An Inspiring Client Story-A Must Read!!

I loved helping this family find their new home this year! They have had trials and their outlook on life is inspiring. I hope to have an attitude like theirs in the new year. Below is a post from Alexandra's Facebook page that I asked her permission to share:

2009 was Sam and my first Christmas together. Between out of town trips and a funeral that all overlapped, we spent it, and almost two weeks, apart. 

2010 was the Christmas that Sam asked me to be his wife, and it was our first Christmas as a family.
2011 was our first Christmas in Raleigh and our first Christmas as husband and wife. We were still reelling from the news we received from Sam's doctor the previous month.
2012 was Joanna's first Christmas. Sam was in remission after 8 months of treatment and a rocky year.
2013 was our first Christmas in our very own home in Knightdale. Sam has been at a job he loves for almost a year, and is still in remission. Our kids are happy and loved.

There has been ups, and downs, and lots of in betweens. Together we've traveled up and down the coast, to another country, and made a new city our home. We've fallen in love, gotten engaged, and then married. We've gotten pregnant, experienced miscarriage, and had the sweetest little brown eyed girl. We've sobbed when we heard the word cancer and sobbed at the word remission. We've celebrated countless birthdays, danced at weddings, and held each other through funerals.

The New Year always brings something new. Sometimes good, sometimes not. It's not all sunshine and rainbows, but the love gets us through the dark days. I am both excited and apprehensive to see what 2014 brings - but ready or not, it's coming! Happy New Year, from our family, to each of you.

Happy New Year to the Shraders!

~Photo courtesy of sara davis photography 

www.saraedavisphoto.com

Set a Plan for 2014! Make More Than Just Goals. And 2013 Reflections.

It's that time again to reflect on the year as it draws near an end. Most people evaluate what they accomplished (or failed to accomplish) around New Year's. In fact, I'm going to tell you what I accomplished this year for starters. But instead of making New Year's goals or resolutions for 2014, make a plan and aspire to greater things and make them happen!

My accomplishments in the year of '13:

I moved my Zumba class from the tiny, carpeted club house in Woodcroft to Dance Theater South in Sutton Station. What a difference a larger, brighter atmosphere made. My class grew immediately. I am so blessed for the ladies (and Don when he drops in) who trust me to help them reach their fitness goals.

Speaking of fitness goals, I continued to maintain a good portion of my weight loss this year. I'm focusing not on the numbers for the new year, but instead on maintaining strength and endurance that 2013 brought.

I stepped out of my comfy zone and joined Go Realty in January. Nine years at another company got me warm and cozy in my zone. But I made the switch! And this is what birthed my next accomplishment.

Shakeitupdurham became my new blog where I post real estate related stories, life lessons and my homes for sale. You won't believe how hard it was to come up with a name for my blog!

I began to focus more on my clients and their needs and less on my company's (or my own) sales numbers. In doing so, I met some truly spectacular people. In fact, I helped one family find their new home in Knightdale. They were first-time home buyers who endured a hardship of cancer within the past few years. What a fulfilling job I have. I have really seen that through my clients this year.

My sweet, funny, cute, caring, negotiating son Owen began kindergarten this year. I have to say just getting pregnant with Owen was an accomplishment in 2007! But seeing him come into more independence and really enjoy learning and reading has made this mom proud. Beginning kindergarten was his accomplishment, but God entrusting me to be his mother is quite my accomplishment!

Becoming better at telling friends and strangers exactly what I do (real estate, amongst other things) has seen a huge improvement for me this year. Prior to my Go90x challenge, which I completed in March, I kind of just assumed people knew what I did, and of course they would want to refer their friends and families to me. Ha! I really need to remind everyone what it is I do and what makes me a great realtor. :)

I don't think I fell short in many areas this year, but as always, there is much room for growth. So I just finished making my plan for 2014. My plan is simple. Strive to meet and invest in more people. In doing so, I hope to be able to meet a need somehow in their lives. I know the people I meet in 2014 will leave an impression on my life in some way, but I want to do the same for them. And in doing so, I will also find success in many ways in my own personal life. But first, I need to give to others.

Make your plan now! Begin by envisioning what you ultimately want and break your goals down into an action plan. Here is to an awesome 2014! I know you can do it!

Does Your Insurance Cover Sewage Backup?

It's easy to believe your homeowner's insurance will cover anything that happens to your home. After all, this does help you sleep at night.

But often times random things happen to your home that could set you back thousands of dollars due to damage in floors, walls or electrical systems. Knowing you have the right coverage will save you in the long run, big time.

One of the most common causes of expensive repairs in a home is sewer backup. You may assume your city sewer system would be the responsibility of the city in the event it failed. Or your first thought may be that homeowner's insurance would cover your issue. Imagine the scene, you wake up one morning to find a mess in your home. Or you go away on vacation and your toilet fails leaving your home flooded.

