Winston Salem | We Can Guide You Through the Selling Process.

 Winston Salem, We Can Guide you through selling Your Home in a Tough Market!

Please know if you contact me, there is never an obligation to move forward!   

Winston Salem Real Estate | Hire Your Advocate and Professional

 

A native Winston Salem, I am here to help in anyway I can.   It is not about how much money I make, it is about getting you the best deal I can.

Contact me for a no obligation consultation!

Winston Salem | Navigate the Real Estate Market With Carolina Living Real Estate

 

Feel Free to Contact Roby Robertson for a no obligation consultation.   The market can be challenging but we can help guide you through it.

Winston Salem | Disclosure of an off-site condition?

What are an agent’s duties regarding disclosure 

of an off-site condition?

QUESTION: A broker in our office who represents a buyer recently put a home under contract. During the home inspection this week, the buyer was standing outside the house and heard a train go by. It was not visible but the buyer was upset that the existence of a railroad track in close proximity to the back side of the property was not disclosed on the Residential Property and Owners’ Association Disclosure Statement. The seller checked the “No Representation” box on all the questions on the Disclosure Statement.

The buyer intends to terminate the contract. It is within the Due Diligence period, so the buyer has the right to do so and receive a refund of his Earnest Money Deposit. However, the buyer also wants to recover his Due Diligence Fee and the home inspector’s fee because he feels that the presence of the railroad track should have been disclosed and that the sellers have somehow breached the contract. Does the existence of an active train track (that is not visible from the house) have to be disclosed by the seller? Did the seller breach the contract? If not, does the buyer have a claim for damages against the listing agent?

ANSWER: Under North Carolina law, sellers have very limited disclosure obligations to buyers. While sellers may not misrepresent facts, or fraudulently conceal a defect in their property, the general rule is caveat emptor, let the buyer beware. Here, there is no evidence that the seller has misrepresented anything nor actively concealed the existence of the track. As a result, we do not believe that the seller has breached the contract.

Unlike sellers, REALTORS® are required both by statute and by the REALTOR® Code of Ethics to disclose all material facts to their own clients and to the other parties involved in a real estate transaction. Licensees are subject to disciplinary action and potential civil liability for failing to disclose a material fact.

In some cases, it is not easy to determine whether a fact is sufficiently “material” to require disclosure. The North Carolina Real Estate Commission has identified three categories of facts that must be disclosed if the agent has knowledge of those facts OR if the agent should reasonably be aware of those facts: (1) facts about the property itself, (2) facts that relate directly to the property, and (3) facts that relate directly to the ability of a principal to complete the transaction.

The second category, facts that relate directly to the property, are typically external factors that affect the use, desirability or value of a property. Examples given in the Real Estate Commission’s Real Estate Manual are a pending zoning change, the existence of restrictive covenants, plans to widen an adjacent street, and plans to build a shopping center on adjacent property.

In determining whether a particular “external factor” sufficiently affects the use, desirability or value of a property so as to require disclosure, a reasonableness standard should be applied. Ask yourself whether the external factor would affect a reasonable prospective buyer’s decision to buy the property. In the situation you have described, the close proximity of the track to the listed property militates in favor of disclosure because the noise produced by passing trains could certainly be substantial enough to affect the normal use and enjoyment of the property.

Agents on both sides of the transaction have a duty to discover facts which, through reasonable diligence, should be known to them. When those facts are material, they must be disclosed. Here, the existence of an active railroad track adjacent to the subject property likely should have been discovered by both agents and disclosed to the prospective buyer BEFORE the buyer made an offer for the property. Thus, in our view, both agents (and possibly their firms) face potential disciplinary action and/or civil liability for failing to disclose the track to the prospect before the property went under contract.

© Copyright 2013 - 2025. North Carolina Association of REALTORS®, Inc.

This article is intended solely for the benefit of NC REALTORS® members, who may reproduce and distribute it to other NC REALTORS® members and their clients, provided it is reproduced in its entirety without any change to its format or content, including disclaimer and copyright notice, and provided that any such reproduction is not intended for monetary gain. Any unauthorized reproduction, use or distribution is prohibited.

