Helen Adams Realty welcomes David Drdich to our Randolph Road Office

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Posted By Helen Adams Realty on November 11th, 2010
In Agent Testimonials,Press Releases,Real Estate News

David Grdich, Randolph

David Grdich of Helen Adams Realty

David Grdich

Though I was born in Austin Texas, I have been in Charlotte for over 15 years and with both of my parents attending high school here and my mother being a native, I feel much like a native Charlottean myself. I have always had an interest in real estate, with a grandmother who was a Realtor in the Charlotte market during the 1970’s and a father who is a builder, I guess you could say I have real estate “in my blood.”  After taking some time to travel and spending two years living in Vail, Colorado, I decided it was time to return home to Charlotte and start turning my real estate dreams into a reality.

For more information or to contact David please visit his website.

Helen Adams Realty welcomes Shawn Knight to our Randolph Road Office

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Posted By Helen Adams Realty on November 11th, 2010
In Agent Testimonials,Press Releases,Real Estate News

Shawn Knight, Randolph

Shawn Knight of Helen Adams Realty

Shawn Knight

I moved to Charlotte after graduating from Clemson University (Go Tigers!) in 2003.  I received my bachelor’s degree in Marketing with a minor in Management.  Once in Charlotte, I started out my career in the hospitality industry. After transitioning to a role in property management, my desire to pursue a career in real estate was an easy one. I really enjoy working with people and going above and beyond to meet all of their needs and expectations.  I’m actively involved in the Charlotte community where I volunteer with The First Tee of Charlotte and Friendship Trays and am a member of the Charlotte Clemson Club.

For more information or to contact Shawn please visit his website.

Helen Adams Realty welcomes Frank Adams to our Lake Norman Office

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Posted By Helen Adams Realty on November 10th, 2010
In Agent Testimonials,Press Releases,Real Estate News

Frank Adams, Lake Norman

Frank Adams of Helen Adams Realty

Frank Adams

Frank is a recent graduate from Hampden-Sydney College in Farmville, VA.  After earning a degree in Middle Eastern history, he is thrilled to return to his hometown to pursue his interest in real estate. Frank has a keen interest in historic preservation and architecture.  He is excited about the continuously growing city of Charlotte and the unique possibilities that this growth will present.

For more information about Frank please visit his website.

What Are We Going To Miss About Our Mallard Creek Home for Sale?

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Posted By Debe Maxwell on November 9th, 2010
In Charlotte Homes,Highland Creek, SkyBrook Homes for Sale

Charlotte NC Hampton Place – The home at 8539 Suttonview Drive is being prepared for the market this week!  The sellers are anxious to sell but, sad to leave their lovely home!

We asked our sellers, What are you going to miss about your home?

“The location!” Located in the Mallard Creek/University area of Charlotte, their community (Hampton Place Charlotte NC) is a fantastic one, just minutes from dining and shopping, I-77 and I-85, Northlake Mall, UNC-Charlotte, Concord Mills and Lowes Motor Speedway.   A quick commute to  Uptown Charlotte where you can enjoy the arts, music, museums, Johnson & Wales University, historical sites, professional sporting events, restaurants, entertainment, and lively night life.

What are your favorite features in your home?

“Our upgraded kitchen with granite, ceramic tile, stainless steel appliances and the open floor plan.  We are big outdoor people so, we have loved the large, custom deck, fenced-in, private backyard on a corner lot.   Our home is prewired for A/V and surround sound and we enjoy the speakers outside on our deck too.  We have also loved having a home security system.”

What sets your home apart from all the rest?

“We’re pricing it right, the floorplan is fantastic and there are plenty of upgrades; it is immaculate and move-in ready.”

Give us the elevator speech about your home!

Beautifully appointed home in popular Hampton Place with many upgrades-SS appliances, granite, tile, hrdwds, new carpeting, heavy millwork, surround sound wiring and more. Enjoy outdoor living w/ huge deck, lovely private fenced backyard w/ outdoor speakers. Great schools, neighborhood amenities incl pool, playgrnd and tennis crts. 20 mile-greenway adjoins community for walking, biking and jogging

Family Room

“It has 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, is 2,400 square feet, is 2-story with a  brick front, a very open floor plan.  The new buyers will love the great backyard and outdoor living space.  The home is located in a quiet subdivision with lots of young families.  Neighborhood amenities include pool, tennis courts and playground.  There is also a nearby greenway with 20 miles of trails that are great for walking, jogging and biking and it’s in a GREAT school zone.”

2011 Real Estate Forecast Event for Charlotte

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Posted By Scott Farrell on October 26th, 2010
In Charlotte Homes,Charlotte Market Data,Charlotte Real Estate

Helen Adams Realty presented it 2011 Real Estate Forecast Event for the Charlotte North Carolina Metropolitan area this past Wednesday night at the Charlotte Country Club.  In talking with estimated audience of 300, all said it was a very informative and a great event.  The presentation started with Bob Morgan of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce giving a detailed presentation on the Charlotte Economic Outlook.

