George Bell Named 2009 Winston-Salem REALTOR of the Year

Posted: 11/16/2009

The Winston-Salem Regional Association of REALTORS (WSRAR) has named Allen Tate Realtor George Bell as 2009 REALTOR of the Year. The award recognizes a member who has made a significant contribution to the real-estate industry through professional and volunteer endeavors.

"George has served in so many capacities for our Association. He has given so much to our Association over the years and is deserving of the award," said Phillip Rector, President, WSRAR.

Bell has worked in real estate for more than 30 years and has been a member of WSRAR for 10 years.

Sold Home Data in Triad Area Now Available on allentate.com

Posted: 11/10/2009

Curious what your homes in your neighborhood are selling for? Now buyers and sellers in the Triad MLS area can access recently Sold Homes data on allentate.com, the premier real estate Web site in the Carolinas.

This additional information allows you to learn more about the market conditions and the market value of homes that have sold in the past 6-12 months, depending on area. Previously, this data was only available through public records searches, some national search engines, or a Realtor.

The Triad Sold Homes data can be found via TateMap, Allen Tate’s interactive search feature. While you’re searching for properties for sale, you can also view recently sold homes in the areas where you’re interesting in purchasing. Sellers can also use the feature to price their homes in line with comparable properties, increasing the potential to sell the home quickly to an interested buyer.

“Understanding what homes have sold and at what price helps both buyers and sellers better understand the market,” said Pat Riley, president of Allen Tate Company. “But this data doesn’t tell the whole story. You still need a Realtor to help you understand why these properties sold.” The Web site also offers Sold Homes data for the Charlotte region.

To search sold homes on allentate.com:

1. Under Property Search, select the TateMap Search option.
2. Navigate to the desired area on TateMap and enter your criteria. Zoom in by selecting the Quick Navigation feature on TateMap.
3. For sale properties will appear on the map as red pins.
4. Hover over any red pin and an information box displaying basic property details and a photo will appear. From this box, select Center on Map with Recent Sales.
5. This will center your selected property on the map and display the 50 most recently sold homes (or up to 12 months of data) as grey pins.
6. To access an information box for a sold home, hover over the grey pin. From this box, select View Details. One photo and details appear on the sold property detail page

Allen Tate Regional VP Phyllis Brookshire

Posted: 10/29/2009

Phyllis York Brookshire, Regional Vice-President – Triangle Region for Allen Tate Company, has been named to a three-year term on the Board of Directors for the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce.

A graduate of the University of North Carolina, Brookshire has more than 20 years of experience in the real estate industry. She joined Allen Tate in January 2007 when the company expanded their footprint into the Triangle region.

Brookshire is a past president of the Raleigh Regional Association of Realtors, and serves on the Board of Advisors for the Visual Art Exchange. In addition to her real estate career, Brookshire is a multi-titled World Champion equestrienne who trains and shows American Saddlebred horses.

Allen Tate currently operates six offices in the Triangle region, with more than 170 agents. The company also provides leadership and input to the local business community as a member of the Board of Advisors of the Raleigh Chamber.

Allen Tate Insurance Sales Manager Robin Price Named IIACM President

Posted: 10/29/2009

Allen Tate Company is pleased to announce that Robin Price, sales manager for Allen Tate Insurance Services, has been named president of the Independent Insurance Agents of Charlotte Mecklenburg (IIACM).

IIACM is composed of 45 independent insurance agency and associate members in the greater Charlotte-Mecklenburg area. It is a chapter of the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina (IIANC), a statewide trade association representing more than 1,000 independent insurance agencies with more than 10,000 employees, who work to protect the insurance and financial needs of the state’s citizens.

Price has 30 years of experience as an insurance professional and has worked with Allen Tate Insurance, one of the fastest-growing independent insurance agencies in the Carolinas, since 2003.

Register to Win the “Ultimate Fan Package”

Posted: 10/19/2009

Are you an Ultimate Panthers Fan? Then register to win the Ultimate Fan Package Sweepstakes, sponsored by Allen Tate Realtors, the Preferred Realtor of the Carolina Panthers.

The Grand Prize package (retail value $1,760) includes 4 lower-level seats and 4 field passes to the January 3, 2010 Carolina Panthers game vs. New Orleans at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte; a signed, framed Carolina Panthers jersey; and a 42-inch LG Plasma HDTV.

The contest is open to North and South Carolina residents who are 18 years of age or older at the time of entry. Contestants must provide a valid e-mail address. No purchase is required.

To register, click here. Contest is void where prohibited or restricted by law.

Registration for the Ultimate Fan Package Sweepstakes ends at midnight on November 15, 2009. Prize drawing will be held on or before December 4, 2009. Official rules may be found on the registration page at allentate.com.

Allen Tate FUNDay Raises $1 Million for Public Education

Posted: 9/30/2009

Allen Tate Company, the Carolinas’ leading real estate company, has raised more than $1 million for public education organizations through its annual FUNDay event.

To outsiders, Allen Tate FUNDay might seem like a bunch of Realtors getting together to socialize, dance, and play golf, tennis, and bridge. But to thousands of students enrolled in public schools across the Carolinas, FUNDay means programs, activities, field trips, computers, school supplies and more.

On September 21, more than 500 Allen Tate Realtors from the Charlotte, Triad, Triangle and Upstate regions gathered at The Point Lake & Golf Club on Lake Norman for the company’s 12th Annual FUNDay public education fundraiser. The “day of play,” where participants in individual activities, and purchase items in auctions throughout the day, resulted in more than $97,000 in proceeds.

“We’re so pleased to announce that the money raised from this year’s FUNDay has put us over the $1 million mark. We’ve raised more than $1,034,000 since we began FUNDay 12 years ago. And that money is returned directly to public education organizations in the communities where our Realtors live and work,” said Pat Riley, president, Allen Tate Company.

“Allen Tate Company is passionate about public education and understands its critical importance to quality of life and economic development in our communities. I’m always humbled by the generosity of our Realtors when it comes to supporting this very worthy cause, but especially this year, with the current economy,” added Riley.

As members of the community and as real estate professionals, Allen Tate Realtors are keenly aware of the importance of solid, successful public school systems. Consumers seek information from their Realtor about local schools, perhaps more than any other criteria, when making home-buying and relocation decisions. FUNDay gives everyone at Allen Tate a chance to directly impact the local school system and organizations committed to quality education in the areas the Allen Tate Company serves.

Let Your Fingers Do the Talking

Posted: 9/22/2009

You’ve discovered the benefits of allentate.com, the premier Web site of Allen Tate Company, the Carolinas’ leading real estate company. Here you’ll find full color photos and complete details for thousands of available properties. But wouldn’t it be great if you could access the same information when you’re driving past a home you like?

Now you can. Through Allen Tate’s partnership with CellSigns, a leading mobile applications company, home buyers now have instant access to property information from their cell phones through text messaging.

"Today's consumers are looking for information instantly. They can now receive information about a home, the number of bedrooms and baths, approximate square footage, and even view photos of the inside, all while standing on the front lawn holding their cell phone. And, if they want more information, they can contact the listing agent via text message to schedule an appointment," said Pat Riley, president and COO of Allen Tate Company.

Mobile texting capability is available on Allen Tate properties throughout the Charlotte, Triad, Triangle and Upstate South Carolina regions. Properties with mobile texting capabilities are identified with sign riders, indicating the unique property ID and text messaging number. The mobile texting technology is compatible with all types and brands of cell phones.

Safety is #1 Priority for Realtors, Clients

Posted: 9/15/2009

The job doesn’t involve heavy equipment, high speeds or hazardous chemicals, but safety is still a top priority for those who make their careers in real estate.

Allen Tate Company, the Carolinas’ leading real estate company, joins with the National Association of Realtors (NAR) to observe the organization’s 6th Annual Realtor Safety Week from September 13-19. The event is intended to create awareness of Realtor safety issues, including personal safety, client safety, home and office safety and more.

“Many tasks that Realtors perform everyday as part of their jobs create situations that are potentially dangerous. From leading strangers around an unknown property, advertising you will be alone in a vacant home for an open house, or driving people in your personal vehicle, Realtors must always be aware of their situation and focus on best practices to insure their safety,” said Pat Riley, President, Allen Tate Company.

Home buyers and sellers also need to keep safety top-of-mind. The National Association of Realtors offers these tips to ensure that real estate clients don’t become a victim of crime:

• Sellers hosting open houses should secure all valuables, including alcohol, prescription medications and personal information such as bank statements that could be used for identity theft. Be alert to groups of visitors who arrive at an open house at the end of showing hours.

• Not all agents, buyers or sellers are who they say they are. As a buyer, you should never stop by a listing unannounced, without an agent present. Likewise, sellers should never show their home without an agent present.

• Sellers should secure all pets, or preferably, remove them from the premises during showings. Owners will be held liable if a pet attacks a buyer or agent.

• When you leave a property, make sure the doors and windows are closed and locked. If your property is for sale and is being shown, verify that all doors are locked and valuables are accounted for when you return home.

For more information on safety for Realtors and clients, visit realtor.org.

Allen Tate Realtors, Neighborhood Marketing Services Join Forces

Posted: 9/11/2009

Two of the Triangle’s premier real estate organizations have joined forces. Allen Tate Realtors is pleased to announce its affiliation with Neighborhood Marketing Services, a full service real estate firm specializing in new home sales throughout the Triangle.

“We are extremely pleased to announce this new relationship. Neighborhood Marketing Services is a regional leader in promoting and marketing new home communities, and their expertise and solid reputation will create and enhance opportunities for Allen Tate clients. Likewise, we’ll be able to offer Neighborhood Marketing Services an experienced sales force for their builders, as well as strong relocation contacts and cutting-edge technology in interactive marketing,” said Phyllis York Brookshire, Regional Vice-President-Triangle, Allen Tate Company.

“Neighborhood Marketing Services has always been a strong leader in the new homes market, but as market conditions change, we believe that we can work smarter and more effectively to reach customers through the interactive marketing channels that Allen Tate offers. We recognize that Allen Tate is bringing innovation and industry changes to their agents faster than their competitors,” said Mike Ruth, President, Neighborhood Marketing Services.

