Highlands NC realtor

Buying Highlands NC Real Estate, Choosing the Right REALTOR

January 29, 2022 by lynn

Buying Highlands NC Real Estate, Choosing the Right REALTOR

Lynn Kimball, your guide to buying Highlands NC real estate

Choosing the right REALTOR is extremely helpful when buying Highlands NC real estate. While on the surface it may look like buying a home is an easy proposition, in reality there is a lot involved. Finding the right property, crafting an offer, and making it to the closing table are all involved steps of the process. Take time to find the right Highlands NC REALTOR and make the entire buying process run more smoothly.

What should you look for in a REALTOR?

The most important thing is that you find a Highlands REALTOR with whom you feel both comfortable and confident. Additionally, the REALTOR you choose should be experienced, know the market, and be on top of current listings. A REALTOR should serve as a guide, a wealth of information, and should not tell you what to do or what you need. Your REALTOR should interpret your wants and needs and help guide you to the Highlands NC properties that fit these criteria.

Tips for finding the right REALTOR?

Finding the right REALTOR involves following your instincts. Interview a few real estate professionals and find out about some of their recent transactions. Speak with friends, family members, and people you may meet while visiting the Highlands NC area. Additionally, get recommendations from clients. The important thing is that you connect with a REALTOR and trust her.

Learn more about buying Highlands NC real estate

Contact me, Lynn Kimball, today to learn more about buying a home in Highlands NC. Let me answer your questions and help you learn more about the process. A REALTOR should be an advisor to help with every step of the buying process. I welcome the opportunity to serve as your guide to buying Highlands NC real estate.

Click here to read “3 Tips to Help You Find the Perfect Real Estate Agent" from Good Housekeeping.

Highlands NC Real Estate, Buying Not Always Easy

January 21, 2022 by lynn

Highlands NC Real Estate, Buying Not Always Easy

When it comes to Highlands NC real estate, buying is not always easy. From finances to emotions and everything in between, there are issues that can be hard to handle. Accepting that the process won’t always be easy is helpful. Additionally, arming yourself with knowledge and having experience on your side will make everything run more smoothly. Having a Highlands NC REALTOR with whom you feel confident can certainly make all the difference.

Different stresses arise during buying process

Different aspects of buying real estate affect people differently. For example, some buyers find the financial part of buying a home stressful, if not overwhelming. This could be the actual price tag of a Highlands NC homes for sale or it could be the loan process. Of course, it could also be both! However, others find the process emotionally draining.

Keeping it together

Knowing your strengths can be helpful when navigating a home purchase. Lean on your REALTOR when possible. Additionally, staying calm and getting ahead on tasks can be helpful. Get documents ready for the lender ahead of time. Likewise, get a leg up on packing and get things organized for your new home.

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 helping you understand the process. Let my knowledge and experience serve as your guide to Highlands NC real estate.

Click here to read “What is the Hardest Part of Buying a House?” from Realty Times.

Highlands NC Real Estate, Ins and Outs of Appraisals

January 10, 2022 by lynn

Highlands NC Real Estate, Ins and Outs of Appraisals

When buying and selling Highlands NC real estate it is important to know the ins and outs of appraisals. While the appraisal may be simple and easy, coming in at target, there are scenarios when it will be high or low. An appraisal can be helpful for sellers in terms of setting a list price and is a necessity for acquiring a loan. A Highlands NC REALTOR will be helpful in navigating the process while offering plenty of information.

When is an appraisal necessary?

An appraisal is necessary for a Highlands NC property that is under contract with a finance contingency. The lender will hire the appraiser in this instance. Ultimately, the appraisal will come in at the contracted price, above it, or below it. While a low appraisal can create an issue, it can also lead to negotiation or a request for a new appraisal. An appraisal is not necessary for a seller but can certainly be helpful for determining an asking price.

What happens with a low appraisal?

When a Highlands NC home for sale appraises low there can be issues with the loan. A lender does not want to lend more than the value of a home. As a result, a low appraisal means that a buyer can walk away from the sale, come to the table with the difference in price, or negotiate for a lower price. It is important to weigh the pros and cons of each decision. Negative equity is especially important to consider. Buying a home is a big investment and making it a wise one is important.

Learn more about Highlands NC real estate

Contact me, Lynn Kimball, today for more information on buying and selling Highlands NC homes. 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.

Click here to read “Hey, Buyers: These Home Appraisal Tips Are for You” from HouseLogic.

Highlands NC Real Estate, First Offer

January 3, 2022 by lynn

Highlands NC Real Estate, First Offer

The first offer is an important part of buying and selling Highlands NC real estate. Sellers anxiously await the first offer and buyers are excited to submit an initial offer. However, any offer typically leads to some negotiation. While the first offer can be disappointing, it should warrant a response. Discussing every offer received with an experienced Highlands NC REALTOR will help lead to further negotiation.

