Home Prices Struggle Across The Country

As 2011 comes to a close, many areas in the country are continuing to see the median price of homes drop. The recent Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller index showed that for the second month in a row home prices across the country are declining. For the month of October, 19 out of the 20 major metropolitan areas that the index tracked saw home prices decline.

The decline could be attributed to the Fall slowdown that is seen during this time of year as potential buyers get busy with the holidays. The good news is that from April through August we saw a modest rise in home prices in half of the cities that the index tracts. Across the nation, home prices have fallen by a whopping 32 percent since the housing market bubble burst nearly five years ago. The home prices we are seeing now are similar to those that we saw in 2003. Atlanta, Detroit and Minneapolis are the three areas that saw the highest decline in home prices for the month of October. The Phoenix area was the only area tracked that saw a gain in home prices.

It appears that many Americans are still reluctant to jump back in the housing market even though we are nearly two years out of the recession. The continued high unemployment rate and unstable economy continues to be a major factor in what is keeping would be home buyers out of the market.

On a positive note, home sales in the Triangle area are continuing to rise. Home sales in the Triangle area were up 11 percent for the month of November when compared to this same time period in 2010. Pending sales were also up 8 percent for the month.

If you are interested in buying or selling a home in Glen Laurel, contact Rodney Geohagan.  The Geo Team is here to help you with all of your real estate needs. Rodney Geohagan is a certified distressed property expert who has the experience to help you sell your home and is qualified to help you with all options before it is too late. There are many questions about how the short sale process works, and whether a homeowner would be better off selling short or signing over their deed in lieu of foreclosure. Rodney has the answers and would love to sit down for a confidential review of your options.

Home Sales Rise In The Triangle Area

The numbers are in for home sales in the Triangle area for the month of November and the numbers are positive. Triangle home sales, for the month of November, were up 11 percent when compared to this same time period in 2010. In Durham, Johnston, Orange and Wake counties there were a total of 1,169 homes sold according to the Multiple Listing Services data.

Home sales were up and so were pending home sales. The number of pending home sales rose by 8 percent for the month of November. The number of showings on homes, however, decreased by 3 percent during this same time period. When comparing numbers to last year, the last few months have been strong in the Raleigh housing market. Many economists feel that the area is benefiting from a decreased supply of homes on the market. The number of homes listed for sale this past November was 19 percent less than this same time last year.

The average price of homes in the area is $228,600; the number is down 11 percent from last year.  If you are looking to put your Glen Laurel home on the market, on average it is taking 129 days to sell which is up slightly from 110 days a year ago. This is typically the time of year when we see things slow down in the housing market.

If you are interested in buying or selling a home in Glen Laurel, contact Rodney Geohagan.  The Geo Team is here to help you with all of your real estate needs. Rodney Geohagan is a certified distressed property expert who has the experience to help you sell your home and is qualified to help you with all options before it is too late. There are many questions about how the short sale process works and whether a homeowner would be better off selling short or signing over their deed in lieu of foreclosure. Rodney has the answer and would love to sit down for a confidential review of your options.

Off-leash Dog Park Now a Realty in Clayton

Glen Laurel homeowners and residents of Clayton can now enjoy the benefits of a dog park. The new off-leash dog park opened this past Monday. The long awaited off-leash park opening was expected to open in November, but had to be pushed back as a result of N.C. Department of Transportation finding issues with the new driveway off of Glen Laurel Road. Town Manager Steve Biggs said the DOT required that the driveway be compacted more and extra paving be added along the apron. The city had planned to have the new road paved last Wednesday but, due to inclement weather, it had to be pushed back to Friday.

The parks and recreation department was busy this weekend adding final touches to the park.
The town plans to hold a grand opening for the dog park this spring when the weather is a little nicer. 
The community of Glen Laurel has something to offer everyone and now it can boast easy access to the counties only off-leash dog park.

If you are interested in buying or selling a home in Glen Laurel, contact Rodney Geohagan.  The Geo Team is here to help you with all of your real estate needs. Rodney Geohagan is a certified distressed property expert who has the experience to help you sell your home and is qualified to help you with all options before it is too late. There are many questions about how the short sale process works and whether a homeowner would be better off selling short or signing over their deed in lieu of foreclosure. Rodney has the answer and would love to sit down for a confidential review of your options.

Make Your Glen Laurel Home Show At Its Best

The temperature is quickly dropping and so may be the number of potential buyers you are seeing come through your home this time of year.  It is essential to make the most of all the showings you have during this time of year to catch the eye of those potential homebuyers in Clayton, NC. 

 Over the past few months, Mother Nature has done her part to help spruce up your home’s curb appeal.  However, now the trees are bare and the flowers have died, and it is time for you to make your home show the best from the outside.  There are a few things you can do to help your home attract traffic, and hopefully an offer, during this time of year.

De-clutter your yard:  When you look around your yard, notice any items that may still be lying around that are left from this summer.  If you have summer lawn furniture that has not been brought indoors, now would be the time to do so.  Do not forget to remove all hoses from the faucet.