The Neighborhood Marketing Services team will work under the Allen Tate Realtors name. They will continue to focus on new home sales in premier Triangle communities, including Village Square at Amberly, Copperleaf, Rose Hall, Bedford at Falls River, Rose Walk, and Renaissance Park.

Neighborhood Marketing Services was formed in 1993 by Mike Ruth and Jim Brandewie who will continue to lead the new company. Daily operations will continue under Jim Cox, General Manager and Bethaney Dale, Marketing Director.

Allen Tate Company entered the Triangle region in 2007 and currently operates six Triangle offices with more than 170 Realtors.

Deadline approaching for first-time home buyer tax credit

Posted: 9/8/2009

As part of the economic stimulus package passed earlier this year by the Federal government, first-time home buyers can receive an $8,000 tax credit on a home purchased and closed before December 1, 2009.

Legislative bills to extend this tax credit are currently pending in both the U.S. House and the Senate. While some leaders are optimistic about the extension, there are no guarantees that it will be approved. In the meantime, buyers are nearing the deadline to take advantage of this valuable tax credit.

In order to close on a home before December 1, 2009, most buyers should be under contract no later than October 15, 2009. This time frame takes into account the time needed to process mortgage paperwork in today’s market. There has never been a better time to buy a home and the mortgage industry is preparing for an increase in loans of first-time home buyers taking advantage of this tax credit before its deadline.

A countdown clock on allentate.com helps remind buyers that the time to buy is now. There is no guarantee that the $8,000 tax credit will be extended or offered again.

The tax credit is available to first-time home buyers and buyers who have not owned a home within the past three years, with single income of up to $75,000 or joint income up to $150,000.

Learn more about the $8,000 tax credit.

Contact an Allen Tate Mortgage Consultant.

Start your search

Chic Chateau, the Triad’s first Consignment Design Show House, debuts in Greensboro

Posted: 9/4/2009

Chic Chateau, the Triad’s first Consignment Design Show House, opens to the public for two consecutive weekends, beginning Friday, September 11. Greensboro’s Southern Gates community hosts Chic Chateau, a new home that has been professionally decorated using furniture and accessories from local consignment, salvage and antique stores.

Chic Chateau is the Triad’s first designer show house whose primary focus is to demonstrate that interior decorating can be both frugal and fabulous. In addition, all items in the house are for sale, with profits benefiting four local non-profits organizations: the Barnabas Network, Habitat for Humanity, Housing Greensboro, and the 2nd Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina.

“Second-hand stores are enjoying increased interest as consumer choices lean toward more frugal options in today’s economy,” says Jason Smith with Allen Tate Realtors/Smith Marketing, a Chic Chateau sponsor. “We are excited to showcase a new housing community with a design component that demonstrates both saving money and giving back.”

D. Stone Builders, Southern Gates developer, built the model that houses Chic Chateau in advance of other homes in Southern Gates, so that this community fundraiser could take place. Using the three R themes of Re-purpose, Renew and Recycle, Chic Chateau demonstrates visually how anyone can create a beautiful home environment for less by shopping local consignment, antique and salvage stores, and by adding a bit of creativity.

Interior decorating is provided by the SSI Design Group Inc., a Greensboro-based interior design firm. Sponsors include Lowes Foods, Allen Tate/Smith Marketing, Graphic Visual Solutions, Ferguson Enterprises, and Time Warner Cable.

Chic Chateau is located in the new Southern Gates Community, New Garden Road at Stratton Hills Drive. Admission is $5.00 in advance and $7.00 at the door. The event runs September 11-13 and September 18-20. Hours are Friday and Saturday, 10 AM-6 PM and Sunday noon-6 PM.

Homes priced below $100,000 are popular in today’s market

Posted: 8/20/2009

The national housing market is showing a significant increase in the sale of low-priced homes.

According to the National Association of Realtors?, homes priced less than $100,000 are up 25 percent from just one year ago. A buyers’ market, low interest rates, an $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers and a strong supply of low-priced homes on the market is opening up the door for more people to buy. The motivation of these buyers is also higher, as they are not challenged with the need to sell an existing home.

Investors are also attracted to these properties to use as rentals for short-term or long-term income generation opportunities. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer, investor or looking for a home that works with your budget, there’s never been a better time to get the most house for your money.

Looking for homes priced under $100,000? An Advanced Real Estate Search will allow you to be very specific in your criteria. Our exclusive TateMap search will allow you to use proximity as a tool.

Federal Tax Credit could be Your Solution to Buying a Home!

Posted: 8/13/2009

Time is running out on the federal tax credit of $8,000 to first-time buyers. The current plan requires buyers to close on their home on or before November 30, 2009. That means you probably need to identify the house and be under contract no later than October 15.

83 percent of Americans still believe buying a home is a good financial decision and three-fourths of those surveyed believe now is a good time to buy a home, thanks to lower home prices, low interest rates and a tax credit incentive.

The Allen Tate Company launched two programs this year to provide valuable incentives to help buyers purchase a home – the Job Loss Protection Program and Allen Tate Rate Relief Program.

The Job Loss Protection Program offers buyers a guarantee that their mortgage payment, up to $1,800, will be covered for up to six months in the event of an involuntary job loss during the first 24 months following closing. This program is paid by the seller and eligible homes are identified by a special “JL” icon on allentate.com.

The Allen Tate Rate Relief program is seller-funded and pays up to three percent (interest rate buydown) of the sales price of the home toward a financing package from a qualified lender. This program allows the buyer a below-market interest rate, a reduced monthly mortgage payment and less income to qualify.

Learn more about the Job Loss Protection Program.

Learn more about the Allen Tate Rate Relief Program.

Contact an Allen Tate Realtor®.

Learn more about financing options through Allen Tate Mortgage.

Allen Tate Named as Favorite Real Estate Company in Burlington, High Point

Posted: 8/3/2009

Allen Tate Realtors has been named the best real estate company in Burlington and High Point, the result of an online survey by local newspaper readers.

Burlington received the 2009 Reader’s Choice Award for the Best Real Estate Company in Alamance County. The “Best of the Best” distinction was the results of an annual online survey conducted by the Burlington Times-News.

High Point was distinguished as “The Best” as part of the Area’s Best 2009 Reader’s Choice Awards sponsored by the High Point Enterprise.

Experience the Allen Tate difference today!

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Start your home search now

Understanding the “status” of a property on allentate.com

Posted: 7/29/2009

AllenTate.com features more than 100,000 properties updated hourly. Our objective is to provide the most robust, most accurate, most up-to-date information available for homes throughout the Carolinas. In pursuit of that goal, we offer properties with the following “Statuses”:

Active – “Active” homes from Raleigh to Greensboro to Charlotte to Greenville are available for search and display on all of our search tools – advanced search, TateMap search, open house search, Exceptional Properties search, new homes communities search, foreclosure search and international properties search. Active properties are typically available for purchase and are not subject to a contract between the seller and the buyer.

Conditional - “Conditional” properties are typically subject to a contract between a buyer and the seller. That contract has unmet conditions such as inspection, financing, the sale of the buyer’s property, etc. Sellers of properties with conditional status will typically be receptive to a backup offer if a prospective 2nd buyer is so inclined.

Sold – “Sold” properties can be found via our TateMap interactive mapping tool by locating an active or conditional property on the map, then selecting the “Center on map with recent sales” option from the balloon. We show 12 months of recent sales in the regions where this data is available from the local MLS.

Properties having a “Pending” status may not be viewed on our site due to MLS rules.

Begin your home search.

Start working with one of our Realtors

The Internet is research tool of choice for home buyers

Posted: 7/28/2009

When it comes to research tools, the Internet is today’s preferred source. More than 82 percent of households have Internet access, with many turning to the Web when making purchasing decisions, including buying a home.

According to the National Association or Realtors®, 87 percent of home buyers who used a real estate agent also used the Internet as an information source. And nearly half of those buyers – 37 percent – ultimately purchased a home they found online.

Home buyers using the Internet as part of their search want features to offer them value during their online experience. Research shows that:

• More than 80 percent ranked photos and detailed information about properties as the most useful Web site feature when searching for a home.

• 68 percent found virtual tools very useful.

• The top web sites used to search for a home include real estate company Web sites, like allentate.com.

As a one-stop source for home buyers and sellers, allentate.com offers numerous search tools and resources that provide detailed information. Allen Tate’s popular Web site tools include:

• TateMap, Allen Tate’s exclusive interactive mapping feature, which allows home buyers to search for properties and displays them on an interactive map with photos, full property details, virtual tours and limitless zoom views. TateMap also allows you see information on recently sold homes in some areas. Use our exclusive TateMap Search.

• Advanced Property Search, which allows the buyer to search using your own specific criteria. You can be very detailed, getting results very unique to your search parameters. Try our Advanced Search.

• Open House Search, which provides property details, photos and driving directions for homes that are open for viewing by area. Use our Open House Search.

Allen Tate Offers foreclosed homes search tool

Posted: 7/21/2009

The bright side of a tough economy is the opportunity to buy investments at all-time low prices and low interest rates. Foreclosed homes can be one of these great buys. According to the National Association of Realtors®, six percent of all buyers in 2008 purchased a home that was in some stage of foreclosure. It is predicted that this percentage of buyers will increase even more this year.

While foreclosed homes offer a great opportunity to buy at great, a few items should be considered before buying to ensure that you make a wise real estate investment.

• Consider your budget and don’t just look at the price tag of the home. Consider repair costs as well. Sometimes a rock-bottom price doesn’t end up being such a great buy when you add in any repair work needed to fix it up.

• Evaluate the house and neighborhood. Do your research and review other foreclosed homes are in the neighborhood. A large inventory of foreclosed homes will affect the value of your home, and it may take longer to regain market value.

• Hire a home inspector. Banks usually require a home inspection if you are obtaining a loan, but even if you are paying cash, don’t skimp on the home inspection. You’ll know about needed repairs and potential long-term problems.

Allen Tate Company manages foreclosure homes in North and South Carolina for banks throughout the region. Our website also includes foreclosure homes offered by other brokers.. In addition, Allen Tate has partnered with RealtyTrac, the nation’s leading online resource for real estate foreclosure data, to give buyers access to information on foreclosure homes nationwide.

Search foreclosure homes.

