It’s a small world after all…not just in Real Estate!

Renee Hillman on October 29, 2014

So here it is world…my inaugural blog post! It is amazing what you learn at a young age, it molds who you are today. You are probably wondering why I chose the title “It’s a small world after all.” That just happens to be one of the first rides I remember riding at the age of 5 in Disney World. It left an impression on me though and it seems to correlate to everyday life. We meet so many different people from all different backgrounds. Each of my clients has brought something a little different to each transaction over the past 13 years. I love seeing the updated photos of the families, attending the house warming parties and sharing dinner together! I say it’s a small world so much at this point as every client seems to have some connection to another client, the SAS security guard recognizes me without having to introduce myself, sitting worlds away in the Greek Isles at Mykonos I run into clients there and even while eating breakfast at St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands! My clients are everywhere, but it makes me proud in a sense that each one of them becomes part of who I am. A part of what has made my career so successful & that I am thankful for! We learn on a daily basis but one premise always seems to hold true…your integrity is one of your most important traits. It really is a small world after all & I want to make sure that my legacy is my integrity.

I am excited about NC Renée and plan to do an entry each week whether it be about real estate, a concert coming to town, a new restaurant in the area, you name it. Your ideas are appreciated too! I want this to be a place to share thought/ideas and a blog that you want to keep coming back to over & over again for years to come!

Lyrics in case you’re having a hard time remembering:

it’s a world of laughter, a world or tears
its a world of hopes, its a world of fear
theres so much that we share
that its time we’re aware
its a small world after all

CHORUS:
its a small world after all
its a small world after all
its a small world after all
its a small, small world

There is just one moon and one golden sun
And a smile means friendship to everyone.
Though the mountains divide
And the oceans are wide
It’s a small small world

And for those of you that hate me for getting this song stuck in your head here is the sing along version!

2907 Berkeley Springs Place, Raleigh, NC 27616

Renee Hillman on October 29, 2014

Who says renting is cheaper than buying?!

A great opportunity to own a townhome that has been lightly lived in & has all the conveniences you can imagine! Triangle Town Center is literally around the corner, along with several additional shops & eateries. If you like shopping you will be in your glory – Saks Fifth Avenue, DSW, Dick’s Sporting Goods, you name it. Access to 540 is super easy along with Capital Boulevard. Take a look at this Google Map so you can search more things nearby. If you like exploring parks – there are plenty of options by here including Durant Nature Park & Millbrook Exchange Park & Community Center. This townhome is move in ready, neutral decor & a great buy. Start putting your money into something than nothing. The interest rates are great right now. If we can assist in anyway feel free to give Renee a call at 919 868 4383 or email Renee@Renee-Sells.com

Dealing with Financing

Renee Hillman on October 29, 2014

As the events of the last few years in the real estate industry show, people forget about the tremendous financial responsibility of purchasing a home at their peril. Here are a few tips for dealing with the dollar signs so that you can take down that “for sale” sign on your new home.

Get pre-approved. Sub-primes may be history, but you’ll probably still be shown homes you can’t actually afford. By getting pre-approved as a buyer, you can save yourself the grief of looking at houses you can’t afford. You can also put yourself in a better position to make a serious offer when you do find the right house. Unlike pre-qualification, which is based on a cursory review of your finances, pre-approval from a lender is based on your actual income, debt and credit history. By doing a thorough analysis of your actual spending power, you’ll be less likely to get in over your head.

Choose your mortgage carefully. Used to be the emphasis when it came to mortgages was on paying them off as soon as possible. Today, the debt the average person will accumulate due to credit cards, student loans, etc. means it’s better to opt for the 30-year mortgage instead of the 15-year. This way, you have a lower monthly payment, with the option of paying an additional principal when money is good. Additionally, when picking a mortgage, you usually have the option of paying additional points (a portion of the interest that you pay at closing) in exchange for a lower interest rate. If you plan to stay in the house for a long time—and given the current real estate market, you should—taking the points will save you money.

Do your homework before bidding. Before you make an offer on a home, do some research on the sales trends of similar homes in the neighborhood with sites like Zillow. Consider especially sales of similar homes in the last three months. For instance, if homes have recently sold for 5 percent less than the asking price, your opening bid should probably be about 8 to 10 percent lower than what the seller is asking.

Preparing to Sell

Renee Hillman on October 20, 2014

Selling your home doesn′t just mean hiring a realtor to stick a sign out front. There are a lot of preparations you should make to ensure you get the best offer possible in the shortest time.

Repair. Just because you’ve gotten used to the cracks in the walls and the rattles in the radiators doesn’t mean a buyer will too. If you have hardwood floors that need refinishing, be sure to get it done—hardwood is a huge selling point. Buyers like to snoop around, so be sure to fix any sticky doors or drawers as well. Finally, don’t forget to address any issues with the exterior—fences, shingles, sidewalks, etc. After all, without curb appeal, some buyers may never get to see the inside.

