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Home » sunset beach real estate

5 Questions You Must Ask Your Realtor®

November 21, 2016 by admin 1 Comment

If you’re considering selling your home in Sunset Beach and surrounding towns and cities in North and South Carolina, you need not just a good agent but a GREAT agent that gets the home sold and tells you the honest truth. Here are five questions to ask a potential realtor or real estate agent before listing your home.

#1. How many homes have you actually sold?5 Questions You Must Ask Your Realtor®

This goes beyond how many homes he/she has listed and not sold, or sold as a Buyer’s Agent. How many homes have you actually sold within the last year that you have listed? If the answer is few to none you may want to reconsider the agent. A great agent needs to know how to price the home correctly, how to set up and stage and market that home to potential buyers.

#2. How easily can I get a hold of you?

If simply setting up the listing presentation has been a slew of emails, unanswered phone calls or texts, this is only a red flag as to what the listing process may be like. Make sure you can get a hold of your agent quickly for answers to your questions, showings, and for potential offers.

#3. Can you be honest with me about the price?

This may be a hard one for many sellers to swallow. A good agent can answer most questions but a great agent can answer the tough questions. Being realistic about the selling price without just telling sellers what they want to hear is a step in the right direction to getting the home sold. Sometimes the sellers must hear the harsh reality of what their home may be worth in order to get it sold.

[Related: Questions to Ask a Buyer’s Agent]

#4. How well do you negotiate?

This is also another red flag. If you’re Agent is wavering on price and seems a little weak even in the listing presentation you can be sure that this type of attitude will carry over into the negotiations. A strong, firm but respectful agent can get things done quickly and efficiently on your behalf.

#5. Do you help with relocation?

Not all agents have a moving van at their disposal to offer to sellers when it comes time to move but help with relocation, in general, can speak volumes. Does your agent have suggestions on what to do if your current home doesn’t sell? What happens if you have two mortgages or rent and mortgage? Can they help with community relocation information such as utilities, phone numbers, and school districts?

As a Sunset Beach real estate agent, it is my duty not only to help you get your home sold but also to help your move be as smooth and as stress-free as possible. Give me a call today and I would be honored to discuss a listing presentation with you, marketing strategy and an advertising plan to get your home sold quickly.

 

Filed Under: Sellers Tagged With: listing agent, realtor, sunset beach real estate

How Long Does it Really Take to Buy a House?

November 9, 2016 by admin 1 Comment

Buying a house is a scary move and many first-time buyers are still very apprehensive about the process. However, the more you know, the easier it can be. One of the biggest questions that many first-time buyers have is how long the process really takes. Here’s a good breakdown of the process and timelines when you buy your very first home.How Long Does it Really Take to Buy a House?

Many buyers take several weeks, even months deciding that they’re even going to buy a house. It may be a split-second decision or it may be something that buyers contemplate for quite a while. Statistics show that buyers under the age of 50 tend to search for homes about 11 weeks before actually finding one, whereas those over the age of 50 tend to look for about eight weeks. (According to the Home Buyer and Seller Generational Trends Report 2015)

On average it takes about 30 to 45 days to finalize all the documents necessary in order to close on a home. Finances take about a month and negotiations can take anywhere from an additional 10 days to 45 days.

If you need to get your credit in line this can take at least about eight weeks. If you’re just under the score for an FHA or conventional loan, you may want to spend a couple of months getting your finances in order and raising your credit score in order to get the best rate and terms.

If you already have a good credit score it takes about a week to research different mortgage options, which is a vital part of the home buying and borrowing process. You can literally save tens of thousands of dollars in interests and fees by researching the best loan for your needs. Buyers have choices of FHA loans which require a 3.5% down payment or conventional loans which typically require at least a 5% down payment and a credit score of 680. VA loans are also an option to help veterans and their families obtain excellent home financing.

Once you’ve decided on the mortgage, you’ll need about two days to a couple of weeks for preapproval. You want to seek preapproval prior to beginning your home search so that you have the documents in hand and you know exactly how much home you can afford. This process can take literally hours but could take up to a month depending on the type of loan you’re looking for, grants, personal assistance or increasing your credit score.

