THE Most Asked Question in May, 2021 – Should I Buy NOW or Wait?

Should I buy my Charlotte home now or wait

THE Most Asked Question in May, 2021 - Should I Buy NOW or Wait? Quite frankly, we've been being asked this question for well over 2 years. If you consider only the last year of appreciation that the Charlotte Metro area homeowners gained, an 11.6% increase - yes, in ONLY one year - that will tell the story about our hotter-than-hot market! To show you what that looks like in dollars - if you paid $500,000 for your home one year ago today, your home would now be worth $558,000. Note that this is our entire MLS - some areas have realized less appreciation and others, more. If … Continue reading...

The Housing Bubble Discussion Again?

Charlotte Housing Market

The Housing Bubble Discussion Again? I can’t tell you how often I am asked when I ‘think this bubble is going to burst.’ The ‘mockingbird media’ tends to believe that we are in the midst of a major bubble and that we are soon to be in a world of hurt! This is not about a ‘bubble,’ this is about simple economics, supply & demand. When asked if today’s high buyer competition and rising home prices are evidence of a housing bubble, Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR, said “thisis not a bubble. It is simply lack of supply.” Today’s housing market is healthy and rising prices are … Continue reading...

It’s an Unprecedented Sellers’ Market

It’s an Unprecedented Sellers’ Market I received an email this morning with an article about how sellers are ‘finally feeling comfortable selling again.’ I almost wrote back and asked what planet the sender was on! Our sellers have felt comfortable selling since mid-2012 and we’ve been in a strong sellers’ market since February, 2016. If you don’t own your home (meaning outright or carrying a mortgage), the median sales price should be a wake-up call! Where else can you invest your money and garner a 13+% increase in value in 12 months - not years, MONTHS - ONE YEAR! That is … Continue reading...

Debunking the Forbearance and Foreclosures Myths in 2021

Debunking the Forbearance and Foreclosures Myths in 2021 Many homeowners had their lives turned topsy-turvy nearly a year ago with their economic stability, completely disrupted. In the beginning of the COVID pandemic, economic uncertainties were first and foremost in most American’s minds. The government very quickly responded to that angst, putting into place forbearance plans. They were available to homeowners who had experienced job loss and/or economic hardships, allowing them to remain in their homes, without making their monthly mortgage payments.  Some who signed up for … Continue reading...

Moving Success Tip #3 – Staging Your Local Move

Moving Success Tip #3 - Staging Your Local Move While I am in great physical shape for my age, I do not have the strongest of backs! I am very conscious of protecting it and moving is one of those times that I have, in the past, abused my back. I wanted this move to be different. Having watched many, many clients move during my tenure as a real estate agent, I have learned that organization is key for making a smooth move. Isn’t that the way of the world though? When you’re organized, things just tend to fall into place a lot more smoothly! Since I was making a local move, I knew the … Continue reading...

Is Now the Time to Buy a Retirement Home?

Is Now the Time to Buy a Retirement Home in Charlotte NC? What is the magic age for retirement? When you hit that 50+ age, it seems statistics about age jump off of the page as though they are targeted directly at you! Today, reading a Keeping Current matters article, I was, once again, reminded of that. Did you know that every day in the US, roughly 10,000 people turn 65. That number is expected to more than double by 2050 with approximately 20% of the population being 65 and over then. At my age, that is staggering/sobering statistic! Prior to the 2020 pandemic, most … Continue reading...

Why Pricing Your Charlotte Area Home Right Matters This Fall [INFOGRAPHIC]

Why Pricing Your Charlotte Area Home Right Matters This Fall [INFOGRAPHIC] Sellers always want to ‘push the envelope’ when it comes to pricing their home. Many will say, “Well, if it doesn’t sell, we’ll simply lower the price until it does.” While that may work for the rare few, most sellers’ homes will wind up selling BELOW the original market value. Why? The reason is really very simple - you have put doubt in buyers’ minds that there is something wrong with your home when you keep having to reduce the price. Now, that said, expediency matters. We recently had a seller who listed a … Continue reading...

10 Tips to Marketing Your Luxury Home – Selling Charlotte – Moving Success Tip #2

Selling Charlotte

Let’s get down to the nuts & bolts of marketing your home. Moving is done in stages, as is selling your home. In our area, we are allowed to share our luxury listings as ‘coming soon’ listings, which better promotes them for our sellers - and we do just that. Sellers often put together a ‘highlights’ list but, there are several things to consider about marketing your home while you are doing your initial physical tasks - decluttering and putting mobile storage to use if necessary. Here are 10 things that are must-dos when selling your Charlotte luxury home: Know your competition. … Continue reading...

Selling Charlotte – Planning and Preparedness – Moving Success Tip #1

Our SouthPark home Closed last week and we are now officially residents of Lake Wylie! Prior to listing, we seriously decluttered each and every room, drawer & closet, then had the professional stagers come in to give their opinion. For years I have ‘preached’ preparedness with my clients so going through it myself, I had to practice what I preach! Here is the first of many moving tips to follow… During the pandemic quarantine, we spent days and days cleaning & decluttering our home. Before even thinking of listing our home, I thought we had done a phenomenal job - everything … Continue reading...

SOLD in Steele Creek’s CREEKSHIRE ESTATES

SOLD in Creekshire Estates

SOLD in Steele Creek's CREEKSHIRE ESTATES SORRY, TOO LATE in Creekshire Estates! Fabulous RANCH WITH FINISHED BASEMENT in popular Creekshire Estates neighborhood has sold...in record time AND at top dollar. Isn't that what every seller wants? Hardwoods & the finest of appointments in this beautifully designed, spacious & light-filled, open floorplan with tons of extras. Two fireplaces, granite & stainless in gourmet kitchen, lots of cabinet and prep space; eat-in breakfast nook, 2 beds down with game room, family room, workshop & wet bar. Master bedroom, as … Continue reading...