Charlotte Real Estate Resource

Low Crime Rates in Tega Cay

Angie Adams SRES REALTOR Broker — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:32:00 GMT

I was just reading in the Fort Mill Focus Magazine how low our crime rates are in the City of Tega Cay . I was very pleased to read the article, since I am a resident there as well Here is what was reported for the year 2006 (Tega Cay population is about 4500): Murder 0 Rape 0 Robbery 0 Aggravated Assault 0 Breaking and Entering 4 Larceny 14 Auto Theft 0 Total 18 I think the low crime is attributed to the community involvement and our Tega Cay police department, who has its seat at the entrance of...(read more)

With York County Growth come some Challenges

Angie Adams SRES REALTOR Broker — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:50:00 GMT

York County picked up 10,395 people, bringing its population to 208,827. But with the increase comes challenges. Area school systems must find ways to accommodate the influx of new students. Fort Mill schools for example will open two new elementary campuses, Sugar Creek Elementary off Farm House Road and Pleasant Knoll Elementary off Pleasant Road in August 2009. They'll ease crowded conditions at the district's five elementaries which three of them have capped enrollment. I believe all...(read more)

Lower Property Taxes spur Growth in York County

Angie Adams SRES REALTOR Broker — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:07:00 GMT

As most of us know, York County's growth rate blew past 5 percent between 2006 and 2007. It has grown faster than any other county in the state a ccording to 2007 Census estimates released this week. And this despite the national housing market collapse and a sluggish economy that has cooled, and in some cases reversed growth in many South Carolina counties. It's an indication of the Carolinas' continued growth, especially in the Charlotte area . is a dynamic, growing metro area, and...(read more)

Charlotte 7th Place "Best City to buy a Home"

Angie Adams SRES REALTOR Broker — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:51:00 GMT

As reported by Forbes on 07/14/08. Charlotte is the second-largest banking capital in the U.S., behind New York City. With the University of North Carolina nearby and tons of cultural attractions, this is a city that won't get tired. The market is reflecting what residents already know: Median home prices hopped to $205,400 in 2007, from $180,900 in 2005. Charlotte's vacancy rate is just a bit above the national average at 3.1%, reflecting a lot of space that is likely to get snapped up. Read full article by Forbes

Also see www.AngiesWeb.com

New Sushi Restaurant will replace Inn at Baxter

Angie Adams SRES REALTOR Broker — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 18:29:00 GMT

A new owner is taking over the former Inn at Baxter site on Market Street in Fort Mill's Baxter Village. Hank Lim, who runs a sushi restaurant in Charlotte, said he plans to open the Fish Market on Market Street in August. It will be somewhat casual in decor, but offer fresh fish that will arrive once or twice daily and range from shrimp, clams, oysters and Georgebank sea scallops to Florida black grouper, Scottish salmon, Block Island swordfish and Carolina trout. It will be mostly grilled seafood,...(read more)

Home prices sink in 21 of 25 Metro Areas. Not Charlotte NC!

Angie Adams SRES REALTOR Broker — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 18:20:00 GMT

According to a report released by real estate research and data company Radar Logic, the price per square foot of housing shrank in 21 of 25 metro areas year-over-year in January, with double-digit percentage declines in nine market areas.

The price-per-square foot of homes in Sacramento, Calif., dropped 27.8 percent year-over-year in January, according to Radar Logic's data tracked during a 28-day period in January.

Las Vegas was second in its rate of decline with a 25.4 percent year-over-year drop in the price per square foot, followed by San Diego, down 21.2 percent; Los Angeles, down 16.6 percent; and Tampa, Fla., down 14.6 percent.

Charlotte, N.C., had a 3.9 percent gain in the price per square foot. New York City was the only other market tracked by Radar Logic to experience a year-over-year gain in January, at 2 percent.

Seattle has led among metro areas tracked by Radar Logic for its 6 percent annualized gain in home prices over the past two years, while Miami has led over the past five years. Sacramento, meanwhile, has shown the largest two-year annualized decline and Detroit has shown the largest five-year decline.

Also see www.AngiesWeb.com

Growth continues in the Fort Mill Township!

