Strategies for sellers Hecht says sellers must set a realistic, competitive price for their houses. “As a seller, you may have to accept an offer for less than your house is really worth,” Hecht says. “But once you
have it under contract to a qualified buyer, then you are free to go out with your agent and become a buyer. Sure you may have just sold your house for less than the market, but you now are one of those coveted buyers, and you can be the one who finds three to five houses, makes five offers and sees what happens.” Jones takes a similar positive stance. “As you can see, the hit you may take on selling your home should be a wash with the great deal you get on your purchase.” And when interest rates inch up, shoppers may be more inclined to buy. “That usually gets our buyers off the fence,” Jones says. Jennings adds that the Lake Norman area has its own advantages for sellers. “Because there is only so much of this lake to go around, demand will always be a factor in this region. At the moment, we have many prospective buyers who are anxious to move to Lake Norman but are being held back by difficulty selling their homes in other parts of the country.” Looking to the future Jones sees a brightening on the horizon. “I
really look for some small increases in activity after the election and then again after the first of the year,” she says. Hecht takes a longer-term view of the market. “I see much of the same through the winter and honestly feel like we will see some movement by next spring,” he says. “I feel our recovery will be over a longer period than in the past, with a lot of that time attributed to the high inventory of unsold homes.” Sellers must be aggressive if they are to be competitive. “The key to selling in this market is to make sure your home stands out,” Jennings says. “It is essential that a home be staged properly, featuring de-cluttered elegance inside and maximum curb appeal out.” Hecht also recommends getting a home inspection and fixing any problems, and offering a home warranty. “Your house must be ready for showings at all times,” Hecht adds. “These showing are normally planned in advance, but your buyer may be driving by with his/her agent and your house just jumps out. Be ready.” LNC
Home Port |
Those who also must sell a home so they can buy are riding both sides of the market at this point. “Lake Norman residents considering putting a Bob Hecht home on the market should be prepared for a lot of competition right now due to the large inventory of homes for sale in all price ranges,” Jennings cautions. “The good news is that houses are still selling, but the average amount of time a given house stays on the market has increased.” Days on the market in the Charlotte area have gone from an average of 130.7 days in 2007 to 136.1 this year.
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REDUCED! Beautiful custom home featuring a French Country brick & board/batten design. Open floorplan ideal for entertaining. Spacious master on main, large study, gourmet kitchen, laundry & mud room features ‘drop off’ bench & slate floors. 2 story great room w/gas fpl, deck access & surround sound. Lots of room upstairs for expansion of a bonus room over garage. Finished beautifully. Must see! MLS 759201 $569,500.
DENVER 704.827.7890
MOORESVILLE 704.663.3655
STATESVILLE 704.881.0771
RENTALS 704.662.6049
RELOCATION 800.315.3655
MLS#797265 $136,900 3BR/2BA - Flexible Plan
MLS#810890 $184,880 3BR/2.5BA - Neutral
MLS#788429 $187,000 3BR/2.5BA - Curb Appeal
MLS#794147 $189,900 4BR/2.5BA - Fenced Yard
MLS#792176 $219,999 3BR/2.5BA - Upgrades
MLS#810464 $239,900 3BR/2.5BA - Private Yard
MLS#811248 $244,900 3BR/2.5BA - Fresh Paint
MLS#810711 $256,245 3BR/2.5BA - Stone FP
MLS#812399 $270,000 4BR/2.5BA - Pool, Privacy
MLS#805520 $279,800 3BR/2.5BA - Fridge, W&D
MLS#807072 $299,900 4BR/3.5BA - New Constr.
MLS#787067 $314,999 5BR/2.5BA - Gorgeous
MLS#788068 $350,000 7BR/5.2BA - In-Law Suite
MLS#807418 $389,900 4BR/2.5BA - Charming
MLS#801477 $399,000 4BR/2.5BA - Basement
MLS#777872 $449,999 4BR/3.5BA - Energy Eff.
MLS#789521 $499,000 3BR/1.5BA - WF, 2 Docks
MLS#782391 $499,999 4BR/4BA - On Golf Course
MLS#782246 $599,000 2BR/2BA - Lake Cottage
MLS#786114 $620,000 4BR/3.5BA - 1.39 Acres
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Gorgeous, brick ranch in The Peninsula! Open flrpln, lots of windows, new carpet & paint throughout. Gourmet kitchen w/new Thermador & Fisher/Paykel appliances, granite, glazed cabinets & exquisite bksplsh. Mstr suite w/stunning bath opens to enclosed sunroom. Step outside to your heated saltwater pool & spa, fenced yard & lush landscaping.Bonus room w/full bath above garage. Immaculate condition! MLS 805224 $829,900.
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Location, location! Perfectly maintained home with brand new tile in kitchen and baths. All new hardwoods throughout main floor and new granite in kitchen. Open floor plan, fenced back yard, cul-de-sac lot, side load garage. Walking distance to Birkdale Village thru walking bridge. Walk to bus terminal. Home warranty included. MLS 809407 $289,000.
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Tri-level townhome located in beautifully manicured neighborhood, including pool/clubhouse, walking trails, pond & tree-lined streets! Entry level foyer & attached garage. Main level is open w/bright kit, bar seating, formal DR,LR w/gas FP & deck overlooking pond. Top level has laundry, 2nd & 3rd BRs, master suite w/garen tub, dual sinks & tile. 2’ blinds, nickel hdwr & neutral decor throughout. MLS 811038 $184,999.
2007
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LNC Dec 08.indd 75
Lake Norman Currents December 2008
Str atf ord
CORNELIUS 704.892.9673
11/6/08 4:05:26 PM