Here are a few sites that are truly free, and do not require any sort of purchase or trial to use:

AnnualCreditReport.com – This is probably the most well known among the legitimate free credit sites. It was created by the 3 major credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian, & TransUnion – as a place for customers to be able to request all 3 reports at once, in accordance with the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions [FACT] Act. You can get one free report from each bureau every 12 months [some do one report at a time, and check their credit every 4 months], either printed instantly online or by mail. While you do get your credit report, this does not provide your credit score for free, although you can buy it.

Credit Karma – This is one of my favorite sites, mainly because you can update it as often as you like. It gives you a score based on TrueCredit, which is part of TransUnion. Again, not an actual FICO score, but close enough to give you some idea where you stand [mine has been within 15 points of mt median score both times I compared the two]. It will also grade different components of your score [payment history, inquiries, age of accounts, etc], and offers a useful tool in its “credit simulator”, which shows how different financial decisions and actions would affect your credit. For me, the best part of this site is the score tracking – you can update it as often as you like, and it shows a graph so you can watch your score go up [or down] as your credit improves or worsens.

Credit.com – This site also grades your credit, based on information from TransUnion, and tells you how that grade would translate into an actual score. Like the others, it breaks down different aspects of your score and gives a grade for each of those as well. Under each category, it shows a breakdown of the infromation used to develop each grade, such as the number of late payments, ages of accounts, etc. You can update your “credit report card” on this site every 30 days.

Quizzle - This site seems to be  affiliated with Quicken Loans. You sign up, then answer several questions to confirm your identity and build a profile. It will then grade your financial situation and suggest improvements you can make in various categories [mortgage, budget, savings, etc]. The best part – it gives you a free copy of your Experian credit report, along with a credit score based in Experian’s data. They don’t say if it’s the exact same as what the banks pull from Experian in all cases, but mine was very close [this may be a "VantageScore, rather than a FICO"]. You can get an updated report and score every 6 months for free, or purchase more frequent updates for $7.

Every seller obviously wants to get the most money for his or her product. Ironically, the best way to do this is NOT to list your product at an excessively high price! A high listing price will cause some prospective buyers to lose interest before even seeing your property. Also, it may lead other buyers to expect more than what you have to offer. As a result, overpriced properties tend to take an unusually long time to sell, and they end up being sold at a lower price.

Mistake #2 — Mistaking Re-finance Appraisals for the Market Value

Unfortunately, a re-finance appraisal may have been stated at an untruthfully high price. Often, lenders estimate the value of your property to be higher than it actually is in order to encourage re-financing. The market value of your home could actually be lower. Your best bet is to ask your realtor for the most recent information regarding property sales in your community. This will give you an up-to-date and factually accurate estimate of your property value.

Mistake #3 — Failing to “Showcase”

In spite of how frequently this mistake is addressed and how simple it is to avoid, its prevalence is still widespread. When attempting to sell your home to prospective buyers, do not forget to make your home look as pleasant as possible. Make necessary repairs. Clean. Make sure everything functions and looks presentable. A poorly kept home in need of repairs will surely lower the selling price of your property and will even turn away some buyers.
Mistake #4 – Trying to “Hard Sell” While Showing

Buying a house is always an emotional and difficult decision. As a result, you should try to allow prospective buyers to comfortably examine your property. Don’t try haggling or forcefully selling. Instead, be friendly and hospitable. A good idea would be to point out any subtle amenities and be receptive to questions. If you’re using an agent, it’s best not to be at home while the house is being shown. Many buyers feel rushed and uncomfortable when the owner is there, or may try to get information about your motivations or plans they can use to bargain for a lower price. Many times, home-owners trying to be helpful have said “the wrong thing” around a buyer, and cost themselves a potential sale.
Mistake #5 – Trying to Sell to Lookers

A prospective buyer who shows interest because of a “for sale” sign he saw may not really be interested in your property. Often buyers who do not come through a realtor are a good 6-9 months away from buying, and they are more interested in seeing what is out there than in actually making a purchase. They may still have to sell their house, or may not be able to afford a house yet. They may still even be unsure as to whether or not they want to relocate.
Your realtor should be able to distinguish realistic potential buyers from mere lookers. Realtors should usually find out a prospective buyer’s savings, credit rating, and purchasing power in general. If your realtor fails to find out this pertinent information, you should do some investigating and questioning on your own. This will help you avoid wasting valuable time marketing towards the wrong people. If you have to do this work yourself, consider finding a new realtor.

Mistake #6 — Being Ignorant of Your Rights & Responsibilities

It is extremely important that you are well-informed of the details in your real estate contract. Real estate contracts are legally binding documents, and they can often be complex and confusing. Not being aware of the terms in your contract could cost you thousands for repairs and inspections. Know what your are responsible for before signing the contract. Can the property be sold “as is”? How will deed restrictions and local zoning laws affect your transaction? Not knowing the answers to these kind of questions could end up costing you a considerable amount of money.
Mistake #7 – Signing a Contract with No Escape

Hopefully you will have taken the time to choose the best realtor for you. But sometimes, as we all know, circumstances change. Perhaps you misjudged your realtor, or perhaps the realtor has other priorities on his or her mind. In any case, you should have the right to fire your agent. Also, you should have the right to select another agent of your choosing. Many real estate companies will simply replace an agent with another one, without consulting you. Be sure to have control over your situation before signing a real estate contract.

Mistake #8 - Limiting the Marketing and Advertising of the Property

There are two obvious marketing tools that nearly every seller uses: open houses and classified ads. Unfortunately, these two tools are rather ineffective. Less than 1% of homes are sold at open houses, and less than 3% are sold because of classified ads. In fact, realtors often use open houses to attract future prospects, not to sell the house.

