Archive for April, 2009

What To Look For When You Buy A Charlotte Home

Thursday, April 30th, 2009

Buying a Charlotte home is an excellent way become a permanent part of this popular area. Whether you’re relocating or simply getting a place of your own, there are several major considerations to look for when you consider buying a Charlotte home.

Where is the Charlotte home located? Walk around the neighborhood during the day and evening to check it out. Make sure you feel comfortable in your surroundings. See how close the home is to shopping, entertainment, parks and work.

Does the Charlotte home suit your lifestyle? If you have a car, you want a Charlotte home with accessible parking or a garage. If you don’t have a vehicle, the home you choose should be near public transportation. When you have fur babies, look for dog-friendly walking areas and parks.

Is the Charlotte home in good repair? Unless you’re handy, it is easier to buy a Charlotte home in decent repair than to fix it later. Make sure the toilets, water taps, heater, electrical wiring and other basic essentials are in decent shape before committing yourself to a home. Look around for bugs, mouse droppings and other “red alerts”.

What are the estimated costs for maintenance at your Charlotte home? Home owners association fees, utilities and repairs are all possible estimated costs for maintenance to include in your budget.

What are you allowed to do in your Charlotte home? If you are part of a homeowners association or building, find out what you can and cannot do in the house to ensure total comfort.

What are the terms of the contract? To secure a Charlotte home you want, you must sign a contract. Carefully review the terms of the contract to make sure they accurately reflect the arrangement agreed upon.

A variety of affordable, attractive Charlotte homes are available to suit everyone from singles to large families. Consider a fantastic 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath Belmont home with ceramic tile for about $250,000. Move right into a lovely 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath Uptown 3rd Ward home with a 2 car garage, kitchen with granite and cherry cabinets, crown molding and much more for under $230,000.

To find out more about all types of Charlotte homes for sale, contact Katie Gray at 714-560-9699 or katie@katiegrayhomes.com.

Posted in Belmont, Charlotte Real Estate, Myers Park, Uptown 3rd Ward | No Comments »

Are You Ready To Buy A Charlotte Home?

Wednesday, April 29th, 2009

 

It’s the American dream to own a charming Charlotte home but are you ready yet to make it happen? Can you afford to own a home and handle all the inevitable related costs as well as your everyday expenses? Before you start shopping around, consider a few basic elements about your current financial condition.

How much debt do you currently have? Tally up credit cards, school loans, car loans and any other outstanding debt you might have accrued.

What is your actual income? Know your average income without overtime or perks. Consider the income number you can depend on earning every week rather than speculative income. Only steady income counts as your actual income.

What is your worth? Tally the value of your assets. Figure out your current worth by considering your debt versus your income and assets.

What is your credit score? Review credit reports from the three major credit reporting agencies so you know your credit scores. Verify your debts and resolve any inaccuracies that may appear on your credit reports so you can get the best possible mortgage loan for your Charlotte home.

Do you have extra money to cover possible closing costs? To a home, you need a down payment. You will also have to cover possible closing costs as well as the cost of moving into your new Charlotte home. Make sure you have enough money left to pay for unforeseen repairs after you move in.

Will you have enough money for all your expenses each month after paying your mortgage? Remember you need to pay for repairs, utilities, yard maintenance, homeowners associates fees and your basic living expenses such as food and clothing.

If you are ready to buy a Charlotte home, there are a variety of affordable options. Check out a lovely 3 bedroom, 2 bath Wesley Heights home with granite countertops, ceiling fans and more for under $220,000. Consider a 4 bedroom, 2 bath Wilmore home for under $170,000. Deals are waiting for viable home buyers with a realistic understanding of their financial situation.

For more information about all types of Charlotte homes, contact Katie Gray at 704-560-9699 or info@katiegrayhomes.com.

 

Posted in Charlotte Real Estate | No Comments »

Top Ten Ways To Impress Charlotte Home Buyers

Saturday, April 25th, 2009

 

Charlotte homes still sell well in a competitive market because of the charming, convenient location. When there are more homes for sale, sellers need to make their homes stand out among the competition. These top ten ways will impress buyers to make your Charlotte home more memorable.

