Real Estate News
C H A R L O T T E
page 2
home design dedicated to showcasing charlotte’s distinctive homes
“Whether you’re at the grocery store, the farmers’ market or anywhere in the famed Cotswold Shopping Center...you can expect to see a friend and chat awhile.” – Margaret R. Ford, Real Living Margaret Ford Realty
Cozy Cotswold
Suburban-style living in the heart of Charlotte’s exciting urban landscape - story on page 4
real estate news what’s new p2
homes.charlo e.com
design instyle Seasonal stages p12
real estate trends What to look for in a fixer upper p16
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER . SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2018
straight talk Through the lens p20
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|real estate news
what’s new?
SOLD
SOLD
Lovely Challis Farm custom home w/ 1st floor master. Updated kitchen, new paint, carpet. Gated community w/ cart access to Carmel CC. 5604 Challis View Ln
Substantial home in South Charlotte swim/tennis neighborhood. 3.5 baths & two masters. Great price! 5529 Sunstar Court
compiled by Whitney Berongi
STUDENTS BENEFIT FROM DAVID WEEKLEY HOMES SCHOOL SUPPLIES DRIVE David Weekley Homes recently hosted its fourth annual, companywide CARE School Supplies Drive in 17 cities across the country. In Charlotte, school supplies were collected for HopeMatch, a nonproďŹ t organization that matches local families in need with people who want to provide personalized gifts and encouragement and to make a lasting difference in their community. More than 1,600 school supplies were collected from homeowners, homebuyers, trade partners, real estate agents and David Weekley team members during the drive. The donation provided approximately 80 students with the supplies needed for the school year. In addition, The David Weekley Family Foundation donated $4,000 toward a new website for HopeMatch, which will allow the organization to continue growing its volunteer base, donations and community awareness. The School Supplies Drive is a volunteer and philanthropic initiative of the company’s CARE program, which joins team members with homeowners, homebuyers, community partners and local nonproďŹ t organizations to live out its purpose of Building Dreams, Enhancing Lives in each of the communities in which it builds. BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES CAROLINAS REALTY TO HOST FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolinas Realty will host its second annual Family Movie Night at BB&T Ballpark on Friday, September 21 at 7:30 p.m. (gates open at 6:30 p.m.) to beneďŹ t Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina. The featured movie is Despicable Me 3, and everyone is invited to attend family movie night. Admission is one canned food item per attendee to support the important mission of Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina. For more information and to RSVP to the event, visit BHHSCarolinasMovieNight.com. Email real estate news to homedesign@charlotteobserver.com.
home|design
Section published by The Charlotte Observer • P.O. Box 32188, Charlotte, NC 28232. Editorial material in this section is the responsibility of the Observer Content Studio, 704-358-5305. It did not involve the news staff of The Observer.
Editor
Considering downsizing? Overwhelmed? If you need a place to start, call me for a practical, step-by-step approach.
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Christina Darnell
Coordinator/Designer Melissa Kennelly
Creative Strategy & Real Estate Advertising Buck Brice, bbrice@charlotteobserver.com
New Home Builder Advertising
Suzanne Parker, sparker@charlotteobserver.com
Sales Director
Vic Bowers, vbowers@mcclatchy.com 336-402-4673
Is there a neighborhood you’d like to see featured? Do you know of a new design trend on the rise? Did you use one of our ideas for your own home or home purchase?
We’d love to hear from you.
homedesign@charlotteobserver.com
facebook.com/TheCharlotteObserverHomeDesign *Copyright 2018 by The Charlotte Observer. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or reprinted without written permission.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER . SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2018
homes.charlo e.com
SEPTEMBER
1
Cotswold
8
York County, SC
15
Matthews & Mint Hill
22
29
Lake Norman
Asheville, NC
OCTOBER
6
The Uptown Wards
13
Custom Built Homes
20
Union County
27
Lake James
10
The Boomer Issue
17
Equestrian, Farms & Land
24
The Grand Strand
NOVEMBER
3
Historic Homes
Buck Brice (704) 358-5454 BBrice@CharlotteObserver.com homes.charlo e.com
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER . SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2018
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|living in Cotswold DID YOU KNOW? The Cotswold Shopping Center, built in 1963, was one of the first progressive strip malls in the Charlotte area.
