lynn

Highlands NC Homes, Kitchen Remains a Top Priority

January 14, 2022 by lynn

Highlands NC Homes, Kitchen Remains a Top Priority

Lynn Kimball, Highlands NC real estate

The kitchen remains a top priority for buyers of Highlands NC homes. While this is certainly not news, it does serve as a great reminder to homeowners and sellers. As such, one remodeling priority should be a kitchen. Furthermore, staying abreast of current kitchen trends is a good idea for anyone preparing a Highlands NC home for sale.

Kitchen essentials

Not every kitchen is the same size. However, every kitchen should utilize its space to accommodate a homeowner’s needs. First and foremost, a kitchen should provide space for making meals. There should be counter space, cleanup space, and cooking space. A spacious kitchen may have a double wall oven, a spacious island with seating, a pantry, and plenty of counter space. A smaller kitchen will utilize the space more economically, perhaps having a breakfast bar in place of a spacious island. Yet, a smaller space still requires counter space, cooking space, and cleaning space. Additionally, the smaller space will need to be more efficient with its organization.

Trends

Counters, cabinets, backsplashes, flooring, and appliances change with trends. Regardless, having a kitchen space that is useful, clean, and organized will always be in style. As a result, the more simple and classic a kitchen is, the more appeal it will hold. Keeping an eye on style will pay off when selling. Additionally, every Highlands NC home should stage a kitchen prior to selling.

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 the market while getting you up to speed with current home trends. Let my knowledge and experience serve as your guide to Highlands NC homes.

Click here to read “5 Kitchen Trends to Watch” from REALTOR Magazine.

Highlands NC Real Estate, Ins and Outs of Appraisals

January 10, 2022 by lynn

Highlands NC Real Estate, Ins and Outs of Appraisals

When buying and selling Highlands NC real estate it is important to know the ins and outs of appraisals. While the appraisal may be simple and easy, coming in at target, there are scenarios when it will be high or low. An appraisal can be helpful for sellers in terms of setting a list price and is a necessity for acquiring a loan. A Highlands NC REALTOR will be helpful in navigating the process while offering plenty of information.

When is an appraisal necessary?

An appraisal is necessary for a Highlands NC property that is under contract with a finance contingency. The lender will hire the appraiser in this instance. Ultimately, the appraisal will come in at the contracted price, above it, or below it. While a low appraisal can create an issue, it can also lead to negotiation or a request for a new appraisal. An appraisal is not necessary for a seller but can certainly be helpful for determining an asking price.

What happens with a low appraisal?

When a Highlands NC home for sale appraises low there can be issues with the loan. A lender does not want to lend more than the value of a home. As a result, a low appraisal means that a buyer can walk away from the sale, come to the table with the difference in price, or negotiate for a lower price. It is important to weigh the pros and cons of each decision. Negative equity is especially important to consider. Buying a home is a big investment and making it a wise one is important.

Learn more about Highlands NC real estate

Contact me, Lynn Kimball, today for more information on buying and selling Highlands NC homes. 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 Highlands NC real estate.

Click here to read “Hey, Buyers: These Home Appraisal Tips Are for You” from HouseLogic.

Highlands NC Homes, Trends Come and Go

January 6, 2022 by lynn

Highlands NC Homes, Trends Come and Go

When it comes to Highlands NC homes there are trends that come and go. Some features are timeless and others not so much. As a result, selecting design trends can seem tricky at times. This is true for fixtures and fittings, flooring, countertops, and furniture. Whether you are remodeling with an eye on selling or for personal use, pay attention to current trends. An experienced Highlands NC REALTOR will be an invaluable asset for staying on top of what is hot and what is not.

Out of style

Looking at past trends that are no longer desirable is helpful. Having carpet in the bathroom is a great example of a trend that no one wants to see again. Another relic from the past might be orange shag carpet. Remodeling a Highland NC home should involve a little simplicity when considering resale value. Choose colors, surfaces, and materials that can withstand the test of time.

Choose counters wisely

Counters in the bathrooms and kitchen matter. These surfaces should withstand messes and be able to wipe off easily. Additionally, especially in the kitchen, these surfaces should be able to withstand heat. A recent article noted that the tile countertop was the worst kitchen trend of the past half-century. Grout lines are tough to keep clean and should be kept at a minimum in high-use areas. Choosing surfaces and materials that are easy to keep clean is always a good idea!

Learn more about Highlands NC homes

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

Click here to read “This Countertop Was Dubbed the Worst Kitchen Trend of the Past 50 Years” from domino.com.

Highlands NC Real Estate, First Offer

January 3, 2022 by lynn

Highlands NC Real Estate, First Offer

The first offer is an important part of buying and selling Highlands NC real estate. Sellers anxiously await the first offer and buyers are excited to submit an initial offer. However, any offer typically leads to some negotiation. While the first offer can be disappointing, it should warrant a response. Discussing every offer received with an experienced Highlands NC REALTOR will help lead to further negotiation.

Negotiation

Some sellers look at a low or lacking offer and their initial reaction is to ignore it. While this can be understandable, it is also unwise. A seller will never know when the next offer will appear. As a result, it is important that every offer receive a response. A REALTOR may advise a seller to respond at or close to the asking price to show that an offer is too low. Additionally, the price may be acceptable but the contingencies and dates may not be. Take the time to negotiate if you are serious about selling.

Learn more about selling 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 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 Reasons to Accept the First Offer on Your House” from realtor.com.

Highlands NC Real Estate, Final Walkthrough Important

December 31, 2021 by lynn

Highlands NC Real Estate, Final Walk-through Important

Lynn Kimball, your key to Highlands NC real estate

The final walk-through is an important step in buying Highlands NC real estate. Additionally, it is helpful for buyers to understand what they need to look for on the final walk-through. A final walk-through ensures that a home is in its expected condition upon closing. Take the time to attend the walk-through prior to closing on a Highlands NC home for sale.

Things to look for

Make sure that inspection items that were to be fixed or replaced have been attended to. It is also a good idea to check to see that everything is working properly. This includes light switches, HVAC, and appliances. It is important that everything inside the Highlands NC home for sale meets your expectations.

Ask questions

Information is essential. If you have questions it is important to ask them. This is also the time to acquire manuals, receipts, and service logs. The more you know about a Highlands NC home the better!

Learn more about 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 current market conditions while answering all of your questions. Let my knowledge and experience serve as your guide to Highlands NC real estate.

Click here to read “3 Things to Spot During a Final Walkthrough” from REALTOR Magazine.

Remodeling Highlands NC Homes, Knowing What Things Cost

December 26, 2021 by lynn

Remodeling Highlands NC Homes, Knowing What Things Cost

Lynn Kimball, answering all of your Highlands NC real estate questions

Remodeling Highlands NC homes requires knowing what things cost. It is not uncommon for projects to go over budget. However, every project should have a budget that is based on reasonable expectations. A budget can be created with a contingency. Supplies and labor are expensive right now, which makes it even more important to understand costs. A Highlands NC REALTOR can be helpful in recommending local contractors for bids on projects.

Underestimating is expensive

Underestimating the cost of a project can be painful. The added expense can catch homeowners off guard and this can be hardest when the funds are simply not available. Likewise, overage on a project can mean that another project is not possible. It is essential to get solid estimates in order to prepare for any project.

Qualified contractor essential

Finding a reputable contractor for remodeling a Highlands NC home is important. Experience will dictate that a job gets done well while also being on time and on budget. While there can always be extenuating circumstances, there should be consistency with experienced craftsmen. Getting recommendations is always a good idea.

Learn more about remodeling Highlands NC 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 helping you get up to speed on current home trends. Let my knowledge and experience serve as your guide to remodeling Highlands NC homes.

Click here to read “Homeowners Misjudge Costs of These Renovation Projects” from REALTOR Magazine.

Selling Highlands NC Real Estate, Dated Features

December 22, 2021 by lynn

Selling Highlands NC Real Estate, Dated Features

Lynn Kimball, Highlands NC real estate

Dated features can have an effect on selling Highlands NC real estate. Common sense dictates that condition affects the value of a home. However, emotions can often get in the way. Many sellers are ruled by sentimental value. But, dated features are part of the condition of a home. As such, when a Highlands NC home for sale is rife with dated features then its price needs to reflect this.

Value is important

Value is as important to buyers as it is to sellers. While every seller wants to maximize his profit, every buyer wants to feel like he is getting value for his money. As a result, it is imperative that a seller understands what a reasonable price for a home is. This requires a professional evaluation. A Highlands NC REALTOR will conduct a comparative market analysis (CMA). The CMA will look at recent sales, current listings, and the location, size, and condition of a home. This process will result in a suggested value for a home.

Condition and dated features

The condition of a property matters. A coat of paint is one thing and an orange shag carpet is another. While many buyers expect to make some changes to a home, most see the extent of changes needed to be tied to the price of a home. When a buyer walks into a kitchen and/or bathrooms with dated features he knows a remodel is on the horizon and the remodel equals more money to be spent on the home. Sellers can decide whether to remodel or sell at a lower price.

Learn more about selling 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 the market while sharing a complimentary listing presentation. Let my knowledge and experience serve as your guide to selling Highlands NC real estate.

Click here to read “6 Outdated Features in Your Clients’ Homes” from REALTOR Magazine.

Buying Highlands NC Real Estate, Get Out of Your Way

December 18, 2021 by lynn

Buying Highlands NC Real Estate, Get Out of Your Way

Lynn Kimball, Highlands NC real estate

Get out of your way when buying Highlands NC real estate. Buying a home is a process filled with many steps. While every detail is important, it is also possible to interfere with the process. Knowing when not to interfere is important. An experienced Highlands NC REALTOR will help keep a buyer on track.

Do not over analyze

Every buyer is looking for something specific in a Highlands NC home for sale. This includes needs and wants. Size, location, and layout are among the criteria in a home. However, there is no such thing as perfection. As a result, buyers have to learn to compromise unless they are wanting to build a home from scratch.

Get finances squared away

Money is important when it comes to buying a Highlands NC property. As a result, it is important to stay on top of finances when going through the buying process. This includes not only getting qualified for a loan but also keeping finances in check during this time. Do not accumulate additional credit card debt and keep an eye on your credit score!

Learn 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 market conditions 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 “Beware of Buyer Bad Habits” from Realty Times.

Selling Highlands NC Real Estate, Privacy, Safety, Security

December 15, 2021 by lynn

Selling Highlands NC Real Estate, Privacy, Safety, Security

Highlands NC REALTOR — Lynn Kimball, your key to Highlands NC real estate

Privacy, safety, and security are important when selling Highlands NC real estate. While issues may be rare, protecting a home and its inhabitants is part of the process. This can be achieved by knowing who is coming and going. Additionally, there are important steps that a seller can take to protect privacy. There is no getting around the fact that people will be entering a home when it is listed for sale. Preventative measures and an experienced Highlands NC REALTOR will help keep the selling process running smoothly.

Documents

Documents should always be kept out of sight. The best place for documents, personal and financial, is in locked file drawers or a locking cabinet. Leaving things lying around means that other people can see information that you prefer not to be seen. This includes keeping notes, passwords, address books, and correspondence out of view. Personal computers, tablets, and the like are a good idea to tuck awaits as well.

Valuables

Always keep valuables tucked away. Jewelry, silver, artifacts, and antiques should be removed from the home or somehow protected. Theft is not something any seller should expect but guarding personal treasures is important. Protecting a Highlands NC home for sale is easier when temptation is removed.

Showings

Showings are a critical piece of the selling puzzle. As such, a Highlands NC home for sale should always be prepared for potential buyers and their schedules. Making a habit of keeping a home clean and personal and private items tucked away is essential. Furthermore, your Highlands NC REALTOR should know who is showing your home and keep track of showings. It is important to have a representative looking out for your best interests.

Learn more about selling Highlands NC real estate

Contact me, Lynn Kimball, today to learn more about safely selling Highlands NC homes. 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 “Tell Sellers: Hide Your Paperwork” from REALTOR Magazine.

Highlands NC, Ice Skating Fun

December 11, 2021 by lynn

Highlands NC, Ice Skating Fun

Winter in Highlands NC offers a variety of activities and ice skating is a fun option for all ages. The outdoor rink seems extra magical at this time of year and a place where giggles, cheers, and smiles abound. There is no doubt that ice skating is at the top of the list of winter activities in the Highlands area, as true for the accomplished skater as for a never-ever.

Things to know before you go

Location: Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park.
Days/Times: Thursdays 1 to 8 pm, Fridays & Saturdays 1 to 10 pm, and Sundays 1 to 5 pm.
Skate Rentals: Ice skates can be rented at the rink.
Cost: $5, whether you bring your own skates or rent them.
Additional: coffee and hot cocoa are available

The rink can be rented for private events as well. Private parties can be scheduled for 6 to 8 pm on Mondays and Tuesdays that are not open to the public. This must be booked two weeks in advance. Call 828-526-3556 to book. Ice skating is a classic winter activity, offering fun for all ages. If you are in Highlands NC for the holidays the rink will have special hours, click here for more information.

Learn more about Highlands NC

Contact me, Lynn Kimball, today to learn about Highlands NC real estate. 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 Highlands NC.