Charlotte Investment Property

I am amazed at how many "Investors" have purchased Charlotte Real Estate and have over paid for investment property. Many Charlotte Real Estate Investors purchased homes purely on speculation that the values were going to increase. They based their analysis (assuming they did one) on the facts that from 2005 and early 2007 the prices were very strong. What contributed to the rise in housing prices? Hurricanes.

The Hurricanes in the Florida and the Gulf created an exodus from those regions. In addition the higher costs of taxes, insurance and HOA fees further strained this declining market (more people leaving than moving in). Florida was poised to make huge gains over the next decade as baby boomers retired. 2005 changed this and now the baby boomers relocated to the Carolinas.

As real buyers entered our market the panicked Florida investors also jumped in as did others since the Carolinas were the new "Florida". There was a problem with this investment strategy: we did not have the rental population for investors! Charlotte still has a lot of room to grow and housing is relatively inexpensive. The new housing continued to place downward pressure on housing prices and rental prices.

Charlotte Property Investors purchased homes where they paid for people to stay in their homes (the portion of the mortgage that the rental market would not support). Purchasing rental property with negative cash flow is very high risk. Also this is Charlotte. Your renter is typically one of two types of people: one that relocated and WILL leave your home in a year and the other is a career renter and has selected your place for a reason. This is likely not the person you had hoped to attract.

Scenario one has you paying the relocation renter a portion of your mortgage every month in hopes that other investors did not watch the same national TV shows as you and the property values are going to increase in a year so you continue donating money to your tenant and eating at least another mortgage payment every year when the person purchases their own home.

The other scenario is a life long renter and the care that he does not concern himself with with your home. You are the rich guy with 2 homes in their mind.

Ultimately, the TV shows created many investors and these investors jumped in. They are losing a huge fortune with this strategy.

For now on, only purchase a rental home if there is enough cash to pay the mortgage. This payment must cover all of the expenses related to the rental property. Do not feel you are the only one that watched those shows. Purchase Charlotte NC Homes for Sale for your personal new home and you will be delighted that you have.

Tega Cay Homes for Sale

Many people visit Charlotte and leave without finding a home or an area they like. The first thing to understand about Charlotte Real Estate is that Charlotte is very diverse and has a wide variety of of homes and locations. How about Tega Cay Homes for Sale?

Tega Cay Real Estate provides a variety of housing options. The "older section" of Tega Cay was built in the 1970's. These homes are constructed on a peninsula of Lake Wylie and built around a 27 hole golf course. The community has one way in and one way out. You pass the police station on the way in and on the way out. If you are seeking a "safe" place to call home, Tega Cay is your destination.

Tega Cay definitely has a resort feel to it. As you enter you will notice the park like feel with the trees along the road, the golf course to your right and left along with walking paths. Tega Cay Homes have a unique charm modeled after the Polynesian Islands. The community has a marina, parks, tennis courts and the golf course.

The newest section of Tega Cay is Lake Shore. Lake Shore is a new Tega Cay subdivision that was built by multiple builders. Each builder has a neighborhood within the neighborhood. You will definitely find Lake Shore to have a new community feel.

Tega Cay SC Homes are located in York County SC. Tega Cay attends the Fort Mill schools which maintain a record for superior academics. You will be pleased that you purchased Tega Cay property.

Come visit Tega Cay SC Homes for Sale; you will not be disappointed. Tega Cay Real Estate is very unique and offers something different for your new home.

Charlotte Homes for Sale

Charlotte Real Estate continues to flourish as many people are taking advantage of the low interest rates and the Federal Tax credit that is in effect for first time home owners. There are many great deals out there that Charlotte NC Real Estate has not experienced before. Where are the deals and what is really a deal?

That is the question each home buyer should ask. Is a deal 50% off on a property that sold 2 years ago? Did you think of asking why did this home lose so much value over such a short time period? Is this area going to increase in value or is it still declining?

Now let's get back to Charlotte. There are very few places in Charlotte that you can get a home this cheap. You may hear stories but they are simply stories. First you would ask yourself if the value was really $100,000 why would the seller "give me" $50,000? Does he/she really like me that much? Hmmm?

There is always a reason. If a home has lost that much value there is a reason. Was the neighborhood that overinflated to begin with? If a home is selling for less than it would cost to build the home then that should generate a huge flag.

