Archive for the 'The Charlotte Scoop' Category

Charlotte North Carolina Turns 18!

July 2nd, 2009 categories: Charlotte Real Estate Trends, Good stuff we find, Market Snap, Raintree, The Charlotte Scoop

Woohoo Charlotte Happy 18th! The Charlotte Observer reports today that Charlotte, North Carolina is now the 18th largest city in the United States.

I’d like to add that we are number one in another category:
Number One: Fewest people who say they want to move/relocate somewhere else!

I can’t tell you how many people we talk to who are itching to move to Charlotte from Michigan, Florida, New Jersey, New York…and mostly California! That’s not to say they’re aren’t great, incredible things in all those cities**  but for overall quality of life Charlotte is winning out!  **remember I’m a 1979 transplant from Scarsdale, New York. I Love New York city but would prefer to visit.

In the last year I’ve had one person say they wanted to move from Charlotte (good reason - they missed family)

So the good news is Charlotte continues to grow 2.7% in the last year! If you’re in the mood to join that number here are some really fantastic homes in the Raintree golf community in South Charlotte just to whet your appetite!

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, 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 »

Charlotte Real Estate: Some Good news and Some Bad

June 24th, 2009 categories: Charlotte Real Estate Trends, The Charlotte Scoop

Honey it’s about the car; the good news there’s not a scratch on it and it’s clean, the bad news…..

American real estate is at best a mixed bag - we seem to be taking one step forward and a half step back. Don’t get  me wrong that’s an improvement from not too long ago when we seemed to be taking two steps back and back and back.

In today’s Charlotte Observer Stella Hopkins declares that while things are still tough in Charlotte…

“There are several factors helping sustain Charlotte-area prices. For one, they didn’t rise as sharply as in some bubble markets and so they didn’t have as far to fall. Also, the area has not been as hard hit as some by foreclosures.”

According to the National Association of Realtors purchases actually rose 2.4% in May (the good news) “…marking the second monthly gain in a row, spurred by tax breaks for first-time homebuyers and lower mortgage rates.”
So what does this mean for Charlotte home buyers and sellers and….yes you the fence sitters?

1. If you’re looking to buy a home now is a really good great time (especially if you are in the market for homes priced $300,00 and above)
2. If you’re looking to sell your home– make sure you hire an excellent, hard working Realtor, someone who is succeeding in this market - Charlotte MLS Listings Pendings Sold.
3. If you’re a first time home buyer (including those who have not owned a home in three years) don’t miss out on Uncle Sam’s $8000 tax credit!

And just an observation we talk to an awful lot of people in New York, California, Michigan, Florida etc who are saying “as soon as I can sell my house I’m moving to Charlotte” we rarely hear people who live in Charlotte saying they want to move to another city – just sayin’.

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

Charlotte Real Estate, Stick a yard sign in it, it’s…

June 12th, 2009 categories: Charlotte Real Estate Trends, Friday Fun, Real Estate Grind, The Charlotte Scoop

Stick a yard sign in it…the Charlotte residential real estate market is dead…or is it!? The media of course would have you believe no-one is willing or able to buy a home ~ foreclosures are climbing, credit scores are dropping and now interest rates are on the rise. Well…. [Jane] It just goes to show you it’s always somethin’ if it’s not one thing it’s another…

I know you’re thinking what happened to Friday Fun? what’s with all the real serious, real estate — well we wanted you to know the news of real estate’s death has been exaggerated — The TalkCharlotte Team Bunch and our clients are doing quite well here in Charlotte…just sayin’

In the past few months we’ve helped clients close on eleven beautiful homes over $2,000,000 with another seven homes ($2.5mm) closing soon! And we’ve got eleven more homes listed with a few more almost ready to go! Talk Charlotte Homes

So while there’s no doubt the Charlotte real estate market is tough...it’s NOT DEAD. We’re busy and if you’re looking to buy or sell a home in Charlotte you should be too! It may not be the “bitter bottom” but common sense says it’s a good time to get serious about a home! We’re not about to get on this wagon…are you?

