Friday Fun: What NOT to do on Facebook…just saying

May 22nd, 2009 categories: About Our Realtors, Charlotte Real Estate Trends, Friday Fun, Giving Back in Charlotte, Market Snap

(Watch the video below)

Facebook, Twitter, Blogging, and that next big thing  ~ it’s all part of a big ball of virtual wax called social networking. We have come a long way (Thank God) from the anonymous “AOL chat rooms” where you did not know who you were chatting with and too many were out waving their “freak flags high”. Today online is different because it’s the same as real life ~ real people are using the internet to connect and stay connected ~ believe the naysayers at your own peril ~ but people are connecting, learning and engaging online and those online connections are building and strengthening relationships in the real world in coffee shops across America! Join In!

Today social media is all about transparency ~ transparency is the new black! TalkCharlotte is now well - known on Twitter follow us, Facebook become a fan and of course we’ve been right here a leader in real estate/community blogging.

Many say all this social networking is nonsense, a waste of time or worse. I can appreciate that and it can be a time drain but I also believe that social networking is here to stay and will evolve nicely. Where I think people go wrong is making it too much, sometimes ALL about themselves, their ideas, their links, their stories, their cat… (icanhascheezburger truly for the cat lovers, serious cat lovers)

Want social media to work for you? Replace these two words ME & NETWORK with these three YOU & CONNECT & ENGAGE and you will thrive in the “social media space” (been waiting to use some geek speak) You’ll enjoy the interactions, the learning and you will see time wasted will become time treasured.

Oh but there are rules, manners and well this video says it best….“suggest you not friend Donna Whitehouse” just saying…

Authored by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: Your Comments Please »

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!

Authored by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: Your Comments Please »

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.

Authored by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: Your Comments Please »

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!

Authored by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: Your Comments Please »

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!

Authored by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: Your Comments Please »

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…

Authored by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: 3 Comments »

Sunday Inspiration |TalkCharlotte Honors Mom

May 10th, 2009 categories: About Our Realtors, Giving Back in Charlotte

We took a break from real estate to each reflect on what our Moms mean us. We’d love if you’d share your thoughts in the comments section!

Happy Mother’s day from the team at TalkCharlotte!

Authored by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: Your Comments Please »

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!

Authored by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: Your Comments Please »

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?

Authored by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: 2 Comments »

Secret to Selling Your Home? Get a geranium

May 6th, 2009 categories: Blake Garvin, Market Snap, Myers Park

OK maybe it’s not quite that simple ~ but I am big believer in simple solutions for complex problems. It’s tough out there ~ I bet as a team we have 100 people who want to, are itching to move to Charlotte ~ but they can’t sell their homes! Sound familiar?

I think you’ll be interested in the “Cinderella Story” of little ole’ 1622 Geneva Court in the heart of Myers Park. This is one of Blake’s favorite listings, nestled on a secret cul de sac the lovely brick ranch is but a stones throw (literally) from the Freedom Park Lake. Look at the before and after pictures below and you’ll see that all this charmer needed was a gallon of black paint, some pine straw, elbow grease and maybe one nudge from the fairy Godmother!

People ask us all the time why should I list my home with RE/MAX, with the TalkCharlotte team? Well a cliche is only a cliche if it’s not true ~ it’s true we do go the extra mile. Blake made some simple suggestions (dramatic results) the homeowners jumped on it ~ IT WORKED! It’s not always this clear or simple but we find a way to add value to listing your home. We are testing out personalized blog posts about our listings - asking our homeowners to tell the story, what they love about the home they’re selling ~  they’re connecting wth prospective buyers ~ IT”S WORKING! Click We Don’t Want to Sell and then Queens Beans for the stories.

So back to Geneva Court…

BEFORE

AFTER  Taadaaa!

So there she is Cinderella..to be fair the after picture is Charlotte in full bloom…but here’s what we did for about $300!

1. Black paint on shutters, handrail and awning $50
2. Dozen shrubs in the front $120
3. Cut down scraggly magnolias front door $ elbow grease
4. Pulled up the overgrown money grass $elbow grease
5. Pressure wash the (beautiful) brick garden wall $ borrow a washer, elbow grease
6. Geranium in clay pot front steps $15
7. New Mulch or if you prefer pine straw $150

You can do this! If you or a friend who is thinking of selling a home in this challenging market - drop us a note click right here we might just be able to help you paint a prettier picture and tell the story of your home! Stories Sell and that will make all the difference!

Authored by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: 5 Comments »

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