The recent article titled, "Before you sign..." in the Charlotte Observer Home & Garden section fails to list one very important tip for buyers of new construction - get a Realtor.

Buyers need their own representation when deciding to purchase a new home. It may make sense to have an unbiased real estate attorney look over a builder's contract, but there are many things an attorney does not do. Here is a list of things that an experienced Realtor will do to help a buyer (or seller).

1. A good Realtor will go over the contract with you and point out details that you may not see. Most full time agents will handle 20 or more transactions per year. That means we spend a lot of time looking at and advising buyers and sellers on how to make sure that a contract is fair.

2. We help negotiate terms. A Realtor will do research to see what has sold in the development or neighborhood and how those deals stack up against yours. The negotiation is not just about price but also includes closing dates, closing attorneys to use, walk-through punch lists, escrow amounts, upgrades and many other details.

3. Realtors network with one another and often times know the reputations of certain builders. We call agents who have worked with buyers in a community to get a history of how customers are treated and what kind of quality issues have arisen with the builder or developer.

4. Realtors will recommend an independent inspection and help a buyer choose one that specializes in new construction.

5. We get respect from most builders and that translates into a better, more equitable transaction. Builders want to have a good reputation with Realtors since we bring them business. News travels fast in our business, especially bad news!

If you are a potential buyer, remember the words caveat emptor or "let the buyer beware". This means that a buyer needs to know what they are doing when they sign an agreement. It does not mean that a builder/seller can legally misrepresent or trick a buyer but it does put the burden on the buyer to do diligence in understanding a transaction.

With it's fun, hip atmosphere, Plaza Midwood is a very popular place to live in Charlotte. It has been through many evolutions over the years to become the place I am proud to call home today.

It was originally established in the 1920's as a streetcar suburb. The neighborhood thrived up until the 1950's and 60's, when it went into a decline and became a less than desirable place to live. Many of the homes and businesses became dilapidated and run down. Things started to look up in the 1970's, and it's only improved from there to become the thriving hot spot it is today.

The diversity of the architecture and building styles seen throughout Midwood are indicative of the many changes it has seen over the years, but this only adds to the eclecticism that people so love about the neighborhood. There are beautiful estate homes (such as the Van Landingham Estate on the Plaza) charming bungalows, (just take a drive down Thomas Avenue) and contemporary condos (Central 27, Steelhaus) The downtown area has many popular places to grab a bite or a drink, or do some shopping. Some of my favorite things to do are to bike to dinner with some neighbors, or pick up a sandwich at the Common Market for a picnic in Midwood Park.

The average home price is about $415,00, but with a range of $100K to over a million, there is still something for most any budget. There are 108 single family homes on the market right now in this popular neighborhood. The area promises to experience even more positive growth with the upcoming Morningside Project, a $250M+ mixed used development going in between Commonwealth and Central. There is also a proposal for a streetcar to run between Midwood and Uptown, which would be great for the local businesses. Check out the attached article for descriptions of more upcoming developments in this great area: http://charlotte.bizjournals.com/charlotte/stories/2008/06/30/story14.html If you'd like to look into this neighborhood further, please give me a call! I'd love for you to be my neighbor.

Congratulations to Kevin Moss who purchased his first home on November 20, 2008! Along with his fiance, Sarah Goldstein, they purchased a condominium at Oakmore at Selwyn on Selwyn Ave. It's a beautiful 2 bedroom, 2 bath unit!

Kevin came as a referral from Sarah whose house I currently have on the market. Kevin recognized that we are in one of the best purchasing times in Charlotte's recent memory, and also wanted to take advantage of the government's First Time Homebuyer program offering up to $7,500 in tax credits for homes purchased before July 1, 2009.

The process wasn't without its challenges. One lender "pulled the plug" on the deal 1 day before we were supposed to close due to their strict guidelines regarding condominiums. We had to call in another lender who spent several days getting the condominium approved for lending . Then, Kevin had to officially apply a loan and the lender was able to get approval in 3 days! Very rarely does that happen.

