Lovely New Listing - NOW UNDER CONTRACT

15337 Legend Oaks Ct.

Sun City Carolina Lakes

Indian Land, SC 29707

NOW UNDER CONTRACT

Beautiful Willow Bend model on lovely cul-de-sac lot backing to woods. Relax or spend time with friends on the large patio overlooking the woods, with seasonal view of Carolina Lakes Golf Course 11th fairway. Spacious great room has a gas fireplace and large dining area with charming wainscoting. Gorgeous hardwood flooring in kitchen, great room, sunroom, and third bedroom/office. Carpeting in Master Bedroom and second bedroom. MBR also has tray ceiling, lovely master bath with double sinks, garden tub, separate shower, and large walk-in closet. Kitchen has stainless steel appliances, center island, breakfast area, pantry, and computer niche. This gorgeous move in ready home is the one you've been waiting for!  Come and enjoy all the beautiful amenities and diverse activities this premier active adult community has to offer! VIRTUAL TOUR

Holiday Message

From my family to yours, 

Best wishes for a joyous holiday season 

and a New Year blessed with 

good health, good friends, and good times.  

TreeTops Update

I have a great working knowledge of TreeTops and am happy to answer any questions you have about the community. 

Remember that it is always in your best interest to have your own representation when buying from a builder. The sales staff works for the builder, not you. When visiting new construction for the first time, you should always have your agent with you or, if this is not possible, be sure to have your agent's card with you. As an Accredited Buyers Representative, I am committed to taking care of your best interests. Please call me before visiting new construction homes.

Exciting News!

Treetops is releasing 4 wooded view homesites in the Summit Series (Elmont/Empire, Fairview/Felicity, Garland/Gilliam and Hartford/Hopewell). The sites are 478-481 on Tranquility Blvd.

Lennar has some great inventory and discounted "quick sale" homes available!
 

CURRENT INVENTORY HOMES

3 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling a Home in 2020

Article Courtesy of Keeping Current Matters/The KCM Blog

It’s exciting to put a house on the market and to think about making new memories in new spaces, but we can have deep sentimental attachments to the homes we’re leaving behind, too. Growing emotions can help or hinder a sale, depending on how we manage them.

When it comes to the bottom line, homeowners need to know what it takes to avoid costly mistakes. Being mindful of these things and prepared for the process can help you avoid some of the most common mishaps when selling your house.

1. Overpricing Your Home

When inventory is low, like it is in the current market, it’s common to think buyers will pay whatever we ask for when we price our homes. Believe it or not, that’s far from the truth. Don’t forget that the buyer’s bank will send an appraisal to determine the fair value for your home. The bank will not lend more than what the house is worth, so be mindful that you might need to renegotiate the price after the appraisal. A real estate professional will help you to set the true value of your home.

2. Letting Your Emotions Interfere with the Sale

Today, most homeowners have been living in their houses for an average of 10 years (as shown in the graph below): 

This is several years longer than what used to be the norm, since many homeowners have been recouping from negative equity situations over the past 10 years. The side effect, however, is when you live for so long in one place, you may get even more emotionally attached to your space. If it’s the first home you bought after you got married or the house where your children grew up, it very likely means something extra special to you. Every room has memories and it’s hard to detach from the sentimental value.

For some homeowners, that makes it even harder to negotiate, separating the emotional value of the home from the fair market price. That’s why you need a real estate professional to help you with the negotiations in the process.

3. Not Staging Your Home

We’re generally quite proud of our décor and how we’ve customized our houses to make them our own personalized homes, but not all buyers will feel the same way about your design. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you stage your home with the buyer in mind. Buyers want to envision themselves in the space, so it truly feels like their own. They need to see themselves in the space with their furniture and keepsakes – not your pictures and decorations. Stage and declutter your home so they can visualize their own dreams as they walk through your house. A real estate professional can help you with tips to get your home ready to stage and sell.

Bottom Line

Today’s seller’s market might be your best chance to make a move. If you’re considering selling your house, sit down with a local real estate professional to help you navigate through the process while avoiding common seller mistakes.

