Winston-Salem Journal E-Edition Article

VERY proud of my new team!  We offer it all -- thorough marketing, buyer representation, seller representation, property management... we are your one stop shop for real estate needs in Winston-Salem, Clemmons, and surrounding areas!

Classic style inside & out at 2128 Cherrywood!

This home has so much to offer with 4 bedrooms and 4.5 baths, plus bonus areas! For more information and photos on this property, click here!

2128 Cherrywood
Clemmons, NC  27012
 

Changes are Coming!

WOW -- time flies when you're having fun!  I had no idea it had been so long since my last post! 

Lisa and I are very excited to announce that our team is expanding.  Details, pics, etc. will be released over the next month so that we can hit January 1 fully loaded, but I wanted to go ahead and offer a teaser.  Stay tuned for more regarding "The Shore Team"!!

Just a Little Lipstick

I had a very interesting conversation with a resident of one of my "favorite" neighborhoods this week.  It followed a sales meeting we had recently where the COO of Allen Tate came for some one on one time.  He was emphasizing the fact that, whether it is what we expected to be or not, we as Realtors are often the loudest cheerleaders for our favorite neighborhoods.  As he was talking, I immediately thought of this neighborhood. 

At the same time, I am in the process of putting my personal home on the market.  It isn’t the home we live in now, but it is our first home that we bought as a married couple (and our first home purchase in general).  Trust me, I’m getting to something here…

Anyway, preparing my home for the market really just brought home (no pun intended) to me some of the points made in the conversation with my friend.  Did you realize the exact same homes, but on 2 different streets, can look as if they are thousands of dollars apart simply because of little details?  At my home, for instance, I have put new decorative numbers on the mailbox, so you no longer notice the leaning mailbox post!  Removing a shelving unit from my carport made it seem twice as large.  I see so many similar things as I drive through town.  If no one at your home plays basketball anymore, take down the basketball goal.  If the trampoline hasn’t been jumped on in 2 years because it is crooked, take it out of the yard.  A mailbox cover over a rusted mailbox, new edging around a tree, a small garden flag… small small things can really improve the look of not just your home but the whole street.  THIS IS KEY.  Your home is a prize, and if little things we can do contribute to this, shouldn’t we be doing them?  Even if you aren’t planning to go on the market anytime soon, your “positive peer pressure” can influence your neighbor to do some housekeeping.  This can snowball into a substantially different look for your whole street when you DO decide to go on the market down the road!

Wonderful Oak Valley home!

This beautiful home provides main level convenience with versatile upper level bonus!  For more information and photos on this wonderful home, click here!

158 Lonetree Dr.
Advance, NC  27006


 

Carolina's Market Report

Allen Tate's COO Pat Riley gives some insight into our local market.  Good news!

http://youtu.be/XcIDfD9MC7U

Great starter home in convenient location!

This charmer offers a neutral palette throughout with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths! For more information and photos of this home, click here!

4715 Leprechaun
Winston-Salem, NC  27127
 

Picturesque setting at this cozy home located in lovely Yadkinville!

Backs to creek and woods... well maintained home with basement at end of dead end road! For more information and photos of this property, click here!

301 Creekway
Yadkinville, NC  27055
 

Should You Hire a Professional?

Steve Harney's Keeping Current Matters has an excellent post today on whether you should hire a professional to sell your home or try to do it yourself.  You can see the whole post here, but one particular section really spoke to me.  I have had several "commission negotiation" discussions lately, and what takes me 7 or 8 minutes to explain is summed up here in a concise and clear manner:

Realize that when an agent is negotiating their commission with you, they are negotiating their own salary; the salary that keeps a roof over their family’s head; the salary that puts food on their family’s table. If they are quick to take less when negotiating for themselves and their families, what makes you think they will not act the same way when negotiating for you and your family? If they were Clark Kent when negotiating with you, they will not turn into Superman when negotiating with the buyer or seller in your deal.

I have joked before that if you think I am a bulldog with you, imagine how I am with people across the table who are not on my side!  Considering how important my paycheck is to the livelihood of my family, it is very very difficult for me to give any of that up.  If I negotiate (or settle) easily for my own family, how can you trust that I won't do the same for yours?

