House Hunting Suggestions? (Charlotte, Gastonia, Concord: renting, HOA fees, broker)

[Bahamut5098]

So, I am looking to buy my first house come June or July, and I realize the Charlotte (and surrounding) markets are red hot right now; people buying the same day they make an offer. Anyway, here is what I'm looking for:

I am a 29 year old working professional currently renting in Myers Park. My budget is $200k, and I am looking for a 3/3, if possible. Yes, I know that's a tight budget in general. I haven't really driven around all that much, scoping out areas. I've been told to look in the Matthews, Fort Mill and Ballantyne area. I am fine with 'bedroom' communities, if that helps. I work off N Tryon St and was looking to buy somewhere south of Uptown, preferably no more than 25-30 minutes away. My schedule is 2:30p.m.-11:30p.m., so I don't deal with regular commuter traffic. I have not scoped out north of Uptown.

I've been in Myers Park for 8 months now, and of course my budget would not stretch here or anywhere close by, but I do not like the tiny lots everyone seems to have here. I would prefer a decent size back yard, and the area needs to be safe. I do not have kids but would get a dog soon after buying. Proximity to schools is irrelevant. My Dad is a retired broker and will be visiting for a week to help me look, and most likely make a decision that same week.

Any suggestions are welcome, thanks.

[hooligan]

Get a realtor.


A 3/3 for $200K with a "decent sized back yard" might be a tall order.

[GoPhils]

Depending how you define "decent size," you should have some options but probably not in the areas you want, and yes anything under $200k may go quick. A quarter acre should be doable, but anything larger than that would be pushing it.

And I assume for the second "3" you're okay with a half bath? Wanting 3 full bathrooms will really limit the search.

Most sites should allow to put in various search parameters such as lot size etc., I can pm you one I like.

I don't think you will find anything with what I would consider a "decent yard" in Ballantyne, Fort Mill or Matthews. Doing a quick search, most of what I see in decent areas that might be within 25-30 mins of uptown is in the University area, NW Charlotte, Gastonia, Mt Holly, or Concord.

When you say that "proximity" to schools is not important, does that mean that schools are not important in your search in general?

[Bahamut5098]

Yes, you can PM me, I'd appreciate that! Schools are not important to me in general. How about Indian Land?

[hooligan]

Indian Land is not within 30 minutes of Uptown, even with no traffic, but my brother and his family live out there off of Shelly Mullis Blvd and it's nice.

[GoPhils]

If there's no traffic you might be able to do Indian Land to uptown in 30 minutes. But I don't think you'll find much yard in your price range.

[Bahamut5098]

I saw a couple good looking houses in Matthews with nice big lawns, under 200k, last year, but that inventory is long gone now.

I'm not looking for a giant yard, just enough space for a dog to walk around. It will be a tight budget but I've seen some in that price range with nice sized yards.

[Bahamut5098]

I also should have noted I am against HOA fees of any kind.

[calgirlinnc]

Try areas of Harrisburg or Concord going up 49? Not sure how bad your commute would be...maybe 45 minutes.

[CLT4]

Parts of deep East Charlotte, like out by I-485, have homes with larger lots in your price range.

11193 Silverton Dr Charlotte, NC 28215 for example (on Cabarrus side of county line). 3 beds, 2.5 baths, .5 acre lot, 2 car garage, $189,000.