 In light of the recent chemical spill upstream, with the City of Burlington reporting alarming levels of the carcinogenic chemical 1,4-dioxane in its discharge to the Haw River, we at Carl Johnson Real Estate find it crucial to share this information with our community. The potential health risks and the urgent need for water conservation underscore the importance of staying informed and taking necessary precautions. Pittsboro is responding to a chemical release upstream. Here’s what to know. As Published by, BY ADAM WAGNER JANUARY 25, 2024, News & Observer The City of Burlington has reported high levels of 1,4-dioxane in its wastewater discharge to the Haw River. The city found the levels in a sample taken Tuesday morning and reported them to regulators and downstream utilities. DR. KATERI SALK-GUNDERSEN Duke University Pittsboro is urging its customers to conserve water after the City of Burlington detected a spike of a dangerous chemical in its discharge upstream on the Haw River. Burlington measured 1,4-dioxane levels of 545 parts per billion in a sample it took Tuesday morning from its South Burlington Wastewater Treatment Plant’s discharge, a spike from 2.4 ppb the day before. Burlington officials reported the results to Pittsboro and other downstream utilities Wednesday afternoon and ordered Apollo Chemical, the Burlington company it believes could be responsible, to cease production. The chemical, 1,4-dioxane, is a likely human carcinogen that is difficult for utilities to remove from drinking water. It is used as an industrial solvent stabilizer. The Environmental Protection Agency has set a health advisory goal of 35 ppb for 1,4-dioxane in finished drinking water. North Carolina has a target level of 0.35 ppb in drinking water sources. When spills occur from Burlington, as they have several times in recent years, the high level of 1,4-dioxane tends to move downstream in a “slug.” It can take about a week for the water containing high levels of the chemical to make its way downstream to Pittsboro and then several more days for it to fully pass by the town. Pittsboro officials said the town immediately stopped drawing most water from the Haw when they learned of the release Wednesday afternoon. They also took a sample of the town’s water and expect to have samples back on Friday. Pittsboro is expecting to take daily samples and have them tested quickly until they are sure the slug of 1,-4-dioxane has moved past. Town water officials cut the town’s intake from the Haw River to the minimum amount needed to keep the water system working, an effort to keep 1,4-dioxane out of the town’s system. That’s why Pittsboro is asking its customers to cut back on non-essential uses like watering their lawns, washing cars or filling swimming pools. “We are fortunate to have received test results from Burlington so early in this event. We hope this early notification has provided a warning in enough time for us to take protective action,” the Pittsboro release said. That’s a significant difference from a September event, when Burlington wasn’t able to notify Pittsboro of a spill until eight days after the release started because of a delay in the testing. Burlington has spent $115,000 conducting daily tests since a July 2023 spill. As in past events, Pittsboro is offering free reverse osmosis and ultraviolet-treated drinking water at Chatham Marketplace, 480 Hillsboro St., Pittsboro. Customers can use the code 64261 to fill containers for free and are asked to bring jugs and bottles from home. In a press release, Burlington pointed to Apollo Chemical, a local chemical manufacturer, as a potential source. After a July 2023 spill was traced back to the company, Burlington started collecting daily samples of Apollo’s wastewater in case of any future spikes. With the latest spike, the city sent those samples for a rush analysis to determine the levels of chemicals in them. After directing the company to halt production, Burlington officials were meeting with Apollo on Thursday. Apollo is not part of Burlington’s pre-treatment program, in which the city regulates the discharge of industrial wastewater into its own wastewater plant. But because the July 2023 spill affected the city’s wastewater, it was able to start working to bring Apollo into the program. That would allow Burlington to better regulate what the company discharges into wastewater. Burlington is awaiting state approval of a new permit for that pre-treatment program, it said in a press release. That program could go into effect by March. Read more at: https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/counties/chatham-county/article284677661.html#storylink=cpy CLICK HERE and let Carl make your home buying and selling process less stressful.
