Articles Tagged "Home Sellers"

Paint is one of the most powerful tools for transforming your home. Simply repainting a room can make that room look completely different when the job is done. Trust us – we do it all the time when staging our homes for sale in Raleigh, and it works!

That said, it's important to apply your paint carefully. Making mistakes while painting will always affect the final result. Here are a few of the most common ways we've seen paint projects go wrong and some things you can do to correct the problem. 

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After looking at plenty of homes for sale in Raleigh, you've found the one that's perfect for you. Now all you need to do is decorate it. What's something simple you can do to add your personal touch to the house? January 10th is National Houseplant Appreciation Day. Why not get some foliage to brighten up your new home? Houseplants make great decor, but they're also much more than that. Here are some of the benefits of adding houseplants to your home.

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Your laundry room doesn't have to be just the place you associate with your least favorite chore. While they typically don't receive the same level of attention as other rooms in the house, our real estate agents can tell you laundry rooms are full of potential. 

Transforming your laundry room into a bright, functional space can really pay off when it comes time to sell your home. It also might help make doing the laundry just a bit more enjoyable. If you're looking for new ideas on how to make the most of your laundry room, here are some tips:

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If you've grown dissatisfied with the home you live in, you may wonder if buying a new home or remodeling your current one is your best option. Each has its pros and cons, and the right answer depends on your particular circumstances as well as the real estate market in your area and in the one you might move to.

Our real estate agents recommend taking the following steps to determine whether buying or remodeling is best for you:

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Located on Broadmoor Way in the suburban town of Clayton, you will find an HPW Luxury listing that is grandiose in stature and elegant in character. Perfectly positioned on a private lot, the impressive street view of 404 Broadmoor Way, Clayton, NC 27520, will have you longing for the interior details.  

As you enter the impeccable property, you will walk into an open concept floor plan accompanied by towering ceilings. The vast square paneled windows along the common room's back wall allow ample natural light, which almost spotlights the charming tray ceiling dining room. Just to the left of the dining room sits an upscale study room with an added flair of craft French doors, a favored addition amongst home buyers.

Walk along the beautifully polished and gleaming hardwood floors to the spacious and bright kitchen. One will find that this area comes fully equipped with well-kept appliances and a considerable amount of countertop space. Impress your guests at your house warming party with the alluring dark wood cabinetry and flawlessly matching backsplash.

For means of entertainment, venture to the massive, fully finished basement. This home section boasts a theater room with high-definition surround sound and a large screen for projecting your favorite films. Not quite in the mood to lounge, indulge in your favorite hobby in the sizable recreation room.

This 4,325 square foot home includes a first-floor primary bedroom, two respectably large bedrooms sharing a Jack and Jill style bathroom, and two more bedrooms in the basement. This residence comprises exquisite 12-inch trim molding, a central vacuum with an automatic sweeper, and a walk-up attic.

View the entire property listed by Jennifer Franklin-Rowe of our Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston Clayton Office. For more information on the HPW Luxury listing, please check out the latest edition of our HPW Luxury Magazine or visit https://hpwluxury.com.

Part of making your house a home is getting to customize it with your interests. Put your personality and hobbies on display when you design a built-in bookshelf.

Built-in bookshelves complement your home, and you can use them as a focal point instead of furniture. Additionally, built-in bookshelves are customizable, easy to organize and make the space look bigger. Our real estate agents put together this guide to help you add built-in bookshelves after buying our Raleigh homes for sale to customize them to your taste.

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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

Want to purify the air while improving the appearance of your home? Add a few indoor plants to improve your indoor air quality, reduce your stress levels, and enhance your home's aesthetic.

Our real estate agents also know that indoor plants effectively make any space look more inviting. Here are a few plants that will boost your indoor air quality and help your home look its best.

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Spring is here at last! Our real estate agents have been looking forward to another year of beautiful, thriving plants at our Raleigh and Durham homes for sale. In their time working on local properties, they have seen some incredible examples of gardening prowess and learned which plants grow best in this area of North Carolina. Here are some of the plants they are most excited to recommend to local gardeners this year. 

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Raleigh homes for sale are carefully staged for one important reason: to make them look like something a potential buyer could picture themselves living in. For most buyers, a dirty carpet is a turnoff, so you'll want to clean yours before staging and showing it to ensure your house gives a good first impression. Here are a few tips from our real estate agents for getting your carpets into shape before your next showing.

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When exploring prospective homes, one of the spaces that many homebuyers prioritize is the kitchen. Since a kitchen serves as a spot for cooking, dining, entertaining, and even working, our real estate agents understand why a home's kitchen is important to potential homebuyers. Here are some of the kitchen features that buyers want in 2022. 

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Spring isn't here quite yet, but it's poking its head around the corner. If you're someone who looks forward to a good spring cleaning, then you probably can't wait to pull out your mops and buckets. Planning ahead for spring cleaning is a great way to stay busy and make sure you're ready to go the second the weather breaks. So, how do you plan for a successful spring cleaning? Our real estate agents have some helpful tips.

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Our real estate agents are always glad to take your listing to the next level with a full schedule of showings. While virtual showings are more popular than ever before, there are also many buyers enthusiastic about visiting in person. We're glad to oblige to get you the timeline and price you want.

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Not everyone loves cleaning, but everyone will agree a clean home shows the best! One of the best ways to keep your house clean is to create a cleaning schedule. This is especially important if you'll be selling your house soon, as Raleigh homes for sale need to be showing-ready at all times. Here are a few tips for creating a cleaning schedule you can stick to.

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Many buyers looking into Raleigh homes for sale are attracted by updated appliances that make life more convenient. Upgrading your home's appliances before selling is a great way to increase your home's value and spark interest among potential buyers. Our real estate agents have reviewed the most exciting appliance upgrades for 2022 and listed them below.

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Are you thinking of selling your home during the holiday season? While this is a busy time of year, it can actually be a great time to sell. If you stage your home appropriately for the holidays, the cozy, celebratory vibe can really appeal to potential buyers. Our real estate agents have plenty of tips for staging a home at the most wonderful time of the year.

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Home sustainability plays an important role in keeping our planet and our community healthy and clean. From recycling to energy efficiency, eco-friendly best practices can help reduce pollution, diminish dependence on raw materials, and ultimately helps prevent garbage from filling up landfills.

With National Recycling Day coming up on November 15, our real estate agents thought we'd take a moment to reflect on the importance of green living. Here are some everyday sustainability tips to incorporate into your home and life.

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If you're preparing to add your home to the list of Raleigh homes for sale, it's essential to replace worn-out items. Worn-out items give the appearance that your home isn't properly maintained, and in some cases, can harbor germs and make it more cumbersome to maintain a clean living space. Here are some guidelines for replacing these common household items. 

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If you're considering putting your home on the market, you'll want to take advantage of the information other sellers in the neighborhood will provide you. Our real estate agents would suggest that you take note of these critical details you can learn from other Raleigh homes for sale.

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When you find furniture, artwork, or a decor scheme that you love, it's natural to want to incorporate it into your own home. However, our real estate agents know that some stylistic components aren't a good fit for every home; they may make the room appear small, cluttered, or unattractive. Your space will then be unappealing to you and potential buyers. Here are some common interior design mistakes you might be making and some simple solutions for fixing them. 

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HPW Luxury Magazine - May 2021

Click the link or image above to see the latest HPW luxury listings or visit our  

Have you ever noticed how some rooms entice you into settling back and relaxing, and others make you feel energetic and ready for fun? Understanding the effects of your choice of colors will help you send the correct message to potential buyers. Our real estate agents can tell you that painting your home will probably bring the greatest return on investment of any upgrades you make when selling your home. Keep in mind the psychological effects of these colors before starting to paint. 

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Indoor plants are a good way to liven up your living space, but taking care of them can be tricky in the wintertime. Changing temperatures, humidity, and exposure to sunlight all play a role in your plant's overall health. If you recently bought some new indoor plants or are simply bringing your outdoor plants inside to escape the cold, our real estate agents have some recommendations that can help you keep them healthy and vibrant this winter:

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Autumn is here, and Mother Nature is ready to put on a show with colorful leaves, crisp cool nights, and the bounty of the harvest. The vibrant fall season is the perfect time to make your home stand out and prepare for what lies ahead. Our REALTORS® know that a home with curb appeal is much more attractive to buyers, so it's important for those with Raleigh homes for sale to give their landscaping some extra love. These tips and fabulous fall landscaping ideas can help you make the most out of your outdoor spaces this autumn.

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Moving is a major life event, and an unorganized packing process can add stress to what is already a stressful situation. Organizing a move can present challenges for even the most experienced of planners, but crafting effective packing and unpacking strategies can help ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible. If you're in the market for one of these beautiful Raleigh homes for sale, consider these packing tips from our real estate agents when planning your move:

1. Declutter Ahead of Time
   The golden rule of packing: the less you have, the easier it will be to move. Start the decluttering process a good 2 or 3 months before your actual move date. Go through all of your belongings and determine what can go. Many people struggle when it comes to parting with their stuff, so it can be helpful to consider how frequently you use an item and whether or not it brings you joy. Once you've determined what you can part with, consider donating your items to a local thrift store, have a garage sale, or you can even try selling them online for a little extra cash.
   
   
2. Pack A Little Bit Each Day
   Waiting until the last minute to pack can add a lot of extra stress. However, packing too soon may leave you without some things you need in your day to day life. The trick is to pack a little bit each day leading up to your move. Consider setting aside 1 to 2 hours per day to work on the packing process. This strategy will help you to feel like you're making good progress over time. 
   
   
3. Labels Are Key
   Labeling your boxes will make the moving and unpacking process significantly easier. Make sure each box has a labeled with the contents of the box and the room it belongs in. This will help inform the movers where to place the boxes in your new home. Using color-coded labels will make the process even easier.
   
   
4. Save Room For Your Clothes
   Clothing always takes up more room than you'd expect, so if you're using a moving truck or have limited space, keep this in mind when packing. Any clothing you hang in the closet cut a hole in a garbage bag and place it over a group of hangers. If your dresser is light enough to move, you may be able to get away with leaving clothes in the drawers; however, be careful your dresser isn't too heavy.
   
   
5. Don't Leave Empty Spaces in Boxes
   Avoid half-packed boxes when possible. If your items have room to move around, they can easily become damaged during the move. Pack your boxes, so they are full, but not too heavy. If you do end up with extra space, consider adding newspaper or packing peanuts to keep items secure. Also, don't forget to add extra padding to any boxes that contain fragile items.

Moving doesn't need to be a stressful process. With a bit of planning, you'll be into your new home in no time. Contact us for more tips on how to make your move less stressful.

You've prepared your home for the market, attracted a buyer, received an offer, the finish line is in sight... but a home inspection still stands between you and closing the deal. Handling the home inspection process is easier when you know exactly what to expect, how to prepare, and how the results of the home inspection can impact your transaction. Our real estate agents are here to help you prepare with our guide for what to expect from your home inspection.

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One of the best parts of moving into a new place is adding the touches that make it a home. Homebuyers look at houses imagining that the south-facing window will be perfect for their favorite houseplants and trying to decide which cozy spot is the right one for a pair of armchairs. The process of selling your home requires that you leave room in buyers' imaginations for their aspirations, and there are some interior design trends that can crowd other ideas out. Our estate agents love seeing the personality a home can show, but we also love seeing a home ready for its next act. When getting your home ready to list, here are some interior design trends you should consider avoiding. 

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Spring is traditionally the time when we do a thorough cleaning of our homes, undertaking tasks that we don't normally include in our cleaning regimen -- such as cleaning the washing machine.

Why does the washing machine need cleaning? After all, it's continuously washing itself with soap and sometimes hot water. Isn't it clean enough? Not really.

