View These 2022 Housing Market Predictions from the Realtor.com Crystal Ball

As 2021 winds down, it’s an ideal time to define some major goals for 2022. If you’ve decided to buy a home or sell a home during the New Year, you’d like to know about upcoming housing market trends. Or, maybe you’re considering the purchase of a Murphy, NC investment property. As you move forward, you’d appreciate some details on the real estate investment market.

Fortunately, the Realtor.com housing market analysts have done their homework. After examining United States economic trends and market indicators, these market experts recently presented their 2022 Housing Market Predictions. Buyers, sellers, and investors will likely have some opportunities along with some challenges.

 

Home Inventories, Prices, and Sales

Three separate variables are integral to every home purchase or sale. The term “home inventory” refers to the properties available for sale in a specific market. Home prices fluctuate up and down according to standard supply and demand principles.

A market’s home sales are determined by the relationship of the first two variables along with other economic indicators. View this summary of the Realtor.com United States housing market predictions for 2022.

Growth in Property Inventories

In 2021, low property inventories meant frenzied buyer competition for available homes. Houses often sold within hours, and homes in several price points quickly received multiple offers. To add another level of complexity, investors snapped up many properties, leaving even fewer houses for individual buyers.

In fall 2021, an increasing number of homeowners signaled their intention to list their home within the next 12 months. As a result, the inventory of homes is expected to increase 0.3% on average in 2022.

Realtor.com also expects an increase in new construction, which translates into additional properties for sale. However, builders must first play catch-up, finishing their not-yet-completed homes before breaking ground for new ones. Therefore, you’ll need plenty of patience if you’re building a house in 2022.

Less-drastic Rise in Home Prices

Since 2012, home prices have seen single-digit annual increases (on average). In 2020, however, the COVID-19 pandemic led to an unexpected buying frenzy. At the same time, the nationwide housing market was already short 5.2 million single-family homes.

While home builders focused on adding more properties to the market, existing home prices were driven higher because of reduced inventories. From August 2020 to August 2021, the market saw a double-digit rise in home prices.

For 2022, Realtor.com expects a 2.9% rise in median home sale prices. While builders continue aggressive production, homebuyers must adapt to higher purchase prices and mortgage rates. Even with those factors, though, prices are still projected to rise at a relatively reasonable pace.

Continued Increase in Home Sales

Strong housing demand is expected to continue in 2022. Realtor.com expects 6.6% higher home sales numbers during the New Year. This translates to a 16-year high across the country and in many metropolitan markets.

Over 45 million millennials will be buying their first house during 2022. Other demographic groups will also be searching for the perfect residential or investment property. With an estimated 3.3% national income growth by late 2022, buyers will have more discretionary income to spend on a home.

2022 Outlook for Buyers, Sellers, and Investors

Real estate markets of every size have one universal truth: Buyers, sellers, and investors each have differing perspectives and goals. Each group interprets a specific market through a different lens, and they make their decisions accordingly. View the Realtor.com 2022 predictions for these three key market subgroups.

Homebuyers Must Quickly Make their Moves

With housing inventories projected to rise in 2022, homebuyers will have more potential “dream homes” from which to choose. However, the market will be flooded with buyers – especially first-time millennial homebuyers and other entry-level purchasers. With lots of competition for available homes, buyers must make fast decisions and be prepared to go “above and beyond” to win the bidding wars.

With home prices and interest rates expected to rise, finding budget-friendly properties will take skill and patience. However, increasing remote work opportunities may expand geographic search parameters to more affordable areas.

View Two Useful Home-buying Tips

To maximize their chances, homebuyers should set their home-buying budgets before making property-viewing appointments. Buyers should also run several simulations to determine how rising mortgage rates could affect their house payments.

Buyers should also refine their lists of “must have” and “nice to have” home attributes. By being more flexible in their choices, they’ll encounter a larger pool of potential candidates.

Home Sellers Will Enjoy Several Advantages

With higher expected home values and prices, sellers should be in a favorable position in 2022. Although there will be more homes on the market, realistically priced properties in nice condition have a good chance of selling quickly. In addition, sellers who purchased their homes awhile ago will likely receive a respectable amount of cash at closing.

Some sellers are chafing at the bit to list their homes for sale. However, they haven’t done so because they’re afraid they can’t find another home to purchase. Sellers who liquidate their current home, and who come up empty on another one, have few options other than renting until their luck changes.

