North Carolina Leading the Way...

After many years of a state tax system that did not work for the people of North Carolina, starting a few years ago, reforms were put into place that were designed to improve the economy and attract greater economic growth opportunities by simplifying and reducing rates.

While I was at the NC Chamber, I was fortunate to have been involved, in a small way, with the discussions by encouraging continued action and connecting some very smart tax experts at really strong companies statewide, both large and small businesses to those decision-makers.  It was a great experience.

North Carolina is leading the way nationwide.  Check out what US Senator Thom Tillis has to say about it.

Tax Reform Transformed North Carolina - Congress Take Note

Thanks - Jake Cashion

Troops To Trades

There is a lot of discussion going on in this state and many others about students learning trades as an alternative to a traditional college degree. In a chance meeting at the Grove Park, Jake and I struck up a conversation with a gentleman from Minnesota who was telling us about a charitable organization that he started several years ago.  He had just come from a fundraiser in DC, where they raised over $250,000 for the organization Troops To Trades. 

As the NC Chamber tells us in Closing the Skills Gap  , "For communities across North Carolina, attracting, training and retaining workforce is a top concern. North Carolina’s job creators continue to face a significant disconnect between their talent needs and the real-life skillsets possessed by graduates. Both specific skill shortages and soft skill barriers are constant themes of the discussion. Even as unemployment numbers improve, employers across the state continue to struggle filling open positions with qualified talent.The Department of Commerce’s Labor and Economic Analysis Division recently released its 2016 Employer Needs Survey. After collecting 1,900 surveys, more than a third of businesses surveyed expressed difficulty in filling positions. Finding candidates with the right work experience, education and technical skills were the top reasons cited. Businesses in construction and manufacturing expressed the most difficulty. The survey also found that these difficulties were true in both urban and rural parts of the state."

This organization called Troops To Trades has a basic premise that connects work with veterans and puts them through training to work in trades such as HVAC, plumbing and other important skilled trades.  They organize the apprenticeships and help them to work the trade schools and their GI bill to supplement income while training and apprenticing, making it viable to actually live on the wage earned while learning.  The contacts in the organization are well-versed in assisting the veterans with placing them in trades that don’t conflict with a physical disability, help them with obtaining the certification, job placement and much more. 

These are folks/businesses dedicated to not only serving the veteran but also helping our economy while providing skilled laborers for jobs that are unable to be filled easily.  

I love when folks use their connections and resources to meet multiple needs. Check out the website and share with a veteran or a business-owner you know, who might like to be  a part of this organization!  Well done Troops To Trades!

Are you aware of this potential HUGE expense?

What could be hiding on your property that could potentially cost you $20,000?  In this short clip, Brooke explains what you should know.  As alway, feel free to call with questions.  #whywait

Do you as a seller need to....

As a seller, my home is under contract and scheduled to close, however, I no longer live in the area.  Do I need to come back to town to be at the closing?  Take a peek at the short clip for the answer!

Thanks - as always, happy to help!  

Moana in the Park!http://kvparks.com/event/movies-in-the-park-moana/

On Friday, September 15 from 6:00 - 9:00PM at Harmon Park in downtown Kernersville, the Kernersville Parks and Recreation will hold a FREE family event.  Bring your family, friends and chairs and enjoy the movie Moana under the stars.  The movie will begin at dusk so please plan to come and enjoy!  I'm a sponsor and there will be glow sticks for the kids.

More details can be found at:  Moana in the Park - Kernersville Parks and Rec

Hope you'll be able to make it!

"Moving at the Speed of Business"

One thing we often take for granted is the transportation network that allows us to go to and fro in our everyday lives.  It is easy to simply think it'll always be there.

My name is Jake Cashion (husband to Brooke) and I'm now a partner with Brooke Cashion and Associates.  I had an awesome experience over the past 6+ years with the NC Chamber.  I had the good fortune of working to get money into the transportation network of North Carolina  Thankfully,  because of the efforts of organizations like the NC Chamber, the Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce and others, including the North Carolina General Assembly and NCDOT, there is a lot of work going on in the Triad - to the tune of $2 billion worth of projects.

We don't really think about moving freight and commerce as it relates to real estate.  But frankly, we don't move anything, including real estate without a strong transportation network.  Take a peek at a publication the NC Chamber put together called "Moving at the Speed of Business"...you may even recognize a name of someone who contributed to this!  I'd be interested in your thoughts as all of these infrastructure issues discussed impact real estate.

Read up on the projects that will impact you and your business...for example, against many people's belief, the Port of NC at Wilmington can now handle post-panamax size ships adding greater connectivity to Asia, Europe and the global economy.  North Carolina's and the Triad's economic growth opportunities are expanding because of efforts like this.  This is great news for real estate!

Hurricanes and flooding...

Here is a pretty good overview of what homeowners insurance will not cover if you are unfortunately
hit by a hurricane.  While this is a news story, I would simply check with my homeowners insurance company about what your actual policy says.  Always good to know and have the appropriate coverage!

What Homeowners Insurance Won't Cover if a Hurricane Hits - WSJ

New Report Shows Going FSBO Cost More Money

In this new report, these expert economist show that going-it-alone will cost you more money.  Check out this report. We'd be happy to discuss our experiences as well.

"Saving Real Estate Commissions at Any Price"

"Here we examine the price differentials for homes sold through traditional agents through the multiple listing service compared to “For-Sale-By-Owner” sales for a variety of geographic markets with data from 2016-2017.  In contrast to previous studies on this topic, we find that FSBOs tend to sell for lower prices than comparable home sales, and in many cases below the average differential represented by the prevailing commission rate...."

