Raleigh Real Estate Blog - Triangle Area Real Estate Resources

May 28, 2020May 27, 2020

No, There Won’t Be a Surge of Foreclosures in 2020

With unemployment soaring far higher than ever before in American history, many fear that a housing collapse akin to 2008 is on the horizon. However, despite these concerning numbers, the situation isn’t as dire as it looks. Here’s why we’re probably not going to see a market crash or a surge of foreclosures in 2020.

High Equity Should Protect Us from Foreclosures in 2020

One of the major drivers of the housing crash in 2008 was its sheer number of foreclosures. And thanks to today’s historic unemployment rates, many wonder if foreclosures in 2020 will follow in the footsteps of 2008. Fortunately, economists think a similar situation is unlikely, largely due to the amount of equity Americans hold today.

Here’s what we mean.

Americans today owe significantly less

One of the leading differences between today’s market and the market of 2008 is equity. According to John Burns Consulting, 58.7% of homes in the US have at least 60% equity—a drastically different number from 2008.

How does equity make a difference? When prices dropped in 2008, many owners found that they owed more on their mortgage than their home was now worth. Rather than trying to sell their homes in a short sale, many simply walked away.

Many homes are even mortgage-free

The number of Americans who own their homes outright is another bright spark in these (seemingly) dark times. In fact, 42.1% of all homes in the country are mortgage-free—meaning they are not at risk for foreclosure.

Additionally, only a slight 7.3% of American homeowners have less than 10% equity on their homes. And 71.2% of US owners have at least 40% equity.

Homeowners today hold a LOT of equity

But what exactly do those numbers mean in terms of dollars? Data analyst CoreLogic reports that the average equity on mortgaged American homes today is $177,000—that’s not a number any homeowner is going to willingly walk away from or relinquish to foreclosure!

Americans learned from the 2008 crash

Another major driver in the 2008 housing crash was unwise spending. Thanks to the strength of the market before 2007, many buyers gained a sizable amount of equity in a very short period of time. However, unlike today, those owners didn’t simply wait for their equity to mature. Many used unwise equity loans to fund large purchases—leaving them in a very unpleasant situation when prices dropped.

Today is vastly different. Between 2005 and 2007 (a roughly 3-year span), owners cashed out on $824 billion of home equity. In the last three years from today, owners have cashed out on less than one third of that amount.

Some industries are growing

While millions of businesses have been shuttered and tens of millions of Americans have filed for unemployment, there is hope on the horizon. In fact, studies show that more than four million initial unemployment filers have already found new jobs. And that’s because a lot of industries—including healthcare, food and grocery, and delivery—have expanded.

It’s important to remember that our current situation is largely temporary. Even now in North Carolina, many businesses have begun to slowly open their doors to the public once more, bringing more and more people back to work.

Questions About What’s on the Horizon for Real Estate in 2020?

This has certainly been a roller coaster year, but that certainly doesn’t mean your home buying or selling goals need to be put on hold. In fact, the more normally we continue to do business, the more quickly life will return to normal.

If you’re thinking of buying or selling in the Raleigh area, Linda Craft & Team is here to help. Contact us today at 919-235-0007 to learn more about how we can put our 350+ years of combined experience to work for you.

May 27, 2020May 14, 2020

What’s Reopening During North Carolina’s Phase One?

On Friday, May 8, 2020, North Carolina moved into Phase One of reopening. The previous stay-at-home order remains in effect, with modifications that allow for some businesses to open and a bit more overall flexibility for leaving home. Here’s a look at what North Carolina’s Phase One will allow.

A Breakdown of Changes During North Carolina’s Phase One of Reopening

Before May 8, full restrictions closed all but businesses deemed “essential” and required people to stay at home except for essential purposes. During North Carolina’s Phase One of reopening, some of these restrictions will be relaxed, though NC is by no means completely open for business.

Here’s what will change… and what will stay the same.

Stay-at-home orders have loosened

During prior stay-at-home orders, people were encouraged to leave home only for essential purposes, like grocery shopping, visiting a pharmacy or healthcare provider, or going to work at an essential business.

