Michelle Porter's Blog Posts

How to Navigate High Mortgage Interest Rates

FINANCE, HOMEBUYERS, MORTGAGE INTEREST RATESHow to Navigate High Mortgage Interest RatesMortgage interest rates are hovering at the highest levels in over 23 years, causing mortgage demand to

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Local Weekend Guide

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, and sometimes:-),&

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All About ADUs, Granny Flats and Rental Income

HOMEOWNERS, TRENDS, HOME VALUES, HOMEBUYERS, RENTSAll About ADUs, Granny Flats and Rental IncomeHomeowners who want to add more value to their properties are turning to an evolving trend: building a

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What to Consider When Selling a Home "As Is"

HOMEBUYERS, MARKET CONDITIONS, HOME SELLERSWhat to Consider When Selling a Home “As Is”It’s no secret that homebuyers prefer move-in ready homes that have been repaired and.&

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October 2023 Market Shapshot for the Triad

Embark on an exciting journey through the current state of the Piedmont Triad real estate market with our comprehensive monthly market trends update.Arm yourself with the power of knowledge as we

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Should Sellers Help Buyers With a Mortgage Buydown?

Should Sellers Help Buyers With a Mortgage Buydown?In August 2023, the average 30-year mortgage interest rate hit its highest level since 2000. At 7.48%, they were nearly triple where they

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How to Prepare Your Outdoor Spaces for Fall and Winter

HOMEOWNERS, HOMEBUYERS, HOME SELLERS, LANDSCAPING, CURB APPEAL, PEST PREVENTIONHow to Prepare Your Outdoor Spaces for Fall and WinterFall and winter can be hard on your grass, trees, and flowers, so

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Holiday Event Guide 2023

'Tis the season for joy and merriment! Our holiday event guide is your key to the best festivities in and around Greensboro. Whether you're with friends or family, we've handpicked the top events,

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Should You Buy a Home Before 2024?

HOMEBUYERS, MARKET CONDITIONS, HOME SELLERSShould You Buy a Home Before 2024?In 2022, housing inventory dropped to its lowest since 1999, causing many homebuyers to become discouraged by rapidly

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Stay Informed: New USPS Change of Address Process

USPS Quietly Implements Enhanced Security Measures for Change of Address RequestsPlanning a move can be exciting, but it can also come with its fair share of details to sort out. We want to keep

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Is Solar Worth the Cost?

HOME IMPROVEMENT, HOMEOWNERS, HOMEBUYERS, HOMESELLERS, ENERGY EFFICIENCYIs Solar Worth the Cost?According to Solar-estimate.org, costs can vary depending on the climate where you live, what

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9 Tips to Make Your Home Appear More Expensive

INTERIOR DESIGN, HOMEOWNERS, HOME SELLERS, HOME IMPROVEMENT9 Tips to Make Your Home Appear More ExpensiveInterior designers have great ideas to make your home look more expensive, while real estate

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September 2023 Market Snapshot for the Triad

Embark on an exciting journey through the current state of the Piedmont Triad real estate market with our comprehensive monthly market trends update.Arm yourself with the power of knowledge as we

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Will Your HOA Allow Your Home Business

HOMEOWNERS, HOME BUYERS, HOAS, HOME OFFICESWill Your HOA Allow Your Home BusinessHomeowners’ associations (HOAs) are formed by the owners of units within a community to manage, maintain and

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Spring Forward, Fall Back: Fun Facts and History of Daylight Savings Time

Daylight Savings Time (DST) is a biannual ritual that many of us are familiar with. We adjust our clocks forward in the spring and back in the fall, but have you ever wondered why we do this? In

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What is the One Percent Rule?

HOMEBUYERS, INVESTORS, FINANCEWhat is the One Percent Rule?Who wants to make an investment that doesn’t yield a return? Certainly not real estate investors. They have formulas to assure their

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Choose the Right Size for Your Next Home

HOUSING TRENDS, HOMEBUYERS, SMART HOMESChoose the Right Size for Your Next HomeHomebuyers are feeling the sticker shock of higher prices, but it’s not just inflation. They want bigger homes.

