 Buying Is Different in NC
Original Content by Carl Johnson NC is different in how the real estate game works, which is why it is important to work with a trusted local real estate agent. I want to pass on 3 key points that are of interest when purchasing Real Estate in the State of North Carolina.
With a better understanding of these three points, you can make sure the process of buying and selling is a smooth process, and remember NC is a “Buyer Beware State”. Did you know that the refrigerator, washer and dryer are considered personal property and do not have to stay with the home? When selling property, you can decide if these are items you want to move with you or sell with the property from the start and I will make sure your paperwork is done to ensure you get what you want. There is even a chance if you decide not to list them with the property, it may come up in conversation with a potential buyer asking for them to be included in the purchase. I will work with you to facilitate your wants and needs when dealing with the personal property of the house. When it comes to personal property, also please note that if items are attached to the structure they are included with the purchase - think blinds, ceiling fans, cabinetry hardware. However if a TV is hanging on a bracket the TV is not included and if curtains are hanging on a curtain rod the curtains are not included, just the brackets and rods are included. If you have any questions while preparing your home for sale, ask away! We at Carl Johnson Real Estate are here to help you and no question is too small. Any negotiations on items during the sale of the property will go through me and however I will ask your for your decision and make the process as stress free as possible. Did you know that in NC there is Due Diligence period and Due Diligence money? The Due Diligence money is paid to the seller to take the property off the market so that the buyer may have inspections. This transaction of money helps give you as a buyer peace of mind that the home will not be sold out from under them and it gives you as a seller peace of mind that the buyer is truly interested in the property. The higher the Due Diligence money the higher the interest the buyer has. The Due Diligence period is a set amount of time decided by the buyer, in which the buyer is to have inspections of the property. Due Diligence money is due from the buyer the day the offer is accepted by the seller. This Due Diligence money is non refundable, however there are some exceptions. Ask Carl about this and he will assist with guiding you through the complicated process. Did you know that with the offer to purchase and contract, states that the buyer is purchasing residential property in as is condition. North Carolina is a “Buyer Beware State”. It is important to note that the seller does not have to make any repairs. However, should a material fact be uncovered during inspection, which was not disclosed by the seller, the buyer may ask the seller for corrective actions and or in some cases exit the contract. This can range from asking for repairs to be made to the newly found issue, a price reduction on the property, or a mixture of the two. This also gets complicated and Carl is here to navigate this process with you. Should the buyer not move forward with the purchase of the property due to undisclosed findings, the seller is required by law to disclose and list that material fact to everyone and anyone even if not asked when relisting the property. There are a lot of in and outs when it comes to real estate and protecting you as a buyer and as a seller. For this reason it is important to have an experienced and trusted real estate agent, who not only has your best interest in mind, but also will not cut corners. We at Carl Johnson Real Estate will make sure your property is listed paying attention to all the details as well as with your wants and goals at the top of our list. CLICK HERE to read our testimonials from our fantastic clients! Read how we earn our trusted reputation.
0 Comments
 Get in the Spring Spirit and get ready to freshen up your home! Sunshine and warmer weather means it is time to check off some projects for you home, especially the home's exterior after a long winter. From gutter maintenance to upgrading you deck, now is the time to review what type of home projects you would like to check off. A new coat of paint inside the home can give a fresh new feeling that may be just what you need going into the new season. See a list below with some great Spring Project suggestions to help you get started!  Getting ready to list your home? Click here for 10 Ways to Prep your Home for Sale!
 When we think of keeping our homes clean, most of us focus on the inside—vacuumed floors, tidy kitchens, and spotless bathrooms. But what about the outside? Yard hygiene is just as important as indoor cleanliness, and it can have a surprising impact on your home’s health, appearance, and even value.
