254 Shell Lane | Winston Salem
Just Listed! Wonderful home with great Davidson County location, close to Winston Salem. Very private serene country setting. Large great room with bamboo hardwood flooring. Bright and airy kitchen with tons of storage! Master on main level, master bath with jetted tub and separate shower. Large bonus room on second floor. Fresh paint throughout! This is the home you are looking for!
http://bit.ly/254ShellLn
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Our agents are among the best negotiators, brightest talents and most professional in the business! We meet each buyer client at our office to really get to the meat of what’s important in their purchase. We look at homes on MLS, research the history of properties and discuss proximity to schools, shopping, jobs and even road closings. Buyers deserve to know these things before setting out to see homes. The holidays are over and we are excited to meet you and to assist with your purchase or sale! Please give us a call today, let’s get you started. Is a fun process, but a challenging one and you need a team of folks who care.
❤️karin
Karin Head Realty
336-283-8687
KarinHeadTeam.com or use our MLS site:
www.SearchHomesInWinstonSalem.com
According to recently released data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median amount of time a home spent on the market hit an all-time low of only three weeks in 2017.
Strong buyer demand, a good economy, and a low inventory of new and existing homes for sale created the perfect storm to accelerate the time between listing and signing a contract. The time needed to sell a home has dropped substantially since its highest mark of 11 weeks in 2012.
The chart below shows the median weeks on the market from 1987 to today.
If you are a homeowner who is debating whether or not to list your home for sale, know that national market conditions are primed for a quick turnaround! Let’s get together to discuss exactly what’s going on in our area, today!
Homeownership is a major part of the American Dream. As evidence of that, 91% of Americans believe that owning a home is either essential (43%) or important (48%) to achieving that “dream.” In a market where some people may be unsure about the benefits and possibilities of buying a home, it is important that we remember this.
Homeownership is NOT just about the money. In fact, some of the major benefits are non-financial. Here are a few of those benefits as per the National Association of Realtors:
Homeownership means something more to people and their families than just the financial considerations.
As we near the end of the holiday season, you may find yourself wondering about the best way to dispose of your holiday tree. It is important to remove your tree from your home before it becomes too dry, as dry trees are much more likely to cause house fires.
Follow these simple steps to safely and easily dispose of your tree:
Remove all trimmings – Before you dispose of your tree, it is imperative to remove all decorations, including lights, ornaments, tinsel, and any other trimmings. Returning the tree to its natural state is of utmost importance.
Cover the tree – Use a large plastic tree bag or a blanket to cover the tree before removing it from your home. This will help contain any needles or sap from falling from the tree, as they can damage your hardwood floors and carpet. If any needles have dropped on your hardwood floor, carefully remove them with a broom to avoid clogging your vacuum cleaner.
Check with waste management – Many local waste management companies provide curbside pickup for trees. If you find that your waste management company offers this service, bring your tree to the curb in front of your home, making sure not to obstruct any roads, sidewalks, or driveways. You may also want to confirm that there are no additional disposal instructions. To locate the closest waste management company to you, click here.
Recycle your tree – If your local waste management company does not provide curbside pickup, there is likely a nearby recycling center where you can bring your tree. Many centers will chip and shred your tree for use as mulch or as part of erosion programs, providing environmental benefit.
For more information about tree disposal, click here.
Contributed by Ashley McKenzie-Sharpe
Phone: 336-748-4599 | ashleym@fairwaymc.com
Over the next five years, home prices are expected to appreciate on average by 3.35% per year and to grow by 24.34% cumulatively, according to Pulsenomics’ most recent Home Price Expectation Survey.
So, what does this mean for homeowners and their equity position?
As an example, let’s assume a young couple purchases and closes on a $250,000 home this month (January). If we only look at the projected increase in the price of that home, how much equity will they earn over the next 5 years?
Since the experts predict that home prices will increase by 4.2% in 2018, the young homeowners will have gained $10,500 in equity in just one year.
Over a five-year period, their equity will increase by nearly $45,000! This figure does not even take into account their monthly principal mortgage payments. In many cases, home equity is one of the largest portions of a family’s overall net worth.
Not only is homeownership something to be proud of, but it also offers you and your family the ability to build equity you can borrow against in the future. If you are ready and willing to buy, find out if you are able to today!
Someone asked me why I don’t focus more on the million dollar plus category in our area. We love selling luxury homes but did you know that ONLY 10 homes sold in Forsyth County/Winston Salem area over a million dollars in the last 365 days? I know that’s crazy. It amounts to $13.5 million-ish in total sales. I personally sold WAY more than that in the last year.
