Things To Remember When Diving Into Home-Ownership

New home-buyers are entering the Charlotte housing market everyday.  For many of these folks, what to buy, when and how it all works can be troubling and mysterious issues.  Of course, your Realtor should be a constant source of support, information and help but, we always encourage people to think about these few items...Be fully committed to buying a home.  Be aware of what you can afford and are ready to look at the options. 

Don't expect your home search to move at the speed of light! It is typical that homebuyers will see upwards of 30 houses before finding the right one.  So don't get disgusted or disgruntled at the 10th!  Enjoy the process!    When you find the perfect home, buy it. 

Do not try to go through this process alone.  Find a Realtor that you trust and allow them to assist you! Not only are they experts in the housing market, but they also understand the process of home buying and thus are an invaluable resource.

  • Do you have pets? Do you want pets?
  • Do you have large furniture you need to accommodate?
  • How are you getting around Charlotte? Do you want to bike to work?  Do you want to drive?  Do you need a garage?
  • Do you want to start a family in this house?

So make a chart, make a list, talk it out... But before you jump into the pool, have some of these questions comfortably answered in your head.  Buying a home is one time you DO NOT want to have buyer's remorse. 
Bonnie and Daniel Papandrea
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Posted in Charlotte Homes. Tagged as Charlotte Real estate, Home buyer, Moving.

Moving to Charlotte?

Charlotte has seen a boom in the number of newcomers arriving in the last 20 years. Even through the worst economic downturn in recent memory, Charlotte and the surrounding areas continued to grow.

Today we find ourselves readying for another wave of relocation buyers. If you are moving to Charlotte for a job with Chiquita--or any of the other companies that have chosen to expand their businesses here, welcome! We love to be able to share our very special city with new arrivals.

There are some basics you should know before you live here that might not be completely obvious before you get here. So here it is. Charlotte is actually very near the border to South Carolina. And that means that many folks who commute to work in Charlotte everyday are South Carolinians. Fort Mill, Rock Hill and Indian Land are all towns perfect for newcomers, and South Carolina offers some great draws, including lower taxes and often-lower property costs. Schools in these towns are good and the communities are strong. So don't be afraid to ask your agent about these options when looking for the new home.

Next you should know that Charlotte is a Southern City with all of the appropriate charm but it is also progressive and cosmopolitan. While you will find plenty of the traditional Southern Barbecue an abundance of churches, and sweet tea, you will also find a world-class symphony, theaters, art galleries, internationally renowned shopping centers and breath-taking architecture. There is something for everyone here, no matter if you like professional sport, the arts, or unparalleled restaurants. So don't be afraid of a culture-shift--We are sure you will find Charlotte to be just the right amount of Southern-laid-back and intellectually stimulating!
 
Are you planning to relocate to the Charlotte area? Contact Team Papandrea today to get started on finding your new dream home. Read more

Posted in Charlotte Homes. Tagged as Charlotte homes, Charlotte Real estate, Moving to Charlotte.

Relocation Moving Tips

Relocating for a new job can be overwhelming. In addition to the stress and work that is involved in a regular move--there is the pressure of the new job responsibilities, moving away from an established support system, and the fear of the unknown.
While everyone who relocates has a unenviable task in front of them, there are a few ways to make the move run a bit smoother. Here are our top 5 relocation tips:

  1. Downsize: No matter what stage you are in your life, you probably have a few bags or boxes (or more!) of things you no longer need or want. Before you pack them up, pay someone to haul them across the country and then have to unpack them, why not just donate or throw away what you don't need or want now!
  2. Planning Ahead will Pay Off: Moving a household can be quite a chore--and unpacking those boxes could take weeks (or more!) When you are packing, be sure to set aside a box or boxes that will get you through the first week--and pack them last so they come off the truck first. A couple sets of plates and silverware, (or plastic utensils), a pan or two, basic cleaning supplies, toilet paper, toiletries, bedding and of course enough clothes will get you through the first few days . All too often people pack enormous boxes with everything from a room in it and then spend hours looking for the "needed" stuff amongst the not immediately necessary--it is ok to group boxes by how they are used instead of where they are to ultimately be kept. For example, a box with a couple towels, soap, toilet paper, a shower curtain, pajamas and linens would make a great "first unpacked" box.
  3. Keep the Numbers Handy: Put a list of phone numbers for utilities, the movers, and your real estate agent together, with your other emergency contacts and carry it with you. Your power and heat (or A/C) should be on, you should have no problems with your truck arriving on time, but, just in case... it is better to be safe than sorry.
  4. Use your Connections: If you are fortunate enough to be moving to a place where you will know people, make sure to lean on them a bit when you arrive, You will need to know things like where the best restaurants are and who in the neighborhood is the best babysitter. Don't have friends or family in the area? Try mom's groups, church, or craigslist to connect with people quickly.
  5. Leave Yourself Plenty of Time: If possible, leave yourself plenty of time to get settled in your new home before you start work. You will have so many things to do, unpack, organize and figure out in your new town, that a week or more may be very beneficial for you and your family to get you feet under you. Don't have time? Schedule an hour a night to unpack a box, or wake up early and tackle small project diligently each day--you don't want to wake up 5 years from now and find you still have half a garage full of unopened boxes.
With a little thinking ahead and a bit of help wherever you can get it, your relocation experience will be a good one. Just remember to take it easy on yourself as you make a dramatic change in your life. There is no need for perfection right away, and a relaxed attitude will help get you through the stressful times!

