Anzhelika Baaklini - Realtor, Howard Hanna Allen Tate Real Estate

06/17/2026

🏡 Due Diligence Fee vs. Earnest Money Deposit 💵💰

When purchasing a home in North Carolina, buyers often focus on the purchase price—but the terms of the offer matter, too. Two important components are the Due Diligence Fee (DDF) and the Earnest Money Deposit (EMD).

💵 Due Diligence Fee
• Compensates the seller for taking the property off the market
• Paid directly to the seller at contract signing
• Gives the buyer time to conduct inspections and research
• Usually non-refundable

💰 Earnest Money Deposit (EMD)
• Shows the buyer's commitment to purchase
• Held in escrow until closing
• Applied toward the purchase at closing
• Refundable under specific conditions

Why do these matter?
✔️ Due Diligence protects the seller's time while giving the buyer a research window.
✔️ Earnest Money demonstrates serious intent and helps secure the transaction.

Both due diligence and earnest money play essential roles in a real estate transaction. Understanding the differences can help buyers make informed financial decisions and negotiate favorable contract terms.

Before making an offer, carefully consider the risks and benefits of both payments and choose a strategy that aligns with your financial goals.

📩 Have questions about structuring a competitive offer in today's market? Let's connect.

06/10/2026

🎒📚 BACKPACK BUDDIES: Let’s Help Local Students Start the School Year Strong! ❤️

This year, I’m partnering with Backpack Buddies to collect much-needed school supplies for the students and staff at Reedy Creek Elementary School. Something as simple as a box of crayons, a pack of pencils, or a container of disinfecting wipes can make a meaningful difference in a child’s learning experience.

If you’d like to help, you can drop off donations at my office or scan the QR code to purchase items directly from the Amazon Wishlist and have them shipped to the school.

📍 Drop-Off Location:
Howard Hanna Allen Tate Real Estate
150 Wellesley Trade Lane, Suite 200
Cary, NC 27519

🗓️ Donations are being accepted through August 1, 2026.

Every donation—big or small—helps ensure that students and teachers have the tools they need for a successful school year. Thank you for joining me in supporting our community and investing in the future of our children. 💙

06/05/2026

🏡 OPEN HOUSE THIS SATURDAY! 🏡

📍 3304 Drexel Hill Court, Apex, NC
💲 $725,000
🗓 Saturday, June 6
⏰ 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Looking for space, privacy, and a backyard that’s hard to find in today’s market?

Come tour this beautifully maintained home tucked away at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in one of Apex’s most established and desirable neighborhoods.

✨ 4 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms
✨ 3,185 Sq. Ft.
✨ 0.69-Acre Wooded Lot
✨ Finished Third Floor Bonus Space
✨ Refinished Hardwood Floors
✨ New Carpet & Fresh Paint
✨ Spacious Primary Suite with 3 Closets
✨ 2-Car Garage

Set on a rare oversized wooded lot, this home offers the perfect blend of timeless charm, modern functionality, and outdoor living. Enjoy a peaceful backyard surrounded by mature trees, with plenty of room for entertaining, gardening, play, or simply relaxing.

Conveniently located near shopping, dining, parks, commuter routes, and top-rated Apex schools, while benefiting from lower taxes just outside city limits.

Homes with this much character, privacy, and room to grow don’t come along often.

🔗 Property Details:
https://anzhelikabaaklini.allentate.com/Property/Detail/3304-Drexel-Hill-Court-Apex-NC-27539/allentateTriangle/10165705

📩 Message me for more information or stop by the Open House. I’d love to see you there!
ate

06/05/2026

Here's your May 2026 Market Update for Cary, NC — one of the Triangle's most sought-after communities.

Known for its top-rated schools, beautiful parks and greenways, thriving job market, and exceptional quality of life, Cary continues to attract buyers from across North Carolina and beyond.

🏡 Median Sales Price: $729,000
⚡ Median Days on Market: 4 Days
📈 Sellers Receiving: 100.4% of Asking Price
🏘️ Inventory: 1.9 Months Supply

The numbers tell us that well-priced homes are still moving quickly, and demand remains strong. While inventory has increased slightly, Cary continues to be a competitive market for both buyers and sellers.

Whether you're thinking about buying, selling, or simply curious about your home's value, understanding your local market is the first step to making informed real estate decisions.

📩 Reach out anytime for a personalized market analysis.

05/28/2026

Thinking about buying a home this year? Open houses are more than just a chance to tour beautiful properties — they’re an opportunity to gather valuable information before making one of the biggest decisions of your life.

Beyond the décor and staging, knowing the right questions to ask can help you better understand the home, the seller’s situation, and the neighborhood. Here are 6 important questions every buyer should ask at an open house 👇

Visit howardhanna.com/twilight to view upcoming Twilight Open Houses near you. Dates and times vary by market, so be sure to check your local listings.

https://blog.allentate.com/partner/anzhelikabaaklini/10-open-houses-questions/

Join us for special evening open house events on weekdays throughout the summer!

05/27/2026

Your home may be on the market… or even already under contract… but the journey to closing isn’t over yet. 🏡

Before closing day, unexpected repair issues can still arise — an HVAC system stops working, a water heater leaks, an appliance breaks down, or plumbing and electrical problems appear at the worst possible time.

A home warranty can help provide valuable protection for sellers while the home is on the market and throughout the contract period by covering many common systems and appliances. It can also help minimize unexpected expenses, reduce stress, avoid delays, and give buyers added confidence in the home.

Selling a home is one of the biggest financial transactions most people make. Having the right protection in place can help keep the process smoother and more secure from listing to closing.

If you’re thinking about selling, I’d love to help you prepare, market, and protect your home every step of the way.

📩 Message me anytime to learn more.

05/26/2026

Inspiring story! ✨ At 108 years old, Susan Young Browne is still driving, exercising regularly, and proving that age is just a number. Her life is a powerful reminder that staying active and maintaining a positive outlook can make all the difference.

"I grow old gracefully," said Susan Young Browne, who just received permission to keep driving until 115 years old.

05/25/2026

As we enjoy time with family and friends this Memorial Day weekend and welcome the start of summer, let us also pause to remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

Their courage and dedication helped preserve the freedoms we cherish every day, and for that we are forever grateful.

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe, relaxing, and meaningful Memorial Day filled with gratitude, reflection, and special moments together.

Remembering and honoring all who gave their lives in service to our nation.

05/19/2026

Buying your first home is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming without the right guidance. From understanding financing and getting pre-approved to avoiding costly fixer-upper surprises and choosing the right real estate advisor, preparation makes all the difference.

In this article, learn about the most common mistakes first-time homebuyers make — and how to avoid them so you can purchase with confidence and peace of mind. 🏡

We have all felt it: the sinking feeling of buyer’s remorse. That “coulda, shoulda, woulda” moment usually happens when you realize that a little more preparation could have saved you from a major headache. Because it is always better to learn from someone else’s experience rather than your ...

05/13/2026

From Utah mountains to North Carolina pines… today this beautiful family got the keys to their new home ❤️🏡

Relocating across the country is never easy — endless boxes, planning, stress, excitement, and a giant leap into a brand-new chapter. But today made it all worth it!

This is the part of my job I love most: meeting amazing people, hearing their stories, and helping them turn a big life dream into reality. Real estate is so much more than contracts and houses — it’s about new beginnings, memories, and finding the place that finally feels like home.

Welcome to North Carolina, guys! I’m so excited for your next adventure here 🌿✨