Saturday, June 27, 2009

Mint HIll NC - You'll love it here

Mint Hill NC

Looking for a small friendly home town—well you found it. You have to spend the day in Mint Hill, explore the shops and restaurants to fully understand why I call Mint Hill home.

After spending a few hours with us, you’ll understand why I live here.

Nothing beats Mint Hill Madness, our September event starts off with the Mint Hill Lions 5K Race, followed by a grand parade up Main St. You don’t want to miss Saturday night’s fireworks and carnival. The festival starts Friday night and closes Sunday afternoon. I know you’ll love it just as much as my family does.

If you’d like more info on Mint Hill NC and Mint Hill properties, call, email or text me.

I’d love to share my passion with you and why I call Mint Hill NC home.

Rich Ferretti

www.RichFerretti.com

Rich@RichFerretti.com

704-564-0807

Mint Hill NC

Mint Hill Homes for Sale

So you finally decided to move to Mint Hill, well I can tell you, you are making a great decision.

Why?

How about the small home town feel. What about watching a movie on the town hall lawn or listening to music on a Saturday night. Make sure before you go, you stop by at Carolina Creamery and pick up an ice cream cone. Get cups for the kids..

When it comes to Mint Hill, look no further, you found me.

Email me or call me and I’ll be glad to send you the latest Mint Hill NC homes for sale.

I know once you check it out, you’ll love it too.

Rich Ferretti

www.RichFerretti.com

Rich@RichFerretti.com

704-564-0807

Thursday, June 18, 2009

In the Charlotte Area

[http://www.minthillrealty.com]
I have been working with homebuyers in the Charlotte area for a long time and I know that whether you've spent years saving and preparing to buy a home, or you're unsure if you can afford it, the questions surrounding home buying can feel endless. Sometimes other agents get caught up in all the exciting new incentives, rates, and opportunities – that they forget that not everyone who walks into their offices is an expert. I feel that part of my service to you as your Realtor is to help educate you, whether this is your first home or your fifteenth. Below are some basics, but feel free to contact me any time if you have any Charlotte area real estate questions.
Here are some tips to help you through first-time home buying:
Shop for mortgage rates and terms. A difference of even half a percentage point can mean a considerable savings over the life of a loan. For example, the difference in the monthly payment on a $100,000 mortgage at 8 percent vs. 7.5 percent is about $35 per month. Over 30 years, that's $12,600.
Prequalify for a loan. Also early on, you'll want to get prequalified for a mortgage loan, which determines how much you can afford. It allows you to move swiftly when you find the right home, especially when there are other interested buyers. It also indicates to the seller that you are serious about home buying and can afford to buy the property.
Outline what you want. The next step in home buying is to create a realistic idea of the property you'd like to buy. What features are most important to you? Make two lists: one of the items you can't live without and one of the features you would enjoy. Refine the lists as you house-hunt. It is also helpful to search online to see what is currently available on the market. Your real estate professional can then show you houses that meet your expectations.
Visit properties. Now you're ready to visit houses. Ask your Realtor to help in your home buying process by arranging showings. Be sure to keep track of the properties you've seen--it is easy to get confused and forget things if you see too many similar homes in one day, or don't take good notes. Each time you venture out to see more properties, revisit your notes to immediately eliminate any that clearly do not meet your standards.
Know the features that help or hurt resale. Did you know that in some areas, a swimming pool actually detracts from a home's value and makes it harder to sell? In neighborhoods with two-car, attached garages, a single-car or detached garage may affect the home buying prospects and future value.
Rate the houses you tour. After touring each home, write down notes about what you liked and didn't like. Develop a rating system that will help narrow the home buying field. For example, pick the house you like best on day one and compare all other houses to it. When you find a better one, use the new favorite as the standard. Avoid trying to track more than four top choices at any given time since this can quickly become overwhelming.
Make an offer. Once you've pinpointed your dream house, it's time to get serious about the financial and contractual side of the purchase. Because you and the seller have different goals, rely on your agent's experience and expertise to bring order and calm to the process - and help both parties reach a favorable outcome.
Arrange for a home inspection. After your offer is accepted, set up a home inspection. It's common to find problems, including leaky roofs, cracked walls, insect infestations and foundation problems. Your real estate professional can help find a reputable inspector, and will negotiate to get you the most for your money once the inspector's report is final. If you negotiate repairs as part of the purchase, ask for a "walk through" before finalizing the home buying paperwork. Ask your real estate expert about home protection plans, which may save you money in the near future.
Close. Before your closing date, make sure you've made all necessary deposits and completed the paperwork - including mortgage, title, homeowner's insurance and any other paperwork required by local or state governments when home buying. Your agent will be there to help you complete that closing checklist and avoid any last-minute snags. You deserve to enjoy every moment of the home buying process.
Prepare for life in your new home. Before rolling out the welcome mat, consider some moving basics: arranging for an alarm company, turning on electricity, water and gas, cleaning or replacing the carpet, and notifying your local post office of your new address. The best time for renovations is often before you move in.
Feel free to contact me any time you have questions – we not only want to sell you a wonderful home, we want to ensure the entire move-in process is seamless!
Rich Ferretti
Mint Hill, NC Realty

