New Bern Homes Blog

Happy March & St. Paddy's Day from Dianne Dunn

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Dunn) — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 13:19:00 +0000

Top 'o the Morn'n to ya!

We're finally into March, and looking forward to spring . . . so, regardless of your heritage, here are some websites to help you "Ring in the Green" on St. Patrick's Day!

St. Paddy's Day Fun and Facts!

In case you're not familiar with the origin and customs of St. Patrick's Day, here's a link where you can read all about it!

Enjoy and share some Irish Sayings 'n Blessings.

How about some Irish Music!

Listen to the sounds of Irish music!

Planning Something?

Are you cooking and can't find that perfect recipe? Here's Some Help!

Send a playful Greeting Card ...

Just For Kids!

The kids will have lots of fun at Billy Bear!
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a Kids Heart.

____________________________________________________________________________

And Don't Forget that Daylight Saving Time

starts on March 10th, so ...

Spring Ahead!

Most of the United States begins Daylight Saving Time at 2:00 am on the second Sunday in March, and reverts to standard time on the first Sunday in November.

Best Wishes for a Happy St. Patrick's Day!

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

Dianne Dunn, Broker, CRS, GRI,

Keller Williams Realty, New Bern, NC

252-671-1932

email: DDunn@DDunn.com

Happy Valentines Day from Dianne!

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Dunn) — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 20:11:00 +0000

February is the month for friends and lovers to appreciate each other! So, to encourage and promote this well-being, I've collected some web sites and "Luv Links" to share with you and your friends.

Valentine's Day Fun and Facts!

How long until Valentine's Day? What changes have there been in its history?

Those candy hearts are great conversation starters. Here's how it all started in 1886 from Necco, who makes 8 billion candy sweet hearts each year.

What to Get for Your Someone!

Here are some great ideas for that special someone that are sure to make their day!

Roses too expensive? Candy too fattening? Try Virtual Chocolate!
Sending flowers? Learn what the colors of flowers mean and say.
Where to get the perfect Roses?

If those flowers you receive are precious to you, and you would like to keep them forever, then check out My Flowers Forever
Are you a "Techy" gift giver? Check out these Free Screensavers!
Say "Be Mine" with a Valentine's greeting online.

Planning a Romantic Evening?

To make it perfect make sure you don't leave anything out! Here are some great site to help you plan the perfect evening.

Impress her with How to say "I love you" in many languages!
Thought you knew all the ways? Here's 1001 Ways to be Romantic!
Music for Valentine's Day.
Romantic dinner-for-two with some Valentine Recipes

Just For Kids!

It's your kids you love? Then, they'll love these Valentine's Day pages with games, puzzles and pictures to print and color, crafts and more!

Billy Bear
Crafts for Kids

Best Wishes for a Happy Valentine's Day!

Sincerely, Dianne

Feel free to forward this page to your family and friends, and I would be most appreciative if you would 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

252-671-1932

Email Dianne!

(Some of these sites are credited to Alice Held)

!

Happy New Year from Dianne Dunn

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Dunn) — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 13:23:00 +0000

Happy New Year, Everyone!

Is it cold or snowing where you are? Then c'mon down to New Bern, North Carolina, where the average daytime temperatures are in the mid 50's and above.

Which was your favorite year? The Millennium has the 20th Century, Year by Year or decade by decade for you to click on to get the scoop. Fun with history and quizzes!

Did you miss the New Year’s Eve ball lowering event at Times Square, New York City? Where else is there a celebration like this? New York’s TimesSquare is the place!

The holidays have come and gone, and now it is time to get started on your New Year's Resolutions! Here are a few helpful websites with Tips and Suggestions useful and enjoyable!

DeliciousCrock Pot Recipes are great for cold winter days!

All of us have the best intentions when we make resolutions on January 1st, but by February 1st most are forgotten. If you need help achieving your goals, sign up for the Resolution Reminder service. Every month, you’ll receive an e-mail that reminds you of your resolutions and offers tips and support to help you meet your goals

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...

