School information is very important when looking for a new home.  It may not seem very important for you at this time but remember you will be selling your home someday and the buyers may have children that are in school.

We have set up a few different sites for you to visit.  This will allow you to see which school or schools fit your needs.

Do not try and second guess how they will be in the future, just try and pick the area that would make you comfortable if you needed to use these schools today.

Here are some of the phone numbers for the areas counties:

Cabarrus: 704.786.6191

Gaston: 704.866.6100

Iredell: 704.872.8931

Mecklenburg: 980.343.5665

Union: 704.283.3733

Fort Mill / York: 803.548.2527

Some of the sites to visit:

All over the United States (Schools)

Cabarrus County Schools

Cannon School

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Student Assignment

Community Colleges

Davidson College

Gaston County Schools

Iredell County Schools

Lincoln County Schools

NC Colleges and Universities

Union County Schools

Union County Student Assignment

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Buyer Reports

9 Buyer traps and how to avoid them.

10 Tips to save you time and money.

13 Extra costs to be aware of before buying a home.

How do I buy, doing a lease purchase?

How do I get a loan for 100%? (No Money Down)

How do I keep from paying closing costs?

How do I stop paying rent?

How do I use the apartment program?

How do you get me financed with challenged credit?

How does your service compare to others?

Investment Reports

7 Truth’s about investing.

10 Myth’s of investing.

10 Ways to loose in real estate.

Creating cash cows.

Dealing with money seasoning issues.

Ethics of investing.

Foreclosed properties – short sales.

Four quadrants of investing – work smarter.

Getting the seller to say yes.

Magee Realty FAQ 1 & 2.

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Rent To Own / Lease Purchase

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REALTOR®

I’ll Bet You Didn’t Know …

I’ll bet you didn’t know that not everyone who has a real estate license is a REALTOR®.  The term REALTOR® is a registered trademark that only members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR) can use. A real estate licensee may join NAR by becoming a member of a local and state association of REALTORS® . Being a member of these groups gives real estate agents great benefits that help to increase their efficiency and professionalism in the real estate industry. Home buyers seeking knowledgeable real estate professionals in North Carolina should consult a North Carolina REALTOR® in order to get the best service in the industry.

North Carolina REALTORS® have benefits through their membership in NAR, NCAR, and their local REALTOR® association that other real estate licensees do not have. They have marketing tools, such as the MLS, standards of professionalism, educational programs, and technological tools that help REALTORS® provide the highest quality of service to their clients and customers. So, if you are planning to buy or sell a home, land or commercial property, or if you are planning to rent a home or commercial space, contact a North Carolina REALTOR®.

The following items are some of the benefits you will get from working with a REALTOR®:

Technology: REALTORS® have access to the latest in information technology through NCAR and its local associations. NCAR offers the public a chance to learn about the REALTOR® organization and its members. Many local associations offer its members training courses on the MLS computer system, and other software courses, real estate software, and the new, more secure electronic lockboxes. These items and many others increase a REALTORS® ‘ efficiency by cutting in half the time it takes to complete a task. Your real estate professional can then spend more time showing you homes if you are buying. 

Multiple Listing Service (MLS):  Many REALTORS® have the option of joining an MLS in their market area, which allows listing agents to post the homes they are trying to sell in this computerized system. Every member of an MLS then has access to every home listing in the service. A REALTOR® may search for the perfect home for you by almost any criteria, including price range, area of town, number of bedrooms, etc. The MLS service is a valuable tool for REALTORS® to use to speed up the home searching and buying process for you. 

Code of Ethics: To be come a REALTOR® member of NAR, NCAR, and a local association or board of REALTORS® , a licensee must agree to abide by the Code of Ethics. Adherence to this document ensures that the REALTOR® community is a group of honest, trustworthy, reputable business people who will treat all parties fairly and hold high professional standards. REALTOR® associations have grievance procedures that investigate unethical behavior in fellow REALTORS® and apply disciplines if deemed necessary by a peer panel. 

Education: NCAR and its member boards and associations co-sponsor continuing education programs throughout the state. REALTORS® attend seminars to earn North Carolina Real Estate Commission-mandated continuing education credits. NCAR also provides programs that help members earn professional designations which give them a more detailed and thorough knowledge of their particular areas of real estate. In particular, NCAR administers the REALTOR® Institute, which enables REALTORS® to earn their GRI designation (Graduate, REALTOR® Institute). All of these course offerings are designed to help members become more proficient in their business. 

Mission Statement: The mission of the North Carolina Association of REALTORS® is to provide the opportunity for all members to be successful and profitable; to preserve and promote the right to own, transfer and use real property; to maintain a leadership role in the legislative, political and regulatory process; to promote and maintain the highest ethical standards; to develop, promote and provide the best education, products and services; and to be the voice of real estate for North Carolina.

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Pricing Your Home

How To Get The Price You Want And Need!

When you decide to sell your home, setting your asking price is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. 

Depending on how a buyer finds your home, price is often the first thing they see and many homes are discarded by prospective buyers as not being in the appropriate price range before these homes are given a chance to be shown.

Your asking price is often your home’s first impression and if you want to realize the most money you can from your home’s sale, it is imperative that you make a good first impression.

Because this is not as easy as it sounds, your pricing strategy should not be taken lightly.  Pricing too high can be as costly to a home seller as pricing too low.  Taking a look at what homes in your neighborhood have sold for is only a small part of the process and this on it’s own is not nearly enough to help you make the best decision.

To get our FREE report about pricing your home correctly, please complete the form on the Free Reports page. The report also contains information about pricing strategy to help you not only sell your home, but sell it for the price you want!

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Preparing Your Home

With buyers, first impressions count. A small investment in time and money will give your home an edge over other listings in the area when the time comes to show it to a prospective buyer.

Here are some suggestions that will help you to get top market value: 

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Pre-Approval

This is an important part of the home buying process.  It will give you the amount you can spend and also a bargaining tool to use while making an offer on a home. Sometimes this is required to submit an offer.  A pre-approval letter shows you are a serious buyer and your offer may get a lot more attention.

This is a FREE service to you!

For more information please contact us or use the links below for an instant pre-approval form.

Gary MacLeod

SunTrust Mortgage

Gary MacLeod has helped many people achieve their goal of home ownership. Whether you are a first time home buyer or refinancing an existing loan, Gary has a solid understanding of the local real estate market and what it takes to close your loan with efficiency and expertise.

Gary has experience in all types of loan programs and is always available to help you with your mortgage needs.  A proven mortgage professional, his attention to detail will make your mortgage process run smoothly and easily.

  How May I Help You?

Would you like to see how much you could borrow to buy a home or possibly re-finance the home you are currently in?

To get your Free Pre-Approval click here.  Select "Enter A New Application" and I will be in touch with you shortly after you complete the application.

 Feel free to give me a call anytime!