Charlotte Real Estate market value is the result of several factors. The best indicator and a large factor are the purchasing demands of the locals. By using the term "locals" I mean a person who has resided in Charlotte for a few years. A local has typically experienced a good deal of the greater Charlotte area and knows what areas they prefer. Their personal desire (supply and demand) establishes the price. An area that has only a local market can be assured of "true" market value.

Now let's add a wrench into the formula. First are Charlotte Home Buyers that are relocating. A Charlotte Relocation buyer is an a difficult predicament. When you first move you would like your family to be stable and happy. You do not want your children to have a bad experience with schools or friends. Nor do you want your child developing friendships only to relocate to another home the following year.

These families have the best intentions for their new Charlotte Homes but have trouble discerning each area. There are many confusing resources and people speaking half truths. I help filter through the information so that you can compare areas based on your own personal situation. Children are too valuable to risk!

Everyone wants their child to "fit in" with their new Charlotte school and Charlotte Neighborhood. Consider the local grocery store for a snap shot of your new home. Is this your comfort zone? How about the schools? What website do you believe? Are you really comparing "apples to apples"? School awards, test scores, SAT scores and school websites are confusing and makes it difficult to determine which way is up.

I help balance these concerns. I am very familiar with the public websites and can assist with simplifying the task in front of you. Visit my Charlotte Real Estate website and gain insight into our schools, our suburbs and great Charlotte NC Homes for Sale.

Charlotte Home Equity - Home Equity Loans

Many buyers are programmed with a misconception of home equity. Home equity is the difference in market value to how much you owe on your home. Home Equity was something you realized when you sold your home in the future. It was not "liquid" meaning the only time you could access the "equity" was when you actually "cashed in" and sold your home.

This changed with the creation of Home Equity Lines of Credit. The government realized a lot of US wealth was "tied up" in real estate (securely and responsibly invested). In order for a more robust economy, home equity loans were created. This allowed the "best" of both worlds; people now did not need to sell their homes to realize the "savings" they had in their homes.

Initially this was utilized to improve and update your home/investment. It quickly deteriorated into people using their HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) as a credit card and their savings dwindled. Now you have your big screen TVs but you also have another bill.

Many people were looking for desperate sellers and banks were lending money on a home that you just purchased for more than the home was worth under the pretense that you were going to reinvest the money to increase the value. This did not and does not work. Most people do not realize that changing light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, a new deck and an expanded bedroom does not increase the value of you home in proportion to what you spend. You invest $20,000 and you home's market value increased $10,000. Now you owe more than you home is worth!

It does not take long for banks to get stuck holding the bag. That is ultimately where the "Buck stopped here". Here we are today.

Today the market is back to where it was a couple of decades ago. The bank crisis is the result of unforeseen consequences (poorly made decisions without adequate understanding of people). The market value of the home is the price you paid. That is the market value. Is it cheaper than someone paid last year? Probably? Is it a good deal? Yes. Do you have a home with a smaller payment than the other person? Yes. Can you get additional cash to spend? NO!

Home equity lines of credit are now primarily only if you have 20% equity in your home. That means if a bank/lender performs a market analysis on recent sales, your debt on the home is less than 80% of the value. The lender will then lend you up to the 80% mark. The other 20% will be realized after you sell your home. Keep in mind that a portion of that "equity" will be paid towards the cost of selling your home so you will not receive the whole 20% so do not spend that money until it is in your hand.

The rules keep changing and we are in a period of dramatic changes. When purchasing a Charlotte home look to purchase a home is a stable neighborhood (without a lot of Charlotte Foreclosures) to assure the value of your home will appreciate in years to come. Charlotte Real Estate is a long term investment. It's your home.

Visit Charlotte Real Estate to learn more about the greater Charlotte Real Estate market and come visit. You will love it in Charlotte NC!

First Time Home Buyers Receive $8,000 Tax Refund!

There has never been a better time for first time home buyers to own their own Charlotte NC home. Interest rates are at historical lows which makes a HUGE difference in your Charlotte house payment and the size of home you can realistically afford.

