Charlotte Real Estate- Charlotte Communities

Terry's Top Crazy Deals in Charlotte Real Estate

2011-11-04T05:50:00.000-05:00

Each week we comb the MLS for ten properties that fit the description “very good deal.” Then with proper representation from your friendly but aggressive buyer agents, like us, we can often turn “very good deal’s” to UNBELIEVABLE deals on Charlotte Real Estate… Great deals don’t happen just on luck! Best Charlotte area Home UNDER $150,000 This is a wild one, a new 4br/2.5 bath, 2500 sf+

Charlotte Homes and Real Estate

2011-07-23T13:12:00.000-05:00

Unemployment is keeping the Charlotte sales market slow like the rest of the country. Sales of over 1M homes have fallen to 2000 levels. Home prices are running at 2003 levels. If you are looking for Charlotte real estate in a place that gives the homes context, try this Charlotte Real Estate link. New Homes? First homes? Luxury homes- one group thtat does it all, is the McDonald Group. We'll

All About Charlotte New Homes

2011-03-23T15:40:00.000-05:00

If you are searching for new homes, try Charlotte New Homesfor answers to questions like Inventory or To Be Built? Take the Builder financing or skip it? What are the advantages of buying new? The risks? What are the different kinds of builders?

Charlotte Homes For Sale-Ultimate Real Estate Search

2010-02-16T15:32:00.000-05:00

All Homes For Sale Homes for Sale Homes for Sale Homes for sale Under 250,000 under $500K over 500K Belmont Homes Belmont Homes Belmont Homes Belmont Homes Charlotte Homes

Charlotte Luxury Custom Homes

2010-01-16T17:02:00.000-05:00

Thinking about a luxury home in Charlotte? Waterfront, golf course, or intown city location...Looking for one site to help understand the whole market? Neighborhood information, community and home searches,from Myers Park to Lake Norman, Davidson to Lake Wylie, Southpark and more... the most extensive, more information on one page, including market info, I've got the post for you, Charlotte

Charlotte Real Estate

2010-01-02T23:11:00.000-05:00

A Huge Topic! If you are thinking real estate,homes or condos, you'll like the homes, neighborhoods, videos pictures and area maps you'll find on my Charlotte Real Estateblog and website and Charlotte Luxury Homes for custom homes built to your specifications

Charlotte Homes For sale

2009-10-23T06:51:00.002-05:00

New Link for Charlotte Homes for SaleCharlotte Homes|Charlotte Real EstateUploaded by CharlotteRealEstate. - Discover new destinations and travel videos.

Homes for Sale Huntersville and Fort Mill

2009-10-03T12:34:00.003-05:00

About Charlotte NCCharlotte NC Homes For Salethen, more recently, we visited,Huntersville New Homes - Centennialand University City Area REO and Short SalesxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxRemember, to qualify for the $500 Gift card, give us a call first-704-351-1519- we'll often get the right agent on the phone right then... and get you started. Sign up here for your Fast Start Guide to

Charlotte Homes For Sale Videos

2009-09-17T14:04:00.003-05:00

If you are moving to Charlotte, you'll have lots of questions...I have 3 videos to help with three Big questions...What's Charlotte NC All About?You Tube's#1 video for Charlotte with over 28000 views, Introduction To Charlotte, as a 4 minute, fact filled, introduction to the Charlotte Area and Charlotte HomesSo, now you have an idea about Charlotte, But the next question is a Big one... There

New Charlotte Homes and Real Estate Blog and Website

2009-09-14T11:50:00.003-05:00

Introducing the New Charlotte Homes and Real Estate from TerryMcDonaldRealEstate.com blog and websiteTo Visit my blog at Charlotte Homes For SaleFor Charlotte First Home Buyers with links to Buyer Tips, Avoiding the sand traps and landmines of home buying, 90 Days Left to get your Tax Credits. This is a comprehensive post: Charlotte First Home Buyers- The WorksTo Visit Charlotte Homes for Sale-

Charlotte NC #1 On You Tube

2008-12-20T21:57:00.003-05:00

Terry's Introduction to Charlotte NC Relocation Real Estatehas passed the 10,000 view mark and is #1 on You Tube Searches for Charlotte NC.Why the popularity? Charlotte is a popular "move-to" city- and Terry's 4 minute video is a fact filled tour from Uptown Charlotte to Waxhaw, Weddington to Lake Norman. It keeps your attention from start to finish.Charlotte Communites has passed the one year

