4 | HelloFayetteville, North Carolina • Winter Issue
A Gem in North Carolina
Fayetteville, North Carolina, is a vibrant city brimming with culture, history, and modern amenities that blend seamlessly to create an enriching living experience. Bursting with energy, Fayetteville offers an invigorating mix of
community spirit and urban convenience.
At its heart, Fayetteville takes pride in its strong cultural identity, underscored by its historic districts and diverse artistic expressions. Residents and visitors alike can explore the fascinating exhibits of the Airborne & Special Operations Museum or immerse themselves in local art at venues like Cape Fear Studios. This city is not just about history but celebrates life through its
Uncover the Charm of Fayetteville
Hello Fayetteville, North Carolina • Winter Issue |5
lively arts scene and annual festivals that bring the community together.
Nature lovers can delight in Fayetteville's numerous parks, trails, and the serene Cape Fear River, perfect for outdoor adventures without leaving city limits. Whether it’s kayaking on a sunlit day or unwinding with a picnic by the waterside, the city's natural beauty offers a refreshing escape.
Let's not forget the warm Southern hospitality
that permeates the air, making new residents feel instantly at home. Fayettville's welcoming neighborhoods, diverse culinary landscape, and bustling downtown provide a perfect living environment for families, young professionals, and retirees alike.
In Fayetteville, North Carolina, every day unfolds like a new adventure, revealing stories of past and present that resonate in the...
Uncover the Charm of Fayetteville
Uncover the Charm of Fayetteville: A Gem in North Carolina
Fayetteville, North Carolina, is a vibrant city brimming with culture, history, and modern amenities that blend seamlessly to create an enriching living experience. Bursting with energy, Fayetteville offers an invigorating mix of community spirit and urban convenience.
At its heart, Fayetteville takes pride in its strong cultural identity, underscored by its historic districts and diverse artistic expressions. Residents and visitors alike can explore the fascinating exhibits of the Airborne & Special Operations Museum or immerse themselves in local art at venues like Cape Fear Studios. This city is not just about history but celebrates life through its lively arts scene and annual festivals that bring the community together.
Nature lovers can delight in Fayetteville's numerous parks, trails, and the serene Cape Fear River, perfect for outdoor adventures without leaving city limits. Whether it’s kayaking on a sunlit day or unwinding with a picnic by the waterside, the city's natural beauty offers a refreshing escape.
Let's not forget the warm Southern hospitality that permeates the air, making new residents feel instantly at home. Fayettville's welcoming neighborhoods, diverse culinary landscape, and bustling downtown provide a perfect living environment for families, young professionals, and retirees alike.
In Fayetteville, North Carolina, every day unfolds like a new adventure, revealing stories of past and present that resonate in the hearts of all those who call this extraordinary city home.
How to Advocate for Yourself in the Fire Damage Insurance Process
Recovering from a house fire involves more than repairing walls and replacing possessions. For many homeowners, navigating the insurance process can be just as difficult as the fire itself. Understanding how to engage effectively with your insurance provider is essential to securing a fair and complete settlement.
Keeping written records and requesting detailed documentation are foundational steps in protecting your claim.After reporting the loss, homeowners should request written summaries of all assessments, including the initial adjuster's report and any contractor estimates. Verbal explanations can lead
6 | HelloFayetteville, North Carolina • Winter Issue
How to Advocate for Yourself in the Fire Damage Insurance Process
Recovering from a house fire involves more than repairing walls and replacing possessions. For many homeowners, navigating the insurance process can be just as difficult as the fire itself. Understanding how to engage effectively with your insurance provider is essential to securing a fair and complete settlement. Keeping written records and requesting detailed documentation are foundational steps in protecting your claim. After reporting the loss, homeowners should request written summaries of all assessments, including the initial adjuster's report and any contractor estimates. Verbal explanations can lead to misunderstandings or missed details, particularly when repairs span weeks or months. It is also advisable to document every phone call with insurers, noting the date, time, and names of representatives involved, as well as the substance of each conversation. Importantly, policyholders are not obligated to accept the first settlement offer or assessment. If you receive a repair estimate that seems incomplete or undervalued, you may request a second opinion or an independent inspection. This can be especially helpful when there is disagreement about the scope of structural repairs or replacement costs for personal property. Many insurance policies also allow for supplemental claims if additional damage is discovered after initial repairs begin. Reviewing your policy carefully and asking the insurer to clarify any ambiguous provisions in writing can help avoid future disputes. Advocating for yourself in this process means maintaining control over your own recovery timeline and budget. Knowing what to ask, insisting on transparency, and understanding your right to appeal are critical components of that effort.
