Charlotte Area Real Estate

FHA Monthly Mortgage Insurance To Increase

Sam Nueman, SFR — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 19:37:00 GMT

It seems like every time we blink, FHA changes their rules. On April 18th, 2011, FHA will increase their monthly mortgage insurance premiums as if the previous increase is not already hard on buyers. Ok here is what it means to you. Depending on your debt to income ratio, it may affect how much loan amount you will qualify for.

Since FHA will be increasing their MI by .25%, here is an example of what it will look like based on $163,000 sales price.

Sales price = $163,000
Minimum Required Down Payment = $5,705
Loan Amount = $157,295
FHA Mortgage Insurance (monthly) = $118 and with the increase of .25%, the amount will be $151. An increase of $33.

$33 may not be a lot for some people but this amount can go towards qualifying for a higher loan thus allowing you to get more in a home.

So if you are on the market of buying a home this spring, you will save yourself money by having a sales contract and starting your loan process before April 18th to avoid paying more on mortgage insurance. If you don't think you will have a contract before that date, make sure your loan officer is aware of the upcoming increase and that he/she has factored the increase into your loan prequalification.

When buying a home, it is important to have an experience real estate agent that can help you navigate through your buying process and new changes. I am that agent. Call me today.

Find out about our 10% Rebate Coupon.

704-747-2289
Sam Nueman

Play Your Part.

Sam Nueman, SFR — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:08:00 GMT

Some people that are not in the real estate or mortgage industry do not realize what it takes to get a real estate transaction to the closing table. They don't know how many people will actually touch the file during the process. And everyone will have to do their job for the buyer to officially purchase the house.

When a buyer is in the market of buying a home, they have to get prequalified or pre-approved for a mortgage loan if he/she intends to finance the purchase. This means their credit status and debt to income ratios will need to be sufficient. Buyer will also need to make sure the property is structurally sound, there is a marketable title, value of the house is satisfactory and more...

Here are some of the professionals/ vendors that are normally involved in a typical transaction...

- Realtor
- Loan Officer
- Loan Processor
- Loan Under Writer
- Lender's Closing Department
- Appraiser
- Surveyor
- Home Inspector
- Wood Destroying Insect (Termite) Inspector
- Contractor/ Repair Professional
- Title Abstractor
- Closing Paralegal
- Closing Attorney
- Deed Recorder

And in some cases there are more vendors involve.

So in short, nothing is a 'done deal' until everyone has completed their task and 'played their position'. But the great thing is... if you are utilizing an experienced Realtor like me, you will have a greater chance with your deal. Your Realtor will help you negotiate your offer, manage the time line, schedule the necessary inspections, correspond with your lender, negotiate repairs, communicate with the closing attorney, and more to make sure your deal is completed.

If you or anyone you know is interested in buying a house, an experienced Realtor(R) like me will be able and happy to help you. Call me at 704-747-2289 Cell or email at Sam@NuemanRealEstate.com

Price Reduced on 13611 Michael Lynn Road in Steelecroft

Sam Nueman, SFR — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 13:54:00 GMT

Steelecroft, Charlotte - Announcing a price reduction on 13611 Michael Lynn Road, a 1,548 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story. Now MLS® $109,900 - Reduced!.

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Price Reduced on 9316 Tibble Creek Way in Tibble Creek

Sam Nueman, SFR — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 15:10:00 GMT

Tibble Creek, Charlotte - Announcing a price reduction on 9316 Tibble Creek Way, a 1,304 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story "Ranch Style". Now MLS® $127,990 - Reduced!.

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Single Story For Sale in Tibble Creek

Sam Nueman, SFR — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 05:20:00 GMT

Gorgeous Ranch Style Home

• 1,302 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story "Ranch Style" - $129,824 - Great Steal! Hurry!

Tibble Creek, Charlotte - Wow! A Pride of Ownership Home. *ONE YEAR HOME WARRANTY IS BEING OFFERED**. As you come in you will see a Huge Master Bedroom on the right with a Master Bathroom included with a relaxing Garden Tub. All of the bedrooms have Walk-in Closets. There is New Carpet & Paint through out. On the left will be a spacious Laundry/ Mudroom. The Great room has an Open Floor Concept with high Vaulted Ceilings. It also is equipped with a Gas Fireplace. A spacious Kitchen has all black appliances with Beautiful Cherry colored cabinets a nice full size Breakfast area. The Backyard has an Extended Patio that has a Spacious Gazebo to enjoy and entertain friends. A wooded backyard provide that privacy have been look for. This lovely home is located less than one minute from Shopping Center (Harris Teeter and more. In a well sought after location and school District (Butler High, Mint Hill Middle & Piney Grove Elementary. This is your chance to take advantage of this great price. Hurry!

