Saturday, June 25, 2011

Charlotte Foreclosures: How much to offer?

In the Charlotte Real Estate market, clients frequenlty ask the ultimate question is: How can I purchase Charlotte Foreclosures for the least amount of money?

The first key is to be able to recognize a great deal. When a home is aggressively prices (well below the previous sale price) and well below the neighboring homes, it is likely to be a great deal. Too many times I have had buyers go against my recommendations and lose the home for a couple of thousand dollars. After the fact, (hind site is 20/20), they voice regrets that they should have listened and just paid more. It was already a great deal.

A recent home I was showing was listed at $125,000. The home sold "new" for over $212,000 in 2005. It was in great share. Naturally, there were multiple offer in days. The final sale price was $131,000. This was a cash sale. With paint, a few light fixtures and a few appliances, you have a great home!

Other buyers lost this home because they did not want to pay too much! When you realize that you are getting $60,000 in equity (allowing for a depressed market), why would you worry about $3,000 to $5,000? That is silly.

You need to step back and keep things in perspective. It is not a "deal" just because it is a foreclosure. It is not quite so simple. Together we will look for great deals but be prepared to react when it is a great deal. Yes, you are buying a home and there seems to be pressure when making a quick decision. It is strictly numbers. If the numbers indicate you are getting a great home at an unbelievable price, there is a time to sit back and a time to place your offer.

Visit Charlotte Real Estate to learn more about the great opportunities in the greater Charlotte real estate market!

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Short Sale Activity Picking Up!

The Charlotte Real Estate market continues forward and I have found the Short Sale process continues to improve. Yes, it still will take several months before the lender responds but this time frame is now closer to 3 months as opposed to 6 months or longer!

As a seller this is a huge plus. You are in a very stressful situation; the sooner you home is sold, the sooner you can begin moving forward. It will take time for the bank to evaluate the offer and to assure the offer is legitimate. Unfortunately there are many people out to take advantage of a system; you can not blame the lender's hesitation.

This is also good for the buyer. What is the benefit of a Short Sale over a foreclosure? There are many people searching for a foreclosure. Yes, a foreclosure can easily close in 30 days but there is a lot of competition to any aggressively priced homes. Not so with a short sale.

A short sale has very limited competition since most people want to close on a home in a month or so. Good things come to those who wait. You can find a great deal in a foreclosure, be patient and get the home of your dreams. You will typically find the short sale will be in better condition than a foreclosure so it is a huge win!

As the real estate market and the economy continues at a slow pace, we must figure out how to make the best of a bad situation. Charlotte Short Sales should be considered if you have the time and patience to wait. There are great deals in Charlotte Foreclosures and standard resales, it just depends on what works best for you!