Soap leaves scum. Detergent residue can build up. There are also crevices in the washing machine's interior where dampness prevails, and where mold and dirt can take hold. Though you regularly wipe down the washing machine's exterior, and you often give the inner tub a wipe with a sponge, your machine may need a more thorough cleaning.

Front or top load, your washing machine could use a thorough cleaning at least once every year. It wouldn't hurt to clean it more often. 

1. Clean Filters and Dispensers
   Depending on the type of washer you have, look at your manual to locate filters and dispensers. If the washer has them, remove them and soak them in a solution of vinegar or bleach and water while you're cleaning the drum. If you have dispensers that aren't removable, clean them with a sponge dipped in a cleaning solution.
   
   
2. Clean the Gasket
   Mold and mildew can grow behind your front-loading washer's gasket. Clean under the gasket, using hot soapy water and a rag. You may even find one of those socks that went inexplicably missing last time you washed. Among other locations (under the agitator or wash plate, or in the washer's filter), socks are sometimes found under the gasket. 
   
   
3. Wash the Drum 
   Clean a top-loading washer with 4 cups of vinegar and 1 cup baking soda; for a front loader, use 2 cups of vinegar and 1/2 cup baking soda, or some kind of washer cleaner tablets.
   
   To thoroughly clean a top loader, fill it with hot water and add a cup of bleach. Let it sit for an hour, then run a long cleaning cycle. Then run another cycle with vinegar, followed by another hot water cycle to clean it out. Remember the next time you are ready to wash clothes to wash whites first, just in case there are traces of bleach in the machine.
   
   For top loaders, set the control to hot and on the large setting. Once the drum is full, add vinegar and baking soda and turn the washer on full cycle. For a front loader, put vinegar in the dispenser and baking soda in the drum. Set controls at highest heat and largest load and turn it on for the whole cycle.
   
   Once the cycle is over, wipe out the drum with a clean cloth.
   
   
4. Leave the Door Open 
   After cleaning the washer, leave the door open so the machine can air out and dry. Always leave the door open once you've completed a wash cycle, to air out the washer.

If you're anticipating putting your home on the market, a substantial spring cleaning is one way to ensure it stands out among other Raleigh homes for sale. Looking for more tips from our real estate agents to get your Raleigh home ready to show? Contact us today.

Tackling DIY home improvement projects is a great way to pass the time at home and make your house a more pleasant place to call your own. And you don't need to be a construction expert to improve your home! Our real estate agents are happy to report that there are a ton of apps available to help with your home improvement projects, whether you're looking for guides, inspiration, or a community of like-minded DIY enthusiasts. Get a leg up on your next project, with our guide to the best home improvement apps for your devices.

1. Pinterest
   Whether you're looking for inspiration for your projects, dreaming about Raleigh homes for sale, or seeking helpful tips from DIY experts, there's no doubt that Pinterest is an excellent resource. The Pinterest app makes it easy to browse all of the content on this popular social channel, and even share progress on your projects to help inspire others. Search for specific home improvement projects, or browse away until you find a project that inspires.

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If the kitchen is the heart of the home, then the bathroom is the sanctuary. The master bathroom, guest bathroom, and even the downstairs half-bath should all feel comfortable and clean. Our REALTORS® know that a little renovating in these important spaces can go a long way. Here are six bathroom remodeling ideas that will inspire you to refresh the room where your family and guests freshen up.

1. Bathe Yourself in Beauty
   Aside from larger master bathrooms that may feature a tub and a shower, most bathrooms contain one or the other. A great way to refresh this space is to swap out a tub for a shower or vice versa. You can remove your tub to create a walk-in shower with dual showerheads or a waterfall shower head. Alternatively, you could scrub the shower from the plans and instead install a lovely stand-alone tub for maximum relaxation.
   
   

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For many buyers, smart home features are not just the wave of the future. They are a very real priority for the present. Popular tech solutions are transforming homes, providing homeowners with better security, easier access to entertainment, and more convenience than ever before. But not every smart home feature will have buyers swooning, so it's important to direct your efforts in all the right places. Our real estate agents are here to help, with our guide to the smart home features that buyers are looking for in 2020.

• Smart Security Is the Perfect Place to Start
  If you want to pick one smart home feature that will help your property stand out from other Raleigh homes for sale, then security is a great place to start. Smart security systems provide an unparalleled level of peace of mind for homeowners, making it easier to monitor your home even when you're away. Video doorbells have become a popular solution in many homes, while smart security cameras are perfect for keeping an eye on a vacation home. Wireless security systems make it easy to bundle a variety of security features into one convenient package.

• Going Green
  Going green is a priority for so many shoppers, and smart home features make green living easier than ever. Perhaps the single most popular smart home technology is the smart thermostat, which allows you to program the temperature in your home no matter where you are and ensure that your home is always comfortable when you return. Adjust the temperature while you're on the road, or set it to be at just the right level when you get home from work. Many smart appliances and lighting systems can also offer significant energy savings.

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Considering a kitchen remodel in 2020? A newly remodeled kitchen can have a big impact on your enjoyment of your home while making it more attractive to buyers if you decide to sell. However, it's easy to make mistakes that cost you time and money. 

Our REALTORS® have looked at many kitchens over the years, and they point out 7 common kitchen remodel mistakes – as well as how to avoid them.

1. Failing to Research
   
   Simply hiring a general contractor without doing your research may leave you unprotected if problems arise. For example, if your contractor doesn't have a state license, you won't receive all the possible protection from the state license board.
   
   Avoiding this mistake: When you're choosing a general contractor, make sure they have a state license as well as insurance. Also, check their references.
   
   

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In 2018, the average property was on the market for approximately 68 days. Back in 2010, this number was a whopping 140 days. Though the exact length of time a property remains for sale varies based on the current housing market and existing financial climate, one thing you can do to help your property sell as quickly as possible is stage your living room. 

On average, homes with staging sell 73 percent faster than their unstaged counterparts. Plus, the sooner you sell your current home, the sooner you can start browsing other Raleigh homes for sale. 

Home staging is the act of setting up a room or space so that it appeals to potential buyers. Staging helps buyers envision how they will utilize a room in a potential home; it also creates a comforting, inviting mood that helps enables buyers to see themselves in a new home. Check out a couple of ways that living room staging can help you make a good impression and sell your house.

Home Staging Allows Your Home to Appeal to More Buyers

Some home sellers decide to leave their living rooms as is when selling their homes. Though there's nothing inherently wrong with your existing living room set-up or decor, staging allows you to appeal to a large number of buyers. 

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Attention home buyers – this is THE weekend for you to find your new home and we're ready to help.

Our in-the-know real estate agents will be hosting open houses this Saturday and Sunday in nearly every corner of this prospering Triangle region and Goldsboro, too. It's time to map out a plan to make the most of this weekend. 

Open House Tips For Buyers

It doesn't matter if you're entering the second month of your house hunt or are just getting started, you're going to want to make the most of your open house visits. 

Do Some Digging

Power up your computer or charge up your Smart Phone and start "digging" for information on the homes you plan to visit. Access a home valuation estimate on our HPW.com website to review a comprehensive report with property details, recent area sales, and more useful information for each of the homes you like. 

Take Your Time

Give yourself ample time to tour the homes you visit. Walkthrough each home with the onsite agent and then go back through on your own. Take time to step into the backyard or stroll down the street. Buying a home is a big deal, and you're going to want to gather every detail possible to make an educated decision. 

Curb Your Enthusiasm

Attending an open house is exciting, especially when you think the home may be perfect for you and your family. Do your best to remain cool, calm, and collected as you take your tour to ensure you see the home as it really is, without the rose-colored lenses.

Featured Open Houses

1532 Rock Dove Way, Raleigh, NC 27614

$859,900

Sq Ft: 4,129 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 4 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Friday, August 9 from 1 to 5 p.m.,

Saturday, August 10 from 1 to 5 p.m. and

Sunday, August 11 from 1 to 5 p.m.

4004 Windchime Lane, Youngsville, NC 27596

$475,000

Sq Ft: 3,207 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, August 10 from 2 to 4 p.m.

