home|design, August 26, 2017 by Charlotte home

C H A R L O T T E

Real Estate News

“People always greet you on the sidewalk whether they know you or not and are willing to lend a hand.”

home design

page 4

— John Dotson, Preferred Properties of Highlands

dedicated to showcasing charlotte’s distinctive homes

Magical Mountains Escape to the serenity of the Western Carolina Mountains - story on page 12

design instyle

straight talk

designer spotlight

real estate trends

home & garden

open for conversation p12

choices p16

amy lee p18

what your realtor wishes you knew p20

gardeners rejoice p32

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Change your life today. Time For Grandkids

I Vacation More

I Exercise Daily!

I Golf Everyday

I Love No Steps!

I Sold My Mower!

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www.myepconhome.com/charlotte GOLD SPONSORS

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Quick Move-in Homes Avalon | Mooresville, NC Single Family Homes from the low $200s

Ready, Set, Move! • Convenient to I-77 and Lake Norman for excellent shopping, dining, entertainment, and recreation • Directly south, Charlotte, only 30.8 miles away, is a world-class financial center with professional sports teams and premier entertainment • Mooresville’s downtown includes many sites on the National Register of Historic Places • Mooresville Graded School District schools nearby 21 77

150 Avalon Reserve Dr M ai on Ave W. Wils

READY NOW HOMESITE #

BED/BATH/ GARAGE

SQ. FT.

SALE PRICE

Belhaven L

3/2/2

1,537

$241,420

Chesapeake C

3/2.5/2

2,178

$284,426

PLAN

COMING SOON HOMESITE #

BED/BATH/ GARAGE

SQ. FT.

SALE PRICE

Ingleton A

4/3/2

2,689

$271,810

Clayton F

3/2/2

1,821

$257,445

Landrum N

4/3/2

2,641

$284,435

Waverly J

4/3.5/2

3,054

$300,235

PLAN

For more info, please contact:

AVALON

MOORESVILLE

115 3

109 Avalon Reserve Drive, Mooresville, NC 28115

CalAtlanticHomes.com

Bill Howard E-mail: Bill.Howard@CalAtl.com Phone: 704.663.0535

Seller does not represent/guarantee that the project will be serviced by any particular public school/school district or, once serviced by a particular school/school district, that the same school/school district will service the project for any particular period of time. Eligibility requirements Mooresville, North Carolina may change over time.You should independently confirm which schools/districts serve the project and learn more information about the school district’s boundary change process prior to executing a purchase contract. Prices, plans and terms are effective on the date of publication and subject to change without notice. Map is not to scale. Depictions of homes or other features are artist conceptions. Hardscape, landscape and other items shown may be decorator suggestions that are not included in the purchase price and availability may vary.This ad contains general information about a new home community in North Carolina and it is not an offer or the solicitation of an offer for the purchase of a new home.This information is not directed to residents of any other state that requires registration or permit issuance prior to the publication of such information.

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|real estate news

what’s new? compiled by Whitney Berongi

letter from the editor Open floor plans are the darling of HGTV. Whether it’s Property Brothers or Flip or Flop, house renovations predictably include tear-

RESIDE REALTY LAUNCHES BOUTIQUE REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE Matthew Paul Brown, a top producing broker and premier provider of residential real estate services with almost 15 years of experience in the Carolinas, has officially launched Reside Realty. Brown is one of the Southeast’s leading luxury realtors for closing transactions in the Charlotte region and has worked with multiple Fortune 500 companies in the relocation of their employees. The newly established real estate brokerage firm specializes in real estate services for all residential price points, from first-time homebuyers to multi-million dollar estates. The firm’s corporate office is located in SouthPark Towers, 6000 Fairview Road, Suite 1200. For more information, contact Matthew Paul Brown at 704-650-1928 or visit residerealty.com.

ing down walls and creating a wide open space. That’s how it is in my own house—and I’ve always struggled with how to decorate it. So, I’m thrilled with Vicki’s tips this week on decorating for open floor plans (p.12). And since we’ve broached the topic of HGTV, go ahead over to p.20 for a list—of things your Realtor wishes you knew. In other words, help them help you speed up the buying and selling of your homes (fasting HGTV happens to be one of them). Check out page 6 to fall in love with the Western Carolina mountains. The views are heavenly and summer temperatures max out around 80 degrees. That sounds heavenly on its own.

ALLEN TATE SPONSORS 5TH ANNUAL PROWL THE DEN CONTEST For the fifth year in a row, Allen Tate Realtors is holding their annual Prowl the Den contest. The exclusive tailgate and tour experience offers Panthers fans the opportunity to explore areas not open to the public, including the Panthers’ locker room, training areas, Gridiron Club, PantherVision studio and Bank of America Stadium’s kitchen. On October 14, 25 lucky winners and their three guests each (friends or family members) will take part in the guided tour of the Panthers’ facilities. The tour will begin with a tailgate party with food, beverages and games. At the end of the tour, one of the 25 tour winners will win a grand prize—four suite tickets and four field passes for the Dec. 24, 2017 home game vs. Tampa and four replica Carolina Panthers jerseys. Tour winners must be present to win the grand prize. For more information or to enter the contest, visit contest.allentate.com or any Allen Tate sales office.

Also, every month we spotlight a designer from the greater Charlotte area. Not everyone is gifted with the eye (or the time) to design

Email real estate news to homedesign@charlotteobserver.com.

winning homes on their own, but we’re blessed with a city full of talented professionals. Our goal is to introduce you to them, almost as if you were chatting with them over a cup of coffee. This issue,

home|design

meet Amy Lee of Artistic Interior 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.

Now excuse me while I binge on the latest season of Fixer Upper.