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.
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 - Financial Plans & Strategy

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 FinancialResolutions from Smart Money

Just For Kids:
No, not kidding. Helped along by their parents, some young folks are choosing to invest, as well as the tried-and-true savings accounts or savings bonds. Kiplinger will offer you help in helping them manage their “funds” as low as $1. The Motley Fools offer Teens and their parents a free newsletter through their Young Monthly website.

For Small and Big Kids, Bank Jr has a wonderfully graphic-rich fun but savvy journey through a world of different places all designed to help money grow!

Considering a Move?

Interest rates are at record lows, and we have some great-priced properties in the coastal New Bern North Carolina area!

Feel free to contact us for more information!

DDunn@NewBernHomes.com

or 252-671-1932

Wishing you a very Happy and Healthy 2013!

Sincerely, Dianne and Team New Bern

Happy Holidays from Dianne Dunn

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Dunn) — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 12:52:00 +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? Meals.com has done all the planning for you with over 15,000 recipes!

Sill feeling overwhelmed? Here 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 theVegetarian Resource 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 her cookbook to select delicious recipes!

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

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.com, 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 aregames 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 Season!

Sincerely, Dianne

Feel free to forward this page to your family and friends, and I would be most appreciative if you would 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

252-671-1932

Email Dianne! Email Dianne!

(Some of these sites are credited to Alice Held)

Why Some Homes SELL, and Others DON'T?

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Dunn) — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 15:49:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered why some of the nicest homes in the neighborhood seem to stay on the market forever, while others seem to sell as quickly as the sign goes in the yard?

Check out this seller secret to ensure your property is in the “Sweet Spot” for attracting the greatest number of serious buyers:

In a SELLER’s Market, there are fewer properties for sale, and buyers are competing for the same properties. Most properties are “IN the Market” and sell quickly!

In a BUYER’s Market, such as today, there is a large inventory of properties for sale, and many of them are foreclosures or short-sales which are priced extremely competitive. Price and Condition are Critical. With heavy competition, many properties are considered “OUT of the Market”, and either take a long time to sell, or do not sell at all:

While our overall MLS is experiencing more sales during 2012 than the last seven years, price and condition are still critical, if you want your property to sell.

Researching the statistics from our MLS, here are the stats for January-October for the past 3 years:

Presented to you by:

Dianne Dunn and Team New Bern

Keller Williams Realty

New Bern, NC

252-671-1932

Email Dianne!

The Ever-Changing Housing Market

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Dunn) — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 14:38:00 +0000

The following was posted in RealtyTimes by Carla Hill:

The dynamic and ever-changing housing market has experienced a shift in demographic over the last few years. First, as the housing market felt the shock of the bubble burst all-cash buyers entered the scene and first-time buyers held back, waiting out the market hitting bottom.

Next, first-time buyers rushes to take advantage of the home buyer tax credit in April 2010.

In a recent session at the 2012 Realtors Conference and Expo, "Changing Dynamics of Recent Home Buyers and Sellers" we heard from the experts on what changes they see happening across the nation.

"We've seen a tremendous increase in cash buyers since the housing downturn that we haven't seen before in history," said Lawrence Yun, chief economist of the National Association of Realtors®. Yun said a decade ago all-cash home purchases were less than 10 percent of the market but have increased steadily since 2008, to as much as 30 percent of sales.

Yun said the increase in more buyers paying cash for real estate reflected tight lending conditions and an increase in investor sales, which account for the bulk of cash sales. Increases in the number of international buyers, who often have financing difficulties when purchasing a home in the U.S., are also adding to the rise in cash sales.

NAR research shows that 62 percent of international purchases were all cash; the percentage has continually increased since 2007.

In recent index reports from the NAR we've seen a subtle decrease in the number of all-cash purchasers and a resurgence again of first-time buyers.

All of these factors are impacting builder confidence, rated by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) according to builder's feelings on sales now and future sales.

The most recent Housing Market Index (HMI) release indicates that builder confidence in the 55+ housing market for single-family homes is on a significant rise.

