Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Property Inspection vs Home Appraisal

Many people wonder about the difference between a property appraisal and an inspection, and how each is used during the home buying process.

An appraisal is a formal assessment of the value of a home or property. When you are seeking financing, the lender usually requires an appraisal to ascertain the value of the property in order to make sure the loan amount does not exceed the value of the property being sold.

An inspection is an assessment of the systems and structural integrity of the property. It's normally ordered and paid for by the buyer at the time of inspection to find any hidden problems with the property. An inspection is often written into the Purchase and Sale Agreement as a condition of the sale.

Copyright 2013 Keller Williams® Realty, Inc.

Ready to buy or sell an Asheville area home?  Call The Puffer Team today, 828-771-2300, or visit our website, www.homefinderasheville.com.

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Asheville Sunset Ridge Condo For Sale

Looking to live close to downtown Asheville and have access to year round mountain views?  Check out this 1BR/1BA unit available in Sunset Ridge, ideal for those wanting low maintenance and convenient living - less than 5 minutes to the mall, interstate, restaurants and the Blue Ridge Parkway.


Call us today to schedule a showing, 828-771-2300.

Some local area atrractions:

Omni Grove Park Inn
Tupelo Honey Cafe
The Orange Peel


See also:

Condos for Sale -- Asheville

Friday, January 24, 2014

Chimney Safety Tips for Your Asheville Area Home

We've experienced an unusually cold winter in the Asheville area this year.  For those of you with fireplaces, I'm sure you've been putting them to added use, below are some great tips to make sure you keep your home safe.




Copyright 2014 Keller Williams® Realty, Inc.  All information deemed
reliable but not guaranteed. Equal Opportunity Housing Provider. Each office is
independently owned and operated.

---------

Contact us for all of your Asheville area Real Estate needs:  
The Puffer Team, Keller Williams Professionals, 828-771-2300, www.homefinderasheville.com

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Create More Visual Space In Your Home

Buyers want the most house their money can buy. A large house with a choppy floor plan and small rooms can feel less spacious than a smaller home with an open floor plan. A clean, well-maintained, and spacious home is not only more marketable, but can often command a higher price.

Here are some things to do to visually create more space:

• Position mirrors in the right places to make a room appear larger. Make sure the mirrors reflect what you want to see more of, such as a favorite painting or a lovely window.

• Choose a light color scheme to help open up a room. White, cream, pearl gray, or soft yellow seem more inviting and open because they reflect light.

• Clear out the clutter. Keep decorative objects to a minimum. Porcelain figurines are distracting and can be easily broken. Pick up newspapers and magazines. Put away--or pack away--unnecessary items from countertops in the kitchen and baths. Clutter can make rooms seem smaller than they are.

• Minimize the amount of furniture you have in each room. Either sell it or store it away.

Ready to put your home on the market?  Call The Puffer Team today for a free, no obligation market analysis, 828-771-2300.  You can also instantly get your home's value by clicking here.



Copyright 2013 Keller Williams® Realty, Inc.

Monday, January 20, 2014

Boosting Your Home's Curb Appeal

What would buyers see if they drove up to your home? Take a look. Stand outside your home and try to look at it through a buyer's eyes. First impressions are lasting impressions. If buyers see paint peeling, a crack in a window, or an unkempt yard, they are apt to speculate that there are other, more substantial things wrong with the home.
.
That first impression, or curb appeal, can make the difference in the amount of money a buyer is willing to offer.
.

Here are some suggestions to enhance the curb appeal of your home:
.
• Mow the lawn, clean up the yard, and prune the shrubs
• Scrub or paint the front porch and door
• Check porch/deck and hand railings to ensure they are secure
• Wash the windows; make them sparkle
• Pick up and put away toys and bikes
• Check that lawn furniture is in good repair, or store it away
• Add charm with pots of flowers
• Repair and paint the fence, if necessary
• Repair the roof, gutters, and downspouts as necessary

These improvements are essential. A prospective buyer, when met with an untidy home, can't help but wonder if there are problems with the rest of the house.
.
Sometimes it helps to have an objective perspective. Feel free to call The Puffer Team at 828-771-2300
if we can answer any questions or make any suggestions to improve your home's curb appeal, you can also contact us via our website, www.homefinderasheville.com.

