Posted by Kim Adamof on Mon, Mar 01, 2010 @ 09:56 AM
Taft Woods West is a section of the Flowers Plantation in Clayton NC. Luxury Homes for sale.
Posted by Kim Adamof on Wed, Jan 13, 2010 @ 12:19 PM
HomeTowne Realty has launched a Builder/Developer Services (BDS)/New Homes Division and has struck a deal with the Fred Smith Company to market the
LionsGate Community. Cassondra Liles
of HomeTowne Realty will head the division and states that, "this is an exciting time for our company. With this new division we can offer a much stronger marketing presence to our current builders and are better positioned to support those with whom we have not yet developed a relationship. With this new partnership with the Fred Smith Company we feel we have the credibility to approach other builders in our community to propose our marketing plan to them."
"Cassondra is a seasoned real estate professional that concentrates her services on the
Clayton/
Garner area. As a top producer in our community and a certified e-Pro Realtor she is dedicated to providing high-tech/ high touch professional service to our clients" according to Pandora Pearson, Broker-In-Charge/Partner, HomeTowne Realty Garner.
LionsGate is a planned urban development in the heart of Clayton offering many onsite amenities including a fitness center, pool with a beach entry area and spray ground for children, a waterslide and lazy river. Likewise, there is an onsite child development center and future plans for a shopping area. All yard maintenance is taken care of by the home owners association and is part of the monthly dues. Homes range from the $150's to the $250's with many ranch and first floor master plans. Onsite office hours are 10 am - 6 pm on Saturdays and 1 pm - 6pm on Sundays.
Barry Woodard, co- founder and co-owner of HomeTowne Realty comments that, "" We look forward to this unique opportunity to represent LionsGate. It is such a diverse, yet custom, community. Our staff and Agents are up to the challenge of making this a rewarding experience for both HomeTowne Realty and Fred Smith Company."
Posted by Kim Adamof on Tue, Jan 05, 2010 @ 09:43 AM
With the enactment of the new Tax Credit for existing homeowners, buyers want to understand how they can take advantage of the credit.
We had Daniel Nunes of Suntrust Mortgage provide us with specific details for our clients.
You can go to our page Move Up / Repeat Home Buyer Tax Credit for specific details.
If you wish to take advantage of this tax credit, the market is starting to pick up so contact us to get started.
Posted by Kim Adamof on Wed, Dec 09, 2009 @ 09:53 AM
Portofino Subdivision in Clayton North Carolina has several large lots available for sale. These lots can be purchased with no building timeline. Bring your own builder and your house plans. 
Some of the lots overlook the Neuse River. You can even build your own dock for canoe access directly onto the Neuse River.
These special lots are part of the Mountain to Sea Trail which runs along the Neuse River.
For a complete list of available lots and prices of each lot, visit us at Portofino.myHTR.com
Posted by Kim Adamof on Tue, Dec 08, 2009 @ 11:05 AM
Summer Ridge is completing phase two and opening phase three for future homeowners to select lots for a presale.
Take a country drive to the Wake/Johnston County line and find Willow Spring, NC. This quiet neighborhood is nestled around farmland and convenient to I40, Hwy 50, Hwy 42, Old Stage Road and Hwy 401.
Select a lot and then a house plan at SummerRidgeNC.com. One of our custom builders can build you your dream home for this spring.
Summer Ridge's quaint pond sits on the open space and makes a beautiful view for homeowners. 
The homeowner's association is for maintaining the front entrance and open space. The cost is only $10 a month and the convenants can be found on our website SummerRidgeNC.com.
Visit our website to learn more about this new construction neighborhood.
Posted by Kim Adamof on Thu, Nov 19, 2009 @ 08:00 AM
HomeTowne Realty was recently retained by Perry Brothers Development to market Summer Ridge, a new construction neighborhood in Willow Spring, NC located at the intersection of Mt. Pleasant and Jackson King Rd. near the Hwy 42W and Hwy 50 area. .
Summer Ridge, located in quiet, yet convenient, southwest Johnston County. Located 20 minutes to Fuquay Varina, Clayton, Garner, Garner, Raleigh, and Holly Springs, Summer Ridge is an ideal rural location you can call home.
Home prices for Summer Ridge will start from the low $200s. Currently phase 2 is selling with Phase 3 starting around Summer of 2010. There are 34 lots available to select from, ranging in size from 1/2 to 1 acre. To learn more about our builder team, visit us at Builders.myHTR.com.
To see the availability of lots, floorplans, current inventory of homes for sale, visit www.SummerRidgeNC.com. To learn more about HomeTowne Realty, including information on all its real estate listings, please visit www.MyHTR.com
Posted by Kim Adamof on Fri, Oct 23, 2009 @ 12:30 PM
For home buyers with at least one person at least 55 years of age, you are eligle to choose purchasing a home in an Active Adult Community. These communities typically are predominately owner-occupied with just a few rental homes. This type of community's appeal for homeowners is varied.
