Obviously, if you're reading this, you're thinking about buying a new home. If you're undecided, consider the many good reasons for owning your own home. There aren't many experiences that can be as happy and as scary at the same time, as buying a home! But you'll find that the more know, the easier it can be.      The home buying process begins with collecting information about you, the homebuyer, and determining  which property style and features and also neighborhoods meet the needs of you and your family. You may need to consider driving distances from work, schools, and any hobbies or special needs of your family. Part of the information that will be necessary is an overview of your financial status. A qualified mortgage lender will pre-qualify you to determine the amount of mortga... 05/22/2009

Cobblestone Townhomes offers a unique lifestyle. With a country setting providing an abundance of tranquillity, it is easy accessible to shopping, restaurants and entertainment. Settle into a quiet evening at home or enjoy the best that Greenville has to offer. Life is Good at Cobblestone! Choose from one of three great floor plans, 1) 2BR/1.5 bath, 1056 sqft 2) Super2 2BR/2.5BA, 1452 sqft 3) 3BR/2.5BA 1452 sqft. Prices range from $71,500 - $88,750. Vist us for more details: www.GreenvilleHomeTeam.com   05/22/2009

Cross Creek Townhomes offers a unique lifestyle. With a country setting providing an abundance of tranquillity, it is easy accessible to shopping, restaurants and entertainment. Settle into a quiet evening at home or enjoy the best that Greenville has to offer. Life is Good at CROSS CREEK! Choose from one of three great floor plans, 1) 2BR/1.5 bath, 1056 sqft 2) Super2 2BR/2.5BA, 1452 sqft 3) 3BR/2.5BA 1452 sqft. Prices range from $71,500 - $88,750. Visit us for more details: www.GreenvilleHomeTeam.com   05/22/2009

More and more Greenville NC home buyers looking for green features in the home they buy. The green trend is a means of lowering costs, becoming more environmentally friendly, and adopting a healthier lifestyle.  The average green buyer will shell out $12,400--on average--for green features, according to the National Association of REALTORS. National Association of Home Builders green-building standards program manager Kevin Morrow expects the market share of green-certified homes to rise to 20 percent in 2010 from about 10 percent in 2009 and 2 percent in 2006.  Green features Greenville NC home buyers are looking for include energy efficiency, water efficiency, resource efficiency, and indoor air quality and include such elements as Energy Star appliances, low-flow shower heads, carpet... 05/21/2009

One man's loss is another man's gain and right now buyer's have everything to gain. It was only a few short years ago that sellers controlled the market and were calling the shots. In order to buy a home, buyers were paying over the asking price, foregoing home inspections and paying all their own closing costs. Greenville NC home buyers were jumping through any and all hoops.  Now the market has shifted. The strong sellers' market is a thing of the past and it is the sellers who are jumping through hoops. Buyers are calling the shots with offers that include home inspections; requests that closing costs, homeowner association fees and inspection fees be paid by the seller; decorating allowances; home improvement; and prices far below the asking price.  So why are buyers hesitating? Fea... 05/19/2009

Anytime you drive down the freeway, whether you are in a big city or small town, you tend to see more condominiums and town-homes sprouting up all over. They come in all sizes, shapes, and forms, from Spanish Villas to sprawling Ranch Styles. The townhouse and condominium planned communities have come of age and people are taking to thime like the gold rush of days gone by. With this type of ownership, you gain more than a home. You gain a lifestyle. The right REALTOR can help immensely in finding the right lifestyle for you and your family. As a Real Estate Professional, I have helped many people, JUST LIKE YOU, own the home of their dreams. Call me today for a FREE BROCHURE that will outline what a Condo-Townhouse purchase can do for YOU! For more free info about buying and selling vi... 05/05/2009

Greenville ranked 2nd by Forbes MagazineStory from 4/1/2009Forbes Magazine has ranked Greenville as the 2nd best small city in the United States for business and careers. This is the third time that Greenville has been included in the rankings. Greenville's previous rankings were 26th and 8th respectively.Forbes staff researched hundreds of small metropolitan areas throughout the country looking at various categories such as educational opportunities, the cost of doing business, the cost of living, job growth, income growth as well as many others. Greenville consistently ranked in the top of those categories which resulted in a ranking of 2nd overall among small cities across the United States. "We are pleased to be recognized as an excellent area for careers and small business," states... 05/05/2009

