Discover Mint Hill Day

If you know someone who is considering a move to Mint Hill or wants to know more of about this growing community, well we have the event for you.

Discover Mint Hill Day is all set for Saturday, April 17th from 9 to 3.

Please visit the web site at www.DiscoverMintHill.org and mark your calendars.

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

Buyers: What your Realtor wants to know

Moving to Charlotte?

Before your home search begins, your real estate agent will want to know as much as possible about what you are looking for in a new home. Being as specific as possible saves both you and the Realtor time, and brings you to your new home faster.

To help your Realtor find a selection of great options, you should begin a list or what you would like, and then what you need. Here are some features to consider:

Exterior of home - Do you want a brick house, or vinyl siding? Do you have a preference on what the front yard looks like?


Type of property - Are you looking for a house, condominium, or town home?

Age of property - Are you looking for an stately Victorian home or new construction?


Architectural style - Do you want a modern home or an older one?


Number of stories - Is a ranch your style, or do you need an upstairs in your dream home?

Type of foundation - Have you got a preference on a slab foundation or basement?


Roof construction - Do you love architectural tiles or is a standard shingle?

Lot size and/or location - Are you a 3-acre in the woods kind of person, or will a quarter acre in a neighborhood suit you?


Landscape preferences - Do you care if there is fencing or a built-in sprinkler system? Do you like established shrubbery or would you like to plant your own landscaping?


Pool - Do you want to relax by the pool on those hot summer days, or does the idea of having to do maintenance on a pool exhaust you?

Garage or carport - Do you want a garage, a 2 car garage, a 3 car garage? Or are you ok with parking on the driveway or street?

Number of bedrooms - What is your minimum bedroom number?


Number of bathrooms - What is your minimum bathroom number?

Minimum square feet - How much space do you need?

Central air/heat - Do you like you AC? You will need it here in Charlotte!


Wiring - Do you have a preference on wiring?

Appliances - Do you prefer electrical or gas appliances?


Security system - Do you need a home with a security system? Is this something you would have installed?

Basement/attic - Do you need extra storage? Do you like the idea of having a basement?


Fireplace - Do you want a fireplace? Do you prefer gas or wood?


Kitchen amenities - Are marble counter tops a must?


Formal dining room - Do you entertain? Is a formal dining room a necessity?


Home office - Do you work from home or do you need a space to work?

Laundry room - Do you need or just want a laundry room? Would you like it on the first floor? Basement? Upstairs?


Flooring - Can you live with linoleum or do you need tile. Do you want hardwoods throughout?

How much renovation would you be willing to do? - Is a fixer-upper a good fit, or do you need move-in ready?

Do you have any special needs? - Will you need a ramp for wheelchair access or lowered counters and railings? Is there anything that you need to make your home livable for you and your family?

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

What to do in Mint Hill?

Dear Rich -

I am looking at moving to a beautiful home in Mint Hill NC and would like to know what there is to do in the area. My wife and I like to hike and walk, and spend time outdoors. I know you are familiar with this area and any advice on where to go, or places to visit would be appreciated!

Mel
Mint Hill, NC

Hi Mel -

You are right--I am very familiar with the Mint Hill area! I have been fortunate to assist many buyers and sellers in Mint Hill in the last few years and I am always happy to recommend this area. Mint Hill is one of the hidden gems in the Charlotte area and I am glad you have found a great new home to make your own.

There are many great parks and greenways in and around Charlotte. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Parks and Rec website is a great resource. In Mint Hill itself there are two parks, Fairview Park and Wilgrove Park.

Fairgrove is located at 8850 Fairview Road in Mint Hill. This park is over 55 acres in size with amenities for all ages. There are two soccer fields surrounded by an asphalt bike/roller blade path. There are racquetball and tennis courts, beach volleyball courts, and a nine-hole disc golf course that winds its way through the park. My favorite park it the nature trail with plants and trees native to this part of the North Carolina. Fargrove Park in Mint Hill also has a concession stand, and restrooms.

Wilgrove Park is located at 7750 Jim Harper Lane off Wilgrove-Mint Hill Road. Wilgrove Park has a softball field, four tennis courts, and natural walking trail that circles the perimeter of the park.

I also definitely recommend doing the Movies on the Lawn too. It is a nice evening out--for a couple or a family.

Enjoy living in Mint Hill--and please let me know if you need any more information on living in Mint Hill or the Charlotte area.

Rich Ferretti
Mint Hill & Charlotte Buyer's Agent

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

Do I need a real estate agent if we build a home?

Dear Rich -

My wife and I are moving to the Charlotte area from Florida and we would like to build a new home. We have been up once before to check out the area and we would like to plan another trip within the next few weeks to look at neighborhoods. My question to you is if we are looking at buying a new house, is there any benefit to working through a real estate agent? Wouldn't it be more cost effective to work directly with the builder?

Thanks for your help on this--we have always bought pre-existing homes before and I want to make sure we make the right decision.

Bob - (Tampa transplant)


Dear Bob -

It is definitely in your best interest to have an agent when dealing building, or purchasing a new build home from a builder. Many times the buyers think they will get a better deal if they do not bring their own agent. Nothing could be further from the truth. While there are some differences in the transaction, there is much that is the same from buying from another owner: you need someone to look out for your best interests.

When you look at a planned or new development, the builder's salespeople will be very friendly and helpful. But remember, they work for the builder, and are being paid to sell you a house at the highest price they can get from you. A buyer's agent will know what can be negotiated, and give you an objective assessment of the neighborhood, homes, and construction. Additionally, a buyer's agent will be able to make sure the contract includes everything you want, and excludes any surprises. Remember, this is a 150K, 250K, 350K decision. You need professional representation from someone who understands this market, real estate and property contracts! This is an investment--so it is important to protect yourself--use a Buyer's Agent!

Best of luck with your move, and feel free to call my office ( 704-564-0807) and we can set up an appointment to go meet with some builders.



Would you like more information on new home purchases and why buyers should use an outside Realtor/Broker not the sales agent at the builder’s office? Email Rich Ferretti.

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