Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Waxhaw North Carolina Real Estate

Who would have predicted the growth in Waxhaw NC Real Estate? As a seasoned realtor, you can be assured this is still just the tip of the iceberg! Waxhaw is located just south of Ballantyne Real Estate and South Charlotte Real Estate. The roads can not handle the current increase in traffic but the roads will be expanded. Providence road expansion is due to begin in January. The preparatory work is already under way.

Developers are purchasing any available land and the farmland is in demand. The Waxhaw Real Estate already is hard to recognize from a few short years back. Why Waxhaw NC Real Estate? Waxhaw is a large geographic area and was sparsely populated. Between Waxhaw, Weddington and Marvin, the High Schools have doubled within the past 2 years. Last year the High School in Marvin opened and now another school is due to open this fall on Cuthbertson rd. Doubling the number High Schools helps you gain perspective of the demand and the growth. There is always a reason. Visit Charlotte North Carolina Real Estate to learn more about Waxhaw, Weddington and Marvin Real Estate.

Saturday, December 01, 2007

Charlotte North Carolina Real Estate Opportunities

Where are the best Charlotte North Carolina Real Estate opportunities? Sub prime foreclosures? Let's consider what these really are.

A sub-prime loan is a high risk loan for a person with poor credit. The odds are this person was a renter but the government decided to have lenders create new opportunities; home ownership for all! Nice idea but not very well thought out. The reason some people have poor credit is they have trouble living within their means and managing money. The answer is not to lend them more money but to teach them how to manage their current situation.

What happens when this new disillusioned home owner faces reality? The homes are typically not well maintained and left in less than ideal shape. If you are looking for "paint and carpet" (like they told you on TV) you are better off watching cartoons. The real world is much different.

The best opportunity is for Charlotte New Homes. When the sub prime market self destructed, the media panicked the housing market. No, people with good credit were not and are not in trouble, it is only the people that had poor credit to begin!

So why new homes? The builders already had many home contract in progress when the market panic occurred. They continued building but many of their potential buyers either panicked, had a sub prime loan or can not sell their first home.

This is an opportunity for a home owner. The builders are willing to reduce their profit margins in order to sell these "Inventory Homes". Who has the best deals? Is this best for home owners or investors? How can you tell where the neighborhood will be in 3 years?
I, as a well educated Charlotte Realtor will be pleased to assist. Share your concerns and we can work though any obstacle. Visit Charlotte North Carolina Real Estate and let me know your thoughts or concerns.

Saturday, November 24, 2007

Fort Mill Real Estate

Many ask about Fort Mill SC Real Estate. Fort Mill Real Estate actually borders Charlotte NC. Fort Mill is the first South Carolina town as you cross over from Charlotte Real Estate to South Carolina. Fort Mill schools have some of the top academics in the entire state of South Carolina. The affluence of Charlotte is over flowing into South Carolina and Fort Mill Real Estate is representative of this outpouring of growth.

Fort Mill SC is located within York County. Fort Mill has many subdivisions; each offering a unique product. Why Fort Mill Real Estate and why SC?

Prior to your relocation, consider South Carolina tax benefits. Many retirees find better tax breaks in South Carolina.

One factor to consider about Fort Mill is the county. The Fort Mill post office actually services an area in Lancaster County South Carolina and is also called Fort Mill. Be careful when choosing your Fort Mill Home to be assured you know your county.

Lancaster County is also thriving but York County and Fort Mill Real Estate is five to ten years ahead of Lancaster County. Lancaster is the latest area to be experiencing a sudden surge in popularity and destined to grow.

If you have any additional Charlotte North Carolina Real Estate concerns, just ask.

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Union County NC Real Estate

What is new in Union County? Let's talk about Lawson. Lawson is a a large subdivision that has five national builders so far. The Lawson community has been carefully designed around trees and nature. There are a multitude of trails, small walking bridges and now the amenity center is open. This features a club house, an Olympic size lap pool, water slides, a large pool for recreation/relaxation and and water showers/toys for the children. There is an operating paddle wheel and even 2 tennis courts to further enhance your quality of life.

