Homeownership is the most direct road to wealth for many people, and your primary residence might eventually become your most valuable asset. However, buying a home can feel complicated, with property prices soaring in most locations. If owning a home appears out of reach, though, don't give up. There are ways to ease the shock and save money when purchasing a home. It sometimes seems impossible to save enough money to purchase a home. Fortunately, you can use a few easy tactics to make saving for a house a little easier. From finding out how much you can afford and understanding the importance of a home inspection to finding the top listing agent in Kernersville, NC, these tips can make your homeownership dreams a reality.  Buying a home can be an excellent investment, and it's an impo... 06/13/2022

Generally, when people look for a home, they buy a property that suits their wants and needs. They consider nearby amenities, neighborhood demographics, and the price.  One of the many reasons people buy homes in Jamestown, NC, is its low cost of living and low crime. Most significantly, it's a remarkable place with a rich history.  If we compare it to the other residential neighborhoods, Jamestown's cost of living is 5.5%. That's lower than the U.S. average. Jamestown's municipal government takes pride in continuously improving roads and infrastructure. Plus, as a smaller community, Jamestown has quieter streets and better relationships between its citizens.  What are the biggest reasons people buy homes in Jamestown, NC? Let's get into details. What Is Jamestown, North Carolina Known ... 06/13/2022

There are multiple professions in the real estate world, such as appraisers, bankers, contractors, home inspectors, and government agencies. While there are many players in real estate transactions, the workhorses are the real estate agents and brokers who coordinate the process. Whether you’re buying or selling a home in Oak Ridge, NC, the crucial step for you is to find a great realtor.The best realtor in Oak Ridge, NC can help you through every step of the real estate process. They answer whatever questions arise concerning the process so you do not waste time Googling into the abyss. The best real estate agent is also one with a clear handle on the ins and outs of the housing market in Oak Ridge, NC.An excellent real estate agent is similar to a symphony conductor, coordinating the ... 03/13/2022

The past couple of years might have been a roller coaster ride on many fronts, but fortunately, the ride has provided a silver lining for many homeowners. In particular, there has been a considerable rise in the prices of homes. So you might be wondering if you should take advantage of the climb in home values. You might also be wondering if putting a home in Oak Ridge, NC up for sale is a good idea. As you consider the thought of doing so, a good starting point is to ask yourself, “what’s my home value in Oak Ridge, NC?”On average, the home value of properties in Oak Ridge, NC is $227,465, according to Zillow. This value only includes the middle tier of homes, though. The average can also fluctuate depending on the season, so homeowners need to be aware of that.Read on to learn more ab... 03/13/2022

What a crazy year it's been.It's a few days after Thanksgiving, Cyber Monday to be precise.  The holiday craziness is in full swing.  It’s the perfect ending to a very strange year in real estate.The trends in the Triad have followed the national trends, which is not always the case. Normally, just before Thanksgiving and until a week or so after New Year’s Day, it's a very quiet time for real estate sales in our area.  This year, it's anything but normal.  Yes, it slowed down for a few days just before and after Thanksgiving and I would expect the same around Christmas.  However, more people seem to be in the market to purchase a home now, than usual. The reasons?  Very low inventory for the most of 2017, which still continues to be the case.  If so many people want to buy, why are sel... 11/27/2017

Is Your Realtor® Keeping Up For YOU!?!?!   In today's world of constantly updating technology is your agent keeping up with all the changes to better market your home that is for sale?  To often websites and real estate systems are constantly changing their websites and guidelines.  Now many times these changes are for the better if taken advantage of.  For example; The Triad MLS system recently changed software systems to the new and improved Matrix MLS system.  One change in particular did add a load of work for me as soon as the system too affect.  The new system will accept up to 30 photos where as the old system only took 16.  The resolution and size of the photos that are allowed to be accepted has been enhanced also.  Of course as soon as the system took affect we updated all our... 03/29/2015

Is Your Market HOT or not, Why is My Home Not Selling?    Have your been attempting to sell your home for an extended period of time now?  Have you seen your neighbor's homes sell but not yours?  One of the best things you can do is a comparison of your home and your competition.  There are many things to consider besides just comparing homes.  But let's start with the obvious;   * Compare the basics of your home and the homes that have sold:                     Price:  focus on the price per square foot and not just the total price.                     Size:  not only how many rooms, but what size are the rooms?                     Features:  take a look at the listing pictures, what do they have you do not have?                     Upgrades:  Don't just focus on granite countertops bu... 03/26/2015

What or Who is Your Realtor® Trying to Sell   When you look at real estate marketing what is being sold?  Is it your home or is it the brokerage or the agent?  Is their face the largest picture?  One needs to consider the direction and intent of a company.  At Total Care Realty, LLC our focus is singular, we are here to sell your home not ourselves.  All of our marketing pieces are about our clients homes.  We pride ourselves on taking a rare and different approach to selling homes.  Our jobs are not to simply put a sign in the yard and wait for a buyer.  As "listing" agents we aggressively try to find a buyer for your home not just wait for one to appear.  Our firm's entire marketing strategy is not on promoting the firm but, on selling our clients homes.  The next media push for our f... 03/26/2015