Right now, there is an enormous amount of estate home inventory on the market at a super value. We’d love to help you move up, move down or move out!
Just FYI, we do the same incredible marketing for luxury homes as we do executive homes or first time buyer homes. Our firm has a full-time marketing manager whose job it is to sell our listings and she has a huge advertising budget. It is our sincere belief that our clients deserve our investment in their property and in their lives.
Sellers should interview agents. When you interview agents, ask them what the plan is to market your property. Then call our agents and interview us! We are ready to get your home professionally listed and sold.
❤️Karin
336-283-8687
The Head Team, Karin Head Realty
In today’s market, with home prices rising and a lack of inventory, some homeowners may consider trying to sell their home on their own, known in the industry as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO). There are several reasons why this might not be a good idea for the vast majority of sellers.
Here are the top five reasons:
1. Exposure to Prospective Buyers
Recent studies have shown that 95% of buyers search online for a home. That is in comparison to only 17% looking at print newspaper ads. Most real estate agents have an internet strategy to promote the sale of your home. Do you?
2. Results Come from the Internet
Where did buyers find the home they actually purchased?
The days of selling your house by just putting up a sign and putting it in the paper are long gone. Having a strong internet strategy is crucial.
3. There Are Too Many People to Negotiate With
Here is a list of some of the people with whom you must be prepared to negotiate if you decide to For Sale By Owner:
4. FSBOing Has Become More And More Difficult
The paperwork involved in selling and buying a home has increased dramatically as industry disclosures and regulations have become mandatory. This is one of the reasons that the percentage of people FSBOing has dropped from 19% to 8% over the last 20+ years.
The 8% share represents the lowest recorded figure since NAR began collecting data in 1981.
5. You Net More Money When Using an Agent
Many homeowners believe that they will save the real estate commission by selling on their own. Realize that the main reason buyers look at FSBOs is because they also believe they can save the real estate agent’s commission. The seller and buyer can’t both save the commission.
A study by Collateral Analytics revealed that FSBOs don’t actually save anything, and in some cases, may be costing themselves more, by not listing with an agent. One of the main reasons for the price difference at the time of sale is:
“Properties listed with a broker that is a member of the local MLS will be listed online with all other participating broker websites, marketing the home to a much larger buyer population. And those MLS properties generally offer compensation to agents who represent buyers, incentivizing them to show and sell the property and again potentially enlarging the buyer pool.”
If more buyers see a home, the greater the chances are that there could be a bidding war for the property. The study showed that the difference in price between comparable homes of size and location is currently at an average of 6% this year.
Why would you choose to list on your own and manage the entire transaction when you can hire an agent and not have to pay anything more?
Before you decide to take on the challenges of selling your house on your own, sit with a real estate professional in your marketplace and see what they have to offer.
As home values continue to increase at levels greater than historic norms, some are concerned that we are heading for another crash like the one we experienced ten years ago. We recently explained that the lenient lending standards of the previous decade (which created false demand) no longer exist. But what about prices?
Are prices appreciating at the same rate that they were prior to the crash of 2006-2008? Let’s look at the numbers as reported by Freddie Mac:
The levels of appreciation we have experienced over the last four years aren’t anywhere near the levels that were reached in the four years prior to last decade’s crash.
We must also realize that, to a degree, the current run-up in prices is the market trying to catch up after a crash that dramatically dropped prices for five years.
Prices are appreciating at levels greater than historic norms. However, we are not at the levels that led to the housing bubble and bust.
760 Pecan Ridge Circle - Pecan Ridge - Kernersville
A bright and open entryway greets you in this well maintained home in Kernersville's Pecan Ridge. Comfy kitchen with eat-in area and adjacent dining room. Spacious great room with fireplace for entertaining or just watching television. Huge main level laundry room! Large master suite and master bath with separate shower and tub. This home has tons of storage! Deck overlooks fenced yard with a second patio for grilling and relaxing. Don't miss this beautiful home! Schedule an appointment today!
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently released their 2017 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers in which they surveyed recent home buyers and sellers about their experiences. An entire section of the profile is dedicated to buyers’ experiences with their real estate agents.
If you are looking to buy in 2018, here are the top 5 benefits of using a real estate agent when buying your dream home as cited by recent buyers:
1. Helped the buyer understand the process – 60%
If you are new to the home buying process, an experienced real estate professional can explain exactly what to expect during the entire transaction so you aren’t caught off guard.
2. Pointed out unnoticed features/faults with the property – 56%
Whether it’s pointing out possible uses for an extra bedroom/office, or using their trained eye to see potentially disastrous hazards that may be hiding out of site, your agent is there to protect your interests and make sure your home buying experience is a good one.
