Charlotte NC Homes For Sale - Charlotte Real Estate Market

South Park Homes in Charlotte

2012-05-16T12:05:00Z

Many people across the nation has heard of the demand for Homes in Charlotte's Southpark area. Southpark (actually is one word) borders Myers Park and our residents attend the popular Myers Park Schools. Great schools are just one of the many benefits of the Southpark area!

Southpark Homes are located in south Charlotte. You are very close to uptown Charlotte. You can see the skyline of uptown Charlotte from many of the buildings in Southpark. Southpark Mall is incredible! Southpark Mall was your typical shopping mall in the early 1990's. As Charlotte's affluent population continued to grow, the demand for more high end shopping was needed.

During this time period, the affluence of Myers Park continued to expand. The affluence warmly embraced Southpark. Southpark was a blue collar neighborhood with many modest homes; many of these homes have been renovated to reflect the atmosphere! Since Southpark was ideally situated in the midst of the warmth of Myers Park area, Southpark Mall became the designer Mall of Charlotte. Southpark Mall includes stores like Nordstroms, Louis Vuitton, Crate and Barrel, and now we have Charlotte's first Whole Foods grocery chain about to open in the Southpark area!

Economics: As Myers Park was warmly expanding into the Southpark area, Southpark helped the growth by constructing many office buildings. Southpark developed into a white collar business district; a mini downtown Charlotte without the inconvenience of driving downtown!

Southpark continues to be in demand. Since the 1990's, Downtown Charlotte has transformed into Uptown Charlotte with its own affluent feel and lifestyle. Southpark is established and an ideal business alternative to uptown. As the greater Charlotte area continues to grow, the Ballantyne area is replicating Southpark with its office buildings and quality of life.

As you consider various opportunities in the greater Charlotte Real Estate market, you will be amiss if you do not consider Southpark Homes for Sale.

Charlotte Area Schools

2012-05-12T01:34:00Z

As the greater Charlotte area continues to grow, the greater Charlotte educational opportunities continue to grow. Charter schools are rapidly expanding in addition to various private schools. For example, the Charter School "Community School of Davidson" is nationally recognized for outstanding academics. We have the Charlotte School of Socrates Academy, private schools such as Charlotte School of Latin and the British American School of Charlotte to name a few.

Charlotte is maturing into a world class city and our various schools complement our growth. As you consider the greater Charlotte area for your home, you will be pleased to see our educational opportunities will exceed your expectations. Visit Charlotte Real Estate to learn more about our great area!

FHA Loan Obstacles

2012-04-23T00:15:00Z

Buying a home with an FHA loan is often a challenge. In order for a lender to actually lend money for an FHA loan, an FHA Appraisal most be accomplished. An FHA Appraisal is also part Home Inspection. The Appraiser will check the home the home for certain functions to assure it meets FHA standards. This in one of the many times that good intentions actually is counter productive.

There are many great discounted homes available in the real estate market. Many of these discounted homes are bank owned foreclosures and short sales. These homes are sold "as is". If there are known repairs needed on the home, depending on the FHA Appraiser (different appraisers write-up/demand different types of repairs). When you want to purchase one of these homes, many will not pass the FHA Appraisal. What does that mean? The Appraisal will require the repairs be made prior to financing the loan. The home is discounted for the very reason that there are repairs needed! The loan can not be funded (will not be approved) unless the home is repaired prior to closing. If it is a short sale, the seller does not have the money for the repairs. If it is a bank owned foreclosure, the bank is not willing to do the repairs (again, that is exactly why the price is being sold discounted).

There is a 203k loan that is possible for repairs. What this amounts to is you taking out a second loan for the repairs. You lose the "sweat equity" of actually doing some of the work on your own. You must pay a contractor and this actually increases your overall cost more than necessary. This increases your loan value and often pushes you out of your acceptable price range. It is definitely necessary to assure you can afford the repairs, but many repairs can also be handled yourself, friends of family members that have often worked in the trades themselves.

There is an additional challenge with FHA Appraisals with standard resales. Many FHA appraisers are very nervous. I have had home sellers with a contract for a sale but the FHA Appraiser rejected the loan amount because it was not being sold at foreclosure prices. The home was in great condition and definitely move in ready. The sellers had to reduce their sales price to the appraised value (foreclosure price) for their move in ready home.

