Archive for March, 2009

Why Renting A Charlotte Home Makes Sense

Tuesday, March 31st, 2009

Renting a Charlotte home is a sensible decision for many reasons. There are advantages to renting a home as well as buying a home. While homeowners enjoy total freedom to update their homes according to preference, they also have a great deal of responsibility.

Consider a few of the advantages of renting a Charlotte home instead of buying:

Time to get your financial house in order. You might not be ready to buy. If you are trying to improve your credit score or establish credit, renting a Charlotte home is a good choice in the meantime.

Less responsibility for repairs and renovations. When you rent, your landlord is responsible for major repairs and renovations. Some rentals even include the cost of certain utilities. A tenant doesn’t have to worry about covering the cost of these problems because everything is covered in their rent.

“Feel out” a new neighborhood. Renting a Charlotte home gives you the opportunity to “feel out” a new neighborhood to see if it’s a good fit.

Renters insurance costs less. Renters insurance is often 80 to 90 percent less expensive to purchase than homeowners insurance.

Renters have flexibility. If you rent, you have more flexibility to move. Lease terms vary but usually you only rent for a one-year or two-year period. After that time, you are free to relocate. A homeowner often has to wait to sell their home before buying another.

There are a variety of attractive, affordable Charlotte homes on the rental market. From convenient condos to modern townhouses to single family houses, move right into the Charlotte home of your choice. For under $1,800, you can rent a large 4 bedroom/2.5 bath NoDa home with a fireplace, vaulted ceilings and walkout balcony. If your budget is under $1,500 consider an attractive 3 bedroom Wilmore townhouse in a convenient neighborhood. Smaller Charlotte condos with 1 or 2 bedrooms are available for under $900 in several viable neighborhoods.

To find out more about Charlotte homes available for rent, contact Katie Gray at 704-560-9699 or email katie@katiegrayhomes.com.

 

 

Posted in Charlotte Real Estate | No Comments »

Can I Buy A Charlotte Home During A Recession?

Monday, March 30th, 2009

Can you buy a Charlotte Home during the current recession? The economic conditions today follow a historic housing bust, which means it’s a wonderful opportunity to find a good deal. If you have your personal “house” in order, now is one of the best times an attractive Charlotte home for less.

Before you shop around for your dream Charlotte home, consider the following conditions:

Make sure your finances are in order. This means verifying job security, paying creditors off, saving a downpayment and having verifiable income. Lending standards have become more prudent but a good mortgage is possible if you have all your financial ducks in a row.

Choose a conservative Charlotte home. When you are preapproved for specific mortgage amount, use it as a guideline. Try to borrow less than you qualify for so you know mortgage payments will be comfortable to make even if your hours at work are cut or you suffer a temporary disability. You never know what the future brings, so don’t stretch your finances.

Consider possible concessions when shopping for the perfect Charlotte home. Because homes are selling more slowly, some sellers are willing to negotiate the listing price or even pitch in for the closing costs. You don’t know if you don’t ask.

Buy a home you want to live in. Since buying and selling homes has slowed down, choose a home you’ll enjoy living in instead of thinking of it an investment to roll over in a couple of years.

Foreclosures are an excellent way to get a great deal. When it comes to foreclosures, what is tragic for some brings joy to others. You can get a great deal on a foreclosed home and save yourself thousands of dollars.

There are a wide variety of affordable Charlotte homes available on the current market. From townhouses to bungalows to ranches, there is something for every budget. For about $150,000, you can move right into a lovely Charlotte ranch home with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. This attractive Madison Park home has a large formal living room and dining room, den with a fireplace, spacious laundry room, 2 car carport and huge backyard with a storage building within walking distance to downtown Mt. Holly. If you prefer townhouses, check out an Uptown 4th Ward home with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, high ceilings, hardwood flooring, fireplace and plenty of outdoor living space.

For more information about Charlotte homes, contact Katie Gray at 704-560-9699 or email katie@katiegrayhomes.com.

 

 

Posted in Charlotte Real Estate | No Comments »

Charming, Affordable Charlotte Duplex Homes

Thursday, March 26th, 2009

Charlotte duplex homes often resemble two houses fused together as one. Some Charlotte duplexes are two separate homes attached side-by-side. Other duplex homes might be stacked apartment units on two different floors. Duplexes typically share a wall between two half homes and some may look like the single section of a townhouse.

