Community Open House Windsor Park -April 3, 2010 – 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Ballantyne. Charlotte, N.C.

Ballantyne. Charlotte, N.C.

Today I was up early and went to meet a lender friend of mine at the Starbucks on Rea Road, near the Piper Glen subdivision.  Just to let you know, it was cold and I had a delicious Pumpkin Spice coffee, which is my favorite. My friend and I were sipping our hot gourmet coffee and talking about how nice Ballantyne is.  Residents can find just about everything they need within a few miles of where they live.

Ballantyne is basically an upscale new and expanding development with the best restaurants, hotels, fitness centers, specialized doctors, corporate offices, banking centers, walking trails, soppings centers, movie theaters, and you name it. Homes in Ballantyne varies from the low 200,000 to over a million dollars.

There are some really hot spots in Ballantyne. StoneCrest on the corner of Rea Road and Ballantyne Commons is an attractive place for the youngsters, where they can meet friends, go to the movies, to the bookstore, and enjoy some of their favorite fast food restaurants. A few miles south of StoneCrest, Blackney offers a variety of places where people can shop, eat, or just go for a walk. Featuring stores includes Old Navy, Brixx Pizza, Harris Teeter, Target, and Marshall’s. But if you prefer live music and enjoy good ice cream, then you need to go to the corner of Providence Road and Ballantyne Commons. There you can find good sushi, Cold Stone ice cream, Lowes Food, among others.

If you have not yet visited Ballantyne, make sure you do. If you are planning to buy a house, Ballantyne offers it all.

For more information about Ballantyne or any other neighborhood in Charlotte, NC, please visit www.MyCasaBela.com

Maria Ferreira - Realtor/Broker Charlotte NC & SC

Nothing Less Than What You Should Expect From a Realtor!

Maria is committed to providing a variety of real estate services to a diverse group of clients. These services include but are not limited to proficiently lead her clients during the process of buying and selling residential real estate properties in North and South Carolina but with a special focus in South Charlotte and Fort Mill. Maria has an extensive experience with first time home buyers, short sales, foreclosures, HUD homes and more. She is part of a team of professionals striving to provide clients with superior services. Although, teamwork is the trade mark of the group that shares, understands, and exceeds expectations when performing in any aspect of the real estate business, as individuals, each one of them have somehow specialized in one or more specific field in order to better address the needs of  clients. Maria is a buyer’s agent, and she works directly with the buyers guiding them through the process of getting qualified, choosing the most effective lenders and programs , understanding the implication, advantages, and responsibilities involved  in buying a home, looking for the right home at the most affordable price, submitting an acceptable offer, negotiating on behalf of the buyers, and most important, giving the buyer the peace of mind and assurance that choosing the right Realtor is the first step  in completing a successful real estate transaction

Maria Ferreira is a native of Brazil and has been living in the USA for the past 19 years. After living in Florida for most of this time, her family decided to relocate to Charlotte and she loves it. Maria has a Florida Atlantic University Bachelor’s degree in Business Health Care Management, but it is in real estate that she has found her passion. She speaks English, Spanish, and Portuguese which gives her the capability of providing real estate service to a diversified group of people.  She is very personable and takes every opportunity she has to learn from others. She believes that a great Realtor will make the difference when her clients are purchasing and selling real estate. One of Maria’s goals is to carefully guide her clients throughout the entire process and provide high quality service that will result in a positive experience for every one of the people she works with.

Maria Ferreira

Realtor/Broker NC-SC

maria@mycasabela.com

704-287-7468 Cell

704-248-6127 Fax

CasaBela Realty

http://www.MyCasaBela.com

“It is all about attitude. “Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it… We are in charge of our attitudes” (C. Swindol)

How to Buy a HUD Home With Only 100 Down Payment. Charlotte, N.C.

How to Buy a HUD Home With Only 100 Down Payment. Charlotte, N.C.

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development,HUD is an organization that offers homes for sale that are a great deal for buyers. You can find these homes in several areas of Charlotte, NC as well as surrounding cities. HUD offers some discounted programs including programs that allow buyers to put only a 100 as down payment in order to purchase properties in some designated areas. HUD will also pay up to 3% closing expenses for the buyer. The Neighbor Next Door initiatives are a collection of FHA’s home sales programs designed to help communities and promote homeownership. It is an excellent program for firefighter, emergency medical technician and teachers. HUD offers 50% discount on eligible properties.

Most loan programs today require a minimum of 3.5% down payment, but with some HUD homes, the buyer can still get an excellent deal and put only a 100 dollars down. For more information, please contact a HUD qualified agent at www.MyCasaBela.com. We will be happy to provide you with additional information about the HUD homes or any other program available for you.

