Charlotte home|design, February 8, 2020 by Charlotte home

Real Estate News

“People just love Mooresville. It has great schools, great activities on and off the lake and great communities.”

C H A R L O T T E

home design

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dedicated to showcasing charlotte’s distinctive homes

– Michelle Haglan, Besecker HomesTeams

Magical Mooresville This laidback lakefront paradise appeals to the masses - story on page 4

real estate news What’s new p2

design instyle Level up p12

real estate trends Making the move p16

straight talk A few thoughts p22

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|real estate news

THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 8 2020

what’s new? compiled by Whitney Berongi

M/I HOMES BREAKS GROUND ON MODEL HOME AT POPLIN GROVE IN INDIAN TRAIL M/I Homes recently broke ground on the model home at Poplin Grove, a new home community in Indian Trail. Located in Union County, Poplin Grove will feature ranch and two-story homes with prices starting in the $300,000s. Interior spaces will include a formal dining room, study, rec room, loft, main-floor guest suites and open family gathering areas. The appealing exteriors will combine James Hardie ColorPlus Siding with stone or brick accents. Home buyers will be able to choose from a variety of outdoor living options. Poplin Grove’s model home will open in early April and will showcase the Sonoma, one of M/I’s most popular home plans. With five bedrooms and up to four bathrooms, it offers plenty of space for a growing or multi-generational family. The spacious kitchen opening to the breakfast area and family room make a welcoming setting for entertaining. All homes in Poplin Grove will be built with M/I’s TechConnect Smart Home package and will be Whole Home Certified. M/I Homes provides a 15-year transferable structural warranty to ensure buyers’ peace of mind. Poplin Grove is located at 803 Unionville - Indian Trail Road West in Indian Trail. Join the VIP list to get news and special offers for Poplin Grove by visiting mihomes.com/poplingrove, email salescharlotte@mihomes.com or call 704-251-7571.

DICKENS MITCHENER OFFERS SPECIALIZED REAL ESTATE PROGRAM TO MILITARY PERSONNEL Dickens Mitchener Residential Real Estate has expanded its service offerings to military personnel through its participation in Leading Real Estate Companies of the World’s U.S. Military on the Move program. The program was created to provide active duty, retired military, first responders and wounded warriors with special benefits on real estate services, including a real estate credit at closing in states where allowed by law. Dickens Mitchener is the local representative of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, a global real estate community comprised of 565 of the best-known local and regional real estate firms with 130,000 sales associates in over 70 countries. Dickens Mitchener was selected for membership in LeadingRE, which recruits only the best among locally and regionally branded firms. As a member of this global network, Dickens Mitchener can assist home buyers and sellers worldwide and can access LeadingRE’s full range of brokerage services. For more information on U.S. Military on the Move, visit usmilitaryonthemove.com/memberprofile/dickensmitchener or call 704-661-2402.

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

STAGE IT! CHARLOTTE LAUNCHES RENOVATED COMPANY WEBSITE Stage It! Charlotte recently announced the launch of its newly renovated company website. The updated design compliments the fresh new look of the spaces the team has transformed. An ever-changing photo gallery highlights recent work, and a team information section provides an introduction to the talent available to transform clients’ homes. The website’s newest feature, Instant Quote, asks clients a few simple questions and provides a guideline price for their home staging needs. Stage It! is located in Matthews, N.C. For more information, visit stageitcharlotte.com, call 704-847-3771 or email info@stageitcharlotte.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

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Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss the incredible opportunity to live new at Bent Creek, the newest luxury community in Indian Land, SC. See why everyone is talking about the beautiful home designs, advanced technology and included luxury features, only found with Jones Homes USA! CALL TODAY! 704.457.8255, or visit JonesHomesUSA.com 1057 Chippenham Avenue, Indian Land, SC 29720

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Luxury Single-Family Homes from the $400s

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SATURDAY FEBRUARY 8 2020

|living in mooresville

DID YOU KNOW? Mooresville’s most expensive real estate listing is presented by Lori Ivester Jackson of Ivester Jackson and rings in at just under the $7 million mark. This waterfront stunner boasts six bedrooms, a British West Indiesstyle guest house, spectacular sunset views and so much more.

by Julie Cooper

EAT

Caruso’s Restaurant Settle in at this Mooresville favorite for an intimate Italian dinner, complete with delectable pasta, entrees and wine. carusosﬁnedining.com

PLAY

Zootastic Park Head to this family-owned zoo for a chance to see exotic animals like tigers and giraffes in a fun afternoon out. zootasticpark.com

