Suzanne's Blog

Recycle and Reuse for Families

Suzanne Zick (Century 21 Hecht Realty) — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 20:24:31 -0600

We have to be the ones to make the difference. And YOU can make a difference, even in a small way. Here are some tips to get you started:

Try to buy products that aren't excessively packaged. It clogs up the landfills and you are buying waste.
Re-use what you can. It saves another item from having to be made.
If at the store you buy only a few things, skip the bag. Better yet, use those cloth bags made to re-use.
If you do have to use plastic bags, make sure you re-use them.
Buy whatever you can from recycled material. It is surprising how much of this is now available!
Garage Sale or donate usable items in your home instead of throwing away.
Ask a teacher if she can use your extra egg cartons, meat trays, or fabric scraps.
Make your home recycle-friendly by having bins for aluminum, plastics and paper.
Don't just throw things away when you can give to someone to reuse them. Or find nifty ways to reuse yourself!

Sources: Jumpstart World

Happy Halloween!

Suzanne Zick (Century 21 Hecht Realty) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 10:37:16 -0500

Moon and Tree

Originally uploaded by dwhokins1970

Tomorrow (eek, today! I gotta go to bed!) is Halloween! Whether you are trick or treating, trunk or treating or just partying, there are a few things you should consider.

If you are interested in having a "greener" Halloween, Lincoln Times News has this advice "This year, celebrate a “green Halloween” with an emphasis on simplicity, recycling and the environment." Read the rest of the article here.
To have a safe and happy Halloween, check out these tips from Lincoln Times.

Kids in the Kitchen

Suzanne Zick (Century 21 Hecht Realty) — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 15:54:07 -0500

I love to cook, and that is something that I can share with my children! They love helping me chop, stir, whip and bake to make a one-of-a-kind edible creation. It is fairly simple to incorporate ideas to make your kitchen kid-friendly, whether you are starting from scratch with new construction, remodeling, or just making a few changes to your existiing kitchen.

Keep some storage shelves low for kid's snacks so they can help themselves. If low storage is not an option, keep a sturdy stool close by for safer climbing.
For new construction or remodeling projects, consider choosing rounded edge countertops and putting them lower for easy reach. Fun and Family suggests If you want to combine a cooktop and a seating area in an island or peninsula, raise the countertop section between them to create a small backsplash and protective barrier. This arrangement complies with the National Kitchen & Bath Association's (NKBA) suggested 9-inch minimum perimeter between cooktops and other areas.
Make appliances accessible. Think about the things your children use, and sacrifice the space on your counterspace for convenience.
Make sure you have plenty of locks for the hazardous items in your kitchen.

Safety First

Suzanne Zick (Century 21 Hecht Realty) — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 19:27:07 -0500

In Maiden we had a recent tragedy with a mother and her 4 year old daughter dying in a car accident off of East Springs Road. It has prompted me to be more safety consious while riding in a vehicle. We all know to do it, but sometimes we don't really think about it.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3 out of 4 carseats are not installed correctly!! How scary! Each vehicle has a LATCH system to be used, and you can learn how here.

Another idea is to register your child's carseat here so you can be alerted to any recalls.

Of Concern

Suzanne Zick (Century 21 Hecht Realty) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 09:11:41 -0500

Things that are freaking me out:

The Bailout Situation
The Dow Plummeting
The Gas Shortage and the lines and arguments that inevitably follow.

Things that make me go "hmmmm":

Obama, Antichrist? Gimme a break.
Remember the dude who forgot his leg in a grill, had it auctioned and regained custody of it? Well, he's doing something for charity. Thanks for being a fine ambassador of the South. :(
Did you know that popcorn has kernels? It might hurt your teeth. Don't sue us.

Things that make me grin:

Bama is now ranked #2 in the AP
We have so many awesome pumpkin patches.

Freddie and Fannie go to Washington

Suzanne Zick (Century 21 Hecht Realty) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 21:36:41 -0500

From USA Today:

WASHINGTON — Federal officials announced Sunday they will take control of beleaguered mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in the government's most aggressive move yet to rescue a financial industry reeling from a year-old mortgage and credit crisis.

If you want to know what they are and what they do, here's an article by USA Today that gives you questions and answers about Fannie and Freddie.

Q: What do Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac do?

A: They provide liquidity for home financing in two ways: They buy mortgages from banks and other loan originators for their own corporate portfolios. They also package originators' mortgages for re-sale to investors. The companies guarantee payment of principal and interest to investors in their mortgage-backed securities.