Sellers ready to unload second homes, or who want to sell their vacation getaways, probably don’t need to buy another property right away. Therefore, they’re likely in the best position in this current market. However, sellers in vacation home markets may not see the same buying frenzy that occurred in 2021.

Investors Will Likely See Favorable Returns

Investors who hold rental properties will continue to receive good returns on those homes, says Realtor.com. Existing owners are well positioned to benefit from rising home prices. Rising rental costs may entice rental investors to keep buying homes, as the extra income may outweigh higher mortgage rates.

For perspective, note that in early 2021 many investors purchased homes at a higher rate than they sold them later in the year. If these investors choose to rent the properties, they should receive good yields because of continued demand and increasing rental prices.

Predictions May be Subject to Change

Note that the Realtor.com housing market predictions may (or may not) actually come to pass. The projections could be affected by economic conditions and other variables throughout the year.

To learn about predicted trends in your regional market, speak with your local realtor early in the New Year. The Poltrock Team utilizes sophisticated analytical data, along with its realtors’ local expertise, to provide you with second-to-none market analysis designed for your needs.

 

The Poltrock Team – REMAX Mountain Properties – Murphy NC   

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

 Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team      ilovemurphy.com

5 Maintenance Issues to Resolve Before Selling an Older Home

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 house 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

Reverse Mortgages: What You Need to Know

With homeowners’ cash needs often outstripping their available financial resources, many people are tapping the equity in their homes. Although home equity loans are a popular choice, some older homeowners have turned to a reverse mortgage to generate cash from their primary home.

 

The reverse mortgage product has been around since 1961, and continued to be revised through 2017. Before jumping on the reverse mortgage bandwagon, however, take time to understand the upsides and downsides of this income generation method. Continue reading “Reverse Mortgages: What You Need to Know”

Meet The Poltrock Team’s Four Exceptional Realtors

Preparing to buy (or sell) a home means you’re moving on to the next chapter in your life. To make the experience as seamless as possible, work with a realtor who knows the local market like the back of their hand.

A highly effective realtor knows about the changing trends that influence the local economy. This highly focused professional is also intimately familiar with the local real estate market. And, they combine that substantial knowledge with top-tier technology to get results – every single time.

Perhaps most of all, this extraordinary real estate professional has unparalleled concern for their clients. When other agents might say, “that’s good enough,” your realtor rolls up his or her sleeves and goes the extra mile without a second thought.

Meet The Poltrock Team’s Four High-Achieving Realtors
Here at The Poltrock Team, Murphy’s Top-Selling Real Estate Team, that’s simply the way we do business. Although each of our four high-achieving realtors has their individual style, each professional goes above and beyond to get the desired results for their clients. To sum it up: They love what they do, and it shows.

John Poltrock
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource (SFR)
Mobile: 828-557-2270

Meeting John Poltrock is like reconnecting with a close high school friend you haven’t seen in years. John’s friendly Southern manner makes conversation a breeze, and you’re quickly chatting about every subject under the sun and then some. Simply put, even if you weren’t buying a home or selling a home, you’d enjoy spending time with John and come away smiling.

As The Poltrock Team’s Lead Listing Agent, John is known for his exceptional client service and sincere concern for his clients’ well-being. And, his many years spent in Murphy and Cherokee County give him the insider knowledge to be an effective advocate for his buyers and sellers.

In addition, John is deeply immersed in real estate market mechanics. In other words, he keeps a finger on the pulse of local real estate trends and the factors that drive them.

John is also a master of technology, and skillfully interprets data to shape the marketing strategies for his clients and for The Poltrock Team. To support these high-level endeavors, John relies on his Bachelor’s Degree in Financial Planning from Western Carolina University.

When John’s not engaged with the real estate world, he enjoys everything our beautiful mountain region has to offer. Hiking, camping, and boating are tops on his list. John and his wife Jessica have been married since 2005. They have a high-achieving daughter in college, and their energetic young son certainly keeps them on their toes.

Wayne CoferWayne Cofer
Mobile: 828-361-7603

The residential and commercial real estate markets are two different animals. Multiple factors affect each market at any given time. Getting results in each arena depends on whether a realtor has the skills to meet those market-specific challenges.

Fortunately, our Universal Realtor Wayne Cofer has the extensive business and management background to excel on both playing fields. And, he’s adept at working with both buyers and sellers. When obstacles arise during a real estate transaction, Wayne’s proven negotiation skills are essential to finding a “win-win” solution.