Your realtor should employ a wide variety of marketing techniques, including internet marketing because that is where most home buyers start their search. Your realtor should also be committed to selling your property; he or she should be available for every phone call from a prospective buyer. Most calls are received, and open houses are scheduled, during business hours, so make sure that your realtor is working on selling your home during these hours. Chances are that you have a job, too, so you may not be able to get in touch will many potential buyers.
Mistake #9 – Choosing the Wrong Realtor®

Selling your home could be the most important financial transaction in your lifetime. As a result, it is extremely important that you select the realtor that is best for you. Experienced real estate agents often cost as much as brand new agents. Chances are that the experienced agent will be able to bring you a higher price in less time and with fewer hassles.

Take your time when selecting a real estate agent. Interview several agents; ask them key questions. If you want to make your selling experience the best it can be, it is crucial that you select the best agent for you.

If you are selling your home in today’s market, here are some tips you should keep in mind when your home is being shown to buyers:

• In winter, turn on the heat to a comfortable level, and gas logs or fireplaces in low to show them off. In summer, turn on the air conditioning or set the heat pump at a reasonably cool temperature. You do not want a buyer to enter your home and sweat; they will just want to leave!
• When your home is being shown, make sure it is as bright as possible. In the daytime, open all drapes and blinds to let in the natural light. At night, make sure every light in your home is turned on before the buyers get there. You do not want an agent or buyer to have to fumble about trying to find a light switch! You may also want to put 100 watt bulbs in all your light fixtures.
• If at all possible, leave the home during showings, or at least step outside. Whatever you do – do not have guests over to the house while it is being shown. The more people that are in the house the more congested it will appear, and buyers are often not comfortable looking at or discussing a home while the owner/seller is present.
• Make sure there are no foul odors in the house and don’t cook fish or strong-smelling foods. Light a scented candle or bake some cookies, to add to the ambiance of your home, but don’t overdo it with air-fresheners or buyer may thing you’re trying to hide a bad smell!
• If you have pets, make sure they are out of the way. Although you do not mind Fido jumping on you when you get home, the buyers will not like it nor the real estate agent when her stockings get torn! Also, if you have cats, make sure the litter box is well cleaned! Ideally, pets should stay somewhere else while the home is being shown, especially indoor pets – many buyers will assume that animals indoor mean hidden odors, stains, or damage to the home.
• When the agents arrive to show the house, if you are at home, let them do the showing. Refrain from following the agent around your whole house; this will make you appear to be desperate. Let the agents do their job. If they have questions or need help they will let you know. Many sellers unintentionally sabotage themselves while trying to help.
  
• Do not smoke in your home while it is being shown, buyers may be allergic and many non-smokers find smoking offensive, or will form negative opinions about your home because of the smoke smell.
  
• Remove clutter! Less is definitely more; you want the house to feel as open and airy as possible. Now is the time to donate the old clothse to charity and throw away anything that would be categorized as junk. If you have to, you may even want to put some stuff in storage temporarily. Also make sure your closets are not stuffed to the gills, this will make it appear as though there is a lack of closet space.
• If rodent or insect infestations exist, they must be dealt with and cured prior to showing your home!
• Make your kitchen & bathrooms sparkle. Clear off the countertops in your kitchen; remove toasters, food processors and the like. Be sure the dishes are washed and put away. Decorative items are fine, settings on the kitchen and dining room tables are a nice touch. Put out some decorative towels in your bathroom. Make sure there is no mold or the like in your bathtub or shower. You may even want to re-grout the tiles. Make sure toilets are flushed & close the lids.
• Make sure that none of your furniture is blocking or making it difficult for buyers to walk through your home. You may even have to move some of your furniture around, a professional real estate agent or home stager can give you some good ideas on this.
• Make sure your lawn and garden are neatly manicured and that the property is free of debris or garbage. Planting some pretty flowers or bushes will also add to the curb appeal.
• If you have hardwood or parquet floors, it would be worth the investment to have them sanded, shined and polyurethaned. This is relatively inexpensive.
  
• If you haven’t painted in a while, doing so is very worthwhile. They say every thousand dollars you spend painting a house brings back your investment at least threefold! Oh, and use white or a light neutral paint, it makes the rooms look larger and is less likely to clash with the individual buyer’s tastes.
• Make sure all electrical outlets and light switches are in working order and that there are no exposed wires in the house.
• Make sure all your doors open and close properly. This is also true for sliding glass doors; you may have to take out the WD-40!
• If there is an item in your home that is need of repair, do it now. Even if it is a minor job, if not fixed, buyers may think you have not taken care of your home.
• Your front door makes a vital first impression; make sure it is clean and bright!
• Also remove as many personal photos as possible. You want the buyer to be able to visualize the home as their own!
• Make sure you are accommodating to showings. The easier it is for the agents to show your house the better. The best bet is to give your real estate agent a set of keys and put the home on a lockbox so they can show your home at anytime (within reason).
• Lastly, hire a competent and professional broker to help you. They are well worth the investment!

If you have any questions regarding this topic, please call or email me, and I’ll be glad to help.

]]> http://rainecarraway.com/http:/rainecarraway.com/MLS/feed 0 http://rainecarraway.com/http:/rainecarraway.com/MLS http://rainecarraway.com/http:/rainecarraway.com/MLS#comments Tue, 15 Dec 2009 19:35:37 +0000 Raine Carraway, Realtor® http://rainecarraway.com/?p=97

Lenders and brokers using Automated Valuation Models [AVMs], and homeowners using “free online home values” such as Zillow & HomeGain to determine the value of a property need to know what those results aren’t telling them.

