home|design, January 13, 2018 by Charlotte home

Real Estate News

“Once people move here, they never want to leave—they’ve found their own bit of paradise.”

C H A R L O T T E

home design

page 4

—- Jo Butterworth, Helen Adams Realty

dedicated to showcasing charlotte’s distinctive homes

Terrific Tega Cay Experience ‘the good life’ in this small city that’s big on family values and fun - story on page 6

real estate news

design instyle

straight talk

home & garden

what’s new p4

clean slate p14

a caulk for help p16

back to beauty p18

homes.charlo+e.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER . SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2018

Grand Opening

BONUS FREE Refrigerator and Whole House Blinds**

Model Grand Opening GREENBRIER | WAXHAW Saturday,

January 20th 11:00 3:00 Greenbrier

Be among the first to tour our stunning model home in Century’s newest community, Greenbrier. Food, freebies* and fabulous homes will be front and center... join us for the fun! Tour Our Three-story Model Home Tour Community Quick Move-In Homes Enjoy Complimentary Refreshments Register for Giveaways* Sponsored by

*Need not be present to win, no purchase necessary. One entry per household. Employees and affiliates of Century Communities not eligible. Prizes and values subject to change. Winners selected by random drawing by Century associate on January 21, 2018. Winners to be notiﬁed via phone. **To be eligible for incentive, contract must be written by January 31, 2018 and must use builder’s preferred lender and closing attorney. Whirlpool Refrigerator model # SP-WRS325FDAM and 2 in faux wood blinds included in incentive. May affect maximum ﬁnancing. See sales consultant for full details.

1312 Oakhurst Drive | Waxhaw 704.912.1404 | Model Open Daily CenturyCommunities.com/NorthCarolina

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER . SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2018

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CELEBRATE CELEBRATE National New Home Sales Event | Jan. 8th - Feb. 18th

Celebrate the New Year in Your New CalAtlantic Home SIGN A PURCHASE CONTRACT ON A TO-BE-BUILT HOME BETWEEN JANUARY 8, 2018 AND FEBRUARY 18, 2018 AND RECEIVE:

Up to $5,000 Towards Closing Costs* When financing with our affiliate lender, Calatlantic Mortgage and using our preferred closing agent.

-AND-

Up to $10,000 in Design Center Credits**

For more info, please visit:

CalAtlanticHomes.com/Charlotte CalAtlanticHomes.com

homes.charlo+e.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER . SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2018

$275,000,000 Cindy Barnes Over in career sales

|real estate news

what’s new?

(704) 367-7203

Picture Your Home Sold Here! New construction! Great Arboretum location w/ lake views! Beautiful finishes. Top Schools. 9121 Kristen Lake Ct. - MLS# 3345731 - $800,000

Ronda Avenue MLS# 3264020

Dilworth charmer w/loads of detail plus updates galore! Large, fenced yard & garage. Few blocks from light rail. 2009 Victorian Place - MLS# 3350280 - $650,000

$100,000 Builder opportunity in popular Stonehaven! Large lot, ideal for basement

M/I HOMES IS COMING TO KIMBRELL CROSSING IN FORT MILL M/I Homes will offer five different home plans in Kimbrell Crossing, a gated community close to Lake Wylie. Twenty-two homesites are available, with home prices starting in the mid $300s. Construction will begin in late January. Home plans available in Kimbrell Crossing include The Richmond, The Wilson, The Preston, The Hanley and The Coventry. Interiors include large kitchen islands, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and select areas of hardwood flooring. One home plan, The Wilson, features up to six bedrooms and up to 4.1 bathrooms. Highlights include a spacious, open floor plan with formal dining room and guest suite. A split-level stairway leads to the second floor with a luxurious owner’s suite, secondary bedrooms and optional bonus room. Kimbrell Crossing is located near the intersection of Highways 160 and 860, close to The Anne Close Springs Greenway and Fort Mill’s historic downtown. Find out more and join the VIP list for Kimbrell Crossing to get news and special offers at SalesCharlotte@mihomes.com, mihomes.com/kimbrellcrossing or 803228-6091. WEICHERT, REALTORS - REBHAN & ASSOCIATES WELCOMES NEW TEAM MEMBERS Weichert, Realtors - Rebhan & Associates in Charlotte recently added 18 individuals to their team. The new team members will be assisting home buyers and sellers in the greater Charlotte area with all of their real estate needs. Joining the team are Michael Parkins, Eleanor Rivera, Lenora Lopez, Catherine Graham, Selam Eshetu, Tiana McKinney, Tiffany Campbell, Rick Dauss, Tania Wahl, Samantha Hannah, Valerie Rattigan, Nichelle Perry, Paul Michniak, David Spafford, Laura Thompson, Jennifer Campbell, Damonn Alston and Don Nelson. Weichert, Realtors - Rebhan & Associates offers a complete menu of real estate services including a fully-staffed Relocation, Property Management, REO and Short Sale division, as well as their Senior Preferred Services Division. For more information about Weichert, Realtors - Rebhan & Associates, located at 6000 Fairview Road, Suite 104, in Charlotte, call Kathleen Rebhan at 704-5537777 or visit weichertrebhan.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.

