Scattered Pictures ...The pursuit of Art - 03/30/09 12:05 PM
After years of experimenting, without critical acclaim, I have given up on deciding picture placement in our house.
I have a scientific approach. Hers is artistic.
Mine is somewhat mathematical requiring a measuring tape, a level, and a pencil.
Hers is all eye and study with mumblings of Balance.
My empathy to all who are, or have been involved, in the picture hanging process.
I know my exposure to this process here in Charlotte, N.C. is not unique.
See, the beauty of my wife's method is that I get to hold the pictures (for long periods of time),
Until it's "just … (10 comments)

Priceless Charlotte Homes - 03/29/09 03:39 PM
Priceless Homes in Charlotte indeed. They're everywhere ! I was on one of my missions yesterday and found quite a few homes were in the priceless category. Many were priced less than they were just a few months ago. And a couple were in need of a lesser price. Many of these priceless gems were great deals. Hope they last until my buyers arrive next weekend.
Never have I seen a better market for Buyers. So, I am dedicating this post to all buyers out there waiting to time this market.
   It's TIME.   Time to scoop up these gems … (4 comments)

Casual Friday - 03/27/09 02:54 PM
After putting on my gorilla suit this morning I realized I had forgotten something.
what was it?
Oh yeah, this is casual Friday.
Well I'm already dressed. I know what I'll do , I'll just act very casual today.
But then that little voice sprang up in my head and told me not to casually go about my business.
This is a tough market and I have to take all of this very seriously... So seriously, that smiling is frowned upon. Good, It's raining outside. Just the damper I need.
I was getting ready to leave the house, when I thought … (13 comments)

Polluting your waters will kill the fishing - 03/25/09 01:36 PM
For all those frustrated, a fishing analogy that helps me.
 

If you placed all your lines in the water and still are waiting for a bite, a few things may be going on.
Are you screaming at the fish to hurry-up and bite?            This method works poorly.
Are you fishing near the waste water treatment plant?       Not many fish there, but on the odd chance you catch one, what are you going to do with it?
If you haven't been fishing in polluted waters, but still are waiting for bites, you are … (12 comments)

I had an odd notion that Elvis was in the building - 03/24/09 07:34 PM
Well they looked like royalty. Peanut butter and banana sandwiches aside.

 They strolled through the place, talking of renovating the mansion. I asked if they were interested..... They gave "the nod".
And when they exited the building they said they wanted to think about it.
My mind raced. The mansion was at hand. My Elvis lip started to quiver.
The next day they came back with a 30% off list price offer saying they were firm. No logic would dissuade them.
The lead balloon sent to the the sellers bounced off the front door. Impasse with no flexibility. But … (21 comments)

Hello FEDEX ! - 03/24/09 02:10 PM
In the wake of grim economic news, a flashlight of hope has risen. FEDEX has decided to open a distribution center right on the SC/NC border just minutes south of Charlotte.
The area is called Lakemont and FEDEX is planning on opening a 112,000 sqft facility in October. They are planning on 22 full time positions, 84 part-time positions, and to include nearly 100 jobs for independent contractors.
If you are interested in job opportunities go to www.fedex.com/careers

My wife Jane has helped many FEDEX relocations to the Charlotte area. And we look forward to helping the new wave of … (0 comments)

I've fallen and I can't get up - 03/23/09 04:14 PM
Not that I need to. 

I have just purchased the clapper. So when I want business to pick up or slow down I just clap on.. or clap off. I have been applauding my efforts as of late.
My modified version of the clapper is enhanced with Active Rain. So when I want people to find me or hear about things Charlotte, I just clap the keys on my keyboard and... Voila.
Now when I started in January, my skills on using my new tool were (Shall we say) pathetic.
I just reread my first post and came away frightened … (21 comments)

My left foot and how many feet are in this place - 03/22/09 12:03 PM
Tell the house to say cheese when the camera snaps.
Ok, now you are ready to measure. Or are you?
People measure and the results vary.
 Fortunately here in Charlotte,N.C., we now have a range to which we advertise listings in square footage. This helps keep legal action from the "suit industry" at bay.
You know what I mean. An example would be: “Hey, this house was listed at 2350 sqft. We just refinanced and the new appraisal came in at 2270 sqft.  That’s an 80 sqft. difference. Our house is worth $200/sqft. So including pain and suffering we are … (12 comments)

The Importance of Being Earnest (with the money of course) - 03/21/09 08:16 AM
How much earnest money should we put down with the offer?
 
Isn't that always a fun conundrum. 1%, 2%, %%%, none, or an option. What is the right answer?
The right answer is basically dominated by local custom. Sounds quaint doesn't it?

The buyer always asks " what if the deal goes bad...can I get my money back?"
This is where it becomes important that the buyers (at least here in N.C.) become earnest.
They have to be earnest in fulfilling the contract for all their obligations. There are rarely few exceptions.
I tell them "And even if you … (4 comments)

Moving - A very public exposure - 03/16/09 10:03 AM
We had too much stuff
A couple weeks prior to moving you stage a garage sale and expose your "stuff" to the enquireing public.
People mull over your past choices and reward your decisions with meager offers. Most likely you accept the offer and watch a once precious item scurry off in the clasp of a stranger. This process continues until all is gone or any offer at all is accepted.
Most of the people who come by are neighbors. Common questions arise:
Why are you selling your "stuff"?
You respond ...We're moving. Then the ambigious and gossipy question follows: Why? … (4 comments)

Old Dogs and Children.....maybe some older people too - 03/08/09 08:44 PM
I remember when we got him. I still picture the kids wide eyed with excitement as he arrived.

