Charlotte Real Estate and Community News

Are you considering buying a home or selling a home in Mint Hill? Do you have any idea what a Realtor will do for you as a buyer or as a seller?

Before you enter into one of the largest, if not the largest, transactions of your life, it's best to know what to expect from your Realtor. Let's look at what a Realtor will do for a home buyer and for a home seller.

What Realtors Do for Buyers

Before we get into what your Realtor will do for you as a home buyer, it's important to note: most of the time, as the buyer, you don't pay your Realtor. The seller will take care of the full real estate agent commission, which means, using a Realtor, as a home buyer makes quite a bit of sense.

As a buyer, your Realtor will assist you with  the following:
1.    Help get you pre-approved  by referring you to reputable loan officers before you start shopping for a home
2.    Help match the right property to your specific needs/wants
3.    Show you properties fitting your price range and your needs/wants
4.    Provide data on neighborhoods, school districts, etc.
5.    Help put together the right offer for the home you want to buy and advise you regarding possible multiple offers situations
6.    Negotiate the offer including due diligence fee, earnest money, closing costs, inspection periods, closing dates, etc.
7.    Make recommendations for other professionals you will, such as home inspectors, surveyors, structural engineers, contractors, attorneys, etc.
8.    Attend the home inspection and negotiate needed repairs
9.    Finalize any loose ends before closing

When you're looking to buy a home, a good Realtor will save you plenty of time,  provide priceless advice as you go through the process and thus help make sure you that you minimize the expenses that come with buying a home.

What Realtors Do for Sellers

Houses for sale in Mint Hill, NC most likely have a Realtor behind them helping to get the home sold. Only a small percentage will go up as For Sale By Owner homes because Realtors do so much for sellers.

Some of the things a Realtor will do for a home seller include:
1.    Ensure the home is priced well and correctly for the Mint Hill real estate market
2.    Make sure the home is ready to be listed before it's listed which includes conversations and recommendations regarding needed repairs and cosmetic updates that will help the sale and maximize the seller’s net
3.    Hire  professionals to measure the home, take listing pictures, videos, possibly stage the home
4.    Market the property through multiple channels including social media, website, MLS, etc.
5.    Communicate with buyer's agents and potential buyers
6.    Hold open houses and provide showings for potential buyers
7.    Ensure all potential buyers are qualified
8.    Negotiate the best terms for the seller and derive a winning strategy in case of multiple offers
9.    Negotiate repairs after the buyer’s inspections are done
10.    Finalize any loose ends for the closing

As a seller, having a Realtor is vital and provides someone to shoulder the burden of getting your home sold. Realtors know how to reach potential home buyers and good Realtors have a network they can reach out to the second your home hits the market.

This is just a short overview of the all the things Realtors do for their clients. If you want to know specifically want a Realtor will do for you as a buyer or a seller, ask the right questions when interviewing agents to hire. Ask about how they market, what methods they use, and what you can expect from them during the process.

Realtors work hard to ensure your home gets sold or you find the right home for your specific needs and wants. Make sure you understand how hard they work for you and what they are doing whenever buying or selling a home.

I would love to be part of your journey when the time is right for you. If you ever have a real estate question or need, or know someone who does, trust that you can turn to me.  I will help you make the right move! Anna Granger 704-650-5707 | annagrangerhomes@gmail.com | www.1stchoicepropertiesinc.com

Yes, it's the winter season and real estate is slower than it is during the summer. However, there are still a large number of home buyers looking for that perfect house.
If you're considering selling your home, now is the time to get it listed. Don't wait until the spring or summer busy season just because you think it's going to benefit you somehow.
When the buyers are looking, you need to have your home listed. Let's look at why listing your home now makes more sense than waiting.

Ability to Move On
When you sell your home, you have to find a new place to live, obviously. Delaying this process for no good reason means delaying the inevitable.
The longer you wait, the harder it can be to move on emotionally. This is especially true when you've lived in the home for a long time, raised children there, and have a strong emotional connection to your home.

