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Highlands NC Real Estate Transactions Require Compromise

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Highlands NC Real Estate Transactions Require Compromise

Highlands NC real estate transactions

Lynn Kimball, Highlands NC real estate

Highlands NC real estate transactions often require compromise. Ultimately, when buyers and/or sellers are stuck in their positions, negotiations come to a standstill. This can happen anywhere along the way, from the beginning to the end. When flexibility occurs things have a better chance of working out. Having an experienced Highlands NC REALTOR on board can help ensure that buyers and sellers continue to work toward the end goal of closing.

Weigh your options

When a seller receives an offer on a Highlands NC home for sale he should consider negotiating rather than not responding. An offer will come with a variety of pieces to it. This includes more than just the price but dates and contingencies as well. As a result, the seller can counter by changing pieces of the offer. Sometimes this is coming down a little in price and sometimes this might be changing the dates around. More often than not it takes some work to get to an agreed-upon purchase contract.

Hiccups happen

Issues can arise in any transaction. Perhaps the home inspection reveals more issues or the appraisal comes in lower than expected. Regardless of the issue, both sides can stay on course with further negotiation. This involves compromise and without it, a deal can easily fall apart.

Learn more about Highlands NC real estate transactions

Contact me, Lynn Kimball, today to learn more about buying and selling homes in Highlands NC. I welcome the opportunity to update you on market conditions and current trends. Let my knowledge and experience serve as your guide to keeping Highlands NC real estate transactions on track!

Highlands NC Homes, Out with the Old, In with the New

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Highlands NC Homes, Out with the Old, In with the New

Highlands NC homes

Lynn Kimball, your guide to Highlands NC real estate

Out with the old and in with the new might be how owners are looking at their Highlands NC homes at this time of year. The end of one year and the beginning of a new one gives many people pause. This is a time to reflect on the year that has been and consider what a new year may bring. Often this leads us to our homes and changes we would like to see. This can be a great time to consider replacing dated features in a Highlands NC home.

Make a plan

Take a look around your Highlands NC home and make a list. What are the most dated features in your home? What would you like to see replaced? When the list is complete you can set your priorities and rank projects. Having a plan will help make remodeling a home much easier. This will help price each project out, enabling you to budget and plan how the overall renovation will be tackled.

What do you want?

Take the time to look at magazines and websites and go to open houses in Highlands NC and discover what an updated style means for you and your family. There are many websites to explore that offer an opportunity to gather photos and links. Additionally, it is also helpful to see what you don’t like. It can also be helpful to speak with an experienced Highlands NC REALTOR to see what trends are currently adding the most value.

Learn more about selling 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 sharing my knowledge of current design trends. Let my knowledge and experience serve as your guide to Highlands NC homes.

Ice Skating in Highlands NC, Favorite Winter Activity

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Ice Skating in Highlands NC, Favorite Winter Activity

ice skating Highlands NC

Lynn Kimball, Highlands NC real estate

Ice skating in Highlands NC is a favorite winter activity. Colder weather in the mountain, combined with the holiday season brings a certain magic to the town. Our mountain community is blessed with a fabulous outdoor rink and now is the season that it comes alive with laughter, joy, and good old-fashioned fun!

Location and schedule

The Highlands ice rink is located in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. Skating takes place on Thursdays from 3:30 to 8:00 pm, Fridays from 3:30 to 10:00 pm, Saturdays from 1:00 to 10:00 pm, and Sundays from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. You can bring your own skates or rent them at the rink. The cost to skate is $5, whether you bring your skates or rent them. Additionally, coffee and hot cocoa are for sale.

Have your own skating party

The rink can be rented for private events and private parties can be scheduled for 6 to 8 pm on Mondays and Tuesdays when the rink is not open to the public. Renting and reserving the rink should be completed two weeks in advance. Call 828-526-3556 to book. Ice skating is 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. Enjoy some ice skating in Highlands NC this winter.

Selling Highlands NC Real Estate, What Matters Most?

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Selling Highlands NC Real Estate, What Matters Most?

selling Highlands NC real estate

Lynn Kimball, Highlands NC real estate

When selling Highlands NC real estate it is important to ask yourself “what matters most?” There are many details that go into a home. As a result, it is hard to specify one thing that matters most. Preparing a home, marketing a home, and showing a home are all important when selling. However, the property itself should be the focus. A Highlands NC REALTOR will help offer advice on how to best prepare a home for sale.

Cleanliness

Cleanliness is important when listing a Highlands NC home for sale. The cleaner a home is, the better. This requires a deep clean to start with as well as staying on top of cleaning while the home is on the market. Part of a clean home involves appearance as well as scent. Overwhelming odors can interfere with a potential buyer’s experience when looking at a home.

