Charlotte Parks
If you ever wonder why Charlotte North Carolina is so beautiful just look at our parks. It’s wonderful to see that not all of our city is taken up by Real Estate and that’s difficult for me to say considering I’m a Realtor. Colonel Francis Beatty Park is located in Southeast Charlotte and has some of the best areas to enjoy. There’s a lake for boating, several ball fields and biking trails. There’s a great park located on Pineville Matthews road between Rea and Providence roads that is so great (Davies Park). Nestled among fine homes this park has several soccer fields and plenty of areas to enjoy. The recently added dog park in Davies are some of the best, with a large dog area that is over 3 acres!
Our Greenway system is continually being expanded and has become extremely popular with walkers, bikers, runners, and others. I guess that I’m just spoiled here!
Relocating to Charlotte - FAQs
When I speak with new clients, the most often asked question is, “Where should I live?” Well, that depends on your needs. If you have school age children you need to be considering the best schools. As a parent that moved here over 26 years ago my research was limited. Now I would go to NCReportCards.org and schoolmatters.com. In addition, for Charlotte North Carolina schools, you can go to CMS.K12.NC.US. My clients have used these sites and find them to be worthwhile. We were lucky that in spite of not having accessible data we landed in the better school zones. Our children are grown, out of grad school with outstanding careers here in Charlotte.
So what else is important in order to find that great home in that perfect community? Selecting that right Realtor that cares more about your success happiness than the income they will receive. E-mail me with your questions and concerns on these two very important topics and I’ll elaborate. I can be reached at Irv@TopCharlotteAgent.com
Google Maps Street View
Go to Google maps and put in your home address and then click the Street View tab. I did mine and it was unnerving how the feel of my street came through as I panned around the cul-de-sac. We have been looking into how to incorporate googlemaps into our site as we have found it very useful. I was reading an article in my monthly Realtor magazine and thought this would be cool to check out. It currently covers 40 cities and I haven’t been able to spend the time to see if this includes the suburbs as well, but what an incredible tool for home buyers relocating from somewhere else. For the first time our buyer clients will be able to get a feel for not just an individual home, but the surrounding streetscape. Lynn, our web guru says it creeps her out. She’s sending a link to her parents who don’t like the idea of big brother looking over their shoulder-better watch out he’s here!
Charlotte Housing Market Update May '08
Is it a buyers market or sellers market? The most often asked question is this a good time to buy or sell Real Estate in Charlotte North Carolina? That depends on who you are. As of May 08 we have 2386 sold in May with an average of 91 days on the market. I’d say that’s back to normal for this agent.
If I’m a seller I need to price my home aggressively. I need to know that there are other homes in Charlotte that are doing the same. I have to be well presented both inside and out so that when someone is looking for homes for sale in Charlotte they will see the very best. As the inventory begins to dwindle in Charlotte North Carolina it will quickly become evident that the market has swung to the seller.
Some sellers believe that many Realtors like a quick turn and therefore we price our homes too low. Well this Top Charlotte Agent believes that you have to price it correct and it will sell. The true market value of a home in Charlotte is set by the buyer and not anyone else. I want my clients to get the most for their home, in the lease amount of time and with the least amount of effort. I’ve been representing clients for 18 years in the greater Charlotte North Carolina area and I clearly understand the importance of pricing it right and presenting and marketing it well.
Our housing market reports page offers several market reports on various real estate areas of Charlotte.
Does anyone have any experiences both good and bad that they would like to share?
What Makes Charlotte So Great?
Here’s what makes Charlotte so great. I’ve just come back from a cruise and I still feel that I’m on vacation. Yes that sounds so corny but it’s true! Why? It’s the ease of flying into Charlotte at Douglas International Airport and the ease of driving home. O.K. so that’s one small part of what makes us so great. Charlotte is green, clean and beautiful. If you want to get uptown to an event or dinner it’s easy in and easy out. We have the best of hospitals and a great climate. Speaking about our climate lets examine our work climate. One of the main reasons The Charlotte area continues to out pace the rest of the nation is the opportunity to find employment.
The Charlotte housing market continues to out pace the rest of the nation. What would $300,000 buy you if you lived in New York, Chicago or L.A.?
