 YOUR ULTIMATE HOME INSPECTION CHECKLIST:
A home inspection for buyers checklist can guide you during the inspection process. Here's what to keep an eye out for: 1. THE PROPERTY'S GROUNDS AND EXTERNAL STRUCTURE The inspection should cover the home's exterior, including the condition of the siding, windows, and roof. Any visible foundation cracks or signs of standing water should also be noted. 2. THE BASEMENT The basement is often prone to dampness, leaks, or structural problems. A qualified home inspector should carefully inspect this area. 3. THE ATTIC The attic should be inspected for proper insulation, ventilation, and signs of leaking or damage. 4. BATHROOMS AND KITCHENS The inspection should cover plumbing fixtures, water pressure, and visible plumbing. All appliances should be tested, and signs of water damage or mold should be noted. 5. INTERIOR ROOMS The condition of the walls, ceilings, floors, doors, and windows in each room should be checked. The inspector should also test all electrical outlets and light switches. 6. ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS, HEATING, AND COOLING SYSTEMS The home's electrical, heating, and cooling systems should be examined to ensure they are safe and functional. 7. PLUMBING All visible plumbing, including pipes, drains, and water heaters, should be inspected for signs of damage or leaks.COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT HOME INSPECTIONSHOW LONG DOES A HOME INSPECTION TYPICALLY LAST? A thorough home inspection generally takes two to three hours, but the duration can vary depending on the property's size and condition. ARE THERE MANDATORY FIXES AFTER A HOME INSPECTION? Not all issues identified in a home inspection are required to be fixed. The decision often comes down to negotiation between the buyer and seller. WHAT ARE FREQUENT PROBLEMS UNCOVERED DURING HOME INSPECTIONS? Common problems can include electrical issues, roofing defects, plumbing issues, and structural damage. HOW CAN YOU PREP YOUR HOME FOR AN INSPECTION? To prepare for a home inspection, ensure all areas of the house are accessible, provide the necessary documentation, and conduct basic maintenance. At Carl Johnson Real Estate, we're committed to providing exceptional service and results to all of our clients. To experience the difference for yourself, give us a call at 919-880-0904 today.
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 Located in the heart of North Carolina, Raleigh stands as a beacon of southern charm blended with dynamic modernity, offering residents a unique living experience. Known as the "City of Oaks" for its lush oak tree-lined streets, Raleigh is more than just a state capital; it's a vibrant community rich in culture, education, and economic opportunity. This exploration of Raleigh, NC, delves into what makes the city a coveted destination for individuals and families alike, covering everything from its burgeoning job market to its robust cultural scene.
ECONOMIC VIBRANCY AND JOB OPPORTUNITIES Raleigh's economic landscape is a major draw for professionals across various industries. As a vertex of the Research Triangle Park, alongside Durham and Chapel Hill, Raleigh is a hub for research, technology, and education. The area is famed for its substantial tech presence, with companies like IBM, Cisco, and SAS Institute providing a plethora of job opportunities. Additionally, the biotech and healthcare sectors are booming, bolstered by proximity to top-tier institutions like North Carolina State University and Duke University. This robust job market is complemented by Raleigh's entrepreneurial spirit, making it an ideal locale for start-ups and business ventures.EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCEEducation in Raleigh is top-notch, with public schools that rank among the best in the state. The Wake County Public School System is highly regarded for its innovative educational programs and commitment to high academic standards. For higher education, Raleigh is unmatched in the vicinity of prestigious universities, including North Carolina State University, which is renowned for its engineering and textile programs. The presence of these educational institutions not only enriches the intellectual environment but also contributes to the city's youthful energy and innovative spirit. A THRIVING CULTURAL SCENE Raleigh's rich and diverse cultural offerings reflect the city's appreciation for arts and history. The North Carolina Museum of Art is a cultural gem, with its expansive outdoor park and impressive collection of American and European paintings. The city also boasts a vibrant music scene, with venues like the Red Hat Amphitheater hosting a wide array of live performances. For theater enthusiasts, the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts presents a variety of shows, from Broadway productions to symphony concerts. The annual festivals, such as the Raleigh International Food Festival and Artsplosure, bring the community together in celebration of diversity and creativity. OUTDOOR AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES Raleigh is a paradise for those who cherish the outdoors. The city's mild climate allows for year-round outdoor activities. With over 200 parks and numerous lakes, residents enjoy a wide range of recreational opportunities from hiking and biking on the extensive greenway system to boating and fishing at Lake Johnson. The Pullen Park, one of the oldest amusement parks in the U.S., offers leisure activities for all ages, including a historic carousel and a miniature train. These green spaces not only provide a respite from the urban environment but also enhance the quality of life for Raleigh’s residents. CULINARY DELIGHTS AND CRAFT BREWERIES The culinary scene in Raleigh is a reflection of its diverse population and southern roots, offering everything from traditional North Carolina barbecue to international cuisine. The city's food culture is celebrated in its numerous locally-owned restaurants, diners, and food trucks, each adding a unique flavor to Raleigh's dining experience. Additionally, Raleigh has emerged as a craft beer haven, with breweries like Trophy Brewing Company and Raleigh Brewing Company leading the charge, offering craft enthusiasts a taste of locally brewed beers. FAMILY-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT Raleigh is consistently ranked among the best places to live for families. The city's safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, and abundance of kid-friendly activities make it an ideal place for raising children. Community events, libraries, and museums offer educational and entertaining options for children and parents alike. Housing affordability compared to other tech-centric cities further adds to its appeal for families looking to put down roots in a thriving city. Living in Raleigh, NC, offers a balanced blend of southern hospitality and urban sophistication. Its strong job market, exceptional educational resources, rich cultural tapestry, and commitment to community well-being make it more than just a capital city—it’s a place to call home. Whether you're drawn by its economic opportunities, educational offerings, or cultural richness, Raleigh promises a high quality of life that caters to a diverse population. As the city continues to grow and evolve, it maintains its warmth and charm, inviting newcomers to be part of its vibrant community. If you’re ready to buy or sell at the beach or in the Greater Triangle, Carl Johnson Real Estate can help you. Give us a call at Carl Johnson Real Estate at 919-880-0904 to learn more about how we will help. To learn more about the Crystal Coast CLICK HERE.  For any form of design—architectural, industrial, interior, fashion—the word “timeless” should never be used thoughtlessly. A look can only be considered truly timeless if it continues to inspire, century after century, without passing into the passé.
Only a small selection of styles achieve this, so when choosing a property, or choosing how to present a property, it’s always wise to focus on those few that do. Five areas that deserve heightened attention include indoor and outdoor living spaces, the kitchen and bathroom, and the overall curb appeal of the home. Here are timeless aesthetics showcased through top-of-the-line properties that span the continent and across the Atlantic. INTERIOR LIVING: IMPROVE TONE AND TEXTURE WITH PLASTER WALLS To invigorate an interior, consider changing the walls to plaster. This material has been held in high regard for millennia—from the lime and gypsum mixture found in the tombs of pharaohs, to the iconic stucco buildings of Ancient Rome, to the marmorino made with crushed marble and lime that originated in Renaissance Italy. Plaster walls were a mainstay until the middle of the 20th century, when drywall’s affordability made it a popular alternative. But for interior designers, this didn’t last long. Plaster was back in vogue with modernism, and has been prized for its beauty, durability, and the depth of its hues ever since—which is why it was the obvious choice when building this premier property in California’s renowned Pebble Beach resort community. FOR THE KITCHEN: EMBRACE THE EVER-ESSENTIAL SHAKER CABINET Though shaker cabinets feature prominently on home improvement shows, this isn’t a recent trend. They hearken back to the 18th century, when the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing—known