Gas Tax, Property Taxes and Isn't $8.6 Billion a Lot of Money!?!

 Happy New Year! We hope 2021 is off to a great start for you and yours. Thank you for your support, your confidence and trust in us during 2020!    We had the pleasure to work with scores and scores of clients in the Triad and because of them, hundreds jobs were saved or created.  BCA transacted on $30,000,000 worth of real estate in the Triad in 2020 and we are so thankful for that.  However, we still have a lot of buyers who are actively searching for real estate.  If you know of anyone that is thinking about selling, will you connect us?  In advance, we thank you.  We are prayerful and hopeful for a healthy, prosperous and bright 2021 for you and yours.  Below is some information we thought you might be interested in - lots of activity in the Triad!

We are excited to announce that #BCA recently added a new teammate! Kaitlyn Tedder is a lifelong Triad resident who has extensive experience in customer service. She is smart, positive and focused and is going to be a great addition to our business but most importantly, she will be a tremendous benefit to her clients. "We are thrilled to welcome Kaitlyn to the team. Her passion for people and the industry is already evident and we look forward to her being an integral part of the real estate profession where she will represent her clients and Brooke Cashion and Associates-Allen Tate very well." says Brooke Cashion. You can read more about Kaitlyn on our website.



--The North Carolina General Assembly convenes today for its two year session.  We at BCA work closely with the government affairs teams with the NC Realtors and the NC Chamber.  We wish those NC House and NC Senate members well and best of luck doing the people's work.  We thank them for their service to the state and their communities.

--Have you seen this?  50% increase?  We are starting to receive questions about what to do if your property reevaluations have increased and you think it's too high.  We are happy to discuss options...don't hesitate to ask!  

--Tired of the gas tax?  As previously mentioned, Jake has the honor of chairing a coalition the NC Chamber is leading called Destination 2030: The Road to a Stronger Transportation Future.  They are working to modernize the way the state funds our transportation network as the motor fuel tax, the main generator of transportation revenue, is quickly becoming an unreliable source to meet the safety, maintenance and new construction needs of our fast growing state.  This issue is about safety, security and economic prosperity. 

Two years ago, NCDOT created the NC FIRST Commission whose job was to come up with ideas on how to transition away from the motor fuels tax and move towards greater diversification. Last Friday, their report was made public and it includes a lot of new funding options.  There is buzz in Raleigh about how to make the necessary changes and the debate is in it's early stages.  But thankfully our elected leaders know that we need to modernize and we are encouraged by their willingness to act boldly.  Learn more here and join us!  A diverse group of organizations are working together and we're appreciative of the NC Realtors, the NC Chamber, NC-CCIM(commercial real estate practitioners) , NC Economic Development Association, many chambers of commerce from around the state, including BCA's chamber, Greater Winston-Salem.  Many other groups are also highly engaged with us in this discussion and working towards solutions.  We've added a chart below which helps outline some of the challenges and welcome your feedback on this important discussion.

--Speaking of the transportation network...did you hear the good news about the Piedmont Triad International Airport and Smith Reynolds Airport?  $8.6 BILLION is a lot of money!  

--Fantastic news...glad to see this new restaurant moving into Winston-Salem!

--Searching for ideas on winter curb appeal?  Check out these few!

--Home prices rose in 2020 - there are lots of buyers in the marketplace.  In addition, the supply of homes on the market is at record lows.  So if you are subject to a property revaluation and potential property tax increase, this is part of the reason. However, as noted above, you can appeal.  Don't hesitate to ask us how!

-Here is an excellent review of manufacturing in NC.  A local Triad company, Thomas Built Buses, is highlighted as the winner in a recent contest called the "Coolest Things Made in NC".  As manufacturing goes, so does a community.  We appreciate those manufacturers who take risk, create jobs and make things - there are some great products with a "Made in NC" tag! Manufacturers in NC are the backbone of communities and so important to real estate and your property vales -  check it out.

Chart: Usage/Growth/Needs Climbing Fast....Ability to Maintain and Add Capacity Decreasing Faster

Check out the pics from 1986!

 Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We hope you and yours are staying healthy and well.  We wanted to pass along some recent info that you may or may not have seen - thought you might be interested in some of these - North Carolina and our Triad region are in a great position to capture some  of this growth.  Have a great rest of your December and hears to 2021!

-Is a home a rooftop or an investment?  According to the National Association of Realtors, "83% of homebuyers view a home purchase as a “good financial investment,” according to the “2020 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers”. We agree!