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Avoid These 3 Big Mistakes During the New Home Boom

HOMEBUYERS, BUILDERS, MORTGAGE RATES, INSPECTIONSAvoid These 3 Big Mistakes During the New Home BoomAs housing affordability improves and the shortage in existing homes continues, 

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August 2023 Market Snapshot for the Triad

Embark on an exciting journey through the current state of the Piedmont Triad real estate market with our comprehensive monthly market trends update.Arm yourself with the power of knowledge as we

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3 Bathroom Remodeling Mistakes to Avoid

HOME IMPROVEMENT, HOMEOWNERS, HOMEBUYERS, HOME SELLERS3 Bathroom Remodeling Mistakes to AvoidRemodeling a bathroom is nearly always more expensive than you expect, but costs can really escalate if

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Protect Your Plumbing

HOME IMPROVEMENT, HOMEBUYERS, HOMEOWNERS, HOME MAINTENANCEProtect Your PlumbingIf you haven’t had to hire a plumber lately, you may not know how much it costs to have one come out and fix a

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Luxury Redefined: Exploring Greensboro's Finest $2.49M Traditional Home in Old Irving Park

Experience Luxury Redefined: Watch the Video Tour of 1916 Granville Rd!Before we dive into the details of 1916 Granville Rd, let's take a visual journey through this meticulously maintained

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July 2023 Market Snapshot for the Triad

Embark on an exciting journey through the current state of the Piedmont Triad real estate market with our comprehensive monthly market trends update.Arm yourself with the power of knowledge as we

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Improve Your Debt-to-Credit Ratio

HOMEBUYERS, FINANCE, CREDIT SCORESImprove Your Debt-to-Credit RatioAmong the criteria that lenders use to determine your eligibility for a mortgage loan is your debt-to-credit (DTC) ratio. According

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What's Decreasing Your Home's Value?

HOMEOWNERS, HOME SELLERS, HOME IMPROVEMENT, MARKET CONDITIONS, HOME VALUESWhat’s Decreasing Your Home’s Value?There’s not much you can do about the location of your home, but that

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How Comparables Are Chosen

HOME VALUES, HOMEBUYERS, HOME SELLERS, COMPARABLESHow Comparables Are ChosenWhether you’re selling your home or buying a home, your Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network professional will

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How Do Credit Utilization Ratios Affect Credit Scores?

FINANCE, HOMEBUYING, CREDIT SCORESHow Do Credit Utilization Ratios Affect Credit Scores?Credit scores from FICO and VantageScore, the two most prominent U.S. credit scoring companies, rely

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June 2023 Market Snapshot for the Triad

Embark on an exciting journey through the current state of the Piedmont Triad real estate market with our comprehensive monthly market trends update.Arm yourself with the power of knowledge as we

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What Is An Agrihood?

TRENDS, HOMEBUYING, HOMEOWNERS, GARDENING, OUTDOOR SPACES, NEW HOMESWhat Is An Agrihood?From rooftop gardens to planned community developments, neighborhood farming is having a moment. ,

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The Decline of the Open Kitchen

LUXURY, HOME IMPROVEMENT, INTERIOR DESIGN, HOMEBUILDINGThe Decline of the Open KitchenThe pandemic that began in 2020 was life-changing in all aspects, including home design. As workers stayed home

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May 2023 Market Snapshot for the Triad

Embark on an exciting journey through the current state of the Piedmont Triad real estate market with our comprehensive monthly market trends update.Arm yourself with the power of knowledge as we

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Does Outdoor Improvement Bring Happiness?

HOME IMPROVEMENT, HOME SELLERS, CURB APPEAL, TRANSACTION ADVICEDoes Outdoor Improvement Bring Happiness?Would you be happier if your outdoor space was remodeled with a fireplace, a swimming pool, or

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Should You Move to a Zoom Town?

TRENDS, HOMEBUYERS, HOME SELLERS, LIFESTYLE, LUXURYShould You Move to a Zoom Town?Remote workers are migrating from high-priced cities with few housing choices in search of real estate gold&mdash

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Making Multigenerational Households Happy

HOMEOWNERS, HOMEBUYERS, HOME SELLERS, TRENDS, FINANCEMaking Multigenerational Households HappyBetween 20%-26% of the nation live in multigenerational homes with two or more adult generations or

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April 2023 Market Snapshot for the Triad

Gain valuable insights into the current state of the Piedmont Triad real estate market with our comprehensive monthly market trends update. Equipping yourself with key data, including the average

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Your Guide to Choosing the Perfect Real Estate Agent: 8 Must-Ask Questions

