Michelle Porter's Blog Posts

Your Local Weekend GuideIf you're looking for fun, entertaining and educational things to do in the Greensboro, NC area, you've come to the right place. Our Weekend Guide is packed with a variety of

If you're like us you do a bit of research before making a big decision. If you're considering selling your home you'll find thousands of blogs online from home improvements you can make to

Think back. Way, way, back to March, when we were all just learning about COVID...Every hour, there was a new update about the virus, a new round of stay home orders, and lots of predictions about

Landscaping is one of the most commonly put-off projects for potential sellers. While a put-together yard does wonders to enhance the curb appeal of your home (and can boost the value of said

A slew of real estate websites promise instant cash offers for homes, but sellers may not come out on top.If you’ve been thinking about selling your home, you’ve probably come across a

Set and stick to concrete limits when it comes to budgetDon't bid on a home you don’t want just to beat out the competition. Consider your priorities and what matters most. Once you've set

An industry that is millions of real estate agents strong comes with its own set of compliments and complaints! In fact, as of October 2020, there were 1,451,031 members of the National

Meet Scott & HeatherScott and Heather were ready for a change of scenery and wanted to find a new move up home in the Triad, but they would have to sell their current home first in Greensboro in

If you’ve been thinking about selling, it may be time to speed up that decision. Low inventory and low mortgage rates are still creating the conditions for a seller’s market this season.

Typically, buyers include a home inspection contingency in their purchase offer that allows them to ask the sellers for repairs and get out of the contract if the seller refuses. This contingency is

The Best of Grey Oaks!Welcome to Grey Oaks! Exceptional custom home built by current owner in Irving Park with desirable custom features including 10' ceilings on the main level, 9' ceilings,

Here’s the month-by-month breakdown of what you can expect if you’re buying or selling by the end of the year. Whether 2020 put off your plans to sell your home or enter the market

Over the past year, the real estate market has been so hot that it’s not unusual for homes to go off-market in days. (The lack of inventory is to blame.) When even homes that need serious work

According to Gilmour.com, weeds “compete with grass and garden plants for space, light, water and soil nutrients.” They germinate quickly and can carry diseases and insects that hurt

Picking out paint colors is probably one of the most fun yet crucial parts of decorating your space. The colors you choose will set the tone for the entire look and feel you’re going for.

Home design has become the trend to watch as life at home became so in-focus last year. Each year new design trends find their way into magazines, TV shows, home decor stores, and lastly, homes, and

Don’t overlook that fixer-upper — these makeovers prove you can turn any property into a gem.When you’re looking to buy a home in a heated market with low inventory, you often have

The real estate market is still on fire! This has many potential sellers asking themselves if listing their home with a real estate agent is necessary or not, especially when homes are selling so

Finding the right real estate agent to sell your home isn't always easy, and you deserve an excellent Realtor. These 15 questions will help you understand if you've found them.1. Do you have

Being in-between homes is more common than you think — and we have a plan if it happens to you.At first, it sounds like a problem any seller would love: Your home sold after only days on the

If last year has taught us anything, it is to appreciate all the little moments and to hold your loved ones a little tighter when you can.That’s why we want to encourage you to celebrate

2020 was a year where you might have put off your goal of selling your home.Or, it might have been the year to convince you to sell your home — buyers came out in full force for a real estate

Your home is your sanctuary, your bubble, and so much more, but now it's also your office...As the global pandemic continues to shape the new normal, there's one thing that we're beginning to

At this time last year, experts were predicting the 2020 housing market would see relatively flat home price growth, tight inventory for first-time buyers, and an increase in mortgage.

We're all spending more time inside these days...If you’re like us the words “spring” and “cleaning” in the same sentence usually make us turn the other way, but in an

Meet Eric & LindsayEric and Lindsay were referred to us by a third party relocation company. They sold their home in Minnesota and were moving to North Carolina for a job transfer, so needed to

We get it. The decision to sell your home, especially during this time of year, isn’t an easy one. In fact, research has ranked selling a home as second to relationship breakups for the most

It’s the most wonderful time of the year... to sell?Snow and icy roads galore are almost upon us but winter may still be a great time to sell your home - especially if you're ready to get

Unless you’re moving from a rental, a family member’s home, or a property you intend to rent out (or use as a second home), you’re likely in a position where you have to sell your

So you've decided to sell your home... Now it’s time to find a real estate agent.While you’re researching prospective real estate agents to interview, you’ll often come across two

The air is crisp, the leaves are turning, and pumpkin spice is back - it's time for a cozy fall movie night at home...Things look different this year but that doesn't mean that we can't embrace the

We all know the feeling of looking around the house and wanting to make a few changes...As this year begins to wrap up and with the holidays right around the corner you may be wanting to upgrade a

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” to sell?Despite homes being covered in snow and icy roads galore, winter is a great time to sell your home! Or is it? Just like with any

Meet Chris & NicoleChris and Nicole came to us through a third party relocation company. We have strong relationships with all the major relocation company networks nationwide. Chris would be

Selling your home is a huge decision. After quite a bit of research on local realtors in your area and how long the selling process you may feel that it’s better to sell your home yourself.

