What's a CMA and Why It Matters
A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) looks at recently sold comparable homes, current listings, and pending sales to determine your home's value. It's provided free by your agent and is the critical first step in making informed decisions — whether you sell now, later, or not at all.
Preparing Your Home for Sale
Highest-ROI Projects
Garage door replacement (194% ROI), steel entry door (188%), minor landscaping, fresh neutral interior paint, minor kitchen updates (new hardware, countertops), and hardwood floor refinishing. These provide the biggest bang for your buck.
What NOT to Invest In
Major kitchen gut renovations (only 38% ROI), swimming pool installation, ultra-luxury upgrades, garage conversions, or spending more than 30% of your home's current value on improvements.
Staging Makes a Real Difference
Staged homes sell approximately 73% faster. Key strategies: declutter aggressively, paint in neutral warm tones, maximize natural light, replace heavy drapes, and deep clean everything. Deep cleaning alone has been estimated to deliver a 3,650% ROI.
NC Closing Costs for Sellers
Excise tax: $2 per $1,000 of sale price. Attorney fees: $900–$1,500 (NC requires an attorney at closing). Agent commission: typically 2.5–3%. For a $400,000 sale, expect total seller costs of approximately $12,000–$15,000+.
NC's Unique Due Diligence System
The buyer pays a non-refundable due diligence fee (typically $2,000–$5,000+) directly to you. During the due diligence period (14–30 days), the buyer can terminate for any reason but loses this fee. This protects sellers from frivolous offers.
NC Disclosure Requirements
Sellers must complete the Residential Property Disclosure Statement covering structural condition, roof, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, environmental hazards, and more. The Mineral and Oil and Gas Rights disclosure is also mandatory. Homes built before 1978 require federal lead-based paint disclosure.
What a Senior Transitions Specialist Does Differently
Agents specializing in senior real estate bring emotional intelligence, patience, and understanding of the full spectrum of housing options. They maintain networks of estate planners, elder law attorneys, and move managers. Most importantly, they work with your family's timeline, not their own.
Kim Pendergrass has 20+ years of experience helping families just like yours. She'll walk you through every step with patience, honesty, and genuine care. Request your free CMA today.