Sunday, December 21, 2008

Rich Ferretti and the Charlotte NC Housing Market.

Rich Ferretti
10801 Johnston Road, Suite 216
Charlotte, NC 28277 (704) 564-0807
rich@richferretti.com
www.richferretti.com
Broker / Realtor NC & SC

“Exceeding your expectations in Real Estate Service”

Knowing I can make a difference and entrusting me with your Real Estate needs, I promise to provide you with my total loyalty, dedication and to conduct all business with a focus on professionalism, integrity and service.

It is my goal as your full service Real Estate Broker, specializing in Charlotte NC and the surrounding areas, to provide you with superior service at all times.

My local expertise and extensive real estate experience will benefit you whether you are serious about buying or selling a home at this time, or are a returning client checking out the many homeowner
resources we offer.

Buying a home? I look forward to helping you select the home of your dreams by taking time to listen to your needs and desires.

Selling a home? My real estate expertise and many effective marketing programs will give you the exposure and edge you need to sell your home quickly for top dollar.

Returning Client? I appreciate the opportunity to continue to serve you and hope you take advantage of the valuable resources I provide.

Come back to visit often!

I consider the Charlotte area an excellent place to reside and would love to share with you my enthusiasm for the many neighborhoods that encompass it. I pride myself on providing unparalleled service and look forward to developing a long-term relationship with you.

Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss how I can best assist you with your real estate needs.

Ten Best Suburbs to Sell a Home

(from a recent Forbes.com article by Matt Woosley)

As we close up the year 2008, the US housing market is undoubtedly under stress, but in some parts of the country, like Matthews, North Carolina, selling a home is still a comparatively easy undertaking.

In Berkeley, California, prices are up 9% this year, with homes selling for a median price of $790,986. These California properties are sitting on the market for 73 days on average, which is low for the country right now. And better yet for our friends in Berkley, only 37% of sellers have been forced to reduce their prices to get their homes sold—one of the lowest rates in the country.
Berkeley is in good company: Venice, California; Bedford, Texas; Kennesaw, Georgia; and Montclair, New Jersey, are all also on the list of suburbs with the best conditions for sellers. The folks at Forbes.com looked at the suburbs in the country's 75 largest (census-defined) metro areas based on the last 90 days of sales activity, (research provided by Altos Research, a Mountain View, California). The study was narrowed to those cities with an inventory of at least 75 homes on the market, and suburbs where it currently takes more than 125 days to sell the average home were also eliminated. Cities like Sacramento, California, and Los Angeles are among the easiest to sell a home, (based on sales data from Radar Logic, a New York real estate research firm), but homes are mainly selling at massive discounts—so they were eliminated from the final list as the “best places to sell a home.” Also eliminated were any other suburb where year-over-year price declines were steeper than 10% and where more than 50% of sellers had to reduce their asking price to sell their home.

All that said, areas like Encinitas, Calif., and Matthews, N.C., where among the locations where homes are staying on the market 100 and 127 days respectively, made the list even though the wait times indicate a buyers' market.

Waltham, Mass., has the second-quickest turnaround of any suburb on the list, with only 79 days average on-market. Waltham, a middle-class suburb west of Boston, has seen 1% price appreciation over the last year, and only 53% of sellers have to reduce their price in order to make a sale. While this does not indicate the strongest of markets, it does put Waltham in a better position than many cities in the US.

Here is the Forbes.com list of the 10 best places to sell your home:
1. Berkeley, CA
2. Bedford, TX
3. Venice, CA
4. Kennesaw, GA
5. Sugarland, TX
6. Midvale, Utah
7. Matthews, NC
8. Encinitas, CA.
9. Waltham Mass.
10. Montclair, NJ

So what does all this mean to you? If you are buying a home in Charlotte, than you can find that there are some great deals out there still—and you can feel comforted by the fact that our property values are holding still or growing despite the economy. You are making a good investment with a property in Charlotte. And if you are a seller, than you are lucky to be in or around Matthews, where you are likely to get close to your asking price…and in an acceptable amount of time!

Are you looking to sell or buy a home in Charlotte, NC? Call Rich Ferretti at 704-564-0807.
Want more information about the Charlotte area real estate market? Check out www.richferretti.com

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Christmas in the South

Christmas in the South

Having lived most of my life in New Jersey- I have to tell you, I love celebrating Christmas in the South.

After talking with my sister yesterday, she still lives up North and having her tell me about the pending snow storm I know I made the right decision moving south especially to Charlotte NC.

It’s takes a little getting used to the weather but that’s easy. Yesterday it was 65 degrees and if it wasn’t drizzling I would have played golf.

The affordability of housing, lower taxes, friendly people and you gotta love the weather.

