Brunswick County Blog

Magic Number 760. Credit Score Tips

Credit Scores-everyone talks about them but in real estate they make a BIG difference. Did you know that the best mortgage rates go to scores of 740 or better. If you don't have a credit score of at least 620; you will most likely not be eligible for a mortgage. 

Experts advise that you check your score-and monitor it- to see what you need to do before you seriously look to purchase either your first or next home.  Here's the criteria that will be used to determine your credit scores: your payment history, the amounts owed, the types of credit, new credit, and length of credit history.

CREDIT SCORE MAKEOVER

Just a quick tip-you will be penalized for multiple balances, so limit the majority of your spending to one card. If you want to see what would be the best plan to improve your credit score before you plan to purchase property-go to the MYFICO.com website and work with their Free Score Simulator tool. It will help you target what actions will be the most effective to raise that  all important score.

Could This Be Right? 180 Oakdale Rd. BSL, NC

Bob and Pam Quinn of our office took a listing this past week that is making me more excited than I have been in a long time! When the paperwork came across my desk, I thought that it was in error. Here's the story, it is a brand new home with 100% financing for qualified buyers. Read it again..I had to read it more than once. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, deck in the back, porch in the front, carpet, ceramic tile, special wainscoting and woodworking , cable ready and the master bedroom has his and her closets. Priced @ $146,900 with a builders' warranty. Your monthly payments and all of the benefits of home ownership have never been more attractive. Want more good news on MLS 644703, call Bob Quinn 910- 269-8860 ask him about this home on 180 Oakdale Rd, in Boiling Spring Lakes, NC

Land for Sale. Dirt Cheap?

“Dirt Cheap.” I would love to know the origin of that expression. Real estate agents often use the phrase,“to sell dirt” (land).

Here’s something of interest that I think you will find amazing. My research in our MLS system reports that there are currently 15 lots for sale for $10,000 or under. These lots are located in Boiling Spring Lakes, Southport and Shallotte. 

Now we both know where you can buy land that is “dirt cheap.” It’s right here in Brunswick County, North Carolina.

Right now we are seeing lots at rock bottom prices.  As Peter Heck, our broker-in-charge recently explained to his client, “buying land is your inoculation against inflation.” 

Next month when you receive your economic stimulus check from Uncle Sam, think long term investment. Think Dirt Cheap…and call me.

Thanks for listening!
Allyn Heck, Broker/Owner
Three Rivers Realty
Southport, NC

ThreeRiversRealtyNC.com

PS: Do you want to spend more? We can find that here too!

Creating Your Own Economic Success Story

Today is the day more Americans focus on money than any other time of the year. April 15th is our annual wake up call about the state of our own personal economy. Conversations around kitchen tables across the country examine what we can do to make more money -- or at least keep more of it. 

I have two words for you:  Real Estate.

ThreeRiversRealtyNC.com

Beachcombing of a Different Sort

Peter and I spent a spectacular weekend in Charleston -- which is only a short three hour drive from here -- with some friends. We walked all over this gracious Southern city to sample shopping, restaurants, art galleries, and museums. We grew up in beach towns on the Jersey Shore, so there is an attraction to all things beach. On our way back to Southport, we detoured to visit Sullivan’s Island and the Isle of Palms. Even when we are "off,"  we still think real estate.

The homes were magnificent. Public beach access. . .  not so much. Our point of comparison, with 76 public, free beach access points (with parking) is Oak Island. Frankly, it's hard to find any other coastal town that offers so much for so little to so many.

Thanks for listening,
Allyn Heck, Broker/Owner
Three Rivers Realty
Southport, NC

ThreeRiversRealtyNC.com

Decisions Deferred Put Your Best Life On Hold

Both buyers and sellers in the Northeast real estate market are paralyzed by the fear of making a mistake.  Remember the sports adage "paralysis by analysis"?  That’s it!

I’ve slowly come to the opinion that it is less about the facts we gather and more about the feelings we develop that determines where and when we move. . .  or don’t move.

So many clients have shared how thoughts of living here have carried them through tough times, miserable weather, and the tail-end of a job that drains interest and energy.  James Taylor's ode to the prospect of living in North Carolina, "Carolina In My Mind," says it so very well: "Can’t you see the sunshine?"  There is something about living in North Carolina --  especially the beach -- that draws us to her, sustains us when we think of her, and delights us when we finally live here.

So if you have been thinking of moving here, listen to James Taylor.  And if it feels right. . .  do it. Thanks for listening,

Allyn Heck, Broker/Owner
Three Rivers Realty
Southport, NC

ThreeRiversRealtyNC.com

Families Flourish Here

This past week, our family came to visit, and we had the extraordinary joy of watching our two young grandsons play outside in the middle of winter.  Yes, it was February, but we went to the beach, played for hours on the playground in South Harbor, and watched as they rode their tiny motorcycles up and down the driveway. 

For the entire week we had mild temperatures, Carolina blue skies and abundant sunshine, and it was the perfect antidote to a New Jersey winter where inside play is pretty much your only option.

The coast of North Carolina has become a mecca for retirees because of our temperate and seasonal climate, the lower cost of owning a home and the accessibility of free beaches, fishing and many outdoor recreational activities. Sounds like the perfect place to raise a family! Hint. Hint.

Thanks for listening!

Allyn Heck, Broker/Owner
Three Rivers Realty
Southport, NC

ThreeRiversRealtyNC.com

Serenity Now!

I had a great conversation with a young friend who was composing a list of her New Year's Resolutions. I used to repeat the same goal every year: to approach life with more serenity. Just so you can picture how much I needed that. . .  I was the one who used to screech, "Don't tell me to relax!"

After that conversation, I realized that I haven't made a New Year's resolution in years, and I know why. You see, I cheated -- I moved here and found a much more tranquil way of life.

  Hope 2008 finds you peaceful and calm -- and if not, come live here. That's the best advice I can offer anyone searching for a better quality of life!

Thanks for listening, and yes. . .  I'm still relaxed!
Allyn Heck
Three Rivers Realty
Southport, NC

ThreeRiversRealtyNC.com

"We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives. . .  not looking for flaws, but for potential." -- Ellen Goodman, Pulitzer Prize Winning Columnist

Second Wind

We often hear of an athlete gaining a second wind toward the final leg of the run or the final moments of a game.  Re-charging our energies, renewing our efforts, and going flat out at the end is best described as second wind.

I am fascinated by what contributes to an excellent quality of life in the last quarter of our lives.  I’ve watched people who, despite wrinkles, aches, and pains, have a marked joy in their lives.  Having this joy is comparable to getting our second wind.  It gives us the energy to make this last leg of our journey the best time of our life.

ThreeRiversRealtyNC.com

Never Underestimate the Power of a Friend

I make a point of asking new Brunswick County residents how they found Southport, Oak Island, St. James, or Boiling Spring Lakes. The number one answer may surprise you. They are not targeting this area to investigate because they were attracted by our low taxes, our affordable homes, our temperate climate (it's 71 degrees as I'm typing this), or our golf, fishing, or beaches. My informal survey says. . .



"We were visiting friends and fell in love with the area."

So to all the hospitable current residents of Brunswick County: KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

Thanks for listening,
Allyn Heck
Three Rivers Realty
Southport, NC

ThreeRiversRealtyNC.com