5 Tips to Selecting a Powerful Realtor® To Help You Buy a Home

After you’ve defined your goals pertaining to your Charlotte real estate purchase, it’s time to select a Realtor® to get you through this process.  Keep in mind that you will want OWN Realtor® to represent YOU for the job.  Finally, this article should clear things up for you if you need help deciding which type of real estate professional (agent, broker, Realtor®) is right for the job.

Here are five tips to help you identify the best Charlotte real estate agent to locating the home of your dreams.

1. Hire a full-time Charlotte real estate agent.  Part-time agents typically have less experience and fewer sold properties under their belts than full-time agents.  Many part-time agents usually have another job, therefore they don’t have as much time to take care of your needs and typically have smaller networks they can enlist to accomplish your transaction.
2. Find a skilled negotiator.   A seasoned Charlotte real estate agent understands the psychological nature of buying a home.  They advise you during the contract negotiations to ensure you get the best deal while alleviating your stress.
3. Choose an agent who knows the area.  Each neighborhood has different pros and cons which must be able to be identified by the agent.  An effective agent knows how to compare your selected property because they know the local competition – which homes have closed recently that are similar to ones that hold your interest and how much they’ve sold for.
4. Ascertain that your agent is familiar with current lending standards.  At the very least, your buyers agent should have an experienced lender who has a proven track record, with whom to connect you.  Lending protocol changes on nearly a weekly basis and your agent should have several lender contacts who are activelyworking in the business and can protect your due diligence and escrow money fees.
5. Ascertain that your agent has a solid working knowledge of the NC Contracts.  Most (yes, MOST) real estate agents sell 1-2 properties each year.  With that being said, you should also know that our real estate contracts are ever-changing.  You will alleviate much of the risk involved in lack of contractual knowledge with this, one of life’s largest purchases, by selecting an agent who is actively working with and has a thorough understanding of these documents.

Choosing a powerful Charlotte buyers agent is your first step toward a successful home purchase.

If you’d like to work with an agent who is a skilled negotiator, has a working knowledge of the legal documents and lending practices involved in the home buying process and works full time, give me a call or email me today.  Let’s find that dream home for you!

Read more: http://www.icharlotterealestate.com/charlotte-home-buyers-guide-part-2-five-steps-to-picking-a-realtor%c2%ae/#ixzz1aFW46Yw8

 

      

  Charlotte NC Homes for Sale

 (THE best Charlotte home search available - no kidding!)

Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310

     

  

 

    

      

       

 

         

   

Disclosure of material contained within.

How to be a Savvy Charlotte Home Buyer

Today, buying a Charlotte home can be both easier and more difficult than in years past.  Yes, it IS a buyer’s market, which implies that prices are lower, but it also means there is a large supply of homes for sale that you have to wade through to find your dream home.  Purchasing a home is a lot simpler when you know how to be a savvy Charlotte home buyer.

Follow these five Charlotte home buyer tips to purchase the home of your dreams with less hassle and at a great price:

1. List your Charlotte home before searching for another home.  Contingent Contracts, based upon the sale of your existing home, further complicate the buying process, greatly reducing your negotiating power and the chance of getting a good deal.  Sellers are often unwilling to give any concessions, whether in price, Closing costs or leaving behind items that you request if they have to wait for you to sell your home.
2. Get pre-approved for a loan FIRST.   Sellers prefer to negotiate with buyers who are pre-approved for a loan large enough to purchase their home.  The pre-approval may save you money because you’re able to leverage and negotiate a lower price.  Additionally, you’ll save time by looking exclusively at homes within your price range.
3. Ignore easy-to-change design issues.  If the shag carpeting isn’t your style, you can easily change it after purchasing the home.  Don’t like wallpaper? No big deal–remove it after you own the home.  Envision what the home can look like with your personal touch.
4. Get a professional home inspection by a licensed inspector.  Buying a home is one of the biggest purchases you will ever make, so be sure the structure is in good condition.  During a home inspection, a qualified inspector takes a thorough, unbiased look at the property.  The home inspection contingency is one which you do want to include in your Contract.
5. Make a serious offer.  Listen to the price guidance your real estate agent provides and make an Offer that won’t offend the seller.  Most sellers expect an offer lower than the asking price, but they don’t want to feel insulted.  You’ll get much closer to what you want to pay for the house if you treat the seller like you want to be treated – with respect and courtesy.