Copyright 2013 Keller Williams® Realty, Inc.

Friday, January 17, 2014

Fiscal Fitness in 2014

A new year means a fresh start, a time to turn the page.  While you're looking to make improvements or changes, why not consider your finances, especially if you are beginning the process of buying a home in the Asheville area. 

via Movement Mortgage

Make 2014 the year you get your personal finances organized and under control. Just by paying closer attention to your money flow, you can increase your savings, improve your investments and keep your spending within your means.

Track it. If you know where your dollars are going, you can control them. Using one of the many financial software programs available makes good sense when you're trying to see how you spend and track your habits. Many programs will show you the percentage of your cash that goes into different categories, such as home maintenance, entertainment, and groceries. Some banks also offer this service in your monthly statement or online. Be sure to hold on to receipts to match them against transactions on your credit cards, and balance your checkbook regularly. See where you can cut back and resolve to do so!

Review investments and accounts. If you have investment accounts, you can often speak to an advisor at no cost. But even better, take that extra step and hire a financial advisor. A professional can really help you drill down on how to maximize your savings, prepare for retirement, and really make your money work for you.

Take a look at your savings and checking accounts. Do you pay a monthly fee? What can you do to eliminate that? IF you can save money every month just by keeping an extra $100 or so sitting in your savings account, or by signing up for direct deposit, go for it.

Don't forget your insurance accounts. Call your insurers to see if you're eligible for any discounts as a loyal customer, or for having had no accidents in the past year. Get quotes from competitors to see if you can do better. Review your deductibles or consider changing your payment schedule — you may be able to save a little by paying biannually rather than monthly.

How about a refinance of your home or auto loan? Interest rates are amazingly low these days. You could potentially save hundreds of dollars each month!

Plan for the future. It's never too soon to open a retirement account or pay into a 401(k). The earlier you start, the more you'll have when it's time to stop working. If your company matches your 401(k) and you're not taking advantage of that, you're actually throwing free money away! In addition, you should prepare your will. No matter what your age, setting your affairs in order can bring great peace of mind.

Cut down and consolidate. There are many ways to do this! Physically de-clutter by having a yard sale or hawking your items on eBay or craigslist. You will earn a little cash and clear out the stuff you just don't need anymore. Try to move your bank accounts to one establishment, especially if you have several savings or checking accounts scattered at many, so you don't lose track of money. And finally, consider donating your time this year, instead of dollars. You can still get a write-off (consult the professional we mention above to learn more) but you'll also get added satisfaction from really seeing how you can make a difference.

Your physical health is critical to your overall well-being; it's important to recognize that your fiscal health is just as important. Be sure you're setting aside time regularly to track your bills, review your statements and keep an eye on your cash. You'll have an easier time developing and sticking to a budget, and the reduction in stress can only contribute to a fantastic 2014!

Movement Mortgage, LLC is an Equal Housing Lender. NMLS # 39179 | 877-314-1499. Movement Mortgage, LLC is licensed by the “State of North Carolina Commissioner of Banks” Lic # L-142670. Interest rates and products are subject to change without notice and may or may not be available at the time of loan commitment or lock-in. Borrowers must qualify at closing for all benefits. “Movement Mortgage” is a registered trademark of the Movement Mortgage, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.






---------------


Ready to begin the process of getting pre-approved for a mortgage?  Click here to talk to a lender, and call us when you are ready to begin the home buying process.



The Puffer Team, Keller Williams Professionals, 828-771-2300, www.homefinderasheville.com

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Featured Home For Sale: 215 Chestnut Hill Rd




$100K under current appraisal. Private mountain retreat, artistically renovated home on 32 acres w/a bold rushing creek, walking trails, multiple decks for entertaining/relaxing, an artist studio & exterior storage. Inside you will find vaulted/beamed ceilings, rich hardwoods, an open GR, an inviting sitting area w/wood-burning FP, luxurious mstr suite w/sunken hot tub, & so much more..all just 15 min to town, convenient to Fairview & Black Mountain.

Virtual Tour


To schedule a showing call The Puffer Team, 828-771-2300; or visit our website, www.homefinderasheville.com 

Want to know more about Black Mountain?  Click here.

