SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2019
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Real Estate News
C H A R L O T T E
home design
page 2
dedicated to showcasing charlotte’s distinctive homes
“Everyone looks out for each other, and residents come together for various town events like the summertime concerts in downtown Belmont and Gastonia.” – Anne Brade, RE/MAX Executive
Gaston County
Where small-town sensibilities and big-city amenities collide - story on page 4
real estate news What’s new p2
design instyle Deck the walls p8
design trends
Generational trends p12
association answers straight talk Confront the bully p16
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Season of giving p18
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THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER
SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2019
MODELS NOW OPEN! Inspired Luxury Living from the $400s.
Explore the incredible style, luxury and value on display of our new model homes at Bent Creek from Jones Homes USA. Our rich legacy of building outstanding homes and communities, with innovative designs, outstanding luxury appointments, and the latest energy features and advanced home technology will be showcased at this beautiful Indian Land community.
ADDRESS: 1057 Chippenham Avenue, Indian Land, SC 29720 | #RBC 80529
Luxury Single-Family Homes from the $400s Call 704.457.8255 | JonesHomesUSA.com
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|real estate news
what’s new? compiled by Whitney Berongi
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BATHROOMS • KITCHENS ROOM ADDITIONS OUTDOOR LIVING AREAS
SCREEN ROOMS • SUN ROOMS
FOUR RISING STARS IN REAL ESTATE HM Properties is proud to announce that four of its agents have been named as some of The Charlotte Observer Home|Design’s 2019 Rising Stars in Real Estate. Libby Clark, Jennifer Coots, Jessica Jenkins and Tiernan Rose will be recognized, along with 32 other agents representing nine agencies across the Greater Charlotte area, at the 6th annual event, being held Dec. 10 in Uptown. For more information about HM Properties, visit hmproperties.com. Look for a full feature recognizing each agent in the Dec. 14 issue of Home Design.
ROOM ADDITIONS FROM $15,995
OUTDOOR LIVING AREAS FROM $8,995
KITCHENS FROM $17,995
BATHROOMS FROM $9,995
Email real estate news to homedesign@charlotteobserver.com.
C H A R L O T T E
home design Editor
Christina Darnell
Coordinator/Designer Melissa Kennelly
Creative Strategy & Real Estate Advertising Buck Brice, bbrice@charlotteobserver.com
New Home Builder Advertising
Suzanne Parker, sparker@charlotteobserver.com
Sales Director
Vic Bowers, vbowers@mcclatchy.com 336-402-4673 Section published by The Charlotte Observer • 550 S. Caldwell St., Charlotte, NC 28202. Editorial material in this section is the responsibility of the Observer Content Studio, 704-358-5185. It did not involve the news staff of The Observer.
Is there a neighborhood you’d like to see featured? Do you know of a new design trend on the rise? Did you use one of our ideas for your own home or home purchase?
We’d love to hear from you.
homedesign@charlotteobserver.com
facebook.com/TheCharlotteObserverHomeDesign *Copyright 2019 by The Charlotte Observer. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or reprinted without written permission.
FINANCING AVAILABLE WITH NO MONEY DOWN!
CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE!
980.299.5475
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|living in Gaston County
DID YOU KNOW? Gaston County has a rich history in textile manufacturing. In the early 1920s, it proclaimed itself the “Combed Yarn Capital” of the world.