What does "due diligence" mean for NC real estate sellers?

We often receive questions from clients about "what now?" How do we move forward and what should we be doing?  Take a "peek" at this short vlog about how a seller should handle due diligence.  As always, make sure to reach out should you have additional questions.

Due Diligence for Sellers - YouTube

Hurricanes and the Economy - What's New?

It has been a few months since I have updated the internet world about all things real estate. Things have been very busy since the last post in March! Thankfully, with the help of referrals, friends, family and others, Brooke Cashion and Associates has closed tens of millions in sales since then and I thank you all for your support!

As you are aware, this is shaping up to be a busy hurricane season.  I send my best wishes to all those involved in the Hurricane Harvey storm.  That is a tough situation to see and for them to experience and I send my continued prayers to all of them.  As well, we now are dealing with Hurricane Irma.  The news reports are terrible and I have a very close friend who lives in Puerto Rico but I understand she and her family are ok, thankfully.  I also have friends and family in Florida and I ask for prayers for their safety as they will likely be next for Irma as it then makes its way up the East Coast and if news reports are correct, the Triad of North Carolina could be in her sights.  Therefore, I hope you take some time to prepare.  Here is a comprehensive hurricane preparedness list from the American Red Cross - https://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4340160_Hurricane.pdf.  Stay safe out there!

The real estate market has been very good across North Carolina and the Triad area.  Economic and population growth is helping to drive the positive momentum.  We would like to see more job growth like Raleigh and Charlotte, but that will come as the economy continues to grow and our political and economic leaders dig in.  However, we still have low property inventory which is causing us to be in multiple offer situations and quick sales as long as property is priced right and is in good shape.  While quick sales may be good thing currently, inventory really needs to pick up to continue with a strong real estate environment.  If you are looking to sell, now is a great time - send me an email or give me a call.  

I’d like to take a moment to update you on an exciting opportunity that Brooke Cashion and Associates is embarking upon.  I’ve been able to encourage my husband, Jake, into joining me back in the “family business”.  Until recently, Jake was the Director of Government Affairs for the NC Chamber, the state’s largest, broad-based business organization.  It was an awesome job for him where he experienced operating at the highest levels of state government.   He had many successes including leading the changes to the UI Reforms which lead to a $3 billion reduction of debt to the federal government.  He led transportation reforms which is helping to put $2+ billion into the Triad’s transportation network and billions statewide, worked on many tort reforms, tax reforms and numerous other issues that helped position NC to a top-tier state.  However, after much consideration he determined that a future with Brooke Cashion and Associates was the best option for the future of the business and our family.  With his background, he’ll be able to add a ton of experience which will benefit YOU, my client. Some of you may recall that we owned our own firm approximately 10 years ago, until selling it to Allen Tate; so this is certainly not our “first-rodeo” as far as working together. :)

Amy Norman, my rock of an Office Manager, is still keeping things in order and moving along. She is simply awesome. Jake’s role will be to build out our infrastructure and create additional value for you, my clients.  With this addition to the team we look forward to guaranteeing a more fruitful and hopefully prosperous experience for YOU! 

Thank you again for your support.  I send my prayers to those who have been or may be impacted to Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

PS - I’ve got some great new Brooke Cashion and Associates’ koozies and would love to give you one.  Just ask and it’s yours!

Lunch with Leaders...

This past week the Kernersville Chamber of Commerce hosted it's monthly Lunch with Leaders event featuring Curtis Swisher, Town Manager of Kernersville and Dudley Watts, Forsyth County Manager.  Quite a bit of interesting and exciting information was exchanged starting with Curtis and some of the work the Board of Aldermen have been undertaking as it relates to land and building acquisition.

Future buildings that the town is currently building will update and/or replace buildings and facilities built in the 1960s.  The town is in the process of finishing out the new Public Services building which houses the transportation department along with engineering and other Kernersville public services.  The cost of this project is 5.7 million.

The town recently acquired the old School Tools building on the corner of Mountain and Main and is in the process of asbestos abatement before being torn completely down and re-visioned into a park.  You may have noticed the old Amoco station on the corner of Cherry and Mountain also recently gone.  This will free up the land for potential additional parking for downtown and the Kernersville Museum which is adjacent to the site.

The land beside of Korner's Folly was also acquired by the town in conjunction with the Folly.  This was the lot where high-end townhouses had been approved approximately 10 years ago.  Once this project fell apart, the land remained on the market. Upon further investigation, the town and the Folly felt that this was an opportunity to expand the Folly both in parking and potentially in facility, should the money allow.

Firestation #42 that is currently on Industrial Park will be moved into a NEW facility on the land across the street from OutWest Steakhouse. This land was formerly occupied by a modular home company that has been gone for a number of years.  The cost of this project will be 6.2 million and will continue to improve upon response times and insurance ratings.

Both Curtis and Dudley spoke about the new Kernersville Library which should be completed by 2018.  The current library, which is in a town-owned building is a part of the 2010 Library Bond and will be newly constructed off of Harmon and Broad, behind the Bank of NC.
Anyone with interest in following the bond dispersion can go to www.forsyth.cc/bondtracker

Utility Reference List

Moving has many parts and pieces to remember and we always try to make this process as simple for you and your family as possible...

That being said below is a list of utilities for our area. We have tried to make it as comprehensive as possible but if you see something missing or anything that has changed, please feel free to leave a comment.  