People enjoy the charming, affordable convenience of Charlotte duplex homes. For less than the cost of a single family home, appreciate the amenities of a private home with your own outdoor space. If you purchase the entire duplex, you may decide to rent half or share half with family. Charlotte duplexes offer a variety of housing solutions for everyone ranging from singles to seniors to large families.

Charlotte duplex homes are an ideal solution for homeowners of all ages and budgets for many reasons including:

  • your own accessible walk-in entrance with none of the hassles of shared entryways, elevators or endless stairs;

  • most duplexes are less expensive than single family homes but still offer plenty of space and privacy;

  • unlike condos or apartments, many duplexes feature unique floor plans with multiple levels for gracious everyday living;

  • the majority of Charlotte duplexes have outdoor spaces where you can relax, entertain, garden, barbecue or just lounge around and appreciate the scenery; and

  • duplex owners share maintenance and repair costs to minimize these necessary homeowner expenses.

For under $250,000, you can be the proud owner of an attractive, brand new Plaza Midwood duplex home in a hip neighborhood near shopping, recreation and dining. This lovely new Plaza Midwood duplex has 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, active kitchen appliances, wall-to-wall carpeting, ceiling fans, ceramic tile and insulated windows for a totally comfortable lifestyle for years to come.

If your budget for a Charlotte duplex home is closer to $150,000, you will be amazed at this 4 bedroom, 2 bath Villa Heights duplex home. Appreciate all the comforts of a Villa Heights home with wood floors, patio and porch for great outdoor living and entertaining.

For more information about Charlotte duplex homes, contact Katie Gray at 704-560-9699 or email katie@katiegrayhomes.com.

Posted in Charlotte Real Estate, Plaza Midwood, Villa Heights | No Comments »

Charlotte Mansion Homes For A Million Dollar Lifestyle

Friday, March 20th, 2009

Charlotte mansion homes are large dwellings with multiple amenities. The word mansion is derived from words such as manor, formerly know as the territorial holdings granted to a lord. Today Charlotte mansion homes incorporate many design features on a spacious floor plan with private yards.

While a “real” mansion is typically considered to be at least 6,000 square feet, there are also welcoming “McMansions” to suit all needs and budgets. In the 1980s, these smaller mansions were built to offer 3,000 to 5,000 square feet of living space. Both Charlotte mansion homes feature a variety of comforts at prices ranging from one million dollars to several million dollars. Be the lord or lady of your own manor in a breathtaking Charlotte mansion home.

Luxury living awaits you in Myers Park mansion homes located on lovely tree-lined streets. Imagine yourself in a gorgeous Georgian house with 6 bedrooms, 5 baths and 2 half baths. Appreciate a brick house with limestone detailing, grand entrance hall with winding suspended stairway, top appliances, den with a fireplaces, elevators for 4 floors and finished carriage house for just over $4,000,000. For closer to $2,000,000, you’ll love a 6 bedroom, 4 ½ bath Myers Park home with high ceilings, dramatic breakfast room overlooking pool, loggia with fireplace and lower level with wine cellar.

Experience gracious living in a totally renovated magnificent Craftsman style Dilworth mansion home. For around $2,000,000, you enjoy 5 bedrooms, 4 ½ baths, a fabulous guest house, wood floor, expansive front and rear porches and a level fenced year. Consider a smaller Dilworth mansion house for around $1,000,000. Appreciate plenty of space and privacy in a 4 bedroom, 3 ½ bath Dilworth home with two cozy fireplaces, hardwood floors, plantation shutters, web bar with refrigerator and landscape lighting.

For just under one million dollars, a fabulous 4 bedroom, 3 ½ bath Plaza Midwood home can be yours. The house is completely renovated with a barrel-vaulted entry, rocking chair front porch, beautiful finishes, large master suite with window seat and professional landscaping.

For more information about Charlotte mansion homes, contact Katie Gray at 704-560-9699 or katie@katiegrayhomes.com.

Posted in Charlotte Real Estate, Dilworth, Myers Park, Plaza Midwood | No Comments »

Affordable, Adorable Charlotte Bungalow Houses

Thursday, March 19th, 2009

Charlotte bungalow houses make the dream of private, affordable housing a reality for many. From first time homeowners to retirees, bungalows are a great way to have your own space without breaking the budget.

