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4 Important Tips to Increase Triangle Home Values

April 13, 2017 by imusocialmedia

3d house and arrow graph. Growth in real estate

It’s the perfect time of year for Triangle homeowners to sell their homes with Flat Fee Realty. The 2017 real estate market across the Raleigh area is booming with activity and change.

While an array of potential buyers looking for homes across the Triangle, many potential sellers will want to ensure their houses are in their best shape with many attractive features to appeal to buyers. Luckily, this doesn’t have to be a time consuming, or confusing, ordeal for homeowners. There are several simple recommendations to help boost the value of Triangle homes before listing them!

Flat Fee Realty recommends four important home selling tips that can increase home value:

Improve the curb appeal: A home’s landscaping is the first thing a potential home buyer will see. Making minor improvements to the home’s exterior can have a big impact on whether buyers will want to stop and take a tour. Sellers should make sure their lawns are in good shape by keeping it tidy, so trim the hedges and keep the grass cut to give the home a good face.
Update the fixtures: Many homes still have the original builder’s fixtures in place. Buyers today may not be drawn to them and it could affect their perception of the home, giving it an outdated feel. Simply update faucets or light fixtures, maybe new knobs for cabinets, and buyers will be more attracted.
Cut energy costs: There are many buyers in the market who value sustainable energy and like to see it implemented. Adding a few technical features, like a smart power strip that knows when to turn appliances and lights off at certain times, is a great way to appeal to buyers with a conservative approach to energy consumption.
Perform regular maintenance: Sellers should keep up with regular maintenance so buyers aren’t distracted by small projects. Replace or clean carpets; make sure there isn’t mold or termite damage. These issues are small but can sway a buyer to go with another property if it means less work for them.

There are numerous other ideas for sellers to consider when trying to increase home value before putting it on the market. Our experts at Flat Fee Realty are able to guide Triangle sellers in the right direction so they can make good decisions. Contact us today to see how your home’s value can increase with a few minor improvements!

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

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How to Save Money Home Selling in the Triangle with Flat Fee Realty

March 25, 2017 by imusocialmedia

Hands holding a piggy bank and a house model. Housing industry mortgage plan and residential tax saving strategy

There are many changes happening in the Raleigh and Triangle real estate market, including an influx of interested home buyers who are eager to explore the Triangle area and enjoy Southern living! An increase in prospective home buyers means that those looking to sell their home in the Raleigh, Apex, and Holly Springs areas could be met with a deluge of buyers and real estate agents. It could be a bit overwhelming, especially for those who haven’t sold a home before and are unsure of how the process works.

That’s where our long tradition of Triangle real estate expertise at Flat Fee Realty comes in handy! We specialize in researching market trends and staying up-to-date with industry technology to provide exceptional services at a value price.

Here are three ways our Flat Fee Realty agents help homeowners in Raleigh and the Triangle save money when selling their home:

Zero hidden fees: There are no hidden or surprise fees for our full-service offerings! Other real estate agencies may provide a comprehensive price at the beginning of the selling process, but then surprise sellers with extra dollars in commission or processing fees at closing. We simply don’t believe in operating that way, so our prices remain the same from listing to closing.
Customed packages. Not all home sellers require the exact same services, so it’s unfair to force a standard that most home buyers and sellers will not benefit from when going through the process. We think our customizable listing packages are an excellent benefit to work with our real estate experts. We have options ranging from basic to more complex packages, with each one competitively priced for comparison.
MLS and other tools. Many people begin looking for their dream home online, so if home sellers aren’t making their homes visible on the internet then they’re not reaching potential home buyers. Each of our listing packages for sellers includes an online listing with the Realtor’s Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which ensure home visibility and peace of mind for sellers!

Our services here at Flat Fee Realty are unmatched by any other real estate agencies in Raleigh. In addition, our agents are knowledgeable, professional, and friendly! Interested in selling a home with us? Please contact us at 919-342-5230 or request a call back here!

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

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3 Great Ways to Buy a Home in the Triangle

March 13, 2017 by imusocialmedia

The Triangle is one of the best locations in America to settle down in and raise a family! With a thriving Downtown Raleigh, the Research Triangle Park, and the close proximity to both the North Carolina mountains and beaches, the area is growing very fast as we head more deeply into 2017. New residents living in the area are often renting; yet many are eager to find the home of their dreams and begin the buying process.

