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3 Important Ways to Make Moving Less Stressful

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There are only a couple of weeks left in 2018. As the year ends, and we head into 2019, many of us in North Carolina are starting to focus on our New Year’s resolutions and the fresh year ahead. January is just around the corner and those homeowners who are soon planning a move to a new location need quality realtors. The best agents find the best solutions. Our Flat Fee Realty agents suggest buyers make 2019 the year brings success and little stress in planning a move. Remember, considering how to reach one’s goals makes them more easily achieved.

Homeowners and buyers resolving to make moving less stressful in the new year need to consider these three important ways to make it happen:

  • Work with our experienced Flat Fee Realty agents: Navigating the real estate process can easily become overwhelming. Fortunately, working with our experience team of professionals means buyers and sellers will get the advice, feedback, and answers they need to make informed decisions.  Everyone appreciates our Flat Fee Realty agents, who have a wealth of experience and expertise.

  • Stay organized and clutter-free: Always, consider where belongings will go when buying a new home, and pack and label possessions accordingly for the move. Although people may rearrange a few things as they settle into their new home, packing boxes with an idea of where they should go will make unloading and unpacking less intimidating. The moving process is also an excellent time to donate, sell, or dispose of unnecessary and unused items that are simply taking up space. Preparing to sell or buy is the perfect time to reduce clutter in a home.
  • Enlist the help and support of many: From packing, to loading and unloading boxes and furniture on moving day, buyers and sellers should reach out to others. Request the assistance of friends and family if they live nearby. Otherwise, professional movers are also a great option. Buyers can ask their trusted Flat Fee Realty agent for recommendations to ensure their movers are experienced and will handle every one of the possessions with care. Having help on moving day will literally lighten the load of moving.

While the process of buying and selling a home in North Carolina can be stressful, there are ways to minimize that stress. Work with our experienced real estate agent, stay organized, and enlist the help of others. Ready to get started? Contact a Flat Fee Realty agent today!

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This post on selling and buying a home in the Triangle, Wilmington, Charlotte, and Lake Norman is brought to you by the team at Flat Fee Realty and is intended for informational purposes only.

The Future of Real Estate!

Flat Fee Realty

919 342 5230 (Main Number)

Find and like us on Facebook!

Contact Us

Terry@FlatFeeNC.com

Photo: Pixabay

Tags: real estate, New Years, resolution, resolve, moving, stress, packing, unpacking, buying, selling, moving, organization, 2019, 2018, New Year’s resolution, declutter

3 Holiday Secrets to Selling a North Carolina Home

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It’s late November, and the holiday season is in full swing. Thanksgiving has arrived and all of the holiday favorites line the end caps at the grocery stores. Holiday music serenades the most harried of shoppers. Even our street lamps are starting to get into the holiday spirit; many of the lamp posts are already dressed in green pine with festive red bows. While many of us across the Carolinas look forward to the holidays, we also can be intimidating by the thought of relocation and home selling. Fortunately, at Flat Fee Realty, our agents have experience with selling homes in the Triangle, Wilmington, Charlotte, and Lake Norman this holiday season and all year long.  

Let Flat Fee Realty take the stress out of sell and buying homes during the holidays with three helpful “almost secret” common sense tips:  

  • Don’t neglect holiday curb appeal: As the bright colors of summer and fall foliage fade to wintery browns, a home’s exterior may be less vibrant than it is in spring and summer. Maintain curb appeal and attract buyers by keeping a neat lawn. Rake the leaves and keep bushes and grass trimmed. Additionally, there is less daylight at this time of year. For buyers looking at houses after dark, homes without sufficient exterior lighting may look less appealing. Make sure prospective buyers see sufficient outdoor lighting for that perfect view. Finally, don’t overcrowd the home’s exterior with too many decorations and holiday lights; use just enough to enhance the beauty of the home, especially at night.  

