Yes!!!! Watch out Winston-Salem!

Words to live by...

These are a few of my favorite things...

Zillow Swillow...

I came across a funny meme yesterday that had the artist guy... I can't remember his name... the one that painted on the easel and would paint "pretty birds" in places where he smudged?  Anyway, the meme showed him in front of a blank canvas and said "Hey Look -- it's a collage of all the homes Zillow accurately valuated."  SO TRUE.  You can see it here.

Zillow is a necessary evil in our industry.  We can't beat it, so we have to come up with ways to use it to our advantage.  Therefore, The Shore Team has purchased enhanced features on Zillow that allow us as agents to upload multiple photos (more than the default), edit property details (to an extent), etc.  However. just because we have learned to capitalize on this website does NOT mean we endorse everything it says!  Zestimates are rarely, if ever, correct evaluations of your property's value.  Trust me on this!  Algorithms are used to determine value based on square footage, tax info, etc., but they are not market specific.  Market specificity is crucial to properly preparing your home for the market or for properly setting your expectations as a buyer.  Please contact your trusted Realtor advisor for these things, and take Zillow with a grain of salt.

Thankful

A Fresh Start!

Amanda Shore 

TheShoreTeam.com

Sent from my iPhone

Time Flies and Change Happens!

It has been a while since my last post, but there sure has been a lot happening in the world of The Shore Team!  Mark, Lisa, and I are very excited to announce that we will be a part of bringing a Keller Williams franchise to Winston-Salem!  KW is a HUGE player in the national real estate scene, and while there are some offices in our vicinity, as of now there is not one in Winston-Salem.  But, all of that is about to change!  We are partnering with some other like minded, motivated, full time, and LOCAL agents to bring the franchise here, and we could not be more enthusiastic about this. While the official change happened Friday, this morning several of our team members had the chance to sit down and really dig into some of the tools that KW has to offer its agents -- HOLY SMOKES!  We are blown away, and it was just the tip of the iceberg!  For those customers that are sticking with us, we appreciate your patience as we make this transition, but it WILL be worth it!

The Mortgage Process and it's Never Ending Paperwork

We are buying our home now and TOTALLY experiencing what this article describes!  http://www.keepingcurrentmatters.com/2014/09/11/getting-a-mortgage-why-so-much-paperwork-2/

Just Listed: 208 Pam Dr.

What a great home in Davidson county! To learn more about this home and to view photos click here!

208 Pam Dr.
Winston-Salem, NC  27107

Just Listed: 1448 Ebert St

Picture perfect brick ranch in beyond convenient location! To learn more about this home click here!

1448 Ebert St.
Winston-Salem, NC  27103

 

Fabulous Family Home in Camden Place

This is a beautiful, move-in ready home located less than 10 minutes from hospitals, shopping, restaurants, etc.! To learn more bout this home and to view photos click here!

645 Camden Place
Winston-Salem, NC  27103

Visit 200 N. State Street

Own a piece of history in this 1901 colonial 3 BR/2BA home full of character and southern charm! To learn more about this home and to view photos click here!

200 N. State Street
Yadkinville, NC  27055

Precious Starter Home

Lovely home in convenient location on outskirts of Boonville! For more information and photos of this home click here!

122 Sizemore
Boonville, NC  27011

Our new sign riders!

Fabulous family home in convenient Winston-Salem location! 645 Camden Place

This 3 bedroom 2.5 bath with bonus room or 4th bedroom offers a large living room with gas fireplace, wood floors in foyer and formal dining room, bright kitchen with 2 pantries, and more! To learn more about this home and to view photos click here!

645 Camden Place
Winston-Salem, NC  27103
 

New Listing: 1091 Sequoia Dr.

True rocking chair wrap around porch on this great Lewisville home with charming curb appeal! To learn more about this home and view photos click here!

1091 Sequoia Dr.
Lewisville, NC  27023
 

Just Listed: 1005 Somerset Dr

LOADS of updates in this great brick home in extremely convenient location! Roof, HVAC in last 3 years along with dishwasher, exposed hardwoods in living room, new fixtures, etc.  To learn more about this home and to view photos click here!  

1005 Somerset Dr.
Winston-Salem, NC  27103

331 Fishel Rd

Beautiful 3 bedroom with huge bonus room and 2.5 bath home on 2.43 acres! To learn more about this rare find home and view photos click here! 

331 Fishel Rd
Winston-Salem, NC  27127
 

The Importance of Us (as in... agents...

When you want to sell a home, you have 3 goals -- get the best price, with the least hassle, and get it SOLD.  This article from the KCM Blog explains why, to do this, it is critical to get a competent real estate agent.

http://www.keepingcurrentmatters.com/2014/08/04/the-importance-of-using-an-agent-when-selling-your-home/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Blog_Promo

Several New Listings Coming!

