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Maybe you’ve come across Charlotte, NC homes listed as ‘short sales.’ So what are they?

Short sale homes are properties sold at a price lower than what is owed on the mortgage. These sales are initiated by the seller, which makes them different from lender-initiated foreclosures.

Short sale homes are often heavily discounted in price, and the competition from other buyers is often low.  However, buying a short sale property  takes longer to complete. Homes are sold as-is, which requires more effort on the seller’s part. Before you go ahead and look for short sale  homes, it will help to know everything about them first.  

What is a Short Sale?

A short sale (or pre-foreclosure sale) home is a property sold at less than the price owed for the mortgage.

It occurs when the homeowner is no longer able to pay their mortgage. Instead of having the home foreclosed, they will apply to the lender to get it short sold. Whether or not this pushes through will depend on two factors:

The home is worth less than what the seller owes.

The seller demonstrates financial hardship.

Unlike a traditional sale, the lender gets all the revenue from the sale. They may forgive the difference.

Likewise, they may also file for deficiency judgment. This lawsuit gives the lender the right to pursue the seller for the remaining money owed.

What is the Difference Between a Short Sale and a Foreclosure?

The difference between the two lies in the seller's control of the situation.

In simpler terms, a short sale is voluntary.

Here, the homeowner initiates the sale by submitting a financial hardship package to their lender. Everything is subject to the lender’s approval, of course. On the other hand, a foreclosure occurs when a lender seizes the property. Usually, it's because the owner is unable to make payments.

It's a more expensive process since the seller (and the lender) may have to file for bankruptcy.

Even with their differences, both processes only occur if the owner is unable to pay the mortgage.

In some cases, sellers may do so because they’re ‘underwater.’ In other words, they owe a lender more than the home is worth.

Both processes affect the seller's credit at the end of the day.

A short sale or a foreclosure will appear as ‘not paid as agreed.’ As such, it will linger on the seller’s credit report for seven years.

Despite this, a short sale can help the seller re-enter the housing market right away. This is possible with an FHA loan, just as long as you meet the following requirements:

There are no late mortgage or installment payments in the year before the short sale.

There are no late payments in the year before applying for a new mortgage.

Who Benefits From a Short Sale?

All parties benefit from a short sale.

In the seller’s case, they get to avoid foreclosure. There’s also a potential for debt forgiveness and absorption.

They also will save money since the lender - and not themselves - will have to pay for agent commissions and other associated sales costs.

As a buyer, you get to enjoy these benefits:

Discounted Sale Price

While a short-sold Charlotte, NC home will be priced according to market value, you may be able to get it at a lower price. The lender might be more than willing to cut their losses, which means they may sell the home at a discounted rate. Add to that, you don’t have to pay for closing costs or broker’s fees, since the lender pays for these.

Less Competition

Charlotte, NC, is one of the hottest housing markets of today, according to Realtor.com. With a sales growth of 13.8%, it’s no surprise that the prices in the area have increased by a whopping 5.2%.

With the offers that abound, it may be harder for you to get your dream home in this market. This is especially the  the case if you're looking for a price you can afford.

That's why Nancy Braun recommends looking into short-sale homes. It's a less competitive niche since most buyers tend to stay away from them. Unbeknownst to them, it's easier to make lower offers on these properties!

What is the Downside of a Short Sale on a Home?

As with any other transaction, there are some downsides to buying a short-sale home.

Sub-Par Home Condition

Not all short-sold homes are in disrepair. However, a good number of them are, and it’s mainly because their owners are strapped for cash. They may lack the resources to keep their Charlotte, NC home in good condition.

That said, short-sale homes are often in better condition than foreclosed ones.

Lengthier Process

Compared to a traditional sale, buying a short-sold Charlotte, NC home takes longer. That’s because the lenders (and lienholders, if any) need to be involved in the process.

The more lienholders there are, the slower the sale will be.

As for the seller's part, their doubts (and incomplete documents) may cause further delay.

Higher Risk

Short sale Charlotte, NC homes are sold as-is. They often lack typical disclosures, as you would find in traditional sales. As a result, the home condition or deal quality may not be as clear to an interested buyer.

More Work Involved

While every traditional sale requires research, buying a short-sold home requires more effort. You will need to look up the property's value, liens, and other potential issues. That said, Nancy Braun can help you with this brunt work - among many other things.

