Check out this gorgeous home in one of Troutmans hottest communities!  This foreclosure home offers elegant rooms, soaring ceilings, refinished hardwood flooring and crown moulding! Step inside into the magnificent 2-story entry foyer with gleaming hardwood flooring and a designer paint color.  Entertain guests in the formal dining room featuring a deep coffer ceiling, recessed lighting, a heavy moulding package and hardwood floors. Imagine all the delicious meals you can create in the stunning designer kitchen with gorgeous cabinets, lustrous granite countertops and a large cooking island.  Enjoy the views from the lovely breakfast area with an abundance of windows, a decorative ceiling and access to the expansive patio.  The inviting great room has a gas-log fireplace, built in cabinets, hardwood floors and sun-drenched views through the enormous 2-story windows.  Cozy up in the den featuring a gas-log fireplace, a cooling ceiling fan, huge windows and a vaulted ceiling.  The luxurious master retreat provides a soothing oasis of special conveniences and comforts at day’s end with a tray ceiling, walk-in closet and bay window views.  Take time for yourself in the master bathroom boasting a custom spa tub, granite, a dual sink vanity and a walk-in shower.  The additional bedrooms are generously sized, have neutral carpet, pleasing paint colors and offer either a private bathroom or a jack and jill bath to share. Having out of town guests? Tell a friend they can stay awhile in the guest suite with all the comforts they would possibly need. Step outside and relax on the patio while gazing at the mature tree views and freshly landscaped yard!  There is something for everyone in the Winding Forest neighborhood with a swimming pool, playground and club house just steps away.  Call us today for your private tour.

Thank you for visiting our listings!  For more information at any time, including an updated price, call 704.367.4444 and enter the house number of ANY house on the market! You can call this one number for information on any listed house at any time and avoid talking to agents.

Leigh Brown has distinguished herself as a leader in the Charlotte real estate market and is the best agent in Troutman! Leigh assists buyers looking for Charlotte real estate for sale,Charlotte homes for sale. Leigh is also a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), avoid foreclosure and short sale expert, committed to helping families in financial hardship find options to foreclosure. For more information you can visit Forforeclosurehelp.com or Avoidforeclosureincharlotte.com. Leigh can also be reached at LeighSells.com or give her a call, 704-705-7036.

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Everybody knows that houses cost money. After all, it will surely be one of the biggest investments of your lifetime!

When you're browsing through houses online, you'll notice that a lot of websites offer a free "mortgage calculator" that allows you to roughly calculate what your monthly mortgage payments would be if you purchased that house, given your down payment amount and mortgage interest rate.

Often, that number comes up lower than expected. It can be really exciting to discover that your mortgage payment would only take up a small percentage of your monthly income!

However, there are a lot of other numbers to take into consideration before you can decipher whether you can actually afford a home or not. Here's the shortlist:

Property Taxes

In addition to your monthly mortgage, you will owe property taxes and, depending on where you choose to buy, they could be pretty steep. It doesn't mean you can't afford to buy a house, but it is a fairly significant number that you'll want to take into account.

Homeowners Insurance

This is another must-have. Before you can even qualify for your mortgage, you will need to prove you have homeowners insurance in place. The amount you pay will vary based on your location, the type of property you buy, and the insurance company you choose, but do be aware that it's an added expense in addition to your mortgage.

HOA Fees

If you purchase a condo or co-op, you will have monthly Home Owners Association (HOA) fees, otherwise known as condo fees. This is an expense on top of your mortgage, payable monthly to the association who is managing your condo or co-op. Your HOA fees may cover items such as landscaping, general maintenance, upgrades and repairs to common areas, certain utilities, security, and more. Find out how much your HOA fees will be and what they cover before you commit to purchasing a home.

Utilities

This may seem obvious, but utilities can actually be a fairly pricy portion of your monthly home ownership expenses, so make sure you figure out roughly how much they will be to avoid being blindsided down the road. If you're moving from a small one-bedroom condo into a single family home, expect there to be a fairly significant jump.

Maintenance Costs

When you own a home, you are responsible to pay for any repairs or emergencies that come your way. Your homeowners insurance and/or HOA fees (if you have them) may cover certain issues, but others you will be left to fend for yourself. Although this isn't a "guaranteed" regular monthly expense, it's a good idea to put a little money into a "maintenance kitty" every month so that if your water heater breaks down or your roof starts leaking, you have the cash on hand to deal with it.