Let me tell you about Charlotte –Ya hear!!!!

Home for Sale- Charlotte NC

Monday, December 15, 2008

Don't make these mistakes when showing your home.

Deadly Mistake Number # 2

Failing to "Showcase" your home

Buyers are looking for homes, not houses, and they buy the home in which they would like to live. They buy emotionally and then back up that emotional decision logically.

Owners who fail to make necessary repairs and don't spruce up the house inside and out, touch up the paint and landscaping and keep it neat and clean, chase buyers away as rapidly as Realtors can bring them.

If you were selling a car, you would wash it or perhaps even detail it to get the highest price and sell it quickly. Houses are no different. Call me today at 704-564-0807 for FREE information on how to get your property ready for sale.

Mint Hill North Carolina

Mint Hill North Carolina-28227

Mint Hill North Carolina is the hidden gem of Mecklenburg County.

Mortgage Update

While the mortgage market continues to generate a lot of chatter in both the media and in Washington, interest rates are currently near or at all-time lows. If you or anyone you know are looking to take advantage of these low rates, let me explain why now is the time to act.
Lately there has been talk about the 4.5% 30-year fixed rate mortgage. Will it become a reality though? Right now, no one really knows. Homeowners who could benefit from a lower interest rate need to know that even if 4.5% becomes a reality from Washington's actions, it would only be available to home buyers, not homeowners seeking to better their rate. If you need to refinance, you will be left out.
You also may have heard about Hope for Homeowners, which is a program approved by legislators to help distressed homeowners. However, regardless of its best intentions, the program has not been embraced by investors, and it is not available to many it could help.
The bottom line is, the Fed announced recently that they are going to buy up to $600 billion in mortgage-backed securities. This has already driven rates to historical lows. In January, the SEC is meeting and information may be released that could have a significant bearing on rates, potentially for the worse.
Waiting to obtain the best rate is only possible for those with loan applications already in process. Interest rates are incredibly volatile and fluctuations that used to take months are now occurring in just days or even hours. If you don't have an application in process, you could lose out.
We are already seeing lender backlog due to low interest rates. In 2003, with rates at these same low levels, we saw some lenders taking up to 90 days to close a loan.
Home loan rates are currently in the mid- to low-5% range. Home values are currently at 2003-2004 levels, coming down significantly from their high point. If you–or friends and family members you know–are contemplating seeking financing, now is the time to act.
With a first time home buyer tax credit of up to $7,500 and low or no money down programs available for many people today, now is a great time to buy a home.
If you have any questions about how we can help you, call us today.
Sincerely,
Tony Garshnick
Franklin American Mortgage
(704) 206-7763
tgarshnick@franklinamerican.com

Tony is a true professional and can help you with all the mortgage questions.

Let us get you into your dream home today!

Rich Ferretti 704-564-0807

Sunday, December 14, 2008

What is a "Short Sale"

Dear Rich,

My wife and I bought a home in Charlotte about 2 years ago and we now have to move. I was laid off last month, and I think we will have to move in with family until I am able to get a decent job put some money away. I have missed two mortgage payments already and it was hard to pay the mortgage even when I was working--we bit off more than we could chew and had no safety net...

A friend of mine recommended a "short sale." What is a "short sale" and how would it benefit me to sell my house this way?

Ben R. Charlotte

Dear Ben,

I am sorry to hear about your situation. Unfortunately, it is all too common in the current economy. But not to worry, you do have options.

A short sale may be the way to go, but this is something you will have to discuss candidly with your Realtor.


A short sale is what happens when the proceeds of a real estate sale fall short of the balance owed on the property--when the offer on the table is less than what you owe. In a short sale, the mortgage lender, (or bank) agrees to accept a discount of the balance due the current owner's financial hardship, (i.e. in the case of a lost job).

The negotiation of a short sale is done through bank's loss mitigation department, with the home owner, and often the seller's real estate agent.

The home owner is the allowed to sell the mortgaged property for less than the outstanding balance of the loan, and the bank forgives the loan in exchange for the total of the sale proceeds. In this case, the lender has the right to approve or disapprove of a proposed sale--they want to get the most they can for the mortgage, but also know that in many cases the deal offered is a good business decision.

Often the borrower will still owe some amount above and beyond the sale and the home seller will have to make this difference up.

Generally, short sales happen when there are extenuating circumstances, and the real estate market is in such a state, that the lender does not feel that they will otherwise profit, or make back their investment.

The biggest advantages for you would include avoiding a foreclosure on your credit history, and a short sale is typically faster and less expensive than a foreclosure.


I hope that this answers your questions, and my best wishes for a happier and more prosperous 2009.

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

Charlotte Schools

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The Right Real Estate Advice
Makes all the Difference

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Schools

There are many great schools in the Charlotte metro region. Below are links to the Charlotte and surrounding county schools.