Finding the perfect real estate agent is like finding a trusted partner to guide you through your property journey. Whether you're buying or selling, it's crucial to choose an agent who not only

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Apps That Keep Your Houseplants Alive

HOMEOWNERS, HOMEBUYERS, DECORATING ADVICE, HOME MAINTENANCE, GARDENINGApps That Keep Your Houseplants AliveHouseplants bring earthy beauty to interiors, but they can quickly show signs of decline if

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Why Loan Estimates and Closing Disclosures May Not Match

HOMEBUYERS, FINANCE, MORTGAGEWhy Loan Estimates and Closing Disclosures May Not MatchWhen you apply for a mortgage loan, your lender has three business days to provide you with your loan

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Is Now the Time to Buy a Home?

FINANCE, HOMEBUYING, HOME SELLING, HOME OWNERSHIP, MARKET TRENDSIs Now the Time to Buy a Home?As the spring homebuying season kicks off, you may be ready to buy a home of your own, but continuing

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Small Home Improvements, Big Results

HOME IMPROVEMENT, HOMEBUYERS, HOMEOWNERS, HOME SELLERSSmall Home Improvements, Big ResultsWhether you’re selling your home or wanting to add more decorative flair, consider small improvements

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Who Pays the Closing Costs?

HOMEBUYERS, HOME SELLERS, FINANCE, TRANSACTION ADVICEWho Pays the Closing Costs?Closing costs are fees paid to third parties to finalize a home purchase, explains Fool.com, by both the buyer

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Selling an Out-of-state Home

TRANSACTION ADVICE, HOMEOWNERS, HOME SELLERSSelling an Out-of-state HomeWhether you’re selling an inherited property, a second home, or your own home after moving out of state, handling a long

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February 2023 Market Snapshot for the Triad

Knowing the most important data such as the average sales price, the number of homes sold, and days on market will better prepare you to sell your home.If you're thinking about selling your home, it

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Sellers: Don't Be Surprised by Repairs

HOME IMPROVEMENT, HOMEBUYERS, HOME SELLERSSellers: Don’t Be Surprised by RepairsRepairs or replacements that the homebuyer requires to be completed before closing on the sale of your home can

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How to Avoid Homebuyer's Remorse

HOMEBUYERS, TRANSACTION ADVICE, MARKET CONDITIONSHow to Avoid Homebuyer’s RemorseA recent survey of homebuyers who purchased a home in 2021 and 2022 found that 72% had buyer’s

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January 2023 Market Snapshot for the Triad

Knowing the most important data such as the average sales price, the number of homes sold, and days on market will better prepare you to sell your home.If you're thinking about selling your home, it

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Keep Heating Costs Down This Winter

HOME MAINTENANCE, HOMEOWNERS, HOMEBUYERS, HOME SELLERS, FINANCEKeep Heating Costs Down This WinterIn fall 2022, the National Energy Assistance Directors Association warned that heating

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Advice for First-time Homebuyers

HOMEBUYERS, FINANCE, MORTGAGE INTEREST RATES, BUYING ADVICEAdvice for First-time HomebuyersFirst-time homebuyers are discouraged by high home prices, higher interest rates and continuing inflation.

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How to Care for Your Home's Fixtures

HOMEOWNERS, HOMEBUYERS, HOME SELLERS, HOME MAINTENANCEHow to Care for Your Home’s FixturesIf you’re like many first-time homeowners, you may be watching your pennies by using the same

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Can the Seller Break a Purchase Contract?

HOMEBUYERS, HOME SELLERS, TRANSACTION ADVICECan the Seller Break a Purchase Contract?It’s a common scenario in a hot market – the buyer has their next home within their grasp, but then

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Property Management for Second Homes

LUXURY, HOME MAINTENANCE, SECOND HOMES, HOMEOWNERS, VACATION HOMESProperty Management for Second HomesProperty management and home watch companies offer a wide range of services for second-home

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2022 Annual Market Report for Piedmont Triad Region

2022 Annual Report on the 11-County Piedmont Triad RegionFor Residential Real Estate Activity in the Entire Service Area2022 began where 2021 left off: Mortgage rates werenear historic lows, buyer

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Housing Outlook 2023

TRENDS, HOMEBUYERS, HOME SELLERS, HOMEOWNERS, MORTGAGE INTEREST RATES, FINANCEHousing Outlook 2023What will the new year bring for homebuyers, homeowners and home sellers? Lower or higher home?

