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Charlotte, NC has Always Been Special to Me

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Real Estate Agent with 203-206-0754

Charlotte, NC has Always Been Special to Me

Before I got into real estate, I traveled a lot on business. I was all over the country, but the place that was always special to me was Charlotte, NC. 

There was always something about the place that brought a smile to my face and high expectations for when I would get a chance to go back.

I got out of that business and got into real estate just so I would not travel as much as I once did. For years I would tell my wife that I wanted to live in the Carolinas. It must have rubbed off as a niece moved there in the 80's and her father joined her a few short years ago,

Over the past 23 years, I feel that my family n Charlotte has grown in an unexpected, but very much appreciated way.

I have 2 additional cousins, Debb and Nina.

They are more commonly known as Debe Maxwell, CRS  and Nina Hollander, Broker .

Th nature of the ancestry as to how we have become related, is sketchy, but these ladies are there to make not only me but for anyone that has any involvement with them knows them for the caring, happy, successful and knowledgeable women that they are.

Having met them in person, they are all that plus.

Nina is an escapee from New York City and came to settle in the Queen City after touring the world as a working professional and supportive wife.

Along the way she gathered the skills to make her a very well-respected, and successful real estate professional as well as curator of the true meaning for all the special days of the year.

Debe was a nurse and decided the hours of a real estate professional were less stressful.

Both do their 'thing' with grace and make it look so natural, most likely paddling those feet below the surface like an escaping duck.

With the family we have in the Charotte area, it makes it perfect for me to see my new cousins and get some southern love as well.

This is an entry for the February Challenge hosted by Patricia Feager and Lew Corcoran.

Charlotte, NC has Always Been Special to Me

Posted by

 

Edward (Ed) Silva

 Retired Real Estate Broker

 

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Comments(16)

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Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Ed Silva, 203-206-0754 oh my goodness, Ed... what a fun post. I, for one, am happy to have "collected" a new cousin in you. And I'm looking forward to seeing you in a couple of weeks when you are here in Charlotte. 💕

Feb 16, 2026 04:51 AM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754

Nina Hollander, Broker  this will serve as an advanced warning of the assault on Charlotte.  We're heading up after Hilton Head to be there for my B I L's 85th birthday.

So, coffee March 2 ?

Feb 16, 2026 05:32 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Ed Silva, 203-206-0754 that totally works, cuz!

Feb 16, 2026 05:34 AM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754

OOOpssey  March 3

Feb 16, 2026 05:51 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Excellent photo of you and your cousins! I'm so glad you get to spend time in person!

Feb 16, 2026 05:23 AM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754

Kat Palmiotti   That was taken when I was last there 3 yrs ago

Feb 16, 2026 05:33 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Dede and Nina are excellent selections for special recognition.

Long before I was on ActiveRain, we had a very successful office in Charlotte until we sold that company.

Feb 16, 2026 05:24 AM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754

Roy, it is a very vibrant town and always has been

Feb 16, 2026 05:34 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

I have met both of them in person, and I cherish them both.  They are both active in the Rain and I can tell that they make a lot of connections!

Feb 16, 2026 05:26 AM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754

Brian England  they are well worthy of all the appreciation and recognition they get

Feb 16, 2026 05:34 AM
Patricia Feager
Referral Specialist - DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Licensed to April 2027

Awe! This is a terrific entry for the February Challenge! To have cousins in North Carolina, including Nina Hollander, Broker and Debe Maxwell, CRS to spend quality time visiting with has to be fun. It must be very joyful to embrace each lady's southern charm! Now that you're retired from real estate, maybe you'll turn into a rolling stone traveling more frequently through NC and FL! 

I can see in your smiling faces how much those meetings with Debe and Nina are worth your time to be with them. 

Thank you, once again, for being a great participant and sharing your appreciation!

Feb 16, 2026 05:28 AM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754

Patricia Feager neither lady's southern charms were maligned when we had coffee

Feb 16, 2026 05:35 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Ed. Must say your extended family, via the adopted cousin route, enhances your family line. Great additions. Enjoy your day. 