Holiday Gifts Are Not the Only Hot Things Right Now

Article Courtesy of Keeping Current Matters/The KCM Blog

Black Friday is behind us and holiday gifts are flying off the shelves in stores and online. Unlike last year, however, there’s another type of buyer that is very active this winter – the homebuyer.
Each month, ShowingTime releases their Showing Index, which tracks the average number of appointments received on active U.S. house listings. The latest index revealed:

“Traffic was more active once again compared to 2018, as the nation saw its third straight month of higher year-over-year showing activity…The 5.5% increase in showings nationwide was the largest jump in activity during the now three-month streak of year-over-year increases vs. 2018.”

The same report indicates showings increased in every region of the country:

• The South increased by 10.8%
• The West increased by 8.6%
• The Northeast increased by 3.8%
• The Midwest increased by 1.5%

Why is the traffic more active?

One of the main reasons buyer traffic has increased year-over-year is that mortgage rates have fallen dramatically. According to Freddie Mac, the average mortgage rate last December was 4.64%. Today, the rate is almost a full percentage point lower!

Bottom Line

There are first-time, move-up, and move-down buyers actively looking for the home of their dreams this winter. If you’re thinking of selling your house in 2020, you don’t need to wait until the spring to do it. Your potential buyer may be searching for a home in your neighborhood right now.

Have You Budgeted for Closing Costs?

Article Courtesy of Keeping Current Matters/The KCM Blog

Saving for a down payment is a key step in the homebuying process, and it’s not the only piece you need to include in your budget. Another factor that’s important to plan for is the closing costs required to obtain a mortgage.

What Are Closing Costs?

According to Trulia,

“When you close on a home, a number of fees are due. They typically range from 2% to 5% of the total cost of the home, and can include title insurance, origination fees, underwriting fees, document preparation fees, and more.”

For those who buy a $250,000 home, for example, that amount could be between $5,000 and $12,500 in closing fees. Keep in mind, if you’re in the market for a home above this price range, your costs could be significantly greater. As mentioned before,

Closing costs are typically between 2% and 5% of your purchase price.

 Trulia gives more great advice, saying,

“There will be lots of paperwork in front of you on closing day, and not enough time to read them all. Work closely with your real estate agent, lender, and attorney, if you have one, to get all the documents you need ahead of time.
The most important thing to read is the closing disclosure, which shows your loan terms, final closing costs, and any outstanding fees. You’ll get this form about three days before closing since, once you (the borrower) sign it, there’s a three-day waiting period before you can sign the mortgage loan docs. If you have any questions about the numbers or what any of the mortgage terms mean, this is the time to ask—your real estate agent is a great resource for getting you all the answers you need.”

Bottom Line

Reach out to your lender and a local real estate professional to discuss the homebuying process, to be sure your plan includes budgeting for what you need to purchase your dream home – without any surprises!

Is A Bigger House Within Your Budget?

Article Courtesy of Keeping Current Matters/The KCM Blog

At this time of year, many families come together to celebrate the season. It’s also the time when many realize their homes are just not quite big enough to host all of their guests and loved ones. Are you one of those homeowners dreaming for a larger space to call home?

You may have enough equity in your current home to move up.

According to the Q3 2019 U.S. Home Equity & Underwater Report by ATTOM Data Solutions,

“14.4 million residential properties in the United States were considered equity rich, meaning that the combined estimated amount of loans secured by those properties was 50 percent or less of their estimated market value.”

This means that one in four of the 54 million mortgaged homes in the U.S. have at least 50% equity. If these homeowners decide to sell, they can use their equity to put toward the purchase of a new home. Maybe you’ll be one of them.
NAR recently released their 2019 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers showing that,

“This year, home sellers cited that they sold their homes for a median of $60,000 more than they purchased it, up from $55,500 the year prior. This accounted for a 31 percent price gain, up from 29 percent the year before.”

