Over an Acre And in City Limits? YES!!

It's not often you find large lots within city limits, but here is the opportunity to own a home with over an acre of yard...yet within the City of Salisbury NC limits so you'll be close to EVERYTHING, and can take advantage of city amenities such as leaf pick-up, AND the city's fiber-optic TV/phone/Internet service. (Salisbury is known as a 'Gig-City' - a 100% fiber optic network called Fibrant provides super-fast city-wide internet up to 10 gigabits per second (GBPS).)  Call Greg Rapp with Wallace Realty, (704) 213-6846, to snatch up this sweet property before someone else does!

Tucked away in the Oakland Heights subdivision that is nestled between E. Innes Street, the major southeast/west corridor through Salisbury, and Bringle Ferry Road, another main road out to the rolling hills of the outlying countryside, is this great little 2-story, 1966 square foot home!

Painted a warm apple green with a circular drive out front, this circa 1949 Post-War home at 1224 Park Avenue is one of the true charmers in the neighborhood. 1224 PARK AVENUE is a 4-bedroom/2-bath home with a wonderful open floor plan. 
The kitchen, dining room, and living room all have a southern exposure, and therefore stream bright sunshine and natural light all day long! The living room, with its deep rich-red wall finish, boasts gleaming wood floors, and a wonderful fireplace with dentil wood mantel and black tile surround, and a 'piano nook' surrounded by built-in shelving - perfect for today's flat screen TV's!

A very nice screened-in side porch just off the formal living room will be a most pleasant place to relax nearly all seasons here...with a little updating.

The sunny kitchen's white cabinets and window trim sparkle against ocean blue walls and a cheerful laminate gold-colored laminate floor (that may be original to this circa 1949 home ~ or may have gone in in the '60s). The present owners installed new counter tops along the cute little breakfast bar. 

You'll enjoy many a fine meal with family and friends in the formal dining room that looks out into the living room through a wide passage, again with that beautiful hardwood floor. The sense of space is really quite remarkable!

The owner's suite and 2nd bedroom on are located on the main floor. The second story houses a large 15' x 18' bedroom and a 15' x 19' recreation room! You'll find the fourth bedroom on the lower level with its own fireplace and exterior door.

And speaking of lower level, a spacious 28' x 25' workshop at 1224 Park Avenue is also in the unfinished portion of the basement, where you'll also find a new RainSoft water purifying system! 

Outside, the 2-car porte-cochere provides loads of space to shelter your vehicles from the elements, and keeps you dry as you load groceries from the car to through the kitchen side-door. The porte-cochere's east wall is actually a wonderful storage area, perfect for bicycles, toys, and garden tools! But if that isn't enough, there is a nice storage shed in the back yard!

And now that we've brought you to the back yard, we're sure you can picture yourself relaxing and entertaining on the wonderful slate patio ~ a great place to dry off and grab a snack after a dip in your above-ground pool!

And we did say this was a 1-acre+ yard! That's right! The approximate acreage at 1224 Park Avenue is 1.35, and yard backs up to a wooded area. Can you say privacy?

Come see what this wonderful Post-War home has to offer. There's been lots of fresh paint, and a new roof in approximately 2010, but may still want a little updates here and there. But because this is such a well-built, solid home, it will be well worth the effort and time.

Don't take our word for it...call Greg Rapp at (704) 213-6846 to see this keeper for yourself!  Make 1224 Park Avenue, Salisbury NC your address in 2016!

1224 Park Avenue
Salisbury, North Carolina 28144
MLS #58363
$124,900

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

Condo Living ~ Let Someone Else Fix the Roof & Mow the Lawn!

It's a question that comes up for anyone who’s looking to buy a house, especially in an urban area: Should I buy a condo instead?

For those who don't know, a condominium is like a hybrid between an apartment and a house.

Condos can be low-rise buildings, townhouses, freestanding houses, duplexes, triplexes or “mixed use” buildings, such as condos above offices or store fronts. They can be brand new, re-sell or conversions — that is, buildings that used to be apartments or factories turned into condos.