Typically, we suggest calling utility companies a week or so before closing and asking for a TRANSFER for the day of closing as opposed to have utilities shut off and restarted.

Click on the entity's name for a link to their website.

Change of Address
US Postal Service

Electric/Gas            

Duke Energy                      

Piedmont Natural Gas       

Cable/Phone/Internet             

Spectrum                                       

CenturyLink                        

North State                          

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Residents

Water/Sewer website - WS City/County            

Refuse/Recycling website - WS City                         

Refuse/Recycling website* - Kernersville                

*See WS/FC Water/Sewer for Kernersville

        

High Point Residents

Refuse/Recycling website - High Point                      

Utilities website - High Point Utilities

Greensboro Residents
Refuse/Recycling website - Greensboro                     

Utilities website - Utilities

Rural Refuse/Recycling

Rural Garbage               

Republic Waste     

*updated 04/2019

The "Orphaned Roads" Bill - what is it & why should you care?

Last week, I had the honor of attending the NC Realtors Legislative days in Raleigh. This event is three days of intense meetings regarding issues that effect private property rights, lending practices, real estate practices and property management on a state level. The days consist of meetings with other Realtors across the state, listening to updates on market viability, challenges and opportunities.

This year has been a very positive year for Realtors statewide as our efforts to preserve mortgage interest deductions and halt a tax on services have proven successful. This success translates to a savings of millions of dollars, for North Carolina homeowners.

 There were also several new agenda items that were being addressed this year. One was the “Orphaned Roads” bill. This bill would seek to classify and note roads that have not been taken over by the state for a variety of reasons. These roads could be private or not up to DOT standards. The bill would seek to establish bonding from the developers of future roads for prevention of additional “orphaned roads”. This may not seem like a huge deal to most property owners who live on state maintained roads, but many buyers and sellers realize very quickly that if you do live on a non-DOT maintained road, that this can be a serious hindrance to obtaining a new loan. Lenders require road maintenance agreements for private roads which can be difficult to obtain if all property owners that front the road are not on board or are unreachable. Heirs are sometimes hard to find and one person that does not agree to upkeep can sometimes “kill” the entire deal. Some roads were actually built by developers with the intention of turning them over to the DOT to maintain but homeowners find out years later that the road was not built up to the DOT standards and the homeowners are now left with potholes and no money to make repairs or bring up to today’s requirements. The effort to identify and move proactively forward is one that has been needed for quite sometime and it is good to see the NC Realtors taking the lead.

Our NC Realtors do a great job of staying on top of issues like the one above and so many more that homeowners never see. This is invaluable, as most Realtors and homeowners alike need the assurance that the association and it’s legislative team are watching over their interests and that harmful bills, laws and regulations never see the light of day. Issues such as this are near and dear to the heart of the Realtor community and we will continue to advocate for private property rights and home ownership. If you have questions or would like to know more about our efforts locally and statewide, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

5 Landscape Maintenance Tips

Spring is here!  

With the trees and flowers blooming or in progress of starting to bloom, I thought I would share a couple quick tips on landscape maintenance.  A home with a well-manicured and maintained home adds quite a bit of value to a property.  It’s also something that could help decide whether someone wants to visit your home while it is on the market. 

Landscape Maintenance Tips:

1. Freshen up beds by laying down new pine straw or spreading new mulch (I’m a fan of pine straw).

2. Apply fertilizer to your grass.  Make sure to spread in a crossing pattern so you achieve an even application.  If your budget allows, it may be worth discussing with a professional.

3. Trim those bushes! Make sure for blooming plants like Camilla or azaleas that the plants have finished blooming.  Make sure to trim after they have fully bloomed but before next year’s buds have started.

4. Trim lower hanging limbs from the trees.  We can all use pruning every now and then to freshen things up. 

5. Plant those wonderfully, beautiful annual flowers! Don’t be afraid to fill those pots up with many different varieties! (you may want to make sure to wait until the last frost which is normally in mid-late April)

These are just a few tips to get your spring off to a great start.  Landscape maintenance is not a chore – it’s a money-maker!

Happy Landscaping!

The time to list your home...is NOW!

It seems that the real estate feeds on the Internet are filled with reasons why you should list your home now. As a matter of fact, Allen Tate marketing emailed a couple of weeks ago asking me to contribute to their own Top 10 list. We are all on board this train right now for a variety of reasons and ones that you should heed if you are considering a move in the next 3-5 years. You may be saying to yourself, “Wow!” I need to plan NOW to move after my kid graduates in three years?” My answer to you is a resounding YES!

My professional advice is that you can do everything in your power to make the move you want to make in three years, THIS YEAR! I can hear you groaning right now and some of you are going to not even read the rest of this post because it seems so impossible. My message to you is simple. If you thought you could save thousands of dollars by moving this year, instead of in 3 years, wouldn't you at least consider it? I know I would. This is why selling today just may be the perfect situation for you and your family.

Rates are still low and this helps you two-fold. One, the buyer and afford more house than they will be able to in years to come as rates go up, which means if you are commanding a top dollar, the buyer may be able to afford to meet your price. Two, it means you can afford more home as well and if you get a lower rate today, than you would in years to come, you save thousands, if not tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your loan.

Inventory is low. Yes, there are homes on the market but there's also a lot of junk still for sale. The inventory is begging for homes that have been well-maintained, are priced appropriately and are ready to go. The sooner you can get on the market, the better. The longer folks wait in the year, the more competition you will see and that will affect your pricing. Also, do all the things your Realtor tells you to do. This is not the time to skimp on freshening up paint, staging or demanding an unrealistic price. This is the time to SELL, so that you can move on to the house you want to be in for the next 10 years and not be stuck in your current home for another 10 months!