Bob Morgan of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce Presenting at the Helen Adams Realty 2011 Real Estate Forecast event.

Bob Morgan of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce

Bob detailed  Charlotte’s growth and how we stand in comparison to other cities for future growth. Charlotte continues to be one of the nations fastest growing regions by adding 59,000 new reside. By 2030 the Charlotte Metro area (MSA) is estimated to 4.8 million people.  That is larger than Boston or Seattle today and nearing the size of Atlanta.

Other key points of Bob Morgan’s Presentation are:

  • Charlotte Job Growth. We currently have just over 40,000 businesses in the region.  That number will expand significantly to 142,000 businesses by 2030.
  • The greater Charlotte Metro area continues to attract businesses.  Both Foreign investment and internal US transfers.  The Charlotte MSA has 850 foreign owned firms in the area and that number is expected to continue to grow as our population and infrastructure do.
  • Companies like Electrolux, Husqvarna and Siemens have all relocated to Charlotte from around the country. In 2008 and 2009 2366 new and expanded companies brought 27,707 new jobs to the Charlotte MSA.

For more on Bob Morgan’s briefing please visit our website.

Jeff Adams President and CEO of Helen Adams Realty at the 2011 Charlotte Real Estate Forecast Event

Jeff Adams, President and CEO

Bob Morgan was followed Jeff Adams, President and CEO of Helen Adams Realty giving a deep statistical analysis of the national and Charlotte Metro area housing market.  Jeff Adams started off with some very inaccurate quotes of housing experts given in 2006 and 2007 benchmarking the difficulties in forecasting housing trends.  Detailing the direct impact on the housing market the formation of new households or the lack there of and population growth from one region to another and how this relates to the Charlotte Metro area.  Jeff went into explaining risk factors for housing prices followed by detailed breakdown of the greater Charlotte Market.  In summary Jeff Adams expects to see a 1.7% increase in the number of homes sold and a 1% increase in the average home price.  As with all housing statistics hyperlocal markets will vary in both number of sales and average home prices.  Major trends that will continue to impact the Charlotte housing market in 2011 and for years to come is the growth in population, Charlotte’s improvement in infrastructure such as the expansion of Charlotte Douglas Airport ( a major hub for US Airways) and continual growth in higher education.  The growth in human capital is Charlotte’s most valuable asset.

Please visit our website for the full presentation.

Foreclosures: A Great Investment or a Disaster?

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Posted By Debe Maxwell on October 18th, 2010
In Charlotte Homes,Charlotte Real Estate,Money Rates and Investing

Are you leaning towards stepping into the investment market?   You may get the idea that buying a foreclosure is your best bet for a great deal on a home.  Well, it’s possible, but remember that the foreclosure market is full of perilous pathways and competitive investment pros who know what they’re doing.
House picture on Foreclosure investement ariticle
Whether you’re considering purchasing foreclosures as an investment or as your personal residence, here are a few tips that will help you get you started on a great investment and likely help you avoid a disaster.

Seek professionals to assist you: Your team of professionals should include a real estate agent, a home inspector, a contractor and an appraiser.   You often have to be ready to move on a foreclosure home immediately, so establishing relationships as well as setting a plan of action with these professionals ahead of time, is a must.

Set your sights on a short sale (pre-foreclosure): Short sales offer some of the best deals.  The seller is likely to be more willing to accommodate you because they are striving to avoid ruining their credit.  This means you’ll have a much better chance of getting a great deal – something more than the seller owes the bank, but oftentimes less than market value.  As well, the seller may still be in the home to assist with repairs and in general, these homes are in far better condition than other distressed properties.

Forget the auction: While going to foreclosure auctions is certainly another avenue that investors may take, it definitely is not for the beginning investor.  You may find that you’ve done a lot of research and invested a lot of your time for nothing, because the auction was cancelled.  You may ultimately wind up with a property that has been trashed because the previous owners didn’t want to move, or because the house has been empty for a very long time.

Be very careful buying bank-owned properties: This option is seldom as great as it sounds.  Not all banks price homes at fair market value.  Many of them are trying to get their hefty legal fees as well as their lost loan amounts back.  With depreciation over the time of the process, paired with decreasing market values locally, the price can be much more than the home is currently worth.  Pair this with the speed in which you may have to move, giving little time to perform your due diligence, and also considering the condition of the property, these homes are not all they’re cracked up to be.

If you’re considering buying distressed properties in Charlotte as an investor or a homebuyer, I can help.  Call me or email me for more information.

Saint Michaels Subdivision

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Posted By Curt Seifart on October 8th, 2010
In Neighborhood News

An enclave of only 36 homes, Saint Michaels neighborhood offers superb in-town convenience. Tucked behind a brick privacy wall at the intersection of Randolph and Sardis Roads, many pass by without seeing this collection of beautiful custom homes, built between 1992 and 2002. The architectural styles vary among the mostly Georgian brick exteriors.  The average sized home runs approximately 3150 square feet of heated living space, typically 4 bedrooms.  The highest recorded sale is $550,000, with an historical average of around $460,000.