New BLOG|CharlotteCommunitiesOnline.com

2007-11-02T08:07:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone,I (Terry McDonald) am posting over at my new HQ, new digs at CharlotteCommunitesOnlineits not perfect yet, but full of posts and well under way!!!check out this new feature, new home community reports, a new home Top Ten List:Antiquity in CorneliusBrookhaven in WeddingtonThe Palisades In Southwest CharlotteSee you there! Terry

Antiquity in Cornelius

2007-10-13T08:27:00.000-05:00

Antiquity is the largest mixed-use community of homes, offices and retail since Birkdale, and promises to change both Cornelius and Davidson over the next decade. The covered bridge on the right is it's northern entry from Davidson, and the Cornelius entry will be at the Town Center in revitalized Cornelius. This community will be a major real estate addition for the north Charlotte

Charlotte 2 Year Price Increase 2nd in the Nation

2007-10-08T09:33:00.000-05:00

Everyone likes to have their work validated, even indirectly. A new website for the investment industry uses my market reporting methodology-- the change in Sold Average Square Foot Price-- as their means to compare price appreciation in local housing markets. Charlotte ranks 2nd in growth nationally according to Radar Logic,11.3%, growth in the Sold Average Cost per square foot. (cps)Radar Logic

Sunday Night Steals and Deals- Myers Park- Charlotte

2007-10-07T20:42:00.000-05:00

Back from a trip out east (more on that tomorrow) it is Sunday night and I've been thinking about Myers Park. I grew up in Washington DC and the area there most like Myers Park? Chevy Chase or upper Northwest. Well Myers Park is just 5-10 minutes to Uptown and has housed Charlotte's elites since the earliest days. Wide boulevards and 100 year old oak trees are common, as is original construction

Top Ten Reasons To Vote For Mecklenburg County School Bonds

2007-10-05T16:55:00.001-05:00

So lets lay it out here--our schools are heavily overcrowded, and the older schools need repair, these facts are not really in dispute, most of the dispute centers on "who" should get "what" plus a few folks who would like to defund the public schools for a variety of reasons including something that happened way back in 1957. In truth we need about 1.4B in new schools to meet enrollment needs

Video of The US National WhiteWater Center

2007-10-05T14:43:00.000-05:00

Here's a you tube clip I found... enjoyI've been several times, always had a good time, even swimming once or twice. Hear someone knock it? Ask if they've been there. The knuckle draggers haven't made it out somehow...

Another Bad MLS Stat- % Sale to %List

2007-10-04T15:53:00.000-05:00

Recently I wrote about how our DOM is basically a bogus stat, one that is dangerously missing key information. Another stat we Realtors like to bandy about is the % Sales To %List Price Ratio... you know the one, here in Charlotte it is typically cited as 97-98.5%.Often Sellers ask what your rate is, trying to compare you to this mythical average, (I'll prove the mythical part in a minute) when

September Market Report, Prices Rising!

2007-10-02T20:10:00.000-05:00

The average cost per square foot (cpsf) rose 6% in September as compared with the average cpsf in August 2006 on single Family homes in the greater Charlotte Area*, and unit sales were off again. Here are the numbers:Average Cost /SF Rose from 110.46 to 117.14, 6.05% increase.Units Sold Fell from 2537 (2006) to 2068, 18.49% decreaseExpired Listings Rose from 439 to 692, a 57% increase, but

Realty Place- Deception, Collusion, And Fraud?

2007-10-02T08:15:00.000-05:00

For some time I've waited for the "other shoe" to drop-- the real estate Broker/Agent role in the high number of foreclosures and "upside down" neighborhoods built by Beazer and financed with sub prime lending...I can't speak for the industry, but I can speak for myself, reading "Homebuyers in the Dark" and "Promises Upfront, Deals on the Side" by Observer reporters Applebaum and St. Onge, in my

Buyer Agent Bonuses and Other Mistakes

2007-10-01T21:28:00.000-05:00

Yes I've accepted them in the past. No, I can't accept them in the future. Why? Well you have to ask, who am I representing? I'm representing Buyers. If a Seller is paying me a bonus, what is he paying a bonus for? In other words, what's his motivation? And if its OK to accept a small bonus, when is that bonus too big? I wrote this post about a $50,000 Buyer Agent bonus last month that just put

You Aren't From Around Here Are Yuh?