Why is this a good thing? Read on:

Wall Street finally got what it's been angling for: a bailout of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that could aid a recovery of the broken U.S. housing market and arrest a slide in stock and credit markets worldwide.Wall Street finally got what it's been angling for: a bailout of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that could aid a recovery of the broken U.S. housing market and arrest a slide in stock and credit markets worldwide.

How not to get a ticket

Suzanne Zick (Century 21 Hecht Realty) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 22:13:51 -0500

Don't speed.

Just kidding.

Trooper B.E. Hipp must be out and about, as I'm getting a lot of hits on the post I wrote about him. Even if it's not him, I can't remember the last time that I rode down Hwy. 73 in Lincolnton without seeing a cop. And this road is not easy to navigate, because it changes speed limits about 20 times (feels like it) between Lincolnton and Denver. So if you get pulled over, let me give you some advice that hedges your bets against getting a ticket.

1. Be Nice: Remember your grandmother telling you you'll catch more flies with honey than vinegar? Cops are people too (even B.E. Hipp...I think) and will respond better to a nice person than a jerk. Go a step further and stop your car, turn on your interior lights and place your hands on the steering wheel. DO NOT GET OUT OF YOUR CAR!! Cops come up on all sorts, so take the question of whether you are a dangerous thug out of the equation.

2. Be Respectful: Address the officer as "Sir" or if the officer is a woman, simply say "officer" to avoid any awkwardness.

3. Be Quiet: The cops have heard every excuse in the book. But don't admit guilt, just play dumb. Also, save the drama for your mama. Excessive emotion just makes people, including cops, nervous.

Crestview Subdivision

Suzanne Zick (Century 21 Hecht Realty) — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 00:10:17 -0500

If you are looking for a nice quiet subdivision, full of good old fashioned charm, you need look no further than Crestview in Lincolnton, NC. Close to town, and right around the corner from S. Ray Lowder Elementary School. Right across the street is Domino's Pizza, Dollar Tree and Dollar General.

The neighborhood itself has a sidewalk, and I see people walking during their lunch breaks from the nearby hospital and doctor's offices. Many kids play in their yards and most homes range in value from low to mid $100,000.

Lease Terms

Suzanne Zick (Century 21 Hecht Realty) — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 00:51:18 -0500

Like most real estate laws, the landlord/tenant relationship's common law can trace its roots back to Merry Old England during the Middle Ages!

Lease: A written agreement between the property owner and a tenant that stipulates the payment and conditions under which the tenant may possess the real estate for a specified period of time.

Leasehold estate: A way of holding title to a property wherein the mortgagor(think renter) does not actually own the property but rather has a recorded long-term lease on it.

Lease option: An alternative financing option that allows home buyers to lease a home with an option to buy. Each month's rent payment may consist of not only the rent, but an additional amount which can be applied toward the down payment on an already specified price.

This helped me, from About.com:

Basics of a Lease Option
Buyer pays the seller option money for the right to later purchase the property. The lease option money may be substantial.
Buyer and seller may agree to a purchase price now or the buyer may agree to pay market value at the time the option is exercised. It is negotiable. However, most buyers want to lock in the future purchase price upon inception of the lease option.
During the term of the lease option, the buyer agrees to lease the property from the seller for a predetermined rental amount.
The term of the lease option agreement is negotiable, but the common length is generally from one year to three years.
The option money generally does not apply toward the down payment.
A portion of the monthly rental payment typically applies toward the purchase price.
Option money is rarely refundable.
Nobody else can buy the property during the lease option period.
The buyer generally cannot assign the lease option without seller approval.
If the buyer does not exercise the lease option and purchase the property at the end of the lease option, the option expires.
The buyer is not obligated to buy the property.

Rent loss insurance: Insurance that protects a landlord against loss of rent or rental value due to fire or other casualty that renders the leased premises unavailable for use and as a result of which the tenant is excused from paying rent.

If you are getting a loan for rental property, your mortgage lender will probably require this insurance of you.

Sale-leaseback :A technique in which a seller deeds property to a buyer for a consideration, and the buyer simultaneously leases the property back to the seller.

The reason a seller might do this is to free up their capital, but still be able to use the property.

Horses at Lake Norman?

Suzanne Zick (Century 21 Hecht Realty) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 23:10:24 -0500

My company just listed a new Equestrian Farmhouse right near Lake Norman! It is right around the corner from Verdict Ridge and comes with a little over 4 acres.