And you’re a first time home-buyer please, please, please don’t forget that the $8,000 tax credit expires November 30. For you it could be a “perfect storm” of home buying opportunity — prices are down, interest rates are low and there are lots of home to choose from. Remember to close by November 30 you need to be putting your purchase offer in at the latest mid-October which is only 4 months away! We really can help you~drop us an note right here

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: 2 Comments »

Looking for a 1974 Buick Century? I’m Your Realtor

June 3rd, 2009 categories: Michael Gibbons, The Charlotte Scoop

OK so what does a 1974 Buick Century (ours was pale yellow) Luxus station wagon have to do with buying a home? Not a thing or just maybe everything! I don’t remember too many details (I know it’s weird…Dr. Phil!) about my early childhood but I remember this — the day our whole family piled in a soon to used car to pick up our new car at the dealership! Man that was something waiting weeks for Buick to build our car, then the new car smell, the overly careful drive home, dad probably washing the car 16 times the first week… oh and of course who can forget the no food or liquid ban that lasted for all of two weeks or the first stain whichever came first! I remember, do you?

Growing up in Scarsdale NY we lived in a nice garden apartment so a new car was the BIG thing I remember ~ maybe for you it was a house ~ I can’t even imagine the excitement of that at age 14!

My how things have changed, for most of us buying a car is a pain in the but ~ just not quite the same thrill and I’m afraid for too many today the same can be said for buying a home. Don’t get me wrong it’s still exciting and people fall in love with homes BUT for too many the joy and excitement and giddiness have taken a backseat to obsessing about getting the absolute lowest interest rate, the “bitter bottom” price and of course fretting that home repairs won’t make a 30 year old home just like new. OK I realize I just lost half of you but let me explain…

*(little disclaimer I am speaking only for myself today not the TalkCharlotte team!)
In my view too often and unnecessarily buying a home has become an uninspiring, surprisingly joyless transaction. Here’s what I mean…buyers and their agents become obsessed with the details and lose the bigger picture ~ why are you buying a home in the first place? I know you’re not an investor because you would have stopped reading in the first paragraph! So you’re buying a home to live in ~ you’re buying to raise your family near schools you love, you’re buying right on the lake because you love to watch a storm coming over the water, you’re buying Uptown because you love the arts & you want to be the first to try the hottest restaurants, you’re buying in Ballantyne because you love the convenience, the golf and the peace of a quite neighborhood cul de sac, you’re buying in NoDa because like me you’re a little crazy in a good way (we’ll get along great).

You’re buying that home because it’s much more than a transaction, it’s your 1974 Buick Century!

All the rest is simply details, IMPORTANT details no doubt and details that require a really sharp, professional Realtor to guide you through (& remember when you’re buying a home that guidance is free -wow!)

So I’ll leave you with this, my philosophy. I’ve always been a bit of a round peg in a square hole world, I like to look at things differently, like this. So when I look at the real estate market today I cringe (sure you do too). But I cringe because I see people missing out, too hung up on squeezing every last penny (literally) out a deal to the point where they lose the perfect home.

I am looking for a few good clients, clients who want to buy a home to LIVE IN! If that home happens to be a foreclosure or short sale or distressed so be it BUT if that is your primary focus then I’m probably not the Realtor for you (I’d be happy to refer to some very good ones). On the other hand if your looking for a 1974 Buick Century Luxus then let me buy you a cup of coffee and let’s get started!

And if you’re a first time homebuyer even better! Send me a message here

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: 1 Comment »

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 »

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 »

Out to make a killing in real estate? Charlotte’s probably not for you!

April 23rd, 2009 categories: Charlotte Real Estate Trends, Finances, The Charlotte Scoop

A Realtor telling you you’re probably not going to get rich** ~ depending upon your view that’s either killing the sale or refreshing. For those of you out to make a killing ~ you might check here, here or invent one of these.

