Mama Liz's Blog

Are You Ready for Some...

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 12:29:18 -0400

Are You Ready for Some...

...RAINCAMP MEET UPS?!

All across the country hosts and hostesses are sending out invitations to their local meet-ups in celebration of ActiveRain’s first virtual RainCamp! From 9-1 PST (Noon to 4:00 EST), ActiveRain is hosting an afternoon (or morning on the West Coast!) of online learning. Guest members will share their tips and pointers via GoToMeeting.com.

After having our first venue fall through for us, we decided to host this exciting event at our office--an historic Victorian in the heart of Charlotte’s Elizabeth neighborhood. We’ll be providing the food and beverages and two rooms for viewing the webinar!

Savvy + Company is going to be host for the entire event, also extending the time to 6:30 for those who are only able to attend the MeetUp!

We’re thrilled to have sponsors providing Mexican food and beverages for the event and cannot WAIT to host ActiveRain’s very first Online RainCamp! Let us know if you’ll be able to attend...be sure to check in with Lexie or me for your ActiveRain POINTS for attending!! SEE YOU THERE!

Location: 1920 E. 7th Street
Charlotte, NC 28204

Date: September 8, 2011

Time: 12:00 - 6:00

Charlotte NC Homes for Sale

(THE best Charlotte home search available - no kidding!)

Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310

Disclosure of material contained within.

The Advantages of Selling Your Home Without a Charlotte Real Estate Agent…

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 23:51:03 -0400

The Advantages of Selling Your Home Without a Charlotte Real Estate Agent…

…Or are they really advantages?

The Wall Street Journal wrote just today, that even Colby Sambrotto, founder and COO of ForSaleByOwner.com, even used a real estate broker to sell his personal home (paying full commission, I might add). The resulting multiple Offer situation got Mr. Sambrotto more than he imagined he would be able to get for his home - to the tune of $150,000 ABOVE list price!

In today’s economy, people are looking for ways to save money. This is also true when it comes to selling their homes. Some homeowners believe that selling their homes without a Charlotte real estate agent will save them thousands.

Is selling your home on your own right for you? After weighing some of the advantages and disadvantages to selling your home without a Charlotte real estate agent, you will be able to make a more informed decision on which choice is best for you.

Here are three reasons sellers feel that selling your home as a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) is advantageous:

You may save money by eliminating the commission. Selling your house as a FSBO means you don’t have to pay commission to a listing agent. Suppose you pay 6% of the sales price in commissions; you could possibly save that amount. Unfortunately, buyers know that too. So, most buyers believe that if you are selling on your own and not paying a commission, they should get the savings – not you.
The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is now available to you. A FSBO can now be advertised on many local Multiple Listing Services. In the past, this tool was only available to real estate agents and brokers. You will usually have to pay a fee to get your home listed on the MLS. Bear in mind that real estate agents have multiple ways that they use to market your property–they KNOW where the consumer is looking and some pay dearly to market there.
Offers and counter offers can be negotiated face to face between you and the buyer. You don’t have to wait for your listing agent to talk with the buyer’s agent and get all the paperwork drawn up. However, if you are not skilled in negotiation, you may leave money on the table. Remember: You may have sold as many as 2-3 homes on your own–an experienced real estate agent has negotiated hundreds! Put their experience to work for YOU. You will more likely than not, find that you’ll actually get MORE for your property, even after paying commissions, just as Mr. Sambrotto found!

One other thing to take into consideration before you put up your For Sale By Owner sign is the state of your local real estate market. If it is a buyer’s market, you will most likely have a hard time selling your home by yourself. It’s easier to sell your home by yourself when it is a bustling seller’s market.

If you’d like information on selling your Charlotte home, I’d be happy to help. Contact me today by phone or by email.

Charlotte NC Homes for Sale

(THE best Charlotte home search available - no kidding!)

Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310

Disclosure of material contained within.

SELLER CHECKLIST – 30 Interior Tasks to Prepare for Your Charlotte Home for Sale

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 22:50:06 -0400

SELLER CHECKLIST – 30 Interior Tasks to Prepare for Your Charlotte Home for Sale

Those who have never had a Charlotte home for sale before often think that selling is as simple as hiring a real estate agent and putting a sign in the yard. Believe me, it’s not that simple, as you’ll soon discover!

