The Savvy Realtor with Angie Cole

Mailbag: Home Building Costs and the Power of Virtual Staging

Ever thought about building your own home and wondered about the hidden charges? In this episode, we’re answering some listener questions about new home builds. Fisher and Renny, two of our listeners, are considering building their homes, so Angie dives into the costs and the hidden fees that could quickly add up, such as permits, running utilities, and preparing the lot costs. We’ll also explore the concept of virtual staging in real estate!
 
Here are the questions Angie answers on today’s show:
Mailbag: I’m thinking about purchasing land for $100,000 and trying to build a 1,500-2,000 square foot home with a two-car garage for an additional $350,000. Is this realistic? (0:50)
Mailbag: How much should I budget for labor costs, electrical, water, house permits, etc? (3:38)
Mailbag: I’m a creative writer. Would it be okay for me to write my own home description for the listing? (5:48)
Mailbag: Do you think professional staging is important now? Or does virtual staging do the trick? (8:15)
 
Check out our listings: https://www.acolerealty.com/
 

Creative Real Estate Solutions

For many people, buying or selling a home happens with a primary residence. But what about a more unconventional route? Angie answers questions from listeners that include everything from a down payment with zero-dollars down to fractional ownership. You might be surprised by the creative solutions people have pursued as they work towards buying a home or investing in real estate.
 
Here are the questions Angie answers on today’s show:
Mailbag: Is fractional ownership essentially a timeshare? (0:38)
Mailbag: Should we sell or rent our current house out when buying a new home? (2:34)
Mailbag: Is it possible to buy land, live in a camper, and later build a home on that land? (3:54)
Mailbag: What is the average down payment people put down on a home? (5:17)
Mailbag: How many homes should a potential real estate agent be selling each month? (6:45)
Mailbag: Can you help me find a home with an elevator? (8:19)
 
Check out our listings: https://www.acolerealty.com/

Mailbag: Are We Going to Face a Real Estate Crisis?

When you listen to the news, you might be wondering what’s happening with the real estate market. Angie shares how the Triangle market is a bit different than some of the other parts of the country. Will there be a real estate crisis? If so, how can you prepare now?
 
Here are the questions Angie answers today:
What’s the pulse of the local real estate market? (0:43)
Mailbag: Could the US debt default scare cause a massive real estate crisis? (2:57)
Mailbag: Are sellers willing to pay closing costs? (4:50)
Mailbag: Is it worth it to pay points to buy down interest rates for the mortgage? (6:03)
Mailbag: What kind of fixer uppers should I avoid as a first-time homebuyer? (9:27)
 
Check out our listings: https://www.acolerealty.com/

Expert Advice: Real Estate Questions Answered

When you buy or sell a home, you end up working with so many different people to make it happen. Today we talk with some of Angie’s preferred vendors and professionals to hear more about the home-buying process. 
From Tina Konidaris, we hear about the pre-qualification process for a mortgage and why it’s important. Then we talk with Amber Cole about why staging can make a huge difference when you go to sell your home. Craig McCall shares about economic trends during the attorney minute, and Jarrett Joines gives some insight about what you can ask your home inspector. Finally, a question from the mailbag asks how to find a home that has the best resell value.  
 
Here’s what you’ll learn on today’s show:
Mortgage moment: Understanding the pre-qualification process. (1:41)
When does staging help promote interest in a home? (3:53)  
Attorney minute: How do economic trends impact their approach? (4:50)         
Ask the inspector: What can I ask my inspector after the inspection is completed? (6:15)
Mailbag: What types of properties have the best resell value? (7:51)
 
 

Realtor Statements: What To Look Out For And What To Follow

When you hear something from a realtor, do you know what’s a red flag and what’s a bit of brilliance and innovation? We talk through a number of hypothetical realtor statements to see what Angie thinks about these and which ones she has said to clients. Have you heard any of these when working with a realtor? 
 
Find out which of these realtor statements Angie agrees with:
“Let’s increase the cute factor and make this listing go viral.” (1:00)
“I’m only available during office hours.” (2:20)
“Let’s look at your home and price it together instead of using the Zillow estimate.” (4:41)
“Open houses are a waste of time.” (5:53)
 
Check out our home-buying guide: https://www.acolerealty.com/blog/special-guide-the-home-buying-process/ 
Check out our listings: https://www.acolerealty.com/ 
 

Mailbag: What Does It Mean To Have A House With “Character?”

