

Search All Properties in the New Bern area.

Local New Bern News - Market Update

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Dunn) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:06:00 +0000

HOMES SOLD (Closed), July 1 through July 31 (from NRRAR MLS Service)
Under $100K = 06
$100K-$159,999 = 33
$160K-$199,999 = 26
$200K-$249,999 = 18
$250K-$299,999 = 04
$300K-$399,999 = 06
$400K-$499,999 = 03
Over $500,000 = 01

Total July 2009 = 97
Total July 2008 = 144
Total July 2007 = 183

NEIGHBORHOOD PROPERTIES "SOLD", July 1 through July 31 (from NRRAR MLS Service)

NEIGHBORHOOD PROPERTIES "FOR SALE" (from NRRAR MLS Service)

For the BEST Internet Marketing, and the Most Responsive Service in New Bern, Contact DIANNE!
Email Dianne
(252) 636-3301 or Toll Free: (888) 781-8800

www.NewBernHomes.com
Search ALL Properties in New Bern!

Catching up with a Laugh! ;-)

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Dunn) — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 20:02:00 +0000

After taking a few days off and spending time with visiting family, I've been catching up on reading the latest real estate news and information from several sources which I subscribe to on a daily and weekly basis.

One of the articles that caught my eye is from the ActiveRain site, where real estate agents, lenders, instructors and coaches post their thoughts and suggestions. The following is titled: Top 10 Seller Sins, by Clint Miller from Missoula, MT.

While some of us have taken certification courses on "Home Staging" to help sellers understand how to show their property in the best condition for prospective buyers, Clint actually describes his thoughts "as a buyer" as he and his wife preview different properties.

Some of his descriptions are hilarious ... and also true, so enjoy! ;-)

Dianne

Dianne Dunn and Team New Bern
Keller Williams Realty
New Bern, NC

Email Dianne!
Visit our Website:

Search All Properties in the New Bern area.