  • Keep seasonal decorations simple and unique: Outdoor holiday décor is important this time of year, and indoor decorations should be planned as well. Too many decorations can clutter featured rooms like the den and the dining room. When in doubt, check with our experienced Flat Fee Realty agent to ensure the decorations are adding to the home’s appeal.

  • Work with an experienced Flat Fee Realty Agent: Working with our team will ensure every home is listed at a price that will attract buyers (without sacrificing the value of a seller’s house). Our professionals utilize MLS and other online resources which makes it easier for buyers to find a seller’s listing.

While Christmas and New Year may be intimidating times to list a home, there are several ways in which sellers can maximize the potential of their listing, especially during a time when there is less competition. Ready to list a home? Contact one of our experienced Flat Fee Realty agents to get started.

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This post on selling and buying a home during the holiday season in the Triangle, Wilmington, Charlotte, and Lake Norman is brought to you by the team at Flat Fee Realty and is intended for informational purposes only.

The Future of Real Estate! 

Flat Fee Realty of the LKN, Raleigh and Wilmington

919 342 5230 (Main Number) 

Find and like us on Facebook! 

Contact Us 

Terry@FlatFeeNC.com 

Photo: Annalise1988, Pixabay

 

 

3 Points Home Buyers Must Assess When Home Shopping in North Carolina

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Happy Halloween, everyone! It is a great season of fun as we head to the holidays. For many Triangle, Lake Norman, Charlotte, and Wilmington home buyers, shopping for a new home and location can be very challenging. Fall is the perfect time for making a change, and there are many homes on the market in the regions of North Carolina we serve! It is important, especially for first time home buyers to separate wants and needs. Unfortunately, there is no “perfect” home; yet there are so many places to live that improve lifestyle and opportunity! Some home seekers have an unrealistic list of must-have features and this causes them to miss out on a great upgrade for an ideal home. Our expert agents at Flat Fee Realty want to help home buyers across North Carolina find the best available home this time of year. We will help every prospective buyer know the variables of what is important when looking for a home.   

Our Flat Fee Realty experts offer three important issues home buyers should deemphasize when looking for a new home:  

  • The home’s decor: It truly does not make sense to disregard a home due to interior paint color and fixtures. An original homeowner’s taste in design is a simple fix and it should not affect the house’s suitability. A baby’s room could become a home office. Do not focus on changeable items and temporary situations. 
  • Home warranty: In the competitive North Carolina real estate market, some sellers will offer incentives. While a new home warranty does offer benefits and provides basic peace of mind, be careful to be over-influenced. A warranty only covers specific systems in the home and provides for discounted repairs; do not confuse it with insurance. 
  • Interior space: Many buyers want a specific amount of square footage, but flexibility will allow suitability. An open floor plan can make a smaller home feel larger, and townhomes offer advantages as well.

Open houses can be a lot of fun for buyers, but there is a lot to think about. The one strategy home buyers in the Triangle, Lake Norman, Charlotte, and Wilmington can apply is to keep things simple.  Focus on the basics of what is important. Keeping non-negotiable needs the top priority and assess the possibilities of everything else. This advice is central to a low-stress home buying experience.

Our team can help. And our buying and selling agents at Flat Fee Realty are here across North Carolina to begin the process!  

Contact an agent at Flat Fee Realty today!

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Happy Halloween! This post on selling and buying a home in the regions of the Triangle, Raleigh, Lake Norman, Charlotte, and Wilmington is brought to you by the team at Flat Fee Realty and is intended for informational purposes only.  

The Future of Real Estate! 

 Flat Fee Realty 

919 342 5230 (Raleigh and the Triangle)
910 225 7721 (Wilmington, Carolina Beach)
704 659 3560 (Lake Norman, Charlotte)

Photo: Pixabay

Contact Us 

Terry@FlatFeeNC.com 

 

 

3 North Carolina Home Improvements Worth the Investment

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Shows like Fixer Upper and Property Brothers are fun to watch and inspire many homeowners across North Carolina to think creatively about how to upgrade their homes.  For both sellers and buyers, completing home-improvement projects can be rewarding and can make a home in Charlotte, Lake Norman, Wilmington and the Triangle more attractive and functional; however, whether just moving in or preparing to sell a home, Flat Fee Realty agents recommend clients consider the return investment before spending large sums of money on major renovations.

