The UPside of the DOWNturn The UPside of the DOWNturn Real estate is certainly a cyclical and everchanging business!  Lately, not only those who have been in the business for a short period of time, but those in it for years now, have experienced the roller coaster ride of the downturn in the economy.  As the nation began reeling from crumbling markets, Charlotte was one of just a couple who were still standing strong.  November, 2008 brings a slightly different picture for those of us in Charlotte, who thought 6 months ago that we were immune to the downturning economic environment.  We have just realized our worst month (October) in real estate (in several years now) and are looking at our statistics more closely now than ever before. Oftentimes in the past, we didn't even have time ... 11/21/2008

  It's Certainly About Time! Finally, someone has realized that our homeowners need help. For months we've witnessed huge bailouts for corporations in effort to boost the American economy. However, at the same time, millions (and note I said millions) of homeowners have lost their homes. Some even took the necessary steps and contacted their lenders in attempts to try to establish a work-out plan and get them back on track with their mortgage payments only to be turned away and/or discouraged. Who will help bailout our homeowners? This is a questions I often ponder as I witness firsthand the surge in foreclosures and short sales---superseding the actual numbers of new construction and regular listings available. Often when the question is raised in the media, the responses are centered ... 11/20/2008

Things to do this week in Charlotte NC (NOV 16 - 22, 2008) Things to do this week in Charlotte NC (NOV 16 - 22, 2008) As always, there is plenty of things to do this week in Charlotte NC!  Below are just a few of them.  Stay tuned for more 'things to do' in Charlotte NC. Click on the links below or visit www.LetsTalkCharlotte.com and search keywords "Things to do in Charlotte NC."  You'll find SO much to do here in Charlotte.                                                                                           11/20/2008 Trans-Siberian Orchestra Time Warner Cable Arena One of the biggest arena attractions in rock music, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO), will once again present their unforgettable show this holiday season.  The tour, according to Billboard Magazine, is the #2 amon... 11/20/2008

Free Public Home Staging Seminar conducted by CIRC (Charlotte International Association of Home Staging Professionals Regional Chapter) Tues. Nov. 25, 2008  7-8 p.m. Steele Creek Public Library Community Room, 13620 Steele Creek Rd., Charlotte, NC  28273 Learn the history of home staging and how it is proven to sell homes faster and for more money.  Hear tips and suggestions for preparing homes for sale while viewing before & after pictures Understand the significance of home staging training, education and ethics Learn what to ask before hiring a home stager. info/reservation: Joan Inglis, Accredited Staging Professional Master, President CIRC homestaging@comporium.net    803 628-8053   11/19/2008

Wellington is a desirable neighborhood in north Charlotte with many homes boasting large, private wooded lots.  Mature trees can be found throughout this popular area for families. to see Wellington real estate currently for sale in Charlotte. Homes in this subdivision tend to range from $115,000 to $240,000. Therefore, with Terra Vista Realty’s 1.5% cash rebate, we can pay you from about $1,700 to $3,600 to buy a house in Wellington through us. Houses in this neighborhood generally range from about 1400 to 2900 square feet. Below is additional information on Wellington in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina... Neighborhood Amenities: Playground,Pool,Recreation Area,Tennis Courts,Walking Trails Approximate Lot Sizes: 0.25 - 0.899 acres Builders: Centex Homes, Crosland, John Crosland Home... 11/19/2008

If you're looking for a home in Planters Walk, you'll find a charming neighborhood with a variety of homes suited to your needs.  Whether you are looking for a ranch, 2-story or 3-story home, Planters Walk offers a convenient location and community features such as a pool, playground and walking trails. to see Planters Walk real estate currently for sale in Charlotte. Homes in this subdivision tend to range from $122,000 to $230,000. Therefore, with Terra Vista Realty’s 1.5% cash rebate, we can pay you from about $1,800 to $3,500 to buy a house in Planters Walk through us. Houses in this neighborhood generally range from about 1100 to 3200 square feet. Below is additional information on Planters Walk in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina... Approximate Lot Sizes: 0.13 - 0.342 acres Buil... 11/19/2008

The real estate process can be extremely complicated, and there are many issues to consider when you begin the process of selling your home. Some of these areas are:· Contracts - Understanding the ins and outs of real estate contracts in the Charlotte region requires significant experience. Making mistakes in your contracts can lead to financial liability even after you close the deal. · Marketing - The way people find information when they are looking for a new home are changing. More than 80% of perspective buyers will begin their searches on the Internet. I offer buyers access to all listings online, and I'm familiar with the best ways to market your home through these new venues as well as through traditional approaches.· Market Valuation - Understanding what your home is really wor... 11/19/2008