If you’re ready to buy a Charlotte home, let me help you get it at the best price and with as little hassle as possible.  Give me a call today or email me at Debe@DebeMaxwell.com to get started.

Read more: http://www.icharlotterealestate.com/?p=3292#ixzz1YuuC20Ed

 

      

  Charlotte NC Homes for Sale

 (THE best Charlotte home search available - no kidding!)

Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310

     

  

 

    

      

       

 

         

   

Disclosure of material contained within.

So Your Buyers Agent Doesn't Want To Show You Properties?

Here's my opinion of agents who request that their buyers contact the listing agents to show them homes...

A user on our website who had been 'with us' on our site for a month indicated that she and her husband are in the market to buy a home in one of our specialty areas.  The buyer sent contact information, including phone number.  When the time was perfect, they decided that they wanted to see only one house.  That house was not our listing but, as you know, was on our site due to our IDX feed.

The couple and their family had driven by the house to check it out from the street and fell in love.  They simply MUST see this property before their family leaves town.  I get the call--"Okay, we're ready to see it!"

After several conversations about agency and confirming that this couple is NOT working with an agent, I referred them to one of our agents--ready to go!  Pre-qualified, no agent representation and a home to show in her area of expertise.  A perfect fit, right?

During their visit, it was discovered that the potential buyers know the neighbors, who wound up buying one of the referral agent's listings.  They parted on good terms, excited to forge a nice working relationship.  Following the showing, the potential buyer emailed our agent to thank her for showing the property but, kindly refused to sign a buyer's agency with her because she ALREADY HAS AN AGENT!  As a matter of fact, it's the same agent who sent a buyer to our agent's listing that they discussed earlier in the day.

Their agent NEVER laid eyes the home that she sold next door for those buyers!  She lives 35 minutes away and has her clients phone the listing agents to view the properties in our area!  Rather than refer the clients out, she expressly complains that she knows nothing about the area and that she won't make the trek to Charlotte to show homes so the listing agents can do her work for her.  She also does NOT attend inspections with her buyers--again, she allows the listing agent to do her work for her!  Also, she's obviously not even sending her clients listings because they're searching for homes on OUR SITE!  (And, what do you find there?  Every IDX shared listing in our MLS.)

This is just wrong on SO many levels--not even to mention the burden on the other agents.  This MIA agent has completely neglected her fiduciary duties to HER clients.  If she does not know the area, how does she oversee the due diligence for HER clients?

How are her clients okay with this type of service?  We're paid well to do what we do.  How can any client accept this type of far-less-than-full-service?

I can tell you one thing, I refer out to her area but, will never refer a client to her--NEVER.  Who knows how she manages clients in her own area?  Perhaps it's not that she doesn't know the area, maybe she's working full-time at the mall!

 

      

  Charlotte NC Homes for Sale

 (THE best Charlotte home search available - no kidding!)

Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310

     

  

 

    

      

       

 

         

   

Disclosure of material contained within.

As Charlotte Real Estate Heats Up This Summer, Keep It Cool!

Buying a home is a business transaction however, one of the most difficult things for home buyers to do is to keep emotions completely out of the process. Most sellers in today’s market already know that they need to roll out the red carpet for their potential buyers. And buyers shouldn’t make the mistake of thinking that just because the Charlotte real estate market is down, they can take advantage of sellers. Keep your cool this summer and avoid upsetting sellers so that your home purchase goes smoothly and for a fair price.

Don’t put down their home. Many buyers and their agents feel that pointing out everything that is wrong with a house, you will force the sellers to take less money.  This strategy hardly ever works; in fact, you’re more likely to anger the seller to the point that they either won’t continue negotiations or they become ‘bull-headed’ and won’t be as accommodating as they would have normally. That doesn’t mean you can’t fight for the best real estate deal possible, but be careful not to shoot yourself in the foot.

