Tips To Preparing to Sell Your Charlotte, NC. Home in 2013

Well today is December 21, 2012 and thankfully for most of us the Mayan calendar did end but did not bring the end of the world with it...So, as we go into 2013 and decide to sell your house; what do you need to do to ensure it will sell quickly and for top dollar? There is always a few standard answers to that question. One is price it low and it will sell. Price does play a factor in whether a house will sell or not; but it is not necessarily the deciding factor unless you are prepared to give the house away. So, what is a seller to do as they prepare to get their home in order for the selling season in 2013. First, i would depersonalize the house. When you get done packing up all your holiday decorations; take a look around and make sure that your home has a feeling of comfort but not showcasing you and your family. The first thing you always want is the buyer to be able to envision their furniture and items in the house. When you have a lot of personalized items in the house you are taking away from them using their mind and imagination to envision their items. I have seen it where the buyers become fascinated with the photos of the sellers or notice a lot of personal pictures hanging around and do not remember what the house was like. This they think it was not the right one for them and move on to the next house. Second, declutter. This is the next biggest thing you can do. If the furniture is not necessary take it out and put it in the garage or get a storage unit and store it. But keep the furniture and items to a minimum in the house. You want to showcase the space the house has and not hinder it. Open and spacious rooms are huge selling points in a home. Third, keep it clean. Nothing turns a buyer off more than a dirty house. If the house is not clean you are passing on an impression that you do not take care of the house and can hinder your sale opportunities with it. Fourth, keep it neutral. if you have vibrant paint on the walls; tone them down by painting the rooms a neutral color....People like to see a blank canvas to work with...... Fifth, change the light bulbs. Yes, i said change the light bulbs. Right now the days are short (but getting longer every day). Put in the maximum wattage you can in the light fixtures. This will allow the house to show bright and cheery for the buyer. Would you want a house that looked dark and gloomy? or one that looked bright and cheery? Sixth, clear the kitchen countertops off. The kitchen helps sell a house. Keep the countertops clutter free so that a buyer can see what type of space they are working with. if a buyer cannot envision the counter space and cooking is a large part of their life; you could lose that sale. Keeping a few items on the countertops is okay; but do not have them stocked with items. Seventh, fix the little things. If you have small little cracks or holes in the walls from pictures or items patch them up and paint over them. It will give the house a fresh look to it.... These seven items are cost effective and can help you sell your home in 2013 a little more quickly. I always recommend these to sellers and it has helped with the sale of their homes... Dave diCecco Realtor/Broker Coldwell Banker United www.davedicecco.com

Buying A Home---Post Closing Expenses

Whether it is our first home we are buying or relocating to a new area, or downsizing because our children have left or upsizing because our family is growing there are additional costs related to buying a house indirectly that you should plan for. I always here buyers ask me "how much money will I need to close?" Then they make sure they either have it all set aside already or they work on saving it prior to closing. But what do you do once you have closed on the house....It is likely you are going to incur some additional expenses that you may not have budgeted for. First, if you are moving you have to get your furniture and personal items over to the new house. Some people rent a truck and get a few friends or family to help them with the move. Others may rent a truck and need bodies to be hired to pack and move them and then you still have the option of going with a full service moving company...That is an expense that adds up relatively quickly if you are not careful. Second, you will be putting the utilities on in your name. I know when i relocated to the Charlotte area I had to pay a security deposit with the electric company because I had never had service with them before....I was a little shocked and taken back by it since I was never late with any bills. They explained it is there policy if I never had service with them before...There went a few hundred dollars I did not budget for. Third, was the house cleaned to your satisfaction or are you going to clean it or hire someone to do it for you? What about painting or having the carpets professionally cleaned? These are all expenses that start to add up when you close. Fourth, does the house have window treatments? Are there blinds or curtains left over from the seller? If not you will have to go purchase those as well.... Window treatments can get into the hundreds of dollars depending on the windows and type of treatments you are looking for. Fifth, what about alarm systems or pest treatments or maintenance items to the house that you may need to do once you move in... Sixth, changing the locks on the house. I always recommend to every buyer that they change the locks on the house once the closing is done. You just never know who may have a key that the seller forgot to ask for it back from. When you close on a house whether it is your first or tenth house; there are expenses related to the closing after the transaction is done that affect you and you need to make sure you have budgeted money aside for those expenses as well.. Dave diCecco Realtor/Broker Coldwell Banker United www.davedicecco.com

Realtor Concessions On A Closing---Good Business Practice or Bad idea?

The title of this and the topic i know will stir a lot of debate and unrest among fellow Realtors. But this morning i was put in this position unwillingly. Do I give up part of my commission or not let the deal close (potentially at all)? What is a Realtor to do? First, let me say we are independent business people who run our business as we see fit. We may work under a company umbrella or be on our own; but either way we are independent contractors or small business owners. What we elect to do with our compensation is up to our business model and plan. I for one believe if I am going to give up any part of my commission; it has to be something I negotiate upfront with the transaction. I have done it in the past and will continue to do it in the future if the situation seems right. But it is a case by case scenario and it depends on the individual situation. A home seller who needs a certain amount out of his house in order to purchase a home on the other side or just does not have enough money to bring to the closing table; I might offer a concession to put the transaction together. I have paid for home warranties for first time home buyers; because the seller or the bank would not or had a bottom line and the buyer does not have the money to do it. Does helping make a transaction close a bad idea or good business practice? Yes, I work very hard for my money and some transactions I do not average even minimum wage by the time it closes with the amount of hours I put into the transaction. But I still am an independent owner and feel that the decision of what I do is completely up to me… I have found that it is not only good business practice for me; but has increased my referral business from those clients to an even greater amount. In the long run; I believe my career path and choice to be a realtor allows me to help someone sell their home for the most amount of money and/or find the right house for them at the best possible price…. If that means giving a little on my end so be it…. It is good business practice for me….. Dave diCecco Realtor/Broker Coldwell Banker United www.davedicecco.com

Should I Counter Offer The Buyer Or Reject The Offer

In this housing market it is constantly shifting and changing every day. One thing I have noticed is some buyers are coming in with reasonable offers on a house and others submitting offers substantially below market value for the house. So what is a seller to do if the offer is so low they feel insulted by it? Do they counter the offer or just reject the offer.... There are some things to consider when talking with sellers about a counter offer on a house. First, is the buyer an owner occupied buyer or an investor purchasing a house/ it does matter when you are looking to counter offer on a house. For one, an owner occupied buyer has some emotional ties to the house. They like the house, it made their short list of homes they are considering, and they have envisioned themselves living in the house. If the numbers make sense for themselves financially they want to own the house. The investor on the other hand is looking at the house strictly from a cash flow standpoint and has no emotional ties to the house. if the investor can get the house for the right price they will buy it but will walk away if the number does not make sense to them financially (even for as little as a few thousand dollars). The second is the offer for the house and the terms involved. Is the buyer asking for closing cost assistance? If so, how much? Are they financing or paying cash? When do they want to close? Looking at it as just a sale price without taking into account the other terms of the offer could hinder you from making a deal. For example, buyer A offered $150,000 sale price with $4500 in closing costs and a close date 60 days out with a FHA financing loan. Buyer B offers $144500 cash with no closing costs and a 30 day close. Which offer is better? When i talk with sellers about an offer on the house; I discuss more than the sale price. Can you meet the close date the buyer wants? Is the net number after closing costs enough money for you to take from the house? I also run a comparative analysis that day to see what has sold and gone on the market or off the market to see what the trend in the neighborhood is (though you should be hearing that from your agent on a monthly basis to begin with). Also, how many showings have you had? What type of feedback are you receiving? How soon do you have to sell? Having all the information vital to make an informed decision at your fingertips and knowing the whole scenario is critical in this housing market as to whether to counter offer or not. I have been on both ends of an offer that was below market value. On the selling side I always recommend we counter with something...even if it is a token discount to see what the buyer is thinking. Usually by the second offer form the buyer we find out how legitimate the buyer is and whether we have a reasonable chance of a deal or not. I have been on the buyer side as well where the buyer said let's take a shot at this number. We do not know how motivated the seller is and they may discount down. Yet the buyer may be willing to pay the price the seller really wants for the house. However; if the seller just rejects the offer and does not offer any counter offer the buyer might feel offended and walk away from the house. Is there a right or wrong answer to offering a counter offer to a buyer? It depends on the individual situation and where the seller is on price and how realistically the buyer is on getting the house at a fair market value price or not. Dave diCecco Realtor/Broker Coldwell Banker United www.davedicecco.com

