If you'd like an update on the housing market (are you thinking of buying or selling a home?) and how it is affecting Charlotte, NC, read on.
The National Association of Realtors, in light of the recent economic developments, released this statement about the stability of the housing market:
Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said home prices have been moderating. “Median home prices have been moving up and down in a relatively narrow range in many markets, which shows a stabilization trend,” he said. “Markets showing consistent price stability or increases are those with solid labor market conditions, such as in Washington, D.C.; San Antonio; or Fargo, N.D.”
Charlotte can certainly be grouped in with other cities with solid labor markets-there are multiple Fortune 500 companies in Charlotte and our hospital systems, energy and banking centers bring in new people every month.
Read the article regarding the housing market in its entirety: Second Quarter Metro Prices Mixed
.
Also, check out this video from YUN on the AAA credit downgrade:
If you'd like stats or update info on your particular neighborhood or neighborhood of interest, email me at Sarah@SarahMartinHomes.com
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The National Association of Realtors, in light of the recent economic developments, released this statement about the stability of the housing market:
Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said home prices have been moderating. “Median home prices have been moving up and down in a relatively narrow range in many markets, which shows a stabilization trend,” he said. “Markets showing consistent price stability or increases are those with solid labor market conditions, such as in Washington, D.C.; San Antonio; or Fargo, N.D.”
Charlotte can certainly be grouped in with other cities with solid labor markets-there are multiple Fortune 500 companies in Charlotte and our hospital systems, energy and banking centers bring in new people every month.
Read the article regarding the housing market in its entirety: Second Quarter Metro Prices Mixed
.
Also, check out this video from YUN on the AAA credit downgrade:
If you'd like stats or update info on your particular neighborhood or neighborhood of interest, email me at Sarah@SarahMartinHomes.com
Check out this renovated home for sale in Charlotte, NC! It's located in an established neighborhood, Heritage Woods East.
This Charlotte home has it all and is beautifully done.
Check out the pics below and for more information email me at sarah@sarahmartinhomes.com
Home is set in cul-de-sac in established neighborhood and has easy access to South Park Mall & Uptown!
This home is priced at $165,000.
If you'd like the MLS listing of the home, feel free to contact me at Sarah@SarahMartinHomes.com
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- -4 bedroom, 3 bath, 2600sq ft
- -Kitchen has granite countertops and granite island (to be built)
- -NEW SS appliances.
- -You'll find honed granite and tile in updated baths
- -Bamboo floor in living area.
- -There is a huge master suite with four large windows, sitting area, double closets, and dual vanity.
- -The best part of the deal is that the seller is offering up to 5% in allowances! Pre-Inspected!
This Charlotte home has it all and is beautifully done.
Check out the pics below and for more information email me at sarah@sarahmartinhomes.com
Home is set in cul-de-sac in established neighborhood and has easy access to South Park Mall & Uptown!
This home is priced at $165,000.
If you'd like the MLS listing of the home, feel free to contact me at Sarah@SarahMartinHomes.com
In the news recently you might have heard that Duke Energy has filed a request with the North Carolina utility regulators for a 15% rate increase for all North Carolina residents. According to Duke Energy, the proposed rate increase is necessary to improve its aging facilities and recover the $4.6 billion spent on modernizing its facilities to meet state and federal environmental guidelines. If passed, Charlotte homeowners would see an average increase of about $20 on their monthly electric bill. We want to get your feedback as to whether you agree or disagree with the proposed plan.
On one hand, you have Duke Energy about to become the largest electric utility in the country with its merger with Progress Energy. It is estimated that $700 million will be saved in the first five years of the merger due to reduced fuel costs and efficiencies gained by jointly operating the combined facilities. For 2010, Duke Energy reported a 23% increase in its profits amounting to $1.3 billion dollars. Is it fair to assume that with the combined cost cutting measures and the increase in profits, Duke Energy should be able to pay for its own infrastructure improvements? Is it really necessary for the consumers to pay an increase for Duke Energy's expenses?
On the other hand, Duke Energy is working towards becoming a more efficient electric company. They have already spent most of their capital investments on replacing old power plants to comply with environmental regulations and by 2015 plan on retiring 18 units at five of its coal-fired plants and 20 units at four of its natural gas plants. The increase may very well be a turning point in Charlotte's air pollution battle and help reverse our impact on surrounding woodlands and waterways. Are you willing to pay a 15% increase in your electric bill to help reduce our states pollution? Do you think Duke Energy is even going far enough in their plans for improving their infrastructure?
We all want to live in a healthy environment and have a greener impact on our environment, however that ideology has hurdles. We want to hear from you as to what you think of the proposed rate increase.
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On the other hand, Duke Energy is working towards becoming a more efficient electric company. They have already spent most of their capital investments on replacing old power plants to comply with environmental regulations and by 2015 plan on retiring 18 units at five of its coal-fired plants and 20 units at four of its natural gas plants. The increase may very well be a turning point in Charlotte's air pollution battle and help reverse our impact on surrounding woodlands and waterways. Are you willing to pay a 15% increase in your electric bill to help reduce our states pollution? Do you think Duke Energy is even going far enough in their plans for improving their infrastructure?