Read more: What is a Good Faith Estimate

Next, you’ll need to find a real estate agent and this can happen in one day or can take up to a month if you’re interviewing different agents. You want to get an agent that specifically helps buyers. There are many listing agents and solely buyer’s agents and some do both. You’ll want to find an agent that is proficient in the market, understands homes that could be overpriced and knows how to find a great deal. Your buyer’s agent is your advocate during the home buying and negotiating process so it’s crucial that you find someone with whom you feel comfortable and can trust.

Researching potential homes and neighborhoods could take several weeks but it also can happen at the drop of a hat. You might be surprised as to all the homes you look at only to go back to the very first one you ever viewed. Start your search online by browsing all homes for sale in Sunset Beach and outlying areas. You might find something more affordable and larger in the city just outside of Myrtle Beach.  Talk to your real estate agent about commute times, neighborhoods, school districts and what you really are looking for in a home purchase.

Read more: 5 Ways to Save for a Down Payment

Once you’ve made the decision to purchase a particular home the process is a little more streamlined. Negotiations can go on as long as the buyer and seller cannot agree. If buyer and seller agree to all negotiations from the first presentation of documents they can take no more than three days to have the property under contract. From there, you’ll move on to the home inspection.

Buyers typically have seven days to order and conduct a home inspection. The inspection will take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours and you want to a company your inspector to learn as much about your home as possible. After the inspection, negotiations will start up again if necessary. Buyers and sellers typically have three days to respond to certain requests and changes on the inspection report. This can go back and forth for several weeks until a mutual agreement is made. Again, this could happen immediately if the inspection is approved right away.

Read more: Homebuyers Checklist

Once the inspection is approved the sale goes on to “pending”. From here, it can take anywhere from one week to several weeks for the final closing to happen based on the initial terms in the purchase and sale agreement. Perhaps the seller asked for a little bit more time to move out. There’s usually a date on which the closing is to happen. If it needs to be changed it will also require mutual acceptance. On average, after the inspection, it’s typically 3 to 4 weeks before the buyer can receive the keys to the new home.

Again, based on finances, negotiations and terms in the purchase and sale contract, most real estate transactions last anywhere from 30 to 60 days.

If you’re ready to get started looking at homes throughout the Sunset Beach real estate market please contact my office today or let me know if you need referrals for home inspectors or lending options and feel free to browse the site for all properties for sale throughout the area.

Filed Under: Buyers Tagged With: buying a house, closing, real estate buying, sunset beach real estate

Homes on the Golf Course in Sunset Beach NC

September 9, 2015 by admin Leave a Comment

Homes on the Golf Course in Sunset Beach NC

Life on the course screams relaxation, ok maybe not “scream”, but a gentle, calm whisper that life is serene and all is right with the world. Golf is not a high impact, loud sport so naturally homes near a golf course are desired by those longing for a peaceful environment. You already want to be by the ocean but golf AND the ocean is just the perfect combination. 

Sunset Beach has 5 golf courses all within close proximity of each other and many have homes and properties running throughout the course. If you’re looking for a home on the golf course in Sunset Beach, here are your options and general prices. 

Let’s start with Sandpiper Bay Golf Course. Located north of town off Old Georgetown Rd., this course is non-gated and has numerous homes in Sandpiper Cove and Sandpiper Landing as well as apartments and condos in Sunset Village. Nearly every home has golf course views and sits right on the fairways. These homes start about $170,000 to $400,000 and the majority were built between 2000 and 2005. HOA dues are about $70-$100 per month. You’ll find a variety of sizes from 1600 square feet to over 4,000 square feet. Average home price here is about $260,000.

Sea Trail Golf Links is one of the largest in the area stretching from Old Georgetown Rd to Sunset Blvd. This golf resort also has a convention center and two clubhouses. About a half of all the homes in this community are on the course. Prices range from $190,000 to $500,000 with the average home price around $320,000 but there are several in a wide range of styles and designs. This is not a gated community but most traffic will only be residents. Homeowners dues are low at just $40 per month. The club features three courses, pro shops, gallery, tournaments and a golf school. There are even guest suits perfect for friends or family that come to visit. 

