Real Estate Information

For many reasons this is a good time for potential home buyers to purchase Greenville NC real estate, and the large number of foreclosed homes available holds the promise of bargain prices.

Too good to be true? Perhaps. Buyers of foreclosed property, especially if it has been unoccupied and not maintained for some time, must be acutely aware of possible problems and trouble spots involved in such a sale and may have to realistically face some unpleasant facts. As Vince Mastronardi, president of On-Site Specialty Cleaning and Restoration, observes, “Buyers need to educate themselves about the potential pitfalls of purchasing distressed property. It’s not so much what damage occurred, but the sources of that damage and how long before the problem was addressed.”

A cautious buyer should look for signs which indicate that all is not well with a piece of Greenville NC real estate.

        1. The presence of mold. Once mold takes hold, it is almost impossible to get rid of. Look for places which have been excessively painted in an attempt to cover up mold.

        2. Lack of heat for months in a home not properly winterized. Result? Burst pipes and water damage.

        3. Hints of water damage. Peeling, bubbling, or discolored paint may occur as a result of moisture. Other evidence of water damage includes swelling in walls/ceilings, stains, and a musty odor.

        4. Blocked drains or pipes may lead to sewage problems.

        5. Evidence of vandalism or break-ins. Signs of such activity include holes punched in walls and broken windows. Theft of appliances, fixtures, air conditioning/heating units, pipes, and electrical wiring is also of concern.  Were the stolen items properly removed or carelessly ripped from their location?

        6. Indications of furnace malfunction or soot damage. Telltale signs include black cobwebs, greasy grey residue on walls, or an oily odor.

        7. Renovations in an older home. You would be wise to check to see if permits were issued. Was the work performed by a professional? Does it conform to required ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Greenville NC real estate building codes? Was asbestos disturbed during construction?

        8. Debris dumped in the yard. You will be required to remove such refuse in a timely (and possibly expensive) manner.

        9. Occupation by uninvited critters. Wild animals often live in abandoned structures. Look for snakes, rodent infestation, and unexpected “nests.”

Obviously, you must insist on a thorough inspection of your Greenville NC real estate to avoid buying a badly flawed foreclosure filled with unpleasant and costly surprises. Be sure to request air quality and surface testing; it is well worth the little extra it costs. You should also inquire about any corrections that have been made to address damages and talk to the company who performed the repairs.

By diligently doing your homework and actively anticipating problems, you may just find the foreclosure which fits your needs and is indeed a bargain!

Greenville Real Estate For Sale:

2780 Barefoot Lane, Winterville NC 28590

MLS# 96197

This beautiful three bed room brick/ vinyl home is in pristine condition. A gracious foyer greets your guest where they will find comfort in the great room with vaulted ceiling, gas log fireplace and lovely laminate wood floors-- a room your family will love and enjoy! Experience the joy of cooking in the fully-equipped kitchen with gas range, dishwasher, microwave, disposal, pantry and breakfast nook. There is a large finished bonus room over the two-car garage; it’s a perfect space for recreation or home office. Off this bonus room you will appreciate the convenience of an unfinished attic for endless storage space.

The master bedroom, situated for privacy, has a trey ceiling, ceiling fan, walk-in closet, and whirlpool tub/shower

The remaining two bedrooms have neutral carpet, ceiling fans and ample closet space. There is a special freshness and brightness in the hall bath with tub/shower combination. Outside you will be impressed with the patio and various blooming plants and stately trees that offer complete privacy.

LET US SHOW YOU THE WAY TO BUY THIS HOME! Call today - 252-439-4000

Learn more about 2780 Barefoot Lane and other Greenville real estate for sale by visiting LizFreeman.com, GreenvilleNCRealEstateco.com and HomesofGreenvilleNC.com

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Greenville Homes For Sale:

3394 Planters Way Drive, Farmville NC 27828

MLS# 96840

• 3 bedrooms

• 2 baths

• 2337 sqft

• Built in 2003

• Vinyl exterior

• Side entrance double car attached garage

• Front porch with vinyl railing and hand rails

• Foyer has hardwood floors

• Formal dining has hardwood floors and palladium window

• Large great room offers vaulted ceiling, fireplace with gas logs and built-in for TV