Don’t present an absurdly low Offer. In today’s market, there’s often little room to negotiate on Charlotte real estate and offering something WAY too low, will often insult the seller.  You’re far better off coming in with what you think is a fair or a slightly low Offer — and negotiating from there.

Get your loan pre-approved. There’s nothing that will frustrate a seller more than getting almost all the way through the purchasing process only to find out you can’t get financing.  With your pre-approval, you’ll know exactly what you can afford so you won’t waste your time or the seller’s time.  As well, should you become involved in a multiple Offer situation, the fact that you’re pre-approved could actually be worth more than a higher sales price!  What a great negotiating tool!

Don’t re-negotiate in the end. Never Offer more than what you want to pay and then attempt to ask for a massive price reduction to fix every single minor repair.  Of course, I’m not referring to a major repair which needs to be completed; you can certainly expect a large or major repair cost to be reflected in the price.  Just don’t attempt to lure the seller in with a price that you know you’re not willing to pay.

If you’d like to work with a real estate agent who can help you stay cool while purchasing Charlotte real estate this summer, call me or email me at today for more information.

Read more: http://www.icharlotterealestate.com/keep-it-cool-this-summer-as-charlotte-real-estate-heats-up/#ixzz1QM5Xih96

 

      

  Charlotte NC Homes for Sale

 (THE best Charlotte home search available - no kidding!)

Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310

     

  

 

    

      

       

 

         

   

Disclosure of material contained within.

Purchasing Charlotte Homes for Sale Now – Q & A

The Charlotte real estate market is currently flooded with homes for sale.   Interest rates are at an all time low on fixed rate mortgages.  Terms for acquiring a home loan are definitely possible for those who may have a little blip on their credit report.  This is expected to change and possibly soon, which means now is prime time to buy a Charlotte home for sale.

To help you with this process, here are answers to four of the most popular questions I’ve recently received from home buyers:

Q:  Where can I find the best deal on Charlotte homes for sale?

A: Many Charlotte communities have great finds.  Because homes are sitting on the market for a longer period of time, many homeowners are more willing than ever to negotiate.  Bear in mind, however, that their prices are, for the most part, not over-inflated as they were a year ago.  Those ‘deep discounts’ simply are not as available as they were in 2009-2010.

Q:  What about buying new construction?

A: The option for new construction is open to more people than ever before. Builders are offering extended home warranties and many upgrades to help move their inventory.  Some builders are even offering financial assistance to reach an even larger number of buyers.

Here’s the number one tip to get the best deal in new construction:  Before starting your search for new construction, hire a real estate agent.  Your real estate agent can negotiate the best deal for you, even in new construction.   Be sure to visit new construction with your agent so the builder knows that you’re represented.  This representation costs you nothing and will save you a lot of money.

Q:  Should I look at short sales and foreclosures for my best deal?

A: That depends.  Although there are good deals to be found, the time and effort involved in purchasing short sales and foreclosures can also be a huge negative.  Negotiating with a homeowner can be much easier than trying to negotiate with a lender for the short sale or foreclosure.  However, if you have the time, oftentimes the wait is well worth it.

Q:  Should I wait for home prices to go even lower?

A: As reflected in the latest home price statistics, Charlotte prices are creeping up following a strong spring market. Prices of Charlotte homes for sale have come down from a few years ago and are much more stable than in recent years.  The days of inflated home prices are long gone.  This does not mean that homes will not increase in value.  It only means that they will do so at a rate that should prevent the upside-down mortgages that some people are facing today.

This is a prime time to purchase a home. With the large number of homes on the market, you are certain to find one to call home.  Let me help you in your search.  Call me or email me today.  I’m happy to help!

 

      

  Charlotte NC Homes for Sale

 (THE best Charlotte home search available - no kidding!)

Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310

     

  

 

    

      

       

 

         

   

Disclosure of material contained within.

Buyer Tips | Home Inspections | What is Covered?