1. Whether the house is really there. A computer can’t drive by a house to see if it’s actually located where it’s supposed to be, or what sort of condition it’s in. They rely on tax records, which may or may not be accurate, and  some can be updated by the consumer, who may enter false information to make their home seem more or less valuable than it really is.

2. Whether unique features of a property might add to or detract from market value. So a computer returns an estimated value of $150,000. Did it account for the sewage treatment station next door? The railroad tracks nearby with trains that blow their whistles every night? The school district? The desirability of its tree-lined street versus the next street over?

3. How long ago the property was assessed. Many AVM’s and free online services rely on public assessment records. In most of NC, this is done every 4 years, and many people are realizing that even the current tax value of their house is not necessarily anywhere near the real market value, were they to try to sell it today.

4. What makes the comparables comparable? A computer might compare your subject property to another property with similar square footage sold three months ago a quarter of a mile away. Even if that “comparable” property is in a different, less desirable school district, fronts a four-lane, 55 M.P.H. street, and is flood-prone. Or even if the property was sold under duress, such as in a divorce situation, or not at arm’s length, such as to a family member or “short-sale”. A computer simply does not know all the adjustments that might need to be made to a “comparable” property’s sales price.

5. What your home will appraise for. Automated valuations are not an appraisal, and will not give you a good idea of what your home’s appraised value will be. If the computer undervalues the home, then you are stuck getting less for your home than you would with an appraisal or market analysis done by a local professional. If the computer overvalues it, then when the bank sends out a real appraisal to determine the home’s value, they will not lend enough money to cover the “estimated price”. This can “kill” a sale, or cost additional time while contracts are renegotiated and the price lowered to the appraised value or the buyer or seller asked to pay the difference out of pocket.

6. What qualifications, designations, experience and education the preparer of the value has. When you work with an appraiser or a real estate broker, you can be confident we’re qualified, ethical and prepared to complete your assignment professionally and with good judgment. If not, you have a person to hold accountable, and can complain to their broker-in-charge or the local real estate board or commission. Most of the time, you don’t know the qualifications of whoever is behind those free online values, and they couldn’t compare to a trained professional if you did. If you’re relying on an automated valuation alone, you’re cheating yourself out of a real estate professional’s education, experience and expertise.

7. How accurate the value is. While most of these sites to state somewhere on an alternate link, or in small print in the user agreement that most people fail to read, that they are not guaranteed accurate or reliable, many consumers figure they must be reasonably close or they would not be so popular. Even in many of the areas with 99% of homes listed by the site, they have a median error of around 15%. In areas such as ours, with fewer homes indexed, and a lot of diversity in the age, style, and condition of existing homes even within a few streets of eachother, the margin of error tend to be much greater. For instance, one home in my own neighborhood took over 3 years for the owner to sale, at a price almost $70,000 less than the “Zestimate”. Had she gone with the higher online valuation, the owner would probably have never sold. Even with the data from that and other recent sales, which should have triggered some sort of correction, the value of most homes in this neighborhood remain overestimated by around $50-60,000.

If you are interested in learning the current market value of your home, please give me a call at (828) 430-1936 for a no cost, no obligation Price Opinion and Comparative Market Analysis. Even if you are selling on your own, you owe it to yourself to compare the opinion of one or more real estate professionals, or a licensed appraisal, to these online guesstimates, to make sure you are getting the best price for your home.

Home Buying Steps from Contract to Closing

Real estate transactions are different in every part of the country, so there isn’t one list of “typical” events for buyers and sellers for the progression from contract to closing.

Below you’ll find a short look at closings in my area, western North Carolina . Attorneys do title searches and acquire title insurance for buyers in our state, but some other items I mention for my region might not be typical throughout all of North Carolina .

The Home Buyer’s Offer to Purchase Contract

The majority of residential sales contracts are written by real estate agents using standard forms provided by the North Carolina Association of Realtors. These “fill in the blanks” forms were developed by attorneys and comply with our state laws.

Home Inspections, Contingencies

Home inspections normally take place after the contract is accepted by all parties. Inspections are typically paid for by the buyer.

• Contingencies for basic home inspections and pest inspections are part of the main body of the contract. Dates are inserted to indicate when buyers will complete inspections and when requests for repairs, if any, will be given to the seller.

• Contract contingencies for some types of inspections, such as those for septic systems and radon levels, are added by including a special addendum with the offer. The same is true for many other contingencies, such as appraisal requirements, buyer possession before closing, seller financing and more.

• Other standard contingencies include financing provisions, a description of items to remain in the home (or be removed), and clarification of association dues.

Residential Property Disclosure

NC law requires that most sellers furnish a residential property disclosure that describes the condition of all systems in the home.

Boundary Surveys

Buyers usually pay for surveys, but sometimes ask the seller to share in the cost. Most lenders do not require a survey, but we usually recommend them

Closing Highlights

• Attorneys do title searches, acquire title insurance for buyers, and handle the closing transaction

• Attorneys and real estate agents work with lenders to coordinate the closing, making sure everything is handled on time.

• Attorneys prepare deeds for sellers.

• Buyers and sellers contract with the attorney of their choice. We usually recommend that home buyers and sellers use different attorneys so that each party has unbiased representation if problems develop that require negotiation.