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 Welcome to the Luxury Market Report, your guide to luxury real estate market data and trends for North America. Produced monthly by The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing and brought to you by Carl Johnson Real Estate, this report provides an in-depth look at the top residential markets across the United States and Canada.  A Year in Review - 2023 The best way to sum up the luxury real estate market during 2023 might be that it remained "unapologetically resilient", despite a slower year in the overall sales volume compared to 2022. Purchasing a luxury home also retained its appeal with high demand from affluent buyers still looking to realize their desire to buy a new residence. Equally they recognized that the investment opportunity remained, albeit over the longer term. However, it was a year where buyer demand became hampered by increasing stagnation, with new listings entering the market dropping significantly month over month until the last quarter of the year. Economic uncertainty, rising inflation and increasing interest rates, led to a growing seller resistance to list their property which further compounded the already low levels of inventory. This was, until the last quarter of 2023, when a shift that started at the end of the third quarter saw more listings enter the market, consequently opening the door for more sales. Predictions versus Reality Last year, we predicted that 2023 would see a softer luxury real estate market than 2022. One where properties would stay on the market for longer, prices remain high with little expectation of significant decreases, and where the affluent would base their decisions on long-term investments. All of which have materialized. While people returned to city life and were happy to embrace smaller footprints again, this did not become a significant trend. Instead, their focus shifted to finding properties that matched their lifestyle expectations – whether that was location, amenities, move-in-ready, intrinsic value, or in many cases all four! Expectations for a more normalized market, with activity returning to the traditional levels seen prior to the pandemic, did not materialize in the exact manner anticipated either. Hesitation and resistance continued to stall both inventory growth and price reductions expected by buyers, and sellers saw little reason to give up their affordable loan rates or reduce their prices  Demand Trends Changed The ‘experience’ a home offers became the significant factor in the decision-making process of the wealthy during 2023. No matter who we talked to, savvy homeowners, luxury real estate professionals, developers, architects, and designers, they all put their emphasis on defining ‘the experience’ as part of their luxury marketing message. The general message is that luxury is about the design, the location of the property and the property’s ability to offer a unique experience. For instance, keeping the essence of the natural surroundings while ensuring that all aspects of their lifestyle, health, privacy, and security are part of the package. In the past, luxury properties were designed primarily for functionality, even if they were the most stunning mansions or estate homes. But, as we moved into 2023, more architectural and design emphasis was put into properties to promote wellness and well-being, including trends such as: 1. Biophilic design: This is an approach to architecture that seeks to connect its occupants closer to nature by incorporating things like natural lighting and ventilation, natural landscape features, and other elements for creating a more productive and healthier built environment for people. 2. Passive design: This reflects a philosophy of life and how the relationship with the environment should develop with the primary objective of using available resources and maximizing energy savings. 3. Sustainability design: Green architecture and environmentally conscious living are architectural trends that will prevail, offering sustainable solutions such as carbon neutral homes by using natural materials, including recycled resources. 4. Green design: Properties with extensive green spaces, including private gardens, rooftop gardens, and outdoor relaxation areas, remain desirable for health-conscious buyers. It is predicated that interior design will continue to move in the direction of sustainability in a time when environmental awareness is crucial.  Luxury Properties Retained Their Strong Appeal Despite the impacts of outside influences, buyers were still eager to invest in luxury real estate, especially if they could negotiate more favorable terms. Properties sold if they were priced correctly or held a special appeal to the current purchaser and, most importantly, were move-in ready – a demand that is set to remain high on the requirements for most buyers well into 2024.   Real estate is still considered to be one of the safest investments as, historically, capital values have appreciated year over year, and even though the rate of return may fall compared to the last two years, expectations are that home values will continue to climb.
