1. ARE YOU READY? In addition to a down payment, you also need cash for closing costs. Find out how much you have and how much you will need. Several loan programs help with these costs.

2. HIRE A REALTOR® Be sure you’re working with a true professional. Make sure your agent is a REALTOR®.

3. GET LOAN PRE-APPROVAL The real issue with real estate financing is not getting a loan, but to get the loan that’s right for you. Meet with lenders to find out how much you can afford and find out which programs are available.

4. LOOK AT HOMES Before you look, list the features and benefits you want in a home. Consider pricing, location, size, layout and extras.

5. CHOOSE A HOME Review your notes to narrow down choices. When you find the home of your dreams, your REALTOR® can help you be sure it is a good fit for you and your family.

6. GET FUNDING The mortgage you choose will be determined by how much down payment you can afford., your credit rating, and your income.

7. MAKE AN OFFER An offer is more than the price you’re willing to pay. It also includes the terms and timeline of the agreement.

8. GET INSURANCE Shop around for title insurance, homeowner’s insurance, flood insurance and a home warranty.

9. CLOSING This is the official meeting where the transaction happens. A closing attorney will make sure all of the required paperwork is complete.

10. WHAT’S NEXT? While you’re moving in, transferring utilities to your name, and checking out the neighborhood, be sure to enjoy your new home!

Take a cue from high-end homes. Luxury homes showcase the latest in floor plans, appliances and décor. Check out your local tour of homes or visit some open houses in new construction neighborhoods. Living spaces like mudrooms and home offices are all the rage; formal living rooms are not.

Stick with your style. Many experts agree that your remodeling projects should reflect the style of your home. For example, if you live in an ultra-contemporary condo, a quaint country kitchen might seem out of place and turn off potential buyers when you’re ready to sell.

Kitchen updates. The kitchen is the heart of the home for many families and in addition to food preparation it’s also a place to pay bills and do homework. Today’s kitchens tend to be open and often include cabinets for TVs, computers and small appliances.

Go green. Eco-friendly materials like bamboo flooring are gaining in popularity. So are Energy Star® appliances, windows, and lighting products, which increase energy efficiency.

Go outside. Outdoor living spaces are the latest trend in adding a room without adding four walls. At the high end of the market, outdoor living rooms, kitchens and fireplaces are becoming standard.

Technically speaking. As our lives become more dependent on technology, homes will become “smarter”, allowing homeowners to remotely arm a home security system, turn appliances on and off, and control thermostats.

Artisan color trends. The colors of 2007/2008 turn over a new leaf encompassing the natural, the ethereal, the homespun and the restful. These vivid elements inspire sophistication, regality, and simplicity.

Boy do we have some new listings for you!

Sandy Pannill offers up two lovely homes; 742 Bonito and 710 Silverside. And John Lee has two pre-construction home offerings and a majestic homesite; 27 Fairway Club, 41 Ocean Marsh, and 709 Seahorse.

Contact us today for a personal showing of these glorious properties.

1. Start with a plan, especially if you’re starting from scratch. Do you entertain often? Do you have young children? What’s your style – formal,
casual or contemporary? Define your budget and get a general idea of what you need before you go shopping. Save time and gas by using online resources to do your research.

2. Paint works wonders. Dollar for dollar, paint gives you the greatest bang for your buck. You can totally change the look of a room by painting the walls, trim or ceiling a different color. And when shopping for furniture and accessories, don’t forget to bring along your paint chips.

3. Wallpaper is back! And it’s better and more fashionable than ever. Today’s styles are more varied, with textured vinyls that can simulate stucco and grasscloth. You can get BIG looks without spending a bundle, especially if you do it yourself.

4. Toss it up. Bring life to that old sofa with some fresh new toss pillows in different shapes and complementary colors. Along the same lines, throw rugs can add interest and instantly warm up a room.

5. Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize! Little things mean a lot. Give your home personality with touches like floral arrangements, plants, candles and artwork. Visit flea markets and yard sales for unique items that can be re-purposed. For example, transform an antique milk can into a functional umbrella stand.

6. Turn on the light. Lighting can set the tone for a room, so it’s important to choose the right lamps and installed lighting. Rooms should have a lighting source about every 10 feet, so consider using both floor lamps and table lamps. To give your dining room a fresh look, try an affordable new ceiling medallion.

7. Treat them right. Custom window treatments can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, so you’ll want to work with off-the-shelf shades, swags and curtains. Drapery panels that are positioned high above the window and flow to the floor are “hot” right now, as are Roman shades and eco-friendly bamboo shades.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, almost 10 million Americans are victims of some sort of identity theft, and experts suggest that identify theft increases during the winter holiday season. Here are some tips to help you safeguard your personal information.