Angie Adams SRES REALTOR Broker — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 21:01:00 GMT

Development continues in Fort Mill, despite a slowdown in national building trends, Several major projects have already broken ground, and several more are in the early planning stages. Homes are already built and on the market in Springfield and Massey, two massive projects annexed into Fort Mill two years ago. In Tega Cay, Drake Capital has installed roads and other infrastructure in Lake Ridge - formerly Gardendale - and has started developing the first 170 lots. The community's amenities...(read more)

Tega Cay’s Bouquets of Fruit, offers 'Frogurt'

Angie Adams SRES REALTOR Broker — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 20:53:00 GMT

The newest addition to Tega Cay's Stonecrest shopping center is offering bouquets of fresh fruit in lieu of flowers. The Fresh Fruit Bouquet Co. will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon Tuesday at its location, 2435 S.C. 160, near the Tega Cay Wal-Mart. The new business sells fruit arrangements with or without chocolate and real fruit smoothies. It also is an exclusive retailer of "Frogurt" frozen yogurt, rated "Best of New York" by New York Magazine this year....(read more)

Grapevine to host an event this Wednesday!

Angie Adams SRES REALTOR Broker — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 20:51:00 GMT

Grapevine Wine Shop & Wine Bar, 1012 Market St. in Fort Mill, will host a Networking After Hours event from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at its store in Baxter Village Town Center. Business leaders are encouraged to attend and bring business cards for the event, to be held the first Wednesday of each month. No affiliation or membership in any group is required, and there is no fee to attend. Also see www.AngiesWeb.com...(read more)

Tega Cay will add 80 acres of Recreation

Angie Adams SRES REALTOR Broker — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 20:49:00 GMT

So far the plan will look like this. It will include a gymnasium, four baseball fields, a parking lot, walking trails, multipurpose fields, a disc golf course, fishing piers, a canoe and kayak launch - even a dog park. The park will stretch along roughly 80 acres of riverfront south of New Grayrock Road. Ten acres came from land donated to the city from Lake Ridge (formerly Gardendale) and the rest comes from two parcels owned by Duke Energy near the Lake Wylie Dam. Last Monday's vote was the...(read more)

Home For Sale in Reserve at Gold Hill, Fort Mill

Angie Adams SRES REALTOR Broker — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 21:18:00 GMT

Great Fort Mill Location!

• 3 bath, 6 bdrm 2 story - MLS® $449,000 USD

Reserve at Gold Hill, Fort Mill - Why wait to build? This 4700+ sq ft basement home is ready for immediate occupancy! This like new home has many builder upgrades as well as blinds/plantation shutters, finished garage floor. Gourmet kitchen. Finished basement has wet bar, rec room, home theater room & bedroom. Neutral decor. Fenced yard backs up to a wooded preserve for ultimate privacy. Short walk to community pool.

Property information

Plenty of options to play Golf in the Fort Mill area!

Angie Adams SRES REALTOR Broker — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 17:11:00 GMT

Fort Mill is a great Place to play Golf! Fort Mill Golf Course, at 101 Country Club Drive, closed for renovations earlier this year. (Details at www.leroysprings.com .) The Leroy Springs facility will reopen in the next few months. Meantime, the Accelerized Golf Academy with PGA professional Brent Reneau is still operating at the driving range. Call 803-230-2853 or visit www.aga-fmgc.com . Regent Park Golf Club ( www.regentparkgolfclub.com at 5055 Regent Parkway has a golf academy for junior and...(read more)

The original Downtown After Work Party: Alive after Five

Angie Adams SRES REALTOR Broker — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 14:52:00 GMT

The original Downtown After Work Party - Alive After Five - returns for an eigth year!
Thursday, June 19 through Thursday, August 21Presented by Charlotte Center City Partners
FREE!

> official website

The event is held in the same great location at the foot of the Wachovia Buildings at the corner of Tryon and Martin Luther King (formerly 2nd St.)

Join us for great music, food and drink and a fun way to spend every Thursday afternoon. We'll be serving up your favorite drinks and food and adding some festive frozen drinks to the mix!

Thursdays- 5:30 - 9:30pm
See full schedule below

Location: 301 South Tryon, Charlotte

April 17 Breakfast Club / website

April 24 Satisfaction (Rolling Stones) / website

May 1 Almost McGraw / almostmcgraw.net

May 8 Right On! / website

May 15 General Johnson and the Chairmen / website

May 22 Tuesdays Gone / tuesdaysgonetribute.com
& Tres Hombes / treshombresband.com

May 29 Who's Bad / whosbadmusic.com

June 5 Frontiers / journeytributeband.com

June 12 ZOSO (The Led Zeppelin Tribute) / website

June19 Heather Hayes Band / website

June 26 Girlz Girlz Girlz / website

July 3 Coconut Groove Band / website

July 10 Fair Warning / website

July 17 Liquid Pleasure with Kenny Mann / website

July 24 Vertigo (U2 Tribute Band) / vertigou2band.com

July 31 80'Z - ENuff / website

August 7 Rubberband / website

August 14 The Backbeat / thebackbeatcentral.com

August 21 White Chocolate / website

Dates:

Thursday, June 19, 2008 @ 5:30 pm
Thursday, June 26, 2008 @ 5:30 pm
Thursday, July 3, 2008 @ 5:30 pm
Thursday, July 10, 2008 @ 5:30 pm
Thursday, July 17, 2008 @ 5:30 pm
Thursday, July 24, 2008 @ 5:30 pm
Thursday, July 31, 2008 @ 5:30 pm
Thursday, August 7, 2008 @ 5:30 pm
Thursday, August 14, 2008 @ 5:30 pm
Thursday, August 21, 2008 @ 5:30 pm

Charlotte housing market could be the first to rebound!

Angie Adams SRES REALTOR Broker — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 14:03:00 GMT

According to a report this week from a Wall Street firm, the Charlotte area’s housing market could be among the first to bounce back.

Charlotte was one of 13 regions examined by housing analysts with UBS Securities, who considered demographics, housing inventory, affordability and other economic factors.

Charlottes’ big banks job losses are a concern, but in general, population and job growth make Charlotte a leader. The Prices in Charlotte didn’t explode and so haven’t plunged as they have in overheated markets.

Based on this analysis and report, I believe markets that are currently outperforming, including Texas, Charlotte, and Atlanta, will be among the first to recover, driven by limited levels of excess single-family supply, good affordability, and robust job growth.

They don’t say when the bounce-back will occur, but offer this Greenspanian forecast: “In our opinion, a sustainable trough in for-sale housing will not be achieved until we reach a viable sales pace that can be maintained at a given price level.” Also see www.AngiesWeb.com

Shakespeare at the Green: Romeo and Juliet

Angie Adams SRES REALTOR Broker — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 20:21:00 GMT

Uptown at The Green in beautiful Charlotte, NC

Through Sunday, June 22
Presented by Collaborative Arts Theatre
FREE!

> official website

(directions and parking info...)

Admission is Free
(donations will be accepted at the end of the performance)

No Reservations Required
Patrons are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs and may bring food and beverages, if desired.

Dates:

Wednesday, June 11, 2008 @ 8:00 pm
Thursday, June 12, 2008 @ 8:00 pm
Friday, June 13, 2008 @ 8:00 pm
Saturday, June 14, 2008 @ 8:00 pm
Sunday, June 15, 2008 @ 6:30 pm
Wednesday, June 18, 2008 @ 8:00 pm
Thursday, June 19, 2008 @ 8:00 pm
Friday, June 20, 2008 @ 8:00 pm
Saturday, June 21, 2008 @ 8:00 pm
Sunday, June 22, 2008 @ 6:30 pm

Also see www.AngiesWeb.com

Charlotte was voted "America's Recession-Proof City" by Forbes

Angie Adams SRES REALTOR Broker — Sat, 17 May 2008 18:30:00 GMT

Charlotte made 9th Place!

Charlotte housing market is surviving the Housing Bust so far

Angie Adams SRES REALTOR Broker — Thu, 08 May 2008 16:29:00 GMT

One Wachovia Center in downtown Charlotte is ailed as the up-and-coming Wall Street of the South, Charlotte, N.C., is home to the headquarters of both Bank of America and Wachovia. The banks have attracted a slew of young workers.

In addition to strong employment prospects, Charlotte is inexpensive to build in and speculation has remained low (home prices rose by just 36% between January 2000 and September 2007). That combination has helped keep the value of single-family homes relatively stable. Between February 2007 and February 2008, prices in Charlotte rose 1.5% — the only increase in a major metropolitan city.