Editor

Coordinator/Designer

Christina Darnell

Melissa Kennelly

Christina

For Agent info contact

For New Home Builder info contact

Buck Brice at bbrice@charlotteobserver.com

Suzanne Parker at sparker@charlotteobserver.com

Director Digital Sales & Strategy Phyllis Weber, 704-358-5345

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

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$18,000,000 Cindy Barnes Over in sales in 2016 (704) 367-7203

REDUCED

Updates galore in this SouthPark area beauty! New kitchen, updated master bathroom, beautiful lot in swim/tennis neighborhood. 2721 Whiffletree Rd. - MLS# 3306533 - $375,000

UNDER CONTRACT

Exceptional opportunity in Quail Hollow. Priced perfectly for your renovation. Boasting a lush, spacious lot with pool. 6727 Aronomink Drive - MLS# 3275568 - $750,000

UNDER CONTRACT

NEW LISTING

Fresh, bright SouthPark townhome w/2 BDRMSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plus flexroom. Modern kitchen, pretty courtyard, spacious rooms throughout. 3522 Kylemore Court - MLS# 3313519 - $400,000

Ronda Avenue MLS# 3264020 | $120,000

NEW PRICE Builder opportunity in popular Stonehaven! 25th floor of highly regarded Trademark building. Fabulous views, great amenities, open plan. Uptown living at its best! 333 W. Trade St. #2503 MLS# 3296055 - $240,000

Large lot, ideal for basement

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

HAND IT OVER Cindy.Barnes@allentate.com homes.charlo+e.com

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|living in Western Carolina Mountains DID YOU KNOW? Hollywood loves the Western Carolina Mountains. Popular movies like Cold Mountain, Dirty Dancing, The Hunger Games and even some scenes in Forrest Gump were shot here.

Escape to the serenity of the Western Carolina Mountains EAT Table 64 Located in Sapphire, this restaurant delights with an exceptional tapas menu and diverse wine list.

tablesixtyfour.com

PLAY The Bascom Check out the exhibits or create your own masterpiece in one of the many classes this non-profit visual arts center in Highlands offers.

thebascom.org

EXPLORE Signal Ridge Marina Rent a boat from this marina on Lake Glenville and spend a day out on the water discovering its three beautiful waterfalls: Norton Falls, Hurricane Falls and Mill Creek Falls.

signalridgemarina.com

by Julie Cooper

oaring high into the clouds and surrounded by lush forests, cascading waterfalls and cool mountain air, the Western Carolina Mountains mesmerize with a magic all their own. From the friendly locals to the charming small towns and beautiful mountain lakes, this popular second home destination beckons those looking to escape the chaos of daily life. “Highlands and Cashiers remain fairly tony and sedate retreats with unique shops, fabulous dining, stunning golf courses and fantastic scenery,” says John “Buz” Dotson with Preferred Properties of Highlands, Inc. “While there is plenty to do from whitewater rafting to hiking, fly-fishing to mountain biking, it is usually done with relaxation in mind.” With at least half the area protected by the Nantahala National Forest, the serenity of this mountaintop getaway is ensured to remain. “Our area, especially Highlands, is today what it has been for more than 100 years,” says Dotson. “For decades it was virtually unknown except to those who were lucky enough to be familiar with it.” But the secret is out. Conveniently located close to many major metropolises, the Highlands Cashiers areas’ year-round population swells to nearly six times its usual size come summer-

time. “We’re located on the southernmost escarpment of the Blue Ridge Range,” says Dotson. “Highlands and Cashiers offer visitors and homeowners the first high-elevation destinations when coming from Florida, South Carolina, Atlanta and beyond.” Located just shy of four hours from the Queen City, many Charlotteans will make the trip for respite from both the hectic city life and the hot summer sun. “Our cooler summer temperatures, averaging around 78 degrees, are a huge draw,” says Jennifer Blake with Highlands Cove Realty. “Add in the picturesque views, culture scene, boutique shopping and excellent dining options, and many never want to leave!” Which isn’t a problem. This mountaintop oasis is vast and the landscape is varied, so whether the buyer is looking for mountain views, new construction, a gated golf community or lakefront living, it’s all here. “We have a large assortment of unique properties and architectural designs to choose from and exceptional homebuilders and designers that make it easy to build and furnish a second home from a distance,” says Blake, who also mentions that the new Cottage Walk development in Cashiers is really taking off. “It’s within walking distance to the quaint village of Cashiers and is currently

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where the Cashiers Designer Showhouse is being held,” she says. Also in Cashiers—aptly dubbed the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains— is the new Satulah development that features upscale residences that blend in seamlessly with the surroundings thanks to their rustic, yet elegant, exteriors. Best of all, perhaps, these homes include memberships to The Old Edwards Inn and Spa and The Old Edwards Club at Highlands Cove making for a true all-inclusive getaway. Long-loved for the tranquility they provide and the thriving culture and foodie scene—“We have some of the best tucked-away delis and four-star restaurants in the South,” says Dotson—the best part of these mountains is not actually a part per se, it’s the people. “Western North Carolina is the kind of place that brings out the gentility in most folks,” he says. “People always greet you on the sidewalk whether they know you or not and are willing to lend a hand.” There’s definitely an undeniable feeling of magic in these mountains that keeps people coming back for more. “Many who come to the mountains to enjoy the summer are purchasing second homes, and it’s evolving into more of a year round place to live,” says Blake. “The market is just flourishing now.”

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Phone (828) 526-5587 • www.PPOH.com 171 Main Street - P.O Box 2216 - Highlands, NC Scaly Mountain, NC

Creek & Picturesque Waterfalls | MLS# 80716 | 4BD, 6.5BA,13 Acres | $998K | + Separate Guest Cottage

Highlands, NC

320 Bonnie Drive, Highlands, NC 28741 Price: $697,000 MLS: 83910 Listing Agent: John Dotson, Preferred Properties of Highlands, 828-526-5587, buz@ppoh.com Beautiful and private, this four-bed, 5.1-bath home sits on 1.53 acres of wooded majesty with a creek flowing just off the deck. This great home is located just outside the city limits of Highlands but within walking distance to Mirror Lake. The four spacious bedrooms all have their own private baths, two with double vanities and jetted tubs.The house is perfect for entertaining with its large great room featuring a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace and partially covered deck. This property is partially fenced for pets and has a nice walkway to the perennial creek. Parking for numerous vehicles.

