With a mild winter behind us and the prospect of a sweltering summer, some of you may be considering a pool—or at least dreaming of one. In real estate, pools have a special reputation. Some people love them due to obvious reasons, and others hate them because they can be considered dangerous or affect your homeowners insurance.

If you’re considering putting a pool in the backyard of your Charlotte home, here are just a few things to consider first.

Think about the cost of installation.

In-ground pools are far more desirable and durable than above ground pools, thus in-ground pools is what we’ll discuss here. Know upfront, these do not come cheap. Having a pool installed is a costly venture, and you can expect to shell out around $50,000 at minimum. Of course there are companies that can do it for less and discounts during off seasons, but if you’re planning a project this big, you don’t want to cut corners.

Consider the cost of upkeep.

After you’ve spent the initial money having a pool professionally installed, you will incur additional expenses with maintenance. Hiring a pool cleaner; buying the supplies and chemicals to maintain it yourself; heating it or covering it in the cooler months; and getting it ready for use again the following spring/summer will be continuous costs of owning a pool.

Talk to your homeowner’s insurance provider first.

Many insurance providers require an increase in homeowner’s insurance if the property has a pool. If someone gets hurt in or around your pool, you will be held libel and need to have the insurance coverage to protect yourself.

Be thorough in deciding whether or not adding a pool adds home value.

You may want to consult a real estate agent before installing a pool, unless you’re planning on staying in your home for many, many years to come. Opinions differ about whether or not pools add home value, and this is true for many reasons.

Some buyers desire pools and will pay what it costs to get one. Others, especially those with small children, see it as a liability. Yet others will see them as expensive and a hassle to keep up. Homes listed for higher price points are more likely to see added value with a pool installation, as would homes in neighborhoods where other houses with pools have sold. When agents and appraisers look at your home and pull comparable home sales from the community, if pools have been a factor is good sales prices, then chances are, your pool will add property value, as well.

There are many things to consider before investing the time and money it takes to install a pool in your yard. If you’re considering it but are unsure about how it well affect the value of your home, give Charlotte Realtor Katie Gray a call at 704.560.9699.

As many Charlotte Realtors can tell you, short sales can be tricky. The homeowner is underwater and trying to avoid foreclosure; the lender is grappling with the fact they’ll be taking a loss on the property; and buyers are anxious and persistent, looking for a good deal.

However hassling short sales might be, they can and do work, saving sellers from foreclosure and providing buyers with a substantially discounted property. Your first step, if you’re considering a short sale, is to hire a real estate agent. Buying a home is challenging enough under typical circumstances, but to navigate the convoluted process of purchasing a short sale, you will need someone with industry knowledge on your side to educate and protect your interests.

Here are some additional steps you can take that will help guide the short sale buying process.

1. Work with your Realtor to compile a sample of possible properties. Your best options will be those homes where the seller owes a great deal more than the value of the property—he or she will be eager to sell. Also, avoid homes in which the owner has built substantial equity. It will be more affordable for the bank to foreclose on these properties than allow a short sale.

2. Schedule showings with your real estate agent. Many short sale properties are in need of repairs so you’ll want to take a good look at them, inside and out. Get a rough idea of what the property is worth and how much money will go toward renovations and repairs.

3. Don’t skimp on your research. Your agent will be invaluable in helping you locate all mortgages (many short sale properties will have more than one) and liens. Calculate potential profit, and keep resale value in mind when considering the property’s worth.

4.  Get your finances in order early. While short sales can be a waiting game, once an offer is accepted and terms are agreed upon, things speed up rapidly. As few as 20 days may be allotted from offer acceptance until close.

Talk to the current lender first (if it’s a reputable one). If you are qualified, they may agree to give you a loan which could speed up the process because they have a lot of your data on file in the current short sale documents if you’ve already filled out an application.

5.  Put your offer—or proposal—together. Your agent will again be instrumental during this step. This should include a purchase and sale contract; a hardship letter; an appraisal letter or document giving the property’s current value; liabilities and costs details; settlement statement; and possibly additional documentation your Realtor feels is in your best interest.

6.  Begin the negotiation process. Because short sale properties are already extremely discounted, low ball offers are typically rejected, if considered in the first place. Once you’ve agreed on a price, your agent will guide you through the closing process, and the, the property is yours!

While short sales have their twists and turns, they can work out well. Be diligent about researching both your Realtor and the properties you’re considering; accept guidance throughout the process; and ensure your financial situation is where it should be to give yourself the best chances of an easy purchase.

If you’d like to learn more about short sales in Charlotte or have other real estate-related inquiries, give Katie Gray a call at 704.560.9699.

