When winter ends and spring begins, it's easy to start thinking of all the exciting things that are on the way. From spending more time outside to barbeques to summer vacations, you can see the possibilities. To enjoy all of those moments to the fullest, it's a good idea to have your house in order so you don't have to worry about it. At the start of spring, take a moment to freshen up your home with some simple maintenance tasks.

Indoor Spring Maintenance

Spring days can vary wildly in temperature, so it's a good idea to have some indoor items on your list for those cool or rainy days. Here are some good things to add to your to-do list:

•  Deep clean: Spring is the perfect opportunity to give your home a deep clean. Dust surfaces, wash windows, vacuum or sweep floors and clean carpets and upholstery.

•  Check smoke detectors: Test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries if needed.

•  Check HVAC: Have your HVAC system serviced by a professional. This includes cleaning or replacing air filters, checking the refrigerant levels and inspecting the system for any damage or wear and tear. Consider getting your chimney cleaned as well.

•  Check plumbing: Check for leaks and drips in your plumbing system and repair them as necessary. Inspect the water heater for signs of wear and tear, such as rust or corrosion.

•  Clean appliances: Clean your appliances, including the refrigerator, oven and dishwasher. This is the time to move the appliances and get anything that's fallen behind them.

You can do a lot of these tasks in just one weekend and they are good things to do if you plan on selling your home anytime soon.

Outdoor Spring Maintenance

When you have nice weather conditions, it's a good idea to also tackle a bit of outdoor spring maintenance. A few of these tasks require ladders and climbing, so work with a partner to stay safe.

•  Clean gutters: Clean gutters and downspouts to remove debris and prevent water damage to your home. This will prevent water issues for your home.

•  Inspect roof: Inspect the roof for any damage, such as loose or missing shingles, and replace them as needed.

•  Check exterior: Examine the exterior of your home for any damage, such as cracks in the foundation or siding.

•  Landscaping: Prune trees and bushes and plant new flowers and plants in your garden. Trimming protects your property while helping the plants grow properly in the new spring season.

•  Check irrigation system: Test your irrigation system to make sure it's working correctly. Some pipes or spouts could have frozen and cracked during the winter. Check for leaks or broken sprinkler heads.

By performing these spring maintenance tasks, you'll be able to enjoy your outdoor spaces.

Embrace Spring Maintenance and Have a Great Year

It may take a bit of elbow grease, but spring maintenance can pay off in a big way. Not only do you get to live in a clean and orderly space, but you also stay ahead of potential maintenance problems that could become costly later. To see which spring cleaning tasks can help improve the value of your home, reach out to Chapel Hill Realty Group at 919-740-0884 for a chat.

Your front door makes an impression on visitors and passersby. With the right design, you can make guests feel welcome and boost curb appeal. Of course, you must find decor that works in an outdoor, public space. To jumpstart your creativity, here are seven ideas for beautifying your front door.

1. Roll Out the Welcome Mat

Welcome mats are an affordable and easy way to add something special to your front porch. A simple mat can fulfill several functions:

•   Remind people to wipe their feet

•   Prevent slipping

•   Offer a laugh or cheerful greeting

There are as many welcome mats as there are homeowners, so you're sure to find something that suits your style. If you don't want to place your rug outside, you can always keep it in your entryway.

2. Embrace Greenery

Plants are more than decorations — they can reduce stress and improve air quality. As a result, they're the perfect way to set visitors at ease.

Of course, various plants have different needs. If you place them on the porch, they'll get lots of sun, which not every species can handle. Fortunately, several plants flourish in direct sunlight:

•   Coneflowers

•   Hydrangeas

•   Lantanas

•   Succulents

•   Verbenas

•   Geraniums

•   Zinnias

•   Spider flowers

•   Cosmos

3. Upgrade the Lighting

Front porch lighting helps guests find their way and discourages would-be burglars. You can also turn this functional feature into intriguing decor with the right design. For example, string lights offer ambient illumination while creating a festive atmosphere. Pendant lights draw the eye and come in various shapes, including abstract.

4. Offer Comfortable Seating

The front porch is the perfect place to read a book, chat with friends or enjoy a cup of coffee on a beautiful day. Comfortable seating invites people to spend time catching up while giving your house character. You can find plenty of unique seating options:

•   Hammock

•   L-shaped porch bed

•   Wicker chairs

•   Church pew

•   Porch swing

•   Rocking chairs

5. Stencil Your Concrete

If you have a concrete porch, steps or walkway, you can add personality with stenciling. You can choose from a wide range of patterns:

•   Floral

•   Geometric

•   Brick

The process is relatively simple: adhere the stencil to the concrete, then apply a stain. When you remove the stencil, you'll have a light pattern and dark background.