EAT
The Lodge Tavern & Tap Let the feasting continue at this popular downtown Belmont restaurant, loved for its hearty burgers, wild game offerings and laidback mountain vibe. lodgebelmont.com
PLAY
Stowe Dairy Farm Hop aboard a weekend hay ride with the family, and then pick out your favorite tree from the retail lot or choose and cut your own at this farm in southern Gaston County. stowedairyfarms.com
EXPLORE
U.S. National Whitewater Center Experience whitewater rafting, canoeing, zip lining, rappelling, rock climbing and more at this world-class outdoor facility, which also hosts live music and serves up craft brews. usnwc.org
by Julie Cooper
A
family-friendly, natural oasis awaits just west of the Queen City. Brimming with close-knit small towns, botanically diverse topography and endless outdoor recreation opportunities, Gaston County is a true Charlotte-area delight. “Here, there’s a feeling of Mayberry from the Andy Griffith Show,” says Cathy Young with Allen Tate Realtors. “Things like banks, coffee houses, bakeries and restaurants dot the small towns. It’s a place where kids grow up and people know their names. Everyone has an American flag flying from their front porch.” This charming setting mirrors the area’s warm personality. “Gaston County has the friendliest small-town vibe,” says Anne Brade with RE/MAX Executive. “Everyone looks out for each other, and residents come together for various town events like the summertime concerts in downtown Belmont and Gastonia. It’s a place where everyone feels welcome.” McAdenville only reinforces that welcoming appeal. Lovingly referred to as Christmas Town USA, it’s a holiday destination like no other. For more than 60 years, this small town has drawn visitors from all over to see its stunning display of twinkling lights and holiday scenes. And it’s
all for free. It’s a gift the residents look forward to giving each year. “The only traffic we get here is for Christmas Town USA, and that’s worth it,” says Young. “People can work in the city, and then in 15–25 minutes they’re back home in Cramerton, Belmont and Mount Holly where they have all the benefits of living in a small town without dealing with traffic. Gaston County is known as a bedroom community of Charlotte, but I never liked that terminology. It’s so much more.” Like a nature lover’s playground, visitors and residents have many opportunities to enjoy the beautiful outdoors in this picturesque county. “Crowders and Kings mountains are a great place to hike with beautiful views, and they are super close so you feel like you’re in the mountains without having to drive all the way to Asheville,” Young says. “We often get people driving here with kayaks strapped to their cars on the weekends to explore our outdoor paradise.” This varied landscape is also rich in choice when it comes to putting down roots. “Gaston County has so much to offer various homebuyers,” Brade says. “In Belmont, Glenmere, Pinsto Forest, Hawthorne and Belle Meade continue to be popular
choices. The new Villages of Cramerton are also really hot now, and people in Gastonia tend to fall for the older homes in the city. There’s something for everyone.” And thanks to Charlotte’s spillover, the area is growing by leaps and bounds. “Belmont continues to see strong growth, and that growth continues as you go west into Gastonia,” says Brade, mentioning all the new communities popping up. “McLean is offering new builds and waterfront living at the much anticipated South Shore, The Conservancy age-targeted community and Overlake. The City of Belmont is seeing a good bit of infill. Its Villages at Southfork and Morgan’s Branch communities have been well received. In Gastonia, Cramer Woods, Robinson Oaks and Maycroft are making waves.” Perhaps the best part of living in Gaston County, though, is the savings. “People love our area because it’s less crowded than Charlotte, Huntersville and Matthews, our schools are great and, bottom-line, they get more for their money,” Brade says. “We have Lake Wylie and the Catawba River, so wonderful waterfront and lake-living opportunities abound—and at a fraction of the price of Lake Norman.”
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living in Gaston County| 2024 Lexington Street, Belmont, NC 28012 Price: $380,000 MLS: 3553429 Listing Agent: Anne Brade, RE/MAX Executive, 704-650-4951, anne@annebrade.com Eagle Park offers craftsman-inspired homes on tree-lined streets with friendly neighbors and lots of neighborhood planned activities. This bright and airy home features an oversized rocking chair front porch and backyard firepit. Hardwood floors and crown throughout first level. Kitchen features granite, stainless appliances, gas cooktop and subway tile backsplash. Separate pantry and cabinets with pull-out shelves. Spacious owners’ retreat upstairs with tray ceilings and sunset views of Cramer Mountain. Dual vanity, garden tub, separate shower and his-and-her walk-in closets. Three additional beds and two baths upstairs. Walk to Belmont’s awardwinning Main Street for shopping, dining and community events.
