Discover Charlotte NC's Best Small Towns

Brightmoor in Matthews NC--Homes for Sale and Neighborhood Profile

Carol Fox, Real Estate Broker, Union County NC Real Estate (Allen Tate Company) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:46:02 -0600

Brightmoor in Matthews NC—Homes for Sale and Neighborhood Profile

Brightmoor in Matthews NC is one of several neighborhoods along Pleasant Plains Road that were built in the mid-1980s to mid-1990s. Two landscaped entrances mark the tree-lined streets leading into the neighborhood. Brightmoor is an ideal neighborhood to find wooded lots with wide frontage giving homes privacy not found in many newer subdivisions. Most of Brightmoor’s homes are colonial in style with big front porches. The later homes built in the neighborhood have a transitional style with two-story rooms and vaulted ceilings in the interiors.

Brightmoor has an active homeowners association that manages several community amenities, including two swimming pools, a playground, tennis courts and walking trails throughout the neighborhood. The neighborhood association also sponsors activities throughout the year such as yard sales and holiday activities. Brightmoor is conveniently located near downtown Matthews NC with its restaurants, shops and many festivals. The Siskey YMCA and two community shopping centers with grocery stores, restaurants and shops are located within a couple of miles of the Brightmoor neighborhood.

Map of Brightmoor in Matthews NC

View Brightmoor Neighborhood in Matthews NC in a larger map

Brightmoor Community Features

Community Amenities: Homeowners Association, walking trails, swimming pools, tennis courts, playground, proximity to grocery stores, restaurants and shops

Builders: Squires Homes, Ryland Homes, UDC Homes, other small builders

Schools: Matthews Elementary, Crestdale Middle, Butler High. School assignments are subject to change. Check with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Public Schools for current school assignments.

Brightmoor Real Estate Market Update

January to November 2009

Homes Sold: 14 single family homes

Prices: $160,000 to $330,000 Average Sales Price: $210,092

Average Square Feet: 2281

Average Days on Market: 87

Source: Carolina Multiple Listing Service

Brightmoor Homes for Sale

Click here to find Brightmoor homes for sale.

Ever wonder what your Brightmoor home is worth?

Click here to request a free market evaluation.

Carol Fox

Discover Charlotte North Carolina's Best Small Towns

Carol Fox of Allen Tate Realtors has helped people find the right homes and neighborhoods in Charlotte North Carolina's best small towns for twenty five years.

Call Carol Fox at 704-814-6242

to list your property for sale or to purchase a home in

Matthews NC, Mint Hill NC and the small towns of Union County NC, including Stallings NC, Indian Trail NC, Weddington NC, Waxhaw NC, Lake Park NC, Marvin NC, Wesley Chapel NC and Monroe NC.

Search for homes and learn more about these communities

at www.CarolinaSmallTownLiving.com.

Brighton Park in Mint Hill NC--Homes for Sale and Neighborhood Profile

Carol Fox, Real Estate Broker, Union County NC Real Estate (Allen Tate Company) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:36:25 -0600

Brighton Park in Mint Hill NC—Homes for Sale and Neighborhood Profile

The Brighton Park neighborhood was designed to answer Mint Hill’s need for a compact development that would provide retail stores and homes in its downtown core. Brighton Park has fulfilled its promise to deliver a variety of homes within walking distance of parks, stores and services. In turn, the activity within Brighton Park has added to the vitality of downtown Mint Hill NC.

Five parks are interspersed among the homes in Brighton Park. All of the streets are laid out on a grid giving the neighborhood with its deep lots and back alleys a traditional feel. Front porches with gingerbread trim welcome families and neighbors. Brighton Park includes opportunities for townhome living in addition to the single family homes.

New homes as well as resale homes are available in Brighton Park. Mattamy Homes and MI Homes still have a few lots left for single family construction. Two new townhome developments have been started recently by Lennar and Market Street Communities. Lennar is building three story townhomes with two-car garages from $155,000 to $175,000. The two-story townhomes offered by Market Street Communities are inspired by classic Virginia brownstone architecture. These townhomes are priced from $160,000 to $200,000.

Learn more about Brighton Park and view more photos: Downtown Mint Hill NC Walkable Neighborhoods: Brighton Park.

Map of Brighton Park in Mint Hill NC

View Brighton Park in Mint Hill NC in a larger map

Brighton Park Community Features

Community Amenities: Homeowners Association, parks, walking trails, proximity to grocery store, restaurants and shops

Builders: David Weekly Homes, Mattamy Homes, MI Homes, Lennar, Market Street Communities

Schools: Bain Elementary, Mint Hill Middle, Butler High (2009-2010), Independence High (2010-2011) School assignments are subject to change. Check with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Public Schools for current school assignments.

Brighton Park Real Estate Market Update

January to November 2009

Homes Sold: 21 single family homes

Prices: $160,000 to $230,000 Average Sales Price: $198,433

Average Square Feet: 2340

Average Days on Market: 75

Source: Carolina Multiple Listing Service

Brighton Park Homes for Sale

Click here to find Brighton Park homes for sale.

Ever wonder what your Brighton Park home is worth?

Click here to request a free market evaluation.

Carol Fox

Discover Charlotte North Carolina's Best Small Towns

Carol Fox of Allen Tate Realtors has helped people find the right homes and neighborhoods in Charlotte North Carolina's best small towns for twenty five years.

Call Carol Fox at 704-814-6242

to list your property for sale or to purchase a home in

Search for homes and learn more about these communities

at www.CarolinaSmallTownLiving.com.

Union County NC Home Buyers--Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended and Expanded

Carol Fox, Real Estate Broker, Union County NC Real Estate (Allen Tate Company) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:19:54 -0600

Union County NC Home Buyers—Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended and Expanded

Union County NC home buyers got new options for receiving the Homebuyer Tax Credit when President Obama signed an extension of the tax credit law on November 6, 2009. The $8000 tax credit for first time home buyers was extended until April 30, 2010. A new $6500 tax credit for repeat buyers who have lived in their current residence for five of the last eight years was added to the program.