HOME PRICE INDEX

Angie Adams SRES REALTOR Broker — Wed, 07 May 2008 21:31:00 GMT

Metro area	Index Feb. 2008	Change from Jan.	Change Jan. from Dec.	1-Year change

Atlanta	125.83	-1.0%	-1.8%	-5.6%

Boston	160.31	-1.4%	-1.2%	-4.6%

Charlotte	131.22	-0.4%	-0.2%	1.5%

Chicago	153.33	-2.0%	-2.2%	-8.5%

Cleveland	106.82	-1.5%	-3.2%	-9.2%

Dallas	117.72	-0.7%	-1.8%	-4.1%

Denver	127.5	-1.1%	-1.5%	-5.5%

Detroit	97.61	-2.6%	-3.0%	-16.5%

Las Vegas	177.18	-4.8%	-5.1%	-22.8%

Los Angeles	214.83	-4.3%	-3.7%	-19.4%

Miami	218.74	-3.0%	-2.7%	-21.7%

Minneapolis	145.93	-3.5%	-3.0%	-12.5%

New York	198.46	-1.0%	-0.9%	-6.6%

Phoenix	172.72	-4.1%	-4.1%	-20.8%

Portland	176.24	-1.4%	-2.0%	-2.0%

San Diego	190.34	-3.6%	-2.5%	-19.2%

San Francisco	174.54	-5.0%	-2.9%	-17.2%

Seattle	179.85	-1.0%	-1.8%	-2.7%

Tampa	188.59	-3.1%	-2.7%	-17.5%

D.C.	207.05	-2.7%	-2.5%	-13.0%

10 metros	190.58	-2.8%	-2.3%	-13.6%

20 metros	175.94	-2.6%	-2.4%	-12.7%

Source: S&P and Fiserv

York County Water is stretched to the Limit!

Angie Adams SRES REALTOR Broker — Tue, 06 May 2008 00:43:00 GMT

Fort Mill roads are nearing or exceeding their design capacity, but what many residents may not know is that the county's water system here is also close to the breaking point. York County engineers are in the process of studying various options to expand the county's existing water capacity to find the most efficient and cost effective avenue to sending more water to a growing population center. Engineers looking at a pipe to connect directly to Rock Hill.That would free up some capacity...(read more)

The new Indian Land library will have 'organic' décor

Angie Adams SRES REALTOR Broker — Mon, 05 May 2008 16:43:00 GMT

In many ways, the new library, under construction on Hwy. 521 near Sun City Carolina Lakes, is intended to be a home away from home for all county residents.

Carpet, wall colors and cabinets are all details and have painstakingly picked out for the "Indian Land's Living Room." Chosen are colors commonly found outdoors, mimicking the hues of grass and red clay. The entryway floor will be made of cork, and the main carpet in the library has a subtle leaf print.

The next step is choosing furniture, hoping to stay in the Carolinas for those purchases, making sure as much local merchandise as possible is used for the facility.

Construction on the library is expected to be complete in November.

Donations for the library project continue to trickle in, but more money is needed.

In total, $381,000 has been received in donations from companies, grants and individuals, but $400,000 more is needed to completely furnish the library.

Recently, the Lancaster County Partners for Youth donated $20,000 to the Del Webb Library at Indian Land, to be used for creating study rooms.

The project, along with a new county courthouse, could become part of the capital needs bond referendum the Lancaster County Council is considering.

The Indian Land library is just going to be an arm of the main branch in Lancaster. It's wholly dependent on the main branch. It doesn't all end when our doors open. The health of the Indian Land branch is very dependent on the health of the main branch.

Also see www.Carolina55andBetter.com

Charlotte New Home starts sees double-digit drops

Angie Adams SRES REALTOR Broker — Mon, 05 May 2008 16:28:00 GMT

New-home construction starts in the greater Charlotte fell 48 percent in the first quarter, hitting its lowest level in at least five years, according to national housing-research firm Metrostudy.

Meanwhile, the inventory of vacant lots in the local market is at an all-time high. In the latest quarter, there were 3,145 new-home starts in the Charlotte area, Metrostudy says. That's a drop from 6,050 during the same period last year.

The number of quarterly starts here has not fallen below 4,000 since the first quarter of 2003, according to Metrostudy, which monitors the start of construction visually rather than by counting the number of building permits issued.

Closings on the sale of local single-family homes fell 35 percent to 3,801 units in the latest quarter from 5,844 a year ago, Metrostudy says.

In gauging the market's vacant-lot inventory, the firm counts 40,825 lots in developing communities at the end of the first quarter. That equates to a 26.7-month supply, increasing from the 21.5-month supply at the end of 2007.

An 18- to 24-month supply is considered a good balance between supply and demand, Charlotte's new-housing market is in a correction phase, as it is subject to the same problems other markets are experiencing nationally.

Causes are the clamp-down on credit underwriting, weakness in the national economy and a lack of consumer confidence. However, Charlotte's housing market remains strong, with closings exceeding starts. Despite a slowdown in job growth, the local economy remains healthy, and interest rates are near record lows.