2007-10-01T20:49:00.001-05:00

The Charlotte Observer did one of their "state of the city" articles today asking the question of the hour: "Is Charlotte Still a Southern City?" Anyone who has worked with me or reads my stuff knows that for a long time I've told people that Charlotte is a large modern city in the South, but not a southern city. Now thanks to the prodigious database editor of the Observer, Ted Mellnik, we have

Sunday Night Steals and Deals

2007-09-30T22:03:00.000-05:00

Tonight we will continue looking at Huntersville, NC, a little higher up on the price ladder...under 600k, under 800k and under 1 million.In the under 600k range, we now see many features become common place. Mostly full brick veneer, granite counter tops, Stainless Steel appliances, and tile bathrooms. Neighborhood features step up a level as well, including golf, clubhouse, pool and tennis

Blogging from Pensacola, Florida

2007-09-27T12:22:00.000-05:00

I just spent the last few days in Pensacola with my son finding him a place to live and getting him started in Flight School- Naval Aviation.The real estate here is flooded with home for rent and homes for sale. New construction is limited to a few pricey waterfront developments. My son had his pick of 1700-2000 sf hmes for under 1000 per month. All were in good conditon, in good neighborhoods.

Festival in the Park, Freedom Park, 2007

2007-09-24T18:11:00.000-05:00

Here are my slides from the weekend, the Festival was great. Enjoy.Mark you r calender for next year.

Carolina MLS DOM: Delibarately BAD

2007-09-24T17:51:00.000-05:00

Breaking Down The Carolina MLS Numbers, first of at least two post.Well after quite a number of tries, I was able to duplicate the results for the MLS August press release with one exception, Days on Market... that's not surprising since Days on Market, DOM, is a meaningless statistic the way Carolina Home computes it. This is first in a series on our local MLS and will be included in the

Sunday Night Steals And Deals- Huntersville

2007-09-23T19:04:00.000-05:00

Tonight I'm looking at Huntersville, NC, a popular northern suburb, about 25 minutes to Uptown, and ranked as one of the top 100 places to live in 2004 and 2005 by Money Magazine.I'm also going to detail the criteria I use in determining value from my excellent tools at hand, the MLS. Since I don't have a personal stake in it, i.e I don't have to live there, my only objective is to help you

Against the Transit Tax Repeal

2007-09-22T11:06:00.000-05:00

Oh let me count the ways! Let's start with these facts I think most of us could agree on: Charlotte is growing at an extremely high rate, congestion is high here by any measure, and that growth will continue for the foreseeable future. Therefore,The tax, .5 cents added to our sales tax, is good policy because:1. Roughly 2/3's of the annual $68Million in revenue has supported expanding the

Real Estate Headlines

2007-09-19T15:51:00.000-05:00

These headlines just came across the wire (love that expression, culled from my vast email list)1/3 of purchaser loans originated by Mortgage Brokers failed to close in August, 2007. WOW!1/2 Fed drop is like putting the lending industry on steroids, jet fuel in place of regular fuel... hopefully that will translate positively as it percolates into the nation-wide housing market. The Fed seem's

Mortgage Market Report

2007-09-19T02:35:00.000-05:00

Olan will report regularly on the state of the mortgage market, rates, conditions and changes to the market. As we've all noticed, the mortgage market can change and change fast. He works for Myers Park Mortgage, the area's largest mortgage lender. NO DOC LOAN CHANGES I currently work for the largest mortgage broker in the Charlotte area, as ranked by the Charlotte Business Journal. We

Why is th APR different from my interest rate?

2007-09-19T02:27:00.000-05:00

by Olan CarderWhat is an APR and why is different from my interest rate?Most homebuyers get very confused when they first see their APR. Their loan officer told them that the interest rate is 6.25%, but they see the APR is 6.456%. What is going on?Before understanding the APR, you need to know its purpose. The APR was invented to help consumers shop and compare mortgage loans. If one lender

Unbelievably Beautiful!