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Affordable Views | MLS# 85271 | 3BD, 2BA, .740 Acres | $569K | Golf Cart Ride to Country Club

Scaly Mountain, NC

Fantastic Northwest Views | MLS# 86071 | 3BD, 3BA, 6.350 Acres | $549.9K | Entertainer’s Deck

Highlands, NC

Gorgeous, One Level | 3BD, 3BA, .99 Acres | MLS# 86554 | $425K | Huge Garage

KING YOUNG

ANN SCOTT- GRI BROKER ASSOCIATE (828) 421-7327 ann@ppoh.com

JOHN M. DOTSON OWNER/BROKER (828) 526-5587 buz@ppoh.com

BROKER ASSOCIATE (828) 526-3443 kingyoung@nctv.com

BARBARA NEWTON BROKER ASSOCIATE (828) 526-5839 banewton@me.com

RAYFIELD LINES

BROKER ASSOCIATE (478) 954-3738 rayfield.lines@gmail.com

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JIM KINARD BROKER ASSOCIATE (828) 371-8993 jamesbkinard@afo.net

MEDEA GALLIGAN BROKER ASSOCIATE (828) 989-9144 medea@ppoh.com

|living in Western Carolina Mountains 140 and 138 Envision Court, Highlands, NC 28741 Price: $3,850,000 MLS: 86729 Listing Agent: Jennifer Blake, Highlands Cove Realty at Old Edwards Club, 828526-8128, jennifer@highlandscoverealty. com Prepare to be wowed from the moment you pull into the driveway of this exquisite estate that was built by Lupoli. The courtyard setting includes an array of beautiful blooms, breathtaking mountain views and a recirculating waterfall. Upon entering, modern and historic design features blend to give an Old World contemporary mountain feel, including stone and cedar shake siding, antique oak floors, reclaimed barn wood used in building the kitchen island and entertainment center, shiplap walls and ceilings, distressed wooden beams, masonry stone fireplaces, expanding pocketing doors and retractable screens. 29 Teton Point, Highlands, NC 28741 Price: $1,750,000 MLS: 84102 Listing Agent: Ed Hillis, Highlands Cove Realty at Old Edwards Club, 828-5268128, ehillis@highlandscoverealty.com The owner of this property is very motivated to sell, and it is priced way below market. This elegant four-bed, 4.1-bath home is set well above 4,000 feet and offers panoramic, long-range mountain views from almost every room. This timber frame home, built by Koenig Homebuilders, is situated in the gated community of Old Edwards Club at Highlands Cove. Features include hardwood floors, cathedral ceilings, custom cabinetry, granite countertops and high-end oriental rugs throughout and a number of Tino original art. This home is fully furnished with few exclusions. The open kitchen includes Viking, Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances.

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Mountain Dreams Begin Here

Highlands Cove Realty specializes in luxury North Carolina mountain homes, breathtaking homesites, condominiums, cottages and vacation rentals at Old Edwards Club and in the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountain communities. Discover your dream home or dream vacation home today and enjoy the cooler weather, scenic views, fine dining, outdoor recreation and small town elegance.

26 Creekwood Court MLS #85527 This Koenig timber-frame built home offers stunning long range mountain views from almost every room. Entering the home, your eyes will be drawn to the beautiful timber frame ceilings, stack stone fireplace and the view. The home’s open concept living, has a large well appointed chef’s kitchen, a dining room that easily accommodates ten and a large family room with custom cherry built-ins and a wood burning fireplace. $1,275,000

30 Hilldale Lane MLS #84473 This newly listed home offers 4 bedrooms, 3 and a half baths and an abundance of outdoor living space. Enjoy nature’s beauty from the outdoor grilling patio with new fire-pit or from the screened porch with fireplace. The Old Southern style entrance leads to a foyer and living room with fireplace. Situated on a private lot bordering National Forest Service Land where you have access to a hiking trail. Comes fully furnished including all furniture, accessories, art, rugs, draperies, electronics, pots, pans, glasses and linens. $1,099,000

408B Highlands Cove Dr. MLS #83287 Three bedroom, three bath condominium with a comfortable, well thought out floor plan for easy entertaining of family, golf friends and grandchildren. This recently remodeled unit offers affordable and comfortable space with ample privacy. Fully remodeled in 2015. This unit is the only one left with both mountain and golf course view. Located in a prime location- walking distance to the club and close to front entrance. Offered furnished. Comes with a 1 year warranty. $519,000

140-141 Envision Court MLS #84984 Rare opportunity with top of the world views and an almost level site to build your home! This is a double lot totaling approximately 1.75 +/- acres in Old Edwards Club at Highlands Cove and includes the lot across the street so you have full control of your view. You are literally in the clouds with panoramic mountain, golf course and lake views! The upper lot adjoins the Nantahala National Forest so will not have future homes behind it. $995,000

175 Highlands Cove Drive • Highlands, NC 28741 (828) 318-8412 • HighlandsCoveRealty.com For more information email Info@HighlandsCoveRealty.com

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|living in Western Carolina Mountains 100 Boar Ridge Road, Sylva, NC 28779 Price: $2,499,000 MLS: 3262606 Listing Agent: Balsam Mountain Preserve, 828-631-1040, info@balsammountain.com Designed by renowned local architect Shawn Leatherwood, this luxurious custom residence must be seen to be appreciated. The 4,452-square-foot main home and separate 690-square-foot guest house are designed to create a phenomenal outdoor living experience with extensive stonework throughout and beautifully landscaped grounds and pathways. Adding to the setting, the property is bordered on three sides by conservation land.