6. Decorate Seasonally

The front door and porch are perfect for seasonal decorations. You can place holiday-themed pillows on your furniture, hang a wreath and string lights on the porch railings. Best of all, you can decorate as comprehensively as you want, so if you love a particular holiday, go wild.

7. Choose Charming Colors

Colors significantly impact the human psyche, so choosing the right palette is essential, especially if you plan to sell anytime soon. Blues have a calming influence, so they're a great choice if you want a serene atmosphere. Yellows represent happiness, making them prime candidates for a cheerful exterior. Reds have a strong association with passion and excitement, helping your house stand out.

Are you looking for a house with the perfect porch? The experts at Chapel Hill Realty Group can help. We assist buyers in their dream home search and aid sellers in listing their properties. For more information, call 919-740-0884 or visit us online

List price by itself can be an ineffective or incomplete way of comparing homes in different metro areas. That holds even if you adjust list prices for the cost of living and the different salaries you might earn in various areas. When assessing properties, consider factors such as commuting distance and availability of amenities.

5 Metrics to Compare Homes in Different Areas

One critical factor is the expenses associated with that neighborhood or metro area. These are not always expenses tied to the cost of living.

1. Whether Your Expenses Will Be Higher or Lower

Some metro areas come with increased security risks. You might need to pay for a security system and shell out more money in car and home insurance rates in one area than in another. Other common areas in which expenses differ include taxes, gas, food, and even private school tuition.

2. Your Income

If you work for your company at a branch in a certain metro area, will your income differ from if you worked at a branch in another area? Many times, employees doing the same jobs in different cities get paid different salaries.

The difference might be enough to compensate for any higher expenses, but run the numbers to make sure. Ensure that you have a comfortable monthly budget for your new home and enough funds for a down payment.

3. Your Commute

What is the traffic like in one metro area versus another? Ideally, you’ll be able to test-drive your commute in each area a few times. Whether you are able to test-drive or not, it’s worth taking the time to research commutes, public transportation options, gas costs, and similar factors.

Keep in mind that commuting can get expensive with long trips, high gas costs, and vehicle wear and tear. If you are gone from home a lot, that can also decrease your quality of life. You have less time for personal activities.

In other words, a cheaper or bigger house farther out from your job could end up being a bad deal if it chews up your wallet and your free time. However, if you work from home as many people do, it could be the bargain of the century.

4. Amenities in the Area

Shopping malls, dog parks, and mental health resources are just a few of the essentials many people compare when exploring different metro areas. It can be worth paying more for a home with access to lots of amenities and resources.

Mental and emotional health issues are important, as is convenience. Sometimes, people move and find themselves isolated when a bit more research would have directed them to a different area.

5. Your Support System

Where do your trusted friends and family members live? Proximity to them could give one metro area an edge over another.

Let Real Estate Specialists Help

Real estate agents can be valuable sources of data and other information on properties in various metro areas. Get in touch today with Chapel Hill Realty Group at 919-740-0884 to find out more about houses and regions in North Carolina.

Your home equity can give you cash when you need it for home improvement projects, paying down debt, and other purposes. A cash-out refinance and a home equity loan are common options for tapping into that equity, but they are not right for every homeowner. Here’s the scoop on a cash out refi vs. home equity loan.

Cash Out Refi vs. Home Equity Loan: Key Differences

Both a home equity loan and cash-out refinance have you borrowing against your home's equity. You put your home up as collateral and can avoid selling it to get the money you need. These are key similarities. Now for the differences.

•   A home equity loan is a second loan in addition to your regular mortgage loan.

•   This second loan has its own interest rates and terms different from the first loan.

•   A cash-out refinance replaces your mortgage with a new loan.

•   The refinance pays the balance on your old loan.

•   It is called a "cash out" because the new loan is for the debt remaining on the first mortgage plus the amount of money you are cashing out from the home's equity.

Cash-Out Refinancing

Your cash-out refinance will likely come with an interest rate that differs from what you've had and a loan period of up to 30 years. Credit score requirements tend to be lower vs. home equity loans. That is because the financer on a home equity loan has secondary access to the home as collateral if the loan defaults. Primary access remains with the holder of the first mortgage.

Generally, you must have at least 20 percent equity or more in your home to qualify for a cash-out. This type of refinance gives you one loan, not two, to manage, so that is an advantage. Interest rates tend to be low, and you can qualify with a relatively low credit score.

On the con side, closing costs tend to be high, and the process of a new loan can take a bit of time. Your finances must be in good shape and include a low debt-to-income ratio.

