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4 Reasons Why Now is the Time to Buy Your Dream Home

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Flat Fee RealtyThe housing market in North Carolina has stabilized and continues to be on the upswing! That’s great news for Triangle buyers and sellers who have been dreaming of selling their current home and moving up to the home they’ve always wanted. Current market numbers support those plans, and there has never been a better time to trade up.

Flat Fee Realty offers these four reasons why now is a great time to make a move:

  • There is strong demand from buyers: Purchasing a new home contingent on the sale of a current home can be troublesome. Luckily, pent up demand has flooded the market with buyers who are ready, willing, and able to buy. Sellers who wish to divest themselves of one home before purchasing another will have an easier time doing so right now.
  • There is less competition from sellers: Housing supply is still historically low. There are currently not enough homes on the market to satisfy all of the buyers. However, home values have risen, and many homeowners who previously wished to sell but couldn’t (due to negative equity situations) are now financially able to sell. More homes will be coming onto the market in a very short time.
  • Housing prices and mortgage rates are predicted to rise: The bottom of the real estate market has come and gone. Nonetheless, prices and interest rates are still relatively low, but will only remain so for a short time. Now is the time to lock in a low mortgage rate and take advantage of increased buying power. Waiting will end up costing more, in both down payment and mortgage payment.
  • It’s time to make a lifestyle change: There are many reasons to buy or sell a home, and when it comes down to it, most of them aren’t financial. Perhaps more space, a more desirable location, or a shorter commute to work or school are important. Sometimes, life necessitates a change regardless of what the real estate market is doing. Luckily, the numbers favor moving up at this time.

Selling one home while simultaneously buying another can be hectic and complex, and homeowners are often hesitant to put their families through the stress of a move. Flat Fee Realty wants homeowners to know that market conditions are excellent right now in terms of moving up to a dream home.

Are you looking for a great real estate agent to help you navigate the ups and downs? 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: Flat Fee Realty

 


 

 

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

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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

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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


 

 

 

3 Ways Schools Affect Home Prices Here in the Triangle

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FFR- Oct 6 Pic-10060061 pic 1 10-14The Triangle area is a hotbed for education here in North Carolina. With top-ranked public and private institutions, teaching hospitals, and world-class research centers, there’s no better place to live if education is a priority in a move or relocation. It’s not just post-secondary schools that get top billing in the Triangle; the local school districts are highly rated as well. Consider that four of the top 10 public high schools in North Carolina are in the Wake County School System, according to US News and World Report rankings.

How much do schools affect home prices? Let’s take a look at these statistics researched by Flat Fee Realty:

  • In a recent survey by Realtor.com, 91% of prospective homebuyers said that school district boundaries were an important part of their home search. 
  • That same survey found that over half of buyers are willing to boost their budgets for top quality schools, paying 6-30% more for a home within the boundaries of their desired school. 
  • Another recent study found that homes in areas with the best schools command about $50.00 more per square foot than homes in average districts.

Based on this information, buyers and sellers are correct in thinking that being in the right district can give their sales price or budgets a bump. But what is the “right” district? While a client’s first instinct might be to simply ask their real estate agent, they might not get the information they’re looking for. Many agents deflect questions about school quality to avoid ending up on the wrong side of the Fair Housing Act (this could be construed as steering). Instead, they point buyers and sellers to independent resources such as these:

  • For public schools, visit the National Center for Education Statistics, or the official site for NC Public Schools. 
  • For public, private, and independent schools, org has a lot of information. It also includes consumer reviews.

When buying or selling a home, everyone knows that location is paramount. And a significant part of this is the local school quality, even for buyers and sellers who do not have children.

Need help assessing the market value of your home? 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: ddpavumba, Freedigitalphotos.net

 

 

 

 

 

The Independent Triangle 5 Step Seller’s Guide To Showing A Home

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FFR- Sept 22 Pic- 10066250When a Triangle homeowner chooses to sell a home without the assistance of a real estate agent, they are usually looking to save money on an agent’s commission. However, independent sellers also understand that savings can sometimes be a challenge for the significant time and effort that must be spent to market and sell the home. One of the many necessary tasks is showing the home to interested buyers and their agents.