Typical Home Buyer Expenses

• Home inspections

• Surveys

• Their share of yearly property taxes, property association dues, and other similar fees (prorated for date of closing)

• Fees for a title search and duties performed by their attorney, title insurance policies, hazard insurance for a year, down payment and lender fees, flood zone certification fees

• Cost to record the new deed

• Funds to open lender escrow accounts for property taxes and insurance that will be paid by lender the following year

Typical Home Seller Expenses

• Deed preparation (attorney fee)

• Tax stamps, an excise tax based on sales price

• Their prorated share of property taxes, property association dues, other similar fees

• Real estate commission if an agency is involved

• Fees associated with loan payoff or transferring funds into a checking account (overnight fees, electronic fund transfer)

• Any costs they’ve agreed to share with the buyer

Typical Buyer’s Step-by-Step Progression

1. Buyer makes offer, seller accepts (that sounds easier than it  actually is!)

2. Buyer’s earnest money (good-faith deposit) is placed in the listing agency’s trust fund

3. Lender orders appraisal (buyer or agent might order it for a cash purchase)

4. Inspections are ordered after an acceptable appraisal is received (If time is a factor, and we’re confident the home will appraise, inspections can be done earlier)

5. Any repair issues are negotiated with the seller

6. Termite inspection is ordered (must be within 30 days of closing)

7. Surveys are ordered after a successful appraisal and inspections-buyers don’t want to invest too much into the property until they are sure it’s a go

8. Buyer applies for hazard insurance and the information goes to the lender and closing attorney

9. Nearing closing date, buyer arranges for utilities to be switched over

10. Closing takes place at the office of the buyer’s attorney. The seller’s attorney has forwarded signed deeds to the closing attorney

11. Buyer gives attorney certified funds to pay for closing and signs loan papers and other required documents

12. Attorney records new deed at the courthouse and disperses funds due to all parties

Local Information

Community Links – Caldwell County & Lenoir, NC Area Resources

Click Here For Burke County Information

Many people remember the old modulars, many of which were built by mobile home manufacturers, on-frame,  and with few options. The modular home industry has come a long way in the past 50 years, with most of today’s modulars being quality construction, fully customizable, and often indistinguishable from site built homes. However, many people still rule out these properties and stigmatize them as “two-story doublewides”, without fully understanding the differences between modular, mobile, and traditional homes.

-Modular Home Basics-

Modular homes are built on an assembly line, in a climate controlled factory, and are subject to local building codes and regulations. Today’s modular homes are highly customizable, and are transported to their site by flat bed truck, and then set onto their foundations, which can be of many types, including crawl spaces, slabs, basements, or stilts [in areas prone to flooding]. They can be built many stories high, in which case they might be set into place using a crane.

Modular homes are “move-in ready” much faster than stick built homes, because they do not suffer from construction delays caused by weather, and because the home can be constructed at the same time as the homesite is being prepared and the foundation is being built.

They are generally very energy efficient, and are built using extra materials to strengthen them for transport on a truck [however, they also face a lot more initial stress that stick built homes, so claims that modulars are "stronger than" traditional homes may not really be accurate].

Modular homes can usually be financed the same as traditional homes, and will increase in value over time. They can also be improved or expanded to accommodate the owner’s preferences.

-On Frame vs. Off Frame Modulars-

Off-frame modular homes are often referred to as “conventional” modulars, and are built to local and state codes. They differ from mobile homes because they have no axles or frame, and are transported to the site on flat-bed trucks, rather than on wheels. Multi-level modular homes are often set in place using a crane. Most lenders and many appraisers treat off-frame modulars the same as traditional site built homes

On-frame modular homes are built on a permanent chassis like a manufactured [mobile] home, and this steel frame can be used to transport them to the homesite. They are presently classified by Fannie Mae as a “manufactured home. Since “on-frame” modulars are built to local and state codes, rather than to the HUD code, they do not meet Fannie Mae’s property eligibility requirements and, at present, mortgages secured by on-frame modulars are not eligible for purchase by Fannie Mae. On the other hand, Freddie Mac treats “on-frame” the same as “off-frame” [conventional] modular homes.

Hold it right there.  Because you forgot the main thing you need.  You are a seller.  The ONLY thing you need is BUYERS.

What about your open house and internet ads?  Won’t that you get you BUYERS?  Statistics prove that only about 2% of buyers come from an open house.  So what about Craig’s List?  Well, how are you going to ensure that the buyers are prequalified?

So then — how to get BUYERS?

Don’t worry, as a FSBO, you’ll probably get plenty of buyers.  They’ll most likely fit into one of these categories:

1. Looky-loos (not serious buyers but will waste a lot of your time)
2. Unqualified buyers (you won’t know that they’re unqualified until too late)
3. Bargain hunters (investors who offer you low-ball prices)
4. Wheeler-dealers (people who want YOU to carry their loan or other creative techniques)

So how do you avoid these types of buyers?  How do you find BUYERS who are QUALIFIED, SERIOUS, AND MOTIVATED?

Did you know that up to 99% of the qualified, serious, and motivated buyers are shopping for a home with their real estate agent?  And they are NOT looking at FSBO’s.

So that’s what happened to the good buyers!  Now, how do you get them to come and view your home?  The best way to get a real estate agent to show your home to buyers is to LIST YOUR HOUSE FOR SALE WITH A REAL ESTATE AGENT.

Yes, it’s really that simple.

Afraid you’ll spend too much money on Realtor® commissions?  The National Association of Realtors® recently conducted a study that showed agent-sold homes sold for 5 to 8% MORE than a FSBO home.  So that blows the “saving money” theory, doesn’t it.

The formula is:

1. Hire a Realtor® to help you sell your house.
2. Attract the RIGHT type of buyers.
3. Attract a LOT of buyers!

After all, that’s the only thing you need, right — BUYERS!