Upon a phone call to your insurance agent, you come to the painful realization that this stinking issue in your home is just that.... stinky. If you don't have a sewage back up and water intrusion rider added to your insurance policy when you purchased it, you may be out of luck.

I was fortunate enough to have my agent mention this little fact and advise me to add the rider to my policy (only costing me $25 a year). This simple insurance rider saved me over $30,000 when I had quite an incident happen in my home while away on vacation.

So now you know, call your insurance agent today and make sure you have the rider.

Got Coats??

I read this on my friend's Facebook page this morning and it reminded me of a need I recently learned of....

"It's Giving Tuesday...please share the causes, charities, and ministries that are dear to you, so that those of us who are able to give can consider those you love as well."

I met a teacher last week who said she knew of at least 15 4th and 5th graders at another school (Glen Elementary) that needed coats. I imagine there are other kids at that school, my son's school and others that need coats this winter too.

So in honor of Giving Tuesday and staying warm this winter, I am asking you to consider a coat donation (new or used). 

Please let me know if you can help and I will pick them up from you to deliver to the school (s).

Thanks for helping!

Did you forget to check??? The Final Walk Through!

Closing Is Final... Inspect Your Largest Investment!

I'm sure this topic sounds dry to you, but the final walk through of your new home before closing is perhaps as important as your home inspection.

What's a final walk through? 

Well it's your last chance (you are entitled to it per the sales contract) to check out your home and make sure nothing has changed since you last saw it, before you head to sign the papers for it to become your home. 

Why is it important?

People mistakenly take the final day of closing lightly. They think, "oh, nothing bad can happen." or "if something goes wrong, my agent will take care of it." It would be nice to believe that I have superpowers to make it all better. But the reality is, when the deed is recorded at the courthouse (after you sign your papers in front of a closing attorney and pay for the home), you are accepting the home's condition at that time going forward. Meaning no warranty (unless provided in writing to succeed closing) or right to have a pre-existing repair item taken care of. 

If that reason alone isn't enough... think of the worse case scenarios... a tornado just came through and knocked down your home. Or maybe a refrigerator line exploded and your home is under water. Or remember that fire last night you saw on the news? Well it could have been your home.

I don't mean to sound patronizing, and I certainly don't expect these worse case scenarios to happen to my clients' homes, but I have had a few last minute possible fiascos resolved because of a final walk through.

Yes, last minute issues are fun to deal with. Not really! 

I once went to a final walk through on a town home in Woodcroft and the seller had taken the stove with her to Europe. I had an unhappy buyer on that day, but luckily she was able to get a new one.

In another situation, I helped my clients walk through their new construction home on the day of closing before heading to the attorney's office. We discovered a stream (not an intentional one, but one nevertheless) going through the middle of their back yard. Luckily we were able to have the builder install better drainage and a grate in the ground to catch water run off.

Don't skip the last step before home ownership. You will be happy you made the stop by home on the way to closing.

Sharing My Love Letter To Buyers

In my previous post I mention the importance of sellers writing a "love letter" to potential buyers sharing the cherished details of their homes that  buyers may not be able to learn from traditional marketing. 

If my home were on the market (which one day will be the case). my love letter to potential buyers who visit my home might read like this....

Welcome to 3231 Silver Star Drive. It might surprise you to learn that we the original owners of such a lovely home might want to part with it. I can assure you it was not a decision we made easily. You see, this is our dream home. Yes, most people envision their dream homes to be much larger with all the bells and whistles somewhere out in the country. 

But for us, as second-time home owners living on a budget friendly income, this home became our dream.

It began when I first sold this exact same floor plan to my clients in another community. I walked into the model home and quickly fell in love with the open, airy feel, 5-inch hardwood floors, luxurious master suite with tiled floor, shower and tub surround and garden tub. And oh how I loved the kitchen. I couldn't begin to imagine so much counter and cabinet space and I began to envision entertaining family and friends all in one space.

I then sold this same floor plan to a second set of clients and at this point, not being a homeowner of this home myself, became a little irritating. After learning we couldn't own this home in that community due to an overwhelming wait list for the diminishing availability of homes, we decided to build the home in Lochside, not far from the area.

So in December of 2005, we purchased our dream home after selling our first home. We had been married for four years and wanted to begin a family. We knew this home had plenty of room for us to grow.. 

Lucky for us, we were blessed with two boys! Not only have most of their "firsts" happened here, but there are many things about our home that we have enjoyed. My home office started out down stairs in the front guest bedroom with windows overlooking the front yard. Wouldn't most people give anything to have a nice office with a window that also housed a treadmill for late night exercise?

After my youngest came along, my home office and treadmill moved into our upstairs bonus room. This room also houses guests and is complete with a full bathroom.

We wouldn't settle for a home that didn't back to the woods. The views from my master bedroom, living room, kitchen and dining room are refreshing after a long week of work. A few years ago my father-in-law built a playground escape in the woods for the boys. What a lot of fun times we have had with neighbors and other kids playing in the woods and hosting most every birthday party at home!

