1. Condition of the condo: If you are purchasing a new condo then you might not be facing many challenges as in case of a renovated condo. If you are going for a renovated condo do not forget to check each and every inch of the property. Especially, take care of the plumbing and the electric work. Check the condition of the shelves, windows, doors etc. Whether it is a newer or renovated condo, get it inspected by professionals.
2. Community and surroundings of the condo: To have pleasant stay at the condominium it is essential to know about the community i.e. if they are friendly and helping in nature. The area should not be too noisy. To make sure that the area is perfect to stay at any time of the day, visit the condominium at different times of the day. If you have kids, select an area that has a school in the nearby area. It would be convenient to select an area that best fits your lifestyle.
3. Cost: Cost of the condominium is another aspect to be considered before signing the sale documents. Generally, the price of any real estate property depends on the size, additional amenities offered such as the swimming pool, gym, library, club house etc, location of the property and any upgrades done to the property. Check all the costs and make sure that the final price best fits in your budget limit.
4. Maintenance of the condo: one good reason why people prefer to own a condo rather than a house is that they do not have to take care of the condo maintenance. The condo maintenance association will take care of all the external repairs. You only have to pay a monthly maintenance fee. Hence, while purchasing the condo do inquire about the maintenance charges of the condo.
5. No of owners residing in the condo complex: This is one of the factors overlooked by many people while purchasing a condo. It is recommended to avoid purchasing condo complexes where more than 20% of the residents are not owners. A condo complex with more number of owners will have a well structured and organized condo home owners association to take care of the condo maintenance. Poorly maintained complexes do not look good and it may even result in lower resale value.

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Practice these other tips and you will be way ahead of most other sellers in your area…

You should also be easy to reach: If you want to be notified about a showing, stay in close touch with your Realtor or the showing service.

Be flexible on the timing: When you receive a call from a Realtor for a showing, keep in mind that he/she is showing lots of homes, and it is difficult to set precise times.

Coordinate with your family: Showings can be stressful on day-to-day family life. Review these guidelines with your family members and enlist their help in keeping the property ready for showings.

First impressions: First impressions are important! Make sure that your lawn is cut, the landscaping neat and green. Sweep the walkway and entrance to your home. Remove all clutter.

Secure Pets: Make sure that your pets are secured where neither they nor your visitors will pose any danger or bother to the other. Eliminate any lingering pet odors with fresheners, clean any “poops” that may be in the yard, and ensure that litter boxes are cleared away.

Clean Your Kitchen: Kitchens should be absolutely spotless. Run a lemon through the garbage disposal for a fresh smell. Remove magnets and pictures from the refrigerator door. Clear off all counters and tabletops. Cabinets, drawers and pantries should all be neatly organized.

Clean Your Bathrooms: Bathrooms should be clean, the toilet seat down and there should be no personal items in view. Set out fresh “show towels” in bathrooms.

Clean Your Bedrooms: Make beds, empty trash cans, sweep or vacuum floors. Store all clothing items.

Sound: Turn off televisions, and put soft music on the stereo.

Clutter: Pick up tools and toys; put extra garbage cans in garage.

Lighting: Turn on all lights. Open shades and curtains.

Cars: Park cars on street or around corner. Close garage door.

Smells: Give the house a pleasant aroma – freshly baked bread or cookies or a citrus room freshener.

Temperature Control: Set thermostat at a comfortable temperature or, it it’s a pleasant day, leave the windows open.

Fireplace: Clean out the fireplace and dispose of ashes. Put in fresh logs.

Pool and Patios: Keep pools well chlorinated and absolutely spotless inside and out. Arrange pool and/or patio furniture neatly.

And…

Make yourself scarce! Do not be present for the showing. Instead, sit outside your home or run an errand. When you are there, buyers often feel awkward as if they are intruding.

If you put these house selling tips into action, you find Agent from other companies showing your home over and over.

Find out how quickly I can sell your home here – Charlotte’s Top Listing Agent

Quick Sale specialists and quick sale experts will answer your questions on negotiating with first and second mortgage holder (lender) in Charlotte NC and surrounding areas including Lake Wylie, Lake Norman, Pineville, Tega Cay, SC, Fort Mill, Rock Hill, Harrisburg, NC, Waxhaw, Weddington, Indian Trail, Matthews, Mooresville, Myers Park, Uptown, Ballantyne, North Carolina, South Carolina, Mecklenburg, Union, Cabarrus, Lancaster, Gaston county.

