“How soon can you refinance investment property to capture appreciation?” This is an important question when you put your own money into investment real estate. I was having lunch with Leslie.  She was doing well and she started investing in single family residential real estate.  Over coffee she picked my brain.  She bought a house that needed some work.  This would increase the value so she asked “How soon can you refinance investment property to capture appreciation?” “A year” I told her.  She grew silent and started chewing on her lower lip.  I waited.  Finally she fessed up that she had spoken to another mortgage loan officer and to a fellow investor.  They both told her six months. It was true that she could refinance after six months.  “So why did you tell me a year?” she blurted... 04/25/2013

Raleigh, NC: America's Next Boom Town   Moving to Raleigh, NC?   Thinking of Moving to Raleigh, NC? Take a Virtual Tour of Raleigh, NC also know as North Carolina's Capitol City. View some of the sites in Raleigh, NC on the above tour.  If you're like many, you'll find Raleigh to be a wonderful place to live and work. It's a thriving city with a variety of businesses, sports, entertainment, universities, and more. Folks move here from all parts of the US and world.   Looking for a Home for Sale in Raleigh, NC?   Raleigh NC: Best Way to Find Homes for Sale in Raleigh North Carolina  Search ALL Homes for Sale in Raleigh, NC   OR   1) Search for Homes manually using your own criteria at: www.NCStyleHomes.com  (Only active homes will come up)   2) Set up and save your own search at:  www.Fi... 04/20/2013

What is Due Diligence? When purchasing a home in North Carolina, the buyer pays the seller (as part of the intial contract) for a set amount of time to undertake "Due Diligence". The Due Diligence period is usually set by the buyer agent and is normally around 3 weeks. During these weeks, the buyer has to apply for the loan, have the property inspected and appraised and has to be pretty certain they will be able to purchase the property. Things that need to happen during Due Diligence: Home Inspection: HVAC systems, Structure, Mechanical, Electrical Plumbing. These are some of things inspected by the home inspector. Repairs will be requested from the seller and must be agreed prior to the Due Diligence Period. Appraisal: The property must appraise during this period. If the property doe... 04/18/2013

When Buying a Home in the Raleigh, Cary, Apex Area, Play Your Cards Right and Hire a Buyer's Agent... Ahh, the age old questions about buyer's agency. To the general public, buyer agency is probably the most misunderstood aspect of buying Real Estate. How much will it cost me? Do I even need a buyer's agent? Will I save money if I just call the listing agent? Can a buyer's agent help me with new construction homes? Foreclosures? HUD homes? For Sale By Owners homes? I seem to answer these questions on a daily basis. And, I'm happy to give the following responses: How much will it cost me to have a buyer's agent in the Raleigh, Cary, Apex area? Zip. Zero. Zilch. Nada. NOTHING! In fact, having buyer representation in all of North Carolina does not cost you anything. But it will cost you yo... 04/11/2013

  Cameron Park, Raleigh, NC Downtown Raleigh Neighborhood - Shopping, Parks and Historic Homes The beautiful tree lined neighborhood of Cameron Park is located just northwest of downtown Raleigh, NC, bordered by Hillsborough St, Clark Ave and St. Mary’s Street. Cameron Park offers some of the best downtown Raleigh living with shopping, parks, historic homes and condos.   The area includes three parks: Edna Metz Wells Park, Forest Park, and Cameron Park. The neighborhood boasts one of the country’s top Bed & Breakfast destinations, the Cameron Park Inn.     All the shopping and dining of Cameron Village Shopping Center is minutes away, as is the Cameron Village Regional Library. Of course, all of the attractions in Downtown Raleigh are just down the road. DOWNTOWN RALEIGH BLOG Shopping: ... 04/04/2013

In the Raleigh NC Real Estate market, both commercial AND residential inventory and sales are fluid!  Fluid as in moving like a rushing river and changing course!  What may have been considered a reasonable price point a few months ago for a property has most likely changed. I can promise that no Realtor® will argue the point that if you want to sell your home you must price it properly.  But, even well priced homes will, at times, linger on the market for a little longer and there may be certain factors that play into that. If you are in an area where you have strong competition chances are the other Realtors® and sellers are just as savvy and priced their properties properly.  With that, not every home, regardless of price, is going to be the perfect "fit" for every buyer.   Maybe you... 04/03/2013

