Charlotte NC Homes for Lease

*** Home for Lease ***

St John Forest

Monroe NC 28110

Call today for more details

704 564 0807

• 5 Bedroom Home
• 3 Full baths
• Large open floor plan
• Eat in kitchen
• Dining room
• Living room
• Family room with fireplace
• 2 Car garage
• Professionally Cleaned

Call or Text Rich today at 704 564 0807. Email at Rich@RichFerretti.com Rich has been helping people home for over 25 years. Let Rich help you find the perfect home or investment property. Start your home search at www.RichFerretti.com

My Charlotte NC house didn't sell----WHY?

My home didn’t sell….WHY?

• It doesn't matter where you live.

That is a question I’m asked all the time. It’s on the MLS, I put flyers in the box, how come it didn’t sell?

Can you help me?

Let’s set some ground rules.

• Did you hire a professional full time Realtor and Broker with a proven track record?
• Or did you go with a discount broker?
• Did you hire a family member or a  friend?
•  What is their resume?
• What professional advice did your agent offer?
• Keeping your house in order
• No dirty laundry around
• No dirty plates in the sink
• Vacuum the carpets
•  Present your house in the best light

Let’s face it folks, you’re selling something…would you buy your own house?

• Is your home on all the internet sites?
•  Google
• Homes.com
•  Realtor.com
• And many others….

This is part one of my series: I need your help to sell my home


Rich Ferretti is a full time, proven professional realtor with over 20 years experience. He is a real estate consultant that can help market and sell your house BUT you have to listen to him and his team of professionals….no gimmicks, no quick fixes just true and time tested professional advice.

Call Rich Ferretti today at 704 564 0807 for a Free consultation. It’s the best call you’ll ever make. My clients have often told me I need to charge for this information…
I just couldn’t do that…..

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

A Taste of Mint (Mint Hill, NC)

Are you looking for that picture-perfect town to settle down and buy a home in? We think we have a contender for you. Mint Hill is a town in Mecklenburg and Union counties, on the outskirts of Charlotte, North Carolina. Incorporated March 11, 1971 with a population of just 2,284 residents, the town has enjoyed a steady growth to its current population of about 18,000.

This quaint little North Carolina town was first settled in 1750, and over the years its comfortable growth has built an immense community spirit and pride. Community and family are important to all Mint Hill residents. Mint Hill is an active and engaged populace, with citizens able to pick from a wide selection of churches and excellent schools. But that is not he only factor that makes Mint Hill an incredible town for families. This little hamlet also has some of the state’s best recreational facilities including private and public golf courses and country clubs.

While Mint Hill is primarily a residential community, it is gifted with a wonderful business district and shopping area. Mint Hill’s merchant’s and business owners are valued members of the community, providing great services at small town prices. Small business growth in Mint Hill is also on the rise – with new restaurants, bistros, stores, and services appearing every month. Small business owners will find a supportive town and a helpful community if they are interested in setting up shop!

But back to the family…Nearly half of the households in Mint Hill have kids under 18, and nearly 3/4 s of the town is married couples living together. These are great figures for traditional families, but Mint Hill isn’t just Donna Reed’s dream-come-true…Mint Hill is progressive and welcomes all types of families, non-traditional, mixed and modern. Mint Hill has programs for single residents and single-parents, and this non-judgemental community is supportive and happy to embrace people from different lifestyles and cultures.

Let’s talk money for a minute…The median income for a household in Mint Hill is over $60K, place in the community comfortably in the middle class. This is important to remember, when thinking of the cost-of-living in Mint Hill. It is an affordable town, with people who understand the joy’s of working-hard and hard-earned money.

I’m sure you’ve got a million more questions on Mint Hill. We encourage you to take a day trip to Mint Hill, ask us question, or begin to look at properties. Even in this less-than-stellar economy, Mint Hill’s fantastic bargains and lovely homes are going fast! Let’s make you a community member soon!

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

Why We Live Where We Live…

When you pick a place to live, you need to find a proper balance. With economic conditions the way they are, we have to all sacrifice too much time to our career. So when you pick a place to lay down your roots, you are looking for a place that can balance your strenuous work-day with the enriching elements of your family life.

If you surveyed 1,000 residents from around the Charlotte area and asked them what factors they considered when deciding where to live, there is several points that always come up: safety, value of the housing dollar, and school quality are factors given the greatest weight. But maybe that's too simplified. To people - like businesses - "place" a great importance -- "location, location, location"... For individuals, they want a great community.

