Come for a visit to my open house Sunday July 16, 2017 from 1-3 p.m.1 Bay Bush Ct Durham, NC  http://viewlisting.info/65298  07/15/2017

Please join me at 1 Bay Bush Ct Durham NC July 8, 2017 from 1 to 3 for an open house. http://viewlisting.info/65298  07/07/2017

I have never Ice Sickles form quite like these.  The creek would ebb and flow and if you looked during the flow the bottoms of these would have been under water. 01/29/2017

I own property in Brightwood Trails in Durham, NC and although it is not leased at the moment we are considering renting it out.  When we go to sell the property we will make sure the buyer can look at all the paperwork.  It doesn't make sense for an agent or seller of a property to fight about this.  I think that probably there is something being hidden and hence the fightback on something already agreed to.  May a buyer inspect existing tenant leases when purchasing a rental or investment property? Release Date: 09/20/2016 John Wait, Martin & Gifford, PLLC QUESTION: My client entered into a contract to purchase a townhome that was advertised as an investment or rental property. The Standard Form 2A11-T was filled out and made part of the contract, but the listing agent is now refusin... 12/05/2016

I recently sold a new construction home in Brightwood Trails.  When I first read this article I thought it was incorrect but then I remembered that new construction contracts are different then resale.  The difference added up to several hundred dollars more the buyer had to pay out of pocket.  I knew that and was prepared but some of you may not.  Make sure to read your contracts. Release Date: 09/06/2016Will Martin, Martin & Gifford, PLLCQUESTION: I’m representing a buyer who is closing on a property that has an owner’s association.  I am trying to figure out who is responsible for the payment of a “transfer fee” that’s being charged by the association’s management company.  I’ve reviewed the Offer to Purchase and Contract (form 2-T) and I don’t see any reference to transfer fees on t... 10/01/2016

I borrowed this from the North Carolina Association Realtors and thought it would be useful for others.  I bought my home in Brightwood Trails and did this exact tactic.  At the time of contract I was not planning on getting a loan but as time went on with the construction of my new home from CalAtlantic my financial circumstances changed.   QUESTION:  In recent months, I have had several transactions where buyers who have represented that they do not have to obtain a new loan in order to purchase the property have later notified me that they will be financing their purchase with some sort of loan. I suspect that each of these buyers intended all along to obtain a new loan, but checked the "does not" box in paragraph 5(a) of the Contract in order to make their offer look more attractive... 08/14/2016

Key Details: 3 bedrooms • 2.5 bathrooms • 2 car garage • 2,438 sq ftMLS #2082200 • $205,000513 Farm House Lane, Durham, NC 27703 is situated in a great location that is perfect for a family! This charming home features first-floor hardwoods, an open floor plan with large living room opening to great breakfast bar, kitchen with upgraded stone backsplash, separate dining room and an office all on the first floor.As you head upstairs you have a spacious loft area, two spare bedrooms and a hall bath. The oversized master bedroom could even allow for a sitting area. Master bath has separate garden tub, shower and dual vanities. Space galore inside and out!Exclusive to Marti Hampton: Homeowner's Thoughts and CommentsDear buyer, You will love this house just as much as we have because it is co... 08/09/2016

I work with Parkmont Lending who has a wonderful program that helps my buyer clients with several forms of downpayment assistance.  You could end up saving thousands of dollars just by calling Gene Allen at Fathom Realty.  If you live in the Durham/Raleigh/Cary area of North Carolina give me a call so that we can go over the details.  Please don't miss out on this great opportunity to own a home.  07/31/2016

Durham & Durham County Real Estate Real Estate Statistics "Market in a Minute" 6-24-16  # Total Triangle Homes Active on the Market = 8,624 *Entire MLS includes 16 counties Average List Price = $391,417 Average Days on the Market = 103 #Contingent = 3,510 #Pending = 3,740 #Temp Off the Market and/or Coming Soon = 438  #Homes Closed in Last 7 Days = 736 #Homes Closed in Last 30 Days = 3,892 Avg Sold Price = $412,518 Avg DOM = 47  Bonus: *There are 438 homes temporarily off the market – no showings. That means they’re not syndicating in TMLS. If you are looking for a house, our buyer’s agents can let you know if any of those match your criteria. **There are 1,756 homes that have expired since January 1, 2016 instead of selling. If yours is one of those and you’re wondering why it didn’t s... 07/27/2016

