Area Real Estate News & Market Trends

You’ll find our blog to be a wealth of information, covering everything from local market statistics and home values to community happenings. That’s because we care about the community and want to help you find your place in it. Please reach out if you have any questions at all. We’d love to talk with you!

April 1, 2024

Weekly update for the Forsyth Co., NC Real Estate Market

Posted in Market Updates
March 26, 2024

Year-to-date Forsyth Co., NC real estate status

 

 

Year-to-date in Forsyth Co real estate market, 2023 compared to 2024; 

the average sold price is up 7.209%.

 

Curious about what your neighborhood or home value is?  

Reach out to me. 

I love help homeowners with all 

real estate matters.  

Posted in Market Updates
March 18, 2024

Last 7 days activity in Forsyth Co., NC Real Estate market

Homes available for purchase increased last week, and so did the number of homes that went under contract. Homes sold increased with fewer days on the market. The average price was down slightly. The Forsyth Co., NC real estate market continues to move forward. If you have any questions, reach out to me. Thank you in advance.

Posted in Market Updates
March 12, 2024

Stress-Free Downsizing: Simple Steps for Empty Nesters

As an empty nester, the thought of downsizing may seem daunting. But fear not, because with some clear and simple steps, this transition can be smooth sailing. Here are some easy-to-follow guidelines to help you downsize without the stress:

  1. Assess Your Needs: Take inventory of your belongings and identify what you truly need and what can be let go. Consider your new space and lifestyle to determine what items are essential.

  2. Declutter Room by Room: Tackle one room at a time to avoid overwhelm. Sort items into categories: keep, donate/sell, and discard. Be ruthless in your decision-making to minimize unnecessary belongings.

  3. Measure Your New Space: Take measurements of your new home to ensure furniture fits appropriately. This will help you decide which pieces to keep and which to part with.

  4. Create a Timeline: Set deadlines for decluttering, packing, and moving. Breaking down the process into smaller tasks will make it more manageable and less stressful.

  5. Enlist Help: Don't hesitate to ask friends or family for assistance. Whether it's packing boxes or providing emotional support, having a support system can make all the difference.

  6. Stay Organized: Label boxes clearly and keep an inventory of your belongings. This will make unpacking easier and help you stay organized in your new home.

  7. Embrace the Change: Downsizing can be a fresh start, allowing you to focus on what truly matters. Embrace the opportunity to simplify your life and enjoy your newfound freedom.

By following these simple steps, downsizing as an empty nester can be a stress-free experience. Remember, it's not about how much you have, but how much joy and fulfillment your belongings bring to your life.

Posted in Household tips
March 12, 2024

The Benefits of Downsizing When You Retire

If you’re taking a look at your expenses as you retire, saving money where you can has a lot of appeal. One long-standing, popular way to do that is by downsizing to a smaller home.

When you think about cutting down on your spending, odds are you think of frequent purchases, like groceries and other goods. But when you downsize your house, you often end up downsizing the bills that come with it, like your mortgage payment, energy costs, and maintenance requirements. Realtor.com shares:

“A smaller home typically means lower bills and less upkeep. Then there’s the potential windfall that comes from selling your larger home and buying something smaller.”

That windfall is thanks to your home equity. If you’ve been in your house for a while, odds are you’ve built up a considerable amount of equity. And that equity is something you can use to help you buy a home that better fits your needs today. Daniel Hunt, CFA at Morgan Stanleyexplains:

Home equity can be a significant source of wealth for retirees, often representing a large portion of their net worth. . . . Retirement planning can be complex, but your home equity shouldn't be overlooked.”

And when you’re ready to use that equity to fuel your next move, your real estate agent will be your guide through every step of the process. That includes setting the right price for your current house when you sell, finding the home that best fits your evolving needs, and understanding what you can afford at today’s mortgage rate.

What This Means for You

If you’re thinking about downsizing, ask yourself these questions:

  • Do the original reasons I bought my current house still stand, or have my needs changed since then?
  • Do I really need and want the space I have right now, or could somewhere smaller be a better fit?
  • What are my housing expenses right now, and how much do I want to try to save by downsizing?