Here’s why maintaining a clean, organized yard should be part of your regular routine: Protects Your Family’s Health A neglected yard can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and disease-carrying pests like mosquitoes and ticks. Standing water, overgrown grass, and pet waste all contribute to health risks. Regular yard maintenance—like mowing, cleaning up pet messes, and removing debris—keeps the environment safer for you, your kids, and your pets. Boosts Curb Appeal Instantly Your yard is the first thing people see when they visit your home—or just drive by. A tidy, well-kept yard gives your property a polished, cared-for look. Whether you're planning to sell or just want to take pride in your space, simple things like trimming hedges, edging walkways, and removing clutter can make a big visual impact. Keeps Pests Away Rodents, insects, and snakes all love cluttered, unkempt yards. Piles of leaves, tall weeds, and unused items are cozy hiding spots for unwanted critters. Keeping your yard clean and trimmed not only makes it look better—it also discourages pests from setting up camp near your home. Preserves Your Property’s Value Ignoring your outdoor space for too long can lead to serious problems: dead plants, rotted wood, drainage issues, or even damage to your home's foundation from poor water flow. A well-maintained yard protects your landscaping investments and helps prevent costly repairs down the road. Enhances Your Lifestyle A clean yard isn't just about looks—it's about how you use it. Whether you're hosting a barbecue, playing with your kids, or just enjoying a quiet evening on the patio, a tidy, well-maintained yard is more functional and inviting. It becomes an extension of your home—a private retreat right outside your door. Yard hygiene might not be the most exciting topic, but it plays a huge role in your overall quality of life. A clean, well-kept yard supports your health, adds beauty to your home, and creates a more enjoyable space for you and your loved ones. So the next time you're tidying up indoors, take a few minutes to step outside—your yard deserves a little TLC too. CLICK HERE for some informal tips for an eco-friendly outdoor space.  We’re honored to share that we’ve been voted Best REALTOR® by the readers of Durham Magazine for the fourth year in a row! This recognition means the world to us — and it wouldn’t have been possible without your continued support, votes, and trust.
Our clients are at the heart of everything we do, and we’re truly grateful for the relationships we’ve built and the confidence you've placed in us. From our “Signature Listing Service” for sellers to our “White Glove Service” for buyers, our mission remains the same: to deliver an elevated, personalized real estate experience that goes above and beyond — every step of the way. Thank you for being part of our journey. We look forward to continuing to serve our community with the same dedication, passion, and care — for many years to come. Want to know more about Carl? Check out his bio page by CLICKING HERE.   In April, the Greater Triangle Region demonstrated solid growth in market activity, with new listings rising by 18% compared to the previous month and showing a 14.6% increase year-to-date. This surge in inventory suggests growing seller confidence and a more active spring market. However, despite the increase in listings, the region experienced a modest dip in both closed sales and average sales price, indicating a possible shift in buyer behavior or a period of market adjustment.  Chatham County experienced notable growth in April, marked by a 7.9% increase in new listings and a 2.6% rise in the median sales price. The average sales price also climbed by 2.3%, reaching $764,395. These trends reflect a steady demand for homes in the area and signal a healthy, upward trajectory in the local market.  Durham County saw a significant 33.3% increase in new listings in April, indicating a surge in market activity. While the number of closed sales declined, the market showed strength in pricing, with the median sales price rising by 5.4% and the average sales price increasing by 7.6%, reaching $492,446. These figures suggest that, despite fewer transactions, property values continue to trend upward, reflecting sustained demand in the area.  Orange County experienced strong market growth in April, with new listings up by 23.4%, signaling increased activity and seller confidence. The median sales price rose by 3.2%, while the average sales price saw a notable 22.8% jump, reaching $677,858. This sharp rise in average pricing reflects strong demand for higher-value properties and continued upward momentum in the local luxury market.  In April, Person County's housing market experienced a downturn in both closed sales and median sales prices. The average sales price dropped by 14%, landing at $334,348, signaling a cooling trend compared to previous months. Despite the decline in prices and sales volume, the market showed a notable increase in seller activity. New listings surged by an impressive 90.4%, marking a significant rise in available inventory. This sharp uptick in new listings indicates a renewed confidence among homeowners looking to sell, potentially creating a more balanced market. For buyers, the increase in inventory may present expanded choices and improved negotiating conditions. While the decrease in pricing reflects a temporary slowdown, the influx of listings could stimulate more market activity in the coming months, offering new opportunities for both buyers and sellers.  Wake County reflected similar housing market trends observed in Person County during the month of April. The area experienced a decline in both median and average sales prices, with the median sales price falling by 8.2% and the average sales price decreasing by 2.9%. These figures suggest a cooling in home values compared to the same period last year, possibly influenced by shifting buyer demand, higher interest rates, or broader economic conditions.