Get rid of stuff. Junk, magazines, clutter and toys make your Charlotte home look smaller, messy and uninviting. Too much stuff makes it tough for buyers to visualize the home their way.

Smell before you sell. Does your Charlotte home smell unappealing from cooking odors, smoke, a litter box or other smelly stuff? Be aware of odors and take action to eliminate them.

Eliminate family photos. Examine your walls and take down family photos and other personalized wall hangings so buyers aren’t visually distracted.

Color your world. A fresh coat of paint on the walls and baseboards revamps the atmosphere and makes everything look cleaner.

Update moldings. New, decorative moldings are an affordable way to spruce up entry areas, windows and walls.

Repair that leaky faucet. You might not be able to afford to renovate the bathroom but minor repairs like fixing a leaky faucet make a major difference.

Make your house green. A green Charlotte home includes energy efficient appliances and renovations such as new windows to make it more affordable and efficient to maintain.

Fix the floors. Updated flooring and carpeting make your Charlotte home look well-maintained to prospective buyers.

Have curb appeal. Make sure the entry to your Charlotte home is neat and attractive so buyers want to see more.

Be realistic. Discuss the listing price of your Charlotte home with a professional so you know what to expect and how negotiable you should be.

Many Charlotte homes are listing for over $350,000. Consider a 3 bedroom, 2 bath Noda home listing for over $360,000 or a 3 bedroom, 2 bath Wilmore home listing at around $350,000. There are also a variety of Charlotte homes listing for over $500,000. With first time home buyer tax credits, there are more buyers looking for a great Charlotte home that you might think.

To find out more about selling or buying a charming Charlotte homes, contact Katie Gray at 704-560-9699 or email katie@katiegrayhomes.com.

 

Posted in Charlotte Real Estate, NoDa, Wilmore | No Comments »

Top Five Reasons To Buy A Charlotte Home In 2009

Thursday, April 23rd, 2009

With a tight economy, the real estate bubble and other discussions about financial woes, why would you buy a Charlotte home now? Let’s consider the top five reasons to buy a Charlotte home in 2009:

First time Charlotte home buyers enjoy a tax credit of up to $8,000. First time buyers purchasing their principal residence between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009 enjoy an $8,000 tax credit which does not have to be repaid. The tax credit is 10 percent the percent price of the home, capped at $8,000. “First time home buyers” have not owned a principal residence for at least three years. Income limitations are $75,000 modified adjusted gross income for singles and $150,000 for married couples. You must own the home for three years. Otherwise, you’re required to return to the credit to Uncle Sam.

Great Charlotte homes at even better listing prices. Seller who need to move for business or personal reasons are putting their homes on the market at the best listing prices in years. To be competitive in a market filled with houses for sale, homeowners who want to sell their homes quickly are lowering the listing prices and negotiating with viable buyers.

A wide selection of low-priced foreclosures. If you have a down payment and general handyman skills, buying a foreclosure can save you thousands of dollars. Typically there is a simple bidding and auction process involved to purchase a foreclosed Charlotte home.

An exciting variety of handyman specials for lowered prices. For those who really know how to work with a hammer, handyman special Charlotte homes are an affordable way to get the house you want. Be aware of the costs to repair the home to your specifications before making a final commitment so you don’t get in over your head.

If your credit is good, the ability to get a viable low-rate mortgage. With mortgage rates at their lowest in months, buyers with good credit can get a viable low-rate mortgage.

A brief review of Charlotte homes for sale proves how affordable and attractive they are. Consider Charlotte’s earliest suburb with pleasant, tree-lined streets. Move into a convenient midrise Dilworth home with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, ceramic tile, granite counters, expansive rooms and a balcony for under $250,000. Check out a lovely Villa Heights home with 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, new paint and hardwoods for under $130,000.

For more information about an affordable, charming Charlotte home of your own, contact Katie Gray at 704-560-9699 or katie@katiegrayhomes.com.

Posted in Charlotte Real Estate | No Comments »

What Are The Benefits of Charlotte Highrise Homes?

