The Triangle

The Benefits Of Home Ownership

The decision to purchase a home is exciting and a major investment for your future.  Because there is only so much of it to go around, real estate is the top choice for many investors and the desire for most families.  This article is designed to highlight some of the many benefits of home ownership and how buying a home can often turn the American Dream into a reality.

One of the most profitable markets in real estate is rentals, which means that many families are paying to live in a home that isn’t their own.  In some cases, renting a home is necessary.  For all others, the money that would be spent on rent could instead be used to pay a mortgage.  In fact, monthly rent payments often exceed that of a typical mortgage payment.  One of the greatest benefits of home ownership is putting money into something that you can call your own and knowing that the monthly payments are going toward your home’s equity.

Speaking of equity, many properties experience a growth in value as more development moves into the area or the economy strengthens through an increase in job opportunities.  If this happens, home values soar and owners can bask in the glory of their newfound profit.  When you purchase a new car, it depreciates the moment that you drive off of the lot.  When you buy a home, however, it has the potential to appreciate year after year.  There are few things in life that can offer you a return above and beyond your original purchase price, but a home can.

When you own a home, you will enjoy the freedom of decorating and making any changes that you choose without needing the permission of a landlord or property owner.  In addition, you may even be able to use your home’s equity to finance some needed improvements and/or repairs.  In some cases, these changes may even increase the value of your home.  An upgraded kitchen or bathroom, hardwood flooring or an additional room are examples of changes that could result in added value.

Another advantage of home ownership is the tax benefits that are available.  The interest paid on a home mortgage as well as most property taxes paid are tax deductible.  For additional information on deducting mortgage interest and property tax, consult the IRS or a tax professional.

In addition to providing yourself and your family with a feeling of stability and permanence, home ownership can also help strengthen your credit profile through timely mortgage payments and a steady financial history.

If you are looking to buy or sell real estate in the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Pittsboro, Cary, Apex, Garner, Hillsborough, Wake Forest, Mebane or any of the Triangle surrounding communities, we are here to help.  We are your Triangle Area Trusted Advisors in Real Estate, here to provide exceptional service with all your home buying and selling needs.  Please make sure to visit HPWtv and learn more about the various communities that make up the Triangle.

If you find these great tips interesting please check out my website at www.RaleighRealEstateSearch.com

Hot Decorating Tips

Let’s face it.  There are two kinds of people in the world-those who have a knack for being creative and those who are seriously lacking in decorating skills.  The good news is that it doesn’t matter which category you are in because there’s always something new to be learned.  If you want to know how to add some new life to your home without spending a fortune, here is how to get started.

Spruce Up Your Walls

If you need a quick and affordable way to decorate your otherwise bare walls, consider adding a square of your favorite gift wrap to a standard photo frame and hanging it on the wall.  Not only will this look great, but it will also save you a bundle of money when compared to the cost of traditional artwork.

Lighten Up

If you are tired of looking at a plain lampshade, consider adding some pizzazz by purchasing tassel fabric at your local craft store and affixing it to the trim.  This will create a designer look and, best of all, won’t cost you a fortune.

A Little Paint Can Go Along Way

If you have an old drawer set that’s simply gone out of style, add a fresh coat of paint and some new hardware.  This will work brilliantly whether you are changing the decor or just need a more updated look.

Have A Seat

If the cushions on your chairs are looking worn or simply need some new life, you can make a big difference with some new fabric.  You can change the look of any chair by purchasing fabric and attaching it to the underside of the cushion.  This is an easy and affordable way to get the look of a brand new chair at a bargain.

Wow Your Walls

If you’re looking for a conversation starter, consider purchasing plain white quilt squares and sending them to your favorite celebrities for an autograph.  Be sure to send a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) with your request so that they can return the item to you.  With each autographed quilt square that you receive, sew it next to a patterned square.  Over time, you will have a wall hanging that’s sure to be a colorful treat for both you and your guests.  Having a quilt signed by dozens of your favorite celebrities is one way to wow your walls in a big way.

Create The Illusion Of A Larger Space

Did you know that mirrors can actually give the illusion of a larger room?  Even if your house is small, you can open it up with a few strategically placed mirrors.  Horizontal designs are some of the best and they can offer a look that turns a small room into an open and airy spot.