The Interior of Your Home

You’ve taken care of the exterior of your Charlotte home for sale-the first up-close impression buyers get. So, when buyers make it inside, they’re one step closer to actually buying your home. However, if the interior is a mess, this could blow the entire plan to get your home SOLD.

Here’s a checklist to make your home’s interior buyer-ready:

Make sure the front door doesn’t stick
Test windows to ensure they open and close easily
Wash windows inside and out
Move pets and pet supplies to a temporary home
Fix leaky faucets
Update fixtures on your cabinet hardware and door knobs
De-clutter closets and cabinets (yes, buyers WILL open them!)
Replace or repair cabinet doors
Clean or replace dirty or worn grout
Wash the walls if you’re not repainting
Repair cracks or holes in the wall
Paint walls a neutral color
Remove personal items, such as knick-knacks and personal mementos
Clean the fireplace
Have the chimney professionally cleaned
Remove clutter from countertops, tables and shelves
Steam clean the carpets
Scrub all appliances
Clean cobwebs and dead bugs from light fixtures and ceiling fans
Make sure every light has a working bulb
Degrease the stove and oven
De-clutter and clean the attic and the basement
Clean out your garage – do not fill the garage with moving boxes-buyers tend to think that you don’t have enough storage space when the garage is filled to the brim. Rent a storage unit!
Make sure crawl spaces have crawl space waterproofing
Remove excess furniture
Rearrange remaining furniture in good proportion (Or hire a home stager)
Clean the window treatments
Replace broken panels for electrical switches and outlets
Wipe down baseboards
Clean and wax linoleum floors

While each of the Charlotte homes for sale is unique, with different selling points and selling problems, this list is a good start for any home.

If you’re ready to sell your Charlotte home, I can help. Call me or email me for more information.

For more seller checklists to prepare your Charlotte home for sale, visit our seller page at www.iCharlotteRealEstate.com.

Charlotte NC Homes for Sale

(THE best Charlotte home search available - no kidding!)

Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310

Disclosure of material contained within.

Are You Inspecting Charlotte Homes For Sale as You Search?

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 10:10:03 -0400

How To Inspect Charlotte Homes For Sale as You Search

You know my recommendation is always to have a professional property inspection before a buyer Closes on a property. Wouldn’t it also be a good idea to discover a property’s problems even before you make an Offer? With some minor attention to detail, you can learn a lot about the condition of Charlotte homes for sale that you tour.

Here’s a pre-Offer, do-it-yourself property inspection checklist to get you started:

Basement - A basement can give you information about the structure of a house, especially if the basement is unfinished. You’ll want to make sure there are no cracks, the electrical wiring is organized, and there is no evidence of water damage. If there isn’t a basement, examine the exposed foundation on the exterior of the house.
Electric panel – Upon examination, it should look orderly and neat. If it is, that doesn’t mean you’re in the clear, but a disorganized panel can often be a sign of shoddy electrical work throughout the house.
Faucets and fixtures – Is there hot water? Does the shower drip? Does the oven work? Does the toilet run? Not every problem is a major issue, but a plumbing evaluation will give you a good idea of how much care went into the property’s construction and maintenance.
Attic - Not only should you be looking at available storage space, you’ll want to see how well insulated the attic space is. Insulation can make a huge difference in your monthly electric and gas bills.
Roof - Missing shingles or interior water damage in Charlotte homes are signs of roof damage including aged roof (needs full replacement), damaged roof, dry rotted boots or a simple missing shingle.
Windows - Make sure they all open and close properly and that you can’t find any drafts, gaps or condensation between the glass.
Interior and exterior finishings – Check the baseboards and siding to see what shape they’re in. If the builders didn’t pay much attention to what you CAN see, imagine what the internal structure might look like.

Want to work with a professional real estate agent who can help you weed out badly-built or poorly-maintained Charlotte homes for sale before you make an offer? Give me a call today at (704) 491-3310 or email me at Debe@DebeMaxwell.com – We can help.

Charlotte NC Homes for Sale

(THE best Charlotte home search available - no kidding!)

Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310

Disclosure of material contained within.

Charlotte Real Estate Glossary: What is a Homeowners’ Association?

Sun, 24 Apr 2011 09:35:25 -0400

Charlotte Real Estate Q & A: What is a Homeowners’ Association?

