Noah Levy: May 2010

Via Debe Maxwell, CRS - Charlotte NC MLS - Charlotte NC Neighborhoods (Helen Adams Realty):

How to be a Strong Charlotte NC Home Buyer

During a slow market, buyers have the biggest advantages of all.  That’s why now is a great time to buy Charlotte NC homes.  Haggle without feeling guilty because you have the upper hand; your seller is likely to have the upper hand upon their purchase.  But, don't be 'smug' about it though--keep in mind that sellers have likely taken the advice of agents with market knowledge who have helped them position their homes on the market--WELL.   As the market bounces back, you will have the added bonus of rising prices making your home worth more than it was when you bought it.

Even in this buyers’ market, you need to be a strong buyer.  Otherwise, you could crumble when faced with negotiating prices or needed repairs.  Three ways to be a strong buyer of Charlotte NC homes:

•    Tour any home for sale with a set idea of the value of property in the area.  This means taking a little time to do your homework.  Your Realtor® knows the prices of the area, you can't be run over by a forceful seller who is determined to convince you his price is firm and fair market value.  This knowledge also helps you deal with sellers who are emotionally attached to their homes and can't price them according to true market value.
•    Tour homes for sale with an experienced Realtor® who has extensive knowledge of the community.  When you have a professional Realtor® working for you, you are not alone.  Your agent will do all your negotiating for you and will also benefit from their intimate knowledge of the area and what to look for in a Charlotte NC home.
•    Tour any home for sale knowing your needs and price range in advance.  Going home shopping without a clear concept of what you want and what you can afford, can lead to emotional decisions.  That can be hazardous for your bank account too!

Be sure you’re pre-approved and armed with the confidence to know what you want and how much you’re willing and able to pay.

If you would like more tips on how to be a strong Charlotte NC home buyer, give me a call today at (704) 491-3310 or email me at Debe@DebeMaxwell.com

   

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Disclosure of material contained within.

The Arts and Crafts movement started in Great Britain in the mid-1800s, led by central figure William Morris.  His decorative interior design objects would be a natural fit in many homes throughout the North Shore, which comes as no surprise.  In the United States, the Arts and Crafts Movement found its greatest expression in American Craftsman style architecture, which left a major mark on many North Shore homes and communities.  The Arts and Crafts Society started in Chicago in 1897 at the famous Hull House.  There are several Craftsman homes throughout Highland Park IL including 2419 St. Johns Avenue and 381 Orchard Lane.  

Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie School of Architecture was an offshoot of American Arts and Crafts movement,  and it might be the most distinctive style of architecture to emerge in the midwest.  We have many beautiful examples here in Highland Park IL.  The Prairie School sought to create an original North American style and break with the classically influenced Beaux Arts style championed by Daniel Burnham and exemplified by Chicago landmarks like the Field Museum and the Museum of Science and Industry.  Here in Highland Park IL, the organic, horizontal lines of the Prairie Style can be seen in Frank Lloyd Wright's Ward Willits House at 1445 Sheridan Road, and Braeside School, which was designed by John Van Bergen, an associate of Wright's.  The broad influence of the Arts and Crafts and Prairies Style can be seen in many homes in Highland Park IL.  If you love these styles of architecture then you just might find your dream home right here in Highland Park IL. 

Via Judy Greenberg- Coldwell Banker- Buffalo Grove- Long Grove (Coldwell Banker Buffalo Grove- 350 Half Day Road ):

One of my recent Buffalo Grove home first time buyers had many questions after finding the perfect home.  They inspired me to write this post to  explain the next 8 steps of what happens from the time you sign the contract until closing!

 

Congratulations!   The sellers accepted your contract and  I am so excited  you have finally found the perfect home. Is my job over?     Just the opposite...     My job as your Realtor has just begun.    I will be with you each of the below 8 steps ... until you  sign the papers at closing and you walk away with the keys.

 

Remember, we are a team and I  will help you make the next few months  as stress free as possible. 

 

 1.  First  I will make certain both your attorney and lender receive a copy of  the contract.  If you don't have an attorney, I  have recommendations of attorneys that are both reasonably priced, responsive and ensure  that a successful closing will take place. I always like to be copied on all correspondence, so I am knowledgeable of the transaction every step of the way.    You can check out my website at  www.buffalogroveareahomes.com for suggestions of the best real estate attorneys.

2.  I  will advise you to schedule a home inspection next - and of course I   have recommendations for a reliable inspector who will inform you of the current condition of the home..    Again you can check out my website at www.buffalogroveareahomes.com  for a recommendation of a thorough inspector.   The home inspection needs to take place within 5 business days from the date the contract is signed.  Most of the time, I recommend a radon inspection at the same time.   Depending on the size of the home you purchased, the  inspection can take 2 to 4 hours.

 After the inspection is completed, the inspector will provide you with a report which he or I will forward a copy to your attorney. Your attorney will review the report with you and will make recommendations as to what repairs should be requested from the seller as well as what is required under the contract. I will also discuss this with you and make my recommendations.

 3. The attorney review period is typically the same 5 business days from the date the contract is signed. Your attorney will review the contract with you during this time frame and may make suggestions to modify the contract to better protect your interests.

 4. You should contact an insurance company as soon as possible to arrange for your purchase of homeowner's insurance. You have ten days under the contract to make sure you can obtain insurance at a reasonable cost. If you need flood insurance you must verify this now. Your lender will require you to pay one full year of homeowner's insurance premiums prior to the closing, with the receipt to be brought to the closing. Have your insurance agent fax a copy of the paid receipt directly to your lender as well.

 5.  Notify your present utilities (if applicable) and arrange for services at your new address approximately 2 weeks prior to the closing. This includes gas, electric, water, cable and phone.   Don't forget to cancel or transfer deliveries, newspaper, magazines, garbage collection, etc.

 6.   Prior to closing, we will conduct a final walk through  to make sure the home is in the same condition as it was when the offer was made and that all home inspection issues have been resolved. This is typically done the day before or the day of the closing. I will contact you to schedule the walk through. 

 7.  The closing time and date will be set by the attorneys based upon their schedules and the availability of the title company representative. As the buyer, you will need to bring your driver's license or picture identification, as well as the paid receipt for your homeowner's insurance. Your attorney will instruct you on how to find out the amount of money to bring to closing, where the closing will be located, and what you need to bring.

 8 .After closing if you want to paint,  remodel, or make any other updates, I can give you recommendations as to vendors who either myself, my friends or my past clients have used.

 

I'm there with you every step of the way, so don't worry about calling me or emailing with any of your concerns. 

 

As you can see, the realtor's job does not end with the choosing of the perfect home. My job is never really over!

 

If you want more information regarding specific real estate sales in the Buffalo Grove, Long Grove, and Lincolnshire area, please do not hesitate to call me at 847-602-5435 or email me at info@buffalogrovehomes.com   I am available 24/7 to make appointments!