Archive for October, 2009

HomeBuyers Are You On Deck? Better get ready to Step-Up

October 29th, 2009 categories: Charlotte Real Estate & More, First Time Home Buyers

If you’re a homebuyer and you’re “on deck” you may want to get ready to step-up to the plate!

CNBC’s Diana Olick reports today “Home Buyer Tax Credit: Final Deal?” that Congress may be close to extending the popular First Time HomeBuyer Tax Credit program! Good news, but there’s even better news – the revised plan may allow for “step-up” buyers to benefit. That’s right they are finally considering doing for the middle market homebuyers what they’ve done for the lower end / first time buyer! In fact there is some early buzz that a “step-up” homebuyer tax credit would apply on homes up to $800,000! We’ll believe that when we see it, right! But I am optimistic that some help is coming for that stagnant $300K-$500K part of the market and well it should.

First time homebuyers are most often strapped for cash and focused on the down payment – “step -up” buyers on the other hand are much more likely to have cash and will use the tax credit on things like below…. look how many businesses are impacted by the purchase of a home

• lawn /landscape
• furniture
• appliance
• painting / roofing
• patio / deck
• bathroom / kitchen renovations
• home furnishing / bedding
• fence / invisible fence companies
• and many, many more

So please keep an eye on congress and be sure to support any effort to help the middle end of the housing market – it is very important that we get this part of the market moving again to support NOT ONLY the  housing market!

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

Halloween Costume Ideas at Charlotte Goodwill

October 28th, 2009 categories: Charlotte Lifestyle, Good stuff we find, Michael Gibbons

Recently I met Bo Hussey reach him here he is doing some pretty cool things at Goodwill Southern Piedmont (Charlotte). Bo is a smart-bold guy who is using social media tools like YouTube in innovative ways to build brand awareness and expand the Goodwill mission here in Charlotte.

Bo knows Social Media and he is ahead of the curve (for non profits) in using tools like YouTube to get the word out about Goodwill – a perfect example is this video on the best place in Charlotte to get creative about your 2009 Halloween Costume – watch the video and many more here at Goodwill Southern Piedmont channel on YouTube (and then read more about Goodwill’s mission below and on their website! (oh and check out one of my recent Goodwill costumes – Paula Dean meets Julia Child – scary)

“Goodwill was founded in 1902 in Boston by Rev. Edgar J. Helms, a Methodist minister and early social innovator. Helms started Goodwill with the idea that people could earn a living collecting donated goods, repairing and selling them – that a job was better than a handout.  “Not charity, but a chance,” he always said.

Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont began providing services to people in this region in 1965. The Southern Piedmont territory includes 13 counties in North Carolina and five counties in South Carolina. Locally, Goodwill has a retail store or provides services in eight of these 18 counties: Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Cleveland, Gaston, Lancaster, Lincoln, Union and York Counties.

Although Goodwill has grown in the past 100 years, we cannot rest while so many people still need our services. The demand for Goodwill’s employment and training services continues to increase as a result of the changing economy. This increasing demand magnifies Goodwill’s need for donations. Last year, Goodwill received more than 875,000 donations of clothing, household items and furniture totaling more than 54 million pounds from the Southern Piedmont region of North and South Carolina.”

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: 1 Comment »

Quick – Name the East Coast “Tech Mecca”?

October 28th, 2009 categories: Charlotte Lifestyle, Charlotte Real Estate & More

Not so easy is it? DC? New York? Orlando? New England tried, Richmond? OK maybe Raleigh’s the closet thing but then you don’t think of Raleigh as a hotbed for iconoclastic techies with start up ambitions – you think Nortel (they still around?), SmithKlineblahblahblah. No I’m talking more about a thriving entrepreneurial community where people ride bikes to work and play ping pong and vintage pinball all day – they don’t really but you get the picture. (and of course better snacks)

I was reading Neal Peirces’ column about Barcelcona’s transformation from rusting industrial shell to an “entrepreneurial city” based on technology and the “knowledge economy” – I thought hey nobody’s doing this on the east coast (YET!!!) why not Charlotte read Peirce’s Washington Post column here

So here’s the thing I think Charlotte could and should be the East Coast “TechMecca” did I just coin a phrase? – I think I did! I like that but no matter what we label it I think there is a huge opportunity (JOBS) for an east coast city to grab this distinction – right now- before its too late! We have a lot of things already in place:

• Charlotte is a leader in motorsports / high tech automotive development – wind tunnels etc
• Between Charlotte- Murdoch Research Institute-Raleigh we’re part of a distinct tech region
• BMW is here, NASCAR, Google and Apple are nearby too
• Our great hospital system will rely heavily on new tech innovations
• Our textile heritage could fire up nano and specialty fibers/fabrics
• We have UNCC and their business incubator facilities
• BIG and other entrepreneurial groups
• our oft maligned school system is just waiting (and will rise) to feed into a community vision like this
• We also have a thriving and astute social media / web community – we could (maybe we already do) lead here

and that’s just what I can think of off the top of my head….

