Are you looking for real estate in Charlotte, NC but can't seem to find the deal you're looking for? That could be because you're looking in all the wrong places! Getting a great deal on real estate is as easy as 1-2-3 if you know where to look, and Charlotte real estate is no exception. To find the real estate deal that's right for you, whether you're an investor or a would-be homeowner, just follow the steps below:

• Step 1: Look around and pick an area you'd like to move to-then make a second choice. Obviously you're looking for real estate in Charlotte, NC, but it isn't only Charlotte you want to look at. You also want to consider the surrounding towns and cities, such as Marvin and Weddington. Real estate in the suburbs of Charlotte is always going to be less expensive than real estate in the city itself, and you will still be able to commute easily to the city.

• Step 2: Check the classifieds in the papers for Charlotte, NC. Homes sold privately by the owner are almost always less expensive than those listed through a realtor because they're hoping to be able to sell quickly, quietly and without the extra fees associated with working with an agency.

• Step 3: Investigate your options for pre-foreclosure real estate. Pre-foreclosures are homes that are being privately sold by the owner in an attempt to avoid foreclosure by the bank, and they are usually sold for a small percentage of what they would be on the open market. Many times owners will be willing to take an amount equal to what they owe the bank in exchange for a quick sale.

• Step 4: Attend auctions for foreclosed real estate. When a bank forecloses on a home it wants to unload it as quickly as possible. What is a bank in Charlotte, NC going to do with a house? It's a cinch it isn't looking for a new place to set up shop! Homes that have been foreclosed upon are sold at an extremely reasonable price. You can find listings for foreclosure properties at websites such as nc.foreclosure.com, government-auctions-guide. and north-carolina.e-foreclosuresearch.com, as well as through many Charlotte realtors.

• Step 5: Search for HUD real estate. HUD homes are those that are intended for buyers with low incomes and for first time homebuyers and are generally sold for an extremely reasonable price.

• Step 6: Enlist the aid of a realtor in the area. This is especially important if you are moving form out of town, because a realtor will be able to point you in the direction of real estate for sale in and around Charlotte that may not be available in public listings. A good realtor will be able to give you information about schools and businesses in the area and help you find the neighborhood that's right for you.

The most important thing to remember is that when it comes to looking for a great deal on real estate in Charlotte, NC, persistence pays off! It might take a while, but somewhere out there is the perfect piece of real estate for you. You just haven't found it yet.