Monday, June 30, 2008

Concord NC, GB Homes, Ramsgate Subdivision





1166 Thanet St
Concord, NC 28025
Ready for the Family!

  • Home
  • Complete Details
  • Photo Gallery
  • Virtual Tour
  • Property Map
  • Financing
  • Request Showing
  • Contact Me

  • Rich Ferretti


    Office:704-564-0807
    Mobile:704-564-0807
    Website:Visit Website


    Price:$213,512
    Bedrooms:3
    Bathrooms:2.5
    Community:Ramsgate
    County:Cabarrus
    Property Type:Detached
    Year Built:2007
    MLS Number:771682

    http://www.epropertysites.com/usr/12/13/13/22/50/1214851795craigs.jpg"> src="http://www.epropertysites.com/images/blank.gif" width=1 height=1 border=0>

    http://14904.View24Hours.com/mlsmax/pictures.htm">click for more pictures

    Property Description
    Home features 42inch cabinets and island in kitchen, Fireplace in Great Room, Wood Floors in kitchen and breakfast area. Black appliances and front yard irrigation. Home has a very open floor plan with formal living/dining area. Great room and kitchen are HUGE!!!!
    Features List
  • 3 Bedroom
  • 2 1/2 Baths
  • Very Open Floor Plan
  • Irrigation System
  • 2 car garage
  • 2nd Floor Laundry
  • Wood Flooring
  • 42 inch cabinets
  • Central Air
  • Equal Housing Opportunity.
    Southern Winds Realty :10023 Edwards Place -Mint HillNC28227: 704-564-0807




    Want more information about the Charlotte area real estate market? Check out www.richferretti.com

    Sunday, June 29, 2008

    Mint Hill Resident: Going Green, Saving Some Green

    Dear Rich,

    We are about to move into our dream home in Mint Hill. It is a beautiful colonial with a big yard and lots of upgrades.

    My question is that our new house is a couple years old and I would like to go through and do some energy-efficient upgrades in it. I definitely think that it is worth the investment. Can you recommend anything that I can do to my home or property to both increase the value but also become a little “greener”?

    Tyler, Mint Hill, NC


    Dear Tyler,

    Thanks for the question - and welcome to beautiful Mint Hill!

    It is always smart to upgrade to energy-efficient appliances, fixtures, etc. when you can. But I have heard from many people like you in the Charlotte area in the last few months who are looking at green ideas as well as ways to save some money. And I do have a few suggestions:

    First, look for rebates and incentives. Your utility companies may post information on their websites or in the monthly bills. Be sure to check these as well as investigate federal tax credits. Look at the Tax Incentives Assistance Project, http://www.energytaxincentives.org/ to see what criteria must be met before you decide to go shopping.

    Then, consider your budget. It will cost you around $500 to replace your old clothes washer with an Energy-Star certified Frigidaire washer (this includes a $50 utility-provided rebate and about a $50 in energy savings the first year). Energy-efficiency projects such as installing new Energy-Star windows or replacing a high-efficiency boiler are more expensive, but are really the few upgrades that hold their value in a down real estate market. These improvements will cut your energy bills, (and also be more attractive to home buyers in the future).

    Remember to save before and after utility bills and records of purchase of any energy-efficient improvements to show the savings and value when and if you ever decide to sell your new Mint Hill home.

    Best personal regards,
    Rich

    Want more information about the Charlotte area real estate market? Check out www.richferretti.com

    Friday, June 27, 2008

    Tips for first-time home buyers

    It is being said that Charlotte is in a “buyer’s market” right now and this means that a lot of people who are currently renting are considering the option to buy a new home. But with anything, it pays to be prepared. Buying a home for the first time can be an overwhelming experience, but with some knowledge and preparation the process can be both fun and rewarding.

    Are you ready? Just because Charlotte is still touting a strong economy and a buyer’s market, does not mean that this is necessarily the right time for you to buy. You need to consider if you are in a steady job with stable income. Are you planning on staying in the Charlotte area for a few years, maybe longer? Do you have money saved for a down payment, closing costs, additional furniture, and emergencies? Do you have an excessive amount of debt? Is your credit rating good?

    Buying a new home almost always costs more than you expect, so make sure your finances are in order first!

    What is your budget? There is no doubt that even in Charlotte, the cost of living has gone up. Everything from gasoline to groceries costs more than it did a year ago, and it is likely to continue to rise. If you are financially able to make the commitment to buy, then you need to determine how much house you can afford. Generally, the best way to do this is to get pre-qualified for a loan.

    There are three options for pre-qualifying for a home loan:
    1) Work with a lender with whom you already have a relationship
    2) Follow your real estate agent's recommendations for a lender
    3) Find and research lenders online

    Your total monthly mortgage payment, (principal, interest, taxes and insurance), should not exceed 30 percent of your monthly gross income. Figure out this number but also talk to your lender to get a better feel for how much flexibility you might have.

