Ballantyne Charlotte NC. “Live, Work, Stay, Play”… Ballantyne’s motto!

 

Ballantyne Charlotte NC 

 “Live, Work, Stay, Play.” That is Ballantyne’s motto!  Being one of the fastest-growing communities in the United States and in Charlotte NC, Ballantyne is located in the South Charlotte corridor about 10 miles form Uptown Charlotte and 5 miles from South Park. I-485, the main artery to the Ballantyne area moves east-west and connects drivers to the rest of south Charlotte and I-77, the Airport, I-85 and NC-74. Is-521 (Johnston Rd) moves vehicles north-south through Ballantyne: North to Southpark via park road and south to Lancaster County in SC. In Ballantyne you can find golf courses, great schools, fitness centers, movie theaters, Target, grocery stores, and much, much more!!!

 Ballantyne comprises:

 Ballantyne Resort Hotel

Ballantyne Village

Ballantyne Commons East Shopping Center

Ballantyne Country Club

 

Ballantyne Charlotte NC

 

 

 

Ballantyne Charlotte NC has a great diversity of homes. Raging from the one hundreds to the millions… from ranches to two stories to mini mansions! Ballantyne is a great place to live, and one of  The Soto & Ferreira favorite areas of Charlotte NC!

 Call us if you need more information or if you would like to preview some homes… in this beautiful Ballantyne area…

 

(Note: I apologize for any grammatical errors in this blog. My primary language is Spanish and I am currently working on improving my grammar in English. Thanks for understanding.) 

       

John Paul Soto

 John Paul Soto choose to work in Charlotte, NC real estate because he genuinely enjoy working with people, and believe it is an industry that rewards dedication and personal initiative. He also want to give back to his community, and he is currently employed as a firefighter for the Charlotte Fire Department.

John Paul Soto was born and raised in Guatemala, and moved to Charlotte in 2002 to attend college. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, and will continue to make his home in Charlotte, NC after graduation.

He takes great pride in his accomplishments and hope to continue to build a successful track record helping other people achieve theirs. He is now part of  “The Soto and Ferreira Group” on of Charlotte’s NC best Real Estate Groups. 

Thanks,

John Paul

Where to get a mortgage in Charlotte NC. From one of the best lenders in Charlotte NC.

Where to get a mortgage in Charlotte NC

 As a Charlotte NC Realtor I try to stay inform about the mortgage world in Charlotte NC. I recently read a      great article from one of my prefer mortgage lenders in Charlotte NC.  He explains the different places were you can get a mortgage loan from and why or why not it may be the best place for you… It is important for consumer, buyers,  to know this, since this is portably the biggest investment of your life, you need to make sure you have the right professionals working for you…

Fined a great Lender and a great Realtor, preferably if they have a good working relationship with each other… This will help the transaction be smoother and less stress for you… Charlotte NC is one of the top Cities to buy and invest in real estate… 

To read more about “Where to get a mortgage in Charlotte NC” visit Olan Carder Charlotte loan officer blog…

 

Thanks…. 

 

 

     

John Paul Soto

 John Paul Soto choose to work in Charlotte, NC real estate because he genuinely enjoy working with people, and believe it is an industry that rewards dedication and personal initiative. He also want to give back to his community, and he is currently employed as a firefighter for the Charlotte Fire Department.

John Paul Soto was born and raised in Guatemala, and moved to Charlotte in 2002 to attend college. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, and will continue to make his home in Charlotte, NC after graduation.

He takes great pride in his accomplishments and hope to continue to build a successful track record helping other people achieve theirs. He is now part of  “The Soto and Ferreira Group” on of Charlotte’s NC best Real Estate Groups. 

Thanks,

John Paul

Selling your home in Charlotte, NC. Charlotte, NC Real Estate…

Selling your home in Charlotte, NC. Charlotte, NC Real Estate…

As a Charlotte North Carolina Real Estate Agents/Realtors we understand that for most families, selling their Charlotte, NC home is one of the biggest financial decisions they will ever make. The process can be daunting, with many important questions that need to be answered. Choosing the best Charlotte NC Real Estate Agent/Realtor to market and sell your home can make all the difference, turning an otherwise difficult, stressful process into a comfortable, informed experience that you are in control of. As a top listing group in Charlotte North Carolina area, we will make sure that you get the best price for your Charlotte NC home, in the least amount of time.