New construction is coming back. With that means added competition for you, the existing homeowner. In our area of NC, construction starts have been slower than anticipated, which means you will have time to sell before buyers are lured with sunshiny new bells and whistles and incentives that builders have to offer. Currently, buyers have not had the choice of new construction do the recession, but now, its as if new ares are back on the market and everyone else getting in line to see what will be offered. More new construction competition means lower prices for existing homes. Even if lots are smaller; more neighborhood amenities, interior upgrades and customization will entice buyers from existing inventory.

Historically, Spring is a great time to sell. Families looking to relocation will use the Spring to identify and typically purchase their new home, spending summer adjusting and moving, so that the school year starts with few hitches. Not only does the above reason factor in to typical Spring activity, but we all know that Spring the the Carolinas does nothing but good when it comes to the curb appeal of the home. Who can resist the Carolina jasmine, azaleas blooming around the porch and daffodils and tulips adorning every flowerpot and flower bed around the home? Something about Spring is magical, creation at it's best and all on the backdrop of a Carolina blue sky. (Please do not take this as a UNC compliment as most of you know I am a die-hard NC State fan.) :)

All of this being said, I know all too well, that moving is a daunting and overwhelming task for most. I am currently helping many sellers to ready their homes by connecting them with painters, stagers, handymen and window cleaners. This is a team effort for sure, but the ultimate decision lies in your hands so that you can accomplish what is best for you and your family. As always, I am happy to consult with you, discuss options and plans of attack, and if afterwards we decide this isn't the right time, that's okay too. I look forward to hearing from you and please feel free to post questions or contact me privately for specific inquiries.

Triad Sees Success with New Transportation Policy Passed by NCGA

Prior to the 2015 NC General Assembly legislative session, North Carolina’s transportation network face an uncertain future. Decaying infrastructure had resulted in the 37th worst bridge safety rating and the 2nd highest fatality rating on non-Interstate rural roads of any state in the nation, while growing congestion meant North Carolina drivers spent an extra $6.5 billion annually in additional vehicle operating costs, lost time and wasted fuel – approximately $1000 extra dollars/year for each Triad driver.  To make matters worse, elected leaders had cut and capped transportation revenues on numerous occasions and allowed transfers out of the Highway Fund to pay for non-transportation expenses.  All of this was impacted NC’s competitive business environment.

Sticking with the status quo would have only further constricted the flow of commerce and harm businesses’ ability to compete for new growth with each passing year. Recognizing the challenge, state elected leaders agreed to focus on the state’s transportation network – and funding it with a stable, reliable, recurring revenue source was in order to ensure our fast-growing state will remain connected to, and competitive in, the 21st-Century global economy.In 2015 legislative session, the following was seen:

•  Additional $1.158 billion in transportation revenue availability over biennium
•  $708 million in new, recurring revenue to fund future transportation projects
•  $70 million in port modernization investments to better position North Carolina to compete for global shipping
•  No more revenue transfers from Highway Fund to General Fund, putting trust back in transportation funding
•  Streamlined procedures to ensure effective long-term project delivery over entire transportation network
•  Support for 1.5 million new direct and indirect jobs over the next 15 years
•  Securing a transportation future that keeps North Carolina’s commerce lifelines flowing for decades to come

You may be wondering why this is important to the Triad area.  Many projects will now be advanced forward in a quicker time manner.  One of the more important projects for our region is I-74 or the Northern Beltway in Forsyth County. If you travel around Business 40 in the Kernersville area, you’ll see construction occurring. This project was advanced many years ahead of schedule because of the passage of new revenue and the economic benefits it will yield the region. Also, hopefully the property owners who have been held up with this project will be able to see long-overdue closure. This project alone will generate more than 30,000 jobs for the Triad region and will add over $2 Billion to the state’s economy.  We do not think about our transportation network as important to real estate but real estate cannot function without a strong transportation network. 

This project along with others are very important in creating a dynamic region. Thankfully, we are generating a strong transportation network in the Triad which will help attract, grow and create jobs and therefore a strong real estate economy. 

More information on I-74 can be found here:  http://www.winstonsalem.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/I-74-Infographic_final-web.pdf

Tour de Food - A Fun Way to Experience Winston-Salem

Saturdays in winter are always tough and somewhat deceptive. In my case, if I’m not working, I’m usually up around 8 and hope that Jake has his special French press coffee on it’s way. This is definitely a weekend treat, as weekdays don’t allow for this type of leisure. The deception comes in when you look out the window and see the sun brightly shining and you immediately long for warm summer days, as opposed to what you know will greet you once you step outside—brisk and fresh Carolina air. What to do on a day like today? How do you spend your day if all of the chores are complete, the yard is dormant and in no need of a trim and your kid(s) are out of town? Well, let me give you a suggestion.

Last Saturday, Jake and I, along with two couples decided to take advantage of the Tour de Food, which is a walking tour of downtown Winston-Salem and some of it’s featured restaurants and markets. The tour began at 1:30 at the Jeffrey Adams, which is the swanky sister restaurant of 4^th Street Filling Station. We met our tour guide and proceeded to walk and talk and eat and drink our way through downtown over a three hour period. Stops included Bibbs BBQ, Breakfast of Course, Black Mountain Chocolate, 6^th and Vine and Washington Perk. Each venue offered a sampling of food and drink and included a time for questions and info. We met other couples from the area and interestingly enough, all of us were local to the area. We all agreed that the tour was great for us and would be exceptional for newcomers.