These three upgrades are worth the investment because each one increases resale value:

  • Update a dated bathroom: A nice bathroom to pamper oneself goes a long way in the housing market. Bathroom remodels normally earn back up to 100% of what homeowners put into it. Not sure where to start? Tile the area around the tub, and add a shower door. Upgrade the vanity (choose something both stylish and functional with storage space) and install a new faucet. If there isn’t any ventilation in the bathroom, adding a new bathroom vent fan may help keep the humidity and mildew from warm showers at bay.

  • Add curb appeal: First impressions are everything. If the house exterior needs cleaning, try remedying the problem with a spray like Wet & Forget. If it still looks dull and faded after that process, consider freshening up the outside of the home with a professional power wash, then a fresh coat of paint. Next, think about the light fixtures both for safety and curb appeal. Finally, a nicely-landscaped lawn can go a long way. Start by trimming any overgrown bushes or trees. Then, consider consulting a landscaper or even a local garden center for ideas.

  • Upgrade the kitchen: Kitchens are another great place for upgrading for a solid return investment. Try to avoid the cheapest materials, but don’t overspend by purchasing items that are more luxurious than functional. Also, remember that while television shows entertain viewers with major renovations, many homeowners can create beautiful spaces with a few simple changes. For example, consider creating storage space that makes items easily-accessible, add granite countertops, and add an upgraded backsplash.

Before spending money on a major renovation, clients should contact a Flat Fee Realty agent to ensure their plans align with the interests of most buyers. This will increase the likelihood of getting a return investment on one’s home-improvement projects.

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This post on selling and buying a home in the Triangle, Wilmington, Charlotte, and Lake Norman is brought to you by the team at Flat Fee Realty and is intended for informational purposes only.

The Future of Real Estate!

Flat Fee Realty

919 342 5230 (Main Number)

Find and like us on Facebook!

Contact Us

Terry@FlatFeeNC.com

Photo : artursfoto, Pixabay

 

 

 

Three Reasons to Buy a Home in the Triangle’s Competitive Market

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It’s no secret that the Triangle is growing rapidly each and every month. While this growth is great for the North Carolina economy, making Raleigh a candidate for new Amazon and Apple headquarters, it also contributes to a competitive real estate market. From cities like Raleigh and Durham to towns like Apex, Cary, or Holly Springs, the Triangle’s real estate market is booming. For those looking to put down roots—especially first-time buyers—it may seem intimidating. Working with an experienced Flat Fee Realty agent, however, has its advantages when buying a home in the Triangle’s competitive market. 

Our team of local professionals offers three important reasons to work with Flat Fee Realty in the Triangle:

  • Access to MLS: With houses selling so quickly, it is important to be able to see available homes as they come on the market. Searches can be tailored to meet buyers’ interests and needs. For example, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms desired, a range of square footage, and garage size can all be filtered, so buyers can easily see the homes that will appeal to them and their needs most. While updates with these tailored searches can regularly be sent to buyers, buyers are also able to search through available listings at their convenience. 
  • Experienced agents: Buying a home is one of the biggest purchases most people make! Our experienced Flat Fee Realty agents know just what to look for in a home and are happy to answer clients’ questions, so they can make informed decisions. Receiving trustworthy advice from an agent who is familiar with the market and has years of experience in the real estate industry helps buyers to feel more confident when making big decisions in pursuit of buying a home.

  • Expert negotiators: Once buyers find their dream home, it’s time to negotiate. From offers to repairs, our real estate agents have the client’s best interest in mind and our team of professionals know how to navigate the complex and delicate nature of negotiation in the Triangle’s competitive market.

 

Flat Fee Realty agents know that buying a house is an important decision and we are here to help our clients find the home of their dreams in the Triangle with complete confidence. When working with buyers, we are passionate about helping our clients find a house they will be excited to call home.

