If you are selling your North or South Carolina home, it helps remembering that homebuyers are able to browse listings online from virtually anywhere. Not only will you attract local residents seeking to buy a home, but also those who are moving to the South for the first time. In either case, your focus must be on making your home for sale one that buyers don't want to live without.

Thanks to television programs and DIY tips for on home decorating, renovation, and trends, potential homebuyers often have several “wish list” items they would like when shopping for a new home. As they look through listings, they will find those that match their “must haves,” and sometimes their “should haves,” while other buyers may be “all-or-nothing” when it comes to finding what is essential to their needs.

Here are the top 8 features in a home for sale that buyers are looking for right now:

1. Smart home technology. The future is here, and with it comes the desire for homebuyers to want life easier by having technology match their needs. These may include home security systems, to better home lighting with dimmer capabilities, a programmable thermostat, sound systems controls for television and speakers, and the latest appliances. Even better is the ability to control things with a swipe or click of a button on their smart phone, or with voice automation.

2. Front door appeal. In the South, double front doors are popular. They also make a first-impression on potential homebuyers. Repaint or replace your front doors to make them look more welcoming to local buyers and out-of-towners alike.

3. Bedroom locations. Does your North or South Carolina home have a first floor master bedroom? It will make a great choice for multi-generational buyers!

4. Open floor plans with space for entertaining. Though this trend appeals to all ages of homebuyers, it is most common with millennials and multi-generational homebuyers, who desire ample space to entertain in informal settings, such as with open, multi-purpose kitchens and use of an outdoor living area and other rooms they can customize to their needs.

5. Walk-in showers. Traditional tubs are becoming less popular, replaced by the upgrade of a large, walk-in shower, preferably with a seat. They are easier for older homebuyers but get in and out of safely, with room for adding on handrails, but walk-in showers also appeal to homebuyers of any age who love that they are much easier to keep clean than tubs, and are more conducive to their fast-paced lifestyles.

6. Home organization. Having a place for everything is very important to today's buyers, who want less wasted space, and therefore are looking for smart storage solutions and walk-in closets, especially for the bedrooms, entryway, garage, and kitchen pantry.

7. Laundry room. More first-time homebuyers and move-up buyers desire more than just a section of a multipurpose room for laundering, and want a separately enclosed room instead.

8. More bathrooms. It makes sense that as buyers are looking for 2-3 or more bedroom homes, that they also want the same number of bathrooms. This includes both full and half baths, on one or more levels of a home.

How does your North or South Carolina home for sale stack up? If you are looking for ways to remodel your home and make it ready for the market, Showcase Realty would like to help you!

With our expertise, we can make your home attractive to buyers so that it sells that much quicker. Give us a call today at 704.997.3794 or you can send us a message here!

Eastover was originally the home of dairy farms and tenant farms. Since such humble beginnings, Eastover has become one of the hottest spots to live. It has undergone significant transformations, and the suburb is now a location of high lifestyle, thanks to urban designer Earle Sumner Draper.

In the early 1920's, Eastover was designed to cater to the upper class, creating a distinct buzz and an accessibility that gave residents the ability to expand and explore with ease. Today, the streets remain decorated with Georgian and Tudor revival homes on expansive lots lined with great trees, making for an air of affluence and luxury in the area.

There are also several historic structures in Eastover which have lended to the area's significance and affluent appeal, including the Mint Museum and quality school systems. Popular streets that both visitors and residents enjoy frequenting include Cherokee Road, Colville Road and Hempstead Place for their grandeur and elegance. Eastover is the definition of history, classic, uniqueness and luxury.

Thrillist further noted that while the area has become known for its affluence and interest, Eastover was once a Prohibition-era destination for the city's movers and shakers, and it is by their contributions to society that helped develop the prosperous neighborhood into one of the region's top spots to live.

Other communities on the list include:

There are many reasons why Charlotte is a popular location, which many have chosen to call home. If you're looking for a new place to set roots, be sure to explore these top 10 most beautiful neighborhoods to find the perfect match for your needs!

If you're looking to buy an Eastover home for sale, we have luxury homes that will meet your needs. We are confident that we will be able to assist you in selling your property. What sets us apart from the rest? We are committed to providing you with the best service that's hassle-free and successful.

Nancy Braun is the owner and broker of Showcase Realty. Nancy is also a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, having been awarded this prestigious designation, which only a chosen few are given. Questions? Do not hesitate to connect with us. Call us today at Showcase Realty at 704.997.3794.