Are you planning to relocate to the Charlotte area? Contact Team Papandrea today to get started on finding your new dream home. Read more

Posted in Charlotte Homes. Tagged as Charlotte Real estate, Relocation.

Finding Your Dream Home

As Realtors, we have seen a lot of houses. A lot. And everyone seems to have a different style when it comes to shopping for real estate. Finding your dream home does not need to be a painful process, but for some, this can be tedious and difficult.

We have put together a few tips for homebuyers to help find the best home for them--without running your Realtor around in circles!

  1. Know What You Want & Need. Do you NEED 3 bedrooms or do you just want 3 bedrooms? Are granite countertops a deal-breaker? Sometimes we focus on the "wants" and forget about the needs. By outlining what you require and what you might like, your Realtor will be able to present you with the appropriate options.
  2. Know What You Don't Want. When making one of, (if not THE) biggest purchases of your life it is important to identify what you do NOT want. If you cannot live in a house that is more than 5 years old or you just cannot own a home in a neighborhood with an HOA, now is the time to make that clear.
  3. Know Where You Want to Live. The more specific you can be on location the better. If there are certain neighborhoods, proximity to a school, or other geographical needs that you have, make that known.
  4. Do Your Research Ahead Online. Check out the for-sale homes in the area you are looking for and keep a list of possibilities for your agent to review. Note the best features.
  5. Know Your Price Range. All too often, buyers do not fully understand their budget, and just because you qualify for a mortgage, does not mean you should take that full amount out. Be smart, and know what you can afford for a monthly payment with plenty of "buffer" for those unexpected expenses. You can always pay more on your mortgage, but they never appreciate it when you send less.
  6. Refine Your Requirements. As you are going through the process of looking for a home, you should be updating your list. Have you decided against a neighborhood completely? Are you open to a home without a basement if they have enough storage in the attic? Are you completely against vinyl siding? Update your needs and wants and you will get to that dream home faster.
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Posted in Charlotte Homes. Tagged as Charlotte Real estate.

Market Update

The housing market in Charlotte is still recovering, but we see signs of positive movement in the new builds of both homes and commercial space. In Indian Land, SC, ground was broken this past month for a new shopping center with a Publix grocery store and the Edenmoor development was bought and will resume its build-out soon. Additional building from Ballantyne to Fort Mill is sprouting up and things look very positive for the spring.

What that does mean for sellers is that the market is more competitive than ever. New builds combined with a saturated inventory including short-sells and foreclosures make selling a home in the Charlotte area more difficult than in recent years.

There are several things that you can do as a seller to make your home more attractive to potential buyers. The first is to make sure it is properly priced. Work with your Realtor to determine where your house should be priced. The biggest mistake we see is sellers making is wanting to "get their money out" of their homes. The sad truth is that many people in Charlotte bought at the height of the market and financed their homes. Today, those same properties are worth considerably less. Depending on your situation, you may have to take a loss if you are selling. The good news here is if you are buying, you will essentially recover that loss.

Secondly, remember that homebuyers have a lot of choices right now, and that means that they have the luxury of being picky. So remember that home presentation is important. This may mean having the siding pressure-washed and some fresh paint on the inside, or it may mean a full-on home staging by a professional stager. Consult your Realtor for their advice on this subject as all markets, price-ranges, and situations will vary. However, for the competitive advantage, remember that doing more to completely un-clutter and spruce up a home will give you a leg-up on the competition and speed up your time on the market. Read more

Tagged as Charlotte Real estate, Realtor.

Team Papandrea Services

Team Papandrea provide real estate services to home buyers and sellers in the Charlotte, NC area which:
  • Provide expert knowledge of the Real Estate market in this area
  • Allow for quick turn-around and fast response using a variety of technologies
  • Accommodate limited time schedules for time-constrained clients
  • Pay close attention to detail of what their clients' needs are
  • Guide and advise buyers who are not familiar with the area and environment
  • Advise clients wisely in every respect during the property search, relocation and decision making process
  • Provide extensive and detailed home inventory access at all times
  • Fully appreciate and understand the stress that moving entails
Team Papandrea also provides all their clients with comparable property prices, government records including last sold price and transaction details, taxes, flood plains, new development plans, school information, and many other issues that impact buyers and sellers.

If you are looking for assistance in buying or selling a home in Fort Mill, Charlotte, Rock Hill, Mint Hill, South Park or the surrounding area, please contact Team Papandrea with Prudential Carolina Realty.
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Posted in Charlotte Homes. Tagged as Bonnie Papandrea, Charlotte Real estate, Daniel Papandrea.

We Want to Hear From You!

Do you have a question about real estate in the Charlotte, NC area? The members of Team Papandrea are here to help you. Would you like to know staging tips to help your home sell faster? How about where the best schools are in Charlotte? Or what the current interest rates are? Over the next couple months we will be covering a variety of topics of interest to Charlotte homebuyers and sellers. In the meantime, if there is anything you would like to know, feel free to ask us by making a comment below. Read more

Tagged as Charlotte Real estate.