Many people think that the original recorded deed is necessary for their sale. This document, however, has already been recorded in the Register of Deeds’ Office for the county that your property is in and is not nearly as helpful as their Owners’ Title Insurance Policy.

In searching the title to your home, the buyers’ closing attorney will customarily perform a 30-year search or, in certain circumstances, will “tack on” to an existing Owners’ Title Insurance policy, thus shortening the length of the search from the date of the sellers’ Owners’ policy. This serves two purposes, one benefiting the buyer and one benefiting the seller: (1) the buyers get a reduced, or “re-issue,” rate on the title insurance they must purchase for their lender and for themselves; and (2) the sellers need only to resolve any title issues that have arisen since the date of their Owners’ policy, which is typically the date that they purchased the property, rather than having to resolve any title issues of the last thirty years. This can save you countless time and effort if all it takes is providing a copy of your Owners’ Title Insurance Policy.

Other important documents that might (but may not necessarily) be needed are any existing surveys, cancelled Notes/Deeds of Trust that had been paid off or refinanced while you’ve owned the property, certificates of occupancy for additions/alterations, variances, and any documentation pertaining to approvals sought and granted by the homeowners association for improvements to the property.

A little bit of foresight and preparation while these documents are readily available to you could save you from having to locate documentation or reconstruct a paper trail and, instead put you on the path to a smooth closing.

Cynthia J. Robinson
C.J. Robinson, P.A.
10336 Troutman Road
Midland, NC 28107
(ph) 704-721-0076
(fax) 704-721-0661
(email) cjrobinson@ctc.net

Renting is Getting Costlier

In the old days; it was easy to argue that renting was more affordable on a month-to-month basis. In other words, monthly rent payments were often drastically lower than average monthly mortgage payments. That is becoming less and less true. In fact, it’s often possible to get a mortgage with a monthly payment that is significantly lower than the payment that goes along with the typical apartment lease. Renting isn’t always cheaper, and you could save a lot of money by purchasing a home instead.

Interest Rates are at Record Lows

When it comes to buying a home, interest rates have never been lower. In recent months, they have dipped down to record lows. The overall expense of getting a home loan is, therefore, considerably lower than it used to be. The same is true about home refinancing. By refinancing right now, you could secure an exceptionally low interest rate that lowers your monthly payments by a significant margin. The real estate market may not be in great shape, but low interest rates mitigate a lot of that.

Housing Prices couldn’t be Lower

In just about every part of the country, housing prices have dropped precipitously. While that is bad news for the people who currently own those homes, it’s great news for people who are looking to purchase new homes. Prices are expected to drop a little lower too. They aren’t expected to start rising again for the foreseeable future, but that doesn’t mean that you should wait. Thanks to these low prices, you can probably afford a nicer and larger house than you could even a few years ago.

Buying a House is Still a Smart Move

Whether home values remain the same or go up, buying a house is still a very viable option. Unlike renting, you will be investing your money in something that will provide long-term benefits. That is true even if you don’t end up making a lot of money when selling the house at a later date. As a homeowner, you will be able to call all of the shots when it comes to updating and remodeling your home. There is a lot of satisfaction to be had from owning a home, and there has never been a better time to buy.

Incredible low country home situated on a private 2.48 acre cul-de-sac homesite. This 2 story home has a fully finished basement and features 5 large bedrooms and 4.5 baths in over 4800 square feet. A charming wrap-around front porch invites you in to this beatiful home with hardwood floors, fresh paint thoughout and new carpet. Call today for a tour!

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Have you ever wondered what it takes to sell your home in any market?  My neighbor just sold their home and it has been on the market less time than ours and sold for more money.

So why hasn’t my home sold?

The answer is simple, Curb Appeal.  Curb Appeal is 72 percent to 78 percent of why a home sells or doesn’t sell.  Stand across the street and look at your home.

Here are some ideas to improve the curb appeal of your home:

Your lawn should be weed free and bright green at all times.

1. Keep your flower beds free from weeds and always add pine needles or mulch.
2. Make sure your lawn is mowed and the clippings are picked up.
3. Keep trees and shrubs looking trimmed and sculpted.
4. Add color with annuals which take transforms a dull look and makes it “pop”.
5. Power wash your drive way, sidewalk and steps where necessary.
6. Make sure that coach lights and porch lights are clean with fresh bulbs.
7. Remove window screens from the front windows in order to promote a clean look.
8. Wash windows inside and out.
9. Never let tree branches get in the way of someone walking up to your front door.
10. Paint trim, shutters or the entire home if necessary.

When trying to sell your home in this market or any market, you don’t want to lose a potential buyer because of poor curb appeal.  Curb talks to a potential buyer long before the walk in.  It says the seller has pride in ownership and the inside is even lovelier than the outside.  So why not come in and view this beautiful home!

Here are four most important steps to selling your home in a slow economy:

1. Hire a professional Realtor.  A professional, experienced Realtor with a proven track record for success knows what to do and when to do it.
2. Pricing is critical.  The concept of making a price high to have room to negotiate is a poor strategy.  Price it correctly and you will have multiple offers in less time.  Price it wrong and you will always be chasing the market.  Remember you can’t get a hit if no one throws you the ball.
3. Prepare your home to sell.  How you live in a home is different from how you prepare your home for sale.Remove clutter and always remember less is more.
   • Keep counters and cabinets well organized.
   • Neutralize colors.  (your taste may not be the next buyers taste).
   • Update light fixtures, plumbing fixtures and, if necessary, carpets.Clean, clean, clean, and clean again.  Light, bright and airy should be your goal.
4. Visit your competition with your Realtor.  If you are in a market that you are  competing with new construction you might have to offer similar sales concessions such as closing costs.

In order to sell your home and/or receive top dollar, your home must be the best out there in location, condition and price.  The notion that you will give an “allowance” for carpet, paint or updating is just wrong.  Today’s buyer has so much to select from that they will pass on your home to another that is in better condition. In many cases they move on to newer construction or homes that show a more updated look.