Highlands NC real estate

Highlands NC Real Estate, Vacation Home Buying

November 20, 2022 by lynn

Highlands NC Real Estate, Vacation Home Buying

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

November 12, 2022 by lynn

Highlands NC Real Estate, Overwhelming Home Inspection Report

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

November 5, 2022 by lynn

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

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

October 30, 2022 by lynn

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

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.

Buying Highlands NC Real Estate, Familiarity with the Area

October 22, 2022 by lynn

Buying Highlands NC Real Estate, Familiarity with the Area

Lynn Kimball, Highlands NC real estate

Having familiarity with the area is an important part of buying Highlands NC real estate. Many vacation home buyers or those relocating to the area have not spent much time here. As a result, they may not know exactly where they want to live in the area. An experienced Highlands NC REALTOR will be able to serve as a guide to the area as well as help determine which communities are a good fit for your lifestyle.

Explore the area

Spending time in the Highlands NC area will help you get to know it. This includes wandering around downtown and participating in activities that you enjoy. It is important to talk to people as well. Whether you are out to eat or playing a round of golf, the more people you come in contact with the better. You can learn a great deal about a place simply by speaking with its locals!

Be adaptable

Where you end up may not be where you originally planned to be. For example, you may have thought you want to live in town but end up being drawn to a more remote community. Similarly, you may have been looking for a house on acreage but discovered that a home in a gated community on a golf course better suits the needs of your family. Be open to change and look at different parts of the Highlands Plateau.

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 market conditions while getting you started on a property search. Let my knowledge and experience serve as your guide to buying Highlands NC real estate.

Click here to read “10 Huge House-Hunting Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs” from Realtor.com.

Selling Highlands NC Real Estate, Updates Don’t Have to Break Bank

October 14, 2022 by lynn

Selling Highlands NC Real Estate, Updates Don’t Have to Break Bank

Lynn Kimball, your key to Highlands NC real estate

Selling Highlands NC real estate takes some work and preparation but updates don’t have to break the bank. While a full remodel or renovation can add a lot of value to a home, it can also add a lot of stress. If your home could use an update you do not have to think big. Making small changes can greatly improve the look of a Highlands NC home for sale.

Start small

Believe it or not, cleaning and decluttering a Highlands NC home can make a huge impact. Not only that, this can be completed by you and your family members, costing nothing but the money for cleaning supplies and a lot of elbow grease. Furthermore, cleaning and de-cluttering offer a jump start on your packing. This is a great first step and you can easily update a home by packing away dated decor and personal memorabilia.

Additional easy updates

One easy update is to change out drawer and cabinet knobs and pulls. Replacing the existing hardware with something that is on-trend is easy and can make quite a statement. It is important to stick with similar finishes, however, unless you plan on changing out hinges as well. Additionally, consider upgrading the lighting in a home. A new light fixture, whether a chandelier, pendant, or sconce, can change the way a room looks.

Learn more about selling Highlands NC real estate

Contact me, Lynn Kimball, today to learn more about 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.

Highlands NC Real Estate, Mortgage Rates Rising

September 30, 2022 by lynn

Highlands NC Real Estate, Mortgage Rates Rising

Lynn Kimball, Highlands NC real estate

Anyone considering buying or selling Highlands NC real estate is aware of the fact that mortgage rates are rising. The rise is daunting for many. For buyers, this means a higher cost for buying a home. For sellers, this can mean that fewer people are looking to buy or will want to lower offers to offset the overall purchase cost. Ultimately, while mortgage rates are rising, real estate transactions will continue to occur.

Look for options

Anyone looking to purchase a Highlands NC home for sale should take time to shop around for a mortgage. Interest rates have a big effect on the overall cost of a home over time. As a result, when rates rise buyers look at more creative ways to finance real estate. Meeting with private lenders, banks, and mortgage companies can help buyers locate the best rate available while also examining different types of mortgages. A REALTOR will be able to recommend reputable local lenders. Interviewing as many lenders as possible will leave buyers with knowledge and options.

Adjustable rate mortgage

A buyer may consider an adjustable rate mortgage as opposed to locking in a 30-year traditional fixed rate loan. An adjustable-rate mortgage offers a lower rate for a certain time and then will ratchet up. Many buyers hope that by the time the low rate expires interest rates will have come down and they can refinance. An adjustable-rate mortgage is just one option for finding a lower rate.

Learn more about Highlands NC real estate

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

Click here to read “Experts: Buyers Should Shop Around for a Mortgage as Rates Rise” from REALTOR Magazine.

Buying Highlands NC Real Estate, Don’t Skip Inspection

September 26, 2022 by lynn

Buying Highlands NC Real Estate, Don’t Skip Inspection

Don’t skip the inspection when buying Highlands NC real estate. While there is no law requiring a home inspection, it is a contingency that is a part of most purchase contracts. Even buyers purchasing a remodel or an as-is home should have the inspection. An experienced Highlands NC REALTOR will ensure that a contract includes a host of contingencies to protect the buyer and his investment.

Importance of a home inspection

A home inspection ensures that a buyer understands the condition of a Highlands NC home. Additionally, it is important to understand that every inspection report, even on a brand new home, will reveal items that require attention. However, often these items are small. Big items will require a deeper examination, like issues with the roof or foundation. In short, a home inspection will help a buyer make a sound investment and avoid being caught off guard by issues, big or small.

Can you skip the inspection?

A buyer can absolutely skip a home inspection. While not recommended, it is possible. In a hot market buyers often omit contingencies in an effort to have an offer stand out. If a home is going to be completely razed then an inspection may not be necessary. However, even a Highlands NC home being sold as-is to remodel should have an inspection. Underlying issues could turn a fixer-upper opportunity into a real money pit.

Learn more about buying Highlands NC real estate

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

Click here to read “Some Buyers Waive Inspections to Avoid Delays” from REALTOR Magazine.

Selling Highlands NC Real Estate, Security & Safety Important

September 22, 2022 by lynn

Selling Highlands NC Real Estate, Security & Safety Important

Lynn Kimball, your key to Highlands NC real estate

Security and safety are important when selling Highland NC real estate. A home is personal and contains important personal items. As such, it is critical for a seller to feel safe and protected throughout the selling process. Enlisting the services of an experienced Highlands NC REALTOR will provide the security necessary to navigate the process with confidence.

Showings

Every seller has a different comfort level when it comes to showings. Some do not give much thought to buyers coming and going and this can be nerve-wracking for others. When a Highlands NC REALTOR is in charge it is a necessity that a buyer walks through a Highlands NC home for sale with a REALTOR. There are also times when a seller requires his REALTOR to be present for all showings. The important thing is that a seller feels comfortable with the showing process.

Personal items

Everyone has personal items that they want to keep safe. This could include sensitive documents, jewelry, heirlooms, and more. Instead of worrying about these items, they should be stored away or locked up so that they do not pose an issue or concern. Additionally, a home office should always have important documents filed away so as not to be in plain sight. Take the time to walk around a home and put away anything you do not want others to see.

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 providing you with a complimentary listing presentation. My goal is to keep you informed and have you comfortable with the process. Let my knowledge and experience serve as your guide to selling Highlands NC real estate.

Click here to read “Safety Tips for Showing Your Home” from Realty Times.

Highlands NC Real Estate, Sellers Not Always Honest

September 18, 2022 by lynn

Highlands NC Real Estate, Sellers Not Always Honest

Lynn Kimball, Highlands NC real estate

When it comes to Highlands NC real estate, buyers should be aware that sellers are not always honest. Sellers are required to disclose issues with a home. Unfortunately, often sellers do not disclose important information which can lead to surprises for buyers. While there is recourse for buyers who are consciously misled, many issues are minor. An experienced Highlands NC REALTOR will work hard to get full disclosure.

What is disclosure?

Disclosure in a real estate transaction is a requirement for sellers to reveal issues with a home. This can include everything from informing a buyer about a tricky door lock to a leak in the roof. Every home is flawed to some degree. After all, every home inspection will reveal a list of items that are in need of repair or replacement. Ultimately, not every item on an inspection list is a big deal. Additionally, a homeowner may not be aware of every little thing.

Ask questions

Buyers should push for full disclosure. Likewise, when sellers sign off on disclosure statements, they are holding themselves accountable. It is important to not only get a statement but ensure that the questions are asked. A buyer cannot force honesty but by asking the right questions can certainly get as much information as possible about a Highlands NC property.

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. Understanding the process is an important part of every transaction. Let my knowledge and experience serve as your guide to Highlands NC real estate.

Click here to read “Survey: 94% of Sellers Don’t Disclose Property Defects” from REALTOR Magazine.