Where is Lawson? Lawson is technically located in Waxhaw NC. Lawson is located off of NC 16/Providence Rd. The development is off of Cuthbertson Rd.

How about traffic? There are 2 new schools being built across the street from Lawson. In addition, the small bridge is being improved and the road is being modified to ease traffic for the new schools.

To learn more about Charlotte North Carolina Real Estate visit my website and learn about our entire area.

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Charlotte Real Estate Market

I have numerous people contacting me to ask about the state of the Real Estate market in Charlotte. Perception is reality and many people still watch the news and believe the media. Here is the national Real Estate market in a nut shell:

Theory 1: A few years back the media jumped on the band wagon that not enough Americans had the privilege of home ownership. The "mean banks" were excluding segments of our society from success.

Reality: Mortgage companies are businesses. They based loans on statistics based on various credit criteria including your credit score, your debt-to-equity ratio, your w-2's and length of time at your current position/profession.

Results: The media created "NEWS stories" and public pressure (sheep being led by the media) placed pressure on the Government to take action.

Solution: The Federal Government pressured lenders to loosen up their criteria for loans. The mortgage companies complied with the Government request and created high risk loans (termed sub-prime loans). The lenders complied with the Government pressure but the Government also agreed to guarantee the bulk of the loans.

Now let's look at the latest media crisis:

A percentage of the borrows of "High Risk" loans did not make their payments and blame the banks once again. The media jumps on the band wagon and blame the banks once again. The Government reacts once again. Sub-prime loans disappear.

What percentage of homes are actually in foreclosure? How many of those homes were the result of the lenders deviating from their statistical data? These are loans that should have not been made in the first place! Thank you media and thank you Uncle Sam!

Reality: Much of the public have not figured out that the media is creating their reality. We fail to trust our own eyes and ears and rely on media hype and sensationalism.

Results of sub-prime lending:

1) People were given loans that should not have had them. They are proving that the statistical data was correct.

2) The sub-prime industry superficially created demand. Builders that focused on the lower priced homes will need to rework their business strategy. In the short term, they will have excess inventory homes (homes already being built where the borrower can no longer obtain financing) and need to sell these homes. The builder must be careful because if the builder discounts the home too much, the builder has destroyed the future profits by devaluing his development.

3) The reality created by journalists has forced logical and safe buyers from purchasing their homes. People are now afraid to make their decision based on the media hype.

Ultimately, this media crisis will pass. The media will create another perceived reality and people will follow. Once upon a time this type of journalism was referred to as "The Tabloids". The Tabloids have now over taken the national media.

How is the Real Estate in Charlotte North Carolina? Charlotte North Carolina Real Estate has not changed. We still have a great climate, fantastic business opportunities and our homes continue to appreciate. Should you trust your instincts and make your own decision or wait for the media to lead you?

Everyone in the country has the free will to think for them selves. Why did you want to move to Charlotte? Did anything really change? If your credit needed some work before you make your move, then if moving is important to your life, you will work on that credit. If you are ready for new opportunities or ready to improve the quality of life for your family, then you decide what is best. I have resided all over this great country and chose a return to Charlotte. We have a great population and a great culture. I am proud to call Charlotte home!

I would love to help you find a great home in this fantastic part of the country. Visit Charlotte North Carolina Real Estate for additional information about this great area.

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Charlotte North Carolina Property Taxes

Before you move to Charlotte Real Estate, give me a call. A client relocated to Charlotte prior to discussing their priorities. They moved into a great area with a great school. Fantastic! Right? The problem is the area they are seeking cost twice as much as a comparable area in a neighboring county and they get more home for their money! After seeing the difference, they are buying a home in the neighboring county with great schools.

The problem is that their child must now switch schools again and develop new friendships! Please consider this before relocating.

If you would like to know more, visit my website at Charlotte North Carolina Real Estate or give me a call.

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

The Greater Charlotte North Carolina Real Estate Market

Many people are seeking information about the greater Charlotte area. Let's begin a dialog about various areas and help you again a "feel" for the greater Charlotte area.

First, Charlotte NC is in Mecklenburg County. Within Mecklenburg county, there are several other cities. Each city within Mecklenburg County attends CMS (Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools). This means that you have the opportunity to live any where in the county and can enjoy the variety of great programs within CMS.

