Home Selling

Our real estate agents are always glad to take your listing to the next level with a full schedule of showings. While virtual showings are more popular than ever before, there are also many buyers enthusiastic about visiting in person. We're glad to oblige to get you the timeline and price you want.

Whenever a home is being shown, it is usually a wise idea for the seller to be out of sight. It's very easy to accommodate this in virtual showings, but it can be a bit more challenging during an in-person showing.

When it comes to Raleigh homes for sale, the best thing is to step out for a little while.

Luckily, there are plenty of places to have family fun with the kids while your home is being shown. In the Raleigh-Durham area, you might only need to drive fifteen minutes to find the right attraction for your family to visit all day. 

Let's check out some of the top options around the Triangle area:

• Stevens Nature Center at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve – 2616 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary, NC 27518
  Stevens Nature Center at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve is one of the most popular parks for kids in the area. It is widely known for its fascinating Eastern Hemlock trees and mountain plant types. Its three miles of carefully maintained nature trails include the scenic Children's Nature Trail ideal for little ones. In the Nature Preserve, families can explore educational exhibits on local nature and history. All of this is just a short drive from Cary homes for sale.
  
  
• Marbles Kids Museum – 201 East Hargett Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
  Marbles Kids Museum stands out as one of the best places for kids to enjoy educational IMAX movies in Raleigh-Durham. Its exhibits allow children of all ages to play with purpose. Curated experiences such as the Toddler's Hollow, Treetunes, Stepnotes, and Splash! will delight younger kids. On the second floor, older children can try out the Kid Grid, STEM-osphere, River Playway, and much more.
  
  
• Adventure Landing – 3311 Capital Boulevard, Raleigh, NC 27604
  Adventure Landing is a popular amusement park that offers a little bit of everything for kids of all ages. It has miniature golf, laser tag, a state-of-the-art video arcade, go-karts on the Adventure Speedway, and even batting cages. Pizza, burgers, and other favorites are available, and you can even book birthdays or other events here. It's a special place for a kid to be a kid right in beautiful downtown Raleigh.
  
  
• Little Doodles Play Cafe –  6548 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27612
  Little Doodles Play Cafe combines play and creativity with innovation. The kid-friendly art studio is the centerpiece of the experience, encouraging children to express themselves in a wide variety of fun and funky ways. The indoor playroom is fully equipped with toys for open play alone or in groups. There's even a full snack bar and cafe where parents can get things done while the children have adventures.
  
  
• Museum of Durham History – 500 West Main Street, Durham, NC 27701
  It's no surprise that the area surrounding Durham homes for sale is full of rich and interesting history. To discover it all, Museum of Durham History was established. You can engage with the past like never before as you interact with the various different exhibits. A dedicated Kids Area features Durham A-Z, which highlights different facets of local life by letter. "L is for Lemur" is the latest exhibit, and who knows what might come up next?

Contact us to find out more about Raleigh-Durham real estate today.

Are you thinking of selling your home during the holiday season? While this is a busy time of year, it can actually be a great time to sell. If you stage your home appropriately for the holidays, the cozy, celebratory vibe can really appeal to potential buyers. Our real estate agents have plenty of tips for staging a home at the most wonderful time of the year.

• Keep Exterior Decorations Minimal
  Curb appeal is important when selling a home. So while you do want to decorate your home for the holidays, you don't want to go overboard. Stay away from giant inflatables and other dramatic holiday decorations this year. Keep it simple with a few lights to accentuate the best element of your landscape, a festive wreath on the door, and maybe some garland on the porch. 
  
  
• Accentuate the Fireplace
  If your home has a fireplace, make it the focal point of your holiday decor. Fireplaces make people feel warm and welcome, especially around the holidays. Some snowmen on the mantel, a garland, and some simple white lights paint a stunning scene.
  
  
• Don't Let Decorations Take Over
  When decorating the inside of your home, make sure your decorations accentuate what's there rather than overwhelming it. For example, choose a smaller tree that fits next to the living room sofa rather than a huge one that forces you to rearrange the furniture. Add a couple of holiday figurines to your dining room table, rather than replacing the whole table with a red and green one. You want potential buyers to be able to imagine what the home looks like outside of the holiday season, too.
  
  
• Don't Change the Color Palette
  Try to choose holiday decorations that coordinate with the room's existing color palette. If red and green decorations clash with a room, use silver or blue ones instead. Use muted burgundy instead of red in rooms with more natural color schemes. Use brighter colors in brighter rooms. A cohesive color scheme makes people feel more comfortable in a space.
  
  
• Go Easy on the Scents
  Scents are a common element of home staging. And the holiday season is the perfect occasion to use scents like pine and fresh-baked cookies to your advantage. However, you don't want to go overboard and overwhelm your buyers. Some people are susceptible to scents. To avoid making your space too smelly, opt for potpourri over spray air fresheners and essential oil diffusers. A nice, pine-scented, or cinnamon-scented potpourri will add a gentle, holiday-inspired scent that's not headache-inducing.
  
  
• Keep Things Less Personal
  When you typically decorate for the holidays, you might display family photos from previous years or personalized ornaments that your kids made in school. But making a home feel too personal can turn off buyers. It makes it harder for them to picture themselves living in your home. Stick to non-personalized decorations when staging a home for the holidays. 
  
  
• Don't Block the View
  Potential buyers want to look through windows and see what view they get to enjoy. So, make sure your holiday decorations don't block that view. Don't put any decorations on your windows. A few lights around the window frame or a bow at the top is more than enough.

There are plenty of buyers looking for Raleigh homes for sale around the holidays. If you're thinking about selling your home this season, keep the staging tips above in mind. Contact us to learn more about our real estate services and how our agents can make selling easier.

If you're considering putting your home on the market, you'll want to take advantage of the information other sellers in the neighborhood will provide you. Our real estate agents would suggest that you take note of these critical details you can learn from other Raleigh homes for sale.

• Unbiased reviews
  You won't want to miss the gold mine of feedback from potential buyers at your neighbor's open house. People will discuss everything from the condition of the home to the surrounding community. Let their conversations guide you with respect to upgrades or repairs to your house. Seeing the area through the eyes of strangers opens you up to different perspectives. This can influence your decisions about such things as paint color and appliance preference while you're still in the process of upgrading. 

• Market study
  Take a look at the length of time your neighbor's house stays on the market. Was it a quick sale, or did it languish for a while? If it remained on the market for longer than a few weeks, you might want to delay selling yours until the market shifts. Setting a price can be very challenging. You can ease that process by comparing the original asking price to the final sale. Did the seller have to reduce the price in order to sell? Was there a bidding war driving the price above the asking price? It's also helpful to note the demographics of the potential buyers. If most interested parties, as well as the ultimate buyer, were from a particular age range, for example, you may want to focus your own marketing efforts toward that group. 

• Connect with the seller's agent
  Selling a home is serious business and you don't want to trust the process to just anyone. Who better than an agent that has already studied the neighborhood and comes with a good reference? Chatting with the agent at an open house can give you insight that you can't find in an ad. It might tell you about the number of years the agent has been licensed, but you want to know how well they attract interested buyers, their knowledge of the selling process and how well they handle negotiations. Before you put your own home on the market, attending multiple open houses provides you with the opportunity to see a few agents in action. 

• Collaboration with your neighbor
  There is no need to compete with your neighbor if you are both selling. You can both obtain a better price with less effort if you work together to show the entire neighborhood in a positive light. By using the same agent, both homes can be shown at the same time, allowing potential buyers to compare properties. If one house sells, another shopper may make an immediate offer on the second. By consulting with the agent and each other, you can both set an asking price without worrying about undercutting each other. 

Contact us to arrange private tours or attend open houses near you. We feel confident that our real estate professionals can help you get a good price for the home you're in while finding you a new place to live. 

Have you ever noticed how some rooms entice you into settling back and relaxing, and others make you feel energetic and ready for fun? Understanding the effects of your choice of colors will help you send the correct message to potential buyers. Our real estate agents can tell you that painting your home will probably bring the greatest return on investment of any upgrades you make when selling your home. Keep in mind the psychological effects of these colors before starting to paint. 

1. Classic white
   Not only does white evoke calming effects, but it also opens up the space, making it appear larger. We often equate white with cleanliness. These are the primary reasons that white has been the most common choice of sellers for decades. Potential buyers also see white as the easiest color to paint over later.
   
   
2. Black
   Often regarded as sophisticated and elegant, too much black can be somber and depressing. It's best used as an accent to bring drama to a classic white interior without interfering with the expansive visual effects. Consider black rugs or small accessories to add interest to what might otherwise be a boring environment.
   
   
3. Gray
   Eliciting the same feelings of calm serenity white brings to the table, it adds versatility, matching any color scheme. gray lends a comforting feeling of warmth to a cool room. This adaptability has made gray the new "go-to" color of many interior decorators, edging white off the pedestal as number one. 
   
