Buying a Home? Why Major Updates Are Worth a Closer Look

A new roof or HVAC system can be a major selling point. Here’s why I encourage buyers to look beyond the word ‘new’ and understand the information behind major home updates.

A listing says new roof.

Another says new HVAC.

Maybe the home has updated electrical, new plumbing, foundation work or other major improvements.

Those are all things a buyer wants to see. They can affect how you feel about the home, what you're willing to pay for it and what expenses you expect to have in the years ahead.

But when I'm representing a buyer, I don't think "new" should be the end of the conversation.

I want to know more.

That's especially important when buying a home in Pinehurst, Southern Pines or elsewhere in the Sandhills, where buyers may encounter everything from older established homes to newer construction.

An invoice is a starting point, not necessarily the answer

When documentation is available for a major improvement, I look at it.

Who completed the work? When was it completed? What exactly was done? Does the documentation make sense? Is the business information consistent? Are there warranties that may transfer to the new owner?

Depending on the type of work, there may be other information worth investigating as well, such as permits, contractor licensing, inspections or additional records.

The point isn't to approach every transaction assuming something is wrong.

It's to look more closely at information that may affect an important buying decision.

Why major home updates matter to buyers

Imagine comparing two homes in Pinehurst or Southern Pines.

One needs a roof soon.

The other is advertised as having a recently replaced roof.

That difference may influence which home you prefer, how you evaluate the price and what future expenses you anticipate.

The same can be true of an HVAC system, windows, plumbing, electrical work or other significant improvements.

If you're factoring an improvement into your decision, it's reasonable to understand what was actually done and what information is available to support it.

Due diligence when buying a home in North Carolina

North Carolina buyers hear a lot about due diligence, and for good reason.

But due diligence isn't only about scheduling a home inspection.

It's also about asking questions, reviewing available information and investigating things that could affect your decision about the property.

Sometimes the information confirms exactly what we expected.

Sometimes it creates another question.

And sometimes that additional question is important.

My job isn't to tell you which house to buy

My job is to help you make an informed decision.

That means I may notice something you didn't notice.

I may ask for documentation you didn't know to request.

I may recommend that you investigate something further or consult the appropriate professional before relying on it.

And if something doesn't make sense to me, I'm going to tell you.

Buying a home is exciting. It should be.

But excitement and careful due diligence can exist at the same time.

Whether you're buying in Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen or elsewhere in the Sandhills, you deserve the opportunity to learn as much as reasonably possible about the home you're purchasing before you make it yours.

Home is more than where you live. It's how you live. And good guidance starts before you ever get the keys.

Fall Home Reset: 7 Ways To Care For Your Home

Fall Home Reset for Pinehurst Homeowners

Fall arrives gradually in Pinehurst and throughout Moore County, but the change of season still gives us a natural opportunity to look inward. We begin spending more time at home, preparing for gatherings and noticing the spaces that are working well, along with the ones that are not.

A fall home reset does not require a renovation, an expensive shopping trip or a house filled with seasonal decorations. It is simply an opportunity to care for your home, complete a few important fall-maintenance tasks and make everyday life feel a little calmer.

Here are seven simple ways to prepare your home for fall and enjoy it more in the season ahead.

1. Begin at the entrance

Your entrance shapes the feeling of arriving home.

Clear away summer clutter, clean the front door and porch, and remove any plants or decorations that have seen better days. Add one simple seasonal element, such as a planter, wreath, lantern or arrangement of natural branches.

The goal is not to decorate every surface. It is to create a welcoming transition from the outside world into your home.

2. Reset the everyday landing zone

Most homes have a place where shoes, bags, mail, keys and school items naturally collect. Instead of fighting that habit, make the space work better.

Remove anything that does not belong, give the essentials a designated place and clear one surface completely. A small tray, lidded box or attractive basket can help contain what you use every day without creating more visual clutter.

3. Prepare your home for cooler weather

A seasonal reset should include the practical things that protect your home, too.

Take a few minutes to:

• Replace your HVAC filters

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

• Check exterior doors and windows for drafts

• Clean gutters and inspect outdoor drainage

• Schedule fireplace or heating-system service if needed

• Put away outdoor items that will not be used again until spring

In Pinehurst and throughout Moore County, falling pine needles and leaves can quickly block gutters and drainage areas, so these may need to be checked more than once during the season.