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December 2022 Market Snapshot for the Triad

Knowing the most important data such as the average sales price, the number of homes sold, and days on market will better prepare you to sell your home.If you're thinking about selling your home, it

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Should You Try to Time the Housing Market

TRENDS, HOMEBUYERS, HOME SELLERS, MARKET CONDITIONS, MORTGAGE INTEREST RATESShould You Try to Time the Housing MarketIt’s been the year for contradictions in the housing market. Housing sales

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What Does a Cooling Real Estate Market Really Mean

Rates are up and prices are dropping, but is this shifting market really cooling down or leveling off? In the latest “Responding to Today” series with @WSJ, Berkshire Hathaway

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Painting Kitchen and Bath Cabinets

HOME IMPROVEMENT, HOMEBUYERS, HOMEOWNERS, HOME SELLERS, DIY, INTERIOR DESIGNPainting Kitchen and Bath CabinetsPainting kitchen and bath cabinets a fresh, new color can give your home the much-needed

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Inheriting a Home with Siblings

HOMEOWNERS, HOMEBUYERS, HOME SELLERS, MAINTENANCEInheriting a Home with SiblingsYou and your siblings are notified by the executor of an estate that you’ve jointly inherited a house. According

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Get Ready to Buy a Home in 2023

HOMEOWNERS, HOME BUYERS, DIY, TRENDSGet Ready to Buy a Home in 2023Inflation, home prices and interest rates were higher in 2022 than they’ve been in years, but if you’re planning to

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Don't Trust Credit Reporting Agencies

FINANCE, HOMEBUYERS, TRANSACTION ADVICE, MORTGAGE LOANSDon’t Trust Credit Reporting AgenciesWhen you apply for a mortgage loan, or any credit, the lender relies on information that is supplied

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November 2022 Market Snapshot for the Triad

If you're thinking about selling your home, it's important to have a good understanding of what's going on in the Piedmont Triad real estate market.Knowing the most important data such as the

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Housing Sales Soften While Prices Escalate

MARKET CONDITIONS, HOMEBUYERS, HOME SELLERS, MORTGAGE INTEREST RATES, TRENDSHousing Sales Soften While Prices EscalateThis summer has been tumultuous for homebuyers and home sellers as they

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Guidelines for Safe, Clean Remodeling

HOME IMPROVEMENT, HOMEOWNERS, HOME SELLERS, HOMEBUYERS, SAFETYGuidelines for Safe, Clean RemodelingAs much as you’d like to rely on the professionalism of remodeling contractors (or yourself

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Design-it-yourself Decorative Fabric

HOMEOWNERS, HOME BUYERS, DIY, TRENDSDesign-it-yourself Decorative FabricYou want your home to reflect your personality, and one adventurous way to decorate it is by designing and printing your own

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Design-it-yourself Wallpaper

HOMEOWNERS, HOME BUYERS, TRENDS, INTERIOR DESIGN, DIYDesign-it-yourself WallpaperYour home can reflect your personality and taste in unique ways by designing your own peel-and-stick wallpaper. But

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October 2022 Market Snapshot for the Triad

If you're thinking about selling your home, it's important to have a good understanding of what's going on in the Piedmont Triad real estate market.Knowing the most important data such as the

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Investment Real Estate Percentage Rules

FINANCE, HOME BUYERS, HOMEOWNERS, INVESTORS, RENTALSInvestment Real Estate Percentage RulesHave you ever wondered what the formula is to make money in real estate? Guidelines or rules can help you

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Is Now the Time to Remodel?

HOMEBUYERS, HOMEOWNERS, HOME SELLERS, HOME IMPROVEMENT, LIFESTYLEIs Now the Time to Remodel?With today’s runaway inflation and rising interest rates, it may seem like a good idea to put your

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Buying Lifestyle Real Estate

MOVING, RELOCATION, HOMEBUYERSBuying Lifestyle Real EstateAs you dream about how you’d like to live in your next home, you’re joining a growing cadre of homebuyers who value lifestyle

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How NIMBYism Stunts Housing Growth

TRENDS, HOMEBUYERS, HOMEOWNERSHow NIMBYism Stunts Housing GrowthIn addition to supply chain interruptions, high material costs and labor shortages, badly needed new home construction is also being

