The Savvy Realtor with Angie Cole

How are recent mortgage rate cuts influencing the housing market in the Triangle? In today’s episode, Angie shares what she’s seen and experienced when it comes to the change in interest rates. With the landscape of real estate constantly shifting, understanding these trends is important for both buyers and sellers alike.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: The recent mortgage intere...

As we find ourselves in mid-October, with an election looming and interest rates fluctuating, many buyers and sellers are feeling unsure about their next move. Angie offers her expert insights into the current market conditions and shares her personal experience with refinancing to help listeners navigate these uncertainties.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: When to refinance… and...

Effective August 6, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement introduces new regulations that will impact how real estate transactions are conducted. Angie Cole explains that the settlement stems from a lawsuit where a seller claimed they were forced to pay the buying agent's commission. The outcome has led to two major changes: commissions can no longer be listed in the MLS database,...

What’s the latest in the real estate market? From summertime home sales in the Triangle to national news headlines, Angie shares her insight on what’s happening and what to expect. Whether you are renting and want to know more about recent rental rate proposals or are looking to sell at the right time, there’s something in this episode for you.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Tri...

When buying a home, there are a lot of red flags to watch out for, especially if you are unfamiliar with an area. One concern some home buyers have is falling victim to scams. Angie finds that scams are more prevalent in land purchases, where scammers pose as landowners to quickly pocket due diligence money. To prevent this, Angie advises always working with a reputable real estate company and ens...

On today’s podcast, Angie answers listener questions about the real estate market in the Triangle area. Find out how long homes in the Kitts Creek neighborhood in Morrisville typically stay on the market, tips for first-time homebuyers in the competitive under $400,000 range, and what to look out for when buying a home with a $1 million budget. Whether you're buying your first home or upgrading to...

Buying a home can be one of the most exciting yet challenging experiences in life. In a competitive real estate market, it’s crucial to adopt the right habits to ensure a smooth and successful transaction. In today’s podcast, Angie shares invaluable tips for homebuyers so you know what to do when the time comes.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Get your finances straight. Do your...

As we near the 4th of July and people hit the beach over the summer, you may be wondering what kind of impact that has on selling a house. Angie answers one listener question about this to share what listing a home the first week of July could look like. Regardless of when you list your home, make sure it’s prepped and ready to show potential buyers!   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episod...

As we enter the summer season, we check in with Angie to hear what the real estate market in North Carolina's Triangle area is looking like. Whether you're a buyer or a seller, understanding the current trends and unique factors at play can give you a significant advantage.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: What are the significant changes in buyer or seller behavior this year? Sho...

As you go to sell a house, you want to make sure your house is going to catch the attention of buyers! Dale in Raleigh wants to know how to make his house stand out from others that are similar and also for sale in his neighborhood. Angie suggests how to price, stage, market, and prepare your home for the best-case scenario when you sell.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Mailbag:...

Buying a home is one of the most significant investments you'll ever make, and it comes with its fair share of excitement and anxiety. The thrill of finding your dream home can sometimes overshadow the practical considerations that ensure you're making the right choice. But what happens when the dust settles and buyer's remorse creeps in?   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Three out...

If you are getting ready to buy or sell a home, there are a lot of things to think about! Angie answers a few questions from the mailbag as people start to prepare for the process. Bart asks how to make his home more marketable for buyers. How it looks online makes a big difference as that’s the first impression homebuyers get!   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Mailbag: How can I i...

With the headlines abuzz about the settlement of real estate commissions, we talk about what the impact will be in the future. Angie outlines what the lawsuit was about and what this means for realtors, buyers, and sellers moving forward. This is a change in how things are practiced, which causes a shift, but not a reason to panic.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: What happens wit...

As we near spring, Angie and the rest of the team at A Cole Realty are seeing a busy year. More buyers and sellers are ready to make a move and the potential for interest rates lowering down the line has people excited. They’ve even seen some multiple-offer situations! If you’re in the buying market, be prepared for a low inventory with more buyers in the market, which makes it competitive. After...

Some of Angie’s clients are looking for an investment property. Daniel sends in a question to the mailbag to learn what areas are best for long-term value appreciation. Angie talks through this and three other questions from the mailbag in today’s show. For instance, did you know there’s an exciting new development coming in Chatham county called Asteria ? A Storyliving by Disney community is in t...

Are the same trends happening in the real estate market happening in our local area? Angie shares what she’s experienced alongside homebuyers and home sellers in the Triangle market. This will give you a good idea of what to expect when you go to buy or sell a home.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: One-third of national real estate sales feature a seller concession. Several new of...

If you are looking for a home in hopes of finding a bargain, what do you need to know? We look at a slightly older article to see what’s still true in today’s market if you want to find a deal. Knowing what to look for can make all the difference as you bargain shop for your next home. Angie shares her advice so that you don’t accidentally buy something that seems too good to be true and turns out...

When selling your home, it can feel like there’s a lot to do to get ready! Angie lays out what to do first when wanting to get a good price for your home. How do you know when it’s right to fix it up vs. selling the home as is? How much effort should you put into it to get a return on that investment of time, money, and effort?   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Mailbag: How to get...

Sometimes people decide to try to do a for sale by owner. Is it worth it or are you likely to face more problems than it’s worth? Angie shares how to be savvy and aware when dealing with a for sale by owner, whether that be on the buyer or the seller side.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Mailbag: How do I navigate the market when buying and selling? Mailbag: Is buying from a "For...

How does Angie and her team help someone moving from out-of-state find the right spot for them? Even if you’re searching from afar, there’s a lot you can do to research the right fit. Listen in as Angie talks through what criteria to think through, what kind of home layout you need, and then outlines how her team works with long-distance clients.   Here are the questions Angie answers on today’s s...

It’s spooky season! When you walk in a house, do you ever get a sense that it’s haunted? We chat about some untold mysteries before we talk about the top fears homebuyers and home sellers face. From uncovering hidden home damage after closing to losing money in the sale, are any of these things keeping you up at night? Angie reassures us through these fears and strategizes how to overcome them wit...

When you are buying a home, there are a lot of expenses, so it can be tempting to skip out on one more line item. One listener asked, “Should we buy a home warranty? Or is that a waste of funds?” Angie weighs out the pros and cons on this decision that she calls a “no-brainer.” She also answers three more questions from listeners.    Here are the questions we answer today: Mailbag: We tried to sel...

We’ve all heard that spring is a good time to list your home. But what about right now so you can sell in the fall? Angie explains why now is a great time to sell your home. Trusting your realtor to guide you through the process can make all the difference in how your experience goes. You might be surprised to get an even better offer now since there is more competition for buyers! Angie also answ...

If you are getting nothing but lowball offers as for sale by owners, what does that mean? And how can you set yourself up for success? This episode focuses on answering listener questions from people who are navigating the home-buying process.   Here are the questions Angie answers today: Can I get a 30-year mortgage even at an older age? If we get only lowball offers, are we priced too high? How...

What are some of the “dirty words” in the world of real estate? Words can carry a lot of meaning, so pay attention to what each of these words can mean for the buyer. From "fixer-upper" to "cozy" to "cash only," Angie breaks down what each of these can entail when buying or selling a home.   Here are the words and phrases we discuss on today’s show: A fixer-upper could be an opportunity or a heada...