Gaston Living - 1st Edition

Living

1st Edition

GASTON

15

JOIN THE

HOMEOWNERS ALLIANCE INTERVIEW WITH REAL ESTATE EDUCATOR,

MEL BLACK

ABOUT

GASTON ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® 21801.1.1.001.Cover.indd 1

8

3 10/19/17 7:56 PM

A note from

W

the President...

elcome to our first publication of Gaston Living.

My name is Linda Beverley, 2017 President of Gaston Association of REALTORS®. I am also a REALTOR® of 14 yrs. serving Gaston and surrounding counties.

What an honor it is to follow a long and rich history of past presidents’ of the association and to serve with this year’s focused and forward thinking executive team!

AT

“ “

We have been productive this year meeting our goals for education, community service, government affairs, membership meetings and socials, fundraising for RPAC (REALTOR® Political Action Committee), traveling to state and national legislative and educational events and now we have endeavored to publish our first annual magazine with the idea of educating and bringing our industry into the public light. We are committed to an annual magazine that will grow with valued resources for our readers.

HOME WITH

Linda Beverley

Thank you for helping us through this process, you were very supportive from our first home to our second home. We are very thankful to have you as our agent and really appreciate the time and effort you put forth. Thanks for being on our team and we will definitely recommend you to our family and friends.

- Michael & Geneva

”

Our home buying process took several years and several attempts to go under contract. We are grateful that Linda was not only patient, but always ready willing and able to assist us. We developed a strong friendship over the years. We finally found our dream home a couple months ago. Linda assisted us in both the purchase of that home and the sale of ours. We couldn’t have been more pleased with the outcome.

- Ron & Dianne

“

”

Linda is a congenial and charismatic individual.

She exemplifies knowledge and confidence whether she is leading the organization, a committee or working with a family on momentous real estate dealings. I am proud to have served the community with her.

- Ray Watson, Ameriprise Affiliate Council Chair

21801.1.1.002.LindaInsideCVR.indd 1

”

We have indeed seen a highly successful year for our industry. We have been trending upward for the past 5 years now.

This year will be another record breaker for Gaston County.

Over the previous 12 months: Closed sales are up 4.3% Median Sales price is up 7.5% Months Supply of homes on the market has significantly dropped by 33.3%. That translates to a 3months supply for traditional sales, down from 4 months in 2016 and 6 months in 2015. Most of this is due to the decrease of houses coming on the market by 18.4%.

This is still a great time to buy and sell. Being lender and market ready is key, sprinkled with patience and a sound mind.

Linda Beverley

BROKER, REALTOR® CNE, e-PRO, GRI, SFR 2017 President, Gaston Association of REALTORS®

704.860.2405

KNOW the Name, TRUST the Service 10/19/17 7:57 PM

ExecutiveTeam (from left to right)

WENDY HOSTETLER Past President

Garibaldi Realty / Owner

JEAN MOUNTZ Treasurer

Mountz Realty / Owner

TODD PIERCEALL President Elect

Blue Real Estate Group

LINDA BEVERLEY President RE/MAX Executive

PENNY GALOP Vice President Allen Tate

CATHY LEDFORD Secretary

Ledford Group Realty / Owner

I

have the pleasure of introducing our new CEO, Angela Burgess. After years of living in Charlotte, she decided to return to Gastonia, her grass roots. She came on board in the Spring of 2016. A highly organized Certified Executive Administrative professional with 25 years of experience, she enjoys problem solving and implementing plans for efficiency. All told, she brings this unique skill set with ongoing creativity.

She lives with her youngest son, Taylor, while her oldest son, Sean, and his wife, Elizabeth, both Navy Veterans attend Appalachian State. Serving her community she was former VP of the Greater Gaston Blue Star Mothers and established a ministry helping single mothers in her church.

It has been a vibrant year for all of us and since the charter of GAR in 1954 it is still going strong, with 300+ members and 30+ affiliates.

21801.1.1.003.GARExecTeam.indd 1

The Association supports our members by developing and promoting programs that strengthen the ability of our REALTORSÂŽ to conduct real estate transactions successfully with competency and integrity.

We are strong advocates for the preservation of the fundamental right to own, transfer and use real property.