Whether, you want to buy or sale a home, we can help!!

Thanks,

CasaBela Real Estate Consutlatns

Maria Ferreira - Realtor/Broker Charlotte NC & SC

Nothing Less Than What You Should Expect From a Realtor!

Maria is committed to providing a variety of real estate services to a diverse group of clients. These services include but are not limited to proficiently lead her clients during the process of buying and selling residential real estate properties in North and South Carolina but with a special focus in South Charlotte and Fort Mill. Maria has an extensive experience with first time home buyers, short sales, foreclosures, HUD homes and more. She is part of a team of professionals striving to provide clients with superior services. Although, teamwork is the trade mark of the group that shares, understands, and exceeds expectations when performing in any aspect of the real estate business, as individuals, each one of them have somehow specialized in one or more specific field in order to better address the needs of  clients. Maria is a buyer’s agent, and she works directly with the buyers guiding them through the process of getting qualified, choosing the most effective lenders and programs , understanding the implication, advantages, and responsibilities involved  in buying a home, looking for the right home at the most affordable price, submitting an acceptable offer, negotiating on behalf of the buyers, and most important, giving the buyer the peace of mind and assurance that choosing the right Realtor is the first step  in completing a successful real estate transaction

Maria Ferreira is a native of Brazil and has been living in the USA for the past 19 years. After living in Florida for most of this time, her family decided to relocate to Charlotte and she loves it. Maria has a Florida Atlantic University Bachelor’s degree in Business Health Care Management, but it is in real estate that she has found her passion. She speaks English, Spanish, and Portuguese which gives her the capability of providing real estate service to a diversified group of people.  She is very personable and takes every opportunity she has to learn from others. She believes that a great Realtor will make the difference when her clients are purchasing and selling real estate. One of Maria’s goals is to carefully guide her clients throughout the entire process and provide high quality service that will result in a positive experience for every one of the people she works with.

Maria Ferreira

Realtor/Broker NC-SC

maria@mycasabela.com

704-287-7468 Cell

704-248-6127 Fax

CasaBela Realty

http://www.MyCasaBela.com

“It is all about attitude. “Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it… We are in charge of our attitudes” (C. Swindol)

Beautiful Ranch For Sale. Windsor Park. 4321 Gillespie Ct. Charlotte, NC 28205

Beautiful Ranch For Sale. Windsor Park. 4321 Gillespie Ct. Charlotte, NC 28205

4321 Gillespie Ct. Charlotte, NC 28205. Windsor Park

There is no other home like this in the neighborhood. Beautiful house with high end kitchen upgrades, granite counter tops, new light fixture, wood floors throughout, new interior doors, completely upgraded bathroom, clean and well kept, french doors leading to deck, new roof,large back yard. That is not all!! you MUST see it!

• New roof – June 2007
• All new 6 panel interior doors – 2008
• New Trane air condition system – March 2008
• New heating unit /  Gas furnace – December 2009
• Completely remodeled kitchen with granite countertops – January 2009
• All new stainless steel whirlpool appliances – January 2009
• Refinished hardwood floors throughout entire house
• 1000- 1300 Total HLA
• 3 Bedrooms
• 1 Bathroom
• Large 0.62 Acres lot
• Completely Renovated!
• Granite Countertops
• Tile Bathrooms
• Mature landscape with lots of trees
• Hardwood floors throughout

Can you ask for anything better at this price????

John Paul Soto Charlotte, NC Realtor/Broker

John Paul Soto is the seller’s connection, and his specialty is to provide the resources, expertise, and guidance to clients who are ready to sell their homes in Charlotte, N.C. and surrounding areas. From the initial contact with the seller to the closing of the deal, John Paul Soto will meet with the clients and assists them to stage the house, set the listing price based on a careful and comprehensive market study. He provides facts, local statistics about subdivisions or neighborhoods, which is crucial for the client to make a wise decision when setting the listing price. He is also the source for promotion and marketing, which involves exposing the property to the buyers and Realtors by using several online media, colorful flyers and brochures, property websites, social networking sites, and much more. By making weekly contact with the client and providing up to date information about the home selling process, viewing statistics, and inquires, John Paul assures the seller that the services he provides and his commitment are essential for the successful closing of a deal.