When buying or selling a home, you may face some questions about how to list it well or describe what it’s like. From hidden features to extra character, Angie talks about what motivates buyers and what’s nice to know when answering four questions from the mailbag. Join us as we chat about what home features you should market if you’re considering selling.
 
Here’s what you’ll learn on today’s show:
Where is the market right now? (0:38)
Mailbag: Should we include aerial views in our home listing? (4:09)
Mailbag: What does it mean if a house has “character”? (6:43)
Mailbag: How would a secret room help with selling a home? (10:01)
Mailbag: Is it worth it to market my home’s energy efficiency? (11:04)
 
Check out our home-buying guide: https://www.acolerealty.com/blog/special-guide-the-home-buying-process/ 
Check out our listings: https://www.acolerealty.com/ 
 

Mailbag: How Much Money Should I Have Saved Before Buying a Home?

Think you are ready to buy your first home? Between finding an agent to signing the papers at the closing table, it’s a process that you’ll want to be prepared for. You’ll also want to be prepared financially for this major purchase. But how much do you really need before you begin the home search? Angie answers this and four other questions from the mailbag about what you need to know when buying a home.
 
Here’s what you’ll learn from today’s show:
Mailbag: How can first-time homebuyers make the process less stressful? (0:38)
Mailbag: How much money should I have saved before I start looking to buy? (2:02)
Mailbag: What qualities should I look for in a real estate agent? (5:11)
Mailbag: What’s the timeline for closing? (7:05)
Mailbag: Should I wait for home prices to price correct before making an offer? (7:51)
 
Check out our home-buying guide: https://www.acolerealty.com/blog/special-guide-the-home-buying-process/ 
Check out our listings: https://www.acolerealty.com/ 

Mailbag: What To Know About Buying An Investment Property

The past week or so saw a lot of excitement in the Triangle real estate market. To kick off this episode, Angie talks about a lot of houses that received multiple offers and went through a competitive bidding process. If you are hoping to buy in the area, be prepared to have a pre-qualification letter and a good real estate agent by your side! 
 
Here’s what you’ll learn from today’s show:  
The Triangle market is competitive once again. (0:37)
Mailbag: How to spruce up the house exterior without breaking the bank? (3:57)
Mailbag: How to avoid renovation mistakes for newbies? (6:52)
Mailbag: What should I consider before investing in a rental property? (9:30)
Check out our home-buying guide: https://www.acolerealty.com/blog/special-guide-the-home-buying-process/ 
Check out our listings: https://www.acolerealty.com/ 

Realtor Pet Peeves

What are some of the pet peeves real estate agents face? We talk through a list and see what Angie thinks. She shares which of these mistakes she’s seen with clients and how they can cause a negative outcome in the long run. 
From unrealistic expectations to not trusting the agent, a lot of time and energy can be lost if you aren’t in the right place as a buyer or seller. Lean into your realtor for their experience and expertise to make the process go as smoothly as possible.
Here are some of the pet peeves we discuss on today’s show:
Clients who are not serious. (1:20)
Lack of trust in the real estate agent. (4:18)
Someone who has unrealistic expectations. (5:53)
Bad communication. (8:05)
A bad personality fit. (9:31)
 
Check out our home buying guide: https://www.acolerealty.com/blog/special-guide-the-home-buying-process/ 
Check out our listings: https://www.acolerealty.com/ 

Mailbag: Where Are the New Build Neighborhoods?

In our area, there is so much happening, including new construction! If you are looking for a new build home, Angie suggests looking at Triangle neighborhoods such as Friendship Station, Townes at Westford, West Village, Kings Grant, Retreat at Cedar Crossing, and Smith Farms.
Before you get too far into your search, start by considering what you really want and need in a home. Working with Angie and her team will ensure you prioritize your wants and needs first and then find the home that fits your criteria.
Here’s what you’ll learn on today’s show:
Mailbag: Where are new build neighborhoods coming? (0:38)
Mailbag: How long will it take to sell my home this spring? (3:40)
Mailbag: What are the basic steps to buying a home? (6:37)
Check out our homebuying guide: https://www.acolerealty.com/blog/special-guide-the-home-buying-process/ 
 
Check out our listings: https://www.acolerealty.com/