Search Results for: real estate photography

Professional Real Estate Photography Helps to Sell This Murphy, NC Home

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When the time came to sell our Murphy, North Carolina home, we began searching for a realtor with a reputation for results. I found out about the Poltrock Team through the Internet, and we decided to work with them to sell our house.

Once we completed the listing paperwork, the Poltrock Team’s Listing Coordinator arranged for a professional real estate photographer to take pictures of our home. I also found the team’s pricing information very helpful.

After a short time, our real estate agent brought us a buyer. We proceeded to a smooth closing and passed the property to a new owner.

I would rate The Poltrock Team a “10” for their outstanding real estate client service. I would work with them when buying or selling a home in the future.

Planning to sell your Murphy NC Home? The Murphy NC Realtors at The Poltrock Team are ready to help you price it right and close with confidence.

Barbara and Gil Butts

Venice, FL

5 Reasons You Should Insist on Professional Real Estate Photography

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When you decide to sell your Murphy, NC mountain home, you make every effort to attract potential buyers. Before listing the property, you give your walls a new coat of paint, complete unfinished projects, and de-clutter your rooms and closets for a more favorable impression. After your hard work, your home is all dressed up and ready to be photographed and listed for sale on a multiple listing site in 2019 – and maybe on Facebook as well.

Because photography has become such a valuable real estate marketing tool, and you want your home to receive the best possible presentation, contact a realtor who takes time to include professional photography in their marketing program. More than half of the real estate industry’s agents adhere to this philosophy. Here, we’ll share five common-sense reasons behind this approach.

Better Marketing Strategy

When an agent makes the investment in professional photography services, they show that they’re committed to adequately marketing their sellers’ properties. As with other products and services, a well-coordinated marketing program begins with a striking visual presentation that showcases the home’s strongest features.

For example, let’s say your home’s stunning mountain view is a major selling point. When a talented professional photographs the property using top-notch equipment and expert technical skill, they’ll capture the mountains’ palette of colors and textures – and that’s what will grab buyers’ interest.

Higher Visual Appeal

Generally speaking, a home buyer wants to visualize themselves living in a striking, well-coordinated home that reflects their personal style and is pleasing to their eye. A skilled real estate photographer takes time to zero in on your home’s finest features, carefully making them stand out with top-notch camera equipment and innovative techniques.

The photographer will work to highlight desirable elements such as spacious rooms, textural and lighting effects, and jaw-dropping mountain views. When your home puts its best foot forward, those professionally sourced photos make the property more appealing to potential buyers. Then, the stage is set for people to request new information or (even better) contact the agent for a showing appointment.

Increased Buyer Interest

In 2019, selling your Murphy, North Carolina mountain home really is a numbers game. You want the maximum number of people to experience your listed property online, which increases the pool of potential buyers who will respond positively to your home.

Professional real estate photography provides you with a definite edge in this competitive market. In fact, studies have demonstrated that listings that include professional photography receive 60% to 100% more clicks than comparable homes with amateur photography.

Faster Property Sale

Once you decide to list your mountain home for sale, you want to quickly find a buyer and bring the process to a swift conclusion before moving on to the next chapter in your life. When home buyers view relevant properties online, professionally photographed homes typically receive a larger number of views than similar homes with point-and-click photography.

As you might expect, a bigger group of potential buyers can increase your odds of a faster property sale. In fact, studies have shown that professional real estate photography can help a listing to go under contract approximately 50% faster than similar homes with agent-generated pictures.

Higher Selling Price

Naturally, you’d like to realize the highest possible profit on the sale of your mountain cabin. Not surprisingly, listings featuring professional photography tend to sell for higher market prices than comparable properties that include amateur photos.

In 2010, Redfin, a Seattle-based residential real estate brokerage, analyzed MLS systems throughout the United States. After the study wrapped up, Redfin concluded that professionally photographed properties sell for higher prices than similar homes with point-and-click photos. The study emphasized that this trend holds true whether the property has a low-end, mid-range, or higher asking price.