The NAHB reports that "the index more than tripled year over year from a level of 12 to 36, which is the highest third-quarter reading since the inception of the index in 2008."

"Many builders and developers in the 55+ housing segment are reporting an increase in demand from consumers," said NAHB 50+ Housing Council Chairman W. Don Whyte. "We are seeing improvement in certain parts of the country where people are moving off the fence and either purchasing a home or renting an apartment that is designed to more specifically suit their lifestyle."

And while components of the 55+ single-family HMI are still below 50 on the scale (the point of balance in the market), they are twice the levels seen a year ago.

"Like other segments of the housing industry, the market for 55+ housing is continuing on a steady upward path, driven by improving conditions in additional markets around some parts of the country" said NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe.

He continued that "While we expect the upward trend to continue as the recovery broadens, the speed of the recovery is being constrained by factors as tight mortgage credit, making it difficult for potential 55+ customers to sell their current homes, and shortages of inputs to construction such as buildable lots that are beginning to emerge in some market areas."

Is the Mortgage Interest Deduction "Sacred"?

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Dunn) — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 21:15:00 +0000

Hi Everyone,

I'm re-posting Ken Harney's commentary, from today on Inman News about the mortgage interest deduction, and how the American public is not receiving all the proposed details.
________________________________________________________________________

Debate leaves some taxing questions about housing unresolved

Commentary: Obama and Romney need to provide more details on their positions

BY KEN HARNEY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2012.

Inman News®

Mitt Romney and Barack Obama images via MittRomney.com and WhiteHouse.gov

Anybody who watched it knows that Mitt Romney scored a technical knockout of President Obama in last week's debate. But are there some potential future costs and concerns for housing that have to be looked at in the wake of that victory?

On the one hand, Romney surprised Obama with sharp criticism over an issue that has plagued homebuyers and refinancers: the super-strict underwriting and documentation that banks are requiring for home loans, in part because they're worried about forthcoming "qualified mortgage" federal rules under the Dodd-Frank financial reform legislation.

"It's been two years," Romney said to Obama at the Denver debate, "We (still) don't know what a 'qualified mortgage' is. So banks are reluctant to make mortgages ... It's hurting the housing market."

There's no question that regulators have proceeded at a frustratingly glacial pace since the passage of Dodd-Frank in July of 2010, and we don't know what the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will come out with on this issue in early 2013.

Will the bureau, which took over the project from the Federal Reserve in mid-2011, create a straightforward "safe harbor" for lenders -- a set of basic bright lines defining an applicant's "ability to pay" within which banks can originate loans without fear of litigation every time a borrower goes seriously delinquent?

Or will regulators instead open the door to nitpicking, costly lawsuits and thereby make lenders even more gun-shy about originating new mortgages?

The wrong answers could wreck mortgage lending for years to come.

Obama had no response to Romney's critical shot on qualified mortgages and maybe wasn't even aware of the problem. In fact, it's possible even Romney hadn't heard much about it until the previous week, when his team was briefed by David H. Stevens, CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association, who's also the former FHA Commissioner and former head of Long and Foster Realtors.

Qualified mortgage (QM) was a well-prepared debate zinger, and put the spotlight on an undeniable failing of this administration: lackluster response times to urgent housing needs, plus unworkable regulatory proposals that have delayed needed guidance on mortgages even longer. (Remember "QRM" -- theproposed mandatory 20 percent down payment plan? It's still nowhere to be seen.)

But Romney's good stuff on qualified mortgages was not the most important matter involving real estate that came up in the debate. Romney's tax plan -- the one that Obama charged repeatedly would add trillions to the deficit -- never was addressed in terms of its specific potential impacts on homeowners.

Romney never said the words "mortgage interest deduction" during the debate, but the MID, along with most other longstanding and popular write-offs, is at the core of his tax reform concept.

In order to pay for the estimated $4.8 trillion in tax revenue reductions he proposes -- starting with a 20 percent across-the-board cut in tax rates, elimination of the alternative minimum tax, the estate tax and other revenue-losing measures -- Romney needs to eliminate or downsize trillions in tax deductions, credits and subsidies. That's how his plan is supposed to achieve revenue neutrality, i.e., it wouldn't raise the deficit.