Today’s Charlotte bungalow homes reflect a variety of different architectural styles. Most small houses that use space efficiently are referred to as bungalows. Some have one story and others are smaller two-story homes. The word bungalow was originally derived from bangla, the word in India for single-family homes often used by British colonists as summer houses. Charles Sumner Greene and Henry Mather Greene, two California architects, are often credited with building the first two American bungalows. Charlotte bungalow homes are a great way to get into a convenient neighborhood and even have your own yard.

For around $500,000, reside in the ultimate Charlotte bungalow home. Everyday life is a breeze in a 1.5 story Dilworth bungalow with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths with a large yard and huge screened porch in a prime location. If your budget is around $350,000, own one of the most gracious Charlotte bungalow houses in lovely historic Belmont. Imagine yourself in a custom 2-story Belmont bungalow home with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a spacious 2 car garage with gorgeous skyline views, a back deck and a front porch.

For those working with a budget of about $250,000, there are plenty of attractive Charlotte bungalow homes to choose from. Picture yourselves in an historic Villa Heights bungalow house with 4 bedrooms, 2.5. baths, gorgeous red heart pine floors, a center hall, security system and appliances all on a pleasant corner lot. For around $200,000, you can move right into a neat 2 bedroom, 2 bath NoDa bungalow house with a private fenced yard and rocking chair porch.

If you are working with a smaller budget of around $100,000, there are still plenty of Charlotte bungalow houses to consider. Feel right at home in a darling 2 bedroom, 1 bath NoDa bungalow home with great bones including hardwood floors and a new roof.

For more information about Charlotte bungalow homes, contact Katie Gray at 704-560-9699 or katie@katiegrayhomes.com.

Posted in Belmont, Dilworth, NoDa, Villa Heights | No Comments »

Charlotte Ranch Homes For Flexible, Livable Comfort

Friday, March 13th, 2009

 

Charlotte ranch houses have been popular since the 1920s. Their long profile is close to the ground with larger rooms that differentiate them from bungalows. Many ranches were built as suburbs emerged through from the 1950s to the 1970s. The original concept for ranch homes was based on 17th to 19th century Spanish colonial architecture in North America with single story floor plans and simple materials.

The California bungalow also helped develop the concept for Charlotte ranch homes as we know them today with one story, gardens and a porch. Ranch homes are meant to be unpretentious, livable and flexible. Open floor plans make rooms flow into each other and large windows add light. During the 1960s, side garages were added to ranch homes as an added convenience. In the 1950s, one out of ten newly built homes were ranch style houses. By the 1970s, raised ranches with a basement were introduced as a new hip design. Today Charlotte ranch homes are an affordable, convenient way to live for everyone from newlyweds to retirees.

Luxurious Charlotte ranch homes are available in several attractive neighborhoods if your budget is in the $500,000 range. Appreciate total comfort in a 3 bedroom, 2 bath Myers Park ranch home nestled on a private lot. Amenities include a fabulous den with sliding glass doors out to a backyard patio, breakfast area with a skylight, spacious pantry and Whirlpool, shower and double vanity in the master bath.

If your price range for a Charlotte ranch home is closer to $250,000, there are many viable options to consider. Move right into a 3 bedroom, 1 bath ranch in popular Madison Park. Enjoy a large deck/patio overlooking the fenced, wood lot for total privacy. Gracious living include new appliances, crown molding, ceiling fans and hardwood floors. If you prefer booming Uptown 3rd Ward for your Charlotte ranch home, check out a 2 bedroom, 1 bath ranch built in 1910 in a prime location for building up.

For those looking for Charlotte ranch homes in the $150,000 price range, there are adorable choices to call home. You’ll fall in love with a 3 bedroom, 1 bath ranch home located in charming Villa Heights that includes ceiling fans, hardwoods, fresh paint and a new floor in the kitchen.

For more information about Charlotte ranch homes, contact Katie Gray at 704-560-9699 or katie@katiegrayhomes.com.

Posted in Charlotte Real Estate, Uptown 4th Ward | No Comments »

Should I Buy A Charlotte Condo Or A Charlotte House?

Friday, March 6th, 2009

Buying a home is a major decision. In decades gone by, people moved out into an apartment to save for a private home. Now there are a variety of housing options to accommodation your budget and daily living needs. Should you buy a Charlotte condo or a Charlotte house? Let’s consider some of the benefits of each.

