Banks are delaying deals that could save everyone, including the lenders themselves, a lot of time and money. Lenders are taking much longer than necessary to approve short sales, according to some short sale specialists.

In a short sale, a homeowner who cannot keep up with their loan asks the lender to take a dollar amount less than what is owed on a home’s mortgage, and forgive the remainder of the unpaid debt. So if a borrower has a mortgage balance of $100,000 and finds a buyer who will pay $95,000 for the house, the lender agrees to accept that $95,000 and close out the loan.

he difficulty in getting short sales approved stems from the same hurdles facing all the other foreclosure prevention efforts. The fact that the majority of mortgages are pooled and securitized makes it hard to get approval to change the terms of the mortgages. (more…)

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Beautiful Wilkes County NC Timber Frame Home and Mountain Property.

MLS Number: 51166, List Price: $898,500

2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, 2 half baths, 2 car attached garage, full basement, and a barn on 5 acres of land.

These terms are used to describe thousands of homes and yet some things just can’t be described, they have to be experienced. This is one of those homes that really has to be seen to be appreciated.

This majestic Timber Frame home of the Bob Timberlake genre is not just another house, it provides a feeling of home that is not about walls and floors and windows and doors. It creates a feeling of the flow between your outdoor and your indoor environment that is seamless. Everywhere you look there is a view. Everything you touch feels natural and beautiful in a way that cannot be described, only owned.

Contact Elizabeth Carter, 336.973.5594 or Greg Stikeleather, Broker, 704.880.5247 or email eacarter@charter.net

click here for more information

Starting in May, the U.S. Treasury Department will begin sending “economic stimulus payments” in the form of rebates to taxpayers, who had $3,000 of income and filed a 2007 tax return and have a valid Social Security number. Eligible taxpayers will receive up to $600 ($1,200 for married couples). Parents will receive an additional $300 for each eligible child younger than 17.

Those owning, or considering purchase of a home might consider doing a few things with that unexpected windfall.

If your are buying a home, you’ll need some pocket money for incidentals during your home purchase. Look for a savings account that offers the best return. Online bankers generally offer the best interest rates, but shop around for other liquid savings, checking or investment accounts you can start up for the amount of your rebate.

If, after buying a home, you have you financial basics covered, shop around for the best deals at the lowest cost on goods and services for your home. The key is to get the most “stuff” for your money. (more…)

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Beautiful Wilkes County NC Log Home and Mountain Property.

MLS Number: 50863, List Price: $359,900

Bedrooms: 3, Full Baths: 2, Half Baths: 0, Est Total SqFt: 2600, Type/Style: Log Home, Area: Area 6, Middle School: Cntrl Wlks, High School: Wlks Cntrl, Construction: Log

Foundation: Combination, Roof: Metal Roof, Floors: Carpet/Hardwood/Tile, Garage/Carport: None-Garage, None-Carport, Interior Features: Master Bedroom, Main Level, Large Master Bedroom, Walk-In Closet(s), Hardwood Floors, Fireplace(s), Great Room, Exterior Features: Double Pane Windows, Wooded Lot, 1-5 Acres, Hot Tub, Subdivision: N/A, Lot Size: 2.47, Apx SqFt: 2600 - 2800 SF, Basement: None

Contact Elizabeth Carter, 336.973.5594 or Greg Stikeleather, Broker, 704.880.5247 or email eacarter@charter.net

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May is National Arthritis Month and a good time to start thinking about making your home easier to live in as time goes by. There are many simple ways to make a home more functional, livable and easier to use, even as one’s physical strength, mobility and eyesight decreases over time. Builders and remodelers are incorporating subtle designs and materials that can make homes usable for all people, regardless of age or ability. This building trend is known as universal design.

Ease of use remodeling must include the bathroom. For example, Diamond’s Vanity Linen Closet has earned the Ease-of-Use Commendation, and can provide easier access to towels and bath supplies. It has deep shelves and swing out door racks so you can see and grab anything from a big fluffy bath towel to a small bar of soap. It also has a fully extendable laundry basket that can ease the trip from the bathroom to laundry room. (more…)

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$5,850,000

MLS Number: 50913

City: Valle Crucis, NC
Stories: 2
Bedrooms: 4 Baths: 4.5
Area: Boone-Blowing Rock, NC
Year Built: 1990
Plus Five fully furnished 1,400 sq. ft. Rental Cottages. Each built in 1996 on approx. 1/2 acre sites. Current cottage average annual rental income $150,000.

39.4 acres with 360 degree view of Blue Ridge Mountains.

5,200 sq. ft. main house built in 1990 on 1.24 acres.

No restrictions and no zoning offer many other options:

* Family compound
* Corporate retreat
* Religous retreat
* Horse farm / Dude ranch
* Recording studio
* Cottages can be sold separately
* Land can be further subdivided if desired

Contact Elizabeth Carter, 336.973.5594 or Greg Stikeleather, Broker, 704.880.5247 or email eacarter@charter.net

click here for more information

search for : Valle Crucis, NC, Blowing Rock, NC, Blue Ridge Mountains

As first time home buyers, couples have a lot to learn. Working from a blank slate the both of you must build an understanding of the housing market, determine what you can afford, land a loan and hone in on a home that’s a good fit for your lifestyle.

Plus, there are a lot of people to deal with, from realtors to attorneys to bankers. There’s tons of paperwork with terms and vocabulary that read like a foreign language. One asset to help guide you through this new and foreign process is the book shown in the attached image. In this new book you will find vital information and great strategies that will allow you to find your dream home faster and feel confident about the purchase. You will learn to avoid some of the most prevalent and potentially dangerous and expensive mistakes made by first-time home buyers.

The transaction will likely become your largest asset ever so there’s little room for error. (more…)

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