It seems like finding the right home can be the biggest challenge when you decide it’s time to move. Spending hours searching online for homes for sale in Greensboro, NC, scheduling viewings, researching the neighborhood and making offers is overwhelming. Finalizing financing can be just as hard. Make your move easier by learning 5 tips for financing new homes.

1. Check Your Own Credit Before You Let a Lender Run It

Find out what your current credit score is and if there are any outstanding debts you can take care of before calling a lender. Taking care of defaulted debts or unpaid loans will help your process and increase your credit score so you can secure a better interest rate.

2. Compare Lender Mortgage Interest Rates First

Letting a lender run your credit creates a hard inquiry that remains on your credit for two years. Hard inquiries can impact your overall credit score. Before you give up your personal information and let a lender run your credit, compare offers out there to see who has the best deals. Talk to your real estate agent, too, for insight on the best mortgage deals.

3. Determine the Home’s True Monthly Payment Before You Commit

Often you’ll see an ‘estimated’ monthly payment for the mortgage. But don’t forget to include your escrow payments in that total. Property taxes, annual property insurance, and Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) will all add to your monthly payment. If you’re comfortable with that true total, move on to the next step.

4. Determine Your Down Payment

Some loans may require little to no down payment depending on your loan type. If a down payment is required, figure out if you can afford it. If you cannot, find out what other options are available. Also, keep in mind you will be required to pay a monthly PMI if your loan amount is higher than 80% of the value of your home.

5. Organize Your Financial Documents Before You Call

Lenders will require several documents prior to determining if you qualify for a loan. Gather at least 2 months of pay stubs, last year’s W2, tax return, and bank statements before getting on the call. Having your documents ready will expedite your credit application processing time.

Start Your Search for Homes for Sale in Greensboro, NC Today

Real estate agents work in the home industry day-in and day-out for years. They often have industry insight and knowledge that can add value to your experience and impact your decisions. Working with a reputable firm can make your next move simpler. Make your search for homes for sale in Greensboro, NC easier by calling Jason Smith at 336-451-4921 or Jeff Smith at 336-215-7880.

1. Real Estate Agents Have the Most Reliable Home Information

There are literally hundreds of options out there to search for a new home on your own as long as you have the time to commit. However; not all the information is always current or accurate. Real Estate agents have access to MLS which provides detailed information about the current status of a luxury home. This can save you quite a bit of time by ruling out any listings under contract or homes that were recently sold.

2. Agents Can Help with Financing Resources

Not only are real estate agents current on all new financing rules, they also have insight on the best

mortgage deals and lenders out there which saves you the time of interpreting new laws, hunting for the best deals, and comparing rates.

3. In-Depth Pricing Knowledge on Luxury Real Estate in Greensboro

A real estate agent buys and sells homes in your area day after day and knows what recent homes sold for and what prices they are currently listing at. This insight helps them analyze prices and offers to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

4. Real Estate Agents Know Luxury Neighborhoods

Just as agents have in-depth knowledge on pricing and sales, they also understand the neighborhoods thoroughly. They can help you choose a neighborhood that aligns with your lifestyle and desire.

5. Real Estate Agents Understand Inspection Documentation

Setting up inspections can be confusing, but real estate agents can connect you with recommended inspectors to ensure your home is thoroughly reviewed. Inspection results can be overwhelming and confusing. Not for luxury real estate agents; they review them every day. An agent can help interpret a home’s inspection results and help you make a decision to buy, negotiate, or move on.

Make Your Home Buying Experience Easier with Expert Real Estate Agents in Greensboro

Make your home buying experience easier by relying on the expertise of Smith Marketing Inc. With 27 years’ experience in buying and selling luxury homes in Greensboro, Smith Marketing provides the insight and resources to help you the right decision on your home purchase. Call Jason Smith at 336-451-4921 or Jeff Smith at 336-215-7880 with Smith Marketing of Allen Tate Realtors and start simplifying the process.