Considering downsizing? Overwhelmed? If you need a place to start, call me for a practical, step-by-step approach.

Editor

Coordinator/Designer

Christina Darnell

Melissa Kennelly

Creative Strategy & Real Estate Advertising New Home Builder Advertising Buck Brice, bbrice@charlotteobserver.com

Suzanne Parker, sparker@charlotteobserver.com

Sales Manager Angie Sullivan, asullivan@charlotteobserver.com - 704-358-5521

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.

HAND IT OVER Cindy.Barnes@allentate.com 4P

homedesign@charlotteobserver.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER . SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2018

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Chestnut at Blowing Rock 364 Chestnut Drive, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 chestnutatblowingrock.com Ashley Hutchens and Jerry Hutchens 828.964.5438 ashley.hutchens@premiersir.com jerry.hutchens@premiersir.com

LOCATED ON THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY atop the Eastern Continental Divide in the idyllic village of Blowing Rock, North Carolina awaits Chestnut at Blowing Rock – a private enclave of 23 single-story luxury residences surrounded by lush natural scenery, unmatched views and modern conveniences. Redefining luxury living, Chestnut at Blowing Rock features open and airy living spaces, natural finishes and towering windows designed to showcase breathtaking vistas of Moses Cone Memorial Park and Grandfather Mountain State Park. The quaint and charming shops and restaurants of Main Street are steps from your door. Discover elegant living in a casual setting at Chestnut at Blowing Rock.

Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated.

homes.charlo+e.com

UNMATCHED VIEWS. UNPARALELLED LIFESTYLE. Chestnut at Blowing Rock features open and airy living spaces, natural finishes and towering windows designed to showcase breathtaking vistas.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER . SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2018

|living in Tega Cay DID YOU KNOW? Tega Cay is Polynesian for “Beautiful Peninsula,” and this tropical influence can be seen in many of the city’s early homes and street names.

Experience ‘the good life’ in this small city that’s big on family values and fun EAT

by Julie Cooper

Danny’s Pizza & Pasta Grab your appetite and head to this local Italian restaurant for scratch-made meatballs, authentic pasta dishes and the best New York-style pizza in the Carolinas.

dannyspizzapasta.com

PLAY Tega Cay Golf Club Take in stunning views of Lake Wylie as you tee off on this toprated golf course in the Fort Mill area.

tegacaygolfclub.com

EXPLORE Windjammer Park Relax by the lake, take a leisurely walk to the scenic overlook and let the kids loose on the playground at this popular waterfront park that springs to life in the summer months as the award-winning Carolina Show Ski Team puts on free waterski shows every Friday night.

tegacaysc.org

ituated on a beautiful peninsula on the South Carolina side of Lake Wylie and only a 30-minute drive from Charlotte, small-but-mighty Tega Cay has a lot to offer. Coming in at only 2.5 square miles and boasting a lush forested terrain, 13 miles of shoreline and amenities galore, Tega Cay is on the radar for buyers looking for that quintessential small town feel and vacation-style atmosphere close to the big city. “People love the active lifestyle that living on the shores of Lake Wylie provides,” says Jo Butterworth with Helen Adams Realty. “And for those who work or want to enjoy the nightlife and cultural events in Charlotte, it’s only a short commute away. The people who live in Tega Cay are excited to be there and energize it with an enthusiasm that’s contagious.” Judi Phillips with Highgarden Real Estate was on HGTV’s House Hunters “South Carolina Lake Living” edition featuring Tega Cay this past August. “I live in Tega Cay and love raising my family here,” she says. “It’s a community where everyone seems to know each other, and people are welcoming and kind.”

