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Buying Highlands NC Real Estate, Virtual Home Tours

April 7, 2021 by lynn

Buying Highlands NC Real Estate, Virtual Home Tours

Lynn Kimball, Highlands NC real estate

Buying Highlands NC real estate often involves virtual home tours. This type of home shopping allows a buyer to tour a home from afar. The virtual experience often starts with photos and videos. Additionally, often a Highlands NC REALTOR will conduct a tour via the phone with FaceTime or a similar app. This can certainly be a great way to see a property or even view an entire list and pare it down. However, an in-person showing should occur prior to closing if possible.

Should you buy a home without setting foot in it?

Buying a Highlands NC home virtually can certainly work out. This is easier when a buyer is familiar with the area and especially the community a home is in. Additionally, having a trusted and experienced REALTOR is essential. This includes working with a professional who understands your need and your budget. Matching properties with a buyer’s wants and needs is essential, this includes the home itself as well as the neighborhood it is located in.

Can you really see everything on a virtual tour?

Of course, you can’t see and touch everything when looking at a property remotely. It is very important to ask your Highlands NC REALTOR questions throughout the tour. Furthermore, when you are under contract there will be a home inspection. The home inspection will reveal flaws, which could be big, small, or both. Your REALTOR will work on your behalf to ensure that a virtual purchase runs smoothly and that you get all of your questions answered.

Learn more about buying Highlands NC real estate

Contact me, Lynn Kimball, today to learn more about buying a home in Highlands NC. I welcome the opportunity to update you on the market while answering all of your questions. Let my knowledge and experience serve as your guide to buying Highlands NC real estate.

Click here to read “4 Ways to Avoid Remorse When Buying a House Virtually” from REALTOR Magazine.

Highlands NC Vacation Homes, Owners Can Make Renting Easier on Themselves

April 3, 2021 by lynn

Highlands NC Vacation Homes, Owners Can Make Renting Easier on Themselves

When it comes to Highlands NC vacation homes, owners can make renting easier on themselves. Renting a home when not in use is a great way to help pay for a second home. While this may seem daunting or inconvenient at times, the reality is that it can be easier than you think. The Highlands NC area is a sought-after getaway spot and the more set up your home is to rent the more it will be rented.

Owners closet keeps your belongings safe

Make renting easy on yourself and your family by having an owner’s closet that locks. Some Highlands NC homes may even have more than one owner’s closet. While it may appear obvious that some belongings are personal and should not be touched the fact is that people could very well try on your clothing, touch your jewelry or use your grandmother’s silver. If important personal things are left out they are seen as fair game, whether that seems fair or not.

Keep access easy

A keyless entry or an electronic lockbox can make it easy for renters to access your home. This can also make it easy for a cleaning crew to come in between rentals as well as any contractors requiring access to make repairs or inspections. Smart locks are great because the owner has control over access for different rental times. Take time to update access to your Highlands NC home and you will have control over all who enter as well as a full understanding of who is entering your home when.

Learn more about renting Highlands NC vacation homes

Contact me, Lynn Kimball, today to learn more about Highlands NC real estate. I welcome the opportunity to update you on the market while answering all of your buying and selling questions. Let my knowledge and experience serve as your guide to Highlands NC vacation homes.

Buying Highlands NC Real Estate, Documents Important

March 30, 2021 by lynn

Buying Highlands NC Real Estate, Documents Important

Lynn Kimball, your key to Highlands NC real estate

Documents are an important part of buying Highlands NC real estate. This includes HOA documents, condo documents, and any rules and regulations associated with a property or the community it is located in. It is important to recognize that every association has its own set of rules and regulations. This includes information related to dues, debts, and capital improvement schedules. Knowledge is power and can help avoid making a poor investment or getting caught off guard. An experienced Highlands NC REALTOR will provide buyers with all of the necessary documents but it is up to buyers to read them.

Due diligence period

Reading through documents should be completed during the due diligence period of a contract to purchase a Highlands NC home for sale. There is no doubt that this can be tough reading. If it seems too much for a buyer then he should hire an attorney to read the documents for him. The important thing to remember is that this is necessary and important information. Additionally, this is the time to ask questions and get answers.