We exhibit commitment to our local community by creating and participating in service projects such as Habitat for Humanity, an Annual Charity Golf Tournament to benefit the local Boys and Girls Club, Holiday Toy drives and more!

This first annual magazine is an extension of our commitment to public awareness.

Linda Beverley,

2017 President

10/19/17 7:57 PM

GETTING YOUR PERFECT HOME GETTING PERFECT HOME What YOUR You Need to Know What Need toChurch Know

by EdYou Fowler & Leslie

by Ed Fowler & Leslie Church

Financing a home may feel intimidating, but if

Financing home may feel intimidating, but if you have a bettera understanding of the process you have a better understanding of the process from start to finish you will move forward quickly from start to finish you will move forward quickly and stress free. free. and stress First, before you begin looking forfor a ahome, First, before you begin looking home, it’s it’s important to know pricerange range is. is. important to know whatwhat youryour price a licensed lender, familiar with yourarea area ChooseChoose a licensed lender, familiar with your who will look at your credit, income and financial who will look at your credit, income and financial goals. Together, you will choose the most goals. Together, you will choose the most appropriate loan program for your needs and the appropriate program you. for your needs and the lenderloan will pre-qualify lender will pre-qualify you.

Even if you’re not ready to purchase a home now, and documentation Even if getting you’reyour not credit, ready savings to purchase a home now,in order will save you time and energy when you are getting your credit, savings and documentation in ready.

order will save you time and energy when you are ready. Second, interview a few real estate agents to find a good match. They will help you identify

Second, interview a few realstyles, estate agentsofto find neighborhoods, home number rooms, andmatch. the amenities are most to you. a good Theythatwill help important you identify When you’re clear about your preferences, start neighborhoods, home styles, number of rooms, at homes. and thelooking amenities that are most important to you.

When you’re clear about your preferences, start Recently, we’ve been in a seller’s market in which lookingmultiple at homes. buyers compete for the property with offers and concessions above the asking price.

Recently, we’ve been in a seller’s market in which homebuying process can property be emotionally multipleThebuyers compete for the with taxing.

Make sure you have a lender and offers and concessions above the asking price.real estate agent that you can get a hold of to answer your questions and help explain things along the The homebuying process can be emotionally way.

We’ve broken down the home financing process

We’ve broken down the home financing process into five simple steps: into five simple steps:

• Speak to a licensed mortgage consultant who

• Speak to a licensed mortgage consultant who canget get you started by asking and answering can you started by asking and answering questions about specific financing questions about youryour specific financing needs. needs.

••Complete thethe loanloan application and submit all Complete application and submit all required documentation. required documentation.

• Your mortgage consultant and loan processor • Your mortgage consultant and loan processor will collect all the necessary documents to will collect the They necessary obtain a homeall loan. will alsodocuments do a final to obtainofayour home loan. They will also do a final review application and documentation review of your application and documentation before sending it to the underwriter.

• The loan sending application is reviewed by before it package to the underwriter. underwriter and will render a final •the The loan application package is decision. reviewed by • Once your loan is approved, the closing staffdecision. the underwriter and will render a final will prepare final documents for signing. Once • Once your loan is approved, the closing staff these documents are signed, the home loan will prepare final documents for signing. Once process is complete.

these documents are signed, the home loan is complete.

Everyprocess successful homebuyer has a team of

experienced professionals to walk them through the homesuccessful loan process; a team thathas will assist Every homebuyer a team of them with making the best financial decisions.

experienced professionals to walk them through the home loan process; a team that will assist Ed Fowler (NMLS ID #84883) and Leslie Church them with making the financial decisions.

(NMLS ID #66906) arebest licensed mortgage consultants with Platinum Home Mortgage and may be contact numbers Ed Fowler (NMLS at IDthe #84883) andbelow.

Leslie Church

(NMLS ID #66906) are licensed mortgage consultants with Platinum Home Mortgage and may be contact at the numbers below.

taxing. Make sure you have a lender and real estate agent that you can get a hold of to answer your questions and help explain things along the way.

704-458-6387

704-890-1777

Information subject to change without notice. This is not a commitment to lend and all loans are subject to credit approval; certain restrictions may apply.

