Hiott Real Estate

When it comes to renovating your home, it can be difficult to know where to begin. There are countless options to choose from, and it can be overwhelming to determine which upgrades will provide the best return on investment when it comes time to sell. As a Buyer's Agent for Mark Spain Real Estate, I have helped many buyers find their perfect home while showing hundreds of potential homes. I’ve listed 5 of the top interior home renovations based buyer's reactions and on ROI and provided options to make your project cost-effective.

1. Fresh Coat of Paint
One of the most cost-effective and simple renovations you can make to your home is a fresh coat of paint. This renovation typically costs between $1,000 and $3,000, depending on the size of your home, and can provide a return on investment of up to 107%. A fresh coat of paint can make a room feel brand new, and can also be a great way to neutralize the space for potential buyers. A neutral color palette is more appealing to buyers, as it allows them to envision themselves in the space.

2. Kitchen Upgrades
The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home, and it’s no surprise that kitchen upgrades can provide a great return on investment. According to NAR, minor kitchen upgrades, such as new countertops and appliances, can provide a return on investment of up to 80%. Yes, a full kitchen remodel can cost upwards of $50,000, but consider starting with small updates that make a big impact. For example, upgrading the hardware on your cabinets, adding a modern backsplash, or even just painting or replacing the cabinet doors for a fresh new look. These updates are a fraction of the cost of a kitchen overhaul but provide a more modern look.

3. Bathroom Upgrades
Similar to kitchen upgrades, bathroom updates can provide a great return on investment. NAR reports that minor bathroom upgrades can provide a return on investment of up to 75%. This can include new fixtures, new tile, or even just a fresh coat of paint. If you’re looking to make a bigger impact, consider upgrading the shower or tub. A large walk-in shower instead of a shower AND tub can be a huge selling point for potential buyers, but make sure you leave a tub in a second bathroom for children.

4. Lighting Upgrades
Lighting is often overlooked when it comes to home renovations, but it can make a huge impact. NAR reports that lighting upgrades can provide a return on investment of up to 75%. This can include updating existing fixtures, adding new fixtures, or even just changing out light bulbs. Consider adding recessed lighting or under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen, or upgrading to energy-efficient light bulbs throughout the home. Nothing dates a home more than old lighting fixtures.

5. Flooring Upgrades
Flooring upgrades can be a great way to boost your home’s sale price. NAR reports that flooring upgrades can provide a return on investment of up to 70%. This can include new carpeting, hardwood floors, or even just new tile. Consider upgrading the flooring in high-traffic areas of your home, such as the kitchen and entryway. Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is the new flooring of choice for buyers do to durability, moisture resistance and eye-appeal.

Don’t Forget the Repairs!
When it comes to home renovations, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of big, flashy updates. But before you start making things beautiful, it’s important to remember that sometimes the most cost-effective updates are the ones that address necessary repairs.

According to the National Association of Realtors, repairs can often offer a better return on investment than major renovations. This is because in many cases, buyers are more willing to pay a premium for a home that is in good condition and requires minimal work. Additionally, neglecting repairs can actually decrease the value of your home and make it more difficult to sell.

Here are a few key repairs to consider before listing your home:

Address any leaks or water damage
Fix any electrical or plumbing issues
Repair any cracks or holes in the foundation
Replace or repair any broken or outdated appliances
Repair or replace any damaged or worn flooring

It’s important to note that while these repairs may not offer the same “wow” factor as a brand new kitchen or bathroom, they can often be completed at a lower cost and can ultimately increase your home’s value and make it more appealing to potential buyers. And, as a bonus, you’ll enjoy the repairs while you’re still living there. IF THE ITEM NEEDING REPAIR IS VISIBLE TO THE BUYER, it needs addressing.

As a REALTOR®, I must adhere to a strict code of ethics, which is based on professionalism and protection of the public. As my client, you can expect honest and ethical treatment in all transaction-related matters. The first obligation is to you, the client.

National Association of REALTORS® The National Association of REALTORS® is America’s largest trade association with over 1.5MM members.

New loan option for my self-employed friends...

Happiest Of Father's Day to you. Now get out there and grill something...it's what we do.

Meta is coming to Durham. Let’s talk about housing.

On Monday, WRAL reported that Meta – the parent company of Facebook and Instagram – is planning a “significant presence” in Durham.