What should Union County NC home buyers know about these programs?

A first time home buyer is defined as someone who has not owned a home during the three years prior to the date of purchase.
A repeat buyer is someone who buys a home after living in their current residence for at least five consecutive years in the past eight years.
Income restrictions have been raised to $125,00 for single tax filers and $225,000 for joint filers.
The amount of the tax credit is 10% of the cost of the home up to $8000 for first time home buyers and up to $6500 for repeat buyers.
The tax credit is for principal residences only, including single family detached homes, condominiums, and townhomes.
The tax credit applies to homes under contract by April 30, 2010 and must be closed by June 30, 2010.
The tax credit does not have to be paid back unless the home is sold within three years.
Home buyers can claim the credit on their federal income tax returns filed for the year they purchase their home. If the credit exceeds the tax bill, the government will issue a payment. Taxpayers purchasing a home in 2009 can amend their 2008 tax return for an immediate refund.

What should be the first step in the process for Union County NC home buyers who want to participate in these programs?

First time home buyers should contact a real estate broker and a mortgage loan officer for home purchase prequalification. Learn more about buying your first home here.
Repeat home buyers will want to contact a real estate broker to determine the value of the current residence. Click here to request a comparative market analysis of your home.

Carol Fox

Discover Charlotte North Carolina's Best Small Towns

Carol Fox of Allen Tate Realtors has helped people find the right homes and neighborhoods in Charlotte North Carolina's best small towns for twenty five years.

Call Carol Fox at 704-814-6242

to list your property for sale or to purchase a home in

Search for homes and learn more about these communities

at www.CarolinaSmallTownLiving.com.

Veterans Day Activities in Charlotte NC Small Towns

Carol Fox, Real Estate Broker, Union County NC Real Estate (Allen Tate Company) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:02:15 -0600

Veterans Day Activities in Charlotte NC Small Towns

Charlotte NC’s small towns are proud of their veterans and their service to the country. Several area events honor local veterans this weekend, November 7th and 8th with additional ceremonies on Veterans Day, November 11th. Here is a recap of some of the activities in the towns.

Monroe NC

The Warriers and Warbirds 2009 Air Show, one of the largest area celebrations takes place at the Charlotte-Monroe Executive Airport in Monroe NC. This two-day airshow features the Flying Fortress B-17 bomber, the Memphis Belle, and three B-25 bombers. Gates at the airport open Saturday and Sunday at 9am with the airshow starting at 12:30pm. Dauntless Dive Bomber rides and helicopter rides will be available to those who want to know what it was like for the veterans to fly into battle.

Local pilots started Warriors & Warbirds in 2005 to preserve the history of aviation and to memorialize those who perished while serving their country. The City of Monroe, the Veterans Council of Union County and local businesses support the organization and the airshow.

Matthews NC

At the Levine Senior Center in Matthews NC, daily events honoring veterans began on November 2 and continue until November 10th. These special activities have included a USO show, patriotic music, an ice cream social, a veterans seminar, and a movie. On November 9th, an F-4 cockpit simulator will be available. A veterans celebration with recognition and entertainment will take place on November 10th at the Levine Senior Center.

The Matthews Rotary Club will sponsor the 5th annual Matthews Rotary Bluegrass Festival on Saturday November 7th in Stumptown Park in downtown Matthews NC. Activities include a 30-mile/60-mile Bike Ride, a 5K race, a one-mile fun run, a chili cook-off and bluegrass entertainers.

Read more about last year’s Bluegrass Festival: Veterans Day in Matthews NC.

Mint Hill NC

The Mint Hill Historical Society presents a Salute to Veterans at the Carl J. McEwen Historic Village in downtown Mint Hill on Saturday November 7th. The grounds of the Historic Village will have Civil War re-enactors and demonstrators and military memorabilia, equipment and uniforms will be on display.

Read more and view photos of last year’s event: Veterans Day in Mint Hill NC.

Carol Fox

Discover Charlotte North Carolina's Best Small Towns

Carol Fox of Allen Tate Realtors has helped people find the right homes and neighborhoods in Charlotte North Carolina's best small towns for twenty five years.

Call Carol Fox at 704-814-6242

to list your property for sale or to purchase a home in

Search for homes and learn more about these communities

at www.CarolinaSmallTownLiving.com.

Fairhaven in Stallings NC--Homes for Sale and Neighborhood Profile

Carol Fox, Real Estate Broker, Union County NC Real Estate (Allen Tate Company) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:35:56 -0600

Fairhaven in Stallings NC--Homes for Sale and Neighborhood Profile

Fairhaven in Stallings NC is an ideal neighborhood for someone who wants to live in a quiet area that has convenient access to shopping, entertainment, and highways. You can find the Fairhaven neighborhood off Stevens Mill Road in Stallings NC. Stevens Mill Road is still more country than city with small subdivisions surrounded by farms and woods. Two interchanges with I-485 are just a couple of miles away. The quaint historic town of Matthews NC with its shops, parks and farmers market is within five miles of Fairhaven. Hotels, restaurants and big box retailers, such as Lowes and Target, line nearby Independence Boulevard. While Fairhaven is located within the Town of Stallings in Union County, it has a Matthews mailing address with a zip code of 28104. Nearly new Stallings Elementary school is located within a mile of the neighborhood.

Construction began in Fairhaven in 2006 and continues today in the neighborhood. The builder, Lennar, is currently building in two sections of the neighborhood called The Meadows and The Oaks. New homes in The Meadows range from 1556 sq.ft. with a one-car garage to over 2100 sq.ft. with a two-car garage. Prices in The Meadows are from $141,000 to $159,000. Homes in The Oaks are larger, all with two-car garages. Homes in this section of Fairhaven are approximately 1990 sq.ft. to 2800 sq.ft. Prices range from $171,000 to $198,000. Resale homes are also available in the neighborhood.