Platinum Home Mortgage Corporation, 2200 Hicks Rd #101, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 (847)797-9500. See www.phmc.com/licensing for additional licensing information. NMLS ID #13589 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

704-458-6387

704-890-1777

Information subject to change without notice. This is not a commitment to lend and all loans are subject to credit approval; certain restrictions may apply.

10/19/17 7:58 PM Corporation, 2200 Hicks Rd #101, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 (847)797-9500. See www.phmc.com/licensing for additional licensing

21801.1.1.004.PlatinumMortgage.indd 1 Platinum Home Mortgage

• • • •

Downtown Belmont’s boutique real estate office Superior service to buyers and sellers Experienced and local area expertise Specializing in the greater Gaston area

704-825-SOLD

Like us on

Facebook

www.SellingGaston.com

100 South Main Street • Belmont, NC 28012 Are you sure your website is reaching all of your customers?

Proud to protect Gaston County.

Randy Walker 704-864-0270

GN-111118

Subject to terms, conditions and availability. Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Co. © 2015 Allstate Insurance Co.

21801.1.1.005.Garibaldi_JoyScott_AllstateRandy.indd 1

10/19/17 8:01 PM

The Vintage Nest HOME AND GIFTS

119 South Main Street

•

Mount Holly, NC

704.827.3355

What do you like about living in Mount Holly?

Living in the Mount Holly area has the benefits of small town living but the convenience of close proximity of a major city.

What inspired you to open your business?

The shop grew out of a love of painting furniture. My first retail location was a 100 square foot booth space in the basement of an Antique mall in downtown Belmont. The business grew to a point of opening a small shop in downtown Mount Holly. I have since moved the shop to a large location on Main Street.

What has made you successful?

I began this business as a furniture painter but as our customer base grew it became obvious our customer base was coming to us for other products. I have worked to meet the buying needs of our customers by adding more DIY products such as Chalk Paint@ by Annie Sloan, General Finishes Gel Stains, Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint and glazes. In addition, to selling painted furniture and paint I have added home décor, gifts, soaps and candles, baby gifts, apparel and specialty foods & Tea.

Furniture & Home Decor Catawba River Trading Company The Balcony Boutique Do It Yourself

QA &

What do you want people to know about your business?

I want people to know we are a local, family owned small business and very proud to be a part of the community of Mount Holly and surrounding area. I would like to invite you to visit our shop in historic downtown Mount Holly.

What is your favorite thing about Gaston County?

The friendly people and sense of community. Mount Holly is a very active town from the community garden, farmer’s market, food truck Fridays, Summer Concert series, festivals and many other activities in the community. It is a great place to live, work and play.

SHOP HOURS: Tues - Fri 10:00 to 6:00 Saturday 10:00 to 5:00

YOUR home inspections and renovations done YOUR way! galophomeconcepts.com Licensed Builder NC & SC • Licensed Home Inspector NC & SC • Insured & Bonded

I would love to be part of YOUR team, fitting clients with properties.

With my services you can expect concise report writing, timely turn around for YOUR report and competitive pricing.

Please consider my services for YOUR next home inspection needs or renovations.

21801.1.1.006.VintageNest_GalopHome_OKeefe.indd 1

John Galop 704-718-0043 john@galophomeconcepts.com General Contractor #66231 North Carolina Home Inspector #3240 South Carolina Home Inspector #48590

10/19/17 8:06 PM

Blended Consignment Boutique

What inspired you to open GiGi’s?

Mother and Daughter Operated Since 2010

I am blessed to be the mother of eight children so being a homemaker is my background. Having a budget yet wanting to dress our children well I purchased many items in a consignment store. In this season of my life I desire to connect with women, offer them a great shopping experience, and the ability to receive a check for their clothing or use store credit to shop.

Specialty Boutique featuring blended upscale consignment with new boutique arrivals weekly STORE HOURS: Tuesday thru Saturday 10 am - 6pm 24 N Main St. Belmont, NC 28012

704.461.8043

www.gigisconsignmentboutique.com

miranda realty

936 N Marietta Street Gastonia, NC 28054-7310

mirandarealtyinc@gmail.com

(704) 827-3151

moises miranda broker in NC office

704.853.2210 office

704.853.2210 fax

704.868.9705 21801.1.1.007.GiGisCloset_Miranda_NWHoldenrid.indd 1

“We exist to enrich the lives of our clients and the future of our community.”