EXPLORE

NC Auto Racing Hall of Fame Get a taste of “Race City USA” at this institution, which is dedicated to all types of racing and features more than 40 cars. ncarhof.com

ake Norman is surrounded by some charming towns, but Mooresville really takes the cake. This Charlotte-area suburb boasts the beauty of the lake combined with a warm-and-welcoming feel that’s all just a hop, skip and jump away from the action of Uptown. Whether it’s shopping, ﬁtness, hiking, water activities, employment opportunities, good schools, good food or all of the above, Mooresville has it all and more. “Mooresville attracts people from around the globe,” says Julie Cash with J. Cash Real Estate. “The resort lake lifestyle here draws everyone from young professionals to empty nesters. And the express lane on I-77 is a game changer for anyone commuting back and forth to Uptown.” While Center City is a mega-draw for many people in Mooresville thanks to its culture, employment opportunities and excitement, some ﬁnd they never even have to leave the town limits. Home improvement giant Lowe’s is headquartered here in Race City USA and just landed on Fortune’s “most admired” list for 2020 along with eight other North Carolina companies. The unemployment rate is also less than the U.S. average of 3.9 percent, and future job growth over the next 10 years is predicted to be just over 44 percent—nearly 10 percent higher than the U.S. average.

If that wasn’t enough, Mooresville also has high-performing schools and low Iredell County taxes. Coupled with its wealth of new construction homes and amenitydriven neighborhoods, the area is a hotspot for all sorts of buyers. “The Point, The Peninsula, The Harbour at The Pointe and The Farms are the most sought-after communities around the lake,” Cash says. “Saylor’s Watch is a new, smaller gated luxury community developing outside The Point. Southern Cottage and Augusta Homes are two of the custom-home builders that will be building in this exclusive waterfront community where all the homes will have either private or shared docks.” “Amenity communities have been hugely popular in our area,” adds Michelle Haglan with Besecker Homes Teams. “Atwater Landing is one, offering a mix of homes from the mid-$200,000s to the mid$400,000s. Meadows at Coddle Creek is also a popular one, ranging from the mid-$200,000s to the high $300,000s. New construction in Anniston is really sought after and unique for having a Davidson address but Iredell for county and schools.” The restaurant scene is also booming in Mooresville with options cropping up all over, from the lake to the historic downtown. “We love how Alino’s Pizza and Barcelona

Burger and Beer Garden have brought in casual dining spots that repurpose space from within a former textile plant near downtown Mooresville,” she says. “Fine dining at Caruso’s is perfect for an Italian craving or date night. The Prickly Pear offers waterfront dining, and then there’s the ever-popular Epic Chophouse downtown, Table 31 at Langtree and the recently added Cantina 1511, which all have my mouth watering just thinking about them.” Locals are also privy to an array of outdoor recreation. Lake Norman State Park, for one, is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. With beautiful trails for hiking or running and stunning water views, it’s the perfect spot to get away from the hustle and bustle of life. Lazy 5 Ranch and Zootastic Park also offer great family fun, featuring exotic animals from all over the globe. At Lazy 5, folks can even feed the giraffes on a hayride. Of course, with all the fun and welcoming appeal this friendly Lake Norman town offers, the real estate market is hot. “The market has continued to be active year-round in our area,” shares Haglan. “We just closed out our most active year with more than $61 million in sales. People just love Mooresville. It has great schools, great activities on and off the lake and great communities. Mooresville’s laidback vibe appeals to all ages and walks of life.”

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living in mooresville| THE POINT 138 White Horse Drive, Mooresville, NC 28117 Price: $1,250,000 MLS: 3584499 Listing Agents: Doris Nash, 704-201-3786, doris@ivesterjackson.com; Jessica Simpson, 704-787-3330, jessica@ivesterjackson.com; Ivester Jackson Distinctive Properties

Enjoy viewing the sunset from the upper and lower terrace of this recently updated home, located in a serene cove. The terrace, located off the updated kitchen, hosts a built-in grill. The wet bar with wine cooler is between the kitchen and great room. The lake level has a second master with full bath, rec room, wet bar and fireplace, plus an office and walk-in storage. The covered lower terrace has a stone outdoor fireplace, TV and lots of room to enjoy your lakefront backyard with a fire pit and sitting area. Room to add a pool. Your boat slip is just down the street and includes a boat lift.

The Point’s Leading Luxury Real Estate Experts $3,999,999

$2.85 M

$2.73 M

$1.815 M

CUSTOM NEW CONSTRUCTION

WATERFRONT | THE POINT New Coastal-Style Home by Patrick Joseph

WATERFRONT | THE POINT Cape Cod Estate on Private 1.5 Acre Lot

163 Falmouth Road | MLS 3552709

187 White Horse Drive | MLS 3558515

Doris Nash

704-201-3786 Doris@IvesterJackson.com

Jessica Simpson

704-787-3330 Jessica@IvesterJackson.com

WATERFRONT | THE POINT WATERFRONT | THE POINT Completely Remodeled Home with Great View Stunning Home with Saltwater Pool & Spa 195 Mayfair Road | MLS 3560277 • All-time sales leaders in The Point • Exceptional reputation for professionalism & producing results • Targeted marketing for your home

Buying or Selling in Mooresville? Contact us today to discuss your real estate needs.