Benefits of A Charlotte Condo

A Charlotte condo is like an apartment because there are several units in a building with shared common areas such as lobbies and courtyards. Unlike apartments, you own a condo rather than rent it. Benefits you enjoy include less maintenance as you often pay for monthly maintenance in a condo to cover lawn mowing, insulation, repair of fixtures and other everyday items. Many condos offer alluring amenities you may not be able to afford in a private home such as pools and gyms. Condos are typically upgraded with modern appliances and features that would carry a bigger cost to purchase in a private home. You also have an opportunity to socialize with many different neighbors when you live in a Charlotte condo community.

Benefits of A Charlotte Home

People who want optimum privacy appreciate the sanctuary of a private Charlotte home. A condo is shared space while a private home has its own walls and yard. Single family homes are also always a solid real estate investment and appreciate the most in the real estate market. You also have total freedom in a private house to paint the walls any color or display garden gnomes in your yard. In a condo, you must follow the rules designated by the Home Owner’s Association. Traditional homes tend to carry a large price tag than condos because of the privacy they offer.

Charlotte Condos vs. Charlotte Homes

The best way to decide whether you prefer a Charlotte condo or a Charlotte home is to go comparison shopping. View the interiors of several different types of homes. Walk around the condo complex and community to get a feeling for the people and environment in the area. Ultimately you have to feel at home wherever you land, so look for a place that makes you most comfortable.

There are many affordable, attractive Charlotte condos to consider. For just over $250,000, you can live in a 2 bedroom, 2 bath Plaza Midwood condo with every amenity in a convenient location. If you prefer, settle into a 1 bedroom, 1 bath trendy NoDa condo. Charlotte condos are available in every size and price based on your needs and desires.

When you look at private Charlotte homes, there are a variety of welcoming, budget-conscious options. From a gracious 4 bedroom, 4 bath Dilworth house for a million dollars to a cozy renovated Belmont home for a little over $100,000, there are Charlotte homes in every category to suit your budget and preferences.

For more information about Charlotte condos and Charlotte homes, contact Katie Gray at 704-560-9699 or katie@katiegrayhomes.com.

Posted in Belmont, Dilworth, Myers Park, NoDa, Plaza Midwood, Villa Heights | No Comments »

Charlotte’s Madison Park Brings 1950s To The Present

Wednesday, March 4th, 2009

With affordable prices and tree-lined streets, Charlotte’s Madison Park brings the 1950s to the present. Home buyers enjoy a wide selection of budget-conscious 1950s ranch style homes as well as newly built homes. Madison Park is conveniently located within walking distance of Park Road Shopping Center and SouthPark Mall.

Many Madison Park residents go no further than two miles for their errands. In the late 1950s, Madison Park was one of Charlotte’s first modern post World War II neighborhoods. With welcoming homes and a central location, a reasonably priced home in Madison Park is a wonderful place to put down your roots.

Madison Park homes in the $300,000 range are gracious and beautiful. Imagine yourself in a 4 bedroom, 2 bath brick, 2-story home with new appliances and ceramic tile floors. A spacious backyard with a privacy fence and large deck are ideal for entertaining and large families. Another attractive option in this price range is a completely renovated 4 bedroom, 2 bath home with a fireplace, hardwood floors, granite, generous rooms, screen porch, separate workshop building and plenty of storage.

If your budget is closer to $225,000, you will find many Madison Park homes to choose from. Add your own special touches to a 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch with hardwoods, ceramic tile, a huge basement and an inviting backyard. Get more than your money’s worth in a 4 bedroom, 2 bath home with a new dishwasher, new water heater, fireplace and built-in shelves, desk and cabinets.

You will be pleasantly surprised if you’re shopping for Madison Park homes in the $150,000 price range. Move right into a lovely 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2-story home with a formal dining room, fireplace in the great room and fabulous master suite with a separate garden tub and shower. You may also want to check out a 3 bedroom, 2 bath home on a large, level lot with hardwood, floors, a fireplace and a carport.

For more information about beautiful homes in Madison Park, contact Katie Gray at 704-560-9699 or katie@katiegrayhomes.com.

Posted in Charlotte Real Estate, Madison Park | No Comments »