Here’s the equity gain breakdown based on the number of years these sellers lived in their homes:

Bottom Line
If you’re one of the many homeowners with big dreams of owning a larger home, contact a local real estate professional today. Working with a trusted advisor to find out how much equity you have is a great step toward putting your move-up plan in motion.

7 Reasons to List Your House This Holiday Season

Article Courtesy of Keeping Current Matters/The KCM Blog

Around this time each year, many homeowners decide to wait until after the holidays to list their houses. Similarly, others who already have their homes on the market remove their listings until the spring. Let’s unpack the top reasons why listing your house now or keeping it on the market this winter may be the best choice you can make.

Here are seven great reasons not to wait:

1. Relocation buyers are out there now. Many companies are still hiring throughout the holidays, and they need their new employees to start as soon as possible.
2. Purchasers who are looking for homes during the holidays are serious buyers and are ready to buy now.
3. You can restrict the showings on your home to days and times that are most convenient for you. You will remain in control.
4. Homes show better when decorated for the holidays.
5. There is minimal competition for you as a seller right now. Over the past few months we’ve seen the supply of homes for sale decreasing year-over-year, as shown in the graph below:      
   
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
6.  The desire to own a home doesn’t stop during the holidays. Buyers who were unable to find their dream homes during the busy spring and summer months are still searching, and your home may be the answer.
7.  Late fall and early winter make up the “sweet spot” for sellers. The supply of listings increases substantially after the holidays. Also, in many parts of the country, new construction will continue to surge and reach new heights in 2020, which will lessen the demand for your house next year.

Bottom Line 

It may make the most sense to list your home this holiday season. Reach out to a local real estate professional to determine if selling now is your best move.

4 Reasons to Buy a Home This Fall

Article Courtesy of Keeping Current Matters/The KCM Blog

Here are four great reasons to consider buying a home today, instead of waiting.

1. Prices Will Continue to Rise
CoreLogic’s latest Home Price Insights Report shows that home prices have appreciated by 3.6% over the last 12 months. The same report predicts prices will continue to increase at a rate of 5.8% over the next year.

The bottom in home prices has come and gone. Home values will continue to appreciate for years. Waiting no longer makes sense.

2. Mortgage Interest Rates Are Projected to Increase Next Year
The Primary Mortgage Market Survey from Freddie Mac indicates that interest rates for a 30-year mortgage have recently hovered just above 3.5%. This is great news for buyers in the market right now, because low interest rates increase your purchasing power – but don’t wait! Most experts predict rates will rise over the next 12 months. The Mortgage Bankers Association, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the National Association of Realtors are in unison, projecting that rates will increase by this time next year.

An increase in rates will impact your monthly mortgage payment. A year from now, your housing expense will increase if a mortgage is needed to buy your next home.

3. Either Way, You Are Paying a Mortgage 
There are some renters who haven’t purchased a home yet because they’re uncomfortable taking on the obligation of a mortgage. Everyone should realize that, unless you’re living rent-free with your parents, you are paying a mortgage – either yours or that of your landlord.

As an owner, your mortgage payment is a form of ‘forced savings’ that allows you to have equity in your home you can tap into later in life. As a renter, you guarantee your landlord is the person with that equity.

Are you ready to put your housing costs to work for you?

4. It’s Time to Move on With Your Life
The ‘cost’ of a home is determined by two major components: the price of the home and the current mortgage rate. It appears both are on the rise.  But what if they weren’t? Would you wait?

Look at the actual reason you’re buying and decide if it is worth waiting. Whether you want to have a great place for your children to grow up, you want your family to be safer, or you just want to have control over custom renovations, maybe now is the time to buy.

Bottom Line

Buying a home sooner rather than later could lead to substantial savings. Reach out to a local real estate professional to determine if homeownership is the right choice for you and your family this fall.

This is Not 2008 All Over Again: The Mortgage Lending Factor

Article Courtesy of Keeping Current Matters/The KCM Blog

 

Some are afraid the real estate market may be looking a lot like it did prior to the housing crash in 2008. One of the factors they’re pointing at is the availability of mortgage money. Recent articles about the availability of low-down payment loans and down payment assistance programs are causing concern that we’re returning to the bad habits of a decade ago. Let’s alleviate the fears about the current mortgage market.