as the “Shaking Quakers” for their ecstatic style of worship—broke away from the larger Quaker movement and began to establish “dwelling houses” across the United States. With an ethos revolving around honest labor and expert craftsmanship, the Shakers’ simple but exceptional furniture became a must-have for households from the 19th century to the present day. That’s on full display in this design-forward San Francisco house, where the kitchen also plays host to Miele appliances, a marble island, and a retractable glass wall that leads to a dedicated deck for outdoor grilling and dining. FOR THE BATHROOM: BASK IN STYLE WITH A CLASSIC CLAWFOOT TUB If freestanding tubs ever went out of style, it was because cost-effectiveness took precedence over aesthetics and quality. Built-in tubs were cheap and easy to clean, and had a brief heyday when showering became people’s preferred mode of washing. But the clawfoot tub has been an iconic bathroom fixture since the mid-19th century. The timelessness of the clawfoot tub is right at home in this exceptional Georgia residence, where the stone masonry and brickwork hearkens back to centuries past, but state-of-the-art amenities and solar panel arrays point confidently to the future. The soaker tub completes the primary suite adorned with a limestone fireplace, beamed ceiling, and a walk-in closet fit for a world-class tailor. CURB APPEAL: BRING ON THE BOLD WITH BLACK-FRAMED WINDOWS Sometimes the classic spawns from humble beginnings, such as black-framed windows. Though they look stylish and modern, they originated in the industrial architecture of the 19th century. As old mills and manufacturing facilities were later appropriated for low-rent artist lofts, workshops, and other creative spaces, they retained their versatile and visually striking black-framed windows. This aesthetic works as well on a modern farmhouse as it does on a modern art gallery, and it augments the view the same way a bold black frame augments a photograph. That’s certainly the case for this glamorous rural estate in Missouri, which includes both a main house and a guest cottage nestled among the trees of an 8-acre nature preserve. EXTERIOR LIVING: RELAX REGALLY IN YOUR RATTAN PATIO FURNITURE A porch, garden, or gazebo outfitted with rattan furniture holds perpetual panache—but what historical period does it reference? The modernist resurgence of natural colors, textures, and materials in the 1960s and 1970s? The Victorian embrace of exotic imports in the 1800s? Or even the 1700s, when Viennese braided chairs became well-established across central and Northern Europe? The answer is: all of the above. Perhaps that’s why rattan décor looks so perfectly situated next to the pool of this magnificent mansion in Nice. The architecture, which blends the aristocratic majesty of the Côte d’Azur with gorgeous contemporary finishes, complements exterior patio furnishings whose popularity and heritage has encompassed multiple geographies and eras. The features found in these five homes demonstrate that the best designs have long histories, broad appeal, and continued influence. And by incorporating them into your own home or next property search, you can create a living space that’s as perennially relevant as it is radiant. Planning a home renovation or upgrade in the Greater Triangle area, which includes Durham, Hillsborough, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro? A REALTOR like Carl Johnson offers strategic guidance to ensure your investment aligns with current market trends and enhances your property's value. With a keen eye for design trends and a deep understanding of what resonates with buyers in the Greater Triangle, Carl Johnson Real Estate provides insights that go beyond the aesthetic, ensuring your renovations contribute to the overall market appeal of your home. Call 919-880-0904 or CLICK HERE today to embark on a renovation journey with Carl Johnson Real Estate. This month, I'll be sharing some valuable historical data on home values and mortgage rates with you. Additionally, I'll provide actionable steps that both buyers and sellers can take to make the most of their real estate journey. Stay tuned for some insightful tips and guidance!   REALTORS are plugged into the pulse of the real estate market, and Carl Johnson Real Estate takes this to the next level, especially in the Greater Triangle and on the Crystal Coast. Carl’s comprehensive understanding of local trends, property values, and neighborhood dynamics gives you a distinct advantage. Whether you're a buyer seeking the perfect location or a seller aiming for the optimal listing price, Carl Johnson Real Estate's market insights are invaluable.
