We have a SUPER house for sale at 309 Rossburn Way in Chapel Hill's Kent Woodlands neighborhood!

We will host it as Open House scheduled for weekend of February 11th  and 12th at 309 Rossburn Way.  Click here to see our unique virtual tour of the house and its features. You can also download a brochure from our virtual tour a www.309RossburnWay.com

Come by our event open house, tour the property,enjoy refreshments, and enter drawings for Valentines Day! Its a charming home and a sweetheart of a deal!

If you cant make it to the open house, I would be more than happy to meet you for a showing at another time convenient for you. See you there, and Happy Valentines Day! Masha

If you have ever moved before, you know that it can be time consuming, overwhelming and frustrating. Even a good moving plan can hit a snag. Being flexible is key when you are planning a move.

Here are some tips that will help you get organized and make moving day a lot easier!

1. Change your address and notify companies before you move. Start by filling out a change of address form in advance of your move. Doing this ahead of time can help you to avoid hassles like past-due bills, service lapses and even identity theft. It is also a good idea before you move to set dates to discontinue your utilities at your old address as well as arrange for these services to be turned on at your new address. .

2. Create a moving schedule.
It is a good idea to set up a moving schedule a few months before you move. Set it up as a week-by-week checklist to manage the process and help to stay on track. A moving schedule helps you to keep track of the little details or things that may be over looked, thus helping you to avoid last minute headaches. 

3. Establish a packing system.
Packing is a major time consumer so thing about coming up with a packing system so all of your boxes end up in the right rooms when they get to your new home. Many professional movers recommend that you use the color code system where you color code each box with a particular room to avoid any confusion with the movers. It is also helpful to give your movers a floor plan of your home with each room labeled.

4. Get rid of unnecessary items.
The less boxes you pack the less you have to move and finally unpack. So it makes sense to thoroughly go thru your items and get rid of the things you just don't need. Items such as unread books, half-empty cleaning products, clothes that you know you wont wear again should be given away or sold at a garage !sale. You don't want to bring the clutter to your new home!

Do you have any tried and true tips for a successful move? Share them with us, we would love to hear how you made moving easier!

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The National Association of Realtors reported last week that single-family sales rose 4.6% in December. NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun said, "The pattern of home sales in recent months demonstrates a market in recovery."

Year end totals show 3.78 million single-family homes were sold in 2011, up 2% from 2010. Two-thirds of 2011 sales involved properties priced below $250,000 and less than 10% of sales involved properties above $500,000.  If your home is on the market or if you plan to sell your home, make sure it is priced right!

Masha Halpern & The Smart Move Team can help you determine the value of your home.

Here's to a great year in real estate!

Masha

It's a buyer's market in Chapel Hill but there is a lot to consider when purchasing a home. For example, how do you know that you are ready to take the leap? Here are a few signs of readiness, ask yourself these questions-are you ready?

• Do you have your finances in order? Becoming a homeowner, especially in a difficult economy can be financially challenging. If you have created a budget and stick with it you are on the right path. Having good money-management skills are a must-have so that when you do own a home you will be able to have a smooth financial flow for monthly home expenses.
• Do you have a sizable down payment of at least 20%? While this is a large amount of money to come up with it is important to have as you will start out with having some equity. Just a few years ago, homeowners could obtain a home with little or no money down, but the rules have changed. However, there are options out there for zero or low money down loans but if you have to sell your home before you expect you can potentially loose money and you will also need to pay for PMI (private mortgage insurance).
• Do you have a steady source of income? Of course in a recession there is no real thing as job security but when you buy a home you are going to be required to have a reliable source of income to cover not only mortgage payments but all the other monthly and unexpected expenses that come along with homeownership. It is important to look at how stable your source of income is as well as having an emergency savings fund where you will have enough funds to cover these expense in case of a loss of a job or other emergency.
• How does your credit look?  Having a good credit score will help to not only get a home loan but will also get you a lower interest rate on your mortgage. Hold off on any large purchases such as cars before applying for a loan as this could effect your rating. Also review your credit report for free at annualcreditreport.com before even applying for the loan to check for any errors.
• Are you ready for the responsibility of owing a home? In addition to the financial aspect of homeownership, you need to be sure you are ready for the other things that come along. Things like lawn care, upkeep as well as unexpected repairs need to be considered as part of owing a home. 