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Market Update | Q2 2022

Christy Budnick, CEO, outlines the residential real estate market as it stands in 2022 for the second quarter. The real estate market continues to be characterized by very low inventory levels and

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Homebuyers Catch a Break

HOMEBUYERS, HOME SELLERS, MARKET CONDITIONS, MORTGAGE INTEREST RATES, FINANCE, TRENDSHomebuyers Catch a BreakIf you’ve been discouraged about buying a home because the housing market is too

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Five Ways to Discourage Burglars

HOMEOWNER, HOME IMPROVEMENT, SECURITYFive Ways to Discourage BurglarsThere’s more you can do to discourage burglars than an alarm system when you’re away. Burglars look for easy targets,

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Best Places to Raise a Family

MOVING, RELOCATION, HOMEBUYERSBest Places to Raise a FamilyDid you know that the average American family moves approximately once every five years? According to MoveBuddha.com, about 15.3

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Surprising Features Homebuyers Want in 2022

HOMEBUYERS, HOME SELLERS, HOME IMPROVEMENT, LUXURYSurprising Features Homebuyers Want in 2022Virtual interior designer/home stager Stuccco.com compiled a wish list from numerous online

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Don't Let Them Bug You

HOME IMPROVEMENT, HOMEOWNER, HOME SELLERDon’t Let Them Bug YouAugust is typically the hottest month of the year making it an ideal time to be outside for fresh air and sunshine, but mosquitoes

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About Institutional Homebuyers

MARKET CONDITIONS, HOMEBUYERS, HOME SELLERSAbout Institutional HomebuyersOne reason there’s a shortage of available homes to buy across the U.S. is that corporate investors are snapping up

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Quick Easy Decluttering Guide

HOMEBUYERS, HOME SELLERS, HOME IMPROVEMENT, LUXURYA Quick, Easy Decluttering GuideWith more stuff than you probably need or want, decluttering before a move can seem overwhelming, but you don&rsquo

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July 2022 Market Snapshot for the Triad

If you're thinking about selling your home, it's important to have a good understanding of what's going on in the Piedmont Triad real estate market.Knowing the most important data such as the

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Home Inspections for Co-ops and Condos

HOMEBUYERS, TRANSACTION ADVICE, LUXURYHome Inspections for Co-ops or CondosDo you need a home inspection when you buy a condominium or a co-op? According to BrickUnderground.com, home

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Retro: Not Just Mid-Century Anymore

HOMEOWNERS, HOMEBUYERS, HOME IMPROVEMENT, INTERIOR DESIGNRetro: Not Just Mid-century AnymoreAccording to EyeonHousing.com, half of owner-occupied homes were built before 1980. That could

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June 2022 Market Shapshot for the Triad

If you're thinking about selling your home, it's important to have a good understanding of what's going on in the Piedmont Triad real estate market.Knowing the most important data such as the

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Success Strategies for 2022 Homebuyers

HOMEBUYERS, HOME SELLERS, MARKET CONDITIONS, INTEREST RATESSuccess Strategies for 2022 HomebuyersIf you’re a homebuyer without a home to buy, the ongoing housing shortage is making housing to

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How a Real Estate Agent Can Help Before, During & After Your Home Sale

The vast majority of people hire a real estate agent to help them sell their homes. In fact, 92% of homes sold in the U.S.in 2021 were sold using an agent or a broker. Of course, most

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Hit the Deck with Easy Upgrades

HOME IMPROVEMENT, HOMEOWNERS, HOME SELLERSHit the Deck with Easy UpgradesIt’s time for fun in the sun, and not too late to make some improvements to your deck. Before you have family and

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Housing Sales Take a Breath

HOMEBUYING, HOME SELLING, CONTRACTS, MARKET CONDITIONSHousing Sales Take a BreathIf you’ve been anxious about being able to buy a home, you’ll like the latest news in March 2022 from the

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May 2022 Market Snapshot for the Triad

Between August 2020 and August 2021, home prices across the United States and Canada rose to record levels, with the U.S. housing market rising to a record of 19.9% and the Canadian

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Sun-Sational Summer Home Projects

The summer months are the ideal time to take stock of your home and spend some quality time with friends and family. Of course, this also means that now is a great time to begin work on home

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How Will the Russia-Ukraine War Impact U.S. Housing?

HOMEBUYERS, HOME SELLERS, HOMEOWNERS, LUXURYHow Will the Russia-Ukraine War Impact U.S. Housing?As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues, the real estate industry in the U.S. is beginning to

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Stand-Alone Home Living vs. Condo Living: Which Is For You?