by Julie Cooper
EAT
Mezzanotte Enjoy authentic Neapolitan pizza and other rustic Italian fare in this cozy neighborhood favorite in Providence Plaza. conterestaurantgroup.com
PLAY
Cotswold Food Truck Friday Head to this family-friendly event at the Trinity Presbyterian Church on Providence for good food, great music and a whole lot of fun every first and third Friday of the month. carolinacommercialkitchen.com
EXPLORE
The Cotswold Farmers’ Market The Saturday morning place to be, head to this neighborhood market to catch up with friends and stock up on fresh food for the week ahead. cotswoldfarmersmarket.com
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C
entrally located between SouthPark and Uptown, Cotswold is a family-friendly neighborhood that can’t be missed. Situated around its namesake Cotswold Shopping Center and home to great schools, local shops and creative restaurants, this convenient Queen City ‘hood brings the homey feel of the suburbs to Charlotte’s exciting urban landscape. “Cotswold feels like your ‘hometown’ in the city,” says Margaret R. Ford with Real Living Margaret Ford Realty. “Whether you’re at the grocery store, the farmers’ market or anywhere in the famed Cotswold Shopping Center—a true town center—you can expect to see a friend and chat awhile.” This close-knit community is fostered through local activities like Food Truck Fridays, Saturday markets, holiday events and a strong entrepreneurial presence noted in the quaint mom-and-pop shops that saturate the area. “We have so many people involved in the community that share their unique craft, from the arts-and-crafts industry to service businesses, that you will get to know by living here,” says Ford. “Just stroll the Jerald Melberg
Gallery and then enjoy a beverage at Leroy Fox, or try breakfast at Eddie’s or Poppy’s Bagels. There are so many great places.” “It’s a very livable community and so easy to get around, too,” adds longtime resident Ashley McMillan with Dickens Mitchener. “Its main thoroughfares Randolph Road, Providence Road, Sharon Amity and Wendover are all connector streets that makes getting to and from the neighborhood easy. Cotswold’s location definitely makes it attractive to homebuyers.” Also attractive is the neighborhood’s broad and eclectic range of housing opportunities. “A typical street will have a variety of old homes, renovated homes and brand new construction,” says McMillan. “Ranches and split-level homes from the 1950s were prominent when Cotswold developed. Now, many of them have been renovated—some even given a second story.” After living in the area for more than two decades, McMillan followed suit and gave her house a much-needed makeover. “We love it here. Our neighbors are wonderful, we love the location, the general feel
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER . SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2018
of the area and we raised our family here,” she says. “But about five years ago, we decided to take on a large renovation. We put the master bedroom downstairs and completely redid our kitchen and outside area. We’re so happy we did—now, we can’t imagine ever leaving!” And, she’s not alone. The real estate market is strong in the Cotswold area. Whether it’s buyers smitten with the area’s covetable location and great school district or investors seeing dollar signs where older homes stand on impressive-sized lots, homes here nearly fly off the market. “Older homes selling in the $300,000-$400,000 range are oftentimes purchased by builders and developers who construct milliondollar homes in their place,” says McMillan, noting that renovated mid-range homes also go under contract quickly. “Those are usually purchased by buyers trying to get into the neighborhood or who are trying to ‘move up’ and stay in the area. With the range of choices, strong schools, large lot sizes and convenient location, I believe sales will remain strong in Cotswold for some time.”
homes.charlo e.com
living in Cotswold| 964 Bridlepath Lane, Charlotte, NC 28211 Price: $1,225,000 MLS: 3417004 Listing Agent: Liza Caminiti, Ivester Jackson Distinctive Properties, 704-526-6695, liza@ ivesterjackson.com Custom three-story home on a .96-acre culde-sac lot in the Cotswold neighborhood. Private mountain-style oasis. Custom kitchen with granite and marble, solid five-panel doors, oak hardwoods throughout, oversized master bath and closet with pedestal tub and dual shower heads. Master with private covered deck overlooking private tree-lined backyard. Main level has open floor plan with a study and covered deck. Walkout basement features bedroom with full bathroom, storage, second laundry, full kitchenette, fireplace and another office area. Outdoor kitchen with built-in gas grill, oversized sink, custom lighting and two-car detached garage.