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First of all, land only appreciates. Yes, the building located on the land will depreciate through time. But the land itself won’t go down in value. Its price will only increase over time. This is why real estate is solid. It’s a sure thing. If you look at the wealthiest people in the world you’ll notice that most of the have their foot in real estate. Real estate is a great place to put your money in.

Second, it adheres to the law of supply and demand. According to the law of supply and demand if the demand is great but the supplies are limited then it will go up in value. Think about it, every three minutes a baby is born. Everyday the earth’s population is expanding. But the land is limited. This is why we are slowly reverting to the olden times. The times when those who had the land had the power.  

Third, its one way of gaining passive income. As we start on our journey to financial independence we begin working for money. There are some fortunate souls who get to do what they want. These are the people who never have to work a day. But for the rest of us mere mortals we get stuck in a job that we don’t like. Think of this as a temporary situation. Once you accumulated enough money, start buying up real estate. You do not have to pay the entire amount upfront. That’s what banks are for. Just give a down payment. Then you can have it rented out and let the rent pay for its monthly amortization. This way you wont have to shoulder the monthly bank payment. This is one way of letting the property pay for itself.

These are just of three of the reasons why real estate is an excellent investment. Of course this is easier said than done. In order to be successful you have to know what you are doing. Taking drastic actions might result in your downfall. So be careful. Take calculated risks.

If you want to find out more or search for great deals in Charlotte, you can either browse the MLS or contact me to find out how to get started! I have helped people throughout Charlotte invest in real estate, including Center City, Dilworth, Chantilly, Elizabeth, Cotswold, South Park, South End, Wilmore, NoDa, Plaza Midwood, NorthLake, Lake Norman, Lake Wylie, and Ballantyne. You can find great deals on real estate in Charlotte no matter what your budget is!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6544887

The conservation of energy, as part of the design process itself, is not the main focus or even a standard practice in the site built home construction industry or in the manufactured, modular and pre-fabricated home industries. Comparing these two categories of home building, I am confident that if the average consumer compared major site built home companies to the high-end factory built home builders, their ultimate conclusion would be that the factory built home builders put more emphasis on energy efficient design, and have a much more inherently efficient building process, than their site built counterparts. If the future of home construction will be heavily influenced by efficient design, why, then, aren’t more site built and factory built home construction companies currently working towards this end?

There are three main reasons why more homebuilders, factory built or otherwise, are not working swiftly towards energy efficient design within every home they build. These reasons are: first, the cost of new design plans that are energy efficient is greater than sticking to standard practices; second, many of these homebuilders do not have the technical aptitude or interest to undertake energy efficient design, and lastly, consumer demand has not reached a fever pitch.

As a homebuilder, it takes serious commitment of financial and human resources to develop a new product line or commit a company completely towards green design. Those in charge of making these financial decisions must determine if their new energy efficient design will easily fit within the framework of existing building codes. They must also consider whether or not the commitment to energy efficient design will be rewarded by a consumer base willing to pay for an extremely efficient home. Consumer demand, therefore, is extraordinarily important in making these decisions.

At present, there are two main issues affecting consumer demand: first, education on the benefits and implementation of energy efficiency; and second, the general uncertainty and pessimism that lingers from the recent meltdown in housing brought about by “McMansion” sprawl. in our recovering economy, many consumers are focused on basic necessities, obtaining benefits and features consumers are currently familiar with, and of course the overall price. The purchase price and anticipated resale value of a home is far more important than green design in the minds of many consumers as the notion of never-ending home equity growth has been dashed by the recent debacle with mortgage lending. However, this will most likely change in the future substantially.

Regardless of if our economy remains sluggish or worsens, it remains likely that the price of electricity, water and gas will increase. We have seen this in the price of gasoline. Throughout the economic crisis, gas prices have risen and fallen and, in California, we are still paying over $4.00 per gallon. Whereas the price of gasoline peaked at over $5.00 a gallon a few years ago, we have not seen the price of gas drop to pre-recession levels. If our economy improves substantially, what incentive do the producers of gasoline, electricity and heating oil have to reduce the price of their commodities? None really. And with a growing population, the scarcity of these resources will always command a higher value in the eyes of commodity owners and producers.

Energy efficient design is really a niche in the home building industry. It is definitely not a standard practice. There is a trend towards energy efficient design because a segment of the population is very concerned about the conservation of energy and sustainability. Green builders must compete to win the attention of this consumer niche. However, over time, considering the scarcity of resources, growing population and lack of any incentive for owners and producers of commodities to reduce their premiums, energy efficient design will be a standard practice and those home builders that invest the time, energy, and financial resources in to energy efficient design today, will reap significant benefits in the future.

