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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 Simple Home Improvements that Increase North Carolina Home Values

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As the Carolinas head to Labor Day and the start of back to school, it is a great time of year for Lake Norman, the Triangle and Wilmington. it is beginning to cool down but it is still warm enough to enjoy the outdoors. September is also a great time for real estate as many local families begin considering a move to a new home. Many homeowners begin the process by considering home improvements that will attract just the right buyer.

At Flat Fee Realty, headquartered in the Triangle, we suggest keeping things simple while at the same time staying within the family budget. Many of homeowners can make a few quick changes to their home to improve the offer price.

Flat Fee Realty NC offers three simple yet effective home improvements that really positively impact the price of a home in our collective markets:  

  • Update the décor: If a room feels outdated to the homeowner, it will most likely feel that way to a potential home buyer. A home needing updates is a big reason not to buy for many house seekers. Again, keep things simple. Replace older rugs and window coverings. Paint rooms in a neutral color. Change out fixtures and add new knobs to kitchen cabinets. Determine if the flooring needs to be updated. Add some light throw pillows or wall decorations. Spending a little often brings a lot of return.
  • Clean and organize: Many North Carolina homeowners have lived in their home for a long time. There is a good chance that there will be clutter and a little disorganization. Toss unnecessary items, give away what is not needed, and store as much as possible to give the home a warm and organized feel. Decluttering is one of the main priorities. Clutter is the number one reason buyers choose another home.  
  • Improve curb appeal: This is typically one of the most cost-effective home improvement projects and a great one for fall. Does the lawn have brown spots? Work on seeding over those sections. Add fresh plants and flowers to the flower beds. Trim the bushes. Edge the lawn and have the driveway power washed. If needed, add a fresh coat of paint to the exterior of the home. There are quite a few simple upgrades for the exterior of the home, including putting fresh paint and handles on the front door, that will help home buyers feel right at home when they first pull up.

These are all really easy, cost effective projects that will help any home sell faster and get a better asking price. Looking for a first home, maybe a bigger one for the family? Call our offices in Lake Norman, Wilmington and in the Triangle to chat about the process of selling and buying a new home this fall.  Contact the Flat Fee Realty team to get started today!

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

Please note 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: Flat Fee Realty NC

3 Important Financial Tips for First-Time Home Buyers in North Carolina

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Rent and lease prices are on the rise across the nation, and it is the leading cause for the increase in first-time home buyers here in the Triangle and across the United States. According to Zillow’s 2016 Consumer Housing Trends report, 50% of buyers are under age 36, and 47% of them are buying for the first time. This means there are an array of buyers in the market who need guidance from the local area experts, Flat Fee Realty NC.

Everyone knows that one of the biggest factors associated with buying a home is money. Buying a first home can be expensive, risky, and it can leave North Carolina homebuyers wondering if they’re making the right decision. Luckily, homebuyers in Wilmington, the Triangle, and Lake Norman have the expertise of Flat Fee Realty’s knowledgeable team of agents that are willing and ready to help buyers plan their financial investment in the right way.

Flat Fee Realty shares three important financial tips that are most important to first-time home buyers in North Carolina:  

  • Assessing geographic considerations: It’s all about location, right? Without proper planning, buyers may find their closing costs will skyrocket due to the applicable taxes in a specific area. The rates can vary across street names, so it’s best for buyers to be aware of the rates in their target locations and plan for them.
  • Avoiding Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI): Most mortgage lenders prefer a 20% down payment on a new home. If buyers offer something less, they are likely forced into other fees instituted to protect the lender; this situation can include private mortgage insurance (PMI). A full down payment will help to reduce interest rates on the loan overall and avoid the extra monthly fee associated with PMI.
  • Making sound financial decisions: No one can truly predict the future, and there may be potential financial benefits ahead for a first-time home buyer that might convince them to shop out of their budgeted price range. However, anything can happen, and it’s best to not count on money that might not be there in the future. First-time buyers should be realistic about what they can afford need to stay within predetermined means.

Buying a home for the first time is a huge investment; and Triangle, Lake Norman, and Wilmington buyers deserve a local dedicated team on their side. Our agents at Flat Fee Realty can help first-time buyers plan their finances and make sure nothing comes as a surprise. Contact us today to see how we can help!

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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

Find us on Instagram!

The Future of Real Estate!

Flat Fee Realty

Triangle: 919 342 5230 

Lake Norman: 704 659 3560

Wilmington: 910 225 7721

Find and like us on Facebook!

Contact Us

Terry@FlatFeeNC.com

 Photo: pixabay

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