5343 Haynes Hall Charlotte NC Front view of home

5343 Haynes Hall Charlotte NC Front view of home

One distinct characteristic is the typically beautiful low maintenance landscaping of the small front lots plus the expertly maintained common areas, supported by very affordable quarterly dues.  The lot sizes are compact, so lawn maintenance is very minimal. Many of the homes have quaint “town gardens”. This feature, plus the closeness to Phillips Place, South Park, and a quick commute to Carolinas Medical and Presbyterian Hospitals, endear Saint Michaels to buyers wanting to simplify their lives.  Saint Michaels offers a great close-in custom home alternative to condo living!
Homes in Saint Michaels do not come on the market often.  Currently, there are two active listings:
5343 Haynes Hall Place $450,000. Features include 5 bedrooms, with master suite on the main.

Click here to see a virtual tour.

5705 Randolph Rd $430,000. Features 3 bedrooms, with master on the main.

The Renaissance Festival is back

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Posted By Scott Farrell on October 2nd, 2010
In Charlotte Cultural events,Things to do in Charlotte

It is time for one of the Charlotte Metro areas (and mine) favorite festivals.  The Renaissance Festival is a 16th century European style art and entertainment festival combining outdoor theater, circus entertainment, arts and crafts marketplace, a jousting tournament, all kinds of food purveyors. The festival is open weekends only starting October 9th to November 21st, 2010.  the festival is located near the corner of Hwy 73 and Poplar Tent Road in Concord. Directions are located on their website.The renaissance festival for the carolinas located near the charlotte metro area in Concord NC

The Carolina Renaissance Festival was introduced in 1994 with six acres of exhibits, attractions and entertainment. The event has grown into a twenty acre theme park filled with charming cottages and castles, kitchens and pubs, and a most unusual collection of people powered rides and games of skill.

For more information please visit their website.

Helping Respsonsible Home Owners who are underwater

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Posted By Scott Farrell on September 29th, 2010
In Charlotte Real Estate

There has been a lot of talk about what can be done for responsible homeowners who owe more on their mortgage than the value of their property.  The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has provided details on the adjustment to its refinance program that will enable lenders to provide additional refinancing options to homeowners who owe more than their home is worth.

Starting earlier this month, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will offer certain ‘underwater’ non-FHA borrowers who are current on their existing mortgage and whose lenders agree to write off at least ten percent of the unpaid principal balance of the first mortgage, the opportunity to qualify for a new FHA-insured mortgage.

The FHA Short Refinance option is targeted to help people who owe more on their mortgage than their home is worth – or ‘underwater’ – because their local markets saw large declines in home values. Originally announced in March, these changes and other programs that have been put in place will help the Administration meet its goal of stabilizing housing markets by offering a second chance to up to 3 to 4 million struggling homeowners through the end of 2012.

For more information visit the HUD Website.

Charlotte Real Estate Market Q&A

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Posted By Jo Butterworth on September 22nd, 2010
In Charlotte Real Estate,Real Estate News

Question:  How do I know how much my house is worth in today’s down market?

A house is worth what someone is willing to pay for it. If your house is located in an in demand neighborhood where houses seldom come on the market, then it is probably worth more than the same exact house in a mediocre demand neighborhood with similar houses for sale.

Oddly enough, it is the buyer who determines the worth of the house, not the seller, because that house is worth what the buyer is willing to pay for it. Worth and value should not be confused; nor can the two terms be used interchangeably.

There are several ways to determine the value of a house. The first way is to have the house appraised by a certified, licensed appraiser who will determine the value of the house based on age, square footage, location, floor plan and design, quality of construction, current condition, and upgrades and improvements. The cost of an appraisal varies between $300 and $400.

Another way to determine the value of the home is to ask your real estate agent to prepare a Comparable Market Analysis (CMA) of recent home sales in your neighborhood. Most agents are happy to provide this at no fee. The CMA will compare your house to similar houses that have sold within a given area and within a given time period. The CMA also provides additional helpful information such as the differential between the List Price and the actual Sales Price, and the number of days on market for past sales.

 

Question:   Several weeks ago, I made an offer on a house, and the offer was accepted. Now I’m having second thoughts about buying the house. How can I get out of the contract?

 

First of all, a contract is a legally binding document, so if you are thinking about trying to get out of the contract, you need to consult an attorney who can explain the legal ramifications of such a decision.

Buyer’s remorse is a typical emotion that affects a lot of buyers at different points of the transaction. Buying a house is a big commitment financially and emotionally, so it’s perfectly understandable that you may be second guessing your decision to be a homeowner. Just remember what it was about that specific property that appealed to you in the first place and encouraged you to envision yourself living there. The seller has taken his/her house off of the market and may have lost a serious buyer and a potential sale in the interim, so be prepared at the very least to lose your earnest money if you back out of the deal for any reason other than one relating to the financial, appraisal, or inspection/repair contingency noted in the contract.