 

The Mortgage Bankers’ Association releases an index several times a year titled: The Mortgage Credit Availability Index (MCAI). According to their website:

“The MCAI provides the only standardized quantitative index that is solely focused on mortgage credit. The MCAI is…a summary measure which indicates the availability of mortgage credit at a point in time.”

Basically, the index determines how easy it is to get a mortgage. The higher the index, the more available the mortgage credit.

Here is a graph of the MCAI dating back to 2004, when the data first became available:
As we can see, the index stood at about 400 in 2004. Mortgage credit became more available as the housing market heated up, and then the index passed 850 in 2006. When the real estate market crashed, so did the MCAI (to below 100), as mortgage money became almost impossible to secure.

Thankfully, lending standards have eased since. The index, however, is still below 200, which is half of what it was before things got out of control.

Bottom Line

It is easier to get a mortgage today than it was immediately after the market crash, but it is still difficult. The difference in 2006? At that time, it was difficult not to get a mortgage.

75 Years of VA Home Loan Benefits

Article Courtesy of Keeping Current Matters/The KCM Blog

Today, on Veterans Day, we salute those who have served our country in war or peace, and we thank them for their sacrifice.

This year marks the 75^th anniversary of VA Home Loan Benefit offerings through the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act, also known as the GI Bill. Since 1944, this law has created opportunities for those who have served our country, ranging from vocational training to home loans.

Facts About VA Home Loans:

• Nearly 24 million home loans have been guaranteed by the Veterans Administration.
• Nearly 82% of VA home loans are made with no down payment.
• The VA also provides grants to help seriously disabled Veterans purchase, modify, or construct a home to meet their needs. Last year the VA provided 2,000 grants totaling $104 million.

Benefits of a VA Home Loan:

1. No down payment
2. No Private Mortgage Insurance*
3. Lower credit score requirements
4. Limitation on closing costs
5. Lower average interest rates

*More information on VA Home Loan Fees

Bottom Line

The best thing you can do today to celebrate Veterans Day is to share this information with those who can benefit from these opportunities. For more information, or to find out how to qualify to use a VA Home Loan Benefit, contact a local real estate professional who can help you through the process. Thank you for your service!
---------------------------

VA LOANS - Loan Types

https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/loan-types/

VETERANS DAY 2019

It is with grateful appreciation that we give heartfelt thanks to the men and women who have served in our armed forces, protecting our nation, and preserving the freedoms we cherish.

When those of us now referred to as "seniors" were young, we celebrated "Armistice Day" to recognize the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I and to honor those who bravely served and those who made the ultimate sacrifice on foreign soil. The main hostilities of WWI were properly finished 101 years ago at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, with Germany signing the Armistice. Red poppies were distributed by members of the American Legion Auxillary, as a remembrance of the sacrifices of those who served during the war.  

 

The symbolism of the red poppy began with the poem IN FLANDERS FIELDS, penned by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) of the Canadian Army, after presiding over the funeral of a friend and fellow soldier and being moved by the poppy flowers that grew in the Flanders battlefields on the southeast edge of the town of Waregem, Belgium. The imagery created by that poem remains an important symbol of the sacrifices of war today. On June 1,1954, Armistice Day was changed to Veterans Day to honor all U.S. veterans.   

Beautiful tribute to our Veterans 
by Richard Kerry Thompson.   YOU RAISE ME UP

Lovely rendition honoring our Veterans
of HALLELUJAH by Sailor Jerri. 

HAPPY 244TH BIRTHDAY TO THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

"On November 10, 1775, the Continental Congress commissioned Samuel Nicholas to raise two Battalions of Marines. That very day, Nicholas set up shop in Tun Tavern (in Philadelphia). He appointed Robert Mullan, then the proprietor of the tavern, to the job of chief Marine Recruiter -- serving, of course, from his place of business at Tun Tavern. Prospective recruits flocked to the tavern, lured by (1) cold beer and (2) the opportunity to serve in the new Corps of Marines."
 
