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