When you buy Charlotte real estate in a subdivision, co-op or planned unit development (PUD), you may be subject to a host of rules and regulations as established by the Homeowners’ Association (HOA) governing that particular community, subdivision or development.

You’ve most likely heard of HOA's before, but you may not know exactly how they function and how they can impact you and your Charlotte real estate purchase. Here are a few Q&A's pertaining to some of the broader issues of which you should be aware when moving into a community governed by an HOA.

What is a Homeowners' Association?   It is a corporation formed by real estate developers to market, manage and sell homes and lots within a development.

Does the Charlotte real estate developer retain control of the HOA forever?   No. After a predetermined number of homes or lots are sold, the control is turned over, first, to a handpicked group of homeowners. Later in the process, elections are held once a year within the development to choose board members.

Can anyone be a board member? As long as you’re a property owner in the development governed by the HOA, you can campaign for the position. Elections are held once a year. It is not a paid position; board members volunteer their time.

What is the primary function of the HOA? The primary function of an HOA is to maintain the rules and restrictions that were put in place by the developers and to maintain the community’s common areas. Common areas include streets, parking lots, parks or green areas, pools and buildings used by the owners like a clubhouse or fitness center. If your Charlotte real estate is an attached condo unit, this would include the exterior of your unit as well.

Can I elect not to join the HOA? No, HOA membership is written into the Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&R's) when the community is developed. No matter how many times the property changes ownership, the HOA requirements remain with the property.   You’re also required to pay HOA fees, which are used to maintain the common areas; some have additional benefits, based upon the various developments in Charlotte. If you do not stay current on the fees, the HOA can and WILL apply an assessment lien on your Charlotte real estate and can even foreclose on the property.

Before buying into a community with an HOA, read and understand the CC&R's. Also, take the time to talk with some of the other homeowners in the development to find out how they feel about their HOA.

If you’re interested in buying Charlotte real estate, with or without an HOA, I can help. Please give me a call or email me with questions you may have about home buying in Charlotte NC.

Charlotte North Carolina Real Estate - Charlotte NC Relocation Information

Debe Maxwell, CRS, Realtor®/Broker
Savvy + Company Real Estate
1920 E. 7th Street
Charlotte, NC 28204
Mobile: (704) 491-3310
Fax: (704) 353-7014
Email: debe@debemaxwell.com

More information on Charlotte than you'll ever need!

Charlotte NC Homes for Sale

(THE best Charlotte home search available - no kidding!)

Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310

Disclosure of material contained within.

Charlotte NC Ranked As One of the Top 20 Fastest Growing Cities In the Nation

Sat, 16 Jul 2011 14:18:13 -0400

Charlotte NC Ranked As A Top 20 Fastest Growing City In The Nation

The Queen City is among the top 20 US cities with relation to population growth in the last decade, according to a recent Rice University analysis of the 2000 and 2010 US Census. Charlotte Metro population increased by 427,590 during the last decade, ranking No. 14. Also in NC, Raleigh ranked No. 20 with a population increase of 333,419.

The nation’s cities with the highest population growth include New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. Houston, the nation’s fourth-largest city, grew by 1.2 million people in the decade, more than any other US city.

According to Michael Emerson, co-director of Rice’s Kinder Institute, the concentration of population growth in the South and Southwest has intensified this past decade. Of the top 15 metropolitan areas with the most growth, only New York, LA, Riverside and Seattle are outside the South or Southwest.

Below are the Top 20 fastest growing US metros, ranked by population growth from 2000 to 2010:

1. Houston 1,231,393

2. Dallas-Fort Worth 1,210,229

3. Atlanta 1,020,879

4. Riverside, CA 970,030

5. Phoenix 941,011

6. Washington, DC 785,987

7. Las Vegas 575,504

8. New York 574,107

9. Miami 557,071

10.Orlando, FL 489,850

11. Austin 466,526

12. Los Angeles 463,210

13. San Antonio 430,805

14. Charlotte 427,590

15. Seattle 395,931

16. Tampa/St. Petersburg 387,246

17. Denver 364,242

18. Chicago 362,789

19. Sacramento, CA 352,270

20. Raleigh/Cary 333,419

Charlotte NC Homes for Sale

(THE best Charlotte home search available - no kidding!)

Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310

Disclosure of material contained within.

So Your Agent Doesn't Want To Show You Houses?

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 10:55:30 -0400

So Your Buyers Agent Doesn't Want To Show You Properties?

Here's my opinion of agents who request that their buyers contact the listing agents to show them homes...

A user on our website who had been 'with us' on our site for a month indicated that she and her husband are in the market to buy a home in one of our specialty areas. The buyer sent contact information, including phone number. When the time was perfect, they decided that they wanted to see only one house. That house was not our listing but, as you know, was on our site due to our IDX feed.

The couple and their family had driven by the house to check it out from the street and fell in love. They simply MUST see this property before their family leaves town. I get the call--"Okay, we're ready to see it!"

After several conversations about agency and confirming that this couple is NOT working with an agent, I referred them to one of our agents--ready to go! Pre-qualified, no agent representation and a home to show in her area of expertise. A perfect fit, right?

During their visit, it was discovered that the potential buyers know the neighbors, who wound up buying one of the referral agent's listings. They parted on good terms, excited to forge a nice working relationship. Following the showing, the potential buyer emailed our agent to thank her for showing the property but, kindly refused to sign a buyer's agency with her because she ALREADY HAS AN AGENT! As a matter of fact, it's the same agent who sent a buyer to our agent's listing that they discussed earlier in the day.

Their agent NEVER laid eyes the home that she sold next door for those buyers! She lives 35 minutes away and has her clients phone the listing agents to view the properties in our area! Rather than refer the clients out, she expressly complains that she knows nothing about the area and that she won't make the trek to Charlotte to show homes so the listing agents can do her work for her. She also does NOT attend inspections with her buyers--again, she allows the listing agent to do her work for her! Also, she's obviously not even sending her clients listings because they're searching for homes on OUR SITE! (And, what do you find there? Every IDX shared listing in our MLS.)

This is just wrong on SO many levels--not even to mention the burden on the other agents. This MIA agent has completely neglected her fiduciary duties to HER clients. If she does not know the area, how does she oversee the due diligence for HER clients?

How are her clients okay with this type of service? We're paid well to do what we do. How can any client accept this type of far-less-than-full-service?

I can tell you one thing, I refer out to her area but, will never refer a client to her--NEVER. Who knows how she manages clients in her own area? Perhaps it's not that she doesn't know the area, maybe she's working full-time at the mall!

Charlotte NC Homes for Sale

(THE best Charlotte home search available - no kidding!)

Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310

Disclosure of material contained within.

Radiation -- A Piece of Cake?

Liz Loadholt- AgentOwned Realty- Covering SC — Fri, 20 May 2011 11:49:37 -0400

originally posted on Liz Loadholt

Is radiation treatment really just a piece of cake?

Well, quite a few well wishers informed our daughter, Liza, and our family that radiation treatment for her breast cancer would be a ‘piece of cake’.

Since Liza had undergone chemo, we were looking for some relief. We all wanted so much to believe that she would not have to undergo anymore pain.

So, we believed them and she went into her radiation treatment with high expectations of no pain, no nausea,no feeling drug out.

Being the optimistic family that we are, we were so thrilled that her misery was behind her.

Well, I guess radiation on different parts of the body act differently and also, I guess that there are probably different “doses” of radiation.

The first couple of weeks (she is getting a treatment 5 days a week) went well and we were so pleased for her.

Fast forward to week 3 -- bad burns, no energy, aching legs, arms, etc. Then, she must continue to receive those treatments knowing that things were just going to get worse with each one.

You just have to keep telling yourself that we are lucky to be able to receive these treatments to kill those cancer cells who maybe running around.

The worse part is under the arm -- burned so badly -- ouch!!!!!

Her total radiation treatment consists of 33 treatments. -- the awesome news is that as of this past Friday, she has received her last treatment under her arm -- now just 5 more on the chest area which is burned, but she says does not hurt like the under the arm.

On Friday, May 20th, she gets to “ring the bell” to signify that she is through, done, finis, completed, etc. -- the entire family will be there with her for this awesome occasion.

Anyone like to ring a bell for Liza? Ring it at 1:30 pm on Friday, May 21, 2011.