Anne Brade
NC/SC Broker Realtor, ABR, CRS, CLHMS
(704) 650-4951 | Anne@AnneBrade.com www.TeamBrade.com LKW WATERFRONT HOME
LKW MAIN CHANNEL WATER VIEW
LAKE WYLIE WATERFRONT
MLS# 3571165 | 4BR, 5BA | 3,213 SQFT | $1,264,000
MLS# 3476904 | 1.28 ACRES ~ LOT FOR SALE | $250,000
MLS# 3283408 | 1.30 ACRES ~ LOT FOR SALE | $80,000
137 BERRY MOUNTAIN ROAD
BELMONT ~ 241 CAPE AUGUST PLACE
LAKE WYLIE WATERFRONT
LAKE WYLIE WATERFRONT
DOCKABLE LKW WATERFRONT
LAKE NORMAN WATERFRONT
BELMONT ~ 245 SOUTH SHORE DRIVE
BELMONT ~ 140/144 SUMMER SHOAL PLACE MLS# 3547335 | 3.08 ACRES ~ LOT FOR SALE | $1,500,000
BELMONT ~ 101 SOUTH SHORE DRIVE
CRAMER MOUNTAIN LOT
209 CAPE AUGUST PLACE
MLS# 3334175 | MCLEAN, BELMONT, NC | $350,000
113 CAPE AUGUST PLACE
MLS# 3334174 | MCLEAN SOUTH SHORE | 1.10 ACRES | $295,000
MLS# 3552124 | MCLEAN SOUTH SHORE | $1,591,365
541 KEMP ROAD
MLS# 3526631 | MOORESVILLE | 1.03 ACRES | $650,000
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THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER
SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2019
SPECIAL EDITION
THE TOWNHOME ISSUE
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14TH, 2019
Charlotte’s premier real estate publication viewed by 339,500 readers weekly! Space Reservation: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11TH For more information and advertising options, Contact: Buck Brice | 704.358.5454 | BBrice@CharlotteObserver.com
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John R. Bolin
Realtor®, Broker
704.214.3088
John.Bolin@allentate.com
WWW.JOHNBOLIN.COM 2549 Cherry Bark Oak Court r de ct Unntra Co
Gastonia
2549 Cherry Bark Oak Court, Gastonia, NC 28056 Price: $339,900 MLS: 3569184 Listing Agent: John Bolin, Allen Tate Realtors, 704-214-3088, john.bolin@allentate.com Easy to fall in love with this one. List of upgrades in attachment section online. Please take the list of upgrades with you on your showing, because there are so many nice features about this home. Vinyl/stone exterior, front porch, irrigation, private rear fenced yard, beautifully updated and shows immaculately. Five bedrooms, 3.5 baths, third-level bonus/fifth bedroom with its own bath, chef’s kitchen with upgraded cabinetry, office/living room, high ceilings with smooth finish, walking trail adjacent to property.
$339,900
MLS# 3569184
4017 Saint Andrews Court
Cramerton
$321,900
MLS# 3557797
904 Edgewood Circle
Gastonia
$179,900
MLS# 3570020
3322 Yarmouth Lane
Gastonia
$192,900
MLS# 3570902
3401 Araglin Drive r de ct Unntra Co
Gastonia
$639,900
MLS# 3533784
1506 Edinburgh Drive
Gastonia
$239,900
MLS# 3563376
1208 Huntsmoor Drive
Gastonia
$174,900
MLS# 3572770
2005 Beauhaven Lane
Belmont
$48,650
MLS# 3494362
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Photos courtesy of Loloi / loloirugs.com/collections/wall-art
|design instyle
Deck the walls
One company’s innovative approach to wall art by Vicki Donatelli
M
ost likely by now you have your Christmas tree up, your wreaths hung over the fireplace and boughs of holly decking the halls. Make sure to take time to sit back and enjoy all the beauty and warmth you have created—because in just three weeks most of us will be taking it all back down.
There is nothing as bare and austere as walls after the last box of holiday decorations is hauled back up to the attic or garage. Before you rehang the same old pictures you took down before Christmas, consider investing in new artwork for those blank spaces.
SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2019
Unique artwork is just as colorful and interesting as holiday décor. Loloi, a fashion leader specializing in medium- to high-end area rugs, has just introduced a new category of premium textile wall art that includes one-of-a-kind pieces. The pieces are assembled and framed at Loloi’s Dallas headquarters by a dedicated crew of artisans. The art pieces include stitched fabrics, embroidery, fabrics on pins, woven yarns, textile collages, felted wool, woven mud cloths and more. The one-of-a-kind pieces remind me of shopping in Morocco. You would find these small, colorful prayer rugs that were well worn so that the colors had
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become somewhat muted, the edges frayed and raveling. They were small treasures of irreplaceable craftsmanship that deserved preservation. Luckily, founder Amir Loloi agrees. “From the beginning, our goal was to bring a fresh take on the established wall art category. We believe, with our expertise in textile design, these pieces are a natural extension of what we do well,” he says. The beauty of decorating with vintage textiles is their amalgamation of style. Contemporary, modern or traditional decors are all enhanced by the uniqueness of textile art.
