Real Estate News
C H A R L O T T E
page 2
home design dedicated to showcasing charlotte’s distinctive homes
“Their combination of history, outdoor living and easy lifestyles makes them the perfect place to raise families, enjoy community and savor the surrounding peacefulness.” – Jo Butterworth, Helen Adams Realty
Feels like home
Charlotte-area suburbs Fort Mill and Tega Cay are South Carolina’s best-kept secrets - story on page 4
real estate news What’s new p2
design instyle Going natural p10
design trends
Winter curb appeal p14
straight talk Sticker shock p18
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|real estate news
THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER
SATURDAY JANUARY 25 2020
what’s new? compiled by Whitney Berongi
HM PROPERTIES ANNOUNCES A NEW FIVE-UNIT TOWNHOME ENCLAVE COMMUNITY OFF PROVIDENCE ROAD HM Properties has been selected by builder and developer Sinacori Builders to represent its newest development, Providence Villas, a five-unit townhome enclave community located off Providence Road near Ballantyne. Providence Villas will feature two brick and stucco buildings on a tree-lined street with sidewalks. One of the buildings has three townhomes and the other has two. Each two-story townhome will have an open plan with a master suite on the main level. Two floor plan options ranging from 2,947 to 3,201 square feet are available, and buyers can choose from four three-bedroom plans with a loft or one fourbedroom plan. Each townhome includes a two-story great room that connects to a modern kitchen. The main level also has a butler’s pantry, dining room or study, half bath and large laundry room with a chute. The upper level houses the secondary bedrooms plus a loft with an optional dry bar, mini refrigerator and microwave upgrade. Additional features include Kohler bath fixtures, brick paver patio with privacy wall and an attached two-car garage with a carriage-style door. The low-maintenance exterior and landscaping will be included in the homeowner’s association dues. The three-bedroom units are $579,900, and the four-bedroom unit is $599,000. Completion is scheduled for the spring of 2020. For more information, call Connor Sinacori at 704-996-5406, email connor@hmproperties.com or visit hmpropeties.com/providence-villas.
and geographical reach, public announcements about imminent changes, their tenure and their personal influence in the industry. Riley has led the Carolinas’ largest real estate brokerage brand since 1992, which spans 47 offices in North and South Carolina. In 2019, the company recorded 20,017 closed sales transactions totaling $5.75 billion. Allen Tate Realtors is the Carolinas’ largest real estate company with offices in the Charlotte, Triad, Triangle and High Country regions of North Carolina and the Upstate of South Carolina. Visit allentate.com for more information. PREMIER SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY ACHIEVES $5.2 BILLION IN TOTAL SALES VOLUME FOR 2019 Premier Sotheby’s International Realty announced that it has achieved a record $5.2 billion in total sales volume for 2019, a 15 percent increase yearover-year. With an average sales price of $725,116 (up 3 percent), the brokerage also closed 7,129 transactions—an 11 percent increase from 2018. With 40 offices from Southwest Florida to the High Country of North Carolina, the brokerage reported gains in each of its markets. The North Carolina region reported a 27 percent increase in average sales price and a 35 percent increase in sales volume. Premier Sotheby’s International Realty is ranked No. 34 in the annual REAL Trends 500 survey of the top U.S. residential sellers by volume and is No. 32 in RISMedia’s Top 500 Power Broker Annual Report. For more information, visit premiersothebysrealty.com.
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 ALLEN TATE PRESIDENT/CEO PAT RILEY NAMED TO 2020 SWANEPOEL POWER 200 Allen Tate Companies President and CEO Pat Riley has been named to the Swanepoel Power 200 (SP200) for 2020, a list of the most powerful and influential leaders in residential real estate. Riley is ranked No. 73 among the top 200 real estate executives. He was previously named to the Swanepoel Power 200 for 2018. The SP200 is the definitive ranking of residential real estate’s top leaders produced and published annually by the Swanepoel T3 Group, led by New York Times and Wall Street Journal best-selling author Stefan Swanepoel. Leaders are evaluated based on the office they hold, the decision-making power associated with the office, the financial resources at their disposal, their organization’s industry significance
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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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.