There’s something about spring—it’s a time to freshen and purge. Thus, “spring cleaning” is a staple and a tradition in countless Charlotte households. The prospect of a spring cleaning can be daunting because there’s so much to do, but to help make it easier for you, here are some tips on how to tackle the task successfully.

1.      Make a realistic plan.

Look at your schedule and be realistic about the amount of time you have to clean. Set achievable goals. Don’t plan to clean cabinets, organize the garage, wash the curtains and wax the hardwoods in the same day, for example; you’ll simply be setting yourself up for disappointment, not to mention exhaustion.

2.      Rally the troops.

Spring cleaning is a serious task—don’t take it on alone. Break up your jobs and delegate. Find kid friendly chores. Wiping down baseboards is a good choice because children can more easily get low to the ground.

3.      De-clutter first.

You’ll save yourself a lot of time and frustration if you do a preliminary de-cluttering sweep before you start your deep cleaning.

4.      Take one step at a time.

This means working through one are at a time. Start with the room that needs the most work, and clean/organize/purge from top to bottom. This will not only help give you a sense of accomplishment, it will also be beneficial when you start to tire toward the end of the process. You don’t want the biggest obstacles facing you at the end.

And, do clean top to bottom. Don’t clean the floors before dusting the fan blades…for obvious reasons.

5.      Implement organization solutions.

The easiest time to organize the home is during a deep cleaning. Identify the the areas of least organization (Tupperware cabinet, medicine drawer, carport) and make a plan to organize. Clear rubber lids with labels are excellent, affordable organization tools.

Not many people make the claim that cleaning is their favorite thing to do, but giving your home a good, annual deep clean and organization facelift will not only give you a sense of pride and the pleasure of living in a fresh, sparkling home, it also helps you maintain the integrity and value of your property.

For more on household upkeep, contact an experienced Charlotte real estate agent. Call Katie Gray at 704.560.9699.

Are you considering selling your Charlotte home? If so, you probably already know that it is an intimidating process—putting it on the market, advertising your home, arranging open houses, then proceeding through the complex legal paperwork necessary to properly sell your home.

For this reason, many people hire Realtors. If you are considering a “for sale by owner” option, look first as the several advantages of hiring a licensed real estate agent.

1.      Marketplace insight.

Only a Realtor has full access to the Multiple Listing Service. He or she is able to pull comps on properties around yours, assess current community values and provide you with more industry-specific, targeted and insightful guidance than you could gather on your own.

2.      Marketing and advertising reach.

If you sell your home on your own, it’s likely you’ll run into some marketing and advertising obstacles. Realtors can professionally list your property; they can network and advertise your home to other real estate agents (many of whom work with buyers), as well as to the general public; and they can market your home with far greater reach and success.

3.      Price setting expertise.

As homeowners, we’re biased when it comes to the value of our homes, and one benefit of hiring a Realtor is that he or she can provide an unbiased, market-appropriate assessment. Real estate agents know what homes in the area are selling for; they understand what design features are popular in your community; and they can tell you without bias what your home is worth.

4.      Protection.

Selling property involves complex legal and financial transactions. While possible to navigate the process on your own, a trained real estate agent can provide expert guidance and protection against error.

Realtors are also skilled to protect your interests and help you get the best price possible.

5.      Negotiation expertise.

When you get an offer on your home, negotiations begin. You may want to make a counteroffer; the buyers may want you to make repairs; there will be an inspection and an appraisal process—a lot of back and forth. It’s good to have a real estate agent on your side to keep you informed and keep your interests at the forefront.

The real estate market is rebounding, so if you’re considering selling your Charlotte home, let a Realtor guide you through the process and protect you. Give Katie Gray a call at 704.560.9699.

In the South, we love our outdoor living. In Charlotte and many other cities, Saturdays in spring and summer are filled with grill smells, music festivals and friends hanging out by pools, on patios and under covered porches. To guarantee your guests not only have a place to perch but also a stylish spot to sit, let’s check out some trends (and recurring trends) in outdoor furniture for 2012.

The Return of Wicker

Did it ever really go away? Wicker has always been a popular material choice for outdoor furniture. It’s durable, comfortable and has the rustic, low key aesthetics that many Southerners strive for in their homes.

However, it can be upgraded. Today, wicker is no longer the light-colored, thatched of your grandmother’s front porch rocker. It can be stained; built into modern frames; used on tables and outdoor floor coverings; and even made of plastic. That’s right, plastic wicker – it looks the same but feels a little different; it’s stronger, longer-lasting and lower maintenance, as well.

