Not All Huntersville Agents Are Created Equal

More From Your Huntersville Broker

Never Pay 6% to sell your home again!

In today’s fast-paced world where answers are just a Google search away, there are some who may question the benefits of hiring a real estate professional when selling a house. The reality is, the addition of more information can lead to more confusion. A real estate agent can be your essential guide, but truth be told, not all agents are created equal. Finding the right agent for you and your family should be your top priority when you’re ready to sell your house.

The right agent is the person who can truly walk you through the whole process, look out for your best interest, and seamlessly lead you through all the steps along the way. In today’s complex market, the way we execute real estate transactions is changing constantly, especially as more elements can be done virtually. Making sure you have the best advice on your side is more important than ever.

So, how do you choose the perfect agent?

It starts with trust. You must trust the advice this person is going to give you, and you’ll want to begin by making sure you’re connected to a true professional. An agent can’t give you perfect advice because it’s impossible to know exactly what’s going to happen at every turn – especially in this unique market. A true professional agent can, however, give you the best advice possible based on the information and situation at hand, helping you make the necessary adjustments and best decisions along the way. The right agent – the professional – will get you the best offer available. That’s exactly what you want and deserve.

What do you need to trust your agent to do?

1. Navigate the Process

There are over 230 possible steps that take place during a successful real estate transaction. Don’t you want someone who has been there before, someone who knows what these actions are, to ensure you have a positive selling experience?

2. Negotiate on Your Behalf

Today, hiring a trusted and talented negotiator could save you thousands, perhaps tens of thousands of dollars. Each step – from the buyer submitting an original offer, to the possible renegotiation of that offer after a home inspection, to the potential cancelation of the deal based on a troubled appraisal – you need someone who can keep the deal together until it closes.

3. Price Your House Competitively

There’s so much information in the news and on the Internet about home sales, prices, and mortgage rates. How do you know what’s going on in our local area? Who do you turn to in order to competitively and correctly price your home at the beginning of the selling process?

Dave Ramsey, known as the financial guru, advises:

“When getting help with money, whether it’s insurance, real estate or investments, you should always look for someone with the heart of a teacher, not the heart of a salesman.”

Hiring a trusted professional who has a finger on the pulse of the market and is eager to help you learn will make your experience an informed and educated one. You need someone who’s going to tell you the truth, not just what they think you want to hear.

Bottom Line

Today’s real estate market is highly competitive. Having a trusted professional who’s been there before to guide you through the process is a simple step that will give you a huge advantage when you’re ready to sell your house. Let’s make it happen together.

Birkdale and Birkdale Village Stats 2019

Interested in seeing the activity that occurred during the year.    We have created reports showing the activity from January 1 through Dec 11, 2019





Birkdale Village 2019 Statistics - Click here

Birkdale 2019 Statistics - Click Here

If you are looking for even more information regarding the state of our market for the Charlotte area MLS, check out the Charlotte Market Report

Everybody Calm Down! This Is NOT 2008

Last week realtor.com released the results of a survey that produced three major revelations:

1. 53% of home purchasers (first-time and repeat buyers) currently in the market believe a recession will occur this year or next.
2. 57% believe the next recession will be as bad or worse than 2008.
3. 55% said they would cancel plans to move if a recession occurred.

Since we are currently experiencing the longest-ever economic expansion in American history, there is reason to believe a recession could occur in the not-too-distant future. And, it does make sense that buyers and sellers remember the horrors of 2008 when they hear the word “recession.”

Ali Wolf, Director of Economic Research at the real estate consulting firm Meyers Research, addressed this point in a recent interview:

“With people having PTSD from the last time, they’re still afraid of buying at the wrong time.”

Most experts, however, believe if there is a recession, it will not resemble 2008. This housing market is in no way the same as it was just over a decade ago.