Whether you’re ready to buy (or sell) a small mountain cabin or a large commercial building, having Wayne in your corner makes good business sense. And, he combines his impressive knowledge base with a personable manner that makes him an ideal business partner.

Outside of the office, Wayne enjoys mountain life with his wife Kathy. He also spends as much time as possible with his three grown daughters and four grandchildren. Wayne frequently explores our region on his touring motorcycle, and he’s an avid United States and world history buff.

Paige McKnightPaige McKnight
Mobile: 828-557-1234

The Poltrock Team’s newest realtor, Paige McKnight combines 14 years of experience with an unfailingly positive attitude. Although she’s a seasoned realtor with many successful closings under her belt, Paige views every property purchase or sale with a fresh perspective.

Naturally, every real estate transaction comes with its distinctive challenges. Financing, home inspection, and documentation issues are common hurdles. Contractors sometimes drag their feet on required repairs, and other issues may threaten to derail the process entirely.

That’s where Paige McKnight’s well-known perseverance and follow-through make the difference. She’s dedicated to meeting (and conquering) every challenge, and she goes to great lengths to support her clients throughout the process. And as you might expect, this determined lady gets results.

An Exceptional Support Team Makes the Difference
A highly effective support team enables our top-tier realtors to perform at their absolute best. First, our real estate professionals are backed by Re/MAX, the world’s largest real estate company. That coveted status means our support team can access Re/MAX’s proprietary software and management systems.

In addition, the Re/MAX website is the world’s highest-ranking real estate agency website. This gives The Poltrock Team unparalleled market visibility compared to our competitors.

On the local level, The Poltrock Team’s support staff includes a Client Concierge, who provides immediate assistance to potential buyers. Our highly efficient Listing Coordinator, Closing Coordinator, and Marketing Associate round out this top-notch group.

Every member of The Poltrock Team truly respects and supports each other. And, they’re all committed to achieving the best possible results for our clients. With countless testimonials from satisfied buyers and sellers, they’re confident they’re on the right track.

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

How to Get the Maximum Value from Your Real Estate Experience

Preparing to buy or sell a Murphy, North Carolina home is an exciting proposition. You’re ready to progress to another chapter in your life, and you’d like the entire process to go as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Naturally, your realtor also wants you to have a good home-buying or home-selling experience.

To realize the best outcome, do your homework before you first meet with the realtor. Do some research, gather documents if needed, and generally “get your ducks in a row.”

When you take time to do that, your realtor can do the most effective job in the timeliest fashion. Whether you’re buying or selling, here are some valuable tips that will help you enjoy a good real estate experience. Continue reading “How to Get the Maximum Value from Your Real Estate Experience”

Why the Holidays Are a Perfect Time for Buying (or Selling) a Home in Murphy, NC

The Thanksgiving to Christmas holiday season is filled with festive gift giving, socializing with family and friends, and overindulging in your favorite foods and libations. But here’s the best-kept secret: the holiday season is also a great time to buy (or sell) a house in Murphy, North Carolina. Either way, we’ve got four compelling reasons to jump into the real estate market over the coming weeks.

Why the Holidays Are a Good Time to Buy

Reduced Buyer Competition
Let’s say you’re in the market for a new home. You’ve got your “Must Have” list of features, and you’d like to view properties that might fit the bill. If you find the ideal mountain home, you’re ready to make an offer. However, you’re slightly concerned about another buyer swooping in and grabbing the house while you’re trying to negotiate a good deal.

Here’s some good news: The odds of that outcome will be much lower during the holiday season. Simply put, there aren’t as many buyers looking at homes, so your chances of making a successful offer are considerably better. Continue reading “Why the Holidays Are a Perfect Time for Buying (or Selling) a Home in Murphy, NC”

5 Tips for Researching an Investment Property in Murphy, NC

Pinpointing the right investment property in Murphy, North Carolina is like looking for the proverbial needle in a haystack. Whether you’re searching for a mountain cabin, rental home, or commercial building, you likely have several MLS properties that interest you. So, narrow the field by doing some due diligence on your top-tier candidates. Next, partner with a leading realtor who will gladly provide you with additional details and professional guidance. Then, you’ll be in a better position to make an informed purchase decision.

 

Get Acquainted with the Area
Naturally, you want to learn as much as possible about your potential investment property’s location. So, get in your car (or truck) and take a leisurely drive around the county. Look for adequate access routes to surrounding communities, and notice the number and type of shopping venues. Make a mental note of parks, recreational activities, and medical facilities. In other words, take the perspective of a potential home buyer or business owner.