939 Boar Ridge Road, Sylva, NC 28779 Price: $869,000 MLS: 3302897 Listing Agent: Balsam Mountain Preserve, 828-631-1040, info@balsammountain.com This traditional four-bedroom mountain home features views to the North and Northwest of the Plott Balsam Mountain Range and is close in proximity to The Boarding House and Equestrian Center. Beautiful wide plank pine wood floors and wainscoting walls throughout the main level. Incredible opportunity to own at Balsam for under $1 million. Balsam Mountain Preserve is a private 4,400-acre club community with 3,200 acres of conservation land and completed amenities.

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ARNOLD PALMER SIGNATURE GOLF

BOARDING HOUSE LODGE AND RESTAURANT

Breaking Ground This Fall:

DOUBLETOP VILLAGE MORE THAN 34 MILES OF TRAILS

The excitement is building on Balsam Mountain Preserve as the new Doubletop Village is coming soon! The Village will combine 23 turnkey cottages, a Members’ Grille and Tavern, General Store, Organic Community Garden, activity lawns, and extraordinary views—in short, all the elements that make Balsam unique. Located less than 40 minutes west of Asheville, Balsam Mountain Preserve isn’t your typical private mountain community. It’s something different. And with fewer than 400 homesteads spread across 4,400-forested acres, owners truly live within nature.

To arrange a visit, call 828.489.3090 or visit BalsamMountain.com

Come experience life at Balsam Mountain Preserve, and learn about the community’s newest commitment to life here, Doubletop Village. This is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation to buy to residents in jurisdictions in which registration requirements have not been fulfilled, and eligibility for purchase will depend upon the state of residency of the purchaser. There is no guarantee that facilities, features, or amenities depicted or otherwise described will be built or, if built, will be of the same type, size, or nature as depicted or described.

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|design instyle

Open For Conversation Tips for furnishing your open floor plan to make it airy and cozy by Vicki Payne

T Today’s discussions were beautifully illustrated by Global Views. Most of the items are available at your local gift and design studios. globalviews.com

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oday’s homes feature open floor plans. Whether you’re building a new home or renovating, homeowners want fewer rooms and more open spaces. Separate living rooms and family rooms are a thing of the past. How do you furnish a large space to make it comfortable, cozy and still maintain an open feeling? You start by treating the space as separate rooms without walls. Keep your color scheme consistent throughout each individual space, but be creative with seating styles, rugs and table selections. Each seating composition you create will serve a diverse purpose—some for larger, more formal seatings and others

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for off-the-cuff chats or serious-minded conversations. The ambience is established by the extent of the grouping, the furniture you select and how you accessorize. Formation of your major seating area is primary. Position it around an architectural feature such as a fireplace, arched entrance or window. Situate it in the middle of the room. I like to use matching sofas. Solid colors work better than prints, allowing the eye to focus on each distinctive seating section while still seeing it as one space. Define this space with an area rug that extends beyond the back edges of the furniture. Tie the sofas together with a coffee table. A pair of occasional chairs provide additional seating. Look for chairs with an interesting shape that will add depth to the grouping. If space allows, place low sofa tables behind one or both sofas. Keep the height and size of displayed items low so as not to interrupt the visual impact of the all-inclusive room.

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Determine where you can create other seating arrangements. Define these spaces with smaller rugs. Don’t be matchy-matchy. All the rugs in a room do not have to be the same design, or even the same color, but they do need to coordinate. Do this by linking at least one element in each rug back to the large focal rug in the room. For example, if the main one is a white and gold geometric, select traditional print rugs with some of the same colors as the featured sofas. The theme now becomes a cohesive collection of traditional rugs in various patterns and sizes. Use the exterior walls of the room as a backdrop for additional seating areas. Custom benches or high backed settees create the perfect foundation. Add unique chairs and tables to complete each grouping. I like to work in pairs whenever possible. They fill a void without making it look too busy. If you are using a large wooden rectangular coffee table in the main grouping, then select glass or metal tables of various sizes and shapes. Three brass drum tables for

Chestnut at Blowing Rock 364 Chestnut Drive Blowing Rock, North Carolina 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 minutes from your doorstep. Discover elegant living in a casual setting at Chestnut at Blowing Rock.

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

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.

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one seating area and perhaps two identical glass tables for another. Pull together two leather chairs with a dining height round glass tableâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the perfect spot for coffee or a quick internet search. Wall art and how it is displayed is the crowning jewel to any room. When you are trying to balance a space, a large pair of mirrors works beautifully. If you are trying to separate each seating space, unique but unified artwork is the trick. Key off similar colors or themes. You want your guests to visually explore the complete room. You have done a great job with a room when your guests feel an overpowering desire to make themselves at home based on the purpose of the visit, not designated seating. H|D

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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|straight talk

choices When it comes to saving for a down payment, it all boils down to priorities

by Allen Norwood

illow says young home buyers can save for down payments by dialing back the expensive celebrations at bachelor and bachelorette parties. The online home sales and data giant even offers dollar details for the Charlotte market: The downpayment on a median priced home would be $34,960—and a guy could spend almost 40 percent of that whooping it up with his pals. The real estate industry news site Inman calculated how many grande cappuccinos from Starbucks you’d have to skip to save up for a down payment. It works out to more than 33,000 cups in expensive Alexandria, Va.—but if my math is right, it’s only 9,578 cups in Charlotte.