After May 8th, residents are allowed to leave home for more commercial activity, and more businesses will be allowed to open. However, it’s still strongly encouraged that you remain home.

Retail stores have increased capacity

Prior to May 8th, retail stores were limited to a 20% retail capacity. Now, up to a 50% capacity is allowed, provided proper social distancing is practiced.

Regulations on gatherings have lessened

Through May 8, there was a 10-person limit on any gatherings. Now, though the 10-person limit remains, outdoor gatherings with friends are permitted.

Childcare centers are accepting more business

When only essential businesses were open, childcare centers were open only to essential workers. Now that more businesses will be reopening, and more people will likely be out looking for work, childcare centers are expanding to include the children of working parents.

Parks are encouraged to reopen

Many of the Raleigh area’s state parks and trails closed during strict social distancing regulations. After May 8th, previously closed parks were encouraged to reopen.

Umstead State Park has reopened, though visitors are encouraged to avoid gatherings, practice social distancing on trails, and wear facial coverings.

A lot will stay the same during Phase One

While Phase One does loosen restrictions and allow for more social interactivity, there are still quite a few things that WON’T be changing.

Restaurants will still be open only for take-out and delivery. Salons, barber shops, and spas will remain closed. Theaters and bowling alleys will remain closed. Gyms and playgrounds will remain closed. Visitation to care centers will be limited. And yes, masks will continue to be strongly encouraged.

Questions About Phase One or Real Estate in Raleigh?

If you have a question about Phase One of reopening in Raleigh, or you’re concerned with how the recent health crisis might have affected your real estate goals, Linda Craft & Team is here to help. Contact us at 919-235-0007 at any time and let us put our 350+ years of combined experience to work for you.

May 24, 2020May 14, 2020

Homeownership Rates Are Higher Than They’ve Been in 8 Years!

Over the past few months, those of us in the Raleigh area have been under pretty strict stay-at-home orders, and many of us have been working from home or have been out of work entirely. Life may have been put on pause, but real estate hasn’t taken a rest. In fact, a recent study by Housing Vacancy Survey shows that homeownership rates are higher than they’ve been in eight years!

Why Are Homeownership Rates Rising Despite Shut-Downs?

While shut-downs and closures have shaken up daily lives like never before, for many of us, being at home has meant having more time to slow down and appreciate the little things in life. Spending time at home has given us an increased value in the sense of home—so really, it’s not too surprising that homeownership increased to the highest it’s been in eight years.

Low interest rates have made buying affordable

low interest rates leading to increasing homeownership rates

The first quarter of 2020 saw an increase of about 2.7 million homeowners—and for many, this was made possible by low interest rates. Especially after the fast-climbing rates of 2018, the lower rates of 2019 were quite surprising. But even those were nothing compared to the pandemic-driven drops of 2020. With some of the lowest interest rates in American history, 2020 has actually proven quite favorable to buyers.

New homes have increased availability

New home construction has also been on the rise in the last several months, which has provided eager buyers with more options than existing homes alone can offer.

The Raleigh area especially has seen some fabulous new construction developments in recent months and years—providing both affordable and luxury options for buyers of all ages and means.

Ownership is up in all age groups—but especially millennials

Thanks to favorable economic conditions (like low unemployment and high household income) in late 2019 and early 2020, many younger buyers have been making moves to settle down and buy homes. In fact, households under age 35 (many first-time buyers) saw the largest jump in homeownership rates, with a climb of 1.9% from last year. The next age group, households aged 35 – 44, saw the second-largest gain of 1.2%. Even the 65+ age group saw a minimal gain of 0.2%.

Homeownership provides a sense of home

The recent closures have certainly shined a light on which businesses and services are truly essential to keep our country running. And there’s a reason real estate was deemed essential by the majority of states and towns across the country—including North Carolina and the Triangle. That’s because it is essential to a vast majority of people across America.

Homeownership has long been an important element of the American Dream. And this recent health crisis has helped us to appreciate the homes we’ve shared with family, with friends (and virtual friends), with pets, and with kids—and truly see the value of homeownership.