  Gary R. MacLeod
704.362.8522 Office
704.364.3861 Fax
704.651.5024 Mobile
6836 Morrison Boulevard, Suite 400
Charlotte, North Carolina  28211
(Southpark Office)

Jim Garrison

Brayden Capital Home Loans, Inc.
A Division of Cornerstone Mortgage

I love a challenge, I love working with people, and quite simply, I love my job! Innovative service, cutting edge technology and industry expertise are all essential tools in the complex world of residential lending.

But more than that, it takes a relationship built on trust, integrity and good old fashioned hard work. My number one goal is to design a loan program to meet your specific needs.

Please take a look at the many advantages I can provide during your home buying process.

At Cornerstone, we give you old-fashioned customer service with the convenience of modern day technology.

  How May I Help You? 

Would you like to see how much you could borrow to buy a home or possibly re-finance the home you are currently in?

To get your Free Pre-Approval click here.  Select the type of loan you are applying for and I will be in touch with you shortly after you complete the application.

Feel free to give me a call anytime!

 Jim Garrison
704.882.3238 Office
866.935.5065 Fax
704.488.5020 Mobile
255 A Post Office Drive
Indian Trail, North Carolina  28079

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Other Links Of Interest

Blue Mountain

Emailacard

Express Copy

Fed Ex

Flowgo

Internet Travel

Medical Information

MSN

Postage

Smile Pop

Travelocity

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Often Asked Questions

Sellers

 
How do you market my home?

How does your service compare to others?

My home is listed with another firm, why hasn’t it sold?

Why are company commission rates so different?

Why shouldn’t I sell For Sale By Owner?

For answers to these questions and more, please complete the form on the Free Reports page.

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Often Asked Questions

Buyers

How do I buy, doing a lease purchase?

How do I get a loan for 100%?

How do I keep from paying closing costs?

How do I stop paying rent?

How do you get me financed with challenged credit?

For answers to these questions and more, please complete the form on the Free Reports page.

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No Money Down

Everyone always wonders, how do so many folks get into a home and spend very little or no money at all.  The No Money Down Program offers you a way to buy a home with no down payment. That’s right NO down payment!  If you are ready to buy your first home or just don’t want to spend your nest egg to get into a new home, this may be the program for you.  Please visit the Free Reports page for an explaining how this program works and how you can take advantage of the No Money Down option.

Our programs are not all credit score driven.  When others say NO, we move you in.  Please give us a chance to make your dreams come true, you will be glad you did.

Remember, you get our services at NO COST to you.  Please contact us when you see something you like or would like to get an appointment to see a home.  It can be a home that you see on the Web or while out driving around.

It doesn’t matter who has their name on the sign or if it’s a For Sale By Owner!  Don’t forget there are several other homes for sale that are not out on the Web.  Contact us if you need any help or need to see a home.  We will make an appointment to see the home or help you find what you’re looking for.

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Mortgage Glossary

 
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z.
 

Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM):
A mortgage that changes interest rate periodically based upon the changes in a specified index.

Adjustment Date:
The date on which the interest rate changes for an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM).

Adjustment Period:
The period that elapses between the adjustment dates for an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM).

Amortization:
The repayment of a mortgage loan by installments with regular payments to cover the principal and interest.

Amortization Terms:
The amount of time required to amortize the mortgage loan. The amortization term is expressed as a number of months. For example, for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, the amortization term is 360 months.

Annual Percentage Rate (APR):
The cost of a mortgage stated as a yearly rate; includes such items as interest, mortgage insurance, and loan origination fee (points).

Application:
A form, commonly referred to as a 1003 form, used to apply for a mortgage and to provide information regarding a prospective mortgagor and the proposed security.

Appraisal:
A written analysis of the estimated value of a property prepared by a qualified appraiser.

Appraiser:
A person qualified by education, training, and experience to estimate the value of real property and personal property.

Appreciation:
An increase in the value of a property due to changes in market conditions or other causes. The opposite of depreciation.

Asset:
Anything of monetary value that is owned by a person. Assets include real property, personal property, and enforceable claims against others (including bank accounts, stocks, mutual funds, and so on).

Assignment:
The transfer of a mortgage from one person to another.

Assumable Mortgage:
A mortgage that can be taken over ("assumed") by the buyer when a home is sold.

Assumption:
The transfer of the seller’s existing mortgage to the buyer.

Assumption Clause:
A provision in an assumable mortgage that allows a buyer to assume responsibility for the mortgage from the seller. The loan does not need to be paid in full by the original borrower upon sale or transfer of the property.

Assumption Fee:
The fee paid to a lender (usually by the purchaser of real property) resulting from the assumption of an existing mortgage.

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balance sheet:
A financial statement that shows assets, liabilities, and net worth as of a specific date.

Balloon Mortgage:
A mortgage that has level monthly payments that will amortize it over a stated term but that provides for a lump sum payment to be due at the end of an earlier specified term.

Balloon Payment:
The final lump sum payment that is made at the maturity date of a balloon mortgage.

Bankrupt:
A person, firm, or corporation that, through a court proceeding, is relieved from the payment of all debts after the surrender of all assets to a court-appointed trustee.

Bankruptcy:
A proceeding in a federal court in which a debtor who owes more than his or her assets can relieve the debts by transferring his or her assets to a trustee.

Before-Tax Income:
Income before taxes are deducted.

Beneficiary:
The person designated to receive the income from a trust, estate, or a deed of trust.

Binder:
A preliminary agreement, secured by the payment of an earnest money deposit, under which a buyer offers to purchase real estate.

Biweekly Payment Mortgage:
A mortgage that requires payments to reduce the debt every two weeks (instead of the standard monthly payment schedule). The 26 (or possibly 27) biweekly payments are each equal to one-half of the monthly payment that would be required if the loan were a standard 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, and they are usually drafted from the borrower’s bank account. The result for the borrower is a substantial savings in interest.

Blanket Mortgage:
The mortgage that is secured by a cooperative project, as opposed to the share loans on individual units within the project.

Bond:
An interest-bearing certificate of debt with a maturity date. An obligation of a government or business corporation. A real estate bond is a written obligation usually secured by a mortgage or a deed of trust.

Breach:
A violation of any legal obligation.

Bridge Loan:
A form of second trust that is collateralized by the borrower’s present home (which is usually for sale) in a manner that allows the proceeds to be used for closing on a new house before the present home is sold. Also known as "swing loan."

Broker:
A person who, for a commission or a fee, brings parties together and assists in negotiating contracts between them.

Buydown Mortgage:
A temporary buydown is a mortgage on which an initial lump sum payment is made by any party to reduce a borrower’s monthly payments during the first few years of a mortgage. A permanent buydown reduces the interest rate over the entire life of a mortgage.