149 Rehoboth Lane | MLS 3528531

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|living in mooresville THE FARMS 174 Magnolia Farms Lane, Mooresville, NC 28117 Price: $825,000 MLS: 3576838 Listing Agent: Monica Besecker, Keller Williams Realty, 704-724-6726, monicabesecker@ kw.com Wide steps welcome you into generous rooms in this open floor plan, two-story (with walk-out basement) home. Light-filled kitchen has gas cooktop and walk-in pantry. Great room with fireplace, dining room and office on main. Master up with large sitting room and dual walk-ins. Guest bedrooms include another ensuite. Open floor plan basement adds media/rec/fitness room, bedroom, bath and workshop. Large walk-up attic, drop zone, screen porch, deck and wooded back with room for a pool.

THE FARMS 148 E Cold Hollow Farms Drive, Mooresville, NC 28117 Price: $719,000 MLS: 3545020 Listing Agent: Monica Besecker, Keller Williams Realty, 704-724-6726, monicabesecker@kw.com Striking views of the great room with beam ceiling and fireplace greet you from the entry of this meticulous home. JennAir island cooktop and dual-tone cabinetry in eat-in kitchen with walk-in pantry. Master down has sitting room, his/her walk-ins and cozy fireplace. Large office on main. Dual stairs to bedrooms, playroom and two-room bonus. Built for great storage from desk nook, drop zone and multiple walk-in attics. Reverse osmosis drinking water. Patio, firepit and full irrigation in wood-surround yard.

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Call us to help ﬁnd what speaks “Home” to you Monica Besecker, Team Leader Mooresville Graded School District mls 3587050 $489,249

Davidson Luxury Home mls 3552957 $1,599,000

704.724.6726 Mooresville with Boat Slip mls 3585623 $459,000

Mooresville Waterfront mls 3566543 $1,095,000

Mooresville / Community Pool mls 3565396 $299,000

Mooresville in The Farms mls 3584779 $395,000

153 Fox Hunt Drive, Mooresville, NC 28117

3 miles to Mooresville mls 3568847 $799,999

Waterfront in The Harbour mls 3571383 $1,350,000

See all our listings www.MonicaBesecker.com

8 miles Mooresville or Denver mls 3566538 $1,495,000

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– 2020 SUNDAY ISSUE FOCUS CALENDAR – SUNDAY ~ MARCH 8

SUNDAY ~ APRIL

York County

Space Reservation: Wednesday, 2/26 Art Deadline: Friday, 2/28

Davidson & Huntersville

Space Reservation: Wednesday, 3/11 Art Deadline: Friday, 3/13

SUNDAY ~ JUNE Uptown’s Mid & High Rises

Space Reservation: Wednesday, 6/3 Art Deadline: Friday, 6/5

Space Reservation: Wednesday, 6/17 Art Deadline: Friday, 6/19

Lake Wylie

SUNDAY ~ SEPTEMBER

Space Reservation:Wednesday, 8/26 Art Deadline: Friday, 8/28

Myers Park & Eastover

Space Reservation: Wednesday, 3/25 Art Deadline: Friday, 3/27

Asheville

Space Reservation:Wednesday, 9/9 Art Deadline: Friday, 9/11

Space Reservation: Wednesday, 5/6 Art Deadline: Friday, 5/8

Space Reservation: Wednesday, 5/20 Art Deadline: Friday, 5/22

Dilworth & South End

Cornelius

Space Reservation: Wednesday, 7/1 Art Deadline: Friday, 7/3

Urban Boom

Space Reservation: Wednesday, 7/15 Art Deadline: Friday, 7/17

SUNDAY ~ OCTOBER

The Uptown Wards & West End

Space Reservation:Wednesday, 9/23

Union County

Space Reservation:Wednesday, 10/7 Art Deadline: Friday, 10/9

The Carmel Corridor

Space Reservation: Wednesday, 7/29 Art Deadline: Friday, 7/31

Space Reservation: Wednesday, 8/12 Art Deadline: Friday, 8/14

SUNDAY ~ NOVEMBER

Art Deadline: Friday, 9/25

SUNDAY ~ AUGUST

The Pool Issue & Outdoor Furnishings

15 20

Space Reservation: Wednesday, 4/22 Art Deadline: Friday, 4/24

The High Country NC Mountains Space Reservation: Wednesday, 4/8 Art Deadline: Friday, 4/10

South-CLT Country Clubs

SUNDAY ~ JULY

Equestrian, Farms & Land

SUNDAY ~ MAY

Lake Norman

SUNDAY ~ DECEMBER

Custom Built Homes

Space Reservation:Wednesday, 10/21 Art Deadline: Friday, 10/23

Condos & Townhomes

Space Reservation:Wednesday, 12/2 Art Deadline: Friday, 12/4

The Boomer Edition

Space Reservation:Wednesday, 11/4 Art Deadline: Friday, 11/6

Elegant Estates

Space Reservation:Wednesday, 11/18

Rising Stars & Market Wrap Space Reservation:Wednesday, 12/16 Art Deadline: Friday, 12/18

Art Deadline: Friday, 11/20

Charlotte’s Premier Real Estate Publication All issues themes are subject to change.