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THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER
SATURDAY JANUARY 25 2020
|living in Fort Mill and Tega Cay DID YOU KNOW? Fort Mill was originally called “Little York” but was renamed for the colonialera fort built by the British and a grist mill at nearby Steele Creek.
by Julie Cooper
EAT
Local Dish Located on Main Street and serving up farm-to-fork dishes with a twist, refuel at this familyowned restaurant revered for its good food and Southern hospitality. localdishinc.com
PLAY
Tega Cay Golf Club Tee off on this 27-hole course nestled in the peninsula’s rolling terrain to see why it’s been voted the best golf course in the Fort Mill area. tegacaygolfclub.com
EXPLORE
Baxter Village Immerse yourself in the heart of Fort Mill at this bustling development, visiting its charming local shops and restaurants for a fun day out with family or friends. baxtertowncenter.com
T
ega Cay offers lakefront living at its best. Fort Mill offers family-friendly living, convenience and nightlife all rolled into one. Together, these bordering Charlotte-area suburbs offer locals the best of both worlds. “I love boating on Lake Wylie and riding horses along the trails at the Anne Springs Close Greenway,” shares longtime resident Jo Butterworth with Helen Adams Realty, who’s called Tega Cay home for more than two decades. “Tega Cay and Fort Mill have so much to offer everyone, young and old alike. Their combination of history, outdoor living and easy lifestyles makes them the perfect place to raise families, enjoy community and savor the surrounding peacefulness.” Drawing folks from all over the state and even the country thanks to their proximity to opportunity-rich Charlotte and relatively low cost of living, the secret’s out on these South Carolina gems. “Tega Cay and Fort Mill have both received national accolades for being prime relocation destination spots in the U.S.,” says Butterworth. “People love their small-town feel with big-city access a short commute away and low taxes.” Families are also driven to the area for the top-performing schools. While it’s a great bonus for the area, it’s also somewhat of a curse. “Our schools are nationally ranked and,
therefore, a main reason why people are coming here from across the nation,” she explains. “So if schools are important, make certain you check enrollment freezes and zone changes.” Even with local schools shuffling the students around to keep classrooms at a reasonable size, the lifestyle remains a steady win. “It’s a community where everyone seems to know each other,” says Judi Phillips with Highgarden Real Estate. “People raised here tend to stay here. That’s pretty rare these days.” It’s no wonder folks wouldn’t leave the serene banks of recreational Lake Wylie. The little peninsula of Tega Cay offers its residents bigtime lake fun even if they don’t live right on the water. “The citizens of Tega Cay enjoy the use of boat ramps, waterfront parks, walking trails and the Tega Cay Golf Club,” Phillips says. “Living here is like being on vacation every day. I especially enjoy heading to the golf club for golf or dinner and watching the water-ski show by the Carolina Show Ski Team on summer weekends.” In Fort Mill, the lifestyle is just as enticing. There’s a historic downtown peppered with mom-and-pop shops. Holiday events close down Main Street several times a year. And new developments continually change the landscape, offering something exciting with each new
build. “Springfield Parkway opened up access to a lot of new neighborhoods on Doby’s Bridge, and more are projected,” says Butterworth. “Kingsley is a happening place with restaurants, shops, offices, a hotel and apartments. It’s become a prime commercial spot that has given Fort Mill a nightlife.” Folks who choose Fort Mill are often drawn to Baxter Village, Butterworth says. “It continues to be popular since folks love to walk or ride their golf carts to the shops, restaurants and even the library there,” she says. “Buyers also love Springfield with its golf course and easy access to the greenway.” “Fort Mill is drawing people downtown to the older historic homes due to the walkability,” adds Phillips. “In Tega Cay, waterfront homes are in high demand. We’re also seeing an uptick in the popularity of the smaller homes, which used to be vacation cottages in the early years. Many of these can be found on the golf course.” The real estate market is competitive as the area’s benefits are so plenty. “Our area continues to grow thanks to the lower taxes, proximity to Charlotte, schools and business areas that are popping up along I-77,” she says. “Currently, homes on the market do not last long. Buyers should be prepared if they are ready to buy.”