Source: http://www.usmcpress.com/heritage/usmc_heritage.htm

Since those earliest days when the "Continental Marines" fought for our country's independence at sea and on shore, the United States Marine Corps has responded to conflicts around the world, participating in combat operations and humanitarian relief efforts by air, land, and sea. Mandated by Congress to be our county's rapid response force, the United State Marine Corps has proudly served our country for 244 years. From the shores of Tripoli to Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima, Korea, the jungles of Vietnam, the mountains of Afghanistan, the Iraqi desert, and all the operations in-between, Marines from all walks of life have defended our nation.

Each year on November 10th, Marines around the world live up to the motto "Semper Fidelis" (Always Faithful) as they celebrate the birth of the Corps. Whether attending a formal Marine Corps Ball or a small informal gathering, or even with just a phone call or a handshake, those who share the bond of being one of "The Few. The Proud." proudly honor the values, traditions, and history of the Corps on this day by wishing each other  a Happy Birthday.

Each year Bob Parsons, founder of Go-Daddy, shares his love for "Mother Green" by presenting a birthday video to honor the United States Marine Corps.  Here is a link to this year's video:  2019 USMC Video

Additionally, each year the Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation partners with the Semper Fi fund to raise funds to provide financial support for wounded, critically ill, and injured members of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.  Last year, they raised more than $20 million dollars.  Again this year, the Foundation will match donations dollar-for-dollar up to $10 million dollars. 

To donate, please visit: SemperFiFund.org

On a personal note...

In Loving Memory of  Bob "Heavy" Petrella

Today and always we remember with deep love and affection our dear friend, Bob "Heavy" Petrella, USMC Captain during the Vietnam War and recipient of 2 Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star for Valor. Heavy will always be with us in spirit.

SEMPER FI!

TreeTops Model Homes For Sale

TreeTops by Lennar is a gated "Active Adult" community in Lancaster, SC.  Set in rustic surroundings on property that was once a summer camp, the community is "inspired by nature" and has the feel of a mountain retreat.  Featuring a beautiful amphitheater that overlooks a large lake, TreeTops​ offers tennis, pickleball, a fitness center​, ​hiking trails, a lovely graduated entry swimming pool​, and cabins for a variety of activities and classes​.​  Lennar’s "Everything’s Included" homes have many upgraded features, including Home Automation and Outdoor Living packages. 

While Lennar still has some great inventory and discounted "quick sale" homes available at this time, the supply has dropped considerably this summer. It is anticipated that more will become available at the end of the year.

I have a great working knowledge of TreeTops and am happy to answer any questions you have about the community. 

 
Remember that it is always in your best interest to have your own representation when buying from a builder. The sales staff works for the builder, not you. When visiting new construction for the first time, you should always have your agent with you or, if this is not possible, be sure to have your agent's card with you. As an Accredited Buyers Representative, I am committed to taking care of your best interests. Please call me before visiting new construction homes. 

Please contact me for a pdf version of this inventory list.

11/18/19 
MODEL HOME UPDATE
The following model homes are still available for sale:
Dover, Fairview and Delight

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

OCTOBER 28, 2019
MODEL HOMES NOW AVAILABLE!!

Effective 10/28/19, Treetops is listing the Gorgeous Model homes across from the Putting Green with wooded/no home behind view for sale!  These have a lot of extras like tankless water heaters, irrigation, security system and beautiful window treatments!  And they are all on slab foundations.  They are for NOVEMBER closings and LEASE BACK!  Please contact me if you are interested. 