Winston Salem | Selling Your Home? A Kitchen Clean Up Pays Off

When it comes to selling a home, a kitchen clean up pays. You don't have to do an expensive remodel to make your kitchen appealing to buyers. If you're starting with a good kitchen space, then making a few inexpensive modifications can help you get your home noticed and sell for more money.

Here are a few things to start with:

Some people like to leave every single appliance that they've used in the last week out, but, to show good space,you're going to have to clear your counters. One of the major mistakes sellers make is leaving the kitchen, or their home, the everyday way they live in it. The way you sell and show a home is not usually the way you live in it. Yes, it may be an inconvenience but it's worth the hassle if it brings in more money when your home sells.

Look around your kitchen and see what you can put away.

The more empty the counter tops, the better. A few subtle decorations that bring your kitchen to life are perfect. Leave open space for buyers to imagine their own belongings in your kitchen.

If you have any low-hanging pots and pans on racks from the walls or ceilings, consider removing them and patch the holes. Unless the rack is very necessary or really nice decor that doesn't block views or hang too low, removing it will help create a greater feeling of spaciousness.

Wipe the counter tops thoroughly.

Sounds so ridiculously simple and obvious. But many sellers forget to do this and the counter tops are left sticky or with stains on them. A little elbow grease could remove a wine stain or watermark and make the kitchen look much more cared-for.

No island? No problem. 

If you don't have an island in your kitchen but have some extra room, a rolling butcher block island works like a charm for adding convenient working space and a sophisticated look. You might also have some delicious-smelling freshly baked cookies out alongside your flyers for open houses.

Get some light in the kitchen.

If you have all recessed lighting, you might try adding a few pendant lights. They add a completely different look and can be quite attractive.

Change your flooring if it's very old, torn up, or outdated.

Putting in some inexpensive flooring that gives an updated look will help. You don't have to spend lots of money and get the best flooring around; just make sure your flooring doesn't make your home look like it's in a time warp.

Add some plants and greenery to the kitchen.

Using fresh herbs in simple containers is a great way to add some pretty decor plus their lovely aromatic odors help buyers think about the meals they'd cook in your kitchen.

Clean up or replace old worn-down appliances.

You can sell the home with appliances "as is" but a broken dishwasher, for instance, is a point of price negotiation. You can expect buyers to want some money off or for it to be replaced.

The kitchen is one of the most important areas of a home for most buyers, even if they don't cook. Taking the time to enhance it before you list your home will help make sure your home sells for top dollar.

Information provided by RealtyTimes

Winston Salem | This Document Is Boring, But It Will Save You THOUSANDS when buying or Selling Real Estate

 

Great information from one of our Partner Real Estate Attorneys,   It is my job to stay on top of things making your transaction go smoothly.   This is one of our resources.   This is a good watch!

Winston Salem | Financial Benefits of Being Pet Friendly

This information is courtesy of PetScreening.com.      Please keep in mind that while this article references Apartments and/or multi-family properties, it also applies to single family homes which we manage.   

There are many benefits to multifamily communities being pet-friendly, including happier residents, an improved reputation and more homes available for pets that don’t have one. But the residual effects don’t stop there.

Another major benefit is that it widens the pool of prospective residents. According to Apartments.com, more than 70% of renters own a pet, yet many of them indicated that pet-friendly housing is hard to come by.

In addition to attracting new residents, apartment operators will often experience an increase in renewal rates by becoming pet-friendly. While pet owners tend to stay in an apartment home for an average of 46 months, non-pet owners stay an average of just 18 months, according to the Foundation for Interdisciplinary Research and Education Promoting Animal Welfare. This places an average value of $63,572 on a pet-owning resident, compared to a value of $24,875 on a non-pet owner.

Less vacancy, plus increased renewal rates, equals powerful financial benefits for owners and operators.