The reasons why people move are endless. It could be for a new job, school, or the desire to finally pursue your lifelong dream of moving to California. Some people also move for lifestyle reasons.

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April 2022 Market Snapshot for the Triad

If you're thinking about selling your home, it's important to have a good understanding of what's going on in the Piedmont Triad real estate market.Knowing the most important data such as the

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Tips for Simultaneously Buying and Selling a Home

Buying a home and selling a home can be two of the most stressful — and expensive — life events. And, they often happen simultaneously! If you’re looking to buy a home while also

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7 Things Every Buyer Should Know in This Market

The real estate market is on fire right now. More than 80% of Americans ages 18–34 said now was a bad time to buy a home, and the median home-sale price reached a record high of;$

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Outdoor Projects That May Increase Your Home’s Value

Although the square footage of your home does not include your backyard, there’s no reason you can’t expand your living space, turning your outdoor space into an extension of your home.

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Five Home Décor Trends for 2022

Five Home Décor Trends for 2022The way Americans use their homes has changed since the advent of the pandemic and has encouraged interior design trends for 2022.  These ideas are so,

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Set the Mood with Lighting

Set the Mood with LightingEvery space in your home has multiple functions requiring different lighting.  Even within the same room, you’ll need multiple light sources to set the right

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House Flipping 101

House Flipping 101Home improvement television makes flipping homes look so easy anyone can do it. But the reality is much different. You can make a lot of money or lose money to problems that slow

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Enter the Pawfect Home Sweepstakes

Enter the Pawfect Home Sweepstakes!Have you ever looked at your pet - your adorable, loyal, put-a-smile-on-your-face, there-for-you-always pet - and just thought, ‘What can I possibly do

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March 2022 Market Snapshot for the Triad

If you're thinking about selling your home, it's important to have a good understanding of what's going on in the Piedmont Triad real estate market.Knowing the most important data such as the

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How A Real Estate Agency Works

Real estate professionals are licensed by regulators in the state where they practice. A candidate must be sponsored by a licensed real estate broker, take state-approved training, pass the

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About Earnest Money Deposits

When a buyer and seller agree on a purchase price and terms, the buyer shows the seller a sign of good faith in the form of earnest money. This money, typically 1% to 3% of the sales price or

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Reasons You May Want to Wait to Sell

It’s no secret that the real estate market is going a mile a minute right now. Homes are still selling fast and way over the asking price. Of course, this sounds like an ideal time for someone

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7 Things Every Seller Should Know in this Market

The real estate market has been red hot for more than a year, pushing prices up in most neighborhoods. The high prices come with pros and cons, though. While it feels like a great time to sell a

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Top 3 Spring Cleaning Projects to Prepare Your Home for Sale

A thorough spring cleaning is a perfect way to prepare your home for sale. Staying on top of your cleaning projects in advance of listing your home can help eliminate extra hassle and stress. Spring

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February 2022 Market Snapshot for the Triad

If you're thinking about selling your home, it's important to have a good understanding of what's going on in the Piedmont Triad real estate market.Knowing the most important data such as

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5 Common Mistakes Home Sellers Make

Just because it’s a strong seller’s market does not mean you can throw your home up on the market willy-nilly, for whatever price your heart desires, ignoring all of the best home

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Is It Time to Sell Your Home? Here Are The Signs It Might Be

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard about the seller’s market currently taking place around the globe. Seeing what homes are selling for in your

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What Buyers Are Looking For In 2022

Selling your home in 2022 is an excellent idea as property values are expected to continue to increase after a record 2021. If you’ve been thinking to yourself, “I should sell

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HSA Home Warranty

Making a real estate purchase is certainly a huge step. We know that it is often the largest investment you will make, and you certainly will take steps to protect that investment. A great way to

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The Key to Buying a Home This Year

The Key to Buying a Home This Year: Questions to Ask Your Real Estate AgentIf you are thinking of purchasing a home this year, you are not alone. In today’s competitive market, when it comes

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2021 Annual Market Snapshot for the Triad

2021 was quite the year! Between August 2020 and August 2021, home prices across the United States and Canada rose to record levels, with the U.S. housing market rising to a record of 19%&

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December 2021 Market Snapshot for the Triad

