February is the month for romance! So, don't forget to send a little something to your spouse, mom, dad, son, daughter, cat, etc. to let them know how much you care. You might also begin to plan your gardens - especially if those plans include a rose garden. |
Home Maintenance Checklist for February | |
 Give your home a Valentine: February is prime time for more indoor repairs and some systems checks. If winter weather has created urgent plumbing problems, take the opportunity to undertake preventative maintenance as well. Use this month to square away indoor tasks so you're not stuck inside when spring fever strikes later in the year.
Eliminate plumbing annoyances
If unattended, small problems can actually cost money and do damage to your home. When you have a plumbing glitch, try simple fixes before calling in a plumber: Boiling water poured down a sluggish drain can loosen a grease clog; if your sink loses water pressure, remove and clean the aerator at the end of the faucet; if your toilet runs, lift the lid on the tank and make sure the stopper fits properly over the hole it's meant to cover. Even a leaky pipe can be patched temporarily if it's accessible and small: Waterproof putty or a rubber patch under a hose clamp can do the job until you have the time to replace the pipe.
Maintain indoor plumbing Tip: Rubber gloves will blunt the yuk-factor of these jobs.Regularly pull sink and tub pop-up drain assemblies, remove hair, and clean. Unscrew shower and floor drain strainers and use a bent wire to reach down and pull up debris. Read more ...
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ASK THE AGENT: Rent vs. Buy: Do the Math and Then Ask Mom |
We are starting to hear from real estate professionals that a growing number of purchasers are young adults being persuaded to buy now. Who are the people selling them on the American Dream? Their parents! It seems that parents of some adult children are strongly suggesting that their children take advantage of the low cost of homeownership available today. Some moms and  dads are helping financially and are even co-signing for the mortgage.
At first, we found this to be rather surprising. However, after thinking about it, it made complete sense. Here are the reasons why.
Do the Math
Let's look at the financial aspects of renting vs. buying. With house prices falling and rental prices rising in many markets, the possibility that owning a home could cost less than renting one is growing.
In an article from CNN Money , they looked at this issue in 2011:
Perhaps not surprisingly, it makes more financial sense to rent than buy today in many U.S. cities. Read more ... |
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MORTGAGE UPDATE |
Mortgage rates plunged to new all-tim e lows this week (2/2/2012) as investors in bonds that fund most home loans reacted to news that the economy grew more slowly than expected during the last three months of 2011.
Freddie Mac's weekly Primary Mortgage Market Survey showed rates on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 3.87 percent with an average 0.8 point for the week ending Feb. 2, down from 3.98 percent last week and 4.81 percent a year ago. That's a new all-time low in Freddie Mac survey records dating to 1971.
Rates on 15-year fixed-rate loans averaged 3.14 percent with an average 0.8 point, down from 3.24 percent last week and 4.08 percent a year ago. Rates on 15-year loans have never been lower since Freddie Mac began tracking them in 1991.
For five-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) loans, rates averaged 2.8 percent with an average 0.7 point, down from 2.85 percent last week and 3.69 percent a year ago. That's a new low in records dating to 2005.
Rates on one-year Treasury-indexed ARM averaged 2.76 percent with an average 0.6 point, up slightly from last week's record low of 2.74 percent. At this time last year, the one-year ARM averaged 3.26 percent.
"Most mortgage rates eased to all-time record lows this week as fourth-quarter growth in the economy fell short of market projections," said Freddie Mac chief economist Frank Nothaft in a statement. "The gross domestic product rose 2.8 percent in the final three months of 2011, below the market consensus forecast of 3 percent, while consumer spending in December was flat. One bright spot, however, was that fixed residential investment increased for the third consecutive quarter and residential construction spending rebounded in December, rising 0.7 percent."
Information provided by Inman News. |
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INSURANCE UPDATE : Why choose an independent agent | |
Different Types of Agents
Some people believe that it doesn't really matter where they buy their insurance. But, this misconception could be costing them money, service and protection. Buying insurance is not like buying bread or milk. Insurance is an important safety net for your family, your home, your car or your business. Do not treat the purchase lightly.
There is a difference in where you purchase your insurance protection. Many people do not realize there are three sources for insurance:
- Captive Agents, who can sell you the insurance of only one company.
- Telephone Representativesor Direct Writers, who can offer you the insurance of one company, and can only do so over the telephone.
- Independent Insurance Agents, who represent an average of eight insurance companies, and research with these firms to find you the best combination of price, coverage and service.
Your Independent Insurance Agent:
- Is a licensed professional with strong customer and community ties.
- Gives you excellent service and competitive prices because your agent can access the insurance coverage from more than one company.
- Unlike other agents, is not beholden to any one company. Thus, you do not need to change agencies as your insurance and service needs change.