For a more detailed look at Greenville, NC and the Real Estate Market go to any of the following websites www.homeinfogreenville.com www.BestHomesIngreenville www.HomeinfoGreenvillenc.com www.BesthomesinGreenvillenc.com  PHOTO TOUR OF GREENVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA   Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium during a home football game for East Carolina University!   The Tar River plays host to boats of all sizes as well as Sportsman. Whether your a fisherman, Enjoy a Kayak or Canoe, water skiing! or just pleasure cruising the Tar River that runs through Greenville, North Carolina is a Playground for Greenville Residents! Greenville is beautiful year round, and with the mild climate Greenville Residents enjoy the outside year round! Greenville's location make day trips to the beach a common occurrence for The ... 04/28/2009

Like most of you , hearing about the possibility of a pandemic of flu is very scary!  Not only for the fact that no one likes getting the flu, but also because of the economic ramifications it would mean!  A pandemic would virtually shut down the engine that spurs our countries economy. Americans could be quarantined in their homes and businesses closed til it was over.  The potential drop in our countries economic means could be reduced by as much as 5.5% over night, according to some expert opinions, that was before 2006!  Now for the good news, apparently the government has developed a plan to combat the economic fall out that a flu pandemic would cause. According to the secretary of health and human services a playbook was developed after Hurricane Katrinaand the close call bird flu... 04/28/2009

Greenville, NC - Today is a Great day to come out and view the homes here around the Greenville area! Check us out over in South Pointe, you can find some great deals on New Construction! 105-A South Pointe Dr, is listed for $149,900 with the seller offering $1,500 towards closing cost. You get 1,865 square feet, three bedrooms, two and half baths, brick exterior, sunroom, whirlpool tub, single garage and a great fenced backyard with patio. Let's us help show you how to take advantage of the new $8,000 Tax Credit for first-time Home Buyers.    Parade Hours are 1-5pm. Saturday & Sunday April 25-26 and May 2-3. Look forward to seeing you stop by. For other home in the area visit us at: www.JesseAllenHomes.com   04/25/2009

Considering buying a Greenville home this Spring?  Here are 10 ways to prepare yourself for Greenville homeownership:1. Decide what you can afford. Generally, you can afford a home equal in value to between two and three times your gross income. 2. Develop your home wish list. Then, prioritize the features on your list.3. Select where you want to live. Compile a list of three or four neighborhoods you'd like to live in, taking into account items such as schools, recreational facilities, area expansion plans, and safety.4. Start saving. Do you have enough money saved to qualify for a mortgage and cover your down payment?  Ideally, you should have 20 percent of the purchase price saved as a down payment. Also, don't forget to factor in closing costs. Closing costs - including taxes, attor... 04/24/2009

     Parade of Homes 2009 sponsored by the Greenville-Pitt County Home Builders Association, Bonded Builders Warranty Group, Signs Now, The Daily Reflector, and 107.9 WNCT.      Parade 2009 has something for everyone with 52 homes and condominiums ranging in price from $100,000 to $1 million.     Whether you are a prospective buyer or simply interested in seeing the latest innovations, You are encouraged to visit each home to see the full range of designs and features available. The tour begins on April 25th & April 26th, and May 2nd & May 3rd. The time schedule is from 1pm - 5pm each day.  For more information on the Parade vist the Parade of Homes Headquarters located at Covengton Square Club House, 1900 Covengton Way Greenville, NC. For more homes in the Greenville area visit: www.Je... 04/22/2009

It seems the tea parties held this week are driving the left nuts. They just don’t know what to make of ordinary people taking time out of their day to register their disdain with politics as usual.   This was not about Republicans vs Democrats. What is misunderstood is there is a growing disgust for both parties.   Things must change all right. The change we need is to return to adhering to the Constitution.   Hope you enjoy this pictorial collage from our local tea party.     Feel free to post a picture of your tea party in the comment section.     Jay Williams 04/18/2009

