Triangle Area Real Estate News & Information - Buyer Info

Why Buying a Home is a Sound Decision

Many people are thinking about buying homes in 2023. If you are new to home buying, you might be wondering if now is really the best time to buy. It is normal to second guess yourself when so much money and your future is on the line. There are a few national factors and also some considerations that are common knowledge to realtors, but might not be known to you, regarding the soundness of investing in real estate in 2023.

National Market Conditions

We are not seeing home prices fall dramatically. On the contrary, in some local markets, home prices are inching up. The Triangle is still experiencing a shortage of homes and many buyers can be frustrated by bidding wars and a continued advantage of sellers, however, this is indicative of a strong…

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Best Financing Options for Home Renovations

Many homeowners in The Triangle are choosing to renovate their homes this Spring. Where home prices are still high and inventory is low, making renovations can be a popular alternative to moving. However, home renovations tend to be more costly right now due to still high material and labor costs and not everyone has the disposable income for extensive renovations. Additionally good, dependable contractors may be booked 6-12 months out so it could take longer than you might like to get your renovations completed. Financing home renovations is one way to make necessary renovations, without a large capital outlay upfront. Here are some of the best financing options for home renovations.

Home Equity Loan

Home equity is the difference between the…

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Is a Smaller Home Your Best Option?

In this Blog we report on the housing options facing one of the largest segments of the population about to retire, the baby boomer generation. Traditionally, there have been two, rather limited, options: move in with extended family or downsize and then move to a facility for aging in place. The Triangle area offers excellent access to healthcare, the climate is moderate, and many generations enjoy the lifestyle here, making it one of the places that multiple generations are calling home. But, when to make the choice to move smaller or move to a facility, is by no means an easy one.

According to Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist and Vice President of Research at the National Association of Realtors (NAR) "As we see the transition of the…

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Fastest Growing Shrubs For Curb Appeal

When we take clients for showings, landscaping is often a big draw. The average cost of landscaping in the US is about $5,000, but the return on investment is 100%. However, if you are thinking about selling in the next five years, you also might not want to invest a lot in landscaping at the expense of other home improvement projects. To save money and to attract buyers when the time is right, we recommend fast-growing and flowering shrubs for adding curb appeal, in a hurry. 

Camelias are classic North Carolina shrub, that grow quickly! With thick waxy leaves and beautiful flowers that come in a variety of colors and differing bloom times, they are an excellent choice. Partial sun or shade.

Azaleas are another classic quick growing…

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What You Should Know About Closing Costs

What you should know about closing costs? A LOT! Buyers need to understand the costs and timelines associated with purchasing a home, or better be working with an experienced, reputable Realtor to explain details. When you start saving for a home or putting money aside for a down payment, the closing costs may not immediately come to mind. Closing costs include the items listed below and in some states Buyers are required to pay the state a "tax" on the purchase as well. Let's break these down so you are not learning about closing costs, the hard way.

Seller closing expenses include the commission they agreed to pay their listing agent which is typically split with the Buyer's Broker and in NC and many other states the seller pays a tax on the sale…

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Why it makes sense to move before Spring

Real Estate buying, selling, and moving tend to follow some predictable patterns. Many buyers delay moving until Spring, some believing this to be the best time to buy and the easiest time to move, others planning on specific school districts for the following year. While there is the benefit of kids being in school, and many people decide to list their homes in Spring for the same reason, it makes for a frenzied time that does not always yield the best conditions for moving. Let's discuss the benefits of moving and buying prior to the Spring selling and buying rush.

Tempting Interest Rates for Buyers

Last year, home prices began to fall ever so slightly in The Triangle, and buyers saw rates dip slightly at the end of the year. As rates fall,…

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Renovation Resolutions: How to get the top ROI for Renovations

Many Triangle homeowners consider renovations in the new year. Some renovations recoup the investment in resale and are more desirable than others. The spring is an excellent time to renovate a home and if you are considering selling, we recommend, instead of large-scale renovations, making curb appeal changes linked here, to take advantage of the current market conditions. We are sharing home renovations according to Fortune Builders that yield the best ROI by percentage, and explanation according to our expertise. If you are thinking about selling in The Triangle, please contact a member of My NC Homes to discuss the best strategy for selling this spring.

Landscaping: ROI 100% : Fresh landscaping adds both curb appeal and value to a home. Where…

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4 Surprising Things That Will Increase Your Homes Equity

4 Surprising Things That Will Increase Your Homes Equity

Investing in real estate is generally considered a sound strategy for growing wealth, especially in areas where home values are rising, like The Research Triangle. Home equity is a homes value minus liens or debts against a home. There are a number of factors within and outside of a homeowner's control that amounts to a home's equity. To grow home equity and its’ values there are some surprising things you may not be aware of. As experts in home values in The Triangle, we are sharing some of our top "surprising" tips.

1. Meticulous Renovation Documentation

It is well known that investments in renovations such as a new roof, a kitchen upgrade, or bath upgrades increase the value…

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Golf Course Living in the Research Triangle

The Research Triangle is recognized nationally for a high quality of life for residents. It has a number of the top universities including UNC Chapel Hill, NC State University, NCCU and Duke University within its bounds and as a result, there are incredible museums, hospitals, and culture. Another byproduct of such wonderful educational resources is corporate and tech investment in the area and a great job market. For these reasons, real estate is highly sought after, increasing in value, and a great investment. One of the most desirable types of real estate is developments that are exclusive and offer amenities within the development or nearby. Golf club communities abound in The Triangle and here are some of our top club picks.

Find your perfect…

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Winter Events in the Research Triangle

Winter Events in the Research Triangle

While the temps are dipping in the early months of the year, we wanted to offer some outdoor and indoor events throughout The Triangle. The Triangle truly has excellent entertainment and celebrations year-round, and these events prove it! From Valentine's to Block Parties, here are some great ways to enjoy The Triangle in the winter.

Black History Month on The Triangle 

February is Black History Month and in recognition, in Durham, the 20th Annual NC MLK Black History Month Block Party and Parade will be in Durham on February 4th. This celebration includes marching banks, step, dance, drill teams, mascots, and more.

Valentine's on The Triangle

Does a certain someone make you see stars? Why not…

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