Friday, April 17th, 2009

 

Charlotte highrise living is perfect if you enjoy your head in the clouds and your feet firmly planted on convenient ground. Appreciate private panoramic views of Charlotte with offices, restaurants, shopping and entertainment just moments away. Walk to your favorite destinations in the city then come home to a relaxing oasis in the sky.

A Charlotte highrise condo offers a variety of benefits for everyone from individuals to families. Besides a modern home with updated features such as granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, ceramic tile and wood floors, you may gain access to other alluring amenities. Consider some of a fabulous features offered in highrise buildings, depending on the location of your Charlotte condo.

Outstanding location. Highrise buildings are typically located in great locations with easy access to everyday activities. Living in a Charlotte high ise home saves money on transportation costs and vehicle maintenance.

Added amenities. As the resident of a Charlotte highrise building, you often appreciate amenities beyond your attractive home. Some buildings have a fitness center, which can save you significantly on the cost of a membership to a gym or club. Other buildings offer 24 hour security, ongoing general maintenance, courtyards with gardens and even a swimming pool.

Efficient utilities at the lowest cost. Updated systems, modern appliances and group rates make utility costs affordable to residents of Charlotte highrise homes. It is also environmentally conscious to live in a highrise because you are taking up less land by “building up”.

Choose a Charlotte highrise home based upon your budget, location and desired amenities. If your budget is around $700,000, enjoy a 2 bedroom, 2 bath Uptown 1st Ward highrise right in the heart of the City Center. This luxurious highrise home includes granite and stainless steel appliances, an inviting open floor plan, an additional den/office space and spectacular views.

If you are looking to spend closer to $350,000, move right into a 2 bedroom, 2 bath Uptown 3rd Ward highrise home. This great home includes upgraded flooring, granite, a large balcony with uptown views and amenities such as a rooftop pool, fitness room and doggie park.

For just under $170,000, you will love a 1 bedroom, 1 bath Uptown 4th Ward highrise with stunning granite, new paint, a community pool and roof terrace.

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

 

Posted in Uptown 1st Ward, Uptown 3rd Ward, Uptown 4th Ward | No Comments »

Charlotte Colonial Homes – History With A Modern Touch

Thursday, April 16th, 2009

Charlotte colonial homes offer the perfect fusion of antiquity with modern amenities. Bring history together with a modern touch when you settle into your own gracious Charlotte colonial home. Since the late 1600s, Americans chose the spacious comfort of colonial homes with fireplaces, yards, porches and storage sheds.

Originally wealthy Americans built colonial homes throughout New England and the Southern colonies. The first colonial houses were a single story with a hall, parlor and chimney. By the 1700s, colonial homes had two stories with a central hall and a staircase. A two-story Charlotte colonial home today typically has a square shape, central door and a stairway leading to a hallway and upstairs bedrooms. With front porches, fenced yards and green gardens, a Charlotte colonial home is great for entertaining outdoors as well as indoors.

If your budget for a Charlotte colonial home is around $2,000,000 to $1,000,000, your choices are quite attractive. Consider a fabulous 5 bedroom, 5 bath Myers Park colonial home with all the bells and whistles for under $2,000,000. For closer to $1,000,000, move right into a gorgeous 4 bedroom, 3 bath Dilworth colonial home with a 2-car garage and screened porch.

For those with a budget around $500,000, there are many attractive colonial homes with charming features in excellent Charlotte locations. Check out a NoDa colonial style home with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and a designer kitchen with recessed lighting. Another great option is a custom built Plaza Midwood colonial style home with 3 large bedrooms, 4 baths, ceramic tile and wall-to-wall carpets.

A variety of lovely Charlotte colonial homes are available if your budget is between $150,000 to $300,000. Imagine yourself living in a brand new Belmont colonial home with 4 bedrooms, 3 ½ baths, ceramic tile and wall-to-wall carpet for around $300,000. Move into a welcoming new 2-story Villa Heights home with 3 bedrooms, 2 ½ baths and a front porch conveniently location just five minutes from Uptown Charlotte.

