October 2025 House & Home Newsletter Copyright Realtor Kathy Smith

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A message from…

your Realtor

Loki and I just wrapped up our annual vacation to see the Samily (the Samoyed National Specialty), and once again he showed me how much he loves working. Loki earned two new Obedience titles, both requiring a portion or all moves off leash, which is a huge accomplishment I’m very proud of him!

Changing focus to the Charlotte market, while days on market have lengthened, the market overall remains strong with more properties at higher prices selling. Meanwhile, 30-year mortgage rates dipped slightly last week to around 6.30%, giving Buyers a little more breathing room as we move into the fall season

THE ROLE OF A BROKER

QUESTIONS FOR YOUR AGENT

LOKI’S BARKLIGHT

COMMUNITY EVENTS

FEATURED LISTINGS

MARKET UPDATE Why You Should Use One HOME MAINTENANCE

THEROLEOFAREALESTATEBROKER

Why You Should Use One

In today's digital age, where information is just a few clicks away, it's tempting to believe that you can navigate the complex world of real estate transactions on your own After all, with an abundance of online listings and resources, some may wonder, "Why should I use a real estate Agent?" While the internet provides a wealth of information, the role of a seasoned real estate Broker goes far beyond what a simple Google search can offer. Here are compelling reasons why you should consider enlisting the services of a professional realtor when buying or selling your home:

EXPERTISE IN LOCAL MARKETS

Realtors have an intimate knowledge of local real estate markets. They can provide insights into neighborhood trends, property values, and the unique dynamics that might affect your buying or selling experience

AGENT, BROKER OR REALTOR?

In North Carolina, real estate is a Broker only profession Everyone licensed to sell property is a Broker, even those often called Agents I’m a Broker-in-Charge and REALTOR®, with experience, advanced training, firm oversight responsibilities and a commitment to the highest ethical standards

PRICING STRATEGY

Brokers are skilled at helping you determine the right price for your home. They conduct comparative market analyses (CMAs) to ensure your listing is competitive and appealing to potential buyers.

NEGOTIATION

EXPERTISE

One of the most significant advantages of hiring a real estate Broker is their negotiation skills. They act as intermediaries, working to get you the best deal possible, whether you're buying or selling.

House hunting or selling a property is a time-consuming endeavor Brokers can help streamline the process, saving you hours of research, paperwork, and phone calls. TIME SAVINGS

MARKET CONNECTIONS

Real estate Agents have a network of industry contacts, including mortgage Brokers, home inspectors, and contractors. They can connect you with trusted professionals who can help you navigate various aspects of the transaction

LEGAL PROTECTION

Real estate transactions involve complex contracts and legal obligations A Broker will ensure that all paperwork is handled correctly, reducing the risk of costly mistakes or disputes

OBJECTIVE ADVICE

A real estate Agent provides unbiased advice. They have no emotional attachment to the property, allowing them to offer honest opinions and recommendations.

MARKETING POWER

When selling your home, real estate Brokers employ effective marketing strategies to ensure your property gets maximum exposure, which can lead to faster sales and better offers.

MARKET INSIGHTS

Brokers stay up-to-date with market trends and can advise you on the best times to buy or sell to achieve your goals

Questions to ask your AGENT

Selling your home can be an exciting yet challenging journey, and selecting the right Agent is a pivotal step in ensuring a smooth and successful sale To make informed decisions and maximize the value of your property, it's crucial to ask the right questions when interviewing potential real estate Agents Here are some key inquiries to help you choose the perfect realtor for your home sale:

What is your familiarity with the local real estate market, especially in my neighborhood?

What is your plan to market my home effectively?

How do you determine the right listing price for my home?

How frequently will you update me on the progress of my home sale?

What is the best way to reach you and are there specific hours that you are available?

How do you handle negotiations with Buyers and their Brokers?

What is your opinion on Open Houses?

Do you provide guidance on preparing my home for sale and staging it for maximum appeal?

How long have you been in the business? Have you earned any additional designations?

What are your fees and commission structure? Any additional costs I should be aware of?

What is the typical timeline for selling a home in my area?

Are there any potential challenges we should anticipate?

Will you create professional photos, virtual tours, and marketing materials for my property?

Love Local, Support Local, Shop Local!

LOKI’sbarklight

Loki had quite the week at the Samoyed National Specialty in Wilmington, Ohio, also known as the Samily Reunion! He traveled up early to compete in an all-breed trial, earning two qualifying scores in Rally Advanced (a fun form of Obedience), then finished his Rally Advanced title at the national event.

He also picked up his Beginner Novice Obedience title with a 1 place finish, added two FastCAT runs, hitting around 21 mph each time. While he didn’t earn any show ring placements, he looked polished and confident, turning plenty of heads ringside.

Kathy served as Master of Ceremonies for the Parade of Titleholders (of course she did!), while Loki showed off a different bow tie each day. Some dogs vacation to relax. Loki vacations to see his Samily and work!

MARKET UPDATE

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October 2025 House & Home Newsletter Copyright Realtor Kathy Smith by Homes by Kathy Smith - Issuu