• Kitchen with breakfast bar, tiled backsplash, stainless appliances—smooth-top range, microwave, Bosch dishwasher, refrigerator, lots of cabinets and counter space, pantry and exit to backyard

• Master bedroom suite offers double vanity, whirlpool tub, separate shower, linen closet and a great walk-in closet

• Two additional bedrooms have ceiling fans and ample closet space

• Hall bath with vanity and tub/shower combination

• Laundry room has storage cabinets

• Stairway to bonus room is near kitchen

• Bonus area divided into two rooms with lots of storage space, heat pump and wall gas heat for extra warmth in Winter

• Gas pak/heat pump

• Nice patio enclosed with privacy fencing and detached storage shed

Learn more about 3394 Planters Way Drive and other Greensville homes for sale by visiting LizFreeman.com, LizFreemanHomes, and HomesofGreenvilleNC.com.

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The kitchen in your Greenville NC home offers multiple ways to improve energy efficiency and reduce utility bills. Although seemingly small steps, the tips offered below are generally free or inexpensive and yet will result in creating a more energy-efficient environment in your home--and on the planet.

APPLIANCES are, of course, the most familiar to us when we consider energy output. True, they are not free or inexpensive, but they can be a real drain on your money if they do not function efficiently. Those that have earned the Energy Star have met the EPA standards for energy-efficiency and are recommended.

Refrigerators account for about 15% of your total electricity bill, but newer models use far less than those manufactured years ago. Consider the size you need when purchasing a new to avoid wasting energy cooling nothing.

Dishwashers offer opportunities to save, too. Run them only when they are full and scrap the dishes prior to washing so that you can use the light or normal wash cycle. Also, set the drying cycle to air dry to say energy.

Microwaves and toaster ovens are good alternatives to the use of a large oven in your Greenville NC home, especially for smaller meals. You might also look into the use of light ovens (similar to a microwave but browns and roasts like a regular oven), induction cooking (extremely efficient because all the het goes into the food), and solar cookers (free and clean energy for slow cooking).

COOKWARE: Selecting the correct size, shape, and type can also prevent energy waste.

1. Remember to use the smallest pan you need for the dish you are making since smaller pans take less energy to heat up.

2. Put the pan on the burner that fits it best. Make sure the pan covers the burner without going more than an inch beyond it. If the burner is wider than the pan, you are wasting energy. Remember that smaller burners use less electricity.

3. Every type of heating element on an electric cook-top (coils, solid disk elements and radiant elements under ceramic glass) will work significantly more efficiently when the bottom of the pan is flat. In fact, the most efficient pan has a slightly concave bottom, which flattens out when the metal heats up. The more rounded or warped the pan, the less direct contact it has with the burner so the harder the element has to work to heat up the pan. For that reason, those old battered pans from the '50s you've been using may be costing you money.

4. Copper-bottom pans heat up faster than other pans, and those made of cast iron retain heat better than others.

5. The tighter the fit on the pot lid, the less heat escapes.

6. Using glass or ceramic pans in the oven allows you to turn the temperature down about 25 degrees Fahrenheit and still cook the food in the same amount of time.

7. Pressure cookers, which build up steam pressure, reduce both cooking time and energy use.

Greenville Real Estate For Sale:

201 Club Pines Drive, Greenville NC 27858

MLS# 95977

• Located on a .48 acre lot with mature landscaping
• 3 bedrooms
• 2 ceramic tile baths
• Formal living and dining
• 1766 sqft
• Built in 1975
• Brick ranch
• Walls have been freshly painted
• Numerous updates since 2007
• Hardwood floors in Foyer, Living, Dining and Family room new in 2007
• Open kitchen offers ceramic tile flooring, new paint, new hardware, new stainless appliances installed in 2007;  including dishwasher, microwave, smooth-top range and breakfast nook with lots of windows
• Laundry room with cabinets, washer and dryer hookups
• Built-in desk in mud room
• Family room has wood-burning masonry fireplace, ceiling fan and hardwood floors
• Master suite with walk-in closet, bath has tiled walk-in shower and flooring
• Other two bedrooms have ample closet space
• Hall bath has new sink, light fixtures and mirror
• Wonderful backyard with in-ground pool, fire pit, gazebo, patio, 6’wood privacy fence, tree house, 12’ x 16’ wired workshop
• Fire pit new in 2008
• Pool motor, filter and pump new in ‘09
• Pool heater
• Double attached garage with storage
• Security system
• Heat pump/central A/C
• Surround sound available in Formal Living

