Real Estate News
C H A R L O T T E
home design
page 2
dedicated to showcasing charlotte’s distinctive homes
“In such a complicated, frazzled world, it’s nice to come home to a more peaceful place for the eyes to rest and the mind to relax.” – Mike Gibbons, Savvy + Co. Real Estate
Unmistakably modern Charlotte-area buyers crave the simple lines and unique style of contemporary and mid-century modern homes - story on page 4
real estate news What’s new p2
design instyle Pink p10
design trends
The future of floorplans p14
straight talk Cost vs. value p18
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THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER
SATURDAY JANUARY 18 2020
what’s new? compiled by Whitney Berongi
NANCY NAGY NAMED PRESIDENT OF PREMIER SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY Premier Sotheby’s International Realty recently announced that Nancy Nagy has been appointed to the role of president. Nagy will be responsible for leading all sales operations of the $5 billion brokerage, a leading affiliate in the Sotheby’s International Realty network, ranked as the 34th largest real estate company in the country. She succeeds Budge Huskey, who was named chief executive officer on Jan. 1. An accomplished leader with a proven track record of success, Nagy previously served as chief executive officer of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago, ranked among the Top 10 in the franchise’s global network. During her 12-year tenure, she orchestrated significant growth through mergers and acquisitions and led affiliated service entities. In July 2019, she stepped back to an advisory role with the brokerage. During her esteemed career, Nagy has been ranked on the Swanepoel Power 200 as one of the most powerful women executives in the residential real estate brokerage industry, as well as earning a spot among Crain’s Chicago Business 2019 Notable Women Executives. She has served Nancy Nagy on the board of the National Association of Realtors for many years. For more information, visit premiersothebysrealty.com. MORE THAN 50,000 PROPERTIES SOLD DURING 2019 IN THE CHARLOTTE REGION Last year ended with home sales up 17.2 percent in December compared to the previous year. For all of 2019, there were 50,854 properties sold in the Charlotte region, which was a 5.9 percent increase from 2018. Pending sales continue to show tremendous demand from buyers, ending 2019 up 8.9 percent over pending sales for all of 2018. Prices continued to respond to strong seller’s market conditions, with the average list price in 2019 ($333,290) rising 4.6 percent over 2018’s average list price. The average sales price in 2019 rose 5.9 percent compared to 2018 to $303,722, while the median sales price, a better measure of prices over time, rose 7.1 percent to $255,000. For all of 2019, the average number of days a property was on the market from the time it was listed until it closed (list to close) was 93 days, which is unchanged compared to December 2018. Days on Market, the metric that accrues for “Active” and “Under Contract-Show” statuses, averaged 43 days in 2019. For more information, visit carolinahome.com and click on “Market Data.” STAGE IT! CHARLOTTE WELCOMES TWO NEW ACCREDITED STAGING ASSISTANTS Charlotte’s Home Staging experts at Stage It! have announced the addition of two new team members, Grace Whitson and Mary Pat Nanney. Both are accredited staging assistants. Whitson is a recent graduate of Middle Tennessee State University and Nan-
ney is a commercial photography stylist with a degree in interior design. Their special talents along with their new designation demonstrates to clients they have the experience and training to deliver professional staging services to the Charlotte market. Stage It! is Charlotte’s premier home staging company, serving the area since 2005 and staging nearly 4,000 homes to date. Stage It! is located in Matthews. Call 704-847-3771, email info@stageitcharlotte.com or visit stageitcharlotte.com for more information.
Grace Whitson
Mary Pat Nanney
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 2020 by The Charlotte Observer. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or reprinted without written permission.
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|mid-century modern homes DID YOU KNOW? Mid-century modern design actually began in Europe in the early 1900s, long before the Don Drapers and Petula Clarks.