In a not-so-surprising game on Sunday, the Carolina Panthers beat the Detroit Lions in Charlotte NC. The Panthers are 8-2 while the Lions are stuck at 0-10.   However, the game wasn't as clear cut as it seems.  Detroit came out swinging and scored two touchdowns early.  I was actually scared for a few mintues.  I also forgot that Daunte Culpepper, the Lion's quarterback is a huge guy, that isn't easily tackled.  The program said he weighs 260, but he could weigh more.   Despite the cold weather, the stadium was far from empty.  It's even more surprising that the stadium filled up because of the opponent.  One of the reasons may be the new light rail line that drops fans off about three blocks from the stadium.  Tailgating is still fun and easy, but some fans, especially those young kids... 11/18/2008

The Charlotte Real Estate market is unique in many ways.  First you must realize that Charlotte is still in a growth mode unlike most other Real Estate markets which are mature.  Since Charlotte is still in growth mode there are numerous new subdivisions recently established.  As the sub prime loan market was in full bloom, many of the neighborhoods were based on this superficial housing market.  There are neighborhoods that have a large ratio of sub prime loans.  The end result of these "new home" neighborhoods are multiple foreclosures.  Now this rule does not apply to all new neighborhoods. The new neighborhoods that are concerns are the "starter homes" that were created.  How do you recognize a "starter home" neighborhood?  These neighborhoods are represented by the least expensive ... 11/16/2008

What's YOUR Credit Score? What's YOUR Credit Score? Do you KNOW the importance of having an accurate report and a good credit score but, don't have any idea what your credit score is, nor what is on your report? If you're a buyer, sitting on the fence and afraid to make that jump into the homebuying process, why not check your own credit?   A good credit report and high credit score gives you the power to negotiate a better interest rate on your loan. Even those in search of a job or a lease have their credit report pulled--why not be aware of what is on the report so that you can be certain that there are no errors on the report;?  This way, when you do apply for a job, lease or a new mortgage, your credit report will be in shape-- you'll KNOW what is on it and you'll know your score! ... 11/16/2008

The very fact that those are the words of an eleven year old young man should cut us to the bone and inspire each of us to do something to end the scourge of cancer. Brenden Foster age eleven is dying of leukemia and yet you'd be amazed to hear what is on HIS mind.     It will be very hard to watch this video and not cry ~ so it's OK ~ but Brenden would want that to be the end of the tears. Brenden is spending his last days doing some good for others - what will we do with our days? 11/15/2008

One of the advantages of Charlotte NC Real Estate is its proximity to big city amenities.  There are tons of professional sporting events to keep you entertained.  Just choose the one you like.  Charlotte has made significant investment in its sporting infrastructure in the past fifteen years.  The city has seen two major construction projects go up in uptown Charlotte.  Panthers stadium is one.  Time Warner Cable arena is the other.  This Colosseum is home to the Charlotte Bobcats, a relatively new NBA franchise that started up after the Charlotte Hornets left town. With five losses this early in the season, the Bobcats aren't really coming out strong.  They have three regular season wins and five regluar season losses so far.  Orlando has six regular season wins and three losses.  I c... 11/15/2008

Right near the heart of Charlotte NC, lies one of the most dynamic neighborhoods in the Charlotte NC real estate zone.  The South End has become one of the hippest places to find a home.  The South End neighborhood in Charlotte NC has real estate that is not like other real estate in Charlotte.  Instead of suburban living, South End offers all of the fun and life of city living.  Lofts have been created from old cotton warehouses and a new rail line adds accessibility to this neighborhood which is growing in popularity.  Amos's South End is one of the signature businesses in the area.  It is a nightclub that draws a mixture of national music acts and bands that cover the music of bands that no longer tour.  This month, Amos' South End hosts Abbey Road, a band that pays tribute to the Be... 11/15/2008

