For Buyers

Local Market Trends: June 2020

July 20, 2020 By Annie Meadows

The Triangle MLS has just released last month’s market update. Click here to watch a brief video for a snapshot of our local market stats.

May 2020 – June 2020 Recap

Median Sales Up .6% May and June 2020
Days on Market Up 3.8% and Inventory Down 12%
Closed Sales Up 31%, Under Contract Sales 2.8%, and New Listings Up 2%.

June 2019 vs June 2020

Showings were up 0%, inventory down was down 36.1%, and listings were also down 2.8%. Pending Sales were up 12%, Closed Sales were up 31%, and Overall Average Sales were up 3%. What does this mean for you? If you’re considering a sale this year, the market could not be hotter! If you’re ready to buy, you’ll need strong representation in your corner and I’m up to the task!

Watch to see more trends in the local real estate market for the Greater Triangle Region during the month of June 2020…

For more information about Triangle MLS, or for previous Market Trends, visit here.

Whether you are looking to buy or sell your home I am here to help. If you are looking for investment properties, I can help you with that too! Give me a call today at 919-961-3277. Or, send me over an email to Annie@HudsonResidential.com.

Recent Buyer and Seller Transactions as We Head Into Summer

June 3, 2020 By Annie Meadows

Buying and Selling in Downtown Raleigh

I recently had the pleasure of working with this awesome couple and their sweet daughter to sell their all-brick ranch near Downtown Raleigh. 1308 E. Lane Street is under contract as of May 29, 2020.

1308 E. Lane Street sits on a spacious, secluded lot and was completely remodeled just last year. Tasteful touches inside and out blend with a seamless floorplan to give a perfect mixture of comfort and security. I knew this property would not be on the market long which made me so excited when we found their new home on E. Davie Street in Raleigh.

This wonderful brick ranch home with a full basement is perfect for their family. The living room, family room, sunroom, dining room, and kitchen all have great natural light and there is so much potential with the basement level. I know they are going to love the huge fenced back yard and two-car garage. Plus, they are directly across the street from Roberts Park yet still convenient to Downtown Raleigh.

Congratulations, Courtney, Cody, and Charlie. It has been a pleasure working with you!

Recent Buyer Transaction: 2456 Milburnie Road, Raleigh

Timeless brick ranches have long been a buyer favorite due to their low maintenance upkeep and as you can see from their latest closings, they’re still a popular choice today. I also want to congratulate one of our recent buyers on their new home that is currently under contract in the rapidly growing Longview Park. It is just a quick bike ride or drive into Downtown Raleigh. There were lots of interior and exterior updates including new appliances, lighting, plumbing fixtures, hardwoods, and more. This is a great home and I am so excited for my client.

Ready to Find Your Downtown Raleigh Home?

Looking to move into the city? Prefer something “outside the beltline”? No matter what your price range is or what area you are looking to move to, I am here to help. Give me a call at 919-961-3277.

Recent Buyer Transaction: 1105 Hickory Pond Court

May 18, 2020 By Annie Meadows

Though we are living in a crazy time right now, I am excited to say that things are still moving in the real estate world and it is a great time to buy or sell a house. My teammate, Ryan Boone, tackles all the ways you can keep your home search going during the coronavirus shutdown in his most recent blog post.

I would also like to take a moment to congratulate one of our recent buyers on their new home that is currently under contract in North Raleigh! No matter what your price range is or what area you are looking to move to, I am here to help. Give me a call at 919-961-3277.

1105 Hickory Pond Court

This beautiful home is located in a highly desired North Raleigh location and has been very well maintained. It features an open floor plan, wood floors, first-floor master, and a large bonus room. Updates include a new roof (2020), tankless water heater, granite countertops throughout the kitchen and bathrooms, and a chef’s sink.

The location provides easy access to major highways, Crabtree Valley Mall, and Greystone Village. I can’t wait to see how they make this house their home.

What to Do If the Appraisal Comes in Low: For Buyers and Sellers

May 5, 2020 By Annie Meadows

I know how nerve-wracking it can be to wait for an appraisal when you are selling your home. I also know that if your appraisal comes in low, it may feel like the end of a sale or a canceled deal, however, this is not the case. It may mean you have to renegotiate or change some things but I have a few tips that will help!

