Charlotte NC: The Healthiest Housing Markets for 2009 Charlotte 13th
February 19th, 2009 Categories: About Charlotte, Buy A Charlotte Home, Charlotte Homes for Sale, Lake Norman Real Estate, South Charlotte, Union County, University City, mortgages
from Builder Magazine, about Charlotte NC. Things are tough here too, but we are buying and selling homes! It is of course a strong buyers market.
Builder, in conjunction with Hanley Wood Market Intelligence, debuts its metric for determining markets with the best and least potential.
by
Boyce Thompson
With most economists and builders expecting a national market decline this year, this may not seem like the best time to be selecting the “healthiest” markets in the country. Virtually every market was down last year. But a close look at the numbers reveals that some markets have way outperformed others during the last four years and are likely to continue to do so this year.
13. Charlotte, N.C.
2008 total building permits: 12,231
People and businesses must love Charlotte, because they are moving there at a high rate. The metro area of 1.74 million has grown its residents by 4 percent annually over the last five years, one of the highest rates in the country. They are drawn by relatively affordable housing for the east coast—median home prices are only $210,900, and they’ve only “corrected” downward by only 4.2 percent in the last year. A strong fourth quarter helped Charlotte record 12,231 permits last year, only a 44 percent decline since 2005. Charlotte’s strength relative to other markets led the investment banking firm UBS to predict last year that it would be one of the first markets to recover from the housing downturn. Charlotte is still a single-family market, with 62 percent of the residential activity in stand-alone homes. The job market in this banking hub contracted last year, after growing 3 to 5 percent annually the previous three years
When the housing market stages its official recovery, the markets listed on the following pages are likely to lead the parade. …The healthiest markets have many things in common. Most of them are great places to live… Most of them didn’t have a huge run-up in prices during the boom and aren’t experiencing rampant deflation during the bust.
To compile these lists, we analyzed the top 75 housing markets in the country. We ranked them based on population trends and job growth, perennial drivers of housing demand. We also examined what’s happened with home prices; many of the healthiest markets have managed to hold the line on home values. And finally, we considered the rate building permits, which may be the single best ongoing indicator of builder confidence in a market.
Builder Magazine,the full story
Most of the cities in the top ten are in Texas, and other similar markets that didn’t have th high run up in pricres found in Flordia, California, Nevada and Arizona. My 2009 Charlotte Real Estate Market forecast
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Moving to the Charlotte Area? South Charlotte, Waxhaw, Lake Norman, Fort Mill Perhaps? Your first Charlotte home?
I am a Charlotte real estate broker specializing in relocations, 2nd homes and first time home buyers–buying and selling
real estate of all kinds- and will represent only you. My team works with Buyers and Sellers every day from Ballantyne to Lake Norman -and Fort Mill SC too. We work with all relocation companies. My team and I know the homes, the communities, and the new home builders. We know what’s hot, what’s not, and where the deals are. I represented Buyers in the largest foreclosure sale in Charlotte in 2008. And I helped a handful of first time home buyers. I was the Top Agent in 2008 in our 800 + Agent firm, and won an award for customer satisfaction in 2008. We are flexible and at your service.
We are working to help you “buy smart” in Charlotte, and to make your relocation easier and less stressful.
If it’s between the hours of 8 AM to 8 PM, EDT, please don’ t hesitate to call me direct at 704-351-1519. Terry
Charlotte NC Charlotte Relocation Guide Charlotte Real Estate Charlotte Luxury Homes
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Charlotte Buyer Agency- New Homes, Rebates, Real Estate the Way You Like It…
October 18th, 2008 Categories: Buy A Charlotte Home, Lake Norman Real Estate, South Charlotte, Union County
That’s right, home price are at a low point, interest rates are low, and now we (TerryMcDonaldRealEstate.com) are offering new home rebates on most new Inventory homes.
You’ll feel Like Celebrating!
Why? In the downturn as we approach the end of the year, Charlotte New Home Builders are paying us more, and we are passing on those increases to our Buyers.