Search homes throughout the Carolinas.

Get assistance in buying a foreclosure home.

More people relocating to the South

Posted: 7/13/2009

The South is the country's fastest growing region

Despite the overall economic downturn, the South is the country's fastest growing region, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau statistics. Of the top 100 fastest growing counties with a population of 10,000 or more, 71 are located in the South.

Within the Allen Tate footprint, the Raleigh-Cary area is the fastest growing metropolitan area between 2007 and 2008 with a 4.3 percent population increase. Charlotte ranks 7th with a 3.4 percent population increase; Durham ranks 23rd with a 2.5 percent increase; Greenville, South Carolina ranks 47th, adding 2 percent; and Greensboro-High Point ranks 97th, up 1.4 percent.

According to Forbes.com, these growing metro areas "offer a semblance of stability, as well as great weather, cultural life, and in many cases, affordability."

A diverse range of company headquarters is a key factor for relocations during turbulent times, according to William Frey, Ph.D., a demographer at the Brookings Institute, an independent research and policy group based in Washington, D.C.

"When it comes down to it, a buzzing business community is a metro area's most important characteristic," said Sean C. Safford, a professor at the University of Chicago.

Nationally acclaimed as an innovator in the relocation industry, the award-winning Allen Tate Relocation Services provides a full-range of relocation and corporate services to relocating clients throughout the Charlotte, Triad, Research Triangle and Upstate South Carolina regions.

Learn more about how Allen Tate Relocation can make your move smooth.

Start your home search.

Learn more about the communities in the Carolinas.

Referrals, reputation influence consumers when choosing a real estate agent

Posted: 7/6/2009

Word of mouth, name recognition and reputation are the key factors that influence a consumer’s decision when choosing a real estate agent, according to a recent study by Baylor University.

The most powerful influencer when selecting a company or Realtor? is word of mouth. Referrals often come from friends and family who have had a good experience with a Realtor.

According to the National Association of Realtors 2008 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 43 percent of buyers and 38 percent of sellers found their agent through a referral from a friend or family member. More than 70 percent of buyers and 85 percent of sellers would definitely use their real estate agent again or recommend the same agent to others.

A Realtor’s and company’s name recognition in a particular area also plays a role in selecting an agent. Buyers and sellers tend to look for agents associated with “sold” and “for sale” homes in a particular area. Consumers are also attracted to real estate companies that have an active presence in neighborhoods they are considering and find desirable.

A real estate agent’s reputation is also very important. Consumers want to be comfortable with an agent – someone who is easy and fun to work with. Customers expect their agent to be honest and knowledgeable and listen intently to the client’s desires. Customers also often prefer established and experienced real estate agents with a track record for customer satisfaction.

The conclusions found in the Baylor University study are not surprising to the Allen Tate Company, and reaffirms our beliefs in the importance of providing legendary customer service. Such qualities have driven us to become the Carolinas’ largest real estate company and among the top 10 independent real estate firms in the country.

Search for properties using TateMap Now.

Use our Advanced Real Estate Search Now.

New TateMap Feature!

Posted: 6/19/2009

Buyers and sellers looking for sold homes data in the Charlotte region can now access this information through allentate.com.

Previously this data was only available to consumers through public records searches, some national search engines, or a Realtor®. The Charlotte MLS has recently made available sold homes data to all member companies for release to the public.

"Understanding what properties have recently sold and at what price helps both buyers and sellers better understand the market," said Pat Riley, president, Allen Tate Company. "But this data doesn’t tell the whole story. You still need a Realtor to help you understand why these properties sold."

To search sold homes on allenate.com:

* Under Property Search, select the TateMap Search option.
* Navigate to the desired area on TateMap and enter your criteria. You may select specific region or subdivision using the appropriate buttonsp.
* "For Sale" properties will appear on the map as red pins.
* Click on any red pin and an information box displaying basic property details and a photo will appear. From this box, select "Click Here for Map with Recent Sales."
* This will center your selected property on the map and display the 50 most recently sold homes (or up to 12 months of data) as grey pins.
* To access an information box for a sold home, click on the grey pin. From this box, select “View details.” One photo and details appear on the sold property detail page.

Search for properties using TateMap Now.

Allen Tate Realtors Transition to New Winston-Salem Office

Posted: 6/18/2009

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (June 8, 2009) – Finding the perfect new home often takes time and perseverance. For Allen Tate Realtors, that long search process has proved successful – resulting in a lease commitment for a new, larger location in Winston-Salem.

The 52-year-old real estate leader will combine both of its Winston-Salem offices – Reynolda Road and Stratford Road – into a larger new space at 147 S. Cherry Street in Winston-Salem, with planned occupancy for May 2010.

As part of the transition to that new location, the company will vacate its Reynolda office when the current lease expires, with Reynolda-based agents moving this week to the Allen Tate office at 514 S. Stratford Road.

"There's never been a better time to move to new a home. So you might say, we're taking our own advice," said Mike Thornburg, branch manager of Allen Tate's Winston-Salem office. "We've enjoyed our historic Reynolda location, near Wake Forest University, but like many families, we've simply outgrown the space.”

"We've been looking for a long time for the perfect facility where we can work together most efficiently and best serve our clients throughout the Winston-Salem region," added Thornburg. "The S. Cherry Street location offers high visibility and the convenience of easy on-and-off access from I-40. We'll be located on the first floor of the building, with the prestigious Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation as our upstairs neighbor."

Allen Tate will lease 9,110 square feet of space, currently occupied by Meridian Realty Group, a commercial and industrial brokerage firm. Meridian plans to relocate prior to May of 2010. Allen Tate Company entered the Triad region in 2002 and currently operates seven Triad offices with 300 Realtors. The company ranks #6 among the country's largest independently owned, non-franchised brokers, and #11 among all brokers, based on closed transactions sides for 2008, according to the REAL Trends 500 report, a leading industry publication.

About Mike Thornburg A respected leader and seasoned real estate professional with more than 30 years of experience, Mike Thornburg currently serves as branch manager for Allen Tate’s Winston-Salem Stratford Road office.

His career has including ownership of a multi-office/multi-market real estate company; 10 years of franchise development with two major real estate networks; area management responsibilities with one of Florida's largest real estate brokers and developers, and office management responsibilities in Charlotte and Winston-Salem.

Thornburg is a member of the National Association of Realtors® a Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager licensed in North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida; holds the NAR ePro designation; and is a licensed North Carolina General Contractor.

About Allen Tate Realtors Allen Tate Realtors is the Carolinas' largest real estate company with more than 1,600 Realtors and offices in the Charlotte, Triad, Triangle and Upstate South Carolina regions. Allen Tate offers the advantage of hometown service with international capabilities and the latest in real estate technology and maximum marketing exposure.

More information on our Winston-Salem office.

Search for homes in Winston-Salem and the Triad.

New Programs to Help Buyers, Sellers Succeed in Today’s Real Estate Market

Posted: 4/29/2009

As part of the mission to help buyers and sellers succeed, Allen Tate Company is launching two innovative new programs: Job Loss Protection and Rate Relief. While distinct in design, both programs serve similar purposes: to help sellers make their homes more attractive to potential buyers, and to provide valuable incentives to encourage buyers to move forward toward purchasing a home.

Buying or selling a home is always a highly personal and emotional decision. But the challenges – and opportunities – of today’s real estate market has elevated the scope of those decisions to a whole new level. Begin your home sale or search process.

“Every buyer and seller today has a very personal agenda. They want to achieve the maximum results possible, and in the end, feel good about the transaction,” said Pat Riley, president, Allen Tate Company. “It’s our job to be their trusted advisor, to guide them throughout the process and better help them reach their goals. The more tools we have, the more options are at our disposal.”

Job Loss Protection Program
The Job Loss Protection Program provided as a benefit of the Rainy Day Foundation’s HELP Program (Homeowner Education and Loan Protection). It offers uncertain buyers a unique value proposition: a guarantee that their mortgage payment, up to $1,800, will be covered for up to six months in the event of an involuntary job loss during the first 24 months following closing. The HELP Program is paid for by the seller on behalf of the buyer. The Job Loss Protection Program is available on Allen Tate Company listings offered by participating sellers. Properties with Job Loss Protection are identified by a special “JL” icon on the company’s Web site, allentate.com. Begin your search.

Allen Tate offers the Job Loss Protection Program in the Charlotte, Triad, Triangle and Upstate South Carolina regions.

Rate Relief
The Allen Tate Rate Relief program is a seller-funded preferred financing program. The seller commits to pay up to 3 percent (interest rate buydown) of the listing price of the home toward a financing package from a qualified lender. The program helps the seller by setting his home apart from others on the market at a similar price point. Rate Relief also makes the home available to a larger pool of qualified buyers because of the lower monthly payments. The seller also benefits because the home retains greater market value when it sells.

The buyer benefits because the below-market interest rate reduces the monthly mortgage payment to a much greater degree than a price reduction. The buyer may also qualify for a larger home because the lower interest rate keeps the monthly payment lower, and buyers may claim a tax deduction for the points in the year the home is purchased. Learn more about the Allen Tate Rate Relief program.

“We believe that Job Loss Protection and Rate Relief will provide our buyers and sellers with two great options to move forward toward their goals,” said Riley. “Allen Tate Company will continue to offer its clients fresh solutions like these as we navigate the challenges of today’s real estate market together.”

Contact an Allen Tate Realtor® to learn more about the new programs.

Allen Tate Company Receives Top Awards from Leading Real Estate Companies of the World™

Posted: 4/21/2009

Allen Tate Relocation Services, part of the Allen Tate Family of Companies, has received top honors at the 2009 Leading Real Estate Companies of the World™ (Leading RE) National Conference, held March 26-28 in Scottsdale, AZ.

Leading RE is the nation’s premier real estate network of more than 700 independent firms in the United States and 38 countries worldwide. Allen Tate Company is a founding member of the Leading RE network.

This year, Leading RE presented Allen Tate Company with its prestigious Diamond Award for excellence. Allen Tate has received this honor three of the past six years for having achieved the highest rankings in all facets of Leading RE programs. This is the highest achievement bestowed by Leading RE.