Neutralize. You want buyers to see themselves in your home. If your living room has lime green shag, wood-paneled walls, and all your collectibles and personal photographs, this will be much harder for them to do. Try replacing any bold color choices in your floors and walls with something more neutral—beiges, tans, and whites. Repainting and reflooring will make everything look fresh and new, and help prospective buyers imagine all the possibilities.

Stage. Once your house is clean and updated, it’s time to play dress up. Home stagers can add small details and décor touches that will bring out the possibilities in the various spaces in your home: lamps, mirrors, throw rugs and pillows, flowers, decorative soaps and towels, patio furniture. Home staging can be particularly useful if your home is especially old or if the exterior looks dated. Think of it as a little mascara and rouge—if it’s done right, you notice the beauty, not the makeup.

Relocating to the Big City

Renee Hillman on October 14, 2014

Moving from a small town or suburb to a large city can be an intimidating proposition. Here are a few tips to help make your move as painless as possible.

Research before you move. It’s important to understand the culture you’re joining. Do research online and find out about school systems, neighborhoods, parking, weather, public transportation, and laws that are native to that area. If you can, visit a city before moving and connect with someone who’s lived there before.

Have a plan. There are a lot of steps to go through before you start packing the moving truck. Find housing before you leave, or at least know where you’ll stay while you look for a home. Never sign a lease on an apartment that you haven’t seen. If you can’t get there, find a friend or an employer to check for you. Have a job waiting for you, or if that’s not possible, know what you’ll do for money in the first few weeks of living there. Try to line up things like driver’s licenses, car insurance, renter’s insurance, and parking passes ahead of time as well.

Get involved. Meeting people in a big city can be daunting. Don’t expect the neighbors to knock your door down with a casserole when you arrive: city life is often too noisy and hectic. Take the initiative. If there are things you liked to do in your town, find ways to do those things in the city. Try new things. Volunteer. Big cities offer so many opportunities to engage other people, so find what you like.

Mind your wallet. City life is expensive. Everything costs more: food, insurance, clothes, rent. There are also a lot more ways to get ripped off, whether legally or criminally. Be careful how you spend, and know where your money is going.

Festival of Cheese, yes Raleigh it is coming!

Renee Hillman on October 4, 2014

Ok, it always amazes me the interesting tidbits you learn out & about. I enjoy trying new things & as many of you know I love the North Carolina State Farmers Market! I think it is one of North Carolinas best kept secrets. On one of my latest visits I stopped by Prodigal Farm, (their storefront is located in the building), a local connoisseur of all things goat cheese with their farm located in Rougemont, NC. Dave is the best and always spends time with you explaining the care of their goats to the cheese making process. One of the random things I found out is that the American Cheese Society is holding their 29th Annual Cheese Conference & Competition in…yes Downtown Raleigh!!!

And the cherry on top August 4th from 7 to 930pm, it is open to the public for the Festival of Cheese! (Ticket required $55/per person). I for one can’t wait to experience 1600 cheeses. Yet another really cool thing coming to Raleigh. Off to burn some calories at the Lake Johnson Trail, heck I have to start getting ready for August NOW. Maybe a prelude to the next post?!

5 Tips for Buying a Home

Renee Hillman on October 1, 2014

Looking to buy a home? Here are five essential tips for making the process as smooth as possible.

Get your finances in order.

Start by getting a full picture of your credit. Obtain copies of your credit report. Make sure the facts are correct, and fix any problems you find. Next, find a suitable lender and get pre-approved for a loan. This will put you in a better position to make a serious offer when you do find the right house.

Find a house you can afford.

As with engagement rings, there’s a general rule of thumb when it comes to buying a home: two-and-a-half times your annual salary. There are also a number of tools and calculators online that can help you understand how your income, debt, and expenses affect what you can afford. Don’t forget, too, that there are lots of considerations beyond the sticker price, including property taxes, energy costs, etc.

Hire a professional.

While the Internet gives buyers unprecedented access to home listings and resources, many aspects of the buying process require a level of expertise you can’t pick up from surfing the web. That’s why you’re better off using a professional agent than going it alone. If possible, recruit an exclusive buyer agent, who will have your interests at heart and can help you with strategies during the bidding process.

Do your homework.

Before making a bid, do some research to determine the state of the market at large. Is it more favorable for sellers or buyers? Next, look at sales trends of similar homes in the area or neighborhood. Look at prices for the last few months. Come up with an asking price that’s competitive, but also realistic. Otherwise, you may end up ticking off your seller.

Think long term.

Obviously, you shouldn’t buy unless you’re sure you’ll be staying put for at least a few years. Beyond that, you should buy in a neighborhood with good schools. Whether you have children or not, this will have an impact on your new home’s resale value down the line. When it comes to the house itself, you should hire your own home inspector, who can point out potential problems that could require costly repairs in the future.

July 4th Celebrations in the Triangle!!!