There are many obstacles out there but there are still great deals to be found. Together we work to overcome obstacles and assure we find the best deal possible for Charlotte area homes. Visit Charlotte Real Estate for more information.

Charlotte Short Sales and Charlotte Foreclosures

2012-03-25T17:36:00Z

The Charlotte area Real Estate market remains relatively strong and Charlotte Homes for Sale are reasonably priced to sell! There are many deals in Charlotte foreclosures but the astute home buyer must be fast; aggressively priced homes sell quickly. In addition to Charlotte Foreclosures are Charlotte area Short Sales.

There are many things to consider before selling or buying a Charlotte Area Short Sale. Sellers need to qualify with the bank/mortgage holder prior to listing their home as a short sale. There are new businesses popping up that want to be your "middleman" in selling your home as a short sale. I have seen some companies that actually charge the sellers (whom are already under financial distress) while others push additional charges off on the buyer "due to the listing agent's inconvenience". I do list short sales and there is no charge for the buyer or seller. Yes, a short sale does take additional work but I accept that as part of the business. I do not want to "chase away" any potential buyers. I appreciate a short sale buyer's willingness to wait 4+ months to buy your home. To expect them to wait four months and then charge them extra for that does not make since to me. Yes, they are getting a deal but ultimately they are paying what the current market supports.

When buying a Charlotte Short Sale can be an incredible deal. Location, location, location. If all of the fundamentals are strong (location, property taxes, schools, commute times, etc.) then buying a home "cheaper then" it would cost to actually build that home is and will remain a great deal!

Contact myself, Rick Waite at 704.770.6559 or email rjwaite1@gmail.com or my partner Anne Jackson Waite at 704-493-4995 or annemwaite@gmail.com for information regarding listing or buying Charlotte Area Real Estate.

Wilkinson and Associates now Powered by ERA

2012-03-05T01:16:00Z

Wilkinson and Associates has now joined ERA! This now teams the local strength of Wilkinson and Associates Real Estate with the national power of ERA Real Estate. ERA further enhances by resume which began with Re/Max and now has ERA. I have been working as a full time Realtor for over 7 years. I understand the real estate market by carefully following the trends. I understand the impact of home ownership, rentals, investment homes and the values in the neighborhoods. Each area is unique. There are many factors that impact housing values including neighborhood values, property taxes, convenience to amenities and schools.

Investors must carefully select homes. There is a delicate balance. Too many rentals hurt the values of the neighborhoods. It is readily apparent when rental home begin to show lack of general upkeep. Instead of an investment home, the rental home pulls down the values of the other neighboring homes. This is not based on opinion but based on the opinions of hundreds of clients over many years. I have had the privilege of gaining the impression of a multitude of buyers of various cultures and ethnicities. I have found the opinions to be consistent across all demographic groups.

I work with my wife, Anne Jackson Waite and she brings her past experience of Coldwell Banker. Together we share a very experienced and well rounded real estate background to assure your Charlotte Area Real Estate purchase and/or sale will be a positive experience. Call today at 704-770-6559 or email rjwaite1@gmail.com or annewaite@gmail.com for outstanding service! You deserve experience and honesty when searching Charlotte area Homes for Sale!

Charlotte Short Sales - Marketing to Sell but Must be Discrete!

2012-02-19T18:13:00Z

Short Sales are a way that home owners can regain some control over their Charlotte home. If you are behind on your payments and have accepted that you will ultimately be moving. You have exhausted all options and are down to the best of the remaining alternatives. Do you allow the Foreclosure process take over or do you take charge and start the short sale process?

A short sale is when your current mortgage is more than the current market value of your home. Your mortgage company is willing to work with you and allow you to do a short sale.

How do you know if you qualify for a short sale? The mortgage company first determines if you have a hardship. The lender then tries to see if there is any way you can catch up on your mortgage and if a foreclosure is inevitable.

If foreclosure is inevitable and you have a financial hardship, you will likely qualify for a short sale. The greater Charlotte Real Estate market is still selling. Most buyers in today's economy are looking for a discounted home. They are worried about avoiding a negative situation in years to come. Charlotte Homes for sale need to be priced aggressively to attract buyers in a more timely manner. This is not to "give away" your Charlotte home but needs to be priced well given the current Real Estate market conditions.

