This month, Coldwell Banker United Realtors is launching a youtube video that I think that you will really like. It is narrated by the actor Tom Selleck. I have watched it several times and each time it stirs a lot of fond memories of my own family.

When selling your home, try to stage your home to attract buyers. Is there soft music playing, are the lights on? Are the beds made? Toilets cleaned with lids down? Buyers are buying a lifestyle and they have to be able to see themselves living in your home.

Your home is the single  most important investment that you will make over a course of years.

When I am working with home buyers, I try to put myself in their places. I point out things that I think are important to them in the home buying process but also things that may make it difficult for resale.  Are they moving here from out of town or out of state? Is a neighborhood pool something that would interest them in terms of meeting new people or children in the neighborhood? Are schools important to them? If so, I can help send them online to the school websites to make that determination.  Is nearby shopping important, doctor offices, hospitals something that is a necessity?

If you or anyone that you know is planning to buy or sale, I would appreciate it if you would pass my name along. My business is based on referrals from past and future clients.

Regards and have a great Wednesday!!! Sunny and feels like 68 in Charlotte today.

Renee

renee@reneeinfinger.com

704 609 4241

Renee is a licensed NC & SC Realtor with Coldwell Banker United.

ABR- Accredited Buyers Representative

CRS- Certified Residential Specialist

CDPE- Certified Distress Properties Expert

On Wednesday, the National Association of Realtors said that sales of existing homes rose 4.3 % in January. In 2005, there were about 7 millions homes sold .  In a healthy market, about 6 million is considered normal. According to the latest numbers, that number has dropped to 4.5 million.

Due to the homes that are considered distressed properties, the housing prices aren’t improving. They fell another 2% in January and those numbers are likely to rise again due to the large number of foreclosures throughout the country. As these homes sell, they drive the prices even lower.

When the foreclosure market began to heat up in 2007, the banks would take over the homes and would quickly move them through the foreclosure process. As the inventory began to build and the demand for houses dropped, the banks continued to hold on to the properties rather than dramatically dropping prices. Banks are now managing their inventory a little better now to avoid having too many homes on the market.

As home sales grow, the banks will start to release more of their “shadow inventory” which they have been holding back in reserve.

Once prices stabilize, they have a long way to go before recovering their 2005 peak; some estimates expect that to take until 2020. For historical reference, the last time home prices fell 33 percent was in the 1930s  when the full cycle from peak to trough to peak took 19 years. To read the entire article on the housing market according to msn.com, click here.

For information on the Charlotte, NC market, please contact me.

Renee Infinger, ABR, CDPE, CRS

Coldwell Banker United Realtors

704 609 4241

renee@reneeinfinger.com

Also, there is also a trend toward ” walking away from your real estate investment”. This is known as Strategic Foreclosure.
Last week, I participated in a two day class and received a designation called Certified Distressed Property Expert. I learned so much about short sales, foreclosures and strategic foreclosures.
A homeowner is looking at selling his property as a short sale” when the borrower owes more money on his property that when combined with closing costs and commission is higher than current market value”.
A foreclosure occurs when the homeowner can no longer make payments and a notice of default is filed against the homeowner.
A strategic foreclosure occurs when a home owner decides on his own that his property value has decreased and he doesn’t want to continue making monthly payments on a home that has lost value.
According to the latest stats available, 1 in 7 homes are currently in foreclosure. One foreclosure in a neighborhood can decrease property values by 9%.
If you are having trouble making your payments, or have a 5 year ARM that will be resetting this year, don’t wait until you are struggling to make your payments. Call a Realtor with the designation CDPE to help.  This is a great youtube video to watch if you suspect that you are upside down.

Call or text me @ 704 609 4241 or email me : renee@reneeinfinger.com.

You have options!!!

The best reason to buy at the moment is that prices are low, rates are low, market supply is great and there are some good deals to be had. Although, on the other hand, there are a lot of short sales out there and that can be good if you don’t mind waiting for the bank to make decisions.