If you are thinking about buying or selling real estate in Charlotte, particularly if you are interested in finding energy efficient new homes or condos, contact me here. As your premier real estate agent of Center City Charlotte and the surrounding neighborhoods of Dilworth, Myers Park, Chantilly, Belmont, Wilmore, Villa Heights, Cotswold, South Park, Noda, and Plaza Midwood, I can help you buy or sell your next home in Charlotte with confidence, and save you thousands!

Find your dream home in Charlotte

Sell your home in Charlotte

 
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Real Estate prices hit their peak some time in 2006. Since that time, the real estate market has been getting battered like a ship in a hurricane. An alarming increase in foreclosures in 2006 and 2007 led to the collapse of the market for subprime mortgages in 2008. While foreclosure rates are not where they were in 2007, they have still not yet bottomed out. A low demand for housing relative to the supply is a warning sign for investors that the market may continue to drop for many more years.

There are signs that buyers and sellers are coming to grips with the new realities of real estate investments. Statistics are showing that homes are now selling on average at 90% to 95% of their initial asking prices. That means that home sellers and real estate agents have gained a much better understanding of the marketplace. Buyers as well are realizing that they can no longer low ball home sellers, as sellers are now preparing themselves for a long process rather than a quick sale.

Many experts believe that the national housing crisis was really a series of local crises instead. The former Federal Reserve Chairman Alas Greenspan believes that the crisis was caused by the bursting of several local real estate bubbles, not a national bubble. And some parts of the US were definitely scorched worse than others. Recent devastating problems with the US auto industry have decimated the markets in Detroit and Grand Rapids, MI. Las Vegas and Reno, whose economies rely on tourism and gambling, have also taken a severe downturn. South Florida was hit particularly hard. And California, with its myriad of economic problems, has also been particularly hard hit.

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When people decide to purchase a foreclosure, they are expecting a steal – a really good deal on a new home. And oftentimes, they get what they are looking for. But as with the acquisition of any real estate, there are advantages and disadvantages to consider.

With foreclosures, it is important to understand that there are many different types, different phases of foreclosure. It is different buying a property that is already under foreclosure, for example, than buying a property at auction, or a property that is being sold during pre-foreclosure or during notice of default.

HGTV’s Front Door offers a comprehensive list of some of the pros and cons of buying a foreclosure in its many stages.

Advantages of buying a foreclosure

Getting a good price on the property is probably the biggest advantage of buying a foreclosure. Because sellers, lenders and / or the bank need to rid themselves of property, you can almost always get it for a lower price.

Motivated sellers are another pro of buying a foreclosure. Buyers can often negotiate favorably with regard to home improvements, repairs, closing costs and additional fees.

There will likely be a contingency or diligence period. During that time, buyers can obtain the regular inspections and title research that would take place during the purchase of a home not in foreclosure.

If the property is owned by the bank, the title will be clear.

If the property is being auctioned, required cash payments can reduce competition.

Foreclosure properties can be an excellent investment. Buying a foreclosure, especially during a deflated economic climate, and selling the property for a higher price down the road offers you the opportunity to profit from your purchase.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Drew_Barton

Timelines begin the moment the contract is fully executed by all concerned parties. You will have timelines whether you are the buyer or the seller. As the seller of a property you need to understand that you have deadlines according to the contract beginning with providing the buyer with disclosures and a loss report from your insurance carrier. If you fail to present these documents your buyer would have a good reason to cancel the contract so be sure you know what you need to provide and the time frame it needs to be done.

You will also have to have the agreed upon repairs done a certain number of days prior to close of escrow, be sure you know when those need to be done and have them taken care of along with receipts for the buyer to prove they have been done and by whom.

As a buyer you have many dates that need to be met as well. Your inspection period is critical since you may find repairs needed on the home that could make a difference on whether you try to negotiate with the seller on repairing them or you decide to cancel the contract based on your findings. If you pass your inspection date without canceling or requesting repairs you are agreeing to take the property as it is and you are at risk of losing your earnest money deposit which is highly likely to happen.

Your lender has due dates that also have to be met so it is advisable to use a lender that is in the state you are purchasing a home so they understand and know their obligations on getting loan status updates to the selling agent in a timely manner and that the loan documents are at the title company on the specified number of days prior to close of escrow.

All of these missed deadlines are cause for a potential breach of contract in Charlotte, NC and whether you are the buyer or the seller the reproductions could be costly to you.

All of these timeline deadlines are only one good reason you should use a good experienced realtor working for you when you are either buying or selling real estate. They will help you stay within your timelines and keep everything on track.Buying a home in Charlotte, NC can be a very rewarding process, but you don’t want to risk your earnest money – use Carolina Realty Advisors and buy or sell with confidence in Charlotte or surrounding neighborhoods in Mecklenburg Co.