Many times when I create the monthly market reports I reference the Absorption Rate.  On listing appointments I mention the Absorption Rate and even use it to assist me with my Competitive Market Analysis.  An Absorption Rate is a great indicator of what is happening in a local real estate market.An Absorption Rate quite simply is the supply of homes that are on the market.  For instance, if there is an Absorption Rate of 8 is would mean that should NO other homes be listed it would take 8 months for the currently listed homes to sell or to be "absorbed" back into the market.Typically, a balanced market has an Absorption Rate of 6.  That means that it is neither a Sellers Market nor a Buyers Market.  When you see the Absorption Rate go above 6 then you have entered into a Buyers Market ... 03/29/2013

According to the Raleigh Business Journal, The Raleigh Metro area is America's fastest-growing city. This is great news for our region and this, together with the influx of new business to the metro, must be a winning formula. Companies like Citrix who are moving their headquarters to the warehouse district, can only do great things for the City of Raleigh. David Bracken from the Observer said "It’s also likely to be a catalyst for further redevelopment of the warehouse district as entrepreneurs open restaurants, bars and shops to cater to Citrix employees" and Mark Templeton CEO of Citrix said "Citrix is able to recruit and retain top talent who want to live and work in urban areas – and not in isolated suburban office parks." Call Me if you would like to meet for a chat about the real... 03/26/2013

Historic Oakwood Homes for Sale in Downtown Raleigh, NC   If you are looking for an historic home in the heart of downtown Raleigh, close to shopping, great restaurants, top rated schools and excellent job opportunities, then Oakwood is the neighborhood for you.   Oakwood is a beautiful nineteenth century neighborhood on the north end of downtown Raleigh, NC. The area includes wonderfully restored homes in a wide variety of architectural styles, with tree lined streets and beautiful gardens. Take an afternoon stroll up and down the streets of this charming neighborhood and you are likely to see residents enjoying the breeze on their porch sipping some sweet tea, Southern style.    The Society for the Preservation of Historic Oakwood is a treasure within this vibrant downtown Raleigh co... 03/26/2013

This will happen with sequestration:  Raleigh real estate to take hit.  Doesn’t sound like I’m hedging does it?  So brace yourself. No, Washington isn’t targeting Raleigh.  To varying degrees real estate will suffer nationwide.  How can I be so sure?  Because the average Joe needs a mortgage to buy a house.  Sequestration will have negative impact on mortgage approvals. It couldn’t come at a worse time.  Not only is the real estate starting to get its legs, it’s also spring.  As winter passes, real estate gets ready to bloom.  Spring is to real estate as the Christmas season is to retail.  Buyers, sellers and real estate agents have been looking forward to spring.  To be truthful, as a mortgage loan officer I don’t mind it either. Fear may keep some buyers out of the market, but I’m not... 03/21/2013

Last fall FHA reported to Congress that they had a loss on their books, mostly from the loans made between 2005 and 2009. This is not surprising, and to create a situation where they would not need to ask Congress for more funds – FHA Announced two changes to FHA PMI that will go into effect later this month. An independent (conservative) panel which included Director Julia Gordon of Housing Finance and Policy at the Center for American Progress, spoke to the House Financial Services Committee this week:   Similarly, real estate professor Anthony Sanders with George Mason University said there needs to be a shrinkage of the government’s footprint in housing. With the FHA’s share of mortgage originations at more than 25%, it’s time for the agency to shrink back to its previous size, such... 03/06/2013

Citrix Employees Will Seek Urban Housing Options in Downtown Raleigh Raleigh Warehouse District Revitalization With the announcement in mid 2012 that Citrix will locate their headquarters in downtown Raleigh's Warehouse District in 2013, we have been focusing on the demand for housing that it will bring.  Lisa Southern Real Estate and Property Management has the pulse on all things downtown Raleigh.  Whether you are looking for a rental or you would like to buy in one of the area's newest loft style condos or even purchase a historic property, we are here to help. Our offices are located in downtown Raleigh and we live and work here.  We frequent all the local restaurants and small businesses.  We understand the lifestyle options here and can help you make the best choice in housing to ... 02/27/2013

Are you looking for the Best Mortgage Rates in Raleigh?  Well, it looks like rates are going to stay in a pretty tight range.  We have seen some upward pressure – and you may have noticed that the 10 year Treasury Bill (which is a general indicator of which way rates are going) has been above 2.0% in the last weeks. In general – if you are about to lock into a rate – you want to do so on a day when there’s BAD Economic News released.  So in February of 2013, you will get the Best Mortgage Rates on a day when the 10 year Treasury is closer to 1.9%. Data released in the Obama administration’s January Housing Scorecard show signs that the housing market is continuing to strengthen, with the number of underwater borrowers  declining while home prices improve. Officials warn that, while the ... 02/25/2013