Details Matter

Buying a Highlands NC property equates to making a large investment. If you are purchasing a home with the intent to rent it out, whether short term or long term, it is important to recognize that rules and regulations can have an effect on this. For example, renters may not be able to have pets in your unit. Additionally, some associations may implement limits on short term rentals. Rules and regulations can regulate the color you can paint your home and often if you can paint your home. Furthermore, understanding association finances is essential. Often units are assessed for capital improvements and you do not want to be blindsided by unexpected expenses.

Learn more about buying Highlands NC real estate

Contact me, Lynn Kimball, today to learn more about buying a home in Highlands NC. I welcome the opportunity to help you navigate the market while helping you understand what makes each property unique. Let my knowledge and experience serve as your guide to buying Highlands NC real estate.

Click here to read “Condo 101: The Governing Documents” from Realty Times.

Selling Highlands NC Real Estate, Quality Photos Necessary

March 26, 2021 by lynn

Selling Highlands NC Real Estate, Quality Photos Necessary

Lynn Kimball, Highlands NC real estate

Quality photos of a property are a necessary part of selling Highlands NC real estate. While everyone has access to a camera these days, thanks to the smartphone, not every photo is equal. The reality is that a home is a big investment and selling this investment is a serious venture. Excellent photos, taken by a professional, can certainly set one home apart from another. Make sure the Highlands NC REALTOR that you choose to let your property will engage a professional for photos of your home.

Why are photos so important?

The majority of Highlands NC property searches start online. In fact, it is hard to imagine that any buyer does not start a property search online these days. This means that photos of a home can really pack a punch. Photos have the power to grab a buyer’s attention. As a result, photos represent the initial walk-through of a home for potential buyers.

Professional photos stand out

A professional photographer has the skill to deliver top-notch photos. This includes an understanding of staging and the impact that staging has on a room. Additionally, this includes an understanding of lighting, both natural and artificial. Small details have a great impact on photos. Likewise, angles and perspective can showcase a room in different ways. A professional photographer will include interior and exterior shots, showcasing a Highlands NC home for sale so that it will capture the attention of potential buyers.

Learn more about selling Highlands NC real estate

Contact me, Lynn Kimball, today to learn more about selling homes in Highlands NC. I welcome the opportunity to update you on the market while sharing a complimentary listing presentation at the same time. Let my knowledge and experience serve as your guide to selling Highlands NC real estate.

Click here to read “7 Ways to Get Your Luxury Listing Ready for Twilight Photos” from REALTOR Magazine.

Buying Highlands NC Real Estate, Renovate Before Moving in

March 22, 2021 by lynn

Buying Highlands NC Real Estate, Renovate Before Moving in

Lynn Kimball, your key to Highlands NC real estate

Buying Highlands NC real estate often involves changes and choosing to renovate or make repairs before moving in. This is obviously the best time to do so. After all, this is the only time that the home will be empty and unloved in. This is much easier to do when a home is a vacation home, however. A primary residence may require immediate move-in unless arrangements have been made for another place to stay.

Work is easier in an empty house

There is no doubt that work is easier in an empty house. Consider a new kitchen, for example. It is tough to live without a kitchen and getting the renovation completed prior to moving in makes life easier and moving in more of a joy. Another common remodel item is flooring. Many people want new flooring installed and this is much easier if done prior to moving in. The same rings true with painting.

Plan ahead

While a home should be in its expected condition when a buyer closes on the property, it does not mean that some changes are not desired. When changes are planned ahead they can be executed more easily. Your Highlands NC REALTOR can help recommend reputable local contractors and the work can be scheduled prior to closing. This will help expedite the work and get it scheduled as close to closing on the property as possible.

Learn more about buying Highlands NC real estate

Contact me, Lynn Kimball, today to learn more about buying a home in Highlands NC. I welcome the opportunity to update you on the market while walking you through the buying process. Let my knowledge and experience serve as your guide to buying Highlands NC real estate.

Click here to read “Tips For Moving Into Your New Home” from Realty Times.

Highlands NC Real Estate, Can Sellers Get out of Contract?