Dream home for sale!!! Great conditions low price! Charlotte, NC

Dream home for sale!!! Great conditions low price! Charlotte, NC

10908 Delsing Ct. Charlotte, NC 28214

It is a Gorgeous home, with lots of upgrades, clean, and bright. Lots of windows and an oversized sunroom with the view of a large, private back yard with mature trees. The sunroom is the perfect spot for relaxation, entertain, and play games. It has 2 large skylights and lots of windows. Nice kitchen with tile floors, back splash, open family room with wood-burning fireplace.

• 1300-1700 Fin HLA

• 3 Bedrooms
• 2/1 Bathrooms
• 2 Story
• Great Floor Plan
• Great location
• Minutes from everything!
• Well Maintained
• Fireplace
• Lots of upgrades
• Fenced Back yard with lots of trees!
• 2 Car Garage
• Large Beautiful Sunroom!!!

John Paul Soto - Charlotte, NC Realtor/Broker

John Paul Soto is the seller’s connection, and his specialty is to provide the resources, expertise, and guidance to clients who are ready to sell their homes in Charlotte, N.C. and surrounding areas. From the initial contact with the seller to the closing of the deal, John Paul Soto will meet with the clients and assists them to stage the house, set the listing price based on a careful and comprehensive market study. He provides facts, local statistics about subdivisions or neighborhoods, which is crucial for the client to make a wise decision when setting the listing price. He is also the source for promotion and marketing, which involves exposing the property to the buyers and Realtors by using several online media, colorful flyers and brochures, property websites, social networking sites, and much more. By making weekly contact with the client and providing up to date information about the home selling process, viewing statistics, and inquires, John Paul assures the seller that the services he provides and his commitment are essential for the successful closing of a deal.

Short Sale!!! Beautiful townhouse in great conditions! Charlotte, NC

Short Sale!!! Beautiful townhouse in great conditions! Charlotte, NC

4717 Stoney Branch Dr. Charlotte NC 28216

Unreal deal, Short Sale! Gorgeous townhouse in a great location! Great floor-plan, lots of windows and a BEAUTIFUL kitchen. Professionally staged and cleaned! Large rooms with private bathrooms. Plenty of closet and attic space! Meticulous owner kept this home looking like new! This home won’t last!

• Short Sale!!!
• 1’100 SqFt
• 2 Bedrooms
• 2/1 Bathrooms
• 2 Story Townhouse
• Great Floor-plan
• Fireplace
• Professionally Staged
• Lots of Storage space!

John Paul Soto - Charlotte, NC Realtor/Broker

John Paul Soto is the seller’s connection, and his specialty is to provide the resources, expertise, and guidance to clients who are ready to sell their homes in Charlotte, N.C. and surrounding areas. From the initial contact with the seller to the closing of the deal, John Paul Soto will meet with the clients and assists them to stage the house, set the listing price based on a careful and comprehensive market study. He provides facts, local statistics about subdivisions or neighborhoods, which is crucial for the client to make a wise decision when setting the listing price. He is also the source for promotion and marketing, which involves exposing the property to the buyers and Realtors by using several online media, colorful flyers and brochures, property websites, social networking sites, and much more. By making weekly contact with the client and providing up to date information about the home selling process, viewing statistics, and inquires, John Paul assures the seller that the services he provides and his commitment are essential for the successful closing of a deal.

Charlotte, NC Latin American Festival

Charlotte, NC Latin American Festival

Don’t miss The Latin American Festival this Sunday October 11, 2009 from 12:00 until 7:00 pm. The Latin American Festival is one of Charlotte’s signature events. The festival features a variety of events, attractions, lots of food, and a great diversity of people.

This is an event you don’t want to miss. Come and enjoy  great food from all different countries of Latin America, listen to a variety of national and international known musicians and dancers  performing  throughout the day. There will be something fun for everyone in the family.

Come explore other cultures and traditions, taste all kinds of food and drinks, and most important, have fun! The festival is educational, entertaining, and it offers an excellent opportunity for networking. Invite your family and friends and be sure to join us!

When: October 11, 2009

Time: 12:00 noon – 7:00 pm

Where: At the Symphony Park in SouthPark.

John Paul Soto - Charlotte, NC Realtor/Broker

John Paul Soto is the seller’s connection, and his specialty is to provide the resources, expertise, and guidance to clients who are ready to sell their homes in Charlotte, N.C. and surrounding areas. From the initial contact with the seller to the closing of the deal, John Paul Soto will meet with the clients and assists them to stage the house, set the listing price based on a careful and comprehensive market study. He provides facts, local statistics about subdivisions or neighborhoods, which is crucial for the client to make a wise decision when setting the listing price. He is also the source for promotion and marketing, which involves exposing the property to the buyers and Realtors by using several online media, colorful flyers and brochures, property websites, social networking sites, and much more. By making weekly contact with the client and providing up to date information about the home selling process, viewing statistics, and inquires, John Paul assures the seller that the services he provides and his commitment are essential for the successful closing of a deal.

