Unlocking of Housing Market Gets Going

The house party may just be getting started. The recovery in housing that began taking hold last year caught most economists by surprise. Even though the overall economy made only middling progress, even ...
Read More... [Source: Yahoo! Finance - Personal Finance | Real Estate]

Best Places to Buy Foreclosures

In some parts of the country, it's much easier to land a good foreclosure deal than in others.
Read More... [Source: Yahoo! Finance - Personal Finance | Real Estate]

Some borrowers hurry to grab low rates, fees

Mortgage rates barely moved this week. But many refinancers and potential homebuyers worry the low rates won't last much longer as they try to beat the clock on rising mortgage fees and policy changes ...
Read More... [Source: Yahoo! Finance - Personal Finance | Real Estate]

How to Alleviate Stress During a Move

I thought given the timing, this would be a great repost.  Moving is a stressful experience that most of us will go through at some point in our lives.  It  ranks with one of the top three stresses one can experience through life along with death of a loved one and divorce.  After all of [...]
Read More... [Source: Movingal]

Mortgage Mess Still Mires Housing Recovery

President Obama says he wants more Americans to be able to save money by refinancing their mortgages. The trouble is that mortgage rates are rising. Coupled with severe inventory shortages, this is not ...
Read More... [Source: Yahoo! Finance - Personal Finance | Real Estate]

VACANT LOT - CHAPEL HILL, NC

Custom opportunity available or just purchase the lot and build when you like.
Read More... [Source: Real Estate for Sale in Chapel Hill, North Carolina]

Where the Singles Are: A Dating Guide by ZIP Code

Las Vegas and San Jose are among the cities where single men most outnumber single women, according to a new data analysis by Trulia, a residential real estate Web site. In Washington, Boston and New York, ...

Read More... [Source: Yahoo! Finance - Personal Finance | Real Estate]

McMansions Return: Big Houses Come Back

After five years of downsizing, homeowners may be "upsizing" once again. A growing family and a need for more living space are the prime reasons across the generations, according to a new survey ...
Read More... [Source: Yahoo! Finance - Personal Finance | Real Estate]

The 11 US Cities That Are Having the Best Recoveries

Looking at employment, unemployment, production, and home prices, here are the strongest economic recoveries from trough to the third quarter of 2012.
Read More... [Source: Yahoo! Finance - Personal Finance | Real Estate]

How to hike credit score before buying a home

Dear Debt Adviser,I have a lot of unpaid debts from about six years ago. I am now looking to buy a home and need to make sure I have a good credit score. What is the best way of going about this?-- Jennifer ...
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DETACHED, TRANSITIONAL - CHAPEL HILL, NC

FREE Window Blinds for Closing by 3/27/13. The HUNTER with brick accent & front porch offers 4 bedrooms & BONUS room. OPEN sightlines from kitchen to family room & lots of windows. Kitchen has center ISLAND, GRANITE countertops, wall ovens & lots of cabinetry. Open LOFT offers great Rec room space. Comfortable Master Retreat features SITTING ROOM, Columns & VAULTED bath

Read More... [Source: Real Estate for Sale in Chapel Hill, North Carolina]

CONDO 1ST FLOOR, TRANSITIONAL - CHAPEL HILL, NC

**MOVE-IN READY! *RECENT INTERIOR PAINT AND CARPET* *2 FULL BATHS* GALLEY KITCHEN W/TILE FLOORS*BK NOOK*LG.LIVING ROOM W/FP/GAS LOGS.*REFRIGERATOR,WASHER & DRYER INCLUDED*POOL W/CLUB HOUSE. CONVENIENT LOCATION TO CHAPEL HILL/UNC/I-40.*PROFESIONALLY MEASURED

Read More... [Source: Real Estate for Sale in Chapel Hill, North Carolina]

What homebuyers can expect at the closing table

The home inspections are complete. You have your homeowners insurance. The day you've been waiting for has arrived -- closing day. If everything is in order, a closing process can run smoothly and ownership ...
Read More... [Source: Yahoo! Finance - Personal Finance | Real Estate]

Castle Homes You Can Actually Buy

With pools, horse stables, bocce courts and multi-floor libraries, these castle-like homes are straight out of a fairy tale.
Read More... [Source: Yahoo! Finance - Personal Finance | Real Estate]

Moving Out

The day you move out is always full of mix feelings.  There are some exceptions.  The day you move into your first home is such an exciting and amazing time that it overshadows everything else.  However, as you move from one home to another it can be filled with mixed feelings because of the memories [...]
Read More... [Source: Movingal]

How to decide between moving or remodeling

Move or remodel? If you are dissatisfied with your home, you might wonder whether it's better to buy another house or remodel the one you own. The choice involves both financial and emotional calculations."Deciding ...
Read More... [Source: Yahoo! Finance - Personal Finance | Real Estate]

Best Places to Buy Foreclosures

In some parts of the country, it's much easier to land a good foreclosure deal than in others.