Two days before the debate, he told Denver TV station KDVR that he's open to limiting the MID along with a long list of other write-offs as part of an overall reform of the tax code.

"As an option," Romney told his interviewer, "you could say everybody's going to get up to a $17,000 deduction. And you could use your charitable, home mortgage deduction or others -- your health care deduction, and you can fill that bucket, if you will, that $17,000 bucket, that way."

Earlier this year, at a private fundraising meeting, Romney told supporters that among other options on taxes, he would consider eliminating the mortgage interest deduction for second homes outright.

Tax reform proponents, such as the bipartisan, nonprofit Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, praised Romney's concept of capping or eliminating popular write-offs as "very significant and progressive" following the debate. "Progressive" in tax lingo means: It siphons off more money from higher-income taxpayers than it does from lower- and middle-income folks.

The committee noted that just 30 percent of all U.S. taxpayers itemize at all, yet "almost all higher earners currently itemize more than $17,000 in deductions." In fact, the committee added, the average itemizer in 2011 wrote off $26,000, and the top 1 percent of earners wrote off an average $174,000.

Absent additional details about the tax reform plans from Romney, large numbers of homeowners would be forced to choose which write-offs went into their capped deduction "buckets." Do we take deductions for the mortgage interest we paid, or do we write off what we donated to charities?

During the debate, Romney said he was open to higher numbers on caps, but that all of this would have to be worked out in negotiations with Congress after he took office. Hmmmm.

Make no mistake: When it comes to housing-related write-offs, we are talking big, big numbers that could solve a multitude of revenue-raising problems.

According to the Joint Congressional Committee on Taxation's latest projections, the home mortgage interest deduction will save homeowners -- and cost the federal Treasury -- nearly half a trillion dollars ($484 billion) during fiscal years 2010-2015. Local real estate tax deductions for homeowners will save owners -- and cost the government -- about $121 billion. The capital gains exclusion for home sales alone comes in at $86 billion.

Though the main housing lobbies have been quiet about Romney's tax plans -- preferring to wait for more details -- the fact remains: For the first time in years, we have a Republican presidential candidate who is willing to put some of housing's most sacrosanct tax code preferences on the cutting block. Obama talks about limiting MID write-offs for people who make $250,000 or more. Romney is talking about much bigger limitations.

Sure, it's campaign rhetoric, and sure, the deduction cutbacks have to be seen in the context of significant reductions in tax brackets that would lower taxes elsewhere. But the crucial question is: What would this all do to housing values, sales, building and homeownership?

We could really use some details.

Ken Harney writes an award-winning, nationally syndicated column, "The Nation's Housing," and is the author of two books on real estate and mortgage finance.

_____________________________________________________________

For more information, contact

Dianne Dunn

Keller Williams Realty, New Bern NC

252-671-1932

ddunn@ddunn.com

Curb Appeal is VERY Important!

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Dunn) — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 14:44:00 +0000

Many home buyers form their first impression of your home BEFORE they even get out of their cars. This is refers to as “curb appeal,” or the interpretation from the curb that tells the home buyer how appealing and well- preserved your home is compared to other homes.

To be competitive in the real estate market, it takes more than cutting the hedges and planting a few flowers to establish curb appeal. The exterior of your home must be in spotless condition –with no noticeable repairs needed. A damaged step, overgrown landscape, or left toys in the yard can mess up the appearance and your buyer’s First Impression!

Curb appeal is significant because it sets the tone for what the buyer is going to establish inside. If the buyer adores the exterior, he or she will be inclined to also like the interior getting you that much closer to selling your home. To see what’s called for to sell your home quicker and for a higher price, walk outside, stand on the curb and try to observe your home the way the buyer will. What do you see? Pay close notice to walkways, exterior features, the entry and landscaping.

Walkways/driveways- Make sure walkways are clear of snow, weeds, or debris. Repair or replace cracked steps or pavers. Driveways should also be clear of vehicles, toys and debris.