We weren't sure how we would feel about living on a corner lot, but it has been quite a perk! The road beside our home dead ends at the woods and the city installed a side walk. Not only do we avoid drivers through on the side street, but the boys can ride their gliders and bikes up and down the side walk.

But it's not just the house that has made this place home, it's the neighborhood, area and convenience to everything that has made it home.  You see we are lucky enough to have a community pool and club house within walking distance. It's not uncommon to see friendly neighbors walking around. In fact, I can walk down the street to a neighbor's home to enjoy drinks and friendship. 

But icing on the cake is being so close to the American Tobacco Trail. Accessible from Silver Star Drive  to Belgreen, the trail goes down town and over to Woodcroft and Herndon Park. Even more exciting is that Durham plans to complete a pedestrian Bridge soon for part of the trail. 

We are also close to Solite Park and Pineywood Park. I can count four grocery stores and at least four gas stations that are within minutes from my home. If I need something while cooking, I am covered. In fact, I once took a bike ride up to the Kroger on Martin Luther King Boulevard, partly via the Trail. My son's school is also right behind our neighborhood which is perfect for dropping in to have lunch with him.

My husband works at UNC and it only takes us around 20 minutes to get there. But I've been told it only takes about 11 or 12 minutes to get to Duke Hospital. This tidbit came from quite a few medical residents living in Lochside.

I could go on and on about why this place has truly been our dream home, but that would be a book. I can't begin to guess your own story or what pieces about this home make the puzzle complete for you, but I hope you find the right home for you. If this is the one, then Welcome Home! 

Ok, now that I have finished my letter, it's is probably longer than most people have the time to read. But I hope you get the idea. You can write a story of the history of your home, or a simple list of amenities, restaurants, and attractions nearby that buyers will want to know. However you angle your letter, good luck. You will stand out from other sellers because most people don't take 15 minutes to write one.

First Impressions Count!

I may have a few past clients read this and think, "you never told me that." Quite possibly your home was already show ready. But for many of you, a little help wouldn't hurt for preparing your home for the Open House. 

Open houses can be useful in getting buyers to see your home without having to arrange a showing at a set time with an agent. Sure, some buyers are preofessional open house stalkers (no offense intended to those of you who fall into this category), while others are neighbors seeing how your home may compare to theirs when they go to sell. No matter the reason someone comes into your home, you want to count it as the most significant viewing of your home to date. After all, it only takes one buyer in the door to make the sale.

Here are a few tips in making your home inviting to the open house guest:

1. Curb appeal-In the fall, sweep the pine straw off the driveway and porch of your home. In the winter, scrape the snow from the drive. And just as important, in the summer, keep your grass and flower beds well manicured and watered.

2. Put a friendly, but neutral welcome mat on the porch for visitors to be greeted at your front door.

3. Open all blinds in your home and turn on all over head lights. Not everyone is a "natural light person," but most buyers seek this out in your home.

4. Put down the toilet seats and lids. In fact, clean the guest toilet!

5. Put away dirty towels, underwear and other clothing left out by the kids.

6. Clean out the toothpaste remains in the sink and wipe down counters and mirrors. Don't forget to dust!

7. Don't overpower your guests with loud music playing. If you want to turn on soft, gentle music, that is just fine.

8. Light a candle with a soft, neutral scent. Some people are allergic to strong scents, and you don't want to send a buyer away with a migraine.

9. Bake chocolate chip cookies to leave out for your guests. Yes, I once watched cookies win over an interested buyer by making them feel cozy in the home.

10. Have flyers ready with your home's personal Web site to view the virtual tour, floor plan, school information and other important facts the buyer may want to know.

Use these tips and more to make that Sunday afternoon window shopper the buyer for your home. And remember, it only takes one.

P.S. Don't forget to leave out your home's love letter for the buyer to read. Advice on how to write a compelling love letter will appear in my next blog post.

Buying a Home is a Lot Like Having a Baby! Really???

5 ways buying a home is a lot like having a baby!

No one ever said having a baby was easy. But after giving birth to two of my own children, I can tell you there are many things people conveniently forget to mention who have been through the birthing or parenting process before.

You see, while buying a home doesn't have to be stressful (and I strive hard to take the stress out of the process for you), there are a lot of things that people who have gone before you never told you. I assure you it wasn't intentional. It's just that... well... you just never know what lies ahead!

So here are my top 5 little "unknowns" that I wish to share with anyone considering purchasing a home. 

1. No matter how much planning you do, the unexpected can happen. 

I have had the pleasure of working with many different personalities among clients and I can assure you, there are many people out there who have their acts together and have all their details in place. However, the unexpected can happen and often does. It's best to set reasonable expectations and be flexible. Some examples of the "unexpected" are: closings get delayed because of last minute financing documentation requests, final walkthroughs reveal missing appliances from the home, sellers forget to mention that they are in the process of applying for a short sale to their agent, attorney or buyers. You see, things can happen. I don't mean to scare you or sound negative. I am simply showing you the need to be prepared for things that you just can't prepare for. The good news is that once buyers settle into their new homes, they forget the "unexpected" hurdles they had to jump to get there.