Durham & Durham County Real Estate Real Estate Statistics "Market in a Minute"7-08-16 Triangle Wide Statistics  # Total Triangle Homes Active on the Market = 8,665 *Entire MLS includes 16 counties Average List Price = $389,194Average Days on the Market = 103 #Contingent = 3,339 #Pending = 3,417 #Temp Off the Market and/or Coming Soon = 446  #Homes Closed in Last 7 Days = 505 #Homes Closed in Last 30 Days = 3,923 Avg Sold Price = $284,273Avg DOM = 43 Bonus: *There are 446 homes temporarily off the market – no showings. That means they’re not syndicating in TMLS. If you are looking for a house, our buyer’s agents can let you know if any of those match your criteria. **There are 1,930 homes that have expired since January 1, 2016 instead of selling. If yours is one of those and you’re wond... 07/26/2016

What is the Golden Belt Historical District in Durham, NC and why should home sellers and home buyers care?  The local historic designation helps protect the character of Durham's most intact historic mill village.  That is a mouthful to only say that certain types of buildings will be allowed, zoning will be restricted and the use of certain building materials is restricted.  The boundries are roughly Elizabeth Street to the west, and extends east acrooss Alston Ave to Holman St. The northern boundary runs along the former Golden Belt factories and Taylor St.  The south includes parts of East Main Street and Morning Glory Ave.The Golden Belt Co. built factories and also houses in the mill village.  Several properties are on the National Historic Register as well.  The designation disco... 07/18/2016

Durham & Durham County Real Estate Real Estate Statistics "Market in a Minute" 5-20-16  # Total Triangle Homes Active on the Market = 8,253 *Entire MLS includes 16 counties Average List Price = $389,533 Average Days on the Market = 106 #Contingent = 3,894 #Pending = 3,917 #Temp Off the Market and/or Coming Soon = 453  #Homes Closed in Last 7 Days = 730 #Homes Closed in Last 30 Days = 3,449 Avg Sold Price = $264,556 Avg DOM = 48 Explore Durham  Bonus: *There are 453 homes temporarily off the market – no showings. That means they’re not syndicating in TMLS. If you are looking for a house, our buyer’s agents can let you know if any of those match your criteria. **There are 1,443 homes that have expired since January 1, 2016 instead of selling. If yours is one of those and you’re wondering ... 05/21/2016

Durham & Durham County Real Estate Real Estate Statistics "Market in a Minute" 5-13-16  # Total Triangle Homes Active on the Market = 8,226 *Entire MLS includes 16 counties Average List Price = $388,965 Average Days on the Market = 107 #Contingent = 3,837 #Pending = 3,871 #Temp Off the Market and/or Coming Soon = 450  #Homes Closed in Last 7 Days = 644 #Homes Closed in Last 30 Days = 3,362 Avg Sold Price = $264,118 Avg DOM = 50  Bonus: *There are 450 homes temporarily off the market – no showings. That means they’re not syndicating in TMLS. If you are looking for a house, our buyer’s agents can let you know if any of those match your criteria. **There are 1,393 homes that have expired since January 1, 2016 instead of selling. If yours is one of those and you’re wondering why it didn’t s... 05/16/2016

