In this episode, we sit down with Mark Rawls, a Lake Norman–based mortgage professional with over 23 years of experience, to unpack one of the most misunderstood parts of the home buying process: what you can actually afford. Joined by Eric Sanchez of the Lake Norman Home Team, the conversation goes beyond online calculators and headline noise. Mark breaks down how lenders really evaluate affordability—starting with simple, human conversations about income, assets, debt, and comfort level, no...
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In this episode, we sit down with Mark Rawls, a Lake Norman–based mortgage professional with over 23 years of experience, to unpack one of the most misunderstood parts of the home buying process: what you can actually afford. Joined by Eric Sanchez of the Lake Norman Home Team, the conversation goes beyond online calculators and headline noise. Mark breaks down how lenders really evaluate affordability—starting with simple, human conversations about income, assets, debt, and comfort level, no...
In this episode, we sit down with Mark Rawls, a Lake Norman–based mortgage professional with over 23 years of experience, to unpack one of the most misunderstood parts of the home buying process: what you can actually afford. Joined by Eric Sanchez of the Lake Norman Home Team, the conversation goes beyond online calculators and headline noise. Mark breaks down how lenders really evaluate affordability—starting with simple, human conversations about income, assets, debt, and comfort level, no...
Buying a home in North Carolina comes with a few terms that can catch buyers—especially out-of-state buyers—off guard. In this episode of the Lake Norman Home Team Podcast, Melissa and Eric Sanchez break down two of the most misunderstood parts of a purchase contract: due diligence and earnest money. They explain how these two deposits work very differently, why North Carolina’s due diligence fee is more like a non-refundable commitment than a traditional deposit, and how it functions as bo...
Seller FAQs Answered: What Lake Norman Homeowners Need to Know Before Listing In this episode of the Lake Norman Home Team Podcast, Erik Sanchez walks through the most common—and most important—questions sellers ask when they’re thinking about listing their home in the Lake Norman area. They start with the big question: Is now a good time to sell? Erik explains why buyer demand continues to outpace supply, even outside of the traditional spring market, and why timing should always be tied to ...
In this episode of The Lake Norman Home Team Podcast, Jeff sits down with Melissa Sanchez to kick off a short FAQ series designed to answer the most common questions buyers ask before purchasing a home in the Lake Norman area. This first installment focuses entirely on the buyer side of the transaction, with practical insight for both local and relocating buyers. Melissa breaks down what truly defines the Lake Norman region, the towns that surround the lake, and whether the area is only for l...
In this episode, Erik shares a clear, data-driven breakdown of the October 2025 real estate market, focusing on the Lake Norman towns that feed into the Greater Charlotte region. He walks listeners through year-over-year changes in inventory, where nearly every town saw an increase in homes for sale—most notably Huntersville and the wider Charlotte market. Erik also explains how median sales prices shifted across Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, and Mooresville, why Lake Norman as a whole s...
Melissa breaks down the 10 things buyers notice most when touring a home—starting with curb appeal and ending with storage. This quick checklist helps sellers make the best first impression and avoid easy-to-fix deal breakers. Top 5 First Impressions Curb Appeal – Clean, trimmed yard and inviting exterior. Entryway – Fresh doormat, good lighting, tidy porch. Smell – Neutral, clean, no pet or cooking odors. Natural Light – Open blinds and bright spaces. Cleanliness – Professional-le...
In this episode of the Lake Norman Home Team Podcast, Melissa and Erik break down one of the most challenging—and misunderstood—parts of today’s real estate market: multiple-offer situations. They share how they guide sellers with complete transparency, ethical standards, and a process that focuses solely on contract terms rather than personal details. From the importance of anonymity to why they never represent both sides of a deal, Melissa and Erik walk listeners through how to evaluate off...
In this episode, Melissa dives deep into one of the most common topics sellers ask about: how to properly stage a home for the market - and what actually makes buyers stop scrolling, schedule a showing, and fall in love the moment they step inside. From the importance of first impressions to the power of a clean scent when the door opens, Melissa breaks down the simple details that truly move the needle. Melissa shares why staging isn’t about “sterilizing” a home or removing every trace...
Welcome back to the Lake Norman Home Team podcast! In this episode, Melissa Sanchez shares her expert tips on preparing your outdoor space to wow potential buyers. With the Fall & Winter seasons upon us, discover how small updates can make a massive impact on your home's curb appeal. Thinking about selling your Lake Norman home? Contact Melissa Sanchez and Associates for a personalized consultation on how to prepare your property for maximum market impact. Visit: LakeNormanHomeTeam.com M...
In this episode of the Lake Norman Home Team Podcast, Erik Sanchez of Melissa Sanchez & Associates shares an in-depth look at the latest Lake Norman real estate market data. Recorded the first week of November 2025, the discussion focuses on September’s closed numbers, trends across Mooresville and the greater Lake Norman area, and what buyers and sellers can expect heading into winter. Key stats: New listings: Up 9% year-over-year and 14% year-to-date in Mooresville. Pending sales...
Melissa Sanchez explores what buyer's agents actually do and why professional representation matters in today's Lake Norman real estate market. The conversation covers fiduciary duty, commission structures, local market expertise, and common misconceptions about buyer representation—especially important for those relocating to Lake Norman. Key topics include the hidden value agents provide beyond public listing sites, including access to property histories, easements, and off-market opportuni...
In this episode, we sit down with Mark Rawls, a Lake Norman–based mortgage professional with over 23 years of experience, to unpack one of the most misunderstood parts of the home buying process: what you can actually afford. Joined by Eric Sanchez of the Lake Norman Home Team, the conversation goes beyond online calculators and headline noise. Mark breaks down how lenders really evaluate affordability—starting with simple, human conversations about income, assets, debt, and comfort level, no...
