Lake Norman Real Estate
lake norman, lake norman nc real estate, lake norman nc
Real Estate on Lake Norman- Homes and Condos
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The desire for lake living on Lake Norman, the demand for waterfront real estate on Lake Norman, plus the slower lifestyle of the south, has lured 1000’s of Northerners and created the demand that’s fueled the growth along the eastern side of Lake Norman and made it a Charlotte favorite since the early 1990’s.
The lower lake (Cornelius, Davidson and Huntersville) allows 30-45 minutes commutes to Uptown Charlotte, the Upper lake (Mooresville, Sherrils Ford, Troutma) is better for folks working north of Charlotte, or in Statesville, and some commute to the Triad and Charlotte- a little over an hour from Mooresville. Lake Norman is perfect for a 2nd home or condo as a weekend getaway- it is real estate with a purpose!
Lake Norman is the largest man-made lake in North Carolina at over 34 miles long and as wide as 8 miles across. With over 500 miles of coast line Lake Norman sports more waterfront property than the North Carolina and South Carolina coast combined. I-77 connected the lake to Charlotte in the 1970’s, and the development began in the 80’s picking up speed int eh 1990’s-The availability of waterfront property and Lake Norman’s proximity to Charlotte drive the increased demand for real estate on Lake Norman.
There are 4 towns that run along the east coast of Lake Norman. They are Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson (I call Lower Lake) and Mooresville. (Upper Lake) The Lower Lake towns are all in Mecklenburg County, while Mooresville is in Iredell County. Each has an “old side” typically east of I-77, and a “new side” west of I-77 and closer to the lake. Each offers a unique take on Lake Norman living and each town is discussed below.
Mooresville
At the top of Lake Norman, Mooresville is known for its wonderful lake communities, terrific waterfront homes, high quality schools, and until recently a quieter, more easy going lifestyle. As its popularity increased so did rush hour congestion, but relief is coming to Brawley School Road in a road expansion (moving telephone lines now). Improvements to Rt 16 to the west are also already well under way. The most famous Mooresville community- the Point, remains by most measures the finest waterfront-golf community in the Carolinas, with homes starting at around $900,000, quality waterfront homes from around $1.5M. There is lots to love about Moooresville and the surrounding communities. Like to see more posts about Mooresville? Use the Search window above for easy access…
The photos are thumbnails and links below for more information about Moorresville. Any questions? Give me, Terry, a call at 704-351-1519.
Search for Charlotte-Mooresville homes
Mooresville Homes for Sale Report
Davidson
A university town 5 minutes to Lake Norman, Davidson is undergoing a transformation with two new hotels right at Exit 3o. Long known for its hi-quality liberal arts education, and basketball tradition, Davidson grows and gets better with age being named to a list of “New Ivy League School” by Newsweek in 2007 along with the University Of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Davidson found its way to the national headlines during the 2008 NCAA tournament as the Wildcats engineered a deep run into the tournament with the quality guard play of Stephen Curry. Please take a look at the photos and links below for more information on the Davidson area. Any questions? Give me, Terry, a call at 704-351-1519.
Davidson- A college town with great real estate appriciation
Search Homes for Sale in Davidson
Cornelius
Cornelius, until recently, was a farming community near Lake Norman. Real estate development in Cornelius has taken on a life of its own as some of the best waterfront communities in the state have found a home in Cornelius. Communities like The Peninsula and Antiquity are redefining Cornelius as one of the best areas in Lake Norman to find new and custom homes. The large picture at the very top of this post is of a waterfront home in Cornelius. Cornelius is located just south of Davidson, only 20 miles from uptown Charlotte. Please see the photos and links below or Search Cornelius in the search window above for more posts… Any questions? Give me, Terry, a call at 704-351-1519.
Search for Cornelius Homes for Sale
Introduction video to the Charlotte area
Huntersville
Huntersville consisted of farms just 20 years ago; When I move here in the early 1990’s, Exit 25 had a service station- the area has developed briskly along Exit 23 and Exit 25 off of Interstate 77. It has consistently been named to “Money Magazines Best Places to Live” since 2000 because of its good values, schools and lifestyle. It’s proximity to Charlotte and Lake Norman has made it an ideal place for many families who work in Charlotte but want to play at the Lake. Presbyterian Hospital at Exit 23 was a wonderful addition to the growing area and beautiful Birkdale Village at Exit 25 opened in the early 2000’s with great fan fare and is still some of the best shopping in the greater Charlotte area. (Every new shopping center seems to be “just like Birkdale.”) The new Northlake Mall is just an exit below. Please see the photos and posts below. Any questions? Give me, Terry, a call at 704-351-1519.
Birkdale Village- Amazing Shopping and Living in Huntersville
Search Huntersville Homes for Sale
Huntersville Homes for Sale Report
Birkdale in Huntersville NC- A Bluechip in the North
November 11th, 2008 categories: Buy A Charlotte Home, Huntersville
“How good is the real estate market in Birkdale?” or asked another way, “Am I safe investing in Birkdale?”
This is the question a client asked me last week. Birkdale has been a consistently strong real estate performer over the years, and it isn’t a surprise since Birkdale is the centerpiece of modern Huntersville, a city named to Money Magazines “Best Places to Live in America” twice this decade.
My client’s offer was accepted on the Birkdale home last week, and while I told her Birkdale was one of the strongest subdivisions in Huntersville, I came back thinking I should do the numbers…
Here is the answer to her question in objective numbers.
I compared the home sales for the last 90 days- 8/1-10/31/08 to the same period over the last 4 years, and Birkdale’s price/value strength shows through. There aren’t as many people moving to Huntersville as there were a few years ago (residents say thank you!) but the home prices? Have a look for yourself.
| Sold | |||||
| Year | Homes Sold | Median price | Median SF | Cost Per SF | % +/- |
| 2008 | 9 | 369522 | 2847 | $129 | Up 3% |
| 2007 | 12 | 330770 | 2643 | $125 | up |
| 2006 | 19 | 333231 | 2679 | $124 | Up 5% |
| 2005 | 36 | 340002 | 2882 | $118 | |
| all numbers | from the mls | (not created by | CMLS) | ||
So while home sales have slowed dramatically in the last 4 years, the median price has increased 8.7% and the actual Cost per Square foot of the sold properties has risen 9.3%. Is this a guarantee of price rise in the future? No. Is it a testament to the real value in this crazy rel estate market we are living through? Absolutely.
Huntersville has done well for the same reasons Charlotte has done well. It is “objectively affordable”, (Radar Logic and PMI) we create jobs and employment here (in this down year about 2% increase projected) and people still want to move here, just for the quality of life.
As for my client from last week? We got her a smaller home in very good condition, with a few appliances, at about $112/sf, or 13% under the last 90 days market prices, not too bad at all.
more pictures of Birkdale and Huntersville
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It is a strong buyers market here in the Huntersville - Lake Norman area, the greater Charlotte 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 know the neighborhoods, prices and brokers. We work with Buyers and Sellers every day. You can quickly compare area prices with the map-based Charlotte home search below.
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 Home Search- Map & Community Based
Hows the Charlotte Market- Video
Charlotte Real Estate- More Good Years Ahead
Where to Look for Luxury Homes in Charlotte- Video
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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 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
| Discussion: 1 Comment »
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.
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 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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Interested in Moving to Davidson? The Lake Norman area? Charlotte? Please don’t hesitate to call me, Terry McDonald, direct at 704-351-1519 .
Related Links
Homes for Sale: Huntersville, Davidson, Mooresville
| Discussion: 1 Comment »








