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Let the Coastal Realty Connections team help you find your next real estate purchase. Contact us today. 910-279-9398.
Whether you are buying or selling a home, it can be quite an adventurous journey. You need an experienced Real Estate Professional to lead you to your ultimate goal. In this world of instant gratification and internet searches, many sellers think that they can For Sale by Owner or FSBO.
The 5 Reasons You NEED a Real Estate Professional in your corner haven’t changed but have rather been strengthened due to the projections of higher mortgage interest rates & home prices as the market continues to recover.
Each state has different regulations regarding the contracts required for a successful sale, and these regulations are constantly changing. A true Real Estate Professional is an expert in their market and can guide you through the stacks of paperwork necessary to make your dream a reality.
According to the Orlando Regional REALTOR Association, there are over 230 possible actions that need to take place during every successful real estate transaction. Don’t you want someone who has been there before, someone who knows what these actions, are to make sure that you acquire your dream?
So maybe you’re not convinced that you need an agent to sell your home. However, after looking at the list of parties that you need to be prepared to negotiate with, you’ll realize the value in selecting a Real Estate Professional. From the buyer (who wants the best deal possible) to the home inspection companies, to the appraiser, there are at least 11 different people that you will have to be knowledgeable with and answer to, during the process.
It is important for your home to be priced correctly from the start to attract the right buyers and shorten the time that it’s on the market. You need someone who is not emotionally connected to your home to give you the truth as to your home’s value. According to the National Association of REALTORS, “the typical FSBO home sold for $208,700 compared to $235,000 among agent-assisted home sales.”
Get the most out of your transaction by hiring a professional.
There is so much information out there on the news and the internet about home sales, prices, and mortgage rates; how do you know what’s going on specifically in your area? Who do you turn to in order to competitively price your home correctly at the beginning of the selling process? How do you know what to offer on your dream home without paying too much, or offending the seller with a low-ball offer?
Dave Ramsey, the financial guru, advises:
“When getting help with money, whether it’s insurance, real estate or investments, you should always look for someone with the heart of a teacher, not the heart of a salesman.”
Hiring an agent who has their finger on the pulse of the market will make your buying/selling experience an educated one. You need someone who is going to tell you the truth, not just what they think you want to hear.
You wouldn’t replace the engine in your car without a trusted mechanic. Why would you make one of the most important financial decisions of your life without hiring a Real Estate Professional? Contact us today and let us help you buy or sell. 910-279-9398.
Take advantage of today’s market by contacting us. 910-279-9398.
Indigo Marina, Brunswick County
The secret’s finally out. One of our favorite up-and-coming counties in North Carolina has seen record growth numbers in terms of population, jobs, and housing over the last several years. Brunswick County, off the North Carolina coast, has seen a 47% growth in population over the last decade, and is steadily increasing residents each year. With recent job growth and housing appreciation on the up – it’s no wonder families and retirees from all over are flocking to the coastal communities more so than ever. Whether it’s the beautiful location, active lifestyle, or quaint community feel – you’ll find many reasons to consider Brunswick County your new perfect place to call home.
When thinking about retirement, choosing a location can be an overwhelming decision. How do you narrow down the choices? The very best place to retire for you might be on a beach…or in the mountains…or near family…or in the same house you’ve lived in for years. It’s a personal decision that no one else can make for you. However, if you haven’t already settled on a retirement destination, an objective analysis of your options can help narrow your search.
In order to get started, we suggest that you start by thinking about the lifestyle you are looking for. Remember to take into account that you may not need to be close to “work” anymore. The time you used to spend commuting and working will be “free time” now. So if you don’t have to be close to work, what services and recreation do you really need to be close to? The beach, golf courses, nature, marina access and grand kids are some of the responses we hear when talking to clients ready to retire. Some of the other topics that may be of equal importance are climate (4 seasons), proximity to an airport, healthcare, cost of living and tax benefits. All of these points of interest are reasons that so many “Baby Boomers” are choosing to move to North Carolina.
Once you have selected the area of the country, trying to find the perfect spot that offers everything you want may still prove to be difficult. Geared towards retirees, many developers have opted to design planned communities which offer location, amenities and an active lifestyle. Define “active”, it means something different to almost everyone which is why you will find planned neighborhoods with equestrian centers, marinas, golf courses, spas, airplane runways, racquet clubs, golf cart only islands, dog parks, community gardens, dining and shopping. With all of these options, no wonder people can be overwhelmed. From my experience the most common question when discussing retirement location is “how will I meet new friends”? Leaving an area where you have worked and raised a family, the relationships and ties to that area can be hard to relinquish. One thing is certain though, moving into a planned community will give you so many opportunities to make new life-long friends. Social clubs and events are the best part of planned communities and the best way to find people with similar interests. Retirement is called the “golden years” for a reason! It should be the best time, totally dedicated to you and what you love to do, even if it is sitting on your porch reading a book.
