Monday, March 30, 2009

Wilmington ranked no. 13 for business and careers

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - Lucky number 13 - for Wilmington, at least.

Forbes Magazine has ranked Wilmington the 13th best places in the nation for business and careers.

The rankings were based on the research from data on job growth over the past five years and projections through 2011.

Business and living cost data were also taken into account, in addition to income growth and migration trends.

North Carolina had several cities in the top ten including: Asheville at 6th, Durham in 3rd, and Raleigh took the number one spot for the third straight year.

Forbes reports that employment is expected to fall during 2009 in Raleigh after jobs were added at a 4% annual clip the past five years.

They say the job picture is expected to brighten in 2010 and 2011, and the three-year projected annual employment gain is 1.4%. according to Moody's Economy.com, 15th best in the country.

Click here for information on Wilmington, NC Real Estate!

Friday, March 27, 2009

Housing Relief Website Launch


MakingHomeAffordable.gov, the new web site launched March 19 by the Obama Administration, offers tools and calculators to help borrowers determine if they're eligible for loan modification and/or refinancing program.


Features include detailed information on the program, self assessment tools, a calculator to estimate reductions, resources to find free counseling, and a checklist of required documents.


If you are facing foreclosure you should check this site out.


If you have more questions please email me at JessicaRiffle@SeaCoastRealty.com


Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Realtor Paycheck


There is no such thing as a "standard" commission. Each company may have varying rules, but there isn't one "golden" rule when it comes to realtor fees or commission. However, the old rule of thumb "you get what you pay for" generally applies to paying a Realtor as well. If I was a seller and interviewing Realtors I would run far from the one that agreed to cut or reduce commission without hesitation in order to get the listing. If a Realtor can't even negotiate on their own behalf for the one way they make a living and tell you why they deserve the commission they are asking for how well do you think they will negotiate on your behalf when you get an offer on your home? Which Realtor do you think will diligently go about the marketing, mailings, prospecting for your home that is for sale and which one will not worry if they dont send a postcard here and an email there....the one that can tell you exactly why they charge what they do or the one that has no problem cutting costs when they get too busy...That is the question sellers should be asking themselves.

Let me know what you think! Email me @ jessicariffle@seacoastrealty.com

Click here for more info on Wilmington NC real estate and Wilmington Luxury Homes!

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Curb Appeal


First impressions are everything right? So, then why do some sellers forget that this is often the most important impression on buyers and the impression that will ultimately influence the final opinion that they will have on the home that is for sale? When someone first pulls up to a home that is for sale, the outside of that property has to "sell them" before the inside will even be considered. Often we spend so much time and money on the inside that the outside if an afterthought. Don't let this be an obstacle you have to face when selling your home. Appeal to your sellers from the outside, in!

For more info on Wilmington, NC real estate and luxury real estate click here!

Call me 910-352-1043 or email jessicariffle@seacoastrealty.com!

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Federal Reserve Surprises Financial Markets

Here we go again, with the talking heads on financial news misinterpreting the impact of the Fed's actions on home loan rates.

Here's the scoop. What the Fed just announced is huge – they have committed to buy another $750B in Mortgage Backed Securities, and $300B in Treasuries.

But what does this mean and why do you care?

Their actions provide a demand for Mortgage Backed Securities, which should help keep a ceiling on home loan rates moving much higher in the foreseeable future. That's good news, for homebuyers who are seeing the bargains out there and understanding that now is the time to act. Good news for those who are ready to refinance too.

But an important distinction – this does not mean rates may move significantly lower. Depending on exactly which coupons the Fed purchases when they go shopping for Mortgage Backed Securities, their actions may keep a lid on rates, but not push them very much lower. And based on what they've been buying since the beginning of this year when they started their purchasing program – that is exactly how it has played out.

Present home loan rates are within inches of historic lows. This is great news for anyone looking to buy a home right now with list prices down and rates still low! NOW is the time to act and purchase that new home.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

333 Scottsdale Drive ~ $239,900

Do you know a buyer for my new listing?

This absolutely charming 3 bedroom, 2 and a half bath home, plus bonus room or office...is nestled on an awesome lot just down the street from the Intracoastal Waterway! Both bedrooms on first floor have direct bathroom access and huge walk in closets which means you could have 2 master suites if needed. The galley kitchen with beautiful cabinets makes cooking a breeze and entertaining enjoyable. The oversized garage features 8 ft. doors to park and store your boat! New HVAC in Jan. 09, new roof, water softener, and light fixtures. An included Home Warranty will give you extra piece of mind.

Click here for more information on Wilmington NC Real Estate, Luxury Homes, and the search the ENTIRE wilmington MLS!

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Remodel or Sell


Sometimes there is more than just "what color cabinets" to think about when remodeling your home. Is it best for you to remodel or purchase up? The cost of the remodel can sometimes be much higher than the actual value it adds to your home. Email me if you would like me to email you the cost vs. value list.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

H.O.A. Madness


What happens when one individual decides to play by their own rules instead of their Home Owner Association Rules? What happens when that same person decides to quit paying those home owner dues?