For more information and advertising options, contact Buck Brice | 704.358.5454 | BBrice@CharlotteObserver.com

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Mooresville’s • An Ivester Jackson Top Selling Broker & Multi-Million Dollar Producer • Trusted by my clients for expert service & Lake Norman market expertise

$2,399,999

$2.497 M

OVER 1,200 FEET OF SHORELINE

WATERFRONT | THE POINT 147 Union Chapel Drive | MLS 3403409

THE POINT 109 Conway Court Mooresville, NC 28117 Price: $5,900,000 MLS: 3505628 Listing Agents: Annie Livingston, 704996-2744, anniel@ivesterjackson.com; Reed Jackson, 704-713-3623, reed@ ivesterjackson.com; Ivester Jackson Distinctive Properties

This two-level English manor, located in one of Lake Norman’s most prestigious communities, features over 400 feet of open water shoreline and panoramic views. Located in a private cul-desac, this home boasts a 20-foot wood barrel port de cochère, 35-foot glass domed grand salon, expansive views overlooking infinity edge pool and 1.48 acres of serenity. Heavy timber ceiling in the family room, circular stairway and English library. Sunlit chef’s kitchen with two islands. Heated floors in kitchen, main hall and master bath. Large master closets and separate guest quarters with bath and steam shower. Third-floor crow’s nest makes great office or playroom.

WATERFRONT LOT | MOORESVILLE 1 Stone Point Court | MLS 3380837

$1.8 M

$899,999

UNDER CONTRACT

WATERFRONT | THE POINT

THE POINT

205 Falmouth Road | MLS 3563857

128 Wild Harbor Road | MLS 3492069

- COMING SOON WATERFRONT | THE POINT

Private Dock & Pool 141 S. Longfellow Lane | $4,550,000

THE POINT

Pool, Pool House, + Boat Slip 146 Vineyard Drive | $1,275,000

THE SPRING MARKET IS WARMING UP.

Call me today for a complimentary consultation about your home!

Annie Livingston 704-996-2744 AnnieL@IvesterJackson.com IvesterJackson.com

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|living in mooresville THE FARMS 107 Willow Bend Court, Mooresville, NC 28117 Price: $739,000 MLS: 3578488 Listing Agent: Julie Cash, J Cash Real Estate, 704-799-5407, juliecash@jcashrealestate.com

Lovingly maintained four-bedroom home with open floor plan and wonderful outdoor living spaces. Main level features wide foyer, office with French doors, dining room with butler’s pantry, gourmet kitchen with SubZero refrigerator and Bosch appliances. Great room with fireplace and sunlit breakfast room open to covered porch leading to stone terrace with hot tub, grilling area and fire pit. Owner’s retreat on upper level with spa-like bath. Main-level hardwood flooring, upgraded finishes, custom coffered ceilings and quality craftsmanship throughout. Don’t miss the Homestead recreation center with amenities galore.

PRIVATE LOT 131 Buttercup Drive, Mooresville, NC 28117 Price: $825,000 MLS: 3553185 Listing Agent: Julie Cash, J Cash Real Estate, 704-799-5407, juliecash@ jcashrealestate.com

Totally remodeled waterfront ranch in noHOA location with over 150 feet of shoreline, new dock and beautiful lake views. This is the perfect weekender with great potential for future expansion as primary residence or ideal rental investment. Low maintenance, one-level living with beautiful open concept floor plan featuring great room with fireplace, modern sunlit eat-in kitchen, three bedrooms and two full baths. Enormous deck and nice level yard with stone fire pit and access for kayak or paddle board. Home is surrounded by new custom construction and is just five minutes from The Point, but with no dues or restrictions.

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✲✺✹✳✼✱✼❁✦✹ ✧✪✵✪✦✰ ★✩

Lake Norman ✸✘✘ ✿✙❃❀✙❃✚ ❄✛❃✾ ✜ ❀✙✻ ❅✛✢✣❀ ✤★★✥✽❂❆❇❈❈✽❉ ✩❊ ❋●❍❍■

Julie Cash

✫J✬✁✂✮ ✯✄✬✄☎✆✬☎ ✝✂✞✭✁✂ ✟✠✡☛✟☞☞☛✌✡✠✟ ✶✶✶✍✎✷✏✑✒✓✔✏✕✔✑✖✏✖✔✍✷✗✴

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|design instyle

Level up Take your space from ‘decorated’ to ‘curated’ by Vicki Donatelli

aving served as host of the national PBS television series “For Your Home” for over 25 years, I’ve learned what it takes to create a pretty room. I’ve also discovered what it takes to create a sensation space. The difference between a well-decorated room and a “wow” room is curation.