Ryan Strickland
the first settlement offer or assessment. If you receive a repair estimate that seems incomplete or undervalued, you may request a second opinion or an independent inspection. This can be especially helpful when there is disagreement about the scope of structural repairs or replacement costs for personal property.Many insurance policies also allow for supplemental claims if additional damage is discovered after initial repairs begin. Reviewing your policy carefully and asking the insurer to clarify any ambiguous provisions in writing can help avoid future disputes.Advocating for yourself in this process means maintaining control...
to misunderstandings or missed details, particularly when repairs span weeks or months. It is also advisable to document every phone call with insurers, noting the date, time, and names of representatives involved, as well as the substance of each conversation.Importantly, policyholders are not obligated to accept
Keeping written records and requesting detailed documentation are foundational steps in protecting your claim.
About the Author
Ryan Strickland is the owner of 911 Restoration of Fayetteville, where he leads the team in providing fire, water, and mold recovery services across Fayetteville and Raleigh. Since joining the 911 Restoration network, he has earned recognition for his commitment to community impact, exceptional customer service, and leadership in the local restoration industry.
HelloFayetteville, North Carolina • Winter Issue |7
How to Choose a Veteran-Friendly Realtor Who Understands Your Needs
Military moves are complex. From sudden orders to limited timeframes and unfamiliar markets, service members often face high-pressure decisions. Choosing a real estate agent who understands those challenges—especially one experienced in working with the military community—can make relocation smoother
and less stressful.Not all agents are familiar with the demands of military life. PCS moves require careful planning, and VA loans come with specific rules that don’t apply to civilian transactions. That’s why it’s essential to find a veteran-friendly realtor who’s trained to meet the needs of
8 | HelloFayetteville, North Carolina • Winter Issue
How to Choose a Veteran-Friendly Realtor Who Understands Your Needs
Military moves are complex. From sudden orders to limited timeframes and unfamiliar markets, service members often face high-pressure decisions. Choosing a real estate agent who understands those challenges—especially one experienced in working with the military community—can make relocation smoother and less stressful. Not all agents are familiar with the demands of military life. PCS moves require careful planning, and VA loans come with specific rules that don’t apply to civilian transactions. That’s why it’s essential to find a veteran-friendly realtor who’s trained to meet the needs of service members and their families. Look for credentials like Military Relocation Professional (MRP) or VAMRES (Veteran and Military Real Estate Specialist). These certifications show that an agent has received formal training to support military buyers and sellers. They learn how to time deals around PCS orders, use VA loans effectively, and avoid common issues that delay closings. Experience is just as important as training. Ask whether they’ve helped other members and their families through a move. Agents who understand the stress of finding family housing while coordinating travel, school transfers, and temporary lodging are more likely to anticipate what you need before problems arise. A veteran-friendly realtor won’t just explain your benefits—they’ll know how to apply them to protect your budget, timeline, and long-term goals. If you’re in the Air Force, Army, Navy, or Marines, your situation may vary slightly, but the right agent will know the ins and outs. For example, Air Force families often move every 2–3 years, which can make buying more complicated. The agent should be able to advise whether renting or buying makes more sense based on your orders, BAH, and market conditions. Ask for referrals from others in the military community. Whether through online forums, base housing offices, or social media groups, you’ll often find honest feedback about which agents consistently deliver for military families. A good track record matters more than flashy marketing. Take the time to interview agents before deciding. Ask how many military clients they’ve helped, how well they know the VA loan process, and how they work around strict moving schedules. The right agent will have a clear plan—and a backup—because they understand flexibility is essential for members and their families. Some realtors are veterans themselves or come from military families. That background can help them connect more personally with your situation. However, even civilian agents can be strong advocates if they have the right training and experience. Military families deserve real estate support that matches the complexity of their lives. A rushed purchase or a delayed closing can have ripple effects across your entire relocation. Working with a veteran-friendly realtor gives you a partner who knows how to manage those risks. Veteran-friendly realtors help service members and their families navigate PCS moves, VA loans, and family housing without added stress.
Dietchi Thomas
VA loans effectively, and avoid common issues that delay closings.Experience is just as important as training. Ask whether they’ve helped other members and their families through a move. Agents who understand the stress of finding family housing while coordinating travel, school transfers, and temporary lodging are more likely to anticipate what you need before problems arise.A veteran-friendly realtor won’t just explain your benefits—they’ll know how to apply them to protect your budget, timeline, and long-term goals.If you’re in the Air Force, Army, Navy, or Marines, your situation may vary slightly, but the right agent will...
service members and their families.Look for credentials like Military Relocation Professional (MRP) or VAMRES (Veteran and Military Real Estate Specialist). These certifications show that an agent has received formal training to support military buyers and sellers. They learn how to time deals around PCS orders, use
Veteran-friendly realtors help service members and their families navigate PCS moves, VA loans, and family housing without added str...
About the Author
Dietchi Thomas is the Broker/Owner of Military Family Realty in Fayetteville, NC, bringing over 30 years of real estate experience and a strong focus on serving military families. With a reputation for integrity, comprehensive market knowledge, and client-centered service, she has guided hundreds of buyers and sellers to success.
HelloFayetteville, North Carolina • Winter Issue |9