Colleges and Universities

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Public Schools

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Great Schools

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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

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Gaston County Schools

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NC Schools Reports

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Anson County Schools

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Burke County Schools


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Cabarrus County Schools

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Catawba County Schools

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Cleveland County Schools

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Davidson County Schools

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Iredell-Statesville Schools

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Kannapolis City Schools

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Lincoln County Schools

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Mooresville Schools

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Rowan-Salisbury Schools

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Stanly County Schools

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Ft.Mill, SC Schools

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Union County Schools


Area Private Schools

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Providence Day School

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Country Day School

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Charlotte Latin

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Charlotte Catholic

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Charlotte Christian

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Northside Christian Academy

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Hockory Grove Baptist Christian School

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Covenant Day Schoo
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Southlake Christian

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Carmel Christian School

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1st Assembly C.S. - Concord

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Cannon School


Incorrectly Pricing Your Home!

When you are getting ready to put your property on the market, there is a myriad of things to think about, to prepare for, and to organize. Here is a short list of some of the pitfalls to watch out for.

Deadly Mistake Number # 1

Incorrectly Pricing Your Home

Every seller wants to net as much money as possible when selling their home. Unfortunately, a listing price that is too high often gets the seller less than a listing priced at market value. If your house is not priced competitively, people looking in your price range will reject your house in favor of other larger homes for the same price.

At the same time, the people who should be looking at your house will not see it because it is priced over their heads. Overpricing usually increases the time on the market and that adds to the seller's carrying costs. Ultimately, many overpriced properties sell below market value.

Once you understand the principles of pricing your home, you will know how to sell your house for the best price. To help you avoid costly mistakes related to pricing your home… just call our office at 704-564-0807 and we will deliver to you a FREE Market Evaluation of your home.

10 Biggest Selling Myths

10 Biggest Selling Myths Uncovered

Selling a house can be a bit like having a baby -- everyone gives you advice that may or may not be true for you. Here are ten myths uncovered:
1. Myth: You should always price your home high and gradually lower it if it doesn’t sell.
Truth: Pricing too high can be as bad as pricing too low.
You may think by listing high you can always accept a lower offer, but if you do, you'll miss the buyers looking in the price range where your home should be. Offers may not even come in, because interested buyers are scared off by the price and won't bother to look. By the time the listing price is corrected, you will have lost a large group of potential buyers. Your real estate agent will offer you a comparable market analysis. This is a document that compares your home to other similar homes in your area, with the goal of helping you to accurately assess your home's true market value.

Call or email me for the complete list of Myths.

Rich 704-564-0807 or Email: Rich @RichFerretti.com

The Holidays: A Great Time to Buy or Sell

 

The Holidays: A Great Time to Buy or Sell!

Mortgage rates are at a low 5% and if you have been considering moving out of your apartment, or into a new home, this is the time to do it!

"But..." you say, "it's the holidays!" Yes, it is, and despite the fact that this is traditionally considered a slow time for real estate transactions, I am here to tell you that this might be the best time to buy...or sell a home.

Families are busy this time of year, no doubt. But because of job change, or other life event, moving in December or January may just be something that has to happen. And this could be a great thing! With the current high inventory of homes on the market in Charlotte and elsewhere, the buyer has many options to choose from, and the potential ability to move in quickly to a house that they get a great price on...and a great rate. Many buyers take the months of December and January off from looking, because they are moving from areas where the weather is cold and snowy and won't be able to sell their homes. But not here in Charlotte! And so if you have already sold your home or currently live in a warmer location, selling should be easier for you at this time of year.

Which brings me to the benefits to sellers...If you are selling a home at the holiday season, you likely have spent the time to decorate it, and make it "extra" nice. This is a great attractor to a potential buyer who will want that "home-for-the-holidays" feeling in a new home this time of year. Additionally, buyers looking in December and January are probably motivated buyers, looking at getting into a new home as soon as possible. If someone is taking the time away from family during the holidays, they are likely very interested in buying. So if your agent calls you to let you know there is a showing scheduled, it is well worth your time and effort.

It may seem like things stand still around the holidays, but there will always be buyers and sellers looking at moving. So if you are ready to buy a home, or sell a house, don't despair or "write off"  December and January... you may very well find a match.

Looking to move to Charlotte, NC or the surrounding areas? We have a great home for you. Give me a call at 704-564-0807 and we can set up an appointment to get started today.

Best Regards,
Rich Ferretti

Monday, December 8, 2008

Charlotte NC and Rich Ferretti and Real Estate

Thank you for requesting home listings in the Charlotte/Lake Norman/Lake Wylie areas. I am delighted to have the opportunity to be of service! You should now be receiving homes that meet the criteria you provided to me. I will also be updating you with new listings as soon as they are available on the market.

