When it comes to purchasing a home, amongst setting budgets and making wish lists, deciding if you want a two-story or a single-story home is a huge decision that needs to be made. Last week we dove into the pros and cons of deciding to purchase a single-story home, leaving us wondering, what pros and cons are commonly associated with purchasing a two-story home?

Related: 5 Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing a Neighborhood

Two-Story Pros

• Space: In addition to often being accompanied by a larger lot, multiple stories also can allow for ample square footage as the home can expand upwards and not just out.
• Burglary: Owning a two-story home is generally a great option for those who are concerned with theft issues as two-story homes are less likely to be burglarized due to the multi-stories being more difficult to access for burglars, making a two-story home more appealing to many buyers.

Two-Story Cons

• Mobility: Mobility is a huge factor when it comes to purchasing a home as a two-story home is naturally more difficult to navigate for those who may have physical limitations. Additionally, even for those without any physical limitations, simple tasks such as carrying a basket of laundry up and down the stairs is more difficult than simply carrying it down a hallway on the same level.
• Heating & Cooling: Have you ever heard the phrase “heat rises?” Unfortunately, when it comes to multi-story homes you can generally expect to have a higher heating and cooling bill as often your heat will rise making the second story much hotter than the first, resulting in higher cooling bills during the summer, and likewise, higher heating bills in the winter to cool the first floor of your home.

Related: Should I Buy a Single-Story or a Two-Story Home? Part One

While there are a few other pros and cons that some may argue help play a role in their final decision to purchase either a single-story or a two-story home, these few topics seem to be the most commonly discussed when potential buyers are trying to decide which home-style would best fit their wants and needs.

If you’re currently searching for a new home, regardless of how many levels, are ready to sell your home and need a local and qualified seller’s agent, or if you have any questions regarding Carolina Real Estate, please feel free to contact our office at any time.

 

More About Carolina Real Estate

• How to Make an Offer on a Home
• What Time do I Get My Keys After Closing Escrow?
• Why Your Offer May Not be Accepted
• Buying a Vacation Home
• Forgotten Costs When Moving

Deciding to buy a house is huge decision, however, often deciding whether you should buy a single-story or a two-story home is an even harder choice to make. While ultimately it is up to you to decide which home style will fit your wants and needs best, there are a few common pros and cons to point out on each of these home styles. Today we will dive into the pros and cons of Single-Story homes, stay tuned for next week’s article, where we will take a closer look at two-story houses as well as their pros and cons.

Single-Story Pros

• Safety: Easily one of the largest pros when it comes to purchasing a single-story home is the safety that it can provide. Whether this is for toddlers learning to walk, elderly family members navigating a steep staircase, or just day to day chores such as hauling a laundry basket, without stairs, your home is automatically easier to navigate, and can lead to less potential falls or accidents.
• Mobility: While you may be running marathons now, one sprained ankle later and you’ll be wishing you didn’t have to hop up the stairs each night to go to bed. Much like the safety point above, eliminating stairs from home allows for far easier mobility within your home for those of all ages and abilities.
• Maintenance: Many agree that maintaining a single-story home is much easier than multi-stories, with everything all on one level, simple tasks as well as larger maintenance items are much easier to complete.  

Related: Most Popular Home Styles in the Carolina’s

Single-Story Cons

• Privacy: One of the biggest cons when it comes to single-story homes is the lack of privacy. Many homeowners as well as renters agree, they don’t like having bedroom windows on the ground level, likewise, they don’t like everyone who walks by being able to see into the entirety of their home.
• Lot Space: Naturally, single-story homes take up more space than two-story homes when it comes to their positioning on a lot, this can often lead to smaller yards and should you wish to expand or add onto your home, you’ll have to give up more of your yard space to do so.

Related: Are Vaulted Ceilings Worth It?