by Julie Cooper
EAT
Oak Steakhouse Charlotte Located in SouthPark, this farm-to-fork restaurant offers a modern approach to steakhouse dining in a mid-century modern environment. oaksteakhousecharlotte.com
PLAY
Oakhurst Park While you’re out looking for mid-century and contemporary modern stunners, stop by this 5-acre park that’s outfitted with a playground, basketball court and baseball field to stretch your legs. mecknc.gov
EXPLORE
Queen City Brewers Festival Get a taste of Charlotte’s modern craft beer scene at this fun event that supports ACEing AutismCharlotte on Saturday, Feb. 1. qcbrewfest.com
M
odern homes are as much a feeling as they are a design style. Evoking optimism, peace and an overwhelming sense of enjoyment, these homes offer comfort and reprieve from today’s hectic lifestyle—no wonder many are located only minutes from Uptown’s hustle and bustle. “You’ll find modern builds sprinkled throughout Charlotte neighborhoods, often in unexpected places like Dilworth and Plaza Midwood,” says Mike Gibbons with Savvy + Co. Real Estate. “Both mid-century modern (MCM) and modern homes fit well with today’s trend towards simplification. In such a complicated, frazzled world, it’s nice to come home to a more peaceful place for the eyes to rest and the mind to relax. The calm and simplicity of these homes is surprisingly invigorating, making you feel more alive.” Folks who own modern homes tend to subscribe to the Marie Kondo principle of having only items that spark joy. “Every day is a special occasion in the MCM/modern lifestyle,” Gibbons says. “It’s not about just having things; it’s about using and enjoying the things you do have. People want more feeling from less stuff.” “I live in a modern home in Oakhurst and love the feel,” says Bobby Sisk with Nestlewood Realty. “These homes offer an ease of living—clean, simple and very stylish. Buyers are attracted to this style
because it offers sleek lines and something just a bit different.” These homes are definitely in high demand too. “I’m currently working with two builders to build more modern homes here in Oakhurst,” Sisk says. “In fact, I just got a call from an agent this week asking if we had anything coming up in our neighborhoods because he had a client interested. I have one closing soon that didn’t even hit the market.” Sisk credits Peter Vasseur with Vasseur Home Design as the one to watch for modern designs in Charlotte. “He’s knocking it out of the park,” he says. “Peter collaborates with architect Andrew Woodruff, and then his talented wife Kate Vasseur interjects on design and finishes. We currently have a stunner out of the ground on Raney Way in Oakhurst they’ve done.” Not only are these homes visually intriguing, but many are also ecofriendly. “They can be incredibly efficient,” says Sisk. “The use of green products like passive solar can make them less expensive to operate. Plus, if done correctly, the windows and natural light are breathtaking.” With all the new people from around the country and the globe moving to the Queen City, Sisk says it’s safe to say modern design is here to stay. “With the influx of new people, it’s going to remain a popular style,” he says. “It offers a fun alternative to the ‘same old,
same old’ here in Charlotte. That’s attractive to a lot of buyers.” Modern homes tend to be erected on infill lots where older homes used to be. “We’re seeing them from Plaza Midwood and Villa Heights,” Sisk says. “There are even some in South Charlotte, plus a few modern new builds lining classic streets in neighborhoods like Elizabeth and Myers Park. These homes tend to be found in closer-in neighborhoods like those within 10 minutes to Center City.” For MCM homes, Gibbons says the best neighborhoods are Lansdowne, The Cloisters, Mountainbrook, Sherwood Forest, Foxcroft and Barclay Downs. Others, he concludes, are found in Robinson Woods, Stonehaven, Burtonwood, Town and Country, Hyde Park Estates and Madison Park. Both styles of modern homes are still rather rare, which Gibbons says makes them even more valuable. “There are just not that many of them,” he says. “Modern is a bit of a contradiction—while the design elements are simple and the materials commonplace, things like asymmetric rooflines, dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows and original artwork make each home unique. The vintage MCM homes that have survived 50 to 60 years add another level of rarity and charm. And, from a real estate perspective, that uniqueness adds market value.”
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NORTH END PARK 4131 Merlane Drive, Charlotte, NC 28206 Price: $399,000 MLS: 3566612 Listing Agent: Bobby Sisk, Nestlewood Realty, 704-819-0710, bobby@ nestlewoodrealty.com
Striking modern construction in Charlotte’s North End with easy access to light rail, NoDa and Uptown. Open floor plan. The light-filled living area opens to the dining and kitchen. Kitchen has modern, soft-close cabinetry, quartz countertops and a waterfall island. This spacious area is currently set with a pool table and dining table. Three bedrooms and two baths upstairs, including a sleek owner’s suite with walk-in closet and custom bath. Covered front and back porches. This development overlooks the 73-acre Sugaw Creek Park with disc golf, basketball and tennis courts.
OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 1 – 3
LAKE LIVING
LOVE MODERN?
