Linda Craft & Team, REALTORS®, Author at Raleigh Real Estate Blog

July 1, 2020July 2, 2020

The Pros and Cons of Living in a Neighborhood with an HOA

As you search for your next home in the Raleigh area, you’ll probably encounter more than a few neighborhoods that have their own homeowners associations. Often abbreviated as HOAs, these groups usually consist of a few elected residents, although they may also be run by an outside management company or developer.

While they tend to get a bad rap, HOAs actually have quite a few benefits you might not have considered—but they aren’t always the right fit for everyone.

Should You Buy in a Neighborhood with an HOA?

In a nutshell, an HOA’s job is to act as a governing body for a neighborhood. They typically set rules, maintain the community, and may offer certain amenities, like pools or landscaping. However, these perks don’t come free—homeowners have to pay dues to cover an HOA’s services.

Not sure if you want to live in a community with a homeowners association? Here are a few pros and cons to keep in mind before making a move.

Pro: Increased resale value

Believe it or not, an HOA can significantly impact a home’s resale value when you move again. On average, single family homes that are part of a local association sell for 4% more than ones that aren’t—for a home worth $300,000, that’s a gain of $12,000.

Con: More rules to follow

Perhaps the biggest gripe that many homeowners have about HOAs is having to follow certain rules, especially when it comes to your home’s appearance. In order to maintain property values and a uniform look to the neighborhood, HOAs often restrict personalizations like paint colors, fences, or landscaping.

Associations may also have certain limitations on pets, noise, yard signs, home improvements, or trash removal. Violating the rules can sometimes result in hefty fines, so be sure you read up on an HOA’s restrictions to avoid any penalties.

Pro: A beautiful neighborhood

All those rules may seem irksome, but they do serve a purpose. HOA regulations are designed to make your neighborhood a beautiful and desirable place to live. You’ll never have to deal with eyesores like an overgrown lawn or lingering litter anymore, either!

Con: Additional fees

Most associations charge dues that vary depending on the services and amenities they provide. It’s not uncommon to see fees of over $1,000 per year—definitely an expense you’ll want to factor into your monthly budget.

Wondering what these dues cover? They usually go towards maintenance, an emergency fund, or amenities. If you live in a condo or active adult community, they can also cover utilities and exterior maintenance.

Pro: Extra amenities

If you want to live somewhere with plenty of amenities right at your doorstep, an HOA neighborhood may be a great fit. Many homeowners associations pay to maintain community pools, tennis courts, playgrounds, and much more. Larger subdivisions may even have their own golf courses, restaurants, or clubhouses that are for residents only!

Con: Risks of poor management

Almost every HOA is governed by residents, sometimes with the help of a management company. Unfortunately, a poorly managed association can be a nightmare for homeowners, especially if the HOA is responsible for maintaining major aspects of the community.

Homeowners associations also have the authority to increase dues without warning—and if they don’t have the money to pay for a big expense, they may even order a special assessment to cover the costs.

Bottom Line: Do your research!

In a recent survey by the Community Associations Institute, a whopping 85% of homeowners said they had a positive experience living in a community with an HOA. However, it’s still crucial to consider your own individual circumstances before making a decision.

Be sure to read an association’s rules or bylaws, and take a good look at the neighborhood before you buy. If you have any questions, just ask your agent!

Take Your Next Steps

If you’re ready to make a move to the Triangle, Linda Craft & Team would love to guide you through every step of the buying process! Give us a call at 919-235-0007 to get started—we look forward to teaming up and putting our 350+ years of combined experience to work for you.

June 30, 2020June 30, 2020

Red Cross Announces COVID-19 Antibody Testing on Blood Donations

Did you know that the American Red Cross often sees a slump in blood donations during summertime? This year, that summer slowdown and COVID-19-related cancellations have taken a major toll on national blood supply, leaving a dire need for donations. Now, the American Red Cross is taking another step in the fight against COVID-19 by offering COVID-19 antibody testing for all donations.

Donate to the Red Cross for COVID-19 Antibody Testing

Now testing blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies

If you’re healthy and feeling well, you can help ensure hospitals have enough blood AND receive insight into whether you might have been exposed to the coronavirus. The Red Cross is now testing all blood, platelet, and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies.

How do you donate?

COVID-19 antibody testing with blood drive

To start, visit the Red Cross website to find a donation center near you. Then, pick a time that works for you and schedule your appointment! You might also want to take a few minutes to complete a RapidPass® application to ensure you meet all the necessary criteria as a donor.

