Underappreciated but NOT Undervalued! Cotswold

July 26th, 2010 categories: Cotswold

Cotswold

Underappreciated but NOT Undervalued!

There is a section of real estate in Charlotte that you don’t always hear about on a regular basis. The news doesn’t report on it much because it’s a safe and quaint part of the Queen City, yet it’s fully loaded with all the amenities of the most popular areas in town. I’m talking about Cotswold. This area is in close range of spots that are more popular and talked about more frequently, like Myers Park, South Park Mall area, Dilworth, Elizabeth, and South Charlotte.

Yet the properties for sale in this area are very impressive. Some of the most luxurious condominiums in Charlotte are located in Cotswold like those at the Rosewood on Providence, as are some of the homes tucked away in the neighborhood areas. These homes can run into the one million dollar range, yet homes that are very nice and present well are also available in the $100,000 range.

In fact, see for yourself as to the type of homeownership that is taking place in Cotswold in contrast to the real estate sales in Charlotte, NC overall. There have been some significant jumps in the higher range homes but for the most part the price range of homes in Cotswold has been higher than the average in Charlotte.

The number of sales have not been as high because Cotswold is a small spot, which makes it all the nicer to live!

Neighborhood	Apr – Jun ‘10	y-o-y	3 months prior	1 year prior	5 years prior
Cotswold	$159,996	-14.2%	$193,500	$186,500	$213,500
Charlotte	$150,000	-3.2%	$141,500	$155,000	$150,750

Any Charlotte Real Estate Agent can tell you about the geographic advantages to living in Cotswold; close to Uptown, close to South Charlotte, and a very good school district.

As you’re looking to buy property in Charlotte, NC, don’t forget to check out Cotswold!

(info is thanks to trulia.com market trends)

Authored by Donna Johnston | Discussion: 1 Comment »

Seven Sins Charlotte Vacationers Make!

July 25th, 2010 categories: Charlotte News

Seven Sins Charlotte Vacationers Make!

Whenever you take a vacation and leave your home empty, you probably do a “final walk through” and make sure that no one left a hot curling iron plugged in, the air conditioner is set at an economical temperature, and the perishables have been thrown out of the refrigerator.

The list below offers hints on what else you might need to add to that check list of things to do before you leave for vacation.

1. Don’t forget the pool! If you’re going to be away for more than a week, and you have an inground swimming pool, leave a hose dripping into it at a slow trickle while you’re gone. We’ve had some extremely hot weather in Charlotte lately; pool water evaporates at a pretty quick pace, and you don’t want your pool’s level to get so low that it burns out your pump.
2. Don’t neglect the marine vehicles! If you are fortunate enough to own waterfront real estate in Lake Norman, Lake Wylie, or the other watery spots around Charlotte, and you have a boat or other water crafts, be sure a friend knows to check on these things for you in the event of a severe storm. You don’t want to learn once you get home that your wave runner floated away and has not been recovered, or that your boat has a hole in the bottom because it sailed up on a piling in high winds.
3. Don’t be overly confident! Most golf community homes in Charlotte are relatively secure in keeping criminal elements out. However, any neighborhood that gets traffic through it on a regular basis tempts the desperate and crooked. Make sure your neighbors know to keep an eye on your home. If you have a security patrol, tell them you’ll be gone.
4. Don’t forget the alarm! If you have a home alarm system, use it! Let the alarm company know you’re out of town until a specific date and that either a trusted friend will be stopping by to water plants, or that no one should be in the home at all. If the alarm goes off and someone is in the home, the alarm company will know how to deal with the situation if you have properly prepared them.
5. Don’t invite the crooks in! Leaving a key ANYWHERE outside is trouble! Crooks know that you stash them in planters, grills, workshop drawers, pool houses, dog houses, etc. If your friend is going to the back patio first and then going to the front door to unlock it; the crook knows a key is hidden somewhere on the back patio.
6. Don’t show crooks what you have! Pull curtains shut enough that a few lights can be seen through them at night but don’t leave windows completely exposed and wide open. A criminal is taking inventory and drawing a schematic layout of your home if you do.
7. Use timers on lamps and radios to create the illusion of activity! Your house doesn’t have to look empty just because it is! Have timers set on lamps to turn them on at staggered times and set timers on radios in different rooms of the house set to talk stations. Your home can look and sound as if it is inhabited while you’re gone!

Have a great time on vacation, but protect your investment! Living in Charlotte is good enough that after a vacation, you’ll be glad to come home. Contact us if you need us to recommend services.