Learn more about 201 Club Pines Drive and other Greenville real estate for sale by visiting LizFreeman.com, LizFreemanHomes.com and HomesofGreenvilleNC.com.

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Greenville Homes For Sale:

3708 Cancion Street, Greenville NC 27858

MLS# 96628

An impressive foyer with hardwood flooring welcomes friends and family.  There is an air of gracious formality in the living room enhanced by crown moldings, plantation shutters and hardwood flooring.  This leads to a bright, open family room with gas log fireplace, built-in bookshelves and is perfect for the cook who does not want to be separated from the family and guests.  Gracious entertaining will be yours in the formal dining room with polished hardwood floors and plantation shutters. A large friendly kitchen with all new stainless appliances, a breakfast bar, kitchen nook with bay window, and walk-in pantry is warm and welcoming.  The new granite countertops, a desk, decorative backsplash and tiled flooring provide focus for family activities. In the luxurious master suite, the moment you slide into the blissfully serene whirlpool tub, the crush and confusion of the day’s routine melt away.  For your convenience, there’s a glass enclosed shower, new double vanity, ceramic tile flooring and walk-in closet.  Beauty, glamour and function combine to enhance this master suite.    The second bath upstairs has new ceramic tile flooring and tub/shower.  In the newly tiled laundry room, extra cabinets were added to better organize the space. A terrific new deck enhanced by a pergola, overlooks a picturesque backyard and is the setting for casual entertaining.  Also your children can romp in their own treed yard while you relax on your patio. This home is MEANT TO BE ENJOYED!

• Brick home built in 1994
• Architectural shingles on roof
• Double attached paneled garage with back entrance
• Totally updated since 2008
• Exterior and interior painted in 2010
• All new light fixtures –exterior and interior
• All new plumbing fixtures
• All carpet is new
• Crown molding throughout home
• Plantation shutters in formal areas, custom wood blinds in kitchen/breakfast area and two inch blinds upstairs in all bedrooms
• Nine foot smooth ceilings downstairs and eight foot upstairs
• Re-finished hardwood floors in foyer, formal areas, family room and powder room
• New gourmet kitchen offers ceramic tile flooring, granite countertops, decorative tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, breakfast bar, kitchen nook with bay window, smooth top range, convectional oven, warming drawer, dishwasher, desk area, walk-in pantry, cabinets refinished and crown molding added
• Formal dining and living rooms with refinished hardwood floors and plantation shutters
• Family room has gas log fireplace with built-ins on each side, refinished hardwood floors and exit to lovely new deck and backyard
• Large master suite with ceiling fan, walk-in closet, corner whirlpool tub, separate glass enclosed shower, double vanity, ceramic tile flooring, new mirrors, new recessed lights and light fixtures
• Second bedroom has carpet flooring, ceiling fan and walk-in closet
• Third bedroom with ceiling fan and ample closet space
• Fourth bedroom/Bonus with ceiling fan, carpet flooring, and walk-in closet
• Hall bath has new ceramic tile flooring and tub/shower combination
• Laundry room with two storage cabinets, ceramic tile flooring and drain
• Gas furnace/heat pump and central A/C
• Gas water heater
• Storage shed
• Home warranty included
• Lovely extended deck with pergola (built April 2010) overlooking beautiful wooded backyard and nice patio

Learn more about 3708 Cancion Steet and other Greenville homes for sale by visiting LizFreeman.com, LizFreemanHomes.com and HomesofGreenvilleNC.com.