End the end, it just goes to show how perseverance and patience pays off and our clients are the ones who win!

Congratulations Kevin & Sarah!

Buying a Home in A Challenging Market –

What’s most important



You want to buy a house. Fantastic – Go for it…. Now is a great time to buy.. Inventory is at a high, interest rates are at a low, prices are reasonable and it is a true buyers market.



Now more than ever it’s important that you work with an experienced residential real estate agent that knows the area, is up to date on market trends and is an advocate for you every step of the process.

Your agent will give you all the tools you need to make a smart buying decision in this market, including:



1) Homes currently available, ones that have just come off the market or ones that may come available in the near future.

2) Analysis of recent sales, market statistics and pricing trends to prepare for an offer and negotiate in your best interests

3) Lenders, Inspectors, Attorneys and service providers that will assist you as the contract terms are satisfied



The most important thing to remember as you buy a home now is that it will be your home, a place where you spend holidays, make memories and relax. The buying process should be fun, informative, exciting and most of all rewarding.

If you’re ready to buy a home but haven’t made the move to do so, please let us know what’s stopping you?

November 23rd - Sun. 3-5pm
Area 4, Beverly Crest - 812 Celbridge Ct. - Paige Moody - 704-602-4248
Area 5, Barclay Downs - 3123 Clarendon Road - Diane Alexander - 704-519-6835
Area 5, Myers Park - 1119 Granville - Jane Hunter - 704-907-4812

Who do you call?

These days we are inundated with information and options. Want a haircut- Google can find 20 barbers in a 5 mile radius faster than a speeding bullet. BUT- the real question- what will you look like when you walk out of that salon door? It is crucial to know your service providers are the best of the best. The key is to get referrals- I always reach out to friends, family, coworkers, mailmen- you name it- to find out what kind of service I can expect. In today's wacky real estate market-you have to ensure you are using the best Realtor to fit your needs. Instead of using your mom's best friend's 2nd cousin's daughter as your agent- talk to a Realtor's past clients to see how that agent operates in a "real estate relationship"- does he know various areas or just one? Are emails and phone calls returned promptly? is she a barracuda at the negotiating table? Does he always talk about himself in the 3rd person? These are the things that can really impact your transaction... (my experience: always avoid people who refer to themselves in the 3rd person)


Ali Hoce | Dickens-Mitchener| 2330 Randolph Road | Charlotte, NC 28207 | o: (704) 602-6824 | f: (704) 697-2524 | ahoce@dickensmitchener.com

November 15th-Sat. 3-5pm
Area 4, Eastover - 262 Hempstead Pl. - Ed Jones - 704-877-5603
Area 5, Beverly Woods - 3919 Chadworth Rd. - Robin Hickman - 704-609-1577
Area 5, 3520 Providence Rd. - Dave Agnor - 704-728-9938

November 16th-Sun. 3-5pm
Area 1, Quail Ridge - 6102 Tesh Ct. - Cinda Smith - 704-904-7363
Area 2, Midwood - 2604 Country Club Ln. - Jane Towns - 704-651-8400
Area 4, Eastover - 818 Museum Dr. - Cinda Smith - 704-904-7363
Area 5, Rosecliff - 8617 Browne's Pond Ln. - Paige Moody - 704-906-8291
Area 5, Myers Park - 2037 Nolen Park - Dave Agnor - 704-728-9938
Area 6, Dilworth - 526 Olmsted Park Pl. - Michaele Donati - 704-641-0456

November 8th - Sat. 2-4pm
Area 15, Harbor Club - 14224 Crown Harbor Dr. - Annie Dickinson - 704-589-9110

November 9th - Sun. 2-4pm
Area 5, Springs Village - 3028 Luke Crossing Dr. - Linwood Jaycocks - 704-408-4648

Sun. 3-5pm
Area 4, Eastover - 246 Colville Rd. - Jocelyn Rose - 704-975-9900
Area 4, Providence Commons - 6146 Garamond Ct. - Kathy Lancaster - 704-534-5552