What condition is your driveway in:  The warmer weather we have experienced this past summer can do damage to blacktop driveways.  The heat causes asphalt to expand and crack, which can quickly lead to damaged driveways.  If you have these cracks, you will want to get them repaired.  If left unfixed, water will find its way into those cracks and, upon a freeze; it can cause even more damage.

What shape are your gutters in:  When is the last time you have cleaned your gutters?  With the freezing and thawing that occurs during this time of year it’s imperative that your gutters are in good shape and free of leaves and dirt.  When your gutter is clogged, you are at risk for water backing up causing damage to your roof shingles.

Make sure all porches and decks are in perfect condition:  If your porch or deck is in need of repairs and you have put them off, you may want to get those repairs taken care of now.  Heavy snow and ice can cause further damage which could cause the repairs to become more costly in the months to come.

Don’t forget the furnace:  With the arrival of cold weather, a furnace in tip top working condition is what any buyer will be looking for.  Schedule your annual furnace check-up now.  A furnace that is not working properly can endanger your health and potentially cause you to lose a sale.

Keep in mind you will have potential buyers visiting your home and you want it to be a safe and positive experience.  Keeping your driveway and sidewalks shoveled is a must. Keep salt on hand for those days that we have ice.

If you are interested in buying or selling a home in the Raleigh area, contact Rodney Geohagan.  The Geo Team is here to help you with all of your real estate needs. Rodney Geohagan is a certified distressed property expert who has the experience to help you sell your home and is qualified to help you with all options before it is too late.  There are many questions about how the short sale process works and whether a homeowner would be better off selling short or signing over their deed in lieu of foreclosure.  Rodney has the answer and would love to sit down for a confidential review of your options.

New Home Construction Picks Back Up In Clayton NC

If you are in the market for a new home consider calling Clayton, NC home. There are plenty of new homes popping up in the area. The established community of Glen Laurel is continuing to add new homes and many other developments are planned for the area. The development of Chandler's Ridge, a single-family home subdivision that sits across from the community of Glen Laurel, was stalled last April when the developer filed for bankruptcy. However, BMV LLC is now making moves to once again start building in the development of Chandler’s Ridge. The 76-acre piece of land that makes up Chandler’s Ridge already has the streets and curbs installed along with the water, sewer and electric. What used to be a model home is the only house in the neighborhood that is occupied.

Another development down the street with plans to build more new homes in Clayton N.C. is Summerlyn. The development has a planned pool, clubhouse and a greenway that will lead to the new off-leash dog park. The developers of the community have been granted 52 building permits. The pool is planned to be open and functioning by Memorial Day 2012.

The inventory of homes on the market in Johnston County is down by 15.6 percent this year when compared with last October. While the exact cause is unclear, one factor may be the number of homeowners choosing to rent their properties versus sell in the current economic climate.

If you are interested in buying or selling a home in Glen Laurel, contact Rodney Geohagan.  The Geo Team is here to help you with all of your real estate needs.  Rodney Geohagan is a certified distressed property expert who has the experience to help you sell your home and is qualified to help you with all options before it is too late.  There are many questions about how the short sale process works and whether a homeowner would be better off selling short or signing over their deed in lieu of foreclosure.  Rodney has the answer and would love to sit down for a confidential review of your options.

Glen Laurel Residents Of Clayton NC Give Back This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching and many residents of Glen Laurel in Clayton NC will be coming together to provide a wonderful and free Thanksgiving meal to 500 needy residents of Clayton. Twenty-two churches, four civic clubs, three restaurants, and two veterans groups have come together this Thanksgiving to provide a much needed meal to those in need in Johnston County. The meal is scheduled for Wednesday, November 24th.

Serve the Need in Johnston County is responsible for bringing all the groups together this year to serve the community. President of Serve the Need, Dr. Norwood Williams, said it's the first time the town has had a Thanksgiving program on such a large scale. In previous years, there were some groups, throughout the county, which gave out frozen turkeys, and some churches have had small dinners but there has never been anything as large as what is planned for this year. “This is the first concentrated, coordinated effort throughout the whole community," Williams said.

The plan is to cook 50 16-pound turkeys donated by Talecris. The group has enlisted the help of many area restaurants and churches to help refrigerate the turkeys. If you are looking to volunteer for the event call Kristin Williams at 550-0614 or email her at info@servetheneedinjc.com.

Glen Laurel residents go above and beyond to help their community. If a new home in this community is right for you, contact Rodney Geohagan. The Geo Team is here to help you with all of your real estate needs. Rodney Geohagan is a certified distressed property expert who has the experience to help you sell your home and is qualified to help you with all options before it is too late. There are many questions about how the short sale process works and whether a homeowner would be better off selling short or signing over their deed in lieu of foreclosure. Rodney has the answer and would love to sit down for a confidential review of your options

Raleigh Among The Best Places For Military Retirees To Call Home

Once again Raleigh ranks among the top ten places for military retirees to work and call home. The USAA and Military.com sought the help of Sperling's Best Places to create the list of places where military retirees can live and launch their second career. It can be difficult for military men and women to transition to life after retiring from serving our country and this list is based on areas to work where jobs best suit their skill set.

