Where is the Market Headed in 2014?

Posted in Buyer Tips, Market Reports, Seller Tips on Feb 18, 2014

Where is the Market Headed in 2014?

Written by Mary Beth Tice

At the start of anything, whether it’s the New Year, basketball season, or a new relationship, everyone wants to know “Where is this thing going?” It’s no surprise that the real estate market faces the same question a thousand times throughout each year. But much like knowing who is going to the playoffs prior to the end of the season, knowing exactly where the market is headed will vary based on who you ask.

To Know Where We are Headed, First We Need to Know Where We Have Been

Because real estate can vary greatly from place to pla...

You're Home with Team Gale Show 34: Title Insurance

Posted in Buyer Tips, Wilmington NC Real Estate, You're Home with Team Gale Radio on Oct 28, 2013

You're Home with Team Gale Show 34: Title Insurance

On our most recent episode on the 26th, Jack and our featured guest Penny Stith from Beacon Title Agency, discussed the importance of title insurance and the process of obtaining a title insurance policy. Be sure to tune in for our live show Saturdays at 9:00 AM to 93.7 and 106.3, Port City Radio, or download the You're Home with Team Gale episodes for free on iTunes!

You're Home with Team Gale: Interest Rates & Market Status Update

Posted in Buyer Tips, Market Reports, Seller Tips, Team Gale, You're Home with Team Gale Radio on Jul 15, 2013

You're Home with Team Gale: Interest Rates & Market Status Update

If you missed the live show on Saturday the 13th, Jack and Tom discussed rising yet still low interest rates and the current market status with guest Cameron Pearson from Alpha Mortgage. Listen to it here now but be sure to tune in live to Port City Radio (93.7 and 106.3) Saturdays at 9:00 am. 

North Carolina Housing Finance Agency: New and Revised Financial Programs

Posted in Buyer Tips on Apr 10, 2013

North Carolina Housing Finance Agency: New and Revised Financial Programs

The North Carolina Housing Finance Agency has recently added and revised a few of their financial programs.  The following programs could be greatly beneficial to those looking to purchase a home. 

The NC Home Advantage Loan Program

This program is not only a low fixed rate mortgage that’s available to first time and repeat home buyers but it also has a Down Payment Assistance (DPA) feature.  The following are additional characteristics of this loan program:

• 3% DPA of the loan amount for buyers with a 640+ mid credit sc...

Mortgage Debt Forgiveness: 10 Key Points

Posted in Buyer Tips, News You Can Use, Team Gale on Feb 20, 2013

The following article we are sharing about Mortgage Debt Forgiveness can be found here, Mortgage Debt Forgiveness: 10 Key Points, on the IRS official website where it was originally posted.

Mortgage Debt Forgiveness:  10 Key Points

Source:  IRS Tax Tip 2012-39, February 28, 2012

Canceled debt is normally taxable to you, but there are exceptions. One of those exceptions is available to homeowners whose mortgage debt is partly or entirely forgiven during tax years 2007 through 2012.

The IRS would like you to know these 10 facts about Mortgage Debt Forgiveness:

1. Normally, debt forgiveness res...

Home Buyer Tips to Win a Bidding War

Posted in Buyer Tips on Feb 14, 2013

Home Buyer Tips to Win a Bidding War

Written by Mary Beth Tice

Recently Team Gale has been noticing a trend. Many of our properties have offers on the table within a week of hitting the market and not just one offer, but several. Sellers are now having their pick of offers to choose from as the days of a buyer’s market slip away and the seller’s market returns and with it, the bidding wars.

If you are a potential buyer, then you potentially could find yourself in a bidding war. How do you win such a war? It’s not always about who offers the most on a property or who can pay cash but which offe...

Your Guide to Getting Approved

Posted in Buyer Tips on Jan 14, 2013

The following is a list of helpful information provided by Alpha Mortgage regarding the mortgage process and loan approval.  Save this information as a guide to help keep you on course when getting approved.

INFORMATION/DOCUMENTATION NEEDED TO OBTAIN A PRE-APPROVAL LETTER

• Full name & Social Security # for all borrowers that will be on the loan
• Residency:  address for last 2 years & monthly mortgage or rent payment
• Employment history for the last 2 years; name & address of employer; title/position 
• Most resent 30 day pay stub(s)
• Other forms of income:  retirement; pension; social security. i.c...

The Smells of a Home

Posted in Buyer Tips, Home Improvement on Dec 18, 2012

The Smells of a Home

Written by Mary Beth Tice

I am a huge fan of candles and room fresheners that make my apartment smell like a home (and truth be told not like my two dogs). I have searched high and low to find something that speaks to me and when I smell it in a store, it immediately makes me feel at home. Recently I have become quite found of having a cup of tea to help me unwind after a long day or when I want something warm to drink and coffee feels too heavy. The smell that permeates throughout my kitchen when the boiling water hits the tea bag is just as relaxing and enjoyable as drin...

Renovation Loan Example

Posted in Buyer Tips, Video on Aug 02, 2011

Renovation Loan Example

Wendy McCoy of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage discusses the cost involved in a Renovation Loan. Wendy has provided a printable case study example and approximate loan cost illustration example for you to download. Please note that these are simply examples for your viewing and would not depict your loan cost. For more information regarding renovation loans, please contact Wendy McCoy.

For a brief overview of what renovation loans are, please watch our interview with Wendy.

Renovation Financing Options

Posted in Buyer Tips, Video on Jul 26, 2011

Renovation Financing Options

 

 
Join Team Gale's Tom Gale and Wells Fargo's Wendy McCoy as they discuss your options for renovation financing regarding 203K, Streamline 203K and Conventional Renovation programs. Both FHA and Conventional loans may qualify, so be sure to contact Wendy today to find out more!

Contact Tom Gale

Contact Wendy McCoy