Renee Hillman on July 1, 2014

Staying around this holiday & wondering what to do? I love fireworks & there are a couple great places to watch around the Triangle this year. The biggest news is that the Raleigh fireworks that have traditionally been at the Fairgrounds have been moved to Downtown Raleigh on Fayetteville Street. This link will take you to all you need to know! Fireworks Raleigh, Downtown

If you are in and around the Cary area, Koka Booth Ampitheatre will be hosting their annual event, the Independance Day Celebration, click here for more information.

Have a safe & happy holiday week! GO USA

Register to Win: A/C Tune-Up From Air Experts!

Renee Hillman on May 5, 2014

It’s been warm lately, but it’s not North Carolina hot yet! Before the 90 degree temperatures, paired with high humidity, return for the summer of 2015, register below for your chance to win a free A/C Tune-Up (valued at $89) from my friends at Air Experts in Raleigh!

I have worked with Air Experts for several years and have always enjoyed their timeliness, professionalism and knowledge of the equipment. They are always prompt to answer the phone and any questions I may have. I never hesitate to recommend them to my clients, friends, family and I personally use them, too. Whether it is a simple maintenance plan or a completely new unit, you’ll enjoy working with them start to finish. I also like the fact that this is a locally owned family business – you know your dollars are going back into the community where you live!

Great Location & Great Floor Plan in Raleigh

Renee Hillman on May 5, 2014

Looking for a convenient location – nestled between Raleigh and Cary? Check! In search of a great floor plan? Double check! You couldn’t ask for a better than this new listing, with easy access to I-40, I-440, RTP and NC State University.

Inside the home you’ll find a spacious kitchen with working island and a butler’s pantry that opens to the family room with gas log fireplace. There’s a formal dining room with hardwood floors – perfect for holidays and other important meals! Also on the main floor you’ll find an office with beautiful french doors, as well as updated fixtures throughout.

Retreat to the huge master suite with sitting room and dual vanity bathroom, soaking tub and separate shower! There are three additional guest rooms each with ample space.

Also in this home are a true utility room and tons of extra storage in the garage with built-in loft.

Outside, enjoy the deck made for entertaining that overlooks a fenced, level backyard!

If a summer pool is of interest to you, you can reasonably join the nearby Medfield Estates community pool or if you are NCSU alumni, check out the University Club complete with salt water pool, workout facility and nine-hole golf course.

Take the virtual tour online at http://tours.tourfactory.com/tours/tour.asp?t=1350104 and when you’re ready to see this great find in person, email or call me for your appointment! You can reach me at 919-868-4383 or Renee@Renee-Sells.com.

Coming Soon: Move-In Ready in Morrisville

Renee Hillman on May 5, 2014

This beautiful townhome in Morrisville is right off the catalog pages – you’ll feel like you are in a model home!

Move-in ready and just in time for the warm weather season with a screened-in porch. There’s also a hard to find garage to help keep your car clean and your other outdoor toys stored away nicely!

Inside, check out the wide-plank hardwood floors throughout the first floor. In the kitchen, enjoy a gourmet upfit with 42 inch cabinets, tile backsplash, granite counters, and stainless steel appliances!

There’s an open concept floor plan, with a large family room, dining room, and ideal flex space, too.

Enjoy the master suite with tray ceiling, spa-like bathroom with dual vanities, garden tub, separate shower and large walk-in closet.

Don’t miss this summer’s must-have attraction: a community pool! This neighborhood is convenient to RTP and backs to a wooded buffer for your privacy.

Ready to take a look? Take the virtual tour at http://tours.tourfactory.com/tours/tour.asp?t=1352349 and then call or email me to book your showing – 919-877-6708 or Renee@Renee-

Now Showing: Luxury at its Finest in Brier Creek

Renee Hillman on May 5, 2014

Live in the lap of luxury with this nicely-appointed end-unit townhouse in Raleigh’s Brier Creek Country Club neighborhood and enjoy easy living that backs to wooded buffer!

Don’t miss the gourmet kitchen with raised-panel cabinets, granite counter tops, double ovens (a must when you have a full house or when entertaining!), gas range, all stainless steel GE Profile appliances and a breakfast nook!

The master suite is on the main floor and includes a spa bathroom featuring dual vanities, a corner garden tub, and separate shower.

An upstairs loft overlooks the vaulted living room and leads to two ample-size bedrooms each with walk-in closets and a tile bathroom – there’s great potential here for an upstairs master suite!

You make the call on the use with a great flex space on the main floor for a sunroom or an office. There’s also a handy utility room with sink!

Ready to add equity right off the bat? Check out the huge unfinished basement that is anything but drab with an immense amount of daylight exposure.

This address is close to everything: RDU Airport, I-540, Brier Creek Commons (with dozens of retail stores, services, dining and a movie theater), and more.

Take a virtual tour online at now at http://tours.tourfactory.com/tours/tour.asp?t=1341980 and then call or email me to see it for yourself! 919-877-6708 or Renee@Renee-Sells.com.