Feb 16, 2026 05:40 AM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754

Wayne Martin  in my mind,  having them as cousins gives me a stronger connection

Feb 17, 2026 02:56 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

What a great tribute, you can still move to the Carolinas, it is on our list of places to consider.

Feb 16, 2026 09:55 AM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754

Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543  you know grandmothers don't  leave the nesting area

Feb 17, 2026 02:57 AM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

What a heartfelt read, Ed Silva, 203-206-0754. The way you wove those memories and connections together brought a warm smile, and it’s easy to see why that place and those people mean so much to you. Thanks for sharing a story that hits home and reminds us how family can grow in the most unexpected ways :)

Feb 16, 2026 11:43 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Ed, COOL, new cousins, and a great entry for this month's challenge!   Nina is one of the best.  Never met Debe.

Feb 16, 2026 11:56 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Ed you have highlighted two of the classiest ladies of ActiveRain, and I have had the pleasure of meeting them both in person.

Feb 16, 2026 12:06 PM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754

They are,  George Souto and now we're related

Feb 17, 2026 02:58 AM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Author, Golfer, Retired Broker, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Ed,
I have many cousins, but none more precious than those two! 

Feb 16, 2026 02:02 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

Have I told you lately that I love you, Carol Williams?!!

 

Feb 18, 2026 08:33 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

Thank you so much for the kind words, George Souto! It was SUCH a pleasure meeting you and it has been wonderful getting to know you better on our Zoom calls. 

Feb 18, 2026 08:33 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

HI Ed- I love this!!! I feel as though I've met all three of you but no...only through your posts and Zoom. Why don't you become a semi-snowbird!!!

Feb 16, 2026 06:25 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

Oh, it’s been SUCH a treat getting to know you on our Zoom calls too, Kathy Streib! I feel like you’re a sister to me and I am so thankful for all you do for AR. 😘

Feb 18, 2026 08:37 PM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Ed Silva, 203-206-0754  You have picked my two favorite ladies - I feel like I know them both, but unfortunately, I have never met them in person, and I am thankful that I had the privilege of meeting you several times. We have had some great times at Rain Camps 

Feb 17, 2026 01:36 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

Thank you so much, Hannah Williams! I have had so much fun getting to know you even better on our Zoom calls. 😘

Feb 18, 2026 08:38 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Ed:

Such a fun post and a wonderful photo of you, Debe and Nina. Of course when I saw the title of your post I thought of them both immediately...and I am blessed with having met both of them in person.

Jeff

Feb 17, 2026 03:59 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

And I have been blessed to meet you too, Jeff Dowler, CRS! You already know how much I adore you! 😘

Feb 18, 2026 08:39 PM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Real Estate Svcs.
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

I've said it a thousand times, Ed Silva, 203-206-0754 - words alone cannot explain the relationships and friendships formed here in the Rain. Many feel like an extended family to me as well.  I hope one day to meet you, Debe, and Nina in person. 

Feb 18, 2026 07:49 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

Both Ed and Nina are wonderful people, Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist and you would absolutely love meeting you in person too. I’m hopeful it will be SOON when you realize that retiring in Charlotte NC is THE best decision you can make!

Feb 18, 2026 08:41 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Oh, cousin Ed Silva, 203-206-0754, I think you know I already adore you and am so thankful for your friendship. It has been a treat getting to know my cuz even more on our Zoom calls! You add so much to our group and we are so thankful for you. 

Can’t wait to see you at Charlotte’s best Krispy Kreme in March! 🍩 

Feb 18, 2026 08:44 PM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754

Hi Cuz, Debe Maxwell, CRS   I'll be coming over from Columbus, NC, so please get me a GPS useable address and I'll be there on 3/3

Feb 19, 2026 06:06 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

Sure! Here you go Cuz, Ed Silva, 203-206-0754119 N Sharon Amity Rd

Charlotte, NC 28211

Feb 19, 2026 02:41 PM