Buyers are Serious
Have you ever tried to sell your home during the spring or summer? If it doesn't sell quickly, you'll end up with a ton of looky-loos, especially if you hold an open house.
The winter season offers fewer looky-loos and more serious buyers looking to make a real offer and close quickly. It's the season of relocation and many buyers need to find and buy a home quickly.

A Focused Realtor
Yes, a good Realtor will focus on you no matter the season. However, during the summer, a good Realtor may have many listings, but only a few during the winter.
If you want more attention from your Realtor, it makes sense to list your home for sale when buyers are looking and they don't have as many listings.

Most Sellers Will Wait
We all intuitively know, following the crowd doesn't have many benefits. The crowd of potential sellers will wait until the spring or even the summer to list their homes for sale.
If you prefer to avoid the competition, selling now makes sense. Buyers are still looking and the market is still prime for you to sell quickly and for a good price. Why wait until you have to compete with three times as many homes or even more?

Faster Preparations to Sell
When it's time to sell your home, you'd be smart to hire a professional stager, get a home inspection, and have professional listing pictures taken. These professionals you will be hiring get very busy during the summer and it may take weeks before they can get to your home.

The winter season provides availability for the professionals you will need. In addition, if you get a home inspection and need to make repairs, contractors have far more availability during the winter than the summer months.
If you're thinking about selling your home, but you think waiting is smart, think again. Buyers are looking for homes right now. Listing your home for sale may be the best decision you ever made as it might sell faster and for the same price you'd get during the summer.

I would love to be part of your journey when the time is right for you. If you ever have a real estate question or need, or know someone who does, trust that you can turn to me.  I will help you make the right move! Anna Granger 704-650-5707 | annagrangerhomes@gmail.com | www.1stchoicepropertiesinc.com

Buying a home is a huge deal and you want to make sure you choose the right home for you and your family. The time of year you decide to buy matters, too.

Most home buyers shop in the summer season because the kids are out of school, it's not as busy for most families, and more homes are on the market. However, following the crowd isn't always a good idea. There are many reasons to buy a home in the winter and here are seven to consider.

1. Less Competition

The winter season doesn't see a large number of homes hitting the market like the spring and summer seasons. While fewer homes are on the market may seem like a bad thing, it also means fewer buyers are looking.

Most buyers will wait until the spring or summer, which means less competition for you. Finding the right home during the winter often means you won't have to compete nearly the same way you would in the summer.

2. Motivated Sellers

Sellers listing their homes in the winter could be motivated to sell. They may have to sell quickly or they may be looking to avoid the looky-loos of the peak selling season. Either way, depending how long a home has been on the market, sellers  could be willing to make a deal with buyers.

3. More Mover Availability

Moving is a hassle and finding a good moving company isn't always easy. The summer is the peak time for movers, while the winter is the slower season. During the winter, you'll have better luck finding a good mover with availability, even last minute.

4. Faster Closing

The peak home-selling season also impacts the mortgage industry. Sometimes, brokers may become backed up with closings and you may not be able to close for several weeks.

During the winter, you can close faster simply because mortgage brokers aren't as busy.

5. Realtors Have More Time

Just like movers and mortgage brokers, Realtors aren't as busy during the winter months. This means they have more time to focus on you and help you find the right home for your family.

6. Fewer Bidding Wars

With fewer buyers looking, you're less likely to enter into a bidding war over a home during the winter. When you buy a home in the winter, you may be the only offer the home receives. Sellers know it's a slower time of year and they may be more willing to accept your offer without holding out for a bidding war. However,  some homes attract multiple buyers even in the winter, especially if priced well and if they are in a desirable location.

7. Ability to Test the Home

The winter season is usually the harshest season for homes. When you buy a home in the winter, you get to see how it will hold up. You can test the home out in the worst conditions of the year without wondering what might happen in the winter.

Buying a home in the winter might be the perfect choice for some buyers. Whether you're relocating and you don't have a choice or you want to avoid the crowds, buying a home in the winter is often a smart decision.

