If you are considering selling your home either to take advantage of the market or due to financial distress, saving money by not enlisting the assistance of a Realtor, might seem like a savings. However, attempting to do this on your own without the guidance and expertise of a licensed Realtor could cost you much more money than you stand to save. Let's explore the why advantages of partnering with a real estate agent and why using a licensed Realtor outweighs potential savings. Our expertise is crucial for your home sale.


Exposure

Realtors have access to various marketing tools and platforms, including MLS listings, professional photography, virtual tours, and extensive professional networks. Their reach gives your home immediate exposure…

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When it comes to celebrating the Fourth of July, The Research Triangle Park offers a variety of events and activities for locals and visitors, from families to foodies. Here we give you a quick guide to some of the best July Fourth celebrations in The Research Triangle Park. Festivities, fireworks displays, and family-friendly attractions make this region an ideal destination for Independence Day.

The Festival for the Eno is a two day event, July 1 and 4, from 10-6pm. It is one of the most anticipated events in the Triangle area and draws visitors specifically for this festival. As a celebration of art and culture the event features live music performances, local arts and crafts, food vendors, and interactive exhibits. Held along the banks of the…

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Are you having a difficult time discerning whether right now is a good time to invest in real estate, due to concerns about inflation? If you're considering buying a home in Durham or Raleigh, North Carolina, you may be dissuaded in making an investment because of the impact of inflation on your daily expenses, such as groceries and gas. However, as a renter, you may also have noticed that your rent is increasing as well. Given these elevated costs, it might seem counter intuitive to buy a home, however in the current market, it is a vital way of not only protecting your wealth, but of building future wealth.

Building Equity, Stabilizing Rent

Homeownership actually provides a shield against the rising costs brought about by inflation. According to…

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With decades of experience listing and selling homes in the Research Triangle Park, we have been asked annually and repeatedly, is summer a good time to sell? When is the best time to list my home? If you're considering selling your home in Chapel Hill or Durham, this summer, like any summer, it's important to understand the current national and local market conditions. This season however we are seeing fewer sellers listing their houses for sale compared to most, making it a really great time to list, Inventory is constricted, meaning you get the highest value, best terms, and more favorable conditions as a seller. Let's talk more about whether right now, really is The Best Time to Sell Your Home in the Triangle.

April 2020 and Now

Looking back…

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You are perfectly capable and within your right to sell your own home. Many companies will offer ways for you to list your home for sale even, at reduced rates. What you DO have to consider is this is likely one of the largest monetary transactions of your life. Where there are thousands of dollars at stake, you need to have proper marketing, negotiating, exposure to existing active and qualified buyers, and expert knowledge of the market to list a home at the proper price. Do you have a marketing program in place, a database of buyers, expertise in negotiation, and years of experience in your area in real estate transacting? You can develop these in time, but this is why time is money when selling your home and why a reputable and highly experienced…

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Summer months are approaching and here in NC it's not uncommon for us to hear from homeowners that their energy bills have skyrocketed. You may have already noticed the increases in energy costs this winter. The price of energy and the policies that support homeowners upgrades towards energy efficiency have many homeowners wanting to make home updates, but where to start? We would like to offer an energy efficiency cheat sheet.

The REAL Cost of Energy Inefficiency

Inflation contributes to increased living costs from food to goods and services. One way that homeowners can reduce living expenses is to transition to more energy-efficient homes. To better understand just how much the price of energy has increased, consider these statistics from the…

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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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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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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? 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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