Triangle Area Real Estate News & Information - December, 2017

Want To Start Saving For A Down Payment? Try These 4 Money-Saving Hacks

Buying a home is one of those big milestones in life that many expect they’ll do someday but aren’t quite sure how to get there. In order to be approved for a mortgage, you’ll need to overcome the first and biggest hurdle: having enough money for a down payment. Saving for things is hard, especially when you’re trying to save up a considerable amount. That being said, these savvy money-saving tips might be just what you need to help you get there, sooner rather than later. 

How Much Money Do You Need For A Down Payment On A Home?

The amount you’ll need for your down payment will greatly vary depending on your lender and financial situation. Typically, down payments range from 5% to 20% of the home’s value, so a home that’s $250,000 and a loan…

1407 Views, 0 Comments

How To Buy Your First Home In Durham, Cary, & Chapel Hill

You have decided you want to stop renting and are ready to buy your first home and now you're wondering, “Where do I start?” This is one of the top questions I hear from potential first-time buyers as well as one I see over and over on real estate websites such as Trulia, REALTOR.com, Zillow, etc.

It's easy to understand why; there's so much information out there it's difficult to separate the valuable from the worthless or simply outdated.

Step One: Get Approved For A Mortgage

My advice is to start by speaking with a local mortgage lender and ask to get pre-qualified. This will at least give you some idea of whether you’re ready to get a mortgage or if there's some work you'll need to do first, to improve your credit or if you've just…

3840 Views, 0 Comments

4 Home Safety Issues Every Homeowner Should Know About

Whether you are a new homeowner or have owned your home for years, here are four vitally important things you really need to know about your house. You will be glad you knew about them in an emergency.

1. Water Shut-off Valves

There are several water shut-off valves that you should be familiar with in your home. There is usually a shut-off valve at each sink and toilet. For a problem such as a clogged drain or a faucet that won't stop running, you can shut off the water at that source until the repair can be made.

There is also a water shut-off valve for the whole house. If a pipe breaks and water starts to gush, you need to turn off the house shut-off valve to stop the water flow. Make sure you know where this valve is. If you had a home…

7825 Views, 0 Comments

The 10 Questions to Ask When Hiring a Realtor®

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…

5252 Views, 30 Comments

5 Key Tips To Buying A Home In A Seller's Market (Updated)

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…

1567 Views, 1 Comments

Neighborhood Spotlight: Phillips Place

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…

1732 Views, 0 Comments