FAQ
Got questions about real estate or property management in Raleigh or the Triangle? Below are some of our most frequently asked questions, answered by the Powell Realty team with over 20 years of local experience.
Selling my Home
Pricing your home correctly is crucial. Our team uses a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to evaluate the prices of similar homes recently sold in your area, local market trends, and your property’s unique features. Our goal is to price your home competitively to attract buyers while maximizing your return. Get your CMA now.
The time it takes to sell your home depends on various factors like the local market, the price, and the condition of the property. On average, homes may take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to sell. Our experienced team works to streamline the process and reduce market time by effectively marketing and negotiating on your behalf.
- Declutter and depersonalize rooms
- Complete minor repairs (e.g. patch walls, fix leaks)
- Enhance curb appeal with landscaping or exterior touch-ups
While not always required, making necessary repairs can increase your home’s appeal and value. We’ll help assess which repairs or updates may offer the highest return on investment. In some cases, selling as-is may be an option, depending on your goals and the condition of the property.
Traditionally, spring and summer are considered peak seasons for home sales due to favorable weather and school schedules. However, homes sell year-round, and the right time to sell depends on your personal situation and the current market conditions in your area. We can help you assess the local market to find the ideal timing.
Our selling process starts with an in-depth consultation to understand your goals. We’ll create a personalized marketing plan, handle professional photography, list your property on the MLS and other platforms, manage showings, and negotiate offers. From listing to closing, we’ll guide you through each step to ensure a smooth transaction.
The costs can include real estate agent compensation, closing costs, repairs (if any), staging, and attorney fees. We provide a full breakdown of potential costs upfront so there are no surprises. Our goal is to maximize your net proceeds from the sale.
Staging helps potential buyers visualize the home as their own by showcasing its best features. Homes that are professionally staged often sell faster and for a higher price. Our team can recommend staging services or offer tips to help make your home as appealing as possible.
An open house or showing gives potential buyers a chance to view your property in person. We handle all the details, including scheduling and marketing the event, to ensure maximum exposure. You will be notified of showings in advance and are encouraged to leave the property to give buyers the opportunity to explore freely.
Receiving multiple offers is a great situation, and we will guide you through comparing offers, considering factors beyond just price. We’ll look at terms like Due Diligence and Earnest Money Deposits, financing, and closing timelines to help you choose the best offer for your needs and negotiate on your behalf.
Selling a home can have tax implications, especially regarding capital gains tax. If you’ve lived in the home for two of the past five years, you may qualify for an exclusion on capital gains. We recommend consulting with a tax professional to understand your specific situation.
Buying a Home
The first step is to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will help you determine how much you can afford and show sellers that you’re a serious buyer. Working with a local lender who understands the North Carolina market is beneficial.
Aside from the purchase price, you’ll need to account for closing costs, which typically range from 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price. You may also need funds for a down payment, home inspection, appraisal fees, and homeowners insurance.
In NC, down payments typically range from 3% to 20% of the home’s price, depending on the type of loan you qualify for. First-time homebuyers may be eligible for programs that offer lower down payments or assistance.
North Carolina offers various programs through the NC Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA), including down payment assistance, tax credits, and affordable mortgage options. Check with your lender to see if you qualify.
Yes, North Carolina law requires a licensed attorney to be involved in the closing process to ensure the legal transfer of property and to manage title and deed paperwork.
A home inspection is a thorough evaluation of the home’s condition, including its structure, systems, and appliances. It’s highly recommended to have a licensed inspector assess the property before purchase to identify potential issues.
On average, the process from making an offer to closing can take 30 to 45 days, depending on factors like financing, inspections, and negotiations.
The due diligence period is a negotiated time frame, usually lasting a couple of weeks, during which the buyer can conduct inspections, appraisals, and finalize financing. During this period, the buyer can walk away from the deal, but any due diligence fee paid is usually non-refundable.
If the appraisal is lower than your offer, you can either negotiate with the seller to lower the price, pay the difference out of pocket, or contest the appraisal. Your lender will only provide financing up to the appraised value.
Property tax rates in North Carolina vary by county and municipality. It’s important to research the tax rate in the area you’re considering, as it can impact your monthly payments.
New National Association of Realtor® (NAR) requirements specify that a Realtor® can only show homes to clients who have signed a written agency agreement. You may choose to make that agreement for viewing a single property, or you can sign with one agent/Realtor® for your entire homebuying journey. There are advantages to working with the one agent, such as confidentiality throughout the entire process, and having an advocate on your side helping you from start to finish. We can explain this in more detail during an agent consultation.
We provide full-service property management in Raleigh NC and surrounding areas, including marketing, tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance coordination, and financial reporting. We also offer consulting for investment strategy, deal structuring, and 1031 exchanges.
Yes. We handle the screening process based on fair housing guidelines, but you’re welcome to review applications before final approval if you prefer a more hands-on approach.
We provide monthly statements and notify you promptly of maintenance issues, lease updates, or tenant concerns. You also have access to your Owner Portal for real-time updates.
Yes. Our team can help you evaluate investment opportunities in the Triangle NC and estimate cash flow and ROI. If you’re considering a purchase, request a free home value analysis.
We currently focus on long-term rental properties, but can refer you to a trusted partner for short-term or vacation rentals.
We follow a structured rent collection process that includes reminders, late fees, and legal action when necessary. Our property management team handles the process in full compliance with North Carolina landlord-tenant laws.
You can browse available listings and submit an application directly from there through our rental application portal. Each listing includes requirements and instructions for applying.
Rent payments can be made online through your secure Tenant Portal, where you can also view your balance and payment history.
You can also pay via check, money order or cashiers check at our office.
Ask about our Electronic Cash Payments option.
Rent is due on the 1st of each month. A late fee will apply if payment is not received by the 5th. Please refer to your lease or contact us through the Tenant Portal if you have questions.
Submit a request through the Tenant Portal, or call the Powell Realty Rentals line at 919-771-1112. Our maintenance team will respond as quickly as possible.
Pet policies vary by property and owner preference. Refer to the listing or contact our team through the Tenant Portal to confirm whether pets are allowed at your rental.
You are responsible for the terms of your lease. Early move-out may require continued rent payments until the lease ends or until a new tenant is found. Contact us through the Tenant Portal to discuss your situation.
We’ll reach out 60–90 days before your lease ends to discuss renewal options. You can also send us a message through your Tenant Portal if you’d like to renew early or ask about your lease status.