Archive for the 'Real Estate Grind' Category

Queen’s Feast | Charlotte’s Best Restaurants ON SALE!

June 26th, 2009 categories: Real Estate Grind

It’s Official some of our favorite Charlotte restaurants are ON SALE ~
It’s a Queens Feast for $30 per person!

CHARLOTTE (June 25, 2009) - The immensely popular dining event Charlotte Restaurant Week will expand to ten days for its third outing. “Queen’s Feast: Summer 2009″ will run Friday, July 10, through Sunday, July 19, encompassing two full weekends. The semi-annual event boasts a new high of 71 participating restaurants for this summer’s run. The event website at CharlotteRestaurantWeek lists participating restaurants, their special Queen’s Feast menus, and reservations instructions, along with information on transportation and accommodations offerings.

Charlotte Restaurant Week is a metro-area promotion during a typically slow time in which numerous upscale restaurants offer a prix fixe, three-course dinner for $30 per person (not including tax and gratuity), a savings over what such a meal would typically cost. In addition to many areas of Charlotte, participating restaurants this summer can be found in the Lake Norman/North Mecklenburg area; Fort Mill, SC; and Belmont, NC.

Here’s a list of participating Charlotte area restaurants (by neighborhood) some of our favs in PINK! * new for 2009

Dilworth

300 East*
Copper
Dolce
Fiamma
Frankie’s Italian Grill
Outback Steakhouse-Dilworth*
Sole Spanish Grille*
Zen Asian Fusion

Downtown / Center City / South End

Basil Thai*
BlackFinn
Blue Restaurant & Bar
Caffe Siena
The Capital Grille
Chima Brazilian Steakhouse*
Cosmos Café-Downtown
Ember Grille
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse
Greek Isles
LaVecchia’s Seafood Grille
Luce*
Mez
Mimosa Grill
Morton’s, The Steakhouse*
Ratcliffe on the Green
Ruth’s Chris Steak House-Downtown
Sonoma Modern American
Sullivan’s Steakhouse
Zink American Kitchen

Elizabeth / Midtown

Cajun Queen
Carpe Diem
Customshop
The Melting Pot-Midtown

Lake Norman / North Mecklenburg

Dressler’s
Kabuto Japanese Steakhouse-Huntersville*
Maddi’s Southern Bistro*
Mickey & Mooch-Huntersville*
Positano Osteria*
Red Rocks Café-Birkdale Village*
T1 Tapas*

South Charlotte (Ballantyne / Arboretum / Pineville / Fort Mill, SC)

Arooji’s Wine Room & Ristorante-Ballantyne*
Firenze*
Flat Rock Grille
Gallery Restaurant
Maestro’s Bar & Bistro
Mickey & Mooch…The Other Joint
New South Kitchen & Bar
Passion8 Bistro*
Tria Terra
Villa Antonio-Ballantyne

SouthPark / Park Road / Foxcroft

Andrew Blair’s
Arooji’s Wine Room & Ristorante-SouthPark
Brick Tops
Brio Tuscan Grille
Café Monte
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill-SouthPark
M5
Noble’s Restaurant
Oceanaire Seafood Room
Palm Restaurant
Red Rocks Café-Strawberry Hill
Ruth’s Chris Steak House-SouthPark
The Tavern on Park
Toscana
Upstream
Village Tavern*

University UNCC North Charlotte

Lava Bistro
The Melting Pot-University
Outback Steakhouse-University*

Myspace Neon Flash Comments

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 »

Friday Fun: Please Don’t Shoot the Messenger!

June 5th, 2009 categories: Real Estate Grind

Please don’t shoot the messenger! Have fun this Friday and the weekend!

Working title: Are women born like this? You missed I ducked!

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

Uptown Charlotte in High Definition and Moving Fast

May 20th, 2009 categories: Real Estate Grind

Just a very cool, very well done trip through uptown Charlotte at Night. Charlotte is Moving Fast!

Courtesy of Charlotte’s own Rob Armstrong check him out here.

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

TalkCharlotte Friday Fun: Southwest - Fly the Funny Skies!

May 8th, 2009 categories: Real Estate Grind

It’s Friday so here’s some FUN! Flying can still be fun — Southwest Airlines** is definitely…..a trip! When are you coming to Charlotte?

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: 2 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 Friday Fun: French Fries and a Library Card

April 24th, 2009 categories: Real Estate Grind

Market bottoms?, short sales, foreclosures, toxic assets, sub-prime mortgages….arrrgggh sometimes you just need a good laugh! This from our own Rhonda (full disclosure Rhonda is a brunette)

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

Charlotte Magazine 2009 Best of the Best: Home Winners

April 21st, 2009 categories: Real Estate Grind

Each year we await Charlotte magazine’s BOB (Best of the Best of Charlotte) Awards edition! Please check out all the winners in twelve categories or better yet pick up a copy at magazine outlets all over Charlotte ~ help support a great local publication / business!