Choosing to build a new home is a decision that turns into more decisions. What builder to select, what floor plan, how much to spend, and where to build, are all decisions to be made when building a new home. If you’re familiar with real estate language, one thing you’ll hear real estate agents often chant is “location, location, location!” Understanding how location impacts your Greensboro real estate purchasing decision is crucial to making the right choice. Find out why by reading these 6 tips to consider when choosing your home site.

1. Slope Affects Drainage and Property Costs

The idea of a home sitting atop a high hill may be dreamy, but it will likely cost more for your builders to build into a hill. The same caveat applies if your site sits in a valley. Consider how the land grading will impact construction costs. And don’t forget about drainage. Slope, like soil, also has a big impact on water drainage.

2. The Sun Impacts New Home Design and Energy Consumption

The position of your home in respect to the sun’s location will impact your home’s design. Determine how the real estate is positioned so you can create your layout with sunlight in mind. In addition, sun impacts energy consumption. If your site has little shading, or too much, it can impact your energy bills come hot or cold weather.

3. Area Statistics Can Impact Your Real Estate Decision

If you have young children and are planning to purchase Greensboro real estate, check out the area’s school system to ensure the academic levels meet your expectations. While you’re checking out the schools, check out the demographics and crime rates in your area to ensure it’s a place you can see yourself living for a long time.

4. Consider Shopping Locations Before Purchasing Property

While ‘being away from it all’ sounds nice, the comfort of seclusion from busy streets may turn into an inconvenience when you run out of milk. Review how far away grocery stores and shopping centers are located so you know just how far you’ll need to go to replenish your kitchen or to buy a new sweater.

5. Future Area Plans for New Home Builds Can Affect Your Future, Too

The only thing constant in life is change. Keep that in mind if you’re choosing a Greensboro real estate site that is away from city. Check to see if there are any future plans to build around you so you can plan for new neighbors and construction if you decide the site is right for you.

Select the Right Greensboro Real Estate Home Site Today

Lessen the stress of researching your site by relying on experts in the Greensboro Real Estate market. Smith Marketing takes the time to get to know you and your plans to help make your site selection one that suits you and your future. Get help choosing the right home site now by calling Jason Smith at 336-451-4921 or Jeff Smith at 336-215-7880 with Smith Marketing of Allen Tate Realtors.

The last several years have seen more transitions in the real estate market than perhaps ever before. If you are doing a property search in Greensboro, then you should be aware of all the possibilities and the resources available to help you do so in the most efficient way possible. Here’s is what you need to consider.

Getting an Overview of Property for Sale in Greensboro

The miracle of technology now allows you to do a property search in Greensboro from the comfort of your own home, so you can get a really accurate idea of all the different choices available to you without spending endless hours driving around looking at places you would never consider. But before you get too specific with your filters, don’t dismiss anything out of hand. Here are the basic options you should at least take a quick look at before trying to narrow down your list.

• Custom Build or Resale: Custom built homes allow you to get very close to what you consider your dream home to be, but you may not want to take the time or go through the process. While an existing property for sale in Greensboro might not be exactly what you were looking for, it may be close enough, and you will be able to move in more quickly. Sometimes, builders will even construct spec homes, so you get the best of both worlds: a newly built home that is ready to move into.
• Yards or Zero Lots: Big back yards can be great, for kids or entertaining, but they do require maintenance. Consider your actual needs, is it really just a patio you would like for unwinding at the end of the day? Because even zero lots often provide these, with just enough room to add beautiful landscaping. Even if you have children, communities with zero lot homes often have playgrounds, perhaps a home near one would meet your needs just fine. If you definitely want a large yard, then limit your property search in Greensboro with a minimum lot size.

Details of Property for Sale in Greensboro

Once you’ve made a decision about the type of home you want, or even if you’ve decided to keep an open mind, you will then want to get into the specifics of your dream home. And it is absolutely amazing just how specific you can get with a property search in Greensboro. Of course, you probably know how many bedrooms and bathrooms you want, but here are some other filters some tools will allow you to enter.

