Via Scoop.it – Savvy Tech Topics

“U.S. home resales surged in January to a 1 1/2 year high and the supply of properties on the market was the lowest in almost seven years, pointing to a nascent housing recovery.   The National Association of Realtors said on Wednesday existing home sales increased 4.3 percent to an annual rate of 4.57 million units last month, the highest since May 2010.”
Via www.cnbc.com

Charlotte  NC Home Sellers:  Do You Know Who Your Agent is Working For?

With a full schedule these past few weeks, I have been taking buyers out to tour our beautiful city.  Relocation clients moving to town are learning about Charlotte and all that she has to offer newcomers.

One of my favorite things to do is to introduce buyers to neighborhoods that are ‘just what they’re looking for.’  When I’m showing buyers homes, they’re poised to BUY a home.  This is not fire drill or practice run…these are REAL buyers who have been transferred to our area and NEED to buy a home.

The unbelievably biggest obstacle that I have had to overcome in recent weeks is being ignored by listing agents.  I have serious questions to answer for my SERIOUS buyers and they need answers NOW!  This is frustrating any time but, when you have BUYERS who are ready to make a decision as to whether or not to purchase YOUR home, and your agent is not returning phone calls to answer our questions, my buyers move on.

One agent finally phoned me 72 hours after my call to let me know that she couldn’t remember my question (even though she had just listened to my voicemails) but, that she was overloaded at her full-time job–NOT in real estate!

Have you ever tried to purchase a product or enlist someone to perform a service and had them ignore your questions?  I have and I quickly move on to the next one on the list.  My take on this…If you’re trying to sell something and you won’t return my calls, then what happens when I finally do purchase it from you?  Are you going to be impossible to reach for follow-up, warranty work or other questions?

Sellers, this is the same exact concept my buyers are thinking now.  In fact, from the mouth of one of my buyers, “Hey, if they don’t want to sell, we’d rather buy from someone who DOES want to sell!”    I couldn’t agree more.

Sellers, are YOUR agents returning their calls?

Agents, don’t you want to SELL your listings?  If your full time job is interfering with selling your clients most valuable material possession, I’d say it’s time to refer that seller to someone who actually has the time AND the inclination to properly represent their clients.

Sellers:  Vacate Your Home for Showings or Your Home Will NOT Sell!

You’re not alone if you’re a seller and you feel strongly that your home has ‘more-than-meets-the-eye.’  Some sellers feel so strongly about the hidden benefits of their home that they simply must stay in their home for showings.

Trust me when I say, this is NOT a good idea!

If you have an agent worth their ‘salt,’ so to speak, your agent has done his/her job to market those hidden items to the world.  If your agent provided you brochures for your home, those items should be included in that information, readily available to all of your prospective buyers.

99% of the time, if you remain in your home for showings buyers will rush through your home and won’t take the time necessary to adequately view the property.  You WANT to give your buyers the freedom to go from room to room and layout their furniture as they would place it in your home should they buy it.  If you’re there, this entire step will be missed.  Therefore, the mental image of living in YOUR home, will not ever be present for ANY of your buyers.

Think about times that you go to someone’s home to visit after they’ve been in the hospital–you want to go in, give your well wishes and leave them alone.  You don’t want to wear out your welcome as they say.  This is a courtesy that we were raised to understand and yes, buyers don’t want to imposition you and they literally rush to get out of your home.

As well, when a buyer is touring a home, they express objections to their agent.  This gives us the opportunities to offer our expertise in overcoming those objections.  When a seller is present, buyers clam-up; they refuse to discuss anything with their agent for fear of hurting your feelings or taking additional time in the home.  That is also an imperative part of the buying process, once again, completely omitted because you were present.  My advice – Don’t be the elephant in the room!

If you don’t want to sell your home, stay put for showings!  This will guarantee that your home won’t sell!  My advice if you do want to sell is to vacate the premises during any and all showings.  Give your buyers the opportunity to ‘explore’ your home.  Give your buyers time to visualize their furniture in your home.  Give your buyers the time they need to discuss your home with their agent.  This is a far more effective means of selling your home!

Via Scoop.it – Charlotte Real Estate

Home sellers -be prepared to counter lowball Offers and outrageous contingencies. As well, you need to be ready to accept an Offer that meets your demands.
Via realtybiznews.com

How’s the Charlotte NC Real Estate market doing this week?

Just ask our buyers who are in town from all over the US and you’ll find out that homes which that they loved during their online home search are selling quicker than they can get a chance to even view them!

Sellers: If your homes are priced right and the condition is optimal for the price, your homes WILL sell!

Buyers: If you see something that you like that is fairly priced, in good condition and the location that you want, you’d better pounce on it. Our spring market has begun in February this year!