The largest hurdle now is your next step. It is a very difficult time in your life. A short sale provides a since of control and also prevents a foreclosure from your credit. Your credit has all ready been beat up, no need to completely polish it off.

You need the help of a professional Realtor that is familiar with the short sale process AND is there to help you. Your Realtor should be placing your needs first. Here are some Dos and Don'ts about Short Sale Realtors:

1) Your Realtor needs to be full time and very familiar with the short sale process.

2) Your Realtor should see a bigger picture including your neighborhood. DO NOT PLACE A SHORT SALE SIGN IN THE YARD! This creates stress for every passerby. It creates a negative situation for the buyer. Neighbors are not going to care for the person that helped drop their market values. No, the buyer is not the problem but it creates stress for neighbors; let's let the new home owner move into a happy home.

3) The purpose of a short sale sign is more for the Realtor than for you, your buyer or the neighborhood. The advertising for your Realtor is not "your" priority and does nothing good for your neighbors, your old neighborhood or anything else.

4) Your Realtor should not be "charging" you to get started or to "qualify" you. Talk about kicking someone when they are down!

5) Your Realtor should be upfront and honest with you.

6) You must be willing to be upfront and honest with your Realtor. If you have additional liens, they are going to come out anyway. By the time you choose a Realtor you trust, disclose everything upfront. There is too much work for short sale to hold back last minute surprises.

Call me, Rick Waite at 704-770-6559 or email at rjwaite1@gmail.com today and let's see if I can help. I specialize in South Charlotte, Ballantyne, Waxhaw, Weddington, Marvin, Fort Mill and Tega Cay along with the surrounding areas. I have been listing and selling short sales for several years. Call today. It is time to be honest and let's take a positive step into your future!

2 Story For Sale in Price Mill

2012-02-12T22:36:00Z

Amazing former Model Home!

• 3,300 sq. ft., 4 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story - MLS® $280,000 - Approved Short Sale!

Price Mill, Monroe - This amazing former model home has 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bath home sets on .52 aces and has all of the living space you were hoping to find. The floor plan includes an office, formal living room, formal dining room, laudry/utility room, great room, kitchen and half bath on main floor. There is simply too much to list and is a must see!

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Indian Trail Full Brick Home for Sale!

2011-11-30T22:36:00Z

If you are considering a home in the Union County area, you would be amiss not to consider Colton Ridge in Indian Trail! Colton Ridge is a side walk neighborhood with a community pool, tennis court, community pond and walking trails. View more information on 6006 Colton Ridge!

The kitchen has granite counters and the main floor has upgraded hardwoods throughout! You have plenty of counter seating in addition to the breakfast area overlooking your back yard.

The main floor has an open floor plan. This home has 3 bedrooms and a HUGE bonus room (easily can be a bedroom in addition to a bonus room). The Laundry Room/Utility Room is on the main floor and provides all of the space you had hoped!

The yard is level and fenced! The covered pergola is a perfect place to sit out, watch your children play, enjoy gardening or just simply watch nature! The garden has been done with great detail with a wide variety of flowers blooming regularly!

Why Should I consider Fort Mill, Tega Cay and Indian Land Homes for Sale?

2011-11-24T17:45:00Z

Whenever someone is relocating to the greater Charlotte area they naturally consider various Charlotte Suburbs. There is a vast amount of data available and it is often an overwhelming task. Where is the best deal in greater Charlotte Housing? Should I consider Charlotte Foreclosures? What schools will meet and exceed my expectations? What are the property taxes? How long is my commute?

These thoughts are just the tip of the iceberg. When seeking a home in the greater Charlotte area, we will consider all factors that combine to create your home. What does Fort Mill, Tega Cay and Indian Land have to offer? How are they similar and how do they differ? Which is a better consideration?

First thing to consider is the things in common, property taxes. South Carolina has done many things to take care of and attract their residents. SC has reduced their property taxes. SC property taxes are more than 30% lower than NC. SC also provides a $50,000 "assessed property value reduction for seniors. Property taxes are based on the assessed tax value. All SC properties are assessed every four years (State wide County by County) and property taxes are based on this assessed value. Seniors enjoy a reduction of $50,000 of of their tax value and their property tax bill is based off of the reduced value! SC also has a lower gasoline tax (20 cents less per gallon than in the greater Charlotte area).