We can do this! We’re big enough to take this on and we’re stable enough (lucky) that we can build on what we have – all we need is a plan, a vision and a collective zeal like that put forth by cities to host the Olympic Games! Charlotte is a happening place with a great circulation of new people we need something to get behind something like an Olympic bid – except in this case it would be a drive for something lasting (JOBS) unlike the fleeting  3 week glory of the Olympic games! And of course don’t forget better snacks!

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: 1 Comment »

Friday Fun | THE LOVE BOAT!

October 23rd, 2009 categories: Friday Fun

Another video that speaks for itself – making my blogging life easy. Amazing how perfectly the lyrics go with the video – enjoy!

Now get out there and enjoy Charlotte’s Lake Wylie and Lake Norman – but let’s remember to be careful out there!

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: 1 Comment »

I just wanted the price, I didn’t want to speak to a real person!

October 21st, 2009 categories: Charlotte Real Estate & More, Good stuff we find, Homebuyers Charlotte

Have you ever been driving around and come upon a home for sale that you’re interested in…and there it is the agents name and number right there on the sign -  so you dial the nu…..you hesitate…WAIT….you think “Do I really feel like a sales pitch right now — all I want is the info, the number of bedrooms, does it have granite countertops, what’s the PRICE! I’m not ready to buy (yet) and I sure don’t want to end up on some “hot” lead list or worse to be pestered mercilessly by an underworked real estate agent!

I think we’ve all felt that way at times (even as an agent I don’t like to be pitched or pushed) sometimes I just want to do things, check things out on my timeline, my pace.

Well what if there was a service (there is) that would allow you to call about any house for sale in Charlotte, any house NOT just REMAX houses – call any Allen Tate, Keller Williams, Helen Adams, Cottingham/Bissell, etc – and get not some but all the info you need without ever talking to an agent! (more on that secret below**)

REMAX EXECUTIVE is rolling out Voicepad in Charlotte.
In two easy steps:

1. Call this number 704-367-4444 (from any phone, home, cell, smartphone or not)
**You can choose to activate your service through a REMAX agent or just use the number

2. Put in the street address and…
(no special codes or mumbo jumbo)

….Voila You will hear all of the details about the home INCLUDING THE PRICE (I highlight price because with other text/info systems the agent will typically not give you that info forcing you to call the agent for the price and (a sales pitch)

So no doubt Voicepad is an awesome service for the homebuyer – you have full access to full info on every home in the Charlotte MLS literally at your fingertips. But here’s the rub….FULL DISCLOSURE when you use VoicePad to call about a property – an agent will be advised of your call – and you’re sure to get a call (maybe more than one) from that agent.

UNLESS….and here’s the SECRET

Let me ACTIVATE the service for you first – By activating the service (all I need is  your email & phone number) when you call about a property I will be the agent who gets the “lead” (no one else will know you called about the property, not even the listing agent) So together we can decide how to communicate — if you want to me follow up that’s fine and if not that’s fine too! This way you get all the information on ANY listing and you do not have to speak to an agent ~ until you’re ready to speak with an agent!

So what do I (my teammates Betsy, Blake, Donna, Jackie and Rhonda) get out of this? Maybe nothing. We are providing our clients with this free service in the hopes that it will help you in your Charlotte home search and that when it comes time to visit specific homes you will call on us for our expertise and help. We know people like to check things out on their own (we’re the same way) we hope with Voicepad you’ll feel less pressured and that your efforts will be more productive and fun!

If your interested is setting up your own Voicepad please drop us an email right here ~ and please let us know if you are already dealing with a REMAX agent so we can get you to the right person!

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

“Help Me” Rhonda Helps Client Win Big at Foreclosure Auction

October 20th, 2009 categories: Charlotte Real Estate & More, Foreclosure, Michael Gibbons, Mountain Island Lake, Rhonda Gibbons

Well shut my mouth — for two days prior to the auction I was a wet blanket ninnie, raising one red flag after another – concerned that Rhonda (and her client) might be in over their heads (or worse)! Well I couldn’t have been further from the truth – Rhonda (as always) had done ALL her homework and she was ready…but I think what happened next surprised everyone including the auctioneer!