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Then there was that whole avocado toast hubbub, in which a property mogul said millennials could afford to buy if they would just give up their $19-a-serving brunch habit. “I don’t know about avocado toast,” mortgage consultant Patrick Laraway says with a laugh. “But I’m 32, and I’ve been to my fair share of bachelor parties. The amount of money I wasted in my 20s was comical.” Such stuff is (mostly) just for fun, of course. The larger message is that if you want to save money for important things like down payments, you have to make choices. When we bought our first more

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N O SO G IN M CO than four decades ago, I sold my motorcycle and cashed in a life insurance policy that my dad had persuaded me to buy when I turned 18. (Thank goodness he “persuaded” me.) The dollar figures are larger now than they were decades ago, but the more I read the more I’m convinced that the types of choices young buyers face haven’t changed so much. Laraway, a senior mortgage consultant with Allen Tate, agrees: When it comes to buying, millennials and their parents are more alike than either side of the generation divide might like to admit. Laraway works out of the Matthews, Wesley Chapel and Steele Creek offices. The biggest debts his young clients typically face are car payments and student loans. “I’m surprised by the large car payments,” he says. He tries to persuade first-time buyers that they might want to give up their $400 to $600 payments. Student loan debt can mount up, especially after graduate school, but Laraway says rules were recently tweaked

so student loan debt has become less of an obstacle. I was surprised to hear credit card debt usually is not as formidable as auto and college debt. It wasn’t a problem for us when we bought umpteen years ago—but then we didn’t have credit cards. Tate has put together tips to help prospective buyers save for down payments. Suggestions include: Stop buying coffee every day and pack a lunch from home. (No mention of Starbucks, though.) Cancel your gym membership. Pay off your car loan, as Laraway suggests, and bank the money that would have gone to payments. Work part time or freelance. That one sounds familiar. I did a little afterhours work for the builder when we bought our first house way back when. You’ll be glad to hear that millennials do make such choices. “Once they put their minds to it—once they want to settle down, want to buy a house— most get it done,” Laraway says. H|D

Find Inspired Active Living IN TEGA CAY Charming Ranch-Style Homes from the mid $300s Cadence at Tega Cay is the new home of healthy, connected living. Within this relaxing new community, you’ll find plenty of opportunity to stay active, be inspired, and enjoy life. These stunning, low-maintenance 40’ ranch style homes feature side courtyards that seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor space. Enjoy activities and relaxation in our Community Clubhouse, Swimming Pool, and Walking Trails. Cadence gives you easy access to transportation, meaning the endless shopping, employment, and nearby sporting events feel like they’re right at your doorstep. • 2-4 Bedroom Homes • 1,800 – 2,600 sq.ft. • 2 – Car garages BECOME A VIP AND REGISTER TODAY. Contact Online New Home Specialist Katie Whittie At 980-247-0206 Whittie.KatieF@Mattamycorp.com

mattamyhomes.com/Charlotte

Allen Norwood: homeinfo@charter.net Builder’s License #47524.

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|designer spotlight

Amy Lee by Bethany E. Starin

“ From her Huntersville studio, Amy Lee of Artistic Interior Design crafts spaces she calls transitional—rooms that are livable, fashionable and reflect the client’s taste. A single mom of two who feels at home in the South, Lee brings her love for her children, NYC design experience and passion for architecture to Charlotte area homes—from The Point on Lake Norman to new developments in Waxhaw.

SOME DESIGNERS CREATE SPACES THAT LOOK GREAT IN MAGAZINES BUT AREN’T LIVABLE. IT’S LIKE WE SEE THINGS ON THE RUNWAY, BUT WE WOULD NEVER WEAR THAT! I KNOW HOW TO DESIGN A HOME THAT YOU CAN REALLY USE.”

Q: What first reeled you into the design world? A: What’s funny is I never had this love for furniture. I had this love for architecture. I love solving spacial problems and spacial planning.

before moving here 11 years ago. I think there is a consistent vibe that runs throughout all my projects—symmetry, use and balance of color and texture—but the styles do vary depending on my client and the architecture. A good designer should be able to design spaces in any style depending on the taste of the client.

Q: What made you turn the corner to design when architecture was so entrenched in your dreams? A: I was studying interior design at Anderson University and was accepted into the architecture program at Clemson. My goal was to transfer. Over that summer, I decided architecture might pigeonhole me into drafting and engineering elements. As a designer, we do interior architecture. I love the process of pulling materials, spacial planning and tile selection. I know I made the right decision.

Q: Describe your personality and how it impacts your designs. A: I am a type-A personality. I am spontaneous and like a little adventure. If something comes to mind in the middle of a design project, I am not scared to jump on it. I’m fairly easy going—I care about my clients feeling heard. I am trying to bring joy, to create solutions so clients feel listened to.

Q: Describe your style in one or two words. A: My design style is more transitional. We’ve done the gamut from “new” traditional to the modern Uptown funky to more classic. I am definitely not your typical traditional Charlotte designer. My more modern and edgier twists are from my work in New York City

Q: What element of style inspires your designs most? A: I love working with fabrics. Rarely is it a piece of furniture for me that jump starts the designs—it’s a pattern or a fabric or a wallpaper or a color. I find that and say, “This is the direction we are going.” I love

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color. I typically throw color into my projects. Q: You’re a mom of two, where do your personal and design world collide? A: I am a single mom—my son is 12 and my daughter is 8. I love my kids so much. It’s a balancing act. I’m not just a designer and business owner—I’m busy balancing life and kids. I definitely don’t fit into the confines of a normal nine-to-fiver life. My daughter thinks she is a mini-designer. She says, “Let’s go to Target and shop for accessories for the install tomorrow.” She is really adorable. The playful side of being a parent keeps me from being too serious. Q: Do your motherly instincts influence your spaces? A: As a mom, I 100 percent understand the daily use of spaces. I understand wear and tear. Some designers create spaces that look great in magazines but aren’t livable. It’s like we see things on the fashion runway, but we would never wear that! I know how to design a home that you can really use.”

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Five of Amy’s must-haves for artistic inspiration: Nature’s Palette Anything that works in nature usually works in spaces. You can find the most unexpected color combinations all around you when you take time to observe your surroundings. Jill Pumpelly I have been following a new artist that I adore and would design all my rooms around her pieces if allowed. Jill Pumpelly is a mixed media artist and her abstract designs are fluid and graceful. Graphic Fabrics F.Schumacher’s Andromeda and Izmir Stripe represent some of my favorite motifs right now with graphic patterns and a Bohemian vibe. Wow Lighting Today’s lighting is anything but expected, and every room deserves a “wow” fixture. I don’t have to look much farther than some of these stunning lights by Arteriors Home and Visual Comfort. Design Peers A designer would be lying if they said they don’t turn to their design peers for inspiration. Following other designers and their installations helps me stay fresh and in the know.