The Soto & Ferreira Group specializes in Charlotte NC Real Estate including  Fort Mill, Concord, Huntersville, Harrisburg, Cornelius, Lancaster, Monroe, Waxhaw, Indian Land, Lake Norman, Lake Wylie, Uptown Charlotte,  Ballantyne, Myers Park, South Park, Dilworth, South End, Wilmore, Plaza Midwood, Sherwood Forest, Madison Park, Fairmeadows, Lansdowne, Commonwealth, Morningside, Wesley Heights, Elizabeth, Chantilly, Cotswold, Eastover, Foxcroft, First Ward, Second Ward, Third Ward, Forth Ward, Merry Oaks, Sedgefield, Selwyn Park, Noda, The Arts District, Belmont, Sheffield Park, Barclay Downs, Collins Park, Colonial Village. South, North, West, and East Charlotte NC.

Selling your home in Charlotte NC requires strategic marketing and consistent follow up from your Realtor. The Soto & Ferreira Group are firm believers in regular, prompt communication. We will follow up on every inquiry about your Charlotte NC home immediately, and make sure you are kept informed about my progress. Honest dialogue and open communication will allow us to continually evaluate and reassess our marketing strategy, resulting in the best possible sales price for your home.

Step 1: Preparing the Home for Sale

• Property Inspection – before we list your home, we will suggest improvements that could increase profit on the sale.
• Staging – If you wish, we will arrange for a professional decorator to stage your home so it can be presented in its best possible light.
• Establishing Goals – Markets can fluctuate so it’s important to establish your goals so that we can work hard to meet them.
• Listing Price – Establishing a competitive listing price is critical to the success of the sale. I use the most advanced CMA tools to derive the right price.
• Relocation – Prospects for your home also come from relocation services, corporations, executive search firms and fellow associates who keep track of potential buyers and maintain relationships with former clients.

Step 2: Promoting the Property

• Digital photography – Once your home is ready to list, we will have professional quality digital photos taken.
• A custom website will be designed exclusively for your home, with a unique web address.
• Your home will be featured on Exit South’s home show: exitrealtyhomeshow.com.
• Your home will be listed on Exit South’s main website
• Your home will be listed with the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), a database of currently available properties accessible by real estate professionals and homebuyers.
• Your home will be listed in the Internet Data Exchange (IDX), an electronic display of homes for sale listed in the MLS.
• Email alerts will be sent regularly via an automated MLS search for clients who are seeking properties. They can initiate their search on our site and receive emails daily with listings that meet their criteria.
• Full-color property brochures – I will prepare a professional marketing sales tool including graphics and highlights of your home to distribute to the brokerage community and potential buyers.
• Full-color postcards of your home will be designed and distributed at showings, open houses, public venues, and through direct mail.
• Your home will be posted on multiple social networks like: Postlests, Craigslist, Facebook, MySpace, and many more…
• I will provide you with periodic status reports including buyer reactions to your home. Additionally, Exit realty South’s website has a password-protected area where all transaction details are logged for your viewing.

Step 3: Showing Your Home

• Broker/Agent Open House – we will invite local brokers and agents to view your home.
• Public Open House – Following the agent/broker open house we will hold a public open house and present your home to the general public.
• Marketing Kits – All materials regarding the promotion of your home i.e., flyers, brochures, business cards and media kits will be available onsite.

 

The Soto & Ferreira group can help you sell your home in any of these areas: Charlotte NC Real Estate including  Fort Mill, Concord, Huntersville, Harrisburg, Cornelius, Lancaster, Monroe, Waxhaw, Indian Land, Lake Norman, Lake Wylie, Uptown Charlotte,  Ballantyne, Myers Park, South Park, Dilworth, South End, Wilmore, Plaza Midwood, Sherwood Forest, Madison Park, Fairmeadows, Lansdowne, Commonwealth, Morningside, Wesley Heights, Elizabeth, Chantilly, Cotswold, Eastover, Foxcroft, First Ward, Second Ward, Third Ward, Forth Ward, Merry Oaks, Sedgefield, Selwyn Park, Noda, The Arts District, Belmont, Sheffield Park, Barclay Downs, Collins Park, Colonial Village. South, North, West, and East Charlotte NC.

  

John Paul Soto

 John Paul Soto choose to work in Charlotte, NC real estate because he genuinely enjoy working with people, and believe it is an industry that rewards dedication and personal initiative. He also want to give back to his community, and he is currently employed as a firefighter for the Charlotte Fire Department.

John Paul Soto was born and raised in Guatemala, and moved to Charlotte in 2002 to attend college. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, and will continue to make his home in Charlotte, NC after graduation.

