What’s inside:
- About Cornelius, NC
- What to consider when buying a house in Cornelius, NC
- Neighborhoods and property types in Cornelius, NC
- How to buy your dream home in Cornelius, NC
- Make your dream Cornelius home a reality
About Cornelius, NC
Located in the Charlotte metropolitan area, Cornelius offers small town living with big city amenities. The second youngest town in Mecklenburg County, Cornelius was founded in 1893 and incorporated in 1905. The town was named after Joseph Benjamin Cornelius, a principal stockholder who invested in Cornelius Cotton Mills.
This town is home to excellent schools, incredible parks, and a championship golf course. Jetton Park is one of the most popular parks in Cornelius. Sprawled across 104 acres, the park has something for everyone, such as walking trails, tennis courts, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
Cornelius, NC is also known for the peaceful lakefront lifestyle it offers. Consistently ranked as among the best lakefront communities in the nation, the town never fails to amaze residents and visitors alike with its luxury amenities and high quality of life.
What to consider when buying a house in Cornelius, NC
The key to a successful home buying experience in Cornelius, NC is research and preparation.
Here are the factors that you need to consider when shopping for real estate in this thriving lake town.
Location
One of the biggest factors that you need to evaluate when house hunting is location because it’s something you can’t change. The location you choose determines the convenience, amenities, neighborhoods, and potential for real estate appreciation of the property. Cornelius’s prime location is a major reason this town is sought-after. It is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life while still being close to a major metropolitan area. The town is located 20 miles from Uptown Charlotte, which is roughly a 30-minute drive via Interstate Highway 77.Climate
Residents enjoy the outdoors for most months of the year. There are around 215 sunny days per year in Cornelius, which is more than the US average of 205. With 10 more days of sunshine per year, residents can spend more time outdoors and take advantage of the many open-air activities the town offers. But when it rains, Cornelius experiences more of it as well – 43 inches a year, more than the average amount of rainfall in the United States.Neighborhoods and property types in Cornelius, NC
From stunning lakefront retreats to luxurious waterfront condos, Cornelius has a wide range of properties to offer buyers.
- Waterfront homes make up a significant portion of the real estate selection. These properties offer luxury features like high-end finishes, multiple terraces, and upper decks that give you panoramic views of the lake.
- Single-family homes that are custom-built, spacious, and conveniently located are also widely available. These homes allow owners easy access to Lake Norman, nearby shopping areas, and Interstate 77.
- Condos are a boon to those who prefer low-maintenance lake living. The selection of condos for sale are affordable, equipped with top-notch amenities, and close to all that Cornelius has to offer.
- 100 NORMAN PLACE epitomizes laid-back lake living This private residential community treats residents to magnificent Lake Norman views and incredible amenities like boat slips, tennis courts, and a community pool. Residents also have direct access to Lake Norman.
- THE PENINSULA offers luxury living The Peninsula is the town’s n most well-known and affluent neighborhood. It’s where you’ll find the best of Cornelius’s luxury homes, including exquisite lakeside chateaus and multi-million dollar estates. The heart of the community is The Peninsula Club, an exclusive country club with a scenic golf course and a 35,000-square foot clubhouse.
- ROBBINS PARK is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts Also known as “The Park,” Robbins Park is the perfect neighborhood for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The community was built along a preserved wooden area,offering walking trails, picnic areas, and various sports facilities. Robbins Park’s prime location also provides residents with easy access to various shops, restaurants, and to the Lake Norman marina.
- OAKHURST is family friendly Cornelius is also home to plenty of family-friendly neighborhoods like Oakhurst. Peaceful, secure, and brimming with amenities fit for the whole family, Oakhurst prides itself on its strong sense of community. The majority of the events in Oakhurst are held at the community’s gorgeous gazebo and expansive park.