This golf-cart friendly community is brimming with amenities—a 27-hole, award-winning golf course, several miles of walking trails, parks, tennis courts, a beach, swimming center, marina and more. “There are no HOA fees on the peninsula. All the amenities are a la carte,” says Pam Orsburn with Allen Tate Real Estate. “You only pay for what you use, and even those fees are nominal.” Having lived in Tega Cay for nearly four decades, Orsburn says there’s no place else she’d rather be. “I’ve seen many places I could move to but have never found another place that offers all that Tega Cay does,” she says. “After a busy workday, it’s like coming home to a vacation every day.” Home to generations of families, Tega Cay draws buyers looking for a place they can grow into. “When I first moved here, I couldn’t afford to live on the water,” says Orsburn. “Ten years later, I purchased a waterfront home and have been there since. Tega Cay affords many homebuyers the opportunity to purchase their first home and move up as income and needs change without having to leave the city limits.”

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER . SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2018

Families are also drawn to the resort-like lifestyle this small city provides because not only is it safe, but the schools are some of the best in the state. “Tega Cay is served by the highly-acclaimed Fort Mill School District,” says Phillips. “Children are free to ride their bikes to the elementary school and the park, go fishing after school or participate in numerous recreational programs. It’s just a different way of life here.” The peninsula is home to a variety of houses dating from the 1970s to present day, making it easy for buyers to find a style that suits both their lifestyle and budget. “Tega Cay is very eclectic,” says Phillips. “There are smaller older homes that used to be vacation cottages up to milliondollar custom homes with cove and main channel views of Lake Wylie.” With homes selling fast and, in many cases, for full-price, Tega Cay’s real estate market is strong. “Tega Cay continues to be a hot market with high demand and a low inventory of homes,” says Butterworth. “Once people move here, they never want to leave—they’ve found their own bit of paradise.”

homes.charlo+e.com

CERTIFIED LUXURY HOME MARKETING SPECIALIST NC Broker/SC Realtor®

704.267.3643 | Jo@Butterworth.net D

S LI

657 Reliance Court, Tega Cay, SC 29708 Price: $685,000 MLS: 3341486 Listing Agent: Jo Butterworth, Helen Adams Realty, 704-2673643, jo@butterworth.net

Impressive executive home in much desired Tega Cay with Fort Mill schools and Lake Wylie access via neighborhood parks. Dramatic two-story foyer, two staircases, hardwoods, plantation shutters and exquisite moldings. Formal living and dining rooms. The kitchen boasts a massive island, gas stove, granite countertops, a double oven, butler’s pantry and morning room. Other features include a two-story great room, office, large secondary bedrooms, third-floor bonus room with walk-in storage and an elegant master with his-and-hers closets and a grand bathroom.

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E IC

PR EW

1214 Whitetail Drive - Lake Shore Beauty on Tega Cay Peninsula - Fort Mill Schools MLS# 3324954 | 4BD, 2.5BA | MBR on Main +Bonus Room | 2,917 SQFT | $385,000

homes.charlo+e.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER . SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2018

|living in Tega Cay 11170 Watertrace Drive, Tega Cay, SC 29708 Price: $899,000 MLS: 3350605 Listing Agent: Pam Orsburn, Allen Tate Realtors, 704-534-4164, pam.orsburn@ allentate.com Enjoy privacy and resort-style living in this casually-elegant waterfront home, with two master suites and a finished basement. This home includes two decks, a hot tub with privacy curtains, a dock, covered boat lift and a serene setting with 128 feet of water frontage. The interior features heavy moldings, plantation shutters, incredible storage, great flex spaces, surround sound and ceilings up to 12 feet high. The lower level offers a spacious recreation room with large bar area, wine room, two beds, two baths, and two flex spaces.

