I hear alot of people coming in taking about other developments and pricing.  Yes the bottom line is important, but will you sacrifice quality, comfort, and security?

Knowing that alot of developments are dropping their prices, what are they sacrificing to get you that price?  Don't forget you need good quality construction to keep other costs down in the long run, such as - electric, gas, water, sewer.  The length of life for the home and price appreciation

Remember when buying a home, compare.  There are alot of homes out there for sale, we might be a little more expensive, but stop by and see what we offer.

Bernice

After monitoring some of the Foreclosed properties that have come on the market it seems the banks, or some of them, have streamlined there operations.  I noticed it only took one of the banks to buy back a home at sheriff's sale and turn it around in less than 60 days.  Now the process of negotiating with the bank may still be a long process, it can be done.  It seems that title issues or properties that permits were not obtained seem to be the sticky ones.

With the holiday season fast approaching we will be working our new construction sites, taking off a few days to spend with our families, but will be there to answer any questions you might have.

Bernice

She looked at me rather surprised, "Really?!".  At that point I explained to her how the Real Estate Market has fluctuated through the years but Real Estate is always a great investment in your future.  People need a place to live. 

Yes the media has speculated that all housing markets are down, that is far from the truth.  Each market share it different.  Granted we are down a little, but look at the past 100 years, we are up and down, just like the stock market.

The truth is with mortgage rates lower than they have ever been and homes being sold everyday, we are fine.  Yes mortgage guidelines have changed, but isn't that expected?  Rates have changed for the better, I can remember when rates were at 11%, hard to imagine, but very true.

As a country I think we should all come together work with each other.  Patronize a business in your area to keep our communities strong.

Have any questions or just want some statistics, give me a call or email me, it would be my pleasure to help you.

Bernice

Hope everyone is enjoying this summer.  We have had some wonderful days and now we are in the scorching part of the summer.  With all the acitivites that are available on the wonderful Delmarvalous Pennisula it seems we just don't have enough time for it all. 

In your travels don't forget to stop and visit the Carole Cares Team.  We are having Open Houses in Kent & Sussex County.  Our Model at Dickinson Creek is now open from Thursday - Monday 12-5 PM.

Bernice has been working on our website to get activities, yard sales and even more available to you. 

If you know of anything coming up email Bernice@carolecaresteam.com and she will go her best to get it online.

Carole & Bernice

Carole

Carole

Shelter Mortgage, an operating subsidiary of Guaranty Bank, headquartered in Milwaukee, WI and with a local servicing center in Philadelphia. Since 1984, Shelter Mortgage (a fourth-generation family-owned business) has built strong relationships by providing excellent service and products to several real estate organizations in their partner companies. We are very excited about the new partnership, as Shelter possesses many of the same business values that have successfully guided our company since 1961. 

Shelter offers a wide variety of mortgage products suited for today’s buyers; they have built a reputation for delivering the best possible experience for their partners, and their partners’ buyers. Shelter is also supported by a Product Team that continually analyzes local markets to keep current on mortgage trends and stay ahead of the competition with new loan products.

We firmly believe this new partnership will make our presence in the marketplace stronger by providing us with the products to fully service the needs of today’s buyer, while enhancing overall customer satisfaction.

If you are thinking of buying, selling or refinancing, give Cindy Thurman a call at (302)672-6659 to see what new programs are available for you.

Carole

Wanted to update you on our new development Dickinson Creek in Frederica, Delaware.  With 67 lots to chose from, 3 acre recreation area, street lights, sidewalks and lots backing to woods and stream, we are just about ready for our Grand Opening. 

7 models to chose from an a builder who has been in our area for 3 generations, the development promises to sell quickly. 

Keep an eye out for the date and I will update you as soon as we are ready to go.

Carole

If you have owned your current home for the last 5 years and are thinking about upgrading, downsizing or moving to a different area you are now eligible for a tax credit of $6500.

These credits have just been extended to the end of April with closing by June 30th.  If you have any questions feel free to give me a call or email.  302-672-6016 or carolcares@aol.com.

Carole

December 1st the tax credit for First Time Homebuyer's will be gone.  The National Association of Realtor's lobbying and going to capital hill to get it extending.  But so far no luck.  With the new regulations for mortgage company it is taking longer to get a property to settlement so don't wait any long, get off the fence, now is the time to buy.

Carole

In the past homes could close within 45 days, but with new regulations and new time frames put on the mortgage companies it can take up to 3 months to close. 

If you have been sitting on the fence, waiting for homes to be reduced, you might miss out on great rates and the $8,000.00 Tax Credit. 

The average rate for the 30 year fixed mortgage was 5.12% last week, the lowest level since the end of May, according to Freddie Mac.

Buyer's are finding affordable home prices, a larger selection and builder incentives to encourage them to buy.  Also let's not forget the $8,000 tax credit.  That will no longer be available after November 30th.  You must settle by then to take advantage of the credit.

Any questions, give me a call or send an email. 

Carole

Don't let this opportunity pass you by, if you have been thinking of buying a home.  The American Dream is still alive and well.  There are great homes and great rates now.  If you see a sign in a yard and have questions, don't forget being a Delaware licensed Realtor I can show any listing out there or answer any questions you might have.  Talk to you soon, Carole.

This is the prime home-buying season, so if you are a seller ready to sell, now is the time.  Call me if you have any Real Estate questions or needs.

Statistics show that existing-home sales increased in February, reversing losses in January.  First-time buyers accounted for half of all February home sales-mostly in the lower price ranges.  National median home sales price was $165,400 in February ...down 15.5% from a year ago when the median was $195,800. 

If you would like information on your market area, give me a call or email me for the information.

Carole

When it comes to rates - they don't mean anything until they are locked in.  Most rates are changing every 5 hours so unless your are seriously ready to make that move - don't shop rates.

Are we at the bottom?  Is the market stablizing?  Everyone seems to have their own opinion.  It seems that the news stated we were at the bottom when the dow dropped and especially when it hit 6,547 on March 9th.  I think they mean bottom when they choose to declare it as bottom.

With more and more evidence shows the economoy is starting to stabilize. 

First-Time Home Buyers is defined as not owning a home in the last three years.  If they purchase and close on a home from January 1 through November 30 of this year, they can qualify for $8,000; FREE MONEY.

For single taxpayers the income limit is $75,000; for married couples, it is $150,000 to qualify for the full $8000.  Single taxpayers earning between $75,000 and $95,000 and married couples earning between $150,000 and $170,000 can qualify for a partial credit.

The refundable credit means that a taxpayer' tax liability is less than $8,000, they get the difference in a check from the government.  If the taxpayer is getting a refund, they will receive the entire $8,000 in addition to their refund.

A lot of people don't realize 100% financing is still available.  VA Home Loans and USDA 100% Guarantee Rural Housing Home Loans are excellent choices for home buyers.  They require no down payment, the seller can pay all of the closing costs, there is no monthly PMI and at a fixed interest rate for thirty years.  Closing can take place in 45 days.

Now is a perfect time for first time home buyers to make a move.  With no down Payment, needed, low fixed interest rate and a bonus of $8,000; what an incentive.

For more details on the tax credit: www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com