Your Trusted Guide to South Charlotte’s Finest Communities $849,900
$1.225 M
THE PALISADES
17422 Hawkwatch Lane MLS 3414677
Liza Caminiti
704-526-6695 Liza@IvesterJackson.com IvesterJackson.com
COTSWOLD
964 Bridlepath Lane MLS 3417004
Why Choose Liza Caminiti? • Years of experience handling luxury property transactions • Privy to new developments, trends, and the changing market • Complimentary staging advice from years of interior design experience Buying or Selling? Allow me to assist with all your real estate needs.
homes.charlo e.com
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|living in Cotswold 3814 Churchill Road, Charlotte, NC 28211 Price: $875,000 MLS: 3270422 Listing Agent: Anne Brade, RE/MAX Executive, 704-650-4951, anne@annebrade. com New construction by leading boutique architect/builder. Prime location less than 10 minutes to Uptown, five minutes to SouthPark, two blocks to Cotswold, new Publix, Harris Teeter. Assigned Myers Park high school district. Finely crafted, appointed with 10-foot ceilings on main, open floor plan, wood floors, custom cabinetry, elegant moldings. Luxurious tiled baths. Efficient design equals spacious living. Large bonus/bed with full bath on lower level. Covered porches. Hurry to select finishes/colors and plan changes.
Anne Brade
NC/SC Broker Realtor, ABR, CRS, CLHMS
(704) 650-4951 | Anne@AnneBrade.com www.TeamBrade.com CUSTOM BUILD IN COTSWOLD
LAKE WYLIE WATERFRONT
205 WENDOVER HILL COURT
209 CAPE AUGUST PLACE
CRAMER MOUNTAIN LOT
137 BERRY MOUNTAIN ROAD
FEATURED COTSWOLD HOME
3814 CHURCHILL ROAD
MLS# 3270416 | 4BD, 4.5BA | 4,400 SQFT | $1,195,000
MLS# 3334175 | MCLEAN, BELMONT, NC | $350,000
MLS# 3283408 | LOT FOR SALE | $90,000
MLS# 3270422 | 4BR, 4.5 BA | 3,014 SQFT | $875,000
FULL BRICK IN HUNTERSVILLE
LAKE WYLIE MCLEAN
LAKE WYLIE WATERFRONT
LAKE WYLIE WATERFRONT
14800 STONEGREEN LANE
MLS# 3425410 | 4BD, 2.5BA | 2,883 SQFT | $415,000
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229 CAPE AUGUST PLACE
MLS# 3352584 | 3 BR, 2.1 BA | 2,450 SQFT | $995,000
241 CAPE AUGUST PLACE
MLS# 3125483 | 4BD, 3.5BA | 3,500 SQFT | $1,250,000
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER . SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2018
113 CAPE AUGUST PLACE
MLS# 3334174 | MCLEAN, BELMONT, NC | $295,000
homes.charlo e.com
living in Cotswold| 2347 Providence Road #A, Charlotte, NC 28211 Price: $1,190,000 MLS: 3426887 Listing Agent: Valerie Mitchener, HM Properties, 704-577-8200, valerie@ hmproperties.com New construction with gated brick privacy fence located in the Pharr Acres / Cotswold area. This condominium duplex features 14- and 10-foot ceilings on main and 9-foot ceilings up. Great room includes a see-through linear fireplace to patio area. Kitchen with stainless steel Jenn-Air appliances and center island with seating. Main level has drop zone with built-in lockers, laundry room and master with luxury bath. Upper level has two bedrooms and bonus room. White oak hardwoods. Detached two-car rear load garage with unfinished room above. Nest “smart” thermostats; network ready, security system with camera-controlled access at front and rear gates; Tabletop Control4 touch screen for control of all home systems.
