Sunday, September 8, 2013

Garden Tips to Sell Your Home

Garden Tips to Sell Your Home

People who buy homes with patios and gardens are generally investing in a lifestyle. So if you’re planning to sell your home, it’s as important to put effort into improving the way your garden looks, as it is to work on the house and its interiors. You might even find that the garden sells the property for you.

Tips for Selling Your Home Quickly

Having made the decision to sell your home, it makes good business sense to sell it as quickly as possible. You already know you’re going to have to clean and tidy, and repair and replace some things in the house. You might also have realized that it’s a good idea to declutter and do some home staging. But what about the garden?

One of the top tips for selling your home quickly is to get the garden looking great.

Curb Appeal
Chances are the real estate agent you have enlisted to sell your home has told you how important first impressions are, and advised you to get the curb appeal of your home right. If curb appeal isn’t there, you might not even get potential buyers to step over the threshold.

In essence curb appeal is the first impression your home gives people when they drive past, or up the driveway.

The trick with improving curb appeal is to ensure that the front of your home, and this part of the garden, is not only neat and tidy, but also eye-catching. Trim back trees and hedges and mow the lawn, then see how you can introduce some color, either by planting in beds or by adding pot plants.

Garden Staging
The layout of your backyard and garden will determine what you can do to add some charm to the outdoor areas of your home. While curb appeal will get those potential buyers onto the property, if they’re looking for an outdoor lifestyle, they’re going investigate every inch of your patio and garden – from back to front, and at the sides.

Clean paths and weed beds. Trim back excess growth and add well-established seedlings to introduce color and texture. You don’t have to spend a fortune on new plants, but a little bit of effort can go a long way. Once the basics are looking good, you can get on with garden staging to make the outdoor area look really great.

Just as you add bowls of fruit and vases with fresh flowers inside your home, add these splashes of color and interest to the patio. Set the table on your patio as if you are expecting guests. If you’re there when a potential buyer arrives, offer a cup of tea or cool drink. If not, give your real estate agent carte blanche to do this for you.

Reconsider how you see the garden from the inside out. Move pots and garden sculptures so that they make a statement.

Lastly, if you’ve got a swimming pool, make sure the water is clean and sparkling clear. This is yet another of those all important tips for selling your home quickly.


Friday, September 6, 2013

Fall 2013 - Triangle Golf Courses & Golf Events

Fall 2013 - Triangle Golf Courses & Golf Events

Fall is a great time to hit the green in the Raleigh/Cary area.  The first hint of cool dry air appears and the slow change of the leaves begins to show.  Next thing you know it winter is here, so take advantage of this wonderful time of the year!

Here are a few upcoming charity golf events.  What better way to get out and enjoy a course, meet new people and help a great cause all while enjoying the beautiful NC Fall weather.

CHARITY GOLF EVENTS - Fall 2013

First annual Top Shelf Hockey Team Charity Golf Tournament
This First Annual Tournament benefits Advancingtheheart.org advancing the heart for those living with a congenital heart defect.
When: Saturday September 7, 2013
Where: Eagle Ridge Golf Course - Raleigh

Chris Wilcox Golf Outing
Power Forward to Save Lives
This golfing event raises money to help fund research for The Lupus Foundation of America, North Carolina Chapter and The American Heart Association, Mid-Atlantic Affiliate. This year is Wilcox's 5th Annual Charity Golf Outing.
When: Monday September 9, 2013
Where:The Hasentree Club - Wake Forest, NC

First Annual North Raleigh Charity Golf Tournament
This Golf Tournament is hosted by the Hibernian Pub and will benefit the national MS Society.
When: Tuesday September 10, 2013
Where: River Ridge Golf Club - Raleigh

9th Annual Tees for Tots Golf Tournament
All monies raised from the Tees for Tots Golf Tournament go to support Learning Together's vital programs and services.
When: Monday September 16, 2013
Where: Brier Creek Country Club - Raleigh

2013 Tournament of Hope
Passage Home's 4th Annual Tournament of Hope is going be better than ever with a full day of activities for you and your family. Golf, contests, BBQ dinner, cocktails, silent auction and live music!
100% of the funds raised through the tournament will go directly to providing housing for sixty homeless families, children and veterans over the next year.
When: Friday September 20, 2013
Where: Lochmere Golf Club, Cary

Tom Alexander Memorial Golf Tournament
9th Annual Tom Alexander Memorial Golf Classic for Hospice of Wake County! This is a four-person Captain's Choice tournament.
When: September 23, 2013
Where: Northridge Country Club - Raleigh

Western Wake Crisis Ministry 11th Annual Golf Tournament
The Golf Tournament will benefit WWCM whose mission is to provide a helping hand for our neighbors in need in Apex & Holly Springs who are experiencing unexpected financial circumstances.
When: Monday October 7, 2013
Where: MacGregor Downs Country Club - Cary

SAS Championship
Tickets on Sale now.  This week long event is an official Champions Tour tournament featuring the top golfers in the world over the age of 50. Proceeds benefit area organizations dedicated to youth and education including the YMCA of the Triangle through the Triangle Community Foundation.
When: October 7 - 13, 2013 - Event Schedule
Where: Prestonwood Country Club - Cary

CAMPS & CLINICS

TGA Fall League West Wake County
TGA Fall League - 7 Week Junior Golf League at Knight's Play in Apex.  Tuesday nights from September 17th - Oct 29th



Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Considering Selling Your Home in Cary?

Considering Selling Your Home in Cary?