Meet Grant & SarahWe met Grant and Sarah initially through Sarah's mother, Kathy, who we helped find a home in Winston-Salem this past year. You can read Kathy's Story here. Grant and

Meet Jordan & AmyJordan and Amy were living in Portland, Oregon when Jordan received an job offer to relocate to North Carolina. One of their main attractions to our area was the low cost of

Another year has come and gone, and with a new year comes new goals. Whether you've decided this is the year you're going to sell your home or if you're just considering it, you need to know which

Have you ever watched HGTV and wondered how every home always looks perfectly put together? The answer to this is staging. Home staging goes beyond just cleaning and decorating your home.

If there’s a mantra every first-time seller should memorize, it’s this: Expect the unexpected. While your realtor is going to educate you about the process of selling your home and share

It’s something every homeowner does when they decide to sell: Obsessively check the estimated home value of their property on the websites of the big real estate “brands.”

Meet Jim & JenniferJim and Jennifer were referred to us by a past client. They are professionals from DC who wanted to relocate to the NW Greensboro area for their jobs. The Virtual

First-Time Seller “Setbacks” (and How To Prepare For Them Now)Think back to when you bought your current home: There were things that happened during the transaction that sent you into a

Selling Your Home During COVID? You Might Have an Edge...Less is more when it comes to successfully selling your home during the COVID pandemic. That’s because if you’re still going

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought social distancing rules that have changed everything from your shopping habits to your work schedule to your social life. But if you’re in the midst of

Meet Rob & BarbWe met Ron and Barb through a past client who referred them to us. They wanted to relocate to our area to be closer to family, and would be selling their home and downsizing as

Meet Mitchell & CourtneyMitchell and Courtney were first time home buyers referred to us from a real estate agent outside our area. Courtney works in Winston-Salem and Mitchell works in Durham.

As concerts get postponed, sporting events get canceled, schools close and tourist hot spots shut down, you may be feeling a tad bit stir crazy at home. What's there to do while stuck indoors? We've

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an effect on everything...From travel to toilet paper stock at your local grocery store. However, there’s another effect you might want to keep an eye on if you

We Make Navigating Greensboro EasierThinking about Selling? Some Things are Best Done by an.

Ask any real estate agent how the market is and you’re almost sure to get the same answer: “Great!”Even if the market is great, it still may not be a great time for you 

Location, location, location.You’ve definitely heard how important this is in real estate — and that's because it's true! Location is a crucial factor when it comes to the value of your

Selling an Investment PropertyRonnie came to us with an investment property to sell. He had tenants living there for many years, so wasn't sure of the condition. He lived out-of-state in Florida so

The holidays have arrived in the Triad!Not only do we love this time of year, but we love seeing all of the gorgeous lights and decorations around town. Whether you're just visiting or have lived

In early 2017, millennials surpassed generation x by a measure of the total number of mortgages, and today this coming-of-age group represents half of all new mortgages! Needless to say, a growing

Open houses are a huge part of both the buying and selling process. You might be hesitant to host or attend one because they can be painfully awkward. Walking around your potential new home with a

Whether you just moved in or have lived in your home for 50 years, it's common to wonder how long you should stay in your home before you sell it. According to the National Association of Realtors

The decision to sell your home isn’t an easy one. In fact, research has ranked selling a home as second to relationship breakups for the most stressful experience in a person’s life. The

When you’re an NFL player worth millions of dollars, there’s almost no limit to what kind of home you can own. From lavish architecture to serene infinity pools, these athletes have

We know that the home buying process is daunting, and it might seem like you have a million tasks on your plate. Everyone is giving you advice, but what should you really spend your time worrying

Meet KathyWe started working with Kathy after she just walked into our office one day. She found us online and was impressed after reading our positive client reviews. She had just finalized a

Shine Shop Automotive was established in 1989 by Scott Connor. His passion to perfect automobiles came at an early age working along the side of his father and grandfather.  Since this time

Meet Aaron and RachelAaron and Rachel were referred to us by one of our past clients. They were first time home buyers and did not know anything about the home buying process. We set up a home

Your home is one of your biggest assets — and like most investments, you need to periodically check in to make sure you’re maximizing value. For a house, this means anything from making

There’s no shortage of fun activities to do on July 4th. From neighborhood parades to backyard cookouts with friends and family, Independence Day gives us more fun options than there are hours

When you see all those “for sale” signs pop up in your neighborhood — and then see them change to “under contract” shortly afterward — it’s easy to feel