What makes condos different from freehold houses is that you own your unit but you also share ownership of the land, building and common areas. You share costs with fellow members of your condo association, and the board of directors or a property management company makes the big decisions.

Like a house, you buy a condo and own it outright. If you talk to friends or family members who live in condominiums, you'll quickly find out that many people love the condo life, while some people wish they bought a house instead.

So what are the pros and cons of condos? Here are a few reasons you may be drawn to one:

No yard to mow. This is a big appeal of owning a condo. There will be no mowing because you'll pay dues to a condominium association, which will take care of most of your maintenance needs. For many, it's a relief that you don't need to worry about landscaping, yard maintenance and physical labor activities like snow removal and roof repair. Paying the condo fee is welcome versus worrying about major maintenance.

It’s cheaper than buying a comparable house. Obviously, the cost of a condo versus a house depends on the size of the home, the property values of the neighborhood and the cost of living in the area. But typically, you'll spend less on a condo, especially in higher-cost markets where condos can be the only alternative to high-priced, single-family homes.

Many major costs are shared. By law, a portion of those condo fees goes into a reserve fund. When the property is well managed, this fund covers major repairs like replacing windows and roofing without additional costs to owners. Even when the reserve fund falls short, you’re not in it alone — a “special assessment” will be done and costs will be shared equally among owners.

Customization. Unlike renting, you’re free to paint the walls, put up pictures, and renovate.

There is a sense of community. Plenty of homeowners would say the same thing about their own neighborhood, but condo owners tend to live in much closer proximity than many suburban homeowners, who often have relatively big yards separating them. There are always social moments that occur throughout the day. Whether it be to take the trash out or pick up the mail, there are opportunities that one just doesn't get in a home.

Security. Marketers say condos offer greater security than a free hold home or renting. For one thing, people are more likely to take better care of property they own, and some buildings offer a secure entrance or a doorman. You might feel safer with neighbors on either side, and worry less if you frequently travel. 

Amenities. Some condos offer benefits you won’t see in the average home or apartment building — like a gym, swimming pool, and central club house and party room.

Adapted from an article by Geoff Williams, September 11, 2014, 3 Reasons to Buy a Condo money.usnews.com)

So why all the talk about condominium living?  Because Greg Rapp with Wallace Realty has a new condo listed for under $100,000!  If all the reasons above sound appealing to you...give Greg a call at 704.213.6846 to see the two-story condominium at  817 Mitchell Avenue in Salisbury NC.  This 2-bedroom condo has more of a townhouse look, with a beautiful box-bay window in the living room that is the focal point of the façade.

This condo, in the Littletowne subdivision on the skirts of the popular Fulton Heights neighborhood, offers a good use of space with a large combination dining and kitchen area with tile floors. You'll love the blue and white ceramic tiles on the kitchen walls! A small private rear patio is an ideal outdoor living area for our three seasons of mild outdoor evenings here in North Carolina. The home features a large laundry room, plenty of storage, and a walk-in closet in the main bedroom. And all for just $72,500! 

So if you're ready to have someone else mow the lawn and fix the roof...call Greg Rapp today to see this wonderful home ~ condo style living at 817 Mitchell Avenue, Salisbury NC! (704) 213-6846!


817 Mitchell Avenue
Salisbury NC 28144
$72,500
MLS#58319

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

Under Contract in Seven (7) Days! Is Seven Your Lucky Number?

Greg Rapp, Realtor® with Wallace Realty in Salisbury, North Carolina, listed the beautifully restored Victorian at 424 E. Bank Street in the Brooklyn South Square Historic District for sale on July 7th.

By July 15th, it was under contract.

Greg Rapp can share numerous such success stories!  Well known in the area, Greg is considered the area's expert in marketing and moving historic homes and properties.  

