Archive for the 'Donna Johnston' 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

Charlotte Bound?

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 »

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 »

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: 1 Comment »

What can you learn from a barefoot Realtor?

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

Women. Women do curious things (OK we won’t even start about the curiosities of the male species) and most of those curious things your Mom (especially), your wife, your boss, your teacher do end up being instinctively…RIGHT! The real estate business is all about instinct and being right, no wonder women do (and should) dominate the residential real estate business.

I have the pleasure of working with five women on the Talk Charlotte Team – there is a lot of  Charlotte real estate experience on this team (more than they’d readily admit) and a lot of smarts. A funny thing happened a couple of weeks ago to my favorite team member** and it got me thinking about the value of a team, does it really make a difference to YOU when you’re looking to buy or sell a home? I think the answer is, it depends.

It depends on how much faith and trust you plan to put in your real estate professional ~ in this market I strongly suggest you find a good one you believe in and trust.
How do you find a good agent, do you need a team?
It depends on whether that team starts with a group of people who know what they’re doing, who care and are committed to being remarkable. Remarkable meaning that your experience with that Realtor is so fantastic that you want to tell your friends all about it ~ too often in this world the only thing you want to do is tell your friend to avoid the agent.

We’re pretty confident as a team we’ve lived up to the remarkableness standard and we have a peck of testimonials and kind words here to show for it! We give back too, a lot here and here and here and of course here and that too defines who we are and how we deal with and care for and about our clients – when you really care it shows and it works for you.

So what’s up with all this team KUMBAYA (if you need the words) and what’s with the picture of the barefoot Realtor? A couple of weeks ago I got a call from my favorite teammate** (and wife) Rhonda – she needed a favor…It went something like this…

Honey I’m on the way to the closing, there’s a little blue bag in the kitchen do you think you could bring it to me ASAP?
(me being a guy of course) “Why, can’t you wait?…
Well honey not really…
(me) “OK but what’s in the bag?”
My Shoes!

Now I know going to a closing barefoot might not be earth shattering but as I was driving over with Rhonda’s shoes (DUH) I thought to myself there were four other people (Jackie, Donna, Betsy or Blake) who would have happily brought Rhonda her shoes or anything else she may have needed. And they would do the same for you if you were Rhonda’s client! So what can you learn from a barefoot Realtor? When you work with any one of our Realtors ~ you get five more capable and hard working professionals ready to help you in whatever you need…even if you forget your shoes!

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

TalkCharlotte…Much More than a Hunch!

May 21st, 2009 categories: Betsy Mayer, Blake Garvin, Donna Johnston, Jackie Stutts, Michael Gibbons, Rhonda Gibbons

Here’s the story…(yes go ahead and click) ~ you know you want to! OK so maybe comparing the Charlotte real estate market to the Brady Bunch is a stretch BUT hey these days we could all use a dose of that fabled Brady mirth!

I’ve been mostly a fly on the wall the last few years writing this blog and watching my wife Rhonda build her very successful real estate business. Along the way Donna has built TalkCharlotte into something very special. I’ve learned three things:

1. Being a good Realtor® is hard, very hard work
   
2. It is not about us. (Marcia, Marcia, Marcia…)
3. It is all about you.
   

So how does a Brady infused team picture make this about you? It doesn’t. But look at the pictures, the smiles, the eyes ~ Donna, Betsy, Rhonda, Blake, Jackie and Michael are on a mission to change the way things are done, to think different. Sure things are tough and while the world is focused, obsessed with foreclosures, median home values, short sales, making a killing or not losing your shirt ~ we are taking things back to the basics….helping YOU buy or sell a home on the best terms and at a value that actually allows you to sleep soundly in that new home!  Along the way we’re also going to be putting the FUN back into buying or selling a home. We’re really good at working with people who remember the excitement and delight of finding the perfect home. Those homes are out there now more than ever.
And that is all about you!

We hope you enjoy our new identity we think it reflects our personality(s) and our vision for Charlotte Real Estate and that’s…much more than a hunch!

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

TalkCharlotte Team “Chips In” at Charlotte Realtor Care Day 2009

April 28th, 2009 categories: About Our Realtors, Betsy Mayer, Blake Garvin, Donna Johnston, Giving Back in Charlotte, Jackie Stutts, Rhonda Gibbons, Sunday Inspiration

Chipped and scraped and scraped and cleaned and painted would be more like! All for a great cause, for some great people in a great City! On Friday 600 Charlotte Realtors teamed up and fanned out to work ~ fixing roofs, painting and doing general maintenance on  33 homes in Mecklenburg and Iredell counties. Helping those people who can not perform critical home maintenance and repairs due to financial or physical limitations.
Fridays are a busy day for Realtors so we are extra proud that the entire TalkCharlotte team was out early ~ Jackie, Blake and Besty the earliest birds ~ Starbucks delayed Michael, Rhonda and Donna ~ we worked the entire day. Our job (we thought) was to prop up and paint a porch on a traditional Charlotte home in the Plaza Midwood area ~ little did we know we’d be scraping and painting an entire home! It seemed a little daunting at first but we channeled “Extreme Makeover Home Edition” and got to work making sure we could “Move that Bus” at 4PM! The homeowners worked with us side by side and the day flew by ~ it was fun and satisfying for everyone! (please click on the picture titles for a special treat!)

Nice work if you can get it!

Up on the roof!

You know when you look around you see all kinds of people doing amazing things for others. If you are “being the change you wish to see in the world” then KUDOS and keep it up! If you’ve been on the sidelines please consider getting out there and doing some good for someone else – I guarantee in the end it will do more for you!

Move that Bus!!

