Archive for the 'Communities' 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 »

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 »

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!
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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 »

A Charlotte HomeStory: Black Oak Drive | Sardis Forest

May 9th, 2009 categories: Betsy Mayer, Charlotte Home Stories, Communities

This week the TalkCharlotte team toured a number for our listings and we were lucky to meet one of the homeowners Annette Connell who shared what she loved about living in this handsome home at  Drive in Sardis Forest. We already knew about Sardis Forest one Charlotte’s little secrets - super location, established neighborhood, big trees and great affordable homes.

Annette was kind enough to share some of her thoughts in a letter to prospective buyers (see here).  Once again we have a seller who loves their home and is only moving because of circumstance. I can think of no one better than Betsy Mayer to help the Connell’s transition to a new chapter in their lives and to find a buyer who will care for their beloved home! Annette talked about the things she’ll miss the back yard, the quiet streets, community pool and families ~ lest you get too worried about Annette and Tom I got the  sneaking suspicion she was ready to check out what was going on down in one the areas hottest real estate markets Sun City Carolina Lakes ~ can’t say I blame her!

We are Realtors but what we really do is help people transition and make new beginnings. The business part can get complicated and we’re glad to be there to help but we never forget that we are helping people like the Connells making sure that they are satisfied and happy! It would be Betsy’s pleasure click here to show 912 Black Oak or any of us at TalkCharlotte are ready to help you (transition) whether you’re selling or buying a Charlotte home, answer questions and yes… to listen!

Oh sshhhh…and we can help you with Sun City Carolina Lakes too!

More pictures of beautiful 912 Black Oak Drive!

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

We Don’t (really) Want to Sell our Plaza Midwood Home…

April 30th, 2009 categories: Blake Garvin, Charlotte Lifestyle, Market Snap, Plaza Midwood

…but we must!
It’s surprising and a bit curious that when we list and help sell a client’s home we’re helping them do something they (often) don’t want to do ~ and worse than that we’re good at it! Selling a home can be bittersweet. Sure you’re excited about the new home or moving to a new city but there’s usually a lot of stuff you’ll miss ~ most people love their homes!

Blake’s clients the Kerns are no exception ~ Nicole, Bryan and their adorable daughter Kathryn love their Winter Street home and the Midwood neighborhood. After all who wants to miss out on Midwood Maynia, Plaza Midwood’s annual family fun festival! It’s this weekend by the way lean more by clicking right here.

Back to the Kerns, as we know life moves on and sometimes we have no choice but to move - relocation, job change, school choice or downsizing. What is too often overlooked by buyers is that the very home they want to buy has most likely been loved and cared for. Read Nicole Kern’s beautiful note about their 1904 Winter Street home which has been obviously loved and cared for - click here for a virtual tour.

Nicole talks fondly of her Midwood neighborhood and with good reason ~ this area have been one of Charlotte’s most sought after locations. Plaza-Midwood has an eclectic (OK funky) mix of traditional southern charm, urban revitalization and buzz worthy arts, dining and culture!

So if you live in Charlotte but haven’t been to Midwood lately then this weekend might be the time to get on over for Midwood Maynia. And if you are in the market for what Blake desribes as a ShamWow House well then you just might want to take a look at 1904 Winter Street ~ make sure you call Blake though because the Kerns are not to eager to sell (we’re kidding of course!)
Oh and almost forgot Blake is hosting an open house at 1904 Winter Street, Sunday May 17th - email Blake here for all the details!

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

Best ‘hood in Charlotte! Montibello

March 18th, 2009 categories: Charlotte Real Estate Trends, Communities, Donna Johnston, Montibello, Real Estate Grind, 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 »

Where Can You Blow Off Some Steam in the University Area?

December 22nd, 2008 categories: Charlotte Eats, Communities, Fun for Grown Ups

We’re not promoting pollution or the pro or cons of nuclear energy.  However, after a stressful semester and the additional stress of graduating during a tough job market, many living in and around the University area of North Charlotte may need to blow off some steam and have some fun to close out 2008. 