For more information on Amy Lee and Artistic Interior Design, go to artistic-interiorsinc.com.

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Lido Large Chandelier by Niermann Weeks / $4,192.00 / Circa Lighting / circalighting.com

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|real estate trends

What Your Realtor Wishes You Knew Help your realtor help you with these “dos and don’ts” from local experts. by Emily Gunn

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our real estate agent is on your side— your success is their success. That’s why you want to do everything you can to help your real estate agent help you, from avoiding the HGTV mind trap to de-cluttering your space before listing. FOR THE BUYER According to Derek Blanton, an agent with the Wing Team at RE/MAX Executive, one major “don’t” for home buyers is spending too much time tuned into HGTV. Although HGTV is fine for entertainment, Blanton says he often encounters clients who allow it to influence their real estate expectations. It can make people feel they will be able to go look at three houses in one day and immediately find the perfect

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one. Nothing about this is realistic, says Blanton, and relying on HGTV as a point of reference can set buyers up for automatic disappointment. Blanton also warns buyers against spending too much time on real estate websites, like Zillow or Trulia. Although these sites can provide helpful research (and a decent frame of reference for the cost of houses in an area), a lot of these sites aren’t kept 100 percent up-to-date. When clients are constantly surfing these sites and emailing their realtors about the listings, it can slow the entire process down. Your realtor has access to websites with listings that are live, or within only a 15-minute delay. Ask your realtor for access to these tools, and you can avoid the pitfall of getting hung up on

“

...NUMBER ONE “DO” FOR SELLERS IS DE-CLUTTERING THEIR HOMES. IT MAY SOUND OBVIOUS, BUT HE SAYS LEAVING A HOUSE CLUTTERED IS A COMMON PITFALL SELLERS FALL INTO.”

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C H A R L O T T E

home design - dedicated to showcasing charlotte’s distinctive homes -

Upcoming Issue Focus Calendar SEPTEMBER

SAT 2 9 16 23 30

COTSWOLD YORK COUNTY, SC MATTHEWS LAKE NORMAN ASHEVILLE, NC

OCTOBER

SAT 7

THE UPTOWN WARDS

CUSTOM BUILT HOMES

UNION COUNTY

NC GREAT LAKES

SAT 4

NOVEMBER HISTORIC HOMES

THE BABY BOOM ISSUE

LAKE KEOWEE

THE GRAND STRAND

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home design - dedicated to showcasing charlotte’s distinctive homes -

Charlotte’s Premier Real Estate Publication Viewed by 339,500 Readers Weekly! For more information & advertising options, contact Buck Brice (704) 358-5454 BBrice@CharlotteObserver.com

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houses that are already closed. Finally, Blanton recommends buyers do neighborhood research before ever getting in touch with a realtor. Because of the potential for discrimination, there are strict fair housing laws in place that prevent a realtor from discussing certain neighborhood statistics, including demographics, quality of local schools and crime prevalence. Blanton says you can find all this information online, of course, but your realtor is strictly prohibited from discussing it with you. To save time, do this research on your own beforehand so you can let your realtor know exactly where you’re interesting in moving, and go

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER . SATURDAY, AUGUST 26, 2017

from there. FOR THE SELLER Blanton says one major “don’t” for sellers is getting too attached to the Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) number a realtor provides you. Although this can be an extremely helpful tool, a Realtor is not an appraiser, and this number can change if the market changes. For instance, Blanton says the current Charlotte market appears to be slowing down (after years of virtually unrestricted growth), which means the price you list your house for may have to come down if it’s not attracting buyers right away. Because you don’t want

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your house to sit on the market for too long, it’s important to be flexible about this number and understand it’s not set in stone. Blanton’s number one “do” for sellers is de-cluttering their homes. It may sound obvious, but he says leaving a house cluttered is a common pitfall sellers fall into. An overstuffed closet will automatically look smaller than it is, just as surely as cluttered kitchen counter space will turn off buyers looking for a spacious kitchen. Another “do” is spending a bit of money to keep your house professionally landscaped, particularly if it’s sitting empty. For less than $35 a week, you can keep up your home’s

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curb appeal, which is crucial when selling a home. Melissa Brown of Helen Adams Realty recommends sellers make sure their homes are completely ready for the “big parade” before they ever list them online. This is an essential “do,” since the way your home looks in online photos and for in-person first impressions can make or break someone’s interest. She recommends visiting a model home or two to see how an “unlived-in” home should look. Try to make your home look as fresh and clean as possible by putting away family photos and keeping things light, bright and uncluttered. H|D

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|home & garden

taking stock Evaluate your flowers and vegetables— it will pay off next year

by Nancy Brachey

s summer nears its end, it’s a good time—especially for new gardeners—to take stock of how things went in flower beds and vegetable gardens. Summer heat and humidity in the Piedmont is a real stress test for many kinds of plants. And it is fun to make your own judgments about how they performed through the season. By performance, I mean how well vegetables produced, the plants held up and how nicely bedding plants bloomed. This is not hard work, and it will be helpful in the future—especially if you write down your observations and judgments. For example, I have been watching the performance of a summer annual called angelonia for the past couple of hot summers and remain amazed at how well it holds up, looking as fresh in August as it did as a young plant in May. And you probably grew more than one kind of tomato. Next spring you will want to remember which one was best and did well.

