The Realtor Killer iPhone App and Why We’re Not Dead Yet

February 10th, 2010 categories: Charlotte Real Estate & More

We knew it was coming; first stockbrokers, then music, soon newspapers and now Realtors! The internet(s) +  Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com wounded Realtors and now an iPhone App has delivered the mortal blow! Kinda.

Check out this short video and then let’s discuss…

Pretty cool huh? I think so – I use Realtor.com on my iPhone! So if you’re looking to buy a home in Charlotte you don’t need a Realtor anymore…right? Well you’d be half (maybe a third) right. You don’t need a Realtor to explore homes and neighborhoods (never did) but now you can explore more powerfully – tools like the Realtor.com app, Google Maps and apps like Homelikes give YOU the power of information and GPS makes it all so efficient….Hey, I like this neighborhood what else is for sale around me..click!

Here’s the rub and this is going to freak out a whole lot of Realtors – “We’re losing control of the information!”, “Why don’t you search for homes on my website!” (those horses left the barn so long ago the farmer sold the barn and bought a condo in Boca!) There’s more to the rub though and Realtors DO have a point – the good ones know it never really was about controlling the information so much as helping clients (yes people like you) manage and understand it. There are lots of homes/townhomes/condos/lots for sale – over 25,000 in Charlotte on any given day! Most are nice, some are dogs, many are gems and any one could be perfect for you – sorting the information, local knowledge and experience is what matters! (and that is not available from any app – yet!)

So are Realtors dead or not?….part time, dispassionate, uninformed real estate agents are (or will be shortly) gone for good. In their place is emerging a reinvigorated / new class of professional, informed and knowledgeable advocates who can walk clients through the increasingly complex transaction that is buying or selling a home. Tools like the Realtor.com app or those to come are welcome additions to those of us who understand the incredible value a Realtor brings and confident enough to cultivate intelligent and informed clients!

Oh and one thing if you find a house you like please don’t call Mary at Century 21…(hey remember like I said we’re not dead yet!)

Authored by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: 1 Comment »

Tall Tale in Myers Park Neighborhood

February 9th, 2010 categories: Myers Park

Myers Park may have some of the tallest and most beautiful structures in Charlotte – but if you ask the Myers Park Homeowner’s Association – they’d better be of the “natural” kind. TREES that is!

Charlotte’s Myers Park is venerated, beloved…treasured by all Charlotteans. It would be hard to argue there is a more beautiful cadre of tree-lined avenues in this city or for that matter any city in the southeast. That’s the good news…

The bad news is our beloved “forest” of old growth oaks is under siege first by canker worms and now by development. Homeowners Associations often take flack for their restrictive covenants but they also serve a noble purpose especially in historically significant neighborhoods like Myers Park. Read Ron Stodghill’s excellent commentary on just such a debate Myers Park gets worked up over height restrictions. Happily the tallest “structure” you’re likely to see in Myers Park will continue to be a structure no man can build!

oh and that>>>
Burj Dubai the world’s tallest building at 2717 feet (not in Myers Park)

Authored by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: Your Comments Please »

hungary? These kids are!

February 7th, 2010 categories: Donna Johnston, Fun for Kids, Giving Back in Charlotte, Good stuff we find, Sunday Inspiration

Every year my kids amaze me on how enthusiastic they are about sleeping in a box and fasting for 30 hours. It is usually cold and raining yet that just energizes them. My kids have a huge heart and soul and Haiti has been especially on their minds. This event is so unique because it is planned and ran by the youth and volunteers.

This year, St. John Episcopal Church is building its box city for the 30 Hour Famine on Saturday, Feb. 27th, 2010. The youth have to raise at least $360 to participate and hundreds do. This is not just for St. Johns but any youth (grades 6-12) that want to help raise money for a good cause while having fun. The 30 hour famine raises awareness for hunger not just around the world but in our city as well. St. Johns youth set records every year on how much money they raise for the 30 hour famine.

World Vision is a well respected 5 star charity that has a mission to feed the hungry. In the aftermath of the devastation of Haiti, the need is there more than ever. Did you know that over 25,000 children die from hunger or hunger related illnesses every DAY? This year at St John’s 30 hour famine the theme is “Western” and yes, I have heard they are going to have a mechanical bull for the kids to ride, Woo Hoo. I am looking forward to the Famine Hoe Down square dance they are hosting. I haven’t done that since I was a kid myself.