He takes great pride in his accomplishments and hope to continue to build a successful track record helping other people achieve theirs.

Thanks,

John Paul

First time home buyers. Charlotte, NC Real Estate

First time home buyers. Charlotte, NC Real Estate

So you want to buy your first home?

Making the decision to buy your first home in Charlotte, NC is a big one. Evaluating whether you are ready for this big step is critical. Make sure you are truly ready for the financial responsibility of owning your own home in Charlotte, NC. Building equity in your Charlotte, NC home is one of the best ways to build wealth, and for most people their home remains their single biggest asset for the rest of their lives.

 

The Soto & Ferreira Group can help you find a home in any of the following areas: Fort Mill, Concord, Huntersville, Harrisburg, Cornelius, Lancaster, Monroe, Waxhaw, Indian Land, Lake Norman, Lake Wylie, Uptown Charlotte,  Ballantyne, Myers Park, South Park, Dilworth, South End, Wilmore, Plaza Midwood, Sherwood Forest, Madison Park, Fairmeadows, Lansdowne, Commonwealth, Morningside, Wesley Heights, Elizabeth, Chantilly, Cotswold, Eastover, Foxcroft, First Ward, Second Ward, Third Ward, Forth Ward, Merry Oaks, Sedgefield, Selwyn Park, Noda, The Arts District, Belmont, Sheffield Park, Barclay Downs, Collins Park, Colonial Village. South, North, West, and East Charlotte NC.

 

Step #1: Evaluate your timeframe.

How long do you plan to live in your new Charlotte, NC home? Ideally, you should remain in the home more than 3 years. If homes in the Charlotte NC area continue to appreciate rapidly, it might be possible to recover your money after 2 years. If your time horizon is shorter than that, now might not be the best time to buy. Renting can be a good way to save money until your situation stabilizes. It is important to consider the costs involved in getting into a home – closing costs alone can be significant and you don’t want to invest that money without being sure you will get it back.

Step #2: Choose a lender.

Working with a reputable mortgage broker is critical. This person will help you understand the different types of loans available, the current rate, and estimated closing costs. Mortgage companies now offer a wide range of loans some with little or no down payments. If you have good credit and your salary justifies the loan payment, mortgage companies are prepared to work with you.

Mortgage brokers are happy to discuss your situation and explain different scenarios. Choosing a broker you can trust is crucial. I have some reputable lenders that would recommend upon request.

Once you choose a broker, the next step is to obtain a pre-qualification letter specifying the amount you are entitled to borrow, interest rate, and closing cost.

Step #3: Get prequalified.

This is now standard procedure. Many mortgage companies offer online calculators so the client can understand how the numbers play out. Make sure to inquire about the current rate and estimated closing costs. A pre-qualification letter will be valuable to help you understand your price range and total investment cost.

Step #4: Partner up with a licensed Realtor.

Whether you are buying or selling, choosing a Realtor that understands your goals and situation is critical. Make sure you choose this person carefully- you will be asking them to act on your behalf in the biggest purchase of your life- make sure you are happy with your choice! Ask friends for referrals, search online, and try to talk to more than just one.

Keep in mind that sellers pay the real estate commission, which is usually split 50-50 with the buyers’ agent. The buyer pays ZERO to his/her Realtor.

A good Realtor will inquire about  your priorities- what features do you have to have, what features would you like to have, what features aren’t as important. Working with a Realtor gives you many advantages, from the inside scoop on certain neighborhoods or pending new construction to tough negotiating. Even if you think you are “just looking,” having a Realtor already working with you is a huge advantage in case you find that perfect home and want to move quickly. Hesitation can cost you the house you really love.

The bottom line?

If you have the right team of professionals assisting you, buying your first home can be straightforward and immensely rewarding. Call The Soto & Ferreira Group and we’ll assist you with your Charlotte, NC Real Estate needs.

Thanks,

 

John Paul Soto

 John Paul Soto choose to work in Charlotte, NC real estate because he genuinely enjoy working with people, and believe it is an industry that rewards dedication and personal initiative. He also want to give back to his community, and he is currently employed as a firefighter for the Charlotte Fire Department.

John Paul Soto was born and raised in Guatemala, and moved to Charlotte in 2002 to attend college. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, and will continue to make his home in Charlotte, NC after graduation.

He takes great pride in his accomplishments and hope to continue to build a successful track record helping other people achieve theirs.

Thanks,

John Paul

 

 

Exit Realty Realtors are connecting for success in Charlotte, NC

Exit Realty Realtors are connecting for success in Charlotte, NC

Exit Realtors will Succeed!

