Lori Van Etten Lori Van Etten

Second Home Buyers

Why Second Home Buyers Are Choosing Pinehurst, NC

Looking for a second home in a premier golf destination? Pinehurst, North Carolina has quickly become a top choice for buyers from Augusta, Naples, New York, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Boston, and California. With world-class courses, mild weather, and a charming village lifestyle, Pinehurst offers resort-style living with everyday convenience.

Featured Golf Lifestyle Home: 6 Montclair Court In Doral Woods

NOW OFFERING $10K in SELLER-PAID CLOSING COST CREDIT + 1-0 BUY DOWN with Preferred Lender! Use your savings for a fence or backyard privacy enhancements & perfect for seasonal and second-home buyers.

This 3-bed, 2-bath brick home with a dedicated office is located in desirable Doral Woods, where you can drive your golf cart to Pinehurst Country Club and the Village.

Inside, enjoy an open-concept kitchen with granite countertops, white soft-close cabinets, a farmhouse sink, and custom built-ins. The primary suite includes a tiled shower, soaking tub, and an oversized walk-in closet. A screened porch + open deck offer peaceful outdoor living surrounded by mature landscaping.

The Pinehurst Advantage

  • Legendary golf rivaling Augusta and Sawgrass

  • Lock-and-leave lifestyle ideal for part-time residents

  • Excellent medical facilities + strong community feel

  • Convenient access from major metros

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Lori Van Etten Lori Van Etten

Move-In Ready Living in Vass: Explore 3095 Wilton Way

When you’re buying a home, timing matters. Nobody wants to wait months for new construction or face delays that push move-in day further and further away. That’s what makes 3095 Wilton Way in Vass such a special opportunity. It’s completely move-in ready, with thoughtful details already in place, so you can start living the lifestyle you’ve been dreaming about right away.

A Kitchen Designed for Real Life

The heart of this home is its chef-inspired kitchen featuring sleek quartz countertops, a double oven, stainless steel appliance, and a generous walk-in pantry. The layout is designed to flow seamlessly into the dining and living spaces, making it ideal for both everyday meals and holiday gatherings.

Comfort and Style Upstairs

Upstairs, the primary suite offers a private retreat with a spacious walk-in closet, dual vanities, and a large tiled shower. Three additional bedrooms and the conveniently located laundry room complete the second floor, giving everyone their own space without sacrificing functionality.

Outdoor Living Made Easy

The backyard is the perfect size for low-maintenance living & just enough room for cookouts, evenings by the fire pit, or a garden without overwhelming upkeep.

Neighborhood Perks

Living in Camellia Crossing means more than just a beautiful home…you’ll also enjoy the established community pool. Plus, you’re just minutes from everyday conveniences: a coffee shop, bakery, and grocery store are all within 5 minutes. Fort Bragg is just 25 minutes away, and Sanford and Raleigh are easily accessible for commuters.

Buyer Incentives

Right now, the sellers are offering a $7k closing credit. Use that to buy down your rate with a 1-0 buy down & closing costs. That means you can save on monthly payments right from the start.

Why Wait?

With no construction delays, low HOA fees compared to new builds, and a location that blends small-town charm with easy access to major hubs, 3095 Wilton Way is a home that’s ready when you are.

Ready to see it in person? Contact Van Etten & Co. today to schedule your private tour.

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Lori Van Etten Lori Van Etten

What Sellers need to know about Market Ready vs. Lived In

Living in a Home vs. Selling a Home: Why It Feels So Different

One of the hardest parts of selling your home isn’t the paperwork, the showings, or even the packing, it’s learning how to live in a house that’s no longer truly yours.

When you’re living in a home, you decorate for your comfort and personality. You hang family photos in the hallway, let the kids’ artwork cover the fridge, and choose bedding, paint colors, and furniture that reflect your taste. That’s what makes a house feel like home.

But when it’s time to sell, things shift. A home on the market has a different purpose: it’s no longer about your story, it’s about making room for a buyer to see their story inside those walls.

Staging vs. Living

Staging a home often means removing the very things that make it cozy and personal. Bold wall colors? Neutralized. Patterned bedspread? Swapped for a crisp white quilt. (There’s a reason white bedding shows up in so many real estate photos…(it photographs beautifully, looks clean, and appeals to a wide range of buyers.)

The truth is, staging can feel a little “blah” because it isn’t about style, it’s about strategy. A staged home is designed to appeal to the most people possible, even if that means toning down your own personality in the process.

