We Did it Again!

The numbers don't lie... Allen Tate Company out performed all other real estate companies in the Triad in the first half of 2010! There are lots of ways to interpret that statement, but we are proud to report that we closed more transactions than any other company from Jan 1, 2010 to June 30, 2010. To ask the proverbial question... do you want your home LISTED or do you want it SOLD?

Why Being a Mom Makes Me a Better Realtor

As I sit here watching my daughter blissfully nap in her swing and await the arrival of my husband and son home from a long day, I can't help but think about how being a mom has changed me. I knew it would change how I planned my daily life and how I spent my money, but I didn't realize that it would change the fundamental ways in which I look at everything, even my job. I have always worked with clients with concerns regarding neighborhoods, schools, etc. Those two things, among others, are important factors for home buyers with children. I have always understood that. I used to get that a certain school was important, or a neighborhood pool, for example, but now I GET IT. The welfare of your children colors every decision you make, from deciding where to eat supper to where to buy a home. We no longer come first, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Being a mom has made me more compassionate, empathetic, and patient (life was simpler when I didn't care so much!), and hopefully my clients will see that I really do GET IT now.

Mortgage Loan Application aka I'm Back!!!

You have probably noticed it's been a while since my last post -- 4 weeks in fact! -- but I am back now after basking in the bliss of having a beautiful new baby. Just let me know if you want to see pictures!

Anyway, I am working with several first time buyers or folks who haven't purchased in many years right now, and I often get asked what a lender will need for that first appointment regarding the oh-so-important loan application. Because being expedient in applying and getting the necessary documents together is part of a purchase agreement, it helps to know what to expect up front. The following is a comprehensive list of what most lenders will need:

-- Residence addresses for 2 years
-- Last 2 years of paystubs, W2s, tax returns, etc.
-- Names and addresses of all employers for last 2 years
-- Last 3 months bank statements for all savings & checking accounts
-- Addresses of all real estate owned with lender info, mortgage balance, monthly payment, etc.
-- A check to pay for your credit report and appraisal
-- Copy of purchase contract
-- Copy of divorce decree if applicable
-- Copy of bankruptcy papers if applicable
-- Certificate of eligibiltiy if VA

As always, I am here to help. Call, text, email, or tweet me today!

Real Estate v Baseball

OK, I admit it... this is copied from the At Home in the Carolinas blog -- I love baseball, so this one was very enjoyable!


South Carolina produced major league standouts like Camden’s Larry Doby and Anderson’s Jim Rice. North Carolina brought us Williamston’s Gaylord Perry, Hertford’s Catfish Hunter, and Raleigh’s Josh Hamilton. And while the Carolinas do not have a major league baseball team (yet), minor league teams such as the Durham Bulls, Charlotte Knights, Carolina Mudcats, Burlington Royals, Greensboro Grasshoppers, and Winston-Salem Dash keep the game relevant and thriving.
Being a fan of the sport, I recently spent some time thinking about the game and its myriad of rules, rituals and strategies developed over its many decades. Turns out, there’s a lot we can learn from the game when talking real estate:
 Baseball is a rewarding long-term investment of your time. So is real estate.
 In a Buyer’s market, it’s better to be the batter than the ball.
 Numbers are important. You can’t properly analyze a baseball team or a real estate market without understanding them.
 Deferred maintenance never works to your advantage (Apologies to the Baltimore Orioles).
 Waiting until next year is not always the best strategy. Get your home sold now before inventories explode. Buy a home now before mortgage rates leave the basement.
 Past performance does not guarantee future performance. Watch out for underperforming “superstars” and housing bubbles.
 Trust your coach. Love your trusted REALTOR®.
 Sometimes homeownership throws us a curve. That’s when you’re happy to have a home warranty.
 A well-maintained lawn is more valuable than artificial turf.
 Spitting should never be permitted in a dugout or a living room.

Tax Credit Extension

After a close brush with the deadline, Congress has passed an extension of
the Homebuyer Tax Credit closing deadline, the Homebuyer Assistance and
Improvement Act (H.R. 5623) . The extension applies only to transactions
that have ratified contracts in place as of April 30, 2010 that have not yet
closed. The legislation is designed to create a seamless extension the new
closing deadline for eligible transactions is now September 30, 2010. There
is will be no gap between June 30 and the date the President signs the bill
into law.

NAR worked closely with Congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle to
enact this important legislation. Extending the Tax Credit Closing deadline
will help provide additional stability to real estate markets across the
nation.

For additional information on the extension visit
www.realtor.org/government_affairs

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/

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%