Subpar Photography Risks

But what happens if you choose an agent who uses the “do it yourself” approach to real estate photography? The answer is simple: If your property photos are taken with a point-and-click camera, the pictures won’t show your home in the best possible light. Without superb camera equipment and professional skill, your home’s expansive rooms will appear cramped and will lack interesting visual elements. Your incredible mountain views will lack textural detail, and your home’s striking architecture won’t have as much impact.

So, to market your Murphy, North Carolina home’s positive points, and increase your chances of a faster sale at a good price, insist on a realtor who uses a professional photographer. By choosing The Poltrock Team, your home will be showcased with top-notch photography, and you’ll also benefit from high-caliber professional advice. Best of all, your home will receive a second-to-none marketing program that sets you up for great results.

Want your home to stand out with stunning real estate photography? Let our expert Murphy NC realtors showcase it right.

The Poltrock Team – REMAX Mountain Properties – Murphy NC – www.ILoveMurphy.com – Call us Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496 – Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team

How to Sell Your House Without a Realtor (And Why You Might Not Want To)

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How to sell your house without a realtor might sound like an empowering and cost-effective way to go about the process—after all, skipping the agent means skipping commission fees, right? But before you dive into the DIY approach, it’s important to understand what selling your home without a real estate professional involves—and why many homeowners who start FSBO end up hiring a Realtor in the end.

Let’s take a closer look.

What It Takes to Sell Without a Realtor

Selling your home is more than just putting up a sign in the yard and listing it online. Here’s what you’ll need to do on your own:

Accurately Price Your Home

Pricing a home correctly is part science, part strategy. Go too high, and your home sits. Go too low, and you leave money on the table. Realtors have access to up-to-date market data and the experience to know how to price your home right the first time.

Prepare Your Home for Sale

From staging and decluttering to repairs and curb appeal, there’s a lot to consider before your first showing. Are you confident you know what buyers in today’s market are looking for? What about the best place to spend your hard-earned money? Spending a dollar to get $.50 back doesn’t make sense, and if you don’t put it in the right place, that can easily happen.

Market Your Property Effectively

Selling isn’t just about listing—it’s about reaching the right buyers. That means professional photography, compelling listing descriptions, digital advertising, open houses, social media, and tapping into buyer networks. Most FSBOs are limited to one or two platforms, while Realtors bring a much broader reach.

Handling showings and Inquiries

You’ll need to be available to answer calls, answer lots of questions, schedule appointments, show the home (sometimes on short notice), and follow up—all while juggling daily life.

Navigate Offers, Contracts, and Negotiations

This is where things get complicated. Can you read and understand a real estate purchase agreement? What about contingencies, addenda, and counteroffers? What about which lenders will drop the ball and not close on the property after dragging it on for months?

What about vetting cash buyers to make sure they can actually perform and are not just tying you up while they continue to shop for another house? One misstep could cost you thousands—or the sale entirely.

Keep the Transaction on Track

Once you’re under contract, the job isn’t done. You’ll need to coordinate inspections, appraisals, buyer financing, title work, and closing attorneys—all while keeping everything on schedule and legally compliant. What if the house doesn’t appraise?

How do you manage that situation? What about inspection repairs? Many home inspection reports are 70 pages long, full of items that need to be discussed and addressed.

The Reality of FSBO Sales

Here’s a stat that’s hard to ignore: According to the National Association of REALTORS®, FSBO homes typically sell for significantly less than homes sold with a real estate agent.

Why? It comes down to exposure, expertise, and negotiation. Without the guidance of a professional, many sellers unknowingly underprice their homes, miss crucial steps, or scare off qualified buyers.

Even with good intentions and strong motivation, selling your house without a realtor becomes a complex journey that many homeowners eventually decide isn’t worth the hassle or risk.

The Advantage of Hiring a Realtor (Like Us)

At The Poltrock Team, we do more than just list your home—we sell it. With over two decades of experience in the Murphy, NC market, we know how to price, market, and negotiate to get you top dollar. Our list-to-sale price ratio is consistently higher than the market average, which means more money in your pocket.

