Archive for the 'Charlotte Lifestyle' Category

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 »

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 »

Well Excuuuse me, no way my Charlotte home is worth THAT much!

January 21st, 2009 categories: Charlotte Lifestyle, Charlotte Real Estate Trends, Home Financing

Yes it’s THAT time of year again….TAX TIME! That time of year when we all look back over the last year and try desperately to remember anything, anything we did or spent that might reduce our tax hit! Here’s Kiplinger’s take on the 10 most overlooked dedutions if you’re into that kind of thing.

But today I wanted to talk about something near and dear not to every Charlotte homeowoner’s heart…Charlotte Mecklenburg property taxes, or in the latin Ad valorem taxes - (don’t you they use latin or french when they want something to sound more noble and magnanimous.) By the way for 2008 it’s $1.2973 per $100 assessed value.

In today’s Charlote ObserverApril Bethea has as really great article Can I Appeaal Tax Value?. In part she reports

“The start of the new year kicks off the period when property owners can appeal the tax values on buildings and land, and officials from across the Charlotte region said they’ve been peppered with requests similar to Stanberry’s. But N.C. law doesn’t allow current economic conditions to be used as a reason to change a property’s tax value… The law catches many homeowners by surprise. “A lot of people assume quite naturally that current sales information would be a valid reason for an appeal,” said Chuck Hicks, real property appraiser manager for Mecklenburg County. read the full article here”

Things that can be considered in appeals:

• Correction of clerical or mathematical error, or error in applying schedule of values used in most-recent property reassessment.

• Physical changes to property, such as addition or removal of a structure.

• A rezoning change, or adoption of a conservation or preservation agreement.

Things that cannot be used in appeals:

• Normal, physical depreciation of buildings.

• Economic changes affecting the county.

• Improvements to property such as repainting of buildings or other structures, and landscaping.

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

Uptown Charlotte even has its own magazine(s)!

January 15th, 2009 categories: A Charlotte Institution, Charlotte Area Grab Bag, Charlotte Lifestyle, Fun for Grown Ups, Fun for Kids

Yeah who knew, well we knew but maybe you didn’t — Charlotte has a couple of great magazines focused on the still growing and bustling Uptown area. Check out this link to Uptown’s super cool online version of the magazine. If you’ve never seen an online magazine where you can actually turn the page it’s pretty cool. And make sure to watch the short video promoting Under the Influence at Charlotte’s iconic Visualite theatre (it’s not what you think!) SKI much?

Or maybe come by the Visualite and check out the Gourds — now that one caught us by surprise too! Rhonda, Jackie and I however did see two great Duncan Sheik shows at the Visualite if that is more your style!

Oh yes and make sure you check out Charlotte’s newest uptown magazine EYE Charlotte by our friend and reknowned Charlotte Observer reporter Crystal Dempsey!

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

Ikea will Bea in Charlottea Area in 2009!

January 14th, 2009 categories: Charlotte Area Grab Bag, Charlotte Lifestyle, The Charlotte Scoop

OK I think I may have given rhyming a seriously bad name! But IKEA is opening soon in Charlotte and I have to say not a moment too soon — we need some fresh new retail! The chain’s 356,000 square foot store (one of it’s largest) opens February 18 in the bustling University area. IKEA founded in 1943 in Helsingborg, Sweden brings it’s eclectic mix of home furnishings, bath, kitchen and full interior design services –  basically uber cool stuff you really don’t see anywhere else! Get a preview here at their website! Who doesn’t need a royal feline futon or should I say BASTIS…

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

Charlotte Restaurant Week | Dine Like Royalty in the Queen City

January 12th, 2009 categories: Charlotte Eats, Charlotte Lifestyle, The Charlotte Scoop

Charlotte Restaurant Week is back for an encore! Also known as the Queens Feast Winter 2009
Enjoy a culinary extravaganza during this week-long celebration of Charlotte’s restaurant scene. From Saturday, January 24, through Friday, January 30, each participating upscale restaurant will offer a spectacular 3-course, prix fixe dinner menu for only $30 per person (not including tax and gratuity).

May we suggest a few personal favorites: Cajun Queen, Carpe Diem, Villa Antonio-South Boulevard, Upstream, M5 Modern Mediterranean, McIntosh’s Steaks & Seafood, Noble’s Restaurant, Sullivan’s Steakhouse, Copper Modern Indian Cuisine

Whichever restaurant you choose (or choose more than one!) I promise you’ll enjoy that famous Charlotte hospitality and some surprisingly good eclectic fare.

Just don’t ask for any substitutions! (Even Jack has to go prix fixe)

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

Wells Fargo talks and Charlotte hopes they listen.

January 6th, 2009 categories: Charlotte Lifestyle, The Charlotte Scoop

I spend way to much time railing about big companies and their lack of real leadership, vision, creativity and of course transparency.  There are a few exceptions Apple, ING, Timberland, uLine and Zappos come to mind. So what a pleasure to read today that Wells Fargo has a new blog aptly if not creatively named the Wells Fargo-Wachovia Blog and that the CEO is an author! Now I have not had the chance to check it out to see if like so many it’s just another company speak, boiler-plated, lawyered, extended company brochure sans pictures excuse for a blog. For now I’m going to give CEO John Stumpf, Anne Marie Quinn and Matt Wadley more than the benefit of the doubt. In fact I’m going to say KUDOS for even having a blog while so many companies don’t, won’t or can’t!

If as Matt Wadley says…

“See, my passion has always been for the written word, though I do enjoy the spoken and sung versions from time to time. And I’m really excited to have the chance to engage with you about the merger of two of America’s best financial companies.