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

Best ‘hood in Charlotte! Montibello

March 18th, 2009 categories: Charlotte Real Estate & More, Charlotte Real Estate Trends, Communities, Donna Johnston, Montibello, Rhonda Gibbons

Looking for an established neighborhood without your neighbor on top of you? Let’s talk about Montibello. Montibello is conveniently located near the corner of Carmel and Quail Hollow Rd. A few of the streets in Montibello line Carmel Country Club’s north course. You will immediately feel at home with the rolling, curvy, tree lines streets. All day long you see your neighbors walking their dogs or exercising on our safe streets. Montibello has community events about once a quarter. Although you don’t have to be a member of Carmel Country Club to live in this neighborhood, about 65% of the residence are.

The architecture ranges from 1968 to brand new homes..yes, homes are being torn down here too. Some of the older homes range from Colonial Style, French Provencial, and even Contemporary. None of the homes look the same. 

Ten reasons why to live in Montibello:  

·         Two of your finest realtors live here Donna Johnston and Rhonda Gibbons

·         There is a very active neighborhood association that only costs you $75 per year.

·         Convenient location to the Harris YMCA and Carmel Country Club which is great for a pool.

·         Walking distance to Olde Town which features Starbucks, Harris Teeter, CVS, Alan Daniels Salon, Great Clips, Lotus II Chinese Cuisine (they deliver), McCalisters Deli, Elite Cleaners, Hawthornes Pizza, Surroundings Gift Shop, The UPS Store and The Frame Warehouse. Wow, I didn’t even know there were that many stores in that little shopping center.

·         Did I say there is a Starbucks in walking distance???

·         Families stay in Montibello and tend to move to different streets for more space. Family’s are actually from Charlotte.

·         Kid friendly loving neighborhoods. We all watch out for one another.

·         Well taken care of homes with gorgeous landscaping.

·         Homes are moderately priced from $450-875,000.

·         This is a very stable neighborhood with less than 2% of the homes on the market at any given time.

Ok…..11 reasons… great kids in this neighborhood. My step son Nick and our dogs:)

So what are you waiting for? It is a great time to take a drive down our tree lined streets with the Bradford Pear and Cherry Trees blooming. It really is breathtaking. Know any other great neighborhoods to feature? Just drop me a line and let me know. 

Spoken by Donna Johnston | Discussion: No Comments »

Carmel Country Club Home for Sale-Top of The Hill in Montibello.

March 17th, 2009 categories: Communities, Donna Johnston

This home is owned by our very own Donna Johnston. As her personal home it has been well maintained and is priced to sell. Alan and Donna are the second owners of this  home that was constructed in 1968 by the late Paul Buck, head of the Coliseum Authority for over 30 years.

Situated on Carmel Country Club’s North Course, the rear yard and patio feature unobstructed views of the 13th green and 6th fairway. This brick French Provincial style home offers 5 BR 3.5 BA and has been meticulously maintained and updated. The enclosed front courtyard with Charleston style iron fencing & carriage lights opens to the front entry with new mahogany double doors with glass and wrought iron detail. Gleaming 5” rustic oak wood floors and crown molding are found throughout the main level.

 

The foyer opens to the open kitchen, breakfast and family rooms. Beautifully updated kitchen has crown molding, recessed lighting, Ubatuba granite counter tops, Travertine tile backsplash, breakfast bar and walk-in pantry with wood shelving. A planning center has a built-in desk and glass front display cabinets. Stainless steel appliances include a new LG refrigerator, Bosch dishwasher, microwave and Dacor dual fuel 36” range with 6 gas burners, convection/conventional baking and vent.

Hallway just off the kitchen provides access to the tiled laundry room with overhead cabinets and utility sink, mud/utility room with built-in storage lockers and finished 2-car garage with built-in shelving and new 18’ x 7’ Carriage door with extra quiet opener.

French doors in the breakfast area and family room open to the brick walled 600 square foot patio with unobstructed views of the golf course and Polk speakers. This well maintained home has a new 30 year architectural roof, invisible fencing, new commercial gutters in 2003, new Trane AC units in 2003, Low-e windows added in the rear in 2001 and in the front in 2008, new garage Carriage door and new front entry doors.

Spoken by Donna Johnston | Discussion: No Comments »

Charlotte realtors (and their kids) Giving to help the Soul!

August 12th, 2008 categories: About Our Realtors, Donna Johnston, Giving Back in Charlotte, Rhonda Gibbons

One of the things that makes me proud to be the team leader of Charlotte Premier Realty is how my team gives back to the community. Personally, I am involved in many charities but the one I like to talk about the most is supporting my children in raising money for World Vision. (by the way rated 4 stars by Charity Navigator!) With the help of our church St. Johns Episcopal ,and the volunteers, the youth at St. Johns have raised over $330,000 in the past 3 years ~ fasting and sleeping in makeshift cardboard huts! They were even featured in a World Vision promotional video in 2007 and I am proud to say 3 of my teens are in this video. It still brings tears to my eyes to watch that one.  

Another great thing we do with every transaction we have is we give back to the Children’s Miracle Network.  RE/MAX was one of the leading companies to give to that charity. Rhonda Gibbons is also very involved with giving back. She and her husband Mike started a cycling team MojoRiding which in four short years has raised over $250,000 on behalf of the Lance Armstrong Foundation and National multiple sclerosis Society. Ask Rhonda about her 24 Hours of Booty ride ~ its not what you think!  Rhonda’s bike team ride each year in local Charlotte charity events as the 24 Hours of Booty and the MS ride to the Beach. I am not sure how Rhonda does it and sells so much Real Estate but her dedication is unflappable. 

So what do you do to feed your soul? I challenge any family to just 5 hours a month to any community service. From helping in the parks to donating to whatever cause you believe in. We’d love to hear what you are doing ~ please leave us a comment below ~ we listen!

Spoken by Donna Johnston | Discussion: No Comments »