What is the Process for a Short Sale?

If you're interested in buying a Charlotte, NC home on a short sale, you will need to undertake these six steps:

1. Apply (and Get Approved) for Financing

Like a traditional deal, the first step is applying for financing. Of course, you need to be approved as well.

After all, the lender wants to see that you, the buyer, can carry payments on the property.

Getting a loan prequalification or a pre-approval letter is sure to come in handy. You’ll need to provide a copy on your offer, after all.

Is it Hard to Get a Loan for a Short Sale?

It's not, but the process can take longer than a traditional sale.

With the help of Nancy Braun and her real estate agents, though, you may reduce the waiting time to a few weeks (or months.)

That said, interest rates may fluctuate during the wait. The changes may benefit you - or they may not.

In most cases, the lender will refuse to lock in the amount for beyond 30 days, unless you pay a fee.

2. Get an Experienced Realtor - Like Nancy Braun

It's challenging to find the perfect Charlotte, NC home, especially ones on a short sale. If you want to get your hands on a great deal, then it's best to hire an experienced realtor like Nancy Braun.

As the owner and broker-in-charge of Showcase Realty, she has 24 years of experience under her belt. She has access to numerous Charlotte, NC listings, so you're sure to find the short-sale home of your dreams.

3. Do Some Research

It’s advisable to learn everything you can about the property.

The good news is you don’t have to struggle with this. Nancy and her agents have access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). This is a database of homes on the market, including those recently sold.

With the MLS, you'll get a bird's eye view of sales in the area. This should give you an idea of the value of the Charlotte, NC, short-sale home you’re eyeing.

Likewise, your research should involve:

Checking the amount the seller owes the lender

Knowing every person or entity with a property claim (lienholders)

Determining if there are any liens on the home

Searching the title

Again, Nancy Braun and her team can help you with all of these.

4. Make an Offer

Before placing an offer, make sure you understand the market and the conditions. This is why Nancy Braun recommends doing your research beforehand. Remember, the lender is trying to recoup as much as possible. On top of  that, they may have to meet specific investor guidelines.

This is why Nancy Braun recommends making an offer close to the property's market value. If you go too low, there's a big chance that the lender may end up rejecting it.

Tip: A large down payment  (preferably in cash) may help increase the chances of your offer getting accepted.

Why Do Short Sells Get Rejected?

The lender may reject your offer if:

You’re an unqualified buyer. The lender will check your credit history, job history, debt ratio, and many other things. Even if you can afford the mortgage, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you can afford a home.

The price is too low. The lender will reject the offer if they believe they’ll make more money with a foreclosure.

The short sale package is incomplete. This is often the case with agent-less transactions. But with Nancy Braun by your side, you’re sure that all the necessary documents are included in the package.

5. Have the Charlotte, NC Property Inspected

Again short sale homes are sold as-is. This means you may get it at a lower price if it has a couple of issues.

Sure, the seller should disclose any issues, but these are often relegated to the wayside.

Even if the low price is a steal, Nancy recommends having  the home inspected before closing.

This is essential if you’re applying for an FHA loan. It requires certain home repairs to be made, such as:

Peeled paint

Doors that don’t open and close properly

Leaks and plumbing issues

Leaky or defective roofs

As a short sale buyer, the good news is you have time to do this. There’s a due-diligence contingency period covered in the process, after all.

Inspections will give you an idea of the repairs needed,  and the costs that come with them. You don’t want to purchase a home where repairs cost more than the property itself.

6. Close the Deal

Say the lender has accepted your offer. Before closing, you need to make sure that they, and the lienholders,  are willing to release the collateral.

Likewise, the seller will need to submit the following documents for you to close the deal:

Hardship letter. This should detail the seller's problems and why they cannot make mortgage payments.

Proof of assets and income. This should include two years’ worth of the seller’s tax documents and bank statements.

List of liens. This should be an updated list of all liens, especially if the seller has racked up multiple debts.

Comparative market analysis. This is a study of similar homes on the market. It also includes recently sold properties. These data help prove that the seller owes more than the property's worth.

Once everything is set, you’ll be able to close on your short-sold Charlotte, NC home.

Who Pays the Closing Costs on a Short Sale?

