Your trusted Real Estate Partner in the Charlotte Area.
Licensed in North and South Carolina.
Looking for a dedicated, professional, and reliable real estate agent? You're in the right place.
As an experienced real estate professional with a deep understanding of the market, I’m here to provide you with top-notch service and support. Whether you're buying or selling, I have the expertise and resources to help you achieve your real estate goals.
From our first conversation to closing, I’ll be by your side, ensuring a smooth, stress-free, and successful experience.
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LISTINGS
Coming Soon$740,000
3 Beds2 Baths2,284 SqFt6629 Lyndonville DR, Charlotte, NC 28277
Single Family Home
Listed by Reggy Jr Gaddy of Real Broker, LLC
- 1/3 3
Coming Soon$558,900
3 Beds2 Baths1,922 SqFt9811 Mitchell Glen DR, Charlotte, NC 28277
Single Family Home
Listed by Kevin Miller of Carolinas Candid Realty Firm
- 1/28 28
Coming Soon$949,000
4 Beds3 Baths2,470 SqFt3509 Draper AVE, Charlotte, NC 28205
Single Family Home
Listed by Sumer Woods of 5 Points Realty
Coming Soon$900,000
5 Beds4 Baths0.34 Acres Lot18035 Pawleys Plantation LN, Charlotte, NC 28278
Single Family Home
Listed by Carmen Miller of EXP REALTY LLC TEGA CAY
- 1/22 22
Coming Soon$735,000
4 Beds3 Baths2,052 SqFt3925 Riverbend RD, Charlotte, NC 28210
Single Family Home
Listed by Jim Fagan of Keller Williams South Park
REVIEWS
Seph Mard
I highly recommend Curtis. He is a knowledgeable agent who I'd trust to sell/buy any real estate. His passion for real estate culminates in his ability to optimize the value he delivers to his customers.
MY BLOGS
August 17th: The Day Real Estate Changes Forever—Here’s What You Need to Know
Meet Sarah, a first-time homebuyer who’s been saving for years to buy her dream home. She’s done her research, knows the neighborhoods she loves, and even has a list of must-haves for her future house. But when Sarah finally sits down to start the process, she’s hit with something she didn’t expect—new real estate rules that completely change the way her transaction will unfold. Today, August 17th, everything in real estate has shifted. If you’re like Sarah, planning to buy or sell a home soon, these changes will catch you off guard if you’re not prepared. The way agents are compensated, the documents you’ll sign, and even the overall process have been updated. Understanding these changes isn’t just important—it’s essential. Why These Changes Matter—And Why They Matter to You Sarah quickly realized that the old rules of real estate were no longer in play. The updates that took effect today are some of the most significant changes the industry has seen in years. These changes are meant to make the process more transparent and fair, but they also introduce new complexities that every buyer and seller needs to understand. The industry has been hard at work preparing for these changes, so when Sarah sat down with her agent, they were ready to discuss how these updates would affect her specific situation. If you’re planning to enter the market soon, these updates will impact how you approach one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. Being aware of what’s changed will help you navigate the market confidently and avoid the pitfalls of outdated practices. Are you, like Sarah, preparing to make a move in the real estate market? If so, you might be wondering how these changes impact your plans. What’s New and How It Affects You 1. The Role of Your Agent Has Never Been More Crucial Sarah’s first surprise came when her agent explained the new rules around compensation. In the past, these discussions were often kept in the background, but now they’re front and center. As a buyer or seller, you need to understand exactly how your agent is compensated and what services they’re providing in return. This transparency isn’t just about knowing the numbers—it’s about seeing the value your agent brings to the table. Whether it’s negotiating the best deal, managing all the paperwork, or guiding you through the intricacies of the market, knowing what you’re paying for ensures you’re making informed decisions every step of the way. Key Benefit: These updates give you a clearer picture of where your money is going, making sure you’re getting the most out of your investment. 2. Staying Informed Is More Important Than Ever Sarah soon realized that the new rules added layers of complexity to the process she hadn’t anticipated. With these changes, it’s more important than ever to stay informed. Your agent should give clear, easy-to-understand information about every stage of the process. From breaking down what’s happening in simple terms to keeping you updated with regular communication, this transparency helps you avoid surprises and make decisions with confidence. Key Benefit: Staying informed puts you in control, giving you the tools to make decisions that align with your goals. 3. Documents and Contracts Have Changed – Don’t Overlook the Details Another eye-opener for Sarah was the new set of documents and contracts she needed to review. For instance, if you’re selling your home, your listing agreement might now exclude certain details about offers of compensation that used to be standard. If you’re buying, new options may be available to negotiate how your agent’s compensation is handled. These changes are meant to protect your interests, but only if you understand them. Working with an agent who’s knowledgeable about these updates is crucial—they’ll make sure that every document you sign is compliant with the new rules and serves your best interests. Key Benefit: Updated contracts are designed to protect your interests and make the process more straightforward. 