Holiday Home Maintenance Tips

Home Maintenance Tip -

HEALTH & SAFETY: Safety Tips for Holiday Decorating

The holiday season is here...and with the holidays comes decorating! The following tips and suggestions will help ensure safety as you get in the holiday spirit.

Decorate only with lights that have a NOEL or U/L testing agency label. Check wires, plugs and sockets for signs of wear or defects. Remember: If in doubt - throw them out.
Do not overload outlets and extension cords. Never tie together more than three extension cords.
Be sure decorative lights used outside are approved for outdoor use.
When decorating outdoors, be aware of all power lines. Don't work near overhead power lines or anywhere there is a possibility of contacting an overhead power line, either directly or indirectly, with a ladder or other piece of equipment.
Place Christmas trees away from fireplaces, radiators, television sets, and other sources of heat that may prematurely dry out the tree and make it more susceptible to fire. Make sure the tree has a sufficient amount of water at all times.
Don't burn wrapping paper or boxes in the fireplace. These types of materials ignite quickly and may burn uncontrollably.
HOUSEHOLD TIP: Calculating Holiday Energy Costs

It's that time of year when houses shine a bit brighter. Ever wonder how much the decorative holiday lights add to a monthly electric bill? Here's an easy way to help calculate energy costs this holiday season.

Count the bulbs on all of your decorative indoor and outdoor lights.
Check the wattage per bulb.
Multiply watts per bulb by number of bulbs. (1 watt per bulb x 1,000 bulbs = 1,000 watts).
Convert watts to kilowatts - 1,000 watts = 1 kilowatt (kw).
Estimate the hours per month the lights are on. (5 hours per day x 30 days = 150 hours)
Multiply the total kilowatts by the total number of hours the lights will be on to get the total kilowatt-hours (kwh). For example, 1 kw x 150 hours = 150 kwh.
Multiply the total kilowatt-hours by the total cost of electricity per kwh. (150 kwh x $0.14 per kwh = $21) In this example, the cost of holiday lighting would be an additional $21 per month.

Drees Homes has some Red Hot Deals that will only last if you buy by 1/31/2010.

203K Rehabilitation

Neighborhood Stabilization Program

Today's FM Lending Rates

30 year Fixed Conv 4.625%
15 year Fixed Conv 4.25%
30 year Fixed FHA 4.75%
5/1 ARM Conv 3.5%

Daily Rate Lock Advisory

Tuesday's bond market has opened in positive territory again following early weakness in stocks. The stock markets are showing sizable losses with the Dow down 85 points and the Nasdaq down 6 points. The bond market is currently up 11/32, which should improve mortgage rates by approximately .250 - .375 of a discount point over yesterday's morning rates.

There is no relevant economic news scheduled for release today or tomorrow. Therefore, I am expecting the stock markets to likely be the biggest influence on bond trading and mortgage rates today. If the major stock indexes move lower we may see bond prices move higher and mortgage rates improve this afternoon.

Tomorrow does bring us the first of this week's two important Treasury auctions. The 10-year Note sale will be held Wednesday while 30-year Bonds will be sold Thursday. Wednesday's auction is the more important of the two events and will likely influence mortgage rates more. Results of each sale will be posted at 1:00 PM ET. If they were met with a strong demand from investors, particularly international buyers, we should see afternoon strength in bonds and improvements to mortgage pricing those days.

There is no relevant economic news scheduled for release today, tomorrow or Wednesday. October's Goods and Services Trade Balance report will be posted early Thursday morning. This report gives the size of the U.S. trade deficit, but it is the week's least important release. It is expected to show a $37.0 billion trade deficit. Unless it varies greatly from forecasts, I don't expect it to affect mortgage pricing.

If I were considering financing/refinancing a home, I would.... Lock if my closing was taking place within 7 days... Float if my closing was taking place between 8 and 20 days... Float if my closing was taking place between 21 and 60 days... Float if my closing was taking place over 60 days from now... This is only my opinion of what I would do if I were financing a home. It is only an opinion and cannot be guaranteed to be in the best interest of all/any other borrowers.

Ashbury, Olde South Homes

Help For Distressed Homeowners

You should check out this resource from REAL Trends Inc.

Title: New video to help distressed homeowners

Link: http://www.realtrends.com/go/view_media.php?mp_id=8650&cat_id=1366

Durham Real Estate

www.rufusparker.com
www.DurhamLovelyHomes.com
www.WoodcroftLovelyHomes.com
http://rufusparker.blogspot.com
(919) 416-2274

Durham's Recent Supply and Demand Stats

Local Market Updates

Weldon Downs Parade of Homes

FM Lending Rates as of Today

30 year fixed 4.5%
15 year fixed 4.125%
30 year fixed FHA 4.5%
5/1 ARM 3.375%

Ram Jack Update

1722 N. Roxboro St. Just Listed at $295,000

This Home Qualifies as Being in an Urban Community. Learn more about that at PreservationTriangle.com

2008 Latest Edition - Did You Know 3.0 - From Meeting in Rome this Year

Durham, Where great things happen

Greetings from Carolina Home Mortgage

The Mortgage Connection


Greetings from Carolina Home Mortgage



“Average rates for 30-year fixed mortgages fell this week, matching a record low set last spring and more than a full percentage point below what they were a year ago, Freddie Mac said today.

Rates for 30-year mortgages averaged 4.78 percent this week; down from 4.83 percent last

week and equaling the record low reached the week of April 30, 2009. Freddie Mac has been

tracking rates on 30-year fixed mortgages since 1971. Last year at this time, the 30-year fixed

rate mortgage averaged 5.97 percent.”






Today’s rates (primary residence, 740+ credit, 1% origination fee)



Conforming <$417,000

30 year fixed rate—4.625%
15 year fixed rate—4.125%
5 year arm—3.75%


Jumbo >$417,000

5 year arm—3.75%
7 year arm—4.125%

Sales Of New Homes Rose 6.2% In October; Best Pace In A Year

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2009/11/sales_of_new_homes_rose_62_in.html?ft=1&f=103943429

Mortgage Rate update

Mortgage Rates for Today

30 Year Fixed 4.625%
15 Year Fixed 4.25%
5/1 ARM 3.25%
30 Year Fixed FHA/VA 4.75%




Chris Holt
Senior Mortgage Consultant
(919) 416-2225 Direct Line
(919) 595-9796 Secure Fax
cholt@fmlending.com
www.fmlending.com/durham

Find Out How Much Your Home Is Worth Over The Phone

Here's some of the needed info:
1. Your name and address.
2. The approximate square footage of your home.
3. Your lot size.
4. The number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and some basic floor plan information.
5. Any upgrades you may have done to the home since you've owned it.
6. Tax evaluation(assessment).

Find Out How Much Your House Is Worth Over The Phone-For Free! 919.416.2274

Those Davis Park homes are beautiful. Let me know when you want to see them. And there more plans to come. Underground parking, elevator access, & much more.

I'm off to show some condos in Davis Park. There's lofts, condos, and rowhouses. It's a 153 acre project that started in 2005.

Rates on 30-year loans still below 5 percent -

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7148582/ns/business-personal_finance/

The Townes at Keystone Crossing

Grand Opening of Lakestone Village

Free November 2009 Report On Woodcroft House Prices

1325 Ivy St. $45,000 Duplex-Durham

$1000.00 towards closing costs on full price offer.

Union Independent School Dedication

The Union Independent School will have its dedication service Saturday, December 5, 2009.

http://unionis.org/

Durham Named One of Best...

CITY OF DURHAM
Office of Public Affairs
101 CITY HALL PLAZA
DURHAM, NC 27701


News Release
For Details, Contact:
Amy Blalock
Sr. Public Affairs Specialist
(919) 560-4123 x 11253
(919) 475-7735 (cell)
Amy.Blalock@durhamnc.gov

For Immediate Release: November 13, 2009


Durham Named One of Best “Government Green Fleet” Programs in the U.S.
City Ranks 32nd in the Nation; Award to be Presented Nov. 20 During Fleet Forum in Durham

DURHAM, N.C. – The City of Durham has one more national award to add to its list thanks to a recent recognition for having one of the greenest government vehicle fleets in the nation.