Zillow Economist, Jeff Tucker, explained the difference in a recent article, Recessions Typically Have Limited Effect on the Housing Market:

 “As we look ahead to the next recession, it's important to recognize how unusual the conditions were that caused the last one, and what's different about the housing market today. Rather than abundant homes, we have a shortage of new home supply. Rather than risky borrowers taking on adjustable-rate mortgages, we have buyers with sterling credit scores taking out predictable 30-year fixed-rate mortgages. The housing market is simply much less risky than it was 15 years ago."

George Ratiu, Senior Economist at realtor.com, also weighed in on the subject:

“This is going to be a much shorter recession than the last one, I don't think the next recession will be a repeat of 2008...The housing market is in a better position.”

In the past 23 years, there have been two national recessions – the dot-com crash in 2001 and the Great Recession in 2008. It is true that home values fell 19.7% during the 2008 recession, which was caused by a mortgage meltdown that heavily impacted the housing market. However, while stock prices fell almost 25% in 2001, home values appreciated 6.6%. The triggers of the next recession will more closely mirror those from 2001 – not those from 2008.

Bottom Line

No one can accurately predict when the next recession will occur, but expecting one could possibly take place in the next 18-24 months is understandable. It is, however, important to realize that the impact of a recession on the housing market will in no way resemble 2008.

5 Reasons to Sell Your Huntersville HomeThis Fall

Below are 5 compelling reasons listing your home for sale this fall makes sense.

1. Demand Is Strong

The latest Buyer Traffic Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that buyer demand remains strong throughout the vast majority of the country. These buyers are ready, willing, and able to purchase…and are in the market right now. More often than not, in many areas of the country, multiple buyers are competing with each other to buy the same home.

Take advantage of the buyer activity currently in the market.

2. There Is Less Competition Now

Housing inventory is still under the 6-month supply that is needed for a normal market. This means that in the majority of the country, there are not enough homes for sale to satisfy the number of buyers.

Historically, a homeowner would stay an average of six years in his or her home. Since 2011, that number has hovered between nine and ten years. There is a pent-up desire for many homeowners to move as they were unable to sell over the last few years due to a negative equity situation. As home values continue to appreciate, more and more homeowners will be given the freedom to move.

Many homeowners were reluctant to list their homes over the last couple years, for fear that they would not find a home to move to. That is all changing now as more homes come to market at the higher end. The choices buyers have will continue to increase. Don’t wait until additional inventory comes to market before you decide to sell.

3. The Process Will Be Quicker

Today’s competitive environment has forced buyers to do all they can to stand out from the crowd, including getting pre-approved for their mortgage financing. This makes the entire selling process much faster and simpler, as buyers know exactly what they can afford before shopping for a home. According to Ellie Mae’s latest Origination Insights Report, the time needed to close a loan is 43 days.

4. There Will Never Be a Better Time to Move Up

If your next move will be into a premium or luxury home, now is the time to move up. There is currently ample inventory for sale at higher price ranges. This means if you're planning on selling a starter or trade-up home and moving into your dream home, you’ll be able to do that in the luxury or premium market.

According to CoreLogic, prices are projected to appreciate by 5.2% over the next year. If you’re moving to a higher-priced home, it will wind up costing you more in raw dollars (both in down payment and mortgage) if you wait.

5. It’s Time to Move on with Your Life

Look at the reason you decided to sell in the first place and determine whether it is worth waiting. Is money more important than being with family? Is money more important than having the freedom to go on with your life the way you think you should?

Only you know the answers to these questions. You have the power to take control of the situation by putting your home on the market. Perhaps the time has come for you and your family to move on and start living the life you desire.

That is what is truly important.

A Recession Does Not Equal a Housing Crisis

Recently, there's been a lot of news surrounding an impending recession. However, the same experts predicting an economic slowdown also believe it will not be caused by the housing market. If you're thinking of buying or selling a home, there's no need to panic- let's get together to address your concerns and talk about what's really happening.

Roby Robertson - Broker/Owner

Carolina Living Real Estate

704 451 7051 (mobile)

 5S94-3014 

Never pay 6% commission,  Ask me why!  If your home is listed with another broker this is not a solicitation for that business.