Now if you are looking for that kind of location, that kind of quality of life – we have to options for you: Mint Hill and Matthews. They are both favorites of ours, and over the next few weeks we will be giving you some narrative on why these towns are so special. If you can’t wait for our next blog posts – give us a call. We love crowing about both the small town of Mint Hill and the small city of Matthews. With our firm at your side, we can find the best fit for your needs – and you will soon be nestled into the perfect household Americana !

Tell us what's important to you!

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

Charlotte – On the Move!

At the turn of the century, Charlotte was still a small town in spite of its favorable central location along the East Coast. But by the 1950s, Charlotte, North Carolina had exploded into the largest city in the Carolinas. Plentiful growth over the past 20 years has made Charlotte one of the southeastern USA's most multi-cultural and vibrant cities. New faces, new attitudes, and new ideas have made Charlotte a happening town, with new opportunities for seasoned and rookie Carolinians. Aggressive businessmen transformed Charlotte into a financial Mecca, with the city developing into a world-class home of finance and transportation. Today, bio-technology and energy are emerging markets, ready to fill the gaps caused by recent economic turn downs in the financial markets.

Charlotte is not a city without challenges and perhaps its greatest challenge is with its own identity. Charlotte remains tied to its roots in the old South, but has diversified, changed, and modernized as it has grown into a 21st century metropolis. North Carolina is one of the country’s leading places for relocation (both people and businesses), and Charlotte has been the a beacon in that movement. While the city still has thousands of locals who can bend your ear with stories and memories of the past, a large population of residents are new to the area, and bring with them new ideas, traditions and histories of their own. As time passes Charlotte's strength will be this diversity, and its people--new and old.

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

12809 Hidden Hills, Mint Hill, NC: OPEN HOUSE

Please come to my Open House this Sunday August 9th from 1 to 4pm at 12809 Hidden Hills Lane in Mint Hill. Wine and Cheese will be served.

This is an exceptional home located in beautiful Mint Hill and has been meticulously maintained.

Trust me...once you see this home, you'll know what I mean.

See you this Sunday.

Rich

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

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/

Matthews and Mint Hill

Looking for a home that combines the idyllic existence of a small town with modern conveniences? Maybe you want to be close to the city, but still have crickets chirping in your backyard? Maybe you should consider the beautiful towns of Matthews or Mint Hill, North Carolina. These two picture-perfect enclaves are a short commute outside of Charlotte, and are consistently popular communities. Matthews and Mint Hill are located on the south eastern outskirts of Charlotte, so you can live the small town lifestyle while enjoying the benefits of a large metropolitan area.

Unlike some modern small towns that feel fabricated or like a movie studio back lot, streets in Matthews exude a small town charm. Located in Mecklenburg County (about 10 miles southeast of bustling downtown Charlotte), beautiful Matthews covers over 17 square miles of choice North Carolina real estate. Matthews is comprised of mainly single family housing on large lots, making it very appealing to young families, retirees and singles. Matthews features a quaint downtown, plenty of quiet and attractive neighborhoods, a variety of churches, synagogues and worship centers, quality schools and daycare and an outstanding hospital and medical facilities. Add in a few great restaurants, some incredible shopping, and you have a complete and comely community. People from all walks of life find that Matthews is the type of town for them. Matthews has about 25,000 citizens, with a spectacular mix of unique characters. Families feel secure in Matthews, with the town having an extremely low crime rate and a highly-effective police presence. Naturalists and outdoorsman will love Matthews, since small parks and nature preserves are plentiful. Civic leaders in Matthews strive to maintain a healthy balance of quality and compatible development, whether it is residential or commercial, making Matthews a thriving community.

Mint Hill, Matthews’ sister town, was incorporated March, 1971 with a population of 2,284. In the last three decades, the town has enjoyed a steady growth to its current population of approximately 18,000. Mint Hill might be slightly smaller then Matthews, but this older town has special qualities that make it beloved by its citizens. The town has a longstanding legacy of community and civic pride, dating as far back to the Mint Hill community’s founding in 1750. People who live in Mint Hill work hard to maintain good connections with their town leaders and neighbors, and civic pride is incredibly high. The devotion of the town to their history and future is evident, as nowhere else in NC will you find such beautifully manicured lawns, pristine homes, and well-maintained streets. Within the historic town are many fine churches, excellent schools, and enriching social organizations. Mint Hill also has some of the state's most marvelous recreational facilities, including private and public golf courses and country clubs. First and foremost a residential community, the business district has shown intensified development in recent years with approximately 285 businesses and professional services available. This delightful town is someplace anyone would find relaxation and respite.