In contrast to the traditional sale, the lender (and not the seller) pays for the closing costs. That includes agents' commissions and other related fees. Tip: if you want to improve your chances of getting the home, you can offer to pay the closing costs. This will absolutely make you rise above the rest, since the lender is trying to recoup as much money as possible.

What is the Average Time for a Short Sale?

Even if it has ‘short’ in its name, this type of sale is far from quick.

The process often takes longer at 120 days…and upwards of a year.

This is considerably longer compared to a  traditional sale. It only takes an average of 45 days.

For one thing, the short sale process is more complex. There is a lot of paperwork needed.

Even if you make a quick offer, the bank will need a few weeks (even months) to review it.

Let’s say the seller accepts your offer. The lender may reject it if they believe they’ll earn more by foreclosing the property.

In other words, the lender is in charge of the overall sale,  which is why the process takes more time.

There’s also the issue of liens.

The more lienholders there are, the longer the closing process will be. That's because everyone has to give permission for the deal to proceed.

If any lienholders refuse the sale, the lender has no choice but to go ahead and foreclose the property.

How Often Do Short Sales Fall Through?

According to research, only 40% of short sales close.

While a buyer pulling out is one reason, it’s often due to seller or lender issues. For example, even if the lender decides to release the home's lien, the lienholder is still free to sue the seller later. More often than not, this could prod sellers to back out from the sale.

This low rate is one of the reasons why you should hire Nancy Braun and her team. They can help you get through this major hurdle, among many other steps to acquiring a short sale home.  

In Conclusion: Is Buying a Short Sale House a Good Idea?

As you see, there are benefits - and some drawbacks - to buying a short sale Charlotte, NC home.

Yes , it’s cheaper, and there is less market competition.

That said, the property is often sold as-is. The process is longer, and there is a need to pay a bigger down payment amount.

Before you choose a home in Charlotte, there are a few things that you might want to consider. Any home in Charlotte, NC is a significant investment, but certain investments are much better than others. Nancy Braun and our team at Showcase Realty can help you make sure you end up with the perfect home for you.

There are many options available in Charlotte’s housing market, but how do you know which one is for you? Even if you already have an idea of what you might want, here are some of the things you’ll want to consider when buying your first home in Charlotte, NC:

Price

Condition

Amenities

Location

Amenities

Energy-efficiency

Property age

Space

And many more!

So if you’re willing to know more and find out how to get the best home deal for you, read on to see what you need to consider before choosing your first home!

What Factors Would You Consider When You Are Ready to Purchase Your First Home?

Some of these factors might already be at the top of your list, but you might not have thought entirely of others yet. 

To help you with your house-hunting process, here’s a list of the factors you should consider when purchasing a home:

1. The Lot and Size

Most of the time, people treat the actual property the home sits on as an afterthought. Meanwhile, it should be one of the first things to consider. This is because the lot cannot be altered or changed, even if you renovate the house, knock down a few of its parts, or make an addition. The lot will always be your limit and the area you personally own.

When looking at properties, try to consider the lot as well. Make a note of where and how it is located, as well as its size, before you submit an offer. Relate it to your personal situation, whether you live alone, plan to raise a family, or have other plans in mind. 

It seems like a minor detail, but sometimes, the size of your lot can be the dealbreaker for specific reasons. If a house fits a large majority of your standards, but the entire property falls short of what you need (size, location, etc.), then you might need to keep hunting for a house that suits you more.

2. Location of the House

You likely already know where you might want to buy a house. Whether this is in Charlotte specifically, in North Carolina, or anywhere else, location is your most important factor to think about. Not only in terms of accessibility or preference, but your home’s value appreciation, convenience, desirability, and more. 

You might find a perfect house, but its surroundings might be less than that. 

Some neighborhoods will have everything right at your fingertips, such as coffee shops, public spaces, or good local restaurants. Some properties will be better suited to walking, and some will be more suited to cars as transportation. It’s best to do research beforehand and let your real estate agent know what you prefer. Any information on a specific topic like this can narrow your options by a significant portion.

3. Space and How Much There Is

How much are you bringing with you when you move? Space is one of the things that many fail to consider when they’re looking at homes. House hunters may think they’ve sized up a home and how spacious it is. Unless they’ve taken the time to get the exact measurements, though, they can make mistakes. 

How much space you need depends on your lifestyle if you’re house hunting. Some people tend to have fewer items than others. Still, it’s better to be on the safe side and ensure that you have more than enough space available.

