http://redefinedrealestategroup.com/blog/archive_201607/sort_entrydatetime-desc/ Lake Gaston's Pamela Hale is just as excited for boat season as you are! Contact our Lake Gaston office today to find the perfect home you can relax and take out your boat on the stunning water whenever you want. Contact us with any further question rather it be in Lake Gaston or any of our other locations! http://redefinedrealestategroup.com/blog/314/boating-season-in-lake-gaston/ Thu, 28 Jul 2016 12:00:00 -0500 Facebook Live the Latest Trend to Infiltrate the Open House SceneBy Paige TeppingDrumming up interest in an open house may be about as fun as watching paint dry, but getting people through the front door is a (huge) step in the right direction when it comes to getting your latest listing sold. And with the tools and technology available today, connecting with prospective buyers near and far is easier than ever—provided your willingness to explore new avenues that might not be on everyone’s radar.For real estate agent Zac McHardy—hailing out of Australia—showing potential buyers through a house via Facebook Live has not only amped up local interest in the home located at 188 Newman Road, Geebung, Queensland, it has also set him on a path of viral fame. McHardy notes that his experiment of showcasing an open house and Q&A session via Facebook Live was nothing short of a success. In fact, 25 people showed up for the actual open house, in addition to 44 others who watched the live video throughout the 25 minutes.“We’ve used Skype many times to sell,” McHardy told the Domain Reporter. “Now you’ve got Facebook Live and it’s a little more accountable as they can see how many people are watching the video—and the owners can watch as well.”While the idea to use Facebook Live was suggested by a friend only three days ahead of the actual event, McHardy explains that there are certain things that need to be tweaked, but most importantly, future live streams are on the horizon for the Raine and Horne Chermside agent.“I didn’t expect it was going to happen,” added McHardy, who now has five offers on the property—one from the live video.Check out McHardy’s video here or visit his Facebook page to see more of how he’s using Facebook Live for his real estate business. This post was originally published on RISMedia's blog, Housecall. Check the blog daily for top real estate tips and trends. http://redefinedrealestategroup.com/blog/395/facebook-live-for-open-houses/ Tue, 26 Jul 2016 12:00:00 -0500 9 Smart Tips to Keep Your Home SpotlessBy Barbara ProninNobody likes to spend hours cleaning house—and sometimes, there are few hours to spare. How is it some seem to have a knack for keeping their homes looking spotless in no time at all?Country Living magazine recently polled home bloggers to come up with nine tricks:Take Your Shoes Off – Shoes carry dirt and germs. Mandate the family remove them when coming in the door—and put up a sign in the entryway asking visitors to do the same.Make the Bed – Even if the bedrooms are not picture-perfect, a neat bed pulls together the room.Squeegee the Shower Every Time – Squeegeeing only takes about 20 seconds, and it keeps the glass clean and shining.Clean the Bathroom Sink – Quickly swipe the sink with a wipe to keep it sparkling. Keep the wipes handy under the sink.Wipe Down Kitchen Counters – Use a homemade solution of one part vinegar with three parts water to keep counters clean.Clean Up as You Go – Wash the pots and put away ingredients as you finish while you cook—the goal is to have nothing to do after dinner but put plates in the dishwasher.Do a Five-Minute Cleanup Before Bed – Five minutes before bedtime, put everything back in its place—pick up the dog's toys, hang up jackets and put away the mail, for instance.Put Your Clothes Away – Every master bedroom has one chair that starts off empty on Monday and ends up covered with clothes by Friday. Before you go to bed, put them away.Open a Door or Window – Letting in fresh air helps keep your home feeling fresh.  http://redefinedrealestategroup.com/blog/368/keeping-your-home-clean/ Mon, 25 Jul 2016 12:00:00 -0500 3 Tips for Homebuyers in a Competitive Market(BPT)—Homebuyers traditionally face competition at the height of real estate season. Now, with market indicators reaching record post-recession milestones, competition is stiffer than ever.To gain an edge as a buyer, real estate professionals advise:Getting Pre-Approved – Getting pre-approved for financing will give you significant leverage in negotiations with the seller—and knowing exactly what you can afford will keep you on track if a bidding war ensues.Thinking Long-Term – As a homebuyer, your decision regarding which home to purchase should align with your future expectations. Planning to grow your family? Consider a larger house in need of work instead of a completely updated two-bedroom bungalow. Looking to downsize? Consider purchasing a ranch home without stairs.Researching the Neighborhood – Researching areas in advance can save you time spent hunting for houses that do not suit your needs. Do you need easy access to commuter rail and bus lines? Where will your children attend school? These factors, and more, will influence your home-buying decision.Keep in mind that in addition to these tips, the best ally in a competitive market is a real estate professional. If you’re ready to purchase a home, contact your local real estate agent for guidance.   http://redefinedrealestategroup.com/blog/206/3-tips-for-homebuyers/ Mon, 25 Jul 2016 12:00:00 -0500 Pamela Hale, one of our agents from Lake Gaston office, is here today to talk to us about the current housing market! If you're looking to buy or sell a home, we're always here to help contact us today with any further questions! http://redefinedrealestategroup.com/blog/233/hows-the-market?/ Mon, 25 Jul 2016 12:00:00 -0500