Heidi Hines
Displaying blog entries 131-140 of 372
5819 McTaggart Lane
Charlotte, NC 28269
Offered at $369,900
6 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, finished basement, bonus room, private office off the foyer, eat-in kitchen, great room with stacked stone fireplace, fenced yard, deck, patio, irrigation system, oversized finished two car garage, hardwoods on main...more
Call 704-458-4636 today to schedule your personal tour of this home!
One of the first things a buyer will ask when they walk into a home is “How many days has this house been on the market?”.
If a house has been on the market for a long time it is usually due to the following:
The fact that the house has been on the market for a long time should not be a reason not to buy it. Some buyers may think “Well, nobody else wants it, so why should I want it.”. Don’t let that bother you. A lengthy time on the market could work to your advantage. The seller may now be a lot more flexible with their price and terms, which could result in a “steal of a deal” for you.
This should be a caution to sellers: The longer you stay on the market, the less you should expect to receive. You will sell faster and actually achieve a higher price by pricing your house according to the current market.
And here is your morning coffee...
Extreme or Temperate?
You can see it on TV almost every day - extreme football, extreme wrestling, extreme police chases, extreme everything. The TV networks seem to be competing to capture our attention with one-upsmanship to the extreme.
If you're in your 20's to mid 30's, doing things to the extreme may be attractive to you. If you're 35-45, you may be starting to question whether it's necessary to carry things quite so far. If you're over 45, your age of wisdom may have set in - leading you in another direction - towards temperance. The good news is that it's beneficial at any age.
Recently on TV, there was an old interview with Harry Truman at the age of 77. The interviewer David Susskind asked, "To what do you attribute your energy and vitality at age 77?" Truman shot back with noticeable conviction, "Temperance in all things. I take plenty of rest, sleep well at night, and eat the right foods. That leaves me ready to face the challenges of being president."
What a simple word - "temperance." Webster defines it as "moderation in action or thought; restraint; marked by moderation, as in keeping within limits." It does not mean total abstinence or prohibition of action. It is merely a concept that takes into account reasonable, self-imposed limits.
Some see temperance as "clean living." By whatever name, it can bring peace, tranquility, good health, high self-esteem, satisfaction, and financial freedom. What are your self-imposed limits?
Buyers and sellers of real estate in Charlotte, NC are faced with a decision that hinges on many unanswered questions:
The answer to these questions depends on your unique situation. Waiting until prices hit rock bottom may cause you to miss out on some great deals. In some areas of town we have hit rock bottom. We are beginning to see instances of houses selling within a few short weeks.
If you are waiting for the prices to rebound to where they used to be, you may be waiting for another 4-5 years. As the current inventory of homes starts to decrease, we can expect to see the value of homes gradually increase.
You can sell your house for current market value, make an exceptional deal on your next house and enjoy the benefits of a low interest rate.
If your mortgage rate is at least 1% higher than current rates, it may make sense to refinance. Consult with your accountant or CPA to determine what may be right for you.
Walking away from your house and giving it back to the bank should be one of your last alternatives. Your credit will be ruined and you may not be able to purchase another house for many years to come.
And here are my top picks for the week...
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12335 Carrigan Court
Attractive two bedroom, one and a half bathroom townhouse located in the subdivision of Vermillion. The powder room offers a pedestal sink and two-tone fixtures. The inviting living room, approximately 18' x 18', offers crown molding, laminate wood-...
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14904 Colonial Park Drive
Striking four bedroom, plus bonus room, two and a half bathroom home located in the Centennial subdivision. The inviting two-story foyer greets you with warmth offering hardwood flooring, a decorative plant ledge, chair railing, picture frame moldin...
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102 Aurora Lane
Pristine three bedroom, two full bathroom ranch style home located on a wooded lot in the subdivision of Shepherds Vineyard. The welcoming foyer invites you into this home offering hardwood flooring, a side light in the door and a decorative chandel...
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19436 Battery Street
OPEN HOUSE Saturday, February 26th 2:00 - 4:00 pm Attractive three bedroom, two and a half bathroom townhouse located in the subdivision of St Philip Square. The inviting two-story foyer welcomes with warmth offering hardwood flooring and crown mold...
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9901 Drawbridge Drive
Immaculate three bedroom, two full bathroom ranch style home located in the subdivision of Castle Gardens. Enter this home through the inviting foyer offering hardwood flooring, a transom window, crown molding, chair railing, side lights in the door...
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10653 Hill Point Court
Top level two bedroom, two full bathroom condo located in Hyde Park in the University Area. Enter through the welcoming foyer offering Pergo flooring and a coat closet for your convenience. The open great room offers a vaulted ceiling, a ceiling fan...
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9333 Kestral Ridge Drive
Immaculate three bedroom, two full bathroom ranch style home located in the popular swim and golf community of Highland Creek. The inviting foyer welcomes you into this pampered home offering hardwood flooring, a transom window, chair railing, pictu...
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6220 Oak Cove Lane
Gorgeous three bedroom, two and a half bathroom home located in the distinguished swim and golf community of Highland Creek The two story foyer invites you into to this welcoming home offering hardwoods flooring, a chandelier, palladium window above...