TTM 335 DOVER  Sales Price $413,680

http://vrtour.virtualsinc.com/company/lennar/2570

TTM 336 CAMBRIDGE Sales Price $389,743 - SOLD

http://vrtour.virtualsinc.com/company/lennar/2569

TTM 337 BLISS Sales Price $361,658 - SOLD

 http://vrtour.virtualsinc.com/company/lennar/2568

TTG 338 FAIRLANE Sales Price $328,520 - SOLD

http://vrtour.virtualsinc.com/company/lennar/2571

OCTOBER 22, 2019
FIRST OF MODEL HOMES AVAILABLE FOR SALE

TTM 333 DELIGHT
List price $396,756
Reduced List Price $363,999
Next Gen Video:  https://lennar.box.com/s/d8f6ce86jixmd9qve0c9leewx832jhma

TTS 334 FAIRVIEW
List Price $450.369
Reduced List Price $415,999
Tree Tops Grove – Fairview:  http://vrtour.virtualsinc.com/company/lennar/2572

5 Reasons to Consider Living in a Multigenerational Home

Article Courtesy of Keeping Current Matters/The KCM Blog

Did you know that 1 in 6 Americans currently live in a multigenerational household?

According to Generations United, the number of multigenerational households rose from 42.4 million in 2000 to 64 million in 2016. The 2018 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers from the National Association of Realtors shows that 12% of all buyers have a multigenerational household.

Why Are Many Americans Choosing to Live in a Multigenerational Household?

The benefits to multigenerational living are significant. According to Toll Brothers,

“In recent years, there’s been a steady rise in the number of multigenerational homes in America. Homeowners and their families are discovering new ways to get the most out of home with choices that fit the many facets of their lives.”

The piece continues to explain the top 5 benefits of multigenerational living. Here is the list, and a small excerpt from their article:

1. Shared Expenses

“…Maintaining two households is undeniably costlier and more rigorous than sharing the responsibilities of one. By bringing family members and resources together under one roof, families can collectively address their expenses and allocate finances accordingly.”

2. Shared Responsibilities
“Distributing chores and age-appropriate responsibilities amongst family members is a tremendous way of ensuring that everyone does their part. For younger, more able-bodied members, physical work such as mowing the lawn or moving furniture is a nice trade-off so that the older generation can focus on less physically demanding tasks.”

3. Strengthened Family Bond

“While most families come together on special occasions, multigenerational families have the luxury of seeing each other every day. By living under one roof, these families develop a high level of attachment and closeness.”

4. Ensured Family Safety

“With multiple generations under one roof, a home is rarely ever left unoccupied for long, and living with other family members increases the chances that someone is present to assist elderly family members should they have an accident.”

5. Privacy

“One of the primary trepidations families face when shifting their lifestyle is the fear of losing privacy. With so many heads under one roof, it can feel like there’s no place to turn for solitude. Yet, these floor plans are designed to ensure that every family member can have quiet time… [and] allow for complete separation between the generations within the household.”

Bottom Line

The trend of multigenerational living is growing, and the benefits to families who choose this option are significant. If you’re considering a multigenerational home, reach out to a local real estate professional to learn more about the options available in your area.

--------------------------------------
On a personal note, my children grew up in a multigenerational home and, while I must admit to some personal challenges during those years, I shall remain forever grateful that my children were so fortunate to have the love and wisdom of their maternal grandmother during the most formative years of their lives.  My husband and I shared our home with my mother, who was legally blind, for the first 20 years of our marriage.  In addition to having my mother live with us, on weekends my aunt and uncle would stay with us so they could help her in her store.  Even when we moved to Arizona, they would come to stay with us for extended periods to be with her and to give me a little break.  My sister, who had a family of her own in Ohio, would bring Mom to her home for a few weeks in the summer and would sometimes come to stay with mom when our family took a little vacation.  It's been many years since mom passed, but sometimes it feels like just yesterday that she was such a integral part of our lives.  I believe those years were a gift to all of us. To this day, my children (now grown men) still remember their Nana with great fondness and treasure the time they spent with her.  I can't help but feel that those years taught them great lessons about respect, empathy, and love of family.

