Your Property People, Inc. is a full service real estate brokerage offering residential and commercial services to the greater Charlotte area. We have agents who speciaize in Western Union County including Marvin, Weddington and Waxhaw and the south Charlotte area, including Ballantyne, Piper Glen, and South Park.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Utility Bills Got You Down?
Are your utility bills going up as the temperatures outside go down? You can analyze your home's energy usage on Union Power's web site. Might be an insightful exercise and could save you money!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Could recent home sales affect your home's value?
Could 2010 home sales affect your home's value? The Charlotte Observer ran an analysis on Mecklenburg home sales for the year, and introduced the data in an interactive online map. See how home sales compare in your neighborhood!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Featured Broker: Sheila Chillcott, Broker/Realtor
Sheila and her family have lived in South Charlotte since 1997. As a volunteer for the PTA Board and the YMCA, and Committee Chairman of the Homeowner’s Association, she is a valued community leader.Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, she attended Robert Morris University and has a BA in Marketing. She is a member of the North Carolina Association of Realtors and the Carolina MLS.
Sheila has a true passion and knowledge for the real estate market, and would love the opportunity to work for you. Whether buying or selling, she will use her expertise and experience to have your home staged and sold, or help you find your next dream home.
Please contact Sheila at Sheila@YourPropertyPeople.com or 704-641-5525.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Golf Club Membership Information
Like most other markets across the country, the Charlotte residential market is on a down cycle. Many current homebuyers can afford to be choosy, and neighborhood amenities can play a big role when making a buying decision.
Golf and social clubs are an attractive amenity in many luxury neighborhoods. But their prices, offerings and membership structures vary from club to club. Your Property People, Inc. recently surveyed area clubs to gather helpful information for buyer clients and recommend asking some important questions when evaluating club memberships.
Private or Public?
Some clubs are private; the only members allowed are residents of the neighborhood. Others are open to non-residents. Still others offer memberships by invitation only.
Membership Levels?
Clubs offer a variety of membership levels which may include a combination of golf, social or swim privileges. Fees can be paid either monthly or annually, with a few clubs offering lifetime memberships for one initial investment. Some memberships can even be made on a refundable basis.
Dining Fees?
Most area clubs surveyed require a monthly or annual food minimum to be spent in the club restaurants. Only one did not require a dining fee or food minimum.
For detailed information about our survey, please contact Gina Lorenzo at 704.545.7605 or gina@yourpropertypeople.com.
Golf and social clubs are an attractive amenity in many luxury neighborhoods. But their prices, offerings and membership structures vary from club to club. Your Property People, Inc. recently surveyed area clubs to gather helpful information for buyer clients and recommend asking some important questions when evaluating club memberships.
Private or Public?
Some clubs are private; the only members allowed are residents of the neighborhood. Others are open to non-residents. Still others offer memberships by invitation only.
Membership Levels?
Clubs offer a variety of membership levels which may include a combination of golf, social or swim privileges. Fees can be paid either monthly or annually, with a few clubs offering lifetime memberships for one initial investment. Some memberships can even be made on a refundable basis.
Dining Fees?
Most area clubs surveyed require a monthly or annual food minimum to be spent in the club restaurants. Only one did not require a dining fee or food minimum.
For detailed information about our survey, please contact Gina Lorenzo at 704.545.7605 or gina@yourpropertypeople.com.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Makeup Dates for Union County Schools
Helpful information for parents of kids in Union County Schools: The makeup dates for the recent weather-related school closings have been posted. Please see our Marvin Elementary School web site for a copy of the makeup dates for all Union County schools: http://mres.ucps.k12.nc.us/news/jump.php?news_id=7771!
Friday, January 14, 2011
Featured Broker: Julie Jenkins, Broker/Realtor NC/SC
This week's featured broker is Julie Jenkins, Realtor/Broker in North Carolina and South Carolina! Here is Julie’s bio:"I have lived in Charlotte the last 12 years and have been amazed with the growth and all that this city has to offer. Real Estate is my passion and I truly enjoy helping people with selling and buying their homes. I work hard to meet the needs of all my clients and I will do the same for you. Whether you are buying or selling, I will walk you through the sales process and be there every step of the way. I specialize in Union County, South Charlotte, and Fort Mill. If you are in the market to buy or sell, contact me today and let’s get started!"
Contact Julie at 704-604-1808 or visit her web site at http://www.julesrulesrealty.com.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Featured Property: Luxury Home in Chatsworth Neighborhood (Waxhaw, NC)
Announcing a luxurious 5,200 square feet home with an additional 2,500 sf walk-out basement in the beautiful neighborhood of Chatsworth in Waxhaw, NC! The property features a three-car garage on the main level and a separate single-car garage at basement-level. The main living areas are simply gorgeous, with wide plank hardwood floors throughout. The kitchen features cherry glazed cabinets. The home also boasts three fireplaces, two of which are wood-burning. The home is nestled on a one-acre lot and is zoned for the desirable A+ Marvin School district!
For more information and photos, please see our web site or contact Gina Lorenzo at 704.545.7605 or gina@yourpropertypeople.com.
Monday, January 10, 2011
What is driving the continuing decline in home prices?
Short sales and foreclosures are continuing to cause downward pressure on home sales at every price point. While appraisers do not use these types of sales to determine the fair market value of a home, these sales do ultimately have a huge impact on overall sales prices.