- BAILEY’S GLEN’S active-adult community enjoys resort-style amenities There’s a neighborhood for everyone in Cornelius, including those who want access to resort-style amenities while living independently. Bailey’s Glen is an active-adult community that offers an excellent quality of life. Aside from walking trails, bocce ball courts, and swimming pools, the neighborhood also has a gardening area and a dog park.
Current Real Estate Market
With its endless opportunities for recreation, high quality of life, and promise of the ultimate lakefront lifestyle, houses for sale in Cornelius, NC are in high demand. According to Realtor.com, the median price of a home for sale here increased by 1.6% year-over-year. A listed Cornelius home stays on the market for around 36 days, at a median listing price of $437,500. The high demand for Cornelius, NC homes can also be attributed to the steady growth of the Charlotte metropolitan area. The metro area saw its population increase by the thousands, with the population of the city itself rising by almost 20%.Residential Property and Home Owners’ Association Disclosure
Every state has their own version of a real estate disclosure and North Carolina is no different. North Carolina home sellers must fill out a form called the Residential Property and Owners’ Association Disclosure Statement. This disclosure form informs buyers about any known hazards or defects in the home. The state also requires sellers to disclose any environmental or natural disaster hazards. If the property is in a flood zone or earthquake zone, this must be mentioned in the disclosure form as well. As a buyer, it’s important to understand these disclosures because it gives you an idea of your potential home’s overall condition and tells you what to expect if you do purchase the home. It also protects both buyer and seller.Home Owner’s Insurance
Consider insurance when buying a home for sale in Cornelius. While it isn’t required in North Carolina, your mortgage lender may still ask you to apply for coverage. Having homeowners insurance protects you and your investment. Not only does it cover the actual physical structure, it includes your personal belongings as well. Mortgage lenders want to see proof that these aspects of your home are insured before providing the funds for your purchase. The best time to start shopping for homeowners insurance is at least a month before your closing date. Evaluate your homeowners’ insurance options well and shop around for quotes. If you plan on buying a waterfront house for sale in Cornelius, NC, you may also want to consider flood insurance. Homebuyers can obtain flood insurance from federally backed programs like the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and from private insurance companies.How to buy your dream home in Cornelius, NC
Buying a house is one of the biggest financial decisions people make in their lifetime. To guide you through this exciting time, we’ve broken down the most important steps in the Cornelius, NC home buying process:
- Find a real estate agent Finding the right real estate agent is crucial when buying a home. The right real estate agent offers their experience, market knowledge, and neighborhood expertise to help you make the correct real estate decisions. A real estate agent is especially crucial if you’re in the market for a waterfront home – which requires more due diligence than buying an inland home. Hire a local agent with a stellar reputation and is experienced in selling lake homes. Rely on their knowledge of lake house transactions, their certifications, and their ability to stay abreast of the local real estate market. To choose the right agent, interview several candidates. Find out how long they’ve been in the business, their recent clients, their insight on local and national real estate trends, and their negotiating style. Aside from their real estate knowledge and experience, you and your agent must be on the same page when it comes to communication. Find out how often they plan to give updates and how they communicate with their clients.
- Get pre-approved for a mortgage Unless you intend to pay in cash, you will need to take it one step at a time in order to secure the funds you need from a traditional lender. One of the biggest mistakes that buyers make is diving headfirst into the home buying process without getting pre-approved. An often-overlooked step in the home buying process, getting pre-approved is crucial to a successful home sale. When a lender hands you a pre-approval letter, it indicates that you have the funds to buy a home. As a result, you’ll have better bargaining power. Sellers will see you are a serious buyer. Take note that a mortgage pre-approval is not the same as a pre-qualification because both terms are often used interchangeably. A mortgage pre-qualification is an estimate of how much house you can afford. A mortgage pre-approval, on the other hand, is a more in-depth look into your finances to determine the exact amount you can borrow. It certifies your creditworthiness – for the next 90 days at least, which is how long a pre-approval is valid. If you exceed the validity date, you’ll just have to apply again. To get pre-approved, you’ll need to show the lender the following:
- Most recent tax returns
- Most recent payroll stubs
- Bank statements
- Monthly debt payments
- Determine your real estate needs Once you’ve secured your pre-approval letter, you can start looking at your real estate options based on how much your loan is good for. Start by distinguishing your real estate needs from your wants. What are your non-negotiables, home features you aren’t willing to sacrifice? If you plan on starting a family, a three-bedroom home in a reputable school district may be your non-negotiable. Extras like a deck, a dock, or a boat slip can go into your list of “wants.” Being clear about your priorities will make it easier to go through the home-buying process.