Metrostudy says the top single-family, detached new-home subdivisions in the Charlotte market, based on annual starts at the end of the first quarter are Carolina Lakes/Sun City, Berewick/Village of Evanton, Hamilton Lakes, Westmoreland Acres and Shiloh Commons.

Also see www.AngiesWeb.com

Charlotte Area's housing prices still strong

Angie Adams SRES REALTOR Broker — Mon, 05 May 2008 16:02:00 GMT

The Charlotte region is the only one of 20 urban markets nationwide still showing rising home prices.

Area prices rose 1.5 percent for the 12 months through February, according to the widely followed S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index. The index showed prices were down nearly 13 percent for the 20 markets tracked. The hardest hit -- Las Vegas, Miami and Phoenix -- posted declines of more than 20 percent.

February marks the second month in which Charlotte was the only area in positive territory, but its lead has been deteriorating.

The Charlotte market is built around the strong economy. Layoffs at Charlotte's big banks might affect the market I remain optimistic about price appreciation.

Rising foreclosures, tighter lending rules and a struggling economy have slowed sales and depressed home prices nationwide. Charlotte has fared better than many markets because prices didn't surge here during the real estate boom of recent years.

The Case-Shiller index analyzes repeat sales of single-family houses.

Charlotte-area prices slipped slightly during the past three months compared with the first quarter of 2007, according to Market Opportunity Research Enterprises, which tallies real estate closing data from public records. The average sales price of existing, single-family homes dipped less than 1 percent, to $218,159, for the eight-county region that includes Charlotte.

Overall, Charlotte area sales prices for all types of new and existing residences rose 1.65 percent compared with a year earlier. Higher prices for condos and townhouses as well as new single-family homes offset the decline in existing home prices.

PROFILE OF ACTIVE ADULT AND THE 50+ HOUSING MARKET

Angie Adams SRES REALTOR Broker — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 22:16:00 GMT

'ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITIES'

They're called “active adult” communities, and they're one of the hottest parts of the Charlotte area housing market. Some carry age restrictions, others don't. But they're all designed for buyers 55 and older who are ready to downsize their home but not their lifestyle. Prices often range from $200,000 to $500,000.

Typical features:

Homes usually are on one floor, or at least have the master suite, laundry room and main living spaces on the first floor.

Exterior maintenance is often covered by owners' fees.

Amenities include recreational facilities – pools, tennis courts and walking trails.

PROFILE OF THE 50+ HOUSING MARKET

It might seem as if a larger proportion of active adults – those 55 and older – are downsizing to condos and patio homes, but the numbers say otherwise. Just 5 percent of the folks in that age group move each year, according to a study by the National Association of Home Builders, and that's held steady for a decade.

Here's more from the study, “Profile of the 50+ Housing Market,” by the association's 50+ Housing Council:

Half of all movers 55 and older stay in the same county.

Second homes are more prevalent among older households. Sixteen percent of 55- to 64-year-old households own second homes, the peak ownership.

Three years ago, 350,360 households were in age-restricted or “age-qualified” communities, while about 897,000 were in “other” communities designed to appeal to active adults.

In order from most important, age-qualified buyers rank their preferences this way: recreational facilities, open space within a half block, services provided, gated community, water within a half block, waterfront home.

Design matters. More of those 55 to 64 years old rank design (33 percent) higher than proximity to family and friends (22percent).

These buyers shop multiple neighborhoods and look at more than 10 homes on average.

The median price in age-qualified neighborhoods is $330,000; in “other” active adult communities, the median price is $300,000.

SOURCE: Profile of the 50+ Housing Market, by the NAHB's 50+ Housing Council

Also see www.Carolina55andBetter.com

Huge changes to come on the western side of Lake Wylie!

Angie Adams SRES REALTOR Broker — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 13:41:00 GMT

Crescent Resources plans to develop more than 2,300 acres around Lake Wylie in York County for residential, retail and office space. It would be one of the largest developments in the Charlotte area once they get the go ahead. The project would be almost a third bigger than the Palisades in southwest Charlotte, which has 1,600 acres and it would be about double the size of The Point on Lake Norman. Crescent wants to develop three tracts of land with Allison Creek Partners near the Catawba Nuclear...(read more)

Where Housing is Headed!

Angie Adams SRES REALTOR Broker — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 13:09:00 GMT

I just found this chart by The Wall Street Journal that gives you a pretty good picture on the current Housing situation across the US:

http://s.wsj.net/public/resources/documents/retro-HAGERTY.html

Also see www.AngiesWeb.com