2. It will require upfront money.

When you have a baby there are hospital costs, doctors fees, baby supplies, diapers and the list goes on and on. When you purchase a home, although there are some 100% financing programs available to buyers, a lot of financing programs require some downpayment in order to purchase the home. In addition to that, there are closing costs along with earnest money deposits (on average 1% of purchase price) and certain inspection and appraisal fees paid before closing out of pocket. No child is free and neither is the cost of buying a home. The great part is that your agent can help you negotiate the seller to pay some of the required costs for you at closing making the burden lighter.

3. Everyone wants to take control of the selection process but ultimately it is your home!

Ever try to chose a baby name and make the mistake of announcing some of your possibilities and receive some unsolicited advice? Well purchasing a home can bring out all the distant relatives and friends you didn't know you had. Well not quite. But everyone is so excited for you and they want to give you their opinions of why you shouldn't buy this house or why that house can't quite be worth what you are wanting to offer for it. BE BOLD. BE BRAVE. It is YOUR home! Use your gut instinct. Perhaps this home meets all of your carefully selected criteria and you know you will be happy there. This is all that matters. Perhaps the neighborhood you are looking in has homes disappearing off the market left and right before you can make an offer on them. Don't lose out on a home you love because you are afraid of overpaying for it. The bank's appraisal will assure you don't pay too much for the home.

4. It's not about winning. It's all about winning!

Pregnant mothers often get teased by society for pregnancy related hormones that often make them seem, well "crazy." They often take the small things and make them into bigger things than they need to be. Husbands, colleagues and friends may look them funny, ignore or dismiss them. Also, some people will simply take the heat because they know the moms actually care for them. After all, they are just under a lot of hormone-induced stress. Yep, you guessed it, buying a home is a lot like this gestational period. You may want to just win in an attempt to come out on top. It will get stressful. Really, anything in life worth having is stressful. People will piss you off. They will seem like they are trying to take advantage of you. But buying a home is not a game. It's not about who has the most score at the end of the day. Yes, it's about getting the best deal. But that doesn't mean there won't be some compromise along the way. At the end of the day, when you are settled into your new home you will look around and be happy. And that is winning!

5. Picking a lender, attorney and home inspector is a lot like picking a name. Well kinda.

The name selection process can be involved (see mention of it above). When you pick a name for your child, that child is likely stuck with the name for life. But more importantly, you want to select a name for your child that will perhaps mold his/her personality. In a way, you are expecting your child to "live up" to the perfect name you choose. The time will come in the home hunting process where you'll have to select important people to use along the way. The lender you choose will affect your interest rate, closing costs due at closing and your general ability to close on the home on time. Choose wisely. Take recommendations from your agents or friends. Then seek a home inspector who an agent or friend recommends is thorough. The longer the average inspection time takes the better. Ask how long the report will take to come in as you will want the report within a few days of inspection completion. A great inspector will cycle all appliances, look at the roof and climb in your crawlspace and attic. On a final note, choosing a closing attorney that will be your best advocate,should any bumps in the road happen, will be well worth the money spent. Again, ask your agent who they like to work with. Choosing an attorney who doesn't liked to be reached on the phone or who doesn't like to be "bothered" in general will not bode well for you in the long term.

Shake It Up Durham: 5 is the magic number!

5 is the magic number!

So let's celebrate!!

Many of you know my oldest child, Owen, turned 5 this month. It's hard to believe. I began my real estate career 4 years before he was born. A lot of my clients worked with me before kids and are often shocked when they run into me with 2 kiddos.

In honor of celebrating the life of my smart, charming, witty and loving little guy, I'm writing 5 blog posts containing 5 points or tips each. I'm hoping you'll read them, (I mean early May was the last time I posted on this blog) and I hope you'll gain humor or possible pointers to help you in home ownership.

Cheers to many more years of fun with Owen Henry! And cheers to home ownership!

So How Do You Get There From Here?

Did you realize that only 3% of all people have written goals? And 98% of the most successful people carved out time to set written goals.

I learned this eyebrow-raising statistic today at a real estate seminar. And as I sit in my hotel room in Richmond overlooking the beautiful city skyline at night, I began to think my clients and friends may want to know a little more about goal-setting.

Joe Niego, Buffini and Company presenter, broke the process down today into four well thought out steps:

1. What do you truly want? What are your Gotta have it goals?
2. Mind Dumping: When you write down any idea, thought, question or concern that comes to mind when you think about that goal.
3. Stepping Stones or Action steps: What specific actions will you do to move you closer to your goal.
4. Put together a Persuader Statement: List the benefits for reaching your goal and what consequences you will face if you do not achieve your goal.