Allen Tate Company was also awarded the Crown of Excellence; an honor for achieving the highest overall performance rankings for outgoing referral production, outgoing sales production and incoming conversion in their division (more than 1,000 Realtors) in the Charlotte, Triad and Triangle areas. Allen Tate Company has received the Crown of Excellence Award for nine of the past 10 years.

Among the other awards received, Allen Tate Relocation was ranked number three network-wide in outgoing referrals. “These prestigious awards, given at this time, in this market, validate Allen Tate Company and our continuing commitment to our customers. Our Relocation experts are just that, experts in the field, helping one individual/one family at a time,” said DJ Stephan, president of Allen Tate Relocation Services. “We serve not only the residents of the Carolinas, but also help relocate customers around the world.”

In 2008, Allen Tate Relocation counselors moved more than 4,000 families and assisted more than 700 renters. Each year, Allen Tate Relocation mails more than 9,000 newcomer kits nationally and internationally to help market the region and the Carolinas.

“We are so very proud to be affiliated with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World and honored to receive these awards for our excellence in relocation,” said Pat Riley, president and COO of Allen Tate Company.

For assistance in relocating to the Carolina's, click here.

To search for homes in the Carolina's using our Map Search, click here.

When will the real estate market get better?

Posted: 3/27/2009

So, the easy answer … for whom?

For the first-time buyer? Not in our lifetime! With interest rates below 5% and with an $8,000 tax credit offered to all first time buyers for real estate (and any buyer that has not owned a home in the past three years), there will never be a better time to buy a home than now. Click here to learn more.

For the investor looking to diversify your stock portfolio and invest in Carolina real estate? Not in our lifetime! With low interest rates and an abundance of homes throughout the Charlotte, Triad, Triangle and upstate regions, the time is perfect. Foreclosed homes, condos, townhouses, golf course homes, lots and traditional single family homes are priced and conditioned to sell. Furthermore, the low interest rates map the cap rate very attractive now! To search Carolina foreclosures, click here.

For the move-up buyer? Not in our lifetime! If you have stable income and job security, the time to take advantage of lower prices can work beautifully. Even if you sell for a little less than what your property was worth a few years ago, the discount on the more expensive home could result in thousands of dollars in savings for you. To search for homes in the Carolina's, click here.

Chances are you will look back and say, “I should have purchased real estate in 2009” once the interest rates increase and the inventory levels drop.

For assistance finding an agent in your area, click here.

Real Estate Values in the Carolinas – What is Your Home Worth?

Posted: 3/9/2009

However, when a home is priced higher than what buyers will pay, the home will likely remain on the market for a longer period of time, and more than likely, the selling price will be lower than the asking price.* That’s why it’s critical for homes to priced correctly from the very beginning.

Allen Tate Realtors work closely with sellers to help establish market value of their home and prepare a Competitive Market Analysis, based on recent market activity.

The market value of a house, townhouse or condo is determined by several factors:

1. Recent sales – Properties reflecting selling prices paid recently for comparable properties.

2. Failed to sell – Properties recently offered for sale but failed to sell, which reflect undesirable listing prices.

3. Pending sales – Properties under contract, but not closed, which are good indicators of acceptable prices.

4. Competitive active listings – Properties listed for sale that will compete with yours in the marketplace.



Market value is not determined by the original purchase price, its replacement cost, or the cost of improvements the seller has made. It’s also not based on the price the neighbors paid for their home a year or two ago, or the seller’s emotional attachment to the property.

To find out what your home is worth in today’s real estate market, click here.

*Source: National Association of Realtors? Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 2007

Five reasons to buy a home in the Carolinas this year

Posted: 3/3/2009

Here are several reasons NOW is the time to buy real estate in the Carolina’s:

1. Affordability is better than ever.

According to the National Association of Realtors' (NAR) housing affordability index, homes are more now than at any other point since the group started the index in 1970. The housing affordability index is a measure of the relationship between home prices, mortgage interest rates and family income.

Not all markets have experienced huge price changes, however, so it's wise to take a look at the different markets, including the Charlotte, Triad, Triangle and Upstate South Carolina regions.

2. Buyers have a large inventory to choose from.

A large selection of houses, townhouses and condos is currently available. This gives buyers more choices and provides more affordability.

3. Builders are offering large discounts.

Many new home builders are becoming even more aggressive with their pricing, offering steep discounts for buyers. Builders want to sell spec homes while clearing out the inventory of houses, townhouses and condos.

4. Mortgage rates are historically low.
It's not just the price of the home that will affect affordability; mortgage terms will also affect monthly payments. These days, rates are very attractive for conforming loans, those that can be purchased by mortgage agencies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Earlier this year, rates on the popular 30-year fixed-rate mortgage hit a level not seen in decades, and rates have stayed relatively near that low for weeks. Low rates along with other key components such as good credit, documentation and a substantial down payment, can help many buyers achieve home ownership.

5. You can get a federal tax credit.

There's currently a federal credit of up to $8,000 – recently signed into effect, for home buyers who haven't owned a home in at least three years and purchased the home between January 1 and November 30 of this year. That money would not have to be paid back if the home is owned for at least three years.

To search available real estate throughout the Carolinas, click here.

To work with an Allen Tate Realtor in the Charlotte, Triad, Triangle, or Upstate region, Click Here

To speak with a mortgage consultant regarding your eligibility for the tax credit, Click Here

Source: MarketWatch

New real estate foreclosure search tool available

Posted: 2/20/2009

Allen Tate has partnered with Realty Trac, the leading expert in real estate foreclosure data, to provide you with a tool that allows you to search for foreclosed homes in North Carolina and South Carolina. This tool provides data on properties in some state of foreclosure, pre-foreclosure, auction and bank-owned.

Realty Trac aggregates data form every state in the nation, standardizes the data and summarizes it in an easy search. They are considered the best source for this data and provide reports to nine branches of the federal government.

Start your search for foreclosed homes. Elementary data is available at no cost. For detailed information, you have two choices – click the button and one of our Realtors specifically trained in the real estate foreclosure process will assist you or you can obtain a free seven day trial subscription. After the seven days, a fee becomes due to Realty Trac.

Let us know how we can help you in your search for that dream house or condo. We know the Carolinas better than anyone … from Raleigh to Greensboro to Charlotte to Greenville SC, no one covers Carolina real estate better!

Carolina Real Estate Conditions

Posted: 2/12/2009

However, don’t be fooled by the reports of doom and gloom. There are some very bright spots among the news.

First, let’s look at foreclosures. The news from Arizona, California, Nevada and Florida is sad. Many Americans are losing their part of the “American Dream.” What about the Charlotte region?

According to RealtyTrac, the national expert in foreclosure data, the Charlotte region’s statistics are much better. They report that 1.45% of all home owners in the Charlotte region received a foreclosure filing in 2008. That means 98.55% of all homeowners did NOT receive a foreclosure filing!

Next, let’s look at values. National statistics show that the U.S. housing market averaged 5% per year appreciation from 1985 to 2000. From 2000 to 2006, that rate skyrocketed to 89% over 6 years, or nearly 14% per year. This is clearly not sustainable.

What about the Carolinas? In most areas, we failed to see the drastic increases in values in that 2000 – 2006 period. New construction acted as a governor on values. As demand increased, the builders added supply which maintained a balance. Now that demand has eased considerably, the builders have cut back to the lowest level on record. This will help to reduce supply and help keep values from dropping as much as they could have.

National issues affect our market – if sellers in states hit hard by the economy or housing market can not move here, it further decreases demand. We are in far better shape than the rest of the country.

Begin your search for homes in the Carolinas by using our Advanced Search or our Interactive Map Search.

Let us help you select a Realtor to assist in buying or selling a home in the Carolinas.

Chat Live with your Real Estate Needs!

Posted: 2/4/2009

Have a question about today’s real estate market or available properties in North Carolina and South Carolina? Let’s chat.

Allen Tate Company introduces TateChat, a live chat feature which allows consumers to communicate in a real-time online conversation with an Allen Tate representative.

Similar to instant messaging on your computer or cell phone, Tate Chat enables the customer to receive immediate answers, direction or referral to an Allen Tate Realtor? or mortgage consultant.

Using Tate Chat is simple … just click on the Tate Chat button placed throughout the site. This displays a dialogue box where the consumer can initiate a conversation with an Allen Tate Net Relations representative.

So, finding homes in the Charlotte region has never been easier. Finding real estate in Winston-Salem is a click away. Searching for houses in Raleigh via our unique mapping tool – easy! Open Houses in Greenville – no problem!

Tate Chat is available from 8 AM – 8 PM (EST) Monday – Friday and 9 AM – 6 PM (EST) on Saturday and Sunday. Tate Chat requests outside of these “online” hours will be given the option to send an e-mail, which is responded to the next business day.

Real Estate Opportunities are abundant!

Posted: 1/27/2009

Buyers and sellers for real estate in North and South Carolina can look forward to increased opportunities in the New Year. Here are several reasons why:

• Interest rates – Rates have dropped and will continue to remain historically low. There’s no better time to buy a home – or refinance an existing home – and save thousands.

• Inventory – The “buyer’s market” of 2008 has created an oversupply of existing houses, condos and townhouses in excellent, move-in-ready condition, priced at or even below market value. Sellers throughout the Carolinas are motivated and many new home builders are offering deep incentives.

• Money to lend – Contrary to the headlines, lending institutions have mortgage money to lend. While no-money-down products are scarce, most buyers with good credit and steady income can purchase a home with a down payment as low as 3 to 5 percent.

• Value – Home values in the Carolinas continue to outperform the nation. While values have decreased some over the past few months, the real estate markets in North Carolina and South Carolina still fare better than most other cities.

• The buy/sell equation – Sellers can leverage the equity in their existing home to make a move up. If you reduce your selling price by 10 percent and then purchase a new home at 10 percent less, you’ll realize a net gain of thousands.

If now isn’t the right time to make a move, refinancing is a great move to make your money go further. Whether you live in the Charlotte region, Triad region, Triangle region, or Upstate region, we’re here to help with all of your real estate needs.

For assistance in your home search or home sale process, click here.

To search available homes throughout the Carolinas, click here.

To become pre-approved for your mortgage or learn more about refinancing, click here.

