Alford Realty Group

Real estate information, helping buyers and sellers in the Lake Norman area with their real estate plans

Lisa Alford

704-408-2834
Lisa@AlfordRG.com

10 Home Trends That’ll be Hot in 2019

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Here are the top 10 trends for home decor that have been projected for 2019. Each fall, decorators begin to share the interior design trends we can expect to see in the new year. Looking ahead to 2019, bold colors, metallics, and statement ceilings take center stage.

If you’re planning to put your place on the market and want it to appear like the freshest spot on the block, you need to know what’s hot and what’s not.

1. Wallpaper stages a comeback



Put down that paint brush! If you’re looking to add a splash of color or geometric flair to your rooms, wallpaper is a fashionable alternative that adds instant personality to any area. But if you’re picturing your Great Aunt Polly’s overwhelming floral patterns or you’ve heard horror stories about wallpaper removal, those days are over. Easy-to-remove papers come in an array of colors and designs that range from subtle to seriously jaw-dropping. Prepare to see plenty of wallpaper in 2019.

2. Making the most of the ceiling



Ceilings are often considered a room’s fifth wall, so why not capitalize on that blank canvas? Whether you choose to add an accent paint color, wallpaper, or decorative beams, enhancing the ceiling draws the eye upward and can make a room appear larger — not to mention more interesting.

3. The color of the year…



If you still can’t get behind the idea of papering your walls, give them a bold, up-to-date look with a fresh coat of paint. Which hue is a modern standout? Behr’s 2019 color of the year is Blueprint (S470-5). Pair it with gray or other neutral tones and you’ve got a vibrant new feel.

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4. Kitchen hoods slim down



For a while, kitchen hoods have been working overtime. Not only do they ventilate the room, removing odors and smoke, they also add a decorative flourish. From copper to brick and beyond, some nearly swallowed the space with their oversized appeal. Well, in 2019, hoods are going on a diet. Expect to see rounded, more slimmed-down designs.

5. Colorful kitchens are on the menu



Neutral, all-white kitchens are out as darker, more dramatic designs are finding favor with homeowners who are looking to spice up the heart of the home. Expect to see islands, cabinetry, and fixtures get an exciting, decidedly darker makeover in the new year.

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6. Appliances go for gold



Remember when rose gold was having a moment? Well, it’s over, and plain old gold is reclaiming the top spot. From faucets to fridges, decorators are imploring homeowners to go for the gold and give stainless steel the year off.

7. Metallic sinks make splash



Hammered metallics are the hottest thing in sinks according to designers. These fun and funky alternatives to your white farmhouse sinks often have a vintage vibe. Popular in kitchens, they’re expected to make a big impact in the powder room as well.

8. Keeping it interesting with colored tile



Kitchens aren’t the only rooms that are saying goodbye to neutral tones. Bathrooms are striving to be just as eye-catching thanks to bold tile colors. This trend might not appeal to everyone, but it definitely makes a trip to the loo more memorable.

9. Curvy furniture exudes comfort



Furniture with rounded edges beckons you to sit a while. Warmer and more inviting than couches and chairs with sharp lines, these comfy seating designs feel like a welcome throwback to a more casual time. Rectangular tables are out, and ovals are in. They’re safer for households with young children, making them a popular pick for families.

10. Invite the outdoors in



Some say plants are like tattoos: You get one and you’ll just end up wanting another. Greens give off oxygen at the same time that they add a nice pop of color, doubling their appeal. Tired of your artwork? Replace it with plants. Living walls will be all the rage in 2019. But if your green thumb isn’t ready for a full-scale indoor garden, start with a few easy-to-maintain plants on shelves.

Trends That Are Out

1. Accent walls

“Dramatic-colored or wallpapered accent walls are no longer the focal point of interiors. Single-colored walls are making a much bigger impact by creating a balanced backdrop for furnishings and decor.” — Kesha Franklin of Halden Interiors (via Elle Decor)

2. Cherry Cabinets

“Warmth in the kitchen is no longer achieved with this traditional go-to finish. Painted cabinets in deep blues, grays and black are dominating both modern and traditional kitchen designs.” — Kesha Franklin of Halden Interiors (via Elle Decor)