If you’re interested in knowing more of what I think about living in Charlotte please e-mail me at Irv@TopCharllotteAgent.com. If you have some comments I’d like to hear from you too.
Olde Providence Rec Association Spring Baseball
This is of course very biased, but I thought it appropriate to talk a bit about the Olde Providence Tigers, led this Spring by Coach Bob Adler. The marked improvement in the boys physical skills and more importantly mental skills just blew me away and the coach deserves much credit for stressing the basics and keeping the boys focused mentally. They didn’t come away with the championship this season, but they can walk away knowing they are better players due to their and their coaches’ efforts this season.
On another note check out Coach Adler’s other passion-BBQ
Charlotte - America’s # 1 Place to Live
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???
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!
Wachovia Championship in Charlotte Through May 4
UPDATE - Monday’s Pro-Am has been cancelled due to weather.
For the next week, through May 4, the Wachovia Championship golf tournament returns to Charlotte once again. Tiger Woods won’t be here this time (knee surgery), but it’s still a strong field as usual. I believe that tickets are sold out, but Mulligan tickets can be bought most days at the parking areas. Mulligan tickets are ones that have been turned in by patrons leaving the tournament earlier in the day. They are resold for a nominal amount and allow last minute spectators to see the tournament. It’s a great idea.
The well-run tournament is always a great way to spend the day and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Quail Hollow Country Club.
For more information, visit Wachovia Championship.
Olympic Kayaking, Steeplechasing, & Bruuuuce This Weekend!
A great weekend looms before us here in Charlotte! Actually ‘looms’ might not be the right word, since it’s shaping up to be a fantastic weekend. If ever you’ve wondered what there is to do in Charlotte - wonder no more.
Beginning today, our own US National Whitewater Center hosts a 3-day event at their exciting facility. And they’re not just hosting one event - that would be too easy - they are hosting 3 separate events! First and foremost is the 2008 US National Olympic Team Trials. 15 athletes will be selected for the US National Team, with 5 going on to compete in Bejing at the Olympics! Second, is the 2008 Canadian Olympic Team Trials. And third, is the 2008 Pan American Slalom Championships and Olympic Qualifier. Whew! That’s a lot of whitewater and a lot of fun. There is an entry fee for these events. For more information, visit USNWC.org. Take it outside!
Second up for this weekend on Saturday is the Queen’s Cup Steeplechase in Mineral Springs, just outside of Waxhaw. This annual (last Saturday in April) event draws tens of thousands of spectators and tailgaters all eager to watch incredible horses and jockeys compete over brush and timber jumps at a full gallop. Tailgate spaces usually sell out, but the enormous infield can hold an infinite number people with room to spare. Races start around 1pm and last until around 4:30. A party for everyone near the finish line includes live music and food - and costs nothing - a perfect way to end the day. Besides the races, there are numerous attractions for kids and adults alike. Early tickets can be purchased at Harris Teeter. For more information, visit QueensCup.org. Each year, the Queen’s Cup proceeds benefit a regional charity. This year, that charity is Make-A-Wish. We’ll be there as usual - stop by Withers 46 & 47 and say hi - we’ll save a Mimosa for you!
On Sunday evening, at Bobcats - excuse me - Time Warner Cable Arena - Bruuuuce! The one, the only, The Boss! Sadly, the recent death of keyboardist Danny Federici will certainly be felt, but Bruce never fails to inspire and impress even the most jaded concert goers. It should be a night to remember for all. What a great way to end the weekend.
And then on Monday, the Wachovia Championship Golf Tournament begins at Quail Hollow Country Club. The best part of the tournament is that you can bring your camera on Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday! It’s a great chance to get up close to the pros. For ticket information, visit WachoviaChampionship.com.
With all of that going on - no one can claim to be bored in the upcoming days. I’m going to need a weekend to recover from the weekend! Have fun everyone and report back on your experiences!
Oak Island NC Property
Oak Island is arguably one of the last great opportunites to buy properties along the coast of the Carolinas at affordable prices. As the nation has seen a downturn in Real Estate markets the Carolinas have remained resilient. That doesn’t mean however, that there still aren’t opportunities around. Check out this property listed for sale and then check out a bit about Oak Island and what is in store for the next few months and years.
Oak Island is approx. 4 hours from Charlotte and getting closer all the time as the roads are improved and speed limits raised.