All are welcome to join in the fun for $5 or $20 per family and you don’t have to wear the square dancing dress- unless you just happen to have one in your closet…. Want to help, see it in action, donate, spread the word- please do. Click here to see more 30 Hour Famine St. Johns. Do you know of any event going on to raise awareness for hunger? As I am preparing the food for my guests coming over for the super bowl, I realize how fortunate we are. Imagine being so hungry without a kitchen to go to. Click Here to donate directly to St Johns 30 hour famine.

Authored by Donna Johnston | Discussion: Your Comments Please »

Charlotte’s Best On Us! LaVecchia’s Seafood and Steaks

February 3rd, 2010 categories: Charlotte Real Estate & More

Here’s another in a series of TalkCharlotte partnerships – Charlotte’s Best On Us! This time we offered a trip to Neptune’s galley….better know as LaVecchia’s Seafood and Steaks. THIS IS Charlotte’s acknowledged expert in seafood!

From opening day LaVecchia’s has been a favorite of Charlotte’s locals – uptown workers would happily return to  uptown on the weekend to enjoy the freshest seafood and some would just stay enjoying the lively bar scene. LaVecchia’s is that rare place where a casual dinner or a big night out go hand in hand.

Since 1998 this award winning seafood restaurant is perfect for all sorts of gatherings. From Birthday celebrations to large business functions, LaVecchia’s Steak and Seafood offers the freshest seafood in uptown Charlotte, aged USDA Prime steaks, great pasta dishes and a hip wine list.  Affordable and stylish, LaVecchia’s is ALWAYS good. Entertainment every Friday and Saturday night. The unique interior design creates a lively atmosphere filled with giant sculptures and bright colors reminding the guest of an undersea culinary adventure….owner Nick LaVecchia

Sorry to say the LaVecchia’s promotion is over but Drop us a note here to receive our current offering see here it’s delicious too ~ and we’ll put you on the list for more monthly treats to Charlotte’s Best On Us!

Authored by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: Your Comments Please »

Charlotte’s Best On Us! Zebra Restaurant and Wine Bar

February 1st, 2010 categories: Charlotte Real Estate & More, Charlotte's Best On Us

Charlotte’s restaurant scene is vibrant and delicious and I think too often under-appreciated by Charlotteans! Here’s another in a series Charlotte’s best restaurants!

A while back we partnered with Southpark’s “instant classic” Zebra Restaurant & Wine Bar. hint: The Beef Tenderlion Tips With Portobellos And Onions, Risotto And Asparagus ($12.50) is melt in your mouth joy! Full disclosure this was one of the TalkCharlotte team’s first partnerships so of course we had to try it out - the coupon for a free entree was welcomed and we thoroughly enjoyed our lunch – you will too!

Welcome to Zebra Restaurant and Fine Catering, fine dining in the style of the French Laundry. Zebra offers a world-class dining experience similar to the restaurants of New York, San Francisco and London. From our 800 bottle wine list, to our four diamond award-winning service staff, to our a la carte and nightly gastronimique grand tasting menu, Zebra consistently delivers the best Charlotte has to offer.

Certified executive chef and owner Jim Alexander invites you to join us at Zebra to enjoy that special occasion or event, or, to just celebrate the good life.

Sorry to say the Zebra promotion is over but Drop us a note here to receive our current offering see here it’s delicious ~ and we’ll put you on the list for more monthly treats to Charlotte’s Best On Us!

Authored by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: 1 Comment »

Sharpen Your Number 2 Pencil: Charlotte NC is the Place to Buy a Home

January 30th, 2010 categories: Charlotte Real Estate & More, Homebuyers Charlotte

It’s official things are picking up in Charlotte, NC. It could be the best time in years to buy a home in Charlotte! Rhonda and I wrote three home purchase contracts just last week and as Rhonda said “I think people are just tired of waiting, home prices are fair and interest rates are low – there is a lot of pent up demand.”