Now that you know what’s hot in decorating, it’s time to get busy and start sprucing up your space.  After all, it’s often those finishing touches that make a house into a home.

If you are looking to buy or sell real estate in the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Pittsboro, Cary, Apex, Garner, Hillsborough, Wake Forest, Mebane or any of the Triangle surrounding communities, we are here to help.  We are your Triangle Area Trusted Advisors in Real Estate, here to provide exceptional service with all your home buying and selling needs.  Please make sure to visit HPWtv and learn more about the various communities that make up the Triangle.

If you find these great tips interesting please check out my website at www.RaleighRealEstateSearch.com

Raleigh Real Estate Tips-Hanging Pictures 101

Hanging Pictures 101

Raleigh Real Estate Tips

A home is a place where we create precious memories with those that we love, which is why photos are a big part of what makes a house into a home.  Pictures have a way of transporting you to another time and place through memories that are forever recorded and can be framed for all to see.  If you are hanging pictures in your home, make sure that you keep in mind a few simple tips to keep your images picture perfect. 

Keep It Together

Group similar photos together for a customized collage look.  When you put photos with the same theme or pattern together, you give the appearance of a framed print collection.

The Significance Of Support

When hanging photos, the hooks that you use should be able to hold a minimum of four times the weight of the frame.  This will help ensure that the hook is strong enough to hold up over time, plus you won’t have to worry about the accidental breakage of your glass frames.

Be Level

Use a level to make sure that your photos are straight and look pleasing to the eye.  In addition to a level, there are a number of tools that various manufacturers have designed to help ensure that your photos are perfectly straight.

Nail Knowhow

If you don’t want to put holes in your walls, which is an unavoidable result of nails, consider a popular alternative to hanging your photos traditionally.  With the creation of peel ‘n stick hooks that are designed to simply stick onto your walls, you will not have to place a nail everywhere you want to display a photo.  Plus, if you ever decide to sell your home, you won’t have to worry about patching holes and potential buyers won’t be turned off by unsightly nails in the wall.

Measuring Your Space

If you are hanging multiple photos in one area, such as a collage, make sure to space each photo evenly.  For instance, if you include a two-inch space between two photos, make sure that all others in the same group are spaced exactly the same.  This will create a flowing design that looks as though a lot of thought has gone into the decorating process.

Get Creative

If you have a lot of small photos that you want to display, but are unable to find a frame or the wall space to fit them all in, consider purchasing a very large frame and using it to create a collage of photos.  You can do this by attaching the individual photos to the frame with a dab of glue or transparent tape.  The best thing about this approach is that anything goes.  Your photos will not have to be perfectly placed inside the frame and you will always have an attractive wall-hanging that grabs the attention of your guests.

If you are looking to buy or sell real estate in the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Pittsboro, Cary, Apex, Garner, Hillsborough, Wake Forest, Mebane or any of the Triangle surrounding communities, we are here to help.  We are your Triangle Area Trusted Advisors in Real Estate, here to provide exceptional service with all your home buying and selling needs.  Please make sure to visit HPWtv and learn more about the various communities that make up the Triangle.

If you find these great tips interesting please check out my website at www.RaleighRealEstateSearch.com

Home Buying Checklist: The Process Of Buying Your New Home

Tips for Raleigh, Cary, Apex, and Wake Forest home buyers.

Once you’ve made the decision to buy a home, it’s time to start thinking about what comes next.  Every buyer needs a checklist that will guide them through the process of searching for the perfect home, evaluating their choices and making a purchase.

Learn The Lingo

When you set out to buy a new home, you will need to familiarize yourself with various real estate terms, conduct research on the market value of homes in the area in which you intend to shop and learn the art of negotiation.  This information will help as you browse homes, talk with REALTORS® and get further into the buying process.

Get A Free Credit Report

Every 12 months, you are entitled to request a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies – Equifax, TransUnion and Experian.  You should make this request before you begin looking at homes in order to allow yourself enough time to identify and dispute any inaccuracies in your credit file(s).  When you approach a lender, you will need to make sure that everything is correct and up-to-date.

Get Pre-qualified

Pre-qualification is different than pre-approval in that it gives you a possible price range that you can afford, but does not guarantee you the loan.  Pre-qualification is important because it will help you narrow your search to include only homes that you can afford.  Knowing what you can pay beforehand will save you both time and disappointment in looking at homes that do not fit your budget.