Despite the dip in pricing, seller activity gained noticeable traction. New listings rose by 16%, indicating a growing number of homeowners entering the market. This increase in inventory may help ease some of the pressure on buyers who have faced limited options in recent months and could also lead to more balanced negotiations between buyers and sellers. Working with a REALTOR® can make all the difference in your home-buying or selling journey. From navigating market trends and property values to managing complex paperwork, a REALTOR® provides expert guidance every step of the way. Their negotiation skills can help secure the best possible deal, while their experience with inspections, financing, and legal details ensures a smoother, less stressful process. Simply put, partnering with a trusted real estate professional saves time, minimizes stress, and empowers you to make confident, informed decisions. When you choose to work with Carl Johnson, you're gaining more than just a REALTOR®—you’re gaining a dedicated advocate. With deep expertise in the Greater Triangle area—including Durham, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro—Carl brings unmatched local insight and strong negotiation skills to every transaction. His services also extend to North Carolina’s beautiful Crystal Coast, offering clients a seamless, full-service experience across multiple regions. Whether you're reviewing offers or finalizing closing details, Carl is committed to achieving the best results and guiding you to success in every step of your real estate journey. CLICK HERE to view this month's latest Crystal Coast report.   Atlantic Beach had a particularly active month, with an impressive 84 active listings available on the market. The area also welcomed 27 new listings, signaling continued interest and movement in this popular coastal destination. Additionally, 15 properties successfully closed, reflecting steady buyer activity. Most notably, the average sales price reached a striking $908,733 — a strong indicator of the area's high property values and ongoing appeal among homebuyers and investors alike.
Beaufort experienced a robust month in the local real estate market, boasting a total of 114 active listings — showcasing the town’s continued popularity and diverse inventory. With 38 new listings added, it’s clear that sellers remain confident in the market’s strength. Additionally, Beaufort saw 20 properties sold, further underscoring healthy buyer demand. The average sales price came in at $640,369, reflecting the town’s consistent value and its appeal as a charming waterfront destination with deep historical roots and vibrant coastal living. Cape Carteret maintained a steady presence in the market this month, with 14 active listings offering a mix of property types for prospective buyers. The town saw 6 new listings added, suggesting that homeowners are gradually re-entering the market to take advantage of continued interest in this peaceful coastal community. A total of 4 properties were sold, reflecting moderate but consistent buyer activity. The average sales price reached $511,250, underscoring Cape Carteret’s appeal as an accessible yet desirable destination for those seeking a laid-back lifestyle near the water without sacrificing value. Cedar Point experienced a relatively balanced month in the real estate market, featuring 25 active listings that provided buyers with a variety of options in this charming coastal town. With 4 new listings added to the market, seller activity remains steady, signaling ongoing confidence in Cedar Point’s appeal. The town also recorded 5 successful home sales, indicating a healthy level of buyer interest despite its smaller market size. The average sales price stood at $472,520, reflecting Cedar Point’s attractive combination of affordability and coastal lifestyle, making it a desirable option for both primary residents and vacation home seekers alike. Emerald Isle had an exceptional month in the real estate market, with a total of 101 active listings providing a wide range of properties for prospective buyers. The area welcomed 36 new listings, highlighting the ongoing interest in this sought-after coastal