There is a lot to consider when it comes to purchasing a new home, and whether you already know what home style you’re searching for, are on the fence, or want to explore both options, it is important to ensure that prior to placing an offer on a home, you are sure that the home you are purchasing falls within your desired home style, whether that be a single or a multi-story house.

If you’re currently searching for a new home, regardless of the home type, are ready to sell your home and need a qualified, local seller’s agent, or if you have any questions regarding Carolina Real Estate, please feel free to contact our office at any time.

 

More About Carolina Real Estate

• 3 Things to Consider Before Buying a Foreclosure
• What Time do I Get My Keys After Closing Escrow?
• Why Your Offer May Not be Accepted
• Buying a Vacation Home
• Forgotten Costs When Moving

You’ve finally closed escrow and you’re ready to get your keys and start moving into your new home, however, you may be left wondering exactly when that will happen. Unfortunatley there is no specific timeframe that is set in stone for buyers to finally turn the lock and step into their new home for the first time. While you’ll have the date you close pre-determined, planning a 7am move in on the day you close, may result in waiting around for your deed to be processed, and thus, being given your keys. 

Related: Why Millenials are Buying Real Estate Together

The waiting process to get keys can often be quite stressful, especially if you’ve planned to move into your new home the same day as closing, and thus, many people try to plan a more relaxed move by giving a little cushion, or window, and choose to move in the day after closing, or even later on in the week as this allows for no delays. 

The big question simply being, why don’t you get keys right away? As with all things, there are a lot of moving parts when it comes to purchasing a home, many of which are done behind the scenes. Amongst the piles of closing documents, multiple forms and documents you’ve submitted to lenders, hours spent searching listings, touring homes, etc. there is one thing that may put a small hiccup in your moving plans, and unfortunatley it’s something that you have no control over. Recording the deed. 

Once you’ve signed all your closing documents and funded your loan, the last step before you’re able to get your keys is having the deed to your house recorded by the county. Once this is done, you can then get your keys! There are multiple other certifications that will be required for your home prior to closing, such as your certificate of occupancy, being aware of each step is highly encouraged as it allows you to stay on top of you loan’s process. 

Related: 4 Ways to Make Moving Less Stressful

Your Carolina Real Estate Agent, will be able to keep you informed, as well as answer any questions that you may have so that whether you’re beginning your house hunting journey, are within escrow, or are waiting for your keys, you can stay informed every step of the way. 

In conclusion, the time you’ll end up getting your keys will rely entirely on what time your deed is recorded with the county, while not always guaranteed, in most cases, if you are closing on a Tuesday-Thursday, you’ll get your keys earilier in the day, whereas Friday-Monday cosings generally result in later closings as those days are busier within the county offices. 

If you’re currently searching for a new home, are ready to sell your home and need a qualified seller’s agent to represent you, or if you have any questions regarding Carolina Real Estate, please feel free to contact our office at any time. 

More About Carolina Real Estate

• 3 Things to Consider Before Buying a Foreclosure
• What Risks are There When Buying a Short Sale?
• Why Your Offer May Not be Accepted
• Buying a Vacation Home
• Forgotten Costs When Moving

Each area has specific styles of Real Estate that may be more popular than others. For example, a farmhouse or ranch may be popular in Nebraska, contemporary beachfront villas or bungalows may be popular along the California coast, and high-rise condominiums may be the most popular in bustling cities such as downtown Miami. With so many choices to choose from when purchasing a home, it is important to know what styles are popular in your area. The reason for this is simply to help protect your investment should you choose to sell later down the line.

Related: 3 Things to Consider Before Buying a Foreclosure?

If you’re in the market for a new home in the Carolina’s, here are the top 5 most popular home styles in the area.

Contemporary Style

This focuses on modern architecture and style but allows for the home to be highly energy efficient and often boasts large open floorplans as well as both indoor and outdoor living space. Many new construction homes within the Carolina’s currently fall within this category.

Ranch Style

Single story charmers, ranch style homes often provide oversized patios or decks, attached garages, open floor plans, and often boast expansive kitchens that are the “heart” of the home.

