The Savvy Realtor with Angie Cole

Wondering why the number of homes on the market seems lower while you search?  We tackle a few questions from the mailbag before we dive into expert predictions focused on the 2023 forecast in the housing market. From inventory levels to home prices, Angie shares what to expect right now in the Triangle (which can be different from the national market).   Here’s what you’ll learn on today’s show:...

Feeling ready to get the search started but worried about where to start? Angie talks about one of the very first steps to take in the homebuying process. Then, she answers another real estate agent’s question about putting down a strong offer to try to win the home! She shares what the risk is with this and what the thought process might look like on the other side. Finally, she shares about the...

Ever thought about building your own home and wondered about the hidden charges? In this episode, we’re answering some listener questions about new home builds. Fisher and Renny, two of our listeners, are considering building their homes, so Angie dives into the costs and the hidden fees that could quickly add up, such as permits, running utilities, and preparing the lot costs. We’ll also explore...

For many people, buying or selling a home happens with a primary residence. But what about a more unconventional route? Angie answers questions from listeners that include everything from a down payment with zero-dollars down to fractional ownership. You might be surprised by the creative solutions people have pursued as they work towards buying a home or investing in real estate.   Here are the q...

When you listen to the news, you might be wondering what’s happening with the real estate market. Angie shares how the Triangle market is a bit different than some of the other parts of the country. Will there be a real estate crisis? If so, how can you prepare now?   Here are the questions Angie answers today: What’s the pulse of the local real estate market? (0:43) Mailbag: Could the US debt def...

When you buy or sell a home, you end up working with so many different people to make it happen. Today we talk with some of Angie’s preferred vendors and professionals to hear more about the home-buying process.  From Tina Konidaris, we hear about the pre-qualification process for a mortgage and why it’s important. Then we talk with Amber Cole about why staging can make a huge difference when you...

When you hear something from a realtor, do you know what’s a red flag and what’s a bit of brilliance and innovation? We talk through a number of hypothetical realtor statements to see what Angie thinks about these and which ones she has said to clients. Have you heard any of these when working with a realtor?    Find out which of these realtor statements Angie agrees with: “Let’s increase the cute...

When buying or selling a home, you may face some questions about how to list it well or describe what it’s like. From hidden features to extra character, Angie talks about what motivates buyers and what’s nice to know when answering four questions from the mailbag. Join us as we chat about what home features you should market if you’re considering selling.   Here’s what you’ll learn on today’s sho...

Think you are ready to buy your first home? Between finding an agent to signing the papers at the closing table, it’s a process that you’ll want to be prepared for. You’ll also want to be prepared financially for this major purchase. But how much do you really need before you begin the home search? Angie answers this and four other questions from the mailbag about what you need to know when buying...

The past week or so saw a lot of excitement in the Triangle real estate market. To kick off this episode, Angie talks about a lot of houses that received multiple offers and went through a competitive bidding process. If you are hoping to buy in the area, be prepared to have a pre-qualification letter and a good real estate agent by your side!    Here’s what you’ll learn from today’s show:   The T...

What are some of the pet peeves real estate agents face? We talk through a list and see what Angie thinks. She shares which of these mistakes she’s seen with clients and how they can cause a negative outcome in the long run.  From unrealistic expectations to not trusting the agent, a lot of time and energy can be lost if you aren’t in the right place as a buyer or seller. Lean into your realtor fo...

In our area, there is so much happening, including new construction! If you are looking for a new build home, Angie suggests looking at Triangle neighborhoods such as Friendship Station, Townes at Westford, West Village, Kings Grant, Retreat at Cedar Crossing, and Smith Farms. Before you get too far into your search, start by considering what you really want and need in a home. Working with Angie...

As (early) spring sets in, you might be getting ready to buy or sell your home. Some of the basic landscaping can make a huge difference when it comes to giving your home that “wow” factor when you go to sell it. As a buyer, whether you have a certain neighborhood in mind or have been casually looking online for a while and are ready to get more specific, Angie and her team are here to help. On to...

As the real estate market ebbs and flows, you may be tempted to time the market. Sometimes an attempt to time the market can be one of the biggest mistakes that homebuyers make. Angie shares some experiences buyers have had when they didn’t understand what the market conditions were and lost out.   Here’s what you’ll learn on today’s show: Massive homebuyer mistake: trying to time the market. (0:4...

If you are ready to buy or sell your home, your first step is likely finding a real estate agent. Angie answers one listener question on how to find the right person to represent you during this process. You want someone you not only get along with, but who is also experienced in the market. On today’s show, we also talk about what is currently happening with the market in the Triangle before Angi...

On this episode of The Savvy Realtor Podcast, we’ll discuss several habits of highly effective homebuyers, as outlined in an article from Realtor.com. Angie shares her thoughts on the first few habits, highlighting the importance of keeping emotions in check and staying realistic when looking for a home. Throughout the conversation, Angie provides practical tips and advice on how to develop these...

You might have heard that home prices have dropped a bit in the past several weeks, but one listener points out that the trend hasn’t translated as well to starter homes. We’ll ask Angie about that on this week’s edition of the Savvy Realtor Podcast. We also open the “mailbag” for some additional questions about fractional ownership, buying homes with friends and family, on advice on where to inve...

What common home-selling mistakes should you do what you can to avoid? We talk through this list and Angie shares about her experiences as she helps guide sellers through the process. Make sure to be aware of the risks with these mistakes and know what to do instead in order to set yourself up for success.    Here are the mistakes you’ll want to avoid when selling a home:   Basing expectations on...

When you invest in a home, you want to make sure you get the right fit for your needs. For some people that means a lot of acreage and for others it’s all about having a good layout and flow for the home. How do you know if a home has “good bones”? Angie answers this question and three others from the mailbag. Here are the questions Angie answers from the mailbag: • Mailbag: What are my options to...

When you start your home search, there’s a lot to learn before making your decision. Angie answers one listener question about how many homes buyers see before putting in an offer. Viewing different homes in person, checking the MLS, and keeping an eye on the market will help you get a feel for what is typical and what is a good deal. It’s not as common to make an offer sight unseen like it was a...

As the real estate market continues to evolve, you may be wondering what is normal right now and what’s a thing of the past. Angie sets the record straight as we play a game of real estate true or false. Do your guesses align with her answers?   Here are the statements we discuss today to find out whether they are true or false:   True or false: Home prices are very high. (0:52) True or false: The...

When you go to buy or sell a home, you want everything to go as well as possible. For some people, they choose to include 3D photos with the listing, and others may choose to do an open house. Angie talks through the pros and cons of some of these different decisions as she answers this question and three other questions from the mailbag. Here are the mailbag questions we cover today: Mailbag: Why...

What are four surprising reasons that a real estate deal might fall through? Based on a recent article from realtor.com , we discuss these possibilities and find out if Angie has seen similar situations. Make sure none of these situations happen to you! Here are some reasons real estate deals don’t happen:    Rising interest rates impact financing. (1:14) Houses don’t appraise for what the buyer o...

When you buy a home, the costs are more than just the monthly mortgage. So, how can you determine how much home you can afford? Whether you hit big with the lottery, got a sizeable inheritance, or a big bonus at work, you’ll still want to factor in what is sustainable for you and your budget. Angie answers this question and three others on today’s episode of the podcast.   Here's what we discuss o...

As the end of the year approaches, we address some of the last few trends and questions in 2022. Angie shares what you’ll want to know as you look toward buying or selling a house in the near future.   Here's what we discuss on today’s show: Signs show mortgage rates might dip. Will homebuying pick up? (1:38) Will people list their home during the holidays? (2:48) The best deal Angie has ever seen...