Then, meet with a real estate agent to get an answer to this one: What are my options in the market right now? A local real estate agent can walk you through how much equity you have in your house and how it positions you to win when you downsize.

Bottom Line

Want to save money in retirement? Consider downsizing – it could really help you out. When you’re ready, let’s connect about your goals in the housing market this year.

Posted in Homeownership
March 6, 2024

Why Access Is So Important When Selling Your House

If you’re gearing up to sell your house this spring, one of the early conversations you’ll have with your agent is about how much access you want to give buyers. And you may not realize just how important it is to make your house easy to tour.

Spring is the peak homebuying season, so opening up your house to as many showings as possible can really help you capitalize on all the extra buyer activity we see at this time of year.

Since buyer competition ramps up in the spring, buyers are going to want to move fast to see your house once they find your listing. And, if they see it and fall in love with it at a time they know they’re competing with other buyers, you may be more likely to get the offer you’re looking for on your home.

It’s understandable you want to keep the disruptions to your own schedule to a minimum, and you may be stressed about having to keep it clean, but it’s worth it. As an article from Investopedia explains:

If someone wants to view your house, you need to accommodate them, even if it inconveniences you. Clean and tidy the house before every single visit. A buyer won’t know or care if your house was clean last week. It’s a lot of work, but stay focused on the prize.”

To figure out what’s best for you, your agent will walk you through options like the ones below. This list breaks things down, starting with what’s most convenient for buyers and getting less buyer-focused as the list goes on:

  • Lockbox on the Door – A key is available via a lockbox, which makes it easy for agents to show the home to potential buyers. This gives the most flexibility because the key is on-site and convenient.
  • Providing a Key to the Home – An agent would have to stop by an office to pick up the key with this option. This is still pretty convenient for showings, but not quite as simple.
  • Open Access with a Phone Call – You allow a showing with just a phone call’s notice, which can be great for someone who sees your house while driving by.
  • By Appointment Only – This gives you a more advanced warning so you can get the house tidied up and be sure you have somewhere else you can go in the meantime. But it’s also a bit more restrictive.
  • Limited Access – You might go this route if you only want to have your house available on specific days or at certain times of day. But realize this is the most difficult and least flexible of the choices.

As an article from U.S. News Real Estate says:

“Buyers like to see homes on their schedule, which often means evenings and weekends. Plus, they want to be able to tour a home soon after they find it online, especially if they're competing with other buyers. If your home can be shown with little or no notice, more prospective buyers will see it. If you require 24 hours’ notice, they may choose to skip your home altogether.”

Your agent is going to help you find the right path forward based on your schedule and what’s working for other sellers in your area. And if you’ve got a hardline on granting buyers more access or have interested out of town buyers that just can’t be there in person, your agent will get creative and help you explore other options like video tours, virtual showings, and more.

Bottom Line

When it comes to selling your house, you want to be sure to get as much buyer activity as you can. Let’s connect to talk about which level of access helps make that possible.

March 6, 2024

February Data of Homes Sold in the Triad, NC Real Estate Market

 

 

Snap Shot of the Triad, NC February Real Estate Market

In February, home listings saw an uptick of 1.03% compared to January. However, what truly stood out in February was the impressive 9.60% increase in homes that sold. This increase in sales indicates a robust demand from eager home buyers. Therefore our current market continues to see an increase in home values.

It's crucial to recognize the relationship between economic conditions, home supply, and property values.  As a seasoned professional with 26 years of experience in the Triad, I understand how to work a changing and thriving market. I'm here to guide you through your real estate journey. Whether you're buying or selling, let's navigate this thriving market together.

Posted in Market Updates
March 5, 2024

New Listing stats for February in the Triad, NC real estate market

 

Snap Shot of the Triad, NC February Real Estate Market

In February, home listings saw an uptick of 1.03% compared to January. However, what truly stood out in February was the impressive 9.60% increase in homes that sold. This increase in sales indicates a robust demand from eager home buyers. Therefore our current market continues to see an increase in home values.

It's crucial to recognize the relationship between economic conditions, home supply, and property values.  As a seasoned professional with 26 years of experience in the Triad, I understand how to work a changing and thriving market. I'm here to guide you through your real estate journey. Whether you're buying or selling, let's navigate this thriving market together.