COTSWOLD AREA
REA COURT
MYERS PARK
VA L E R I E M I T C H E N E R
2 3 4 7 p r o v i d e n c e R oa d
1 3 3 3 Q UE E N S Road
1 0 L U X U RY T O W N H O M E S
Owner | BROKER
4 BR | 3.1 BA | 3,534 sq. ft.
2, 3 & 4 Bedroom plans
2, 3 & 4 Bedroom plans
$1,190,000
Priced from $1,325,000
Priced from $582,500
704-577-8200 valerie@hmproperties.com HMPROPERTIES.COM
homes.charlo e.com
Exquisite new construction with a gated
Spectacular new construction in the heart
Great location just a few minutes from
brick privacy fence. This duplex condo
of Myers Park at the corner of Queens &
SouthPark. Walk across the street to shops
features high ceilings, white oak hardwood
Providence roads. Spacious, open plans,
and restaurants. Rea Court is nearing
floors, custom built-ins, luxury master bath,
high ceilings, gorgeous finishes, linear gas
completion and has several units ready
and chef’s kitchen opens to Great Room
fireplaces, private terraces, secure parking
to move in! These beautifully appointed
with see thru fireplace to covered patio.
garage with private elevator to your unit.
units include high ceilings, HW floors, 2 car
Detached rear load garage with room for
Floor plans range from 2,447 sq. to 3,121 sq.
garages, an elevator option. and views of
expansion above. Extensive landscaping.
ft. Only 14 units remain! Call for a private
the center courtyard. Floor plans range
Control4 touchscreen controls all systems.
tour to choose your unit today!
from 1,955 sq. to 2,789 sq. ft.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER . SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2018
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|living in Cotswold 3434 Craig Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28211 Price: $534,898 MLS: 3427508 Listing Agent: Wendy Sweet, Sweet Carolina Houses, 704-400-9481, wendy@ carolinahardmoney.com High demand Cotswold area, great schools, great location, awesome new construction. Open floor plan with master close to the family bedrooms. Large laundry room off kitchen can serve as pantry as well. Huge back yard. Quartz top kitchen island is perfectly placed to be the center of entertainment. All the fine touches of a business professional home with the warmth of a comfortable place to relax and live. Rehabs and new construction are everywhere in this neighborhood. Get in while prices are still attractive.
1216 Lomax Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28211 Price: $489,950 MLS: 3427533 Listing Agent: Wendy Sweet, Sweet Carolina Houses, 704-400-9481, wendy@ carolinahardmoney.com Nestled in the highly sought after Cotswold area, this new construction home is perfect for the busy professional. The open floor plan offers a quartz kitchen Island that serves as the center of entertainment for any size gathering. The laundry room off the kitchen can double as a pantry. Huge master with ensuite bath and roomy bedrooms for guests or kiddos. Make one your home office. This neighborhood has new construction and rehabs popping up all over, get in while the price is still attractive.
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER . SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2018
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CHERRY PARK 405 ELI STREET
MODERN HOME 809 EAST 19TH STREET
COTSWOLD 1224 LOMAX AVENUE
NEAR SOUTHPARK 3312 LITTLE HOPE RD
MIDWOOD 3044 FLORIDA AVENUE
COTSWOLD 3434 CRAIG AVENUE
COTSWOLD 1435 DELANE AVENUE
COTSWOLD 1431 DELANE AVENUE
COTSWOLD 1216 LOMAX AVENUE
COTSWOLD 1220 LOMAX AVENUE
BUNGALOW 1609 ALLEN STREET
2314 PINCKNEY AVENUE
homes.charlo e.com
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER . SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2018
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|living in Cotswold 1116 Churchill Commons Drive, Charlotte, NC 28211 Price: $1,099,000 MLS: Contact listing agent. Listing Agent: Holly Gantt, Simonini Homes, 980-722-3641, holly@simonini.com If you love mature growth and larger lots, you’re sure to love this custom Simonini home. Bordered by some of Charlotte’s most exclusive neighborhoods, such as Eastover, Myers Park, and Foxcroft, one of the most beneficial attributes of Cotswold is its assigned school system, including award-winning schools within the Charlotte Mecklenburg School District. The Old Charlotte Community of Cotswold is a fantastic location, offering everything you need within close proximity. The architectural design of this Simonini home complements Old Charlotte, so take advantage of this opportunity.