Now, is it a piece of cake? Depends on who you ask and how long ago they have been through it -- maybe, it is like having a baby -- when it is over, you tend to forget the pain.

Just want to say to the world that Boyd, Claude & I are so very proud of her -- her attitude, her determination and her courage

Cost-Effective Projects for Charlotte Home Sellers

Sat, 14 May 2011 22:47:42 -0400

Cost-Effective Projects for Charlotte Home Sellers

According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2010-2011 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report, nine out of the top 10 most cost-effective projects (based on value recouped) are exterior replacement projects. Here are the four most cost-effective exterior replacement projects:

Steel entry door replacement: This project returned the most money, with an estimated 102.1 percent of cost recouped when the Charlotte homes were resold. It’s the only project in this year’s report that is expected to return more than the cost.

Midrange garage door replacement: This is the first year this project ranked high enough to make it into the report. It’s expected to recoup 89.9 percent of costs. According to the report, a “midrange” price for a garage door replacement is about $1,200.

Siding replacement: This project is expected to return more than 70 percent of costs. The most cost-effective siding project was upscale fiber-cement siding replacement, recouping 80 percent of costs.

Window replacement: This project ranked the same as siding replacement with a return of more than 70 percent of costs. Covered, upscale vinyl window replacements were expected to recoup the most with a 72.6 percent return upon resale of Charlotte homes.

According to the 2010-2011 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report, replacement projects usually outperform remodel and addition projects in resale value because they are among the least expensive and contribute to curb appeal.

Since resale value can vary by region, it is smart for Charlotte home sellers to work with a Charlotte real estate agent through the remodeling and improvement process. An agent can provide insight into projects in his or her neighborhoods that will recoup the most when the owners are ready to sell.

Want help identifying the improvement projects that will recoup the most value when you sell your home? Give me a call or email me today; I’m happy to help guide you in the right direction.

Charlotte North Carolina Real Estate – Charlotte NC Relocation
Information

Debe Maxwell, CRS, Realtor®/Broker
Savvy + Company Real Estate
1920 E. 7th Street
Charlotte, NC 28204

Mobile: (704) 491-3310
Fax: (704) 353-7014
Email: debe@debemaxwell.com

More information on Charlotte than you’ll ever need!

Charlotte NC Homes for Sale

(THE best Charlotte home search available - no kidding!)

Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310

Disclosure of material contained within.

Cost-Effective Projects for Charlotte Home Sellers

Liz Loadholt- AgentOwned Realty- Covering SC — Sun, 15 May 2011 12:06:55 -0400

Thanks, Debe for sharing with us this list of top 4 most cost-effective exterior replacement projects -- I found the list to be most interesting. I was surprised by the Steel entry door replacement, but can definitely see the window replacement one.

Via Debe Maxwell - Search Charlotte Homes for Sale - Charlotte NC Neighborhoods (iCharlotteRealEstate.com Savvy + Company Real Estate):

Cost-Effective Projects for Charlotte Home Sellers

According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2010-2011 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report, nine out of the top 10 most cost-effective projects (based on value recouped) are exterior replacement projects. Here are the four most cost-effective exterior replacement projects:

Steel entry door replacement: This project returned the most money, with an estimated 102.1 percent of cost recouped when the Charlotte homes were resold. It’s the only project in this year’s report that is expected to return more than the cost.

Midrange garage door replacement: This is the first year this project ranked high enough to make it into the report. It’s expected to recoup 89.9 percent of costs. According to the report, a “midrange” price for a garage door replacement is about $1,200.

Siding replacement: This project is expected to return more than 70 percent of costs. The most cost-effective siding project was upscale fiber-cement siding replacement, recouping 80 percent of costs.

Window replacement: This project ranked the same as siding replacement with a return of more than 70 percent of costs. Covered, upscale vinyl window replacements were expected to recoup the most with a 72.6 percent return upon resale of Charlotte homes.

According to the 2010-2011 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report, replacement projects usually outperform remodel and addition projects in resale value because they are among the least expensive and contribute to curb appeal.

Since resale value can vary by region, it is smart for Charlotte home sellers to work with a Charlotte real estate agent through the remodeling and improvement process. An agent can provide insight into projects in his or her neighborhoods that will recoup the most when the owners are ready to sell.

