charlotte nc real estate: Buying a Charlotte Opportunity and Helping Yourself at the Same Time
- 04/05/09 08:42 AM
Times are tough. Rent seems harder to pay and the tax man keeps eating your lunch.
Fortunately, you have the anticipation of your tax rebate coming. But getting ahead seems unattainable for now.
This tale may be too familiar to many.
But one thing that can help forward momentum, is for you to stop the tax man from eating your lunch.
Mortgage interest deduction is a key part.
Not only can you deduct all of your mortgage interest, But now you can get an additional TAX CREDIT of $8,000.
This is truly a significant way to begin your road … (1 comments)
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charlotte nc real estate: Charlotte is ripe (and Right) for the pickin'
- 04/03/09 02:38 PM
Home prices here are near or at the bottom. And they are ripe for the picking.
Investors are snatching up bargains here in Charlotte as they fall from the tree. They are happening in your town too. Why let investors have all the goodies.
All areas here have bargains to be found. From Lake Norman to Lake Wylie, Huntersville to Ballantyne, and Fort Mill to Matthews. Additionally the Uptown and NODA bargains are increasingly available. So you want a Myers Park Bargain? Well they are here too. But a couple of secrets...
You need a PRE-AUTHORIZATION not a "pre qualification" … (5 comments)
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charlotte nc real estate: There is some Monopoly Money out there for the taking.
- 04/03/09 08:14 AM
Look I don't really know where this money is coming from, For sure taxpayers. But who cares ?
Even if its monopoly money, it spends like greenbacks and it's available in a credit for first time home buyers.
So anyone , Anywhere, and hopefully here in Charlotte, who is thinking of buying a home for the first time, Get it now so you can get your FREE money. It's $8,000. It's available in the form of a credit toward your tax liability.
The stipulations are pretty straight foward. If you are single and make less than $75K you get $8K. … (6 comments)
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charlotte nc real estate: When you Win.....Tales from the Winner
- 04/02/09 11:31 AM
You win when you choose a solid agent to represent you.
You win because with your new found protagonist, you will have a better footing concerning caveat emptor ( buyer beware).
Your agency keeps your interests at front (not the rear).
You win because you are represented by a professional. Not a friend or family member's advice (unless they are a Realtor).
But you mainly win because you made a conscience decision that you would not do this alone.
Face it, without professional representation you risk more than you know.
Here in Charlotte , as in all cities and towns, great … (1 comments)
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charlotte nc real estate: Scattered Pictures ...The pursuit of Art
- 03/30/09 05:05 AM
After years of experimenting, without critical acclaim, I have given up on deciding picture placement in our house.
I have a scientific approach. Hers is artistic.
Mine is somewhat mathematical requiring a measuring tape, a level, and a pencil.
Hers is all eye and study with mumblings of Balance.
My empathy to all who are, or have been involved, in the picture hanging process.
I know my exposure to this process here in Charlotte, N.C. is not unique.
See, the beauty of my wife's method is that I get to hold the pictures (for long periods of time),
Until it's "just … (9 comments)
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charlotte nc real estate: Priceless Charlotte Homes
- 03/29/09 08:39 AM
Priceless Homes in Charlotte indeed. They're everywhere ! I was on one of my missions yesterday and found quite a few homes were in the priceless category. Many were priced less than they were just a few months ago. And a couple were in need of a lesser price. Many of these priceless gems were great deals. Hope they last until my buyers arrive next weekend.
Never have I seen a better market for Buyers. So, I am dedicating this post to all buyers out there waiting to time this market.
It's TIME. Time to scoop up these gems … (4 comments)
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charlotte nc real estate: Casual Friday
- 03/27/09 07:54 AM
After putting on my gorilla suit this morning I realized I had forgotten something.
what was it?
Oh yeah, this is casual Friday.
Well I'm already dressed. I know what I'll do , I'll just act very casual today.
But then that little voice sprang up in my head and told me not to casually go about my business.