Trends for 2019

Best way to clean your garage

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As you get ready to decorate for the holidays, you’ve probably made a few trips into the scariest room in the house – your garage. Before the whirlwind of the busy holiday season begins, take a day (or maybe a weekend) and tackle the garage. Read below for cleaning tips clean garage organization: Plan your day Look ahead and make sure that your cleaning day isn’t overly hot, or too cold, and the chances of rain. Take a look at your family’s schedule – if you have a lot of things in the garage, many hands will help get it cleared out, cleaned, and replaced. Prepare to organize your space If you don’t have shelving in your garage, consider purchasing some easy to assemble plastic or metal units. Pro tip: replace the cardboard boxes you have for storage with rubber or plastic storage tubs. Rodents like to build nests out of cardboard and will be looking for a warm home indoors this winter. Don’t make yours enticing for them. Label each tub, and when replacing them on the shelves, sort by type of item or owner.
Clean it up before you fill it up Completely empty out your garage. Sweep it, and either hose it down or mop it. If there is oil or chemical drips from your car, use an industrial degreaser to remove the spots. Pro Tip: if you aren’t sure what came out of your car – call a local mechanic for cleaner recommendations. Some home chemicals may have very unpleasant reactions to car emissions. If you are skittish about spiders and bugs, wear gardening gloves while you’re cleaning everything out. Sort everything before putting it back Lay out three tarps in your driveway. Make signs: “Keep”, “Toss”, and “Donate”. Don’t be afraid to be ruthless – if items have been unused in your garage for a few years, chances are you don’t need them anymore. If you plan to keep items that need minor repairs, such as a new tire, fixed wiring, or a coat of paint, schedule a day to take care of those tasks. If you don’t have a plan to make these items usable again, they might end up just taking up space in your garage again. The things you don’t want For the “Donate” items, you can simply donate to a secondhand store or charity – nearby donation sites are Habitat for Humanity ReStore, and Goodwill. If you feel entrepreneurial, consider having a garage sale. Pro Tip: If your neighborhood has a Homeowners Association, they make have “neighborhood-wide” garage sale weekends. With many houses in the neighborhood having sales, your traffic will increase substantially. For your “Toss” pile, most towns and cities offer curbside pickup.  If it’s an particularly large pile you can arrange a pickup with your local waste service. Call and let them know so they can schedule the pickup and to ensure that your pile meets their guidelines for pick-up. Or, you can take your trash to the local dump – many require proof of residency, so have a current water or power bill ready. Repack, and relax Place your shelves out of the way of your vehicles. Then, stack your rubber tubs with their neat labels. Make sure that you put lighter items on the top shelves, and heavier ones on the bottom – getting heavy items down can be more difficult than putting them up. If you have a lot of tools to store, consider a tool pegboard along one wall. For multiple bikes, use large hooks or bike racks. Now that you’ve deep cleaned and parsed down your things, it will be easier to find your stored items, it will look much neater and you can actually park in your garage!   If you are looking for a garage of your own to keep clean, check out these great homes with garages and call if you see one you are interested in 704-408-2834.   Lisa Alford is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Lisa has affiliate relationships with other companies, people and brands and when you click a link, she and her company may receive a direct benefit.

How much are the sellers closing costs to sell a house?

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If you are selling or buying a house you probably have been wondering what the closing costs are on the sale of a home.  People hear about “closing costs” all the time but what are they and how much are they?  In this post, we will answer that question for the seller in the transaction.  If there are any questions that we don’t answer here in this post, please contact us and we’ll be happy to answer any of your real estate questions.

What are Closing Costs – what’s included?

Closing costs are fees that surround the closing of a real estate transaction.  These fees include every penny outside of the purchase price and the payoff that must be paid to any party for any service, tax or other responsibility of either the buyer or the seller in relation to the final transaction of changing title from one party to the other.

The seller, in addition to paying off any mortgages or other liens, must pay their real estate agent commission (according to Realtor.com on average that fee is around 6.0% of the price of the home, although it can vary), the seller must also pay their share of attorney fees and other related expenses.  This is gone into further below.

The buyer also has closing costs that primarily surround obtaining a loan, assuming there is one.  If there is no loan, then the buyer actually pays very little in closing costs.  Without a loan the buyer will be responsible for paying their share of the attorney’s fees, any inspection fees, survey fees or anything else they have ordered for the closing.  With a loan however they will be paying lender fees, interim interest, a year of homeowner’s insurance and will likely be paying to set up an escrow account.

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Who Pays Closing Costs on a home?

Who pays the closing costs on a home?  That’s a great question and one that we hear quite often.  In general, both parties do.  However, this answer can vary with every deal as many times closing costs are a part of the negotiations in the contract.

Do Home Sellers Pay Closing Costs?

The seller has their fees which include things like real estate agent commissions, their share of the taxes for the year, the pro-rated HOA dues for the year, any other necessary pro-rations, there is typically a transfer tax or revenue stamps paid to the county, recording fees to record the deed, their share of the attorney’s fees and any other fees or penalties that may be associated with the property or paying off their current mortgage.

As mentioned above, other than the fees the seller is responsible for, this is a negotiation between the buyer and seller as part of the contract.  A buyer may need the seller to pay the closing costs or a portion thereof in order to be able to purchase the home.  In this case, the seller may agree to do so and it is written into the contract that the seller will pay a specific portion or amount in “closing costs”.  By doing so, whatever that agreed upon amount is according to the contract is what the seller will pay on the buyer’s behalf at the time of closing on the Closing Disclosure.

Thinking of selling?  This FREE book can help!

How Much Does it Cost to Close on a House?

The amount it cost to close on a house varies from state to state and situation to situation.  While it’s impossible to give a blanket answer that will work for all situations we hope the following will give you enough to go on.

For the seller, one can anticipate around 7-8% in total for the closing costs related to the sale of a home.  That is assuming that the seller is in a state where it is customary for the seller to pay the entire real estate commission for both buyer and seller.  There are a few states where it is customary for each party to pay their own real estate commission.  As a seller, if you are in one of these states, you are likely to pay a total of around 4-5% in total for closing costs related to the sale of a home.

For the buyer who is obtaining a loan, most lender’s we have questioned on this say that the average closing costs is between 3-5% of the purchase price.  This greatly varies from lender to lender and what their specific company charges to deliver a loan.  A buyer should always shop lenders to see if they are getting the best deal they can.  That figure is assuming you are in a state where it is customary for the seller to pay all real estate commissions.  If you are in a state where it is customary for the buyer to pay their own commissions, then you should add an additional 2-4% on top of the before mentioned 3-5%, making your total closing costs between 5-9%.