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Call option:
A provision in the mortgage that gives the mortgagee the right to call the mortgage due and payable at the end of a specified period for whatever reason.

cap:
A provision of an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) that limits how much the interest rate or mortgage payments may increase or decrease.

capital improvement:
Any structure or component erected as a permanent improvement to real property that adds to its value and useful life.

cash-out refinance:
A refinance transaction in which the amount of money received from the new loan exceeds the total of the money needed to repay the existing first mortgage, closing costs, points, and the amount required to satisfy any outstanding subordinate mortgage liens. In other words, a refinance transaction in which the borrower receives additional cash that can be used for any purpose.

certificate of eligibility:
A document issued by the federal government certifying a veteran’s eligibility for a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) mortgage.

Certificate of Reasonable Value (CRV):
A document issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that establishes the maximum value and loan amount for a VA mortgage.

certificate of title:
A statement provided by an abstract company, title company, or attorney stating that the title to real estate is legally held by the current owner.

chain of title:
The history of all of the documents that transfer title to a parcel of real property, starting with the earliest existing document and ending with the most recent.

change frequency:
The frequency (in months) of payment and/or interest rate changes in an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM).

clear title:
A title that is free of liens or legal questions as to ownership of the property.

closing:
A meeting at which a sale of a property is finalized by the buyer signing the mortgage documents and paying closing costs. Also called "settlement."

closing cost item:
A fee or amount that a home buyer must pay at closing for a single service, tax, or product. Closing costs are made up of individual closing cost items such as origination fees and attorney’s fees. Many closing cost items are included as numbered items on the HUD-1 statement.

closing costs:
Expenses (over and above the price of the property) incurred by buyers and sellers in transferring ownership of a property. Closing costs normally include an origination fee, an attorney’s fee, taxes, an amount placed in escrow, and charges for obtaining title insurance and a survey. Closing costs percentage will vary according to the area of the country.

closing statement:
Also referred to as the HUD1. The final statement of costs incurred to close on a loan or to purchase a home.

cloud on title:
Any conditions revealed by a title search that adversely affect the title to real estate. Usually clouds on title cannot be removed except by a quitclaim deed, release, or court action.

collateral:
An asset (such as a car or a home) that guarantees the repayment of a loan. The borrower risks losing the asset if the loan is not repaid according to the terms of the loan contract.

collection:
The efforts used to bring a delinquent mortgage current and to file the necessary notices to proceed with foreclosure when necessary.

co-maker:
A person who signs a promissory note along with the borrower. A co-maker’s signature guarantees that the loan will be repaid, because the borrower and the co-maker are equally responsible for the repayment. See endorser.

commission:
The fee charged by a broker or agent for negotiating a real estate or loan transaction. A commission is generally a percentage of the price of the property or loan.

commitment letter:
A formal offer by a lender stating the terms under which it agrees to lend money to a home buyer. Also known as a "loan commitment."

common areas:
Those portions of a building, land, and amenities owned (or managed) by a planned unit development (PUD) or condominium project’s homeowners’ association (or a cooperative project’s cooperative corporation) that are used by all of the unit owners, who share in the common expenses of their operation and maintenance. Common areas include swimming pools, tennis courts, and other recreational facilities, as well as common corridors of buildings, parking areas, means of ingress and egress, etc.

Community Home Improvement Mortgage Loan:
An alternative financing option that allows low- and moderate-income home buyers to obtain 95 percent financing for the purchase and improvement of a home in need of modest repairs. The repair work can account for as much as 30 percent of the appraised value.

community property:
In some western and southwestern states, a form of ownership under which property acquired during a marriage is presumed to be owned jointly unless acquired as separate property of either spouse.

comparables:
An abbreviation for "comparable properties"; used for comparative purposes in the appraisal process. Comparables are properties like the property under consideration; they have reasonably the same size, location , and amenities and have recently been sold. Comparables help the appraiser determine the approximate fair market value of the subject property.

condominium:
A real estate project in which each unit owner has title to a unit in a building, an undivided interest in the common areas of the project, and sometimes the exclusive use of certain limited common areas.

condominium conversion:
Changing the ownership of an existing building (usually a rental project) to the condominium form of ownership.

construction loan:
A short-term, interim loan for financing the cost of construction. The lender makes payments to the builder at periodic intervals as the work progresses.

consumer reporting agency (or bureau):
An organization that prepares reports that are used by lenders to determine a potential borrower’s credit history. The agency obtains data for these reports from a credit repository as well as from other sources.

contingency:
A condition that must be met before a contract is legally binding. For example, home purchasers often include a contingency that specifies that the contract is not binding until the purchaser obtains a satisfactory home inspection report from a qualified home inspector.

contract:
An oral or written agreement to do or not to do a certain thing.

conventional mortgage:
A mortgage that is not insured or guaranteed by the federal government.

convertibility clause:
A provision in some adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) that allows the borrower to change the ARM to a fixed-rate mortgage at specified timeframes after loan origination.

convertible ARM:
An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) that can be converted to a fixed-rate mortgage under specified conditions.

cooperative (co-op):
A type of multiple ownership in which the residents of a multiunit housing complex own shares in the cooperative corporation that owns the property, giving each resident the right to occupy a specific apartment or unit.

corporate relocation:
Arrangements under which an employer moves an employee to another area as part of the employer’s normal course of business or under which it transfers a substantial part or all of its operations and employees to another area because it is relocating its headquarters or expanding its office capacity.

cost of funds index (COFI):
An index that is used to determine interest rate changes for certain adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) plans. It represents the weighted-average cost of savings, borrowings, and advances of the 11th District members of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco.

covenant:
A clause in a mortgage that obligates or restricts the borrower and that, if violated, can result in foreclosure.

credit:
An agreement in which a borrower receives something of value in exchange for a promise to repay the lender at a later date.

credit history:
A record of an individual’s open and fully repaid debts. A credit history helps a lender to determine whether a potential borrower has a history of repaying debts in a timely manner.

credit report:
A report of an individual’s credit history prepared by a credit bureau and used by a lender in determining a loan applicant’s creditworthiness. See merged credit report.

credit repository:
An organization that gathers, records, updates, and stores financial and public records information about the payment records of individuals who are being considered for credit.

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debt:
An amount owed to another.

deed:
The legal document conveying title to a property.

deed-in-lieu:
A deed given by a mortgagor to the mortgagee to satisfy a debt and avoid foreclosure.

deed of trust:
The document used in some states instead of a mortgage; title is conveyed to a trustee.

default:
Failure to make mortgage payments on a timely basis or to comply with other requirements of a mortgage.

delinquency:
Failure to make mortgage payments when mortgage payments are due.

deposit:
A sum of money given to bind the sale of real estate, or a sum of money given to ensure payment or an advance of funds in the processing of a loan.

depreciation:
A decline in the value of property; the opposite of appreciation.

down payment:
The part of the purchase price of a property that the buyer pays in cash and does not finance with a mortgage.

due-on-sale provision:
A provision in a mortgage that allows the lender to demand repayment in full if the borrower sells the property that serves as security for the mortgage.