Here’s how it works. A typical builder in more normal times paid us a 2.5% Buyer Agent Commission- adequate to be sure. Now almost all builders are paying 3%, many 4% and 5%, and some are paying 3% plus a cash bonus. Since November of 2007, we have rebated the bonus portion, now we are adding that portion above our 2.5%. As Buyer Agents, we represent the interests of the buyer and can not reconcile a larger commission-because times are slow at the subdivision. Let’s look at some examples:
A $300,000 home with a 3% commission, and $2000 bonus. Your Buyer Rebate? 1/2% of $300K, plus 2000 = $3500.
A $400,000 home with a 4% Commission equals a 1.5% Rebate to the Buyer or $6000. A 5% Commission? $10,000 Rebate. The larger the home the bigger the numbers.
Now lets look at some actual new Home Inventory from 2 builders, one regional and one national that is already selling at a discount, often below Replacement Cost- home prices are from $76/sf, and all are under $120/sf, and also pay the Buyer Rebate through TMRE.
| Community | Lot | Plan | Original Price | Your Price | Bonus | Rebate= Bonus +over2.5% | |
| Some homes (2/3) below are ready now, the rest are ready in early spring. | +Comm over2.5% | ||||||
| Southwest Charlotte | |||||||
| Laurel Valley Singles | 136 | Mitchell II-C2 | $173,565.00 | $159,990.00 | $1,000 | $1,000 | |
| 137 | Mitchell II-A2 | $171,925.00 | $157,990.00 | $1,000 | $1,000 | ||
| Laurel Valley Towns | $0 | ||||||
| 273 | Morganton-E0 | $168,850.00 | $151,990.00 | $500 | $500 | ||
| Union County | $0 | ||||||
| Shannon Vista | 5 | Alexander C3 | $309,015.00 | $289,990.00 | $5,800 | $5,800 | |
| 169 | Lexington C3 | $318,074.00 | $298,990.00 | $5,980 | $5,980 | ||
| 154 | Fairfield P3 | $314,712.00 | $296,990.00 | $5,940 | $5,940 | ||
| 115 | Guilford II – C3 | $285,470.00 | $259,990.00 | $5,200 | $5,200 | ||
| 174 | Hamilton-B3 | $318,280.00 | $298,990.00 | $5,980 | $5,980 | ||
| University | $0 | ||||||
| Belmar Place | 11 | Madison A2 | $163,365.00 | $159,990.00 | $1,000 | $1,000 | |
| 12 | Mitchell II – A2 | $148,270.00 | $146,990.00 | $1,000 | $1,000 | ||
| 105 | Henderson-A2 | $129,990.00 | $129,990.00 | $500 | $500 | ||
| 17 | Mitchell II -A2 | $150,490.00 | $146,990.00 | $1,000 | $1,000 | ||
| Kingstree | $0 | ||||||
| 267 | Hawthorne-E2 | $205,015.00 | $184,990.00 | $1,000 | $1,000 | ||
| 184 | Wilmington-B2 | $230,715.00 | $199,990.00 | $1,000 | $1,000 | ||
| Mt. Holly/Huntersville Rd. | $0 | ||||||
| Hawk Ridge | 3 | Mitchell-D2 | $163,360.00 | $148,990.00 | $1,000 | $1,000 | |
| Gastonia | $0 | ||||||
| Spencer Mountain | 100 | Mitchell II – F2 | $160,810.00 | $149,990.00 | $1,000 | $1,000 | |
| Community | Lot | Plan | Original Price | Your Price | Bonus | Rebate= Bonus +over2.5% | |
| Some homes (2/3) below are ready now, the rest are ready in early spring. | +Comm over2.5% | ||||||
| CANNON CROSSING ‘70 | 24 | ASPEN B | $254,092.00 | $249,092.00 | $5,000 | $6,245.46 | |
| CANNON CROSSING ‘70 | 27 | PORTLAND C | $269,914.00 | $264,914.00 | $5,000 | $6,324.57 | |
| CANNON CROSSING ‘90 | 151 | BENNETT A | $402,327.00 | $387,327.00 | $5,000 | $6,936.64 | |
| CANNON CROSSING ‘ 90 | 160 | KINSLEY A | $401,654.00 | $396,654.00 | $5,000 | $6,983.27 | |
| EDENMOOR | 21 | TURNER C | $258,071.00 | $243,071.00 | $1,000 | $2,215.36 | |
| LAWSON | 351 | STONEHURST C | $419,918.00 | $354,500.00 | $5,000 | $6,772.50 | |
| MASSEY | 114 | BLOOMFIELD C | $338,422.00 | $328,422.00 | $5,000 | $6,642.11 | |
| MASSEY | 115 | MARLETTE C | $369,092.00 | $360,491.00 | $5,000 | $6,802.46 | |
