Buying a home warranty is, in many cases, a smart choice. That’s true whether you’re buying a condo home for sale in Uptown Charlotte, a single-family home for sale in Mint Hill, or even a condo in another area such as South Park or Ballantyne. But what is a home warranty, and how could it help you? What is a Home Warranty? A home warranty is a package you can purchase that will cover your expenses (for the most part) in the event that your new home’s appliances or systems break down due to … Continue reading...
USDA Rural Mortgage Loans 101
If you’re like many people, you’ve heard of USDA homes for sale in Charlotte and the surrounding communities. But what about USDA rural mortgage loans? Do you know what they are, who can apply for them, and why they exist? What is a USDA Rural Mortgage Loan? A USDA rural mortgage loan, which used to be called the “farmers loan,” is one of only two real 100 percent financing options (the other is the VA loan). That means there’s no down payment necessary; everything you need to buy the home … Continue reading...
Differences Between Condo Ownership and House Ownership
If you’re like most people looking for a new home, you know the main differences between owning a condo and owning a single-family home. Condos are attached; single-family homes are not. But what about the nuances of ownership? Condo or House: What’s Best for You? The fundamental differences between a condo and a house are pretty apparent. For example, a house will likely: Have a private yard Require outdoor maintenance (including yard work, unless your homeowners’ association hires … Continue reading...
Tips to Make Your Home Search Better
When you’re searching for the perfect home for sale in Uptown Charlotte, a great home in Mint Hill, or any other type of property, you want the whole process to go smoothly—and so does your Charlotte Realtor®. Unfortunately, after a few (dozen) home tours, they all start to blur together… and you may have a hard time narrowing down your choices when you can’t remember which home had which features. How to Make Your Home Search Better When you’re out and about with your Realtor, we advise … Continue reading...
How Long Will It Take to Buy a Home?
For most first-time homebuyers, there’s a long list of questions that need answers—and one of the most important is “How long does it take to buy a home?” Fortunately, your Charlotte Realtor® will be by your side through the entire process, whether it takes a month or longer; in fact, your agent is going to be by your side long after you close the deal and move in. How Long Does It Take to Buy a Home? Several factors combine to determine how long it will take you to buy a home. Really … Continue reading...
What You Need to Know Before Making an Offer on a Short Sale
If you’re buying a home for sale in Weddington, a condo for sale in Charlotte, or any other home that’s listed as a “short sale,” you need to know what you’re getting into—and knowing as much as you can could save you big headaches down the road. What is a Short Sale? The name is a bit misleading. A short sale isn’t a home that moves on and off the Charlotte real estate market quickly; it’s a home that the lender is willing to sell at a discounted payoff. The seller’s lender is typically … Continue reading...
What Are CC&Rs?
Whether you’re buying a luxury home in Waxhaw, a house for sale in Weddington, or a condo for sale in Uptown Charlotte, you’ll need to find out if you’ll be part of a community that has a homeowners’ association. If your future community does have a homeowners’ association, or HOA, you’ll be bound by the association’s covenants, conditions, and restrictions—commonly known as CC&Rs. What Are CC&Rs? Covenants, conditions, and restrictions, or CC&Rs, are the rules and regulations … Continue reading...
Is Community More Important Than Square Footage?
Before you start looking at luxury homes, condos, or golf course homes for sale in Charlotte, stop to think about what’s most important to you. Is it square footage, amenities, or the “feel” of a neighborhood? For many people, it all boils down to the “feel” of a neighborhood. That includes much more than the style of the homes; it includes whether the neighborhood is actually a community where you fit in like a puzzle piece. Who Wants to Live in a Community? Younger buyers—particularly … Continue reading...
What Happens When Owners Hide a Home’s Flaws Through Staging?
Home staging can make or break a sale—especially if it’s really, really good home staging. But what happens when a home is staged simply to hide what’s really wrong with it? Staging vs. Hiding Flaws: What to Watch For Whether or not a seller hires a professional home stager to help sell a house, it’s important that you’re on your toes when you start thinking about buying. You’ll have to watch for red flags—but that can be tough when you’ve already started to fall in love with a … Continue reading...
What is a Homeowners’ Association?
If you’re buying a home in a subdivision or neighborhood that has a homeowners’ association (or if you’re buying a condominium in Mint Hill or any other development that has this type of association) there are a few things you need to know before you sign the dotted line. What is a Homeowners’ Association? If your neighborhood or condo development has a homeowners’ association, you’re obligated to join it when you buy a home there. The homeowners’ association, or HOA, collects monthly or … Continue reading...