What To Consider Before Selling Your Home

 Selling your home is a huge leap forward in your life, so it's vital to be as prepared as possible before you put it on the market. Small changes can make a huge difference in how much your property is worth.

Thinking of Selling? Learn More about Selling with Roby

Before you list your home, take the time to consider each of these ideas and think about the impact they'd make on the price you can grab for it. 

1. Does the Exterior of Your Home Shine?

One of the biggest things to keep in mind when you're selling your home is that the exterior needs to wow and impress! This is the first part of your property people will see when they pull up and the first thing that will influence their opinion on whether or not they want to buy your property.

 

To update things, look into adding a brick cladding system, or check the brick cladding on your property and make sure it's in good shape and able to protect the property. Creating a safe and inviting home is vital to getting buyers in the door.

2. What Do Your Listing Photos Highlight?

When people look at your home's listing, the photos need to pop up and tell them to look at your home more. Not only should they be high-quality, clear, and well-lit, but these photos should also be able to guide their eyes from room to room to show off the details that make the property incredible.

 

Highlighting areas like a gorgeous white stone fireplace will make a lot more sense than catching a great photo of the bathroom sink. Take your time, and be purposeful in the angles and subject matter you choose. Hiring a professional photographer can make this step a lot easier!

3. Is There Noticeable Dust or Debris in the Home?

Dust and debris in a home can scare away buyers in the blink of an eye. When people are picturing their future in a home, they don't want to be confronted by gross debris and skin shed by whoever owns it first.

 

Deep clean the entire home, but focus your energy especially hard on areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. These areas are especially prone to dirt and gross residue, so wipe that away and clear the minds of buyers.

4. Have You Staged Your Property?

Did you stage your home? A staged property will sell faster while also bringing in far more money than a home that fails to do so. You can stage using your own furniture if you have modern belongings, but most sellers turn to furniture rental companies that will stage the house for you.

 

This lets your home look brand new and professionally decorated without causing you to go deep into debt buying furniture that you don't want or need.

5. How Old is Your Roof and Siding?

Your roof and siding will need to be updated every twenty to fifty years, depending on the materials and the weather conditions of the area you're in. A wood shake roof can look incredible, but if you don’t properly maintain it and keep it in good working order, it could prove disastrous for your home’s value.

 

The older these parts of your home are, the less likely buyers will be interested in sealing the deal. Update them for that good return on investment every seller wants.

6. Can Your Home Handle Moisture or Water Damage?

Water is one of the most destructive forces out there, able to whittle away wood or stone over the years or floor a home and ruin it from wall to wall. If you want to protect your property and give buyers a chance to have faith in the house they're looking at, look into waterproofing technology.

 

Not only will this keep moisture out, but it can help lower insurance rates and give buyers peace of mind in a wild climate that's been shifting over the last few years.

7. Are All Brick and Stone Surfaces in Good Shape?

Brock and stone are huge deals in 2023, as many buyers are looking to return to natural textures and more earthy tones. Consider power washing the exterior of your home and heavily cleaning any surfaces of these materials on the interior of your home as well. These are the stars of the show, so it's vital that you let them shine.

 

If your home doesn't have any brick or stone but instead has a lot of natural wood, make sure to make that shine instead. Work with what you have, but make the buyers think it's a dream come true.

Your Home Should be an Eye Catcher!

Whether your home is sixty years old or six months old, you should be able to sell it in no time. Follow some of these ideas before you put your property on the market: they could make you hundreds of thousands more. 

Courtesy: Max Shafer. a freelance writer that loves sharing his knowledge and expertise on real estate. He lives in Land O’ Lakes, Florida where he enjoys spending time with his wife and researching real estate trends in his free time. Max’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a new construction industry resource launching in Fall 2022.

Charlotte|Lake Norman|Huntersville Housing Market Prediction 2023

Carolina Living Real Estate Is Here to Assist

 

Huntersville | Charlotte | Lake Norman | Thinking of Buying or Selling a Home?

 

The Spring Buyer and Seller Guides are here. Let's connect so you can get the latest digital copies.

I am happy to send you copy and you have no obligation beyond that.  I am here to help save you money.

Contact me!