March 18, 2021 by lynn

Highlands NC Real Estate, Can Sellers Get out of Contract?

Can sellers get out of a contract when selling Highlands NC real estate? This is a good question. The answer, however, is not so simple. A seller cannot get out of a contract for simply changing his mind. However, ending a contract can be accomplished through specific contingency items in a purchase contract. A Highlands NC REALTOR will be a valuable resource for understanding your contract and, at times, you may need a real estate attorney involved as well.

Easiest for a buyer to get out of a contract

A buyer typically has a number of outs when it comes to a contract to purchase a Highlands NC property. The exit could result from a finance contingency, perhaps a loan is not attainable or the amount of the loan cannot be accomplished. Another out could come from the inspection. Perhaps the list of issues is too big or the seller is unwilling to negotiate. Regardless, it is much easier for a buyer to exit a home purchase.

Seller options

A seller has a few options for exiting a contract. The seller can get out of a contract when dates and deadlines are not met by the buyer. When the buyer fails to follow through on contingencies and passes contractual dates he runs the risk of losing his earnest money. There are also contingencies that a seller can put in a contract. One common one is a contingency tied to the seller finding a property to purchase prior to closing. A Highlands NC REALTOR will be helpful for a seller to evaluate options for getting out of the contract.

Learn more about Highlands NC real estate

Contact me, Lynn Kimball, today to learn more about selling a home in Highlands NC. I welcome the opportunity to update you on market conditions while sharing a complimentary listing presentation at the same time. Let my knowledge and experience serve as your guide to selling Highlands NC real estate.

Buying Highlands NC Real Estate, Looking for Lender

March 14, 2021 by lynn

Buying Highlands NC Real Estate, Looking for Lender

Lynn Kimball, Highlands NC real estate

Looking for a lender is an important part of buying Highlands NC real estate. Much like finding the right REALTOR, finding the right lender will make buying a home a smoother proposition. However, finding the right lender takes preparation. From getting your finances in order and having documentation readily available to understanding the local real estate market and everything in between, you should be ready when you start looking for a lender. Your Highlands NC REALTOR will be helpful in recommending lenders who are familiar with the area. But, your part comes with the decision of who to use.

How to best prepare

A great first step is to get your credit score. A low score can be repaired but will take a little time. Additionally, a low score can affect the loan limit loan as well as the interest rate associated with a loan. Of course, having your documents in order is a critical part of getting a home loan. Tax statements, bank statements, and information related to savings, retirement accounts, and investments should be readily available.

What type of loan are you looking for?

It is a good idea to research what type of loan you are looking to acquire. Loans vary by length of time, typically a 15 year or a 30 year. Additionally, loan types can be interest-only or adjustable-rate loans. Knowing what you are looking for will help. However, you should be able to ask a Highlands NC mortgage broker questions to help determine what type of loan makes the most sense.

Get recommendations

Ask friends and family for recommendations of lenders. Your Highlands NC REALTOR will also be a valuable resource. While you do not have to use a lender from the Highlands NC area it can be helpful as they understand the market and vacation home purchases. The important thing is to find a reputable lender and understand your options. Getting prequalified for a mortgage is an important part of the buying process.

Learn more about buying Highlands NC real estate

Contact me, Lynn Kimball, today to learn more about buying a home in Highlands NC. I welcome the opportunity to update you on the market while getting you familiar with the buying process. Let my knowledge and experience serve as your guide to buying Highlands NC real estate.

Click here to read “5 Tips for Finding the Best Mortgage Lenders” from Nerd Wallet.

Highlands NC Homes, Multi-Purpose Rooms Pack a Punch

March 10, 2021 by lynn

Highlands NC Homes, Multi-Purpose Rooms Pack a Punch

When it comes to Highlands NC homes, multi-purpose rooms pack a punch. The more useful a room the better. Many homes in our mountain area are vacation homes. This means that people are coming and going and sometimes there may be a few people and other times there may be many, with extra guests and family members. As such, creative uses for space can make a great impact on a Highlands NC home.

What is a multi-purpose room?