What other cities are within Meckenburg County borders? Charlotte is in the center of Mecklenburg County. Huntersville is a great town just northwest of Charlotte. Davidson and Cornelius are north of Charlotte. To the east is Mint Hill and to the southeast is Matthews. To the south is Pineville.

Each area is somewhat distinctive and has its own character. How about Ballantyne Real Estate, South Park Real Estate or other locations that are popular? Actually, these are neighborhoods within Charlotte proper.

I will continue this blog with dissecting individual areas. I will eventually discuss all of the surrounding counties and the towns within each. If you would like specific information visit my website at Charlotte North Carolina Real Estate, give me a call or send an email.

Friday, September 21, 2007

Charlotte New Home Inventory

The sub prime market collapse has just provided an ideal opportunity to capitalize on Charlotte Real Estate and new construction. If you are a first time home owner, now is the time! Builders that focus on the first time home owners are setting on a huge inventory and are willing to make deals to sell their inventory homes.

What is an inventory home? An inventory home is a home that was purchased "to be built". Many of the loans were approved through he sub prime mortgage market. As the sub prime mortgage market collapsed, the buyer financing also disappeared. The builder now has a new home without an owner. Many builders will offer great incentives to sell these homes. Visit www.http://FindMyCarolinaHome.com and let me know if you are looking for a good deal!

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

The Health of the Charlotte Real Estate Market

During the national housing market down turn, many people have shared concerns and inquiries as to the health of our market.

How are Charlotte homes for sale? Overall, our market continues to do very well. There are some things to consider prior to purchasing. Many investors have invaded our market. These investors have turned ideal residential neighborhoods into rental neighborhoods. This is especially prevalent in the lower priced new homes. Investors have destroyed many of these areas. Rick, how can investors destroy neighborhoods. First, every time an investor purchases a home, it distorts the true market demand. This causes prices to surge for everyone. Then the investor rents the home to a tenant. Tenants do not care for the home like a home owner. You will discover high grass, garbage strewn about and vehicles parked all everywhere.

As more investors purchase the neighborhood, the property values decline. Home owners are now stuck because they own more for their home than the current value of the neighborhood. Next you have foreclosures and then more rental units. It continues to spiral downward.

The next area to avoid are the very "hot" neighborhoods. Certain neighborhoods have a great reputation and their values increased extremely well over the past two years. Investors also got wind of this appreciation and moved in with their renters. This dramatically cooled the market. In addition, many of the owners in these neighborhoods thought they would sell and take advantage of the appreciation. Now the market is saturated with homes in these neighborhoods. What will be the net result? Investors will figure out that it is difficult for them to make money in our rental market. They are better off rehabbing older homes in challenged areas.

Home owners that saturated the market in hopes of recapturing the appreciation will take their homes off the market and the neighborhoods will stabilize.

Would I recommend Charlotte homes? You bet! I will also caution you on where to buy and where not to buy. You deserve an agent that actually understands the economics behind the housing market.

Saturday, July 28, 2007

New Charlotte Subdivisions

There are some great new subdivisions under way in Charlotte. The first is Mills Bridge in Waxhaw. It is a huge development and this development pushes the Waxhaw community up another notch. Each new community is a little larger and a bit more grand.

The Villages of Red Bridge is a community 12 miles easy of I-485 towards Albemar. This new Country Club Community will reflect European architecture and being developed by a New York development firm. The golf course community will be located in Locust NC and this development alone will double the current number of homes in the community. The community will be constructed on 500 acres of land off of NC 24.

Want to know about more new homes in Charlotte? How about the ideal time to invest in a new home? Let me know how I can assist you in purchasing of selling your Charlotte area home. http://www.FindMyCarolinaHome.com.

Wednesday, June 06, 2007

Great Charlotte Real Estate subdivisions

Where are the best Charlotte Real Estate subdivisions? Am I better off buying a home not in a subdivision?

The answer is it depends. What is your price range? Many less expensive subdivisions are being gobbled up by investors. It is a conflicting area. Investors buy up the properties and drive up the prices. In doing so, the investors rent out the homes. As renters move in, home owners move out and the neighborhood value deteriorates.