| PALISADES – RUSTY CREEK | 48 | BRANTWOOD D | $335,888.00 | $325,888.00 | $2,000 | $3,629.44 | |
| PALISADES – RUSTY CREEK | 76 | ELMCROFT C II | $342,684.00 | $342,684.00 | $2,000 | $3,713.42 | |
| PALISADES – WHISPERING PINES | 140 | ALLENBROOK C | $308,269.00 | $298,269.00 | $2,000 | $3,491.35 | |
| PROVIDENCE GROVE | 37 | VIRGINIAN D | $333,113.00 | $318,908.00 | $5,000 | $6,594.54 | |
| STONEWOOD | 74 | INGELTON D | $244,267.00 | $229,267.00 | $2,000 | $3,146.34 | |
| SKYBROOK 60’s | 736 | ARMADA C | $296,304.00 | $286,304.00 | $5,000 | $6,431.52 | |
| SKYBROOK 60’s | 737 | Hastings A | $326,497.00 | $316,497.00 | $5,000 | $6,582.49 | |
| SKYBROOK 42’s | 767 | SCOTTSDALE C | $274,012.00 | $262,012.00 | $5,000 | $6,310.06 | |
| SKYBROOK 42’s | 768 | PRESCOTT F | $273,014.00 | $261,014.00 | $5,000 | $6,305.07 | |
| SKYBROOK 42’s | 798 | HOLBROOK A | $252,427.00 | $242,427.00 | $5,000 | $6,212.14 | |
| SKYBROOK 42’s | 799 | PRESCOTT F | $271,074.00 | $261,074.00 | $5,000 | $6,305.37 | |
| WESTLAND FARM | 30 | INGLETON D | $250,348.00 | $224,348.00 | $5,000 | $6,121.74 | |
Now these offers change all the time, so this is not an offer… you’ll want to confirm any offer with your TMRE Buyer Agent prior to purchase– but the deals are real, and could help with all those expenses after you move in. Unfortunately you may Not use these rebates to help with closing or other settlement charges, NC law prohibits that, and all Rebates Must appear on the HUD 1 at closing.
Each week, I’ll post what we get from local and national builders, passing every deal on to our Buyers. Are you looking at new homes this weekend? If yes, you’ll want to give me a call, and we’ll get you an Agent. If you are already out looking, they’ll ask if you have a Buyer Agent, or representation, and you simply say “Yes, the McDonald Team.” There is always a 1/2% Rebate, and often more on Inventory Homes in Charlotte!
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It is a strong buyers market here in the greater Charlotte area, Lake Wylie, Lake Norman, the whole area for new homes and re-sales.
Moving to Charlotte?
Have Questions? I am a Charlotte broker specializing in relocations, 2nd homes–buying and selling real estate of all kinds- and will represent only you. We work with Buyers and Sellers every day. You can quickly compare area prices with the map-based Charlotte home search below. Another good place to start is my fact-filled and well received Introduction to Charlotte Video (nearly 8000 You Tube views, 22 reviews) and don’t miss the FAQ videos in the right column (just under the Introduction to Charlotte Video Screen)
If it’s between the hours of 8 AM to 8 PM, EDT, please don’ t hesitate to call me direct at 704-351-1519. Terry
Related Links
Charlotte Real Estate Home Search- Map & Community Based
Where to Look for Luxury Homes in Charlotte- Video
Hows the Charlotte Market?- Video
Charlotte Real Estate- More Good Years Ahead
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Davidson NC- College Town Living Minutes from Lake Norman
August 13th, 2008 Categories: Lake Norman Real Estate
by Kelli Robinson
I’ve always enjoyed college towns. The mix of people, places, and things creates a cultural hub that’s fun to explore. Davidson, NC, located off of Interstate 77 exit #30, is no exception. The town gets its name and personality from Davidson College, a small liberal arts college in the heart of downtown. What’s neat about the Town of Davidson is the fun it offers everyone.
