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My Vlog
Did you know? Whether you’re planning on selling soon or staying in your home for years to come, a home physical can help you save money in the long run by helping you make smart decisions when remodeling or repairing your home as it ages. |
Did you know?? Here's why you should make dryer vent cleaning a regular part of your home care routine: |
Are you tired of all the NOISE about the state of real estate that you are reading in the headlines and hearing on the news.
Remember real estate is LOCAL not NATIONAL and we are in a healthy appreciating market.
Over 100 people a day are moving to Charlotte.
Most people have lots of equity in their homes.
I can answer any questions you have on our local market.
Making real estate dreams come true, one door at a time.
516-317-9253 [email protected] DonnaGalinsky.RealEstate
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| Have you been thinking about moving to a 55+ Active Adult Community? There are pros and cons to these communities. Take a listen and let me know if you have any questions Let's chat! 516-317-9253 [email protected] DonnaGalinsky.RealEstate . #lknrealestate #lknlife #lknliving #lknnorman #lakenorman #lakenormannc #huntersvillenc #davidsonnc #corneliusnc |
Should you buy a home with the current interest rates?
Maybe.
If you can afford the payments there are advantages to buying in this market.
I did just that recently.
Let’s talk and see what makes sense for you.
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| After the 2023 property revaluations everyone was very nervous awaiting the new tax rates. Well the Mecklenburg County rates are out and they are better than most expected. If you take your property valuation and multiply by the percentage in the chart - you will get your new property tax amount. Not sure where to get your home valuation - just ask and I will point you in the right direction. |
Do you really need a 10% or 20% downpayment when buying a home? Not necessarily - depending on the program you may have to put down as little as 0%. Let me put you in touch with my trusted Lake Norman/Charlotte area lender and see what programs would work best for you! |
When we first meet and discuss your home search, we sit and among other things we discuss your wants, needs and dealbreakers. |
5 Stats you need to know Average Days on Market: Number of days a home is on the market before going Under Contract/Pending |
| What Makes a Strong Offer in the Charlotte/Lake Norman Real Estate Market? |
Congratulations! You found a home that you love. Now you need to make a strong offer to be sure you can get it.
What makes a strong offer? I'm glad you asked! |
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What is it like to work with me as your Buyer's Agent? To start with - it is about more than the number of bedrooms and bathrooms - that will come later. First I want to learn about your family, your lifestyle, your wants and needs in a home and in a neighborhood. What is most important and what is a dealbreaker. Then we can move forward to bedrooms, bathrooms - the nuts and bolts of the house. It is a process, a journey, and as we view homes your list of wants and needs might change, and we can adjust your search to that. I will be with you every step of the way to answer any questions that you have. | |
What NOT to do once you apply for a mortgage? Basically don't do anything to change employment or your credit report between application and closing. Don't switch jobs. Don't buy anything on credit. Don't open any new accounts. Don't make any large deposits. Don't co-sign any loans. Be smart! Any questions? Ask me or your lender. | |
Why people love living on Lake Norman
The Scenery is Gorgeous: You can't help but feel relaxed and at peace when you're out there soaking in the stunning views.
Tons of Fun on the Water: Boating, fishing, water skiing, wakeboarding - you name it, you can do it on Lake Norman. There's plenty of room for all types of watercraft, plus lots of marinas and boat ramps for easy access.
Outdoor Adventures Galore: Beyond water activities, there are lots of ways to get outside and have fun around Lake Norman. There are parks, trails, and all sorts of recreational facilities for hiking, biking, camping, and more.
Perfect Weather: The climate around Lake Norman is pretty mild and sunny, with warm summers and mild winters. It's basically ideal for folks who like to spend time outdoors and soak up some Vitamin D.
Overall, living on Lake Norman is a total dream come true for anyone who loves beautiful scenery, water activities, outdoor fun, and good job prospects. Come check it out for yourself!
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Let's talk about Boat Clubs?
Why should I join a Boat Club?
Access to a Whole Fleet of Boats: No need to own your own boat when you're in a club! Members can choose from a variety of boats, from pontoons to ski boats, without having to worry about the costs and responsibilities of ownership.