Home Equity Loan

With a home equity loan, you borrow against the equity in your home. You may be able to borrow as much as 85 percent of the equity especially if you have sufficient income and a stellar credit history.

Home equity loan interest rates are lower than the rates with personal loans and credit cards. The equity interest rates tend to be fixed, and you can use the cash for practically any purpose. The monthly payments can be low if you have a longer repayment term but you're paying on this loan in addition to your first mortgage.

If the payment comes in a lump sum, you may end up with more cash than you needed for your purposes. If this happens, you can put that extra money toward repayment.

Your credit score must be good, but the closing costs tend to be pretty low or nonexistent. A home equity loan can be a smart decision if you find one at an interest rate quite a bit lower than your mortgage rate.

Home equity loans come in two types: traditional and HELOC (home equity line of credit). A traditional loan gives you a lump sum and has you make regular, fixed payments.

HELOCs take the form of revolving lines of credit. They function similarly to credit cards in that you get replenished credit when you repay your balance. Unlike with credit cards, you could lose your house if you fail to pay on your HELOC. You are able to borrow as little or as much money as you want during the draw period. That tends to last 10 years, then the 20-year repayment period begins.

Contact Chapel Hill Realty Group today at 919-740-0884 to discuss buying a new home and the associated loans or selling your home instead of getting a cash-out refi or home equity loan.

Technology has had a profound impact on the real estate process. From viewing properties online to signing contracts electronically, technological advances have streamlined and improved many of the steps you once had to take.

Buyers can now access an incredible amount of information about potential properties from the comfort of their own homes. Sellers can list their homes quickly and easily and track the progress of their sales in real time. While the use of tech has made buying and selling property faster, easier, and more efficient than ever before, questions remain about the accuracy of automated home valuations. Consider some of the facts.

Algorithms Missing Exceptional Factors

It's no secret that home valuations can be tricky. Many factors go into determining the value of a home, from the location to the condition of the property. However, one of the biggest challenges in home valuation is taking into account all of the special features and remodels that a property may have. Computer algorithms often miss these crucial details and can focus on the wrong data or outcomes, leading to inaccurate valuation.

For example, let's say you have a home with a beautiful view of the mountains. This factor would likely add value to your property, but it's something that a computer algorithm might not consider. Similarly, if you've recently remodeled your kitchen or added a pool to your backyard, these improvements would boost your home's value but might not show up in the valuation. In other words, when it comes to valuing a home, remember that there's more to consider than just the basic facts. A professional opinion is always best if you're ever questioning a home valuation.

Programs Relying Too Much on Patterns

Computer algorithms may not always be accurate when valuing a home because automation often relies excessively on patterns to generate a value. However, many components can affect a home's value that patterns may not capture. For example, the condition of the house, the location, and the economy can all impact its value, meaning algorithms may sometimes make mistakes that an experienced realtor would not.

Another way online valuations can veer from reality is when the program uses averages of price per square foot for all homes in the same zip code to figure valuations. Neighborhoods and amenities can drastically alter the price of a property. The price for a gorgeous home next to a dilapidated lot will suffer, whereas the algorithm may over inflate the cost of the derelict property.

Computers also do a poorer job of understanding how world conditions can affect the real estate market. Supply chain issues and buyer demand can swing home prices in a short time. Interest rates affect buyers' willingness and ability to purchase homes. A seemingly minor adjustment in points can raise monthly payments by hundreds of dollars and put a house out of range.

Buyers and Sellers Have Access to Reliable Guidance

Navigating the real estate market to negotiate a fair price for your home requires skill and finesse. Online estimates can be a fine starting point, but buyers and sellers need the human touch for adequate assistance. 

Find reliable guidance through the process by reaching out to the top-notch team at Chapel Hill Realty Group at (919) 942-4149, today!

Putting your house on the market is often an exciting time, but you may have some questions before the listing becomes official.

Determining the best price includes looking at your land and many other factors that can change as time goes on. In order to help evaluate what your home is worth, you should learn more about what influences the final price point.

1. Look Around

Taking notice of how similarly sized houses around you sell on the market can help you narrow your price point down to a better range. Finding a fair price can help you mentally prepare for what you may get from the sale and it can attract the attention of people searching for a specific kind of house or one that fits their budget.

Not only can you find tips on how to make the potential sale go smoothly, but you can also see what mistakes other similar sellers made and learn from them. Overpricing or underpricing your house can make it harder to sell when it is first put on the market. The longer a house is on the market, the more likely people will lose interest if it is not sold within a certain amount of time.

2. Remember the Details

It can be easy to think that everyone who enters your house sees the inherent value of it from just a glance. However, the way you arrange your furniture and how you choose to decorate the inside can make a big difference when it comes to how much people want to offer.