Authored by Donna Johnston | Discussion: 1 Comment »

Charlotte, NC Employment and Buying a New Home

July 24th, 2010 categories: Charlotte Economy

Looking at the economic situation as far as the job situation goes, it looks like companies in Charlotte, NC are hiring once again. We aren’t hearing about as many layoffs as we are about friends, family members, and acquaintances going on interviews and getting jobs. This is a good indicator for the Charlotte NC real estate and property management industry to get ready for an influx of business. Charlotte hotels have been booked with transient people moving here and staying in pet-friendly accommodations while they look for new homes in the Charlotte area and seek out a Charlotte Realtor.

Some of the companies that are hiring again are: Presbyterian Hospital, Carolinas Medical Center, Bank of America Stadium, Time Warner Arena, South Park Mall, and Concord Mills Mall (various shops in the malls as well as the malls). The Charlotte employment situation is improving and those with degrees and experience are getting hired once again, however, it is usually below what they were making before the economy tanked. Also, while these bigger companies in Charlotte are hiring again, many of the jobs go from minimum wage to a few dollars per hour above. You’re most likely not going to buy a new home on Lake Wylie with what you’re earning at a concessions stand job at Time Warner Arena or Bank of America Stadium. I’m not saying it’s impossible, just not probable.

So, what can you do in order to get out of that Charlotte apartment and start investing your money in real estate instead of paying rent every month? Start out with a condo in Weddington or Matthews. If you don’t try to buy a luxury condo in Uptown Charlotte, you’ll be able find an affordable home on the periphery of Charlotte with the same square footage, or more, than that apartment you’ve been renting.  If you’ve been at your job, even if it is just slightly above minimum wage, for over two years and you have a down payment saved up, you might qualify for a mortgage. After all, you’ve been able to afford rent all this time and lenders do take that into consideration.

If you’ve been recently hired at a job after being out of work for a significant amount of time, now is probably not the best time to buy. Save up some money for a down payment on a new home and then contact a real estate agent in Charlotte who can help you find a condo in the price range you need on the outskirts of town. You’ll find something brand new or nearly new and get more bang for your buck when you buy! Oh and be sure to contact us if you would like more information about Charlotte Real Estate.

Authored by Donna Johnston | Discussion: 1 Comment »

5 Charlotte Home Upgrades That Will Make Your Life Easier

July 23rd, 2010 categories: Selling home in Charlotte

Return on  you Charlotte home Investment

These three magic words can either make or break a seller’s piggy bank.  Many new Charlotte real estate buyers and current sellers plan on tackling home improvement projects over the next few months.  If you’d like to undertake a project this summer on your Charlotte home in hopes of seeing a return on your funds down the road, here are five upgrades you can enjoy now and will still hold value years  from today.

1.) New windows can bring a lot of bang for the buck.  Not only will they save you cash when paying the utility bill, but they will also increase the resale value of your Charlotte home…especially if you live in an older home that still has wood or metal windows.  Drafty, inefficient windows mean a colder home in the winter and a warmer home in the summer – not to mention increased spider and insect guests.  And this is one upgrade that Charlotte real estate buyers are sure to notice and appreciate.  New windows will make your home feel and look newer than it actually is.  If you’re interested in upgrading your windows, but aren’t sure where to start, ask your Charlotte realtor.  We know what buyers are looking for when searching for their perfect home.

2.) Upgrading your kitchen appliances is always a good idea when improving your Charlotte home for resale value.  New appliances will catch the eye of any Charlotte real estate buyer.  And if you’re a few years away from putting your home on the market, upgrade now and enjoy the new technology.  We can even offer advice on which appliances will stand the test of time in the eye of potential buyers.

3.) Low-maintenance landscaping will not only save your wallet, but will also save your weekends.  Replacing your front yard lawn with low maintenance shrubs and trees is a great way to cut back on your utility bills, while giving you more time to spend relaxing and enjoying the Charlotte real estate area.  And if you’re unsure what to plant, ask a professional.  Most nurseries have a landscape designer on staff to answer all your design questions.  And don’t forget to ask us for advice as well.  We know what Charlotte buyers are looking for in exterior spaces and can help you plan your dream landscape.

4.) Central air conditioning is a luxury, a sweet, sweet luxury.  Adding central air conditioning can be a pricey investment, but your Charlotte summers will be much more enjoyable (BELIEVE ME!)  And did I mention that most Charlotte buyers will expect this upgrade?  There are other alternatives to central air including window units and doorway units.  So if you need help deciding which type of indoor air conditioning to install, feel free to give us a call.  We know which type of air conditioning is best for resale in each and every Charlotte real estate area neighborhood.