A subdivision can also add stability and protect the value of your home. This varies based on the price point and the perceived demand of the homes.

I can help decipher the subdivisions. Is your home in an appreciating area? Declining? What is happening around you?

I have invested in Real Estate for years and became a Charlotte Realtor because I felt bad for new home owners. Many people are relocating to Charlotte and effectively buying blind. Be careful. I can help.

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Charlotte New Homes

As Charlotte continue to grow, new developments are beginning regularly. For example is Springfield in Fort Mill. Springfield is a premier community with a golf course and a nature preserve across the street. Pick one of several custom builders and build your Fort Mill dream home.

Cureton of Waxhaw continues to blossom. The commercial area opened this spring with Harris Teeter. A new Lowes Home Improvement store was also approved to be built across the street. The development was initially zoned for the popular Weddington schools and now will be attending the brand new Marvin schools. Cureton offers a fantastic community that will be compared to Birkdale Village on steroids. Vi st both and the analogy will be clear.

Lawson in Waxhaw is near completion and offers wooded home sites and a fantastic retreat. The development is about 1 mile from Cureton and also enjoys the convenience of the commercial shopping at Cureton.

Ardrey Chase is the latest development is South Charlotte. Ardrey Chase is built by Centex and offers 4 side brick homes beginning in the lower 400's. The first home is not yet complete and there are over 17 sold already. This development will be sold out quickly and be a great investment.

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Charlotte North Carolina Real Estate Market

The Charlotte Real Estate Market continues with strong growth. The reduced demand around the country is moving to areas in high demand such as buying Charlotte Homes for Sale. All of the counties surrounding Charlotte continue to experience rapid growth. These counties are enjoying the growth. Each county is working on controlled expansion. Yes, the infrastructure is strained and smart growth is essential. Each area has a different target market and offer something for everyone. When buying homes in Charlotte NC, keep in mind your specific situation prior to purchasing. What is your price range? Where is the best place to invest for that price range? Speak to a professional that is there to represent you. Visit http://www.FindMyCarolinaHome.com for additional information.

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Charlotte NC Real Estate New Homes

Visit Charlotte and see all of the new Charlotte Homes. New subdivisions are beginning all around our area. On example of Charlotte new homes in South Charlotte is at Ardrey Chase and Ardrey Woods. Centex and Beazer are developing some of the last South Charlotte Real Estate before entering into Union County.

In Southwest Charlotte Real Estate, the Palisades, the Sanctuary and Berewick. These communities vary in price range and offer great convenience to new shopping and uptown Charlotte.

Just east of Charlotte is Mint Hill Real Estate. There are many new neighborhoods being constructed and offer small town life with the convenience of Charlotte.

Friday, April 13, 2007

Progress in Charlotte Real Estate Development

It is absolutley incredible to see the power of the media throughout the nation. The Real Estate markets are always LOCAL. Charlotte has not skipped a beat since the supposed national down turn.

A new mega development just began just south of Ballantyne and South Charlotte. The name is Bretagne it is a development laid out on a 300 acre piece of ground. The amenities include a European clubhouse, lagoon style adult pool, a Jr. Olympic Pool, a Lazy River and so much more. This development is actually located in South Carolina so you also have the benefits of lower taxes yet minutes from all of the finest dining and shopping.

Centex just began its newest development is South Charlotte called Ardrey Chase. This all brick community is located off of Marvin road and has started with a flurry. There were 17 homes sold in the first 17 days! the land in South Charlotte is nearly all occupied! How will this impact your investment? When there is no land remaining in an area of high demand, the property values appreciate.

Before you visit, ask about our development. I understand that there are a lot of "Do It Myself" type of people relocating to Charlotte. I admire the attitude (and share the attitude). You will want assistance in your new home with a non biased experienced Realtor by your side. You can not afford a purchase that does not meet the emotional needs of your family. You will be amazed. For additional information, visit: http://www.FindMyCarolinaHome.com. I share great insight into Charlotte North Carolina Real Estate. Keep in mind this is just the beginning of your learning experience.