If you have good taste, a sense of style and an understanding of size and scale, you can teach yourself how to decorate a room. The tough part is making the space unique. You need patience, a global sense of the possibilities and to know where and how to procure the perfect collection of curated pieces.

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A progressive designer is always online and on the road looking for products and suppliers that will help bring together her client’s home. If you are your own decorator—which most of us are—you need to employ these same skills. Every room, pretty much, has the same basics. For a living room you want a sofa, a couple of chairs, tables and lamps—maybe a rug, drapes and wall art. Lots of decorators, especially those whose services

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are provided free by a retailer, will put together a room plan. Everything in that room will come from their resources, such as the retailer employing them. It’s a great service if you don’t mind a room someone else decorated and that may end up looking just like your neighbor’s. You can do better by learning to curate your own spaces. I’ve pulled together some key elements that need to be on your radar.

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CONCORD ~ 806 ROTHMOOR DRIVE NE ~ WOODCREEK OPEN HOUSE SUN 2/9 1-3PM

Patty Langevin Broker Realtor

MLS# 3584251 | 4 BEDS, 3 FULL BATHS | 3,557 SQFT | $379,000 Allen Tate Realtors 704-607-9819 Woodcreek, one of Concord’s hidden gems! Beautiful brick 1 1/2 story with finished Patricia.Langevin@AllenTate.com basement/Screen porch overlooks fenced pool.Main level offers split BR plan/Family RM accented w/HWD flrs/Gas fireplace/Formal DR/Wall of windows in Bkft area views pool. Renovated gourmet kitchen w Top of line Kitchen-Aid appliances. Gas range/Butler pantry New cabinets/Granite/Tile backsplash/Mst BR has jacquzzi tub/Sep shower/Double vanity His + Her closet. Upstairs offers BR or kids playroom/Full BA/Walk-in attic storage Finished basement w endless possibilities & access to patio and “salt water pool.”

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Color is number one. Even if you want to create a white-on-white palette, you still need pops of color to bring it to life. The color can be subtle or bold, but you need color. You also need the paint in your various rooms to flow together. The living room can be a gray-blue and the powder room lavender, but don’t switch to yellow for the foyer—it surges against the tide. A better choice for the front hallway would be a lighter shade of the same blue you used in the living room. Use your artwork and rugs to add pops of oranges and pinks, while blues and turquoise anchor it together. If you find a bench or chair that’s the perfect size and shape for a space but it needs TLC, buy it, paint it and go on the hunt for wonderful, unique pillows. If you sew, shop for vintage fabrics and make your own. If you are lucky enough to have a “she shed,” it’s the perfect space to practice your curating skills by furnishing it with what you love and what you find. It will become your favorite spot because it is a true representa-

55+ Active Lifestyle Community N E W H O ME S F ROM THE L OW $ 3 0 0 ’ S

Make 2020 the year of change! Come see what Eastwood Homes has to offer at Heritage in Wesley Chapel, NC, an age-restricted community.

NEW YEA R. NEW YOU. NEW HOME. Amenity Center Opening 2020

L E A R N M O R E AT

EastwoodHomes.com

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tion of you and your style. Balancing the mix of materials, like fabric and leather, wood, iron, earthenware and glass, in one room is what curating is all about. The hardest skill to master is your own self conﬁdence. You gain that conﬁdence when you invest time in educating yourself as to what you like, what’s available and how other people pull it all together. If you hate a room, asking yourself why is even more important than studying a room you love. Always work with colors you adore. Never try to force color on yourself. Stick within your comfort zone when it comes to an overall theme, be it contemporary, traditional or modern. Every style needs curation.

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.

Custom Home for Sale near SouthPark

Customized Shea Plans on your Homesite from $400K to over $2 million SheaCustom.com | 704.602.3333 Customized Shea plans on your homesite Homesite preparation and/or demo of existing home Modern Design Studio provides thousands of on-trend options Home Warranty Large portfolio of plans to choose from Fixed Pricing Contracts Sales: Shea Group Services, LLC DBA Shea Realty (NC: C21630; SC: 10424). Construction by Shea Custom, LLC (NC: 68244; SC: G116078). 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 fulfilled. Trademarks are property of their respective owners. Equal Housing Opportunity. *Price for this home does not include closing costs, application of incentives, includes costs for certain options and upgrades, specific list of which is available at the Shea Custom sales office, and is subject to change.