Take a good walk around the house. Determine if each room has enough space for what you plan to put in it. You might be planning to buy more furniture, a step that can be finalized if you think the house you’re looking at is the best pick for you. Proper storage is a great advantage to any new homeowner.

4. Large Features and Amenities

Most people already know what they want in terms of rooms and amenities. How many bedrooms they’d like, the number of bathrooms, the inclusion of a dining room, and the size of the kitchen. Other preferred amenities could be energy-efficient features, accessible entrances, smart technology, and the like.

These might not matter as much to other people, but the presence of certain features can add more value to a home than most. Even if some amenities can be added later, it can be more expensive than buying a house with the features you want already installed.

5. Energy Efficiency 

An energy-efficient home can be one of the main priorities among today’s first-time buyers. Energy efficiency means that utility bills can be limited and maintained at lower prices, as some appliances now strive to achieve complete efficiency.

A house with appliances and less energy-efficient windows might tempt you to remodel in the future. If energy efficiency is not one of your top priorities, this can be disregarded. Just keep in mind it can also be a big change in your budgeting for the future.

Cooling costs can go down with energy-efficient windows, while appliances can decrease billing prices by 10 percent to12 percent. Some energy-star qualified appliances can help you use 25 percent less energy and over 30 percent less water than non-certified ones.

It might not be a requirement, but energy efficiency does save you a fair price in the long run. It’s a feature you might want to think about.

6. Ideal Home Style

We all have a different style or aesthetic that we prefer. Most people want this reflected in their house. However, what you want to embody and think about is: is the house I’m looking at something that I’ll feel comfortable going home to every day?

Your home is one of the things in life that you’ve worked hard to buy. This is why it’s important to choose one that you love. Try to choose a house that reflects your personality to the best of its ability.

7. How Old Is the Property?

Age makes a difference, especially with a place you’re thinking about living in. Some homes thrive as time passes by, and others do not. Both old and new homes have their respective pros and cons. Always be aware of what comes with the house before submitting an offer.

An older house may have a traditional or special charm that catches your attention, but is it enough to sustain how many people will be living in the house? Especially if there are children, you might need to think it over. New constructions, remodeling, and other changes might be things you want to consider as well.

8. Does It Have Potential for Future Changes?

As you grow up, your vision of your ideal home might change. As a child, you might have wished for a mansion with lots of space, but as you grow older, you might want something smaller and manageable. That’s why it’s good to see if a house is viable for any future projects you want to be added and done.

Accessibility and ease of customization bring different prices for future changes. There are houses where you might visualize making immediate changes, and there are houses that you think are perfect as it is - for now. If you know that you’re a person whose taste changes frequently, it might be best to look into a home that can be easily modified. 

Renovation does not happen all the time, but the possibility shouldn’t be ruled out. Remember that any big or small project can make a big change out of your perspective.

9. Price

If you can’t change the location and lot of the house, what can you change? As a homebuyer, you have opportunities to take advantage of certain situations where you can change the price of a home. Price determination is one of the most important aspects of the real estate market.

Some people will overpay on a home without realizing it, as it happens more often than not. The homebuying process can get stressful and very emotional for some people, which leads to impulsive decisions. 

If you impulsively buy a home for more than it is worth, then it changes a lot for your budget and your life in the long run. Some houses may have issues that should have decreased the price, and some are just not worth it at all. Remember that if you purchase the home by using a loan, the house will need an appraisal first before being approved for sale.

10. Condition of the Home

Houses do not come completely free of issues, especially if someone’s lived in them before. Even though the house may have had surface issues repaired and maintained, the structure, plumbing, foundation, and many more can have their own problems.

However, some properties have noticeable issues that a few simple adjustments can fix. Some of these can even be done by yourself if you want. If you find a house on the market that is fairly priced and has a few fixable issues, it might be good to consider it.

When you plan to buy a home in Charlotte, NC, ensure you don’t overlook its condition and issues! Some are fixable, and some are not. You just have to look closely at what you can and can’t handle.

11. How Much Compromise Can You Handle?

There are some things that you just have to accept, but some things can be negotiated. A dream home can be hard to find, even for those with less specific tastes to fulfill. Take note that it is important to avoid being overly idealistic, but at the same time, never settle on something far from what you hoped for.