Charlotte NC--Myers Park Myers Park, the crown jewel of the Queen City (Charlotte NC), is nearing her 100th birthday!  Shortly after the turn of the century, George Stephens and John Springs Myers initiated a relationship with a developer, John Nolen of Massachusetts.  Nolen, a graduate of Harvard University, became famous for his urban planning following his design of 21 cities, 22 new towns and hundreds of small neighborhood projects.  How fortunate for the city of Charlotte that these men forged such a productive relationship! The Myers Park community was planned, using 1,200 acres, in 1911. George Stephens directed the development, with Myers Park soon becoming the destination for affluent families in Charlotte.  The varied but, traditional architecture surrounded by immaculate land... 11/15/2008

Buy Now in Charlotte! Prices are down, interest rates are still great! November 8th, 2008 categories: Market Snap   How are our sales comparing to last year?   According to the Case Shiller Price Index , Charlotte is the 2nd to lowest in price decline on homes compared to the rest of the US over last year.  We averaged 2.8% overall decline for our area, while Phoenix, AR is the highest at 30.7% decline.    So we decided to do a random check of price comparisons in neighborhoods in South Charlotte and came up with very interesting results.  The only common denominator was the average days on market.  In each area we are seeing a significantly longer time on market over the same time as last year.  For our comparison we checked homes sold from July 1 to November 1, 2007 versus 2008.   Mad... 11/15/2008

I'm ready to retire, aren't I? November 11th, 2008 categories: Real Estate Grind We are all too well aware of the challenges facing our personal finances whether we are saving for retirement or buying our first home here in Charlotte. Jeff Karp has helped Rhonda with her finances for several years becoming a trusted adviser... and a friend! We have asked Jeff and his colleague Jeffrey Kendall to give us some insight on personal financial issues ~ and we hope Jeff will soon share his recent experience renovating a historic preservation home in Mooresville. Please feel free to contact Jeff directly to see if his style is suitable to your needs ~ and of course enjoy his thoughts on everything financial. Prepare for the Realities of Retirement | Jeff Karp and Jeffrey Kendall Make sure you c... 11/15/2008

Long tailed cats, rockers & mortgage bankers...Oh My! November 13th, 2008 categories: Real Estate Grind Sometimes I think Terry Stutts of Myers Park Mortgage must feel like a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs ~ things are moving, changing position and his (our) tail is constantly trying to avoid the pinch! While all the news may seem bad the truth is their are some real opportunities for savvy and first time Charlotte home buyers alike. And YES you can get a mortgage ~ in fact in some cases you're better off than before the mortgage meltdown! Here is Terry with some very interesting and timely information on changing FHA requirements... "There are some changes (what a surprise in today's mortgage industry) coming to FHA loans that you should know about. These changes will... 11/15/2008

FALL IN LOVE WITH STEELE CREEK: CONVENIENCE AND COASTERS ABOUND November 15th, 2008 categories: Market Snap, Real Estate Grind  The beautiful autumn leaves and the crisp morning air mean that fall has come to Charlotte.  Are you looking for a Charlotte community with the convenience of shopping, dining, theme parks, and easy access to the major highways so that you have time to enjoy this great autumn weather?  You should check out the lower Steele Creek community in southwest Charlotte.    Housing prices in the lower Steele Creek area are affordable considering all the amenities in the area.  The homes in the area are a mix of older, established single-family homes, town homes, and new construction.  The average home price in the lower Steele Creek area is $213,985.        The River Ga... 11/15/2008

Would you enjoy the luxury of working and playing within minutes of each other?  Would you enjoy a relatively short commute to your office rather than having to fight the Uptown traffic?  These dreams can be your reality if you live in SouthPark, a mixed-use upscale community in South Charlotte.  The SouthPark community is near the intersection of Sharon Road and Fairview Road about five miles from Uptown Charlotte.   SouthPark is a diverse mix of high-rise condos, town homes, and single-family homes.  The housing choices are varied limited only by your budget.  Homes range in price from the low $100s to over $6 million.  The average home price in SouthPark in September 2008 was $481,749.80.  The average home price in SouthPark in October 2008 was $435,910.80.  Thus, home prices appear ... 11/15/2008

We have a wonderful home avaible for rent to own in the Eagle Ridge subdivision in Charlotte, North Carolina near Harris blvd where sugar creek runs into Eastfield.  This nice home has 2200 heated sq/ft 3 bedrooms 2 and 1/2 baths and a 2 car garage.  The rent to own payments are only $1,350 which is a smoking deal for the area.  Deposit is negotiable. Call 704-953-6366 for this rent to own home in Charlotte North Carolina.  or go to our website and look for homes available for rent to own http://charlottesbargainhouses.com/available_homes.htm . 11/15/2008