Thursday, April 05, 2007

Charlotte Foreclosures

Many people from across the nation are seeking foreclosure homes in Charlotte with a lot of equity. People hear about the weak housing market and hear TV shows preaching about the easy money in flipping homes. There are many things not shared on these TV shows.

First off, real estate is always local. What this means is that the market in southern California is far different than up-state New York, New Orleans or Charlotte NC. As the media preaches of the weak housing market, Charlotte homes have averaged appreciation rates of 7.9% ending in January 07. You may find it hard to believe but the media does not typically provide the whole picture. Again, Real Estate is local and the Charlotte market is unlike any other. Our population and market is still growing.

Yes, there can be opportunities in foreclosures. I personally receive at least ten people a week looking for foreclosures with equity. People fail to realize that when you are trying to purchase property in a growing market, everyone is looking for the same thing.

Are there foreclosures? Yes, of course. The Charlotte Real Estate market is similar to every other market in that each part of Charlotte is unique and is appreciating at different rates. When a home owner has financial troubles, if he has a home with equity, he will either sell his home to get the money or take out an additional loan. If he loses the home, it is because he has no equity and /or the home is in a neighborhood that has no demand (the home value is based on buyers desiring to buy a specific home in a specific location).

Yes you can buy the home that has depreciated (buyers think they are getting equity) and then discover that they have purchased a home that will not sell.

I am writing this because I can not spend the time sharing this with every inquiry. I now ignore the inquiries since I can not afford to share all of my time for free.

If you wish to purchase a home in a declining area, yes you can probably purchase the home at a discount. The Charlotte Real Estate Market is strong and you may want to try your luck in one of the depressed areas. There is more to know about a city and Homes in Charlotte than you can learn from a TV show.

Rentals in Charlotte: Real Estate in Charlotte is still reasonably priced. Buyers can purchase New Charlotte homes with almost no down payment. People relocating to Charlotte are not renters. They are home buyers. Investors want to purchase a home and rent it for a profit. BUYERS CAN BUY THERE OWN HOME AND PAY LESS MONEY BY BUYING!

Charlotte Investors may want to reconsider their strategy. Yes, our homes will still continue to appreciate. They will not appreciate too rapidly because Charlotte still has a lot of vacant land to be built. Yes, the national builders and hundreds of small builders are purchasing all buildable land to construct their Charlotte Homes. There is a huge demand for any land that is for sale. If you find inexpensive land in Charlotte, there is a reason.

Be careful out there and a wrong home purchase is a mistake that few can truly afford to make.

Sunday, March 25, 2007

Charlotte Foreclsoure neighborhoods

There has been a lot of information in the news about particular neighborhoods with an overabundance of foreclosures. Why is this? The articles in the Charlotte Observer have been very truthful but one must pay attention to the details. Certain builders are creating sub-prime loans to sell homes. The builder has these loans insured with the government (i.e. me and you-that is the money the government uses to help others). The builders' primary concern is to maintain the community value until their new homes are all sold. As a new comer, you do not realize the potential resale value for our market. Consult a professional about resale value before you make a huge mistake. Yes, if you can not sell, then you can rent out the property. This flawed thinking accelerates the depreciation of a neighborhood. A rental neighborhood will look differently as you enter. There is nothing wrong with renters but when a large portion of homes are rented, the lack of home ownership shows. Many builders will not even allow investors to purchase new homes? Why not? Because the builder knows the homes will depreciate before they complete building. The builder will ultimately lose money by allowing investors to create a rental neighborhood. Yes, there are other variables such as price point. Always have an impartial Buyers Agent by your side. To learn more, contact me or visit http://www.FindMyCarolinaHome.com.

Friday, March 23, 2007

Charlotte New Homes

Before purchasing Charlotte new homes at a discount, consider the other factors. Why are the homes discounted? Are the homes holding their value, appreciating or depreciating. There are certain builders that have reduced initial loan payments to make the homes affordable to people that can really not afford the payment. This is a disaster. The builder sells his inventory and then departs. Six months later the foreclosures and investors move in. Then comes the renters and your property value spirals downward. Be careful with new construction. An experienced Buyers Agent is at no cost and will help you make a wise decision.

