While searching through the listings of homes for sale in the Triangle, have you ever noticed the over-emphasis of certain features in the descriptions of the properties? While it’s nice to have things such as new windows, new carpet, and new mechanical systems pointed out, overly dramatic, “fluffy” descriptors make many homes sound better on paper than they appear in person. This can make your home search both disappointing and exhausting.

Listing agents have a responsibility to the home seller to effectively market their property. This includes advertising, and one place to play up the features of a home is in the description included with advertisements and MLS placement. This is why some homes’ descriptions sound better than they really are. When you work with an exclusive buyer’s agent you are working with someone whose responsibility is to help you find the best home with the best features for your money.

Cosmetic Features can be Misleading

Cosmetic features include things like fresh paint, woodwork, new entry and interior doors, new light fixtures and carpeting. While these things can make the appearance of a home more appealing and add text to a home’s marketing description, they do not add significant value to the home. Cosmetic updates may signify a well-cared for home, but their value is misleading. Carpet and paint are inexpensive compared to kitchen and bath remodels.

Valuable Home Features to Look For

Value can be found in both kitchens and baths - providing that updates have been done with quality materials. Look for wood cabinets, quality countertops (not laminate) and higher-end flooring. Also take note of whether any updates have enhanced or increased the living space within a home. Room additions or redesigns that increase living space can make a home stand out from others in the neighborhood.

When to Compromise

Some homes simply afford different features than others and compromises may have to be made. Fireplaces, for instance, are not a feature of every house but may be a feature you are set on having in your new home. If you have to compromise an outdated bathroom for a fireplace, be sure you’re willing to exchange one for the other. On the other hand, if you find more wrong with a house than right, it’s time to move on.

Homes in the Triangle area of North Carolina ranges from old to new and the features of any given home may be deal makers or breakers. When you work with Buyers Advantage Group your exclusive buyer’s agent will help you determine which features are valuable, not only to your purchase, but also to resale potential, ensuring that your North Carolina real estate purchase is a purchase you can be happy with for years to come.

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New home construction is a booming business, even in tough economical times. Discerning homebuyers want a new home that no one else has occupied, with everything inside brand spanking new just for them. Whether you choose to custom-build or simply purchase a new home, you have the option of working with either the builder’s sales agent or your own exclusive buyer’s agent. Before you decide, consider the following.

Who Does the Real Estate Agent Work For?

A builder’s sales agent is paid to represent the builder alone. In many instances, a builder’s agent is paid a salary plus commission, but regardless of how they are paid, their job is to sell you the builder’s product. An exclusive buyer’s agent works for you and you alone. An experienced buyer’s agent can save you money, negotiate contracts in your favor, and act as an unbiased party representing your interests.

What is the Real Estate Agent’s Responsibility?

While both the builder’s sales agent and a buyer’s agent have legal obligations, some issues are a matter of emotion or condition. The builder’s agent is not responsible for protecting your interests beyond legalities. Further, they may not do a thorough job of explaining legal documents such as the sales contract, warranty matters, and even financing. When you are represented by an exclusive buyer’s agent, you have access to their wealth of information and experience negotiating contracts. Further, your own agent can assist you with financing options, where as a builder’s sales agent will almost always direct you to their own lender.

Will Your Real Estate Agent Help with Legal Advice?

Sales contracts for new home construction or purchase vary from state to state and are more intricate than a simple purchase agreement on a used home. For example, liabilities for upgrades, cancellations, and warranties are all considerations in new home construction. The builder’s agent will have a purchase contract that not only has language the typical lay person fails to understand, but it may not protect the buyer. When you purchase a new home in the Triangle area using Buyers Advantage Group, you have access to real estate attorneys that can help make the process a smooth transition.

Serving new home buyers in the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Cary areas of North Carolina, Buyers Advantage Group works for you to ensure your new Triangle home purchase is as easy as possible.

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It used to be that when you moved out of your home you would sell it. Today many homeowners in the Triangle are considering another option: renting out their home.

Why Rent Rather than Sell?

Most homeowners rent out Triangle homes for the money. The extra income is nice and the deductions and depreciation can make the rental income nearly tax-free. In a hot market like much of NC real estate is now experiencing, renting the property for a couple of years lets you reap the benefit of the property’s appreciation.

People rent out homes in Raleigh for other reasons. Homeowners relocating for employment have their old home to move back to if the job doesn’t work out. Older residents moving to independent living facilities want to keep the property to be inherited by their children.

Not Everyone Wants to Be a Landlord

Renting out homes in Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Durham, or any community doesn’t turn your house into a cash machine. You have responsibilities as a landlord and many homeowners have neither the time nor the inclination for it.