Looking to buy a home? Contact Flat Fee Realty today!

Important Notice 

Not only do we have offices in the Triangle, we also have offices in the beautiful Lake Norman Region just north of Charlotte, and in Coastal Carolina in picturesque Wilmington. 

Lake Norman 704 659 3560

Wilmington 910 225 7721

Triangle 919 342 5230 

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This post on selling and buying a home in the Triangle is brought to you by the team at Flat Fee Realty and is intended for informational purposes only.

The Future of Real Estate! 

Flat Fee Realty 

919 342 5230 

Find and like us on Facebook! 

Contact Us

 Terry@FlatFeeNC.com

 Photo: geralt, pixabay

 

 

5 Holiday Home Improvements to Make Before Selling

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Always have a game plan before putting your North Carolina home on the market; Flat Fee Realty offers five suggestions that will help boost curb appeal and possibly increase the selling price as we head through the Holiday Season.

Working with an experienced Flat Fee Realty agent in Lake Norman, Raleigh, the Triangle and Wilmington is a great way to get input on what improvements can be made. From suggestions about lawn care to how to stage furniture, our team is adept at preparing a home to sell.

5 home improvements to consider before listing your home for sale are:

  • Spruce up the landscape: Curb appeal with be the first attraction to catch a buyer’s eye. Make sure the mailbox is visible and not overgrown, replace faded or missing house numbers. Clean the yard of fall debris and add some color to the entrance way for great first impressions.
  • Replace or clean carpets: Unless the carpets are already new, they are likely holding lots of dirt and odor. A thorough clean or a fresh carpet throughout the house will revamp the entire space and impress potential buyers.
  • Small or partial renovations: Instead of investing in complete overhauls, consider taking on smaller projects such as replacing appliances in the kitchen or updating countertops in the bathrooms.
  • Fresh coat of paint: Many homes are bound to see scruffs and paint chips on the walls, so fresh layers of paint will do wonders to brighten up a space. Also, consider painting neutral colors (builder beige for example) over all existing walls to further appeal to buyers.
  • Update lights and plumbing fixtures: New faucets and sinks will dramatically change the feel of a space, so consider that for a simple project. Updating light fixtures is also a less intensive way to increase home value and buyer appeal.

For more insight regarding home improvements to increase home value, contact our agents at Flat Fee Realty today. We’re happy to help during each step of the listing, selling, and buying processes!

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This post on selling and buying a home in North Carolina is brought to you by the team at Flat Fee Realty LLC and is intended for informational purposes only.

Look for our new locations in Wilmington and Lake Norman/ Charlotte

Find us on Instagram!

The Future of Real Estate!

Flat Fee Realty

Triangle: 919 342 5230 

Lake Norman/ Charlotte: 704 659 3560

Wilmington: 910 225 7721

Find and like us on Facebook!

Contact Us

Terry@FlatFeeNC.com

Photo: Tim Hill, Pixabay

3 Big Differences with Flat Fee Realty NC Agents

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It’s Thanksgiving! And Flat Fee Realty NC is expanding. We are grateful because we are growing not only in the Triangle NC, but in coastal Wilmington and Lake Norman as well. Regardless of where we have growing presence, we are committed to our buyers and sellers! It is important to share that many first time home buyers and sellers think that all real estate agents are about the same, with similar qualities and duties. Yet there is a difference between our FFR agents and others across the Tar Heel State. Our top goal is the client’s best interest.

Now, how do buyers and sellers in the Triangle find and choose the right agent? We only ask potential clients to do a little homework. Our real estate experts at Flat Fee Realty know just what to look for and we want to share the most important factors to consider when choosing an agent.