Pam & Cliff Orsburn NC/SC BROKER/REALTOR

704.534.4164

Over 38 Years of Combined Experience Serving Real Estate Clientele

Pam.Orsburn@allentate.com TegaCayRealtor.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER . SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2018

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3038 Point Clear Drive, Tega Cay, SC 29708 Price: $525,000 MLS: 3349144 Listing Agent: Linda Hall, Century 21 First Choice, 803-548-4499, sales@lindahall.com This fabulous tri-level lakefront property includes a covered boat dock and several decks/patios for entertaining and relaxing. Enjoy amazing sunsets and gorgeous water views from windows that frame the water. The great room boasts abundant light and a wood-burning fireplace. The wide-open kitchen hosts a bartop plus an adjacent breakfast area overlooking the water. Other features include an open floor plan and a private second-floor with a master suite, two huge walk-ins, a whirlpool tub and separate shower. Two more bedrooms are located on the third floor.

homes.charlo+e.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER . SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2018

Robin Knows Dirt

CUSTOM TO BUILD

• 1581 Dan Sexton, Sharon Go Country on 94.3 rolling acres w/amazing views, several homesites $265,000 • 660 Briarwood in Lake Wylie’s Clarendon Estates & Clover Schools 1 AC lot $49,000 13424 SAGE THRASHER Time to build your dream estate on 9.4 waterfront acres on Lake Wylie in The Sanctuary. Impressive architectural features. $2,121,450

THESE ARE THE LAST ONES! EXQUISITE UPGRADES OF WOOD, TILE, GRANITE, TRIM WORK 3113 GLENMOOR $300,000 3121 GLENMOOR $305,000

• 208 Highland Forest Dr. in Clover’s Patrick Place .53 AC $47,000 • Georgeous waterfront 2.83 acre lot Mountain Lakes in Chester $45,000 • Gorgeous pasture land Charlotte Hwy York - 9 acres $162,000

106 MARIETTA 923 HIGH ROCK POINTE Welcome to The Hylands, a small private neighborhood Own One of Clover’s well preserved estates! in the Clover School district. Nestled on 1.4 secluded This 2881 HSF brick beauty welcomes you in with her southern front porch! acres at the end of a cul-de-sac. 3 bedroom 2 baths $279,000 with bonus room. $295,000

• Rambler Ln Blacksburg 10 building lots, all wooded 1-2 acres between Charlotte and Spartanburg close to I-85 $13,000 each • 5975 Morningstar 4.5 acres in Lake Wylie’s Cook’s Cove $65,000 • Ft. Lawn 2 lots in Carobrook subdivision $7,000 each WOW!

228 WHITE PINE RD. Discover Lake Wateree SC just 1 hr. f/ Charlotte. Custom built 3 BR cottage on 2.2 acres with Dock. Breathtaking! $400,000

1907 KAILUA CIRCLE Tega Cay waterfront ranch with full basement, dock, Views from every room New kitchen! $500,000

1608 BELEEK RIDGE In Lake Wylie’s Mill Creek Falls. Gorgeous ranch w/bonus, exquisite details $265,000

116 MARION ST. Clover historic 1927 brick Craftsman Cottage 3BR/2Bath Charming accents $185,000

105 WATER WAY, LAKE WYLIE Completely renovated 4BR on 2 acres. Stunning custom kitchen with butcher block counters, new paint, new flooring. $165,000

19007 Kailua Circle, Tega Cay, SC 29708 Price: $500,000 MLS: 3312257 Listing Agent: Robin King, Allen Tate Realtors, 803-526-1225, robin.king@ allentate.com Welcome to Lake Wylie waterfront living in Tega Cay. Enjoy 13,000 acres of water fun in your backyard from the amazing dock. This lovingly maintained ranch boasts spectacular water views from every room, and the updated kitchen is gorgeous with granite counters and stainless appliances. Relax and take in the view from the deck under the shade trees after a long day of work. This is the good life!