Please call me or email me if you disagree with what I have to say. 910-352-1043 or jessicariffle@seacoastrealty.com

Click here for more information on Wilmington, NC real estate and Wilmington Luxury Homes!

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Realtor vs. Realtor


To friend or not to friend...I say friend...for sure. Bring on the competition! It only makes me a better Realtor and better at what I do each and every day. This means I ultimately better serve my clients and helps me to strive to be the best. Or should I say...The Carolinas Finest!

Click here for me Wilmington, NC real estate and luxury home information!

Monday, March 9, 2009

For Sale By Owner vs. Realtor




The 2008 NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers reveals that among recent home sellers surveyed in August 2008, the pure For-Sale-By-Owner (FSBO) sales - those cases where the seller did not know the buyer - remain historically low at 7 percent. It had been closer to 10 percent during the housing boom years.

Click here for more Wilmington, NC real estate and luxury home info!

Email me at jessicariffle@seacoastrealty.com or call me 910-352-1043.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Coldwell Banker Leads Innovation


Coldwell Banker became the first national real estate brand to develop a home search application for the revolutionary Microsoft Surface. It was unveiled at this week’s Coldwell Banker International Business Conference in San Antonio, TX. The Coldwell Banker Home Search application allows you to search for properties, browse neighborhoods, amenities and more through the touchscreen interface.

The first commercially available surface computing platform from Microsoft, Microsoft Surface turns an ordinary tabletop into a vibrant, interactive surface. Its 30-inch diagonal, table-like display provides effortless access to digital content through natural gestures, touch and physical objects placed on the display.

Last year Coldwell Banker became the first national real estate brand to put its listings on in-car GPS devices through an exclusive feed to Dash Navigation launch and launch a customized online platform for iPhoneTM and BlackBerry users.

For more information on Wilmington, NC real estate and Wilmington, NC Luxury Homes CLICK HERE!

Friday, March 6, 2009

NC Foreclosures

Foreclosure numbers by NC city are below. Looks like Wilmington isn't as hard hit as other NC cities. That is a good sign of our stronger real estate market. There are many factors that keep Wilmington at the top of places to buy, invest, and live lists published year after year. The projected growth and industry are here. The University of North Carolina grows in size year after year. We have many people wanting to relocate to the coast at all different ages. This will keep the coastal area of Wilmington strong for many, many years to come. The information below is from realtytrac.com.

Raleigh - 611 foreclosures
Charlotte - 2,141 foreclosures
Greensboro - 730 foreclosures
Wilmington - 143 foreclosures

For more information on Wilmington, NC real estate and Wilmington, NC luxury real estate!

Monday, March 2, 2009

Moving Money


When purchasing real estate getting ready for a closing make sure your funds are where they need to be AND that you are actually able to access them on the day you need to. This can and has delayed closings...even up to a week!

If you disagree with my opinions or have any questions, please call me @ 910-352-1043or email me @ jessicariffle@seacoastrealty.com.


Click here for more information on Wilmington, NC real estate and Wilmington, NC Luxury real estate!

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Gov. Perdue Stimulates Ecomony Signs Additional Tax Credit

North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue recently signed the authorization that will provide new financial assistance to first-time home buyers and stimulate sales of about 1,500 North Carolina homes. The authorization enables the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency to expand its Mortgage Certificate Credit (MCC) program, which allows eligible home buyers to reduce their federal tax liability by 20 percent of the mortgage interest they pay annually. The program is one of only a handful in the nation and may ultimately save North Carolina home buyers more than $30 million.

“The MCC will help stimulate the housing market, which is integral to the recovery of our state’s economy,” Gov. Perdue said. “This is just the type of innovation from a state government agency that will help spur our economic recovery.”

The MCC program enables first-time buyers to take a tax credit up to $2,000 every year they occupy their home. This is in addition to the itemized mortgage interest deduction that all homeowners can claim.

“The MCC not only helps home buyers get into their first home but keeps the home affordable through the life of the mortgage by increasing their monthly take-home pay," stated Lucius Jones, board chairman, NC Housing Finance Agency.

For example, a home buyer who borrows $146,750 at 5.5 percent interest pays $8,022 in interest in the first 12 months. The 20 percent MCC means that home buyer reduces his tax liability by $1,751 for that year and allows the buyer to reduce his monthly tax withholding accordingly. Over the first 10 years of ownership, the home buyer would save $14,873 in taxes paid to the IRS.

For buyers who qualify, the MCC can be even more beneficial than the home buyer tax credit in the Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA) of 2008. While Congress made the HERA tax credit a true tax credit, it still expires this year, while the benefit of the MCC continues throughout the life of the loan. Even if the home buyer refinances, the 20% MCC tax credit may be reissued with the new mortgage.

To qualify for an MCC, a buyer’s income cannot exceed certain maximums, which range from $85,000 for a family of three or more in urban areas such as Raleigh down to $62,000 in more rural areas. The MCC can be used in conjunction with most mortgages, and borrowers can apply through the Agency’s more than 700 participating lenders and their branches. To find a lender, go to www.nchfa.com.

For more info on Wilmington, NC real estate and Wilmington, NC Luxury Real estate click here!