How Much Does an Attorney Charge to do a Closing?

In most of the Southeastern states and some other states as well an attorney is required to perform the actual closing in a real estate transaction.  The attorney researches the title, checks for any blemishes on title, checks to make sure the taxes on the property are current, checks both buyer’s and seller’s names to make sure they do not have outstanding liens against them, checks the current survey (if the buyer obtains one) for boundary issues, easements, etc.  Once this is done, the attorney sends what is called a title policy commitment to the lender which the underwriter reviews to determine if they are comfortable going forward with the loan based on the commitment and any exemptions on it.  After the lender makes their final decision to move forward, the “closing package” is sent to the attorney’s office to close the loan, this is also referred to as the “closing”.  After the closing is performed, the attorney records the deeds, deposits all monies into their escrow account, sends the lender back their signed package and disburses the closing funds according to the Closing Disclosure which all parties signed at the closing.

In general, for their services, attorney’s fees can vary greatly from state to state and from area to area.  In many areas it is a flat rate somewhere around $500-$1,000.  In other areas, the attorney’s fees are determined by the purchase price and generally start at $500 and go up from there to around $1,500.  In addition to this, there are other fees that the attorney’s office may charge that include overnight fees, courier fees, preparation fees, etc.

If you are the seller, attorney’s fees are not quite as much.  You will likely being paying a deed and lien waiver preparation fee that could range anywhere from $200 to $600.  You, as the seller, will also likely be charged a wire fee and/or overnight fee to send your payoff out and if you are having your funds wired into your account.

How Much Does it Cost to Sell Your Home?

Generally speaking, one can anticipate around 7-8% in total for the closing costs related to the sale of a home.

There are additional costs that are not typically counted as closing costs that a seller should consider, like costs to get the house ready to go on the market.  Does the house need painting or other repairs prior to going on the market?  Is the seller coming out of pocket for any of the marketing of the home other than commissions?  A seller must also keep in mind that there may be repairs required after inspections and that could cost them as well.

 

What are the fees for a Mortgage?

Fees surrounding a mortgage vary greatly from lender to lender.  Most of them include some type of origination fee, administrative fee, document prep fee, tax service fee, flood certification fee.  These fees are all in addition to the required lender’s title insurance, homeowner’s insurance, interim interest and escrow account setup.

 

If you are thinking of selling your home and would like a detailed Seller Estimated Net Sheet which breaks down all the fees for you and shows you approximately what you should net should you decide to sell you home, give us a call at 704-408-2834.  We’ll be glad to set up an appointment with you to go over that information and help you make an informed decision.

 

Thinking about your next home?  Here are Lake Norman’s newest listings!

Fall Activities for the Lake Norman Area

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Here are some great fall activities that you, your friends and family might enjoy in 2016.  Most of these are in the Lake Norman area but not all. Some were just too good not to include!

Sept 9 – Nov 5 Amazing Maize Maze – Huntersville – www.ruralhill.net

The Amazing Maize Maze offers a seven-acre labyrinth featuring more than two miles of interconnecting paths.  Visitors can also explore the historic site, take a hayride around the farm, play a round of corn-hole, picnic, hike the trails and pick up a pumpkin (October).

October 21 4:00-8:00 – Huntersville – www.ruralhill.net – Fireworks Spooktakular – Fireworks will begin around 7:15

 

Sept. 23rd & 24th – Denver Days – Rescue Squad Park, across from Lincoln Charter School  www.denverlakenormanrotary.com 704-405-7905

The 14th annual festival features amusement rides, live music entertainment and craft and food vendors. Admission is free but rides and food do have a cost. Denver Days is put on by the Lake Norman Rotary Club, which will use the proceeds to support East Lincoln Rescue Park.

 

fesstival-in-the-park-2Sept. 23rd – 25 – Festival in the Park – Freedom Park in Charlotte www.festivalinthepark.org

The 53rd annual Festival in the Park is a three-day event to celebrate art, fun and music.  More than 180 artists and craft vendors, six stages & family fun zone with kids activities and attractions. festival-in-the-park

 

 

Sept 30th – The Great Chili Cookoff – Iredell County Fairgrounds in Troutman  www.thegreatchilicookoff.com

The ninth annual Great Chili Cook-off will feature impressive chili tastings, vendors, music and more!  It’s a fun afternoon/evening that you won’t want to miss.

 

Fall enewsletter button

 

Sept 24th – Lake Norman Beerfest – Galway Hooker Irish Pub – 17044 Kenton Dr., Cornelius www.eventbrite.com for tickets

Who doesn’t love beer, barbecue and bands? Grab your friends and come out to Lake Norman Beerfest featuring Southern Sauce! This event features unlimited sampling of local and national brews, great music by local favorites Simplified and Blue Monday and some of the best barbecue the Carolina’s have to offer.