See also:

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

South Asheville Home For Sale Near Biltmore Village

Great opportunity to live close to everything for under $100K.  Check out this adorable and affordable bungalow in a convenient south location on the bus line just minutes to the Biltmore Estate, Blue Ridge Parkway and Biltmore Park Town Square. Great starter home or investment opportunity. Seller is a licensed Broker/Realtor. Tenant in place until March 30, 2014.


Call The Puffer Team today to schedule a showing, 828-771-2300, and be sure to also check out our website, www.homefinderasheville.com.

Want to know more about South Asheville (28803)?  Click here.

See also:




Inspirational Quote:

“It is never too late to be what you might have been.”
George Eliot

Real Estate Humor:
 
 

Monday, January 13, 2014

Weaverville NC Home For Sale Priced Below Appraisal!

Welcome to 12 Scenic View Drive in Weaverville, NC.  Priced below appraisal, this immaculate home is situated on a rolling lot and shows like brand new. Inside this 3BR/2.5BA home you will find hardwoods throughout most of the main living areas, a family room that opens up to the stainless kitchen w/quartz counter tops, a main level master, bonus rooms on the 2nd floor & in the basement, an expansive deck w/covered gazebo, & so much more. Enjoy being less than 5 minutes to downtown Weaverville, the interstate & just 15 min to Asheville.


Virtual Tour

 

Call The Puffer Team today to schedule a showing, 828-771-2300.  Be sure to also check out our website, www.homefinderasheville.com.

For more information about the Weaverville area click here.

See also:


Inspirational Quote:

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”
Mahatma Gandhi

Real Estate Humor 

This Month In Real Estate - January 2014 Edition




Total existing home sales were down in November when compared to the previous month and were also down from November of last year. However, distressed sales made up a much smaller portion of
the total in November than they did the previous year and by comparison conventional sales appear to have increased.  Less-distressed sales are a positive sign for the market and shouldhelp potential sellers who no longer have to compete with as many discounted homes as they would have in recent years. Prices continued their modest seasonal decline in November, while still increasing compared to the same month of the previous year.Recent Federal Reserve policy changes will likely mean slightly higher interest rates moving into the New Year; however, market reactions so far have been positive and rates have edged up very slowly. Those considering purchasing a home may wish to take advantage of the current break in price gains and lock in mortgage rates as they continue to trend upward.








Brought to you by KW Research. For additional graphs and details, please see the This Month in Real Estate PowerPoint Report.
The opinions expressed in This Month in Real Estate are intended to supplement opinions on real estate expressed by local and national media, local real estate agents and other expert sources. You should not treat any opinion expressed on This Month in Real Estate as a specific inducement to make a particular investment or follow a particular strategy, but only as an expression of opinion. Keller Williams Realty, Inc., does not guarantee and is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of information, and provides said information without warranties of any kind. All information presented herein is intended and should be used for educational purposes only. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. All investments involve some degree of risk. Keller Williams Realty, Inc., will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on information contained in This Month in Real Estate.

---------------

Buying or selling a home in the Asheville area?  Call The Puffer Team today for all of your real estate needs, 828-771-2300.  Be sure to check out our website, www.homefinderasheville.com.

Friday, January 10, 2014

Immaculate Home For Sale in Asheville

Looking for a home where you can just move in?  You will want to see this immaculate one owner home on a rolling acre that backs up to 20 acres of pasture offering privacy & views. Inside this 3BR/2BA home you will find a spacious LR, family room w/buck stove that opens up to the kitch, a dining area w/additional cabinet space for storage, lg closets in the BR's, extra living space in the bsmt & a workshop off of the bsmt garage. New windows were installed in 2008, a new roof in 2010, home is wired for a generator.





Interested in knowing more about North Asheville (28804)?  Click here.


See also:

Call The Puffer Team today to schedule a showing, 828-771-2300, or visit our website, www.homefinderasheville.com.

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Buy Or Sell Your Home First?