2007-09-18T14:05:00.000-05:00

Or, said another way, this is a day "nice enough to move to Charlotte for"...far more typical of October, we've had two beautiful fall days in mid-September. Yesterday and today the temperature hasn't left the 70's, it is dry, sunny and the sky's are somehow bluer than they get up north- yes I know that is technically not possible, just another fantastic North Carolina day. Here's one of my

Charlotte Home Prices, The Real Deal On August Prices

2007-09-15T11:36:00.000-05:00

Prices are UP, volume is DOWN, reflecting both the underlying strength of Charlotte fundamentals and the affects of the national downturn/recession in housing. This is a look at 13 "bell-weather zip codes" for the greater Charlotte area, from Waxhaw to Mooresville. You might want to get a coffee, this is a long post.Each zip has the number sold in 2006, and 2007, and the % decrease/increase

August Market Report- 28031

2007-09-15T10:58:00.000-05:00

Cornelius, NC, Lake Norman's capital city, still growing strong on the lower lake. Average 2006 2007 % Inc/dec Cost per SF $151.12 $172.09 13.88 # Solds 56 56 0.00 Aug-07 Average Sales Price $445,380 ATS Index 137.9 Months Inventory 3.4 Again I think it is fundamentals at work here, same Lake

August Market Report- 28078

2007-09-15T10:10:00.000-05:00

Huntersville, NC consistently ranks as a top place to live in the country, and it reports solid fundamentals in August. I think its convenience and relative value, what do you think? Average 2006 2007 % Inc/dec Cost per SF $112.13 $114.36 1.99 # Solds 119 122 2.52 Aug-07 Average Sales Price $296,653 ATS Index

August Market Report- 28105

2007-09-15T09:34:00.000-05:00

Matthews NC continues its strong presence in the Charlotte market. Convenience ++ Check out the average Sales Price Averge 2006 2007 % Inc/dec Cost Per SF 101.92 109.6 7.54 # Solds 82 65 -20.73 Aug-07 Average Sales Price $250,535 ATS Index 109.75 Months Inventory 2 Once again fewer buyers-

August Market Report- 28209 and 28211

2007-09-15T09:19:00.000-05:00

The SouthPark area is well known for its convenience, shopping, quality homes and value. Average 2006 2007 % Inc/dec Cost Per SF 198.34 220.68 11.26 # Solds 77 54 -29.87 Average Sales Price $564,046 ATS Index 106.68 Months Inventory 3.57 It is a well deserved reputation. Despite 30% fewer buyers in

August Market Report- 28277

2007-09-14T21:29:00.000-05:00

Zip Code 28277, is a popular South Charlotte zip. Average 2006 2007 % Inc/dec CPSF 133.96 136.33 1.77 # Solds 154 144 -6.49 ATS Index 105.21 Months Inventory 2.80 Where CPSF is the Average Cost per SF of sold homes. So the ATS (Asking to Selling) is a

August Market Report- 28270

2007-09-14T20:55:00.000-05:00

August, 2007 Zip Code 28270, central South CharlotteAverage 2006 2007 % Inc/decCPSF 117.74 122.87 4.36# Solds 73 51 -30.14Aug-07 Average Sales Price $326,842ATS Index 107.68Months Inventory 2.71Average cost per square foot of the solds rose 4.36% in August over August 2006. Number of units fell 30% over a year ago. The ATS index (Asking To Selling) See here for a full

Charlotte Prices By Zip and Getting Rid of Meaningless Stats

2007-09-14T15:51:00.000-05:00

The fundamentals within our market- our property valuations- are rock solid. Price appreciation, the main measure of strength, is up 5.1% in single families. Yet there are pockets that haven't done nearly so well, a few have lost ground, and we have 10 - 20% fewer buyers in the market, slowing the growth here for the first time in a decade, you'll see that in the coming zip code posts.I'm

Thinking of Buying New In Charlotte?

2007-09-12T20:14:00.000-05:00

Thinking about buying new construction in Charlotte? I've got one suggestion....Buy Inventory! Buy Inventory. And buy inventory at a discount.Please. There is a lot on the market and builders are dealing on inventory or spec, not build from scratch.And check with your Buyer Agent-- there may be an Agent bonus that your Agent would be willing to share with you.Zip Code and area reports are coming

Google's Done It Again...Too Much Fun

2007-09-11T06:36:00.000-05:00

I've written about Google's Picasa, one of my picks for best new software for 2006- well Google's wonderful free photo editor just got better. Picasa Web Albums has been online for a while- 1 Gig free photo storage, but Google quietly improved it dramatically in late June. Now you can geotag your photos-- put your photos on a Google map. Have a look: You will have to click on a photo, then go

The Panthers are 1-0

2007-09-09T21:19:00.000-05:00

After the pre-season we had, this is an accomplishment. Great individual performances, plus a great game plan made this a sweet day indeed. I like it when the offense reaches real scoring numbers- today 27 points. 3 touch down passes, just under 200 yards rushing, a complete victory. Quite a game call by the new offensive coordinator. Congrats! Go Jake!

