The Savvy Realtor with Angie Cole

End of the Year Real Estate Headlines for 2019

We talk about some of the recent real estate headlines to see what Angie thinks and how it relates in the Triangle housing market.
 
Show notes and additional resources: https://www.acolerealty.com/blog/end-of-the-year-real-estate-headlines-for-2019/
 
Today's Rundown: 
0:38 - In the News: Freddie Mac is predicting a strong 2020 housing market.
2:44 - Low price homes are experiencing a scarcity across the country.
4:33 - Set your expectations accordingly if working in a lower budget.
7:33 - In the News: Are decks a thing of the past?
10:35 - In the News: Is winter the best time for homebuyers?

How Do You Buy A Home?

Perhaps you understand the homebuying process in theory, but what’s the actual first step? Then, when it comes to selling your home, how much will it cost? Angie answers both of these questions as well as one more from the mailbag.
 
Show Notes and Additional Resources: https://www.acolerealty.com/blog/how-do-you-buy-a-home/
 
Today's Rundown: 
0:38 - Mailbag: How do you buy a house? Start with a real estate agent.
1:57 - If you’re planning on getting financing, meet with a lender.
4:50 - Mailbag: How much does it cost to sell a home?
8:49 - Mailbag: How do you determine “comps” when determining list price for a home?
10:23 - A real estate agent has to understand how to pull comparables on a home.

Real Estate Trends: See It or Don’t?

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or have been out of the loop lately when it comes to buying or selling a home, you may be wondering about a few of these homebuyer trends. Are they really true or just a rumor? We ask Angie to share what she has seen lately and what she hasn’t when it comes to buying and selling a home.  
 
Show Notes and Additional Resources: https://www.acolerealty.com/blog/real-estate-trends-see-it-or-dont/
 
Today's Rundown: 
0:38 - See it or don’t: A bad credit score keeps someone from buying a home.
3:01 - See it or don’t: Split-level homes are making a comeback.  
3:52 - See it or don’t: My home is worth more than online estimates.
6:31 - See it or don’t: I want a brand-new home.
7:21 - See it or don’t: Would rather live in a small town outside of the city and commute.
8:19 - See it or don’t: Selling my home to an investor company is too good to be true.
10:08 - See it or don’t: Going to save on commissions and sell my house on my own.

6 Questions Every Homebuyer Should Ask Before Buying A Home

Are you thinking about buying a home? How should you prepare ahead of time? Some of these questions may set you on the right path to finding the home for you.
 
Show Notes and Additional Resources: https://www.acolerealty.com/blog/six-questions-every-homebuyer-should-ask-before-buying-a-home/
 
On This Episode: 
0:56 - Have I checked my credit?  
2:23 - How long do I plan to live in this home?
3:54 - Can I afford the costs of fees (beyond the down payment)?
5:28 - Are you looking for your dream home or next home?
8:06 - Are you making choices based on emotion or logic?
9:59 - Ask, who is the best real estate agent for you to work with?

8 Things That Could Scare Off A Homebuyer

When you are selling your home, you want to make it as welcoming and attractive as possible to potential buyers. So, what scares them off the most? Anything you need to quickly remove, store, or wash away? 
 
Show Notes and Additional Resources: https://www.acolerealty.com/blog/8-things-that-could-scare-off-a-homebuyer/
 
On This Episode: 
1:01 - Buyers be scared: Too many locks on the door might give the wrong idea.  
1:52 - Buyers don’t stare: Uncomfortable artwork should be taken down before a showing.
3:18 - Buyers beware: Taxidermy might creep out a buyer.
4:20 - Buyers, prepare! Finish off all home improvement projects to completion.
4:41 - Buyers, not dog hair: Unfriendly pets (or maybe overly friendly) need to be away.
7:25 - Buyers, take care: Clean up all dust and dirt ahead of time.
8:11 - Buyers, what’s in the air? Mystery smells can cause buyers to question the home.
8:29 - Buyers and old chairs: Outdated décor can be a turn off or date a home.

Homebuying: Should You “Settle” Or Wait And Save?

