Buying A Charlotte NC Home Is 54% Cheaper than Renting

Buying is Cheaper than Renting in Charlotte NC

New Data Released Proves that Buying A Charlotte NC Home IS 54% Cheaper than Renting A recent study on renting a home vs. buying a home reveals just what the Charlotte market has been suggesting for months based upon the costs associated with both, over a 7-year period.  Understandably, one of the  most important decisions that some consumers face is whether to rent or buy.  If you’re a first-time home buyer or relocating to the area, consider this... Charlotte home prices have definitely begun to recover, rising by 2.5% year over year in August; however, our tenants have seen nearly a 5% … Continue reading...

Charlotte Relocation Information | 5 Negotiating Tips

Let us help you with your Charlotte home purchase

5 Negotiating Tips When Relocating for Your Job and Buying a Home in Charlotte In today’s economy, many people are relocating to start a new career.  While you may be excited about your new job, moving can be an expensive proposition. You may need to sell your current home, buy a home in Charlotte and move everything you own to a new city. All of those things can potentially be expensive headaches for those relocating to Charlotte--or anywhere for that matter.  Fortunately, many employers will help defray the cost of your move if you ask.  Even if they don’t lend financial support, you may be … Continue reading...

Sophisticated & Modern – This Charlotte Home Didn’t Last Long!

Modern Homes for sale in Charlotte's popular Cotswold Neighborhood

Modern Charlotte Home SOLD in Cotswold - Element Homes This was a sneak preview of one of Charlotte's truly most unique properties to hit the market!  Unbelievable renovation in this sleek, modern Cotswold home includes all stainless steel Bosch appliances, stunning subway tile backsplash, custom cabinetry, refinished/polished concrete floors, the finest of appointments including lighting and so much more! This was one Charlotte's hottest modern homes to hit the market!  We're sorry that you missed this one but, we're happy to put you on a modern home search so you'll know you won't want the … Continue reading...

“Take Charge” or There WILL Be Broken Hearts

Charlotte lenders who are NOT motivated should NOT be in the business

Motivation Comes from Within...Dig In! This is in no way a 'dart' to any of our trusted lending professionals but, I have to say, all lenders are not created equal! When a buyer consults me about their plans on a new home search, I typically introduce them to my 'list of lenders,' all of whom are well qualified but, more importantly, they and their entire team understand the importance of providing a quality product in a TIMELY fashion.  I have a couple of lenders who actually have their complete lending packages to the attorney (the place of Closing in North Carolina) two weeks prior to the … Continue reading...

Buying a New Charlotte Home: The Olympics of Smart Investing

Charlotte NC Olympics of home buying

Buying a New Charlotte Home: The Olympics of Smart Investing Now that the 2012 Summer Olympics in London are behind us, you may be thinking about qualifying for your own special event: buying a new Charlotte home!  Whether you are searching for an Uptown condo (a brilliant flat in English parlance) or a luxury home in the suburbs, clearing all the hurdles to win at homeownership may not be as competitive as the Olympics, but it does require a little training. Step One:  Select Your Event The ancient Greeks, originators of the Olympics, coined the aphorism, “Know Thyself,” which translates into … Continue reading...

Homes with Basements in Charlotte NC

Basement home for sale in Charlotte NC Area

Basement Homes in Charlotte NC Area If you've lived in the Charlotte area for any length of time at all, you likely know that Midwesterners and Northerners love their basements!   Those relocating to the area are often surprised to find that homes with basements in Charlotte NC are not that plentiful. While we do have homes with basements in Charlotte NC, many of the homes in the older neighborhoods such as Dilworth, Elizabeth, Midwood, Myers Park, Eastover, Cotswold, and even Uptown, have 'basements' that can only be used as cellars.  These cellars were originally designed to house the old … Continue reading...

Mortgage Pre-Approval, The FIRST Step in the Home Buying Process

Real Estate Agents Charlotte NC helping you get your home loan approved

Why is obtaining a pre-approval imperative to your Charlotte home purchase? I was recently chatting with a fellow agent who had a deal fall through after the buyers had proudly handed over a pre-approval from an unknown online mortgage service, only to find at the end of their Due Diligence period, that they were not 'qualified' to purchase a home--not this home, ANY home. The buyers, of course, were embarrassed and felt terrible that they had caused the sellers the emotional roller coaster ride that they had but, they also lost money and a significant amount of time in this process. Another … Continue reading...

Charlotte Home Buyer FAQ | What is the Due Diligence Period?

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Performing Due Diligence on Your Charlotte Home Purchase In the state of North Carolina, buyers and sellers negotiate a Due Diligence period.  That period allows the buyer plenty of time to complete the due diligence that needs to be done on a home to ascertain that property is the right one for that particular buyer.  The Due Diligence period is typically 21 days from the contract execution, giving plenty of time for all appointments to be made, inspections to be completed and report reviews also be completed as much of the due diligence 'tasks' can be managed simultaneously.  Be 100% … Continue reading...

Charlotte Home Buyer Tips | Qualifying for Your Mortgage

Charlotte NC Mortgage Loans

How Do Lenders Determine How Much You Can Afford to Spend on Charlotte Real Estate? Mortgage lenders are primarily concerned with your ability to repay your Charlotte real estate mortgage.  They will consider your credit score, debt-to-income ratio and how much you have for a down payment before telling you what you can afford to spend on Charlotte real estate. Credit Score One of the first things your lender will review is your credit score.  Credit scores range from a low of 350 to a high of 850.  In simple terms, the higher, the better.  The lower your credit score, the higher your interest … Continue reading...

Got Cash? 32% of Charlotte Home Buyers Do!

How are Charlotte home buyers paying for their home purchase?

How are you planning to purchase Charlotte NC real estate? Cash Buyers have been dominating the Charlotte NC real estate market for the past two years.  Wise investors (just as Warren Buffett advised doing) have been increasing their inventory by leaps and bounds and smart individual home buyers are doing the same.  Not just with cash but, with the use of conventional, FHA, VA loans and 203K loans. During the past 90 days, cash buyers accounted for 32% of the home buyers in Charlotte NC.  Of the 5,506 cash buyers over the past 90 days, 76 of them have purchased properties over $1,000,000.  … Continue reading...