The University area (aka University City) is the North Charlotte community surrounding The University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC).  The community is found along University City Boulevard and W.T Harris Boulevard.  I-485 and North Tryon Street (US 29) also are prominent intersections in the area.  The University area is neighbored by the cities of Harrisburg and Concord.  The outskirts of the University area include Lowe’s Motor Speedway and the Concord Mills Outlet Mall. 

If the beauty of natural flora is your stress reliever, check out the Charlotte Botanical Garden.  The gardens are on the campus of UNCC.  The gardens have three main areas including a greenhouse and two gardens.  Steam can wilt plants so please blow off some steam before you enter the gardens.

If a game of pool and an ice cold beer sound like your scene, check out Smokin’ Cue which is a pool hall on University City Boulevard.  Smokin’ Cue offers friendly service and well-maintained billiards tables.  Women’s Professional Billiards Association members recently participated in an event held here that benefited the Make-A-Wish Foundation.  Thus, if you stop by, you may cross paths with a professional billiards player and get to utter the most famous words in billiards, “rack’em!”

If an authentic Mexican dish and a nice margarita are your stress reliever, Zapata’s is your spot.  Zapata’s is located on J.M. Keynes Drives.  The restaurant offers large portions of authentic Mexican cuisine.  A live Mariachi band plays there nightly and Latin dancing is offered on Saturday night to Salsa, meringue, and cumbia music.  The restaurant has a wonderful view because its location overlooks the University Park Lake near the University City Hilton.

If a Guinness or other beer is your stress reliever, try Tipsey McStumble’s.  The name should say it all.  This completely unauthentic Irish pub on University City Boulevard offers a fun place to just hang out with friends and watch sporting events.  Go easy on the drink specials so that you don’t get too “tipsey.”

If you’re looking for some physical activity to blow off steam, check out Charlotte Pilates which is the only  Pilates studio located in the University and Concord area of Charlotte.  As a Pilates fan, I know that it can provide much needed strength to your core muscles.  This added strength enhances your ability to handle stresses on your body. 

Now, that you’ve blown off your steam, craft a killer resume, network, and attack that job market with vengeance.  Good Luck!

Spoken by Satyra Riggins | Discussion: No Comments »

Charlotte’s Artsy Side, No Duh!

December 17th, 2008 categories: Charlotte Arts, Charlotte Lifestyle, Communities

How would you react if you were walking down the street and encountered a belly dancer in full regalia performing for a crowd?  Would you stay and watch the rhythmic movements of her hips or would you swiftly move away to avoid the scene?  If the day was a first or third Friday in the North Charlotte community of NoDA, then you need not worry since it ’s one of potential sights of the bimonthly Gallery Crawl event.

NoDa, aka North Davidson, is known as a hub for art galleries, performing arts, eclectic shops, and interesting cuisine in Charlotte.  NoDa sits at the intersection of North Davidson Street and 36th Street.  This North Charlotte community, which sits two miles from Uptown, has a bimonthly event to share its cultural richness with the rest of Charlotte and the surrounding area.

Gallery Crawl is an event in which the NoDa art galleries are open every first and third Friday evening of every month from approximately 6 pm to 9:30 pm.  These late openings give interested people an opportunity to take a leisurely walk to get an art galore.  There are also bars, restaurants, boutiques, and other interesting sights along the route.  It’s a free for all so you never know what you may see as you walk along the street. . . belly dancers, fortune tellers, and street musicians are some of the possible sights.   What a great arts scene that we have here in Charlotte!  Soho’s Little Sister, as this area is called by the NODA Association,  may be an accurate description after all.

Check out a video of some of the sights and sounds of Gallery Crawl:

Now, you NoDa scene.

Spoken by Satyra Riggins | Discussion: No Comments »