But let me back up just a minute. Now I know some of you may see “Corporate Communications” and think: “Puh-leeze! Blogs are supposed to be about informal conversation, not just another channel for company press releases!”

Well, I couldn’t agree more.” read more here

Well Matt now that’s sounding pretty good and for all those antsy Wachovitteans this might just prove to be your best source for information, FAQs and a way to connect and learn about our new partners from the west! So take look at the Wells Fargo - Wachovia blog and come back to tell us what you think, better yet tell them! Dare I, we say welcome Wells Fargo!

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: 1 Comment »

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 »

Where Do the Night Crawlers Go in Uptown Charlotte?

December 10th, 2008 categories: Charlotte Lifestyle, Fun for Grown Ups

Is your skin crawling as you view the slimy, night creature above?  Don’t worry, I’m not going to discuss that worm but I will discuss night crawlers in the form of bar and club goers in the Uptown Charlotte area.  Please don’t be offended as I’m not saying that bar and club goers are slimy and offensive.  To say the least, bar and club goers are vibrant, hip people who generally are a lot of fun to be around both day and night.

Charlotte has a vibrant nightlife with an array of bars and nightclubs for whatever musical or drink preference that you have.  From the tunes of the 1980s at The Breakfast Club to the high energy and superb DJ’s at The Forum, or the charm of Rí~Rá, Charlotte Uptown nightlife has something for night crawlers from all walks (ha!) of life.  Here are some Uptown dance clubs and Uptown bars that may catch your fancy.

UPTOWN DANCE CLUBS

The Forum is located on North College Street.  It has a spacious dance floor which is great since the DJ’s keep the music loud and the energy level high.  During warm nights, the rooftop garden provides a great view of the Charlotte skyline as well as the 7th street alley. The ice bar keeps drinks at a comfortable and “chill” temperature for the hip crowd.  The Forum seems like a great place to get a workout without trying too hard.

The Breakfast Club is located on Caldwell Street.  The club takes its name from the 1980s movie which bears the same name.  The club is on three level and features a vibrant mix of 80s music at all times.  There is an outside patio for warm night and a tiki bar.  In addition, there are TV’s scattered throughout the club which play videos from MTV’s early days in addition to 1980s movies.  Most club goers wear 1980s memorabilia so that they can get fully in the mood of this big hair, big earrings era.  I was a teenager during the 1980s so this club is definitely on my “must go to” list.

Tilt is located on West Trade Street in the heart of Uptown Charlotte.  Tilt has live music, flat-screen TV’s.  Chandeliers and hardwood floors reflect an upscale feel.  In addition, Tilt has a strict dress code which tends to attract young, professionals.  Tilt offers some of the better drinks in town so you may be slightly “tilted” when you leave this fun club.

UPTOWN BARS

Rí~Rá is located on North Tryon Street.  It is an Irish pub with a charming and comfortable feel.  The bar has a collection of Dublin ledgers and an antique Guinness mirror.  The bar was built using original materials from original Irish pubs.  Guinness is obviously the more popular beer in this locale.

Cosmo’s Cafe is located on College Street near The Forum dance club.  Cosmo’s has an extensive martini list with such favorites as the Fruit Loop, Liquid Sunshine, and the Flirtini.  If you’re a martini fan, you may have found your watering spot.  Cosmo’s also has an extensive sushi menu.  I’m a big fan of Cosmo’s sushi platter which has a lot of choices for you raw fish connoisseurs.

Now, aren’t you glad that you took the time to peruse this selection rather than running away at the sight of the night crawler worm?  I hope that you found something that made you want to become a night crawler if only for one night!

Spoken by Satyra Riggins | Discussion: No Comments »

Cocoa, Music, and Santa.. . Enjoy Winter Fun in Weddington

December 7th, 2008 categories: Charlotte Lifestyle, Real Estate Grind, The Charlotte Scoop

There are so many choices of holiday events going on throughout Charlotte and the surrounding areas.  The Town of Weddington has some attractive alternatives that both you and your children can enjoy as you breathe the crisp, clean and cold winter air.  The Town of Weddington is located about fifteen miles southeast of Charlotte and fourteen miles from Monroe.  Here are highlights of Weddington events going on this week:

1. Bright Lights, Little Town.  The town of Weddington will have their 1st Annual Town Hall Tree Lighting Event on December 8, 2008 at 6:00 pm.  Enjoy coffee, cocoa, cookies, and the company of the friendly Weddington citizens.  Since this is the first year for this event, I’m sure that the town would love a big turnout which can set a precedent for years to come.
2. Musical Melodies.  The Marshville Elementary School Music Machine will present a Christmas concert on December 9, 2008 at 6:30 pm.  Advance tickets are $1 and tickets at the door are $2.  Being a  band member while in school,  I know that the students would love the support of their local community in addition to their family and friends.   
3. Share Breakfast with Santa.  The Weddington Optimist Club will host a breakfast with Santa at the Siler Presbyterian Church’s Fellowship Hall on Saturday, December 13, 2008 from 8:00 am-10:30 am. The breakfast will include all you can eat pancakes, bacon, sausage, orange juice, and coffee.  Tickets are $4.00 for adults and $3.00 for children ages 3-10.    Bring your camera to take a picture with the special breakfast guest, Santa.  What child or adult as well would not enjoy sharing a meal with Santa?  Santa enjoys the solo midnight milk and cookies snack on Christmas Eve but I’m sure that he would enjoy meeting you for a more nutritious meal and pleasant company.

Weddington has a lot to offer and many of these events could be enduring annual traditions for you and your family.

Spoken by Satyra Riggins | Discussion: No Comments »

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