Winston Salem | When Is the Right Time To Sell

 

Carolina Living Real Estate: 4% Commission  

Some Highlights

• If you’re trying to decide when to list your house, the time is now. There are plenty of buyers eagerly waiting for your home to hit the market.
• The latest data indicates home showings are rising. There are more buyers than homes for sale right now. That means you’ll likely receive multiple offers, and your home won’t be on the market long.
• Today’s market favors sellers. If you’re ready to move, let’s meet to discuss the benefits you can expect when you sell this season.

Huntersville | Charlotte | Lake Norman Sellers Are in a Sweet Spot

 

Carolina Living Real Estate Can Really Help Save you Money

Some Highlights

• In today’s sellers’ market, you’re set up to win big when you list your house.
• That’s because homes are selling fast, receiving 4.4 offers on average and often selling above the asking price. Then, when you buy your next home, you’ll also win by addressing your changing needs and taking advantage of near historic-low mortgage rates.
• If you’re ready to make a move, let’s connect so you can capitalize on today’s market and find your next dream home.

The Economic Impact of Buying a Home

Your Huntersville Real Estate Solution Provider!

We’re in a changing real estate market, and life, in general, is changing too – from how we grocery shop and meal prep to the ways we can interact with our friends and neighbors. Even practices for engaging with agents, lenders, and all of the players involved in a real estate transaction are changing to a virtual format. What isn’t changing, however, is one key thing that can drive the local economy: buying a home.

We’re all being impacted in different ways by the effects of the coronavirus. If you’re in a position to buy a home today, know that you’re a major economic force in your neighborhood. And while we all wait patiently for the current pandemic to pass, there are a lot of things you can do in the meantime to keep your home search on track.

Every year the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shares a report that notes the full economic impact of home sales. This report summarizes:

“The total economic impact of real estate related industries on the state economy, as well as the expenditures that result from a single home sale, including aspects like home construction costs, real estate brokerage, mortgage lending and title insurance.”

Here’s the breakdown of how the average home sale boosts the economy:When you buy a home, you’re making an impact. You’re fulfilling your need for shelter and a place to live, and you’re also generating jobs and income for the appraiser, the loan officer, the title company, the real estate agent, and many more contributors to the process. For every person or business that you work with throughout the transaction, there’s also likely a team behind the scenes making it all happen, so the effort multiplies substantially. As noted above in the circle on the right, the impact is almost double when you purchase new construction, given the extra labor it requires to build the home.

The report also breaks down the average economic impact by state:As a buyer, you have an essential need for a home – and you can make an essential impact with homeownership, too. That need for shelter, comfort, and a safe place to live will always be alive and well. And whenever you’re able to act on that need, whether now or later, you’ll truly be creating gains for you, your family, local business professionals, and the overall economy.

Bottom Line

Whenever you purchase a home, you’re an economic driver. Even if you’re not ready or able to make a move now, there are things you can do to keep your own process moving forward so you’re set when the time is right for you. Let’s connect to keep your home search – and your local contributions – on track.

The Overlooked Financial Advantages of Homeownership

There are many clear financial benefits to owning a home: increasing equity, building net worth, growing appreciation, and more. If you’re a renter, it’s never too early to make a plan for how homeownership can propel you toward a stronger future. Here’s a dive into three often-overlooked financial benefits of homeownership and how preparing for them now can steer you in the direction of greater stability, savings, and predictability.

1. You Won’t Always Have a Monthly Housing Payment

According to a recent article by the National Association of Realtors (NAR):

“If you’ve been a lifelong renter, this may sound like a foreign concept, but believe it or not, one day you won’t have a monthly housing payment. Unlike renting, you will eventually pay off your mortgage and your monthly payments will be funding other (possibly more fun) things.”

As a homeowner, someday you can eliminate the monthly payment you make on your house. That’s a huge win and a big factor in how homeownership can drive stability and savings in your life. As soon as you buy a home, your monthly housing costs will begin to work for you as forced savings, coming in the form of equity. As you build equity and grow your net worth, you can continue to reinvest those savings into your future, maybe even by buying that next dream home. The possibilities are truly endless.

2. Homeownership Is a Tax Break

One thing people who have never owned a home don’t always think about are the tax advantages of homeownership. The same piece states:

“Both the interest and property tax portion of your mortgage is a tax deduction. As long as the balance of your mortgage is less than the total price of your home, the interest is 100% deductible on your tax return.”