This is a tough market and I have to take all of this very seriously... So seriously, that smiling is frowned upon. Good, It's raining outside. Just the damper I need.
I was getting ready to leave the house, when I thought … (13 comments)
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charlotte nc real estate: Polluting your waters will kill the fishing
- 03/25/09 06:36 AM
For all those frustrated, a fishing analogy that helps me.
If you placed all your lines in the water and still are waiting for a bite, a few things may be going on.
Are you screaming at the fish to hurry-up and bite? This method works poorly.
Are you fishing near the waste water treatment plant? Not many fish there, but on the odd chance you catch one, what are you going to do with it?
If you haven't been fishing in polluted waters, but still are waiting for bites, you are … (12 comments)
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charlotte nc real estate: I had an odd notion that Elvis was in the building
- 03/24/09 12:34 PM
Well they looked like royalty. Peanut butter and banana sandwiches aside.
They strolled through the place, talking of renovating the mansion. I asked if they were interested..... They gave "the nod".
And when they exited the building they said they wanted to think about it.
My mind raced. The mansion was at hand. My Elvis lip started to quiver.
The next day they came back with a 30% off list price offer saying they were firm. No logic would dissuade them.
The lead balloon sent to the the sellers bounced off the front door. Impasse with no flexibility. But … (21 comments)
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charlotte nc real estate: Hello FEDEX !
- 03/24/09 07:10 AM
In the wake of grim economic news, a flashlight of hope has risen. FEDEX has decided to open a distribution center right on the SC/NC border just minutes south of Charlotte.
The area is called Lakemont and FEDEX is planning on opening a 112,000 sqft facility in October. They are planning on 22 full time positions, 84 part-time positions, and to include nearly 100 jobs for independent contractors.
If you are interested in job opportunities go to www.fedex.com/careers
My wife Jane has helped many FEDEX relocations to the Charlotte area. And we look forward to helping the new wave of … (0 comments)
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charlotte nc real estate: The Importance of Being Earnest (with the money of course)
- 03/21/09 01:16 AM
How much earnest money should we put down with the offer?
Isn't that always a fun conundrum. 1%, 2%, %%%, none, or an option. What is the right answer?
The right answer is basically dominated by local custom. Sounds quaint doesn't it?
The buyer always asks " what if the deal goes bad...can I get my money back?"
This is where it becomes important that the buyers (at least here in N.C.) become earnest.
They have to be earnest in fulfilling the contract for all their obligations. There are rarely few exceptions.
I tell them "And even if you … (4 comments)
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charlotte nc real estate: Moving - A very public exposure
- 03/16/09 03:03 AM
We had too much stuff
A couple weeks prior to moving you stage a garage sale and expose your "stuff" to the enquireing public.
People mull over your past choices and reward your decisions with meager offers. Most likely you accept the offer and watch a once precious item scurry off in the clasp of a stranger. This process continues until all is gone or any offer at all is accepted.
Most of the people who come by are neighbors. Common questions arise:
Why are you selling your "stuff"?
You respond ...We're moving. Then the ambigious and gossipy question follows: Why? … (4 comments)
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charlotte nc real estate: Old Dogs and Children.....maybe some older people too
- 03/08/09 01:44 PM
I remember when we got him. I still picture the kids wide eyed with excitement as he arrived.
Everybody claimed him. He made the rounds. Buddies oohed with jealousy and clamored to their parents for their own.
Sleep overs in various bedrooms were the rage
(and sometimes arguments).
The kids grew older, found other hormonal and economic interests, and thankfully moved on.
But he didn't.
He searched for a while, looking for the remnants of his youth, but found the same old food bearers.
He still alerts us about potential danger with every ring of the door bell, and still … (11 comments)
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charlotte nc real estate: Wachovia Golf Championship is renamed by Wells Fargo to The Quail Hollow Championship
- 03/07/09 12:28 PM
This is not surprising in that Wells Fargo now owns Wachovia.