Want help identifying the improvement projects that will recoup the most value when you sell your home? Give me a call or email me today; I’m happy to help guide you in the right direction.

Charlotte North Carolina Real Estate – Charlotte NC Relocation
Information

Debe Maxwell, CRS, Realtor®/Broker
Savvy + Company Real Estate
1920 E. 7th Street
Charlotte, NC 28204

Mobile: (704) 491-3310
Fax: (704) 353-7014
Email: debe@debemaxwell.com

More information on Charlotte than you’ll ever need!

Homes for Sale in Charlotte NC

Homes for Sale in Charlotte NC on Facebook

Search Charlotte Homes for Sale

Search Charlotte Neighborhoods

Disclosure of material contained within.

Mt Pleasant SC - From Home To The Ocean With Your Sailboat

Liz Loadholt- AgentOwned Realty- Covering SC — Sat, 14 May 2011 15:51:13 -0400

originally posted on Liz Loadholt

Incredible features of this property:

dock is on the right side of HWY 41 to get a sailboat to the ocean
private dock
12' water at low tide
7000 lb. boat lift
gorgeous oak trees
hot tub
great porches
2 fireplaces
work shop
convenient to Boeing
meticulously maintained

420 BROWN PELICAN DR
1100833 - Residential
Wando, SC

Don't just buy a home, buy the lifestyle. THIS is why you're in Charleston, SC.

Boat, fish & swim right from your backyard.

Elevated home takes advantage of the water views from the kitchen, breakfast area, family

room and master suite.

The formal living room and dining room have beautiful views of the lush green front yard and established landscaping.

This home has a great flow for entertaining.

"Below deck" in the garage area, there is a workshop, a full bathroom, and plenty of space to build out a media room or in-law suite.

Community Tennis Courts, dock, and boat launch.

FYI: Asking price for vacant lot next door $429K.

If you love the water, this is a great deal. Priced under $750,000

Mt Pleasant SC -- Deep Water Home

Liz Loadholt- AgentOwned Realty- Covering SC — Mon, 02 May 2011 17:00:53 -0400

True Deep Water - 12 Feet at Low Tide

420 BROWN PELICAN DR

True deep water with PRIVATE DOCK and boat lift, water views, grand oaks, fabulous porch space & more! Don't just buy a home, buy the lifestyle. THIS is why you're in Charleston, SC. Boat, fish & swim right from your backyard.

Elevated home takes advantage of the water views from the kitchen, breakfast area, family room and master suite. The formal living room and dining room have beautiful views of the lush green front yard and established landscaping.

This home has a great flow for entertaining. Set up in the open kitchen and wet-bar complete with ice maker and spill out to the large back deck with the hot tub, bench seats, fabulous views, and beyond to the gorgeous back yard and dock. The upstairs has the master suite on one side and the three other bedrooms are on the other with a full bathroom. "Below deck" in the garage area, there is a workshop, a full bathroom, and plenty of space to build out a media room or in-law suite. View the pictures and come out to see this spectacular property!

Dock details- Private 27 x 10 floating dock with 7,000 lb. lift, electricity and water. This is true deep water. . . 12 feet at low tide, and you're on the good side of the hwy 41 bridge.

Community Dock, tennis courts and boat launch.

All of this for under $800,000 --- unbelievable!!!

Fabulous family home --- imagine your children crabbing from the dock !!!!

originally posted on Liz Loadholt

I like Crabs, Do You?

Liz Loadholt- AgentOwned Realty- Covering SC — Thu, 12 May 2011 16:32:17 -0400

I like crabs, do you?

originally posted on Liz Loadholt

Mama Liz

OK, living on the coast can cause you to learn to like a lot of different types of “sea animals”.

Going crabbing with the children is so much fun. How does one go about “crabbing”?

Well, professionals use crab traps. But those of us non-professionals use chicken necks and string or nets.

What is necessary to go on a crabbing adventure with the children?
1) chicken necks
2) string
3) bucket
4) net to scoop them up

Tie a long string around the chicken neck and throw into the water. Oh, BTW, you do not absolutely have to have salt water, but brackish water will do tool.

When a crab starts to nibble on the chicken neck, you start pulling on the string gently. You don’t want to pull too quickly because the crab may turn loose. When you get the crab close enough that you can scoop it up, do so. Put the crab in the bucket that has water in it. Without water, the crabs will die before you can get them home.

