Everyone wonders when they should make the transition from renting to buying. Whether you’re considering taking the leap to buying your first place or you’re completely sold on owning instead of renting, here are four signs that indicate you’re ready to stop renting and buy a home. You’re in a Good Place Financially This may be one of the biggest deciding factors. If you have good credit and some savings built up for a down payment then it’s a good time to purchase a house in this case. In … Continue reading...
What is Fannie Mae?
You have probably heard of Fannie Mae, especially in relation to the housing crisis, but do you know what Fannie Mae actually does? Fannie Mae, also known as the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA), is a government-sponsored enterprise that was created by Congress in 1938 to stimulate the housing market by making home loans more available to low- and moderate-income buyers. Fannie Mae is not a lender, so it does not provide or originate home loans to borrowers. Instead, Fannie Mae … Continue reading...
What Does a Seller’s Agent Do?
When you’re selling your home, whether it’s in Uptown Charlotte, Mint Hill, South Park, or Ballantyne, you're going to want the expert help of a Charlotte Realtor(R). But what does a seller's agent do, and why shouldn't you sell your home yourself? What Does a Seller's Agent Do? A seller's agent performs a range of tasks, from marketing the home to arranging showings and setting up open houses. Seller's agents also represent their clients during negotiations, including counter offers and … Continue reading...
How to Prepare Your Home for Sale
When you’re selling your home, whether it’s in Uptown Charlotte, Mint Hill, South Park, or Ballantyne, you need to prepare it for the market. But short of hiring a professional home stager, how are you supposed to do that? How to Prepare Your Home for Sale When you’re ready to put your house on the market, your Charlotte Realtor® will talk to you about what you need to do to get it ready. Here’s where you can start. Make Your House Less Personalized It’s time to pack up family photos, … 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...
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...
Fixtures in a Home: What Stays With the House?
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...