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To a Greenville NC home loan shopper, there may seem to be an endless--and confusing--array of mortgage types. Of course you want to choose the option that is best suited to your current and future financial situation, but understanding the terminology, types, and monetary ramifications is not always easy. Mortgages generally fall into four categories (fixed rate, adjustable rate, step, and balloon) according to the interest rate and duration of the loan.

Basic terminology;

•     Fixed rate--The interest rates do not change during the life of the loan, thus allowing you to know the amount of your payments.

•     Adjustable rate (ARM)--the interest rate is tied to certain indexes plus a margin and can fluctuate up or down, thus affecting each payment,

•     Step--the interest rate and monthly payment remain the same for a specified period of time. After that the interest will change to the prevailing rate and will remain there for the duration of the loan.

•     Balloon--a loan payment that expands after a certain amount of time. Basically it functions similarly to a fixed rate mortgage in the earlier months/years with a delayed steep increase at the end,

The following information, courtesy of Mortgages.Interest.com, outlines the type of mortgage, the loan characteristics, and the situations most appropriate for each one. If, for instance, you plan to live in your Greenville NC home more than 10 years and desire stability in payment amounts, then a fixed rate mortgage is for you. If, however, your finances are currently strained, but you know that in 5 to 10 years your monetary situation will improve or that you will most likely move within 10 years, then an ARM or balloon mortgage may be better for you. Being familiar with these options allows you to discuss them intelligently with your real estate agent and/or lender and then select the type which best fits your circumstances.

 Fixed rate mortgage (30, 20, 15, 10 years)

• Interest rate & monthly payment remain the same for the entire term of the loan

• plan to live in property more than 10 years

• like total payment stability

0/1 year adjustable rate mortgage

• Interest rate & monthly payment remain the same for 10 years

• Starting the 11th year, interest rate adjusted every year, so payment is subject to change every year for remainder of loan

• plan to live in property more than 10 years

• like initial payment stability, can accept later changes OR

• plan to move within 10 years

•   want loan to remain in force in case plans change

7/23 (2-Step) or '30 due in 7' mortgage

• Interest rate & monthly payment remain the same for 7 years

• Conversion option: On the 8th year, interest rate adjusted to reflect prevailing interest rates, resulting payment will remain the same for remainder of loan

• plan to live in property more than 10 years

• can tolerate one payment adjustment OR

• plan to move within 7 years

• want to remain in force in case plans change

7/1 year adjustable rate mortgage

• Interest rate & monthly payment remain the same for 7 years

• Starting the 8th year, interest rate adjusted every year, so payment is subject to change every year for remainder of the loan

• plan to live in property more than 7 years

• like initial payment stability, can accept later changes OR

• plan to move within 7 years

• want loan to remain in force in case plans change

7 year balloon mortgage

• Interest rate & monthly payment remain the same for 7 years

• At the end of 7 years, loan is due in full. Borrower must refinance into new loan at prevailing interest rates

• plan to live in property more than 7 years

• are willing to refinance at prevailing market rates OR

• plan to move within 7 years

• like payment stability

In addition, there are variations of the ARM, step, and balloon mortgages which differ primarily in the duration of the loan and of the planned residency.

Another good source of information for first-time Greenville NC home buyers is the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), an agency which oversees FHA loans. This type of loan is particularly useful if you have little money for a down payment, less than great credit, or large monthly bills. An FHA loan requires as little as 3% down (and it can be a gift from a relative or friend). In terms of your credit rating, the FHA is primarily concerned that for the past two years you have paid bills in a timely manner and have been steadily employed. With FHA you have to wait only two years after declaring bankruptcy, and your debit-to-credit ratio can be higher than for a conventional loan. You can qualify for an FHA loan if your monthly payments are no more than 43% of your income, and, as with conventional loans, you can choose from many types.

Of course, there are some negatives to consider before taking on an FHA loan. Interest rates generally run about 1/8 of a percentage point higher than conventional rates, but the real disadvantage of an FHA loan is that the borrower must pay an up-front insurance premium of 1.75% of the mortgage if the down payment is less than 20%. This cost can, however, be added to your total loan amount.