How are we doing it?…… We are making things easy and simple. Once a month, we are meeting with different Charlotte, NC real estate agents/Realtors from different offices to discuss, share, and brainstorm for new ideas. Our goal is to help, help, help, and no competition. As Mike Rash broker in charge of Exit Advantage said; “if we share ideas, it will make us better” then he added; “but we need to put them to work.”

As a group of Charlotte, NC Exit Realty Realtors, we would like to thank John Byers, broker in charge of Exit Realty South, for making his beautiful conference room available for the meeting. There was so much useful information for everyone attending the meeting. Nancy Winters stated that one of her specialties is relocation, and she shared with us the reasons behind her success. Call her and she will tell you all about it.

Lynn Addy is brand new to the Charlotte, NC Real Estate business. She commented on the importance of following up with the clients. Lets not ever forget about it! Aida Marcial was an asset to this meeting.  She emphasized the importance of being diverse with our business. She also made her self available just in case someone needs help with NACA or REO properties. John Paul Soto, Joan Hileman, and Karen Gillespie touched up on the value of partnership. Have you ever thought about it? They are the expert and have lots of ideas.

This was the first of several future meetings that Exit Realty agents/Realtors will be conducting monthly. If you miss this one, there will be another one, and everyone is invited.

All the agents present, including Shirley Ghorshi, Debbie Norris, Sonya Leonard, Paris Morgan, Maria Ferreira, Heather Strowd, Jenny Greenspon, Kim Privette, Cam Barnett, and every one else agreed that “blogging” thanks to Key Yessaad web trainer, is a must if we want to successful expand our business and be recognized.

See you at the April Meeting!!

Maria Ferreira Exit South Broker/Realtor

Nothing less than what you expect from a Realtor!

Maria Ferreira is committed to provide 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 mostly 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

The Soto and Ferreira Group

Broker/Realtor NC-SC

Exit Realty South

Success picture courtesy of aloshbennett’s photostream

Buyers and Sellers beware!!

Buyers and Sellers beware!!

Buyers and Sellers Beware

 

If you are a buyer or a seller  involved in a one million dollars home in South Park, Ballantyne or a one hundred thousand home any where in North Carolina, please be aware of any material facts directly or indirectly related to the real estate property. Your agents must at all times exercise a reasonable degree of skills and diligence when it comes to any issue affecting the real estate property.

 

When two agents were showing property in a certain subdivision to a buyer client, they realized that there was a cement plant very close to the property. At the time, the buyer took the time to ask some neighbors about the plant and was told that they loved their house and that the noise did not bother them. Agents need to have in mind that buyers often buy a home moved by emotions. Therefore; it is our responsibility as realtors to do the work for our clients.

The buyer end up falling in love with the house and submitted an offer.  Of course, the offer was accepted. The realtors were present for the inspection and were surprised to hear from the inspector that there was a lawsuit going on between the HOA and the developer for over two years. The inspector was concerned too and made sure that the issue was noted on his inspection report. 

The listing agent was well aware of the lawsuit but never bother in disclosing it as required by the state. The property disclosure form never mentioned anything about the issue. An article by Jenny Overman in the Times News stated that several residents are concerned about the property value of the homes located near the concrete plant. A resident who’s house have been on the market for over six months said that over 30 Realtors representing buyers has shown the home with no success. According to the owner, some of the buyers refused to enter the home after being aware of the plant.

As realtors, we can not jeopardize our client’s most valuable investment. It is our responsibility to disclose information affecting the transaction or we can be liable for any damages that result.

It is not over yet. Go to www.yourcharlotteagents.com and read my next blog for the closing of this transaction. Thanks and have a great day…

 

Maria Ferreira. Broker/Realtor

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. Maria 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 you throughout the entire process and provide high quality service that will result in a positive experience for every client.

Five more reasons why I love Charlotte NC…

Five more reasons why I love Charlotte NC…

Hey there, I hope my last blog help you get an idea of what to expect form Charlotte NC. I am going to provide you with five more reasons why I think Charlotte NC is one of the best places to live…

Reason # 6:  Charlotte NC Sports

If you are a fan of sports, if you enjoy tailgating and going to games, this is your city. Charlotte is home of the Carolina Panthers football team, Charlotte Bobcats basketball team, and the Charlotte Checkers hockey team. So you can enjoy sports all year round.