Map of Fairhaven in Stallings NC

View Fairhaven Neighborhood in Stallings NC in a larger map

Fairhaven Community Features

Community Amenities: Homeowners Association, swimming pool and cabana, soccer field

Builder: Lennar

Schools: Stallings Elementary, Porter Ridge Middle, Porter Ridge High. School assignments are subject to change. Check with the Union County Public Schools for current school assignments.

Fairhaven Real Estate Market Update

January to November 2009

Homes Sold: 33

Prices: $142,000 to $260,000 Average Sales Price: $180,357

Average Square Feet: 2334

Average Days on the Market: 98

Fairhaven Homes for Sale

Click here to find Fairhaven homes for sale.

Ever wonder what your Fairhaven home is worth?

Click here to request a free market evaluation.

Carol Fox

Discover Charlotte North Carolina's Best Small Towns

Carol Fox of Allen Tate Realtors has helped people find the right homes and neighborhoods in Charlotte North Carolina's best small towns for twenty five years.

Call Carol Fox at 704-814-6242

to list your property for sale or to purchase a home in

Search for homes and learn more about these communities

at www.CarolinaSmallTownLiving.com.

Squirrel Lake Park in Matthews NC is Perfect for Quiet Getaway

Carol Fox, Real Estate Broker, Union County NC Real Estate (Allen Tate Company) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 12:32:13 -0500

Squirrel Lake Park in Matthews NC is Perfect for Quiet Getaway

Squirrel Lake Park near downtown Matthews NC is the perfect spot for walking, fishing and just enjoying wooded views. This 29-acre park is tucked away between two Matthews neighborhoods on Pleasant Plains Road. Eventually, it will provide a pedestrian connection between the neighborhoods along Pleasant Plains Road and the new Four Mile Creek Greenway, where construction is just beginning.

The Squirrel Lake Park entrance reminds you of a drive down a country lane where open fields and surrounding woods invite you to explore. Once you reach the middle of the park, you'll find a pretty view of the lake where benches invite you to relax and enjoy the quiet activity around the lake. Or you can bring your pole and tackle for fishing in the lake. A picnic shelter also overlooks the lake.

Not all activities at Squirrel Lake Park are passive. The park includes a 12-hole disc golf course and a small playground for children. A master plan developed for the park in January 2009 proposes to add another picnic shelter, horseshoe pits, a fishing pier and expand the playground.

HAWK, the Habitat and Wildlife Keepers chapter of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation, maintains habitat gardens of native plants in Squirrel Lake Park. HAWK often sponsors wildlife activities there, including hummingbird seminars and a butterfly garden where milkweed will be planted to provide a way station for monarch butterflies.

Read more about parks in Matthews NC.

Stumptown Park is Matthews NC Community Hub

Carol Fox

Discover Charlotte North Carolina's Best Small Towns

Carol Fox of Allen Tate Realtors has helped people find the right homes and neighborhoods in Charlotte North Carolina's best small towns for twenty five years.

Call Carol Fox at 704-814-6242

to list your property for sale or to purchase a home in

Search for homes and learn more about these communities

at www.CarolinaSmallTownLiving.com.

Marvin NC Real Estate Market Report--July to September 2009

Carol Fox, Real Estate Broker, Union County NC Real Estate (Allen Tate Company) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:54:48 -0500

How did Marvin NC real estate market activity in the third quarter of 2009 compare with the second quarter?

This post will summarize third quarter 2009 real estate sales in Marvin NC plus compare changes in sales data with second quarter 2009 results. The chart shows average sales prices in Marvin NC for 2008 and each quarter of 2009.

Marvin NC Real Estate Market Report--July to September 2009

Single Family Homes in Marvin NC

Number of Sales: 18

Change from second quarter: +157%

Average Price: $577,425

Change from second quarter: +20%

Average Days on Market: 95

Change from second quarter: -8%

Most Active Neighborhood: Weddington Chase, Marvin Creek

Current Active Listings on Market: 51

Change from second quarter: +4%

Source: Carolina Multiple Listing Service

Compare with the 2008 Marvin NC real estate market.

Carol Fox

Discover Charlotte North Carolina's Best Small Towns

Carol Fox of Allen Tate Realtors has helped people find the right homes and neighborhoods in Charlotte North Carolina's best small towns for twenty five years.

Call Carol Fox at 704-814-6242

to list your property for sale or to purchase a home in

Search for homes and learn more about these communities

at www.CarolinaSmallTownLiving.com.

Weddington NC Real Estate Market Report--July to September 2009

Carol Fox, Real Estate Broker, Union County NC Real Estate (Allen Tate Company) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:26:09 -0500

How did Weddington NC real estate market activity in the third quarter of 2009 compare with the second quarter?

This post will summarize third quarter 2009 real estate sales in Weddington NC plus compare changes in sales data with second quarter 2009 results. The chart shows average sales prices in Weddington NC for 2008 and each quarter of 2009.

Weddington NC Real Estate Market Report--July to September 2009

Single Family Homes in Weddington NC

Number of Sales: 17

Change from second quarter: +41%

Average Price: $597,429

Change from second quarter: +8%

Average Days on Market: 205

Change from second quarter: +2%

Most Active Neighborhood: Highgate

Current Active Listings on Market: 135

Change from second quarter: no change

Source: Carolina Multiple Listing Service

Compare with the 2008 Weddington NC real estate market.

Carol Fox

Discover Charlotte North Carolina's Best Small Towns

Carol Fox of Allen Tate Realtors has helped people find the right homes and neighborhoods in Charlotte North Carolina's best small towns for twenty five years.

