Answer by Matthew Tringali: Hi there, I have four young children myself and am definitely keen to how important schools are in your choices of where to live. Check out the links on this page for some good tools to research schools in the area. My personal favorite is NC School Report Cards. http://www.group15realestate.com/tools/charlotte-area-schools I77 is a convenient commute from that area into the city. But, it is also an incredibly popular commute and traffic can become quite congested during rush hour. If you want to look at any homes during your trip I would be happy to arrange that for you. Working as your buyers agent is no cost to you and you can check out this portion of our website to see more about how we could help you with that. buy.group15realestate.com Best wishes in your endeavors and welcome to Charlotte! Matthew Tringali Owner of Group15 Real Estate cell: 704.517.3906 matthew@group15realestate.com

Answer by Matthew Tringali: Hi there. Now is a GREAT time to be a landlord. This summer we are filling all of our vacancies in about two weeks and for top rent. Here is a link to report for other rentals that are similar in size in your zip code: http://tempo.carolinamls.com/DotNet/Pub/GridReportView.aspx?r=1977222249&s=CML&t=CML&g=1 They are renting for around $1000-1250. Most of our clients right now are what we would call "accidental landlords". People who would rather sell if they could, they didn't plan on becoming a landlord. But, it turns out that renting their house is the best option. Give me a call and we can see if that is the right fit for you too. Take care, Matthew Tringali Owner of Group 15 Real Estate cell: 704.517.3906 matthew@group15realestate.com

Answer by Matthew Tringali: Great question. It used to be that you had the potential to be sued for specific performance (although this probably almost never actually happened). But, the new contract starting Jan 1 of this year lays out more specifically how this will be handled. If you are prior to your Due Diligence Period end date, then you get out of the deal, no questions asked, and get your Earnest Money Deposit back. However, if you are past the Due Diligence Period end date, then you automatically lose your Earnest Money Deposit. But, the good news is that even if the latter scenario is true, the contract states that losing the Earnest Money Deposit is your liquidated damages and the seller can take no further action against you. Do not construe my answer in anyway to be legal advice about how you should handle this situation or what this specifically means for you. Rather, I am just generally discussing what the purchase contract lays out. You should consult an attorney. Best Wishes and good luck to your husband with school! Matt Tringali

Answer by Matthew Tringali: I have a lender that will do 100% financing with $500 down with a conventional loan at any location with a 660 minimum credit score. Also, NO PMI! Shoot me an email to get more details. Matthew Tringali matthew@group15realestate.com

Answer by Matthew Tringali: As others have indicated there are a wide variety of other variables to consider... but depending on those some of my favorites are NoDa, Villa Heights, Plaza Midwood, Chantilly, Elizabeth, Dilworth, Wesley Heights and Biddleville. Best, Matthew Tringali, owner of Group 15 Real Estate 704.517.3906 matthew@group15realestate.com

Answer by Matthew Tringali: Lots of good answers already... but I will give another vote for a neutral to slightly negative affect. For most buyers they would rather not have a pool and they will consider it a liability to have to fill it in. But, a much smaller pool (no pun intended) of buyers will actually be looking for a pool, but they are much more rare. Matthew Tringali Owner of Group 15 Real Estate 704.517.3906 matthew@group15realestate.com

Answer by Matthew Tringali: Carissa, I spent some time checking out your link to Deleware, OH and I can definitely see why you would like to find a similar community wherever you relocate. In any case, I definitely stand by my initial recommendation that Matthews would be a good fit for everything you are looking for and think you will find it very similar to your hometown. I hope you find the link I gave below with properties in Matthews to be very helpful. Kind Regards, Matthew Tringali Owner of Group 15 Real Estate 704.517.3906 matthew@group15realestate.com

Answer by Matthew Tringali: Ooops... forget the link to the houses in Matthews: http://group15.localhomesearch.net/idx/?op=query&stype=area&_srf=1&subv2=&sub2=&proptype=res&street=&city=matthews&zip=&price_min=175000&price_max=200000&beds=3&baths=2&sqft=&acreage=&acreage_max=&style=&walkscore=&age=&age_gt=&school_high=&school_junior=&school_elem= Thanks! Matt

Answer by Matthew Tringali: Hi Carissa. My own three kids are ages six and under with my wife expecting our fourth daughter any day now! So, I definitely appreciate the criteria you are seeking in a house. With what you have described I would consider some places like Matthews or Waxhaw. Baxter Village in Fort Mill, SC is also really great. Here is a link to some properties in Matthews, for example. I have a few links compiled on my website that might help you evaluate different schooling options: http://www.group15realestate.com/tools/charlotte-area-schools. As others have suggested, interviewing and selecting a REALTOR to help you refine would really be your best bet. I and my company would certainly love to have that opportunity! Take care, Matthew Tringali Owner of Group 15 Real Estate 704.517.3906 matthew@group15realestate.com

Answer by Matthew Tringali: http://group15.localhomesearch.net/idx/distress

Answer by Matthew Tringali: Check out www.rentometer.com

Answer by Matthew Tringali: Jane, you are not alone! There are a lot of people recognizing the great real estate investment potential that exists in Charlotte. When you come here to buy you should connect with a REALTOR that works with a lot of investors and will also understand the rental potential for your property. Having worked with so many investors and having a property management company we have dedicated a portion of our website just for investors like yourself. Check it out and I hope you find it helpful. With Respect, Matthew Tringali Owner of Group 15 Real Estate matthew@group15realestate.com 704.517.3906

Answer by Matthew Tringali: I have dealt with this same issue for a current seller. In his case the dues owed were about $3,000 and the HOA actually foreclosed on his house before the bank did. This effectively meant he no longer had the right to sell his house and he is now forced to have to buy the house back from the HOA in order to sell it, which means he has a lot of extra attorney fees on top of the HOA dues owed. As others have said, consult with an attorney and do not delay in addressing this issue. With respect, Matthew Tringali Owner of Group 15 Real Estate

Answer by Matthew Tringali: Dilworth, South End, Uptown would all be suitable for your price criteria and demographic desires.