Government Shutdown

We are getting tons of questions about the government shutdown and how it will impact loans currently in process.  Allen Tate Mortgage (thanks Tina Shields!) is giving us current info as it comes in.  For now, if your loan is FHA, VA, or conventional, you should be processed as planned.  The big upset is with a USDA loan -- USDA is a big part of the shutdown, and those WILL NOT CLOSE until everyone is back in session.  So, for now, USDA borrowers have a closing date that is "unknown".  Yuck, but so it goes with big government...

Great starter in convenient Winston-Salem/Walkertown location!

Pretty hardwoods, screened porch/deck overlooks fenced backyard and more... For more information and photos on this property, click here!

5089 Baux Mountain Rd
Winston-Salem, NC  27105
 

A Time to Rest?

Many agents seem to go into hibernation mode on October 1.  Like everyone else, it is hard to not get swept up in the excitement of festivals, changing leaves, spiced cider, and bean soup in the crock pot.  But, I learned a few years back (and not as soon as I would have liked!), that October is really just the beginning of a new year. 

Huh?

You see, the things we do now as agents set the table for January and February.  Prospecting, listing preparation, to do lists... all of these things may not seem important now, but come the "lean" months, you will be glad you didn't push them to the side!

The same advice goes for home sellers.  Many folks see this as a time of year to go off the market, take a break, focus on holidays... all while thinking they will gear back up come Spring.  But, things you do now, as far as maintenance, upgrades, etc., can really lay the groundwork for that not so far off "Spring market".  Think of what happens in your neighborhood as flowers bloom and birds sing -- people begin remodeling, landscaping, etc.  But, if you work on those things now, you can probably get jobs done more efficiently (and cheaper) simply because the demand for such tasks isn't as high as it will be in March or April.  Go ahead and have a pre-marketing home inspection done NOW -- then you will have plenty of time to address items that need to be addressed and can make a more practical, informed decision about what not to do and what not to do.  Begin looking at paint samples and flooring options... so that you don't feel rushed by some big sale the week before you list and end up getting the wrong thing.

The bottom line is this -- patience is a virtue, but diligence is even more so.  The Lord blesses those who work and prepare and help themselves, so while others are living it up eating candy apples in their slippers by the fire, you can be getting a head start on what is forecasted to be a VERY busy 2014!

Are you looking for a spacious brick home in beautiful Clemmons?

This home offers a beautiful setting and lots of space! For more information and photos on this great property, click here!

8076 Lasater Rd
Clemmons, NC  27012
 

What NOT To Do...

Today's post on the Allen Tate blog is very timely in general but for us specifically as we had just this issue delay a closing recently.  It offers great advice for anyone under contract to purchase a home.  To see the whole post, click here, but the main points are as follows:
-- Don’t open any new credit accounts before or during the mortgage loan application process
-- Don’t move money around in your checking/savings accounts
-- Don’t change jobs or the way you are compensated

Happy buying!

Yep!

Just saw this on a colleague's wall - she and I can both attest to this being the key to occupational happiness!

How Market Value is Determined

We recently added this to some of our promotional packets, and I thought it was great info to post here as well!

 

           The Market value of your home is determined in several ways

 

           The market value of your home is not:

1.  What you have in the home

2.  What you need out of it

3.  What you want

4.  What it appraised for

5.  What you heard your neighbor’s home sold for

6.  What the tax office says it’s worth

7.  How much it’s insured for

8.  Based on prices of homes where you are moving

9.  What Zillow says it’s worth

 

The true market value of your home is...what a buyer is willing to pay for the property based on the number of competing homes:

1.  Based on today’s market

2.  Based on today’s competition

3.  Based on today’s financing

4.  Based on today’s economic conditions

5.  Based on the buyer’s perception on the condition of the property

6.  Based on the location

7.  Based on normal marketing time

 

Properties that sell in today’s market:

On a scale of 1-10 (“10” are the ones that are selling)  How can your property be a “10”?