Now add Charlotte foreclosures into the equation. I do not recommend a foreclosure to the first time home owner unless you are financially prepared for the cost of repairs. BUT what the Charlotte foreclosures have down is suppress the market! This means that the "normal" home appreciation has been placed on hold. Homes are not appreciating because of the downward pressure placed by foreclosures. Basic housing economics dictate that when a surplus of homes are on the market, the values will fall. The foreclosures are "unexpected sales" which are saturating the markets. This prevents great Charlotte Homes from feeling their true values.

Finally the Federal Government is providing an $8,000 tax credit for first time home buyers. There are rules to prevent manipulation of this credit. You can not have owned a home within 3 years (including your spouse with joint tax returns). The $8,000 tax credit is an actual $8,000 Federal Tax Refund when you send in your taxes! This basically means you can basically live for free for the first year!

In order to qualify for the full $8,000 your home must cost at least $80,000. This is easy within Charlotte NC Homes For Sale since the vast majority of our homes exceed this amount. IF you purchase a less expensive Charlotte Home then the amount is prorated based on the value of the home.

This is a win/win for the first time home buyer. With an FHA loan you will only need a 3 to 3.5% down payment. When taxes come due you can now deduct the mortgage interest, the property taxes and then the first year you get the additional $8,000!

Call me today and let's explore your options! I do not want you to buy more home than you need nor more home than you can afford. Visit Charlotte Real Estate for more great information about Charlotte NC Homes for Sale and the Charlotte Suburbs.

South Charlotte Real Estate Bargains

Many people are seeking a deeply discounted home in South Charlotte. It helps to understand the growth around Charlotte and then you can better relate to what is really a good deal. The growth of south Charlotte is an important factor to consider.

Charlotte Real Estate always maintained a steady and sustainable growth and appreciation rate. In 2005 the national stage changed the real estate market forever. Yes, forever is a long time but let me explain. In 2005 the hurricanes devastated the Gulf States and especially Florida. There were thousands of people relocating to Florida every year and the growth was accelerating. The baby boomers were retiring. Florida had affordable housing, lower taxes and warmer weather. Then 2005 happened.

As the repercussions of the hurricanes took hold, the Florida property taxes skyrocketed. All of the damage sustained created a huge tax short fall. The public demanded things repaired and in working order. Who do you think pays for all of those building, parks and Government paid amenities? Thank-you tax payers. The Government went to their fund sourcing (home owners) and took the money they needed/wanted. Now that 2005 happened do you think the Government will ever be caught that unprepared again? Do you think they will just lower the taxes only to face another crisis in the future? Not likely.

Home Owner Insurance also was devastated. Insurance companies had to increase all of their premiums to pay out all of the claims. The insurance company had to change their calculations so that they will be prepared when the dramatic hurricane season reoccurs.

The HOA's also took a beating. Landscaping, roads, pools and so much more was devastated. Did they have the reserves for repair? Where do they get their funding? Now that they have built up their reserves, do you think they will reduce the HOA or just spend the money they have?

Now back to the South Charlotte story. South Charlotte was already almost completely built up by 2005. Very few new homes were built in South Charlotte from 2005 to 2008. There was no land left! Yes, Stone Creek Ranch was being built but that was the last mega development in South Charlotte.

The Hurricanes redirected the public from Florida to Charlotte North Carolina. This influx was from the north (greater New York area) and the South (Florida). Charlotte NC housing prices experienced great demand and builders could not build homes fast enough. South Charlotte was already very popular but without new housing there was not too much influx of new people. The South Charlotte Real Estate market was not flooded with new NC Residents. Our property values did surge (more demand than supply) but only a small fraction of people purchased South Charlotte Homes at this time (once again, no supply).

When the economy took a down turn, prices did drop but most of South Charlotte was not involved or overly committed to their mortgage. As a result, South Charlotte NC Homes for Sale largely maintained their value and there are not too many steals out there. But what really is a steal. Is a steal when no one wants the home and you get it at a deep discount? What do you think will be your rate of return in 3 years? How about if you purchase a South Charlotte Home at a 10% discount. Where will you be better off in three years?

Think about your investment and ask more about our market. Appreciation should be based on solid fundamentals. Visit Charlotte Real Estate Charlotte NC Homes For Sale for additional information about Charlotte Property.