Your home is more than an Investment

Posted: 1/23/2009

Home ownership: it’s the American dream, settling in, putting down roots, and becoming part of a community. Throughout the Carolinas, real estate has become part of our culture as well as part of our portfolio.

Home ownership also represents one of the safest, most solid investments you can make – yielding immediate benefits and long-term value. Home owners accumulate wealth for the future while enjoying the benefits of a shelter they can use, improve and sell. A home, whether a house, condo or townhouse, is the basis for positive community involvement and fosters participation in democratic institutions.

According to data from the Federal Reserve Board, a home owner’s net worth is 46 times that of a renter. And home ownership remains affordable for many. More than two in every three households in America own their own homes (U.S. Census Bureau, 2008 data).

Whether you live in the Charlotte, Triad, Triangle, or Upstate region, we can help you achieve your dream of home ownership.

To search for homes available in the Carolinas, click here.

To get pre-approved for a mortgage loan, click here.

To learn more about the communities throughout the Carolinas, click here.

Buy Your Home in the Carolinas Now!

Posted: 1/12/2009

Have you been waiting for the “right time” to buy a home in North Carolina or South Carolina? Thanks to a new federal tax credit, that right time can be now.

The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 allows first-time home buyers (defined as buyers who have not owned a principal residence in the past three years) to take a $7,500 tax credit from the purchase of a single-family home, town home or condo. But good things don’t last: Only homes with closing dates on or after April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009 are eligible under existing legislation.

Qualifying home buyers simply claim the tax credit on their federal income tax return. The amount of the credit is 10 percent of the cost of the home, not to exceed $7,500. There are no additional forms and pre-approval is not necessary. Single taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000 qualify for the full tax credit. Buyers with higher incomes can receive a partial credit. New construction and resale homes are both eligible.

The tax credit works like an interest-free loan and must be repaid over a 15-year period, or when they sell the house, if there is sufficient capital gain from the sale. A home buyer claiming a $7,500 credit would repay the credit at $500 per year; with repayments beginning two years after the credit is claimed.

The intent of the tax credit is to provide as large a financial resource as possible for home buyers in the year that they purchase a home. The credit will maximize the stimulus for the housing market and the economy, help stabilize home prices, and increase home sales. The repayment requirement reduces the effect on the Federal Treasury and assumes that home buyers will benefit from stabilized and, eventually, increasing future housing prices.

Whether you are looking to purchase a new home in Raleigh, a resale home in Winston-Salem, a condo in Charlotte or a house in Greenville, financing real estate has never been easier.

To contact an Allen Tate Realtor® for more information on the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 tax credit, click here.

To begin your search for homes in the Charlotte region, Triad region, Triangle region or Upstate region, click here.

It’s All in the Timing!

Posted: 1/5/2009

Time to buy a home in the Carolinas?
• Interest rates are historically low
• Great inventory of homes on the market in the Charlotte, Triad, Triangle and Upstate regions
• Sellers are motivated
• Variety of desirable loan programs are available


Time to sell your home?
• Homes in the Carolinas are holding value better than the rest of the U.S.
• Businesses are relocating and expanding in North and South Carolina
• Homes in good condition are in demand
• What you give up on the sale you’ll make up on the buy


Real estate in the Carolinas remains a great investment. Buyers are relocating to the Carolinas … both North Carolina and South Carolina are among the top ten states in the country for population growth.

Whether you are looking for homes in Charlotte, houses in Raleigh, condos in Greensboro or townhouses in Greenville, Allen Tate is here to help.

To search more than 100,000 homes throughout the Carolinas, click here.

To search using our interactive map search, click here.

If you need assistance in selecting a Realtor in the Charlotte, South Carolina, Triad, Triangle, or Upstate regions, Click Here

Money to Lend

Posted: 12/29/2008

Don’t believe the news you’re hearing that money is frozen. Contrary to the headlines, lending institutions have mortgage money. Allen Tate Mortgage continues to fund its own loans and is closing loans for clients in the Carolinas everyday. There is money to lend.

We represent more than 50 investors with dozens of programs from each investor … offering buyers for homes in the Carolinas hundreds of options for mortgages.

Take advantage of a real estate market with a great inventory of homes, available money, desirable loan programs and historically low interest rates. This is the time to buy or refinance a home in the Charlotte region, Triad region, Triangle region or Upstate region.

To search for homes throughout Carolinas, click here.

To become pre-approved for your mortgage, click here.

To learn more about refinancing, click here.

Rates are at an all-time low!

Posted: 12/18/2008

Interest rates are at historically low levels – five percent and below. There’s no better time for home owners in North and South Carolina to refinance an existing home and make their money go further. Consider the following:

• Consolidate or cash? Refinancing your home loan can provide cash to consolidate high interest credit card debt, finance a large purchase like a boat or college education, or make home improvements such as landscaping or remodeling.

• More money in your pocket. Refinancing your home at a lower interest rate can save you money by putting more cash in your monthly budget, while maintaining the security and tax advantages of home ownership.

• Lock in a lower, fixed interest rate. Refinancing an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) with a fixed rate can help lock in lower, predictable payments.

• New mortgage products. Refinancing doesn’t necessarily mean another 30-year loan commitment. In addition to traditional mortgages, 20 or 25-year loans are now available.

If you are planning to buy real estate in Charlotte, homes in Raleigh, houses in Winston-Salem or townhouses in Greenville, your mortgage opportunities have never been better. Real estate in the Carolina’s has always been affordable. Your choices for houses in North Carolina and houses in South Carolina are plentiful. Take advantage of this opportunity to purchase the home of your dreams!

Whether you live in the Charlotte region, Triad region, Triangle region, or Upstate region, we’re here to help with all of your real estate and financing needs.

For more info on refinancing or get pre-approved for a loan, click here

Who’s Buying Homes in the Carolinas?

Posted: 12/10/2008

The real estate market across North Carolina and South Carolina continues to remain among the top markets in America. The majority of this audience includes:

* Women – 85 percent of all real estate purchase decisions are made by women; women make up 52% of the population.

* Generation X and Generation Y – People between the ages of 20 to 43 account for 120 million people in the U.S. That is more than one-third of the population. Watch for this group to become the leading generation for purchasing homes in the Carolinas!

* First-Time Home Buyers – With low rates, a $7,500 tax credit, and plenty of homes available across the Carolinas, this is the perfect time to buy that first house, condo or townhouse. Whether you are looking for homes in Raleigh in the Triangle Region, Greensboro in the Triad Region, the Charlotte Region or the Greenville Region, the market is perfect for you!

With lots of talk about rising foreclosure rates, remember than 98.83% of all mortgages in the U.S. are current and more than 30% of homeowners do not have a mortgage.

To search for homes throughout the Carolinas, click here

To work with an Allen Tate Realtor in one of our offices in the Charlotte, Triad, Triangle, or Upstate regions of the Carolinas, click here

Finding your dream home is easier than ever!

Posted: 12/2/2008

Finding your dream home in the Carolinas is easier than ever. Our quick search and advanced search have been enhanced to allow multiple values (choices) for you to enter in several fields. From Quick Search (on the home page), you can now enter multiple values for Street Name, MLS Number and Subdivision. From Advanced Search (our most popular search), you can also enter multiple values for Subdivision, City and Zip Code.

These enhancements allow you to be more specific and better outline your search criteria. Whether you are looking for multiple zip codes in your search for Raleigh homes, multiple cities in your search for Charlotte real estate, multiple MLS numbers in your search for Greensboro condominiums or multiple street names for Greenville town homes, AllenTate.com is your best choice.

To start your search using our Advanced Search, click here

To search by MLS number, street or subdivision, click here

To search using our TateMap interactive search tool, click here

For assistance in your home search or home sale process, click here

New Enhanced Search Functionality on allentate.com

Posted: 11/24/2008

Buyers looking for a home on allentate.com now have the choice of displaying search results either as thumbnails or as map results on TateMap – whichever they prefer.

This new functionality provides even more options to allentate.com users, and just one more reason for buyers to begin their home search online at allentate.com.

To access the new search options, click the Property Search Tab

Select Property Search > Advanced Search. OR

Select Property Search > Open House Search

Searching for homes from Charlotte to Raleigh to Greensboro to Greenville has never been easier. More than 100,000 properties throughout the Carolinas are updated hourly and easily found using your personal search criteria.

To begin your search for homes in the Carolinas, click here for Advanced Search or click here for our TateMap interactive search.

To search for open houses, click here.

If you need assistance in selecting a Realtor or with any questions about real estate in the Carolinas, click here.

The time to buy is now

Posted: 11/14/2008

By Pat Riley, President, Chief Operating Officer, Allen Tate Realtors

What’s on your “to do” list that won’t get done today?

Most of us walk around with some kind of priority list, some sense of what we need to do and when we need to do it. Today’s instant technology gives us an easier opportunity to make that call, or return that message, but doesn’t necessarily allow us to focus on our true priorities.

In recent years, buying a home was a priority for many of us. First-time buyers were anxious to settle in; others were quick to move up when the idea of a fourth bedroom, a bonus room, a deck or a more desirable community was considered. Relatives flocked to new cities to be near children and grandchildren; friends enticed friends to move close by. Hard-working employees channeled raises and bonuses into real estate, which steadily appreciated in value.

Today, the market is different, and yesterday’s buyers are “sitting on their hands,” waiting. Buyers are putting off buying because they are paralyzed by fear. And the fear comes from lack of understanding of the market, its challenges, and its opportunities. We fear what we do not understand, and we tend to avoid what we fear.

The economy, the Presidential election, rising gas prices, banking mergers – all have created uncertainty and eroded consumer confidence; we get that. What many would-be buyers don’t understand is that today’s market offers opportunities like never before. Interest rates are the best they’ve been in 25 years. Lenders still have mortgage money to lend, assuming you have the basics of a job, decent credit, and ability to come up with a reasonable down payment of 3 to 5 percent.

Sellers can leverage the equity in their existing home to make a move up. If you reduce your selling price by 10 percent and purchase a new home at the same discount, you’ll realize a net gain of thousands. It’s a matter of keeping it in perspective.