    Many first-time buyer mortgage programs require only a low down payment or even no money down, or programs with no closing costs. There may also be down-payment assistance programs available in your community. But the best option is to put down more if you can swing it. The bigger the down payment, the less you're borrowing, and the less expensive your mortgage will be in the long run.

    What is available? In Charlotte and around there are plenty of great places to buy a home. The hardest part is decided what and where. The first step is to research the area online and even drive around to get a feel for the different towns/villages. Also you will want to decide what type of home, (one-story single family, condos, or town homes). Having this background research done will save you—and your agent time later on.

    Choose a neighborhood. Once you know type of home and the area of Charlotte you would like to settle in, you can look at specific neighborhoods. Visit during the day, and also in the late afternoon and night to see what the neighborhood is like at all times. If you have children, look for other young families and ask about the schools. Also important is proximity to shopping, transportation, and the schools. These are things that you can do on your own, but your agent may also be able to give you some additional information when you have narrowed the search down.

    Home inspection. As the home buyer, you will need to get a home inspection. In fact, you will likely not want to make any offer you make on your new Charlotte home contingent on the inspection. A home inspection is always worth the investment and we can recommend great home inspectors in the Charlotte area.

    Homeowners insurance. If you are borrowing money for a home—having a mortgage, you will be required to have homeowner’s insurance. However, homeowner’s insurance comes in a wide variety of options, so it is important to balance your needs and your budget.
    Making an offer.Once you've found the house you want, you should work with your agent to determine an appropriate offer. Generally people offer slightly less than the asking price, and expect to get a counter offer. Know what you are willing to accept, and try not to draw this negotiation out too long.

    Closing. Some states require an attorney to review the closing papers and to be present at closing. But if this is not the case in your state, it is still a very good idea. An attorney will look out for your best interest, and is a great asset—especially to the first time home-buyer. (We can also recommend some great real estate attorneys in North and South Carolina!)

    Good luck with your new home in Charlotte, NC!

    Want more information about the Charlotte area real estate market? Check out www.richferretti.com

    Tuesday, June 24, 2008

    Mecklenburg County

    Dear Rich,

    My wife and I are currently living in Pittsburgh and we are considering moving to Charlotte. Can you give me any information on Mecklenburg County. We are still tying to figure out which parts of town are which.

    Thank you,
    Tom W.



    Dear Tom,

    Congratulations on considering Charlotte as your new home. Our area is beautiful, with city living and lake recreation available. In just a short drive you can be at the mountains or the beach, and despite recent housing downturns nationwide, Charlotte continues to be a strong market.

    I can tell you a little about Mecklenburg County, and if there is anything you would like more detail on, please let me know.

    Mecklenburg County is the most populous county in the state of North Carolina. As of 2008, the population was going strong at almost 903,000.

    Mecklenburg County was formed in 1762 from the western part of Anson County. It was named for the German Princess Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (1744-1818), who had become queen consort of King George III the previous year. Mecklenburg County contains seven municipalities including the City of Charlotte and the towns of:

    • Cornelius
    • Davidson
    • Huntersville (north of Charlotte)
    • Matthews
    • Mint Hill
    • Pineville (south and east of Charlotte)
      ...A small portion of the town of Stallings is also in Mecklenburg County, though most of it is in Union County.

    Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS), serves the entire county.

    North Carolina has 100 Counties. Those adjacent Counties to Mecklenburg County are:
    • Iredell County (North)
    • Cabarrus County (Northeast)
    • Union County (Southeast)
    • Lancaster County (South)
    • York County (Southwest)
    • Gaston County (West)
    • Lincoln County (Northwest)
    More information on Charlotte-Mecklenburg area can found on the county website.

    Want more information about the Charlotte area real estate market? Check out www.richferretti.com

    Monday, June 23, 2008

    Mint Hill North Carolina, Real Estate and Homes for Sale

    Mint Hill North Carolina, what a great place to call home.

    Developers and builders have found Mint Hill. NC so what will the future hold? They have broken ground for the new mall “The Bridges Mint Hill” and that will certainly bring additional changes. Who would have thought you’d see sub division in Mint Hill, NC with price tags of 1 plus million? So how will this change the Mint Hill North Carolina Real Estate Market? Home prices are appreciating. For additional information call or contact Rich Ferretti at 704-564-0807 or www.RichFerretti.com or www.MintHillRealty.com



    Want more information about the Charlotte area real estate market? Check out www.richferretti.com

    Charlotte NC Real Estate Agents and Brokers

    Fixing our Industry

    After a great Rain blog about agents and due diligence yesterday, I thought I would ask for more input.

    Clients and Customers not leads, they're people and they want and expect the best service, just like we do. How many of us walk in or call a service provider and ask to be treated badly?