The top 10 places were chosen based on:

●     Military skill related jobs
●     Unemployment rate
●     Number of federal government jobs
●     Volume of DoD contracts
●     Number of small business
●     Number of veteran-owned businesses
●     Military installation proximity/amenities
●     Affordability
●     Military pension taxation
●     Presence of colleges/universities
●     Sales tax
●     Climate
●     Crime level

Raleigh ranked 8th in the top 10 list this year. The number one city on the list goes to Oklahoma, OK followed by Norfolk, VA in second, and Richmond, VA third.

Raleigh is a great place to call home.If you are interested in buying or selling a home in the Raleigh area, contact Rodney Geohagan. The Geo Team is here to help you with all of your real estate needs. Rodney Geohagan is a certified distressed property expert who has the experience to help you sell your home and is qualified to help you with all options before it is too late. There are many questions about how the short sale process works and whether a homeowner would be better off selling short or signing over their deed in lieu of foreclosure. Rodney has the answer and would love to sit down for a confidential review of your options.

Glen Laurel Schools Among The Top 10 Of Affordable Schools In The U.S.

Living in the community of Glen Laurel provides children the opportunity to attend some of the best schools in the state of North Carolina. Recently, Businessweek magazine ranked the town of Clayton as the top 10 of the country’s most affordable places for families to live while at the same time receiving a top education. The schools in Clayton received a rating of 9.3 out of 10, which is one of the highest rankings in the country. East Clayton Elementary, Riverwood Elementary and Riverwood Middle Schools ranked among the areas best.

Those that live in Glen Laurel, located in the city of Clayton, will tell you that it is a great place to live and raise a family and now those views are also confirmed by Businessweek. Mayor Jody McLeod said, "Our schools are awesome. Our people and our town are awesome, too."

Clayton is in close proximity to the state capital of Raleigh, which is known for its thriving Research Triangle. The report shows that homebuyers are looking for areas such as Clayton with its close proximity to jobs, plenty of public transportation, abundant shopping, entertainment, and large park areas. The article said that residents of Clayton get it all – a good quality of life, affordability and top schools.

Research done by Businessweek showed that only 26 percent of Clayton’s households have children and the median household income is $84,005. Clayton came in 10th in the country for the top 25 most affordable places with top schools.

Move to Glen Laurel and live in the most sought after area in Clayton. If you are interested in buying or selling a home in Glen Laurel, contact Rodney Geohagan. The Geo Team is here to help you with all of your real estate needs. Rodney Geohagan is a certified distressed property expert who has the experience to help you sell your home and is qualified to help you with all options before it is too late. There are many questions about how the short sale process works and whether a homeowner would be better off selling short or signing over their deed in lieu of foreclosure. Rodney has the answer and would love to sit down for a confidential review of your options.

Trick Or Treating In Glen Laurel

Ghosts and goblins will soon fill the streets of Glen Laurel.  Halloween is just around the corner and residents of Glen Laurel are encouraged to think safety first when Trick-or-Treating this year.  For a Halloween night of only treats and no tricks, the Clayton Police Department suggests following these tips.

Tips for trick-or-treaters:

● Check the sex offender registry at http://www.ncdoj.gov/ when planning your child’s trick-or-treat route.  You can view maps that pinpoint registered offenders’ addresses in your neighborhood, and sign up to get email alerts when an offender moves nearby.
● A parent or other responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
● For older trick-or-treaters, establish a curfew.  Plan and review the route they’ll take and be clear about your expectations for their behavior.  Generally, 12 and under is the age for trick-or-treaters.
● Children should only trick-or-treat in neighborhoods they know and should only knock on doors at well-lit houses.
● All children should know their home number and how to call 9-1-1 in case of emergency.
● Trick-or-treaters should always carry a flashlight with fresh batteries.
● Remind children to walk, not run, from house to house and to stick to sidewalks rather than cut across yards.  The candy will still be there even if they don’t take a short cut.  If your neighborhood lacks sidewalks, make sure trick-or-treaters know to walk on the left side of the road facing traffic.

Tips on treats:● Check all treats before your children eat anything.  Make it clear that parents or guardians must inspect all candy before they eat even one piece.
● A good meal prior to trick-or-treating will also discourage them from filling up on Halloween treats.
● Tell children not to consume unwrapped food or open drinks they may be offered.
● When inspecting your kid’s Halloween haul, dispose of any candy that is unwrapped or partially wrapped. Discard any candy that has an unusual odor, color or texture.  When in doubt, throw it out.

The annual Halloween parade for the town of Clayton will be held on Friday, Oct. 29.  Numerous trick-or-treaters from Glen Laurel and across the city will head downtown seeking treats from local merchants as part of the annual ritual.  The parade will begin at 2:30pm at the large parking lot on Main Street and is expected to end around 4 pm at the Town Square.  There will be games, a variety of activities, and more treats at the Town Square.