10/19/17 8:16 PM

Let us help you protect your professional license.

CONTINUING EDUCATION We are excited to feature an educational piece in our first publication. And who better to interview than you! For the reading audience, Mel has vast knowledge and practical understanding of the appraisal and real estate broker arenas.

He served over 11 years as an Officer with the NC Real Estate Commission and as the Executive Director of the NC Appraisal Board. Mel opened his own private law practice in 2003 and focuses on representing real estate brokers and appraisers before the NC Real Estate Commission and the NC Appraisal Board. He is an advisor to many companies and appraisal services for day to day practices and compliance matters. Mel travels the state delivering meaningful, timely, and accurate CE to real estate and appraiser professionals. He writes most of the CE courses offered by his company, BrightPath Education. Mel has received many honors and has recently received two: 2016 Larry A. Outlaw Excellence in Education Award from NC Real Estate Commission and the 2016 Educator of the Year from NC Real Estate Educators Association SO LET’S GET STARTED… Q: Mel, Our readers may be interested in the difference between a real estate agent and a REALTOR®.

A: A real estate agent or broker is a person licensed by the state government agency, the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (“Commission”), to perform brokerage service for others.

A REALTOR ® is a real estate agent who has chosen to join the North Carolina and National Association of REALTORS®, a private membership-based trade organization, and follow the Code of Ethics.

Q: Why is the Code of Ethics so important for REALTORS®?

A: The Code of Ethics, established in 1913, puts forth the ethical standards for REALTORS® and sets the expectation that members will act to the highest level of ethics. REALTORS® are expected to be fair and honest to all parties and to put their clients’ interest ahead of their own. Training for each REALTOR® on the Code of Ethics is required every 2 years.

Q: Can you tell our readers about continuing education? What is required and how often and why it matters?

A: All active real estate agents are required by the Commission

21801.1.1.008.009.MelBlack_ATPenny_PMIPatsy_CBHanks.indd 1

to complete the appropriate 4-hour update course and 4 hours of elective continuing education annually. Quality continuing education provides agents with timely, updated information that will help them succeed in their profession and avoid some of the pitfalls out there. With all the changes, an agent can’t simply rely on the education they received when they were first licensed.

Q: Mel, REALTORS® will often put what looks like the alphabet soup after their name. What does it mean?

A: Some agents have chosen to seek designations or a specialty in real estate. This shows their commitment to going beyond the minimally required education.

Q: Let’s touch on Working with Real Estate Agents brochure.

What is it for and what do clients/customers need to know before they start working with an agent?

A: First, do not be scared to sign it. It is merely an acknowledgement that the agent has explained agency and how things work. It is not an agreement or contract and you are not “signing up” with an agent in a way that will cause you to owe them a fee. There are other forms used to create an agency agreement. Working with Real Estate Agents is for your protection because it explains buyer agency, seller agency, and dual agency. You absolutely want to know who the agent represents before you start any type of communication with them. In fact, a consumer should be wary of any agent that does not offer and explain the Working with Real Estate Agents brochure at first substantial contact.

Q: I know you have vast knowledge of the appraisal world and how it works. Tell our readers what they can expect in today’s market when it comes appraisal time.

A: A major thing to understand is the appraiser’s role. They are required to be independent, impartial, and objective. It is unethical for the appraiser to value a property in a certain direction that helps a party. Their job is to be an independent third party and value the property for their client. In the typical mortgage loan transaction, the client is the lender and the appraisal is for the use of the lender. Although some lenders routinely convince the borrower to pay the appraisal fee, that has no impact on the determination of the lender as client. In fact, the borrower can be considered a non-party to the transaction between the lender and the appraiser. Confidentiality is frequently misunderstood by

10/19/17 8:46 PM

consumers. The appraiser can only give information about the assignment to their client, the lender. Do not expect an appraiser to give you the value of your property, to provide you with a copy of the report, or to discuss the appraisal with you.