4. Your Agent Must Be Ahead of the Game Sarah was relieved to learn that her agent was fully up-to-date with the new rules, but not all agents are equally prepared. As the real estate industry adapts to these changes, it’s important to work with someone who’s staying ahead of the curve. The best agents are already trained on these new rules and are ready to guide you through this evolving landscape. They’re not just reacting to the changes—they’re proactively finding ways to turn these updates into advantages for you. Key Benefit: Working with a well-prepared agent ensures you’re in the best possible position to succeed in the new real estate landscape. How Sarah Found Peace of Mind At first, Sarah was overwhelmed by all the changes and the potential impact on her homebuying journey. But thanks to her agent’s clear communication and thorough explanations, she quickly felt reassured. Her agent took the time to walk her through each step, making sure she understood how the new rules would affect her transaction and how they will be used to her advantage. This personalized guidance helped ease Sarah’s concerns and gave her the confidence to move forward with her home purchase. By staying informed and working closely with an agent who was well-prepared for these changes, Sarah turned what initially seemed like a daunting challenge into a smooth, successful experience. What This Means for You Just like Sarah, you may find that today’s rule changes are more than just minor updates—they’re a complete overhaul of how real estate transactions are done. If you’re planning to buy or sell a home, now more than ever, you need an agent who understands these changes and can navigate them with ease. These updates aren’t just about adding new steps—they’re designed to give you more control and clarity in your transaction. With a more transparent process, you’ll have a better understanding of where your money is going and how your agent is working for you. If you’re looking for an agent who’s ready to help you navigate these new waters, I’m here to assist you. Let’s discuss how these new rules can work to your advantage. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just exploring your options, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Together, we’ll turn these changes into opportunities for success. Call or text me at (980) 337-1121 or email me at agent@curtisstorm.com for more information or to set up a time to discuss your real estate goals. I’m here to help!
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A New Era in Real Estate: Navigating the Waters of Agent Compensation and Financial Shifts
Big changes are on the horizon for the real estate industry, and I can’t help but feel a surge of excitement! On March 15th, a groundbreaking announcement shook the foundations of real estate as we know it. The National Association of Realtors, after years of legal battles, has agreed to settle lawsuits that challenge the very core of agent compensation. While we await court approval, the implications of this decision could revolutionize the way we conduct business in real estate. At the heart of this and similar lawsuits are allegations against the National Association of Realtors, brokerages, and entities overseeing Multiple Listing Services. Plaintiffs nationwide contend that these organizations have promoted a commission structure that inflated commissions and disproportionately benefitted them in the process. This arrangement has been criticized for being unfair to sellers, who end up shouldering the majority of commission payments. Furthermore, it’s believed that this structure has contributed to escalating home prices while discouraging buyer agents from not showing homes that didn’t offer favorable compensation. A pivotal aspect of the settlement, beyond $418 million in compensatory damages, focuses on the future payment structure of commissions for both listing agents and buyer agents. A significant shift is that sellers will no longer bear the responsibility of paying the buyer agent’s commission. This doesn’t imply the elimination of buyer agents or the necessity of their services; it merely changes who is responsible for their payment. I’ll dive deeper into the current practices and potential future changes further down this post. You might be wondering why I’m so enthusiastic about these changes, especially considering their potential to profoundly transform the compensation model for agents. As a real estate agent licensed in both North Carolina and South Carolina, I view this as a thrilling opportunity for growth and progress in our industry. I believe these changes hold promise for benefiting sellers, buyers, and dedicated, ethical real estate agents alike. Keep an eye out for a future post where I’ll dive into the exciting possibilities and positive outcomes that these changes could bring. But for now, let’s explore the current dynamics of how sellers and buyers interact with agents, the existing commission structure, and what we might anticipate in the evolving landscape. Before doing so, it’s important to note that the way agents are compensated can vary depending on the state and the structure of their respective firms. Generally, when a commission is agreed upon, a portion of it typically goes to the seller’s agent’s brokerage firm, and similarly, a portion of the buyer agent’s commission may go to their firm as well. Most Common Practices in Real Estate Transactions: Seller Options: Sellers can choose to sell their homes independently (For Sale by Owner) or, more commonly, engage a licensed real estate agent to market their property. They agree with their agent on a compensation structure, which is typically a commission as a percentage of the total sales price of their home. This commission is divided, with a portion going to the listing agent and another portion offered as an incentive to other real estate agents who bring potential buyers. Buyer Options: On the other side, buyers often seek the assistance of a real estate agent, known as a buyer’s agent, to help them find and navigate the purchase of a property. In many cases, the buyer and their agent agree on a compensation structure, which can include a commission. The