Who’s eligible to donate?

Most people are eligible to donate blood, with a few exceptions. Right now, you really want to make sure you’re in good health and feeling well. Certain medications and travel outside the US may require a waiting period before you’re able to donate, and low iron levels might require you to take steps to increase your iron levels before donating.

What should you expect at your appointment?

If you’ve never donated blood before, you might be a little nervous to get started. It’s a pretty straightforward process, though. Upon arrival, you’ll sign in and fill out some paperwork (unless you’ve done so already online). Then, you’ll have a private mini-physical to ensure you meet all the donation requirements.

The good news is that the actual donation only takes about 8 – 10 minutes! In no time, you’ll be enjoying a complimentary snack and drink for about 10 – 15 minutes afterwards. Then, you’re free to go on with your day.

How should you prepare?

filling out medical information for COVID-19 antibody testing

The first thing you want to do is to make an appointment. You may also want to expedite the paperwork process by filling out some information ahead of time through RapidPass®. On the day of, make sure you drink plenty of liquids, and bring two forms of ID with you to your appointment. You might also want to bring some music or an audiobook with you for a relaxed and enjoyable experience while you’re donating.

Why donate blood?

a doctor coding a COVID-19 antibody test

There are many personal reasons to choose to donate, but the bottom line remains the same: blood is always in high demand. By donating to the American Red Cross, you can be saving up to three lives—with a single donation!

Additionally, positive antibody test results may give you the ability to make a convalescent plasma donation that could help a seriously ill COVID patient.

Joining the Triangle Community?

At Linda Craft & Team, we strongly believe that we have a duty to our community to help make it the best it can be. That’s why we partner with local organizations to help those in need, to better the lives of others, and to support and grow the community we love to call home.

If you’re thinking of joining our Triangle community, we’d love to help you find home. Contact Linda Craft & Team at 919-235-0007 to learn more about how we can put our 350+ years of combined experience to work for you.

June 29, 2020June 19, 2020

How Will the Housing Market Affect the Economy?

Nationwide, businesses are beginning to reopen, employees are returning to work, and retail and service sales have started to increase. And as the economy begins to strengthen, many wonder if the real estate market will be the driving force behind its recovery.

Will the Housing Market Affect the Economy’s Recovery?

In 2008, the housing market collapse was the main factor behind the collapse of the nationwide economy. At the time, financial recovery didn’t begin until the housing market started to recover. Will our current housing market affect the economy in the same way?

Many economists think the housing market could actually lead us out of recession in 2020. Here’s how.

The housing market has historically pulled the country from recession

One economist at CoreLogic notes that “for the first six decades after WWII, the housing sector led the rest of the economy out of each recession.” Other economists state that the housing market is underbuilt, rather than overbuilt as it was in 2008, and houses are in high demand. Both factors that indicate a strong recovery for the housing market.

The sale of one home drastically affects its community

One single home might not seem like it has much power to affect the community and the economy around it. But this is actually far from the truth. Consider the sheer number of people involved in the sale of a home. Typically, there are two real estate agents. There is a home inspector, an appraiser. A lender, an attorney or firm. There may be an escrow company, a title check. Insurance providers. There are taxes on the sale.

And that’s just from the sale of the home! After a new buyer moves in, they may hire contractors or other vendors, make retail purchases for new furniture or decor, or even undertake their own improvement projects. In fact, the National Association of Realtors estimates that the sale of one average single-family home generates over $43,000 in revenue!

New construction has an even more powerful impact

An average single-family home generates $43,000 in a traditional resale scenario, but if that home is newly built, its revenue more than doubles! Plus, new construction creates jobs—as many as 2,900 new jobs for just 1,000 new homes. Those same 1,000 homes will also generate over $110 million in tax revenue for city and state government.

Consider also that the impact of new homes (or even the purchase of a resale home) extends beyond the local agents, lenders, builders, or architects involved in the construction and sale. Real estate sales generate sales for vendors of lumber, appliances, light fixtures, and windows, as well as the companies that ship and store these products.

Real Estate Might Drive Economic Recovery Once Again

will the housing market affect the economy?

As the economy recovers, the housing market is in a position to play a major role in the speed of its recovery. Should homes remain in high demand, and should sellers continue to list their homes, the housing market should stay strong, and the economy along with it. In short, yes, the housing market will affect the economy.

