Discover Charlotte NC's Best Small Towns

Stallings NC Homes for Sale--8105 Castlemaine Drive in Buckingham

Carol Fox, Real Estate Broker, Union County NC Real Estate (Allen Tate Company) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:09:57 -0600

Stallings NC Homes for Sale--8105 Castlemaine Drive in Buckingham

Discover this stunning ranch home located in the quiet neighborhood of Buckingham in the very convenient Stevens Mill area. Shopping, restaurants, two golf courses and an I-485 interchange are just 5 minutes from this home. Buckingham is located in the northern part of Stallings NC.

A step through the front door reveals an open floorplan where cathedral ceilings and sunny windows create a bright spacious feel. A gas log fireplace with pretty mantel and TV niche above is a focal point of the great room.

Find plenty of wall space in the dining room for several pieces of furniture. Glass doors open to the screen porch and the backyard beyond. A new chandelier updates this area. The kitchen is just a few steps away.

A pass-through opening allows conversation to flow between great room and kitchen. Abundant cabinetry and counterspace line both sides of the kitchen. A large pantry provides additional storage.

Enjoy the breakfast area where a beautiful bay window area provides a panoramic view of the screen porch, the patio area and the private backyard. This area has been updated with a new chandelier. Fresh paint brightens the interior of this home.

The master bedroom suite is a serene spot with luxury appointments. It includes a tray ceiling with paddle fan, triple windows, and a deep walk-in closet. The glamor bath has a garden tub plus separate shower and double sinks.

Outdoor entertaining is easy in this home. Enjoy summer evenings on the screen porch or grilling on the paver patio. Mature trees shade these areas on summer days.

The big level backyard is completely fenced. A shed provides storage. This home has a two-car garage with nooks for more storage and pull-down stairs to the attic. A one-year home buyers warranty in included with this home.

See a virtual tour of 8105 Castlemaine Drive in Buckingham here.

Learn more about the Buckingham Neighborhood in Stallings 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

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.

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

Carol Fox, Real Estate Broker, Union County NC Real Estate (Allen Tate Company) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:31:50 -0600

Buckingham in Stallings NC—Homes for Sale and Neighborhood Profile

Buckingham in Stallings NC is a small quiet neighborhood in an area called Stevens Mill. Located off Lawyers Road just five minutes from an I-485 interchange, Buckingham has convenient access to community shopping at nearby Stevens Mill Crossing where there is a Harris Teeter grocery store, a gas station, a coffee shop and a variety of restaurants.

Buckingham is a neighborhood of moderately priced homes in an area of more expensive neighborhoods. It lies adjacent to the Emerald Lake Country Club golf course and neighborhood. Walking trails wind through Buckingham ending at a common area near the golf course. Another golf course, The Divide, is just minutes away in Shannamara, a second Stevens Mill area country club community.

Homes in Buckingham were built in the mid to late 1990s. They include ranches and two-story homes. Most are vinyl or vinyl with brick accents. A tree-lined entry welcomes residents home to this gem of a Stallings NC neighborhood.

Map of Buckingham in Stallings NC

View Buckingham Neighborhood in Stallings NC in a larger map

Buckingham Community Features

Community Amenities: Buckingham Homeowners Association, walking trails and common area

Builders: Tyson Construction

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

Buckingham Real Estate Market Update

January to November 2009

Homes Sold: 4 single family homes

Prices: $125,000 to $178,925 Average Sales Price: $157,606

Average Square Feet: 1471

Average Days on Market: 71

Source: Carolina Multiple Listing Service

Buckingham Homes for Sale

Click here to see Buckingham homes for sale.

Ever wonder what your Buckingham home is worth?

Click here to receive 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.

Charlotte NC Homes for Sale--3708 Ayscough Road in Barclay Downs

Carol Fox, Real Estate Broker, Union County NC Real Estate (Allen Tate Company) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:52:31 -0600

Charlotte NC Homes for Sale--3708 Ayscough Road in Barclay Downs

Discover this classic SouthPark brick ranch located in a pretty section of the Barclay Downs neighborhood. You'll find this ranch tucked among homes on large lots with mature trees and landscaping.

