Archive for the 'Rhonda Gibbons' Category

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 »

“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 »

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 »

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 »

24 Hours of Booty in Myers Park | Charlotte….It’s SO not what you’re thinking

June 29th, 2009 categories: Giving Back in Charlotte, Michael Gibbons, Myers Park, Rhonda Gibbons

On occasion we showcase our team’s personal efforts to give back – while we would love your support please do not feel that you are obligated in any way — Rhonda and I  just wanted you to know….

With your help this little cycling team Rhonda and I started in 2005 has raised over $290,000 for charity! MojoRiding has turned the amateur cycling/fundraising world on it’s ear and we even got to meet and ride with a very special person because of it (more on that below)

So now we are at it again Rhonda, myself & fifty MojoRiders will be taking to the tree-lined streets of Myers Park in the 24 Hours of Booty << (watch the video it’s amazing) to benefit LIVESTRONG and Charlotte cancer charities July 25-26.

Like in the past Rhonda and I will be riding for our cousins Janie and Dale who passed away too young from cancer. We will also be riding for Robin Perkins wife of Dave Perkins our good friend and fellow Mojo. Robin was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and is battling through surgery and treatments. We’ll also be out there in honor of our dear friend Brandon Elam who passed away, and to support little Ellie Potvin who is battling a rare cancer BUT after a year of chemo is winning her fight!

Robin and Ellie are examples of the promise of research, early detection and treatment that is funded by your donation to our efforts! Rhonda and I are going to ride a combined 300+ miles (20 hours) in the 24 hour period (through the night and summer heat) …we are asking for your support and your donation.

We realize there are a number of ways to give and some remarkable causes – we hope you’ll consider our physical effort and commitment should you decide to contribute – maybe you have someone you’d like us to honor – for every $50 donation we’ll write the name of your loved on our jersey and ride in their honor!

It’s very easy to donate** online simply click on one of the links below to make a donation Please make your donations by July 17. **or you can mail a check payable to 24 Hours of Booty to: Mike Gibbons, 4835 Sentinel Post, Charlotte, NC 28226

http://budurl.com/BootyForMichael | or | http://budurl.com/BootyForRhonda

Any size donation is greatly appreciated – Thank you for your generous donation!

OK so back to the “mystery person” – because of the generosity of our donors and the hard work of the Mojoriding team last fall Rhonda and I were invited to Austin where we both got to meet Lance Armstrong and I had the dream of a lifetime honor of riding with Lance.

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

Great deals at River Hills, Lake Wylie

June 25th, 2009 categories: Charlotte Lake Living | we have two!, Lake Norman, Lake Wylie, Rhonda Gibbons

Who needs a foreclosure? Right not there are amazing opportunities to buy lakefront or near Lake Wylie (and Lake Norman). I mean really, really good deals ~ take a look at this group of homes in River Hills (Lake Wylie) that are priced at least 20% the average $/square foot! Now price per square foot is by no means the only reason to buy a home BUT these home price levels are indicative of the amazing home values** we are seeing right now on Lake Norman and Lake Wylie two of Charlotte’s premier areas.

Rhonda lived at Lake Wylie for ten years and has just found some incredible lakefront bargains too ~ drop her an email for more information. Or set up your own Lake Wylie or Lake Norman home search by clicking SEARCH HOMES above and using area #15 for Lake Wylie or #13 for lake Wylie

homes like this….. 2 Catawba Ridge Road |3500 square feet | $625,000

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 »

Can Teddy Roosevelt Help Your Sell Your Home? WYCWYAWYH

May 14th, 2009 categories: Betsy Mayer, Charlotte Home Stories, Michael Gibbons, Rhonda Gibbons, Selling Your Home

OK, Teddy was not a Realtor but he did profess a legacy of self reliance and fortitude that comes in pretty handy in today’s real estate market. And one of his best quotes serves as timely advice for today’s home seller….

Do
What You Can,
Where You Are (with)
What You Have.

OK you’re thinking Mike’s finally jumped the shark (do click)…how is a Teddy Roosevelt quote going to help me sell my home? In this market (really any market) the key to selling a home is differentiation. How do I make my home stand out? How do I get more showings? How do I connect with home buyers? How does this home become the home!

At TalkCharlotte we are putting a new spin on helping you selling your home ~ actually we’re taking a step back, going back to the basics. We’re helping people share their HomeStory! Did you know, most people decide if they will buy a home BEFORE they step through the front door. Curb Appeal is (still) King! I should clarify that is not to say people buy a home without considering the inside, they absolutely do but most often the inside is but a validation (enjoy!) of the opinion they developed as they walked up to the front door. It’s why so often the decision to buy  seems to be confirmed right there in the foyer! Love often works that way too ~ right Rhonda….honey?

So let’s backtrack ~ what is a home seller to do? Ya’ know you never get a second chance to make a first impression ~ so you gotta make the front of your home dazzle! We suggest a WYCWYAWYH Makeover. Since acronyms are all the rage so we came up with our own WYCWYAWYH it means ~ Do what you can, where you are (with) what you have ~ for your home.