Why Buying A House With A HOA Is Not A Good Idea

Yesterday i mentioned the reasons I felt that buying a house in a neighborhood that had a Homeowners Association was a good thing. Today I am tackling the other side of the coin. What are the negatives to buying a house in a neighborhood with a Homeowners Association. From my perspective sitting on a HOA board for the past three years has shed light on the pros and cons of being in a HOA. Though i prefer it personally; not everyone agrees. Here are some of the reasons I know that families do not move into neighborhoods with a HOA: First, it is mandatory. If you buy that house and there is a HOA chances are it is not voluntary but required that you join whether you are going to use the amenities or not. For some families the option of not having a choice is not appealing to them especially if they do not feel they will gain any benefit from paying the dues. Second, the fees. This I think is the number one reason most people do not like a HOA board and prefer homes without a HOA. You have the monthly, quarterly, or yearly dues to pay to the board for the amenities and maintenance of the common area and any amenities that the neighborhood may have. But, fi you are late with your payment they tend to tack on an exorbitant fee of 18% to your payment. Refuse to pay it and it adds up to a larger amount and keeps growing...The fees associated with the HOA dues and late payments are the number one reason i have heard why families avoid an HOA. In this tough economic times a lot of people lost jobs or took pay cuts and the HOA dues were not a top priority...If the board is not willing to work with you; you could end up with an amount that is double or even triple the dues you pay. Third, and I think the second most common reason why families avoid HOA neighborhoods is restrictions. If I want to put a fence up on my property; I should be able to put up what I want. I worked hard, bought the house maintain my mortgage; who is the HOA to tell me what i can and cannot do to my property. Others are concerned because of their jobs. They may be required to take home a company vehicle to be on call and some HOA's do not allow vehicles with advertisements on them parked overnight in the neighborhood..... This I have found to be especially prevalent among heating and A/C technicians and cable installers as well as plumbers or any trade workers. Fourth, One most people do not realize is that an HOA can take your home in foreclosure for failure to pay the dues. It is becoming more prevalent now than before. But they have the right to foreclose on you for non payment. A lot of people feel that is a little too much power to give an association. Fifth, rental restrictions. This is more common in town homes and condos. But a lot of them have certain restrictions that either allow rentals or do not allow rentals. If they do it usually is a certain percentage of units and that is it. So, if you cannot sell your house and want to rent it out you may not be able to because of the restrictions imposed in your neighborhood by the covenants and restrictions that are being enforced by the HOA. These are some reasons I have found why people do not want to live in a HOA. I imagine there are a few others as well...But for the most part it is about control. The HOA can and does control certain aspects of your house....Whether you are comfortable with that or not is your decision to make...... Dave diCecco Realtor/Broker Coldwell Banker United www.davedicecco.com

Why You Should Consider Buying A Charlotte, NC. Home With A HOA

Being a Realtor in the Charlotte, NC. market there are two vast different home searches out there. Ones that are newer in a subdivision that have an HOA and others that are out a little bit in the country or on the older side that do not have a HOA. Which is better for me? There are pros and cons to being in a HOA community. A lot depends on what you are looking for in that community or area. I live in a community that has an HOA and have been on the board since I moved there three years ago. So, from my perspective as a HOA board member and resident and Realtor i have heard many reasons and seen many things that can make me want to be in a HOA. The positives to me for being in a HOA are many. Some of the common ones that affect the selling and buying of a house are: 1. Community features. Not all HOA's have amenities. Some have pools, playgrounds, walking trails, clubhouse and common areas for residents to congregate or the kids to play. Others have maybe a couple of the items and some just have an entrance way sign and a little common area. i think it is important if you are looking to buy a house to decide if the amenities are important to you as well. I like the fact that I have a playground for the kids to play in and do not have the expense of maintain it. For some people it is having a pool without having to do the work to keep it up..... 2. Upkeep and maintenance. One of the expenses a HOA incurs is the upkeep and maintenance of the common area. A HOA board that takes a little pride in the neighborhood will ensure that the entrance way, common areas and any amenities are well cared for and kept up. This provides for better resale for the sellers and gives pride to the neighborhood. 3. Accountability. An HOA board is supposed to hold the home owners accountable and up to the standards set forth by the guidelines outlined in the covenants and restrictions that the builder put on file with the city when the subdivision was being built. This helps prevent you from having neighbors keep trash in their yard, lawns from being uncut, broken down cars in the driveway or street and anything else that might be an eye sore to you as a neighbor. 4. Uniformity. A lot of covenant and restrictions written by builders call for some type of uniformity when it comes to certain improvements to one's home. For example, in my community if you want to put a fence up it has to be white and vinyl. The design does not matter but the color and material does. it allows us to keep the neighborhood looking clean and uniform. Another is storage sheds or other improvements to a house. Usually you have to submit a request in to have storage shed built. As long as it fits the covenants and restriction guideline you are fine but it keeps someone from building something that a neighbor may find offensive or inappropriate for the neighborhood. The same goes true for TV dishes. Most neighborhoods require that they be in the back of the house or unseen from the road..... These for me are the most common reasons I think an HOA is a good thing when looking at a house. As a seller an HOA can help increase your value by the way it conducts business and as a buyer you can feel assured if the neighborhood maintains a certain look that you feel comfortable it will stay that way...... tomorrow I will address the reasons I think and HOA can be a bad thing for some people. Dave diCecco Realtor/Broker Coldwell Banker United www.davedicecco.com

Should You Take Your Home Off The Market For The Holiday?

Sellers everyday right now contemplate removing their home off the housing market and putting it back up after the holiday season is over. But is that a wise idea in these economic times? My experience so far has said it is not and in years past has shown that it is not a viable option. First, when you remove your home off the market this time of the year you are losing out on potential buyers that are out looking for a house and HAVE to buy. The reality is we all have so much other things going on right now that going out to look at homes and not being in the market to buy a home is not one of those options. So, you may not get the amount of showings that you had earlier in the year but the showings you do receive are more quality showings and those buyers have less choices to make in terms of available houses. Second, less competition than in the spring time. The numbers in our multiple listing service in Charlotte, NC. show that inventory hits the lowest level all year from December 1st through January 15th. There are substantially less homes available for sale. Now, there are fewer buyers out there but; you may be only competing against one or two other homes now versus five or six or possibly more in the spring time. More competition tends to keep the prices down as someone always seems to be getting more aggressive with pricing when there is more to choose from. Third, and for me one of the biggest reasons I tell sellers not to take their house off the market now is this is my second busiest time of the year besides the spring. In fact, it runs very close to being the busiest time of the year....A lot of home buyers chose now to move because the kids are on break from school for an extended vacation and it is easier to make the move now than to move during the middle of classes during the school year.... Fourth, the inconvenience of showings during the holiday is not all that bad. You can adjust the showing schedule accordingly. I tell a lot of my sellers to change the showings for this time of the year to appointment required. This way they have to confirm the showing and if they have family or friends in town they can politely cancel the showing or offer a reschedule of the showing do to the circumstances. Buyers know that this time of the year people get together and usually will accommodate a change in the showing schedule for family.... If your house is on the market now; keep it on the market you may pick up that buyer sooner rather than later...... Dave diCecco Realtor/Broker Coldwell Banker United www.davedicecco.com

What Room Is Most Important To Home Buyers Today/

Just about all the time I hear from sellers what features and or rooms are important to buyers when buying a house? The answer is not as cut and dry as all sellers and Real estate agents would like. Each and every buyer is different and unique. Some buyers are looking for certain features in a kitchen and others are concerned about the family room. Then there are the ones that want good sized spare bedrooms..... There are too many things that a buyer is looking for that it is impossible to precisely say what features or rooms of a house buyer prefer and help sell a house. However; there is one thing I have noticed this year among buyers that seem to be a common theme among them when looking at a house. The kitchen. This room of the house seems to have the largest impact on the buyers today. Granite countertops and updated kitchens definitely give you an edge over your competition when selling your house. I have had a majority of buyers tell me they wanted to look at a house because of the kitchen. But it is not just the updates in the Kitchen. It seems buyers are looking for space in there as well. They want to be able to move around and have space to walk and not bump into one another. And counter space is a large proponent among buyers. They are looking for working space.....islands seem to add a lot of value because of the multiple use and functionality of them to a house. If you showcase the kitchen of the house and it is bright, cheery and open with moderate updates to it your traffic for showings should increase. But it is not enough to just have them in the kitchen. The other factor you need to consider is what you have laying out on the countertops. So many times i look at pictures of a house and in the kitchen the counters are cluttered with everyday items. Things we use all the time but make the countertops look small. When you are having your Realtor take pictures of your Kitchen make sure that everything is off the countertops and that it is minimized when you have any showings...let the buyer envision what they would put on the countertops and see how much space they have there.... it does make a difference. Last week I looked at two homes in the same subdivision. Both shared the same layout as well. Yet when the buyers and i were discussing them they made note to the fact they felt one had a lot more counter space than the other. The reason was one had put everything off the counters and the other had left the coffee maker and other everyday miscellaneous items on there. Even though that house was less expensive they did not want to consider it because of what they perceived as an issue with the kitchen space..... Look at your kitchen and make sure even if you have upgrades to it; that the buyer can see them and put their vision on the kitchen... Dave diCecco Realtor/Broker Coldwell Banker United www.davedicecco.com