• • • • • • •

5443 Glen Forest Dr. Charlotte, NC

• • • •

4 BD, 3.5 BA Rec Room 3,699 sq ft 3-Car Garage First-floor Guest Suite Second-floor Owner’s Suite w/ private access to covered rear deck Kitchen features GE Monogram 6 burner gas rangetop with extraction hood Study with French Doors .46 acre homesite Complete this Summer $799,510*

Craftsman-style home with high-end finishes throughout. Built-ins in the Family Room, granite or quartz in all bathrooms, tankless gas hot water heater, and much more. Contact us for complete details on included selections, floorplan & more. info@sheacustom.com | 704.602.3333

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|real estate trends

Making the move Important factors prospective homeowners should consider when relocating to Charlotte by Moment Palmer

hether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re thinking about moving to the Queen City from out of state or just to a new neighborhood, there are multiple locations with ideal schools, amenities and communities that offer pretty much everything you want to check off your list. People are moving to Charlotte in droves for many reasons, including job transfers, new opportunities and to be closer to relatives. According to a recent Census Bureau report, the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia metropolitan statistical area grew by 44,350 residents in a one-year period. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an average of about 853 new people a week and nearly 122 each day. FINDING THE RIGHT COMMUNITY IN CHARLOTTE As Charlotte and surrounding areas continue to

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grow, many different types of communities are catering to the needs of speciﬁc demographics, the most common among them being families, young professionals and recent retirees. Realtors throughout the region are noticing the same trends within each group—families with schoolaged children prioritizing schools ﬁrst, retirees wanting to be closer to family that already live here and young professionals focusing more on proximity to their jobs and entertainment. “Millennials who move here for work tend to look for communities that are social hubs, as a lot of them move to South End or Uptown,” says Brittany Wallace with Allen Tate Realtors. “Access to the LYNX Light Rail and the high

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1416 Scotland Ave., Charlotte / MLS 3568126 / HM Properties

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FEBRUARY

Midwood, Noda, Belmont & Villa Heights

European Inspired Homes

29 Moving Weekend! AFTER MOVING WEEKEND! COMING SUNDAY, 3/8

Buck Brice (704) 358-5454 BBrice@CharlotteObserver.com

walkability factor of the city make it easy to meet new people and build relationships with like-minded young professionals.” Families, on the other hand, opt for areas with reputable public, private and charter schools and easy access to shopping, restaurants and other conveniences such as grocery stores. “My younger clients with young children are looking for that dreamy neighborhood where children can ride their bikes to their friends’ house, nearby parks and a community pool,” says Lara Bucci with Savvy + Co. Real Estate. “Most importantly, they’re willing to pay higher property taxes to get their kids into the best schools.” Retirees looking to relocate to be

closer to their families tend to focus on a few key factors: a community where they can downsize, a lower cost of living and a turnkey home (or townhouse or condo) with less maintenance, upkeep and a smaller yard. “Retirees are looking for a home where they can host guests and be close to things to do but not necessarily near the city since they don’t have to worry about commuting to work anymore—like new neighborhoods in Waxhaw and Ballantyne,” says Bucci. “People moving to Charlotte to be closer to family are often open to neighborhoods other than the ones where their relatives live,” says Jessica Jenkins with HM Properties. ”Many families who have been

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HOME HOME DESIGNED AND BUILT THE WAY YOU DESERVE. We design inspiring homes with practical touches, in communities planned around your best life. We’ve kept perfectly in touch with our customers, and work toward how YOU love to live. You’ll love your new home at ﬁrst sight!

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traveling long distances to see each other for years view a 30-minute drive as close.” COMMUTES, CONVENIENCES AND COST OF LIVING Several other important aspects that factor into where to live in the Charlotte area have to with drive time/ transportation options, proximity to shopping and services, everyday expenses and taxes. For professional adults who don’t necessarily have the luxury of working from home, a commute is inevitable. And for those who work in Uptown and live in surrounding suburbs and nearby cities such as Fort Mill and Lake Norman, commutes can be as long as an hour each way.

“Commute time has a big impact on daily life and can be what makes the day-to-day more or less enjoyable. Many people moving from out of state are surprised at how long a 12-mile commute can take during rush hour,” Jenkins says. Living close to major thoroughfares and highways can be a plus. No matter where you live in or around the city, a shopping center is either right around the corner or less than a 10-minute drive from most neighborhoods. “Every exit off the I-77 corridor is exploding with shopping options, including big names like Publix and Costco, and the new Express Lane down to Charlotte is a huge incentive to live in the Lake Norman area,” says Abi Goldberg with J.

