10 House Hunting Mistakes Not To Make

 

We're talking about the top 10 house-hunting mistakes you don't want to make—and what you should do

instead. Check out this real estate advice from those who know best and let Century 21 Action be your

Topsail realty experts. Need help house-hunting locally in the Topsail area? We can help!

 

WHAT NOT TO DO....

Don't make these house-hunting mistakes that will cost you time, money and  regret in the long run. 

1. NOT BEING PRE-APPROVED

Not being pre-approved for a mortgage is really saying that you're not really serious about buying

a home. It also puts you at a disadvantage when it comes to making an offer on a home since

most sellers are going to expect you to be pre-qualified. If you're trying to competitively bid on

a house, then someone with pre-approval is going to be one step ahead of you. In addition to

improving your odds of making a winning offer, a pre-approval also lets you know exactly how

much mortgage you qualify for, so that you won’t waste time looking at properties you can’t afford.

2. NOT HAVING A REAL ESTATE AGENT

In a competitive housing market, you want to have all the advantages in your favor. House

hunting with a qualified and experienced real estate agent is a given here. A good real estate

agent will not only be the first to see when new listings come up, but they might even know

about listings that haven’t even hit the market yet, especially if they're well-networked in

the area (which they should be). A buyer’s agent can also help you avoid costly negotiating

mistakes when it comes time to make an offer.

3. NOT KNOWING WHAT YOU WANT

It’s important try and narrow down your prospects before you start house shopping because

looking at all different types of properties will slow down the entire house-hunting process.

It’s fine to consider many types of properties at first to get a sense of your options, but try to

focus in on what you really want before you fill your weekends with home tours. Shop

smarter not harder!

4. WAITING TOO LONG TO SEE A HOME

In a tight housing market, if your real estate agent calls you about a new listing—do

whatever you can to see it as soon as you can. Waiting even a day can make the difference

between getting the house or not. You don't want to miss your window of opportunity or a

chance of seeing your potential dream home for yourself.

5. GETTING TOO MANY OPINIONS

Getting an unbiased second opinion on major life decisions and purchases can be a wise

endeavor. However, be sure that you're not getting clouded by too many wanted

(or unwanted) opinions of others, who are most likely looking through their own lens

of experiences and perspective. They may envy that big backyard but they won't be

the ones who have to mow it!

6. RUSHING THROUGH OPEN HOUSES

To get a real sense of a house, you must explore it in detail—and an open house is the

ideal time. Go ahead and open the closets and pantry cabinets to ensure you have checked

out every nook and cranny. Even though you'll eventually have an inspection, use the

open house as an opportunity to note any red flags you may want to follow up on. Take

a closer look at windows, flip on the light switches, and inspect the floors. This is your

chance to get up-close-and-personal with the home and what it offers, so make the most of it.

7. FOCUSING ON APPEARANCE

Does the house look amazing at first glance? Sometimes you have to look a little closer.

As you’re house hunting, look carefully for signs that indicate a rush job (e.g., gaps

between new flooring and the walls; paint spatters on light switches, outlets, and windows).

Also take note of the brands and materials used. The appliances, faucets, lights, and

other fixtures often look great just because they are new, but sometimes they are

lower-quality options that won’t stand the test of time. 

8. SEEKING PERFECTION

If you’re hoping to find the perfect-size house in the perfect neighborhood with every

amenity that you've dreamed of—keep on dreaming. That's not reality. It's rare to get

everything you want no matter what the scenario, and home shopping is no different.

Focus on what really matters most to you and your family, and then be willing to settle

for less than perfection. You can always change the things you don't like, but think

about the things you can't change like the neighborhood, school system and other

factors outside of your control. The rest can be modified to your preferences over time.

9. LOVING THE STAGING NOT T9.

 

9. LOVING THE STAGING NOT THE HOME 

So you're dazzled as soon as you walk in the door. But is it the house that's winning you

over? Or the decor? It's a home stager's job to make you swoon, and chances are you’re

probably not going to be able to replicate the look once you move in. Make sure you

are envisioning yourself in the home and falling in love with the house itself, not just the

house the way it’s staged. 