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7415 Tarland Lane
Pristine five bedroom, three and a half bath home with a finished basement located in the popular subdivision of Highland Creek. Enter this home through the two-story foyer that features crown molding, palladium window, side lights in the door, chan...
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6416 Tunston Lane
Spectacular three bedroom, two and a half bathroom home backs up to the pond in the award winning community of Highland Creek. The inviting two-story foyer welcomes you into this home offering hardwood flooring, a palladium window, transom window ov...
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When you think of spring, images of beautiful flowers, trees sprouting new growth, gorgeous green pastures and the warmth of the sun come to mind.
“All those things are wonderful reasons to welcome spring, but for a Realtor® there are additional reasons to feel cheerful.” says Heidi Hines a local Charlotte, NC real estate expert. “Traditionally spring through October are the stronger months for our local real estate activity.” says Hines.
“There is an abundance of great bargains as well as low interest rates currently available, and therefore we could be looking at an extremely active market.” according to Hines.
Builders and sellers of existing homes will get more competitive in an effort to take advantage of the expected spurt in the market.
Most economists believe the interest rates will soon rise into the 5% range or higher, which is another reason for potential buyers and sellers to aggressively take advantage of the spring and summer markets.
Ready, Set...Spring into action! It’s your Move...
And here is your morning coffee...
GIVE YOURSELF A PRESENT!
Regardless of who you have been in the past - why not give yourself a "present"? Each of us experiences regret from time to time over what we have done - or left undone - in the past. Perhaps our transgressions were great - or just seemed so in our heart.
To become a different person in the future, St. Jerome suggests that you must "begin to be" that person now. If your career is overwhelming you, begging to be tamed, begin now to untangle it. Begin today to simplify your activities.
If you would like to be more caring, begin today by complimenting someone. Want to be more understanding? Listen carefully to one you love - today. Want greater financial independence? Analyze your income and your expenses, then earn more and live on less - beginning today.
Nothing happens until you "begin to be." Interestingly, however, the moment you BEGIN, you actually ARE the person you desire to be, provided you continue to be. The moment you change anything in your life, the past is over, forever.
Want a new beginning in your life? Don't wait for some earth-shattering, life-changing event to get your attention. Get started today!
8233 Christmas Court #6904
Charlotte, NC 28216
Offered at $129,900
3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, hardwoods on the main level, peninsula style fireplace, vaulted ceiling in the great room, spacious eat-in kitchen, master bedroom offers a vaulted ceiling and walk-in closet, covered patio...more
Call 704-458-4636 today to schedule your personal tour of this home!
A potential seller in Charlotte, NC recently asked me how flexible they should be on their asking price.
Contrary to popular belief, a seller should not price their house more than a few thousand above current market value. Most people believe that a buyer will discount the asking price by 10% or more, and therefore you should allow for that by adjusting your price upwards.
The fact is, you will most likely have buyers making low offers, but that is alright. Other than an investor, a buyer will only make an offer on a house if they can actually see themselves living in it. They’ve made their offer, now let’s see what they are willing to pay.
An overpriced house is not on the market, but off the market. The longer your house sits unsold, the less money you can expect to achieve. Keep in mind one of the first questions a buyer asks when entering a house, “How long has this house been on the market?”
And here is your morning coffee...
ME, MYSELF & I - A GROUP OF ONE!
Remember this tune from the protest era? "One is the loneliest number that you'll ever do." The poignant lyrics call attention to the reality that being alone, being a group of one, can be a very lonely, uncomfortable, and sometimes challenging situation.
When it comes to the important issues in your life, it's much more comforting to know that others are standing with you. You stand up for a student issue at a PTO meeting, and others stand with you. You call attention to a social injustice, and are backed by a majority of the members in your organization. Together, the group gives strength and credibility to the views of its leader.
What, then, if the leader and followers are a group of just one? What value is there in taking a position with no one to back you up? What's more, acting alone often stimulates inner questioning, self-doubt, and ultimately self-defeat.
So, where do you stand when it comes to defending your own principles of living? When you witness cheating, dishonesty, or unfair criticism of others, do you stand up as a group of one when no one else cares to stand with you? Do you then feel like the "lone voice in the wilderness?"
Our world has few leaders and many followers. The stand you take alone may provide the inspiration needed by followers who agree, but who do not have the ability to speak out on their own. As Ghandi counseled, just because you're "the lone voice . . . doesn't mean you're wrong."
A homeowner in Charlotte, NC recently asked me this question: Due to the recent addition of our new baby boy, we are now faced with the need for a larger home. We recently had our house appraised and discovered we owe about $20,000 more than it is currently worth. We are now thinking about staying here but adding another room to our house that would serve as a nursery.
We had a contractor give us an estimate for the room addition and his bid came in around $20,000, which is the same amount we are upside down on our house. Do you think it would be wise to put the extra money into a house that is already valued less than we owe?
Answer: Keep in mind that real estate values in the area may still go down even lower. We’ll most likely will see more activity and an upward turn toward the end of this year, but a complete recovery may be a good 5 years out. Therefore, the cost of the new addition could cause you to be upside down on your house for many years to come.