Police

http://www.burkesheriff.org/

All Emergencies: Call 911

Burke County Sheriff’s Office has five locations:

1) 300 S. Center St.
Hildebran, NC 28637
(828)-397-4600 or (828) 397-4655

2) 910 Malcolm Blvd.
Rutherford College, NC 28671
(828)-874-3400 or (828) 874-3410

3) 1030 US Hwy 70
Connelly Springs, NC 28612
(828) 879-2326 3222

4) NC Highway 126
Morganton, NC 28655
(828) 584-0840

5) 8224 Buckeye Hollow Rd.
Jonas Ridge, NC 28641
(828) 733-1596

State Police: (Troop F, District I )

260 Enola Road Morganton, NC 28655 (828)438-6291

Morganton Department of Public Safety

non-emergencies… (828) 438-5290 or 438-5291.

Burke County Fire and Rescue

All Emergencies: Call 911

The following fire departments are located in Burke County. Please select a fire department in Burke County to view the details.

Chesterfield Fire Rescue
2160 Hwy 18 Us 64
Morganton, NC 28655

Drexel Fire Department
201 Church St
Drexel, NC 28619
Enola Volunteer Fire Dept.
2559 Enola Rd
Morganton, NC 28655-7357

George Hildebran Volunteer Fire Department
7470 George Hildebran School Rd
Connelly Springs, NC 28612

Icard TWP Fire & Rescue
100 First Ave Ne
Hildebrane, NC 28637

Jonas Ridge Volunteer Fire Department
6680 Dogwood Knob Rd
Jonas Ridge, NC 28641-0031

Lovelady Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.
748 Malcolm Blvd
Rutherford College, NC 28671-0126

Morganton Public Safety
304 College St
Morganton, NC 28655

Oak Hill Fire & Rescue
2400 Nc 181
Morganton, NC 28655

Salem Fire and Rescue Protection Association, Inc.
1315 Salem Rd
Morganton, NC 28655

South Mountains Volunteer Fire Department
8204 Gus Peeler Rd
Connelly Springs, NC 28612

Town of Glen Alpine Volunteer Fire Department
103 Pitts St
Glen Alpine, NC 28628

Triple Community Fire Department, Inc.
505 Mountain View Dr
Morganton, NC 28655-8925

Valdese Fire Department
121 Faet St
Valdese, NC 28690

Burke County’s Medical Community

All Emergencies: Call 911

Health clinics:700 East Parker Road
PO Box 1266
Morganton, NC 28680-1266
Main Phone: 828-439-4400 Fax: 828-439-4444
Environmental Health: 828-438-5430
Nursing: 828-439-4410
WIC: 828-439-4420

PUBLIC HEALTH CLINICS

If you would like to make an appointment for an Adult Health physical, please call 828-439-4400.

Come and experience the wonderful health care you will receive at Burke County Health Department Maternity Clinic.
Pregnancy Test Appointment – 439-4400
Maternity Clinic Appointments – 439-4438

If you would like to make an appointment for the Child Health Clinic, please call 828-439-4400.

Adult Dental Clinic
Dr. Wil James and his staff provide dental care to adults with Medicaid in Burke and the surrounding counties. The Adult Dental Clinic is located at the Burke Mission Station / Good Samaritan Clinic, 305 West Union Street, Morganton, NC 28655. We also provide services for clients with dental emergencies, that qualify for free care through the Good Samaritan Clinic. Services provided include cleanings, dental education, fillings, extractions and referrals for oral surgery.To schedule an appointment at the Adult Dental Office, please call 439-4448 or 439-4445

Children’s Dental Clinic
Dr. Perry Justice and his staff provide dental care to children with Medicaid in Burke and the surrounding counties. The Children’s Dental Clinic is located at the Burke County Health Department, 700 East Parker Road, Morganton, NC 28655. We also provide services through the TIN (Teeth In Need) program in conjunction with school nurses. Services provided include cleanings, dental education, fillings, extractions, referrals for braces and referrals for oral surgery.

The Burke County Health Department is pleased to offer the Family Planning Clinic to everyone. At the Family Planning Clinic, you can receive an exam, birth control and education to help you plan your future family. We offer many different types of birth control and a competent staff to help you with the such an important decision. 439-4449

Need to get vaccinated for college? Does your child need vaccinations for school? Do you need to get vaccinated before your next vacation?
Call 439-4400 for an appointment with a nurse

Burke County’s Places of Worship

Abundant Life Tabernacle
(828) 758-2722 See reviews on Local 2979 Playmore Beach Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Amherst Baptist Church
(828) 437-7803 See reviews on Local 1024 Amherst Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Antioch Baptist Church
(828) 437-7740 See reviews on Local 2441 Antioch Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Arneys United Methodist Church
(828) 437-8584 See reviews on Local 3625 Fish Hatchery Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Asheville Street Bapt Prsng
(828) 437-7255 119 Asheville St
Morganton, NC Map

Asheville Street Baptist Chr
(828) 438-8225 See reviews on Local 119 Asheville St
Morganton, NC Map

Bethel Baptist Church
(828) 438-9272 See reviews on Local 3861 Pax Hill Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Bethel Church Of Christ
(828) 438-9595 See reviews on Local 415 Bethel Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Brookwood Baptist Church
(828) 430-9671 See reviews on Local 210 Brookwood Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Brown Mountain Baptist Church
(828) 438-9414 See reviews on Local 2046 Brown Mountain Beach Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Burke Community Bible Church
(828) 430-8881 See reviews on Local 114 S Sterling St
Morganton, NC Map