10. IGNORING THE NEIGHBORHOOD

When you tour a home, make sure you save some time to tour the neighborhood as well.

The last thing you want is to be in a beautiful home in a nightmare neighborhood. Once

you've checked for any red flags, take some time to get the overall vibe of the community

and make sure it's right for you. Notice whether the neighborhood is quiet or bustling;

whether it attracts families or not; and whether it fits your family feel. Also check for

local shops, restaurants, or parks with amenities that are important to you—and the

proximity to the things that matter most in your day-to-day life.

 

 

(Source: 10 Huge House-Hunting Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs from Realtor.com)

How to Improve Your Coastal Curb Appeal

 

The thing about a beach house, especially when it's oceanfront, is that your home actually has curb

appeal and beach appeal. Not only will people view your home from the street side, but they can also

see it from the beachside. So how do you improve your home's coastal curb appeal from all angles?

There are many ways, but hereare just a few of our favorites. By the way, the homes pictured in this

blog are all examples of Topsail Island real estate from our vacation rentals page. To see more about

each property and its unique coastal style, just click on the photo and the link will give you all the

angles—inside and out—of these beautiful Topsail beach homes!

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A WELCOME THAT WOWS

You want guests to feel welcomed and drawn to your home's entryway. There are many ways to do this, but a brightly painted door is a quick way to garner the attention it deserves. Other ways to bring color to your doorstep are to use potted plants, flowers, and furniture that is eye-catching.

 

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NICE NAUTICAL DETAILS

You've heard the saying, "It's the little things..." and indeed this is true when it comes to the small accents you choose for your beach house. We love the blue color of this Topsail beach home perfectly accented with the decorative gold-yellow sun on the exterior. 

 

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COASTAL COLOR PALETTE

Pulling your color inspiration from a coastal palette is an eye-catching way to draw attention to your home. The exterior of this home draws from light and airy beach colors of the ocean, seashells, and makes you feel like you're at the beach by just looking at it. 

 

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PLAY UP THE PRETTY POOL

If you have a pool, be sure to give it the spotlight it deserves. Whether you keep it simple and inviting or you decide to make it resort-style and surrounded by lounge chairs and umbrellas, you'll definitely want to keep your pool looking its best. People notice! 

 

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TOTALLY DECKED OUT

Ah, we love coastal homes with amazing decks! How else will you be able to soak up all the beautiful views that surround you? Making sure your deck is clean and clutter-free to be looking its absolute best, and you will have envying eyes admiring your beach house from every angle.

 

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LOVIN' LAID-BACK LIVING

Many people associate beach life with a more laid-back lifestyle that we all crave. Decorating your outdoor living spaces to highlight a coastal, calming, cozy space to enjoy the beach and all its wonders is great way to convey the joys of beach living. Don't you want to sit here all day long?

 

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NATIVE & NATURAL LANDSCAPES

Using the natural plants and flowers available to you in your area is a wonderful way to bring beauty to the outside of your home. Your curb appeal is increased by the great outdoors! Making your yard and outdoor living spaces inviting and keeping them well-manicured are two essentials for optimal curb and beach appeal. Too little landscaping and it can look sparse; too much landscaping can be a distraction. Aim for just right! 

The Most Helpful Tips for Pricing Your Home

When selling your home, attractive pricing and packaging are arguably the two most basic essentials.

In the current real estate market, buyers have a lot of choices. In many areas, the shelves are simply

overstocked. And since no two homes are the same, making that distinction between your home and

the dozens of others is key. Where pricing is concerned, establishing that all-important asking price

is part science and part art, and there are several things you should consider.

First, you and your real estate agent should identify (and agree on) the approximate value of the

property. The next step is to understand the price range for the list price—depending on market

conditions, competing properties, time of year or inventory. Once you know your home’s approximate

value and have a price range in mind, it’s time nail down the final “list” price. 