1205 Cotswold Place, Charlotte, NC 28211 MLS: Contact listing agent Price: Contact listing agent Listing Agent: Becca Waybright, Simonini Homes, 704-564-1090, rebecca@simonini. com Cotswold City Homes is a collection of 18 Simonini luxury townhome residences, and there are now only three homes left. Enjoy the walkability of the classic Cotswold neighborhood with proximity to the finest culinary, shopping and entertainment experiences in Charlotte. All of this, with the convenience of being minutes from Uptown Charlotte. Take the first step towards your Simonini home in Cotswold by contacting our sales rep Becca directly for more information on home plans.
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER . SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2018
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Experience the Simonini Di erence Our Available Homes $1,119,000
Availble in October
Master Down
Single Family Homes
ONLY 3 LEFT
Custom Home - Cotswold The Enclave at Providence Park Draper Place City Homes 1116 Churchill Commons Drive Holly Gantt | 980.722.3641 holly@simonini.com
Coming Soon
Lombardy Terrace
3635 Providence Road Becca Waybright | 704.564.1090 rebecca@simonini.com
1205 Cotswold Place Becca Waybright | 704.564.1090 rebecca@simonini.com
ONLY 2 LEFT
ONLY 4 LEFT
Custom Homes
SouthPark City Homes
The Enclave at Foxcroft
Shadow Creek - Cornelius
Becca Waybright | 704.564.1090
Fairview Road Angela Butler | 704.906.6729 angela@simonini.com
Fairview Road Angela Butler | 704.906.6729 angela@simonini.com
6 Waterfront Lots Available
Coming Soon
ONLY ONE LEFT
Lombardy Circle - Dilworth rebecca@simonini.com
Windsor Point - Mooresville Custom Home - Davidson 135 Potomac Lane Holly Gantt | 980.722.3641 holly@simonini.com
Cotswold City Homes
2442 Draper Place - Elizabeth Holly Gantt | 980.722.3641 holly@simonini.com
621 Spring Street Holly Gantt | 980.722.3641 holly@simonini.com
21205 Olde Quarry Lane Holly Gantt | 980.722.3641 holly@simonini.com
Price Upon Request
Custom Homes - Myers Park Custom Home - Carmel Road 1211 Princeton Road Angela Butler | 704.906.6729 angela@simonini.com
5300 Carmel Road Angela Butler | 704.906.6729 angela@simonini.com
Available Now
Lynnwood City Homes
2039 Lynnwood Drive - Myers Park Angela Butler | 704.906.6729 angela@simonini.com
$315,000
Lot - Historic Davidson 615 Spring Street Holly Gantt | 980.722.3641 holly@simonini.com
2 Townhomes Master Down
Townhomes - Carmel Road 5300 Carmel Road Angela Butler | 704.906.6729 angela@simonini.com
501 East Morehead Suite 4 Charlotte, NC 28202
Simonini.com | 704-333-8999
homes.charlo e.com
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER . SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2018
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|design instyle
Seasonal stages Decorating ideas from the garden by Vicki Payne
T
emperatures may still be sweltering, but my designer clock has already switched to fall. Time to put away the seashells and transform your summer décor. Still, although summer is winding down, I’m not quite ready for pumpkins and goblins.