Lets review some of the main reasons people choose to purchase homes in Active Adult Communities:
Desirable Home Designs. Homes are built with flexible open floor plans in a variety of styles. Many feature single-level living to eliminate the need for scaling steps. All homes with offer livable designs with enhanced quality and desirable features in an upgraded, energy efficient and affordable home.
Low Maintenance. Dues cover most exterior maintenance such as lawn care, annual pressure washing, pool/clubhouse care, and general landscape maintenance.
Change of Pace and Lifestyle. These communities will allow new experiences, new scenery, new activies in an environment where neighbors share similar backgrounds and interests.
Active Lifestyle. There are a tremendouse number of lifestyle amenities including access to pools, golf, tennis, walking trails, and fitness centers. The clubhouse is the hub for book clubs, card games, parties, social events and other activies.
Security and Safety. Community entrances probably are gated for security and privacy.
Transportation Conveniences. Stores, restaurants, health care, libraries, cultural arts and education programs as well as places to worship are in close proximity. Easy access to all common areas and activies.
Social. It's easy to meet friends of similar ages and like-minded interests in a 55+ development because the proximity of the neighborhood makes getting together easier. The neighborhood design creates an instant sense of "community"
Learn more about The Bluffs at Portofino and The Woods at Glen Laurel
Posted by Kim Adamof on Fri, Oct 23, 2009 @ 11:37 AM
November 30, 2009 is coming up fast. That's the deadline for closing a home using the first-time home buyer tax credit. There isn't much time to find a house and close.
With housing prices the lowest they have been in a decade, now is a smart time to buy a home. Here are six reasons why home buyers are running out of time:
The economy is improving
The worst recession since the Great Depression may be winding down, said The Conference Board on August 20, 2009. The analysts found that leading economic indicators rose 0.6% in July, following a 0.8% rise in June. That's two consecutive months of improvement halting 8 months of declines.
While the indicators can certainly slide backward new data, serious first-time home buyers should realize the days of wholesale bargains may be numbered.
Banking issues
Since May, 2009, Federal Housing Finance Agency appraisal regulations have slowed home sales transactions to the point that major lenders are telling loan originators that closings could be delayed by as much as an extra 15 days. The National Association of REALTORS® has found that 76% of its members reported delays in closing.
As the first-time home buyer tax credit comes to a close, banks will be inundated with loan applications for an already narrow production pipeline. Home buyers should allow at least 45 days to close, and a few days extra in order to have time to correct errors or delays during the closing process.
That means with the pipeline full of mortgages being processed, now is the time to get in line and make the deadline of November 30, 2009.
Federal bailout fatigue
If the government concludes that additional stimulus is needed for the economy, it's likely that the first-time home buyer tax credit will be extended, but you're taking a chance to count on it.
From Cash for Clunkers to Making Home Affordable programs, and many more, the federal budget is at its limits. In total, the economic stimulus bill has added $787 billion to a federal budget already careening out of control.
The largest federal deficit ever reached $1.3 trillion in August 2009, says the Congressional Budget Office's monthly budget review. The deficit grew largely because of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) $169 billion, in which $83 billion went to support Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Expenditures from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) have totaled more than $125 billion.
Inventory is being absorbed
Nationally existing, or pre-owned home inventories are slowly being absorbed, and are at a 9.4-month supply in July, while standing builder inventories were at 8.8-months-on-hand in June 2009.
At their highest during the recession, new and existing home inventories hovered at 11 months on hand. A balanced market is approximately six months of inventory on hand. New home housing sales have improved three months in a row in June.
If the current rate of improvement in existing homes remains at a steady pace, (from 9.8 months on hand in June to 9.4 months on hand in July,) the existing housing market could be balanced (on a national basis) in approximately 8 months.
Seller's market for affordable homes
Existing home sales in July 2009 increased four months in a row, says the National Association of REALTORS®. The national median existing home price was $178,400, 15.1% lower than a year ago.
Pressuring prices and inventories are foreclosures, which contributed to a 7.3% rise in inventory, which the sales pace absorbed, keeping inventory on hand at 9.4 months on hand for two consecutive months. Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the NAR says that improved affordability has driven sales with first-time home buyers taking advantage of the tax credit. "The demand for foreclosed and lower priced homes has spiked, and a lack of inventory is becoming a common complaint," he said in a statement to the media.
One-third of homes sold in July were to first-time home buyers.
Interest rates are going down
The percentage of foreclosures in the second quarter 2009 were the highest ever recorded by the Mortgage Bankers Association, and the trade organization says that foreclosures will grow and peak at the end of 2010.
One-third of homes sold in July were short sales or in some stage of foreclosure.
What's disturbing is that one out of three homes in some stage of foreclosures are prime fixed rate mortgages, suggesting that joblessness is impacting borrowers ability to pay their mortgages.
First-time unemployment filings rose mid-August, which indicates that the recession isn't over yet, and that housing inventories will continue to rise.
If that's the case, the Fed will strive to keep mortgage interest rates as low as possible to continue the momentum in housing sales.
