Wine About Real Estate by Ring The Bell Realty

Property Managment: Cost Benefit Analysis

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 18:55:37 GMT

Weighing the Benefits of a Property Manager vs. The Cost

Step-by-Step Cost-Benefit Analysis

A cost benefit analysis is a great tool to help decide whether or not it is time to include a property manager in your real estate investments. While several factors come into play when determining this, it is important to remember that every investor's portfolio differs and there are different indicators for each individual investor.

1. Monthly Rental Income

The first step is to determine the total amount of rent collected per month either per unit or as a total portfolio.
Example:
Rent of $2,000/month

2. Property Management Fee

Next, calculate the property management monthly fees. On average, most managers charge a monthly management fee between 8%-12% depending on the location. There are additional fees that property managers charge such as tenant procurment or leasing fees, maintenance coordination fees, onboarding fees, etc.
Example:
10% property management fee= $200/month

3. Time You Spend (or Would Spend) Managing It

This figure may be difficult to calculate at first, but it's best to be realistic on the amount of time it may take to do the following tasks on a monthly basis on average:

Collecting rent
Handling repairs
Communicating with tenants
Finding new tenants

Then assign a dollar value to your time (your hourly rate).

Example: 10 hours/month × $30/hr = $300 value of time saved

4. Cost of Mistakes or Legal Risks

It's harder to put an exact number to this, but thousands can be spent in legal fees pertaining to evictions, potential missed legal requirements or any misunderstandings with a tenant. A property manager actively prevent and help avoid potential legal issues.

Example: $1,000/year in avoided legal or compliance issues

5. Tax Deductions

In most instance, property management fees are tax deductible and directly taken off the top of taxable income. This can help soften financial impact from investment properties.

Example Summary

Rental income: $2,000

Property manager fee (10%): -$200

Time saved (10 hrs @ $30/hr): +$300

Avoided legal/repair issues (annualized): +$83

Net monthly benefit: +$183

Net monthly owner draw (before any other deductions such as repairs/maintenance): $2,183

Deciding Factors

Quantify if the time saved + avoided headaches is worth more than the management fee. The efficiency and peace of mind a property managment firm offers can help make the cost make sense.
If you happen to have a easily maintained property with a reliable tenant and enjoy maintenance and repairs, a property manager may not be necessary.

Many investors have previous personal experience managing their own properties and this experience helps them easily recognize how utilizing the services of an excellent property manager actively saves them time, maximizes profits, and helps protect their investments.
For more information on how Ring the Bell Property Management can help you achieve your real estate investment goals, Ring Us Today!

Perks of Using a Property Manager

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 18:11:45 GMT

What all does a Property Manager do?

Key Reasons to Use a Property Manager

1. Saves You Time

Property managers are MASTER time-savers. They handle all the daily tasks like collecting rent, coordinating maintenance, and managing tenants.
In the case of having multiple properties or if you don’t live close to your rentals, property managers become especially beneficial and give you time back to focus more on expanding your portfolio as an investor.

2. Tenant Screening

Getting a reliable tenant in place is VITAL to having a more stress-free experience as a property owner. Proper credit and background checks are important, but finding a property manager that calls previous landlords, personal references, and checks for past evictions will reduce the risk of late payments and evictions.

3. Handles Legal Issues

Property managers are well versed usually with federal and state landlord-tenant laws (evictions, leases, safety regulations), reducing your legal exposure. Their understanding of legal forms also helps with an easier processing of legal forms for any potential evictions.

4. Efficient Rent Collection

Rent collection can be one of the biggest issues for property owners. Tenant excuses and chasing them down for payment can be exhausting. Property managers are efficient at collecting rent consistently and enforcing deadlines. They can handle late payments professionally and collect late fees.

5. Maintenance and Repairs

Property managers have access to a whole network of locally vetted contractors and service providers. The working relationships between property managers and contractors can also offer chances at better rates. They also handle emergency repairs which allows for less stress on the property owner.

6. Market Knowledge

Market rents can fluctuate and are based on the local market conditions. A property manager has access to market resources and current knowledge of market trends which can help set a competitive rent, reducing vacancies, and maximizing income.

7. Marketing and Advertising

They also have access to marketing and advertising to list your property effectively for rent, ensuring quicker tenant placement. Their professional networks allow them access to more tenants more quickly as well.

8. Improved Tenant Retention

Having the property well-managed with efficient communication will create an overall better experience for the tenants leaving them happy and less likely to move, reducing turnover and vacancy costs.

9. Detailed Financial Reporting

A established property manager has reporting systems that will provide the property owner monthly and annual reports with ease and at a moment's notice. This makes tax time and profitability tracking much easier.

When Hiring a Property Manager Makes the Most Sense

You live far from the property - A property manager provides real boots-on-the-ground to keep an eye on the overall condition of the property.
You don’t want a second job managing real estate - Property managers give the biggest gift of all --- your time back.
You own multiple units - Owning and maintaining multiple units can distract you as the investor from focusing on building your real estate portfolio even further.
You’re unfamiliar with landlord laws - All property owners have to abide by landlord-tenant laws and not knowing these laws does not protect you from legal retribution.
You value passive income and minimal stress - A good property manager will ensure your rental income while giving you an overall less stressful experience.

How Ring the Bell Realty Property Management can help you

Hiring a property manager isn’t just about convenience—it’s about peace of mind. Whether you're short on time, live far away, or simply want a hassle-free investment, using Ring the Bell Property Management can turn your rental(s) into true passive income. From finding reliable tenants to handling pesky maintenance calls, we've got it covered—so you don’t have to.
We service everything and everyone from the young investor just starting out, accidental landlords, DIY landlords, and seasoned investors will multiple units and multiplexes. Ring the Bell Property Management is here to fulfill your goal of steady income, reliable tenants, and less stress.

Navigating Spring 2025 Real Estate Market

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 13:43:11 GMT

How to make the best of today's market

Looking to Buy?

Skeptics may tell you that buying a house in this market will leave you with an overpriced house and high interest rate, but in all actuality what we are finding is that home median values have not fluctuated downwards in the last five years. These nay-sayers are basing their advice off of 5+ year old market information. The fact of the matter is, today’s market has several advantages for buyers.