Thanksgiving---What This Charlotte, NC. Realtor Is Thankful For

Today is Thanksgiving Day. Traditionally a holiday we spend with our families. For most people it signifies the start of the "Holiday Season". For others it marks traditions with families that they look forward to each and every year. For others it is a time to reflect back and be grateful for what the year has brought...... This year, Thanksgiving has brought many emotions and meanings to me. Some I never gave much thought to in the past. Others that is new for the year. For me it has always been about being thankful for what I have. Growing up; I was always taught to be thankful for what you have because it was more than someone else had and wished they had. We also had the family traditions of getting together and celebrating the day as a family. As i grew older I started to create my own traditions with my family. One thing i did was remember to be thankful for what i had and to teach my children the same; we would volunteer at the local soup kitchen and help with Thanksgiving dinner for those who did not have a family to go home to. Spreading a little love and smile into someone else life gives you a better appreciation of the one you have. As a Realtor I have many things every year i am thankful for. I love my job and it shows. I enjoy meeting new people every year and making friendships that last a lifetime. I enjoy seeing the smile on someone’s face when at the closing table they have signed the last piece of paper and realize that they now own their first home. Helping someone realize the dream of owning their dream home or retirement home. The joy I get out of helping someone sell their home...The list goes on and on...... This Thanksgiving is a little different for me. In the past it has been a filled tradition of spending time with my family. For the children it signified the start of Christmas season as we have made it a tradition to put up our Christmas tree and begin the decorating for the holiday. But it has always been a day spent with my family. This is the first one that my dad will not be here for. I have been blessed to have a lot of good, no great years, with him and he has shaped me into the man I am today. Unfortunately, a long battle with cancer took him this past summer. It was a loss for me and my mother and sister and all that were blessed to know him. But it also made me realize this morning that he will not be there this year for the first time. Thus reinforcing the importance of my family in my life. Take some time out of your busy day today and call or thank your family for being there with you...You do not know how long you have with them and cherish each and every moment together as a family...My dad used to say holidays, funerals and weddings were the only time our family all got together. Now this past two years have showed me that it is more important than ever to do it more often than that. Today I am thankful for my family and my health and my ability to work and all the joy my friends and family bring into my life...So,from this charlotte realtor to you HAPPY THANKSGIVING....... Dave diCecco Realtor/Broker Coldwell Banker United www.davedicecco.com

Thanksgiving Day Parade Charlotte, NC. 2012

Looking for something to do on Thanksgiving before eating all Turkey and all the great food that accompanies it? Look no further than the Thanksgiving Day parade in Uptown charlotte, NC. This is a great event for the whole family and one I have not missed in a few years and look forward to the great tradition for many more years as well. Called the Belk Carolinas Carrousel Parade. This has been a staple in Charlotte, NC. for over 65 years. Voted as one of the four largest Thanksgiving parades in the United States; it attracts families from all over the Carolinas to it. The parade is in participation with both north and South Carolina and features numerous floats, hot air balloons, and bands from across the region. They project over a half million people come every year to see this great parade and kick off their Thanksgiving holiday with the Belk Carolinas carrousel parade. For additional information on the parade and the route it will be taking visit their website at : http://www.carrouselparade.org/general.htm Dave diCecco Realtor/Broker Coldwell Banker United www.davedicecco.com

Why Property Taxes Matter When Buying A House?

When you are looking for a house in the Charlotte, NC. area property taxes can and do play a vital factor into the affordability of a home. A lot of people gauge the value of a house based on the tax value. As accurate or inaccurate as that may be at times that number holds one true definite factor. The property taxes you will pay on a house in charlotte, NC. Property taxes are generally escrowed into a mortgage loan. if you are getting a VA, FHA or USDA loan they are required to be escrowed into your payment every month. On conventional loans it depends on what you are putting down and then the option is usually yours. But how do they affect the value of a house? in Charlotte, NC. we are in Mecklenburg county and the property taxes are based on a dollar amount. Times the tax value. In Charlotte the property tax rate is 1.2292 per hundred dollars. So if you are looking at a $100,000 tax value the property taxes would be $1229.20 a year or a little over $100.00 a month. A $200,000 tax value would be $200.00 a month. When you are applying for a loan the bank will generally tell you what you are approved up to dollar wise. But that may exceed where you want to be payment wise because of the taxes. You could be looking at a house that is going to sell for $125,000 and you know you are approved for $130,000 so you feel comfortable with the mortgage payment. But then you find out that the tax value on the house is $200,000 and your taxes are now $70.00 a month more than you anticipated. I always advise buyers when they find a house they like to get a mortgage payment quote before putting in an offer. I give them the taxes that are on the property so they can get a true idea of what the payment will be...This way the decision they are making is truly an educated decision. Dave diCecco Realtor/Broker Coldwell Banker United www.davedicecco.com

Should I Put My Home On the Market now Or Wait Till Spring/

I constantly get this question from sellers. Should I put my house on the market now or wait until the spring to list my home for sale? My answer is always the same...There is no better time than the present to list your home for sale. There are many pros to putting your home on the market now and if you understand some things it will be a lot less stressful on you as well. First, buyers are buying homes year round. They are not taking off for the holidays. I do the second most amount of my business every year from October through the end of the year. And that business is not investors; but actual home buyers looking to buy or being relocated here for jobs. Second, the best part of putting your home on the market now is you will not get the so called tire kickers looking at your house. Let’s face it; this time of the year we all have a lot of other things on our plate and going out to look at homes when we really are not in the market is not one of them. You probably will get fewer showings now than you would in the spring time. But the quality of your showings will be greater now than in the spring time. Meaning serious pre-approved buyers are out looking at homes. Third, you have less competition. For every person that listens and puts there house on the market now; there are at least eight to none that do not. Those people are waiting for the spring market to put their house on. So, as I told one family the other day..."do you want to be the only one on the market on one of five on the market at the same time in your neighborhood?" less competition makes for a better price for the seller and a quicker sale when the buyer has less to choose from. Fourth, buyers are not going to be coming out on the holiday to look at your house (probably). The holidays are still a sacred place for a lot of families. Buyers are aware they may have to rearrange looking at homes do to holiday parties and such...this is expected this time of the year when they are out looking at homes. Fifth, why put off to tomorrow what you can do today. Mortgage rates are at a historic low. Prices are beginning the steady climb up. If you are selling and need to buy on the other end; would you not want to take advantage of the low rates while they are still here? Sixth, the weather in Charlotte, NC. Bodes well for listing your house year round. We do not have the ugly winters the northeast and Midwest battle every year. We get a few days of bad weather but for the most part you do not lose potential days for showings because of the weather in charlotte, NC. This helps with potential buyers looking at homes and you maintaining the house be shown. A lot of home owners will wait to the spring to put their houses on the market. But you could lose out on potential sale of your house by doing that. I have two buyers looking right now that have been involved in multiple offer situations on houses because of the lack of inventory out there. In three to four months it would be just move on to the next house. But with slim inventory out there buyers are moving quickly and sellers are reaping the benefit of it. Dave diCecco Realtor/Broker Coldwell Banker United www.davedicecco.com

Veterans Day--Freebies For Military Veterans In Charlotte, NC. 2012

November 11, 2012 is Veterans Day. A Day we remember and pay tribute to ALL the military personal who have given their time and/or lives for our freedom. Being a military veteran of the US Army I am proud and honored to be one of those military persons recognized. But to me it was a free choice to serve and not because I had to but because I wanted to.... As a veteran I never stop remembering or thanking those around me who have served this great country of ours. As an appreciation for all that we have done there are area restaurants offering specials for veterans and other non-eatery places getting in on the action this year. Below is the list of places I could find online offering something for free to active or retired military personal: Car wash:Grace for Vets is a program that provides free car washes for veterans and active duty military on Sunday, November 11th, 2012. Follow the link to search for a car wash near you. 7-Eleven is participating. Flags: Conder Flag Company is giving 3 foot by 5 foot flags to veterans and active duty military on Friday, November 9th, 2012, and Monday, November 12th. Haircuts: Many Sports Clips locations are offering free haircuts for vets and active duty military on Sunday, November 11th, 2012. In addition, all Sports Clips locations will be donating $1 from every haircut they do on Veteran’s Day to the VFW Operation Uplink- Help a Hero program which provides free phone calls home for our active and hospitalized military personnel. Ice Skating: Veterans and active duty military personnel can skate for free at Extreme Ice Center on Sunday, November 11th, 2012, from 1pm to 4:20pm. Olive Garden:Vets and active duty military get a free entree from a special menu at Olive Garden on Veteran’s Day, Sunday, November 11th, 2012. Choices are unlimited salad and breadsticks, chicken parmigiana, seafood alfredo, grilled sausage and peppers rustica, cheese ravioli and spaghetti with meat sauce. McCormick & Schmick’s: McCormick & Schmick’s is offering veterans a free meal on Sunday, November 11th, 2012. Choices are buttermilk fried shrimp, cedar planked or grilled salmon, shrimp linguini, Parmesan crusted chicken, beer battered fish & chips, cashew crusted tilapia, beef medallions & scampi style shrimp, romano chicken chopped salad and 1/2 pound cheeseburger. California Pizza Kitchen: California Pizza Kitchen is offering veterans and active duty military a free meal for Veteran’s Day. On November 11th, 2012, or November 12th, get any pizza from the menu, plus a non-alcoholic drink for free. Outback Steakhouse: Outback Steakhouse is celebrating Veterans Day by offering veterans and active duty personnel a free Bloomin’ Onion and Coca-Cola beverage on November 11th, 2012, and November 12th. In addition, from November 13th through December 31st, get 10% off your entire bill, excluding alcohol, tax and tip. Applebee’s: On Sunday, November 11th, 2012, Applebee’s is thanking military vets and active duty personnel for their service by giving them a free signature menu item. Choices are Three Cheese Chicken Penne, 7 Ounce House Sirloin, Chicken Tenders Platter, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Bacon Cheddar Cheeseburger, Oriental Chicken Salad and Double Crunch Shrimp. Golden Corral: On Monday, November 12th, 2012, from 4pm to 9pm, Golden Corral offers veterans and active duty military a free dinner buffet and beverage. Texas Roadhouse: Texas Roadhouse is offering veterans and active military a free meal on Monday, November 12th, 2012, including an entree from a special menu, sides or fries, and a beverage. Hooter’s: Hooters is honoring the troops by giving them 10 free wings on Veterans Day, Sunday, November 11th, 2012. Veterans and active duty military personnel are eligible. Einstein’s Bros Bagels: All active, inactive and retired military personnel can get a free bagel at Einstein’s Bros Bagels Sunday, November 11th, 2012 Dave diCecco Realtor/Broker Coldwell Banker United www.davedicecco.com

