Property taxes and Assessed Tax Values of Property is a huge concern and lends to much confusion when relocating to North and South Carolina! Consider property taxes to be "market value" at a random time. What?
Let us begin with North Carolina. North Carolina requires each county to reassess values (basically to update market values) every 4 to 8 years. Naturally, the values on homes 6 or 7 years ago may be very different. Each NC County decides when and how often to assess their property. For example, Mecklenburg County reassessed for 2011. This includes Charlotte, Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson, Matthews, Pineville and Mint Hill. The tax values should be close to fair market value of the home.
To the south in Union County, the last assessment was in 2008. This was when the economy began to falter. These values are lower than they would have been in 2007 but still not reflective of today's true market value. The County rejected a plan to reassess in 2012 so the current values will stand for at least another year.
Cabarrus County also last reassessed in 2008, Iredell reassessed in 2011 and Gaston County reassessed in 2007. Keep this in mind as you compare "list price" to "tax value". Gaston County provides a great baseline to how much the market has changed since 2007. Expect to pay closer to tax value in Iredell or Mecklenburg County but keep in mind these assessments are not actually appraisals.
Each county assesses based on "Mass Property Evaluations". There is a good possibility that certain facts are not truly factored in such as updates, recent changes, redistricting of schools and other real factors that determine property values. The assessments are typically close but do not rely too heavily. I have seen the tax records exaggerate the square footage (typically not considering 2 story great rooms and foyers) along with underestimating square footage (not realizing the basement, attic or sun room is now finished.
South Carolina Property taxes are different. The assessments are every 5 years and your primary residence has a lower tax rate than investment homes (does not impact assessed value but does directly impact your pocket book. I will leave that for a future blog.
When considering Charlotte area real estate, be sure not to weigh too heavily of tax value. Tax value can be helpful when comparing within the same county as a base line. There are many factors to consider to assure you are getting a great property value. Visit Charlotte Real Estate or Charlotte Homes for Sale to consider your understanding of greater the greater Charlotte Real Estate market!
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Charlotte Real Estate Market Activity
The Charlotte Real Estate market is improving based on sales in 2010. The data in this blog is from August 1 though Sept 22nd. I wanted over a month of data and wanted information that is timely (today is September 22nd). The Charlotte Real Estate homes sold last year (2010) during the same time period has increased 22%.
August 1- September 22 2010
Foreclosure Sales: 26% of all sales
Short Sales: 4.7% of all sales
New Homes: 14% of all sales
August 1 - September 22 2011
Foreclosures: 17% of all sales
Short Sales: 5.5% of all sales
New Homes: 14% of all sales
The trends have improved over the past year in Charlotte Real Estate. Short Sales have increased slightly (in comparison to the Charlotte Foreclosures) but this is also because lenders are improving their short sale process and it is becoming more efficient.
Overall, this is very positive news for the greater Charlotte Real Estate market! everyone wants to purchase a home "at the bottom". Unfortunately, by the time you discover where the bottom "was" you missed it! Mortgage Interest rates are at historical low and Charlotte Homes are prices aggressively. It is time to buy!
August 1- September 22 2010
Foreclosure Sales: 26% of all sales
Short Sales: 4.7% of all sales
New Homes: 14% of all sales
August 1 - September 22 2011
Foreclosures: 17% of all sales
Short Sales: 5.5% of all sales
New Homes: 14% of all sales
The trends have improved over the past year in Charlotte Real Estate. Short Sales have increased slightly (in comparison to the Charlotte Foreclosures) but this is also because lenders are improving their short sale process and it is becoming more efficient.
Overall, this is very positive news for the greater Charlotte Real Estate market! everyone wants to purchase a home "at the bottom". Unfortunately, by the time you discover where the bottom "was" you missed it! Mortgage Interest rates are at historical low and Charlotte Homes are prices aggressively. It is time to buy!
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Townhome in Ballantyne for Sale
Looking for brick townhome in Ballantyne? How about a 2 car garage, Master Bedroom on main floor with 3 bedrooms? Walk to shopping at Stonecrest at Piper Glen! What an amazing quality of life!
Visit the Virtual tour of 11182 Villa Trace Place and see what you have been missing!
There is a townhome for sale in the Villas of Ballantyne Trace that is sure to exceed your expectations! Enjoy the affluence of South Charlotte homes! It is hard to believe this home is listed at $245,000! It is time to take advantage of this opportunity!
The pride of home ownership is reflected throughout this home! The closets are organized with California Closets (closet organizers). The deck is incredible! This home has been maintained with quality and meticulous detail. You are sure to be impressed! Visit Ballantyne Homes for Sale to discover more about our great area! Call me, Rick Waite today at 704-770-6559 to see this amazing home!
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!
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!
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!
Sunday, May 08, 2011
Charlotte Area Retirement Communities
There are a variety of retirement subdivisions in the greater Charlotte area. One very popular area is South Carolina in both York and Lancaster County. South Carolina has lower property taxes for residents in addition to a senior property tax discount. This means a lot to seniors with a fixed income.
One subdivision in Fort Mill SC is Four Seasons at Gold Hill. This is a relatively small subdivision that was built by K. Hovnanian in the mid to late 2000's. This is an age restricted community which preserves the active adult environment that you are seeking. There are permanent resident exceptions for adult children, a spouse or care taker that resides with the "age qualified" person. This assures the integrity of the community.
Visit Charlotte Real Estate and learn about the great Charlotte area homes for sale; it's time for you to improve your quality of life.
One subdivision in Fort Mill SC is Four Seasons at Gold Hill. This is a relatively small subdivision that was built by K. Hovnanian in the mid to late 2000's. This is an age restricted community which preserves the active adult environment that you are seeking. There are permanent resident exceptions for adult children, a spouse or care taker that resides with the "age qualified" person. This assures the integrity of the community.
Visit Charlotte Real Estate and learn about the great Charlotte area homes for sale; it's time for you to improve your quality of life.
Friday, May 06, 2011
Meet your neighbors at Charlotte Area Festivals this weekend!
When relocating to an area, meeting your neighbors is a must before you purchase your new Charlotte Area Home. A great place to experience our culture and to meet your neighbors is at local festivals. This weekend there is a Strawberry festival in Fort Mill. Fort Mill Real Estate is just across the South Carolina border. Downtown Fort Mill is about 15 miles form uptown Charlotte.
In north Charlotte the is a Dragon Festival to celebrate the Chinese tradition. This is in Cornelius in the greater Lake Norman Real Estate area. This is on Saturday from 11:00 to 4:00.
As you visit the greater Charlotte region, visit our suburbs and discover our quality of life. Charlotte Real Estate offers something for everyone. Are you ready for a change?
In north Charlotte the is a Dragon Festival to celebrate the Chinese tradition. This is in Cornelius in the greater Lake Norman Real Estate area. This is on Saturday from 11:00 to 4:00.
As you visit the greater Charlotte region, visit our suburbs and discover our quality of life. Charlotte Real Estate offers something for everyone. Are you ready for a change?
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