Doug Bryant with Fathom Realty

11/04/2015

Doug has completed the (SLS) Strategic Listing Specialist designation by author and instructor Jo Mangum through superior school of real estate. The two day course highlights how to help home owners with their top concerns when putting their home on the market.

11/03/2015

If you are planning on doing any projects around your home. You need to check out this site. It has a lot of great ideas.

Amazing DIY decorations, interior design, garden ideas…

05/26/2015

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03/25/2015

Under Contract in 1 Day!!

For sale: $429,900.

01/14/2015

FHA Lowers Mortgage Insurance Premiums

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA), a government insurer of home loans, cut 50 basis points (0.50%) from the annual mortgage insurance premium for FHA backed loans with terms greater than 15 years. For most FHA loans this will reduce the annual premium from 1.35 percent of the loan balance to 0.85 percent for case numbers assigned on or after January 26, 2015.

This Mortgagee Letter includes a table which shows the current and new annual MIP rates by amortization term, base loan amount, and loan-to-value ratio.

For the typical FHA applicant, the reduction in premiums means a savings of about $80 on their monthly payment, according to CoreLogic's chief economist, Sam Khater.

07/30/2014

Did your city top Forbes' annual rankings for the best cities for business and careers?

07/17/2014

5 factors that can help predict neighborhood values

How do you predict the value of a neighborhood? While no one can say for sure how home values in a neighborhood will rise or decline over time, there are big-picture economic factors that you can look for to help get handle on where they may be going.

1. Major regional employers. If a community depends upon one or two large companies for a high percentage of local employment, you can bet that as the company fares, so will the neighborhoods. While “company towns” are hardly the norm these days, don’t overlook the possibility.

2. Number of properties currently for sale. Sometimes there’s nothing wrong with a neighborhood just because the inventory (i.e. number of homes on the market) is high. Other times, something may be amiss. If you’re seeing street-after-street of “FOR SALE” signs, ask questions.

3. Major construction. Is that a new school they’re building, or is it a supermax prison? Did they clear that land for a new shopping center, or is it a new loop for the interstate? Certain types of construction can improve home values while others can hurt. Getting in touch with the local planning commission as well as the local newspaper’s business section (or website) can help illuminate what’s behind those bulldozers and cement mixers.

4. Rental density. People who own the homes they live in tend to take better care of them. Also, it’s preferable to have long-term neighbors versus high-turnover tenants. Absentee landlords or seasonally rented properties can also be a drag on a neighborhood. Get a feel for the rental density and the direction it’s heading. Rental density matters.

5. Environmental conditions. One industrial accident that poisons a water supply is enough to annihilate home values. How susceptible is the region to extreme weather? Don’t rule out environmental liabilities or benefits.

Nobody’s crystal ball is perfect, but to ignore major macroeconomic factors is dangerous. Even if you’re only planning on staying in a location for 5 - 7 years, do yourself a favor and try to position yourself to make, not lose money, on your home with these tips in mind.

Have questions about a neighborhood in the greater Raleigh Area? I’m happy to help. Get in touch today: Doug Bryant (252) 908-2933

07/17/2014

Grilling recipes and interesting BBQ facts

The good weather’s on its way. Let’s fire it up!

Whether you're a die-hard charcoal fan, or more of a Hank Hill "taste the meat not the heat" propane griller, I hope you enjoy these tips and recipes. One of the great joys of owning your own home is making a space for a little outdoor cooking. It can be hard to grill on an apartment balcony!

The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (http://www.hpba.org/) recently shared these interesting facts for National Barbecue Month. You can see why grilling is so popular!

81% of Americans report that at least one aspect of grilling outside is easier than cooking indoors. The most convenient parts are cited as cleanup (49%) followed by the cooking process itself (40%).

The majority of adults (58%) agree that cooking out is more fun and relaxing than dining out and beneficial for avoiding travel (58%), dress codes (57%) and crowds (56%).

70% of Americans say cooking out gets them in a healthier routine, specifically by encouraging time spent outdoors instead of cooped up in the house. Outdoor cooking also encourages adults to make smarter food choices such as eating fresh rather than frozen foods (54% agreed) and cooking healthier food on the grill overall (40% agreed).

(Source: http://www.hpba.org/consumers/barbecue/national-barbecue-month-2011-summertime-and-the-grilln-is-easy)

Get your tongs, spatulas, brushes, rubs, marinades, and skewers ready. Grilling doesn’t always have to be about meat. If it grows, you can grill it, and adding garden variety fruits and veggies can transform a BBQ experience. Check out 15 amazing recipes, recently featured on the Pacific Coast Farmer’s Market website:

15 Great Seasonal Grilling Recipes
http://www.pcfma.com/recipes_home.php?cuisineid=Grilling

Also: Don’t neglect to “set the stage” for grilling when selling your home. Dressing the patio for cookouts can get your buyers thinking of the fun summer afternoons ahead.

Invite the neighbors over and get grilling!

Looking for a patio you can call your own? Time to upgrade from no back yard to a grill-worthy lot? Get in touch with me today! Doug Bryant (252) 908-2933

Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association

07/17/2014

Mortgage Industry Changes in 2014

In case you haven’t been following it, there are big changes on tap for the lending industry in 2014. The January 10th change may make it tougher for certain buyers to qualify for a loan, though the overall goal of the changes are aimed at long-term consumer protection and mortgage industry stability.

Below are highlights of the three rules most likely to impact buyers. A complete PDF guide explaining all of the changes may be downloaded at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (http://www.consumerfinance.gov/mortgage/).

1. The Ability-to-Repay Mandate sets a standard for “qualified mortgages.” Lenders will now be required to follow uniform guidelines to determine borrower eligibility. This looks at income, assets, and other debts / obligations. The mandate was designed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to qualify each borrower.

2. FHA loan limits drop. The upper mortgage limit determined by the FHA (Federal Housing Administration) decreases from $729,750 to $625,000 in 2014. The rule means buyers in competitive urban and “hot” markets might need to secure a jumbo loan. Problematically, most jumbo loans will require a 20% down payment instead of the minimum 3.5% for non-jumbo loans.

3. Self-employed face additional scrutiny. Debt-to-income proof for those who work from home / are self-employed (Form 1099) will become more challenging, even with a great credit history and high net-worth. Typically, a borrower must have a debt-to-income ratio (including mortgage payment) of 43% or less.

The news isn’t all bad, though. New rules also cap points and fees at 3% of the loan’s amount (for loans above $100,000). They also generally prevent lenders from initiating a foreclosure until the borrower is 120 days delinquent. Additionally, foreclosure can’t begin if the lender is also working with a homeowner who has submitted an application for help. If you’re planning to apply for a mortgage, keep these rules in mind.

Are you ready to pre-qualify for a home loan? Let me connect you with a reputable mortgage professional today. (252)908-2933 or email [email protected]

Got a question about your mortgage? We’re here for you. We’ll help you find free foreclosure help, information about how our rules affect your mortgage, or advice on getting a good mortgage. Get answers to your mortgage questions.Looking for information in Spanish?Help for homebuyersHelp for homeown…

06/30/2014

This would be a Great thing.

The Columbus Dispatch is Columbus, Ohio's hometown newspaper and Central Ohio's source for breaking news, Ohio State sports, business, politics, weather, obituaries and classifieds.

06/06/2014

Can you guess what part of the home is currently favored among home owners, according to a recent survey?

05/20/2014

Thank you Mandy for the great review. You are a joy to work with. I hope you and Caden have many happy years at your beautiful new home.

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