   
4. Blue
   From the sky above to the deep blue sea, this color brings a cool calm, making it a good choice for bedrooms and bathrooms. Psychologists tell us it actually lowers blood pressure, and who doesn't need that after a busy day? Available in so many shades, blue can accent a home's architectural style, such as slate blue for a Craftsman or light shades for a beach house. 
   
   
5. Green
   Another cool color, green, also reduces stress and provides a restful environment appropriate for bedrooms, kitchens, and living rooms. Like blue, green is soothing and harmonious, reminiscent of the beauties of nature. Think of how a lush lawn calls to us to take off our shoes and walk across it with bare feet. 
   
   
6. Red
   Of all the warmer colors, red is the most intense, creating energy and stimulating emotions. That can be either good or bad, depending upon where it is used. Increasing energy is great for a recreation room but can be uncomfortable when you are trying to relax in the living room. When painting, consider where you want a stimulating space.
   
   
7. Orange 
   Like red, orange increases tension and excitement, great when you're watching a football game, but not conducive to settling back with a good book. Used carefully, it can encourage enthusiasm, but too much of it can create a feeling of chaos. Used carefully, it can make a dining area feel lively and fun but might be more appropriate to a breakfast bar than a formal dining room.

The most important thing to remember when you are preparing your house for sale is that you want to make it attractive to buyers, not make it a personal statement. You may find it better to stick with neutral colors of paint and, if you are showing it with furniture, add colors with pillows, bedspreads, and other accessories that can be easily removed. 

Looking at other Raleigh homes for sale will help you see how a fresh coat of paint can make a difference! Contact us for assistance listing your house. 

You've prepared your home for the market, attracted a buyer, received an offer, the finish line is in sight... but a home inspection still stands between you and closing the deal. Handling the home inspection process is easier when you know exactly what to expect, how to prepare, and how the results of the home inspection can impact your transaction. Our real estate agents are here to help you prepare with our guide for what to expect from your home inspection.

• Why a Home Inspection Is Crucial to Closing the Deal
  When a buyer is shopping for Raleigh homes for sale and decides to make an offer, their offer will typically be made with a "home inspection contingency" to protect them if there are issues with the inspection. This contingency allows the buyer to revise their offer based on the inspection, or withdraw the offer entirely if the inspection reveals serious issues. A smooth inspection can pave the way for the final steps of your transaction.

• What the Inspector Will Be Looking for Outdoors
  The inspector will generally start by checking the outside of your home, including the siding, roof, foundation, patios, and the land around your home. They will look for landscaping issues like overgrown trees that may affect the home, and check for proper drainage to see whether the home is susceptible to water damage. They will also look for any areas where inside meets outside, like vents, pipes, and other openings.

• Key Areas the Inspector Will Check Indoors
  Inside of the home, the inspector will check key home systems like plumbing, HVAC systems, electrical systems, and your water heater. They will check the water pressure of the home, and look for signs of leaks. In areas like the kitchen and bathroom where water damage is common, the inspector will check ventilation. They will also look for any building code violations, and check for fire safety.

• What a Home Inspection Won't Reveal
  While the inspector may spot signs of serious issues like foundation damage, septic system problems, or issues with your well, their report won't be the final word on those problems. Instead, if the general inspection reveals issues in those areas, a specialized inspector will need to come for a thorough review.

• How to Prepare for a Home Inspection
  The most important thing you can do to prepare for a home inspection is to address any maintenance issues – major or minor – before your inspection. This is especially important if there are issues with key systems like plumbing and electricity, or high-priority areas like the foundation or roof. To make the inspector's life easier when they arrive, make sure that the interior of your home is clean, the inspector has easy access to key systems, and outdoor areas are clear of debris.

• What to Expect After Your Home Inspection Is Finished
  If the home inspection doesn't reveal any serious issues, then you're one big step nearer to closing the deal. If there are issues with the inspection that the buyer wasn't aware of previously, then they may want to renegotiate the deal to account for the cost of repairs.

Still searching for the right buyer to make an attractive offer for your home? The right real estate team makes all the difference. Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout the Raleigh, NC area.

One of the best parts of moving into a new place is adding the touches that make it a home. Homebuyers look at houses imagining that the south-facing window will be perfect for their favorite houseplants and trying to decide which cozy spot is the right one for a pair of armchairs. The process of selling your home requires that you leave room in buyers' imaginations for their aspirations, and there are some interior design trends that can crowd other ideas out. Our estate agents love seeing the personality a home can show, but we also love seeing a home ready for its next act. When getting your home ready to list, here are some interior design trends you should consider avoiding. 

