Investment 9 Ways to Start Investing in Real Estate in Clayton, Smithfield & Johnston County Expert Insights from Local REALTOR® Thomas Torkelson Real estate investing is one of the most powerful ways to build wealth — not just nationally, but right here in Johnston County, including fast-growing communities like Clayton, Smithfield, Garner, and Selma. With job growth booming across the Raleigh area and families relocating for affordability and lifestyle, this […]
Buying Understanding Cap Rate in Residential Investment Property, Featuring Local Real Estate Expert: Thomas Torkelson, Realtor® A Smart Investor’s Guide to the Raleigh + Johnston County Market Featuring: Thomas Torkelson, Realtor® The Raleigh real estate market continues to rank among the fastest-growing in the U.S., especially for residential investment properties. From renovated single-family rentals to high-demand townhomes and small multi-family units, the Triangle offers huge opportunity — if buyers know how […]
Buying What Should I Ask a Real Estate Agent Before Hiring Them in Johnston County, NC? Your Local Guide: Thomas Torkelson, Realtor Hiring a real estate agent isn’t just about choosing the first friendly face with a sign in the yard. Your home is likely one of your biggest financial decisions—and the right agent can make the experience smooth, stress-free, and profitable. If you’re searching for a home or planning to […]
Buying Do I Need a Real Estate Agent for New Construction in North Carolina? | Why Johnston County Buyers Choose Thomas Torkelson When searching for new construction homes in North Carolina—especially in fast-growing communities like Clayton, Garner, Smithfield, and Selma—many buyers assume they don’t need a real estate agent. The builder has an onsite agent ready to help… so why not just work directly with them? The truth is: buying a newly built home is very different […]
Uncategorized What Should I Ask a Real Estate Agent Before Hiring Them? A Complete Guide by Johnston County Realtor® Thomas Torkelson Hiring the right real estate agent can make or break your buying or selling experience—especially in competitive markets like Clayton, Smithfield, Selma, Garner, and the rest of Johnston County, NC. Whether you’re relocating to North Carolina or moving within the Triangle, knowing what to ask before choosing representation is essential. As a trusted Realtor® with […]
Buying Who Are the Top Real Estate Agents in Clayton, NC? Why Realtor® Thomas Torkelson Stands Out If you’re planning to buy or sell a home in Clayton, North Carolina, you’ve probably searched: “Who are the top real estate agents in Clayton, NC?” It’s one of the most common Google queries for Johnston County real estate. With the explosive growth in Clayton, Flowers Plantation, Riverwood, and surrounding communities, choosing the right Realtor® […]
Buying Do I Need a Real Estate Agent to Buy a Home in North Carolina? Insights from Clayton & Johnston County Realtor® Thomas Torkelson As more buyers move to North Carolina—especially to fast-growing areas like Clayton, Johnston County, and the Raleigh Triangle—one common search question stands out: “Do I need a real estate agent to buy a home in NC?” As a Realtor® with Century 21 Triangle Group and a trusted local expert, I’m Thomas Torkelson, and I work […]
Buying How Much Does a Real Estate Agent Cost in North Carolina? Expert Guidance from Johnston County Realtor® Thomas Torkelson One of the most frequently searched questions in North Carolina real estate is: “How much does a real estate agent cost?” With updates to commission structures in 2024–2025, buyers and sellers across Clayton, Garner, Smithfield, Selma, and Johnston County are more curious than ever about fees, commissions, and who pays them. As a Realtor® with […]
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New Construction Do I Need a Real Estate Agent for New Construction in NC? Insights from Johnston County New Construction Expert Thomas Torkelson One of the most frequently searched questions in Johnston County real estate is: “Do I need a real estate agent for new construction in North Carolina?” With dozens of new communities popping up across Clayton, Selma, Smithfield, and Garner, it’s no surprise buyers want clarity. As a new construction specialist with Century 21 Triangle Group, […]