Oyster Bay Golf Links is located west of town off Shoreline Dr. and is one of the smallest. Although this community is not gated it is private property and only residents and their guests are allowed in the neighborhood. There is a small enclave of homes from $200,000 to over $500,000 and all are custom built between 1995 and 2005. HOA dues vary between nothing and $40 per month. These homes are on larger lots and many have forested lots on the course. 

Other courses close by include the Thistle Golf Club and the Pearl Golf links, which have a few homes around the exterior of the course. 

For a complete list of homes on the golf course in Sunset Beach that match your search criteria and price, please contact us at anytime! We would love to help you find the right home in the right neighborhood. 

Filed Under: Communities Tagged With: golf course homes, golf homes, sunset beach, sunset beach real estate

Ocean Ridge Plantation

July 6, 2015 by admin Leave a Comment

Ocean Ridge Plantation

Ocean Ridge Plantation is a community located in Sunset Beach on the gorgeous North Carolina coast line between historic Wilmington and playful Myrtle Beach. This is a luxury golf community set near the best most pristine beach allowing residents tons of activity and plenty of space to relax and enjoy surroundings.

Be as active or leisure as you like. There are over 60 clubs and organizations to take part in within the community of Ocean Ridge. There are also miles of biking and walking trails,an ocean front beach club, five golf courses, fitness center, tennis courts, nature park,and indoor and outdoor pools to name a few amenities.

The Ocean Ridge community is also just minutes from great restaurants and shopping in Sunset Beach and neighboring towns

The homeowners association and residents take great pride in the community. There are around 3000 acres in this community and 900 acres are kept as green space making the community upkeep and responsibility a big one. Homes and common areas alike are excellently maintained showing pride in ownership both individually and as a whole.

Ocean Ridge features homes with traditional architecture and each smaller neighborhood within the community carries its own distinct characteristics. Homes are all custom built by Ocean Ridge builders or builders approved by the Ocean Ridge building committee. Though each house fits together with the others in a neighborhood it has its own unique set of characteristics. Choose to buy an existing home ranging from a one story bungalow to a grand estate or work with the team of high quality builders and choose from what seem like endless options, or bring in your own approved builder for the home that you have always dreamed of. Current prices of homes in Ocean Ridge start in the $300,000s and homesites start at $50,000.

For more information on buying a home in Ocean Ridge Plantation or Sunset Beach NC real estate please browse our website or contact us anytime.

Filed Under: Communities Tagged With: sunset beach communities, sunset beach real estate

Reasons to Use a Buyer’s Agent When Purchasing New Construction

June 19, 2015 by admin Leave a Comment

There is a common misconception out there that you don’t need a buyers agent when purchasing a new construction home. When you pull up to a construction site and go in to look at the onsite model home/ office the agent working for the builders will give the impression that they can handle everything for you on the purchase. This subjects buyers to “dual agency” or using a real estate agent that is working for both the buyer and seller.Reasons to Use a Buyer's Agent When Purchasing New Construction

The agent onsite is contracted by the builder to uphold the best interests of the builder. They have signed paper work committing themselves to the benefit of the builder. They by law cannot work to negotiate on the buyer’s behalf against the builder. You will find that if you bring your own agent to a new construction site the builder’s agent is okay with that and may even welcome it.

Here are some reasons why it is in a buyer’s best interest to bring their own buyers agent when purchasing new construction:

-Site agents want to sell homes for the builder and quickly not check in to see how a new home owner is doing after the close

-It is easier for site agents to speak with experienced agents than buyers

-Buyers agents are more open to any questions buyers have and have more time to get answers

-An experienced agent knows how to ask the buyer what they need and want in a home and what price they can affordReasons to Use a Buyer's Agent When Purchasing New Construction

-A buyers agent experienced in dealing with new construction deals will know how to negotiate to get you the best price/terms/warranty possible. They know how builders work and the right questions to ask and negotiations to make.

