About Franklin's Franklin

Why do some houses sell and others don't?
There's no ultimate answer to this question, however here are s few top reasons properties stay on the market and don't sell:

Lousy pictures on the Web: No excuse for bad pictures or no pictures. When clients look on line they want lots of pictures of the property and the home.

Priced too high for the neighborhood: Lots of sellers think their home is worth more because of a number of reasons. Never skip a CMA.

Blah interior:You may want to consider a home stager. No question about de-cluttering it sure helps.

Ho-hum landscaping: First impression do make a difference! It doesn't cost a lot to plant a few flowers along the pathways.

Little online marketing and hard-to-find MLS listings: If an agent is not up on the times with marketing like the Internet, your home could be hard to find.

Low commissions: Some Agents make sure their clients see properties that offer a better payoff.

Miserable maintenance: including ceiling stains, leaky faucets, and ancient furnaces. Repainting doesn't cost too much, and will usually make the biggest impact on buyers. Consider putting in new carpet if its too worn or stained.

Not easily accessable: Some homes have a key at the office or appointment only. Make it as convenient as possible for agents to show your home. Clients don't want to wait 24 hrs. to look at a home. Have a lockbox put on your home.

HAPPY SELLING!

The news is not so bad for this Southern Appalachian town. Franklin, NC was recently awarded one of the top 10 "Undiscovered Towns for Retirees" in the southern cities by the Retirement Lifestyles magazine.

The awards were based on quality of life, housing & income factors, cultural and historical offerings are among the few that are taken into consideration. This hidden Gem of a town was the only town in North Carolina to receivetop honors from this publication. Dan Owens, the magazine's publisher and National Active Retirement Ass. director said "these unique places were recognized for having outstanding livability factors that we are certain will turn visitors into residents." I am not surprisedby this because I have always said this town is a hidden jewel and once people find out about Franklin we will grow and we are. Franklin has a lifestyle that retirees want. We have always been a strong in second homes and vacation attraction but I am beginning to realize its becoming their permanent home.

The top 10 Southern Cities on the list are: Conway, Ark. ~ Meridian, Miss. ~ Opelika, Ala. ~ Franklin, N.C.~ Lexington, S.C. ~ Abingdon, Va. ~ Oak Ridge, Tenn. ~ Opelousas, La. ~ Kerrville, Tx. ~ Fort Pierce, Fla.

Should you want help with the next phase of your life don't hesitate to call me. I would be honored to be of service to you. Please visit my web site at www.JunesRealtor.com and be my quest on MLS.

June Tassillo
Realtor/Broker
Classic GMAC
Off. 828-369-6720 ext. 204
cell 828-371-2339
www.JunesRealtor.com

LOOKING FOR YOUR OWN NESTING PLACE?

AT CLASSIC GMAC REAL ESTATE WE HAVE A HOME FOR EVERYONE HERE!

SITTING ON THE NEST? IT JUST MIGHT BE TIME FOR YOU TO FLY. IF YOUR A FIRST TIME HOME OWNER OR HAVE NOT OWNED A HOME IN 3 YEARS, ITS NOT TOO LATE TO GET YOUR $8,000 TAX CREDIT. NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY A HOME.

CALL JUNE TO GET HER STARTED ON THE HUNT FOR YOUR CUSTOM HOME.

June Tassillo
Realtor/Broker
Classic GMAC
Off. 828-369-6720 ext. 204
cell 828-371-2339
www.JunesRealtor.com

A bird had made her nest on our front porch at our office a few weeks ago. Usually we don't let them get this far with their nest but for some reason nobody bother her and her mate while we watched them build the nest for their future family.

Everyone that walks in the door would scare her and she would fly away and come back of course to sit on her little eggs. Our office lady and the owner have brought in a feeder and hung it on the other post. She does eat out of it from time to time.

The day came yesterday and we are guessing these chicks are hours old. I snapped a few photos of the miracle that appeared before us.

One of the agents yelled out "We have a Home for Everyone around here". This is going to be featured in our local MLS Book in the next issue. What a neat little story we have going on here.

We all feel blessed to have an opportunity to watch a part of nature the last few weeks right in front of us. In these trying times you need a little faith that life does go on no matter what!

June Tassillo
Realtor/Broker
Classic GMAC 212 Wayah St. Franklin, NC 28734
Off. 828-369-6720 ext. 204
cell 828-371-2339
www.JunesRealtor.com

If you are buying your first home, a Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) from NC Housing Finance agency can put more money in your pocket and make your mortgage payment more affordable.

The MCC can be combined with the new $8,000 federal tax credit if you are eligible until that credit expires in December 2009.

If you qualify for an MCC, you will be able to claim 20% of the interest you pay on your mortgage as a credit on your federal income taxes. You can save up to $2,000 per year on your federal taxes, money that can be put toward your mortgage payment.

Who is eligible? To 1st. time home buyers who meet the sales price and income limits. The maximum sales price limmit is up to $220,000 and the maximum income ranges from $85,000 for a family of three in areas such as Raleigh down to $62,000 in more rural areas.

There are over 700 Lenders who participate and can start this process here is the link. http://www.nchfa.com/Applications/IncomeSalesLender/MCC_ISL_StatewideLenderList.aspx

How does it work? If you borrow say $183,000 at 5.5% interest, you will pay approximately $10,000 in interest in the first 12 months of your mortgage. With the 20% MCC, you can reduce your federal income tax liability by $2,000 for that year, allowing you to reduce your monthly tax withholding by $166. Over the first 10 years of ownership, you would save $18,547 in federal taxes. And if you purchase your home by Dec. 1st, 2009, the $8,000 federal tax credit can be used with the MCC. You can also claim an interest deduction on the remaining 80% of the interest you pay just like most homeowners do.

I thought this was another great incentive for first time home buyers. If that is not an incentive I don't know what is. I wish I was in the market to buy a home so I could save $10,000 right off the bat.

NOW THATS $10,000 SAVING FOR 1ST TIME HOME BUYERS THE FIRST YEAR!