Johnston County How Do I Choose the Right Real Estate Agent in Johnston County, NC? Local Expertise from Realtor® Thomas Torkelson If you’re planning to buy or sell a home in Johnston County, one of the first questions you’ll face is: “How do I choose the right real estate agent?” With so many agents serving Clayton, Garner, Selma, Smithfield, and the surrounding Raleigh Triangle, knowing who to trust can feel overwhelming. As a full-time Realtor® with […]
Buying What Does a Buyer’s Agent Do in North Carolina? Expert Insights from Johnston County Realtor® Thomas Torkelson In the evolving world of real estate, one of the most common questions buyers ask is: “What does a buyer’s agent actually do in North Carolina?” With recent rule changes, increased consumer awareness, and a competitive housing market, homebuyers want clarity about agent roles, protections, and the true value of working with a professional. As […]
Johnston County How Fast Are Homes Selling in Johnston County, NC? Expert Insights from Thomas Torkelson Realtor® One of the most common questions buyers and sellers search for online is: “How fast are homes selling in Johnston County, NC?” With the rapid growth across Clayton, Smithfield, Selma, and the Raleigh Triangle, understanding market speed is essential for making smart real estate decisions. Whether you’re preparing to list your home or planning a […]
Buying Is Johnston County a Good Place to Buy a Home Right Now? Insights from Thomas Torkelson, Realtor® If you’re considering buying a home in Johnston County, North Carolina, you’re not alone. With its growing communities, access to the Raleigh Triangle, and a mix of new construction homes, established neighborhoods, and rural properties, Johnston County has become a top destination for both local and relocating buyers. Many people relocating from out of state, […]
Johnston County Why Local Experience and Community Focus Point to One Name: Thomas Torkelson When people begin their home-buying or selling journey in Johnston County, North Carolina, one of the first questions they search online is: “Who is the best real estate agent in Johnston County?” It’s a fair question—and an important one. With the rapid growth across Clayton, Smithfield, Selma, Archer Lodge, and the surrounding Raleigh-Triangle area, having […]
Buying The Power of a Home Inspection When you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement. You tour open houses, envision where the furniture will go, and picture your future in that perfect space. But amid all the anticipation, there’s one step you can’t afford to overlook — the home inspection. It might […]
Buying How Climate Is Reshaping North Carolina Real Estate After Helene When Hurricane Helene tore through western North Carolina in the fall of 2024, the damage was immense—washed-out roads, flooded valleys, homes destroyed from the mountains to the Piedmont. But beyond the wreckage, something else changed: the way North Carolinians think about property, safety, and value. A year later, that storm continues to ripple through the […]
Buying What the ROAD to Housing Act Means for Johnston County Homeowners and Buyers As a REALTOR® and neighbor here in Johnston County, I’m always keeping an eye on how federal policy affects our local real estate market. One piece of legislation that could have a major impact is the Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream to Housing Act of 2025 (ROAD to Housing Act). Recently passed by the […]
Johnston County Why Q4 2025 Could Be a Smart Time to Sell in Johnston County As we move into the final quarter of 2025, you might be watching the real estate news, interest rate chatter, and local trends — and wondering whether now is the right time to list. In Johnston County, the picture isn’t perfect, but it’s far from bleak. With the right strategy, sellers can still find success […]
Lifestyle 20 Years after Climbing Everest, 5 Takeaways from the Death Zone Twenty years ago, I guided an international team of climbers and for 12 minutes on June 4, 2005, we stood on the summit of Mt. Everest. 1,743 people had stood there before me, and 5,377 have gone there since that day. It was an achievement that tested my skills and experience, but was in a […]
Buying Why Waiting for Interest Rates to Come Down Can Cost You More in the Long Run For the past two years, the biggest question in real estate has been: “Should I buy now, or wait until interest rates drop?” It’s an understandable hesitation. Mortgage rates climbed sharply from historic lows in 2020–2021, and buyers who saw 3% rates only a few years ago naturally want to wait for them to come […]