 

 

trainnc-train-museum

 

Oct 6 – Oct. 31 (select nights) – Scarrigan Farms – 1213 Oak Ridge Farm Hwy, Mooresville  www.scarriganfarms.com

Get your heart pumping as Carrigan Farms in Mooresville is transformed into one of the region’s scariest haunted trails.  The farm is typically open Thursday – Sunday nights. Not for children under 12. Check website for discounts.  Tickets are $25 living or dead (cash or check only)

Oct 14th & 28th – Rescue Ranch Fall Fun Days – Saturdays 11-4 – 1424 Turnersburg Hwy, Statesville.  www.rescueranch.com 704-768-0909

Fall Fun Days are on Saturdays in October from 11 – 4 and feature games, hay rides, hay art, pumpkin painting, scarecrow contest and a barrel train.  Proceeds to benefit the Rescue Ranch.

Oct 1st – 30th – Rescue Ranch Corn Maze & Fall Fun Days – Friday & Saturday nights 6 – 10pm – 1424 Turnersburg Hwy, Statesville.  www.rescueranch.com 704-768-0909  rescue-ranch

Through the month of October the lighted maze will be open Friday &  Saturday nights from 7 – 10 pm.  The corn maze is an added element to the Rescue Ranch Fall Fun Days.  This maze is sponsored by Randy Marion Chevrolet of Statesville.  Proceeds to benefit the Rescue Ranch.

 

Oct 7th – All-American Dog Show – Robbins Park in Cornelius  3-6 p.m. www.cornelius.org/161/all-american-dog-show

The annual dog show features a dog parade concessions and kids activities.  Register for the dog contests, including best dressed, best trick, best kisser, most ear-resistable ears, best puppy eyes, cutest puppy, cutest senior and others.  The $8 registration fee includes entry into two contests plus the All-American Dog contest.

 

Oct. 8th – Pawz Too Run – Davidson Town Green 10 am – 2 pm  www.friendsoftheanimals.net

Pawz Too Run holds its sixth annual dog walk sponsored by Lake Norman Chrysler and others. The event will feature a 3k or 1.5k dog walk, dog contests with prizes, a vendor fair on health and wellness for both people and pets, animal rescues and adoptable dogs and live music and food. Proceeds will help benefit Friends of the Animals which helps homeless animals.  Registration fee for the walk is $25.

 

Oct 7th – 8th – Fall Finale – US National Whitewater Center  www.usnwc.org

The Whitewater Center presents the Fall Finale to close out the 2016 River Jam concert series.  The festival includes build your own boat competition and race, as well as the Dirty Dozen Obstacle Trail Race – a 12k and 5k course featuring cargo-net climbs, monkey bars, rings and other obstacles.  The race begins at 7:30 Saturday.  Guests can enjoy musical performances from Billy Strings, Yonder Mountain String Band and more.

 

Oct 15th – Festival of Food Trucks – downtown Mooresville – 5 – 8:30 pm

Walk through downtown and take part in the festival of food trucks.  Listen to music, explore the shops and bring a chair to relax in the street and stay awhile.

 

Oct 15th – Huntersville Fall Festival – Barnette Elementary School, 13659 Beatties Ford Rd., Charlotte – 10am – 4pm  www.huntersvillefallfest.com

Featuring over a dozen food trucks, 50+ craft and artisan booths, Children’s area, pumpkin patch, hayrides and pony rides.  Make your own scarecrow and much more!  All day live entertainment provided by Vinyl Pl.

 

October 21 – 22 – Ghost Walk Haunted Trail – Latta Plantation – 5225 Sample Rd., Huntersville 7-10 pm www.lattaplantation.org

The grounds at Latta Plantation will be transformed into a gloomy, haunted sight as visitors wind through the dark forest, spooky barn and haunted house. Not suggested for children under 8. Admission is $10.

 

Fall enewsletter button

 

Balloons going upscarecrow-balloonOctober 21-23 Statesville Balloon Fest   www.Carolinasbaloonfest.com

Save on early bird tickets through 9-15-16.

See the beautiful hot air balloons, take a ride in one, enjoy wine & craft beer tasting, visit the artisan village & marketplace, learn about hot air balloons enjoy live entertainment!

 

 

 

Oct 22nd – Halloween Fun – Rural Hill – 4431 Neck Rd., Huntersville  11 am – 2 pm  – www.ruralhill.net

Rural Hill will host The Town of Huntersville Halloween event, including children’s games, arts and crafts, vendors, bounce house, pumpkin patch, face painting, live music, costume contest and more.

 

Oct 22nd – Trick or Treat – Downtown Mooresville shops (Main St), Mooresville  3:00 – 5:00 – www.downtownmooresville.com

Kids can enjoy a fun night out in downtown Mooresville as businesses  hand out candy, dress up and welcome the community.  Thousands of pieces of candy will be handed out.

Oct 29th – All Hallows Eve – Latta Plantation – 5225 Sample Rd., Huntersville  10 am – 2 pm  www.lattaplantation.org

Enjoy a family friendly Halloween celebration, including trick-or-treating, kids’ games, pumpkin painting, face painting, storytelling, crafts, costume contests and history of the holiday. Admission is $8 for adults and $7 for students, children 5 and under are free.

 

Oct 30th – The Georgia Autumn Special – Carolina Transportation Museum – http://nctrans.org/Events/Autumn-Rails-Excursions.aspx

Train leaves The NC Transportation Museum in Spencer and travels to Toccoa, GA.  Nestled in the foothills of the Southern Appalachian Mountains, the historic town will be bustling with activity during the 40th Annual Harvest Festival.  Passengers will depart for 3 hours to enjoy the festival which features handmade, handcrafted and home grown items from more than 200 vendors as well as delicious regional foods, lie entertainment, children and  youth activities, buggy rides and much more.  Toccoa Falls, names for the Cherokee word “Toccoah” meaning beautiful is a must see.  Located on the campus of Toccoa College, the 186 foot falls are 26 feet taller than Niagara Falls.  Shuttle busses will be making a continuous loop between downtown Toccoa and Toccoa Falls.   Departing Toccoa at 3 pm the train will arrive back in Spencer at 8 pm.  Enjoy views along the way only available by train and during leaf season!

