buying highlands nc real estate

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.

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.

Buying Highlands NC Real Estate, Project or Perfect?

September 6, 2022 by lynn

Buying Highlands NC Real Estate, Project or Perfect?

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

Buying Highlands NC real estate requires an understanding of what you are looking for and one question to ask is whether you are looking for a project or a perfect, move-in-ready home. It is a good question. After all, some buyers are looking for a home that can be renovated to suit their needs. However, others are certainly looking for an easy transition with no work needed. An experienced Highlands NC REALTOR will help buyers evaluate their needs.

Renovations add time, costs, and stress

It is important to recognize the time, money, and stress that can come along with a remodel. Hopefully, a fixer-upper can come with a lower price tag to make up for some of these accommodations. But to avoid these issues altogether, many buyers look for a move-in-ready home. While no perfect home exists it is certainly possible to find something close! Choosing a home that is ready to live in is very attractive.

Make a home what you want it to be

The upside of buying a Highlands NC home with the intention of renovating it is that you will be putting your personality into the home. Renovating can add value to a home while also providing the opportunity to create a home that suits the needs of buyers. Additionally, a fixer-upper can come with a lower price tag which helps accommodate for some of the additional costs that come with remodeling.

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 sharing current home trends with you. Buying a home requires a great deal of consideration. Let my knowledge and experience serve as your guide to buying Highlands NC real estate.

Buying Highlands NC Real Estate, Don’t Miss Final Walkthrough

August 25, 2022 by lynn

Buying Highlands NC Real Estate, Don’t Miss Final Walkthrough

Lynn Kimball, Highlands NC real estate

Don’t miss the final walkthrough when buying Highlands NC real estate. The final walkthrough is the last step made prior to closing. Ultimately, this is when a buyer ensures that the home being purchased is in the condition that it is expected to be in. No buyer wants to be caught off guard when he walks into a Highlands NC home as the owner for the first time!

What to look for

Most Highlands NC real estate transactions have some issues to repair as the result of the home inspection. Additionally, many home sales include a list of inclusions and exclusions. When walking through a home during the final walkthrough a buyer should makes sure that everything expected to be in the home is in the home. Likewise, a buyer should ensure that every promised repair has been made.

Mistakes happen

There are issues that can occur during the final walkthrough of a Highlands NC home. For example, a seller may take an appliance and replace it with a less expensive version. Or a contract to purchase a Highlands NC home for sale might include the window treatments but an owner may take them. Sometimes these mistakes occur by accident and sometimes they are intentional. Ultimately, the final walkthrough provides an opportunity to make sure a buyer understands the condition of the home prior to signing the closing documents.

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 current market conditions and home trends. Let my knowledge and experience serve as your guide to Highlands NC real estate.

Click here to read “The final walk-through before closing: A checklist” from Bankrate.

Buying Highlands NC Real Estate, Property Search Dos and Don’ts

August 18, 2022 by lynn

Buying Highlands NC Real Estate, Property Search Dos and Don’ts

Lynn Kimball, your key to Highlands NC real estate

An understanding of property search dos and don’ts is helpful when buying Highlands NC real estate. The property search is an important part of the process and how a buyer will locate his next home. However, the search requires some preparation and planning. Enlisting the help of an experienced Highlands NC REALTOR will help make the search run more smoothly, ensuring success in the end.

Know what you can afford

Getting finances squared away prior to starting a Highlands NC property search is an essential first step. This includes getting pre-approved for a home loan. Having a budget is important. This will guide the property list, ensuring that properties fall at or below the budget. Looking at homes that are over the affordable limit can only lead to broken hearts and remorse. Finances absolutely serve as a guide in the search.

Be realistic

Looking at Highlands NC homes can be both exciting and daunting. It is easy to get wowed by special features. A new kitchen, for example, may look fantastic but does it have the room and functionality that your family needs? Likewise, a fun family room may be a great added bonus but does the home have the number of bedrooms and bathrooms that you need? Know what you need and make sure each home fulfills this requirement prior to falling in love with the extra features.

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 helping you prepare for a property search. Let my knowledge and experience serve as your guide to buying Highlands NC real estate.

Click here to read “Don't Let Your Home Search Break Your Heart” from Realty Times.

Buying Highlands NC Real Estate, Choice of New or Existing

August 11, 2022 by lynn

Buying Highlands NC Real Estate, Choice of New or Existing

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

Buying Highlands NC real estate often involves the choice between new and existing homes. Both have positives and the biggest difference is brand new versus aged or remodeled. Additionally, the choice can come down to whether someone wants a move-in ready home or one that requires a little work. An experienced Highlands NC REALTOR can help buyers evaluate their needs and which properties best suit these needs.

New home

A new home typically means no work is needed. Additionally, a new home is move-in ready, minus furniture, unless staged, which holds great appeal. Many buyers like the idea of a home that no one has ever lived in. After all, a new home is as clean as it gets! Furthermore, a new home can help a buyer avoid the stress of building while getting the finished product.

Existing home

An existing Highlands NC home for sale can be ideal for a few reasons. Many older homes are known for more solid construction which can hold appeal over newer construction. Likewise, a traditional layout can hold appeal over the more open floor plans associated with new construction. Additionally, many older homes have been updated creating a marriage of tradition and modernization. Of course, an older home can also offer an opportunity for anyone looking for a fixer-upper.

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 getting you acquainted with current property listings. Let my knowledge and experience serve as your guide to buying Highlands NC real estate.