Multigeneraltional Model Home Now Available at TreeTops

Delight

It's so interesting that the above article about multigenerational homes by Keeping Current Matters appeared in my inbox at about the same time as news that Lennar's multigenerational "Delight" model home at TreeTops is now available for sale.  This newest model home is being sold "as is" and must close before November 15th to qualify for the special pricing.  The price includes homesite premium (beautiful wooded view) and all of those model extras like custom paint, window treatments, security wiring, and irrigation! Furniture and decor are NOT included.  Contact me if you would like to receive the MLS listing report for this home.
NEXT GEN - THE HOME WITHIN A HOME
List price $396,756
Reduced List Price $363,999

Remember that it is always in your best interest to have your own representation when buying from a builder. The sales staff works for the builder, not you. When visiting new construction for the first time, you should always have your agent with you or, if this is not possible, be sure to have your agent's card with you. As an Accredited Buyers Representative, I am committed to taking care of your best interests. Please call me before visiting new construction homes.

TreeTops Update

Lennar Photo

Please click HERE for the latest update on inventory homes and lots available at TreeTops by Lennar.

Autumn Has Finally Arrived!

Bear Mountain NY / Photo by Mike Sacca

I grew up in the beautiful Hudson River Valley in New York... the southern end... Ossining, to be exact, in Westchester County.  My dad was a turkey farmer and our home was on about 7 acres on the outskirts of town.  It was an idyllic place to grow up and I loved the beauty of the area.  My fondest memories of the farm are tied to the seasons... each one with its own special memories.  Autumn was my favorite season then and remains so today.

Some of my farm memories are of a very young tree-climbing, exploring me... some are of the older me, taking on the responsibilities of a maturing adolescent.  

Winter was always cold and white.  Radiator heat.  Frost on the windows.  Lots of snow and shoveling.  Snow forts.  Ice skating on nearby lakes.

The emergence of pale green leaves and early buds and flowers announced the arrival of spring and the promise of warmer days.  Crocuses... forsythia... daffodils... lilacs.

Summer was long, lazy and relaxed.  Fishing, nightcrawling (catching those big worms for fishing), fireflies, swimming, riding my old bike with the big tires, wildflowers, homegrown corn and tomatoes, an occasional trip to Jones Beach, and my beloved New York Yankees (the REAL Yankees of the 1960s).  

But, without doubt, the most special time for me was autumn.  Oh, those magnificent maples!  The colors and smells of fall are forever with me.  Raking, burning (no longer politically correct, but necessary on a farm), picking apples from the tree I loved to climb, long walks, and collecting beautiful treasures that were gifts of the season.

Following those special years on the farm and some additional years living in the area as a college student, wife, elementary school educator, and mother, my husband and I moved to Arizona.  We left the magnificent Hudson River Valley for the beautiful (though very different) Sonoran Desert in Arizona.  I'm one of those people who adjusts easily to a new environment and quickly learns to appreciate the beauty of new surroundings, but, I have to admit, for 38 years my internal clock always knew when it was fall and craved the crisp autumn air and the changing leaves of my youth.  The magical changes of the seasons always called to me.  So, when we decided to move back to the East Coast, one of the biggest draws for me (aside from being closer to family) was getting to experience the changing of seasons again.  Especially, fall.

So, pardon my long introduction, as I walked myself down Memory Lane, but I wanted to share my passion for the beauty of autumn, as I share some information about where to go to enjoy the season in this area.  Here are some links to help you see what's going on in the Carolinas...

• Blue Ridge Parkway
• Visit North Carolina
• Asheville/Parkway
• 10 Best Places to See Fall Colors in NC
• Charlotte on the Cheap - Haunted Trails, Corn Mazes, Pumpkin Patches, Hayrides
• Fall at Biltmore
  
• Things to Do in South Carolina

 

My boy, Rudy.

Take the time to enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of autumn!  

• Find a cider mill and enjoy some real homemade cider!  
• Eat some freshly made apple cider or pumpkin donuts! 
• Visit a pumpkin patch! 
• Carve a pumpkin! 
• Walk through a corn maze!
• Live the experiences that makes the season so special!

