Date Archives: December 2020

Predicting the real estate market is tricky. Case in point: 2020 did not look the way our real estate agents expected it to, but the pandemic brought about a surprising real estate boom. The big question everyone seems to be asking is, will 2021 follow suit? 

Of course, if you plan to list your Raleigh home for sale soon, you probably have a more pressing question: will 2021 be a good time to sell?

Where We Are Today

It's impossible to overstate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the housing market and how widely this impact continues to be felt. In a market that already had a high demand for housing and a lack of inventory, this year has seen that trend skyrocket as many sellers de-listed their homes amid pandemic fears. 

At this point, many of those homes are appearing on the market again, leveling things out somewhat. In fact, home sales increased sharply during the autumn months (up 9.4% in September alone, according to CNBC), and the median purchase price has risen by nearly 15% year-over-year. 

We head toward the end of 2020, still in a strong seller's market. And even as the inventory of available homes creeps upward somewhat, home prices continue to rise, and demand appears to be as strong as ever. 

Looking to the Future

Keeping in mind what we've seen over the past year, we expect the year ahead will continue to offer great opportunities for sellers. Although demand can't sustain forever at its current level, we expect it to level off slowly. Here's what else we predict for the 2021 housing market:

• Home prices will continue to rise.
  It seems certain home prices will continue their trend upward in 2021, at least in most U.S. cities. That includes Raleigh, where the average home sale has increased 10.5% year-over-year according to Redfin, and most homes sell for up to 3% above listing price. 
  
  
• Inventory will remain tight.
  Inventory is the "supply" side of supply and demand. It essentially refers to the total number of homes on the market at any given time. That number declined over the course of 2020, and although we expect to see it rebound slightly in the next year as many sellers re-list their homes, inventory will almost certainly remain tight in 2021, fueling high prices. 
  
  
• Demand will remain high.
  Many people who wanted to buy a home in 2020 weren't able to do so because of the pandemic. Expect a lot of those individuals to resume their efforts in 2021, leading demand to remain high, at least for the time being. With strong demand, we expect home sales to increase, or at the very least remain steady. 
  
  
• Mortgage rates will hover around 3%.
  We expect to see mortgage rates remain fairly consistent going into the next year. When you consider that we left October 2020 at a record low of just 2.8% for a 30-year fixed home loan, that puts buyers in a pretty healthy place. We may see very slight increases but expect mortgage rates to remain around 3%. 

Contact us today to learn more about buying or selling a home in 2021. We understand that we're living through uncertain times, and we're here to help every step of the way. Whether you're on the hunt for your dream home or are getting ready to sell, we think 2021 will offer an amazing opportunity. 

The holiday season is in full swing — have you checked everyone off of your gift list yet? If you're still shopping for that special someone, our real estate agents are here to help. This year has been challenging, and though we're about to swap out our calendars for 2021, the struggles of our local businesses will continue into the New Year. Now more than ever, it's vital that we support our mom-and-pop businesses. Buy something special for those you love while supporting our community by gifting local from these shops near Raleigh.

1. Crowemag Toys — 3721 Lynn Rd. #110, Raleigh, NC 27613
   Crowemag Toys will make you feel like a kid again with their collection of retro and gently used collectibles. New and old-school brands fill their shelves, including Care Bears, Funko Pops, Ghostbusters, Halo, Marvel, Voltron, Street Sharks, and Star Wars. Trust us, one trip to Crowemag Toys is enough to make everyone on your list happy, the young at heart included.
   
   
2. Reader's Corner — 3201 Hillsborough St., Raleigh, NC 27607
   If there's a bookworm in your life, who could use a few new titles on their shelf, head over to Reader's Corner. This used bookstore carries a handful of rare titles that will delight any avid reader. They also stock comic books, movies, vinyl records, and CDs, all of which make for great stocking stuffers.
   
   
3. Designed For Joy — 2409-117 Crabtree Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27604
   Support not only our local shops, but our neighbors in need by shopping Designed For Joy. This shop hires transitional employees who are rebuilding their lives. Their selection of handmade artisan goods includes gifts for him, her, and even pets, such as purses, jewelry, dog collars, and home décor.
   
