Friday, January 29, 2010

For Sale: 2840 Barnard - Perfect Family Home

Who do you know that is looking for a home in this area or Matthews/ Stallings?

Make sure you check out the Virtual Tour--http://www.2840barnard.com/.

Listed at $225,000, this beautiful home has a great floor plan -- perfect for a family.

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

Monday, January 25, 2010

Real Estate Market Report

CHARLOTTE is experiencing a buyers market with prices trending downward. Average prices of existing homes range from 180k and 240K

-->Based on all data from the Charlotte Regional Realtor Association, as of November 9, 2009 the average sales price of homes in our area was $195,244. This was an increase of 1.1% over November of 2008. amd .5% over October 2009.

-->A recent Trulia.com study indicates that 31% of the active listings in Charlotte have been reduced an average reduction of 9.1%.

-->Things have improved in the last several months, with home sales averaging about 800 per month, (up from the first half of the year it where it was about 600 per month).

-->With 6,831 homes on the market, there is about an 8 1/2 month supply of inventory in the Charlotte area was given the rate of sales.

-->It is still a buyer's market, but the price per square foot sold is up--showing a positive sign for our market. Prices on closed sales has been as low as $95.00 in the last year and is now at $105 per square foot on average.

-->The Charlotte Observer reports that foreclosures are increasing. Sales increased due to government incentives and current listing showing activity seems to indicate that the current 2010 government home buyer incentives are working.


Listen to us LIVE on the Radio every Saturday from 2-3pm. WBT-Talk Radio 1110am. - Talk to Rich Ferretti - Call 704.374.3500 with questions!


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

Friday, January 22, 2010

Home Closing 101

For first time home-buyers, the "closing" is sometimes an overwhelming flurry of lawyers, Realtors and paperwork. Many homebuyers really do not understand all of the details, and the complex issues can be confusing at best and can have major long-term ramifications.
Here are some details for first time homeowners about your closing:
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I'VE APPLIED FOR MY LOAN?
It will take a mortgage lender 1-6 weeks to complete the evaluation of your application--and more and more often, they are asking for additional information. The faster you can provide that information, the faster your application will be processed. After the lender is satified with what you've provided, your information will be verified and the lender will make a decision on if you will be given a loan. They will let you know if you are an approved and if that is the case, a closing date will be set. After closing, you'll be able to move into your new home.

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK OUT FOR DURING THE FINAL WALK-THROUGH?
The walk-through is the last chance for you to walk through the house after it has been emptied. You will get a clear view of the walls and ceilings, and the opportunity to see any work the seller agreed to do in response to the inspection. If you notice any problems, you should bring them up prior to closing. It is the seller's responsibility to fix them.

WHAT MAKES UP CLOSING COST?
Closing costs are usually made up of the following:

-->Attorney's or escrow fees (Yours and your lender's if applicable)
-->Property taxes (to cover tax period to date)
-->Interest (paid from date of closing to 30 days before first monthly payment)
-->Loan Origination fee (covers lenders administrative cost)
-->Recording fees
-->Survey fee
-->First premium of mortgage Insurance (if applicable)
-->Title Insurance (yours and lender's)
-->Loan discount points
-->First payment to escrow account for future real estate taxes and insurance
-->Paid receipt for homeowner's insurance policy (and fire and flood insurance if applicable)
-->Any documentation preparation fees

WHAT CAN I EXPECT TO HAPPEN ON CLOSING DAY?
On your closing day, you will present your paid homeowner's insurance policy (or a binder) and receipt showing that the premium has been paid. The closing agent will then present a list of the money you owe the seller (remainder of down payment, prepaid taxes, etc.) and then the money the seller owes you (unpaid taxes and prepaid rent, if applicable). The seller will provide proofs of any inspections, required repairs and warranties.

You will be presented with all of the documentation and it will be explained to you. Once you're sure you understand each piece, you will sign the mortgage, agree that if you don't make payments the lender is entitled to sell your property (and apply the sale price against the amount you owe plus expenses). You will also sign a mortgage note, promising to repay the loan. The seller (or his agent) will give you the title to the house in the form of a signed deed.

You will pay the lender's agent all closing costs and, in turn, he or she will provide you with a settlement statement of all the items for which you have paid. The deed and mortgage will then be recorded in the state Registry of Deeds.

Now you are a homeowner!

WHAT DO I GET AT CLOSING?
At the closing, you will get a:

-->Settlement Statement, HUD-1 Form (itemizes services provided and the fees charged; it is filled out by the closing agent and must be given to you at or before closing)
-->Truth-in-Lending Statement
-->Mortgage Note
-->Mortgage or Deed of Trust
-->Binding Sales Contract (prepared by the seller; your lawyer should review it)
-->Keys to your new home



If you would like more information about the Mint Hill, Matthews and Charlotte area real estate market? Call me: Rich Ferretti, When YOU are ready! 704-564-0807
Check out www.minthillrealty.com

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Mint Hill NC Real Estate and your home maintenance.

Home Maintenance Tip -

Keeping Your Water Heater Fit

Most people don't give much thought to their water heater - they just turn on the faucet and expect hot water to come out. Water heaters are relatively maintenance free, and you can keep your water heater in peak operating condition just by performing two simple maintenance tasks every six months: test the pressure valve and then flush the tank.

If the pressure release valve is not operating properly, the tank can potentially over pressurize and explode. Flushing the tank prevents sediment build up, which can reduce your water heater's energy efficiency and clog your water lines. Consult your owner's manual or other maintenance guide for instructions on how to safely perform these maintenance tasks.

