Lake Norman Homes for Sale and Property Values: May 2016

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

10 Things To Make Your Home More Appealing

What Do Buyers Like To See? 10 Things to Make Your Home More Appealing

1. De Clutter - Buyers hate clutter!
Its always a good idea to have a nice neat and tidy home, but the biggest turn off for a buyer is a home that cannot be seen because of the amount of clutter on every surface and across every room. Get rid of clutter and allow people to enjoy your space. Take out bulky furniture and put it in storage. We want your home to look inviting and we have one chance to do that!

2. Repair / Replace - We don't want Buyers to be distracted
If something is visibly broken or damaged, repair or replace the item. When buyers see something broken, they often wonder what else is broken that they cannot see and it does tend to influence their value of your home. Make sure that the light bulbs all work, the curtain rails or blinds are hanging correctly and that the shower rails are perfect. Check the door knobs, cabinet handles, draw runners all function correctly and are not broken or disfigured. Make your home look its best!

3. Smarten the Outdoors - First impressions count
The first impression of your home begins with the drive by. If your home looks appealing from the street, then there is a good chance that the buyer will consider making that appointment to see your home. Keep the front of the property cleared of debris, the front door clean and welcoming and the light bulbs on the porch working, a few pot plants and hanging baskets and the front painted and fresh.

4. Staging - If it looks good, its exciting!
If buyers can walk into a home and see a beautiful place its so much easier than having to imagine how their furniture can look. They will consider how lovely your home is and their lifestyle can entertwine with the perfect staging.

5. Odors - Keep it fresh!
When you walk into a doggie home, you can smell it. When there is a smoker in the house, what a turnoff it can be for a non-smoker. The trusth is, very often, the owners of a home don't realize that there home does not smell clean and fresh. Maybe its a good idea, while you are marketing your home, to have your pets in boarding. Clean the house, have the carpets and curtains cleaned, the sofa's and cushions washed, freshen the space with possibly orange essence, rose water or similar and make your home fresh.

6. Kitchens - The Heart of the Home
If your kitchen is older and you don't want to replace it, then update it a bit. Perhaps go down to your local paint shop and select cabinet door paint and give your cabinets a facelift. You could hire someone to do that for you if you are not confident to do it yourself. Maybe you could change the tiling or add some color. Possibly swap out the cabinet handles? You do not need to spend a fortune to add a new dimension to a tired kitchen.

7. Bathrooms - Put a lid on it!
Bathrooms can be a complete turnoff. Often the caulking in tired and the bathroom looks less than desirable. Lime scale build up is awful and the shower curtains tainted with mildew. Redo the caulking, redo the grouting, wash the shower curtain, clean up the basin, add a box of kleenex, a bottle of hand pump soap and a hand cream onto the counter surface. Put new "for show" bath towels out and your bathroom will look stunning! Try and keep the toilet lid down while your home is on the market.

8. Lighten the home - Who doesn't like sunshine?
Add a little sunshine by opening or lifting the blinds, cheer up the paintwork and and add some colorful matching scatter cushion to your furniture. Cut back trees and shrubs that are taking away the natural light from your home and where there is a dark corner, add an indoor plant to bring life to the area. If a room is particularly dark, make sure the paintwork is light and welcoming.

9. Beat the Morning Rush Tidy Up
Make sure that your home always looks good. You never know what buyer may be coming in to view it. Get into a habit of tidying quickly before you go to bed at night. Pack the dishwasher and wipe the counter tops. See that the laundry is in hidden behind closed doors or packed away. It will make the morning rush around making beds and checking bathrooms a breeze.

10. Just a Reminder! What do buyers want?
Buyers want to find a home that is clean, relatively maintenance free and one that is fresh, clean and appealing. So just a reminder to keep the garden manicured and pleasant. Sweep the porch and pack away toys and bikes that are in the yard. Dead head the flowers in the garden as it encourages new growth and potentially pretty new flowers. When the buyer drives bye, we want them to book the appointment. Make that an easy decision for them!

I'm Karen Browder. I pride myself in customer service. Most of my clients are repeat or referrals. I'd love to add you to my list of forever clients. Please give me a call 704-534-9334 or email Karen@KarenBrowder.com I look forward to being of assistance to you.

Communities Served

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Buyer Customer vs Buyer Client Service List

What Do You Prefer? Buyer Customer vs Buyer Client

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between the service levels a Real Estate Agent can provide for the buyer customer vs the buyer client? Understand what they are allowed to do for you as a customer vs as a client?

What do we mean by a customer vs a client?

When you are a customer, you are not represented by anyone when you are looking for a home to buy. No one is looking out for your best interests. For example, if any agent in my office has a listing my fiduciary duty is to the that Seller by default. If another company has a listing and I am invited to market that listing via the MLS or any other means, then my duty is to the Seller. I am bound by Real Estate Law to do everything possible to make sure that I am fair in my dealings with you, but my loyalty must lie with the Seller of the property unless I am hired by you, the Buyer, to represent you.

