Lori Smith's Blog

Lori Smith

Blog

Displaying blog entries 1-10 of 56

Sunset Open House & Wine Tasting

by Lori Smith

Please Join Us for a

Sunset Open House & Wine Tasting 

Williamsport Community in Swansboro, NC.  

Thursday, February 23rd

From 4-7pm

201 Ashley Place

Click here for more information

108 Gobblers Way, Turkey Ridge

by Lori Smith

Turkey Ridge

108 Gobblers Way

It's MOVE-IN ready and BACK on the MARKET!


Click here for more information & photos

$152,900

  • MLS ® : 121951
  • Bedrooms: 3
  • Baths: 2
  • Partial Baths: 0
  • Lot Size: 0.41

6 Worth the Price Fix Ups

by Lori Smith

6 Worth the Price Fix Ups for Selling your home

The marketing company surveyed nearly 600 real estate professionals to discover which DIY home improvement projects give sellers the biggest return for their buck. Here are six projects under $1,000 (amounts are estimated) that made the list.

  1. Cleaning and decluttering. Remove any personal items, unclutter countertops, organize closets and shelves, and make the home sparkling clean.
    • $290 Cost
    • $1,990 Return
  2. Brightening. Clean all windows inside and out, replace old curtains, update lighting fixtures, and remove anything that blocks light from the windows.
    • $375 Cost
    •  $1,550 Return
  3. Smart staging. Rearrange furniture, bring in new accessories and furnishings to enhance rooms, incorporate artwork, and play soft music in the background.
    • $550 Cost
    • $2,194 Return
  4. Landscaping enhancements. Punch up the home’s curb appeal in the front and back yards by adding bark mulch, bushes, and flowers and ensuring current plants and grass are well-cared for and manicured.
    • $540 Cost
    • $1,932 return
  5. Repairing electrical or plumbing. Fix leaks under the sinks, remove any mildew stains, and ensure all plumbing is in good working condition. Update the home’s electrical with new wiring for modern appliances, fix any lights or outlets that don’t work, and replace old plug points with new safety fixtures.
    • $535 Cost
    • $1,505 Return
  6. Replacing or shampooing dirty carpets. Steam-clean carpets, replace any worn carpets, and repair any floor creaks.
    • $647 Cost
    • $1,739 Return
  1. Visit our website or call The Lori Smith's Hometown Team.

North Shore Country Club Homes

by Lori Smith

 

 

North Shore Country Club Homes

     

         114 North Shore Drive        

   

215 Port Side Drive


544 North Shore Drive 

 click the pictures for more information & photos

Community Information:

North Shore is nestled in the quaint fishing village of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina and is the ideal place to live the dream. Whether it’s a morning of fishing on the Intracoastal Waterway,a round of golf on a beautiful 4-star course surrounded by natural wetlands or walk on the miles of beautiful beaches at sunset, you’ll have it all in the area being called, “The Hamptons of North Carolina.” This prestigious community is situated between Wilmington, NC and Jacksonville, NC and is conveniently located within a short drive of shopping, dining and cultural centers.

          

check out our other New Communities at

www.lorismithhomes.com

African Art - Cape Fear Museum

by Lori Smith

Learning Center: African Art

  Cape Fear Museum

February 4th from 1-4pm

 Discover the African influences in Lower Cape Fear art and culture. 

Explore the geography of Africa. Uncover the origins of Low-Country basketry then make a

basket to take home. Find out how African artisans helped design local historic architecture. Create your own art

using African-influenced symmetry and design in the style of local artist Minnie Evan.


Check out all of our homes at

www.lorismithhomes.com

Selling in a Buyer's Market!

by Lori Smith

 

              

A buyer’s market means it’s the seller’s turn to be flexible, especially with sale terms. Purchase price, closing dates, move-in dates, storage, appliances, window treatments, points and fees may all require a little negotiation. Whatever the terms, don’t let personal feelings stand in the way of a good deal.

The basics

In a buyer’s market, curb appeal, cleanliness, overall good condition and updates are especially crucial. Any little flaw should be taken care of before the first buyer drives up.

  • Attend open houses in your neighborhood to see what “sell-ready” really looks like. If you don't want to go by yourself call one of the Agents on the Lori Smith's Hometown Team.
  • Back home, start with the exterior to ensure you’re making a good first impression. Reseed or throw down some turf on lawn patches, change the lights in the lamppost, and if necessary, reset the walkway stone.
  • Clean the interior beyond your standards. Even if they are impeccable, rent an industrial carpet cleaner or hire a professional cleaning service. Brighten the interior ambience with light fixture updates, as new lighting is one of the most inexpensive and noticeable improvements you can make prior to listing.
  • Fix leaky faucets and make sure the water pressure is strong in both the kitchen and bathrooms.
  • If necessary, a great way to improve the appearance of your home is to paint. Use only neutral colors that can easily lend themselves to different décor and styles of furniture.

Don’t reject low offers; negotiate

  • Don’t dismiss lower-than-expected offers. Instead, consider buyer incentives that help you meet your asking price. Offer to pay the buyer’s closing costs, moving costs or loan origination fee. These can help the buyer with upfront costs. As well, you may consider offering a limited home warranty that covers HVAC systems and some appliances for a definitive period of time.
  • Be cautious of purchase offers that are contingent on the buyer selling their home first. Their home may be in a softer market than yours and you could be in for a long wait. Be sure that the purchase agreement includes a contingency-release clause. This way you’ll be able to sell if another buyer comes along.

If you are getting ready to put your home on the market,

The Lori Smith's Hometown Team is here for you!!

Call us at:

910-389-7407

Southwest Common & Turkey Ridge

by Lori Smith

   

Agents are on duty today!!

Call 910-389-7407

New Listing!

by Lori Smith

"Southwest Commons"

154 Hawks Point Road

       $182,000

HAP Program

by Lori Smith

     

For more information on the HAP Program go to:

http://hap.usace.army.mil/

or call the

Lori Smith's Hometown Team!

910-389-7407

QR Code

by Lori Smith

Lori Smith's Hometown Team

has a

New QR

Code!!


Displaying blog entries 1-10 of 56

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Lori Smith
Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty
2445 Onslow Drive
Jacksonville 28540
Office Phone: (910) 389-7407
Fax: (910) 455-1032

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