If you're thinking about selling your home, it's important to have a good understanding of what's going on in the Piedmont Triad real estate market.Knowing the most important data such as

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Paint Trends for 2022

Paint does more than coat the walls of a room. The color you choose can showcase personality, evoke emotion, and even make a space look bigger!That is why once yearly, all the big paint and

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A Local's Guide to Greensboro Season 2

We are proud to share our latest Local's Guide video in partnership with Our State magazine. We hope you will enjoy our guide to Greensboro. There's something for everyone in The Gate City! In

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November 2021 Market Snapshot for the Triad

If you're thinking about selling your home, it's important to have a good understanding of what's going on in the Piedmont Triad real estate market.Knowing the most important data such as

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2021 Holiday Event Guide

Your Holiday Event GuideIf you're looking for fun, entertaining and holiday-esque things to do in the Greensboro, NC area, you've come to the right place. Our Holiday Guide is packed with a variety

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Meet Buyer Deborah

Meet DeborahDeborah had dreamed of buying new construction and decided to call me to help her sell her current home so that she could buy new construction. I met with her to discuss the selling of

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October 2021 Market Snapshot for the Triad

If you're thinking about selling your home, it's important to have a good understanding of what's going on in the Piedmont Triad real estate market.Knowing the most important data such as the

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Why People Sell Homes

4 Most Commons Reasons Why People Sell Their HomePeople sell homes for a huge range of reasons...The reason that you want to sell your home could influence the approach you take to selling. For

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I Want To Sell My Home Before 2022. Where Do I Start?

With only a few months left in the year, there is no better time than now to meet a few of your 2021 goals before 2022 begins.If one of them includes selling your home, then you’ve come to the

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September 2021 Market Snapshot for the Triad

If you're thinking about selling your home, it's important to have a good understanding of what's going on in the Piedmont Triad real estate market. Knowing the most important data such as the

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Exploring the Luxury Landscape

ICYMI: Exploring the Luxury LandscapeJoin industry experts to discuss the state of the housing market and wealth trends around the world! Guests included: Bob Denison, President and,

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August 2021 Market Snapshot for the Triad

If you're thinking about selling your home, it's important to have a good understanding of what's going on in the Piedmont Triad real estate market. Knowing the most important data such as the

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July 2021 Market Snapshot for Greensboro

Stay up to date with the latest trends in the Greensboro, North Carolina Real Estate Market with Top Realtor Michelle Porter. July 2021The White House recently announced additional measures to

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Meet Buyers Jay and Dawn

Meet Jay & DawnJay and Dawn decided to relocate from the Chicago area to the Triad NC area for a job transfer. They were referred to us by a third party relocation company because of our

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Meet Buyers Giuseppe and Marilia

Meet Giuseppe & MariliaGiuseppe and Marilia decided to move back to the Triad area when they received a new job opportunity. They needed to sell their home in Colorado and Marilia would be

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Features That Buyers Are Looking For Right Now

If you’re selling your home soon, you probably know how important it is that your home is in tip-top shape. Before you pull up easy Pinterest DIY projects that make your home look trendy,

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5 Blogs to Read Before You List Your Home

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

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6 Surprising Realities About the Real Estate Market Right Now

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

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4 Landscaping Improvements That Make a Huge Difference

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

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The Secret Costs of Selling Your Triad Home to an iBuyer

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

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Worried About Home Buyer’s Remorse? These 5 Tips Will Help Avoid Regret

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

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Who You Work With Matters: Top 5 Concerns About Real Estate Agents

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

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Meet Buyers Scott and Heather

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

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Selling This Summer: The 4 Quickest Storage Solutions

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.

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Do Sellers Have to Make Repairs

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

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The Best of Grey Oaks

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,

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Buying or Selling Your Greensboro Home By the End of 2021? Here’s What You Should Do Now

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

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10 Creative Ways to Get Your Offer Accepted

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

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Five Ways to Prevent Weeds

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

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2021 Paint Trends and How to Create Them

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.

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2021 Design Trends to Help Your Home Sell

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

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7 Real-Life Renovations That Prove You Shouldn’t Overlook Fixer-Uppers

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

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Should You Hire a Real Estate Agent When Homes are Selling So Fast?

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

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15 Questions You Should Ask Your Agent Before You Hire Them

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

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What Do You Do When You Can’t Find a New Home?