Sunday Night Steals And Deals- Condos, In-Town Single Family

2007-09-09T19:30:00.000-05:00

Tonight I'm looking at Uptown condos and intown living in Dilworth. First the condo's. There is a solid selection, so this week I'm looking at the under 230K, 2 bedroom market. The ideal first home for a young professional, perhaps taking a roomate to offset some of the mortgage. With its convenient in-town location, you won't be paying for parking.Tonight's winner: this condo is located in

Charlotte Real Estate Market Report: August 2007

2007-09-09T09:05:00.000-05:00

Good news on Charlotte real estate prices! For the month ending August 31, area wide prices are UP 5.1% compared with August 2006, comparing average cost per square foot prices of Charlotte single family homes from the MLS. Some news at first glance was alarming, the number of units sold are way down -20% from August 2006- but I believe I can show that this isn't the bad news it might appear

FREE NODA Gallery Crawls

2007-09-07T07:49:00.000-05:00

The first and third Fridays each month-- visit music and art during extended gallery hours, 3200 block of North Davidson, for details visit noda.org

August

2007-09-06T08:20:00.000-05:00

August was a great for me-- I was able to welcome 5 new families to the Charlotte area. Thanks to all who had a hand in the relocationsI'll be working on the Charlotte August Real Estate numbers this weekend to see how the rest of the community did... it will be interesting to see how the national slowdown is affecting Charlotte.

Charlotte Shout

2007-09-06T05:37:00.000-05:00

Charlotte Shout, a month long Welcome to Charlotte event, began Wednesday but the real fun starts this weekend with a host of free events- free museums, and the 30th annual Yiasou Greek Festival on East Blvd through Sunday night. Here is the rundown of free museums for Saturday, 9/8:Discovery Place (from 9am -11am)Levine Museum of the New SouthCharlotte Museum of HistoryCommunity School of the

Sunday Night Steals And Deals

2007-09-03T22:14:00.000-05:00

I know it's late Monday night-- but with kids in town, it being Labor Day- just not a lot of time to write. This week, I am looking at golf course properties, for us, on the course, and I reviewed 4 different categories, all on the golf course: under 350K, under 500k, 500- 800K and ...if price was no object.In the under 350 category two great courses and communities met head to head with several

White Water Blast!

2007-09-03T18:43:00.000-05:00

I took the kids, a couple of "boy-girl friends" and off we went for our 5:00 adventure at the US National White Water Center. The sun was getting low, the temperature about 85 degrees, I enjoyed the look on my son Andrew's face- as I had watched Bobby, Amy and Judy's before him-- the look of awe. You really can't describe this place until you have seen it, and even then words and pictures don't

A New Listing...

2007-09-03T08:05:00.000-05:00

do you like the format?

Experimenting with You Tube

2007-08-31T14:49:00.000-05:00

For those of you who have seen my slide shows, these pics may be familiar-- but if not, enjoy the video, our first fun with You Tube. So what do you think? I think its the future of the internet.

Labor Day Happenings Around Charlotte

2007-08-30T20:42:00.000-05:00

What a lineup! What a weekend! Take the family to Matthews Alive--they take over downtown Matthews Friday night through Labor Day Monday for their annual celebration of Matthews, NC. It's a giant family block party, with rides, music, and food. Artists from all over the Carolina come to display their wares. Custom handmade jewelry, pottery, leather works, woodwork- crafts of all shapes and sizes,

So How Much Is Enough? A $50,000 Buyer Bonus?

2007-08-28T20:59:00.000-05:00

So how much is enough? Take a look at the flyer I received by email today. Suppose the home sells for 1.3M, that is a 39k Buyer Side-- plus 50K, 89K 6.8%-- not the 12% I've heard from AZ but still, loads of dough. Two questions, 1) Is it unethical to show this home even if you make your buyer aware of the agent bonus 2) As the LA, is it unethical to make this offer to increase showings... do you

The Microsoft Answer

2007-08-27T22:07:00.000-05:00

quite funnywho knew the competition awaiting the I phone?