1630 Lombardy Circle, Charlotte
12630 Preservation Pointe Drive, Charlotte
More Modern homes coming to
A great way to get into Dilworth, right across from
Renovated waterfront home on beautiful Mountain Island
Charlotte’s Oakhurst neighbor-
Freedom Park. 2 beds, 2.5 baths and a lower level bonus/
Lake. 4 beds, 3 baths and a lakeside deck and your own
flex. One car garage and terrace overlooking greenway.
private dock. New kitchen and baths. Proudly offered at
Proudly offered at $444,000. MLS #3581060
$765,000. MLS #3557177
hood — including another on Raney Way. Under construction now with 3000+ square feet including master on main. Call me for more information.
Results-driven real estate!
BOBBY SISK | BROKER/REALTOR® 704-819-0710 cell 704-302-4464 office bobby@nestlewoodrealty.com
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FOXCROF T
2500 Red Fox Trail | Charlotte, NC 28211 6 B R | 7. 2 B A | 9,03 1 s .f. | $ 3 , 5 5 0,0 0 0 Amazing Foxcroft location! This spectacular full brick home had an extensive renovation in 2010 & features an open plan, grand foyer w/winding staircase, library, formals, gourmet kitchen, family room w/stone fireplace, great room w/wall of windows overlooks the rear yard. Private MBR suite on main w/luxury bath. 2nd floor w/4 en-suite BR’s, theater, exercise, game & laundry rooms. The 3rd floor office could be Guest Suite/Bonus rm. Fully fenced rear yard w/heated saltwater pool, spa & pool bath, stone terrace, fire pit, & beautiful garden areas. Two double garages w/courtyard.
KENWOOD SHARON LANE 2813 Kenwood Sharon Lane, Charlotte, NC 28211 Price: Starting at $1,595,000 MLS: Contact listing agent. Listing Agent: Kim Sheehey, HM Properties, 704-612-3210, kimsheehey@hmproperties.com
Hard-to-find new construction with master down in Foxcroft area. Kenwood Sharon Lane, Jim Gross Company’s exclusive 10-home enclave, is a perfect opportunity to own a new home of exceptional quality, suited for a more simplified lifestyle. This five-bed, 4.5-bath home with stunning roof deck features a handsome slatheredbrick exterior with walls of windows. Open floor plan boasts a master suite on main with lavish bath and huge closet. Family room opens to a chef’s kitchen with Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances. Private brick-enclosed backyard perfect for entertaining. Add your personal touch, with customization options including elevator.
Listing Agent: Valerie Mitchener
MYE RS PAR K
2219 Malvern Road | Charlotte, NC 28211 4 B R | 3 .1 B A | 3 ,1 37 s .f. | $ 1 , 39 8 ,0 0 0
This center hall Georgian Colonial was built in 1930 and had a top-to-bottom awardwinning architectural renovation & interior design completed in 2009. New open plan w/an abundance of period & contemporary details. Bespoke millwork & cabinetry throughout. Kitchen & Butler’s pantry w/lacquer cabinetry. New MBR Suite addition with fireplace & luxury bath. All new plumbing, electrical, mechanical. All new hardwoods on 1st floor & hardwoods on 2nd floor. Beautiful garage renovation with custom carriage doors. Covered patio overlooking the private, landscaped backyard.