And because we handle every detail from start to finish, you get peace of mind—without the stress, guesswork, or costly mistakes.

Ready to Make Your Move?

If you’re still wondering how to sell your house without a realtor, let’s chat first. Even if you’re considering the FSBO route, we’d love to answer your questions and show you what’s possible with the right team on your side.

Call us today at 828-837-6400 or contact us here to schedule a no-pressure consultation.

And if you’re looking for trusted, local expertise, check out the top-rated Murphy, NC, realtors ready to help you get the most from your sale.

Murphy NC Real Estate Commission

Understanding Real Estate Commissions in Murphy, NC

Real estate commissions are an essential part of any property transaction, ensuring that experienced professionals guide buyers and sellers through the process seamlessly. In Murphy NC Real Estate Agents, our commission rates align with industry standards while providing top-tier service and value.

How Commissions Work

Real estate agents in North Carolina typically earn their income through commission, which is a percentage of the final sale price of a property. These commissions are generally shared between the listing agent (representing the seller) and the buyer’s agent.

  • Standard Commission Rate: In North Carolina, the average real estate commission ranges between 5% and 6%, with 5.5% being the standard rate for full-service brokerage listings.
  • Commission Split: Traditionally, commissions are split evenly between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent, meaning each side receives 2.75% to 3% of the total home sale price.

Are Commissions Negotiable?

Yes, commissions are always negotiable in North Carolina. Factors that influence commission rates include:

  • Market Conditions: In a seller’s market, agents may offer reduced commission rates to remain competitive.
  • High-Value Listings: For properties priced above market averages, commissions may be adjusted, typically around 4.5% to 5%.
  • Dual Agency: If the listing agent also represents the buyer, they may reduce their total commission since no split is required.

Who Pays the Commission?

The seller typically covers the commission for both the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. However, recent industry changes mean that buyers and sellers may negotiate who pays the buyer’s agent’s fee. This is especially relevant in transactions involving VA loans, where buyers cannot pay agent commissions.

Changes in Real Estate Commissions (2024 Update)

As of August 2024, new regulations from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) require:

  • Buyer agent commissions to be negotiated separately rather than being automatically included in MLS listings.
  • Buyers to sign representation agreements before touring homes, outlining agent compensation.
  • More flexibility in commission structures, which could lead to lower costs for sellers and increased negotiation between all parties.

View Commission Details by Property

For transparency, we provide a detailed breakdown of commissions by property. Click the link below to view commission percentages for each of our active listings.

Click Here to View Commissions for Our Listings

Maximizing Your Home Sale with the Right Commission Plan

At The Poltrock Team, we ensure our commission structure provides maximum value for sellers by:

  • Offering full-service marketing including professional photography, listing optimization, and targeted advertising.
  • Providing expert negotiation skills to secure the best deal for your property.
  • Ensuring a smooth closing process, reducing stress and maximizing returns.

Have Questions? Let’s Talk!

Understanding real estate commissions can be complex, but we’re here to help! Contact us today to discuss your listing options and how we can tailor a commission plan to fit your needs.

📍 The Poltrock Team – Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team
📞 1-866-Murphy-NC
📧 JohnPoltrock@gmail.com

Professional Photography and Great Communication are Key to Murphy, NC Home Sale

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When we decided to sell our Murphy, North Carolina home, we wanted to work with a proactive realtor with a proven record of results. We learned about The Poltrock Team by seeing their advertisements around town, and they also got very good online reviews.

So, we decided to enlist this leading real estate agency to help us in selling our home. After we finalized the details with John Poltrock, The Poltrock Team’s Listing Coordinator prepared to place our home on the MLS.

The team was most helpful in providing a professional photographer to expertly showcase our home. The photographer did a fantastic job. In fact, we believe this is what helped our home to sell quickly.