ATTENTION: North Carolina law requires that we provide you with a copy of our brochure, Working with Real Estate Agents. This explains agency relationships, and how you will be represented in your transaction. Please click on the link below to review this important document:

http://www.ncrec.gov/Brochures/Print/WorkingWith.pdf

5 Easy Steps to Avoid Overwhelm from Media Overload

When someone is thinking about buying or selling a home, they want to be well-informed. They want to make the right decision for themselves and their family. They scour the internet for any information they can find about the housing market.

Today, there is an abundance of information available. It is often conflicting news. It can easily lead to confusion and concern, perhaps even causing a potential buyer or seller to cancel their plans to move altogether. Instead, the best things to do are sit down and take a deep breath.

In a recent article, Jeff Davidson, a recognized speaker on the subject of productivity, explained:

“The pace at which new information arrives will accelerate every day…Too often, the reflex to take action only exacerbates your time-pressure problems. Do not bite off more than you can chew, and acknowledge that often, the wisest response to too much competition for your time and attention is to simply slow down to assess the best way to proceed.”

To that point, here is an easy five-step process to follow if all of this information seems overwhelming:

1. Calm Down - Don’t let the confusion lead to concern or panic.
2. Slow Down - As Davidson suggests, just “slow down to assess.”
3. Think - Remember the reasons you wanted to move in the first place. Are they still important?
4. Plan - Determine whether or not the new information should change anything. If you need further clarification on some points, reach out to a real estate professional in your area for a better understanding.
5. Act - After thorough consideration, feel good about your decision, whether you decide to move or not.

Bottom Line

Don’t let the plethora of seemingly conflicting information on the housing market stop you from moving forward with your life. Let's get together to ensure you get the valuable counsel you need so you can make the right decision for you and your family.

August 2019 Real Estate By The Numbers

 August by the Numbers Staying current is a must when it comes to understanding the housing market. Here's a look at how the numbers stack up today. If you'd like to learn more about homeownership or your next move, let's get together to discuss your options.

Everyone Wants More For Less to Sell Their Huntersville Home... DONE!

Have you spoken to these Realtors? They will give you numerous reasons to justify it and I can explain why I don't do it in 15 seconds.

via GIPHY

In 14 years, I have sold many many homes and never charged 6% to do it. That is because I can give you just as good a service for less! HOW?...I do not have to give my brokerage a piece of my earnings. You see things have changed SO much because of the internet and the advantages that the huge brokerages used to have over the little ones now no longer exists. I would love to sit down and discuss what we do for you and how much it will save you.

Are Low Interest Rates Here to Stay?

Interest rates for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage have been on the decline since November, now reaching lows last seen in January 2018. According to Freddie Mac’s latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey, rates came in at 4.12% last week!

This is great news for anyone who is planning on buying a home this spring! Freddie Mac had this to say,

“Mortgage interest rates have been steadily declining since the start of 2019. These lower mortgage interest rates combined with a strong labor market should attract prospective homebuyers this spring and could help the housing sector regain its momentum later in the year.”

To put the low rates in perspective, the average for 2018 was 4.6%! The chart below shows the recent drop, and also shows where the experts at Freddie Mac believe rates will be by the end of 2019.

Bottom Line

If you plan on buying a home this year, let’s get together to start your home search to ensure you can lock in these historically low rates today!

Huntersville Homeowners: Now Is A Good Time To Sell Your House

See the Latest Listing By Carolina Living in Birkdale

Every month, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) releases their Seller Traffic Index as a part of their Realtors Confidence Index. In the latest release, NAR reported that homeowners have been reluctant to sell their houses. This is reflected when broken down by state. Only 11 states have a stable level of seller traffic compared to the remainder of the country, which came in with a weak rating.

As we can see in the following table, the number of people who moved last year is half of what the rate was in the 1980s.