Q: What should the public know about online guestimates on market value?

A: There are a number of online locations where a consumer can get information about the value of their property. As far as what the public should know about them: Find out if there are lawsuits pending against them, determine their methodology for calculating their number, and ask yourself: Who are these people? Where are they from? How can do they know what my house is worth? Can they even find Ranlo?

Q: Are their guesses at value accurate?

A: I’m not touching that one.

Q: What REALTOR® services do you think stand out that are worth their weight in gold?

A: Understanding the market is key. There are so many nuances within a broader market such as markets within markets. Also important is knowing how to price a house, what to offer, timing, and how to get the client to their goal. Another thing that stands out is the REALTOR® that puts their client first. We do not like to hear stories about agents that merely want to get their client to the closing table so they can get paid and we hope that doesn’t happen. The REALTOR® that serves their client’s interest and puts their client’s needs ahead of their own is truly golden.

PennyGalop Galop Penny

Broker/REALTOR® NC & SC

Broker/REALTOR® NC & SC 203Glenway GlenwaySt,St,Belmont Belmont 28012 203 NCNC 28012 704.718.7993 704.718.7993 penny.galop@allentate.com penny.galop@allentate.com www.allentate.com/pennygalop www.allentate.com/pennygalop

PMI REALTY

Q: Is there a reason why you mention understanding the market first?

A: Great agents know how to price a house. Many agents perform a detailed Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) on each house they list or before they help a buyer make an offer.

A REALTOR® who can show you detailed data and analysis on where to set a listing price or where to make an offer very valuable to their clients.

Mel, thank you for taking the time for this interview. I know we just touched the tip of the iceberg. So we look forward to the next interview as well as a continued working relationship with you.

Linda Beverley, President of GAR

Patsy Irvin Broker/Realtor®

(C) (O)

704.860.9687 980.320.8262

Patsy.PMIRealty@gmail.com pmirealtync.com PRACTICE AREAS ° Complaints ° Applications ° Reporting Criminal and Other Types of Disciplinary Matters OTHER AREAS OF FOCUS ° Appraisal Consultation ° Brokerage Consultation ° Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) Condemnation and Eminent Domain °

HABLO ESPAÑOL 915 N. New Hope Rd. Suite D, Gastonia, NC 28054 GastonHomeOfTheWeek.com Facebook.com/MatthewHanksTeam

MatthewHanksTeam.com Call the Team!

704-931-8480

855-998-7727 21801.1.1.008.009.MelBlack_ATPenny_PMIPatsy_CBHanks.indd 2

10/19/17 8:46 PM

KEITH HANCE

KEITH@HANCEANDHANCE.COM

KEITH HANCE PRACTICES PRIMARILY IN THE AREAS OF REAL ESTATE LAW AND CIVIL LITIGATION. HE HAS BEEN IN PRIVATE PRACTICE IN GASTON COUNTY SINCE 1995. MR. HANCE ALSO ADDRESSES REALTOR AND LENDER GROUPS ABOUT REAL ESTATE ISSUES. MR. HANCE ALSO SERVES AS COUNSEL FOR THE GASTON ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS.

JULIE HANCE

JULIE@HANCEANDHANCE.COM

AT HANCE & HANCE WE ARE PROBLEM SOLVERS WHO TAKE YOUR CLOSING AS SERIOUSLY AS YOU DO. OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: PURCHASE CLOSINGS MORTGAGE REFINANCES TITLE EXAMINATIONS TITLE CURATIVE SERVICES SELLER FINANCING LEASES AND RENTAL AGREEMENTS CORPORATE AND LLC FORMATION

When you’re buying a home, one of the many professionals you must have to help you, along with the realtor, surveyor and appraiser, is the real estate attorney. Many buyers only see the attorney when it’s time to sign the final paperwork and they assume that the signing or “closing” is where the attorney does all of his or her work. In fact, the closing comes after nearly all of the attorney’s intricate and time consuming work has been completed.

Just as the surveyor determines the boundaries of the property so that the buyers know what they are physically buying, the attorney performs a public record investigation, known as a title search, so that the buyers are fully informed about the many things that may affect their ownership of the property.

