Selling a Home in Western North Carolina: Frequently Asked Questions

Well-priced homes often receive offers within 30 days; higher-end or rural properties may take longer depending on season and demand. 

Follow our PEAK selling system to get the quickest sale at the best price based on your timeline and needs.

We recommend starting with no to low cost options: deep clean, declutter, de-personalize, fresh paint, landscaping, lighting, and minor kitchen or bath updates deliver strong returns. 

Need help getting these items completed? No problem! Our network of professionals can take care of it for you.

Whenever possible. Why? Staging reduces the time it takes to sell (73% less according to Professional Staging in 2025) and increases the price received by 25% according to research by Realtor Magazine.

We offer light staging options and several professional stagers that offer competitive rates and multiple tiers of options. 

We use our 4-point pricing system to find the optimal selling price. The system evaluates recent, local past sales, under contract, actively on market, and automatica valuations, and AI, to deliver a price. We then apply our local knowledge to adjust for condition, location, features, and timeline.

No. In fact, many buyers prefer looking at a home without the homeowners being present. 

Buyers represented by an agent will request a timeslot and be accompanied by their agent. You are always in control of the schedule.

Buyers not represented will reach out to schedule a supervised appointment.

A good practice is to always secure expensive, valuable, and sentimental items prior to listing your home and showings. Items may include: prescription medicines, firearms, jewelry, and more.

Expect to pay for these items:

• Agent compensation for the agent representing you as the seller. You may also choose to offer compensation to the buyer’s agent. All agent compensation is negotiable and determined by you.
• Attorney fees of around $500 since NC is an attorney closing state.
• State transfer tax, sometimes referred to as a stamp tax, which is the sales price divided by $500.

Yes. Electronic signatures and attorney-managed mail-away closings make remote transactions routine.

We work with you to determine the best marketing package based on the home and what needs to be highlighted. Every listing includes professional photography and exposure across MLS, Zillow, and social media.

Relocation demand and inventory constraints due to building in the mountains keeps our market moving year-round. Spring through September are traditionally higher volume months.

Initially you will sign a seller disclosure form outlining how real estate agents can represent you in NC called the Working with Real Estate Agents Disclosure. Then when you are ready, you’ll sign a Listing Agreement (to hire us), Residential Property Disclosure, Mineral Oil and Gas Rights disclosure, and any addenda specific to your property.

We explain each document so you feel comfortable and confident throughout the process, then provide electronic copies for convenience.

Professional photography, potentially drone footage, and detailed MLS descriptions feed Zillow, Realtor.com, and social platforms.

At LivePlayWNC, we optimize every listing with SEO-rich copy, video reels, and paid social targeting. We also know how to use artificial intelligence (AI) to boost awareness. We also have an active YouTube channel and can run targeted social media advertisements.

We summarize all terms—price, financing, contingencies, and timing—to help you choose the offer with the best balance of certainty and value. We present all offers as soon as possible and discuss the details and benefits based on your requirements and needs.

The buyer begins due diligence. We coordinate communications and requests between the buying side, attorneys, and other parties until the closing. A week or so before closing you’ll confirm payoff amounts and review final settlement figures before signing with your attorney.

Technically all homes sold in NC are sold “as is” and the state is a buyer beware state. However, disclosure of any known material defects is still required. Pricing and marketing should reflect property condition.

If the appraisal value is below contract price, parties can renegotiate or in rare cases can appeal the appraisal. We guide you through options to keep the deal moving.

There can be many reasons including but not limited to: lender underwriting delays, title issues, incomplete repairs.

We stay proactive and responsive to minimize setbacks.

Once the deed has been recorded, the attorneys will disburse the funds. Work with your attorney on the method you feel comfortable with from picking up a check, having it mailed, or using a wire transfer. Just remember to not fall victim to wire fraud if using that method.

Visit our Learning Center for guides on pricing, marketing, and preparing your home. When ready schedule a consultation with us.