I cannot find reliable handymen or contractors to use. I think there are some items I need to have done in the home…. Really I am not even sure what is needed, except for the things I haven't done since moving into the home or that I planned to do. 

I completely understand and fortunately our team has a select list of vendors we recommend. The vendors have been vetted and accountable to our clients, as well as to our team personally. No one goes on the list unless we have used them, and we would of course help provide insight into who may be a great fit for any job. 

----->Let’s take one step back for a moment on this, as every amount of time and every dollar you spend is important to us. We want to ensure you are not spending money in areas not needed or that you are not planning for things that could be needed. 

One of the most important things to remember on this is that while some items very well be needed- other items may be things that aren't necessary to sell. When getting your home ready for the market, making the home as de-personalized and as neutral as possible is necessary. When meeting with a licensed broker you should expect to give feedback at the appointment and with that being said - you should NEVER expect to get a definitive response on your home's value until the broker has come to your home. This is the only true way to ensure nothing is missing on the value and that everything is accounted for!! 

When I do a walk through with a seller you should expect for me to look at the home through the eyes of a buyer. 

WHY WOULD THAT BE IMPORTANT??

At this moment in time in the process it is utilized to gain perspective and to give feedback, to truly ensure that the viewpoint given to you is based on what experience over the years in the business has given me. When this is done you can see the home through a different lens, Afterall you live in the home and it may/may not be exactly what you want, but when selling the home is not being made to appeal to you. Giving my insight will provide clarity on how to best use resources to ensure the home will appeal to the mass vs an individual such as yourself. 

You will expect me to ask for permission to take photos while walking through, these are for my notes and used for discussing items with you. While my memory is impeccable (I would say), there is not a way for me to remember all the details of the home after the appointment. Having a walk-through set of photos from our appointment will help us focus on essentials and give us the opportunity to go back to review them when needed.

 (SIDE NOTE- This is the only time any version of a cell phone picture is used, as we will only use professional photography and you should ALWAYS expect this from any broker you use)!!!

OH and about that vendor list- it is in every folder provided at every appointment our team has. It will come along with me to provide, as well as give us the chance to discuss your specific plans and goals. 

One of the most common items discussed when preparing to sell a home by a homeowner is: 

What should we do to get the home ready to sell?

ANSWER:

It is a multi layered question, the home itself could need some “updating” and depersonalizing. The word updating can mean many things to each of us, however when you work with a professional realtor the guidance they provide can vary from paint to remodels. If there are items in the home that need attention I.e. fresh paint along main areas, trim being added or filled ( separating gaps over time from swelling and contracting of wood), backsplash added on the kitchen, light fixtures updated, and the list is endless. It is endless as every home is different from the finishes to the lighting, every item you do should add appeal= this means value!!! There is not always a monetary amount in value added, as the goal is to sell the home for the highest price in the timeline you desire. 

The value every detail makes shows through in marketing and time of market, which both impact your net proceeds.

Example: This home sold for 72k more than the owners expected, they put in 4k on the kitchen!! Throughout the home it was paint and flooring- total of the whole home being done was 11k. Most projects aren't even this much on the cost of the refresh, this one had tenants for years and just needed a good scrub with adding fresh paint/flooring throughout the rest of the home!!

The owner lived in another state and could not be in town for the project, it was managed by our preferred vendors with my team overseeing it. Then our marketing team took over to give the home the exposure it needed- with giving the buyer the home they love and the seller the net profit he didn't believe possible before.

Kitchen update

BEFORE ( dark and original appliances)

AFTER ( new flooring, new appliances, and new paint)

When a home is “move in ready” it will bring a higher price, the items you do ahead of listing brings the equity in the home up. You have more equity in a home that is showing in its best form and when someone decides to leave “as is” when things are needed= more time on market and more options for buyers to negotiate the homes price. 

The example above sold for $305k and with it selling for $72k higher then other homes that were comparable without any updates, that is a 24% more in net proceeds to the seller!!!! 

I have sold my personal homes following my own advise, helped stage homes( even owned a staging company), planned out full home remodels, coordinating flip homes remodels, and I use all of this to help clients daily. 

My mindset on the topic: 

If there are things you have lived with and don’t see as an issue, that does not mean it will not be the same for a buyer. If you have the home personalized to your taste, imagine when you look at homes that are not to your taste!! Making the home a blank slate with timeless finishes will allow others to imagine themselves in the home. When you make your home as presentable then you show its true potential to cater to the highest buyer pool. This would be done through updating and refreshing the shell (walls/ceilings/floors/landscaping/exterior) then you are choosing how the home will be understood by buyers. The effort a seller puts forth does not go unnoticed, as it ALWAYS draws more exposure when matched with the right marketing.

The example above is only one of the many we have had over the years.....

I will share more on the topic in our next blog!!!