Crown and chair rail moldings plus a wood floor highlight the formal entry of this home. Spacious formal living and dining rooms have crown molding and sunny windows. Each of these rooms has abundant wall space for placing furniture.

Banks of cabinetry line two walls of the kitchen. Appliances include include a cooktop, wall oven, and dishwasher. Chair rail and panelled wainscoting add detail to the breakfast area. The laundry room is adjacent to the kitchen.

The arched opening of the masonry fireplace with gas logs provides a lovely focal point for the large family room at the back of the house. Built-ins, architectural beams at the ceiling and beautiful wood floors create interest in this room.

Double French doors allow views of the screen porch and the backyard beyond. Light streams through these doors to give the pretty panelled walls and wood flooring a warm glow.

Each of the three bedrooms is spacious. The master bedroom suite includes a double closet and bathroom with tile shower and linen closet. All bedrooms have wood floors. A hall bath with double sinks and tile tub/shower completes the bedroom wing.

Find enough space for seating and relaxing plus dining on the 11'x20' screen porch with broken tile floor. Enjoy the level private backyard. At nearly a half acre, the lot has space for expansion of the home.

Enjoy the benefits of living in the upscale SouthPark area with its mall, restaurants and other shopping conveniently nearby, but feel that you are in a different world when you come home to the quiet streets of Barclay Downs.

*Charlotte NC Homes for Sale--3708 Ayscough Road in Barclay Downs*

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 Homes for Sale--3015 Salmon River

Carol Fox, Real Estate Broker, Union County NC Real Estate (Allen Tate Company) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:48:23 -0600

Indian Trail NC Homes for Sale--3015 Salmon River

Don't miss 3015 Salmon River Drive in the Meriwether neighborhood. This Indian Trail NC home for sale is perfect for first time home buyers.

Pride of ownership shows in the wonderfully maintained ranch home. A step through the front door reveals a bright open floorplan with a smooth cathedral ceiling and multiple windows adding to the spacious feel of the home.

A gas log fireplace with pretty mantel and TV niche is the focal point of the great room. This room is large enough for two seating areas: one at the fireplace with an updated paddle fan above and the other in a corner flanked by two windows.

A lovely updated chandelier highlights the dining area where double windows flood the room with sunshine and a French door provides access to the yard. A breakfast bar separates the dining room from the adjacent kitchen.

Add your decorating touches above the raised panel cabinetry with crown molding. Abundant counterspace provides plenty of workspace. The adjacent laundry room includes pantry space. The refrigerator, stove, microwave, and washer/dryer remain.

Find excellent wallspace for your furniture in the spacious master bedroom suite with cathedral ceiling. This room includes a large walk-in closet and full bath. Window shades and blinds remain throughout the home.

Three secondary bedrooms make this affordable ranch home a rare find. Use the fourth bedroom for guests or a home office. All bedrooms have large double or walk-in closets. A hall bath with tub/shower completes the bedroom wing of the house.

Enjoy outdoor activities in the large backyard with new picket fencing and a privacy fence along the back. The common area beyond the back fence provides a wooded backdrop. The front yard has an irrigation system. A children's play set remains.

This home is in Meriwether, a neighborhood conveniently located near the Sun Valley schools, shopping, and restaurants. Neighborhood amenities include a fishing lake, pool and clubhouse, volleyball and basketball courts and walking trails.

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.

Meriwether in Indian Trail NC--Homes for Sale and Neighborhood Profile

Carol Fox, Real Estate Broker, Union County NC Real Estate (Allen Tate Company) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:52:08 -0600

Meriwether in Indian Trail NC—Homes for Sale and Neighborhood Profile

Meriwether in Indian Trail NC is a great neighborhood for first time home buyers. Homes in the Meriwether community are more affordable than many Indian Trail neighborhoods built in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Home styles in Meriwether include small ranches with open floor plans as well as two-story homes. Most homes have one or two-car garages.