The title search involves reviewing all of the records in the county offices of the Register of Deeds and the Clerk of Court the pertain to, or affect, the property. In the course of the title search, the attorney might have to: scrutinize plat maps for indications of rights of way, boundary line issues or other use limitations; review numerous deeds in the chain of title to verify that ownership properly passed from prior owners; review estate records of prior owners to confirm that there are no outstanding ownership interests of missing heirs; review civil and even criminal court files to determine the existence of liens for money owned; review federal bankruptcy filings that affect liens on the property; review divorce papers to confirm ownership interests. This list is, in no way, exhaustive but it does help understand the work that goes into a proper title search.

As you can tell, a real estate attorney needs a significant level of expertise in real estate law, civil law, criminal law, family law, estates and bankruptcy. Because buying a home is likely the biggest investment most of us will ever make, its not a time to cut corners, especially when choosing an attorney.

JULIE HANCE’S PRACTICE FOCUSES ON REAL ESTATE LAW. ADMITTED TO BOTH THE NORTH CAROLINA AND OHIO STATE BARS, MRS. HANCE HAS BEEN IN PRIVATE PRACTICE SINCE 1996. MRS. HANCE WAS THE BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S ORGANIZATION’S 1998 “YOUNG CAREERIST”

An alarming trend in recent years is a practice sometimes called a “notary closing” or “witness closing”. A notary closing is when no attorney appears to be significantly involved and some random person with a notary certificate meets with the buyers to witness and notarize their signatures on the closing paperwork with no authority or knowledge to answer questions the buyers may have. Notary closing are often arranged by good-intentioned loan brokers or realtors who have been led to believe that it will be less expensive and more convenient for the buyers.

A real estate closing unavoidably involves the practice of law. A closing where an attorney has had no meaningful involvement is the unauthorized practice of law and is, literally, a criminal offense. Notwithstanding the criminal aspect, the potential dangers to a buyer associated with a notary closing are numerous and extreme.

Because of the complexities of real estate law and title searches, it’s possible for a diligent, knowledgeable and careful attorney to make mistakes. In the case of a notary closing, one has to wonder just how diligent, knowledgeable and careful are people who would willingly offer services that are, at worst, illegal and, at best, substandard.

If your attorney makes a significant error, he or she has professional liability insurance and, likely, has obtained title insurance for you. Regardless of what you might be told, don’t count on those safeguards with a notary closing. When buying a home or even refinancing, you have the absolute right to choose your representation- and that isn’t the time to be careless. **NOTE: North Carolina state law and the North Carolina State Bar’s Rules of Professional Conduct mandate that a buyer is always allowed to choose his or her closing attorney regardless of the terms of any contract or the demands of the seller. Always choose Hance & Hance. PA.

P.O. BOX 1075 317 S. SOUTH STREET / GASTONIA, NC 28052 704-861-9091 21801.1.1.010.Hance.indd 1

10/19/17 8:42 PM

Jody Adams

Cam Barnett

704-913-0587

Broker/REALTOR® NC & SC

Matt Huffman

Brandy Mercer

704-898-3617

Office

704-400-6391

Broker/Owner

704-718-9858

704-879-4975

3302 S. New Hope Road, Suite 400 - Gastonia, NC 28056

www.MyHomesinCarolina.com 21801.1.1.011.RMXLegacy.indd 1

10/19/17 8:32 PM

Advertisment

How to make your REALTOR® fall in love with you If you’re about to begin shopping for a home, a savvy real estate pro can make the experience much more rewarding than if you go it alone. And when you add a top-rated national lender to your team, both you and your REALTOR will appreciate the additional assistance!

Here are some things to keep in mind before you start your search for your dream home.

Find your lender before you find your home Getting your financing ducks in a row before you start viewing homes makes a huge difference to your REALTOR. One reason is that, when you’ve been pre-approved for a mortgage, it means you know how much you can borrow. This enables your REALTOR to make sure to only show you properties within your budget. National lenders like Caliber Home Loans, Inc., offer loan pre-approval services.