What's your home worth home value

 

Oct 30th – Southern Flair Bridal Affair – The Charles Mack Center in Mooresville – www.southernflairbride.com

Getting married or know someone who is? Come check out this event featuring dozens of local wedding vendors, door prizes given away every 30 minutes and pre-register for your chance to win a free wedding venue!

 

Nov 5th – Mac N Cheese Cookoff –  Ada Jenkins Center, Davidson – 11:30 – 2:00  www.adajenkins.org

The Ada Jenkins Center will present the inaugural Mac N’ Cheese Cookoff.  Proceeds from the event will benefit the center, which provides a wide range of community services for those in need in the area.

 

pumpkins-lit-upNov. 5th – Pumpkin Fest – Downtown Statesville 10 am – 5 pm – www.statesvillepumpkinfest.com

The 14th annual Statesville, Pumpkin Fest, located in historic downtown Statesville, will feature fun activities for all ages.  There will be a kids’ zone, fall-themed games and rides, art and craft exhibitors, a variety of food booths and three entertainment stages.  The festival also features a cornhole tournament, a pumpkin pie-eating contest and the Pumpkin Fest 5k and fun run.

 

Nov 5th – Folk Life Festival – Latta Plantation – 5225 Sample Rd., Huntersville  www.lattaplantation.org

 

Nov 12th – 13th – Sheepdog Trials – Rural Hill – 10am – 5pm – 4431 Neck Rd., Huntersville – www.ruralhill.net/sheepdogtrials.asp

The annual sheepdog trials will feature dog competitions, North Carolina wine and beer, food vendors, history demonstrations, kids’ activities and more.  Tickets $11 for adults and $7.50 for children.

Here are the newest listings in the Lake Norman area.  Call 704-408-2834 for showings.

April Newsletter

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Here’s our monthly eNewsletter filled with interesting articles, fun stuff and of course, real estate info.


 

 


April 2016

View this email in your browser

FRONT PORCH NEWS

with Lisa Alford   704-408-2834

On a Personal Note

Spring is here!  The real estate busy season has definitely kicked into high gear too.  In fact, I’m late on getting out this newsletter because of it 🙂

For buyers – rates are still incredibly low which gives you more buying power for your dollar.  You don’t want to miss out on this great opportunity as they will go back up.  In fact, check out this great new app I have – you’ll love it!  On your phone app store download Home Scouting.  You will need my code, it’s my last name – Alford.  It’s a direct feed from the MLS and is always up to date and accurate, unlike the commercial sites/apps.

If you are a homeowner and are even starting to think about selling – call me please!  We are seriously experiencing a lack of inventory and have more buyers and not enough homes on the market.  I recently put one on the market at 11:00 p.m. and had two offers by 2:00 p.m. the next day!


Lisa Alford, Broker/Realtor
Alford Realty Group
Southern Homes of the Carolinas
704-408-2534
Lisa@AlfordRealtyGroup.com
www.AlfordRealtyGroup.com

Here are our Featured Properties for this month.  Want to see your home here?  Call me at 704-408-2834



Here are March’s Real Estate Stats for our area:

Win a Free Coffee Card

It’s easy to win! Find the quiz question inside this newsletter, then email me your answer. Each month, all correct entries have an equal chance of winning.
  • Last month’s question: How many leaves does a Shamrock really have?”
  • Answer: Three. Clover with four leaves is an anomaly, so considered lucky.

Thank You Friends!

Welcome new clients and Thank You to friends who’ve trusted me to work with you, your friends, family and coworkers. Special thanks this month to…

Christine O. & Garrett H.,
Lisa R., Adam S. & Hannah S. 

Origin of April Fool’s Day

One theory about April Fool’s Day is that it began in 1582 in France with the introduction of the Gregorian calendar. At that time, New Year’s Day was moved from March 25 to January 1.

Traditionally, the entire week of March 25 to April 1 had been celebrated as New Year’s Week, so when people rebelled against the change, they decided to celebrate the New Year on the last day, April 1.

These people were labeled “fools” by the general populace, were subject to ridicule and sent on “fool errands” or sent invitations to nonexistent parties. The butts of these pranks became known as a “poisson d’avril” or “April fish” because a young naive fish is easily caught.

Free Consumer Report

To Open House…Or Not to Open House?

Why do agents hold open houses? Do houses really sell on open houses? Who stops by? Would you benefit from holding an open house when you sell?

You might be surprised at the answers. Open Houses do work, but often not for the reasons people think.

If you’re thinking of selling soon, grab a copy of my report:

Should Your Agent Hold Open Houses?

Click Here to Read the Report

Interior Design: Not Just About Decorating

During a classroom activity about jobs, a young girl said she wanted to be an interior designer when she grew up. The teacher said she should think about real careers.