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

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Unique Ideas for Celebrating Valentine's Day at Home

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

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8 Resolutions to Make If You’re Selling Your Home in 2021

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

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Home Office Guide

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

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Predictions: What to Expect in the 2021 Real Estate Market

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.

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10 Day Declutter Challenge

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

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Meet Buyers Eric and Lindsay

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

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The Emotional Side of Selling a Home

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

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How to Sell Your Home During the Winter Season

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

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How To Guide: Sell Your Home & Buy a New One at the Same Time

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

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The Difference Between Hiring a Buyer’s Agent to Sell Your Home vs an Expert Listing Agent

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

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Fall Movie Night at Home

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

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14 Easy (and Affordable) Home Upgrades You Can Do Before the Holidays

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

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Pros & Cons of Listing Your Home in the Winter

“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

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Meet Buyers Chris and Nicole

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

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9 Step Guide to FSBO

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.

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Meet Buyers Grant and Sarah

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

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Meet Buyers Jordan and Amy

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

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2020 Buyer Trends

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

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Home Staging 101

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.

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5 “Emergencies” That Are Actually Normal When Selling 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

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What You Need to Know About Those Online Home Value Estimates

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.”

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Meet Buyers Jim and Jennifer

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

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5 Things Every First-Time Seller Should Know

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

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Low Inventory Might Help You Sell Your Home During COVID

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

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Here’s What Every Seller Needs to Know About Virtual Showings

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

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Meet Buyers Ron and Barb

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

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Meet Buyers Mitchell and Courtney

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.

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10 Things To Do While You’re Social Distancing

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

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3 Ways Low Mortgage Rates Impact The Value of Your Home

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

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4 Must Have Local Apps

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

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Is Selling Your Home Right Now A Mistake?

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 

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How Proximity Affects Your Home Value

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

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Ronnie's Selling Experience

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

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The Best Places To See The Holiday Lights in the Triad

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

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How a Millennial First-Time Homebuyer Made $100K On His First Home In Just 3 Years

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

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The Right (And Wrong) Way To Host & Attend Open Houses

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

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How Long You Should Live In Your Home Before You Sell It

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

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The Emotional Side of Home Selling

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

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7 NFL Player Homes You Have to See to Believe

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

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5 Things You’ll Wish You Knew Before Buying Your First Home

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

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Meet Buyer Kathy

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

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The Reserve & Shine Shop Automotive: Why We ❤ Them

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

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Meet Aaron & Rachel

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

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19 Summer Projects To Increase Your Home’s Value

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

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Top 10 Firework Displays in the United States

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

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Is Buying A Home Right Now A Mistake?

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

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12 Thoughtful Father’s Day Gifts That Aren’t Ties

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

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10 Unexpected Cities a $60K Salary Can Grant a Sweet Home

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

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5 Tips for Downsizing and Decluttering

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

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Meet Hal & Karen

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

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Meet Buyer Katina

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

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The Hidden Costs Of Selling Your Home The Silicon Valley Way

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

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Meet Kurt & Hillary

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

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Pethel Designs: Why We ❤ Them

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

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3 Easy Updates Potential Buyers Will Love

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

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Title Boxing Club: Why We ❤ Them

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

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7 Easy Upgrades to Transform Your Kitchen

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

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How to Find the Right Neighborhood For 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

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5 Ways To Spread Holiday Cheer To Your Neighbors

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

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9 DIY Tips for Your Kids' Room this Winter Break

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

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Meet Buyers Jeff & Julie

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

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Meet Sellers Chris & Wendy

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

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4 Compelling Reasons to Buy a Home in Winter

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

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Careful With The China: Why We ❤ Them

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

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9 DIY Fixes to Elevate Your Home

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

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The 5 Home Renovation Projects with the Highest ROI

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

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Finding the Perfect Neighborhood

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

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Meet Sellers Jamie & Gleyenna

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

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5 Ways to Prep Your Home for the Holidays

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

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5 Storm Prep Hacks

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

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How to Prepare Your Home for a New Pet

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

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3 Ways to Save $100K on Your Next Home

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

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Meet Buyers Gene & Libby!

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

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Halloween Staging Tips

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

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5 Steps Smart Sellers Take to Generate Multiple Offers

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,

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5 Home Essentials Worth Upgrading This Black Friday

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%

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5 Secret Sources of Down Payment Money

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

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6 Signs A Home Might Be "The One"

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

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