Thinking of Buying or Selling in the Triangle?

Have you been thinking of buying or selling a home in the Triangle area? Linda Craft & Team are here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can put our 350+ years of combined experience to work for you.

June 23, 2020June 19, 2020

Does Your Home Have These Coveted Homeowner Wish List Features?

Since the start of the ongoing health crisis earlier this year, more people have been spending more time at home. And additional time at home has led more than a few owners and renters to realize that their homes might be missing a few amenities they’d like to have. How does your home compare? If it already has some of these homeowner wish list items, it might actually be worth more than homes without!

These Homeowner Wish List Amenities Make Homes More Appealing

a beautiful home for sale in the triangle

Getting a home sold quickly and for top dollar is all about appealing to buyers. And if your home has a few of the following features, it might actually be in greater demand than you realize! Here are some features buyers are actively looking for in homes.

More space

Unsurprisingly, time spent at home has led buyers to desire more space. That includes more closets and storage, larger or more open rooms, and more flex spaces.

More natural light

Spending more time at home, especially during inclement weather, likely means spending more time inside, too. Homes without a lot of natural lighting can seem dreary or dark, so it’s understandable that buyers would seek out homes with ample sunlight.

A home gym

Closures and social distancing measures shuttered the majority of fitness centers and studios, at least temporarily, nationwide. That, coupled with the convenience of working out at home, has made the home workout space a highly appealing home feature.

An updated kitchen

With restaurants closed, many took to their kitchens to don a chef’s hat and try out new recipes. This new appreciation for cooking and baking has led many to the conclusion that their kitchen leaves a lot to be desired. In-demand kitchen features include solid-surface countertops, ample storage and surface space, and updated appliances.

More outdoor space

Spending time at home is easier when you have a great backyard or deck to enjoy, especially in North Carolina’s beautiful weather! So it’s no surprise that buyers and owners name good outdoor space at the top of their wishlists.

Homeowners’ Favorite Features

The above are features owners most wished their homes had, but what about the features they already have? What is really the most important for owners and buyers?

A quiet neighborhood

Most buyers are looking for a nice, quiet neighborhood or property they can come home to, a place where they can relax and enjoy some quality time with friends and family.

Owners also stated that having a deck or outdoor space was highly valuable in a home.

Ideal location

The location of a home is almost as important—if not more important—as the home itself to many buyers. Proximity to conveniences, work, and schools are all major factors to the majority of buyers.

Modern home features

Inside the home, buyers are looking for modern innovation and design. That includes the kitchen, the bathroom, and the overall layout of the home. New appliances and hardware, energy efficiency, natural lighting, and even smart home technology are all coveted updates.

Thinking of Making a Move in the Triangle?

Whether your home has all of these salable features and you want to sell for a profit, or you’re looking to upgrade your current home for one with some of these wishlist items, Linda Craft & Team is here to help! Contact us today at 919-235-0007 to find out more about how we can put our 350+ years of combined real estate experience to work for you.

June 19, 2020June 16, 2020

What Will the 2020 Housing Market Look Like in the Triangle?

These past few months have been filled with uncertainty, thanks to widespread unemployment and more than a little turbulence in the economy. All the upheaval has left many would-be buyers and sellers wondering if it’s still smart to make a move, or if they’d be better waiting for things to settle down. So, what does the 2020 housing market have in store?

The 2020 Market Shows Promise of Recovery

Late winter and early spring saw nationwide business closures and unemployment, which led many buyers and sellers to put their plans on hold. However, as the economy begins to reopen, real estate, too, may start picking back up. Here’s what’s in store.

Sellers are ready to list

A recent study in the 2020 NAR Flash Survey: Economic Pulse indicates that most would-be sellers are ready to list their homes. In fact, the study indicates that about 77% of potential sellers plan on listing once stay-at-home orders in their area have lifted. Actually, Zillow has already reported an uptick in the number of homes for sale.

Buyers are eager to buy

While some buyers did put their plans on hold to wait for more stable economic conditions, others actually decided to jump in to take advantage of rock-bottom-low mortgage interest rates. In fact, the NAR survey reported that only 17% of potential buyers stopped their search for economic reasons.

Buyer preferences are changing

Partially driven by the health crisis and increased time spent at home, buyers are changing their real estate criteria. In fact, 5% of buyers shifted their search focus from an urban to a suburban location. Additionally, many real estate agents report an increased demand for homes with larger yards, office space, and more flex space in general.

