Friday, January 08, 2010
$6500 TAX CREDIT!
This credit is available to ANYONE, provided you have lived in your principal residence (home being sold) consecutsively for 5 of the previous 8 years!
The following two links by the National Association of Realtors will explain the bill in more detail:
NAR Issue Brief
Questions and Answers
Let us know if you need some assistance:
Toll Free: 888-781-8800
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Local New Bern News - Market Update
HOMES SOLD (Closed), December 1 through December 31 (from NRRAR MLS Service)
Under $99,999 = 09
$100K-$139,999 = 17
$140K-$179,999 = 17
$180K-$219,999 = 13
$220K-$259,999 = 04
$260K-$299,999 = 04
$300K-$349,999 = 02
$350K-$399,999 = 01
$400K-$499,999 = 00
$500K-$999,999 = 01
Over $1,000,000 = 00
Total December 2009 = 68
Total December 2008 = 80
Total December 2007 = 119
NEIGHBORHOOD PROPERTIES "SOLD", December 1 through December 31 (from NRRAR MLS Service)
NEIGHBORHOOD PROPERTIES "FOR SALE" (from NRRAR MLS Service)
For the BEST Internet Marketing, and the Most Responsive Service in New Bern, Contact DIANNE! Email Dianne (252) 636-3301 or Toll Free: (888) 781-8800
www.NewBernHomes.com
Search ALL Properties in New Bern!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Happy New Year from Dianne Dunn & Team New Bern!
Dear Neighbors and Friends,The holidays have come and gone and you've probably just finished cleaning up from your New Year's party! Now it is time to get started on your New Year's Resolutions! Here are a few helpful websites with tips on the 3 top New Year's Resolutions. I hope you find them helpful. Good luck!
New Year's Resolution #1 - Get In Shape
If a grip on fitness and diet is in your New Year's Resolutions, these sites might help you chart a course of action...Nutricise: a great online health and fitness resource
Lifelines: resources for improvement of health, productivity, and effectiveness
HealthFinder: a gateway consumer health and human services information website
DietWatch: has a calculator and will help you monitor your intake.
The Mayo Clinic: has a section on healthy tips, coping with grief, and keeping stress in line.
American Dietetic Association: your link to nutrition and health information
Ask Dr. Andrew Weil: brought to you by Dr. Weil himself
New Year's Resolution #2 - Get Organized
Being organized means more than filing papers, using a daily list and knowing what time to be where. It's a habit, much the same as any other skill you master. Tips from this site will help you organize your home office, get ahead, take control of projects and maintain balance in your life.New Year's Resolution #3 - Create a Financial Plan
How do you invest to meet your goals? There are no one-size-fits-all investments. Of course, the best investment you can make (and enjoy) is in your home. Today's interest rates are the lowest in 30 years, there are extra Tax benefits, homes are affordable, the property taxes are moderate, the cost of living is competitive, and the quality of life is excellent!Create a Financial Plan. A personal financial plan provides strategies for dealing with periods of personal hardship and helps develop a prudent economic agenda for you and/or your family.
Chart Your Financial Future with these Top 10 Financial Resolutions from Smart Money.
Some Extra Fun Tidbits!
Celebrations!
Find out the History of the New Year from Babylon to Times Square with a soft rendition of "Auld Lang Syne". How familiar are you with the "history" of the song? This encyclopedia views various versions of the popular ballad. Yes, the celebration is still on! With over 100 celebrations for New Year's Eve in Times Square, New York City is bigger than ever. Speaking of large celebrations, the Chinese New Year is considered the longest festival. Check out Chinatown Online!Throwing a Party?
Check out some traditional New Year's Recipes for Luck!
Calendars, Celestial and Astrology!
Have some fun visiting the Calendar Zone and Astrology.com for some fun predictions this upcoming new year.
Best Wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year!
Dianne
Feel free to forward this page to your family and friends, and please recommend me as your Realtor for both New and Resale Properties. Thank You!
Dianne Dunn and Team New Bern
Keller Williams Realty
New Bern, NC
Email Dianne!
Visit our Website
Search All Properties in the New Bern area.
Monday, December 07, 2009
Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 5.53 percent.
