Words of Wisdom from a Licensed Home Inspector

by Susie on January 22, 2010

Whether you are buying or selling a home, there are several salient things you should know.  Mountain properties are rather unique, and one is well advised to become knowledgeable in what to look for when buying, or how to best prepare your home prior to listing.

I recently had the great pleasure of interviewing local home inspector, Patricia Nardy of Eagle Eye Home Inspection Services, Inc., based in Cashiers, North Carolina.  Enjoy Pat’s expertise and guidance by clicking on the player below.  The interview runs approximately 12 minutes.

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Who Is Representing You?

by Susie on January 2, 2010

When you work with a real estate agent, you should demand nothing less than excellence in your broker. Take the few extra moments on the front end to do your due diligence in hiring an agent who truly represents your interests (only).

Report Card

Can your prospective agent pass this minimal test?

1. Did she discuss agency relationships with you?

2. Can she tell you which price ranges, locations, and home styles are the best investment in her market?

3. Can easily discuss the hot trends in her market over the past 2 years?

4. Is she acquainted with all the details of the property she proposes to show you?

5. Has she thoroughly organized your day’s itinerary of appointments to see property?

6. Has she helped you understand the area in which you are looking?

7. Can she answer your questions regarding taxes, surveys, septic evaluations, home owners insurance, pest inspections, home inspections, appraisals, zoning and restrictive covenants?

8. Has she provided you with information before you even ask?

9. Has she provided you with comparables or a Comparative Market Analysis on a piece of property you are interested in?

10. Does she have a resource list for your use?

When it comes to selecting an agent who will provide you with a compelling customer experience, make sure you assess her commitment to you and her work ethic. After all, you deserve the best.

If you would like to know more about how I work with clients, please feel free to email me or call me at (828) 371-2079.

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The Best Season

January 2, 2010

When is the best season for real estate shopping?
Any time of the year is a good time to shop for real estate, especially in Highlands, NC!

Some buyers prefer coupling their buying trip with a vacation, so select the time of year that suits you the best. Are you hoping to get in a few [...]

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Begin with the End in Mind

January 2, 2010

As is the case with most things, knowing how to start to do something is most difficult part of the process.

And when it comes to trying to understand how to buy real estate in a community that will be a second home, one may quickly become overwhelmed. How does one begin?
Once you have determined that [...]

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Discovering Highlands

January 2, 2010

Dozens of years ago, my grandparents were looking for an escape from the brutal, summer heat of southern Florida.

Like many others who had heard about a gorgeous, cool mountain community in western North Carolina, they made their way to Highlands for a vacation. And over the course of their stay, they fell in love [...]

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