Is your dream home outside of your budget? Are you looking for features that can’t be found within your price point? Angie gives some advice on how to know if you should save up or “settle” for your home in this question from the mailbag, as well as answering a few more listener questions.
 
Show Notes: https://www.acolerealty.com/blog/homebuying-should-you-settle-or-wait-and-save/
 
On This Episode: 
0:38 - Mailbag: If we’re not planning to keep much of our furniture in a move, will it hurt the chances of selling our house?
3:27 - Mailbag: Friends have suggested a Realtor who exclusively sells in one neighborhood. Is this a good thing?
6:58 - Mailbag: Most homes on our wish list are outside of our budget. Should we settle or wait and save?
7:48 - Speak with a lender to understand what you need financially for a down payment and the mortgage on the type of home you are looking for.
8:38 - Adjust your housing criteria and determine what features could be implemented later on instead of when you move in. 
10:41 - Mailbag: How much should we budget for marketing when selling a home?

How to Navigate Bidding Wars When Buying A Home

Let the bids begin! Competition can be fierce when buying a home in the Triangle. What can you do to find and buy the home for you? It might mean competing with multiple offers or it might mean moving to the exurbs.
 
Show Notes: https://www.acolerealty.com/blog/how-to-navigate-bidding-wars-when-buying-a-home/
 
Today's Rundown: 
0:55 - In the News: Have bidding wars ended?  
3:02 - After the end of summer it felt like a brief decline in home sales, but it has since gone back up.
5:03 - In the News: Reports showing the bulk of new construction is happening in “exurbs.”
8:00 - Is more construction moving out to the “exurbs” in the Triangle? Where are they?

Selling Your Home: Getting What It’s Worth

Selling your home can be a stressful process as you try to do everything you can to get the best offer while simultaneously spending a reasonable amount of time and money to get it prepped. Angie answers four questions from the mailbag to help you prepare for the process.
 
Show notes: https://www.acolerealty.com/blog/selling-your-home-getting-what-its-worth/
 
Today's rundown: 
0:38 - Mailbag: If your rental is managed by a property manager, will it be awkward to put it on the market?
2:25 - Mailbag: Is there a way to hire someone to repair the home and pay them later after the sale of the home?
5:28 - Mailbag: Apartment lease ends in two months, any first-time homebuyer tips?
7:45 - Mailbag: Are all companies that buy your home going to give a lowball offer?

10 Potential Ways To Get Top Dollar On Your Home

How can you get the best offer on your home? Here are ten “secrets” some have found successful in getting the most out of selling their home. But are these all worth it? Or are some suggestions better than others?   
On this episode:
0:38 - What are the best ways to sell your home for top dollar? 
0:57 - Have a great mailbox. 
2:44 - Make sure you show the rooms for their purpose.
3:37 - Should you reglaze the bathroom tub? 
6:59 - Write a letter about the home to the potential buyers.
8:19 - Is it worth listing your home under-value and hope for a bidding war?
10:42 - Write an improvements list to show the extras in the home.
12:01 - Describe the culture of the neighborhood to buyers.
12:36 - Don’t forget the features!
12:53 - Show the home with photos or videos online.
15:12 - Will getting a pre-inspection help you anticipate problems found in an inspection? 
Get the show notes and additional resources here: https://www.acolerealty.com/blog/10-potential-ways-to-get-top-dollar-on-your-home/

Selling Your Home Before The Holidays

As you plan ahead, you might have already started thinking about the holidays. Is it too late to sell your home before then? Did you miss your chance to sell your home this year? Angie tackles this question as well as three others from the mailbag.
On this episode:
0:38 - Mailbag: How do you prepare to make the transition from renting to buying a home?
3:31 - Mailbag: Is it too late in the year to sell your home before the holiday?
5:03 - Mailbag: How do Realtors help people who want to build their home?
7:38 - Mailbag: What does the process look like to buy and sell multiple homes at a time?
Show notes and additional resources: https://www.acolerealty.com/blog/selling-your-home-before-the-holidays/