Archive for the 'About Our Realtors' Category

hungary? These kids are!

February 7th, 2010 categories: Donna Johnston, Fun for Kids, Giving Back in Charlotte, Good stuff we find, Sunday Inspiration

Every year my kids amaze me on how enthusiastic they are about sleeping in a box and fasting for 30 hours. It is usually cold and raining yet that just energizes them. My kids have a huge heart and soul and Haiti has been especially on their minds. This event is so unique because it is planned and ran by the youth and volunteers.

This year, St. John Episcopal Church is building its box city for the 30 Hour Famine on Saturday, Feb. 27th, 2010. The youth have to raise at least $360 to participate and hundreds do. This is not just for St. Johns but any youth (grades 6-12) that want to help raise money for a good cause while having fun. The 30 hour famine raises awareness for hunger not just around the world but in our city as well. St. Johns youth set records every year on how much money they raise for the 30 hour famine.

World Vision is a well respected 5 star charity that has a mission to feed the hungry. In the aftermath of the devastation of Haiti, the need is there more than ever. Did you know that over 25,000 children die from hunger or hunger related illnesses every DAY? This year at St John’s 30 hour famine the theme is “Western” and yes, I have heard they are going to have a mechanical bull for the kids to ride, Woo Hoo. I am looking forward to the Famine Hoe Down square dance they are hosting. I haven’t done that since I was a kid myself.

All are welcome to join in the fun for $5 or $20 per family and you don’t have to wear the square dancing dress- unless you just happen to have one in your closet…. Want to help, see it in action, donate, spread the word- please do. Click here to see more 30 Hour Famine St. Johns. Do you know of any event going on to raise awareness for hunger? As I am preparing the food for my guests coming over for the super bowl, I realize how fortunate we are. Imagine being so hungry without a kitchen to go to. Click Here to donate directly to St Johns 30 hour famine.

Spoken by Donna Johnston | Discussion: No Comments »

Will My Sister Finally Move To Charlotte?

January 8th, 2010 categories: Charlotte Real Estate & More, Donna Johnston, Homebuyers Charlotte

My sister Debbie who I love very much has been coming to Charlotte for sometimes a month at a time for over 10 years. I would love for them to move to Charlotte. The problem is Paul her husband loves Wisconsin. I can see why, the snow in October, the snow banks higher then his 5 yr old son Thomas, plugging your car in at night so your anti freeze doesn’t freeze (for real, I used to live there.) The summer lasts a little over 2 months then they jump to Winter boom it snows. When the Daffodils and Tulips are blooming here in March or sometimes the end of February, they are still freezing until after Easter. Enough about the weather.

Paul was also laid off in a position he held for over 10 years last winter. So like many people he has to find a new job. Well, I think he should give Charlotte a shot. Just Sayin’ with all these new companies moving here, who knows he may have a good chance. He has those good ole’ Midwest work ethics. Much different than the southern ones I have encountered.

Here is the scoop on the companies recently announcing moving here. I am not sure if I should thank our old Mayor Pat McCrory or our new one Anthony Foxx but kudos to the both of you for bringing in business. Hopefully this will stimulate the housing market as well.

Today, Swedish outdoor equipment manufacturer Husqvarna will invest 2.75 million into it’s new North American   Headquarters in Charlotte.   It will bring 160 jobs to Charlotte with an average pay of $79,000. Located in the University area.

Yesterday, Wilbert Plastic Services, a Chicago supplier for over 100 years for molded plastic parts for the automotive,  industrial-equipment and custom-parts markets, will be moving it’s Headquarters to Belmont in Gaston County, adding 41 jobs and moving its Headquarters to Belmont.

In December, Zenta Mortgage Services announced it will add 1,002 jobs with an average salary of $47,980 over the next 5 years.

Also In December, Swedish appliance maker Electrolux announced it will move its North American Headquarters to Charlotte.  This      will  bring 738 jobs to Charlotte region.