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Here are some things to think about as you evaluate: THE VEGETABLES Think about the quality and quantity of the produce. Did the vegetables taste good? Were they worth the space they took in your garden, or do you need to make a note to try smaller, more compact types of squash, melons or cucumbers next year? What failed and why? Perhaps your tomato plants were ravaged by one disease or another. Some types are more susceptible than others. How about the insects? Did they get ahead of you when your back was turned (or you went on vacation)? Anticipate this problem next year. THE FLOWER BEDS It’s wonderful to see how many beds of annuals performed well, despite the long stretches of heat. Look over your plants and those of others, and decide what did well and what didn’t. Were some things too time consuming

due to maintenance? Did some things require more watering? Or did some, such as bedding begonias, seem to thrive just on the rain we got? THE SEASONS Did you start your vegetable garden in

early spring? Cool-season vegetables can be star performers. The fall garden is also wonderful and spent summer crops can be removed now to make way for it. Write your evaluations down. It is a long time until next spring.

Ask Nancy Q: This is the first year of our garden, which is mostly perennials. We would like to move some taller plants to the back and smaller ones to the front. A: You will have plenty of time to do that this fall. I would wait until about mid-September to start, then move them. Roots will have a long time to readjust to their new spot before new growth appears next year. Nancy Brachey: nbrachey@charlotteobserver.com

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market update July 2017 Entire Carolina MLS Region Ju ly 2016

Ju l y 2017

+/-

New Listings

5,123

5,427

+ 5.9%

35,728

37,406

+ 4.7%

Closed Sales

4,119

4,246

+ 3.1%

25,467

27,346

+ 7.4%

Year to Date 2016 2017

+/-

Median Sales Price*

$215,000 $236,000 + 9.8%

$205,000 $226,000 + 10.2%

Average Sales Price*

$267,362 $280,696 + 5.0%

$255,682 $273,211 + 6.9%

Days on Market Until Sale

Inventory of Homes for Sale Months Supply of Inventory

- 16.7%

12,685 10,174

- 19.8%

3.5

- 25.7%

2.6

- 17.5%

Average Sales Price by Area July 2017

Change from July 2016

Year to Date

City of Charlotte

$285,574

+ 1.1%

+ 7.7%

Uptown Charlotte

$286,758

- 5.1%

+ 7.0%

Concord

$230,301

+ 5.6%

+ 6.9%

Davidson

$414,150

+ 10.6%

- 0.4%

Denver

$412,502

+ 6.1%

+ 1.3%

Fort Mill

$340,520

+ 15.1%

+ 6.1%

Gastonia

$171,103

+ 10.4%

+ 11.7%

Huntersville

$316,926

+ 5.8%

+ 10.4%

Kannapolis

$159,790

+ 11.4%

+ 2.9%

Lake Norman

$498,461

- 6.3%

+ 0.1%

Lake Wylie

$382,558

+ 10.6%

+ 3.2%

Lincolnton

$164,568

- 8.3%

+ 13.3%

Matthews

$326,325

+ 10.7

+ 8.3

Monroe

$214,754

+ 16.2%

+ 10.0%

Mooresville

$386,310

+ 6.1%

+ 3.1%

Rock Hill

$206,765

+ 5.8%

+ 3.8%

Salisbury

$169,714

+ 25.1%

+ 2.5%

Statesville

$173,764

- 15.1%

+ 4.3%

Waxhaw

$448,782

+ 3.1%

+ 2.5%

Mecklenburg County

$297,774

+ 0.8%

+ 7.5%

Alexander County

$183,160

- 35.2%

+ 8.4%

Anson County

$120,608

+ 28.2%

+ 9.5%

Cabarrus County

$245,018

+ 11.5%

+ 5.9%

Gaston County

$189,370

+ 17.4%

+ 10.9%

Iredell County

$315,367

+ 1.2%

+ 5.3%

Lancaster County

$269,991

+ 9.6%

+ 2.2%

Lincoln County

$305,876

+ 0.5%

+ 11.2%

Montgomery County

$339,791

+ 123.9%

+ 7.8%

Stanly County

$152,731

- 12.3%

+ 1.3%

Union County

$352,227

+ 11.9%

+ 8.5%

York County

$281,807

+ 13.4%

+ 8.0%

* Source: Charlotte Regional Realtor Association, www.carolinahome.com

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Classifieds The Place to Sell and Buy, To Find Jobs, Cars, Real Estate & More! 704-358-5555 • www.charlotteobserver.com Real Estate

Mountain Property for Sale

MOBILE HOME For Rent, Senior’s Community, 55 yrs & Older, Redecorated, Appl Furnished, Water Furnished, No Pets, No Children 704-301-0588 Or 704-606-3625

Reader Notice - All Real Estate advertised herin is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to indicate any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for Real Estate which is in violation of this law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwelling advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. If you believe that you may have been discriminated against in connection with the sale, rental or financing of housing, call: The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) at 1-800-669-9777.

Real Estate Wanted 3AC ASHEVILLE MOUNTAINTOP W/ COLD MTN STREAM! 3.1 Acre Asheville MountainTop w/Layered Views! 500ft. On cold Stream, steps to Park Land w/easy Access & Paved Roads only 9 miles to downtown SACRIFICE $16000 Call 828-202-7566 Lodges @ Eagles Nest Banner Elk NC, WOW Mtn Views! New 2016 Quality Stunning Home, Fully Furnished, Turn Key, Inc. New ATV for $625,000 Owner/Broker 704-907-1053 MLS-3307934

Open Houses For Sale AVAILABLE NOW HOMES FOR SALE 2 & 3br/2ba

$22,995 / S37,995 Nice Size hom for the right family! Site Rent Incentive - $349 for 12 months $0 application fee 3rd Party Financing Available

LOVE THE MOUNTAINS? LIVE FOR GOLF? Check out this charming chalet at 119 Pecan in Hound Ears Club listed for $275K. Updated & furnished in a lush natural setting. Seller will pay buyer’s $21K HE Club membership or discount the above price by $21K to any buyer. www.houndearsclubrealestate.com. Call 828-963-4301 Thru 9-4-17

