buying highlands nc real estate

Buying Highlands NC Real Estate, Be Respectful

April 14, 2021 by lynn

Buying Highlands NC Real Estate, Be Respectful

Lynn Kimball, your key to Highlands NC real estate

Be respectful when buying Highlands NC real estate. It is important to remember that every time you enter a home for sale it belongs to someone else. While it is available for showings it is still important to respect the seller. Treating a home as you would treat your own, if not better, is a good general rule of thumb. Your Highlands NC REALTOR will help keep you on track.

Minding your manners

Typically the only people present during a showing of a Highlands NC home for sale are the buyer and the buyer’s REALTOR. Additionally, the REALTOR will let the buyer walk through the home on his own while he waits. The idea is that a buyer will take his time viewing the home without feeling pressured. It is important to get a good look at a home without feeling time pressure or having someone look over your shoulder. A buyer should feel comfortable opening doors and cabinets. However, a buyer should not be snooping. It is important to understand the difference.

Know the process

A buyer has a responsibility to understand the buying process. This includes keeping appointments and being timely and punctual. Additionally, a buyer should know his budget and stick to a list of Highlands NC properties that suits this budget. Looking at homes outside of the budget is a waste of everyone’s time.

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 buying questions. Let my knowledge and experience serve as your guide to buying Highlands NC real estate.

Click here to read “5 Unwritten Etiquette Rules Home Buyers Might Not Even Realize Are a Big Deal” from realtor.com.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Buying Highlands NC Real Estate, Ask Questions

January 26, 2021 by lynn

Buying Highlands NC Real Estate, Ask Questions

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

Ask questions when buying Highlands NC real estate. After all, the more information you have the more solid your investment will be. From questions about the process to questions about a contract and everything in between, no question will be too small. Your Highlands NC REALTOR will be a wealth of knowledge and will find answers when they are not readily available.

What do you need to know?

Buying a home is a process. You will need to understand how to best prepare for a home search, what should be included in your contract to purchase, and what you need to know to be ready for closing. Getting your finances in order and understanding your wants and needs in a home is an important first step in the process. However, getting to know the different communities that make up the Highlands NC area is also important.

Ask questions about a Highlands NC property

Whether you are thinking about making an offer or under contract on a Highlands NC home for sale, it is important to ask questions. Learn about the home itself as well as anything associated with it. For example, if the home is part of an HOA or in a club setting, learn more about the HOA or club. This includes learning about associated costs, potential assessments, and more. Many of the nitty-gritty details of a home will be worked out during the inspection but gaining knowledge ahead of time can be very helpful.

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 current market conditions while answering all of your questions. No question will be unanswered. Let my knowledge and experience serve as your guide to buying Highlands NC real estate.

Click here to read “The Questions Your Buyers Want Answered” from Realtor Magazine.

Buying Highlands NC Real Estate, Prepare for Property Search

January 21, 2021 by lynn

Buying Highlands NC Real Estate, Prepare for Property Search

Lynn Kimball, your key to Highlands NC real estate

Preparing for a property search is instrumental when buying Highlands NC real estate. Buying a home is a big investment and being prepared can help guarantee a wise investment. Getting your finances in line and finding a REALTOR are important first steps. This will lead to creating a list of appropriate properties to look at. Buying a home is not always as easy as it may appear and arming yourself with knowledge can make everything run more smoothly.

Get your finances squared away

The first thing any buyer should do when considering buying a home is to know exactly what he can afford. Additionally, if a loan will be needed it is a great idea to get pre-approved. Having all of your finances squared away is a critical part of the buying process and will also ensure that you look at Highlands NC properties that are within your budget.

A Highlands NC REALTOR is helpful

Finding the right REALTOR can make all the difference when it comes to buying a home. Take time to find a Highlands NC REALTOR with whom you feel comfortable and confident. Get recommendations from friends and family members if possible. It is a great idea to select a few realtors to sit down with. Find out how long a REALTOR has been in the area, how long she has been selling real estate, and some recent success stories. Finding the right real estate professional to work with can make the entire process run more smoothly.

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 conditions as well as prepare you for what to expect from the buying process. Let my knowledge and experience serve as your guide to buying Highlands NC real estate.

Click here to read “7 Things House Hunters Should Do Before Even Setting Foot in a Home" from realtor.com.

Buying Highlands NC Real Estate, Know the Signs of Potential Issues

January 6, 2021 by lynn

Buying Highlands NC Real Estate, Know the Signs of Potential Issues

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

Know the signs of potential issues when buying Highlands NC real estate. When homes are listed for sale they should look their best. However, sometimes looking good can be masking issues or symptoms of issues. Be on the lookout for the signs and avoid purchasing a money pit. Your Highlands NC REALTOR will ensure that a home inspection is in the contract. But, it never hurts to have a general awareness as the buyer.

Signs can be telling

Fresh paint can be a bandaid over an issue. This is especially true for wood trim, both inside and out. Ensuring that the wood is healthy and not rotted is important. Furthermore, fresh paint anywhere in a home could be covering water damage on walls and ceilings. Ask the important questions. Additionally, if you have a suspicion you should make sure your home inspector is suspicious as well.

Smell too fresh?

When a Highlands NC home is overpowered by fresh scents you might want to be curious as to why. When something smells too good it might be a telling sign. Musty smells can easily be hidden by perfume aromas. While this may not always be the case it should push for more questions. Neutral odds throughout a home is ideal.

Learn more about buying Highlands NC real estate

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

Click here to read “Fresh Paint, Air Fresheners Among Red Flags for Buyers” from REALTOR Magazine.

Buying Highlands NC Real Estate, Visual Home Inspection

November 25, 2020 by lynn

Buying Highlands NC Real Estate, Visual Home Inspection

Lynn Kimball, Highlands NC real estate

A visual home inspection is typical when it comes to buying Highlands NC real estate. However, is a visual inspection good enough? The home inspection contingency should exist in every contract to purchase a home. An inspection will reveal issues with a home. Ultimately, this will enable an overall view of the condition of a Highlands NC home for sale.

Is a home inspection always visual?

A home inspector has a checklist and will examine a Highlands NC home. This will include looking at the home’s systems and structure. This is a visual process that will include turning things on and off, looking at everything from the foundation to the HVAC systems, and everything in between. This process will reveal a list of items, large and small, that are not working properly. When big issues arise, however, there will be a recommendation to take a deeper dive.

Experts should be called for big issues

When visible cracks exist in a foundation or along walls and ceilings then an expert should be called upon to do a thorough exam. The same is true for issues with a roof or clear signs of water damage. Buying a Highlands NC home is a big investment and ensuring this investment is a wise one is critical. In short, a visible home inspection is where the inspection process will start. A hands-on expert should be called upon when signs of bigger issues exist.

Learn more about buying Highlands NC real estate

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

Click here to read “When Visual Inspection Isn’t Enough” from Working RE.