I would love to be part of your journey when the time is right for you. If you ever have a real estate question or need, or know someone who does, trust that you can turn to me.  I will help you make the right move! Anna Granger 704-650-5707 | annagrangerhomes@gmail.com | www.1stchoicepropertiesinc.com

Let’s Get Moving with Anna Granger

2019 is coming to a close and I would like to share some current information, as well as a year- end review with you!
How can you gauge what kind of market we currently have? Many Real Estate Professionals consider the absorption rate to gauge demand for homes in a certain geographical area. It also shows what kind of home inventory this area has. You calculate the absorption rate by dividing how many homes have gone under contract in the last 30 days by how many homes are currently active for sale on the market.

20% and below is considered a Buyer’s Market.
33% and above is considered a Seller’s Market.
20%-33% is considered a Balanced Market.

Currently (12/18/2019) Mint Hill has 63 homes on the market. Those include single family homes, townhomes, new construction, re-sale, distressed sales, etc.

In the last 30 days, 22 homes have gone under contract in Mint Hill.
That’s an absorption rate of 35% indicating Mint Hill is experiencing a seller’s market.
If no other homes were listed, all homes would be sold in a matter on just under 3 months. It’s still a great market for sellers, even though it’s winter!

The average days on market in Mint Hill currently is 45 days. Some homes go under contract in a very short period of time; other take longer for various reasons. Your home’s price point often times affects the amount of days it takes to sell it. If your home is much more expensive than the Mint Hill median sales price of $325,000, then it might take a little longer. But I have also personally experienced higher end homes going very quickly if they offer great features and are priced well for their location, size and features/condition.

The average sales price in Mint Hill right now is $335,342, up 4.6% from last year.
In the last 12 months, 519 homes closed in Mint Hill.
120 out of those 519 homes were new construction.
33 closed at $500,000 and above.
88 homes closed between $400,000 and $499,999.
179 homes closed between $300,000 and $399,999.
159 homes closed between $200,000 and $299,999.
60 homes closed below $199,999.

The average $/square foot is approximately $129, up 6.6% from last year.

How quickly your home will sell is in directly correlation to the absorption rate, condition of your home, overall location, surrounding area, features. Your price needs to be reflective of all those different puzzle pieces. Then, with great exposure and marketing, your home will sell in a reasonable amount of time.

I would love to be part of your journey when the time is right for you. If you ever have a real estate question or need, or know someone who does, trust that you can turn to me.  704-650-5707 | annagrangerhomes@gmail.com | www.1stchoicepropertiesinc.com

The cold may bring snow and the sun may not stay out as long, but you don't have to suffer from winter blues when listing your home for sale in Charlotte, NC. There are many ways you can still make your home very attractive to buyers and get it sold without issue. Start with these five tips to help you improve winter curb appeal.

Light It Up
The sunset is earlier and many days may come with cloud cover during the winter. Without as much natural light, you may want to add light to different areas of your home inside and outside.
Tasteful holiday lights can add a touch of class and you can even make a lonely patio table look better with the right hanging lights. There are plenty of ways to add curb appeal with hanging lanterns and other outdoor lights during the winter.

Keep the Gutters Clean
It may not seem like cleaning the gutters will add to curb appeal, but it does. Gutters can fill up with leaves from the fall and cause issues. Not only will they look bad, but they may also cause issues if it rains or snows.

Keep Decorations Subtle
You're sure to attract attention with a group of inflatable holiday decorations, but it may not be the type of attention you want. Just because you listed your home on the Mint Hill real estate market during the winter doesn't mean you cannot decorate for the season.
Subtle decor items can actually help you draw the right type of attention. Use a simple wreath on the front door to add curb appeal, along with small white lights in the shrubbery or even a pile of firewood neatly stacked against a wall.

Keep your Lawn Cleaned
While Mint Hill does see some snow, it's not really enough to cover up the leaves and other distractions you may have left on your lawn. Make sure you keep your lawn clean and tidy when listing your home for sale in the winter.