The City’s Fleet Management Department will be recognized on Friday, November 20 for being 32nd in the nation for having the best “green fleet” program by Government Fleet Magazine. The “100 Best Fleets Program” recognizes and rewards peak-performing fleet operations in North America. Currently in its seventh year, program identifies and encourages ever-increasing levels of performance improvement within the fleet industry.

According to Kent Cash, director of the City’s Fleet Management Department, the award is a real honor for Durham and testament to the City’s concerted efforts to go green and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. “Since there are over 38,000 public fleets in North America, we consider being in the top 40 a real compliment of our efforts to ‘go green’ here in Durham,” Cash said. “As a department, we want to do our part to help the City achieve its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by the year 2030. As part of that, we are constantly searching for ways to use renewable fuels, implement new technologies, and wisely use our fleet vehicles.”

The Government Green Fleet Award is based on a comprehensive set of criteria specifically tailored around the challenges and requirements of the government fleet manager. The evaluation standards are divided into several key categories, including fleet composition, fuel & emissions, policy & planning, fleet utilization, education, executive & employee involvement, and supporting programs.

The City will receive its award on Friday, November 20, 2009, at 9 a.m. during the opening ceremony of a Fleet Forum to be held at the City’s Fleet Management Department, located at 1900 Camden Avenue, Durham. The forum, conducted by Government Fleet Magazine, Triangle Clean Cities, and the 100 Best Fleets in North America™, is being hosted in Durham since the City is one of the top 40 government green fleets in the country. According to Kathy Boyer with Triangle Clean Cities, Durham was chosen to host this once-only forum since the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency named the City as having one of the best green fleets they had seen in the State of North Carolina and forum attendees would have the unique opportunity to tour Durham’s award-winning facility.

For a complete listing of the top-winning government fleets, visit http://the100bestfleets.com/gf_winners_2009.htm. For more information about the City’s Fleet Management Department, visit the City’s Web site athttp://www.durhamnc.gov/departments/fleet.

Mangum 506

Condominiums in Downtown Durham

Mangum 506 Condos in Downtown Durham. New Construction. $159,900-$299,900. Private Garages. Mangum506.com

Bartlett's Grove has Single Family Homes from the $120s. Located off Geer St. In Durham, convenient to I-85 and U.S. Hwy 70. 3 & 4 Bedroom plans 1348-2185 sqft.

Durham Real Estate

www.rufusparker.com
www.DurhamLovelyHomes.com
www.WoodcroftLovelyHomes.com
http://rufusparker.blogspot.com
(919) 416-2274

Drees Homes Communities throughout the Triangle

Contact me for more info.

It's not raining at the moment, so I'm wondering if I'm going to show that condo in Davis Park today. I've been trying to show it since Monday.

Home For The Holidays-PCS Style

Standard Pacific Homes Offering 3.75% for Limited Time

Zackery Michael Prices

Prices Effective
11/01/09-12/31/09

Find The House Right Here!

NACA-Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America

America's Best Mortgage!
One Mortgage Product - $10 Billion Committed
4.50%
Fixed 30 Year (as of 10/27/2009)
No Down Payment, No Closing Costs

Ten Steps.(10) Post-Purchase Assistance

10.Post-Purchase NACA provides post-purchase counseling and financial assistance through the NSF. The NSF provides emergency assistance to prevent foreclosure as well as budgeting, landlord counseling, and other assistance.

Durham Home Prices Have Risen while Raleigh’s Slipped

Triangle Business Journal

The Durham metropolitan area, bucking the national trend, posted higher home sale prices during the third quarter. The Raleigh-Cary area wasn’t so fortunate.

Durham’s median home sale price rose 3.6 percent year over year in the third quarter, according to a survey released Tuesday by the National Association of Realtors.

The median existing single-family home price in Durham was $184,300. The median existing single-family home sales price in the Raleigh-Cary metropolitan area dipped
6.3 percent to $207,900 in the third quarter, according to the survey.

Nationally, existing home prices dropped 11.2 percent to $177,900. The median is the value at which half of the homes sold for more and half sold for less.

NAR reported an 11 percent increase in the number of home sales nationally from the second quarter. Year over year, the number of sales was up more than 5 percent. The NAR report did not provide the number of sales on a local level.

NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun attributes the increase in sales and the moderation of home prices to the federal tax credit program for first-time home buyers. “It’s given buyers the confidence they needed to get off the fence and take advantage of extremely affordable housing conditions,” Yun said in a statement.