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living in Fort Mill and Tega Cay| LAKE SHORE 1044 Hunters Run Drive, Tega Cay, SC 29708 Price: $414,000 MLS: 3547365 Listing Agent: Jo Butterworth, Helen Adams Realty, 704-267-3643, jo@butterworth.net
Beautiful arts & crafts home by Saussy Burbank in popular Lake Shore on the peninsula in Tega Cay. Move-in ready. Five bedrooms/3.5 baths. Classic hardwoods and craftsman moldings. Elegant two-story foyer, formal living and dining with French doors. Large kitchen with roomy eat-at bar and breakfast area that flows into vaulted great room with fireplace. Master on main with luxury bath and custom closet. Laundry on main. Back stairs to second level. Office with built-ins and hardwoods. Surround sound. Irrigation. Peaceful screened porch. Deck and patio. Lovely landscaping in private retreat and fenced backyard.
GREAT SCHOOLS
Providence Manor ~ 1617 Home Place ~ Matthews MLS# 3563338 | 5BD, 4.5BA | 4,364 SqFt | .61 Acres | $599,900
Estates at Audubon Lake ~ 417 Vine Street ~ Indian Land MLS# 3584993 | 5BD, 4BA | 3,945 SqFt | $525,000
The Landing ~ 2678 Landing Pointe Dr ~ Lake Wylie MLS# 3511054 | 6BD, 4BA | 3,920 SqFt | $519,500
Lake Shore ~ 1044 Hunters Run Drive ~ Tega Cay MLS# 3547365 | 5BD, 3.5BA | 3,086 SqFt | $414,000
NC Broker/SC Realtor®
Cell: 704.267.3643 Jo@Butterworth.net
Helen Adams Realty 2019 Listing Leader and Sales Leader #1 Sales Leader 2004-2019 Nationally Ranked #1 Customer Service 2007-2019 Best in Charlotte 2007-2019
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SATURDAY JANUARY 25 2020
FEBRUARY
1
15
Providence Road
Midwood, Noda, Belmont & Villa Heights
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22
Mooresville
European Inspired Homes
29
Craftsman Style Homes
Buck Brice (704) 358-5454 | BBrice@CharlotteObserver.com
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living in Fort Mill and Tega Cay| LAKE RIDGE 1033 Angelica Lane, Tega Cay, SC 29708 Price: $475,000 MLS: 3565745 Listing Agents: Melanie Wilson, 704-9061973, mel.wilsonrealtor@gmail.com; Joshua Parker, 803-412-2203, parkerj@kw.com, Keller Williams Realty
The seller has meticulously maintained this home and added more features than can be listed. The entire home has recently been painted inside and out. Seller recently finished an amazing outdoor space complete with extended patio, pergola and built-in grilling area with granite countertops and an inset Kamado Joe porcelain grill. Second story features master suite, three additional bedrooms and a large loft. Third floor features a wet bar, full bathroom, theater room and a bonus room that can be used as a fifth bedroom. All carpets in home have recently been replaced. Home also features a Rinnai tankless water heater and wholehouse water filtration system.