Charlotte Homes for Sale - Mortgage Issues

There is one looming factor that is on the horizon that needs to be considered. Many people purchased homes with 80/20 mortgages. An 80/20 mortgage is when you purchase a home with a 80% first mortgage and a 20% 2nd mortgage. The 2nd mortgages were at a higher interest rate and many were adjustable rate mortgages (AKA Arms). The plans were for home owners to refinance the 2 mortgage in a few years before the interest rates adjust. Then the market changed!

Lenders/investors will no longer finance the 20% 2nd mortgages. Many new home buyers will be stuck with their ARMs. This means many ARMs will adjust upward and your monthly payments may become out of reach. You can hope for some appreciation and then perhaps get a new 2nd mortgage for 10%.

I strongly recommend paying additional principle now to your 2nd mortgage so that you can refinance your home later or at least be in a financially secure place in the near future. To learn more about the Charlotte Real Estate market including questions about your mortgage contact Rick Waite @ 704.770.6559 or visit my websites at Charlotte NC Real Estate today.

Charlotte NC Homes For Sale - Are Banks Making Loans?

People continue to ask if banks started making home loans. This is an amazing question since they never stopped making home loans. Yes, they are actually using financial criteria before making loans but if you are credit worthy, you can get a loan.

Banks have returned to the rules or 10+ years ago. Loans are readily available with 10% down payments or greater. There are FHA loans with 3.5% down payment but FHA loans entail more red tape and higher lending fees.

I actually just sold a home and this week and they locked in a rate under 5%. If you have bad credit, you will not get a loan. The problem is people with bad credit feel entitled to loans. There are simply no investors dumb enough to "donate their hard earned savings" for high risk mortgages.

The hope of those with poor credit is for the Government to blackmail or extort financial institutions to repeat the same mistakes over again. Our hope is the Government will actually help. How about providing education for borrowers so that they have the opportunity to improve their credit and eventually they can qualify for a mortgage by earning it?

Mortgage companies/lenders lend money, package the mortgages and then sell them on the secondary markets. The secondary markets are investors. Investors have learned that the high risk home loans are "junk" and will not purchase them. If the banks decide to make these high risk loans, the assets of the bank would rapidly be tied up for many years since no one will purchase the paper. Banks do not have enough reserves to actually hold onto all of those mortgage notes.

In addition they have learned they can not afford the high rate of default of the sub prime borrowers. There are concerns with purchasing a primary residence out-of-state without a job or income in this state. Many investors/speculators were doing this. These investors/borrowers had a huge rate of default. Either the speculators were hoping for a quick buck or the home owner could not find the job they had hoped.

Income verification is now essential to getting a loan (and the income must be transferable to your new place of residence). Many defaulted loans were because of people relocating "and hoping to find a similar job". Mortgage companies were making loans to these people and now have learned the foolishness of this plan. You need to have an actual documented income to assure you can actually payback the loan. Sounds obvious, no?

Banks and Mortgage companies are still in business. Their business is to safeguard our deposits and lend out our money responsibly. They are actually running their institutions responsibly. This is the way it should have been all along. Home ownership is the American Dream but it is the result of responsibility and hard work. The American Dream is reality but it is not a gift based on the sweat and sacrifice of another.

Charlotte Real Estate offers a multitude of opportunities. Your American Dream awaits.

Charlotte Foreclosures - Better Move Quickly

I am still amazed at how quickly Charlotte Foreclosures continue to sell. I was showing homes today in Tega Cay and one was a Foreclosure. The Tega Cay home was on the market for 13 days and my client was interested after actually seeing the home. I contacted the listing agent only to discover the bank already had 4 offers on the table and the counter offer was accepted today. It is incredible to see the interest is still here in the greater Charlotte Real Estate market. The home buyers are definitely more discriminating than the past several years.

Over the past several years we were inundated with subprime borrowers and Charlotte Real Estate Investors. This superficially inflated the condo market and starter neighborhoods. Now home investors can no longer find someone willing to risk cash for rental properties. When the risk outweighs the gain then it becomes a donation and not an investment. The donors are out of business.

Today's Charlotte Real Estate Home buyers are primarily looking for a place to call home. This is the sound fundamental economic activity that we need. The proud home owner in Charlotte can find great deals. Yes you need good credit and must be responsibly able to invest in a great home.