The mother, when she heard about this answer, presented the teacher with the following from Wikipedia:

Interior design is a field within environmental psychology, which concerns the environmental conditions of the interior. It is a study of the relationship between an environment and how it affects the behaviour of inhabitants, with the aim of maximising positive effects.

Further defending her daughter, the mother pointed out that interior design careers can be found in corporate design, architectural firms, and real estate sales.

Interior design, she said, isn’t just about decorating. It’s about creating the right flow, mood, and function. Interior design studies have shown that crowded environments—like low income high-rise projects—can contribute to violence, while harmonious environments can make people more peaceful. That makes interior designers part scientist, part artist, and part social engineer.  Now that’s a worthy career choice.

Décor Quiz: Which Decade?

Which decade from the 1950’s to the 2010’s do these decor elements most belong to? (Answers at bottom.)

  • Shag carpet
  • Turquoise cabinets
  • Avocado appliances
  • Brown wall paneling
  • Sofa sectionals
  • Mid-century modern décor
  • Boomerang patterned Formica
  • Hot pink
  • Pastel wallpaper

“I Wonder What They’re Asking for that Home”

When you’re wondering about the price of a home you’ve just driven past (or wondering what your home would sell for, or how much house you can afford), don’t wonder. Instead, call or text me for answers! If you don’t already have my number in your phone, why not put it in now?

Lisa Alford 704-408-2834

Just for Fun:
A Husband’s Secret to a Happy Marriage

Once a friend asked me: “What is the secret behind your happy marriage?”

I said, “In my house, I make decisions on all the bigger issues, and I let my wife decide the little things. This keeps everything in its proper perspective.”

“How did you get her to agree to that?” asked the friend.

I said, “Well, it just worked out that way. See, my wife decides how to dress the kids, which car we should buy, how much money to save, where to go on vacation, and which sofa, air conditioner, or refrigerator to buy.

But I make all the big decisions, like whether America should attack Iraq, whether Britain should lift sanctions over Zimbabwe, and where the Olympics should be held next time. My wife never objects to my decisions and I don’t object to hers. It seems to work out well.”

Help for Spring Cleaning

If you’re planning to do spring maintenance…repaint the house, landscape the yard, re-roof, etc…I can recommend top quality service providers to help out. Text or call me for names & numbers!

704-408-2834

April Quiz Question

Which month has 28 days?

Click Here to Email Your Answer

Decor Quiz (from above) Answers: Which Decade?

Shag carpet
1960’s
Turquoise cabinets
1950’s
Avocado appliances
1970’s
Brown wall paneling
1970’s
Sofa sectionals
1990’s
Mid-century modern décor
2010’s
Boomerang patterned Formica
1950’s
Hot pink décor
1960’s
Pastel wallpaper
1980’s

Should I buy property right after high school?

My initial response to this unusual question was Are you crazy? But then I thought, Why not? Your youth can work to your advantage, especially when a smart parent stands with you. Here are some ways to look at investing in your first property at a young age:

  1. You could plan to live in a property for a few years, wait for the value to rise, then sell it to fund your next purchase. For instance, you could buy near college and rent it out to roommates, then sell when you graduate.
  2. If the cash flow is there, you can rent the property out to others while you do something else with your life. Be sure to include a management plan.
  3. If it’s a fixer, you can live in it, put in sweat equity, and then resell at a profit. Some loans will not allow you to sell within a certain time frame of when you buy, so consider that when looking at loans.

If you know a young person who wants to buy property, get in touch with me. Together we’ll help them succeed.

When Was the Last Time You Cleaned These?

Your mattress, phone, door knobs, purse, or keyboard? Experts say that these are the most common items that people seldom clean, and that they are among the dirtiest everyday items in our lives.

A quick swipe with an antibacterial wipe takes care of the door knobs, purse, and phone, but what about a mattress or keyboard? Here’s how to clean those:

Mattresses: Mattresses can harbor spills, stains, dirt, smells, skin, bed bugs, mold, and dust mites that build up inside and exacerbate allergies, acne, and illness.

To clean a mattress, you can take these steps: First vacuum with a clean attachment. Then sprinkle baking soda over the mattress and rub it in lightly. Let it sit for two hours, then vacuum again while banging on the mattress. Spray with a natural anti-bacterial, such as lavender or clove oil.

Keyboard: A 2008 UK study found that a keyboard is dirtier than a toilet seat — seriously! The reasons? Not washing your hands often enough, sneezing on your keyboard, eating near the computer, and more than one person (especially children) using the same computer.

To clean a keyboard, use a can of compressed air to remove lint, skin, and dust mites. Then soak cotton swabs with alcohol, squeeze out excess liquid, and wipe down the keyboard. Do not allow liquid to drip into the keyboard.

See you next month!

  • Don’t forget to call or forward this email to friends in need of real estate help.

~ Thank you!

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PO Box 452
Mooresville, NC 28115

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How to use St. Joseph to help sell your house

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Stain Joseph

St Joseph

Many people firmly believe that proper use of a St. Joseph statue can help sell your house.  The problem is most people don’t know how to use St. Joseph to help sell your house.  There are many great success stories of people calling on St. Joseph in this manner.  If you are having trouble selling your home or if you would just like to have all the help you can get in your effort to sell, perhaps you should consider giving it a try.