The kids and I visited the town last week and again today. I had read about a cool sandbox park that I thought they would enjoy, and they definitely did. Caldwell Green Tot Lot is an enclosed grassy area with a huge sandbox that is partially covered with a canopy. Despite the heat, my son and daughter dug tunnels and built castles for almost an hour.
After a picnic in the shade, I treated them to milkshakes at The Soda Shop on Main Street. Every small town Main Street has its resident diner; and Davidson is no exception. Opening in 1951, the restauant’s claim to fame is the variety of milkshakes and real fountain sodas. The burgers, sandwiches, and homemade sweet potato chips aren’t too bad either!
This week the Davidson Public Library hosted an event, Northern Folktales on the Green, to kick off its summer reading program. Stories, crafts, and songs were the main attractions, as well as people dressed in 16th century European attire. My daughter enjoyed the stage performers, and my son enjoyed making a medieval wishing wand. By the way, the Village Green is literally a greenspace located at the center of town along Main Street. It plays host to events throughout the year, including Concerts on the Green and Art on the Green.
This summer the Town of Davidson has organized a Farmer’s Market that operates from May until October. The Davidson community has an earthy, grassroots feel to it, likely a reflection of the liberal arts college. It was only a matter of time before a Farmer’s Market found it’s way here.
Speaking of the college, don’t overlook the opportunity for wonderful – and inexpensive! – entertainment a college campus can offer. If you don’t follow college basketball, you missed this year’s Cinderella story of the Davidson Wildcats, who made an impressive appearance at the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament in March. My husband and I took the kids to a game this past winter and had a blast. If art or the performing arts is your passion, the college offers music, plays, and art exhibits for the public at reasonable prices.
If you’re in the mood to explore new territory on a summer-fall Saturday, try the Town of Davidson. Check out the Farmer’s Market. Lounge on the Green in the Adirondack chairs provided. Browse the unique shops, and enjoy lunch at one of the Main Street eateries. If you still have room for dessert, a Soda Shop milk shake or Ben & Jerry’s sundae hits the spot. Then take a walk around the picturesque campus. Sounds like a nice outing to me!
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Davidson, NC- A College Town with Style
July 5th, 2008 Categories: Lake Norman Real Estate
Almost everyone knows the Davidson Wildcats, but not everyone know how well home real estate is appreciating…
in Davidson. I’ll write more about Davidson appreciation in my next post, but first why not have a look at why you might want to live here. Davidson sits astride popular Lake Norman, and is part of what I call the Lower Lake Norman area–Lower because it is closer to Charltote, and still a possible commute to uptown for work. Enjoy this post by Kelli Robinson
I’ve always enjoyed college towns. The mix of people, places, and things creates a cultural hub that’s fun to explore.  Davidson, NC, located off of Interstate 77 exit #30, is no exception. The town gets its name and personality from Davidson College, a small liberal arts college in the heart of downtown. What’s neat about the Town of Davidson is the fun it offers everyone.
The kids and I visited the town last week and again today. I had read about a cool sandbox park that I thought they would enjoy, and they definitely did.  Caldwell Green Tot Lot  is an enclosed grassy area with a huge sandbox that is partially covered with a canopy. Despite the heat, my son and daughter dug tunnels and built castles for almost an hour.Â
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Charlotte NC| Birkdale Village in Huntersville NC- The Heart of Huntersville?
June 22nd, 2008 Categories: Lake Norman Real Estate, Things To Do Charlotte
Popular Birkdale Village- The perfect community mix of shopping, eatery and easy living homes
By Kelli Robinson
When the kids and I first visited the Lake Norman area, my husband had already been here two months, having started his job living in corporate housing in Huntersville. We were visiting a month prior to our permanent move here,it was a warm June day; thus, we discovered the water fountain at Birkdale Village. A huge fountain in the center of a bustling shopping and dining community. Kids sprinted through the fountain, some in bathing suits, others – like mine – fully clothed, fully wet, and fully loving it. As I sat on the shaded park bench watching my kids dash through the spray, I took a peek around and knew it was an area I wanted to visit again, and we have. Sometimes with the kids, and sometimes without.
Bir
kdale Village is a shopping, dining, entertainment, living, and working- mixed use in the real estate world, a complex located in Huntersville just off of Exit 25 of Interstate 77, in the area I call Lower Lake Norman. .