   
4. Trading Card Co-Op — 3801 Hillsborough St. Ste. 143, Raleigh, NC 27607
   If there's a card collector in your life, there's a good chance that they're still searching for a few elusive cards to add to their collection. Let the folks at Trading Card Co-Op find you the cards that will complete the set. They have both sports cards and trading card game cards. There's also a ton of memorabilia in the store, so if you can't find the specific card you're searching for, you'll surely find an item for someone on your gift list.
   
   
5. Bailey's Fine Jewelry — 415 Daniels St., Raleigh, NC 27605
   Every holiday is an appropriate occasion to give the gift of stunning jewelry. Bailey's Fine Jewelry has multiple locations throughout the area to help you gift something extra sparkly this holiday season. Browse their selection of rings, bracelets, and necklaces, or have their team help you design something one-of-a-kind! 

Do you have quite a lot of shopping to get done? Be sure to add these local Holiday Markets to our calendar:

• The MAKRS Society Pop-Up — North Hills Midtown Park —4011 Cardinal at North Hills St., Raleigh, NC 27609 | Dec 20th, 11 AM – 3 PM 
  
  
• Pop-Up Raleigh — Trophy Brewing & Taproom — 656 Maywood Ave., Raleigh, NC 27603 | Dec 19th & Dec 20th, 12 PM – 5 PM
  
  
• Triangle Popup Holiday Market at Transfer Co. — 500 E. Davie St., Raleigh, NC 27601 | Dec 20th, 12 PM - 4 PM

Searching for a house this holiday season? Let us help! Contact us today to schedule private tours of our Raleigh homes for sale.

A train set for Brooks. Check. A bag of tennis balls for Pugsley. Check. A new grill set for Uncle Hank. Check. A spa gift card for Grandma. Check.

You've found gifts for all of your loved ones and friends, but what about you? Will you get what you really want this year? Let us lead you to the best gift of all, a new home.

Our Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston real estate elves, er, agents, are ready to work their magic to help you find the home you've been dreaming of all year.

In fact, many of our listing agents will be hosting open houses this Saturday and Sunday in some of the best homes on the market in the most popular neighborhoods and communities in the Triangle area.

Take a page from Santa's book and check this list, twice if you like, of our agents' open houses to map out your weekend house-hunting plans and let the spirit of the season lead the way!

At HPW, we are committed to maintaining reliable service to our clients, while doing our part to limit the spread of the COVID-19. In order to protect both our clients and agents, we are asking everyone to please take precautionary measures when visiting our open houses. And if attending an open house still isn't in the cards for you then have no fear, we have numerous virtual tours of these amazing homes and more.

Featured Open Houses

414 Hanson Walk Lane, Apex, NC 27539

$600,000

Sq Ft: 3,225 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, December 12 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

2629 Trifle Lane, Wake Forest, NC 27587

$829,900

Sq Ft: 4,178 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 4 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, December 12 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and

Sunday, December 13 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

1700 Fordyce Court, Raleigh, NC 27615

$675,000

Sq Ft: 2,736 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, December 12 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and

Sunday, December 13 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

5520 Fantasy Moth Drive, Garner, NC 27529

$393,500

Sq Ft: 2,952 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, December 12 from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. and

Sunday, December 13 from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.

91 Cliffdale Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

$415,000

Sq Ft: 2,371 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, December 12 from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. and

Sunday, December 13 from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.

3036 Eden Harbor Court, Raleigh, NC 27613

$699,000

Sq Ft: 3,707 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 4 (full)

Open House: Saturday, December 12 from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. and

Sunday, December 13 from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.

9519 Dellbrook Court, Raleigh, NC 27617

$344,900

Sq Ft: 2,532 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, December 12 from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. and

Sunday, December 13 from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.

With the holiday season in full swing, it's time to select a Christmas tree for your home. A real Christmas tree is a charming option that instantly lends a festive touch to your space. Our real estate agents know that a home with gorgeous decorations appeals to potential buyers. 

Not only does a real Christmas tree fill your home with the seasonal smell of pine, but it helps support the local businesses who grew, transported, and sold the tree. Here are some guidelines to follow to help you pick the best Christmas tree for your home. 