• Square Footage, Both House & Lot: Whether you want a big yard or you don’t, narrow your results to listings that match your preference. If you know you want 4 bedrooms, you may want to enter a minimum square footage, so you aren’t looking at floor plans you consider far too cramped.
• Features: How many cars do you need to garage? What type of heating and cooling or energy efficiency do you require? Do you only want to see houses more than 50 years old or built within the last five? Would you absolutely love to have a fireplace in the master bedroom? Then look at those first. The right tools can give you all of these filters.
• Location: If you have your heart set on one particular development, or school district, then make sure to choose a website tool that will allow you to narrow your listings results accordingly.

Buying the Right Property for Sale in Greensboro

If you are a first-time buyer or just trying to make everything as simple as possible, you will want to choose a real estate company that is as full service as possible. If you are looking at both resales and new builds, you will want one that is comfortably familiar with both. Bonus points for tools that provide excellent property search in Greensboro.

Smith Marketing has been actively involved with the development of many communities in Greensboro. Their team is knowledgeable and experienced with all types of property for sale in Greensboro. The advanced property search tool on their website is one of the most detailed on the internet, enabling you to get results that are limited to exactly what you are looking for. Call (336) 215-7880 so they can help you find the property for sale in Greensboro that is perfect for you.

Are you in the market for a new home in the Greensboro area? These days the best place to start is the Internet. Searching for a new home on MLS (multiple listings service) databases can be overwhelming. There are a plethora of homes available and it is helpful to condense the number down to a shorter list of homes that meet your needs. What you need is a good search tool with many different criteria to narrow your search. Consider the following tips for searching Greensboro real estate listings.

1. Decide what you want and need in a new home.

   The first step is to determine what you are looking for in your next home. Start with a price range and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you require. Determine size and number of levels and the type and size of lot you need. Consider proximity to work and other important places. Research the school district and neighborhood you want to be in. These are just some of the search criteria available on MLS listings in Greensboro.

2. Search online Greensboro real estate listings.

   Once you have established your criteria for your new home, you can plug that information into our search engine to see what is available in the area you are hoping to live. The more detail you put into your search, the more refined your search will be, resulting in a list of homes that should be close to what you are looking for.

3. Secure financing.

   It is wise to get pre-approved for a mortgage before you begin house hunting. Your financial institution will give you an accurate idea of how much they are willing to finance for your new home. Always set your price range lower than the amount you are approved for because it allows you breathing room for other expenses. Don’t buy a house that is more than you can truly afford.

4. Contact a Realtor to help you tour homes.

   After narrowing your online search to a list of homes you wish to view, contact an Allen Tate Realtor to schedule tours. Realtors, as opposed to real estate agents, are part of the NAR (National Association of Realtors) and have sworn to uphold a certain code of ethics regarding real estate. You can expect better service and greater expertise from a Realtor.

Enjoy the house hunting process. It should be a pleasant experience to find the next place you will call home.

Smith Marketing and Allen Tate Realtors will help you find your dream home

When it comes to Greensboro real estate listings, Smith Marketing gives you access to all property that is available in the area. Our advanced search engine allows you to narrow your search by more than thirty different criteria. We work with Allen Tate Realtors who make it possible to tour the homes you find on our MLS listings in Greensboro. Allen Tate Realtors go beyond the search engine by listening to you and your wishes for your future home. We are the matchmakers of people and homes. If you would like us to help you find the home you have been looking for, contact us or call (336) 215-7880.

For more information on finding real estate: http://buyandsell.houselogic.com/articles/8-tips-finding-your-new-home/

When it comes to buying and selling homes in this day and age, some people are forgoing the use of a Realtor and attempting to go it alone. While this may work for real estate savvy people, for most of us it is still wiser to employ the expertise of a Realtor. When you are looking for houses for sale in Greensboro, there are various Web-based listings you can search. But the best online listings, searched by an experienced user, will be able to produce superior results based on more detailed search criteria. Once you find some listings you are interested in seeing, a Realtor will coordinate the details of showing you the homes you want to see. There are many advantages to buying and selling homes through a Realtor.