Call Carol Fox at 704-814-6242

to list your property for sale or to purchase a home in

Search for homes and learn more about these communities

at www.CarolinaSmallTownLiving.com.

Wesley Chapel NC Real Estate Market Report--July to September 2009

Carol Fox, Real Estate Broker, Union County NC Real Estate (Allen Tate Company) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:02:06 -0500

How did Wesley Chapel NC real estate market activity in the third quarter of 2009 compare with the second quarter?

This post will summarize third quarter 2009 real estate sales in Wesley Chapel NC plus compare changes in sales data with second quarter 2009 results. The chart shows average sales prices in Wesley Chapel NC for 2008 and each quarter of 2009.

Wesley Chapel NC Real Estate Market Report--July to September 2009

Single Family Homes in Wesley Chapel NC

Number of Sales: 16

Change from second quarter: +166%

Average Price: $295,303

Change from second quarter: +7%

Average Days on Market: 95

Change from second quarter: -29%

Most Active Neighborhood: Stonegate, Champion Forest

Current Active Listings on Market: 47

Change from second quarter: -4%

Source: Carolina Multiple Listing Service

Compare with the Wesley Chapel NC 2008 real estate market.

Carol Fox

Discover Charlotte North Carolina's Best Small Towns

Carol Fox of Allen Tate Realtors has helped people find the right homes and neighborhoods in Charlotte North Carolina's best small towns for twenty five years.

Call Carol Fox at 704-814-6242

to list your property for sale or to purchase a home in

Search for homes and learn more about these communities

at www.CarolinaSmallTownLiving.com.

Lake Park NC Real Estate Market Report--July to September 2009

Carol Fox, Real Estate Broker, Union County NC Real Estate (Allen Tate Company) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:30:56 -0500

How did Lake Park NC real estate market activity in the third quarter of 2009 compare with the second quarter 2009?

This post will summarize third quarter 2009 real estate sales in Lake Park NC plus compare changes in sales data with second quarter 2009 results. The chart shows average sales prices in Lake Park NC for 2008 and each quarter of 2009.

Lake Park NC Real Estate Market Report--2009 Third Quarter Data and Change from 2009 Second Quarter

Single Family Homes in Lake Park NC

Number of Sales: 5

Change from second quarter: no change

Average Price: $186,350

Change from second quarter: +2%

Average Days on Market: 152

Change from second quarter: +72%

Current Active Listings: 18

Change from second quarter: -28%

Most Active Neighborhoods: Lake Park

Townhomes and Condominiums in Lake Park NC

Number of Sales: 7

Change from second quarter: +75%

Average Price: $136,814

Change from second quarter: -11%

Average Days on Market: 232

Change from second quarter: +24%

Current Active Listings: 16

Change from second quarter: +50%

Most Active Neighborhoods: Lake Park

Source: Carolina Multiple Listing Service

Compare with the 2008 Lake Park NC real estate market.

Carol Fox

Discover Charlotte North Carolina's Best Small Towns

Carol Fox of Allen Tate Realtors has helped people find the right homes and neighborhoods in Charlotte North Carolina's best small towns for twenty five years.

Call Carol Fox at 704-814-6242

to list your property for sale or to purchase a home in

Search for homes and learn more about these communities

at www.CarolinaSmallTownLiving.com.

Monroe NC Real Estate Market Report--July to September 2009

Carol Fox, Real Estate Broker, Union County NC Real Estate (Allen Tate Company) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:13:26 -0500

How did Monroe NC real estate market activity in the third quarter of 2009 compare with the second quarter 2009?

This post will summarize third quarter 2009 real estate sales in Monroe NC plus compare changes in sales data with second quarter 2009 results. The chart shows average sales prices in Monroe NC for 2008 and each quarter of 2009.

Monroe NC Real Estate Market Report--2009 Third Quarter Data and Change from 2009 Second Quarter

Single Family Homes in Monroe NC

Number of Sales: 53

Change from second quarter: +3%

Average Price: $121,311

Change from second quarter: -11%

Average Days on Market: 127

Change from second quarter: +5%

Current Active Listings: 286

Change from second quarter: -3%

Most Active Neighborhoods: Hamilton Place

Townhomes and Condominiums in Monroe NC

Number of Sales: 2

Change from second quarter: -33%

Average Price: $170,572

Change from second quarter: +32%

Average Days on Market: 120

Change from second quarter: +20%

Current Active Listings: 22

Change from second quarter: +8%

Most Active Neighborhoods: Charles Town

Source: Carolina Multiple Listing Service

Compare with the 2008 Monroe NC real estate market.

Carol Fox

Discover Charlotte North Carolina's Best Small Towns

Carol Fox of Allen Tate Realtors has helped people find the right homes and neighborhoods in Charlotte North Carolina's best small towns for twenty five years.

Call Carol Fox at 704-814-6242

to list your property for sale or to purchase a home in

Search for homes and learn more about these communities

at www.CarolinaSmallTownLiving.com.

Mint Hill NC Real Estate Market Report--July to September 2009

Carol Fox, Real Estate Broker, Union County NC Real Estate (Allen Tate Company) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:37:29 -0500

How did Mint Hill NC real estate market activity in the third quarter of 2009 compare with the second quarter 2009?

This post will summarize third quarter 2009 real estate sales in Mint Hill NC plus compare changes in sales data with second quarter 2009 results. The chart shows average sales prices in Mint Hill NC for 2008 and each quarter of 2009.