JOIN US Sunday Feb 4th for The Haven Men’s Shelter 11th annual Souper Bowl Fundraiser. Food, drinks, fun Buy your tickets at www.thehavenmenshelter.org

WATCH VIDEOS FOR ALL THESE HOMES ON

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER . SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2018

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“YOUR FORT MILL, TEGA CAY & LAKE WYLIE REALTOR”

803.431.3293

Debbie Houser

REALTOR® NC & SC

SellingUAHome@gmail.com www.SellingUAHome.com

5068 CROFTON DRIVE, FORT MILL HIDDEN ESTATE NESTLED IN THE WOODS ON 1.7 ACRES

11182 Scullers Run, Tega Cay, SC 29708 Price: $450,000 MLS: 3317637 Listing Agent: Debbie Houser, Keller Williams Realty, 803-4313293, sellinguahome@gmail.com

MLS# 3299289 | 4 Bedrooms, 5 Full & 1 Half Bath | 10,191 SqFt | $995,000

11182 SCULLERS RUN, TEGA CAY BEAUTIFUL BRICK ON 1 ACRE WITH MATURE TREES & CUL-DE-SAC

Located in Tega Cay on a 1-acre lot that backs up to mature trees and is perfectly situated on a desirable cul-de-sac, this home also offers a finished basement and finished third floor. Other features include four bedrooms, three full and two half baths, 4,222 square feet and a detached garage. Spend your summer evenings relaxing on the three-season porch.

D RE TU E FEA HOM

MLS# 3317637 | 4 Bedrooms, 3 Full & 2 Half Baths | 4,333 SqFt | $450,000

807 COOLWATER COURT, FORT MILL CUSTOM BUILT HOME ON 1 ACRE OF TREES & PRIVACY

MLS# 3313799 | 4 Bedrooms, 3 Full & 1 Half Bath | 3,037 SqFt | $479,900 homes.charlo+e.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER . SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2018

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Mortgage Guide Institution

30 yr APR

The Charlotte Observer

30 yr Fixed

3.757%

Product

Rate

Rate: 3.750

15 yr fixed

3.125 0.000

$225 20% 3.136

Points: 0.000

7/1 yr Arm

3.125 0.000

$295 20% 3.200

704-412-9131

Fees: $225

30 yr jumbo

3.875 0.000

$295 20% 3.905

www.mecklenburgmortgage.com

% Down: 75%

Free PrequaliIcation Letters and Rate Quotes 7 days a week

30yr Fixed

Mecklenburg Mortgage

APR

3.661% APR

3.629% APR

% Down

APR

Phone Number / Website

NMLS # / License #

NMLS #: 1190352

20 yr Fixed

3.750

0.875

$885 5%

3.550

Points: 0.000

15 yr Fixed

3.375

0.625

$885 5%

3.177

910-332-0650

Fees: $975

10 yr Fixed

3.250

0.875

$885 5%

3.093

www.abbaIrst.com

% Down: 5%

Doing business HIS way. No cost option for Conv VA FHA USDA

Rate: 3.625

15 Yr Fixed

3.125 0.000

3.131

Points: 0.000

7/1 Arm

3.125 0.000

3.142

Fees: $0

LOCAL IN CHARLOTTE FOR 30 YEARS! OPEN SATURDAYS! A+ BBB RATING!

% Down: 5%

FREE FLOATDOWN IF RATES DROP! ZERO CLOSING COST OPTIONS!

30yr Fixed

Best Rate Mortgage

Fees

Rate: 3.875

30yr Fixed

ABBA First Mortgage, Inc.