The Bottom Line: Real Estate Is Picking Up

Despite the roller coaster year we’ve had, real estate has remained steady and strong. And as businesses begin to reopen, people to return to work, and the economy starts to recover, it’s expected for the market to pick back up right where it left off.

Ready to Buy or Sell in the Triangle?

Are you thinking of buying or selling a home in Raleigh or the Triangle? Let Linda Craft & Team lend a hand! Contact us today at 919-235-0007 to learn more or get started. With over 350 years of combined real estate experience, we can confidently say there’s no better team to help you get the job done right!

June 16, 2020June 16, 2020

Up or Down: What Will 2020 Home Values Look Like?

This has been quite the tumultuous year! An unforeseeable global health crisis brought the economy to a screeching halt, sending unemployment rates soaring, closing businesses nationwide, and leading to the enactment of a plethora of new changes and restrictions on the way we do everything from grocery shopping to buying houses. All the ups and downs have left many would-be investors wondering whether 2020 home values will continue the recent trend of appreciation, or if we’re in for a decline.

Will 2020 Home Values Decrease?

If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home in the Raleigh area, you’re probably curious as to what the rest of 2020 will bring to real estate—is it a good time to make a move or is it better to wait out the market?

Here’s what you need to know about predictions for prices in 2020.

Home prices are based on supply and demand

One of the most important things to understand about real estate is that price isn’t based on the economy or the stock market—it’s based on supply and demand. In real estate, that supply is the number of homes for sale, and that demand is the number of buyers looking.

Demand for homes has stayed strong in most states

Though the number of sales closed during the past few months did decline a bit, agents nationwide supported stable or strong buyer traffic—which is great news for the market. In fact, most states, including North Carolina, listed buyer demand today as “strong”.

Supply, however, is quite low

The supply of homes is determined largely by the number of sellers willing to list their homes. Even before the start of the pandemic, seller traffic and the inventory of homes for sale was quite low. Now, however, agents from all but four states (Wyoming, Louisiana, Virginia, and Alaska) report that the number of homes for sale is too low to meet buyer demand.

When demand exceeds supply, prices rise

While a low supply of homes might not be entirely favorable to buyers, it is favorable to real estate in general, as it helps to grow home values and prevents a collapse in housing prices (which is, in part, what caused the 2008 housing bubble burst).

While the country struggles with reopening and managing unemployment, price growth may slow a bit, but odds are, it will continue, and prices are certainly not expected to decrease.

The Bottom Line: Prices Should Stay Steady

If you’ve been thinking of making a home purchase or selling your current home in the coming year, you should feel safe in your decision to move forward with your investment. While the economy might seem to stand on uncertain ground, real estate has remained rock-solid not just through the pandemic, but also for several years beforehand.

Buying or Selling in Raleigh?

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

June 15, 2020June 16, 2020

Keep Your Home Ready to Show with These 4 Tips

As a seller, you have to be able to get your home looking fantastic at the drop of a dime if an interested buyer schedules a tour. And unless you have the time to constantly clean, keeping your space prepped for showings might seem like an endless (and stressful!) ordeal. Luckily, we have a few tips that can help you avoid any pre-showing panicking.

The Easiest Ways to Stay Ready for Showings

The biggest secret to keeping your home ready for buyers is to do most of the work ahead of time. It might be tempting to put off cleaning or wait until the last minute to add your finishing touches, but all that procrastinating can easily backfire right before a showing! Here are some easy ways to keep your home looking spotless at all times…without any added headaches.

Declutter and reorganize

Before you even think about listing, take some time to declutter and reorganize your belongings. This can help decrease the amount of stuff you have to put away before a showing, as well as reduce how much you’ll pack when you inevitably move. Remember, you want buyers to focus on the best parts of your home, not your clutter.

Not sure where to start? Try sorting your possessions in “keep,” “donate,” and “throw away” piles so you can narrow down what you really need. And if you have items that don’t get used every day that you’d like to keep, you can always rent a storage unit until you move into your new place.

Do an initial deep clean

After you’ve thoroughly decluttered, you’ll want to do a thorough cleaning of every single room in your home, including your closets. It might seem like a lot of work at first, but it’ll be worth it when you don’t have to completely scrub down your house each time a buyer comes knocking on your door. Don’t shy away from getting into every nook and cranny—you want everything to look perfect!