It's Cheaper Than Owning: Instead of shelling out for a boat and all the maintenance and fuel costs, club members just pay a monthly fee that covers everything. Way easier on the wallet!
Maintenance? Not Your Problem: The boat club takes care of all the cleaning, repairs, and winterizing, so you can just focus on enjoying the water.
Choose Your Ride: With so many boat types available, you can always pick the one that suits your mood and activity level that day.
Overall, joining a boat club on Lake Norman is a rad way to enjoy boating without all the headaches and expenses of owning your own boat. With access to a whole fleet of boats, a built-in community, and tons of fun events, you can just kick back and enjoy the ride. | |
Why you should sell your home this Spring.
We are still in a Seller's Market with only 1.5 months of inventory in the Lake Norman area. A balanced market is 6 months of inventory.
People visit over Spring Break. I get potential buyers walking into my Davidson office asking about real estate all the time.
Some who get a tax refund are thinking about using it as a down payment.
Curb appeal is highest with the grass being green and all the flowers in bloom.
Low inventory is going to be here for a while. If your home is prepared, presented, priced right and parade ready you will be set for top dollar and possible multiple offers.
I can help you get there.
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Who should be at your home inspection?
Today we're talking about who should be at a home inspection and why. If you're buying a home, it's important to have a professional inspection to make sure everything is up to code and in good condition. But who should be there with you during the inspection?
First, the obvious one - you, the buyer! You're the one making the investment, so it's important for you to see everything firsthand and ask any questions you may have. If you can’t make the entire inspection at least try to come at the end to get the rundown.
Next, your buyers agent. They have the experience and knowledge to identify any issues that could potentially be deal-breakers, and can also help you negotiate repairs or other issues that come up during the inspection. If the home would need major work it a good idea to have a contractor with you. They can provide an expert opinion and estimates. Other inspections such as HVAC, Septic, crawlspace might be needed down the road, and will be ordered if needed.
So you, your agent are the key people to be at your home inspection | |
Do you REALLY need a 20% downpayment?
Short answer is NO! There are loans available for 3.5% down, 3% down and even 0% for USDA and VA loans.
Everything is based on your situation - not all loans are created equal for everyone.
I can put you in touch with a trusted lender who can give you all the options for YOU!
How can I help you make the move in Charlotte/Lake Norman NC? | |
| Let's talk about some recent changes in the mortgage world. You might have heard about LLPA (loan-level price adjustment) guidelines. Here's the deal: LLPAs are fees added to mortgage loans based on factors like credit score, loan-to-value ratio, and more. The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) recently made some changes to these guidelines. So, what's new? Well, the changes mainly affect government-backed loans (think Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac). The FHFA recalibrated the fees to make it more affordable for people with lower credit scores, while increasing costs for those with higher scores. But wait! Having a lower credit score doesn't mean you'll pay a lower fee. LLPAs still apply, and they vary based on different loan factors. The recent changes just aim to make it a bit easier on those with lower scores, but everyone still has to pay their fair share. So, bottom line: LLPA changes mostly impact government-backed loans, but remember, having a lower credit score won't magically get you a lower fee. Keep those credit card payments in check and stay informed! ???? | |
| Today we're going to talk about the three Ps of getting your house ready for the market - Preparation, Price, and Presentation. Preparation is the first step in getting your house ready for the market, and it's all about making sure your property is in top condition. This includes decluttering, deep cleaning, and making any necessary repairs. It is where I pay for a staging consultation to create a welcoming and appealing atmosphere for potential buyers. Using professional photography makes your property visually attractive and highlights its best features, creating a space that buyers can envision themselves living in. Next up is Price, and it's a critical factor in selling your house. Together go over he sold and active properties that are relevant to yours and set a competitive price that reflects the current market conditions and ensures that you get the most for your property. By pricing your home right, you can attract more buyers and increase the chances of receiving multiple offers. Finally, we have Presentation.. A well-presented home can make a lasting impression and increase the likelihood of a sale. Your home needs to be parade ready when it hits the market. You only get one chance to make a first impression By following the three Ps - Preparation, Price, and Presentation - you can get your house ready for the market and increase your chances of a successful sale. |
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