Flat Fee Realty NC agents offer three big differences in the North Carolina regions we serve:

  • Open Communication: Agents are required by law to have a client’s best interests in mind, and to put them first. Every agent who values open communication is sure to embrace this important principle; our team clearly and fully explains pricing, strategies, and market trends. Flat Fee Realty agents are always upfront with any hurdles or challenges that may arise. Also, since buyers and sellers will be working closely with our agents, it’s best to have an established relationship built on trust formed through open communication.
  • Key regions Flat Fee Realty NC covers: Buyers and sellers interested in residential real estate likely won’t find much value in an agent who does not know residential markets. The internet has also given our agents more access to larger territories, and we have the valuable knowledge of neighborhoods and popular areas that our potential clients want and need.
  • Quality references: Our team offers client testimonials and other references available for review. Buyers and sellers should take advantage of our references when possible because no one can attest to an agent’s quality as well as a previous client. Be sure to ask specific questions when conversing with references so they will provide adequate details.

It might take some patience, but the best real estate agent is in the Flat Fee Realty NC team. Call and meet us to ensure a great fit. Want more about us? Click Flat Fee Realty today!

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This real estate blog post on selling and buying a home in North Carolina is brought to you by the team at Flat Fee Realty LLC and is intended for informational purposes only.

Look for our new locations in Wilmington and Lake Norman/ Charlotte

Find us on Instagram!

The Future of Real Estate!

Flat Fee Realty

Triangle: 919 342 5230 

Lake Norman/ Charlotte: 704 659 3560

Wilmington: 910 225 7721

Find and like us on Facebook!

Contact Us

Terry@FlatFeeNC.com

 

4 Strategies from the FFR Playbook Before Buyers Say YES to the House!

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Buying a new home is very exciting, especially in the Triangle, Lake Norman, and Wilmington. The North Carolina real estate market is growing and improving every day, creating a high percentage of happy homeowners. While this is an exciting time, saying “yes” to the house is a big decision. 

Flat Fee Realty knows that there is a proven process to finding the perfect home and that is how we help homebuyers across North Carolina.

Four facts from the Flat Fee Realty Playbook that are a must read before saying yes to the house:

  • Layout and design: Homes are unique. The potential homeowner has to decide on the style of home, whether it be a traditional single-family home, a townhouse or even a condo. Each home has a different style and everything should complement the owner’s wants and needs.
  • Cost: Buying a home is one of lifetime’s biggest financial decisions. It is vital to make sure that all monies are in order to buy a home; finances are essential to determine what the potential buyer can afford. Remember to include the expenses for furniture and any home improvements.
  • Neighborhood: The location of the home and choosing the right neighborhood are very important. The ideal location of the home depends on the owner’s specific needs (job, shopping, activities, schooling) It is good to have an idea of the ideal location and neighborhood to avoid any future regrets.
  • Flat Fee Realty NC: Every neighborhood and home has a unique quality.  Our team of agents are well-informed about the popular area and neighborhoods and know what homes are priced right and a great fit to the regions we serve. Our professionals are guides to potential homeowners and we can ease the stress of finding the perfect home.

 

Autumn is a great time to buy a home! If it feels like it is the right time to move, give us a call. Flat Rate Realty NC is the perfect guide for today’s market.

We are the future of real estate.

Contact the team at Flat Fee Realty today for more information.

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This post on selling and buying a home in North Carolina is brought to you by the team at Flat Fee Realty LLC and is intended for informational purposes only.

Look for our new locations in Wilmington and Lake Norman/ Charlotte.

Find us on Instagram!

The Future of Real Estate!

Flat Fee Realty

Triangle: 919 342 5230 

Lake Norman/ Charlotte: 704 659 3560

Wilmington: 910 225 7721

Find and like us on Facebook!

Contact Us

Terry@FlatFeeNC.com

 

3 Reasons Why It Is the Right Time to Buy a Home in North Carolina

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The timing for buying a home in Wilmington, Lake Norman, and Wilmington has never been better. Fall of 2017 is featuring a great market across our sales’ regions.  

Flat Fee Realty’s expert team of realtors have seen great real estate trends as we head to year-end. These trends lead the agents to believe that now is the time to buy!