Many professionals recommend using the top-to-bottom and left-to-right rule. That means starting by cleaning things up high, such as ceiling fans and bookshelves, and ending with your floors and carpets. Going from left to right can also keep you on task and make the entire process go by much faster.

Have a routine for tidying up

Let’s be honest—if you have kids, pets, or actually live in your home, it’s not easy to keep it looking like a showroom at all times. Establishing a regular tidying routine can help you maintain that initial deep clean you did before listing. Assigning tasks—like making beds or vacuuming the floors—to everyone in your household also allows you to divide and conquer!

To minimize the amount of cleaning you have to do, consider keeping some rooms that you don’t use off limits. You can even designate a certain area, such as an ottoman or a storage bin under a bed, for everyday clutter that needs to be hidden right before a showing.

Create an escape plan

Keeping your home ready for showings is only half of the battle—you also need to know where you and your household will be going before the buyers show up! Not every tour is conveniently timed, so you’ll want to have a few options in place for different times and days of the week. If you have kids or pets, don’t forget to make arrangements to accommodate their needs, too.

Don’t know where to go? Try using your time to run errands or plan some fun (and practical) outings with your kids, like an outdoor study session or afternoon at the pool. Your furry friend can also be included in the fun—just head to a pet-friendly park for a little sunshine and fresh air!

Want to Get Top Dollar for Your Triangle Home?

Selling your home might seem difficult, but it doesn’t have to be if you team up with Linda Craft & Team! We’re ready to help you navigate every step of the selling process, so contact us today at 919-235-0007 to put more than 350 years of combined real estate experience to work for you.

June 11, 2020June 1, 2020

Is This the #1 Benefit of Homeownership?

There’s a reason homeownership has long been a critical pillar of the American Dream—and it’s not just about the white picket fence. Many economists will tell you that buying a home is one of the savviest financial investments you can make. So does that mean wealth is the #1 benefit of homeownership?

Financial Wealth: The #1 Benefit of Homeownership

If you’ve done any reading about financial planning, investing, or buying a home, you might have heard that a mortgage is like a “forced savings plan” or that renting is like “throwing money away”. But if you’re still paying money every month, what’s the difference?

Homeownerhip builds equity

The biggest difference between paying rent and paying a mortgage is equity. Equity is the amount of money you could sell your home for minus the amount you still owe on your loan. Every month, the money you pay for your mortgage goes towards reducing the amount you owe on your loan. So in short, the more money you pay, the more equity you’ll have.

Equity builds more quickly than many realize

That monthly mortgage payment might seem like a drop in the bucket compared to the total amount you owe on your loan, but equity builds more quickly than you might think. In fact, a recent study by CoreLogic showed that, thanks to rising home prices, the average mortgage holder gained a total of $7,300 in equity in the past 12 months, for a total equity of $177,000.

The average renter, on the other hand, has $0 equity—but has still spent money every month paying for their housing.

Will the pandemic affect your equity?

Thanks to recent closures, restrictions, and soaring unemployment, many fear that the housing market will see a decline in the coming months. However, as many of these closures are temporary, most experts agree that the housing market will quickly rebound as life begins to return to normal.

Triangle Homeownership Has Its Own Perks

The Triangle real estate market has been particularly hot for the past few years, thanks to the area’s strong job market and rapidly growing population. For homeowners in the Triangle, this means equity that is constantly growing, despite economic downturn following the recent health crisis.

Eager to Learn More About Buying a Home in the Triangle?

If you’ve been thinking about buying a home in the Triangle, then now’s the time to make a move—while interest rates and competition are low. Concerned with how the ongoing health crisis might have affected your homeownership goals? Contact Linda Craft & Team today at 919-235-0007 and let us put our 350+ years of combined experience to work for you.

June 8, 2020June 5, 2020

You Don’t Need to Worry About the 2020 Unemployment Rate

The year started out very economically promising—low unemployment, a soaring stock market, and an overall thriving economy. And then, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, forcing global closures, business shutdowns, and nationwide stay at home orders. The resulting 2020 unemployment rate has been more than just shocking…it’s also been almost historically high.

Soaring 2020 Unemployment Rate Isn’t Cause for Panic

Recently, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the 2020 unemployment rate had climbed to 14.7%, up from an almost all-time low of 3.5% in 2019. And while that comparison may seem like more than a small black cloud in our sunny skies, we want to ensure you that the unemployment rate isn’t cause to panic. Here’s why.