Consider that a pet-prohibited portfolio of 1,000 apartment homes will have approximately $588,000 in additional turnaround costs and suffer a massive $10.7 million hit to its overall value. By allowing pets to reside in their communities, operators attract and retain residents, which in turn creates new revenue streams.

One way to earn additional revenue from pets could be to have a dog walking service or pet spa that pet-owning residents can use. Another way is by simply charging a small, monthly ‘pet rent’ fee based upon the pet’s track record on top of the traditional rent.

If operators sensibly relax breed and weight restrictions - and they have a way to thoroughly screen pets and pet owners before they move into their communities - they can offer a spectrum of monthly fees and pet rent. They could generate more revenue by charging fees that are not one-size-fits-all but, rather, tailored to the underlying risk presented by the individual pet and pet owner. For instance, a more rambunctious pet could have higher fees associated with it than a calmer, more tranquil pet. A puppy clearly presents more risk than a mature dog (who is potty trained), which could reasonably justify a little extra pet rent for the puppy risk until it’s more mature. Think of it as using a sliding scale to assess the appropriate fees for each pet individually, rather than across the board for all pets.

And while you certainly hope that pet owners behave well, there are fees that may be generated by way of a pet owner's missteps. A 2020 pet policies and amenities survey conducted by PetScreening in conjunction with J Turner Research found that 71% of residents, pet owners or not, support property managers charging more fees for irresponsible pet ownership.  

The fee-inducing offenses could include things such as repeatedly allowing dogs to roam off-leash, not picking up pet waste and allowing dogs to engage in excessive barking.

By completely banning pets from communities, owners are not only excluding themselves from a large subset of potential residents, but they’re also limiting their sources of revenue. Making properties pet-friendly will not only broaden the field of prospective residents interested in living in a community, but it will also provide additional financial benefits for the owner, adding to the bottom line.

I am offering a Buyer Rebate!! Is it Legal?

 

Yes, it is true.  I am now offering a buyer rebate.  In this market,  we Realtors need to be true Brokers. By that I mean, it is our job to help 'broker' the deal.   If this mean helping out buyers ( which will ultimately help sellers)!   The article below discusses the legal aspects of this offer.   Yes, it is legal.

However, in addition to the rules below, there are also a couple other requirements.   You know by now, sellers are not required to offer buyers any compensation.   As you read below, rebates must be paid our of commissions, so this offer is dependent on the overall compensation.     Also, based on this new rule regarding compensation, it is not possible to dis close an amount.    However, this will be honored and negotiated.  

As always,  contact me regarding you real estate needs with zero obligation!

May I offer to rebate part of my commission to a buyer?

QUESTION: I am thinking about offering a rebate of a portion of my commission to buyers who work with me. Is that okay and if so, may I advertise the offer?

ANSWER: The answer to both your questions is yes, provided you do it properly.

First of all, although the license law generally prohibits a broker from sharing his or her commission with an unlicensed person, he or she can share commissions with a party  to the transaction. Any such arrangement should be put in writing, and if the buyer is getting a loan, any such payment must be disclosed to the buyer’s lender prior to closing and must be reflected on the HUD-1 settlement statement (see Real Estate Commission’s Broker-in-Charge Guide, Chapter 5).

Regarding advertising, Standard of Practice 12-3 of the REALTOR Code of Ethics confirms that advertising a commission rebate to buyers is not unethical, subject to the  following proviso:

…However, REALTORS® must exercise care and candor in any such advertising or other public or private representations so that any party interested in receiving or  otherwise benefiting from the REALTOR®’s offer will have clear, thorough, advance understanding of all the terms and conditions of the offer.

Thus, for example, any advertising should make it clear that the rebate is subject to lender approval. Also, although it may seem obvious, it should be clear that the rebate will be made from commissions actually received.

If you haven’t already, you should discuss this idea with your broker-in-charge. Your firm may have a policy on the offering of rebates or other inducements, and your BIC is  responsible for the proper conduct of advertising by or in the name of the firm. Remember that you must disclose the name of your firm in any advertisement of real estate  services or listed property in any medium (see Standard of Practice 12-5 of the Code of Ethics).