LAKE WYLIE | 5 COMMODORE POINT ROAD | RIVER HILLS
MELANIE WILSON
(704) 906-1973 MelanieWilson@KW.com www.WilsonKeatonRealtors.com
Golf Course & Marina Main Channel Water Views on Cul-De-Sac Lot New Appliances ~ Gated Community & Security MLS# 3578803 | 4BD, 3.5BA | 2,938 SqFt | .7 Acres | $855,000
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SATURDAY JANUARY 25 2020
– 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
5
19
SUNDAY ~ JUNE Uptown’s Mid & High Rises
Space Reservation: Wednesday, 6/3 Art Deadline: Friday, 6/5
28
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
18
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
27
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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living in Fort Mill and Tega Cay| BAXTER VILLAGE 862 Harvest Pointe Drive Unit 1309, Fort Mill, SC 29708 Price: $1,880,000 MLS: 3578859 Listing Agent: Dana P. Burleson, Savvy + Co. Real Estate, 704-641-3281, danapb@ carolina.rr.com
Set on 1.3-plus acres, this custom Europeanstyle dwelling is a feast for the eyes with ample interior and exterior spaces. Personal home of custom builder and an interior designer. Kitchen with dual islands, gas range, marble and granite counters, paneled built-in refrigerator, walk-in pantry. Master retreat with separate office/den and boutique-style walk-in closet. Hardworking mudroom/drop zone and two laundry rooms. Bonus room with 1,250-plus square feet. Ten-foot ceilings, acacia wood floors throughout, designer lighting and detail paneling and moldings. Covered veranda with fireplace, in-ground saltwater pool, cabana, hot tub and brick fire pit. Duet oversized two-car garages plus detached garage/workshop.
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Photos courtesy of Dash & Albert, a division of Annie Selke
|design instyle
Natural jute rugs have a strong hand-woven texture that adds depth to a room.
Going natural
Natural-fiber rugs like sisal and jute are both practical and stylish by Vicki Donatelli
M
y go-to floor coverings are natural sisal and jute woven rugs. They are timeless, durable and easy to incorporate into any style. From beach homes to traditional spaces, they provide the perfect design foundation. You may think jute and sisal are the same, but no. Jute is
obtained from the stem and outer skin of the jute plant, which is grown in the Bengal region between India and Bangladesh. Sisal is native to Mexico. The sisal fibers come from the leaves of the cactus agave plant and are stronger than other natural fibers. If you are looking for a rug with a soft and smooth feel, go
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Don’t steer away from patterned rugs. They work well with traditional or modern décor.
for jute. Some people find sisal rugs rough and hard on sensitive feet and little one’s knees. Sisal rugs absorb sound better than jute and are more durable, making them a good choice for playrooms. Due to sisal’s hard-wearing fibers, it works well for high-traffic areas and stairs. Sisal does not show stains easily. Regular vacuuming with the same attachment you use on hardwood floors should be all you need to keep your rugs looking great. If spills do occur, blot with paper towels, never rub. Finish cleaning up with a damp cloth and mild detergent. For badly soiled rugs it’s best to call in the professionals. Once you have considered wearabil-
ity and comfort issues, it comes down to style and appearance. Sisal has a creamy, light natural color while jute is generally beige or golden in color. Jute rugs show color variations when woven, providing a soft natural appearance. Both types of fibers can be dyed with vegetable-based pigments and woven into patterned or overall colors. Natural woven rugs provide the allimportant texture that benefits all types of décor. Jute rugs are chunkier and offer a more rustic, casual appearance. Sisal has the appearance of textured yarn making it more suitable for textured patterned rugs. Sisal is also sold as wall-to-wall carpet. When you need custom-sized rugs
Sisal fibers are strong and consistent in structure, making them perfect for a loomed carpet look.
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Natural rugs come in many colors. Warm up a traditional room with a rich, patterned rug.
Find just the right texture and color in a natural jute rug.
or runners, consider purchasing sisal carpet and having it cut and bound to size. I’ve been offering this solution for my client’s homes for years and have always found wonderful pattern options. Don’t let patterned weaves scare you away from intriguing design possibilities. Use the same scale-to-pattern rules you would when mixing fabrics. If your sofa is upholstered in a large pattern, consider a small geometric or striped design. Solid fabrics can use a bolder-patterned rug to add interest to a plain room. There is a wide variety available. Natural rugs look best in organic colors like blues, browns and tans. Natural vegetable-based pigments are vulnerable to direct sunlight. So, if that is an issue in
your home, stick with the natural-colored sisal or jute rugs. Even if you are in love with your darker wool, hand-tied rugs, consider switching them out to natural fiber rugs during the warmer months. It will completely change the look of your rooms. You won’t be disappointed.