I closed my first short sale today. I was Dual Agent and did it in 56 days from call to close. In light of all of the articles I've read and research I've done. I have to say it was a lot less painful than I expected. Most will say it takes 2-3 months to even get an approval from the bank and that there's not enough money in it for the headache. I don't know if it's the way I did it or just plain luck, but it went very smooth for me. My advice, for what it's worth, to make things move along. 1) Complete an accurate BPO with Good comps. The bank will have their own interior/exterior BPO completed but it certainly helps for yours to be as close as possible, since you'll most likely be advertising the property before they have completed their BPO and set the acceptable price. In my case I ... 04/15/2009

It's PirateFest 2009!April 18, 2009Greenville, NC is the host of PirateFest! Greenville and Pitt County have emerged as the commercial, cultural, educational, and medical hub of Eastern North Carolina. Greenville, the county seat, has grown into a thriving small metropolitan city of over 72,000. Geographic location and easy affordability make Greenville-Pitt County a repeat choice for travelers. The bustling activity yet relaxing pace entice many to come back and stay. What is PirateFest?A large outdoor celebration offering fun, food, and entertainment for all! Uptown Arts Festival will showcase beautiful one-of-a-kind juried art available from more than 60 exhibiting N.C. artists including mediums of all types - pottery, jewelry, wood, painting, and more! Bring your doubloons!Fabulous... 04/15/2009

If you're thinking of selling your Greenville home, and you expect that the total amount you owe on your mortgage will be greater than the selling price of your home, you may be facing a short sale. A short sale is one where the net proceeds from the sale won't cover your total mortgage obligation and closing costs, and you don't have other sources of money to cover the deficiency. A short sale is different from a foreclosure, which is when your lender takes title of your home through a lengthy legal process and then sells it.  1. Consider loan modification first. If you are thinking of selling your home because of financial difficulties and you anticipate a short sale, first contact your lender to see if it has any programs to help you stay in your home. Your lender may agree to a modi... 04/13/2009

  PirateFest Greenville, NC is the host of PirateFest! Greenville and Pitt County have emerged as the commercial, cultural, educational, and medical hub of Eastern North Carolina. Greenville, the county seat, has grown into a thriving small metropolitan city of over 72,000. Geographic location and easy affordability make Greenville-Pitt County a repeat choice for travelers. The bustling activity yet relaxing pace entice many to come back and stay. What is PirateFest?A large outdoor celebration offering fun, food, and entertainment for all! Uptown Arts Festival will showcase beautiful one-of-a-kind juried art available from more than 60 exhibiting N.C. artists including mediums of all types - pottery, jewelry, wood, painting, and more! Bring your doubloons!Fabulous music, food, and attra... 04/09/2009

Forbes Magazine has ranked Greenville as the 2nd best small city in the United States for business and careers. This is the third time that Greenville has been included in the rankings. Greenville's previous rankings were 26th and 8th respectively. Forbes staff researched hundreds of small metropolitan areas throughout the country looking at various categories such as educational opportunities, the cost of doing business, the cost of living, job growth, income growth as well as many others. Greenville consistently ranked in the top of those categories which resulted in a ranking of 2nd overall among small cities across the United States. "We are pleased to be recognized as an excellent area for careers and small business," states Greenville Convention & Visitors Bureau Sales & Marketin... 04/09/2009

As a long-term investment, homeownership is still one of the best investments for individual households. Everywhere you look, headlines say the housing market is in a free-fall, foreclosures are rising at an alarming rate, and mortgage money is so tight that buyers can't get a home loan at any price. In today's economy, is buying a home and investing in Greenville real estate a good idea? As a long-term investment, homeownership is still one of the best investments you can make. And the operative word here is "long-term."  Why is Greenville real estate a good investment, you ask. The housing market, like all markets, is cyclical and will inevitably have ups and downs. But, homeownership has a track record that is virtually unmatched by any other investment of stocks, bonds or mutual fun... 04/06/2009

It’s that time of year. The first Monday in April marks the men’s basketball NCAA National Championship Game.   This year will be one of great interest to me and the hometown hero’s of the University of North Carolina with take on the Spartans of Michigan State.   I have always considered March Madness to be the hardest college national championship to win. Many years as you come to this weekend your team is out of the tournament.   One and done. Teams are so evenly matched and any game can go any way. Win or go home!   I’ve lucky however. I live in North Carolina. Did you know there are only 14 schools that have ever won more than 1 national championship, yes that’s right. Three of those are from the state of North Carolina.   The Wolfpack of NC State have won 2, Duke has emerged victo... 04/05/2009