 

Next, let’s assume you’ve browsed the MLS listings, and you’ve found several houses for sale or commercial properties in downtown Murphy, North Carolina. Can you easily access that part of town? Cruise through the business district; and notice the number and types of shops, restaurants, and other establishments. Adequate parking is especially important, as residents and visitors want easy access to local businesses.

Now, park your vehicle, and stroll around town like you’re buying a home there. Visit with several shop and restaurant owners. Learn about the business climate, and get a sense of business owners’ and residents’ relationships with local governments. Walk to the town hall or city manager’s office, and learn about upcoming business and residential development plans. Ask your real estate agent for any “inside track” information. Simply put, you want to know that you’re investing in a vibrant community that’s continuing to grow. Finally, for an up-close perspective of the town and/or county, call or visit friends or family who own a mountain home or work in that locale.

Obtain Local Demographic Data
Put on your detective hat, and do some in-depth due diligence on the town’s demographic makeup. Your goal: to determine how this town stacks up against other towns in the county or surrounding region. Begin with the local Chamber of Commerce website. This valuable resource will likely contain useful data on the general economy, population makeup, median income, business ownership breakdown, and much more.

Next, browse the town’s official website for additional nuggets of information. Besides assorted local government details, you might find listings of upcoming events and points of interest. Again, you’re looking for a lively, growing town with much to offer current (and potential) residents and visitors.

Pinpoint Each Property’s Potential
Now, let’s open the zoning can of worms. For example, let’s say you’re interested in a property that currently carries residential zoning, but you think it would make a terrific business location. Before you proceed down that path, learn about current property usage limitations. Next, talk to town managers about the feasibility of a zoning change. Also, ask your realtor about other clients’ recent experiences with zoning issues.

If you decide to pursue that option, realize that you’ll incur some attorney’s fees. You could also face logistical delays that further complicate your plans. So, if your commercial project carries a tight timeline, decide if it’s still workable given those limiting factors.

Visit the Registry of Deeds
Let’s say you’ve found a home or commercial building that piques your interest. To obtain valuable mortgage information on the property, visit the town’s Registry of Deeds. With a little digging, you can get the property’s current mortgage and last selling price figures. Most importantly, learn about any outstanding liens that could affect your potential purchase. Although sifting through these public records will take some time, this information will provide an insight into the seller’s perspective during previous contract negotiations.

Comb through the Permit Records
If you’ve gotten to this stage, you’re seriously interested in a property, and you want your ducks in a row before possibly making an offer. More specifically, you want complete permit data on the property’s previous construction, addition, and/or remodeling projects. If you can’t find these details online, view the written records at the town government offices.

For example, maybe the seller put up a new roof, but never pulled a permit because he wanted to avoid construction delays. That speaks volumes about his mindset, and potentially provides you with an advantage during contract negotiations. Share these (and other) relevant details with your realtor, so you’ll be in the best position to make an offer that aligns with your business goals.

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

John Poltrock (Again) Snags the “Best Real Estate Agent” Reader’s Choice Award

When it comes to buying or selling a home, land, or commercial property, you want the very best real estate agent in your corner. You want them to be on top of local and regional market trends, have a solid grasp of technology, and provide top-notch client service from start to finish.

Here in Murphy, NC and Cherokee County, John Poltrock checks all these boxes and more. John heads up The Poltrock Team, a dynamic eight-member group working within Re/MAX Mountain Properties in Murphy. And, for the second year in a row, John Poltrock has earned the Cherokee Scout’s coveted “Best Real Estate Agent” Reader’s Choice Award. Once again, John faced stiff competition from other area agents – including three standouts from The Poltrock Team.

So, how did John Poltrock earn his “Best Real Estate Agent” award? The answer is simple: With over a decade in our regional real estate market, John has served hundreds of satisfied clients – and these happy buyers and sellers take every opportunity to give John the credit he deserves. This year (and also in 2017), John’s many supporters helped him dominate the field in the Cherokee Scout’s Reader’s Choice competition. John truly enjoys helping his clients achieve their real estate goals, and he’s grateful for their ongoing support.

John Poltrock also knows that many notable achievements are the result of impressive teamwork. On The Poltrock Team, each person has their own area of expertise, providing the agency’s clients with stellar service from the first contact through final settlement. John sums it up very clearly and succinctly: “There’s no doubt about it, it’s not just me. It’s the entire Poltrock Team. We have the best people!”