- Assists you when you have a claim.
- Is your consultant, working with you as you determine your needs.
- Offers you a choice of insurance plans and programs.
- Is a value hunter who looks after your pocketbook in finding the best combination of price, coverage and service.
- Offers one-stop shopping for a full range of insurance products - home, renters, auto, business, life and health.
- Can periodically review your coverage to keep up with your changing insurance needs.
- Treats you like a person, not just another number.
- Customer satisfaction is the key to an independent agent's livelihood. Therefore, serving you is your independent agent's most-important concern.
If you are looking for an insurance review, just mention my name and contact
Blake Honeycutt
Agent, Allen Tate Insurance
(704) 784-5295 Concord
(336) 714-9460 Winston-Salem
(980) 233-3934 E-Fax
blake.honeycutt@allentate.com |
TIPS FOR LANDSCAPING: It's Still Winter! |
Even though it's still winter time, it is getting closer to the time to get ready to get busy! In our area of the US, (North West Tennessee) on Ky. Lake, we 
usually start getting cabin fever around this time. The first week or two of
February will usually bring a few days where the temperatures get up into the 60's.
This brings everyone outside to start taking measure of what will need to be done to start bringing the Lawn and Landscape back to life. One of the most
important things is to get all the leaves up. Either rake them, mow and vacuum them or blow them off. It doesn't matter how you get rid of them, just get them off the lawn. If leaves stay on the grass for a few weeks and get thick enough to totally block out the light, they will kill the grass. read more...
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Health and Fitness Corner: - Enjoy a Sneeze-Free Fall with These Allergy Busters |
Let me tell you a story...
Once upon a time there was a wizard who 
was worried about his apprentice.
It seemed like the lad was always rushing around working hard, but
he never got the most important things done.
One day the wizard called to his apprentice to come sit by him at his long bench. read more |
RECIPE OF THE MONTH: 7 LAYER TACO SALAD | |
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Well, even though the Super Bowl has passed, you may still be planning a party. Only 30 minutes from start to finish!
Ingredients:
1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
1 (16 ounce) can refried beans
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (16 ounce) container sour cream
1 (16 ounce) jar salsa
1 large tomato, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 bunch chopped green onions
1 small head iceberg lettuce, shredded
1 (6 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
Directions:
- In a medium bowl, blend the taco seasoning mix and refried beans. Spread the mixture onto a large serving platter.
- Mix the sour cream and cream cheese in a medium bowl. Spread over the refried beans.
- Top the layers with salsa. Place a layer of tomato, green bell pepper, green onions and lettuce over the salsa, and top with Cheddar cheese. Garnish with black olives
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hat Have We Been Up To
At the Boyle-Gentry household ... |
Well here we are full swing into 2012. Last year I was talking about snow and ice right now. What in the world is going on this year. We have had no winter at all. However, punksatony phil saw his shadow, so we may have weather issues yet.
Thanks again to everyone for supporting me in 2011. As a result, I received a "clean sweep" of all of the awards for an individual agent (not a team of agents) in my office. Woo Hoo!
If you know of anyone moving in or out of our area, I would love to be of assistance. I can refer them to a great agent at their destination too.
I have completed the modifications for my 2012 business plan and also have my relocation packages ready to go. We have some great homes coming on the market, so let me know what you are looking for if you don't see it yet. I might just know where it is!
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Hug everyone you love today and See ya next month ...
Pam Boyle
Allen Tate Realtors
336-682-7653 |
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222 Fallingcreek Drive $187500
Advance, NC
http://222fallingcreekdrive.isnow4sale.com
401 Hearthside Drive $249900
Winston-Salem, NC
http://401hearthsidedrive.isnow4sale.com
3150 MIddlebrook Drive $219900
Clemmons, NC
2586 Viola Court $197500
Winston-Salem, NC
http://2586violacourt.isnow4sale.com
4432 Bryn Mawr Lane $94900
Clemmons, NC
http://4432brynmawrlane.isnow4sale.com
586 Ridgehaven Drive $134900
Winston-Salem, NC
http://586ridgehavendrive.isnow4sale.com
552 Sherwood Hills Drive $169900
Winston-Salem, NC
http://552sherwoodhillsdrive.isnow4sale.com
120 Bridgewood Lane $559000
Advance, NC
5565 Brookdale Ridge Drive $164900
Winston-Salem, NC
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What Folks are Saying About Pam ... |
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Pam's Favorite Links --
I hope you enjoy them too!
About Pam Boyle & Associates
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REFERRAL MADNESS | |
I just want to thank you again for your referrals of friends & families-- as well as for your support -- over the past years. | |
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Pam Boyle
336-682-7653
147 South Cherry Stret
Suite 100
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
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