Articles Tagged "Tips"

In and around the Triangle area, there are several beautiful luxury listings available for sale. What exactly differentiates these properties from the standard market? Is it the square footage, the features, or the technology? Some would say it is all of the above. Ultimately, luxury buyers are not looking at the price tag in their search for their next dream home but the amazing amenities that come with the property. Here are the top 6 must-have features in luxury homes!

1. Indoor / Outdoor living

Indoor/outdoor living seamlessly extends your home's great room or dining quarters. This trend tends to keep cohesion in design from the interior to the exterior of your home. Typically indoor/ outdoor living has always been a primal commodity when searching for a new home. With the new normal consisting of being at your humble abode more these days, the amenity has become a necessity. What makes an outdoor living space luxurious is the ability to provide comfort through all seasons while also allotting multiple entertainment options. High-end features include retracting screened porches, outdoor kitchens, cabanas, and sometimes a type of water feature. This CBHPW luxury listing checks off each box on the list! With its large covered porch and a wood fireplace, the immaculate outdoor kitchen has a top-of-the-line grill station, jacuzzi, and extensive acreage for sporting events or games. One thing for sure is that you may yearn to host any occasion with this property as your next home. To view more of this listing, click here.  

2. Theatre Room 

Entertainment becomes the next level when a luxury property contains an in-home theater. The ability to bring the ultimate cinematic experience to your fingertips is a sought amenity many buyers search for when hunting for their next home. What makes an in-home theater top-notch is its ability to incorporate features similar to an actual movie theater. This includes a top-of-the-line av-system, projector, large screens, recessed lighting, and comfortable loungers. The goal of the theater room is to immerse yourself in what's on the screen, whether that be the newest megahit movie or the exciting rival sports game. The cinema room pictured above is from none other than one of our CBHPW luxury listings. This glorious in-home theater offers stadium seating, a high-tech projector, and even mimics the groovy movie theater carpet. To view more of this property, click here. 

3. Large Garages

The standard two-car garage does not cut it for luxury properties. Buyers are looking for substantial space when envisioning the housing of their precious automobiles. Typically, luxury properties have at least a 3-car garage! To any car buff, the garage is not just a space for storing your vehicle. This part of the property could be turned into a luxurious showroom, man cave, or workshop. This beautiful CBHPW luxury property comes with a three-car garage with gorgeous rustic wood garage doors. To view more of this property, click here.  

4. Intricate Ceiling Designs

Raised ceilings and other intricate ceiling styles are quite the fanbase for luxury homes. A room turns from basic to compelling when there is a ceiling feature that adds depth, sophistication, and style. In most luxury dwellings, at least one space must contain a styled ceiling. One of these rooms can be the living room, sitting room, primary bedrooms, and or dining rooms. What exactly are some styles of these ceilings? They are cathedral, tray, beamed, suspended, and coffered. One would love to have any of these exquisite designs in their home!  For example, in this CBHPW luxury listing above. The sitting room contains a beautiful coffered ceiling. The coffered ceiling consists of sunken panels accented by molding, creating a waffle-like appearance. What works well in this room is the brilliant addition of recessed lighting. For more on this property click here. 

5. Massive Walk-In Closets

Typically an owner of a luxury home tends to live a complete life of luxury. Meaning everything about them is high-end, like their fashion sense. Closets in a luxury home are an extension of the main room and need to boast space and means of organization. Closets these days are not just for hanging clothes. They can be an area to lounge in after using the spa bathroom or a place to put on that fashion show after shopping in the streets of London. For sure, luxury home buyers are looking for closets that encompass organization and can show off their beautiful wardrobe. In this CBHPW luxury home, the primary closet is genuinely massive. This closet incorporates different levels of custom built-in shelving and an island dresser to accommodate all buyers' attire needs. To view more of this property, click here.

6. Relaxing Spa baths

When buyers search for their next home, kitchens and bathrooms are the most focused rooms, which is why main bathrooms in luxury homes are genuinely upping the ante in their need to give that spa-like aura. Features include a jacuzzi bathtub fit for a king, a large walk-in shower that doubles as a steam room, neutral colors, beautiful stone or tile, and lots of space for minimal clutter. In this CBHPW luxury listing, this bathroom truly exuberates comfort and relaxation. The large window allows natural light to encase the room, making the white pop against the darker grays. The unity in neutral colors creates a calming sensation. One can relax in the free-standing tub or use the shower with multi-shower heads in this bathroom. To view more, click here. 