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

Tax Credit for First Time Home Buyers

As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, a.k.a. the Stimulus Bill or ARRA, first time home owners are now eligible for a tax credit of $8,000. This credit, alongside some fabulous opportunities in the market, makes it an incredibly keen time to buy. Homes in Mint Hill and Matthews are still showing excellent resale value, so buying now when the market is accommodating is a key. The staff of Jamison Realty has spent time looking over the ARRA, and has all the answers for the consumer.

The following list summarizes the eligibility requirements of this credit:

When – Home owners who purchase their house between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009 are eligible for the credit.

Who – The law states that the credit is available to first time home buyers. However, the law is a bit more flexible and allows anyone who has not owned a home for three years to qualify. For example, if you sold your home on May 24, 2006, you will have to close on your new home subsequent to May 24, 2009 to qualify. The closing date in this situation would make a significant difference on your wallet. It certainly makes purchasing a home in beautiful Mint Hill, NC a stunning investment!

How – You will receive the tax credit when you file your individual tax return. As part of this filing, you will need to complete Form 5405 which determines the amount of credit you will receive. The credit can be claimed on either your 2008 or 2009 tax return. If you already filed your 2008 tax return, you can amend the return to obtain the credit. And…you can buy up to the end of 2008 and still ask for the amendment. For example, say after months of looking you and your realtor finally find a home in Matthews, NC. By the time you have gone to closing with your new piece of Matthews' real estate, it is nearly Christmas. That is no problem, the ARRA bill provides for that and you can amend your 2009 return and receive the cash back. Or, you simply file it on 2009!

What – Everyone should understand that this is a credit to the tax payer, not a deduction. A tax credit is a dollar for dollar benefit to the tax payer. So a first time home buyer should be $8,000 wealthier as a result of this credit. A deduction merely decreases your taxable income. Furthermore, this tax credit does not have to be repaid to the government like the “credit” available to first time home buyers in 2008. If you have questions, the staff at Jamison Realty can provide the answers.

And - The credit shall be equal to 10% of the purchase price of the home, not to exceed $8,000. Since the median home and condominium price in Charlotte, North Carolina is significantly more than $80,000, most will receive the full $8,000 credit.

Also - Single taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 and couples with income of up to $150,000 qualify for the full credit.


It's a great time to buy!
Rich Ferretti

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

Existing Home Sales Rebounding!

In April, sales of existing homes in the US grew 2.9 percent in April, recovering from a decline in March. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported that the sales were due in large part to the low prices on new builds.

NAR said sales of homes increased to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.68 million units in April from a downwardly revised pace of 4.55 million units in March. They had initially estimated the March rate at 4.57 million units. The April sales exceeded the forecast of 4.65 million units.

This is good news, depite the fact that sales this April were 3.5 percent below the 4.85 million-unit level in April 2008.

Buyers all over the country are being spurred on by lower prices. "We have definitely seen an uptick in both interest and home sales here in Mint Hill" said Rich Ferretti of Jamison Realty, "it is a great time to buy, especially for first-time homebuyers."

First-time homebuyers, buyers who have not owned a home in three years, are eligible for a temporary federal housing tax credit of up to 8,000 dollars for principal homes bought this year through November 30.

Home mortgage interest rates are hovering at historic lows, causing the buying surge. Freddie Mac reports that mortgage rates fell in April to a low last seen in 1971, at 4.81 percent for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, compared with 5.92 percent a year ago.

The housing market is certainly showing new life, and yet there remains a great opportunity for buyers to get a phenomenal deal.

Rich Ferretti
Jamison Realty

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

Why Get Mortgage Pre-approval?

Dear Rich:

I am interested in buying a home in Mint Hill (I am a first time home-buyer) and I am wondering if you think it is necessary to get a pre-approval - or just a pre-qualification? My credit is good and I just got a raise in my job, so I don't know if this is a necessary step or what I would do to get this before I start the home search.

Ralph

Dear Ralph:

Starting a home search? Go into it with a pre-approval, not just a pre-qualification, for a mortgage.

A pre-qualification is a simple and informal process where you get an estimate from a bank regarding how much you will likely qualify for if you apply for a mortgage with that bank. It gives a ballpark figure, but it’s not a solid commitment. Many factors, such as credit scores and outstanding debt, may actually affect how much you’ll be approved for.

A pre-approval is a much more reliable. The bank draws up a letter pre-approving a mortgage up to a certain amount. To get that pre-approval, you’ll supply a statement of earnings and assets, and the bank will pull a credit report.