However, the Triangle real estate market is quite competitive, and it is often a challenge to navigate the various towns and neighborhoods in search of a new home. This is especially true in the core Triangle region that includes Cary, Morrisville, Apex, Holly Springs, and Fuquay-Varina. Luckily, our seasoned real estate experts at Flat Fee Realty offer first time buyers valuable tips in their search for a beautiful home.

The Flat Fee Realty professionals offer these three great ways for first time buyers to be more confident as they check out new home options:

Work on the credit score: There’s no set minimum score required for mortgage approval, but there are benefits to striving for the highest score possible. Typically, the higher the score, the lower the fees and monthly payments. Also, since there are many interested buyers in the market, it’s beneficial to be as competitive as possible.
Stay within the budget: It’s easy for first-time home buyers to justify spending more than the budget allows. However, the financial burden in the future can be large and often overwhelming.
Save money: Buying a home is a great investment, but it’s expensive. Most first-time buyers under estimate the financial needs the Triangle real estate market demands; especially in the areas of closing costs, mortgage insurance, home insurance, inspection fees, and down payments. Do some important research ahead of time,and call us to get an idea of the average amount of money needed to buy a new home here in the Triangle!

Spring is the perfect time to buy in Raleigh and the surrounding areas. The real estate market may seem intimidating when unfamiliar with it, but working with one of our experts at Flat Fee Realty is the best way to have the best experience! Moving to the Triangle or from an area within the region? Contact us today at 919 342 5230!

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

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4 Real Estate Myths that Survive in the Triangle

February 24, 2017 by imusocialmedia

The real estate market in the Triangle is bubbling with activity as we move into the Spring of 2017. Our agents and market professionals at Flat Fee Realty want buyers and sellers across the region to be fully informed as they prepare to buy and sell. The focus of this week’s real estate blog post focus is on dispelling a few lingering myths that seem to still permeate the Triangle.

Four myths that our Flat Fee Realty Team wants to share to prospective home buyers and home sellers in the Triangle are:

Open Houses will sell a home, guaranteed: There is a wide variety of people who attend open house. Some people attend these showings on a regular basis just to get ideas. Most often, interested buyers will typically schedule a second visit with one of our agents a more personal and intimate view of the property. That said, open houses serve a purpose.
Buyers get better deals on their own: Buyers may think they’re saving money by not paying commission to a buyer’s agent, but this simply isn’t the case. Houses listed have total commission included in the list price, so buyers aren’t avoiding commission costs by going solo.
Sellers save money by listing FSBO: Sellers who choose to list their home as For Sale By Owner are usually interested in saving money. Unfortunately, most buyers are wary of FSBO listings, and it takes a lot of effort to market and show the home that sellers promote on their own.
Listing above market rate will result in a higher sale price: Many Triangle buyers and agents avoid most properties that are listed above market rates for variety of reasons. It’s simple to lower the price, but sellers also must be aware that homes listed for an extended period of time draw buyer concern. Listing at a reasonable market price will see more activity and more visits.

The real estate industry varies state by state, and there are always changes and additions to existing laws that can make home selling a challenge at times. Our Triangle market and our Flat Fee Realty team provide great opportunities as we head into the spring selling season! Call us and meet with one of our local industry experts; contact us today!

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

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The Future of Real Estate!

Flat Fee Realty

919 342 5230

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4 Important Home Showing “No No’s” for Triangle Home Sellers

February 11, 2017 by imusocialmedia

Triangle homeowners are eager to take advantage of the exciting real estate market in 2017. With so many newcomers flocking to Raleigh as well as Apex, Cary, Holly Springs, Fuquay Varina, and Morrisville; there will be plenty of interested home buyers looking for the perfect home.

Since there are lots of things to think about when preparing to sell a home, our agents here at Flat Fee Realty want to share some insider information. For example, plenty of sellers know how to prepare for a home showing, but do they know what not to do for a showing?