3. Negotiated better sales contract terms – 47%
When it comes to negotiating the complex terms of your contract and coming to an agreement with the seller, it never hurts to have someone who has been there before on your side. If earlier in your search you found a couple of less than desirable features on the home you are going to purchase, your agent can make sure that contingencies are in place for you to pay the best price. Their analysis of comparable properties in the area will also help to make sure that your dream home is priced properly for the market.
4. Provided a better list of service providers – 46%
Real estate agents are titans of networking. Many have a list of preferred providers who they have worked with in the past and who they trust to work as a part of your team to make your dream come true. This can include mortgage professionals (listed as the #8 reason to use an agent at 22%), home inspectors, plumbers, contractors, painters, landscapers, home stagers, and so many more!
5. Improved the buyer’s knowledge of search areas – 44%
Local real estate professionals are often members of community organizations and are usually well versed in their area’s history. Their ties to the community make them a great resource whether you plan to relocate to a new area or across town.
If your plans for 2018 include purchasing your dream home, let’s get together to discuss your options and to help you make the most powerful and confident decisions for you and your family.
6510 Heron Point Court - Heron Point - Belews Creek
Under contract in just 12 days after being listed with another realtor for a year!! This home is amazing! New 1.5 story transitional home in lovely Belews Creek is magnificent with bright, open and airy generously sized rooms. Large great room is open to fabulous kitchen. Master bedroom with tray ceiling and spacious closet are on main level, as well as 2 car garage. Subway tile, crown moulding and millwork showcase just some of the attention to detail. Walkout basement is roughed in and ready for completion. Large lot is almost 1 acre with deck for entertaining! Don't miss this beautiful home! It won't last long!
http://bit.ly/6510HeronPointCt
760 Pecan Ridge Circle - Pecan Ridge - Kernersville
Under contract in 8 days! A bright and open entryway greets you in this well maintained home in Kernersville's Pecan Ridge. Comfy kitchen with eat-in area and adjacent dining room. Spacious great room with fireplace for entertaining or just watching television. Huge main level laundry room! Large master suite and master bath with separate shower and tub. This home has tons of storage! Deck overlooks fenced yard with a second patio for grilling and relaxing. Don't miss this beautiful home! Schedule an appointment today!
There are many benefits to homeownership. One of the top benefits is protecting yourself from rising rents, by locking in your housing cost for the life of your mortgage.
Don’t Become Trapped
A recent article by Apartment List addressed rising rents by stating:
“Rents are up 2.7% year-over-year at the national level. Year-over-year growth continues to fall between the 2.1% rate from this time last year and the 3.4% growth rate from October 2015.”
The article continues explaining that:
“Despite the seasonal slowdown, rents are still up year-over-year in 89 of the 100 Largest cities.
Additionally, the Urban Institute revealed that,
“Over a quarter of renters, or 11.1 million households, are severely cost burdened, spending at least half their income on rental housing.
These households struggle to save for a rainy day and pay other bills, including groceries and healthcare.
It’s Cheaper to Buy Than Rent
As we have previously mentioned, the results of the latest Rent vs. Buy Report from Trulia shows that homeownership remains cheaper than renting with a traditional 30-year fixed rate mortgage in the 100 largest metro areas in the United States.
The updated numbers show that the range is an average of 6.5% less expensive in San Jose (CA), all the way up to 57% less expensive in Detroit (MI) and 37.4% nationwide!
Know Your Options
Perhaps you have already saved enough to buy your first home. A nationwide survey of about 24,000 renters found that 80% of millennial renters plan to eventually buy a house, but 72% cite affordability as their primary obstacle. Aside from affordability, one in three millennial renters have concerns about their credit scores, and another 53% said that a down payment is an obstacle.
Many first-time homebuyers who believe that they need a large down payment may be holding themselves back from their dream homes. As we have reported before, in many areas of the country, a first-time home buyer can save for a 3% down payment in less than two years. You may have already saved enough!
Don’t get caught in the trap that so many renters are currently in. If you are ready and willing to buy a home, find out if you are able. Let’s get together to determine if you can qualify for a mortgage now!
Here are four great reasons to consider buying a home today instead of waiting.
1. Prices Will Continue to Rise
CoreLogic’s latest Home Price Index reports that home prices have appreciated by 7.0% over the last 12 months. The same report predicts that prices will continue to increase at a rate of 4.7% over the next year.
The bottom in home prices has come and gone. Home values will continue to appreciate for years. Waiting no longer makes sense.
