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Charlotte, NC Real Estate News

By Melissa Brown, Realtor - South Charlotte NC Homes for Sale
(Helen Adams Realty)
I had a EUREKA moment yesterday when shopping at Norstrom at Southpark Mall in Charlotte, NC - I thought "What if ALL Realtors Provided Nordstrom-level customer service to ALL of their clients?"  Now THAT would quickly move us real estate agents up higher in customer approval ratings! Although I always strive to provide the best customer service as a listing agent and a buyer agent, the Nordstrom model hardly has a peer, IMHO.  If you've ever shopped at Nordstrom, I would bet that you've experienced a "Nordstrom moment."  Here's what happened to me recently: On Black Friday, my sister and I went shopping at Nordstrom.  We happily tried on clothes, enjoying each other's company as much as the shopping experience.  I finally found a pair of jeans that actually looked pretty good on this 5...
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By Joan Inglis, Master Accredited Staging Professional, Home Staging, Model Merchandising, Interior Design
(Carolina Spaces, LLC www.CarolinaSpaces.com)
Barb Schwarz, the creator of home staging way back in 1972, and the creator of the home staging industry, is in Charlotte and will be at Lowes off South Blvd. at 217 Iverson Way, Charlotte, NC  28203 Thurs. 12/10/09 at 9:00 a.m. Lowes will speak about their special discount program for REALTORS®.  Barb will speak to REALTORS® about staging.  A free continental breakfast will be served and the first 100 REALTORS® will receive a $50 Lowes gift card. Barb Schwarz is a successful REALTOR® and home stager who is an extremely motivational speaker.  You won't want to miss this event! Joan Inglis, REALTOR®, ASP, ASPM, IAHSP www.LakeWylieHomeStaging.com  
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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 ...
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By Nevin Williams, Senior Mortgage Advisor
(Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation)
North Carolina mortgage rates remained flat this morning.  Residents of Charlotte and Mecklenburg county can still refinance their exsisting mortgage into a low fixed rate.  First time home buyers can take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit, low home values and these low rates making their monthly payment much more affordable.         Charlotte and Mecklenburg County has a lot of FHA and VA approved properties that would benefit from these loan programs.  Include the low North Carolina mortgage rates and you have an opportunity to make good money on buying a home if you hold it for a few years.     Mortgage Interest Rates for Fixed Rate Mortgages* Rates as of Wednesday, 9th December, 2009:   Term Conforming APR Payment per$1,000 Jumbo APR Payment per$1,000 30-Yr. fixed 360 4.50% 4.678%...
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By Chuck Webb
(Wilkinson & Associates)
If you're qualified to buy a home now, and that home purchase makes sense for you and your family, here are five reasons why you should consider buying that home in the next several months: 1. Homes are more affordable than ever. According to the National Association of Realtors' housing affordability index, homes were more affordable in October of this year than at any other time since the group started the index in 1970. The NAR’s affordability index is a measure of the relationship between home prices, mortgage interest rates, and family income. In Charlotte, the average home price in October was $196,204 compared to $216,777 in 2008 and $217,504 in 2007. That’s a 9.8% reduction over the past 2 years. Although that doesn’t sound like much, you still get a lot more for the money on a ...
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By Brandon Farmer, Keller Williams Realty Huntersville, NC
Park South Station Information Take Park Road south of the city and take a right onto Archdale just south of SouthPark.  Park South Station will be 0.7 miles on your left and you will enter the community at the bottom of this neighborhood map.  The units that are marked with red marker are sold but as you can see the community has a long ways to go.  This is a Ryan Homes community and because of their business plan, the builders will not build the units until they are under contract.  This property is the old location of Celenese and because of this the community is located on a Brownsfield.  A Brownsfield area is where a commercial business used to be and has contaminated the soil and now the area has been cleaned up and is being used as residential space.  Ryan Homes has done a great...
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JIM McGUIRE Earns Prestigious Designation to Help Homeownersin 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 ...
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By Lars Hedenborg
(RE/MAX Real Estate Experts)
Now that the Home Buyer Tax Credit has been extended to repeat buyers, there are many who are taking advantage of the opportunity to move up to the next level of home ownership. One of the best things about Charlotte is the wide range of style and pricing when it comes to homes! If you are looking for a first home or if you are ready to buy the luxury dwelling you have been dreaming of, there is a home to meet your needs! If you are a repeat buyer, the first step in taking advantage of the tax credit is preparing your home to sell. Here are a few tips to get you started! Things have changed a lot in the last eight years when it comes to marketing your home! As most homeowners know, it is a buyer's market today. The first step in selling your home is pricing it right!Overpricing your hom...