Don't let this deter your from buying a home! The goal of this article is not to discourage you, but to help you be realistic about what you can afford so that you can enjoy home ownership without feeling overly burdened. Talk to Leigh Brown today to see what homes would work for you at YOUR personal price point.

Do you just love flipping through the latest home decor catalogs? Does "date night" mean a trip to Ikea to dream about buying new furniture? Got your TV permanently tuned to HGTV?

If so, it's sure sign you're craving to become a homeowner... but are you ready?

Home ownership is a big responsibility, but it's also extremely rewarding. If you think home ownership may be right for you but are worried you'll just never be able to make it happen, here are some things you need to know:

#1: You don't need as much money as you think.

Right now, there are a variety of options for first-time home buyers that may help you qualify for a lower down payment. Also, because home prices are currently at historical lows, the amount of money you'll need at the outset is actually less than normal. Talk to Leigh Brown, your best Charlotte agent, to see what type of budget you could qualify for.

#2: You might be surprised just what you can afford.

Because home prices are currently at all-time lows, you may be able to get far more for your real estate dollar than you were anticipating. So, if you're waiting around, saving all your pennies because you think your tiny budget will only get you a one-bedroom condo, you might just want to think again. Home prices have dropped a lot in recent years, which means it might just be the perfect time to make your money work for you instead of lounging around in your bank account. In all likelihood you will be able to afford a bigger home in a better neighborhood with more attractive upgrades... certainly moreso than you would have five years ago.

#3: Your monthly mortgage payments could be less than your rent.

Thanks to crazy-low interest rates as well as the current low home prices, your monthly mortgage payments could be lower than ever before. It simply doesn't make sense for you to be throwing your money away on rent when you could be paying it into your home's equity. Give Leigh Brown a call right now to see how much your estimated monthly mortgage could be... then get ready to ask yourself why on earth you aren't a homeowner yet.

Home ownership is more accessible today than it has been in years. Don't miss your chance! Get in touch with Leigh Brown right now to get your Charlotte home search started.

Thinking about investing in Charlotte real estate? Great idea!

Right now, the Charlotte real estate market is brimming with fantastic properties that represent great money-making opportunities.

Charlotte NC short sales are a prime example. Because sellers are selling for less than is owed on the mortgage and the bank wants to avoid a foreclosure, often you can pick up these properties for next to nothing and earn instant equity once the property is yours.

Charlotte NC foreclosures are also a great deal. Once a bank owns a property, typically they are very anxious to get rid of it as quickly as possible - and that puts you in a strong bargaining position. If you can take that unwanted property off a bank's hands quickly, you can expect to get a hefty discount off the purchase price.

With supply high, even if you don't buy a distressed property, you can still scoop up a great Charlotte real estate investment deal. It's a buyer's market out there, especially when you factor in not just supply, but also rock-bottom interest rates.

Once you've committed to purchasing a property, it's time to decide how to make money on it. You can choose to renovate quickly and put that house back on the market or, if you'd prefer ongoing, reliable income, choose to rent out your property. Thanks to super low mortgage rates and purchase prices, don't be surprised if your rent more than covers your mortgage.

To take advantage of the current Charlotte real estate investment deals, you have to act now. Don't let another opportunity to grow your wealth pass you by. Get Leigh Brown, your Charlotte real estate expert, on your side. She can help you find that dream Charlotte real estate investment deal and get that property closed on in record time.

Real estate investment is always a brilliant way to go - and that wasn't ever more true than it is in Charlotte. Get started now!

Welcome home to this gorgeous 4 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home in the Withrow Downs subdivision in beautiful Charlotte, North Carolina.  With hardwood flooring, a heavy moulding package and tons of upgrades this home is truly move-in ready!  Enter through the inviting front porch to the elegant entryway.  You'll love entertaining guests in the formal dining room with its impressive windows, a shimmering chandelier, an upgraded moulding package and gleaming hardwood floors.  The expansive great room features more beautiful hardwood flooring, a corner gas-log fireplace and an upgraded ceiling fan.  The bright kitchen is a chef's delight with hardwood flooring, upgraded stainless steel appliances and designer laminate countertops.  The charming breakfast area also features hardwood flooring, a heavy moulding package and is flooded in natural light.  Relax in style in the luxurious master suite with its soaring vaulted ceiling, cooling ceiling fan and calming paint color.  The master bath is perfect for pampering with a walk-in shower, upgraded lighting, dual sink vanity, oversized garden tub and a highly desirable closet.  The secondary bedrooms, loft and bathroom are spacious and are move-in ready! Storage is never an issue with the finished two-car attached garage with desirable shelving.  Outside you will love enjoying the summer breeze on the enormous patio, ideal for all your summer entertaining!  The additional storage shed is a great spot to store all your gardening needs within the large privacy fenced lot.  Among all the other wonderful things this house has to offer, you will never run out of things to do the community. Enjoy the summer sun in the Withrow Downs Community offering a clubhouse, recreation area and a pool. At this incredible price this home will not last long, call today to schedule a private showing!