Traditional trick-or-treating will be observed in Glen Laurel on Monday, October 31.  The city of Clayton requests that those wishing to trick-or-treat be under the age of 13.  Trick-or-treating is encouraged to begin in the early evening hours and conclude by 8:30 pm.

Have a safe and fun Halloween!  If you are interested in buying or selling a home in Glen Laurel, contact Rodney Geohagan.  The Geo Team is here to help you with all of your real estate needs.  Rodney Geohagan is a certified distressed property expert who has the experience to help you sell your home and is qualified to help you with all options before it is too late.  There are many questions about how the short sale process works and whether a homeowner would be better off selling short or signing over their deed in lieu of foreclosure.  Rodney has the answer and would love to sit down for a confidential review of your options.

Glen Laurel Residents Go Above And Beyond

Fellow Glen Laurel resident, Chris Yauch, won the opportunity to rappel down the Wachovia building in downtown Raleigh as part of a fundraising effort for the Special Olympics North Carolina.  Yauch raised $2,010 for the Special Olympics, providing her with this once in a lifetime opportunity to rappel down the well-known skyscraper.

Last year the Special Olympics held their first fundraising event with Over the Edge, a company that coordinates the rappelling activity as a fundraiser for non-profits all over the country.  Last year, the event drew 85 people and this year 110 people raised enough money to participate.  To be eligible for the rappelling event, put on by Over the Edge, participants were required to raise at least $1,000.  The money raised from the event will go towards allowing the Special Olympics North Carolina to hold free competitions and to provide year round training for Special Olympic athletes.

The Special Olympics is not something new to Yauch.  Her brother suffers from cerebral palsy and used to participate in the Special Olympics.

Glen Laurel residents go above and beyond to help their community.  If a new home in this community is right for you, contact Rodney Geohagan.  The Geo Team is here to help you with all of your real estate needs.  Rodney Geohagan is a certified distressed property expert who has the experience to help you sell your home and is qualified to help you with all options before it is too late.  There are many questions about how the short sale process works and whether a homeowner would be better off selling short or signing over their deed in lieu of foreclosure.  Rodney has the answer and would love to sit down for a confidential review of your options.

Good News Glen Laurel Dog Owners

There is good news for residents of Glen Laurel who are dog owners. The city of Clayton has recently begun working on a new dog park that will open in a few months. The park is located on Glen Laurel Road. Workers have begun clearing land and are in the process of laying out the different play areas. There will be separate areas for small and large dogs and plenty of shade for everyone. Vinyl fences will be installed to keep dogs safe, and water fountains will be available.

The three-acre tract will be across the street from the new East Clayton Community Park. "There are people in our town that will benefit greatly from this," said Councilman R. S. "Butch" Lawter. "I think this facility is going to be a feather in our cap. I'm excited about it." The idea of an off leash park for pets in Clayton have been discussed for the last several years and recent strong support from the community made the idea a reality.

Once complete the new off leash Dog Park will provide dog owners in Glen Laurel and around the community a place to meet fellow neighbors and socialize while their pets enjoy the freedom of the great outdoors.

If a new home in Glen Laurel is right for you contact Rodney Geohagan. The Geo Team is here to help you with all of your real estate needs. Rodney Geohagan is a certified distressed property expert who has the experience to help you sell your home and is qualified to help you with all options before it is too late. There are many questions about how the short sale process works and whether a homeowner would be better off selling short or signing over their deed in lieu of foreclosure. Rodney has the answer and would love to sit down for a confidential review of your options

Raleigh Ranks as Number One Best City

Businessweek.com recently ranked Raleigh as the number one best city. After months of going through data, Businesweek.com identified the best cities in the U.S. Things such as overall quality of life, restaurants, school scores, the number of colleges, and number of pro team sports were looked at in determining the best cities across the nation. After the data was in, Raleigh was the city that had it all and came in number one.

Raleigh now has the bragging rights as America’s Best City.  The total population in Raleigh is about 400,000 people and spans about 144 square miles. The Raleigh area has 867 restaurants, 110 bars, and 51 museums, according to Onboard Informatics. The city also has wonderful schools and over 12,512 acres of parks. The park acreage is equal to several times the green space per capita in cities like New York and Los Angeles. Nightlife is hopping in the Raleigh area with numerous concerts, operas, college and professional sports. Raleigh truly does have something to offer everyone.

Businesweek.com also looked at the overall strength of Raleigh’s economy. Even during this downturn economy, companies in Raleigh are expanding. Local software company Red Hat announced this past January its plan to add 540 new jobs to the area. Many other local companies are expanding and adding jobs during this period.

The next highest ranked cities after Raleigh include Arlington, Va., Honolulu, Scottsdale, and Irvine, Calif. Larger cities placed lower: New York was 14th, while Los Angeles ranked 53rd and Chicago 75th.