-Good morning NC!  It's a new day!  Check out this new statewide commercial from the Economic Development Partnership of NC...

-Have you been by the Piedmont Triad International Airport recently?  While Covid has slowed down passenger air, it hasn't slowed down one project...here's an update!

-There has been formed by the NC Chamber - called Destination 2030-The Road to a Stronger Transportation Future.  This group's mission is to work to modernize the way we fund NC's transportation network.  NCDOT is also working on this via a commission they formed called the NC FIRST Commission. Their new funding recommendations will be submitted to the NC General Assembly in January. This issue is going to be very challenging but it is one that is needed.  SAS, a world-renowned data company based in Cary, NC, created a fantastic new tool for the NC FIRST Commission, called CRAFTS which allows citizens to play around with different funding modes and see what type of revenue is or is not generated and then share the ones they like the best.  This is a very important issue for real estate and economic development as the transportation network is one of the top three things companies look to when deciding on a location.  Also, it's important for road safety, reliable commerce, getting kids safely to schools and getting in and out of your neighborhood in a safe and secure manner.  Take a look at CRAFTS.

-Here is some great news from the National Association of REALTORS Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun:



-Will you support the #TriadTogether Challenge?

--Finally, check this out this pic.  A friend and colleague dropped these periodicals off recently.  Yes, they are magazines about Winston-Salem from 1986! Does anyone remember them?  Let me know if you have any stories about them.

Now that's a big ship!

 --Did you hear this great news amongst all of the Covid and election hysteria? North Carolina ranks #1....2020

--Winston-Salem makes another national list...debuts for the first time ever!  One of the...

--Recently the Piedmont Triad Partnership held its annual "State of the Region".  I enjoyed representing #BCA for this meeting.  There was some great information, data, economic development opportunities and other discussions.  There is a ton of data and information about our region in this presentation that was given but my biggest take away is how well we are positioned against competitor regions like Charleston, SC, Greenville, SC, Richmond, VA, Chattanooga, TN, Huntsville, AL, and Savannah, GA among others.  Our region is outperforming them and likely to continue which means continued jobs, business and population growth, all of which bode well for the real estate industry and your property values.  Great news for the Triad!

--The aforementioned report about our Triad region also shares data on how Covid has changed society and working from home is now a must.  This is an interesting discussion and could have serious consequences to commercial real estate.  But do companies only want their employees to work from home or will we see a hybrid model?  How many years will this trend last? Are at-home office spaces are important in a real estate sell?  If you are wondering how to leverage your home office or create one for improvement marketability and turn it into money, here are some tips on doing just that!  They are becoming a very big trend for sure.

--Last month we showcased this in our e-letter.  It was very popular, so I wanted to add it again as a benefit to you.  This is a neat tool that we have - home inventories are down & prices are going up, up, up. Do you want to know your home’s value? It is always an important number to keep track of! This is a pretty awesome little tool that we offer. You can check out what a or your home is worth quickly, without obligation and in a non-intrusive way. Just type in the address!  #WhyWait, it is always great to keep up with values.

--This is a very accurate article.  We agree with the sentiments in the report.  Also, the pics were taken at one of our listings in High Point of Marco Mendez of MM Triad Photography.  He does a great job and has a fantastic life story.  We appreciate Marco's work.

--We were proud to have been one of the few 2020 million dollar sales in the Triad in 2020 - featured in this article.  We greatly appreciate our clients and their trust and confidence in us to get their property sold.

--Check this out ... this pic is of the Yang Ming Warranty - one of the largest container ships on the globe.  It made its first port-of-call to the NC State Ports in Wilmington at the end of October - it is the largest ship ever to visit the ports.  This is very important development for the Triad area and our ability to continue to grow.  Congrats to the NC State Ports for their work. 

Best Places to Live in America...

Winston-Salem, for the first time, has been named on the Best Places to Live in America...this is an exciting time for Winston-Salem.  With all of its growth opportunities and the great quality of life, housing affordability and infrastructure, educational and healthcare facilities we are optimistic about the future.  

2020 - Americas Best Places to Live

Few updates...

 --New #BCA team pic in this newsletter header...hope you like it! 

--Real estate and transportation - what do they have to do with one another!?  Recently, I was honored to have been asked to help roll-out a new report on how to modernize the way North Carolina generates revenue for our transportation network.  This issue is very important to real estate and as the report shows, there are huge benefits to business growth, job growth and economic development growth within one mile of a road project in North Carolina's communities.  Greater quality of life, improved property values, strong connectivity are all a benefit to you.  Here is a Business North Carolina article on the issue, the report and the rollout. 