Lets take a look at the comparisons, Customer vs Client

Buyer Customer - No Buyer Agency Agreement Signed

In Real Estate terms I need to treat your fairly and honestly. I can give you material facts about a property and I must maintain reasonable care and diligence in my dealings with you. I must be honest with you, I cannot violate fair housing and I can answer any questions you direct to me provided they are material facts and public knowledge. I am responsible to check the accounting should you purchase the home, but my loyalties are with the Seller.

I am bound to

Take reasonable care and dilligence
Focus on the sellers needs
Full disclosure of all we know to the seller
Focus on the sellers property
Show in house listings before showing others
Lower level of responsibility to your needs
Discuss material facts only
Protect the client not the customer
Negotiate on behalf of the seller
Write a contract for the interests of the seller
Share all information about the buyer
Withhold pertinent information from a buyer like how long the property has been on the market etc
Not have a negotiating strategy that favors you the customer - Agent works for the Seller
No suggested advice about the financial way forward when offering on the property
No comparable CMA offered for price counselling purposes
Keep information about the Seller confidential
Focus on Selling the property
Focus on the Sellers negotiation and his best outcome

Buyer Client - Buyer Agency Agreement Signed with the Real Estate Professional

When you employ me as Buyer's agent and you become my buyer client, I have fiduciary and statutory duties and I am responsible to you. You have my undivided loyalty, I will give you full disclosure of everything I know about a property, the Seller and other pertinent information. I will be obedient to your needs and I will be responsible for checking the accounting for you. I will always act from a place of honesty, skill and diligence. My whole purpose is to protect your interests, find you a home that suits your needs and look after you.

I will also:

Obtain the Sellers property disclosure form from the listing agent and review with the Buyer client
Find out if there is a homeowner warranty in place and if the Seller is prepared to purchase one for the buyer as part of the contract
Obtain the tax assessment figures for the property
Find out if there are any zoning or subdivision restrictions
Assess the square footage of the property to see if it sounds about right and if not, query with the listing agent
Find out what easements, flood plains or restrictions affect the property the client is interested in
Check with local authority about future development/s
Give factual data about the area and the local schools
If the property is in an hoa or condo association, obtain the financial records for the Buyer to peruse
Make sure that the buyer gets to see new listings immediately
Educate the buyer in terms of price
Negotiate on behalf of the buyer-client
Provide price counselling and cma options when the buyer client finds a property he likes
Contract to benefit the buyer whenever possible and give advice on items that would favor the buyer client
Financing advice and options
Continued service even after the sale completes
Strengthen position as a buyer by getting him pre-qualified for a mortgage and ensure all paperwork is on hand to support his application
Share all information I know about the Seller
Provide material facts and professional advice
Protect and guide the buyer client
Keep buyer client infortmation private and confidential
Tell you all we know about the Seller and his interests in the property
Hold your hand throughout the transaction
Give advice with regards to home inspection, termite inspection etc
Investigate the CCR’s
Always look for the right property at a competitive price
Strengthen the buyer clients position in case of multiple offers
Offer protective clauses for the buyer client
Solve issues in favor of the buyer client wherever possible
Look after the Buyer Clients best interests always
Loyalty and obedience to the Buyer Client

It does not matter whether you are a buyer - customer or a buyer - client, there is no extra fee for you to pay me for my services. I get paid by the Seller. With that in mind, why would you not hire a Buyers Agent to represent you? Its my duty to act on your behalf when you employ me and at no added cost to you.

I'm Karen Browder. I pride myself in customer service. Most of my clients are repeat or referrals. I'd love to add you to my list of forever customers. Please give me a call 704-534-9334 or email Karen@KarenBrowder.com I look forward to being of assistance to you.

Huntersville | Cornelius | Davidson | Mooresville

| Terrell | Sherrills Ford | Denver NC

Lake Norman Listings

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Live on Lake Norman North Carolina

About Living on The Lake

Lake Norman is this beautiful expanse of water north of Charlotte, North Carolina. With more than 500 miles of shoreline there is ample opportunities to live at the Lake.

When you live on a Lake there is always something to do and the water has a calming affect on your lifestyle. You never get tired of the ever changing view and the biggest bonus is that your home becomes the go to place for all family vacations, all year round. You never have to head to the beach for your summer vacation, because all your toys and entertainment happen right where you live. Now you get to enjoy winter skiing vacations and European holiday trips instead!

It does not matter what the weather, there is always a moment you can wander over to the window and see whats happening on the lake. In fact, you will be so drawn to the views that you may even find yourself ambling from window to window to soak up the outdoors.

