Great stuff! It sure makes you think!

There is a great boating store in Cornelius, NC near Lake Norman called West Marine and they are currently having a HUGE sale!

Not only do they have boat supplies, but they have maps of the local fresh water lakes, boating safety, but they also carry guides and the boating rules of Lake Norman and North Carolina lakes. I often refer newcomers to the area to visit this store if they are going boating.

Mac and I have a 1 year membership and also unlimited towing because we save a ton of money when we buy boating supplies. We often go there for ropes, cleats, life jackets, sunglasses, watches, bumpers,and other cool lake gear.

Life jackets,bumpers, and ropes tend to walk off when you go to tie-ups frequently. We also have the boat towing because the boat is a 1978 Carver, so you never know when you'll need it! However, we've seen many newer boats get towed the last couple of years. Cross your fingers that you don't need it!

Visit them this week for awesome deals on Clearance items from Clothing to Wakeboards to Stereos to Fishing Reels and more get great prices in 2010.  Don't miss out on the Gold Membership which gets you 4% back in Gift certificates, exclusive coupons and discounts for only $24 a year, add Unlimited Fresh Water Towing from Tow Boat US for the amazing price of $34 for a whole year.

20420 W Catawba Ave
Cornelius, NC
28031-5255
PHONE: 704-895-5299
For store hours, please call the store directly.
Street Map 
 

  Are you a lady in Lake Norman and looking to network, meet friends,mix n' mingle,and learn ways to save money? Then this event is for you!

Join us this Saturday February 20th from 5pm until 9pm for a our first Real Ladies of Lake Norman Event.

This is an event for women and businesses that cater to women. It's an opportunity for some of the businesses in the area to let you know more about their product or service and offer discounts and gift certificates as you mingle with the Ladies of Lake Norman over wine, martini's, cocktails, and light h'ordeurvres served by our all male staff for the duration of the event. A few of the businesses participating are Lavendar Boutique, Sweet Grass, Miche Bags, Bamboo Spa, Extreme Tan, Avalilly's Boutique, Diamond Pleasures, Joel's Asian Grill, and more.

We look forward to seeing you Saturday from 5pm-9pm at SkyBar for The Real Ladies of Lake Norman.
SkyBar   www.skybarlkn.com
704.663.2582

I had the pleasure of taking part in the Queen's Feast this week at Dressler's restaurant in Birkdale Village and the food was amazing! Today is the last day, so I encourage my readers to make reservations to enjoy some wonderful food for a wonderful price!

Celebrate Queens Feast!  For 10 days, Jan 22-31, take part in a spectacular 3 course dinner menu at participating Lake Norman and Charlotte area restaurants.  http://www.charlotterestaurantweek.com/restaurants.html

Some of the Lake Norman restaurants include: 131 Main, Dressler's, Kabuto, Maddi's Bistro, Mickey & Mooch, Positano Osteria, Red Rocks, and T1 Tapas.

I think we'll try 131 Main or Melting Pot tonight! $30 per person!! wow!~

Italian Wine Tasting at Campania Cafe

Feb 3 Wed 6:45 PM

This continues to be one of our group's most popular events. Nancy DiGiorgio, co-owner of the Campania Cafe Italian Restaurant and Gourmet market, a cozy restaurant in the heart of Davidson, wants our group back for the tasting in February. For those who were unable to attend the prior months' events, I encourage you to read the comments from them. You will definitely want to be there in February!

I am happy to give our group the opportunity to try some truly excellent, but relatively inexpensive ($15-$30 a bottle) wines. The price for the event is $15, payable when you arrive, and in addition to the 5 wines served, a small individual appetizer tray with assorted goodies will be served for each participant.

The event is hosted by Mr. Ciro Marino.
- He is one of the owners of Campania Cafe's wine distributor, Vino Vino.
- He is formerly the chef/owner of the outstanding Campania restaurant in Pineville-Matthews area of Charlotte.
- He grew up in Los Angeles, working and learning in his uncle's restaurants, which are well-known in LA.
- Being Italian, he has lived in Italy for a good part of his life and enjoys sharing his knowledge of Italian wines.

Directions: From I-77 take exit 28 at Cornelius and go east (away from the lake) on Catawba Ave towards Old Statesville Rd. Catawba Ave ends at Old Statesville Rd. Turn left onto Old Statesville Rd and go about 0.8 miles and Campania Cafe will be on the left.

I have been to many tastings at this restaurant and I can tell you Ciro brings extensive knowledge and understanding of Italian wine making to the event, but not to the point where a wine novice like myself feels overwhelmed. Most attendees from previous events purchased at least 1 bottle, and I am certain this trend will continue as Ciro keeps bringing an excellent selection with him. The wine and food combined with excellent company make for a great evening every time.

I'm sure you have heard about the tax credit in the news or on TV. It can seem a bit confusing with the changes, but I would love to show you how easy it can be to get into a new home and get your credit before the deadline!

Do you have questions about the income limits?

How much credit do you get?

What are the steps to getting the credit applied?

Ask a RE/MAX agent, like myself and you will get the answers!

• You have to have a contract by April 30th, 2010 and close by June 30, 2010!! Don't delay!
• $8,000 to first-time home buyers who buy a home
• $6,500 to seasoned buyers who have lived in their primary homes for at least 5 consecutive years, if they buy a new home

Standing in the water in front of the Lake Norman dam near Statesville, NC, while holding onto the skis because the current was trying to wash us away!

Sandy Aichner, Certified Distressed Property Expert, SFR, ABR, GRI

(704) 746-7513

Lake Norman Real Estate Broker

If you are having a financial hardship or are missing your home payments and would like to know your options, please call me! I work the Lake Norman and Charlotte areas!

Did you know that you can avoid foreclosure by simply asking for help? If you meet certain requirements, you can simply get the necessary information to the place it needs to be and possibly save your credit from a serious fall! 

What is a hardship? It could be one of these things:

1. Mortgage adjustment or payment increase
2. Loss of your job (Unemployment)
3. Business failure 
4. Damage to your property (ie. Natural disaster)
5. Death of spouse or other family members
6. Severe illness
7. Inheritance of property
8. Divorce or separation
9. Relocation for employment
10. Military service
11. Insurance or tax increase
12. Reduced wages or income
13. Credit debt rate increases
14. Incarceration (yes, jail)

You can avoid FORECLOSURE in at least 9 ways:

1. Modify your loan (I just recently helped someone accomplish this!)
2. Forebearance - pay back small payments in a repayment plan
3. Refinance - new loan (if you are trying to get out of an Adjustable rate mtg to a fixed)
4. Reinstatement - pay the loan to bring it current 
5. Rent your home - but you still have to bring the loan current
6. Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure - sign it over to the bank
7. Bankruptcy - this may stall the foreclosure but doesn't always prevent it
8. Sell your property 
9. SHORT SALE - negotiate with the bank to accept a contract for less than you owe