You think you have found it, THE house!  Yay!  But wait, what do you really know about where you are moving?  It is really important you ride through a neighborhood and check it out.  What else is there, are the neighbors keeping up with their yards and trash?  No?  Hmmm that could be a bad indicator. I also recommend my clients ride around the neighborhood at different times: day time, night time, and weekend, to get a sense of what the neighborhood they may be living in will be like.  At 3:00 the neighborhood may be nice and quiet, but maybe at 4:30 when the high school has let out the streets are full of kids smoking and listening to loud music…OR maybe the neighborhood is still nice and quiet.  You won’t know unless you check it out. Ride before you buy. 09/04/2014

Hi friends! First of all, thank you for being a loyal reader of our blog. We hope you like what you read here and find the information useful! Today we are going to ask for your help with something. The best way, in our opinion, to find a new service provider, store, doctor, etc. is to ask someone for a recommendation. Do you agree? We are going to assume you said yes We are asking today that you help Team Leung by recommending us! If you know of someone thinking about buying or selling a home, could you mention us? Maybe recommend they check out our Facebook page, or just give us a call…we will be happy to reach out ourselves. Another way you can help is to provide testimonials and write online reviews. A few places you can review Team Leung: https://www.facebook.com/TeamLeung http://... 08/27/2014

There are many factors that go into buying (and selling) a home. But just like most buying decisions, particularly the big ones, in the end it all comes down to price. How much is your house worth? Or how much should you pay for that dream house you’ve got your eye on? Like all complex questions, there’s more than one “right” answer, but some answers are better than others. Let me explain… Lots of times, people will ask me about the “tax value” of a home, and that is a factor to consider, but it’s not going to be the best answer to either of those two burning questions above – how much is your house worth and how much should you pay for a particular home for sale? Tax value – also called assessed value – can be way off the mark. Tax value is an amount assigned to a property as a basis ... 08/26/2014

You don’t have to have 20% down:   08/26/2014

Moving with kids isn’t easy, heck, neither is moving without them! These 4 steps will help you Go Home Without Going Gray! 1. There’s no time like the present Don’t wait to tell your kids that you’re moving. The more time they have to process the move, the better. And the sooner you tell them, the less likely it will be that an over-sharing friend of family member spills the beans for you and sours your carefully laid plans to break the news yourself. 2. Question everything Your children will have many questions about the big move. Be receptive. Keep communication open. And remember that you’re not just providing answers, your also discovering how they feel (and what they fear) through the questions they ask. 3. Stay positive Moving is a pain. But try not to share the stress with your k... 08/22/2014

    Your dog may know “Sit!,” “Stay!,” and even “Roll over!”, but I’ll bet even the most perfectly trained pooch doesn’t know this one – “Move!” Pets are not furniture.  You can’t just pick ‘em up from your old house and plunk ‘em down in a new house without some planning and preparation.   So, if you’ve got furry friends and a move in the works, consider these helpful hints: Dog Tags: Before you move, get your dog (or cat) new tags. Any of the major pet supply retailers have handy dandy machines that’ll engrave Spot’s new ID tag on the spot.  It costs less than $20 and takes about 10 minutes.  Be sure to include your new address and phone number as well as the pet’s name. Chip Slip: If your hi-tech hound is micro-chipped, don’t get tripped up by technology.  Those chips don’t work like... 08/18/2014

                  Moving with children can be a hair-raising experience.  But let’s at least prevent major graying with some simple tips to make the move smooth. Since there’s much to consider – school and medical records, emotional impacts, before, during and after plans – there’s no one-size-fits-all moving with children checklist.  BUT there is a great online resource that I suggest you check out: Moving With Kids! There you’ll find pretty much everything you need to know about moving with kids – from toddlers to teens.  There are checklists to make sure you’ve got it all covered, helpful hints and tips, and even real-world advice from parents who have been there and done that. Look for my next post: 4 Ways to Keep the Kids Happy When You Move 08/18/2014

Or, how to sell your house 38 days faster:   08/18/2014

Selling your house? How about the asking price?       08/15/2014

  School has become a four letter word in my house these days. We just aren’t ready to say goodbye to summer. Of course, it is time to start thinking about the new school year. Wondering how to find your school, or how to find a school for that house you fell in love with and hope your offer is accepted? Go to the School Assignment Locator and enter the street name. How about your bus stop? No problem. Enter your school here and look for your street. Have you gotten your school supplies yet? 08/15/2014

Your house goes under contract, but what happens to all of the other potential buyers that saw your home? What if they were just “thinking about it,” or waiting for whatever reason. I make sure every potential buyer knows that your house has become a commodity and that if they were “thinking” about it, then it is time to get off the fence and make a move. I make sure agents that have shown your house before know that it is under contract. Creating a sense of urgency for potential buyers is the best way to make sure you get top dollar for your house. We can also have a back up plan in place in case something should happen with that first offer. I don’t just sit on my laurels when it looks like your house is going to sell. I still go after every penny I can for you to make this your best ... 08/14/2014

What is your favorite part of your house? Now, why is that place your favorite? I would be willing to bet it mostly has to do with the way that space makes you feel, or a memory associated with the space. How do you translate that feeling, that love, to a potential buyer? Stage it! Let’s say you love your outdoor space, and you and your spouse or friends have had some of your best conversations, romantic moments, laughter, etc. there. What did the space look like? Recreate it! Pictured is the outdoor space of a house where they loved the large patio and fireplace, so they set the scene: A bottle of wine, some glasses, and viola! Any buyer walking through could likely imagine spending evenings outside enjoying the space in the same way. Other ideas:  1. Have a pool game or chess game in... 08/13/2014