Whether you’re living in your first home or your fifth, it’s a huge financial advantage to have some tax relief tied to the interest you pay each year. It’s one thing you definitely don’t get when you’re renting. Be sure to work with a tax professional to get the best possible benefits on your annual return.

3. Monthly Housing Costs Are Predictable

A third item noted in the article is how monthly costs become more predictable with homeownership:

“As a homeowner, your monthly costs are most likely based on a fixed-rate mortgage, which allows you to budget your finances over a long period of time, unlike the unpredictability of renting.”

With a mortgage, you can keep your monthly housing costs steady and predictable. Rental prices have been skyrocketing since 2012, and with today’s low mortgage rates, it’s a great time to get more for your money when purchasing a home. If you want to lock-in your monthly payment at a low rate and have a solid understanding of what you’re going to spend in your mortgage payment each month, buying a home may be your best bet.

Bottom Line

If you’re ready to start feeling the benefits of stability, savings, and predictability that come with owning a home, let’s get together to determine if buying a home sooner rather than later is right for you.

3 Reasons to Use Your Huntersville Real Estate Pro in a Complex Digital World

If you’re searching for a home online, you’re not alone; lots of people are doing it. The question is, are you using all of your available resources, and are you using them wisely? Here’s why the Internet is a great place to start the home-buying process, and the truth on why it should never be your only go-to resource when it comes to making such an important decision.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the three most popular information sources home buyers use in the home search are:

• Online website (93%)
• Real estate agent (86%)
• Mobile/tablet website or app (73%)

Clearly, you’re not alone if you’re starting your search online; 93% of home buyers are right there with you. The even better news: 86% of buyers are also getting their information from a real estate agent at the same time.

Here are 3 top reasons why using a real estate professional in addition to a digital search is key:

1. There’s More to Real Estate Than Finding a Home Online. It’s a lonely and complicated trek around the web if you don’t have a real estate professional to also help you through the 230 possible steps you’ll face as you navigate through a real estate transaction. That’s a pretty staggering number! Determining your price, submitting an offer, and successful negotiation are just a few of these key steps in the sequence. You’ll definitely want someone who has been there before to help you through it.

2. You Need a Skilled Negotiator. In today’s market, hiring a talented negotiator could save you thousands, maybe even tens of thousands of dollars. From the original offer to the appraisal and the inspection, many of the intricate steps can get complicated and confusing. You need someone who can keep the deal together until it closes.

3. It Is Crucial to Make a Competitive and Compelling Offer. There is so much information out there in the news and on the Internet about home sales, prices, and mortgage rates. How do you know what’s specifically going on in your area? How do you know what to offer on your dream home without paying too much or offending the seller with a lowball offer?

Dave Ramsey, 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 real estate professional who has his or her finger on the pulse of the market will make your buying experience an informed and educated one. You need someone who is going to tell you the truth, not just what they think you want to hear.

Bottom Line

If you're ready to start your search online, let’s get together. You’ll want someone who is educated and informed at your side who can answer your questions and guide you through a process that can be complex and confusing if you go at it with the Internet alone.

Times Are Good For Huntersville Area Sellers

For August 2019, unbelievable stats in Birkdale and Birkdale Village

Believe it or not, there are only 65 homes showing up in our MLS statistics for Active, Under Contract and Sold Homes!   Of these 65 ONLY 13 are for sale,   The rest of the 65 have either closed or are under contract!    This can be a dream for sellers!   Buyers are out there just waiting for new listings to show up!

If you’re considering selling your home to move up, now is a great time to get a positive return on your investment in a market with high demand. Let’s get together to determine the specific options available for you and your family.

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

What Experts are Saying About The Current House Market! Buy-Sell Huntersville NC

What Experts are Saying About the Current Housing Market

We’re halfway through the year, and with a decline in interest rates as well as home price and wage appreciation, many are wondering what the experts predict for the second half of 2019.

Here’s what some have to say:

Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com

“Lower mortgage rates, higher wages and more homes for sale have helped counteract rising home prices, and ultimately, made it so that buyers are able to afford more than last year.”

“Our outlook implies 4% growth for the remaining months of the year, predicated on…more supply than last year, the decline in mortgage rates, moderating home price appreciation and improving affordability.”

Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR

“Rates of 4% and, in some cases even lower, create extremely attractive conditions for consumers. Buyers, for good reason, are anxious to purchase and lock in at these rates.”

Doug Duncan, Chief Economist for Fannie Mae

“Moderating home price appreciation and attractive mortgage rates continue to support affordability, particularly as home builders are now paying more attention to the entry-level portion of the housing market.”

Kaycee Miller in a Realtor Magazine article

“At the moment, some observers suggest the housing market is indeed headed for a slowdown. But no need to panic — experts say the financial and economic factors that were in play during the big crash a decade ago don’t exist today.”

Bottom Line

The housing market will be stronger for the rest of 2019. If you’d like to know more about your specific market, let’s get together to chat about what’s happening in our area.

Top 5 Reasons You Should NOT FSBO in Huntersville NC

Interesting quote I received from a homeowner that was trying to Sell himself and hired me!  

 “Listing your home yourself is like winking at a girl in the dark. You know what you just did, but nobody else does.”

I     I sold his Birkdale Home for Full price and he definitely sold his home for more money ( Full Price Offer ) and with a lot less stress!

Rising home prices coupled with a lack of inventory in today’s market may cause some homeowners to consider selling their home on their own (known in the industry as a For Sale By Owner). However, a FSBO might not be a good idea for the vast majority of sellers.

The top 5 reasons are listed below:

1. Online Strategy for Prospective Purchasers

Recent studies have shown that 95% of buyers search online for a home. In comparison, only 13% use print newspaper ads. Most real estate agents have an Internet strategy to promote the sale of your home. Do you?

2. Results Come from the Internet

Where did buyers find the home they actually purchased?

• 50% on the Internet
• 7% from a yard sign
• 28% from a Real Estate Agent
• 1% from newspapers

The days of selling your house by putting up a sign and listing it in the paper are long gone. Having a strong Internet strategy is crucial.

3. There Are Too Many People to Negotiate With

Here is a list of some of the people with whom you must be prepared to negotiate if you decide to For Sale By Owner:

• The buyer who wants the best deal possible
• The buyer’s agent, who solely represents the best interest of the buyer
• The buyer’s attorney (in some parts of the country)
• The home inspection companies, which work for the buyer and will almost always find some problems with the house
• The appraiser, if there is a question of value

4. FSBOing Has Become Increasingly Difficult

The paperwork involved in the process has increased dramatically as industry disclosures and regulations have become mandatory. This is one of the reasons that the percentage of people FSBOing has dropped from 19% to 7% over the last 20+ years.

5. You Net More Money When Using an Agent

Many homeowners believe that they will save the real estate commission by selling on their own. Realize that the main reason buyers look at FSBOs is because they also believe they can save the real estate agent’s commission. The seller and buyer can’t both save the commission.

A study by Collateral Analytics revealed that FSBOs don’t actually save anything by forgoing the help of an agent. In some cases, they may actually cost themselves more. One of the main reasons for the price difference at the time of sale is:

“Properties listed with a broker that is a member of the local MLS will be listed online with all other participating broker websites, marketing the home to a much larger buyer population. And those MLS properties generally offer compensation to agents who represent buyers, incentivizing them to show and sell the property and again potentially enlarging the buyer pool.”

The more buyers that view a home, the greater the chance of a bidding war for the property. The study found the difference in price between comparable homes of size and location is currently at an average of 6%.

Listing on your own leaves you to manage the entire transaction yourself. Why do that when you can hire an agent without additional cost?

Bottom Line

Before you decide to take on the challenge of selling your house on your own, let’s get together to discuss your needs.   Also, NEVER pay 6% to sell your home again!  Call me

Top 5 Reasons to Own A Huntersville Area Home

Homeownership has a number of compelling benefits. Let’s get together to make your dream a reality if you are ready to buy a home of your own!

How Homeowners Can Make Changes Without Going Broke

Home repairs can be very costly, even when they are do it yourself projects. Paying for all the materials or covering a professional’s services can quickly turn into thousands of dollars in unplanned costs, which will just as quickly lead to stress or anxiety. Whether you need to make repairs to the roof after a big storm or are planning to install a new air conditioning system, it’s crucial to have a good plan in place. In some cases, your homeowners insurance may help cover the cost of repairs, but not always, so you’ll need to read up on your policy.