When buying or selling in the luxury market, we are sure you have seen one or more of these features within the properties. To view, all of Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walstons' luxury homes for sale, visit our website at https://www.hpwluxury.com

If you feel your home isn't complete without a four-legged friend, you're not alone. Many homeowners have at least one pet. Whether you're thinking about getting your first pet or adding yet another to your pack, introducing a new pet requires some planning and finesse. Here are a few tips from our real estate agents for bringing a new fur-buddy into your home.

1. Get your home ready.
   Before your new four-legged friend comes home with you for the first time, make sure you have everything you need and that your home is ready for their arrival. Get all the pet supplies you need, such as food, bowls, a kennel or carrier for a larger pet or a cage if it's a small animal, and a collar and a leash if necessary. Also, be sure your home is ready to receive a new pet. Pet-proof and put anything away that could be hazardous for your new pet.
   
   
2. Make new introductions slowly.
   Keep introductions stress-free for your pet by slowly introducing them to other household members. For a dog, meeting on a leash in a neutral area, such as outside instead of in the house, can take some of the pressure off. A new cat may need to be kept confined to a single room for a few days while getting used to the new home.
   
   
3. Plan a quiet few days at home.
   The last thing you want is a lot of activity while you're letting a new pet adjust to unfamiliar surroundings, so keep introductions to just the immediate household for now. Remember, this is a new member of your household, so friends and family will have plenty of time to get to know them later on. For now, plan to spend a few days at home while they get to know you and their new home.
   
   
4. Establish routines.
   These first few days at home are a good time to start establishing routines with your new pet: when mealtimes are when bedtime is, and if it's a dog, walk schedules and outdoor routines.
   
   
5. Plan for the future.
   As you and your new pet settle in together, remember to plan for the future. For instance, if you plan to move soon, maybe you don't want to cut through that exterior wall to make a doggy door. House training is important at this point so that you keep your home in good shape, minimize repairs, and maintain the value for when you sell one day. Keep in mind things that you notice would be nice, such as a larger yard for your dog, so that you know what to look for when you start browsing Raleigh homes for sale.

Adding a pet to the family is exciting, but it may also remind you of the features you want in your next home, such as more space, a larger yard, and close proximity to parks or walking trails. If you're ready to start looking for a new home for you and your family, both two-legged and four-legged family members included, contact us today.

Living in Raleigh means that there will always be new experiences to explore waiting close to your front door, in a city that is constantly growing. This year has seen quite a few exciting new businesses open in the city, offering food and fun for family members of all ages. There are new restaurants with healthy, locally sourced ingredients, a new coffee shop bringing flavors from around the world to Raleigh, and new studios where you can learn to create your own art. Our real estate agents have the exciting details on 5 of the great new businesses to open in Raleigh this year.

1. Origin Hotel Raleigh – 603 W Morgan St., Raleigh, NC 27603

   Whether you're in town to shop for Raleigh homes for sale or already a resident of the city, you're sure to find something to love on the menu when you visit the new restaurant at Origin Hotel Raleigh. The menu offers a diverse selection of plant-based meals with fresh ingredients sourced from local farms and protein-based meals with sustainably sourced meat. Origin Hotel Raleigh is open every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with brunch on weekends.

2. Iris Coffee Lab & Cafe – 725 Tucker St., Raleigh, NC 27603

   For delicious coffee and so much more, be sure to check out the new experience at Iris Coffee Lab & Cafe. This is so much more than your average coffee shop, with a selection of expertly brewed coffee, espresso, and cold brew that you can enjoy with your breakfast or lunch. And it's not just about the coffee! This shop also stocks a lovely selection of teas, which have been aged to perfection and are ready for you to enjoy hot or cold.