A Realtor has access to more available real estate

By working with a good Realtor, you will have access to many more available houses and lots than if you were searching alone. Real estate is a business that involves coordinating between different agents and Realtors. You tell your Realtor what you are looking for, and they have more experience using a property search in Greensboro to find homes that match your criteria. This sometimes require coordinating with other Realtors who are selling the property you are interested in. It can be a lot of work making and receiving phone calls and communicating between buyers and sellers. Realtors take care of all of this for you. And they are willing to work flexible schedules to show you homes at times that are convenient for you.

Negotiating is best done by an expert

When it comes to buying and selling homes, a lot of negotiation goes into the deal. Realtors are expert negotiators. They will be the mediator between the buyer and seller, making sure everyone is happy and agrees on the terms of the sale. Without a mediator, negotiations regarding home sales can be difficult. People are easily offended when their home is criticized, but it is important for a buyer to be able to be honest about the things they don’t like about a house.

Realtors are familiar with the contracts and legalities that go into buying and selling homes

Even just negotiating home buying and selling can involve legalities and contracts that can be complicated. A Realtor will know how to handle the legal matters so that you don’t end up in a bad situation regarding the purchase or sale of a home.

Buying and Selling real estate is easier with Smith Marketing and Allen Tate Realtors

If you are looking to buy or sell a home or both, Smith Marketing together with Allen Tate Realtors will ensure success. Smith Marketing can list your home in the best possible way to attract interest and get it sold for a price you will be satisfied with. Allen Tate Realtors will find buyers and present your home as attractively as possible. When it comes to performing a property search in Greensboro, Smith Marketing can expertly use MLS to help you find the exact type of home your looking for in the location you want. Allen Tate Realtors will show you homes that meet your search criteria, saving you time and helping you find the home of your dreams. To get started buying or selling a home, contact us or call (336) 215-7880.

For more information on the benefits of using a Realtor: http://www.forbes.com/2010/05/25/why-you-need-real-estate-agent-personal-finance-commission.html

Whether you are in the market for a new home or need to sell your current home (or both), choosing the right real estate broker can make a big difference in the outcome of your experience. Your realty company helps you to find homes that meet your needs when you are house hunting. And when you are selling your home, your agent is responsible for showing your home to prospective buyers and listing the home online in the best possible way to attract interest in the property. When house hunting, you need a real estate agency with access to the most property for sale in Greensboro. With the following tips, you can find the right agent for you.

1. Check out their online listings. These days, people start their house hunting process online more often than any other method. Look at the properties for sale in Greensboro and any other areas you are considering. If the listings on a broker’s site make the homes look attractive and interesting to you as a home buyer, then you can expect that your home will be presented just as nicely when you are ready to sell.
2. Look at style and price range of the agent’s listings. Find a broker who has homes listed that match the general style and price range of the type of property you are looking for. You want an agent who specializes in properties of the type you seek so that they are more likely to show you houses that meet your criteria. The same applies to selling your home.
3. Consider an agent’s credentials and licensing. There is a difference between a real estate agent and a Realtor. A Realtor with a capital R is a member of the National Association of Realtors, meaning they vow to uphold a certain code of ethics. There are other certifications and specialties that real estate agents and Realtors can add to their professional status. Also, a real estate agent must be licensed in the state where they work. You can check licensing through your state regulatory agency. Ask your potential agent about their licensing and credentials.
4. Look for experience. You want a broker with at least five years of experience, otherwise you may be part of their learning curve.