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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KEEP UP WITH THE JONESES. Explore the incredible style and luxury on display at two new communities from Jones Homes USA. Our legacy of building outstanding homes and communities, with innovative designs, outstanding included luxury appointments that are considered upgrades from other builders, and the latest energy features and advanced home technology will open your eyes to what your dream home can truly be.
Luxury Single-Family Homes from the mid $700s
406 Turtleback Ridge, Weddington, NC 28104 704-275-5484 | JonesHomesUSA.com
Luxury Single-Family Homes from the $400s
1057 Chippenham Avenue, Indian Land, SC 29720 704-457-8255 | JonesHomesUSA.com
#RBC 80529
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|design trends
Sprucing up your home’s winter curb appeal Tips for making your home look cozy, clean and welcoming this winter season by Emily Gunn
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f your yard isn’t looking its absolute best in the winter months, you’re not alone. It can be hard for any yard to look great during this cold (and sometimes bleak) time of year. The good news is that most buyers willing to brave the cold weather and early nightfall aren’t out looking “for fun” in the winter months. Often, local employers are hiring for new positions at the beginning of the year, and interested homebuyers are looking to relocate to the area immediately. With a few helpful moves to spruce up your home’s curb appeal you’ll be able to catch their attention and close the sale.
CREATE A COZY VIBE Just because the weather outside is frightful doesn’t mean your home can’t look delightful. Peggy Peterson with HM Properties recommends lighting a fire in your fireplace if you have one—not only will it make your home look cozier, but it will show off one of your home’s best assets. You should also turn all your lights on both inside and out whenever you’re getting ready to show your home in the dark winter months. This will immediately make it more inviting (and also make it safer for people coming in and out of your home!). Now that the holiday season is over,
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you should make sure you’ve removed all Christmas and holiday decorations so that your house looks well-maintained and cared for. You don’t want to leave potential buyers with the impression that you are neglectful or behind on other important maintenance tasks. MIND THE DETAILS Without the bright colors of spring flowers or the rich hues of fall leaves, the barrenness of winter can leave your home extra vulnerable to a critical eye. Without the built-in distractions other seasons
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offer, Peterson says you’ll want to make sure you haven’t neglected any yard maintenance, as it will be extra noticeable to potential buyers. This means clearing out your gutters, for instance, which may be clogged from fall foliage. And even if your grass isn’t as green and luscious as it normally is, keep the leaves raked in your yard and the lawn looking tidy. With fewer or no leaves on the trees in your yard, everything about your home will be more obvious—including the paint job. Chipped paint on your home’s exterior will be more noticeable than during other times of the year, so have the exterior freshly
painted before even listing your home. You should also touch up the paint on your front door, shutters and even your mailbox, if needed. Jason Dolph of Modern Brokerage also recommends paying attention to details like the cleanliness of your patio furniture and your driveway— porch furniture should be wiped down and clean, and you may want to consider power washing your driveway. Dolph also recommends paying careful attention to your yard. You should consider replenishing mulch and pine straw, along with planting plants that will survive the winter, such as winter jasmine and holy bush. These small but impact-
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ful touches will help liven up your yard in the winter and make it look more inviting to potential buyers, Dolph says. CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL When it comes to getting your home looking its best, it can be easy to neglect small things because you see them every day; you’re used to seeing your family’s bikes on the back porch or a little dirt on your porch swing. A professional stager or realtor will be able to help you notice these small details and catch them before listing your home. Peterson says you’ll want to make sure you’ve handled all of these little considerations and more before even listing your house. Winter is not the time of year to “test the market” like some sellers do in the spring and summer when the market is hotter. But as long as you make sure your home looks cozy, clean and welcoming, you’ll be well on your way to a successful winter sale.