The 30-year has never been this low since Freddie Mac began its weekly survey in 1971. It's a great time to buy real estate!
Dianne Dunn
www.NewBernHomes.com
www.SearchNewBernHomes.com
Local New Bern News - Market Update
HOMES SOLD (Closed), November 1 through November 30 (from NRRAR MLS Service)
Under $99,999 = 13
$100K-$139,999 = 24
$140K-$179,999 = 26
$180K-$219,999 = 12
$220K-$259,999 = 09
$260K-$299,999 = 05
$300K-$349,999 = 02
$350K-$399,999 = 01
$400K-$499,999 = 02
$500K-$999,999 = 01
Over $1,000,000 = 00
Total November 2009 = 95
Total November 2008 = 69
Total November 2007 = 121
NEIGHBORHOOD PROPERTIES "SOLD", November 1 through November 30 (from NRRAR MLS Service)
NEIGHBORHOOD PROPERTIES "FOR SALE" (from NRRAR MLS Service)
For the BEST Internet Marketing, and the Most Responsive Service in New Bern, Contact DIANNE! Email Dianne (252) 636-3301 or Toll Free: (888) 781-8800
www.NewBernHomes.com
Search ALL Properties in New Bern!
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Happy Holidays from Dianne Dunn & Team New Bern!


Don't have time to plan dinner? Meals.com has done all the planning for you with over 15,000 recipes!Sill feeling overwhelmed? Here is a list of tips, and some printables to help you in planning your holiday meals.
The holidays can be a tough time for families, especially families dealing with diabetes. This site has all the help you need.
Need a cookbook? Here is access to name brand recipes and great ideas for a holiday meal.
If your idea of a holiday meal doesn't include meat, you can get some vegan holiday feast ideas from the The Low Fat Vegetarian and the Vegetarian Resource Guide. The Vegetarian Kitchen has a great selection of recipes too.
Click on each image and you will go directly to her cookbook!
Stressing About the Holidays?
without adding pounds. The holiday season and all that comes with it can cause a great deal of stress for you and your children. Find out how to relieve it at Parenting.org.Check out this site for the Top Ten Holiday Lists.
Want some great ideas for keeping collected after the holidays are done? Post-Holiday Cleanup has the "Best Hints for Undecorating and Packing Away Your Christmas Decorations."
Where do you go to ship that gift last minute? Help is here! Here are some packaging tips and services:
United States Postal Service
UPS.com
FedEx.com
DHL.com
Still Don't Know What to Give?
What to get for him....still don't know? Does he love history? Give him a distinctive gift package tailored to his historical interest. Find gifts for him for all occasions.

And now for her! Want to give her something unique? These gifts ideas are loved by Courtney Cox, Renee Zellweger & more stars! Give her something to snuggle up in from PajamaGram.com, and you don't have to wrap it! Or, give her something that will make her heart and her eyes sparkle from BlueNile.com.
Giving gifts to your co-workers or your employees can be a tricky business...this site can help. Do you know picky people who only like the best.
Looking for Hanukkah gifts? FTD.com has baskets, figurines, toys and more.
Send Holiday Cheer with an e-Greeting
Send your friends and loved ones Holiday cheer with a Holiday e-card from:
123 Greetings - Hanukkah
123 Greetings - Christmas
Blue Mountain Greetings
Holidays for the Kids
To keep the kiddies occupied before and after the holidays, there are
games and entertainment galore at these sites:The Holiday Spot has crafts, games, quizzes, and tons of fun stuff for all ages.
Billy Bear makes the holidays fun for all ages.
At Santa's Countdown to Christmas, the kids can send their very own email to Santa!
In the mood for Christmas caroling? Check out this website for some popular sing-along songs!
Discover the spirit of the season as the four Theme Parks of Walt Disney World Resort present magical holiday celebrations for the entire family. Join the festivities and ring in the holiday season with millions of lights on a studio backlot, stunning Candlelight Processionals, snow at Magic Kingdom Park and, of course, holiday parades featuring Santa. Come celebrate at the "Merriest Place on Earth."