Dreaming of Homeownership in the Triangle?

If you’ve been dreaming of buying a home in the Triangle area, we’re here to help! Whether you have questions about how your goals might have been affected by the global health crisis or you’re ready to start searching, Linda Craft & Team is here to put our 350+ years of experience to work for you. Give us a call today at 919-235-0007 and let’s get started!

May 20, 2020May 28, 2020

Listing Your Home Now Could Mean Selling for More

There may be a global health crisis changing up the way we do everything from business meetings to dining out, but one thing hasn’t changed too much—home prices. A recent study by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that most sellers are holding steady on price, which ultimately means that listing your home now could actually be a very profitable option.

Listing Your Home Now Doesn’t Mean Cutting Price

Before the pandemic struck, the Raleigh market was experiencing an inventory shortage—that is, there were more buyers than homes for sale. This is referred to as a sellers market, because the conditions are ideal for home sellers.

Now, we’re still definitely in a sellers market, which means you might not have to bend much on price. Here’s why.

Inventory has sunk even lower

inventory of homes for sale in the Triangle

Thanks to the social distancing measures in effect throughout the Raleigh area, fewer and fewer sellers are listing, further reducing the available inventory of homes for sale. For you as a seller, this means even less competition. You might find yourself with the only available home in your price range in your location—so hunting buyers likely won’t have a lot of choices. List now, and get the jump on neighbors who are waiting to list until the market picks up more.

Buyers are serious

During typical hot real estate seasons, there are a lot of would-be buyers dropping by open houses, browsing online listings, and requesting home tours—even if they don’t have an agent or haven’t even spoken to a lender. While buyer traffic is always good, buyers who aren’t serious or qualified can be more work than they’re worth if they fail to procure a loan.

On the other hand, buyers who are out searching during a pandemic are probably pretty serious about buying. They’re more likely to be working with an agent, talking to lenders, and already prequalified for a loan. These buyers are likely moving for a specific reason and are motivated to make a deal and close on a timeline.

Thinking of Listing Your Home in the Triangle?

Have you been considering selling your Triangle-area home? Are you concerned with how the current health crisis might have affected your real estate goals? Linda Craft & Team would love to help clear up any questions or concerns! Please contact us at 919-235-0007 to learn more about how we can put our decades of Triangle real estate experience to work for you.

May 18, 2020May 11, 2020

How New Construction Will Drive Raleigh’s Economic Recovery

After months of closures and restrictions, the Triangle’s businesses are finally starting to reopen in phases. As people begin returning to work, as consumers resume normal spending, and as life slowly returns to normal, our economy, too, will start to recuperate. And many analysts believe that new construction will drive Raleigh’s economic recovery.

Raleigh’s Economic Recovery Could Lean on New Construction

Analysts believe the home building sector will be one of the first major industries to safely and successfully start back up. Spurred in part by years of low housing inventory and also by the number of people relocating to Raleigh on a daily basis, demand for new construction housing was high at the start of 2020, and is expected to increase again as the country reopens.

A low-supply high-demand environment like this is ideal for new home building. Here’s how this burgeoning new construction could drive Raleigh’s economic recovery.

It will create new jobs

One of the biggest perks of a demand for new construction is an increase in jobs. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), building 1,000 average single-family homes creates 2,900 full-time jobs.

It will increase valuable tax revenue

tax increases and raleigh's economic recovery

Those same 1,000 new houses will also generate over $110 million in tax revenue for city and state government—which in turn helps to support and improve police and fire departments, parks, schools, infrastructure, and more.

Real estate transactions impact the economy

The physical building of the home is hardly the only impactful aspect of new construction. The sale of the home itself generates both income and employment. In fact, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) estimates the sale of one average single-family home generates over $43,000 in revenue—which goes to agents, lenders, inspectors, contractors, attorneys, and more. Make that home a new construction home and the revenue earned more than doubles, climbing to $88,000.