If you have a pre-approval in hand, it demonstrates you are serious. It also gives you an edge in several ways:

--> If you are one of two sets of buyers looking at the same house and making approximately the same offer, guess who usually wins? You got it! The ones who have a pre-approval typically get the house.

--> Buyers with a pre-approval often have more bargaining power. If the sellers know they have an interested pre-approved buyer, they are more likely to be open to negotiation.

--> Possession of a pre-approval can speed up the closing.

One word of caution: If any of your conditions change from the time you apply for a pre-approval to the time you go for the mortgage (such as employment status or debt load), the pre-approval may no longer be valid.

In the long run, getting a pre-approval is worth the additional time and effort.

Good Luck!
Rich Ferretti

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

New Charlotte Area Information

We have just added area information to the http://www.richferretti.com/ website. Please check that out and let us know what other areas you would like to see highlighted.

Currently, we have:
Matthews, NC
Charlotte, NC
Ballantyne, NC
Indian Trail, NC
Mint Hill, NC

We will continue to update the RichFerretti.com website with more of the great Charlotte towns and neighborhoods soon!

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

Choosing the Right Real Estate Agent

Last week, a young couple asked me what I thought made a good real estate agent. They are going to be buying their first home in Mint Hill, and wanted to know what qualities I believed to be important.


Now, I have often considered which of my qualities I thought made me good at my job. I consider myself to be loyal, dedicated, experienced... But when I gave it some time, I realized that there is a lot more to what a buyer or seller will need to consider when choosing the right agent.


Here are a few things that make a good agent:


Experience: You wouldn't want to be the patient of brain surgeon who was doing his first surgery. You wouldn't want a pilot on his first flight piloting your cross-Atlantic flight. While someone has to be the first... you don't want it to be you. An agent's vast experience counts. This experience can save you time, money, and heartache. Many mistakes can be made during a real estate transaction--and an experiences agent will be able to recognize potential issues before they become your problems!



Knowledge: A good agent will know the personalities of different neighborhoods, the commute times from different parts of town, and what the school district is like. A good agent will know what other homes are available in each floor plan in the neighborhood you are interested in, and what parks or shopping are nearby. And a good agent will provide you this info before you ask for it.

Professional: Through the course of your relationship, a real estate professional will gain access to your personal information: maybe checking account balances, knowledge of your investments, debts, etc., but most assuredly what your budget and ability to buy is. This knowledge should only be trusted with someone who is a trustworthy professional.

Honesty: Honesty is something we all want from people, yet too often do not get. Your agent is working for a living, and unfortunately, sometimes an agent will stretch the truth, or out-right lie to you to get you to sign the deal. If you sense an agent is not being upfront, or in fact find that they have deceived you -- you can fire them! (see my blog about firing an agent).

References: You are entitled to ask for references. I am fortunate to get many referrals from my BNI Group, or from friends, and past clients, but if a new potential client comes to me in another way, I can always provide references. You should do your homework, and make sure others have had good experiences with an agent before you trust them with one of the most important and expensive sales or purchases of your life!



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

Mint Hill Resident: Going Green, Saving Some Green

Dear Rich,

We are about to move into our dream home in Mint Hill. It is a beautiful colonial with a big yard and lots of upgrades.

My question is that our new house is a couple years old and I would like to go through and do some energy-efficient upgrades in it. I definitely think that it is worth the investment. Can you recommend anything that I can do to my home or property to both increase the value but also become a little “greener”?

Tyler, Mint Hill, NC

Dear Tyler,

Thanks for the question - and welcome to beautiful Mint Hill!

It is always smart to upgrade to energy-efficient appliances, fixtures, etc. when you can. But I have heard from many people like you in the Charlotte area in the last few months who are looking at green ideas as well as ways to save some money. And I do have a few suggestions:

First, look for rebates and incentives. Your utility companies may post information on their websites or in the monthly bills. Be sure to check these as well as investigate federal tax credits. Look at the Tax Incentives Assistance Project, http://www.energytaxincentives.org/ to see what criteria must be met before you decide to go shopping.

Then, consider your budget. It will cost you around $500 to replace your old clothes washer with an Energy-Star certified Frigidaire washer (this includes a $50 utility-provided rebate and about a $50 in energy savings the first year). Energy-efficiency projects such as installing new Energy-Star windows or replacing a high-efficiency boiler are more expensive, but are really the few upgrades that hold their value in a down real estate market. These improvements will cut your energy bills, (and also be more attractive to home buyers in the future).