Mint Hill NC Real Estate Market Report--2009 Third Quarter Data and Change from 2009 Second Quarter

Single Family Homes in Mint Hill NC

Number of Sales: 40

Change from second quarter: +21%

Average Price: $218,583

Change from second quarter: -19%

Average Days on Market: 106

Change from second quarter: -28%

Current Active Listings: 152

Change from second quarter: no change

Most Active Neighborhoods: Brighton Park, Farmwood

Townhomes and Condominiums in Mint Hill NC

Number of Sales: 1

Change from second quarter: no change

Average Price: $227,000

Change from second quarter: -58%

Average Days on Market: 233

Change from second quarter: +102%

Current Active Listings: 12

Change from second quarter: no change

Most Active Neighborhoods: Brighton Park

Source: Carolina Multiple Listing Service

Compare with the 2008 Mint Hill NC real estate market.

Carol Fox

Discover Charlotte North Carolina's Best Small Towns

Carol Fox of Allen Tate Realtors has helped people find the right homes and neighborhoods in Charlotte North Carolina's best small towns for twenty five years.

Call Carol Fox at 704-814-6242

to list your property for sale or to purchase a home in

Search for homes and learn more about these communities

at www.CarolinaSmallTownLiving.com.

Matthews NC Real Estate Market Report--July to September 2009

Carol Fox, Real Estate Broker, Union County NC Real Estate (Allen Tate Company) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:55:56 -0500

How did Matthews NC real estate market activity in the third quarter of 2009 compare with the second quarter 2009?

This post will summarize third quarter 2009 real estate sales in Matthews NC plus compare changes in sales data with second quarter 2009 results. The chart shows average sales prices in Matthews NC for 2008 and each quarter of 2009.

Matthews NC Real Estate Market Report--2009 Third Quarter Data and Change from 2009 Second Quarter

Single Family Homes in Matthews NC

Number of Sales: 63

Change from second quarter: +50%

Average Price: $238,043

Change from second quarter: no change

Average Days on Market: 97

Change from second quarter: -13%

Current Active Listings: 186

Change from second quarter: -4%

Most Active Neighborhoods: Habersham, Brightmoor, Matthews Plantation

Townhomes and Condominiums in Matthews NC

Number of Sales: 5

Change from second quarter: no change

Average Price: $211,800

Change from second quarter: +36%

Average Days on Market: 135

Change from second quarter: +82%

Current Active Listings: 43

Change from second quarter: -14%

Most Active Neighborhoods: Avington

Source: Carolina Multiple Listing Service

Compare with the 2008 Matthews NC Real Estate Market

Carol Fox

Discover Charlotte North Carolina's Best Small Towns

Carol Fox of Allen Tate Realtors has helped people find the right homes and neighborhoods in Charlotte North Carolina's best small towns for twenty five years.

Call Carol Fox at 704-814-6242

to list your property for sale or to purchase a home in

Search for homes and learn more about these communities

at www.CarolinaSmallTownLiving.com.

Indian Trail NC Real Estate Market Report--July to September 2009

Carol Fox, Real Estate Broker, Union County NC Real Estate (Allen Tate Company) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:33:18 -0500

How did Indian Trail NC real estate market activity in the third quarter of 2009 compare with the second quarter 2009?

This post will summarize third quarter 2009 real estate sales in Indian Trail NC plus compare changes in sales data with second quarter 2009 results. The chart shows average sales prices in Indian Trail NC for 2008 and each quarter of 2009.

Indian Trail NC Real Estate Market Report--2009 Third Quarter Data and Change from 2009 Second Quarter

Single Family Homes in Indian Trail NC

Number of Sales: 92

Change from second quarter: +12%

Average Price: $185,524

Change from second quarter: +2%

Average Days on Market: 106

Change from second quarter: +8%

Current Active Listings: 225

Change from second quarter: no change

Most Active Neighborhoods: Brandon Oaks, Fieldstone Farms

Townhomes and Condominiums in Indian Trail NC

Number of Sales: 2

Change from second quarter: no change

Average Price: $119,975

Change from second quarter: +8%

Average Days on Market: 137

Change from second quarter: +153%

Current Active Listings: 4

Change from second quarter: -75%

Most Active Neighborhoods: Taylor Glenn

Source: Carolina Multiple Listing Service

Compare with the Indian Trail NC 2008 real estate market.

Carol Fox

Discover Charlotte North Carolina's Best Small Towns

Carol Fox of Allen Tate Realtors has helped people find the right homes and neighborhoods in Charlotte North Carolina's best small towns for twenty five years.

Call Carol Fox at 704-814-6242

to list your property for sale or to purchase a home in

Search for homes and learn more about these communities

at www.CarolinaSmallTownLiving.com.

Waxhaw NC Real Estate Market Report--July to September 2009

Carol Fox, Real Estate Broker, Union County NC Real Estate (Allen Tate Company) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:58:00 -0500

How did Waxhaw NC real estate market activity in the third quarter of 2009 compare with the second quarter 2009?

This post will summarize third quarter 2009 real estate sales in Waxhaw NC plus compare changes in sales data with second quarter 2009 results. The chart shows average sales prices in Waxhaw NC for 2008 and each quarter of 2009.

Waxhaw NC Real Estate Market Report--2009 Third Quarter Data and Change from 2009 Second Quarter

Single Family Homes in Waxhaw NC

Number of Sales: 56

Change from second quarter: no change

Average Price: $353,734

Change from second quarter: +9%

Average Days on Market: 139

Change from second quarter: -6%

Current Active Listings: 203

Change from second quarter: -3%

Most Active Neighborhoods: Lawson, Providence Grove, Cureton

Townhomes and Condominiums in Waxhaw NC

Number of Sales: 5

Change from second quarter: no change

Average Price: $136,148

Change from second quarter: -16%

Average Days on Market: 83

Change from second quarter: -17%

Current Active Listings: 7

Change from second quarter: no change

Most Active Neighborhoods: Cureton, Alma Village

Source: Carolina Multiple Listing Service

Compare with the Waxhaw NC 2008 Real Estate Market

Carol Fox

Discover Charlotte North Carolina's Best Small Towns

Carol Fox of Allen Tate Realtors has helped people find the right homes and neighborhoods in Charlotte North Carolina's best small towns for twenty five years.

