There’s no telling how long the current housing situation will drag on. Here’s what you need to know before you start shopping in a rocky market.
Click here for the article from CNN Money
and here are some rules for sellers
N.C. regulators voted today to approve a new rule that will require real estate agents to provide a written disclosure of bonuses they might receive from sellers before a buyer makes an offer to purchase a home.
The rule, which will help homebuyers know if their agent has an extra financial interest in showing them a home, is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.
With the worst housing slump in a generation slashing home prices across the country, the dynamics of the market have shifted squarely in favor of buyers.
With the worst housing slump in a generation slashing home prices across the country, the dynamics of the market have shifted squarely in favor of buyers. And as the real estate industry grows increasingly Web-savvy, house hunters can now scour through neighborhoods, inspect front porches, and even peek inside bedrooms from the comfort of their desktops. But while this surge of new information can help you find that perfect home, it can also–at times–make the whole process overwhelming. Here are six ways to ensure that your online real estate search is as efficient and effective as possible.
The outlook for owners of “prime property” – “the most desirable, and normally most expensive, property in a defined location” – notably for vacation homes, is much more optimistic, according to the 2008 Annual Wealth Report by property consultants, Knight Frank, and Citi Private Bank.
“The boom in second home ownership over the past decade will be nothing compared with the growth we will see over the next decade,” the report says.
Spring has always been busy for real estate. Even though buyers and sellers remain cautious, now could be a good time to make a move
The spring home-buying season is upon us. In small towns and big cities alike, “Open House” and “For Sale” signs are sprouting like crocuses. But it will take more than pleasant weather to thaw the ice-cold real estate market.
If many home buyers have never shopped for their own title insurance, will they use a Web site that not only helps them do that, but also select their own appraiser, home inspector, surveyor, or termite company?
Jeff Lazerson thinks they will, and armed with a $100,000 Ford Foundation grant, he’s building Fairclosingcosts.com, a Web site that he says will allow not only consumers but real estate and mortgage professionals to shop for settlement services.
In the midst of all the gloom and doom on the housing front, one remarkably-bright statistic has just been announced: Last week the National Association of Realtors reported that 12 percent of all existing home sales last year were not primary residences, they were instead vacation homes.
Local Marine League Detachment formed Jefferson Post Tom “Tugboat” Northrop of Ashe County is among the area Marine veterans who helped form the High Country Detachment 1389 of the North Carolina Department Marine Corps League. Senior Vice Commandant of the Mountaineer Detachment in Watauga County, ... |
Snow on the slopes in Western North Carolina TriCities.com Established in 1967, Beech Mountain Resort — formerly called “Ski Beech” — ranks among three ski slopes in North Carolina's High Country, a scenic region where mountains stand like stacks more than a mile high. Over the past couple of years, ... |
POSTED BY: Mike Dojc TORO Magazine Daniel Boone Nestled between the peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, the charming towns of Boone, Banner Elk and Blowing Rock make up the North Carolina High Country. The kite high moniker reflects the awesome elevation, not hydroponic ... |
Our View: When the whistle stops, heed the call Watauga Democrat Beverly Perdue has been often more visible in the High Country than other state-elected CEOs. And as we move forward with the recent news that Perdue will not seek a second term, this is a trend any contender must be committed to continuing. |
2011 state park attendance matches record WSOC Charlotte WATAUGA COUNTY, NC -- Visits to North Carolina state parks continued at record levels in 2011, and the High Country's natural gems were among the highest achievers, according to a report released last week. Approximately 14.25 million visits to state ... |
 Boone Mountain Times | Positive Vibration Boone Mountain Times Founded in Boone in 2004, Hope Massive was bred out of a shared admiration of Marley amongst Brown and friend Justin Butler. The reggae and dancehall six-piece has been a musical mainstay in the High Country and also received regional recognition upon ... |
Our View: Seeing the mountains for the trees Watauga Democrat After polishing its natural gems for millennia, it's no surprise that state parks in the High Country are among those most visited in North Carolina. Our state parks did well overall in 2011. More than 14 million visitors hiked, picnicked or just ... |
Our View: Volunteer to make a difference Watauga Democrat Thumbs-down: to the number of volunteer vacancies on committees and boards assisting Boone Town Council. Many of us already volunteer our time with our church, with scouts or with an area nonprofit, by way of example. Many more of us don't. |
 Boone Mountain Times | Back in Black Boone Mountain Times By Frank Ruggiero (frank.ruggiero@mountaintimes.com) Comedian Lewis Black returns to Boone Feb. 9, promising a show filled with all new material. The standup comedian, actor and author is known for his impassioned – and oftentimes steaming – views on ... |
 Watauga Democrat | Thank you, Jim Greene Watauga Democrat In honor of Jim, I wanted to share this updated piece about “The Voice of Avery County,” whom our community will dearly miss. I am a better person because of having known Jim, and his contributions to countless Avery County and High Country lives will ... |
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