Charlotte Homes for Sale

Once lenders stopped requiring surveys as part of the loan approval process some years ago, many home buyers decided to “go without” a survey to save $300-350 on closing costs. To do so is a mistake and here’s why:

• Buyers are unaware of what are referred to as “matters of survey.” Matters of survey refer to anything that could negatively affect the use of the property, including encroachments, building restrictions, fences, walls, landscaping features, wells, swimming pools, decks, location and access for easements, utility lines, flood zones, etc.

It appears that the first-time buyer tax credit might be renewed with some significant changes at least until April 2010!  Senate Banking Committee Chairman, Chris Dodd (D-Connecticut) has said that Senate Democrats have agreed to extend the first-time home buyer tax credit. Here are some of the changes being considered in the latest version:

• The program would be extended to home contracts signed, not closed, by April 30th. Home buyers then would have another 60 days to close the sale.
• The credit would be expanded to include “step-up” buyers, who’ve lived in their current home for at least five years.

Halloween Safety  Halloween is just around the corner, and this year it will fall on the best of days: Saturday! What a great year to go all out with your Halloween decorations and host a Halloween party!

1. Keep candles and jack-o-lanterns away from curtains, decorations, and other combustibles.
2. Never leave candles unattended.

The national average price of regular unleaded gas jumped nearly 18 cents over a two-week period. It’s the first spike in national gas prices since late July. The national average is now up to $2.66. So far, not much word if gas prices will continue to rise.

So here’s the question: Are you a gas hog? Take the quiz on GasAnswers.com and find out! Once you are on the site, check out their tips for increasing your gas mileage, as well.

What to do after you pick the perfect pumpkin for Halloween

1. Never carry your pumpkin by the stem. It’s part of the visual allure, and if it snaps, it can accelerate the pumpkin’s rotting. Always carry the pumpkin from the bottom.
2. Store your uncut pumpkin in a cool, dry place. Once pumpkins ripen, they will deteriorate fast—heat and light speed up the process.
3. Wash the exterior of the pumpkin before carving. Use a solution of 1 gallon water and 1 teaspoon chlorine bleach. This will help prevent mold.

RISMEDIA, October 23, 2009—(MCT)—For buyers, short sales are a way to get a bargain. For upside-down homeowners, they are a way to avoid foreclosure. But for pretty much everyone involved, short sales are not a way to buy a house quickly. 

But short sales can be anything but short. Unless they work with highly skilled agents, buyers and sellers can get frustrated if the process is protracted, which may lead to the deals simply getting abandoned. 

The newest version of the FICO credit-scoring  (FICO 08) system no longer penalizes minor delinquencies (amounts of less than $100) in calculating credit worthiness.  A single delinquency that’s more than two years old will also carry less penalty than in the past. This will certainly be a boost to home buyers looking for a mortgage, as mortgage lenders increase minimum credit scores to qualify for a home loan.

However, while the new system provides more flexibility for missing a small payment, if you are habitually late in paying your bills, you may be more penalized for that than in the past. And if your credit usage is high and close to your limits, you may still be penalized even if you pay your bills on time.