Call Carol Fox at 704-814-6242

to list your property for sale or to purchase a home in

Search for homes and learn more about these communities

at www.CarolinaSmallTownLiving.com.

Stallings NC Real Estate Market Report--July to September 2009

Carol Fox, Real Estate Broker, Union County NC Real Estate (Allen Tate Company) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:21:22 -0500

How did Stallings NC real estate market activity in the third quarter of 2009 compare with the second quarter 2009?

This post will summarize third quarter 2009 real estate sales in Stallings NC plus compare changes in sales data with second quarter 2009 results. The chart shows average sales prices in Stallings NC for 2008 and each quarter of 2009.

Stallings NC Real Estate Market Report--2009 Third Quarter Data and Change from 2009 Second Quarter

Single Family Homes in Stallings NC

Number of Sales: 42

Change from second quarter: +34%

Average Price: $215,652

Change from second quarter: no change

Average Days on Market: 102

Change from second quarter: -9%

Current Active Listings: 95

Change from second quarter: -7%

Most Active Neighborhoods: Callonwood, Fairhaven

Townhomes and Condominiums in Stallings NC

Number of Sales: 3

Change from second quarter: -20%

Average Price: $136,166

Change from second quarter: +3%

Average Days on Market: 193

Change from second quarter: +34%

Current Active Listings: 8

Change from second quarter: +14%

Most Active Neighborhoods: Callonwood

Source: Carolina Multiple Listing Service

Compare with the Stallings NC 2008 Real Estate Market

Carol Fox

Discover Charlotte North Carolina's Best Small Towns

Carol Fox of Allen Tate Realtors has helped people find the right homes and neighborhoods in Charlotte North Carolina's best small towns for twenty five years.

Call Carol Fox at 704-814-6242

to list your property for sale or to purchase a home in

Search for homes and learn more about these communities

at www.CarolinaSmallTownLiving.com.

Charlotte NC Schools Progress Reports Make Comparing Individual Schools Easy

Carol Fox, Real Estate Broker, Union County NC Real Estate (Allen Tate Company) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:04:38 -0500

Charlotte NC Schools Progress Reports Make Comparing Individual Schools Easy

All public Charlotte NC schools are part of a countywide system known as Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS). Over the past several years, CMS has developed an evaluation and reporting system for each of its schools that incorporates more than the traditional test scores that parents typically use to compare schools. This system culminates in a School Progress Report for each school. The 2008-2009 School Progress Reports were just published online and can be found at the CMS website.

What can you learn from the CMS School Progress reports that will help you find the schools that best meet your child's needs? Each report includes the following information:

a letter from the principal describing the school's strengths and weaknesses and plans for improvement over the coming year.
key facts about the school, including school population and demographics.
the school's progress toward key performance measures identified in the CMS 2010 Strategic Plan.
Pass rates on the federal and state tests and testing growth comparisons.

I took a look at the progress reports for two of the Charlotte NC schools in Matthews NC: Matthews Elementary School and David W. Butler High School. Here are some of the things I learned about these two schools.

Matthews Elementary had 88.6% of its students performing at or above grade level compared with 72% last year.
Twenty seven percent of the teachers at Matthews Elementary were National Board-certified teachers.
Ninety five percent of Matthews Elementary parents thought that Matthews is a safe school.
Eighty eight percent of Matthews Elementary parents were satisfied overall with the school compared with 86% last year.
Matthews Elementary made Adequate Yearly Progress meeting 21 of 21 goals set by the federal No Child Left Behind Act.
On the North Carolina ABCs testing/assessment program, Matthews Elementary students had a proficiency of 88.6%.
At Butler High School, the pass rate on Advanced Placement tests was 84.6%
The participation rate in Advanced Placement courses at Butler High School was 96.5%.
Butler High School's graduation rate was 80.1%.
Butler High School's average SAT score was 1553 above both national and state averages.

Learn more about Charlotte NC schools and living in Charlotte NC and area small towns.

Carol Fox

Discover Charlotte North Carolina's Best Small Towns

Carol Fox of Allen Tate Realtors has helped people find the right homes and neighborhoods in Charlotte North Carolina's best small towns for twenty five years.

Call Carol Fox at 704-814-6242

to list your property for sale or to purchase a home in

Search for homes and learn more about these communities

at www.CarolinaSmallTownLiving.com.

Visit Lake Park NC's Annual Fall Festival This Weekend

Carol Fox, Real Estate Broker, Union County NC Real Estate (Allen Tate Company) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:42:32 -0500

Visit Lake Park NC's Annual Fall Festival This Weekend

The Lake Park NC Homeowners Association will host the 19th Annual Fall Festival on Saturday, October 10th, between 10am and 10pm. A variety of activities will be available during the day.

Festival vendors, activities and amusement rides from 10am-6pm
A classic car show from 10am-2pm with an awards ceremony at 2pm
A Concert on the Green from 4pm-8pm
Monsters vs. Aliens Movie in the Park from 8pm-10pm with free popcorn and glow bracelets
Kids Activities Tent from 10am-4pm with free bike raffles and pumpkin painting

Learn more about Lake Park NC, one of Charlotte North Carolina's best small towns.

Carol Fox

Discover Charlotte North Carolina's Best Small Towns

Carol Fox of Allen Tate Realtors has helped people find the right homes and neighborhoods in Charlotte North Carolina's best small towns for twenty five years.

Call Carol Fox at 704-814-6242

to list your property for sale or to purchase a home in

Search for homes and learn more about these communities

at www.CarolinaSmallTownLiving.com.

