Memorial Day...A Rememberance - 05/30/11 07:36 AM
Today marks the day we honor our fallen soldiers and countrymen who gave their livves so that we enjoy the freedoms and liberties we have today. Graves throughout the country today will be honored with an amercican flag honoring those men and women who gave so much for us. Parts fo the country does parades honoring our fallen....
I write this I reflect on history and my life. I served in the Army during the Persian gullf crisis. There was a thought when we first were told about the mission and deployed that we may never come back. Yet, as one … (1 comments)

Do Photos Really Matter When Selling A Home? - 05/29/11 01:38 PM
Does the picture your Realtor takes of a house and subsequent photos of the house make a difference in getting your home sold? This photo is from a listing that did not sell and the seller could not figure why they had no showings.For the record, there were a total of five photos and this might have been the best one. The reason I say this is becuase when they called me after their house did not sell and their listing agreement was up; they wanted to know why. I had sold two other homes in this neighborhood for more money … (3 comments)

Charlotte, NC. Among Top 10 places To Live For College Graduates - 05/28/11 09:50 AM
I read an interesting article on Kiplinger's website the other day. It ranked the top ten places for college graduates to move to or live after graduation. Charlotte, NC. made the list and is the only city in North Carolina to make the list. It speaks volumes to the diversification that Charlotte has in industry.
Charlotte has always been known for it's banking industry. With it beign the second largest banking capital in the country to New York it brings a lot of young professionals to Charlotte looking for a careeer in the banking industry. But Charlotte economic development has done … (0 comments)

Charlotte Area Home Prices Post Largest Gain Among Major Metro Areas - 05/24/11 08:03 AM
A couple of weeks ago the national association of Realtors posted an article talking about housing pirces for the major metropolitian areas. In there article they looked at the major metro areas that had the largest increases in home prices as well as the ones that had the lowest or depreciated in home prices.
The statistics showed that Charlotte north Carolina region had the largest gain in home prices for the first quarter as compared to the same period last year. That is a postivie sign in these economic times. With a 12.3% increase in median home prices the trend is showing … (1 comments)

Pricing Your Charlotte Home To Sell Critical Today - 05/23/11 06:52 AM
We all know the phrase that price sells anything.  Well in this housing market that may be more true.  Price is definitely a large factor in what people will look at and pay for a home. If your Charlotte home hs been on the market for any period of time and not sold there can be certain reasons as to why.  Generally price is the number one reason.  A few things people tend to forget when pricing a home is what the market will pay for your home.  This is definitely a  market right now that favors the buyer.  Will buyers in the … (1 comments)

Buying A Home Today..Does Your Realtor Show You Comparable Sales? - 05/21/11 10:24 AM
I was unsure whether to write this blog post or not initally...Then after some thought and talking with a few recent buyers who purchased homes with me I decided I should.  When you find that house/townhome you want to make home; is your Realtor showing you what the comaprable properties sold for?In this market; buyers are looking longer for a house. The choices availble to them is great and they want to be sure they are making the right descsion. All right reasons when searching for a home.  One thing that eludes me is why a Realtor may tell them initally that … (3 comments)

Buying A Bank Owned Home...Is It Eligible For The Financing You Need? - 05/18/11 09:36 AM
If we listen to everything we read or hear on the news we are told to look for a bank owned property.  The news would like you to beleive the banks are giving these homes away at substantially below market value prices.  While in some cases this may be true;  it does not necessarily always hold true.  And when the home is priced low is the bank willing to do the necessary repairs to meet the requirements of certain types of financing?   The bansk are not in the real estate business to buy and sell homes. They prefer to not have to foreclose … (1 comments)

NoDa--The Arts Distrcit Charlotte, NC. Market Report May 2011 - 05/17/11 11:23 AM
NoDa or also known as the Arts District is a suburb of uptown Charlotte.  Conviently located 2 miles from uptown it is home to art galleries and various southern cuisine restaurants.  People love living here for the old world charm it still has.  An old textile mill area NoDa is a thriving area of Charlotte.  below is the market trends over the past three years for the area:3 years ago there was 48 homes that sold for an average of $258,288.  They were on the market for an average of 65 days.2 years ago there were 36 homes that sold for an average … (0 comments)

Market Report: University Area Charlotte, NC. May 2011 - 05/16/11 08:23 AM
The University area of Charlotte is the area around the University of North Carolina Charlotte.  Located in the northeastern end of Charlotte. A popular destination for young professionals and families.  The area encompasses  from  Interstate 85 south to rocky river road and west to W.T. Harris Blvd and east to Cabarrus county line.  All the homes in that area are within a five to ten minute ride of the Unviersity.Below are the market statitistics for the past three years for single family homes in that area from May 1st throguh April 30th.3 years ago there were 379 homes sold for an average sale … (0 comments)