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By Nevin Williams, Senior Mortgage Advisor
(Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation)
    North Carolina mortgage rates & market snapshot indicate that rates may be on the rise.   Beautiful city of Charlotte at night This week the markets will have little economic data until later in the week. The week will be dominated by Treasury supply beginning tomorrow with $40B of 3 yr notes tomorrow. November retail sales on Friday and weekly jobless claims on Thursday are the two economic highlights this week. The dollar trade is also key this week; after a strong rally Friday on the much better employment report this morning the dollar is a little stronger again against the euro currency. It has been the weakening dollar that has been one of the keystones for the equity markets' and bonds and mortgages advances recently, and the fall has also pushed most all commodity prices hig...
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By Geoffrey Lamb
(Short Sale Carolina)
Bank of America is shifting direction with its Short Sale processes by utilizing a lot of the same procedures and software as their REO asset managers use. This seems to only be in test mode currently, with just a small segment of their files, but it does mark the beginning of the end of the dread we all have for these kinds of transactions. Anyone who sells short sales knows that Bank of America is one of the slowest banks out there, so to see that they're one of the first to get on board with the streamlined short sale concept was something that everyone at The LAMB Group was very happy about. We probably have about a dozen or more BOA short sales and on more than half, we have offers. But they're just sitting there, waiting for the BOA SS process to run its lengthy course. Our nightm...
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By Debe Maxwell, CRS, The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!
(Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310)
Royalty I say, Simply Royalty :: A Few Tidbits about Charlotte NC Yes, Charlotte NC has genuine royal heritage!  Founded in 1768, Charlotte was named after the wife of England's King George III, Queen Charlotte.  Mecklenburg County, where Charlotte is situated,  was named for Queen Charlotte's German home state. Although Charlotte has a long and impressive history, what the city offers today is what makes it one of the top 20 places to live and work in America:   Excellent job opportunities  A top-tier school system Various recreational and cultural activities One of the country's most important financial, distribution and manufacturing centers. Employment opportunities also abound in other industries, including services, retail, high-tech medicine, software development, and travel and...
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By Debe Maxwell, CRS, The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!
(Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310)
'Tis the Season:  Selling During the Holidays During the holiday season, the focus for many turns to home and family.  Many buyers cease searching for a new home during this time; however, there are many others who have no choice--they must continue their search because of job transfers, family changes or relocation.  Due to the fact that many sellers feel that during this holiday season, they would prefer not to be 'disturbed,' they will temporarily remove their homes from the market until after the first of the year.       I recommend that my sellers remain on the market during this time if at all possible.  The reason--there is far less competition.  Yes, there are fewer buyers but, the competition is far less and you've got a better chance of selling during this season than waiting ...
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By Debe Maxwell, CRS, The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!
(Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310)
Open House Tomorrow (Sunday) :: 3:00 - 5:00 :: Eastover Charlotte NC  Crownsgate - The perfect mix of modern with traditional charm.  Prepare to be wowed by this all-brick townhome in historic Eastover Charlotte NC featuring garage, high ceilings (10' down, 9' up), private courtyard terrace, gleaming hardwood floors, heavy millwork and so much more!  You will love the beautiful finishes: elegant biscuit glazed cabinets, stainless appliances & granite countertops, plantation shutters, gas fireplace, open floorplan & wall of windows. Large walk-in closets with built-ins & spacious bedrooms. Built-in stack stone bench & irrigation in professionally landscaped courtyard (enclosed by brick wall for privacy).   The tranquil, brick-enclosed courtyard terrace also offers an abundance of parking...
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By Don Anthony, Charlotte & Triangle NC Discount Realtor
(Don Anthony Realty ~ www.DonAnthonyRealty.com)
Talk to the Neighbors When Buying a House in Charlotte or anyplace else for that matter. We have a pretty social street. It seems like every holiday, one of the neighbors is hosting a party for the neighbors on the street... one neighbor hosts Halloween, another neighbor does July 4th, and yet another neighbor does New Year's Eve. One of the older women on the street often has all the children of the neighborhood over for hot dogs and hamburgers to give the parents on the street a break every now and then. Sometimes a group of neighbors will get out and go to dinner together. Our children are often found with the other children outside running from house to house and yard to yard playing hide and seek. My wife and I have often said that we like our house, but we really love our neighbor...