Free, Fun, Educational Housing Fair! Charlotte, NC

Free, Fun, Educational Housing Fair! Charlotte, NC

The Charlotte Regional Realtor^® Association Housing Opportunity Foundation, with its mission to position and educate Realtors^® as leaders, promote homeownership and provide funding to create housing opportunities, will be having their 2nd annual “Free, Fun, Educational Housing Fair” on Nov. 7, 2009.

The Housing Fair will provide information on workforce housing, educate potential housing consumers and struggling homeowners, provide an opportunity for education and networking for local Realtors^®, and continue to create ongoing awareness of local affordable-housing issues.

It is our goal and responsibility as Realtors^® to educate the community and promote homeownership, and to help homeowners maintain their current home!

When: Nov. 7, noon-4 p.m.

Where: Campus of Little Rock AME Zion Church (corner of North McDowell and Seventh streets). Main activities will be at the former Afro-American Cultural Center building.

Who: The Charlotte Regional Realtor^® Association’s charitable arm, the Housing Opportunity Foundation, sponsors the fair each year. This year’s fair is also being held in partnership with Little Rock AME Zion Church.

Highlights of the day will include:
–  A fun kick-off event “Hot Dog with a Top Dog” where attendees can interact with local elected officials
–  Free education sessions throughout the day
–  Kids’ activities all day and a neighborhood-friendly atmosphere

John Paul Soto Charlotte, NC Realtor/Broker

John Paul Soto is the seller’s connection, and his specialty is to provide the resources, expertise, and guidance to clients who are ready to sell their homes in Charlotte, N.C. and surrounding areas. From the initial contact with the seller to the closing of the deal, John Paul Soto will meet with the clients and assists them to stage the house, set the listing price based on a careful and comprehensive market study. He provides facts, local statistics about subdivisions or neighborhoods, which is crucial for the client to make a wise decision when setting the listing price. He is also the source for promotion and marketing, which involves exposing the property to the buyers and Realtors by using several online media, colorful flyers and brochures, property websites, social networking sites, and much more. By making weekly contact with the client and providing up to date information about the home selling process, viewing statistics, and inquires, John Paul assures the seller that the services he provides and his commitment are essential for the successful closing of a deal.

Time is Running Out!! First-time home buyers don’t miss your up to $8,000 tax credit!!!

Time is Running Out!!  First-time home buyers don’t miss your up to $8,000 tax credit!!!

The deadline is November 30, 2009. If you have not yet made the decision of

taking advantage of the tax credit offered by the government for first time

home buyers, unless an extension is granted, you will soon run out of time.

Several smart buyers have made the decision and have received or will

receive the incentive that has being helping first time home buyers during

this tough economic turmoil. Is not too late yet. Consult with your lender,

your Realtor, or visit the IRS web site for important information regarding

the credit. The credit cannot be used as down payment or to pay for closing

costs. If you closed on your home on or after April  8, 2008, you have the

option to amend your 2008 tax return so you can receive the credit within

about 4 weeks after the amendment. If you close prior to December 1, 2009,

you can file for the credit on your 2009 income taxes.

Remember, in order to qualify, you must use the house as your primary residence, the credit cannot

be claimed prior to closing, the credit is 10% of the purchase price with a

maximum of 8,000, and the credit must be repaid if within three years after

the purchase, the home ceases to be the buyers primary residence.

Believe me, people are taking advantage of the credit. “The housing market

is getting a much-needed boost as first-time home buyers rush to take

advantage of an $8,000 federal tax credit that is set to expire Nov. 30,

2009. The incentive is helping to slow the decline in home sales. In August,

sales were down 1% over the comparable period last year, the smallest

year-over-year decline in any month since late 2007.” RISMedia.com

If you need more information, please contact us, CasaBela Real Estate Consultants, Experts in Charlotte, NC Real Estate. Visit the

website for more blogs. www.MyCasaBela.com

Top Photo Courtesy of Bredgur’s Photostream

Maria Ferreira - Realtor/Broker Charlotte NC & SC

Nothing Less Than What You Should Expect From a Realtor!