specifics of this arrangement can vary depending on the state and local regulations. In some areas, the buyer’s agent may look to the seller for compensation, based on the incentive set by the seller’s agent. If this arrangement falls short of the agreed commission, the buyer may need to cover the shortfall, or the buyer’s agent may agree to a reduced fee. Dual Agency: In some cases, a buyer may directly contact the listing agent of a property they’re interested in. This situation, known as dual agency, occurs when the listing agent represents both the seller and the buyer. While not uncommon, dual agency can lead to conflicts of interest. Future Practices in Real Estate Transactions: Seller Compensation: Homeowners can still choose to sell their homes independently or work with a listing agent. However, a significant change is on the horizon: the agreed compensation will solely be for the listing agent. No part of this compensation will be designated for the buyer’s agent when the property is listed for sale. The Big Shift for Buyers: Buyers will continue to have the option to represent themselves, work with an agent who is not affiliated with the listing agent’s firm (to avoid potential conflicts of interest), or directly engage the listing agent. The significant change lies in the compensation structure for the buyer’s agent. Moving forward, buyers who choose to work with an agent will be responsible for paying their agent’s commission, with no contribution from the seller. There may be options offered by sellers to pay buyer agents directly but the specifics of that are currently unknown - possibly through a seller contribution. But that figure will not be advertised on the MLS going forward. Additional Considerations and Questions: As we explore the potential implications of the recent settlement in the real estate industry, it’s important to remember that many aspects are still up in the air. The landscape is evolving, and I’m committed to keeping you informed as new developments arise. With that in mind, let’s consider some questions that might be on your mind: Will buyers bypass buyer agents and go directly to the listing agent? This could lead to a conflict of interest, as the listing agent’s primary duty is to the seller. Without dedicated representation, buyers might find themselves lacking focused support. Should buyers still use a buyer’s agent? Despite the changes, the value of having a dedicated advocate in the form of a buyer’s agent remains significant. They provide expertise, negotiation skills, and a commitment to the buyer’s interests. How will buyers pay their agent’s commission if it’s not built into the purchase price? Buyers may need to budget for this expense separately, or alternative compensation models might emerge as the industry adapts to these changes. How will this change affect home prices? It’s unclear how this shift in commission structure will affect home prices. Market dynamics and other factors will continue to play a significant role. Will the role of buyer’s agents change? The services and responsibilities of buyer’s agents may evolve, but their commitment to representing the buyer’s interests remains paramount. How can buyers ensure they are getting fair representation? Buyers should prioritize finding an agent who is dedicated to their needs and can provide unbiased guidance, especially in a changing landscape. What are the implications for first-time homebuyers? Navigating these changes may seem daunting, but first-time buyers should seek out knowledgeable agents and resources to help them through the process. Will there be more transparency in real estate transactions? The push for increased transparency is a positive step, and buyers and sellers should advocate for clear communication and understanding in their transactions. How will negotiations be affected? The dynamics of negotiations may shift, but the importance of effective communication and negotiation skills remains unchanged. While there are many unknowns, staying informed and working with experienced professionals will be key to navigating these changes successfully. Staying Informed: As the real estate industry adapts to these new regulations, I’ll be here to provide updates and insights. The importance of staying informed cannot be overstated, as it will enable you to make well-informed decisions in this shifting landscape. If you have any concerns or questions, please reach out to me.
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6 Steps To Take Before Selling Your Home
Are you contemplating the decision to part ways with your beloved abode? Deciding to sell your home marks a significant turning point in your journey. But if you’re treading these waters for the first time or without guidance, it can transform from a memorable experience into a daunting task. Doubts, apprehension, and a whirlwind of emotions could take over. But it doesn’t have to be this way. As your dedicated agent, my mission is to demystify and declutter the selling process for you. I’m here to navigate you through each phase, respond to your concerns, and oversee every timeline and expectation. With a professional touch and personal care, I aim to eliminate any undue pressures, ensuring you can bid farewell to your home on a high note. Typically, from the moment you decide to list your property to the final signatures, the journey can typically span anywhere from a few weeks to several months. But remember, the groundwork starts even before that “For Sale” sign goes up. For your clarity, we’ve condensed the home-selling journey into 6 comprehensive steps. If, after absorbing the insights from the infographic below, you feel inclined to discuss further or have any burning questions, feel free to reach out directly through to schedule a time to discuss by visiting my calendar here: Curtis Storm’s Calendar. You’re also welcome to call or text me at (980) 337-1121.
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