As always, we highly recommend working with a luxury property specialist during this unconventional market to ascertain what is truly happening in your local marketplace. Navigating the art of selling and buying in this market needs a critical and analytical approach; understanding the realities and setting expectations accordingly will ensure that goals are achieved. Did you know that Carl Johnson is certified as an Institute for Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, CLHMS, which means he offers superior knowledge and experience in the luxury market? His CLHMS membership also provides him with access to an elite network of contacts and resources that help to find you your dream home from Swansboro to Beaufort and beyond. If you have a high-end listing, using the most up-to-date marketing information, Carl positions your listing ahead of the market curve. Call 919-880-0904 for a consultation or CLICK HERE.  Interest rates have always fluctuated, but on average have hovered in the 5-10% range for the past three decades. Some industry experts believe rates will potentially fall to the low 6% range by the end of 2024. At Carl Johnson Real Estate, we hope this helps bring some perspective (rates are not that high) if you’re contemplating buying or selling your home.  Are you curious about the current state of the housing market in your area? Contact Carl Johnson Real Estate at 919-880-0904 for insights on the latest trends and developments. And CLICK HERE to check out our testimonial page to read what everyone is saying about Carl Johnson Real Estate and see why we are so very grateful for all our clients!
 copyright 4re marketing - all rights reserved 2024 Original Content by Carl As Real Estate professionals, we work with contractors, builders, and interior designers who help us work together to reach our clients goals. Over the years we have seen trends and designs come and go but one thing we learned is that color pallets for a home may change but they will always have a major impact on how the home is presented. Color trends change over the years but offer a simple and affordable way for our clients to freshen up their home. Adding a popular color pallet to your home, or even one simple accent wall, can allow an older home to look modern, or a newly built home to stand out from the rest. Here is an exclusive interview with a color and trend expert who works in the wood coatings industry and asked him questions to give our clients a view into the Real Estate Color Trends of 2024. Here are some KEY TAKEAWAYS from our interview: (interview below)
See the wonderful words from our expert in color and trend industry in our Q&A below and see how you can incorporate these great colors into your life.  Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year 2024: Upward | Photo Credit: Sherwin-Williams Q: Home and design trends change with the years, but are there any current trends/colors you see sticking around for the new year? A: Embracing a clutter-free living environment will remain a timeless and enduring choice in home design. The upcoming trend for 2024 is characterized by the ascent of warm minimalism, where a serene and harmonious design aesthetic emerges. This approach seamlessly blends simplicity, functionality, comfort, and a touch of elegance, creating spaces that evoke both tranquility and sophistication. In this evolving trend, neutrals take center stage, but with a twist beyond basic whites, tans, and creams. The color palette embraces a relaxed feel, featuring mellow tones such as light rusty reds, olives, warm corals, and rich browns. These hues bring a subtle warmth and coziness to the space, fostering an inviting atmosphere. Additionally, the enduring popularity of the transitional style continues, maintaining its position as the top design preference among consumers. This style effortlessly combines traditional and contemporary elements, offering a versatile and timeless appeal that resonates with a wide range of tastes. As we move into 2024, the convergence of warm minimalism and transitional design promises to create spaces that are not only visually pleasing but also practical and adaptable to varying lifestyle needs. Q: Is there a color to describe the year 2024? A: Anticipate a color palette in 2024 that exudes optimism and warmth. Soft butter yellows will take center stage, infusing spaces with a gentle and uplifting energy. Drawing inspiration from nature, expect to encounter hues like wheat and camel, contributing to a serene and earthy ambiance. The addition of more gold accents will bring a touch of opulence and sophistication to interiors. Various shades of brown will play a significant role, extending their importance to both interior and exterior design. These earthy tones not only evoke a sense of groundedness but also align with the prevailing trend toward nature-inspired aesthetics. As 2024 unfolds, the color palette promises to be a harmonious blend of optimism, nature-inspired tones, and subtle luxurious accents, creating inviting and stylish living spaces. Q: What are the main INTERIOR design color trends? A: In the realm of interior design, the leading opaque paint colors for 2024 embody a sense of warmth and sophistication. Warm whites and beiges form the foundation, providing a neutral backdrop that promotes a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Complementing these, mineral blues bring a serene touch, while vegetal greens introduce a natural and refreshing element to the color palette. A notable trend in these colors is the inclination towards warmer tones, seamlessly incorporating brown or gray undertones. This shift adds depth and timelessness to the chosen hues, creating a harmonious balance between neutrality and a subtle, grounded warmth.  