If you enjoy viewing Christmas trees in all of their splendor, then head to New York City's Rockefeller Center to see the most famous tree of all!
Best Wishes for a Wonderful Holiday!
Dianne
Feel free to forward this page to your family and friends, and please recommend me as your
Realtor for both New and Resale Properties. Thank You!
Dianne Dunn and Team New Bern
Keller Williams Realty
New Bern, NC
Email Dianne!
Visit our Website
Search All Properties in the New Bern area.
Monday, November 09, 2009
Breaking News - Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended and Expanded!
Below is a summary of the new modifications in the extension and expansion of the tax credit:
1) The $8,000 tax credit will be extended and available for first-time purchases before May 1, 2010.
2) A new $6,500 tax credit will be available for repeat buyers who purchase between December 1, 2009, and May 1, 2010. To qualify for this provision, buyers must have used the home sold or being sold as a principal residence consecutively for 5 of the previous 8 years.
3) Prospective purchasers with binding contracts in place as of April 30, 2010, will be allowed an additional 60 days to complete the transaction.
4) Income limits are expanded to $125,000 on a single return and $225,000 on a joint return.
The following two links by the National Association of Realtors will explain the bill in more depth:
NAR Issue Brief
Questions and Answers
If you know anyone looking to buy their first home at a time when prices and interest rates are still down, or if you are thinking of buying another home and getting the new $6,500 credit please contact me today ... we're glad to help!
Dianne Dunn
www.NewBernHomes.com
www.SearchNewBernHomes.com
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Local New Bern News - Market Update
HOMES SOLD (Closed), October 1 through October 31 (from NRRAR MLS Service)
Under $99,999 = 12
$100K-$139,999 = 14
$140K-$179,999 = 28
$180K-$219,999 = 15
$220K-$259,999 = 09
$260K-$299,999 = 04
$300K-$349,999 = 02
$350K-$399,999 = 01
$400K-$499,999 = 01
$500K-$999,999 = 00
Over $1,000,000 = 01
Total October 2009 = 87
Total October 2008 = 104
Total October 2007 = 128
NEIGHBORHOOD PROPERTIES "SOLD", October 1 through October 31 (from NRRAR MLS Service)

NEIGHBORHOOD PROPERTIES "FOR SALE" (from NRRAR MLS Service)

For the BEST Internet Marketing, and the Most Responsive Service in New Bern, Contact DIANNE! Email Dianne (252) 636-3301 or Toll Free: (888) 781-8800
www.NewBernHomes.com
Search ALL Properties in New Bern!
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving from Dianne Dunn & Team New Bern
Fall is upon us! With the leaves beautifully turning colors, I have decided to share with you a few fall recipes that I have collected. For a tasty snack, try this toasted pumpkin seed recipe. For a hearty meal, try this flavorful baked corned beef recipe. Served with tender baked potatoes, this meal is guaranteed to be a hit!

Got your feathers ruffled worrying about having the folks over for Thanksgiving? "Stuffed" with dozens of recipes, cooking tips, with a thawling video and suggestions for leftovers Butterball talks turkey!This Thanksgiving Feast is loaded (but no calories), with sites to prepare you for your big day, from Thanksgiving recipes to saying grace, to the scoop on diets (for after the big day!).
And to watch 30 famous chefs demonstrate their favorite Thanksgiving recipes, check out the Virtual Chef. Then check out the All Recipes for pie recipes. What do they serve in the rest of the nation? Epicurious has the menus! Reader's Digest has a Thanksgiving Guide for Entertaining, recipes and just plain fun.
If your idea of giving thanks doesn't include turkey, you can get some great holiday feast ideas. The Vegetarian Kitchen has a great selection of recipes as does the The Low Fat Vegetarian and the Vegetarian Resource Guide.
Thanksgiving originated with three days of prayer and feasting celebrated by the Plymouth colonists in 1621. The first national Thanksgiving Day, proclaimed by President George Washington, was celebrated on Nov 26, 1789.The First Thanksgiving has links to a picture timeline, a virtual voyage back in time to the seventeenth century. What did the Pilgrims really eat on Thanksgiving? Think it was turkey? Find out at the History Channel's Thanksgiving page.