Thank you for visiting our listings!  For more information at any time, including an updated price, call 704.367.4444 and enter the house number of ANY house on the market! You can call this one number for information on any listed house at any time and avoid talking to agents.

Leigh Brown has distinguished herself as a leader in the Charlotte real estate market. Leigh assists buyers looking for Charlotte real estate for sale and aggressively markets Charlotte homes for sale. Leigh is also a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), avoid foreclosure and short sale expert, committed to helping families in financial hardship find options to foreclosure. For more information you can visit Forforeclosurehelp.com or Avoidforeclosureincharlotte.com. Leigh can also be reached at LeighSells.com or give her a call, 704-688-5500.

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Up until now, when struggling homeowners consider their options, they usually think "foreclosure" or "short sale."

But now, thanks to Bank of America's new initiative, it looks like there may be a third option coming soon. Leigh Brown, your short sale expert in Charlotte, tells you about it here:

They're calling it the "Mortgage to Lease Program." It's still technically a foreclosure, but Bank of America appears to be making real efforts to execute it in a far gentler, less traumatic manner.

Here's how the program works in a nutshell:

If your loan is owned by Bank of America and you are getting foreclosed on, you may be eligible for the mortgage to lease program, which would allow you to stay in your home for up to three years after it has been repossessed by the bank.

Typically with a foreclosure, the homeowners are forced to vacate almost immediately, which can leave them scrambling for a place to live. With the mortgage to lease program, you are permitted to stay in your home and pay rent to Bank of America. Your monthly rates are usually at or below the going market rate, which means you can save a lot every month, especially considering that you are no longer responsible for property taxes and other fees that come along with being a homeowner versus a renter.

The mortgage to lease program is attractive for a number of options, the main one being that victims of foreclosure are no longer forced out onto the streets where they struggle to pass credit checks from new landlords, etc. Instead, they can remain in their family home for less than they were paying before, which gives them time to get back on their feet and begin repairing their credit, without the burden of having to find a new place to live (and all the expenses that come along with moving).

Another amazing bonus of the mortgage to lease program is that it benefits entire neighborhoods. Instead of foreclosed homes sitting empty and falling into disrepair, they remain occupied and - in theory, at least - maintained. This helps support property values, which benefits the entire community.

Bank of America's mortgage to lease program is only in beta testing at the moment. Currently, they are running a pilot project with 1,000 homeowners they select - and only in the states of New York, Nevada, and Arizona. If successful, we can expect a nationwide rollout, including here in Charlotte NC and nearby communities.

It's been about two years since the original Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) came into being, but it's pretty much been universally known as a let-down since then.

That's why the government decided to overhaul the original HARP terms and conditions in order to better serve Americans facing financial distress due to their mortgages.

Previously, HARP had some tough "underwater ratios" that made the hardest-hit homeowners unlikely to qualify ("underwater" refers to a property that is worth less than the mortgage amount). Now, officials have removed these ratios, meaning that no matter how much less your home is valued than your current mortgage amount, you may still be able to qualify for mortgage refinancing.

What's different about HARP when contrasted with, say, a short sale, is that in order to qualify, you need to not be behind on your mortgage. It is important for you to have made your monthly mortgage payments on time for the last six months. Also, you can't have made more than two late payments within the last year.

In addition, your loan must have originated on or before May 31, 2009. Loans that fall outside of this time period do not qualify under the new HARP guidelines.

The changes to HARP came into effect in mid-March, almost exactly two years after the original program was rolled out. The original HARP was so ineffective that it was obvious the program needed to be made more accessible to homeowners whose homes were valued less than their mortgages. The goal of the changes was to make HARP easier to understand and easier to execute for homeowners. Although the revised version is still in its infancy, critics are hopeful and optimistic that the improvement will be tangible.

Leigh Brown, your best Charlotte and Concord agent, is a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) who is able to help you with your mortgage refinancing and HARP questions. Get in touch with Leigh Brown today to find out how to qualify for HARP and just how much you might end up saving on your monthly mortgage payments.