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You
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SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2019
You
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1000 Village Harbor Dr Lake Wylie, South Carolina
on Lake Wylie, 3 with docks,
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803-526-1225
They are pieces that provoke conversation, as opposed to a photograph or canvas print. What is this? Where did you find this? The seaglass grass wall art is organic and elegant. Seaglass grass leaves are woven in the shapes of metaphorical body jewelry. The natural material is woven with seaglass hues of embroidery threads. These pieces are treasures. One such piece reveals the artwork behind rug design. Hand-drawn rug borders and color designations are accented with actual yarn samples that will
execute the finished product. Incorporating these pieces into your present décor is not stressful. You can base your decision on one or two concepts, such as the uniqueness of subject or color. It is best when you incorporate both hypotheses. A basic neutral décor is best served by color and texture. Resist the urge to continue in the same monochromatic course. Add a bold influence with a vibrant hand-woven textile wall art in a simple wood frame. If your home is already filled with
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color, use it to your design advantage. Select textile art that doesn’t contain the same colors as your walls. Look for a piece with compatible hues that will draw your attention directly to the artwork. Let it become the focal point of your décor. The next time you are shopping at antique stores or flea markets, look for unique textiles that would make wonderful wall art. You might just find a wonderful example of craftsmanship you can frame. Then the next time someone asks
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you, what is this and where did you get it, you have a wonderful story to share and one-of-a-kind pieces to show.
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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MLS# 3470343 1424 ACADEMY | $475K NEW PRICE!
MLS# 3470883 1426 ACADEMY | $450K
BEAUTIFUL 62 ACRE PRIVATE RETREAT.
PRICED TO SELL IN GATED BURNING TREE!
599 CHARLIE STACKS ROAD | $500K
6359 WAKEHURST ROAD | $450K
BEAUTIFULLY UPDATED CONDO IN DILWORTH.
WATERFRONT, CUL-DE-SAC LOT
747 MAGNOLIA | $412K
9005 MYSTIC POINT COURT | $300K
MLS# 3470882 1430 ACADEMY | $450K
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Photo courtesy of Mattamy Homes
|design trends
Generational trends A look into the home and design preferences of boomers and millennials by Moment Palmer
I
t’s no surprise that baby boomers and millennials tend to want different things from home ownership— they’re in different seasons of life, after all. But what may surprise you is how many more boomers own homes than their younger counterparts—and the fact that when boomers were in their late 20s and early 30s, a much larger percentage owned homes than millennials who are now in that same age range. The Urban Institute found that 37 percent of 25- to 34-year-olds are
homeowners, compared to baby boomers, 76 percent of which own homes— nearly twice as many as millennials. While differences between the two generations outnumber similarities, they share at least one big commonality—they both crave outside space and open-concept living for entertaining and relaxing. Common requests include fenced-in yards, garages and covered porches/verandas. Many boomers use this space for things like gardening and hosting get-togethers,
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Boomers and millennials alike want open floor plans and outdoor living spaces / Classica Homes
and millennials like a yard for their pets and kids to play in, especially if they are transitioning from a high-rise condo or luxury apartment with little or no outside space. “One item we see throughout, but especially with younger buyers, is the love of outdoor living,” says Bill Saint, president and CEO of Classica Homes. “Our homes bring the outdoors in, with each one having an outdoor covered living room, designed from the beginning to be an integral part of the home, not an afterthought appendage or option.” HOMES FOR EVERY STAGE OF LIFE Many buyers’ options and requests are based on the phase of life they’re in (or approaching). Younger buyers are purchasing their first homes, which may be a starter home or condo while they’re single. “Most millennials are waiting longer to get married and start families, so
their next purchase is usually the larger investment with two incomes,” says Eric Norman with The McDevitt Agency. “In most cases, they keep their first purchase as a rental/investment property.” The majority of boomers are downsizing—but also upgrading. “Boomers love luxury and don’t want to feel they are giving anything up,” says Jennifer Monroe with Savvy + Co. Real Estate. “Boomers of means tend to travel, so having a secondary residence like a vacation home in addition to a smaller primary residence suits their lifestyle at this stage of their lives.” Monroe also points out that single living is growing more prevalent. “Single professional women are by far the biggest demographic I see, regardless of age.” POPULAR FLOOR PLANS, DESIGNS AND FEATURES “New home shoppers are more edu-
