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4 of the Best Ways to Stage a Triangle Home

ID-100410510As the old adage goes, “First impressions are everything!” This is very true when it comes to the Triangle NC real estate market! In this hot market, it is incredibly important to give a great first impression. The first minutes, as potential buyers walk from the car and through the front door, are very important. Many Triangle home sellers stage their houses and many do it well. Staging a house properly has a variety of important benefits and it can be done in a number of ways.

From the Flat Fee Realty team, here are the top four best ways to stage a Triangle home:

  • Remove clutter: This is a very simple and big first step. Removing any excessive furniture and decorations can go a long way towards opening up the home and making potential Triangle homebuyers more at ease.
  • Eliminate the personal stuff: While potential home buyers understand that this is indeed not their home yet, they also really want to be able to envision themselves living in the space. So it might be wise to pack up the family heirlooms in favor of a more open and modern appearance throughout the home.
  • Rearrange the rooms: Open up the rooms with proper furniture and table placement. Use flowers and fresh and appealing plants to draw the potential home buyer’s eyes to the positives.
  • Ask for friendly advice: There is usually a good neighbor or friend that can give advice on how the house looks before the sign goes up or when there is that first open house. This strategy can really help adjust the overall picture. Sometimes important details are overlooked and potential buyers might catch any negatives.

Flat Fee Realty is the best way to buy and sell a home in the Triangle and Raleigh. Our team has all the tools needed, and with an advanced and affordable suite of options that will help the Triangle homeowner get the greatest value for their Triangle property, it is critical to give us a call. Contact Flat Fee Realty at 888-646-9488 or visit our website.

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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

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4 Important Steps That Can Sell a House Fast in the Triangle Market

FFR- Jan 19 Pic- Stuart MilesThe Triangle has consistently ranked as one of the top places to live and work in the country. This is great news for anyone in the Triangle who is considering selling a home this spring. In 2016, Triangle real estate is indeed in a seller’s market, and it can be very financially favorable for people in the Triangle trying to sell a home. A true benefit of a seller’s market is that listings can often sell very quickly, especially when following the advice of our expert team at Flat Fee Realty. If there is an interest in selling a home in Apex, Cary, and Holly Springs and beyond, there will always be questions that need professional answers. The home selling process can be complicated, and homeowners need to do to get ready for the buyer. Spring is here.

Our team at Flat Fee Realty offers four important steps that can help Triangle home sellers sell in this exciting market:  

  • Do inexpensive home improvements and housework: This is often suggested by experienced realtors, and it is very true. For example, thoroughly cleaning and depersonalizing the home can make a big difference to potential buyers.  
  • Choose Flat Fee Realty: Some local area homes are selling quickly, but if a home is priced too high than it will not sell. At the same time, if a home is priced too low, the homeowner might not receive full possible value from the investment. A very good strategy is to get good information on pricing through the MLS, which can be accessed through Flat Fee Realty’s innovative product.
  • Know the market, the neighborhood, and the typical sale: In business, companies have to figure out who will buy their product and then they market to those potential customers. The Triangle real estate market is no different. A big step in selling a Triangle house quickly is figuring out the demographics of the likely buyer. Will it be a family, a newlywed or retiree? Knowing these answers can help Flat Fee Realty to sell the home quickly and for the best price.
  • Get the house on the market: The best way to sell is through the multiple listing service, also known as the MLS. This tool is used by almost every realtor and through Flat Fee Realty any listing will be uploaded to all of the popular listing websites, enabling maximum coverage.

Looking to sell a Triangle area home? Contact the Flat Fee Realty experts for more information about the Triangle home market and how we can help sell a Triangle home. Call us at Flat Fee Realty today at 888-649-9488 or visit our website for more information about home selling and buying in the Triangle.

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This post on selling and buying a home in the Triangle is brought to you by the team at professional 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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Contact Us

Terry@FlatFeeNC.com

Photo: Stuart Miles, freedigitalphotos.net

5 Important Reasons Home Buying is Better than Renting

ddpavumba, fdpAs we rapidly approach the spring season of buying and renting homes in the Triangle, it is important for both potential buyers and renters to be educated on benefits. There are a various factors to consider when the decision is made. Thankfully for Triangle residents, the real estate experts at Flat Fee Realty have taken the time to compile a decision making guide for the spring 2016 season.