Contact me for a complete list of maintenance tips.

Rich Ferretti is your Mint HIll NC and Charlotte NC Real Estate Specialist.

Look back for our listings of the week

Rich can be contacted at 704 564 0807 or Rich@RichFerretti.com

Friday, January 15, 2010

Newsletter & Radio Show NEWS

Each Month I send out a newsletter about the Real Estate Market to those interested. It includes the current interest rates, a link to my video newsletter, home tips and interesting facts. This is a fun and easy way to learn more about the market and at the bottom it includes a link to email it to a friend. If you know anyone looking at moving to the Matthews, Mint Hill or Charlotte area, please send them my newsletter.

ALSO: We are now LIVE on the Radio every Saturday from 2-3pm on WBT-Talk Radio 1110am. - Talk to me...Rich Ferretti - Feel free to call 704.374.3500 with questions on the market, the Charlotte area, or just to say hi.


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

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Minutes to I485 and Mint Hill NC

Who do you know that is looking for a great all brick ranch home with lots of room to roam and NO HOA?

FPO_56219_024_resampled

How about a Screened Porch that over looks the wooded back yard?

FPO_56219_019_resampled

Not only a 2 car attached carport but a detached 2 car garage that could be your workshop.

FPO_56219_020_resampled

Unionville taxes and only minutes to I-485 and the town of Mint Hill. This home features Open Floor Plan. 3 bedrooms, dining room, great room with fireplace and lots of extras.

All this for 200K---YES 200K

Check out the Virtual Tour at www.416Ambrose.com you won't be disappointed.

Rich Ferretti is your Mint HIll, Union County specialist. Call Rich Today.

---Charlotte NC Real Estate and Chinese Drywall---

This article is provided by Preston Sandlin--Home Inspector

I am asked this all the time. Is there toxic Chinese Drywall here in North Carolina and more specifically in Charlotte NC? Since I am a home inspector in Charlotte NC that is a pretty valid question. Before I answer that though I feel it is necessary to explain what the problem is with this drywall.

During the housing boom of 2004-2006 (some sources say 2001-2008) some drywall suppliers imported drywall from China. This is a little unusual to import drywall because it is so heavy and expensive to ship. The reason it was it made sense though at this time was the high demand for drywall caused by the housing boom at the time. Demand exceeded the US domestic supply. This demand was increased further by several hurricanes. The drywall was obviously shipped into seaports and most of the drywall that has been found so far has been found near ports on the gulf coast, Southeast sea ports including Charleston SC and Wilmington NC.

Drywall is made from gypsum which naturally contains sulfur compounds. It is thought that the drywall from China was held up at sea. If the gypsum is exposed to humidity it can cause the sulfides in the gypsum to off gas. The drywall once installed in the houses starts to emit these sulfides. These sulfides cause severe and rapid oxidation of metal. This has caused the air condition coils to rust out prematurely, metal plumbing pipes to rust and electrical fixtures and outlets to rust prematurely. Beside physical problems associates with this drywall there are some health concerns as well. These have been identified as some of the drywall causing problems. People exposed to this toxic drywall include respiratory irritation, headaches, eye irritation, nose bleeds coughing and difficulty breathing.
What are the warning signs that you might have toxic Chinese drywall in your house? Was your house built between 2001 and 2008, particularly 2004-2006? The first and foremost sign is a constant “rotten egg” smell. The second sign would be corrosion or turning black of metal including plumbing, electrical, jewelry, hinges and guitar strings etc. The sulfur also rusts out the air condition coil early. Another thing that you can do to check is to get to the back of the drywall. You can do this in attics or partially finished basements and garages. If you can get to the back of the drywall look to see if you see Knauf or ASTM C36 stamped on it.

The answer to question is there toxic Chinese drywall in NC? The answer is yes. In July of 2006, a cargo ship called the Star Djervanger was docked in Wilmington NC after a trip from China. Its cargo was about 9,000 tons of drywall, enough to build about 2000 homes. It is also estimated that several ships loaded with drywall have come through the harbor at Charleston SC. On April 22, 2009 the first North Carolina Family files a lawsuit involving toxic Chinese drywall in Holly Springs NC. The plaintiffs Daniel and Mary Flannigan have filed a lawsuit against Stafford Custom Homes in Southern Pines NC. The couple alleges they noticed a “rotten egg” egg smell soon after moving into their new house. The Stafford employees said it was coming from a water heater. Stafford replaced the water heater. Then the evaporator coil for the AC rusted out after 3 years. Many metal things in the Flannigan’s house turned black including jewelry and guitar strings. The couple said they were experience severe headaches. The Flannigan’s are suing for compensatory and punitive damages.

It is estimated that some 100,000 homes are affected by this toxic Chinese drywall. So far the majority seem to be in Florida and the Gulf coast but anywhere that there was a housing boom that is fairly close to a port of entry may be susceptible. As of this writing none has been identified in my city of Charlotte NC but all of our inspectors continue to look for signs in houses built between 2001 and 2008. For additional information on toxic Chinese Drywall or other home inspection issues check out or website at homeinspectioncarolina.com or CharlotteNChomeinspector.com

Rich Ferretti

Jamison Realty

704-564-0807

Rich@RichFerretti.com

www.RichFerretti.com

Is There Toxic Chinese Drywall in North Carolina?

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This information is provided to the clients of Rich Ferretti by your friends at Home Inspection Carolina

704-542-6575

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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