The home buying process isn’t complete without a home inspection.  Your real estate agent should mention it to you as a very important portion of your real estate transaction.  Your lender may even ask about it, especially if you are obtaining an FHA or VA home mortgage.
 
Home inspections ARE important.  No matter how much you trust the seller, or even if you're purchasing new construction, there are some things you need to know about your Charlotte home before you purchase it.  While you’re not required to attend the inspection, it’s an excellent idea to do so.  The information that you obtain from the inspector can be vital to the health of your new home.

So that you’ll know what to expect, here are a few basics that a typical home inspection covers:

• Appliances:  You will know if the appliances are in working order or not, including any and all appliances which convey with the sale of the home.

• Electrical:  The inspector will check the main panel, circuit breakers, lights, and outlets to ascertain that they are in working order.

• Exterior:  An inspector looks for defects on the outside of the home, such as problems with the exterior covering, driveway, landscaping, trim, and even exterior electrical outlets.

• Garage:  You will know if the floor, walls, vents, entries and controls have any problems that need to be corrected.

• Plumbing inspection:  General/mechanical inspectors do not check sewer systems, they will be able to tell you if you need to do any work to the toilets, showers, sinks, and faucets (both interior and exterior).
  

• Roof and attic:  The roof inspection is not a guarantee of its condition, but you will know what type of roof you have and what condition the roof covering, flashing, vents, and gutters are in or if you need further inspection by a roofing inspector.

• Structure:  The inspector checks the foundation, ceilings, doors, floors, roof, and wall construction for any defects; he could recommend further inspection by a structural engineer, which is to be done prior to the expiration of your inspection period.

• Systems:   The inspector will also check the effectiveness of your air conditioner unit(s), duct work, fireplace, and heating system(s).

• Windows:  Your inspector will confirm that the windows are in working order, including checking for broken seals (hazing in windows), cracked glass, rotten wood trim and sills as well as ascertaining that the windows are operational.

A quality home inspector will inspect every nook and cranny to gauge structural stability and both present and potential future dangers.  Remember, a home inspection is not a guarantee or a warranty - the inspector may not find everything - keep in mind that a human is performing the inspection!

No house is perfect, not even a new construction home.  You should expect your inspector to find some issues with the Charlotte home.  If significant problems are discovered, you can ask the seller to repair them, reduce the sale price or you can even back out of the deal without consequences, as long as your contract includes this contingency and you are within those contingency limitations.  Be certain to review with your inspector exactly what they cover.

I’m happy to help you find the right home for you.  Call me today at 704.491.3310 or email me at Debe@DebeMaxwell.com for more information about the home buying process.

 

      

  Charlotte NC Homes for Sale

 (THE best Charlotte home search available - no kidding!)

Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310

     

  

 

    

      

       

 

         

   

Disclosure of material contained within.

Buyer Tips:  Find the Perfect Neighborhood in Charlotte NC

Charlotte NC has a multitude of areas, subareas, communities, subdivisions and neighborhoods and if you're new to the area, you will quickly realize that you really do need a knowledgeable agent to guide you through the process of elimination--especially where neighborhoods are concerned!  With hundreds in the area, there are so many characteristics that you MUST consider prior to purchasing a home in Charlotte NC  - Finding the perfect neighborhood in Charlotte NC comes first.

There are a few good sites that I recommend to my clients to learn more about the different areas / neighborhoods in Charlotte NC.  First, you'll want to consult your agent and let him/her know, specifically, what you're looking for.  If your agent is a Certified Neighborhood Specialist, he/she will be able to assist you in matching your current neighborhood to one very similar in your destination city.  If at all possible, consult a Certified Neighborhood Specialist (CNS) in your destination city--you'll be glad you did!

1.  Make a list of all of the amenities that are near the neighborhood you are considering as your destination neighborhood.   Keep in mind what distance is acceptable to and from frequented locations (work, school, worship) and the routes which you'll be taking.  Map them to see if the traffic pattern is going to be easy to alternate in the event of rush hour or accident traffic.

