Keep on Eye on Your Credit Report..

Everyone should check their credit at least once a year. This can be done online for free at annualcreditreport.com. There are 3 choices of credit bureaus and I am told that Equifax is the major one for our area. If you want to know your credit score that does cost a mimimal amount but pulling your credit and printing it is free. The best credit score is 850 and the lowest is 300.



Today a buyer needs a mimimum credit score of 620 in qualifying for a mortgage loan..this is an increase from 580 of a few years ago. If you are interested in learning how to improve your credit score to be able to buy a home...give Chris Holt at FM Lending a call @ 919-416-2225. He can review your report and give you guidance to get you in a position to be able to purchase that home you have always wanted.

Call or email me for your real estate questions or home improvement questions!

Federal Tax Credit for 1st Time Homebuyers- $8000

Don't miss this opportunity to use this tax credit in buying your first home or if you have not owned a home in the last 3 years ! The home must be purchased between 1/1/09-11/30/09. It does not have to be repaid as long as you live in the home for 3 years. The credit can also be claimed on your 2008 return, so you can amend it and benefit immediately from your purchase. This is a golden opportunity...rates are low -4.75% Fixed for 30 years and home prices are good. Call today and let's get you qualified.

Short Sale- May be the solutuion rather than Foreclosure?

I took a class last week in The Art of the Short Sale. If you currently owe more than your home is worth, working out a short sale with your lender may be the better option for you. I learned the different steps needed to help homeowners get thru this process. It is definitely an overwhelming process when you understand what is going on, and a time consuming frustrating process if you don't.
If you need help selling your home thru the "short sale" process give me a call. I have completed 2 transactions that were short sales. After this class I have the information to help you thru the process. It is not a quick process but it can accomplish your goal by saving your credit from a foreclosure and getting the house sold. The bank/lender does not want to own your house, they would rather work with you, but you have to know the questions and get to the right department to make this happen.
Give me a call at 919-416-2211 if you want to talk about your situation.

Durham's New Showcase- Performing Arts Center

The Durham Performing Arts Center opened in December. It is the largest venue in the Triangle seating 2,800 people. The furthest seat is only 135 feet from the stage, a great view from all seats to enjoy the state of the art center. Broadway shows , musical concerts and special events in Durham are performing or happening weekly. I attended Opening night of the Broadway play, Rent. With a snowfall the night before and freezing temperatures that evening a good crowd turned out for the opening. We were warmly greeted in the parking deck by the "Wayfarers" to make sure you knew the way to the center and at the doors were nicely dressed gentlemen in top hats and red coats to welcome you to the center. Scheduled performers include Bill Cosby, Willie Nelson and the next Broadway play is Fiddler on the Roof. There will certainly be a show that you will want to attend. Don't miss seeing the latest "showcase" of Durham located at the Durham Bulls Ball Park & the American Tobacco Historic District. It is an easy commute from all points of the Triangle!

Welcome to My Blog about Durham,NC

Today I am starting my blog about Durham,NC, and real estate in the area. I am a full time professional REALTOR with Fonville Morisey Realty, a Long & Foster Company. Being a native of Durham and selling real estate in the area for 26 years I have seen a lot of changes, growth and developments in the area. I would like to write about these different parts of Durham, Orange & Person counties which make it such a wonderful place to live, work and play. I hope you will enjoy my blogs!