Maria is committed to providing a variety of real estate services to a

diverse group of clients. These services include but are not limited to

proficiently lead her clients during the process of buying and selling

residential real estate properties in North and South Carolina but with a

special focus in South Charlotte and Fort Mill. Maria has an extensive

experience with first time home buyers, short sales, foreclosures, HUD homes

and more. She is part of a team of professionals striving to provide clients

with superior services. Although, teamwork is the trade mark of the group

that shares, understands, and exceeds expectations when performing in any

aspect of the real estate business, as individuals, each one of them have

somehow specialized in one or more specific field in order to better address

the needs of  clients. Maria is a buyer’s agent, and she works directly with

the buyers guiding them through the process of getting qualified, choosing

the most effective lenders and programs , understanding the implication,

advantages, and responsibilities involved  in buying a home, looking for the

right home at the most affordable price, submitting an acceptable offer,

negotiating on behalf of the buyers, and most important, giving the buyer

the peace of mind and assurance that choosing the right Realtor is the first

step  in completing a successful real estate transaction

Maria Ferreira is a native of Brazil and has been living in the USA for the

past 19 years. After living in Florida for most of this time, her family

decided to relocate to Charlotte and she loves it. Maria has a Florida

Atlantic University Bachelor’s degree in Business Health Care Management,

but it is in real estate that she has found her passion. She speaks English,

Spanish, and Portuguese which gives her the capability of providing real

estate service to a diversified group of people.  She is very personable and

takes every opportunity she has to learn from others. She believes that a

great Realtor will make the difference when her clients are purchasing and

selling real estate. One of Maria’s goals is to carefully guide her clients

throughout the entire process and provide high quality service that will

result in a positive experience for every one of the people she works with.

Maria Ferreira

Realtor/Broker NC-SC

Maria@MyCasaBela.com

704-287-7468 Cell

704-248-6127 Fax

CasaBela Realty

www.MyCasaBela.com

“It is all about attitude. “Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I

react to it… We are in charge of our attitudes” (C. Swindol)

Selling your home? Improvements that give the best payback! Charlotte, NC

Selling your home? Improvements that give the best payback! Charlotte, NC

If you are thinking of selling your home in this tough “Buyers” market you better be one of this three options…

• 1. Be the lowest price in your area.
  2. Be the best, cleanest, most updated, and have very competitive price in your area.
  3. Be both!

If you’re thinking about remodeling your kitchen, or finishing your basement, you probably want to get your investment back when you sell your home. But when it comes to payback value of home improvements, some are definitely more profitable than others. As a general rule, kitchen and bathroom projects usually get a nice return on investment, typically 90% or more. Things like adding rooms or finishing basements tend to pay back the least.

The type of project you do and how it fits in with other homes in the area can have a big influence on payback too. If you put your money into the wrong type of improvement, you won’t get your money back. But if you’re smart about what you do, you can make money. The payback will be better on improvements that are in demand and conform to neighborhood standards. Adding a second bathroom in a neighborhood where most homes have two bathrooms will give a high return on investment. Building a large addition that makes your home twice as big as the other homes on the block probably won’t pay back very well. Likewise, the popularity of a project will factor into how much it pays back. An improvement heavily customized to your wants and needs won’t pay back as well as something more common to other homes in the neighborhood.

Another factor to consider is the cost of the improvements. If you can do the work yourself, you can save significantly on the cost of the project and greatly improve the chances of getting a good return on the investment.

The list below is compiled from several published surveys and shows typical payback for some popular remodeling projects:

Kitchen remodeling – 90%

Add a bathroom – 90%

Bathroom remodeling – 80%

Install central heating – 90%

Install central air – 75%

Add a deck – 70%

Replace windows – 70%

Add a room – 55%

Build a pool – 45%

Finish a basement – 40%

Whatever you do, talk to your Realtor before doing ANYTHING! Do a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) and let your Realtor give you his/her advice. This will save you money on unnecessary upgrades.

If you have any questions please call us.

John Paul Soto - Realtor/Broker

John Paul Soto is the seller’s connection, and his specialty is to provide the resources, expertise, and guidance to clients who are ready to sell their homes in Charlotte, N.C. and surrounding areas. From the initial contact with the seller to the closing of the deal, John Paul Soto will meet with the clients and assists them to stage the house, set the listing price based on a careful and comprehensive market study. He provides facts, local statistics about subdivisions or neighborhoods, which is crucial for the client to make a wise decision when setting the listing price. He is also the source for promotion and marketing, which involves exposing the property to the buyers and Realtors by using several online media, colorful flyers and brochures, property websites, social networking sites, and much more. By making weekly contact with the client and providing up to date information about the home selling process, viewing statistics, and inquires, John Paul assures the seller that the services he provides and his commitment are essential for the successful closing of a de