- Start shopping for homes Now comes the fun part – home shopping! With budget in mind, you can start looking at homes. Your real estate agent can recommend houses for sale in Cornelius, NC based on your needs-and-wants list. You can also scour social media and check out open houses. Keep an open mind during your home search. More often than not, buyers may fixate on a certain property and become stressed when the property is no longer available. Explore different options and make the effort look at properties that are outside of your main criteria. Once you’ve narrowed down your list, view the homes in person or through a virtual tour. Take detailed notes of what you like and what you don’t like in each home. If you’re looking at several potential homes, it’s easy to get the details confused.
- Make the right offer Research is crucial to making a strong purchase offer. And since you’re buying in Cornelius’s competitive real estate market, you want your offer to stand out. If you’re already set on a particular house for sale in Cornelius, NC, don’t hesitate to jump in and submit a strong offer at the outset. Consult your agent, who will help you craft an offer that’s simple, compelling, and based on the fair market value of the home. Presenting your pre-approval letter also tips the scales in your favor. It helps as well to find out why the house is for sale. If the seller is looking to move out ASAP, you could offer to close on the home at an earlier date for a quick sale.
- Schedule a home inspection If you’re buying a house in a hot seller’s market like Cornelius, NC, it may be tempting to skip home inspection to speed up the process. But there are plenty of reasons why you shouldn’t. For one, a home inspection can reveal any major or minor issues with the home. The inspector will look at the home’s foundation, structure, roof, and HVAC systems to determine their condition. If you’re buying a lakefront home, look out for signs of water damage. Because of its proximity to the water, these types of homes are prone to mildew, mold, and peeling paint. Ask your real estate agent to recommend an experienced and reputable home inspector you can work with.
- Make a final walkthrough Have a final walkthrough of the home before you officially become the new owner. This will tell you whether the seller has made the necessary repairs you both agreed on and if the home is in the condition that it should be in. It helps to have a checklist during the final walkthrough. This way, you won’t overlook any details and ensure that the property is cleared.
- Open the doors and windows
- Test all the appliances
- Check for signs of mold in the kitchen
- See if all outlets are working
- Check the home systems
- Close on the home The last step in the home buying process, closing on the house, typically takes around 30 to 45 days after your offer is accepted. And on closing day, your chosen home in Cornelius, NC will officially be yours after the deed is recorded. All the necessary paperwork will be signed on this day, including the deed, the bill of sales, and the transfer tax declarations. You’ll also be transferring funds from escrow and signing mortgage documents. Your real estate agent should assist you in reviewing and understanding the paperwork in advance. And before you know it, you’ll be holding the keys to your new home!
Here are some of the items that should be included in your checklist:
Make your dream Cornelius home a reality
When it comes to buying a Cornelius, NC house for sale, it’s best to have a local real estate expert by your side. That’s where we come in. At The Christopher Lauren Group, we strive to provide a smooth and stress-free real estate experience to all our buyers.
Our expert knowledge and skills on Lake Norman and Charlotte real estate makes us the go-to agents to work with. As long-time residents of the Lake Norman area, we know this place and its neighborhoods like the back of our hand.
Let’s find the perfect lakefront house for sale in Cornelius, NC! Give us a call today at 704.299.8296, or send us an email at christopherlaurengroup(at)gmail(dotted)com.