If you are ready to buy a home contact me today to help you find the perfect house for you and your family! 

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Nationally speaking, we have always been more conservatively priced than other areas, and that seems to be what kept us from really dropping so far in the first place. Here is a graph to show how we stack up against other markets around the country:

http://www.luxuryhomemarketing.com/real-estate-agents/luxury-report.html

Locally, our numbers are stable ( or even a bit flat ) as compared to previous months. You can see in this graph that the last ninety days has been relatively  flat (not atypical in the fourth quarter of a year though).

http://www.luxuryhomemarketing.com/real-estate-agents/RaleighDurham.html

Local home owners contact me to check on their specific market value regularly since this figure rolls with the times. I am always happy to review relevant home sales with you, or someone you know, who is getting ready to buy or move.  I am one of a select few Brokers  designated as a Member of the Luxury Home Marketing Institute; which makes me uniquely qualified to assist with the special needs of clients purchasing luxury homes! Please contact me when I can be of service.

Winter weather is in full swing in North Carolina, and that means that we are bundled in layers of hats, scarves boots and jackets. Have you done the same prep for your home during the winter months? 

Here are some easy weatherproofing strategies from Ilyce R. Glink that will keep your house warm and lower your gas/electric bills:

Inspect and maintain home heating systems

Get an inspection of your heating system done before the temperatures drop too low. Clogged filters or dirty air vents can reduce the efficiency of your heating system and raise your heating bill. An annual inspection can ensure that your heating system is working to the best of its abilities and that it won’t break in the middle of a winter snowstorm.

Reduce window and door drafts

Sounds simple but it's true. For the price of a tube of caulk, you can dramatically reduce your monthly heating bill. Especially if you have an older home, you’re probably leaking a lot of your heat out through cracks around your windows and doors. Older homes are also notorious for leaking heat through the roof.

Sears Home Services has a tip for checking for drafts or leaks: Hold a lit incense stick next to doorways and windows and watch the smoke. When you find leaks, seal them with caulk, and then watch for the savings on your heating bill.

Clean gutters

Homeowners know that in the fall gutters can clog with leaves but you need to pay special attention to gutter s in the winter as well. When water freezes on your roof, it can create an ice dam. Melting ice and snow can find its way under shingles and cause major leaks and roof damage. Prevent this damage by making sure your gutters are clean so that the water and snow have somewhere to go.

Insulate your water heater and pipes

Many homeowners may not realize that your water heater needs to be protected from the cold. An insulating blanket may be built into your water heater, but you should consider wrapping your pipes this winter. Your water heater has to work harder on the coldest days, and you can help reduce the energy required to keep your bath water warm.

Upgrade to Energy Star products

Energy star products will cost a little more but you’ll see results in the long run. Buying Energy Star products can require more money out of pocket upfront, but you’ll see a return from this investment through lowered energy bills and tax credits for certain energy-efficient appliances. (You may also be able to get a tax credit for upgrading your windows.)

What are you doing to winterize your home this year? Contact me for tips or to share how you take care of your home during winter!  Keeping warm and saving money is something all homeowners want!

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If you are looking to purchase a home in the North Carolina area you have definitely heard that it's a buyers' market. Yet another incentive is headed your way from Wells Fargo Home Mortgage!

Buyers who close on a new home and finance their mortgage with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage are eligible for a closing gift valued at $1,000! Buyers can choose from among many items in the online catalog. 
 
If you have already been preapproved by another lender, Wells Fargo will reward buyers for allowing them the opportunity to provide their own preapproval decision (generally within 30 minutes or less) so that  buyers can compare and ensure they are getting the home financing option that meets their needs. Buyers will even get a $50 Wells Fargo VISA reward card for allowing us to give a second opinion. 
 