Joe reminded us that everyone has the ability to succeed in life and follow their dreams. We just need to dream a little and then spell out how to get there. And finally.... Take action!

I would love to hear your "Gotta Have It Goals." Comment on this post if you would. I would like to support you in achieving those goals. Goodnight Richmond!

Adults and Kids Both Catch The Wind!

Durham's Museum of Life and Science.... Did Someone Say Radio-Controlled Sailboats?

I visited Durham's Museum of Life and Science last week with my boys and our friends. Every time I visit, which is by far not often enough, I am amazed at just how much fun we have in our Durham back yard.

After riding the Museum's train, our friends guided us over to flap giant wings to learn how insects fly by moving their wings forward and backward, not up and down. (taken from Catch The Wind, source lifeandscience.org). 

Catch The Wind, a current outside exhibit inspired this blog post as I watched my little guys steer sailboats around a 5,000-square -foot elliptical sailboat pond (source lifeandscience.org). I sat back and watched as my own friends, too, enjoyed the sailboat pond with their son.

After peeling all the boys away from the boats, we continued our exercise by strolling over to watch the Lemurs play. We then ended our Museum visit for the day at Take Off!, a bungee trampoline that boosts participants 20 feet above the ground. Boys and bungee trampolines? Yes, they indeed had fun.

Many Museum visitors take advantage of Museum memberships for deep discounts on admission. Also every Wednesday is Durham Donation Day where admission is waived for Durham County residents from 1-5 p.m.

From Their Hearts

Did you know?

One thing I knew about Go Realty before joining the company is that the company matches contributions from each closing to the charitable organization of the agent's choice. I'm not sure why I never stopped to think about this area of the company.

It's always special when an individual or company gives to another, but rarely do you hear of individuals getting to choose where the money goes.

At a recent "Go Huddle" (AKA sales meeting) checks were announced to be given to different organizations including the Symphony, Urban Ministries, Children's Craniofacial Association and more. Having rebounded from a slower time in my business, I hadn't prioritized giving to others as much as I would have wanted. But at this meeting, I became excited again about the idea of helping others even if in a small way.

I'm still trying to decide which organization I would like to give a small portion of each closing check to. But knowing that Go Realty will match my gift from each closing means my company stands behind supporting those who need it most. And this, my friends, is what life is all about. It takes a village!

Trulia tells 5 Tips Sellers Would Give Buyers If They Could

If Only Buyers Knew!

I stumbled upon this article yesterday from Trulia.com, a Web site many sellers and buyers frequent for home advice. It gives great advice for buyers who are looking to make the best offer on a home they have found. Instead of reinventing the wheel on this one, I decided to post the article below. Because... inquiring minds want to know.

Click here for tips!

Note: I recommend the advice of an experienced Realtor to give you home advice and pricing on homes. While Trulia.com provides some great information, it is unable to give the unique sales information Realtors make in evaluating comparable sales and determining market value.

Real Estate or Zumba?

So... Are you a Realtor or a Zumba Instructor?

I think people often wonder if I have multiple personalities. After all, I do have 3 separate Facebook pages in addition to my profile page:

1. Andrea Hirth, Realtor

2. Zumba with Andrea Hirth

3. Allie (devoted to the daily aches and pains of my lovely little Acura).

In fact, I think some people wonder what the heck it is that I "do?" After all, doesn't everyone have some sort of identity or job? Some people are moms. Some are dads, doctors, attorneys, writers, teachers, garbage and tax collectors, etc. I mean the list goes on and on. But does one's identity have to be just one thing? Does a dad have to be just a dad? Or does a mom have to be just a mom? Well... is that even possible?

Yes, I am a mom, wife, sister, and daughter, but I can't just stop there. Not that it's not enough. But life is about gelling it all together. (Is gelling even a word?). When you are a mom, for instance, you find yourself involved in other activities, PTAs, volunteer at preschool, writing, exercise and church, amongst other things. Some moms and dads are able to, or choose to, dedicate their "full-time schedule" to raising their kids and participating in these outside activities. Others decide, or maybe need to, have additional jobs outside of the home for many reasons.

I think the confusion comes in when people think you must choose to do only one thing. Why choose just one or two? Life is about choices. What's really cool about my life and the choices I've made, is I get the privilege of combining exercise and "work." You could say Realtor is my "job," and that is certainly true. It is how I pay my bills. I appreciate the opportunity to help every single one of my clients with their purchases and sales. It is truly what pays my mortgage, and puts food on the table. It also brings me joy to help others!

And, "on the side," I'm a licensed Zumba instructor. I get paid to exercise with my friends. I mean really, how much cooler can a job be? I would have to fit in exercise anyways, so why not get paid for it? Exercise is a strong word! I prefer to burn 700+ calories on the dance floor with other motivated people than on a treadmill. And, yes, I get paid to do this!