Wrought Iron Remains

The classic, durable wrought iron patio sets are not going anywhere this year. They are weather resistant, incredibly sturdy and they give an outdoor area European, elegant feel. One trend we will see continue to grow is the integration of glass and iron – iron chairs and table legs, for example, combined with a transparent surface.

Something Seamless and New

Something brand new for 2012 is making the transition – using patio furniture – from the indoors and outdoors more seamless. Specifically, using patio furniture indoors! According to a Wall Street Journal article dated towards the end of 2011, more and more people were brining outdoor furniture inside. It’s versatile; easy to clean; now comes in an array of livable styles and colors; and it just makes sense.

“Patio furniture is becoming so stylish and comfortable that people are bringing it indoors.

Working with high-tech fabrics and some of the world’s leading designers, manufacturers are turning out sofas, easy chairs, tables and even carpets that can work in your backyard or your living room—flexible furnishings for home designs that increasingly blur indoor and outdoor space,” says J.S. Marcus, the article’s author.

More Than Tables and Chairs

Another trend we see making its way outside the American home is a shift in shape. At one time, pre-arranged patio sets were all that was available. Today, we find swings and gliders making a comeback. Chaise lounge chairs, comfortably shaped benches and side tables that double as seating are all available.

Durable Fabrics Endure

One design element of outdoor furniture that seems here to stay is their durable fabrics. People have never wanted to break out the steam cleaner to wash down outdoor furniture, and this is still the case. Acrylics, polyesters and drain-filled fabrics are all included in this year’s best outdoor furniture.

Look…They’re Lamps

We’re no longer bound by flood lights and fluorescents. Some designers are making           year-round, weather resistant lamps intended for the outdoors. Lamps are a brilliant addition to the trend of building functional, livable outdoor spaces, and their emergence speaks to people’s desire to blend the interior and exterior of the home.

Is it time for you to spice up your outdoor living areas with stylish new furniture, or indoor areas with patio pieces fit for the dining room? If so, consider these trends and be sure to speak with a Charlotte Realtor who has seen fads come and go. Select furniture that’s long lasting and adds overall, classic appeal to your space. Give agent Katie Gray a call at 704.560.9699.

Traditionally, the spring season is considered the best in which to list and sell your home. Why? The longer daylight hours for showings; the improved but not yet sweltering weather; the prettier outdoors. While these things are true and can work in a seller’s favor, homeowners often blunder by assuming the season will sell the home for them. You still have to diligently market your property (and to the write potential buyers), keep things clean, work closely with your Realtor and be an active participant in getting your house off the market. Let’s take a look at some things you can do (and some you shouldn’t) to help sell your home this spring.

DO…use the season to your advantage. While green trees and blooming tulips will surely add curb appeal, they can’t do it on their own. Keep potted plants fresh and crisp. Be sure to remove debris from sidewalks, driveways, porches and outdoor living areas. Keep the yard free of falling flora; hide tools and mowers out of sight; and keep children’s toys away. Make your house look as picturesque as possible from the outside, and use the beautiful season to help.

DON’T…ignore allergens. Pollen is a problem in the South, and Charlotte is no exception. It affects countless people throughout the spring season. Do your best to keep it washed from the patio and definitely keep it out of the home. Frequent dusting and vacuuming is required. Also, keep an eye on your screens – they can become clogged with pollen quite quickly.

DO…remember the mantras of selling a home during any season. De-clutter; remove family photos; keep the pets away; add fresh paint; and keep it clean. Many people hire a cleaning company during the time their home is on the market to ensure that the home remains spotless, especially if they’re pushed for time. Everything from cabinet doors to baseboards and fan blades should sparkle when potential buyers view your home.

DON’T…go overboard matching your home to the season. Just because it’s bright outside doesn’t mean it needs to be bright inside. Don’t take that the wrong way – natural light, big windows and glass doors are wonderful selling points. But loud paint colors, tons of flowers in every room and a home that yells SPRING are not. Keep things neutral, calm and clean. You want buyers to feel at home while at the same time encouraging them to envision what changes and customizations they could make on their own.

DO…host open houses. People are more likely to attend an open house on a sunny, spring day than a rainy, winter one. Keep your home at a comfortable temperature, offer refreshments and supply plenty of brochures, flyers and promotional products to your guests.

DON’T…neglect marketing and advertising. Just because spring has long been a popular month to sell your home doesn’t’ mean you can take a break from advertising, especially if your home sat on the market through winter. Use spring to revive your marketing efforts. Add new, bright photos to your MLS listings. Utilize social media, and make a video tour highlighting your home’s exterior qualities – do you have a patio, porch or pool? Show off your outdoor living areas this spring. Does your home offer energy savings during warmer seasons? If so, tell people about them.