Here are five helpful things to consider in the home-pricing process. 

1. Do your research and study past home sales.

This is the starting point for any thoughtful and successful pricing strategy; think of it as the "science" part. Take the time to study past sale statistics for homes in your area and areas similar to yours. None will be identical, of course, but having a clear understanding of true market value is the first step in establishing your list price. 

Working with a knowledgable and experienced real estate agent who is familiar with the local market is helpful in this stage of the game to know if you're on target with your price range.

2. Don't overprice your home because you have time to wait.

If the market is appreciating, this strategy may work, but if prices in your area are declining, you may quickly find yourself chasing a market and costing yourself money. And if the market is stable? Your home will just sit. Buyers pay in today's dollars, and time is rarely on your side. 

Given the high stakes of real estate, a buyer doesn’t want to be the only one interested in a house. By pricing your property on the lower end of the value range, you could stimulate interest among more than one buyer and create a herd mentality. Also, if you’re under the gun to sell quickly, this would be a good option.

3. Be flexible but also know your negotiation limits. 

Pricing a home isn’t a “set-it-and-forget-it” procedure. A lot of factors can come into play when selling or buying a home, and not all of them can be anticipated. If you can be flexible and react quickly to changing market conditions or new information, you’re more likely to get the best price with the least aggravation.

Always try to work out a contingency plan with your real estate agent, in case the property doesn’t go for the desired price. By having everything on the table from the get-go, you’ll have a plan B should the first plan fail. This saves time and helps set the appropriate expectations, so there are no unpleasant surprises down the road.

4. Think like a home buyer.

What are the things that you value in a home? Is it a large yard, an updated kitchen or a view? These are likely the same things that your buyer values as well. 

Talk to your agent about current buyer trends. Your price should reflect how your home compares to the others offered for sale. Buyers will find objections to any home, as none is perfect, but it is curious how quickly objections disappear when the price is compelling.

5. Listen to your real estate agent's pricing strategy and advice.

Ultimately, listen carefully to your agent’s pricing strategy. It’s their job to know what works and doesn’t. And as with any strategy, be prepared to have an ongoing discussion about pricing with your real estate agent.

First impressions are everything when selling your home. Studies have shown that the first two weeks on the market are the most crucial to your success. During these initial days, your home will be exposed to all active buyers. If your price is perceived as too high, you will quickly lose this initial audience and find yourself relying only on the trickle of new buyers entering the market each day. Markets are dynamic, and your price has an expiration date. 

By working together with your real estate professional, you'll be able to price your home competitively, give your home the positive attention it deserves, and grab the attention of potential buyers from the get-go. 

Happy pricing and best wishes in the selling of your home!

Have a Real Estate Need Outside Our Area?  We can help you find the right Realtor.

If you have a real estate need outside of our market area, we can still help.  Whether you're buying or selling a primary home, looking to add or subtract from your real estate investment portfolio, have a business need, or helping a family member; finding the right agent is critical for your success.

Not all Agents are created equally.

Having the right agent for your specific need can make a difference in the outcome.  Do they specialize in the area of your need, or just "cover it"?  Do they have experience in that property type, price, investment option?  Do they have the experience and training needed for your specific buy or sale?  Matching the right agent to the need is the determining factor between a painful and costly transaction, or smooth sailing with the best financial outcome possible.

Word of mouth or "Google/Zillow" research?

Sometimes people will ask new coworkers or supervisors for an agent recommendation.  Maybe a friend or family member "knows" someone.  When was the last time that person had a real estate need?  Did their need match yours?  The best intentions don't always result in the best results. 

Maybe Google or Zillow provided some names.  Ignore what the internet said, or the "friend", or the agent with the most or prettiest advertising. Top Agents typically don't have to spend absurd amounts of money to be seen, their services typically speak for themselves.

Reread the paragraph above this one. 

Relocation Services?