Gorgeous Pastures! IN DENVER!

Here is a view of the horse stalls in the barn. Very well kept!

Outside view of barn

Stats:

$371,000
2100-2500 square feet
4 beds and 2 bathrooms
Well & Septic

If you'd like to see it, give me a call at 980-241-1511 for a private showing!

Meet Bob

Suzanne Zick (Century 21 Hecht Realty) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 22:07:14 -0500

Bob Hecht's is a household name here in Lake Norman, but it wasn't always so. When he was younger, he used to be a Fuller Brush salesman! When I first began working at Century 21 Hecht, I was terrified of Bob. I was so intimidated that someone of his stature could be seen around the office on a daily basis. My broker-in-charge found this hilarious, clued him in, and during New Agent Training, he came in and blasted us all with Silly String. I've been ok ever since.

Bob has a lovely wife Linda, and some good looking kids, one of which works for our office as a courier. She is stunningly beautiful. Bob does so many good things for our community, and I have to dig them up online from newspaper reports and otherwise, because he doesn't breathe a word about them. I've seen online that he's donated a few thousand to political campaigns for candidates that he supports. And I happen to know he is registered for a different party, yet he supported this candidate anyway, which makes me respect him even more :)

Century 21 Hecht Realty is a major sponsor of Denver Days, the annual festival in September. Bob is also active in the Chamber of Commerce and, through his Rotary Club’s Junior Achievement program, teaches third graders about business. At the end of every 5-week session, he invites the kids to tour his office and treats them to lunch. During the summer, he opens his home for swim parties for foster children around Lincoln County.

He's awesome, and you should want to work for him, too.

Some of Bob's thoughts on how agents oughta be: Bob's Blog

Lincoln County Courthouse

Suzanne Zick (Century 21 Hecht Realty) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:15:17 -0500

Lincoln County Courthouse Originally uploaded by Marxchivist I love this building. It stands so proud as an anchor to this great city! It is the hub of all directions in Lincolnton. How many times have you said "Go around the courthouse...."

The 80's called...

Suzanne Zick (Century 21 Hecht Realty) — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 22:39:24 -0500

...and they want their houses back.

The 80's were some of the best times of my life. But for some reason, that doesn't translate well in houses. Anything evoking the spirit of the 80's is frowned upon in today's homes. My mom owned a Decorating Den franchise in the 80's, so we had every imaginable decorating trend. Thank goodness we sold that home in the 90's!

Fun 80's home trends include:
Wallpaper
jacuzzis
bug zappers
white "Eurostyle" cabinetry
microwave ovens
light-colored wood
white walls
beige carpeting
high-tech entertainment centers
oversized vases and flowers
Oriental themes
futon & papasan chairs
black & white color schemes
vertical blinds
balloon valances
venetian blinds
sunken tubs
comforters & bed ruffles

Some trends have carried over into the new century (gosh, I feel old), but others have not. Need some tips to de-80's your home? MSN real estate has a few great ones:

* Get rid of the odd colors, like the ones used in Miami Vice. Forget Hunter Green, Salmon pink or Peach, Teal, Dusty Blues, Mauves and Grays.

* Update the light fixtures. Needing definite attention would be anything with shiny gold trim or etched glass.

* Popcorn ceilings. Nobody wants them anymore, I'm sorry. I know it is a hassle. Ditto sponge or splash pained walls. Oh, and get rid of the wallpaper and borders, too.

* The rows of lights a la Hollywood around your bathroom mirror? No.

* Vinyl flooring, especially with the tiny floral patterns, has seen its last days. Ditto for wall-to-wall carpet. It's okay in the bedrooms and hallways, but definitely keep it to a minimum. Put down laminate or large ceramic tiles instead, if hardwood is not an option.

* Lawn ornaments=clutter. Get rid of the gnomes, deer, gazing balls and the painted wood plaque of the lady bending over in the garden. If it didn't grow there, get it out of there.

Thinking about buying a foreclosure?

Suzanne Zick (Century 21 Hecht Realty) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 01:18:30 -0500

One of the symptoms of the mortgage crisis is that there are now a lot of foreclosed homes on the market. Banks normally don't make any repairs and will not warranty the home in any way, so the buyer needs to be aware of what they are buying before they make the offer.

Know that you will probably have to replace carpeting and paint, at the very least. It is more important, however, to get a home inspector to give you a full report to let you know what other repairs are in immediate need. Is the home such a great deal if you have to replace all of the plumbing, or add an HVAC? A home inspection will run you around $300-$400 in Lake Norman.