Residential construction goes far beyond real estate

lumber sales and raleigh's economic recovery

The effects of new home construction reach far past local lenders or agents or architects or even builders. The vendors from whom those builders purchase their lumber, light fixtures, and appliances are also impacted. The companies that ship and store these products are impacted. The companies that produce or manufacture the raw materials are impacted. Build one home, and the reach could be global.

Construction can respect CDC guidelines

It’s important for the businesses that reopen to be able to do so safely and in a manner that follows CDC guidelines for sanitation and social distancing. As construction, particularly new home construction, does not typically involve high client interaction, the NAHB was able to develop a plan specifically tailored to construction job sites.

The customizable Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Plan details manager and worker responsibilities, job site protective measures, cleaning and disinfecting methods, response to exposure incidents, and more.

Still Have Questions About Raleigh New Construction?

If you’ve been thinking about buying a new home in the Triangle but are concerned with how the current health crisis might have impacted your plans, Linda Craft & Team is here for you. Contact us at 919-235-0007 with any questions; we’d love to put our decades of expertise to work for you!

May 15, 2020May 15, 2020

8 Simple Ways to Get Your Outdoor Spaces Ready for Summer

The weather’s getting warmer, summer is (finally!) just around the corner, and we’re all staying at home more than ever before. If you plan on spending your days relaxing in nature, now is the perfect time to give your outdoor space a little upgrade. And if you’re thinking about selling soon, you might even impress some summer buyers, too.

These Easy Projects Can Totally Transform Your Outdoor Space

You don’t have to spend a lot of money or time to get your outdoor space looking stellar. Here are eight quick, cost-effective DIY projects to help usher your yard, patio, porch, or balcony into the new season.

Do a little tidying

Did you forget to do your spring cleaning? Before you start on any big projects, take some time to tidy up your outdoor spaces. Sweep away any dust on your balcony, patio, or deck, and clean off your furniture. If you have a yard, be sure to clear out any lingering debris, trim back your trees or shrubs, and uproot any pesky patches of weeds.

Perform regular maintenance

Late spring is the perfect time to tackle that maintenance to-do list you’ve been putting off! Although these routine tasks might seem mundane, they’re essential to keeping your outdoor space in tip-top shape. Cleaning out your gutters, spraying for bugs and pests, and powerwashing are just a few common projects that you’ll want to handle before the weather gets too hot.

Give your lawn some extra attention

There are a few steps you should be taking right now if you want to keep your lawn green all summer long. Aerating and fertilizing during late spring is key to keeping your yard healthy. When you start mowing, be sure to not cut more than one third of the grass height in one sitting. You can prevent this by increasing the blade height on your mower.

Add new landscaping

You don’t have to be a professional landscaper to add some new greenery to your outdoor space—but be sure to do some research before you start planting. Try to select flowers, shrubs, or trees that do well in your area, and consider how much sunlight they’ll get throughout the day. If you have a balcony or patio, incorporating a few potted plants can add a fun (and low-maintenance) splash of color.

Plant a garden

Have you always wanted to harvest your own fruits, vegetables, or herbs? Raised plant beds make it easy to create a garden just about anywhere, and they’re an easy DIY project that you can tackle before the summer months. Just build or buy the beds, fill them with soil, pick your plants, and start growing!

Invest in some outdoor furniture

Good patio furniture offers both comfort and function, and just a few updates can transform your outdoor space into a whole new living area. Consider investing in some staple pieces, like a table and chairs or a loveseat, depending on the size of your deck or patio. Many retailers will even ship the furniture straight to your front door.

Incorporate new lighting

If you want to take advantage of your outdoor space during the day and at night, new lighting might just do the trick. You don’t have to get too fancy (unless you want to!)—simply replacing some fixtures or hanging a strand of trendy string lights will elevate the entire area. If you really want to beat the heat, you might even install an outdoor ceiling fan on your covered patio or deck.

Getting Ready to Buy or Sell This Summer?

Whether you’re thinking about moving next week, next month, or next year, you can trust Linda Craft & Team to help you navigate every step of the process. Contact us today at 919-235-0007 to learn more about how we can put our 350+ years of combined experience to work for you here in the Triangle!

