When does a home shift from “luxury” to “ultra-luxury,” and why does that distinction matter significantly to your bottom line? The high-end real estate market is often viewed as a monolith, but the strategies required to navigate the stratosphere of ultra-luxury properties are vastly different from standard luxury transactions. From marketing reach to negotiation psychology, understanding these nuances is critical for buyers and sellers looking to protect their assets.

In this episode, we sit down with Tony Fink, Senior Listing and Buyers Expert with Linda Craft REALTORS, to dissect these differences. Tony brings years of experience navigating the complex landscape of high-value properties. He walks us through exactly what clients should expect when stepping into the ultra-luxury arena and the specific hurdles that often trip up the unprepared.

We also introduce a pivotal evolution in the industry: the RFA (Real Estate Financial Advisor). As real estate holdings comprise a massive percentage of personal net worth, the role of an agent is shifting from a transactional facilitator to a strategic wealth partner. We discuss why you don’t just need a Realtor anymore—you need an RFA who understands the financial implications of your portfolio.

Don’t miss this deep dive into the upper echelon of real estate. Whether you are an investor, a homeowner, or an industry professional, this conversation will change how you view high-end real estate representation.

Linda Craft Team, Realtors Linda built her business in 1985 one relationship at a time, and her team and her continue to do the same things she did 40 years later.

They have provided thousands of people the ability to help people sell or buy their next home with personalized legendary customer service.

They have the experience, knowledge, and understanding of the home industry. They also understand you and what you want and need from your next home purchase or sale.

What is more they can help you regardless of where you live. Ready to buy or sell your next home or your first…click on over to www.LindaCraft.com

Linda Craft Team, Realtors Linda built her business in 1985 one relationship at a time, and her team and her continue to do the same things she did 40 years later.

They have provided thousands of people the ability to help people sell or buy their next home with personalized legendary customer service.

They have the experience, knowledge, and understanding of the home industry. They also understand you and what you want and need from your next home purchase or sale.

What is more they can help you regardless of where you live. Ready to buy or sell your next home or your first…click on over to www.LindaCraft.com

This week on Real Estate Right Now we’re going to talk about something every homeowner eventually faces but almost nobody plans for: what do you do with a lifetime of “stuff” when it’s time to move on? My guest is Gavin Martin, Owner and CEO of Grandma’s Basement Estate Sales & Services, a veteran-owned company right here in North Carolina that specializes in estate sales, cleanouts, antiques, and vintage furniture. Gavin went from the U.S. Army to corporate life to turning his passion for finding hidden treasures into a full-time business helping families downsize, declutter, and uncover value in what’s been sitting in the attic, garage, or yes… grandma’s basement.

We’re going to dig into the real estate side of estate sales: how do you time a sale when you’re listing a home? What should you sell, donate, or toss—and in what order? How can a smart estate sale and professional cleanout actually increase your home’s appeal and bottom line when it hits the market? Gavin will walk us through the process step-by-step, share the biggest mistakes he sees sellers make, and give you practical tips for turning “old stuff” into extra cash that can help with your next chapter, whether that’s upsizing, downsizing, or relocating across the country.

And of course, we’re going to talk about the emotional side—because these aren’t just objects, they’re memories. Gavin will share stories of how he helps families honor those memories while still moving forward, and how bringing in a pro can take the stress, conflict, and overwhelm out of an already stressful move. So join us live tomorrow at 9am Eastern for Real Estate Right Now—watch the show, jump in with your questions, and if you can’t catch it live, make sure you listen or watch the replay. If you own a home, love someone who does, or you’re staring at a house full of “someday we’ll deal with this,” this is an episode you do not want to miss.

Linda Craft Team, Realtors, fully locally owned and operated, and unaffiliated with a national brand for more than 40 years.

They have developed relationships with the world’s best real estate professionals to help people like you have an amazing experience when it comes to selling their home or buying a new one.

So, if you are looking to connect with the best person in your area…why not start with Linda Craft Team, Realtors drive on over to www.LindaCraft.com

Linda Craft Team, REALTORS®, for more than 40 years they have created relationships that last a life time.