Is Your Furniture Hindering Your Home Sale?

I know the subject line is a little odd. let me explain. Everyone has different taste in furniture and when someone views a house the chances are they have seen photos of the house already and know what you have for furniture. So how can the furniture be hindering the sale of my Charlotte, NC. home? Well looking at furniture through a picture does not allow you to gauge the size of the furniture. If the furniture is oversized and the room is not that large it may pass the impression on that the specific room is smaller than it really is. pictures are worth a thousand words and I know when i look at a picture, for example, of a living room with a sofa, loveseat and chair and a couple of end tables i envision how my furniture would fit in there like that as well. But what if the furniture is oversized for the room? I viewed a house this weekend with a buyer that had that oversized furniture. In fact it was so large in the living room it actually blocked the fireplace and it was blocked in the pictures as well. The same was for the bedrooms where the spare bedrooms (standard sized bedrooms) had queen sized beds in them that made the rooms look smaller than they actually were. By leaving that type of furniture in your house you are giving the buyers impressions of the house that you may not want to be portraying. Each house is different and even though the buyers may be looking at comparable square footage houses the layout and size of the rooms can vary from house to house... We all use varying degrees our different senses when we look to purchase something. Visual is one of the most important in looking at a home. A buyer wants to be able to view a house and envision how they would decorate it or lay it out. They are also looking to make sure there is enough space in the house for them to put their furniture. If a house is cluttered with oversized furniture too big for the rooms you are detracting from the visual sense a buyer has with the house and thus potentially losing that buyer. Dave diCecco Realtor/Broker Coldwell Banker United www.davedicecco.com

New Listing: 4414 Red Holly Court Charlotte, NC. 28215

4414 Red Holly court in charlotte, NC. is located in the Bradfield Farms subdivision. This over 3000 square foot home features five bedrooms and three full bathrooms on a cul-de-sac street. Location and amenities are what make this home attractive in addition to the great features it has inside and outside. The home boasts a large formal living room and a dining room big enough to sit a table and eight chairs with the hutch. The kitchen has been remolded and includes beautiful granite countertops and tile backsplash throughout with a nice island in the middle. The openness of the Kitchen i found to be a very attracting feature to it. A large eat in area adorns the kitchen area as well and off of it opens to the family room with a beautiful gas log fireplace with a marble surround. The downstairs also features the fifth bedroom which is currently being used as a home office and a full bathroom and laundry room (not a laundry closet). Go upstairs and the open feeling of the loft area greats you before you enter one of the three spare bedrooms upstairs. All the spare bedrooms are very large and spacious. In fact for a spare bedroom they all are larger than I expected when i went up the stairs. But the room that caught my attention the most was the master suite. It is more of a master suite than a bedroom. Besides the fact it holds a king sized bed; the room also features a sitting area with a bay window and has a large area to move around in. then you enter the master bathroom and instantly are caught in awe of the size of it. It has dual sinks but the best part is it is set up with separate vanities. Then there is the tile bathroom flooring and the Jacuzzi tub and separate shower stall with glass enclosure. The back road offers some nice privacy with an irrigation system. In addition there is a beautiful basketball court that is almost the size of a half court. With a large deck to sit and enjoy the privacy of the back yard and the basketball court.... Sitting on a cul-de sac lot this home priced to sell at $209900....If you are looking for a great deal in a great neighborhood then this is the home for you. With two pools, walking trails, and a tennis court and playground there is something for the whole family to do here... click here to view a virtual walk through of the house: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKgOBlyYI_Y Dave diCecco Realtor/Broker Coldwell Banker United www.davedicecco.com

Does Content Matter In Listing Descriptions When Selling A House?

The question is one I always ask a seller when they have not sold their house and looking to change realtors. What type of content did your Realtor put in on your Charlotte, NC home. We all have heard the phrase that a picture is worth a thousand words. As true as that is and as much as multitude of photos have helped me sell my fair share of homes; leaving out content can also hinder the potential sale of a property. A photo can only tell so much of a story. Wording and the content you write can help add to the value of a house or increase the value of a house. Can you tell by a photo if the roof was replaced in the last few years? Or if the house has newer hardwood flooring, or new AC unit? How about the layout or the use of space in a house? There are a lot of things that photos tell us about a house that help us decide as buyers and agents whether to go and visit the house ro not. but photos only tell part of the story. The rest is told through the description we write on a house. I have received more showings on one house because of the content I wrote than the photos. Reason i know is that my pictures were no less attractive or less in quantity than the previous agents. but where the other agent failed to write anything in the description; I got into a lengthy story about the house and the unique features the builder put in that custom house. It increased the showings tenfold and brought us an offer and contract on the house..... In the day of modern technology, Realtors are sometimes taking for granted that pictures and visual effects are all that is needed to sell a house today. But going away from the basics that got us there is taking away from a valuable source that can help you sell a house in this competitive Charlotte market... Dave diCecco Realtor/Broker Coldwell Banker United www.davedicecco.com

New Listing: 9239 Chislehurst Road Mint Hill, NC. 28227

9239 Chislehurst road in Mint Hill, NC. is a three bedroom, two and half bath two story home located in the Danbrooke park subdivision of Mint Hill. With over 1700 square feet of living space this home is great for the growing family. The home has a nice covered front porch when you pull up giving it that old southern charm look to it. Entering the house you immediately notice the beautiful stone fireplace accentuating the living room portion of the house. Wonderfully handcrafted this fireplace is in a great location central to the room. On the other side of the house on the lower level is the large open kitchen. Featuring custom cabinets and fully appliance this kitchen boasts great space and plenty of room to walk around. There is even a wonderful eat in area with a bay window to enjoy your morning coffee as you overlook the picturesque fenced backyard. If the kitchen area does not harbor enough room for you and the family; you can move into the dining room area of the house. This room is large enough to hold a table and eight chairs comfortably and brings in some great natural light from the front two large windows. Going up the stairs you are greeted by the three bedrooms the house has to offer. the master bedroom si located off to the right and runs the length of the house. A large open room that features her walk in closet and his smaller closet. In addition there is a spacious master bathroom attached to it with tile flooring. Across the hall are the other two spare bedrooms. They are both good sized and have large closet space for the spare bedrooms. they share the second full bath upstairs that is also tiled and features a tube shower combination. Some of the best features of the house are not in the living area of the house. The garage is an oversized two car garage that also has it's own heat and A/C unit to control the temperature out there. A great place to make a man cave or to tinker around in. Out back you have a nice open deck that has a hot tub (the hot tub does convey with the house) that opens to a large flat fenced in back yard adding to the privacy you receive. At one time he even had an above ground pool out there; but has removed it when his children got older. but has left the wiring and electrical box for a future home owner to put a pool back in. There is also a wired storage shed attached to the rear of the house and the house sits on a cul de sac street so you do not have to worry about the drive through traffic. With its great location off of Lawyers road convenience to major highways and shopping is easy; yet with the feeling of being in the country...Come by and see why a lot of families have called danbrooke park home... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0hGZCCcIRg Dave diCecco Realtor/Broker Coldwell Banker United www.davedicecco.com

how Do You Prepare Your Home For A Buyer Showing In Charlotte, NC.?

The houses were dark and gloomy inside. All the blinds and curtains were closed. A couple of homes had lights that did not even work because of the light bulbs being out. In most of these cases we did not even make it out of the entry way or living room of the house because of the poor lighting portrayed when we entered the house. Buying a home and selling a home are the largest transactions that a family makes in their lifetime as well as the largest sale they will make. it is crucial when getting a home ready to sell that when you have potential buyers walking through our house that it is showing in the best possible light. You could be losing potential buyers by not having your home ready to be shown. Buyers work on emotion and use all of their senses when looking at a house and deciding whether that is the right house for them. In one case, the buyer chose a similar house in the neighborhood to negotiate an offer on that was priced higher than that house because of the feeling they received when they walked in the house. Would the buyer have chosen that house had it not shown so dark and gloomy? Maybe. But we will never know because they was turned off by the dark feeling when they entered the house. As Realtors we always tell our clients about staging a house to be shown. One simple thing to do that does not cost any money is to make sure your blinds are open and the lights are either on (if possible) or all the lights work with high wattage bulbs to make the home feel bright...It can and does make a difference to the buyers today when they look at homes. it also may make the difference between selling your home and not. Dave diCecco Realtor/Broker Coldwell Banker United www.davedicecco.com

New Listing: 2514 Sam Newell Road Matthews, NC. 28105

2514 Sam Newell Road Matthews, NC. is a four bedroom two full bath split level home on 1.65 acre lot located in a desirable area of Matthews for only $169,900. This home has many features and updates to it making it a great home for the family. The sellers have just installed brand new carpet throughout the main level and the lower level of the house. They also replaced the flooring in the kitchen and dining area. In addition the house has just been completely repainted inside and has all new vent ducts and lighting fixtures. What I love about this home is the layout of the house. it features a large living area with a beautiful window that brings in natural sunlight and makes the house feel bright and open. The kitchen/dining area is open and spacious and allows for a large dining table that overlooks the partially wooded backyard. The kitchen features a brand new stove, updated countertops last year and plenty of counter space and cabinet space with its unique design that enables you to have breakfast bar stools in addition to the eating area. The upstairs portion has gorgeous hardwood floors that have been refinished and all the bedrooms have ceiling fans and a separate heating and A/C unit for the upstairs. A nice feature to have with three of the four bedrooms located there. Rooms are all good sized and the master has his and hers closet with a separate access to the full bathroom located there. Go downstairs and you have the laundry room, a fourth bedroom and a family room/den area with a sliding patio door out to the picturesque 1.65 acre yard. In addition it features a full bathroom downstairs as well...Something you normally do not find in a home like this. Outside you will enjoy the peace and quiet this home brings to you with its open yard and tree lined rear part of the yard. There is a creek that runs along the back part of the property and is a great place for the kids to play. This home has a lot of unique features and is slated for some of the better schools in Matthews. You get crown point elementary school, mint hill middle school and Butler high school. With great schools and easy access to independence Blvd. as well as 485 this is a little oasis in a otherwise congested area. Click on the link for a virtual walk through on the house: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCL2WNI35JA Dave diCecco Realtor/Broker Coldwell Banker United www.davedicecco.com

Housing Market Shifting In Favor Of Sellers In Charlotte, NC.?

The housing market seems to be finally shifting upward. it looks like the pendulum is moving away from the buyers and back toward the sellers. not that the sellers can now demand a higher price or sit back and wait for multiple offers....But it had sung so far in favor of the buyers in the past few years that it is showing a sign of going back to the seller. How do I evaluate what the market is doing? Each area of the country is different. You have to look at where you want to buy and see how the numbers are changing for the buyer or the seller. Some guidelines to use in whether the area is showing signs of improvement are the average sale price of all homes that sold in the area. is that number higher or lower than it was last year and the years before? In the Charlotte, NC. market the average sale price is up 1.8% from last year to $206,416. That number is 3.6% higher than two years ago as well. So it is showing a trend where the average price is rising in the area. Another guideline that is one of the most agreed upon barometer of the market is the inventory of homes for sale. In an ideal balanced market there should be six months’ worth of inventory. Basically based on sales if nothing new went on the market all the homes would sell in 6 months. At the peak of the recession that number was as high as 18 to 20 months’ worth of inventory. Currently we are sitting at a 8.9 month supply of homes. That is a dramatic decrease of over 30% from last year and 45% from two years ago. Third, I like to look at closed sales transactions. Inventory can be argued is down because sellers get frustrated with the market and pull their homes off the market waiting for it to get better. Closed sales are a good indication of what is selling. Closed transactions are up 15% this year over last year and over 23% from 2 years ago. A strong indicator that more people are out buying homes in the Charlotte, NC. market right now. last is to look at foreclosures and short sales. these are the distressed properties and their numbers can give a good indication of where the market is headed. if they are steady or going up we could be in trouble....Foreclosure sales are down for the second consecutive year right now. Two years ago they dropped 6.5% and last year to now they are down 7% that is almost a 14% drop in foreclosure sales in the charlotte market over the past two years..... Short sales are on the rise and banks are getting better at handling them. They are up 28%. But those numbers tend to be closer to actual fair market value than a foreclosure..... When you look at all the scenarios involved and the trend is pointing one way across the board you have to know that the market is heading in that direction. We all know it could stay low forever; and noone just knew when the bottom was going to hit. Well it looks like we hit it a few months ago and are starting the climb back to a balanced market again. Dave diCecco Realtor/Broker Coldwell Banker United www.davedicecco.com

What Stays And What Does Not When Selling A House In North Carolina?

The question of what has to stay and what the seller does not have to leave always comes up in North Carolina. The North Carolina Real Estate commission describes it as personal property things you can take with you as a seller. Real property has to stay with the house upon transfer (unless other arrangements have been made) So what is real property? Real property is the land and all structures that are permantely fixed on the property. Now, certain variations of things constitute real property in North Carolina. They consider a stove, dishwasher and blinds to be real property. Those items were affixed to the house and are part of the natural flow of the house. Meaning that the countertops and cabinets were specially removed so as to fit a stove and dishwashers thus making them part of the house....Anything that is built in can and usually is considered real property. The same goes true for light fixtures in the house. Personal property is considered items you brought into the house and thus are yours and can be removed with you. Some items that come up in discussions on whether they are real or not are refrigerators, washer and dryers, curtains and curtain rods.... These items are considered to be personal property and the seller is not under any obligation to leave them with the sale of the house.. Now, as Realtors in North Carolina we input listings into the Multiple Listing Service and thus we put in the fixtures and items that are staying with the house. So if the seller said I will include the refrigerator with the sale of the house then a realtor will include it in the listing so the prospective buyer knows it is included in the house. But the Buyer's agent will still have to make note of it on the offer to purchase contract since it is personal property and otherwise can be argued it was negotiated out of the contract. Just because a seller has not included an item in the sale price of the house does not mean it is not for sale or negotiable into the contract...As a Buyer's agent I have asked for items in the offer that the seller was not including; but the buyer wanted. You never know what the seller will part with or will not part with until you ask. On the seller side I have used items the seller said he/she did not care if they stayed with the house or not as a negotiating tool when trying to sell a house as well.. There is fine line in terms of what stays and what does not stay....Make sure you ask your Realtor if you are thinking something is staying or not if it is personal property or not and then ask them to negotiate it into the contract if it is personal property. Dave diCecco Realtor/Broker Coldwell Banker United www.davedicecco.com

Selling Your Charlotte, NC. Home--Does It Feel Warm And Like Home?

All the time sellers ask the question on what can I do to help get my house sold in Charlotte, NC? I receive a lot of showings and the feedback is good but I am not receiving any offers on my home.. One thing I have noticed lately with both buyers that I have shown homes to and sellers whose homes I have listed is that the feeling you get when you walk into the home sets the tone for the whole house and the showing. How does the house feel when you walk into it? Does the home give a feeling of warmth or like home feeling? Or does it give a dark and cold feeling or one that is distant? I have been thinking about this post for a few weeks to write it and I decided that every time I walked into a house for a listing presentation or with a buyer I was going to make a conscious effort to see what I felt. i was not passing that information on to anyone; just collecting the data of the different charlotte area homes I viewed to see what; if anything the perception does for me. I was a little surprised that walking into some homes that from the outside had nice curb appeal and met the buyers criteria for their wants and needs in the house; felt different when we actually got through the front door. That feeling tended to carry on throughout the house and it felt like the house was fighting an uphill battle after that. The home did not present the wow factor when they walked in. How do you change it and what can you do to give your home that warm feeling as prospective buyers enter your house depends on the layout of your house. But one thing is certain, first impressions are crucial. When they enter the house if they are turned off you are fighting to keep them interested. I am telling everyone that i list a house for to take a picture standing in the front doorway and take it on different angles and views. Then sit down with your realtor and some friends and ask for honest answers on how you can make the entrance into your home feel a little more comfortable or warm for the buyers when they walk in. I viewed a house the other day with a buyer that had that feeling. it was nothing special that they did; it was the neutral colors and the scented candle on the table at the entrance way to put your keys on with the bright light shining in and the cleanliness of the house that instantly grabbed my buyers. Every house we have looked at since has been compared to that one. Even to the fact that we all could not remember some of the features that distinguished that house form the rest anymore that we have to venture back to look a second time before we put an offer in. As sellers you are competing against a tough buyer market right now and the pendulum is beginning to swing back in your favor. A lot of buyers know that the market is beginning to swing and are looking for that right house still. It seems to be that they want certain things in a house and do not want to settle for something that they are not going to be completely happy with. so, as sellers you need to appeal to all of their senses when they are looking at your house and the easiest way to engage a buyer is through the first impression they receive when they walk into your house.... Dave diCecco Realtor/Broker Coldwell Banker United www.davedicecco.com

