Charlotte Homes & Real Estate by Barbara Keefauver

Open House in Fair Oaks on Saturday

Barbara Keefauver — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 12:53:00 GMT

Fair Oaks, Fort Mill [York County] - We invite everyone to visit our open house at 568 Fair Oaks on April 2 from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Property information

Open House Southwest Charlotte NC

Barbara Keefauver — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 14:04:00 GMT

Open House

Sat. 3/12 • 11-3 PM

14836 Forest Mist Way $134,900

MLS #964284 3 BR/2 BA 1230 Sq. Ft.

Highlights of this home:
Dramatic vaulted family room with gas fireplace and exposed beam
Kitchen with lots of counterspace and cabinets,
stainless top stove with range hood
Large Master with walk-in closet, garden tub, and
private access to back deck.
Berber carpet throughout, upgraded fixtures and
lighting, ceiling fans in all bedrooms and family room.
Freshly painted inside and out
Fenced and landscaped yard
Brand New Appliances with purchase.*
*At closing you will receive a gift card to
purchase of your choice up to $1500.

Real Estate Central
Where we put the "real" in real estate.
NC & SC Broker, e-PRO
www.FortMillHomeSource.com

Short Sale Attention by Lenders!

Barbara Keefauver — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 09:20:00 GMT

One thing is for certain and that is that the attention given to short sale property has recently improved. Post congressional hearings of late must have made an impression on the lenders that up until then have been dragging their feet, with all kinds of excuses. Homebuyers were turned off by buying homes through short sale because of the shoddy process, lasting 6 to 9 month.

I am delighted that finally good intentioned homeowners, requiring to sell their property can move on and have been given that chance, Agents are finally able to make progress and get these listings off the market, it has been a learning curve for all and I hope this progress continues and rids' the market of excess short sales is a step in the right direction. Of course this all came at a price to some neighborhoods with deflated prices, homeowners could not regain the equity in their home. This renewed interest has been a bonus for Real Estate Central as we would like to continue with homeowners that still find themselves in a situation were they are faced with a short sale.

Fort Mill SC Area Home for Sale for Immediate Move-In!

Barbara Keefauver — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 11:32:00 GMT

Why wait to have a home built when you can have this one to move into immediately. This home is loaded with upgrades, from attractive harwood floors in foyer and kitchen to attractive granite countertop in kitchen, fenced-in yard with large deck. Enjoy your morning coffee in the spacious sunroom. It is located on a wonderful lot with lot's of privacy towards the back. 5 bedrooms or 4 bedrooms and a bonus.

It is a short sale with approval from the lender, but you still require patience to work through their process.

This home was built by Ryan and it is the Rosemont plan, located on a premium lot with an attractive brick front elevation. Double car garage is extra deep, room enough for storage or work bench. $276,000 and approximately 3100 square feet.

Rock Hill Townhome

Barbara Keefauver — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:48:00 GMT

Great location approx. 1200 sq. ft townhome. Two bedroom each bedroom with walk-in closet and it's own bathroom. Very nice hardwood entrance withcoat closet 1/2 bath downstairs. Large den with gas log fireplace, marble surround and a huge niche that would fit a flat screen TV perfectly. Spacious kitchen with pantry and eating bar in addition to a dinning area. The backyard is private location, premier location in complex, includes patio and storage room. Laundry with full size washing machine and dryer and storage cabinet.

$61000 list price, this is a "short sale" 3rd party approval required.

2 Story Steele Meadows Townhome "Reduced Price"

Barbara Keefauver — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 19:54:00 GMT

• 1,400 sq. ft., 2 - 1/2 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story - MLS® $109200 - "short sale"

Steele Meadows Townhomes, Regent Park - Terrific 3 bedroom 2 -1/2 bath detached townhouse with storage in the Fort Mill area near Regent Park. Sold as is, short sale has been approved. Bring all reasonable offers.

Open House Rock Hill SC June 27, 2010

Barbara Keefauver — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 12:18:00 GMT

OPEN HOUSE ROCK HILL SC
Looking for a well kept ranch in Rock Hill come join us today from2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. MLS 943697 or 2041 Franklin ...