To cook crabs:

Pour 5 litres of water into a large saucepan and add around 5 tablespoons of sea salt. Bring to a rapid boil.
Grasp the live crab by the back legs and drop it into the water headfirst. For a more humane method, as you grasp the crab by the legs, stroke the top of its head until it falls asleep and then slowly drop it into the boiling water.
Bring the water back to the boil and only then start timing.
You should cook large crabs (about 2lb) for around 15 - 20 minutes, whilst smaller crabs will only need around 8 - 10 minutes.
Once the water has started to boil again, reduce the heat and simmer for the required time. The crab's shell should turn a bright orange when done.
When the crabs are done, immerse them for a few seconds in cold water so that cooking stops and they do not overcook.
Serve immediately with hot melted butter or let the crabs cool down in their shell until they are cool enough for you to remove the meat and refrigerate it until further use.
Crabs are also delicious cold.

Looking for a great home where you and the children can crab from your very own dock? Look no further, click to see where: deep water home.

Liz Loadholt

Broker, SC Certified Trainer, Relocation Director
Co-founder of AgentOwned Realty ]

Liz@AgentOwnedRealty.com

http://mamaliz.com

843-725-5007

The AgentOwned Realty serves your real estate needs for:

Charleston, Johns Island, James Island, Mt. Pleasant,
Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island, Daniel Island, North Charleston,
Summerville,Goose Creek, Moncks Corner, Santee, Manning, Sumter, Florence, & Myrtle Beach, all in South Carolina

How to Get SC Real Estate License
How to Make More of Your Commissions
Interested in Money for Retirement?(Estate Plan)

Where are the AgentOwned Office Locations?

Interested in Training?
If interested, Who Should I talk to?
Interested in complete Freedom & Independence?
Email Mama Liz

Ditch the 9s When Pricing Your Charlotte Real Estate

Sun, 08 May 2011 15:13:34 -0400

Ditch the 9s When Pricing Your Charlotte Real Estate

Most, if not all, Charlotte real estate buyers start with an Internet property search. Even buyers who are working with real estate agents start the weed-out process via the World Wide Web.

Because real estate has such a strong virtual presence these days, smart internet marketing (including price setting) is an absolute must for selling your home quickly. Here are a few pricing techniques to maximize the number of potential buyers who find your home when they search for Charlotte real estate online:

The theory of the 9s - Most real estate search engines have parameters that filter listings based on $25,000 or $50,000 price blocks. For instance, you can search for houses valued $150,000-$200,000 or $200,000-$250,000. Many sellers don’t seem to take this into account. Instead, properties are listed using the same marketing techniques that grocery stores use to sell you a gallon of milk — they use a lot of 9s in the pricing to make it look less expensive. However, today’s buyers aren’t going to be fooled by that system.

Spanning markets - While you might think listing your house for $399,900 will make buyers see your home as a bargain, you might actually be losing out on a lot of interested buyers. When buyers search for houses from $400,000-$450,000, your property won’t show up, so you’d be better off upping the price a little to $400,000. Then you’ll expand your potential buyer base because it will show up in property searches priced $350,000-$400,000 AND searches priced $400,000-$450,000, thus capturing TWO pools of buyers rather than eliminiating one altogether--and with only $100 in your price!

Pros and cons of under-pricing your home - If you’ve priced your property somewhere in the middle, like at $309,000, common sense might tell you that lowering the price $9,000 to price it at $300,000 would be undervaluing it. However, getting many more buyers through the door will certainly help your property sell faster. While I do not recommend purposely under-pricing your home, if you did happen to undervalue it, buyers will notice and you might end up with a multiple-offer situation allowing you to get even more from your property.

Don’t resort to out-dated, discount pricing marketing tricks that might actually be hurting your chances of a fast sale at top dollar.

If you need help pricing your Charlotte real estate, I can help. Call me today at or email me for more information.

Charlotte NC Homes for Sale

(THE best Charlotte home search available - no kidding!)

Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310

Disclosure of material contained within.