destination. Additionally, 10 properties were successfully sold, further reflecting the steady demand and healthy turnover in the market. Most notably, Emerald Isle led the way in April with an impressive average sales price of $929,200, setting the bar high for the month. This price point underscores the area’s continued appeal, offering both luxury and unparalleled coastal living, making it one of the top destinations for buyers seeking premium properties along the Crystal Coast. Indian Beach saw a dynamic month in real estate, with a total of 34 active listings available, showcasing a variety of homes ranging from cozy beach cottages to larger waterfront properties. The area also saw the addition of 7 new listings, signaling that sellers are continuing to take advantage of the strong market conditions. With 5 properties successfully sold, buyer interest remains steady, and the town’s appeal continues to draw those seeking a tranquil coastal lifestyle. The average sales price for properties in Indian Beach was $748,600, reflecting the area's balanced mix of value and desirable location along the Crystal Coast, making it an attractive choice for both vacation homebuyers and full-time residents looking for a serene retreat. Morehead City had a strong month, with 74 active listings on the market, offering a wide range of options for potential buyers. The area saw 44 new listings, reflecting a growing inventory and continued interest from sellers. Additionally, 12 properties were successfully sold, showcasing steady demand. The average sales price for the month was $499,167, highlighting the city’s balanced market and its appeal to a broad spectrum of homebuyers. Pine Knolls Shores experienced a vibrant month in the real estate market, with 39 active listings providing a diverse selection of properties for prospective buyers. The area saw the addition of 21 new listings, indicating a continued influx of sellers looking to capitalize on the market's strength. In total, 6 properties were successfully sold, reflecting steady buyer activity and a healthy market dynamic. Notably, the average sales price for the month reached an impressive $789,333, showcasing the area’s appeal as a desirable destination for those seeking a blend of coastal charm and luxury living. With its prime location along the Crystal Coast, Pine Knolls Shores continues to attract homebuyers looking for both tranquility and a high-quality lifestyle. Swansboro experienced a busy month in the real estate market, with 49 active listings showcasing a diverse range of properties to suit various buyer needs, from charming cottages to larger family homes. The town welcomed 21 new listings, reflecting continued confidence in the local market and a steady influx of sellers eager to meet buyer demand. A total of 19 properties were successfully sold, indicating strong buyer interest and a competitive environment. The average sales price for the month was $385,816, making Swansboro an attractive option for buyers seeking a more affordable entry into the coastal market while still enjoying access to the area’s natural beauty and small-town charm. With its growing popularity, Swansboro continues to offer an excellent blend of value and quality living in the heart of the Crystal Coast. Here at Carl Johnson Real Estate, we’ve established a reliable network of professionals—from mortgage specialists to home inspectors—dedicated to ensuring a smooth and effortless process. By leveraging our resources, you’ll save time, effort, and money, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: your next big move. Ready to take the next step? Call us at 919-880-0904, and let Carl Johnson Real Estate be your trusted partner on your journey along the Crystal Coast of North Carolina. CLICK HERE to read this month's latest Greater Triangle Market Report.  Whether you're dreaming of relaxing on a sunny beach, exploring scenic hiking trails, or anything in between, the United States offers an incredible variety of destinations to suit every kind of traveler. From coastlines to mountain peaks, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. CLICK HERE for some summer travel hacks to get you going this summer!
