Greg Rapp ~ Marketing Historic Homes in Rowan County, North Carolina

In these uncertain economic times it takes more than a sign to sell a historic property. It takes hard work, a strong network and a thoughtful plan. It takes an expert, like Wallace Realty's Greg Rapp, Rowan County's foremost expert at marketing antique, historic properties.  Greg, as a REALTOR® in Salisbury North Carolina, spends the bulk of his time on a niche that is less than five percent of the total real estate market. No real estate agent in this area of North Carolina cares more about the preservation of historic architecture and landscapes than Greg Rapp. 

 

Greg Rapp has years of practical and academic experience in the field of marketing and selling historic buildings. His command and interest in this niche has introduced substantial market and anecdotal research to determine trends, strategies and tools necessary to successfully buy or sell a historic property.
 

CREATING A MARKETPLACE 

REALTOR® Greg Rapp ~ a preservation advocate and long-time fan of historic homes ~ long ago decided to convert his avocation to his vocation. He has become the area's premiere real estate agent specializing in marketing and selling historic properties.  Greg's marketing strategies for older homes is founded on the premise that an exclusive marketplace for historic real estate benefits sellers and buyers of old buildings and ultimately the buildings themselves. Greg's goal, therefore, is to create a marketplace at "Salisbury, North Carolina Real Estate" that matches fine old buildings with preservation-minded buyers. The best way to save fragile historic buildings is to put them in good, safe hands with buyers who appreciate the scarcity of a well-preserved antique.

Greg Rapp invests heavily in building this strong, vibrant marketplace, so in essence all marketing and promotional activities benefit all clients. It is Greg's intention, with "Salisbury, North Carolina Real Estate", to garner the best price for your property by employing an aggressive marketing plan that attracts the most qualified and interested buyers thus creating a competitive sales environment.

CASE IN POINT

Greg recently closed on the pre-Civil War era home at 2220 Gold Knob Road.  A circa 1855 log home is not the home for just any buyer, but Greg's expertise in moving this rare and special home with a history helped to create the vision for the buyer that this was THE home for them!  Why the success?  '"There is quality found in historic homes—the quality of design, material, and handcraft—that simply doesn't exist in many of today's McMansions," Rapp says. "There are plaster walls, first growth timber and decorative elements created by craftsmen rather than rolled off of an assembly line."

PRESERVATION PROFESSIONAL

Greg was recently recognized by the Historic Salisbury Foundation for his work in the marketing and selling of historic homes.  By specializing in marketing historic properties, Greg says that buyers and sellers seek out his expertise. By marketing himself as a specialist, he distinguishes himself from other sales associates and brokers and gain a competitive edge.  This is demonstrated by the sheer number of historic properties Greg has marketed, both commercial and residential, in a relatively small time frame. "Historic preservation holds a community together," Rapp says. "If you preserve the character of the buildings in a town, you get more of a community feeling. When you start tearing down history, however, you lose that sense of fiber."

THE VALUE OF A HISTORIC HOME
 

The age of a well-kept, unspoiled home is part of its value. Homes older than eighty years are becoming less common. Homes in an historic neighborhood are limited in quantity, but are the treasure of a city and a drawing card for tourists. The style of architecture and craftsmanship which are found in many older houses are notably lacking in new buildings. Beautifully restored homes add to the charm and value of a city. It is for this reason that many large cities have developed committees for historical preservation. Grants for the restoration of older homes are often available to homeowners. 

With a little effort, research and a venture outside of the box, Greg's knowledge of the marketing and selling of older homes takes him to an exciting new aspect of real estate. . . and he appreciates the challenge! 

 
Are you ready to market your vintage home?  Are you looking to buy that perfect older home built with quality and character that cannot compare to newly built structures?  Then give Greg Rapp a call ~ 704.213.6846 ~ and start your exciting challenge!





 

Greg Rapp
Wallace Realty Co.
704 213 6846 Mobile
704 636 2021 Office
www.realestatesalisbury.net

155 Joyner Lane, Salisbury NC ~ Country Living at Just $65K

On the outskirts of Salisbury, North Carolina, a peaceful country drive down NC 601 in Rowan County, you’ll find this solid 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath home for just $65,000! 

This home, in its quiet country neighborhood, offers a large living room and even larger, very spacious, nearly 20’ x 12’den. Former owners converted an attached garage to this large, informal living space.

The warm and cheerfully painted kitchen & dining area looks out onto a large back deck, which in turn overlooks the backyard of this 0.47-acre country lot.

The 1389 sq ft home at 155 Joyner Lane has been sitting empty for a bit, but was once wonderfully landscaped.  It wouldn't take much to make this place great again ~ some mowing and edging and a bit of paint will renew this country charmer.  

There is a small outbuilding on property for storing lawn care equipment or perhaps children’s bicycles and other items.  Because this home is outside the Salisbury city limits, it is on a private well and septic system.  

The home is being sold ‘as-is’, and the carpet and deck need a bit of attention.  But for the family seeking the feel of country living, this home is perfect in location, size, and affordability!   

Sound like this priced-right 3-bedroom home at 155 Joyner Lane could be for you?  Contact Salisbury / Rowan County real estate agent Greg Rapp at 704.213.6846 to picture your family in this country setting. 

Greg can make it happen for you!

155 Joyner Lane, Salisbury NC ~ $65,000 ~ Call Greg at 704.213.6846

Greg Rapp ~ Local Leader in Online Real Estate Marketing

Greg Rapp has been acknowledged as the local leader in online real estate marketing. 

www.204sshaver.com

When a local neighborhood association met to explore how they could promote houses in the area and open this resource to all Salisbury communities, they contacted Rowan County Realtor Greg Rapp for advise in how best to roll out such a web-based approach to marketing houses.

A neighborhood representative, Mr. Geof Wilson, sent Greg an email, a portion of which you can read here:
 
. . . [we are] considering how we might advertise all listings that are on the market for sale or rent in the neighborhood.  The idea a subcommittee is exploring is listing this information on [a] site the neighborhood uses for internal communication as well as newsletters and other information.
If this model works for our neighborhood we could roll it out in others to use as a tool to promote...homes.   Since you have been involved with other efforts, and in my opinion are the local leader in online real estate marketing, your input would be appreciated and recognized!"
 

www.realestatesalisbury.net

As a member of the Board of Directors of the Historic Salisbury Foundation, Barbara Sorrel, recently observed, Greg is more connected to the online community than any real estate agent in the area, consistently reaching out to both buyers and sellers with up-to-date community information, updates, and human interest articles, combined with thorough information regarding properties available or opportunities to sell.

If you would like your property to be connected ~ contact Greg Rapp at 704.213.6846 and get it listed and marketed to a broader audience. Buying a home or business location?  Then get up with Greg to see the many and varied offerings in the Salisbury/Rowan County area!

201 N. Rowan Avenue, Spencer NC ~ Custom Brick Ranch ~ For Sale

201 N Rowan Ave, Spencer NC ~ $84,900

Welcome to 201 N Rowan Avenue in Spencer, North Carolina.  This single owner, custom-built, Ranch~Style home by Donald Wood is for now for sale at just $84,900. This lovely brick home sits up on a very nice large corner lot with great lot size and square footage to play with.

201 N Rowan Avenue is in solid condition, offers 3 bedrooms & 2 baths, a huge family room & living room, and formal dining room. 201 N Rowan Avenue has an uncluttered floor plan, a beautiful front porch, a partial basement with workshop, and a carport with a separate storage room. This charming brick home’s design allows homeowners great flexibility in personalizing their ranch home. 

Ranch~Style homes were extremely popular in the 1960s and now, as the Baby-Boomer generation is looking for more flexible living in their home design, are regaining their popularity due to the range of benefits that ranch style homes offer families. Ranch-style homes, defined by a long, typically one story, spacious and open house plan, first made their appearance in America in the early part of the 20th century. They feature a long, low, ground-hugging profile and are mostly single-story in character.

Interior Features

 
This sweet Ranch-Style home, built in the 1970's, features an open floor plan ~ all of the major rooms flow one into the other.  For example, the 19’ x 13’ living room is undivided by a wall separating it from the 11’ x 10’ dining room, which flows into its cute and spacious kitchen with an abundance of original wood cabinets and eat in bar area.  Speaking of cooking, a well-designed kitchen can save you precious time three times a day! Imagine serving up the dinner you prepared and serving it in your formal dining room or even on a coffee table in your den. This Ranch-Style home represents single-level living, therefore offering you incredible convenience because your kitchen, living space, bedrooms, baths, and laundry areas are all right at your fingertips.  (201 N Rowan Avenue has a neat little basement with a workshop ~ adding another plus to the features of this great home!)

Exterior Features

201 N Rowan Avenue's design is in keeping with the architecture typical of Ranch~Style homes with a number of distinguishing exterior features, including a long, low roof-line and brick veneer exterior.  This well-designed, one-story homes offers great natural lighting with large windows allowing the sun to warm you on a chilly winter morning  ~ offering a glimpse of the Southern charm of tree lined streets and children playing. An attached single-car carport keeps you dry when you're bringing in your groceries. A spacious front porch compliments the design and overall curb-appeal of this home.

Benefits

The Ranch~Style home at 201 N Rowan Avenue has many benefits. It has great functionality, allowing people to entertain indoors and outside. Older people and families with young children will appreciate the single-story design. If you are starting a family, this Ranch~ Style home is less risk for your kids who just learned to walk to tumble down the stairs, and you won’t have to worry about those baby gates falling, or drilling into your wall to install them. Ranch style homes are also perfect for the elderly. Many retirees don't like the hassle of running up and down stairs for laundry or any other reason. Most of the time, multilevel homes have the laundry on different levels than the bedrooms making laundry day tedious, unless you are into getting your exercise!  

Additionally, the basic construction of 201 N Rowan Avenue and simple design features has all its load-bearing walls on the outside perimeter of the interior mean that remodeling and renovation require less effort. Decorating ranch homes allows homeowners to get creative. The open floor plans and flowing spaces encourage a retro look like the popular mid-century modern and bohemian modern styles.

Energy Efficiency

This Ranch~Style home at 201 N Rowan Avenue is quite reasonably priced and offers an exceptional value to buyers.  It is easily heated and cooled, and with electric baseboard heat, costs can be less than the same square footage in a two story home. While a two-story home gives a perception of more space, you're taking a flight of stairs up to the other rooms in the house. In the Ranch home, the rooms are all on one level.  Cooling a second floor in a house in the summer will cost more, as hot air rises. This ranch will be easier to cool, as it's all on the ground floor. 

As Americans deal with rapidly-increasing energy costs, the budgetary benefits of a smaller home become apparent, and this is where existing ranch homes have the advantage. It is no longer about the quantity of square footage, but the quality of how it is used, and when energy costs are measured by cubic feet, the 1484 square footage at 201 N Rowan Avenue will have attractive energy bills.

Still Need Convincing?

There are both state and federal tax credits available for energy efficiency improvements, and working with trained and certified energy efficiency professionals will help you pin-point the improvements that will deliver the most comfort and long-term savings for the dependable ranch home.

Original Plans for 201 N Rowan Ave, Spencer NC

201 N Rowan Avenue is in Spencer NC, close to exit 79 on Interstate-85, downtown Spencer, and the City of Salisbury. This brick ranch home is in great shape and well cared for, but does need a bit of new paint and carpet. At under $100,000, the price reflects the very little updating this solid home may want. This is a quality, custom-built home that has had a single owner (we have the original house plans!) . . . buying this ranch home in Spencer North Carolina will be a great investment, bringing you great value for your money.

Rowan County Realtor Greg Rapp can get you into your new home at 201 N Rowan Avenue sooner than you think!  Call Greg at 704.213.6846 to see the possibilities this wonderful home offers for yourself!

3 Bedroom ~ 2 Bath Ranch~Style Home ~ $84,900

Gardening in Salisbury/Rowan County, North Carolina

Gardening is the most popular hobby, a pursuit that takes so much of you and yet gives so much back. Gardening is an avocation, a passion, a calling. It's getting out of the car after a long day, and finding you can't wait to drag the watering hose, tend tomatoes, and transplant perennials. In the hierarchy of all things important, gardening is very near the top. Gardening teaches the joy of nurturing, the delight of caring for seedlings and plants that depend on you for light, water, and life. Gardening lets you pass along the awe to the youngsters in your life. Together you plant radish and carrot seeds and you get as excited as they do when the seedlings poke out of the ground — not to mention that kids who grow radishes and carrots are more likely to eat them!

The gardening season is around the corner in the Piedmont of North Carolina!  Salisbury/Rowan County is fortunate to have a plethora of locally owned garden and nursery centers to help you fill your garden and landscape needs!  You'll have fun perusing these local garden businesses as you fill your landscape here in Rowan County!

♣ The Garden Greenhouses  (704-636-7208)  4070 Woodleaf Road

The Garden,  located in Salisbury, NC is the Region's largest garden center.   John Sherrill and family have owned & operated The Garden since 1978.  The Garden is committed to the tradition of being the premier provider of quality plants,  trees & shrubs in Rowan County, NC, and extended areas. At  The Garden Greenhouse, they strive to have new, and exciting products that you will not find anywhere else, while maintaining quality, supply and attractive prices.

♣ Rufty’s Garden Shop   (704-636-4742) 1335 W Innes St

http://www.ruftysgardenshop.com/

Rufty's Garden Shop offers unique, high-end garden products, plants, and supplies. Rufty’s has a wonderful selection of  fountains, statues, pottery, benches, birdbaths, birdhouses, bird feeders, trees, shrubbery, flowers, seeds, unique gifts, holiday supplies, and so much MORE! A Horticulturist/Landscape Designer is on board to assist you to make your surroundings beautiful.

♣ Godley’s Garden Center & Nursery (704-638-0082) 2281 Statesville Blvd
http://godleysgardencenter.com/

Godley's Garden Center & Nursery in Salisbury, NC has served Rowan County for over 20 years with a wide variety of garden greenery, services, and products that add beauty and value to any property. Godley’s offers plants and garden supplies, daily delivery services, hardscaping and water features and other home and gardening accents in our gift shop. Godley’s know-how can help you overcome any garden, landscape or design challenge.

♣ Clines Landscaping (704-636-3240) 2205 Old Concord Road

http://www.clineslandscapes.com/

Clines Landscaping is a full service landscape company that also offers bulk landscape materials such as mulch, stone, sand, and dirt. Clines offers hardscaping material, water features, landscapes design, and paver patios.

♣ Carolina Lily (704-639-0033) 1375 Kern Carlton Road

http://www.carolinalily.com/

While not a garden center in the true sense, Carolina Lily is a source of inspiration for gardeners.  The circa 1890 farmplace is surrounded by acres of woodland and cultivated gardens against a backdrop of century old boxwoods and magnolias. Carolina Lily’s cottage shops have charming accessories for home and garden as well as carefully selected gift items.  Carolina Lily hosts many special events, such as Picnic-in-a-Pot or Tea-Party-in-a-Hat, Arts and Crafts shows, Vintage Fashion Shows, Mother’s Day Teas,  and Fairy Frolics for children. Carolina Lily is a perfect spot for unique bridal luncheons, a book or garden club meeting, or lunch with a friend.

♣ Shamrock & Thistle Landscape Design (704-577-9965)

A woman-owned and operated landscape design company that will help you take your vision of your garden spaces and transform them into realities. Sue McHugh of Shamrock & Thistle has designed every form of garden from woodland escapes, to herb and cottage gardens, to formal parterres in the Salisbury area. Customers will tell you that Ms. McHugh listens to clients like no other, incorporating client’s visions into a personal experience. Shamrock and Thistle takes you every step of the way towards realizing your landscaping and outdoor room goals.