New Listing: 1012 H E Renegar, Yadkinville

Wonderful updates in this large brick ranch on level lot just on edge of town of Yadkinville! To learn more about this home and to view photos click here!

1012 H E Renegar
Yadkinville, NC  27055

Just Listed: 331 Fishel Rd

Rare to find traditional home on 2.43 acres, private yet very close to everything  and only 10 mins. from downtown Winston.  To learn more about this home and to view photos click here!

331 Fishel Rd
Winston-Salem, NC  27127

Just Listed: 1520 Dobbins Mill Rd

Precious home on over an acre has privacy all around! To learn more about this home and to view photos click here!

1520 Dobbins Mill Rd
Yadkinville, NC  27055

Jest Listed: 1108 Fleming Rd

ROOM TO ROAM inside and out! Older home on 4.64 acres (per tax card) has huge rooms, basement, and is quiet and private.  To learn more about this home and to view photos click here!

1108 Fleming Rd
Yadkinville, NC  27055

Time Flies

Wow, I had no idea it had been this long since I have posted!  I was just about to leave the office for the day and thought I would post a quick Happy 4th message... but now I am reflecting a little!  We are so very blessed here in the US.  Just watch the evening news for 10 minutes and you will see that we are privileged in so many ways here.  We ARE the Land of the Free!  But how did that come about?  Because of the BRAVE.  Thank you to all the veterans and current service men and women for what you do!

Just Listed: 5750 Murray

Great curb appeal in this neatly manicured brick home on large corner lot! For more information and photos on this home click here!

5750 Murray Rd
Winston-Salem, NC  27106
 

229 Arrow Leaf Dr., What a find!

Beautiful brick home on quiet Lewisville side street has park-like setting & AWESOME supplemental building for workshop, RV, hobbyist, etc.  For more information on this home click here!

229 Arrow Leaf Dr.
Lewisville, NC  27023
 

Lovely french Clemmons townhome 469 Crosswick Rd

Home features 3 bedrooms and 3 baths, hardwoods, vaulted ceiling in living room and master, as well as a large screened porch. For more information and photos of this townhome click here!

469 Crosswick Rd
Clemmons, NC  27012

Adorable on level living at 312 Willow Street

Willow has been very well maintained ad offers 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths.  For more information and photos on this home click here!

312 E Willow St
Yadkinville, NC  27055 

Just Listed: 4301 La Vale Ct

Fabulously versatile floor plan in this spacious Clemmons West home on large corner lot -- For more information and photos about this home click here!

4301 La Vale Ct
Clemmons, NC  27012 

Just Listed: 1761 Grand Silo

What a lovely townhome in Heritage Park with a great floor plan. For more information and photos on this home, click here!

1761 Grand Silo
Winston-Salem, NC  27127
 

Beautifully remodeled but still classically charming...

Recall days of old as you view this timeless home. To learn more about this home and view photos click here!

724 Pudding Ridge
Mocksville, NC  27028

Just Listed: 3413 US 21 Hwy

Surprisingly charming 1928 home has best of both worlds! For more information and photos of this property, click here!

3413 US 21 Hwy
Hamptonville, NC  27020
 

The Power of Curb Appeal

I changed hats recently and put my own personal home on the market.  We had several showings but no bites.  Just last week I had a landscaper come over and freshen it up -- add pine straw, do some trimming, etc.  Nothing major -- just a little "lipstick".  The very first showing after he did this, we got an offer!  Coincidence?  Maybe, but one I'm willing to take a gamble on again.  You just never know what may be needed to sway that potential purchaser.  In all we spent about $400, and for an offer that was eventually negotiated to a contract, it's a small price to pay.

New Digital Billboard on Bus 40

Tough Love

The following post ran in today's TriadMomsOnMain.com newsletter.  Enjoy!

"The longer I’m a Realtor, the easier it is to counsel my clients. Maybe it’s because mamas have to practice 'tough love' in all areas of our lives," says Amanda Shore with The Shore Team at Allen Tate Realtors. "We recently celebrated my son’s 5th birthday at a picnic shelter. He kept throwing his ball up on the sloped roof and watching it roll back down. I heard my husband say, 'if it gets stuck, it’s gone… no replacements.' So… guess what happened?

"I wanted to run to the store and buy another (it was $1, it’s his BIRTHDAY, he’s only 5!!!!), but my husband pointed out that this was a teachable moment (and a little tough love). My son wasn’t happy, but he was more careful the next time he was warned.