Smith Marketing works with Allen Tate Greensboro to sell homes

When Smith Marketing joined forces with Allen Tate Realtors of Greensboro, the result was a huge success. Smith Marketing has the expertise to present homes online in a way that interests homebuyers and gets homes sold quickly. Allen Tate Realtors work closely with clients to help them find the new home they are looking for and sell their old home as well. From the home buyer and seller’s side of the equation, Smith Marketing and Allen Tate Greensboro make the process easy and even fun. You should enjoy house hunting without worrying that you will have trouble selling your old home for what it’s worth. Let us take care of the details while you focus on finding the home of your dreams. Request a free consultation or call (336) 215-7880 to get started buying or selling a home today.

For more information on selecting a real estate agent: http://www.bankrate.com/finance/real-estate/7-tips-for-picking-a-real-estate-agent-1.aspx

If you are looking to buy or sell your home, choose Allen Tate Realtors’ #1 Team in the Triad Region, Smith Marketing in Greensboro, NC.

In February of 2009, Smith Marketing, Inc. of Greensboro joined forces with Allen Tate Realtors. Since then the two companies have proven to be a competitive force in the market, with Allen Tate giving Smith Marketing the #1 Large Team Award for the Triad Region for 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and now 2015. Smith Marketing was also awarded the Team Peak Performance Awards from 2009 through 2015 and given the H. Allen Tate, Jr. Award for 2009 through 2015. Smith Marketing is simply the best choice for buying or selling your home. What makes them the best? Experience and a strategic approach to home buyers and sellers, as well as a good working relationship with the area’s top builders and developers.

Part of the Allen Tate Greensboro team

Smith Marketing, Inc. is a full service real estate firm established from 27 years of successful real estate experience in the Greensboro area. Smith Marketing is part of the Allen Tate Greensboro team that brings an integrated marketing and strategic approach to home sellers, homebuyers, and builder/developer clients. With such an expansive knowledge base, buying or selling your home does not have to be stressful because we know the details. While you may have heard horror stories from others regarding their home buying or selling experience, that is not the case with Smith Marketing.

The full resources of Allen Tate Greensboro

For sellers, the insight that Smith Marketing provides is nothing short of spectacular. Smith Marketing agents help sellers prepare to place their home on the market by providing comparisons, researching their neighborhood statistics and analyzing the history of previous properties for sale in the region. This intensive research allows sellers to get the most out of their home.

For buyers, they have an extensive database of homes available in the Greensboro, High Point, Kernersville, Winston-Salem, and surrounding areas to choose from. They offer expertise from single home to large housing communities. And they care. Finding your perfect home is as important to us as it is to you. That is why Smith Marketing has developed a strategic approach from start to finish, to ensure you can find your dream home at a price you can afford. The Smith Marketing-Allen Tate Greensboro team keeps up-to-date on market trends, and market rates so we can help you narrow down your choices.

Smith and Allen Tate know Greensboro

Plus, the Smith Marketing team offers in-depth knowledge about the Greensboro area. Many of their team members were born and raised right here in the Triad. They know how important education is to a family starting out but we also understand the issues that seniors face. Our in-depth knowledge of the area, services, and educational systems, has made Snith Marketing the largest dollar volume in sales and listings for a large team in the entire company.

When it comes to buying or selling your home, Smith Marketing has the expertise to get it done. They can help you find an existing home, new home, or even a lot that meets your needs to build on. Working together, as a team, they can make the home buying (or selling) process as smooth and painless as possible. Call today at (336) 215-7880 to get started.

It can be done. You can buy a new home in Greensboro and sell your old home at the same time – and it doesn’t have to be stressful. There are many advantages to simultaneous home buying and selling. You save money and experience less hassle. But the key to success in this process is working with the right home marketing firm and realty company. Smith Marketing, Inc. has the expertise to sell your home and help you to find the new home you are looking for. Our team will work hard to get your home in front of as many potential buyers as possible, while showing you homes for sale that meet your criteria.

What happens if my house sells before I’ve found a new one?