ON SELECT QUICK MOVE-IN HOMES AT CHARLOTTE AREA COMMUNITIES

For more information, contact our online New Home Specialist at 980-253-2792 or Whittie.KatieF@mattamycorp.com. mattamyhomes.com/charlotte

*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 available on select Quick Move-in homes if buyer signs and delivers a home purchase agreement between 2/4/20 and 2/23/20 and closes and fully funds by 5/29/20. Offer may not be redeemed for cash or equivalent. Home purchase agreements fully executed prior to 2/4/20 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. **Refrigerator, washer and dryer brand and model are selected by Mattamy Homes and have a maximum value of up to $3,000. 2” white faux wood blinds are installed per plan and have a maximum value of up to $1,400. Not all windows will include blinds. Offer available on select Quick Move-in homes if buyers signs and delivers a home purchase agreement between 2/4/20 and 2/23/20 and closes and fully funds by 5/29/20. Home purchase agreements signed and delivered prior to 2/4/20 are excluded. Offers, incentives and seller contributions are subject to cetain terms, conditions and restrictions, which may include use of designated lenders and closing agents. Certain incentives could affect the loan amount. Offer good for a limited time only. Mattamy reserves the right to change or withdraw any offer at any time. Prices subject to change without notice. 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. Copyright © 2020 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: C11063/ 241516. Construction Licenses NC81405/ SC121963. E&OE Builder. MATCLT125

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Cash Real Estate. Nearly everyone looking to move to Charlotte wants to be close to green space, parks and dog parks, too. “Younger families like to be within quiet communities close to greenways that offer them security and a lot of kid-friendly recreational areas,” says Wallace. Those in Fort Mill and Rock Hill can enjoy Lake Wylie and McDowell Nature Preserve, and those in Mooresville and Cornelius have access to Lake Norman and plenty of community parks. There’s also the decision of buying new construction or resale properties. “I know the beneﬁts of buying new,” says Kenya Walker, who works with a builder as a new home specialist. “You get more equity in your home, you have a warranty and you don’t have to worry about who was living there before you.” Of course, for some buyers, ﬁnding a new house at their price point may mean moving out of the Charlotte city limits. “Cost of living was probably the most important factor for us, not because of taxes but for the quality of the house. I wanted a new con188 Chatham Road, Mooresville / MLS 3572418 / J. Cash Real Estate

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© 2019 Cresswind is a registered trademark of Kolter Homes. Prices, homesites, home designs and other information subject to errors, changes, omissions, deletions, availability prior sales and withdrawal at any time without notice.

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struction home that did not need updates for less than $350,000, so that required us to move further out of the city,” says Cat Francis, national marketing and events director with American Inno and a native Charlottean who now lives in Fort Mill. Goldberg says her clients from out of state like the tax structure—whether they are in Mecklenburg or Iredell County—as the amount they pay in taxes elsewhere is extremely high. CALLING CHARLOTTE HOME No matter where you’re moving from and what stage of life you’re in, starting a new chapter in Charlotte is something thousands of people are doing every year. Realtors throughout the area are working with new homeowners to ﬁnd the perfect place to call home by helping them recreate their current lifestyle in order to make a seamless transition to a new city and community. “Knowing your client’s situation, interests and lifestyle is the key to a successful match,” says Jenkins, and what will ultimately help them make the decision to call Charlotte home. 107 Willow Bend Court, Mooresville / MLS 3578488 / J. Cash Real Estate

New Townhomes! Open Houses Every Weekend in NoDa, close to N. Davidson St.

sheaurban.com

NoDa Open House! Saturdays: 11 - 4; Sundays: 1 - 4 | 1164 E. 36th Street Charlotte 18 Townhomes are available! They are either complete or will be complete in March

$441,833* - #3 2 BD, 3.5 BA, 2,109 sq ft. 1st ﬂoor Flex space & full bath (ofﬁce, guest space) Large Owner’s Suite w/ large tiled shower, 2 sinks. Guest bed w/ private bath MLS# 3473970

$372,107* - #18 $442,693* - #5 2 BD, 2.5 BA, 1,614 sq ft. 2 BD, 3.5 BA, 2,109 sq ft. Covered terrace w/ storage. 1st floor Flex & full bath. Double-oven range, built-in Hardwoods throughout microwave. Hardwoods 2nd floor. 3rd fl bedrooms throughout 2nd floor. Bar w/ & laundry. KT w/ white wine fridge, undercab lights. 42” cabs, quartz, SS, gas. MLS# 3458681 MLS# 3466544

$533,625* - #28 3 BD, 3.5 BA, 2,529 sq ft. End unit w/ 1st ﬂoor guest suite. 2 Owner’s Suites on 3rd ﬂoor w/ private baths w/ large tiled showers. Hardwoods, tile. Oak treads on stairs. MLS# 3482358

$463,425* - #7 2 BD, 3.5 BA, 2,109 sq ft. 1st ﬂoor Flex space & full bath. Double-oven range, wine fridge, grey cabs. Large Owner’s Suite w/ large tiled shower, 2 sinks. MLS# 3480816

Shea Urban offers in Plaza Midwood & NoDa: • 3-story townhomes, 1,614 - 2,529 sq ft. 9’ ceilings throughout Sun/Mon: 1 - 6; Tue - Sat: 11 - 6 601 S. Kings Dr Ste EE Charlotte 28204 • 2-car attached garage, covered terrace, & CPI Security/ smart home package included with every townhome Serving all Shea Urban neighborhoods 980-293-5886 • Walk to bars, restaurants, and public transit

