Showing posts with label lake norman sellers. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

It makes sense to buy in Charlotte and the surrounding areas - Number don't lie!

It makes sense to buy in Charlotte!

I came across an article on MSN today that is called "66 Cities where buying makes sense." It simply runs the numbers on 100 different markets and establishes where the numbers point to buy or rent.

Charlotte comes up in the top 50 places where it makes sense to purchase a home, rather than rent a home in the next few years. The study predicts that if you were to purchase a home today in the Charlotte region that in 4 years you would accrue $27K-$30K in equity.

You are seeing in the study that all the markets that were on fire just a few years ago, are the ones that got hit the hardest. The Charlotte region has a history of stability and growth and still remains one of the better markets to this day. Making money/building equity in buying and selling property is all about timing. The numbers are pointing to now being the time to invest in property in the Charlotte Real Estate Market!

See Also:
Charlotte/Lake Norman Real Estate Links
Why you need an agent to purchase a home
Charlotte/Lake Norman Real Estate Maps
Lake Norman Real Estate Guide
First Time Homebuyers

Contact your Lake Norman Real Estate Expert for more information on this post.

Jeremy Adair
Real Living - Davidson, NC
Cell: 704.315.8106
Fax: 704.892.9766
Jeremy.Adair@RealLiving.com

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Lake Norman Real Estate: Windows - Types and Energy Effeciency - Regular glass vs. Low E Windows

Windows 101

Window's in your house do many important things. Window's help decorate a house making it more attractive from the inside and outside as well as leaving in natural light. Unfortunately windows also account for roughly 25% of the heat loss within your house as well.

It is very important when upgrading your existing home, flipping a home, building a home, purchasing a home, or selling a home that you know about the different types of windows and what their features and benefits are. It can easily save you or make you thousands if you make the right decisions. Certain types of windows may be more ideal for a certain area in your home and a higher quality window with a higher insulation value can either save you money in utilities, or be a key resale factor in the future. Make sure you consult a professional when making your decisions.

Types of Windows
Awning Windows
Awning windows have a hinge at the top of the window and usually have a crank located on the bottom of the window. They can be cranked open and shape an awning which means they can allow ventilation even when you have a light rain.

Casement Windows
Casement windows also have a crank usually located at the bottom but they open out to the side, not up like an awning window. Casement windows can usually be found over top of something that makes a crank an ideal way to open a window. They are normally found over a sink, countertop, or in a sunroom.

Single Hung/Double Hung Windows
In a single hung window, only the bottom or top sash in the window move. The other sash is fixed and cannot be opened. Therefore, only half of the window can be opened. Double hung windows allow both sashes to be opened, giving you more options and making the window easier to clean. This window is a nice option for families with young children because the top sash can be opened allowing less risk of falling out of the window.

Glider or Sliders
Gliding windows or sliders are a nice alternative to a casement window if outside the window is in a high traffic area. This reduces the chance of somebody running into a window while it is open.

Picture Windows or Fixed Windows
Picture Windows or Fixed Windows often are put in rooms to portray a picture of the outside or two mainly allow sunlight to come into a room. These windows do not open making them less of a leak hazard.

Regular Glass vs. Low E Glass
Regular glass looks great, allows a lot of light to come in the house, and is cost effecient. Regular glass also allows a lot of heat loss within the home.

Low E glass was introduced in 1979. The E stand for emissivity which works by reflecting heat back to it's source. There are many different levels and types of Low E Windows that may offer some benefits that you are looking for. Appearance-wise you won't be able to tell much difference from a regular glass window and a low E window. Low E windows are usually slightly tinted although this is very difficult to see unless you compare them side by side. The main benefits of low e windows is that it allows visible light to pass while blocking levels of UV and IR light from coming into your home. UV light damages your skin, wood, fabrics, and causes colors to fade (such as hardwood). IR light is simply heat.

In addition to low E windows saving you on heat loss and UV light, they usually also stay cleaner and do not show water spots as bad as regular glass windows.