Like you, I appreciate being treated with respect and dignity. I am here to be your real estate counselor and advisor. I will respect your preferences regarding communication, and I will be here to assist you anytime you are ready. Feel free to visit me on the web at www.rich@richferretti.com to see what I am all about.

Please do not hesitate to e-mail or call me at 704-564-0807 if I can answer any questions you might have about your listings request or any specific properties that interest you, or if you have any difficulty opening up the listing information.

Complimentary Charlotte DVD

Email; Rich@RichFerretti.com

About The Author

His testimonials speak volumes about his work ethic.

Rich Ferretti is a Charlotte NC Residential Real Estate Professional that can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in Charlotte, North Carolina and surrounding areas, from bank owned homes to new construction to waterfront property, and everything in between.

· Rich is a Relocation Specialist that has created a network of real estate professionals throughout the country in an effort to assist people relocating to Charlotte NC.

· Rich Ferretti is a true professional and expert in the field of relocation and can serve many purposes beyond a simple home search.

· In addition to being a Relocation Specialist, Rich also holds the designations of Broker, Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), e-PRO and QSC (Quality Service Certified). Rich is also licensed in North Carolina, South Carolina and New Jersey.

If you are considering Homes for Sale in Charlotte NC, Rich can help!

Call or email today for your complimentary Charlotte DVD, quantities are limited.

Please visit www.RichFerretti.com for your Real Estate Needs.

Rich Ferretti – Broker/Realtor - 704-564-0807 – Rich@RichFerretti.com

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Charlotte NC and Homes for Sale

Thank you for choosing Southern Winds Realty to help you conduct your search for a home in the Charlotte, Lake Norman and Lake Wylie areas of North Carolina. I have created a personalized website especially for you to store the listings in the Charlotte, Lake Norman and Lake Wylie area that match the search criteria you provided to me. Please remember, if the home listings you receive are not what you were hoping for, just let me know and I will make corrections promptly. I can change your home search as many times as you like!

All listings that match your search criteria will be emailed to you and I directly. You can mark them as favorites, possibilities and rejects, you can share them with family members and friends by forwarding the email, and it’s that easy! I can also add additional email addresses if you would like these to be sent directly to other people as well.

Also on my website, www.RichFerretti.com, you’ll find all the information you need on schools, neighborhoods, taxes, entertainment, etc. in the Charlotte area. Just click on School Reports or Important Information tabs.

If you have any questions about this free service or if there is anything I can do to make your home search easier, please contact me anytime by e-mail or call 704-564-0807

Thank you again and happy home hunting!

Rich

Complimentary Charlotte DVD

Email; Rich@RichFerretti.com

About The Author

His testimonials speak volumes about his work ethic.

Rich Ferretti is a Charlotte NC Residential Real Estate Professional that can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in Charlotte, North Carolina and surrounding areas, from bank owned homes to new construction to waterfront property, and everything in between.

· Rich is a Relocation Specialist that has created a network of real estate professionals throughout the country in an effort to assist people relocating to Charlotte NC.

· Rich Ferretti is a true professional and expert in the field of relocation and can serve many purposes beyond a simple home search.

· In addition to being a Relocation Specialist, Rich also holds the designations of Broker, Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), e-PRO and QSC (Quality Service Certified). Rich is also licensed in North Carolina, South Carolina and New Jersey.

If you are considering Homes for Sale in Charlotte NC, Rich can help!

Call or email today for your complimentary Charlotte DVD, quantities are limited.

Please visit www.RichFerretti.com for your Real Estate Needs.

Rich Ferretti – Broker/Realtor - 704-564-0807 – Rich@RichFerretti.com

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Saturday, December 6, 2008

Relocating to Charlotte North Carolina

Start your search today

Welcome to Charlotte North Carolina,

Charlotte NC continures to grow.

  • The affordability of homes
  • lower taxes 
  • friendly people
  • you can't beat the weather

This all combines to make Charlotte North Carolina one great place to live, retire or raise a family.

The Charlotte North Carolina Real Estate Market is healthy and at present is a Buyers Market. This allows home buyers to receive some really good deals on our present inventory.

Contact me for a complimentary DVD and for the latest BEST BUY LIST of homes in Charlotte, Mint Hill North Carolina area.

FYI- I relocated to Charlotte, from New Jersey about 6 years ago and never looked back. Leave your snow shovels up North!!!!

Call or email me today to get started to find your new home here in Wonderful Charlotte North Carolina.

Find your next home here:

Rich

www.RichFerretti.com

Rich@RichFerretti.com

704-564-0807

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Belmont TownHome

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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.

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