If you’re ready to buy or sell at the beach or in the Greater Triangle, Carl Johnson Real Estate can help you. Give us a call at Carl Johnson Real Estate at 919-880-0904 to learn more about how we will help. To learn more about the Crystal Coast CLICK HERE.  The following article comes from the Triangle Business Journey and follows the journey of home buyers in the Triangle area:
Emily Torres and her fiancé, Nicholas Vitarella, have been looking for a home on and off since 2021. But the massively competitive home market in 2021 and 2022 wasn’t for them. “We would go to an open house first day and by the time we got there, there were already multiple offers on homes due to low interest rates,” Torres said. Because of that, they decided to put their home search on pause. They didn’t pick it back up until halfway through 2023, when they started to feel nervous that prices would get so high they wouldn’t find a home in their price range. Their timing worked out. In November, they bought a home in Cary for $524,000, a time when the median sales price in the Triangle was down to $401,000, according to Triangle Multiple Listing Services. That price has since bounced back up. As of May, the median sales price was $479,000. Over the last five years, the Triangle has been one of the hottest housing markets in the country, and it has yet to cool down — or at least cool down enough to allow homebuyers to feel a little more relaxed in their search. The housing supply shortage — the Triangle currently has a two months’ supply of homes — and continued demand from buyers has contributed to a housing market that is still competitive. High prices and interest rates used to scare off buyers, but as the Triangle housing market settles into its fifth full year of high home prices, buyers are starting to jump back into the market. As Bo Bromhal with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services said, buyers have adjusted to “a new normal” after waiting for prices to drop. “They waited from June 2022 through June 2023, a full year of it and nothing happened to prices, except they went up a little bit,” he said. “So yes, it is that effect.” And while homebuyers aren’t facing as many competitive bids as what Torres and Vitarella faced their first time around, it’s still a quick turnaround. Homes are spending only about 12 days on the market before being sold. While the high interest rates were keeping buyers on the fence before, it doesn’t seem as effective as it once was. With how little the average 30-year-mortgage rate has fluctuated over the past 12 months, homebuyers are jumping in with intent to buy knowing not enough change is coming to make a difference. Many are deciding that now seems like as good a time as any — no matter the price point. Finding homes from $300,000 to $500,000 Nick Grubb, looking for a $400,000 home, struggled to find something in his price range that was in good condition and in the general area he wanted to live. He still bought a townhome in Northwest Raleigh for $415,000 even though he knew inventory was low and felt like homes were overpriced or in bad condition. “It took me about four to five months. I was looking all over Raleigh and some in Cary. I had been outbid twice over asking price before closing on my current townhome,” Grubb said. “I spent more than I wanted to because of the competitive market. I went $15,000 over asking price.” He also had to push his closing date back in order to provide proof of stable income for two years. At just 24, he hadn’t quite met that threshold. Being so young, Grubb could have waited to buy. Why not stay in the townhome he was renting for $800 a month with a couple of roommates? But Grubb said he figured, “Why not now?” He looked at his financial future and wanted to build long-term financial stability. That financial stability comes with a 6.5 percent interest rate and a monthly mortgage payment of $3,100. Johnny Chappell, owner/broker of Chappell, said, “From what we’ve seen, buyers have kind of adjusted to the higher interest rates that we’re dealing with. If anything, it felt like sticker shock around a year ago because rates went up so fast in such a short amount of time. It caused a lot of buyers to get on the fence or on the sidelines and reassess their budgets. The difference between a 3 percent rate and 7 percent rate in terms of your monthly mortgage payment is huge and that’s what caused a lot of people to reflect.” The tough housing market led Grubb to decide to stay in the house for at least five years or until he has a family and needs more space. Despite all this, Grubb still said that he feels like his experience of looking for and buying a home went well. Though he didn’t realize how much truly goes into buying a house until he was already thousands of dollars into the process. “The only downside is that no one tells you how much it is really going to cost until you have already committed $10,000 plus,” Grubb said. “Buying a house is unbelievable with how many people you have to pay to get things processed and getting the deal done.” Patience pays off in $500,000 to $700,000 range The long and difficult process of buying a home is partially why Torres and Vitarella took more than a year break from looking for homes. And having to pay so many people to find and buy a house is why they decided to not use an agent when they resumed their search. Interest rates played a big role in their home search — both in deciding to look for a home again and adjusting their price point. “If rates went back down, we just knew we were going to be in the same position we were in prior and I didn’t want to do that again, so I was like, ‘Let’s pull the trigger now,’” Vitarella said. Originally, the couple wanted to land somewhere around $440,000, but between wanting to be in a single-family home rather than a townhome and live in Cary, they chose to go up a bit in price. They adjusted their budget to $550,000 and received a full underwritten pre-approval from a lender and started looking for homes again. “We knew they [interest rates] weren’t going to change much and we were like, ‘if we see something, we find, we need to go with what we like, and if we like it, as long as we feel comfortable and it’s something that we’re not overextending ourselves.’ Because the biggest advice that we got was, ‘don’t be house poor.’ And the biggest thing that we wanted to feel comfortable with was making sure we feel comfortable with this payment,” Torres said. Their monthly mortgage payment went from $2,083 a month for a townhome to the $3,684 at 6.99 percent interest rate for the single-family home. In addition to changing their price point, the couple had a checklist of non-negotiables, mostly because they were buying a home without representation. Those items were a roof, windows and HVAC system that had all been replaced in the past five years. They said that those “big ticket” items were necessary in order for them to feel comfortable enough with going up in price. They especially didn’t want to fix things listed by an inspection, so if an inspection came back with items that needed to be fixed, that home was nixed from the list. The townhome they lived in previously was a new construction build, a much easier process than what they went through with buying a resale home. The long and difficult process has led them to rethink how long they will stay in the new home. While they don’t feel like the home is their “forever home,” they will most likely stay longer than originally planned because they have no desire to go through the home search process any time soon. Home prices above $700,000 Even though there aren’t as many homes for sale in the higher price points, the competition is still there. There are fewer buyers but also fewer homes available. The market has seen an influx of homes priced $600,000 and higher, especially since the Triangle experienced the out-of-state migration caused by Covid. These out-of-state buyers — mostly from California and New York — came with cash ready to buy larger homes but for significantly less than where they had lived previously. The migration has slowed down some, but people continue to be attracted to the Triangle — many of them being high-earners. Chappell said that Compass has seen fewer cash buyers than during the height of Covid. “Any time we get in that million dollar and up mark, we generally expect to see between 25 and 35 percent cash buyers there. So, one out of every three or one out of every four buyers at a million-plus tends to be a cash buyer,” he said. Buyers with cash have a bit of an upper hand and easier time when it comes to purchasing a home. That often means the closing can occur more quickly, and sellers tend to be more attracted to all-cash buyers rather than someone who needs financing. Sales in the higher range are rising, a reflection of the rising prosperity of the Triangle. Sales of homes priced at more than $600,000 in Wake, Durham and Orange counties increased from 2,237 in 2018 to 7,191 in 2023 - a 221.4 percent increase in just five years, according to data provided by Bromhal. Bromhal contributes most of this jump to employment growth in the Triangle. In a study released by creditnews.com, Raleigh ranked first for employment growth among 50 of America’s largest metros. The workforce in the Triangle has steadily been increasing, which of course means more demand for homes. According to numbers tracked by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Raleigh metropolitan area had 778,811 employed people in April 2024. That’s well above the number of 702,917 from February 2020, right before the pandemic. Between employment growth and people moving here, the Triangle is thriving, making it more and more attractive to companies and potential residents every day. But it means the housing market will remain competitive and house prices will stay high. The housing supply is low and will take a while to catch up with the demand of those who want to buy homes. It most likely won’t stabilize for another five years, according to Stacey Anfindsen, a residential real estate appraiser. Because of this, those looking for a home will still face a long journey where they get outbid, compromise on what they want in a house and end up adjusting their price point so they can be the winner in the end. Torres and Vitarella experienced just that. To get the home they wanted, they had to increase their house budget by $110,000. And they had to come to terms with the current interest rates, accepting that they wouldn’t be dropping below 5 percent anytime soon. This is why so many homebuyers have started moving from the sidelines and into the search as the home market remains challenging. Given the demand, now is as good a time as ever it seems. At Carl Johnson Real Estate, we're committed to providing exceptional service and results to all of our clients. To experience the difference for yourself, give us a call at 919-880-0904 today. 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 you!  Recent studies show that homeowners in the Triangle area are more willing than ever to invest in properties and upgrade to the latest trends and fashions. Let's explore some ideas and trends to consider for your home.
