Linda Craft Team, REALTORS

We have been helping home owners put more money in their pocket for over 30 years! Give us a call if you want to sell your home for top dollar! 919-235-0007 LindaCraft.com #LindaCraftTeam #raleighrealestate #sellinghomes

We don’t think about it very often, but water is essential. We drink it, wash with it, clean with it, use it for all sorts of things. Every city wants their citizens to believe they have “great” water. But is that really true? What is in your water? And whether your water comes from the city or you have your own well, water issues will and often arise. How do we handle them? In this episode of Real Estate Right Now, Vicky Hortman of Aqua Solve NC joins us to talk about that thing we can take for granted…water. I’m fairly sure you will be thirsting for this show. (Pun intended) Watch here: https://lnkd.in/e6EWKdYV #RealEstatePodcast #Raleigh #WaterQuality

A question we get asked from time to time, what are some of the difference if you are purchasing a second home or investment home at the beach. While there are many similarities, there are some differences. There is also the question of how to choose to invest in the property. Will you be living in it? Will you rent it? If so, how do you rent it? What should you know about renting beach property? How do you make sure you have the right tenants? Then there is the issue of the ocean, how does being at the ocean affect the upkeep and maintenance, if any? In this episode of Real Estate Right Now, Senior Listing and Buyers Expert Dwayne Reece with Linda Craft Team, Realtors joins us to talk about is experience and the "ins" and “outs” of purchasing a beach home. Whether you are in the Greater Raleigh Research Triangle Park area of North Carolina or anywhere in the world, they can help you with your home dreams. Contact our friends Linda Craft & Team. Watch here: https://lnkd.in/e7my8Uw6 #RealEstateTips #RaleighHomes #RaleighHousingMarket

Luxury living extends beyond breathtaking views and advanced home tech—it’s about enhancing your lifestyle. If you’re interested in million-dollar properties in the Triangle Area, now is an ideal time to explore the flourishing luxury home market. Here’s why. The Availability of Luxury Homes Is Expanding Luxury homes typically represent the top 5% price range in any region, though this can vary based on location. A recent Redfin report reveals that the value of homes in this category has now surpassed one million dollars: "The median sale price for U.S. luxury homes, defined as the top 5% of listings, rose 9% year-over-year to a record $1.18 million during the second quarter.” Whether your focus is on modern kitchens with premium appliances, exclusive amenities, or enhanced privacy and security, the luxury home market in the Triangle Area has options to fit your lifestyle. Your Luxury Home Is an Investment A luxury home isn’t just a residence; it’s a powerful investment. With rising prices in the luxury home market, many are choosing to invest in high-end real estate in Raleigh. The August Luxury Market Report highlights this trend: "By the end of July, the overall growth in the volume of sales in 2024 stood at 14.82% for single-family homes and 11.35% for attached homes compared to the same period in 2023.” Bottom Line With a wider selection of million-dollar homes and steadily rising prices, the luxury home market offers diverse options and potential for long-term wealth. Interested in exploring premier homes in our area? Contact Linda Craft Team Realtors! https://lnkd.in/ekPJxAyf #LuxuryHomes #RaleighHousingMarket #LuxuryHomesInRaleigh

As we look towards 2025, understanding the predictions for the Triangle Area housing market is crucial, especially if you’re planning to buy or sell a home in Raleigh. Knowing what experts anticipate can significantly influence your decisions regarding homeownership. Mortgage Rates Are Projected To Come Down Slightly Mortgage rates are a pivotal factor in the housing market. According to forecasts from industry leaders like Fannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association, the National Association of Realtors, and Wells Fargo, we can expect a slight decrease in mortgage rates throughout the next year. This expected drop is linked to the anticipated easing of inflation and a slight increase in unemployment, which could prompt the Federal Reserve to lower the Federal Funds Rate, potentially reducing mortgage rates. Morgan Stanley projects: "With the U.S. Federal Reserve widely expected to begin cutting its benchmark interest rate in 2024, mortgage rates could drop as well—at least slightly.” Increase in Home Sales Expected The Raleigh housing market is anticipated to see an uptick in both the supply and demand as more buyers and sellers decide to act, spurred by potentially lower rates. This resurgence is why experts predict a boost in home sales for next year. Fannie Mae, MBA, and NAR all forecast a modest rise in sales, with an expected 5.4 million homes to be sold in 2025. This represents a slight increase from the 4.8 million homes sold in 2023 and the projected 4.5 million homes this year. While the dip in mortgage rates might not flood the market with buyers and sellers, it is likely to encourage more transactions, leading to increased availability of homes and heightened competition among buyers. Moderate Rise in Home Prices As more buyers enter the market, the demand will likely continue to push home prices upward. On average, these experts predict a national increase in home prices by approximately 2.6% for next year. While estimates vary, there is consensus that home prices will see a steady, moderate rise. This trend reflects a balanced yet progressing housing market. Bottom Line Understanding the forecasts for the 2025 housing market is vital for planning your next steps in real estate. Whether buying or selling, being well-informed will help you make the best possible decisions. Contact Linda Craft Team Realtors to explore how these trends might influence your future real estate endeavors in the Triangle Area. https://lnkd.in/eGKgSpYN #RealEstateBlog #RaleighHousingMarket #HousingMarket2024