Be prepared to compromise and negotiate on certain things. These can be features like pools, number of rooms, specific features and amenities, things that can be added in the future, and more. You’ll need to make compromises on each property you encounter, but choose the one that has the least number of them.

If you spend more time compromising than you do admiring, then you might be settling too much. A home that fulfills your needs and fits your considerations best, with a few compromises here and there, might just be the best choice to go with.

Is It a Good Time to Buy a House in Charlotte, NC?

It is a good time to buy a house in Charlotte, NC as Charlotte ranks as one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. If this goes on, between the years of 2010 and 2030, World Population Review predicts its growth to be approximately 47 percent. 

COVID-19 has definitely brought upon changes that led to this, but even before, Charlotte, NC has been a very popular place to live. Investing in a Charlotte, NC home would be a good choice, whether you’re looking for a rental investment or an investment for yourself.

There are lots of stable job market opportunities in Charlotte, matched with a good real estate market that offers plenty of properties to purchase. Charlotte is one of the best places to consider when looking for your first home. 

What Features Are Most Important to Home Buyers?

The features that are most important to home buyers depend on the person. There’s a dream house for every homebuyer that they want to purchase. If it’s not a dream or ideal house, they want to fulfill and achieve a specific list of standards. This matters strongly, especially if that buyer is you, and you’re looking for a home where you’ll spend many years of your life. 

House features can also be called amenities. These amenities can be external, such as convenience, transportation methods, shopping centers, and more. Private amenities can be your appliances, the energy efficiency of a home, the size of a lot.

Private amenities can be altered, removed, adjusted, or be included in the initial construction of a home. You can even set certain features as future projects for your chosen home. 

Overall, it depends on your preference and personality. Some people want houses that cater to their lifestyle and situation. Some people prefer to buy homes like blank canvases to fill it up as time passes.

Final Thoughts

There is no single amenity that is a must-have for the whole population of homebuyers. It’s up to you, as a homebuyer, to know what you want and what you can negotiate and compromise on. That’s why it’s best to consider all possible factors before making an immediate decision.

Charlotte ranks as the best real estate market in the Southeastern United States. According to the reports, this real-estate market will experience a combined growth rate of 19%, considering the growth of new home building and sales growth. 

Charlotte is the most populated city in North Carolina. Not only that,  it is one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the United States. The Charlotte metro area is the second-largest financial center in the United States. It is also  home to professional sports teams. 

Its quality of life and diverse economy means  its housing market can be very  expensive. 

Is Investing in Charlotte NC Homes for Sale a Good Idea?

To understand if a certain market is a good real estate investment, you have to study it first. Various factors make the Charlotte housing market a smart move. 

Population Growth: Charlotte is one of the fastest-growing areas  in the country. It is also the largest metropolitan area between Washington D.C. and Atlanta. It sees an increase in population by about 100,000 people every year. Increasing  job opportunities and low cost of living are attracting people to Charlotte from all around the country. Economic stability plays a major role in the success of this real-estate market. So, as long as people enjoy living  in this city, it will continue to have a  good real estate market.

Home Values: According to Zillow, the median home value in the Charlotte housing market is $225,000. Its home values have increased by 8.6%. Moreover, it is expected to increase by another 6.1% within the next year. If  you invest in a Charlotte property, it will maintain its value. 

Landlord Friendly: In case you are a real estate investor who is taking on the role of a landlord, you will be pleased to know that Charlotte  is in a landlord-friendly state. There is no rent regulation or rent control in North Carolina. In fact, there are laws in place to ensure a smoother eviction process if required. You don’t have to worry about late rent or bad tenants as the state has got your back. 

What to Consider Before Buying a Charlotte NC Condo for Sale

Condos are typically more affordable than the houses available. If you have decided to buy a condo in Charlotte, there are a few things that you need to take into account. 

Location: One of the most important to invest in real estate is to consider the location. You might keep  the condo forever. So, consider the long-term value. Check if there are developments that will increase the property value. Also, take the view into consideration. 

Amenities: These are the extras that people love so much. Examples of amenities are a party room, gym, concierge, and visitor parking. Make sure you take the building amenities into account. Decide if they are useful to you, or could be appealing to others. Usually, the more the amenities, the higher  the condo’s price. 