PLUNGE INTO THE REFRESHING COLD In the midst of sweltering North Carolina summers, the allure of a cold plunge pool beckons. More than just a luxury amenity, it's a sanctuary, an oasis of calm amidst the scorching heat. Imagine the exhilaration as you dive into its refreshing embrace, feeling every pore of your skin awaken, every tension melt away. It's not merely about cooling off; it's about immersing oneself in a ritual that rejuvenates the soul, allowing homeowners to experience the luxurious contrast between the balmy outdoors and the invigorating waters of the plunge pool. THE SOPHISTICATED WINE CELLAR Wine has always been a symbol of luxury. But modern luxury homes have elevated this sentiment, transforming wine cellars into sanctuaries of sophistication and taste. No longer just dimly lit storage spaces, they are galleries, showcasing the homeowner's passion for vintages. Picture walls become adorned with reclaimed wood racks, with each bottle cradled like a piece of art. Every element of these cellars boasts luxury, making them a testament to the owner's refined palate and aesthetic vision. FIREPLACES THAT CARE FOR OUR PLANET In a world increasingly cognizant of its carbon footprint, luxury design is evolving, harmonizing opulence with responsibility. The modern fireplace is a testament to this evolution. It is no longer just a source of warmth and ambiance; it’s a beacon of innovation and sustainability. Through energy-efficient designs and smart technology, the contemporary fireplace offers the romance of a crackling fire without remorse, making every moment by its side a celebration of conscientious luxury. THE PURITY OF WATER AT HOME Water has taken center stage in luxury homes. As homeowners become more health-conscious, the quest for purity has led to the integration of advanced water purification systems. It's not just about quenching thirst; it's about savoring the luxury of sipping pristine water, devoid of contaminants, right in the heart of one's abode. Every drop, crystal clear and refreshing, serves as a reminder of the luxurious standards one has set for their household. ROOMS DEDICATED TO RELAXATION In the relentless whirlwind of modern life, a haven of relaxation isn't just a luxury; it's a necessity. The rise of dedicated massage rooms in luxury homes reflects this deep-seated desire for tranquility. These rooms are more than just spaces; they are havens of serenity, places where time seems to slow down, where every sense is indulged, and the weight of the world simply fades away. GLAMOUR IS IN THE DETAILS Luxury design thrives in the nuances. It's the audacious splash of a cerulean throw pillow, the intricate dance of patterns on your centerpiece, or the silent allure of a delicate piece of art. Let your space be punctuated with gold-flecked fineries or the captivating luster of crystal chandeliers. When every detail is a curated blend of your soul and sophistication, rooms transform into mesmerizing sanctuaries. THINK ABOUT SPACE WITH INTENT Luxury is not just in opulence; it's in intention. An intentional approach to spatial design gives way to rooms that breathe and beckon. It's about moving beyond the mundane furniture placements and crafting symphonies of spaces that dance in harmony with each other. Envision the serenity of a well-positioned reading nook or the gravitas of a dining space celebrating natural elements. Every square inch of your home should whisper tales of purpose, making guests feel both enthralled and at ease. THE AMBIANCE STARTS WITH LIGHT Light is the brushstroke that paints the ambiance of any space. Be it the ethereal glow from a bespoke lamp, the advanced smart technology that tailors illumination to your mood, or the architecturally brilliant windows that capture nature's finest moments, light is the maestro of luxury design. The interplay between shadows and luminescence can redefine spaces, making them portals of pure enchantment. EMBRACE LUXURY THROUGH TEXTURE Textures are the unsung symphonies of luxury. Their silent narratives, be it through the inviting embrace of velvety cushions, the ethereal drift of silk curtains, or the reassuring caress of plush rugs, hold the power to transport senses to a world of opulence. The tactile delight of these materials, paired with their visual feast, crafts an experience of luxury that's profoundly personal and universally enviable. Planning a home renovation or upgrade in the Greater Triangle area, which includes Durham, Hillsborough, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro? A REALTOR like Carl Johnson offers strategic guidance to ensure your investment aligns with current market trends and enhances your property's value. With a keen eye for design trends and a deep understanding of what resonates with buyers in the Greater Triangle, Carl Johnson Real Estate provides insights that go beyond the aesthetic, ensuring your renovations contribute to the overall market appeal of your home. Call 919-880-0904 or CLICK HERE today to embark on a renovation journey with Carl Johnson Real Estate. |
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