Q: What are the main EXTERIOR design color trends? A: The dynamic trend of 'bringing the outside in' has not only endured but has now inspired a reciprocal desire to 'bring the inside out,' particularly in exterior design. This shift is evident in the evolution of light neutrals, which are transitioning towards warmer tones, making a significant impact across various industry segments. For exteriors, this transformation translates into cleaner earth tones that seamlessly align with interior color palettes. A key focus in contemporary exterior design is the smooth flow and transition from indoor to outdoor spaces, starting right at the front door. The emphasis on creating a cohesive connection between different areas of the home underscores the importance of a well-curated exterior aesthetic. In the coming years, water and mineral-based blues are poised to play a crucial role in exterior color schemes. These hues, with their inherent neutrality, symbolize tranquility, a connection to nature, wellness, and sustainability. By incorporating these tones into exteriors, homeowners can create a harmonious environment that not only complements the surrounding landscape but also promotes a sense of balance and well-being. Q: Do warm or cold hues tend to be most popular? A: Warm colors are presently more popular, yet there's a departure from the underlying, yellow-toned shades. Looking ahead, the color landscape is shifting towards a more neutral and grounded palette, characterized by subtle brown and gray undertones. This evolution reflects a preference for hues that exude sophistication and versatility. Nuanced neutrals are gaining traction among consumers, with a particular focus on warmed-up tans and grays. These tones not only possess a timeless aesthetic but are also anticipated to age gracefully, ensuring enduring appeal. The trend leans towards desaturated, grayed-down colors, chosen for their adaptability to any environment and ease of combination with various accent colors. As we move forward, the emphasis is on creating a color scheme that not only aligns with contemporary tastes but also stands the test of time. Q: Do you see color trends vary based on home location and style? (i.e. older home vs new construction? or color usages for different areas of the U.S.?) Coastal N.C. colors? A: Color trends serve as valuable starting points in the decision-making process for selecting hues in design. However, when it comes to choosing colors for historical or specific geographical locations, a shift towards classic and traditional palettes is commonly observed. In such contexts, people often draw inspiration from the heritage and historical significance of the location. This inclination towards classic and timeless colors reflects a desire to preserve the authenticity and cultural identity of the space. By opting for colors with a traditional appeal, individuals seek to create a connection to the historical context and maintain a sense of continuity with the past. While color trends provide contemporary insights, the consideration of classic and traditional colors becomes pivotal when crafting designs that honor the unique history and character of a particular location. Q: There is so much more than just color that goes into styles and trends. Any popular finishes, materials, textures that are popular going into 2024? A: The major trends in design will revolve around the interplay of color and texture. The emphasis is shifting towards creating depth and a layered aesthetic, departing from the starkness of clean lines and rigid surfaces. Natural wood finishes, drawing inspiration from the diverse colors found in nature, are witnessing a surge in popularity. Also, expect to see surface materials like cement, chrome finishes, and reeded or fluted wood surfaces. Popular wood species like Oak, Maple, and Alder are now making a significant mark in kitchen design, underscoring the preference for natural, earthy tones and materials. In essence, the upcoming design landscape is marked by a nuanced blend of color, texture, and nature-inspired elements that contribute to a rich and inviting visual experience. Q: Any recommendations for people who are looking at simple ways to refresh the home? Or are wanting to get started in updating the home but don't know the first steps to take? A: Paint remains a versatile and cost-effective tool for transforming the appearance of a home. It provides an easy and relatively inexpensive way to refresh the overall look and feel of living spaces. When considering resale value and buyer preferences, focusing on the kitchen and primary ensuite can be particularly impactful. These spaces are often considered focal points by potential buyers. A well-chosen and thoughtfully applied paint color can enhance the aesthetic appeal of these key areas, creating a positive and lasting impression. In the kitchen, where functionality and aesthetics converge, the right paint color can complement cabinetry, countertops, and appliances, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. Similarly, in the primary ensuite, a well-coordinated color scheme can contribute to a sense of tranquility and luxury, enhancing the overall appeal of the space. Leveraging paint strategically in these high-impact areas can play a crucial role in maximizing the overall visual appeal and market value of a home.  Sherwin-Williams Deeps & Darks | Photo Credit: Sherwin-Williams 4Q: Are there any unique or bold colors/trends you like which you think people should take more of a risk on to add to their home or style?
