 As a buyer, it's easy to become emotionally invested in a home, especially when you find one that meets all of your criteria. However, it's so important to ensure your offer includes a home inspection contingency and to keep your emotions in check until the home inspection report comes back. A home may seem like a dream come true on the surface, but the home inspection report may transform it into a nightmare.
A home inspection usually takes place within the first 10 days under contract. The report will usually outline minor defects to major structural issues and everything in between. If there are serious issues such as foundation damage, roof damage, or mold in the basement, you'll likely need to negotiate with the seller on how to remediate the issues. If your dream home fails the home inspection, that doesn't necessarily mean all hope is lost. Don't panic. Instead, your real estate agent can help guide you through these steps:
While it's true that a failed home inspection can sometimes derail a home sale, deals are more likely to fall through due to an unwillingness to negotiate on how to remediate the situation. The best thing you can do is keep emotions in check, calculate the cost of repairs, and attempt to negotiate with the seller. Depending on the cost and the severity of the repairs, there is a good chance you can come to a resolution before walking away from the deal. Click here to read about home improvement projects that can increase the rate of return on your home!
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 According to USA Today, 34% of Americans who moved in 2024 relocated to the South, 25% to the Midwest, 23% to the West, and 18% to the Northeast. There are several factors that can create a need for change in location, that may include:
That's what we are here for. Here at Carl Johnson Real Estate, we work to ensure your Real Estate needs and wants are fulfilled. Figuring out if your home the right fit for you can be a bitter sweet experience. Of course you love your home! But we are here to make sure you don't settle in what you need and desire. Give us a call at 919-880-0904 for any questions or concerns you may have. Click here for a glance at a few wonderful moving tips to get you started on your moving journey. Remember, we are here to serve you!  Whether you've lived in your home for one year, ten years, or multiple decades, there will always be things that can be done to improve your home environment. When it comes to knowing if your home is the right fit for you, it all comes down to knowing your wants and needs. There are certain key factors that can indicate if your home is the right fit for you such as:
Size is important in knowing if your home is the right fit for you. It impacts the quality of life, comfort level, and ability to accommodate your family's needs and lifestyle. Visualizing the square feet of a room or house that matches your family size can help you choose the right home size. On average, the ideal square footage is about 600 – 700 square feet per person. Depending on the size of your family, will determine how much interior space you will need. A larger family necessitates a larger home with more bedrooms and living space to comfortably accommodate everyone. If you like to host parties, and family indoor or outdoor functions, size is important as well in making sure your guests have the space they need. Location is another key factor in deciding if your home is a good fit for you. Some people prefer being in more busier areas like the city, while others may prefer to be in a more private setting like the country. The location of the house you buy can determine a number of factors, which may ultimately effect the value of your home. Some of these include quality of schools, social opportunities and nearness to amenities. Even in instances where you find your dream home, you should keep location in mind. Budget is crucial to create your own personal budget for your first home to determine the amount you can comfortably afford, both now and in the future. There will always be recurring costs such as mortgage, food, utilities, and extra curricular activities. You don't want to struggle to make your mortgage payments each month. Keeping track of your monthly, and annual expenses is key in being able to properly manage the overall well being of your home life and personal life goals. Here at Carl Johnson real estate we specialize in making sure your real estate needs and desires are met. Click here to learn more about how we can serve you in making your real estate goals come true!  The Pros and Cons of Buying a Fixer-Upper
Original Content by Carl Johnson You are finally set up and ready to start house hunting, you have your finances ready to go, the best real estate agent around (Carl of course!), and a list of wants, needs, and dreams for what you are looking for in a house. And sometimes along the way, checking off those wants of your dream home seems like a long shot . . . but having an open mind and the ability (or a REALTOR® with the ability) to see a house’s potential can help you reach as many goals as possible! First, let us start off by saying that a fixer-upper house does not mean a full renovation or even having to put money into the home right away before you move in. A fixer-upper can be as much or as little as our clients want it to be. Whether you want to paint right away or if you want to save and then add an addition in ten years, there are unlimited options you can put into a house to ‘fix’ it up! Below are a list of some quick and affordable fixer-upper to-do's as well as more lengthy projects that are good to keep in mind as you go tour houses: More Quick or Affordable Fixer-Upper Projects:
More ‘Down-the-Road’ Fixer-Upper Projects:
At Carl Johnson Real Estate we are here to work with you for all of your needs, and offering a visual for how a house can be updated, renovated, or simply painted to become your home is something we love to do. When the price is right and the home is in the right location, sometimes buying a fixer-upper is just what you need. Follow along in this article for some Pros and Cons of Buying a Fixer-Upper. Location PRO The first pro of buying a fixer-upper that comes to mind, is the flexibility it adds to finding a house in a location our clients desire. As the Triangle and nearby towns such as Roxboro, Gibsonville, Mebane and Oxford become hot spots, houses in these in-demand towns become more competitive. Having the ability to buy a fixer-upper allows us to find more houses available to you than simply a new construction home only for example. Also if you are waiting for a specific type of home (new or already fully updated) in some of the city locations, which tend to be historic (and beautifully so!) you may find yourself hunting in the housing market for months longer than those who are willing to buy a fixer-upper. But when location is a must, whether it's a need for being close to work, near a favorite outdoors area, or simply a neighborhood or community you want to be in, adding fixer-upper type homes to your list allows for so many more options to tour as well as decreasing your competition of other buyers. Being open minded to a fixer-upper house literally opens the door to more options in the location you want. And remember a fixer-upper can mean as much or as little as you want it too (sometimes it is just seeing past that old yellow painted interior which other buyers are not able or willing to do!). Save on Home Price PRO It is obvious when a home on the market is a major fixer-upper project and this can be seen in the list price right away, but this same theory goes for homes that need small changes as well. The more work a buyer has to put into a home the lower the list price goes because in general most buyers are looking for a turn-key house. This is why our buyers who are willing to see a home as a fixer-upper have an upper hand, and can save money! A popular trend we have found is that Buyers like to see updated fresh kitchens and bathrooms, these are always selling points on a house. A house before the kitchen countertop is updated to granite or quartz and the appliances to stainless steel may sit on the market longer than a home with these updates already finished. Our clients get more buying power the longer a house sits on the market, which may lower the price over time or allows our clients to make a more competitive offer. Major renovation projects on a fixer-upper also offer more major price discounts on a property. Though it is costly to bring in a contractor and to start knocking walls down and adding them back in, in the long run you may find that buying that three bedroom at a lower price in the neighborhood you've dreamed of and adding in a fourth bedroom as a master suite one day can save you money. The property value of a fixer-upper also appreciates more over time than a move-in ready property. Sweat Equity is a real thing in the housing market and as you put more into your home you will get more out of it. As the move-in ready house value will only increase with the industry trend, your fixer-upper property will have a higher percent increase as your updates move that home into the same bracket as its previously higher prices move-in ready comparison. Makes a House a Home PRO One more pro of a fixer-upper is that you can make a property go from a house to a home, this is a priceless pro to buying a fixer-upper. As you add your personal touches and vibe to a house, it becomes more your style and your happy place to go to. Coming home after a long day at the office to your cozy personal designed front porch where you can relax, or taking the time in the morning to enjoy your custom built coffee bar you added, there is a peace of mind that no one else can offer except your own hard work and care. There comes a certain pride with welcoming friends into your home where you hand painted the railing, you designed its interior calling color palette, or hosting a party in your gourmet kitchen you saved up to create. Yes, these will have a positive impact on the value of your home for the future but it is the priceless value the after effects of a fixer-upper can have on our clients that we love to share! Pay Attention to the Inspection (known expenses) CON Though there are a lot of pros of buying a fixer-upper property, there are cons that come with it as well. As with any property our buyers are purchasing, we make sure our clients are aware of what the home inspection report finds, and this goes especially for those that are considered major fixer-uppers. A home inspection won’t say things such as: needs new paints or the light fixtures are dated, but items more major as well as some minor can pop up that need attention. Some typical inspection report items that can reviewed are:
It is important to read through all the details of the inspection and note items that would be major expenses needed right away on the property, items that could be potential large expenses in the future, or some items which may be deal breakers right off the bat. We work with our buyers to go over the inspection report, line by line, and make sure if you are buying a home as a fixer-upper that, to the best of our knowledge, you are not taking on too major of a project. Down-the-Road Issues (unknown expenses) CON Just like with any property, there are always things that pop up when you least expect it which cost money to correct. From a garage door coil that snaps to a hot water tank that leaks, at any time unexpected expenses happen that are part of being a homeowner. As you get into renovations and open walls in the house, you increase your odds at finding added expenses. For example, often in older homes electrical and plumbing needs to be updated to the new codes while you start making renovation changes and you won’t know what you’ll find under the floor or behind a wall until your project starts. These unknown expenses, which exist for all types of property owners, are slightly increased on a fixer-upper home and the more renovations needed the more these random expenses can increase accordingly. Your Property - Your Choice - We’ll Help! At the end of the day, it is up to you as our buyer client to decide how comfortable you are with any level of a fixer-upper and we will work with you to meet those goals. But a fixer-upper is a great option to get your home in your price range. We help you win in a competitive market, or to help you get in the location you desire. Whether you plan to DIY the home or you may want to hire an interior designer or contractor, you are able to make most any house into your dream home, and we at Carl Johnson Real Estate are here for you! CLICK HERE to read about the options you have for a home inspection.  Explore the ever-evolving real estate tapestry of the Crystal Coast, where every neighborhood tells its own compelling story of market activity. From bustling hubs to undiscovered treasures, embark on a journey to uncover the freshest trends in residential and multi-family properties across our diverse locales. Delve into the data and unveil the standout areas that are seizing the spotlight with their dynamic sales and enticing investment prospects. Stay tuned to this monthly blog series to stay abreast of the market pulse and make informed decisions as you navigate the Crystal Coast real estate landscape.  Atlantic Beach, a bustling market with 58 active properties and 11 active listings, with 13 properties sold, boasting an average price of $692,500.
Beaufort emerges as another vibrant hub, presenting 100 active listings and welcoming 37 new listing, with an average sale price of $456,995. Despite its smaller scale, Cape Carteret showcases resilience with 8 active listings and 3 new, resulting in 5 properties successfully sold, fetching an average price of $519,800. Emerald Isle maintains its allure with 88 active listings and 33 new. The average sale price of $721,200. This coastal gem continues to captivate both buyers and sellers alike, showcasing the robustness and allure of the region's real estate market. Indian Beach displays promising activity with 31 active listings, with an average sold price of $593,375. Morehead City proves its resilience with 47 active listings and 30 new. Notably, 23 properties were successfully sold, boasting an average price of $552,952. Pine Knolls Shores shines brightly, featuring 21 active listings and 12 new. Despite the modest numbers, 6 properties were sold, commanding an impressive average price of $1,280,000. In Swansboro, 50 active listings and 29 fresh additions denote a healthy market. Fourteen properties were successfully sold, with an average price of $442,814. The home buying or selling process can be very intricate, involving paperwork, market knowledge, and experience in handling situations as they always arise. A REALTOR like Carl Johnson is well-versed in navigating these complexities and streamlining the journey for you. At Carl Johnson Real Estate, we have an extensive network of professionals – from mortgage brokers to inspectors – ensuring a seamless process. By leveraging our trusted partners and our resources, you save time, energy, and money, allowing you to focus on your next move, which is more than enough to focus on as there is so much to do when moving. Call 919-880-0904 or CLICK HERE today to experience Carl Johnson Real Estate in Carrboro, Hillsborough, the Greater Triangle and Crystal Coast.   New Listings in the Triangle Region increased by 16.6% from August 2023 to now. Inventory increased by 14.5% in August. Median Sales Price decreased by 1.5% percent from $400,725 to $400,000. Days on Market decreased 48.7 percent to 17. Months Supply of Inventory were dead even with last year. Warmer temperatures appear to have helped bring some sellers back to the market, providing additional options to home shoppers during the spring buying season.  In Orange County, listings diminished by 1.4%. Although closed sales saw no boost, the median sales price saw an increase of 6.6%.  Although Person County saw a decrease of 28% in listings, the median sales price surged by 14.3% year-to-date.  Durham County experienced good results, with closed sales rising by 15.5% and the median sales raised by 0.8%.  Although in August, Chatham County saw nearly a 30% decrease in closed sales, the median sales price soared by an impressive 4.7%, Year To Date.  Wake County witnessed a remarkable 6.3% surge in new listings. Closed sales saw a downtick of -10.2%. The median sales price increased by 0.8%.