Here are the five most important aspects of decision making when choosing renting or buying:

  • Tax benefits: It is well documented that there are significant tax breaks that come with buying a house; stability is important when living and investing in the Triangle area.
  • Home equity: The question of equity is an important one. Every month of rent is yet another 30 days of paying the landlord.
  • Assessing the future: If one will likely be moving away from the Triangle in the next year, renting is probably a good choice. Individuals who plan on living in the Triangle for a longer term need to consider buying property.
  • Home ownership as a goal: A recent survey found that 94% of renters strongly desire to own a home in the future. It makes sense that, in 2016, this could be the right year.
  • Maintenance: One of the important aspects of renting is the challenge of getting repairs and updates done to the home. It is usually up to management to react and improve a situation, and often it is handled to the benefit of the owner, not the renter. Buying a home ensures that the right decisions are always made for the benefit of the owner.

Now, who is ready to start shopping for a Triangle home?

Contact us at Flat Fee Realty for more information about the Triangle home market and how Flat Fee Realty can best help throughout the home buying process. Call us today at 888-649-9488 or visit our website for more information about home buying in the Triangle.

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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. Call us with all your home buying questions.

The Future of Real Estate!

Flat Fee Realty

919 342 5230

Find and like us on Facebook!

Contact Us

Terry@FlatFeeNC.com 

Photo: ddpavumba, freedigitalphotos.net

What is the Difference between a Buyer’s and a Seller’s Agent

ambro couple (2)An important question often asked by Triangle home buyers or Triangle home sellers is: ‘What is the difference between a buyer’s agent and a seller’s agent?’

Knowing the difference between the two is not only important to selling or buying a Triangle house, but it could potentially save you thousands of dollars in the Triangle real estate market. Often both types of agents are highly involved in the selling of a home in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Apex and the surrounding area and it is important that any potential Triangle homebuyer or seller have knowledge of the roles each type of agent play in the real estate market. Flat Fee Realty explains the differences.

A seller’s agent, or a ‘listing agent,’ handles the following aspects of selling a Triangle home:

  • Represents the buyer: First and foremost, they are the Triangle home seller’s representative. This means they are trying to get the best price and terms for the seller, and not the buyer.
  • Acts as a guide to prepare the home for sale. They usually make selling suggestions and help stage, photograph and show the house to potential Triangle area home buyers.
  • Shares home buyer information: Finally, a listing agent has the legal obligation to share with the seller any information that they find important about the potential buyers.

The buyer’s agent is responsible for representing the following aspects of the home selling process:

  • Understands the market place and the comps in the area and local neighborhoods: Ability to help get accurate inspections set up for the home that is chosen. Inspections can catch issues and repairs that could potentially cost thousands of dollars in the future.
  • Protects the buyer. A professional set of eyes and ears are needed to look out for the buyer. Buying a home is a major purchase and something people do quite rarely in their lives. A buyer’s agent will make sure all of the contract language and promises made by Triangle home builders are followed through and in the best interests of the Triangle home buyer.

Both the buyer and seller agents are frequent partners in the Triangle home buying process. Residents looking for change as we head more deeply into 2016 need to know that Flat Fee Realty saves both time and money. Cost effective commission fees are the norm and the level of professionalism is what is expected in this very popular marketplace. Call us at the phone number below or work with Flat Fee Realty today by visiting our website.

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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: Ambro, FreeDigital Photos.net

 

 

4 Reasons Why 2016 is the Year to Buy a Triangle Home

home search, hywards, freedigitalphotos.netMany home buyers in the Triangle have been waiting patiently! They have been slowly saving their money; preparing, learning, and trying to decide when is the right time to buy a new home. This is the year! Triangle real estate professionals have repeatedly predicted that 2016 will be one of the best years for home buyers in Raleigh and the region.

Local real estate professionals consider many factors before determining how the real estate market will be in the future. Here is why 2016 will be a record year in central North Carolina.

