Fort Mill Real Estate

Times are starting to “Get Tough” all over.  When the housing market is down nationally, it affects everyone!  From the consumer, the Realtor, the mortgage broker, home inspector, the contractor, the lumber distributor, hardware manufacturer, truck drivers, architects, structrual engineers….I could go on for days.  Gas prices are making it even tougher on EVERYONE!  I’ve looked at my expenses hard, and I’ve had to cut back on just about all my business promotion advertising.  I’ve reviewed what is and is not working as far as the marketing systems I’ve been using for my sellers, and I’ve cut out the things that simply weren’t bringing my clients potentially buyers on a regular basis.  By doing these things, I’ve found ways to save my clients money at the closing table off of my normal commission.   Do I want to make less money, and do more work?  NO, but there comes a time when you have to step up and do what you can to help out your clients and keep food on the table, and we are in that time.  We ALL have to look ourselves in the mirror, are we doing all we can?  Are we doing our very best everyday?  If we all tried just a little harder, it will make a difference.  This is America, land of opportunity, and it’s been proven time and time again, the strong survive, but I think it’s not necessarily the strongest, but who’s willing to work the hardest?

Fortunately for all the kids in our School System, and every property owner that lives in the Fort Mill School District, the bond vote passed with flying colors yesterday!!!  From a Real Estate standpoint, location is always the most important factor with property value, and a lot of that has to do with the quality of school system the property is located in.  Again and again, buyers from all over the country tell me after doing a lot of research, the quality of our schools, our proximity to Charlotte, and our climate are the most important factors (in that order).  We all had a “big win” yesterday.

YES, with that will come more growth, and more traffic, things we don’t like for sure, but hopefully we’ll be able to control that growth and have the infrastructure to support it.  I know our towns leadership, with Danny Funderburk leading the way, will be up to the task.  Congratulations Fort Mill, and have a great day!!!

Interest rates had gotten really low (5.375) and have shot back up until this past week.  They are now back to (5.625).  It’s a great time to buy.  If you have money, or have access to money to invest in Real Estate, now is the time.  I’m happy to explain the ins and outs, pros and cons to you, but Carolina Real Estate is one of the best long term investments you can make.  Call me for more information, www.DaleLoftis.com.

Check out this link for information about government help with mortgages.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23359239/

Have a great weekend!

So much is happening in Real Estate as of late that it’s easy to forget the fundamentals.  When buying property as an investment, location is and will always be the most important consideration.  What is a GREAT location for property?  Well that depends on the demographic you are looking to satisfy.  For example, the vast majority of people that have been buying homes here in Fort Mill SC are doing so because of it’s proximity to Charlotte, AND, the quality of the Fort Mill School System.  So buying a home with 4 or more bedrooms makes the most sense because there is a larger market segment looking to buy in our area with 2 or more children.  I’ll discuss the other areas on Friday.

Just returning from Atlanta GA where I joined about 10,000 other Keller Williams Brokers / Agents for 4 days of education, motivation, and fun!  Gary Keller, co-founder of Keller Williams is a truly great leader and visionary.  I expected our opening 2 hour ceremony to be a lot of “All is well, things are great”, but instead, he told the truth.  Nationally, the housing market is not in good shape.  There are signs of a turn around ahead, but quite simply, if you want to continue to thrive in this market, you simply need to work smarter, and harder.  Nothing is given to you, you have to earn your keep!  I’m proud to be associated with a company that believes in those kinds of principles.

 While nationally, the market is down, Real Estate is a highly localized industry.  Here in the Charlotte Metro, Fort Mill SC area, things are still pretty good.  While we aren’t seeing record home sales and new construction like we had in 2003, 2004, 2005, we are still seeing a gradual increase in home prices.  We have to consider ourselves fortunate in that regard, as so many other markets are truly suffering with diminishing home prices and crazy high foreclosures.  I’m looking forward to a great 2008.  Have a great weekend, enjoy the Daytona 500 if you are a NASCAR fan!!

 Dale Loftis, Keller Williams Agent, 8.1

The first signs of a turnaround in the housing market, an increase in mortgage applications.  Take a look at this from CNNMoney.com.

http://money.cnn.com/2008/02/06/real_estate/mortgage_applications.ap/index.htm?postversion=2008020607

Click this link for the “10 steps to Homeownerhip”

http://finance.realtor.com/HomeFinance/Guides/Buyers/default.asp?poe=homestore

Call or email with any questions on getting started in the process of owning your own home!!

 Dale

Click the link to view a 15 minute piece that aired on CBS’s 60 Minutes last night.  I knew that places like CA and FL were in trouble, but not to this extent.  Right now, and fortunately for us in the Carolinas, our property values are still holding steady, and we are experiencing normal appreciation rates.

http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=3756665n&channel=/sections/60minutes/videoplayer3415.shtml

If you have questions about your mortgage, or your homes value, don’t hesitate to give me a call or email me.  Homes@DaleLoftis.com, 803.835.2387

 Dale

Wood Infestation Report Information

When you buy a home, your lender will require you to have a “Wood Infestation Inspection”.  In South Carolina, this is called a CL 100..  I’ve attached a detailed description my office received from Countrywide for you to review if interested.