Yes, home values have increased nationwide, but this was after home values had stalled for many years after the initial dip in home values due to the 2008 market crash. The “recent” uptick in home values have stayed stabilized for the past half a decade meaning that the homes aren’t as overpriced as some would like to say. Instead, home values are justified with the market.

And yes, the interest rates may seem high when comparing them to the historically low interest rates we saw a few years back at two and three percent. But when considering all of the historical data, you’ll find that average mortgage interest rates range between 6%-8%. If you were to compare today’s rate to the 1980s interest rates that were in the range of 12-15%, you’d be awfully tickled about today’s 6.25%.

Ring us today for a deeper discussion on today’s market.

Looking to Sell?

Why Use a Realtor

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 14:52:46 GMT

Why Use a REALTOR

1 . Your Realtor® can help you determine your buying power.

Your Realtor® has professional experience to help refer you to the lenders that are best qualified to work with your financial borrowing capabilities.

2. Your Realtor® can assist you in selection of the right property for you.

Realtors® have access to a variety of informational resources. They can provide you with local community information on utilities, zoning, schools, etc. and help you find the right community for your needs.

3. Your Realtor can help you negotiate.

There are many negotiating factors from price, financing, terms, date of possession, inspections, repairs, and even furnishings that your agent can recommend or let you know what is required.

4. Your Realtor® provides due diligence during the evaluation of the property .

This could include inspections for termites, dry rot, asbestos, faulty structure, roof condition, easements, septic tank and well tests, just to name a few. Your Realtor® can assist you in finding qualified responsible professional to do most of these investigations and provide you with written reports.

5. Your Realtor® can guide you through the closing process and make sure everything flows smoothly.

6. When selling you home, your Realtor® will be there with up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace with price and competing properties. This helps in getting your property sold at the best price, with minimum hassle.

7. Your Realtor® markets your property to other real estate brokers and the public. Your Realtor® will market and disburse information about your property to other real estate broker through the Multiple Lising Service, other cooperative marketing networks and open houses. They can recommend repairs of cosmetic work that will enhance your property to better market it.

8. Your Realtor® can help you objectively evaluate offers on your home without compromising your marketing position. By helping you to write a legally binding, agreement that will be more likely to make it through the process of initial agreement, process of appraisal, inspections and financing.

9. Your Realtor® can help close the sale of your home. Your Realtor® is there for you to help resolve any issues that may occur or arise during the closing process from repairs to contract terms as your advisor.

10. Your Realtor® will be there to guide you through each step with their experience and knowledge of the real estate market as your advisor.

First Time Buyers Guide

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 15:34:38 GMT

First Time Buyers Guide

Prequalifying Yourself

You don’t want to wait until you've found the house you want to buy before you find out how large a mortgage you’re eligible for. Take the guesswork out of the process by getting “pre-qualified” for a loan before you even start house hunting.

Lenders’ Qualifying Guidelines

Mortgage lenders use two qualifying guidelines to determine what size mortgage you are eligible for:

● Your monthly costs (including mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance and if applicable HomeOwners Association Dues or

Cooperative Fee) should total no more than 28% of your monthly gross before-tax income.

● Your monthly housing costs plus other long-term debts should total no more than 36%of your monthly gross income.

Basically, your mortgage lender is saying that a household should spend not more than 28% of your income on housing and not more than 36% of its income on total indebtedness (housing and other debts). Lenders feel that if they follow these guidelines, homeowners will be able to pay off their mortgages fairly comfortably with no worries about a loan default or foreclosure.

How to Buy the Right House

Enlist the help of a professional Real Estate Broker who will act as a Buyers Agent representing your interests. A Real Estate Broker can provide you with a broad range of services including the following:

● Use your “wish list” to generate an on-line guide to houses that meet your specifications.

● Your Buyers Agent will show you houses that meet your requirements.

● Your Agent will provide you with information about the

communities, including what homes sell for in the area, building code regulations and availability of community services.

● Present your offer to the seller, advise you regarding the real estate settlement process, and give out information of a list of home inspectors

in the area along with appraisers and closing attorneys.

How can You Increase Your Borrowing Power

Reduce your existing long-term debt. Save for a bigger down payment to decrease the amount in borrowing from lending. look for other financing options that result in a lower monthly mortgage payment.

Your Credit Record

In addition to going through the prequalification process, there is one more thing you can do and should do that can help to ensure the loan application process will go smoothly and that is to check your credit ahead of time for any inaccurate errors. Unfortunately, sometimes credit Reports are inaccurate or give a misleading picture of past credit problems that have since been resolved.

Correcting an Erroneous Credit Record

To avoid any unpleasant surprises, you should obtain a copy of your credit report right away. You don’t want to take the chance that you could be denied a mortgage on the basis of erroneous credit reporting. If you find any errors, you will have a chance to get your credit report corrected before you apply for a mortgage. If you have any unresolved dispute with a creditor, the credit agency must include your explanation of the situation in future credit reports. By law, most unfavorable credit information must be dropped from your credit file after seven years. Bankruptcy stays on your credit report for ten years from the date of settlement.

Types of Mortgages Available

Ask your loan originator what type of loan you qualify for.

● For example, a 95%, 30 year, fixed rate mortgage with a 5% down payment of the purchase price is called a 95% Conventional loan. Fixed

rate mortgages may be preferable because your monthly principal and interest payment is fixed for the life of the loan. Only exception that can change is an increase in property taxes and insurance premiums.

● If you are in the need of a lower initial interest rate to help you qualify for a larger mortgage amount a one year, three year or five year ARM

comes with a lower initial monthly principal and interest payment that will increase steadily over the years.

● FHA is a Federal Housing Administration for 1st time buyers and repeat buyers. It is one of the easier loans to qualify for with a credit score

as low as 580 with a 3.5% down payment. This is an insured loan by the USA Government.

● VA Loan is a Department of Affairs that can allow you to buy a home with $0 down with a lower interest rate. Available for those who served

in the military. This is also a loan insured by the USA Government

● Freddi Mac operates in the USA 2nd mortgage market by pooling the mortgages they buy into security notes which are then sold to

investors around the world. Requirement for the debt-to-income ratio can go as high as 43% or 50%. Credit score acceptance as low as 640

or 620 with a 3% down Payment.

● Fannie Mae is the most common mortgage for buying or refinancing a home. The program offers a long term fixed rate loan aimed at

making home ownership more affordable. It requires a 3% down payment as long as the house is the primary residence. Gift funds are

allowed from family members. Minimum credit score as low as 620 with a higher down payment.

Required Documentation

You will speed up the loan processing if you bring the following documents with you to the loan interview:

● The purchase contract for the house.

● Three months of bank statements, account number and the address of your bank branch.

● Two pay stubs, W-2 forms for the past two years, or other proof of employment and salary. If you are self-employed, balance sheets, tax

returns for the past two years and a year-to-date profit and loss statement.

● Information about debts, including all loans and credit card numbers, names and addresses of your creditors.

● Evidence of your mortgage or rental payments, such as canceled checks or money order receipts.

Processing Time

Typically loan approvals take anywhere from 30 to 45 days. Most lenders promise a very short approval time provided there are no complications.

Closing Costs

Most mortgage lenders charge an origination fee, credit report appraisal and survey fee. There is a fee for the attorney, cost of a title search, title insurance and document preparation fee.

Escrow Requirement

Your mortgage lender will include the cost of property taxes and insurance in your monthly payment. Typically, this is a two month payment collection at closing.

Appraisal Contingency

When you apply for a loan, all mortgage lenders will require a professional appraisal of the market value of the property. The appraised value of the house determines how large a mortgage the lender will be willing to give you. If the appraised value is lower than the agreed upon purchase price, this contingence gives you the right to withdraw your offer.

Mortgage Insurance

Mortgage insurance protects the lender in the event the buyer fails to repay a loan. Loans can be either insured by the government or by a private mortgage insurer. This enables the home buyer to purchase a home with a lower down payment.

Homeowners Insurance

Mortgage lenders will require you to purchase a homeowners or hazard insurance policy to protect you and the lender from loss in the event the house is damaged or destroyed in a fire or storm.

Title Search

Mortgage lenders also require a title search to prevent fraudulent sales. This verifies the seller is indeed the owner of the property. The title search attempts to uncover any encumbrances on the title. This includes liens, legal claims against the property filed by creditors in an attempt to collect unpaid bills, as well as liens filed by the IRS for nonpayment of taxes. Any such claims against the property must be paid before or at closing. The buyer typically pays for the title search.

Title Insurance

As further assurance that the seller is giving the buyer a “marketable title”, mortgage lenders require that a title insurance is to be bought. There are two types of policies and you should get both.

● A lender's policy

● An owner policy

The lender's policy protects the lender in the event there is a flaw in the title that is detected after the property has been bought. The owner's policy protects you. Generally the buyer pays the cost of both.

Survey

A survey may be required of the property before closing. This is done to confirm the properties boundaries are as described in the purchase and sale agreement. This is another charge that is normally paid by the buyer.

Home Owners Warranty

If you are buying a new house, you may be able to get a homeowners warranty that protects against certain defects in your home. Both the homeowners warranty and a certificate of occupancy should be provided at closing. Recently, homeowners warranties have become available for older homes as well, typically covering repair of the major systems during the first year of ownership. If you are considering buying such a policy be sure to carefully see which potential problems are covered and which are excluded.

Why is Real Estate So High Right Now?

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 16:03:37 GMT

Today's Home Market & How to Survive It

The current real estate market is unlike what we have ever seen. The economy is struggling with inflation, higher interest rates, higher home values nationwide, while still battling the housing shortage. Each of these issues on their own offer enough strain for an economy and future home buyer or seller, but all of them together is laying way to the perfect storm, more commonly known as a bubble. While economists are not sure when this particular bubble may burst, it is agreed upon across the board that this current condition cannot be sustained.

Why do we care?
For our country and economy in the United States, the real estate market would be considered the backbone, the foundation, and basically if it’s out of whack everything will follow course eventually. Afterall holding real estate at such a high level makes sense, given we all need/want a roof over our head.

How does inflation affect the real estate market?
Most would agree that hearing the word inflation usually never leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy. Inflation simply put is costs of living being higher or inflated, while there is a decrease in the value of money. Overall, very bad for long periods of time or when extremely high. In 2022, inflation was at 8% while for the past ten years inflation has averaged around 1.88%. Inflation causes everything to increase in price, including housing.

How does higher interest rates affect the real estate market?
While most at this time are completely freaking about the interest rates right now, if you were to lookup the historical national average for interest rates, they would be in the 7%-9% range. Those historically low 2-3% interest rates were a brief phenomenon that was not sustainable. The fact we are only inching into the 7% interest rate range compared to our history actually makes our rates still fairly low. With that being said, it has completely affected the buying power for buyers. The same house sale price with a 5% interest rate compared to a 7% interest rate offers a lower monthly mortgage payment by hundreds of dollars. This quite obviously has affected how much home someone could buy, leaving such a large gap for affordable housing.

How higher home values affect the real estate market? More so, why have they rose?
For obvious reasons higher home values affect the real estate market in every way. Since the pandemic home value growth has surged higher than typical. One of the key factors on why the spike in home prices was tied to the large housing shortage stemming from the lack of new home construction nationwide since the 2008 recession. New home construction being one of the industries that was completely devastated after the financial crisis, most smaller builders went out of business while the other builders took years to rally. The rate of new home construction only recently (last 5 years) really making a turnaround. Another key factor, also tied closely to 2008, is home values have not had their typical steady growth rate historically. In a way, when values started to rise in 2020 it was really making up for lost time.

Why aren’t there any houses available?
The housing shortage is so closely linked to all three of the issues above and essentially the effect from the causes above. So many homeowners took advantage of the low interest rates by refinancing and now they are held hostage to their home since upgrading or downsizing isn’t as much of a viable option any longer due to the interest rates pricing them out. The shear lack of homes, especially affordable homes, is linked to the lack of new builds in the past fifteen years. The middle class and first-time homebuyers suffering the most from lack of affordable housing since these homes have been swooped up by investors and cash buyers.

What should I do?
Every situation is unique and navigating through these times of financial uncertainty not every piece of advice fits to every person or situation. Offering a blanket answer to all would be ignorant and ill-advised. It is important to do as much research as possible on market predictions, pay attention to current events and consult with those in the profession. A certain amount of self-reflection on your current situation and taking a moment to stroke up a broad plan for the next five years on where you see yourself will help you determine what moves you need to make now financially and real estate wise. It’s important to remember that real estate is considered the largest investment an individual can make and many financial advisors will state that the returns you can make on a properly planned real estate investment will yield much larger dividends than you could receive in the public stock markets.

As always, your local Ring the Bell Agent would be happy to delve deeper into this decision making process by providing you honest and updated market information for you to make the most involved real estate decisions.

Spring ’21 Giveaway Winner

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 16:18:00 GMT

A little late in our announcement, but Congratulations to our Spring Giveaway Winner! Looking forward to meeting up to give you your prize of a Free Case of Wine! Thank you to everyone that participated We always enjoy previewing your gorgeous homes and educating our community on the current market. Stay tuned for our Summer […]

The Pie Theory

Sat, 24 Apr 2021 16:18:00 GMT

We decided to share our Pie Theory with buyers, so they can be more prepared for today’s market. Let us know what you think of our theory.

#thepietheory #thepie #thetheory #realestate #staturday #ringthebellrealty #ringthebell #buyertips #homebuyer #todaysmarket #todaysrealestatemarket

Today’s Homebuyers

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 16:58:00 GMT

Happy Staturday! Here’s a few stats on today’s buyers and how they have changed recently. Hope everyone is enjoying this weather! 🥰 #staturday #todaysbuyers #todayshomebuyer #homebuyer #buyer #homes #stats #firsttimehomebuyer #realestate #realestatestats #ringthebellrealty #ringthebellagent

Update on 2021 Real Estate Market

Sat, 20 Feb 2021 16:55:00 GMT

Hey folks, hope you’re having a beautiful weekend so far! Here is Ring the Bell’s Staturday update to how the market is shaking out so far this year. If you’re feeling like houses are just flying off the “shelf,” here are some reasons why #ringthebellrealty #STATurday #househunting #housingshortage #realestatemarket #triadrealestate #realestateupdate

Holiday Giveaway Winner!!

Sun, 07 Feb 2021 00:49:00 GMT

Finally got around to posting our Holiday Giveaway Winner! Congratulations! Be on the lookout for more giveaways soon #giveaway #giveawaycontest #holidaygiveaway #congratulations #winner #charliebrowntree

What does 2021 hold in store for the Triad Real Estate Market

Sun, 17 Jan 2021 19:11:00 GMT

What does 2021 hold in store for the Real Estate Market?

The main questions that remain to be answered:
Will it still be a seller’s market in 2021? Will interest rates rise? Will there be a real estate market correction or slump?

2020 Triad Real Estate Market
First, we must realize what all happened this year to understand what we should expect in 2021. The real estate market started out the year fairly strong, with a small lull in the January/February, which is typical for the Triad area due to the weather. Things were ramping back up in March, getting ready for the spring market, when just about that time (St. Patty’s Day) everything was shutdown. It was a very uncertain time for just about everybody and the real estate market took a quick dip, but quickly recovered in about four-six weeks. The interest rates being in the two-three percent range encouraged people to buy even more than before, leaving a housing shortage in just about every state. About mid -summer, when there was more information gathered about COVID-19 and after many people were refined to being in their homes a lot more than usual, there was another influx of buyers in the already saturated market. Unfortunately, due to the uncertain times, most buyers were not wanting to list their properties until they found something for themselves to buy. That, along with many other uncertainties in the market created an even larger shortage in housing.
Despite all these obstacles, rolling through the summer and strong into the fall, real estate sales were phenomenal. Then, there was a sudden and somewhat substantial slump in the market leading up to the 2020 election and following the uncertain results. But, after the Thanksgiving holiday, the market came back stronger than ever. Since it is looking like we will be ending the year on a strong note, it has many people wondering what’s next?

Will interest rates rise?
Since the mortgage and real estate industry contributes heavily to the economic backbone of America, it is important that the imbalance of low interest rates doesn’t last too long to ensure stability in the market. The real estate market alone makes up of about a fifth of the total economy. Continued low interest rates gives people a false sense of security in the market allowing the inflation to rise. Most economists believe that the interest rates not only will rise in 2021, but need to rise. While most agree, rates will not immediately spike, an expected gradual rise throughout the next year is expected.

Will it still be a seller’s market in 2021?
With the unemployment rate reaching up to 14.7% in April, there is bound to be some repercussions in the housing market, at some point leading to an influx of foreclosures in the market. While the government is trying to release as much relief as possible to postpone this upcoming situation, there still will be some sort of an influx of foreclosures in the market. Once more houses hit the market, this will loosen the housing shortage, leading to a little shift towards the buyers.

Will there be a real estate market correction or slump?
Having an influx of houses arise in the market, whether it be a lot or a little, a flood or gradual, it will start a correction in the market. How big or small this correction will be is unknown. There are simply too many variables at play to determine how exactly things will play out. A correction isn’t always particularly a bad thing, though many may think so. It simply is just ensuring steady growth for a stable economy rather than allowing the prices to continue to inflate without true financial backing.

If everyone hasn’t already had enough change already from 2020, buckle up for a few more at least in the real estate market come 2021. It’s not all doom and gloom though, hopefully the correction in the market will ensure a long-lasting stable market to come.
We wish you all a Happy and Safe New Year!

Sources:
DoLittle Insights
Fool.com
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

What to Expect in 2021

Sat, 26 Dec 2020 19:05:00 GMT

2020 is almost over and you may be wondering what to expect for the coming year? From your local real estate experts, here’s 2021 predictions for the market. Hope everyone is having a wonderful Holiday weekend 🎄 #realestatemarket #triadrealestate #realestatepredictions #2021 #localrealtor #localrealestateexpert #ringthebellrealty #staturday https://youtu.be/PibNCYYjJ4I

Fall Giveaway Winner!