It was only the weekend before that Rhonda had helped her client find the perfect house in one of Charlotte’s hottest surrounding areas Mountain Island Lake. Alas the home was in foreclosure and scheduled for auction (a side note: both Rhonda and her client expressed regret that such a magnificent home and the family who lived there had fallen into such hardship – tempering the joy of finding such a deal) Nonetheless the home was going to be auctioned and all the better if another family could buy the house and bring back that joy!

So Rhonda went to work quickly preparing herself and her client (who lives out of state) to bid at the Hudson and Marshall auction last Thursday. Rhonda had less than a week to do all the things that a good Realtor needs to do on a foreclosure property; scheduling a full home inspection, running a meticulous Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) plus all the legal (power of attorney) logistics involved with bidding on behalf of a an out of state client – that’s right Rhonda was to be the one raising her (well manicured) hand committing to hundreds of thousands of dollars!

So fast forward to the auction a rainy Thursday night — unless you’ve been there you have no idea how fast and furious a  foreclosure auction can be. Along for moral support I watched as Rhonda deftly played the bidding like a pro — patiently waiting as three other bidders ran the price up from $100 to $200 then $250 – joining in and ultimately winning the auction at a stunningly low price of $355,000. We won’t say what the client was willing to bid but it was not $355,000.

Coincidentally WCNC TV’s Bobby Sisk was doing a story about foreclosure auctions and they visited this home (see video here) to talk about the dos and (mostly) don’ts of buying foreclosure properties. The (well experienced) listing agent Sandy Coyer talks about the 6000 square foot property which originally sold for $700K being offered at $425,000. You will also see Rhonda’s inspector Paul King (dutifully checking every nook and cranny) who just happened to be there during the filming!

Oh and the really good news we learned today the BID was accepted and Rhonda’s client will be closing in November — just in time to bring the joy of the holidays back making this magnificent house a home once again! Oh and a shout out to Hudson and Marshall who were nothing but professional and made the whole experience exciting and enjoyable.

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: 2 Comments »

A Balloon (and cause) You Can Believe In

October 19th, 2009 categories: Ballantyne, Betsy Mayer, Blake Garvin, Donna Johnston, Giving Back in Charlotte, Jackie Stutts, Michael Gibbons, Rhonda Gibbons

This photo from an actual tethered ride much like our rides in Ballantyne will be -
see below for more “blow your mind” balloon facts!

Unlike so many balloon stories lately – the RE/MAX hot air balloon is no hoax (no runaway balloon boys) and next Monday afternoon it will be rising above Ballantyne for a very good cause! Join RE/MAX Executive Realty and the TalkCharlotte team for the annual Link Up for Kids golf tournament and balloon ride.

That’s right next Monday RE/MAX Executive and friends (like you) we will be playing golf and riding in a real hot air balloon to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network | Levine Hospital…

“Today, more than 170 hospitals throughout the United States and Canada, specializing in treating children, make up CMN. The organization is unique in that 100 percent of the money raised in each community benefits the local participating CMN hospitals. These funds will help provide the resources necessary to introduce and maintain high quality medical programs, equipment, and facilities for pediatric patients.

RE/MAX Executive is the largest RE/MAX contributor to CMN in the Charlotte region with donations regularly topping $50,000 a year.

The money raised at the 2009 “Link Up for Kids” will stay in the Charlotte area to benefit The Levine Children’s Hospital on the campus of Carolinas Medical Center.”

Great cause, a lot of fun – we hope you’ll join us to play golf and or ride in the “very well tethered” balloon – no balloon boys here! The balloon will be at the Ballantyne Country Cub Monday 10/26(probably at the driving range) rides weather permitting from 4:30-6:30 (a $5 donation for each rider is appreciated)

Did you know?

• the balloon basket is rattan – it holds 2-3 people
• ride will be 4-5 minutes up to 40 ft
• the propane flame burns at several hundred thousand degrees & rises 15 feet & burns 40 million BTUs
• 40 million BTUs is equivalent to 400 home furnaces burning at the same time!
• the air inside the balloon is 250 degrees F and is equivalent to air in 6 – 2000 sf houses
• balloon is 75 feet high and 60 feet wide

It’s all very safe – our balloonist Tom Lattin is certified by the FAA – so come out, bring the kids, do some good and ENJOY THE RIDE** or if you prefer just learn something new and watch the balloon – it’s amazing!

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: 3 Comments »

Friday Fun: Slow Down and Hear the Music

October 16th, 2009 categories: Friday Fun

Take a moment or two today to slow down and listen to the music around you (it’s there)…enjoy!