Listing Agent: Susan May
SUSAN MAY
VALERIE MITCHENER Owner | Broker
Broker | Realtor®
704-577-8200
704-650-7432
valerie@hmproperties.com
susanmay@hmproperties.com
H M P R O P E R T I E S .CO M
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|mid-century modern homes VILLA HEIGHTS 800 Woodside Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28205 Price: $734,900 MLS: 3568957 Listing Agent: Jennifer Monroe, Savvy + Co. Real Estate, 704-307-3369, savvyjennifer@ me.com
Modern masterpiece with open floor plan in fabulous location. Thoughtful designer selections in calm monochromatic palette, artful lighting, tile and site-finished hardwoods. Kitchen with marble counters, 8-foot waterfall kitchen island, stainless appliances and wine fridge. Great room with gas fireplace steps out to partially covered back deck. Owner’s suite boasts master bath with LED mirrors, freestanding tub and shower. Upper loft with front terrace. Close to Uptown, freeways, Blue Line, NoDa and Plaza Midwood. Sits pretty on corner lot. Builder warranty. Sod coming soon. Built by Rene’ and Eric Durand at ESR Homes and designed by Jennifer Monroe, Eric Durand and John Whittemore. URBAN HIVE WEST END 141 S. Bruns Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28208 Price: $518,099 MLS: 3493070 Listing Agents: Patrick Deely, 704-604-9303, patdeelyrealtor@gmail.com; Lana Laws, 704779-9005, lanalawsrealtor@gmail.com; Savvy + Co. Real Estate
Urban Hive West End is a city-side retreat of 18 townhomes, walking distance to the coming Gold Line and much of the coming improvements to the Five Points corridor. This new development features duet-style townhomes with only one shared wall and three walls of windows. Private rooftop terraces, expansive city views, main-level balcony and tons of green space. Ample storage, walk-in pantry, two-car garage and oversized closets on every level. Large windows, stainless appliances, Europeanstyle flat panel cabinets, Carrera quartz, chrome fixtures, pre-finished hardwoods in living areas and hallways, tile baths, optional private rear courtyard, backsplash options and rooftop turf upgrade.
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– 2020 SUNDAY ISSUE FOCUS CALENDAR – SUNDAY ~ MARCH 8
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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
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19
SUNDAY ~ JUNE Uptown’s Mid & High Rises
Space Reservation: Wednesday, 6/3 Art Deadline: Friday, 6/5
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Space Reservation: Wednesday, 6/17 Art Deadline: Friday, 6/19
Lake Wylie
SUNDAY ~ SEPTEMBER
6
Space Reservation:Wednesday, 8/26 Art Deadline: Friday, 8/28
Myers Park & Eastover
Space Reservation: Wednesday, 3/25 Art Deadline: Friday, 3/27
12
Asheville
Space Reservation:Wednesday, 9/9 Art Deadline: Friday, 9/11
17
Space Reservation: Wednesday, 5/6 Art Deadline: Friday, 5/8
31
Space Reservation: Wednesday, 5/20 Art Deadline: Friday, 5/22
Dilworth & South End
Cornelius
26
Space Reservation: Wednesday, 7/1 Art Deadline: Friday, 7/3
Urban Boom
Space Reservation: Wednesday, 7/15 Art Deadline: Friday, 7/17
SUNDAY ~ OCTOBER
4
The Uptown Wards & West End
1
Space Reservation:Wednesday, 9/23
Union County
Space Reservation:Wednesday, 10/7 Art Deadline: Friday, 10/9
The Carmel Corridor
9
Space Reservation: Wednesday, 7/29 Art Deadline: Friday, 7/31
23
Space Reservation: Wednesday, 8/12 Art Deadline: Friday, 8/14
SUNDAY ~ NOVEMBER
Art Deadline: Friday, 9/25
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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
3
SUNDAY ~ JULY
14
Equestrian, Farms & Land
SUNDAY ~ MAY
29
Lake Norman
SUNDAY ~ DECEMBER
Custom Built Homes
Space Reservation:Wednesday, 10/21 Art Deadline: Friday, 10/23
13
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
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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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mid-century modern homes| URBAN HIVE WEST END 161 S. Bruns Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28208 Price: $420,642 MLS: 3491990 Listing Agents: Patrick Deely, 704-6049303, patdeelyrealtor@gmail.com; Lana Laws, 704-779-9005, lanalawsrealtor@gmail. com; Savvy + Co. Real Estate
This Urban Hive West End townhome is move-in ready. The duet-style townhome offers three walls of windows for maximum natural light. This city-side retreat of 18 townhomes is within walking distance to the coming Gold Line. Huge, private rooftop terraces, expansive city views, main-level balcony and tons of green space allow owners to enjoy the advantages of low-maintenance home ownership without sacrificing outdoor space. Not to mention ample storage, from the built-in office nook to the two-car garage and oversized closets on every level. Luxury interior finishes and optional interior and exterior upgrades. BIDDLEVILLE 229 S. Turner Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28208 Price: $474,900 MLS: 3581121 Listing Agent: Andres Gomez, 704-488-4296, andres@savvyandcompany.com, Savvy + Co. Real Estate
Nestled in Biddleville, these modern, endunit townhomes boast all the luxury and convenience of Uptown living but in a quiet surrounding. All details were carefully planned to create a clean, light-filled space. The main level is an entertainer’s dream with an open floor plan, including kitchen, dining and living rooms. The kitchen boasts high-end finishes, including stainless steel appliances, solid-surface countertops and sleek, modern details. Throughout the main living area and bedrooms you will find Swiss Krono flooring. The master suite is oversized with a walk-in closet. Enjoy quiet evenings or entertain guests in the fully fenced backyard with your own firepit. Minutes away from the Greenway, Blue Blaze Brewery and the future Gold Line.