1. Know Your Options
   There are a few different varieties of trees commonly sold as Christmas trees. The Balsam Fir is a popular choice in many households; this variety is the most fragrant alternative, and it only sheds a small number of its needles. If you have lots of space and want a full Christmas tree, consider a Douglas Fir. The Douglas Fir boasts a lovely pyramid shape and soft needles. Make sure that you're ultra committed to watering your tree, as the Douglas Fir requires more water. Maybe you like to add a lot of ornaments to your tree. The Frasier Fir is preferred for it's stiff, strong branches capable of holding a tree full of decorations. If a green tree doesn't quite suit your aesthetics, check out the Colorado Blue Spruce. Its needles are a bluish-silvery hue and look fantastic in a room adorned with winter-themed decor. The Eastern White Pine is a great choice if you're sensitive to smells and prefer a tree with minimal fragrance. However, it also has soft needles that aren't capable of supporting many ornaments and decorations.

2. Measure the Space Where You Plan to Put the Tree
   Your next step is to measure the space where you plan to set up the tree. When choosing your tree's home, make sure that it's away from any heat sources (like a radiator or open window) or open flames (such as a fireplace or candle display). Once you've selected your spot, measure the height (leaving room at the bottom for the tree holder and at the top for the tree topper), width, and depth. Jot these measurements down and take them with you so you can ensure that any potential trees are a suitable size. If you're adding your home to the inventory of Raleigh homes for sale, make sure that you don't overcrowd the space. Having too much decor or furnishings in one area will actually make the room appear small. 

3. Understand What to Look for at the Tree Lot
   Besides meeting your preferences for size and variety, there are some other requirements your tree should meet. Look for a tree with bright, shiny needles; steer clear of trees that have brown, dull needles. Give the branches a shake. If a lot of needles fall off, move onto the next tree. Take a few of the needles in your hands and crush them. They should have a fragrant, fresh smell. 

4. Keep Your Tree Hydrated
   Regardless of which type of Christmas tree you choose, ample hydration will ensure that it looks amazing the entire season. Once you get your tree home, give it plenty of water, and check the water frequently. Most trees are a little dehydrated when you get them home and will initially use more water until they can stabilize their water levels. 

Want a home with more space for holiday decorations? Contact us today to explore your options!

Indoor plants are a good way to liven up your living space, but taking care of them can be tricky in the wintertime. Changing temperatures, humidity, and exposure to sunlight all play a role in your plant's overall health. If you recently bought some new indoor plants or are simply bringing your outdoor plants inside to escape the cold, our real estate agents have some recommendations that can help you keep them healthy and vibrant this winter:

• Prepare Them For The Indoors
  Before bringing your plants inside, you'll want to take the time to clean and trim them. If you're buying new indoor plants, it's also a good idea to at least give them a good rinse after bringing them home. Your plant may play host to insects or pests that you probably don't want to bring inside.
• Water Them Less
  Some people are surprised to hear that plants actually require less water in the winter. Outdoor conditions are conducive to rapid growth, but inside, plants grow much more slowly, and in some cases, they remain completely dormant. As a result, they don't need too much water to survive. To determine if your plant is ready for some hydration, try to stick your finger in the soil as a test. If the soil is dry one to two inches beneath the surface, then it's likely time to add a little bit of water.
• Limit Fertilizer
  Since your plants aren't going to grow much in the winter,  you really don't need to add any fertilizer. The only exception is if your plant appears to be browning or dying, in which case, it's a good idea to add a small amount. You can resume regular fertilizing in the springtime once you start to see some signs of growth.
• Increase Humidity
  A dry home is going to present numerous problems for indoor plants. Once the furnace is on, make sure you have your plants situated near a good humidifier. If you don't have one, there are a few other things you can do: Plants naturally release moisture, so try to group all of your plants in the same location, so they're able to benefit mutually. You can also try placing your plants near or on a tray of water.
• Maximize Light Exposure
  Since sunlight decreases in the winter, you may need to put in a little extra work to help your plant capture some rays. Move your plants as close to windows that receive a good bit of direct sunlight. Consider cleaning both your plant and the windows to maximize light accessibility. 
• Maintain Consistent Temperatures
  Plants do not like changing temperatures, so keep them away from any areas of the home that are susceptible to cold air drafts. An ideal daytime temperature for your plants is around 70 degrees, while an adequate nighttime temperature is above 55.

Many owners of these beautiful Raleigh homes for sale use indoor plants as a way to revitalize their interior during the winter months. However, taking care of them often requires a bit of planning and preparation. For more tips on how to decorate your home, contact us today!