3. Wine & Design – 510 W Martin St., Raleigh, NC 27601

   Looking for a fun, fresh way to relax and unwind with your favorite people? An art class at Wine & Design is just the thing! You can book a private party, where you'll enjoy a two-hour class directed by a local artist and create a unique piece of art to bring home. Wine & Design also has regularly scheduled classes, open to anyone, so you don't have to plan a party to enjoy some painting. There are even classes for painting with your pet and online classes that allow you to create art in your own home.

4. Bean Sprouts – 201 E Hargett St., Raleigh, NC 27601

   When you're in the mood for a fun family outing and a healthy meal, you'll love visiting the award-winning Bean Sprouts restaurant. This unique, kid-focused dining spot is located in the Marbles Kids Museum, so it's the perfect place to enjoy a break during your visit. Kids love all of the unique flavors on the menu, and parents are sure to love that everything is made with fresh, healthy, organic ingredients.

5. Sugar & Spice Kitchen – 227 Fayetteville St., Raleigh, NC 27601

   In the mood to indulge your sweet tooth? Sugar & Spice Kitchen is a new dessert destination that fuses the flavors of India and North Carolina to create a menu of sweet treats that you won't find anywhere else. This family-run bakery offers a delectable collection of handmade pies, jams, and cakes, all created with love in Raleigh.

Ready to find your next home in a city that is always evolving to provide new experiences for your family to enjoy? Our team is here to help. Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout the Raleigh, NC area.

When you're selling your home, you want it to appeal to as many potential buyers as possible. Even though 67 percent of households have pets, our real estate agents know that properties that appear to be pet-free show better than those with a lot of pet supplies scattered and pets running around. Here are some things pet owners need to do before a showing to ensure their pets and home are prepared.

1. Talk to Your Pet's Vet
   Selling a home isn't just stressful for human family members; it can stress your furry and feathered family members as well. Talk to your pet's vet to determine how you can best minimize your pet's stress while your home is for sale. Your pet may have to spend more time than they're used to away from their home in your car or a crate. Some pets may benefit from temporarily taking anti-anxiety medication. If your pet is prone to UTIs, disrupting their bathroom habits may trigger a flareup. Your vet might recommend preventive measures to keep your pet healthy during this stressful time. 

2. Devise a Plan for Relocating Your Pet During Showings
   When it's time for a showing or open house, you need to remove your pet and any evidence of your pet. This includes items like litter boxes, pet beds, toys, and feeding and watering bowls. Help the process go as smoothly as possible by devising a plan to deal with impromptu home showings. You might have one family member responsible for gathering pet equipment while another family member rounds up your pets and puts them in crates or on leashes. Don't forget to sweep up litter or spilled kibble before you leave!

3. Borrow an Impartial Friend's Nose
   Before you add your home to the list of Raleigh homes for sale, you want to ensure that it smells fresh and clean. If your home has a bad odor, this can cause homebuyers to form unfavorable opinions about your property. Since you've lived in your home for so long, you're likely immune to many of its odors. Have an impartial friend stop by and let you know if they can smell any evidence of your pet. Even if you've promptly cleaned up Fido's accidents, old urine stains and odors might still linger. These tough odors might require professional cleaning or even require you to completely replace the soiled materials. 

4. Give Your Yard a Once Over
   Don't forget to inspect your home's outside areas. Prospective buyers will want to explore your yard; you don't want them stepping in a hole or a pile of dog scat. Make sure to fill in any holes and scoop any pet waste. Just like the inside of your home, your home's exterior should look as if it belongs to a pet-free family. Check your home's exterior for any damage that your pet may have caused. Look for holes in your fence and claw marks on outside furnishings and wood trim. Repair any damage and replace any items that can't be salvaged. Even if the buyer doesn't spot the damage before making an offer, your home inspector is likely to detect the issues during the home inspection.

Have additional questions about preparing your home to sell? Contact us today for assistance!

After our REALTORS® have helped you find the perfect home among the Raleigh homes for sale, it's time to pack your boxes and plan for moving day! Moving into a new home can be time-consuming, expensive and stressful especially if you don't plan it well.

Streamline your move with this list of actionable steps you can follow to make your move more bearable.