The historic 'Firehouse' in downtown Salisbury, listed by a fellow Wallace Realty agent, went public on day #1. . . and Greg, working a strategic contact plan, had it sold before 7:00am on day #2!

After being an empty building in downtown Salisbury for several years, the old Firehouse is now a thriving business!

Greg Rapp had this super-charming home on Church Street in the West Square Historic District in Salisbury listed on March 25th.  By April 7th, after dual offers and a 'bidding war', Greg had 429 Church Street S. under contract...above asking price.

When a local bank wanted to move properties, they sought Greg Rapp to get it done. Greg listed the fixer-upper home on Caldwell Street on June 25th . . . and by July 14th it was under contract.


The little home on Crawford Street was also listed on June 25th...and Greg had it under contract by July 19th.

These are just a few of the properties real estate agent Greg Rapp with Wallace Realty has turned around to SOLD in the blink of an eye.

Who are you going to call when it's time to sell your house?  (704) 213 6846

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

Winter is a Great Time to Buy or Sell Your House!

Fall and winter really can be a great time to purchase a home. Sellers can be more motivated and the holiday spirit just makes people want to be in a home. The combination of fewer buyers and slow business also means lenders and real estate agents might compete a little harder for your business. Shopping for homes in the winter months also gives you a unique vantage point of a property. 

So despite that December is usually when people are looking to deck their own halls—not buy new ones, buying a home in winter can be a smart move. Realtor® Greg Rapp at Wallace Realty, knows why winter may be the best season for buying or selling your home!  Give Greg a call at (704) 213-6846 and you'll know why, too!

Many real estate agents will tell you that the holiday season often represents a “lull” in the market. But savvy home buyers should look at the advantages of this season if they’re serious about buying. Firstly, mortgage rates are still low! But there are other benefits to home-buying during “The Lull” of November through January. 

There isn’t a lot of competition. People know they’re going to be busy or traveling during the holidays, so most deals have been wrapped up or people have put off looking until after the New Year. There are still homes on the market, but not as many people gunning for them. This is an advantage to both buyers. 

You might think inventory would be lower in a slow season, but that’s not necessarily true. And, sellers are motivated. The homes available on the market during this season are likely the homes that for whatever reason didn’t go during the peak season. The sellers will want to get the deal closed, especially for tax purposes. For a lot of people, they’ll be thinking it’s the end of the year and they will want to tie up loose ends. This is an advantage for buyers, especially if there are points to negotiate. 

Some Realtors® love this time of year, because the people who are out looking are serious. As a buyer, your broker will have more time to focus on you, as opposed to other times of the year when they might be juggling more clients. You may not be able to close before the end of the year, but it’s an excellent time to get something under contract. 

Buying in winter is also the ultimate litmus test for a home, since all the big systems such as heating, plumbing and the roof and gutters are put to the test in the cold. Some of the curb appeal may be gone, but fixing landscaping is a lot less expensive than finding out months later that your furnace doesn’t work. 

Moral of the story 

See what homes are on the market in Salisbury, North Carolina and surrounding areas this fall & winter season by calling the area expert Greg Rapp. Greg’s record in selling homes, and finding buyers what they need, is well-known in the area. You'll be HOME for the HOLIDAYS!!  (704) 213-6846 ~ Call -OR- Text!

Adapted from an article by Pauline Millard / LearnVest , December 26, 2013, Forbes.com http://www.forbes.com/sites/learnvest/2013/12/26/why-wait-for-spring-winter-is-a-great-time-to-house-hunt/

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

The 40th Annual OctoberTour™ Just Came to Salisbury NC! Own a Piece of History!

The second weekend in October is one of the very best weekends to be in Salisbury NC!  Historic Salisbury Foundation hosts its annual OctoberTour™ of historic homes every...October!!!

OctoberTour invites thousands from a wide spread geographic area to Salisbury to view private historic homes.  And this year, it's the Foundation's 40th year hosting this extremely popular event.  We sure hop you came to Salisbury, North Carolina on October 10th & 11th to enjoy the 40th annual OctoberTour!

Realtor® Greg Rapp has long been recognized as the Salisbury/Rowan County expert in historic properties.  There isn't another local real estate agent who has the breadth and depth of knowledge of historic properties in the area.  Greg has not only sold more historic residential historic homes than any other area agent, but has spurred economic development in downtown Salisbury ~ presenting the concept of downtown residential spaces over retail in the downtrodden Bernhardt Hardware building...a restoration that now supports six luxury lofts above bistro restaurant, high-end custom bakery, and children's boutique.  The impact this restoration has had on the the downtown is immeasurable and the example is soon to be followed.  Similar downtown projects are waiting in the wings ~ thanks to the innovative and proactive vision of Greg Rapp with Wallace Realty.

Greg and Wallace Realty have several historic properties listed.  So if you took in OctoberTour 2015...you are surely hooked with the historic 'bug' (as if you weren't already)!!!  Let Greg Rapp and Wallace Realty turn you on to the cure for that bug!!

Wallace Realty's  historic listings include:

180 Zeb Street ~ This mill-village cottage, circa 1937, with it's rustic charm and rocking-chair front porch, is tucked away in a completely peaceful and private neighborhood.  Don't let 'rustic' fool you...this tiny home is nearly maintenance free with its new metal roof and vinyl siding! 

MLS#58138 / $39,500 (Listed agent: Greg Rapp)

317 Thomas Street West ~   This circa 1912 Folk Victorian boasts loads of period and original details, while sporting a wonderful renovation and addition with a 1st level Master Suite, study, and screen porch.   

MLS#58145 / $164,500 (Listing agent Margaret Lipe)

418 Monroe Street West ~ if a 'fixer-upper' is your dream....here it is!  Right on the edge of the prestigious Historic West Square in Salisbury NC, this American Bungalow is priced right for your finishing touches!  

MLS#57756 / $59,500 (Listing agent Greg Rapp)

1627 N. Main Street ~ this vintage American Bungalow, circa 1908-1921, and perched on its elevated lot overlooking the North Main Historic District, just exudes charm...from its deep wrap-around porch to its spacious living room...to its bright and airy kitchen.  There's lots to love about this classic bungalow home!  

MLS#58176 / $74,500 (Listing agent Greg Rapp)

131 Bank Street West ~ When it comes to historic grandeur, it's hard to beat this Queen Anne Victorian!  There are too many great features to list here, but know that this especially wonderful home was featured on Historic Salisbury Foundations OctoberTour™ just a few years ago! 

MLS#57943/ $307,000  (Listing agent Margaret Lipe)

225 Thomas Street West ~  A Classic Dutch Colonial home, built in 1922, just overflowing with character.  Over 2400 square feet of historic charm on one of the prettiest streets in Salisbury!

MLS#57638 / $175,000  (Listing agent Greg Scarborough)

206 Thomas Street West ~  Lovely 2-story brick circa 1918 Colonial Revival home is located in The Historic West Square District and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The welcoming front porch leads to the huge foyer where the handsome staircase takes you to the second floor. 

MLS#57723 / $299,800  (Listing agent Marie Leonard-Hampton)

324 Thomas Street West ~ This circa 1927Foursquare in Historic Salisbury offers timeless elegance along with modern updates and convenience, including a completely updated kitchen! Minutes to downtown, all major local thoroughfares, and I-85. 

MLS#58224 / $179,750  (Listing agent Marie Leonard-Hampton)

408 Fulton Street South ~   Pretty circa 1898 Queen Anne style home has been sensitively restored and updated for today's living.Turn-of-the-century architecture includes: wrap around porch, original Victorian trim, high ceilings, paneled doors, original moldings, bay windows, gables, built-ins, wainscoting, stained glass transom, and a lovely wide hart pine flooring. 6 fireplaces including 1 with gas logs! 