I also market amazing skin care and health and wellness products (that I use on myself) to others. I can't help but mention this as well. The stuff rocks. Have you seen my skin? :)

Back to the issue at hand....how does this all work together and what is the advantage to you for choosing a realtor who wears different hats? It works together easily, I exercise when anyone else would exercise... when I can squeeze it in. But there are soooo many advantages to knowing such a person as myself. Not trying to boast, but I have connections. Just check out my fb page, I have 729 fb friends (i.e. people I know or have a connection with in some way or another). I have many connections on Linked In. I probably know close to 50 people from different Zumba classes I either teach or attend. I know quite a few people from the large church I attend and my kids go to for preschool.

These are connections that know people who may want to purchase your home. These connections may know someone who is getting ready to put his/her home up for sale, and it may be just what you are looking for.

So.... I haven't chosen one career or life path. But, I have chosen to surround myself with a lot of people. Use that to your advantage! 

P.S. I almost forgot... busy people are the most efficient at getting the job done! 

And...And...

My Oscar Winning Acceptance Speech of Go90x

Today is the last day! Here are my "After Thoughts" on the challenge. Enjoy!

Click here to hear my acceptance speech! :)

Why Choose Me?

22 Homes Sold In Lochside!

Not to brag or anything, but in looking back on numbers, I found 22 homes alone that I've sold in Lochside (my own awesome neighborhood)! I've been a little astonished lately to see a few other flashy signs (no offense to another company) end up in front of friendly neighbors' homes. 

Honestly I think the numbers speak for themselves so why choose another agent? Maybe you just need reminding on why it is SO important to use the most fabulous, get it done, friendly neighborhood realtor to get your home sold. So here go my 22 reasons why you should choose me to sell your home, inspired by the many neighbors I've managed to kick out of Lochside (ok help them move).

1. I'm your neighbor and you love me. :)
2. Your home's value has a direct affect on my home's value. So let's get a high price for your home!
3. Your brochure box is within walking distance of my home. I can refill it on the way in.
4. Your home is within walking distance of my home. I can help you pick up before a showing, turn the lights off, set the alarm, and lock the doors after a showing, and check on your home while you are out of town.
5. Buyers ask and I tell the many great things about living in our community
6. I can easily arrange a viewing of the pool and club house for potential buyers.
7. I have served on the HOA Board several years and can provide history and insight into the happenings in the community.
8. You may see me running up to the tobacco trail or walking around the block with my kids. I can answer (and have done so) the questions potential buyers have when they drive through Lochside.
9. I have eaten at the Williams Gourmet Kitchen up the road and can vouch for its yumminess factor.
10. There are 4 grocery stores within driving distance, 2 Targets and a Walmart. I can easily map out the quickest grocery store trip from our community.
11. I can tell buyers from first-hand experience that is it roughly 11 minutes to Duke Hospital and 20 minutes to UNC Hospital from Lochside.
12. I drove through the empty dirt roads of Lochside before my home was built to see it come to life. I watched many of your homes being built from the studs too.
13. You won't see me out at the pool much in the summertime, because I am busy bringing potential buyers to Lochside.
14. I have sold your floor plan before and can easily highlight the benefits. In fact, I own the Westbury floor plan. 
15. I have recently joined the most technology forward company in the area. Technology sells homes.
16. My recent video training experience (ok little use with iMovie) allows me to get footage of your home for my blog.
17. You get a personal Web site set up specifically for your home.
18. The sign rider on top of your for sale sign has a QR code that directs buyers to the site.
19. I use a professional photographer that shoots amazing photos and puts them in a virtual tour for buyers to view.
20. Your home is advertised as an enhanced listing on realtor.com.
21. A licensed appraiser will come out and measure your home and provide a CAD floor plan for use.
22. I almost forgot, I do a yearly Broker's Luncheon up at the club house in March before Match Day. It's not too late to put your home up for sale with me, and have it available to other awesome agents in the area. Luncheon is March 12. You still have time. :)

Note: I'm still learning this whole blog formatting thing. The photos below are in no particular order and I apologize for the spotty formatting. 

3529 Sugar Tree Place

3521 Sugar Tree Place

3557 Sugar Tree Place

3565 Sugar Tree Place

3549 Sugar Tree Place

3570 Sugar Tree Place

3608 Sugar Tree Place

3581 Sugar Tree Place

3553 Sugar Tree Place

3587 Sugar Tree Place

3311 Silver Star Drive

5114 Paperbark Court

912 Odyssey Drive

3307 Silver Star Drive

5112 Paperbark Court

5105 Paperbark Court

3564 Sugar Tree Place

3607 Ranbir Drive

3220 Ranbir Drive

5106 Paperbark Court

904 Odyssey Drive

3314 Silver Star Drive

Sometimes Simple is Better

When Signs Sell The Wrong Things

You've seen them. They are in most every neighborhood. They stand tall and cocky, yet don't do their job. What are they? Signs! Not any old signs... For Sale signs!