1301 Forestford Court, Raleigh, NC 27610

$250,000

Sq Ft: 1,781 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full)

Open House: Saturday, August 10 from 2 to 4 p.m.

129 Edgegrove Lane, Holly Springs, NC 27540

$545,000

Sq Ft: 3,371| Beds: 5 | Baths: 4 (full)

Open House: Saturday, August 10 from 2 to 4 p.m. and

Sunday, August 11 from 1 to 3 p.m.

3312 Walker Road, Hillsborough, NC 27278

$400,000         

Sq Ft: 1,944 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 2 (full)

Open House: Saturday, August 10 from 2 to 4 p.m. and

Sunday, August 11 from 2 to 4 p.m.

302 Glen Abbey Drive, Cary, NC 27513

$524,900

Sq Ft: 2,888 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, August 10 from 2 to 4 p.m. and

Sunday, August 11 from 2 to 4 p.m.

7345 Waterlook Way, Wake Forest, NC 27587

$765,000

Sq Ft: 4,045 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 4 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, August 10 from 2 to 5 p.m.

Sunday, August 11 from 2 to 5 p.m.

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With Christmas and New Year's just around the corner, the last thing you may be thinking about is your upcoming spring home sale. And, yet, now is the time to keep those real estate plans top of mind.

Yes, the holiday season will be filled with hustle and bustle and people and presents, but it also offers the time to begin the home sale-prepping process. It really is the ideal time to make your home merry and bright, sellers.

Here's how to get ahead of the home-selling game during your winter break.

The Three "C's"

No, we aren't talking about candy canes, Claus, and cookies—it's all about clutter, cleanliness and curb appeal when prepping your home for buyers.

Clear Out Clutter

One of the biggest turnoffs to home buyers is a house filled with clutter. Get rid of it now.

Start sorting through closets and drawers to seek out the stuff you no longer want or need. Make two piles—take and toss—and get to work sorting the odds and ends you've collected throughout the years.  

Hone down your holiday décor as you take down your tree and start putting away garland and bows. Chances are you'll find boxes of bobbles and holiday trinkets you no longer display that can be donated.

Tackle your kids' toy pile. Make space for the presents that Santa will bring by donating some of the toys your children have outgrown. You'll appreciate the effort you put into clearing out the toy box when it's time to pack for the move to your next home.

Purge your attic, storage space, and garage. If you find boxes you never opened from your last move, you certainly don't need to take them to your new home. Give the items away or donate them to your local thrift store.

Less clutter will make your rooms look larger and give your home a more spacious feel.

Clean Up

Forget about waiting until spring to clean, do it this winter.

Home buyers will want to tour a home that sparkles and shines, and no, we aren't referring to the glitter that fell off your holiday décor.

Try to look at your home like an interested buyer would. Give special attention to your kitchen and bathrooms. If you would be disappointed to find dust-lined baseboards, moldy grout, and sticky, spotted cabinets, you can assume a prospective buyer would be too.

Have carpeted flooring? Consider hiring a professional carpet cleaner to remove old stains and pet scents to refresh your fibers. 

Wipe down mirrors and windows to let the light shine in and around your home.

Check out walls and doors to see what scuffs can be easily removed with soap and water and what may need to be repainted.

Cleaning now will give you a leg up on the home staging you'll do before you list your home to sell.

Consider Curb Appeal

You may not want to spend a lot of time outside now that the cold weather has set in, but you can still take a look at your home's curb appeal and make plans.

How do your gutters look? Are they lined with leaves and debris? It's probably time to have them cleared and cleaned.

Are your driveway and sidewalks mildewed and stained? Perhaps you should have them pressure washed on a warmer winter day.

What about your trees and plants? Do you need to have any dead limbs removed? Should you replace any diseased bushes or shrubs?

Has your siding faded over the past few years? Do your shutters and front door need a new coat of paint? Ask family and friends to recommend a few painters.

Think about your home's exterior and your landscaping now to determine what you will want to fix before a buyer pulls up to your curb—first impressions always matter, you know.