Why now is a great time to list your home for sale in the Triangle area:

1. Inventory is low compared to this time last year.  About 16% less.
2. List prices are up overall, about 12% higher than last year.
3. Closed sales are up 39% and Pending Sales are up 22%
4. Interest Rates are still at historic lows, making it very attractive for both first time buyers and move up buyers.
5. This "perfect storm" may not last long.  As soon as rates start to climb, demand will slow and inventory will rise.
6. Many multiple offer situations lately.  Wouldn't you want buyers fighting over your home?

CLICK HERE for more information about Selling your Home in Cary.

Have you been wondering what your home is worth in today's market?  Here is a great tool to learn more about your home's value.  For a no obligation personal market analysis, give me a call.  I'd be happy to tour your home and give you specific sales comparable information to help determine how much your home would sell for right now.

See all Home Values in the Triangle Market Here.


If you have been dreaming of moving up to a larger home, there is no better time than the present.  Let's meet and discuss your options for moving up to your dream home.


Sunday, August 18, 2013

Finding the Right Agent


Finding the Right Agent

When you are selling a home, it’s important to find a real estate agent that you can trust and depend upon.
While it’s only “human” to want to find someone who will get as much money as possible for your property, it is a mistake to base your choice on real estate agents who promise to list your home at the highest price and charge you less commission than anyone else. 
Finding the right agent to sell your home can be an emotional roller coaster, but if you know what a good real estate agents represent, your task should be a lot easier. 
What to Look for in a Good Real Estate Agent 
  1. You need somebody who has experience in realty – otherwise you might as well do the job yourself. Ask for proof of experience. 
  2. You need a real estate agent who is qualified to do the job – with degrees and/or reputable certifications. Ask!
  3. You want to deal with an honest real estate agent. Ask for references.
  4. You need somebody who knows how to network and has other reputable real estate agents they can contact. You are within your rights to ask which people and agencies the agent will connect with. 
  5. You need somebody who has great negotiation skills: someone who can get the best price in the shortest possible time, but not at your expense. 
  6. You need a real estate agent that you can talk to and communicate with. 
Finding the right agent to sell your home is not rocket science, but you need to ask the right questions and expect honest answers. You also need to be sure that the real estate agent you opt for knows your neighborhood and can give you good advice in terms of pricing and staging. Together you can become a team. 
Thinking of Selling Your Home. Let me assist you with getting Your Home SOLD. 

Monday, August 12, 2013

Money Magazine Best Places to Live 2013 - Apex in Top 10

Best Places to Live 2013 - Apex in Top 10

Money Magazine Names Apex, NC #9


The highly anticipated list from Money Magazine was recently released naming the nations best places to live. Money Magazine takes into account many factors when compiling this list of 50 cities and towns.  They say that this year, economic factors weighed heavily into the mix.

Landing in the Top 10 at #9, Apex named as best place to live!  Well, we all knew that - but thank you Money Magazine!

See the full list of Money Magazine's Best Places to Live 2013.

The Town of Apex, situated just outside of Raleigh, NC with convenient access to Research Triangle Park (RTP) and RDU.  I540 offers easy access to the conveniences of city living, while charming downtown Apex takes you back to the more simple days.  Apex is the best of both worlds. 

Shopping and dining options in Apex range from locally owned establishments, like Anna's Pizzeria and Peak City Grill, to major national chains.  Target, Kohls, Home Depot, Lowes, TJ Maxx, Homes Goods and pretty much any major retailer you want is located in Beaver Creek Commons in Apex. 

Cary, NC, just a few miles away also offers a wide variety of shopping, dining, medical and other conveniences.  Cary has also earned spots in the Money magazine's Top 10 Lists many times.

Here are some local links for Apex, NC.

Apex Parks and Recreation
Wake County Public School System (WCPSS)
Town of Apex

If you would like more information about Living in Apex or about Homes for Sale in Apex, NC - Contact Jim Cleveland Real Estate today for a free Relocation Guide with local information.

CONTACT ME



Keeping and Eye on Neighborhood Homes for Sale When Selling Your Home


Keeping an Eye on Neighborhood Homes for Sale when Selling

You probably appreciate how important it is to evaluate a neighborhood before you decide to buy a property; but do you realize how important it is to keep an eye on neighborhood homes for sale when you’re selling?
There are a number of reasons why you should watch out for houses for sale in your neighborhood when you decide to sell, all of which are likely to have an impact on your home for sale. 
Why You Should be Aware of Neighborhood Houses for Sale 
The houses in your neighborhood, and the people who live there, will be two of the most important factors that potential buyers will look at when they are searching for real homes for sale. While they will also be assessing services in the neighborhood, including shops, banks, schools, parks, and elements like safety and security, other houses in the area always make a big impact. 
If you have a home for sale at this point in time, it’s going to be very important to make it look good from the outside. If you don’t maximize curb appeal, buyers may decide they don’t even want to go inside. That is understandable; but the shocker is that if your neighbor’s house looks a mess from the outside – or even the house a few doors away – this can also put people off buying. 
And if neighborhood homes for sale look shoddy, it’s inevitably going to affect their selling price. Even if your home for sale at the same time looks stunning, a buyer can use the lower selling price of your neighbor’s “dump” as a negotiating tool to bring down your price. 
Another important reason to keep an eagle eye on neighborhood homes for sale is to monitor what they actually sell for. For instance if houses for sale in the same neighborhood are fetching good prices, you may be able to match the price for a fast sale. If a badly kept house sells, you need to know what the selling price was. 
Unfortunately when neighborhood homes for sale have been rented out, outward appearance and general maintenance often do affect the eventual selling price. But once the house has been sold, and new owners move in and start to renovate, the prices of other houses for sale in the neighborhood are likely to go up. Predicting this possibility might mean waiting a little longer to sell your home for sale at this point, but it may well be worth the wait.