If a new home in the Raleigh area is right for you contact Rodney Geohagan.  The Geo Team is here to help you with all of your real estate needs.  Rodney Geohagan is a certified distressed property expert who has the experience to help you sell your home and is qualified to help you with all options before it is too late.  There are many questions about how the short sale process works and whether a homeowner would be better off selling short or signing over their deed in lieu of foreclosure.  Rodney has the answer and would love to sit down for a confidential review of your options.

Adding Curb Appeal to Your Glen Laurel Home

It is the goal of the homeowners association in Glen Laurel to make Glen Laurel the best neighborhood to live in within Clayton.  Prospective homeowners and Realtors are always driving through the community and many homeowners are doing their part to maintain curb appeal to help the neighborhood look its best.

Homes with great curb appeal take less time to sell and fetch a higher price.  Attractive and well-maintained landscape will help improve the look of your Glen Laurel home and add value.  If you are looking to spruce up your home, consider washing its exterior.  Soapy water and a long-handled, soft-bristled brush can remove the dust and dirt that have splashed onto the exterior of your home over time.  If you would like a faster approach, consider using a power washer to clean the outside of the home.  Do not forget to wash your windows on the inside and the out.

You next want to inspect your roof. Missing, curled, or faded shingles are easily noticed by prospective buyers and will be seen by an appraiser.  If you plan to sell your home, these will need to be fixed at some point in time so you may want to consider doing repairs prior to listing your home for sale.

A well-manicured lawn with pruned shrubs and fresh new mulch will improve the appearance of any home.  If you have overgrown, bushes consider replacing them with leafy plants and colorful annuals.  Water and add nutrients to your lawn to improve its color.

Adding a little color will attract the eye of those passing by.  A flowerbed by the mailbox with brightly colored flowers will make your home pop.  Color may not help your home appraise higher but it will add curb appeal and help your Glen Laurel home sell more quickly.

A nice mailbox and architectural house numbers can also help your Glen Laurel home stand out among the crowd.  If a new mailbox is not in the budget, consider repainting your old one.

If you are interested in buying or selling a home in Glen Laurel, contact Rodney Geohagan.  The Geo Team is here to help you with all of your real estate needs.  Rodney Geohagan is a certified distressed property expert who has the experience to help you sell your home and is qualified to help you with all options before it is too late.  There are many questions about how the short sale process works and whether a homeowner would be better off selling short or signing over their deed in lieu of foreclosure.  Rodney has the answer and would love to sit down for a confidential review of your options.

The Truth About Home Loans In This Market Revealed

During this economy you may be feeling that obtaining a new home loan in Raleigh is not within your reach. There are many myths about mortgage financing and here are some answers to help you with your home loan process.

Myth #1- Banks are not lending:  We are hearing it everywhere that banks are not lending but that is just not the truth. Banks are indeed lending money just not to those individuals or businesses that have no credit worthiness. If you are able to show a good credit record that includes no missed payments in the past 12 months and have a significant income to debt ratio, you should be able to obtain a mortgage rate without any issue.

Myth #2- Large down payments required:  100% financing is not as readily available as it was a few years ago, but the need for 20% down is not always the case either. There are many programs available to potential homeowners that require only as little as 3% down.

Myth #3- Solid two-year work history a must:  Many feel that without a consistent two-year work history they would not be able to qualify for a loan. You will need to explain any gaps in your employment, but as long as those gaps were due to education or qualified time off it will also fit the bill.

Myth #4- Only a high credit score will qualify me for a loan:  It is a myth that you need a credit score of 700 or above to obtain a home loan right now. Many lenders are now looking for at least a credit score of 640.

Myth #5- Mortgage insurance is too expensive for me to afford:  In the past few years, the cost of everyday items has rose and mortgage insurance on FHA loans has increased by more than 100%. The good news is that private mortgage companies are becoming more competitive and aggressive in finding ways for homeowners to obtain insurance at a lower cost.

Myth #6- I can only have four financed properties:  In many instances, it is true that you can only have four financed properties at a time. However, many lenders have done away with that limitation are now allowing for up to ten financed properties.

Lenders are looking to lend and homes are more affordable than ever. If you are interested in learning more, contact Rodney Geohagan.The Geo Team is here to help you with all of your real estate needs. Rodney Geohagan is a certified distressed property expert who has the experience to help you sell your home and is qualified to help you with all options before it is too late. There are many questions about how the short sale process works and whether a homeowner would be better off selling short or signing over their deed in lieu of foreclosure. Rodney has the answer and would love to sit down for a confidential review of your options

USDA Home Loans Offer Lower Fixed Interest Rates For Raleigh Residents

The USDA Rural Development Home Loan is a loan program that many prospective homeowners in the Raleigh area are not aware of but may be just want they are looking for. If your income is below the median income range and you are looking to purchase a home in a rural area this loan is perfect for you. It is a loan through VHDA - A Rural Housing Development loan.