That is why when it comes to real estate they are known as the “legends of customer service”.

They know that your home is personal. It’s part of a life transition and it is part of your legacy of life.

And over the years they have been perfecting their service and skills to help reduce the stress out of buying and selling your home as well as helping thousands of others.

The Linda Craft Team would love to get to know you so that they can help you sell your home in the way it should be sold, and help you buy the home to start your next chapter of life. Click on over to www.LindaCraft.com

Get ready for a really powerful episode of Real Estate Right Now dropping tomorrow, November 6, 2025 at 9 a.m. Eastern! I’m pumped to welcome the incredible Cara Gibbons, Closing Attorney and Branch Manager at Sterling Law in Apex, NC. Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply keeping your finger on the pulse of the market, this is not one you’ll want to miss. Cara brings the sharp, boots-on-the-ground insight that turns confusion into clarity—especially when it comes time to cross the finish line and hold those keys.

If you’ve ever wondered what really happens in those final moments of a real-estate transaction—what to watch out for, how to avoid hidden cost traps, and how to move with confidence—Cara is going to break it all down, real talk style. She’s seen firsthand how today’s market shifts are impacting closings in North Carolina: from title issues, shifting rates, disclosure surprises, to timing snafus that can derail a deal. With her guidance, you’ll walk away with questions you didn’t even know you needed to ask.

But this episode isn’t just for the pros or the super-savvy—it’s for anyone who wants to feel empowered. Whether you’re prepping to sell this winter, buying your first home, or advising family or friends, you deserve to feel ready and confident. We’re going to shift you out of uncertainty, help you anticipate what’s coming, and equip you to act with precision. Because in this market, knowledge isn’t just power—it’s peace of mind. And peace of mind is priceless.

So mark your calendars, set your reminders, and invite your network. Join us live and get ahead of those home-closing curveballs. With Cara’s legal expertise and my coaching-style breakdowns, we’re going to make closing in 2025 a strategic win, not just a stressful scramble. I can’t wait to see you there—let’s make tomorrow’s podcast a game-changer.

Linda Craft Team, REALTORS®, for more than 40 years they have been known as the “Legends of Customer Service”, because it is ingrained in their culture. Linda started as an individual agent in 1985. From then to today the main focus has always been a great customer experience and amazing customer service. To this day her first clients still come by to say hello and help them with their real estate needs.

They have helped people from all over the world find the right professional to sell or buy their home. That is because they are connected to the right people. And because they are unaffiliated with any national brokerage, they recommend you the absolute best agent regardless of the company they work for. Give them a call they can help you!

And if you are located in the greater Raleigh – Research Triangle Park (RTP) area stop in and get a FREE bottle of water…head on over to www.LindaCraft.com for more details.

Are you a real estate broker in the Raleigh area looking for a place to grow, learn and excel in real estate? Check out Linda Craft Team Careers, they would love to talk with you!

The real estate market has changed—and if you’re a home seller, you’ve probably felt it. This week on Real Estate Right Now, I’m joined by Home Selling Expert Steve Kruger of Linda Craft Team, Realtors, who will help us make sense of what’s really happening. We’re diving into the truth behind today’s inventory increase, why homes are sitting a little longer, and how pricing strategies need to evolve. If you’re thinking about selling, this episode could save you both time and money.

Steve will bring in some of the latest market data that paints a much clearer picture of what’s happening across our area. The days of double-digit appreciation may be behind us—for now—but that doesn’t mean you can’t win in this market. Understanding the numbers, reading the trends, and adjusting your expectations are the keys to selling smart in today’s environment.

We’ll also discuss how emotions, timing, and strategy can make or break a home sale. Many sellers are still anchored to what their neighbors sold for six months ago. Steve will help you understand why the market you wish you were in isn’t the one you’re actually selling in—and how to use that knowledge to your advantage.

Whether you’re planning to sell this year or just curious about what’s really going on, this conversation will give you an honest, data-driven, and empowering perspective on where the market stands. Join us from the Linda Craft Team Studios, for a show that will reset expectations and reveal what it truly takes to sell successfully right now.

