Jim's Real Estate Blog

7 out of 10 Families That Lost Their Home to Foreclosure Never Even Picked Up The Phone to Ask For Help....DON'T BE #8...CALL ME TODAY!

Jim McGuire (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 23:39:46 -0600

7 out of 10 Families That Lost Their Home to Foreclosure Never Even Picked Up The Phone to Ask For Help....DON'T BE #8...CALL ME TODAY!

Chances are, you or someone you know in the Greater Charlotte area is facing the possibility of foreclosure. But you need to understand that you are not alone.

Today, 1 out of every 10 homeowners in America is behind on mortgage payments. These are tough and frustrating times. Now more than ever, it's important to identify your options. Foreclosure can be avoided, your credit can be saved, and your financial future can be salvaged.

Through my experience handling distressed properties at Keller Williams Realty, I've found that homeowners today have more questions than answers about their circumstances. I have created this site to help you understand the possible solutions to foreclosure, as well as provide a detailed explanation of short sales, which may be the best course of action for some homeowners.

You may also have noticed that I'm offering you a FREE Report to explain your options and help you decide on a course of action. The idea of losing a home can be overwhelming, and I feel it is vital for you to have all the facts necessary to make an informed decision.

As an agent with the CDPE® Designation, I have a strong and unique appreciation of the factors affecting the market, and know that there are options available to you.

If you would like to know more about your options, please call me at (704) 497-2224.

I am here to help ... in any way I can.

Jim McGuire

Jim McGuire Earns Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) Designation

Jim McGuire (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 08:56:12 -0600

JIM McGUIRE Earns Prestigious Designation to Help Homeowners
in Danger of Foreclosure

Charlotte, NC - 12/07/2009 - Jim McGuire of Keller Williams Realty - Ballantyne Area in Charlotte, NC has earned the prestigious Certified Distressed Property Expert^® (CDPE) designation, having completed extensive training in foreclosure avoidance, with a particular emphasis on short sales. At a time when millions of homeowners are struggling with the possibility of foreclosure, the skills and education accumulated by McGuire will help benefit the Greater Charlotte area residents and communities.

Short sales allow the distressed homeowner to repay the mortgage at the price that the home sells for, even if it is lower than what is owed on the property. With plummeting property values, this can save many people from foreclosure and even bankruptcy. More and more lenders are willing to consider short sales because they are much less costly than foreclosures.

Today, more than 13 percent of homeowners are delinquent on their mortgage or in the foreclosure process. This is occurring across all price ranges, and the fastest-growing category of homes in foreclosure is the luxury home market. McGuire says that research shows that 7 out of 10 families that lose their home to foreclosure never pick up the phone and ask for help. They are not aware that they have options. They do!

"The CDPE designation has been invaluable as I work with homeowners and lenders on complicated short sales," said McGuire. "It is so rewarding to be able to help families save their homes from foreclosure."

Alex Charfen, founder of the Distressed Property Institute in Boca Raton, Fla., said that "Realtors® such as McGuire with the CDPE designation have valuable training in short sales that can offer the homeowner much better alternatives to foreclosure, which virtually destroys their credit rating. These experts also may better understand market conditions and can help sellers through the emotional experience", he said.

The Distressed Property Institute opened in January 2008 and provides training on-site and online. The CDPE is the premier designation for Realtors helping homeowners in distress and handling short sales.

"Our goal is to help as many homeowners as possible, by educating as many real estate professionals as possible," Charfen said. "Jim McGuire has demonstrated a commitment to the struggling homeowners, and will provide much-needed assistance in stabilizing the community."

For more information about CDPE designation or to find a CDPE Realtor in your area, please call 1-800-482-0335 or visit www.cdpe.com.