The four most important home showing “no-no’s” to keep in mind while a house is on the market in the Triangle are:

Lingering homeowners: Quite frankly, it’s rude to hang around when potential buyers and their agents come to view the home. Sellers can put unnecessary pressure on visitors or make the entire visit an awkward situation.
Bad or overpowering smells: Odors can be a big turn off for buyers. Scents that linger long after cooking, pet odors, and cigarette smoke; they are common offenders. Sellers, who have gotten used to their own home, may be unaware of odors that have settled in; but buyers will notice them immediately. Also, some people have allergies to perfumed scents, so don’t use oil plug-ins or air freshening sprays.
Dirt or clutter: It’s not expected for sellers to keep an immaculate home at all times. Life happens, and for families on the go it’s hard to keep up with every speck of dirt. However, there shouldn’t be mountains of dirty laundry, rings around the toilets, overflowing trash cans, and unmade beds. Those details will impact the buyer’s perception of the home, usually in a negative way.
Loose and wandering pets: Animals are a blessing. Yet, beware that some buyers, or agents, may have pet allergies or fear of animals. Also, dogs and cats can be unpredictable, and if they feel threatened in any way there’s no telling what could happen. Best to be on the safe side and keep the pets in a secluded area or with neighbors where they can’t be disturbed.

Don’t let the stress of selling a home create any mistakes. Get the house show-ready with the help of our real estate experts from Flat Fee Realty! Contact us today to see how we can help.

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

Contact Us

Terry@FlatFeeNC.com

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3 Questions about Mortgage Insurance from Triangle Home Buyers

January 30, 2017 by imusocialmedia

2017 is gearing up to be a great year for real estate in the Triangle region! Home buyers and sellers alike will have many opportunities if they live in the Raleigh area markets. Of course, there are a few important items to consider before buying a home, and a very important one is the mortgage and private mortgage insurance (PMI).

This insurance is applied to mortgage loans that protect the lender in case of a borrower default. In most cases, buyers must have this insurance. However, our real estate experts at Flat Fee Realty want to empower new buyers by making sure they are aware and informed about how this works.

Flat Fee Realty offers three important questions to ask when applying for a mortgage:

Why is it required? Buyers with less than 20% equity are required to opt-in for mortgage insurance. The good news is that these premium rates are usually affordable, in the 0.5%-1% range of the total loan being borrowed. Lenders will want this applied to ensure they’re protected in the event that the buyer defaults on the loan.
Is it necessary for every loan? In this kind of equity situation, the answer is yes. Conventional loans through banks will have arrangements for the insurance to be set up through a private company where rates may vary based on credit score or loan amount. Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans have the insurance paid directly to them, generally with the same rate applied no matter the credit score, including an upfront payment factored into closing costs and then monthly payments thereafter.
Will the insurance ever go away? It is possible. Removing private mortgage insurance (PMI) requires being up-to-date with monthly payments as well as reaching the date when the principal balance of the mortgage falls below 80% of the original home value. After that, the Homeowners Protection Act gives buyers the right to request a PMI cancellation.

If the real estate and housing market is confusing, don’t feel pressured to look for a home and related products without expert help. Our knowledgeable agents with Flat Fee Realty will help everyone navigate the real estate market in 2017. Contact us today to meet our remarkable team!

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

The Future of Real Estate!

Terry@FlatFeeNC.com

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3 Big Trends in the Triangle Home Buying Play Book for 2017

January 14, 2017 by imusocialmedia

Welcome to 2017! What will the future hold for homes and real estate? As a new year begins, many Triangle homeowners are wondering what the local region will look like this year. And the professionals at Flat Fee Realty can tell everyone, and with certainty, it will be another strong year for home selling and buying in and around Raleigh.

Of course, there will be a lot of subtle changes in the Triangle and Central North Carolina real estate market this year due to the state and national election. The different directions the economy might be heading with brand new leadership in Raleigh and in Washington will be interesting.

As the “Future of Real Estate” and experts in the marketplace, Flat Fee Realty offers three major trends that could shape the market in 2017:

Rising Mortgage Rates: At the end of 2016, following the election of Donald J. Trump, we saw a slight increase in home mortgage rates. While the rates in Raleigh continue to increase slowly, this trend could slightly impact the number of homes on the market and the number of home buyers looking for Triangle homes.
Millennial Home Buyers: The millennials are coming into home ownership in a big way and many millennials are beginning to buy local area homes around Apex, Cary, Holly Springs, and Morrisville, including the broader Raleigh area. In this still hot home market, there is a shortage of homes for sale. With more home buyers in the market, there continues to be demand for houses across the Triangle.
Rise of Medium Sized Cities: Companies like Fortune are forecasting an increase in home buyers choosing property in medium sized cities like Raleigh. In the Triangle area, our major metro areas like Raleigh and Durham will grow and flourish with home importance. This trend will continue to create demand in a variety of additional towns across the region as well.