Another reason to be pre-approved for a home loan is that this will give you time to choose a lender that offers you precisely what you need. For example, if you prefer to keep more of your cash in savings, dedicated lenders like Caliber offer more options than many banks – and may be able to offer you one or more loans with low down payments. And if you qualify for a VA Loan, you may be able to buy with zero down!

“Why shouldn’t I go to my bank for a mortgage?”

Many banks offer a limited array of mortgages. This may seem to be a sensible option. Since you keep your money at a bank, they’re familiar with your income and savings habits, so they’ll have the right mortgage for you … right?

Not necessarily – and here’s why.

Since banks concentrate on checking, saving and credit accounts, they may not be able to offer nearly as many loan products as a dedicated mortgage lender. You may be able to get a standard 30-year loan from your bank, but what if you need a little leeway?

Dedicated lenders like Caliber are different. In addition to dozens of loan options, we offer our own Portfolio loans.

These feature different qualifying guidelines than traditional products, including loans that won’t make you wait to apply for years after a negative credit event. Other Portfolio loans serve property investors and foreign nationals.

Another reason to consider Caliber Home Loans is that we service 95% of the loans we close*. This means your postclosing transition to managing your monthly payments will likely be simple. And if you have questions about future property purchases or refinancing, you’ll find my contact information on every monthly loan statement if your loan is serviced by Caliber.

Financing for fixer-uppers Let’s say your REALTOR shows you a home that’s almost perfect.

It’s in a great neighborhood offered at a great price! But family members would fight over the two bathrooms, and the kitchen hasn’t been improved for 20 years. A Caliber Homestyle Renovation Loan can be used to turn this property into the house of your dreams. You can finance up to 150% of the post renovation value to update any outdated features, add a room, replace floors and carpets … even a swimming pool.

You can’t buy your dream home without a dream team to assist you Want to learn more about your home financing options? Contact your local Caliber lending professional.

David Frum Loan Consultant NMLS# 83406 Military & Veteran Lending Professional 704-691-5956 14045 Ballantyne Corporate Pl., Suite 460 Charlotte, NC 28277 david.frum@caliberhomeloans.com www.caliberhomeloans.com/dfrum

*As of June 2, 2017. Caliber does not retain servicing on all loans originated and may not service loans originated for the entire term of the loan.

Caliber Home Loans, Inc., 3701 Regent Boulevard, Irving, TX 75063 NMLS ID #15622 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). 1-800-401-6587. Copyright © 2017. All Rights Reserved. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates, and programs are subject to change without prior notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Not all products are available in all states or for all dollar amounts. Other restrictions and limitations apply. (11583_NC)

21801.1.1.012.CaliburHomes.indd 1

10/19/17 8:32 PM

Blue is our name, not our attitude.

Call one of our agents: Jackie Currence ...................... 704-214-0027 Kelly Cruise ............................. 704-747-3344 Todd Pierceall ......................... 980-329-6294

From the mountains to the shore...

700 Falls Ferguson Rd. • Gastonia, NC 28052

Jean Mountz REALTOR®/Broker NC, SC

704.865.2341 WeSellCarolinas.com

www.mountzrealty.com Office: Cell:

980-251-1226 980-285-6710 Email:

jeanmountz@gmail.com 21801.1.1.013.BlueRealEstate_Mountz_Carolinas.indd 1

10/19/17 8:40 PM

FOLLOW US FOLLOW US BGCGaston BGCGaston

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Boys & Girls Gaston Clubs of Greater Gaston

OUR MISSION is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, OUR MISSION is to inspire and enable young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential asall productive, responsible and caring citizens. to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Gaston works to help youth of all backgrounds develop the qualities needed become citizensworks and leaders.

We serve 1,500 youth annually in Gaston Boys &toGirls Clubsresponsible of Greater Gaston to help youth of allover backgrounds develop the qualities County between agesresponsible 6 and 18 through outreach programs.

Our face needed to become citizensafterschool, and leaders. summer We serveand over 1,500 youth annually in kids Gaston County between ages and 18 through afterschool, summer outreach programs.

Our kids face greater challenges than6most in our community.

Overall, 75%and of our members come from single-parent greater challenges mostfree in our community.

