What Just Happened?

Okay. Have you ever had one of those weird moments or occurrences that happen to you and you just feel like you have to tell some one? Well, that happened to me today. I drove home like any other ordinary day at the office. I got home, parked my Saab in the garage, and tripped down the driveway to check my mail (really, I did trip). But that’s not the weird thing that happened- I do stuff like that all the time. Anyways, I went in the house and tried to decide what to cook my fiancé and myself for dinner. Off to Harris Teeter I go because, although I have a pantry full of food, I can not find anything I want. On my way to Harris Teeter, which is about two miles from my house, I was stopped at a red light when some one behind me jumped out of their van and began banging on the trunk of my car!!! Yes, that’s right. So I immediately locked my car doors and watched as the guy ran to my driver’s side window. For a split second, I panicked. I rolled down the window and the man who was standing there has my cell phone. Well where did that come from? Turns out, it was on the trunk of my car and I drove all the way to Harris Teeter with it there! I guess there are still nice people in this world after all. If that isn’t the weirdest thing, as luck may have it, the nice man turns out to be a Licensed, Insured,  Handy Man. So we exchanged cards and so on and so forth. Needless to say, his name is Larry and I WILL be using him in the future! If you need odd jobs done around your house, he gives free estimates. The name of his company is WANTED Your Odd Jobs Inc. 704-439-7072.

Benefits of Having A Buyer’s Agent

If you watch the news or surf the internet, than I am sure you have heard the phrase ‘Buyer’s Market’, which is what our country is currently experiencing. What this means is that there are more homes on the market than there are buyers to purchase them. A buyer’s market can be a very positive thing for people who are looking to buy a home. But, should you go It alone? Or would you benefit from a Buyer Agent?

What is a Buyer’s Agent?

A Buyer’s Agent in real estate is a person who looks out for the Buyer Client’s best interest. The Buyer Agent is devoted to helping the Client with all his/her needs throughout the real estate transaction.

What Are the Benefits of Having A Buyer’s Agent?

• First and formost- the Buyer’s Agent has the Buyer Client’s best interest in mind. If the seller is working with an agent, unless the potential buyer also has an agreement with the seller’s agent, that agent represents the seller and is only looking out for the seller’s best interest.
• The Buyer’s Agent will do research based on the Buyer Client’s wants and needs and find homes that best suit these individuals.
• They will also help define the Buyer Client’s financial ability to purchase and explain alternative methods of purchasing and financing. This includes explaining the different options for loans that are available (ie. Conventional, FHA, VA).
• Buyer’s Agents use the guidelines set forth in accordance with Fair Housing Regulations.
• Buyer’s Agents help by evaluating the market value of properties that a Client may be interested in and suggest strategies that help the Buyer Client make the most reasonable offer.
• Buyer’s Agents will help negotiate price on behalf of the Buyer Client.
• Buyer’s Agents will refer Buyer Clients to other professionals (ie attorneys, mortgage lenders, inspectors, etc.) for assistance as appropriate.
• Did I mention that a Buyer’s Agent has the Buyer Client’s BEST INTEREST in mind?

I recently read an article on www.bankrate.com that explained it like this: “You wouldn’t — for a lot of good reasons — go into a contested divorce proceeding without an attorney, or worse, take the advice of your spouse’s attorney.  I think that says it all. . . Why, then, would you buy a home — an adversarial process regardless of how friendly everyone involved in the transaction seems — without someone on your side?”

I think that says it best! 

 

*Some information for this post was taken from the Century 21 Buyer Service Pledge Certificate.

And You Thought YOU Had Bills?

Upon doing a little bit of research on my handy dandy MLS tool, I stumbled accross the most expensive listing in the Charlotte area. The truth is, I was very surprised to learn that the most expensive house currently on the market in this area is located in… Sherrills Ford! Granted, it does have over 100 acres of lake front property, between 9700-11400 heated square feet (and thats just in the main living quarters), 3 ponds on the property, a helocoptor pad, a wine grotto, and a if that’s not enough, it even has a short par 3 golf course! The house is listed at a whopping $10,500,000. Serious buyers- eat your heart out!

Close in second (Well not really) was a house located in the Southpark area of Charlotte and it is listed at $5,299,900. This home sits on appoximately 4.7 acres and is between 10100-11900 square feet. While is does have a fenced yard and tennis court, it is not quite the specticle that the house in Sherrills Ford is.

My question… Who in the world do you get to clean something that big?

So You Just Bought A House…Now What?

After all the searching, comparing, and endless paperwork, you are FINALLY a home owner. Now what? While the hassle of home buying itself may seem hard, consider the difficulty of discovering all the things that you need to do once you are moved in. Sure there are the obvious things like buying furniture or appliances, but there are other things that, in time, you will discover that you need. Here is a list of some oversights that many buyers may encounter in the first few months in their new home.

 

1. New Locks- It may seem like a hassle, considering now-a-days most houses have at least three outside doors, but when moving into a new house safety is key (no pun intended). A lot of people give keys to other people including neighbors, relatives, cleaning people, etc. Do not overlook this fact in a new construction as many builders reps, contractors, and builders may still have keys. Be sure to re-configure your garage door especially if you were only given one garage door opener; chances are some one else still has the other one.

2. Cleaning supplies- You will want to do a thorough cleaning of the entire house before you move in so that you move all that unwanted dust and grime out. Many sellers do a great job cleaning before moving out but cleaning is always a good idea. It would be wise to purchase a mop and broom, as well as a vacuum cleaner if there are carpets in the house.

3. Tools- Maybe in your previous living situation you had a roommate or a landlord so purchasing tools was not a priority. When moving into a house, you WILL need tools. Amoung the many that you will discover that you need, here are some essentials:

• Hammers
• Screwdrivers
• Pliers
• Tape measure
• Plumber’s wrench
• Plunger (always a good idea)

4. Lawn/Gardening Materials- Unless you have a landscaper or really want to irritate your new neighbors, you will definitely need a lawnmower. You will also need a garden hose and possibly some accessories like sprayer heads and sprinklers. Many places like Wal-Mart, Target, and Lowes offer mowers and garden supplies at very reasonable prices. Check your local newspaper or ads on the Internet as well.

5. Linens and Towels- If you are considering upgrading from, say, a full sized bed to a king sized bed make sure you also consider the extra cost for linens. And maybe you have that spare bedroom/bathroom now that you never had before- Don’t forget about it! Imagine your mother/father-in-law coming to see you and realising you have no towels for “thier bathroom.” Let me take this time to mention that new toilet seats might also be a good idea for each bathroom (Hey, you never know).

6. Outdoor Furniture- Entertaining can be a huge part of living in your new home. If there is no seating outside then you can not fully enjoy your new back yard. You may want to consider lawn chairs, an umbrella, and even a grill.

7. Curtains/Window Coverings- If you already have some in your house, it may be wise to wait on upgrading. Window coverings can be expensive depending on the amount of windows you have and what your decorating tastes may be. In the beginning, you may want to consider things like Redi-Shades, which can cost as little as $5. These are temporary, paper material, pleated shades which can be cut to fit any window.