The Raleigh Real Estate Market is vibrant and ever changing.......that's for sure!  Following are the latest market statistics for North Raleigh.  The first chart represents the number of active listings as well as the SOLD listings.  Inventory for North Raleigh is down - we need listings!     The next chart shows the trend for homes Days on Market.       And, lastly, here is the chart for the Absorption Rate in North Raleigh NC.  If you aren't quite sure what an Absorption Rate is then by all means check out What Is An Absorption Rate and How Does It Affect YOU?       If you have any questions regarding the latest North Raleigh Real Estate statistics please email me of give me a call.  I'd be happy to answer any questions you have! Don't forget, You can find me on Facebook and Twitter ... 02/22/2013

Raleigh Wake County Rankings February 2013 Did you know that the Raleigh North Carolina area is currently ranked as the #1 city for biggest gains in HOME SALES for 2012? How about that it's the #1 Family Friendly City in the US? Or that it's the #1 metro area for largest share of college grads? According to the latest report from the Wake County Economic Development, these are just a few of the latest #1 spots that the Raleigh Cary Apex area is boasting. For a list of all the other statistics, download this flyer at Wake County Economic Development latest rankings All information granted with permission by Wake County Economic Development 02/17/2013

Sometimes You Just Have to Rock! Where to Find Live Music in the Raleigh, Cary, Apex Area. OK, OK. I know the story. You've worked hard all week. Your kids are driving you crazy. You need to just get out and listen to some live music to unwind. Well, my dear readers, here in the Raleigh, Cary, Apex area there are no shortages of places to do just that.Are you ready to rock, dance, groove? Whatever your musical preference is, we've got you covered...Live Music in the Raleigh, Cary, Apex Area View Larger Map Sometimes You Just Have to Rock! Where to Find Live Music in the Raleigh, Cary, Apex Area. About The Author Craig Rutman is a North Carolina Residential Real Estate Specialist that can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Raleigh - Cary – Apex metro areas; or... 02/12/2013

We posted the other day about the Grand Opening of DeMarco’s Restaurant and Bar, so today we are going to give you some more information about the restaurant. Once Anthony’s Touch of Italy, the new managers (Anthony DeMarco, Clay Adams, and Kyle Sessoms) have decided to keep the same staff and menus that were so loved by their regulars. They offer catering, as well as delivering services, and a family friendly atmosphere for any occasion. To find out more and watch the transformation process, follow them here on Twitter or “Like” them here on FaceBook. Call the number listed below for hours and reservations. Location: 3607 Falls River Avenue Phone: (919) 720-4482 02/11/2013

Not only does Discover Cary want to keep you all up to date on different events happening in the Cary and surrounding areas, but we would also like to recommend some great locations for you to try out as well! The whole week we will be posting about different Valentine’s Day options for you and yours. This Thursday, February 14th, a new restaurant is opening in the Raleigh area. DeMarco’s Restaurant and Bar in Raleigh will be open from 4pm to 10pm. Their Italian based menu with modern dining area and full bar is a great location for your Valentine’s Day dinner plans. You can make reservations early, but walk-ins are also welcome. Check them out on Facebook by clicking Here, and RSVP to their Grand Opening Event. Location: 3607 Falls River Avenue, Raleigh Phone: (919) 720-4482 02/11/2013

When you want to know if home prices are going up or down, does news media provide information you need?  Not really.  Their data is national in scope. National real estate data does not reflect what’s happening in your local market.  That’s why this analysis of price trends is strictly local. Another limit to real estate market data presented in the media revolves around fact that analysis either compares this month with last month or current month to same month last year.  Our data provides: > Full, two-year market trend. > Local (Raleigh) information. > Independent analysis of four local markets.     Market divided into four groups: Red Line: Represents Most Expensive Homes Green Line: Represents Upper Middle Segment of Market Orange Line: Represents Lower Middle Segment of Market Bl... 02/07/2013

Raleigh.  Arthur and Dorothy (Dot) loved cruising neighborhoods and open houses in search of their dream home.  Were they about to make a very costly mistake? They found a house.  Talk about curb appeal – this house had it in spades!  They called the number on the sign.  The agent’s office was nearby and she came right over.  They had no idea how much that would cost them. Dorothy apologized profusely as they exchanged names.  Then she thanked the agent for dropping everything and coming right over.  The agent was friendly and gracious.  Arthur beamed and Dot could hardly contain herself.  They went inside. As they entered, Arthur and Dot feared a letdown.  No letdown.  The inside was a great as the outside.  What a house!  Next step was how much.  Agent informed them that the asking pr... 01/31/2013