This does not come as a surprise, as tenure length (the number of years someone owns a home before moving again) among existing homeowners has increased. It has risen from an average of 6 years from 1985 to 2008, up to 9.5 years over the last few years. This is shown in the graph below:

As we can see, there is a pent-up seller demand!

What led to this change in behavior? Falling prices during the housing crisis led to many homeowners having negative equity in their home, meaning they owed more on their mortgage than the home was worth. Others were able to secure a low interest rate on their mortgage and have not been quick to obtain a new mortgage with a higher rate.

Will this trend continue?

Recently NAR reported that “69% of people believe now is a good time to sell a home.”

With a strong economy, low interest rates, and wages continuing to rise, some homeowners will be ready to put their house on the market and move up to the home of their dreams!

Bottom Line

There is a great opportunity for sellers to take advantage of the current real estate market before new inventory comes to market. If you are considering selling your house or would like to know your options, let’s get together today to help you understand the possibilities available to you!

Why Your Huntersville Pet-Friendly Homes Is in High Demand

One of the many benefits of owning your own home is the freedom to find your ‘furever’ friend. By pointing out the aspects of your home that make it ‘pet-friendly’ in your listing, you’ll attract these buyers, rather than alienating the 68% of American households that have a pet!

If you are one of the many homeowners looking to list your home for sale, how do you stand out to the millions of pet parents searching for their dream home?

Whether a dog person, a cat person, or someone who prefers the company of another pet species, 99% of pet owners say that they consider their animal to be family. When finding a home, 95% of animal owners believe it is important that a housing community allows animals.

A study by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) revealed that there are many aspects of the home buying, selling and owning experience that have been greatly impacted by our love for our pets.

This should come as no surprise, as $72 billion was spent on pets in the U.S in 2018. NAR’s President William E. Brown shed some light on the impact of pet owners and their home search.

“It is important to understand the unique needs and wants of animal owners when it comes to homeownership. REALTORS® understand that when someone buys a home, they are buying it with the needs of their whole family in mind; ask pet owners, and they will enthusiastically agree that their animals are part of their family.”

The Power of Pets When Choosing the Right Home

• 89% of pet owners say they would not give up their pet due to a housing restriction
• 81% of Americans say their pets play a role in their housing situation
• 31% of animal owners have refused to put in an offer on a home because it wasn’t a good fit for their animals
• 19% of Americans say they would consider moving for their pet
• 12% percent have moved for their pet

New home builders have actually begun installing retractable pet gates that tuck away neatly inside door jams as a highly requested feature in new homes to attract pet-parents.

So, if you are a homeowner looking to sell in today’s pet-friendly environment, point out the features of your home that will attract pet owners:

• Fully fenced in backyard – (91% of pet owners ranked this as the most important feature of a home to accommodate their pet)
• Locations of dog parks/walking paths/pet-friendly beaches in the area (71% ranked this as the top feature of any neighborhood they would consider)
• Proximity to veterinarians/groomers/pet supply stores (31%)

Bottom Line

Americans love their pets and will look for pet-friendly features in the home they wish to buy, so take advantage of this knowledge by pointing out your home’s ability to meet their needs.

Never Pay 6% To Sell Your Home Again!

Your Huntersville Home’s Spring Maintenance Checklist

Your Home’s Spring Maintenance Checklist [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights:

• Every spring, your home needs some extra TLC!
• Whether you plan on selling your home this spring or not, conducting this maintenance will help ensure your home functions well for the rest of the year.
• Your real estate agent will have a list of specific suggestions for getting your house ready for market and is a great resource for finding local contractors who can help!

Is Huntersville, NC Housing Affordable

Huntersville NC Real Estate is Hot

As home prices continue to rise due to a lack of inventory, many people are becoming more concerned about housing affordability. Taking a look at NAR's Housing Affordability Index puts that concern to rest. Let's get together to go over your specific market and determine whether or not you are ready to buy today! Interest rates are around 4.5 percent. There is talk of rated going to 5.1 percent by end of year. If you are buying or selling, the time may be right.