If you remember this…

Then you’ll love this…

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

Charlotte NC One of Top 10 Places to Launch a Business

October 15th, 2009 categories: Charlotte Real Estate & More

It’s official, CNNMoney.com says that Charlotte, NC is one of the top ten places in the country to launch a business! >> (they’re catapults from Mr Hales Algebra II class by the way… you know – launch, catapult!) And you know what those in the know think this is the best time to launch that business – see what Seth Godin (hint: the article date doesn’t matter) and Gary Vaynerchuk have to say about that – one’s quiet, one loud! Oh and how could I forget my friend and bestselling author Pam Slim who will help you Escape from Cubicle Nation (and what do you know she’s talking about Gary V!)!

So there you have the tools/motivation to get started, I mean really to GO — here’s why Charlotte might just be the perfect place! Charlotte is known as “bank town” but in reality Charlotte has quite a dynamic entrepreneur community:

• BarCamp 2 | the technology (social media) un-conference (this weekend)
• BIG Council | entrepreneurial exchange & innovation think tank
• Everyday Edisons | TV show and inventors haven
• UNCC | Five Ventures business incubator

Those are but a few of the very exciting and somewhat hidden aspects of Charlotte as a burgeoning business incubator environment.

Living here? Well here are few points captured by CNN and of course read through the blog here to see more about why so many people want to get here and NOBODY wants to leave!

“Today, the area has 1,900 manufacturers, representing industries that range from computer and electronic products to bio-medical facilities.

Charlotte is the second-largest financial center in the country, with more than $2.3 trillion in bank assets, trailing only New York. Seven Fortune 500 companies are headquartered here, and incentives are plentiful for new businesses in town.

Charlotte’s population has grown steadily for the past 20 years, and unemployment is low. Business owners cite a high quality of life in a region that has four distinct seasons…”

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: 2 Comments »

Oh I bet you say that to all the Realtors!

October 13th, 2009 categories: Charlotte HomeSTORY, Charlotte Real Estate & More, Michael Gibbons

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of working with a young family relocating to Charlotte – it was a double pleasure because Andrew, Tena and their daughter Brooklynn are the kind of clients I love – they wanted to buy a house they could make a home – it was going to be their ‘74 Buick Century. Now don’t get me wrong Andrew and Tena knew exactly what they wanted, what they were willing to pay and they are no pushovers – but they never lost sight of the forest or the trees.**

Everyone says it’s a buyers market and I suppose it is but in some respects I think that only makes the transaction tougher (for all parties). A seller ’s duress often leads to a messy deal or one that ultimately fails. In this case we were all lucky to deal with a seller who not only acted professionally but had a heart and really cared about the family that was buying his home – remember those days? Although negotiations were at times tenuous and as Andrew says “most of all (Mike) fought for us as the buyer” – well it’s much easier to fight when dealing with reasonable people who are buying for the right reason. So often today it’s ALL about the DEAL, seems to be solely a game, one up-manship, ego – not here - in the end this was about the joy of owning a home! Proof that sellers don’t have to lose for buyers to win & vice versa.

It’s true (as you see below) Andrew and Tena did (in the end) buy the first home I showed them – truth be told that had a lot more to do with luck (and their focus) than providence as I initially took this home out of the mix due to a sloping front yard! And let’s not forget we looked at a bunch of homes in Lake Norman, Waxhaw and Mint Hill – which helped them hone in on what they really wanted! That is what it’s all about – part of finding the home you want is checking out the homes you don’t – it’s why there is nothing more valuable to buying a home than a good Realtor – who listens, who listens.

“Michael was the right Realtor for us right from the very beginning. His prep work was extensive and allowed us to focus only on those properties which met our requirements. Throughout the entire process Michael was reachable, responsive, proactive, extremely well organized and knowledgeable, but most of all he fought for us as the buyer. In fact, he was so good that we ended up buying the very first house he showed us! I would recommend him highly if you are serious about buying a home.”   Andrew Sobel

Malcom Forbes once said “in all thy getting, get understanding”. I think that is apropos especially for today’s market — make sure in all our getting (wanting) that we don’t forget the understanding part – its the part that makes all the difference, the part that helps us remember/focus on what we’re really after.

So if you call me for list of  foreclosure porperties - you’ll understand why I’ll politely recommend another agent who can help you with that deal!

**Oh and talk about forest for the trees, joy etc. – how about this – ten minutes before the closing Andrew proposed to Tena in the (suitably posh) LawAvania law offices!! Now that’s a closing to remember!

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: 2 Comments »

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