May 11, 2020May 8, 2020

Is It Smart to Buy a Home Right Now? Actually… Yes.

With unprecedented closures and social distancing measures changing the way we do everything from business to everyday life, the economy has been in a state of upheaval, leaving many would-be buyers wondering if it’s smart to buy a home right now. Some have put their searches on hold, while others have continued on the hunt. So, who’s right? Is now a good time to buy a home?

It’s Not Easy, But It IS Smart to Buy a Home Now

According to ShowingTime, the real estate industry’s leading showing management technology provider, March saw the first nationwide drop in showing traffic in eight months. However, April’s data indicates that things might be starting to pick back up again.

So, why is traffic increasing? Aside from more personal reasons for buying, much of this increased interest is driven by the knowledge that now is actually a financially smart time to buy.

Here’s exactly why buyers are getting back in the market.

Agents are becoming innovative

With in-person showings limited, or even completely disallowed in some areas, real estate agents have been turning to technology to continue helping clients find home.

Using technology, agents are able to give buyers and sellers an almost entirely virtual real estate experience, including video consultations, virtual tours, online mortgage applications, e-signatures, and more.

Mortgage rates are rock-bottom low

low mortgage interest rates in the triangle

Mortgage interest rates are a huge financial factor when it comes to buying a home. The difference in a few fractions of a percentage could be tens of thousands of dollars over the life of a loan! Today, these interest rates are hovering near an all-time low, making homebuying significantly more affordable for many borrowers.

Some buyers need to move

For many buyers, their upcoming home purchase is a matter of necessity. A change in job, familial status, or finances could be driving a buyer’s need to move on a timeline. Real estate is often not simply a financial transaction, but a necessity.

Bottom Line: Is It a Good Time to Buy?

As with any buying or selling decision at any time, the decision to buy or sell must be made on a personal basis. If you’re financially in a place to take advantage of low mortgage rates, then yes, it’s a smart time to buy. If you’re happy househunting online and aren’t daunted by limited in-person interaction, then it’s a good time to buy. If you have to move for one reason or another, then it’s a good time to buy.

Is It a Good Time to Buy in Raleigh?

Before the health crisis hit, the Raleigh-area real estate market was hot. Demand was high, home values were high but still affordable, and supply was low but steady. While the market definitely slowed as restrictions increased, it has remained active, and hopes are that it will pick up again as the country and the state begin to reopen.

Concerns about how your Raleigh home buying plans might have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic? Contact Linda Craft & Team today; we’re more than happy to answer any questions. Give us a call at 919.235.0007 and let us put our 350+ years of combined experience to work for you.

May 6, 2020May 6, 2020

Keys to Selling Your House Virtually—And Safely

If you’ve been thinking of selling your home in the Triangle, you’re likely wondering how the current health crisis might have impacted your plans. The good news is that selling your home while social distancing is very possible—in fact, real estate has hardly slowed these past few months! Here are some things you might want to know about selling your house virtually.

Selling Your House Virtually Is Very Possible

selling your home virtually on a computer

In a recent survey by realtor.com, most home sellers stated that they were generally willing to allow their agent and some potential buyers into their home for showings, though they would probably prefer to limit overall exposure.

So, bottom line, what exactly do you need to do for a successful virtual home sale that protects your health, the health of your household, and the health of your buyers?

Find an agent with a digital game plan

Now more than ever, it’s important for your home to have a strong online presence—that is, for it to be easy for a lot of buyers to find across various internet platforms. When choosing an agent to list your home, ask about their internet marketing strategy.

A good agent with a strong understanding of online marketing will be able to advertise your home on a large variety of websites, social media platforms, and more. They will likely offer high-end photography or videography, detailed listing descriptions, virtual tours, and more.

Use high-quality listing photos

selling your home virtually with high quality photos

Most buyers find homes with an online search. For a buyer to fall in love with and ultimately decide to buy a home, that buyer first has to like what they see online. And that all starts with high-quality professional-grade listing photos.