Attractive Buyer Incentives To Enhance Showings And Offers

In today's housing market the biggest complaint I hear from sellers looking to put their house on the market is how I am going to drive traffic to their house to generate an offer on the house. I recently read an article that addressed some of the main things buyers looked for when looking at homes last year and purchasing homes. First, pricing a home strategically correct is the most crucial item to consider. if you price a house too high for the market or the neighborhood you are not going to attract buyers to your home. But what if the house is priced right and staged correctly. What is a seller to do to gain an edge in this housing market? One of the biggest things that buyers are looking for besides great pictures and videos are incentives that will help entice them to buy your house over your competitor down the street. Some of the most common incentives that attract buyers to a house are: Paid home warranty for the first year. Every new builder offers a free one year warranty and an extended warranty on other items and structural parts. When reselling a home offering a buyer a one year home warranty will give them an added peace of mind when buying the house. A lot of buyers are cash poor after closing. If something breaks they may not have the money to fix it. The home warranty gives them a peace of mind of knowing that after a small deductible of usually $100.00 or less the items can be fixed with a simple phone call to the service provider. Another popular incentive among home buyers is closing cost assistance. With the economy struggling home buyers are finding it increasing hard to save enough money to cover the down payment and the closing costs on the purchase of a house. by offering to pay a percentage of the sale price toward closing costs or a fixed amount you are giving the buyer a little more breathing room and maybe putting your home into the consideration pool because of that as well. I have a lot of buyers over the past couple of years that struggled to get the down payment saved and needed the assistance of sellers toward their closing costs to purchase a house. That added incentive I know made a lot of buyers happy and able to purchase a house they normally would not have been able to buy.... Coupling the free one year home warranty with paid closing costs is a win win for buyers and sellers alike. For buyers there is the peace of mind of knowing that if anything breaks they are covered for the first year and that the closing will be paid in full or partial from the seller. For the seller it allows for a quicker closing and more motivated buyer coming through looking at their house. In addition by factoring those costs in upfront the seller will have a better idea of where the net number is going to be and how much they will have to negotiate knowing what concessions they are already giving up. If your home has not sold or you are not getting the showings you think you should be getting and the price is right; photos are good and the house is staged for showings then consider offer some incentives to the buyer to entice them to visit your house...it could be the difference between the words looking and SOLD. Dave diCecco Realtor/Broker Coldwell Banker United www.davedicecco.com

Buying A Home is 54% Cheaper Than Renting In Charlotte, NC.

According to a recent study done by Trulia; it is cheaper to own a home in all of the 100 largest metros in the United States versus renting a home in those same areas. Since I am concentrated in the Charlotte, NC. area I decided to dig a little deeper and see how the numbers transpire in the charlotte, NC. market. Based on the analysis they did which factored in the average cost of home ownership over a seven year period versus the average cost of renting over the same period. This was done with homes for sale and for rent from the months of June through August 2012. So, the data is currently the most recent on the market today. Because the amount of foreclosures over the past few years and the amount of families that are doing short sales; the demand for rental market has picked up. With the increase in the rental market for houses; prices have gone up with them. It is a supply and demand economic issue. When supply is low and demand is high you can get more money and when supply is high and demand is low you get less money. All the major apartment complexes and property management companies that I know always base their rental prices on the supply and demand of the market.... In the Charlotte area the rental prices have been ticking upwards for the past few years which in turn has led to more first time homebuyers coming out and purchasing a home. And now that housing prices are ticking upwards as well it is interesting to see how the difference translates over a seven year period. The average cost to own a home in the Charlotte, NC. market is $691.00 a month versus $1487.00 to rent a home. That difference calculates out to be $797.00 a month or 54% every month. Those numbers are based on you selling the house in seven years and do factor in property taxes, home owners insurance and other costs associated with owning a home. The numbers look quite dramatic. But the part of the equation that is left for an unknown is if you are going to sell the house in seven years and additionally factors in that profit as well... By all standards the average family moves every seven years; so using that is not something that is out of the ordinary. But what if you plan on staying there longer? It still is cheaper to own than it is to rent...In the long run you are paying less a month and you have tax benefits that you do not have with a rental. In addition you know what your monthly payment is going to be every year (with the exception of insurance or taxes being adjusted) versus an apartment complex or a rental house where the payment can fluctuate as much as 20% year to year..... With home prices starting to climb and the latest data showing inventory starting to diminish it may be the best time to buy that home you have wanted to buy in the Charlotte, NC. Market. Dave diCecco Realtor/Broker Coldwell Banker United www.davedicecco.com

New Listing: 8117 Stem Court Charlotte, NC. 28227

Looking for a home that is ready to move into without doing any work? This home located at 8117 Stem court is such a house. Priced to sell at only $79,900 this brick ranch home situated on almost .3 acres in the Holly Hills subdivision of Charlotte has been completely redone inside by the owners in the past couple of years. This home features 3 good sized bedrooms and one full bathroom and a laundry room that is plumbed to have a second bathroom as well. The house has brand new carpet throughout the whole house and new vinyl flooring installed last year. In fact no one has lived in the house since the flooring has been put down. The homeowners have also installed a brand new Trane heating and A/C system in 2009 with a programmable thermostat and new gutters in 2009. In addition the stove and kitchen countertops were replaced in 2010. Situated on a nice wooded lot this house has a large family/living room with a wood burning fireplace. In addition there is a beautiful sun porch off the back to enjoy all the beauty and tranquility that the serene private fenced back yard offers you. The best part is this house is located in a house charlotte neighborhood allowing you to purchase the home with NO MONEY DOWN. Yes you can experience the pride of ownership for less than you are paying in rent now and not have to put any money down in addition.. Come see why many people have chosen Holly hills subdivision as home. Click on the link to view a video tour of this wonderful home: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfDwP1otfhc Dave diCecco Realtor/Broker Coldwell Banker United www.davedicecco.com

11 Year Anniversary of 9/11---I WILL NEVER FORGET

Today marks the 11 year anniversary of one of the most devastating attacks on US soil. Most of us are to young to remember Pearl Harbor and the lives lost there....However; all of us are old enough to remember 9/11/2001. That day will always, in my lifetime, be a remembrance for me. I had the unfortunate experience of being in New York City in lower Manhattan at what is now called ground zero when it occurred. I watched as the rest of the country did in shock at what was unfolding before my eyes and not knowing what to do or what really was happening at that moment. I remember not being able to use cell phone and walking for what seemed like an eternity to get out of New York with hundreds of thousands of people. But despite all the tragedy that occurred during that day... I also witnessed some of the greatest moments in my life and ones that made me proud to be an AMERICAN and a VETERAN. I witnessed first responders (firemen, police officers, EMT'S) rush into the buildings with no regard for their own lives to try and save someone they did not even know...They were doing a job. Those brave men and women put their lives at risk to save people like you and me. I remember sitting glued in front of the television for hours on end after it happened for the next few days as they went through the debris looking for people still alive and yet never complaining once. I lost a few friends during the devastation that hit New York City that day. I vowed that I would never forget them or that day. As the healing continues, as it will always continue let’s not forget the brave people who gave their lives for us that day. I remember listening to the fire trucks and police cars and ambulances sirens on what felt like an eternity rushing to help people. To this day if I am driving and I hear a first responder siren I remember 9/11/01 as if I were reliving it. So, to all those that gave their life that day and ALL those that saved lives that day and beyond....THANK YOU....THIS SURVIVOR WILL NEVER FORGET. Dave diCecco Realtor/Broker Coldwell Banker United www.davedicecco.com

New Listing: 8500 Pine Circle Charlotte, NC. 28215

Looking for a place in the country? Then look no further. 8500 Pine circle in the hickory Acres subdivision of Charlotte is situated on over two acres. This ranch home was built in 2002 and features a finished walk out basement. The home boasts over 2000 square feet of heated living space with 3 bedrooms and two and half bathrooms for only $209,900 The rocking chair front porch is great for quiet evenings enjoying the country setting or enjoy the park like view of your backyard form the deck. Utilities on this home are very minimal since it is on well water and a septic tank and has propane. The current homeowners boast about the low electric bill they enjoy with this energy efficient built home. On the cool fall or winter evenings this home offers the luxury of enjoying one of the two fireplaces in the house. On the main level in the living room or venture downstairs to the den and enjoy the one there... The kitchen is extremely large and open and a paradise for someone who enjoys cooking with an oversized island in the middle as well. All the appliances are stainless steel and convey with the house..... The craftsmanship that was put into this house shows throughout with the casement around all the windows to the built in book shelves in the den and the third bedroom all the way to the work bench area in the oversized two car garage.... Come see why country living is at it's best out here in Hickory Acres area of Charlotte, NC. View a virtual walk through on this house by clicking on: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U25FsxB6ipA Dave diCecco Realtor/Broker Coldwell Banker United www.davedicecco.com