   

After the tour, we proceeded to Foothills Brewery to sample their latest seasonal batch of Sexual Chocolate which was just released that day. The patrons had come from all over the state for a pint of this coffee/chocolaty goodness. We proceeded to dinner at Quatra Basta, which is the newest Italian restaurant in downtown and has the same owner as Spring House, which is just up the street in the old Bahnson homeplace. Delicious wine, delicious specials and fabulous atmosphere. One of our friends commented that it had a “New York” feel, with Triad prices. So true.

My point in telling you about our Saturday, is that Winston has so much to offer, even if you’ve lived and worked here the majority of your adult life. There is always something or someplace new. As I describe to my clients, it’s like a “little” Asheville. Very eclectic and artsy, yet with a sense of place and an undercurrent of traditional values. It’s a super-tolerant town, given that most of it’s original residents were headed to our area from the mountains and other rural areas to form a town built on farming and manufacturing, yet growing today through medicine and education.

So this morning, as I met two of my former clients for coffee and a pain du chocolat at Atelier, which is a French pastry and coffee shop. Amazing find is the best way I can describe this shop. After speaking at length with the owner, Pablo, a graduate of the renowned Cordon Bleu culinary school, you can see why business owners from the Triad are figuring out that Winston-Salem has a lot to offer. Why not treat yourself this holiday weekend and let the city “love on you” a little bit. I look forward to your comments on the best places in town! Cheers!

Falling In Love...

We all know that sometimes love hits us at the most unexpected times. Whether you are falling in love with a new dessert,  a new cashmere sweater or the kid who sat beside of you in English; you know that love can create havoc and lead to irrational decision-making.  The same type of experience can take place when you purchase a home.  That is why it is so important to have a trusted advisor at your side, so that the dreamy feelings of love don't interfere with the rational process of making a solid investment.

There are many reasons to love a home.  The location that tucks you back in the privacy of the wooded cul de sac lot among the autumn leaves or even the slight smell of the wood burning fireplace that reminds you of your childhood.  You can love the thought of cooking in the kitchen and seeing the kids nestled up the bar doing their homework while you cook dinner or you can love that your beloved puppy will finally have a place of his own.  Those feelings and notions can overshadow your ability to look rationally at a variety of factors, such as price per square foot of surrounding similar homes or the fact that there is a major roadway being built close by.

It takes an experienced Realtor, familiar with the area you are looking in to make sure that your decision to fall in "love" is tempered with facts and outside resources to consider.  You may decide that much like that first high school crush, you don't want to be committed to listening to the band practice every night.  These things are important for your long term satisfaction with the home and with the potential for resale.  Talk to a local, seasoned Realtor who is not intimidated to be direct with you and give you the tools you need to not only "fall" in love but to "stay" in love.

Happy Friday Y'all!

Brooke
BrookeCashion.com
336-817-3598

Taking a Turn...

No excuses. It's been a while since I've posted. Almost a year to be exact.  Like anything else, when time is limited you prioritize.  The market has turned and activity has increased tri-fold and that in itself took me away from something that I enjoyed regularly, which was communicating ideas and notions regarding our local real estate market with YOU! So, I'm back!

Just a quick update as to where we stand currently.  Market inventory is still limited. I mean the good stuff. Homes that are priced appropriately and in good condition.  I have buyers that can't find what they want and when they do, we are in multiple offer situations. That means for all of you sellers who are waiting for the right time to sell, that time is NOW.  Rates are great, inventory is limited and buyers are out there for the first time in a long time.

So what have I been up to?  Well, the short story is listing homes.  Our team focus is traditionally on listing homes. Making sure that the homes we are showcasing are priced and positioned appropriately, marketed in the proper channels and that our clients are enjoying an experience that takes them from contract to closing in an efficient and professional manner.  With our range of systems and check-lists in place we believe we are better positioned than any other agent in the area.

We are also working with some awesome buyers! Matching them to homes and going after homes in communities that may not even be on the market yet.  Networking with the real estate community to fit buyers and sellers together and bring them to the neighborhood of their dreams.  Most of the buyers are referrals from past clients and associates across the state and we are so pleased to continue to assist them!

Marketing-wise, I am currently working to update the website to better reflect our community, our services and the experience we bring to the table for each of our clients.  Also, be on the lookout for a video and testimonials that give you a first-hand look at who we are and what we do best.

So it goes without saying, it's been a busy time for us, but I am going to work hard to continue to post on a weekly basis continuing to give you information on our community, real estate and what it means to work with Brooke Cashion and Associates-Allen Tate Realtors.

Due Diligence vs. Repair Requests...What's the BIG Deal!?!

If you have been involved in a real estate transaction within the past two years or so, you probably have heard the term due diligence.  Prior to that, you may even have the mental acumen to remember repair request periods in our old contracts.  Most folks who aren't in the real estate industry (and some who are) don't really know or take the time to understand the differences, challenges and advantages between the two.

First, due diligence is a time period.  One agreed upon by buyer and seller, not agent and agent.  During this period for an agreed upon amount of non-refundable money, (again, agreed upon by buyer and seller), the buyer has the opportunity to inspect, think about, mull, brood or whatever he or she wants to do in order to determine that it is the right property for them.  The seller must, during this period, make the home available to the buyer to investigate.  That does not mean that it should be a revolving door of inspections and visits or late-night stalking, but it does mean that the buyer should have reasonable access to have inspectors, surveyors, etc. out to the property.

