The Charlotte region spreads across several counties, and the same budget buys very different homes in each. Before touring, we ask buyers to answer seven questions. They narrow ten towns to two or three.
Where will you drive at 8 AM?
Map the commute at the hour you would make it. I-77 north of the city and US 74 to the southeast behave very differently at rush hour than at noon.
Which county's taxes apply?
Property tax rates differ between Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell and Union counties, and between towns inside them. We put the annual figure next to each house you are considering.
How old a house do you want to maintain?
A 1925 bungalow in Dilworth and a 2015 house in Huntersville ask different things of their owners. Be honest about how you feel about crawl spaces and old plumbing.
Do you want a homeowners association?
Most newer neighborhoods have one, with dues and rules. Many older neighborhoods in Matthews and Gastonia have none. Neither is better, but they suit different people.
How much land?
Lots get larger as you move out toward Monroe and parts of Cabarrus County. With land can come a well and a septic system, which we inspect separately.
What do you want within ten minutes?
Groceries, a park, a greenway, a lake. List the three places you would go every week and check the drive from each house.
Is water part of the plan?
Lake Norman, Lake Wylie and Mountain Island Lake each have shoreline rules for docks and buffers. Waterfront also raises questions about flood zones and insurance, which we cover before an offer.
This article is general information about buying and selling homes in North Carolina. It is not legal, tax or lending guidance, and things may have changed since it was published.