1.  By improving the condition dramatically

2.  By offering good terms

3.  By improving the way the home shows

4.  By adjusting the price

 

As you advance through your marketing period, you may observe some warnings:

Realtor elimination– if the Realtors are not previewing it and do not show it, they are eliminating it

Buyers elimination– if it is being shown with no results, the buyers are finding better properties to buy and they are eliminating the property

 

Newly renovated and ready to move in home in beautiful New Sherwood!

Nestled on a cul de sac with a park-like, private lot and lots of upgrades! For more information and photos on this Sherwood home, click here!

4180 Malbeth
Winston-Salem, NC  27104
 

9120 Great Meadows provides a rare opportunity in Clemmons!

Paved drive leads to fabulous home on over 3.5 acres, partially cleared and wooded with personal putting green! For more information and photos of this wonderful property, click here!

9120 Great Meadows Drive
Clemmons, NC  27012
 

GREAT Open Houses this Sunday!

4355 Winterberry Ridge -- just reduced to $249,900 -- wonderful Winston-Salem home (Clemmons taxes and schools!) with full basement and nice backyard

2213 Briar Glen -- $125,000 -- great starter home convenient to WFUBMC, shopping, etc. with pretty floors and vaulted ceiling in living room

6810 Doublegate -- $289,900 -- stunning brick home in prestigious Doublegate in Clemmons -- hardwoods throughout main level and full basement

These will be open Sunday 2-4.  Come on out!

A Busy Weekend!

Yes... things have slowed down somewhat from the Spring/early Summer frenzy, BUT we received offers on 3 different homes this weekend.  So, the number of lookers has diminished somewhat, but the ones that are looking are serious.  Buyers, take things seriously if your agent tells you there is significant interest on a home you love, and sellers, keep your homes looking great and easy to show.  We are forecasting a flourishing fall!

Lovely home on nearly 2 acres with private backyard!

Well maintained one owner home with dramatic 2 sided rock fireplace! For more information and photos on this home, click here!

1332 Cross Creek
Yadkinville, NC  27055
 

MUCH potential in this soacious Bermuda Run Country Club villa located on the 9th fairway!

Great opportunity to purchase and update to your personal taste - priced WAY below tax value! For more information and photos of this home, click here!

165 Fairway Dr.
Advance, NC  27006
 

Darling home at end of dead end street in quiet Clemmons neighborhood!

This home offers lots of charm and expansion potential! For more information and photos, click here!

6435 Rustinburg Rd.
Clemmons, NC  27012
 

LEAP Realty Joins Tate!

I am very excited about a new addition to our Allen Tate office here in Winston-Salem.  LEAP Realty has joined us, and while we often have agents from other companies come aboard, this one is particularly exciting to me. 

Let me say first -- I am not a stereotypical tree hugger!  I typically vote Republican, have been known to throw an apple core out the window (but only if in the passenger side of the car so as not to lure animals -- whom I WILL brake for -- out into the road), and I don't keep peanut butter canisters for recycling at home because they are just nasty no matter how many times you wash them.  But, I do try to do little things -- I don't throw my batteries in the trash, I will carry a plastic water bottle in my bag for 2 days just so I don't have to throw it in a trash receptacle, and my kids used cloth diapers (at least until crawling!).  Part of that is because of where I live, which is extremely rural.  We don't have trash pick-up -- we can't even PAY for it, so we take our trash to the good old county dump.  After doing that the first few times, I was just grossed out by all I saw, so I decided that I at least, would do a few small things to decrease my family's contribution to all that odor, unsightliness, and waste.  Thus began the education on cloth diapers, newspaper recycling, and glass jar use.

So, back to LEAP Realty.  According to their company website, they are "a green-minded real estate firm answering the need of buyers and sellers looking for better options in real estate.  Our main focus is to enhance the lives of our clients through better homes and better living." I realize not everyone cares at this point about the type of insulation used in their homes from an environmental perspective, but I DO think we have a duty to care for our wonderful surroundings to the best of our abilities.  I don't worship Mother Nature or Father Time, but my Heavenly Father has provided me and my family with a wonderful spot on Earth to call home, so I would like to show my appreciation by caring for it.

