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.

Whether you're putting your home on the market this year or in the next five years, it is a smart decision to start building your home's resale value now. Here are some ways to create a comfortable home while making it easier to put more money into your bank account on closing day.

Small Maintenance and Repairs

If you think that home maintenance on the week-ends is a low priority, think again. The small chores you do around your home prevents it from losing value. Neglecting small maintenance and repairs causes 10% of your home's value to walk out your door and slip through your windows. Most appraisers claim that homes showing little to no preventative maintenance can depreciate from $15,000 to $20,000!

Preventative maintenance can also actively increase your homes resale value - according to a recent study, by about 1% per year! Also, because homebuyers generally notice any repairs needed upon buying a new home, proactive maintenance lets the homebuyer know that he or she will not have to spend extra money to maintain the basics. This makes your home more attractive, and thus more likely to get higher priced offers.

Remodeling Ideas and Tips That Work

Studies show that a home valued at $150,000 could increase is value between $8,300 and $19,000 with the addition of Landscaping. These studies also note that positive landscaping can reduce the amount of time your home spends on the market!

Changing out the doors of your home is also generally a smart design choice. Lately, fiberglass and steel doors are a coveted aesthetic by home buyers. A steel door costs $1,335 but has a whopping 91% return on investment. A fiberglass door, on the other hand, costs about $3,126 with an 82.3% return on investment. Likewise, a new fiber glass or steel garage door distinguishes your home from the rest on your block and provides a 91.5% return on a $1,652 investment.

Finally, matte paint finishes will trend in 2016 because of its transitional qualities. With a matte finish, your potential home buyer can easily match his or her stainless steel or black and white appliances. It's touches like these that make your home appealing to a wide variety of home buyers, and that drives up its resale value.

Your Needs and Buyers' Wants

On that note, if you need to renovate your home, be sure to consider how those changes will affect its appeal to future buyers. Knowing design trends will give you the opportunity to make changes to your home based on where your needs and your potential buyer's desires intersect, thus increasing your property's resale value drastically.

Designers and design websites provide great ideas when you're brainstorming home renovations. Keep in mind as you research, however, that you don't want to sacrifice your needs for a comfortable home just for the sake of what you think a future buyer will want!

Therefore, before you begin making any changes to your home, consult your real estate agent. Real estate agents, because we are constantly working with new buyer clients, have insider insight into what home buyers are looking for now and in the future. We'll be able to help you make smart choices when remodeling or renovating your home.

If you think you might want to remodel or renovate your home in the near future, or if you are just curious about other ways you can increase its resale value, please reach out to us at 704.997.3794. If you'd like to find out what your home is worth, visit us here for a free, no-obligation home valuation.

Charlotte has been recognized in a recent survey by Urban Land Institute and PwC as the 3^rd best real estate market in America.

Charlotte qualified due to its thriving economy, the growing population and increasing construction developments.

A few factors contributing to Charlotte's high ranking include:

* New developments at the Southend and Uptown areas

* Plans for a $600 million Hard Rock Casino

* Plans for a $350 million film studio

A report from ULI explained that increased job opportunities, population growth and the development of urban centers are intriguing more residents to settle down in Charlotte. Those interviewed felt positive about the real estate market in Charlotte, but did show some concern that the financial service industry may not be able to offer the same growth in comparison to technology-oriented markets.

Other top rankings include:

Rank #1: Dallas
Rank #2: Austin
Rank #3: Charlotte
Rank #5: Atlanta
Rank #7: Nashville
Rank #11: Raleigh

The survey made by ULI further expressed the potential of thriving secondary real estate markets like that of Charlotte, and encourages investors to consider areas like Charlotte over larger markets like New York and Chicago. Here they may find more value in their investments due to a lower cost of living and the potential for large growth in the coming years.

Charlotte boasts great potential not only for investors but for homeowner's as well. Both parties will find that the growing area offers lots of opportunities to find home's at a fair price and high value.

To learn more about why you should invest in your dream home today, be sure to check out 2 Reasons That You Shouldn't Wait To Move Up! And don't miss out on the opportunity for Down payment assistance!

Want to speak with us? We would love to hear from you! Please call 704.997.3794. You may also send us a message here and connect with us.

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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