- Be careful with your social security number, which is one of the most valuable pieces of information that you have to “prove” who you are. Avoid carrying your social security card in your wallet, and don’t print the number on personal checks.
- Only release your social security number when it’s absolutely necessary, such as when required by a government agency (e.g., the Department of Motor Vehicles or Social Services).
- If a merchant asks for your social security number, ask why it’s necessary, and what safeguards they have in place to protect your information. Although there are instances where it is necessary to have this information (such as, in order to extend credit), you should feel confident with the safeguards that are in place to protect your privacy.
- Minimize the number of credit cards you have, and only carry one or two in your wallet. It’s a good idea to keep a list of all your credit cards, bank accounts, and investments in a safe place.
- Never leave envelopes containing bills and checks in places where there’s a danger of their being stolen. Consider mailing your bills at the post office, rather than leaving them for your letter carrier at your front door or mailbox.
- Think about computer safety-never use obvious or easily guessed passwords or PINs, and always create passwords that combine letters and numbers.
- Be wary of “phishing” schemes. Phishing is a type of fraud that usually starts as an e-mail or pop-up designed to trick you into revealing personal financial details. Never reply to e-mails asking for personal details, or even click on links in e-mails that appear suspicious. Use Firefox, Thunderbird, and Spybot for a more secure online experience.
- Be careful what you throw away! Trash is a prime target for identity thieves, so take the time to shred all paperwork containing sensitive information, including pre-approved credit offers. The most secure shredders are “cross cut” shredders, because they ensure that the documents cannot be reassembled.
- Carefully review financial statements each month for unauthorized use, including your credit cards, bank statements, and phone bills. Alert your creditors immediately, in the event that you notice a discrepancy.
- Do a “check up” on your credit history once every year. Securing this information is easy-simply visit Annual Credit Report. You’ll be able to get one free credit report each year from each of the three major credit bureaus.
- Another important consideration: determine whether you have protection in the event that you are victimized. Many credit card companies offer protection against identity theft, so ask your credit card agent or company representative if yours does. In addition, a few banking institutions now offer the convenience of identity theft resolution services. This assistance can prove invaluable, because it can help guide victims through the arduous process of reclaiming their good names.

Many buyers judge a house by its exterior, or so it seems from the results of the 2007 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report. Three of the four projects with the highest national percentage of costs recouped this year were exterior upgrades.

The most profitable project on the national level was upscale siding replacement, recouping 88% of costs upon resale. Wood deck additions and wood window replacements also returned more than 80% of costs, at 85% and 81%, respectively. On a national average, the only interior project to return more than 80% of remodeling costs this year was a minor kitchen remodel, returning 83% of project costs at resale. (RISMEDIA, Dec. 4, 2007)

Read more of the 2007 Remodeling Survey.

1. Make a good first impression.
Your entryway sets the tone, so clean the front door and polish the brass door knocker. If your welcome mat has lost its luster, replace it with a new one from your local hardware store.

2. Wash the windows.
On sunny days, the strong southern light can reveal dirt and grime you might not have noticed. Sparkling clean windows suggest to potential buyers that your home is well maintained.

3. Warm it up.
Give your home that “cozy” feel by keeping the room temperature warm and comfortable during showings. Build a fire or turn on the gas logs – but only if you plan on returning home right after the showing.

4. Add seasonal touches.
Warm throws and fall floral arrangements. Update your planters with fall favorites such as pansies and mums.

5. Give your home a nice aroma
with a cinnamon candle, freshly baked chocolate chip cookies or a faint pine scent. But don’t overdo it, as buyers might wonder what you’re trying to cover up.

6. Turn on the music.
Create a relaxed atmosphere by playing classical music or soft jazz, but keep the volume low.

7. See the light.
Shorter days means less natural light, so make the most of your indoor and outdoor living spaces with accented lighting solutions. Visit this page for helpful tips on decorating with accent lamps and installed lighting.

8. Clean gutters.
After the leaves have fallen, clean your gutters before snow and freezing rain set in. Clogged drains can cause back ups, resulting in visible water damage that could scare buyers away.

9. Keep walkways clear.
When the temperature drops below freezing, make sure your home is easy to show by keeping walkways and driveways free of snow and ice. A treacherous path to your front door can keep potential buyers inside their cars!

10. Paint works wonders.
If your walls need a fresh coat, check out the latest fall color trends here. Remember that neutrals work best when selling a home, but you can use throw pillows and small area rugs to bring the autumn colors to life.

Most people have heard the term, but it is revealing that many people do not actually know what a Blog is. Heck, you're reading one now. Hopefully, the below video will shed some light on the subject.

This home is on Fripp Inlet facing the ocean and has deep water for a boat. Dock permit is a possibility. There is also a private beach for River Club residents and a shared dock. It has top of the line appliances. An exceptional property.

Contact John Lee for more information.