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

Posted in Belmont, Dilworth, Myers Park, NoDa, Plaza Midwood, Uptown 1st Ward, Uptown 3rd Ward, Villa Heights | No Comments »

How Much Charlotte Home Can You Afford?

Friday, April 10th, 2009

 

With everyone working within a strict budget these days, exactly how much Charlotte home can you afford? There are simple ways to calculate your purchasing power to buy the Charlotte home of your dreams. With a variety of homes in all price categories, there are more options than you might think on each end of the pricing spectrum.

What is the basic formula followed to figure out how much you can afford to spend on a Charlotte home? The traditional method of calculation is to make sure your monthly mortgage payment, property taxes and homeowners insurance are between 25 to 36 percent of your gross monthly income. 

This is a broad range depending on how many other debts you carry. If you are paying off student loans or credit cards, you want to play closer to 25 percent. If you are not carrying other debts, it is possible to go up to 36 percent of your income for a Charlotte home.  Always consider utilities, transportation and other necessary expenses when you calculate how much home you can afford.

Whether your budget for a Charlotte home is $100,000 or $1,000,000, there are many gracious choices. With around $100,000, you can afford a lovely Wesley Heights high rise home with 1 bedroom, 1 bath, ceramic tile, wall to wall carpets and amazing views. For about $130,000, move into an attractive 3 bedroom, 1 bath Villa Heights home with new paint and restored hardwoods.

If your budget is closer to $250,000, appreciate the amenities in a sensational 3-story condo. This lovely Uptown 1st Ward home has 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, huge windows, hardwood floors, ten foot ceilings on the main floor, stainless appliances and private fenced patio with a small yard. For about $350,000, check out a 3 bedroom, 2 bath NoDa home with tall ceilings, granite countertops and a huge fenced yard.

There are beautiful Charlotte homes available for around $500,000. Consider a gorgeous Uptown 4th Ward townhouse with 4 bedrooms, 2 ½ baths, gas fireplace, hardwood floors and fantastic skyline views. For about $1,000,000, move right into a breathtaking Myers Park home with 5 bedrooms, 4 ½ baths, open floor plan, gourmet kitchen, sunroom and fireplace.

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

 

Posted in Charlotte Real Estate, Myers Park, NoDa, Uptown 1st Ward, Uptown 4th Ward, Villa Heights | No Comments »

Is This A Good Time To Sell My Charlotte Home?

Saturday, April 4th, 2009

Are you looking to sell your Charlotte home? Perhaps you’re upgrading, downsizing or relocating. Although the market is somewhat unpredictable, this can be a good time to sell your Charlotte house based on your personal reasons.

While some people are choosing to wait to sell their Charlotte homes until after the housing bubble passes over, others cannot hold off. Consider a few reasons why today is the right time to put your Charlotte home on the market:

Your monthly mortgage payments are choking you. If you are falling behind on mortgage payments or unable to pay other bills when you do cover the mortgage, it’s time to downsize. Selling your Charlotte home helps you get free of a mortgage you can’t handle.

You are ready to retire. Many people chose to invest their retirement money in conservative funds rather than stocks. If you have reasonable retirement assets and your current home is paid off, go ahead and downsize into your retirement dream home. You will still profit from the sale of your Charlotte home and can find a great deal in a retirement home in the current market.

You want to upgrade your current home. If you sailed past the current tight economy, it’s a great time to upgrade your current Charlotte home. With the right real estate agent, you can maximize the sales price of your home while getting a deal on the purchase of a new, larger home. Foreclosures are an excellent way to get more home for your money.

You need or want to relocate. If your job, family or lifelong desires are taking you elsewhere, you need to put your Charlotte home on the market.

Homes in Charlotte are in great demand because of the convenient, historic location. Many Charlotte homes in excellent condition are listed for over $500,000. Consider a fabulous 3 bedroom, 2 bath Wilmore home selling for almost $550,000. A fabulous 3-story, 4 bedroom, 2 bath Uptown 4th Ward home is listed at $500,000.

To find out more about selling your Charlotte home, contact Katie Gray at 704-560-9699 or email katie@katiegrayhomes.com.

 

 

Posted in Uptown 4th Ward, Wilmore | No Comments »