Discover Mint Hill NC This Saturday

Carol Fox, Real Estate Broker, Union County NC Real Estate (Allen Tate Company) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:25:14 -0500

Discover Mint Hill NC This Saturday

The Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce, the Mint Hill Historical Society, Mint Hill Arts and various Mint Hill service organizations want you to discover Mint Hill NC this Saturday October 10th. These organizations will sponsor activities at four locations in downtown Mint Hill. The Mint Hill Town Hall will have representatives of the Mint Hill Volunteer Fire Department, the Mint Hill Police Department, the Chamber of Commerce, the Kiwanis, Lions and Rotary Clubs, the Mint Hill Scottish Society and the Mint Hill Women's Club. At the Mint Hill library, you can find a book sale, craft tables and take a tour of the library. Artist demonstrations and a gallery exhibit will take place at Mint Hill Arts. The Mint Hill Historical Village will be the site of folk entertainment and folk life demonstrations, gold panning and a movie about the history of area gold mining plus double decker bus tours of Mint Hill historic sites. The Discover Mint Hill sites and activities will be open from 9am-5pm on Saturday.

Enjoy photos of 2008 Veteran's Day activities at the Mint Hill Historical Society.

Learn more about Mint Hill NC, one of Charlotte North Carolina's best small towns.

Carol Fox

Discover Charlotte North Carolina's Best Small Towns

Carol Fox of Allen Tate Realtors has helped people find the right homes and neighborhoods in Charlotte North Carolina's best small towns for twenty five years.

Call Carol Fox at 704-814-6242

to list your property for sale or to purchase a home in

Search for homes and learn more about these communities

at www.CarolinaSmallTownLiving.com.

Indian Trail NC Hosts Family Fun Day on October 10th

Carol Fox, Real Estate Broker, Union County NC Real Estate (Allen Tate Company) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:01:36 -0500

Indian Trail NC Hosts Family Fun Day on October 10th

Indian Trail NC families can join the fun from 11am-5pm at the Indian Trail Elementary School this Saturday. Music will fill the air and kids of all ages can enjoy carnival rides, food, and crafts booths. The Indian Trail Family Fun Day will include a variety of contests from pie baking to pumpkin decorating to a bike decorating contest and then parade of bikes. A free door prize raffle will allow a lucky family to win season passes to Carowinds.

Learn more about Indian Trail NC, one of Charlotte North Carolina's best small towns.

Carol Fox

Discover Charlotte North Carolina's Best Small Towns

Carol Fox of Allen Tate Realtors has helped people find the right homes and neighborhoods in Charlotte North Carolina's best small towns for twenty five years.

Call Carol Fox at 704-814-6242

to list your property for sale or to purchase a home in

Search for homes and learn more about these communities

at www.CarolinaSmallTownLiving.com.

Waxhaw NC Autumn Treasures Festival This Weekend

Carol Fox, Real Estate Broker, Union County NC Real Estate (Allen Tate Company) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:46:48 -0500

Waxhaw NC Autumn Treasures Festival This Weekend

Historic downtown Waxhaw NC is the site for the 6th annual Autumn Treasures Festival on October 11th and 12th. Festival organizers expect 10,000 visitors to stroll the streets of Waxhaw where 75 arts and crafts vendors will display their wares. Musicians will perform throughout the event on the Main Stage near the railroad tracks. The Kidz Zone at Waxhaw United Methodist Church will offer indoor activities for children. Festival hours are from 10am-6pm on Saturday and noon-6pm on Sunday.

Click here to enjoy photographs from last year's festival in downtown Waxhaw NC.

Learn more about Waxhaw NC, one of Charlotte North Carolina's best small towns.

Carol Fox

Discover Charlotte North Carolina's Best Small Towns

Carol Fox of Allen Tate Realtors has helped people find the right homes and neighborhoods in Charlotte North Carolina's best small towns for twenty five years.

Call Carol Fox at 704-814-6242

to list your property for sale or to purchase a home in

Search for homes and learn more about these communities

at www.CarolinaSmallTownLiving.com.

Charlotte NC Festival in the Park

Carol Fox, Real Estate Broker, Union County NC Real Estate (Allen Tate Company) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 08:06:24 -0500

Charlotte NC Festival in the Park

Late September is the perfect time for arts and crafts festivals in Charlotte NC and the surrounding small towns. Summertime heat has cooled but the weather is still warm enough for shorts. Summer vacations are finished and school has started so families have time to spend enjoying local outdoor festivals.

The grand-daddy of all the Charlotte NC outdoor festivals is Festival in the Park, an annual event since 1964. This year's Festival opened last night and will be held over the next three days, September 25th through 27th. You can find Festival in the Park at Freedom Park, located between Charlotte's Dilworth and Myers Park neighborhoods. Approximately 120,000 people attend Festival in the Park every year.

One hundred fifty artists and crafts exhibitors will set up tents around the lake at Freedom Park but the Festival is much more than an arts and crafts show. Six stages at the Festival offer entertainment. The Main Stage has rock and pop music plus the Charlotte Youth Symphony. The Charlotte Folk Society will have bluegrass, folk, dulcimer and medieval/rennaissance music plus storytelling at their stage. Children will enjoy the Carolina Clowns Stage and the Magicians Stage. The Youth Talent Stage and the Theatre Stage will showcase other performing arts.

No outdoor festival is complete without carnival rides and food. Festival in the Park provides a Youth Fun area around the locomotive that is a permanent fixture in the park. You can find your favorite festival foods in the many booths at the park. Go out and enjoy a Charlotte outdoor festival tradition this weekend.

Learn more about two other arts and crafts festivals in Matthews NC and Mint Hill NC this weekend.

Mint Hill NC's Favorite Festival is Mint Hill Madness

Downtown Matthews NC will be Filled with Artwork this Weekend

Carol Fox

Discover Charlotte North Carolina's Best Small Towns

Carol Fox of Allen Tate Realtors has helped people find the right homes and neighborhoods in Charlotte North Carolina's best small towns for twenty five years.