What distinguishes Fort Mill Real Estate? Fort Mill is in York County SC and has soft rolling hills. Fort Mill covers a large geographic area. Fort Mill's most popular subdivision is Baxter Village. Baxter has Charleston style homes and radiates warmth. Fort Mill also has many other great neighborhoods such as Springfield, The Reserves at Gold Hill and Regent Park. Fort Mill does not have a large shopping area per se but more and more stores are opening on a regular basis. Fort Mill is just across the NC/SC border and about 10 miles from Uptown Charlotte. Fort Mill Schools are very popular and have a reputation of high academic standards. Fort Mill has a quaint Downtown area with with a few commercial buildings. Fort Mill is spread out and has a wide variety of subdivisions.

Tega Cay has a resort type feel and is located within Fort Mill and York County. Tega Cay has steeper hills, a 27 hole golf course, miles of walking trails and attends Fort Mill Schools (Tega Cay Elementary School is in the planning process). Tega Cay is a close community and outdoor activities are common. There is not a town center of Tega Cay but there has been a flurry of supporting stores throughout the area.

Indian Land is located just south of the South Charlotte/Ballantyne area in Lancaster County. Indian Land does not have a US Post Office and the mailing address for Indian Land is Fort Mill. Indian Land residents attend Indian Land Schools. Indian Land topography varies from flat to steep hills. Indian Land was very rural community and is growing into a thriving South Charlotte Suburb. Indian Land ranges from small older rural homes to new elaborate subdivisions. Indian Land is a great option if you are working in Lancaster or the South Charlotte area.

Discover more about the greater Charlotte Real Estate area. I will share information about each area in addition to providing various resources to assure you have a complete perspective of the area you decide to call home. You are relocating for a reason and I want to assure you find the Charlotte area home that you are hoping to find!

Charlotte Short Sales remain a strong option!

2011-11-15T23:41:00Z

The greater Charlotte Real Estate market remains steady and I have personally noticed a large uptick in short sales. Charlotte Buyers are realizing the benefit of purchasing a short sale. There are many considerations before buying a short sale but more and more people are now prepared to buy their next home!

A short sale exists when the current owner owes more to the bank than the current market value. The current home owner does not have to lose their home in foreclosure. After you, the Charlotte Home owner, has exhausted all other refinancing options, you can still do a short sale. A short sale is when you have a buyer (not related or affiliated with yourself) that will purchase your home at true market value (not for the amount you owe).

For the seller, the lender must approve the shortage of funds and accept the loss. Yes, there is a lot more criteria before the bank will accept the loss but it is definitely an option to consider. A short sale is better than a foreclosure. No, as you list your home for a short sale will not stop the collection calls. The calls will not stop until the home is closed. An aggressive marketing plan is required and I am here to assist. An understanding of the entire process will be helpful; I will share as much or as little as you request. The benefit of a short sale is to allow you to have some control of your home's destiny.

The home buyer gets to get a great home prior to the foreclosure. A short sale often takes months to complete (as opposed to a bank owned home or regular home sale which takes 30 to 45 days) but it is worth it. Yes, the lender expects to receive current market value for the home which is fair. A home owner marketing their home as a short sale will be reluctant to accept a very low offer. Why does the seller care?

The bank does an extensive analysis of the current market value. If the offer is below their acceptable margins, the offer is rejected or counter offered. In the mean time, the home owner has delayed the opportunity of receiving a real/reasonable offer. You, the home seller, do not want or need to have more time wasted; you want this all behind you so you can move forward in your life.

Listing your home for a short sale is a process and so is buying a short sale. Both require patience but it ultimately will help both parties in the long run. Consider learning more about a short sale. Yes, the lender loses but it still beats the cost and risk of a foreclosure. Consider all of your options. Let me know how I can help.

Tega Cay 2 Story Home For Sale

2011-11-12T01:31:00Z

• 1,700 sq. ft., 3 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story - MLS® $200,000

3 Bedroom home in Tega Cay SC! Fantastic deal on this 4 bedroom home in prestigious Tega Cay. This cul de sac home has new laminate flooring on main and master bedroom along with new carpet in other bedrooms. The first floor has an open floor plan and the home has warm neutral colors throughout. The back yard is relatively level, fenced and has a large deck for entertaining. The new roof has architectural shingles.