Charming 3 Bedroom Ranch in Legacy Park

Jim McGuire (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 14 May 2009 17:21:27 -0500

This charming 3 bedroom ranch is a perfect starter or down-size home. Lovely landscaped walkway leads you to the Front door. Entryway to the home welcomes you into an open/spacious Great Room that features fresh paint, a vaulted ceiling w/ fan and a gas log fireplace. The Kitchen is large and Cook friendly with gas range/oven, work island, tons of counter space and cabinets. Sliding glass doors in the Breakfast Room lead you to the patio in the fully fenced back yard. Large Master suite features a vaulted ceiling w/ fan, walk-in closet with organizers & a private bathroom. Laminated Wood flooring throughout the home allows for easy homeowner maintenance - NO MORE Vacuuming!! Neutral paint through-out. Walk to the neighborhood amenities which include a Swimming Pool with Water slide, Clubhouse, Indoor Basketball Court, Walking Paths, Pond, Tennis Courts, Playground and Recreation Area. 1-year HOME WARRANTY Included! ASK us about 100% financing for this property.

VISUAL TOUR

Lovely 3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath Home in Blakeney Area of South Charlotte

Jim McGuire (Keller Williams Realty) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 20:28:13 -0500

Well maintained Blakeney area home nestled in a cul-de-sac lot on over a 1/3 acre. Fenced backyard with beautiful landscaping & plenty of privacy. A wisteria-draped pergola covers the paver-stane patio & overlooks the koi pond with waterfall. Truly an oasis! New: Trex deck, interior paint, brush-nickel doorknobs, light fixtures, carpet, water heater, smooth-top range/oven, garage door opener & front door.

Visual Tour

Patio Home in Desirable Blakeney Area of South Charlotte

Jim McGuire (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 11:42:10 -0500

Patio Home in Desirable Blakeney Area of South Charlotte

This is a wonderful 2 bedroom, end-unit patio/townhome in a very desirable location! You are walking distance from Stonecrest and Blakeney shopping areas. The home is an open floorplan model with lots of natural light. Large master bedroom with tray ceiling and sitting area. Master bath has dual sink vanity and garden tub/shower combo. Open kitchen plan w/ lots of counter space, 42' cabinets, recessed lights

CLICK HERE FOR VISUAL TOUR

Beautiful Brick Front 5 Bedroom 3 Bath Home in Legacy Park, Indian Land, SC

Jim McGuire (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 17:10:45 -0500

Beautiful Brick Front 5 Bedroom 3 Bath Home in Legacy Park, Indian Land, SC

Visual Tour

Large Brick front home w/ charming rocking chair porch on cul-de-sac lot. 2-story foyer w/ hardwood floor & dramatic chandelier. Kitchen is bright and open with 42" wood cabinets, granite counters, stainless steel appliances & eat-up breakfast bar. Sunny Breakfast area looks out to wooded backyard. Master has tray ceiling & private large bathroom w/ dual sink vanity, separate shower & garden tub. 1st floor guest suite.

4 Bedroom 2.5 Bath Home in Indian Land, SC

Jim McGuire (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 21:09:27 -0600

Wonderful home located on a cul-de-sac lot in the "north section" of Legacy Park. Nicely landscaped all around the home. Fenced backyard. You will love the oversized patio with the pergola canopy. Lots of room to spread out and enjoy the great outdoors. Wait til you see the inside of the home! Open kitchen with space to cook and move! Long breakfast bar counter. AMAZING master bathroom! Please view visual tour for more details!

VISUAL TOUR

5 Bedroom 3.5 Bath in Waxhaw, NC

Jim McGuire (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:35:01 -0600

Large brick-front home w/covered front porch in quiet neighborhood built by Ryan homes. Neutral paint allows you to easily customize your wall colors. You'll love how much living space is in this home. Ceramic tile flooring greets you in the hallway and carries into the kitchen with 42' Maple Cabintes and smooth cook-top in island. All blinds are 2' custom fitted. See virtual tour for more info.

Click here for a Visual tour.