Organize the Garage
During the winter, it can be easy to let your garage become cluttered. Instead of letting it get out of control, keep it organized. Sure, buyers probably won't notice your well-organized garage from the street, but the minute they step into your home, an unorganized garage may become an issue.

There are several ways to make sure you create the perfect curb appeal in the winter. Make sure you speak with your real estate agent before making any changes or decor decisions during the winter home buying and selling season. Your agent will be able to better direct you on what to do and what not to do when it comes to winter curb appeal.

We would love to be part of your journey when the time is right for you. If you ever have a real estate question or need, or know someone who does, trust that you can turn to us.  We will help you make the right move!

980-272-6300

When it's time to enter the Mint Hill real estate market and list your home for sale, you'll likely find a million tips on what to do to sell your home. However, it's just as important to understand the flip-side of the coin. Here are some of the top things to consider when it comes to how NOT to sell a house.

Take Only a Few Pictures

More than 90% of home buyers start their home search online. You need great pictures and as many as possible.
When you create a listing with just a couple of pictures taken from your smartphone, you won't attract much attention. It doesn't matter if you have amazing pictures, if there's only a picture of the front of the home and the back of the home, you'll cause potential buyers to go looking elsewhere.

Leaving Your Home Very Personalized
Staging your home for sale in Mint Hill, NC makes quite a bit of sense. If you don't take the time to properly stage your home by leaving it personalized with family pictures, knickknacks, and other clutter, you'll likely struggle to sell your home.
Potential buyers want to feel like your home is a blank canvas. They need to picture their stuff in the home and see it how they would set it up. Your clutter distracts from the picture in their home and won't make it easier to sell your home.

A Smell of Pets
When it comes to selling a home, there are very few things that turn off potential buyers like the smell of pets. Maybe you forgot to change the cat's litter or you didn't hire cleaners to get rid of the dog smell. No matter the pet, if it causes an odor, it must be eliminated or you might struggle to sell your home.

The Wrong Listing Price
While the smell of pets can send a potential buyer away, the wrong listing price may keep you from ever getting a buyer interested. When a seller doesn't allow their real estate agent to set the right price, it causes all kinds of issues with selling the home.
The list price may be the most important factor. Too high of a price and you'll struggle to find interested buyers. Too low of a price and interested buyers might think something is wrong with the home. Trust your real estate agent when it comes to price or you may never get your home sold.

Showing Off Your Fan or Brand Loyalties
Flying your favorite college football team's flag proudly is fine until the "For Sale" sign goes up in the front yard. The last thing you need is the right buyer to walk away from the deal because you were a bit too aggressive with your fan or brand loyalties. While some buyers may like the same team or brand as you, it can distract them from the rest of the house. In addition, any fans of rival teams or brands will likely be turned off immediately and associate your home with negative feelings.

There are plenty of things you can do to make it easier to get your home sold. Your real estate agent will provide plenty of tips for neutral decor, staging, pricing, and more. Just make sure you pay attention to these things you shouldn't do when it's time to sell your home, too.

I would love to be part of your journey when the time is right for you. If you ever have a real estate question or need, or know someone who does, trust that you can turn to me.  I will help you make the right move!

Anna Granger 704-650-5707 | annagrangerhomes@gmail.com | www.1stchoicepropertiesinc.com

Since the recession back in 2008, the real estate market has recovered very well. However, the speed of that recovery may be slowing down soon. Many real estate experts actually think some of the monetary policy decisions will cause a recession at some point in 2020. However, they don't see the real estate market imploding like it did in 2008.

It's not uncommon for the real estate market to fluctuate and it has favored the sellers for quite some time. Here's a look at some of the signs of the housing market slowing down.

More Inventory

Whenever inventory increases, it can be the first sign of things to come. When the real estate market starts to cool off, it usually happens when more inventory becomes available.