Burkemont Baptist Church
(828) 437-2357 Web Site See reviews on Local 4668 Burkemont Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Calvary Baptist Church
(828) 437-2738 See reviews on Local 407 S Green St
Morganton, NC Map

Calvary Lutheran Church
(828) 437-0780 See reviews on Local 119 N King St
Morganton, NC Map

Calvin Heights Baptist Church
(828) 584-2876 Web Site See reviews on Local 107 Calvin Heights St
Morganton, NC Map

Carswell Memorial Baptist Chr
(828) 437-5120 See reviews on Local 3386 Carswell Church Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Catawba River Baptist Assn
(828) 437-0137 See reviews on Local 1812 US 70 E
Morganton, NC Map

Catawba Valley Baptist Church
(828) 437-9237 See reviews on Local 706 Lenoir Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Central Baptist Church
(828) 438-4198 See reviews on Local 108 Murphy Ct
Morganton, NC Map

Chamber Chapel Baptist Church
(828) 584-1544 See reviews on Local 4089 Chambers Chapel Cir
Morganton, NC Map

Chesterfield Church Of Christ
(828) 430-8714 See reviews on Local 2088 Hartland Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Chesterfield Church Of God Inc
(828) 437-9109 See reviews on Local 1998 Bristol Creek Ave
Morganton, NC Map

Christ United Methodist Church
(828) 433-1100 See reviews on Local 2314 Starnes St
Morganton, NC Map

Christian Outreach Church
(828) 437-8511 See reviews on Local 500 E Fleming Dr
Morganton, NC Map

Church Of Christ
(828) 433-0478 See reviews on Local 404 Lenoir Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Corpening Chapel Ame Church
(828) 584-6070 See reviews on Local 2961 Corpening Chapel Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Cross Memorial Bapt Chr Prsng
(828) 437-1957 See reviews on Local 900 Enola Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Cross Memorial Baptist Church
(828) 437-1021 See reviews on Local 650 Enola Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Drexel Christian Ctr
(828) 438-4775 See reviews on Local 521 Settlemyre Rd
Morganton, NC Map

El Bethel Baptist Church
(828) 437-0570 See reviews on Local 1731 N Green St
Morganton, NC Map

Emmanuel Spanish Assembly-God
(828) 433-8432 See reviews on Local 688 Kirksey Dr
Morganton, NC Map

Enon Baptist Church
(828) 879-9241 See reviews on Local 2059 Enon Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Faith Presbyterian Church
(828) 433-1052 See reviews on Local 605 Bost Rd
Morganton, NC Map

First Advent Christian Church
(828) 437-8206 See reviews on Local 211 Lenoir Rd
Morganton, NC Map

First Apostolic Church
(828) 437-8380 See reviews on Local 325 Drexel Rd
Morganton, NC Map

First Assembly Of God
(828) 433-6171 See reviews on Local 1955 US 70 E
Morganton, NC Map

First Baptist Church-Morganton
(828) 437-2544 See reviews on Local 502 W Union St
Morganton, NC Map

First Hmong Baptist Church
(828) 432-9890 See reviews on Local 301 Walker Rd
Morganton, NC Map

First Pentecostal Church
(828) 334-5770 See reviews on Local 301 Patterson St
Morganton, NC Map

First Presbyterian Church
(828) 437-1811 See reviews on Local 100 Silver Creek Rd
Morganton, NC Map

First United Methodist Church
(828) 437-0921 See reviews on Local 200 N King St
Morganton, NC Map

Friendship Baptist Church
(828) 437-7212 See reviews on Local 408 Church St
Morganton, NC Map

Gaston Chapel Ame Parsonage
(828) 437-4600 See reviews on Local 205 Inglewood Dr
Morganton, NC Map

Gibbs Chapel Wesleyan Church
(828) 584-0453 See reviews on Local 1741 Jamestown Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Glen Alpine United Methodist
(828) 584-1292 See reviews on Local 410 Linville St
Morganton, NC Map

Grace Baptist Church
(828) 433-1508 See reviews on Local 1939 Paul Shuping Ave
Morganton, NC Map

Grace Episcopal Church
(828) 437-1133 See reviews on Local 303 S King St
Morganton, NC Map

Grandview Baptist Chr
(828) 584-6785 See reviews on Local 2492 Nc 126
Morganton, NC Map

Green Street Presbyterian Chr
(828) 438-4286 See reviews on Local 425 N Green St
Morganton, NC Map

Hartland Baptist Church
(828) 437-8940 See reviews on Local 3730 Hartland Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Hartland Church Of God
(828) 437-6137 See reviews on Local 3646 Piney Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Hartland Missionary Methodist
(828) 437-0113 See reviews on Local 2556 Piney Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Harvest Chapel Evangel Mthdst
(828) 584-4278 See reviews on Local 910 Carbon City Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Heritage Baptist Church
(828) 433-6198 See reviews on Local 707 E Parker Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Hopewell Baptist Church
(828) 437-4823 See reviews on Local 1112 Hopewell Rd
Morganton, NC Map

House Of Praise Fellowship
(828) 438-0102 See reviews on Local 204 W Union St
Morganton, NC Map

Iglesia Nueva Vida
(828) 437-6365 See reviews on Local
Morganton, NC Map

Islamic Center Of Morganton
(828) 439-9487 See reviews on Local 203 Bethel St
Morganton, NC Map

Jehovah’s Witnesses
(828) 584-6096 See reviews on Local 1663 Jamestown Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Laurel Haven Baptist Church
(828) 433-0818 See reviews on Local 4627 Blue Ridge Blvd
Morganton, NC Map