Speak With A REALTOR®

Nobody knows the real estate business like a REALTOR®, so let them help you to find your new home.  Based on your specific requirements, a REALTOR® can locate a home that will suit you at a price that’s within your budget.  When he/she finds one or more possible candidates, you will be invited to tour the home.  At this point, you should take a camera for the purpose of later reviewing each house with visuals instead of relying solely on memory.

Make An Offer

Once you find the perfect home, make an offer that’s less than you are actually willing to pay.  This way, the seller can make a counter offer that would hopefully still be within your budget.  It’s important to familiarize yourself with the art of negotiation so that can learn how to get the best deal without insulting the seller.  If you have not yet been pre-approved, make sure that your offer is contingent upon your being able to obtain the necessary financing.

Obtain A Loan

Once you and the seller agree on a purchase price, you may be required to provide an earnest money deposit that will secure the home as you obtain a loan (if applicable).  A lender will require a home inspection and appraisal for the property in connection with your loan application.  In most cases, you will know within 24 hours whether or not your application is approved, but the actual closing will not occur until the inspection and appraisal are complete.

Get Moving

Now that the papers are signed and you have the keys to your new home, it’s time to get moving – literally.  Remember to decorate your new home and add all of those special touches that reflect your personality.  After all, a house is only a house until you make it a home.

If you are looking to buy or sell real estate in the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Pittsboro, Cary, Apex, Garner, Hillsborough, Wake Forest, Mebane or any of the Triangle surrounding communities, we are here to help.  We are your Triangle Area Trusted Advisors in Real Estate, here to provide exceptional service with all your home buying and selling needs.  Please make sure to visit HPWtv and learn more about the various communities that make up the Triangle.

If you find these great tips interesting please check out my website at www.RaleighRealEstateSearch.com

What Causes a House to Sell

Tips for Raleigh, Wake Forest, & Cary home sellers that make a difference between expired and SOLD. 

 Real estate agents agree that four things cause a house to sell quickly:

   1)  Location

   2)  Condition

   3)  Price

   4)  Choosing the right Realtor^®!

The only real variables are price and the Realtor^® you select to market your home. There is nothing a Listing Agent can do to cause a home to sell for more than someone is willing to pay for it, no matter how convinced the Seller is that the property is worth more than the market value. But the Listing Agent can direct you on how to price your property correctly so that it does sell quickly for the most money possible.

Price forces sales! The trick is to find out how far to lower the price to find the market. This is what the economists call “finding the point of marginal utility.” It cannot be located with precision because it fluctuates constantly. We can only seek to find out what Buyers have been willing to pay for similar  properties in the current market.

Redecorating a home, holding numerous open houses, or putting more ads in the paper are activities that rarely produce a serious buyer for a home that has had a long, unproductive exposure to the market. Location, condition, price, and the Realtor^® you select will cause a property to sell; nothing more! The price must reflect both the positive and negative aspects of the location and the condition. The Realtor^® you select will make all the difference in directing you towards possible low-cost property improvements, showing quality improvements and they can even help you structure or amend the terms, in order to make the property easier to buy, but mostly, the price is the deciding factor.

The right Realtor^® won’t let you value your property at a price the market simply won’t bear. This will save you thousands of dollars in time lost on the market, interest or bridge loans. Most Realtors^® will tell you exactly what you want to hear — that your property is worth what you want it to be worth. We tell our sellers the true market value and back it with facts from recent comps available through the tax office and the Triangle MLS System and present a comprehensive market analysis on the home. We assist our sellers in arriving at a price that will sell their home quickly, for the most money and with the least amount of hassle.

If you found this post helpful please visit us online at RaleighRealEstateSearch.com

If you are looking to buy or sell real estate in the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Pittsboro, Cary, Apex, Garner, Hillsborough, Wake Forest, Mebane or any of the Triangle surrounding communities, we are here to help.  We are your Triangle Area Trusted Advisors in Real Estate, here to provide exceptional service with all your home buying and selling needs.  Please make sure to visit HPWtv and learn more about the various communities that make up the Triangle.

10 Most Frequent House Problems-Tips for Raleigh, Cary, Apex, and

Wake Forest home buyers

In the most recent survey of its members, the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) compiled the following list of the most frequently found problems in the homes they inspected.