I would also strongly suggest getting a termite inspection. Many times these homes are not cared for as lovingly as a normal home owner would, and treatments have been neglected. Termite repairs can be costly and must be figured into the bottom line. Moreover, homeowners knowing that they are being foreclosed upon may strip the home of anything of value for salvage, like plumbing or lighting fixtures.

Also be aware that some of these homes come with liens or back taxes. It would be wise to work with a REALTOR who specializes in foreclosures, for this very reason. Also be wary of any website that charges you to find out about foreclosed listings. Call an agent for this information for free!

Title insurance is not a bad idea, either. It can protect you from liens against the home that were undisclosed or from someone (think ex-spouse of foreclosed upon homeowner) from making a claim against the deed.

Another word of advice is to be patient when dealing with banks. They are not individuals and often take much longer to make a decision. A deal worth having is a deal worth waiting on.

Ladies who Lunch

Suzanne Zick (Century 21 Hecht Realty) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 22:03:20 -0500

Open Houses don't always get the desired traffic we wish they would, especially if they aren't a million dollar property or on waterfront. So, how does a broker get some interested parties into a home they are trying to sell? A Broker Luncheon!

We all know that most folks who come to Open Houses are just looky-loos or curiousity seekers. Very rarely do real, qualified buyers come through the door and make an offer (like we see on television). However, if you get brokers inside, who have bevvies of buyers, you have a better chance of getting that house to the people who are ready, willing and able to buy. And to do that, you need to feed them.

I find that serving homemade food (and advertising it as such) is a special treat in this fast food society. Here are a few of my favorite recipes that have always been crowd pleasers.

Spinach Dip Recipe
I've always made the spinach dip on the back of the Knorr's soup box, but this one is nice, too. It has a tangier taste, and I'm more likely to have the ingredients for this at home.
2¼ hours | 10 min prep
SERVES 8
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream
1 (1 ounce) envelope ranch dressing mix
1 (10 ounce) package of chopped spinach, thawed and drained well
Mix all ingredients and chill.

Aioli Beef Roll-ups Recipe
My crew loves these delicious roll-ups that sound fancy, but are so very easy. Aioli is basically mayo and garlic, how hard is that? The original recipe comes from CD kitchen.
2¼ hours | 10 min prep
SERVES 24
1/4 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 10-inch flour tortillas
1 cup fresh spinach
1/4 lb cooked roast beef, thinly sliced or sliced cooked turkey
6 slices cheddar cheese
1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
Mix mayonnaise and garlic in small bowl. Spread mixture evenly over tortillas. Top tortillas with layers of spinach, beef, cheese and tomato; roll up tightly. Cut each tortilla into 12 pieces; secure with toothpicks. Serve immediately or refrigerate until serving time. Do-Ahead: Wrap tortilla rolls individually in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Substitution: In place of the roast beef, you can use sliced cooked turkey.

Southern Charms

Suzanne Zick (Century 21 Hecht Realty) — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 21:51:00 -0500

Lincolnton is the proud new "owner" of a new wine store called Southern Charms. Owners Carolyn & Dwight Ramseur and Kim & Kirk Leonard, all from Maiden, have opened up on 235-D East Main Street. Among the offerings are "unique wines and handcrafted gifts"

From the Lincoln Tribune:
Their wines are hand-crafted meaning that they oversee the creation of each bottle to ensure the highest quality.
There is also a gift shop with a number of gift ideas. Showcasing local artisans, customers will find pottery, wood carved bowls and vases, hand-woven baskets, hand-painted wine glasses and more. Southern Charms also offers a tantalizing selection of gourmet snacks from Ashe County Cheese and Charleston Benne Cookies to restaurant quality cheesecake and brownie mixes.
Custom gift baskets are also available.

I think I've found a new place for closing gifts :)

(thanks to Lincoln Times News for the picture!)

Cramerton Pool

Suzanne Zick (Century 21 Hecht Realty) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:08:42 -0500

OK, if you are a reader, you'll know that I highly recommend Kool Park in Hickory for all of your swimming needs. However, at $12 a head (for adults) it can be a costly day.

Looking for a cheap pool for the kids to enjoy? You need to head for Cramerton.

Stats: $3 to get in.
Snacks are available. You may bring a picnic and cooler, as picnic tables are also available.
4 lifeguards on staff, one diving board and LOTS of deep water for your teens.
They also do pool parties for around $150

Handyman's Dream Home!