The Meriwether neighborhood has two sections, one on each side of Rogers Road. Each section was designed to have a village atmosphere with the eastern village consisting of larger homes and the western village emphasizing starter homes with ranches predominating. Both villages have access to the Meriwether neighborhood amenities, including a fishing lake, clubhouse and pool, volleyball and basketball courts and walking trails.

Meriwether is located in the Sun Valley area about midway between Matthews and Monroe. A grocery store, a bank, restaurants, coffee shop and service businesses are nearby with big box retailers within five miles of the neighborhood. The Shiloh/Sun Valley schools complex is within two miles of the neighborhood.

Map of Meriwether in Indian Trail NC

View Meriwether Neighborhood in Indian Trail NC in a larger map

Meriwether Community Features

Community Amenities: Meriwether Homeowners Association, neighborhood clubhouse and swimming pool, fishing lake, volleyball and basketball courts, walking trails, open space

Builders: Mulvaney

Schools: Shiloh Elementary, Sun Valley Middle, Sun Valley High. School assignments are subject to change. Check with the Union County Public Schools for current school assignments.

Meriwether Real Estate Market Update

January to November 2009

Homes Sold: 18 single family homes

Prices: $98,850 to $157,000 Average Sales Price: $126,544

Average Square Feet: 1425

Average Days on Market: 92

Source: Carolina Multiple Listing Service

Meriwether Homes for Sale

Click here to find Meriwether homes for sale.

Ever wonder what your Meriwether home is worth?

Click here to receive 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.

Happy Thanksgiving Indian Trail NC

Carol Fox, Real Estate Broker, Union County NC Real Estate (Allen Tate Company) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:59:01 -0600

Happy Thanksgiving Indian Trail NC

An Indian Trail NC citizen has given town residents a Thanksgiving gift in the form of a folk art turkey made from hay bales. You can see it here in the photo to the right. You might think that Indian Trail has gone completely suburban when driving Old Monroe Road/Old Charlotte Highway from Matthews NC to Monroe NC. You pass neighborhood after neighborhood built since the 1990s identified by their distinctive entry monuments of brick and stone. You find community shopping centers with offices and grocery stores and restaurants.

You can even find a Starbucks!

But guess what? You can still find a little country in Indian Trail NC. At this homestead, you can enjoy a white farmhouse with wrap-around porch set among the farm fields and woods. And you can definitely enjoy the folk art in the front yard. Not only is there a large turkey wishing passersby a Happy Thanksgiving, there is also a giant fellow waving and wishing everyone well. As you can see from the photo below, he’s also made of hay and he towers over the power lines. He’ll remain in place all winter. The next time you travel along this route, take a look and enjoy a little bit of country in Indian Trail NC.

Learn more about living in Indian Trail NC. Indian Trail NC Voted Best for Relocation.

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 Sellers--Five Reasons to Get Off the Home Selling Sidelines

Carol Fox, Real Estate Broker, Union County NC Real Estate (Allen Tate Company) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:04:36 -0600

Union County NC Home Sellers—Five Reasons to Get Off the Home Selling Sidelines

Has the thought of selling your Union County NC home crossed your mind? Have negative news stories about unemployment, foreclosures and falling prices kept you on the home selling sidelines? If so, you should reconsider because the next six months may be the best time in a long time to sell your current home and buy another.

Hard to believe? Here are five reasons why it’s a great time to be in the Union County NC real estate market.