Luz Y Verdad Church
(828) 432-0561 See reviews on Local 805 Vine Arden Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Mc Elrath Chapel
(828) 584-2044 See reviews on Local 2714 Jamestown Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Mission Ame Church
(828) 438-1155 2228 Piedmont Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Missionary Ridge Baptist Ch
(828) 437-2450 See reviews on Local 3970 US 64
Morganton, NC Map

Missionary Ridge Baptist Chr
(828) 437-2450 See reviews on Local 5612 John Watts St
Morganton, NC Map

Morganton Baptist Church
(828) 437-8047 See reviews on Local 201 Believers Way
Morganton, NC Map

Morganton First Church Of God
(828) 433-6709 See reviews on Local 675 Summers Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Morganton Wesleyan Church
(828) 433-1147 See reviews on Local 305 Bethel St
Morganton, NC Map

Morganton Seventh Day
(828) 584-8813 2187 Jamestown Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Mountain View Second Bapt Chr
(828) 584-4961 See reviews on Local 5510 Watson Price Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Mt Home Baptist Church
(828) 437-0593 See reviews on Local 2272 Mount Home Church Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Mt Olive Baptist Church
(828) 584-4840 See reviews on Local 5388 Mount Olive Church Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Mull’s Grove Baptist Church
(828) 437-0470 See reviews on Local 5106 Burkemont Rd
Morganton, NC Map

N Morganton Untd Methodist Chr
(828) 437-3852 See reviews on Local 990 Sanford Dr
Morganton, NC Map

New Day Christian Church
(828) 433-8465 See reviews on Local 107 N Green St # A
Morganton, NC Map

New Day Christian Church
(828) 437-2871 See reviews on Local 1023 E Union St
Morganton, NC Map

New Hope Baptist Church
(828) 438-1825 See reviews on Local 413 Bouchelle St
Morganton, NC Map

North Morganton Baptist Church
(828) 437-3287 See reviews on Local 101 View St
Morganton, NC Map

Nowling Chapel Free Will Bapt
(828) 584-1212 See reviews on Local 5061 US 64
Morganton, NC Map

Oak Forest United Methodist
(828) 437-5311 See reviews on Local 101 Forest St
Morganton, NC Map

Oak Hill Methodist Church
(828) 433-5308 See reviews on Local 2239 Nc 181
Morganton, NC Map

Pleasant Grove Baptist Church
(828) 438-0280 See reviews on Local 4754 Old Nc Highway 18
Morganton, NC Map

Pleasant Hill Baptist Church
(828) 437-4082 See reviews on Local 2396 Enola Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church
(828) 584-0310 See reviews on Local 1698 Conley Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Pleasant View Baptist Church
(828) 437-3469 See reviews on Local 1834 US 70 E
Morganton, NC Map

Presbytery Of Western Nc
(828) 438-4217 See reviews on Local 114 Silver Creek Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Quaker Meadow’s Presby Church
(828) 433-0329 See reviews on Local 2698 Nc 181
Morganton, NC Map

Rainhill Wesleyan Church
(828) 584-8444 See reviews on Local 5763 Rainhill Church Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Resource Center Presbytery
(828) 438-4217 114 Silver Creek Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Restoration Family Worship
(828) 437-2266 See reviews on Local 204 Avery Ave
Morganton, NC Map

River Valley Baptist Church
(828) 584-0878 See reviews on Local 1945 Conley Bumgarner Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Riverside Baptist Church
(828) 437-0090 See reviews on Local 516 Nc 126
Morganton, NC Map

Roy Shehan Fellowship Ctr
(828) 584-4016 See reviews on Local 5990 Nowlings Chapel Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Rupert Ferguson
(828) 433-9665 See reviews on Local 2521 Willowtree Church Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Salem United Methodist Church
(828) 433-6600 See reviews on Local 1206 Salem Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Shiloh Ame Church
(828) 584-3962 Web Site See reviews on Local 1323 N Powerhouse Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Shining Light Baptist Church
(828) 439-8100 See reviews on Local 306 Carbon City Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Silver Creek Baptist Church
(828) 433-7962 See reviews on Local 4504 Silver Creek Church Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Slades Chapel Ame Zion Chr
(828) 433-1036 See reviews on Local 307 E Union St
Morganton, NC Map

Slades Chapel Ame Zion Chr
(828) 433-1036 306 Bouchelle St
Morganton, NC Map

Smyrna Baptist Church
(828) 438-8935 See reviews on Local 3500 Brown Mountain Beach Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Solid Rock Baptist Church
(828) 437-4585 See reviews on Local 2505 Burke Memorial Park Rd
Morganton, NC Map

South Mountain Baptist Church
(828) 437-0796 See reviews on Local 3676 US 64
Morganton, NC Map

Southside Baptist Church
(828) 433-0084 See reviews on Local 221 Herron St
Morganton, NC Map

St Charles Catholic Church
(828) 437-3108 Web Site See reviews on Local 728 W Union St
Morganton, NC Map

St John Holiness Church
(828) 437-7279 See reviews on Local 205 Branch St
Morganton, NC Map

St Luke Christian Holiness Chr
(828) 433-9192 See reviews on Local 126 Brookside Ln
Morganton, NC Map

St Mary’s Episcopal Church
(828) 437-5469 See reviews on Local 140 Saint Marys Church Rd
Morganton, NC Map

St Matthew’s United Methodist
(828) 437-5420 See reviews on Local 201 Shady Rest Rd
Morganton, NC Map

St Paul’s Episcopal Church
(828) 584-0955 See reviews on Local 1865 N Powerhouse Rd
Morganton, NC Map