cated than ever on design trends and have a variety of options throughout the city, from multi-story urban townhomes with modern décor to traditional suburban living featuring craftsman tudor and farmhouse exterior architectural designs,” says Mike Smedley with Mattamy Homes. In addition to outdoor living areas being one of the most popular features across generations, abundant storage and open spaces that flow from room to room are also among the most frequently requested options. Some of the specific in-demand trends within each group include: Baby boomers • Single-story homes • Spacious master suites • Luxury/upscale amenities such as designer kitchens and full laundry rooms
Millennials • Smart home technology • Fully renovated with character and features that can be customized (no “fixer-uppers” or dated finishes) • Dedicated office/workspace As for location, both groups are looking for urban living in a diverse neighborhood, nearby conveniences and walkability. Proximity to transit is becoming more popular, but for boomers, being close to their neighborhood amenities and the services they use most, like grocery stores and medical facilities, is most important. PURCHASING POWER IN THE POST-RECESSION Financing methods for each generation vary, but a 30-year loan is the most common loan term for both groups. First-time buyers generally put down the
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Boomers and Smart home technology is rising on buyers’ must-have lists, though with different features largely based on generation / Home Technology Solutions
OPEN HOUSE
SUN, 12/8 2-4PM
7030 Dolphin Street, Gastonia
Fantastic 3-bedroom log home with modern addition on spacious wooded lot off New Hope Road. Lovely custom touches throughout. Owners ready to deal!
Chip Wilson
Realtor®/Broker NC & SC 704.488.5822 Chip@ChipWilsonTeam.com
Development Site at I-85’s Exit 22
(Gastonia/Lowell) Prime parcels rezoned for wide range of commercial, retail, medical office, mini-warehouse or multi-family development. 2.2 acres available.
202 Tuckaseege Road, Mount Holly
2-bedroom bungalow in the heart of Mount Holly and up the road from two waterfront recreational areas on Lake Wylie. Quick trip to I-85 or I-485. $129,900. Bring all offers.
BUY, SELL, RENT TO OWN, FORECLOSURE ALTERNATIVES
least amount, while boomers have the largest down payment, especially those who have a substantial amount of equity in the houses they’re selling. Home ownership also means different things to each group. “Boomers grew up believing home ownership was an absolute and a defining measure of success in life, believed to be among the smartest routes to grow personal wealth,” says Monroe. “The recession didn’t sway them, as most bought in the 1980s when interest rates were in the double digits and unemployment was high.” Millennials, though, aren’t as likely to value home ownership as a measurement of success or high among their
primary financial goals. Plus, they’re more likely to experience one or more job transfers, so they prefer flexibility. However, with rising rental rates in our region, Norman says, “it’s unlikely boomers would sell and choose to rent, and has sparked the desire in millennials to purchase properties as they, too, see the financial benefits of their investment.” SMART HOME TECHNOLOGY One major emerging trend is home technology services including home automation and security systems. Both millennials and boomers are looking for ways to fully automate all the components in their home. “With so many dif-
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Mattamy Homes’ Presley model with a lanai
ferent brands of TVs, audio equipment and surveillance, it can be difficult to bring it all together,” says Mike Fitton, president and CEO of Home Technology Solutions. “More clients are demanding their homes have the same level of technology as their phones and are looking to create an environment infused with technology—but also simple to use.” Austin Batten with Home Automation CLT says his customers are also requesting automation technology, but their usage habits are different. For instance, boomers want audio and video but without the added phone apps. “They want to use one remote to control their home and not have to rely on their phone to do so,” Batten explains.
Whereas millennials, who generally use more smartphone technology, prefer equipment that comes with apps and can communicate across platforms to control devices remotely. “The most popular products trending for millennials would be plug-and-play wireless devices, such as Ring video doorbells, SimpliSafe home security systems and voice-controlled smart speaker devices such as Alexa,” says Batten. First-time homebuyers and retirees alike can find a home that suits their needs, fits their budget and has flexible spaces. As Bill Saint explains, “It isn’t just an ‘open concept’ that people are looking for, but homes that truly allow people to enhance how they like to live.”