2.   Determine the best features of a couple of neighborhoods;  this is especially helpful if you are deciding between a few different neighborhoods in a few different areas.  Many of the following questions, we, as real estate professionals are unable to answer.  My recommendation:  Visit the neighborhood and visit the recommended sites below; this will help allay your fears immensely.  

Here are a few items that you may be able to discover on your own:

3.   Take a stroll around the neighborhood.  The best way to determine the cleanliness and friendliness of the neighborhood is to walk around in it and meet its residents.

4.   Visit the neighborhood at different times of the day and different days of the week.  Are there people out and about in the neighborhood, walking, riding bikes, socializing?

Alot of these items cannot be adressed by your real estate agent because of Fair Housing but, as a Buyer, you can and should do your homework--taking the time to investigate will save you headache and hardship down the road.  My clients are encouraged to visit the neighborhood and meet some of the neighbors. Discuss their likes and dislikes of their own neighborhood with the neighbors.  Find the answers to some of your questions above.  

Here are a few sites that I also recommend to help you answer questions that you may have:  
                                                            

TheMaxwellHouseGroup                    

Public Schools                                          

Localism

Demographics                  

Charlotte Chamber of Commerce           

Charlotte NC Real Estate

Congratulations!  You are now a well-informed Buyer and together with your real estate agent, you can now narrow your list down to the neighborhood that you know you'll enjoy living in for years to come!

Seller Tips:

The clock is ticking once again!

DE-Clutter!

Pricing Objectively

Why isn't your home selling?

What Can You do if Your Home Does Not Appraise?

Dear Seller:

Seller Tips, Pricing

Copyright © 2010 By Debe Maxwell, All Rights Reserved...*Buyers Tips:  Find the Perfect Neighborhood in Charlotte NC*

 

      

  Charlotte NC Homes for Sale

 (THE best Charlotte home search available - no kidding!)

Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310

     

  

 

    

      

       

 

         

   

Disclosure of material contained within.

Buyer Representation – Is It Really Necessary?

Question:   Do home buyers need the help of a Buyers Agent?

Answer:   You bet !  When buyers work with a real estate professional who is 100% loyal and completely committed to them, chances are that the entire home-buying process will go smoothly and with a higher level of buyer satisfaction.

 Question:   What is a Buyers Agent?

Answer:   A Buyers Agent works solely for you, the buyer, and has no legal or other responsibilities to the seller.* When working with a Buyers Agent, you have the advantage of personal representation, independent counseling, loyalty, confidentiality, and trust.  On the other hand, while helping you present an offer and then negotiate and close a transaction, a general real estate agent has certain fiduciary responsibilities to the seller and agent of any property you choose.

                  *In a case where the property your agent is representing you to purchase is also that agent’s listing, dual agency applies.  Talk to your agent for more information.

Question:   Can a Buyers Agent show us the same properties?

Answer:   Yes, a Buyers Agent can show you any home that is listed in the Realtor's® Multiple Listing Service (MLS), PLUS Real Estate Owned (REO) and For Sale By Owner (FSBO) properties. Additionally, a Buyers Agent can show you builder models to select your own, brand-new properties and unlisted homes.

Question:   Will a Buyers Agent disclose information to us?

Answer:   Yes indeed. Because a Buyers Agent's fiduciary responsibility is to you, the buyer, he or she can be more forthcoming with any negative aspects about properties that you are investigating for purchase.

Question:   Does a Buyers Agent make decisions for us?

Answer:   No, absolutely not.  As your personal ally, advocating your best interests, a Buyers Agent is obligated to provide you with maximum information about buying a home, each step of the way.  That means disclosing specifics about location, property values, offering price, negotiations, counteroffers, contingencies, financing, and the entire closing process.  Armed with such vital and detailed information, you’ll be thoroughly prepared to make decisions that are right for you and your family.

 

      

  Charlotte NC Homes for Sale

 (THE best Charlotte home search available - no kidding!)

Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310

     

  

 

    

      

       

 

         

   

Disclosure of material contained within.

Is A Home Inspection Really Worth It?