Saint Joseph, the husband to Virgin Mary and the foster father of Jesus Christ, is the patron saint of handcraft and home protection, according to some Christian beliefs. He’s also considered as the “home selling agent”.  But how exactly do you use St. Joseph to help sell your house?  Burying a Saint Joseph statue upside down on the property you are trying to sell is believed to facilitate and hasten the sale and even attract the perfect buyer. Joseph was made a Patron Saint because he taught Jesus Christ the craftsman’s trade and ensured that the Son of Man was always well housed. For this reason, he is believed to be of great help to people looking for the ideal home and in connecting sellers to the perfect buyers in no time at all. Well, it may sound corny, peculiar or even irrational, but many are the sellers who have faced difficulties when selling their property and swear being successful after simply burying a Saint Joseph statue on the property they are trying to sell.


If you would like to order your own St. Joseph statue, you may order it here.  This is the one that we use and have given to many clients with successful results. The one in that link even contains an introduction explaining the “Way of St. Joseph” and, most importantly, the prayer card.

 

 

However, burying the St. Joseph statue alone, sitting back and waiting won’t do; it is highly recommended that you also say the St. Joseph Prayer and novena to Sell a House for best results.

Make sure that you bury your St. Joseph statue in the right spot.  Failure to bury the statue in the right spot may end up helping unaware neighbors across the street sell their home before yours. Where you put the Saint Joseph statue can really make a difference in how quickly your home sells. Okay then, what is the right spot to bury that statue of St. Joseph for quicker results in your property sale?  Some say the statue needs to be buried beside the for sale sign, others say 3 feet away from the sign and still some others say immediately in front of the house (first place of earth).  There are many theories of course, but the one thing that they all tend to agree upon is burying the statue upside down.  Another theory is which way St. Joseph needs to be facing.  Some say St. Joseph needs to face the street to attract buyers but others insist that he must face the house with his arms also facing the house.  There are reports that say if he is facing away from the house, then whatever house he is facing tends to sell quickly.  Probably best to be safe than sorry on that one and face him towards the house.

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Wondering what your home is worth in today’s market?  Get your free, no obligation home valuation HERE.

 

The Saint Joseph Prayer to Sell a House:

O, Saint Joseph, you who taught our Lord the carpenter’s trade, and saw to it that he was always properly housed, hear my earnest plea. I want you to help me now as you helped your foster-child Jesus, and as you have helped many others in the matter of housing. I wish to sell this [house/property] quickly, easily, and profitably and I implore you to grant my wish by bringing me a good buyer, one who is eager, compliant, and honest, and by letting nothing impede the rapid conclusion of the sale.

Dear Saint Joseph, I know you would do this for me out of the goodness of your heart and in your own good time, but my need is very great now and so I must make you hurry on my behalf.

Saint Joseph, I am going to place you in a difficult position with your head in darkness and you will suffer as our Lord suffered, until this [house/property] is sold. Then, Saint Joseph, i swear before the cross and God Almighty, that i will redeem you and you will receive my gratitude and a place of honor in my home.

Amen.

After burying the statue and saying the above prayer, also consider following it up for nine days with the St. Joseph Novena.  According to tradition, a novena can be an effective means to gaining a favorable intercession on your behalf.

Hooray!  Now Saint Joseph will surely help you get your home sold fast.

Believer or not, the mere thought of a statue helping in the sale of a house is very profound, but does it really work? Well, that’s debatable. Nay sayers may call it legend, but do not make the mistake of voicing that notion aloud before the many desperate sellers who buried the saint and came out with some pretty amazing results. It doesn’t matter which religious denomination you align with; whether Protestant, Catholic or Jewish, the fact of the matter is that if you pray to St. Joseph, he will help you find the right buyer to your house or even find you your dream house.

It is very important that you retrieve St. Joseph from the ground and give him a place of honor in your next home or leave him in the home to bless the new family that is moving in.  Do not leave him in the ground at the old house.  This would be considered rude, disrespectful and according to tradition could cause your old home to continue to get sold over and over again.

Of course, you cannot depend on burying a statue alone for your house to sell.  If you are ready to sell your home, contact Lisa Alford at Alford Realty Group today.  Lisa does the most important thing in real estate – she gets the job done!  At Alford Realty Group, we are committed to treating you like we want our family treated.  Professional, Friendly and Service Oriented – Alford Realty Group.

Employing the services of an agent is vital. Get St. Joseph for good luck; but whatever it takes to sell your home, Alford Realty Group will get the job done.  Even if you are not in our service area, call us!  We have a fantastic referral network with thousands of top agents across the country.

Alford Realty Group

704-408-2834

 

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Lisa Alford is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Lisa has affiliate relationships with other companies, people and brands and when you click a link, she and her company may receive a direct benefit.

Spring 2015 Real Estate Market Trends

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It’s always good to keep up with the real estate market trends in your area.  Here in the North Charlotte and Lake Norman area we were told it was going to be a great spring in the real estate market this year.  Boy were the experts right!  We are having an amazing year!  We are still seeing good gains in value and we are still suffering from not having enough homes for buyers to choose from.  The basic laws of supply and demand are in full force in our real estate market.  In fact, I have spoken with several agents in different locations in the Southeast and it seems that most of the major towns in the Southeast are experiencing the same type of market.

What type of market is it?  It’s a seller’s market!  If you aren’t really sure what a seller’s market is (most of us haven’t seen one in quite some time), it can be explained by simply stating that sellers are more in the driver’s seat of transactions.  There are fewer homes for buyers to pick from and the demand from buyers is high, very high in fact.  Seller’s who are ready to sell are finding that they are able to sell very quickly and are getting more for their homes than they were just a year ago.  In fact, the overall transaction is better for the sellers as buyers are not able to put as many demands on sellers.