 
Borrowers are eligible to redeem this promotion after closing on any new purchase or refinance loan secured by a first mortgage or deed of trust with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage ("New Loan") as specified above, subject to qualification, approval and closing. This promotion is not available for all New Loan programs and New Loan excludes loans originated with a broker or a correspondent lender. Contact a Home Mortgage Consultant to learn what programs qualify.

This promotion is not available with any other promotion, discount, or rebate. Only one gift permitted per New Loan. FHA New Loans are ineligible for a gift card and are only eligible for merchandise valued in the amount stated in this promotion. This promotion is void where prohibited, applies only to designated promotion recipient and is not transferable, subject to the terms herein.  Redemption period ends within 30 days after your New Loan close date. Gifts may constitute taxable income. Federal, state and local taxes, and the use of the Gift not otherwise specified herein are the responsibility of the Gift recipient. Please present your good faith estimate or preapproval letter at the time of your request for your preapproval. If you have a current lock-in agreement, this is not an inducement to transfer your loan. This promotion may not be combined with any other offers, discounts or promotions.  

Sound like something you might be interested in?  Contact me if you are looking to take advantage of this offer! 

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Because homeowners know that updated homes are more eye-catching to potential buyers down the road, many times they are overzealous and get themselves into trouble. Dreams of remodeled and beautiful kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms turn into nightmares! Below is more information on how it happens, why people do it and, best of all, how to avoid making these mistakes in your home.

1. Gutting Everything
Make sure you have a well-set plan before you start your renovations, because you don't want to go in there and just clear everything out, when you might be able to work around some areas. Often people just start, and they think they're going to pull a piece of wallpaper off, and by the time the process is over, they've completely gotten themselves into a deep, dark hole that's very difficult ( and expensive) to get out of.

2. Using Cheap Materials
One of the biggest mistakes that people make when it comes to home renovation is that they try to be cheap when they buy materials. The bottom line is, you're going to get what you pay for. If you're going to do it, do it. If you can't afford to do it, wait.

3. Excessive Use of Duct Tape
People use duct tape because it's cheap and it's quick and it's easy, but it's definitely a temporary solution. Don't leave it up for more than a couple hours ... ever.

4. Inaccurate Measurements
Not paying close attention to the prep work for a home renovation project can spell disaster. Simple things such as cleaning the subfloor of all dust and debris before adding new flooring can make for a much smoother application.

5. Using the Wrong Tools
There is really three problems with using the wrong tool: You can wreck the tool, you can wreck the project you're working on, and you can wreck yourself.

If you have tips you would like to share, or if you need advice on the best type of remodeling project for your home, contact us!

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There were 19% less homes on the market this November than a year ago. One problem that continues is a lack of qualified buyers.  The average price of homes that sold in November was down 11% from a year ago and the average days on the market for homes that did was up to 129 days from 110 days a year ago. Clearly, it is still a buyer's market.

As we exit 2011, prices still not have rebounded after their huge declines, inventories are still well above normal, and the foreclosure rate is still high but as job gains continue to rise, the real estate market should steadily improve.

The winter months are typically the slowest period of the year however I have a good feeling as we approach the new year. Onward and Upward!

Until then, Masha Halpern & The Smart Move Team wish everyone a Happy and a Healthy 2012!

Are you ready to buy a new Chapel Hill home? You are probably realizing that there is a lot of information you should know about the financing part. Have you considered the importance of obtaining a pre-approval letter? 

Pre-approval can be a very valuable step towards purchasing a home. Many home buyers get pre-qualified for a home loan early on, and then become pre-approved before beginning a serious home search. By completing your mortgage application prior to choosing a home, you can get a pre-approval letter stating how much home you can afford.