What is an Appraisal?

First things first, let’s talk about what an appraisal is. An appraisal is a professional report that helps gauge a home’s value. The most common time for an appraisal is when you are selling your home but a homeowner can request one at any time. If the person buying your home is financing the purchase, their lender orders an appraisal to ensure that the house is worth the amount the bank is agreeing to finance. An appraisal protects the buyer’s lender from offering too much money for a home that is not worth the cost.

Many times, there is a home appraisal contingency that states that if the appraisal comes back low, the buyer has the option to back out of the deal and get their earnest money back.

If the appraisal is greater than the offer, you are in the clear. If the appraisal is lower than the offer, buyers and sellers will have to come to a mutually beneficial solution.

What Can You Do as the Seller After You Receive a Low Appraisal?

Ask for a copy of the appraisal.
Offer the seller financing.
Ask the buyer to challenge the appraisal.
Renegotiate the sale price with the buyer.
Cancel the sale and relist your home.

What Can You Do as the Buyer After a Low Appraisal Comes In?

Make up the difference in cash.
Shift some down payment to make up the difference.
Appeal the appraisal.
Cancel the contract.

What Home Appraisers Look for and How to Prevent a Low Appraisal

An appraiser is there to determine the condition of the home and its value. Here are a few things they are looking for when they come to the home:

What is the age or condition of the home?
What is the square footage?
Are there upgrades or improvements?
Are repairs needed?
Is there up-to-date insulation, etc.?
Are there energy-efficient windows or other construction details?
What is the lot size?
What is the location of the home including the school district, nearby amenities, etc.?

It is a good idea to prepare your home for an appraisal. If you have done any major improvements on your home or renovated, have the receipts ready to give to the appraiser. Make sure you have cleaned up. You have probably already done this before you listed your home but it is important that your house looks tidy and well-maintained. In addition to cleaning, make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning.

Source: Zillow

I’m Here to Help

Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home, the appraisal is just one of the building blocks in a complicated but exciting process. One of the benefits of working with a real estate agent you can trust, is they will help you price your home appropriately which helps with the appraisal.

I would love to answer questions that you have, give me a call at 919-961-3277 or email me at Annie@HudsonResidential.com.

Under Contract: 1308 E. Lane Street – Raleigh, NC 27610

May 1, 2020 By Annie Meadows

May 29, 2020 Update: We’re pleased to be under contract for our sellers of this property!

If you’ve been searching for that rare, all-brick ranch near Downtown Raleigh that has been beautifully updated, I’ve got just the place for you!

Now Showing: 1308 E. Lane Street - Raleigh, NC 27610

Inside, enjoy a remarkable master suite, nicely appointed bathrooms with stylish tile work, and a kitchen that is made for entertaining.

Outside, take in the downtown views and kick back to relax in the backyard on the custom-built patio!

More Listing Details

Lot Size: 0.220 Acres
Sq. Ft.: 1,804
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
HOA Dues: None!

Are you ready to enjoy all of the amenities that downtown living has to offer? I can’t wait to show you this gorgeous home and don’t forget, you don’t have to stop your home search during the coronavirus outbreak. We have lots of options for “contactless showings” these days!

Give me a call at 919-961-3277 or email me at Annie@HudsonResidential.com to schedule a showing.

Take a Virtual Tour

Virtual Tour

Recent Buyer Transaction: 405 Rosehaven Drive

April 14, 2020 By Annie Meadows

Though we are living in a crazy time right now, I am excited to say that things are still moving in the real estate world and it is a great time to buy or sell a house.

Interest rates are some of the lowest we have ever seen. The Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rates to nearly zero, which could potentially lead to even lower interest rates on mortgages.

My teammate, Ryan Boone, tackles all the ways you can keep your home search going during the coronavirus shutdown in his most recent blog post.

I would also like to take a moment to congratulate one of our recent buyers on their new home in North Raleigh! No matter what your price range is or what area you are looking to move to, I am here to help. Give me a call at 919-961-3277.