"The same applies in my job. When we tell you to remove the red flocked wallpaper from the bathroom, we aren’t trying to be mean. We know it’s hard to hear, but we also know how to get your home sold quickly and for the most money. Again, we have to use a little tough love. "It’s easier to go buy another $1 ball… it’s easier to keep the red wallpaper… but the easier option isn’t always the best option. Trust me, Mama knows." To get to know Amanda (three time Choice Awards winner) and the Shore Team better, "like" them on Facebook!

New Happenings in Warren's Gate!

We are excited to share that there is a new homeowner in Warren's Gate in Clemmons!  Lot 34 closed last week, and you may be surprised to know that it is a single family home built by D. Stone Builders.  Yes, I said single family!  Several lots remain that could accommodate a single family OR twin home... in fact, Lot 33 has recently been reserved for another single.  Take a drive through and you will see that this beautiful gem in the heart of Clemmons is growing!

Simplicity for Simplicity's Sake

Just a little announcement today... I have FINALLY changed our team Facebook page web address to something I (and you!) can actually remember!!  The old one was my name with some random hyphens and slashes thrown in, but now it's just www.facebook.com/TheShoreTeam.  Hallelujah!!

New listing on Crosland Rd

3742 Crosland Rd offers lots of home for the money! For more information and photos of this property, click here!

3742 Crosland Rd
Winton-Salem, NC  27106
 

3 Reasons to Sell Your Home this Spring

SUCH a great post, and I hope anyone on the fence as to when they should sell takes the time to read it.  Every word rings true!



3 Reasons to Sell Your Home this Spring

Cottage style living in beautiful Lewisville!

Picture perfect home on expansive 1.66 acre lot is a Lewisville treasure! For more information and photos of this home click here!

7530 Shallowford Rd
Lewisville., NC  27023
 

Who Says Millennials are not Buying Houses?

Before we get to this article, let's define millennial.  While no age range is set in stone, Wikipedia states that millenials have "birth years ranging from the early 1980s to the early 2000s."  (In other words, younger than this blogger...).

Who Says Millennials are not Buying Houses?

Townhome living at it's best!

Priced to Sell!! Wonderful brick townhome in maintenance free community! For more information and photos for this property, click here!

203 Pelican
Clemmons, NC  27012
 

5 REASONS TO SELL NOW

5 REASONS TO SELL NOW



Thank you KCMCrew and Steve Harney!

Just Listed: 4815 Doris St.

Fall in love with this vintage farm house full of charm and character! For more information and photos click here!

4815 Doris St.
Winston-Salem, NC  27105
 

Lovely in Lewisville

Wonderful all brick Cape in popular Lewisville neighborhood! For more information and photos, click here!

1036 Bebb Willow
Lewisville, NC  27023
 

Oh what a view of the 18th fairway!

This one owner home built in beautiful Meadowlands is full of detail and style! For more information and photos, click here!

633 Medinah Dr
Winston-Salem, NC  27107
 

Blue Heaven

Not business related - just for fun - but a perfect combination of 2 of my loves...

Moving Right Along!

D. Stone Builders' first single family home in Warren's Gate in Clemmons is coming along beautifully. Take the time to compare the quality of this home versus the competition - you will see that there is NO comparison!

What Happens in Vegas...

I had the privilege over the last week of attending the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World yearly conference (The Summit) in Las Vegas.  Allen Tate Companies graciously sent their top 5% producing agents out there to learn, network, and relax.  While I greatly enjoyed the room service and quiet solitude of a single occupancy hotel room (remember, I am a mama to 2 little ones whom I love dearly.... but man are they LOUD sometimes!), my favorite part was definitely meeting agents from other parts of the country.  We attended educational breakout sessions, and there were numerous networking opportunities.  I am usually not the person who gets into "networking" so to speak (so why in the world am I in real estate??), but it honestly just happened naturally.  I was able to question agents from Arizona, California, Hawaii... even other Taters in other markets... about how inventory looked for the Spring, current buyer hot buttons, staging trends, etc.  It was almost overwhelming the wealth of knowledge contained in that one place! 

Anyway, my point in writing this is mainly to let you know that when I say "I know a great agent in that market", I mean it!  If you are moving or even thinking of moving, chances are I have a personal contact from your destination who will be more than happy to connect with you and help you in any way they can.  They can provide neighborhood research, school info, etc.  Even in markets where I don't have a personal contact, I can find you one... but to be able to say "I personally know such and such" is to me just a very cool thing and yet another example of how Allen Tate agents really are your trusted advisors! 

HGTV

Last night I watched a show I had DVR'ed and that I just love, but as so often happens, my ire was raised somewhat by some comments made by the potential purchasers.  Their agent was doing a very good job -- and that takes a lot for me to say as I am usually not a fan of how agents on these shows act! -- but this buyer was just crucifying them in the follow up interview.  They stated something like "they don't care about me... they just want their paycheck."