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|design instyle
Spark your creativity with inspiring pink artwork and fresh flowers in your home office / bungalow5.com
Pink
The color of pre-spring by Vicki Donatelli
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on’t just sit and wait for spring—embrace a color that brightens your soul and décor. Every season has its primary tone. Soft pink is the color for January and February. It has the glimmer of icy branches and the hopefulness of spring blossoms.
This time of year, I find myself turning on lights and lamps as I walk through the house trying to make up for the lack of natural daylight. I’d argue, though, that a more sustainable and beautiful solution is to brighten those dark walls with paint. When you introduce a color to your existing décor, you want
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Brighten a dark décor with just a touch of pink and spring purple / crlaine.com
it to last three to 10 months—even longer if you’re committed to painting a wall or an entire room. Blush pink has staying power, a trustworthy neutral. It’s been on my design radar for the past two years. How do you embrace this charming pre-spring color without a complete makeover? By just adding a soft blush throughout your home. It’s about touches of soft, rosy pink, not pops of hot fuschia. Finding the perfect shade of pink can be tricky. Instead of selecting a paint color and then trying to find accessories that match, reverse the process. Find a painting, pillows, rug or lamps you love that look great with your existing décor.
Then take one of those items to the paint store and have them mix a custom color two to three shades lighter. Walls represent a big surface and should provide a backdrop for your décor. A lighter hue will allow your accessories to draw the design focus. If you love this color and want to create a tone-on-tone palette, here’s how you do it: Working with the wall color, complement it with other graded tones within this scheme when selecting furniture, textiles and accessories. You can accomplish other big changes with simple touches. If, like me, you spend a lot of time in your home office, brighten your days with new artwork. This easy, affordable fix can springboard
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Pink is a perfect neutral color for your walls, furniture and accessories / bungalow5.com
other small changes like flowers on your desk, pink storage boxes and a new rug. In your living room, swap out those dark holiday pillows for soft pink velvet ones. A new, matching throw is perfect for these chilly afternoons while also keeping your décor—and your mood—light and airy. Lamps are inexpensive swaps. My attic is full of different lamps and pillows. I love retrieving my favorites as the seasons change. Replacing a table lamp with a soft pink ceramic one can make a dramatic difference. One of the reasons pink is considered a neutral is its ability to coordinate with silver, brass and gold accessories and hardware. When mixed with silver, the color generates a cool presence. Mixed with gold tones, the atmosphere is af-
fectionate and cheerful. Finding and incorporating pink tones into your décor is a fun adventure. Seek out items you already own and contemplate their value before you head to the stores. Even the subtle blush of pearly pink on the inside of a conch shell can be the inspiration you need to bring prespring into your home.
Vicki Payne Donatelli is an interior designer, project coordinator and popular speaker for renovation and new construction projects. She is the host of the national PBS series “For Your Home.” Visit her blog at ForYourHome.com.
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Luxury
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EpconCharlotte.com • 704-275-5653
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Photos by Dylan Elliott Charlotte Home Photography
|design trends
The future of floor plans
Innovative “spaces within spaces” help to create the hybrid floor plan of every homeowner’s dreams by Julie Cooper
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quick Google search will convince you that the open floor plan is on its way out. Naysayers claim rooms without walls are too noisy, don’t offer enough privacy and are even less safe (it’s hard to put a baby gate up when there aren’t walls and doorways). Some may be fishing for the next best headline, but others are traditionalists upset about modern renovations of historic homes. As for Charlotte-area experts, they’re
all for light-filled, no-boundary living. Topping new construction wish lists and existing home renovation wants, living a life without so many walls is the way to go—as long as it’s done smartly. “Formal spaces have been phasing out for a while due to their lack of function and being an inhibitor of having larger gathering spaces,” shares Jason Murphy with Daedalus Properties. “Right now, the most popular design we’re seeing is open concept with cer-
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tain tweaks to enhance the living space. Using innovation to create unique spaces within existing spaces is a trend that’s gaining steam.” This hybrid floor plan combines the best of both worlds—a little more privacy and the less-visible mess of a traditional style with the flowing, light-filled ambiance of an open plan. “These ‘spacewithin-a-space’ designs are more welcoming and allow for areas to be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion,” he says. “Folks these days are certainly entertaining as much or more than those in past years, but having everyone together in the same space, within earshot of conversations and within reach of the food feels more comfortable.” To accomplish this, large butler pantries are placed adjacent to the kitchen. Having this space decked out with a sink
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Harbor Realty Inc.