These small tasks can help prevent larger problems and make your home more comfortable as temperatures change.

4. Make one room feel calmer

You do not need to organize the entire house. Choose the room you use most and remove five things that create visual noise.

Clear one surface, return misplaced items to their proper rooms and adjust the lighting. Keep only the things that are useful, beautiful or meaningful.

Even one calmer room can change how the whole house feels.

5. Shift the sensory details

The feeling of fall can come from texture, lighting, greenery and scent rather than themed decorations.

Consider adding:

• A soft throw or textured pillow

• Fresh branches or seasonal flowers

• Warmer lamp light in place of harsh overhead lighting

• A subtle candle or simmer pot

• A basket for blankets, books or everyday necessities

A few thoughtful changes will usually have more impact than adding decorations throughout the house.

6. Prepare one space for connection

Choose one area where people naturally gather and make it ready for the season.

It might be your dining table, kitchen island, porch or living room. Clear away the things that do not belong and create space for a quiet dinner, coffee with a friend or an impromptu evening at home.

A home feels most alive when it makes connection easy.

7. Choose how you want home to feel

Before buying anything new, choose three words that describe how you want your home to feel this fall.

Perhaps you want it to feel:

Calm. Warm. Welcoming.

Or:

Organized. Comfortable. Restful.

Let those words guide what you remove, add and prioritize. When you know how you want your home to feel, it becomes easier to decide what truly belongs in it.

A well cared for home does not need to be perfect. It should support the people who live there and the life being lived inside it.

Whether you have recently purchased a home in Pinehurst, have lived in Moore County for years or are preparing for your next chapter, caring for your home is part of enjoying it well.

Home is more than where you live. It is how you live.

Planning a move? Read my guide to buying a home in Moore County.

Learn more about Lori Van Etten and the Van Etten & Co. experience.

Lori Van Etten, Founder & Broker In Charge
Van Etten & Co

Pinehurst, NC

Buying in Pinehurst, Southern Pines & Aberdeen…North Carolina

Find a Home That Fits the Way You Want to Live

A home should support more than your practical needs. I help buyers understand the area, evaluate each property carefully and find a home that feels right for the life they want to create.

Finding Your Place

Before we begin touring homes, I want to understand what matters to you.

Do you want to be near Pinehurst’s golf courses and Village? Close to downtown Southern Pines? Are you looking for a newer neighborhood, more land, an easier commute or a manageable second home?

Each community offers something different. Just to name a few…

Pinehurst
Golf, the Village, mature landscaping and established neighborhoods.

Southern Pines
Downtown life, local businesses and homes with character.

Aberdeen
Everyday convenience and newer communities.

Depending on your priorities, we may also explore Whispering Pines, Vass, Carthage, Cameron or other surrounding areas.

The goal is not to show you every available house. It is to focus your search around the way you want to live.

What Working With Me Looks Like

We begin with more than bedrooms, price and square footage. I want to understand how you live, what matters to you and what you need a home to support.

When we tour, I help you look beyond listing photographs and initial excitement. I notice condition, documentation, layout, possible future expenses and resale considerations. I can also help you see the potential in a home that may not be showing its best.

Even when you love the house, I will still ask questions and point out concerns.

My job is not to convince you to buy a house. It is to help you understand what you are buying, see what it could become and decide whether it genuinely supports the way you want to live.

Honest guidance. Careful attention. No pressure.

From Consultation to Closing

I guide buyers through every stage of the process:

1. Clarifying your priorities, timing and comfortable price range

2. Buyer representation

3. Focused property searches and tours

4. Offer strategy and negotiation

5. Inspections, documentation, insurance and appraisal

6. Final walkthrough and closing

You will know what is happening, what needs your attention and what comes next.

Military Relocation and Sight-Unseen Buying

As a former military spouse, I understand that relocation does not always happen on a comfortable timeline.

For military and relocating buyers, I provide detailed video tours, local guidance and careful communication when you cannot be present for every step.

I help you compare locations, evaluate properties beyond the photographs and coordinate the people and details involved in getting you to closing.

Let’s Begin With a Conversation

You do not need to know exactly where you want to live or have every detail figured out before contacting me.