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 02:26:00 GMT

Announcing our Fall Giveaway Winner! 🥳 Thank you to all that entered our Fall Home Decor Photo Contest. We loved seeing all your cute home decor ideas 🍁 🏡🍂 We look forward to seeing everyone’s Charlie Brown Christmas Trees entries for our upcoming Holiday Giveaway 🎄 #fallhomedecor #decorating #homedecor #ringthebellrealty #fallphotos #giveaway #fallgiveaway #winning […]

Summer Giveaway Winner!

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 02:22:00 GMT

We have a winner! Thank you all that were apart of our Summer Giveaway. We were happy to give the updated market value to so many different homeowners this past season. 🏡 Looking to doing more giveaways for our awesome clients 🥰 To our lucky winner, Enjoy the Ring Doorbell 🔔 #happyclients #summergiveaway #summer2020 […]

Why can’t I find a House?!

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 13:49:00 GMT

Most have heard about the nation’s housing shortage, but not about how bad it actually is. According to Freddie Mac, in order for the nation to no longer be in this housing supply shortage, there would need to be an additional 2.56 million housing units. Currently, almost every state is in a housing deficit, leaving many eligible and qualified buyers without homes to purchase.

With the Boomers not wanting to sell due to market uncertainty and the Landlords not selling so they can continue to bring in rental revenue, the typical starter home is just unavailable. In the

Triad, most buyers are in the price range of $150k-$250k.
While the low mortgage rates are fantastic and are currently helping keep the buyers out, it is also keeping people in their homes as well. For some families, it makes more sense to refinance rather than to sell and possibly not be able to find another home.
You may be thinking, “Well, why don’t they just start building more affordable housing?”

Unfortunately, that is a lot easier said than done. Materials, such as lumber, have gone up to nearly 80% more cost since April 2020 alone. With material costs on the rise, it makes it nearly impossible to build a standard 1200sqft home under $300k, where

most of the buyers are! Material costs aren’t the only roadblock builders are running into. When developers go to the municipalities to get their new neighborhoods approved, the elected officials end up requiring more regulations, such as minimum square footage or minimum lot size. They are only doing what their constituents want, but in turn it is shutting out the entry level buyers.

No one is entirely sure on what the future holds for the housing market or how to really fix this shortage. In the meantime, we are in a great seller’s market with historically low interest rates, making it a great (and interesting) time to buy and sell.

For more information feel free to contact one of our Ring the Bell Realty agents.
336-864-1662

Sited Sources
Lumber Prices 2020
Freddie Mac – Housing Shortage
Reasons Why the Home Shortage

Why Can’t I find a House?

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 18:36:00 GMT

Know someone looking for a home and just can’t seems to get one? Here’s a few reasons why there is such a housing shortage. Join us on Stat-urdays to keep you updated in the Triad Real Estate Market weekly #staturday #ringthebellrealty #ncrealestate #triadrealestate #sellersmarket #housingsupply

Real Estate Market Inventory

Sat, 19 Sep 2020 19:28:00 GMT

Sharing some local real estate market stats with you on this beautiful day! We compare today’s housing supply and the demand for houses to this time last year. Hope you all have stay safe this weekend and enjoy this weather! #staturday #ringthebellrealty #housesupply #housingdemand #realestatemarket #todaysmarket #triad #triadrealestate #ncrealestate #sellers #buyers #housing #fallweather

Mid-2020 Stats on Real Estate Market

Sat, 04 Jul 2020 19:22:00 GMT

Happy 4th of July, hope everyone stays safe this weekend! Here’s the stats for this point in the year #mid2020 #realestatemarket #triadrealestate #ncrealestate #ringthebellrealty #staturday #midyearstats

Wining about Closing Costs

Sat, 27 Jun 2020 19:20:00 GMT

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend! We’re here to Wine about Closing Costs It’s not what you’d expect and we know how to help you not pay them #closingcosts #wineaboutrealestate #ringthebellrealty #happysaturday #ncrealestate #realtor #ncrealestateagent

Stats on FSBO vs Selling with an Agent

Sat, 13 Jun 2020 19:12:00 GMT

Happy Staturday Folks! Michelle goes over the stats on For Sale By Owners and how you can save money when selling your home #forsalebyowner #realestateagent #ringthebellrealty #sellyourhome #ncrealestate #ncrealtor #triadrealtor #sold

Bloopers

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 19:02:00 GMT

Hoping to brighten everyone’s day during these strange times with some Bloopers Happy Wednesday Folks! 🍷

Staturday Buy vs. Rent

Sat, 30 May 2020 19:01:00 GMT

Happy Stat-urday! Michelle & Kayla discuss Renting vs. Buying with cold, hard numbers. 🤔 Hope everyone is having a great weekend! #ncrealestate #ringthebellrealty #buyvsrent #firsttime #firsttimehomebuyer #staturday #realtor #triadrealestate

Staturday Q&A On Current Triad Real Estate Market

Sat, 23 May 2020 19:00:00 GMT

Michelle doing a little Q&A Stat Time with Kayla on how the Triad Real Estate Market is right now. Surprisingly, things aren’t as bad as you may think! Also, Ring the Bell Realty is doing free home valuations via FaceTime or Zoom 👍 #ringthebellrealty #ncrealestate #zoommeetinf #facetime #homevaluation #realtor

Giveaway Winner

Wed, 20 May 2020 17:37:00 GMT

Congratulations to our Winner for our House Style Giveaway! Thank you to everyone that commented and participated!! We will for sure be doing more giveaways. Happy Wednesday, everyone 🍷 #ringthebellrealty #winner #giveaway #housestyles #ncrealesate #triadrealtor #ncrealestatebroker

Self-Care Tips from Michelle

Wed, 13 May 2020 18:51:00 GMT

Happy Wednesday folks! Michelle has some quick self-care tips to share with you while you’re having your evening wine 🍷 Are you more like Kayla 😂 or Michelle 😇 during quarantine? Drop your emoji below 👇 #quarantinelife #stillselling #staywell #selfcaretips #ringthebellrealty #realtor #quarantinerealestate #ncrealestate #triadrealestate