The Georgian Colonial Revival

This style is the most popular in North Carolina and brings a touch of history to the home, often dating back to the 1600’s. With grand entrances and foyers and stunning woodwork these homes often feature a brick exterior dotted with multiple windows and shutters.

Farmhouse

Generally found further off the coast, these homes boast simple lines and architecture and are often one of the more “classic” styled homes. Most of these homes have wood siding, often sit on a good piece of land and while some have switched to more modern roofing materials, many still boast metal roofing.  

Mediterranean Style

From brightly colored tiles, wrought-iron fenced patios, verandas, and more, Mediterranean style homes are often among some of the most luxurious. Expansive floor plans turn suburban neighborhoods into a tropical retreat.

Related: Are Vaulted Ceilings Worth It?

Regardless of what style home you prefer, when purchasing a home, it is important to understand the “want” behind each style so that you can not only protect your investment but also find a style that appeals to your personal tastes and needs. Communicating with your agent is key when starting your house hunting journey so that you are able to tour homes that fall within your desired style.

If you’re currently searching for a new home, regardless of the style, are ready to sell your home and need a qualified seller’s agent, of if you have any questions regarding Carolina Real Estate, please feel free to contact our office at any time.

 

Additional Tips for Buyers

• Why Millenials are Buying Real Estate Together
• 4 Wasy to Make Moving Less Stressful
• Why Your Offer May Not be Accepted
• Buying a Vacation Home
• Forgotten Costs When Moving

Oftentimes home buyers will see a foreclosure and instantly jump at the opportunity to own a home that is well within their budget. Unfortunately, while foreclosures are generally accompanied by a lower price tag there are a few big factors that should be considered before choosing to purchase a foreclosed property. The last thing any buyer wants it to have their bargain turn into a money pit and end up costing tremendously more than the home is worth.

Related: How Much Home Can I Afford?

#1 Inspections

While it is always recommended to conduct a home inspection, regardless of how old or new the property is, this is especially true with foreclosures as the homes have often been neglected or abandoned which can lead to a long list of damages. This can help you determine the order of repairs needed, price estimates to conduct the needed repairs as well as discover if the home simply requires more time, energy, and money than you’re able or willing to put into it.

#2 Go for a Bank Owned Foreclosure, not a Foreclosure Auction

There are two main ways that foreclosures are generally purchases, either a bank owned foreclosure or a foreclosure auction. Foreclosure auctions are not only stressful, but also extremely competitive and you’ll be bidding against professional real estate investors, not to mention that purchases will have to be in all cash. Lastly, and often the most daunting fact with a foreclosure auction is simply that all bids on homes are placed sight-unseen, simply meaning that you won’t be able to see the home you’re bidding on prior to your purchase which could land you in a money pit, or a home you don’t enjoy.

Related: House Broke: The Common First Time Homebuyer Mistake

#3 Change the Locks

If you decide to move forward with purchasing a foreclosed home, unlike many other Real Estate purchases you’ll want to be sure to have the locks changed immediately. When it comes to foreclosures, oftentimes the locks on the homes are a part of a master key system which can grant access to multiple brokers, appraisers, contractors, etc. Knowing who has a key to your home helps bring a little peace of mind to many homeowners.

Buying a foreclosed home does take some research, and ultimately it’s not for everyone, however for some, as long as you’re willing to put in a little extra effort, some elbow grease, and budget for needed repairs, this can be a great option to own your own home, or even start an investment portfolio with rental properties, etc.

If you’re currently searching for a new home, ready to sell your home and need a seller’s agent to represent you, or if you have any questions regarding Carolina Real Estate, please feel free to contact our office at any time.

 

Additional Tips for Buyers

• Are Vaulted Ceilings Worth It?
• What Risks are There When Buying a Short Sale?
• Why Your Offer May Not be Accepted
• Buying a Vacation Home
• Forgotten Costs When Moving