Answer by Matthew Tringali: I would strongly recommend you consider Highland Creek based on the description you have given. Check out the link below for eight properties in Highland Creek that you might find suitable. Best Wishes, Matthew Tringali Owner of Group 15 Real Estate 704.517.3906 matthew@group15realestate.com

Answer by Matthew Tringali: Hi Scott, I am originally from Franklin, MA and all my family are still up there. Charlotte has a fantastic and stable rental market with lots of great opportunities. There are lots of things I could tell you about South Charlotte, different types of housing, different zip codes, REO versus other opportunities, etc... The best would be for you to check out the investor section of our website below and be in touch with me from there. Hope to hear from you soon. Take care, Matthew Tringali Owner of Group 15 Real Estate matthew@group15realestate.com 704.517.3906

Answer by Matthew Tringali: As previously mentioned, I would definitely encourage you to consult with an attorney who can review those documents in detail and advise you accordingly. Best, Matthew Tringali

Answer by Matthew Tringali: NACA, as suggested by another is a good answer (if you have patience)... A credit union could be a possibility. Or Lease Purchase. Best wishes, Matthew Tringali Owner of Group 15 Real Estate matthew@group15realestate.com

Answer by Matthew Tringali: Not sure if anyone else has mentioned this to you yet or not... But there is a GREAT loan product in Charlotte. It offers 100% conventional financing at market rate, 30 year fixed and NO PMI!. To qualify you need a 660 credit score and you need to make below a certain income limit (which is quite generous and would suit most first time home buyers). I had one client close with this loan last month on a $130,000 purchase with zero down for only $750/mo fixed for 30 years. Be in touch and I would be happy to connect you with the lender. Take care, Matthew Tringali Owner of Group 15 Real Estate 704.517.3906

Answer by Matthew Tringali: Matt, the nice thing about Charlotte is you just have to dial 311 to get the city and they can direct you to exactly the right person with whom you should speak. Or,if you are buying a home, your buyers agent should be able to assist you with this. Take care, Matthew Tringali Owner of Group 15 Real Estate 704.517.3906 matthew@group15realestate.com

Answer by Matthew Tringali: Unless you have a reason to suspect that there will be others beside the lienholder placing a bid at the foreclosure auction, your best bet will be to wait and allow the bank to win it at foreclosure auction and then let them list it and you make an offer at a further discount. We work with a lot of distressed properties. Years ago, when the market was very different I spent a lot of time at the court house making those bids, but these days they are very rare. Please feel free to call if you want to discuss further. Thanks, Matthew Tringali Owner of Group 15 Real Estate 704.517.3906 matthew@group15realestate.com

Answer by Matthew Tringali: I too was going to mention that article in the CBJ. Looks like zip is zipping on out of Charlotte. But, Group 15 Real Estate is here to stay! Check out what we offer. Matthew Tringali Owner of Group 15 Real Estate matthew@group15realestate.com 704.517.3906

Answer by Matthew Tringali: I don't know much about Canton, GA, but I just looked it up and it seems to be a small but quickly growing city. Charlotte is a wonderful place to live for people of all ages and backgrounds. It is truly a city of transplants. I love raising my family here. If you are looking for a smaller community similar to Canton then there are a lot of great areas surrounding Charlotte as well such as Matthews, Waxhaw, Fort Mill and many others. If you want to give me a call sometime I would be happy to better understand what Canton is like and what you love about it and then could give you better advice on what areas around here would be just like it. Kind Regards, Matt Tringali Owner of Group 15 Real Estate 704.517.3906 matthew@group15realestate.com

Answer by Matthew Tringali: Hi Shelly, We have a full service property management company and can advice you on getting ready for market and can even take care of all or some of that for you. I would love to have the opportunity to see your house and discuss our services with you. Kind Regards, Matt

Answer by Matthew Tringali: Very interesting question. In the past that was pretty common. Last year there has been new regulation that requires disclosure of this information (to a certain degree of accuracy) by your lender on your Good Faith Estimate when you first applied for the loan. Your lender should have provided this to you already and you should review it with them. Having said that, it is quite normal to not get an exact dollar amount sooner than a couple of days before closing. Congratulations on your purchase. It is a great time to buy! Kind Regards, Matthew Tringali Owner of Group 15 Real Estate

Answer by Matthew Tringali: Hi Min, I have a few websites on my website that I recommend for researching schools. As far as looking up which school goes to which address... When you find an address you are interested in renting / buying you can look up that address on this site: http://maps.co.mecklenburg.nc.us/geoportal/?searchtype=Address&txtfirstname=&txtlastname= and it will tell you to which school zones it belongs. Best Regards, Matthew Tringali Owner of Group 15 Real Estate 704.517.3906

Answer by Matthew Tringali: Ganesh, Charlotte continues to attract many investors like yourself for the reasons you have indicated. Many of us could give you a lot of insight on the market in general, but just like with any city there are going to be great opportunities and opportunities that will be a dud. It will be best for you to utilize the services of a REALTOR who is familiar with investment real estate, rental markets and property management to help you evaluate the particular opportunities you will consider on a case by case basis. Kind Regards, Matthew Tringali Owner of Group 15 Real Estate 704.517.3906