Home buyers and sellers need to adjust their play books for the real estate season ahead. This is great news for the Triangle real estate market! The “coaches” at Flat Fee Realty are available to guide and support every buying and selling need.

While the Triangle area has experienced low inventory issues over the past couple of years, shifts in the real estate market most probably could alleviate some of that concern in 2017. As the local real estate experts in the Triangle, our team at Flat Fee Realty suggests talking to one of our agents before deciding if it is indeed the right time to buy or sell a home. For a free consultation, call our team at Flat Fee Realty today to set up a Triangle real estate appointment today!

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.

Flat Fee Realty

919 342 5230

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Terry@FlatFeeNC.com

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3 Important Reasons Why Ringing in the New Year with Flat Fee Realty Makes Cents!

December 22, 2016 by imusocialmedia

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone! Selling a home can be a stressful endeavor for Triangle homeowners during the Holiday Season and into the New Year. The housing market in Raleigh and the surrounding area has many prospective buyers looking for homes in the Capital City, Apex, Cary, Morrisville, and Holly Springs among others.

Listing a house “For Sale by Owner” (FSBO) might seems like a good idea for home sellers who think they will be saving and making money when the sign goes up. It is not as easy as it is in theory; often the reliance on a real estate agent knowledgeable in local and the Triangle market will be an advantage.

Our real estate market experts at Flat Fee Realty explain three reasons why FSBO is as much of a challenge as it is a risk for home sellers and buyers:

The FSBO market is often a challenge: A fairly recent study by the National Association of Realtors reports that sales of homes listed as FSBO accounted for only 9% of all home sales; the FSBO market peaked at 14% in 2004. Smaller numbers mean more challenge.
Marketing is never easy: A local Flat Fee Realty professional knows the market and the listings. Yard signs, Facebook postings, and newspaper ads may seem like the current methodology for selling a home, but relying on these strategies can place a novice seller at a disadvantage. Plus, working with Flat Fee Realty can boost the chances of a qualified sale; listing the home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is a great factor.
Limited availability for potential buyers: Many potential buyers can place multiple demands demand on the seller, and at a moment’s notice. For Triangle working professionals and parents, this can be a problem both with schedule and time. Having an expert Flat Fee Realty agent can minimize stress and manage the showings.

Listing as home “For Sale by Owner” can have considerable drawbacks that can affect selling success. For those looking to sell a home across the Triangle, please contact our expert agents at Flat Fee Realty for exceptional service and insight into the Triangle housing market.

May everyone have the most wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year!

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

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Terry@FlatFeeNC.com

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3 Important Facts of Less Concern for Triangle Home Buyers

December 10, 2016 by imusocialmedia

The Triangle Region of North Carolina is one of the most popular locations in America. The job opportunities, the mild temperate climate, and the beautiful locale near both beaches and mountains create the perfect place for new residents. Since many newcomers are young professionals and Millennials, most are probably first-time home buyers and unfamiliar with much of the new home buying and selling process.

Fortunately, our Triangle-based professional team at Flat Fee Realty is prepared to offer expert advice on what is takes to look for, and compare homes in the Raleigh, Morrisville, Cary, and Apex areas. This process doesn’t have to be a confusing one, and knowing what to focus on while searching for that dream home will make everything easier to understand.

Flat Fee Realty offers three important facts that home buyers should be less concerned about when searching for a new home in the Triangle:

An abundance of clutter: If the holidays are a stressful time for home buyers, know it is as well for the home owners. Sometimes showings and walk-throughs will be announced with very little notice, and people may not have time to prepare everything for showing like they would want. As a buyer, simply take along some measuring tape to make sure furniture will fit, and try to ignore any clutter in closets, garages, and spare rooms.
Older appliances and kitchens: Some homes may not have stainless-steel appliances, or have kitchens equipped with smart technology. Although these are nice amenities, don’t let them be deal breakers. Consider designating some of the home purchase budget for appliance upgrades. Good homes can always improve with the needed amenities.
Outside opinions. There will be plenty of opinions given from neighbors, friends, and family members. They might not like certain aspects of the new home choice. There are only two important decision makers in the home buying process; the purchaser and Flat Fee Realty. Everything will and always has fallen into place.

Viewing homes is the most enjoyable part of the buying process. Remember to be firm with needs and wants and keep an open mind during the process. One thing is for certain. We can find the home of your dreams.

Contact us at Flat Fee Realty and get connected with one of our professional real estate experts!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone!

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