Salisbury Realtor Greg Rapp has several beautiful properties listed right now that fit the gardener’s dream!  309 E Bank Street, the circa 1895 Julian Phillips House, is a gardener’s paradise.  Already planted with a profusion of Knock-Out roses, azaleas, and fall blooming chrysanthemums, this charming Victorian home offers even more opportunities for garden charm.  The small brick patio off the side porch with its long stemmed roses is just waiting for the gardener’s touch. 

The spectacular antique and historic home at 304 W. Horah Street, the circa 1852 Thomas T. Maxwell house, features raised bed herb gardens off its side sunroom, and its covered patio is crying for container garden creativity.  Its rolling lawn is the perfect canvas for perennial gardens, hosta beds, and perhaps an antique fern garden.   

The cute little circa 1930’s brick bungalow at 1403 S. Fulton Street has an very large fenced –in back yard with garden potential galore!  The concrete block wall of a neighboring building would make for a very interesting and creative wall garden space ~ creating a courtyard experience in this wonderful space. 

In a world where conflict and strife seem to surround us, gardeners create a space where peace and beauty reign. In a time of rampant selfishness, gardeners set the example of selflessness. For it's impossible to garden only for yourself. All the birds, butterflies, and passersby in your neighborhood soak up the colors and textures you design into your personal nature-scaping. And mostly, gardeners are good stewards of each small patch of earth, knowing they are helping to heal the planet, one garden at a time.

To picture yourself in one of these or another one of Salisbury’s home gardens, call Greg Rapp at 704.213.6846.  Any number of possibilities reign here, with plenty of garden centers and support teams at your service!

Lake Front Property ~ Yours Now for $199,900!

If you've always wanted to live on the lake but thought you couldn't afford it, let Salisbury Realtor Greg Rapp show you 1024 Panther Point ~ the place you’ve been waiting for!

1024 PANTHER POINT ROAD Salisbury, NC is a one story, 3-bedroom, brick veneer home built in 1960 located in Panther Point along High Rock Lake in Rowan County.  This 1100 square foot home is built in traditional ‘60’s mid-century style with a compact yet efficient floor plan and great flow.  Its galley kitchen with 16-foot bar opens into the large 24 x 15 living room with its brick fireplace ~ the cook and guests are never separated from one another! A large 25x20 screened-in porch is off to one side ~ perfect for taking in lake breezes.  Another large open area with double glass sliding doors overlooking lake leads out to a 24x15 covered porch and a huge 30x15 patio.  Imagine your own water-front property ~ at just under $200K!

This solid brick home sits along 100 feet of good deep water on High Rock Lake.  There is a newer pier and dock.  The property is filled with picturesque mature trees ~ absolutely breathtaking in fall foliage season. The home has one full bath, but no closet in the Master Bedroom.  Much of the styling of the 1960's is still in place ~ wood paneled walls, 1960's carpet, etc... yet shows little wear. The water softener will need replacing. This home is filled with possibilities . . . or is move-in ready to be enjoyed this summer.

To see 1024 Panther Point, contact Greg Rapp at 704.213.6846.  Don’t let this opportunity to be a lake-front property owner slip through your fingers!

Success Story!

Success story ~ upselling a home in less than one month!

In February 2012, a couple interested in looking at historic homes for sale in Salisbury, North Carolina, came across the country from California to look at the 4000 square-foot fixer-upper at 414 Park Avenue listed at $69K.  Greg Rapp, knowing the wealth of historic houses available in this area, made appointments at several other area homes to let the couple make the most of their visit to Salisbury.  The rest of the story unfolds . . .

The couple made the tour of the vast potential of 414 Park Avenue, but also realized the vast "to-do" list that would ensue.  After looking at several other vintage homes, the couple made their offer on the “Zimmerman” house ~ a 1900 late Victorian style home in the prestigious West Square  Historic District…for $195K!!  Quite a switch up from the original $69K work-in-progress ~ and mere weeks from their first visit!  Why ~ ?