Shea Urban Sales Ofﬁce

$388,276* - #22 2 BD, 2.5 BA, 1,697 sq ft. Covered terrace w/ storage. Marble counters, wine fridge Large Owner’s Suite w/ large tiled shower, quartz counters Guest bed w/ private bath MLS# 3481218

Sales: Shea Group Services, LLC DBA Shea Realty (10424). Construction: Shea Builders, LLC, G116074. 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 fulfilled. Pricing effective date of publication and subject to change without notice. All square footages and measurements are approximate and subject to change without notice. Some photos are virtually staged. Trademarks are property of their respective owners. Equal Housing Opportunity. Some photos have been virtually staged. *Price for this home does not include closing costs, application of incentives, includes costs for certain options and upgrades, specific list of which is available at the Shea Urban sales office, and is subject to change.

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|straight talk

A few thoughts YouTube home repairs, the relationship between home insurance and pesky critters, and average prices in 55-plus communities by Allen Norwood

early three of ﬁve homeowners can’t handle simple repairs— things like installing drywall anchors and patching holes in drywall— without turning to the Internet. While most of those over 65 can handle such chores, according to a survey by equipment rental company BigRentz, half of 18-to-24-year-olds said they can’t handle any chores without Google and YouTube. This column won’t bash millennials. Folks learn such skills when they have to. To wit: I taught a class years ago at Central Piedmont Community College that covered minor drywall repair. A handful of students in the Saturday sessions, moms and dads, said they needed to patch holes in part because kids had shoved doors hard enough to jam doorknobs right through drywall. Adolescent drama, you understand. Most of the repair tips we covered are now just clicks away in online videos.

That’s helpful. Also, store shelves are ﬁlled with easy-to-use drywall patching kits—including some that are exactly doorknob size. So, millennials, enjoy your bliss. If you have kids, sooner or later you will get to know the drywall repair aisle at your local Lowe’s. And you will no longer need to turn to your phone for advice. (A reminder, though: When you get to the store, it’s drywall, not sheetrock. That’s a brand name. If you call it sheetrock in a column, sooner or later you will hear from the folks at Sheetrock.) We spend time here talking about the sometimes exasperating relationships between homeowners and critters of all sorts—squirrels, raccoons, mice, bats and the like. I recently asked the N.C. Department of Insurance whether the cost of removing animals or repairing damage they caused would be covered by the typical homeowner insurance policy. Animals nesting in an attic can ruin insulation

and damage drywall. Even removing bees can be expensive. Muskrats love to munch on boat battery cables and rubber outdrive boots. Here’s the answer: “The N.C. Homeowners Policy excludes birds, rodents (including muskrats) or insects,” DOI spokesman Ben Powell replied in an email. “Additionally, we are not aware that a boat owner’s policy provides coverage for damage caused by birds, rodents or insects.” Another good reason to evict varmints before they settle in and procreate. In response to requests from readers, both prospective buyers and real estate agents, here’s how you can ﬁnd the column from two weeks ago about average prices in ﬁve popular 55-plus neighborhoods: Go to our site at issuu. com/homedesignclt and click on the January 25 issue. Some readers were surprised, as I was, that prices weren’t higher. Stories abound about active adults who pay big

money to downsize. Agents who specialize in helping seniors, not so much. A buyer can pay $700,000 to get into one neighborhood I mentioned, explained agent Karen Spell, but the starting price in the same neighborhood is in the low $300,000s. Agent Laura Pogue, who’s with ReMax Executive, shared average prices for a neighborhood I didn’t have room to include. Last year in Tree Tops in Lancaster County, she said, the average house sold for $338,479. Spell, who’s with Helen Adams Realty, has earned the SRES designation from the National Association of Realtors. That stands for Seniors Real Estate Specialist. If you’re looking for a home in a 55-plus community, you ought to have a buyers’ agent who’s knowledgeable about that unique slice of the market.

Allen Norwood: homeinfo@charter.net

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Step into Luxury with Limited-Time Incentives* Toll Brothers oﬀers 4 new luxury home communities in Charlotte Single-Family Homes, and Low-Maintenance Living Priced from the mid-$300s to the upper $900s

Start Here to Get More | TollSalesEvent.com/CHO Open Sun–Mon 1 pm to 6 pm; Tue–Sat 10 am to 6 pm. Brokers welcome. Homes available nationwide. Prices subject to change without notice. Photos are images only and should not be relied upon to confirm applicable features. *Offer, if any, is valid for new buyers who purchase a home in a participating community and deposit between 1/25/20 and 2/17/20, sign an agreement of sale, and close on the home. Offers, incentives, and seller contributions, if any, vary by community and are subject to certain terms, conditions, and restrictions. Not all communities, not all home sites, and not all options and upgrades are included in this Sales Event so see the Sales team in your desired community for specific details. Toll Brothers reserves the right to change or withdraw any offer at any time. Not valid with any other offer. This is not an offering where prohibited by law.