Meet Kim!

WOW!!!!! I can’t believe it’s been almost 2 months since I started at Remax One. First let me start by introducing myself. My name is Kim Smith. I’m currently here working in the listing department and I am in the process of earning my provisional broker license. As of this past weekend I’ve finished all of my classes and I am currently pending the results of my test on Sunday. You’d think “great” the hard part is over but you’d be sadly mistaken. Even if I past this test (which I hope I did), the studying will continue b/c the State test is right around the corner.

So, all that being said I’m here at Remax One, on one of the best teams in the triangle, learning the business from the inside out. Once Marti knew I was looking to change my career she thought it would be an invaluable learning tool for me to start learning the administrative side of the business while I’m striving for my goal to be a broker. Can I say that I am SOOOOO glad I took her advice b/c I am learning tools that they DON’T teach you in the classroom. I have up close views on the many steps and processes that the average new broker would never see or could appreciate. Besides the vast information and new skills I am learning “hands on” from the best team out here, I am also encouraged to come up with fresh ideas and contribute back to the team to help keep growing stronger & better for our current and future clients.

I look forward to several more weeks to fly by and I have to say “Thank You” Marti for the strong foundation and stepping stones you are giving me in order to be a successful agent one day. You & this team have definitely given me that “edge” that is so rare & hard to have these days in this Raleigh Real Estate business.

What is the Most Important Decision you will make when you purchase your next home?

Hello – thanks for stopping by my blog on Mothers Day eve. I’ve got real estate on my mind (as usual) and here is my latest question for you. What is the most important decision you will make when buying your next home?

If you are buying Raleigh or Cary real estate, in my opinion, the most important decision you will make when purchasing your next home is your choice of agent representation.

With my experience of over 20 + years in the real estate industry, I consider it very “curious” indeed that many home buyers seem to choose a “hair dresser” with more care & concern than they choose the professional that will likely help them make their biggest financial decision. Many experts think that the American’s have most of their net worth in the equity of their home. So, wouldn’t you think folks would give it a great deal of thought?

I’ve thought about this a great deal. Perhaps it is the “I can do it myself” mind set that keeps many consumers acting by accident rather than design when shopping for a buyer’s representative. Or maybe buyers are not shopping for an agent representative at all – they are just shopping for a home and the agent is just an incidental that they don’t give much thought to.

I’ve come to the conclusion that many home shoppers do not know the value they could receive from experienced buyer’s representation. I think it is very easy to be carried away by the “feeling” of a gorgeously decorated home or a bright shinny new construction model and forget that it doesn’t have the schools you wanted – or the yard nor the desired distance from work (which was the reason you were moving in the first place.) Too often, the agent was the one you called from the sign or the smiling face in the sales office (both work for the seller BTW) that helped you view the property. STOP THAT!

Here is a secret, in our current market –EVERYTHING LOOKS LIKE A DEAL. Beware, some of what looks like the “deal of the century” is not even a good buy. Money is made in real estate when you BUY – not when you SELL. So please take my advice, hire a professional buyer’s representative to organize and focus your home search to maximize your results and "grow" you some equity on your next home purchase. We have a list of our servies and expertise that will show you tremendous benefit from working with the #1 team in the Traingle.

Call or e-mail me today for this list - you will be amazed!

I’d love to hear from you with your comments. Take care and buy some real estate – it is “on sale” right now – but will not last for long. Take Care and God Bless, mh

Live minutes from NCSU & Centennial Campus

Hello, thanks for stopping by today. WOW – what a spring market – it’s seems like months since I’ve been able to write even a few lines. Here is a short update on “right now” conditions of the market in Raleigh and Cary real estate.

#1. Houses are selling! (check out some of the homes we’ve sold on MartiHampton.com – click under recent home sales)

#2. Currently we enjoy a buyers market, meaning much of real estate is “on sale”. This won’t last -- the stock market is already reacting to reports indicating that the end of the curve is in sight. I encourage you to buy while there is still an advantage for buyer's.

Now for an update on a wonderful new neighborhood: One of the ways you become really good at real estate is to know what’s available and where to take your buyers for exceptional home values that are likely to appreciate well in the coming years. Recently we found such a neighborhood in Renaissance Park. We especially like WinStar homes. The location should appeal to RTP workers, NCSU Faculty, and anyone that likes South Glenwood and downtown Raleigh conveniences but prefers a quality “home” versus an expensive condo. Here is what one of my team members, Claire Slaughter, had to say about Winstar Homes in Renaissance Park .

The first thing you notice when you visit these charming, award winning detached homes is the phenomenal use of space -- the unique floor plans, designed by WinStar partner Cindy Morris, allow for both large open living space and privacy from neighbors that defy their property lines and total square footage. Every detail of design down to the elimination of unnecessary hallways and the placement of windows ensure a sense of both spaciousness and intimacy.

Not only will the space amaze you, but the quality of materials used to build these homes far exceeds those in comparably priced neighborhoods close to downtown. There are hardwood floors, ceramic tile baths, granite countertops, detached garages accessed by rear alleyways, screened porches, large front porches -- everything you would expect to find in a gracious Southern home.

The crown jewel of the neighborhood is Olin Place, a village green made up of separate “garden rooms” designed by landscape design students at NC State University.

This wonderful area will be a place for neighbors to sit and talk, walk their pets, and gather as a community surrounded by beautiful ornamental trees, shrubs, and grasses. Fountains, tables, benches and chairs will be scattered throughout inviting residents to linger and enjoy their neighborhood---and their neighbors!

The exteriors of the Capital Collection were designed with perfectly planned streetscapes to ensure an old town mix of elevations and colors. You will feel as if you are living in a small Southern town where every home was custom built along a quiet neighborhood street.

In addition to all this, you live in a community with the modern suburban amenities of a large, beautiful clubhouse, exercise facility, pool and tennis courts.

Moving to the Capital Collection of homes means you will live in a neighborhood of people in all stages of life---singles, young families, and empty nesters -- who want to live in a small Southern town just steps away from the business, entertainment, nightlife and excitement of a new Southern city -- Raleigh!

Come see this "new -old" neighborhood coming to life inside Renaissance Park, a collection of neighborhoods created by Wakefield Development just minutes from downtown Raleigh.

Thanks, Claire – attached you will find photos of Winstar Homes. Call us – we’ve got some very special incentives here.

Come back soon.