Release Date: 09/02/2014

© Copyright 2014 - 2025. North Carolina Association of REALTORS®, Inc.

This article is intended solely for the benefit of NC REALTORS® members, who may reproduce and distribute it to other NC REALTORS® members and their clients, provided it is reproduced in its entirety without any change to its format or content, including disclaimer and copyright notice, and provided that any such reproduction is not intended for monetary gain. Any unauthorized reproduction, use or distribution is prohibited.

Winston Salem - What is the EFFECTIVE DATE OF A CONTRACT

 

 Is an oral contract to sell real property legally enforceable? No. 

Any contract to sell real property is unenforceable against a party unless it is writing and signed by that party or on his or her behalf by some other lawfully-authorized person. When does a contract using the Offer to Purchase and Contract (Form 2-T) become legally binding on the buyer and seller? An offer made using Form 2-T becomes a binding contract on the “Effective Date.” The Effective Date is defined in paragraph 1(g) of Form 2-T. Two things must take place to form a binding contract according to paragraph 1(g): (i) all parties must have signed the offer (or initialed a counteroffer), and (ii) the party to whom the offer or counteroffer was made communicates that they have signed the offer (or initialed the counteroffer) to the party who made the offer (or counteroffer).

Scan the QR code to read the entire article!

Note:  Don't use QR codes?  Click here

As always, contact me for you real estate needs.  There is never any obligation!

Winston Salem | Forsyth County Statistics For July 2025

Ask Me How this may effect your next Real Estate Decison. As always, there is never any obligation!

 

Winston Salem | Did you know?

 

Fun Facts About Winston‑Salem

1. Twin City Origins

Winston‑Salem earned its nickname “Twin City” after the merger of two towns—Winston, established around industry, and Salem, a Moravian settlement—in 1913.(Wikipedia, My Winston-Salem)

2. Birthplace of Krispy Kreme

The first Krispy Kreme doughnut shop was opened here in 1937 by Vernon Rudolph. The very spot still draws visitors with fresh doughnut aroma.(Apartment Guide, Facts.net)

3. Texas Pete & Tobacco Legacy

• Texas Pete hot sauce got its start in Winston‑Salem in the 1920s, and production continues locally.(Apartment Guide)

• The nickname “Camel City” stems from its history as a tobacco powerhouse—especially with R.J. Reynolds’ Camel cigarettes.(Wikipedia, The Go-To Winston-Salem)

4. Old Salem: A Living Museum

• Old Salem, settled in 1766, is one of the most well-preserved Moravian settlements in the U.S., with circa 70% of its structures original.(Wikipedia)

• The Salem Tavern, built in 1784, is the area's first all-brick building and is now a National Historic Landmark.(Wikipedia)

• Each Easter, the Moravian Easter sunrise service is held at God’s Acre, one of the oldest continuous services in the country.(Wikipedia, The Go-To Winston-Salem)

5. Iconic Mickey Coffee Pot

Built in 1858 by the Mickey brothers, the 7-ft tall tin Coffee Pot landmark once sat curbside before being moved for safety. It holds about 740 gallons—that’s nearly 11,840 cups of coffee.(Wikipedia, Living WS)

6. Oldest Gingerbread Bakery

Old Salem’s Winkler Bakery, founded in 1807, still uses its original gingerbread recipe and traditional 19th‑century wood‑burning methods.(Food & Wine)

7. City of Arts & Innovation

Winston‑Salem created the very first arts council in the U.S. back in 1949, earning the modern title “City of Arts and Innovation.”(Wikipedia, The Go-To Winston-Salem)
Today, it’s home to vibrant cultural institutions like:

• SECCA (now North Carolina Museum of Art in Winston‑Salem)

• Reynolda House Museum of American Art

• The influential UNCSA and many galleries and performance spaces.(Wikipedia, Southern Living)