Are they gone yet? OK good, for the rest of you…here’s some refreshing news on Charlotte Real Estate. The Charlotte market is sound — it has not collapsed nor is it (or was it ever) as apparently RED HOT as Naples, Florida (see above). Most of the people in Charlotte are working and living comfortably, happily in their homes. Are things tough? Sure they are and we’re not immune to the economic woes.

But here’s the thing about homes in Charlotte we have not had a citywide boom (OK maybe in 1848) nor have we had a bust! We’ve have some incredibly hot areas like Union County, Ballantyne and Myers Park / Dilworth but overall our market is steady.  ** I should clarify my “not going to get rich” comment.  Don’t get me wrong there are many many many people who have and continue to get rich from Charlotte real estate. But most of our clients just want a great home, in a nice neighborhood with some better than average price appreciation. For you the following Charlotte market statistics are encouraging.

According to and courtesy of Zillow take a look at the following one and ten year Charlotte home price trend charts ~ I know steady appreciation boring…..but in 2009 Charlotte residential real estate Boring is the new Black!

Charlotte Home Price Appreciation (One and ten year)

Ten year (2000-2009)

One Year (2008-2009)

I apologize if you were looking for a more exciting Charlotte real estate story ~ but if you’re like us right about now we could use a little less excitement thank you very much! If you like what you’re read, you’ll love working with our team please give us a call  888-297-6100 we’d be happy to help you with a rational, sane and smart approach to finding a home to live in here in Charlotte North Carolina!

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

Uptown Charlotte On Sale: Get Your $99,900 Condo-Now!

April 14th, 2009 categories: Charlotte Real Estate Trends, The Charlotte Scoop

Maybe it’s a sign of the times or maybe just a very shrewd move by Fourth Ward Square Associates ~ either way if you are a first time buyer** and want to own in Uptown Charlotte you maybe want to make your way down to Fourth Ward Square today. After all as the ShamWow guy says… “I can’t do this all day!”

OK, sorry for the dramatics but if you are in the market for a condo in Uptown Charlotte then this is something you may want to check out. First read the Charlotte Observer Doug Smith’s excellent as always take on the apartment to condo conversion that has everyone buzzing. In part…

“Word travels fast when condos are selling for $99,900 in uptown Charlotte.

Buyers have snapped up 58 since news of 154-unit Fourth Ward Square’s conversion to condos from apartments filtered out a few days before Easter. One- and two-bedroom condos, between 560 and 1,212 square feet, are listed from $99,900 to $120,900.

The Fourth Ward Square exterior will get a new roof, new paint and other improvements, but the biggest emphasis will be on contemporary interiors. Condo features include new carpet and flooring, full-size washers and dryers, refrigerators, built-in microwaves and dishwashers and plumbing fixtures. The pool will be converted to saltwater. The refurbished club will have a fitness center, business center, conference room and catering kitchen.”

Give the TalkCharlotte team a call and we’ll be happy to help but hey “we can’t do this all day”…just kidding!

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

Charlotte NC, Boomtown?

March 31st, 2009 categories: Charlotte Real Estate Trends, The Charlotte Scoop

Did you know Charlotte was once a goldrush boomtown! Things like the Reed Gold Mine, our Goldrush Trolley System, the Mint Museum, the beautiful miner statue (shown here) and our beloved UNCC 49ers all reflect the rich heritage of a gold mining boomtown (turn it up)!

So what now? Is Charlotte a boomtown, is any city really a boomtown anymore these days? One of our favorite Charlotte Observer columnists and bloggers is Peter St. Orge - he recently started up what he calls The Squeeze — I suppose Charlotte Scoop was taken haha. Peter does a nice job summing up Charlotte’s Boomtown status in his interview with UNC Charlotte’s John Connaughton about an upcoming PBS show “Frontline” feature on Charlotte read here.

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

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