One of the biggest challenges in today's real estate market is the continued demand for a shortage of home for sale properties. Because of the shortage, many homeowners who are looking to sell are considering pricing their properties higher than recommended.

For real estate professionals, it is important to advise homeowners to price properly, as opposed to trying to make them happy; if a seller marks their price too high, there may be consequences later. Homeowners who do not sell quickly are sometimes forced to lower their prices, which in term may cause buyers to stray.

University-distinguished Faculty Award recipient John Knight from Eberhardt School of Business - University of the Pacific researched the cost (in time and money) for a seller who price their home too high initially and were forced to lower.

In his article entitled “Listing Price, Time of Market and Ultimate Selling Price” published in Real Estate Economics, Eberhardt revealed that homes whose prices were revised later for a lesser price tended to be sold for less, compared to homes that were priced accordingly. He also revealed that the longer a home stayed on the market, the lower the selling price would be.

When homeowners have the mindset of “I'll lower the price later”, there may be consequences. Home buyers may think that something is wrong with the home, or they may take advantage of a desperate home seller. They may also low-ball the price and force homeowners to accept a much lower price than they initially hoped for.

A lot of home sellers may consider that pricing high will allow for “negotiation room”, however real estate professionals should warn home sellers that this tactic may eventually limit the likability of a home being sold. When one limits the demand for their home, it can create a negative impact on the sales price of a home for sale.

Consider this: It is becoming more common for potential home buyers to look for properties online, and here they have the opportunity to enter in their desired price range. A seller who looks to sell his home for $400,000 but has it listed for $425,000 for “negotiation room” will not even reach buyers who have entered in a preferred price range of $350,000 - $400,000.

The chart below displays how the higher you price your home over its market value the less chance potential buyers will actually see your home when searching.

The best strategy a home seller can adopt is to have the home priced properly at the very beginning, so that multiple offers are made on your home. This will allow potential buyers to compete against each other for the “right” price for your home.

Quite simply, if only one offer comes in for your home, you will have to settle into whatever demands the buyer has. In contrast, having multiple offers creates a better chance for you to choose which offer you prefer the most.

It helps to have a grasp on the current real estate market, and to have knowledge of the rest estate dynamics in your neighborhood. Being able to compare your home for sale than others in the area will help you get an offer a price that reflect its value and brings in more potential buyers.

Let us help you put together a successful sales plan for your home, so that you can sell at the price you want! Are you hoping to sell your home in Charlotte? Send us a message here or call us at (704) 997-3794 and one of our real estate professionals will be happy to assist you.

Having trouble selling your current home? Here is an article to know what seems to be lacking on your sale. Read 13 Reasons Why You Should Not Sell without a Real Estate Professional's Help.

Most renters struggle with the decision to purchase a home if they are uncomfortable with the idea of paying a mortgage. However, there is little difference between paying for your own mortgage and paying for your landlord's mortgage. Renters should take this into consideration when deciding between renting and buying, as they will always be paying for a mortgage unless they live rent-free.

Harvard University at the Joint Center for Housing Studies proposed:

“Households must consume housing whether they own or rent. Not even accounting for more favorable tax treatment of owning, homeowners pay debt service to pay down their own principal while households that rent pay down the principal of a landlord plus a rate of return. That's yet another reason owning often does-as Americans intuit-end up making more financial sense than renting.”

Head of Single - Family Sales & Relationship Management, a Senior Vice President at Freddie Mac, Christina Boyle further emphasized the security of a personal mortgage vs. paying rent:

“With a 30-year fixed rate mortgage, you'll have the certainty & stability of knowing what your mortgage payment will be for the next 30 years - unlike rents which will continue to rise over the next three decades.”

The mortgage payments you collect serve as “forced savings” that prepare you for the equity payments that will occur for. A guarantee that secures every landlord of their equity comes from their renters.

The graph below explains the gap, which separates the net worth of a renter vs. a homeowner:

Bottom Line

More than ever, it makes more sense to be a homeowner than to rent over a long period. Whether you're looking for a primary residence or a vacation home, buying will be more advantageous especially in today's market. Looking to buy? We can help you find Homes for Sale in the Charlotte area. Our friendly team would be happy to answer any questions and assist you every step of the way.

Not sure what you're looking for? Browse through at our various Buying Tips!
Want to speak with someone directly? Reach us at 704.997.3794. Send us a message here and connect with us!

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