Geez... this is getting all philosophical, huh?  In a nutshell, I am excited to see what changes will be taking place in our office, if nothing else so that I don't have to carry my water bottles around for 2 days!  It will please me greatly to see a recycling effort here for all of our superfluous paper and drink cans.  And yes, for you skeptics, when it's possible I don't use a plastic bottle at all... but there is only so much reusing a germaphobe can do!

Market Trends Videos

Once again, Allen Tate has outdone itself by offering consumers another phenomenal tool to educate and prepare them for the local real estate market.  Click here to go to a 60 second snapshot video highlighting local trends for your specific area.  I just posted the one for Winston-Salem on my Facebook page Amanda K. Shore Broker/Realtor.  While you are at it, please follow this blog and "like" my page for sometimes helpful... always random... and usually entertaining tidbits!

I'm A Believer!!!

Ok, everyone knows the adage that an open house is good for agents but doesn't do anything for a seller.  We would often tell our sellers that while we were happy to have one, it really did more for OUR business as a prospecting tool than for the actual sale of their home.  Well, lightning has struck!

In the last 3 days we have had two of our wonderful listings go under contract, and the buyers of both first saw the home at an open house.  They later returned with their own agent, but I have to wonder if they would have gone out of their way to schedule a second showing if they hadn't been able to slip easily in and out on a Sunday afternoon. 

So, lightning may not strike every time, but when it does, it's powerful!

Lovely home with private backyard!

This beautiful home offers 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths, along with a full basement! For more information and photos of this home, click here!

4355 Winterberry Ridge Ct
Winston-Salem, NC  27103
 

Just Listed: 2213 Briar Glen

Very well maintained one level home close to hospitals/shopping and has lots of unexpected touches!  For more information and photos of this property, click here!

2213 Briar Glen
Winston-Salem, NC  27127
 

Buying a House? 3 Reasons to Do it Now! (From KCM Blog)

Here is a link to a short & sweet explanation on why waiting to purchase can cost you money.  Enjoy!


Buying a House? 3 Reasons to Do it Now!

One of the prettiest homes on Heidelbury Drive!

Lots of home for the money offered in this convenient location! For more information and photos of this home, click here!

2025 Heidelbury Drive
Winston-Salem, NC  27106
 

Check out our new listing, 115 Millers Crossing Ct.

Move in ready home with convenience of Ardmore but perks of newer construction! For more information on this property, click here!

115 Millers Crossing Court
Winston-Salem, NC  27103

Adorable in Ardmore!

Home offers newly refinished hardwoods, fresh paint and a fenced backyard! For more information and photos of this property, click here!

1402 Chelsea St
Winston-Salem, NC  27103
 

Newer home with beautiful decor in Winston-Salem!

This home features a soaring ceiling in the living room along with other custom features.  For more information and photos of the property, click here!

4617 Wait Rd
Winston-Salem, NC  27106
 

Charmer in Rural Hall

This home is charming and resting on a great lot.  For more information and pictures of this property, click here!

8271 Creedmoor
Rural Hall, NC  27045
 

Check out our new listing on Genie Rd.

Totally renovated brick ranch on large lot has new everything! For more information and photos of this property, click here!

3337 Genie Road
East Bend, NC  27018
 

Cream puff on great lot!

Home sits on a gorgeous lot adjacent to Walnut Crossing in Yadkin County.  For more info. and pictures of this property, click here!

3603 Old US Hwy 421 E
Yadkinville, NC  27055
 

Just Listed: 1035 Gales Ave.

Great 3 side brick ranch on quiet Ardmore street! For more info. and photos of this property, click here!

1035 Gales Ave.
Winston-Salem, NC  27103
 

Welcome home to 6130 Bobbybrook Dr.

This beautifully maintained home offers lots of special touches just for you! For more information and photos of this property, click here!

6130 Bobbybrook Dr.
Clemmons, NC  27012

GORGEOUS gleaming oak hardwoods & fresh paint throughout!

2284 Briar Glen offers a welcoming feeling inside and out! For more information and photos of this home, click here!

2284 Briar Glen
Winston-Salem, NC  27127
 

Golf course views await you at 5130 Queensway!

This home offers a clean neutral decor with many upgrades! For more information on this property, click here!