As we approach the festive season, preparing your home for holiday guests becomes a priority for many homeowners. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or a large holiday gathering, ensuring your Triangle Area home is welcoming and organized can make all the difference. Let’s explore some essential tips to help you prepare your home for guests. Cleaning and Organizing Guest Rooms Start by decluttering and cleaning the guest rooms. Remove any unnecessary items and ensure there’s ample space in the closet and drawers for guests to store their belongings. Freshen up the bedding and consider adding extra blankets and pillows to cater to different comfort preferences. Adding thoughtful touches, such as placing a reading light by the bed or a small basket of books and magazines, can significantly enhance your guest’s experience. Stocking Up on Necessary Supplies Ensure your Raleigh home is well-stocked with essentials such as toiletries, towels, and toilet paper. Think about the small necessities that might be overlooked, like hypoallergenic pillows for guests with allergies or a nightlight for the bathroom. In the kitchen, stock up on a variety of snacks, tea, coffee, and basic breakfast items. Having these items readily available helps create a welcoming atmosphere and allows your guests to feel more at home. Adding Welcoming Touches Adding small, welcoming touches can make a big difference. Consider setting up a welcome tray with small snacks, bottled water, and a note with your WiFi password and any other useful information. Simple holiday decorations can make the space feel festive; think subtle string lights, scented candles, and a bouquet of fresh flowers to brighten up the room. Wrapping Up: Make Your Home Guest-Ready Preparing your Triangle Area home for holiday guests doesn’t have to be a source of stress. With a little planning and these easy-to-follow tips, you can create a warm and inviting space that is perfect for making wonderful holiday memories. If you’re considering selling your Raleigh home or looking for one that better suits your entertaining needs, contact Linda Craft Team Realtors today. Our team is here to help you find the perfect space that meets all your holiday hosting and everyday living needs! https://lnkd.in/eaF9Y8wM #RealEstateBlog #HolidayPrep #HolidaySeason2024

Are you considering downsizing in the Triangle Area? If so, you might be curious about 55+ communities and whether they would be a suitable fit for your lifestyle. Here’s what you need to know to help guide your decision. What Is a 55+ Community? It’s a common misconception that these communities are only for those needing extra support. In reality, they are dynamic and full of life, attracting adults who are downsizing and seeking camaraderie with peers in similar life stages. As U.S. News reports: "The terms ‘55-plus community,’ ‘active adult community,’ ‘lifestyle communities’ and ‘planned communities’ refer to a setting that caters to the needs and preferences of adults over the age of 55. These communities are designed for seniors who are able to care for themselves but may be looking to downsize to a community with others their same age and with similar interests.” Why It’s Worth Considering This Type of Home One major perk of exploring this housing option in Raleigh is the increasing variety of choices available. According to 55 Places, there has been a more than 50% increase in listings for these communities over the past year, giving you more options to find the perfect fit for your needs. Other Benefits of 55+ Communities The appeal of 55+ communities extends beyond plentiful options. Here are a few benefits highlighted by 55 Places: -Lower-Maintenance Living: Say goodbye to yard work and hello to leisure with maintenance-free living. -On-Site Amenities: Enjoy easy access to facilities such as clubhouses, fitness centers, media rooms, libraries, spas, and arts and crafts studios. -Community Spirit: Engage in clubs, outings, and social gatherings designed to foster a supportive and engaging community. -Designed for Ease: Many communities offer first-floor living, ample storage, and modern floor plans to suit your downsizing needs. Making Your Decision If the features of a 55+ community sound like what you’ve been searching for, contact Linda Craft Team Realtors to explore the available options in the Triangle Area and discuss the unique amenities each community offers. A 55+ home could be the perfect match for your downsizing goals. https://lnkd.in/ejjmGx85 #RealEstateBlog #RaleighRealEstate #Downsizing