Let’s take a look at a few of the winners in the Home category (courtesy of the Charlotte magazine website)!

We know and love these guys — say hello to Dixon for me and prepare to spend an hour plus browsing oddities, collectible & memory lane!

Furniture for a Steal
There’s no better place to shop on a shoestring than the cavernous Sleepy Poet Stuff warehouse. Among the zebra-print rugs, vintage mannequins, and eclectic bird cages are cheap high-end furnishings. A shabby-chic ivory cabinet by High Point that retails at $2,400 recently sold for $1,500. And a mint-condition mahogany chest of drawers from the 1950s went for $250. Fix-it types can find wingback chairs, colonial-inspired love seats, and dining room chairs that need either some refinishing or new upholstery, both of which cost less than buying brand new.
121 Freeland Ln., 704-529-6369

Modern home store
We couldn’t be happier that California-based chain west elm (pictured) has found a home in the Queen City. The store’s clean, sculptural furniture (like the room-divider bookcase, $599), brightly printed duvet covers, and transitional throw pillows and chunky blankets add graphic punch to any room. Earthy accessories, like a bone table lamp ($169) and raw wood vase ($39) soften the modern silhouette. Plus, the inexpensive yet sophisticated glassware — Champagne flutes, stemless wine glasses, and water glasses — allow you to buy for your home without feeling buyer’s guilt.
1100 Metropolitan Ave., 704-333-0642

Lighting
Abode owner Mary Tobias Miller has twenty-seven years of experience as an interior designer, so she’ll understand your quest for the perfect sconces, lanterns, or standing lamps. Let her lead you to a brightly colored Robert Abbey lamp ($215 and up) from abode’s showroom or a handcrafted chandelier from Louisiana-based artisan Julie Neill. Abode specializes in sconces, of which the store offers an extensive selection. This is what really sets the South End store apart from other lighting purveyors. The shop also boasts a collection of unique lamps made from architectural remnants, like salvaged wrought-iron gates.
201 W. Worthington Ave., 704-332-3731

We lost two team members in IKEA  one day - be prepared to shop and you’ll know why they a great fully loaded restaurant!

Kid Stuff
Swedish home purveyor IKEA caters to the kiddie set. Nearly 8,000 square feet are devoted to brightly colored bedding, toys, and artwork for kids. And pint-size furnishings are smartly designed, too: a blue Hermelin crib, $129, can be converted into a traditional bed as your child grows and MATA tableware ($2.95 for a set of four) is super functional — suction rings keep dinner on the table, not splayed all over the floor.
8300 Ikea Blvd., 704-549-4532

Home Accessories
This decidedly unpretentious shop pairs classic home wares, like blue-and-white colonial pottery, with the hottest trends of the season. Tennille & Co. merchandise is affordable, too-browse throw pillows in feral prints (snakeskin, giraffe, cheetah) starting at $10 or snap up delicate safari-inspired votive holders for $5. Need a last-minute hostess gift? Tennille carries monogrammed wine stoppers for just $15.
2823 Selwyn Rd., 704-369-0062

So there’s a start — remember even in these tough times whether you are sprucing up your Charlotte home for sale or recently purchased a home you’ll want to shop smart and get the best design and value for you money ~ hope these ideas help!

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 »

So you think we have it tough…

March 13th, 2009 categories: Home Financing, Jackie Stutts, Real Estate Grind

 

So you think we have it tough now, take a look at this. This was lifted off the front page of the Charlotte Observer on March 30, 1980. My wife Jackie Stutts and I bought our first house in closing months in 1980. Considering where the interest rates had been earlier in the year, we were more than thrilled when rates dropped below 12% and we got our first mortgage at the bargain basement rate of 11.75% for a 30 year fixed rate with a 10% down payment. We thought we had made the coup of the century and we felt good about what we had done. Rates would never be that low again.

Today’s interest rates are at the lowest level that they have been in years. If you are waiting for rates to drop another 0.125% before locking your loan, take a quick look back at 1980 for a reality check and think of just how lucky we are to have rates consistently below the 6.5% level.

Requirements to get approved for a home mortgage have tightened up some over the past year but these adjustments get us back to the 1980’s. The article talks about loans requiring 10% and 20% down payment. A down payment. What a novel idea. There is absolutely no mention in the Observer article of 100% financing. Can you believe it? Actually having a true investment in your home in order to buy it.

Yes requirements have tightened up some but with a good credit score, a little money for a down payment (only 3% for FHA loans) and a job in hand there is plenty of financing out there for a home mortgage for you.

Don’t get too bogged down focusing on waiting for rates to drop another 0.125%. If you are happy with your interest rate and comfortable with your monthly mortgage payment, you might want to consider locking in your rate while you can. You just never know (as this article shows us) when rates will move in the wrong direction for you.

By Terry Stutts-Myers Park Mortgage

Spoken by Donna Johnston | Discussion: No Comments »

« Previous Entries