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By Geoffrey Lamb
(Short Sale Carolina)
It looks like there's a change coming in the short sale industry, news of which is leaving a lot of Charlotte Short Sale Listings specialists with eager anticipation. Fannie Mae lead the way about 6 months ago with new requirements that forced many banks to start expediting the approval process for Fannie Mae short sales and also, enforcing the negotiated commission amount to the Charlotte NC REALTOR, and REALTORS everywhere. Short Sale specialists haven't seen a lot of impact from that decision yet, however; this type of decision (while not always imposed immediately) does produce reverberations. Now, the treasury is finally extending its Making Home Affordable plan to the short sale industry after delaying the onset most of this year. This proposal now pays both the first and second m...
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By Debe Maxwell, CRS, The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!
(Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310)
Charlotte NC Real Estate Market Report - 11/2009   Data from the Charlotte NC MLS  shows that our housing market continues to show a slow but, steady improvement.  October sales continue to be heavy in the $250K and under market, allowing our second-time home buyers to move up as well. Charlotte's  local economy also appears to continue the upward trend that began in Q2, 2009.   Mecklenburg County Charlotte NC expanded 11,500 jobs which was a 15% year-over-year increase from 2008.  This, during the worst recession in many years, is nothing short of commendable!  FORTUNE Small Business Magazine named Charlotte NC as the 7th best place to launch a business due to our stabilizing local economy.     The  $8,000 Federal Tax Credit for First Time Home Buyers has been extended, with an added i...
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By Debe Maxwell, CRS, The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!
(Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310)
Charlotte NC Market Report, November 2009   As a member of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, my team has ready-access to new data pertaining to the city of Charlotte, including employment, sales and plans to expand local businesses.  This information is reflective of the Charlotte NC housing market.  Combined with data from the Charlotte NC MLS , the local economy appears to continue the upward trend that began in 2009, Q2.   The first three quarters of 2009 showed Mecklenburg County Charlotte NC expanding 11,500 jobs which was a 15% year-over-year increase from 2008.  This, during the worst recession in many years, is nothing short of commendable.  This is one of the reasons that FORTUNE Small Business Magazine named Charlotte NC as the 7th best place to launch a business! Homes sold ...
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The Head of Wells Fargo/Wachovia (John Stumpf ), The Head of Bank Of America (Ken Lewis) and the Head of Duke Power (Jim Rogers) held a forum with the help of the Charlotte Chamber today to discuss the outlook of the Charlotte Region. They were joined by the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond President Jeffrey Lacker. Each gave speeches to include a forcast of 2010 and National/Regional projections of the coming months. It is rare to get  such powerful leaders under one roof and listen to diverse projections. The bankers (Mr. Stumpf and Mr. Lewis) held out optimism for the coming year and reconfirming their commitment to the Charlotte region. Both alluded to a fault that over optimistic views have been evident in the past, but held fast that the recession is over. Wells Fargo's John Stump...
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By Mike Carpino, Broker/Owner-Lake Norman Waterfront Specialist
(Lake And Town Realty)
Uptown Charlotte, NC Short Sale Condos for sale. If you've been on the sidelines waiting for our local housing market to be affordable, now is the time to buy. Today's confluence of low rates, affordable prices and inventory makes right now an ideal time to buy a foreclosed property, a short sale or any of the other bargain homes on sale now. Don't wait -- the best-value homes are selling as soon as they come on the market. Some buyers and investors find bargain prices on pre-foreclosure sales or at foreclosure auctions, while others find it easier and less risky to purchase bank-owned (REO or "real estate owned") from the lending institutions and government authorities that repossess these homes. REO homes are very attractive to bargain hunters. They know lenders and government organiz...
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By Leslie Loveless
(Standard Pacific Homes (Carolinas Division))
Thanksgiving is over (hope yours was great!) and it's now December, "the most wonderful time of the year." Charlotte has some fantastic ways to celebrate the holidays, including a couple that involve enjoying unique homes in the area! I've compiled a list of holiday celebrations in and around this great city. Here it is (in chronological order, even!): Christmas Town, USA: McAdenville, in Gaston County, is celebrating its 54th year as Christmas Town. Hundreds of buildings have been decorated with lights and displays. Drive through McAdenville between 5:30 - 9:30 on weekday nights and between 5:30 - 11 on Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 26. Indian Trail tree lighting: Held from 6 - 8 at Town Hall on Dec. 2. Refreshments provided (I bet hot cocoa's on the list!) Mint Hill tree lighting...
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