Want more information about the Mint Hill, Matthews and Charlotte area real estate market?
Check out www.minthillrealty.com

--
Posted By Rich Ferretti Charlotte NC to Mint Hill Homes: Charlotte NC Area Real Estate at 6/18/2009 03:00:00 AM

Buying a Home: The Basics

I have been working with homebuyers in the Charlotte area for a long time and I know that whether you've spent years saving and preparing to buy a home, or you're unsure if you can afford it, the questions surrounding home buying can feel endless. Sometimes other agents get caught up in all the exciting new incentives, rates, and opportunities – that they forget that not everyone who walks into their offices is an expert. I feel that part of my service to you as your Realtor is to help educate you, whether this is your first home or your fifteenth. Below are some basics, but feel free to contact me any time if you have any Charlotte area real estate questions.

Here are some tips to help you through first-time home buying:

Shop for mortgage rates and terms. A difference of even half a percentage point can mean a considerable savings over the life of a loan. For example, the difference in the monthly payment on a $100,000 mortgage at 8 percent vs. 7.5 percent is about $35 per month. Over 30 years, that's $12,600.

Prequalify for a loan. Also early on, you'll want to get prequalified for a mortgage loan, which determines how much you can afford. It allows you to move swiftly when you find the right home, especially when there are other interested buyers. It also indicates to the seller that you are serious about home buying and can afford to buy the property.

Outline what you want. The next step in home buying is to create a realistic idea of the property you'd like to buy. What features are most important to you? Make two lists: one of the items you can't live without and one of the features you would enjoy. Refine the lists as you house-hunt. It is also helpful to search online to see what is currently available on the market. Your real estate professional can then show you houses that meet your expectations.

Visit properties. Now you're ready to visit houses. Ask your Realtor to help in your home buying process by arranging showings. Be sure to keep track of the properties you've seen--it is easy to get confused and forget things if you see too many similar homes in one day, or don't take good notes. Each time you venture out to see more properties, revisit your notes to immediately eliminate any that clearly do not meet your standards.

Know the features that help or hurt resale. Did you know that in some areas, a swimming pool actually detracts from a home's value and makes it harder to sell? In neighborhoods with two-car, attached garages, a single-car or detached garage may affect the home buying prospects and future value.

Rate the houses you tour. After touring each home, write down notes about what you liked and didn't like. Develop a rating system that will help narrow the home buying field. For example, pick the house you like best on day one and compare all other houses to it. When you find a better one, use the new favorite as the standard. Avoid trying to track more than four top choices at any given time since this can quickly become overwhelming.

Make an offer. Once you've pinpointed your dream house, it's time to get serious about the financial and contractual side of the purchase. Because you and the seller have different goals, rely on your agent's experience and expertise to bring order and calm to the process - and help both parties reach a favorable outcome.

Arrange for a home inspection. After your offer is accepted, set up a home inspection. It's common to find problems, including leaky roofs, cracked walls, insect infestations and foundation problems. Your real estate professional can help find a reputable inspector, and will negotiate to get you the most for your money once the inspector's report is final. If you negotiate repairs as part of the purchase, ask for a "walk through" before finalizing the home buying paperwork. Ask your real estate expert about home protection plans, which may save you money in the near future.

Close. Before your closing date, make sure you've made all necessary deposits and completed the paperwork - including mortgage, title, homeowner's insurance and any other paperwork required by local or state governments when home buying. Your agent will be there to help you complete that closing checklist and avoid any last-minute snags. You deserve to enjoy every moment of the home buying process.

Prepare for life in your new home. Before rolling out the welcome mat, consider some moving basics: arranging for an alarm company, turning on electricity, water and gas, cleaning or replacing the carpet, and notifying your local post office of your new address. The best time for renovations is often before you move in.

