Archive for September, 2008

Sun sets on an old Charlotte friend | Wachovia

September 29th, 2008 categories: Charlotte Legends

I just learned through of all things a twitter from Justin Ruckman at the CLTBlog that the weekend rumors were true ~ our old corporate friend Wachovia has been purchased by New York’s Citigroup. Hard to believe this banking behemoth of Charlotte is being fire-sold at $1 a share.

Here are a couple news links
Charlotte Business Journal “Citigroup to buy Wachovia’s banking operations”
Charlotte Observer’s Mary Newsome “How Wachovia sale affects Charlotte’s growth”

**I realize the picture is sunrise ~ but I know that even with this stumble the sun will come up tomorrow over Charlotte…bet your bottom dollar….!

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

Radon, Run for your Lives?

September 29th, 2008 categories: Betsy Mayer, Charlotte Real Estate & More

OK Godzilla may be a little over top. It is not our intent to make light of the radon issue, especially when by some accounts radon poisoning kills 21,000 people in the US each year. (radon-induced lung cancer is thought to be the 6th leading cause of cancer death overall according to Wikipedia)

So hopefully our post today will be a start and provide some resources EPA says for a better understanding of a serious issue for some homeowners. Its should be pointed out that radon has not typically been a southern problem (Lord knows we have our share) but radon is not usually one of them owing to the fact that radon is most prevalent in basements and bedrock — apparently radon does not like red clay. While we usually “don’t do basements” we have our fair share and we do on occasion have radon issues. Keep in kind that there is some chatter about radon in some types of granite.

Our own Betsy Mayer asked one of her trusted home inspectors Michael Lewis of Mecklenburg Inspections to share this thoughts on the radon issue here in Charlotte…

Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that occurs naturally in all parts of the US. Radon is a “Group A” carcinogen and the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. The primary concern about indoor radon gas is the increased risk of lung cancer that exists from breathing radon and its byproducts. The magnitude of the risk depends on the radon concentration in the air you breathe and how long you are breathing it. Radon is estimated to be responsible for the death of about 21, 000 people in the US every year. The US Surgeon General, US EPA, and The American Lung Association recommend that all homes be tested for radon gas.

Radon is a national concern. Soil, sand, and rock underneath the home are the primary sources of indoor radon gas. The soil under a house always contains traces of uranium that eventually decays into radium that then decays directly into radon. This soil constitutes an enormous surface area for release of radon gas into the air and into buildings. Material inside the home, such as concrete, granite, slate, marble, sand, shale and other stones can also contain traces of radium that release radon with varying intensities. The contribution from building materials to the indoor radon concentration is very dependent upon the building ventilation rate.

Diagnostic measurements of the radon in the air you breathe can provide better risk estimates. It is highly recommended that you have a certified residential measurement provider perform the radon gas measurement in your home. All certified measurement providers are aware of testing protocols and have the education necessary to take accurate measurements.

Thanks to Betsy and Michael for his expertise in this area, our home inspectors do a really nice job of keeping up with the most current data on issues like radon. If you’ d like to learn more please click on the links above and of course feel free to contact our team for a wonderful selection of radon free housing in Charlotte NC!

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: 1 Comment »

Makes you think twice. Doesn’t it?

September 28th, 2008 categories: Sunday Inspiration

I am not going to give this way except to say that you owe it to yourself take 5:55 minutes out of your day and watch this poignant beautiful short story.

Financial meltdowns, hurricanes, gas lines…this will make you think small — we can all make be a difference even in small way which is HUGE!

and you may prefer the original larger version click here

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

Charlotte is a Perfect Four (seasons)!

September 27th, 2008 categories: Blake Garvin, Charlotte Lifestyle

Actually I think we all feel Charlotte is perfect especially at this time of year. As the summer turns to fall and our minds turn from warm days and gorgeous beach sunsets to crisp fall football weekends and mountain foliage. I know sounds like some sappy commercial but it’s true Charlotte is so close to the mountains and the beach that you will once again fall in love with the change of seasons!

Blake says it best….

“Whether it is the beach or the mountains you like, Charlotte is surely close to both.  I love my city life, but it is nice to be able to go away for a short weekend to a beautiful beach or a nice mountain inn.  I love both of the beaches I have visited……Wrightsville Beach in North Carolina is laid back the quaint town within walking distance.  While Charleston, South Carolina on the other hand has such great history to learn about in the downtown area and then there are so many beautiful beaches to choose from close by.  We love the Wild Dunes resort. And remember with temperate weather the beaches are really a year round attraction for Charlotteans!

If you are up for more of a getaway into the mountains, I must recommend the Grove Park Inn.  It has a amazing golf course and spa with wonderful accommodations and great restaurants to choose from, you don’t even need to leave the resort if you don’t want to. Asheville, is right there known for its funky art and eclectic restaurants.  And don’t miss the Biltmore Christmas a must do!  There is something for everyone in Asheville and best of all you could do it in a day trip if you wanted to from Charlotte. Inn, this is about 15 minutes from the Grove Park and full of great history and tours to choose from.  They also have wonderful gardens, a winery, horse back riding tours, even some off-roading in SUVs if that is your pleasure.  There is something for everyone in Asheville and best of all you could do it in a day trip if you wanted to from Charlotte.”