A: There is a growing demand for dark neutrals in both commercial and residential design, underscoring a shift towards a bolder and more sophisticated aesthetic. Dark hues are poised to remain a key element in home design, offering a sense of visual dimensionality, luxury, and an intriguing touch of mystery. Dark earth tones, in particular, are gaining prominence, providing a sense of stability that many seek in the face of uncertainty. These deep, grounding colors have the power to comfort and cocoon us, creating a reassuring environment within our homes regardless of external circumstances. The enduring popularity of dark tones aligns seamlessly with the rising trend of nature-inspired decor and the incorporation of natural elements in design. While classic, these rich and dark colors continue to captivate, adding a timeless elegance to interiors. As we navigate the desire for comfort and connection to nature, the trend of embracing dark tones in home design is set to persist, offering a harmonious balance of classic sophistication and contemporary warmth. Whether you are getting ready to list your home or looking for a fresh start to the New Year we hope this informative interview can help! Adding these welcoming and warm color trends into your home not only can make your house a more modern and decluttered feeling but also can give you a safe and relaxing place to be both mentally and physically. Cheers to starting the New Year off on a warm and strong note to carry you throughout the year to reach all of your goals! Learn how we will help you reach your Real Estate goals. We will get you into a home that matches your lifestyle and or liquidate your real estate asset for the highest and best value. Our track record is proven to under promise and over deliver. It is our goal to exceed your expectations. Call/Text us to learn more about your home value and what sets us aside from other listing/selling agents. CLICK HERE to contact us and learn more. copyright 4re marketing - all rights reserved 2024 - You are welcome to link to this blog. - Please note this content is copyrighted and under copyright law may not be duplicated without permission.  Original Content by Carl Johnson
The buying of a home is often the largest purchase someone will make their entire life. And not only is the purchase of a home a major investment, it is not done often. The average American will buy/sell only three homes in their lifetime (How many houses does the average person own? (2024) (ngontinh24.com)). For these reasons it is important to have not only a knowledgeable Real Estate Agent who stays up to date on the real estate process, as well as have a Real Estate Agent that is trusted. In this article we will cover the true Value Proposition of a Real Estate Agent, and how we are here to help you. Real Estate Done Right - The Legal Side of Real Estate First and foremost a Real Estate Agent is here to make sure you and the home you are selling or buying is done in a transaction that is smooth for all parties involved. There can be no cutting corners and even unintentional mistakes can make the process complicated. Here is a list of ways a Real Estate Agent is here to help make sure everything is done right for you right from the start. The following items are to be done before a listing even hits the market:
We make it our mission to ensure that everything is done correctly and in a timely manner. We do not want any details to hold up a sale or offer, this is especially important in the Real Estate world as transactions happen fast. When it comes to writing offers and the actual transaction of the property, a Real Estate Agent’s value is truly priceless. Here is a list of ways a Real Estate Agent is here for you to make sure offers and transactions are done correctly the first time:
After making it through the listing of the home and the battle of offers, when it comes to closing on the property it should be stress and worry free for our buyers and sellers. As a Real Estate Professional we handle the inspections and closings on the property so all you have to do is sign! Below are ways a Real Estate Agent makes sure the property is inspected and closed in a correct and safe manner so there are no hold ups for our clients:
In the end, we want our clients to have a great experience from the start to finish and make it a priority of ours that things are correct to save you time and stress in a process that is otherwise all hustle and bustle. As a Real Estate Professional our knowledge and trust when it comes to all matters and the sale of a property are priceless. Our Value Gets More Value On Your Property The value of a Real Estate Agent, when it comes to getting your home in front of the right buyers can not go unnoted. We take all of the right steps to make sure your home is marketed at the highest level of professional advertising. The following are some of the steps we take to make sure your home is listed as to get you the best offers out there: (most properties we list receive the following)