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earnest money deposit:
A deposit made by the potential home buyer to show that he or she is serious about buying the house.

easement:
A right of way giving persons other than the owner access to or over a property.

effective age:
An appraiser’s estimate of the physical condition of a building. The actual age of a building may be shorter or longer than its effective age.

effective gross income:
Normal annual income including overtime that is regular or guaranteed. The income may be from more than one source. Salary is generally the principal source, but other income may qualify if it is significant and stable.

encumbrance:
Anything that affects or limits the fee simple title to a property, such as mortgages, leases, easements, or restrictions.

endorser:
A person who signs ownership interest over to another party. Contrast with co-maker.

Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA):
A federal law that requires lenders and other creditors to make credit equally available without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, or receipt of income from public assistance programs.

equity:
A homeowner’s financial interest in a property. Equity is the difference between the fair market value of the property and the amount still owed on its mortgage.

escrow:
An item of value, money, or documents deposited with a third party to be delivered upon the fulfillment of a condition. For example, the deposit by a borrower with the lender of funds to pay taxes and insurance premiums when they become due, or the deposit of funds or documents with an attorney or escrow agent to be disbursed upon the closing of a sale of real estate.

escrow account:
The account in which a mortgage servicer holds the borrower’s escrow payments prior to paying property expenses.

escrow analysis:
The periodic examination of escrow accounts to determine if current monthly deposits will provide sufficient funds to pay taxes, insurance, and other bills when due.

escrow collections:
Funds collected by the servicer and set aside in an escrow account to pay the borrower’s property taxes, mortgage insurance, and hazard insurance.

escrow disbursements:
The use of escrow funds to pay real estate taxes, hazard insurance, mortgage insurance, and other property expenses as they become due.

escrow payment:
The portion of a mortgagor’s monthly payment that is held by the servicer to pay for taxes, hazard insurance, mortgage insurance, lease payments, and other items as they become due. Known as "impounds" or "reserves" in some states.

estate:
The ownership interest of an individual in real property. The sum total of all the real property and personal property owned by an individual at time of death.

eviction:
The lawful expulsion of an occupant from real property.

examination of title:
The report on the title of a property from the public records or an abstract of the title.

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Fair Credit Reporting Act:
A consumer protection law that regulates the disclosure of consumer credit reports by consumer/credit reporting agencies and establishes procedures for correcting mistakes on one’s credit record.

fair market value:
The highest price that a buyer, willing but not compelled to buy, would pay, and the lowest a seller, willing but not compelled to sell, would accept.

Fannie Mae:
A congressionally chartered, shareholder-owned company that is the nation’s largest supplier of home mortgage funds.

Fannie Mae’s Community Home Buyer’s Program:
An income-based community lending model, under which mortgage insurers and Fannie Mae offer flexible underwriting guidelines to increase a low- or moderate-income family’s buying power and to decrease the total amount of cash needed to purchase a home. Borrowers who participate in this model are required to attend pre-purchase home-buyer education sessions.

Federal Housing Administration (FHA):
An agency of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Its main activity is the insuring of residential mortgage loans made by private lenders. The FHA sets standards for construction and underwriting but does not lend money or plan or construct housing.

fee simple:
The greatest possible interest a person can have in real estate.

FHA mortgage:
A mortgage that is insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Also known as a government mortgage.

finder’s fee:
A fee or commission paid to a mortgage broker for finding a mortgage loan for a prospective borrower.

first mortgage:
A mortgage that is the primary lien against a property.

fixed-rate mortgage (FRM):
A mortgage in which the interest rate does not change during the entire term of the loan.

flood insurance:
Insurance that compensates for physical property damage resulting from flooding. It is required for properties located in federally designated flood areas.

foreclosure:
The legal process by which a borrower in default under a mortgage is deprived of his or her interest in the mortgaged property. This usually involves a forced sale of the property at public auction with the proceeds of the sale being applied to the mortgage debt.

fully amortized ARM:
An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) with a monthly payment that is sufficient to amortize the remaining balance, at the interest accrual rate, over the amortization term.

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good faith estimate:
An estimate of charges which a borrower is likely to incur in connection with a settlement.

hazard insurance:
Insurance protecting against loss to real estate caused by fire, some natural causes, vandalism, etc., depending upon the terms of the policy.

housing ratio:
The ratio of the monthly housing payment in total (PITI – Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance) divided by the gross monthly income. This ratio is sometimes referred to as the top ratio or front end ratio.

HUD:
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

index:
A published interest rate to which the interest rate on an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) is tied. Some commonly used indeces include the 1 Year Treasury Bill, 6 Month LIBOR, and the 11th District Cost of Funds (COFI).        

lien:
An encumbrance against property for money due, either voluntary or involuntary.

lifetime cap:
A provision of an ARM that limits the highest rate that can occur over the life of the loan.

loan to value ratio (LTV):
The ratio of the amount of your loan to the appraised value of the home. The LTV will affect programs available to the borrower and generally, the lower the LTV the more favorable the terms of the programs offered by lenders.

lock-in:
A written agreement guaranteeing the home buyer a specified interest rate provided the loan is closed within a set period of time. The lock-in also usually specifies the number of points to be paid at closing.

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margin:
The number of percentage points a lender adds to the index value to calculate the ARM interest rate at each adjustment period. A representative margin would be 2.75%.

mortgage:
A legal document that pledges a property to the lender as security for payment of a debt.

mortgage disability insurance:
A disability insurance policy which will pay the monthly mortgage payment in the event of a covered disability of an insured borrower for a specified period of time.

mortgage insurance (MI):
Insurance written by an independent mortgage insurance company protecting the mortgage lender against loss incurred by a mortgage default. Usually required for loans with an LTV of 80.01% or higher.

mortgagee:
The person or company who receives the mortgage as a pledge for repayment of the loan. The mortgage lender.

mortgagor:
The mortgage borrower who gives the mortgage as a pledge to repay.

Non-Conforming Loan:
Also called a jumbo loan. Conventional home mortgages not eligible for sale and delivery to either Fannie Mae (FNMA) or Freddie Mac (FHLMC) because of various reasons, including loan amount, loan characteristics or underwriting guidelines. Non-conforming loans usually incur a rate and origination fee premium.The current non-conforming loan limit is ,601 and above.

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note:
A written agreement containing a promise of the signer to pay to a named person, or order, or bearer, a definite sum of money at a specified date or on demand.

Origination Fee:
A fee imposed by a lender to cover certain processing expenses in connection with making a real estate loan. Usually a percentage of the amount loaned, such as one percent.

Owner Financing:
A property purchase transaction in which the property seller provides all or part of the financing.

Planned Unit Developments (PUD):
A subdivision of five or more individually owned lots with one or more other parcels owned in common or with reciprocal rights in one or more other parcels.