Unless you are planning to stay in the house for at least 8 -10 years, I would recommend you find another solution to your problem.
And here are my top picks for the week...
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139 Morrows Ridge Road
Striking four bedroom, two and a half bathroom home located in the waterfront community of The Harbour at The Pointe. The two-story foyer invites you into this home offering hardwood flooring and a transom window. The powder room offers a pedestal s...
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146 Wendover Trace
Impressive five bedroom, two and a half bathroom home located in the subdivision of Morrison Plantation, convenient to shops, restaurants and the lake! Enter this home through the welcoming two story foyer offering hardwood flooring, crown molding, ...
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911 Irish Creek Drive
Build your dream home in this on this spectacular homesite within a stunning community. Almost a full acre wooded lot located in the Irish Creek subdivision and within biking distance of the North Carolina Research Campus, a village with shops, rest...
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18619 Victoria Bay Drive
Striking four bedroom, two and a half bathroom home in the subdivision of Victoria Bay. Enter the home through the inviting two-story foyer offering ceramic tile flooring, a palladium window, chair railing and a coat closet for your convenience. The...
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5301 Bentgrass Run Drive
Immaculate home offering three bedrooms, two and a half baths located in the distinguished swim and golf community of Highland Creek. The two-story foyer is sure to greet family and friends with warmth featuring a chandelier window, chair railing, p...
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4908 Chestnut Knoll Lane
Immaculate four bedroom, two and a half bathroom home located in the subdivision of Davis Lake. Enjoy a short walk to the private 14 acre lake that is stocked with fish for catch and release. Relax in the lakeside gazebo while watching the sunset ov...
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6132 Hidden Meadow Lane
Pristine three bedroom, two and a half bath, two story home located in the desirable neighborhood of Highland Creek offering stunning curb appeal with professional landscaping and a well manicured lawn. Enjoy the many amenities that surround you in ...
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6213 Regal Court
Stunning all brick five bedroom, three and a half bathroom executive style home located in the swim and golf community of Highland Creek. Enter this home through the welcoming foyer offering hardwood flooring, transom window, side lights in the door...
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4417 Squirrel Trail Lane
Fabulous three bedroom, two full bathroom ranch style home located in the popular swim and golf community of Highland Creek. The inviting foyer greets you with warmth offering hardwood flooring, an oil rubbed light fixture, a side light in the door ...
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363 Tranquil Avenue
Beautiful three bedroom, two full bathroom ranch home located in the subdivision of Myers Parks. The spacious entry hall greets you with hardwood flooring, crown molding and side lights in the door. The living room offers hardwood flooring, crown mo...
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4417 Squirrel Trail Lane
Charlotte, NC 28269
Offered at $178,700
3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, unfinished bonus room over the two car garage, open great room with gas fireplace, eat-in kitchen, spacious master bedroom, great neighborhood with tons of amenities...more
Call 704-458-4636 today to schedule your personal tour of this home!
18619 Victoria Bay Drive
Cornelius, NC 28031
Offered at $189,800
4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, fenced yard, two-story foyer, dining room with trey ceiling, eat-in kitchen with granite countertops opens to the great room with gas fireplace and a built-in entertainment niche...more
Call 704-458-4636 today to schedule your personal tour of this home!
Last year proved to be a disaster for many homeowners throughout the United States. Due to the economic downturn and decreasing real estate values, one in every four Americans found themselves owing more on their mortgages than their house was worth. Additionally, 2.4 million homeowners are getting closer and closer to facing the same reality.
As a general rule, a stable housing market would only see approximately 5 percent of homeowners upside down on their homes.
When will the US real estate market bottom out and begin the rise back to a more normal market? Unfortunately the answer is not a simple one. Normally we would see an improvement when people begin spending money on things other than basic necessities, but for many people it will take a while before they will have the ability to do so.
And here is your morning coffee...
YOU'RE THE STAR!
Do you believe Orville & Wilbur were first to fly because they had a hammer, nails and a free weekend? Think the television was created by accident? Did Bill Gates just stumble upon the software code that has changed the world? Not a chance!
The Wright brothers created the previews of their first flight in the theatre of their minds. Naturally, there were no limitations to their imaginings as they dreamed of flying. Who knows how the dream of television became reality . . . how it was transformed from a mere visualization into vacuum tubes, knobs, and channels?
What went through Bill Gates' mind prior to his early experiments? Surely his first visions were not of a colorful package entitled "Windows 2000." Nevertheless, his vivid imagination took us all from the concept of "1's" and "0's" to today's monumentally complex world of computer software and internet browsers.
What about you? What goes on in your mind's eye while no one is looking? What do you see yourself doing in one, three, or five years? Do you hear a special future beckoning you to create an action thriller from the previews running through your imagination? Is there a stirring inside you that begs to be brought to fruition?
Why not grab some popcorn, a soft drink, and settle quietly into your favorite chair to enjoy the previews of your own imagination? Then, with a clear picture fresh in your mind, create the main attraction - your life!
Displaying blog entries 131-140 of 372