Outside of general marketing we also work with our clients to make the property as presentable as possible. The following are ways we can help increase your list price:
We Are Here For You - Let Us Help You Win At the end of the day we want our clients to have a smooth road to the closing table, while we put in a lot of work behind the scenes to make sure everyone wins on all fronts. From making sure the home is listed correctly, that all offers and contracts are done correctly, and to marketing your home and getting in the right hands, we want you to sit back and relax while you realize the value proposition we offer as a Professional Real Estate Agent. CLICK HERE to read about some of the great services we offer our sellers. Or if you want to learn more about us from a buyer perspective, CLICK HERE, to read our Buyer Q&A. At Carl Johnson Real Estate, we are your trusted advisors for all things home related. Thank you, our clients, for your trust and friendship!  Make sure to review the data located at the bottom of this blog post, which shares information about two counties along The Crystal Coast, from Swansboro to Beaufort. According to the National Association of REALTORS, "US existing-home sales rose from a 13-year low, climbing 0.8% and breaking a five-month streak in which sales declined. However, "low levels of inventory continue to impact US home sales ...as a result, sales prices remain high nationwide."  Locally, according to the Triangle Multiple Listing Service, “new listings increased 24.9% to 2,667. Under Contract Sales were up 29.2% to 2,731. Inventory levels fell 3.4% to 7,172 units. Prices were a tad soft. The Median Sales Price decreased 4.5% to $370,000. Days on Market was down 6.1% to 31 days. Absorption rates were even with last year as Months Supply of Inventory remained flat at 2.2 months.”  In Chatham County, there was a 8.1% decrease in new listings in December. The number of closed sales decreased between 2022 and 2023, falling from 83 to 65 or 22.9%. The median sales price increased by 26.3%, which meant in December, Chatham County's median sales price was substantially above the median sales price for all local Triangle MLS listings.  In Durham County, the average December median sales price increased from $398,800 in 2022 to $405,000 this year, or 2.1%. New listings and closed sales both decreased, by 12% and 27.3% respectively. The December median sales price in Durham County was a bit higher than the median sales price across all local Triangle MLS listings.  In Orange County, there were 59 new listings and 71 closed sales in December. While the average sales price was $567,893, the median sales price came in at $460,000 or 10.2% higher than this time last year. Overall, the December median sales price in Orange County has been on the rise and was a higher than the median sales price across all local Triangle MLS listings.  Person County showed the largest increase in new listings: up 45.5% compared to December of last year. The number of closed sales rose 66.7%, while the median sales price rose by 27.2% to $292,500. The number of inventory of homes for sale as well as the months supply of inventory also rose. The December 2023 median sales price was higher in Person County than across other local Triangle MLS listings.  In Wake County, there were 781 new listings and 1,069 closed sales in December. While the average sales price was $549,574, the median sales price came in at $480,500 or 3.3% higher than this time last year. Overall, the December median sales price in Orange County has been on par with the median sales price across all local Triangle MLS listings.  In Carteret County, there were 506 active and 108 new listings in December, comprising residential and multi-family properties. The number of sold properties was 100, while the average list price was $709,205, it shows to be increasing to an average of $724,006 thus far in January, good news for sellers in Carteret County.  In Onslow County, there were 1,223 active and 302 new listings in December, comprising residential and multi-family properties. The number of sold properties was 317, while the average list price was $380,430, it shows to be increasing to an average of $403,751 thus far in January, good news for sellers in Onslow County.
If you’re ready to buy or sell at the beach in Carteret or Onslow County, Carl Johnson Real Estate can help you at the Crystal Coast. Give us a call at Carl Johnson Real Estate--919-880-0904 to learn more about how we will help. To learn more about the Crystal Coast CLICK HERE.  January can still be a good time to sell a house, but you may have to work a little harder to make the space appear cozy, warm, and inviting against the dreariness of the season.