Good photography can make homes seem brighter and more open. It can also draw the eye to home features that you would like to highlight. And it will ultimately make your home look a lot more impressive online than a standard cellphone camera.

Give buyers an in-depth virtual look

Take those listing photos one step further with a virtual tour. Virtual tours compile professional-grade photography into a short video clip that essentially “walks” the viewer through the home, giving them an in-person feel of the flow and layout of the space.

Virtual tours are critical these days. In fact, in a recent realtor.com survey, homebuyers named virtual tours the #1 most helpful piece of technology for deciding on a new home.

Tell the buyer as much about your home as possible

Another important tactic for sparking buyer interest in your home is a detailed listing description. Let the buyer in on your home’s best features. Tell them about what makes your home so special. Give them the details—about the home and the neighborhood around it.

Work with your agent to craft a detailed and enticing listing description that highlights the perks of your home, your neighborhood, and your area. The more you can tell a buyer about your home, the more likely they are to find something to love.

Host a virtual showing with an agent

Interested buyers might want to get a few more details on your home before they schedule an in-person showing. One way a lot of agents have been bridging the gap between virtual tours and actual showings is with an agent-led video chat, or a virtual showing.

Virtual showings allow the buyer to connect with an agent via video chat while the agent takes the buyer on a live video tour through your home. Unlike with a pre-recorded virtual tour, the virtual showing allows the buyers to ask questions in real time and get an even closer look inside and outside.

Be open to in-person showings

Here in Raleigh, real estate is considered an essential business, which means that we are currently able to schedule in-person showings, provided we follow CDC guidelines. If a buyer loves your home enough to schedule an in-person showing, try to be as accommodating—and safe!—as possible.

Wiping down high-touch surfaces, offering hand sanitizer, and limiting in-person activity are all ways to help keep yourself and your buyers safe. You may want to have your agent offer some additional guidelines, like removing shoes, wearing gloves or face masks, or washing hands. You can even open cupboards or doors ahead of time to prevent the need for touching.

Thinking of Selling Your House Virtually?

If you’re thinking of selling a home in the Triangle, Linda Craft & Team would love to help! We’ll tell you more about the virtual home selling process, get your home looking fantastic, and price it to sell. With 350+ years of combined experience, we can confidently say there’s no better team to help you get the job done right! Just contact us at 919.235.0007 to get started.

May 1, 2020May 4, 2020

5 Easy Ways to Save Up for a New Home

Saving for a house might seem difficult, especially as the economy continues to fluctuate. However, that doesn’t mean you have to give up on your home buying dreams! If you want to take your first steps towards homeownership, we have a few simple tricks that can help you build your savings account.

How to Save Up for Your Perfect Place

Before you begin saving, consider how much you’d ideally like to put down on a house. Your down payment will likely be your largest upfront cost, and most buyers put down around 20% of a home’s value. However, there are some loans that require as little as 0% down, so be sure to explore all of your options.

It can take years to save up for a home. Nevertheless, if you plan ahead and follow these tips, you’ll soon be on a path to success.

Create a monthly budget…and stick to it

Having a budget can help you set spending limitations and savings goals each month, but it’s crucial to stick to it if you want to make progress. Start by documenting all your sources of income, then subtract your monthly expenses. This shows you what you’re paying for housing, food, utilities, and extra expenses, as well as how much you have left over. From there, you can set spending goals and designate a certain amount of money towards your house fund every month.

Cut unnecessary spending

As you craft a new budget, consider cutting out any expenses you can live without. You might have to make some sacrifices, but if you’re serious about saving for a home, your hard work will pay off in the long run. The more you save, the more house you can afford!

Consider getting rid of any unnecessary recurring payments, like streaming services or magazine subscriptions. Cooking at home, buying generic brands, and putting off that big vacation can also save you thousands every year. If you put that money directly into your savings, you won’t even miss it…because you were already spending it.

Pay off your debt

If you’re like many would-be homebuyers, lingering credit card or student loan debt might be keeping you from making a move. Before you start saving for a home, try to pay off debts or reconsolidate them into a smaller monthly payment with a lower interest rate.