To make the most of each and every showing, independent sellers in North Carolina should follow these five tips from Flat Fee Realty:

  • Set the stage: When it comes to making an excellent first impression on buyers, nothing beats a well-staged home. Make sure the entire home is clean and in good repair, but don’t stop there. Consider taking an uninvolved person (like a neighbor) through the home to get a different perspective. For more staging advice, read our blog post on the topic here.
  • Give prospective buyers space: Resist the urge to tag along, rattling off a list of the home’s features. A home will sell itself without any persuasion by the owner, and heavy selling is a turnoff to buyers. Stay at a respectable distance and be available for questions, but otherwise let buyers lead the way.
  • Point out “hidden” features: While there’s no need to state the obvious (“this is the kitchen…”), feel free to draw attention to upgrades that aren’t readily visible. For example, maybe the air conditioning system was recently replaced, or the master bath has thermal floors.
  • Ask for feedback: Sellers can learn from every showing. However, buyers can be reluctant to give feedback (especially if it’s negative) directly to a seller. To encourage buyers to linger, consider leaving a stack of preprinted questionnaires or a guestbook in the kitchen next to a bowl of candy or snacks.
  • Reconsider open houses: Open houses can add to a home’s exposure, but there’s little hard data suggesting that they regularly lead to sales. Agents typically hold open houses because clients expect them to, and to bring themselves more business (by offering their services to unrepresented buyers and sellers who attend). So, if you don’t have the time or inclination to host an open house, don’t stress about it.

Selling a home independently requires a seller to wear many hats. Sellers become a sales, marketing, and customer service team. If it sounds overwhelming, well, sometimes selling a home is just that. For homeowners who want to sell by owner, or those looking for a full service partner, Flat Fee Realty can do what it takes to get a home sold. 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: Renjith Krishnan, Freedigitalphotos.net

 

 

 

3 Must-Use Apps for Triangle Home Buyers and Sellers

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FFR-100266681-freedigitalphotosAccording to the 2013 National Association of Realtors® Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 92% of respondents used the Internet to support the buying and selling process. Over 90% of those individuals also retained the important services of a real estate agent. Real estate agents provide an irreplaceable and invaluable service, but even the best agent simply can’t be with each buyer or seller 24/7.

Flat Fee Realty wants buyers and sellers to be confident in every decision they make.

When researching the North Carolina real estate market, try one of the following three apps guaranteed to enhance your buying or selling experience:

  • Check out any house, anytime, anywhere: Useful for both buyers and sellers, Homesnap (for Apple and Android) lets users take a photo of any home and get basic details about the property. It also estimates a range for which the property will most likely sell, suggests similar listings, and shows recent nearby sales. For potential investors, Homesnap even scores the property on its potential to produce cash flow.
  • Get the latest information on any neighborhood: AroundMe lets users (of both Apple and Android devices) in on many neighborhood features that they wouldn’t typically find in an MLS listing. It searches for amenities of all kinds like parks, hospitals, coffee shops, banks, movie theaters, and more. Buyers can use the app to find out if an unfamiliar neighborhood might meet their needs, while sellers can boost the desirability of their listing by drawing attention to local businesses and amenities.
  • Brush up on your real estate vocabulary: If a seller chooses our Flat Fee Marketing Plan (as opposed to our full-service listing package), they’ll be shouldering some of the listing responsibility themselves. Download the Dictionary of Real Estate Terms to stay in the know and level the playing field with experienced buyers and agents. This particular app is for Apple devices only, but similar versions exist for Android.

The Internet can be a great resource for buyers and sellers to stay connected to their local real estate market. However, the sheer amount of data available can trigger an information overload, adding uncertainty to a process that already has its share of confusion. Have questions about buying or selling? Give Flat Fee Realty a call and let us help you get started.

