It’s time to start thinking about how to make your home stand shoulders above the rest if you are planning to sell in 2008. However, don’t make unneeded repairs for which you won’t be able to recoup the improvement costs. The most important concepts of making your home salable are to give the appearance of being neat, clean and spacious.

Remodeling magazine found that homeowners could recover 83% of the cost of a minor kitchen remodel at resale compared with 78% of a major kitchen remodeling. Therefore, logic suggests that you replace a countertop if it’s crumbling but not if its only fault is having an outdated appearance. And, there’s no need to update to granite unless the competition has granite countertops as well. (more…)

search for : Remodeling

This one-of-a-kind lakefront lot is truly unique within the Malone Bay community. It is one of the most desirable, if not the most desirable lot among the few remaining properties with waterfront access to W. Kerr Scott Lake.

Malone Bay features 18 lots at W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir. 14 are Lakefront and meet private dock requirements. This is a gated community with Lots ranging from 2.3+- acres to 6.8+- acres On the Hwy 421 side of the lake just off South Minton Road, Wilkesboro, NC 28697

Main Channel Views.
300 feet of waterfront.
Dock with boat slip and 2 jet ski slips.

2.86 acres.

MLS Number: 51155
List Price: $359,000
Lot Size: 2.86 ac.
Apx Acreage: 2.86
Type: Waterfront
Area: Area 2
Suitable Use: Residential

Topography: Rolling
Utilities: Underground Utilities
Road Frontage: Private Road
Restrictions: yes
Water/Sewer: Public Water
Miscellaneous: 1-5 Acres
Location: Malone Way

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search for : Malone Bay, W. Kerr Scott Lake, W. Kerr Scott Dam

United States banks are losing billions of dollars from the mortgage debacle. As credit woes threaten the broader economy, investigators are trying to determine whether Wall Street investment banks bundled risky loans with good ones without properly disclosing such risk to investors.

Law enforcement officials are scrutinizing whether banks and mortgage lenders helped fuel the crisis by misleading investors about dicey housing assets and then covered up losses when the markets turned sour. Many of the bank assets that diaappeared were explicitly marketed as involving borrowers with troubled credit histories, alerting investors that they were high-risk bets. (more…)

search for : mortgage debacle, mortgage lender

Being that we all use or kitchens more during the holiday season, most kitchen remodels begin as soon as the holidays end. That’s usually when the taste of antiquated appliances, fixtures, cabinetry and odd-colored finishes are still fresh in everyone’s mind.

We will all probably agree that the kitchen is the single most complex room in our homes. So justifiably so, we need to be sure to study each and every aspect as thoroughly as possible before you spending a dime on the remodeling project. (more…)

search for : remodels

MSN is featuring a fine article entitled “Find a superstar real-estate agent”. Presented in a time-line fashion, the article details steps a prospective homeowner might fine useful in selecting the “right” agent for their home purchase or sale.

In fact, the difference between an average real-estate agent or a superstar can mean thousands of dollars in the pocket of a consumer. It can mean selling a home for top dollar or losing the house of dreams to a more organized buyer. (more…)

The amount paid in local and state property taxes in the country increased 50 percent from 2000 to 2006, according to Census data cited by some U.S. Congress members when discussing the topic. During that time, inflation rose 17 percent and median household income dropped 2 percent. Local governments and states leaning more heavily on property taxes to meet revenue shortfalls and rising home values pushing up assessments.

Homeowners only know they have to find a way to pay the bills and are pressuring their legislative leaders to do something. At least five states this year cut property taxes and 21 tried to provide homeowners relief from higher bills, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. In 2008, more legislatures are expected to try to find solutions to rising taxes. Congress has gotten involved through proposals that would allow people who don’t itemize to deduct all or portions of their local or state property tax bills from their federal income tax. (more…)

search for : property tax, cut property taxes

“Green Building & Remodeling for Dummies” by Eric Corey Freed may be the perfect give for the house or condo owner that 1) is interested in doing a bit of remodeling and 2) leans towards protecting our environment.

The book is a step-by-step guide to every facet of this earth-friendly method of construction. Building with eco-friendly materials involves designing and constructing buildings and homes to reduce energy use, conserve water, improve indoor air quality, and reduce reliance on nonrenewable natural resources.

Eric Corey Freed teaches sustainable design at the Academy of Art University and the University of California, Berkeley. He sits on the board of numerous environmentally focused nonprofits and museums. (more…)

search for : eco-friendly, reduce energy use

$5,850,000

MLS Number: 50913

City: Valle Crucis, NC
Stories: 2
Bedrooms: 4 Baths: 4.5
Area: Boone-Blowing Rock, NC
Year Built: 1990
Plus Five fully furnished 1,400 sq. ft. Rental Cottages. Each built in 1996 on approx. 1/2 acre sites. Current cottage average annual rental income $150,000.

39.4 acres with 360 degree view of Blue Ridge Mountains.

5,200 sq. ft. main house built in 1990 on 1.24 acres.

No restrictions and no zoning offer many other options:

* Family compound
* Corporate retreat
* Religous retreat
* Horse farm / Dude ranch
* Recording studio
* Cottages can be sold separately
* Land can be further subdivided if desired

Contact Elizabeth Carter, 336.973.5594 or Greg Stikeleather, Broker, 704.880.5247 or email eacarter@charter.net

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search for : Valle Crucis, NC, Blowing Rock, NC, Blue Ridge Mountains

This Christmas season, there’s a backlash brewing against over-the-top holiday displays. With community associations ramping up holiday decorating contests and manufacturers pitching an increasing variety of yard decor some homeowners and cities have had enough.

Disgruntled neighbors complain of everything from traffic to wasted electricity. In some locales, people called for the city to crack down on loud music or decorations that linger after holidays. Police in some areas of the country even report that the growing number of blow-up Santas adorning people’s yards are targets for stabbing and other forms of violent deflation.

Police in some areas are also saying that the large inflatables — which can range from 4 to 12 feet tall — are attracting the attention of vandals who like to poke holes in them and deflate them. (more…)

search for : Christmas, blow-up Santas

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 specifies federal tax credits for homeowner who make energy efficiency upgrades to their home or condo. Consumers employing energy efficient products in their homes enjoy multiple benefits. At home, these benefits include lower home energy bills, increased indoor comfort and reduced air pollution.

The energy-efficient products eligible for federal tax credits lower the amount of federal income taxes that these taxpayers must pay the IRS. However, consumers don’t receive an income tax credit when the product is bought, like an instant rebate. Rather, those purchasing certain energy related items can claim the credit on their federal income tax form at the end of the year. The credit then increases the tax refund received or decreases the amount of tax owed. (more…)

search for : Energy Policy Act of 2005, income tax credit, federal income tax