We all want to live in a healthy environment and have a greener impact on our environment, however that ideology has hurdles. We want to hear from you as to what you think of the proposed rate increase.
Carolina Actors Studio Theatre
Carolina Actors’ Studio Theatre has finally made its return toNoDa! Carolina Actors’ Studio Theatre (CAST) operates as a non-profit organization dedicated to producing contemporary theatre and audience involvement from the second patrons enter the facility. CAST relocated from its Plaza-Midwood facility to 2424 North Davidson in NoDa and is up-fitting the space for performances and rentals.
Incorporating an array of multimedia and various other art forms, CAST is able to immerse its audiences in a fully enveloped artistic experience and encourage the audience to better understand their world while inviting them to make a difference. For two decades, CAST has been producing high quality performances in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood and since the designation of 501c3 status in 2006, CAST has been quickly becoming one of the region’s most celebrated theatre’s. The theatre’s has received many great nominations and awards such as:
- Two-time winner of Creative Loafing’s Company of the Year award
- Metrolina Theatre Association’s “Theatre of the Year”
- Charlotte Magazine’s 2011 Best-of-the-Best
CAST’s vision is to eventually emerge as Charlotte’s professional theatre company and employ a host of actors and creative professionals. The theatre’s new space in Charlotte’s NoDa neighborhood provides the perfect platform to pursue their vision. The new space is located right next door to Amelie’s French Bakery and will provide an amazing experience for CAST’s ever expanding audience:
- A prominent location near NoDa’s popular restaurants and shopping
- Increased parking in a well-lit location
- Amenities including additional restrooms, lobby space, etc…
CAST’s 2011-2012 season looks to be one of its most promising ever! Productions expected for the upcoming season are expected to be:
- AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY by Tracy Letts (August 25-September 24, 2011) The grand opening of CAST’s new performance spaces in NoDa will be the regional premiere of the 2008 Pulitzer Prize-winning play about that tells the bitingly funny and sensationally entertaining tale of the Weston family of Pawhuska, Oklahoma. This ambitious production will feature one of the theatre’s largest cast’s to date, with 13 actors portraying members of the Weston clan. The Roundabout Theatre Company’s 2008 production took home the Tony for Best Play, and CAST is pleased to be first to bring this exceptional play to audiences in Charlotte.
- DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher (October 13-November 5, 2011) Jeffrey Hatcher’s expressionistic stage adaptation of the 1886 novella will seek to mesmerize audiences during the days leading up to and following Halloween. This retelling of a classic tale will be augmented by CAST’s special brand of experiential theatre, which will serve as an apt backdrop for a chilling fun house ride through a haunted psyche.
Cast’s move to NoDa is sure to further their goals of becoming Charlotte’s leading performing art theatre. make sure you check out a show soon, so you can say you saw them before they were BIG!
Buying a house in Charlotte can be a rewarding and challenging experience. The right Realtor can make the entire process as smooth as can be. In this section we will explore what happens in the weeks after your offer has been accepted By this point you have already secured your loan, found the home of your dreams and submitted an offer that has been accepted by the seller.
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Weeks 2 and 3 after we’re in contract
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Weeks 2 and 3 after we’re in contract
- Schedule closing date and time with attorney and have attorney order survey, if a survey is desired.
- Lender will order an appraisal of the property (valuation of property)
- You will set up homeowners insurance policy with assistance from lender. Check with your current car insurance carrier for potential discount rates.
- Set up utilities at new address for closing date
Week of Closing
- Re-inspect any repairs that were made
- Review HUD/Settlement Statement
- Get certified check from bank (based on final HUD numbers). Check made out to closing attorney.
- Walk through property morning-of or day before closing
- Close on property in the morning before so the deed can be recorded the same day and keys can be exchanged. Make sure to bring picture ID to closing and certified funds!
- Bribe your friends to get them to help you move in!
- RELAX…. This process can be educational and empowering.
Be prepared for the following expenses
- Building Inspection: $300 to $600 (depending on size of home)
- Wood destroying insect inspection: $55 to $80
- Survey: ~ $375
- Attorney fees: $550 - $750
- Down Payment: ask your lender how much you’ll need to put down. Will probably range from 3.5% to 20% depending on your credit, income, and price range of home
- Lender fees: Ask your lender to give you a Good Faith Estimate
- Average estimate of closing cost’s: 2.5% – 3% of purchase price
- Radon inspection: ~$300
- Home Warranty: $350 - $450
- REMINDER: asking the seller to pay for the above expenses (a.k.a. closing costs) is always an option during negotiations
Once you have run through all of the hoops and made it to the other side of the home buying process you can sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor. You now get to move and redecorate, repaint and remodel to make your new house a true expression of your families personality. If there is anything I can do to ease your home buying process feel free to contact me at sarah@sarahmartinhomes.com.