Charlotte fundamentals are still solid. Charlotte is still the desired destination throughout the nation. The declining cities across the nation are all too aware of this trend. Expect that they will try to downplay the desire for Charlotte Real Estate relocations. They do not want their tax payers to leave. Fortunately enough people already have friends and family in Charlotte so the media will not be their only source of misinformation.

Charlotte Real Estate remains a great option and Charlotte Foreclosures offer a great opportunity for the savvy buyer. Please understand the fundamentals of our economy prior to purchasing a Charlotte Foreclosure. Starter Neighborhoods will takes additional time to recover. An established neighborhood (older than 6 years) will recover more rapidly than a starter neighborhood constructed during the subprime give aways. The Charlotte condo market also has additional considerations before purchasing a home. Visit my Charlotte Real Estate website for additional information about Charlotte or call me directly at 704.770.6559. When is a "deal" really a "deal"?

Charlotte Neighborhoods

Southwest Charlotte Real Estate continues to grow and the Charlotte neighborhoods continue to evolve. The Charlotte Schools must continually update the school zones to accommodate the Charlotte population growth. One change for he upcoming year is the new Dixie River Rd Elementary school to open by the Berewick subdivision. In addition to the new elementary school the Berewick subdivision has been assigned to Olympic High School. The opening of the elementary school is just the beginning of the growth in the area. The commercial development of the greater Berewick community is still under way and this will simply further amplify the appeal of this prestigious Charlotte neighborhood. One of the great things of Berewick is the proximity to Lake Wylie. No Berewick is not on Lake Wylie but Lake Wylie parks and recreation is only minutes away!

Visit Homes in Southwest Charlotte Real Estate and you will be struck by the growth and know the future of Southwest Charlotte will be positive! Visit Charlotte NC Homes For Sale to learn more about the greater Charlotte Real Estate community.

Buy Real Estate now of donate your income to the Government!

The new administration is in full swing and as the budget details are revealed many will need to rethink their financial plans. It is no longer of value to have stock investments. This is not necessarily to the decline but due to the taxation rates if you are successful.

The wise money will be purchasing real estate. It is time to liquidate taxable income, acquire assets and minimize expenses. It is time to purchase your dream home or your retirement home today! Big money sees what ahead and you need to secure your assets.

There are many options within Charlotte Real Estate that will fulfill your needs. We have golf course communities, Country Clubs, Lake Front Properties and much more. Regardless of your desired home we are sure to have it here.

Visit Charlotte NC soon and buy now while you still have the liquid assets to do so. The wise stay ahead of the curve. The greatest benefit is the price stability of Charlotte NC Homes For Sale. Yes Charlotte has been impacted by the severe national real estate down turn but is still the safest bet in the nation.

Visit Charlotte Realty and learn about all of the great potential today!

Charlotte Neighborhoods - Homes in Ardrey

Ardrey is a premier neighborhood within South Charlotte Real Estate that offers a community like no other. Ardrey homes are built by the Cunane Group and provide a Charleston Style home. These homes are rich with character including 3 story porches, ceiling fans on your porches and each home has its own sense of self. The exterior finishes of the homes are a soft pastel and this provides a very warm and open atmosphere. The vast majority of the garages are around back to keep the front view of your home appealing (nothing worse than a huge garage with a home attached).

The size of the homes will deceive you. They are much larger than you would think. The homes are constructed with the master bedroom on the main floor. The majority of the homes are 2 story but there are many that also have a 3rd floor. The kitchens are open with all of the upgrades you have come to expect. These include the granite counters, tile back splash, hardwoods or ceramic tile and custom cabinets.

The neighborhood is close to the new Elon Elementary School and Ardrey Kell High School. The prices range from the low $400's to $600,000. This is a neighborhood that will make you smile every time you come home and a delight for company. There are several parks and a community poos to further enhance the family atmosphere. If you are seeking a home with character and warmth, you have arrived. Call me today to view some of these fine Charlotte NC Homes for Sale and learn about our thrilling communities,

Visit Charlotte NC Homes For Sale and discover the great Charlotte Real Estate market.

Fort Mill Real Estate Lancaster SC Homes For Sale

Fort Mill SC Real Estate is conveniently located less than 10 miles from uptown Charlotte. Fort Mill has some of the best academic scores in all of SC and provides a great environment for a family relocating. Did you know about Lancaster SC?

Homes in Lancaster are experiencing explosive growth. Lancaster County is just south of the prestigious Ballantyne area in Charlotte North Carolina. The affluence is spilling over into SC in a tidal wave!

The portion of Lancaster County that borders Charlotte is technically "Indian Land". This community is flourishing as can be seen as you drive south on Johnston rd (US 521) off of I-485 in south Charlotte. The area confuses many people because this portion of Lancaster County is Indian Land but the mailing address is still Fort Mill SC. Fort Mill and Fort Mill schools are in York County South Carolina. This portion of Lancaster County will attend Indian Land Schools. The Fort Mill Post Office is what services the area for your mail. This is why you will have a Fort Mill mailing address but ultimately you are in Lancaster County.

Indian Land is thriving and destined for growth. The new Lowes home improvement store is under construction, the new Harris Teeter is due to open outside of Sun City, the new Wendy's just opened and so did the CVS. A Kohls and Walmart are also being planned. This area will have all of the conveniences of South Charlotte and still the tax structure of South Carolina. As previously shared, the property taxes in SC are almost half of the property taxes in NC. I realize f0r those of you moving from other ridiculously taxed states that the difference between $3000 a year and $1500 is not that big of a deal but I am sure many of you would rather spend the extra $100 plus a month somewhere else.

If you are relocating to the greater Charlotte area then you should also look into Lancaster SC as a great place to call home. Learn more about great Charlotte NC Homes For Sale by visiting my website or just give me a call.

Charlotte NC Homes For Sale and the Illusive Home Equity

Many people are searching for a great Charlotte home with lots of equity. First we must understand more about "real home equity" as opposed to "theoretical home equity".

Real home equity is when your home is worth more than you owe. The difference is your home equity. Now what is your home really worth. The market value of your home is worth what a normal person is willing to pay at any given time.

If someone was willing to pay $500,000 two years ago but you owed $300,000 then "IF" you would have sold it then you would have had $200,000 in equity. Let's say now you can only sell the home for $325,000. Your home equity is now only $25,000. If the owner is selling now trying to sell it for $400,000 and states he is "giving you" $100,000 in instant equity, what are you really getting.

You do not buy homes base on the price it sold for at the peak. Consider this like you would purchasing stock in coca cola. Would you be willing to purchase the stock above the current value if the stock was once priced twice of what it is today? No you would not (if you would I have some stock for you to buy).

You purchase a home at today's market value. If you purchase a home that is discounted, you have just reestablished a lower market value for the community. Yes the prices will likely rise in the future and in a few years the purchase "may" have proved to be wise. If you are purchasing a home in a declining neighborhood, is it really at the bottom? There are many factors to consider.

If you would like to share ideas or learn more about the greater Charlotte Real Estate market then visit my website or pick a phone and give me a call @704.770.6559. I can assist you with your Charlotte Real Estate Investment.

Fort Mill Real Estate

Fort Mill SC Homes for sale continue to be one of the best deals in the greater Charlotte Real Estate market. Charlotte NC Homes For Sale provide an abundance of opportunities assured to satisfy the needs of our citizens. Let's take a closer look at Fort Mill Homes For Sale. What benefits are there to reside in Fort Mill?

Fort Mill is located in York County SC. Fort Mill borders Charlotte NC and is only 10 miles from downtown Charlotte directly down I-77. Yes, Downtown Charlotte is actually called uptown Charlotte. The name has changed back and forth over the years but now commonly known as uptown Charlotte but uptown or downtown is one in the same. This makes homes in Fort Mill a fantastic option because you can work in in town and enjoy the benefits of Fort Mill.

Fort Mill Schools have a great academic record and this feeds the demand for Fort Mill Real Estate. One convenient way to compare academics is to compare both SAT Scores and participation rates. This permits a universal system of comparison throughout the nation. The "Standardized Testing" is currently not "Standardized" and standards vary from state to state. The standardized testing is ideal for comparing schools within a given state. Unfortunately these are not a lot of help when comparing from state to state.

Fort Mill Property Taxes; South Carolina has an interesting method of assessing/collecting property taxes. SC Property Taxes are assessed at a higher rate if you purchase an investment property and home owners/residents actually will pay almost half of the taxes of the investor. This is an obvious disincentive for the real estate investor (simply purchase a home in Charlotte if you are seeking "renters"). This actually helps home owners because you have a much higher percentage of home owners and home owners take more pride and care of their SC Properties.

The property taxes are also lower in SC because of the method of school funding. South Carolina does not merely require home owners to fund all of the schools but felt in more equitable for everyone in SC to pitch in for the school funding. The state sales tax and the lottery is how the schools derive their funding. This further reduces the tax bill for the SC home owners.

Fort Mill Subdivisions offer many options and various price ranges. Most homes in Fort Mill are new. If you are looking for lake property consider Lake Wylie in Fort Mill and Tega Cay. There are golf course communities, close to shopping and all of the luxuries you were seeking. Visit Charlotte NC Homes For Sale today to discover options within Charlotte Homes and all of our suburbs.

Charlotte Lake Homes

Many people have Charlotte North Carolina Real Estate in their retirement plans. Charlotte has been growing for many years and keep in mind that large land developers have been here for many years. It is incredible to find huge elaborate developments being constructed on large lakes an hour plus away from Charlotte.

Badin Lake is one example. Badin Lake is about an hour east of Charlotte. Uharrie National Forest borders the lake and Uharrie Point is a fantastic gated golf course community on the lake.

An hour south of Charlotte is Edgewater in Lancaster. Edgewater is on the 3300 acre Fishing Creek Lake and is another golf course community. This provides the low taxes of SC and still within a reasonable commute to Charlotte for amenities. The construction has just begun on this development. Interior lots range from $75,000.

There are also extensive River front developments under way (an hour away from uptown Charlotte). One example is RiverChase Estates in Lancaster SC. This is still in the predevelopment phase and this gated community will provide natural winding roads with river views.

How does this impact your retirement plans. The demand for water front property is very high. With national developers purchases large land parcels, the cost of the price escalates. The smaller homes along the lakes now have a value that far exceeds the value of the actual home. These homes will be "tear downs" and the lake front mansions will take over.

Charlotte Property opportunities? Yes there are always opportunities for great investment properties. You just need to realize that you will not find a lakefront lot for less than $100,000 and likely much more than that. Charlotte lake property will continue to appreciate and it will be wise to purchase your lot as soon as possible. The demand will only increase in time.

Visit Charlotte Homes For Sale for additional information of the greater Charlotte area or call now at 704.770.6559 for assistance. I will send you regular updates so that you can watch for that ideal home to come up for sale.

Charlotte Condos - Charlotte Townhomes

Charlotte Real Estate provides endless housing options and Charlotte Condos are a fantastic choice. As the population of Charlotte continues to grow, our condos and townhome options are increasing. Condos and townhomes are often a great option for singles, young couples and seniors. Townhomes provide the freedom of home ownership without the additional responsibility of lawn care. This is ideal for the busy professional. Visit Charlotte Condos Charlotte Townhomes for additional information in the greater Charlotte area.

Charlotte has a wide variety of condo options including uptown condos. Center city Charlotte has dramatically transformed over the past decade. This small city now is bubbling over with young professionals, clubs, restaurants and is full of energy.

As you travel around Charlotte you will find other options such as Rosewood in South Charlotte. Rosewood proudly boasts of million dollar condominiums. Words can not accurately reflect the corpulence you will experience in these condos.

The options are endless and really needs to be seen. There is something for everyone and the prices range from less than $100,000 to well over a million. It all depends on what you are seeking. Call me directly and I will help you discover that ideal townhome or condo that you always wanted.

Charlotte Real Estate Growth and Kannapolis NC

Kannapolis North Carolina Real Estate is still a great place to buy a home especially in today's real estate market. What is so special about Kannapolis NC?

Kannapolis is located northeast of Charlotte and located in Cabarrus County. Kannapolis was a mill town built around the textile industry. As the textile industry faltered a new age began. Bio-technology has now taken control. UNC, Duke and Dole Foods began the construction of the new research park. The first employees are just beginning but the greater area is thriving with energy. The old country club has been revitalized and the old mill homes are transforming into ideal craftsman style homes. There are several great custom home neighborhoods that are blossoming.