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|association answers
Is your association required to confront the bully? This month’s column was written by my associate, Ben Karb. –Mike Hunter
T
hese days, it seems like there’s no such thing as a minor disagreement. Normally, owner-to-owner disagreements between neighbors in a homeowners’ association or condominium association fall outside the association’s authority or jurisdiction, but not necessarily when the disagreement reveals a more-sinister motive: discrimination. HOAs and condos are subject to the Fair Housing Act (“FHA”), which prohibits housing discrimination against “protected classes” of individuals, including on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status and disability. Until recently, the FHA was enforceable between the wrongdoer and the wronged. Not so anymore. The FHA regulations were enlarged several years ago to require third parties to take action against people who discriminate, and a third party who fails to take action can be liable to the injured party. The FHA states that “a person is directly liable for failing to take prompt action to correct and end a discriminatory housing practice by a third-party, where the person knew or should have known of the discriminatory
conduct and had the power to correct it.” Ergo, if an HOA learns about one of its members engaging in discrimination against another party, the HOA may need to take preventative action, or the HOA or its board could itself be directly liable for the discrimination. We fear that the law places additional requirements and risks upon volunteer boards of directors, who should not be required to intervene in disputes between owners. HOA and condos in North Carolina and South Carolina generally regulate property, not people, and for this reason the FHA rule is a foreign concept to most associations. The key phrase to trigger responsibility is that an association must have “the power to correct” the discriminatory conduct. Few situations come to mind where an association could learn about discrimination and has the power to correct it, but at least one does. Suppose an association’s Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions regulates the types of signs that can be posted on a lot (typically, owners are limited to one “for sale” sign, subject to a maximum size, and, sometimes,
limited to a certain style). If an owner posted a sign saying “[Insert a protected class] stay out!”, this could be a case where the association’s FHA obligations are invoked: the offending owner could be swiftly called to a hearing, and if the sign is not removed, fines could commence thereafter until the sign is removed. It seems the federal regulation would require the swiftest and strongest punishment immediately, since a failure to promptly act could impose liability. Few courts nationwide have addressed the law (likely due to its recent enactment), although in the context of landlords and tenants, a court recently held that a third-party landlord could be liable for discrimination engaged in by its tenants, against whom the landlord had the power to evict, which could prevent
further discrimination. In the one case involving an HOA, a federal trial court in Idaho viewed the law skeptically, observing that “HUD’s interpretation of the statute strikes me as incredibly broad” and that imposing a duty upon an association to police interactions among its members “would almost certainly create more conflict than it prevented.” This Idaho case is not binding legal precedent, and while the judge’s criticisms mirror ours, the federal law is “on the books” and associations must intervene to prevent discrimination when they have the authority to do so. For now at least, associations need to stay vigilant and learn to recognize potential discrimination so the board can weigh its power to correct it in consultation with its attorney.
Charlotte attorney Michael Hunter represents community and condominium associations for the firm Offit Kurman Horack Talley. Email questions to commonelements@ offitkurman@com. Not every question receives a reply. Find his blog at CarolinaCommonElements.com.