PITI:
Principal, interest, taxes and insurance–the components of a monthly mortgage payment.

Points:
Charges levied by the mortgage lender and usually payable at closing. One point represents 1% of the face value of the mortgage loan.

Prepaids:
Those expenses of property which are paid in advance of their due date and will usually be prorated upon sale, such as taxes, insurance, rent, etc.

Prepayment Penalty:
A charge imposed by a mortgage lender on a borrower who wants to pay off part or all of a mortgage loan in advance of schedule.

Principal:
Amount of debt, not including interest. The face value of a note or mortgage.

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI):
Insurance provided by nongovernment insurers that protects lenders against loss if a borrower defaults. Fannie Mae generally requires private mortgage insurance for loans with loan-to-value (LTV) percentages greater than 80%.

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Qualifying Ratios:
The ratio of your fixed monthly expenses to your gross monthly income, used to determine how much you can afford to borrow. The fixed monthly expenses would include PITI along with other obligations such as student loans, car loans, or credit card payments.

Rate Cap:
A limit on how much the interest rate can change, either at each adjustment period or over the life of the loan.

Rate Lock-In:
A written agreement in which the lender guarantees the borrower a specified interest rate, provided the loan closes within a set period of time.

Rebate:
Compensation received from a wholesale lender which can be used to cover closing costs or as a refund to the borrower. Loans with rebates often carry higher interest rates than loans with "points" (see above).

Refinancing:
The process of paying off one loan with the proceeds from a new loan using the same property as security.

Residential Mortgage Credit Report:
A report requested by your lender that utilizes information from at least two of the three national credit bureaus and information provided on your loan application.

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Seller Carry Back:
An agreement in which the owner of a property provides financing, often in combination with an assumed mortgage.

Survey:
A print showing the measurements of the boundaries of a parcel of land, together with the location of all improvements on the land and sometimes its area and topography.

Tenants-In-Common:
An undivided interest in property taken by two or more persons. The interest need not be equal. Upon death of one or more persons, there is no right of survivorship.

title:
The evidence one has of right to possession of land.

Title Insurance:
Insurance against loss resulting from defects of title to a specifically described parcel of real property.

Title Search:
An investigation into the history of ownership of a property to check for liens, unpaid claims, restrictions or problems, to prove that the seller can transfer free and clear ownership.

Total Debt Ratio:
Monthly debt and housing payments divided by gross monthly income. Also known as Obligations-to-Income Ratio or Back-End Ratio.

Truth-in-Lending Act:
A federal law requiring a disclosure of credit terms using a standard format. This is intended to facilitate comparisons between the lending terms of different financial institutions.    

Veterans Administration (VA):
A government agency guaranteeing mortgage loans with no down payment to qualified veterans.    

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Marketing Your Home

We are committed to offer our clients the highest "standard" marketing plan. We think everyone should get the same plan, whether your home is valued at $100,000.00 or $1,000,000.00, you deserve the best marketing plan available.

To assure your property is marketed to its fullest potential and to obtain the highest possible market value, the following will be completed.

• Prepare a CMA to establish a fair market value
• Submit listing to MLS network and local board (8000 + members)
• Place For Sale sign
• Place lock box
• Place brochure box with fliers
• Booklets in the home (features, upgrades and general information)
• Place your home on hundreds of web sites
• Virtual tours on the internet
• Photos on the internet
• FREE 24-hour recorded message about your home*
• Advertise in real estate magazines or mailers
• Schedule property for office tour
• Schedule property for MLS tour
• Notify top 500 agents of this listing
• Provide information to agents in a national referral network
• Phone all potential buyers with details of listing
• We always market for buyers
• Provide a home warranty (if you like)
• Arrange showings for other agents (Use a professional appointment center)
• Open House (if you like)

*While using our FREE 24-hour message system, the prospective buyer has an option to be connected immediately to a Realtor without dialing another number. Therefore, if they would like to see the home or ask any questions, a Realtor is always available immediately.

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Investing Articles and News

7 Truths About Investing

There are seven simple truths in the world of the real estate investing.  Learn about them, understand them, and you’ll start out head and shoulders above every other seminar graduate on the planet.  Make them a part of you.  Observe them in action.  Understand them so they become the basis from which every deal you do flows.

The alternative is almost certain failure, because if you fail to learn and understand these simple truths, you’re destined to take the same path many others have taken.  Between you and me, you really don’t…for more information, please complete the form on the Free Reports page.

10 Myth’s Of Investing

Reason #1: I have no cash

The Myth: "You need money to make money"

The Truth: Find a good real estate deal, and the money will find you. Ask any seasoned investor and they will tell you that lack of funds is never an issue; lack of good deals is!  If you can negotiate a good price on a house, you will find plenty of partners willing to put up the money.

Reason #2: I have no time

The Myth: "I’ve got a job, a spouse, kids and little…for more information, please complete the form on the Free Reports page.

10 Ways To Loose In Real Estate

Reason #1 Doing dumb deals:

No one’s impervious to it.  I typically do at least one dumb deal every year.  I either get in a hurry or overlook something obvious and, boom, I get whacked right between the eyes with mortgage payments on a house I can’t give away.  I either paid too much or didn’t do my homework, or maybe I let myself get talked into speculating about the possibilities.  Whatever the case, doing dumb deals will take you out of the… for more information, please complete the form on the Free Reports page.

Creating Cash Cows

 Is your real estate investing bringing you enough monthly cash flow?  Is landlording draining you of energy?  Is property maintenance depleting your bank accounts?  Are you open to new and safe methods of bringing huge annual returns on your cash?  If you answered "Yes" to any of these questions, please read on.

The dirty little "secret" of how bankers make money:

Actually, it’s not really a secret at all.  In fact, bankers have been doing this for over a hundred years.  Bankers make money… for more information, please complete the form on the Free Reports page.

Dealing With Money Seasoning Issues

In recent years, some lenders have been placing "seasoning" requirements on loan transactions.  This has caused some grief to investors that do "sandwich" lease options.

A "sandwich" lease option is an arrangement whereby an investor leases a property with an option to buy from a homeowner, then subleases the property to a third party with an option to buy; the investor helps the tenant obtain a loan, then exercises his option to buy from the owner and simultaneously re-sells it to the tenant in a double-closing.

Some lenders are afraid to fund the second part of a double-closing because of the possibility that the tenant/buyer’s purchase… for more information, please complete the form on the Free Reports page.

Ethics Of Investing

I think investors as a whole have a bad reputation.  People think of us as sharks, piranhas and vultures.  They think we thrive on taking advantage of people in distress to better ourselves.  I don’t believe that is true.

I see investors as a group of folks who help people out of stressful situations.  The people we help have gotten themselves into their situation and we are there to offer a solution.  I truly believe we help the public by offering a wonderful service.

As with any industry, there is always one bad apple in every barrel.  It stuns me how many investors try to screw each other…for more information, please complete the form on the Free Reports page.

