Clark Cook

Fayetteville has a new news and local event blog sponsored by First Choice Realty of Fayetteville, LLC. The purpose of the blog is to provide local residents with relevant information and generate serious leads for our agents. Our goal is to use the latest and greatest technology to produce a steady flow of cost effective leads for the company. It is estimated to take up to six months to reach the maximum potential. That is why we have stepped up our search for agents in the Fayetteville NC area. It’s a fact that many agents long for a source of leads that that won’t take away huge chunks of their hard earned commission. Savvy agents who associate with us now, have the opportunity to benefit from our marketing effort.

First Choice Realty of Fayetteville also recognizes that training and support is a major concern for agents as well. In addition to local training by experienced brokers, we have added state of the art, 24-7 online training to augment your personal development. The office is set up as a paperless hub, which gives you, the agent, the option of working from home, and eliminates the need for a desk fee. First Choice Realty of Fayetteville, LLC is ideally located in McPherson Square, a quaint business setting, well suited for meeting clients.

Our firm offers competitive commissions and personal production bonuses that separate us from most of the field. Agents looking for a distinct advantage would do well to consider a career with First Choice Realty of Fayetteville, LLC. Interested persons should send an email to: Clark Cook.

There are new rules regarding short sales meant to improve the experience for both sellers and buyers, but the legalities and legwork can overwhelm even the most savvy. Of course, that's where the real estate agent shines, handling the paperwork and the phone calls, leaving you to focus on your move.

Keep in mind that if you're expecting to buy a home on short sale, you can get a great deal, but don't expect miracles from a bank that has agreed to accept a price lower than what the sellers owe on their mortgage. These short sales often generate multiple offers, and if a home has been approved to sell for $200,000, don't expect to waltz in and offer $125,000.

The real advantage of a short sale deal is that the home will likely be in much better physical condition than its foreclosure counterpart. Often, a foreclosed home will have been abandoned for months, and perhaps trashed before being vacated. A short sale property in better condition is in and of itself a benefit with real value that offsets any lower price you could offer on a foreclosure.

And for sellers, a short sale preserves your dignity, reduces some of the stress, and won't damage your credit history as much as a foreclosure. Whether selling or buying, consult a 1st Choice Agent for the best results.

It's not just the economy that may have you thinking of downsizing. It could be retirement, a recently emptied nest, or just plain "maintenance fatigue." Whatever the reason, plan your new lifestyle carefully.

When looking for a smaller home, don't forget that Location is still the key ingredient. Even if you don't have kids or they've flown the coop, a good school district and proximity to public transportation and recreation are still the best bets for retaining value. Fayetteville Area Home Sales is the ideal place to begin your search.

If this will be a retirement move, think about the future and seek out homes on one level, or at the very least, with the master bedroom on the ground floor. For practicality's sake, at least one bathroom should be handicap-accessible or easily remodeled as such. Even if you don't think you'll need it later on, your visitors might appreciate the convenience.

If downsizing to you means less maintenance, you may be tempted by town home or condominium living, but be aware of "hidden costs," like annual or monthly homeowners association fees. Check recent association meeting reports to see if there is a building renovation planned, as you could be hit with an assessment fee in the future, too.

There are a lot of considerations in advance of your move, so pick up the phone and call us today for more advice, and enjoy your new lifestyle!

A trusted colleague told me a story that beautifully illustrates the opportunities today's real estate market offers. A mother working two jobs saved up for a down payment and managed to buy a large home with a pool for $187,000. Four years ago, that same home had sold for $370,000!

While sellers are still feeling pressure, buyers with stable incomes and good credit histories are beginning to spread a "feel good" vibe throughout the industry. Conditions have literally never been better for first-time buyers. Affordability has seldom been higher and interest rates have hardly been lower. Selection of inventory is vast, and sellers are highly motivated.

As more buyers enter the marketplace, the ripple effect will be felt far and wide. When they purchase a highly affordable foreclosure or "short sale," they have removed a distressed property from the listings, improving values for other homes in the area. When they buy a "traditional" listing, that in turn sets off a chain reaction whereby the sellers in turn will purchase another home, from sellers who will in turn buy another home, and so on and so on.

You probably get the picture now. As we approach some stability in real estate, all indications are that prices will begin rising again. As the market approaches recovery, don't miss your opportunity for the buy of a lifetime. To learn about "the hottest homes in Fayetteville under $250K" contact Fayetteville Buyer Agent Clark Cook.

With all of the changes enacted in real estate and related industries, the appraisal process has not been immune. Because some lenders were found to be pressuring the appraisers they hired, they are now largely work with independent appraisers, and they're finding themselves buried in a backlog of jobs.

Because of their workloads, some appraisers may gladly consider any information you can provide about your property, and hopefully they will generate a more accurate report. As a seller, list the best features of your home, including recent improvements, professional landscaping, or even benefits of your location (like access to public transportation and schools).

While you won't necessarily be graded for your housekeeping skills, appraisers do pay attention to the very appearance and cleanliness of your home. You can positively affect your appraisal's outcome if your lawn is mowed or raked, your windows sparkle, and your closets look spacious. Appraisers are practically looking through the buyer's eyes, so pretend you're preparing for an open house before their arrival.

Finally, be sure to request a copy of the report, because lenders are required to provide it, but you've got to ask. If you find any errors in important features like square footage or property description, contact the appraiser directly. Let the lender and your agent know, too, but understand that they cannot take any direct action under the new rules.