Thank you Blake. I think you summed up very well why so many people find Charlotte to be the perfect place to build a career, raise a family or just enjoy the four seasons!

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

Florida can’t relocate!

September 26th, 2008 categories: Friday Fun

We certainly don’t want to minimize or make light of the catastrophic hurricanes the past few weeks (see Red Cross link below) – but we also know that life will go on and that one of our most precious possessions is not a possession at all it’s our sense of humor.

So hopefully this will give you a chuckle and if you are so inclined here is a link to the Red Cross who among others is doing some amazing work putting lives back together in the Caribbean, along the Gulf Coast and in Florida.

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

Myers Park Hardware est. 1947 a Charlotte Institution | Closing

September 25th, 2008 categories: Charlotte Legends, Myers Park

Myers Park hardware is in fact your grandfather’s hardware store! Actually for our Myers Park neighbors it is was more like an old friend. So this week we learn Myers Park Hardware is closing!! In many ways it’s a shame the store is a landmark on one of Charlotte’s most renowned intersections ~ the corner of Queens Rd. Providence Rd. and Queens Rd. (more on our crazy street names later). In the Charlotte Observer read Dannye Romine Powell’s eulogy for a trusted friend...”When Myers Park Hardware closes, the sky over Charlotte will drain to a paler blue.”

So the good news? Bordered by the grand old Eastover and Elizabeth neighborhoods this is an area ripe for development. Knowing the Myers Park community you can be assured they will find a great use for this prime piece of Charlotte real estate.
New to Charlotte? Stop by and experience a Charlotte institution, been here awhile stop in say thanks and goodbye!
Oh and we still have Blackhawk Hardware ~ let’s call them Myers Park Hardware’s sibling!

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

You may be a redneck if…

September 19th, 2008 categories: Friday Fun

All in fun, all in fun (no rednecks or babies were harmed in the taking of these pictures (we hope!)

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: 3 Comments »

What’s up with this First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit?

September 14th, 2008 categories: Charlotte Real Estate & More, Home Financing

There may be is a sliver lining to everything even the current “housing crisis” (more to say about that here). It happens to be a very good to time to buy a home in Charlotte especially if you are a first time homebuyer. While prices and transactions may be down the Charlotte home real estate market continues to be reassuringly stable.

So what about this First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit? Is it for me? How does it work?

Here’s what the National Association of Homebuilders says about the homebuyer tax credit program…

“Opportunity of a Lifetime for First-Time Buyers

For aspiring home owners who find their goal stubbornly elusive, newly enacted legislation providing a tax credit of as much as $7,500 for first-time home buyers might just be the opportunity of a lifetime. But like so many of the good things in life, time is of the essence for buyers who want to take advantage of this outstanding opportunity. Only homes purchased on or after April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009 are eligible.”

Check out some great information on the  National Association of Homebuilders website or if you prefer a question & answer format check out Charlotte’s own residential real estate guru Bill Gallagher’s excellent and informative blog post about the first time homebuyer tax credit. (Bill owns Superior School of Real Estate here in Charlotte) Thanks Bill for this concise explanation! We know the ropes too so please don’t hesitate to call us — we’ll be more than happy and ready to help you find you first Charlotte home or your tenth!

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

Remember. Never forget. Prevail.

September 13th, 2008 categories: Good stuff we find

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

Charlotte Real Estate Market Update – Uptown area 99 August 08

September 12th, 2008 categories: Charlotte Real Estate Trends

Currently in area 99, which is considered Uptown instead of Downtown Charlotte, from Jan. 1 to Aug. 31, 08 there have been 643 condos for sale new and resales. The average list price is $429,898, 197 under contract with the average price of $403,740 and 174 sold with the average price of $337,331. The following spread sheet shows what the market is doing for the month of Aug. 08.

So right now, in downtown Charlotte there are 332 active condo’s on the market. I would say plenty to choose from in the great buyers market ranging from a studio around 550 sq ft priced at $227 a sq ft all the way to the penthouse that is around 6650 sq ft and priced at $752 per sq ft. That must be some kind of  Penthouse! Well, actually it isn’t built yet but it will even have an elevator for your car.

 

               The Encore

 The following chart shows all the pending and sold condo’s in downtown Charlotte for the month of August 2008.

The sold properties in August range from a shoebox of 587 sq ft that sold at $301 a sq ft all the way to a good sized unit of 3200 sq ft that sold for $515 a sq ft. You still have plenty to choose from highrises to townhomes. There even is a couple single family homes available downtown. So come on and get the urban feel in downtown or is it uptown Charlotte! What are you waiting for?

Spoken by Donna Johnston | Discussion: 1 Comment »

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