Charlotte, North Carolina Real Estate and Homes For Sale

Buying a home in the Carolinas is an exciting and sometimes complex adventure.  It can also be a very time consuming and costly one if you're not familiar with all aspects of the process, and don't have all the best information and resources at hand.

That is why you need a realtor!

As a Buyer's Agent, one of my specialties is representing the best interests of the Charlotte, NC area buyers throughout the home buying process.  My comprehensive, high-quality services can save you time and money, as well as make the experience more enjoyable and less stressful.

HOW DO I SELECT THE RIGHT REAL ESTATE AGENT?
Start by asking family and friends if they can recommend an agent. Compile a list of several agents and talk to each before choosing one. Look for an agent who listens well and understands your needs, and whose judgment you trust. The ideal agent knows the local area well and has resources and contacts to help you in your search. Overall, you want to choose an agent that makes you feel comfortable and can provide all the knowledge and services you need.

As a Free Complimentary service, we always provide our buyers with a COMPLIMENTARY Home Warranty for your peace of mind.  That's right, a FREE Home Warranty is provided to both buyers and sellers.  It's our way of saying "Thank you for doing business with Rich Ferretti and Southern Winds Realty". We go the extra mile to make this complex process enjoyable and worry-free--and that is why we are different than other realtors in and around Charlotte.

If you're like most people, buying a home is the biggest investment you will ever make.  So whether you're buying a starter home, your dream home or an investment property; why not take advantage of my experience as a local market expert for North Carolina Counties: Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Mecklenburg, Rowan, and Union and South Carolina Counties: Lancaster and York.  I will help you make the most informed decisions you can, every step of the way!

Here are the top 10 things to know before you buy a new home:

1. Get your credit in order first.

Most people need to take out a mortgage to buy a new home. And since a mortgage is a loan, you must make sure your credit history is as clean as possible. Before looking at homes in the Charlotte area, get copies of your credit report. Make sure the facts are correct, and fix any problems you discover.

2. Don't buy a new house unless you plan to stay 3 years or more.

If you don't believe you will be staying in one home for at least a three years, then owning a new house is probably not for you. The cost of buying and selling a home is an expense, and you may end up losing money if you sell any sooner.

3. Just because you qualify for a mortgage with the bank - doesn't mean you can afford the house.

Too often, people buy houses at the maximum amout that they qulaify. Consider all of your expenses, debts, and income carefully.

4.  Seek professional help.

The Internet will give you access to updated home listings, but having an exclusive buyer agent, will guarantee that your interests are being looked after, and that you are prepared during the bidding process.

5. Even if you don't have kids -- look at the school system.

In Charlotte, the schools are a top priority for many home buyers, so even if you don't have children, look at the school system, because it will boost property values for later resale.

6. Put some money down.

Putting any money down will help lower your rates and potentially the term of your mortgage, but don't worry if you can't put down the traditional 20%. Many lenders will be able to work with you. Ask your Buyer's Agent for their recommendations.

7. Choose carefully between points and rate.

When choosing a mortgage, you will usually have the option of paying additional points, (a portion of the interest that you pay at closing) in exchange for a lower interest rate. If you stay in the house for a five to seven years (or more) -- it is usually better to take the points. The lower interest rate will save you more over the long haul.

8. Get pre-approved

Getting pre-approved will allow you to focus on the homes in Charlotte that you can afford, and it will give you a better position to make a serious offer when you do find the right home.

9. Hire a home inspector.

Your lender will require a home appraisal, however that's just the bank's check of whether the house is worth the price you've agreed to pay. Separately, you should hire your own home inspector, preferably an engineer with experience in doing home surveys in the area where you are buying. His or her job will be to point out potential problems that could require costly repairs down the road.

10. Bid smart.

Your opening bid  on a house should be based on the sales price of similar homes in the neighborhood, and that house's unique set of characteristics. Before bidding consider sales of similar homes in the past several months. Your buyer's agent will be able to assist you in making a competetive and appropriate bid.