Moving Tips to Help Reduce Stress

Keep these Tips on File.

4 weeks from move date: Get organized and start notifying the right people and companies that you'll be moving soon and give them a date to forward or terminate service. Start looking for licensed and professional moving companies, moving guides and relevant coupons.

Tip: If using a professional mover, get quotes from multiple moving companies to get the best deal that is right for you and your needs. Ask plenty of questions like whether or not they give binding quotes and what kind of insurance is included. Be sure to talk with them about the different options available with full-service moves such as packing and unpacking services and providing boxes and packing supplies.

Tip: Important documents such as your child's school records may need to be accessible during your transition. Make sure to put these items aside and make copies of any records for yourself, in case you forget what box they're packed in.

3 weeks from move date: Once you've selected a mover, begin by taking inventory of your belongings and their worth and decide what will be coming with you to your next home.

Tip: Start cleaning out closets, drawers and storage areas of your home and divide things into categories: "pack," "recycle" and "give to friend." You can always have a garage sale or donate old items to charity. This will make packing day a lot easier and you may reduce the total weight you'll be paying for to move.

Tip: If you're moving yourself or contracting for a self-service move, pack the items you know you won't need until 30 days after the move. It will feel great to get started early.

Tip: If possible, take pictures of rooms and areas inside the home or apartment you'll be moving into so you can start thinking about placement of furniture, artwork and other items. This will help save time, headaches...and money...on moving day.

2 weeks from move date: If you choose not to take advantage of full service mover packing services, or are planning to do it yourself and rent a truck, start packing things into boxes. Figure out the logistics of the move, travel plans and if other specialized plans need to be made.

Tip: If you are using a professional mover find out what items are on their "non-allowables" list and discard those items or find a way to transport them separately.

Tip: Instead of stacking plates, pack them vertically; they will travel safer this way.

Tip: If you are moving long distance, remember travel arrangements for your pets. There are pet-exclusive airlines available such as Pet Airways but regular airlines have travel options for pets as well.

Tip: If you have young children, you may want to make childcare arrangements so you can be 100% focused on moving day and your little ones remain safe and busy with fun activities.

Tip: Schedule "move out" cleaning service, carpet cleaners and heavy appliance disposal if necessary for once you'll be out of the home you're vacating. Even if you're selling your current home, it's a nice welcome for the buyers to move into a clean and tidy home.

1 week from move date: Set aside valuable items and keep those with you. Clean before moving and leave your house or apartment as clean as it was when you moved in.

Tip: Make sure the details for paying the moving company are taken care of. Some will require money orders or cashier's checks upon delivery; know their policy in advance to avoid stress on moving day.

Tip: Start eating all the frozen foods you have, or give them to a neighbor or friend. This way you won't have to throw them away on moving day, or worry about packing an ice chest.

Tip: Also think about necessities for managing moving day like confining your pets and anticipating the amount of time you will need.

Tip: Place necessities such as toiletries, toilet paper, rags, "must-have" cooking supplies and organize them in boxes marked "open first" so it's easy to find the initial items you'll want handy on those first few days of being in your next home. Don't forget the flashlight!

Tip: If possible, take one last tour of the new location and identify water and gas shut off locations, as well as the electrical breaker box just in case something happens in the first few days so you're prepared. Might be smart to drop off a fresh box of light bulbs too!

Moving day and beyond: Take one last walk through and make sure nothing has been forgotten or overlooked. Also, make sure all doors and windows are locked and switches turned off, then you are on your way to your new house or apartment.

Tip: Go back to the photos you took when you began to pack up. Now you can show the movers or those helping you unpack exactly where everything goes with photos.

Tip: Unpack one room at a time according to basic needs starting with the kitchen and at least one bathroom...and don't forget to make a bed as early in the day as possible if you'll be sleeping in your home that evening! Remember, you don't have to unpack everything in one day, or even in one week.

Tip: After you've settled in a bit, introduce yourself to some neighbors, ask for advice on the best places to eat, grocery shop, etc. This way you will feel like part of the community and can get some great local tips.