The classic dilemma for many homeowners is whether to buy or sell first. There is no "right" answer. It depends on your specific circumstances.
.
Most homeowners agree that it's more prudent and less stressful if you sell your existing home before you buy a new one. You can often get top dollar for your home if you are not under pressure to sell. And you're in a better position to negotiate on the buying side of the transaction. If you have to make an offer contingent on the sale of your home, you often lose negotiating leverage.
.
If you sell your current home and the home you select isn't available when you're ready to move, you may end up with cash in hand in a short-term rental. No one wants to move twice, but it may be well worth it to eliminate risk and have more money to work with.
.
If you currently own a home our team will be happy to provide you with a home valuation so that you know what your home is worth in today's market. If you provide us with some basic information on your home, I'll be able to give you a price range. That range will be determined using the information you provide to establish a list of comparable properties in your area as reported by the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Or I can provide you with a more precise valuation by briefly visiting your home; you can also get a quick valuation on your own here.

Call The Puffer Team when you are ready to discuss your options, 828-771-2300, or visit us online, www.homefinderasheville.com.



Copyright 2013 Keller Williams® Realty, Inc

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Home For Sale Near Grove Park Inn

Want a modest home in a high end neighborhood?  Privacy & convenience is what you will find in this immaculate home close to the Grove Park Inn, downtown Asheville, UNCA & I-240. In the last nine years the kitchen appliances have been updated, wood floors installed, exterior painted and newer roof and heat pump. Great low maintenance wooded lot, BB Barns professional landscaping, repaved driveway, ideal location for biking and walking and convenient to Weaver Park. What are you waiting for?  Call The Puffer Team today to schedule a showing, 828-771-2300.



Want to know more about 28804?  Click here.

See also:


----------

Call The Puffer Team for all of your Asheville area real estate needs, 828-771-2300, or visit our website, www.homefinderasheville.com.


Friday, January 3, 2014

Home Buyer Tips from The Puffer Team


Did you know that for most people, moving ranks near the top of the list of stressful events? Here are some things you can do to minimize stress when you are ready to make a move:
.
• Choose a real estate agent who communicates clearly and frequently, keeping you up to speed on every
step of the process.
.
• Consider how long it will take from the time you make an offer on a property until the transaction closes. Once an offer is received and accepted, it may take from 30 to 45 days to obtain financing. Being preapproved for a loan can shorten that time frame considerably.

• Decide whether you want to move yourself or have professional movers handle the job. If you hire a moving company, be sure to book well in advance.
.
• Think about cleaning services. After everything is packed and moved is a great time to have someone come in and clean.
.
• Arrange at least two weeks in advance to have utilities and phone service disconnected at your old house and reconnected in your new home on move-in day.



Copyright 2013 Keller Williams® Realty, Inc.



If you are ready to talk to a professional about buying or selling a home here in the Asheville area, give The Puffer Team a call today, 828-771-2300, or visit our website, www.homefinderasheville.com.

Thursday, January 2, 2014

20 Running Deer Rd; Candler, NC 28715




20 Running Deer Rd; Candler, NC  28715


Are you looking for a log home in the Asheville area?  You'll love this 3BR/3BA home in Candler; check out this log chalet adjoining the National Forest with beamed cathedral ceilings, a stacked stone fireplace, a stainless kitchen, rich hardwoods and tile throughout the main living areas, an inviting deck great for entertaining, & a screened-in balcony..all nestled at the end of a no through street.

Call The Puffer Team today to schedule a showing, 828-771-2300.

Virtual Tour


 

Want to know more about Candler?  Click here.

See also:

Homes For Sale - Candler



---------------

Contact us today for all of your Asheville area real estate needs.

The Puffer Team, Keller Williams Professionals, 828-771-2300; www.homefinderasheville.com

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Never Ever Give Up, Great Message via Diana Nyad

It's another new year and if you're like most everyone else you have a set of new goals to reach.  Here at The Puffer Team we make goal setting a part of not only our business, but our personal, physical, spiritual and financial life as well.  As a team we track our progress and we motivate each other to reach our potential.  It's always interesting to look back over the last year and see where we ended up, did you finish 2013 the way you planned?

In a recent team meeting we watched a TED Talk by Diana Nyad, it really put everything in perspective and we thought it was worth sharing.


"When you achieve your dreams it's not about what you get but who you have become in achieving them."

Follow your dreams, be bold.

---------------

The Puffer Team, Keller Williams Professionals, 828-771-2300, www.homefinderasheville.com