We can discuss your plans, compare the different communities and determine whether we are a good working fit.

Lori Van Etten
Van Etten & Co.
Serving Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen, Fort Bragg and surrounding communties.

195 Mullingar Drive

Spacious 5 Bedroom Home in The Carolina Community

If you’ve been looking for a home that offers space, flexibility, and a convenient location, 195 Mullingar Place in the Carolina community is worth a closer look.

This 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom home offers a layout that works well for everyday living, remote work, and hosting family or friends. Located in the McDeeds Creek Elementary school district, the home is also just minutes from Southern Pines, Pinehurst, shopping, restaurants, and a short commute to Fort Bragg.

A Layout That Offers Flexibility

Just inside the front door, you’ll find a home office, creating a quiet space for working from home, studying, or managing daily life.

Nearby is a separate dining room, which many homeowners today use in different ways. It works well as a traditional dining space, but could easily serve as an additional sitting room or gathering space depending on how you live.

The living room opens to the kitchen, creating the type of layout where people naturally gather.

Kitchen Designed for Everyday Living

The kitchen offers:

• White cabinetry

• Granite countertops

• Large center island

• Pantry storage

• Extensive countertop space

The large island creates plenty of room for meal prep, casual seating, or entertaining, making it one of the natural gathering spots in the home.

Main Level Guest Bedroom

A guest bedroom and full bathroom on the main level adds flexibility for visitors, multi-generational living, or anyone who prefers a bedroom on the first floor.

Five Bedrooms Plus a Large Flex Space

Upstairs you’ll find four additional bedrooms, including the primary suite.

The primary bedroom includes:

• Private bathroom with dual vanities

• Walk-in shower

• Large walk-in closet

Two of the secondary bedrooms share a Jack-and-Jill bathroom, while another full bathroom serves the remaining bedroom.

One of the standout features of this home is the large upstairs flex space. This area can be used as a second living room, media room, workout space, or playroom.

The laundry room is also located upstairs, making everyday routines more convenient.

Outdoor Living Spaces

The backyard offers several areas to enjoy outdoor time, including:

• Covered back patio

• Additional uncovered patio space

• Fire pit area

It’s an easy space for relaxing evenings, outdoor dining, or gathering with friends.

Living in The Carolina Community

Residents of The Carolina neighborhood enjoy access to a community pool, providing a place to cool off during the summer months.

The location is also convenient to:

• Southern Pines

• Pinehurst

• Local restaurants and shopping

• Golf courses in the Pinehurst area

• Fort Bragg / Fort Liberty commute

A Home That Offers Space and Convenience

With five bedrooms, multiple living spaces, and a flexible layout, 195 Mullingar offers the type of space many buyers are looking for today.

If you’ve been searching for a larger home near Southern Pines and Pinehurst with room to spread out, this home offers a lot of flexibility in a convenient location.

Pinehurst Golf Lifestyle Home

Pinehurst Golf Lifestyle Home for Sale Near Pinehurst No. 2

6 Montclair Ct.

If you’ve been searching for a Pinehurst golf lifestyle home, close to Pinehurst No. 2, Pinehurst No. 4, and The Cradle, 6 Montclair offers one of the most desirable locations in Pinehurst, North Carolina.

This home is ideal for buyers looking for Pinehurst real estate, a golf retreat, second home, or low-maintenance primary residence in the heart of one of the most iconic golf communities in the world.

Prime Location Near Pinehurst No. 2, No. 4, and The Cradle

Location is everything in Pinehurst and 6 Montclair places you right where golfers want to be.

• Across from Pinehurst No. 4

• Minutes from Pinehurst No. 2

• Close to The Cradle (9 holes)

• Short golf cart ride to Pinehurst Country Club

• Easy access to Pinehurst Village dining, shopping, and lifestyle

Imagine waking up, playing a morning round at Pinehurst No. 2, enjoying lunch in the Village, and being home within minutes. This is everyday life at 6 Montclair.

For golf lovers, second-home buyers, and Pinehurst lifestyle seekers. This location is hard to match.

Low-Maintenance Pinehurst Living

Many buyers searching for Pinehurst homes for sale want simplicity… not a large yard and constant upkeep.