So there you have it--an easy-to-understand guide to mortgage types. As always, you should feel free to contact me anytime with questions. I am glad to recommend a number of outstanding mortgage lenders if you are interested in talking with one.

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Greenville Real Estate For Sale:

1319 Huntingwood Drive, Greenville NC 27858

MLS# 96416

3221 sqft

Located on .93 wooded acres

Custom brick home

Built in 1996

Attached double car garage       

Detached workshop with concrete flooring, tall garage doors, work benches and extra rooms for storage or tools

Lovely in-ground pool surrounded by concrete and an ornamental wrought-iron fence, outside bathroom with tile flooring, tub and shower making it convenient for swimmers or sunbathers

Sunroom with vaulted ceiling, hardwood floors, ceiling fan and overlooks swimming pool 

Two-story foyer with hardwood flooring

Great room with gas log fireplace (not hooked up) and ceiling fan

Kitchen with ceramic tile flooring, smooth top range, microwave, breakfast nook with large windows and pantry

Master suite features walk-in closet, bath has whirlpool tub, separate tile shower, double vanities, ceramic tile flooring

Two more bedrooms downstairs with walk-in closets                            

Hall baths downstairs and upstairs have ceramic tile flooring and shower/ tub combination

Bedroom upstairs has huge walk-in closet and ceiling fan

Walk-in attic

Gas pack/heat pump and central A/C

Roof with architectural shingles

Learn more about 1319 Huntingwood Dr and other Greenville real estate for sale by visiting LizFreeman.com, LizFreemanhomes.com and HomesofGreenvilleNC.com.

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In addition to the demands of current Greenville NC home buyers for environmentally-friendly, or green real estate, there is also a growing segment of consumers who are looking for houses which incorporate the principles of feng shui. An ancient Chinese practice, feng shui is believed to improve one’s life through the use of color, location and positioning, and specific materials and objects, all of which combine to produce a positive energy, or chi, in your home.

The primary focus of feng shui is the positive flow of energy, which contributes to the creation of harmony in life. Integral components of the philosophy are the five elements of fire, earth, water, metal, and wood, and each of these is enhanced by color selection and use in your Greenville NC home as follows:

• FIRE - Passion and high energy. These strong colors include red, orange, purple, pink, and bright yellow.

• EARTH - Nourishment and Stability. Beige and various earthy sand colors.

• WATER - Ease, freshness, and abundance. Blue and Black

• METAL - Clarity and preciseness. Grey and white.

• WOOD - Health and Vitality. Brown and Green

Other feng shui principles to follow include:

1. The clearing of unnecessary furnishings and objects:

In feng shui, less is more. Believing that clutter impedes the flow of energy, feng shui proponents suggest avoiding big pieces of furniture and removing most plants, photographs, and personalize items. Most homes will benefit from the absence of about 1/3 of their current furnishings.

2. Abundance of light:

Ample lighting is conducive to good energy and should be generously provided in your Greenville NC home to provide a sense of spaciousness. Natural light is best, but warm, soft artificial lighting is acceptable. A dimmer switch is strongly suggested for your lights.

3. Outside appearance:

A solid, strong front door is essential, as is an attractive and clutter-free entranceway. Your landscaping should be well-maintained, and your house numbers clean and easily visible. A well-lit entrance is also a must! 

4. The feng shui “trinity”:

The bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom are of vital importance since there is a powerful connection among the three areas which promote health and well-being.

• In the bathroom you should try to create a spa-like, relaxing atmosphere through the use of lighting and mirrors, which give the room a sense of space/

• In the kitchen unadorned countertops in colors harmonious with the cabinets and walls are a necessity. Use fire and wood tones, and avoid those associated with water. Lighting under the cabinets invites a good chi, as does a basket of fresh fruit or flowers.

• In the bedroom, the bed should have a solid headboard, be approachable from both sides, and be flanked by two end tables. It is best if the bed does not face the door to the room. The walls should be in earth colors, and televisions, computers, and exercise equipment should not be present.

Good feng shui means positive energy, sure to help with the sale of your Greenville NC home. Who doesn’t want the hope of good health, happiness, and prosperity?