Charlotte Ranks Second (No.2) Among Best Places to Buy Now

Forbes magazine recently named Charlotte one of the best places to buy a home, second only to Boston, Massachusetts. To determine which cities had the best buys, Forbes computed the premium and identified locales where economists predict home prices will go up the most over the next five years.

Authored by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: 1 Comment »

Charlotte’s Best On Us! Discovery Place “Hands on Science”

January 29th, 2010 categories: Charlotte Real Estate & More

Discovery Place is uniquely Charlotte ~ it’s one of those treasures that both young and old can enjoy and appreciate  years after your first visit. Whether you’re there to visit the mind blowing Lost Worlds at the IMAX theater, to watch a tornado appear before your very eyes or of course to watch mice play basketball ~ Discovery Place in Uptown Charlotte is THE PLACE! Discovery Place has been a part of my Charlotte Life since 1979 when I first moved to Charlotte and met my good friend Miller Nicholson (a darned good architect if you need one btw) for years Miller’s mom Freda was (and remains) along with CEO John Mackay the heart and soul of Discovery Place.

Recently TalkCharlotte partnered with Discovery Place to offer a free admission to Odyssey’s Shipwreck – sorry you missed that one but drop us a note here receive our current offering it’s delicious ~ and get on the list for monthly treats to Charlotte’s Best On Us!

Authored by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: Your Comments Please »

How much is that house? No hassle, no sales pitch!

January 28th, 2010 categories: Charlotte Real Estate & More

Have you ever been “just looking” around the Charlotte area maybe thinking about buying a home? or just curious what the house down the street is going for? You know how you pull up to grab a brochure and wouldn’t you know it the brochure doesn’t have the price???

To get the price you’ll have to call the agent (ahhh…I get it) and you’re likely to get a sales pitch…it might go something like this -

You: Hello my name is Barry (fake name of course) and I’m looking at the house at 222 Was Just Looking Ave – can you tell me the price?

Agent: Barry it’s Howie, Howie Closem  – I’m so glad you called, of course I can help you – may I ask a question first? What exactly are you looking for in a home? Are you looking to buy soooooon or just looking?

You: Uh…Howie I simply wanted the  price…

Agent: Barry, I understand but I need to know…..blah blah blah ba blah blah blah…..

OK that may have been a little exaggerated but you get the gist sometimes you just want some information on your terms.

We are offering a really cool service (exclusive to REMAX Executive) to anyone looking at homes in Charlotte. You can call 704-367-4444 (just put in “for sale” address from any phone) to get full recorded details (INCLUDING THE PRICE) on ANY home you see for sale in the Charlotte area, Lake Norman, Union County, Gastonia too.

To make it even better** if you are in my database you will never get a call back from an agent. Call on 20 homes with no hassle or sales pitch! (Simply drop me a note click here with your email and cell phone to be added.)

**HINT: (try it now – call and put in my listing 2937 Duvalla Ave) the number works even if I don’t add you but you may get a follow up call from another agent

Authored by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: Your Comments Please »

Tara-Nicholle Nelson’s Drama Free Real Estate

January 27th, 2010 categories: Charlotte Real Estate & More

I saw Tara-Nicholle Nelson on TV so I checked her out ~ she started from very little and is now a rising start in the online real estate world. (I also learned she’s a big Seth Godin fan and his amazing What Matters Now) I encourage you to check out Tara’s website and her insights on real estate – I found them unique, interesting and fun(ny) I think you will too. I will point you to a couple of her articles (after this short video) I only wish I could write as well and smartly as she does!

I think you’ll find Tara’s article on Drama-Free Home buying, selling and financing informative and they might even make you smile!

Drama-Free Home Buying
Drama-Free Home Selling
Drama-Free Home Financing

Authored by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: Your Comments Please »

Find A Good Home and Support A Great Cause

January 26th, 2010 categories: Charlotte Real Estate & More

Did you know that RE/MAX International supports Susan Komen and The Children’s Miracle Network** donating millions of dollars and countless hours. **The Children’s Miracle Network is helping the youngest victims in Haiti right now!

In addition to what RE/MAX does corporately did you know that if you bought or sold a home with a TalkCharlotte team member we made a personal donation to the Children’s Miracle Network. Helping you find the perfect home and giving back – a great combination!

Authored by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: Your Comments Please »

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