Did you know? Hiring a realtor can save you time and stress in the home-buying process. Their expertise in the market, negotiation skills, and knowledge of the paperwork can streamline the journey to your dream home, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience. Engaging a seasoned REALTOR like Carl Johnson, who is well-versed in the Greater Triangle area, brings a wealth of negotiation skills to the table. Whether you're buying or selling in Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, or elsewhere in the Greater Triangle, Carl's expertise ensures you get the best deal possible. From navigating counteroffers to securing favorable terms, Carl Johnson’s finesse in negotiations can make a substantial difference in the outcome. Trusting Carl ensures you have a dedicated advocate, maximizing your chances of closing the deal on your terms. Call 919-880-0904 or CLICK HERE today to leverage Carl's expertise in the Greater Triangle.  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.                 The home buying or selling process can be very intricate, involving paperwork, market knowledge, and experience in handling situations as they always arise. A REALTOR like Carl Johnson is well-versed in navigating these complexities and streamlining the journey for you. At Carl Johnson Real Estate, we have an extensive network of professionals – from mortgage brokers to inspectors – ensuring a seamless process. By leveraging our trusted partners and our resources, you save time, energy, and money, allowing you to focus on your next move, which is more than enough to focus on as there is so much to do when moving. Call 919-880-0904 or CLICK HERE today to experience Carl Johnson Real Estate in Carrboro, Hillsborough, the Greater Triangle and Crystal Coast.  How To Grow Your Own Dreamy Southern Garden An Interview with Southern Rooted Gardens for Tips & Tricks on Growing Your Own Garden Oasis Original Content by Carl Johnson Summer sun, buzzing bees, and flowers in full bloom - These are all typical scenes hitting your senses as you take a stroll in almost any neighborhood in the Triangle. I know I find myself often passing by a neighbor’s beautiful yard filled with bright colors, raised garden beds, and rain barrels thinking to myself. . . I could never grow a garden so lovely. But after talking with Garden Consultation and Founder of Southern Rooted Gardens, Kristen Thomas, having a garden of my own is not far away! Whether you are wanting to add to your home’s curb appeal and landscape or wanting to grow your own fresh fruit and vegetables, we are here to help. We sat down with Kristen to get some helpful tips and tricks for you to get started on growing your own southern dream garden. Some key take-a-ways are: know your growing zone - start small - add a bench so you can enjoy the fruit of your labors! Read the full interview below to learn more!  Q: How did you get your passion for gardening? A: I grew up in a small rural town outside of Pittsburgh, PA where my grandparents always had a garden. It was a fun way for them to try new foods and allow them to cook fresh homegrown meals. My family has always loved to cook and try new foods, so when my husband and I bought a house of our own, one of the first projects was to put a garden in. My first year in our garden, I was able to grow such high-quality food that tasted so much better than store bought food. It only enhanced the meals that we cooked and created such a sense of pride saying “I grew all of this from my garden!”. From that moment, I knew I found a new passion which was gardening.  Q: Gardens are more than just curb appeal. A garden can become a mood booster and lifestyle. Do you agree? A: I completely agree. My garden is one of my favorite places to go after a day’s work. For me it’s a way to be outside and enjoy nature. Not only am I able to taste and harvest all kinds of fruits and vegetables but I’m able to see how all the pollinators enjoy my garden just as much as me or potentially more. I always suggest putting a sitting area in your garden so that you can sit and take in all the beauty that surrounds you. Q: What makes North Carolina gardens so unique and special? A: I believe North Carolina is unique and special because I am fortunate to live in an area where I am able to grow so many different types of plants and able to grow vegetables most of the year. Being in growing zone (Hardiness Zone) 8a, I am able to grow and harvest vegetables most of the year and able to grow a big variety of fruits and vegetables as well. However, to do this requires a good deal of upkeep and timing to make sure we are rotating plants that grow properly throughout the seasons.  