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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 Top “Super Secret” Home Buying Tips in the Triangle

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FFR Pic 1 august 14When it comes to purchasing real estate in the Triangle, there are a few truths even the most inexperienced home buyers in Raleigh-Durham know. Making location a top priority and cleaning up credit reports are on the list, but first-time buyers need to be savvier than ever before.

The following five “under the radar” tips are brought to you by Flat Fee Realty and are guaranteed to give buyers an edge as they look for a new home:

  • Get pre-approved, not pre-qualified: Pre-qualification is useful in terms of figuring out how much home is affordable, but that’s about it, because none of the financial information has actually been verified. Being pre-approved means obtaining a written (albeit conditional) commitment from a lender after a more extensive review process. This carries much more weight during negotiations with a seller, and leaves less to chance during the closing process.
  • Don’t always buy the best you can afford: Conventional wisdom says to buy the best quality items that are affordable. But in the case of real estate, leaving a bit more leeway is smart (consider the effects of a job loss or having a child, for instance). Still have money left over? Use it to build equity or make improvements to enhance your home’s value.
  • Learn to separate needs from wants: Everyone wants a stylish, move-in ready house that meets all 35 items on their wish list. But even with an unlimited budget, that’s probably impossible. Instead, think in terms of what can be changed and what can’t. Updated finishes can always be added—not true for a backyard or a great school system.
  • Don’t obsess over the housing market: Whether it’s the buyers or the sellers that are on top this year, if a buyer is financially able and needs or wants to buy, then it is the right time. Looking for a bargain in the Triangle? Motivated sellers and solid deals exist in any market, and our professionals can help you make the most of those hard earned dollars.
  • Work with Flat Fee Realty: Ok, so this isn’t exactly unheard of, but the most important thing for a homebuyer to do is to work with the best. It is free of charge, and gets buyers a personal shopper, expert negotiator, and legal and financial assistance. Take advantage of this opportunity and call Flat Fee Realty today!

Finding a good real estate partner, when looking for a new home, makes for less stress and less hassle during a time of both opportunity and challenge. We can manage the process and work in your behalf. Buying a house is an exciting time. Have fun and enjoy the experience.

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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 Credit: Alan Cleaver / Foter / Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

 

 

 

10 Tips for a Fast And Flawless Flat Fee Real Estate Closing

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Flat Fee June 7 PictureConcessions have been negotiated, an offer was accepted, and the closing date is fast approaching. While it may seem like smooth sailing once the home has been inspected and appraised, the time prior to closing can be fraught with potential landmines.

These ten tips from Flat Fee Realty will help Triangle buyers and sellers come to the closing table with confidence:

  • While it is typical in North Carolina for sellers to take most appliances, be sure to leave behind any appliances that were included as part of the sale.
  • Do not remove any items that are permanently attached to the home, such as window blinds, curtain rods, ceiling fans, or light fixtures.
  • Make sure that all agreed-upon repairs or improvements are completed prior to the final walkthrough with the buyers.
  • Many closings are conducted with buyers and sellers present. If either party is travelling long-distance to the closing, confirm travel arrangements and allow adequate time for travel delays.
  • Don’t forget the keys and the garage door openers! Buyers will expect a key to the home, but also remember any other keys and remotes.
  • Buyers should provide their lender with all requested documentationas soon as possible. In these days of due diligence, lenders often double and triple check financial information, so don’t take additional requests personally.
  • Be upfront about any upcoming life changes such as maternity, sick, or family leave. These can raise red flags if left for the lender to discover on their own.
  • Refrain from applying for or opening any new credit cards or loans. Do not excessively use existing credit cards, or co-sign loans for others.
  • Avoid moving money around more than absolutely necessary. Transferring funds between accounts, changing banks, or rolling over a 401K can all lead to last minute delays.
  • If a large financial transaction is unavoidable (such as purchasing a car to get to work), inform the lender in advance so they can properly notate the loan file.