Friday Stats

Mon, 04 May 2020 18:49:00 GMT

Friday’s Stats on the Market from Ring the Bell Realty, Hope everyone had an Awesome Weekend #realestate #realtor #ncrealestatebroker #housingmarket #haveagreatweekend #ringthebellrealty

Quarantine Real Estate Questions

Mon, 04 May 2020 18:48:00 GMT

As the weeks keep passing along, I’m sure everyone is starting to feel like Bill Murray in the movie Grounghog Day 😂😢🤯 We would love to hear about how this has affected you and your family. Comment below 👇 Stay healthy out there! #stayhealthy #keepittogether #ncrealestate #ncrealtor #realestate #realtor #ringthebellrealty

Changes in Real Estate During Quarantine

Thu, 30 Apr 2020 18:43:00 GMT

Wanting to reach out to everyone 😊 Hoping everyone is staying well and happy! We would love to hear about what you’ve been doing to stay busy and what sort of home improvements you’ve started 🏡😝 Comment below 👇 #ringthebellrealty #stillclosingdeals #stayhealthy #ncrealestatebroker #ncrealeatate #workfromhome

Ways to Not Pull Your Hair Out During Quarantine with Your Family

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 18:58:00 GMT

Of course, at all times please abide by all local, state, federal and CDC health and safety guidelines during this time.

We, at Ring the Bell, wish you and your family the best and good health during this time. Ring the Bell Realty is still always available by phone (especially now) for any and all your real estate needs.
Although this may be a huge pain in the butt for everyone, try to think of this as a long overdue home retreat with the ones you love the most.

Stay Healthy Everyone!

-Kayla Bell, Ring the Bell Realty

You Want Me To Insure What?!

Tue, 03 Mar 2020 00:18:00 GMT

Kayla, Michelle, and Heather are joined by Van Almond of Peak Insurance tasting Meiomi Pinot Noir. Van debunks the common misconceptions that occur in the insurance world, what policies as a homeowner you don't want to skimp on, what an insurance score is and when listening to your insurance agent benefits you the most.

Interior Design for every budget, decluttering, and when to call for help!

Tue, 03 Mar 2020 00:15:00 GMT

Kayla and Heather talk with Patricia Justice of Patrica Justice Design. She is a blogger, author, prep-to-sell, and redesign specialist who dives into Interior Design for every budget, decluttering, and when to call for help!

" Foreclosures and Short Fails"

Tue, 03 Mar 2020 00:07:00 GMT

Everywhere you look, investors are getting "good foreclosure/ short sale deals" Michelle, Kayla, and Heather divulge into the actual processes of both, so you can determine if this is an actual good deal for you.

"Deals on Wheels"

Tue, 03 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Kayla, Michelle, and Heather pull back the curtain on the differences between a manufactured vs. modular home, in the financial aspects & closing process.

" Age-Old Question"

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 23:58:00 GMT

Kayla, Michelle, and Heather talk over a glass of RayLen Vineyards & Winery's new Fizzy Sparkling Rosé, they discuss the most asked questions buyers ask while viewing a home

I love my home, Why don’t you?

Sun, 23 Feb 2020 19:32:02 GMT

Kayla, Michelle, and Heather sip wine and discuss whether it’s a trashed doublewide or even a $500K home in the middle of nowhere, the market does not discriminate. Find out how to determine what your home is actually worth.

Crazy A$$ Buyers

Thu, 20 Feb 2020 19:00:00 GMT

Kayla, Michelle, and Heather dive into the crazy buyer's side of Real Estate. They drink wine and tell stories of their experiences

Our Introduction

Fri, 24 Jan 2020 19:00:00 GMT

Pop in on our funny and educational podcast that pulls back the curtain on the Real Estate Game, giving you all the behind the scenes details on our day to day deals. Of course, everyone knows you need a glass of wine when discussing Real Estate.

Pop in, fill a glass and have a good laugh with us.

What All First-Time Home Buyers Should Know

Thu, 31 Oct 2019 15:00:00 GMT

Are you a first-time home buyer? Congratulations! This time in life is exciting and almost a rite of passage in American society. Finally owning your own home will feel satisfying after renting property from others. A word of caution as you begin the home-hunting process: be careful when looking at homes and keep your eyes open for flaws or problems. First-time home buyers often find themselves looking at homes with rose-colored glasses and can be easily taken advantage of if they are not careful. While most issues should be discovered during an inspection, there may be things left undiscovered that could still cause you a huge headache. We’ve put together a few warning signs or things that all first-time home buyers should know before they go through with the purchase.

5 Things to Look for When Buying a Home

Thu, 17 Oct 2019 15:00:00 GMT

Buying a home can be an exciting time , but it can also be stressful. Rarely will you find a home that has everything you are looking for. The hard truth is that you will most likely have to make some trade-offs when buying a home. So how do you decide what is most important to you? What do you sacrifice? What are your “must-haves”? Here are five things that we suggest you look for when buying a home.

Houses for Sale: How to Narrow Your Search for Your Perfect Home

Thu, 03 Oct 2019 15:00:00 GMT

With the increased popularity of websites like Zillow and Trulia, viewing postings for houses for sale is easier than ever. So how can you filter through those postings to narrow your search down to a manageable selection? We have a few ideas of things that can help you in your quest for the perfect home.

Begin the process by making three lists: “needs,” “wants,” and “deal breakers”, with deal breakers being things you want to avoid at all costs. Be careful in making these lists that you are being honest with yourself. If something is really a “want” and not a “need” make sure to put it on the appropriate list. Likewise, don’t include something on the “deal breakers” list that you actually would be okay with. You are going to use these lists to help you sort through the endless postings of houses for sale, so you don’t want to be second guessing your lists while you are trying to use them as a checklist. After your lists are made, the only houses that should remain for you as possible options should include all of your “needs,” hopefully some “wants,” and nothing from your “deal breakers” list.

Another great tool that you should use in helping to narrow your search is your realtor. Real estate agents are familiar with houses for sale and can easily help to schedule showings of houses that have what you are looking for. Be sure to be honest with your realtor, so they can show you houses you would truly be interested in.