When buyers choose to buy a significantly lower priced home, it forces the sellers of fair market value homes to lower their price in order to attract a buyer. This is in turn results in a "lower comps" for a community which makes it almost impossible for a seller to maintain a higher price in a depressed market. Even if a seller can hold out for that "right" buyer to get their price, a bank may not appraise the home for the contract price if there isn't sufficient sales history in the community to support the higher price. Until the market is purged of a large percentage of the short sale and foreclosure inventory on the market, there is not likely to be a recovery in home prices here in our area.
See CNN's recent article entitled "Home price plunge is widespread."
When buyers choose to buy a significantly lower priced home, it forces the sellers of fair market value homes to lower their price in order to attract a buyer. This is in turn results in a "lower comps" for a community which makes it almost impossible for a seller to maintain a higher price in a depressed market. Even if a seller can hold out for that "right" buyer to get their price, a bank may not appraise the home for the contract price if there isn't sufficient sales history in the community to support the higher price. Until the market is purged of a large percentage of the short sale and foreclosure inventory on the market, there is not likely to be a recovery in home prices here in our area.
See CNN's recent article entitled "Home price plunge is widespread."
Friday, January 7, 2011
Announcing Another Property Sale
Your Property People announces another successful home sale! An adorable bungalow home in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood of Charlotte sold in December for only $2,000 below list price and closed in 30 days! For more information, please contact Gina Lorenzo at 704.575.7605 or gina@yourpropertypeople.com.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
MID Editorial from the National Association of Realtors
NAR's chief economist, Lawrence Yun, responded to a recent OpEd in the Washington Post. See the article.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Defending the Mortgage Interest Deducation (MID)
Some in congress are attempting to brand home ownership as a bad idea. They argue that money saved from the elimination of the mortgage interest deduction (MID) will help reduce the current federal deficit.
Eliminating the deduction is very risky. If such legislation passes, home-ownership - a source of pride for many Americans - will be instantly devalued. The housing markets will likely further destabilize, with home prices expected to drop another 15%. Greater burdens will be placed upon those struggling to hold on to their current homes or those saving for a home.
Politicians proposing to eliminate the deduction claim that "the mortgage interest deduction encourages buyers to be fiscally irresponsible by giving them more purchasing power to buy a more expensive home than they otherwise could afford." As an experienced Realtor, I have never had a single buyer client determine the price of a house based on the interest deduction. Buyers often arrive at a price based on total income, available down payment, interest rate and overall financial goals.
Those that oppose the MID also claim that the deduction only benefits high income people. However, according to the National Association of Realtors, “almost two-thirds [of homeowners] are middle-income earners…, the pillars of our federal income tax revenue.” In addition to hurting these earners, other small businesses serving homeowners will be affected. Through trickle down spending, homeowners spend money on home improvements ranging from porches, patios and fireplaces to furniture, window treatments and paint. All of this spending benefits our economy as a whole rather than just a certain income bracket.
The interest deduction has long been a significant tax benefit to homeowners of all incomes across the nation. Eliminating this benefit at a time when the country is still reeling from a severe recession is not only risky, but it is like kicking a dog when it is already down.
For more information regarding the mortgage interest deduction, see the following article on Realtor.org.
Eliminating the deduction is very risky. If such legislation passes, home-ownership - a source of pride for many Americans - will be instantly devalued. The housing markets will likely further destabilize, with home prices expected to drop another 15%. Greater burdens will be placed upon those struggling to hold on to their current homes or those saving for a home.
Politicians proposing to eliminate the deduction claim that "the mortgage interest deduction encourages buyers to be fiscally irresponsible by giving them more purchasing power to buy a more expensive home than they otherwise could afford." As an experienced Realtor, I have never had a single buyer client determine the price of a house based on the interest deduction. Buyers often arrive at a price based on total income, available down payment, interest rate and overall financial goals.
Those that oppose the MID also claim that the deduction only benefits high income people. However, according to the National Association of Realtors, “almost two-thirds [of homeowners] are middle-income earners…, the pillars of our federal income tax revenue.” In addition to hurting these earners, other small businesses serving homeowners will be affected. Through trickle down spending, homeowners spend money on home improvements ranging from porches, patios and fireplaces to furniture, window treatments and paint. All of this spending benefits our economy as a whole rather than just a certain income bracket.
The interest deduction has long been a significant tax benefit to homeowners of all incomes across the nation. Eliminating this benefit at a time when the country is still reeling from a severe recession is not only risky, but it is like kicking a dog when it is already down.
For more information regarding the mortgage interest deduction, see the following article on Realtor.org.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Gina Lorenzo Adds Short Sale Designation
Gina Lorenzo has recently earned the Certified Short Sale Seller (CSSS) designation, which is the only designation of its kind that is specific to the state of North Carolina and approved by the North Carolina Real Estate Commission.The designation adds to Gina’s list of credentials that make her an expert in local residential short sales. In addition to advising clients on the short sale process and facilitating deals, Gina earned her Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource (SFR) certification in 2010.
When buying or selling a home through the short sale process, it is critical to partner with a knowledgeable and experienced Realtor. Call 704.575.7605 to learn how Gina can help you confidently navigate through the complexities of a short sale.
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