Maybe your employer, or someone else, is providing or suggesting the services of a relocation service or company.  While this can sound appealing, you should know they are suggesting this because they could very well be receiving compensation for it.  Relocation companies and services do a little bit of vetting when selecting real agents for their programs, but the best agents are typically not buying in.  Do you really think the top agents in a marketplace are willing to give away 35-45% of their income to relocation services and jump through the extra hurdles when these best agents have business and natural referrals piling in otherwise? 

Are you a First Time Home Buyer or Seller with Simple Needs?  Or a Bit more Complicated?

If you're buying your first or second home, or maybe the real estate purchase is just a simple purchase and not high up your priority list, then maybe any agent will do.  That's not true...every real estate purchase is important, and likely your biggest asset purchase up to this point in your life.  It's like selecting your heart or brain surgeon....be picky!!!  Let a top pro refer you to another top pro, not through a random pool of approved applicants or Uncle Bob's cousin's friend. 

The 80/20 Rule!

It's a general rule of thumb that the 80/20 principle applies to real estate.  20% of the agents in the country account for 80% of the transactions.  National statistics show this, regional stats could be even more one sided depending on the market.  So again, let's make sure you are getting connected to the RIGHT Agent.

How we can HELP!

When clients, customers, friends, neighbors, family come to us with a real estate need outside our market area; we want to make sure they get connected with a true professional, top agent.  

We discover your needs including specific market areas and neighborhoods, price ranges, timelines, property features, investment needs, etc.  Then we go to work.  We have connections the general public doesn't have access to, like a "phone book" of agents with the TOP real estate designations in the world.  We don't stop there, we research, find candidates, and then we call and interview them on your behalf.  Nobody can identify a professional during an interview better than another pro.  Once we have found the best person, we connect the two of you.  Or we can narrow it down and you can interview the top 2 or 3 for yourself.  It's all about finding the best person for you.

The Best Method!

Don't take our word for it.  When you read our reviews, testimonials, surveys about helping to find agents in other markets for our clients; they are always appreciative of finding them the 2nd best agent/firm in the world, behind us of course.  Don't roll the dice, let us find you best fit for your needs.  Professional Recommendations!

Top Tips for Buying in a Hot Market! 

by Scott Erickson, Owner/Broker/President, Century 21 Action, Inc.

The current real estate market is Red Hot and taking advantage of this opportunity is something that most people have at least considered.  With over 50 years in the local real estate market at Century 21 Action, we have some advice to share for these market conditions.

NEW LISTINGS:

If you are in the market for a new home you have likely been scouring the listings nearly everyday.  You have undoubtly seen that most listings are "Going Under Contract" or "Pending" within the first several days of hitting the market.  It makes the home buying experience challenging.  If you're ready to pull the trigger on a new property, be prepared to line up a showing through your Buyer Agent as quickly as possible.  Many property types are getting over a dozen showings the first day on the market with offers coming in by that evening.  If a personal showing isn't possible you might consider a virtual showing through your agent, and while this trend is becoming very popular, some people just aren't comfortable with making an offer without stepping into the property themselves.  Decide your own comfort level and needs; there are not any right or wrong answers.

QUICK OFFERS:

As mentioned above, many properties are getting multiple offers within the first 24 hours.  If you're ready to buy, make sure you have your ducks in a row ahead of time so when you find the next dream home nothing is slowing you down.  Getting a pre-approval letter from your lender can help your offer standout; not presenting a pre-approval letter with your offer could cause the seller to select a different offer.  Make sure you're mentally prepared to make a quick offer, it can create little anxiety if feel like you're under pressure to move fast and didn't prepare yourself for that scenario.

CLEAN OFFERS:

In a hot market with multiple offer situations, it's important to keep your offer as attractive to the seller as possible.  Extra contingencies, longer closing times, lower Due Diligence Fees or Earnest Money deposits, requesting seller concessions, etc. could cause your offer to be set aside over other offers.