Points

LIC# 161067

NMLS# 74184 LIC# 132884

NMLS #: 103395

704-529-1233 www.bestratemtg.com

Savings Update

Opening a CD? Make it bulletproof. By Sabrina Karl

It’s true: Certificates of deposit are among the safest places to save. But that’s not suffer no loss as a result of the institution’s failure. to say they’re risk-free. A few important precautions will ensure the money you sock away in CDs will be there anytime you need it. But be careful. There are banks and credit unions that hold private rather than federal insurance. Although they provide some protection against failure, the CDs are safe because they’re bank savings accounts, not investments that coverage and reliability won’t match the security provided by the U.S. government. depend on the stock or bond market. When you open a CD, you enter into a So for complete peace of mind, do business with institutions that carry the FDIC signed agreement that stipulates exactly how much interest you’ll earn and on or NCUA seal. what schedule. Read the deposit agreement before signing and you’ll be safe from surprises. For some savers, the $250,000 limit can also come into play. Federal insurance covers that amount per person, per institution, with all deposits held at a bank Choosing the institution for your CD is one area where you should be vigilant, counting toward the threshold. With amounts above $250,000 unprotected, you’re however. Most CDs you encounter will be offered by banks and credit unions that smart to spread balances among multiple institutions if you’re holding that much are federally insured: by the FDIC for banks and the NCUA for credit unions. in bank accounts. This is important because even if the bank or credit union fails, your deposits are Sticking to federally insured institutions and staying below the maximum insurance protected. FDIC or NCUA insurance guarantees your balances up to $250,000 will ceiling are easy steps to ensure your CD savings will be positively bulletproof. Rate Criteria: The rates and annual percentage rate (APR) are effective as of 1/9/17. All rates, fees and other information are subject to change without notice. RateSeeker, LLC. does not guarantee the accuracy of the information appearing above or the availability of rates and fees in this table. The institutions appearing in this table pay a fee to appear in this table. Annual percentage rates (APRs) are based on fully indexed rates for adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs). The APR on your specific loan may differ from the sample used. All rates are quoted on a minimum FICO score of 740. Conventional loans are based on loan amounts of $165,000. Jumbo loans are based on loan amounts of $424,101. Lock Days: 30-60. Points quoted include discount and/or origination. Payments do not include amounts for taxes and insurance. The APR may increase after consummation and may vary. FHA Mortgages include both UFMIP and MIP fees based on a loan amount of $165,000 with 5% down payment. Points quoted include discount and/ or origination. Fees reflect charges relative to the APR. If your down payment is less than 20% of the home’s value, you will be subject to private mortgage insurance, or PMI. VA Mortgages include funding fees based on a loan amount of $165,000 with 5% down payment. If your down payment is less than 20% of the home’s value, you will be subject to private mortgage insurance, or PMI. “Call for Rates” means actual rates were not available at press time. To access the NMLS Consumer Access website, please visit www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. To appear in this table, call 773-320-8492.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER . SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2018

homes.charlo+e.com

Zhengzheng “ZZ” Wiley 704.412.3059 ZWiley@kw.com ZZCarolinaHomeRealty.com

ZHENGZHENG “ZZ” WILEY TU FEA

HO RED

MLS# 3293448 | $596.5K 5BD, 4BA | 5,056 SqFt 276 SHORELINE PKWY - TEGA CAY 276 Shoreline Parkway, Tega Cay, SC 29708 Price: $596,500 MLS: 3293448 Listing Agent: Zhengzheng Wiley, Keller Williams Realty, 704-4123059, zwiley@kw.com

E EREEN S F O T CRESED ESTA A 5 6.7 WOOD

This custom home offers 5,056 square feet of functional living space with the finest finishes in every room including designer lighting, rich hardwood and travertine tile flooring, a chef’s dream kitchen, dual master suites, second living quarters (with a full kitchen and bath), a theater with top-of-the-line equipment and a wet bar, Cat5e and security network and a private fenced backyard. Beautiful lake front community with golf courses, swim club, walking trails and parks. No HOA.

MLS# 3198709 | $475K 4BD, 4BA | 6,068 Sqft | 6.75 Acres 532 GINGLES FARM TRL - GASTONIA

-4PM 2 T A ES OUS H N OPE

MLS# 3331487 | $395K 4BD, 3BA, 3,281 SqFt 553 BROOKHAVEN DR - FORT MILL homes.charlo+e.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER . SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2018

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|design trends

Clean Slate January offers the perfect opportunity to redecorate and declutter by Vicki Payne

Vicki uses the weeks post-holidays as a clean slate for decorating.

o me, the best part of the holidays is when they are over. I’m not a Scrooge, but there’s nothing as refreshing as taking down the tree, wreaths and garland. Putting away all those holiday decorations leaves a clean decorating slate for the new year. One tip, though: before you put your house back in order, allow yourself to enjoy the empty fireplace mantel, decluttered tabletops and wide open spaces. We spend so much time indoors this time of year that living in a clean, decluttered space will brighten your attitude and raise your energy levels.

