11 Reasons to LIST During the Holidays

On the fence about whether it would be a good idea to list your home during the holidays?  Below are 11 reasons it may be a GREAT idea to put out your "For Sale" sign!

1. People who look for a home during the Holidays are more serious buyers! 

2. Serious buyers have fewer houses to choose from during the Holidays and less competition means more money for you!

3. Since the supply of listings will dramatically increase in January, there will be less demand for your particular home! Less demand means less money for you!

4. Houses show better when decorated for the Holidays!

5. Buyers are more emotional during the Holidays, so they are more likely to pay your price!

6. Buyers have more time to look for a home during the Holidays than they do during a working week!

7. Some people must buy before the end of the year for tax reasons!

8. January is traditionally the month for employees to begin new jobs.  Since transfers cannot wait until Spring to buy, you must be on the market now to capture that market!

9. You can still be on the market, but you have the option to restrict showings during the six or seven days during the Holidays!

10. You can sell now for more money and we will provide for a delayed closing or extended occupancy until early next year!

11. By selling now, you may have an opportunity to be a non-contingent buyer during the Spring, when many more houses are on the market for less money! This will allow you to sell high and buy low!

If you would like to discuss how we can help get your home sold during the holiday season, please call The Wayne Brazier Team today!  (252) 285-5655.  Visit us at www.brazierteam.com.  

Presenting a Golf Course Gem in Taberna!

FOOD... For Thought.

New Bern, North Carolina is quaint.  It is historic and charming, picturesque and inviting.  New Bern is kind of like a super cool Aunt who makes really good cookies, knows all the answers to Jeopardy questions, and dances to funky classic rock in the living room.   In the grand scheme of towns... New Bern is cool... artistic... historic... small.

One of the first things a newcomer asks me upon arriving in New Bern to scope out the local real estate is, "What's a great place to eat?"

Having moved to New Bern from South Florida, I had the palette of a spoiled big town girl.  Used to high-class cuisine with an often Cuban flair, I turned my nose up at pulled-pork barbecue and and oyster roasts.  What could 'small-town-East-coast-USA' offer me that I hadn't already sampled?

Let me tell you, a LOT.

Take my hand, and let's take a stroll through a few of the local establishment's offerings; of which you can feel free to Instagram, Facebook and Tweet your plates-full of memorable noms to all of your social network peeps with pride.

My first love, located in downtown New Bern is 247 Craven.  No, the name is not some clever, swanky new-age idea, it's actually their address. Located at 247 Craven Street, in the heart of the historic downtown district, 247 Craven offers a high-class twist on the Southern Old Fashioned dishes like Mama used to make.  Their oven-baked pimento cheese dip is to die for, and I have never gotten over my tawdry love affair with their chicken and waffle,... sigh.

Another contender in my personal "Big Food, Small Town" hall of fame is The Chelsea restaurant.  Also located in the downtown historic district The Chelsea offers their incredible, famous 'Shrimp & Grits' along with a 'Bacon-Wrapped Scallop' appetizer that you will order and then refuse to share.

My third downtown contender is Captain Ratty's Seafood Restaurant on Front Street.  I must say, they not only offer a WAY cool wine room with discounted wine tasting events, but the menu is diverse enough to please every picky palette.  From amazing Clam Chowder to tender Filet, they offer it all, and at a reasonable price as well.

Moving out of the downtown area, you will be woo'ed with the likes of 37th Street Pizzaria who offers this wondrous little thing called the 'Caitlyn Smith' that goes great with an ice-cold cold draft or a nice Chardonnay.

And maybe it's the Irish in me, but I've also had gold-plated heaven at my go-to place of 'Malarkey and Shenanigans': Spunky McDoogle's Bar & Grill.  They have a delicious menu filled with everything from super-spicy Hot Wings to traditional Corned Beef and Cabbage, and every delicious thing in between.  (Insider tip: if you order your wings like this,  'Hot, wet, fried and grilled with extra celery and blue cheese', I promise you won't regret it.)

I urge you to take the time to visit New Bern and it's many establishments.  Almost every one of them has a great story and a dish you'll remember.

Bon Appetit Y'all!

If you're looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate, don't hesitate to give The Wayne Brazier Team a call today at (252) 285-5655.

Changes are Coming Soon for Home Listing Syndication. So, What Does This Mean to You?

Big changes are in store for 3rd party syndication of home listings! What does that mean for your home's internet marketing?  Contact us today and we'll keep you up to date on the ever changing internet marketing for home listings where over 90% of all home buyers start their search.

Call The Wayne Brazier Team today at (252) 285-5655 or visit us on the web at http://thewaynebrazierteam.com to discuss what these changes mean to you!

Click the link below and read on for exciting changes coming in 2015!

http://www.inman.com/2015/01/06/rupert-murdoch-playing-hardball-with-zillow/

Is the 3% Down-Payment Mortgage Making a Comeback?

In an effort to open up mortgage lending to first time home buyers and restricted income families, this interesting article and video indicates that the 3% down payment mortgage may be making a comeback.  Strict criteria such as minimum credit score, minimum household income requirements, and private mortgage insurance will apply, so be sure to stay in communication with your trusted Realtor® and mortgage professional. The Wayne Brazier Team is always ready to connect you with the resources needed to help you purchase or sell your home.  Call us today at (252) 285-5655 or visit us at http://thewaynebrazierteam.com.    Read on for more information:

\http://money.cnn.com/2014/12/08/real_estate/3-down-payment-mortgage/index.html?sf6238525=1

The Holiday Home-Seller

Selling your home during the holiday season can seem overwhelming to say the least, but here are just a few simple tips that can help you stay on top of the market.

• Keep those decorations in check.  Many homeowners tend to get a little "wild" over the holidays with Christmas trees, villages, trains, music, more trees, lights, snowmen, packages, more trees....  Just keep in mind sometimes a prospective home-buyer can't see the "forest"... er - the home, for the trees.  Make sure they can still see the fantastic product you are selling.
• Revisit your asking price.  Remember, shoppers are scouring the neighborhoods looking for a great deal.  Black Friday has flipped the savvy-shopper's bargain-hunting switch, and the race is on to get the MOST for the money.  It may be time to adjust your asking price to get the edge on the competition.
• TALK to your Realtor®.  Many home sellers travel over the holidays.  This can make it much easier for an agent with a prospective buyer to schedule a showing appointment on short notice.  If you plan to travel during the holidays, make sure you let your agent know so they can plan showings accordingly.  
• ENJOY the season!   Home-selling during the holidays doesn't have to be stressful.  Take the time to review your needs with your Realtor® in advance.  Your qualified real estate professional will be able to assist you with all aspects of the home-selling process, especially during the holiday season.  

Until we meet again, have a wonderful and blessings-filled holiday!

Happy Thanksgiving!