This loan is a flexible zero down payment government guaranteed program that was established to help promote home ownership to those living in rural communities who have low to moderate incomes. Not only does this program offer a zero down payment, it also offers a 30-year term fixed rate mortgage of 3.25 percent. Many suburban areas outside of Raleigh qualify for this program.

The most common USDA rural housing loan is the Section 502 Guaranteed Loan. This loan allows borrowers the ability to receive up to 103.5% of the home’s appraised value and the opportunity to include closing costs in the loan itself. Borrowers will need a credit score of 640 or better to qualify for a USDA home loan. The Triangle home must be owner occupied and not an investment property. These loans are not allowed on manufactured or mobile homes.

USDA Home Loan example based on a $250,000 home price:

No down payment required vs. an FHA loan that requires a minimum 3.5 percent down payment, which would be $8,750.

An FHA loan will require you to pay an upfront mortgage insurance premium that is 1 percent of the loan amount. For a $250,000 home, you will be paying $2,412.50 due at closing. The USDA home loan has something similar that it calls a USDA Guarantee Fee. This fee is 3.5 percent so for this home loan scenario you would pay $8,750. This amount can be figured into your home loan, which is why the loan can be financed at 103.5%.


Total financed amount after the above scenarios are figured in:

FHA Home Loan = $243,662.50
USDA Home Loan = 258,750.00

Monthly Mortgage Insurance Payment:

An FHA loan will require annual mortgage insurance payment equal to 0.9% of the amount of the loan financed paid on a monthly basis. For the above scenario that would be equivalent to paying $182.75.

In contrast, the USDA Home Loan does not require any monthly mortgage insurance payments.
In the end, you will save more money with a USDA home loan as they offer lower interest rates and less monthly costs.

If you are interested in learning more about homes that qualify for a USDA loan, contact Rodney Geohagan. The Geo Team is here to help you with all of your real estate needs. Rodney Geohagan is a certified distressed property expert who has the experience to help you sell your home and is qualified to help you with all options before it is too late. There are many questions about how the short sale process works and whether a homeowner would be better off selling short or signing over their deed in lieu of foreclosure. Rodney has the answer and would love to sit down for a confidential review of your options.

Lawn Maintenance For Your Glen Laurel Home

Fall is right around the corner and many of those who live in Glen Laurel are looking to enjoy the cooler weather. The heat of summer will be subsiding soon and it will be time to focus on fall maintenance of your yard. The Town of Clayton is asking that residents of Glen Laurel no longer leave loose leaves along the curbs. The Town of Clayton will no longer be picking those up; you will now have to bag all grass clippings, pine straw, leaves, and trimmings.

When fall arrives, your Glen Laurel yard is preparing to go dormant for the winter. Fertilizing your yard is important during this time to provide it with an extra boost of nutrients that it will store and use during its dormancy. The grass may not be growing during the winter but the roots continue to grow underground throughout the winter and will rely on stored nutrients.

Fall is also the perfect time to aerate your yard. Aerating your lawn helps combat grass compaction that might have occurred during summer traffic, and allow your yard to increase the amount of nutrients and oxygen it takes in.

When the leaves start to fall, be sure to rake or blow the lawn at least once a week. Keeping your yard free of leaves not only keeps your yard looking better it is also healthier for your yard to be free of leaves. Don’t forget to bag the leaves and no longer leave them curbside.

If you are interested in learning more about living in Glen Laurel, contact Rodney Geohagan. The Geo Team is here to help you with all of your real estate needs. Rodney Geohagan is a certified distressed property expert who has the experience to help you sell your home and is qualified to help you with all options before it is too late. There are many questions about how the short sale process works and whether a homeowner would be better off selling short or signing over their deed in lieu of foreclosure. Rodney has the answer and would love to sit down for a confidential review of your options.

Meet The Community Of Glen Laurel

Moving into a new home is an exciting time, but once you are settled in you may find yourself feeling lonely. The community of Glen Laurel, in Clayton NC, realizes the importance of building a strong community and has organized many clubs and groups throughout it.

Some of the many community activities that are for active adults include a book club, garden club and a Clayton Newcomers & Neighborhood Club. Many of those who live in Glen Laurel also have organized games of bunco, canasta and poker. The Neuse Golf Club also offers those who live in Glen Laurel the opportunity to join golf leagues. There is a golf league for everyone: men, women, couples and seniors.

The community also comes together and hosts numerous children activities throughout the year by means of festivals and parties.

If you are looking to become more involved in the community and meet new people consider doing volunteer work. Find a local organization in Clayton that supports your interests, then make a visit to their office to find out what you can do to help. Remember, making the first step is always the hardest part.

Living in a community that has something to offer everyone is very unique and Glen Laurel does just that. If you are interested in learning more about living in Glen Laurel, contact Rodney Geohagan. The Geo Team is here to help you with all of your real estate needs.

Rodney Geohagan is a certified distressed property expert who has the experience to help you sell your home and is qualified to help you with all options before it is too late. There are a lot of questions about how the short sale process works and whether a homeowner would be better off selling short or signing over their deed in lieu of foreclosure. Rodney has the answer and would love to sit down for a confidential review of your options.

