Saturday, June 26, 2010

Our New Blog!!!

Allen Tate Company now has a blog called "At Home in the Carolinas" -- follow the link below to visit it and subscribe!

http://athome.allentate.com/2010/06/whats-up-with-the-upper-end-market/

Friday, June 25, 2010

LOW Rates!

For the week ending June 11th
30 year fixed 4.50%
15 year fixed 4.00%
5/1 Conventional ARM 3.375%
FHA 4.500%
VA 4.500%
NCHFA 4.250%

Investment 5.00%

Thursday, June 17, 2010

New Lead-Based Paint Regulation in Effect in North Carolina

In April of 2008, the Environmental Protection Agency issued a new rule aimed at protecting children from lead-based paint hazards in places they frequent. The rule applies to renovation, repair and painting activities in housing and child-occupied facilities built prior to 1978. The rule was fully effective by April 22, 2010.
North Carolina now has a new law. North Carolina's Lead Hazard Management Program (LHMP) for Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting (RR&P) Rule became effective January 1, 2010. In North Carolina, the Health Hazards Control Unit (HHCU), certifies firms and renovators who perform renovations in housing and child-occupied facilities built before 1978, and accredits training courses and training providers who wish to teach the required renovator and/or dust sampling technician courses for certification purposes.
These rules require that contractors performing renovation, repair and painting activities provide the "Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools"lead hazard information pamphlet to the owner/occupant before the renovation begins and follow specific lead safe work practices.
To get more information on this new rule, visit their web site - North Carolina Lead-Based Paint Hazard Management Program http://www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/lead/lhmp.html The NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Public Health, Health Hazards Control Unit (HHCU) can be contacted by calling (919) 707-5950.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Rates for 6-8-10 -- WOW

30 year fixed 4.625%
15 year fixed 4.250%
5/1 Conventional ARM 3.375%
FHA 4.750%
VA 4.750%
NCHFA 4.750%

Investment 5.375%

Monday, June 7, 2010

Professional Movers or Do it Yourself?

This is adapted from my monthly HomeNotes newsletter. If you would like to subscribe, please let me know!

If hiring a moving company, keep a few things in mind:
-- Hire a reputable company
-- Make sure the mover is properly insured
-- Request a home visit and written estimate
-- Avoid end of the month and summer moves
-- Let the movers pack your breakables so they will be insured
-- Document everything

If doing it yourself:
-- Make a pre-move packing list for each box
-- Have more boxes and supplies on hand than you think you will need
-- Keep similar items together
-- Have cleaning supplies handy
-- Safeguard valuable items


For more details or elaboration, text or email me. I can send you the actual newsletter. Have a good week!