 How A Room Can Sell A Home Original Content by Carl Johnson Ever go to a friend's house or see photos of a home online and there is just one feature which stands out to you and you can’t get it out of your head? Oh that chandelier in the dining room made the whole space feel elegant! Wow, that waterfall island was stunning! The herringbone tile work for their bathroom was to die for! When selling a home, these same key features and rooms can be the ticket to getting your home sold and at a higher price too. At Carl Johnson Real Estate, we take the time to get to know you and your home before listing the property for sale. We find out your goals and how to achieve them. Oftentimes that means setting a home up for success from the start. We will walk through the home with you inside and outside, one room at a time to see how we can highlight each spot to the best of the home's strength. In this article we want to show you the importance of setting a home up the right way and how just a few key features can make a home shine! Dining Room When listing a home, it is key to make the house a place buyers can see themselves in. If there is a formal dining room, this means making it welcoming and a place of togetherness. Show seating at the table, maybe stage some dishes around or a platter on the table, and have window fixtures open to let the light inside the space. If there is no formal dining room but still an eat-in area, again show seating but don’t over crowd it, keep the area decluttered and clean. Overall, a simple update to a light fixture can go a long way in a dining room to make it modern and a showstopper. If you want to do more or think the area needs an update, try fresh paint colors, new window fixtures, or just decluttering the space to make it somewhere people can visualize their own home.  Kitchen Everyone knows that the kitchen, no matter the house size or layout, becomes the heart of the home and where everyone gravitates to during a party or gathering. “According to a recent survey, 80% of homebuyers placed the kitchen in their list of top three most important spaces. And of buyers who bought homes without certain features, 69% of those surveyed said they would have paid more for new appliances, and 55% said they would have paid more for granite counters” (How Will Kitchen Remodeling Affect Your Home's Value? - Ramsey). This is why it is important to make sure a kitchen is not only presentable while listing it for sale, but if there is an opportunity to make it even better, go for it! If you want to think big with your kitchen, you can. Full kitchen remodels are proven to increase the value of your home, though they can be costly themselves. If you plan on living in the home for a while before selling it, then maybe a full renovation will make sense, you get to enjoy the kitchen as well as get monetary expenses back when you go to list. If this is the case, keep in mind what people look for in a renovated kitchen - high-end countertops, energy-efficient high-end appliances, pantry space if available, counter space, modern hardware, and light fixtures. See what works in your budget, your style, and your home, and blend it all together. You can do a kitchen refresh on a smaller scale, too! Swap out the handles on your cabinets for something new. Keep your sink the same, but add a new modern faucet. Just replace one older appliance that needs it, but keep all of the others neat and clean. If you don’t have the budget to replace cabinets, many professional companies come in and can paint them for you quickly and easily without the mess. Change downlights to pendant lights. There are a lot of options when it comes to updating a kitchen. At the end of it all though, even if there is no time or budget to update the kitchen, make sure it is clean, organized, and smells good. This can have a great impact on the sale of the home.  Primary Suite/Bath If the home features a primary bedroom this is an opportunity to make the house shine. Buyers like to see spacious clean and bright spaces in a bedroom. If you have the chance to make all the bedrooms open and clear that's great, but you can take an extra step to make the primary room stand out. Think freshly bed made, deep cleaned carpeted floors or polished wood floors,, dust free or even new fan/overhead lights, organized closets, simple and decluttered night stands and dressers. You don’t need to have a giant primary bedroom but showing it in the right light will make it special. If there is an ensuite to the primary making sure it is bright and clean (this goes for all other bathrooms in the house as well!) is a must! Take items off of the countertop, scrub the shower/tub and sink - make the room look and smell clean! A bathroom is also a spot buyers like to see that is new and updated. Similar to the kitchen, if you're able to renovate the primary bathroom as a benefit to your list price, but as always it is up to you on how much or little you want to do. Some popular items that show well are - a shower stall with a separate soaker tub, custom tile work throughout, high end countertops and cabinets, sinks that are easy to clean, large mirrors, storage closet, bright lights, and a separate toilet area. If you are looking for smaller updates consider - new light fixtures, new shower curtain and liner, updating hardware or sink, putting in a modern style mirror, doing a deep clean or hiring a company to come in to help do so. If you make sure all of the home's bathrooms are clean and fresh, that is a plus.   