Real Estate Information

Now that you've visited several homes and have decided on the one that best fits your criteria, your Buyer Agent will help you write up an Offer to Purchase and it will then be presented to the Sellers by the Listing Agent.  The Sellers may accept your offer, reject it outright or may counter your offer.  Don't worry your Buyer Agent will help you every step of the way as you navigate this part of the process.  Once you have an accepted Offer, you'll need to apply for your loan preferably through a reputable local lender.  Be prompt in furnishing all documentation to your loan officer when it's requested.  This will prevent delays in the approval of your loan.  You'll also need to choose a home inspector, a pest inspector, a surveyor and an attorny.  Ask your Buyer Agent for the names of at least three in each of these categories.  Call them to find out their availability and pricing information.  Your Buyer Agent should be able to help you schedule these items.  While you are waiting for the inspections to take place and counting down the days until closing, keep in mind that you shouldn't make any big purchases or job changes during this time.  These could affect the approval status of your loan.  Above all, remain calm and enjoy looking forward to being in your new home.  This is an exciting time and you'll want to remember it with fond memories.

Live music, local artists, refreshments and FUN await you at Union Point Park this Saturday, June 20th from 2pm- 10pm. Admission is only $5.00 and this will get you an all day pass for 8 awesome bands gracing our area for a wide-range of musical emtertainment all evening as well as local artists displaying their talents. Be sure and bring you chairs and sunscreen as it is scheduled to be warm this weekend.

"Bernaroo began as a way to raise money for community projects", says Allie Runne, a then 17 yr. old who, with  friends and members of the teen council group through the City of New Bern, known as YAAC, brainstromed this exciting event. Allie also joined forces with the Student Musician Songwriters at NBHS, New Bern Parks and Recreation Department as well as Broad Street Music, who are actively involved this year as well.

Come celebrate Music and the Arts in downtown New Bern this Saturday and be sure and bring Dad along, for an excellent way to spend the weekend!

For those of you sitting on the fence about buying a home because it seems intimidating, especially for first time home buyers, I want to share a few tidbits of information that may help you navigate through the closing process.  First of all, I would recommend hiring a qualified Buyer Agent.  At your first meeting with a Buyer Agent, they will help you discover what your needs and wants are for your dream home and then will help you choose properties to explore based on your criteria.  This is the first step toward home ownership and realizing the American dream.  Tune in next time to hear about the next step in this exciting process.

Last month, several wonderful women and some special men, gathered together to help build two Habitat Houses in our local community. The Women’s Build was a successful day full of many projects to be completed. Included were; installing a roof, “wrapping” a house with energy efficient wrap, installing windows, finishing a porch, hanging siding and painting interiors. Volunteers from all over the area, were hammering, sawing and painting, including local churches, Keller Williams ® Realty agents and amazing volunteers. There is an on-going need for female volunteers to help build a home from the foundation up. Please consider giving your time and talent to this amazing effort and help well deserving families in our area.

WASHINGTON - Speaking to the National Association of Home Builders Spring Board of Directors Meeting, U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan today announced that the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will allow homebuyers to apply the Obama Administration's new $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit toward the purchase costs of a FHA-insured home. Donovan said that today's action will help stabilize the nation's housing market by stimulating home sales across the country.

Read more from the news release from the Department of Housing and Urban Development

As the Adult Men's Softball League in Carteret County gets into full swing Keller Williams Realty has much to be thankful for. Donna Harmatuk has so graciously sponsored the Team I personally play for and our strong record proves yet another reason why KW is #1.

The Carteret Softaball season kicked off about 2 months ago and our team has managed to only lose 3 games to this point, posting an impressive 10 wins and 3 losses. The games are played at Swinson Park in Newport City and also at Freedom Park in Beaufort on Monday and Wednesday evenings ranging from 6pm being the earliest games until 9:45pm being the last games of the evening.

It truly is fun for all and we would love any and all support from fans. If you have any interest in joining on a softball team or wish to simply come out and join the fun please contact me at matt@donnaandcompany.com or you can call me at 252-571-9089. PLAY BALL!!

Watch this video for the latest perspective on the national real estate market for May. Learn why it is important to seek the assistance of a Real Estate Professional in this complex market.

I couldn't think of a better time of year to discuss a growing new trend in market --  Going GREEN in Real Estate!!

We have all heard bits and pieces of this new mindset but what actually is driving this new healthier consumer?   As we show houses today we are getting a strong sense that people want more efficient homes. We get questions like "Are these windows double paned?"  "Can you get me copies of last years utility bills?", and so forth.

The average American home size has doubled since the 1950's.  Today an average home size is 2349 square feet, with huge master bedrooms, walk-in closets, offices, and media/play rooms.  Why the trend toward larger houses when families are getting smaller???  Large homes use more resources, wood and building supplies.  They also consume more energy to heat and cool.

United States Emissions alone represent 22% of the world's total.  17% of greenhouse gases are residential, 18% are commercial, and 36% are industrial with 28% being transportation.  (Inman News May 2009).

The term "going green" refers to recyclable or renewable resources and the conservation and controlling of those resource costs.  The growing trend is toward homes nearer to work, shopping, and leisure, in more walking-friendly environments.

An agent with a "Green" certification or a certified EcoBroker is a specially trained real estate agent who can answer client questions about costs related to energy -efficient features.  Whether solar panels, low E glass, or the new spray foam insulation instead of the traditional kind, Realtors® today are staying up on the latest "green" trends.

Although the green movement is catching on and people are becoming more aware, some consumers are still distracted by the glitz and glamour of their dream homes and cars.  You will see, though, that the trend of the future is "Less, Not More" and"Give me enough".  The McHomes will fall out of favor as the current economy drives home "wants versus needs."

So be on the lookout for new information about keeping our world healthier.  As more and more people jump on this bandwagon, you will see that we really can make a difference!

Trent Woods April 2009 Real Estate Update
(From Neuse River Region Board of Realtors® New Bern MLS System)

Homes for Sale:  64
$100K-$199,999 - 13
$200K-$299,999 - 14
$300K-$399,999 - 18
$400K-$499,999 - 9
Over $500,000 - 10

Homes Sold (Pending):  7
$100K-$199,999 - 1
$200K - $299,999 - 4
$300K-$399,999 - 1
$400K-$499,999 - 1

Homes Sold and Closed: 2
$100K-$199,999 - 2

Average Sale Price - $147,000
List to Sale Ratio - 94%
Average Days on Market - 33

(April 1-30, 2009)

Renew Energize Donate: This is the challenge sent out to all Keller Williams Realty agents nationwide to collectively get out in our communities and make a difference. This awesome event will take place across the country on Thursday May 14th, 2009.

Keller Williams Realty in New Bern has chosen to raise "Literacy Awareness" with an exciting childrens' event at Union Point Park and Gazebo, in downtown New Bern, NC from 2-6 pm. We are collecting  children's books and monetary donations to benefit our local Little Red Bookmobile.

Click on the flyer below to see all the FUN things the children can enjoy and all the details of this awesome event!!

                                                         RED Day