-A good buyer’s agent will take the time to go over the contract in detail and explain everything you are about to agree to with your best interest in mind

-Buyer’s agents will give advice when something in the contract comes up that may not be beneficial to the buying party and can advise on how to remedy it

-A buyer’s agent knows the current market and what comparable prices of other new construction homes in the area are to get you an even better price

-You don’t have to pay the listing price on a new construction home buyer’s agents know this and can save you thousands by negotiating on your behalf

When purchasing a home it is always beneficial to bring an experienced buyer’s agent with you to get you the best price possible on a home that fits your lifestyle. For more information on Sunset Beach NC real estate browse our website or contact us anytime.

Affiliate Resources:

How much does it cost to build a house in Utah

Our Tips: New Construction in Brunswick County

Filed Under: Buyers Tagged With: buyers agent, new construction, sunset beach nc, sunset beach real estate

What our clients say

Ken and Linda Foltz

“Life will lead you to where you belong. Five years ago life led me to meeting Karen Baker at an...
Sunset Beach and Beyond Realty
2015-03-16T20:16:32+00:00
“Life will lead you to where you belong. Five years ago life led me to meeting Karen Baker at an Open House. Our relationship continues as Karen and her husband Frank have been outstanding not only in helping my husband and I find the right retirement relocation home, but we have watched their commitment in helping many others find their homes. She and Frank treat every client as if they are the only ones that exist. They provide thorough research of areas and homes of interest and present you with the options. They are not your typical hard sell, must-buy-now realtors. They are here to help you find your next home?. You won’t go wrong with the Bakers!
https://sunsetbeachandbeyond.com/testimonials/ken-and-linda-foltz/

Steve & Jean DeVito

“The Bakers treated us like family during our whirlwind weekend of looking at houses. Prior to our on-site visit to...
Sunset Beach and Beyond Realty
2015-03-16T20:17:46+00:00
“The Bakers treated us like family during our whirlwind weekend of looking at houses. Prior to our on-site visit to Sunset Beach they created a portal and populated it with properties that met our ever-evolving criteria. By time we arrived we had a good feel for what we could afford and what was available that met our criteria. The Bakers, especially Karen, were able to make sense of what we thought we were looking for and eventually matched us with a house that we ended up purchasing — Karen called it the “This is it” house and she was right. We are loving our 2nd home and appreciate how painless Karen and Frank made the process. All the paperwork was done seamlessly and quickly and the closing went off without a hitch. The Bakers do not believe in the hard sell — they gave us the knowledge we needed and the guidance we needed to make our dream a reality.”
https://sunsetbeachandbeyond.com/testimonials/steve-jean-devito/

Matt & Amy Carver

Amy and I have bought and sold four properties in the past twelve years. Both of you are the best...
Sunset Beach and Beyond Realty
2015-03-16T20:18:22+00:00
Amy and I have bought and sold four properties in the past twelve years. Both of you are the best realtors we have ever dealt with. Amy and I both felt we could trust you to look out for our interest. The level of service you provided was outstanding, from taking the trash out, helping the buyer with inspecting the irrigation system, dealing with our tenants, always being there if we needed to ask a question, providing constant updates on the market and always keeping us informed on the sale of our house. I think your next venture should be training other realtors, because both of you have mastered the art of providing excellent service. I will be sure to recommend the Frank and Karen team to anybody looking for a trust worthy, knowledgeable and top performing realtor. It was a pleasure working with both of you.”
https://sunsetbeachandbeyond.com/testimonials/matt-amy-carver/

Ernie & Carol G.

“Karen & Frank Baker are the best. They are very knowledgeable with the area & showed us many homes. When...
Sunset Beach and Beyond Realty
2015-03-16T20:18:50+00:00
“Karen & Frank Baker are the best. They are very knowledgeable with the area & showed us many homes. When we made up our minds which one we wanted, they got us the best deal on it. We were very satisfided with them. After the purchased was made & we moved in, they were still there to answer any questions or problems that we might of had. Like I said, they are the BEST.”
https://sunsetbeachandbeyond.com/testimonials/ernie-carol-g/

Dave & Rose

“Thanks again for all the time you spent with us, As overwhelming as it was, you two made it fun”
Sunset Beach and Beyond Realty
2015-03-16T20:19:23+00:00
“Thanks again for all the time you spent with us, As overwhelming as it was, you two made it fun”
https://sunsetbeachandbeyond.com/testimonials/dave-rose/
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