Be flexible

One incredibly important facet of selling a home is flexibility. Showings can pop up at any time and be available is important. You never know when a potential buyer will turn into a buyer and having a Highlands NC home available for last-minute showings is important. The key is to keep the home clean and have a plan for when the unexpected occurs.

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 “5 Ways You're Sabotaging the Sale of Your Home” from REALTOR.com.

Highlands NC Real Estate, More Than One Master Suite

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Highlands NC Real Estate, More Than One Master Suite

Highlands NC real estate

Lynn Kimball, Highlands NC real estate

More than one master suite holds appeal for Highlands NC real estate. A second master or multiple masters means ample privacy for guests and convenience for family members. Buyers looking at luxury homes in Highlands NC are especially drawn to spacious suites, where privacy and comfort are the focus.

The master suite is more than just a bedroom

A master suite in a Highlands NC home will typically offer a spacious bedroom, a luxurious bathroom, and ample closet space. Additionally, many master suites offer a sitting area. An added bonus would be having a fireplace and perhaps even a private deck. The goal is to have a retreat.

A suite for everyone

Multiple suites are great for guests, especially in Highlands NC vacation homes. The mountain lifestyle is a big draw for guests. Ultimately space for guests pays off for everyone. When a guest has room to disconnect and relax it makes for a better vacation. While time together is great, privacy is ideal.

Learn more about Highlands NC real estate

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

Mark Your Calendar for the Highlands NC Christmas Parade

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Mark Your Calendar for the Highlands NC Christmas Parade

Highlands NC Christmas Parade

Lynn Kimball, Highlands NC real estate

Mark your calendar for the annual Highlands NC Christmas Parade. This fun and festive event will take place on Saturday, December 3. This fun event is treasured by the community and attracts visitors from near and far. Homemade floats, a marching band or two, and Santa are the big draw, getting everyone on the Plateau in the holiday spirit. All ages return year after year to Downtown Highlands NC to enjoy this magical kick-off to the Christmas season!

Get your viewing spot early!

The parade takes place from 10:30 am to noon and many people arrive early to set up camp, ensuring a prime viewing spot. The parade route is along Main Street and front-row viewing is coveted. This community parade will not disappoint. Local civic groups, non-profits, churches, businesses, fire departments, and many additional integral members of the Highlands NC community participate and their passion for the event is evident.  Additionally, participants in the parade will be tossing candy to the crowd.

Sense of community

The annual Christmas parade demonstrates the sense of community and camaraderie that pervades our mountain town. The smiles on the faces of the onlookers and the participants alike are contagious. What can you expect to see? A marching band, horses, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, fire trucks, classic cars, and more. One highlight of the parade is the dancing ladies of the Highlands Garden Club.  Of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus are the royalty of the parade.

Learn more about Highlands NC

Contact me, Lynn Kimball, today to learn more about Highlands NC real estate. I welcome the opportunity to update you on current market conditions while helping you get to know our mountain community like a local. Let my knowledge and experience serve as your guide. I hope to see you at the Highlands NC Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 3!

Highlands NC Real Estate, Vacation Home Buying

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Highlands NC Real Estate, Vacation Home Buying

Highlands NC real estate

Lynn Kimball, your guide to Highlands NC real estate

Vacation home buying and Highlands NC real estate often go hand in hand. The mountain lifestyle is a huge draw for buyers, who often return year after year and desire to make the area a lifetime destination for their families. Vacation home buying can be different from buying a primary residence. As such, it is helpful to have an experienced Highlands NC REALTOR who is well-versed in the market as well as knowledgeable about what properties make good vacation homes.

Vacation homes

Buying a Highlands NC vacation home is different from a primary residence in that you may not have the same requirements. Furthermore, many vacation homeowners rent the property when it is not in use. As a result, it is impotent to understand what properties rent well as well as what vacationers to the area are looking for. Location plays a big role when it comes to real estate. For a primary residence, this may include being close to schools, parks, and the like. For a vacation home, this will most likely require being close to activities like golf, hiking, tennis, dining, and more.

Know what you can afford

Getting your finances in order to purchase a vacation. Property in Highlands NC is important prior to starting a property search. Additionally, it is essential to take into consideration extra expenses. This includes maintenance, association or club dues associated with the property, and taxes and fees. Those renting a home out can recoup these costs, while those who opt not to rent should know what the extra expenses will be. Furthermore, a solid understanding of wants and needs, along with the budget, will help guide a Highlands NC property search.

Learn more about Highlands NC real estate

Contact me, Lynn Kimball, today to learn more about buying a vacation home in Highlands NC.  I welcome the opportunity to update you on the market while helping you determine your family’s needs for a vacation home.  Let my knowledge and experience serve as your guide to Highlands NC real estate.

Click here to read “5 Questions to Ask Before You Buy a Vacation Home” from HGTV.