Meta’s announcement follows Google and Apple announcing their plans to build Triangle-based offices. All are further evidence that the growth of the Triangle will not stop anytime soon and that inaction on housing and transit will only intensify sprawl and push lower-income households farther from job centers.

So what does this mean for the Bull City?

It’s possible that these arrivals will bring more opportunities for public-private partnerships for job training, and it’s possible that our new tech employees can help put pressure on our increasingly regressive state legislative body. This would be good for North Carolina.

But with tech jobs — which pay more than other jobs in our region — comes a series of other questions:

Will the arrival of these new companies add strain to the ongoing worker shortage?
What are the economic development incentive packages being offered? What is Durham getting in return?
What are Durham and Wake and Orange doing to ensure that we have attainably priced homes for everyone, not just tech workers who are paid on a different scale?
What happens to our transportation system, which is already overtaxed, without substantial investment in other solutions to take cars off the road (like light rail?)
Amazon funds a housing grant in Maryland. Meta pledged $1 billion in 2019 to ease the housing crisis in California. We want to see similar negotiating in the Triangle — so that our research universities and the communities around them can continue to thrive.

In many ways, North Carolina is well suited for having these conversations.
We have long been a hub for tech companies. Research Triangle Park (RTP), the largest research park in the United States, launched in 1959 and is now home to more than 300 companies. 60 years ago, North Carolina was forward-thinking in making space for scientific research, as industries like agriculture and textiles declined after World War II.

The Triangle was a natural fit. We have strong research centers and universities and — at the time — a lot of land where new graduates could live and work.

We’ve seen these investments in economic development pay substantial dividends, both for the Triangle and the state. The 7,000 acre campus in RTP is now home to over 300 companies, and tech companies have spread throughout the Triangle.

The population of our three core counties in the Triangle – Wake, Durham, and Orange – has grown substantially since 1960, and Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Durham now rank among the highest educated communities in the United States.

But with Meta, Apple, and Google moving in — we must change. We must change our zoning rules. We must focus on affordability, housing, and infrastructure. We have watched what’s happened in Silicon Valley — only the highest paid tech workers can afford to live there, and everyone else is pushed farther and farther out.

That’s already happening here. The suburbs of Raleigh are quickly reaching the outskirts of Fayetteville. Commutes are getting longer and more expensive. Housing prices are pushing people out and away from critical goods and services. Sprawling developments that exacerbate climate change are eating up farmland, forests, and rural areas. Income inequalities are rising.

But the Triangle has a choice:

We can fight new houses and apartments and duplexes where people live. Or we can welcome growth and change our zoning rules to accommodate it.

The success of the Triangle is not guaranteed
We only need to look north to Richmond VA, which has barely grown since 1960, or at any number of cities in the Midwest to see what stagnant or negative growth looks like. While housing may be more affordable in those communities, jobs are also harder to find, and city services are increasingly difficult to maintain. In Pennsylvania, state universities are merging due to a decline in the number of students.

Here, things are different. Already, the Hub RTP project promises to bring housing to the core of the Triangle. City leaders in Raleigh and Durham are making it easier to build much needed housing in our neighborhoods and downtowns.

When RTP was created, there was widespread consensus that we should welcome growth. State leaders wanted a future in which we had a strong, diverse economy, leading to higher incomes and greater prosperity for all.

Now, more than sixty years later, it’s time to have that conversation again.

This one would be fun to tour. Who’s up for a beach trip?

The Beach Hut is ready to be your vacation destination on Emerald Isle! Owning a home at the beach IS possible

Happy Memorial Day?
I've read that Memorial Day is set aside for remembering those that died while serving their country. It is not a happy day (that's Veteran's Day). It is a day of remembrance of comrades, friends, and family members who have fallen in service to their country. Never wish anyone a Happy Memorial Day.
I have never been able to think of the day as one of mourning; I have never quite been able to feel that half-masted flags were appropriate on Decoration Day. I have rather felt that the flag should be at the peak, because those whose dying we commemorate rejoiced in seeing it where their valor placed it. We honor them in a joyous, thankful, triumphant commemoration of what they did.
Somber, joyous, thankful...however you choose to remember the sons and daughters that died defending our Country, I wish you and yours a safe and beautiful weekend.