Your pre-approval letter lets you know exactly how much you can spend, and it shows home sellers and real estate agents that you're serious about buying a home. This may give you leverage in the negotiation process. Many sellers actually prefer to work with pre-approved buyers, especially in hot real estate markets.

Contact me to find a mortgage professional and get started with your pre-approval for a loan. My goal is to provide you with practical information as you consider your next move!

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You’re ready to buy a home in Chapel Hill, or so you think. Many home buyers make mistakes when purchasing a home, especially a first home. But these mistakes can lead to a bad purchase or even a foreclosure. Here are the top ten pitfalls and mistakes many people make when buying a home – don’t fall into these traps!

1. The “No Money Down” Pitch.  Beware these online or cable TV ‘gurus’ who tell you how to get rich in real estate without a penny down. The only money these guys make is off of you if you buy their CD, book or attend a seminar. It takes experience AND capital to make money in real estate, whether it is one home or ten.

2. All Realtors are the Same, Right? Wrong. Holding a real estate license does not mean that the agent you are talking to is the best one in your market or for your situation. Get referrals, look at the agents sales statistics and interview potential agents carefully.

3. Depleting Your Savings. Most lenders require 20% or more down on a new mortgage. If you don’t have it, wait until you do. Completing wiping out your savings or borrowing a down payment leaves you in a precarious financial situation if something happens.

4. Ignoring Professional Advice. Unless they sound really off base, listen to your realtor and mortgage broker when they offer advice or guidance. You should also do your own homework when looking for the right neighborhood or figuring out the best mortgage package for your family. Let the professionals guide you with their expertise and experience.

5. The “Too Good To Be True” Monthly Payment. Low monthly payments can mean that you are building no equity in your home – even going in the hole on your principal balance. Make sure that you completely understand ALL the terms of your mortgage agreement – from interest rates to monthly payments, and what the consequences are.

6. Landing in the Wrong Neighborhood. Do your homework on the neighborhoods you are looking at. The city should have demographic information, school information and ranking and crime statistics. Is the neighborhood full of foreclosures? IT could affect the value of all the homes in the neighborhood. Make sure you understand the comps and the real value of your potential home site.

7. Buying Above Your Means. Tough times mean that everyone has to revaluate priorities. Be sure to carefully consider the features and prices of homes that will really suit your needs and allow you to live comfortably without spending your entire income on your monthly mortgage payment.

8. Foregoing the Home Inspection. Even if the conditions of your loan don’t require a home inspection, go ahead and spend the relatively small sum to get the home thoroughly checked out by an objective third party. You may uncover problems that the seller should be responsible for, and at the very least, you’ll go into the purchase with the right information about the condition of the home.

9. Acquiring More Debt Before Closing. With credit requirements continuing to tighten, rest assured that your lender will run additional credit reports right before closing. If you have made additional credit purchases – from a new car to furnishings for your new home, it can reflect negatively on your credit and your debt to income ratio. In some cases in can cost you your new mortgage, even if you were pre-approved.

10. Sinking Into Debt After Closing. Many people breathe a sigh of relief once the home loan has closed and then immediately begin purchasing for the home or buying items they have been putting off while waiting for the mortgage to go through. Take it easy! You’ve just added a big responsibility with that mortgage payment.

You may not realize it at the time, but many of the decisions you make when looking for a new home will affect your ability to stay in it once the loan has closed. Respect the advice of professionals, do your homework and avoid the common pitfalls of ‘too good to be true' pitfalls.

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Tomorrow, December 15th is the last day to help out Toys For Tots! Over the 62 years of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program, Marines have distributed more than 400 million toys to more than 188 million needy children.  This charitable endeavor has made U. S. Marines the unchallenged leader in looking after less fortunate children at Christmas.  Over its 18 year life span, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation has supplemented local toy collections with more than 81.3 million toys valued at more than $487 million; plus has provided promotion and support materials valued at over $6.3 million.

Support the Marine Corps annual Toys For Tots drive to help disadvantaged children celebrate Christmas here in North Carolina.