Highlands NC Real Estate, Overwhelming Home Inspection Report

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Highlands NC Real Estate, Overwhelming Home Inspection Report

Highlands NC real estate

Lynn Kimball, Highlands NC real estate

When it comes to Highlands NC real estate transactions there are times when buyers are caught off guard by an overwhelming home inspection report. While every home inspection will reveal issues with a home, there are times when the magnitude of the issues is a lot to take in. An experienced Highlands NC REALTOR will help navigate the issues and further negotiate to ensure that a buyer’s best interest is considered.

The inspection contingency is important

Every purchase contract for a Highlands NC home for sale should include an inspection contingency. This is true even for a fixer-upper. Furthermore, buyers should know the condition of a home whether it is being sold as-is or not. A report will reveal issues that help a buyer understand the condition of a home as well as whether he still wants to move forward with the purchase.

What are big issues?

Big issues that arise from a home inspection are those that question the integrity of the systems or structure of a Highlands NC home. When inspection results signal possible issues with the roof, foundation, electrical, or plumbing issues then experts should be called to determine the scope of the issues. These results present a choice, to negotiate further with the seller or walk away from the deal. There is no doubt that an inspection report wrought with issues can interfere with a sale and cause angst.

Learn more about Highlands NC real estate

Contact me, Lynn Kimball, today to learn more about buying and selling homes 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 Highlands NC real estate.

Highlands NC Real Estate, Rising Rates Have Buyers Looking at Options

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Highlands NC Real Estate, Rising Rates Have Buyers Looking at Options

Highlands NC real estate

Lynn Kimball, Highlands NC real estate

Rising mortgage rates have buyers looking at options when it comes to Highlands NC real estate. Borrowing money is more expensive than it has been in years and, as a result, buyers are taking a pause. Paying cash for a home is ideal when rates are high, however, many buyers do not have piles of cash laying around. Getting solid financial advice can be helpful in times like these. An experienced Highlands NC REALTOR can offer recommendations for reputable local lenders who can offer solid advice.

Impact of higher rates

The impact of higher interest rates is that buyers will be paying a lot more for a Highlands NC property. Rates of 7% and higher mean that people are paying far more over the lifetime of a loan than they would have been a few years ago. This equates to tens of thousands of dollars. Additionally, most loans are set up to pay more interest on the front end. As a result, there are many buyers considering delaying, or considering delaying, a real estate purchase.

Adjustable rate loans

An adjustable rate loan is a great option for anyone looking to buy Highlands NC real estate. An adjustable-rate loan typically starts with a low rate and a term. A 5-year adjustable rate loan, for example, will start with a low rate which in turn will ratchet up after 5 years. The good news is that a low-rate loan is achieved for the first 5 years. The reality is that most people look at an adjustable-rate loan as a short-term fix for high rates, looking to refinance in 5 years. However, if rates are still high in 5 years the refinance may not hold much appeal. It is important to base decisions on data and facts as there is no crystal ball to reveal where rates will be in the future.

Learn more about Highlands NC real estate

Contact me, Lynn Kimball, today to learn more about buying and selling homes in Highlands NC. I welcome the opportunity to update you on the market while answering all of your questions. Additionally, I will happily recommend reputable local lenders for you to meet with. Let my knowledge and experience serve as your guide to Highlands NC real estate.

Click here to read “Buyers Embrace Adjustable Mortgages as Rates Surpass 7%” from REALTOR Magazine.

Highlands NC Real Estate, Closing Costs Are Not Just For Buyers

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Highlands NC Real Estate, Closing Costs Are Not Just For Buyers

Highlands NC real estate

Lynn Kimball, Highlands NC real estate

When it comes to Highlands NC real estate, it is important to understand that closing costs are not just for buyers. Understanding the full financial picture is essential when selling a property. Furthermore, sellers do not want to be caught off guard at the closing table. An experienced Highlands NC REALTOR can explain the process, including involved expenses, while providing access to the final settlement prior to arriving at the closing table.

Closing costs

Closing costs are the costs associated with finalizing a Highlands NC property sale. The exchange from a seller to a buyer has many steps to it, including an inspection, a title search, and often a mortgage. But these are but a few. There may be HOA settlements, liens, and commissions to be paid as well. Closing costs can be specific to the buyer or the seller but they can also be shared. Furthermore, costs can be negotiated. Often the costs of inspections, appraisals, and repairs are negotiated to be shared.

Know what the costs are

It is essential to keep up with expenses once a Highlands NC home for sale is under contract. While every contract may be different, one thing is for sure: every contract will involve costs associated with the sale. Know which expenses are tied to the seller and which are tied to the buyer. The settlement sheet will be provided before closing, listing various expenses and responsibilities. It is essential to look over this statement to make sure that it is correct and that you know what to expect.

Learn more about 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 Highlands NC real estate.

Click here to read “Sellers Have Closing Costs Also” from Realty Times.