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Seasonal changes need to be done in stages. Let nature be your guide. A summer garden doesn’t switch over night—it slowly transforms from bright colorful shades to softer more muted colors. Everyone knows the most affordable way to deco-
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CUSTOM TO BUILD
OPEN HOUSE SAT 2-4
13424 SAGE THRASHER Time to build your dream estate on 9.4 waterfront acres on Lake Wylie in The Sanctuary. Impressive architectural features. or pick another plan or just buy the lot! $2,121,450
15 WEST LIBERTY ST. OWN A PIECE OF HISTORY in Historic Downtown York. Circa 1800 beautifully maintained and upgraded. RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL Now a residence, would be a great tap house, restaurant, shop or office. $295,000
OPEN HOUSE SAT 2-4
OPEN HOUSE SAT 2-4
421 KNOX ST CLOVER. Awesome brick ranch with beautifully updated kitchen and baths close to historic downtown Clover
313 SMITH ST. DOWNTOWN CLOVER’S CHERISHED ESTATE on 6.6 acres with a private pond. Luxuriously updated with a new kitchen, stunning decor and endless hardwood floors. $497,000
$245,000
OPEN HOUSE SAT 2-4
rate is by repurposing items from your home and garden. Thinking ‘fall,’ take a walk through your garden. Bring along your pruning shears and collect an end-of-season bouquet of zinnas, cone flowers, geraniums and roses. If you are like most Southern gardeners, you grow limelights. They are a perfect example of how nature transforms itself each season. Limelight blooms start out a bright shade of green, turning pure white during the peak of the summer. Now they are a pale, papery shade of green with
homes.charlo e.com
touches of rosy brown. Limelights are the unadulterated floral accent. Consider making a wreath for your door by simply wiring stems to a grapevine or metal wreath. Accent with a soft rose colored ribbon. As we move closer to Thanksgiving, update your wreath with a rich chocolate brown satin bow. Indoors, I like to pair limelights with silver, brown transferware and wicker. A silver ice champagne bucket filled with blooms will last throughout the season. I start by filling the bucket
7705 RIVER RD, INDIAN LAND SC Brick home on 2 acre corner lot has 3 bd and 2 updated baths & Updated kitchen $250,000
200 MCCONNELL ST Walk to downtown Clover from this 3BR adorable ranch. $115,000
Robin Knows Dirt • 2+ acre building lot on Brightwood in York, small n’borhood $35,000 • 2 acres Clegg Farm Dr. in The Timbers, no HOA Clover Schools $75,000 • 1581 Dan Sexton, Go country in Sharon on 94.3 acres, amazing views $265,000 • Gorgeous pasture land Charlotte Hwy York - 9 acres $162,000 • 9 acres charlotte hwy price change to 157,000 • 5.39 Acres pristine mini farm potential Faulkner Rd, Clover $82,000 • Rambler Ln 10 great 1 AC building lots Blacksburg close to I-85 $13,000 each • Lot 9 Lakeshore 9.6 acres Mount Croghan SC on stunning pond $53,000 • Ft. Lawn 2 lots in Carobrook subdivision $7,000 each WOW! • Lot 7 Moutain Lakes 2.83 acres overlooking small lake in Chester, $39,999 • 208 Highland Forest PATRICK PLACE super lot, Clover Schools $40,000 • Lots Belmont's Lake Mist n'borhood. 2.52 AC waterfront $82,000 and 1.38 acre $30,000 • 1123 Pine Knot, Clover Great Building. .8 Acre lot $23,000
We give back to Law Enforcement, Firefighters, Military, EMS, Healthcare workers and Teachers.
2761 WINDSWEPT COVE 2108 DODGE RD on Lake Wylie with 2.27 acres, dock and in York’s countryside, private and pretty separate living quarters. Elegantly appointed with 3BR/2BA on 1 acre. Why pay high rents inside and out. Watch the video! when you can own this!!?? $827,000 $115,000
WATCH VIDEOS FOR ALL THESE HOMES ON
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with water and stripping off the leaves before placing them in the bucket. As the water is taken up into the blooms they begin the process of drying. Don’t add fresh water—just let nature take its course. After the blooms have dried, you can leave them in the bucket or transfer them to a wicker basket or other container. Brown transferware is a natural match with fall. Try using a small pitcher or bowl as a container. During your garden walk rethink your garden containers. Can they be transformed into fall vases and pots for mums or dried arrangements? Check inside bushes and small trees for abandoned bird nests. These make wonderful little accents. I like to spray the nest with environmentally friendly insect spray and let them set in the garage or on the patio for a couple days before I bring them inside. You can find adorable artificial birds’ eggs in all colors at your local craft store. I prefer the blue robin eggs for a small pop of color. If you have a petite glass dome consider displaying a little bird’s nest with eggs inside. For a great centerpiece, select an interesting dead
R e a l L i vi n g M a r g a re t F o r d R e a l t y
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER . SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2018
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branch from the garden and place it on top of a burlap table runner. Tuck a nest in the crook of the branches. For a dinner party, use larger eggs inscribed with guest’s names as place cards. As Mother Nature dives deeper into fall, so should your décor. Replace limelights with sprigs of holly. Cut oak leaf branches filled with colorful leaves and place in pottery vases, rusted tin buckets or dark wicker baskets. Substantial magnolia branches look fabulous presented in tall clear glass vases in the middle of your island or atop a fireplace mantel. Celebrate the changing seasons and the bounty of your garden by bringing them together in your home.
