Charlotte has been voted America’s #1 city to live in by Relocate-America.com  I’ve been here since 1995, and have been visiting regularly since the early 80’s.  I would never have imagined that there would be so much to do in my adopted hometown, while at the same time keeping the small town feel and relative affordability to other areas.  Check out the links below and let me know what you think?  Agreement/Disagreement/Comments???

Charlotte #1 Place to Live

Charlotte Dethrones Asheville

I moved here 13 years ago with no job and a couch to sleep on in my aunt & uncle’s house.  Now I am raising a family and running a successful business in what is in my opinion the best city in America!

This amazing custom built home by Korben Homes has just been listed with Schwebel & Associates.  Features include 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths.  There is a fireplace in the master suite, along with built-ins.  Two of the bedrooms share a jack & jill bath, and the last has a private bath.  Hardwood floors on the main level continue up the staircase into the upstairs hallway.  Wrought iron balusters accent the railing.  The kitchen includes a large prep island/breakfast bar with a vegetable sink, granite counters, dual wall ovens, stainless steel Jenn-Air appliances, and a pot-filler faucet above the 6-burner stove.

Located in Mint Hill in the new community of Waterleaf, this home is surrounded by 1.3 wooded acres.  More information on 9303 Bales Lane including a complete virtual tour, can be found on our Properties page.

Many of my clients ask me-where can I find a deal?  Although the rest of the nation has seen markets decline, we have held steady on pricing.  That doesn’t mean that there aren’t opportunities out there.  One of the ways to get a home below market pricing is to buy a builder spec, or inventory home.  These are homes that are with begun with no particular buyer in mind, or if a sale falls through the home will go back on the market.  The day a home is finished the builder starts to eat away at their profit.  They have speculated on a sale prior to or very soon after the homes completion, and they are motivated to get the home sold at this point in the time line.  Builders will offer financing incentives, incentives for free upgrades at the design center, or just flat out discounts on the price.  They will also offer bonuses to buyers brokers who bring a qualified buyer.  As long as the builder doesn’t offer these "deals" on too many homes in the neighborhood, the average prices will stay up where everyone else bought and the buyer of the spec home will have effectively bought a home with instant equity.

Simonini Builders has started selling homes in their latest community, Conservatory.  This intimate (30 homes), gated community is situated in the South Park area of Charlotte.  Custom homes feature exceptional architecture with distinct styling.  Plans include both upper level and lower level Master Suites.  All homes look out over the park-like center of the community, with areas for relaxation and open spaces.  Two grand gated entrances speak volumes about the neighborhood before you even arrive.  Prices start in the high $600’s.  The neighborhood is located at the corner of Park South Drive and Sulkirk Road.

To find out more about Conservatory, or any other custom builder in Charlotte, please contactSchwebel & Associates with Prudential Carolinas Realty at 800-617-2760.

Simonini Builders, a trusted name in custom home building for over 30 years, has announced a new Charlotte area project.  Stephens Square will be located in the heart of Myers Park at the corner of Queens Road West and Selwyn Avenue.

The intimate community is limited to 10 stately City Residences, blending perfectly with the historic surroundings.  The traditionally inspired townhomes have been designed by Meyer-Greeson-Paullin.

Amenities will include private courtyards, elevators, 2-car attached garages, and a gated entry.  Sizes will range from 3,523 to 4,435 square feet.