2. Mortgage Interest Rates Are Projected to Increase
Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey shows that interest rates for a 30-year mortgage have hovered around 4%. Most experts predict that rates will rise over the next 12 months. The Mortgage Bankers Association, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the National Association of Realtors are in unison, projecting that rates will increase by this time next year.
An increase in rates will impact YOUR monthly mortgage payment. A year from now, your housing expense will increase if a mortgage is necessary to buy your next home.
3. Either Way, you are Paying a Mortgage
There are some renters who have not yet purchased a home because they are uncomfortable taking on the obligation of a mortgage. Everyone should realize that unless you are living with your parents rent-free, you are paying a mortgage – either yours or your landlord’s.
As an owner, your mortgage payment is a form of ‘forced savings’ that allows you to have equity in your home that you can tap into later in life. As a renter, you guarantee your landlord is the person with that equity.
Are you ready to put your housing cost to work for you?
4. It’s Time to Move on with Your Life
The ‘cost’ of a home is determined by two major components: the price of the home and the current mortgage rate. It appears that both are on the rise.
But what if they weren’t? Would you wait?
Look at the actual reason you are buying and decide if it is worth waiting. Whether you want to have a great place for your children to grow up, you want your family to be safer, or you just want to have control over renovations, maybe now is the time to buy.
If the right thing for you and your family is to purchase a home this year, buying sooner rather than later could lead to substantial savings.
You may have heard someone say "Open houses don’t work" or "Its just the neighbors looking" or "Just looky loo’s go to open houses". Well, that’s completely wrong!
They DO work... when done correctly.
My phone blows up with offers after our agents host open houses because
a) our agents are amazing and present the home's best features
b) our marketing is absolutely second to none
c) agents at other firms know our listings are in great shape
Even in the dead of a holiday season, our team is moving properties!!!
Today, after FOUR open houses, I’ve had six agents call me to submit offers. I would expect more by Monday.
Put our team to work for you!!!
KarinHeadTeam.com
336-283-8687
❤️karin
So, you’ve been searching for that perfect house to call a ‘home,’ and you finally found it! The price is right, and in such a competitive market, you want to make sure that you make a good offer so that you can guarantee that your dream of making this house yours comes true!
Freddie Mac covered “4 Tips for Making an Offer” in their Executive Perspective. Here are the 4 tips they covered along with some additional information for your consideration:
1. Understand How Much You Can Afford
“While it’s not nearly as fun as house hunting, fully understanding your finances is critical in making an offer.”
This ‘tip’ or ‘step’ should really take place before you start your home search process.
Getting pre-approved is one of many steps that will show home sellers that you are serious about buying, and will allow you to make your offer with the confidence of knowing that you have already been approved for a mortgage for that amount. You will also need to know if you are prepared to make any repairs that may need to be made to the house (ex: new roof, new furnace).
2. Act Fast
“Even though there are fewer investors, the inventory of homes for sale is also low and competition for housing continues to heat up in many parts of the country.”
The inventory of homes listed for sale has remained well below the 6-month supply that is needed for a ‘normal’ market. Buyer demand has continued to outpace the supply of homes for sale, causing buyers to compete with each other for their dream homes.
Make sure that as soon as you decide that you want to make an offer, you work with your agent to present it as soon as possible.
3. Make a Solid Offer
Freddie Mac offers this advice to help make your offer the strongest it can be:
“Your strongest offer will be comparable with other sales and listings in the neighborhood. A licensed real estate agent active in the neighborhoods you are considering will be instrumental in helping you put in a solid offer based on their experience and other key considerations such as recent sales of similar homes, the condition of the house and what you can afford.”
Talk with your agent to find out if there are any ways that you can make your offer stand out in this competitive market!
4. Be Prepared to Negotiate
“It’s likely that you’ll get at least one counteroffer from the sellers so be prepared. The two things most likely to be negotiated are the selling price and closing date. Given that, you’ll be glad you did your homework first to understand how much you can afford.
Your agent will also be key in the negotiation process, giving you guidance on the counteroffer and making sure that the agreed-to contract terms are met.”
If your offer is approved, Freddie Mac urges you to “always get an independent home inspection, so you know the true condition of the home.” If the inspector uncovers undisclosed problems or issues, you can discuss any repairs that may need to be made with the seller, or cancel the contract.
Whether buying your first home or your fifth, having a local real estate professional who is an expert in their market on your side is your best bet to make sure the process goes smoothly. Let’s talk about how we can make your dreams of homeownership a reality!
Karin Head Realty, LLC | Top 1% of Agents in Forsyth County NC | Located at 380 Knollwood St, Winston Salem, NC