Two Easy Votes

2007-08-27T10:01:00.000-05:00

If you believe that Charlotte's best days are in the future, as I do, these two votes in November are easy. I'll be writing more detailed posts in the days to come, but right now I felt the need to get on the record on these two important ballot initiatives, the first favoring the school bond package, and voting No on the repeal of the transit tax.In the case of the school bonds, this is the

Sunday Night Steals And Deals

2007-08-26T18:21:00.000-05:00

Everyone knows that Charlotte real estate is appreciating in the midst of a nationwide housing downturn... but it is still a buyers market here and there are deals to be had if you knowwhere to look.So each Sunday I'll search the Charlotte listings for the best* property in a given class on the market NOW. In the interest of fairness I will exclude any of my own listings. I'll be evaluating "

Update on Iraq from the 82nd Airborne

2007-08-21T23:19:00.000-05:00

Ever wonder what is really going on in Iraq? I mean what is spin? Optimistic thinking? Reality? Just what is going on...Do you? I know I do, so it was with great interest that I read of a half dozen en-listed and non-com officers who wrote a report about the Iraq they saw. If you are interested on the view from a soldier's level, check it out here, (link may be hidden by subscription

The Real Deal on 2nd Quarter Charlotte Home Prices

2007-08-17T21:26:00.000-05:00

Yes I know, Charlotte Home prices are up-- up 7% says the Charlotte Observer today. National real estate powerhouse Zillow , ranked Charlotte third best in the country with prices up 9%--so is that it? Well no, not exactly... not wanting to rain on anybody's parade-- how is Charlotte real estate really doing?The Observer just asks what the average sales price of a home was-- with no comparison

A Response From Zillow

2007-08-15T12:12:00.000-05:00

Update- Zillow announced yesterday that Charlotte MSA prices were up 9% over last year, 3rd best in the nation... which would be great if true, however my research, easily done with our MLS, indicates otherwise.Zillow responded in another forum to my question on how these numbers were created:Hi, it's David from Zillow; Terry - Zillow is a database of all homes not just those that are currently

Charlotte 3rd Fastest Appreciating City 2nd Qtr 2007

2007-08-14T20:52:00.000-05:00

In statistics released today, Zillow, the national web based housing valuator, ranked the Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill MSA 3rd in the nation with a net 9% increase in total housing market value in a year to year comparison through the 2nd quarter of 2007. This just smacks us in the face doesn't it? And begs the question, how did they figure it? The key may still be year to year- our numbers

The Sky is NOT FALLING Part II

2007-08-14T16:25:00.000-05:00

I asked a skilled and thoughtful lender, Olan Carder, his opinion on the sub-prime mortgage mess and the effect on our buyers. Olan is a senior originator for Myers Park Mortgage, the #1 mortgage originator in Charlotte, NC. Here are his thoughts on it all.“What the Sub-Prime Debacle Means For the Typical Borrower” First lets get some things in perspective. You never hear anyone talk about how

South Charlotte Market Report- 28277 - July

2007-08-13T19:54:00.000-05:00

Zip 28277, South Charlotte , is having a sturdy if not all together pretty 2007. Prices are up, the number of sales are way down, and expired listings went through the roof. 28277 is Charlotte's 2nd highest income zip code, and includes neighborhoods like Providence Country Club, Ballantyne Country Club, The Blakeney Area, Ardrey and more. One of Charlotte's most popular zip codes, here are the

The Sky Is NOT Falling

2007-08-12T21:38:00.000-05:00

After a week of one bad news story after another about the "Melt-down", "Collapse" and the impending doom within the mortgage industry it might be time to take some IB, have a scotch and calm down.The "sub-prime" markets account for less than 15% of the total mortgage market.The number of mortgages in jeopardy? .4% (That is no typo, it is 0.40%)Why then all they hype? Because Wall Street is

SW Charlotte Real Estate Update- 28278

2007-08-12T19:19:00.000-05:00

So we heard last month that the nationwide slowdown in housing has finally caught up with Charlotte in the form of fewer sales in June, with prices (thankfully) and year to date numbers still holding strong. Over the next 2 weeks I'll be posting about various South Charlotte Zip Codes to see how they are faring. This week I'm looking at South West Charlotte, zip code 28278, one of the fastest

And Now Homebanc...

