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3 Holiday Secrets to Selling a North Carolina Home

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It’s late November, and the holiday season is in full swing. Thanksgiving has arrived and all of the holiday favorites line the end caps at the grocery stores. Holiday music serenades the most harried of shoppers. Even our street lamps are starting to get into the holiday spirit; many of the lamp posts are already dressed in green pine with festive red bows. While many of us across the Carolinas look forward to the holidays, we also can be intimidating by the thought of relocation and home selling. Fortunately, at Flat Fee Realty, our agents have experience with selling homes in the Triangle, Wilmington, Charlotte, and Lake Norman this holiday season and all year long.  

Let Flat Fee Realty take the stress out of sell and buying homes during the holidays with three helpful “almost secret” common sense tips:  

  • Don’t neglect holiday curb appeal: As the bright colors of summer and fall foliage fade to wintery browns, a home’s exterior may be less vibrant than it is in spring and summer. Maintain curb appeal and attract buyers by keeping a neat lawn. Rake the leaves and keep bushes and grass trimmed. Additionally, there is less daylight at this time of year. For buyers looking at houses after dark, homes without sufficient exterior lighting may look less appealing. Make sure prospective buyers see sufficient outdoor lighting for that perfect view. Finally, don’t overcrowd the home’s exterior with too many decorations and holiday lights; use just enough to enhance the beauty of the home, especially at night.  

  • Keep seasonal decorations simple and unique: Outdoor holiday décor is important this time of year, and indoor decorations should be planned as well. Too many decorations can clutter featured rooms like the den and the dining room. When in doubt, check with our experienced Flat Fee Realty agent to ensure the decorations are adding to the home’s appeal.

  • Work with an experienced Flat Fee Realty Agent: Working with our team will ensure every home is listed at a price that will attract buyers (without sacrificing the value of a seller’s house). Our professionals utilize MLS and other online resources which makes it easier for buyers to find a seller’s listing.

While Christmas and New Year may be intimidating times to list a home, there are several ways in which sellers can maximize the potential of their listing, especially during a time when there is less competition. Ready to list a home? Contact one of our experienced Flat Fee Realty agents to get started.

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This post on selling and buying a home during the holiday season in the Triangle, Wilmington, Charlotte, and Lake Norman 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 of the LKN, Raleigh and Wilmington

919 342 5230 (Main Number) 

Find and like us on Facebook! 

Contact Us 

Terry@FlatFeeNC.com 

Photo: Annalise1988, Pixabay

 

 

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 

 

 

3 North Carolina Home Improvements Worth the Investment

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Shows like Fixer Upper and Property Brothers are fun to watch and inspire many homeowners across North Carolina to think creatively about how to upgrade their homes.  For both sellers and buyers, completing home-improvement projects can be rewarding and can make a home in Charlotte, Lake Norman, Wilmington and the Triangle more attractive and functional; however, whether just moving in or preparing to sell a home, Flat Fee Realty agents recommend clients consider the return investment before spending large sums of money on major renovations.

These three upgrades are worth the investment because each one increases resale value:

  • Update a dated bathroom: A nice bathroom to pamper oneself goes a long way in the housing market. Bathroom remodels normally earn back up to 100% of what homeowners put into it. Not sure where to start? Tile the area around the tub, and add a shower door. Upgrade the vanity (choose something both stylish and functional with storage space) and install a new faucet. If there isn’t any ventilation in the bathroom, adding a new bathroom vent fan may help keep the humidity and mildew from warm showers at bay.

  • Add curb appeal: First impressions are everything. If the house exterior needs cleaning, try remedying the problem with a spray like Wet & Forget. If it still looks dull and faded after that process, consider freshening up the outside of the home with a professional power wash, then a fresh coat of paint. Next, think about the light fixtures both for safety and curb appeal. Finally, a nicely-landscaped lawn can go a long way. Start by trimming any overgrown bushes or trees. Then, consider consulting a landscaper or even a local garden center for ideas.

  • Upgrade the kitchen: Kitchens are another great place for upgrading for a solid return investment. Try to avoid the cheapest materials, but don’t overspend by purchasing items that are more luxurious than functional. Also, remember that while television shows entertain viewers with major renovations, many homeowners can create beautiful spaces with a few simple changes. For example, consider creating storage space that makes items easily-accessible, add granite countertops, and add an upgraded backsplash.

Before spending money on a major renovation, clients should contact a Flat Fee Realty agent to ensure their plans align with the interests of most buyers. This will increase the likelihood of getting a return investment on one’s home-improvement projects.

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This post on selling and buying a home in the Triangle, Wilmington, Charlotte, and Lake Norman 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 (Main Number)

Find and like us on Facebook!

Contact Us

Terry@FlatFeeNC.com

Photo : artursfoto, Pixabay

 

 

 

Three Reasons to Buy a Home in the Triangle’s Competitive Market

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It’s no secret that the Triangle is growing rapidly each and every month. While this growth is great for the North Carolina economy, making Raleigh a candidate for new Amazon and Apple headquarters, it also contributes to a competitive real estate market. From cities like Raleigh and Durham to towns like Apex, Cary, or Holly Springs, the Triangle’s real estate market is booming. For those looking to put down roots—especially first-time buyers—it may seem intimidating. Working with an experienced Flat Fee Realty agent, however, has its advantages when buying a home in the Triangle’s competitive market. 