Here’s to Savvy buying and selling this week…

5 Tips to Avoid Mortgage Application Rejection on Your Charlotte Home Purchase

As confusing as the mortgage application process can be, we do our best to alleviate as much of that confusion for our clients as humanly possible. Our goal is to see that you only have to go through it once when buying Charlotte home.

Here are five tips to keep in mind as you complete the application process to make sure you get the answer you want: Approved!

• Make Sure Your Credit is Clean: If there are any lingering issues on your credit report, youll want to get them resolved prior to making the mortgage loan application; get your credit in high standing to assure that you qualify for the best possible loan rates.
• Lower Your Debt: If you meet the income requirements, but have substantial debts elsewhere car payments, student loans, credit card debt your application may be denied. Budget, save and pay off as much debt as you possibly can.
• Have the Required Income and Longevity on the Job: With the tightening of regulations, most of the wiggle room you may have had before is gone. You must meet both the employment and income requirements for the loan. Remember that not all income may be counted toward your loan rental property income, for instance, is often excluded. Proof of employment (and salary) is also required. If you are self-employed, you must have your income taxes filed for your company for at least one year, most of the time, two.
• 
  Negotiate the Repair of Any Condition Issues with the Seller: Lenders are leery of extending loans on any Charlotte real estate that could later be deemed distressed. Issues exposed during the appraisal process or FHA/VA inspections should be addressed for loan purposes, as well as for your own comfort and safety.
• Follow the Instructions: The massive amount of paperwork required for your mortgage loan application can be a nuisance but, they are required. Provide the documents in a timely fashion and make certain that your application is complete to avoid later urgent requests for amendments to your application.

Put these tips into action and your application is more likely to be.

If youre ready to buy Charlotte real estate, I can help. Whether you need help finding a reputable lender or a home to buy, give me a call today at (704) 491-3310 or email me at Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com.

Via Scoop.it – Charlotte North Carolina

“Valentine’s Day
Tuesday, February 14th
Spend a romantic evening at our house this year. With several intimate dining rooms, plentiful Champagne selections and our full menu, make this Valentine’s Day one to remember!”
Via www.charlottefigtree.com

Via Scoop.it – Charlotte North Carolina

“…Eat and help Johnson & Wales University’s Cheerleading Club.   The Fig Tree Restaurant will host a seven-week course led by James Corbin of Grapevine Distribution.   Just as you start missing the Valentine chocolate, it will be time for the Sweet Tooth Festival, Charlotte ‘s first drop-in event featuring people who make cupcakes, candies, cookies and other sweets.”
Via obsbite.blogspot.com

Via Scoop.it – Charlotte North Carolina

Charlotte, NC- No stranger to the thriving Dilworth neighborhood Liza Branch was thrilled when the opportunity arose for Modern Lighting Design to become a fixture on the front street of the much traveled East Boulevard.

With 11 years in business and the most extensive selection of modern lighting offered in Charlotte, it was time to put Modern Lighting Design in the spotlight. Residents now have the opportunity to shop at Modern Lighting Design at 1315 East Boulevard, Suite 170, while they visit other familiar boutiques and restaurants such as 131 Main, Petal Boutique and East Blvd Bar & Grill. The showroom will display an array of lighting fixtures for homes and businesses.

With the grand opening celebration of Modern Lighting Design taking place in Spring 2012 business is still taking place as usual and the doors are now open at the new location. “I look forward to assisting customers in determining the best fixture choice from a task and style perspective” says Liza about her anticipation on working with new and familiar customers in the refreshed space.

Store Hours are Tuesday thru Friday 11am-6pm, with extended hours on Thursday evenings, and Saturday 10am-6pm. On-site consultations are also available by appointment. Keep up with Modern Lighting Design by following us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ModernLightingDesign.

About Modern Lighting Design:

During Modern Lighting Design’s time in business it has brought relevant and quality modern lighting to the Charlotte market. The showroom features the largest selection of modern lighting in the Carolinas, competitive pricing and over 10 years of lighting experience from owner, Liza Branch. Clients can view such lines as Foscarini, Modern Fan, LZF, Ingo Maurer, Artemide and Harco Loor.

Modern Lighting Design Showroom
1315 East Blvd, Suite 170
Charlotte, NC 28203
704-332-0109
fax- 704-319-2600
www.modernlightingdesign.com

Via Scoop.it – Charlotte North Carolina

Charlotte has a huge variety of fine dining establishments, but not all have romance on the agenda. Here is a listing of Charlotte’s most romantic restaurants for the perfect date-night, Valentine’s Day dinner or anniversary celebration.
Via charlotte.about.com