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Price Reduced on 9316 Tibble Creek Way in Tibble Creek

Sam Nueman, SFR — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 05:20:00 GMT

Tibble Creek, Charlotte - Announcing a price reduction on 9316 Tibble Creek Way, a 1,302 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story "Ranch Style". Now $129,824 - Great Steal! Hurry!.

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Price Reduced on 5500 Wyalong Dr in Mintworth Village

Sam Nueman, SFR — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 21:08:00 GMT

Mintworth Village, Charlotte - Announcing a price reduction on 5500 Wyalong Dr, a 1,582 sq. ft., 3 bdrm single story. Now $144,900 - A GREAT STEAL!.

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HUD FORECLOSURES FOR ONLY $100 DOWN OR 50% OFF?? REALLY??

Sam Nueman, SFR — Mon, 31 May 2010 18:28:00 GMT

Many buyers and even real estate brokers don't know about the different HUD programs available for buyers. Do you know you can purchase a HUD home for just $100 down and even be able to finance the needed repairs into your loan? Do you also know you can purchase a nice HUD home and only have to pay %50 of the sales price back depending on your occupation? Well, this is real and true!

I have successfully helped many of buyers take advantage of these programs for years. When seeking for a real estate broker it's important to know if that broker is knowledgeable with the HUD programs and if his or her agency is HUD certified? HUD will only allow agencies that are certified with them to assist buyers with the process. That's why other agents/ brokers refer clients to me since I have been quite successful with it.

Ok, here is the nitty gritty with some of the programs:

$100 Down Program
- You have to be pre-qualified or pre-approved for an FHA loan.
- The homes have to be on the HUD foreclosure lists which comes out every Friday.
- If your offer price is greater than $50,000, your earnest money deposit will need to be $1,000 which you can get back at closing if closing cost are taken care of. - Buyers have to intend to live in the home 'Owner-Occupant'.
- And you can close within 45 days.

50% Off Current Appraised Value (Good Neighbor Next Door) Program
- The same as the $100 Down Program except...
+ Buyers have to be a full time Teachers, Firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians or Law Enforcement Officers.
+ You can not participate if you have owned a residential real estate for 1 year prior to your submission.
+ You have to live in the house for 3 years.

For more information on these programs and others, you can contact me at Sam@NuemanRealEstate.com
For HUD foreclosure homes click on this link: http://www.nre4you.com/HUD_FORECLOSURES/page_2215182.html

Your Experienced Real Estate Broker
Sam Nueman
www.NRE4YOU.com

BYE BYE $8,000 TAX CREDIT!!

Sam Nueman, SFR — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 22:34:00 GMT

There is no question that the first-time homebuyer $8,000 tax credit has been very popular. And after so many buyers have taken advantage of this program, the end time is sadly near. You only have 10 days left to get a house under contract and close on it by June 30th. This program is basically is FREE Money for you to buy a home that you already are going to buy. Think about it. If you are renting, paying about $1,100 a month you are not going to get any of that money back at the end of the year. That's $13,200 annually you are throwing away! With $1,100 a month you can buy a much bigger home, get a tax write off on the interest, real estate tax, energy efficient programs, etc. Plus your portion of your mortgage payments will go towards reducing your principal balance. So if you think about it, you are getting paid to buy a house.

With that being said, make sure you are financially ready to become a home owner because after that $8,000 runs out you want to still be able to maintain the payments. That’s why I have 2 to 3 mortgage professionals standing by ready to assist any client of mine. If you are interested in taking advantage of the tax credit, this is not a time to shop around without a Realtor. Remember, sellers pay for all commission for both agents and if they aren't, you will know ahead of time before you make an offer on a home. So don't wait too late to hire an experience real estate broker, call or email me today!

Sam Nueman, SFR
704-747-2289 Cell

Price Reduced on 3114 Twin Falls Lane in Callaway Plantation

Sam Nueman, SFR — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 20:55:00 GMT

Callaway Plantation, Matthews - Announcing a price reduction on 3114 Twin Falls Lane, a 1,476 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm ranch. Now MLS® $144,900 - Reduced!!!.

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Open House in Callaway Plantation on Saturday

Sam Nueman, SFR — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 15:33:00 GMT

Callaway Plantation, Matthews - We invite everyone to visit our open house at 3114 Twin Falls Lane on March 13 from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM.