5130 Queensway
Winston-Salem, NC  27127

 

Welcom home to this immaculate brick home!

Feel right at home in the quaint small town of Boonville, NC! For more information on 102 Oak Dr., click here!

102 Oak Dr.
Boonville, NC  27011
 

Love it!

Love to see an under contract sign anytime, but especially in the back of my car... for that means we are closing...

Beautiful in Buena Vista!

This home offers a picturesque setting on the corner of Meadowbrook Dr. overlooking Methodist Farm Home and Meadowbrook Park! For more information on this home, click here!

1705 Meadowbrook Dr
Winston-Salem, NC  27104
 

Notes from a Sales Meeting...

We were privileged in the Winston-Salem, NC Allen Tate office to have our COO, Pat Riley, with us today at our sales meeting.  He brought home the point that so many of us have been trying to convey for a while now... Yes, Mr. Seller, you may get more for your home in 5 years than you will now.  But, interest rates will rise, and you WILL pay more for the home you end up purchasing than you would today.  This must explain why Lisa and I are so slammed with new listings... the savvy are catching on!  Call us today for a comprehensive marketing plan for your property -- we utilize enhanced and out of the box features to make our homes stand out.  Visit our website by clicking here!

Wonderful Advance location offered at 4467 US Hwy 158!

This home offers history and charm on nearly an acre lot! For more information about this property, click here!

4467 US Hwy 158
Advance, NC  27006
 

Main level living at its best in Border Creek!

This home offers a great space for entertaining inside and out!  For more information and pictures of this property, click here!

423 Quick Silver Dr
Winston-Salem, NC  27127
 

Fantastic brick traditional in the heart of Clemmons!

This home has lots to offer with two master suites, one on main level and other on upper level.  For more information and pictures of this property, click here!

7004 Ashburn Circle
Clemmons, NC  27012
 

Darling starter home!

2096 Tea Berry is located at the end of a quiet cul de sac, wonderful and private! For more information and pictures of this property, click here!

2096 Tea Berry Ct.
Winston-Salem, NC  27127
 

Wonderful maintenance free living community!

This townhome offers a beautiful open layout with lots of sunshine! For more information and pictures of this property, click here!

201 Pelican Lane
Clemmons, NC  27012
 

Beautiful brick home in quiet Clemmons neighborhood! 6810 Doublegate Dr.

This home is well maintained and offers room to grow! For more information and pictures of this property, click here!

6810 Doublegate Dr.
Clemmons, NC  27012
 

Darling cottage style Ardmore home! 1305 Miller St.

Welcome home to this adorable cottage in a great Winston-Salem location! For more information and pictures of this home, click here!

1305 Miller St.
Winston-Salem, NC  27103
 

Own a piece of history in this 1948 farmhouse! 203 Hearthside Dr

This home is located in the heart of Sherwood Forest, convenient to everything Winston-Salem! For more information and pictures of this home, click here!

203 Hearthside Dr.
Winston-Salem, NC  27104
 

Home Sweet Home! 5320 Graycliff Lane

This mint condition home is move in ready! Neutral decor and hardly a hole in the wall, waiting for your touch! For more information and pictures of this home, click here!

5320 Graycliff Lane
Clemmons, NC  27012

Recommended Agent

Amanda K. Shore (336) 244-4269 Amanda.Shore@allentate.com

Connect with Amanda K. Shore via the Allen Tate app. Text, email, talk, share listings and keep up with the market. Work together to find your ideal home. On your iPhone/iPad or Android device? Step 1: Install the App (Already have it? - Move to the next step!) Android Version Step 2: Tap the heart (or link on Android) to connect with Amanda K. Shore. Click here on Android

Sent from my iPhone -- Please excuse my brevity

Amanda Shore

Allen Tate Realtors

(336) 244-4269

Visit my blog at AmandasMinute.com

Why You Should Buy NOW!

I follow Steve Harney and his blog at KCMBlog.com.  Today's post summarizes perfectly what I just tried to explain to a potentail purchaser, but trust me, I wasn't so clear and concise!  As usual, thank you KCMCrew!

