Congratulations On Your New Arrival!

Gotcha! Nope, not me having a baby...but our team does have some exciting announcements to make regarding some very special additions!

First, Brooke Cashion and Associates welcomes TWO new members to the team! Jennifer Sammons has just joined me as a new agent on the team, specializing in buyer's agency, new construction and the Surry and Stokes county areas. Funny how things work, but Jennifer was a former client of mine who lived in Kernersville and I sold them a beautiful home on 7 acres that backs up to Pilot mountain. Needless to say, I was thrilled when she told me she was looking to change careers and get into real estate. Jennifer previously worked several years with a national new home builder as an interior designer and most recently she worked with a local plumbing fixture company. Needless to say, she knows homes and has been around remodeling and new construction for well over the past ten years! Not to mention, she is super active in the Winston-Salem Home Builders Association and sits on their board of directors. I cannot even begin to describe what a pleasure it is to have Jennifer and her positive attitude, witty sense of humor, excitement and her fashion-sense in our office! She is available full-time to serve all of your real estate needs and can be reached at 226-399-5218.

Our next addition is Dawna Compton, our new right-hand gal, who filled in when our beloved Beth left to spend more time with her boys. Though we miss Beth dearly, Dawna fell right into the groove. Dawna will be specializing in systems, organization and marketing implementation so that our day to day processes go smoothly in order to allow Jennifer and I to be out in the field and physically with our clients more often. Dawna also brings a ton of resources with her, especially her knowledge and enthusiasm for technology, her "can-do" attitude and her strong work ethic--each of which are seasoned with a dose of quirky humor! If you are a current client and need anything regarding fliers, books, website management, etc. Dawna is your gal--but of course, you can still call me anytime!

We do have another arrival to announce and that is Allen Tate Winston-Salem's arrival to our new location in downtown Winston! We have FINALLY settled into our new building located at 147 S. Cherry St. and it is beautiful! Please find the time to drop in and say hello or wave as you pass by on Business 40!

With these additions, I look forward to all of the good that is certainly to come from it and I am excited about implementing new resources to better serve you and your referrals!

Keep 'em coming!

Brooke

Tax Credit Leaving You High and Dry?? Certainly Not the Only Reason to Buy! (or sell)

Approximately two weeks left in the first-time buyer and move-up buyer tax credit period. For those of you still looking to take advantage of the credit, you must have a completely executed contract by April 30 and be able to close no later than June 30.

However, if you are not one of the select few to have your home under contract by the deadline in order to get your $6500, don't despair...there are still great reasons to keep your home on the market, sell your home and purchase a new one!

Rates are still low. Regardless of how familiar we have gotten with historically low rates, this is set to change. The federal government has put a halt on purchasing mortgage-backed securities meaning that banks will start charging more to lend money-resulting in that higher rate.

A small change such as a 1/2 to 1% can easily eat up the tax credit advantage. I have blogged previously about the actual numbers (see archives), but 1% can change your payment as much as a price decrease of 10% can. What does that mean to sellers who need to sell in order to buy?

Price your home not just competitively but make it compelling. Get a secured contract in hand while you can still take advantage of low interest rates, inventory selection and prices that have been whittled away over the course of the past year. You may take a hit on the front side however, if you ever see yourself needing more space, a better location, easier maintenance or the like, NOW IS THE TIME!!

It is my opinion that the momentum of the credit has peaked and most folks who are going take advantage of the credit have made efforts to do so, but that means opportunity for others. Our housing market won't be confined by governmental whims and incentives but rather in true market supplies and demands. Once the dust settles we are going to have a very good idea of where our local market stands and I think those that took advantage of historical real estate situations will certainly be pleased with themselves in years to come--especially in the Triad!

Feel free to call me or email me to discuss your personal real estate situation!
www.BrookeCashion.com
brooke.cashion@allentate.com
336-817-3598