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Posted in Selling and buying homes in the Triangle

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contact an agent at Flat Fee Realty today!

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

The Future of Real Estate! 

 Flat Fee Realty 

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

Photo: Pixabay

Contact Us 

Terry@FlatFeeNC.com 

 

 

The Important Difference Between Buying and Selling Agents in the Triangle

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The very hot Triangle real estate market is buzzing with spring activity; potential sellers and buyers have many questions as to how the process works. Flat Fee Realty has the buyer’s and seller’s agents that can help owners and buyers have a great experience.

Now, what is the difference between the buyer and seller agents. Regardless of the situation, our team at Flat Fee Realty believes that Triangle sellers and buyers in the Raleigh, Cary, Apex and the entire region will benefit from having an experienced and local agent by their side.

The two key roles that buyer’s and seller’s agents play during the real estate process are extremely important:

  • Seller’s Agent: The seller’s agents are also known as listing agents, and they will represent the seller throughout the selling process. They will strive to get the best deals for the seller, and they will often make suggestions during the selling process for making the home look its best. This process can include the staging for photographs, updates to the home to make it more desirable to buyers in the market, and other related strategies. Seller’s agents are also legally required to disclose important information about potential buyers, to minimize last minute surprises.
  • Buyer’s Agent: Buying a home in the Triangle is a milestone for many people in their lives, and it’s typically the first major financial decision they will make. Buyer’s agents protect buyers, and help them understand the often-complicated terminology used in contracts. This guidance helps them to more easily navigate the local housing market. Our Flat Fee Realty agents will help buyers get the best price for the home and point out any issues that need to be addressed during inspections and appraisals.

Buyer and seller agents are integral to the home buying process in the Triangle area. Our agents at Flat Fee Realty are eager to help each party have the best experience and save the most money. Contact us today to see how we can help you buy or sell your home!

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This important real estate blog 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: Mastersenaiper, pixabay

4 Important Tips to Increase Triangle Home Values

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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!

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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: 45619109, http://depositphotos.com/

 

 

 

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

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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.

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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: artseybee, pixabay

 

 

3 Questions about Mortgage Insurance from Triangle Home Buyers

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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!

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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: Tumisu, pixabay

 

 

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

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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! 

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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 in Morrisville

 

The Pros and Cons of Renting Versus Selling

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hoouse on scale- renjith krishnan- freedigitalphotos.netFall has arrived in Raleigh! Most Triangle homeowners welcome the cooler temperatures, but they sometimes bring a more relaxed real estate market. For this reason, some sellers contemplate renting their home, especially in popular neighborhoods, instead of selling. However, there are several important considerations to carefully weigh prior to making such an important decision.

For those home sellers who think they might be ready to become landlords, check out the pros and cons first, shared by the top real estate agents at Flat Fee Realty:

  • Every market is different: In general, home inventory is lower in autumn relative to the number of buyers out there, and rental demand is high due to the continuous growth of the Raleigh However, the real estate market is hyper local, and varies from one neighborhood to the next. To get a clear picture of the optimal sales price or rental rate, it’s important to consult with our Flat Fee team, each agent has the important information sellers need here in the Triangle.
  • Assessing financial goals: Home values have been on the rise for some time, so selling will probably free up some cash for many homeowners who decide to sell. Conversely, allowing a tenant to pay down the mortgage while the home continues to appreciate (and hopefully generating some cash flow in the process) can be very appealing. Risk tolerance and the ability to carry two mortgages will play a large part in the decision.
  • Taking the plunge: Not everyone is cut out to deal with tenants, and that’s okay. Hiring a professional property manager can alleviate a lot of the stress and time demands of being a landlord, but it comes at a price (think 10% of gross monthly rent). However, it will not get you out of the financial commitments. Having a decent amount of cash in reserve to finance major and minor repairs is non-negotiable.

For home sellers, the fall season and upcoming holidays aren’t always cause for celebration. It can mean access to fewer buyers, more time on the market, and a potentially (although not always) lower sales price. Like everything, becoming a landlord has both pros and cons. For home sellers who see real estate investment as a portion of their long-term financial strategy, it can be a great move. For everyone else, selling is probably the way to go.

Want to find out if selling your home is the best move? Flat Fee Realty can help! Contact us today to get financially solid, market-based advice on buying and selling.

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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

Independent Triangle Real Estate Broker | Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Apex, Chapel Hill NC