One last tip to narrow your search is to know your budget and stick to it. Don’t be tempted to look at houses that are out of reach financially. Strike any house out of the running that does not fit your budget.

Reasons to Move to Lewisville-Clemmons

Thu, 26 Sep 2019 18:57:00 GMT

Outdoors activities – hiking, canoeing, etc.
One great perk to Lewisville-Clemmons is you are within an hour of several hiking destinations. To name a few: Hanging Rock, Stone Mountain, and Pilot Mountain. For the less arduous adventurers, there is a great walking and biking park destination, Tanglewood Park. They also have over about an acre fenced in and dedicated to a dog park.
Whether it seems like it or not, there are a decent amount of lakes and rivers close to Lewisville-Clemmons such as Yadkin River with several boat accesses. Salem Lake and High Rock is fairly close as well. For the not so fair weather, Sugar Mountain is within an hour as well to ski and snow tubing.

Higher Education
Winston-Salem may not seem like a college town, but it is home to quite a few schools. There is Wake Forest University, Salem College, Winston- Salem State University, UNC School of the Arts, and Forsyth Tech. Lewisville-Clemmons is within an hour to a few more colleges, such as UNC Greensboro, Catawba College, Guilford College, and High Point University.
Having this many colleges around provides a great culture and diversity to the Lewisville-Clemmons community.

Local Wineries & Breweries
Lewisville-Clemmons has a range of local wineries and breweries within a 15-mile radius. Westbend Winery & Brewery is the only facility in the Lewisville-Clemmons area that is both a winery and brewery. They hold several live music events almost every weekend. Raylen Vineyard has a laid-back atmosphere with a beautiful view of the mountain ridge. Medaloni Cellars not only offers tasty wines but also has cabins you can rent out for a night or two. It’s also a great wedding venue. Foothills Brewing is just up I-40 in downtown Winston-Salem and they have their own restaurant as well. Wise Man Brewing, also located in Winston-Salem. There are food trucks there often and more than enough beers for you to taste.

Climate
There’s a reason why the Northerners keep picking North Carolina to move or retire to. Those harsh winters are something that NC sees very little of and it doesn’t get quite as hot as Florida. Autumn is known for the colorful leaves and Spring offers so many blooms. Many choose to drive on the rolling Blue Ridge Parkway, which is less than an hour away from the Triad.

Locality
One of the greatest things about the Triad is you may seem far from everything, but you’re actually centrally located between two rapidly growing cities, Charlotte and Greensboro. If you are wanting more of that country feel, rather than living in the city, you can always choose to live a little further out for the lower home prices!

More Bang for your Buck
Depending on which website you pull your information from, the median home cost is somewhere between $134,000 and $143,000. If you’ve ever lived anywhere else, this is a phenomenal bang for your buck! Not to mention that this particular area continues to grow, leading one to believe that your biggest investment (your home) could continue to go up!

3 Reasons Why Your Realtor is Important

Fri, 05 Jul 2019 15:00:00 GMT

It seems that the world today has become very dependent on the internet, and most people have gotten used to having everything available at their fingertips. Although we love technology as much as the next person, we believe there is something to be said for continuing genuine human interaction. One area where this is a huge benefit is in the real estate market. The value of your living, breathing, understanding human realtor can never be replaced by information on the internet . Whether buying or selling, there are plenty of reasons why your realtor is an important member of your team. Let’s take a look at three reasons in each category:

Buying

Selling

Houses for Sale

Mon, 15 Apr 2019 08:12:00 GMT

We make searching for houses for sale enjoyable.

It seems like there are hundreds of houses for sale in the Winston-Salem, North Carolina area, but unless you have an unlimited budget, it may feel like you’ll be hard-pressed to find one that actually works for you and your family. This is where we come in at Ring the Bell Realty. Instead of getting discouraged about your home purchase early on, let us help you out and explore listings that are right for you, your situation, and your budget.

Before pulling up houses for sale to look at, however, we want you to consider a few big factors, including:

We’ll search our expansive database of houses for sale and identify a variety that meet your needs in terms of price, location, school district, lot size, and other important factors determined by you. Along the way, we’ll act as a reliable guide, source of information, and place you can turn whenever you have questions or concerns.

We make looking at houses for sale enjoyable! To get started with your search for a new home, get in touch with us at Ring the Bell Realty today.

At Ring the Bell Realty, we can help if you are interested in looking at houses for sale in Winston-Salem , Mocksville, Advance, Lewisville, Clemmons , Yadkinville, Kernersville , Lexington, Statesville, King, Pfafftown, East Bend, or High Point, North Carolina.

How to Sell Your House Fast

Fri, 05 Apr 2019 15:00:00 GMT

Are you hoping for a quick sale for your home? As you begin the process of preparing your house to enter the real estate market, you may not know where to begin. Which projects are the most important to tackle? We have put together a list of tips for you that will help you sell your house fast .

Tips to Sell Your Home Quickly

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 15:00:00 GMT

There are times when you have plenty of time for a home to sell, but that is not always the case. For example, if you have a job offer in another area of the state or across the country, you don’t have the luxury of months to wait for the highest offer to come in. If circumstances require you to sell your home quickly , consider these tips that could help.

A final note about selling your home quickly is to work with a professional with a proven track record for effective marketing and house selling tips . Here at Ring the Bell Realty, we know all the techniques that can be employed to achieve a prompt closing. From drawing interest in your home to negotiating for the best price, we’ll have your back for a successful outcome.

Let’s Get Ready For Tax Season

Wed, 30 Jan 2019 07:21:00 GMT

Are you gearing up for that tax return and thinking of what to do with it that will benefit your family to the fullest? Here are a few tips that can help you maximize your return.

Whether you’re thinking of buying or selling, we can help you use that refund to maximize your return. Call Ring the Bell Realty today!

Consider These Home Selling Tips for a Successful Sale

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 15:00:00 GMT

If you are getting ready to sell your home , you may be looking for some home selling tips that will get your home sold quickly and at the highest possible price. An understanding of the market can go a long way to anticipating the success you’ll experience with getting top dollar and closing quickly, but that is only part of the equation.