Feel free to contact me any time you have questions – we not only want to sell you a wonderful home, we want to ensure the entire move-in process is seamless!

Rich Ferretti
Mint Hill, NC Realty

Want more information about the Mint Hill, Matthews and Charlotte area real estate market?
Check out www.minthillrealty.com

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Real Estate Outlook: Housing Rebounding – Get IN NOW!

The big economic news for housing this week is all about sales.

Housing sales and pending sales contracts are up, dramatically in the North Carolina area, and a rebounding real estate sector could soon start stimulating the broader economy.

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke told Congress last week that essentially the worst is over, the housing market is stabilizing, and we're heading out of recession in the second half of the year. Pending home sales soared by 6.7 percent in April, the third straight month of significant increases, and the highest pending sale total for any month in the past seven years.

This is all great and fantastic news for the economy, and it means that YOU need to react and get into the game.

Low prices nationwide, combined with mortgage rates at near-record lows, have pushed the National Association of Realtors' Affordability Index into record territory. In April the index hit its second highest market ever, based median household income and the monthly payments needed to buy the median cost home.

On the mortgage front, applications to purchase homes continued to rise last week -- up by 4.3 percent -- according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

But here's the sobering news: It's becoming increasingly clear that low mortgage rates are not going to be around forever. That is not a bad thing, it just means that you need to take advantage of the low rates now. Average thirty year fixed rates took their biggest jump in half a year last week on bond market jitters. The average rate for 30 year fixed topped five and a quarter percent, up from 4.8 percent the week before. And 15 year rates went to 4.8 percent from 4.4 percent.

So, if you are seriously considering getting off the sidelines - now that prices are back to pre-boom levels in some markets and sales are on the upswing, jump in sooner rather than later, if you want the lowest mortgage rates. Trust us, it is time to buy! Contact Rich Ferretti at Jamison Realty with any questions, and let’s get to house-hunting!

Rich Ferretti
Mint Hill Realty
Charlotte, NC
Want more information about the Mint Hill, Matthews and Charlotte area real estate market?
Check out www.minthillrealty.com

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Why Charlotte, NC?

Charlotte is an incredible city, and for the future home-owner, it is even better. Charlotte is town that is calling out to people, with 7,303 single-family permits in 2008. That makes Charlotte the 9th largest market in the country! Forbes named Charlotte as the third most undervalued real estate markets in the U.S. in 2007. Affordability is attracting buyers. The combination of reduced prices, attractive mortgage rates, and the government tax credit helped lure some buyers off the fence to shop for homes. But much of the country is experiencing these factors, so what makes Charlotte really special? After all, an excellent mortgage rate and an inexpensive home can happen anywhere – but that doesn’t mean you want to pull up roots and move to Death Valley! The Jamison Realty team has worked hard to find some solid reasons for you to choose to move, or stay, in this wonderful city!

Charlotte is the crown jewel and the largest city in North Carolina and the seat of Mecklenburg County. By 2007, Charlotte features the luxuries of a metropolis, without the drawbacks of an over-crowded and under-appreciated mega-city. Nicknamed the Queen City, Charlotte is named in honor of the German Princess Charlotte. A second nickname derives from later in the 18th century. During the American Revolutionary War, British commander General Cornwallis occupied the city but was driven out by residents, prompting him to write that Charlotte was "a hornet's nest of rebellion," leading to another popular nickname: The Hornet's Nest. Charlotte has capitalized on that tradition, and remained an important city to the United States. Whether in higher learning, the arts, finance, or any form of big business – Charlotte is a pivotal and beautiful East Coast city.

But enough history…Why do people LIVE in and around the Queen City?…. In 2008, Charlotte was chosen the "Best Place to Live in America" by relocate-America.com in its annual ranking, based on factors including employment opportunities, crime rates, and housing affordability. It was also named #8 of the 100 "Best Places to Live and Launch" by CNNMoney.com - cities picked for their vibrant lifestyles and opportunities for new businesses. Lifestyle was also noted when Prevention Magazine rated the Queen City 4th in the nation and the best "Walking City" in North Carolina in 2007 and Self Magazine named Charlotte one of “Five Cities with Big Outdoor Appeal” for features like its Public Art Walking Tour, accessible museums such as the Mint Museum of Craft + Design, and nearby outdoor excursions like the U.S. National Whitewater Center.

Combine all these statistics, awards, and history into one nice bundle, and you can see that Charlotte is a spectacular city for anyone to call home. Some people say, that you only visit Charlotte once….Because after that first visit, you end up moving there.