Rich Ferretti is your Mint Hill NC real estate professional. With over 20 years experience and a passion for customer service, makes Rich Ferretti a preferred Realtor.

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

Traveling to and from Charlotte

A world-class international airport, network of Interstate highways, and easy drives from both the mountains and the coast make the Queen City of Charlotte, North Carolina perfect for frequent travelers, family trips, and great weekend getaways. If you are looking for a day trip, try Blowing Rock or Asheville in the mountains, Wrightsville Beach and Wilmington on the North Carolina coast, Charleston for old Southern Lowcountry charm, or family friendly beaches with nearby golf at Kiawah Island, Isle of Palms, Hilton Head Island and Pawley’s Island, all in South Carolina.

North Carolina has even more award-winning golf courses, and Blue Ridge Mountain resorts. North Charlotte has Lake Norman, while South Charlotte is near Lake Wylie. Both are great destinations for a fabulous day trip, or if you love it here - stay! There are plenty of wonderful homes in the Charlotte area from Lake Wylie to Mint Hill, Lake Norman to Rock Hill!

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

OPEN HOUSE 9824 Hofstra

OPEN HOUSE
This is a super home that has it all.


• Mint Hill location--Oxforshire Community
• 4 Large Bedrooms
• 2 1/2 baths
• Very Open Floor Plan
• True Plantation blinds
• Fantastic back patio that over looks wooded back yard
• Visit the virtual tour at http://www.9824hofstra.com/

Please tell your family, friends and coworkers. This home offers so much.

http://www.richferretti.com/



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

9824 Hofstra Ct, Mint Hill, NC 28227, Presented by Rich Ferretti, Jamison Realty. Powered by FloorPlanOnline

Mint Hill NC Home for Sale.

Oxfordshire Community in Mint Hill NC

Stop by tomorrow (Saturday) from 1 to 3 at this OPEN HOUSE.

9824 Hofstra Ct, Mint Hill, NC 28227, Presented by Rich Ferretti, Jamison Realty. Powered by FloorPlanOnline

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

Rich Ferretti
704 564 0807
www.MintHillRealty.com

Rich@RichFerretti.com

What's a Dad to do?

I had to share this photo with you.

Mike Ferretti--Rich Ferretti--Rick Ferretti

Photo taken by Sandy Barnett of the Mint Hill NC Chamber of Commerce.

Home Foreclosure Rates

Home Foreclosure Rate Posts First Annual Decline in Five Years
Foreclosure filings dropped 2 percent in April from a year ago, the first annual decrease in more than five years, according to a report out late last week. The RealtyTrac report could signal that foreclosures have begun to plateau, economists say.
http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/housing/2010-05-13-foreclosures13_ST_N.htm

This article is from USA today and NCAR.

Want more info regarding the Mint HIll NC and Charlotte NC real estate market?

www.MintHillRealty.com

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NC Ranks 2nd as Best Business State

N.C. Ranks Second as Best Business State
Top executives recently rated North Carolina as the second best state in which to do business. Texas ranked first for the fifth year in a row. The rankings are based on business conditions in all 50 states, evaluating proximity to markets and resources, regulation, tax policies, and several other criteria.
Read Article

Are you considering a move to Charlotte NC and the surrounding areas?

Rich Ferretti is a true professional with over 20 years of experience.

www.MintHillRealty.com

www.RichFerretti.com

Rich Ferretti 704 564 0807

Popular Charlotte Neighborhoods

Considering Charlotte? There is so much to choose from!

Home prices in Charlotte vary greatly by zip code, with the highest appreciation just north of Uptown and the biggest depreciation in the center city. Realtors say uptown’s drop is due to smaller, less expensive condominiums driving down prices – great for young professionals and empty-nesters. Gains in North Davidson, or NoDa, are a result of that area’s transition from former blight to a creative, funky neighborhood lined with galleries and restaurants fabulous for fun city-dwellers. Charlotte’s most popular neighborhoods tend to be clustered in certain parts of the city: In Uptown, revitalization and new construction are in full swing. Residents can choose from sleek new high-rise condominiums or century-old Fourth Ward Victorians, and walk to and from work. Down time offers amazing culture: broadway shows, gallery openings, hot new restaurants, fun taverns and clubs, outdoor concerts, museums and professional sports.

