F-R-E-E That Spells FREE

To set the record straight about my last blog, I wasn't attacked by squirrels or skunks. I guess I need to make my April Fool's blogs a little less believable. I had people asking me for months about horse racing last year after I wrote about being selected to train as a horse jockey. Speaking of, I still need to find a Derby party this weekend where I can sip on some mint juleps.

The tax credit deadline is 2 days away and I've had a swarm of 1st time buyers to work with lately. A good education on the buying process is important, but your in good hands once you hire me. It's the financial preparation I find is the most important aspect.

Fix your credit score in advance! You would be amazed at the money you will save and how much more you can afford with a better score. Get some credit score tips and advice on improving it months in advance at least. One important thing to avoid is new lines of credit before you get approved for a mortgage. You will see below some things I would encourage NOT buying before applying for a loan; unless you are paying cash.

It's been a crazy couple months of work and I'm excited to have a free weekend or two coming up. My days all seem to run together lately as a Realtors' job can be 24/7 sometimes. I'm looking forward to taking a trip to Charleston with some friends here in just a couple weeks. It's been a while since my last visit there and I'm all set up staying with a friend right downtown.

I've had the pleasure of spending lots of time with my family lately. We all got together Monday afternoon for a visit to a Durham Bulls game. Aside from having his eyes glued to the man with the cotton candy tower, my nephew Wyatt was lucky enough to score himself a foul ball. I still have a few of those saved from when I was younger, things like that are golden when you are a kid.

Well I'm off, have to go pick up an offer from another 1st time buyer, talk about last minute with only 2 days left. Everyone have a great week and weekend.

Fire Sale

It's always nice to get back to my Alma mater East Carolina. I was back this past weekend for the SigEp Alumni Golf Tournament. I didn't make it any easier on my pairing that's for sure, my golf game has been in decline since playing Nurf Putt-Putt as a kid. The event was designed as a fundraiser, and what better way to get checkbooks out than to serve $1 beers on the course all day.

The fundraising was much needed, our back fraternity house recently burned down because of a faulty electrical outlet. It was scary to see the place I lived for a couple years charred to the ground, especially since there was no fire alarm system in place during that time. Everyone made it out safely though and the rebuild should be starting soon.

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Right now in real estate I have quit a few folks looking to buy. Those that see the real opportunity right now don't want to miss out. We are currently seeing an inflated inventory of homes and a true buyers market. You won't find desperation from every seller, but deals are on the doorsteps of many homes currently on the market. Interest rates are in a great place right now, I have a client closing on a FHA 3% down loan and a UNC medical resident getting 100% financing.

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Too many folks right now are making the mistake of believing these programs are washed up. The national headlines sure make it seem that way. I wish they'd shed more light on the $8,000 homebuyer tax credit rather than the dried up lenders making news. There are great incentives right now for first time homebuyers, which includes those who haven't owned a home in the past 3 years. For them, they will receive and $8,000 tax break if closed before December 1st. Don't owe that much in taxes? They'll send you a check for the rest.

I'm glad it's that time of year for live outdoor music. This Friday in Chapel Hill marks the start of Fridays on the Front Porch downtown at the Carolina Inn. The great food & hopping bluegrass makes a good start to any weekend. Over in Raleigh, the Beach Music Series has begun at North Hills Mall. Thursday evenings you can pull up a chair or dance on your feet to some of the best beach music acts in the Carolinas.

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Over at the big music venue Walnut Creek, Jimmy Buffet is putting on a show this week. Unfortunately I can't go this year, but even better I'll be babysitting for this guy. My nephew Wyatt is closing in on 2 years old and sprouting up fast, I think I may have been his same height at age 7. You can check in on Wyatt's adventures right here on my sister Kelly's blog.

Hope everyone is having a swell week so far. Tell any friends or family you have renting to get off the fence and give me a call, the window of opportunity is open.