Suggestions for first time buyers? (Charlotte, Tryon: foreclosures, rental, crime)
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First time buyers, with no kids, are looking for a single family home with 2 car garage; need at least the master suite on the main floor if the house isn't a ranch. Price range is up to $160K, although would prefer to stay well below that if possible in a safe area. Commute uptown to S. Tryon; prefer no more than 15 miles. Safety is primary concern. Schools only considered for resale purposes.
Some of the houses that look appealing (online, at least) are in neighborhoods including Starmount Forest (28210); Davis Lake (28269); Steelcroft Place, Planters Walk & Neely Glen (28278); and Yorkshire & Steelchase (28273.) Any comments on these neighborhoods? Do you know of any issues such as flooding, high % of rental houses, large number of foreclosures, crime problems, etc.? Are there any other areas that should be checked out?
Finally, are exclusive buyers' agents common in Charlotte? How about buyers' agents who enjoy working with first time buyers? Advice will be needed on tough/thorough house inspectors plus heads up on any pitfalls that haven't been considered.
An agent will not mind that you are a first-time buyer unless you refuse to do a little bit of homework and waste their time with ridiculously low offers and trips to see houses that are well out of your price range. Many of them will be more than happy to help you learn about any incentives since you are a first-time buyer. Just get a lot of what you see on HGTV out of your head and be realistic.
A good agent will know good inspectors as well.
As far as the neighborhoods, can't help you there. But you should spend some time on the CCIS to get an idea of what crime numbers are.
Thanks. Just trying to lend a hand to some extremely pressed for time young relatives. We used to live in south Charlotte but a web search didn't turn up the RE agent we used so she's probably not in the business any longer.
They're being realistic about what they can afford, and they really aren't picky about appearances since most cosmetic issues can be easily changed. The first concern is safety, followed closely by convenience.
Requiring both a main level master & a 2 car garage does seem to eliminate a lot of listings in their price range, but not having both would be a deal breaker.
We can help spot potential problems after they narrow down to a short list of properties, but they need a good buyers' agent to help them negotiate the best deal and protect their interests.
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