Negotiation

Some sellers look at a low or lacking offer and their initial reaction is to ignore it. While this can be understandable, it is also unwise. A seller will never know when the next offer will appear. As a result, it is important that every offer receive a response. A REALTOR may advise a seller to respond at or close to the asking price to show that an offer is too low. Additionally, the price may be acceptable but the contingencies and dates may not be. Take the time to negotiate if you are serious about selling.

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 “7 Reasons to Accept the First Offer on Your House” from realtor.com.

Remodeling Highlands NC Homes, Knowing What Things Cost

December 26, 2021 by lynn

Remodeling Highlands NC Homes, Knowing What Things Cost

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

Remodeling Highlands NC homes requires knowing what things cost. It is not uncommon for projects to go over budget. However, every project should have a budget that is based on reasonable expectations. A budget can be created with a contingency. Supplies and labor are expensive right now, which makes it even more important to understand costs. A Highlands NC REALTOR can be helpful in recommending local contractors for bids on projects.

Underestimating is expensive

Underestimating the cost of a project can be painful. The added expense can catch homeowners off guard and this can be hardest when the funds are simply not available. Likewise, overage on a project can mean that another project is not possible. It is essential to get solid estimates in order to prepare for any project.

Qualified contractor essential

Finding a reputable contractor for remodeling a Highlands NC home is important. Experience will dictate that a job gets done well while also being on time and on budget. While there can always be extenuating circumstances, there should be consistency with experienced craftsmen. Getting recommendations is always a good idea.

Learn more about remodeling 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 helping you get up to speed on current home trends. Let my knowledge and experience serve as your guide to remodeling Highlands NC homes.

Click here to read “Homeowners Misjudge Costs of These Renovation Projects” from REALTOR Magazine.

Selling Highlands NC Real Estate, Dated Features

December 22, 2021 by lynn

Selling Highlands NC Real Estate, Dated Features

Lynn Kimball, Highlands NC real estate

Dated features can have an effect on selling Highlands NC real estate. Common sense dictates that condition affects the value of a home. However, emotions can often get in the way. Many sellers are ruled by sentimental value. But, dated features are part of the condition of a home. As such, when a Highlands NC home for sale is rife with dated features then its price needs to reflect this.

Value is important

Value is as important to buyers as it is to sellers. While every seller wants to maximize his profit, every buyer wants to feel like he is getting value for his money. As a result, it is imperative that a seller understands what a reasonable price for a home is. This requires a professional evaluation. A Highlands NC REALTOR will conduct a comparative market analysis (CMA). The CMA will look at recent sales, current listings, and the location, size, and condition of a home. This process will result in a suggested value for a home.

Condition and dated features

The condition of a property matters. A coat of paint is one thing and an orange shag carpet is another. While many buyers expect to make some changes to a home, most see the extent of changes needed to be tied to the price of a home. When a buyer walks into a kitchen and/or bathrooms with dated features he knows a remodel is on the horizon and the remodel equals more money to be spent on the home. Sellers can decide whether to remodel or sell at a lower price.

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

Click here to read “6 Outdated Features in Your Clients’ Homes” from REALTOR Magazine.

Buying Highlands NC Real Estate, Get Out of Your Way

December 18, 2021 by lynn

Buying Highlands NC Real Estate, Get Out of Your Way

Lynn Kimball, Highlands NC real estate

Get out of your way when buying Highlands NC real estate. Buying a home is a process filled with many steps. While every detail is important, it is also possible to interfere with the process. Knowing when not to interfere is important. An experienced Highlands NC REALTOR will help keep a buyer on track.

Do not over analyze

Every buyer is looking for something specific in a Highlands NC home for sale. This includes needs and wants. Size, location, and layout are among the criteria in a home. However, there is no such thing as perfection. As a result, buyers have to learn to compromise unless they are wanting to build a home from scratch.

Get finances squared away

Money is important when it comes to buying a Highlands NC property. As a result, it is important to stay on top of finances when going through the buying process. This includes not only getting qualified for a loan but also keeping finances in check during this time. Do not accumulate additional credit card debt and keep an eye on your credit score!

Learn 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 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 “Beware of Buyer Bad Habits” from Realty Times.

Selling Highlands NC Real Estate, Privacy, Safety, Security

December 15, 2021 by lynn

Selling Highlands NC Real Estate, Privacy, Safety, Security

Highlands NC REALTOR — Lynn Kimball, your key to Highlands NC real estate

Privacy, safety, and security are important when selling Highlands NC real estate. While issues may be rare, protecting a home and its inhabitants is part of the process. This can be achieved by knowing who is coming and going. Additionally, there are important steps that a seller can take to protect privacy. There is no getting around the fact that people will be entering a home when it is listed for sale. Preventative measures and an experienced Highlands NC REALTOR will help keep the selling process running smoothly.