Suzanne Zick (Century 21 Hecht Realty) — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 00:38:25 -0500

This home has nearly 1800 square feet to its main living area, and equally large basement with garage below for the ultimate handyman hang out! What's more, there is an auto garage in the back yard that is extra large. If you work from home, this could be the answer to your dreams!

This is also the least expensive home in Westport right now! And it has a water view!!! What are you waiting for? Call me today and arrange a private showing, or just get more information (no hassles, promise!)

Suzanne Zick 980-241-1511

Not to be missed Fun around Lake Norman

Suzanne Zick (Century 21 Hecht Realty) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 22:25:50 -0500

We are fortunate enough to live in one of the most beautiful regions in the United States. Take advantage of that this summer by exploring our neck of the woods!

Educational

* Buffalo Beals in Maiden, NC

* Carolina Raptor Center in Huntersville, NC

* Carrigan Farms in Mooresville, NC

* Lazy 5 Ranch in Mooresville, NC

Entertainment

* Belmont Drive In Theater in Belmont

* Queen's Landing in Mooresville

For Adults

* Woodmill Winery in Vale

Historical

* Battle of Ramsour’s Mill Grounds: Lincolnton.(704) 736-8442

* Bunker Hill Covered Bridge: Claremont. One of two in N.C. (828) 465-0383

Museums

* Arts and Science Center of Catawba Valley:Hickory (828) 324-4906

* C Grier Beam Truck Museum: http://www.beamtruckmuseum.com/

* Catawba Science Center, Hickory. (828) 322-8169

* Historic Latta Plantation in Huntersville, NC

* Lincoln Cultural Center: Lincolnton Museum of history, performance hall, art galleries. (704) 732-9055

Parks

* 1919 Herschell-Spillman Carrousel: Shelby Fully restored, operational carrousel with music provided by an antique band organ. (704) 484-6476

* Betty G. Ross: Lincolnton Picnic area, playground, sherlter, nature trail, tennis courts, swimming pools (outdoor only), 1 outdoor basketball court.

*Blythe Landing in Huntersville, NC

* Crowder’s Mountain State Park, Kings Mountain. (704) 867-1181 www.ils.unc.edu/parkproject/visit/crmo/home.html

* Highland Park in Lincolnton

* Kings Mountain State Park: Kings Mountain Camping, bridle trails, hiking, fishing, swimming. (803) 222-3209

* Jetton Park in Cornelius

* Lake Norman State Park: Lake Norman. (704) 528-6350

* Marcia H. Cloninger Rail Trail: downtown Lincolnton Lighted and landscaped walking trail. (704) 736-8980

* Martha Rivers Park: Gastonia Playgrounds, walking trails and sports facilities.

* McBee Street Park in Lincolnton- Playground, benches, and picnic table.

* Ramsey Creek Park in Cornelius

Prospecting for Dummies?

Suzanne Zick (Century 21 Hecht Realty) — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 00:50:21 -0500

Yesterday at my company we had a huge sales meeting, complete with agents sharing their tips on how to Prospect, Price and get Price Reductions. My BIC asked me to be on the panel for prospecting, so I thought I'd share the notes I came up with here.

Do it, daily.

In Person:

ALWAYS wear your name badge.
Hand out business cards to everyone you meet.
Be the expert. When asked for information, give freely, and then ask for a referral.
Door knocking. I know, I hate it, too.
Join a business group.

Mail

Send Just Listed and Just Sold postcards with every success!
Mail to your SOI once a month, faithfully!

Online:

Keep your website and blog up to date!
Blog about your area, keeping your readership local.
Ask clients, prospects and contacts to write a blog post for you.

Past Clients

Ask for the referral.

FSBO's

Always take a different route coming and going to scour for FSBO's.
Visit them in person!

But Don't

Overly focus on relationships of prospects. Remember your goal, and qualify them as you grown the relationship.

6 Quick Facts About Lincoln County

Suzanne Zick (Century 21 Hecht Realty) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 23:47:52 -0500

1. The county was formed in 1779.
2. It was named for Benjamin Lincoln, a general in the American Revolutionary War.
3. Early settlers were of German and Scotch-Irish descent.
4. The county is 308 square miles.
5. Our top manufacturer is RSI Home Products.
6. Rock Springs Campground was the earliest camp meeting organization in North Carolina.

We made Forbes!

