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Are You the Right Client for A Pre-Foreclosure in Charlotte NC?

By
Real Estate Agent with Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 228209

Are You the Right Client for A Foreclosure or a Pre-Foreclosure in Charlotte NC?

Charlotte NC Homes For SaleNot everyone is the perfect candidate for a foreclosure or a pre-foreclosure (short sale) in Charlotte NC.  In today’s market, everyone seems to be searching for a ‘deal’ but, not everyone is willing to wait the process out.  We are finding that most buyers who are looking for homes right now are looking in the $100K to 200K price range.  First time homebuyers want a ‘deal.’ 

Homes for Sale Charlotte NC

 

When searching for a home that is in the low to mid $100’s and $200’s and is in foreclosure, chances are the homeowner hasn’t been maintaining the property well at all.  Buyers should expect to see stains on the carpets, dings in the walls, no appliances or even no light fixtures in the home.  Is this what you’re looking for?

A property is generally a ‘deal’ when you make it a deal—do you have the vision to see beyond the cosmetic imperfections or need for appliances or light fixtures?  If you do, you have the potential to get great equity in the property.  If you can’t see beyond the minor distress, you simply must move on. 

 

 

What to do?There are many opportunities for pre-foreclosures in the area too. These, to us, are the real deals!  These properties represent cooperation between the homeowners and the lenders/banks, which keep the property maintained and truly represent a great ‘deal.’  They even represent a better situation for the bank than a foreclosure—no need for the banks to bear the foreclosure process or the auction or the rehabbing of the property that is necessary when an angry homeowner has vacated the property, taking with them items of value and damaging the property as they leave.

Looking for the DEAL

 

The other difference—time.  If you’re willing to wait the two to four months for the short sale (pre-foreclosure) process in Charlotte NC, then you CAN find that ‘deal.’  You will most likely have instant equity in your new home and repairs or rehabilitation will likely be at a minimum—at least compared to foreclosures. 

 

Give it some thought—are you willing to see past cosmetic imperfections and spend a little money to rehab that foreclosure?  Or are you willing to wait out the short sale process?  Either way, rest assured, you’re going to get that ‘deal’ you’re looking for. 

And, if you’re a first time homebuyer, don’t forget about the $8,000 federal tax credit that is applicable now through the end of November, 2009.  Happy house hunting! 

Debe in Charlotte


About the author:

Debe Maxwell is a Charlotte Residential Real Estate Broker, Certified Neighborhood & Relocation Specialist, ABR & e-PRO who can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Charlotte NC Metro Area.  Let Debe connect you with any member of her team of relocation professionals in your destination or exit city of choice.  The destination service is of no cost to you!  The Maxwell House Group's quality service guarantee assures that you are provided unsurpassed customer service.  Debe Maxwell -- Helen Adams Realty -- 704.491.3310  Copyright© 2009 By Debe Maxwell, All Rights Reserved...**Are You the Right Client for a Pre-Foreclosure in Charlotte NC? **


Disclaimer:  All information provided by this author is strictly an opinion, is not guaranteed, may be based on information collected from several sources, which may or may not be deemed reliable at the time of researching this article and may be time sensitive.


Comments(13)

Jon Zolsky, Daytona Beach, FL
Daytona Condo Realty, 386-405-4408 - Daytona Beach, FL
Buy Daytona condos for heavenly good prices

Debe,

With sort sales if patience is not their virtue, it most probably would not work. I have seen many times how people get all excited, but this is all short lived. They just can't sit and wait. They get the feeling that while they wait they are losing opportunities.

And first time home buyers may not get the credit with short sale as it is not guaranteed that they would be able to close before December 1. So sometimes they nee to decide what is more important: buying a home for $50K less, or get a credit.