Condo Rules: Living in a condo doesn’t come with the same freedom as living in a house. There are often regulations and restrictions which residents must follow.  One of the common  restrictions is on pet ownership. You also might not be permitted to renovate the interior without permission. Find out about these rules before investing in a condo unit. 

Size: Remember, when you are buying a condo, size is important. Check the square footage and find out if the furniture you have will fit in the  condo. It is particularly important to find out size if you are buying a  pre-construction condo. 

Why Should You Buy Luxury Homes for Sale in Charlotte NC?

All real estate agents will tell you that buying a luxury home comes with its own benefits. The value of the community and home is already established, the homes  have bigger lots and more character, and most appliances are included in the sale. 

Other benefits include:

If you plan to sell, you can expect to get a better return on your investment. The sales process  is subject to market conditions and the state of the house, of course, but a good return on investment is almost certain. 

High-end neighborhoods, communities, and condominiums generally include extras that you will not find in an average neighborhood. These neighborhoods often have home associations, which include things like  If a community pool and lawn  maintenance.. Also, the home itself might have some unique characteristics that make it special. 

Which Neighborhoods to Consider When Buying Charlotte North Carolina Homes for Sale?

When you are purchasing a North Carolina home for sale in the Charlotte area, the neighborhoods that you can consider are:

South Park, close to Billy Graham Library. 

Myers Park, one of the most prestigious neighborhoods

Ballantyne East, Charlotte’s newest upscale communities

Mattews, the most popular suburban town

Huntersville, the location that sits on the shore of Lake Norman

Dilworth, the oldest “streetcar suburb” in Charlotte 

Why Have Charlotte NC Investment Properties been Unaffected by the  2020 Health Crisis?

There has been a pent-up demand for homes from the real estate market being shut down for so long. People want to begin new lifestyles. About 40% of the population will  not be going t back to a standard office setting. This changes how and where people want to live. 

Charlotte is seeing an influx of home buyers from East Coast and California. It is also seeing buyers from states like Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York. Buyers are relocating from crowded cities. Recently, people have been  moving into Charlotte for better employment. Within the region, people are moving from multi-family units to single-family homes.. Pets are another reason people are moving to Charlotte.. Everyone is looking for more space!

How to Find the Top Real Estate Agent in Charlotte NC?

Showcase Realty is one of the best real estate brokerages in Charlotte, North Carolina. We deliver professional service personally. Showcase Realty  is the brainchild of Nancy Braun. She has called  North Carolina home ever since moving here over two decades ago. Nancy worked as a real estate agent for 12 years in a firm before she decided to start one of her own. Working in this industry for years, Nancy Braun is the best real estate agent in Charlotte NC.

She has successfully built  Showcase Realty, the award-winning business that helps  clients buy and sell real estate in North and South Carolina. Showcase uses  the best marketing technologies and strategies to provide clients cutting-edge results. At, Showcase Realty, we assure you, top return on their investment. 

Finding a home can be simple and fun!

With the right help, that is.

As one of Charlotte’s top Realtors®, I have encountered all types of clients. I’ve worked with first time home buyers, experienced buyers looking to upsize or downsize, and others looking for an extra home to add to their real estate properties.

Whatever your reason for buying, looking for a home can be a pleasant experience for the whole family. Keep reading to find out how!

Talk with everyone involved

This includes your spouse, your children, and especially the real estate agent assisting you. Create a list of what you want to see in your home. Determine if you want to live in the city or in a suburb. Consider whether you would want a new construction home or an existing home.

Always take into account the kind of lifestyle you want to have. Think about where you will be working, where your kids will be going to school, and factor in your hobbies, too.

One of the best places to buy a home in Charlotte, NC, would be The Palisades. It is right along Lake Wylie, and just beside the McDowell Nature Preserve. If you are looking for an active, outdoor lifestyle, the homes here are a great fit!

Think of your timeline

Are you pressured to make a move soon? Or do you have enough time to go through this leisurely?

Set a goal date to move in, and we will work with that date in mind. This will influence how many listings we consider, the pace of our hunt, and other things.

Start looking, and make a list

You’ve got to consider more than one property in your search for that perfect home. Most buyers, if not all, begin their search online.

Keep in mind that sometimes, a house may look good in the photos, but once you get there and see it in person, you might think otherwise.