WELCOME TO MASSEY of FORT MILL, SC

Jim McGuire (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 21:26:22 -0600

WELCOME TO MASSEY of FORT MILL, SC

Here, just south of Charlotte, is an ideal place to regain your balance and enjoy the things in life that really matter. A new master-planned community in historic Fort Mill, South Carolina, Massey is a natural enclave that provides a true respite from the day-to-day. There are so many things to do and so many places to do them in, including a beautifully appointed, 5,000 square foot expansive Residents' Club. You'll find more ways than you ever imagined to reconnect with your own family and to establish new connections with neighbors. It's a lifestyle you can't help but embrace.

So many ways to relax and rejuvenate.
For some, the best form of relaxation is a leisurely float down Massey's Lazy River Pool. For others, it's a fun filled splash with your kids in an awesome zero-entry or Junior Olympic pool. And for the rugged among us, it's a rigorous 5-mile jog along a wooded nature trail. Rejuvenation is in the mind of the individual, so we've filled Massey with a wide variety of choices:

A well-appointed, 5,000 square foot Residents' Clubhouse designed in the classic tradition
An Activities Director who organizes events, clubs, fitness classes, movie nights, residents' parties and just about anything else the residents want
A large screen theatre room where friends and neighbors can gather for a real movie theater experience right here, close to home
A fully-equipped Fitness Center
A Junior Olympic pool
A Lazy River Pool and Family Fun Pool with Tower Slide
Miles of walking, jogging and biking trails
Kayaking and fishing on the Catawba River
Bird-watching and picnicking in the Massey Nature Preserve

Click here for a Visual Tour of Ryland Homes Sterling Model.

Click here for a Visual Tour of Ryland Homes Elmcroft Model.

Are you concerned about a possible foreclosure?

Jim McGuire (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 09:23:43 -0600

I am an "HRC- Home Retention Consultant". Which means in addition to helping people buy and sell homes I have also been trained by and I am paid by mortgage servicers to work with homeowners to help them avoid foreclosure. Please let me try to help you stay in your home and to help keep the foreclosure off your credit report.

Some Foreclosure Facts and Misconceptions ..

Banks lose an average of $30,000 to $40,000 on a single foreclosure.
If your bank loses money from foreclosure they can obtain a judgment against you for the rest of their money!
Foreclosure auctions are in the papers for three weeks. Your neighbors will know!
Your credit can not be damaged worse than by having a foreclosure on your record.
"I'm so embarrassed!"
Don't be. There are hundreds of perfectly understandable reasons for situations changing that are beyond your control. Among the most common are divorce, injury, illness and prolonged unemployment. Eventually anyone's savings are going to run out!
"I'm behind on my mortgage and I don't know what to do about it!"
You're not alone. Most people do not realize just how many options there are available to avoid foreclosure. There are some basic questions you have to ask yourself.
1) Can you afford your mortgage moving forward? If the payments were slightly lower?
2) Do you have enough money to bring your mortgage current?
3) Do you owe more than your home is currently worth?

Depending on your answers to those questions you have the following options:

Repayment Plan
The option exists to arrange a repayment plan with your lender, applying a portion of your arrearage each month for a period of time, typically between eight and fifteen months. These plans usually also consist of a good will up front payment from the borrower to cover some or all of the expenses incurred such as interest and attorney's fees.

Loan Reinstatement
Pending a review of your current financial situation your bank may "forgive" that you're not current, allow you to pay some or all of the arrearage, and reinstate your loan.

Loan Modification
Pending a review of your current financial situation your bank may be willing to "forgive" some of your arrearages, put the balance at the end of your loan, or even possibly lower your interest rate - making your monthly payments lower.

Re-Finance
Depending on your current financial situation and your credit history you may be able to qualify for a new loan. There are many options available even for people with bad credit and low credit scores.