Rich Ferretti
Mint Hill Realty
Charlotte, NC

Want more information about the Mint Hill, Matthews and Charlotte area real estate market?
Check out www.minthillrealty.com

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Why Use a Realtor?

The other day, I drove past two houses on the same street in Mint Hill that had “For Sale by Owner” signs out front.

I bet those signs will be there a very long time, especially in this market.

People who attempt to sell their own homes are usually doing so to save a Realtor’s fee. In a seller’s market, you may be successful in attempting to sell your own home. In a buyer’s market, it’s usually a recipe for failure-- in the high-demand area of Mint Hill. Without a Real Estate Agent, you won't have the ability to list your house in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), meaning you don’t have a broad reach and therefore have a much smaller pool of potential buyers to balance out the many homes on the market. Additionally, a Real Estate Agent does a lot that helps to sell a house, as quickly as possible, and at the best price.

Before you put that “For Sale by Owner” sign in your yard, consider whether you’re up to these tasks:

· Doing the research to make sure your home is priced properly
· Write, schedule and run ads in local papers and real estate publications
· Produce attractive handouts for potential buyers
· Pre-screen callers to see if they’re qualified buyers
· Run open houses
· Be available days, evenings and weekends to show your house
· Listen to critical comments about your home without being offended
· Negotiate offers and counter offers
· Know when to lower the price
· Qualify buyers
· Prepare proper disclosure paperwork
· Stay on top of the buyer’s mortgage application and approval
· Be available to coordinate inspections and appraisals
· Gather all necessary buyer’s and the seller’s legal documents

There is an art and science to selling real estate, especially during an economic downturn Shouldn't you put your home in the hands of an experienced and licensed Realtor?

Rich Ferretti
Jamison Realty
Mint Hill and Matthews

Want more information about the Mint Hill, Matthews and Charlotte area real estate market?
Check out http://www.minthillrealty.com/

Monday, June 1, 2009

Mortgages: Still Strong, and Still Available!

Americans have been anxious to get back into the real estate market. They have, however, been naturally skeptical and tentative as the economy struggles with a global crisis. Trust me though, it is not all doom and gloom out their in the world of finance. The credit crunch has not decimated the mortgage industry, in fact – things are looking good for those looking for loans. A “Mortgage Origination” is the creation of a new mortgage. Mortgage originations are tracked as a measure of the health of the mortgage industry. Mortgage originations decreased 16.6% from 2005 to 2007. But, during the first quarter of 2009, the mortgage industry experienced strong origination activity due to a number of factors:

1) The ongoing low interest rate environment. Interest rates are at a record low, this is the time to borrow money and get locked into a percentage that won’t come along again in your lifetime.

2) A drop in the national median home price. Incredible homes all over the area are being sold for next-to-nothing. You can find plenty of sweet properties at incredible bargains.

3) An abundance of homes on the market. As said above, there are some incredible real estate deals out there. But it’s not a land of scarcity, it is still a land of plenty. You can find an inexpensive option that fits your “dream” home.

4) New government programs that are available to ALL to encourage homeownership, as well as refinances.

These fantastic four of reasons have lead to a kind of perfect storm for home buyers. It means that credit and financing options continue to be available to qualified borrowers. Wells Fargo & Company, one of the most solid lenders in the country, issued a statement saying it expects to report record originations in the first two quarters of the year.

Also, the Mortgage Bankers Association, with whom Jamison Realty works closely, now reports that the Federal Reserve's plan to buy up more than a trillion dollars' worth of mortgage assets from the credit markets is actually working. As mortgage rates plummet to levels that haven't been seen in decades, the number of mortgage originations is soaring.

One word of caution, the increased number of mortgage originations and mortgage refinances has caught many lenders off guard and understaffed. Stringent lender guidelines and regulations are essential in order to avoid another mortgage crisis; but with that kind of oversight comes painstaking underwriting that takes time and is labor intensive. Technological enhancements and upgrades are being implemented at many major lending institutions to help speed up the underwriting process, and mortgage companies are hiring more staff. Bank of America recently added 5,000 new employees just to handle the renewed activity. What does this mean for you? Don’t expect to be approved overnight. Do your homework, dot all your “I’s” and cross all your “T’s” and be prepared to relax. Good things come to those who wait!

Rich Ferretti
Mint Hill Real Estate
Charlotte, NC

Want more information about the Mint Hill, Matthews and Charlotte area real estate market?
Check out www.minthillrealty.com

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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