Over the next 12 months, 54 percent of homeowners are planning a remodeling project and nearly two-thirds (65 percent) plan to do at least some of the work themselves, according to Consumer Reports’ latest poll on home remodeling. The most popular types of work include painting (56 percent), designing (39 percent) and flooring (34 percent).

Funding for home remodeling stems from a variety of places, but two out of three (66 percent) homeowners pay for projects with savings. Others plan to cut back on travel and entertainment (29 percent), while 1 out of 5 (21 percent) are using a home-equity or other loan.

Changing plans is the most common but costliest remodeling gaffe, adding $1,500 to kitchen projects and $650 to bath remodels. Be sure to leave time for research and create a comprehensive plan, listing every product. And, prepare for the unexpected. There’s a lot going on behind the walls. Unexpected water damage was an issue with 17 percent of bathroom remodels, while structural problems caused headaches for 10 percent of kitchen projects. A good contractor will be able to anticipate, allowing the homeowner to budget accordingly.
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Lot #17 – Driveway and house site cleared. Open to offers. A unique, large acreage waterfront lot near a great full service town.

The Malone Bay community features 18 lots at W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir. Fourteen (14) are Lakefront and meet private dock requirements. All lots have access to public water, saving owners from $5,000 to $10,000 on drilling a well. These lots have public water and will save you the cost of drilling a well. The entire development also features underground utilities.

This is a gated community with lots ranging from 2.3+- acres to 6.8+- acres on the Hwy 421 side of the lake just off South Minton Road, Wilkesboro, NC 28697

W. Kerr Scott Lake is 1500 acres with 50 miles of shoreline and is controlled by the US Army Corps of Engineers. It is clean water with good fishing and is excellent for boating, kayaking, skiing, and swimming. The property is surrounded by National Parks. Wilkesboro is a beautiful community and town with friendly people. It is located just 40 miles east of Boone and Blowing Rock, NC and one and a half hours northwest of Charlotte.

Main Channel Views.
Private dock.

3.87 acres.

MLS Number: 52139
List Price: $242,500
Lot Size: 3.87 ac.
Apx Acreage: 3.87
Type: Waterfront
Area: Area 2
Suitable Use: Residential

Topography: Rolling
Utilities: Underground Utilities
Road Frontage: Private Road
Restrictions: yes
Water/Sewer: Public Water
Location: Malone Way

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You would never leave your remodeling job in the hands of just any contractor. Follow these guidelines to help you find the right person for your project.

1. Make a list — ask your friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers about contractors they have used and would recommend. Check out local trade associations for a list of qualified contractors in your area.

2. Check their references.

3. Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if they have received any complaints.

4. Does the contractor carry the appropriate insurance?

5. How long has he or she been in business? (more…)

Contact Elizabeth Carter, 336.973.5594 or Greg Stikeleather, Broker, 704.880.5247 or email eacarter@charter.net

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Real estate investors looking for steady, relatively safe returns, and who are also interested in helping financially-squeezed homeowners remain in their properties, should check out the “seamless short sale” concept. Rather than homeowners being forced to leave their houses after a short sale to an investor, they instead rent back the property on a triple-net basis for less than they were paying per month to the bank.

Making for an excellent low-risk investment, the key to the whole transaction is to move the short sale process forward much quicker than usual, which is where Troy Huerta comes in. He’s negotiated hundreds of short sales with banks and second lien holders in recent years, and knows how to make it happen. (more…)