How to Increase Curb Appeal at Any Budget

With stay orders in place across North Carolina, we are spending more time at home and tackling projects buried in the to do list. We have compiled a list of curb appeal projects at a variety of price points, including links to purchase. This is also a progressive project list that can show you where you can upcycle, repurpose, and sell things you might otherwise discard. Seller's need to embrace this simple concept: People buy with their eyes. In other words; you get one chance to make a first good impression.

While many in our industry have made speculations as to the future of the real estate market, we are seeing sellers and buyers continue to move forward with sales and acquisitions since mortgage

2011 Wa Wa Ave Bungalow in Lakewood, Durham NC

UNDER CONTRACT!

Its hard to tell what to love most about this little charmer. Could it be the rocking chair front porch? The back yard patio? The Gardens and Chicken Coop? The fully permitted remodel done in 2012? or the cool location, close to Duke, great shopping, restaurants and Downtown Durham? Well I can't decide and I bet you can't either. This 1940's Bungalow offers 2 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms - one of which is a large master bath with double sinks, period hardwood flooring, and an updated kitchen with custom Maple cabinets.

To Arrange a Showing give us a call at 919-451-7868

The Brokers at my NC Homes have had the pleasure of working clients ranging in age from 20 - 80+. Over the next several months we will be showcasing the best communities for aging in place. We do this as a service to our clients as well as a service to the community at large. In all instances you'll need to contact these communities directly as these aren't offered for sale in the traditional real estate manner, we're unable to work as your Buyer agent. We hope however that this information is helpful to our older clients as well as our younger clients who may have parents or grandparents in need.

We would like to begin our series on aging in place in North Carolina with Cary. Cary, North Carolina is part of what is known as the Research Triangle

Ten million Americans lost their jobs over the last two weeks.

The next unemployment rate will be announced on May 8th. It is expected to be in the double digits. Due to the health crisis; the economy has essentially come to a screeching halt; and many are feeling a personal financial crisis. James Bullard, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, explained that the government is trying to find ways to assist both those who have lost their jobs as well as  the companies which were forced to close (think: your neighborhood restaurant). In a recent interview he said:

"This is a planned, organized partial shutdown of the U.S. economy in the second quarter. The overall goal is to keep everyone, households and businesses, whole."

5 Step Guide to Selling your Home Virtually

Selling your home can be stressful, with or without social distancing. Our simple guide offers steps and advice on choosing a listing agency, readying your home, and easy recommendations on how to sell your home virtually. We are advised to take certain measures to protect our clients and ourselves during the Covid 19 crisis, and luckily at My NC Homes, our seller strategies easily adapt to virtual sales.  When we emerge from the Covid 19 quarantine, more homes will be coming on the market and your home will need the best, virtually equipped representation. My NC Homes has over 50 years of combined experience in real estate marketing and we are here for you when you are ready to take the next steps in

Market Chatter

There are already no shortage of experts weighing in on the future real estate market, and there is little doubt that over the coming months there's going to be considerably more. As everyone reading this already knows; I have a crystal ball, it's my secret power that allows me to sell real estate and write real estate blogs. Now that my secret has been disclosed here are a few things to keep in mind over the coming month. *

Why the Housing Market isn't Likely to Crash Like Last Time!

• None of the "experts" has a crystal ball and not one of them has been through this before. 
• Mortgage Requirements are much tougher now than they were leading up to the 2008 Crash.
• Appreciation has remained around 5% annually rather

Moving is stressful and real estate transacting, whether buying or selling, is emotional. The team you use can ease emotions or add drama. We have found that buyers who choose their vendors based on digital review or paid review sites have unreliable results, at best. In our decades of experience in real estate, we have witnessed the rise of the digital professional over the word of mouth professional, and would like to offer our vendors who are proven beyond paid review or page rank. If you are looking to buy or sell a home in Raleigh-Durham, contact a member of our team to begin your search.

Lenders

A reputable lender will offer fair terms and competitive rates derived from your present financial status, adjusted income, and credit history.

Covid-19 Real Estate Impact - Better Days Ahead

I never imagined I'd be writing a Blog like this one, but Andrew, Lauren and I all believe; Better Days Ahead and We're All in this Together.

There are some positive things to report.

Nationally

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) is working with other trade associations and industry partners to expand access to remote online notary in any pandemic relief bills.

They have called for direct rental assistance for families who have income loss due to COVID-19 and relief for property owners from the financial obligations of forbearance and foreclosures.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) noticed a foreclosure and evictions moratorium for 60 days (through May 16) for FHA

Social Isolation Is an Opportunity to Explore the Outdoors

It's starting to feel like a whole new world as we settle into "social distancing" as a result of the COVID-19, or commonly referred to as Coronavirus. The Triangle area is fortunate to have the benefit of not only an earlier spring than most but also an abundance of outdoor activities.

According to an article from MentalFloss "Scientists think that breathing in phytoncides—airborne chemicals produced by plants - increases our levels of white blood cells, helping us fight off infections and diseases." So pack a lunch, hand sanitizer, and plenty of water and come along as we explore some of our favorite places to visit in the Triangle in the Spring.

Duke Gardens and Campus (Durham)

Highlights:

• Buying a home can be intimidating if you’re not familiar with the terms used throughout the process.
• To point you in the right direction, here’s a list of some of the most common language you’ll hear along the way.
• The best way to ensure your home buying process is a positive one is to find a real estate professional who will guide you through every aspect of the transaction with ‘the heart of a teacher.’