Also, think about who is more likely to be home buying in the spring? Parents hoping to move after the school year, snowbirds, etc…talk with your agent to ensure you’re targeting the right crowd.

Are you really ready to sell your home? If so, speak with your Charlotte Realtor about putting some spring into the step of your marketing efforts. Don’t rely on the season to sell your home, but use it to your benefit with its beautiful weather and bright colors. If you’re looking to put your home on the market this season, give real estate agent Katie Gray a call at 704.560.9699.

We could dwell on the downturn of the real estate market or the depreciation of home values across the country, but what really matters is the answer to this one question:  are homeowners still happy they own their homes? According to the 2012 Home Ownership Satisfaction Survey conducted by HomeGain, the answer is yes. Most homeowners – 72 percent of the 1,400 surveyed – said they were satisfied with the fact that they owned their homes.

This is good news. Why were most of the people surveyed content with homeownership? Not because the values of their homes increased; in fact, that was the least reported reason for being happy with homeownership. “The most popular responses were pride of ownership, and freedom to control what type of home improvements and upgrades go into their homes,” cites HomeGain.

Homeownership offers several benefits, some not mentioned in the survey. Here are just a few benefits of owning your own home:

• Tax deductions, especially for first-time buyers.
• Property tax and mortgage interest deductions.
• Appreciation – although the market fluctuates, most people who stick it out for the long term will see an increase in the value of their homes.
• Build equity and become eligible for equity loans (which you can then reinvest in your home).

Why were the 28 percent of people interviewed dissatisfied with homeownership? Depreciation was the main source. “Sixty-three percent of homeowners who indicated they were unsatisfied with home ownership said that price depreciation was the primary reason. Of the 37 percent who listed other reasons for being unsatisfied, the most cited responses were the costs of home ownership, including property taxes, homeowner association fees, and maintenance and repairs,” reports HomeGain.

Overall, are Charlotte homeowners satisfied with their current real estate situation? It’s likely, according to the survey:  “On a regional basis, the highest percentage of homeowner satisfaction was in the Northeast…[the] Southeast ranked second with 73 percent.”

People who purchased their homes during the recent three to five year period of volatility in the market are the least satisfied, while people who have owned their homes for longer periods of time – as well as though who snagged great deals on foreclosures and short sales – are among the most satisfied.

There are several reasons to buy a home, and with many well-priced properties on the market, today is just as good as any to invest, as long as you’re ready to put down your roots. Before you make the decision to purchase, however, speak with an experienced Realtor. Call Charlotte real estate agent Katie Gray at 704.560.9699. The right agent can help you become a homeowner that falls into that 72 percent.

According to the 2011-2012 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association, Americans own 78.2 million dogs (approximately 39 percent of U.S. homes have at least one dog in them) and 86.4 million cats (represented in 33 percent of U.S. households). That’s a lot of pet owners.

Are you a pet owner trying to sell your home? If so, there are additional considerations you have to make before putting your home on the market, and especially before showing it to potential buyers.

Read further for do’s, don’ts and other tips for selling a home with pets.

Do get your animals out of the house before a showing. While statistics show that a large number of people in America own pets, you shouldn’t assume that prospective buyers will be animal lovers, thus not minding dogs or cats underfoot during a walkthrough.

Don’t simply put them out back in a pen. People want to see the entire home when viewing, which includes outbuildings, decks and backyards. Having to discuss the benefits of a home with a Realtor with barking in the background is unpleasant.

Do hire a professional cleaning crew. This is recommended before anyone puts their home on the market, but if you’re trying to sell a home with pets, you need to order a professional deep clean.

Tip: Tell your cleaning team to move the furniture and pay close attention to vents and baseboards. These areas trap pet hair and dander, and they’re often overlooked during routine home cleaning.

Do use the fact that you own pets to market your home, especially if you know the potential buyers are pet owners. Do you have hardwood floors throughout the home? They’re easy to clean when there’s an accident. Is your backyard fenced in? That’s a great perk for pet owners. How nearby are walking trails or dog parks?

Don’t assume that de-cluttering only applies to people things. De-cluttering a home is essential to making a good impression on buyers, and this applies to water bowls, chew toys and bedding, too.

Do think dirty. Although unpleasant, you need to think about removing waste from litter boxes (and concealing them completely if possible), as well as picking up waste from the yard. These things are not only unattractive, they contribute to odor.

Tip: Odor problems are the most common complaint from buyers viewing a home with pets. Professional cleaning should help with this, but you need to be diligent about vacuuming daily, keeping pet bedding washed and making sure the home smells clean and fresh. If you can, have a friend drop by before a showing. Your senses are probably used to your pet’s smells, so get a second opinion from a second nose.  

