Archive for the 'Rhonda Gibbons' Category

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, The Charlotte Scoop

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, The Charlotte Scoop

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 »

Rhonda Gibbons | Charlotte Realtor and Go-Giver!

May 11th, 2009 categories: Giving Back in Charlotte, Rhonda Gibbons

Pleasant little surprises do happen..this comment (about Rhonda) from the co-author of The Go-Giver John David Mann

“What a great story! When it comes to the core laws of human finance, Rhonda has her finger on the genuine article — Bart, alas, is still playing around with the ribbons and wrapping paper, and doesn’t seem to have noticed the gift inside.”

Being a Realtor® is all about connection not connection(s). After all you have to connect with someone before you can sell them or help them ~ two very different things. So then a Realtor® is just a salesperson (for some that’s true).  I was at a meeting with one of the “big time” real estate industry gurus (can’t remember his name let’s call him Bart). Bart was coaching (not at RE/MAX) Realtors® about how to maximize their time with clients essentially how to get them to buy, buy, buy (click for a special treat) or move on to the next “customer”. Bart said on average he shows a client no more than 5 homes before they buy or he moves on — I got up and left.

To be fair I don’t think Bart was a bad guy (if not a bit smarmy) and I am pretty sure his amazing transaction numbers were true — he had a local Charlotte acolyte we’ll call him Bart II there to confirm that he too was “closing deals left and right - even in this bad market” yada…yada…yada

Now let me tell you a very different story – it’s about the little girl in the picture above ~ she’s a heck of saleseperson too by the way ~ but there’s a BIG difference…

Rhonda Gibbons® was for years known as the Denim Queen selling denim jeans for companies like LEE., Levi and Polo Jeans - trust me the rag trade as it’s called is the hardest sales job in the world! As I watched Rhonda in that job I noticed one thing that was stunning her ability to facilitate, negotiate and CONNECT with people. As a Realtor® she is even better at it! Being a Realtor® is all about connecting: connecting with your client, connecting with the seller or buyer agent, connecting with the lender, the inspector, the handyman, the appraiser etal. But what it’s really about is CONNECTING all those people and managing one smooth transaction. So what’s the secret to success all that connecting is not about her ~ it’s about everyone else. Easy to understand, hard to do! Great book on this The Go-Giver

So as they say the “proof’s in the pudding”. A couple of months ago Rhonda  joined her first “networking group” Charlotte Leadership Team this one happens to be better than most and Rhonda happens to be better than that. In her first two months Rhonda won the awards for “Most Leads Given“. Think Bart would be impressed? ~ not so much ~ no deals struck, no big bucks, on the surface nothing! But Rhonda knows what this means and just how valuable all those connections are ~ Rhonda is a Go-Giver!

And as we all know if you don’t have a certificate then it didn’t happen…

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: 3 Comments »

Five Great Charlotte Restuarants You May Have Missed!

May 4th, 2009 categories: A Charlotte Institution, Charlotte Eats, Real Estate Grind, Rhonda Gibbons, The Charlotte Scoop

As a blogger I find the only thing more controversial than politics, religion and S-E-X  is restaurants. We all have our favs and sometimes depending on one’s palate or day of the week your experience may differ from ours. C’est la vie. So please take our reviews with a grain of salt ~ Rhonda and I have been to these these five multiple times and have yet to have an off meal or bad service experience! You may have your own fab five but if you give these five a try we’re pretty sure one or more will make it into your culinary rotation!

Middle of the week quick & healthy!  The Roasting Company
We love The Roasting Company on what used to be Charlotte’s restaurant row Montford Drive. We affectionately call this place the “chicken place”. Big fat juicy rotisserie chicken with fantastic home made vegetable sides. The chicken tacos are great too, light with a choice of three fresh made salsas. Cold beer is available and its quick they’ll probably call your name before you sit down! Make sure you pick up a bottle of Tico sauce — wonderful mild sauce ~ Heinz 57 meets Jamaica! How do I get there?

The Real Deal Sushi!  Musashi
This is not your upscale sushi place but if you’re looking for the freshest most authentic sushi without all the flash Musashi is for you. Nestled in a strip mall (yes near the Goodwill) you will find a warn friendly atmosphere - I tell Rhonda it reminds me of a neighborhood sushi place in New York where it seems like there is a great sushi place on every corner. Charlotte not so much ~ so if you’re looking for a sushi place to call your own Musashi’s the one! How do I get there?

Best Fish Tacos in the World (in Charlotte)!  Cabo Fish Taco

OK I have no idea about anything else on the menu - is there anything else, do they even need a menu? Cabo Fish Taco in NoDa is just perfect - small, loud and fun and the fish tacos are to die for. Rhonda loves, loves the fish tacos high praise from someone who is not a big texmex fan. Served in a taco shell that would float off the plate if not for the chunks of piping hot (which makes the difference) lightly fried fish. Try the Longboard Island lager ~ I know Hawaiian beer? ~ trust me! How do I get there?

The best Thai in Town! Bangkok Ocha
Another family run neighborhood find! Rhonda and I eat here a couple of times a month and have always, always been 100% happy. The food is authentic and I’ll add the shrimp and scallops are notably fresh and tasty. Too often Asian restaurants seem focused on the noodles or rice leaving the meat less than notable. Not at Bangkok Ocha ~ try the #38 shrimp & scallop combo. Oh and for a wonderful beer try the always icy cold Singha beer! How do I get there?