By all means do the big things, get your home pre-inspected, paint the inside and out, replace the roof but also do the little things. Little things like the following:

• Spread fresh, quality pine straw (no pine bark nuggets)
• Spray paint hand rails, wrought iron
• Cut/remove and /or trim selected trees and shrubs
• Plant flowers or add clay pots with flowers
• Powerwash walls, sidewalks and driveways
• Replace/ add front door hardware, address numbers
• Paint front door and shutters

These are little things that you can do, right where you are, with what you (mostly) already have or can buy for under a couple hundred dollars….or less! Little things that will make a huge difference. Sandy Phillips our colleague and friend does a really nice job with her First Impression Staging if you need a little coaching/prodding (704-277-5141)

Check out the WYCWYAWYH Makeover we did recently for one of our Myers Park listings Secret to Selling Your Home? Get a geranium and then just yesterday talk about small I spent two hours and $40 bucks* on  this 1760 Forest Side Lane makeover on behalf of Rhonda’s “out of town” seller (*we lent the decorative garden fencing). I think you’ll agree the result is an inviting, warm look that stands out (from the three other similar townhomes for sale) and will have buyers ready to buy before they open the front door!

Before…

After…

Do what you can, where you are, with what you have ~ good advice for selling your home and living your life!
Thanks Teddy!

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

Foxcroft Parade of Homes Sunday May 17 – Follow the White Balloons, Follow the White Balloons!

May 12th, 2009 categories: Charlotte Real Estate Trends, Communities, Foxcroft, Giving Back in Charlotte, Rhonda Gibbons

Charlotte is in full bloom and our beloved Foxcroft neighborhood is leading the way. What better way to explore one of Charlotte’s most distinctive neighborhoods than with the low pressure & convenience of a Community Open House!

Eight of Charlotte’s best Realtors® roll out the red carpet & white balloons to showcase eight of Foxcroft’s most beautiful homes for sale! Join us this Sunday May 17 from 2-4 pm for a community wide Foxcroft open house! Special thanks to Mary Jane Ramsey, Helen Adams & Rhonda Gibbons, RE/MAX Executive for pulling this together!
__________________________________________________________________________

4000 Columbine Circle Rhonda Gibbons | RE/Max Executive 834051 MLS    $639,000
As you’d expect-Foxcroft charmer! Unique pegged wood floors on main level, large formals, vaulted greatroom impressive stone frpl & built-ins. Kitchen updated w/ tile floor, counters, backsplash, new lighting, gas cooktop. Master on main. Spacious BRs & oodles of storage. Large patio overlooks park-like backyard retreat w/garden plantings & tons of trees!Subject to bank approved short sale.

4334 Columbine Circle Valerie Mitchener | HM Properties 830173 MLS    $1,200,000
Complete renovation & addition in Foxcroft in 2006. This home features 5 bdrms, a home office & playroom. 9 ft ceilings up & down. Professional grade kitchen w/ Carerra marble countertops, Wolf 48in range, island w/ handcrafted walnut butcher block top. Stone fireplace in great room. Master with his & her vanities, 2 closets. Brkfast rm overlooks rear brick patio & professionally landscaped yard.

2134 Edenton Road Suzanne Campbell | HM Properties 814549 MLS     $699,900
Classic traditional, well maintained home in desirable Foxcroft! Lg pvt fenced back yard w/ irrigation backs up to bike path. Beautiful formals w/ detailed moldings, shutters & neutral colors. Office w/ fr doors. Cozy den w/built-in’s, wetbar & fpl. Spacious kitchen w/ dbl ovens, desk, big bkfst room & large pantry. Sep laundry room. Lg master w/ walk in closet. Double closets in other bdrms.

3912 Silver Bell Drive Mary Jane Ramsey | Helen Adams 854245 MLS    $790,000
Wonderful story & 1/2 old brick in Foxcroft E. #one location close to everything(Private & Public Schools, SouthPark). Beautifully landscaped yard with irrigation. 4 or 5 bedrooms-huge play/media room. All rooms very spacious. Solid surface countertops in kit. Separate laundry. You can walk to Ben&Jerry’s on walking trail w/o having to cross Fairview! Solid house-original owner. PRICED TO SELL

3116 Valencia Terrace Connie Nuttall | Allen Tate 814666 MLS    $805,000
Pristine one owner home in Foxcroft. Updated Kitchen w/granite countertops, natural cabinets, wood floors, tile backsplash, sunroom opens to breakfast room, overlooks professionally landscaped, parklike yard with 2 Koi ponds. Huge bedrooms, each with bath access. Walk to Caribou Coffee, Brixx, Ben & Jerry’s,etc. Walking path in back.

2027 Clematis Drive Mark Munson | Dickens Mitchener  814951 MLS    $900,000
Immaculate full brick home w/large formals, cozy study & warm and inviting family room. Completely renovated bathrooms & kitchen w/stainless appliances, granite countertops & separate marble work area. All rooms are very spacious. Beautiful breakfast area/sunroom overlooks professionally landscaped backyard. Enjoy the screened-in porch for those great weather days! Lots of trees for privacy!

4033 Silver Bell Drive Logan Foose | Cottingham Chalk / Bissell-Hayes 850592 MLS    $735,000
Charming 4BR,2 1/2 BA home sitting on .78 acres in heart of Foxcroft! Home has been beautifully maintained & decorated. Features include large rms, hardwood flooring, security system, huge deck overlooking lush landscaping, new privacy fence, 2-car carport, and more! This is a wonderful opportunity to be in Foxcroft East on a desirable street & huge lot!

3924 Columbine Circle Ryan Gehris | Housespad LLC  847232MLS    $899,000
Renovated 2 story brick home on a beautiful, flat setting in Foxcroft with 5 BR s & 4 full BA s. Sunny remodeled kitchen with Sub-Zero Refrigerator, Thermador appliances, a 10′ x 4′ island with prep sink & disposal & a computer niche. Hardwoods on lower level, stairs & upper level landing. MBR with 2 large WIC s & His & Hers baths. Close to Charlotte Country Day and Providence Day private schools.

Look for the white balloons ~ maps will be available at each home!

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

« Previous Entries