There is an abundance of birdlife and often you will see the water surface break and the expanding circles rippling. The turtles hang about on the rocks, beach or the broken branches while the herons stand graceful and tall in the shallow waters.

The Lake entices you to get outdoors. You find you will take every opportunity to commune with nature. Meal times and sundowners are often outside and when visitors come, the first thing they do is head onto the deck and enjoy the view. Its a gift to share with others.

It does not matter whether your family, friends or loved ones enjoy fishing, boating, kayaking, paddle boarding or jet skiing - this is free entertainment on your doorstep and everyone gets to join in. The lake is creating lifestyle memories that are held in one's heart forever.

Nightfall turns into a fairy wonderland with twinkling lights and reflections from the moon and the stars. You can hear the frogs croaking, the occassional goose and the magic of the nightbirds. What a way to head to dreamland.

If you have ever considered living on a Lake, then come and live your dream. I do. I live on Lake Norman and I can share the Lake information with you first hand. I'm on hand to show you homes on Lake Norman in North Carolinas near Charlotte NC.

I look forward to being of assistance to you. I'm Karen Browder. I pride myself in customer service. Most of my clients are repeat or referrals. I'd love to add you to my list of forever customers. Please give me a call 704-534-9334 or email Karen@KarenBrowder.com

Whether you are looking for a home, a lock up and leave townhouse or condo lifestyle or if you would like to build your dream home and are looking for a lot, I have them all.

CORNELIUS WATERFRONT HOMES
HUNTERSVILLE WATERFRONT HOMES
MOORESVILLE WATERFRONT HOMES
SHERRILLS FORD WATERFRONT HOMES
TERRELL WATERFRONT HOMES
DENVER WATERFRONT HOMES

CORNELIUS WATERFRONT TOWNHOMES AND CONDOS
DAVIDSON WATERFRONT TOWNHOMES AND CONDOS
HUNTERSVILLE WATERFRONT TOWNHOMES AND CONDOS
MOORESVILLE WATERFRONT TOWNHOMES AND CONDOS
SHERRILLS FORD WATERFRONT TOWNHOMES AND CONDOS
DENVER WATERFRONT TOWNHOMES AND CONDOS

CORNELIUS WATERFRONT LOTS
HUNTERSVILLE WATERFRONT LOTS
MOORESVILLE WATERFRONT LOTS
SHERRILLS FORD WATERFRONT LOTS
TERRELL WATERFRONT LOTS
DENVER WATERFRONT LOTS

Friday, May 6, 2016

How To Choose "Your" Real Estate Agent

How To Find The Right Real Estate Agent To Work For You

Here are some of the most important things to consider and check when choosing the Real Estate Broker to represent you in a real estate transaction

New Agent vs Experienced
When considering a Real Estate Broker, are you looking for an agent with a great deal of experience or would you be prepared to consider a newer agent? Sometimes the newer agents have more time to spend with you and will make a point of being really good at their job, while the experienced agent will bring knowledge to the table. If choosing an experienced agent, look for the top agents who have the most closed transactions over the last year. Take into account an agent who works in a lower price range may possibly have more sales than one who works in luxury, and that needs to be taken into consideration when researching their transactions.

Reviews:
Check out the reviews on popular websites like Trulia, Google etc Look for words like honesty, a good listener, great communicator or similar. Read several reviews. If there is a less than perfect one and you happen to relate to the agent, ask why that particular one was not so good. Its good to hear another aspect and let the response to the question be one of your deciding factors.

Referrals:
Ask family and friends who they have worked with and who they could refer. Find out what they liked most about that particular agent. Visit open houses and ask the real estate agent questions to see how knowledgeable he/she is. Sometimes its best to choose a local agent, one who has thorough knowledge of an area that you would like to consider living in.

Interview a Few Agents:
Interview agents and see who shares your mindset and who understands your needs, someone who is a good listener. A real estate broker who owns their own home will be able to answer your questions from a true perspective. Establish his/her greatest strength is and apart from honesty and integrity, which is the most important factor, what else makes them different from other agents.

References:
Check references. A good agent will happily share their last 4 or 5 references with you
Choose a smart negotiator, someone who will fight for you in a transaction.

Characteristics:

You need an agent who is level headed and will deal with your emotional rollercoaster with an objective view. You must be able to trust your agent explicitly. After all, this may be the single biggest investment of your life. Find the right balance and choose a real estate broker with credentials who complement your style and your ethic. How tech savvy is the real estate agent? In todays market, it is important for an agent to have an up to date website with great content, one who uses social media to keep current in the real estate market place.

Its a big decision to find a home and an important one to work with someone who can share your chemistry.

I look forward to being of assistance to you. I'm Karen Browder. I pride myself in customer service. Most of my clients are repeat or referrals. I'd love to add you to my list of forever customers. Please give me a call 704-534-9334 or email Karen@KarenBrowder.com