At Things you can say at Thanksgiving, you'll learn why turkeys gobble and just about everything you need to know about turkeys. But, just in case that's not enough, you can check out the Thanksgiving Survival Guide to help you with your planning.
Thanksgiving Music
Just for fun, download Over the River and Through the Woods at Thanksgiving Traditions. And then, if it's Over the River and Through the Woods you go RoadTrip America will help you in preparing for your holiday travel plans.For a Feast of Songs to go with your big feast visit Nine Stones. Or if you are a high tech listener check out this MP3 site for holiday music downloads.
Let the Thanksgiving Festivities begin with a Celebration of the first Thanksgiving, with entertainment, music, stories and a virtual turkey to take home!
Thanksgiving on the Web has more turkey facts, postcards, fall colors in different states, recipes and Thanksgiving stories. And what do Pilgrims and football have in common? They're all part of the Thanksgiving tradition. Thanksgiving Trivia will tell you how well you know your Thanksgiving history.
Thanksgiving Cards to Send to Friends and Family
Send your friends and loved ones thanks with a Thanksgiving card from:
A Kid's Thanksgiving

To keep the kiddies occupied before Thanksgiving there are games and entertainment galore at these sites.
- The Holiday Spot has crafts, games, quizzes, and tons of fun stuff for all ages.
- Kids Domain Thanksgiving Central has a complete list of animations, clip art, games, cards, and more!
- Thanksgiving Kids Safe Site - Games, History, Crafts and Thanksgiving Fun Links.
Realtor for both New and Resale Properties. Thank You!
Dianne Dunn and Team New Bern
Keller Williams Realty
New Bern, NC
Email Dianne!
Visit our Website
Search All Properties in the New Bern area.
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Local New Bern News - Market Update
HOMES SOLD (Closed), September 1 through September 30 (from NRRAR MLS Service)
Under $99,999 = 26
$100K-$139,999 = 17
$140K-$179,999 = 33
$180K-$219,999 = 19
$220K-$259,999 = 10
$260K-$299,999 = 02
$300K-$349,999 = 01
$350K-$399,999 = 02
$400K-$499,999 = 01
$500K-$999,999 = 01
Over $1,000,000 = 01
Total September 2009 = 113
Total September 2008 = 127
Total September 2007 = 150
NEIGHBORHOOD PROPERTIES "SOLD", September 1 through September 30 (from NRRAR MLS Service)

NEIGHBORHOOD PROPERTIES "FOR SALE" (from NRRAR MLS Service)

For the BEST Internet Marketing, and the Most Responsive Service in New Bern, Contact DIANNE! Email Dianne (252) 636-3301 or Toll Free: (888) 781-8800
www.NewBernHomes.com
Search ALL Properties in New Bern!
Happy Halloween from Dianne Dunn & Team New Bern!
A quick reminder that November 1st is Daylight Savings! Don't forget to turn your clocks back AND change the batteries in your smoke detectors!It's scary but according to the International Mass Retail Association, Halloween has become the second leading holiday after Christmas.
More Scary Facts: This Halloween, Americans will:
1. Consume $2 billion worth of chocolate and candy.
2. Spend $2.7 billion on pumpkins, greeting cards and party supplies.
3. Spend $1.5 billion on costumes and $756 million on decorations.
4. The Association also says that Americans will buy an estimated 20 million pounds of candy corn this year.
Just surf on by and have fun on these sites - cool sites for Kids and Adults:
Pumpkin carving 101 has great tips for all ages and Halloween Web has some trivia and monster folklore for your younguns. Check out Pumpkin Masters for techniques and patterns.Halloween Online has some helpful tips to make your Halloween happy and safe. Also, be sure to check out our Halloween Safety Guide, including tips on Trick-or-Treat Safety and Costume Safety! I hope that you've enjoyed this site.
Have a Happy and Safe Halloween!
Feel free to forward this page to your family and friends, and please recommend me as your Realtor for both New and Resale Properties.
Dianne Dunn and Team New Bern
Keller Williams Realty
New Bern, NC
Email Dianne!
Visit our Website
Search All Properties in the New Bern area.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
September News From Dianne Dunn & Team New Bern!