Very good post, thank you

May 28, 2009 04:56 PM
BLR Guy
BLRGUY(Beach & Luxury Realty Inc) - Saint Pete Beach, FL

not only do you need patience with a short sale....you also need the customers credit to stay intact....they can't go out and make major purchases,while waiting for that short sale to go through..or their credit changes..some do not understand that

May 28, 2009 07:44 PM
Lee & Pamela St. Peter
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices YSU Realty: (919) 645-2522 - Raleigh, NC
Making Connections to Success in Real Estate

Nice information Debe!  You are so right in that there are some deals out there but they aren't for everyone!  Did you hear about NC's MCC - I just found out (and posted) about it yesterday.  Another possible $2,000 tax credit for our 1st time home buyers!  Gotta love NC!!!

May 28, 2009 11:02 PM
Carol Smith
Casmi Photography - Mebane, NC

Sage advice, Debe.  While the general pricing on a short sale may be attractive to some, it's quite sobering when you calculate the time and money involved to make these properties habitable.  I know it can be a long road to travel after a buyer has just traveled the long and bumpy road of getting to closing.  It's not for the faint of heart.

May 28, 2009 11:42 PM
Barb Szabo, CRS
RE/MAX Above & Beyond - Cleveland, OH
E-pro Realtor, Cleveland Ohio Homes

Great advice Debe. Buyers also need to be aware that while they are waiting for that short sale to close they may just be looking a t a higher interest rate at the end.

May 28, 2009 11:56 PM
Bill Gassett
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Hopkinton, MA
Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate

Interesting how things vary in different markets. Many of the short sales here in my area are not that different condition wise than a standard sale. Many of them are priced pretty well too because the need to entice a buyer to wait for the outcome is there.

May 29, 2009 12:12 AM
Craig Rutman
Helping people in transition - Cary, NC
Raleigh, Cary, Apex area Realtor

Great informative post Debe!

Barb in comment #5 stole some of my thunder as I was going to mention that anyone looking at a short sale had better lock in a good rate because by the time a short sale typically closes, their rate can be very different from the one they started out with; especially in the volatile mortgage market.

May 29, 2009 12:55 AM
Russell Lewis
Realty Austin, Austin Texas Real Estate - Austin, TX
Broker,CLHMS,GRI

Debe, this is an excellent post for folks looking into that market segment in your area. BTW, I just read that Austin and Charlotte are #2 and #3 for cities for population growth from relocation,so you may have some new customers soon!! Check it out!

http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=19873357

I would write a post about that but I am out the door with buyers and new listings this week!

May 29, 2009 01:36 AM
Don Rogers
Keller Williams Realty Chesterfield - O'Fallon, MO
Realtor, Broker, CDPE, GRI, OnullFallon MO & St Charles County MO homes

There are many people that think that they can handle a foreclosure property but once they see what work is needed  they will walk briskly away.

May 29, 2009 02:38 AM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Debe, Great post, there are absolute deals out there right now!  I don't know if I personally could do a foreclosure but a short sale is something I would definitely persue if I were looking. 

May 29, 2009 10:36 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Hi All!  Yet another post and dash--seems to be my MO as of late!  I have had several short sale consults recently and every single one of them are cooperating with the banks and working tirelessly to get their homes sold--including updating landscaping, etc.  Short-sellers do tend to take better care of the property and are a steal for buyers!

Russell--you and me BOTH--including two AR referrals this WEEK! Thanks for the link too.

With rates going up today, Craig--I think locking in would be a great idea about NOW! 

Jon & BLR Guy--Patience, patience, patience...and that's all I've got to say about that!

 

Debe in Charlotte

May 29, 2009 04:42 PM
Gary L. Waters Broker Associate, Bucci Realty
Bucci Realty, Inc. - Melbourne, FL
Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County

Good information as it does take the right attitude (and skills) to take advantage of a distressed proeprty sale.

May 30, 2009 01:29 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Thanks Gary!  This has become far too common here--everyone is looking for that 'steal' and it can be quite challanging, that's for sure!

Debe in Charlotte

May 30, 2009 03:00 PM