....You're darn skippy it is!  My friend, Lenn Harley shares valid points regarding the home inspection process in this blog.  She is astutely aware that a home inspection not only protects the buyer but, everyone involved in the transaction.  

Would you allow your buyers to turn down an inspection?  I certainly do hope not--even new construction properties have issues.  

One recent example of a new construction inspection proving that the cost was worth thousands--the HVAC had been installed erroneously and supposedly, the manner in which it had been installed was sending harmful gases back into the home, rather than to the outdoors.  Had the buyer not had the home inspection, the results could have proven to be quite costly--not only monetarily but, in health/life! 

 

      

  Charlotte NC Homes for Sale

 (THE best Charlotte home search available - no kidding!)

Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310

     

  

 

    

      

       

 

         

   

Disclosure of material contained within.

Why rent when you CAN buy?  As a renter/tenant, you're making your landlord a nice little nest egg for his/her retirement by paying his/her mortgage FOR him/her!  


Much ado is being made in the news today that the banks aren't lending money and that no one is able to secure a mortgage.  Once again, not ONE of my clients has been turned down for a mortgage during this entire last year! Banks ARE lending money and chances are you can own your own home for the same amount that you're paying in rent.  With interest rates at historical lows right now, it's a great time to secure that mortgage and purchase your OWN home!



*This is the second in a series of articles to get you started on your way to taking pride in homeownership.  

5 Questions to Ask about Your Potential New Home:

1.  How long has this home been on the market?  You want to have a feel for the length of time that a particular property has been on the market  AS WELL AS competing homes and recent sales in that particular neighborhood.  For example, if the home that you love is priced at $250K and has been on the market for 6 months and other homes have sold in the $220K price range, and in 2-3 months, this will put up the preverbial 'red flag' that this home is over priced.

2.  How motivated is the Seller?    Oftentimes a tell-tell sign of a motivated Seller is a vacant home--they've found another love and moved on or they're short-selling or in foreclosure and have moved on.  Vacant or not, understanding the Seller's motivation is a powerful negotiating tool that you'll want to be equiped with upon the initiation of the negotiating process.

3.  Have there been or are there currently any Offers on the table?  Knowing this 'small tidbit' of information is very important--more so in a booming market but, as recently as last week, I was in a bidding war on a property!  The knowledge of another Offer currently on the table can help you decide whether or not you DO want to participate in a bidding war--you may not want to because buyers generally wind up paying more than if theirs was the only Offer on the table.

4.  Has the Seller reduced the price?  This information can be helpful in assessing whether or not the Seller is willing to negotiate--if they've ridden out the market for the last year with the same price, chances are they're not going to negotiate with you.  Either they're unreasonable, ill-informed about the market or simply cannot go any lower without having to come to the Closing table with money instead of walking from Closing WITH money in hand. If they've consistently lowered the price, you're generally working with a Seller who understands the market and is willing to negotiate.

5.  What personal items remain with the property?  In the state of North Carolina, personal property can hold no value on a Closing Statement--meaning that if you include the the armoir and TV in the den on the Contract Offer, the monetary value will not be reflected in the price of the home.  An appraiser is not going to be able to calculate the value of personal items when performing the appraisal.

Should you be ready to buy before the series is complete, please don't hesitate to phone or email me for the remainder of the information to get you well on your way to homeownership!  

Don't know what your credit score is?  Read this.

About the author:

Debe Maxwell is a Charlotte Residential Real Estate Broker, Certified Neighborhood & Relocation Specialist, ABR & e-PRO who can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Charlotte NC Metro Area.  If you're relocating to or from any other area of the country, Debe connects you with any member of her team of relocation professionals in your destination or exit city of choice.  The destination service is of no cost to you!  The Maxwell House Group's quality service guarantee puts this team far ahead of the competition; providing unsurpassed customer service is their #1 priority!  Debe Maxwell -- Helen Adams Realty -- 704.491.3310

Let's go shopping for Charlotte NC homes for sale!

 

      

  Charlotte NC Homes for Sale

 (THE best Charlotte home search available - no kidding!)

Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310

     

  

 

    

      

       

 

         

   

Disclosure of material contained within.