It’s not like the Great Depression

Many news stories have likened the current economic downturn to that of the Great Depression, but this is certainly not the case. Between 1929 and 1933, the economy shrank for 43 consecutive months and unemployment climbed to nearly 25%.

This time, economists believe a rebound will happen much sooner—possibly even by the end of the year.

Predictions are much more positive

making predictions about the 2020 unemployment rate

Economic predictions for this year and the coming years is a lot more positive—and much more reassuring—than numbers following the Great Depression. Unemployment rates in 1932 climbed from 23.6% to 24.9% in 1933, before slowly beginning to taper, reaching only 20.1% in 1935.

This time around, however, our 14.7% unemployment rate is anticipated to be about as high as it gets. By next year, rates could be at 8% or lower, and could return to 4% as soon as 2023.

This wasn’t a structural collapse

One of the biggest differences between 2020 and the Great Depression is that the Great Depression was an unplanned economic collapse and a breakdown of the financial system, whereas our current situation was a planned shutdown.

Today, as businesses begin to reopen and more and more people are able to return to work, those unemployment numbers should quickly begin to decrease, and a rebound of the economy should be almost immediate.

Almost 90% of job losses are temporary

One very positive factor to remember is the temporary nature of almost 90% of the unemployment experienced nationwide. Whereas prior recessions and depressions led to long-term job losses and business closures, these have been largely temporary. Here in the Triangle, many businesses are already beginning to reopen, and thousands of people have already returned to work.

The Economy Will Recover—And So Will You

The bottom line is that current unemployment rates and business closures are the result of a calculated and predetermined pause on the economy. Banks today are much stronger and better capitalized than in the day of the Great Depression. Unemployment provides assistance to families and individuals out of work. And businesses nationwide are already beginning to reopen. This is not the Great Depression.

Real Estate Is Still Strong

While the economy waffles, real estate has continued with little hesitation despite closures, restrictions, and social distancing orders. Much of the real estate process has moved online, but if you’re thinking of buying or selling a home in the Triangle area, it’s still more than possible!

Have questions or concerns about how the ongoing health crisis might have affected your real estate goals? Contact Linda Craft & Team at 919-235-0007 to learn more about how we can put our 350+ years of combined experience to work for you.

June 3, 2020May 28, 2020

Will Social Distancing Usher In a Shift to the Suburbs?

While walkable urban living has traditionally been quite popular across the country, the recent health crisis has led many urbanites to rethink the close proximity and small spaces of city living. Does this indicate a shift to the suburbs might be the wave of the future?

Urban Living Could Shift to the Suburbs

buyers considering a shift to the suburbs

City-dwellers often choose to trade the space and privacy of suburbia for the convenience of city living. But after spending a few months at home, many of these urbanites have started to miss those things they traded away—like having some extra space in the house or a yard around it.

Social distancing and spending time at home are much more difficult in an apartment, condo, or townhouse than in a suburban home. And the real estate market is already starting to reflect this. Here’s how.

Buyer demand for larger homes has increased

Economists have already started to notice a shift in buyer demand; more and more consumers have started to look for homes with more space, larger yards, privacy from neighbors, and access to parks and other outdoor areas.

Many urban residents are considering relocation

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many residents of more densely populated areas to consider relocation to more suburban areas. In fact, a recent study by Harris Poll showed that as many as 39% of their respondents in urban areas were thinking of making a move.

Remote work allows buyers more flexibility

The health crisis definitely changed the way we work and do business, with many workplaces adapting to allow for more remote work. For many, these means vastly broadened living options—if you don’t have to worry about a commute, you can live anywhere!

Raleigh Has a Lot of Fantastic Suburbs

This shift to suburban living is especially interesting for those of us in the Raleigh area because we have a lot of suburbs. Despite the fact that Raleigh is North Carolina’s capital and one of its largest cities, it hardly feels urban.

With this increased nationwide interest in suburban living, Raleigh, already ranked among America’s top places to live, could become even more of an in-demand market.

Intrigued by the Triangle Lifestyle?

Have you been thinking of making a move to the Triangle? Now is a good time to buy a home—interest rates are low, competition is stable, and the market itself has been surprisingly active, despite closures and restrictions. Eager to learn more? Contact Linda Craft & Team at 919-235-0007 and let us put our 350+ years of combined experience to work for you.