Cindy Snyder

This rectangular lot in Salisbury is the perfect place for a private home. Away from busy streets and noise, yet not far from food, fun, and entertainment in Rowan county... OR... Have horses that need a large area to roam or ride in? This is the perfect lot for you! ... OR MAYBE... Enjoy hunting this fall with 3 acres of thriving woods! There is a gentle stream with a bridge that leads to the other half of the parcel - great for beautiful days!

http://www.visualtour.com/shownp.asp?SK=13&T=1700272

"How's The Market! The Market Is The Market!"

The most important thing to remember with the real estate market is that it a regional issue. Many parts of the country are market values are declining such as California, Arizona, Florida and Nevada. Here in North Carolina our market is very strong. In fact Charlotte is number one in the United States for appreciating real estate values. The most recent trends are snowbirds that moved to Florida are leaving the Sunshine State and coming to NC. They are being referred to as halfbacks! With that being said many people in some of the struggling markets are having a time being able to sell their homes in these states.

As far as Cabarrus County, many people are moving here because of the convenience of the commute to Charlotte, state of the art medical facilities, excellent schools, lower taxes and employment opportunities. It is rated #29 rapidly growing counties in the United States.

Currently, there are a lot of first time homebuyers that range in age looking to take the plunge. They are realizing the many benefits in owning a home as opposed to throwing their money away in renting. There are many step up buyers that needs have changed due to a growing family. Also, I have seen others that are downsizing to smaller homes, condos, or townhomes. They want the freedom from the upkeep of large home.

Many people are saying it is a buyers market and that you can get homes for up to 20% below asking price. Maybe in some parts of the country that may be true. However, in our localized market that is not the case. According to the most recent figures for resale homes listed in Cabarrus County on the Carolina Multiple Listing Service are, the average sales price is $190,000, average days on market are 93 days, and the average of percent of asking price versus sales price is 97%. The biggest thing to remember when it comes to selling your home is:

1. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! You can't do anything to change your steep driveway, power lines, sitting too close too the road, or neighbors that don't take care of their property.
2. PRICE- This is crucial to price your house right in this market. Many resale homes are competing with new construction prices.
3. CONDITION- You can do something about this. The largest return on investments are updating kitchen and baths, flooring, neutralizing paint, custom closets, bath and lighting fixtures. It is important to de-clutter your home "Less is More" when it comes to staging a home. It is essential that a home be sparkling clean. This is easier to keep clean after you de-clutter!
4. AVAILIBILTY- Some sellers make it near impossible to see their home. I had one seller that required 3 days notice. Many times I have a buyer in the car for 1 day to find their dream home.
5. INTERNET- About 80% of buyers shop for a home on the internet. I have seen a trend of less showings due to the fact that people do a virtual tour of the home or a drive by. I always tell clients buying a home is a process of elimination not selection! You need to know what you don't like before you know what you like.

In this part of NC we have the best of both worlds. Conveniently located between the Smoky Mountains and the beautiful beaches of NC. This area is such a melting pot of people from all over the country. That is what makes NC such a exciting place to live and raise a family.