BEST OFFERS:

It's very possible that the seller could be in a multiple offer situation, and some may be for better terms (and price).  Seller's are only allowed to "counteroffer" one offer/buyer at a time.  Although the seller could ask every buyer's Highest and Best offer before making a decision, but they may not give everyone that opportunity if one of the first offers was a standout.  Be prepared to make your best offer, your first offer.  You may not get a second chance to improve it and it may prevent a bidding war if your offer is the standout.  Keep in mind that your best offer could mean offering more than the listing price; decide based on your comfort level for the property at hand.

LOW INVENTORY/INCREASING PRICES:

The local market is experiencing one of the lowest listing inventories in a very long time.  Meanwhile both listing prices and especially construction prices have been rising fast.  Our local markets, and most of the nation, is experiencing a housing shortage; both for sale and for lease.  How long this will last is honestly anyone's guess.  Waiting to buy could mean paying more for a similar house later.  Waiting to buy could mean settling for a smaller house for the same price.  Waiting to buy could mean higher interest rates.  Not getting your offer accepted on the current house you've found could result in the above scenarios forcing themselves upon you with the next one.

HIRE THE RIGHT AGENT:

In southeastern North Carolina it often joked that there are more real estate agents than grains of sand on the beach.  Picking the right agent is not an easy task, especially considering that about 20% of the agents conduct about 80% of the business.  When selecting a Buyer Agent for you and your property ensure the following:

• How much experience do they, and their firm, have your property type and location.
• Do they, and their firm, have extensive local knowledge and experience in your specific market area to help you avoid any legal pitfalls or disclosure issues.
• Does the agent have good expertise working the buyer side of transactions (versus the seller side...more below).
• Education, Qualifications, Awards, and ongoing training are important in this quickly changing industry.

In today's market it is becoming less and less common that a single agent handles both "sides" of the transaction.  Buyer's enlist a Buyer's Agent representing their unique needs and Seller's hire a Listing Agent to represent their unique needs.  Although many agents are experienced and properly trained for handling either side of the transaction, but when a single agent handles both sides of the same transaction, both parties lose that agent's negotiation skills on their behalf because they can't legally negotiate for both.  Keep in mind, contacting the Listing agent about a property you're interested in is not typically a buyer's best move.

EXPERIENCE MATTERS:

With a hot market, an experienced real agent is even more important than ever.  Experience = Knowledge, Expertise, Integrity, Cool Head, Consulting, Honesty, Education and Training beyond a license course.  A well trained local agent can save their clients countless headaches, thousands of dollars, and lots of frustration that could have been avoided.  At Century 21 Action we are known as the training and education firm, we are known for our quality agents, we are known for our Top Producers.

Want to see the newest listings first?  Use our free advanced search tool and save your search.  New listings to your inbox every morning.  Advanced Search

About the Author: Scott Erickson is the Owner, Broker In Charge, and President of Century 21 Action, Inc.  Scott has been practicing in real estate for over 26 years with extensive experience in all form and types of real estate sales, real estate training and consulting, vacation rental management, property management, and seminar speaker and panelist.  He has earned the following professional designations, Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager, Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer Representative, Accredited Buyer Representative Manager, Recreational and Resort Specialist, Resort Rating Specialist, e-Pro, and REALTOR.  He graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1997 with a double major in Marketing and Management.  Century 21 Action, Inc. has been a multi-year Quality Service Award winning office.

Top Tips for Selling in a Hot Market! 

by Scott Erickson, Owner/Broker/President, Century 21 Action, Inc.

The current real estate market is Red Hot and taking advantage of this opportunity is something that most people have at least considered.  With over 50 years in the local real estate market at Century 21 Action, we have some advice to share for these market conditions.

FIRST OFFERS:

The first offers, over the first day or first couple weeks, are typically the best offers.  Waiting for a better offer is often a mistake, and can cost both time and money.  Today's buyers are hot to trot and are not keen on waiting around.  The internet has changed the marketplace over the last decade and the buyer's that are ready to pull the trigger immediately are pouncing on new listings as soon as they hit the market.  There are typically people waiting for properties like yours to hit the market, and they've been patient.  But waiting to see what else comes in could mean waiting for other's to match your property's characteristics which could take some time.  Meanwhile the hungry buyers have moved on or found (bought) something else.