In October, it was announced that Premier, the health-care services company has long been based in San Diego and is now officially moving the Headquarters from San Diego to Charlotte.   This will bring 300 jobs to Charlotte region with a average salary of $62,000 .

So,  anyone wishing their family would move to Charlotte like me? Now you have a great reason to get them here. Just send them this post and have them call me .   The passionate one about Charlotte…

Spoken by Donna Johnston | Discussion: No Comments »

Will you buy my Mommy’s Townhouse? Please.

January 6th, 2010 categories: Charlotte HomeSTORY, First Time Home Buyers, Michael Gibbons

Yes this is Abigail ~ need I say more?

Now Abigail’s Mom Elaine and I have a problem, you see we’re pretty sure if Abigail could talk she’d tell us she needs a little more room to spread those angel wings! (with a with a 15 year old Daddy’s Girl of my own – I’m pretty sure Abigail is going to get what she desires!)

I came to know Elaine after she joined our cycling team MojoRiding a couple of years back – then she kind of disappeared and reappeared with a beautiful baby in tow! We reconnected on of all things Facebook – go figure right! Elaine is an CRNA and I vaguely remembered she had the opportunity to work at a hospital in Boston – which accounted for the disappearance but not for the BABY! Now I knew Elaine was single when she left…and she was gone for twelve months…but…as it turns out Abigail needed someone and Elaine was there for her – now she is in the process of adopting Abigail, they are a miracle for each other.

Elaine has “loved living the low maintenance and carefree living of a townhouse” (read her Homestory below) but going forward life is going to be anything but low maintenance! Elaine and Abigail want to spread their wings a bit – so they’ve got a townhome to sell!

Magnolia Park is at the corner of Park and Tyvola – could you have a more perfectly located townhouse – minutes from downtown, even closer to the Carolina Medical Center (just ask Elaine) and Presbyterian Hospital (are you a health care worker? RN? Doc?) seconds from Southpark Mall (are you a shopper?) and down the street from Phillips Place theaters (and more shopping) and yes a walk from one of Charlotte’s best (true) Italian restaurants Portofino. Check out 2937 Duvalla’s WalkScore here to see why this is truly the perfect SouthPark location! And don’t forget Charlotte’s remarkable Greenway Project of trails and conservation will run right behind the Magnolia Park Townhomes – more info here

If you’re in the market for a Charlotte townhouse we hope you’ll visit Magnolia Park. Well built by Pulte Homes we think you’ll find everything you’re looking for and more in this impeccable, cared for, roomy townhome. And if you’re a first time Charlotte homebuyer this is a great time to make an investment and enjoy living in one of Charlotte’s most desirable neighborhoods. But most importantly as you can see from Elaine’s “homestory” we’ve got to find a place where Abigail’s pink gown and wand will not cause a stir!

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

Friday Fun: Do I remind you of the eTrade baby?

November 20th, 2009 categories: Friday Fun, Michael Gibbons

OK today’s Friday Fun is about to get real serious! I have decided to try my hand at video – as many of you know I am an internet/social media superstar (I checked you can in fact self proclaim yourself a superstar) Kidding aside if you’re going to be a social media star – you have to do video so I’m in the process of testing out my (what I assumed was) an innate talent for online video. Hoping to entertain, inform and maybe inspire millions.

Well thanks to my wonderfully candid and no nonsense wife Rhonda – I may have to pull back a bit on my video adventure. Let’s just say the early reviews are….mixed. There’s some good news – Rhonda says (on video) I look like someone famous the bad news Rhonda says (on video) I look like someone famous! I’ll leave it you my readers to decide – what do you think do I remind you of the eTrade baby? (love to hear your comments on this one!)

as compared to my buddy

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

Please Remember to Tip Your Realtors!