Buying A New Home In Glen Laurel Versus An Existing Home

If you are considering buying a home you may be contemplating if buying an existing home or purchasing a newly constructed home is the way to go. No matter if you are looking for a new home or an existing home, however, the community of Glen Laurel has something to offer everyone.  When choosing to buy a new home there are things that need to be taken into consideration including cost, convenience and the extras that a community has to offer.  Below are both pros and cons to an existing home and a newly constructed home in Glen Laurel.

An existing home will save you money in terms that many times you will not have to purchase appliances and window treatments. Landscaping is usually already completed and trees are more mature.  If the home has recently been renovated it may include many high end fixtures that may not be customary in new constructed homes.

The cons to buying an existing home are that they may be less energy efficient, which will be more costly to cool and heat. Also, repairs and renovations needed to the home may be quite costly.

The number one pro to a newly constructed home is that it is costs less to maintain than an older home.  The ability to make your home custom to your taste is another favorite of a new home. Choosing your own options and upgrade ensures that you have exactly what you want in your home.

The cons of a new home are that it can be costly to install landscaping. Dealing with dirt and mud of other homes in the neighborhood during construction, while the neighborhood is being built, can be tiresome as well. Also, resale of the home may be difficult before construction of the entire development is complete.
There are pros and cons of both buying an existing home and a newly constructed home.  Once you choose what is right for your family, you will find that Glen Laurel has what you are looking for.

If you are interested in learning more about living in Glen Laurel, contact Rodney Geohagan. The Geo Team is here to help you with all of your real estate needs. Rodney Geohagan is a certified distressed property expert who has the experience to help you sell your home and is qualified to help you with all options before it is too late. There are a lot of questions about how the short sale process works and whether a homeowner would be better off selling short or signing over their deed in lieu of foreclosure. Rodney has the answer and would love to sit down for a confidential review of your options.

Learn To Play Tennis While Living In Glen Laurel

Do you need more exercise? Then consider living in a community where being active is a regular part of everyday life. Living in the community of Glen Laurel in Clayton, NC will provide you with just that. If you are wondering where to start, consider taking up tennis at the Glen Laurel Racquet & Swim Club. The club offers many different tennis programs that will meet the need of anyone, no matter what level you are at. Did you know that competitive tennis burns more calories than aerobics, in-line skating, and cycling?

The game of tennis provides you with a whole body workout. Change up your exercise routine and consider giving tennis a try.  According to physician Ralph Paffenbarger, spending at least 3x a week in vigorous exercise, such as tennis, will cut your risk of death, from any cause, in half!  What more could you ask for from a relatively inexpensive sport such as tennis?

If you’re new to tennis, consider signing up for Tennis for Dummies at the Glen Laurel Racquet & Swim Club. The class will teach basic strokes and techniques as well teaching you the fundamentals needed for the game.

If you are interested in learning more about living in Glen Laurel, contact Rodney Geohagan. The Geo Team is here to help you with all of your real estate needs. Rodney Geohagan is a certified distressed property expert who has the experience to help you sell your home and is qualified to help you with all options before it is too late. There are a lot of questions about how the short sale process works and whether a homeowner would be better off selling short or signing over their deed in lieu of foreclosure. Rodney has the answer and would love to sit down for a confidential review of your options.

Live In The Golf Community Of Glen Laurel

 If you are an avid golfer then golf community living is perfect for you. The community of Glen Laurel located in Clayton, NC is the place for you to call home. Living in a relaxed environment only a short drive from the hustle and bustle of Raleigh is what you get when you call Glen Laurel home.
  

 The benefits of living in a golf community is that you are always in close proximity to your favorite past time. The award-winning Neuse Golf Club is located along the community of Glen Laurel and also provides a fully staffed Racquet and Swim Club.  The Racquet and Swim Club is among many of the benefits that come along with living in this golf community.   There are plenty of socialization  opportunities within Glen Laurel providing you with plenty of chances to meet your neighbors.

• Unlimited rounds for low monthly dues
• Advance preferred starting times
• Reduced cart rental fees
• Member-only golf tournaments
• Reduced prices on equipment and apparel
• Optional and exclusive use of USGA handicaps, club storage and golf lockers
• Reduced rate golf lessons
• Special programs for women and junior golfers
• Member-only social events
• Reduced rates at affiliated clubs

Enjoy this small town atmosphere with a short commute to Raleigh and live in Glen Laurel. If you are interested in learning more about living in Glen Laurel, contact Rodney Geohagan. The Geo Team is here to help you with all of your real estate needs. Rodney Geohagan is a certified distressed property expert who has the experience to help you sell your home and is qualified to help you with all options before it is too late. There are a lot of questions about how the short sale process works and whether a homeowner would be better off selling short or signing over their deed in lieu of foreclosure. Rodney has the answer and would love to sit down for a confidential review of your options.

here are numerous homes to choose from in Glen Laurel; from existing homes to new construction.  Whether you prefer a home with a golf course view or would enjoy a large wooded lot with a river view, Glen Laurel offers the best views to fit any lifestyle.