Staying aware of what looks old or used and replacing it, as well as choosing styles that look good or modern, can help potential buyers imagine living there. Keeping the areas clean and all the walls repaired and free of scuff marks may also benefit you.

3. Understand What People Want

Looking at where your house is and what most people on the market are looking for can help you better understand how valuable it is for potential buyers. The fixtures and luxury amenities that you picked out can mean a lot to you personally, but they may not make the house itself an attractive choice for some people.

Renovating large rooms like the master bedroom and kitchen can potentially make people more interested in placing an offer. The higher the number of people who show interest in looking at your house, the better.

If there are many similar houses available in your neighborhood at the same time as yours, then it may feel hard to stand out from the crowd. Choosing to make your price somewhere between two major groups of other houses could help others notice and consider your house as a possibility.

Find the Best Solution

As a seller, you may have questions and concerns about whether or not the price you choose is right for the house you're selling. If you're interested in moving to a new house, or you're just curious about what's out there, contacting Chapel Hill Realty Group at (919) 942-4149 may help you find a match.

Having a custom home built can be exciting. It can feel like an opportunity to create your dream home. Often, finding the right property to build your house on is a significant part of making that dream come true. While it may be a straightforward process in some cases, in others it may be more complex. If you want to ensure that you are choosing the right property for you, there are a few things you will need to keep in mind.

Look at Location and Geography

One of the first things you need to think about when seeking a property is the location. Just because you have an acre of land does not necessarily mean that it will be an ideal location for building your home. There can be lots of different factors that could make a piece of land unsuitable for building. Not only that, but you will need to think about the geography of your location.

Whether your land is surrounded by woods or located near water, there can be things to keep in mind about the particular geography of the area. Things like wetlands can directly impact where you are able to build your house, so it is important to understand the terrain of your property and how it will affect the home-building process.

Think About Costs

While some may think that the costs of land end with the purchase price, the reality is that there can be many more costs beyond that. Often, there are many things that need to be done to get the land ready to build on, which can add up. Any kind of changes that need to be made to get land physically ready to build on can add up, as well as any legal costs that may be required in your area. Taking these kinds of costs into account when choosing land can help guide you in the direction that suits your budget.

Understand Utilities

Utilities are another important component of the home-building process. For example, if your home is being built on a plot of land in town, then the necessary connections may already be in place. However, if you are building a home in a more rural setting, then those connections may be a significant distance away. You may potentially need to have electric and gas lines run to the location where your home will be. Not only that, but you will also have to consider things like internet connection, as well as whether or not you will need a septic tank or a well. Even though these things may not seem like much, all of these utilities can add up, and can also take some time to get set up properly.

Final Words About Purchasing Property

Creating your dream custom home isn't just about finding the right blueprints, it is also about having the right property to build your home on. Taking the time to consider what you truly need can make a difference, as can talking to Chapel Hill Realty Group Give us a call at: (919) 740-0884, we’d love to help find you the perfect property for your dream home

Ownership costs are an important factor influencing your decision to buy a home. However, you must look beyond the price when picking your new residence. The metro area in which it is located also has a major impact on your finances, plus the overall quality of life. With all this in mind, how can you adequately compare homes in different cities, counties or even neighborhoods within the same city? This brief guide provides some insight, pointers and factors to consider when evaluating your home buying choices.

Research Area Home Prices 

You may be able to score your dream home at a great price, but what about the rest of the area? That price will certainly differ from prices for comparable homes within the same metro area. A two-bed two-bath 1,500-square-foot home in the Falconbridge neighborhood of Chapel Hill/Durham may sell for between $300K and $400K. Meanwhile, a similar house in Hillsborough could list for almost $700K.

Many factors can account for such differences. The Falconbridge house may be a townhome, while the home in Hillsborough might be a single-story ranch. Homes in the Hillsborough Historic West district can sometimes price higher depending on size, features and amenities. But you may not be able to discern all that information just from address and list price alone.

Compare With Homes in the Same District

Looking at homes in two different areas is one thing. Meanwhile, it's also important to look at a home's price when compared to others in the surrounding community. If the seller's offer is higher or lower than similar nearby homes, this may not be ideal. Higher-priced homes can be harder to sell later down the road. A lower-priced home is also a gamble: Will you see a decent ROI if you buy and upgrade it?

Look at Neighborhood Characteristics

We just saw how two homes with the same square footage, bedrooms and bathrooms can differ vastly in their selling prices. While floor plans and features can impact these prices, neighborhood characteristics definitely play a large role. Area demographics are a significant factor: gender, age, average incomes and population changes, to name a few. Baby Boomers who are aging in place can affect the number of properties available in a given area. Millennials with children may seek lower-priced homes.