3 Reasons to Use a Real Estate Pro in a Complex Digital World

Article Courtesy of Keeping Current Matters/the KCM Blog

Here are 3 top reasons why using a real estate professional in addition to a digital search is key:

1. There’s More to Real Estate Than Finding a Home Online. It’s a lonely and complicated trek around the web if you don’t have a real estate professional to also help you through the 230 possible steps you’ll face as you navigate through a real estate transaction. That’s a pretty staggering number! Determining your price, submitting an offer, and successful negotiation are just a few of these key steps in the sequence. You’ll definitely want someone who has been there before to help you through it.
2. You Need a Skilled Negotiator. In today’s market, hiring a talented negotiator could save you thousands, maybe even tens of thousands of dollars. From the original offer to the appraisal and the inspection, many of the intricate steps can get complicated and confusing. You need someone who can keep the deal together until it closes.
3. It Is Crucial to Make a Competitive and Compelling Offer. There is so much information out there in the news and on the Internet about home sales, prices, and mortgage rates. How do you know what’s specifically going on in your area? How do you know what to offer on your dream home without paying too much or offending the seller with a lowball offer?
Dave Ramsey, the financial guru, advises:

“When getting help with money, whether it’s insurance, real estate or investments, you should always look for someone with the heart of a teacher, not the heart of a salesman.”

Hiring a real estate professional who has his or her finger on the pulse of the market will make your buying experience an informed and educated one. You need someone who is going to tell you the truth, not just what they think you want to hear.

Bottom Line

If you’re ready to start your search online, don’t skip over the support of an educated and informed real estate professional. You’ll want someone at your side who can answer your questions and guide you through a process that can be complex and confusing if you go at it with the Internet alone.

What FICO® Score Do You Need to Qualify for a Mortgage?

Article courtesy of Keeping Current Matters/The KCM Blog

While a recent announcement from CNBC shares that the average national FICO® score has reached an all-time high of 706, the good news for potential buyers is that you don’t need a score that high to qualify for a mortgage. Let’s unpack the credit score myth so you can to become a homeowner sooner than you may think.

With today’s low interest rates, many believe now is a great time to buy – and rightfully so! Fannie Mae recently noted that 58% of Americans surveyed say it is a good time to buy. Similarly, the Q3 2019 HOME Survey by the National Association of Realtors said 63% of people believe now is a good time to buy a home. Unfortunately, fear and misinformation often hold qualified and motivated buyers back from taking the leap into homeownership.
According to the same CNBC article,

“For the first time, the average national credit score has reached 706, according to FICO®, the developer of one of the most commonly used scores by lenders.”

This is great news, as it means Americans are improving their credit scores and building toward a stronger financial future, especially after the market tumbled during the previous decade. With today’s strong economy and increasing wages, many Americans have had the opportunity to improve their credit over the past few years, driving this national average up.

Since Americans with stronger credit are now entering the housing market, we are seeing an increase in the FICO® Score Distribution of Closed Loans (see graph below) 

But hang on – don’t forget that this does not mean you need a FICO® score over 700 to qualify for a mortgage. Here’s what Experian, the global leader in consumer and business credit reporting, says:

FHA Loan: “FHA loans are ideal for those who have less-than-perfect credit and may not be able to qualify for a conventional mortgage loan. The size of your required down payment for an FHA loan depends on the state of your credit score: If your credit score is between 500 and 579, you must put 10% down. If your credit score is 580 or above, you can put as little as 3.5% down (but you can put down more if you want to).”

Conventional Loan: “It’s possible to get approved for a conforming conventional loan with a credit score as low as 620, although some lenders may look for a score of 660 or better.”

USDA Loan: “While the USDA doesn’t have a set credit score requirement, most lenders offering USDA-guaranteed mortgages require a score of at least 640.”

VA Loan: “As with income levels, lenders set their own minimum credit requirements for VA loan borrowers. Lenders are likely to check credit scores as part of their screening process, and most will set a minimum score, or cutoff, that loan applicants must exceed to be considered.”

Bottom Line

As you can see, plenty of loans are granted to buyers with a FICO® score that is below the national average. If you’d like to understand the next steps to take when determining your credit score, reach out to a trusted advisor to learn more.