Sue Robertson » Uncategorized

Do you hate horse flies?

Sue — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 20:02:08 +0000

Do you hate horse flies? I recently found out some facts about them. There are about 400 different pecies of them in the US. The females have to drink blood to help get protein for their eggs. But here’s the part I did not know. Males and female drink nectar and as a result they are pollenators! They are attracted by carbon dioxide, prefer large dark objects, so wearing white can help. Insect repellents don’t work against them. Swatting is probably all you can do!

Stay cool.

So you want to buy a foreclosed house

Sue — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 21:01:09 +0000

1. get pre-qualified or even better pre-approved.
2. consider a 203K loan
3. be prepared to deal with an un-caring, un-emotional instiution
4. get a Realtor with a CDPE or SFR
5. get a home inspection
6. get a home warranty, there may be hidden problems an inspection does not find
7. get an OWNERS title insurance policy, not just the one to cover your lender
8. change the locks
9. make wise improvements to your new property
10. keep it up and enjoy the benefits of home ownership

Flipping houses part2

Sue — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 22:51:28 +0000

So my last post about flipping houses, I said FHA will not give out a loan on something that has not been owned for at least 90 days. That is still true as far as I can tell.
I said you needed to get certain things fixed before the close of an FHA loan. That is still true. However the hard part was getting the things fixed before you owned it! The banks wont fix them, so there was the rub. A circle that could not be broken….well not so fast there is a 203K loan that allows for repairs to be done after the close of the loan.
There is a lot of details, but here are the basics.
1. The property must be an owner occupant
2. Professionals must do the work
3. The money must be held in escrowed for repairs
I know a terrific lenders that can help you with this kind of loan. Contact me if you want more details

A funny observation

Sue — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 16:19:02 +0000

My friend Geoff noticed that in Charlotte they are having Octoberfest in September, with August like weather. Good observaation Geoff!

10 thing to consider when deciding to rent or buy

Sue — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 23:00:34 +0000

There have been some articles lately about how renting is better than buying. That may be true sometimes, but not always. Here is my opinion about what you need to consider about renting or buying.

1. What is your credit. Rent or buy, it will be checked. It will make a difference on what you are charged for a mortgage rate, rent, and insurance.

2. What is your job situation. We never can totally predict whether a job change is in the near future, but sometimes you might be seeking a change. Renting gives you more flexibility, usually.

3. What is your family situation. Fair housing say you can not be discriminated against. You do need to consider that your life may change down the road some time. What are your needs now and in the future?

4. Are you handy? All residences needs upkeep. New or old. If you buy a new home it is only new on that day! Renting does usually mean no maintenance. However what is the definition of maintenance? It must be specifically stated in a lease as to what you are responsible for. Furthermore not all landlords are quick to fix things and might even charge you if they feel you broke it.

5. Paying rent is paying off someone else’s mortgage. They get the benefit of the investment.

6. Just because you pay your rent does not mean the owner pays the mortgage. There is not much you can do to insure the rent is paying the mortgage. If the owner goes into foreclosure, you may be out of the home and lose your security deposit. When you buy, you know that if you pay, you can stay!

7. Like to customize your place to show your personality? You can not usually paint, change flooring, lighting, etc. if you rent.

8. Are you a pet lover? Pets, if accepted in rental units always mean a higher rent and/or a pet fee. Most neighborhoods let you keep most domestic pets within reason. Around the Lake Norman area I find 3 or less to be the allowable number. Whether renting or buying local rules must be followed and noisy animals are not tolerated by neighbors

9. What hobbies or recreational things might you enjoy. When renting you may be limited as to what you can do. Play musical instruments, maybe not a good idea. Work on your car, not usually allowed. Have a big party, highly unlikely to be allowed. Some places even ban grills for barbecued food!

10. Most rentals tend to have transient folks, you hardly ever get to know your neighbors. Sometimes that can be a good thing!

Help WDAV meet the mark

Sue — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 17:01:39 +0000

WDAV is finishing up their year with a mini pledge drive. I am answering the phones from 6 am to 10 am. Give a call and make a pledge if you can 704-894-8900

Great new way to get information about homes for sale in the Lake Norman area

Sue — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 20:14:40 +0000

Ever wonder how much a home is listed for? How many bedrooms, baths, etc? Some agents put out flyer boxes, great idea if they any flyers in it. Sometimes they run out or the weather ruins the flyers. What if you had a number that gave you all the information on any listing in the area, no matter who has it listed? That would be a valuable item. I have a number that I can give to you for FREE. Just contact me and I will happy to set you up with just such a number.

This is a cute fun site

Sue — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 20:02:37 +0000

Is there a monster in our Lake Norman? Go to this site to find out about “Normie” http://www.lakenormanmonster.com/ You can get information about Lake Norman and gift items.

A good Lake Norman winery

Sue — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 15:01:43 +0000

I recently tried some wine from Daveste Winery. To my surprise it was good! I especially like the Malbec. If you go to their website you will find information about the wine, tours, tastings, etc. Try the Malbec and let me know what you think. http://www.daveste.com/

New Movie Theater for the Lake Norman area in Davidson, NC

Sue — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 14:46:14 +0000

A new movie theater for the Lake Norman area in Davidson, NC. just recently opened up. This is a nice place to watch a movie. http://www.ourtowncinemas.com/ I might see you there!