RENTAL PROS AND CONS:

* A lease is  fixed for the term of the lease so you can plan ahead each month

* Repairs are usually handled by the leasing office

* Minimal upfront investments

* Poor credit history may be forgiven easier

* At the end of the lease, you can renew your lease or move to a new location

* No equity building if you rent

* No tax advantages as compare to owning

BUYERS PROS AND CONS

* Home ownership and pride

* Long term tax benefits

* Building equity even if the home value stays the same.

* Ability to remodel and decorate as you like.

* Downpayment will be required

Today’s market is constantly changing. I have seen fluctuations over the past 10 years where it has been a seller’s market to now being a buyer’s market. In most cases, some sort of downpayment will be required. One of the most popular loans available is an FHA loan. An FHA loan will require that the buyer has 3.5 % of the purchase price to be used as a down payment. If you qualify for a VA loan, you can qualify for 100% financing.

For more information on buying or renting, contact Renee @ 704.609.4241 or email @ renee@reneeinfinger.com

Renee Infinger, ABR, CRS

Realtor/ Broker CB United Realtors

USAA

According to the latest news reports, nearly 11 million homeowners are underwater on their current mortgages.

What does underwater mean? It means that the homeowner owes more on their home’s mortgage than they are worth. What is a homeowner to do? What are the choices for a homeowner?

Some people are just walking away from their homes and allowing the bank to foreclose. Some people ( if they are young enough) figure that they have many years to reestablish their credit. 

Others are hoping for a loan modification with their lender where the lender lowers the interest rate.

According to US News and World Report, there are several options to consider.  However, before walking away from your mortgage, you should always consult with a financial advisor or a tax consultant to weigh all of your options. If the lender allows a short sale, you may be responsible for taxes on the forgiveness amount.

Renee Infinger, Realtor/Broker

704 609 4241

www.reneeinfinger.com

www.soldonweddington.com

renee@reneeinfinger.com

IF YOU OR ANYONE THAT YOU KNOW HAS MILITARY EXPERIENCE, ASK ME HOW YOU MAY RECEIVE ADDITIONAL BENEFITS AS A BUYER OR SELLER !!!

I must admit that I don’t have a lot of experience with the military. My dad served in World War II and I have some  cousins that served in Vietnam. My dad would always show me pictures of him in his uniform while telling me stories of his experiences. When he passed away, we asked that taps be played at his funeral as my mom was presented with the American flag.

As a Realtor, I am working with a lot of clients who have served in the military. These young men and women have served in Iraq or Afghanistan and are now working civilian jobs. I never ask them any personal questions but have told them how much I appreciate them.

Today, take time to place your hand over your heart when you see a Veteran. Tell them that you appreciate their willingness to serve our great country. Never take for granted the freedom that we have and those who have lost their lives defending us. Some families won’t have the chance to thank or hug  a loved one in person but know that their family member will be honored on this day.

Renee Infinger, Realtor/ Broker CB United Charlotte, NC

704 609 4241

renee@reneeinfinger.com

www.reneeinfinger.com

Mover’s Advantage USAA Preferred Broker

As I was driving home today, I looked at the beautiful lake and realized how fortunate that I feel to live in NC. Today  is November 9th and the temperature is in the 70′s.  I have friends in Connecticut who are still living without power from an early snow storm.

Lake Providence is a neighborhood located in Weddington, NC. Weddington is also in Union County where the taxes are less than Mecklenburg County.  Most of the homes in this neighborhood are all brick with side load garages. The homes are all custom built by different builders and are situated on heavily wooded acre lots.

In addition, there are 2 small lakes which are used by the lake front property owners. Since there are no amenties, the HOA dues are minimal.

Weddington Elementary, Middle and High schools are all on one tract of land within a mile . These schools are recognized as schools of excellence and are recognized on the local and state level.

Lake Providence doesn’t have a lot of turnover and most of the residents have lived in the neighborhood in excess of 10 years. Most of the homes were built in the 1990′s.