Vicki Payne Donatelli is an interior designer, project coordinator and popular speaker for renovation and new construction projects. She is the host of the national PBS series “For Your Home.” Visit her blog at ForYourHome.com.
Live in Eagle Park just 2 feet away from beautiful downtown Belmont.
W
alk to the clubhouse. Walk to the park. Walk under streetlamps well after dark. Walk to the playground. Walk to the pool. Walk to Main Street. Walk to school. Walk to a concert. Walk to the pub. Walk to some restaurants. Have some grub. Walk to the spa. Walk to the shops. Walk to the brewery. Enjoy some hops. Walk to the river. Walk to the market. Sell your car or maybe just park it. One thing is certain. You need to act fast. These two stunning plans are not gonna last.
October completion, so well underway. Filled with cool features. Call us today!
Call 980.258.9432 WalkToBelmont.com See floorplans and complete features lists online. Call to schedule a tour of homes under construction and to preview designer
$386,500 | 2662 SF 4 BR/3 BA | Basement
homes.charlo e.com
$361,100 | 2476 SF 3 BR/2.5 BA | Basement
selections. Brokers welcome!
Marketed by One Nice Place Realty.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER . SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2018
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photos courtesy of Better Path Homes
|real estate trends
What to look for in a fixer upper How do you know if a flipping endeavor will be worth your time and money? We have a few tips to help you figure it out by Emily Gunn
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n Charlotte’s hot real estate market, it feels like everyone aspires to be the next Chip and Joanna Gaines. If you bought a fixer upper a few years ago in one of Charlotte’s up-and-coming neighborhoods, there’s a good chance you can sell it for a higher price today. But as the market cools down a bit, buyers looking to make a profit should be a bit choosier about the homes they purchase. Here are a few tips to help you decide if buying a fixer upper is worth your time and energy. DETERMINE THE REHAB LEVEL Jeff Johnson of Better Path Homes specializes in rehabbing homes. He’s been flipping houses since 2009 and currently has nine rehab projects going on at once. Over time,
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER . SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2018
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cost. He estimates a Level 1 “lipstick home” will cost roughly $10-15 per square foot, while a Level 4 home will cost around $50-60 per square foot. This is just a guide, obviously, and the more information you can get from a knowledgeable contractor, the better prepared you will be to undertake the project. BEWARE OF COST CREEP Johnson says there a lot of ways “cost creep” can creep up on you, slowly draining your resources. If you are borrowing money to buy a home or make repairs, you are slowly losing money as you pay interest over time. If you are paying repairs outright, you can buy yourself more time, but you still want to make sure you aren’t letSPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER . SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2018
BEFORE
he’s been able to develop a system for determining the level of rehab a home will need. Level 1 is a “lipstick” job—a home that simply needs a new paint job, or new carpet. Level 2 is a home that needs some cosmetic changes and perhaps a few bigger projects, like a new HVAC. Level 3 homes require more extensive changes, such as new windows, new cabinets, a new roof and more. Level 4 is a home that needs a complete gutting. Johnson says it’s important to determine the level of rehab your home will need before getting started. Hire a contractor you trust to give you an accurate description of what you’ll need to do. Once you know the level of rehab, project an estimated
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ting costs creep up on you. Johnson says many people don’t realize how much cost is involved just in the “doing business” aspect of buying and selling a home. The closing costs, inspection fees, realtor cost, attorney fees, insurance and other soft costs add up quickly, often eating up a significant portion of your profit. Make sure you take these into consideration in the beginning. LOOK BEYOND THE SURFACE Potential homebuyers, particularly ones planning to live in the home while they fix it up, can easily fall victim to the trap of paying attention to only what meets the eye. It can be tempting to see a home as full of potential because of the spacious kitchen, but neglect the waterdamaged crawlspace. Johnson also emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the larger systems, like the HVAC, plumbing and electric systems. Floors and paint are cheap, but a new roof is expensive. For most homes he buys, he counts on spending 10-15 percent of his budget on work in the crawl space alone, especially because older homes don’t have proper drain-
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age, and water damage can take a huge toll. (In fact, he says most sales are ruined by crawl space issues when potential homebuyers find out about them in the inspection report.) Johnson says it’s also important to figure out which walls can be moved if you are planning to do an extensive remodel. Some homebuyers think it will be easy to knock a wall out without taking into account whether it is load-bearing. You could end up having to add new beams, which can be very expensive. But flipping a home isn’t all bad news—if you know what you’re doing, it can be very worthwhile. Johnson recommends joining a real estate investment group, such as Metrolina Real Estate Investors Association (Metrolina REIA), where you can learn from experts and ask questions about the process. He also recommends taking a class, such as the one he teaches, where newbies can learn tips before getting started. The key to undertaking the project is making sure you do your research and are prepared for unexpected hurdles. As Johnson says, “Anyone can do it, but you have to do it right.”