Currently, homes throughout the country, including Mint Hill, are selling at a record pace as they are only staying on the market for about one month if priced correctly. If these homes start to stay on the market for two months or longer, it could be an early sign of the housing market slowing down. Usually, this is seen in the condo market first.

Drop in Prices

Another indicator of the housing market slowing down happens when prices start to fall. When prices drop by 10% or more, it's a sign the market is going south. Right now, this isn't an issue, the median sales price in Mint Hill has increased by 5.9% in the last 12 months. However, if prices start to drop, even by just a few percentage points, it could show signs of the housing market slowing down.

Changes in Government Policies

If the government makes changes to the tax laws  or the interest rates rise, it could cause the market to slow. The new property tax bills in the Mecklenburg County could play a factor in the real estate market but with interest rates still being very low, the higher tax values might not have a negative impact on the demand. With caps on mortgage and SALT (State And Local Tax) deductions, as well as a national election coming in 2020, the market could slow, but it's too soon to tell how much it will change.

While the housing market isn't expected to hit a significant slowdown, many believe it will slow down going into 2020. Prices may continue to rise at a steady pace, but not as fast as they have over the last few year or so. Even though the market may be slowing down a bit, partially because of the upcoming holiday season, experts still expect it to remain steady over the next several months and in 2020.

We would love to be part of your journey when the time is right for you. If you ever have a real estate question or need, or know someone who does, trust that you can turn to us at 1st Choice Properties Inc.

Anna Granger, BIC

980-272-6300 | www.1stchoicepropertiesinc.com

While we won't see the extreme winter weather in some areas of the country, it can still get rather cold during the winter. Your home needs to be ready for colder weather or the warm spring may come with unexpected home repairs.

Whether you're planning to list your home for sale in Mint Hill, NC this spring or you just want to avoid costly repairs, use the following tips to get your home ready for colder weather.

Protect the Pipes

A good place to start is with the pipes of your home. A burst pipe can be very expensive to repair and the damage the water may cause can add up quickly.

It's best to leave your faucets dripping during very cold weather. You should also drain water from any sprinkler systems and outdoor faucets before winter.

Adding insulation to pipes running through unheated areas of your home can also help. Check the basement, garage, crawl spaces and attic for pipes in need of insulation.

Clean Gutters

The gutters of your home are susceptible to clogging and could cause ice dams. It does get cold enough in Mint Hill for ice to form or even for snow to fall. Clogged gutters may cause an ice dam, which can cause damage to your roof.
While the icicles that form on your gutters look pretty, they could be a sign of an issue. Having your gutters cleaned before the winter is one of the easiest ways to avoid issues come spring.

Fireplace Inspection

If your home or a home for sale in Mint Hill, NC you're considering has a fireplace, make sure to inspect it before the winter. You want to inspect the actual fireplace and the chimney to prepare for the colder weather.
Having a professional chimney sweep come to your home and clean the soot and debris is a good idea, too. Both soot and debris found in the chimney could catch fire and cause issues for your home.

Reseal Windows and Doors

Before the cold weather arrives, it's a good idea to check the seals on your windows and doors. If you notice gaps or damage to the seal, take the time to replace it. Damaged seals around windows and doors will let in cold air and cost you on your heat bill throughout the winter. They can also let in moisture, which can cause damage to your home.

These tips will help you prepare for the cold weather that's coming. Make sure you take the time to get your home ready or you could be dealing with a costly repair come spring.

We would love to be part of your journey when the time is right for you. If you ever have a real estate question or need, or know someone who does, trust that you can turn to us.  We will help you make the right move! 980-272-6300

Whether you're looking to sell your home or you just want to make it look amazing, there are plenty of things you can do to spruce up the exterior of your home. Even on a tight budget, you can do most of the things on this list without breaking the bank. Here are five things you can easily do to increase the curb appeal of your home and spruce up the exterior.