Our team of local professionals offers three important reasons to work with Flat Fee Realty in the Triangle:

  • Access to MLS: With houses selling so quickly, it is important to be able to see available homes as they come on the market. Searches can be tailored to meet buyers’ interests and needs. For example, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms desired, a range of square footage, and garage size can all be filtered, so buyers can easily see the homes that will appeal to them and their needs most. While updates with these tailored searches can regularly be sent to buyers, buyers are also able to search through available listings at their convenience. 
  • Experienced agents: Buying a home is one of the biggest purchases most people make! Our experienced Flat Fee Realty agents know just what to look for in a home and are happy to answer clients’ questions, so they can make informed decisions. Receiving trustworthy advice from an agent who is familiar with the market and has years of experience in the real estate industry helps buyers to feel more confident when making big decisions in pursuit of buying a home.

  • Expert negotiators: Once buyers find their dream home, it’s time to negotiate. From offers to repairs, our real estate agents have the client’s best interest in mind and our team of professionals know how to navigate the complex and delicate nature of negotiation in the Triangle’s competitive market.

 

Flat Fee Realty agents know that buying a house is an important decision and we are here to help our clients find the home of their dreams in the Triangle with complete confidence. When working with buyers, we are passionate about helping our clients find a house they will be excited to call home.

Looking to buy a home? Contact Flat Fee Realty today!

Important Notice 

Not only do we have offices in the Triangle, we also have offices in the beautiful Lake Norman Region just north of Charlotte, and in Coastal Carolina in picturesque Wilmington. 

Lake Norman 704 659 3560

Wilmington 910 225 7721

Triangle 919 342 5230 

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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: geralt, pixabay

 

 

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

3 Important Impacts of Rising Mortgage Rates in North Carolina

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There are a number of housing trends in the Triangle, Lake Norman and Wilmington markets to track in 2017. One major factor is the mortgage rate, which will continue to have an impact on the housing market overall across the entire state.

Luckily, our homeowners and buyers in our three markets have a dedicated team of professionals working hard to stay on top of mortgage rates and more. Our experienced agents at Flat Fee Realty are transparent about the potential impacts the rising mortgage rates will have, and we’re dedicated to ensuring that home buyers and sellers are knowledgeable of the market shifts.

Flat Fee Realty offers three important impacts that rising mortgage rates will have on the North Carolina real estate market:  

  • Mortgage affordability: Buyers have been able to secure historically low rates for the past few years, but since the national election in November, the rates have increased and we may see more increases throughout 2017. Since income hasn’t increased in tandem, this leaves homeowners making slightly higher monthly payments than they did last summer.
  • Lower inventory: Since current homeowners have lower fixed rates, it could be less appealing to sell a home and refinance or take on a new mortgage. This will potentially lead to fewer houses listed on the market, which will in turn make home buying a little more challenging. Working with a Flat Fee Realty NC agent is very beneficial for buyers who need guidance and access to more properties that could otherwise go unnoticed.
  • Housing appreciation. According to Zillow, home values did increase by 6.8% in 2016, and they’re projected to rise 4.6% in 2017. So, with increased home value, buyers will be faced with borrowing a little more and at slightly higher rates. Again, our agents will help navigate the shifting market and give homeowners and potential buyers peace of mind in 2017.

Although things may look uncertain for the Carolina housing market this year, there’s no need to worry if our Triangle, Lake Norman and Wilmington residents are working with our local teams at Flat Fee Realty. Despite the increases, we’ll be here to guide our homeowners and buyers throughout the process, ensuring they are aware of all current market trends. Contact our regional office in Morrisville NC today to see how we can help find an affordable home at the right price.  

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Photo: Flat Fee Realty NC

This real estate blog post on mortgage rates and home buying and selling in North Carolina is brought to you by the team at Flat Fee Realty LLC, and is intended for informational purposes only.

Check out 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 Ways to Use Social Media to Boost Home Marketability Across North Carolina

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Since so many Triangle, Charlotte, and Wilmington residents have social media accounts through Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, home sellers are able to utilize those platforms to keep home buyers informed and interested in listed properties. Our real estate professionals at Flat Fee Realty recommend using social media to help in to help in the home selling process.

3 ways Flat Fee Realty uses social media to boost the visibility of North Carolina homes:  

  • Create and share websites: Serious sellers looking to increase their home’s online presence know that creating easy-to-navigate websites is important. A website can include information on the property, pictures, and even virtual tours to entice buyers to schedule a visit. The links to the website are easily shareable to social media platforms, making them ideal for sellers and buyers to interact.
  • Use personal networks: The great thing about social media is that everyone already has an established network of contacts at their fingertips. Friends and family are generally eager to help when one of their connections expresses a need. They’re able to share postings to spread the word, or they might even have advice for success during the online selling process!
  • Be careful of spamming: Social media users also have control of their news feeds, and they’re able to hide and delete repetitive or “nuisance” posts. Be sure to use the power of posting in a reasonable manner when sharing details of a home for sale. Try to keep posts informative and new, so don’t re-post the same thing several times a day.

There are many other important ways to use social media for selling a home in across North Carolina. Our experts at Flat Fee Realty are knowledgeable and have insight into how the platforms can be used to their full potential. Contact our real estate agents today to see how their guidance and the use of social media can help sell a home!

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This post on using social media for selling and buying a home in Lake Norman, Charlotte, Wilmington 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.

Check out 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: tumisu, pixabay

 

 

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