November 18th, 2009 categories: Charlotte Real Estate & More, Rhonda Gibbons

OK it’s a bit of a play on words – but the truth is…a good Realtor can be (as my daughter Emily would say) your BFF (best friend forever) as we are charged** with a serious fiduciary responsibility to be your 100% advocate (the BFF part is just icing). I’ve known the members of our TalkCharlotte team Betsy, Donna, Jackie, Blake and of course my favorite Rhonda for years and I can say without hesitation – I have never encountered a situation where one of us put our interest above those of our clients – not once! Do we make mistakes -YES, do we miss things – YES, do our personalities not always mesh perfectly with clients – YES  | but we never put our interests above those of our clients, period. (oh and while we don’t accept tips – gratitude and adulation are welcomed and encouraged – haha)

Our TalkCharlotte team does not only think different, we act different and that is invaluable in a market as crazy and fluid as is today’s Charlotte real estate market! Find a good Realtor, listen to them and share with them your needs, wants and wishes (those matter too).

Rhonda one of the good ones – had an interesting week – on Monday she was crestfallen as a client she had worked with for over a year was outbid on a short sale – sadly what had been a wonderful client relationship and friendship devolved as the client blamed Rhonda (on her Birthday no less) for their low ball bid falling short. But then today this (a more familiar response)…a warm letter of thanks for Rhonda’s exceptional service and extra-personal attention in helping another family relocate to Charlotte. As you read this note think to yourself when was the last time I received a handwritten note like this? It’s no surprise to me or anyone on our team – we’re just glad someone took the time to reflect the true Rhonda – we’re all so proud of her patience, professionalism and what she contributes to our team, the Charlotte community and to the many clients she has helped call Charlotte home!

This from Rhonda’s clients and BFFs…

**Here’s a general overview of just a few of the key principles REALTORS® willingly agree to under the Code: (for more information)

· REALTORS® avoid practices, which may harm the public.

· REALTORS® do not exaggerate, misrepresent or conceal facts related to property or transactions.

· REALTORS® protect and promote their clients’ interests and treat all parties fairly.

· REALTORS® represent themselves truthfully in advertising and other public forums.

· REALTORS® receive compensation from only one party, except where they make full disclosure and receive informed consent from their client.

· REALTORS® respect the exclusive, professional relationship that other Realtors® have with their clients.

· REALTORS® give equal professional service to all clients and customers regardless of race, color, religion, sex, disability, family status or national origin

. · REALTORS® willingly participate in ethics investigations and enforcement actions.

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 »

“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 »

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 »

Jenny? Do I have your number 867-5309

September 30th, 2009 categories: About Our Realtors, Betsy Mayer, Blake Garvin, Donna Johnston, Jackie Stutts, Michael Gibbons, Rhonda Gibbons

Jenny, let’s pretend you are:

• Interested in the Charlotte area, thinking of relocating
• Actively looking for a home in Charlotte
• Looking to sell your home in Charlotte

…and then let’s say you happen upon our TalkCharlotte or maybe our HouseHunt website ~ both offer free and comprehensive searches of the 28,150 Charlotte MLS homes/condos for sale.
…and let’s say you’re serious so you go ahead and register so you can access the full search tools
…and let’s say you’re leery about giving your real name, phone number and email address….

STOP!!

WE ARE NOT THIS!

Of course you’re leery because you (or a friend) have been burned, spammed, relentlessly pitched/sold, or heaven forbid duped.

Now let’s say your name isn’t really Jenny? your phone number isn’t 867-5309? and your email is not jenmovedon@hotmail.com?

• What if you trusted us just a bit and gave us a preferred way and time to contact you?
• And what if we respected that and promised not to spam, pitch or dupe you?
• What if our first goal was to earn your trust? and then to help, really help at your pace?

What if all you got from Rhonda Gibbons, Mike Gibbons, Betsy Mayer, Blake Garvin, Jackie Stutts or Donna Johnston was answers to your questions, help with effective searches, unique ways to market your home and insight into an ever more complex real estate transaction from experienced real estate professionals who work at your pace? Give us a try…..

Jenny, do I have your number?

OK, OK you know you want it…

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

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