Besides demographics, you should look at traditional indicators. The quality of nearby schools, green spaces, the walkability of the neighborhood, local culture and accessibility of goods and services all tie into resident satisfaction.

Consider Your Commute 

When looking at your home price, you should also consider the cost of commuting. Even if you find an excellent home at a reasonable price, it's not really a bargain if your transportation costs double or triple. They could eat up whatever money you save, making you question whether your move was worth the time, trouble and expense.

Life in your new home doesn't happen in a vacuum. When looking at its sticker price, you must consider other factors such as surrounding home prices, neighborhood amenities and your commute. Check out Chapel Hill Realty Group's available listings to start browsing and comparing now. Contact us online or at (919) 942-4149 today to tour your new home! 

Buying a vacation home is a lifelong goal of many. If you have reached a point in your life where you are thinking about adding another property to your portfolio, don't let the excitement cloud your decision-making. A Chapel Hill Realty Group agent can be a steady guide to help you through the ups and downs of finding the right vacation property. Here are some things to narrow down your search on your vacation property. 

Finances

Can you afford a second home? If you can pay cash, this is the cheapest way to purchase a property. However, if you're not in the position to pay cash, obtaining a mortgage will cost you extra money in interest every month. It may also be difficult to secure financing if you don't have the right debt-to-income ratio that lenders require. Moreover, the cost of owning a second property is more than just a mortgage payment. You should also consider the cost of insurance, utilities and maintenance. Once you've determined your ability to cover the bills and other expenses, you can start thinking about your intentions for your new home.

Purpose

Are you planning on using this property as a vacation spot for yourself and your family? Do you want to switch things up and live in the new vacation home as your primary residence? If you will only be using the space for a short time each year, you may even want to rent it out to generate helpful income. It's important to decide now how you want to use the property because this information may alter your decisions when it comes to things like the number of bedrooms, property type (single-family detached home, townhome, condo, etc.) and location.

Location

Often, buyers find that they don't choose a location for their vacation property, the location chooses them. If you've looked at a property in a place that feels uncomfortable to you, keep looking elsewhere. The best spot for a vacation home is somewhere you and your loved ones feel safe, relaxed and comfortable. Are you looking for seclusion and peace? Consider homes that are off the beaten path. Is convenience a priority? Pay close attention to the restaurants and stores nearby, especially if you plan to rent out your place.

If you're ready to start your search for a vacation property, Chapel Hill Realty Group has agents available to help you find a location that fits your budget and suits your needs. Call us at (919) 942-4149 or contact us online today to get paired with an agent. We can't wait to help you find the vacation property of your dreams!

For many homeowners, downsizing can offer several key advantages. Here are some reasons why it may make sense to sell a home and move somewhere smaller or more affordable.

1. Local Market Trends

As the character and demographics of locales change over time, property with a modest value can go on to appreciate by double digit percentages. If your local market has seen a higher demand for housing and you have observed that listing prices and closings are much greater than what you are accustomed to seeing, it could be an opportune time to take advantage of the gap up in value.

2. Too Much House

The cost of maintaining a large property can be substantial. Heating and cooling alone can represent a significant part of a household budget. Square footage is typically a big factor for expenses such as property taxes or HOA and condo fees. As family dynamics change, it may make sense for people to change their living situation.

3. Retirement Planning 

A lot of homeowners can find themselves running behind on saving for retirement, after putting a lot of equity in their homes and keeping up with the ongoing increase in the cost of living. Nationwide Real Estate tends to be a fairly safe investment when compared with other types of investing opportunities, but having too much of your total equity in your home could prevent you from generating better returns with your personal net worth. Selling your home to allocate some of your wealth in a diverse portfolio of interests could prove to be advantageous for your financial future and help stay on track to reach your retirement savings goals.

4. Equity Issues

When mortgage payments become burdensome, it is important for homeowners to do everything that they can to avoid a default. Nonpayment can cause them to lose their existing equity in a home. Rather than risking a default or refinancing and widening a debt-to-equity ratio, selling could be the best course of action.

5. Capital Needs Concerns

Needing to take on home repairs that represent a serious financial hardship may make selling your home the right option. A home that needs major improvements will not command as high of a sale value as a home that does not need any work at all. However, a lot of buyers are willing to take on a fixer-upper if it has other desirable features.

Knowledgeable brokers can help homeowners evaluate their options. Contact Chapel Hill Realty Group online, or call (919) 942-4149 today to receive professional insight about listing your home for sale.