Qualifed Buyers Wanted for pre-foreclosure property.

Barbara Keefauver — Sat, 15 May 2010 11:26:00 GMT

Real Estate Central is looking for a buyer that can put in an offer for this georgous (3) tree story home by May 28th. Buyer must be prequalified, lender has approved $240,000. Approximately 4100 sq. ft., six (6) bedrooms plus bonus, three (3) full bath and 1 half. Huge family room, plus formal living room, dinning room. Home is gorgeous, already has had an inspection, report available. The last deal fell thru so it's back on the market. MLS # 918722.

Wanted Homeowners for this Waterford Glen home, Rock Hill SC!

Barbara Keefauver — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Let's put this house under contract and take advantage of the "Homeowner Tax Credit" which in cases where there is a binding sales contract signed by April 30, 2010, a home purchase completed by June 30, 2010 will qualify, either for the up $8000 credit for 1st time home buyer or $6500 for the move up home buyer, provided you meet the guidelines.

Go to the Charlotte Area Home Search tab at www.barbarakeefauver.com to see more details.

North Carolina & South Carolina to receive Hardest Hit Funds (HFA)

Barbara Keefauver — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 11:52:00 GMT

Allocation caps have been determined in proportion to the number of people in these five states living in counties with high unemployment, resulting in the following allocation caps:

State    Allocation Camp (millions)
North Carolina       $159
Ohio                       $172
Oregon                   $88
Rhode Island $43
South Carolina      $138

Unemployment Programs – Programs may provide for assistance to unemployed borrowers to help them avoid preventable foreclosures.

Mortgage Modifications – Programs may provide for modification of mortgage loans held by HFAs or other financial institutions or provide incentives for servicers/investors to modify loans.

Mortgage Modifications with Principal Forbearance – Programs may provide for paying down all or a portion of an overleveraged loan and taking back a note from the borrower for that amount in order to facilitate additional modifications.

Short Sales / Deeds-In-Lieu of Foreclosure – Programs may provide for assistance with short sales and deeds-in-lieu of foreclosure in order to prevent avoidable foreclosures.

Principal Reduction Programs for Borrowers with Severe Negative Equity – Programs may provide incentives for financial institutions to write-down a portion of unpaid principal balance for homeowners with severe negative equity.

Second Lien Reductions – Programs may provide incentives to reduce or modify second liens.

For programs designed to help individual homeowners, the target population should be limited to residences with unpaid principal balances equal to or less than the current government sponsored enterprise (GSE) conforming limit of up to $729,750. HFAs may target low and moderate income borrowers at their discretion consistent with that HFA’s state enabling legislation

New price, Home " Facing East" Fort Mill SC

Barbara Keefauver — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 15:30:00 GMT

Why wait to have a home built when you can have this one to move into within a month. This home is loaded with upgrades, from attractive harwood floors in foyer and kitchen to attractive granite countertop in kitchen, fenced-in yard with large deck. Enjoy your morning coffee in the spacious sunroom. This home was built by Ryan and it is the Rosemont plan, located on a premium lot with an attractive brick front elevation. Double car garage is extra deep, room enough for storage or work bench. $324,900 and approximately 3100 square feet.

5 bedrooms or 4 bedrooms and a bonus

Fair Oaks SC -Like new Rosemont Plan from Ryan Homes "$259,000"

Barbara Keefauver — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 19:01:00 GMT

Don't pass this one up, we are still waiting for hear back from bank, but put in your offer now if you have the time.

Beautiful model plan (Rosemont) home with many appointments like sunroom and bonus room. Storage abound and yard is welcoming with playset remaining and lower patio area off deck with enjoyable water fountain. Why wait to build when you can have this big ready to move in home for your family.

approx. 3100square feet home in SW area near Charlotte, but in South Carolina Fort Mill

5 bedroom optional or use as bonus room

with a warm and cozy Sunroom that is welcoming in all seasons

kitchen with 42" cabinets & very stylish granite counters, kitchen island and breakfast area

Huntington Forest Charlotte Five (5) Bedroom Home Under Contract!

Barbara Keefauver — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:19:00 GMT

This is a short sale with approval priced for quick sale at $240,000. This 5 bedroom PLUS bonus or 6 bedroom home was purchased for over 400,000 in 2006. It is move in ready, lovingly taken care of.