This isn’t a market where you’re going to steal on the sale and also on the buy. It’s not an environment where people who can’t make monthly payments will be handed an adjustable mortgage by unscrupulous lenders. It’s not a time where you’re going to get the price your neighbor got for his home two years ago. And it’s not a time when you are going to sell a house without the assistance of an experienced real estate professional.

If you’re a seller, you need to be willing to price aggressively and do what it takes to sell your home. Neutralize your color scheme. De-clutter. Repair, polish and shine every corner and crevice. Make it memorable. And most importantly, list with an Allen Tate Realtor? and take their advice early and often.

If you’re a buyer, stop waiting for the bottom. We’ve already been there and we’re working our way back out. Interest rates won’t stay low forever, and even an increase of one percent will give you a significantly higher monthly payment on a home with a lower value. We’re headed there soon. There’s money to lend – a variety of desirable loan programs are still available. Inventory is great and sellers are motivated.

The habit of putting off an experience until the time is right, or the conditions are perfect – will rob you of one of life’s greatest joys, home ownership.

If you’ve been thinking, even casually, of buying a home, make it today’s priority. Put it on your “to do” list and start the process. Call an Allen Tate Realtor. Don’t look back years from now, with regret, saying “I should have … I could have … if only I would have.”

Allen Tate Jr. Receives State Award

Posted: 11/10/2008

Allen Tate Jr., founder and chairman of the Allen Tate Company, has received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina’s highest civilian honor.

The award, created in 1965, was presented to Tate by North Carolina Governor-Elect Beverly Perdue at the Charlotte Chamber’s Annual Meeting, held November 6 at the Time Warner Arena in Charlotte. Tate was recognized for his outstanding service to the state in the areas of planning, regionalism and transportation.

A lifelong public servant, Tate currently serves as chairman of the Charlotte Chamber’s Regional Roads Committee, the Toll Roads Solution Committee and is a member of Charlotte/Mecklenburg County’s Committee of 21 on roads.

In addition to numerous leadership positions, awards and accomplishments in the real estate industry, Tate has also served as founding member of the Real Estate and Building Industry Coalition and the Shelter Providers Political Action Committee Enterprise; chairman of the Mecklenburg Building Development Commission; chairman and member of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Commission; and a member of the Governor’s Urban Transportation Task Force.

The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is named for the official state tree of North Carolina. Recipients are selected for contributions to their communities, extra effort in their careers, and many years of service to their organizations. Past recipients include Michael Jordan, Charles Kuralt, Maya Angelou, the Rev. Billy Graham, Rick Hendrick, William C. Friday, Doug Marlette, Fred Chappell, Dale Earnhardt, and Bob Timberlake.

Mortgage Money is Available!

Posted: 11/4/2008

MYTH: It's impossible to buy a home now without a down payment of at least 20 percent.

TRUTH: There are a variety of excellent loan programs available with down payment requirements as low as 3 to 5 percent. FHA requires just 3 to 3.5 percent down and conventional loans are available with as little as 5 percent down. Some loan programs also allow the seller to contribute up to 6 percent toward closing costs. VA-loan eligible veterans and buyers who qualify for USDA Rural Housing loans may still take advantage of 100 percent financing.

MYTH: It would be foolish to buy a home now, considering the uncertain economy and mortgage crisis.

TRUTH: This is a great time to buy! Interest rates are historically low and there's a great inventory of homes with motivated sellers. While it's a buyer's market, sellers who are willing to take a lower sale price can leverage their equity and benefit generously when they purchase a home.

In recent years, some buyers were able to qualify for home loans with very low credit scores and a small down payment, which resulted in a rise in foreclosures. While lenders have tightened lending requirements and more documentation is required, plenty of loan money is available for buyers with steady income and good credit.

To apply for your mortgage online, click here

To become pre-approved for your mortgage, click here

To start your home search, click here

Find Your Mortgage

Posted: 10/22/2008

The recent fallout in the credit markets have had an impact on the willingness of some banks to loan money between themselves and some large commercial projects are finding funds less plentiful. Purchase money financing, or primary mortgages on a home being purchased, remain abundant.

Allen Tate Mortgage works with scores of investors ranging from the large commercial banks to small private lenders. We have a wide array of loan products available through your Allen Tate Realtor via their Tate Mortgage partner.

With the recent increase in FHA limits, these loans have become more appealing as they require as little as 3.5% down with very attractive rates. We have conventional loans, ARM, jumbo loans, VA loans and more. There is no lack of mortgage money in the market.

If any type of borrower has more difficulty today than in the past, it is the “no-doc” or “stated income/assets” programs which are fast becoming a thing of the past. With new underwriting guidelines in place, the market is requiring greater documentation of the borrower’s ability to make payments and repay the principal. Traditional buyers are unaffected by this change.

So, whether your Carolina’s home search is focused on Charlotte real estate, Greensboro real estate, Raleigh Real estate or Greenville real estate, we have the money. Come find the home of your dreams and we’ll handle the details!

To apply for your mortgage online, click here

To become pre-approved for your mortgage, click here

To start your home search, click here

Spartanburg, SC homes now Searchable

Posted: 10/17/2008

Whether you are looking for homes in the Upstate area of South Carolina, homes in the Charlotte region including North and South Carolina, homes in the Triad region or homes in the Triangle region, AllenTate.com is your best source for home searches! Our data is updated hourly ensuring you have the most accurate search with virtual tours. Feel free to search in a variety of ways including Advanced Search, TateMap Interactive Map Search, Open House Search, New Home Search, Exceptional Properties Search and even a National Homes Search. We make it easy for you to save your search for future execution, save favorite properties or better yet, subscribe to our exclusive “1st To Know” which does the searching for you and e-mails homes that match your criteria!

To search for homes in the Spartanburg area, click here

To search using our TateMap Interactive Map Search, click here

For help with any of our tools, click here.

Enhanced TateMAP functions now Live

Posted: 10/6/2008

Two new functions are now available on TateMAP, the Carolinas premiere interactive map search tool, to make the home search process even easier. Google Street View and Bird’s Eye View provide street-level and aerial views of homes and the surrounding neighborhood. The street-level view allows you to view the neighborhood from different perspectives and get a better feel for the property. The new TateMap features are simple to use. Zoom to your region and enter your search criteria. When you zoom in on a specific region and hover over a property icon, the property information box will appear. This box has links to the property details page, Google Street View and Bird’s Eye View. Simply choose your view and enjoy! Because these tools are directly linked to the Google Web site, views are not available for all areas.

Real estate in the Carolinas has never been easier to search! Whether you are looking for homes in the Charlotte, Triad, or Triangle or upstate regions, we make finding houses and condos easy.

To begin your search on TateMap, click here

To use our advanced search tool, click here

For assistance with any of the tools on our site, click here

How's The Market?

Posted: 10/1/2008

As local real estate experts, we constantly research housing in the Carolinas, monitoring the Carolinas real estate market activity daily. As such, how do we respond when asked about “the market”? It depends!

Real estate is local. Activity in Nevada, Arizona, Florida and California cannot be compared to activity in the Carolinas. For that matter, activity in Raleigh or Greensboro cannot be compared to Charlotte or Greenville. Indeed, activity in one subdivision or price point in the Carolinas cannot be compared to another, even in a micro-market.

Some communities are experiencing strong sales and balanced markets, particularly at the price point of $150,000 - $300,000. These communities are maintaining value and in some cases, seeing appreciation. Other communities locally are imbalanced with supply exceeding demand. These communities will see some depreciation until the demand meets supply. If you want to know more about your market and the value of your home in this evolving market, click here. One of our expert Realtors will prepare a customized CMA for you.

The great news … the Carolina housing market has thrived as compared to the national market. Overall activity is down as compared to recent years, but Allen Tate sells nearly 60 houses per day company-wide. Our region was the last to experience the national market softness and it’s widely expected that we will lead the nation into the balanced market that restores health to the economy. We will see the extreme activity of 2005 and 2006? Probably not in the short-term, but that’s OK. In the long run, a healthy, balanced market is better for us all!

To arrange an appointment with an Allen Tate Realtor, click here

To search for homes throughout the Carolinas, click here

To use our interactive map search, click here

Selling Your House There…to Come Here

Posted: 9/17/2008

If your old home elsewhere isn’t selling, ask yourself:

• Did I list my home with the most qualified Realtor® and real estate firm?
• Am I getting an updated Competitive Market Analysis from my Realtor every 30 days?
• Am I receiving honest feedback after each showing?
• Is the home memorable?
• Does it have a warranty?
• Is it pre-inspected and the work list resolved?
• Is financing help attractive to buyers?
• Is the home insured and is it being professionally maintained?

Selling Your House Elsewhere … To Get Here

You’ve arrived in the Carolinas, with visions of settling into a new home, getting the household together and resuming a productive lifestyle. But there’s one thing you didn’t count on; your home – the one you’ve left behind in your previous location – is still on the market AND IT’S NOT SELLING.

The reality is that some areas of the country are not enjoying the continued positive real estate climate of the Carolinas, so it may be a bit tougher to sell a home elsewhere. However, regardless of the market, it’s essential that sellers take an honest look at their home for sale, and their relationship with their Realtor.

If your home is on the market, and it’s not selling, ask yourself the following questions:

1. Did I list my home with the most qualified Realtor and the most qualified real estate firm? Make sure the individual contracted to sell your home is your best advocate and the company has the reputation and marketing tools to make your home visible and interesting to potential buyers.

2. Am I getting an updated Competitive Marketing Analysis from my Realtor every 30 days? A CMA will keep you abreast of market activity in your neighborhood and help you understand what is selling and at what price point.

3. Am I receiving HONEST feedback after each showing? Your Realtor shouldn’t be telling you what you want to hear; rather, expect them to tell you what you can do to increase the likelihood of selling your home.

4. Is the home memorable? What makes it stand out from others that buyers are viewing?

5. Is it neutralized? As much as you love the monkey border in your child’s room, or the purple carpet, most buyers will not. Paint and replace carpet so the home will appeal to the widest variety of buyers.

6. Does it have a warranty? A home warranty offers buyers the peace of mind of knowing repairs are taken care of for a full year. Homes with warranties sell up to 60 percent faster than homes without one.

7. Is it pre-inspected and the work list resolved? A vacant home needs to be in top-notch, move-in-ready condition.

8. Is financing help an attractor in the area? If so, what are you doing to help the buyer with closing costs or interest rates?

9. What Web sites are most homes listed on? Make sure your home is presented in the best possible way to attract buyers.

10. Is the home insured and are you having the home professionally maintained? It takes no time at all for a home to fall out of pristine condition, outside and in.

If you can’t answer all of these questions and sleep well at night, call Allen Tate Company and order a Broker Price Opinion, which can become a blueprint for home-selling success.

Allen Tate Company, Carolina Panthers Announce Partnership

Posted: 9/15/2008

It was a partnership meant to be: two great organizations, led by visionary entrepreneurs who are passionate about the Carolinas and committed to giving back to their communities. Both field a team of seasoned professionals, ready to do whatever it takes to succeed and meet the needs of their customers.

For the second year, Allen Tate Company and the Carolina Panthers have teamed up to celebrate the payoff of hard work, professional ethics and outstanding customer service.

“Allen Tate is pleased to announce our three-year commitment as the Preferred Realtor® of the Carolina Panthers,” said Pat Riley, president and COO of Allen Tate Company. “We are excited to partner with an organization that shares our values, our drive and our passion.”

“The Carolina Panthers and the Allen Tate Company are a good match. We both believe in standards of excellence in our people, in the community and in our homes,” said Mark Richardson, president of the Carolina Panthers.

Allen Tate began its relationship with the Carolina Panthers last season when the company celebrated its 50th anniversary with the “Crossing the 50” program. Each time the Carolina offense crossed the 50-yard line, the Panthers broadcaster announced Allen Tate Company’s 50 years in the real estate industry. Electronic signage and sound reinforced the message throughout Bank of America Stadium during every home game.

“Our ‘Crossing the 50’ campaign was the perfect way to create and build brand awareness among Panthers fans from all over the Carolinas,” said Riley. “Because real estate is so local, brand recognition and preference are extremely important.”

Allen Tate looks forward to working with the Panthers as the company continues to grow and succeed throughout the Charlotte, Triad, Triangle and Upstate South Carolina regions. The company, which ranks number one in the Carolinas based on closed sales volume, has more than 1,800 Realtors, more than 400 employees and 52 branch offices.

“There are few opportunities to join forces with another organization where the partnership makes perfect sense. The Carolina Panthers players and management are widely respected and admired. They are just a classy organization that we’re proud to be affiliated with,” said Riley.

Allen Tate Company Names Mike LaRuffa President of Builder Services Inc.

Posted: 9/5/2008

Allen Tate Company, the Carolinas’ leading real estate company, welcomes back Mike LaRuffa as president of Builder Services Inc (BSI).

LaRuffa’s career spans more than 31 years in the real estate industry, focused on development, building, sales, marketing and asset management. During his previous tenure as BSI president (1994-2004), the company sold nearly 18,000 homes exceeding $3 billion, claiming a 10 percent market share for new home sales in the Charlotte region. Prior to coming to Charlotte in 1994, LaRuffa held real estate positions in the Washington, D.C. area with large corporations including Olin Chemical, Weyerhaeuser and Bank of America.

"Mike’s return to Charlotte and to Builder Services Inc. allows us to pursue additional opportunities for the Allen Tate Company in the Carolinas," said Pat Riley, President and COO of the Allen Tate Company. "He is a proven leader who is widely respected throughout the industry. We look forward to our continued relationship."

A native of Buffalo, New York, LaRuffa served three terms on the board of directors for the Charlotte Regional Realtor® Association (CRRA) and was vice-chairman and chairman of the Real Estate Building Industry Coalition (REBIC). He is a licensed real estate broker in North and South Carolina, a Life Member of the National Association of Home Builder’s (NAHB) Million Dollar Circle, a United States Army veteran. He holds a marketing degree from Bryant & Stratton College.

Pat Riley Named to Leading RE Board of Directors

Posted: 8/25/2008

Pat Riley, president and chief operating officer, Allen Tate Company, has been named to a two-year term on the Board of Directors of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World™ (Leading RE).

Leading RE is the nation’s premier real estate network of more than 700 independent firms in the United States and 35 countries. The Allen Tate Company is a founding member of the Leading RE network.

"We are delighted to welcome Pat to his new role on the Leading RE board of directors," said Leading RE President/CEO Pam O’Connor. "He is one of the brightest minds in real estate and has been instrumental in the dramatic growth of the Allen Tate Company throughout the Carolinas over the past two decades."

Riley began his career in real estate in 1972 and joined the Allen Tate Company in 1991. He guides all aspects of the 51-year old company as the Carolina’s industry leader. Under his direction, the company posted sales of more than $6 billion in 2007 and ranks fourth among America’s top 500 largest independently owned, non-franchised brokers and eighth among all residential real estate companies.

BSI Honored by Home Builders Association of Charlotte

Posted: 8/20/2008

Builder Services Inc. (BSI) was honored with twelve awards at the 2007 Major Achievements in Marketing Excellence (MAME) event, an annual gala hosted by the Home Builders Association of Charlotte.

The event recognizes outstanding new home sales and marketing accomplishments of builders and developers in the Charlotte region.

BSI builder and developer clients receiving awards included John Wieland Homes, who received six awards including Builder of the Year 2007; The Dowd Company, Custom Home of the Year; Tuscan Development; and Meeting Street Homes.

BSI on-site Realtors® also received a total of 19 million-dollar circle awards for closings totaling more than $183 million. The sales management team at BSI received eight awards for more than $338 million in closings.

Allen Tate Triangle Realtors® Donate $7,745 to Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure®

Posted: 8/6/2008

In the spirit of giving back to the communities it serves, Allen Tate Realtors in the Triangle region recently donated $7,745 and participated in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, held in Raleigh on June 14.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find cures for breast cancer.

The Allen Tate team was lead by co-captains Sylvia Thompson, Allen Tate Falls of Neuse Realtor and Carol McCormick, Allen Tate Brier Creek branch manager. Nearly 50 Allen Tate Realtors, staff and friends participated in the event organized by the Komen N.C. Triangle affiliate.

“Having spent many years in the medical field, I have seen the impact of breast cancer on patients, their families and their friends,” said Thompson. “I'm very proud to have served as team captain and have enjoyed working with these wonderful people that have touched my life on many levels.”

The Allen Tate team placed fifth in fundraising in the “Companies with 50 or more employees” category. Top fundraisers were Allen Tate Realtors Chip Edwards (Glenwood office) and Julie Keelan (Wake Forest/Rolesville office). In addition, the Allen Tate team included breast cancer survivors Sylvia Thompson, Carol McCormick, Robbin Richardson (Glenwood office) and Teddy Dorf (Falls of Neuse office).

“We are proud to be a part of the Triangle community and especially pleased to have walked in honor and in memory of many courageous women,” said Phyllis Brookshire, Allen Tate Triangle regional vice president and race participant.

Since it began in 1997, the Triangle-area Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure has raised more than $7 million to support breast cancer research, education, screenings and treatment programs. It is the largest foot-race in North Carolina, attracting more than 24,000 walkers and runners.

Real Estate Continuing Education Made Easy

Posted: 8/6/2008

Tired of getting caught in the annual rush of completing your 8 hours of continuing education by June 30? Go online and get ahead!

Allen Tate School of Real Estate now offers a comprehensive selection of Continuing Education classes online, via Dearborn Real Estate Education, the nation’s largest provider of real estate training materials.

Simply CLICK HERE now to access online learning classes and educational materials.

The Importance of Your Realtor’s Role

Posted: 8/6/2008

Research indicates that 82% of consumers start their search on the Internet; even though consumers also say they’ll select a Realtor to help with the final fine-tuning of their home search. The seller pays for a Realtor’s time and expertise so let your Allen Tate associate work on your behalf!

Realtors are the home market experts. Your Realtor can help you with the sorting process and show you what communities are appreciating more than others. Often people spend months checking the Internet, driving by homes and scouring newspaper ads. In today’s world, we are all so busy; why not let us help you shop for homes? It won’t cost you a thing!

Allen Tate Realtors certainly appreciate the value of the Internet in the home search. But we also provide information you may not have as we look past the pretty picture of the home and see the bigger picture of all available homes. Your time is valuable. Let your Realtor do what he or she does best – help you in your home search and purchase.

Charlotte – it’s the Tops

Posted: 8/5/2008

Job opportunities, climate, accessibility, sports, and entertainment and recreation venues – these are a few reasons why Charlotte residents voted their city “a great place to live.”

Each year, RelocateAmerica™, a publisher of community profiles, accepts nominations from residents across the U.S. Nominations, and key demographic data, are judged by a team that reviews and rates each nomination.

In 2008, Charlotte ranked No. 1 among all cities considered, bumping 2007 winner Asheville to No. 7.

FHA May Be the Answer for You

Posted: 7/23/2008

Recently, FHA financing has returned to the forefront as “an excellent middle-ground financing program for homeownership,” said Betty Ann McCloud, Allen Tate Mortgage.

Unlike conventional programs, FHA has no minimum credit score, although many HUD lenders require a minimum of 580, with 680 desirable. FHA requires a 3 percent payment, which may be a gift. Mortgage insurance is required. There are no income restrictions.

Loan limits vary, but Mecklenburg County has a ceiling of $303,750.

You Have a Question, Tate Has the Answer

Posted: 7/16/2008

Tate Q&A

Q: I’m interested in buying new construction… So why do I need to hire a Realtor®?

A: A Tate Realtor can help with location and lot selection, foresee design flaws, help choose the right builder, create the final contract and help with financing – all at no extra cost to the buyer. Most builders have a fee built into the home’s price that helps the builder gain the support and repeat business of Realtors.

Smart improvements that will pay you back

Posted: 7/1/2008

When remodeling, focus on projects that add value at sales time. Keep improvements in line with nearby properties – you don’t want a home that’s perceived as overvalued.

Improvements with the best return:

• Kitchen – Average project is $55,000 with a recoup of 78 percent.

• New Space – Attic-to-bedroom conversion returns 77 percent.

• Extra Bathroom – Adding a full bath recoups 66 percent.

• Deck – At around $10,000, a deck can recoup 85 percent.

• New Windows – Energy-savers can return 80 percent.