Throughout our real estate transaction, we found John to be personable and communicative. The team was also very helpful in keeping the communication lines open. The process was seamless from listing to closing.

Overall, we had a positive Murphy, NC home sale experience. Based on that, we would absolutely work with The Poltrock Team in buying a home (or selling a home) in the future.

Want a smooth and successful Murphy, NC home sale? Trust our experienced realtors Murphy NC to get it done right.

Alison and Sean Williams
Benton, MT

Real Estate Team Helps Sellers to Navigate Challenges & Realize Their Goal

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Kaye and William Wilkinson recently planned to sell their Marble, NC home and relocate out of state for new opportunities. Naturally, they wanted to work with a very successful real estate, and they happened to find The Poltrock Team through an online search of relevant terms.

When they spoke with John, his high energy and infectious enthusiasm came through loud and clear. Kaye and William were also impressed with The Poltrock Team’s use of professional photography and cutting-edge technology. So, the couple decided to hire John and The Poltrock Team to sell the couple’s mountain cabin.

After The Poltrock Team found a home buyer, the team skillfully navigated the buying transaction from start to finish. The Wilkinson’s most appreciated the team’s constant support during often-challenging contract negotiations. At the end of the day, The Poltrock Team got the job done.

Looking back, Kaye and William were super pleased with John Poltrock’s high energy and enthusiasm. They’re also confident that John’s use of professional listing photography, plus the latest technology, will help each seller to accomplish their goal on their own terms. The couple gave The Poltrock Team a “10” for their stellar services, and they would absolutely work with this company of high achievers again.

“We decided to sell our Marble, NC home place, and wanted to work with a realtor who would navigate the obstacles and get results. So, we launched an online search for top realtors, and decided to contact The Poltrock Team.

We spoke with John Poltrock, and were impressed with his high energy and enthusiasm. He also emphasized The Poltrock Team’s use of professional photography to showcase clients’ listings, and use of new technology throughout the process. Based on our conversation, we decided to partner with The Poltrock Team to sell our Marble, NC mountain home.

During our real estate transaction, we most appreciated The Poltrock Team’s constant contact, valuable resources, and help in resolving new negotiations challenges.

If you’re planning to sell your home, and want to find a great realtor to help you accomplish that goal and navigate the closing process, here’s our advice:

If you list your property with John Poltrock because of his energy, enthusiasm, and obvious love for what he does, plus the fact that he is the Top Selling Realtor in our area, stay with him, because he WILL SELL YOUR PROPERTY. Also, it is obvious that he is well respected by others in the real estate community.

Most people first access a property listing online, and they certainly notice the pictures. John’s photographer does a magnificent job. In addition, John made a video of our property, and he did it amazingly well.

Based on our recent experience, we would give The Poltrock Team a “10” for their excellent services, and we would definitely work with this company again. You can’t go wrong with The Murphy NC realtors Team!”

Kaye & William Wilkinson
Formerly of Marble, North Carolina

5 Must-Haves When Searching for a Realtor in Murphy, NC

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When you’re buying or selling a Murphy, NC home, choosing the right Realtor in Murphy, NC is key to achieving a positive outcome. If you’re selling, working with a market-savvy, accomplished professional means your home will receive a targeted marketing plan – similar to launching a brand-new product.

Best of all, you’ll be an active partner in the process, as your agent will share their marketing strategy and provide regular updates. If you’re prepared to get the ball rolling, here are five “must haves” tips for finding this “cream of the crop” real estate professional.

Look for Extensive Local Knowledge

Although realtors frequently represent residential and commercial properties across your regional market, you’ll get the best results with a real estate business expert who has up-close knowledge of your immediate area. In other words, they must be intimately familiar with your community – rather than depending solely on published reports and online research for their information.