8. Reynolda Gardens

Opened between 1906–1923 on the estate of R.J. Reynolds, these botanical gardens were designed by Thomas W. Sears and span 125 acres, offering free daily admission.(Wikipedia)

9. Unexpected Art Dispensers

Keep your eyes peeled for Art‑O‑Mats—repurposed vintage cigarette machines that vend unique, pocket‑sized artworks around the city.(Movoto Real Estate)

10. Towering Architecture

• Winston Tower (formerly the Wachovia Building), completed in 1966, was once the tallest building in North Carolina and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.(Wikipedia)

• Winston‑Salem’s skyline feature and local joke somtimes: the Wells Fargo Center, originally Wachovia’s HQ, was designed to resemble a blooming rose.(Wikipedia)

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Highlighted Attractions

• Old Salem Museums & Gardens—a walk through living history.

• Winkler Bakery—taste centuries-old gingerbread.

• Reynolda Gardens & Museum—art and natural beauty combined.

• Art‑O‑Mats—tiny art surprises around town.

• Historic landmarks like the Disney‑style Coffee Pot and storied towers.

Winston‑Salem truly blends youth, tradition, art, industry, and a few delightful surprises. Let me know if you'd like more quirky tales or suggestions for the best places to visit—happy to help you explore!

8/11/2025 180 Day Stats - Winston Salem

 

In the last 180 days for homes with 3 beds and 2 baths the following are some quick stats.

505 Homes have sold

The average list prices range from $119,900 to $635,000 - Average is 297,544

The average sold price ranges from $110,000 to $625,000  - Average $295,086

Below is a link to the Winston Salem report for each home in this list.

winston salem stats - see report

If you are interested in what your Winston Salem Home Might Sell For?   Please ask me.  There is never any obligation!

Winston Salem | Here are a Few Fun Trivia Facts for Your Enjoyment

 CLICK ME!

Here are some fun and fascinating trivia tidbits about Winston-Salem, NC—whether you need conversation starters, quiz questions, or just fun local facts!

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🏙️ Origins & Identity

• Winston‑Salem was officially formed in 1913 when the industrial town of Winston (named for Revolutionary War hero Joseph Winston) merged with the Moravian settlement of Salem (from the Hebrew shalom, meaning “peace”) (The Go-To Winston-Salem, NCPedia).

• The city has nicknames like “Camel City” (after the Camel cigarettes by R. J. Reynolds), “Twin City”, and “City of Arts & Innovation.” Winston Tower (formerly Wachovia Building) and the R. J. Reynolds Building carry deep heritage in both finance and design (The Go-To Winston-Salem).

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🍩 Brands & Inventions

• Krispy Kreme began right here in Winston‑Salem in 1937—the original doughnut shop was founded by Vernon Rudolph and quickly became legendary (Apartment Guide).

• Texas Pete hot sauce also originated here in the 1920s, now a staple in kitchens across the U.S. (Apartment Guide).

• The Hanes brand (founded in hosiery and underwear by the Hanes brothers) also traces its roots to this city’s textile legacy (Kiddle).

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🏛️ Historic Sights & Landmarks

• Old Salem Historic District, founded in 1766 by Moravians, serves as a living museum showcasing colonial architecture, artisanship, and culture (en.wikipedia.org).

• The Mickey Coffee Pot—a 7‑ft tall tin coffee pot advertising landmark built in 1858—can hold ~740 gallons (about 11,840 cups) and is an unofficial city icon (en.wikipedia.org).

• Salem Tavern, dating to 1784, is the first all-brick building in Old Salem and hosted George Washington in 1791 during his Southern tour (en.wikipedia.org).

• God’s Acre Cemetery, a Moravian burial ground, is still active and hosts the U.S.’s longest-running consecutive Easter Sunrise service—over 250 years and counting (The Go-To Winston-Salem).

• The Reynolds Building, completed in 1929, was the tallest building south of Baltimore at the time and famed for being the design model of New York’s Empire State Building. Today the two buildings exchange Father’s Day greetings annually (Kiddle).