Check out this gorgeous and move-in ready home in the highly desirable Highland Creek neighborhood. You’ll love living on this private lot with desirable privacy and lush landscaping. This brick and vinyl home features large windows, a two-car garage, in-ground irrigation and a manicured front yard with tons of curb appeal.  Step inside into the impressive foyer with polished hardwood flooring and a neutral paint color. The chef in you will love the open kitchen featuring more of that gorgeous hardwood flooring, stainless steel appliances, two pantries and ample counter space. The breakfast area is a delight with wonderful natural light, a decorative chandelier and hardwood flooring.  The formal dining room boasts a shimmering chandelier, crown moulding and gleaming hardwood floors. The office has neutral carpet, lots of natural light and is painted in a neutral color tone.  Relax and cozy up in the great room with an upgraded ceiling fan, a gas-log fireplace and a decorative oversized   mantel.  The luxurious master suite features a vaulted ceiling, a soothing ceiling fan, soft neutral carpet and a relaxing color tone. The luxurious master bathroom has a dual sink vanity, upgraded light fixtures, a stand-up shower, a huge walk-in closet and even a deep jetted tub! The secondary bedrooms are spacious, have neutral carpet and boast plenty of closet space. These bedrooms share a lovely bathroom with a tub/shower combination. The bonus room/ billiard room boast neutral carpet, large windows and makes for a fun entertaining location.  Step outside onto the beautifully maintained deck leading to a landscaped yard with desirable privacy.  Have some fun in the sun this summer in the Highland Creek community featuring a club house, fitness center, golf course, playground, pool, tennis courts, walking trails, and recreation areas! Don’t wait to call us! With all these incredible upgrades, this home will not last long! Call us today for a showing!

Leigh Brown has distinguished herself as a leader in the Charlotte real estate market and is the best agent in Charlotte. Leigh assists buyers looking for Charlotte real estate for sale and aggressively markets Charlotte homes for sale. Leigh is also a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), avoid foreclosure and short sale expert, committed to helping families in financial hardship find options to foreclosure. For more information you can visit Forforeclosurehelp.com or Avoidforeclosureincharlotte.com. Leigh can also be reached at LeighSells.com or give her a call, 704-705-7036.

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Check out the exceptional design of this luxurious home in the desirable town of Indian Trail! This cozy stone and vinyl home has an inviting front porch and major curb appeal. Step inside to the impressive 2-story great room with a soaring vaulted ceiling, hardwood flooring, huge windows and a decorative arch into the formal dining room. In the elegant dining room, impress your guests with a designer tray ceiling, a heavy moulding package and a shimmering chandelier.  Creating culinary masterpieces will be a snap in this desirable kitchen with ample cabinet and counter space and an oversized pantry. This bright kitchen features lustrous solid surface countertops, gorgeous 42” cabinets, upgraded black appliances and a stainless steel refrigerator.  Guests can perch at the bar between the kitchen and the dining room to be the first to sample all your goodies and be a part of the action.  At days end, retreat to the master suite boasting a tray ceiling, soothing ceiling fan and window views. Relaxing is sure to be a pleasure in this spacious master suite!  Pamper yourself in the luxurious master bathroom featuring ceramic tile flooring, dual vanities, and an enormous walk-in shower. The additional bedrooms are sized generously and share a hall bath with an elongated vanity and a tub/shower combination.  A loft area makes for a great bedroom or an office.  The fabulous laundry area, with storage shelves will help you keep things organized. Outside you’ll find a sunny patio and a beautifully manicured lawn. A garage allows for hassle free parking and a great storage location. Call us today for your private tour!  With these incredible upgrades, this home will not last long!

Thank you for visiting our listings!  For more information at any time, including an updated price, call 704.367.4444 and enter the house number of ANY house on the market! You can call this one number for information on any listed house at any time and avoid talking to agents.

Leigh Brown has distinguished herself as a leader in the Charlotte real estate market and the best agent in Indian Trail! Leigh assists buyers looking for Charlotte real estate for sale and aggressively markets Charlotte homes for sale. Leigh is also a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), avoid foreclosure and short sale expert, committed to helping families in financial hardship find options to foreclosure. For more information you can visit Forforeclosurehelp.com or Avoidforeclosureincharlotte.com. Leigh can also be reached at LeighSells.com.

Search all Charlotte Real Estate And Homes For Sale.