5.) Storage is always a good idea.  Charlotte homes for sale can never have too much storage.  For everyday needs, closet organizers and kitchen cabinetry can mean the difference between a good morning and a stressful morning.  And best of all, Charlotte buyers will drool over your vast storage spaces and bring an offer that respects this valuable upgrade.  Storage comes in all shapes and sizes, and your REALTOR will be able to give you useful advice on what types of storage will bring the best return on your investment.

Bottom line, if you’d like to enjoy your Charlotte home improvement projects now and get your money back when it comes time to sell, make improvements that will stand the test of time…or better yet, gain value over time.  And remember, you are not alone in your home improvement endeavors.  If you’d like to ensure all your projects will be worth your time and money, give us a call and we will help you map out a plan that will bring you the biggest bang for your buck.

Authored by Donna Johnston | Discussion: 1 Comment »

Five Tips to Selling Your Charlotte Home

July 21st, 2010 categories: Selling home in Charlotte

You’ve found a new piece of property in Charlotte, NC that you want to buy, but first you have to sell your existing house to get out from your current home mortgage debt obligation in order to take on a NEW mortgage debt obligation. It’s a cycle that can’t be tampered with: most lenders will not let you have two mortgages at the same time, unless one is a mortgage on a vacation property in the mountains, at the beach, or at a lake; or unless you are taking out a mortgage on an investment property. When you’re doing a simple “home swap” real estate transaction, lenders want to know your other house has a buyer so you’re not straddled with more mortgage than you can handle.

Get a GREAT Charlotte Realtor

So, you’ve got to get your house to SELL fast! First of all, you must consult a Charlotte Real Estate agent who is familiar with what helps property sell in the local market. Follow her (or his) advice because she has been around the block (literally!) several times and seen what worked and what didn’t work in the past. If your price is too high for the neighborhood in comparison to other homes for sale, you may have to rethink what you’re asking for and go lower. If she suggests sprucing things up, listen!

Get your home in dazzling showing condition

Second, learn how to spruce things up! Start watching the HGTV (Home & Garden) shows that are centered around selling and buying homes. While this might sound corny, you really can find some great tips on how to get your home “open house” ready with tons of curb appeal. Plus, you won’t have to spend too much money doing any of it as their whole goal is to keep upgrades below a target dollar amount, usually $1,000.  That might sound like a hefty bit of change to some folks but when it comes to actually getting out from under a debt, the investment can pay off in the long run. (Especially if it is a situation that is keeping you out of foreclosure and saving your credit!)

Fix high dollar items

The Third step is the bigger dollar items that you might have to correct. These are things that if you don’t fix, you’ll have to come down significantly in price. If you have an in-ground swimming pool, make sure the pump is in complete working order and that all cracks are filled in and repaired. No one wants a new home with a pool that leaks or has an ugly bottom when they look through the water. If the roof has any issues, that will also have to be addressed before you list your home. Any places it has leaked and caused water stains in the ceiling will have to be fixed inside the home, too.

Curb appeal is key

Number Four is all about the yard and the outside appearance.  Sometimes it just takes a Geranium? When you pull up to the home, be honest with yourself; is it inviting and lovely? Would you want to go in and explore the inside based on what the outside looks like? Does the outside say, “I’m well maintained out here, and I have been well maintained inside, too.”  Or does it shout, “I’ve been neglected for years out here, and the inside is not much better!”  Clean up scraggly bushes and dig out flower beds that just don’t quite grow into actual gardens. Empty, clean yards are better than halfway attempts at landscaping that look anemic. If shutters need painting, invest $30 in a can of paint and get working!

Declutter, Declutter, Declutter your home!

Finally, the fifth step is to clean up the clutter inside. Every Charlotte Realtor tells sellers to do this and yet, so many homeowners think their knick knacks and family pictures are the exception to the “clutter rule” and that potential buyers will love what they see. Those sellers are wrong. It’s all still nothing more than cluttered space to everyone’s eye who comes through the door. Just because the picture of your niece in her tiara is the most adorable thing in the world to you, does not mean it will be to everyone else. Think hotel space. Get rid of everything personal by storing it away. This will help you start the packing process and your home will sell faster!

Authored by Donna Johnston | Discussion: 1 Comment »

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