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🎨 Culture & Innovation

• Winston‑Salem was among the first U.S. cities to create an arts council (in 1949) and boasts a lively art scene: the UNC School of the Arts, SECCA (Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art), film festivals, and 30+ galleries (The Go-To Winston-Salem).

• What was once the estate of R.J. Reynolds is now Reynolda House Museum of American Art and the adjacent Reynolda Village, where former farm and servant buildings are now shops and restaurants on Wake Forest University grounds (southernliving.com).

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🏟️ Unique Facilities

• Bowman Gray Stadium, opened in 1938, became famous as NASCAR’s "Madhouse" track and also hosted football games for Wake Forest and Winston‑Salem State University (en.wikipedia.org).

• In the 1970s, Winston‑Salem was home to the world's largest Black-owned transit system, the Safe Bus Company—a vital service bridging communities (10-facts-about.com).

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❄️ Delicious Traditions

• Winkler Bakery, in Old Salem, has been making Moravian gingerbread cookies since 1807 using original recipes and a wood-burning oven. It's believed to be North Carolina’s oldest bakery (foodandwine.com).

• Each holiday season in Old Salem features Moravian holiday traditions—lanterns, Moravian stars, Candle Tea, and folk music rather than modern decorations (southernliving.com).

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Winston Salem | Before Buying A Home, Be Sure To Do ALL 5 Of These…

Thank you for this information from one of our favorite closing attorneys

Contact Roby for all your real estate needs. There is always no obligation consultation available.

What Do Property Management Companies Charge around Winston Salem?

Roby Robertson Owner Carolina Living Real Estate

Property managers typically charge a fee for handling the day-to-day operations of managing a rental property. The fees can vary depending on the services they provide, the location of the property, and the type of property being managed. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:

1. Management Fee (Monthly):

• Typical Range: 8% to 12% of the monthly rent.   Carolina Living has an 8% starting rate!

• This is the fee the property manager charges for handling the day-to-day tasks like finding tenants, screening applicants, collecting rent, coordinating maintenance, and managing the property's financials.

Example: If the property rents for $2,000 per month, the management fee would be between $160 and $240.  

2. Leasing or Placement Fee:

• Typical Range: 50% to 100% of one month's rent.  Carolina Living does NOT charge for this.

• This fee is charged when the property manager finds a new tenant. It often includes marketing the property, showing it to prospective tenants, and handling the lease signing.

Example: If the property rents for $2,000 per month, the leasing fee might be anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000.

3. Maintenance Fees:

• Property managers often coordinate maintenance and repairs, but they may charge an additional fee for managing these tasks. This fee could be a flat rate or a percentage of the repair costs (typically around 10%).   Carolina Living Does NOT charge to dispatch maintenance vendors.

Example: If a repair costs $500, the manager might charge $50 for coordinating the job.

4. Renewal Fees:

• Typical Range: $100 to $300.  Carolina Living does NOT charge for this.

• When a current tenant renews their lease, the property manager may charge a renewal fee. This is often lower than the leasing fee, as less work is involved in renewing an existing tenant.

5. Eviction Fees:

• Typical Range: $300 to $500 (or higher).  Carolina Living Pays for this out of Tenant Security Deposit.

• If the property manager has to initiate an eviction process, they may charge an additional fee for handling the legal steps, paperwork, and court appearances.

6. Other Miscellaneous Fees: Carolina Living does NOT charge for this.

• Advertising Fees: If the property manager uses a paid service to advertise your property, they may charge you for those costs.

• Inspection Fees: Some managers charge for periodic property inspections (e.g., for move-in, move-out, or regular property checks).

Overall Costs:

For a typical single-family rental, property management fees often fall between 10% to 15% of the monthly rent, considering the combined leasing and management services. For multi-unit properties or commercial real estate, the fees can sometimes be lower (around 5% to 8%) since the work involved might be less per unit.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Negotiability: Many fees are negotiable, especially if you have multiple properties or are willing to sign a long-term contract.