Q: Are there different seasonal gardening tips people should be aware of? A: Yes, there are tons of seasonal gardening tips out there. However, a lot of the tips that I suggest are based on the growing zone that you live in. For example, North Carolina's growing seasons are different from Pennsylvania’s. So, three main tips I like to suggest, are first to be aware of the growing zone you live in. Second tip is to make sure when you grow your own vegetables and fruit that you select seeds, plants and tree varieties that do well in your zone. Third tip is to journal as much as you can. Having a journal where you can take notes year to year will help you know what personal works in your area and help you remember not only what type of plants did well but when. Q: Home grown fruit and vegetables cannot be beat! Is it possible for a NC homeowner to grow their own produce? A: 100%, I personally have a small kitchen garden that has 8 raised beds where I am able to grow most of our fresh produce all year round. I believe having a garden in your backyard is such a great way to enjoy nature and a great hobby for you and your family to enjoy. Q: We have found sustainability at home to be a desired quality for our clients when looking at properties. How are gardens able to contribute to this? (i.e. rain barrels, irrigation, fruit and veggies, local pollinators…) A: I believe gardens contribute to this because you are growing your own sustainability. There is such a sense of excitement and appreciation when you grow your own food. It allows you to know exactly how your food was grown and shows you the benefits that it does for your local pollinators as well. Not only is this space aesthetically wonderful, but you can attract so many different types of pollinators and beneficial insects in such a small space. Truly giving yourself a beautiful, sustainable and productive space in your own backyard that can benefit only you but the environment. Q: What are the first few steps you recommend for someone just starting their gardening journey? A: The first step I always recommend is to start small. If you are just getting started it is always best to set yourself up for success which is not to take too much on at first. You can always expand once you continue to enjoy your journey. Second, is to do your research and have an understanding for what works in your area. Lastly, enjoy your journey. You are going to do things that do not work out every year but take it as a learning lesson and not a failure. Give yourself the appreciation that you tried and something to improve on next time. Q: What services does your company offer? Do you work with both beginner and mature gardens? Do you offer remote consultation and in person? A: Garden Consultations for beginner and existing gardeners we can do a consultation with our thoughts and feedback on improvements to enhance your gardening experience. We also can discuss your specific zone and what plants work best in each season. This can be done in-person or virtually, whichever suits you best. Provide garden designs which give you an idea on how to create the perfect garden for you. We will spend an hour at your space and discuss your wants and wishes and follow up with a garden design, additional value adds and a rough estimate. If you have an interest at all, we would love to have an initial conversation where we can learn more about your situation and see if we can be of assistance with your gardening journey. Take advantage of the North Carolina life-style and get outside and garden! Even if it is just a small herb planter in your downtown Durham loft, or a full raised garden set in your lush suburban yard there is nothing be benefits to gain from getting started on your dream garden! If you are looking for inspiration you can take the time to visit one of my favorite spots, the Sarah P. Duke Gardens!  Looking for more curb appeal tips and tricks to help get your home looking its best? CLICK HERE to visit our resource page to learn how you can take small steps that make an impact.
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