Suzanne Zick (Century 21 Hecht Realty) — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 19:46:50 -0500

Proving that now is a great time for Charlotteans to buy, Forbes recently released its "10 best cities in the country for house bargains" and Charlotte made the list, of course!

Forbes states that to determine the list, they looked at areas with healthy job growth and more houses available than people to buy them. It also looked at markets where the mortgage crisis hasn't been felt as dramatically as in other parts of the country and where employment growth would take care of the inventory of homes quickly.

Only large metro cities were considered for this list:

1. Salt Lake City, Utah 2. Raleigh, NC 3. Orlando, FL 4. Charlotte, NC 5. Phoenix, AZ 6. Seattle, WA 7. Las Vegas, NV 8. Jacksonville, FL 9. Richmond, VA 10. Houston, TX

Get out there and take advantage of the bargains!!!

Bunker Hill Covered Bridge

Suzanne Zick (Century 21 Hecht Realty) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:22:33 -0500

Looking for History? Look no further than, well, Catawba County!

We took a trip down looking for a letterbox, but found out that this little bridge has some big history attached to it. It is one of only two original covered bridges remaining in North Carolina. It was built in 1895 by Andy Ramsour to cross Lyle's Creek.

From the Catawba County Historical Society:

The Bunker Hill Covered Bridge has significant associations not only with the Civil War, through Haupt, but also with the American Revolution. Of the Island Ford Road, on which the bridge rests, Dr. J. E. Hodges, President of the Catawba County Historical Association in the 1950s, writes in 1959 that following the Battle of Cowpens in 1781, General Morgan detached 531 British prisoners under guard of Colonel William Washington’s dragoons and Colonel Charles McDowell over the Island Ford Road. The men crossed Lyle’s Creek at the Bunker Hill Ford on their way to the Island Ford of the Catawba River, where they were received by the Commissary of Prisoners and conveyed to the interior of Virginia.

Stats: Open: Thursday - Saturday 8:30 to 4:30 PM Sundays 1:00 to 5:00 PM (Closed January & February)

Directions

For inquiries, please call: 828.465.0383

Final Installment of Housing Styles

Suzanne Zick (Century 21 Hecht Realty) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 01:23:40 -0500

TUDOR

Denoting a style of architecture characterized by half- timbered houses, such as this one in Mooresville:

VICTORIAN

Being in the highly ornamented, massive style of architecture, decor, and furnishings popular in 19th-century England, like this one in Mooresville.

WILLIAMSBURG

An English-style house built in Williamsburg and representative of the early Georgian houses built in America throughout the early 1700s. They had simple exterior lines and generally fewer of the decorative devices characteristic of the later Georgian houses. Most were 2- or 3-story rectangular houses with two large chimneys rising high above the roof at each end, like this one in Gastonia:

More Housing Styles

Suzanne Zick (Century 21 Hecht Realty) — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 01:47:40 -0500

GARDEN

A summer house. A privy, like this one in Charlotte, NC.

GEORGIAN

Georgian architecture is often characterized by a rectangular plan, often with symmetrical wings flanking each side; a symmetrical brick or stone façade; pedimented gable; projecting central pavilion or a portico often with two-story columns; monumental pilasters extended the full height of the façade; a belt course; a slate-shingled hipped roof (often truncated and enclosed with a balustrade); a decorated classical cornice; five-ranked rectangular double-hung windows; lintels above rectangular windows; front windows on the ground floor, often pedimented; frequently a Palladian window; an elaborate front entrance; either a single door or a double door, with multiple panels in each leaf; often decoratively crowned; a pediment over the door; often, a projecting hood above the door; a fanlight or transom light above the door, often with sidelights on each side of it; decorative pilasters or engaged columns flanking the doorway. In elegant homes, the front door opened into a spacious entrance hall, like this one in Cornelius, NC.

RUSTIC

Simple and country-like in appearance; 2. made of rough wood or having a rough finish, like this one in Catawba, NC:

SPANISH

Modern day "Spanish" style homes tend to be Mediterranean in flavor, incorporating details Italy, Portugal, Africa, Greece, and other countries, such as this one in Mooresville, NC.

TRADITIONAL

Comfortably rooted in a wide variety of American historical styles, Traditional house plans have a wonderfully warm and familiar feel, like this one in Mooresville, NC.

TRANSITIONAL

According to Wallman of Transitional Trends "“Overall, the amount of architectural details lies comfortably between contemporary and traditional design,” like this home in Mooresville, NC.