TERRIE HAYES
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and enough counter space for appliances allows the heart of the home to stay clutter-free. These smart spaces also have partial walls or walls with wide openings, allowing for the open feel many modern homeowners crave. They might have pocket doors or beautiful sliding barn doors, which can completely close off the space when necessary—i.e. for your daughter’s piano lessons or that work call with Japan. This also creates more space for shelving and art while fashioning a functional space for homeowners to use as their lives require. “In a well-designed home, changing a room’s entire purpose can be as easy as changing the light fixture,” explains Kathy Spence with Bannister Homes.
“Formal living rooms are only popular if they can also be many types of rooms. Ideally, a room on the main floor needs to be flexible enough to be a parlor, study, guest room or den, depending on what the homeowner needs at the time. After all, a whole room just for the Christmas tree or one annual party doesn’t work for most of us.” However, Spence and a lot of Bannister Homes’ customers realize that too much of anything is never a good thing. “While open plans are a great way to use space in multiple ways, and we love being able to feel connected in these beautiful open areas, it’s essential to still have spaces that can provide privacy,” she says. “As we often discover when our homes are full of family during
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the holidays, too much togetherness is not always a good thing. Sometimes, a separate door is key.” The way people live is constantly evolving, and new construction regularly adjusts to keep up. It’s a fun back-and-forth that has played through the ages. “The future of formal spaces is changing by the way each individual and family lives and entertains,” Spence says. “At Banister Homes, there’s been a rise of hybrid floor plans that allow the homeowner to choose the elements they require.” “Our most popular homes have a beautiful suite in the front of the home that can serve as a parlor, a guest suite or a study,” Spence continues. “Another sought-after option is to adjust the traditional formal
dining in the front of the home by instead adding a beautiful open dining room in the rear of the home that opens to a covered back porch.” Murphy, who lives in a more traditional home full of formal spaces, says he doesn’t see many pluses in this dated style. “The space gets used once or twice a year, and the rest of the time it remains ‘off limits’ unusable space for the kids and the rest of the family,” he explains. “I, like many others, would certainly prefer a larger common area and usable space for my family and friends. So I think open floor plans are here to stay—it’s just a better ‘mousetrap’ than conventional closed-off and modulated floorplans. Walls will certainly continue coming down.”
OPEN HOUSE SAT 2-4
Robin knows DIRT! (10)1+ACRE Neighborhood Lots Blacksburg $13,000 each 3004 ASHWOOD PARK DR. .76 ac Belmont's Reflection Point $40,000
501 RIVIERA PLACE in Rock Hill's prestigious Waterford Glen golf course community just 30 minutes f/Charlotte. $348,000
2 acres Caroline acres Road Indian Land In established area. $180,000
$230,000
2.46 acres McFalls Dr., Indian land in established area $220,700 CAROBROOK NEIGHBORHOOD in Fort Lawn (2) lots water/sewer available $7500 each PINE MOSS 4 WATERFRONT LOTS on Lake Wylie, 3 with docks, 1 with dock permit. 1.6-3.8 Acres $258-450,000
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| straight talk
Cost vs. value A deeper look at the annual report by Allen Norwood
I
f you’re trying to choose a remodeling or improvement project for the coming year, you might want to scratch a grand fiberglass entry door with dual sidelights off your wish list. That project offered the lowest return in the Charlotte market, according to the 2020 Cost vs. Value Report. Instead, spruce up the exterior of your home with manufactured stone veneer.