Home or Neighborhood First? Don't Forget About Your Lifestyle Needs

Sat, 07 May 2011 21:02:08 -0400

First, Find the Perfect Neighborhood that Fits Your Lifestyle

Buyers, anxious to make a quick home selection, often fail to take into consideration whether their new Charlotte home will work for their lifestyle. Is it in a location within a reasonable commute to the office? Is it near recreational areas that you will be utilizing regularly? Is it near the airport If golfing is your favorite pastime, is there a public course near the home which you're considering?

Selecting the neighborhood FIRST is the wise way to shop homes for sale in Charlotte NC. Find the Charlotte neighborhood that is near the necessities for YOUR lifestyle first, then focus on the home.

1. Make a list of all of the amenities that are nearby. Keep in mind the distances and routes to each of these places, being certain that they are acceptable to you or not.

2. What features and local amenities are of importance to you? This is especially helpful if you are choosing between a few different neighborhoods in more than one area.

Looking for parks and recreation? Are there parks nearby?
Is the community visually appealing?
Prefer a private lot? Are there quiet sections, streets, culs de sac?
Meet the neighbors! Are the people friendly in the neighborhood?
Is the neighborhood clean? Yards, streets, parks, amenities?
Are there mature trees and landscaping?
Is lot size important to you? Do the lots have large or small yards?
Are there sidewalks?
Is the neighborhood a 'safe' one? **
What are the market values of the homes in the area?
How many homes are for sale in the community?
How old is the community?
What is the average age of the residents? **
Just what are the demographics? **
What is the proximity to schools, both public and private?
Are there active community events or organizations?

**Demographics include protected classes of individuals which we, as Realtors® are prohibited from discussing with clients. There are multiple websites which can help you answer these questions on your own such as www.ZipSkinny.com and in Charlotte, www.CharMeck.org.

3. Drive around and walk through the neighborhood. The best way to determine the cleanliness and friendliness of the neighborhood is simply to walk around it and meet the residents.

Even if you are not searching for 'lifestyle' in your new home search, taking lifestyle into consideration is going to help you avoid landing in a community which does not suit your tastes. My recommendation: Definitely discover the neighborhood possibilities first--then your home search will be much simpler for you!

Charlotte North Carolina Real Estate

Debe Maxwell, CRS, Realtor®/Broker
SAVVY + COMPANY REAL ESTATE
1920 E. 7th Street
Charlotte, NC 28204
Mobile: (704) 491-3310
Fax: (704) 353-7014

Originally posted at www.iCharlotteRealEstate.com

Charlotte NC Homes for Sale

(THE best Charlotte home search available - no kidding!)

Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310

Disclosure of material contained within.

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Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/BrokerBroker@TheCharlotteScoop.comPhone (704) 491-3310

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Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/BrokerBroker@TheCharlotteScoop.comPhone (704) 491-3310

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Here’s a checklist to make your home’s interior buyer-ready:

Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/BrokerBroker@TheCharlotteScoop.comPhone (704) 491-3310

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Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/BrokerBroker@TheCharlotteScoop.comPhone (704) 491-3310

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Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/BrokerBroker@TheCharlotteScoop.comPhone (704) 491-3310

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Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/BrokerBroker@TheCharlotteScoop.comPhone (704) 491-3310

So Your Agent Doesn't Want To Show You Houses?

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Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/BrokerBroker@TheCharlotteScoop.comPhone (704) 491-3310

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Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/BrokerBroker@TheCharlotteScoop.comPhone (704) 491-3310

Cost-Effective Projects for Charlotte Home Sellers

Cost-Effective Projects for Charlotte Home Sellers

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Mt Pleasant SC - From Home To The Ocean With Your Sailboat

originally posted on Liz Loadholt

Incredible features of this property:

Mt Pleasant SC -- Deep Water Home

I like Crabs, Do You?

Ditch the 9s When Pricing Your Charlotte Real Estate

Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/BrokerBroker@TheCharlotteScoop.comPhone (704) 491-3310

Home or Neighborhood First? Don't Forget About Your Lifestyle Needs

First, Find the Perfect Neighborhood that Fits Your Lifestyle

Charlotte North Carolina Real Estate

Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/BrokerBroker@TheCharlotteScoop.comPhone (704) 491-3310

Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310

Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310

Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310

Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310

Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310

Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310

Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310

Charlotte North Carolina Real Estate – Charlotte NC Relocation
Information

Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310

Charlotte North Carolina Real Estate – Charlotte NC Relocation
Information

Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310

Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310