Bonus Spaces/Exterior Any bonus spaces in the home are just that - an area you have to show off what sets your home apart from the rest! A finished basement, a home gym, a great outdoor patio, a garden, a covered garage, a large porch, even a loft space are all chances to make your home stand out on the market. Once again, taking the time to highlight any special areas can go a long way. I recommend that the exterior of the home be cleaned up and landscaped to the best of your abilities. Having a clean walkway, no cobwebs by the side door lights, or a cute little welcome mat helps to make a great first impression before any buyers even step into the house. If you have a patio and fire pit, throw some chairs around the area to show its potential to a buyer, and then they can visualize themselves enjoying it. If there are any features of your home you want to show off let us know - we’ve done full features as a part of our custom marketing that have included the local vegetation of a home our sellers have tended to over the years, the breakdown of a garden and it’s rain barre benefits, I’ll walk your property in a custom home tour video and show off your large fenced in backyard without breaking a sweat. Our job at Carl Johnson Real Estate is to get the best for you, our client, and we proudly work with you and your home to make you both shine! CLICK HERE to contact us today and learn more.   Welcome to the April 2025 Crystal Coast Market Report This month, we bring you a detailed overview of the latest market trends, emerging opportunities, and key shifts impacting real estate along the gorgeous Crystal Coast. Renowned for its unspoiled beaches, dynamic communities, and laid-back coastal lifestyle, the Crystal Coast remains a prime destination for those looking to buy, sell, or invest in a piece of coastal paradise. The Crystal Coast experienced impressive growth this month, with Beaufort taking the lead, boasting 35 new and 23 sold listings! Pine Knolls also shone brightly, topping the charts with a remarkable average sales price of $1,065,088. This was a big success for both of these thriving communities! See the data below that uncovers the key drivers of the market and shines a spotlight on the emerging trends shaping this coastal real estate treasure.  February was a standout month for Atlantic Beach, with 64 active listings, 23 new properties added, and 9 homes sold. What’s even more impressive? The average sales price soared to $797,000, showcasing the area's continued appeal and strong market performance. Beaufort is buzzing with activity, boasting 105 active listings, 35 new properties hitting the market, and 23 homes sold. Even more promising, the average sales price climbed to $472,191—an encouraging sign of growing demand and strong market momentum. In February, Cape Carteret showcased a modest yet steady market with 14 active listings, 7 new properties added, and 2 homes sold. The average sales price held strong at $452,500, reflecting the area’s consistent appeal. Emerald Isle had a strong showing with 92 active listings, 34 new properties hitting the market, and 8 homes sold. Most notably, the average sales price reached an impressive $1,031,850—highlighting the area’s high demand and luxury appeal. Indian Beach maintained a solid presence in the market with 30 active listings, 5 new properties, and 6 homes sold. The average sales price came in at a notable $937,367, reflecting strong buyer interest in this sought-after coastal spot. Morehead City had an active month with 56 properties on the market, 35 new listings, and 19 homes sold. The average sales price reached $511,289, reflecting steady demand and continued confidence in this vibrant coastal community. Pine Knoll Shores claimed the top spot for the second month in a row, boasting the highest average sales price at an impressive $1,065,088. The area also saw solid activity with 33 active listings, along with 9 new properties and 9 homes sold—proving it’s still one of the hottest markets on the Crystal Coast. Swansboro had a busy month with 48 active listings, 23 new properties hitting the market, and 14 homes sold. With an average sales price of $351,703, it reflects a remarkable level of activity and growing interest in this charming coastal town. Buying or selling a home can be a complex process, full of moving parts—paperwork, market shifts, and unexpected curveballs. That’s where a seasoned REALTOR® like Carl Johnson steps in, guiding you through every detail and making the journey as smooth as possible. At Carl Johnson Real Estate, we’ve built a trusted network of professionals—from mortgage experts to home inspectors—all working together to create a seamless experience. By tapping into our resources, you’ll save valuable time, energy, and money, so you can focus on what really matters: your next big move. Ready to get started? Call 919-880-0904 and let Carl Johnson Real Estate be your trusted guide along the Crystal Coast of North Carolina. CLICK HERE to read this month's latest Luxury Market Report. |
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed