http://irenakohler.com/blog/archive_201105/sort_entrydatetime-desc/ So you’ve found your dream Jacksonville, NC real estate, but you can’t quite afford it. Don’t give up on your dreams yet, with some savvy money-saving tricks you may just be able to save that little bit extra that you need for your dream home.It’s never recommended to buy a house you can’t afford, but if you are truly in love, try using some of these money-saving techniques:Set up automatic deposits – Have your checks automatically deposited into your checking account and savings account. You will be less likely to spend the money and some will be automatically reserved for savings.Brown bag your lunches – Stop your daily fast food runs and invest in a loaf of bread. Not only will you save money, but you will also save some calories.Alternate your transportation – If possible, you can save tons of money on gas each month by walking, biking, carpooling or riding the bus to work. As gas prices continue to rise, this will help you save valuable money for your new home.Use cash – Studies have found that consumers who only buy things using cash are less likely to make unnecessary purchases. This could be an effective way to save money.Cut coupons – Weekly ads can help you identify sales and find valuable coupons. Even saving just a little bit will help you work towards Jacksonville, NC new homes.Buy in bulk – If possible, buy your essentials in bulk. If you know you are going to use the items, then it makes sense to purchase in bulk.Make use of Mother Nature – Hang your clothes outside to dry instead of running your dryer, open windows instead of using air conditioning, and only turn on lights when it’s necessary.Stay in on weekends – While this may not sound like fun, it can help you move closer to your dream of home-ownership. Play a board game, catch up on current events, or read a good book.This list is just meant to get you moving in the right direction. Come up with your own ideas for saving money and do the best you can. Keep your goals of owning Wilmington, NC real estate within sight and you’ll be surprised by what you can accomplish. http://irenakohler.com/blog/1508/creative-money-saving-tips-for-your-new-home/ Mon, 30 May 2011 12:00:00 -0500 The Chuck Lukoski Team with Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty in Sneads Ferry, N.C. was ranked in the Top 10 teams in North Carolina for the Coldwell Banker® franchise system for the first quarter of 2011.  The Chuck Lukoski Team consists of Larry Collins and Chuck Lukoski.The Chuck Lukoski Team ranked No. 7 in Selling Units out of the approximately 100 Coldwell Banker affiliate teams in North Carolina.“Larry and Chuck exemplify the standards of excellence for which Coldwell Banker professionals are known,” said Frank Lindsay, Southern regional director for Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. “It is an honor to recognize them as one of the top 10 teams in the state of North Carolina.” http://irenakohler.com/blog/1509/chuck-lukoski-team-ranks-in-the-top-10-coldwell-banker-teams-in-north-carolina/ Tue, 24 May 2011 12:00:00 -0500 Being a first-time home buyer is exciting. Browsing Wilmington, NC new homes to find the perfect place to start your life is special.While you may be overwhelmed with excitement, you may also be overwhelmed with anxiety. By following these helpful tips, you can take some of the stress and anxiety out of the home-buying process: Pay off your debts – Before you buy your first home, evaluate your current debts and do everything you can to pay them off. The less money you owe on cars, school loans and large purchases, the more money you will have available for your new home. Check your credit – When trying to qualify for a loan, your credit score is one of the most important contributing factors. Get a credit report so you have a better idea of what lenders will be looking at when considering you for a loan. Find out exactly what you can afford – Calculate potential mortgages to estimate what your payments may be. Try out different prices until you find a range where you feel comfortable. Understand what loans are available to you – Do research and meet with your bank to find out what types of loans are available to you. Ask about FHA loans, Fannie Mae loans and any available private loans.Get pre-qualified – Being pre-qualified for a loan will make the home-buying process much easier. This can help you narrow the range of homes that you are interested in, and help you get a better understanding of exactly what you can afford. If you are pre-qualified, your offer will be taken more seriously than someone that hasn’t spoken to a lender.Calculate your down payment – Taking into consideration the money you have saved and other programs that can assist with your down payment, decide on a figure that is manageable for you. Be an educated home buyer. Do your research and find the perfect Jacksonville, NC real estate for you. Use all the resources available to you as a first-time home buyer and enjoy this special time in your life. http://irenakohler.com/blog/1510/tips-for-first-time-home-buyers/ Tue, 24 May 2011 12:00:00 -0500 The Hank Troscianiec & Associates team with Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty in Southport, N.C. was ranked in the Top 10 teams in North Carolina for the Coldwell Banker® franchise system for the first quarter of 2011.  The Hank Troscianiec & Associates team consists of Conrad Naef, Tina Powers, and Hank Troscianiec.The Hank Troscianiec & Associates team ranked No. 4 in Listing Units and No. 5 in Total Units out of the approximately 100 Coldwell Banker affiliate teams in North Carolina.“Conrad, Tina, and Hank exemplify the standards of excellence for which Coldwell Banker professionals are known,” said Frank Lindsay, Southern regional director for Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. “It is an honor to recognize them as one of the top 10 teams in the state of North Carolina.” http://irenakohler.com/blog/1511/hank-troscianiec-&-associates-ranks-in-the-top-10-coldwell-banker-teams-in-north-carolina/ Mon, 23 May 2011 12:00:00 -0500 The Rosado & Associates team with Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty in Southport, N.C. was ranked in the Top 10 teams in North Carolina for the Coldwell Banker® franchise system for the first quarter of 2011.  The Rosado & Associates team consists of Rich Hagan, Vic Rosado, and Kelly Stone.The Rosado & Associates team ranked No. 10 in Adjusted Gross Commission Income, No. 5 in Selling Units, and No. 9 in Total Units out of the approximately 100 Coldwell Banker affiliate teams in North Carolina.“Rich, Vic, and Kelly exemplify the standards of excellence for which Coldwell Banker professionals are known,” said Frank Lindsay, Southern regional director for Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. “It is an honor to recognize them as one of the top 10 teams in the state of North Carolina.” http://irenakohler.com/blog/1512/rosado-&-associates-ranks-in-the-top-10-coldwell-banker-teams-in-north-carolina/ Sun, 22 May 2011 12:00:00 -0500