Wrong wrong WRONG!  If I worked each deal just to get to the paycheck, I would be broke and desperate.  I DO want the paycheck, of course, but I also want the FUTURE paychecks I will get from folks referred to me by the current customer.  So, if I don't truly keep their best interest in mind, put their satisfaction at the top of the priority list, and do my job thoroughly and efficiently, I have just cost myself countless referrals down the road.  I realize not everyone will like what I have to say at the time, but sometimes what we want to hear isn't what we need to hear.  if I tell you what you want to hear just to get through this deal, I am shooting myself in the foot AND doing you a disservice.  So, no, it isn't just about the paycheck...

5 Reasons to Hire a Real Estate Professional

The following is borrowed from Steve Harney & his Keeping Current Matters blog.  I couldn't have said it better myself!

5 Reasons to Hire a Real Estate Professional

Amazing opportunity for 1st time buyers!

$5100 PRICE REDUCTION + $3000 seller paid closing cost with accepted offer + USDA ELIGIBLE! What an amazing deal! For more information and photos click here!

1553 Old Coach
Kernersville, NC  27284

Move in ready home in Oak Ridge Farms

Gleaming floors throughout this one level home with a one car garage, deck, front porch, and much more!  For more information and photos of this home click here!

2997 Mabel Trail
Boonville, NC 27011
 

Welcome home to Boonville!

Wonderful one level home with inground pool AND awesome finished basement in quiet but convenient location! For more information and photos of this home click here!

102 Meadowview Dr
Boonville, NC  27011
 

Quaint cottage in wonderful Ardmore!

Great opportunity for 1st time home buyer, investors or empty nesters looking to down size.  For more information and photos of this property click here!

346 Crafton Street
Winston-Salem, NC  27103
 

The Value of a Great Negotiator

There have been many times in my career where, let's face it, I have just made some clients mad.  It wasn't that I was being unprofessional, or rude, or unkind... just that I was presenting an accurate picture of the market.  And, unfortunately, the accurate picture was not the desired picture. At times, there is room for flexibility, but at other times there just simply isn't.  So, the customer would perhaps leave the meeting with a bad taste in his mouth thinking I was just too stubborn and too bull-headed.

But isn't that just the type of agent you want?  When negotiating for a buyer or a seller, don't you want someone who is tactful, business like, but not easily swayed?  They need to be able to present their argument and stick to it.  Now, it is a very common misperception that negotiations are always combative and adversarial.  They simply aren't.  More times than not, the buyer, buyer's agent, seller, and seller's agent are able to work harmoniously (if not together) towards a common goal.  But, because the chance exists that it may be adversarial (aka "snarky"), wouldn't you want someone on your side whom YOU weren't even able to wear down?

Just a new way to look at things...

RATES

CURRENT RATES	1/13/14
Conventional 15 Yr, Fixed to 95% LTV	3.625
Conventional 30 Yr, Fixed to 95% LTV	4.625
Conventional 7/1 ARM	4.0
Conventional 30 Year Fixed 97% LTV (half point origination required)	5.125
FHA 30 Year Fixed	4.25
VA 30 Year Fixed	4.25
USDA 30 Year Fixed	4.25
All above rates quoted with no points origination unless otherwise noted
NC State Bond with DPA	4.75
NC Bond loan requires 1% origination
Jumbo 30 Yr. Fixed to 80% LTV	4.625
ALL RATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
CREDIT SCORE AND LOAN AMOUNT  ADJUSTMENTS MAY APPLY. FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY.

New Mortgage Regulations and What They Mean for You

We received a wonderful explanation of what the new mortgage regulations (effective Jan 10) mean from our in-house lender, Tina Shields.  Without going into all the specificities, I will say that borrowers (and their agents) should expect:
-- Even more questions by loan underwriters (so if you thought your last loan involved an invasion of privacy, get ready...)
-- Even more needed documentation (you will need a paper box instead of a shoe box to transport it all)
-- Additional checks and balances (this means the lending process will on average be longer)

If you have questions about what this means for you, please don't hesitate to contact us. 

Agents, as an aside, PLEASE educate your borrowers so that the expectations of all parties are realistic! 
 

The Shore Team

I know I have mentioned and hinted relentlessly, but I am so excited to now say it's official!  The Shore Team has grown!  Ellen Mulheron has joined our team, and we couldn't be more thrilled.  Her enthusiasm, work ethic, and attention to detail are unparalleled (and I speak from experience -- our desks have been beside each other for weeks now so I have seen firsthand that the woman is just RELENTLESS!).  Whether a first time buyer or luxury seller, she offers insight and life experience from prior careers that really make her an asset to our team.  Read about ALL of us at www.TheShoreTeam.com!  We are ready to go in 2014, so please contact us today for ALL of your real estate needs in the Triad!