Engel & Völkers at a glance
Let us introduce you to the Engel & Völkers global real estate brand. The foundations of Engel & Völkers were laid by Dirk Engel in Hamburg, Germany in 1977. Three years later, he was joined by Christian Völkers to open the company's first brokerage. The two founders went on to develop a global luxury brand with a focus on exceptional real estate systems and service. In 2006 Engel & Völkers entered the US and began its Americas growth story.
In the Americas there are 6200+ professionals and 300 shops in 7 countries. Globally, there are 16400+ professionals and 1,085 shops in 33 countries.
Engel & Völkers Foothills officially started doing business in early 2023 as the real estate office previously did business under the name Lake James Real Estate. For more than 20 years, Lake James Real Estate was a staple name in the local community help clients with real estate. It was an easy choice for Polly and Steve Leadbetter (Owners) to partner with the Engel & Völkers brand because of shared values, collaborative culture and the collective desire to ensure client are working with experts in each community we serve. Both Lake James Real Estate and Engel & Völkers share the same vision: making your needs our mission through competences, exclusivity and passion.
We will continue to provide exceptional service and how our real estate professionals can leverage the global resources and expertise from Engel & Völkers.
Engel & Völkers Foothills has offices located in Morganton and Nebo. We help clients buy and sell in Burke, Caldwell, Catawba and McDowell.
Give us a call today or visit us online.
828.584.9999
www.foothills.evrealestate.com
Engel & Völkers Foothills Grand Opening
On June 15, 2023, we celebrated our grand opening of our newest Engel & Völkers Foothills Longtown Shop and joining the EV family. Thank you to all of our staff, people in our local community, clients and attendees from Engel & Völkers Corporate and other shops who came to support us. A very special thank you to our owners, Steve and Polly Leadbetter for their work word and dedicated leadership.
The foundations of Engel & Völkers were laid by Dirk Engel in Hamburg, Germany in 1977. Three years later, he was joined by Christian Völkers to open the company's first brokerage. The two founders went on to develop a global luxury brand with a focus on exceptional real estate systems and service. In 2006 Engel & Völkers entered the US and began its Americas growth story.
Since 2006, Engel & Völkers has continued to grow and dominate the real estate market. The latest numbers show there are 16,000+ Engel & Völkers professionals and 1,087 shops all across 33 countries globally.
Our real estate advisors at Engel & Völkers Foothills strive to provide an experience of the highest caliber with the utmost competence, exclusive expertise and passion for all that they do. Across the street, across the country or across the world, our global network gives the reach and coverage, premium experience and resources and peace of mind you need when buying or selling a home.
We are excited to be apart of the Engel & Völkers family and look forward to helping clients buy and sell real estate in Burke, Caldwell, McDowell and the surrounding NC Foothills for many years to come. Stop in and visit us at either one of our locations! 7298 South Mountain Institute Road, Nebo, NC 28761 or 3053 NC 126, Morganton, NC, 28655.
Getting the Best Mortgage for your Home Purchase
For many people, homeownership is a dream that requires careful planning and financial preparation. One of the biggest considerations is the mortgage, the loan that is used to purchase a home. Getting a home mortgage can be a complex process, but it is an essential step in achieving the dream of owning a home.There are many different types of home mortgages available, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The most common types of mortgages include fixed-rate mortgages, adjustable-rate mortgages, and government-backed loans. The type of mortgage that is best for you will depend on your specific financial situation and your preferences.
Fixed-rate mortgages are the most straightforward type of mortgage. With a fixed-rate mortgage, the interest rate remains the same for the duration of the loan, which is typically 15, 20, or 30 years. This type of mortgage offers stability and predictability, making it a popular choice for many homebuyers. However, fixed-rate mortgages typically have higher interest rates than adjustable-rate mortgages.Adjustable-rate mortgages, on the other hand, have interest rates that fluctuate based on market conditions. These mortgages typically start with lower interest rates than fixed-rate mortgages, but they can increase over time. Adjustable-rate mortgages are a good option for people who expect their income to increase over time or for those who plan to sell their home before the interest rate increases.
Government-backed loans are another option for homebuyers. These loans are insured by the government, which reduces the risk for lenders and allows borrowers to get a loan with a lower down payment and lower credit score. Some examples of government-backed loans include FHA loans, VA loans, and USDA loans. These loans are designed to help people who may not qualify for a traditional mortgage.
Once you have determined which type of mortgage is best for you, the next step is to find a lender. There are many different lenders to choose from, including banks, credit unions, and online lenders. It is important to shop around and compare rates and fees from multiple lenders to find the best deal. When applying for a mortgage, lenders will look at several factors to determine whether you are eligible for a loan. These factors include your credit score, income, debt-to-income ratio, employment history, and assets. It is important to be prepared to provide documentation of these factors, such as pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements.
One of the most important factors that lenders consider is your credit score. Your credit score is a number that is based on your credit history and can range from 300 to 850. A higher credit score indicates that you are a lower risk borrower and can qualify for lower interest rates. If you have a low credit score, it may be worth taking some time to improve your credit before applying for a mortgage.
Another factor that lenders consider is your debt-to-income ratio. This is the percentage of your income that goes towards paying off debt, including credit cards, car loans, and other loans. Lenders typically prefer a debt-to-income ratio of 43% or less, although some lenders may be willing to work with borrowers who have a higher ratio.
When applying for a mortgage, it is important to be honest and transparent with your lender. If you have any concerns or questions about the loan process, it is important to ask your lender for clarification. Once you have been approved for a mortgage, make sure to carefully review the loan agreement and ask any questions before signing. Getting a home mortgage can be a complex and potentially stressful process, but it is an essential step in achieving the dream of homeownership. By understanding the different types of mortgages available, shopping around for the best rates and fees, and being prepared to provide documentation, you can increase your chances of getting approved for a mortgage.
Once you have gotten a home mortgage, it is important to maintain good financial habits. This includes making your payments on time, keeping your debt-to-income ratio low, and avoiding taking on additional debt. By staying on top of your finances, you can enjoy the many benefits of homeownership, including building equity and having a place to call your own.
In conclusion, getting a home mortgage requires careful consideration and preparation. By understanding the different types of mortgages available, finding the right lender, and being prepared to provide documentation, you can increase your chances of getting approved for a loan. Once you have gotten a mortgage, it is important to practice good financial habits to ensure that you can enjoy the many benefits of homeownership for years to come.
Written by Polly Leadbetter, License Partner & Managing Broker of Engel Völkers Foothills
Contact Engel & Völkers Foothills for your next real estate transaction. Serving Burke, Caldwell, McDowell and surrounding areas. We have two convenient locations in Morganton and Nebo.
3053 NC 126, Morganton, NC 28655
7298 South Mountain Institute Road, Nebo, NC 28761
828.584.9999
www.foothills.evrealestate.com