Reason # 7:  Charlotte NC Diversity…

Charlotte NC is known to be 53% big city and 47% big town. With that been said, Charlotte is a fast growing city.  Diversity is getting better and bigger every day. I love Charlotte’s diversity not only in people, but also in its diverse architecture. Charlotte’s neighborhoods range from new constructions to historic beautiful houses. From trendy cool neighborhoods to well established family neighborhoods. In Charlotte NC, it does not matter your price range or your taste, you will find your dream home!

Reason # 8:   Ballantyne… 

Ballantyne is one of Charlotte’s newest, coolest, and most desirable neighborhoods to live in. Ballantyne is a combination of everything you need within minutes of your home. Restaurants, bars, lounges, shopping centers, bookstores, coffee shops, movie theaters, and much more! With easy access form I-77 and I-485, Ballantyne is a perfect neighborhood. 

Reason # 9:   Charlotte NC Architecture…

You would find yourself driving without any particular reason around Charlotte’s unique neighborhoods. You will find gorgeous  bungalows in Midwood, Elizabeth, Chantilly, NoDa, and Dilworth. Foxcroft ranches and Myers Park mansions are also good examples  of neighborhoods that make the queen city just an awesome place to live.

 

Reason # 10:   NASCAR…. 

If you feel the need…. the need for speed! This is your city. Charlotte is 30 minutes from the Lowes motor speed way and now home of the NASCAR hall of fame… which should be completed by 2010. 

 

Thanks for reading and please feel free to give us your comments… until next time… Have a great one.

 

John Paul Soto

 John Paul Soto choose to work in Charlotte NC real estate because he genuinely enjoy working with people, and believe it is an industry that rewards dedication and personal initiative. He also want to give back to his community, and he is currently employed as a firefighter for the Charlotte Fire Department.

John Paul Soto was born and raised in Guatemala, and moved to Charlotte in 2002 to attend college. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, and will continue to make his home in Charlotte NC after graduation.

He takes great pride in his accomplishments and hope to continue to build a successful track record helping other people achieve theirs.

What I love about Charlotte NC, 10 Reasons why to choose Charlotte NC….

What I love about Charlotte NC, 10 Reasons why to choose Charlotte NC….

 

There are thousands of things that I could tell you about Charlotte NC and it’s surrounding areas but I will leave it to 5 simple reasons for now, next blog I will provide you with 5 more…and in future blogs I would talk more in depth about each reason and more about Charlotte surrounding areas… hoping to provide to you more information, and paint a better picture about Charlotte NC…

Reason # 1: The Weather in Charlotte NC…

I come from Guatemala in Central America. Guatemala is known as “The Country of Eternal Spring” so needless to say I don’t like extreme cold or extreme heat. That’s why Charlotte is such a perfect place if you are like me. Charlotte has all four seasons with no extreme cold and no extreme heat. 

Reason # 2: Location, location, location…

– Charlotte is 2 hrs from the mountains and from the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway.

– Charlotte is 3 hrs from the beach. Charleston SC, Myrtle Beach and others…

– Charlotte is 4 hrs from Atlanta Georgia.

Reason # 3: The Charlotte NC Food!!! 

– If Charlotte NC is known for something, it’s food! Restaurants are everywhere but if you are in the area you have got to go to two places for sure!

1. Price’s Chicken Coop. The best fried chicken you will ever try! 

2. Bar -B-Q King. The best BBQ you will ever try! 

Reason # 4: Charlotte’s Up-Town

Charlotte’s Up-town is beautiful, clean and safe. With the new EpiCenter, Charlotte’s up-town is complete. We have tons of restaurants, bars, night clubs, coffee shops, ice-cream shops, movie theaters, theaters, bowling alleys, Charlotte Bobcats Stadium, Charlotte Panthers Stadium, and much, much more… 

Reason # 5:  Charlotte NC Real Estate

Charlotte was named the Best City to live in according to Relocate-America.com’s annual list.

Charlotte’s diversity of housing options and home affordability are great reasons to choose this city. Charlotte NC Real Estate has a strong economy, boosted largely by the banking industry.

I will give you 5 more reasons in my next blog.. until then.. take care…

 

John Paul Soto

 John Paul Soto choose to work in Charlotte NC real estate because he genuinely enjoy working with people, and believe it is an industry that rewards dedication and personal initiative. He also want to give back to his community, and he is currently employed as a firefighter for the Charlotte Fire Department.

John Paul Soto was born and raised in Guatemala, and moved to Charlotte in 2002 to attend college. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, and will continue to make his home in Charlotte NC after graduation.

He takes great pride in his accomplishments and hope to continue to build a successful track record helping other people achieve theirs.

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