For all information, call or email me for more stats.

I had the privilege of meeting them as they began their journey in Charlotte. A colleague of mine knew the Associate Pastor Chunks Corbett. She told me about their plan, and my first thoughts were” just what Charlotte needs”. Another church?? REALLY??? After all, we ARE in the Bible Belt. She told me to be nice and not to say any bad words!!! Really???? Not my style.

As I met each family one by one, I couldn’t help but be impressed with their maturity. They were all so young but as we looked at homes, each one was very adamant about staying within their budget. There would be no stretching them to buy more than they could comfortably afford.

I grew up in a Baptist church and even married a PK ( Preacher’s Kid). I had never experienced a church like Elevation but found that it brought the excitement back in to going to church. Middle  and high school students started attending in droves and their parents started attending to see what the commotion was all about. After all, a lot of people in attendance now could be the parents of Pastor Furtick.

To hear the history of Elevation Church, click here  to see the 5 year anniversary documentary.

Renee Infinger, Realtor

704 609 4241

www.reneeinfinger.com

If you or any member of your family has military experience, you may be eligible for additional benefits in buying or selling real estate. Ask me how!!!!

I

I have the privilege as a Realtor to work with so many people. Some of my most favorite people right now are members of the armed services that have served over seas to protect our homeland.  I work with a lot of USAA members who are relocating to Charlotte, NC.

My father and my father in law both served in the Army. I am working with a lot of young men who have served in Afghanistan right now. Most of them are now in civilian jobs and have recently married.

My dad and father in law never knew about the benefits of USAA membership for mortgages or insurance. USAA is a program where members of the military or their family members can receive financial, banking and insurance benefits. According to Wikipedia, USAA was established in 1922 by a group of Army officers who were unable to receive car insurance because they were viewed as ” high risk”. USAA was originally known as the United States Army Automobile Association. Since then, USAA has expanded to all areas of the armed services.

USAA offers financial planning, banking, life insurance, property and casualty insurance, and investment services. If you have served in the military or have a family member who has served, you are eligible to become a USAA member. You will receive many benefits for even buying or selling a home.

If you or anyone in your family has military experience, you may be eligible for additional benefits as a buyer or seller of real estate. Just ask me about the details.

Please contact me for additional information.

Renee Infinger, ABR, CRS

Realtor licensed in NC/SC

www.reneeinfinger.com

renee@reneeinfinger.com

704 609 4241

Buckley

We have a new puppy in the house!!! Well, actually my son has a new puppy but we are trying to help him housebreak his pup. This puppy couldn’t be any cuter but I had forgotten what it is like to have a new puppy. It is like having a new baby. The last time that we had a 7 week old puppy was back in 1997. I had decided to buy myself a Golden Retriever for my Mother’s Day present. Since then, our beautiful Golden has passed away after many years of pleasure.

I am a dog lover through and through. I love PUPPY BREATH where some people like the smell of leather or new cars. From the moment that I was born, I have always had dogs around. My kids have always had the guinea pigs, hamsters, cats, dogs and even a horse around them at some time in their lives. We have owned fish and even at one point had 2 parakeets. When we were building our current home, we were living in an apartment. During that time, my daughter’s guinea pig, Oreo, passed away. We had to make a trip to the storage unit where we were storing our household belongings to get a shovel to bury him on the lot where the home was being constructed. Since then, we have added a couple of other pets to our “cemetary”.

Buckley is a black Labrador Retriever who is now almost 10 weeks old. He has those sharp puppy teeth and terrorizes our Cocker Spaniel Charley and my daughter’s Australian Shepherds. The Aussies can forget trying to “herd” him.

Buckley was chosen from a litter of pups of chocolates, charcoals and black Labs. I’ll keep you posted on Buckley and the others in the weeks to come.

Charley- man

Renee Infinger

704 609 4241

www.reneeinfinger.com

www.soldonweddington.com