I LOVE helping friends and family, but nothing compares to the excitement of a first-time homebuyer at the closing table.

First-Time Homebuyer Tips From #1 Mark Spain Real Estate Being a first-time homebuyer is nothing short of an exciting experience, and our team at Mark Spain Real Estate would be grateful to serve you in making the process as stress-free as possible. Click to learn the best tips for entering the market for the first time!

Hiott Real Estate now takes appointments on their Page.

Hot Home Trend: Curvy Furniture
Find tips on how to style the curvier shapes that are growing more popular in home design.

There’s no denying that the curved sofa trend is having a moment. But why are curved couches and chairs suddenly all the rage? And, how do you best style them for the biggest impact?

Top interior designers offer their tips.

Brittany Farinas, House of One, Miami
What’s behind the hype: Curved sofas “are part of this organic-shaped movement we’re currently seeing in design,” Farinas says. “They look elegant but are still fun--which speaks to a wide audience.”

Design tips: Farinas says you can’t go wrong with velvet when trying out this trend. “Velvets look great on curved sofas,” she says. “Right now, bold color velvet curved sofas are especially trending.”

Mary Patton, Mary Patton Design, Houston
What’s behind the hype: Curvy furniture may feel familiar and even a little nostalgic. “It’s part of a 1980s-style furniture comeback,” Patton says.

Design tips: A curvy sofa may be just the “wow” factor in topping off a room. “I like the idea of an angular space with a curved couch as a finishing touch," Patton says. As for fabrics, Patton suggests “sticking with a solid--as the shape of the sofa says a lot.”

Lance Thomas, Thomas Guy Interiors, Lake Charles, La.
What’s behind the hype: “Design in general is taking a bit of the edge off by rounding out its silhouettes,” Thomas says. “Visually, it softens a space and hugs anyone who cares to take a seat.”

Design tips: The curvy furniture can offer a cozy factor. When choosing a fabric for a curved sofa, Thomas suggests favoring a performance fabric. “It is basically inviting an entire family to gather round and snuggle up in its curvature,” Thomas says.

Mel Bean, Mel Bean Interiors, Tulsa, Okla.
What’s behind the hype: Curvier shapes make a statement. Curved sofas are “as visually appealing and they are functional,” Bean says.

Design tips: Find a curvy sofa that has texture. “Textured fabrics can add dimension,” she says. “But ensure the fabric has the stretch to compliment the rounded shapes.”

Thinking of purchasing a condo?

Wake County Continues it's Low Standing Inventory of Homes

The first chart below shows Wake County currently has a 0.7 month supply level. That means that if no other homes hit the market, in 21 days there would be nothing left to buy.

The second chart shows that Wake County homes are currently being sold for 3.5% higher than asking price. The buyer demand is high even though there is less out there.

As an Exclusive Buyer Agent I often hear from other frustrated buyers about making several offers on houses (the most recent said 7!) and still have nothing to show for it. Their stress of losing offers is worse than the stress of moving!

The educated Buyer Agent will be aware of what it takes to win a home in every area of each county and greatly reduce the Buyer's stress. All micro-markets are different and require a different offer price to win.

Let me help you be successful on your home journey.
https://tmls.stats.10kresearch.com/infoserv/s-v1/KinU-KzC
https://tmls.stats.10kresearch.com/infoserv/s-v1/Kin6-XdE

Months Supply of Homes for Sale for Entire MLS and more

Hiott Real Estate updated their business hours.

NOT READY TO BUY?
These Raleigh homes are available to Lease Purchase.

Home Search with Blake Hiott Search the latest homes listed on the market. Or let’s talk, and I can create a custom search alert for you.

COMMENT on the first thing that comes to mind when I ask "share a memory of you and your mother".

Love you Mom.

Give e a call with any of your questions about today's market. - Blake Hiott

Advantages Of Selling In The Spring With The #1 Team Spring is a promising time to enter the real estate market, and we have compiled the advantages of selling this season! Click to continue reading!

Hedingham Home on the 9th hole. Massive deck and screened porch (over 500 square feet, combined) and a walk-out basement that is unparalleled. Open House Saturday, 5/23 from noon - 3pm.

Could this home be the one for you? One of a kind Home ready & waiting for the perfect buyer! See more about this home before it even hits the market!