Flat Fee Realty NC offers home seekers three reasons why a now is the time to buy a home before the end of 2017:  

  • Rising interest rates: It seems like mortgage rates are always rising. But, mortgage rates dropped quite a bit over the past 2 years which is now leading to a slight increase in mortgage rates. However, we can never predict where the rises will stop, so, it’s best to buy now.
  • Shrinking inventory of available homes: This is a problem across the United States, but it is tremendously more challenging in North Carolina. This is due to a growing economy and beautiful weather, and our schools and regional infrastructure. Our cities are ranked as top communities across the country. Families are coming here every single day, and our housing inventory is getting lower. There is quite a bit of new construction coming to help the problem in 2018, yet finding a home now with our help will get things settled for the new year.
  • Increasing home prices: It is the simple law of supply and demand. As the housing inventory in North Carolina lessens, the price of the remaining homes will slightly increase. Across the country, real estate experts are expecting a 2% to 3% price increase as we end 2017 and head into 2018.

There are many important reasons to purchase home this year. However, it may not be the right decision for everyone. If the time is right, contact our team at Flat Fee Realty and set up a time to ask any real estate question.  

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This post on selling and buying a home in North Carolina is brought to you by the team at Flat Fee Realty LLC and is intended for informational purposes only.

Look for our new locations in Wilmington and Lake Norman/ Charlotte

Find us on Instagram!

The Future of Real Estate!

Flat Fee Realty

Triangle: 919 342 5230 

Lake Norman/ Charlotte: 704 659 3560

Wilmington: 910 225 7721

Find and like us on Facebook!

Contact Us

Terry@FlatFeeNC.com

Photo: Deposit Photos, 1707662

3 Facts to Know About Open Houses in the Triangle, Lake Norman, and Wilmington

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As newcomers move to North Carolina, people are often eager to find the home of their dreams as soon as possible. There are several excellent ways that home buyers can utilize to find their new home, including seeking out a Flat Fee Realty NC agent, browsing potential options with one of our team, and visiting open houses.

Some people may think that open house events are outdated since the internet provides virtual tours, galleries, and more to showcase the listed home. To a certain degree this is true, but there are still benefits to attending an open house, in person, and that cannot be replicated by the internet.

Flat Fee Realty offers three important facts about open houses in the Carolinas:  

  • Open houses have many purposes: For those who are new to navigating the real estate market, it may seem like the point of an open house is to sell the featured home. In many cases that is the end goal. However, it is important to note that open houses are great for traffic and opportunity. Home seekers can connect with people in the industry and get a feel for how they conduct business.
  • Neighbors are often good resources: In theory, an open house will attract serious buyers only, but that’s not always the case. There will always be neighbors and casual walk-throughs and others with no intent to purchase. However, they usually have a wealth of knowledge pertaining to the neighborhood, schools, community, shopping and more.
  • Reality Can’t Be Retouched: Since the internet is a viable resource for home buyers, people can get a view of the house without ever being on the property. This can be great news, especially for those moving from another area or if there is no time to shop in person. Note that internet photos can be carefully shot to hide flaws or to exaggerate space from a specific angle. The benefit of attending an open house is seeing the home in person, without the magic of photoshop or filters to adjust its image.

Open houses are still useful in the real estate market today, especially for home buyers in the Triangle area who are looking to connect with the best of the best in the industry. Contact us at Flat Fee Realty to inquire about local open house events and to meet with our friendly and knowledgeable agents! Terry McDonald and his team in the Triangle, Lake Norman, and Wilmington are ready to help today!

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This post on selling and buying a home in North Carolina is brought to you by the team at Flat Fee Realty LLC and is intended for informational purposes only.

Look for our new locations in Wilmington and Lake Norman/ Charlotte

Find us on Instagram!

The Future of Real Estate!

Flat Fee Realty

Triangle: 919 342 5230 

Lake Norman/ Charlotte: 704 659 3560

Wilmington: 910 225 7721

Find and like us on Facebook!

Contact Us

Terry@FlatFeeNC.com

Photo:FlatFee Realty NC Wilmington, Lake Norman, Triangle 

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