What is surprising is that Wells Fargo does not want their name advertised as the sponsor.
But, They Are the sponsor, and Wells will continue to be the sponsor for years to come due to contractual obligations.
Banks have been so demonized that they seem afraid of their own shadows.
I understand TARP funds are the major reason Wells is trying to stay under the radar. But not to name the tournament that you sponsor after yourself is very new stuff.
The tournament has been a bright spot … (2 comments)
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charlotte nc real estate: A Slow Driving Day In Charlotte - Snow arrives
- 03/02/09 02:27 AM
Well we got our latest blast
It Looks pretty. The trees and shrubs are covered in tranquility.
And as usual, Charlotte has virtually shut down much to the chagrin to the recent transplants from up north.
We just don't get that much snow and don't have the amount of equipment many northern cities have.
But this is not a bad thing. Our snows here are usually completely gone in a couple days. It's expected that temperatures will rise to the 70's by this weekend.
Yea! maybe I could use my hammock again.
I may venture out this afternoon to … (0 comments)
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charlotte nc real estate: Time for a SNOW DAY in Charlotte NC
- 03/01/09 03:00 AM
We rarely get significant snows here. Sun and mild weather is the rule here. And we are not very well equipped to deal with any measurable amounts. So we here in Charlotte do the next best thing. We just shut down.
Two flakes and school is out. Panic hits the supermarkets as a run on milk and bread spreads even to the convenience stores. Everyone builds a mini snowman on their front yard. Two days later all the evidence is gone.
Today and tomorrow is a Snow Day.
Hopefully it will be our last of the year.
www.HomesByCross.com Your … (2 comments)
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charlotte nc real estate: Endeavor to Persevere
- 02/28/09 06:47 AM
"They said "you boys look great all dressed up. May you Endeavor to Persevere." "We thought about it for a while and we went home and declared war" ...Chief Dan George
I don't want to endeavor just to persevere. I want to flourish. Just hanging on is not an option.
So I am declaring war on malaise. Spring market is upon us and it's time to get rolling. The pump is primed, the juices are flowing, and I'm willing, ready, and able. This is the time to buy. I have 8,000 reasons for renters to take charge of … (1 comments)
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charlotte nc real estate: The MIDAS Touch Never Stays Glued To Your Fingertips
- 02/26/09 02:38 PM
You know the old tale...The Midas Touch..."everything turns to gold upon his touch'.
There was a time in our business when Unicorns were still possible.
When the purpose of clients was to be closed.
When problem clients, hollowed out and troubled with FICO scores, were puffed by mortgage brokers in green lizard silence, while straddling thick banking branches far above and away from the softening effects of civilization.
And it was during that summer, which may have never been at all, but which has become more real than the one that was, the midas touch … (3 comments)
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charlotte nc real estate: MARDI GRAS - Cheers
- 02/24/09 05:04 AM
Good News is worth Celebrating.
Besides the conjured images of a big party in the BIG EASY, Mardi Gras gives me something to smile about. My winters always have endings.
Every year it marks the beginning of our Spring Market here in Charlotte and other areas of the country. Buyers and Sellers emerge from hibernation to begin anew.
Hopefully the ground hog's prediction of a longer winter proves him a rat after all. My daffodils have sprung. My systems are ready and so am I.
Although what follows Mardi Gras is supposed to be fasting, in a business sense my fast is over.
… (6 comments)
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charlotte nc real estate: What Color Should My Job Be if It's not GREEN
- 02/23/09 04:59 AM
I am growing weary. I don't own a house that's organic or green.
I have a Beige house with black shutters.
Today I find out that the stimulus package will go to the creation of GREEN Jobs. So if I don't have a green job, what's the next best color?
I'm thankful Washington color codes everything for me. Today the security threat level is Yellow. I think that's ok, but I'm not sure because the colors change. Come to think of it, I've got a slight case of the blues right now because of this economic situation. I know that's not … (4 comments)
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