This is why you should make a list of all the great listings you see online and go through them one by one. Your Realtor® will be a great help to you at this stage, helping you identify any red flags and find those hidden gems that will save you countless hours by searching alone.

Visit these homes in person

Many people ask me how many houses they have to see before they make a choice, or how long it takes before they can decide on just one property.

The answer? You’ll know this house is for you once you step inside and just know that it has everything you’re looking for.

I’ve seen this happen over and over again with my clients, and when that magical moment happens, it is etched in their memory, and I am grateful to have been a part of the process.

Finding that dream home can be daunting, but with the right help, it can really be fun, simple, and unforgettable.

One final bit of advice

It is heartbreaking to see clients find the perfect house only to not get it because their financing is not in place. The most important thing to do BEFORE looking at homes is to get a pre-qualification letter from your lender.

I realize this is counter to our innate desire to “see what’s out there” and then start the financing piece, but in today’s fast-paced market where houses have multiple offers in just days on the market, getting financing first is imperative.

If you are really serious about getting your perfect home before someone else snaps it up, you should get fully pre-approved prior to looking. This will allow you to make a very competitive offer with the ability to close in 30 days or less. This is a HUGE advantage over mere pre-qualification.

Looking for the best Realtor® and legendary customer service in Charlotte, NC? Click here to find out what clients say about Tripp Ingle!

Give me, Tripp Ingle, a call at 704-806-0777. It would be my pleasure to make your real estate dreams come true!

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If you want a bright and airy residential unit conveniently located near the city center, this second floor condo on Fifth and Poplar checks off all the boxes on your list of must-haves.

With 2 bedrooms and 1 bath with 1,302 square feet of living space, this abode features an open floor plan concept fit for modern living and entertaining.   

Perfect for year-round living, this condo's proximity to Uptown Charlotte also makes it an excellent investment property.

This Charlotte NC condo has also been recently upgraded. It has been freshly painted, and new carpets, ceiling fans, kitchen and bath faucet along with a new bathtub were installed. The HVAC has also been recently serviced.

Entertain and relax in this condo’s spacious living area

You’ll be impressed by how bright and spacious this condo’s interior is. The large glass sliding doors let light stream into this home's living area, giving it an inviting and warm appeal.

Wood laminate flooring complements the neutral-toned walls and adds to this home's interior appeal and creates a perfect canvas for any design and furniture you’ll furnish this place with.

This fabulous space is a great place to entertain. The open layout ensures you can extend the entertaining area.

The balcony is good-sized and gets plenty of sun. Set it up with some outdoor chairs and you have a beautiful sunny spot to relax and unwind.

It’s also a great place to entertain and hang out with friends and loved ones. From here, you get to enjoy a front row view of stunning uptown skyline.

There is also space for a dining table for four where you and your closest friends can gather and dine together.

A richly finished kitchen for your personal enjoyment

Who would not be motivated to learn to cook when you have such a fabulous eat-in kitchen?

This condo’s kitchen features solid granite counters, stainless steel appliances, a pantry and plenty of storage spaces! You’ll have enough space for your small kitchen appliances.

A bright and well-appointed master bedroom

What better way to end the day than to step into your own sanctuary and relax on your soft, comfy bed?

You get all that and more in the master bedroom of this condo for sale in Charlotte. The carpet floor is enticing, inviting you to sink your tired feet into its warm embrace.

A large window graces one wall, providing you with the healthy rays of the lovely morning sun.

The master bathroom is bright and contemporary. You get a shower and tub,  huge vanity mirror, plenty of storage spaces, and bright new lights.

A laundry room and a utility room complete the features of this condo.

Enjoy the convenience of being in a desirable location

Fifth and Poplar is one of Uptown Charlotte's most prestigious addresses.

This building houses 8 floors and 300 units. It offers a haven in the city, along with a great cityscape.

Look forward to coming home each night to relax in the splendid amenities this building offers. With its 24-hour concierge service, housekeeping services, and on-site management, you have the best of peace and privacy.

Enjoy its starbuck bar, billiards, and business lounges.

This unit comes with a designated one-car parking slot, but you'll rarely need your car since you're only steps away from many dining and shopping options.

Fifth and Poplar offers Uptown living at its finest.

What are you waiting for? Grab this chance to own this condo. Visit http://ShowcaseRealty.net/ to know more about it.

This condo has been repositioned in the market. Make it yours for ONLY $359,900.