1. Bold Wallpaper
   Bold patterns in wallpaper are a perennial trend; they've cycled through interior design trends since the Victorian era. But whether you have classic cabbage roses or geometric figures, bold wallpaper can overpower a home buyer's attempt to see the potential in a place. If said wallpaper is new, it can prompt concerns about what lay behind the bright colors and bold designs. Removing wallpaper and applying paint can be a great DIY job for a long weekend, but if your wallpaper dates from before 1970, ask a pro about what may lay under the surface. 
   
   
2. Fixing Your Fixtures 
   Brass fixtures have been on trend recently, but like many quirky retro looks, their moment is brief. Oil-rubbed bronze and brushed nickel are coming into vogue. Chrome finishes are a practical option for high-contact surfaces, as chrome is easy to clean. You can swap out most fixtures in an afternoon with a few basic tools. Your fixture finishes don't have to be uniform throughout your home but try to keep to no more than three finishes. 
   
   
3. Tired of Tile 
   Tiled countertops are no longer as popular as they used to be, as they can be tough to clean and make for less than ideal work surfaces. Tile flooring for kitchens and bathrooms is a classic and practical choice, but if you're installing new tile, keep to solid neutrals. Bold patterns in tile flooring can look great, but leave home buyers wondering where to look. 
   
   
4. Overly Cold White Interiors 
   Rooms awash in white can look impressive in photos. But for someone seeking warmth and comfort, all-white interiors can look cold and clinical. White interiors also show scuffs and stains readily. If you're not ready to paint or change the flooring, break up an expanse of white with wall hangings, plants, or pillows to add texture and color. 

Homebuyers deserve the chance to make their own artistic statement once they choose one of the Raleigh homes for sale to make their own. You can help them visualize themselves calling your place home when you stage your home as a canvas for them to embrace their favorite interior design trends. If you have any questions about staging and preparing your home for sale, please contact us. 

Taking care of regular maintenance is an important part of being a homeowner. This ensures that your home stays in good repair and that smaller issues don't turn into larger, more expensive ones. While some projects can be delayed, others require immediate attention.

Our real estate agents point out the following home maintenance issues you shouldn't wait to fix:

1. Leaky Plumbing
   You might have a plumbing leak if you've noticed things like unusually high water bills, low water pressure, or stains on your walls or ceilings. Even a small leak with get worse over time, and you could be faced with much more expensive and extensive repairs for warped floors, swollen drywall, and mold growth.
   
   
2. Roofing Problems
   Your roof helps keep your home and belongings safe from rain and other elements, so it needs to be well maintained. Look for signs of a problem such as missing shingles, loose flashing, or leaks on the inside of your home and have them fixed as quickly as possible.
   
   
3. Loose Caulk
   Over time, caulk can start to become loose and peel away from around bathtubs, sinks, backsplashes, windows, and doors. If it's allowed to continue, peeling caulk not only mars the appearance of your home but also allows water to make its way inside your home where it can cause rotting or mold.
   
   
4. Pests
   A variety of pests - including termites, carpenter ants, or roaches - can work their way into your home. Pest control treatments are essential to get rid of the creatures before they can wreak havoc on your home.
   
   
5. Clogged Gutters and Downspouts
   Gutters and downspouts help funnel water away from your roof and home. When they become clogged with leaves and other debris, your yard, as well as the exterior of your home and even its foundation, can suffer damage.
   
   
6. A Rotting Deck
   If you have a deck that's made of wood, it may develop rotten boards over the years. This is especially true if your deck doesn't receive much sunlight. Once you notice signs of rot, have the boards repaired or replaced quickly since the situation can be dangerous for anyone who uses your deck.
   
   
7. Electrical Problems
   Electrical issues can be very serious and jeopardize the safety of your family as well as your home. Look for signs of problems such as fraying wires, circuit breakers that trip repeatedly, flickering lights, or buzzing sockets. These problems should be taken care of quickly by a professional.
   
   
8. Dirty AC Filter
   A dirty AC filter makes your air conditioner work harder to cool your home. If it's not checked monthly, it could cause your air conditioning unit to work less efficiently than it normally would. This can result in higher power bills, a less comfortable home, and an air conditioner that needs repairs or stops working before it should.
   
   
9. Chimney Maintenance
   If your home has a chimney, it should be inspected and cleaned annually. This will help ensure it operates safely and that excess build up inside the chimney and bird or bug nests don't become a fire hazard.