Matthews, NC. 28105--Labor Day Weekend Matthews Alive 2012

Looking for something fun to do this labor day weekend? Come to Matthews, NC. for the annual Matthews Alive festival held every year during Labor Day weekend. This year the event starts on Friday September 2, 2011 and ends on Monday September 5, 2011. This is a great fun filled family attraction. In the eight years I have lived in Matthews, NC.; a year has not gone by that I have not visited Matthews Alive. Each day and night there are different bands and musicians playing on one of the three stages set up. There are carnival rides and games for the kids ( and kids at heart). Large arts and craft show, various food vendors and other family oriented events. Do not miss the parade on Saturday morning. This is the LARGEST Labor Day parade in the Southeast ( who would think a small town like Matthews NC would be such a large attraction for labor Day?). It starts at 10:a.m. SHARP. Come see the various bands from area high schools, floats and organizations throughout Charlotte area for this great event. Come by on Labor Day and see the classic car show held in front of the Town hall/Library. it is held in the morning and is a great place to spend soem time if you enjoy antique cars and collectible cars. The part that attracts me most to go to Matthews Alive (besides the great fun and memories it brings) is that 100% of all the profits are given back to the local charities and organizations in the community....This is a fundraiser but not one for the town of Matthews...but one for the local charities in Matthews and the surrounding area that help out families...it makes it even more worthwhile knowing I not only get to have fun; but my money is going to worthy causes.... I hope to see you all there this weekend...I know you will not be disappointed..... http://matthewsalive.org Dave diCecco Realtor/Broker Coldwell Banker United www.davedicecco.com

Why You Should Not Sell Your House As A For Sale By Owner

In this market there are a lot of home sellers that contemplate the concept of selling their house on their own without the services of a Real Estate Agent. They are trying to keep their costs to a minimal and in the process are willing to do some extra things on their own to sell their home as a For Sale By Owner. Does it work? Well 10% nationally sold their home without the assistance of a Realtor to list their home for them last year....ironically, 9% of those that sold involved a realtor in the transaction one way or the other...... And the average for sale by owner tends to get less money for their house than a home listed for sale by a Realtor...On average the price is 21% less. We have all heard the story by now of the owner of forsalebyowner.com tried to sell his home last year for a little over six months unsuccessfully and hired a Real estate agent to list and sell his house and even after paying the 6% in commission he still made $150,000 more than what he had it priced at. Most FSBO'S tend to hire a Realtor at some point in the process. Now one knows the exact number but it is well over 80% of the families that try to sell their home give up. Today, I met with and spoke in great detail with a family that tried that route.... They explained to me the perils they went through in trying to sell their house. Finding comparable sales for the house were very difficult. They had to scrounge through various websites to see if they could come up with a price that would work. After that failed they interviewed a couple of Realtors to get their price opinion on their house and used that as a pricing matrix. Second, getting calls at all hours of the day and night about wanting to see their house....They said the phone would ring starting at around 7a.m. in the morning to well after 9p.m. at night and even more so on the weekends.... it was quite frustrating dealing with all the calls they said and not knowing if the person on the other end of the line was legitimate or not. Third, having random people just walk up to their door unannounced and ask if they could see the house because they saw the sign out in the front yard....Most of the time that happened at night with the kids getting ready for bed or during dinner hour. Without the prep time of knowing someone wants to look at the house they were scrambling to keep the house clean at all times....With three children actively involved in sports and extra curricular activities and both parents working...You can only imagine how difficult it was. Fourth, having complete strangers walk through the house not knowing if they could buy a house or not...Were they casing the house out for a potential robbery? A few people they said made them feel uneasy.. Fifth, advertising the house...How do they advertise it? What do they write? How many photos do they take? What type of pictures do they take? Where do they put it? How will people find their house? Paying for all these services including getting it out there on the internet cost money....Almost as much as it would cost they said to hire you. Sixth, not knowing what to do if someone wanted the house. How do I write an offer? How do I know if their mortgage is approved? What are the steps involved in the process? There were they said various websites to help you through the process; but it is very difficult to navigate with a full time job and children at the same time. Last, peace of mind of knowing that with a Realtor they can set some of the guidelines and boundaries and not feel overwhelmed led them to call me today.... Is selling a house on your own doable? Maybe. Is the savings there versus hiring a Realtor to help you sell your house? Probably not...There is a lot of factors that need to be weighed in when you are looking to sell your home on your own. these were ones that they never really thought would be too bad until it was happening to them.....And probably the reason more than 80% of FSBO's end up using a realtor at some point Dave diCecco Realtor/Broker Coldwell Banker United www.davedicecco.com.

First Day Of School In Charlotte, NC. Comes With New Core Standards

Today marks the first day of school for students in the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools system (CMS). As my children will tell you; I call it the happiest day of the year as a parent. But this year marks the beginning of new changes within the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System that filters all the way down to the parents. How this will play out I am not sure yet....But I am encouraged by the changes. CMS is changing the way teachers teach and our children learn in school. Gone are the days of facts and memorizing information. They want the children to ask questions and interact more in the classroom and be inquisitive rather than take notes and memorize information to pass a test. This is part of the common core standards that the school has rolled out in conjunction with a large amount of other states in math and reading. But they are asking the teachers to take it to another level in other classes as well... My oldest daughter teachers in science and history were talking about it as well.... She likes the idea of preparing us for real life and being creative and thinking things through and reasoning to the why than just accepting it as a fact..... Charlotte schools are also rolling out new end of the year tests to see how the students performed over the year and how much they grasped. It will also be used to evaluate how teachers are performing in school as well... This has been a hot topic among teachers, parents and students alike on how one exam can decide a teacher's fate. it has met with lots of controversy and I know teachers that teach the kids to the exam and not how they normally would just to ensure they do well on the test.....This will continue to be a very heated topic during the school year again this year. Charlotte schools are also trying to go more digital across the board. Most classrooms have smart boards and computers in the classroom. Now they are trying to take it to another level in the age of digital and move toward children having access to electronic devices in school. For example i-pads or net books and small laptops. They are rolling it out in a sample amount of schools to test it. I think in this digital age that as the children move up computers are necessary for the everyday work. One of the largest and most sought after changes is parent and community involvement in the education. In the past it was perceived (whether right or wrong) that it did not matter what the parents said the school board did what it wanted to and had made their minds up about it. Now the new superintendent of schools for charlotte is taking it to the people so to speak. Trying to get parents and communities involved in the education of our children is a hot topic this year . All in all this is the first day of school and the new changes being implemented starting today. Being a parent of four children in the school system form elementary school all the way up to high school; I am looking forward to see what the year brings on.... These new standards are supposed to help our children learn more and be better prepared to join the workforce or attend college. Change is a necessity today and I am open to change that will help our children blossom in the future. Dave diCecco Realtor/Broker Coldwell Banker United www.davedicecco.com

New Short Sale Guidelines To Help Homeowners

Earlier this week the Federal regulators who oversee Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac passed some changes to the laws that govern short sales that go into effect on November 1, 2012. The design behind these changes was to help families who truly deserved of a short sale get through the process quicker and with less paperwork. Anyone familiar with a short sale knows the amount of paperwork involved in it can be extensive. I often joke with sellers when they ask me how much paperwork is involved that by the time we are done we will have used a complete tree. And that process takes months to get done. Now, the guidelines implemented for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are designed to help streamline this process and make it easier for deserving families to qualify and process through a short sale. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are primarily the investors on a majority of the mortgages out there. You would never know it because the service provider is probably the same bank that you received your mortgage with. But on most short sales Fannie Mae or Freddie mac make the majority of decisions on whether to approve or not a short sale and verify the paperwork is correct or not. Under the new guidelines borrowers who are current on their mortgages but face certain hardships like death in the family, divorce, loss of job, relocation or disability now can have their short sales streamlined faster and with less paperwork. Military personal being relocated automatically qualify for a short sale regardless of whether they are behind on the payments or not. And best of all they are exempt from deficiency judgements. So the banks cannot sue them afterwards for the balance owed on the house after the foreclosure or the short sale. the paperwork for a short sale will be uniformed among all service providers that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac service now. Currently each bank has their own set of paperwork for the short sale and as long as it meets the guidelines for the lienholder and Fannie Mae and Freddie mac get the required information they need no one cared. However; it bogged down Fannie and Freddie as they had to sift through papers to ensure that they had all the necessary information. This eliminates this issue and should speed up the process. Also, they are offering an incentive of up to $6000 toward second lienholders to help process the short sales. Currently second lienholders can kill a short sale transaction if they do not agree to the dollar amount offered by the first lienholder or if they feel it is not in their financial best interest. With short sales on the rise as more and more banks have adopted streamlining processes in place and buyers are not waiting as long as before to close on them this can help alleviate some of the homes that go to foreclosure and remain empty for a period of a time and remove the stigma of a foreclosure off of their credit. the full article from the Federal Housing Financing Agency link is: http://www.fhfa.gov/webfiles/24211/ShortSalesPRFactFinal.pdf Dave diCecco Realtor/Broker Coldwell Banker United www.davedicecco.com

Does Paint Color Matter When Selling A House?