1. Decide if You Will DIY or Hire Relocation Services
   The dynamics of moving and the decisions you make from now on will depend on whether you will be in charge or you will hire a moving company. Getting movers could be costlier but more convenient. You will have experts on your case and won't have to worry about packing, the actual transportation, and unpacking. DIY moving lets you stay in control of the entire process. It will be tiresome and time-consuming but it is, in most cases, cheaper for shorter distances or if you have most of the resources you need to relocate.
2. Identify the Moving Date
   If possible, set a moving date that gives you at least a month to organize. Choosing the date in advance gives you time to do the rest of the preparations in a countdown mode, making the final moving day less stressful.
3. Create a Budget and Fund it
   Let's face it. You can't move without spending money. The cost to move locally in the US ranges from $800 and $2000 for a four-bedroom household. This figure varies depending on your possessions, who is handling the process, and the distance you are moving. Acknowledging and funding this bill in advance will avoid nasty surprises when you run out of money. A good way to get the budget right is getting quotes on your move from local contractors. You can then decide to trim down the budget by:

• • Selling, donating or disposing of some of your possessions
  • Bargaining or getting better rates from other contractors
  • Supplementing what the mover does by providing things like packaging, getting friends to offer free labor or getting a private truck to carry your belongings
  • Going full DIY

4. Prepare and Start Packing for the Grand Day
   Get the boxes and accessories you need to pack your valuables safely in advance. If possible, start packing what you can long before the last week. This will cut down on the time the movers spend on your premises, making your moving costs lower while making your experience better.
5. Don't Forget to Think About Unpacking
   The last thing people forget is the unpacking at the end of the move. You will need help moving all that heavy furniture and placing your belongings into the right rooms. Taking this into account will ensure that you settle into your new home faster and start feeling at home.

Don't let your move add unnecessary stress! Contact us today for help finding your new home in the Triangle.

The New Year has arrived bringing with it blistery cold weather and great anticipation for all that will happen in the days and months that lie ahead.

Your 2018 resolutions may take you to the gym more often, give you the opportunity to reconnect with family and friends or set the stage for a long-awaited home sale. If the latter is on your list, now is the perfect time to begin your real estate journey; here's how:

Figure Out Your Finances

You'll need to get your financial affairs in order before buying a home—think about your credit score, income, and savings.

Start by checking your credit to see where you stand. Are there any errors or negative information on your credit reports? If so, start fixing them now to raise your credit score before you begin hunting for a home. The higher your credit score, the more likely you are to qualify for a lower interest rate on your mortgage loan.

Determine what you can afford based on your current income and savings. Do you have enough money to purchase the home you desire? If not, are you able to revise your budget to cut spending and increase your cash reserves? You will need to demonstrate to lenders that you can afford monthly mortgage payments as well as a down payment ranging from 5 to 10 percent of the loan.

If you already know that you are well positioned financially to buy a home, do yourself a favor and get pre-approved for a mortgage. A pre-approval is a written statement from a lending institution in which the lender tentatively commits to lend a borrower, upon underwriting review, a fixed loan amount. This formal letter offers assurance to sellers that you are in good financial standing and truly able to purchase their home.

Do Due Diligence

Before you start your house hunt, research the areas and neighborhoods that interest you. In short, do your due diligence.

Log on to HPW.com to take a look at the homes for sale in the communities, zip codes or school districts you've identified. Gather information about homes that have recently sold in the areas you like to get an idea of pricing for the type of home you want.

You should also begin driving around the neighborhoods you'd like to consider to get a feel for what they are like day and night. Take note of the traffic on area streets, find out how the local schools are rated, and familiarize yourself with the various conveniences in the area. A new home is what you seek, but you'll want to know all about its surroundings before you commit to buying it.

Hire a Trusted Real Estate Agent

You may be tempted to seek out a home on your own, but it will serve you well to hire a professional real estate agent.

A local real estate agent will know about the communities that interest you and help you find the home you seek. They often hear about listings before they hit the market and may be able to ensure you are one of the first buyers through the door.

Your agent will be able to help you make a stronger, more compelling offer, by providing insight into what sellers are seeking. It is also a real estate agent's job to protect you during the home buying process by keeping your best interests in mind and ensuring the transaction and all paperwork are handled appropriately.