Have more home improvement questions? Our team is here to help! 

Contact us today to learn about the best ways to improve your home before listing it among the other Raleigh homes for sale. 

The beginning of spring marks a frenzy of buying and selling of homes across the country. As you navigate the spring real estate market, you will notice increased competition regardless of which side of the transaction you are on. So, how can you take advantage of this busy and frantic period of real estate activity as a seller? Our real estate agents have pieced together five effective ways to stand out in the spring market. 

1. Improve Your Home's Curb Appeal 
   It's up to you to make sure that you don't turn the buyer off before they even walk through the door. Clear the clutter in and outside your property when you are trying to sell your home. This will improve curb appeal and focus on the property instead of the huge piles of clutter by the entryway.
2. Remove Possessions
   The goal of staging your home for potential buyers is to help them imagine themselves in the home. Too much of your possessions and items in the house will only make that difficult. Pare down on your possessions to eliminate clutter. Go through your closet and furniture with a discerning eye to remove any items that may be cluttering the spaces in your home. This includes personal effects such as sports memorabilia and other collections.
3. Set Out Fresh Flowers
   Setting out fresh flowers is one of the best ways to bring life into a home. Flowers bring color and fragrance indoors, an essential aspect of proper home staging. Freshly cut peonies or lilacs will bring a natural scent to your space and make the home more appealing, not to mention safer for those susceptible to allergies. 
4. Open Up Your Home
   Open the windows and curtains in your home to let in natural light and a breath of fresh air in the house. Illuminating your home with bright light from the sun will make your space look more significant and aesthetically pleasing. The fresh spring breeze will also make your house smell and feel vibrant. You can add table and floor lights to darker areas if natural light is not enough. Be sure to clean drapes, curtains, and linens and get rid of all accumulated dust and spider webs.
5. Do Pre-Inspection Repairs
   You will not be able to set a high asking price if your home needs a lot of repairs. Hire a home inspector to inspect your house and make sure that repairs are done accordingly before your home goes into the market. Getting these repairs done assures potential buyers that you have been taking good care of your property. 

The spring season is quickly approaching, and if you are looking to put your home in the market, this is the best time to start getting prepared. Have questions about listing your home among the other Raleigh homes for sale? Contact us for more information on how to sell your home this spring.

In 2018, the average property was on the market for approximately 68 days. Back in 2010, this number was a whopping 140 days. Though the exact length of time a property remains for sale varies based on the current housing market and existing financial climate, one thing you can do to help your property sell as quickly as possible is stage your living room. 

On average, homes with staging sell 73 percent faster than their unstaged counterparts. Plus, the sooner you sell your current home, the sooner you can start browsing other Raleigh homes for sale. 

Home staging is the act of setting up a room or space so that it appeals to potential buyers. Staging helps buyers envision how they will utilize a room in a potential home; it also creates a comforting, inviting mood that helps enables buyers to see themselves in a new home. Check out a couple of ways that living room staging can help you make a good impression and sell your house.

Home Staging Allows Your Home to Appeal to More Buyers

Some home sellers decide to leave their living rooms as is when selling their homes. Though there's nothing inherently wrong with your existing living room set-up or decor, staging allows you to appeal to a large number of buyers. 

When you make the effort to stage your home, it will appeal to a wider range of buyers who might not see the space the same way you envisioned it. A well-staged living room enables any buyer to envision themselves living in and using that space.

You might need to move before your home sells; in this case, buyers will be met with an empty living room that doesn't maximize the potential of your home. While a vacant space shows off the amount of space a buyer can utilize, some buyers may struggle with how to use the space when it's presented as a blank canvas. Consider leaving some furniture behind or staging it so buyers aren't left with a completely blank presentation. 

Staged Homes Have a Better Online Presence

Most homebuyers use the internet to assist with their home search. The online listing, in most cases, is the first impression your home will have with a potential buyer. Unfortunately, a home that doesn't photograph well may not even make it onto a prospective buyer's radar. If a living room appears uninviting or has drab furnishings, some buyers may immediately dismiss the property as a potential option for their new home. 

Staged living rooms photograph better than empty or unstaged spaces. When the home stager stages the space, they'll make sure that your living room boasts neutral colors and styles that appeal to practically any style. They'll also make sure that the staging enhances the room's best features while minimizing any undesirable traits. The end result is a welcoming space that looks amazing both in person and in photographs. 

Ready to put your home on the market? Contact us today to set up an appointment. Our REALTORS® will help you sell your home and get you into a new space that satisfies your criteria for the perfect home.