Lynn Kimball Real Estate

Highlands NC real estate

Selling Highlands NC Real Estate, Consider What Buyers Are Looking For

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Selling Highlands NC Real Estate, Consider What Buyers Are Looking For

buying Highlands NC real estate
Lynn Kimball, your key to Highlands NC real estate

Consider what buyers are looking for when selling Highlands NC real estate. Walking through a home for sale with a fresh set of eyes can help a seller prepare it for sale. Likewise, walking through other listings can offer an opportunity to examine properties like a buyer would. The opportunity to think like a buyer can make selling an easier proposition. An experienced Highlands NC REALTOR will fill you in on market conditions as well as what buyers are expecting from a home for sale.

What niche does your home fit?

Every Highlands NC home for sale has something to offer and it is important for sellers to answer the question “what does my home have to offer?” Whether a selling point is in a home’s location, amenities, size, or layout, every property has something to offer. Highlighting the pluses of a home is an important part of marketing and can ensure that the right set of buyers is targeted to look at a particular property.

Know your audience

Different buyers are looking for different things. So, ask yourself what kind of a buyer suits your home? For example, a home with a great backyard for yard games, a jungle gym, and a sandbox is perfect for a family. A home overlooking a golf course is clearly perfect for a golfer. Some homes are perfect for having lots of guests and entertaining while others are more suited to an intimate getaway. Additionally, the location comes into play and dictates the buyer, whether it be someone looking for acreage or an in-town location.

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 “Sellers: Adopting a “Buyer Frame of Mind”” from Realty Times.

Highlands NC Real Estate, Common Home Inspection Issues

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Highlands NC Real Estate, Common Home Inspection Issues

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

Buying and selling Highlands NC real estate goes hand-in-hand with common home inspection items. An awareness of these issues can help relieve some stress. Every home sale should include an inspection contingency, even when a home is being sold as-is. It is essential that a buyer knows the condition of a home. An experienced Highlands NC REALTOR will be able to inform buyers and sellers on what to expect from a home inspection.

Common home inspection issues include:

  • Plumbing – leaky pipes, dripping faucets, clogged drains, and poor water pressure. Many plumbing issues are easy to fix. Others can be more daunting, especially when leaking pipes have led to cabinet, floor, or ceiling damage.
  • Electrical – overloaded electrical panels, outlets and switches that don’t work, faulty wiring. Exposed wires and missing wire caps can be easily dealt with but older, faulty wiring could require an expert examination.
  • Structural – cracks in walls, ceilings, and floors, as well as sticky windows and doors can be a sign of something major.
  • Water – water damage can include mold, mildew, staining on the interior and exterior, and more. Proper drainage around a home is essential to wick water away from a home’s siding and foundation.
  • Roof – missing tiles or holes in a roof as well as the overall age and condition of a roof should always be examined. Roof replacement is a high dollar item.

Expert advice

Every home inspection will reveal issues. As a result, every buyer and seller should be prepared to further negotiate or make repairs. Additionally, buyers should consult experts when large issues are revealed or suspected. For example, foundation issues and roof replacements can be costly repairs. Knowing the exact extent of an issue as well as the cost of its repair is important when purchasing a Highlands NC home for sale.

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

Click here to read “The 10 Most Common Home Inspection Problems” from REALTOR Magazine.

Highlands NC Real Estate, Selling Fully Furnished

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Highlands NC Real Estate, Selling Fully Furnished

Highlands NC real estate
Lynn Kimball, Highlands NC real estate

Selling a home fully furnished holds appeal for buyers of Highlands NC real estate. Many homebuyers are searching for a vacation home in the Plateau area and a turnkey, move-in ready home can be attractive. As such, a fully-furnished listing may have a leg up on the competition. If you are considering selling a Highlands NC home you should discuss your options with an experienced Highlands NC REALTOR.

What does fully furnished mean?

A Highlands NC home for sale that is marketed as fully furnished means that furniture, artwork, rugs, and window treatments are typically included in the sale. Additionally, this can include linens, towels, and even silverware and glassware. In essence, fully furnished means everything you need to live comfortably in the home.

Does everything have to be included?

Every seller will make a list of inclusions and exclusions when entering a contract to sell a Highlands NC home. However, when a home is being sold fully furnished buyers are expecting most, if not all of what they see. The best recommendation would be to remove pieces that you do not want to include in the sale. Another thing to do is to have a list of exclusions available for would-be buyers to see as they walk through the home.

Learn more about selling Highlands NC real estate

Contact me, Lynn Kimball, today to learn more about selling real estate 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 “Turnkey Homes Are in Demand” from REALTOR Magazine.

Highlands NC Real Estate, Moving is Inevitable

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Highlands NC Real Estate, Moving is Inevitable

Highlands NC real estate

Lynn Kimball, Highlands NC real estate

Moving is inevitable, whether buying or selling Highlands NC real estate. As such, while there may seem like there is plenty of time to prepare it is never too early to start the process. Some people start packing the minute they list a home and others procrastinate, waiting until the week of closing. The former makes the process less stressful than the latter. As a result, preparation is key. Taking time to plan for a move will pay off in spades.

