About Mecklenburg County, NC

Charlotte NC

The Stimulus Plan and Charlotte- State Politics at Work Again AS Charlotte Receives $34.09 PP, Lenoir County $744 PP

Everyone is familiar with the national brouhaha behind The Economic Recovery Act, aka the stimulus plan... Is it possible that, at the State level, the funds could have been politically hijacked, and sent to primarily rural political strongholds in the state? It is possible that the rural interests gain once again at the expense of the cities that pay the state's bills?

The Stimulus invested $563,065, 282 in North Carolina, and of that $512,689,234 is "Under Contract", or allocated presumably with "shovel-ready " projects and contractors from around the state. Much of this data comes from ProPublica*

How was it decided who would get what?

North Carolina, 10th largest state in the nation, was treated fairly by the Federal Government. It has received the 9th largest State Stimulus Check at $563,065,282.

Where have the Federal Stimulus funds been allocated in North Carolina?

Since the Charlotte area is, by far, the largest county by population in NC , the largest contributor to state GDP, it is logical to assume we are receiving the largest amount for stimulus funding, right? No, not exactly. Surely it is Raleigh? No, not Raleigh either.RDU? Guess again...

Congressional District 5, Virgina Foxx (R) andSenarotr Burr's former District... Have a look for your self: The rest of the story- spending by Congressional District, and County Charlotte NC Stimulus

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Charlotte NC

It's a new game with tax credits on until April 30, 2010!!!

"The $8,000 Tax Credit Looks Good, But how do I make a good decision when buying a home in today's market?" A recent Charlotte home buyer asked me... and made me think.

If you listened to the talking heads on TV, you would be convinced that the world as we know it is about to come to an end. Well no. We are still working here in Charlotte, going to work, selling homes, like about 2/3's of the rest of the country that have not experienced big price declines.

Still, in this market, there is a premium on Buying Smart. If you are thinking that is much more than "Buying Low" you are right!

5 Keys to Home Buying Success in Today's Market

1. Buy for the long term and plan to stay a minimum of 3 years, preferably 5-7 years. The longer you stay, the lower the risk in your investment. You get tax savings every year, and it just makes sense you have more time to let your home appreciate, and appreciation WILL be back in Charlotte before too long.

2. Buy a home in a community with a "Value- Anchor." What is a Value-Anchor? Anything that sets a particular set of homes apart to a large number of potential purchasers. Some examples include: The area it self, in Charlotte Myers Park, Southpark, these names have cache... not coincidentally they are closer to uptown. Waterfront, waterview, golf course, these are all homes that have attracted, and will attract a particular set of buyers.

The communities above are higher priced- you are starting out, maybe you can't afford these, then look for other value anchors, for example: communities with great natural beauty, communities with loads of amenities, communities with great schools (though this can change over 10 years) still look for a value anchor in every house or community. Close to town works almost anywhere. Other community anchors might be high quality amenities, larger lots (than the neighors) , great parks or greenways nearby, unusually convenient neighborhood, etc. There are too many to list, but I always ask, what is the value anchor, or value proposition for this home and community?

3. Buy Quality over quantity-Smaller, well cared for home with custom features are more and more preferred to a big plain box, and the dramatic shift in the last year is towards smaller homes. At any price point, look for the home with the most features, with attention to the feature that last.

4. Don't over buy, and finance with incredibly low 30 year Fixed which won't last forever. Current rates are around r 5%, and what a difference that makes. I bought my first home when interest rates were 11%! I made 45K per year and qualified for an $85,000 home- today, the same $45K could buy a home, with a 5% loan, at $175,000, with similar $1,000/mo payments to my first 11% loan. (Depending on down payment, taxes , HOA fees etc)

5. Shop for the right community, the right deal, and then the particular house- in that order, to insure you are most likely to be happy with your purchase and stay. You can make changes to the house to make it more to your liking, but if it is in a great community you want to live in, and you got it at a great price, that is something you can build on.

Do be sure and claim the $8000 Federal Tax Credit if you purchase by --November 30, 2009, April 30, 2010--it is FREE money.

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Remember, to qualify for the $500 Gift card, give us a call first-704-351-1519- we'll often get the right agent on the phone right then... and get you started. Sign up here for your Fast Start Guide to Buying Your First Home Why You Need A Buyer Agent- Sand Traps and Land Mines to Avoid When Buying Your First home Learn more about the McDonald Team and First Home Buyers.

Charlotte Home Prices Passed Bottom and Trending UP

Search for Charlotte Homes, Townhomes and Condos (First)

When you are looking at listings lately, you may have noticed something new; the Walk Score. The Walk Score indicates how well you can get around an area on foot. The higher the score, the less you would need to depend on a car for your every day needs. One study recently looked at how the Walk Score affected the value of a home. Over all, for a one point increase in the score could raise home values by $500-$3000!

Homes that are located within walking distance to amenities are becoming more and more in demand. Rising gas costs and growing environmental awareness are causing more people to rethink the way they live. Owning a home where you can walk to the corner market is becoming more and more attractive to buyers. This is where the Walk Score comes in. A score of 70 or more usually means you can forgo driving if you want to. With schools, parks, public transportation and shopping nearby, a higher score may mean a home in the area may hold its' value better, according to the study.

Let's take a look at a current listing in Charlotte; 1166 Montford Dr. The walk score for this address is 82. Less than a mile away another beautiful Charlotte home, 970 Blackberry Cir, has a walking score of 43. The score can change drastically by just a few streets. For some, the convenience of having all you need within walking distance is very important. By utilizing the new Walk Score system, you can narrow your search to homes that meet your family's lifestyle.

If you have questions about home values or buying tips for first time homeowners, call Lars Hedenborg! His team can help whether you are ready to walk into your own new home, or sell your current home. He is your local real estate expert for Greater Charlotte!

701 N Church Street Fourth Ward Uptown Charlotte NC is UNDER CONTRACT!

Sorry you missed this one in the heart of Uptown Charlotte NC Fourth Ward ! This was the only one available in this unique complex overlooking the beautiful Charlotte NC skyline. Historic Fourth Ward is a popular spot for residents of all ages as there is something to do for everyone. Dine in 5-star restaurants just around the corner or walk to the arena and catch our Bobcats in action!

Fourth Ward Charlotte NC - Announcing 701 N Church Street Fourth Ward Uptown Charlotte NC - a 2,264 sq. ft., 5 bath (3 full, 2 half), 3 bedroom townhouse "Traditional - Full Brick". Now MLS® SALE NOW PENDING $465,000. Click the link below to take a tour of this beautiful condo in Uptown Charlotte NC:

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