That Very Special Evening! Barrington’s

Maybe because it’s so small you get the feeling you found something no one else knows about and you’d be right! The kind of place where the Chef’s specials…are! You will need a reservation and in New york style you will be sitting close but somehow you don’t feel that way cause you’re focused on the one you’re with and the amazing food and wine ~  find a special reason and go to this very special Charlotte gem! How do I get there?

So there you have it five of Rhonda and my favorite restaurants in Charlotte. We’re sure you have five more and we’d love to hear about them ~ leave a comment and we’ll be sure to check yours out! Bon Appetit!

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 »

Come Into the Park, Charlotte Symphony Springtime Fundraiser

April 13th, 2009 categories: A Charlotte Institution, Charlotte Arts, Fun for Grown Ups, Giving Back in Charlotte, Myers Park, Rhonda Gibbons

Gabrielle Shain is at it again ~ doing what she and her Shain Gallery on Selwyn Avenue in Myers Park do best!  Come Into the Park is an opportunity to support the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, dine and dance and to view new works by two nationally recognized artists. I know this will be an awesome event and an chance to see (watch how fast they sell) new works from Kim Schuessler and Geoffrey Johnson who are two of the countries most original, up and coming artists! Kim and Geoff went to art school together, are good friends and delightful people ~ getting to know the artist makes the art so much more memorable! Their works adorn many of Charlotte’s finest homes. Every time I look at the piece Geoffrey did for our wedding I think of the day I met my good friend in France. (story below)

If you are not familiar with their work you will be amazed, while Kim and Geoffrey’s styles are very different, their art genuinely reflects the way they see the world around them. At first you might think Kim’s work playful and Geoff’s brooding that would  be a mistake ~ look closer to see that Geoff’s ethereal work is all about the light and Kim’s figures have a deeper meaning and backstory. Kim and Geoff are not siblings but their art is what you might expect from a brother and sister, not the same, independent but somehow deeply connected. It is a joy to meet them and to see their work!

So Geoff and me in France…two weeks after 9/11 Rhonda and I off to France for a Connie   Winter’s artist workshop - one week, fifteen women, unlimited wine, french countryside, Geoff and me.  Upon meeting Geoffrey in the Marseilles airport we immediately grabbed a beer, became fast friends and set out together to maintain some semblance of “manliness” for the week. Not to fear, this incredible group of smart, funny, talented women took us under their wing — put it this way we learned about a lot more than just painting! Anyway we became good friends and Rhonda and I have become not only huge fans of Geoff’s work but of the person!

So I hope you will join us for Come Into the Park at the Symphony Park band shell (and don’t forget the Summer Concert Series there later in June!) in Southpark on May 14 more information click here. And when you’re in Myers Park please check out the Shain Gallery, one of Charlotte’s best ~ be sure to check out Connie Winter’s work, her son Darren Young’s and of course Kim and Geoff’s too. Say hello to Gabrielle if art is your thing then you want to know Gabrielle!

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

Fresh Oysters in Charlotte - Found a Pearl!

April 11th, 2009 categories: A Charlotte Institution, Charlotte Eats, Charlotte Lifestyle, Fun for Grown Ups, Rhonda Gibbons

OK you either love’em or you hate’em. Let me just say that last night at Vinnie’s Southend three of Charlotte’s top real estate professionals were lovin’em so much we almost grew shells and we need ‘em! Please excuse the hard shell/real estate biz analogy. Rhonda my awesome wife, me and my good friend Gray Steelman took care of a “raw oyster jones” we’ve had for a couple of months. 

As you may know Rhonda and I are now partners on Charlotte’s premier real estate team (after all its our name - Charlotte Premier Realty) haha — anyway we commiserated for a bit and then launched into a full celebration of all things Charlotte real estate and more. Rhonda showed her patience and expertise in contracting a beautiful yet hard to sell Queens Beans condo in Myers Park, Gray is looking to parlay his self storage wizardry into a new venture Mustang Properties and I had some amazing success at a recent entrepreneurial competition for my side venture Buttons of Hope. Yes we ordered extra lemons and made some sweet LEMONADE!

So where’s the pearl? I think these days anyone on a quest for raw seafood has to think twice and to be honest $.25 oyster night always leaves me a bit …queasy ya’ know!  Well quease no more Vinnie’s served up what we all agreed (after yes 7 dozen) were some of the finest juiciest, freshest oyster we’ve ever had..anywhere and believe me Rhonda’s years at Charleston Oyster fests makes her an expert! The service was warm and friendly and the beers were icy cold — let’s just say when you have a hankering for raw oysters on the cheap you must run to Charlotte’s Southend and find a table at Vinnie’s Raw Bar a pearl on the Charlotte restaurant scene.

ps. I know it sounds weird but after all those oysters we needed melted cheese in a bad way (maybe it was the shellfish haze - or Coronas?) so a stop at LaPaz one of our oldest favs (remember waiting 3 hours for a table at LaPaz on Fenton Place?) was in order and ready with some unbelievable blue corn chicken nachos - Go there, Try them!…all in all a great evening in a couple of Charlotte’s hidden gems

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

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