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*Offers are limited to individuals that purchase their home directly from Mattamy Homes. Incentive varies by home, homesite and community, and is valid on one or more predetermined homes. Offer is not valid for any contracts written at Cadence Mint Hill. Offer available on new quick move-in homes if a new purchase agreement is fully executed between 12/1/19 and 12/31/19 and closes and fully funds upon issuance of a certificate of occupancy. Offer may not be redeemed for cash or equivalent. Home purchase agreements fully executed prior to 12/1/19 are excluded. Offers, incentives and seller contributions are subject to certain terms, conditions and restrictions, which may include use of designated lenders and closing agents. Certain incentives could affect the loan amount. Offer is subject to borrower meeting approval guidelines. Rates and terms are subject to change without notice. Contact a Mattamy Home Funding LLC Loan Officer for financing details, or a Mattamy Homes New Home Counselor for home purchase details. **Closing Cost Incentive (Cost Incentive) varies by community, home and home site, and is available only on new purchase agreements that are accepted by Mattamy between 12/1/19 and 12/31/19 and if home closes upon issuance of a certificate of occupancy. Offer available on a predetermined, limited number of homes and home sites and is not valid for any contracts written for homes located in the Lawson, Castlebrooke and Cadence Mint Hill communities. Home purchase agreements fully executed prior to 12/1/19 are excluded. To be eligible to participate, buyer must utilize Seller’s affiliated lender, Mattamy Home Funding, LLC, (“Affiliated Lender”) NMLS# 64022, for financing to receive a closing cost contribution at closing for the payment of approved standard closing costs; which exclude discount points, prepaid items, and any HOA fees. Buyer is not required to finance through Affiliated Lender to purchase the home, but failure to utilize Affiliated Lender will result in buyer being ineligible to participate. Total closing cost contribution subject to Mattamy’s contribution limitations based on mortgage program and loan-to-value guidelines that are outside of Mattamy’s control. At closing, Mattamy will provide to buyer a credit in an amount not to exceed the closing cost incentive available on that select home, as determined on your Loan Estimate, excluding prepaids. All previously stated terms in this disclaimer apply. Copyright © 2019 Mattamy Homes. Mattamy Homes and the Mattamy logo are U.S. registered service marks or service marks of Mattamy Homes and/or its subsidiaries. Seller’s broker Mattamy Carolina Corporation NO: 241516. E&OE Builder 121963. MATCLT111 12/19
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Season of giving Gift ideas for the DIYers in your life by Allen Norwood
e’ll get to some suggestions for last-minute gifts—readers’ favorite tools and the like—in a moment. But first, a defense of gift cards as Christmas presents. If the DIYers on your list say they want cards, for goodness’ sake, listen. It’s OK. My wife finally made peace with how much I enjoy gift cards, and the holidays are brighter for both of us. When you open a present, you have a gift. You love it, but the moment is soon over. When you get a gift card and tuck it into your pocket, you can savor all the possibilities for days, weeks or months. (Or years, as you’ll see.) And you don’t have to spend all the money on the card at one time. You can spend half on something you really want, then slide the card back into your pocket. You have the gift—and those endless possibilities. I have a couple of gift cards in my pocket right now. One I got for my birthday back in April. Midsummer, I used it to buy a little wireless speaker that lets me stream Rod Stewart via Pandora
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Nadine Wynn Broker/Realtor®
704-806-6711
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SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 2019
when I’m grilling on the deck. Burgers are better with “Downtown Train.” I only spent half the money, so I still get to wander in book or hardware aisles contemplating how to spend the other half. Another card is wrapped in a receipt showing that the balance left is $16.58. Not a lot, but I look forward to buying something nice for the tool or tackle box with that amount. The receipt is dated 10-25-17. I’m pretty sure the card was a Christmas present in 2016 because, you know, I like to wander aisles for a while. If you’re looking for last-minute gifts and stocking stuffers, here are a few that readers have listed as favorites over the years: The Klein non-contact Craftsman V20 collection / craftsman.com voltage tester, which allows the user to find out whether an electrical wire is Stanley Black & Decker family, along with hot—before getting shocked; it’s about other familiar brands including DeWalt, $20. Magnetic wrist bands for holding Bostich and Porter-Cable. Venerable bolts, nails and screws; they’re widely Craftsman, long sold in Sears stores, available for $10 or so. Clamps, espeis part of the family and is available at cially those from Irwin. Lowe’s, Ace Hardware and other retailers. Which brings us to this: Irwin, forIn years past, I’ve written that it’s merly a local company, is now part of the
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fun to visit the online sites of popular tool manufacturers to see what’s new. A company’s site typically offers press releases about the latest introductions, complete with pictures. Now you can go to one site, stanleyblackanddecker.com, and find links to all the other companies
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in the sprawling family. Tool brands aren’t religion, not like pickup trucks, but DIYers do have their favorites. It’s always a good idea to check the work bench to see what brands your DIYer favors. If you’re considering a cordless power tool as a gift, you can stretch your budget by buying a less expensive “bare” tool—one without the battery included—as long as it’s compatible with a system your DIYer already owns. For someone just getting started with power tools, consider something from a huge collection, like, say, Craftsman’s V20 cordless system. The company announced in September that it continues to expand the system, which already offers umpteen tools for home, yard and job site. If all this seems overwhelming, well, consider a gift card. It’s the present that keeps on giving.
Allen Norwood: homeinfo@charter.net
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