Call Carol Fox at 704-814-6242

to list your property for sale or to purchase a home in

Search for homes and learn more about these communities

at www.CarolinaSmallTownLiving.com.

Mint Hill NC's Favorite Festival is Mint Hill Madness

Carol Fox, Real Estate Broker, Union County NC Real Estate (Allen Tate Company) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:11:52 -0500

Mint Hill NC's Favorite Festival is Mint Hill Madness

Have you ever seen dachshund races? If you haven't and if you're curious, be sure to head to downtown Mint Hill NC this weekend to check them out at the Mint Hill Madness Festival. The Festival opens Friday evening, September 25th at the Mint Hill Park on Fairview Road. Stop by and you'll find rides, music, food, arts and crafts and plenty of Mint Hill neighbors.

The Mint Hill Madness parade kicks off at 9:30am on Saturday, September 26th, in downtown Mint Hill along Matthews-Mint Hill Road. Saturday afternoon activities at the park include a chili cook-off, a dog show and the dachshund races, a big trike race, hot air balloon rides, and of course, lots of music and food. Fireworks at 9pm conclude Saturday's festivities at Mint Hill Park. Mint Hill Madness continues from 10am to 5pm at the park on Sunday with rides, music, food, and arts and crafts all day long.

Did you know that the artist who draws the Dennis the Menace cartoon lives in Mint Hill NC? His name is Marcus Hamilton and you can enter a drawing to win original Dennis the Menace artwork donated by Mr. Hamilton during the festival.

Dennis the Menace and racing dachshunds. Two good reasons to take in Mint Hill Madness in downtown Mint Hill NC this weekend!

Learn more about Mint Hill NC, one of Charlotte NC's best small towns.

Carol Fox

Discover Charlotte North Carolina's Best Small Towns

Carol Fox of Allen Tate Realtors has helped people find the right homes and neighborhoods in Charlotte North Carolina's best small towns for twenty five years.

Call Carol Fox at 704-814-6242

to list your property for sale or to purchase a home in

Search for homes and learn more about these communities

at www.CarolinaSmallTownLiving.com.

Downtown Matthews Will Be Filled With Artwork This Weekend

Carol Fox, Real Estate Broker, Union County NC Real Estate (Allen Tate Company) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:52:57 -0500

Downtown Matthews NC Will Be Filled With Artwork This Weekend

People fill downtown Matthews NC streets and parks for a variety of festivals throughout the year. The last weekend in September is reserved for the annual ArtFest of Matthews. Presented by the Matthews Chamber of Commerce, the 24th annual ArtFest can be found this year at the Village Green in front of the Town Hall/Library on Saturday, September 26th and Sunday, September 27th. The ArtFest is a juried show of some of the finest artists from the Southeast. Rising seniors from area high schools will also compete in the 17th annual YouthArt Scholarship Competition. The YouthArt Competition offers $3500 in scholarship money.

You may view and purchase art from the artists at their booths on the Village Green. The YouthArt entries are displayed in the Train Depot on the Green. A children's art area allows youngsters to create their own art. The Gazebo will have musicians throughout the event.

Enjoy photographs from last year's ArtFest in Matthews NC: Works of Art in Downtown Matthews NC.

Learn more about Matthews NC, one of Charlotte NC's best small towns.

Carol Fox

Discover Charlotte North Carolina's Best Small Towns

Carol Fox of Allen Tate Realtors has helped people find the right homes and neighborhoods in Charlotte North Carolina's best small towns for twenty five years.

Call Carol Fox at 704-814-6242

to list your property for sale or to purchase a home in

Search for homes and learn more about these communities

at www.CarolinaSmallTownLiving.com.

Charlotte NC Home Buyers--How the 2009 Mortgage Disclosure Act Affects Your New Mortgage Loan

Carol Fox, Real Estate Broker, Union County NC Real Estate (Allen Tate Company) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:37:15 -0500

Charlotte NC Home Buyers--How the 2009 Mortgage Disclosure Act Affects Your New Mortgage Loan

The next time you get a new mortgage loan, you may notice some changes in documentation and procedures due to the Mortgage Disclosure Act that took effect on July 30, 2009. The purpose of this new law is to protect you, the Charlotte NC home buyer, from deceptive lending practices and to ensure that you are a well-informed consumer. It improves the timeliness and effectiveness of loan disclosures given to you, provides a waiting period for you to make an informed decision about your loan, and increases lender accountability.

What may be new to you...

Loan disclosures must be given to you before appraisal fees are collected.
Your loan cannot close before a waiting period of at least 7 days after the initial loan disclosure.
If the APR (annual percentage rate) on the initial Truth-in-Lending disclosure increases beyond a certain amount, a new Truth-in-Lending disclosure must be issued.
If a new Truth-in-Lending disclosure must be issued, there is a three day waiting period before the loan can close.

What could trigger a new Truth-in-Lending disclosure for a Charlotte NC home buyer?

an unlocked rate
a change in loan amount
a rate re-lock
a change in closing fees
a change in closing date

Tips for a Smooth Loan Approval and Closing

Identify your final loan product and loan amount at application and make changes only if necessary.
Lock in your interest rate and points early in the process.
Provide all documentation requested as quickly as possible.
Respond quickly to any emailed disclosures.
Allow for a reasonable closing time, typically at least 30 to 45 days.
Work with your real estate agent to choose a closing attorney and closing date at the beginning of the process.

Carol Fox

Discover Charlotte North Carolina's Best Small Towns

Carol Fox of Allen Tate Realtors has helped people find the right homes and neighborhoods in Charlotte North Carolina's best small towns for twenty five years.

Call Carol Fox at 704-814-6242

to list your property for sale or to purchase a home in

Search for homes and learn more about these communities

at www.CarolinaSmallTownLiving.com.