Foreclosed Properties – Short Sales

Anyone actively investing in foreclosed and distressed properties has no doubt come across one major problem.  Finding deals with equity!  Trust us, this is a nationwide problem.

There are so many foreclosures out there.  Unfortunately, most of the homeowners owe what their property is worth.  We find that most investors walk away from deals with no equity.  They either don’t know what to do with a no-equity deal or they are unwilling to put forth the effort necessary to make the deal work.

In situations like this, we discount the mortgage.  "What is discounting?"  It means that the bank discounts…for more information, please complete the form on the Free Reports page.

Four Quadrants Of Investing – Work Smarter

Each of us resides in at least one of the four Quadrants of the CASHFLOW Quadrant™.

Where we are is determined by where our main source of income comes from. Many of us rely on paychecks and are therefore employees, while others are self-employed.

Employees and self-employed individuals reside on the left side of the CASHFLOW Quadrant™.  The right side of the CASHFLOW Quadrant™ is for individuals who receive their cash from…for more information, please complete the form on the Free Reports page.

Getting The Seller To Say Yes

When you meet with a motivated seller to negotiate a deal there are five specific steps you need to take to get him to say "YES!" to your creative offer.

1. Ask the seller to show you the house Your Goal:

To establish rapport with the seller In its simplest form, rapport is a connection of friendship between two or more people.  Your goal is to become friends with the seller. 

As you go around the house with the seller, do your best to get the…for more information, please complete the form on the Free Reports page.

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Interest Rate and APR

Interest Rate and APR are tied together but are not the same thing. The Interest Rate is the percentage of an amount of money which is paid for its use for a specified time. Usually expressed as an annual percentage.

The APR reflects the cost of your loan as a yearly rate. The rate may be higher than the interest rate stated in your Mortgage or Deed of Trust, because the APR includes in addition to the interest, loan origination fees, commitment fees, prepaid interest and other credit costs which may be paid by you.

There are several different lenders we work with.  They usually have many options to choose from.  If you would like for us to try and get a rate better than the one you’ve found, contact us anytime.

We are always ready to do whatever it takes to be available for you and your real estate needs.

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Home Inspections

Home inspections are a very important part of the home selling process.

We recommend you always get a home inspection on your home prior to listing the home for sale. If a problem arises or is noted, you have the opportunity to have the home serviced in turn placing it back into excellent structural and mechanical order.

We would like to see every home go through a home inspection before being listed, just for the sellers satisfaction of knowing the inspection has been completed and the home is in great condition. 

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Home Inspections

Home inspections are a very important part of the home buying process. We recommend you always get a home inspection on the home you’re thinking about purchasing. If a problem arises or is noted, you have the opportunity to have the home serviced by the seller in turn placing it back into excellent structural and mechanical order.

 We would like to see every home go through a home inspection before being purchased to ensure the buyer will have the satisfaction of knowing the inspection has been completed and the home is in great condition.

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Hiring A REALTOR®

Not all agents are REALTORS®! 

Make sure the first step you make is to check and verify the agent you are working with is a REALTOR® and a current member of the National Association Of REALTORS®.

If you decide to seek the help of a REALTOR® when selling your home, please request our report which is full of helpful information.  Order the report before you take another step!

The choice you make could cost or save you thousands of dollars!

Picking the correct one is a very important decision that can cost or save you thousands of dollars.  There are very specific questions you should be asking to ensure you get the best representation for your needs. Some agents or REALTORS® may prefer that you don’t ask these questions, since the knowledge you’ll gain from their honest answers will give you a very good idea about what outcome you can expect from using them as your agent.

Hiring the right person for the job is a critical decision you must not take lightly besides, who do you want handling the single largest financial investment you have?

To get our FREE report on what to ask while interviewing an agent or REALTOR®, please complete the form on the Free Reports page.

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Guaranteed Home Sale Program

How To Get 100% Full Market Value for Your Home Guaranteed

 Beware of agents who try to buy your listing business, in other words, you need to be aware of agents who set the list price on homes at unrealistically high levels simply to get the listing!

Why It Is So Important That Your Home Is Correctly Priced and Marketed Properly?

While many agents may promise to sell your home for the money you want, the reality of the real estate market today is that this simply doesn’t always happen.  The facts are simple, the majority of homes sell for a price which falls short of what sellers may have been lead to believe.

Two reasons this occurs:

First, you have agents who set the list price on homes at unrealistically high levels simply to get listings. This is really unfair because it can set homeowners up for disappointment and failure.

Second, your home may be priced correctly, but is marketed ineffectively. Without a proper marketing program in place to ensure a home is exposed to the highest number of qualified buyers, you the home seller may feel forced to accept a lower offer.

There’s nothing worse to a home seller than to have your home sit on the market unsold for many months because of improper pricing and/or marketing techniques.  Needless to say, either of these situations is highly frustrating to any home seller.  More importantly, it can be financially devastating if you’re counting on all the profits to purchase another home or for your retirement.

You can prevent this from ever happening to you.  Please ask for us to send you our FREE report letting you know exactly what to look for in an agent and detailing our 100% Guaranteed Home Sale Program.  Please visit the Free Reports page.

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Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI)

Real estate agents earn the nationally recognized GRI designation after successfully completing a rigorous program of course work covering various areas of real estate. Individuals who have attained their GRI are considered leaders in the real estate profession.

Because buying property has become increasingly complex, a keen understanding of real estate transactions is more important than ever. New technology, laws, procedures, and sophistication of clients require agents to perform at a higher level of professionalism.

GRI: A Distinguished Designation.

To be awarded the GRI designation, a REALTOR® must complete a comprehensive series of courses covering the facets of real estate. The topics of the detailed curriculum include valuation, law, finance, real estate investment, taxation, ethics, construction and land use. The GRI curriculum is developed by the North Carolina Real Estate Education Foundation, Inc. (NCREEF) in conjunction with the National Association of REALTORS®.

  GRI, a specialist that everyone deserves.

 Is your REALTOR® a GRI?

 Get Serious, Get A GRI!

That’s why you need a GRI working for you, so your interests will truly be served. Whether you are a seasoned investor or purchasing your first home, it is more important than ever to ask for a GRI.

GRIs are:

Nationally recognized as top performers in the real estate industry

Professionally trained

Committed

Knowledgeable

Dedicated to bringing you quality service

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For Sale By Owner (FSBO)

Many homeowners believe that to maximize their profit on a home sale they should sell it themselves. At first glance, they feel selling a home is simple and why should they pay a broker fees for something they could do themselves?  In fact, close to 25% of all the homes sold last year were sold for sale by owner (FSBO).

However, close to half of the FSBO’s said that they would hire a professional next time they sold.  Thirty percent said they were unhappy with the results they achieved by choosing FSBO. Why?

