Interviewing a real estate agent

Are you considering hiring a professional to assist you with buying or selling your home? This is a big decision, as the sale of real estate involves large amounts of money and there's a lot of things to keep track of. Hiring the wrong Realtor® can be a disaster. Whether buying or selling, it's critical that you ask the right questions when you interview agents. After more than 25 years as a Realtor®, here's my list of the 10 questions I advise my friends and family to ask.

How To Interview A Real Estate Agent

1. Are you a Full-Time Broker? Are you available on short notice to show me homes for sale (or handle potential buyers for my house)? Do you have time to work with me now? Not all agents work full time, many have second jobs or other…

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Buying a home in a sellers market

The Triangle area real estate market is hot and just keeps getting hotter. We're nearing the end of 2017, and based on this year's market statistics it's still very much a Seller's market in North Carolina. The average days-on-market last month dropped to 33, down from 35 in November of 2016. The average sale price also rose from $268,590 in November of 2016 to $292,811 in November of 2017. So what does that mean if you're looking to buy a home this year or early 2018? It's a competitive market, but with a little bit of research and the help of some seasoned professionals, obtaining the perfect home is much less of a challenge than it may seem.

Here are some tips to help you buy a home in a seller’s market.

1. Always Stay Positive

This is one…

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Phillips Place homes for sale in Morrisville

Phillips Place in Morrisville is a breathtaking neighborhood rich with wildlife and natural park and conservation areas. Phillips Place homes for sale are in a prestigious, safe community that rests in a prime location when it comes to outdoor recreation, schools, and amenities. Head out fishing on Bond Lake or go for a hike on one of the many trails in the area. Or, if you need to go shopping, enjoy the numerous essential shopping and dining opportunities that the area offers.

About The Neighborhood

Homes in Phillips Place offer an incredible combination of location and peace and quiet. With easy access to Highways 55 and l-540, you’ll be able to commute to work, head to town with your friends, or go shopping with ease.

This neighborhood is…

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The Hills at Southpoint homes for sale

You will love coming home to The Hills at Southpoint in Durham, NC. Not only does it have an unparalleled location when it comes to shopping and dining, it boasts a quiet, relaxed atmosphere and desirable homes for all price points. If you’re a nature lover, then you’ll enjoy the parks and conservation areas within the area. Even better, it's only one-mile away from 1-40, meaning it’s easy to commute to work, the grocery store, and popular recreation destinations.

About The Neighborhood

The Hills at Southpoint homes for sale have the unbelievable luxury of being close to nature while also residing in a convenient location. This community has the best of both worlds. Surrounded by stunning woodlands, all you have to do is look out your front door…

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Why you need a realtor to sell your homeSelling a home is an arduous process. From setting a price, to finding the right time to do it, to the hope of the property garnering quick interest, there are a number of things that build doubt and concern. This is where the advantage of working with a qualified North Carolina real estate agent will set your mind at ease.

The Research Triangle area in North Carolina is one of the biggest hotspots for young professionals in the area. With the revitalization of old warehouses and mixed-use buildings into high quality living establishments, more and more people have begun flocking to the Research Triangle area. That being said, the increase in popularity for properties in the area has prompted the need for real estate agents to assist clients in the…

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buy vs rent in durham, cary, chapel hill

Is it Better to Buy or Rent? 

Several years ago, I wrote an article in which I suggested that if you intended to be in the same location for 4 or more years that economically it made more sense to buy a home, rather than rent. The article garnered a fair deal of attention as well as many questions and comments both pro and con.

Since first the original article (2012) was first published; home values in the Research Triangle {Chapel Hill, Durham, Raleigh and surrounding area} have risen roughly 30% and rental rates have also risen by approximately 20%;  however, mortgage rates are actually lower now than then.

Given the changes in the market; it seemed like a good time to revisit the numbers to find out whether the original conclusion that…

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First time homebuyer mistakes

According to a new report released by the National Association of Realtors, First-time buyers make up 35 percent of all home buyers in 2017. Our team loves helping first-time buyers achieve their dreams of homeownership. In fact, it's one of our specialties! Each client is different but the excitement and joy of closing on the first home is the same for each. We work alongside our clients as they navigate the market and process of buying a home. Without guidance, navigating the complexities of homebuying can often lead to mistakes—but that's where we come in.

Here what you need to know in order to avoid the most common mistakes new home buyers make.

1. Be Fully Prepared for Home Ownership

As you start making preparations to buy a new home,…

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The Traditions in Wake Forest, NC

Located in the historic town of Wake Forest, Traditions at Wake Forest real estate is a wonderful opportunity to own a modern and well-appointed single-family home amidst a picturesque community with all of the charms of a small village. One of the best parts of living near this nationally registered historic community is having perfect access to the Triangle, just a 30-minute commute north and south of Durham and Raleigh. It's also a pleasure to live in a town with so much to offer in terms of the arts and entertainment.

Home buyers who invest in Traditions in Wake Forest homes for sale are drawn to the strong community vibe that's provided by the numerous local farmer's markets, unique independent businesses, festivals, and pleasantly walkable…

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7 things you need to know before buying a rental property

Is Buying A Rental House or Condo A Good Idea?

Owning a rental property has potential to create extra income if you properly prepare. There are a variety of circumstances that lead our clients to consider owning a rental property. We work with clients targeting investment properties to rent.

One of our top priorities is to ensure our clients are comfortable pursuing the option that best fits their needs. We work with clients that  would like to turn the investment into a full-time income, or are turning to rental options as a necessity. The following are a few areas that can begin the consideration process for owning rental property.

How do I prepare for owning a rental property?

1. Get your finances in order                     

You…

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fall activities in the triangle area this october

One of the great treats of living in the Triangle is the wonderful fall weather. There are many great activities to choose from during these fall months. It can be hard to take in all that Cary, Chapel Hill, Durham and the surrounding counties have to offer. If you are relocating to the area or have moved here in recent months or years having a resource to help you navigate the Triangle's fall festivities might be helpful. We've listed out some of our fall favorites. If you have any that you think should be added to this list or have a question on where to find a particular activity, include it in the comments. We're always interested in learning more about what our clients enjoy.

Fall Festivals

Festivals are a great way to sample the various…

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