Click here to read “New vs. Existing Homes: Which Should You Buy?” from Realty Times.

Buying Highlands NC Real Estate, Contingencies Offer Protection

July 6, 2022 by lynn

Buying Highlands NC Real Estate, Contingencies Offer Protection

Lynn Kimball, Highlands NC real estate

It is important to understand that contingencies offer protection when buying Highlands NC real estate. While some may wonder if they weaken an offer, the reality is that removing contingencies should be done with caution. Common contingencies include finance, inspection, and appraisal. A Highlands NC REALTOR will help inform buyers on what each contingency in a contract is for.

Are contingencies necessary?

While there may be cases where contingencies are not necessary they are far and few between. Even when a buyer is paying cash and intends on razing a home to rebuild he should be protected. Contingencies will ensure that Highlands NC property is free of encumbrances and that it is in the condition necessary. This also means that a buyer is protected when issues arise.

Can contingencies interfere with an offer?

Of course, a contract without contingencies would hold appeal for a seller. However, contingencies protect sellers too. Contingencies keep a contract on a timeline and allow a seller to re-activate a listing in the event a property falls out of contract. Removing obstacles means that a seller can expect to close the property and also ensures that a seller can keep the earnest money if a buyer changes his mind.

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

Click here to read “Contingent Offers May Not Hurt You As Much” from REALTOR Magazine.

Highlands NC Real Estate, Get As Much Information As Possible from Virtual Tour

June 15, 2022 by lynn

Highlands NC Real Estate, Get As Much Information As Possible from Virtual Tour

Lynn Kimball, your key to Highlands NC real estate

Get as much information as possible from a virtual tour when looking at Highlands NC real estate. More and more offers are being made without setting foot in a home. However, seeing as much of a home as possible prior to making an offer is important. This can be accomplished through a live virtual tour. While photos and videos of a property are available online, having an experienced Highlands NC REALTOR walk through the home while on FaceTime or WhatsApp can be incredibly helpful.

Live virtual tours

A live virtual tour of a Highlands NC home for sale is a great way to see it when you cannot be there in person. One of the greatest things about the live virtual tour is that a buyer can ask questions, ask for a closer look at spaces, and get more details about every space. Additionally, taking notes along the way can lead to more questions after the fact. The more information a buyer can get, the better.

Physical visit still important

A virtual tour is a great first step in the buying process. However, seeing a home in person is still important. When the market is competitive a virtual tour can lead to an offer. Once under contract and in the due-diligence period hopefully a buyer can see the home in person prior to closing. When a virtual tour is the only thing possible it is essential to have a great relationship and trust with a Highlands REALTOR.

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 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 “6 Things to Consider When Taking A Virtual Home Tour” from U.S. News and World Report.

Buying Highlands NC Real Estate, Get Information on Renovations

May 30, 2022 by lynn

Buying Highlands NC Real Estate, Get Information on Renovations

Lynn Kimball, your guide to Highlands NC real estate

Get information on renovations and any work that has been completed when buying Highlands NC real estate. It is unlikely to find a home that has not had work done, especially an older home. As a result, finding out what changes have been made and the details associated with these changes is important. Buying a Highlands NC home for sale is a big investment and making sure this investment is a smart one is important.

What do you need to know?

When work has been completed on a Highlands NC home for sale it is important to get the details. Important details include who completed the work, whether the work was permitted, and whether warranties exist for the work, among other things. When a professional, bonded and an insured contractor has completed the work it can be different from when a homeowner has done the work himself. Likewise, big projects should always be permitted and plans should show that the house can handle the work structurally.

Why do the details matter?

A professional electrician is different from a homeowner electrician. While installing a light fixture can be easy, making sure the electrical panel can handle newly installed products is important. Overloaded breakers will trip and poorly done wiring can cause a hazard. It is important to know that any and all work that has been completed has been done well. No new homeowner wants to find surprises after closing on a Highlands NC property.

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 started on your property search. Let my knowledge and experience work as your guide to buying Highlands NC real estate.

Click here to read “Buying a Remodeled Home? 5 Signs It’s a Smart Move—or a Spectacular Flop” from realtor.com.

Buying Highlands NC Real Estate, What Can You Afford?

May 22, 2022 by lynn

Buying Highlands NC Real Estate, What Can You Afford?

When buying Highlands NC real estate it is important to ask yourself what can you afford? Buying a home is an investment and making a wise investment is paramount. This means Understanding what makes financial sense and sticking to it throughout your property search all the way to the closing table. There are a lot of details involved with buying a property and many of these details are financial. An experienced Highlands NC REALTOR can recommend reputable local lenders while also providing the financial details of listings.

How do you know what you can afford?

It is essential to be in touch with your financial situation prior to starting a home search. An important aspect of this is getting pre-approved for a home loan. Knowing what you can afford to buy will affect the list of Highlands NC properties that you will consider. Take the time to be diligent and get all of your financial information together to provide to a lender. Tax filings, bank statements, and investments will all reveal what makes financial sense for you and your family.

Additional expenses should be considered

In addition to a loan there will be other expenses associated with a Highlands NC him for sale. This could include lender fees, HOA dues, looming assessments, property taxes, and more. Of course maintenance and upkeep expenses should also be considered. A Highlands REALTOR will gather all of this information and help you assess the overall cost of a home. Knowing the full picture is important.

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 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 “How to Buy a House Without Going House Poor” from Realty Times.