1. Improper Surface Grading/Drainage
This was by far the most frequently found problem, reported by 35.8 percent of the survey respondents. It is responsible for the most common of household maladies: water penetration of the basement crawl space.

2. Improper Electrical Wiring
A significant number (19.9 percent) chose this item as the most common home defect, which includes such situations as insufficient electrical service to the house, inadequate overload protection, and amateur, often dangerous, wiring conditions.

3. Roof Damage
Although reported by only 8.5 percent of the respondents as the most common problem, roof leakage, caused by old or damaged shingles or improper flashing, was considered by ASHI members to be a frequent problem.

4. Heating Systems
Problems in this category include broken or malfunctioning operation controls, blocked chimneys, and unsafe exhaust disposal.

5. Poor Overall Maintenance
Even the novice home buyer is usually aware of this situation, demonstrated by such signs as cracked, peeling or dirty painted surfaces; crumbling masonry; makeshift wiring or plumbing, broken fixtures or appliances.

6. Structural Problems
As a result of problems in one or more of the other categories, many houses sustain damage to such structural components as foundation walls, floor joists, rafters, and window and door headers.

7. Plumbing
Though not ranked by any respondents as the most significant problem. plumbing defects still rank high among the house problems encountered, and include the existence of old or incompatible piping materials, as well as faulty fixtures and waste lines.

8. Exteriors
Flaws in a home’s exterior, including windows, doors, and wall surfaces, are responsible for the discomfort of water and air penetration, but rarely have structural significance. Inadequate caulking or weather stripping are the most common culprits.

If you found this post helpful please visit us online at RaleighRealEstateSearch.com

If you are looking to buy or sell real estate in the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Pittsboro, Cary, Apex, Garner, Hillsborough, Wake Forest, Mebane or any of the Triangle surrounding communities, we are here to help.  We are your Triangle Area Trusted Advisors in Real Estate, here to provide exceptional service with all your home buying and selling needs.  Please make sure to visit HPWtv and learn more about the various communities that make up the Triangle.

Now more than ever it is critical to stage your home to get the maximum value you deserve. It’s the little things that count and yet many people don’t take advantage of all the free advice available on  home staging. Here is a great video from Coldwell Banker offering tips and advice on home staging.

As part of my service to sellers I offer a complimentary 1 hour staging appointment through Moon Interiors arming you with the tools to set your home apart and give it an edge over the competition.  To learn more today at 919-877-8921.

If you are looking to buy or sell real estate in the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Pittsboro, Cary, Apex, Garner, Hillsborough, Wake Forest, Mebane or any of the Triangle surrounding communities, we are here to help.  We are your Triangle Area Trusted Advisors in Real Estate, here to provide exceptional service with all your home buying and selling needs.  Please make sure to visit HPWtv and learn more about the various communities that make up the Triangle.

Some things just remind you of home, originally I am from a small town called Gastonia outside of Charlotte and tonight while I was cooking ribs on the grill I could not help but think that some RO’s Slaw sure would be good to top off the ribs.

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I was sitting here tonight trying to think of where to begin on my new blog and the phrase Carpe Diem kept coming to mind. This phrase brings me back to my high school days when a good friend introduced me to the movie Dead Poets Society. They say that youth is wasted on the young and even then that movie and the words Carpe Diem had such a significant impact on my life . Youth may be wasted on the young but being young is all in your mind and from here on I plan to live young. I have heard people say all my life “If only I would have know that when I was young,” you know the drill. Well I think we should take the “If only” and change it to a “Now I will” approach and starting living for the future.    

Zip lines with friends on HPW Cruise

I have had an interesting couple of years with the same ups and downs we all face but it really all goes back to Carpe Diem which of course means Seize the Day.    

Recently I took a class at the HPW Real Estate School which was by the Pacific Institute which was authored by Lou Tice  called “Thought Patterns for High Performance.” While initially I took it for business most of us in the class quickly realized we could use the techniques to overcome obstacles both in business and our personal lives. It is truly an incredible thing God put between our ears and the funny thing is he expects us to use it and what better saying can put that into action than Carpe Diem.    

I hope you enjoy my blog and visit often.    

Sincerely,    

Scott Hoffman