MLS#57933 / $258,900  (Listing agent Marie Leonard-Hampton)

1116 Fulton Street South ~  Look at this unique granite block 1.5 story home!  Built in the circa 1910 bungalow style, it features 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, spacious rooms, a deep front porch, and...wait for it...60 cabinets n the kitchen!! 

MLS#57109 / $150,000  (Listing agent Nancy Poe)

501 Mitchell Avenue ~ Circa 1930 Dutch Colonial in desirable Fulton Heights is a must see property!  Large room sizes with great natural light, period-style kitchen, and a wonderful private side porch off the living room with a second story balcony off the master suite!  

MLS#58131 / $200,000  (Listing agent Greg Rapp)

Connect with the agent who knows more about historic properties, the historic neighborhoods, and the ins-and-outs of preservation and restoration from the ground up....Greg Rapp / Wallace Realty. 

When you make that call/text to 704.213.6846... you'll know you've taken steps in the right direction towards your own piece of history!

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

Sold! Cute-As-A-Button Country Cottage! Tiny House Living is IN!

Tiny House Living is IN! Whether you're just starting out...or whether you've had that multi-room spread and are just READY to downsize...OR...you realize, like many, the economy of scale ~ a 'tiny house' might be just for YOU!  

Witness:
 
Greg Rapp just closed the deal on the sale of 1000 Rowan Avenue in Spencer NC. Just just under 900 square feet ~ this cozy 2-bedroom / 1-bath post-war cottage fits the bill in this era of 'tiny house' fascination or the 'less-is-more' philosophy! Not only is this sweet circa 1947 cottage charming in every way on its interior and exterior - it is also located in a country setting, but close to town and city amenities. Best of both worlds!
 
And this!

Greg Rapp sold 355 Dukeville Road ~ another circa 1941 2-bedroom ADORABLE cottage whose 1100 square feet featured a cozy kitchen with warm knotty pine walls, painted & glass cabinets, and a sweet rocking chair front porch.

This 'tiny house' was originally part of a company village for Duke Energy! 
 
Are you ready?

If you are ready for a sweet compact lifestyle unencumbered by the multi-room, 'McMansion' weight-of-the-world ~ check out 180 Zeb Street in Salisbury NC!

This rustic cottage has almost a cabin feel on the exterior, but will be a low maintenance home with its vinyl siding and almost new metal roof! (That magical sound of raindrops on a tin roof, anyone?)

180 Zeb Street, with just one bedroom & one bath and 900 square feet of living space, is the ultimate tiny home. Tucked away in what was once an old mill village near the Yadkin River, the quiet dead-end street is dotted with similarly structured homes, old growth shade trees, and surrounded with peace and quiet. 

The authentic wooden front porch, complete with porch swing, will be your favorite spring/summer/fall evening spot for sipping sweet tea and listening to the birds in the treetops...and the quiet! Ahhhhh! 

Greg has ideas on how this little 1-bedroom home could accommodate a 2nd bedroom...if you're interested! 

So... 

Whether you're ready to downsize, just starting out...or you just 

DIG the tiny house trend  ~  this cottage-style home might be just for YOU!  

Give Greg a call at 704.213.6846 to find out more ~ and to visit this cottage yourself!

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

8 reasons FSBOs should list with a Realtor

*By Bernice Ross / Inman.com / April 26, 2012

Can you explain why it’s smarter for a potential home seller to list with you, a real estate agent, as opposed to attempting a for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) deal? Showing the FSBO the value you bring to

the transaction may be much easier than you realize.

Many real estate experts thought the Internet would result in more people being able to successfully sell their home without a real estate agent.

The exact opposite has happened. According to research from the National Association of Realtors’ latest Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, FSBOs accounted for 10 percent of sales in 2011, down from 14 percent in 2003 and 2004.

Nearly half of FSBO sales were intra-family transfers or other situations where the sellers already knew the buyers. Only 6 percent of 2011 sales were FSBO transactions in which the seller did not know the buyer.

Here are some of the key factors that deter most homeowners from selling without an agent.

