Area Attributes

What makes our area a great place to call home? Oh, let me count the ways... Our region enjoys a mild climate that allows many days to enjoy outdoor activities such as golf, hunting, biking, hiking, fishing, and other recreational activities. While we experience all four seasons, for the most part, these seasons are not extreme, nor harsh. Another attribute is our affordable properties and types. Our small towns are enclaves of historic homes, new homes, farms, ponds, country homes, horse ranches, condos and others that are affordable especially when compared with other areas. Its probably safe to say that the regions holds a property that matches your lifestyle and interests. Lets talk geography and convenience...within an hours drive of the area, you will find the business district of Charlotte, North Carolina which also offers major shopping, air transportation, major banking facilities, sports franchises such as basketball, football, racing and more. One and half hours away will take you to the popular Myrtle Beach area with all its recreational opportunity and 3 hours will put you in the mountain ranges of the Carolinas. So making our area your home and hub makes good sense...you can enjoy the small town lifestyle and amenities of a major city just a short drive away. This is just a few of the reasons why locating to our area simply makes good sense. "The Carolina lifestyle...its easy to find and easy to live".

Is The Market On The Rebound?

There are some signs that the real estate industry is positioning itself for a recovery. Based on some local numbers, the number of property viewing appointments and actual contracts are on the rise. Several of the agents are Michael & Associates United Country Real Estate are posting some sales and comments they are receiving is that buyers think it is a good time to buy. That said, it is a good time to buy...prices are down and there is the $8,000. tax credit being offered. Only time will tell if this is just a bump in the market, but, a positive one. I invite potential home buyers to call me for details on the tax credit...it is possible to do an amendment on your 2008 returns to take advantage of this opportunity.

Location, Location, Location

You've heard it before and oh how important it is. Location is an all important factor in real estate. I am reminded of this while walking the links at Quail Hollow Country Club in the Ballentyne area of Charlotte, North Carolina. The club is host to the PGA Tournament, formerly known as the Wachovia Championship. This course is dotted with some extremely large and impressive homes ranging anywhere from 10,000 square feet and up. But picture these homes in another location, while they would still be impressive in their own right, it is their present location that truly brings their value to height. Take any home, for example, whether its large, small, old or new..it is effected by it real estate geography. On Lake Lure, North Carolina, it's shoreline is dotted with many fine homes some priced into the millions, however, on one peak sitting among fine properties is a older manufactured home with one of the greatest views...while the home in and of itself is worth only a few thousand dollars, by its mere footprint on the landscape it is worth thousands, maybe even hundreds of thousands. So consider this when you are searching for a home or home site. Location is vitally important to enhancing the value of your real estate investment, choosing your location should be done with much research and foresight.

Tips On Staging Your Home

Making your home warm and inviting can be easy and done cheaply, usually granting you a good return on your time invested. Here are some tips for the "DIY" stager.

1-CLEAN: Make your house sparkle, keep it neat and tidy. First impression to a potential buyer is crucial.
2-FIX: Repair blemishes such as a dripping faucet, faded paint, cracked tile and any other potential "eye sores".
3-DE'CLUTTER: Removing clutter will make your home look fresh, inviting, and larger.
4-NEUTRALIZE: It has been proven over and over that neutral colors help sell.
5-CURB APPEAL: Keep the lawn mowed, leaves raked, and shrubs trimmed neatly, if your home lacks appeal at the "curb", its often difficult to get a potential buyer into a home that lacks appeal. Simple things like repainting the frond door, repairing a mailbox, etc. can go a long way to making a home scream "come see me."
6-ENTRANCE: A potential buyers first glimpse into your home should make a them feel positive and uplifting. Make the entry bright and inviting. Place a mirror in the foyer so potential buyers can see themselves in you home.
7-KITCHEN: Kitchens sell homes. Keep it clean and de'cluttered. To give it a fresh feeling, burn scented candles and replace worn cabinet knobs...small fixes will go a long way in a kitchen.
8-MISCELLANEOUS: Remove knickknacks, remove area rugs, throw blankets, and pillows. Take out plants that don't look healthy..whether inside our out. Clean stained carpets, keep wastebaskets emptied and pets outside.

If your property is for sale, make it shine! Its amazing what a few days and these tips can do for a property. Time invested is money earned, and staging a home can be easy, fun and rewarding. For more tips on how to stage, feel free to call (843) 537.0286, ext 112.

Tonya Michael

Real Estate Market Presents Opportunities

It makes sense to look at the real estate market from several angles. In our current cycle, the number of foreclosures are up and that presents an opportunity for buyers who can afford to buy and hold until the market cycles up...and it will. While there are many agents who are concerned in listing these foreclosures, who is looking out for the buyer? The agents at Michael Associates United Country Real Estate have taken a unique lead and decided not to pursue the listing of a foreclosure property, but to represent buyer's of foreclosures. Many foreclosure buyers are from out of the area and are not familiar with local and state laws and regulations...and the process can be more involved with these type transactions, so it makes sense to have buyer representation, one who can guide and navigate you through the logistics of the purchase. Remember, foreclosures are an opportunity, but don't go into it blindly. Seek a qualified agent who will put your best interest first.