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|straight talk
Through the lens When it comes to selling your home—or just decluttering— photos are king by Allen Norwood
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ictures are paramount when you’re selling your home. Buyers start their searches online, and won’t reach out to agents or prospective buyers if the images aren’t compelling. Great pictures lead to sales. Cal Mitchener, who photographs homes for many of Charlotte’s top agents, says images that show a home at its best are more than just important to the sale, they’re crucial: “Photography is everything. In selling homes, it’s everything.” You don’t have to be selling, though, to see your home through the lens. A few shots with your phone’s camera might help you fight clutter, reorganize the collectibles into a more pleasing display or rearrange the furniture into a
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more functional layout. Mitchener has a trained professional eye. Every time he walks into a home to take pictures, he says, he spots things that need to be moved or removed. But—and this is important—his camera catches nuances his eye misses. “You’ll notice things in pictures you might not ordinarily see with your naked eye,” says Mitchener, who shoots for hundreds of agents from umpteen companies, including Allen Tate. You can see his work at charlottevirtualhometours.com. If that’s true for Mitchener, imagine how the camera might help those of us with untrained eyes.
A few quick shots might help you fight clutter, for instance. Every agent I’ve ever interviewed agreed that homeowners don’t see their own clutter. (Or smell their own pets, but that’s another topic.) It’s a universal truth: As we live with clutter—the stuff of our daily lives—it becomes invisible. The camera will see it, though. I took pictures of our kitchen when we had some work done a few months ago. Our countertops aren’t particularly crowded. My wife and I are pretty good about putting stuff away. But the countertops in the picture were, well, more crowded than I’d
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realized. Mitchener experiences the same thing in kitchens. And great rooms. Bathrooms, too. “Toiletries,” he says. “Toothpaste, razors, all that stuff.” Wonder whether your great room is overcrowded with the kids’ toys? Take a picture. Or, take a picture of the coffee table to decide whether it really can accommodate those two dozen old magazines with pages folded back at enticing recipes. Bobby Sisk, who’s both a broker and a home stager, offered a tip a while back: Take a picture of a problem room with your phone. Edit—that means get rid of stuff—or add a splash of color, then take another picture. Is that better? Photographers I’ve worked with have operated that way. They’d take a picture, move or remove a few things as Mitchener mentioned, and take another picture. Even I could spot the best im-
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age when pictures were compared side by side. Your phone makes that easy. Mitchener says the most important picture of every house he shoots is the front elevation. That reflects the importance of curb appeal, of course. It’s the image that’s most likely to nudge prospective buyers to visit for a peek inside. He confesses he sometimes uses digital tools to tweak the photos. Make the sky a more vibrant blue, perhaps. “If there’s a dead bush, replace it with Photoshop.” You wouldn’t do that, but a quick shot with your camera might be the incentive you need to get to Lowe’s for an Encore azalea and a couple of bags of pine bark nuggets. Allen Norwood: homeinfo@charter.net
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