Now you have decided on the area and type of lifestyle you want, it is time to visit that area and explore the possibilities. Be flexible and adventurous! Get out and meet the locals. Ask them what they enjoy most about living there. If you golf, schedule a tee time and request to play with members so that you have another opportunity to get information from someone that has been in your shoes. It is also important to talk to a local REALTOR. This is where you will get the best area info, tax rates, home values and the “ins and outs” of the area. REALTORS can also represent your interests as the buyer, when visiting planned communities. What most buyers don’t realize is that when you walk into an onsite sales office, those sales agents represent the seller, not you. Protecting your interests and personal information is the best and main reason that people elect to use REALTORS for buying homes. Don’t we all want our own personal advocate? A REALTOR has a duty to the client they are representing and that relationship can greatly benefit a buyer. Be open and honest about your goals for your new home and listen to suggestions and comments from your REALTOR. Once you have brought your REALTOR up to speed, jump in the car and visit some of the communities that meet your criteria. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or say no to something that doesn’t interest you. As you visit these neighborhoods, walk through model homes and share your thoughts on design, lay out, size and location. Sometimes seeing what you don’t want will solidify in your mind what you do want. Visit the amenities in the community, ask about the Home Owners Association Bylaws and Dues so you have an idea of your financial commitment above and beyond the price of your home. When you think you have found the perfect community learn about the proximity to the services that are most important to you. If you still have the warm and fuzzies then start looking more specifically at homes or house plans that you can customize. This is really where all the fun begins!
When most people think about housing trends, they think about wall colors, cabinet styles and materials. As lives become more complicated, priorities shift and the definition of family has changed significantly. In response to these shifts in society, the housing trends change and adapt. The economic situation for many homeowners has also caused adjustment to future housing plans.
Location, Location, Location! Yes this has always been the most important aspect of choosing a home. In the past, people focused on a location because of family, job or cost of living. Now the number one priority in regards to location comes down to the walkability of restaurants, shopping and services.
We are all familiar with “green” building however the shift to “well” building is right around the corner. “Well” building continues the avoidance of harmful materials and the highlight of water and energy conservation with a new focus on design that enhances the life of the occupants. “Biophilic” design involves window and door placement to strive for a seamlessness between the home and the great outdoors. Increasing natural light and adding LEDs with dimmers and colors that can be changed according to time of day or weather. The lighting can simulate circadian rhythms in the body to improve sleep patterns which in turn is a boost to your health. In similar terms, a “well” home is all about being healthy in your body and in your mind.
In one of our early posts, we discussed the ever growing sustainable movement which has thousands of yards adorned with edible landscaping, backyard chickens and even bee hives. Going a few steps farther is a new housing trend called “Agrihood”. These are planned communities with a “nod” to communal living. The idea is to incorporate farming into planned neighborhoods where homesites are larger, community gardens and livestock herds cover the common areas and neighbors work together maintaining the needs of the farm. You may even see community kitchens and dining rooms instead of tennis courts and pools. The shared work and “fruits of labor” create a sense of pride and connection between neighbors. We expect to see more of these communities popping up as the sustainable movement spreads.
Managing power usage continues to be a top concern for home owners. In addition to solar panels there has been a huge boost in the number of “smart homes” which help to manage usage by automatically adjusting heating/cooling settings and lighting to accommodate time of day as well as weather. Most of the “smart home” technology can be accessed and manipulated by a cell phone app.
Consumers are demanding low maintenance features and materials as they no longer want to spend their weekends mowing grass and painting the deck. The focus has shifted to materials and systems with a greater longevity and durability. A good example is hand built brick walls, they will last for centuries rather than just one owner. This goes along with the push to build structures to withstand severe weather. Many builders and homeowners are “opting to go beyond what is required” says Philadelphia developer Nino Cutrufello.
To further to the low maintenance push, folks are choosing to build smaller, more open floorplans. Including creative use of space and smaller bedrooms allow for overall smaller structures. Since the bedroom is typically where we spend the least amount of time it makes sense to make these rooms smaller. This also is the case for families housing multiple generations. Private entrances offer a feeling of separation and independence while still being cost effective and family oriented.
With such a shift in housing trends it will be interesting to see what effect if any these changes have on the resale market. We may start to see more and more renovations to retro fit homes for the “new style” of living.