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Cleaning can feel like an overwhelming task, but tackling the little tasks, like clearing off your kitchen counters, can provide big rewards and fresh motivation. The biggest obstacle is simple—too much stuff. Especially after the holidays. What do you do with those new electronics, clothing and other gifts? My answer is to share. Share your wealth by not adding to your already bulging closets and countertops. Give things away. Remember when you first moved into your home? You had a vision and chose each item with a specific purpose. Just the right chair for the corner

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER . SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2018

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of the living room. A beautiful vase for the mantel. But over time we kept adding to the décor until the balance of the entire room went off kilter. It’s time to regain control over your décor. Clear out those overcrowded closets, drawers, pantries and laundry rooms. If you have duplicates, pick your favorite and donate the rest. If it shows wear or you haven’t used it in two seasons, get rid of it. Free up space and, at the same time, your creative spirit. With extra storage space, you are ready to declutter your décor. Take everything off your bookshelves and separate into two piles: one for everything you love, and the second for everything else. Don’t hesitate to get rid of something just because it was expensive. If it doesn’t work, give it away. Move from the bookshelves to the fireplace mantel and tabletops making the same critical assessments as you go. Complete one room, move to the next. Clean the surfaces and each object you are keeping. Place the unwanted items in giveaway boxes. Let someone else figure out how to incorporate them.

Select one object and place it on the shelf. Add another object to another shelf with a group of books, either standing or stacked. It’s about balance. Back away, observe and continue arranging each treasured object until you love the looks, even if there are still items remaining in your pile. Learning when to stop is the hardest decorating skill to master. It is better to leave part of a shelf blank than to clutter it. Also, consider that an unused object might look best in another room. Use this same technique for the fireplace mantel, the kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities and tabletops. Enjoying a hot cup of coffee on a cold winter day while gazing at a clean, decluttered countertop is like sunshine for your soul. H|D

homes.charlo+e.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER . SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2018

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.

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Valid only at participating locations. Each Miracle Method franchise independently owned and operated

See more photos at: www.miraclemethod.com/charlotte

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|straight talk

A Caulk for Help With the cold winter air and indoor heaters running at full blast, here’s what to do with those pesky cracks in your crown molding by Allen Norwood

Patti Elam Lake Wylie Waterfront Specialist

Broker/Realtor® NC & SC

Are you looking to Sell Your Home?

Ranked top 15% of Realtors® in MLS

704-309-6912 16P

emperatures cratered below freezing and stayed there. The heat ran constantly. The cold, dry outdoor air and unrelenting indoor air flow pushed the relative humidity in our house into the teens—half of what experts say is a healthy minimum during the winter. Low indoor humidity causes dry skin and respiratory problems. Also, it opens up every joint in your crown molding, and lots of joints in other trim. So, here’s something else to fret about as you wait for your next Duke Power bill: Should you caulk all those cracks now, or wait until things settle down a bit, indoors and out? “I tend to be conservative,” says Jason Toth, who answers questions on DAP’s technical hotline (1-888-3278477) at the company’s headquarters in Baltimore. “Leave them the way they are for now. This will be a self-

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER . SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2018

correcting problem.” In other words, as weather and heating conditions return to normal, many of those annoying cracks will disappear. “In almost every case, (they) will.” This has been an extreme stretch of bitter cold, dry weather for us, but Toth and others at DAP, which makes an array of popular caulks and patching products, are used to fielding calls from the upper Midwest and other frigid areas. Cracks open and the calls come every year, he says. “It begins in early to mid November, especially farther north. By now we’re mostly through.” The advice from the experts is pretty straightforward. Crown molding is typically where you notice the seasonal cracks first, Toth says, because the air is warmer at the ceiling, and air from ceiling vents might be blowing directly across