6 Montclair offers:

• Low-maintenance yard

• Lock-and-leave convenience for second-home owners

• Easy living for golf-focused lifestyle buyers

• More time to enjoy Pinehurst, less time maintaining

Perfect for:

• Golfers

• Second-home or vacation buyers

• Buyers relocating to Pinehurst

• Anyone seeking easy Pinehurst living near the golf courses

3 Bedroom Home with Office and Entertainer’s Kitchen

This Pinehurst home was designed for how people live today! It’s open, functional, and comfortable.

Home Features:

• 3 Bedrooms

• Dedicated office (ideal for remote work or second-home flexibility)

• Spacious open layout

• Large entertainer’s kitchen with oversized island

• Natural gathering space for hosting friends and family

• Designed for both everyday living and entertaining

Whether hosting after a round of golf or enjoying a quiet evening, the kitchen and living space create the center of the home.

Ideal Pinehurst Second Home, Golf Retreat, or Primary Residence

Buyers searching for Pinehurst golf homes, second homes in Pinehurst, or homes near Pinehurst Country Club will find 6 Montclair checks the right boxes.

This home works well for:

• Full-time Pinehurst residents

• Second-home buyers / golf retreat seekers

• Golfers wanting proximity to Pinehurst No. 2 & No. 4

• Buyers looking for lifestyle, location, and ease

Homes in this golf-centric location…especially with low maintenance & under $550K are becoming harder to find.

Pinehurst Real Estate… 6 Montclair

If you are searching for:
Pinehurst homes for sale • Pinehurst golf homes • Homes near Pinehurst No. 2 • Pinehurst second homes • Pinehurst lifestyle property • Golf course living in Pinehurst NC

6 Montclair deserves a closer look.

Lori Van Etten
Van Etten & Co. Real Estate
Pinehurst, North Carolina

New Year Real Estate Outlook In Moore County

A New Year, A Fresh Perspective on Real Estate in Pinehurst & Southern Pines

The beginning of a new year is often when homeowners and buyers start thinking about what’s next. New routines settle in, priorities become clearer, and questions around housing naturally surface.

Here in Pinehurst and Southern Pines, January is an ideal time to step back, evaluate the market, and plan without pressure. Whether a move is happening this year or simply on your radar, gathering information early creates better outcomes.

What I’m Seeing as We Enter the New Year

As we move into a new real estate cycle, many conversations are centered around clarity and timing:

• What is my home realistically worth in today’s market?

• Should I sell now or wait until spring?

• How competitive is the buyer pool right now?

• What does inventory look like locally?

These are smart questions and you don’t need to be “ready” to move to start asking them.

Across Moore County, buyers remain active, particularly for homes that are well priced and well prepared. Sellers who take the time to understand positioning and timing tend to see smoother transactions and stronger results.

Planning Ahead Makes a Difference

The most successful real estate experiences rarely start with urgency. They start with a plan.

For sellers, that often means:

• Understanding current market value

• Identifying small improvements that can enhance appeal

• Choosing a timeline that aligns with lifestyle needs

For buyers, planning early can include:

• Clarifying must-haves versus nice-to-haves

• Reviewing financing options before touring homes

• Monitoring inventory trends to recognize value when it appears

January and February are excellent months for this kind of preparation.

Thinking About Selling This Year?

If selling is on your radar for 2026, even if it’s several months away…early planning can be incredibly valuable. A simple conversation now can help you:

• Decide which updates are worth doing (and which aren’t)

• Understand realistic pricing in today’s market

• Create a strategy that fits your life, not just the market calendar

Many sellers I work with begin these discussions well before listing. That preparation often leads to less stress, better positioning, and a more confident selling experience.

A Relationship-First Approach to Real Estate

Real estate decisions are personal, and they deserve thoughtful guidance. My approach is rooted in clear communication, honest feedback, and long-term relationships , not pressure or rushed decisions.

Whether you’re actively planning a move or simply want to understand your options, my role is to be a resource you can trust.

Let’s Start With a Conversation

If buying or selling a home in Pinehurst, Southern Pines, or the surrounding Moore County area is part of your plans this year or even just a possibility, I’m always happy to talk it through.

No pressure. Just informed guidance to help you move forward with confidence when the time is right.

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

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.

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

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.

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.