When this happens it can put unnecessary stress on home buyers. But it doesn’t have to be a problem. You have a few options. You can rent temporarily and put some things in storage until you find a new home that you like. This may make moving a bit more of a hassle, but it’s better than rushing into the purchase of a home you may not be completely happy with. Sometimes you can negotiate a rent-back agreement, which gives you the option to stay in the home for 60 to 90 days in exchange for a slightly lower sale price or rent payed to the buyer. There are ways to work within this situation so that it doesn’t cause undue stress.

What if I find a new home before my old home has been sold?

The opposite situation can also be worrisome: You’ve found a new home you are ready to purchase, but your current home hasn’t sold yet. It can be financially overwhelming to attempt to pay two mortgages while you wait for your home to sell. There are a few options that can help with this situation. Contingency contracts can be used when buyers want to make the purchase of a new home contingent upon the sale of their old home. This works well if the seller has had a difficult time selling their home, but it may not work in a very competitive market. If the seller has other offers that don’t hinge on a contingency contract, they may choose to accept another offer. Bridge loans are a financing option that make it possible for you to pay for two homes for a temporary time period. The loan would be paid back after the sale of the old home.

Smith Marketing makes property search in Greensboro a breeze

When you are ready to put your current home on the market and start looking for houses for sale in Greensboro, NC, and the surrounding area, call Smith Marketing at (336) 215-7880. We

will guide you through the process of preparing your home for sale and listing it, after which we will help you to find the new home of your dreams. We can make this process as easy as possible, whether you sell or buy first. Together with Allen Tate Realtors, we have a long history of successful home sales in Greensboro and the Triad. We look forward to working with you.

For more information on the home buying and selling process: http://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/buying-a-house-while-selling-a-house/

As our country continues to recover from the recession, the housing market is recovering as well. Home values are rising and are nearly back to what they were a decade ago. The housing market affects nearly every American and both impacts and reflects the current economic status of our country. So what does this mean for the local housing market? You can expect to see more houses for sale in Greensboro, NC, this year.

It’s a seller’s market right now, but buyers benefit too

Since home values have risen, sellers can expect to get closer to full value for their home. While this mostly benefits people selling their home, there are also advantages to home buyers. Because home values have been low in recent years, people (on the whole ) weren’t selling. But now we can expect to see many more homes on the market, giving buyers more options than they had last year. Higher housing prices may discourage some buyers, but improvements in the job market should help to balance that out with higher wages and a lower unemployment rate. Buyers can also take advantage of low mortgage rates, for as long as they last.

Advantages for first-time home buyers

If you have been considering purchasing a home for the first time, 2016 may be your year. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) lowered their fees in 2015 and will hopefully do so again as the economy improves. Younger homebuyers and homebuyers with less than perfect credit may have a better chance to qualify for mortgages and lower mortgage rates because the credit requirements should soon become more reasonable.

Smith Marketing and Allen Tate in Greensboro are expecting a great year

Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home this year, Smith Marketing along with Allen Tate Realtors will help you accomplish your goals. When it comes to selling homes, Smith Marketing has the expertise to strategically list your home in order to get it sold more quickly and for a number that’s closer to your asking price. Allen Tate in Greensboro will be sure to find serious buyers who are interested in your home and get it in front of as many eager eyes as possible.

If you are looking to purchase a home this year, Smith Marketing has listings of hundreds of homes in the Greensboro area. When you work with Allen Tate in Greensboro, you can expect a realtor who will listen to you and show you homes that meet your needs and suit your tastes. Use our property search to find homes in your area that meet your requirements. Contact us here or call us at 336-215-7880 to start your home buying or selling process.

For the full article from the Washington Post on the 2016 Housing Market Outlook: https://www.washingtonpost.com/realestate/a-look-at-the-trends-that-will-impact-the-financial-stakes-in-housing/2016/01/06/44de14ce-9d16-11e5-a3c5-c77f2cc5a43c_story.html