1. Get a New Front Door

Sometimes, all it takes is one simple change to completely transform the entryway of your home. If you're looking to enter the Mint Hill real estate market by selling your home soon, a new front door will help add plenty of curb appeal. You can even upgrade the door to include panes of glass to help lighten up the facade of your home.
Those on a tight budget don't have to replace the front door to gain curb appeal. Instead, just add a fresh coat of paint to make the door look brand new again.

2. Add Window Boxes with Beautiful Plants

The front of your house should look rather appealing and the right window boxes can certainly bring it to life. If you have windows on either side of your front door or both, consider adding window boxes for a touch of charm. Make sure you shop around and find the right window boxes to fit the type of home you own and paint them to match your home's exterior.

3. Paint Your Home

It's amazing how a coat of paint can transform a home. Whether you're looking to become one of the houses for sale in Mint Hill, NC or you just want to make the exterior of your home look amazing, a fresh coat of paint is a great place to start.

4. Exterior Lighting

From hanging a lantern to replacing outdated lights, exterior lighting can make a home look amazing. Even during the day, the right lighting design will add a touch of elegance to any home. Those considering selling should note, a large percentage of homebuyers prefer a home with exterior lighting.

5. Landscaping

One of the best ways to make the exterior of your home look great is with a bit of landscaping. Getting your hands dirty, or hiring someone to do it for you, can pay off big time when it comes to curb appeal. Freshly cut grass, well-maintained flower beds, and the right potted plants can make your home look amazing!
Sprucing up the exterior of your home doesn't have to be difficult. Most of these projects can be done for a low cost and you can even do them yourself. Use these ideas when you're ready to sell your home to create curb appeal or just to make the exterior of your home look better.

We would love to be part of your journey when the time is right for you. If you ever have a real estate question or need, or know someone who does, trust that you can turn to us.  We will help you make the right move!

980-272-7600

Selling your Mint Hill real estate isn't a quick process. While your home may sell within days or weeks after hitting the market, the preparation leading up to listing takes time.
If you're thinking about listing your home for sale early next year, it's time to start getting prepared now. There are several things you should start doing to prepare your home for the market.

Here's your to-do list to ensure your home is ready for the market.

Learn the Local Market

Knowing the local real estate market will help when it comes to choosing an agent, listing your home, and your overall expectations. Take some time now to start looking at the different homes for sale in Mint Hill, NC. Just browsing listings will help you see what's available, what a listing price looks like for a home similar to yours, and how fast homes might be selling.

Choose a Listing Agent

One of the most important decisions you will make when it's time to sell your home is choosing the right listing agent. A good agent will know the local real estate market inside and out. They will know how to set the perfect listing price and a good agent will also help to ensure your home is seen by plenty of potential buyers.

Concentrate on Curb Appeal

While you certainly have plenty of time to actually get your home ready, curb appeal should become a high priority. If your home looks sparse from the front, it might be a good time to add some plants, paint the front door, make repairs, and ensure the curb appeal of your home will be amazing!

Repaint Any Loud Walls

Neutral tones are best when trying to sell your home. If you have any accent walls or any other walls in your home painted in bright or loud colors, now is the time to repaint. Use neutral colors to allow potential buyers to envision what they can do with the home.

Have Your Agent Perform a Pre-Inspection

When you do list your home for sale early next year, any buyer submitting an offer will want to order a home inspection. Ask your listing agent to perform a pre-inspection now. It might save you plenty of worry and hassle later. You'll know the necessary repairs needing to be handled and you'll know what to expect when a buyer orders an inspection.

A few more things to do to prepare your home for the market include:
•    Stock up on light bulbs
•    If desired take listing pictures of the exterior now to show off the fall season
•    Rent a storage unit and move out unnecessary furniture/items
•    Have a deep cleaning done right before listing your home for sale
•    Depersonalize and declutter your home

Your real estate agent will also be able to provide advice on other things you can do now to prepare your home to be listed for sale early next year.

We would love to be part of your journey when the time is right for you. If you ever have a real estate question or need, or know someone who does, trust that you can turn to us.  We will help you make the right move! 

980-272-6300