The post came about when my husband commented on 2 recent for sale signs in my neighborhood and how overpowering they were. He said you have this huge sign of an agent's face, and one agent in particular holding a house in her hands. When you drive by, that's all you see... the agent, not the house.

Our job in this business is to highlight the beauty of the homes we sell, both inside and out. A tacky and large sign with the sole purpose of selling the agent and company does nothing for the seller. And who do I work for? The seller. Who has put their huge trust in me to sell their home? The seller. I work for the seller. It's not about me or Go Realty. It's about the home for sale and what makes that home special. I'm glad Go Realty uses for sale signs that are sharp and simple. I'm proud to have my name on their signs and their signs in front of my sellers' homes. Instead of faces, we use sign riders that direct potential buyers to a personal Web site for the home.

Thanks, hubby, for pointing that one out. I think I'll point this out to the next sellers I meet when showing them how I will highlight their home. 

It's Time To Enroll In Kindergarten!!

It's That Time.....Kindergarten is Coming!

It's almost unbelievable, my little guy will be finishing up preschool in a few months and taking on a big adventure in Kindergarten. Am I ready? Yes and NO!

It snuck up on so many of us. In fact, Durham's application period for Magnet schools ends tomorrow (Wednesday) at noon. If you are a fellow parent of a soon to be Kindergartener, you may want to listen up!

If you're considering application to a magnet school, visit the following Web site to apply:

http://magnet.dpsnc.net/to-apply/first-lottery

There is the basic consideration of traditional vs. year-round calendar schools. Peasontown Elementary is a school we happened to apply for. However, there is also Easley Elementary.

If a more traditional calendar is your thing, you may consider one of Durham's options of humanities or science and technology.

It's all about choices. Durham has many great traditional base schools in our district. But it's always great to have extra options. If you dig even deeper, you'll find several Charter Schools in the area as well. These schools are supported by the state but run privately. You will likely see uniforms on the kids at many of these schools. A few charter schools in the area of mention are: Kestrel Heights, Voyager Academy, Orange Charter, Woods Charter, Research Triangle Academy and more. Each of these schools has their own Web sites, application guidelines and deadlines.

I imagine winning the school lottery is a lot like winning the Educational Lottery. You may not win millions, but you'll win a strong education for your little one. So review your options and make a choice!

A Community to Call Home

My Neighborhood Rocks... No, Seriously

Ok, ok. Most people have a little pride for the place they call home. But most people don't shout it from the rooftops when they do. See, I'm lucky because in my business, it is my business to shout it from the rooftops. So today's focus is on a neat little (ok 185-home) neighborhood tucked away in SW Durham close to everything!

Lochside community is made up of 103 single family homes and 82 town homes, and features a swimming pool and club house center available for event rentals. Now that I have two boys, the pool has become a summer time must have and the perfect setting for meeting new neighbors.

In addition to sidewalks throughout the towns and singles, Lochside sits incredibly close to the American Tobacco Trail. As you know, this trail is perhaps the most favored trail in Durham and the surrounding areas. In fact, I can run or bike to it easily from my home. And the boys love riding in the trailer hitch behind my hubby's bike up to Solite Park (just across Fayetteville Road). 

Now that my oldest will be attending Kindergarten later this year, should he be matched at a school neighboring Lochside, he could one day walk home from school. Or I might just walk over to pick him up.

Over the years we've lived in Lochside, we've attended several block parties, I've served on the HOA Board and I've enjoyed going out for ladies' night with some of the neighborhood moms. Friendly doesn't begin to describe the atmosphere around here.

If you're fortunate enough to live in a Lochside town home, you may have lake views from your back windows or an open green space to throw frisbee or walk your dogs. 

When I get the itch to shop, I'm minutes from Streets at Southpoint Mall, two Targets, a Wal-Mart, Lowe's Home Improvement, two Krogers, a Harris Teeter and a Food Lion. There are three gas stations within a mile of my home when I need to fuel up. And when I want to venture out for dinner instead of cooking at home, I have my choices of Little Ceaser's Pizza, Wendy's, Bojangles, McDonald's, Captain D,s, KFC and more. Since I don't do fast food much anymore, I can head over to Williams Grill on Hwy 54, Which Wich, Orient Garden or Char-Grill.

If I need to get to the airport (only 15 minutes away) or to down town Durham (via the Durham Freeway and only 12 minutes away) I don't have far to go.

On a final note, my kids have made friends with some of the neighbors' kids and I have had the pleasure of selling 20+ neighbors' homes in the community. What a community to call home. I think I'll stay here for a long while.

Zumbathon Charity Event This Saturday 

at the Haw River Ballroom! 

It's exercise in disguise. Expect to burn 1,000 to 1,500 calories easily at this latin inspired dance event. There will be 5 instructors with different styles of moves leading a fun filled workout! Visit this Facebook link for more details or contact me at andrea@gorealty.biz.

