Charlotte’s housing market has remained vibrant no matter the swing in interest rates. The city’s growth rate offers buyers both an array of existing and new construction homes. Style choices abound: cozy bungalows, ranch homes, two-story Georgians, eclectic Victorians, custom-built mansions, and contemporary condos. You might choose to live in an Uptown or suburban location. Perhaps you prefer a charming old town or a new home community; you can even choose to view urban cityscapes or the Piedmont countryside. A Savvy agent can help find a home and location to suit anyone’s taste and budget.Neo-traditional communities, reflecting the homes and layouts of old-fashioned neighborhoods many of us grew up in, have increased in popularity. If you like condos or town homes, sales have nearly doubled in the five county Charlotte region in the past decade. Subsequently, building permits for these homes have increased several hundred percent in the last five years. Demand, though, comes at a higher price. You’ll pay more for a condo or traditional home in Charlotte’s hottest neighborhoods; however, you may still find some bargains in new construction or apartment to condo conversions.
Start your search with the area map prepared by the Charlotte Regional Realtors Association and the Carolina Multiple Listing Service which covers seven counties including Mecklenburg. This map pinpoints neighborhoods and developments in the Charlotte region and is used to organize home listings in the LS directory and newspaper classified ads. Uptown Charlotte, Area 99, is in the center of the map. Although it is still primarily commercial and industrial, the residential sector is rapidly expanding. The nine areas branch out from the center clockwise starting at the top(north). Area 1 is North, Area 2 is Northeast, Area 3 is East, Area 4 is Southeast, Area 5 is South, Area 6 is South-Southwest, Area 7 is Southwest, Area 8 is West, and, Area 9 is Northwest.
Because the metro region has sprawled across county lines, the area designations extend through several counties. Area 10 is Union County, Area 11 is Cabarrus County, Area 12 is Iredell County, Area 13 is Lake Norman, Area 14 is Lincoln County, Area 15 is Lake Wylie, Area 16 is Gaston County, Area 17 is York County, Area 20 is Alexander County, Area 21 is Rowan County, Area 22 is Cleveland County, Area 23 is Stanly County, Area 24 is Lancaster County, Area 25 is Anson County, Area 29 is Cabarrus County, and Area 35 is Chester County.
I’ve grouped neighborhoods that share similar interests and lifestyles such as South Charlotte, University City, and urban neighborhoods. Consequently, the stories don’t follow the MLS boundaries, but for your convenience, each story lists the real estate areas that contains the neighborhood mentioned.
Once you’re ready to purchase a home, there are multiple mortgage options. The Charlotte metro area is served by dozens of firms including mortgage lenders who represent local and national lenders. Options include 30-year and 15-year fixed mortgages and ARMS (Adjustable Rate Mortgages) with a variety of terms and jumbo loans. A couple of tips can help you navigate the mortgage challenge. First, make sure your paperwork is in order. Clear up any problems on your credit report and organize all your financial papers. Then, take all your documentation with you to speed up the loan application process. Once you qualify for a loan amount, this establishes your house-hunting budget.
For more information on the Charlotte region, check with your Savvy agent. Savvy agents know the area well and will guide you in the right direction. Grab a map and drive through several neighborhoods and subdivisions that appeal to you. This region is an area filled with towns and neighborhoods, each with its own personality and style. Your new home is waiting!
Sherri Lynne Smith