1. Snow removal is important. Snow is one of the biggest nuisances when you’re trying to sell a house. It’s important to take the time to clear any walkways so that buyers and agents can use them safely. If there are icy spots, sprinkle rock salt or sand so that no one slips and gets hurt. 2. Illuminate rooms with lots of light. January isn’t known for consistent sunshine, but let in what natural light you can. If you don’t have the best view from the windows, close the blinds or curtains and turn on the lights in every room, closet, and even the basement and/or attic. If you have a dark corner, use a spotlight or accent lighting to brighten the area. 3. Make sure everything is sparkling clean. This should go without saying, but if you want to sell your house, it has to be move-in ready. You’ll want to scrub every surface, remove any cobwebs or dust bunnies, and declutter closets and cabinets. If you need to, consider hiring a professional cleaner to do a deep clean every few weeks. It’ll be worth it when the offers start rolling in. 4. Keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Do you like to keep the thermostat above 72 degrees during the winter? Maybe you’re okay with the cooler weather and prefer to keep it closer to 65 degrees. However, when you’re expecting people to come by to see the home, you don’t want it to be too hot or too cold. A comfortable temperature would be about 68 to 70 degrees. 5. Create an environment that’s cozy and inviting. January is all about soft, fuzzy blankets, a cozy fire, and an atmosphere where you just want to curl up with a good book. You can create a welcoming vibe that’ll entice buyers by doing a few simple things: · Lay a soft throw blanket across the arm of a chair or on the back of the sofa. · Set your dining table as though you’re preparing for a nice dinner. · Create a reading nook complete with a chair, side table, and a few good books. · Have a few decorations for the holiday, but don’t go overboard! · Consider hiring a home stager who can ensure rooms flow nicely into one another, position furniture, and make sure features are spotlighted. 6. Play some calming music. Almost every store has some type of music playing overhead. This tactic encourages people to spend more money, unbeknownst to them. You can do the same with buyers. You can use soft music (we like to use classical) to get the buyer to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. Just keep in mind to avoid the radio because commercials will break the mood. 7. Avoid strong aromas. While you want your home to smell good, you don’t want to overwhelm visitors with competing scents. You never know what kinds of smells people are sensitive to. Instead of perfumed sprays or strong scented candles, go for a natural approach. Try spiced cider simmering on the stove before a showing to create seasonally appropriate aromas. 8. Present interesting tidbits about the home. If you have a craftsman home with a lot of original features, create a card or fact sheet that highlights special details. You can mention that the wood floors are original to the house or that the staircase railing is hand-carved. You could mention whether the home has had major updates, such as a new roof or appliances. These January showing tips may seem like small details that are inconsequential to your sale, but you’d be surprised by how far these little touches will go. Cozy staging can help buyers envision what life could be like if they lived there. Remember, Carl Johnson Real Estate is always here to answer any other questions you may have about real estate, such as the current state of the market and current mortgage trends, or updates that will improve your home’s value. Please feel free to reach out any time! CLICK HERE and let Carl make your home buying/selling process less stressful.  We're starting the year with a comprehensive analysis and forecast of the 2024 real estate market, empowering you with valuable insights to make informed decisions this January and beyond. Additionally, we'll delve into a few motivations behind why people move, offering a detailed breakdown of the top reasons driving people to relocate.   If you're thinking about buying or selling a home, don't hesitate to reach out to Carl Johnson Real Estate today to discuss your options and learn more about the local Winter market in the Triangle. Call 919-880-0904 for a consultation or CLICK HERE.
 All work and no fun sounds… no fun at all. We recognize that at Carl Johnson Real Estate and make sure to keep a healthy work/family balance. With that being said, we thought you might like to see this recent Top Free Things To Do In Durham List. This is not a comprehensive list, and if you know of some better options, we would love to hear about them.
They say the best things in life are free. Make sure you explore the following around Durham: Duke Lemur Center - Attention animal lovers - here's your chance to make some interesting new friends. West Point on the Eno - Loosen up and add a bit of extra fun to your time here. North Carolina Central University - Fans of architecture will certainly enjoy admiring the impressive modern design of this landmark. American Tobacco Campus - Amble around this historic site and uncover a couple of secrets from times past. Brightleaf Square - This lively area is a popular hangout for locals and visitors alike. Duke University Hospital - Well known among the locals, this place is worth taking a look at. Duke University Chapel - Connect with your spiritual side or simply enjoy the serene atmosphere at this place of worship. Forest Hills Park - No matter if you can tell your bamboo from begonias, you're certain to find beauty in this gorgeous display. Want to learn more about Carl Johnson Real Estate and how we can help you reach your real estate goals! CLICK HERE to read about our Founder, Carl Johnson, and how his experience and unique skills are the best in the business!  Here are four suggestions for some winter home renovations to get done before the tulips start blooming.