During this period, not only are inspections made, but it is up to the buyer to make sure they can obtain financing.  There is no longer a financing contingency.  This period is it.  Not only should a buyer have full loan approval prior to the period ending, but this means that the appraisal is complete and satisfactory, the cost of insurance is satisfactory and that any and all info you might want on restrictive covenants, HOAs, etc. is obtained.  Now the list above is NOT all-inclusive.  If you want to see if there are sex offenders, ghosts, take soil samples, check flight patterns, lights from stadiums, noise from trains or anything else you can dream up...this is the time to do it!  If for any reason, something doesn't suit your fancy and you just can't live with it or the seller can't fix it, you can get out of your contract and only forfeit your due diligence money.

That's right!! During this period the buyer can "walk" from the property for any reason or no reason whatsoever.  This means that the negotiated amount of money put down for the negotiated period of time needs to make sense for buyer and seller.  Again, all of this is negotiable.

Before you think that this favors the buyer or seller, one over the other let's look at some scenarios.

A)  If the buyer is getting a 100% loan, then they may not have a lot of "extra" cash laying around to bring to the table for due diligence, so maybe the time period is shorter to investigate the property.  The buyer and seller could ask that the inspections to be performed in the first week or two so that anything unusual in the "typical" inspections could be addressed.  The period of time could still allow for full loan approval which usually takes a little longer than two weeks BUT the buyer now has "skin in the game" since they are out of pocket with the cost of inspections, which on the low side would be $400+.

As the buyer has more of their own money, the likelihood they walk away for something petty, is typically decreased.  By the time the buyer has the minimum inspection, appraisal and survey, they are in well over $1000.  Usually, it is not easy to walk away from that amount knowing that you are going to have the same out-of-pocket expenses on the next home you purchase.

B)  Let's say a buyer is looking at house that has just come on the market and it is HOT!  The buyer knows they need to get their financial ducks in a row, because they weren't even planning on buying this soon.  If they can get the seller to accept their offer, they can use the due diligence period to get their loan in place but the seller is skeptical to take the home off the market for these buyers knowing they are not quite ready to close.  The buyer in this situation may offer the seller a larger due diligence amount, showing that they are serious, knowing that the house is in good shape and is desirable to other buyers.  Their money may be non-refundable, but they also know it's a credit to them at closing and they love the house and intend on buying it barring something major.  This also, provides a little cash to the seller in the event something does come up during the inspections that needs correcting.

The due diligence period is also the time to negotiate repairs.  If the buyer and seller cannot come to terms during the due diligence period as to what will and will not be repaired, the buyer can terminate the contract.  Usually, buyer and seller do come to terms and there is a give and take.  This is an appropriate place to note that repairs do not have to be completed before the end of the due diligence period, only before closing and with adequate time for the buyer to re-inspect the repairs to confirm quality of workmanship.

Due diligence is a great tool that works for both buyers and sellers as they navigate the purchase of real estate.  If you have questions about the process, would like more information on local real estate or need a first-hand referral to an agent in our worldwide network, don't hesitate to reach out to me via email, phone or text.

Cheers!

Brooke

School's Out for the Summer...

Well for some of us.

My daughter's last day of school was this past Friday and I know that many of our friends are also rounding out the school year in the next couple of days.  This begs the question, what to do with your kids this summer so that the break is just that and not a prison sentence for you or them.

Scheduling camps and structured activities are an important part of the summer experience. It gives kids something to look forward to and gives parents a bit of break from the inevitable "I'm bored" mantra.  Camps can be expensive but don't have to be and our area offers several reasonable options for all budgets.  It may be that some are full or on a wait list but keep searching and something will present itself.  If  not, work with other local parents to make up your own camps. Each of you take a day or two to plan and organize activities and field trips.  Listed below are links to some area camps that I have had wonderful personal experiences with and some that my daughter has also enjoyed.

Camp DonLee
NC 4-H Camps
Camp HanesYMCA
Old Salem Summer Camps
Sawtooth Summer Art Camps
Children's Theatre Greensboro
Children's Theatre Winston-Salem


With all of those opportunities available, it's tempting to schedule every minute and every day.  However, you don't want to take away the beauty that is truly summer.  Those lazy days of sleeping in, late breakfasts in front of the t.v watching the Price is Right or lounging by the neighborhood pool.  These unstructured days are what summer is all about!  Again, it's tempting to allow the kids this freedom to lounge and relax, but make sure that the iPhone isn't the focal point of this time.  Having specific times for phone usage is more critical than ever, especially in an age where kids are "hiding" in their phones as a way not to have to interact with other kids and adults.  I could write on this topic forever, but let's save it for another day--maybe a good winter post!

Apps to Monitor Phone Usage

It's also a great time for kids to catch up on reading, take a class in an area that interests them or get some additional tutoring for a subject that is challenging for them.  Preparation for upcoming courses, as painful as it can be, is a great gift to bestow on your child. The Duke TIP program, some local school boards and organizations such as Sylvan offer new course study and tutoring.

Duke TIP
Sylvan Learning Centers


Earning money, as my daughter gets older, has become more and more important to her.  She is interested in having her own "stash" for shopping and sports.  This time of year presents itself to establish additional chores, allowing the kids to organize areas of the home that you've been putting off all winter or putting together photo albums that have been stored on memory sticks and in phones.  Giving them the opportunity to earn a little of their own cash is a great way to start an understanding of money, its value and a healthy appreciation of how quickly it goes. :)

Money Saving Tips for Teens

Have a wonderful summer break and I would love to hear from you as to what you and your family plan to do with your free time this summer!