Not sure where to start? Consider talking with a financial advisor about any underlying debt that needs to be paid off. It might take a while, but it’s better to take on a mortgage with more manageable payments.

Put your retirement savings on hold

While it is crucial to save for retirement, buying a home is also an important step in your life—so it’s okay to temporarily divert some of your savings towards your down payment. However, it’s not a good idea to take money out of your existing retirement accounts. You could get saddled with taxes and unwanted early withdrawal fees if you dip into your IRA or 401(k)!

Start a side hustle

Even during these challenging economic times, it’s still possible to make a quick buck doing what you love. Starting a side hustle can help you rake in some extra cash on the weekends and evenings—and even a little money can add up over time.

Looking for suggestions? Pet sitting, ride sharing, personal training, and photography are just a few possibilities. Who knows…your passion could turn into a profitable second income!

Ready to Start Your Buying Journey?

Looking for more home buying advice? We’ve got you covered! Just reach out to Linda Craft & Team for more tips and tricks, and let us know when you’re ready to take your next steps. We’re always here to answer any questions you might have, especially as the market continues to change.

April 20, 2020April 1, 2020

Key Features to Look for When Choosing a Real Estate Brokerage

Whether you’re brand-new to the real estate game or you’ve been helping people buy and sell homes for years, choosing a real estate brokerage matters a lot—to your everyday life and to your overall work success as a whole. So, how exactly do you find a brokerage that’s going to help you succeed?

What to Look for When Choosing a Real Estate Brokerage as an Agent

What’s the big deal about choosing a brokerage, anyway? The overall goal, as an agent, is to find a brokerage that’s going to give you the tools, the knowledge, and the resources that allow you to best help your clients—and your business. Here are some things your brokerage should provide for you!

Tons of support & coaching

getting coaching when choosing a real estate brokerage

One of the things that makes real estate so tricky is that it’s always changing. It keeps us on our toes, that’s for sure, and it means that as agents, we have to be constantly learning, growing, and adapting to incorporate new technology, new client expectations, and new ways of doing business.

At Linda Craft & Team, we provide all of our agents with the tools to learn and grow as the market changes—no matter your age or how long you’ve been in the game.

Generated leads

looking at leads when choosing a real estate brokerage

Cold calling is probably no sales person’s favorite part of their job. As a real estate agent working under a small or under-established brokerage, you might find yourself doing a lot of cold calling in a day, trying to drum up clients.

At Linda Craft & Team, we provide our agents with high-quality leads—so you can leave cold calling at your last job.

Fair fees & commission

Larger brokerages often charge their agents a number of fees—both small and large—for the use of resources, information, staff, or even space. Are you getting something out of those fees… maybe. But a good brokerage shouldn’t charge you to sit at your own desk or take half your commission!

At Linda Craft & Team, we believe the money you earn should be yours to keep, so we aren’t going to charge you any silly desk fees. And what’s more, if you help us grow, we give some of our profits back to you, too!

Full support staff

The way most brokerages operate, each agent is responsible for every part of the process—from first meeting to inspections and due diligence to the close. That can be a lot for one agent to handle, especially if you’re juggling multiple clients all at different stages in the process.

At Linda Craft & Team, we all take part in the buying or selling process, and we all have our own duties to help lead the client from beginning to end. As one of our agents, you’ll have a full support staff, including a listing manager, a closing manager, and a delivery person, so you can concentrate on the best parts of your job—helping your clients!

Team culture

Many brokerages aren’t so much a team as just a group of people who work in the same building. Each agent has their own clients, their own responsibilities, and their own goals.

At Linda Craft & Team, we’re not just a collection of agents who share an office. We’re a team, and that means we watch out for each other, we help each other, and we all aim for the success of the team. When one person succeeds, we all succeed, and that makes for a truly special workplace.

Choosing a New Brokerage for Your Success?

Are you ready to stop cold calling, paying fees, and falling behind? Choose a brokerage with your success in mind—choose Linda Craft & Team! Find out more about our team and work culture, our open positions, and what we can do for your career! Contact us today to learn more and introduce yourself!