 

According to Jed Kolko, Trulia’s Chief Economist:

“People who didn’t buy a home last year may have missed the bottom of the market, but they haven’t completely missed the boat. Buying remains cheaper than renting in all 100 large metros. Even buyers who can’t get today’s lowest mortgage rates will still find that buying makes more financial sense than renting in nearly all local markets.”

However, Kolko went on to say that this opportunity may soon disappear:

“Although buying a home is still cheaper than renting, the gap is closing. In 2013, home prices should rise faster than rents, and mortgage rates are likely to rise in the next year as the economy improves. By next year, buying could be more expensive than renting in some housing markets, even for people with the best credit.”

Again, the only way to lock-in your monthly housing expense is to take that decision out of the hands of a landlord by owning. With both prices and interest rates set to increase, the best time to buy is right now.

Gotta Love Teamwork!

New sign at 189 Sparks Ct in Winston... my rider, Mark's sign - we are both glad to help!

YES!

Under Contract in Oak Grove in Lewisville, NC!

Wanted: Sign Riders!

I saw a blog on Trulia today about sign riders that should exist. While I can't really say I have a need for most of the ones listed in the blog, I do have several ideas for sign manufacturers... and in case you are wondering, a sign rider is a strip that goes along the top of the sign that says "Price Reduced" or "Pool" or something like that!

1. No Window Shopping: I am constantly amazed by the number of sellers I have who have seen people literally walking around in their yards during the day (without an appointment to do so with an agent!). When a buyer calls me and asks if they may get out and look in windows of a listing, if it is vacant I say "of course!" -- but I ALWAYS thank them for asking! I have had several unsuspecting buyers met at the front door with a shotgun. I'm not kidding. Moral of the story: buyers AND agents, if you want to look in the windows of a property, call the list agent first to make sure it is vacant!!

2. Dry Basement (Usually): I hear all the time "oh yeah it's a dry basement -- it's great... no problems there... except when it rains really hard." As a seller you don't want to say you have a moist basement if in fact it isn't moist all the time, but a buyer needs to know that there can be issues. I would love a rider that sort of qualified that.

3. We Love Cats: This one will let you know that -- you guessed it -- there are cats in the house. Some homes with cats are still tidy, clean, smell good, etc., but even those homes can be problematic for someone with severe allergies. I have the nose of a hound dog (or so my husband says), but I have been with buyers several times who have broken out in hives once in a house longggg before I had an inkling that a cat lived there. So, advance notice would be great and would save everyone -- seller, buyer, me -- lots of time and preparation!

4. Unmotivated Seller: No one wants to pay full price for anything. I get that... but if you as the seller are absolutely not budging one smidgen off your asking price, just let us know that up front. Some folks, no matter how much they love your house, won't pay full price on principle. So, if I have those buyers in my car, that particular rider would save me great trouble.

What are some signs YOU would like to see?

 

Thank You, Thank You!

Lisa and I are very humbled, grateful, ecstatic, etc. to be chosen as the Favorite Realtor once again in the Triad Mom's on Main Choice Awards!  We love love LOVE what we do and hope and pray everyday that we communicate that enthusiasm to those around us.  I know sometimes we fall short of that, but we are so blessed!

If I Sleep Here...

Ladies and gentlemen, this weather is NOT affecting the real estate world in the Triad!  We are busy busy busy with both buyers and sellers.  Negotiations are happening, homes are being listed, showing appointments are being made.  It's pure chaos, but oh how we love it!

So, I'm considering sleeping in the office tonight to catch up on paperwork.  Just kidding -- but I sure could use the extra hours! 

I feel the need to post a disclaimer, though... sellers, just because you read this, do not think it means you can price up, be inflexible in negotiations, etc.  Savvy buyers know that the next few weeks will see inventory skyrocket, so take advantage of that bird in hand!  Listen to your trusted advisor as they counsel you, and don't take it personally when they give you "just the facts ma'am".  We are basing what we are advising on experience, and that is priceless!

Just Listed: 537 Barrett Rd

Unbelievable custom kitchen in this beautiful brick home! Dual masters, finished playroom, fenced in yard, and I could go on... Check out 537 Barrett Rd. Winston-Salem, NC 27104 here!

We Are Growing!