 

 

 

 

Posted in Market Updates
March 5, 2024

5 Kitchen Upgrades That Are Actually Worth the Money, According to Pros

Renovating your kitchen is a great way to add value to your home, especially a full-on remodel. There are so many decisions to make, especially if you have a limited budget. Whether you’re planning on selling your home in the near future or you just want to have a kitchen you can enjoy with your family, it’s a matter of figuring out what renovations make the most sense for you. If you’re looking to maximize your budget, here are five kitchen upgrades that are actually worth the money. 

An Integrated Trash Drawer

Every kitchen needs a place to throw out trash. But having a trash can just sitting out can ruin the aesthetic of your kitchen, especially a recently renovated kitchen. If you are customizing the cabinetry in your kitchen, integrating a trash/recycling drawer is certainly an area to not skip on. 

Real Stone Countertops

Quartz and other types of composite countertops have grown leaps and bounds in recent years because they have the look of natural stone at a far better price. 

High-End Appliances

Sometimes kitchen renovation projects can be so stressful that we often forget what the kitchen is really for—cooking. So, it’s important to have room in your budget for high-quality appliances that make cooking easier or faster. For example, a high-quality range will have additional features to improve cooking, such as induction cooktops, burners designed to heat evenly, or built-in smart technology.

 

And while it’s truly a matter of preference and style, panel-ready appliances are another smart option, according to both designers. Panel-ready appliances allow for a custom panel to be installed on top of a refrigerator or dishwasher to seamlessly integrate them into kitchen cabinetry. Eliminating the visual description of mismatched appliances makes the space feel more cohesive. 

Recessed Range Hoods

Some upgrades aren’t about what you see, but rather what you don’t see.  Similarly to panel-ready appliances, recessed vent hoods allow for the exhaust liner to be hidden inside an intentional design element.  A recessed liner would be installed above a cooktop, then it can be framed around with wood to create any shape you desire. Once the framing is done, the options are endless on how to conceal it, such as plaster and wood painted similarly to the cabinets.

Anything Really Important to You

 

Most of us don’t renovate our kitchens very often. So if you’re going to invest in it and you aren’t planning on selling you’re home anytime soon—get what you want and you won’t regret it. If you’ve always liked hunter-green cabinets—do it. Gold hardware instead of builder-grade stainless steel—why not? A built-in espresso maker? If you enjoy an espresso shot every day—go for it. 

Posted in Household tips
Feb. 23, 2024

The Real Estate Wizard

Fannie,

The Real Estate Wizard: Turning 'For Sale' into 'Sold' in 3 Weeks!"

Meet Fannie, the magician of the real estate world! In just three short weeks, she waved her wand (well, more like a pen) and turned my 'For Sale' sign into a 'Sold' banner. Let me take you on a rollercoaster ride of selling my house with Fannie, the real estate extraordinaire.

It all started when Fannie confidently set the price at $258,800. As a seller, you always wonder if your price tag is too high or too low, but Fannie had that magical touch. The first day on the market was like opening the floodgates – showings were scheduled left and right, and it felt like the entire town wanted a piece of my humble abode.

By Sunday, we found ourselves in the enviable position of having not one, not two, but three eager buyers vying for our property. It was a real-life real estate reality show, and Fannie was the star.

Picture this: Fannie orchestrating negotiations with finesse, balancing offers like a pro. It wasn't just about selling a house; it was a strategic dance, and Fannie had all the right moves. The result? A deal that left everyone smiling, including my bank account.

Fannie's secret? Well, it's a blend of market knowledge, an unmatched work ethic, and a dash of charisma. She didn't just sell a house; she created a buzz, a sense of urgency that made buyers feel like they were missing out on the opportunity of a lifetime.

So, if you're in the market for a real estate wizard who can make your property disappear from the listings in record time, look no further than Fannie. She's not just a real estate agent; she's a magician in a business suit, turning 'For Sale' into 'Sold' before you even have time to blink. Cheers to Fannie – the woman who’s phone calls always brought new information!

Chris and Sandy

Posted in Market Updates