Pre-Sale / Short Sale
Lastly, if you can not afford to make your monthly payments any longer you may need to sell your home to prevent foreclosure. This much may be obvious, but what most people don't realize is that it is usually extremely costly for banks to foreclose. If you owe more than your house is worth you still have the option to sell to prevent foreclosure. Most banks are willing to write off a loss on your loan. Why? Because on top of all of the attorneys fees, auctioneer's fees, property maintenance and clean-up costs, losses due to damage,.. and the list goes on - they're still not going to be able to sell the property for any more than you will be able to. Please read below for more information as to why it is critical to have help from someone who is familiar with this process.

"Why do I need YOUR help? Can't any real estate agent help me?"
It's true, there are many real estate agents who have done "short sales" before. However, I have one major advantage over most every agent in the states of North and South Carolina. I work with a company called Titanium Solutions who pioneered an industry called "Loss Mitigation". They actually have banks pay them, and in turn pay their local agents, to go knock on a borrower's door who is in default, simply to let them know that we want to help them. Titanium Solutions offers all of their local agents special training in how to work with banks to not only get short sales approved, but also to assist with all of the other foreclosure avoidance methods. This also means that I have "back door" access to many of the largest mortgage lenders. I don't know of many other agents in the area that work with Titanium Solutions, so they don't have this type of access or training!

"I called my bank already hoping to work out something with them and they just told me to wait for the foreclosure notice!"
I realize that sometimes the banking industry seems like the big bad wolf, but please realize that they are in the business of making money. Even if you are trying to work with your loan servicer on a workout they cannot afford to take the risk to stop their collection / foreclosure process UNTIL the workout is complete. That being said, every servicer I've spoken with at the highest levels of management have said that they're working very hard to educate their own staff on better ways to manage their calls. The last thing they want to do is alienate their borrowers. Believe it or not, the person on the other end of the phone is human too, and they're just trying to do their job.

"Don't you only make money if you sell my house. Why should I call you?"
Yes, while it's true I only make money if I sell a house (unless I'm working on a loss mitigation assignment), I would still like to try and help you stop your foreclosure. It is my hope that if I can help you out you will remember me, refer people to us, and when you're back on your feet and ready for that upgrade (or downsizing) you will call on me.

PLEASE DON'T BE EMBARRASSED TO ASK FOR HELP. EVEN IF YOU ARE IN CONTACT WITH YOUR BANK ALREADY, IF YOU ARE HAVING TROUBLES WORKING WITH THEM I WOULD LIKE TO HELP YOU. CALL ME or EMAIL ME NOW FOR A FREE CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION.

North Carolina has the Lowest Mortgage Closing Costs!

Jim McGuire (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:13:36 -0500

According to a study conducted by Bankrate, Inc. North Carolina has the lowest mortgage closing costs in the country!

The average closing cost for a $200,000 mortgage in North Carolina is $2,650. The national average is $3,118.

Despite a weak housing market, the national average closing cost has increased 14 percent from $2,736 in 2007.

New York leads the nation with average closing fees of $4,016.

Bankrate says that, the higher fees can be attributed to lenders asking appraisers to do more time-consuming work. During the housing boom, the company notes, many lenders preferred appraisers who did the job quickly and inexpensively.

The study that Bankrate conducted in June and July was completed by obtaining four to nine good-faith estimates from the Web sites of lenders. Researchers selected ZIP codes in some of the largest cities in each state and requested information on the closing costs from a $200,000 loan.

They requested fees on a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage for a borrower with a 20 percent down payment and good credit to buy a single-family home.

The survey includes lenders' origination fees, title and settlement fees but excluded taxes and prepaid items.

An Oasis in Uptown / Downtown Charlotte, North Carolina

Jim McGuire (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 10:06:23 -0500

An oasis in Uptown Charlotte is almost here. It is the Enclave.

The Enclave is located in Uptown Charlotte in the Garden District at 710 East 7th Street. This location offers fabulous views of Uptown Charlotte as well as being only a short walk from the Bobcats arena and the rest of Uptown Charlotte, being only 5 blocks from Trade & Tryon Streets.