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Price Reduced on 10025 Teeside Lane in Parkview at Matthews

Sam Nueman, SFR — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:00:00 GMT

Parkview at Matthews, Matthews - Announcing a price reduction on 10025 Teeside Lane, a 1,920 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm 3 story "Lots of Natural Lignt!". Now MLS® $119,900 - Just Reduced!!!.

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Price Reduced on 3114 Twin Falls Lane in Callaway Plantation

Sam Nueman, SFR — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:12:00 GMT

Callaway Plantation, Matthews - Announcing a price reduction on 3114 Twin Falls Lane, a 1,476 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm ranch. Now MLS® $149,900 - Reduced!!!.

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2 Story For Sale in Wesley Chapel

Sam Nueman, SFR — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:12:00 GMT

Great Location (close to Lots of Shops)!

• 1,366 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story - MLS® $124,900 - Unbeatable Price!

Wesley Chapel, Monroe - Immaculate 2 story home has beautiful wood laminate floors on main level, gas log fireplace with crown moldings, neutral colors, French doors. Master bedroom has vaulted ceilings & walk-in closet. Master bathroom has double sinks, garden tub & a separate shower. Refrigerator, Washer & Dryer will stay. Seller is offering a 1 year Home Warranty and is willing to consider buyer's closing cost!! This is a Well kept home that is located next to the new upscale Bloom shopping centre. Close to North Lake mall, HWY I-77, HWY I-485.

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Price Reduced on 4737 Foxthorne Drive in Wesley Chapel

Sam Nueman, SFR — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:12:00 GMT

Wesley Chapel, Monroe - Announcing a price reduction on 4737 Foxthorne Drive, a 1,366 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story. Now MLS® $124,900 - Unbeatable Price!.

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Single Story For Sale in Whitley Mills

Sam Nueman, SFR — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 01:26:00 GMT

Great Neighgorhood!!!

• 2,319 sq. ft., 2 bath, 4 bdrm single story "Partial Brick Front w/ a Porch" - MLS® $198,900 - PRICED FOR A QUICK SELL!!

Whitley Mills, Fort Mill [York County] - A Short Sale at a great price! Lots of hardwood floors on the main level, gas log Fireplace, bay window by the breakfast area, 42in cabinets, corian countertop, ceramic tile backsplash, pendant lighting, stainless steel appliances and faux wood blinds. Fans in all of the bedroom, tile in upstairs bathrooms, luxury master bath with double sinks & garden tub. This lovely home has stone front and wonderful porch. Located in a Well Desired Neighborhood. First come with the right offer, first serve! Hurry!!

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2 Story For Sale in Brighton Park

Sam Nueman, SFR — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 17:15:00 GMT

Lots of Upgrades

• 2,328 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story - MLS® $224,900 - $60,000 BELOW MARKET

Brighton Park, Mint Hill - ***SHORT SALE IN PROGRESS*** $60,000 BELOW MKT... (INSTANT EQUITY). This lovely 2 story is loaded w/ lots of upgrades, equipped w/ surround sound speakers inside & out. Formal dinning w/ crown moldings & office has a built-in desk/ shelves. Kitchen includes all black appliances, ceramic tiles, corian countertops, & recess lighting. Gas log fireplace in living room. Master suite has a deep relaxing garden tub, separate shower, double sink, & a walk-in closet. This home has 10ft. ceilings, a loft, separate A/C & Heating control for upstairs & downstairs. You will love relaxing on the rocking chair front porch. This home is located in walking distance to lots & lots of shops. Hurry!!

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2 Story For Sale in Kingstree

Sam Nueman, SFR — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 17:13:00 GMT

SHORT SALE HAS BEEN APPROVED

• 2,360 sq. ft., 2 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story - MLS® $139,900 - $50,000 Below Market!!!

Kingstree, Charlotte - *SHORT SALE HAS BEEN APPROVED* APPROX 5 BUSINESS DAYS answer from the Bank** BANK WILL PAY SOME CLOSING COST. Listed approx $50,000 below market. It includes complete crown moldings downstairs, formal dining room, all black appliances in the kitchen, gas log fp in the living room & 9 ft. ceilings. Master bed has vaulted ceiling w/a walk-in closet. Master bathroom has garden tub, separate shower/ double sink.

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Single Story For Sale in Mintworth Village

Sam Nueman, SFR — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 17:09:00 GMT

SHORT SALE

• 1,871 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story - MLS® $144,900 - Instant Equity!!

Mintworth Village, Charlotte - **SHORT SALE OPPORTUNITY** This lovely 2 story home is packed with lots of upgrades. The main level has hardwood floors, crown moldings, gas fireplace in the living room, & high ceilings. Kitchen has ceramic tiles, 42' cabinets, ceramic tile floors, & refrigerator stays. 2nd level has a loft/ sitting area. Master bedroom has vaulted ceilings. Master bathroom has double sinks, garden tub, separate shower, & a walk-in closet. This is a wel kept 'pride of ownership' home. Home is priced approximately $30,000 below the market. So hurry!!