Read More... [Source: Yahoo! Finance - Personal Finance | Real Estate]

Housing Already Shows Signs of a New Bubble

Home prices are suddenly soaring again and consumer confidence in housing is returning, trends that are raising some serious red flags.
Read More... [Source: Yahoo! Finance - Personal Finance | Real Estate]

Packing Tips

Even though I am on my twelfth move, I am still in the process of learning.  In my last couple of moves, I have had the luxury of having movers pack me.   However, this time I am packing myself and I have been reminded of how difficult and time consuming it can be.  Given [...]
Read More... [Source: Movingal]

DETACHED, RANCH, TRADITIONAL - CHAPEL HILL, NC

1 story traditional home on 1.09 acre lot. Convenient location less than 1 mile to I-40. Good investment property or inexpensive private home. Home is in process of receiving new thermal pane windows,decking and new kitchen appliances. Also, existing washer & dryer to remain.

Read More... [Source: Real Estate for Sale in Chapel Hill, North Carolina]

7401 TALBRYN WAY, CHAPEL HILL PRICED AT $650,000

Talbryn is a private gated community of 10+ acre home sites. This custom-built 4 BR, 3 1/2 BA home is located on Big Hill, one of the highest elevations in Orange County. A paved road lined with charming gas lamps leads to a winding drive and the 3900 sq.ft. home that's looking for a loving family to make it their own. A large chef's kitchen with a center island looks into a breakfast room and has access to a tri-level deck and a small garden. The master bedroom suite is on the main floor along with the dining room, living room with a fireplace and a wall of windows overlooking a private fenced back yard. The daylight basement has an inside and outside entrance, bedroom and bath plus a family room with FP. The attached 2-car garage is over-sized. UNC campus is an easy 6 miles away.

Read More... [Source: Real Estate for Sale in Chapel Hill, North Carolina]

The Many Reasons to Buy a Home – Part 2

Here are 5 more important reasons to own a home rather than rent. Reason #6 – Preferential Tax Treatment If you make a greater profit than the allowable exclusion when you sell your home, that profit is considered to be a capital asset, provided you’ve owned the home for more than one year. Capital assets [...]
Read More... [Source: Cary/Raleigh Real Estate Blog]

The Many Reasons to Buy a Home – Part 1

The 2013 outlook for the real estate market in the Raleigh-Durham region is very positive. So, if you’re thinking about buying a home, there couldn’t be a better time to get started. Are you a bit apprehensive? Relax! The more you know about buying a home, the less nervous you’ll be. In that spirit, we’d [...]
Read More... [Source: Cary/Raleigh Real Estate Blog]

Housing RecoveryGained Pace in 2012

U.S. existing-home sales last year rose to their highest annual level in five years and registered their largest annual jump since 2004, the latest sign that more housing markets hit bottom last year amid ...
Read More... [Source: Yahoo! Finance - Personal Finance | Real Estate]

Economy Fueled by 'Energy Revolution,' Housing: Hormats

Growth in the U.S. economy will be aided by the domestic "energy revolution" and the pick-up in the housing market, Under Secretary of State Robert Hormats told CNBC on Wednesday.
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Guest Post: Tips to Make the Most of Self Storage

In America, it appears we are not wired to let things go.  We see value in everything, and as a result we’ve turned ourselves into a nation of collectors (or maybe more accurately, a nation of packrats).  What’s worse, our love affair with stuff has seemingly taken on the guise of a national pastime. But [...]
Read More... [Source: Movingal]

Tips on Buying a House

Given the fact that the housing market is picking up in some markets and that I have been through the most interesting experience trying to buy a house, I thought I would go over some tips that may help.  When you are house hunting, come prepared. Make a list of the needs and wants for [...]
Read More... [Source: Movingal]

Spring Cleaning? Check this Out.

Here is an article that I wrote for Flying Horse Magazine.  I have been writing for them for quite sometime but now they have released an online version that I am excited to tell you about.  The article is entitled “Out the Old and In with the New”.  It is filled with great tips on [...]
Read More... [Source: Movingal]

Dirty secrets: What's under the front lawn?

Homebuyers are naturally curious about the house they want to buy. But there's one area -- under the front lawn -- that rarely draws attention until after the deal closes. Then, whatever's buried beneath ...
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Call it a housing recovery, but not a boom

U.S. housing markets are in a recovery. But the rebound from the depth is modest, and how long the housing recovery will last is anybody's guess.Evidence of an upswing is so plentiful that Rick Sharga, ...
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2013 home equity rates forecast

Interest rate forecastIf you are lucky enough to have equity in your home, you should be able to obtain a home equity loan with a low rate in 2013.These rates should remain stable this year, says John ...
Read More... [Source: Yahoo! Finance - Personal Finance | Real Estate]

Homeowner Prospects Are Looking Up for Seniors

Residential housing prices are continuing to recover throughout the country. The trend is not occurring everywhere and often is uneven. But it is helping seniors, whose home equity has reached a peak, ...
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VACANT LOT - CHAPEL HILL, NC

Nice corner lot in great location in Chapel Hill. City water and sewer readily available.