Please bring new, unwrapped toys to the official collection box at Harrington Bank in Southern Village to support your local community this holiday season!

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Mark your calendar for this Wednesday, December 14th from 5:30 - 6:15 pm for the 4th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting. This fun. local event for all members of the family will take place on the Village Green and is  guaranteed  to be a festive outdoor evening of singing, snacks & the lighting of the tree by a special guest! Warm yourself with a cup of hot cider, while listening to musical entertainment.

The evening will begin with music from the Christ Church children's group, with Worship Leader Mary Saou, followed by the heartwarming voices of the Mary Scroggs Elementary School chorus, directed by Sheila Fleming.

The surprise guest will make an appearance shortly after 6:00 to officially light the big tree on The Village Green. This is a fun event guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit!

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Join your North Carolina neighbors in illuminating Southern Village to support the Ronald McDonald House of Chapel Hill. 7,000 Luminaries will be placed in front of all houses and will be lit just after sunset (around 5:00 pm.) This annual event is in it's 18th year and for the past 17 years, neighborhoods throughout the triangle have lined their streets and sidewalks with beautiful luminaries to show their support for the families staying at the House throughout the year and especially during the holiday season. Last year, Light a Luminary raised $58,000 and over 40,000 luminaries were lit!

If you would like to help and take part of this amazing event, you can help in two ways:

1.Volunteer to assemble & deliver luminary kits: Gather at 11 am on Saturday, December 10th at the Southern Village Club parking lot.  Bring your family & friends and enjoy cider and treats as you work.  Youth volunteers can fulfill service learning requirements (forms available at the event).  Sign up in advance, or just show up!

2.Donate to Ronald McDonald House: When deciding how much to contribute, please consider the following:   $65 provides one night of lodging for a family, $25 feeds a family for one day. 

Send contributions, payable to Ronald McDonald House, to Chris Simmons at 306 Westside Drive.

'Tis the season to give back and support your community!

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Buying a home is one of the biggest commitments and decisions you will make, you need to be prepared as possible with up to date information and easy access to the homes that are the best fit for you and your family.

Now you can use your iPad or iPhone to search for Chapel Hill, Durham or Carrboro properties! This amazing application is called myAgent and is an invaluable tool in your home search is you are looking for active MLS listings in your area right now.

Download the myAgent by IDX application and it will help you to find your dream home now using the dynamic map search tools. Be sure to enter my “IDX Agent Code” which is 4240 and you will then have immediate access to all the active MLS listings in the areas I serve.
 

Click here to download the app and follow the instructions to search for your next home like a pro.

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How do you know when it’s time to replace your roof in Chapel Hill, NC?   There are three main reasons for replacing roof shingles: the age of the roof, weather damage, and previously improperly installed roofing.

Start by taking the life expectancy of the type of shingle you currently have then subtracting for age, weathering and weather-related damage to see how many more years you may be able to get out of your roof before needing to replace it.

Roof shingles generally are supposed to last at least twenty years.  Some shingle manufacturers have products that last twenty-five or more years.  Take your standard twenty-year product and subtract the age of your current roof.  If you’re in a newer home, or you are the original owners of your home this is an easy number to get.  If there have been previous owners, or you are otherwise unable to determine the age of the roof, you will have to estimate.

Next, inspect for any physical evidence of damage.  Do your shingles show curling, severe hail damage, cracked flashing or sealer around vents and fireplace flues?  How about brittle shingles due to a southerly exposure?  What about damaged or rotting eves?  The condition of your current roof has a drastic impact on its remaining life expectancy.

Lastly, let’s not forget the obvious.  If your roof is leaking you can skip the process above.  A leak trumps everything else.  You’re going to need some repairs at a minimum, potentially much more.  Keep in mind even newer roofs, if improperly installed, can leak or lose shingles in gusting wind.  Have leaks checked out immediately.

