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Marc Iafrate, MBA - Raleigh NC Real Estate

Top Remodeling Projects for your Home

Top Remodeling Projects for your Home

One of the most important things to keep in mind when remodeling your home is the character and standard of your neighborhood. It is important to keep current, but not over-improve your home if you want to recoup your expenses when its time to sell.

So what are the best remodeling choices you can make to not only recover your investment, but to make your home appeal to more buyers?

•1. Update your Exterior - If the exterior of your home is outdated or appears worn, painting it will do wonders for its appearance and you can catch minor problems before they become major problems. And while you are adding color to your home, why not add some color to your landscape. Consider replacing overgrown shrubs with flowering plants. Add color by planting pots and placing them by the front walkways. With just these simple changes, buyers will certainly take notice of your home.

•2. Add Outdoor Living Spaces - High on a buyer's list of desirable features in a home are outdoor living spaces. Consider adding a deck, patio, or porch to your home to not only increase its appeal, but also its livability for years to come. If you already have these features, focus on boosting their appeal. Keep wood decks in good condition, replace worn furniture and add some color with pillows or plantings.

•3. Kitchen Remodel - An updated Kitchen is at the top of anyone's wish list. If you have an older kitchen with a good layout, consider replacing counters and appliances to modernize the space. But if your Kitchen has seen better days, it might be time for a complete overhaul. Kitchen remodels typically return about 80% of the cost and will certainly attract more buyers to your home and to help sell it quicker when you decide to sell.

•4. Bathroom Updates - According to most homebuyers, updated bathrooms can make or break a sale. Since this is typically a small room, it's possible to completely change the appearance of the space even on a small budget. Consider replacing just the vanity and countertop. These simple updates along with a fresh coat of paint can give your bathroom a modern new look.

•5. Energy Efficient Updates - Another project that offers high returns is adding energy efficient updates to your home. New vinyl clad windows offer beauty, low maintenance and can cut your heating and cooling bills. Other updates such as energy efficient heating and cooling systems, and tankless water heaters offer both convenience, comfort and savings.

Call us at (919) 314-7797 or visit our website www.SearchRaleighRealEstate.com for more information.
__________________________
Marc Iafrate , MBA
Coldwell Banker HPW Broker, Trusted Advisor
(919) 314-7797
www.SearchRaleighRealEstate.com

We hope you enjoy this blog as much as we enjoy bringing it to you. We welcome your comments. If you are planning on buying or selling a home in the Raleigh area, we have you covered. We have all the resources and knowledge to make your real estate transaction worry free!

Tips for a Successful Sale

We all know this is a Buyers Market, so give yourself and your home the best chance for a sale with these simple tips that will leave your home Dressed for a Successful Sale.

Number 1 - Get rid of Clutter.

If buyers can't get through the front door or have to weave a dangerous path around your belongings they probably wont be calling your address home. Remove bulky items - excess furniture, large toys, dog crates, etc. Clear out your closets and show off how much storage space your place really has. Buyers want homes that feel spacious, by packing up some of your excess belongings you can make your home appeal to buyers and get a head start on packing for your move.

Number 2 - Update your style.

Today's buyers want an open and airy floorplan. But if your home is stuck in the 70's with dark wood paneling, don't despair. Update that room in a day by painting the paneling with a warm neutral tone and watch as your room is transformed. Other simple updates include changing outdated or heavy window treatments and old lighting fixtures.

Number 3 - Finish your "To Do" list.

Potential buyers will often overestimate the cost to finish your unfinished projects. As a result, they will either make a very low offer or worse yet, decide your house is too much work and move on to the next one. Do the work for your buyers and don't give them an excuse to look any further than your home.

Number 4 - Give the room a purpose.

When selling your home, it is best to avoid using a room for more than one purpose. Having a dining/home office/exercise room makes buyers think that your house does not have enough room for their needs. Move the home office to a spare bedroom and keep the dining room a dining room.

Number 5 - Don't be of adding a little personality.

When you are trying to sell your house, you want it to appeal to the most buyers. Experts recommend de-personalizing the home by removing personal pictures and taste specific décor. But you still want your home to be memorable. So go ahead and paint the walls a nice beige, but add a bit of personality with colorful throw pillows or floral arrangements.

Follow these simple tips and you will be well on your way to a successful sale.

Call us at (919) 314-7797 or visit our website www.SearchRaleighRealEstate.com for more information.
__________________________
Marc Iafrate , MBA
Coldwell Banker HPW Broker, Trusted Advisor
(919) 314-7797
www.SearchRaleighRealEstate.com

We hope you enjoy this blog as much as we enjoy bringing it to you. We welcome your comments. If you are planning on buying or selling a home in the Raleigh area, we have you covered. We have all the resources and knowledge to make your real estate transaction worry free!

The Question on Everyone's Mind - Has the Market Stabilized?

Has the Market Stabilized?

That seems to be the Question on Everyone's Mind these days since it impacts so many of us.

Get the facts you need and FREE reports for the Raleigh and Greater Triangle Area. We are here to provide you with Good Information so you can make Good Real Estate Decisions.

Contact us Today - (919) 314-7797

or Visit our Website for more information at: www.SearchRaleighRealEstate.com

Marc Iafrate, MBA - Coldwell Banker HPW - Raleigh, North Carolina

Moving? Here are some common Mistakes you want to Avoid!

Let's face it, Moving is Stressful!

But you can make it a lot less stressful by avoiding these common mistakes.

1. Start with a Plan. If you don't have a plan, you don't know what needs to be done by when. Some things need to be done before others to ensure a smooth move.

2. Create a Budget. Hiring a moving company can be expensive, but you need to know how much you are willing to spend and how much a mover will cost. Only by having a budget in mind can you decide how much of the move you are willing to take on yourself.

3. Get Estimates from Several Companies. Prices can vary by quite a bit, so make sure you obtain several estimates. For interstate moves, pay attention to the discount rate - it can really impact how much you pay in the end. Also, pay attention to the costs for packing special items. Even if you plan to pack most of your belongings yourself, mirrors, grandfather clocks, etc. need to be packed by the pros to make sure they arrive in one piece.

4. Ask for a Binding Estimate. NEVER, EVER accept a quote other than a binding estimate. If you get a binding estimate, the movers cannot charge you more for the move - even if they underestimate the weight of the shipment. If you don't obtain a binding estimate, what you pay when your goods arrive could be a very bad surprise.

5. Move your Valuables Yourself. Always take your valuables with you - jewelry, important documents, computers, coin collections, etc.

6. Check the Moving Inventory carefully. This is your only proof that your items are in the hands of the moving company. And also important, its your only proof of the condition of the item when you placed it in the hands of the mover. The mover should note any existing damages on your goods, but sometimes they get a bit carried away and mark everything as damaged - maybe even that new coffee table that you bought last week! If an item is damaged by the movers, but they already nmarked it as damaged when they put it on the truck, you will have a tougher time getting compensation for the item. Review this Inventory page by page as the items are going on the truck and item by item as they are being unloaded.

Follow these simple steps and your move should be a smooth one. For more moving tips and a Checklist of What to do When, please visit our Website at www.SearchRaleighRealEstate.com

Are you considering a Move to the Raleigh Area? Be sure to order our FREE Relocation Package packed with everything you need to know about the Triangle Area.

Order it exclusively at www.SearchRaleighRealEstate.com

Call us at (919) 314-7797 or visit our website www.SearchRaleighRealEstate.com for more information.
__________________________
Marc Iafrate , MBA
Coldwell Banker HPW Broker, Trusted Advisor
(919) 314-7797
www.SearchRaleighRealEstate.com

We hope you enjoy this blog as much as we enjoy bringing it to you. We welcome your comments. If you are planning on buying or selling a home in the Raleigh area, we have you covered. We have all the resources and knowledge to make your real estate transaction worry free!

Cary Neighborhoods - Highcroft Village

Welcome to Highcroft Village

Highcroft Village was named 2008 Community of the Year in North Carolina and it is easy to see why. Highcroft Village is a neighborhood that combines the right location, lifestyle and amenities that make for a very livable community.

Raleigh Real Estate from your Raleigh Realtor, Marc Iafrate, MBA

Highcroft Village is conveniently located just off Highway 55 in West Cary. With its ideal location, you are only minutes from I-540 and Research Triangle Park. A short drive further and you have all that the Capital City has to offer - world class universities, museums, theatre, shopping, and entertainment venues.

If you are looking for things to do, you really don't have to look much further than the community of Highcroft Village itself and the Town of Cary.

Within Highcroft Village, there are plenty of amenities to keep everyone in your family busy. The Highcroft Village recreation area features a Junior Olympic pool with fun features for the kids, cabana and pavilions, and a playground.

Raleigh Real Estate from your Raleigh Realtor, Marc Iafrate, MBA

The neighborhood has worked hard to preserve extensive natural areas throughout the community - preserving trees, streams, and the areas natural look and feel. The community's streets are lined with sidewalks that connect to miles of greenways - further enhancing the neighborhood and its natural appeal.

In this idyllic setting, a custom team of builders has come together to bring you a wonderfully diverse collection of homes.

Raleigh Real Estate from your Raleigh Realtor, Marc Iafrate, MBA

The Shires -

These are beautiful single family homes ranging in size from 2400 to 3400 square feet. They feature a wide variety of architectural styles and custom touches so your home will be uniquely yours. These homes start in the mid 300's.

Raleigh Real Estate from your Raleigh Realtor, Marc Iafrate, MBARaleigh Real Estate from your Raleigh Realtor, Marc Iafrate, MBA

Raleigh Real Estate from your Raleigh Realtor, Marc Iafrate, MBA

The Manors -

These are larger single family homes ranging in size from 3000 to over 5000 square feet. These homes are situated on larger lots and also offer a wide range of architectural styles.

Raleigh Real Estate from your Raleigh Realtor, Marc Iafrate, MBA

Take in all that Highcroft Village and Cary have to offer. The community is surrounded by parks - the Sears Farm Road Park and a Town of Cary community park are an easy stroll away. Also nearby is the Thomas Brooks Park with hiking trails, ball fields, greenways and the new USA Baseball National Training Center which brings Major League Baseball to the heart of Cary!

Raleigh Real Estate from your Raleigh Realtor, Marc Iafrate, MBA

Raleigh Real Estate from your Raleigh Realtor, Marc Iafrate, MBA

Raleigh Real Estate from your Raleigh Realtor, Marc Iafrate, MBA

Click on the Link below to find homes for sale in Highcroft Village, Cary, NC

http://www.searchraleighrealestate.com/Highcroft_Community_Cary_NC_Full_MLS_Home_Search/page_2273286.html

Call us at (919) 314-7797 or visit our website www.SearchRaleighRealEstate.com for more information.
__________________________
Marc Iafrate , MBA
Coldwell Banker HPW Broker, Trusted Advisor
(919) 314-7797
www.SearchRaleighRealEstate.com

We hope you enjoy this blog as much as we enjoy bringing it to you. We welcome your comments. If you are planning on buying or selling a home in the Raleigh area, we have you covered. We have all the resources and knowledge to make your real estate transaction worry free!