Everybody claimed him. He made the rounds. Buddies oohed with jealousy and clamored to their parents for their own.
Sleep overs in various bedrooms were the rage
 (and sometimes arguments).
The kids grew older, found other hormonal and economic interests, and thankfully moved on.
But he didn't.
He searched for a while, looking for the remnants of his youth, but found the same old food bearers.
He still alerts us about potential danger with every ring of the door bell, and still … (11 comments)

Wachovia Golf Championship is renamed by Wells Fargo to The Quail Hollow Championship - 03/07/09 08:28 PM
This is not surprising in that Wells Fargo now owns Wachovia.
What is surprising is that Wells Fargo does not want their name advertised as the sponsor.
But, They Are the sponsor, and Wells will continue to be the sponsor for years to come due to contractual obligations.
Banks have been so demonized that they seem afraid of their own shadows.
I understand TARP funds are the major reason Wells is trying to stay under the radar. But not to name the tournament that you sponsor after yourself is very new stuff.
The tournament has been a bright spot … (2 comments)

Wachovia Tower loses name to Duke Energy - 03/04/09 01:43 PM
 

Looks like It's official. The Grand new building to grace the Queen city's skyline will be called the       Duke Energy Center.
Many have wondered about it's fate now that       Wells Fargo has taken over Wachovia.
Charlotte's new glistening 48 story building will have Duke Energy occupying most of the top 20 floors. This is an easy move for Duke as their main office is just across the street.
Wells Fargo will still own the building and have a presence there. However, it's Duke Energy that will occupy the penthouse and have the marquee.
This multi-use facility … (5 comments)

Telling Your SELLERS Their House STINKS - 03/04/09 07:55 AM
Nice House but it stinks.
 
Oh, The formidable duty of telling someone, in the best possible manner, that the smell will kill the sale.
If you can smell it,  you can't sell it.
 
My clients had a beautiful house here in Charlotte that was wonderfully decorated and nicely staged.
When I listed it, they must have aired the house out, because it was odor free.
I later found out, they had exotic tastes in cooking.
 
Comments were slow in coming on feedback that there was a problem.
Posts like - "not what we were looking for" turned blunt … (14 comments)

I Show Homes to My Buyers, The House Sells itself - 03/02/09 12:47 PM
I got a call from my brother the other day and he asked if I sold any buyers a Home.
I told him "No, I showed a bunch of properties, my buyers selected one they loved, but I didn't sell it , it sold itself".
Selling a buyer is not what I do. I listen, do research, make appointments, and offer advise when necessary, but I surely don't "sell someone a house".
I can't make someone buy a house they don't want. It's not part of my persona nor my skill set.
Imagine the repercussions if you " sold someone " … (3 comments)

A Slow Driving Day In Charlotte - Snow arrives - 03/02/09 10:27 AM
Well we got our latest blast                      
 

It Looks pretty. The trees and shrubs are covered in tranquility.
And as usual, Charlotte has virtually shut down much to the chagrin to the recent transplants from up north.
We just don't get that much snow and don't have the amount of equipment many northern cities have.
But this is not a bad thing. Our snows here are usually completely gone in a couple days. It's expected that temperatures will rise to the 70's by this weekend.
Yea! maybe I could use my hammock again.
I may venture out this afternoon to … (0 comments)

I have no shame. - 03/01/09 05:12 PM
We are getting a freak snow storm here in Charlotte, N.C.   So I am getting prepared for the accumulation. The dreaded snow burn. I'm ready for summer.
 

 
 
  www.HomesByCross.com Your Tool Box for All Your Charlotte Real Estate needs
 
 
 
 Going to the beach is easy from Charlotte. Due East it's a little over 3 hours, You can be in Myrtle Beach , The North Carolina coast, or Charleston. Take your sunscreen. The water is great and the people there are better, The food is Gourmet, and the setting is relaxing
Smiling in the … (3 comments)

Time for a SNOW DAY in Charlotte NC - 03/01/09 11:00 AM
We rarely get significant snows here. Sun and mild weather is the rule here. And we are not very well equipped to deal with any measurable amounts. So we here in Charlotte do the next best thing. We just shut down.
Two flakes and school is out. Panic hits the supermarkets as a run on milk and bread spreads even to the convenience  stores. Everyone builds a mini snowman on their front yard. Two days later all the evidence is gone.
Today and tomorrow is a Snow Day.
Hopefully it will be our last of the year.
 
  www.HomesByCross.com Your … (2 comments)

 
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Claude Cross - Charlotte NC Homes For Sale

Homes By Cross

Charlotte, NC

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Claude Cross-Charlotte NC Real Estate(Homes By Cross, Inc.)

Address: 6420 A-1 Rea Road, Suite 359, Charlotte , NC, 28277

Office Phone: (704) 975-1733

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