Because the c. 1900 Zimmerman home at 226 S. Ellis Street has been in the same family for over 40 years, lovingly cared for, and rock solid. The stunning open hallway, winding wood staircase, and enormous upper hall all have gleaming wood floors and fresh paint on all walls and every stair spindle.  While some components of the home need updating, this large vintage home in a tree-lined downtown neighborhood features large finished rooms, (3) upstairs bedrooms and (1) 1^st floor master bedroom, (2) full baths, living room, and an open kitchen leading to its newly painted dining room. The house is move-in ready, with mature shade trees and landscaping, rocking chair front porch (of course!), and in an established neighborhood.

Why would this couple fly from California to Salisbury NC to purchase a $69K historic ‘project’ and settle on a $195K vintage house?  Because Greg Rapp showed them the potential in the area and didn’t lock the couple into a predetermined mind-set.  In short, he showed the couple their new historic home.

When you are ready to see the true and complete selection of historic homes in Salisbury/Rowan County and get your money’s worth, call Greg Rapp at 704.213.6846 . . . and get the real tour. There are many beautiful homes available ~ in a wide price range. For example, the c. 1852 Thomas T. Maxwell House at 300 West Horah Street. Let Greg Rapp help you write your own success story!

The c. 1852 Thomas T. Maxwell House

I Love the House...BUT... by Guest Author: Chris Reshetar

As a buyer in today’s housing market, one needs to be knowledgeable about distressed properties with so many short sales & foreclosures for sale.  These houses come in all shapes and sizes, and typically come in below the current market value.   Buyers are often looking for a good deal.  However, we in the housing industry often hear “I love the house, BUT....”.  It can sometimes be difficult for the buyer to see beyond the needed repairs.   

Renovation loans to the rescue.  

A renovation loan is a mortgage that allows the borrower to secure funds to repair or upgrade a property by financing the repair costs in.  The home is appraised at the “future value” based on the sales price of the home plus the costs of repairs per the agreed upon contractors bid.  The loan closes in its current unrepaired state.  Immediately after the loan closing the borrower and contractor can begin the renovation work on the home. 

There are 3 main types of renovation loans:

• FHA 203K Streamline Renovation loan (limited repair)
• FHA 203K Standard Renovation loan
• Conventional Renovation loan

The 203K Streamline program allows for repairs up to $35,000 with FHA specific allowable repairs.  No structural repairs permitted on the streamlined program.  

The FHA 203K Standard program has no minimum repair amount but is limited to the FHA loan limit for your area like all FHA loans.  However, a Standard FHA 203K loan can be used for more extensive repairs such a structural remediation.  This loan does required an FHA certified inspector to evaluate and approval all repaired items prior to occupancy.

These 2 FHA Renovation programs allow for the standard 3.5% down payment minimum and follow the traditional underwriting parameters as a regular 203B FHA loan.  The standard Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premiums apply (1%) as well as the monthly premiums.  This loan requires the buyer to occupy the property as their primary residence. 

414 Park Avenue ~  203K loan opportunity!

Here are just a few of the allowable repairs under this program:

·         Interior or exterior paint

·         New flooring

·         New appliances

·         Replace or repair siding and roofing

·         Replace or repair windows

·         Upgrade Kitchen and Bath cabinets and counter tops

·         Finish a basement, attic, or room above garage

The Conventional Renovation loan functions much like the FHA 203K loan, however this program can be used for both owner-occupied properties as well as investor owned.  Fewer lenders offer this program but it can be a great option in lieu of the 203K.

 

To find out more about the Renovation loan programs, please feel free to contact Chris Reshetar at chris@themortgagegenius.com or call 704-277-4463.  www.themortgagegenius.com

To learn how you can apply the Renovation Loan Programs to a home in Salisbury~Rowan County, contact Greg Rapp @ 704.213. 6846.