Cost of Borrowing Across Time

Some Highlights: With interest rates still around 4.5%, now is a great time to look back at where rates have been over the last 40 years. Rates are projected to climb to 5.1% by this time next year according to Freddie Mac. The impact your interest rate makes on your monthly mortgage cost is significant! …

Still sitting on the fence with buying or selling.   It is a fantastic time to purchase in the fantastic Lake Norman and Huntersville, NC areas.   I know we can help.

Contact us!

Lock In Your Low Commission Rate Selling Your Huntersville Home

Visit Here to lock in your rate.

If you are thinking of selling, this is the perfect sellers market.   With the right agent you can sell your home fast and save money.   Lock in your rate and never have any obligation. 

As of 7/26/2018 with the last 30 days!

There are 302 homes in Huntersville on the market with an average days on the market being 44 days.

there are 162 homes in Huntersville under contract  with an average days on the market being 20 days.

There are 159 closed with an average days on the market being being 30 days and a sold price to list price ration being 98%.  These are WOW numbers and why you need to lock in your low rate.

We have lots of experience and success stories. 

Looking forward to hearing from you!

The High Cost of Overpricing Your Huntersville Home

The word is out - we're in a seller's market!

Lots of sellers understandably want to cash in. But one thing we're seeing in the data is a STEEP drop from the original sales price when a property doesn't sell relatively quickly.

These stats are for As you can see, the average home sold in the first week went for OVER list price. 

Sold in the first month, the seller came about $10k off the original list price. But over 2 months, and the average drop was almost $40k!

 As tempting as it might be to swing for the fences, it's important for sellers to understand that the longer their property sits, the less money they'll get (not to mention the extra holding costs).

Click Image to Enlarge!

Let me Help...

Just Dream and Imagine - Birkdale and Birkdale Village Home

Imagine you are buying a home in the Huntersville area and living in this awesome family active community.  From the video you can see both Birkdale and Birkdale village have active lifestyles and are a stone's throw from Lake Norman.  This area has it all.   Minutes from Charlotte and Lake Norman, seconds from the interstate with many restaurants and shops to choose from!

Also, imagine you are selling your home in this area and having a video like this one attached to the professional pictures we provide.   It will be a marketing dream for you and will set yourself apart from all the other homes in the area.   Share this with your out of town friends and family to show where you live!

This video ( except for the pictures added in front and back ) is provided by Sky Visions USA.  Check them out!!

If you are considering buying and selling in this area, contact the local expert.   Visit Roby Robertson or call 704 451 7051.  There is never any obligation...

Proud Member Of The Veteran and Military Family Resource

I am a proud member and supporter of our Military!

The VABA (Veteran’s Advocacy and Benefits Association) fights for, serves and connects valuable resources with our Veterans and Military families. We are dedicated to making sure Veterans get the help they need - when they need it.

Please thank a veteran today!


Are You Thinking About Selling Your House Soon? Get your FREE Ebook!

Your Next Huntersville Agent: WOW 32 THOUSAND Visitors

Birkdale and Birkdale Village Real Estate Website

Why would you consider working with Your Next Huntersville Agent?  

The first place to look is the Birkdale at Lake Norman Sellers Page.

You can also check out the page dedicated to the Birkdale at Lake Norman Active Listings

If you need even more reasons consider that we just hit 32 Thousand unique visitors to this website dedicated to just your community.   I am committed to be the best real estate broker for YOUR community!  

Contact me and let's talk!   

Your Next Brikdale Agent - Fall Activity and Merry Christmas

Here is Wishing you and your family the Merriest of Christmases!    From my family to yours!

On the Huntersville and Birkdale Real Estate Front, here are a few statistics for the last 90 days!

19 homes sold.
Sold price to list price percent was 96.94%
Average days on the market was 88 days

9 homes are currently active!
The average days on the market is 111 days but is being skewed by one home being on the market 224 days. 

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.   There is never any obligation.  Also, come back often for valuable information and you can always see the home for sale in Birkdale and Birkdale Village!