Are you prepared for a 2 am call about a broken pipe? What do you do if the tenants trash the place? How do you even find tenants in the first place?

You can hire a property management company to handle the details for about 10% of your rent every month. That doesn’t absolve you of the liabilities associated with owning a rental property however.

Good Landlords Have Good Real Estate Agents

The decision to rent isn’t an easy one and should be made with the advice of an experienced professional. At Buyers Advantage Group Realty, we are experts in Triangle real estate. Although we serve as an exclusive buyer’s agent, we can also help you decide what to do with your old home. Our knowledge of NC real estate means you get advice right for the Triangle market not just the US market in general. Contact one of our helpful and friendly real estate agents today.

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Home Owners’ Associations (HOAs) inspire strong feelings in people who own Raleigh homes. Some people love them, some people hate them but almost everyone has an opinion. In the end HOAs are right for some people and not for others, but are they right for you?

When shopping for homes in The Triangle it’s often easy to spot neighborhoods that don’t have HOAs. An otherwise attractive neighborhood can be marred by a weed-strewn yard, a rusting car, or a house painted a garish shade of purple. These kinds of eyesores are not just unpleasant; they can drive away buyers and make it harder to sell your home. Even nice neighborhoods can turn ugly practically overnight.

On the other hand, some HOAs are out of control. I once got in trouble for leaving my basketball hoop out; I don’t own a basketball hoop. My sister painted her house in one of the HOA approved colors but got in trouble because she didn’t get permission to repaint ahead of time. A friend got chastised for oil stains in his driveway then got chastised again for putting down a drip pan.

Some people don’t like the restrictions just on principal. It doesn’t mean they wouldn’t, for example, mow their lawn. They just don’t like someone telling them to mow their lawn.

You have to ask yourself which is more important: the freedom to run your house or the comfort of knowing the neighborhood will remain attractive.

If you do get in with a bad HOA, all is not lost. These are Home Owners’ Associations not the arbitrary rules of some third party. Get on the board and help change your neighborhood for the better.

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If you are in the market for a home in the Raleigh area then you are in for a big surprise. There are many homes for sale in Raleigh and in just about every Raleigh community including The Bluffs, Cary Park, Weldon Ridge, Legend Oaks, Trinity Ridge, and may other communities within the Raleigh area have beautiful homes for sale. There are homes to meet everyone’s financial needs with some starting at around $100,000 for a 1600 sq ft home with 2.5 baths to a four bedrooms, 2.5 bath, and sprawling 3,000 sq ft house for around $400,000. The possibilities are virtually endless.

Once you start to look into the communities, you will find traditionally single family homes, excellent amenities, and great public school systems, close proximity for shopping and nearby access to the interstate exchanges. The neighborhoods are clean and very safe plus the city of Raleigh boasts many activities and sites to keep just about anyone happy. These homes are well crafted and always built to accommodate your lifestyle. There are also many to choose from so that you are assured that you get exactly what you are looking for whether this is your first home purchase or your fourth.

Raleigh is a very distinct community in North Carolina and it is booming with growth. Raleigh is also a place that will never leave you bored as there are numerous parks, greenways, and historical government buildings lining the heart of the downtown area. It is a beautiful city to live in. Perhaps you are already a member of the Raleigh community or maybe you are relocating from another area but regardless you will not regret your decision to join a community that has so many wonderful things to offer. That could also be the explanation for why so many new families are deciding to make Raleigh their home for many years to come.

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Life of a college town or a university town is vibrant and full of energy as students form a major part of the population. People living in the college town either work at the university, or run a coffee shop, restaurant or other stores. College towns are perfect place for students, singles, families, working people, and retirees.

Many people choose to retire in North Carolina college towns as they offer a peaceful, comfortable and great quality of life. College towns are inviting and friendly. A lot of activity takes place here and cultural events keep the place excited and buzzing. Those who have an inclination towards culture and creativity, for them college towns are an ideal place to live. You can alter your college town house and make it into your very own personal space with modern look.

Furthermore, from the financial perspective too, it is a great place to be especially when you compare it to the cost of living in a big city. College towns are among top U.S. Real Estate these days. More and more people are choosing to stay in college towns after retirement. It is also being said that college towns are growing at a faster pace. It is expected that the U.S. population will grow yearly at 1% but towns and cities with universities will grow at 3%.

Chapel Hill North Carolina

Chapel Hill is in great demand and is called home of the University of North Carolina. This college town is an ideal place for education and offers great jobs as well. Whether you are a sports or art lover, this town offers a lot for both in terms of sports matches, concerts, plays and other cultural events. The place boasts of a planetarium and an art museum too.