Durham & Durham County Real Estate Real Estate Statistics "Market in a Minute" 5-06-16 # Total Triangle Homes Active on the Market = 8,101*Entire MLS includes 16 countiesAverage List Price = $387,810Average Days on the Market = 108#Contingent = 3,782#Pending = 3,798#Temp Off the Market and/or Coming Soon = 455 #Homes Closed in Last 7 Days = 774#Homes Closed in Last 30 Days = 3,197Avg Sold Price = $263,925Avg DOM = 52 Bonus:*There are 455 homes temporarily off the market – no showings. That means they’re not syndicating in TMLS. If you are looking for a house, our buyer’s agents can let you know if any of those match your criteria.**There are 1,337 homes that have expired since January 1, 2016 instead of selling. If yours is one of those and you’re wondering why it didn’t sell, contact u... 05/09/2016

I am looking for investment homes not far from by stomping grounds of Brightwood Trails and came across 510 Duluth St in Durham, NC.  Now this was a little further away but with the house being all brick and REO property it sounded interesting.   Overall the house on 510 Duluth St was OK but I found the crawl space to be a bit more wet then I prefer in a home.  After talking it over with my investor he decided to pass.  One of the items we agree on moisture.  It is hard to fix and the damage done is often hidde or takes years to notice.  It looked like most of the homes in  Westwood Estates had crawl spaces.  If I would have the right type buyer this house would have been great with a 203 K rehab loan and my HomeTown Hero program.  If you are looking to buy a home in Westwood Estates or... 04/18/2016

If you are thinking of selling your home in Carillon Forest in Durham, NC please give me a call at 919-656-5310.  I have buyers that are very interested in this neighborhood and as you probably know inventory is very low in this area.   04/14/2016

From my homebase in Brightwood Trails I look for investment properties.  One of the potential properties is 4017 Baker St.  Looking at the MLS sheet would leave you to believe that the house just needs a "few" upgrades to make it a great place to live.  After all it does have a great location and the subdivision of Forestwood is very affordable.  4017 Baker St Durham, NC  is listed at close to market value which would be ok if it didn't need a full rehab.  The little room is the master bath shower.  The roof, HVAC, siding, carpet, paint, vinyl, cabinets and so on.  Well you get the picture.  I talked my investor into making a verbal offer (he wouldn't bother with a written offer) even though I told him he was much better off with a written offer.  The seller did not take the verbal offe... 04/12/2016

I was out showing homes in Brightwood Trails and ended up with some muscle pain so I went to the Brier Creek Commons Walmart and looked for some muscle rub.  I came upon something called Pomada Dragon.  It had more menthol in it then most brands and another ingrediant called Methyl Salyciate.  Most brands had 10% but this had 30% and was inexpensive as muscle rubs go.  I later found out Methyl Salyciate is also in Thera-Gesic Plus but has twice the strength.  Of course ingrediants and price don't matter if the product doesn't work and this one absolutley does work.  Is it the best thing out there for muscle pain?  I am not sure but it is the best one I have used in a long time.    Buyers are used to us agents running around all day showing houses but even we end up with muscle pain some... 04/11/2016

Homeless people in Durham, NC you say.  Well of course there are homeless people in most all cities but the people of Durham are working on the problem.  Citizens gathered recently in the downtown office of Healing with CARRE ( a nonprofit that serves the homeless and those in financial need) to prepare to go out into the community to count the homeless.  This gives everyone a snapshot of what is going on in the community.  The idea of groups that are formed is to go out and not only count the homeless but also get an idea of where they live and work.  They also handed out small bags with food and water to those that wanted them.Durham receives money from HUD to help with the homeless and therefore has to conduct a yearly count of the people in shelters and such.  Every other year the c... 04/09/2016

I was recently showing properties in Bluestone Estates and one of the properties was a tri-level home at 5816 Sandstone Dr in Durham, NC. The listing has since expired and is not on the market at the moment.  I am not a fan of tri-level homes and this one reinforced my ideas about them.   From the outside the house looked like your typical Real Estate Owned (REO) property.  Rundown, in need of yard care and so on.  Inside it started to really take on a REO look as well as the incumbant problems with tri-level homes.  The issue I have with them is that the lower floor is usually below grade.  When the walls are below grade they are usually damp and this one was in several different places.  With the dampness comes mold, smells and of course the requisite termites.  The real concern is th... 04/08/2016