    Recently, I had the pleasure to work with a senior couple moving from Hendersonville North Carolina to Charlotte to be closer to their children and patiently waiting for the arrival of their 1st grandchild, what an exciting time! Anyway they were so skeptical of real estate agents; it made me wonder what had happened to them in the past. After meeting for coffee and discussing their options they opened up and explained they were so misrepresented on their last transaction, (Dual Agency) that they did not want to deal with another real estate agent. They had even started looking just for FSBOs so they didn't have to deal with an agent. They thought it best to purchase a FSBO and deal with an attorney.

    A few weeks later this couple purchased a beautiful home from me and even sent me a wonderful "Thank You" card that I cherish and use in my testimonials now. You gotta believe.

    How can we fix our industry?

    Your thoughts?

    Rich

    Rich Ferretti, Realtor/Broker Charlotte, North Carolina and the surrounding area. For more information, contact www.RichFerretti.com or www.MintHillRealty.com





    Want more information about the Charlotte area real estate market? Check out www.richferretti.com

    Charlotte North Carolina Real Estate Agents

    Fixing our Industry

    After a great Rain blog about agents and due diligence yesterday, I thought I would ask for more input.

    Clients and Customers not leads, they're people and they want and expect the best service, just like we do. How many of us walk in or call a service provider and ask to be treated badly?

    Recently, I had the pleasure to work with a senior couple moving from Hendersonville North Carolina to Charlotte to be closer to their children and patiently waiting for the arrival of their 1st grandchild, what an exciting time! Anyway they were so skeptical of real estate agents; it made me wonder what had happened to them in the past. After meeting for coffee and discussing their options they opened up and explained they were so misrepresented on their last transaction, (Dual Agency) that they did not want to deal with another real estate agent. They had even started looking just for FSBOs so they didn't have to deal with an agent. They thought it best to purchase a FSBO and deal with an attorney.

    A few weeks later this couple purchased a beautiful home from me and even sent me a wonderful "Thank You" card that I cherish and use in my testimonials now. You gotta believe.

    How can we fix our industry?

    Your thoughts?

    Rich

    Rich Ferretti, Realtor/Broker Charlotte, North Carolina and the surrounding area. For more information, contact www.RichFerretti.com or www.MintHillRealty.com





    Want more information about the Charlotte area real estate market? Check out www.richferretti.com

    Thursday, June 19, 2008

    Concord NC, GB Homes, Ramsgate Subdivision





    1150 Thanet St
    Concord, NC 28025
    GB Home, Ramsgate

  • Home
  • Complete Details
  • Photo Gallery
  • Virtual Tour
  • Property Map
  • Financing
  • Request Showing
  • Contact Me

  • Rich Ferretti


    Office:704-564-0807
    Mobile:704-564-0807
    Website: Visit Website


    Price:$194,023
    Bedrooms:3
    Bathrooms:2
    Community:Ramsgate
    County:Cabarrus
    Property Type:Detached
    Year Built:2007
    MLS Number:771677



    for more pictures

    Property Description
    "Roosevelt" floorplan with over 2000 sq feet and 3 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths. Very open floorplan. Great Room has a nice gas log corner fireplace. Ample windows makes this home light and airy. Kitchen has upgraded 42 inch cabinets with molding and center kitchen island, perfect for informal dining and buffets. Upstairs has a HUGE Master suite with sitting area. Secondary bedrooms have trey ceilings.
    Features List
  • Roosevelt Floor Plan
  • 42 inch cabinets
  • Open Floor Plan
  • Cable prewire
  • Dishwasher
  • Wall to Wall
  • Electric Range
  • Microwave
  • Attic space
  • Laundry 2nd floor
  • 3 bedrooms
  • 2 1/2 baths
  • Equal Housing Opportunity.
    Southern Winds Realty :10023 Edwards Place -Mint HillNC28227: 704-564-0807




    Want more information about the Charlotte area real estate market? Check out www.richferretti.com

    Tuesday, June 17, 2008

    Can you fire your Broker/Agent?

    Can you fire your Broker/Agent?

    Yes you can. Any agent or firm will allow you to terminate the contract.

    Example: Rich Ferretti always gives his clients an “Easy Exit Listing Agreement” does yours? After all, you and I entered into a contract to market your property, if I don’t do as promised shouldn’t you be able to terminate that agreement? YES, of course. We only ask to be given ample time to correct the problem first but if it isn’t corrected then just like Donald Trump says, “You’re Fired”

    Make sure you get all the facts up front. No one wants to be disappointed with bad service.

    For more info visit my web site.

    Enjoy the day.

    Want more information about the Charlotte area real estate market? Check out www.richferretti.com

    Visit Rich Ferretti on Active Rain


    You can find great local Mint Hill, North Carolina real estate information on Localism.com Rich Ferretti is a proud member of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network, a free online community to help real estate professionals grow their business.

    Blog Listing

    Bloglisting.net - The internets fastest growing blog directory

    About Me

    My photo
    Charlotte North Carolina Real Estate Professional. Visit our site www.RichFerretti.com