For the buyer, it’s game on time!  Buyers are having to be far more competitive in their actions to be able to purchase a home.  They have to be ready before they ever go out looking (pre-qualified with a lender and no home to sell).  A buyer must be ready to act quickly in this market too or risk loosing the home they like.  If they find the home they want, they really need to go ahead and make an offer on it and have it be a good offer or they can risk loosing the home to another buyer.  We are seeing multiple offer situations which can be much worse for the buyer than if the buyer just made a good strong offer right from the get go.  If they try to get a better deal out of it, those negotiations take time.  During that time, other buyers may very well come along and quickly turn it into a bidding war.

Let’s take a look at the overall Charlotte market from April 2014 to April 2015.  We see that the median sales price has jumped in one year from $170,000 to $181,000.  That’s a rise of 5.5% which is very good and would make any seller jump for joy!
April 2014 to Aprili 2015 CLT

 

  
Now let’s take a look at the Mooresville area market from the same time period of April 2014 to April of 2015.  We see that the median sales price has jumped in one year from $215,000 to $236,000.  That’s a rise of 8.0%!!  One can see that our Lake Norman market is just on fire right now!

April 2014 to April 2015 Mooresville

 
 

Whether you are a buyer or a seller you need to be aware of the market conditions and what that means to you as a buyer or seller.  Lisa Alford with Alford Realty Group stands ready to help you understand the market and navigate your way to the best deal possible.  Lisa truly believes in treating each of her clients like she would want her family member treated.  Any of her former clients will confirm that, see her reviews here.  She also puts a high priority on client education.  She believes that educating the client is the best way to help them make smart decisions.  Contact Lisa today to get started!

 

 

What is a due diligence deposit?

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When you purchase or sell a home in the Lake Norman area or anywhere in the state of North Carolina, you will see that there is a space for a “Due Diligence deposit”.  What is that, you might ask yourself.  Traditionally we know that there is an Earnest Money deposit that is paid at the time of contract signing.  Several years ago, North Carolina started using Due Diligence in its residential contracts and sales process.  Prior to that time, it was only used in commercial deals.

Due Diligence is a time period wherein the home is basically off the market (under contract) while the buyer is getting their due diligence items taken care of.  This would include doing things like getting the inspections done, appraisal, repairs negotiated, survey done, loan in order, etc.  In other words, they are getting everything ready for the closing to occur.

The Due Diligence time period is a part of the contract and is a negotiated time period. Typically, the buyer wants as long of a due diligence period as possible and the seller wants as short of a due diligence period as possible.

During the Due Diligence time period, the buyer may back out of the contract for any reason or no reason according to North Carolina law and be refunded back their entire Earnest Money deposit.  They do not however get back the Due Diligence deposit.  Once the Due Diligence deposit is paid, it belongs to the seller and they may do whatever they like with it.

The Due Diligence amount is again a negotiable item between the buyer and seller.  Typically, the buyer wants to put down nothing or very little for the due diligence period and the seller wants as much as possible.  This is because the buyer knows they will be looking at paying for inspections, appraisals, surveys, etc. and this is just more money they stand to lose if it doesn’t work out.  On the other hand, the sellers want more because they know the buyer can back out and if they do all the seller gets is the Due Diligence deposit.  Sellers go through quite a few hoops as well during this process.  They are essentially taking the home off the market while this process is going on but they are also making the home available, making repairs and they are usually starting to pack and get moved too.

The Due Diligence process coming upon the scene in North Carolina also pretty well ushered out the contingency clauses.  Most sellers in our state will no longer accept contingency clauses.   You can read more about that in an upcoming post.

In any event, if the buyer decides to terminate the contract after 5:00 on the due diligence date, they will not be entitled to receive their earnest money refunded to them.  That money will then be released to the seller.  So if you are a buyer and you are considering terminating your contract, be sure to do so before the Due Diligence date.

 

Lisa Alford of Alford Realty Group with Southern Homes of the Carolinas is a very experienced agent and has been in the real estate business since 1990.  You can see her background here.  If you are looking for a top notch agent to help you purchase or sell a home in the Lake Norman or North Charlotte area, contact her here.

Here are her featured properties for sale.

Other Lake Norman area properties:

Most recent homes on the market

Lake Norman waterfront homes

Homes in Davidson

Homes in Cornelius

Homes in Mooresville

 

 

 

 

2015 Tax Evaluations in Iredell County

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I’ve recently had many people asking me about the notices the county has been sending out regarding the county wide tax evaluations this year. Many people have gotten notices that their values went down, some are up but most are down from previous years. This in no way affects your market value, it’s a completely different thing.

Here’s a video I am emailing out to many of my clients. Please take a moment to watch for more information.

If you have a question about your home’s market value. Please don’t hesitate to call me or fill out the form here.

How to handle lowball offers on your home

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This is a great article that shows how to handle low ball offers and what you can do to avoid them in the first place.

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

Copyright 2015 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

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My mission is simple - to provide you with the very best service possible.  After all, from beginning to end the whole process of buying or selling a home is about you and your needs.  I will do everything I can to make sure you not only get the best … Read more...

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