The Savvy Realtor with Angie Cole

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/ 

Mailbag: How Can I Improve the Curb Appeal of My Home?

As (early) spring sets in, you might be getting ready to buy or sell your home. Some of the basic landscaping can make a huge difference when it comes to giving your home that “wow” factor when you go to sell it. As a buyer, whether you have a certain neighborhood in mind or have been casually looking online for a while and are ready to get more specific, Angie and her team are here to help. On today’s show, Angie answers four questions from the mailbag from buyers and sellers in the Triangle area.
 
Here’s what you’ll learn on today’s show:
Mailbag: What’s the average price point in the Amberly area in Cary? (1:04)
Mailbag: How can I improve the curb appeal of my home? (3:42)
Mailbag: Why shouldn’t I use Zillow when looking to buy? (5:04)
Mailbag: Are Zestimates and similar market tools still useful in a changing market? (7:49)
 
See our listings and get in touch with our team: https://www.acolerealty.com/

Myths About New Construction Home

As the real estate market ebbs and flows, you may be tempted to time the market. Sometimes an attempt to time the market can be one of the biggest mistakes that homebuyers make. Angie shares some experiences buyers have had when they didn’t understand what the market conditions were and lost out.
 
Here’s what you’ll learn on today’s show:
Massive homebuyer mistake: trying to time the market. (0:43)
Are new construction homes more expensive? (4:38)
Is it harder to finance a new construction home? (6:52)
Do they lose their value faster? (8:00)
Always get an inspection! (8:48)
 
See our listings and get in touch with our team: https://www.acolerealty.com/

Mailbag: How Do I Choose a Reputable Real Estate Agent?

If you are ready to buy or sell your home, your first step is likely finding a real estate agent. Angie answers one listener question on how to find the right person to represent you during this process. You want someone you not only get along with, but who is also experienced in the market. On today’s show, we also talk about what is currently happening with the market in the Triangle before Angie answers four questions from the mailbag.
 
Here are the questions Angie answers today:
What’s happening in the local Triangle real estate market. (0:38)
Mailbag: How do I choose a reputable real estate agent? (2:38)
Mailbag: How can you budget for taxes on a new construction home? (4:26)
Mailbag: How does living outside the city limits impact your city services? (6:14)
Mailbag: What is the typical age of buyers? (9:18)
 
Visit us online and see our listings: https://www.acolerealty.com/