Linda Craft Team, REALTORS located at 7300 Six Forks Road in Raleigh North Carolina, they have been serving the Research Triangle Park area for more than 38 years.

In that time Linda created a culture of “Legendary Customer Service”. It is not a slogan it is part of their DNA.

And in that time, they have developed relationships with the world’s leading real estate professionals to help you find the best professional to help you sell your home or buy your next one.

Why not head on over to the “Legends” Linda Craft & Team, REALTORS www.LindaCraft.com

When you’re buying or selling a home, one number can make or break the deal — the appraisal. On this week’s Real Estate Right Now, I’m joined by Everett “Vic” Knight, one of North Carolina’s most respected appraisers and former Chair of the NC Real Estate Commission. With decades of experience in real estate and property valuation, Vic brings the inside scoop on how appraisals really work and what every buyer and seller needs to know right now.

Here’s the first thing most people don’t realize: the appraiser doesn’t work for you — they work for the lender. Their job is to make sure the home is worth what the bank is lending, not necessarily what you think it’s worth. And with today’s tight schedules, appraisers often have only a short window to visit your property, review comps, and submit the report. That means preparation matters more than ever — clean, accessible, well-documented homes make a stronger impression and often smoother reports.

We’ll also talk about what’s changed in how appraisers measure and value homes. Ever wondered why your finished basement or bonus room doesn’t seem to “count” like the rest of the house? Vic will explain the current standards that determine what’s considered true “living space” — and why square footage isn’t as simple as grabbing a tape measure and doing the math yourself. Understanding those rules can save you a lot of confusion and frustration.

Finally, we’ll look at the new appraisal forms being rolled out nationwide. While they’re designed to be more detailed and consistent, they’re also creating longer turnaround times and more complexity. Vic will help us unpack what that means for you as a consumer — and what you can do to make the process as smooth as possible. If you’re planning to buy or sell a home soon, this episode could be the difference between stress and success.

Linda Craft Team, Realtors no matter where you live in the world, Linda Craft and her team can help you find the best professional in your area to help you sell or buy your next home.

While most real estate professionals belong to a nationally affiliated company where they are obligated to use the people in their company’s network.

The Linda Craft team are privately owned and operated. That means they can find the absolute best professional from ANY company to ensure you get the best service.

Located in the Raleigh Research Triangle Park of North Carolina…they are indeed legendary when it comes to service. Learn more by going to Linda Craft Team, Realtors www.LindaCraft.com

Join us live on Real Estate Right Now as we take a closer look at one of the fastest-growing sectors in today’s housing market—senior living. My special guest is Paige Van Lenten, Vice President of Placement and Marketing at Always Best Care Senior Living. Paige has been on the frontlines helping families navigate the often emotional and complex decisions around senior housing, and she brings a wealth of insight you don’t want to miss.

If you’ve ever wondered when the “right time” is to start thinking about senior care options, or what choices really exist for loved ones as they age, Paige will break it all down. From assisted living to memory care, to the financial and real estate implications that often come with these transitions, this conversation is packed with practical information that will help you make informed decisions with confidence.

But this show isn’t just about senior housing—it’s about families, futures, and the peace of mind that comes with making proactive choices. Paige will share real stories, common pitfalls, and the surprising opportunities that many people overlook when they start exploring senior living options. If you’re a homeowner, a child of aging parents, or even planning for your own future, you’ll walk away with clarity and confidence.

Trust me, this is a powerful conversation you’ll want to share with friends and family.

Linda Craft Team, REALTORS located at 7300 Six Forks Road in Raleigh North Carolina, they have been serving the Research Triangle Park area for more than 38 years.

In that time Linda created a culture of “Legendary Customer Service”. It is not a slogan it is part of their DNA.

And in that time, they have developed relationships with the world’s leading real estate professionals to help you find the best professional to help you sell your home or buy your next one.

Why not head on over to the “Legends” Linda Craft & Team, REALTORS www.LindaCraft.com