Before deciding which agent will provide the best representation, ask questions. Examples are: Do you have any specific builder that you prefer? Why? Why not? Do you have any builder that you dislike? Why? A bad reputation is a political answer. A good agent will let you know why or why you do not want to make a purchase of a particular new home. There are some builders advertising very desirable schools but already know they are changed next year. Also a good agent will suggest what upgrades will help resale value. If your agent agrees with the builder sales agent, be cautious. I have had builder agents tell me of agents that just sit there and do not advise or recommend anything. If this is the case, you should just go it alone.

Do not agree to representation prior to actually discussing this inforamtion. A discount in the short run will cost you in the long run. Protect your largest investment.

Sunday, March 18, 2007

South Charlotte Real Estate

Charlotte actually has two distinct areas for south Charlotte homes. There is southeast Charlotte which is also known as the Ballantyne area. The other area is southwest Charlotte and this is the area surrounding Carowinds amusement park. Today we are speaking of southeast Charlotte.

Homes in Ballantyne are at a premium and the final developments are under way. The new construction is now to the county line of Union and the homes become larger and the price reflects the degree of affluence. Ardrey Chase and Ardrey Woods are both now underway. Ardrey Chase is a Centex development that is to have 157 homes upon completion. These are 4 side brick homes beginning in the low $400,000's. The subdivision is off of Johnston rd to Marvin Rd. There are already 17 homes sold and the ground is just being prepared. This is a Centex community and the on site builder agent is working out of a trailer.

If you are new to the area or have not visited the southeast recently, be prepared for a change. All along Ardrey Kell Rd is being developed. This little country road is changing by the day. To the far east at Providence is Stone Creek Ranch. The next intersection is Tom Short and there are commercial buildings, stores and restaurants. This development is unique for Charlotte with Stucco type buildings.

Continue west and the next rd is Community House. You will find Ardrey Woods, a Beazer Community, being constructed. Up ahead to the right is the brand new Ardrey Kell High School. The academics of this school will not be matched in Charlotte. This is the first year so the standardized testing will not be published until next fall. Property values will increase upon public notice of this school.

Continue down to Rea Rd and there are new commercial developments on each corner. The east side is almost complete and land preparation has begun on the west.

The next intersection is Ardrey Kell and Marvin. On the Northeast side of the rd is a new mixed use development that is a mile long and the ground preparation is underway.

Keep an eye on southeast Charlotte and watch you Charlotte North Carolina Real Estate values continue to appreciate! Looking for a home and a great investment? Move to southeast Charlotte.

Visit http://www.FindMyCarolinaHome.com for additional Charlotte North Carolina Real Estate information.

Thursday, March 08, 2007

Charlotte Relocation considerations

There are many factors to consider prior to a buying a new Charlotte home. Your priorities need to be "Will this new home be good for my family?" and "Do I know all of the expenses that accompany this new home?"

Charlotte is a major city. No it is not as large as New York but we have many diverse neighborhoods and each neighborhood has a different value. Value? Yes. Market value is based upon you, the buyer and the seller. How much is the informed buyer want to pay to live in a given area? It is difficult for the out-of-state buyer to know how the local market values a piece of property. Does this matter? Absolutely! Who knows a local neighborhood better? Who is more familiar with the safety of the neighborhood? Who is more familiar if the neighborhood is in a state of growth or decline? The local real estate professional knows this information.

Many out of state buyers are confident that they can do this alone. I understand and respect the attitude. I have learned form experience that too many people make devastating financial mistakes. There are areas that area appreciating very well in the greater Charlotte area. There are other aspects of our market that will earn negative appreciation (I can show you proof and this is with new construction).

You need to have someone looking out for your best interest when finding you Charlotte home. Your Realtor needs to know your concerns. See if your Realtor understands the crime statistics, various aspects of the schools, commute times, traffic problems and many more things that are imperative to the happiness of your family. No, I do not have everything memorized, but I can intelligently guide you to and through every resource. Yes, I will also explain many aspects to our growth, our taxes, new construction benefits and new construction traps.

The purpose of relocating is for a better life. Please do not roll the dice with your family. I want to help and assure you are delighted in your Charlotte home.