See Also:
Links for Buyers
Lake Norman/Charlotte Information Links
First time homebuyers
Why do I need an agent to purchase a home?

Contact your Lake Norman Real Estate Expert for more information on this post.

Jeremy Adair
Real Living - Davidson, NC
Cell: 704.315.8106
Fax: 704.892.9766
Jeremy.Adair@RealLiving.com

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Lake Norman Real Estate: Blue Stone Harbor/Captains Point in Cornelius, NC

Blue Stone Harbor/Captains Point - Two beautiful communities on Lake Norman in Cornelius, NC

Blue Stone Harbor and Captains Point are strategically placed less than a mile off of I-77 at exit 28 on Knox Rd. This community is close to all that Cornelius has to offer including shopping and fine dining within a stones throw away.

Blue Stone Harbor is an established community with homes ranging from the $300's up to the $700's for waterfront location. The community also has a community boat launch and boatslips available. As far as location and price, this may be one of the best of both worlds around Lake Norman.

Click here to see the current listings in Blue Stone Harbor.

Captains Point is connected to Blue Stone Harbor and offers the same ammenities. It is a slightly upscale version of Blue Stone Harbor extending out into lake norman with home prices ranging from $300K - $1M+. Captains Point currently has a few lots available starting out in the upper 200's.

Simonini Builders currently has a few new homes under construction lakeside in this community.

Click here to see the current listings in Captains Point.

The map below shows the locations of these communities.

View Larger Map

See also:
Lake Norman Lakeside Dining
Why do I need an agent to purchase a home?
First Time Homebuyers
The Production Homebuilding Process
New Construction and Homebuilders

Contact your Lake Norman Real Estate Expert for more information on this post.

Jeremy Adair
Real Living - Davidson, NC
Cell: 704.315.8106
Fax: 704.892.9766
Jeremy.Adair@RealLiving.com

Friday, June 13, 2008

Lake Norman Real Estate: Tips for Selling your Home/Staging

Tips for Selling your Home

List of things you can do to have a good showing.

1. De-Clutter!
• Pack up those knickknacks.
• Clean off everything on the kitchen counters.
• Put essential items used daily in a small box that can be
stored in a closet when not in use.
• Clean and organize closets, cupboards, and storage areas.
2. De-Personalize.
Pack up those personal photographs and family heirlooms. You want
buyers to imagine their own photos on the walls, and they can’t do that
if yours are there! You want buyers to say, “I can see myself living here.”
3. Rearrange/ Remove Furniture.
Almost every home shows better with less furniture. Leave just enough
furniture in each room to showcase the room’s purpose and plenty of
room to move around.
4. Make Minor Repairs.
• Replace cracked floor or counter tiles.
• Patch holes in walls.
• Fix leaky faucets.
• Fix doors that don’t close properly and kitchen drawers that jam.
• Consider painting your walls neutral colors.
5. Make the House Sparkle!
• Wash windows inside and out.
• Clean out cobwebs.
• Clean out the refrigerator.
• Dust furniture, ceiling fan blades, and light fixtures.
• Clean and air out any musty smelling areas. Odors are a no-no.
6. Scrutinize.
• Go outside and open your front door. Stand there. Do you want
to go inside? Does the house welcome you?
• Linger in the doorway of every single room and imagine how
your house will look to a buyer.
7. Check Curb Appeal.
• Mow the lawn.
• Paint faded window trim.
• Plant yellow flowers or group flower pots together. Yellow evokes
a buying emotion. Marigolds are inexpensive.
• Trim your bushes.
8. Stage Your Home.
• Leave all the lights on.
• Empty trash cans.
• Open blinds and curtains.
• Use air fresheners.
• Bake cookies.

For more information, contact your Lake Norman Real Estate Agent!

Jeremy Adair
Real Living - Davidson, NC
Cell: 704.315.8106
Fax: 704.892.9766
Jeremy.Adair@RealLiving.com