Landscaping- Keep your lawn cut, edged and watered. Clip dead branches and plants. Weed flower beds and replace leggy, thin landscaping with fresh plants and flowers.

Exterior-Fix loose or broken roof shingles, wash-out the gutters, and paint and caulk window trim and doors. Make the front door be an eye-catching color that complements the rest of the exterior.

Remember, the home buyers form their opinion before they even step out of the car! Curb appeal sets the tone and gets you much closer to selling your home best!

For more information, contact

Dianne Dunn

Keller Williams Realty, New Bern NC

252-671-1932

ddunn@ddunn.com

How Do Home Sales Help the Economy?

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Dunn) — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 12:47:00 +0000

Last week, the Federal Reserve announced it would attempt to keep mortgage rates low until 2015 to help spur housing and the economy, but the trillion dollar question is, "Will the Fed's move achieve that goal?"

The Fed said it will nearly double its purchases of mortgage-backed securities, bringing the total purchased each month to $85 billion each month, at least through the end of the year. The Fed's statement indicated there could be larger purchases

It's widely believed the Fed's $1.25 trillion in mortgage bond purchases, that ended in March 2010, substantially lowered mortgage interest rates.

Mahesh Swaminathan, a Credit Suisse senior mortgage strategist, says the latest Fed action could further lower rates, bringing them down to 3.25 percent

Lower mortgage rates should help in two ways.

· By reducing the cost of buying a home -- Here's a rule of thumb: every 1 percentage point drop in mortgage rates lowers the cost buying a home 10 percent! That helps buyers qualify for larger mortgage and a larger home. Lower rates also mean lower monthly payments that could help buyers who couldn't qualify for a larger payment.

· By increasing disposable income for homeowners -- By refinancing into a lower rates, current homeowners can save several thousand dollars every year. The Fed hopes that homeowners will spend those savings on discretionary purchases and help prime the economic pump.

The Fed's effort to stimulate the economy focuses on housing because housing is a cornerstone of the economy. Housing's contribution to job creation and the economy can't be overstated.

According to the National Association of Realtors:

For every two homes sold, one job is created.
Each home purchased pumps up to $60,000 into the economy.
Home ownership accounts for more than $2 trillion of the U.S. gross domestic product.

For more information, contact:

Dianne Dunn

Keller Williams Realty, New Bern NC

DDunn@DDunn.com

252-671-1932

What Do Home Buyers Want Today?

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Dunn) — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 18:57:00 +0000

What Do Home Buyers Want Today?

History of Leap Year

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Dunn) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 14:10:00 +0000

In case you were wondering who invented Leap Year and why ... we thought we would share a little trivia with you. Julius Caesar introduced Leap Years in the Roman empire over 2000 years ago, but the Julian calendar had only one rule: any year evenly divisible by 4 would be a leap year. This lead to way too many leap years, but didn't get corrected until the introduction of the Gregorian Calendar more than 1500 years later.

However, the Gregorian calendar has only 365 days in a year, so if we didn't add a day on February 29 nearly every 4 years, we would lose almost six hours off our calendar every year. After only 100 years, our calendar would be off by approximately 24 days! Leap Years are needed to keep our calendar in alignment with the Earth's revolutions around the sun. It takes the Earth approximately 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes, and 46 seconds (a tropical year) – to circle once around the Sun.

Did you know there are also some interesting traditions for Leap Years. In Britain and Ireland, it is a tradition that women may propose marriage only on leap years. In some places the tradition was tightened to restricting female proposals to the modern leap year day, February 29. In Greece, marriage in a leap year is considered unlucky. One in five engaged couples in Greece will plan to avoid getting married in a leap year.

What are your chances of being born on leap day? About 1 in 1,500. A person born on February 29 may be called a "leapling" or a "leaper". In common years they usually celebrate their birthdays on February 28 or March 1. In some situations, March 1 is used as the birthday in a non-leap year since it is the day following February 28. Today, we celebrate Leap Day and the birthdays of "Leapers".

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!
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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)