Charlotte Ranks in Top 25 Cities in US for Energy Efficiency

A large trend that has been sweeping the nation for a while now is energy efficiency and environmental protection. We have seen it in the houses that have been selling through energy efficient amenities that make home buyers drool. It is a strong selling point to many people in the market today which brings us to this startling discovery: Charlotte has been named one of the top 25 US cities with the most ENERGY STAR buildings by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. What this means is that our city has a large number of buildings (including schools, retail offices and office buildings) that significantly reduce their energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions by using 35 percent less energy and emit 35 percent less carbon dioxide than average buildings. This results in much lower bills for our local businesses, a lot more fresh air to breath compared to other cities, and a safe place for our children to go to school. This is just one more reason to buy a home in Charlotte.

Can't Afford Gas? Move to Charlotte: One of America's Top Walkable Cities

Gas is totally out of control. We all have a heart breaking experience every time we stand next to our vehicles with an uncontrollable feeling of dread and incompetency while hopelessly watching the price climbing up and up. Well, there is one option......Take advantage of Charlotte's 286 square miles of walkable land! Charlotte has been included in 2011's Top 10 Most Walkable Cities by Walk Friendly Communities, an organization devoted to promoting safe walking environments. So what makes Charlotte so "walkable?" Factors like walking being integrated into the city's overall urban planning process, parking rules and regulations provide adequate space for pedestrians and I'm sure the different methods of public transportation, such as the LYNX Light Rail, make it easy for people to walk amongst their favorite spots further from their residents. Just one more reason Charlotte is such a growing and desirable city!

CHARLOTTE IS #1: We are Top for Home Price Growth

That's right, you read it correct. Charlotte is number one in the nation for growing home prices, according to the National Association of Realtors who showed that prices have gone up by 12% since last years first quarter. The median home price for a Charlotte area home is $195,000 and this included all of Charlotte, Gastonia and Concord. Some of our more developed and secure parts of the city, such as Ballantyne and Myers Park, surely have a large part to do with the upswing. Even so, more in development stage neighborhoods, such as the University area, are beginning to pick up with houses that have been on the market for years now beginning to sell. Some readers may feel like they have yet to experience this upswing but know this: the Charlotte area is steadily picking up as buyer's reluctance has begun to switch over to intrigued curiosity of potential homes. The figures speak for themselves.

Interesting Insight on Zillow.com

Mistakes Borrowers Make When Getting a Mortgage

When people buy a home they are consumed with the excitement, and rightfully so. Sometimes this excitement can lead them to missing important details or not understanding the process completely. Here are some mistakes that home buyers tend to make:

Not Fixing their Credit:

• Buyers should always obtain a FICO score about 6 months prior to getting a loan. This will give them enough time to fix any blemishes they may have in order to obtain their optimal loan. Mortgage companies pull from all three major credit score companies so always look at the middle range number as that is the one they will be using.

Not Paying Attention to Specialty Programs:

• There are many programs available to borrowers with poor credit, low money down, and minimal cash reserves that most people don't even know exist. Borrowers need to take the time to do research and team up with a lender that can cater to their needs and find them the right loan for their specific situation.

Not Shopping Around (BE CAREFUL NOT TO SHOP TOO MUCH)

• Making sure they are getting the right loan for their specific situation is important and can be achieved by getting with the right lender. However, too much shopping can create a dip in their credit score so they shouldn't go overboard.

Paying Unnecessary Fees

• Many lenders will make borrowers pay unnecessary fees, such as ridiculous costs for pulling credit, in order to boost their profits. This goes back to getting with an ethical lending company that will provide them with the proper service needed. They should always check the Good Faith Estimate as it has a loan fee worksheet that will have all fees to be payed by the borrower.

Not Being Prepared for Closing Costs

• Many home buyers don't realize how expensive closing costs can be and are not prepared to pay them once they get their loan. They should request the Good Faith Estimate as early as possible in the loan process so they know what is coming. It is also important to have enough money in reserves for after closing to be prepared for any home maintenance or emergencies that can happen.

Getting with an ethical lender that knows what they are doing is truly important for the borrower. Contact us to learn more about our ethical practices and our vast portfolio of loan programs available for all types of borrowers:

www.aapexfinancial.net

704-331-6652