Don’t leave pet damage uncorrected. Solutions could be as small as filling in a few claw marks on the front door to major fixes like refinishing floors and having furniture reupholstered. It’s important for any seller to take a walkthrough and make a list of all repair work needed, but selling a house with pets requires a bit more attention to detail.

Do remove photographs of your furry friends. Just as you should take down family portraits and personal pictures, you should also put away pictures of your pup.

Selling a home with pets is a bit more challenging, but being aware of the extra actions needed is your first step. For more advice on selling your Charlotte home – with or without pets – contact Realtor Katie Gray at 704.560.9699.

We’ve long known that Charlotte is one of the nation’s top places to live, and there are several ranking organizations that agree with us – when it comes to liveability, Charlotte can’t be beat. In fact, Charlotte has made its way onto yet another Liveability.com Top 10 Cities list, this time for being one of the best cities in which to keep your new year’s resolutions.

Here’s why!

Volunteerism

“Charlotte was the only southern city to appear on Forbes.com’s list of the Top Cities for Volunteering,” notes Liveability, and doing for others brings joy to the doer and the receiver. Over 30% of Charlotte residents are engaged in some form of annual volunteer work.

Education

Charlotte is a smart city – “Nearly 40 percent of people 25 and over have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The University of North Carolina-Charlotte is located here, as well as 18 other colleges, opening the door to those who are looking to go back to school or study a new subject,” cites Liveability.

Happiness

It’s difficult to rank overall well-being among a city’s residents, but that’s exactly what the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index tries to do. According to the index, “The majority of residents in Charlotte, NC, share a sense of optimism that their health and lives will improve.”

Cost of Living and Finances

To be an urban hub, Charlotte boasts a relatively low cost of living – so if saving money was one of your resolutions, Charlotte can help. Also, Charlotte houses numerous financial institutions and banking headquarters, including Bank of America.

Population growth – which has remained relatively steady despite the rocky economy – and employment opportunities are additional factors that draw people to Charlotte, making it a great place to live.

If you’re interested in moving to Charlotte to take advantage of its diverse city offerings, schedule a tour with an experienced Charlotte real estate agent. There’s no one better to show you the ins and outs of one of the best places in the nation to live. Give Realtor Katie Gray a call at 704.560.9699.

Realty Times’ Carla Hill recently published an article discussing the improving housing market. Although the end of 2011 saw a dip in mortgage applications, “the latest NAHB First American Improving Markets Index (IMI) shows that 76 markets are meeting their criteria for six straight months of improvements in housing permits, employment, and housing prices. This is almost double the amount of markets seen on the list for December (2011).”

Does this mean that the 2012 real estate market won’t be a buyer’s market? Not necessarily. Hill continues to say that while growth and stability are on the horizon, 2012 may present some bumps in the road for sellers, but that opportunity for investment will exist.

If you’re considering buying a home in 2012, here are five steps to take to ensure you purchase the right home for the right price.

1. Gain an understanding of your market by starting a relationship with a Realtor. It’s possible to learn about the fluctuating mortgage market in your area by doing your own research, but an experienced real estate agent will have inside knowledge and insight you can’t gain alone.  He or she will be able to access lists of low-priced properties; recommend the best lenders; and guide you to areas where you will have the best options to purchase.
2. Put a timeline in place. There are many to-dos when you’re planning on buying a house, so start about six months out. You’ll want to define a territory; find a reputable agent; get an idea about your budget; and have your credit checked. Move to four months out, two months out and so forth, outlining what you need to accomplish during those months. If you like, break it down to the day of your closing and move.
3. Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Many real estate agents won’t work with you without your being pre-approved. If you can, get pre-approval from different institutions, if for no other reason than to see which lender you’re most comfortable working with – it will be a long-term relationship.
4. Scale back. Preparing to buy a new home and move is the perfect time to purge. Get rid of things you haven’t needed or used in over a year, and clean out those closets and kitchen cabinets. You’ll save yourself time – and money on movers – if you have less stuff to transport on the day of your relocation.
5. Budget. Budgeting is one of the biggest parts of buying a home, so start early. After deciding how much of a home you can afford, put a saving’s plan in place. Go ahead and calculate projected monthly expenses, and plan to have a cushion of cash in place as your closing date draws near.

These are just some basic, preparatory steps to help ensure your home buying goes smoothly. If you’re buying a home in 2012, be sure to speak with a real estate agent who has been active during the recent years of market ups and downs. Consult with Charlotte Realtor Katie Gray by calling 704.560.9699.