Catherine and Steven

Catherine and Steven are newlyweds and purchasing their first home. They were out of town when we first found the home so I showed them the house on FaceTime and they knew they wanted to make an offer right away. They were so much fun to work with. There is a storm drain on the property that we had to figure out and since Catherine is a brilliant attorney for the City of Raleigh we were able to learn so very much about storm drains. They are an amazing couple and this is the perfect house for them. Congratulations, Catherine and Steven!

A Little About the Home

405 Rosehaven Drive is located in North Raleigh. There are three bedrooms and three bathrooms. In the photo above, you can see Catherine and Steven standing in their awesome backyard that is perfect for relaxing, and once all the restrictions are lifted, entertaining. I can’t wait to see how they make this house their home.

Recent Buyer Transactions in March

March 20, 2020 By Annie Meadows

I would like to congratulate two of our recent buyers on their new homes in Raleigh! No matter what your price range is or what area you are looking to move to, I am here to help. If you are interested in seeing something like one of the two properties below, or something completely different, give me a call at 919-961-3277.

Even with social distancing due to COVID-19, I can take you on a virtual tour, send photos, or find the best way that works for you to find your dream home during this difficult time.

Under Contract: 405 Rosehaven Drive, Raleigh

We were able to scoop up this gorgeous home before it ever went on the market and my clients are so excited! With the terrific location, just around the corner from North Hills, I am thrilled that we were able to put it under contract before it hit the MLS. Three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a fenced-in backyard, and so much more!

Does this area sound appealing to you? Contact me today at 919-961-3288 to start your home search in Midtown Raleigh.

Closed: 9200 Dawnshire Road, Raleigh

When I saw this home, I knew it would be perfect for my client. Learn a little more about the property…

Living is easy in this Pottery Barn-style home that is the perfect setting for relaxing and entertaining. The open concept, spacious layout encompasses a huge living area complete with gleaming hardwood floors, a cozy fireplace, and a well-equipped kit designed for convenience. With four bedrooms and three bathrooms, there is room for the whole family.

Offering an abundance of natural light throughout, a charming door leads to the backyard oasis including a stone patio, large deck ready for a grill and a fenced-in yard.

I am always on the lookout for new properties coming available in the Triangle and beyond. Just let me know what area you are interested in and I can start sending you listings today!

Dog Owners: What to Look for When You Are Buying a House

February 13, 2020 By Annie Meadows

Planning to purchase a new home? Your checklist may include an open floor plan, updated kitchen, and a walk-in closet but what is on your dog’s checklist? If you are house-hunting with a four-legged friend or two, here are a few things to look for…

Walkability. Being able to take your dogs on relaxing walks is very important. You may want to look for neighborhoods that have sidewalks or wooded areas. Bonus: Neighborhoods that provide doggy pick-up bags and trash cans.
Backyard potential. Having a nice size yard is great, having a fenced-in yard is even better. Look for homes that already have a fence or that have room to fence.
Possibility of a doggy door. Once you have a fenced-in backyard, having a doggy door can make things even easier on you and your pooch.
Communities with dog parks or runs. Take a drive around the house and look to see if there are any nearby dog parks that allow dogs to play off-leash. It is literally dog heaven!
Backyard pools. Have a pup that loves to swim? I would love to find you a home with your own backyard pool for you and your dog to enjoy.
No stairs for older pups. If you have an older dog or one who is not good with steps, I recommend looking at ranch-style houses.
Near a doggy daycare. Like the dog parks, it is a great idea to pick a house that is near a doggy daycare. If you are at work a lot or out of town often, it can be a great way for your puppy to get some more love. Just drop them off for a play date on your way to work and pick them up on the way home.
Little to no mud in the backyard. A big backyard is nice but not when it is covered with mud!
Proximity to an animal clinic. It’s important to take your dog in for regular visits and it can seem like less of a hassle when the office is nearby.
Close distance to a 24-hour emergency animal hospital. We all take good care of our pets but accidents happen. If your sweet girl or boy has an accident, you want to be able to get them to help right away.
Large shower. This is something you may not think about, but having a walk-in shower with a detachable sprayer can make bathtime much easier for everyone.

Ready to find a home that is perfect for you and your fur baby? Call me today at 919-961-3277.