How Is The Housing Market To Buy In Charlotte? - 05/13/11 09:45 AM
As A Realtor in the Charlotte, NC. area I am asked this question quite often...."Is this a good time to buy a home in the Charlotte area?"  The answer always is the same....It depends on your current situation. The one thing that remains constant is the media and the press have done a wonderful job of confusing us as to what the housing market is doing.There are days, I feel, that I might have a better percentage of playing slots and hitting the jackpot than trying to figure out what the media is saying the market is doing. It came even more to light … (0 comments)

Why The Least Expensive House Is Not Always The Best Deal - 05/12/11 08:33 AM
We all can agree on one thing when it comes to looking for a home in this market....we want to buy the house for the least amount of money that gives us the greatest value for our dollar.  But,  is buying the least exepnsive home always the best deal for you?I,for one, love shopping for bargains. I have been accused of waiting for a sale to buy something unless it is an absolute need. I did that with the last home I purchased as well. But, is buying the cheapest home always the best deal for you? There are some variables that you … (1 comments)

Crestdale Crossing Matthews, NC. 28105: Market Report May 2011 - 05/11/11 07:51 AM
Crestdale Crossing is a quaint 110 single family home subdivison located in Matthews, NC. 28105 just outside of the center of town. This quiet community was built in 2002-2003. It's convient location to the highways, great schools and family like atmosphere make it a popular destination among familes and empty nesters. Below is the the market trend for the past three years from may 1st to April 30th for Crestdale crossing:3 years ago there were 7 homes that sold for an average of $126,557.  they were on the market for an average of 17 days.2 years ago there were 4 homes that sold for an average sale … (0 comments)

New Listing: 10024 fairlea Drive Charlotte, NC. 28269 - 05/09/11 08:06 AM

Welcome to this three bedroom, 2 full bath ranch home located in the Mallard creek area of Charlotte.  This home features over 1700+ square feet of living space and is priced at only $150,000.  The home has gone a major transformation in the past year and it clearly shows throguhout the hosue.The exterior and interior of the house has been professionally painted last year. In addition to the painting there was a  brand new roof installed with a 30 year warranty that is transferrable to the new owner.When you walk into this spacious ranch you will instantly notice the cathedrial ceiling … (1 comments)

Purchased A Home...Follow These 8 Steps For A Smooth Closing - 05/06/11 09:47 AM
You and the seller have agreed upon a price for the house you want to buy.  What do you do next?  This is the part of the transaction that most people feel is the easiest part yet can be the most difficult part.  There are steps to be taken to ensure you have a smooth closing.First,  as soon as you and the seller sign the offer to purchase with the agreed upon terms contact your mortgage broker.  Your mortgage broker then will need to put in the system the numbers and calculate out yoru monthly payment with the taxes.Second,  find out … (1 comments)

Buying A Home...Follow These 12 Steps - 05/05/11 09:01 AM
Today there are a lot of people out there considering buying a home. With good reason this is a good time to think about purchasing a home....Rents are high and affordability of a home is the lowest it has been in decades.  In a lot of cases you may be able to own for what you pay currently in rent.  But the task can be overwhelming as well....So, where do you start?First, I recommend to anyone looking to buy a home; check your credit report.  All three credit bureaus will give you a free copy of your credit report once a year. Make … (0 comments)

New Listing: 9400 Lexington Circle Charlotte, NC. 28213 - 05/04/11 10:37 AM
This 3 bedroom 2.5 bath townhome located in the Village of College Downs subdivsion is in an ideal location for those working in the university area. Located just off old concord road;  it is a five minute ride to the university area.  The town home is being offered for only $54,900 and has an assumable mortgage.With almost 1200 square feet of living space; this end unit utilizes the space very well. The home has a good sized kitchen with an eating area.  Fully applainced that convey with the new owner. The refridgerator and stove were replaced less than two years ago. There is plenty of … (1 comments)

New Listing: 6206 Rockwell Blvd. W Charlotte, NC. 28269 - 05/03/11 09:00 AM
6206 Rockwell blvd. W. is a 2 story 3 bedroom 2.5 bath home located in North Charlotte area in the rockwell park subdivison.  The home has many features that make it  stand out in the price range and lcoation it is in.  Priced at only $105,000 this 1400 square foot home features a nice open floor plan.This home built in 2003 is the only 2 story home in the entire subdivison.  With it's front brick fascia the home has great appeal from the outside.  Sitting on a corner lot;  the yard is long and wide.  Eventhough it is part of a community it is … (0 comments)

Your Home Has Not Sold ...AND It Is Not Price - 05/02/11 08:46 AM
Yes, I wrote that as my headline. The truth is that everytime I get a call from an expired listing;  the first thing that comes into my head is your home did not sell becuase it was overpriced...But is that always the case?  I am actually finding out that more and more of the listings are not overpriced but under marketed or badly marketed.  Every Realtor has access to their local Listing service where we input the home and all the vital information and pictures. But, what if they are not putting in the right information?  Are they taking photos that showcase the best light of the … (2 comments)