Estimate how much time your home has with your current roof and if you are concerned you’re near the end of its life expectancy, speak only with qualified, experienced, licensed contractors when considering having work done.  You may even weigh the pros and cons of doing the job yourself.  Whatever your decision, don’t wait until you have that first leak.  At that point your repair bill , pardon the pun, is likely to go through the roof!

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attends invitation-only luxury real estate conclave.

“Leaders in Luxury 2011” draws top luxury real estate professionals

Dana Point, CA. November 15-18.2011 – From across North America, top real estate professionals working in the upscale residential market converged in mid-November at The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel Hotel in Orange County (CA) at The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing’s annual Leaders in Luxury (LIL) conference where they discussed strategies for better serving buyers and sellers in today’s luxury home market.

According to Masha Halpern, a leader in the luxury real estate market in Chapel Hill, North Carolina  at Keller Williams Realty- Chapel Hill, the exclusive event was an invitation-only educational and networking opportunity for real estate professionals who handle million and multi-million dollar homes and estates. “This prestigious conference provides cutting-edge information on what’s happening in the luxury market segment, offers insights on best practices in the business, and creates valuable networking opportunities,” said Halpern.

“Leaders in Luxury registration is limited to professionals in the luxury home niche,” said Laurie Moore-Moore, Founder of The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, the event host. “This gives LIL attendees the opportunity to build an exclusive network of contacts focused on the upscale residential industry while sharing with the best in the business. Since competency is the key to working successfully with the luxury buyer and seller,” added Moore-Moore, “LIL is designed to provide attendees with important knowledge and insights, giving them a competitive edge in meeting the needs of the affluent.”

Masha Halpern considers attendance at Leaders in Luxury to be essential for success in today’s marketplace. “Attending the Leaders in Luxury event is an investment for my clients,” said Halpern. “With the current real estate market, I have to be proactive to stay on top of the market conditions. By networking with the best in the business, sharing ideas, and learning about the latest trends and outlooks, I can help my affluent clients find success where others are finding challenges.”

Keynote speakers included David Michonski, author of the new book, “Power Marketing for Luxury Real Estate” and Catherine Marcus of Sotheby’s International Real Estate, who was involved in the record-setting $100 million residential sale earlier this year in California’s Silicon Valley.

The Leaders in Luxury conference is an annual event.

About The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing (ILHM)

The Institute trains real estate professionals, like Masha Halpern, who work in the luxury home market internationally and awards the Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS) designation which is the official designation for many North American real estate brands. Masha Halpern is one of a few local Real Estate  Brokers in Chapel Hill and Durham, with this international designation.

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Moving can be very time-consuming, and sometimes even frustrating. However, here are some helpful tips to help you get organized for a smooth and efficient move to your new Chapel Hill home.

1. Change your address and notify companies before you move. Start by filling out a change of address form in advance of your move. Doing this ahead of time can help you to avoid hassles like past-due bills, service lapses and even identity theft. It is also a good idea before you move to set dates to discontinue your utilities at your old address as well as arrange for these services to be turned on at your new address.

2. Create a moving schedule.
It is a good idea to set up a moving schedule a few months before you move. Set it up as a week-by-week checklist to manage the process and help to stay on track. A moving schedule helps you to keep track of the little details or things that may be over looked, thus helping you to avoid last minute headaches.

3. Establish a packing system.
Packing is a major time consumer so think about coming up with a packing system so all of your boxes end up in the right rooms when they get to your new home. Many professional movers recommend that you use the color code system where you color code each box with a particular room to avoid any confusion with the movers. It is also helpful to give your movers a floor plan of your home with each room labeled.

4. Get rid of unnecessary items.
The less boxes you pack the less you have to move and finally unpack. So it makes sense to thoroughly go through your items and get rid of the things you just don't need. Items such as unread books, half-empty cleaning products, clothes that you know you wont wear again should be given away to charity or sold at a garage sale. You don't want to bring the clutter to your new home!

Contact us for more information and tips on how to make moving easier, we would love to help!  Do you have a moving tip that helped you? Share it here!

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