When you need to hire a professional, keep in mind that many services will allow you to set up a payment plan if the bill is over a certain amount. This is a great way to pay off what you owe without having to lay out thousands of dollars up front, but it will most likely come with interest charges, so make sure you understand the terms before agreeing to them.

Paying for home repairs and maintenance can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Read ahead to find out more about how you can prepare.

Do Your Research on AC Units

Central air units are some of the most expensive things to replace or add to a home, so it’s important to do some research before you buy. There are many different sizes and types of units, and having some knowledge of the way they work will help you make the right decision. You’ll also need to consider whether the home needs to have a breaker panel installed and how big the space is that you want to cool. Having a professional do the installation is essential; keep in mind that the cost for this service can go as high as $15,000.

Build Up a Home Repair Fund

Saving money isn’t always easy, but if you can find a way to put aside some money now and then for a repair fund, you’ll be able to reduce a lot of the stress that comes with owning a home. Things tend to go wrong at the worst possible time, and having the extra money set aside when the hot water heater quits or when the electrical wiring needs some work will help to ensure that you can get it taken care of without having to worry about gathering the funds. Set a budget for your daily spending to get a handle on how much you could potentially be saving, then start small; take your lunch to work instead of eating out, carpool once or twice a week to save on gas, or get the family involved in a routine that will help everyone remember to turn off lights and appliances when they aren’t being used in order to save on your utility bills. You can also make a plan to pay off your credit card, especially if you’ve had to use them to cover repairs.

Know the Signs of Damage

It can sometimes be difficult to recognize signs of damage, especially in an area that’s hard to see every day, but it’s important to make sure you know what to look for so that repairs don’t take too long. When it comes to your roof, the cost of fixing any damage can be high if you wait (a roof replacement in Huntersville can cost up to $9,000). Keep an eye out for missing or broken shingles or damp spots on your ceilings or walls, and hire a pro for the job only after researching local contractors.

Paying for home repairs and renovation projects can be a big hardship if you aren’t prepared, so plan well before you begin. Do a little research to make sure you’re comfortable with the task at hand, and always call in a pro for the big jobs; otherwise, you run the risk of creating damage or making a small problem bigger.

A Lack of Inventory Continues to Impact the Housing Market

The housing crisis is finally in the rear-view mirror as the real estate market moves down the road to a complete recovery. Home values are up and distressed sales (foreclosures and short sales) have fallen to their lowest point in years. The market will continue to strengthen in 2019.

However, there is one thing that may cause the industry to tap the brakes: a lack of housing inventory! Buyer demand naturally increases during the summer months, but supply has not kept up.

Here are the thoughts of a few industry experts on the subject:

Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at National Association of Realtors

“Further increases in inventory are highly desirable to keep home prices in check, the sustained steady gains in home sales can occur when home price appreciation grows at roughly the same pace as wage growth.”

Jessica Lautz, Vice President of NAR

“There’s a supply-demand mismatch… More inventory is needed at the lower end and a price reduction may be needed at the upper end.”

Danielle Hale, Chief Economist of Realtor.com

“Heading into spring, U.S. prices are expected to continue to rise and inventory is expected to continue to increase, but at a slower pace than we’ve seen the last few months as fewer sellers want to contend with this year’s more challenging conditions… A buyer’s experience will vary notably depending on the market and price point they’re targeting.”

Bottom Line

If you are thinking of selling, now may be the time! Demand for your house will be strong at a time when there is very little competition. That could lead to a quick sale for a really good price!

5 Reasons To Sell Your Huntersville Home This Spring

 Just Listed 8807 St. Brides Ct. In Birkdale.   Click on address for Virtual Tour.

Thinking of Buying a Home - Your 365 Day Mortgage Forecast!

If you plan on buying a home this year, it doesn't make sense to wait! Mortgage interest rates and home prices are both projected to increase significantly throughout 2019. Let's get together to discuss your home buying plans today!

Read More Information at Real Estate By Roby Robertson

4 Reasons To Sell Your Huntersville Home This Winter

Some Highlights:

• Buyer demand continues to outpace the supply of homes for sale which means that buyers are often competing with one another for the few listings that are available!
• Housing inventory is still under the 6-month supply needed to sustain a normal housing market.
• Perhaps the time has come for you and your family to move on and start living the life you desire.

You can find much more information at Real Estate With Roby Robertson