Fall is upon us! With the leaves turning beautiful colors, I wanted to share with you a few fall recipes that I have collected.For a hearty meal, try this flavorful baked corned beef recipe. Served with tender baked potatoes, this meal is guaranteed to be a hit! For busy families, be sure to try this easy, "no-fuss" biscuit pot pie. In about 20 minutes, it is ready to be enjoyed.
This recipe for baked chicken with apricots takes full advantage of in-season fruits. Play around with this recipe, using pineapples or cherries, and discover a new family favorite!For a tasty snack, try this toasted pumpkin seed recipe. Indulge your sweet tooth with this delightful baked caramel corn. Melted brown sugar, butter and vanilla provides a base for a syrupy concoction guaranteed to delight the whole family. Dig in!
New Bern is the place to be! Looking for some fall fun? Click on the links below!
Fall cleaning can be a hassle, but the links below have special tips to make saying your final good bye to summer a little bit easier.
- Our Garden Gang has some wonderful ideas on how to clean up your home garden.
- The Home Improvement Web offers 10 time-saving tips to give your backyard a head start on spring.
- For a guideline on seasonal cleaning, visit About.com's Seasonal Cleaning Chores.
Love the autumn, but feel stumped when it comes to decorating your home? I have found some great links that have amazing decorating ideas for the interior and exterior of your home!
About.com has a wonderful section dedicated to fall decorating. Gorgeous centerpiece designs are featured on Better Homes and Gardens. They also have a section dedicated to Outdoor Halloween Decorating. For more recipes and craft ideas, be sure to visit Happy Harvest. Get your kids involved! KidsDomain is your source for all things fall.Friday, September 04, 2009
Local New Bern News - Market Update
HOMES SOLD (Closed), August 1 through August 31 (from NRRAR MLS Service)
Under $100K = 12
$100K-$159,999 = 39
$160K-$199,999 = 15
$200K-$249,999 = 14
$250K-$299,999 = 05
$300K-$399,999 = 07
$400K-$499,999 = 00
Over $500,000 = 02
Total August 2009 = 94
Total August 2008 = 149
Total August 2007 = 191
NEIGHBORHOOD PROPERTIES "SOLD", August 1 through August 31 (from NRRAR MLS Service)

NEIGHBORHOOD PROPERTIES "FOR SALE" (from NRRAR MLS Service)

For one of the BEST sites for New Bern information, and the Most Responsive Service:
Contact DIANNE!
www.NewBernHomes.com
Toll Free: (888) 781-8800
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Only 92 Days Left!
You, or a member of your family may be eligible. Here's a helpful link with guidelines to find answers about the government program:
Federal Housing Tax Credit
Feel free to give us a call if you would like more information: Toll Free 888-781-8800.
Dianne Dunn and Team New Bern
Keller Williams Realty
New Bern, NC
Email Dianne!
Visit our Website:
Search All Properties in the New Bern area.
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Local New Bern News - Market Update
HOMES SOLD (Closed), July 1 through July 31 (from NRRAR MLS Service)
Under $100K = 06
$100K-$159,999 = 33
$160K-$199,999 = 26
$200K-$249,999 = 18
$250K-$299,999 = 04
$300K-$399,999 = 06
$400K-$499,999 = 03
Over $500,000 = 01
Total July 2009 = 97
Total July 2008 = 144
Total July 2007 = 183
NEIGHBORHOOD PROPERTIES "SOLD", July 1 through July 31 (from NRRAR MLS Service)
NEIGHBORHOOD PROPERTIES "FOR SALE" (from NRRAR MLS Service)
For the BEST Internet Marketing, and the Most Responsive Service in New Bern, Contact DIANNE!
Email Dianne
(252) 636-3301 or Toll Free: (888) 781-8800
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Catching up with a Laugh! ;-)
One of the articles that caught my eye is from the ActiveRain site, where real estate agents, lenders, instructors and coaches post their thoughts and suggestions. The following is titled: Top 10 Seller Sins, by Clint Miller from Missoula, MT.