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Everyone has heard it said that buying a home is one of important decisions an individual will make. As such, the process of selecting your real estate agent is equally important.

Shelley O’Hara, author of ‘The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Buying & Selling a Home says, “When you announce your desire to purchase a house, you may be surprised at the number of real estate people who want to represent you. Agents come out of the woodwork. You won’t have to worry too much about finding an agent — you do need to worry about finding a good one.

Here are some helpful hints and suggestions:

First, and probably the one consideration for picking a real estate buying agent is a friends referral. If you know someone who had a really good experience with a local agent, give that agent serious consideration.

Second, avoid “dual agencies” – Dual agencies are when an agent represents both the seller and the buyer. While this type of arrangement is not that common it happens more often than you would think. In a typical scenario, the home buyer is driving around and sees a realtor sign or open house held by selling agent. The Buyer comes into this transaction where the selling agent is all too happy to help the home buyer and receives a double-end commission. The primary issue is simply a question of where the agent’s loyalty belongs. Is it to the seller or the new buyer? If there the negotiations hit a snag, or a serious question or discrepancy – what happens?

Next, a good idea is to choose an agent that handles property transactions in your price range. Agents handling low end value properties will have a greater knowledge and know the local inventory far better than an agent who works primary high value properties (and visa versa).

Choose an agent who works at real estate full time – not part time. An agent working full time will stay knowledgeable about the current local market, laws, inventor y, and financial considerations. Part time agents are usually hard to get a hold of and may be severely restrictive regarding how much time and effort they can actually put into your plans of buying or selling.

Ask how long the agent has been in the real estate business; this is not an inappropriate or taboo question. The answer will provide you with a good indication of their commitment to real estate as career. The real estate business is generally considered an industry with high turn-over, and selling real estate is difficult. Many agents who enter the market with get-rich-quick ideas of their newly chosen profession end up getting discouraged and quitting at the first sign of a market downturn.

As with hiring any licensed professional, you always want to check and see if the agent had any complaints from clients or the real estate board. Regardless of the answer, it’s also good to check with the local MLS group and state real estate commission.

You might also consider choosing an agent who can provide other services. For example, if a buyer is interested in investment property, choosing an agent with experience income property (and who actually owns investment themselves) is good example of selecting an agent who can provide additional services.

Finally, find an agent who will really listen to your specific needs. Agents who have had a strong customer service background in their past are very good candidates. Agents who like to sell you continually and not really “get” what your real needs are can lead to a colossal waste of your time and effort. Be sure to find out how and how often the agent will be communicating with you. This is another great indication of their level of customer service.

If you don’t fell a good comfort level on any of these questions, a good decision might be to keep looking for the right agent.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Smeltzer

It seems that a housing recovery is the key to reviving the nation’s economy, at least according to the media and business experts. The past ten years have shown evidence to the contrary, and in order to get the country back on track, we need to realize the causes of the housing market’s crash.

According to one survey, home prices fell just above four percent in the first quarter, spurring on more pessimism about the market’s recovery. After falling for eight consecutive months, prices are now down to 2002 levels.

It’s not easy not to panic amid dips such as these. However, the problem is that too many homeowners have come to view their homes as an asset that can be used for things such as retirement or simply to be sold at a profit, versus what its main purpose truly is-a place to live.

Americans fueled the housing bubble by seeing homes as an investment, and the process was made much simpler by subsidies and ease of credit. The bubble was so vast that even after four years prices still have not normalized.

Since the market began to decline in ’07, the federal government has tried to stabilize prices by means of everything from foreclosure mitigation to home buyer tax credits. The end result, thus far, has been to prolong the recession and pass the bill for some citizens on to others. Critics and supporters alike have bemoaned government involvement, which

speaks ill of the underlying and organic health of the real estate market.

Although the decline in prices would have been more dramatic without the government’s efforts, the recovery would have occurred sooner and be well along by now.

The continuing drop in prices is due to too much housing stock. Though it may be painful, excess stock needs to be cleared, foreclosures must be processed and homes need to be resold so that prices can finally find the bottom.

One benefit of lower prices is that young families and renters are finding homes affordable. Currently, more than 70% of homes are affordable by median earning families.

Housing, of course, is a large portion of the nation’s economy, yet it needs to shrink to a proportionate level of the country’s wealth based on population, income, and growth. The economy will thrive when it is built on capital investment in plants and equipment, innovation and businesses. Investment is the answer, not housing.

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