Overall, 75%We of our members come fromfor single-parent households and 93%than receive or reduced lunch at school. provide programming ten Title 1 households and 93% free1or reduced lunch in at addition school. We provide programming Title 1 elementary schools andreceive five Title middle schools, to two other elementary,for oneten other elementary schools and five Title 1 middle schools, in addition to two other elementary, one other middle, and three high schools.

2016 MEMBER STATS middle, and three high schools.

2016 STATS B MEMBER Average GPA The Boys & Girls Club offers daily access to a broad range of B Average GPA The Boysand & Girls Clubspecialized offers dailyinitiatives access to athat broad of to 100% grade progression programs several arerange designed 100% grade progression programs and several specialized initiatives thatnecessary are designed 100% graduation rate drive positive outcomes for youth and reinforce life to 100% graduation rate drive positive outcomes for youth and reinforce necessary life ZERO teen pregnancies skills. Our goals are to improve academic performance, to ZERO pregnancies skills. Our goals are to improve to decrease drop-out rates, to loweracademic incidentsperformance, of juvenile crime, to 95%teen abstained from decrease drop-out rates, to lower incidents of juvenile crime, to 95% abstained from prevent teen pregnancy, and to inspire our Club members to be juvenile crime or gang activity prevent pregnancy, and to inspire our Club members to be crime or gang activity leaders of teen the future.

Overjuvenile 120,000 meals and snacks served leaders of the future.

Over 120,000 meals and snacks served Without the Boys & Girls Club our kids would be left without adult supervision after school, many Without the Boys & Girls Club our kids would be left without adult supervision after school, many would not have computer access to complete their homework, and they would go to bed hungry would not have computer access to complete their homework, and they would go to bed hungry without a nutritious dinner. At the Club they receive help with their homework, mentoring with without a nutritious dinner. At the Club they receive help with their homework, mentoring with positive adult role models, learn how to live healthy lifestyles, and creatively express themselves positive adult role models, learn how to live healthy lifestyles, and creatively express themselves through through the the arts. arts.

We if we we can can get getyouth youthto toour our We know know that that if Clubs ensure their theiracademic academic Clubs we we can can ensure success, they practice practicegood goodcharacter character success, that that they and and they theylive livehealthy healthy and citizenship, citizenship, and lifestyles. lifestyles.

P.O. Box Gastonia,NC NC28053 28053 •• Phone Phone 704-864-6171 704-864-6171 •• Fax 704-864-5525 P.O. Box 2323• •Gastonia, 704-864-5525 •• www.bgcgreatergaston.org www.bgcgreatergaston.org 21801.1.1.014.BoysGirlsClub.indd 1

10/19/17 8:41 PM

NC HOMEOWNERS

ALLIANCE N

The ONE Group Fighting for Homeowners at the NC General Assembly

THREE WAYS TO JOIN THE ALLIANCE FROM YOUR PHONE

1

Like the NC Homeowners Alliance on Facebook

2

Sign Up by typing “NC Homeowners Alliance” into your browser

3

Text JOIN to 919-813-2660

Homeownership Means Constant Advocacy From insurance to taxes, your representatives make decisions that directly impact your wallet.

That’s why a group of homeowners and REALTORS® started the Homeowners Alliance, to hold our representatives to account.

The NC Homeowners Alliance represents your interests in the North Carolina General Assembly.

By joining, you can stay up-to-date on some of the most important issues for homeowners.

We’ll never charge you for membership, and we’ll never tell you who to vote for.

TAXES One of the most important benefits for homeowners is the mortgage interest tax deduction. Over the past few years, both state and federal elected officials have threatened to eliminate this deduction.

CONSUMER PROTECTION North Carolina’s property insurance industry is heavily regulated, but the process for setting rates is often confusing for consumers. The NC Homeowners Alliance works to protect homeowners from predatory insurance rates and to keep homeowners informed about insurance policies that will affect their wallet.

LOCAL IMPACT The Alliance amplifies the voice of its members by activating the existing REALTORS® network to advocate on behalf of their past clients and new homeowners.

21801.1.1.015.HomeOwnerAlliance.indd 1

10/19/17 8:41 PM

21801.1.1.016.BackCover.indd 1

10/19/17 8:40 PM