1. Give your garage a makeover If you live in a cold climate, getting a winter garage makeover might not seem feasible. A lot of homeowners seem to be under the mistaken impression that a garage makeover can’t even happen during the winter. This is simply untrue. Interior home improvement work can occur in a garage year-round, regardless of what climate you live in. A big part of any complete garage makeover is the application of a new floor coating, which is perhaps why there’s so much confusion about getting a winter garage renovation. Choose a garage makeover specialist that uses polyaspartic floor coatings, which allows flooring applications to be done even in frigid conditions (unlike epoxy floor coatings). Here are a few more ideas for ways to make your garage a more comfortable, functional, and visually appealing space:
2. Remodel your closet Like the garage, closets are hotspots for home clutter. Owning too many things is naturally the main reason excess clutter becomes a problem. Another big reason clutter can become unmanageable, however, is that there’s a lack of an efficient, smart storage system to make optimal use of your available storage space. A remodel of your closet can make it easier to keep your closet space organized. Have a professional evaluate your closet space so they can create a more functional wardrobe storage area where everything has its place. Establishing a proper storage space for all of your items will eliminate the time you waste looking for things and keep the closet looking much tidier. From improving a smaller reach-in closet with a closet organizer, to thinking bigger with this home improvement project and adding a large walk-in closet/dressing room, you’ll appreciate what a closet remodel can do for your home. Spacious walk-in closets are a good investment, too. According to a survey of 3,000 homebuyers for a recent Canadian Home Builders Association study, a walk-in closet was the home feature they wanted the most. 3. Make some small-scale home décor upgrades You might not consider moving furniture around, changing light fixtures, or some of the following relatively minor tasks to be renovations, but they are. Think of them as just smaller “cosmetic renovations”. Applying one of the fundamental elements of feng shui and simply rearranging the furniture in a space can dramatically alter the flow and energy of a room. Changing the placements of wall decorations in your living areas can also help to modify a room’s dynamics. Update your lighting fixtures, trim, or crown molding to add a stylish, elegant touch to a room. You can also take things from stale to fresh in a room by reupholstering your furniture or replacing rugs, carpeting, or drapes as part of your winter remodeling project. 4. Freshen things up by painting Another cosmetic renovation that’s perfect for doing during the winter is painting. Any room’s look and feel can be significantly changed just by slapping a fresh new coat of paint on the walls. Updating a room’s wall and trim colors with a different color can give the space a much-needed décor refresh. It’s also one of most inexpensive winter home renovations you can do. Whether you’re lightening up a room that’s too dark or getting adventurous with an accent wall, the wealth of paint varieties and shades available makes any room a literal blank canvas of endless creative possibilities. A winter interior painting project might bring up temperature-related concerns and issues about ventilating the paint fumes. Just make sure the temperature in the room you’re painting is at least 15°C and you should be fine. As a matter of fact, winter can be a better time to paint than in the summer, when heat and humidity can cause paints to take longer to dry. Unfortunately, you’ll need to open some windows in order to ventilate a painted room. That’s obviously not ideal when it’s cold outside, but it’s an unavoidable one-time extra utility expense you’ll have to live with. Use some fans to get more air moving in the rooms you’re airing out. Another incentive to repaint is that you can apply a paint that has no VOCs (volatile organic compounds). VOCs are an organic compound gas found in many consumer products. The gasses (typically in very small amounts) are slowly released over time, so using a zero VOC or low VOC paint is a clearly healthier option for your home. Remember, Carl Johnson Real Estate is always here to answer any other questions you may have about real estate, such as the current state of the market and current mortgage trends, or updates that will improve your home’s value. Please feel free to reach out any time! CLICK HERE and let Carl make your home buying/selling process less stressful. |
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