--With that, I've been asked to Chair a statewide effort to lead a broad-based coalition to modernize and diversify North Carolina’s transportation funding structure to improve our quality of life and meet the demands of a growing state in an increasingly competitive business environment.   If you'd like to partner with our growing coalition, you can learn more, review the report and join us by clicking here.  Your support would be most appreciated!  Real estate and growing communities are highly dependent upon a strong transportation network - we had an issue just this week on a property that we are working through simply because of the lack of funding.  Time to modernize.  What do you think?  Would welcome your insights and engagement.  

--Last month we showcased this in our e-letter.  It was very popular, so I wanted to add it again as a benefit to you.  This is a neat tool that we have - home inventories are down & prices are going up, up, up. Do you want to know your home’s value? It is always an important number to keep track of! This is a pretty awesome little tool that we offer. You can check out what a or your home is worth quickly, without obligation and in an non-intrusive way. Just type in the address!  #WhyWait, it is always great to keep up with values.

--Here is an updated report from Greater Winston-Salem Inc. "offering insights into the community's economic development efforts, data on employment and COVID-19 and more."  They did a nice job with it.

--There is a law in North Carolina that we have to comply with as agents and because we take it very seriously, we thought we'd put a short (minute-long) video together explaining it a little.  A lot of times it scares people, but it shouldn't.  Wanted to share as it is important to consider.

--For all of you who are heroically having to educate your children from home...here is an article on "e-learning spaces" and some great ideas.

--Don't miss out on Korner's Folly's 10th Annual Oktoberfest!  This year will be a little different but still a blast!  Check out the innovative way to keep the fun going and make sure to register today!

What is happening?

We receive a lot of questions about the current marketplace and what the data is saying.  We are in historic times in a lot of ways.  However,  the real estate market is still stable and very active and for that we are appreciative.  Below are the latest snapshots for the Triad region of NC.  We can go much deeper, all the way down to a neighborhood but these charts paint an accurate picture of how our real estate market is performing month ended June 2020.

As you can see:

-Median home sales price are at historic price ....
-Inventory is still tight....
-Property is selling quickly in some price points....
-High List to Sale Price...
-Increasing Price per Square Foot...

We are in a seller's market - if you would like to learn more about why now is a great time to sell, we would be happy to show you more details and guide you on your options.

Feature Article in Triad Real Producer

We are proud of our own Brooke Cashion for being the cover story in the June 2020 edition of Triad Real Producers Magazine.  The article shares much about Brooke's life and her grit and determination  which has led much to her success.  She takes her career very seriously - it's more than a job, it is her career.

Learn more about Brooke and the team in this great article.

Exclusive 100% Money Back Guarantee...

Whether you’re trying to buy or sell a home, you will inevitably have questions and concerns about the real estate transaction ahead of you. At Allen Tate Realtors, we understand these feelings and want to help you buy or sell with confidence.

That’s why we offer an exclusive program designed specifically to provide you with peace of mind: our 100% Money Back Guarantee program.

Why we do it: about the program

Allen Tate Realtors proudly offers a Money Back Guarantee program because we stand behind the value of the homes that we sell. If an Allen Tate buyer of a guaranteed home listed by Allen Tate is not satisfied, we will buy back that home for 100% of its purchase price.

Why do this? Because:

If you’re buying, we want you to buy with confidence. With Allen Tate’s 100% Money Back Guarantee, you can have confidence in the value of the home you’re buying. If you buy a home that has the 100% Money Back Guarantee and you’re not satisfied, we will buy back the home for 100% of its purchase price. So whether you’re relocating from out-of-state or simply want the peace of mind that comes with a guarantee, you can rest easy knowing that Allen Tate Realtors has your back.

If you’re selling, we want to help you sell faster. This program can help you sell your home faster and for a higher market value! By giving potential buyers peace of mind with their purchase, your house will be distinct and stand out from others on the market. And the best part? There’s no additional cost to you to enroll your home in the program! Make sure you ask your Allen Tate Realtor about the 100% Money Back Guarantee.  Ready to learn more?  Here's how it works....

Learn more about the great new program here!

An interview with Congressman Ted Budd...

Recently, our very own Brooke Cashion led a conversation with US Congressman Ted Budd that was conducted on behalf of the NC Realtors and the real estate industry. Because of Covid19, we are conducting our national legislative meetings virtually.

It worked very well and there was a large number of attendees on the call but we miss these meetings being in person. Congressman Budd is a fantastic legislator who works hard for his district and the people of NC.