The report is compiled annually by Remodeling Magazine. This year, editors surveyed remodeling and real estate pros to determine the typical cost of 22 popular projects and how much of your investment you might expect to recover at resale. The report includes midrange and upscale versions of some popular remodeling projects. They looked at 101 markets across the country, including Charlotte and four other
cities in North Carolina. You’ll find the full report, including city, regional and national figures, at costvsvalue.com. This year, editors say, the report showed a predictable increase in the cost of all projects but a dip in the perceived value at resale. That means a slight downturn in return on investment for most projects compared to last year. Editors attribute the trend to “con-
sumer jitters.” Remodeling activity is growing, they say, but at a slower rate than in years past. Last year, I wrote that most projects in Charlotte cost less than the regional and national averages, and return more at resale. That was good news for local homeowners—and it’s broadly true again this year. (One exception is that grand fiberglass entry.) Here’s a look at a few projects fea-
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tured in this year’s report: The most expensive project in Charlotte and across the country was an upscale master suite addition. It includes a 20-by-32-foot bedroom suite with sitting area and large master bath, custom bookcases and a gas fireplace. The bathroom features a dual shower and soaker tub. There’s a walk-in closet, of course. In Charlotte that project would cost $257,070 and return a bit more than 55 percent at resale. That return beats the national return by a sliver. The project that returned the most in Charlotte, as I hinted at the top of this, was manufactured stone veneer. It includes replacing 300 square feet of vinyl siding with stone. Estimated cost, according to the report, was $8,695. In Charlotte, according to the real estate pros surveyed, the return on that investment would be 100.1 percent. It’s the only project that returned more than it cost in Charlotte—and, in fact, the only project that returned
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more than 100 percent, period. No project regionally or nationally returned its full cost. The stone veneer project also returned the most in Charlotte last year. According to the 2019 report, it cost a little more than $8,300 then and returned a whopping 110 percent of that investment. As the editors point out this year, prices are up and returns are down. In years past, editors have noted that affordable upgrades that improve curb appeal—like that stone veneer— typically offer the best return. A new garage door certainly qualifies. In Charlotte, according to the 2020 report, it would cost $3,564 and return an impressive 91.6 percent. Oh, and that grand fiberglass entry? It would cost $8,836 and return a bit more than 52 percent at resale. More than half your investment—but not by much.
Allen Norwood: homeinfo@charter.net
6471 Hwy 73 Denver, NC 28037 | 704.483.6000
Open House This Weekend: 1-Story
268 Broadleaf Dr. - $434,800* 3 BR, 2.5 BA, 2,607 sq ft Rear porch overlooks woods. Mud Rm w/ built-in. Large pantry, gas cooking. Gas fp w/ cabinet. Huge WIC, tiled shower, tub. Office nook.
1-Story
1-Story
163 Broadleaf Dr. - $317,331* 2 BR, 2 BA, 1,977 sq ft Rear porch overlooks woods. Flex Rm for Dining or Office. White KT w/ quartz, gas, SS. Mud room. Family Rm has vaulted ceiling.
An all-ages neighborhood in Denver, NC
Inventory Home Open House Saturday, January 18, 12 - 4 PM Sunday, January 19, 2 - 4 PM
Light refreshments available as you tour Killian’s Pointe offers: • 1 & 2-story homes from the low $300’s • Lincoln County schools & taxes • 1,950 - 3,600+ sq ft; west of Lake Norman • Pool, playground, dog park, & miles of trails • Many homesites back up to mature trees • Easy access to I-485 & uptown Charlotte Killian’s Pointe an all-ages neighborhood
Sun/Mon: 1 - 6; Tue - Sat: 11 - 6 391 Broadleaf Dr, Denver, NC 28037 (not a part of Trilogy® Lake Norman)
704-483-6000
255 Broadleaf Dr. - $416,468* - 3 BR, 2.5 BA, 2,607 sq ft 10’x 34’ rear covered porch; vaulted & tray clgs. Office nook & large pantry behind Kitchen. Owner’s Suite w/ vaulted ceiling, soaking tub, tiled shower. Hardwoods throughout except guest beds. Tile in baths.
sheahomes.com/charlotte 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 does not include options, elevation, or lot premiums, effective date of publication and subject to change without notice. All square footages and measurements are approximate and subject to change without notice. Trademarks are property of their respective owners. Some images have been virtually staged; inventory homes are not furnished. Equal Housing Opportunity. *Incentives vary and may be in the form of price reductions, credits toward the purchase of options, or credits towards closing costs. *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 Killian’s Pointe sales office, and is subject to change.
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