TreeTops Preparing to Close Out in 2020

Lennar Homes is geared up for closing out Treetops in 2020. This Saturday (February 8) they will have new interior sites as well as wooded view Crawl sites released. Attached are already released sites and a current inventory sheet. Hurry in for inventory as they are down to their last 5 until the end of Summer!! Below is a community map with newest homesite release highlighted. After this release they will have only 36 total homesites remaining!!

I have a great working knowledge of TreeTops 
and am happy to answer any questions you have about the community. 

Remember that it is always in your best interest to have your own representation when buying from a builder. The sales staff works for the builder, not you. When visiting new construction for the first time, you should always have your agent with you or, if this is not possible, be sure to have your agent's card with you. As an Accredited Buyers Representative, I am committed to taking care of your best interests. Please call me before visiting new construction homes.

Pricing subject to change. 

Three Reasons Why Pre-Approval Is the First Step in the 2020 Homebuying Journey

Article Courtesy of Keeping Current Matters/The KCM Blog

When the number of buyers in the housing market outnumbers the number of homes for sale, it’s called a “seller’s market.” The advantage tips toward the seller as low inventory heats up the competition among those searching for a place to call their own. This can create multiple offer scenarios and bidding wars, making it tough for buyers to land their dream homes – unless they stand out from the crowd. Here are three reasons why pre-approval should be your first step in the homebuying process.

1. Gain a Competitive Advantage

Low inventory, like we have today, means homebuyers need every advantage they can get to make a strong impression and close the deal. One of the best ways to get one step ahead of other buyers is to get pre-approved for a mortgage before you make an offer. For one, it shows the sellers you’re serious about buying a home, which is always a plus in your corner.

2. Accelerate the Homebuying Process

Pre-approval can also speed up the homebuying process, so you can move faster when you’re ready to make an offer. In a competitive arena like we have today, being ready to put your best foot forward when the time comes may be the leg-up you need to cross the finish line first and land the home of your dreams.

3. Know What You Can Borrow and Afford

Here’s the other thing: if you’re pre-approved, you also have a better sense of your budget, what you can afford, and ultimately how much you’re eligible to borrow for your mortgage. This way, you’re less apt to fall in love with a home that may be out of your reach.
Freddie Mac sets out the advantages of pre-approval in the My Home section of their website:

“It’s highly recommended that you work with your lender to get pre-approved before you begin house hunting. Pre-approval will tell you how much home you can afford and can help you move faster, and with greater confidence, in competitive markets.”

Local real estate professionals also have relationships with lenders who can help you through this process, so partnering with a trusted advisor will be key for that introduction. Once you select a lender, you’ll need to fill out their loan application and provide them with important information regarding “your credit, debt, work history, down payment and residential history.”
Freddie Mac also describes the ‘4 Cs’ that help determine the amount you’ll be qualified to borrow:

1. Capacity: Your current and future ability to make your payments
2. Capital or Cash Reserves: The money, savings, and investments you have that can be sold quickly for cash
3. Collateral: The home, or type of home, that you would like to purchase
4. Credit: Your history of paying bills and other debts on time

While there are still many additional steps you’ll need to take in the homebuying process, it’s clear why pre-approval is always the best place to begin. It’s your chance to gain the competitive edge you may need if you’re serious about owning a home.

Bottom Line

Getting started with pre-approval is a great way to begin the homebuying journey. Reach out to a local real estate professional today to make sure you’re on the fastest path to homeownership.

2020 Homebuying Checklist

Infographic Courtesy of Keeping Current Matters/The KCM Blog

Some Highlights:

• If you’re thinking of buying a home, plan ahead and stay on the right track, starting with pre-approval.
• Being proactive about the homebuying process will help set you up for success in each step.
• Make sure to work with a trusted real estate professional along the way, to help guide you through the homebuying steps specific to your area.

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Additional thoughts from Pook...

Before you CLOSE on your new home, don't do anything that could affect your credit report:

• Don't make any large credit purchases or sign any lease agreements (car, boat, or other big ticket items).
• Don't open a new credit card account.
• Don't close out an old credit card account.
• Don't change employers.  

TreeTops Update

Lennar has released the last of their Meadows sites.  They are all interior lots.  Meadows sites allow for adding a 3^rd car garage space to the Beacon/Bliss, Canton/Cambridge, Dover/Dorchester models. 

Current Inventory Homes

Contact me for a PDF of this Inventory Sheet
Lennar has some great discounted "Ready Now" homes available!

Charlotte Among Top 10 Housing Markets Expected to Outperform

Excellent article about housing trends in the Charlotte area at CHARLOTTE STORIES:

Charlotte Stories

Charlotte Ranked Among Top 10 Housing Markets Expected to Outperform Over Next Few Years.

 

Historic Haile Gold Mine in Lancaster County, SC Re-Opened

Interesting article about re-opening of Halle Gold Mine in Lancaster County, SC.  The comments following the CHARLOTTE STORIES article are quite interesting, too.

Charlotte Stories

Historic Charlotte Area Gold Mine Re-Opened In Hopes Of Digging Up $5.7 Billion Worth of Gold

Annual Credit Report

Thanks to Kevin Barbee of Highland Mortgage for the following important information.

 

I wanted to send you a friendly reminder to obtain a free copy of your credit report by going to AnnualCreditReport.com, the official website established through the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Other sites may have similar names, such as “FreeCreditReport.com,” but they actually come with a price.

Remember these tips:

Try to have credit account info handy before logging on. For security purposes, you will be asked to verify information that can include anything from existing loans to prior addresses. If you have your last credit report available, that’s ideal.

Get a report from all three repositories. They are: Experian, Equifax, and Transunion.

As soon as you’ve accessed each of the reports, print or save a copy. If you close the window with the report open, you’ll have to wait one year to return to that bureau’s report.

Review your reports carefully. If you find errors, please give me a call. We can talk about the potential impacts—good and bad—of credit disputes.

You may purchase your “credit score” as an option. If you opt for this, keep in mind these scores can differ from those typically used by creditors.

I highly recommend that you take advantage of AnnualCreditReport.com every year as one additional step in protecting yourself from identity theft and to make sure your credit is in good order for the next time you need to apply for new credit, insurance, or sometimes, even new employment.

Kevin Barbee Loan Officer | 645363 Office: (704) 904-8836    |    Mobile: kbarbee@highlandsmortgage.com  2301 Randolph Rd.  | Charlotte, NC 28207 highlandsmortgage.com/agents/kevin-barbee/

Top Renovations for Maximum ROI [INFOGRAPHIC]

Infographic Courtesy of Keeping Current Matters/The KCM Blog

Some Highlights:

• If you’re planning on selling your house in 2020, these are the top renovations that will give you the highest Return on your Investment.
• Regardless of how long you’re planning on staying in your current home, it’s smart to be aware of which home renovations add the most value.
• The exterior of a house is the first thing buyers see when searching for a home. Upgrading your roof or siding will ensure your home leaves a great first impression!

Tax Deductions for Home Owners

Thanks to Ashleigh Clark of Highland Mortgage for the following important information.  Please contact me for a pdf copy.

Welcome to 2020!

As we transition from 2019 to 2020, I want to make you aware that when you sign and date documents or checks this year you should write out the whole year "2020."  For example, instead of writing 1/1/20, you would want to write 1/1/2020.  Doing this should (hopefully) prevent someone from changing the year to an earlier or later date beginning with "20."