Just outside the Center City are Charlotte’s first suburbs – the grand mansions and willow-oak lined streets of Myers Park, the charming cottages of Dilworth and the funkier, younger and cheaper revitalized neighborhoods of Elizabeth, Plaza-Midwood and Cotswold. Skip down to South Charlotte’s Ballantyne, Stonecrest and Arboretum communities and across the Union County line into Weddington and you’re in the soccer-mom suburbs. Upscale shopping centers, great schools, golf courses and family friendly communities are the norm in this more conservative, transplant-heavy area.

Wouldn't you love to live here? Give me a call at 704-564-0807.

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

Just one degree can make all the difference

Just one degree can make all the difference....You know water is very hot at 211 degrees but water boils at 212 degrees..one degree difference....

At 212 degrees water boils and makes steam, do you know steam can drive a locomotive....just one degree makes all the difference..

Change your life-- watch this short video...Watch Short Video

Rich Ferretti is a Real Estate Broker, Consultant and Coach...

• Hate cold calls?
• Not sure how to network?
• Meeting new people makes you feel uncomfortable?

Call, email or text Rich today...let's build learn together.

Rich Ferretti 704 564 0807

Mint Hill NC 28227

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

What about Charlotte?

Charlotte, North Carolina is the largest city in the state of North Carolina and the seat of Mecklenburg County. In 2008, Charlotte's population was estimated to be 1,687,456, making it the 18th largest city in the United States--and the area has continued to grow. In 2009 the population was estimated at 1,745,524. The Charlotte metropolitan area is part of a wider thirteen-county labor market region or combined statistical area that has a 2009 estimated population of 2,389,763. These 13 counties support the entire region and have a diverse set of industries, identities and unique qualities.

Residents of Charlotte are referred to as "Charlotteans," and their "Queen City", Charlotte (and the county containing it) are named in honor of the German Princess Charlotte of Mecklenburg, who had become queen consort of British King George III the year before the city's founding.

A lesser used nickname, the "Hornet;s Nest" derives from later in the 18th century. During the American Revolutionary War, British commander General Cornwallis occupied the city but was driven out afterwards by hostile residents, prompting him to write that Charlotte was "a hornet's nest of rebellion."

Charlotte has a wonderfully temperate climate. It is located halfway between the Appalachian Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, and between Washington, D.C. and Atlanta, Georgia. Charlotte is located along the Catawba River and near Lake Norman, the largest lake in North Carolina.

Forbes named Charlotte as the third most undervalued real estate markets in the U.S. in 2007. (http://www.forbes.com/2007/11/13/undervalued-markets-housing-forbeslife-cx_mw_1113value.html)

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.Charlotte-Named-Best-Place-to-Live: Personal Finance News from Yahoo! Finance

Charlotte was also named #8 of the 100 "Best Places to Live and Launch" by CNNMoney.com. In the ranking, cities were picked for their vibrant lifestyles and opportunities for new businesses.(http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2008/fsb/0803/gallery.best_places_to_launch.fsb/8.html)

Charlotte's great lifestyle was also noted when in 2007 Prevention Magazine rated the city the fourth best "Walking City" in the nation, and the best in North Carolina, Charlotte was also chosen 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.

Charlotte is a wonderful place to live, play, shop, do business and raise a family. If you would like more information about the Mint Hill, Matthews and Charlotte area real estate market, please check out http://www.minthillrealty.com/

Mint Hill NC---Mint Hill NC Home

9824 Hofstra Ct, Mint Hill, NC 28227, Presented by Rich Ferretti, Jamison Realty. Powered by FloorPlanOnline

Check out www.9824Hofstra.com

Mint Hill NC what a great place to call home.

9824 Hofstra Ct, Mint Hill, NC 28227, Presented by Rich Ferretti, Jamison Realty. Powered by FloorPlanOnline

Moving to Mint Hill NC, then check out this all brick 4 bedroom home that just came on the market. This Mint Hill NC home is offered at 329K--Don't wait.

9824 Hofstra Ct, Mint Hill, NC 28227, Presented by Rich Ferretti, Jamison Realty. Powered by FloorPlanOnline

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

Charlotte is one of the nation's most desirable relocation destinations.

Charlotte is one of the nation's most desirable relocation destinations.

Quality of life in Charlotte, North Carolina is incredibly high, and the city has received a number of important accolades. The Fine Living television network recently ranked Charlotte, NC as number seven in its list of "Ten More Perfect Places to Live in America". The list cited Charlotte's beautiful, temperate year-round climate, affordable cost of living, abundamce of employment opportunities and diverse housing options.
Charlotte's robust local economy, even through recession, has become a national model of strength and diversity. The Communications industry is the leading employment sector here, followed closely by information technology (IT), banking, computer and office manufacturing, software design, and electronics manufacturing.

Charlotte, NC was recently ranked the number one city in America for its financial support of both the arts and sciences. This has resulted in first-rate public schools and a veritable revolving door of cultural and artistic offerings. Charlotte averages 55,000 cultural performances and events every year! Here you will find a local Symphony, Philharmonic and Civic Orchestras, Opera, and numerous choirs, dance troupes and an abundance of theatre companies. Children enjoy special access to the arts at places such as the Community School for the Arts, Children's Choir, and Children's Theatre.

Real estate in Charlotte, North Carolina is affordable and available to every type of home buyer. Real estate prices in Charlotte currently start in the mid $150K range for a single-family "starter" style home. Relocating to Charlotte, North Carolina is has been a popular decision in the last 20 years. Suburbs such as Ballantyne and Matthews, Mint Hill and Fort Mill have drawn many newcomers seeking a small-town feel near the big city.

Charlotte is a family-friendly community with many parents choosing to work from home. Also, many local businesses have adoped a "green" policy that allows its employees to work remotely. Families can be found in parks and out playing together throughout the week and weekend.
Want more information about the Mint Hill, Matthews and Charlotte area real estate market? Check out http://www.minthillrealty.com/

Virtual Tour # 57195 - 12000 Stoney Meadow Dr., Mint Hill, NC, 28227. Powered by FloorPlanOnline

Virtual Tour # 57195 - 12000 Stoney Meadow Dr., Mint Hill, NC, 28227. Powered by FloorPlanOnline

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

Charlotte, North Carolina

The largest metropolitan area in the Carolinas, Charlotte, NC attracts 500 newcomers each week. Roughly one in four residents moved here in the last decade! In fact, sometimes it is hard to find a native Carolinian. What’s the allure? Good jobs in a business-minded atmosphere, a strong community spirit, a mild climate with four seasons, rolling land and rural beauty, good schools, affordable homes in communities that range from old town charm to new metropolitan, and plenty of diversions, including professional sports, outdoor recreation, and arts and entertainment.

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

Seniors Looking to Downsize--The Charlotte NC Real Estate and Relocation Update

Seniors Looking to Downsize, Seek Opportunities to Socialize in Urban Living Areas

Aging baby boomers want to feel connected. As many decide to downgrade the size of their current home, they search for a new one. However, it's more than just their living quarters that makes them want to buy.

"I think previously there was this preconceived idea that senior citizens retire and they move to Florida or Arizona or they move somewhere to a senior citizen community," says Steve Matthews, a real estate industry expert and chair for the Montclair Senior Citizen Advisory Committee in New Jersey. But he says there's a changing mindset emerging. "Senior citizens no longer want to be in an isolated place."

Many are selling their homes and looking for a community connection in the location where they plan to purchase their next home. "Like the rest of America, there was this movement going out toward suburbia. Now, there's a movement going back toward more urban areas and towns are starting to be challenged," says Matthews.