Lucky family just put this one under contract.

Remodeled ranch SOLD!

Barbara Keefauver — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:02:00 GMT

New on the market, remodeled ranch with quick access to uptown area. This charming ranch has lots of
built-ins for storage and hardwood flooring. Cozy eating area and a kitchen with all the modern amenities, tall cabinets, large island and granite countertops. Three bedrooms, office 2 full bath. $149000

This one went quick. After only on the maket for less than a week, it went under contract and closed this week.

Short Sale Homes

Barbara Keefauver — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 17:18:00 GMT

Currently we have several homes on the market were we have a potential short sale situation. First time home buyers here is a great opportunity for a great home selection. If you are interested as a homebuyer or investor please contact us, just remember that short sales will take longer than the normal time process.

Listed are three (3) examples, great location and amenities.

http://tinyurl.com/mp98fg

2 Story For Sale in Laurel Creek

Barbara Keefauver — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 16:10:00 GMT

• 4,575 sq. ft., 4 bath, 5 bdrm 2 story "with Basement" - $449,000

Laurel Creek, Rock Hill - Georgeous 2-story brick home wooded area with view of the pond. Well maintained yard and property, side-load 2 car garage. Enjoy breakfast with a greatview. Large kitchen with silestone countertops, pantry and a beautiul breakfast area with a view of wooded area and pond. Wonderful deck for entertaining and relaxing. BASEMENT with 2 bedrooms full bath and a huge REC room.

Property information

Common sense house buying and investing

Barbara Keefauver — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 00:06:00 GMT

A great article on the revised regulations of Wells Fargo concerning legitimate flipping of properties. Maybe other lenders will begin this commen sense lending practices, with so many distressed properties on the market
somethings need to give.

http://tinyurl.com/ydr9n8p

New and improved 1st time homebuyer tax credit extension.

Barbara Keefauver — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:39:00 GMT

Within just the past couple of days the senate has reached an agreement on the 1st time homebuyer tax credit extension, so lets hope it will become public very soon. The homebuyer tax credit which is due to expire November 30th would be extended through April 30 of 2010. This would eleviate the stress for first-time buyers who are in the process of making a purchase and now would not need to worry about qualifying for the up to $8,000 credit if they close after the November 30 deadline.

The $8,000 maximum first-time homebuyer credit will continue but the income limit has been increased so a max of up to $225,000. Included are homeowners that would be move-up homeowners who have lived in their current residence for five years could also receive a credit.

According to the new agreement move-up buyers can claim this credit of up to $6500 if the home they are vacating is their primary residence for at least five years, but the money cannot be used to buy a vacation home. “It’s only for a primary residence."

Hopefully we will hear more details about this shortly. On the same note the program in recent weeks has come under fire because of abuse and legislation provisions has been added to the bill to address fraud. Like any good program to help the good folks along there are always those out there ready to cheat and defeat a good purpose.

It's been reported that "The Internal Revenue Service is given greater authority to oversee the process to root out fraud, and provisions are added in response to past abuses of false sales or underage buyers. An investigation by the Treasury Department’s Inspector General for Tax Administration found that more than 580 children, some as young as four years old, had received $627,000 in first-time homebuyer credits. The IRS has identified 167 suspected criminal schemes and opened nearly 107,000 examinations of potential civil violations of the first-time homebuyer tax credit."

What's a Short Sale?

Barbara Keefauver — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 05:15:00 GMT

Homebuyers these days will come across properties classified as a short sale more often than not. This is when a homeowner attempts to sell his home for less with lender approval rather than the lender taking it back through foreclosure proceedings. By doing so the homeowner could salvage his credit rating and rid himself of the encumbrance of a huge mortgage.

The seller sets the price either by himself or with the assistance of a real estate agent. Offers submitted to the lender are subject to lender approval. It is easier to work this through if there is a single lender involved. It becomes difficult and very tedious working with several lenders and sometimes with the insurer. Depending how many offers have been submitted and rejected, the potential buyer needs a lot of patience. Lowball offers can be rejected or receive slow recognition.