A delay or cancellation of closing is frustrating for everyone involved, but most delays are caused by minute issues that are well within the control of buyers and sellers. Whether you are taking on the sale of a home as a FSBO or are a first time buyer looking for expert guidance, Flat Fee Realty can help. Give us a call to find out how!

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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: MarkMoz12 / Foter / Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

6 Tips for Selling Homes in the Triangle

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stagingSummer is here in Central Carolina and the Triangle real estate market is booming! Warm, sunny weather and long hours of daylight have potential buyers on the hunt for their next home. It is the perfect time of year and the height of selling season. Now, what can the seller do to turn lookers into buyers?

These six selling tips offered from Flat Fee Realty will help get any home ready for showings, offers, and most importantly, a sale:

  • Roll out the red carpet (or maybe just a welcome mat): All joking aside, a little curb appeal goes a long way. Purchase a new, clean doormat, and add some colorful, potted flowers for the porch area or near the front door.
  • Neutralize it: Paint the interior in a sophisticated, basic shade. Provide a blank slate using gender-neutral beiges or grays to help buyers envision themselves in the home. Fresh paint smell is a very positive bonus for people wanting a “turn-key” house.
  • Focus on the three “De’s”: De-clutter, depersonalize, and detail clean. Clear all the counter and tabletops. Pack up pictures and knickknacks, and keep everything spic and span.
  • Follow the 30% rule. Closets and storage space are big selling points, especially in areas like the Triangle (where basements are rare). Aim for 30% empty space in these areas to accentuates their spaciousness.
  • Reduce and rearrange: Remove a few non-essential pieces of furniture to open up the rooms. Take what is left on the walls and arrange everything in a way that highlights the flow of each room.
  • Consider a pre-listing inspection: Every house has local competition. The house has to stand out over the rest. An inspection will alert the homeowner to any potential issues in advance (rather than waiting for them to pop up in the buyer’s inspection). Leave a copy on display at showings as an additional selling point.

Selling your home (not to mention finding a new one) can be an emotional and logistical rollercoaster. Whether homeowners take on the challenge as an FSBO (for-sale-by-owner) or are looking for a highly qualified, full service agent; Flat Fee Realty can help. To find out how, 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: coco+Kelley/Foter/Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC 2.0)

 

 

2 Ways Flat Fee Realty in the Triangle Saves Homeowners Money

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Flat Fee RealtyIndividuals and families in the Triangle move for any number of important reasons. Among the options they consider is the possibility of selling by owner. If you tell this to “big name” real estate agents, they will tell you that it is a bad idea.

It’s true that selling a home can be stressful, tedious, and often full of surprises and pitfalls. It is probably for those reasons alone that most sellers do not consider the For Sale by Owner process. They think it will be even more headaches.

Many people who want to sell their home on their own do it or one important reason. It can save money. Specifically, most people do not want to pay a large commission to a real estate agent (usually 5-7% of the sale price) for services they might not need or believe they can handle themselves.

Flat Fee Realty in the Triangle can actually reduce those large realtor costs and support the sale of a home in a variety of ways. As the Future of Real Estate here in North Carolina, our company provides everything you need and nothing you don’t, without the hidden costs or fees.

At Flat Fee Realty our strategies are different from the traditional brokers and national chains.

Here are two ways we help sellers keep a bigger portion of their property’s assets:

  • We streamline the sales process by focusing on the most essential services—only those proven to positively affect the home value and how quickly it sells. This allows us to provide our services at an amazingly reasonable rate (customized plans start at just $795).
  • Our packages are customized for sellers with a wide variety of needs. Our Flat Fee Marketing Plan works best for more experienced sellers who simply need access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and the Centralized Showing Service (CSS). Our Flat Fee Plus plan provides full service representation and is perfect for sellers who want comprehensive guidance throughout the entire sales process.

With over 40 years of combined experience in the real estate industry, we’re ready to help you accomplish your goal of buying or selling a home. Curious about how we work? Give us a call today!

Photo: Flat Fee Realty
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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

 

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