If you’re purchasing a home with your family, you’ll want “must haves” details about school quality, recreational options, and medical services. If you’re selling a house, you’d like specifics about comparable home sales in your area. Regardless of your goal, a well-rounded realtor should be informed about planned commercial developments, apartment communities, retail businesses, and expanded infrastructure that could influence your quality of life. Continue reading “5 Must-Haves When Searching for a Realtor in Murphy, NC” →

Sellers Enjoy Professional, Friendly Service During Murphy, North Carolina Home Sale

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We had owned our Murphy, North Carolina home for several years, and we finally decided to sell the property. We wanted to work with a realtor who was known for getting results. We learned about The Poltrock Team by viewing their billboards. After speaking with Sarah Thompson, we asked this market-leading real estate agency to help us sell our home.

After we completed the initial paperwork, The Poltrock Team’s Listing Coordinator efficiently processed our listing. She also arranged for professional real estate photography of our home. Before long, our property was on the MLS listings.

Our real estate agent brought us a buyer, and we enjoyed a good closing. Throughout the transaction, team members provided us with information about the process. We found that most helpful.

We would rate The Poltrock Team a “10” for their professional, friendly client service. We would certainly work with them during a future real estate transaction.

Planning to sell your Murphy, North Carolina Home? The Murphy NC Realtors at The Poltrock Team are here to make the process smooth, professional, and stress-free.

William and Donna Head

Augusta, GA

 

 

Agency’s Dedication to Customer Service Leads to a Smooth Murphy, North Carolina Home Sale

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After owning our Murphy, North Carolina home for some time, we decided to put the property on the market. We began to look for a realtor with a track record of getting results.

We found out about The Poltrock Team by receiving one of their refrigerator magnets in the mail. Based on their knowledge of the local market, and their high number of sales, we asked this market-leading real estate agency to sell our home.

After we completed the listing paperwork, The Poltrock Team’s Listing Coordinator arranged for professional real estate photography for our home. Next, she placed our home on the MLS. Our real estate agent brought us a buyer, and we proceeded to a timely closing.

Overall, we had a very good real estate experience. The Poltrock Team is very professional, and they are also very knowledgeable about pricing. They provided good advice on pricing our home for sale. And, they are dedicated to great customer service.

We would give The Poltrock Team a “10” for their outstanding real estate client service. We would absolutely work with them again.

Thinking of selling your Murphy, North Carolina home? The Murphy NC Realtors at The Poltrock Team are here to help you price it right and sell it with confidence.

Craig and Debbie Horton

Vidalia, GA

 

5 Maintenance Issues to Resolve Before Selling an Older Home

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Selling an older home is, in many respects, like putting a newer house on the market. As the homeowner, you’ll work with a realtor to list the property, and you’ll ideally get an offer in a timely manner.

Following one or more home inspections and other common milestones, the buyer will usually agree to proceed with the sale. That gives everyone the green light to begin the closing process, where you’ll receive the proceeds from the home sale.

An Older Home Requires Special Attention

At the same time, selling an older home is quite different than selling a more recently constructed home. First, the older structure may have been built with different building codes and construction standards than a 21st-century residence. Some earlier 20th century homes were built with few building codes in place (or sometimes none at all).

In addition, you’ll have a difficult time tracking down home maintenance records for pre-2000 homes. Some contractors may have gone out of business, and others may have purged your transaction(s) from their electronic or paper files.

Even with these two limitations, it’s certainly possible to sell your older home in a reasonable amount of time. Approaching the sale proactively is the key. Work with your realtor to develop a game plan, and keep up with your part of the bargain throughout the process.

Resolve Problem Issues Before Listing the Property

Before you put the property on the market, address the issues that will likely draw a home inspector’s attention. By taking time to do that, you’ll be more likely to enjoy a smoother sales transaction with fewer hiccups.

Foundation Problems

Old homes often have varying degrees of foundation issues. Causes can include normal age-related wear and tear, extremely wet soil, a well-established tree root network, or even seismic activity.

Signs of foundation problems include cracks in interior and exterior walls along with uneven floors. If some of the doors won’t latch, or windows won’t open, you likely have underlying foundation issues.