His town, Montclair, is a 30 - minute train ride from New York City. "So, it becomes a commuter town for people who work and it's always been known as a town where young families go and buy. But now we're seeing seniors who would previously move down to South Jersey or move somewhere else, choosing to stay closer to home," says Matthews.

And that means that towns like Montclair need to understand the changing needs of its residents.

There are multiple factors causing the desire for urban living. Extended family living under one roof and caring for each other, low - maintenance condos, and social connectivity are a few reasons that top the list.

"Towns aren't used to having to provide other services for seniors. Many towns have always focused services toward children - school systems, park systems, and things like that. Now, towns are being challenged to provide support systems for seniors who are choosing to retire in place," says Matthews.

As more seniors shop for smaller, easy - to - maintain homes, that puts them in the same market as first - time buyers. However, seniors often have one distinct purchasing advantage. "A lot of them are selling their home, so they're cash buyers and that makes them a stronger buyer in this market," says Matthews.

Some seniors tend to be interested in homes that are completely renovated or upgraded. But Matthews says he encourages seniors to look at homes that might need some remodeling because they may get a better deal. Then the buyers can renovate the home in a way that is most suitable for their needs.

For sellers looking to market their property, Matthews says there are some specific items that tend to appeal to this group such as, buildings with doormen and onsite maintenance staff, alternate transportation such as a senior shuttle or bus stop nearby, and 'lock and leave' homes (baby boomers are adventurous and like to have the ability to easily leave for travel). Studies show this group also likes smaller quarters. They're willing to get rid of extra stuff and live freely, yet comfortably which is why condos, active adult communities, and city apartments are highly appealing.

According to the Over - 50 Council of the National Association of Home Builders, as much as 6 percent of people between the ages of 55 and 64, move every year.
Written by Phoebe Chongchua

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Want to sell your home? Staging is the key!!!

Top 10 Tips for Staging a Home

Provided your home-for-sale has the curb appeal to get potential buyers inside, keeping them inside for a further look requires a staging strategy that sticks the deal.

HGTV's FrontDoor.com offers what it considers the Top 10 tips that can turn a languishing listing to a multiple offer attraction.

Reclaim the yard. First impressions rule. Spruce up curb appeal by maintaining a clean yard, adding plants for a splash of color and applying a fresh coat of paint to the front door.

Let the foyer flourish. The home portal sets the tone for the entire home. Make the space up-to-date, well-maintained and eye catching -- top to bottom.

Back off beige. Don't let neutral colored walls dominate a room. Splashes of color liven up boring spaces. Throw pillows, artwork and fresh flowers add pops of color and personality.

Cure kitchen craziness. Consistency pleases. All countertops and cabinets should match. New hardware, a new backsplash and a thorough cleaning can transform a bleak kitchen into one with smiles.

Denude the dining room. De-cluttering and depersonalizing is the first rule of home staging. Homebuyers can have trouble envisioning themselves living in a home that's full of the seller's personal items.

Avoid focal point faux-pas. Highlight the great features in a home by positioning furniture to highlight them. Windows, fireplaces and other architectural details will be noticed by a buyer if they are emphasized in the home correctly.

Perk up the patio. The outdoor space is an extension of the home. Capture a higher selling price by cleaning and adding style to any outdoor space with furniture, lighting and accessories.

Master the master suite. The best approach to staging is often working with existing accessories. Using what is already in the room and repositioning the furniture will highlight the room’s best features.

Cure bathroom blues. Older vanities and dreadful wallpaper will make any bathroom feel outdated. Apply a fresh coat of neutral-hued paint and new hardware to modernize and brighten.

Repurpose extra rooms. The value of a space decreases when homebuyers see a room without direction (think part office, part playroom, part home gym). Though almost every homeowner is guilty of having a "junk room," take sure to stage each room with a clear purpose before putting the home on the market.
Written by Broderick Perkins

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Rich Ferretti is a seasoned veteran with over 20 years experience. Rich is involved and makes the process smooth and stressless.

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Charlotte NC Real Estate and Relocation Update May 2010

Rich Ferretti is a Charlotte NC, Matthews NC, and Mint Hill NC real estate and relocation specialist.

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