A great example of a room with versatility is often an attic or a basement. These rooms can serve as offices, game rooms, media rooms, and guest rooms. They can be used for different things at different times. Often a guest room in a Highlands NC home can be an office, craft room, or reading room when not being used by guests. Versatility enables a homeowner to use a room for different purposes rather than letting a room sit empty and unused.

Tips for versatility

The addition of a Murphy bed is a great example of how to add versatility to a room. This is a bed that folds into the wall and can be pulled down when needed. When in the wall it can serve as a design piece as well. Many have shelving or desk components that help them serve another purpose other than just a bed. Likewise, furniture that is moveable is helpful in a multi-purpose room.

Learn more about Highlands NC homes

Contact me, Lynn Kimball, today to learn more about Highlands NC real estate. I welcome the opportunity to update you on market conditions while filling you in on current home trends. Let my knowledge and experience serve as your guide to Highlands NC real estate.

Selling Highlands NC Homes, Front Porch Appeal

March 6, 2021 by lynn

Selling Highlands NC Homes, Front Porch Appeal

Lynn Kimball, your guide to selling Highlands NC homes

Don’t forget about front porch appeal when selling Highlands NC homes. Curb appeal is what a buyer will first see and experience when looking at property for sale and the front porch adds greatly to this experience. While staging is often thought of as a process for inside the home, it should never be forgotten outside. The front porch is a great place to start when preparing a Highlands NC home for sale.

Where to start

Take a look at your front porch. This includes the steps, the decking, the front door, the siding of your home, and any windows that might be facing the porch. Everything should be clean. This means that trim might need a fresh coat of paint, as might the siding and the front door. Likewise, the windows should be cleaned. Additionally, the fixtures for the front door can be a great upgrade.

Furniture

Is there room for furniture on the front porch of your Highlands NC home? If so, stage it appropriately. There should be room to move, so furniture should not be too big for the space. Likewise, there should not be too many pieces for the space. Create a space where people want to sit and that showcases the comfortable and enjoyable nature of your home

Learn more about selling Highlands NC homes

Contact me, Lynn Kimball, today to learn more about selling Highlands NC real estate. I welcome the opportunity to update you on the market while sharing a complimentary listing presentation at the same time. Let my knowledge and experience serve as your guide to selling Highlands NC homes.

Click here to read “5 Ways to Make a Front Porch Summon Buyers” from REALTOR Magazine.

Buying Highlands NC Real Estate, Get to Know the Area

March 2, 2021 by lynn

Buying Highlands NC Real Estate, Get to Know the Area

Lynn Kimball, Highlands NC real estate

Get to know the area when buying Highlands NC real estatebuying Highlands NC real estate. Whether you have been to the Highlands/Cashiers area once or twice or many times, where you decide you want to live in the area is a big decision. Every neighborhood or community has something unique to offer and deciding which location suits you and your family best is part of the buying process. Your Highlands NC REALTORHighlands NC REALTOR will serve as your guide to the area, helping you get to know which location feels most like home.

What should you look for in a neighborhood?

Every buyer has different needs. A family looking for a primary residence, for example, might be looking to be close to schools, parks, and activities. Additionally, a family may want to live in a neighborhood where there are plenty of other families so that children have easy access to other children. Furthermore, a retired couple may be looking for a golfing lifestyle or country club setting. Understanding priorities will help with a Highlands NC property search.

Learn as much as you can

Research pays off when it comes to finding the right Highlands NC home for sale. The communities you may consider could include in-town living, country club living, or perhaps living on some acreage in the woods. Your REALTOR will be able to get you acquainted with what each community has to offer and allow you the opportunity to evaluate where you see fitting in. Asking questions and spending time in different places can certainly help. The end result is selecting a location that suits your needs and your lifestyle.

Learn more about buying Highlands NC real estate

Contact me, Lynn Kimball, today to learn more about buying a home in Highlands NCbuying a home in Highlands NC. I welcome the opportunity to update you on the market while helping you get to know the area like a local. Let my knowledge and experience serve as your guide to buying Highlands NC real estate.

Click here to read “Why It's So Important To Get The 411 On A Neighborhood Before Buying A Home” from Realty Times.