During the third quarter, 123 out of 153 metropolitan statistical areas reported lower median existing single-family home prices in comparison with the third quarter of 2008, while 30 areas had price gains.

Just finished previewing a potential home for an investor. It didn't need a whole lot of work either. Most of the repairs were already done.

Carlton Pointe

The Woodbridge and the Blackstone

Zackery Michael Homes

Award winning parade homes The WOODBRIDGE at Carlton Pointe $387,900 - 2,900sqft. - Two-story, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths - Gourmet kitchen - Standard features include custom moulding, 9' ceilings and much more

The BLACKSTONE at Carlton Pointe $359,900 - 2,737sqft - Ranch, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths - First floor master suite - Gourmet kitchen

Located in Rolesville. Call me for more details.

Save Your Dream!
Durham Regional Community Group
(1) Save your home from foreclosure
(2) Avoid bankruptcy
(3) Get ou of Dept

Call 919-688-3381.

I heard something new at our sales meeting about Fannie Mae allowing home owners in foreclosure to rent their homes for one year. Deed for a lease.

I was showing some townhomes in Pine Knoll Townes. Quite nice. They repaved the roads on Friday.

Ten Steps.(9) Mortage Closing

9. Mortgage Closing You will neeed to obtyaon home owner's insurance. Examine the property to make sure all arrangements involving repairs, tenants, cleaning, etc. have been followed. You will then conclude the purchase at the NACAoffice. Get the keys and MOVE IN YOUR NEW HOME!

Ten Steps.(8) NACA Mortgage Processing & Underwriting

8. Mortgage Processing and Underwriting. The Housing Consultant will take your mortgage application. It would be registered and submitted to NACA's Underwriting Department for approval. Once reviewed and the apraisal and title have been received your complete application is submitted to the lender for closing.

Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended

Senate Extends Homebuyer Tax Credit
Washington, D.C. (November 4, 2009)

By WebCPA Staff

The Senate voted by a 98-0 margin to extend the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit while also expanding the credit to existing homeowners who want to move to another residence.

The refundable credit, which was included in the financial stimulus package in February, was set to expire at the end of November. But the real estate, mortgage and construction industries had pushed for an extension of the credit beyond the deadline. The new legislation extends the maximum $8,000 tax credit for first-time homeowners to April 30, 2010. It also includes a maximum $6,500 tax credit for existing homeowners who want to purchase a new abode. However, they need to have lived in their current home for five consecutive years within the past eight years.

The level of qualifying income has also been expanded, allowing individual taxpayers who make up to $125,000 and joint filers earning up to $225,000 to qualify. The earlier credit had been limited to individuals earning up to $75,000 and couples earning up to $150,000.

A smaller credit would also be available to individuals who make up to $145,000 and couples who earn up to $245,000.

Tax credits could be claimed for homes that cost up to $800,000.

Repayment of the credit would be waived for members of the armed forces who are away from home on extended duty, and the credit would be extended for an additional year if they are away on duty.

To safeguard against the reports of rampant fraud in the program, with even four-year-olds allegedly claiming the credit, the bill adds an age requirement and requires corroborating information to be filed with a return claiming the credit. The bill also gives the IRS greater authority to deny the credit based on information reported by the taxpayer on prior-year returns.

The Senate bill also extends unemployment benefits for 14 weeks. The 27 states with unemployment rates of 8.5 percent or higher would gain an extra six weeks on top of that, but all states would be eligible for the 14 weeks of extended benefits.

Individual Development Account (IDA)

IDA Matching Grant The City of Durham has a matching grant program to help with down payment assistance in helping you purchase your own home.

1207 Jackson St.-$85,000-3 bed/2 bath-west durham

3 Olive Place in Crown Point Subdivision in Durham

Ten Steps.(7) NACA Credit Access

7. Credit Access You will need to provide updated documents to show that your finances have been on track since you were NACA Qualified, and have met NACA's requirements. You could then submit your application to a Participating Lender.

Ten Steps.(6) Renovation

6.Renovation You may also be able to finance improvements through the NACA renovation program. NACA provides rehab assistance and oversight. You will need to obtain contractor bids and approve the contractors.