1. The decline of print advertising as a major lead generator
In the past, newspaper ads would produce a fair number of calls on FSBOs. Today, a three-line ad in the local newspaper has little chance of competing with the wide array of information online, including video, color photos, 360-degree virtual tours, and a wealth of community and lifestyle data.

2. Buyers seek rich content
IDX and VOW solutions, Realtor.com, Trulia and Zillow provide access to virtually all the listings in most market areas. Most buyers comb these major sites simply because it’s more efficient than searching for single properties.

3. Instant gratification
A third problem for FSBOs is that people who surf the Web usually are seeking instant gratification. In fact, most visitors will only visit a website once and stay for 15-30 seconds. If the FSBO has no strategy for capturing the lead’s contact information or for immediately following up, the lead moves on to the next website. Even if the Web lead does contact the FSBO, unless the buyer gets back to the FSBO quickly, that lead is gone.

4. Buyers want the savings
Even for those who do search for FSBOs, most buyers automatically deduct 6 percent from the sales price because they want the savings in their pockets, not the seller’s. The result is that many FSBOs end up selling for up to 20 percent less on average as compared with sellers who hire a Realtor.

5. The needle-in-the-haystack effect
A major challenge for FSBOs is the needle-in-the-haystack nature of the Web. There are millions of websites including the hundreds of thousands of company and agent sites. Without search engine optimization, meta tags and a host of other branding strategies to achieve high Web placement, the probability of the Web buyer finding the FSBO’s single listing online is small.

Of course, the buyer could post on sites such as ForSalebyOwner.com, ByOwnerMLS, or utilize the "Make Me Move" feature on Zillow. The challenge is that unless the buyer specifically wants to purchase a FSBO, it’s much more efficient to search on the brokerage or MLS sites.

The FSBO could also put his home on Craigslist. There are two challenges, however. First, the FSBO has to repost the ad regularly for it to appear near the top where it can be found. Second, there have been so many rental scams and unsavory people using that site to identify targets for possible criminal activity that listing there could be a major safety issue.

6. Web leads are reluctant to share contact information
Another issue FSBOs must face is that most Web buyers are reluctant to provide contact information to a stranger, especially during the search process. Instead, buyers identify homes they want to see and then normally contact a single agent who can show them everything they want to see, not just a single home.

7. Availability for showings
Because FSBOs don’t have lock-boxes, that means the FSBO will need to be present for every showing. There are numerous challenges with this situation, the most important of which is safety. Is the person who wants to see your house legitimate or not? Even if you accept an offer from a potential buyer, how do you know whether the person meets the income and credit requirements to close the deal?

8. The proof is in the pudding
Here’s a great closing question for sellers who believe that becoming a FSBO is a smart move. Did you know that Colby Sambrotto, founder of ForSalebyOwner.com, which is one of the most popular and robust FSBO sites on the Web, ended up listing his home with an agent AND paying a full commission?

If he couldn’t get the job done for himself using his website, how effective do you think this approach will be in getting your home sold for the highest possible price in the shortest amount of time?
The climate has never been better for prospecting FSBOs. If you haven’t considered adding this valuable niche to your business, there’s no better time than right now.  (Ross, Bernice.  April 26, 2012. Inman.com  http://www.inman.com/2012/04/26/8-reasons-fsbos-should-list-with-a-realtor/)

Maybe it's time to stop the uphill battle of trying to sell your property...all by yourself.  Connect with Greg Rapp / Wallace Realty, and get all the advantages of working with an experienced and accomplished licensed Realtor with proven marketing plans that WORK!   

704.213.6846

 

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




*Bernice Ross, CEO of RealEstateCoach.com, is a national speaker, trainer and author of the National Association of Realtors’ No. 1 best-seller, “Real Estate Dough: Your Recipe for Real Estate Success.” Hear Bernice’s five-minute daily real estate show, just named "new and notable" by iTunes, at www.RealEstateCoachRadio.com.