DISCOVER THE + IN 55+ LIVING + + + +
25 minutes from Uptown Walking distance to new Novant Hospital 17,000 sq. ft. clubhouse, now open New homesites now available
ACT NOW FOR BEST SELECTION OF HOMESITES, PLANS AND VALUES! Charlotte’s best-located 55+ community 9 designer model homes, open daily New homes from the upper $200s to $500s
855 -799- 4084
CresswindCharlotte.com
© 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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| straight talk
Sticker shock Average 2019 resale prices at five Charlotte-area active-adult communities by Allen Norwood
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eid Baxter, whose ReMax Executive real estate team specializes in homes in Sun City Carolina Lakes, says prospective buyers are hardly ever startled by high prices in the massive active-adult community just south of Ballantyne in Indian Land. Many of his clients are moving to the
Charlotte area from regions with higher home prices, he says, so Carolina Lakes prices can look like bargains. “If they’re moving here from the Northeast, they’re not surprised by anything except taxes. They say, ‘[taxes] can’t be that low.’” I was surprised, though, after research revealed the average sale prices
at Carolina Lakes and four other popular 55-plus neighborhoods. Honestly, I thought they’d be higher. I have lots of conversations with readers about prices in active-adult communities. Prices can seem high if you compare them to similar homes in standard neighborhoods—those without age
restrictions and lots of grownup-friendly amenities. And, of course, we’ve all learned that advertised home prices in all sorts of neighborhoods might not match final sales prices. But much of the talk about pricing has been speculation. So, I asked the good folks at Canopy
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MLS, formerly Carolina Multiple Listing Services, to calculate the average sale prices for 2019 for five active-adult communities. I included Carolina Lakes because it has dominated the active-adult market here for so long. I chose the others—Bailey’s Glen in Cornelius, Courtyards at Wesley Chapel, Cresswind on I-485 in Mint Hill and Trilogy at Lake Norman in Denver—because they’re by a diverse array of builders and generate lots of buzz among activeadult buyers. Here’s a look at the average home sold last year in each of the neighborhoods: Bailey’s Glen: 21 homes, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2,374 square feet, $477,925. Carolina Lakes: 152 homes, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2,144 square feet, $352,031. Courtyards at Wesley Chapel: 25 homes, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2,302 square feet, $468,039. Cresswind: 61 homes, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,966 square feet, $369,926. Trilogy: 50 homes, 2 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2,047 square feet, $441,231. The figures include only homes sold through the MLS, which means that the numbers overwhelmingly are for resales. Lots of new homes in active-adult communities aren’t listed on the
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MLS, Baxter says. Also, the figures include only single-family homes. If you’re shopping for a condo or townhouse in an active-adult community, you might expect to pay less. Baxter said the average for Carolina Lakes sounded a bit high to him until I explained that the figures included only singlefamily homes. As you can see, Carolina Lakes had the lowest average sale price last year at $352,031. Bailey’s Glen was at the top among the five at $477,925. Average sizes surprised me; I thought the homes might be smaller. Only one neighborhood averaged less than 2,000 square feet—and just barely. Buyers like active-adult homes with a bit of elbow room. Average price per square foot? Well, Carolina Lakes was lowest at $164 per square foot, followed by Cresswind at $188. The other three topped $200 per square foot, with Trilogy the most expensive at $216. Honestly, I thought the price per square foot would be higher, too.
Allen Norwood: homeinfo@charter.net
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THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER
SATURDAY JANUARY 25 2020
STUNNING AMENITIES IN THE HEART OF BLOWING ROCK • Architectural design by David Patrick Moses • Interiors by prominent designer Dianne Davant • Prestigious Blowing Rock community, convenient to Main Street shopping and dining
• Oversized two vehicle garage • Maintenance-free living • Covered outdoor deck with grilling area and living space • Elevator access • One-level living • Private resident storage areas
Chestnut at Blowing Rock 364 Chestnut Drive Blowing Rock, NC 28605 chestnutatblowingrock.com Ashley Hutchens and Jerry Hutchens 828.964.5438 ashley.hutchens@premiersir.com jerry.hutchens@premiersir.com
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WHERE MAIN STREET AND LUXURY MEET Chestnut at Blowing Rock features open and airy living spaces, natural finishes and towering windows designed to showcase breathtaking vistas.