Many FSBO’s told us that the time, paperwork and everyday responsibilities involved were not worth the amount of money they saved in commissions.  For others, the financial savings were even more disappointing.  By the time they figured the amount of fees paid to outside consultants, inspectors, appraisers, attorneys, loan officers, marketing, advertising, they would have been better off having paid the broker’s fee which would have included many of these charges up front.

Selling a home requires an intimate understanding of the real estate market. If the property is priced too high, it will sit and develop a reputation for being a problem property. If the property is priced too low, you will cost yourself serious money. Some FSBO’s discovered that the lost money as a result of poor decisions outweighed the commission.

Before you decide to sell FSBO, consider these questions and weigh the answers of assuming the responsibility versus employing a professional. A little time spent investigating up front will pay off tenfold in the end.

Questions To Consider:

Do I have the time, energy, know-how, and ability to devote a full forced effort to sell my home?

One of the keys to selling your home efficiently and profitably is complete accessibility.  Many homes have sat on the market much longer than necessary because the owner was unwilling or unavailable to show the property.  Realize that a certain amount of hours each day is necessary to sell your home.

Am I prepared to deal with an onslaught of buyers who perceive FSBO’s as targets for low balling?

One of the challenges of selling a home is screening unqualified prospects and dealing with lowballers.  It often goes unnoticed… how much time, effort and expertise it requires to spot these people quickly. Settling for a lowball bid is usually worse than paying broker commissions.

Am I offering financing options to the buyer?  Am I prepared to answer questions about financing?

One of the keys to selling, whether it’s a home, a car, anything, is to have all the necessary information the prospective buyer needs and to offer them options.  Think about the last time you purchased something of value, did you make a decision before you had all your ducks in a row?  By offering financing options you give the home buyer the ability to work on their terms and open up the possibilities of selling your home quickly and more profitably.  A professional real estate agent will have a complete team, from lenders to attorneys for you to utilize, they’ll be at your disposal.

Do I fully understand the legal ramifications and necessary steps required in selling a home?

Many home sales have been lost due to incomplete paperwork, lack of inspections or not meeting your states disclosure laws.  Are you completely informed of all the steps necessary to sell real estate?  If not, a professional would be a wise choice.

Do I have the capability of handling the legal contracts, agreements and any disputes with buyers before or after the offer is presented?

Ask yourself if you are well versed in legalese and if you are prepared to handle disputes with buyers.  To avoid any disputes it is wise to put all negotiations and agreements in writing.  Many home sales have been lost due to misinterpretation of what was negotiated.

Have I contacted the necessary professionals… lenders, inspectors (home and pest) and attorneys?

Are you familiar with top people in these fields?  This is the same question all of your perspective buyers are wondering.  They usually hesitate talking with you about the purchase of your home since they don’t know exactly what they are doing.  They aren’t sure if you know what you’re doing either.  Then they wonder if you are going to look out for their best interest.

If you’re willing to co-broke, you may get another Realtor to bring a buyer, which could make it easier for you.

BEFORE you put your home up for sale, CALL US TODAY!!  We can be reached at 704.506.9691.  We have designed a special program just for you.  You will save thousands of dollars in commissions!  The savings are based on you getting our special promotional commission rate and not the standard commission rate we charge.

Please allow us to show you how we can service your real estate needs and allow you to keep your money in your pocket, right where it belongs!  I promise you this program is like no others!

If you decide to still sell FSBO after reading this or if you have any questions, please give us a call.  To get your FREE No-Obligation report, please visit our Free Reports page.  The report will provide you with valuable information on how to sell your home for top dollar.

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Equal Housing

The National Association of REALTORS® has developed a Fair Housing Program to provide resources and guidance to REALTORS® in ensuring equal professional services for all people.

Article 10 of the National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics requires that REALTORS® shall not deny equal professional services to any person for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.

REALTORS® shall not be party to any plan or agreement to discriminate against a person or persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.

A REALTOR® pledges to conduct business in keeping with the spirit and letter of the Code of Ethics.

Article 10 imposes obligations upon REALTORS® and is also a firm statement of support for equal opportunity in housing.

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Entertainment

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To receive your FREE list of all the homes we have available that fit your "dream home" specifications, please complete the form below.

Please make sure the form is complete.  We will be e-mailing you the entire list with updates as they come available.

The list will include "FSBO’s" – For Sale By Owners, New Construction, Pre-Owned homes and any others that we  may know about, which are NOT in the MLS.

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Certified Residential Specialist – CRS

How can a CRS help me?

Every CRS has undergone a rigorous, specialized course of detailed training aimed at making residential transactions as smooth and worry free as possible.

Why do I need a residential expert?

Buying or selling a home is one of the most crucial financial transactions of your life. In what can be a confusing and sometimes difficult process, it pays to leave as little to chance as you can. With the help of a CRS professional you can make this an easy and pleasant experience to go through.

As a CRS, we bring special qualifications to meet your real estate needs:

Membership in a local Board, State Association, and the National Association of REALTORS®. Every CRS is part of a much larger network of real estate professionals.

Successful completion of the courses leading to the Certified Residential Specialist designation, one of the most successful residential real estate education programs in the country. Every CRS is a real estate professional equipped with special expertise, thanks to advanced study in investment, listings, selling, tax savings and more.

A history of demonstrated sales performance through the documented execution of residential sales transactions.If you feel that anything about your transaction is special, seek out a specialist. It’s as simple as that.

Only about 4% of all REALTORS® and REALTOR® ASSOCIATES have earned the right to be called a CRS. Only about 4% have developed special residential sales skills and enhanced their residential sales knowledge through dedication, experience and study. 

A CRS can help you optimize your transaction by clarifying investment potential, identifying better prospects and helping you to understand the tax ramifications of your real estate transaction. It all adds up to one thing:

Better Service!

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Consultant

A person who consults with another or others. This person is an expert who is called on for professional advice.

As a consultant you must be sure that your answers and opinions are based on facts and not just a guess.

If you are a true consultant you’re paid for the advice and information that you give out. It is true that most people give out advice without being paid for it, this doesn’t make you a professional in the field. 

To become a professional consultant you must be paid for your advice!

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Comparative Market Analysis – CMA

We are committed to offer our clients the highest "standard" marketing plan.

We know everyone should get the same plan, whether your home is valued at $100,000.00 or $1,000,000.00, you deserve the best marketing plan available.

To assure your property is marketed to its fullest potential and to obtain the highest possible market value, we will start with a CMA. Whether you’re planning to move, improve your home or are just curious, we would love to provide you with a Free report.

The Comparative Market Analysis "CMA" is a very important part of selling your home.  We will complete the CMA based on the information you provided and the facts we have obtained.

Please remember the asking or selling price should not be based on the CMA we prepare via the internet since we have not yet seen the home. The CMA is going to be very close as long as your home is in average to above average condition.