As a small business owner himself and a leader on the Financial Services Committee in Congress, he plays an important role in real estate issues and private property rights. And real estate is a bright spot on the economy and Brooke was working hard on the call to help encourage passage of key legislation which will garner greater economic activity to help get our economy back on the tracks and thankfully Congressman Budd understands this. 

Thankfully, he agreed to become the co-sponsor of an important bill which would allow for electronic notaries. 

Blessed to have...

The Triad is blessed to have many restaurants and great places to grab cup of coffee or a glass of tea, wine or beer. A lot of these are independently owned small businesses. The owners of these small businesses have taken many risks to support the local economy, creating jobs, delivering food and creating an atmosphere of growth for the communities - becoming a place where many locals and tourist alike want to visit.

The Triad Food & Beverage Coalition is working to help get these small businesses opened again and in a safe way. This is a letter written by the owner of The Porch Kitchen and Cantina, Alma Mexicana and Canteen Market & Bistro in downtown Winston-Salem, but she speaks for them all. We are looking forward to a time when these restaurants and businesses are thriving again, where people are conversing and laughing and simply enjoying life and helping to grow our cities and towns. These great restaurants support the quality of life we promote in the areas we serve as #BCA Realtors. We appreciate the risks these companies have taken! Will you join us in thanking these businesses and support there safe and healthy efforts to re-open when the time is right?

Really - Activity Still?

With all that is going on and the challenging decisions governments are having to make, we have been working with the NC Realtors and the NC Chamber to encourage that real estate services and businesses remain open.  There is currently $8 billion worth of real estate under contract in NC, which does not include commercial real estate.  This is important and will help keep the economy moving forward, tax receipts coming and people employed.  So far, in Governor Cooper's Executive Order 120 from March 23, "protecting lives and property" are part of Section 2 and requires local governments to keep necessary services like the Register of Deeds offices open and we appreciate the Governor's actions for this effort.

We are hearing multiple reports from many agents that buyers and sellers are still very active, looking for property, listing property and closing property.  This is great news and a bright spot in our challenging time.  

We are also working on a number of ways to help our clients.  We are doing virtual tours for homes, hosting numerous virtual listing appointment, communicating with clients via phone, email, text, video and other ways,  working on e-documents and social distancing in person.  Plus we are very much open, producing and appreciate your support, trust and confidence.

Most attorneys have put policies in place to limit the exposure to their offices and have gone virtual, with e-closings or only allowing essential people in the offices only, practicing social distancing.  But we are working closely with them and still coordinating multiple closings and will be continuing to do so as we continue to sell real estate.

We are seeing many swings in mortgage rates.  It is important that you have a trusted mortgage lender and we have a team of professionals that we trust impeccably.  Also, there may be some changes on the mortgage application side and with the tax documents a buyer will be sharing with their lender.  As federal guidance comes out, we will be learning more.  For example, where we were seeing a final income check 10 days out before a closing, we are learning in some cases it is two days or even 24 hours.  Timing will be critical so we will be communicating with the lender and our buyers on that as things progress and change.

Appraisals are still moving forward.  Home inspections are still moving forward, albeit, most are with the home inspector only.  Negotiations are still on going.  

While we are in challenging and unprecedented times, we believe we can get through this and rebound rather quickly.  Please do not hesitate to contact us should you need some counsel. Things are changing rapidly and we are working hard to be learned on those changes in order to best serve and benefit you, our clients. 

Thank you for your support, trust and confidence.  

Brooke Cashion and Associates - Allen Tate

 

Can Property Still Be Sold?

244 and 224 - What Do These Numbers Mean?

Real Estate drives a large segment of the economy. It is a tangible asset. Even in the worst of times people need a roof over their head. We thought these stats were interesting and thought you might as well:

In the Triad (Greensboro, High Point, Winston-Salem, NC) market alone over the past 3 days (since the 15 day quarantine was announced) 244 new listings have come on the market and 224 have gone under contract.

In the past 24 hours 94 new listings have come on the market and 55 have gone under contract.

This is a time to be bullish on real estate if you have the financial tolerance. Rates are incredible and there are some lovely new listings hitting the market. If you have been thinking of downsizing or combining households with aging family, there are some phenomenal homes hitting the market.

Reach out to our team for guidance, advice and assistance. We will assist you virtually or in person (while maintaining acceptable social distance of course). So much of what we do is online via electronic signatures, live video showings, online pics and floor plans, etc. We are here to help you and we ask that you help to keep this fragile market thriving!