2007-08-07T16:43:00.000-05:00

Homebanc has stopped funding as of the end of business yesterday... WOW, they were a major player here. Essentially this means all Wall Street funding of mortgages is coming to a close, an end of an era. These company's have had margin calls reminiscent of 1929, both had lots of money on hand, but not enough to get them out of crisis- American Home Mortgage burnt through 1Billion dollars in

Sub Prime Woes Worsen

2007-08-06T22:30:00.000-05:00

Just when many thought the sub prime debacle was about done, American Home Mortgaage fired its 6200 workers and went into Chapter 11 Friday, and issued a cease funding order, effective immediately.AHM,the 10th largest mortgage company in the country traded at 39/share a year ago, and 12/share a week ago, was apparently the subject of multiple margin calls last week. It was a major player around

Shift Happens

2007-08-06T07:17:00.001-05:00

You may have seen this before, but it addresses the education issues facing our nation head on-- its disturbing, and powerful.This will present a few more questions for Mr. Gorman...

Getting back to blogging

2007-08-02T22:12:00.000-05:00

Sorry its been so long since my last post... a family trip to Europe, a very busy real estate year, a move myself, and a son's graduation here in Charlotte's kept me away. But I return with new confidence and determination to write thoughtful posts here about the many great things happening here in Charlotte--or occasionally from... Greece perhaps? The Acropolis at night was breathtaking.I'll be

The Palisades

2007-08-02T20:55:00.000-05:00

From time to time I'll write about the extraordinary in Charlotte--It's fitting my first community post is about Lake Wylie and The Palisades in Charlotte, North Carolina.The whole Southwest Charlotte corridor is bursting with growth- and I find myself being drawn more and more to the water. After relaxing aboard a 28' cabin cruiser in May off and on for a week with friends on the Severn River in

2007-04-26T14:51:00.000-05:00

2007-04-26T14:50:00.000-05:00

Charlotte Communities and Real Estate: The Problem With Builders...Part I

2007-04-26T14:48:00.000-05:00

2007-04-26T14:46:00.000-05:00

The Problem With Builders, Part II As you know, I do love to sell new Charlotte homes-- they account for about half of the Charlotte real estate market-- as I said in Part I, I have a strong preference for Inventory homes or spec homes, sold at a discount. And we are always looking for great Charlotte communities, communities with pools and other amenities. What I am interested in is value.

The Problem With Builders...Part I

2007-04-16T22:47:00.000-05:00

I love to sell new homes. There is something about them... like a new car they feel great. Maybe it's a throw back to my youth, where I got my start with real estate, selling tons of new homes on a site in Germantown, MD that most considered "too far" out. Today it is like downtown! Yes I love to sell new homes.Charlotte is the 9th largest new home market in the nation... Pulte, Ryan, Shea,

Charlotte Home Prices...Full Steam Ahead!

2007-04-14T10:53:00.000-05:00

Charlotte Home Prices UP, no Bubble!While most of the country worries about falling prices in real estate, a few markets have been unaffected by the non stop Bubble talk. No amount of doom, gloom or rising interest rates have slowed the growth in Charlotte, NC.Good news travels fast. Barron's noted our first quarter growth in Charlotte at just over 7%, third in the nation. Our numbers on

2007-02-12T18:55:00.000-05:00

Back from NY, a swift but exciting trip. At our group meeting Friday I introduced our acquisition of a new product called Market Snapshot. It lets a consumer see what's going on in the neighborhood, in real time. Unlike Zillow and other valuation models, this uses the MLS (not old tax data) to quickly show "Sales" and "For Sales" in your neighborhood, with live links to the MLS data sheet for

Market Snapshot

2007-02-12T17:05:00.000-05:00

On the way to NYC

2007-02-08T18:12:00.000-05:00

I do mean to ask my wife why she booked a weekend trip to NYC in February... I think she has forgotten how cold it can be. Anyway, sometimes you need to leave Charlotte to appreciate Charlotte.We Charlotteans (been here 14 years, guess I am one now) like to complain about traffic, schools and taxes. I'm going to take them on, one by one. Traffic and the Big Apple are a good place to start.When I