Documents

Documents should always be kept out of sight. The best place for documents, personal and financial, is in locked file drawers or a locking cabinet. Leaving things lying around means that other people can see information that you prefer not to be seen. This includes keeping notes, passwords, address books, and correspondence out of view. Personal computers, tablets, and the like are a good idea to tuck awaits as well.

Valuables

Always keep valuables tucked away. Jewelry, silver, artifacts, and antiques should be removed from the home or somehow protected. Theft is not something any seller should expect but guarding personal treasures is important. Protecting a Highlands NC home for sale is easier when temptation is removed.

Showings

Showings are a critical piece of the selling puzzle. As such, a Highlands NC home for sale should always be prepared for potential buyers and their schedules. Making a habit of keeping a home clean and personal and private items tucked away is essential. Furthermore, your Highlands NC REALTOR should know who is showing your home and keep track of showings. It is important to have a representative looking out for your best interests.

Learn more about selling Highlands NC real estate

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

Click here to read “Tell Sellers: Hide Your Paperwork” from REALTOR Magazine.

Highlands NC Real Estate, Renters Turn Into Buyers

December 7, 2021 by lynn

Highlands NC Real Estate, Renters Turn Into Buyers

Frequently renters turn into buyers when it comes to Highlands NC real estate. After all, renting provides a great introduction to the area. Additionally, many of the homes in the Highlands area are vacation homes that are rented when not in use. Renting allows people to experience the lifestyle. As a result, many sellers may list a Highlands NC home for sale and allow it to be rented while it is on the market.

Renting as marketing tool

Sellers can use renting as a marketing tool. Essentially, this offers a try before you buy option. Often a renter has no intention of buying but comes to vacation in Highlands NC and falls in love with it. Ultimately this can lead to a home sale. As a result, vacation homeowners listing a Highlands NC home for sale may want to have the home available for rent as a way to get potential buyers interested.

Testing the layout

A vacation home often has special features that separate it from a typical primary residence. This may include extra entertaining areas like an outdoor fireplace, fire pit, or perhaps a gazebo. Likewise, setting matters. This may be lakefront or creekside property, access to hiking trails, or more. Additionally, a bunk room, game room, or multiple en-suite bedrooms add appeal for those looking to purchase a Highlands NC vacation home. Renting a vacation home offers potential buyers the opportunity to learn about the special features of a home.

Learn more about Highlands NC real estate

Contact me, Lynn Kimball, today to learn more about Highlands NC homes. 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 real estate, whether you are looking to rent, buy, or sell.

Selling Highlands NC Real Estate, Marketing Plan Important

December 3, 2021 by lynn

Selling Highlands NC Real Estate, Marketing Plan Important

Lynn Kimball, Highlands NC real estate

Implementing a marketing plan is an important part of selling Highlands NC real estate. While this can differ from property to property, there are certain ingredients that are critical to getting a home in front of as many eyes as possible. Quality photographs, a strong online presence, and networking are all ingredients for success. A marketing plan should always be a part of the listing presentation made by an experienced Highlands NC REALTOR.

Quality photographs

Buyers start a Highlands NC property search either online or by looking at real estate publications or advertisements. As such, there is no disputing that photos matter. It is a photo of a home that will catch someone’s eye and make him want to see more. A REALTOR should have photography as part of a marketing plan, employing a professional to capture the essence of a home and show it off in its best light. When selecting a REALTOR to help sell a home it is important to look at her listings, with an eye on the photos she uses.

Networking

Exposure to the Highlands NC network of real estate professionals is another important part of marketing. Every REALTOR has a network of buyers and potential buyers. This is often what sets one Highlands NC home for sale apart from another. This is also why sometimes a FSBO may linger on the market because it simply is not out in front of all of the realtors in the area. Every time a Highlands NC REALTOR views a home there is a strong chance that a client comes to mind as a perfect fit. Marketing to real estate professionals should never be discounted.

Online presence

A website, email blasts, and online marketing channels are more important than ever these days. Buyers can start a property search from next door or miles away. A REALTOR should always have a strong online presence as this is an important ingredient for selling a home. There is no doubt that marketing a home involves time and effort. When deciding to sell a home it is important to choose a REALTOR who implements a well-rounded selling strategy.

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 market conditions while sharing a complimentary listing presentation at the same time. Let my knowledge and experience work to your advantage when selling Highlands NC real estate.

Click here to read “Why Your Listing Is Being Ignored” from REALTOR Magazine.