3% - No Way!

Have you seen what mortgage rates are doing?  Is it time to refinance?  Is it time to consider selling and using the purchasing power for your next home or a second home?  Are you familiar with the current market conditions?

At the end of February 2020, we are seeing the following stats:
-Sales Price - $181,000 near a 10 year high
-Number of Homes for Sale - 4510 near a 10 year low
-Days on the Market - 19
-Percentage of List Price - 99% near a 10 year high

We track market conditions, mortgage rates and mortgage applications and the experts we work with like Luann Davis with Truliant Federal Credit Union and Jeff Pearce with Allen Tate Mortgage tell us volume is through the roof (pun intended) and rates are the lowest in history at or below 3% depending on circumstances.  Of course each person's situation is different but if you have been considering these aforementioned questions, for your security, you really should look into what the answers may be?  One really needs to weigh a number of options and the costs of the impacts before making a decision.  Well the good news is that our team of experts can help you determine the right course of action.  If you need some advice, simple let us know.  

Do Yall Help People Think About Their Future?

Recently, we were asked this question by a local business executive: 

"Do y'all offer advice to people about what they should do with their property?  For example, what if someone is thinking about downsizing but they do not know if they should refinance to update the home, should they remodel and put the home on the market, should they remodel and stay put, should they simply sell their property or do yall just sell real estate?" 

The answer is we are real estate leaders who advise and consult on all things real estate, so YES to both questions - we advise and sell.  We work weekly on these exact questions and work with people to better understand what the market is doing and offer professional and skilled advice to help someone determine how best to strategize about their future.  If you know someone who needs or wants to have this discussion and simple advice, please feel free to reach out and let us know.  Thanks!

The Dynamite Daphne Moore!

Where did #Daphne come from?

THE Lisa Chrystie!

What is Lisa's #Why? 

Visit us at our new office!

We are very excited to announce that we are now located in the new Allen Tate Companies - Kernersville office. With this geographic location and because we work in multiple markets in the the Triad, (Forsyth, Davie, Guilford, and Davidson Counties and all the cities in-between), this was a natural fit. This will benefit our clients greatly and gives us a greater reach to continue to serve our client's interest. Nothing changes except our location! We appreciate Allen Tate's decision and investment in locating an office in Kernersville! 

From Phyllis Brookshire - Allen Tate Realtors President:
"#HereWeGrowAgain - We are excited to announce Allen Tate Realtors has added to our market presence in the Triad Region with a new office in Kernersville! Located at 135 Church Lane, in downtown Kernersville, we are officially open. 

Lori Ford Yager, Branch Leader of Oak Ridge will lead both Kernersville and Oak Ridge offices. Brooke Cashion & Associates are the first agents to affiliate with the Kernersville branch, moving from the Winston-Salem Cherry St office. We thank Brooke, Jake, Lisa, Daphne, and Jill for leading the way in the center of the Triad Region with this latest office."

We are looking forward to continuing our mission from this new office, which is to work to fulfill the path of real estate ownership for our clients and work hard to make their lives better through our service, care and attention.

Would you mind helping us share the word? Stop by for a visit sometime! Thanks!!

As always, thank you for your support and for the trust and confidence you place in us!  Please feel free to call/email/text...visit our home on the web...BrookeCashion.com....we are processing a lot of new listings and currently there are many buyers ready to purchase.  If you need advice about what to do or even thinking about moving or if you are trying to decide whether to make improvements to your home, do not hesitate to reach out.

Who is the 2019 REALTOR of the Year?

On December 3, 2019, our very own Brooke Cashion was named the 2019 Winston-Salem Regional Association of Realtors, REALTOR of the Year!  The association has 2000+ members and they have a lot of great talent to choose from so this was a wonderful honor and it was a lovely evening of celebration.  Will you our #BCA team in congratulating Brooke?!  

There was a special moment at the end of the Association recognizing Brooke when the following video was played:

In Search of....

We work everyday to "move" our client's property or to advise them through the real estate buying process and advising them on finding that perfect place.  We work hard to fulfill the path of real estate ownership which is part of our mission at #BCA.

Today, we are in search of properties in a certain price point and have buyers who are in need of finding that perfect place.  We need properties between the $150,000 and $400,000 price point.  If you know of anyone that has even thought about or would be interested in selling their property, please let us know asap.  We would be happy to contact them and simply have a conversation about the market place or they can reach out directly - NO OBLIGATION.

Thank you for your help.  We really appreciate it!