Move-in ready Hedingham home going "LIVE" 4/4/20. Call/text/PM me with any questions or if you'd like to see it up close.

1921 Indianwood Court Raleigh, NC Coming on the market 4/4/20

Fully furnished Hedingham home coming available 9/14. Be the first to see it ay our Open House at 10:00am.

Could this home be the one for you? One of a kind Home ready & waiting for the perfect buyer! See more about this home before it even hits the market!

This adorable ITB home becomes available this Saturday, 7/20. I'll be hosting an open house there from 10am - 1pm. Come see this conveniently located gem.
https://comingverysoon.com/details/116279/3464_Leonard_Street_Raleigh_NC_27607/

Could this home be the one for you? One of a kind Home ready & waiting for the perfect buyer! See more about this home before it even hits the market!

Coming Soon...Inside the Beltline at Ridgewood.
https://comingverysoon.com/details/116279/3464_Leonard_Street_Raleigh_NC_27607/

Could this home be the one for you? One of a kind Home ready & waiting for the perfect buyer! See more about this home before it even hits the market!

Sellers that use OpenDoor, Knock or OfferUp could be losing $1000s!
https://www.totalatlantagroup.com/blog/what-is-knock-offerpad-and-opendoor-and-why-you-could-potentially-lose-a-lot-of-money/

What is Knock, Offerpad, and Opendoor? And Why You Could Potentially Lose a Lot of Money

LET ME MAKE YOUR OFFER A CASH OFFER!
Cash offers are considered the strongest of offers and in this competitive market you need all the help you can get to win that perfect home. Call Now to find out how.

Grow Raleigh! Here's the fastest growing cities in each State.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2019/04/22/the-fastest-growing-city-in-each-state/39362311/

Viva Las Vegas, here's the fastest growing cities in each state and Sin City is among them Nearly every state has at least one city that has reported rapid population growth in recent years. Net migration and natural growth are the factors.

I have an income property in Hedingham hitting the market soon. Call/text/PM for more info.

Hoping your Valentines Day was “productive”...

Our real estate market is HOT! Would you like to see what your home is worth?
https://www.hiottrealestate.com/s/Find-Out-How-Much-Your-North-Carolina-Home-Is-Worth?step=2

Thinking of selling your home to one of the "We'll pay you cash and close in 15 days" companies? Be aware of all the additional fees/costs that they will deduct from their offered price.

Opendoor recently purchased a home in my neighborhood for $12,000 below this Broker's price opinion.

After agreeing to the low offer, the seller was charged a transaction fee. According to Opendoor’s pricing comparison page, the average seller will pay a 6.7% fee for the transaction. That said, Opendoor’s service charge could fall anywhere between six and 12 percent, which is more than my firm charges for brokerage AND marketing fees and cancels any perceived potential savings.

If, after reviewing your offer and associated fees, you decide to accept, Opendoor will schedule a free home assessment. The company will send out a team of its own employees and independent contractors to “verify the condition of your home and identify any repairs that need to be addressed before closing,” including structural, exterior, roofing, plumbing, electrical, insulation and ventilation, and HVAC systems.
If any repair needs are identified during this step, you’ll have the option to complete them yourself, or the company can handle the work and deduct the costs from your offer.

After deciding to sell their home, these sellers settled for $29,000+ less than potential return and never gave today's very competitive seller's market an opportunity to work in their favor. They did this to be able to close up to 15 days faster than using a professional broker.

It's no wonder they are receiving reviews like these:
One Star
"Horrible experience
By Nancy C., Temecula, CA, Jan 21, 2019 Verified Reviewer
I was very happy to go into contract with Opendoor based on the reviews and advertising, however, I was severely blindsided by the assessment. The team of 10 descended on my home as if they had already owned the property. The roofer "expert" removed tiles from my roof and took pictures and did not replace the tiles removed. So, I had to call my homeowners insurance and file a claim. We had several days of rain. They were in my home for over three hours and moved and processed it as if it was a crime scene. Then on top of the 26 thousand upfront fee, they tried to charge me 21 thousand dollars for "repairs." They refused to negotiate anything, and now I have to pay for an attorney for the "assessment" process. They are criminals. Please save yourself and go with a realtor and reputable company. They're not reputable or honest.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend"