Nevada Real Estate >> Las Vegas Real Estate Specialist: Debe Maxwell - Search Charlotte Homes for Sale - Charlotte NC Neighborhoods (Helen Adams Realty)

Charlotte NC Neighborhoods - Heydon Hall

Charlotte NC Neighborhoods - Heydon Hall

...Your dream home awaits you.

 


Immaculate and luxurious!    Gracious living at its finest in this Charlotte SouthPark gated community.  Entering Heydon Hall’s regal wrought iron gates, this tranquil setting simply envelops you.   Walking trails flank this close-knit community which also provide a back entrance to Quail Hollow Country Club.  Pocket parks and a recreation area invite residents to enjoy the great outdoors in this perfectly beautiful neighborhood.

Charlotte NC’s Heydon Hall is truly representative of an old-fashioned, gated community which illustrates what a real ‘neighborhood’ is all about!  Socials and car pooling, games and golfing...the Heydon Hall community will remind you of the days of old--where neighbors are neighborly!

What other neighborhood offers you your own private entrance to the Quail Hollow golf course?!  There is just no other neighborhood like Heydon Hall.  This neighborhood is representative of an old-fashioned, gated community which is truly representative of what a real ‘neighborhood’ is.  An abundance of parties, games and children’s activities are available—and there’s plenty of entertainment for the adults too!  There are progressive dinner parties, Bunko and much more.  There are carpools to school and work as well as friendships formed that last a lifetime.  You simply must check out this neighborhood!

This gorgeous 56-acre neighborhood, with it's exquisite gated entrance, is simply enveloping immediately upon the opening of the massive, yet graceful gates.  The winding circle leads you past the gated playground and around tree-filled streets with old fashioned, glowing streetlights.  

The homes are all architecturally unique with none of them looking identical--from Tudor to Old World to Traditional, the master design was carefully crafted by Stephen Fuller and followed through to a 't' by Simonini Builders, one of Charlotte's most esteemed builders.

These stunning homes are situated on beautifully landscaped lots in Heydon Hall.  The gourmet kitchens  are amazing with oversized islands, double ovens, upgraded appliances, granite countertops, custom cabinetry and everything that is signature Simonini.  The master suites features luxurious baths with separate Jacuzzi tubs and showers, upgraded cabinets and granite countertops and closets the size of another bedroom!  The greatrooms (boasts a fireplace with gas logs flanked by built-ins) and breakfast areas are open to the kitchen and covered terraces--great for entertaining.  Spacious, covered brick patios look out over the lovely backyards--perfect for a quiet afternoon retreat.  You won’t want to miss these exquisite Simonini-built homes—in a truly one of a kind neighborhood.

Debe in Charlotte   



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A Little Homework Can Help Your Charlotte Real Estate Agent Streamline the Home Buying Process

Buyer AwarenessA Little Homework Can Help Your Charlotte Real Estate Agent Streamline the Home Buying Process

Buying a home can often be considered one of the most stressful things that you will do in your lifetime.  Unless you're a real estate investor, you will most likely experience home buyer stress—and even then, cash flow issues for the investors can be stressful.

Just a little homework on your part can help your Charlotte real estate agent find a home for you, and successfully close the deal, if you are as prepared and knowledgeable as possible. Here are a few tips to help you be ready and make your transition as painless and stress free as possible. 



      Get your financial records in order:

  • Check your finances Income records: You usually need two recent pay stubs. If you are self-employed, it will get trickier.  Want to be even more prepared?  Get pre-approved for your mortgage before you even begin looking at homes.  This prevents the disappointment of finding a home that you love and realizing that it is out of your reach financially.

  • A clean credit report: Make use of those free credit reports and check for errors, outstanding debts, and a high debt-to-income ratio.  If you do find errors, it is worth your time to get them corrected prior to applying for a loan or searching for a home.


                                                                   Know what you want:
     

·     Do the Research

  • As simple as that may seem, not knowing specifically what you need and want in a new home can prolong the search and have you and your agent running in circles trying to find the right home.  Price is only one of the many considerations. 

  • Know how many bedrooms and baths you need.  If there are specific amenities you desire, let them be known.  Don't wait until you've traveled all over the countryside looking at homes to tell your Charlotte real estate agent you absolutely must have a sunken tub in your new home.

  • Do a little research on everything that you can find that will help you understand the options available to you and what you will need to get financing and you will be your own best asset in finding the perfect home.  Helping your Charlotte real estate agent work smarter, not harder, is the way to a beneficial arrangement for you both.



If you’re looking for the home of your dreams, I can help.  Call me or email me for more information.

Debe in Charlotte   



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Need Extra Time to Finalize Your Charlotte Home Purchase to Qualify for Tax Credits?

Buyer Awareness

Need Extra Time to Finalize Your Charlotte Home Purchase to Qualify for Tax Credits?

The government has approved a plan giving homebuyers an extra three months to complete qualifying for federal tax incentives, however this approval does not apply to new Contracts.   You will have until September 30, 2010, to close on your Charlotte home and qualify for tax credits of up to $8,000 only if you were under Contract as of April 30, 2010.  (First-time buyers are eligible for a tax credit of up to $8,000.  Current owners who bought and are moving into another home could qualify for a credit of up to $6,500)

Who Qualifies?

Originally, you had to sign a contract to purchase a home by April 30, 2010, and Close no later than June 30, 2010.  With this extension, anyone who had a signed purchase agreement by April 30 will have until September 30 to Close on the sale of that home which was under Contract by April 30, 2010.

Why the Extension?

Mortgage lenders have been swamped with borrowers trying to get their Charlotte home purchases approved by June 30.  Many potential borrowers were having difficulty meeting that deadline.  As well, many buyers have made Offers on short sales in Charlotte NC and are pending bank approval on those Contracts.

The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) estimates that 180,000 buyers are likely to have missed the June 30 deadline "because of delays in the process."  This is particularly true of short sales.

How do I Apply?

Get the details from the IRS regarding specific guidelines and applying for the tax credit after Closing.

Federal Tax Credit for Home Buyers Charlotte NC

Have questions about the federal tax credits or any other questions about Charlotte homes?  Give me a call today at 704-491-3310 or email me at Debe@DebeMaxwell.com.  I’ll respond promptly and personally.

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Debe in Charlotte   



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5 Reasons Charlotte Home Sellers May Reject Your Offer

REJECTED!5 Reasons Charlotte Home Sellers May Reject Your Offer

Rejection is a difficult thing to face in life, whether it’s from a potential client, a potential boss or a potential home seller.  As a Charlotte home buyer, your stress level may be reduced if you’re aware of some of the reasons a seller may flat-out reject your Offer to purchase their real estate.   

Sometimes, even if you and your buyer’s agent do everything right, the seller may still reject your Offer.   Bear in mind that this often has nothing to do with you.

With that being said, here are 5 common reasons sellers reject Offers on their homes:

Seller doesn't have enough  money to pay off the mortgage

  1. The Offer wasn’t enough for them to pay off their mortgage.  For most sellers, the bottom line is paying off their mortgage.  If your Offer isn't enough to cover the mortgage, they cannot accept it unless they and their bank agree to a short sale.  Many sellers have not quite gotten to the point of accepting the possibility of short selling their property.


    Testing the real estate market waters



  2. The sellers  may have just been testing the waters to see what they can get for their home.  (This is more common in a sellers market than a buyers market, obviously!)




    Change of plans for the sellers

  3. Their plans may have changed.  People put their homes on the market because they need to move, they want to upgrade their home, or they can no longer afford their Charlotte home.  If the circumstances change, they may not need to sell their home after all.  Generally they’re up front about this reason though.




    Deal Fell Through


  4. Their deal on the other end may have fallen through.  Perhaps the seller was in the process of buying another house contingent on the sale of their property.  If something fell through with that deal, they may very well NOT be able to sell their Charlotte home to you.





    Are you asking too much of the sellers?


  5. You may be asking too much of them.  The sellers may not have the time or money to make any repairs which they think are insignificant.  Perhaps you want to Close the deal too soon or would like to move into the home before Closing and that just won’t work for them.  Again, generally the sellers will let you know that up front.



    Let's get that contract THROUGH!


When a seller rejects your Offer, don’t let it get you down.  There may even be more than one reason for their refusal.   Help your real estate agent develop a solid, more appealing counteroffer for the sellers, or move on to a new opportunity.  There is a surplus of homes on the market.  You may be pleasantly surprised to find a home that fits your lifestyle even better than this one.

When you’re ready to buy a home, I can help you find a great home and negotiate to a successful “Yes, we’ll accept your Offer!” Call me today or email me and let's get started.

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Debe in Charlotte   



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Homes Are Alot Like People...

 

Homes Are Alot Like People...

 

...TLC, a healthy diet and even a little surgery may be required!  As a former nurse, I have come to learn the commonalities that Charlotte real estate shares with patients--they really do have a lot in common.  No anesthesia is required for the treatments necessary to remedy the home aging process though!   As homeowners, however, we may need a little anesthesia when we receive the maintenance bills if we don’t stay on top of our home's aging process right from the beginning.

Needs a facelift

 

1. Homes get wrinkles, too.  Yes, believe it or not, I’ve seen Charlotte homes for sale with sagging plaster, drooping windows and hanging doors.  Brand new “For Sale” signs sit out front, their clean, white sparkle starkly contrasting with the wrinkles.  It’s not attractive; the homes may be only ten years old (30 in house years!), but they look much older.  Be kind to your home – use a little cosmetic surgery when necessary.

 

 

Surgical Instruments

 

2. There ARE cosmetic surgeons available for homes.  Only, in home-speak, they’re called “contractors.”   If you notice that your home has wrinkles and you want to sell it, see what replacements you can afford to have the contractor handle for you before putting your home on the market.  Windows?   They’re reasonably affordable on most budgets and can make a huge difference in how the house looks.  Hanging doors?  Not as affordable as windows, but still doable.  With $10,000 or less, you can give your home a major facelift.

 

 

Tired

 

3. Homes do get tired too.  Have you looked around your house lately?  This is one of the first things you want to do before putting it on the Charlotte real estate market.  Is your home tired and worn out?  Even relatively young homes can show signs of energy-deficiency. Cabinets start sagging.   Doors groan and sigh when you open them.  Windows refuse to stay open all the way and slowly slide back down in the tracks.  Give your home an energy boost.  Even a little WD-40 can make a huge difference, especially on groaning doors.  If we’re talking about groaning garage doors, a $5. can of silicone spray can do wonders (and should be used about once a year to keep them youthful). 

 

 

Bald  roof?

 

 

4. Homes can go bald and get age spots.  It’s true, they can.  What used to be a bright red roof has faded and peeled in places, giving the home an “aged” look.  The real kicker is, to keep it bright and pretty, you have to maintain it, dye it or replace it.  Keep the overhanging oak trees trimmed back to avoid the age-spotting sap from necessitating early hair plugging!  Take care of your home’s head!

 



Got a facelift!

 

5. Homes need TLC too.  To stay happy and healthy, homes need tender loving care too. With a steady diet of maintenance, touchups and cosmetic surgery, your house will be happy and you will be able to find a good buyer too!

If you’re selling your home, make sure it stands proud above the rest—youthful, despite its age!

 

 

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Debe in Charlotte   



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Are You Up for Selling Your OWN Real Estate?

Are You Up for Selling Your OWN Real Estate?

Are you ready to sell-by-owner?
As I’m sure you are aware, the real estate industry is experiencing one of its worst down markets in history—at least locally it is.  The last thing you want to do is pay commission to a real estate agent, right?  Not to mention the fact that you’re nearly positive you can sell your own home just fine without having had any experience in doing so—it’s EASY! 

 

Before sticking a “For Sale by Owner” sign up, however, you’ll need to make sure that you’re ready for the work and headaches entailed in doing so.

  • Time.  Yes, you absolutely can sell your real estate on your own without the help of an agent but, it takes a lot of preparation and time.  How much is your time worth to you?  How much time do you have to spend preparing, pricing, marketing, procuring a buyer, showing and quite possibly even selling your home?  Before you set out on your own, make sure you can afford the time and energy investment requirements.
  • Service and value.  Going it alone, you’ll lose out on a wide variety of services offered by Realtors®.  For example, many agents now provide home staging services as well as extensive advertising and marketing services both online and off.
  • Marketing bright ideasExposure.  You also need exposure to buyers—real estate agents work together to help their sellers procure buyers for them.  Realtors® also belong to various organizations which allow sharing of listing information among other Realtors® and the public—your buyer.  As well, real estate marketing is our business—we do this full-time and we realize that 87%+ buyers find their homes online—on our sites.

  • Legalities.  Selling a home involves contracts, closings and a multitude of legal issues that can make or break a real estate sale.  Real estate transactions have occasionally led to outcomes that were unexpected, including lawsuits.  A professional helps ensure that the contracts are legally sound, binding and carried out to the letter of the law.

  • Market knowledge.  Realtors® have instant access to current market information. We are able to establish an accurate selling range within minutes after viewing your property.  Since the real estate market is in constant fluctuation, it’s important to have a complete knowledge of the market before pricing your own home.  Otherwise, your risk underselling or overpricing your home.  Public online sites’ estimates and comparable sales are NOT accurate and can cause you to make a costly mistake right out of the gate with your pricing.  

For Sale By Owner - Are You One of the 2%?You will also need experience with legal contracts and excellent negotiating skills.  Recent NAR reports that only 2% of homeowners who market their home for sale are actually successful—and many times, the buyer is a family member or a friend. 

Unless  you have your finger on the pulse of the market,  chances are a costly mistake can and will be made.  

Can you sell your own real estate?
 Absolutely
but, can you really afford to? 

 

If you’re trying to sell your Charlotte NC home and need the expertise of a professional, I can help. Call me at (704) 491-3310 or email me at Debe@DebeMaxwell.com for more information.

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Debe in Charlotte   



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Should I Stay or Should I Go? Strategic Default - One Woman's Opinion

should I stay or should I go?Do You Stay and Pay or Do You Walk Away?

Today, the topic of conversation has been that of strategic default.  Imagine that, a holiday spent talking about America and her celebrations as well as her problems.  Believe it or not, the conversation came up as a result of a post by Lenn Harley that I recently read.  The post, FANNIE MAE SET TO COLLECT ON DEFICIENCY JUDGMENTS CAUSED BY STRATEGIC DEFAULTS, got the wheels turning about this topic and I decided to ask the question--"Would you strategically default if you were upside down on your mortgage and could afford to make the payments?"  

 

First, let's define strategic default:

A strategic default is the decision by a borrower to stop making payments (default) on a debt despite having the financial ability to make the payments due.

This is associated with residential and commercial mortgages, in which case it usually occurs after a substantial drop in the property value is such that the debt owed is (considerably) greater than the value of the property – the property negative equity or “upside-down” – and the value is expected to remain so for the foreseeable future, such as following the bursting of a real estate bubble.  Such borrowers are also called “walkaways.”

Strategic Planning

 

Now, let's further stipulate the following with regards to my question:

  • You ARE financially capable of making your mortgage payments
  • Your home IS showing negative equity (basically, you're upside-down)

The question again now, "Would you strategically default if you were upside-down on your mortgage and could afford to make the payments?"

 

100% of those I asked said that they were committed via contracts with the bank and would not partake in this practice.

Walking Away

 

I do, however, personally know several people who have done this--they made a good real estate decision at the time that they purchased but, with the market tanking, those living in the suburbs (and even in the Uptown/Midtown areas of Charlotte) have found that our values have simply plummeted.  These homeowners have made, what they call,  'business' or 'financial' decisions to default on their mortgages--none of them were in a distressed situation, they just chose to leave the keys on the counter, vacate the property and never make another mortgage payment.  Many of whom have already made other real estate purchases--getting 'great deals' on property and purchasing before their previous payment history becomes a negative on their credit report.

 

I, for one, am in the same boat that they are/were--I own two properties that have each lost well over $100K in the last 3 years.  My credit score is near perfect and VERY valuable to me so, perhaps foolishly in some minds, I am staying put and not walking away from either one of these mortgages.  Keep in mind that both are in great areas (one in the city, one in the 'burbs') but regardless of that fact, the values are plumeting in both areas.  On the street that I live, there are now two rentals--absolutely UNHEARD OF in the past several years!  Those homeowners made the decision to hold onto the property and rent for several years until they've either paid a hefty amount on their principle or the market turns around considerably.  There are alternatives to walking away.

Stay or  Go?

 

It is frustrating for me to see folks who are in no distress strategically default.  I signed a CONTRACT that I would re-pay both of these mortgages and plan to continue doing so.  I will not walk away from my word.  As I see it, that's what strategic default really is. 

On the other hand, I'm extremely angry with the government's handling of the economy; I too am a 'victim,' if you will but, I will not go back on my word when I am financially capable of continuing to pay these mortgages--I am NOT in distress and neither are those who strategically default (hence the name "strategic default").

 

 

We're not talking about those who are defaulting because they have had major financial strains that have put them in short sale or foreclosure situations--we're talking about people who don't keep their word yet, who COULD keep their word--and I feel, SHOULD.   Their claim of default being a 'business' decision is what I have a problem with--who wants to do business with someone who doesn't keep their word or goes back on it--leaving the bank holding the proverbial empty bag?  

 

Their rationalization is that the banks can afford it--or they're the cause of their losses!  All banks were not the villans here--many took TARP money because they HAD to, not because they WANTED to--another Paulson-brilliant-idea but, that's a whole other can of worms.

In my opinion, your word is your bond. 

What would YOU do?Let me add that I've been in situations representing clients who have done everything in their power to get the banks to give them a helping hand--who truly need the help--with no response or a flat-out denial with regards to refinancing or restructuring their mortgages.  We then, put their homes on the market as a short sale, and despite having a Contract submitted, (and are 4-5 days from Closing), the bank forecloses--out of the blue!  We've had the bank provide commitment to hold off on the foreclosure for 4 weeks beyond the Closing date, yet still, the bank foreclosed.   Yes, another can of worms that will be opened one day in another post!

I guess I'm writing this post to both inspire discussion and give me a reason--a good, solid, respectable reason--that you would consider default.  

For me, the keyword here is respectable but, convince me, nonetheless.

Debe in Charlotte   



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Modest Decline Expected to Follow May's Drop in Sales - NATIONALLY

Modest Decline Expected to Follow May's Drop in Pending Home Sales - NATIONALLY

Charlotte NC Market UpdateNationally, year-over-year, May 2010 sales were down 15% compared to May, 2009.  Charlotte showed a rise in sales of 18% during that same time.  Showings in Charlotte did however, decrease dramatically during June; statistics are pending as to the ratio of 'typical' summer showing-slowing vs. economically impacted showings.  

Where did your area rank in May compared to the national numbers? 

Video below was provided by NAR is based upon national data.

Debe in Charlotte   



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Why Get Pre-approved for a Charlotte NC Home Loan?

 

Charlotte NC Buyer Tips

Why Get Pre-approved for a Charlotte NC Home Loan?

There are a few things you can do to make the process of buying a new Charlotte NC home easier and faster.  Getting pre-approved for financing is one of them.  Here are four advantages of loan pre-approval:

REALTORS® Take You Seriously

When you walk into an agent’s office or meet an agent for the first time with pre-approved financing, the agent knows he is not going to be wasting his time showing you homes. If you do not have pre-approved financing, be prepared for agents to ask a lot of questions and likely will request that you get financing in hand. They are not trying to be invasive, rather they are avoiding "tire kickers" while, at the same time, helping you streamline the process.

View Homes that Work for You...Financially

Looking at properties that fit your financial qualifications works best for both you and your Realtor®.  Touring homes that are beyond your 'means,' not only wastes your time and your agent's time but, later finding that you need to be looking at homes that are lower priced can lead to disappointment for you.  If you think you qualify for homes that are higher priced, locate one that you love and find out that the price is beyond your qualifications, it is nearly impossible to find a 'replacement' home in a lower price range.

Make an Offer from a Stronger Position

Sellers feel more confident dealing with buyers with pre-approvals in-hand.  When you have pre-approved financing, sellers are more apt to work with you on price, or other needs, in order to close the deal. They know that there are not going to be contingencies on a loan, or waiting and wondering if you qualify for the loan. They know they don't have to worry about turning other prospects away and then finding out you haven't been able to get a loan.

Quicker, Smoother Closings

Getting pre-approved for a loan means no waiting on the biggest of all hurdles before Closing.  Other items needed to Close on a Charlotte NC home purchase usually move quickly, but loan applications can drag out and require setting a Closing date far into the future to allow for the time needed.

Less Stress for Both Buyers and Sellers

Above all else, having your financing in-hand prior to beginning your search for the perfect Charlotte NC home for sale, makes the entire process less stressful for you and everyone else involved. Knowing that you have the money to back you up when you do locate the home of your dreams is much better than finding paradise and then having to worry about getting financed and possibly losing your dream home.

If you would like to find out more about pre-approved home loans, I am happy to send you a list of lenders who can get you pre-approved and ready to go house shopping!. Contact me at (704) 491-3310 or email me at Debe@DebeMaxwell.com

Debe in Charlotte   



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Open Season on Homes for Sale in Charlotte NC – Hunting License Not Needed, but a Realtor® is HIGHLY Recommended!

House hunting in Charlotte NCOpen Season on Homes for Sale in Charlotte NC – Hunting License Not Needed, but a Realtor® is HIGHLY Recommended!

It’s open season on homes for sale in Charlotte NC, and no hunting license is needed.  You might want to wear bright orange jackets if you’re a seller, though, and be SURE to hire a Realtor®.  It’s a buyer’s market out there and, in this case, you want the house hunters to see you.

Now, you can only take the hunting analogy so far; I don’t think you’d appreciate being hung on a wall as a trophy.  You will appreciate hunters setting their sights on homes for sale in Charlotte NC, however.  Here are a few tips to ensure that your home is the one they target:

Hire a Realtor®
This may sound self-serving; I am, after all, a Realtor®.  However, while you may be trying to figure out whether you really want to pay commission fees, also consider this:  Realtors® have access to many places that do it yourselfers don’t, such as Real Bird, Yahoo Real Estate, their MLS listings and Realtor.com to name a few.  Buyers DO have access, and believe me, they’re looking.  As the seller, you know exposure is key, and qualified Realtors® are trained to market your home and can get that exposure you need.

Prominence - Stand out among the hunted
Plain and simply, buyers are using more and more technology nowadays.  Obviously, you, as the seller, want to be where the buyers are, correct?   Embrace the Internet; Twitter, Facebook, blogging and other forms of social media are some of the ways successful Realtors® have helped their sellers garner attention.  So, be certain that your Realtor® is networking online, or you’ll be far from prominence.

Go ahead and make those affordable repairs
If you can afford to replace a worn out faucet, do so.  If you can replace bad flooring, go ahead and replace it.  Whether it’s plumbing issues or light switches, big or small, make the repairs you can afford to make.  Then, and here’s the secret, advertise:  “All new fixtures!” or “Brand new flooring!”  Sharing what you’ve done to make the house more attractive is like waving a giant flag and, when you’re talking about house hunting, you want to wave the biggest and best flag(s).

Add field dressing
Okay, perhaps that goes a little far with the hunting analogy!  Basically, in a tough seller’s market, presentation is everything.  Have strong curb appeal outside.  Get rid of personal clutter inside.  Stage the rooms and clean, clean, clean.  Not only is it hunting season, this is a beauty contest as well.  Dress your home accordingly.

Putting these tips into action will greatly raise the chances of taking another home off the list of homes for sale in Charlotte NC.

If you’re trying to sell your home and need an internet savvy agent, I can help. Call me at 704.491.3310 or email me at Debe@DebeMaxwell.com for more information.

Debe in Charlotte   



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Setting the Right Selling Price for Your Charlotte Home for Sale

High or Low?Setting the Right Selling Price for Your Charlotte Home for Sale

The debate is as old as the real estate industry itself.  Does a low, highly competitive selling price for your Charlotte NC home for sale actually generate a faster, more profitable sale than a slightly inflated price with a willingness to negotiate?   It has never been more important that sellers make informed decisions about their asking price and negotiating strategy.  A seller with an unreasonable opinion of their home’s value is either a wishful thinker or does not have the benefit of an accurate market absorption or comparative market analysis and a real estate agent who specializes in the area.  Let's explore this debate a bit...

 

 Get Real, Know the Facts

When sellers decide to list their home for sale in the Charlotte NC real estate market, they usually have an opinion of value, based on reported sales of similar properties.  Consciously or subconsciously, most homeowners follow the real estate activity of surrounding homes.  However, every real estate transaction stands independently.  

In today’s market, buyers and sellers negotiate to capitalize on tax incentives, green-initiative improvements, closing fees, homeowner credits and local incentives.  Thus, the “neighborhood selling price” may not represent the price you can actually get for your home.

Real estate agents use differert strategies to secure listings and suggest sales prices for their sellers.  Nerds with calculatorTherefore, a seller who requests proposals from three different Charlotte NC real estate agents may very well get three different opinions of value:

  1. One agent may want the listing at any price and be willing to accept an owner’s requirement for a high asking price just to land the listing
  2. Another agent may be conservative and encourage a low asking price in the hopes of generating superior demand.  This strategy was effective in the boom years.
  3. A third agent may combine his knowledge about the property, the neighborhood and today’s real estate market to come up with the optimal listing price.


 The Optimal Listing Price

Charlotte NC home for sale

Responsible Charlotte NC real estate agents view the property from three positions. 

1.  First we inspect the property, top to bottom.  We understand its history, the neighborhood, its strengths and its weaknesses.   
2.  Next, we do our research.  We compile a complete, relevant list of recent sales, a thorough list of properties on the market and a comparable list of recently concluded Charlotte NC real estate transactions.  We balance this information against the cost of new construction.  We factor in what improvements might be necessary to stage the home more effectively. 
3.  Finally, we use this quantitative analysis, routinely called a comparative market analysis, to recommend a strong selling price designed to garner demand.

 

 

This is not an exercise in futility, folks!  This is about establishing the maximum selling price your Charlotte home for sale should achieve.  Keep in mind that your home could be worth $1,000,000 in your mind and your neighbors could be asking $1,000,000 for their home but, the market value is only as much as a buyer will pay.  You cannot list your property based upon the neighbor's current listing price, rather recent sold prices must be used to position your home on the market.

To further discuss how you can realize the greatest real estate value for your home, contact me today at (704) 491-3310 or by email at Debe@DebeMaxwell.com.

Debe in Charlotte   



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Buyer Representation – Is It Really Necessary?

Buyer Representation – Is It Really Necessary?

 

Buyer RepresentationQuestion:   Do home buyers need the help of a Buyers Agent?

Answer:   You bet !  When buyers work with a real estate professional who is 100% loyal and completely committed to them, chances are that the entire home-buying process will go smoothly and with a higher level of buyer satisfaction.

 

 Question:   What is a Buyers Agent?

Answer:   A Buyers Agent works solely for you, the buyer, and has no legal or other responsibilities to the seller.* When working with a Buyers Agent, you have the advantage of personal representation, independent counseling, loyalty, confidentiality, and trust.  On the other hand, while helping you present an offer and then negotiate and close a transaction, a general real estate agent has certain fiduciary responsibilities to the seller and agent of any property you choose.

                  *In a case where the property your agent is representing you to purchase is also that agent’s listing, dual agency applies.  Talk to your agent for more information.

Buyer Representation

 

Question:   Can a Buyers Agent show us the same properties?

Answer:   Yes, a Buyers Agent can show you any home that is listed in the Realtor's® Multiple Listing Service (MLS), PLUS Real Estate Owned (REO) and For Sale By Owner (FSBO) properties. Additionally, a Buyers Agent can show you builder models to select your own, brand-new properties and unlisted homes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Question:   Will a Buyers Agent disclose information to us?

Answer:   Yes indeed. Because a Buyers Agent's fiduciary responsibility is to you, the buyer, he or she can be more forthcoming with any negative aspects about properties that you are investigating for purchase.

 

Buyer Awareness

Question:   Does a Buyers Agent make decisions for us?

Answer:   No, absolutely not.  As your personal ally, advocating your best interests, a Buyers Agent is obligated to provide you with maximum information about buying a home, each step of the way.  That means disclosing specifics about location, property values, offering price, negotiations, counteroffers, contingencies, financing, and the entire closing process.  Armed with such vital and detailed information, you’ll be thoroughly prepared to make decisions that are right for you and your family.

Debe in Charlotte   



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Pricing It Right--Objectivity is Crucial

Pricing It Right--Objectivity is Crucial

With an incredible supply of homes for sale in today's Buyer's Market, it is crucial to position your home to sell in the shortest amount of time possible, bringing the best price possible.  Begin by looking at your home through the eyes of a potential buyer.

There are five basic factors that ultimately determine whether a home is going to sell, or simply be one of many homes on the market with very few showings and no offers:

Value Factors in Home Selling

Buyers have many choices in today’s market.  In order for a seller to maximize the selling price of a home, the home must be “Showroom Ready” and priced right! PRICE is determined by:  CONDITION, LOCATION, SIZE, and FEATURES.   A home that can rate a score of 10 in CONDITION, LOCATION, SIZE, and FEATURES can be more aggressively priced compared to a home that is deficient in any of the categories.   

A seller CAN control CONDITIONFEATURES, and PRICE.  LOCATION and SIZE are not features that a seller can control.  So, let me show you how being objective in your VALUE rating...

There are currently 25,657 condos, townhomes and single family homes on the market, and over the past three months only 5,176 homes have sold

To add your home to the 5,176 homes that have sold in the last three months, your home must be Valued as a 10 in: CONDITION, LOCATION, SIZE, FEATURES, and that will allow a 10 in PRICE. If your home is not rated a 10 in all these categories, then your PRICE will need to be adjusted for these deficiencies--again, remember location and size cannot be controlled so, adjust accordingly.

The Pond - Where is YOUR home in the pond?

The flow of sales activity in any real estate market is comprised of three categories of the homes that are currently on the market:

1.  Homes that FLOW.  Homes that are considered to be the best Value and Price flow into the market, leave the market SOLD in less than 45 days.

2.  Homes that SHOW.  Homes that are deficient in Value and/or Price may be shown, but they are not receiving any offers.  Adjustments must be made in the areas that you DO have control - PRICE, Condition or Features in order to get the listing sold.
3.  Homes that become the STAGNANT MASS.   Homes that are greatly deficient in  both Value and Price do not even attract showings.  There is  virtually no activity, and these listings will simply never sell.

Ask yourself where you want to position your house in this competitive Buyer’s market. Remember, any deficiency in the five categories of:  CONDITION, LOCATION, SIZE, FEATURES or PRICE will remove your listing from the “Flow” of the market and place it in the “Show but no offer” category or worst yet, in the “Stagnant Mass” with no showings.

Here's a recent Market Absorption Trend which is another evaluation tool to use when listing your property:

Market Absorption Trend Foxcroft Charlotte NC

If positioned properly, your home will “Flow” right off the market!  It will attract a buyer.

 

The Pond graphic courtesy of Zan Monroe, CRS Senior Instructor and NINJA coach:  www.ZanMonroe.com

Debe in Charlotte   



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Federal Tax Credit Extended - What You as a Buyer Need to Know

Federal Tax Credit Extended - What You as a Buyer Need to Know

$8000 Federal Tax CreditTax Credits are available for both first time home buyers as well as those purchasing primary residences who have owned a home for 5 of the last 10 years. Condos, townhomes and single family homes apply and the maximum purchase price is $800,000.  Two income caps have been set:

  • If an individual makes $125,000 or higher, they will not be eligible.
  • If a couple's joint income is $225,000 or higher, they will not be eligible.


The federal tax credit application form can be found here (IRS form 5405).  

Here's a quick video version of the new federal tax credit explanation as well. (Scroll to the bottom of the web page to view the video).

This new bill is going to cost $10 billion just for the home buyer tax credit.  Here's a more detailed version of the explanation of the extended $8,000 and $6,500 federal tax credit:

 

 

Debe in Charlotte   



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Buyer Representation – How Can We Help?

Buyer Representation – How Can We Help?

Buyer AwarenessQuestion:   Do home buyers need the help of a Buyers Agent?

Answer:   You bet !  When buyers work with a real estate professional who is 100% loyal and completely committed to them, chances are that the entire home-buying process will go smoothly, with a higher level of buyer satisfaction.

 Question:   What is a Buyers Agent?

Answer:   A Buyers Agent works solely for you and has no legal or other responsibilities to the seller.*  When working with a Buyers Agent, you have the advantage of personal representation, independent counseling, loyalty, confidentiality, and trust.  On the other hand, while helping you present an offer and then negotiate and close a transaction, a general real estate agent has certain fiduciary responsibilities to the seller and agent of any property you choose.

                  *In a case where the property your agent is representing you to purchase is also that agent’s listing, dual agency applies.  Talk to your agent for more information.

Question:   Can a Buyers Agent show us the same properties?

Answer:   Yes, a Buyers Agent can show you every home listed in the REALTOR®’s Multiple Listing Service (MLS), PLUS Real Estate Owned (REO) and For Sale By Owner (FSBO) properties. Additionally, a Buyers Agent can show you builder models to select your own, brand-new properties and unlisted homes.

Buyers in Charlotte NCQuestion:   Will a Buyers Agent disclose more information to us?

Answer:   Yes indeed. Because Buyers Agent's fiduciary responsibility is to you, he or she can be more forthcoming with any negative aspects about properties that you are investigating for purchase.

Question:   Does a Buyers Agent make decisions for us?

Answer:   No, absolutely not.  As your personal ally, advocating your best interests, Buyers Agent is obligated to provide you with maximum information about buying a home, each step of the way.  That means disclosing specifics about location, property values, offering price, negotiations, counteroffers, contingencies, financing, and the entire closing process.  Armed with such vital and detailed information, you’ll be thoroughly prepared to make decisions that are right for you and your family.


Debe in Charlotte   



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Understanding the $8000 / $6500 Tax Credit

Understanding the $8000 / $6500 Tax Credit

Federal Tax CreditCredits Offered to both First Time Home Buyers and on Purchase of a New Primary Residence

There are key dates and conditions involved in this process if you expect to qualify for the $8000 or $6500 tax credit.

Some of the basics are:

· Homes valued at $800,000 or more do not qualify.

· A first-time buyer does not mean a person who has never purchased a home.  The IRS defines a first-time buyer as anyone who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase.

· If you’re married, you and your spouse must pass the consecutive-year test. For example, if you have not owned a home in the past three years but your spouse has owned a principal residence, neither you nor your spouse would qualify for the $8000 first-time homebuyer tax credit. However, you could be eligible for the repeat buyers’ $6,500 credit.

· Unmarried joint purchasers may allocate the credit amount to any buyer who qualifies as a first-time buyer, such as if a parent jointly purchases a home with a son or daughter.

Key Dates:

· April 30, 2010: Purchase and sales agreements must be dated by all parties with a date on or before Friday, April 30, 2010.

· June 30, 2010: Purchases must close on or before Wednesday, June 30, 2010.

Here is the tax credit form:

 


First Time Homebuyer TAX CREDIT FORM

Debe in Charlotte   



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Buyers, Act on Fact, Not Fear

Is it fact or fictionPaul Slaybaugh's recent featured post, prompted me to expand on the comment that I made on his blog.  Often, the consumer is the last to know what is truly happening in their local market.  During the past year, numerous Charlotte buyers, who were under the impression that because local newspapers were printing national statistics, this same data applied to our local market.  This misinformation resulted in missed opportunities due to the fact that the buyers were convinced that they were going to be able to purchase property for up to 50% off of list price.  The 50% off price purchase was never an option in our market but, buyers were fearful that they would not get the 'deal' that they had heard that they would.


The moral of the story - act on fact, not fear or false/misleading information.   Consult your local real estate expert for the data that you need to guide you in your home-buying and home-selling process.  Don't rely on national news and averages to make this important financial decision; inaccurate could will cost you in the long run.



Fact:  Charlotte NC real estate is not only local but,
hyper-local, neighborhood-specific.
Fact:  Charlotte NC unemployment is currently at 11%, down from last month
Fact:  Sellers are getting an average of 95% of their list price.

Also, factual year-over-year data is provided below.  

year over year sales charlotte nc

*This data was obtained from Charlotte MLS and is deemed reliable but, not guaranteed.

Consult your local Charlotte NC real estate expert for more hyperlocal statistics.  It will guide you in the direction that you need to be going to secure the best property for the best price that fits your specifications.

Debe in Charlotte   



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Can Short Sales Really Be Automated Like Cookie Cutters- One Size Fits All?

 

Puzzled by short sales?The short sales that I have been exposed to have all required a 'human factor' to get the job done.  Case in point--one that I'm working right now with BOA:  I was told to fax in the package, then told to upload it into the REO-Trans system.  I did so and kept noticing that the information was disappearing.  After several very long phone calls to a Bank of America rep, I wound up putting the information into the system a total of three times before one finally was visable to them--why, I don't know, I could see it just fine!  Anyway, last week, still under the 'generic negotiator,' we got results--two approvals and one declineWhat, what, WHAT?  This was the SAME file!  Same documentation, same EVERYTHING!  Of course, I was frantically trying to delete the decline and keep one of the approvals but, can now find no one who knows the system well enough to assist me!

It's been a crazy mess--and suffice it to say, I personally prefer the lending institutions to keep some form of human factor in this--all hardships are not created equally and automation is not going to be able to evaluate this, or the financials in a 'fair' manner.  

My opinion, they should have trained their staff on the new automated system BEFORE rolling it out to the agents!

 

Via Nestor & Katerina Gasset Realtors® Wellington Florida Luxury Homes (International Properties and Investments, Inc.):

Can Short Sales Really Be Automated Like Cookie Cutters and become like one size fits all? I don't think so. Real estate agents along with NAR made their voices heard to the powers that be in Congress and in the banking institutions. Of course, it is a pain to not have guidelines and to be negotiating short sales in wild, wild west fashion but on the other hand the cream rises to the top so the agents with the talent of negotiating skills and the gift of listening and communication skills rise above the rest and have come to have very successful short sale businesses, they close their short sales and save many homeowners from foreclosure.

Be careful what you scream for, be careful what you wish for- it may just come back to bite you.

Let's look at what is really behind the automation so widely being sought after by agents and the NAR these days in regards to short sales: 

California based Equator who changed their name from REOTRANS- has created and is implementing the very first short sale automation process for a large lender. The company will not come out and say in public who the lender is who they made this process for to begin with but anyone doing any number of short sales can see the obvious connection with Bank of America telling us that they are automating their short sale process and also with us already being given files to place into this automated system.

The company called Equator says the key to a successful short sale are:

  • accessibility,
  • responsiveness,
  • communication,
  • fulfillment

Equator says that by large lenders using their new automated system that the homeowner will have 24/7 access to their file and will be able to directly upload required documentation. They will also be given real time updates electronically.

They claim their system will comply with all governmental regulations and compliance, quick fulfillment times, faster turnaround times and will automate the decision making process.

Now that all sounds great and dandy but whenever you take out the human factor of emotions, making exceptions and taking the negotiations to another level you are not going to get the same approval ratios.

One size does not fit all. I am seeing the writing on the wall. You have several problems with this system even before they implement it.

First, you have to get all the processors and negotiators trained on the system. We are getting files already in this system but the customer service people at BofA and the negotiators are not even trained yet in using the same system. So chalk that one up to the learning curve.

More importantly when everyone starts to depend on an automated system there is less room for the human decision making process like for exceptions to the rule. We can not even count the number of times that a file did not 'fit' the system but we got the short sale approved anyways. When people depend on an automated system they tend to answer, " that is the way it is," or "sorry, the system says they are not approved," etc.

While real estate agents are screaming to streamline the short sale process homeowners may be pushed into foreclosure rather than doing short sale work outs just because some system says they are not approved for a short sale.

So at the end of the day the result may be faster approval times but a higher rate of rejections.

 

 

Creative Commons License Can Short Sales Really Be Automated Like Cookie Cutters- One Size Fits All?  by Coach Katerina Gasset is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License



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Debe in Charlotte   



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Is Bank of America Leaving Charlotte?

Is Bank of America Leaving Charlotte?

Bank of America Charlotte NCMy personal feeling is that BOA isn’t going anywhere!  Does it really matter where the CEO lives?  In this day and time, with all of our technological advances and the increasing ability to do our jobs from the office, our homes or the beach and the video conferencing capabilities that we so often use, I can't imagine why this topic has gotten Charlotte residents so up in arms over the location of the new CEO of Bank of America.

 

Bank of America owns far too much real estate here in Charlotte that to sell it and purchase FAR more expensive real estate in NY in this market is, in my opinion, simply ludicrous!  And, to whom are they going to sell?!

 

Another consideration is the cost of relocating their personnel to NY .  Imagine the taxes that they'd have to pay in New York--well above and beyond those here in Charlotte. 

 

Those factors would (should) deter any business from relocating from ‘reasonable’ Charlotte, NC to ‘exorbitant’ New York!

 (Sorry NY friends--I have helped numerous transferees from NY and they all concur that our taxes are far less than those which they had been used to paying in New York)!

 

No Exit from Charlotte NCThe City of Charlotte and the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce are both working towards a more appealing business climate here in Charlotte.  Charlotte has always been ahead of the curve with small and large business relations.  Over the last decade, Charlotte has been one of the most forward-thinking metropolitan areas in the country—and that is expected to continue with our new leadership.

 

So, no, I don't think Bank of America headquarters is moving anywhere, anytime soon! 

 

Just my humble opinion!

Debe in Charlotte   



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Tax Credit Bill Signed, Sealed and Delivered

Tax Credit Bill Signed, Sealed and Delivered

Federal Tax CreditOn Friday, November 6, 2009, President Obama signed  a bill which will extend the $8000 tax credit for *qualifying first-time home buyers through June 2010.   First time home buyers will receive the $8,000 Federal tax credit if they:

1.  Sign a contract by April 30, 2010
2.  Close on the home by June 30, 2010.  

The new bill will also provide a $6,500 credit  for current  homeowners who purchase a new primary residence, and have lived in their current home for at least five of the previous 8 years.

*The bill has a few provisions including:

  • Single tax filers who earn up to $125,000 are eligible for the total credit amount. Those who earn more than this cap can receive a partial credit. However, single filers who earn $145,000 and above are ineligible.
  • Joint tax filers who earn up to $225,000 are eligible for the total credit amount. Those who earn more than this cap can receive a partial credit. However, joint filers who earn $245,000 and above are ineligible.

Click here for the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Form.  

Begin your search for homes in Charlotte NC.  Happy house hunting!

Debe in Charlotte   



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