St Stephen’s Episcopal Church
(828) 433-9415 See reviews on Local 318 Bouchelle St
Morganton, NC Map

Sunrise Independent Bapt Chr
(828) 584-6789 See reviews on Local 1631 Jamestown Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Table Rock Baptist Church
(828) 438-4060 See reviews on Local 1845 Harmon St
Morganton, NC Map

Thao Toua
(828) 432-9890 301 Walker Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Walker Road Baptist Church
(828) 438-1080 See reviews on Local 100 Walker Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Walker’s Chapel Baptist Church
(828) 437-4914 See reviews on Local 5292 Walker Chapel Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Willow Tree Ame Church
(828) 437-9070 See reviews on Local 2500 Willowtree Church Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Zion Baptist Church
(828) 437-3080 See reviews on Local 3396 Pea Ridge Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Zion Memorial United Methodist
(828) 437-3444 See reviews on Local 1595 Zion Rd
Morganton, NC Map

Burke County Area Schools

Charter School -

New Dimensions
501 East Concord Meeting Street
Morganton, NC 28655
828-437-5753 (K-5)
http://www.newdimensionschool.org/

\

Burke County Government Offices

Morganton City Hall is located at
305 East Union Street, Suite A100.
Office hours are 8:00 – 5:00, Monday thru Friday, (828) 437-8863.

For after hours utility emergencies please call (828) 438-5277.

Burke County Utilities

Morganton Electric Department, Please call (828) 438-5277 to report a power outage or electric problem.Call (828) 438-5245 to apply for new service or for billing questions.

Electric & Water Service
(828) 438-5245

To turn on or transfer Electric or Water/Sewer service

1. Please go in person to City Hall at 305 East Union Street, Suite A100.
You can turn into the main City Hall Parking lot from Bouchelle Street, or East Union Street. Walk under the water tower (Morganton Trading Company) into the City Hall offices.
2. Go to Customer Service with the following:
- A. a North Carolina driver’s license, or
B. another state driver’s license, or C. a government issued picture ID.

Deposits for Residential Service

Electric – $100
Water deposit – $15.00 for inside city limits or $30.00 for outside city limits
- Wastewater Deposit – $15.00 for inside city limits or $30.00 for outside city limits
Deposits are not required for homeowners. Other customers with a good payment record having had prior service with the City for the past twelve months will not be required to provide a deposit. A letter of credit from another utility company stating that he/she has had a good payment history for the past 12 months may also be provided in lieu of a cash deposit.
Deposits for Commercial Service:

Call 438-5245 for details.
Questions?
For questions about transferring or turning on
service, e-mail:

Water:
pduckworth@ci.morganton.nc.us
or call (828) 438-5276

Electric: sstephens@ci.morganton.nc.us
or call (828) 438-5245.

Cable TV & Internet
(828) 438-5353

To get Cable TV or High Speed Internet

1. Please go in person to City Hall at 305 East Union Street, Suite A100.
2. Go to Cable Services with the following:
A government issued picture ID
First month’s payment
For questions about Cable TV or High Speed Internet service, e-mail:

willettem@ci.morganton.nc.us
or call (828) 438-5353.

To report a water outage or for information regarding new construction of water/sewer taps, call (828) 438-5276
Tap water testing available

The town of Valdese

Police 879-2102

Fire 879-2103

Town Mgr. 879-2116

Town Hall 879-2120

Planning 879-2124

Tourism 879-2126

Water Plant 879-2127

Public Works 879-2128

Wastewater 879-2131

Rec. Dept. 879-2132

In some cases, a seller will ask to remain in the real estate for a time after closing. You may say yes or no to the request, but before you make your decision, there are some important things to keep in mind.

Requests for Possession Delay
Sometimes just prior to contract closing, a seller may ask for time to vacate the home, or to take care of other issues on the transfer of possession. While the request may seem to be in order, a buyer should consider it with caution.

If you choose to allow the request, the prior owner should at least be made to pay rent for any extra time. There must be a firm limit on the time the seller can stay in the property after the signing of the contract, and it needs to be in written form. An agreement setting forth the details of the after-closing possession can be provided by the real estate attorney or, in jurisdictions where attorneys are not involved in real estate purchase contracts, by the escrow officer.

If the seller announces at the time of closing that he or she has to stay in the home longer, and you agree to allow it, it is usually advisable to delay closing on the property until the seller can clear out, rather than become an unwilling landlord to a potentially troublesome tenant.

Why is Possession Following Closing a Problem?
Once you close on a property, it’s yours. It is your responsibility. Anyone living there can do so only with your permission and they should be under a rental agreement or equivalent; even that does not insulate you from the risk of a loss. If the prior owner accidentally starts a fire that damages the house, you are responsible and you are accountable for the loss. The “tenant” will not be accountabile for the loss unless it is clearly included in the agreement — and even then the inclusion may be hard to enforce.

Additionally, sellers who stay in possession after closing have a lower level of motivation to take care of the property and make needed repairs or do any maintenance. When the deal closes, you accept it in the condition in which it stands at the time of closing.

Whatever damage that occurs after the contract closing accrues to the buyer, irrespective of who is living there. So if a carpet gets torn up or a furniture mover drags an appliance and scars a wall or kitchen tile, you will end up paying for the entire cost of the repair work.

A frequent problem with letting the seller keep possession past closing is that items that should remain with the home can disappear between closing and the time the buyer takes possession. Even in this case, the buyer is responsible for the loss because that liability goes along with ownership.

As the buyer, you assume a responsibility commensurate with your investment. It is safest to stay with possession at the time of closing, or to reschedule closing until the former owner has moved out from the property and can deliver the keys.