Your competition is other home buyers
The accumulative effect of all these market conditions - rising foreclosures, low interest rates, jobless claims, government incentives and more are that home buying is going to be at its most attractive level through the end of summer and into the fall and early winter.
In July, housing sales transactions jumped 7.2 % - the largest monthly sales gain since 1999. Price-to-income ratios have fallen below historical trends, says Yun.
That means that home buyers at all price levels may jump into the market, crowding lender pipelines even more.
If you want a smooth transaction, and to take advantage of the $8000 tax credit, the time to act is now. Contact one of our professional buyers agent for more details.
Posted by Kim Adamof on Mon, Oct 12, 2009 @ 02:01 PM
Situated with access and views of the Neuse River, Portofino is a dream come true for the horse enthusiast or those seeking an executive lifestyle in the beautiful 300-acres of natural beauty that encompasses Portofino.
Nestled by North Carolina hardwoods, this gated community is full of southern charm and offers residents the quality of life they've been waiting for.
The location of the Equestrian Center on the Portofino grounds gives residents an opportunity to spend the day riding along the beautiful riding trails or to simply escape the hustle and bustle of a busy day by taking a quick afternoon ride.
Take a tour of the trails by watching this video. Experience life first-hand in Portofino.
See all homes for sale and lots available in Portofino at Portofino.HomeTowneRealty.com
Posted by Kim Adamof on Tue, Jun 30, 2009 @ 11:30 AM
Sales of Condos are likely to increase as retiring boomers downsize and buy second homes. This is especially true in the high-end market, where more wealthy folks are trading in luxury homes for luxury condos.
The First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit of $8000 and cheap mortgage rates have brought homeownership within the grasp of many renters. Those who can't afford single family homes are opting for a condo.
When you own a condo it's typically, but not necessarily, in a building with other units. With condo ownership everyone shares in the ownership of the common areas equally or based on some predefined formula. The common areas, for example, include the structure (floors, walls, ceiling...etc) of your particular unit/building, club house and pool, if any, and any other structures.
Here are 6 Tips when considering purchasing a condo in the Raleigh Real Estate Market:
HOA Fees not escrowed by Lender.
HUD has considered the idea of escrowing condo association and HOA dues; that is, requiring FHA borrowers to pay dues and fees into an account and then paying the condo association from the money collected. The logic behind this idea is not unreasonable because unpaid condo fees or a lien against the property which means that property owners who don't pay even small charges may find that they face foreclosure. However, in the face of public comments HUD has decided that it will not require condo or HOA owners to escrow fees.
Understanding Condo Condition
Potential owners must thoroughly understand what their purchase will involve. You should hire a home inspector to check the physical and mechanical condition of your unit.
Too frequently people don't take the time to investigate repair issues, so they buy in and then find they have to make additional financial contributions to fix issues with the building. Owners can personalize their condos, but some projects must be pre-approved. As aging buildings require updates, many associations are allowing more significant changes, including additions, so long as they don't disrupt common elements.
Major repairs to the outside or commons areas, are bid out, then an assessment is charged to each homeowner. The assessment must be paid prior to selling the condo. This is not a planned or budgeted expense.
Ask about the associations operating budget
Prospective owners have a right-and should make the time-to examine an association's books and records. It's important to understand the financial stability of a condominium, the increases in its association fees, its reserves. If the questions can be answered in a positive way, then a person can be assured that the condominium is reasonably well managed. Bad signs: more than 10% of owners are late paying their condo association fees, and more than 50% of maintenance liabilities aren't funded.
Your association may charge a use fee for common amenities like a pool or clubhouse or even collect a refundable security deposit. It may not seem fair for unit owners who already pay monthly maintenance fees. On the other hand, many associations are struggling to pay bills and want to be in position to make timely repairs to a clubhouse should neighbors damage it. Collecting usage fees or security deposits is a way to accomplish that.
Are you able to follow your amenities rules? Read the codes and regulations
Owning part of a community can have many benefits. Owners get to enjoy the common amenities-perhaps a community pool, attractive grounds, or recreational opportunities. Owners are also subject to association rules and regulations. The rules can apply to such factors as assessments, landscaping, parking, noise, number of cars, and even your choice of paint colors. Many restrictions are designed to preserve the complexes value, but you may find the lack of freedom stifling. Make sure you know what you're in for.
Talk to other owners
Talk to other occupants. A high number of renters or complaints about the condo association should be red flags.
Typical areas of conflict are noise, pets, and parking. Association rules attempt to strike a balance between the best interests of the individual and the community. Rules are not usually onerous and are commonly adapted by the association to fit the people who live there.
Get condo insurance
The condo owner will need to buy a condo insurance policy. This is very similar, but not exactly the same, as apartment renter's policies. The cost for these is typically very low especially when compared to a homeowner's policy. When comparing monthly costs be sure include the cost for insurance plus the condo fee. The primary reason for the lower cost is that the building structure insurance is part of the condo fee as it is common property.