The shopping and dining venues offer a mix of chain establishments and unique boutiques and eateries. If you want to spend an afternoon browsing books, Barnes and Noble Booksellers in Birkdale Village is the closest Lake Norman bookstore to do so. On fall and winter Sunday afternoons you can catch the Carolina Panthers football games – or your hometown team’s games – on the big screens at the Fox & Hound Restaurant. When my mother came to visit, we had fun browsing the one-of-a-kind shops like Maddi’s Gallery and One Neighborhood. A few months ago my husband and I actually went on a date (parentspeak for an evening without the kids) in Birkdale. We had a wonderful dinner at Red Rocks Cafe, and enjoyed an after-dinner drink at Corkscrew Wine Shop & Bar.
What makes Birkdale Village fun is the community feel. This isn’t just a block of shops and restaurants, but rather a gathering place. During the summer months you can enjoy outdoor concerts every Friday and Saturday evening. Each December, the fountain shuts down and is replaced by a plush, velvet chair in anticipation of Santa’s arrival. In between there are fall festivals.
You know I’m always looking for summer outings with the kids, and Birkdale offers the opportunity any day, but especially on Wednesdays. We start by browsing the children’s department at Barnes and Noble, then head to the movie theater, Movies @ Birkdale. Every Wednesday throughout the summer months the theater shows free kids’ movies at 10:00 a.m. The movie is usually done by 11:30. Either that or my kids’ attention span is! We grab some lunch and, weather permitting, the kids splash in the fountain for awhile. That’s a full day, so they’re exhausted and in bed early, which always makes this mom happy!
Next time you’re in Huntersville, check out Birkdale Village. With or without the kids, you’ll find something to enjoy.
For more things to do in Charlotte, try these posts by Kelli: her visit to the Raptor Center or her visit to Jetton Park in Cornelius
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Related Links
Home Prices Rise in South Charlotte in First Quarter of 2008
Homes For Sale Report: Berkeley, Providence Arbours, and Providence Country Club
Southpark Charlotte Homes for Sale- Foxcroft, Morrocroft, Barclay Downs
Homes for Sale Report: Beverly Crest, Providence Plantation, and Raintree
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Charlotte, NC Real Estate| Homes for Sale Report: Huntersville, Davidson, Mooresville
June 12th, 2008 Categories: Buy A Charlotte Home, Lake Norman Real Estate
Homes for Sale Report for the Huntersville, Davidson, and Mooresville Areas- Lower Lake Norman, just North of Charlotte NC
Huntersville is located about 15 minutes north of Charlotte with easy access to I-77 and beautiful Lake Norman, the first community in what I call the Lower Lake area. With over 520 miles of shoreline Lake Norman is one of the largest man made lakes in the nation. Huntersville combines a small town feel with easy access to the bigger city (Charlotte). Frequently voted one of America’s top 100 places to live by Money magazine, Huntersville is a new village at the lake. Birkdale Village to be precise is the pic on left. There are many quality homes and homes sale in the city of Huntersville-they are broken down below by price:
There are 221 homes for sale in Huntersville for under $250,000.
There are 327 homes for sale for under $500,000, but more than $250k.
There are 97 homes for sale for more than $500,000.
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Charlotte Real Estate Market Updates
May 23rd, 2008 Categories: Buy A Charlotte Home, Lake Norman Real Estate
National Real Estate Report Demonstrates Charlotte’s Market Strength and Value
Fannie Mae released what many consider the most comprehensive national “sale report” yesterday on the nations housing. While the headline was NOT good, and the nation is faced with a housing depression the likes of which may not have been seen for 50 years, Charlotte and a handful of cities fared well. 2 years into the nation wide housing decline, Charlotte had a 6% increase in prices year over year through March, though it fell off in April to 1.5%. Still positive, and still not bad at all. I remind myself daily how fortunate I am be in Real Estate in Charlotte, NC!
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Home Sales notes from the Charlotte Carolina MLS
In the last month, 2,653 single family homes were closed (sold) in the “greater” Charlotte area covered by the MLS
36 Waterfront homes closed
32 Homes on the Golf Course closed
The most expensive listing in the MLS? $10,500,000 for an estate on Upper Lake Norman,
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