5 More Things to Know About Today’s Real Estate Market

Posted: 6/22/2008

1. Owning a home builds wealth. According to the Federal Reserve Board, the average renter’s net worth is $4,800. The average homeowner’s net worth is $171,000.

2. A great selection of second homes is available in the mountains, at the beach or lake.

3. It makes sense to use a Realtor®, who delivers expertise and knowledge.

4. Now is the time to buy. Interest rates are at some of the lowest levels in 25 years.

5. If you’re a seller, be patient … and strategic. Price it to sell and be willing to reduce it.

If you’re interested in receiving a free market analysis of your home contact Allen Tate Realtors ® Click Here

Let the Net Work for You

Posted: 6/10/2008

One of the strongest sources today for home buyers is the Internet. According to the National Association of Realtor®, nearly one-third of buyers said their first step in house-hunting was searching online.

At Allen Tate Company, we believe integrating print and online marketing strategies works best.

More than 30,000 unique visitors search for properties every day on allentate.com., with access to thousands of homes, property details, 21-photo tours and our virtual photo tour, Tate Tour.

Credit Check-up

Posted: 6/3/2008

1. Review your credit report at least once a year, and allow adequate time to fix any errors you may find.

2. Don’t open new credit cards or make major purchases, which can hurt your credit scored.

3. Don’t be tempted by subprime loans.

4. Get preapproved for a mortgage amount (prequalifying isn’t the same – it means very little).

5. Keep up your good credit habits even after you buy your home.

Metro School Students Keep History Alive Through Allen Tate and ArtsTeach Grant

Posted: 5/30/2008

Metro School received a $5,000 ArtsTeach grant funded by Allen Tate Company to create public art featuring the historic Brooklyn neighborhood.

Fifty Metro School students worked with artist Annette Cossentine and the Second Ward High School Alumni Association to create mosaic frames for historic photographs featuring the area called Brooklyn.

Dr. Peter C. Gorman, superintendent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, along with Pat Riley, president and chief operating officer of Allen Tate Company will show the art to the community on Friday, May 30 at 1:30 at Metro School located at 405 S. Davidson Street in Charlotte. They will also hang the final mosaic to complete the project at this ceremony.

“This project has allowed our students to contribute artwork of historical significance to the Charlotte community,” said Dr. Gorman. “We appreciate the support from Allen Tate and ArtsTeach and what this project represents.”

The project was funded by proceeds from Allen Tate Realtors® FUNDay, a fee-based event where Realtors and employees pay to play various activities. Since 1998, the annual fundraiser has raised more than $827,000 for public education.

“We are extremely pleased to help fund this mural project at Metro School. Allen Tate realtors are keenly aware of the importance of solid, successful public school systems for families making home-buying and relocation decisions. FUNDay gives everyone at Allen Tate a chance to directly impact the local school systems and encourage economic development and the quality of life in a community,” said Riley.

Allen Tate worked with ArtsTeach, a local non-profit organization that supports classroom and art teachers throughout CMS. ArtsTeach works in partnership with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and the Arts & Science Council to maximize academic learning through exposure to the arts. The location where Metro School, the Aquatic Center and the Education Center now stand was formerly home to Charlotte’s Brooklyn community, a thriving African-American neighborhood.

Urban renewal of the 1960’s and 1970’s displaced the community. Metro and the Second Ward High School Association have been partners for more than three years.

Lori Polite, Metro School art teacher and coordinator of the project said, “As a teacher, I value the time, commitment and educational opportunities from our partners, Allen Tate, ArtsTeach and the Second Ward High School Alumni Association.”

5 Things to Know About Today’s Real Estate Market

Posted: 5/8/2008

1. Real estate is LOCAL. The Carolinas are one of the strongest markets in the country.

2. Carolinas’ home values are stable.

3. Housing demand is on the rise in the Carolinas.

4. The value of homeownership cannot be expressed on a balance sheet.

5. If you have good credit and stable, verifiable employment, Allen Tate Mortgage is ready to lend, with many excellent programs available.

For more information on the real estate market in your neighborhood, contact Allen Tate Realtors ® Click Here

Priced to Sell

Posted: 4/19/2008

Competitive pricing is the biggest reason a home does or doesn’t sell. There are two basic tools to help determine prices in your neighborhood:

1. Competitive Market Analysis or Broker Price Opinion. Free, usually offered by Realtor®, looks at competition, including days on market. Provides a range, not an exact price.

2. Appraisals. Consider comparable homes sold nearby of same style. Usually paid for by buyer or seller. Most are verifying a sale price already agreed upon by buyer and seller.

Giving Back to the Community

Posted: 3/15/2008

In 2007, Allen Tate Company contributed more than $400,000 to N.C. communities.

Events included the Annual FUNDay, which raised more than $140,000 for public education in local communities served by the Allen Tate Company. More than 750 Realtors® and employees gathered at The Point Lake & Golf Club on Lake Norman for a day of play, and silent and live auctions.

Allen Tate Realtors are keenly aware of the importance of strong public schools for families making home-buying and relocation decisions.

Bargain Hunters…Welcome Home!

Posted: 3/15/2008

Charlotte is ranked No. 4 among “Best American Cities for Bargain Hunters,” according to a recent study by Forbes magazine.

The February 2008 report studied markets that are overstocked with homes for sale, but are adding jobs and are not plagued by lending conditions that could significantly threaten the market’s health moving forward.

To learn more about Charlotte’s housing market, contact an Allen Tate Realtor®.

How to Stand Out in the Crowd

Posted: 3/1/2008

So you’re ready to put your home on the market. But you look around the neighborhood and see several other “For Sale” signs. How do you make your home stand out in a buyer’s market?

• Price it fairly, competitively.
• Stage and declutter it; make it memorable.
• Make it available for showings seven days a week.

Other ideas include: Offer a home warranty (an Allen Tate HomeTrust Warranty offers the homeowner real value for less than $400); offer help with closing costs; have your home pre-inspected.

Home Sweet Home Warranty

Posted: 2/25/2008

A home warranty can alleviate buyers’ and sellers’ worries. Allen Tate offers the HomeTrust Warranty, which covers breakdowns of covered appliances and in major systems for a full year, for less than $400.

You make a call, then a licensed and insured contractor will contact you. After the repair is approved and a small deductible paid, it will be completed.

For sellers, a home with a warranty has a competitive advantage.

Please ask your Realtor® about a HomeTrust Warranty or call 800-775-4736.

Time is Right to Buy, or Sell, a Home

Posted: 2/20/2008

Most people buy a home for the long run, and ownership is still an excellent long-term investment. The average time spent in a home is 10 years. A homeowner enjoys security and tax advantages, and a solid return on her investment.

Compared to the same period last year, prices are up 11 percent in the greater Charlotte region. There’s no question that the market is different than in the past, but Allen Tate Realtors® have the experience and resources to help you sell your home quickly, and find your ideal new home.

50 Years – and our 50thOffice

Posted: 2/3/2008

As the Allen Tate Company finishes its 50th year of business in the Carolinas, we’re pleased to announce our 50th office. In Steelecroft Commons at Highways 160 and 49 in southwest Charlotte, the Steele Creek office is scheduled to open early in 2008. Kim Overman, of the Allen Tate Lake Wylie office, will manage the new office.

“Our 50th office is a symbolic milestone of our past success and our optimism for the future,” said Pat Riley, president and chief operating officer, Allen Tate Company.

To located an Allen Tate Realtors® office in your neighborhood Click Here

What Buyers Want

Posted: 1/25/2008

According to a 2007 study, the most important feature for buyers is central air. Second in importance was a garage with space for two or more vehicles. Buyers also want more space inside, in the form of walk-in closets (especially in the master bedroom) and play space for kids.

Other features that ranked high on the list: Cable- or satellite-TV readiness, high-speed Internet access, hardwood floors, granite countertops and energy efficiency.

To find out more about what buyer’s are looking for in your area, contact an Allen Tate Realtor ®.

Selling Your House There…to Come Here

Posted: 1/20/2008

If your old home elsewhere isn’t selling, ask yourself:

• Did I list my home with the most qualified Realtor® and real estate firm?
• Am I getting an updated Competitive Market Analysis from my Realtor every 30 days?
• Am I receiving honest feedback after each showing?
• Is the home memorable?
• Does it have a warranty?
• Is it pre-inspected and the work list resolved?
• Is financing help attractive to buyers?
• Is the home insured and is it being professionally maintained?

Let TateMap Guide you Home

Posted: 1/18/2008

More than 100,000 property searches are done every day on allentate.com, Allen Tate Company’s premier search engine. TateMap, a new online interactive mapping feature, makes your search easier.

With TateMap, you can pinpoint regions or neighborhoods. This feature displays the region’s homes on the market, with details, based on your search criteria. Open houses are also specially marked.

Simply click on the TateMap logo on the home page of allentate.com, and start exploring a new neighborhood.

House Guests That are Real Pests

Posted: 11/5/2007

Raccoons, rats, mice, termites and other pests come to visit because you have something they need: Food, water or shelter.

As soon as you know you’ve got pests in your home, hunt them out. Hire a professional if necessary. And make any needed repairs to damage they’ve caused.

Then, focus on prevention. Set out traps. Fix siding or foundation holes ¼ inch or bigger. Trim tree branches next to roof. Clean gutters. Don’t store firewood against the house.

You Have a Question, Tate Has the Answer

Posted: 7/15/2007

Q: I’m thinking about adding a sunroom or screened porch onto my house. What should I consider before doing so?

A: Definitely, plan before you act.

• Go through magazines, ads, and search online to find what you want your end product to look like.
• Make a budget. Consider tking out a home equity line of credit.
• Check with neighborhood association and housing authorities for regulations and permits.
• Research and interview contractors. Allen Tate Home Services can give references, if needed.

Contemplating a Condo?

Posted: 4/5/2007

You’re tired of lawn work and maintenance and want to buy a condo. First, consider these factors.

1. Want an existing condo? Examine how well the property is managed and maintained. An Allen Tate Realtor® can help you learn about reserves assessments and more key issues.

2. Looking at a new condo? Look at the strength of the developer’s other properties.

3. Looking at a yet-to-be-built unit? Examine your lifestyle, and the developer’s track record. Could your needs change before it’s built?