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.