Serious foundation problems can threaten your safety and potentially make the home unlivable. In addition, your realtor will not want to list the home without addressing these issues. It’s always prudent to have a structural engineer assess the damage and create a repair strategy.

Roof Wear and Tear

Many older homes’ roofs display some degree of deterioration. Causes can include the roof grade, the shingles’ projected life span, and quality of the installation. The roof’s maintenance record can also be a factor. In some regions, weather extremes can affect a roof’s lifespan.

Signs of roofing problems include missing shingles and bowing gutters. Inside, check the top floor or attic for leaks or signs of moisture intrusion. Also, realize that the leak’s source may be hard to find, as water can migrate from the roof entry point to another part of the home.

To determine the extent of the damage, contact a professional home inspector with proven roofing expertise. Ask for a full written assessment along with a repair plan and estimate.

Obsolete Electrical System

Most older homes need some type of electrical system update. For perspective, know that pre-1960 wiring lasts approximately 70 years. Service panels require an update after 60 years while circuit breakers only have a 30-year useful life.

There’s also a good chance that an older home’s electrical system does not meet current electrical code requirements. A very old home may have been built without any code requirements at all.

From a consumer’s perspective, older electrical systems cannot handle the demands of today’s increasingly sophisticated systems and electronics. Smart home installations, smart appliances, and high-tech TVs and sound systems rely on electrical circuitry that can handle those needs.

Signs of electrical issues include dim or flickering lighting and/or regular power outages. If you have two-pronged outlets, or your outlets and/or light switches often feel warm, you most certainly have electrical problems.

Your realtor will want to ensure that the property meets current code requirements before listing the home. To resolve the issues, contact a certified electrical inspector. A licensed, insured electrician should handle all the electrical repairs and/or installations. Do not attempt to perform any electrical work yourself.

Compromised Plumbing System

Your older home’s plumbing system can be impacted by several problems. Depending on the system’s age, the pipes can contain dangerous lead. As the pipes age and begin to break down, bits of lead can leach into your drinking water.

Polybutylene pipes can also become a hazard. They can become corroded by bleach and/or other household cleaners. Depending on the degree of the corrosion, the pipes can burst without warning.

If your home is surrounded by well-established trees, the roots may have grown into the underground plumbing components. This can compromise your pipes’ integrity.

Signs of a substandard plumbing system include poor drainage in sinks, showers, and tubs. Leaks around the faucets are also a sign of inefficient plumbing. Finally, low water pressure will likely catch the home inspector’s attention.

Bringing your plumbing system up to current code requirements is the best strategy. Ask a licensed plumber to conduct a thorough inspection and provide an estimate for needed system repairs or replacement.

Worn-Out Mechanical Equipment

Your older home’s mechanical equipment might be near the end of its useful life. The water heater, furnace, or HVAC unit may have been in constant use for many years. Maybe it’s becoming increasingly unreliable or getting ready to stop working altogether.

If the water heater sounds noisy, or you see puddling around its base, it may be ready to give up the ghost. If your furnace makes noise, or does not heat the rooms evenly, it may be on the verge of a complete shutdown. Finally, increased humidity levels may signal that your HVAC system isn’t working correctly.

Proactively addressing these issues means they are less likely to become part of a home inspector’s report. Determine each appliance’s age and projected lifespan. Replace questionable items before listing the home for sale.

Getting the Job Done Right

Working with a reputable contractor is the key to getting the job done right. Toward that end, The Poltrock Team’s “Gotta Guy” Page provides an updated list of nearby contractors who have built a reputation on good customer service.

Once you have brought your older house up to current standards, you can confidently list the property for sale. Work with a realtor who will showcase the home’s distinctive character and vintage charm. Or if that is more work than you care to do, we can sell your property as-is. Either way, The Poltrock Team exclusively uses professional real estate photography to showcase our properties and their features in the best way. Call us today to learn more about what we do for you and to get your property Sold.

The Poltrock Team – REMAX Mountain Properties – Murphy NC – ilovemurphy.com 

Call us Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496 

 Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team