Does it matter what color paint you use on the walls when selling a house? Most definitely it does matter what the color of paint is on the walls when you go to sell the house. A color that you may like on the walls may not be the choice of color for the buyer.... Certain colors tend to make a room look and feel larger and warmer than other colors. because your daughter liked pink on the walls and your son wanted his room blue does not matter to a buyer. They may not want those colors. I know a lot of people tell me but it is only paint...it can be fixed with a fresh coat of paint and they can paint it whatever color they want when they move in. yes that is true....but colors tend to make a house look different to different people. For example, I walked into a house that had been on the market for seven months with no offers and few showings. The seller could not understand why. Home was priced right. Well as soon as you walked in you immediately noticed the colorful rooms with decor and paint that matched the sellers taste. Most buyers walking through the house were turned off by the paint colors and could not look past it. In some rooms it made the rooms feel and look smaller and the lack of fresh paint on the trim work made the house feel old and dated inside. Now, fast forward 30 days. When I walked into the same house that was freshly painted in a beige color on all the walls and the trim was brightened up with a white glossy paint. The rooms looked rich and bright and the house had a feel of being newer and more updated than before. Buyers were in love with the house because of the fresh paint and the feeling they got when they walked in and saw the home freshly painted and warm and inviting. It made the house look and feel larger and open. Because of that the showings increased dramatically and with the increase in showings came multiple offers and a closed sale… Paint may be an easy fix to a house that a prospective buyer can do.....but it is also something that can make your home stand out from the rest and help you get a quicker sale and possibly more money for the house.....do not neglect the little things in this housing market that can add value to your house and help you get it sold in a timely manner. Dave diCecco Realtor/Broker Coldwell Banker United www.davedicecco.com

Market Report: Crestdale Crossing Matthews, NC. 28105 July 2012

Crestdale Crossing is a quaint 110 single family home subdivision located in Matthews, NC. 28105 just outside of the center of town. This quiet community was built in 2002-2003. It's families love the location to the highways, the great schools and family like atmosphere with children playing in the park or riding bikes through the cul de sac's. Below are the market trends for Crestdale Crossing for the past three years. This will give you a good idea of how the housing has trended in there. These numbers are from August 1st through July 31st. 3 years ago there were 5 homes that sold for an average sale price of $119,550. They were on the market for an average of 23 days. 2 years ago there were 5 homes that sold for an average sale price of $100,700. They were on the market for an average of 70 days. Last year there were 8 homes that sold for an average sale price of $81,679. They were on the market for an average of 104 days. Currently there is one homes for sale for $112,000. There are three under contract right now. The average asking price of those three under contract is $96,133 and they have been on the market for an average of 53 days. A balanced market (one which does not favor the buyer or the seller) is considered one that has six months worth of inventory avaialble. Based on the last years sale numbers and what is currently availble on the market right now the market is favoring the seller. David diCecco Realtor/Broker Coldwell Banker United www.davedicecco.com

Democratic National Convention Coming To Chaarlotte September 1, 2012

As the time approaches for the Democratic National Convention (DNC) to come to charlotte, NC. people are in a frenzy as to what they can do and where they can go. This is a large event and the security measures being taken are going to be a hindrance to some people. From talking to different people involved with the Democratic national Convention the road blocks and access to uptown Charlotte are set to begin around August 30th and continue until the 7th of September. It is wrecking havoc on businesses and work and home sales. A lot of attorneys are not scheduling closings starting on the 30th of August until the 10th of August because they are in fear that they will not be able to get into uptown Charlotte to record the deed at the courthouse during that time. I know clients are scrambling to get homes closed before that date which is putting a backlog on some Attorney's and buyers who anticipated moving at the end of the month and around labor day. Noone knows for sure until the convention actually starts what the true impact is going to be on the everyday events and commute in and out of Charlotte. But a lot of people I know are leaving town or avoiding uptown Charlotte altogether during that week.... I found a link to an interactive map that was designed to give you some idea of what roads will be blocked and where you can and cannot go during the Democratic National Convention. Click on the link below to see what is blocked off in charlotte for that week. http://www.wcnc.com/news/dnc-charlotte-2012/extras/bInteractiveb--Where-you-can-and-cant-go-during-the-DNC-165441176.html Dave diCecco Realtor/Broker Coldwell Banker United www.davedicecco.com

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Set To begin August 27,2012

yes, it is that time of the year again when we get ready for school to start. Like most families you are beginning to receive your childs classroom assignement or schedule in the mail (depending ont eh grade they are going into). All of Charlotte, NC. schools are beginning classes August 27,2012. if you ahve children in schools in means getting up and getting them ready for the first day of school... If you do not have children in school then it is the day we all dread for commuting into work since the traffic seems to be more bottlenecked that first week as school buses and crossing guards extend our commute time to work. I have attached a link to the charlotte-mecklenburg schools calender here for you to view so you knwo when the children will be in and out of school. I have found it very helpful putting it on my refridgerator so I can keep track of when they are in school and not in school. I also like knowing the days I can sleep in a little later knowing I am not dealing with the buses and extra traffic in the morning as well.... To view the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School calender click : http://www.cms.k12.nc.us/mediaroom/calendars/Documents/2012-2013%20Calendar%20with%20Waiver.pdf Dave diCecco Coldwell Banker United Realtor/Broker www.davedicecco.com

Do You Factor In Property Taxes Before Buying A Home IN Charlotte, NC?

Today online we can do so much research before we go to look at a home. We can find a home and see what average rates are and calculate monthly payments. But when we do this are we factoring in what the property taxes are going to be in our monthly budget? Property taxes are going to be a part of the equation whether you factor them into your monthly payment or not. Moving here six years ago from Connecticut I was stunned at how low the property taxes were for a house in comparison to the Northeast. I figure i pay about 75% less here for my house in taxes than if I had the same house in the Northeast. But it was still a factor when I went to look at homes.... I had a budget in mind and that budget was what my wife and I were comfortable a month paying. In Charlotte, NC. area property taxes vary on the value of the house. Depending on your price point for a house it can be anywhere from $100 to $300 a month addition to what the principle and interest payment are on a house. It adds up fast.... When I have a client that says they are pre-qualified for X amount of dollars from their bank and want to look at certain homes i first ask them what are they looking at in terms of a monthly payment that they are comfortable with. What they want to comfortably afford a month may not be the same number as what they are approved for; because the property taxes are not factored into their equation. By knowing what a buyer in Charlotte, NC. wants to pay a month I can estimate if the payment fits the sale price of the house approximately and tell them they are okay or not. Consider that for every $10,000 on a price of a house affects your payment about $33.00 a month. Not adding in your property taxes can affect your buying ability by as much as $30,000 and up. That is a large swing in home values and can put you in different neighborhoods than you anticipated. When you are looking to get a home budget in your property taxes before putting an offer in....Your real Estate agent should be able to tell you what the seller paid last year for the house in property taxes. It can affect how much you offer for the house and whether you are comfortable buying the house or not.... Dave diCecco Realtor/Broker www.davedicecco.com

Do You Interview Schools Before Buying A House In Charlotte, NC.?

With families looking to purchase a home today with record low interest rates and prices that by all accounts have hit the bottom and are beginning to climb; how do you choose the right house? One large factor I have noticed among buyers this spring and summer season is the schools. How do we know the school is good? I usually direct families to a couple of different websites that give statistical information on schools in the Charlotte school system. One is www.ncreportcards.org and the other is www.greatschools.org. However; these give you some idea of how the school performs in comparison to other schools in the district and the state. But is the school the right one for you and your children? I have started this year scheduling appointments for potential homeowners that want a house to visit the schools that are going to be in their district when they purchase the house. You can learn so much more about a school by visiting it and going to see it than you can from statistics. Is the school safe/ how is the learning environment? What are the teachers like? What is the school schedule like? Do they offer special programs? What if your child wants to go down a certain major of study; does the school offer it or are you going to have to transfer to a magnet school program? Being a father of four children; my wife and I were put in the same dilemma when we moved to charlotte area seven years ago. We based our decision on information we found online on various websites and forums. But it did not give us the true picture of the schools. We know we liked what we read about the schools and felt comfortable sending our children there. But we did not know the schools. After enrolling the children in school we met with the principal and guidance counselors and a few of the teachers from different grade levels...At that time we realized we made the right decision for our children. however; a friend of ours dis the same thing but ended up sending his son to a magnet school for middle school because of his love for arts. That led to a longer day and more complicated schedule of getting him to a bus stop and ensuring he is picked up at a certain time. They admit that had they visited the schools and learned about the different programs offered they would have looked at homes in an area closer to the school their son goes to now.... I always tell home buyers for every positive comment you find about a school you can find a negative one. You need to meet the school principal and talk honestly about your expectations and what you are looking for out of the school and make sure that the school is best suited for your child needs. What is important for one family may not be for another. And a lot of us purchase homes today because of the schools in order to give our children the best possible chance of a great education as we can... So why are we not visiting the schools before buying a house? Dave diCecco Realtor/Broker www.davedicecco.com