Zumbathon Charity Event on FB

Prepare Now For Spring Market:

Don't Be Left Behind!

Friday, March 15 is Match Day! What? What is Match Day? That's when all of the medical residency programs announce those who they have selected (AKA "matched up") to join their medical programs.

Now that the local market is heating back up for the first time since the economic slump, future doctors are becoming more certain they will purchase homes again over renting. And the Triangle is a key area future doctors buy homes. Look around... there are several large universities with impressive medical programs. Not to mention, this is a FABULOUS place to live!

Why does this matter for this post? Well, that means sellers have 1 month and 2 days to get their homes ready for sale!! Future MDs begin the search the minute they know they will be moving to the Triangle. In fact, many of them look ahead of the Match Day schedule. Don't wait..... pick up the phone and get that sign in the yard and those pictures on www.gorealty.biz. In fact, act now to get your own personal Web site for your home!

After that first important step, there are a few key things you can do to prepare for the market. 

• Spend as little money as possible on things that can make a huge impact to the buyer. Perhaps a new shower curtain or comforter can spruce up rooms with little or no color. You don't need a paint job to bring color to a room. Throw rugs also bring life to any room and are great on hardwood floors!
• Completely clear all kitchen and bathroom counters. Now, bring back in a few items to make the home feel like home. One kitchen appliance, recipe book and spice rack can spruce up any kitchen. Candles and clear q-tip and cotton ball holders, with nicely folding hand and bath towels make any bathroom feel like a bed and breakfast.
• De-clutter! No one wants to hear it. Trust me, I've been there, done that. I sold my own personal home in 2001. Clean that place up! You want buyers to visually move themselves in.
• Repaint dingy or soiled walls with a warm, neutral color. Avoid repainting with "builder's beige". Instead use a light beige, tan or brown. 
• Repair any cracks or damage to the drywall and caulked areas in your home.
• Check for any leaks, dampness or causes for concern, such as cracks in the foundation, and have these areas reviewed by a licensed home inspector prior to putting your home on the market.
• Improve curb appeal. Keep lawns neatly manicured, edged, trimmed and weeded. Also prune trees and replant flowers as needed. And don't forget your mulch beds. 
• Clean out your gutters. This will help reduce standing water in your lawn.
• Pull together any neighborhood newsletters, average utility bills, surveys, floor plans or neighborhood trail maps. Buyers want to know all the benefits of living in your home and neighborhood.
• Write a personal letter for potential buyers. Tell them the little "extras" that wouldn't fit in the MLS description. What was it about your home that made it special for you? Was it that you could walk to Bandido's or that you could run over to the American Tobacco Trail? Buyers want to know.

Please don't wait. You may think, "I'll wait a week, or two, or a month". Buyers are looking now. It is warming up and your house should be the one they choose!

Go Raleigh! Places for bicyclists to park their bikes!

More Parking for Raleigh Cyclists

What Is This Blog All About Anyway and 

What The Heck Is Go90x?

Yes, I know you're wondering why another blog when I already have the Zumba blog... You're not? Well, I'll tell you anyways.

I recently joined Go Realty, or they joined me, rather, in my mission to help more people effectively through the process of moving. Basically I help people buy and sell homes..... but I wanted to offer more resources to my clients.

In joining Go Realty, I vowed to do many things for you, one of those being to dedicate a blog to something that I thought you might be interested in, with real estate related posts as well.

Thinking through how to filter all of my interests into one relevant blog, I decided to bring a focus of health and wellness to Durham. My passion as of late is Zumba, but my deep down passion is to help my family and others become healthier through exercise and nutrition.

Sidebar: I am not a nutritionist or doctor, rather a realtor with a heck of a lot to say... You're not shocked... right?

I hear blog posts are supposed to be short so people will read them.... blah blah blah. Since I know it's true... below is today's first post to my new blog Shake It Up Durham...

I Really Just Wanted To Earn An iPad So.....

My initial reason for doing Go90x was to earn an IPad, which I will certainly appreciate and use. But, what I am gaining that's more valuable, is keeping in closer contact with friends and clients. Also, I'm looking forward to giving you the resources you seek in all areas of interest to you. 

If you haven't already done so, connect with me on Linked In and you'll get daily information (often home related) from me. 

Also, please subscribe to this blog! 

I'll be posting homes for sale here, as well as information on health and wellness. I know I love living close to, and using, the American Tobacco Trail. I have buyers who look for homes close to walking and biking trails and greenways. I'll have posts on these to help you and friends in their searches.

Throughout the rest of February, anticipate phone calls, texts, emails or Facebook posts from me. Just know you'll help me earn that iPad, but even more, you'll be helping me to stay in close touch with you and invested in your lives.

This is Owen as a little guy out for a ride on the trail!

Ok...... this post wasn't meant to go sappy. So.... let's Shake It Up Durham!