There’s something about Father’s Day that gives even the most thoughtful among us a case of “gifter’s block.” Perhaps this is why Father’s Day gifts usually

Can America's middle class still afford to buy reasonable homes?Some say that’s the big money question these days. While the economy is strong and wages are rising, these gains are being left

We've all seen or heard about Marie Kondo's KonMarie method about tidying up and decluttering your home (unless you've been living under a rock). Spark a new joy in your life by clearing out the

DownsizingHal and Karen loved their downsized townhome on Tower Rd, but decided they could use more space as their lifestyle needs evolved. Significant updates had been made to this home, and the

Meet KatinaKatina had recently relocated to the Triad and was living in an apartment, but she was hoping to find the perfect townhome to settle into. She knew exactly what she was looking for, and

Getting your home sold in just one day with multiple offers might sound too good to be true, but these days there are many start-ups and tech-backed companies promising to do just that. They

Meet Kurt & HillaryWe started working with Kurt and Hillary in August of 2018 through a personal referral. They have two small children and had been renting for a long time. Last summer

Pethel Designs was started about a year ago by Hunter Pethel as a spin off of Pethel Builders, which he started in the mid 90's. He has extensive building experience, from small rental homes to

Not only is selling your home a daunting task, but preparing your home to sell is a huge undertaking. There are little changes that can make a huge impact on potential buyers, and can even increase

Title Boxing Club of Greensboro was opened by Laura and Mike Ellison in October 2018, after their 16-year-old son was blown away by taking a sample class in Cary, and persuaded them that the

When dreaming of your perfect kitchen, it can be hard to decide what changes need to happen in order to make it the perfect space for you. The kitchen is the most visited space in the house, so you

Let's face it, your neighborhood is just as important as your house. If you are not happy with your neighborhood it will eventually lead to you not being satisfied with your home. Do your research

Being known as the “new kid on the block” in a new area you just moved to can be a pretty scary thought. Meeting and connecting with your new neighbors can help ease your stress and make

Creating the perfect kid's room can be expensive. Why not save money and make your child’s room unique with DIY projects?If your youngster’s room is looking a bit, shall we say &ldquo

When Jeff and Julie found out they were relocating to the Triad for a job transfer, they had very specific requirements for what they wanted in a home, and timing was important.RelocationThe time

Michelle helped Chris and Wendy buy this amazing home 5 years ago. When they unexpectedly received a new job transfer opportunity, they decided to call Michelle for help because of their great

It’s no secret that real estate transactions heat up when the weather is warm. Spring and summer months are typically the busiest months in real estate- it’s more pleasurable to be

Careful With The China was founded in 2011 by Greensboro native's Laura and Jim Melvin. I've known Laura and Jim for a long time and have enjoyed assisting them with their real estate needs

Not everyone has the time to put major work into their home. There  are tons of DIY fixes that you can complete in a weekend if you are  committed to rolling your sleeves up and

We all want the perfect house...And of course, we want it to be comfy, updated and welcoming at all times! Keeping it updated can force us to dip into our savings account and it may seem as though

It's not easy to choose the perfect neighborhood for you or your family. Let's face it, your neighborhood is just as important as your house. If you are not happy with your neighborhood it will

When out-of-state investor's Jamie and Gleyenna learned their tenant would be moving out at the end of the lease, they contacted us about selling this property because of our experience working with

The holidays are right around the corner, which means entertaining is a must. A little interior design will help when hosting your loved ones. Don't prep for your holiday gatherings without reading

While the best idea to stay safe during a major hurricane is evacuation, we've come up with a few helpful "life hacks" to prepare one's home for the impending hurricane.Your washing machine can be

Whether you’re rescuing a dog, bringing home a kitten, buying a fish, or settled on a hamster- there's a lot you can do to prepare yourself and your home for your new pet!Getting a pet is a

Saving $100K on your next home sounds crazy, right? Savings like this can be life-changing and could allow you to do so much more with your future plans. Believe it or not, with knowledge and a few

Gene and Libby made plans over a year ago to move to Greensboro, so that they could live closer to their family in Greensboro. The only thing holding them back was an empty nest -- A home they had

ou need to choose what you are looking for this Halloween season.  Decide what kind of theme you want and stick with it. Do you want to make it kid friendly? (In that case you can bypass dangly

Home sales (and values) have been on a strong uptick nationwide thanks to low interest rates, freer lending standards and a drop in the foreclosure rate. Sellers everywhere are breathing a giant,

Another Black Friday is upon us. If you are like most people, you fall into one of 2 categories: boycott it all together or wonder if you have a problem after buying a foldable beach umbrella for%

Whether you are planning to put down a full 20 percent or pulling together the cash for a 3.5 percent down payment for an FHA loan, your down payment might be the biggest single cash expenditure you

You might have heard that saying about the number of fish there are in the sea – the sea of prospective dates and mates. The same goes for homes on the market.Even when the market heats up as