Flat Fee Realty believes in the following key factors that we think will make 2016 a great year for Triangle and Raleigh buyers and sellers alike:

  • ​More houses will be on the market: One important local real estate trend in 2015 was the selling of homes that had positive home equity. This created a seller-friendly real estate market. It also, at times, increased the likelihood of a multiple buyers for one property which in turn solidified the asking price. More homes will be available in 2016.
  • Mortgage rates might increase in the coming year: While current mortgage rates are still some of the lowest in history, it is expected that the rates will likely rise. While it will still be possible to have historically affordable mortgage rates, buyers will be looking soon for a home.
  • Average rent rates are on the rise: Over the past several years, the average rent has risen for apartments, town homes, and rental homes all across the Triangle area and nation. With those rising rates, it is becoming more and more apparent that the best financial choice for many people in the Triangle is buying a home. 
  • The availability of online tools: The access of information that the average Triangle home buyer has today is incredible, both in volume and accuracy. Buyers and sellers are more informed than ever. One such tool offered is our own from Flat Fee Realty, an online MLS listing service that enables home buyer and home sellers to bypass the expensive fees of realtors.

In 2016, buying or selling a home in the Triangle area has never been more defined as a process. Call us at  Flat Fee Realty! With value-based fees, easy to use interface, and a service track record of success when it comes to buying and selling houses; Flat Fee Realty is the smart choice for home buyers and sellers. 

Visit our website to get started today.
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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: Hywards, freedigitalphotos.net


 

 

 

3 Big Mistakes When Selling a Home in the Triangle

FFR Website PhotoThe average home owner usually will move every 13 years. That is a long time to live in one place and a big chunk of a life experiences as well. At Flat Fee Realty in the Triangle, we understand completely that a house is likely filled with an uncountable number of family moments and accomplishments. All of these factors combine to create a great deal of attachment, sentiments and memories, all of which can make selling a home an emotional time. 

It can be tough for local homeowners to make the decision to sell what has long been home. It is usually the right decision, especially in this 2016 seller’s market. Due to the fact that homeowners are very attached to their homes, they often can make big mistakes when selling.

Our Flat Fee Agents want the following three selling mistakes avoided:

  • Not taking care of the details: When potential house buyers are viewing Triangle area homes, they often see a home that is cluttered or disorganized. If the seller’s home is not neat and trim and things are out of place, potential buyers can only think what else might be wrong. Take the time to pretend to be a buyer and take a honest and frank walkthrough of the house looking for any reason not to buy; even better, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to review the home from every perspective as well.
  • Listing at an unrealistic price: The reason pricing is so important is it has been proven that properties that are overpriced, when first on the market, tend to close at a lower pricethan they would have if it had been even with all the comps in the neighborhood. We suggest that our agents get involved to help price the home correctly; Contact us at Flat Fee Realty to get the right listing for your property here in the Triangle.
  • Getting too emotional or easily offended: Don’t get upset if a potential buyer isn’t the biggest fan of a dark blue dining room color or if a potential buyer offers an unrealistic price that is not even close to asking. Instead, remember that everyone will not like everything. The goal as a seller is to be flexible enough so that the buyer will consider the overall value presented.

Selling a house in the Triangle is quite a big deal for everyone involved and it is indeed stressful. It is one of the biggest transactions that an individual will ever experience. Flat Fee Realty can help minimize mistakes when selling a local home. If this is the year to sell your home, contact the Flat Fee Realty team today! We make the difference!

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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: Flat Fee Realty

 


 

The Triangle’s Essential Guide to Mistake Free Home Buying

Give and Take- Stuart Miles- Freedigitalphotos.netBuying and selling real estate can be a painstaking, confusing process where the potential for error is high for novices and experienced individuals alike. Unfortunately, even the most innocent misstep can end up costing thousands of dollars. The art of negotiation is an important one to master, even if North Carolina buyer and sellers have a real estate agent as their advocate.