Before pricing your home, if we don’t see it, please have a professional in the business take a look. Never put 100% confidence in a CMA compiled or received via the internet or over the phone. They are very close but can never be 100% accurate without seeing the home.

Would you like to know what the home down the street sold for?

Want to to know the value of the neighborhood homes?

Just want to get the value of your home?

In the comment section of the form below type the addresses of the homes your are curious about or specify the neighborhood.

Complete the form below to get your computerized CMA.

This is a FREE no-obligation community service!

 "MyFreeHomeValueReport"

Please make sure the form is complete

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Charlotte Area Information

Area Counties

Area Map

Around Town

Charlotte Chamber

Climate Profile

Compare Cities

Cost Of Living

Crime Rate

Entertainment

Job Hunting

Living Here

Local Newspaper

Neighborhood Profiles

Police Department

Schools

Sex Offenders (NC)

Sex Offenders (SC)

Sports Page

Utilities

Weather

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Calculators

How much can I borrow?

How much will my mortgage payments be?

How much will my adjustable rate payments be?

Which is better: fixed or adjustable?

Should I pay points to lower the rate?

Which is better: 15 or 30 year term?

How much should I put down for a new home?

How much can I save in taxes?

What will my closing costs be?

Am I better off renting?

Am I better off refinancing?

What will my refinancing costs be?

How can I reduce mortgage insurance costs?

Which lender has the better loan?

Which loan is better?

How advantageous are extra payments?

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Buyer Representation

Benefits Of Using A Buyer Agency

$5,000 Cash Savings, Guaranteed

 *We guarantee when you find the home you want to purchase, we will negotiate on your behalf to help you purchase the home for an overall savings to you of at least $5,000.  If we fail to do so, you will receive $500 cash at the closing of the sale.

 Everyone always wonders, what benefits do I get when I use a Buyers Agent?  What does it cost me?  We will do our best to explain some of the benefits and what this will cost you. 

In this position the Buyers Agent should try to get you the best price and terms on a particular piece of property and/or the improvement of the land.  It is a fact that not all real estate agents represent you.  In some cases they may be a dual agent.  In others they may represent the seller.  Make sure you have a clear understanding of whom your agent is representing. When we represent you, we have your interest at heart and not that of the builder or seller. A Buyers Agent has the knowledge to help you with all of your real estate needs.

What benefit do I get by using a Buyers Agent?  The main thing is YOU have representation, put plainly; someone looking out for your best interest and this service is FREE to you. That’s right, you don’t pay anything for this service and we represent you 100% and not the builder or seller. When you decide to buy a home, whether pre-existing or build from scratch, we know you will want someone who has the day-to-day knowledge of what goes on in the Real Estate world. Here’s a list of professionals we will be in touch with throughout the entire process:

Accountants, Appliance Repairman, Appraisers, Attorneys Office, Construction Foreman, Handy Person, Home Inspectors, Home Warranty Companies, Insurance Companies, Interior Decorators, Land Surveyor, Lead Paint Inspectors, Mortgage Companies, Movers, Radon Testers, Repair Contractors, Tax Preparer, Termite Inspector, Well and Septic Inspector and others. As you can see, we work with several folks on a daily basis. We may not need to work with all of these people during your home buying process, but we want you to feel secure when using us as your Buyers Agent.

Negotiating the contract, making sure the walk through and closing go smoothly is just fraction of what we will do for you. We will be doing several little things to ensure your home buying process will be a great experience. For example, we will help you secure financing. Many people have trouble when it comes to mortgages. We specialize in helping clients with all kinds of circumstances. We help you get the mortgage that is best suited for your needs along with the best interest rate available.

Our programs are not all credit score driven.  When others say NO, we move you in.  Please give us a chance to make your dreams come true, you will be glad you did. Remember, you get our services at NO COST to you.  Please give us a call at 704.506.9691 when you see something you like or would like to get an appointment to see a home.

Remember this:  It can be a home that you see on the Web or while out driving around.  It doesn’t matter who has their name on the sign or if it’s a For Sale By Owner!  Don’t forget there are several other homes for sale that are not out on the Web.  Contact us if you need any help or need to see a home.  We will make an appointment to see the home or help you find what you’re looking for.

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Builder Representation

We would love to meet with you and go over our excellent program.

To save you a little time and give you an idea of the high quality of service we provide, please take a look at the "Marketing Your Home" link.

We would love the opportunity to serve you!

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Broker

A person who acts as an agent or intermediary in negotiating contracts.

In this position the Broker should be trying to get you the best price and terms on a particular piece of property and or the improvement of the land.

It is a fact that not all real estate license holders are Brokers. They have not all completed all of the requirements to receive their Brokers License.  A Broker has only your interest at heart and not that of the builder or seller.

A Broker has the knowledge to help you with all of your real estate needs.  What benefit do I get by using a Broker?  The main thing is You have representation, put plainly, someone looking out for your best interest and this service is FREE to you.  That’s right, you don’t pay anything for this service and the Broker represents you 100% and not the builder or seller. 

When you decide to buy a home, whether pre-existing or build from scratch, we know you will want someone who has the day to day knowledge of what goes on in the Real Estate world.

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Bank Foreclosures

To receive your FREE list of all the bank owned homes and foreclosures we have available, please complete the form on this page.

We will be e-mailing you the entire list with updates as they come available.

The list will include Foreclosures, Private Auctions, Private Sales, REO (Bank Owned), Short Sales, homes being released by the seller and any others that we know about.

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Around Town

This area of the web site is for us to display photos and a small amount of text about activities or events which have taken place around town.

We would love to come out and take photos of your event and allow you to provide us with the text about the event. We would then give you a private link to the event. 

The link would connect you directly to the page where you can see all the photos and the text written about the event.

We realize not everyone can make it to an event, hopefully this will be the next best thing. It is also great for those friends and family members out of town. 

To get your event covered please give plenty of notice.

You may contact us to get your event scheduled.

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Area Counties

Alleghany County, NC

Anson County, NC

Burke County, NC

Cabarrus County, NC

Caldwell County, NC

Catawba County, NC

Cleveland County, NC

Davidson County, NC

Davie County, NC

Forsyth County, NC

Gaston County, NC

Greenville County, SC

Horry County, SC

Iredell County, NC

Johnston County, NC

Lancaster County, SC

Lincoln County, NC

Mecklenburg County, NC

Moore County, NC

Randolph County, NC

Rowan County, NC

 Stanly County, NC

Stokes County, NC

Union County, NC

Watauga County, NC

York County, SC

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Apartment Program

We have worked hard to develop what we feel is equal to or better than your apartment’s home ownership program.

Below is a brief explanation of the program.

We have a GREAT program which will allow you to receive money for a down payment, money for closing costs, money to get out of your current lease and much more.

You have the opportunity to receive UP TO $15,000.00 no matter how long you have lived in your apartment…..AND…..we will help you get out of your lease!For more information, please complete the form on the Free Reports page.

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