Wellington Estates is one of these custom neighborhoods. The lots are large with an ideal peaceful setting in the country. These are 4 side brick/stone/stucco homes with side load garages. The elegance of Wellington Estates awaits your entry into our market. The neighborhood only has 9 lots remaining and these will not last long.

Consider Kannapolis for your newest business adventure and you can be assured to see dividends in the near future. Visit Charlotte Real Estate - Charlotte Property For Sale for additional information of the greater Charlotte NC region.

Instant Equity: Fact or Fiction

Many people are now seeking to purchase a home with "Instant Equity". This is the term used for purchasing a home far below market value. TV shows people making millions purchasing these homes. Unfortunately reality is not a TV show (or fortunately based on your perspective).

Real Estate Equity Loans were a Government creation to circulate additional "savings" into the economy. The additional financial fluidity looked great for a short period of time but once again the unintended consequences got us! The purpose of the loans were to allow responsible home owners to spend their home equity and stimulate the economy. The lenders did not discriminate (a euphemism for using sound judgement) based on equity percentages and time of home ownership.

Markets were thus superficially inflated, "investors" continued pulling out "equity" and living off of the "extra money" from their homes. The house of cards has collapsed! What did the investors do? Since there was not really any "equity" the Investors/magicians simply walk away and left the American public holding the bag.

The net result of this further amplified the sub prime crisis and added an entire new dimension to our financial crisis. Banks/lenders have learned from this lesson. The illusion of equity is only on paper. Banks are now more cautious about lending money for "equity". Why?

A bank lends money to generate revenue. The bank then sells the loans to investors in the stock market. The problem is that investors are no longer willing to purchase these type of "packaged loans" at the low interest rates (higher risk loans with small rates of return). The bank is left holding the bag. The banks do not have infinite resources (only our individual deposits) and can not survive on the meager rates they are charging for high risk investments.

A home was always intended to be a long term investment. We need to accept this reality. The short term appreciation rates are superficial and created by transitory programs or people (both by government and investors).

Your home equity will be there only when you sell. Do not believe the entertainment TV programs (you ever wonder why they are called "programs"?). We live in the real world. A home is a great investment for your future. Are there good deals available even in Charlotte Real Estate (Charlotte NC was not as superficially inflated so the drop is very small value/price)? Yes.

Is there instant equity? Yes and no. You need to accept this equity is in the future and currently only on paper. It is not real until you sell your home. How much is your home worth? It is worth exactly what a willing and able buyer is willing to pay. If you just purchased the home for "X" amount of dollars then you have just established the market value. There is no equity.

Sweat equity: This illusive term equates to money that the seller discounted the home based on the repairs needed. You can purchase a $200,000 home for $150,000 but need to invest another $50,000 to in order to see the $50,000 in home equity. Yes, you can do much of the work yourself. Question: if you have just performed $50,000 worth of construction work to regain your "equity", was the risk of purchasing the home really worth it?

There is a lot to consider about home equity but be very careful before tapping into this fund. Lenders are not likely to give you mare than 80 percent of you appraised value and you will pay money for the appraisal and the loan (additional equity that you lose). What will be the appraised value after you just purchased your home? Exactly what you paid for it! Be wise, be careful and purchase a home based on real value and not "perceived value".

Charlotte Country Clubs

There are a wide variety of Charlotte Homes and the luxury homes in Charlotte Country Clubs provide the life style you desire. There are a wide variety of Country Clubs in the greater Charlotte Real Estate Market and sure to meet your expectations. Lake Norman Country Clubs are very nice with great views of the lake. If you are looking for a more remote country club then consider Badin Lake to the east of Charlotte. Badin Lake is a bit too far for a Charlotte commute but offers a very serene lake and a fantastic option.

Kannapolis has a new Country Club also just minutes away from the new bio tech research park. As the Kannapolis Research Park expands, the demand for these homes will increase exponentially.

South Charlotte and Union County has the highest Charlotte Country Club density by far. This includes Piper Glen, Ballantyne Country Club, Firethorne Country Club, Providence Country Club and Longview. Longview has tremendous custom homes that are for only the most successful amongst us with multimillion dollar exquisite homes.

Visit Charlotte Real Estate and Charlotte Country Clubs for your next home.