Tega Cay amenities such as beaches, boat ramps, ball parks and walking trails/green ways throughout. Tega Cay offers additional amenities including the golf course, swim club, tennis and much more. These additional amenities are inexpensive and you choose any amenity package you desire (optional).

Now consider a convenient commute to uptown Charlotte, low South Carolina Property taxes and great Fort Mill schools of York County. This home will not last long!

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New Charlotte Home Search!

2011-10-21T00:20:00Z

I have recently upgraded my Charlotte Area Home Search! This now includes map searches, MLS Search, Address Search and much more. Try the new home search and let me know what you think. I continually stay on top of the market and try to provide the information that you will need! Your thoughts are very important to me. I need to assure I continue to keep you, the person purchasing Charlotte Real Estate or the person selling theri curretn Charlotte are home as the priority!

Search Charlotte Area Homes for Sale

Relocating to Charlotte NC

2011-10-17T00:22:00Z

Many people relocating to Charlotte (or any unfamiliar city for that matter) do not realize where to start. Many begin by seeking the largest home for the least expensive price. Charlotte, as any city, varies dramatically around the city of Charlotte. That is not to disparage any area; it is simply that every city has a diverse population and there is something for everyone. We welcome everyone but the most important part is that you are a place that you actually feel at home. Your happiness is essential for a successful relocation.

Please perform a search for the largest home for the least amount of money in your current home town. If you currently live in this neighborhood and are happy, then you are on the right track. If you are not relocating your family to that neighborhood, then please do not do it in Charlotte.

Try looking for the most expensive smallest home. Then begin researching that area. Home prices are based on demand. The only reason someone would pay more money for a smaller home is the area is more popular. Keep in mind that many neighborhoods in Charlotte have newer homes. Do not assume that since a home is less than 10 years old then this is where you would like to live. Again, every area has strengths and weaknesses. You are relocating for a reason. You are looking for a better life. You are looking for a home and a standard of living that is better than you are leaving.

Ask your coworkers what they think. Ask about property taxes, crime, schools, shopping, recreation and anything else that is of importance. Ask more than one person to assure you are getting a larger perspective. Family is always the best resources; they know you better than anyone else.

Visiting: As you visit Charlotte, stop and visit the local Grocery Stores. These are your neighbors. Visit local banks. Is there an armed guard in the bank? Are the tellers protected behind bullet proof glass? Everyone has a different comfort zone and expectations vary.

Consider commute times. That is a place to begin. A shared objective is to minimize your commute and provide the best quality of life possible. Together we will consider the factors important to your Charlotte Home and community. Charlotte Real Estate will exceed your expectations and your family will thank you!

Open House in Ballantyne Trace on Saturday 10/15

2011-10-14T20:46:00Z

Ballantyne Trace - Just behind Stonecrest Shopping Center! - We invite everyone to visit our Townhome open house at 11182 Villa Trace Place on Saturday, October 15 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Learn more about the area as well as this particular neighborhood. We look forward to seeing you there!

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Charlotte Investment Properties

2011-10-07T19:13:00Z

Many people are now considering buying Charlotte homes for rental properties. What does it involve? Before you purchase Charlotte Real Estate you need to confirm your financing. Mortgage Interest rates are very low but the lending restrictions are high. The first step is to speak to a lender. There is no point in considering a property unless you know beforehand that you can actually get a loan. It is safe to assure you will need 20% down-payment and six months of house payments in the bank for the new loan. You may find a better deal but this is normal.

When purchasing a Charlotte area investment home, you then need to know the numbers. What do you expect? If you place 20% down then the mortgage is only based on 80% of the purchase price. You then add property taxes, Home Owner Association fees, Insurance and perhaps a management fee to an outside source. Then look a the recent rental activity . How long did the rentals remain vacant? Make sure you adjust your expectations to include the vacancy rate.

Charlotte area Homes for Sale offer an abundance of options and opportunities. Purchasing a foreclosure or short sale may be the ideal investment property. In 4 or 5 years you can resell your property and make a nice profit along with the monthly cash flow that you received.

There are many new renters on the market due to the current economy. The economy always creates opportunity. The one that prospers is the person that not just sees the possibilities but has the confidence to take action. It is time for seize your Charlotte Real Estate investment today!