Homes are usually “sold as is” since there are almost no funds to make repairs. The buyer should keep this in mind when submitting an offer. One other important factor, the buyer must be prepared to close on time. Meaning that the buyer must have his loan and financing ready to go.

Long Life of a Short Sale

Barbara Keefauver — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 05:11:00 GMT

The timeline of a short sale, you wait and you wait and you wait.

I have sat in classes and have been told by others about 90 days, but that is not the case. The phrase “short sale” does not refer to short period of time. Make no assumption that it is a quick deal, short sales can take as long as six (6) month.

After submitting the offer you can expect to hear back from the lender in about 4 weeks that they received the offer, then you wait. Four (4) more weeks go by, then you hear that they have assigned the case to a loss mitigation and 4 weeks after that they have ordered an appraisal. Then you wait. If you are lucky in 4 weeks time, the lender acknowledges

receipt of the appraisal. Then you wait. Maybe after 4 weeks you will then get to hear that they are ready to negotiate and 4 weeks after that your final offer acknowledgement. Then you wait. So by my count we are now at 24 weeks

“Time line of a short sale” by Real Estate Central www.barbarakeefauver.com

Condo Southwest Charlotte

Barbara Keefauver — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 15:51:00 GMT

Condo for Sale - Southwest Area of Charlotte

2 bedroom, 2 full bath & 1/2 bath
2 story
Freshly painted , professionally cleaned carpet
Breakfast area, Dining Room, Entry Hall, Great Room Kitchen
owner is willing to negotiate for a lease purchase

$105,000

Fort Mill SC

Barbara Keefauver — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 15:45:00 GMT

Ryan Home: Rosemont Plan

4 bedroom or bonus room
2 story
Open concept kitchen with breakfast area
granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances
dining room, entry hall, great room, sunroom
approimately 3100 square feet
$314,900

Near Lake Wylie SC 4 BR Home 375K

Barbara Keefauver — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 11:51:00 GMT

Under $375,000

Very Motivated Seller.

4 bedroom home near Lake Wylie
Great open two story floorplan
in a quiet subdivision that backs up to Lake Wylie SC
Wooded Backyard
4th bedroom optional bonus room, huge loft area
2 car garage - side entrance
tray ceiling in master bedroom down with ensuite bath
approx 3150 sq.ft.

Click her for additional photas or other homes in Fort Mill area:

http://tinyurl.com/mu3b3n

$8,000 for qualified first-time home buyers

Barbara Keefauver — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 23:50:00 GMT

Summer is almost over, school assignments have been handed out and on top of the list is a little reminder that the "The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009" is slowly winding down. If you are still on the fence, undecided, now is the time to get serious. At Real Estate Central our associates will help you find that house. If you don't like our listings then we will help find one in other SC and NC that are on the market i.e. Fort Mill, Rock Hill and the greater Charlotte area.

First time homebuyer is someone that has not owned their principle residence in the last three years, homes that qualify are as follows:

single family homes, new or pre-owned
condos
townhomes

For more information, rules and regulation concerning 1st time homebuyers and what qualifies as a 1st time homebuyer, contact one of our associates.

1st time homebuyer tax credit and low mortgage rates and given the choices on the market is a win, win situation for home buyers today. There even some great short sales available if you have the time. More bang for your buck, translates into affordable bigger house.

Making Housing more affordable.

Barbara Keefauver — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 11:42:00 GMT

Struggling Home owners needing advice should contact a HUD-approved housing counselor assistnace is FREE.

Further news on the struggling home front comes from a report issued by the Obama Administration and to report struggling homeowners being helped by the program.

The first "Servicer Performance Report", detailing the progress of making homes affordable loan modification program.

http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/docs/MHA_public_report.pdf

MHA (making homes affordable ) provides 75 billion dollars for sustainable loan modifications through the "Making Homes Affordable Modification Program".

Today’s report discloses performance on a servicer-by-servicer basis in order to increase transparency for participating institutions. The data show that servicer performance has been uneven. The Administration has asked servicers to ramp up implementation to a cumulative 500,000 trial modifications started by November 1, 2009. This would more than double in three months the number of trial modifications started in the first five months of the program.