When you buy a house in Charlotte or any of the surrounding communities, you need to know which parts of the house are considered fixtures—and which parts the seller will be taking when they move. But what is a “fixture” in real estate, and how can you tell? What is a Fixture in Real Estate? A fixture is a piece of physical property that’s permanently attached to the home or land. If it’s not attached, it’s legally considered chattel property. Landscaping typically counts as a fixture … Continue reading...
What Can a Buyer’s Agent Do for You?
When you’re looking for a home for sale in Charlotte or any of the surrounding communities, whether you want a house in Mint Hill or a new home near North Mecklenburg High in Huntersville, you’re probably going to want to work with a buyer’s agent. The question isn’t really why would you work with an agent; it’s why wouldn’t you? What Will a Buyer’s Agent Do for You? As a buyer, you don’t have to pay for representation from an agent. The seller typically pays real estate agents’ … Continue reading...
Can You Buy a House With Bad Credit?
For most people, the prospect of buying a house after a foreclosure or bankruptcy looks pretty grim—but it doesn’t have to be. You can still buy a home if you have bad credit; the catch is that you’re probably going to pay more than a buyer who doesn’t have a recent foreclosure or bankruptcy. The good news? You can begin to repair your credit quickly after filing bankruptcy or having a home foreclosed, and these tips can help. What Happens to Your Chances of Buying a Home After a Foreclosure … Continue reading...
Common Real Estate Terms to Describe Listings
When you’re looking at Charlotte homes for sale, whether you want a luxury home or you need a house near Independence High School, you’ll find many real estate listing descriptions—and some of them will contain terms you don’t recognize but may need to know. This guide will help you during your search. Common Terms in Real Estate Listings Active If a listing is active, it’s on the market and available for purchase. People may have made offers on it, but none of them have been … Continue reading...
What Are Contingencies in Real Estate?
When you’re searching for a new place to live in Charlotte, whether you’re looking at a specific house for sale in Stonebridge at Mint Hill or you’re looking at all the homes for sale in Uptown Charlotte, you’re probably going to encounter the term contingency. But what are contingencies in real estate, and how will they affect your ability to buy a home? What Are Contingencies in Real Estate? A contingency essentially means, “If you do this, I’ll do that.” In real estate, this translates … Continue reading...
Did You Catch All Your Homeowner Tax Deductions for 2016?
Whether you own a luxury home in University City or a house in Mint Hill, tax day is fast approaching—and it’s always a good idea to make sure you’re not missing any homeowner deductions or credits that you’re entitled to receive. This isn’t tax advice; it’s just a guide that can help you spot credits or deductions that you may have missed. If you need tax advice, it’s a good idea to talk to a licensed tax professional. What Tax Deductions and Credits Are Available to Homeowners? The … Continue reading...
Ballantyne Country Club Real Estate
Ballantyne Country Club real estate is some of the most desirable in Charlotte, and it’s easy to see why. This beautiful community is more than just a place to hang your hat—it’s a place you can really call home. Ballantyne Country Club Real Estate The Ballantyne Country Club is a family-focused, private club in one of Charlotte’s most prestigious areas. The club itself features a course designed by the legendary Rees Jones, a large practice facility that includes a short-game area with three … Continue reading...
What’s an Appraisal, and Why Do You Need One?
If you’re using financing to buy a house for sale in Charlotte, your lender will probably require you to have an appraisal done. You won’t get to pick your appraiser; the lender will likely choose from their own pool. So what is an appraisal for, and what does it tell you? What is an Appraisal? An appraisal is a detailed document prepared by an appraiser—someone who’s trained to find out how much a home is worth—that tells you and the lender whether you’re making a solid investment. If the … Continue reading...
Why You Need Mortgage Preapproval Before You Start Shopping for Homes in Charlotte
Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in your life—and it makes sense to be as prepared as possible before you take the leap. One of the steps you need to take is to get mortgage preapproval before you start shopping for a house for sale in Charlotte. Why You Need Mortgage Preapproval Before You Start House-Shopping If you’re looking for a home for sale, a preapproval letter can help you determine how much house you can afford. You won’t waste your time looking at homes … Continue reading...
What is a Jumbo Loan?
When you’re shopping for houses for sale in Charlotte, NC and you need to finance more than the maximum amount that’s considered a “conforming loan” by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, you’re looking at a jumbo loan. But what is a jumbo loan, and how is it any different from a regular mortgage loan? What is a Jumbo Loan? A jumbo mortgage is simply a mortgage that doesn’t conform to the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines for what they’ll buy from lenders. The two agencies will only buy loans … Continue reading...