Have you ever heard the saying, “Don’t believe everything you hear”? This is especially true when it comes to buying or selling a Triangle Area home in today’s housing market. With so much misinformation floating around, it’s essential to rely on a trusted source for accurate information. By partnering with a real estate agent, you can dispel some of the most common misconceptions and get clarity backed by research-driven facts. Here are a few myths they can help debunk: 1. I’ll Get a Better Deal Once Prices Crash Many people believe home prices are about to crash, but the data tells a different story. While local markets may vary, a market crash is not on the horizon. In 2008, there was an oversupply of homes, which led to the price crash. Today, we have the opposite problem—there’s a significant undersupply of Raleigh homes for sale. This means waiting for prices to drop likely won’t get you the deal you’re hoping for. So, if you think waiting will score you a deal, know that data shows there’s not a crash on the horizon, and waiting isn’t going to pay off the way you’d hoped. 2. I Won’t Be Able To Find Anything To Buy If you’re worried about not finding the right Triangle Area home, it might be time to check in with Linda Craft Team Realtors. Inventory has been improving over the past year. Although it’s still below pre-pandemic levels, it has risen compared to last year, giving you more options. So, if you’ve been held back by the idea of low inventory, know that this myth is becoming outdated, and today’s housing market is moving in a healthier direction. So, if you’re remembering all that media coverage about record-low supply during the pandemic, you can rest a bit easier. While the market isn’t back to normal just yet, inventory is moving in a healthier direction. And that means as your options improve, you can let go of this now outdated myth because finding a home to buy won’t feel quite so impossible anymore. 3. I Need a 20% Down Payment The belief that you need 20% down to buy a Triangle Area home is one of the most persistent myths out there. Fannie Mae reports that: "Approximately 90% of consumers overstate or don’t know the minimum required down payment for a typical mortgage.” And if you look at the data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the typical homeowner isn’t putting down as much as you might expect. First-time homebuyers typically put down around 6%, which is much lower than the 20% many believe is required. If you’re focused on the fact that repeat buyers often put down closer to 20%, it’s important to remember that’s usually because they’ve built up significant equity in their current home, which they can use for a larger down payment. Continue reading! https://lnkd.in/eshzcDq6 #HousingMarketMyths #RaleighRealEstate #RaleighHousingMarket

In today’s ever-changing real estate market, understanding what homebuyers are looking for can significantly impact the sale of your property. Whether you’re a seller aiming to make your home more attractive or a buyer searching for your dream home, knowing these key features can guide your decisions. Let’s explore the top home features that are currently in demand. Home Offices Having a dedicated home office space is highly desirable. Buyers are looking for homes that offer a quiet, organized area that enhances productivity. If you’re selling, consider staging a room or a nook as a home office to appeal to this growing need. Think about incorporating built-in shelves, adequate lighting, and technology-friendly setups to make the space truly functional and appealing. Eco-Friendly Appliances Homebuyers are increasingly looking for homes equipped with eco-friendly appliances that help reduce utility bills. Sellers should highlight features like solar panels or high-efficiency washers and dryers in their listings. Discussing the long-term cost benefits and the environmental impact of these upgrades can make your listing stand out. Outdoor Living Spaces Outdoor living spaces are highly prized. These can range from expansive backyards with room for gardening to cozy balconies with space for a small table and chairs. These features offer a private escape or an additional entertaining space, making them appealing to many buyers. Enhance these spaces with outdoor kitchens, fire pits, or comfortable seating areas to increase attractiveness. Modern Kitchens and Bathrooms Today’s homebuyers are also focusing on modern, well-equipped kitchens and bathrooms. A kitchen with updated appliances, ample storage, and stylish countertops can be a major selling point. Similarly, bathrooms with modern fixtures, good lighting, and efficient layouts are highly sought after. Consider including photos of these spaces with descriptions of recent updates in your listings. Smart Home Technology Integration of smart home technology is another feature that’s becoming increasingly popular. Systems for controlling lighting, temperature, security, and even blinds remotely are convenient and cost-effective. Highlighting these features in your listing can attract tech-savvy buyers looking for modern conveniences. Multipurpose Spaces With the changing dynamics of home use, areas that can serve multiple purposes—like a basement that doubles as a media room, a garage that can be a workshop or a dining room that can also host business meetings—are extremely valuable. Highlighting a property’s versatility can appeal to a broader range of buyers. Continue reading! https://lnkd.in/g6xH8aYX #HomeSellingTips #RaleighHomeSellers #RealEstateBlog

We all get excited about the day the house closes. When you are handed those keys you realize you now have a home. However, the closing process in North Carolina is a bit unique compared with other states. Even if you live here there are some things you may not know about the closing process that will make it easier when you do close on your home. In this episode of Real Estate Right Now, Closing Attorney Scott Silvers of Hilton, Silvers, and McClanahan PLLC joins us to help you understand how the closing process works on the day you get to close your home. This show is certain to give you insights that will help you be more prepared when you close on your home in the state of North Carolina. Watch now! https://lnkd.in/ebwZqJ3H #NorthCarolinaRealEstate #RaleighHousingMarket #RealEstatePodcast