Chapel Hill also has finest medical facilities at UNC Hospitals and the Duke University Medical Center. Here you can enjoy four seasons, and the beauty of spring and fall are matchless. Nearby cities are Carrboro, Durham and Raleigh. Since mountains and coast are also in close proximity, you can enjoy weekend getaways with family and friends.

Asheville North Carolina

Home to the University of North Carolina-Asheville (UNCA) and the North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement (NCCCR), Ashville NC is also a nice place to stay. The beauty of this place makes it one of the best U.S cities to live. Travel writers often refer to Ashville as “Paris of the South”.

Ideal place for outdoor adventure lovers, the place offers great opportunities for whitewater rafting, mountain hiking, flight in a hot air balloon and long drives. The climate is mild and comfortable all year round.

North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement makes this place an ideal option for retirement. Here people over the age of 55 years can keep themselves busy by teaching, designing the curriculum, etc. This helps them stay in touch with the society and gives new meaning to their life.

Davidson North Carolina

Named after Davidson College (1837), Davidson offers best of both worlds i.e. village and a city life. Lake Norman offers many opportunities for recreation. The college is an important part of this town as outsiders can also take part in college events. It also offers great job opportunities. The Town of Davidson Parks and Recreation Department also organizes many interesting leisure activities for people of all ages.

Everything is just a walking distance and very conveniently people can walk down to work. Many work from home here. Brick sidewalks add to the beauty of this town and you can find many restaurants and cafes here.

Greenville North Carolina

Greenville was known as an agricultural community but now it is a prime center of industries and economic activities. East Carolina University (ECU) organizes various sports events and cultural events like plays and concerts. The feel of this place and comfortable climate makes it a nice living option for young and old alike. Medical care facilities offered at Brody School of Medicine at ECU and the Pitt County Memorial Hospital are also finest among the world.

If you are looking to buy NC homes in the Research Triangle area, contact Buyers Advantage Group Realty. Our aim is to help you find the best home matching your preferences and requirements.

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Raleigh NC area is growing like crazy both in terms of construction and home value. For those who are looking for beautiful, less expensive homes, the Research Triangle, Clayton NC area is a wonderful choice! The official slogan of Clayton area — A Premier Community for Active Families –proves that this place is suitable for families.

Located in Johnston County, Clayton is a rapidly growing town that offers great opportunities for education, entertainment and most importantly business. Clayton has a unique charm that is attracting more and more people to the area each and every year.

The Clayton Center, features a 600-seat auditorium. The Harvest Festival is a notable yearly event in which artists and craftsmen from various regions around the state take part. There are lots of beautiful parks and trails all over the Clayton town. There are many opportunities for both indoor and outdoor recreation.

Sports events and community activities are organized from time to time. If you are a golf lover, you will enjoy Clayton’s three wonderful golf courses: The Neuse, Pine Hollow, and Riverwood. The Clayton area has various lakes like Jordan Lake, Falls Lake, Harris Lake, and Kerr Lake. These lakes are great for fishing, boating, and water sports.

Clemmons Educational State Forest maintained by the state serves as an education center. Families come here for picnics and enjoy hiking and camping as well. The Clayton Senior Center situated in the located in the Village Gardens apartment complex organizes many interesting activities for residents who are above 55. This keeps them active and busy.

Generally speaking Clayton NC homes with 2 to 4 bedrooms fall in the $240,000 price range. This area is a fantastic value and a wonderful place to live outside of the Triangle’s busier environment.

The demand for both residential and commercial property in the Clayton area is on the rise. Due to a boom in the Clayton residential real estate market, commercial real estate in Clayton is also thriving. There are many commercial industrial sites available for various businesses.

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With the housing market in a slump and sellers desperate to sell their homes, more and more people are turning to exclusive buyer’s agents.

What Is Different About an Exclusive Buyer’s Agent?

Unlike seller’s agents, exclusive buyer’s agents work only in the interest of the buyer, providing an unbiased view of the market. Since exclusive buyer’s agents don’t list homes, nor do they work for agencies with listed homes, there is no financial incentive to sell you one home over another. Exclusive buyer’s agents safeguard your interest by giving you the real picture and not seller representation of the story.

Raleigh NC Exclusive Buyer’s Agents

You can trust Buyers Advantage Group Realty for your Triangle buyer’s agents. Our unbiased agents not only help you make informed decisions but act as a consultant and advocate making your home buying process smooth. We understand our clients at a personal level and help them find a home based on their lifestyle and dreams. We are there to guide you even after the purchase process is over by way of our After Closing Care.

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