An important thing to recognize is that you need to think like buyers do. Think back to when you were shopping for the home you currently own. What things did you notice when you were viewing properties? What criteria did you have? What made you settle on the house you have? When you consider these things, you’ll be in a better position to address any issues before you list that could affect a successfully, timely sale.

For example, if you fell in love with your home when you first drove up to it, you understand that curb appeal is vital. Does your home look as nice as it did then? Or, does the landscaping need some attention and the home needs some repairs or fresh paint? You can also stage the outside to attract buyers, such as adding seasonal décor and landscape lighting.

Another thing you might have been turned off by is if you looked at a home that was cluttered or didn’t smell fresh. There is a big difference between a home that feels comfortable and lived in from one that gives the appearance that little effort was put into maintaining the property. Keep in mind, clutter doesn’t mean dirty – it just means you may have more personal affects around the home than is ideal. A real estate professional can give you valuable advice on how to properly stage your home and provide other home selling tips, so buyers can envision living there themselves.

Finally, you’ll need to consider that price and speed of sale are interrelated. If you need to sell quickly, you may have to consider a lower price to do so. This isn’t the only thing to consider, however, as an effective marketing plan and proper valuation of your home are also factors for a successful sale. Here at Ring the Bell Realty, we have the experience you need for home selling tips and getting the results you need. We consider your objectives and give you the advice that will get you there. Call today to learn more.

Why Configuration is More Important Than Overall Square Footage in Real Estate

Fri, 28 Dec 2018 15:00:00 GMT

When looking for real estate , it is not unusual to set one’s sights on a minimum and maximum number of square feet. While it is certainly a good idea to set a range in mind based on the needs of your family, you should also be cognizant of the configuration of the homes you look at. Floor plans are all a bit of give and take. If one room is exceptionally large, others have to be smaller to compensate. The key is deciding what works best for your lifestyle.

The first thing to decide is how many bedrooms and bathrooms you need. The real estate market is categorized with these criteria in place, so you can easily weed out those that don’t have enough or too many. Keep in mind that it is sometimes a good idea to go with one or two more bedrooms than your current circumstances dictate to allow for a growing family or to avoid buying real estate that won’t appreciate. For example, one- and two-bedroom homes and those with only one bathroom are not as popular as three-bedroom homes with two or more bathrooms. An extra bedroom could come in handy as a home office, guest room, large walk-in pantry, hobby room, den, or to rent out for added income.

The next thing to consider is where you and your family spend the most time. If that is the kitchen or living room, make sure those are large enough for everyone to be comfortable. Just be careful that these rooms are not so large that other rooms you also use are compromised in size to a point that will be too inconvenient.

Here at Ring the Bell Realty, we have seen homes that are mammoth in size, yet had configurations that few families would find acceptable, and we’ve seen smaller homes that were laid out beautifully. That is how we know that square footage isn’t the only indication of a home that will work out. We have the experience in real estate you need to assist you with the ideal marriage between configuration and square footage, so your new home fits your family’s needs. Call today to learn more.

They Say Real Estate Slows Down During the Wintertime, But it Doesn’t Have To…

Wed, 12 Dec 2018 15:00:00 GMT

You always hear how the market slows down during the winter, but we personally haven’t experienced a slow winter yet! Here are a few reasons why it isn’t a bad idea to go ahead and get your home on the market or to continue your home search during the cold months.

Let’s heat up the market this winter! Call us at Ring the Bell Realty today to find your home.

How to Accurately Assess Houses for Sale

Mon, 26 Nov 2018 15:00:00 GMT

Of all the emotions you could experience when buying a home, the last one you want to feel is buyer’s remorse. Learning a house isn’t right for you during the inspection period is far better than learning after closing. In addition, you can save yourself grief and expense by carefully assessing houses for sale before you put in an offer. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you view properties that will help you select the right home for you and your family.

When you work with us at Ring the Bell Realty, you can be assured that we’ll assist you with finding houses for sale that fit your budget and your needs , and are priced properly. We’ll go to bat for you during negotiations with facts that substantiate a lower price if that is the case. We work for you, so you can count on getting the personal attention you deserve and make sure your experience looking at houses for sale and closing on one is the fun experience it should be.

The Opening of Our Clemmons, North Carolina Office

Mon, 19 Nov 2018 15:00:00 GMT

We are owned and operated by Michelle Bell and Kayla Bell Brown, with over 17 years of combined experience in the real estate industry. We have compiled an experienced and friendly staff of devoted individuals who will provide you with the exceptional service you deserve when buying or selling real estate .

Whether you are looking to buy or sell a single-family home, townhome, condo, or land, we are confident you’ll enjoy your transaction from beginning to end. We are known for our responsiveness, knowledge of the industry, and trustworthiness. These traits mean that your goals will be met for all your real estate transactions. We take the time to provide you with the personalized attention that makes your experience the pleasant and successful one that it should be.

We hope you will drop by and see our new office at 2554 Lewisville Clemmons Road, Suite 312 in the Bronze One Building. We’d love to meet you and discuss how we can execute your transaction in a manner that is as timely and stress-free as possible. We find it very satisfying being a part of making our clients happy. Count on us to provide the services and advice that put a smile on your face throughout the home buying or selling process . Call or stop by today!

The Outside Matters When Buying a House

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 15:00:00 GMT

It is normal to be focused on what a home looks like on the inside and spend only a few moments considering its curb appeal. Although you won’t spend as much time looking at the outside as the inside, there are some things on the outside you should consider and take note of when buying a house . Otherwise, you could find significant cash outlays after closing that you didn’t plan for. Here are some of the things you should consider.

The best tip of all when buying a house is working with a professional real estate agent. Here at Ring the Bell Realty, we know it is easy to overlook items both indoors and out when you are going through the exciting process of buying a house . That is why we start by getting to know you and your expectations, and then put attention to detail to work to help you notice everything about a property. Call us today to learn more about our commitment to making your experience the best so you’ll be “home sweet home” before you know it.

Our New Website is live!

Wed, 05 Sep 2018 15:00:00 GMT

We’ve been working on a new site for the last month, and we’re pleased to say it’s finally live! What do you think of it? Got any comments or feedback? Please let us know by posting a message below.