Below, the experienced agents at Flat Fee Realty share the most common negotiation mistakes and how to avoid them:

  • Misunderstanding purpose and situation: Everyone negotiates differently, but an important part of any successful strategy is gathering as much information as possible. Personality, occupation, experience, and background are all factors in understanding a buyer or seller, and crafting a deal they can’t refuse.
  • Focusing too much on price: There are other crucial elements in a real estate deal besides the purchase price, and ignoring these can cause last minute delays. Don’t make assumptions about fixtures, financing, or closing costs, and make sure every detail is spelled out it any written agreement.
  • Being difficult and bad-mannered: Many people forget that there is real value in being nice. Residential real estate transactions are inherently emotional, so avoid hostile tactics like bullying, non-essential deadlines, and being heavy-handed.
  • Letting little things become deal breakers: With so much money on the line, it is surprisingly easy for both buyers and sellers to fixate on things that in the end aren’t really that important. Don’t let a deal fall apart over curtains or minor repairs.
  • Making it personal: At the end of the day, a home sale is just business. When things start to get emotional, buyers and sellers should take a step back, detach, and relax. Keeping in mind the big picture and ultimate goal of home ownership or sale will help smooth over any rough patches.

Well-honed negotiation skills are the essential tools of any successful real estate agent, and they contribute significantly to positive outcomes for both buyers and sellers. Luckily, the experienced agents at Flat Fee Realty are prepared to help clients execute the best possible deal. Contact us today to find out how we can quickly and strategically get buyers and sellers from making an offer to closing a deal!

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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 

Contact Us 

Terry@FlatFeeNC.com 

Photo: Stuart Miles, Freedigitalphotos.net

 

 

3 Options Everyone Should Know About Real Estate Appraisals

FFR- Jan 19 Pic- Stuart MilesMost Triangle-area buyers and sellers think that the purpose of a real estate appraisal is to determine the real value of the home. In reality, an appraisal is an important tool that banks and other financial institutions use to help them make lending decisions. An appraisal justifies the purchase price of a home, so a low appraisal can have an effect on the entire transaction. This situation can sometimes result in big problems for buyers and sellers alike.

Flat Fee Realty wants buyers and sellers in Cary NC and the surrounding Triangle to know the options when an appraisal threatens to affect a potential deal:

  • Appraisers sometimes err on the safe side: Appraisers are held to a high professional standard and can be held accountable for their opinion of a home’s value. In the case of foreclosure, the appraiser could be held liable by the bank for over-appreciation. To avoid this risk, appraisers may be conservative with their figures, sometimes leading to a too-low appraisal.
  • Appraisals can contain mistakes: Sometimes, an appraisal that’s too low to meet the loan requirements can be the result of a simple error. Incorrect measurements or a transposed figure during data entry are seemingly benign errors that can cost home buyers their loan.
  • Appraisers and agents work together: It’s usually in everyone’s best interest that a given transaction moves forward, and problems with the loan can be disconcerting for everyone. Many times, a good appraiser will contact a home’s listing agent (who knows the property inside and out) if the appraisal is low. Together, they can verify measurements, make sure every detail is listed, discuss comps, and otherwise work together to get the value up.

In order for a financial institution to proceed with a buyer’s loan, the home’s appraised value must meet or exceed the agreed-upon purchase price. When this doesn’t occur, the entire transaction is at risk. An experienced agent is a lifesaver when it comes to challenging low appraisals, or any of the other complex issues involved in buying and selling real estate.

Need assistance navigating the buying or selling process? Flat Fee Realty is here to help. Give us a call with your questions today!

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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

Contact Us

Terry@FlatFeeNC.com

Photo: Stuart Miles, Freedigitalphotos.net

5 Tips for Selling a Home in the Triangle during the Holidays and the Winter Season

FFR - Nov 3 Pic - 100216603It’s no secret that the spring and summer are most popular seasons for real estate sales in the Triangle and Central Carolina area. Beautiful North Carolina weather and long daylight hours mean that homebuyers are out and about in full force. In contrast, most sellers will face a few challenges when placing a home on the market in the late fall or winter season. Flat Fee Realty wants sellers to be successful no matter what time of year they are selling.