Brooke

Good is Good and Great is Better!

With first quarter's difficult numbers behind us, the real estate market has put the petal to the metal!  Coming up to catch a breath to even write this piece, has been difficult at best.  That's the bad news...that you haven't seen this article earlier.  The good news is, that the subject applies even more today than it did several weeks ago when I was planning on publishing the post.

We are listing homes like crazy and they are selling in record times and some with multiple offers.  Then why, you might ask, has your home gotten little activity or lackluster feedback coupled with no offers?  In most cases these homes that are selling have the perfect combination of great pricing and great condition.  What exactly does that mean?

Pricing your home realistically is of course, important.  Having your home clean and organized is important.  However, just being good, is well, good but being great, is GREAT!  Sure, good homes sell everyday but GREAT homes shine and command what they want in terms and pricing.  Most of this is about realistic expectations when it comes to where the market is today and the perceived recovery of the market.  Sellers who understand that market recovery doesn't mean the peak prices of 2006 are the ones benefiting from the uptick in activity.  They, along with the guidance of their agent, are realistic as to what homes are selling for in their area today, not yesteryear.  They are pricing to sell, within the range of other homes in their area and are doing the pre-sale work such as serious de-cluttering, staging with the assistance of professionals and some are going as far as pre-inspections, making repairs and professional landscaping.  Other little gems include adding home warranties, always being show-ready and do most anything that it takes to bring those buyers into a near-perfect situation.

I certainly understand that not everyone feels that they can up-end their household to get their home in this condition, but the folks that are making these sacrifices are getting paid in the end, not only by their homes selling but by being able to take advantage of those interest rates that are still on the historically low side.

If you would like your home to be a SUPERSTAR home, give me a call or shoot me an email and let's talk!

Brooke

Why Advertising Sells Homes...

Advertising in real estate has changed dramatically over the years and even more so through the "Great Recession".  Where agents and real estate firms typically filled the pages of newspapers and the voids of mailboxes, the tide changed when expense began to outweigh income.  However, a successful agent knows that staying relevant and continuing to advertise even through economic downturns is key to capturing market share and to successfully selling homes.

I have structured my advertising to bolster my sellers' home's exposure, create brand-awareness, to stay top of mind and to make sure that both buyers and sellers are receiving the best, the most current and the most accurate information as it pertains to the local real estate market.  The advertising drives consumers to the website which not only allows them to search ALL homes on the market, but it also features a wide-array of bonuses such as mapping, virtual tours, local blogs, links to facebook and twitter and means to communicate with me on the client's time frame.

As new buyers and sellers are entering the marketplace, broader advertising such as the billboard, helps me to meet clients not yet working with an agent or not yet sure of our market, it's inventory and it's opportunity.

More targeted advertising, such as the Triad Business Journal focuses on being a resource to established decision-makers in the community, who know that they need an agent who takes their profession seriously and can get the job done from the first timely introduction to the last signature on the settlement statement.

Marry these sources of advertising to other marketing resources such as the targeted mailers, the yard signs and our company's amazing marketing campaign and you then have a formula which sells homes on a regular basis, normally out-performing the marketplace on a whole.

That doesn't mean that a great agent only needs to understand marketing. That's a topic for another day. :) The ability to follow-through after the listing presentation is where top agents know the "rubber meets the road".  All of the advertising in the world is worthless if at the end of the day the home doesn't sell or the buyer doesn't find what they are looking for.

Where do you go to find agents and homes? I'd love to hear about your experiences with real estate advertising!

Brooke

How to Make Existing Homes Better than NEW!!

If you have ever looked for a home, you have probably looked at existing construction.  This is not new construction that has been built as a spec or part of a community, but for our intent and purpose we'll define "existing construction" as homes who have had someone living in them.  Easy enough-right?

Well, we also know that with someone or several someone's living in a home come those scrapes, dings, scuffs, stains, dirt and grime that are a very real part of our day to day living.  We also know that someone else's choice of turquoise carpet or that orange "accent" wall just might not be the perfect match for our furniture or style.  You don't care for the black toilet, the brass hardware or the carpeted bathroom but you love the style, the lot, the location and everything else about it.  If only you had the extra money to make the improvements and updates and have money for a down payment!  You know the area is perfect for your family and the construction is quality--too bad right?  Nope!  There is a possible solution!  You may or may not have heard of renovation loans, sometimes referred to as 203k loans.  These nifty loan programs allow you have work quoted by your choice of licensed contractors and include the improvements in your loan with as little as 3.5% in a down payment!

This is a  great solution for older homes in established neighborhoods that just need some updating in master baths, kitchens, and décor OR maybe the home needs new windows, a roof or more systematic improvements because the cosmetics were completed recently.  Either way, this loan is an option but certainly needs the guidance and advice of a trusted team in order to coordinate getting the job done in a timely and professional manner. 

Should this sound like  a product that you might be interested in, contact me and I will put you in touch with our renovation loan specialist, LuAnn Davis at Premier Commercial Bank.  We will both guide you through the process including assistance in contractor selection and interior designer selection for larger projects.  We will then work with our team to expedite the process through closing to bring you the home that you want, where you want it, in the condition you love!

Never look at existing homes the same way again!  Listed below are a few of my listings that would be great candidates for the renovation program!  Also, below the photos you will find LuAnn's contact information as well as mine should you have questions or would just be interested in additional information. 