The federal government is willing to pay you to buy a home. The newly revised and extended Federal Housing Tax Credit program covers not only first-time home buyers but also repeat home buyers. You may qualify for a $6500 tax credit on your next home purchase if you have used your home as a principal residence for at least five consecutive years of the eight years prior to the purchase date.
You don’t have to sell your current home to qualify for the tax credit as long as you move into the new home and use it as your principal residence. Second homes and investment property do not qualify for the tax credit.
You may have a greater pool of potential buyers for your home. Is your current home in a moderate price range? First-time home buyers can receive an $8000 tax credit for their purchase. The previous tax credit encouraged many of them to purchase in spite of the negative news. If your current home is in a higher price point, up to $800,000, there may be more move-up buyers in the market who want to take advantage of the repeat home buyer tax credit. More buyers in the Union County NC marketplace should add up to an easier time for home selling.
Prices of Union County NC homes are more reasonable than in the past. Yes, you may get less for your current home than you could have several years ago but you will also pay less for your next home. If you are a move-up buyer, a ten percent lower price on your next home will be a greater discount than a ten percent reduction on your lower-priced current home.
The federal government is keeping interest rates low to stimulate the economy. Mortgage borrowers with the best credit can get interest rates on thirty year mortgages below 5% today. Once the government stops taking these measures, interest rates will rise. Principal and interest on a $200,000 thirty year mortgage at 5% is $1074. The PI payment rises to $1200 at 6% and to $1332 at 7%. Lower interest rates plus lower home prices equal big savings.

Get off the sidelines if you are a Union County NC home seller. Your next home must be under contract by April 30, 2010 and close by June 30, 2010 to qualify for the Repeat Home Buyer Tax Credit. Learn more details about the Home Buyer Tax Credit.

Want to know more about the value of your current Union County NC home? Click here to request a market evalution 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.

Farmwood in Mint Hill NC--Homes for Sale and Neighborhood Profile

Carol Fox, Real Estate Broker, Union County NC Real Estate (Allen Tate Company) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:59:08 -0600

Farmwood in Mint Hill NC—Homes for Sale and Neighborhood Profile

Farmwood is Mint Hill NC’s classic neighborhood. Construction began in Farmwood in the mid-1970s and continued through the early 1990s. Large wooded lots ranging from a half acre to over an acre on wide streets provide a beautiful setting for Farmwood homes. The earliest Farmwood homes were mostly traditional brick ranches, two-stories and tri-levels. Some were basement homes where the slope of the lots accommodated them. As the years passed and home styles changed, country-style homes with big friendly front porches and wood siding were built. The most recently built Farmwood homes tended to be large two-story colonials with transitional interiors.

Farmwood spreads over a large area of Mint Hill NC from Lawyers Road to the northeast and crossing over Lebanon Road to the west. The neighborhood wraps around the Pine Lake Country Club at Lebanon Road. Some Farmwood homes have beautiful views on the golf course. Although Pine Lake Country Club adjoins Farmwood, the club is not a part of the neighborhood. Farmwood does not have a homeowners association and there are no HOA dues.

Pine Lake Country Club is a private facility. The original golf course at Pine Lake was built in the early 1960s and was renovated in 1988 by John LaFoy, a renowned golf course designer. Five fresh water lakes and manicured grounds occupy the 155-acre club. Pine Lake Country Club also has six clay tennis courts and two hard courts. A range of tennis activities are available for men and women at the club. Swimming and dining facilities are also found at Pine Lake Country Club.

Map of Farmwood in Mint Hill NC

View Farmwood Neighborhood in Mint Hill NC in a larger map

Farmwood Community Features

Community Amenities: Farmwood does not have a homeowners association nor any neighborhood amenities. Pine Lake Country Club is adjacent to the neighborhood. Shopping and restaurants in downtown Mint Hill are nearby.

Builders: McLemore Construction

Schools: Lebanon Road Elementary, Northeast Middle, Independence High. School assignments are subject to change. Check with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Public Schools for current school assignments.

Farmwood Real Estate Market Update

January to November 2009

Homes Sold: 13 single family homes

Prices: $160,000 to $325,000 Average Sales Price: $227,876

Average Square Feet: 2483

Average Days on Market: 133

Source: Carolina Multiple Listing Service

Farmwood Homes for Sale

Click here to find Farmwood homes for sale.

Ever wonder what your Farmwood 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.

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

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.