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the crown. Chair rails in the middle of walls are less susceptible and baseboards are usually okay. When you do caulk, be sparing. Don’t overfill the crack. “Understand that more is not better,” Toth says. If you overfill, the excess will squeeze out when the crack closes and create a round rib across the molding at the joint. That rib can be as unsightly as a crack. Another tip: Don’t be a cheapskate at the caulk store. Don’t just grab the least expensive product, Toth says. You’re not caulking an entire new house; you’re only going to need a tube or two. Toth recommends Dynaflex 230. That’s what he uses at his Baltimore home. It costs more than the basic painter brands, he says, but it’s three to five times more flexible. It’s less likely to fail if the crack opens again next season. It’s paintable and cleans up with water. Whatever product you choose,

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make sure it’s paintable if you plan to cover it with trim paint. Most homeowners are familiar with caulking guns, but if you’re not here are a few tips to get you started: – Don’t cut too much of the tube tip off with the first slice. You can always trim a little more of the tip off if you need a wider bead. – Don’t forget to puncture the inner seal. – Squeeze the trigger gently and smoothly, and release the pressure on the plunger immediately after each application. – Smooth the caulk a couple of times with your finger—and then leave it alone. If you try to go back over it several more times to get it perfect, you’re likely to make a mess. H|D

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|home & garden

Back to Beauty by Nancy Brachey

fter some difficult days weather-wise, it is nice to anticipate what is ahead in the Piedmont landscape this winter. Sure, things may look a bit bedraggled now; certainly the

frozen camellia blossoms look very sad. But things will pick up. A fine shrub called Chinese paper bush, or edgeworthia, will help lead the way back to beauty this winter. This is an unusual plant and seems to be gaining in

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$460,339* - Master Up 3 BD, 2.5 BA, 2,773 sq ft. Rear covered porch overlooks Beatty Park woods. Drop Zone, Loft. Kitchen w/ light gray 42” cabs, SS, 36” gas cooktop. Hobby Room. MLS# 3341620

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Sales: Shea Group Services, LLC DBA Shea Realty (C21630). Construction: Shea Builders, LLC, 68875. This is not an offer of real estate for sale, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, to residents of any state or province in which registration and other legal requirements have not been fullled. Pricing does not include options, elevation, or lot premiums, effective date of publication and subject to change without notice. All square footages and measurements are approximate and subject to change without notice. Trademarks are property of their respective owners. Equal Housing Opportunity. Home pictured may not be actual home for sale or actual model home, but rather a representation of a similar model or elevation design. *Price for this home does not include closing costs, application of incentives, includes costs for certain options and upgrades, specic list of which is available at the Sagewood sales ofce, and is subject to change.

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popularity because it does well in light shade with rich, moist soil and produces a graceful, stylish shrub. The flowers, opening in winter, are quite lovely and typically yellow. Each cluster, is a tight gathering of many individual, tiny florets that each open to convey a delightfully spicy scent. The plant tends to be bare of leaves through the winter, giving it an interesting silhouette. After blooming, the spring foliage is an attractive bluegreen. This makes it a pleasing plant all year and one that should be placed where the winter scent will not be missed. Like azaleas and rhododendrons, the flower buds begin to form in late summer and look good through fall until they begin to open in winter.

Edgeworthia can get tall, possibly 6 to 7 feet over time. When spacing, give it room to develop because you don’t want to prune it to keep it in a confined space. Let it breathe so the winter silhouette and branching habit can be seen and enjoyed. The full name is edgeworthia chrysantha, and it is native to the woods of the Himalayas, China and Japan. The inner bark has been used to make highquality paper. While the paperbush calls for moist, rich soil, it requires a well-drained position so it does not succumb to root rot. Watering is probably essential during any dry weeks in the heat of summer. It’s worth the attention as the paperbush can be a valuable asset year-round to a shaded landscape. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist for best results. H|D

Ask Nancy Q:Since the open camellia blooms were ruined by cold weather, what about the buds still on the plant? A: They should be fine and open in time, especially ones that are still green and rather lush looking. Brown ones that appear dead and frozen are not likely to open. Nancy Brachey: nbrachey@charlotteobserver.com

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LIVE BOUNDLESS

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The location, the style, the feeling you get when you walk through the door – every aspect of your home should be a reflection of who you are, where you’ve been and the life you aspire to live. Your best life begins with a home that inspires you. Call us today and let us find your inspiration. 877.539.9865

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Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. Property information herein is derived from various sources including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate.

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