Call Sun Homes (888) 275-5219

Build your dream home in prestigious Wellington Woods, Weddington NC, 5 miles to 485. 3.29 wooded idyllic acres can include custom house plans, $229K. 704904-3634 Many Lots for mobile or modular homes. Some with well and septic. Low DP. EZ terms. Any Size. Bryant Realty 704-567-9836 www.bryantrealty.org

Mountain Property for Sale Western NC Mtn Views New 2bed, 2bath one-level cabin on 2.88 level acres w/fpl, deck patio, vaulted ceilings $169,900 828-286-1666

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PRE-CONSTRUCTION SALE 1178 sq ft mountain getaway on secluded wooded lot in gated community near Banner Elk and Spruce Pine NC. Leisure activities fishing, hiking, tubing, Christmas Trees, brewery/winery, App State/Boone .93 acre lot included. See floor plan at TomAllisonProperties.com $229,000 taphomesnc@aol.com 828-390-0648

UNRESTRICTED DEVELOPED private lot with or w/out home/building to rent or buy in the NC Mountains area. 919-736-2917

Farms/Acreage

South Meck Free Rent to Sep 1 3BR/4 BA homes $999-$1196 On Select Units $599 M oves You In ($400 Dep + $199 closing fee) No App Fee Incl all Appls + W/D Call 888.275.6141 For Details -Gary www.4meadowbrook.net Expires 8/30/17 ∂ EHO

ASHE CO. 45 acrs. 37 acrs. in Timber, 8 acrs. in Pasture, stream thru property, nearby trout stream. Great view! $140,000. 336-385-6693, 336-620-2174 FSBO,1+ acre and up, state-park atmosphere, peace +quiet, close to town, doublewide approved, $24,700 financing available 704 535 4100 for directions WILDERNESS FOR SALE, 3 flat wooded acres, state-park setting, no neighbors, Mooresville/Huntersville, surveyed & perk tested, $ 47,900 financing 704 535 4159

Commercial Real Estate for Sale USED CAR DEALERSHIP FOR SALE 33 years in Business, Send resume to buy to 192 Clover, SC 29710

Apartments for Rent

Call For Details Gary www.4meadowbrook.net Expires 8/30/17 •EHO

Lots for Sale

Manufactured Homes for Rent

MOUNTAINTOP HOME - 32 ACRES Gated 24/7 Live Security-Fitness Center Golf-Fishing-Stables-Private Airport See: ElkRiverClubHome.com Banner Elk, NC - 828-898-9777 MOUNTAIN VACATION COTTAGE Located between Franklin and Dillsboro NC in RV park. $27,000. Pool and clubhouse. One BR king size bed plus separate mattress for kids. Open concept living area. Large screened porch. Great view. All furnishings included. HOA fees $228/mo. For more details, pictures, appt. contact Bill billmunn1@gmail.com ph 760-390-3886

AFFORDABLE APARTMENTS 2 & 3 Bedrooms starting @ $ 695/mo. Hardwoods, central air, appls, W/D hookup, ceiling fans, gas heat. 2814 Marlowe Ave. 704-393-8047

Beach Property for Rent N. MYRTLE BEACH 1, 2 & 3 BR Oceanfront Condos. Pools, Spas, Tennis. 800-345-5617, www.oceancreek.net

Roommate Wanted AREA 3 Room to Share $450 + Dep. 704-536-3813

Need a job? CLASSIFIEDS

LOOKING FOR ROOMMATE In super nice neighborhood on Busline. Call for more info: 704-890-1894

GARDENING. You want to know.

Quiet clean Room. Cable. Washer/Dryer. Kitchen privileges. $135 per week. 704.891.1670

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Mortgage Guide Institution

30 yr APR

The Charlotte Observer

30 yr Fixed

Product

30yr Fixed APR

Points

Fees

% Down

APR

Phone Number / Website

Rate: 3.500

15 yr fixed

2.750

0.000

$885 20% 2.806

Points: 0.000

7/1 ARM

3.000

0.000

$885 20% 3.566

704-412-9131

Fees: $885

30 yr jumbo refi

3.875

0.000

$885 20% 3.907

www.mecklenburgmortgage.com

3.532% Mecklenburg Mortgage

Rate

% Down: 20%

NMLS # / License #

NMLS #: 1190352 LIC# 161067

Free Prequalification Letters and Rate Quotes 7 days a week

TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS FEATURE, CALL SALES DEPARTMENT @ 773-320-8492 Savings Update

By Sabrina Karl

require an escrow account, as do most VA loans. Many conventional mortgages require escrowing, too, especially if you make a down payment below 20 percent.

Although mortgage calculators are infinitely useful for testing how different loan amounts, rates, and terms would impact your payments, the actual amount you’ll owe the bank each month will likely be hundreds of dollars more than what the calculator spits out.

But even when it’s not mandatory, many homeowners opt to escrow because they like the savings discipline it imposes, the predictability of a monthly “all-in” payment, and the convenience of the bank handling their tax and insurance bills.

That’s because most mortgage lenders require an escrow account to collect money from you throughout the year for the annual – and often hefty – bills of property tax and homeowner’s insurance (and private mortgage insurance if your loan requires it).

You may feel confident you can save for these large yearly bills on your own, though. Or maybe you have an irregular income. That’s when a non-escrow mortgage might make sense. You’ll have to ask for it, and it’ll probably cost you a waiver fee or a higher interest rate. But you can offset this with interest earned on your savings during the year.

To escrow or not to escrow

But do you have to escrow? Is saving the money on your own and taking responsibility for making those once-a-year In the end, the right choice will depend on a combination of payments an available option? For some borrowers, it is. But factors that include your savings personality, your interest even if you can opt out of escrowing, you may not want to. in handling tax and insurance on your own, and how much your lender will charge you for the non-escrow privilege. With some mortgages, you’ll have no choice. All FHA loans Rate Criteria: The rates and annual percentage rate (APR) are effective as of 8/22/17. 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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