While some of us have taken certification courses on "Home Staging" to help sellers understand how to show their property in the best condition for prospective buyers, Clint actually describes his thoughts "as a buyer" as he and his wife preview different properties.
Some of his descriptions are hilarious ... and also true, so enjoy! ;-)
Dianne
Dianne Dunn and Team New Bern
Keller Williams Realty
New Bern, NC
Email Dianne!
Visit our Website:
Search All Properties in the New Bern area.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Only 143 Days Left!
First-time buyers are those who have not owned a home within the last three years, and who are in a specific income bracket.
Are YOU eligible? ... Why not find out! Here are the Basic comparisons from last year's program to the current 2009 program, and here's a link to the IRS.gov website for a more detailed explanation.
Here's the link to the Federal Government site which describes Refinancing and Making Homes affordable:
http://makinghomeaffordable.gov/
My team and I will be glad to help you, so please feel free to contact us with any questions!
Dianne Dunn and Team New Bern
Keller Williams Realty
New Bern, NC
Email Dianne!
Visit our Website:
Search All Properties in the New Bern area.
Monday, July 06, 2009
Local New Bern News - Market Update
HOMES SOLD (Closed), June 1 through June 30 (from NRRAR MLS Service)
Under $100K = 22
$100K-$159,999 = 37
$160K-$199,999 = 25
$200K-$249,999 = 18
$250K-$299,999 = 06
$300K-$399,999 = 06
$400K-$499,999 = 05
Over $500,000 = 03
Total June 2009 = 122
Total June 2008 = 162
Total June 2007 = 223
NEIGHBORHOOD PROPERTIES "SOLD" LAST MONTH
NEIGHBORHOOD PROPERTIES "FOR SALE"
For the BEST Internet Marketing, and the Most Responsive Service in New Bern, Contact DIANNE!
Email Dianne
(252) 636-3301 or Toll Free: (888) 781-8800
Monday, June 08, 2009
More Help for 1st-Time Home Buyers!
HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan announced on May 29, 2009, a program that will allow first-time buyers who use FHA financing to apply the $8,000 federal first-time buyer tax credit towards loan closing costs.
Per the IRS.gov website, you may qualify to receive this credit if you meet the following qualifications:
"... qualifying taxpayers who buy a home before Dec. 1, 2009, can claim the credit on either their 2008 or 2009 tax returns. They do not have to repay the credit, provided the home remains their main home for 36 months after the purchase date. They can claim 10 percent of the purchase price up to $8,000, or $4,000 for married individuals filing separately.
The amount of the credit begins to phase out for taxpayers whose adjusted gross income is more than $75,000, or $150,000 for joint filers.
For purposes of the credit, you are considered to be a first-time homebuyer if you, and your spouse if you are married, did not own any other main home during the three-year period ending on the date of purchase."
The credit itself:
Applies to purchases that close after April 8, 2008, and before Dec. 1, 2009.
Applies only to homes used as a taxpayer's principal residence.
Reduces a taxpayer's tax bill or increases his or her refund, dollar for dollar.
Is fully refundable, meaning the credit will be paid out to eligible taxpayers, even if they owe no tax, or the credit is more than the tax owed.
This is a great time to buy, so pass the word!
Dianne Dunn
Email: DDunn@NewBernHomes.com
www.NewBernHomes.com
Search all property listings in the New Bern area: www.SearchNewBernHomes.com
Friday, June 05, 2009
Local New Bern News - Market Update
HOMES SOLD (Closed), May 1 through May 31 (from NRRAR MLS Service)
Under $100K = 15
$100K-$159,999 = 36
$160K-$199,999 = 22
$200K-$249,999 = 11
$250K-$299,999 = 06
$300K-$399,999 = 04
$400K - $499,999 = 01
Over $500,000 = 01
Total May 2009 = 96
Total May 2008 = 151
Total May 2007 = 196
NEIGHBORHOOD PROPERTIES "SOLD" LAST MONTH
NEIGHBORHOOD PROPERTIES "FOR SALE"
For the BEST Internet Marketing, and the Most Responsive Service in New Bern, Contact DIANNE!Email Dianne
(252) 636-3301 or Toll Free: (888) 781-8800
