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Single Story For Sale in Providence Arbours

Sam Nueman, SFR — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 17:00:00 GMT

Shows Like a Model Home (S. CHARLOTTE)

• 2,718 sq. ft., 2 bath, 4 bdrm single story "10 Ft. Ceilings" - MLS® $25,900 - $70,000 Below Competition

Providence Arbours, Charlotte - This lovely home shows like a model home with an open floor plan, 10' ceilings, recess lighting, Hunter-Douglas blinds (Laminate Privacy Sheers), tinted windows, & crown moldings. Kitchen has corian countertops, huge island with smooth stove top, 2007 Jenn-Air appliances, 42" cabinets w/ lots of storage space, 2 pantries, hardwood floors & open to the living room as well as breakfast area. An elegant and spacious master suite that includes double sinks, deep garden tub, separate shower & stall. It also has very huge/ true walk-in closet. 14'x12' no maintenance deck & a well landscaped lawn with an irrigation system. This lovely home is located in a well sought after Providence Arbours neighborhood with great schools, close to (The Promenade) shopping centre/ other shops & golf course. Easily accessible to Hwy 485 & uptown. . SELLER WILL PAY FOR 2 YEAR HOME WARRANTY, UP TO $6,000 OF BUYER’S CLOSING COST, & UP TO $2,500 TOWARDS A FENCE & LEYLAND CYPRESS TRESS. SO HURRY!

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2 Story For Sale in Mintworth Village

Sam Nueman, SFR — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 16:57:00 GMT

PRICED $25,000 BELOW MARKET!

• 1,862 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story - MLS® $144,900 - GREAT SHORT SALE!!

Mintworth Village, Charlotte - Main level has hardwood flrs & carpet, crown moldings throughout, gas fireplace in the living room, & high ceilings. Kitchen has all black Kenmore appliances, 42' cabinets, & refrigerator stays. 2nd level has a loft/sitting area. Master bedroom has vaulted ceilings. Master bathroom has double sinks, garden tub, separate shower, & a walk-in closet. Close to & a walking distance to the shopping centre. Priced $25,000 below market. With this price, it won't last, So hurry!!

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2 Story For Sale in Oaks at Oxfordshire

Sam Nueman, SFR — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 16:52:00 GMT

Lots of Equity

• 3,540 sq. ft., 2 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story - MLS® $269,900 - Short Sale!

Oaks at Oxfordshire, Mint Hill - ** SHORT SALE OPPORTUNITY **PRICED BELOW OTHER HOME IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD..INSTANT EQUITY!! Minutes from HWY485 conveniently located close to lots of shops. Elegant/ formal dinning room with bay windows. Gorgeous kitchen with granite island, stainless appliance, 42'' cabinets, tile bkspash, hardwood floors. Bonus room with built in pre-wired surround sound. Inviting Master with sitting, trey ceiling & luxurious masterbath & tile floor, jetted tub, 12x16 deck, & a private backyard.

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2 Story For Sale in Brandon Ridge

Sam Nueman, SFR — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 16:47:00 GMT

LIVED IN LESS THAN A YEAR!!!

• 2,354 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story - MLS® $124,900 - GREAT SHORT SALE!!!

Brandon Ridge, Concord - **SHORT SALE OPPORTUNITY!! This lovely 2 story home has only been lived for less than a year. It is priced approximately $30,000 below the market. Home has berber carpet, living room with a gas log fireplace, & a greatroom. Kitchen has beautiful stainless steel appliances, great pantry and open view of dinning/ living room. It has finished 2 car garage used as an extended living area, huge master bedroom, master bathroom has double sinks, a nice garden tub. This beautiful has walk-in closets in all of the bedrooms. All rooms including garage is prewired for cable usage. With this price, this won't last market!!! So hurry!!!

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Buyers Should Love My Clutter & Lime Green Colors!

Sam Nueman, SFR — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 18:42:00 GMT

First impression and perception is so important when selling a house. Do you know that lots of buyers get turned off the moment they pull up to you’re ‘for sale’ house? Or when they walk in, they are slammed with lots of personal properties/ clutter. In real estate clutter doesn't necessarily mean 'junk', it just means ‘personal properties’ that needs to be removed in order to appeal to most buyers.

Let's briefly talk about some of the things sellers should keep in mind when selling their house. These are not in any particular order.