How is this possible in the midst of a recession??  It's because we have the best tools, the best training, and the best TEAM around. Very proud to be a Tater!
http://mobi.journalnow.com/winston/pm_5255/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=mcAQKtdr

Just Listed: 4800 Dorset

Amaaazzzzing yard! This split foyer has great bones and offers a GORGEOUS setting! Check out 4800 Dorset Winston-Salem, NC 27127 here!

Tax time!

Yet another expense to be written off... 3rd flat tire since Christmas, courtesy of driving through new construction neighborhoods! Never a dull moment in the real estate world!

Forsyth Tax Rate

I have had several conversations lately with excited property owners who believe their tax value on their homes will go down when the reappraisal is done. They think this will, in turn, lower their taxes. 

Not so fast. 

When a reappraisal results in a trend of lower tax values, you can take it to the bank that the tax rate will then rise. This means that even though your particular value is lower, a bigger percentage of it will be in your tax bill. 

The bottom line is that you really aren't saving over the long haul. And if you want to sell your home, a higher tax value is a plus... so don't get too excited!

Props to HGTV??

Many of you know I HATE HGTV -- I think it makes our jobs as real estate professionals all the more difficult by making everyone an "expert" and portraying real estate agents typically as greedy nincompoops. But, I have been enlightened! Yesterday as I waited for an appointment to begin, HGTV was on in the lobby of the business where I sat. The real estate agent was helping some folks in England in their home search. Not only did he listen to them, give them a lot of time, and maintain a very professional but kind countenance, he was the one that found them the home they ultimately ended up choosing. Well wonders never cease! (Sarcasm intended...)

Mobile Phones are Everywhere...

According to a new study by the National Association of Realtors, home buyers in this "digital era" utilize their mobile devices - i.e. smartphones - even when at home to search for properties. What does this mean to you? If you are selling your home, you really need to think seriously about what kind of marketing different companies do. Do they rely on newspaper ads and reputation to draw traffic to your home, or do they stay cutting edge and offer a mobile site that users can navigate simply and easily to see details, photos, etc.? Another reason I am proud to be with Tate... visit m.allentate.com! We are the #1 company in the Carolinas because we utilize ALL types of media and our agents embrace new trends. Statistics from the study: Places where new home buyers use their mobile devices  77% – At home  31% – At work  28% – While waiting in line  27% – At a restaurant  26% – At someone else’s home Lisa and I realize the importance of this as well. You may drive past a listing of ours and see a brochure box out front ("old school"), but when you get out to get a flier you will also see a QR code for that specific property on it. We realize that not everyone shops for homes the same way, so we haven't ruled out print ads altogether. We do, however, try to incorporate the "old" with the "new" in everything we do. Call/tweet/text/email us today for some examples!

Clemmons Open Houses

We have 3 GREAT homes open in Clemmons today! 585 Barkworth and 3730 Squirewood are both beautiful brick traditionals in Clemmons West, and 16 Warren's Gate is a new construction townhome perfect for empty nesters. Visit AmandaShore.com for details!!

Lot 17 Reserved

If you have had your eye on Warren's Gate, Clemmons' TRULY maintenance free active adult community, it's prime time to "get in"! Lot 17 will shortly be under construction of a custom Cypress... that means lot 18 is ripe for the picking!

Why Independent Brokers Matter

There is a wonderful post on the Allen Tate blog today (click here for the full post). A snippet of it is as follows: When it comes to insurance, there are captive agents who represent just one company; direct writers who work the phones and e-commerce with only one product to sell; and independent agents like Allen Tate Insurance, who represent an average of eight companies and product lines. This allows us to review loss records, terms, prices and products, and offer you the very best coverage at the best possible price. NAR statistics show that the majority of home buyers prefer one stop shopping, i.e. they want their real estate company to offer mortgage, title, and insurance services simply because of the convenience. Our President and COO explains, though, that it isn't just about convenience. Independent brokers CAN get you a better deal. Just ask my stepdad -- he's opposed to change of any kind, but after speaking with our local Allen Tate insurance rep (linda.hahn@allentate.com), he is switching some of his policies. You may not know him, but trust me, that is QUITE an endorsement!