Read More... [Source: Real Estate for Sale in Chapel Hill, North Carolina]

VACANT LOT - CHAPEL HILL, NC

Nicely wooded 2.37 acre building lot on NC-86 less than 1 mile north of I-40. Great location close to Chapel Hill, Hillsborough and RTP.

Read More... [Source: Real Estate for Sale in Chapel Hill, North Carolina]

VACANT LOT - CHAPEL HILL, NC

Beautiful rolling terrain on this heavily wooded, over an acre estate homesite, located in gated golf course community w/ 27 hole Jack Nicklaus course and 43,000 square foot clubhouse, convenient to RTP, RDU, Shopping, UNC and Duke Medical facilities and universities. No time frame to build

Read More... [Source: Real Estate for Sale in Chapel Hill, North Carolina]

Holiday News Flash! Raleigh Web Agency Hosts Tacky Christmas Sweater Contest!

Looking for something new and fun to do this holiday season? Well, if you have a sense of humor, you’re sure to appreciate the “Tacky Christmas Sweater” contest sponsored by TheeDesign Studio, a Raleigh web design and Internet marketing agency, The sweater with the most Facebook likes will win a new Apple iPad mini. Tis the [...]
Read More... [Source: Cary/Raleigh Real Estate Blog]

Pick Your Own Christmas Tree This Year!

In the market for a 2012 Christmas tree? The area offers plenty of options for Christmas tree farms. So, gather up the family and head out for an experience that’s sure to become a tradition in your family. Here’s some information about just a few of the Christmas tree farms in the region. Back Achers [...]
Read More... [Source: Cary/Raleigh Real Estate Blog]

VACANT LOT - CHAPEL HILL, NC

New price for this amazing address! Build your dream home on a PREMIUM, LEVEL lot in prestigious Governors Club! With over 1.5 acres, you will have room for an estate home and grand pool. This property has access from Gov Dr as well as Holden. Mature trees provide privacy and add beauty.

Read More... [Source: Real Estate for Sale in Chapel Hill, North Carolina]

Tips for First-Time Home Buyers – Part 2

Here are a few more items and issues to consider when buying your first home. Estimate Your Insurance Costs To do this locate a property in the area where you want to live and call a local insurance agent for an estimate. This doesn’t obligate you, and will give you a good idea of what you’ll be [...]
Read More... [Source: Cary/Raleigh Real Estate Blog]

Tips for First-Time Home Buyers – Part 1

Are you planning on buying your first home? If so then it’s an exciting time for you that’s fraught with concerns. This is likely to be the largest single financial transaction you’ll ever make, so it’s important to get it right.  Working with a real estate agent is essential, but you need to do plenty of work [...]
Read More... [Source: Cary/Raleigh Real Estate Blog]

VACANT LOT - CHAPEL HILL, NC

Beautiful homesite. Almost 1/2 acre in Meadowmont. Mature hardwoods on elevated rear of property add privacy. Walking distance to UNC Wellness Center and shopping at Village of Meadowmont.

Read More... [Source: Real Estate for Sale in Chapel Hill, North Carolina]

VACANT LOT - CHAPEL HILL, NC

Now is the time to begin planning your dream home! Three 11+ acre lots in gated community. Walk or bike to Carrboro High School. Just down the hill from Weaver Street Market. Gentle slopes, rock out croppings, fantastic building sites. Choose your own builder. Wastewater irrigation system by state permit.

Read More... [Source: Real Estate for Sale in Chapel Hill, North Carolina]

VACANT LOT - CHAPEL HILL, NC

Beautiful Homesite. Almost 1/2 acre in Meadowmont. Mature hardwoods on elevated rear of property add privacy. Walking distance to UNC Wellness Center and shopping at Meadowmont Village.

Read More... [Source: Real Estate for Sale in Chapel Hill, North Carolina]

Best time to buy a home to snag tax deductions

Dear Tax Talk,When's the best time to buy a home as far as getting the best tax incentives? Should I choose a closing date before or after year-end? -- Roxie Dear Roxie,The best time to buy a home is early ...
Read More... [Source: Yahoo! Finance - Personal Finance | Real Estate]

Happy New Year!!

2012 went by so quickly.  It was full of opportunities and challenges, which I am grateful to have had the chance to learn from each experience to help all of you move and get settled faster in your new home.  I am looking forward to what 2013 has to offer.  MovinGal has been working on [...]
Read More... [Source: Movingal]

10 tips about mortgages and refinancing in 2013

If you've been sitting on the sidelines, waiting for the best time to refinance or get a mortgage to buy a home, think of 2013 as your last chance to act.With good credit, persistence and some shopping ...
Read More... [Source: Yahoo! Finance - Personal Finance | Real Estate]

Is a Reverse Mortgage Right For You?

A reverse mortgage can be a helpful option to people 62 years of age or older, enabling them to convert part of the equity in their home into cash while still maintaining homeownership. It is called a ...
Read More... [Source: Yahoo! Finance - Personal Finance | Real Estate]