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

5 Frequently Asked Questions About Real Estate Closings

Completing a Murphy, North Carolina real estate closing is like attending a stage play premiere. In both cases, the players have prepared for weeks (sometimes longer), perfecting their roles and working smoothly with other ensemble members. Support personnel scurry behind the scenes, handling endless details and the inevitable snafus that threaten to derail the production. Despite the obstacles, however, the big day arrives as planned, and everyone eagerly awaits a reward for their hard work.

If you’re buying or selling your Murphy, North Carolina home, land, commercial building, or investment property, you (and your realtor) want a smoothly executed outcome so you can begin the next chapter in your life. For a general real estate closing overview, including the roles played by buyers and sellers, view this snapshot of the players and the process. Continue reading “5 Frequently Asked Questions About Real Estate Closings”

Should I Buy a Distressed Property in Murphy, NC?

Deciding whether to buy a distressed Murphy, NC property is a bit like jumping into the stock market. You choose a potential candidate, weigh the possible benefits and drawbacks of your actions, and decide whether to make your move or stay on the sidelines.

Unlike the stock market, however, finalizing a property purchase only marks the beginning of your grand adventure. Before you sign on the dotted line, and commit your dollars and sweat equity to an often-complex project, step back and take an objective look at the challenging path ahead. Simply put, evaluate the pros and cons before jumping into the fray. Read on for several tips that may help you make an informed buying decision.

HALLMARKS OF A DISTRESSED PROPERTY
Although each case is different, a distressed property typically features a dramatically reduced price, often the result of an existing or potential foreclosure. Not surprisingly, Murphy, NC foreclosure houses are generally sold in “as-is” condition. In other words, the current owners (or the bank) will not make any repairs before the foreclosure sale’s completion.

ENJOY A WELL-KNOWN BENEFIT
Purchasing a distressed property generally comes with one major benefit: the property’s below-market-value price. Objectively speaking, the owners want to shake themselves free of their financial burden – fast. To accomplish that goal, they’re willing to sell now and accept less cash for the property. Equally importantly, they won’t have to spend money to make repairs and/or upgrades that would bring them a higher sale price later.

CONSIDER THE POTENTIAL DOWNSIDES
When you buy a distressed property, you’ll generally save some valuable cash, making it a tempting resale candidate after you return it to better condition. However, you’re likely to encounter one (or all) of these four obstacles during your house purchase and rehab process.

Competition from Cash Buyers
Many distressed Murphy, NC properties attract well-heeled cash buyers ready to pounce on a desirable target. If you decide to submit your own cash offer, line up your resources beforehand so you can meet these savvy investors on a level playing field. If you’re not flush with funds, and must finance the house purchase, obtain an ironclad loan prequalification from a cooperative lender. To position yourself more favorably against the cash buyers, consider increasing the size of your down payment.

Potential Financing Obstacles
Many distressed Murphy, NC houses are in less-than-optimal condition, increasing the chances that they won’t meet a lender’s loan requirements. Before you decide to buy the house, order an objective property appraisal. After the lender reviews it, they’ll determine the property’s value, decide whether the house is in habitable condition, and take action on your loan application.

More Complicated Transaction
Buying a distressed property often requires lots of patience, as you’ll often encounter multiple rounds of paperwork compared to more conventional real estate purchases. So, temper your expectations accordingly, and you might be pleasantly surprised with the outcome.

Higher Repair/Upgrade Expenses
In many cases, the distressed Murphy, NC property has damaged walls or broken windows, and one or more appliances may be missing. The property’s electrical and/or plumbing systems might also require complex repairs. Regardless of the issues, the buyer (you) are likely responsible for hiring contractors to fix the problem(s) and bring the house up to local code requirements.

DISTRESSED PROPERTY PURCHASE GUIDELINES
If you have some solid home renovation experience under your belt, or have cultivated a network of first-class contractors, you’re in a good position to make a distressed property buying decision. On the other hand, if you’re new to this dynamic submarket, get some valuable professional assistance before investing your dollars in the project.

For starters, choose a Murphy, NC realtor who has proven experience with distressed property purchases. They’ll objectively evaluate a potential candidate’s condition, and provide details on the work (and dollars) required to make the property habitable again. With that knowledge in hand, you (and your realtor) can decide whether that’s an investment you’re ready to make.

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