The HGTV Effect

We’ve all seen it…homes on TV that look picture-perfect. Fresh flowers on the table, throw pillows just so, counters completely bare. But here’s the secret: HGTV-ready homes aren’t designed for living, they’re designed for selling.

No one actually lives with spotless counters 24/7 or perfectly fluffed pillows (and if they do, I want to know their secret!). So yes, it feels uncomfortable to maintain that “show-ready” look every single day. It’s not real life, it’s a marketing tool.

Why It Matters

Buyers shop with their eyes first. A neutral, decluttered, HGTV inspired home allows them to imagine themselves living there. It highlights the space, the light, and the flow…things that matter more to buyers than your favorite paint color or patterned duvet.

And while it can be challenging to “live” in a staged home, it’s a short season with a big payoff. The effort you put into making your home market-ready often results in faster offers and higher selling prices.

The Balance

My advice? Remind yourself that this isn’t forever. Embrace the minimalism for a little while. Think of it as the first step in moving on. Your home is already transitioning from yours to someone else’s.

Living Vs. Selling a Home: Why It Feels So Different

One of the hardest parts of selling your home isn’t the paperwork, the showings, or even the packing…it’s learning how to live in a house that’s no longer truly yours.

When you’re living in a home, you decorate for your comfort and personality. You hang family photos in the hallway, let the kids’ artwork cover the fridge, and choose bedding, paint colors, and furniture that reflect your taste. That’s what makes a house feel like home.

But when it’s time to sell, things shift. A home on the market has a different purpose: it’s no longer about your story, it’s about making room for a buyer to see their story inside those walls.

Staging vs. Living

Staging a home often means removing the very things that make it cozy and personal. Bold wall colors? Neutralized. Patterned bedspread? Swapped for a crisp white quilt. (There’s a reason white bedding shows up in so many real estate photos, it photographs beautifully, looks clean, and appeals to a wide range of buyers.)

The truth is, staging can feel a little “blah” because it isn’t about style, it’s about strategy. A staged home is designed to appeal to the most people possible, even if that means toning down your own personality in the process.

The HGTV Effect

We’ve all seen it, homes on TV that look picture-perfect. Fresh flowers on the table, throw pillows just so, counters completely bare. But here’s the secret: HGTV-ready homes aren’t designed for living, they’re designed for selling.

No one actually lives with spotless counters 24/7 or perfectly fluffed pillows (and if they do, I want to know their secret!). So yes, it feels uncomfortable to maintain that “show-ready” look every single day. It’s not real life…it’s a marketing tool.

Why It Matters

Buyers shop with their eyes first. A neutral, decluttered, HGTV-inspired home allows them to imagine themselves living there. It highlights the space, the light, and the flow…things that matter more to buyers than your favorite paint color or patterned duvet.

And while it can be challenging to “live” in a staged home, it’s a short season with a big payoff. The effort you put into making your home market-ready often results in faster offers and higher selling prices.

The Balance

My advice? Remind yourself that this isn’t forever. Embrace the minimalism for a little while. Think of it as the first step in moving on—your home is already transitioning from yours to someone else’s.

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Lori Van Etten Lori Van Etten

Make Your Home Shine Online

What Buyers Notice First: How to Make Your Home Irresistible Online

Most buyers start their search online, and first impressions happen in seconds. The photos are your home’s first showing & here’s what stands out right away.

1. The First Photo

The opening image sets the tone. A bright exterior makes buyers want to see more.

2. Light and Bright

Open blinds, use light bedding, and keep decor simple. Bright, airy photos attract clicks faster than dark or cluttered ones.

3. Clean, Neutral Spaces

Buyers want to picture their own life in the home. Clear counters, pack away personal photos, and choose neutral colors.

4. Photo Flow

Order matters. Lead with the best rooms…kitchen, living room, primary suite and then move to bedrooms and outdoor spaces.

5. Curb Appeal Counts

Even online, buyers notice details outside. Fresh mulch, trimmed landscaping, and a tidy porch make a strong impression.

6. Lifestyle Touches

A cozy patio, organized office, or staged dining area helps buyers imagine the life they could have there.

Bottom Line

Online photos are the first chance to capture a buyer’s attention. Clean, bright, and well-staged homes don’t just look better, they get more showings.

If you’re preparing to sell in Pinehurst, Southern Pines, or surrounding areas in Moore County , I’d love to help make sure your home stands out from the very first click.

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