The Enclave is a well planned blend of luxury, convenience, detail and natural beauty. The Enclave offers one, two and three bedroom floor plans to choose from. No matter the number of bedrooms you need there are several layouts to choose from as well. The Enclave has designer kitchens with granite counter tops and stainless steel appliance. Classically designed exteriors, expansive balconies, spacious rooms, courtyard pool and outdoor fireplace, tiled baths, hardwood flooring in living areas, extensive moldings, ten-foot ceilings, secure, gated resident parking & dedicated visitor parking.

The construction at the Enclave is proceeding along at a swift pace. This photo illustrates the progress on the courtyard pool. Our first closings are scheduled for November 2007.

For more information contact Jim@JimMcGuireHomes.com or 704-497-2224

A New Residential Condo Tower Underway in Uptown (downtown) Charlotte, North Carolina (NC)

Jim McGuire (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 14:13:36 -0500

A New Residential Tower Underway in Uptown (downtown) Charlotte, North Carolina (NC)

Novare Group, http://www.novaregroup.com/ one of the leading developers of high-rise urban residential communities in the U.S., broke ground on August 29th for a beautiful new 27 story residential condominium tower, which they have named Catalyst, in the Third Ward of Uptown Charlotte. Catalyst will be situated at the corner of Church St. & Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. in Uptown Charlotte.

When completed, Catalyst will include 462 one and two bedroom homes and 20,000 square feet of street-level retail. Move ins for Catalyst are planned for spring 2009.

"Charlotte's Third Ward will become one of the premier urban neighborhoods of the Southeast," said Tony Skillbeck, president of Novare Carolinas Development. "In Catalyst, residents will have an ideal home where all the amenities they desire will be immediately accessible."

Just steps from Charlotte's major corporate hubs and entertainment centers, Catalyst will feature Novare's signature amenities - including an elevated pool and activity deck, private clubroom, a club quality fitness center, media room and video-gaming area. Additionally, Catalyst will feature extensive use of technology both in home and in the residential common areas, including a virtual art gallery in the lobby, iPod docking stations in each home and complimentary WiFi access in public areas, including the clubroom and pool deck.

Photo Tour of Uptown / Downtown Charlotte, North Carolina (NC)

Jim McGuire (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 13:18:07 -0500

Photo Tour of Uptown / Downtown Charlotte, North Carolina (NC)

If you are considering a move to the Charlotte area or if you have clients that are considering a move to the Charlotte area you may enjoy these photos of some of the sites in Uptown Charlotte.

The following link will take you on a brief photo tour of beautiful Uptown / Downtown Charlotte, North Carolina (NC). Take a moment and click the link and ENJOY the view!

Photo Tour, Click Here!

Indian Land, South Carolina is Changing!

Jim McGuire (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 16:02:12 -0500

Well, the future is upon us here in our "little" Indian Land, South Carolina!

It wasn't long ago that there were only 4-5 stop lights between downtown Indian Land and Interstate 485. Now we're looking at upwards of 8-10 in the near future. While that may be a nuisance to those of us that travel that route on a daily basis, it should be a sign of great things for Indian Land. We are on the verge, if not in the midst of tremendous growth here in Indian Land.

We have a beautiful building going up on the east side of Hwy521 thanks to the Inspiration Network. They are in the process of developing a 93 acre campus for their world headquarters, dubbed the "City of Light". http://www.insp.com/pressrelease_worldministry.asp

Wal-Mart is in the process of developing a location on the east side of Hwy 521 just south of the NC/SC border. This will surely bring additional businesses to the upper Indian Land area.

There are some new residential developments being developed all across Indian Land and the panhandle area. From the very popular Del Webb Sun City Carolina Lakes to Providence Estates to Bretagne to Edenmoor and several others in between. Is it time for you to make a move? http://www.jimsellsindianland.com/ You can stay in Indian Land and still have many choices for your new home!

New homes, new businesses, new services and yes, new stop lights are all a sign of the present and things to come in the Indian Land area.