 

JUST CLICK ON THE PHOTO TO GO STRAIGHT TO THE LINK WITH HOME DETAILS AND ADDITIONAL PHOTOS!

 

 

LuAnn Davis-Premier Commercial Bank

336-253-7220 LDavis@premierbanknc.com

 

Brooke Cashion, GRI, ABR, Realtor

336-817-3598 Brooke.Cashion@allentate.com

www.BrookeCashion.com

 

Float a Little Float...

Not down a river and not with a boat, it's 1000 pounds of salt, a capsule with a lid, pitch black and silent with the exception of your heartbeat and your breathing.  If this sounds like something science-fiction, well, it kind of is.  Studies using sensory-deprivation or floatation therapy began in the 1940's as a way to study the brain, essentially trying to see if the brain could be forced into a meditative state for a variety of reasons including therapeutic and medical reasons.  Today, floatation is used mainly for relaxation and meditation though it seems effective for certain medical conditions by alleviating anxiety and promoting healing.


Our first experience floating was encouraged by our herbalist and a living social coupon that was emailed to me. I purchased one for both Jake and myself.  We scheduled our sessions separately, as you typically don't float together.  Each session was booked for two hours to include prep time but our actual floating time was 60 minutes.  Upon arriving, you shower in a very spa-like setting that includes fresh towels, a spongy bath mat and sensory lights for each room so you don't worry about turning lights off and on. Once you enter the floating capsule you have control depending on your comfort level.  There is an intercom if you have questions, otherwise, you are alone to experience the process as you feel comfortable.  I was concerned about being claustrophobic, so I rolled up a towel and inserted it between the lid and the chamber giving me about 6 inches of air and space until I felt adjusted.  After what I believe to be 10 minutes I was comfortable enough to close the lid completely.


Because you are in 1000 pounds of Epsom salt, it is impossible not to float and it is effortless, unlike floating in the ocean or a pool.  With your arms in candlestick position, opening up your heart chakra, you immediately feel muscles relaxing and your body sinking into a comfortable and pressure-free state.  After a few more minutes you can't even tell where the water begins and the air and your body end.  The water is at your body temperature so there is no fear of getting too hot or cold. 


Each person's actual experience in the chamber is different and I don't want to artificially impose my experiences on you but I will say that I reached what I considered a low end meditative state that was still more intense than any dream or sleep that I had encountered.  I also feel that if I go back for future sessions that I will be more comfortable with the process and could reach a deeper state of meditation and relaxation.  I found this a great time to release thoughts, to pray, to be still and quiet.  All of which I rarely do. 


Upon exiting, there is one thing that Jake and I agreed was most overwhelming and that was the sensation of well-being.  Whether it's sitting in the salt an hour, absorbing magnesium, or just the passive relaxation without hands on you or music playing or light or other worldly distractions, it did seem to put things in perspective for a while.  Both us of see ourselves going back for future sessions.


I would definitely encourage anyone interested in trying this form of relaxation to give it a try. Locally, you can go to Kernersville Hot Yoga and use their chamber.  They sell individual floats and packages.  You might also want to check LivingSocial and Groupon for deals.  I leave you with the words from a sign in the chamber room that really touched me. As you consider whether or not this is for you, ask yourself, how often do you practice the following?


"Be Still and Know that I am GOD"

Spring Market is Starting to Bud...

You've talked about since October but it was too late, too cold, too many holiday plans, too much family in town, too much to do.  Now it's time.  Yes, it's that time of year when the seeds you planted in the late fall have started to bud.  You know that you need more (or less) house and that while rates are still reasonably low, you know that it's a good time to purchase.  Even better, it appears that prices have stabilized and buyers have become more rational as to pricing expectations.  You might not have to give your house away in order to move on.  Let's talk about what you can do to transform that bud into a flower to picked in the upcoming Spring Real Estate Market.


*Interview Agents- a) choose your agent based on productivity in the previous year b) make sure they have a marketing plan that complements your expectations c) make sure you agent is FULL-TIME d) talk about communication expectations--don't settle for an agent who puts a sign in the yard and never calls or emails again


*De-Clutter and De-Personalize- a) put up your holiday decorations b) cull closets and cabinets down to half c) go ahead and pack up collectibles and personal belongings that you don't use every day (remember, you're moving)


*Clean- a good deep clean which includes ceiling fans, baseboards, windows and air vents/returns. Don't forget to have carpets professionally cleaned if they are excessively dirty or stained.


*Landscaping- have a plan to spruce your landscaping and budget for it so that when you are one week from putting the home on the market you don't have a panic attack as to how many bails of pine needles you need or if the front stoop needs planters.  A good agent can assist with this.


*Sign paperwork- don't wait until the day that you want to be on the market to reach out to your agent regarding paperwork and getting the house on the market.  An experienced, successful agent knows that it may take a week or two to prepare the home for it's big market debut.  A professional agent will many times use a professional photographer, stager and others to make sure your home has it's best "footing" forward.  Our team employs several professionals that allow our listings to stand out from other homes on the market.


*Breathe- selling a home is not easy for sure, but worrying too much about things out of your or your agent's control can set you up for disaster.  Use the time you are out of your house for showings to enjoy something as a family that you might not have had time for before.  Grab a cup of coffee, visit the bookstore or unique, local shops.  Make the best of the situation.  You'll appreciate it, your agent will love you for it and the buyer will sense it as they look at your home and being negotiations with you.