Moving company

One of the first things a buyer or seller should accomplish when a contract becomes hard is the hiring of a moving company. A moving company will make moving a more seamless operation. However, not all moving companies are equal. Make sure that you select a company with an excellent reputation. This includes making sure that a moving company comes with references as well as being fully bonded and insured. An experienced Highlands NC REALTOR will be able to offer a list of reputable movers.

Start packing

Packing and organizing help when selling Highlands NC homes. The best place to start is with non-essential items, as well as personal items. The less clutter in a home the better it appears for showings. The important thing to remember is to mark every box clearly. This includes doing the items as well as which room the items will go into. While packing is an organizational plus for sellers, it can also get buyers ahead of the game.

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. I will recommend reputable local moving companies while offering advice on how to prepare for moving. Let my knowledge and experience serve as your guide to Highlands NC real estate.

Click here to read “4 Reasons to Hire Professionals Movers for Your Next Move” from Realty Times.

Selling Highlands NC Real Estate, Empty Better Than Cluttered

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Selling Highlands NC Real Estate, Empty Better Than Cluttered

selling Highlands NC real estate

Lynn Kimball, Highlands NC real estate

Empty is better than cluttered when it comes to selling Highlands NC real estate. A presentable home is a goal when it comes to showings and clutter gets in the way. Ultimately, the first goal of staging is to clean and de-clutter a home. However, this is easier said than done in many cases. As a result, emptying a home completely can be a better plan of attack. Selling a Highlands NC home takes preparation a big part of this is how you want a home to appear.

Empty is not always easy

An empty home is a blank canvas. This is great for many buyers, especially those with vision. A potential buyer can see each room for what it is while at the same time envisioning his belongings in the space. However, empty rooms can also appear smaller at times. Additionally, an empty Highlands NC home leaves all of its flaws exposed as well.

Cleanliness still important

An empty home should be just as clean as one which is staged with furniture. This should include a fresh coat of paint on all walls and clean floors as well. Any holes left from wall hangers should be filled. Windows should also be cleaned. The lighter and brighter a home is the better. While a Highlands NC home for sale could be listed as a fixer-upper it should still appear as clean as possible.

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 delivering 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 “‘White Boxing’ May Encourage Sales” from REALTOR Magazine.

Highlands NC Real Estate Sales Driven By Lifestyle

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Highlands NC Real Estate Sales Driven By Lifestyle

Highlands NC real estate

Lynn Kimball, Highlands NC real estate

Highlands NC real estate sales are driven by lifestyle. The mountain lifestyle holds great appeal. Access to the great outdoors provides hours of enjoyment. Additionally, the quality shopping, dining, and cultural events available add balance. Ultimately, the opportunity to work remotely while being able to maintain a healthy lifestyle is a draw to buyers of Highlands NC homes.

Urban living lost its allure

Downtown living appears to be a thing of the past for many. City living means density, something most people wanted to escape when COVOD hit. The Highlands Plateau offers space while at the same time gatherings when desired. Furthermore, time with friends and family on the golf course or hiking trail is quality time that cannot be duplicated in an urban environment.

Technology makes life easy

Remote working is now possible from anywhere while keeping in touch and accessing the world can be accomplished from anywhere. When someone is considering the workday it is only natural to be drawn to a mountain community, where a hike or fishing in a local river is possible after a day at the office. After all, this holds far more appeal than heading to the gym. Furthermore, remote working means less time for commuting and more time with family and friends.

Learn more about Highlands NC real estate

Contact me, Lynn Kimball, today to learn more about buying real estate in Highlands NC. I welcome the opportunity to help you get to know the area while getting you up to speed on the market. Let my knowledge and experience serve as your guide to Highlands NC real estate.

Click here to read “Why Americans Are Leaving Downtowns in Droves” from The Atlantic.

Highlands NC Real Estate, Climate Change

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Highlands NC Real Estate, Climate Change

Highlands NC real estate

Lynn Kimball, your guide to Highlands NC real estate

One may not often associate Highlands NC real estate with climate change but a look at the environment does reveal some interesting things to consider when buying a home. This is true all over the nation and the world. At the extreme, changing weather and temperatures are causing floods and forest fires. While it is easy to feel removed from the effects of climate change, the reality is that the effects are felt in the real estate industry. Speak with an experienced Highlands NC REALTOR to learn more about our local climate and its effects on homeownership.

Climate change

Earth Day had everyone thinking about our planet and our communities. This is especially true in mountain communities where the lifestyle has a great outdoor focus. Enjoying the outdoors and outdoor activities is important to those of us lucky enough to call the mountains home. As a result, there is a strong desire to preserve the natural environment. It is also obvious how climate change is affecting the natural environment. Extremes tend to occur more often these days, with wild weather conditions creating extreme dryness or the opposite. This can have an effect on owners of Highlands NC homes.

How can climate change affect homeownership?