LISTING LAUNCH:

When the property goes live to the marketplace (via the MLS, Internet Real Estate Websites, Company and Agent Marketing, Etc) it's extremely important that it's READY to go.  Meaning the property is immediately ready for showings, you have waited for quality pictures on pretty days with a top photographer, all the support materials that buyers might request is ready for them.  When it hits the Internet and MLS it is extremely important that a quality presentation is made from the start, because all of those buyers that were patiently waiting for a property like yours will form their opinion as soon as they see it.  Fixing something later often means you've lost your chance with that first round of buyers; they've already formed their opinion and changing their opinions can be nearly impossible.  The old saying rings true...First Impressions are extremely important.  Property website views drop drastically after the initial launch.  And most potential buyers will not look at it online a second time because they primarily focus on new listings...because the other good listings are selling so quickly.

MARKET POSITIONING:

What is market positioning?  Setting the Listing Price.  Positioning helps to think about the price of the property in a more realistic mindset.  Every seller wants more "price", who doesn't?  But thinking about the price in terms of "positioning" helps to remember the importance of it all.  Today's buyer's are extremely savvy.  They have likely viewed hundreds of properties on the internet before coming across yours.  If it's overpriced, they are going to KNOW it, and they will move on and you have missed your chance with them.  At the same time, we are finding that properties that are positioned correctly are selling for better overall terms, including price; often with multiple offers (bidding wars) for more than the listed price.

HIRE THE RIGHT AGENT:

In southeastern North Carolina it often joked that there are more real estate agents than grains of sand on the beach.  Picking the right agent is not an easy task, especially considering that about 20% of the agents conduct about 80% of the business.  When selecting a Listing Agent for you and your property ensure the following:

• How much experience do they, and their firm, have your property type and location.
• Do they, and their firm, have extensive local knowledge and experience in your specific market area to help you avoid any legal pitfalls or disclosure issues.
• Does the agent have good expertise working the listing side of transactions (versus the buyer side).
• Education, Qualifications, Awards, and ongoing training are important in this quickly changing industry.

In today's market it is becoming less and less common that a single agent handles both "sides" of the transaction.  Buyer's enlist a Buyer's Agent representing their unique needs and Seller's hire a Listing Agent to represent their unique needs.  Although many agents are experienced and properly trained for handling either side of the transaction, but when a single agent handles both sides of the same transaction, both parties lose that agent's negotiation skills on their behalf because they can't legally negotiate for both.  Because of this, it's extremely likely that the listing agent will not be the one that brings the buyer to the table, but they will be your marketing pro and in your corner through  negotiations.

EXPERIENCE MATTERS:

With a hot market, an experienced real agent is even more important than ever.  Experience = Knowledge, Expertise, Integrity, Cool Head, Consulting, Honesty, Education and Training beyond a license course.  A well trained local agent can save their clients countless headaches, thousands of dollars, and lots of frustration that could have been avoided.  At Century 21 Action we are known as the training and education firm, we are known for our quality agents, we are known for our Top Producers.

Would you like an idea about your current property value?  Use our free and easy tool.  Property Valuation

About the Author: Scott Erickson is the Owner, Broker In Charge, and President of Century 21 Action, Inc.  Scott has been practicing in real estate for over 26 years with extensive experience in all form and types of real estate sales, real estate training and consulting, vacation rental management, property management, and seminar speaker and panelist.  He has earned the following professional designations, Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager, Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer Representative, Accredited Buyer Representative Manager, Recreational and Resort Specialist, Resort Rating Specialist, e-Pro, and REALTOR.  He graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1997 with a double major in Marketing and Management.  Century 21 Action, Inc. has been a multi-year Quality Service Award winning office.

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