New York Pizza in Charlotte

2007-02-05T08:21:00.000-05:00

About a year ago, I had some Pizza guys here from Long Island, and they looked at the "offerings" here and found them, well wanting. What a difference a year makes, New Yorkers and other lovers of great pizza check this story out in today's Observer: http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlotte/news/16624610.htm

ACC Basketball Weekend

2007-02-05T08:16:00.000-05:00

I know everyone is talking SuperBowl, butlike so many, it just wasn't that Super. It was upset weekend in the ACC,with State beating UNC, Florida State over Duke at Duke, and my Terps finally winning an away game at Wake Forest. See a good sports page of college hoops at the Observer- http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlotte/sports/colleges/

"The Pusuit of Happiness..." Communities and Neighborhoods...

2007-02-04T08:57:00.000-05:00

One of my recurrent thoughts through the years is that the newcomer's greatest worry may be, "Will I, or my family, be happy here?" And of course it is the question I nor anyone else can answer for that individual or family... the corollary is "What's Charlotte like?" is a little more answerable. To that I have several thoughts I'd like comments on:Charlotte isn't a stereotypical "Southern" city,

Relocation fears, tears and worries

2007-02-03T20:57:00.000-05:00

As many of you know, I have spent a good bit of my time helping familes relocate throughout the area, and I have tried many times to see what you see. I know, if you are coming from another area of the country, there is a fear that you won't be happy here... I know there is a fear that comes with the unknown...Are there still a lot of sterotypes about the South? Those of you who live here, how

New Slide Show?

2007-02-03T19:19:00.000-05:00

If anyone wants to take some pictures of local events, I'd be happy to get them into and up on slide show.

post a Charlotte Link

2007-02-03T19:14:00.000-05:00

I'm looking for favorite links to Charlotte area events, organizations and other worthwhile sites... We have the Chamber, Center City Partners, CMS, what's your favorite? What should be on the right hand side?

Check out my Slide Show!

2007-02-01T15:25:00.001-05:00

Improved Charlotte Communities Gallery

2007-01-28T20:38:00.000-05:00

Hey you can meet my Real Estate Team and see more than 30 Galleries of photos taken around town-- Uptown, Dilworth, Huntersville, The Sanctuary and tons more. Go have a look at www.CharlotteCommunities.smugmug.com . If you are wondering what the area looks like, this is the place! do you have a great photo of Charlotte you'd like to see on this page? Or in a gallery? Send it with a note thatit's

Real Estate Report

2007-01-28T20:27:00.000-05:00

With all the talk of a Real Estate "Bubble" I thought I'd post our unofficial numbers for 2006. You will see there is no Bubble here:2005* there were 33,866 sales, with an average price of 217,6812006* there were 37,337 sales, an average price of 229,085So that's a 10% increase in the number of sales, and a 5.23% appreciation in average sales price... And the average Days on Market improved

Another Big Question...What is Charlotte Like?

2006-09-12T20:25:00.000-05:00

That is a big question, but a good one. I'm going to answer it a couple of different ways. Charlotte is a large modern city in the south, but it is not a Southern city, not in the way Atlanta, Savannah, Memphis or Charleston might be... Charlotte is primarily inhabited by people not born in the south, but have come here from all over America to raise their family's, get started in their careers,

The Big Question About Charlotte...

2006-09-12T20:12:00.000-05:00

The BIG Question???Well there are several really...Moving from another state, the BIG question is always something like, "Where do people like me, or families like us, want to live?" For a discussion of the different areas, the local towns and the suburbs, I designed my relocation page to help answer that Big Question. Check it out at: http://charlottecommunities.net/Relocation.htmWhat about

photogalleries

2006-09-12T20:03:00.000-05:00

I've created these photo galleries to help relocating families see a little of Charlotte. They are in an easy to use format and show some of the area and some of the neighborhoods at the following links: Our downtown, we call Uptown, more than 50 pics at http://charlottecommunities.smugmug.com/gallery/1849965/1/92765203 Close-in beautiful Myers Park: http://

2006-08-30T21:26:00.000-05:00

Here is a look at some of Charlotte's neighborhoods from a distance... if you live there, or know someone who does, feel free to post. This is from a letter I send to newcomers considering Charlotte-- but what are the essentials, can't miss features in these areas? you decideWhen it comes to neighborhoods, Charlotte has about all of them. Center city, or the area inside the I- 277 Loop, is