1) Front- make sure the lawn is well kept, remove any debris, repaint the old rusted mailbox, have a nice new ‘welcome’ mat, clean the patio, pay attention to the front door knobs and update the front lamp.

2) Entry- make sure the entryway does not have lots of personal things inhibiting buyers from having a clear view into the rest of the house. Reduce/ eliminate any odor (cigarette, pets, strong spices, etc). With this being a buyers' market, this can easily turn them away.

3) Living Room- Avoid having too many/ big furniture that will make the space look small. Remove/ reduce personal pictures/ artifacts. It is always good to paint walls with neutral colors. The key is to not narrow the pull of buyers that can be interested in your home.

4) Kitchen- Most of us do this. We tend to have too many things on the countertops; even things we only use once a week. My suggestion is to remove all of the things you do not use often and if it still looks cluttered, remove more and put where you can readily access them. Remove that white toaster oven or can opener since the rest of the appliances are black; unless you have a black and white kitchen. CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN. Did I say CLEAN? Buyers can EASLY get turned off when they see food crumbs on the counters, sink full of dirty dishes and spaghetti sauce all over the stove. Ok, I may be exaggerating a little but you will be amazed what people think will sell. If you think this can be overwhelming, you're right. So I suggest hiring a professional cleaner to help.

5) Bathroom- CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN! I know we love to use all kinds of condiments but it so important for buyers to see how much counter space that will get if they buy. Unless the theme of the bathroom is incorporated with multi-colors, please remove any thing that will throw the color scheme off (yeller rubber duck, lime green sponge, etc.).

Obviously it's difficult to notice these things if you are the seller, so what I try to do is have my sellers view other homes that will be in competition with them. Remember, any house can sell depending on its price; however, in order to get 'Top Dollar', you will need to appeal to a broad range of buyers. Please note that I am not saying that your house needs to look generic. It’s just that neutral wall colors appeal to most buyers.

So the moral of this blog is: The way we live when we are selling our home is different from when we are not selling. Until next time, let’s get your house ‘SOLD’!

I Want TO Buy A House But I Don't Want To Pay For My Agent's Commission!!!

Sam Nueman, SFR — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 21:33:00 GMT

You probably have heard this before: "you get what you paid for". In some cases, yes.

When trying to buy a house your initial questions should be:

There are many questions that buyers will have when going through their buying process and having the right professional to assist them makes it so much easier. So lets me answer these questions for you.

Will I have to pay for the agent's commission?
- No, in North/South Carolina sellers pay for both the listing & buyer agents commission. The amount is negotiated before the house is put on the market for sale. So that means you actually get an experienced real estate broker like me to help you without paying a dime to me. Nice huh!

What fees/ costs will I have to pay when purchasing a home?
- There are some fees that are associated with purchasing a home and to get the estimated amounts as well as what they may be, it is important to speak with a mortgage professional (Loan officer or Mortgage Broker). But no worries because I try to negotiate for the sellers to pay for most or all of my buyer's closing cost. Some of this closing cost can be but not limited to: (appraisal fee, inspection, credit report, survey, loan origination, etc...). Please know that this fees are charged by different vendors for rendering services. Now, there is a couple of things you should have available when you are ready to make an offer: earnest money deposit check (typically 0.5-1% of offer amount). This goes along with your offer and it means you are serious about purchasing the house. Typically, the check is written to an attorney or a realty firm to put in an 'escrow' account. You can get your money back or seller can keep it depending on what type of agreement you & the seller agree upon. After the house is under contract, you will need to get an inspection done and some inspectors will ask for the money before closing. There are some inspectors that will allow for it to be paid at closing table (I can provide you with their contact information). If inspection goes well, then the lenders will order an appraisal; however, the appraiser typically will also request that they get paid right after service. Please remember that even if you pay this, we can still ask for the sellers to pay for some or all of your closing cost. This will allow the money to be reimbursed to you if all of the closing expenses are covered.

How do I go about finding the right agent to assist me?
- Well, a way to finding a great real estate broker is by asking them to provide you with some of their past client(s) for a reference or by just speaking with them and see how they answer your questions. He or she has to be able to be straight forward with you.

Who do I need to speak with about a loan pre-approval or prequalification?
- Most buyers think they have to speak with their local bank branch. An experienced real estate broker should be able to refer you to at least two to three mortgage professional who can assist you. Since I've successfully assisted lots of clients in purchasing their homes, I have developed a good network of mortgage professional that are very knowledgeable with different type of loans.

Purchasing a should be a great and wonderful experience that's whey it is important to have the right professional on your side that can carry out your wishes. You are welcome to call or email me for any questions you may have.