One noticeable effect that climate change has on owning a home is insurance. The increase in wildfires has pushed up insurance costs. While the North Carolina mountains may not make the headlines the way California, Colorado, and other western states do, it is not immune to wildfires. Fire risk is a big determining factor with homeowners insurance. Another determining factor for insurance rates is flood risk. Both flood risk and fire risk are tied to climate change.

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 help you get to know the area while discussing issues that have an effect on homeownership in the area. Let my knowledge and experience serve as your guide to Highlands NC real estate.

Click here to read “11 Questions You Didn’t Think to Ask When It Comes to Homebuying and Climate Change” from Apartment Therapy.

Every Highlands NC Home Can Have A Garden

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Every Highlands NC Home Can Have A Garden

Highlands NC home
Lynn Kimball, your guide to Highlands NC real estate

Every Highlands NC home can have a garden. While many people envision a garden as an amenity for a large home with ample property, even a small condo can have a garden. Whether gardening in a container or planting on a large plot of land, a garden can suit your lifestyle and your goals. Whether you have. Get to work planning your summer garden, whether you have a green thumb or not!

Space dictates size

The size of a garden is certainly limited by available space. Evaluate the space you have as well as what your goals are. Planting flowers is one thing, vegetables and herbs are another. A lack of space does not need to limit you. Planters that sit on deck railings can provide a burst of color when you plant flowers or perhaps provide space to plant herbs. Likewise, hanging ferns or flower baskets can improve the curb appeal of your Highland NC property. Take a look online for inspiration. HGTV, Houzz, and Pinterest all have websites with images and articles to inspire you!

Container gardens

Container gardens are great, allowing for green space when space is limited while also allowing gardens to be mobile. Planting in raised beds that are on wheels or feet can provide portability. This type of container gardening can even help define spaces and line patios or separate spaces on a deck. Patios, porches, and pathways can be transformed!

Learn more about Highlands NC homes

Contact me, Lynn Kimball, today to learn about Highlands NC real estate. I welcome the opportunity to update you on market conditions while answering all of your buying and selling questions. Let my knowledge and experience serve as your guide to Highland NC homes.

Click here to read “10 Pretty Container Gardens in Pastel Hues” from Houzz.

Highlands NC Homes, Check the Deck

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Highlands NC Homes, Check the Deck

Highlands NC homes

Lynn Kimball, your guide to Highlands NC real estate

Owners of Highlands NC homes, now is a great time to check the deck. A deck is a coveted asset for any mountain home, a spot that offers access to fresh mountain air and often exceptional views. It is important to take care of this asset and spring is the perfect time to do so.

Safety first

One of the most important reasons to check the deck at this time of year is safety. Checking for loose deck boards, making sure the lag bolts to the house are tight, and that the foundation has not settled. A deck needs to be safe and secure for anyone spending time on it in the coming months. Additionally, this is a great time to look at the surface of the deck and railings. If sanding, staining, or painting is in order now is a great time to get the work completed.

Outdoor space adds value

Outdoor living space is a treasured commodity in the Highlands NC area. Decks and patios offer space to relax and entertain. Keeping these spaces in working order is essential. Additionally, remodeling these spaces to be more comfortable and inviting can add great appeal.

Learn more about Highlands NC homes

Contact me, Lynn Kimball, today to learn about Highlands NC real estate. I welcome the opportunity to update you on market conditions while answering all of your buying and selling questions. Let my knowledge and experience serve as your guide to Highlands NC homes.

Click here to read “How To Renew Your Deck In 5 Easy Steps” from Realty Times.

Highlands NC Vacation Homes, Renting When Not in Use

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Highlands NC Vacation Homes, Renting When Not in Use

Highlands NC real estate

Lynn Kimball, Highlands NC real estate

Many owners of Highlands NC vacation homes consider renting when their homes are not in use. This can be a great source of revenue that offsets expenses associated with owning a vacation home. When homeowners are considering renting a home there are some details to pay attention. An experienced Highlands NC REALTOR can be helpful with understanding the process of renting as well as what is involved with getting a home ready for renting.

Condition matters

One of the most important aspects of rating a vacation home is to have it in great condition. In other words, a home has to be clean and meet a certain standard. Every time a Highlands NC home is rented it needs to be looking its best when renters arrive. This means that linens and towels need to be up to snuff, the kitchen has to have adequate cooking supplies, and every room should be de-cluttered. Additionally, personal belongings should be stashed away.

Access to the home

Renters want to be able to come and go from Highlands NC vacation homes as easily as possible. This may mean having a lockbox on or near the front door or having electronic locks that can be accessed through a smartphone. Electronic locks can also provide peace of mind to owners as access can be limited to specific time periods.

Assistance

Renters want to have help available when issues arise. Let's face it, things happen. Whether a renter is locked out or has a plumbing emergency, having a person to contact is essential. While not every owner wants to have a property management company, there is ease when there is a person to deal with issues that arise. Additionally, having a cleaning company ready for changeover days is necessary.

Learn more about Highlands NC vacation 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 answering all of your buying and selling questions. Let my knowledge and experience serve as your guide to Highlands NC vacation homes.

Click here to read “5 Home Upgrades For Your Vacation Rental Space” from Realty Times.