• Services Included: Always clarify what services are covered under the management fee. For example, some property managers may include maintenance coordination, tenant screening, and rent collection in their base fee, while others may charge extra for these services.

• Hidden Costs: Be cautious about "hidden fees" that might be tacked on for things like handling late rent payments or preparing detailed financial reports.

Are you thinking about hiring a property manager, or just curious about the costs involved? If you’re managing rental properties yourself or want to find ways to negotiate a better deal, I can offer more tips too!

Winston Salem | Mastering the Move: How to Create a Moving Out Timeline That Won’t Drive You Up the Wall

Moving out is one of those life moments that walks the fine line between exciting and exhausting. 

Whether you’re relocating for a new job, moving in with a significant other or just craving four walls painted your color, one thing’s for sure — chaos is the last roommate you want. 

Enter the glorious, sanity-saving moving-out timeline. A well-crafted moving-out timeline isn’t just a pretty checklist. Rather, it’s a strategic plan, a roadmap, a holy grail for keeping your head on straight while packing up your life. 

With the right schedule, you’ll dodge last-minute disasters, maximize your deposit return and maybe even have time to breathe. Without further ado, let’s break down how to create a stellar moving out timeline that covers all your bases without breaking your spirit.

Get the rest of the article and steps to follow, read the rest of the article moving out

Thinking of moving?  Contact me if you need any help.  No obligation consultation!

Winston Salem - New Kitchen Trends for Your Home

 

What’s Out for 2025 in Kitchen Design

The NKBA report calls out these fading styles:

• All-white and all-gray kitchens are giving way to more earthtone kitchen hues, like greens and browns.
• Overly minimalistic, impersonal designs are being swapped out for lived-in, layered spaces.
• Uniform finishes and match-everything designs are being pushed out for textured materials and bolder colors.

Read the rest of the article with recommendations at Nar.Realtor

As always, please feel free to Contact me for a no obligation consultation.

Winston Salem | New Listing - Great Starter Home For Sale

 4958 Pinewood Rd.  Winston Salem 27105

  

SOLD IN TWO DAYS!

Great starter home or investment property!

Professional pictures are coming at end of week.   

This is a nice 3 bedroom 1 bath home with huge yard.

1 car carport with 2+ parking spaces

List price $180,000

HVAC is approx. 6 years old

Check out the map of it's location.

More to come... contact us if interested.

Winston Salem | Consumer Guide: Preparing to Sell Your Home

 

Information courtesy of Roby Robertson and National Assoc. Of Realtors

Do I need to have my home inspected before putting it up for sale? 

No, a pre-sale inspection is not required. However, an inspection can be used to identify potential issues in your home that you can consider repairing before showing your home to potential buyers and use as a differentiator for your property. If you choose to conduct a pre-sale inspection, an inspector will assess your home’s condition, including its structure, exterior, roof, plumbing, electrical systems, heating and air conditioning, interiors, ventilation / insulation, and fireplaces. It may also include tests for problems that can affect human health like mold, radon gas, lead paint, and asbestos. Sometimes buyers may also conduct their own inspection as a contingency in their purchase agreement. If you uncover possible issues that may appear during a buyer’s inspection, you will have time to make any necessary changes that could impact your home’s asking price. You should also talk to your agent about disclosure requirements in your state if a pre-sale inspection uncovers an issue.

What should I do if something in my home needs to be fixed or replaced soon? 

If something in your home requires a significant repair—such as a roof, a system such as HVAC, or an appliance like a dishwasher or washer / dryer—you should determine how much the repair will cost, even if you do not plan to fix it before selling the home. These estimates will help sellers determine the costs that buyers might take into consideration when negotiating a purchase agreement.

Am I required to make any cosmetic updates to my home before putting it up for sale? 