Stay tuned and give us a call if you are thinking of selling- we will work for you 910-222-3347

LISTED by Brigit Clevenger @

Realist Homes and Keller Williams Transition ( license #C32719)

office address : 2017 hwy 172 Suite A, Sneads Ferry NC 28460

For more information call our office at: (910)333-2247 or visit our website at www.realisthomes.com

Coming soon - This Beautiful 4 bedrooms/3 full bath coastal cottage rests along the ICWW!!!!! Boasting a dock and private beach area, you will NOT WANT TO PASS THIS UP!

LISTED by Brigit Clevenger @

Realist Homes and Keller Williams Transition ( license #C32719)

office address : 2017 hwy 172 Suite A, Sneads Ferry NC 28460

For more information call our office at: (910)333-2247 or visit our website at www.realisthomes.com

Description of this home: 

Beautifully maintained and full of undeniable charm that simply can’t be replicated, this amazing split level home offers: 2300+ heated sqft, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a finished lower level that can be its own suite/apt, a spacious open main area, and a stunning back deck overlooking the fenced in yard. As you step inside you will simply fall in love with the layout, attention to detail, and charm !! The entry to the home provides access to the open main floor with site lines from the living room (all accented with gorgeous ceilings, flooring, & a cozy fireplace) to the remodeled stunning kitchen, lovely dining room, and to another sitting area that leads to the outside deck. From the main area head up the stairs to find two of the homes spacious bedrooms plus a full bath OR head down for two additional bedrooms with a full bath. From the bottom two guest rooms you can head down the stairs to find the lower level with a full suite, exceptionally maintained with beautiful updates, a kitchen area, bathroom, and a 2^nd fireplace.  To complete the home you can walk out to the back deck, perfect for entertaining or relaxing, while overlooking the backyard. The home has everything you have been looking for, plus the location is ideal for easy access to base, boating, shopping, local dining, & more!!

JUST LISTED!! Welcome home!!! This beautiful 3 bedroom/2 bath/2 car garage home rests on a spacious lot right outside the city limits. Inside you will find an amazing one floor plan, laminate flooring, multiple storage options, and is the perfect neutral canvas for all of your decor. The kitchen offers ample cabinet space, an island, stainless appliances, and is open to the dining area that provides access to the deck that overlooks the large fenced yard. A split bedroom floor plan offers privacy for the master retreat, which is complete with a full bath and walk in closet. On the other side of the home is where you will find two great sized bedrooms, another full bath, and a laundry/mud room that leads to the garage. Make this your home today... before it's too late!!

How do we invest in real estate? Is it possible in todays market- YES!!! We have 

In this video get information from agents who have real life experience with investing in real estate, details on our market, how do we find opportunities, and let us know what questions you may have. Our team is ready to help you!!

Welcome home!!! The amazing Oxford floor plan is now being built in Escoba Bay – this home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 car garage, covered front porch, and so much more!!! As you come inside you will fall in love with the wonderful open concept great room that accents the stunning kitchen complete with an island for extra seating, a luxurious living room, and a dining area with a slider gives access to the lovely backyard!! The homes split bedroom layout is sure to give complete privacy for the master retreat as it is on one side of the home ( 2 walk-in closets & en suite full bath) and two spacious guest rooms with a complete bath on the other side. The home offers everything you have wanted inside & top it off with these community amenities - horse stables, RV/boat storage, community pool, dock, & boat ramp that takes you out through the bay to the ICWW. This home will not last long!!!

Listed for Sale $264,900 by Realist Homes Team at Keller Williams Transition 910-333-2247 firm license C32719 listing agent Brigit Clevenger 

This beautiful mature tree lined coastal farmhouse rests on a private double lot in the waterfront/water access community of New River Plantation!!! The home is sure to exceed all of your expectations- with over 4000 sqft it offers 4 spacious bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, an oversized garage with a generator setup, an exercise room, office space, & bonus room upstairs (that is a full apt w/kitchenette, living room, bedroom, & full bath)!!! Outside you will simply love the circle driveway, fenced in yard, large deck, workshop, boat wash station, & all of the luxurious landscaping. Right around the corner from the home is an amazing community pool, club house, boat launch, boat storage, & docks out to New River!!

Coming Soon MLS #100291178 - Here are just a few pictures of the interior- it is the dream home you have been looking for!!!

Listed for Sale $675k by Realist Homes Team at Keller Williams Transition 910-333-2247 firm license C32719 listing agent Brigit Clevenger 

🔥HOT OFF THE PRESS🔥 Here is your Realist Homes Market Update🖨 This graphic offers helpful up to the minute details on our current market, it also offers advise on what you should do whether you are a buyer looking to purchase a home OR  seller who my be thinking about selling‼️ Our professional real estate team is here and ready to assist you with all of your real estate needs 🏠 Give us a call 910-968-2102 or message us on this website for more information‼️

This home sold for 260k!!! Can you believe it- how is it possible?? It may appear that anyone can do this- however it takes teamwork and marketing to get the maximum exposure - working with our cobrokers and vendor contacts can make this the same scenario for you. Give us a call to see how we can work for you 713-446-6193 - leave a message if I am on an appt with another client and I will get back to you.

238 Marsh Haven MLS Sold sheet with all details below: