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.

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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

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Realtor Paycheck Part 2

Contact me at JessicaRiffle@SeaCoastRealty.com or 910-352-1043.

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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

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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!

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

Roadmap to Rebound: Housing

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

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.

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!

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.

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

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