1216 Thompson Rd. in Durham is back on the Market

1216 Thompson Rd is back on the market at $96,000.

Ten Steps.(5) Property Condition

5.Property Condition Hire a NACA approved home inspector to evaluate theo property. The inspection report would be uploaded into the NACA-Lynx to be reviewed by the Housing Consultant and the NACA Rehab Department. NACA may require repairs, which should be negotiated to be done by the seller.

Ten Steps.(4) Purchase and Sales Contract

4. Purchase and Sales Contract. Obtain advice and prepare carefully before negotiating this binding contract for the purchase of a home. Check with your Housing Consultant before signing it. The contract must be contingent upon a satisfactory home inspection and other conditions.

Ten Steps.

3.Housing Search NACA's Buyer Agents and Referral Agents are real estate professionals who understand the NACA program and will represent your interests. I will help you find a house and negotiate with the seller including seller repairs.

2. NACA Qualification Your Housing Consultant will help you prepare financially for homeownership by obtaining the ncecesary documents and information, and to address any roadblocks to homeownership including increasing the Desired Price.

Ten Steps To Owning Your Own Home.

1. Homebuyer Workshop Attend a Homebuyer Workshop. There are a number of workshops each month. You will learn all about the home buying process and NACA's Best in America Program.

I attended a workshop by the City of Durham today. All about helping you with down payment assistance and money for your second mortgage. The City wants to help

Homes For Sale

Raleigh-durham, Nc Homes For Sale

Just Listed 1216 Thompson Rd.

First, thank you for the AWESOME job that you are doing!!! You have gotten more showings for the house in one week than we had in the four months that it was on the market in the fall. Amazing!! We are very pleased with the quality service that we have gotten from you and FM. -- Tammy Nelson.

3 OLIVE PLACE-3 Bed/2 Bath

New and Improved Price!!! $154,000 Gets You All of This!!!

Lovely home in North Durham. Heritage Subdivision. 3 bed/2 bath. Hardwood flooring. Fireplace. Deck. Fenced Backyard. Quiet neighborhood. 2 Car parking spaces. Yard is well landscaped. Get outdoors and enjoy it or just lay in a hammock and look at it. Nicely new stained deck for grilling out in the backyard.

REDUCED!!! $44,000 NOT A TYPO!!!

It's an older home that needs some work, but what older home doesn't. If you were looking for the right time to buy and stop renting this could be the perfect storm. With a little bit of elbow grease you could realize your own American Dream of Homeownership. A beautiful opportunity to build your equity and stop paying your landlord. No more increasing rental rates. Great Investment Opportunity but you may come out better by just calling it home for yourself. Take advantage of the improvements already put into this home. Add your own finishing touches, bring your own make over crew to make it right for you. Nice paved parking lot with a 2 car carport. Unfinished attic space has tons of potential. Wood burning fireplace can save heating costs in the winter.

Who Do You Know...

Dear Friends,

As you know, for the past 2 years there has been a ‘shift’ in the real estate market.

Experience shows more and more people are caught off guard with the current economic difficulties. I imagine you may know people who are in a situation, or in a dilemma like never before, and they don’t know what to do.

As you look at these 3 categories ask yourself , “Who do I know that is one of these three situations?”

1.People who bought their homes within the past 5 years, or had refinanced, or took out an equity line, now are finding their homes worth less than what they owe on it;

2.Homeowners facing financial difficulties; job loss, loss of a spouse, divorce, or facing difficulties beyond their control, maybe heading into foreclosure; or

3. Home sellers who wish they had sold a year or two ago, but for whatever reason didn’t. Now they feel trapped and don’t know what to do.

For the first time, these people need help, and they need it NOW!

The next time you’re in conversation with someone who is in any of the 3 categories above, stop, pick up your phone, look up my number 919-416-2274 and call me immediately.

You can count on me to be empathetic, being there for them, exploring all options, and treating them with utmost dignity and care.

More than ever before, we need each other. And together, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Your Friend In The Real Estate Business

Rufus Parker

P.S. As you look at these 3 categories ask yourself , “Who do I know that is one of these three situations?”

Just Listed

907 Bowler Reduced to $149,000

1156 Delano-Free Message