I'm so confused...(home buying) (Charlotte, Albemarle: for sale, real estate, renting)

[sandchug]

Hi everyone...

I'm (relatively) new here -- just moved late last year -- and am currently renting in Ballantyne while looking for a nice place to put down some more permanent roots. I've looked at a ton of houses, both new and resale, and I'm no further along than I was when I started.

Here's what I'm looking for:
- something (preferably) south of the city close to 485 or 77
- around or below 200k - 3 br/2 ba at least
- home built in this century
- reputable builder/nice neighborhood
- smallest tax hit possible
- reasonable commute to the light rail or an express bus stop (currently utilizing 61X/62X)

I've looked at a number of resales in Union County, as well as a couple of new home developments out there, and have also checked out Woodbury (off Albemarle), but I know there have been a couple of comments about the train horn out there. I have also looked at some homes in Fort Mill at Waterstone and Knightsbridge, among others. I like the Indian Land/521/160 area, but that seems somewhat tough to get uptown from if using a bus.

As for new developers, I've mainly looked at Centex, but I know some others in the area.

Now that I've flooded you all with information, does anyone have some suggestions for a weary first-time buyer?

Thanks so much in advance!

[QC Misfit]

Get a Realtor

[sandchug]

That's one other tidbit I forgot to mention -- I do have a realtor.

I'm just the type to solicit opinions from a bunch of sources instead of just one -- wanted to get you guys' take on some of these places too, since I know you live there.

[zwally]

Fieldstone Farm is similar to Woodbury (Centex) and in Union County. 10 min from 485, but about 30 from the Light Rail Station.

[sandchug]

Originally Posted by zwally

Fieldstone Farm is similar to Woodbury (Centex) and in Union County. 10 min from 485, but about 30 from the Light Rail Station.

I've also toured Fieldstone Farm, and was relatively impressed with what I saw. They seem a little more limited in their offerings floor plan-wise than Woodbury, and there are the concerns about the clubhouse and pool area out there. I'm curious about what it's really like to live out there -- if you have any input on things you love, things you don't, things to look out for, etc., please DM me. They are definitely on my list!

[lovethecarolinas]

Originally Posted by sandchug

Hi everyone...

I'm (relatively) new here -- just moved late last year -- and am currently renting in Ballantyne while looking for a nice place to put down some more permanent roots. I've looked at a ton of houses, both new and resale, and I'm no further along than I was when I started.

Here's what I'm looking for:
- something (preferably) south of the city close to 485 or 77
- around or below 200k - 3 br/2 ba at least
- home built in this century
- reputable builder/nice neighborhood
- smallest tax hit possible
- reasonable commute to the light rail or an express bus stop (currently utilizing 61X/62X)

I've looked at a number of resales in Union County, as well as a couple of new home developments out there, and have also checked out Woodbury (off Albemarle), but I know there have been a couple of comments about the train horn out there. I have also looked at some homes in Fort Mill at Waterstone and Knightsbridge, among others. I like the Indian Land/521/160 area, but that seems somewhat tough to get uptown from if using a bus.

As for new developers, I've mainly looked at Centex, but I know some others in the area.

Now that I've flooded you all with information, does anyone have some suggestions for a weary first-time buyer?

Thanks so much in advance!

I was going to suggest you check out resells in Whitley Mills (Standard Pacific) located in Fort Mill, SC. You would be in close proximity to Interstate 77 (exit 85), or you have option of taking the 82X from either Baxter Village, or off Carowinds Blvd.

In fact if memory serves me correctly (and if you're a tad bit interested) there is a poster on the SC side (York County subforum) that could probably assist you even more.


Good luck to you!

[shefixit]

I thought that I was the only one that was confused I think that I get more confused with every home that I look at. I have a wonderful realtor who has been nothing but patient and incredibly helpful but I'm still confused. I find a nice house then I find a nicer one ... I find a neighborhood that I think I love but then I finder a nicer one :/ I hope that you can focus better than me. It's a big decision and nobody wants to make any mistakes. Good Luck in your search.

[sueinge]

Shiloh Trace in Indian Trail has a lot of nice homes for sale in your price range.

[iresfrank]

Hey sandchug - I moved to Charlotte last July, 2007

However, I also am a real estate investor and a good friend of mine from Jersey is a real estate developer so combined we've traveled the entire region and I can provide some pointers.

1. If you want convenience to the trolley/light rail - Steel Creek (Considered South Charlotte off of Rte. 49) Is considered THE HOTTEST PLACE.

You have shopping all surrounding you (the only super Target in Charlotte as well as many other firsts) are there.

Steele Creek is South of Charlotte and West of where you are in Ballantyne

2. Another good area if you don't mind driving 8 miles to the bus ... is Waxhaw. Very quiet and there's nice condos there for under $119k (Beaufiful - my friend bought 3 as an investment and rents them out)

3. Why not stay in Ballantyne? Its the Rodeo Drive of Charlotte! T?here are condos there (all along Ballantyne Commons) at all price ranges.

[sue77]

pmg ur friend has too much money