Remember to save before and after utility bills and records of purchase of any energy-efficient improvements to show the savings and value when and if you ever decide to sell your new Mint Hill home.

Best personal regards,
Rich

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

Landscaping for a Quick Sell and Move to Charlotte

Dear Rich,

I like your recent blog about updates to that house in Mint Hill and I wanted to ask your opinion on landscaping. We are not looking at selling our house right away…maybe a year from now. We bought a new house in Fort Mill (SC) and now are looking at moving closer or in the city of Charlotte, (maybe Mint Hill?)—potentially next spring. Since our current house is brand new, (two years in October) there isn’t much in the way of landscaping. I would like to do a little work on the yard over the next year that might increase the value of the home or our ability to sell it when the market is right.

Do you have any advice on what I can or should do that will be more attractive to potential buyers?

Also, thank you for this blog—I am finding it very helpful as I navigate property ownership now for the first time, and plan to move and/or buy an investment property in 2009.

Bill D.– Fort Mill

Dear Bill ,

Never underestimate the power of curb appeal! Almost every time a client dismisses a house before even walking in, I think: “It would have been so easy to add a few flowers and shrubs and this house could work!”

Too many people don’t see the outside of their home as a prospective buyer would. I recommend taking a look at your property with a fresh perspective. Try looking at your yard as you drive up to it—What is it missing? What have your neighbors done that you like?

Then think of a plan. Budget out what you would like to spend. Definitely don’t go to the garden store not having a plan! The worst thing you can do is show up at Home Depot or Lowes without knowing what you want to do. It can get very expensive, and you might buy plants that won’t work in your yard or where you think they would look nice.

Since you have a year, you may want to consider doing a bit of serious research first. You can even get a landscaping company to put together a plan for you (at a cost) and you can either do this yourself, or have them do it. A professional, (or carefully planned and researched) landscaping of your yard will definitely attract potential buyers—especially if you have a year or so to get the plants, shrubs and trees established.

Here are a couple suggestions:

1) Get drought-resistant shrubs when possible. They require less water, and given our recent drought situation, this is a smart investment.

2) Buy perennials. This will keep your upkeep costs down as you won’t need to buy more in a year right before you sell.

3) Mulch. mulch, mulch. Keep your flower beds and under your trees fresh looking and weed-free with mulch. Also mulch helps maintain moisture for the trees—another must when the dry-season starts.

If you do nothing else…keep the lawn in good shape with fertilizer and regular watering (when possible). Nothing turns a buyer off more than weeds and tall grass. It says that you don’t take care of your property, and they may not even walk through the front door when you put that “for sale” sign up.

Best of luck in the next year, and I look forward to hearing from you when you are ready to buy that home in Charlotte.

Rich Ferretti
Buyer's Agent - Charlotte, NC

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

Mint Hill home needs updates

Dear Rich,
Our house in Mint Hill has been on the market about 30 days. We are confident that it will sell soon, but we are getting feedback that the house looks “dated.”

Do you have any ideas on how to modernize the house without going overboard? We don’t mind making a few purchases to stage the house or give it that more contemporary look, but we also don’t want to spend our down-payment money on trying to get this house sold.

We are just looking at some first-line ideas to give the house a fresh, (and inexpensive) face-lift.

Marianne M.
Mint Hill
Charlotte, NC

Dear Marianne -

Finding an easy and inexpensive way to giving a room a more modern look is not hard. For less than $100, you can completely transform the look of a room—all you need is a weekend and a screwdriver!

Prospective buyers may make a judgment on your house if you haven’t taken the time to modernize—and that is to your detriment. While it may be just as easy for the new owner to do this things, it is always a good idea to do the work yourself if you can. I have seen buyers walk away from a perfectly good house, just because of decor or the fixtures--it just makes the house look "old" - and no one likes "old".

So here is what I recommend: If you have already put a fresh coat of paint up, and decluttered then consider some new fixtures.

New drawer handles or knobs can cost little as $2 each—less even if you buy them in packs. So check your bathrooms, kitchen, built-ins, etc. for places you can update. Remember to keep it simple. Clean lines, and simplicity sell.

And while you are at it, check the sink and bathroom faucets, sinks and toilets. These may be another easy update that will keep buyers interested. In my experience, you will always make your money back (and sometimes then some…) on updates to kitchen and bathrooms! So think of it as an investment. Feeling especially handy? You might also try updating any ceiling-mount light fixtures or doorknobs—but again, keep it simple!

Rich Ferretti
Buyer's Agent - Charlotte
rich@richferretti.com

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