No, but you may want to clean the windows, carpets, lighting fixtures, and walls, and store away clutter before showing your home to potential buyers. Sellers may also look for ways to improve “curb appeal”—how the home looks to a potential buyer when viewed from the street—by updating aspects such as landscaping, the front entrance, and paint jobs. These steps may help improve the home’s appearance in photos, which can play an important role in attracting potential buyers.

Do I need to provide information about appliances that will stay in the home after it’s sold? 

You should locate warranties, guarantees, and user manuals for the furnace, washer / dryer, dishwasher, and any other appliances or systems that will stay in the house with a new buyer. It is recommended that you find these items now to avoid any lost paperwork causing an issue with a potential buyer when you reach the time of finalizing, or “closing,” the transaction.

What does it mean to stage my home? 

Staging is the process of cleaning a home and temporarily filling it with furniture and decorations that may help buyers better see themselves living in the home. While it is not required, some sellers may work with a stager to focus on certain key areas of their home that are important to buyers. Some agents may also include staging in the services they provide you.

Practices may vary based on state and local law. Consult your real estate professional and/or an attorney for details about state law where you are purchasing a home. Please visit facts.realtor for more information and resources.

Winston Salem | Consumer Guide: Buyer's vs. Seller's Market

 

Information here courtesy of National Association or Realtors.

Call me to discuss your real estate needs.  Never any obligation!

The real estate market constantly shifts, and knowing whether conditions favor buyers or sellers can help you make smarter, more confident decisions. Here’s how to recognize which type of market you’re in and what each means for you:

What is a buyer’s market?

A buyer’s market is when there are more homes for sale than there are people looking to purchase a home. With a greater selection of homes on the market and less competition, buyers typically have more time to shop, negotiate better terms, and may even see price reductions or other purchase incentives.

What is a seller’s market?

In a seller’s market, there are fewer homes available than there are buyers looking to purchase a home, creating a competitive environment where bidding wars and quick sales can be common. While sellers can often secure higher prices and more favorable contract terms, preparing the home properly and setting a strategic asking price at the outset are still key to attracting strong offers and ensuring a smooth closing.

How can you tell which market you’re in?

The market type you are in is usually reflected through the pace of sales, how many homes are available, and how close the sale price of a home was to its listing price. In hot markets, homes may sell within days, often well above their asking price. In slower markets, listings stay active longer and require more negotiation. An agent who is a REALTOR® can advise you on these trends in your specific market and help you interpret how they affect your goals.

What should buyers do in a seller’s market?

Buyers facing heavy competition should come prepared with a mortgage pre-approval letter, move quickly when a good listing appears, and make strong offers. Waiving contingencies or offering flexible closing terms can also help strengthen your offer. Especially in fast-moving markets, setting a firm budget and walkaway point beforehand helps to ensure you don’t overextend yourself when the process gets competitive. When selecting a buyer’s agent to help you, be sure to ask these ten questions to ensure you are working with the agent who is the best fit for your needs.

What should sellers do in a buyer’s market?

When there are more homes than there are interested buyers, sellers should look to prioritize ways of making their property stand out. This could include competitive pricing, investing in curb appeal or staging, and being flexible on timelines or terms. While it may take longer to sell, a well-presented and appropriately priced home can still draw strong interest even when the overall pace of sales slows. Consider asking potential seller’s agents these ten questions to better understand how they can help you maximize your home’s appeal.

Can market conditions change quickly?

Yes—markets can quickly shift due to interest rate changes, job growth, seasonal trends, or shifts in consumer confidence. What was a seller’s market last year could easily become more balanced, or even buyer-friendly, within months. Staying informed about local trends helps you better anticipate these changes and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Should I wait for a better market?

Trying to time the market perfectly can be difficult. In most cases, personal factors—such as lifestyle changes, financial readiness, or long-term plans—are more important than short-term market fluctuations. If you’re prepared, working with a trusted professional can help you navigate conditions as they are and make the best possible decision for your future.

Practices may vary based on state and local law. Consult your real estate professional and / or an attorney for details about state law where you are purchasing a home. Please visit facts.realtor for more information and resources.