Our FFR team suggests these five tips to sell quickly and for the most money, even during the slow seasons:

  • Invite buyers in out of the cold: Be sure to create a warm and inviting experience when showing the home. Make sure all lights are on, that the inside heat is comfortable, and even light the fireplace if possible. Consider using aromas that evoke relaxation, like cinnamon or apple pie.
  • Use the holiday season to an advantage: Appeal to buyer’s emotional side by helping them envision spending the holidays with their family in their new home. Stage the home with all-purpose holiday decorations, like potted poinsettias, twinkling white lights or evergreen garlands.
  • Consider a pre-listing inspection: A seller’s inspection brings any potential issues to light and allows for their resolution early on. The holiday season tends to prolong a closing process already prone to delays. Don’t let last minute maintenance issues postpone the transaction. Slower processes create buyer’s remorse.
  • Avoid liability: Winter weather can create hazardous conditions for buyers and sellers. Keeping steps and walkways snow and ice-free to prevent slips and falls. Protect against maintenance issues (like frozen pipes or falling tree limbs) to ensure the home remains in marketable shape.
  • Price correctly: Although winter buyers may be more motivated, there are definitely fewer of them. To attract the most buyers, start out with a realistic asking price. Remember, homes that undergo several price reductions usually sell for much less than if the home was priced correctly in the first place.

With the right sales strategy (and a great Flat Fee Realty Agent) winter can still be an excellent time to sell a home. Cool weather buyers tend to be more motivated, and there is less competition, since many Triangle sellers often take their homes off the market until the warmer months and spring. Regardless of when you sell, Flat Fee Realty wants all sellers to land the best deal possible, no matter the time of year.

Wondering if November and December are is the right months to sell? Give us a call today!

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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

Contact Us

Terry@FlatFeeNC.com

Photo: ddpavumba, Freedigitalphotos.net

4 Approaches Good Real Estate Agents Use to Create Success

FFR- Oct 20 Pic-10051836The Triangle region of North Carolina is home to thousands of real estate agents. Although the vast majority of real estate agents are very good at what they do, there are certainly some agents who are below average in both honesty and professionalism. When looking for someone who represents the true interests of the buyer or seller, look for those who are truly great agents, good people, and top producers. What is it that separates the average from the great?

Flat Fee Realty offers four attributes to look for when choosing a real estate agent partner:

  • A great agent will tell the truth about price, even if a client doesn’t want to listen: Let’s say a buyer loves a particular house, gets into a bidding war, and wins. Good news, right? This is not necessarily true. Today, homes must be sold twice—to the buyer and to the bank. If the bank doesn’t agree (say, the home doesn’t appraise to the selling price), the deal is off. A great agent will recognize this in the beginning and prepare the client for alternatives.
  • A great agent anticipates instead of reacts: Professionals make a complex process look easy for the client. Pro-activity, anticipating challenges, and removing roadblocks are important factors in a stressful process. Good agents have the foresight that develops with time and experience. And while challenges might the norm for them, they never take their clients concerns too lightly.
  • A great agent will get the seller the most money possible for their home, even if it takes a little longer and requires more marketing: A great agent always puts their client first, even if it means more work and less commission. Setting the right price for a home doesn’t mean pricing it low enough to sell quickly (unless that’s what the seller wants). It means getting the most profit possible for the client, even if it takes more time and effort.
  • A great agent doesn’t just answer the phone when clients call; a great agent is the one doing the calling: Some agents complain about their clients constantly calling them. This, however, can mean that they are not giving the client enough information. Even if nothing is happening, the clients want to know that nothing is happening. Great agents never let silence speak for them.

Any one of the thousands of real estate agents in the Triangle can show homes, negotiate a deal, and close the transaction. However, when money (and sometimes stress) is on the line, go for the great, not the average. Flat Fee Realty strives for the best. It is what everyone needs in real estate as we head to 2015. We are the FUTURE OF REAL ESTATE.

Looking for a great agent to help you buy or sell? Give us a call!

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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

Contact Us

Terry@FlatFeeNC.com

 

Photo: jannoon028, Freedigitalphotos.net


 

 

 

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