  

Membership Benefits of Neuse Golf Club

Glen Laurel Offers The Top Schools In The State

Back to school is right around the corner!  If you are looking to move and have school age children, the schools that they will attend are a very important factor when it comes to choosing your new home. Glen Laurel, located in Clayton NC, will provide you with not only the perfect home but with a great school district for your children too.  If you are relocating to the Triangle area or have been a resident for years, the community of Glen Laurel is sure to offer something for everyone.

Children that live in Glen Laurel will attend Johnston County Schools. Schools in Johnston County have consistently ranked among the top in the state. The schools are in close proximity to Glen Laurel so your child will not have to spend a long period of time commuting to and from school.

Schools:

Powhatan Elementary- Grades K-5
Riverwood Middle -------Grades 6-8
Clayton High------------ Grades 9-12

Buying or selling a home is a big decision and should not be taken lightly. When purchasing a new home it is important to look into what all the community has to offer you. Glen Laurel has something for everyone such as: Neuse Golf Club, a fully staffed Racquet and Swim Club, sidewalks, wide streets, beautiful homes, large lots, and mature trees.

If you are interested in learning more about living in Glen Laurel, contact Rodney Geohagan. The Geo Team is here to help you with all of your real estate needs. Rodney Geohagan is a certified distressed property expert who has the experience to help you sell your home and is qualified to help you with all options before it is too late. There are a lot of questions about how the short sale process works and whether a homeowner would be better off selling short or signing over their deed in lieu of foreclosure. Rodney has the answer and would love to sit down for a confidential review of your options.

Buy A New Home In Glen Laurel

New home ownership is more affordable than ever, and now is the time to take advantage of low prices and even lower mortgage rates. If you are looking to buy a home consider  purchasing a new home in the community of Glen Laurel.  Living in this community has something to offer everyone with its many amenities. Just a few of the amenities, those who live in Glen Laurel enjoy, are the Neuse Golf Club, Racquet and Swim Club, playgrounds, fishing, and the Riverwalk landing which is perfect for cookouts.

Builders Magazine recently names the Raleigh/Cary area as the healthiest housing market in 2011. When the housing boom was in full swing, this area did not go wild and crazy like many other areas of the country did, which has in turn left the Raleigh/Cary area with a healthier housing market then most areas across the nation. Employment opportunities in the Triangle area along with a large population of college educated workers have kept the housing market in a fairly healthy environment during this economic downturn when compared to other cities of similar size.

The schools in the Triangle area are among some of the best in the country. These factors were all taken into consideration when Builders Magazine named the Raleigh/Cary area as the healthiest housing market.  The much sought after community of Glen Laurel provides you with a wonderful school district for your child to attend.

A newly built home by local custom builders in Glen Laurel is where to be. If you are interested in learning more about living in Glen Laurel, contact Rodney Geohagan. The Geo Team is here to help you with all of your real estate needs. Rodney Geohagan is a certified distressed property expert who has the experience to help you sell your home and is qualified to help you with all options before it is too late. There are a lot of questions about how the short sale process works and whether a homeowner would be better off selling short or signing over their deed in lieu of foreclosure. Rodney has the answer and would love to sit down for a confidential review of your options.

Pool Safety and Swim Lessons at Glen Laurel

Summer is officially here and many who live in the community of Glen Laurel head to the Glen Laurel Racquet and Swim Club for a way to keep cool. The Swim Club can be a great way for families to keep cool and have fun in the summer, but pool safety is something that must not be forgotten. It is estimated that 300 children under the age of five drown in swimming pools and spas each year. With a few preventative measures you can keep your family safe.

Consider enrolling your kids in swim lessons. Swim lessons are offered at the Glen Laurel Racquet and Swim Club with the next session beginning as early as July 5th. If you are interested in enrolling your child in swim lessons contact Brian Kampper at (919) 550-3225 between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday - Friday. 

Other safety reminders while at the pool include:

●     Ensure that one adult is assigned at all times to keep an eye on the kids while they are swimming or near the water’s edge.

●     Learn and practice water safety skills such as CPR and knowing how to swim.

If you have your own pool at your home in Glen Laurel:

●     Install a fence that completely surrounds the pool and has self-closing, self-latching gates.

●     Make sure that you have the appropriate safety equipment such as alarms, sensors, and barriers.

For more information on how to be safe around water visit the American Red Cross Home Pool Essentials website at www.homepoolessentials.com.

If you are interested in learning more about living in Glen Laurel, contact Rodney Geohagan. The Geo Team is here to help you with all of your real estate needs. Rodney Geohagan is a certified distressed property expert who has the experience to help you sell your home and is qualified to help you with all options before it is too late. There are a lot of questions about how the short sale process works and whether a homeowner would be better off selling short or signing over their deed in lieu of foreclosure. Rodney has the answer and would love to sit down for a confidential review of your options.