Real Estate Information

"The Hunger Games," the movie filmed in Charlotte and the Carolina's will be in theaters soon and they have just released a new trailer which will air during the Super Bowl pre-game show this Sunday.  Catch a glimpse here!

This movie already has lots of fans since it is based on Suzanne Collins' bestselling trilogy of novels but Lionsgate just announced that "The Hunger Games" will get a one-week exclusive engagement in IMAX theaters beginning March 23rd, the same day the film opens nationwide.  We can't wait, can you?

Most of us remember the 1993 Bill Murray movie Groundhog Day and I'm sure most men can even recite some of the lines but how many of you really know what the actual Groundhog's Day is about or how it started?  Celebrated in the U.S. and Canada on February 2nd, folklore says if the groundhog emerges from its burrow and it sees a shadow then it is six more weeks of winter.  Folklore aside, what it really means is, it's a sunny morning when that group of men donning tuxedo's and top hats pull a poor rodent from his hole.

Regardless, it gives people a reason to celebrate.  Modern customs of the holiday are celebrated in many places but the largest celebration is in Punxsutawney Pennsylvania where crowds of over 40,000 have gathered to celebrate since at least 1886.  The celebration started as a German custom throughout southeastern and central Pennsylvania in the 18th and 19th centuries.

This morning, this year's groundhog named "Punxsutawney Phil" saw his shadow so I guess it's six more weeks or winter.  For us in Charlotte, we've been wondering if winter has even started yet.  How well can a rodent predict the weather?  The National Climatic Data Center has reported the prediction accuracy is around 39 percent.

Each week we feature a great community in the area.  If you love your neighborhood, let us know where and why, and it may just be next week's featured neighborhood.  This week's neighborhood is Madison Park.

The Madison Park community is in nestled in the heart of South Charlotte, between Park Rd. and South Blvd, only minutes from Uptown.  Convenient to the historic Park Road Shopping Center, the bars and nightlife of Montford Drive, and the light rail, this has remained one of Charlotte's most popular communities.  This is a quiet neighborhood with tree-lined streets featuring cozy brick ranches, spacious split levels, and mid-century moderns.  Friendly residents take an active role in preserving their neighborhood with a "neighbors helping neighbors" approach, which is just one of the reasons Madison Park was named 2008's "Neighborhood of the Year".  

Today's available homes in Madison Park range from $100,000 to $300,000.  Click here to see the available homes or call us for a tour today. 

The week ended with mortgage rates slightly on the rise which shows signs of positivity amid the housing market.  Although still at incredibly low rates of 3.99 percent, they rose from 3.97 percent the week prior.

Freddie Mac Chief Economist Frank Nothaft also referenced a report that existing home sales rose 5 percent at the end of 2011, signaling the largest increase since May 2010.

Even Warren Buffett's secretary, Debbie Bosanek, who was thrown into the national spotlight by President Obama's State of the Union address last week, is going public with her "private" advice from her boss.  Buy your future retirement home now while the mortgage rates and home prices are still rock bottom.  She did just that and purchased a second home in Arizona with the hopes of convincing her 82 year old boss to retire some time in the next 10 years so she can retire also.

Stop by and say hi!  Check out this gorgeous home & fantastic deal at today's open house.

Sunday, 1/29 1pm - 3pm

See Virtual Tour

Stop by and say hi!  Open house this weekend: 4724 Old Woods Road Charlotte, NC 28209

Saturday 1/28 2pm - 4pm

Sunday 1/29 1pm - 3pm

See Virtual Tour

NEW LISTING - $159,900 - Must see this updated Madison Park Brick Ranch on quiet cul-de-sac street w/ features that include wood burning fireplace, exposed wood beams, fresh exterior AND interior paint, spacious bedrooms w/generous closets, HVAC 2005, new light fixtures, new kitchen counter, Kohler double sink and faucet, new Whirlpool stainless range, Maytag dishwasher, new flooring in kitchen, dining, and bathrooms & more!

This beautiful brick ranch is less than a mile from everything at Southpark (including the new Whole Foods which is scheduled to open Summer 2012). Just a short walk to Harris YMCA! Gleaming hardwood floors, 2 living areas, updated kitchen w/stainless steel & open to den. Wood burning fireplace, generous bedrooms each with ceiling fan & a park-like back yard, all for under $245k!!

Click for virtual tour

Who doesn't love a great deal and who doesn't love Groupon?  The online company that ignited a daily deal coupon craze is considering opening an office in Charlotte.  Who would blame them?  The Queen City is skyrocketing with popularity!  Charlotte is ranked 33rd in the nation for best cities and Forbes named it No. 8 out of 10 best cities for small businesses.  Even President Obama gave a shout out to Charlotte in the State of the Union last night.

Groupon will be holding a job fair at The Ballantyne Hotel March 1st from 5pm until 9pm and March 2nd 7am until 4pm to assess applicants and take stock of the area before making a decision on a Charlotte office.  "Charlotte is high on our list of cities we would like to expand to as we're looking for top talent," said Bernd Hess of Groupon.

A Charlotte office would require hiring of 100 to 150 account executives, sales and merchant managers.  They are also hiring for their headquarters in Chicago.  Check out the job fair and all of the job postings at www.groupon/jobs.

In the real estate business, we develop professional relationships with many companies that provide services to our clients.  Over the years we have compiled a list of those that provide great, timely service, reasonable rates and most importantly...trustworthy.  We are often asked for recommendations so we decided to pick one from our list each week for a public recommendation.

This week's preferred service provider is Home Inspection Carolina.  They have a great team of experienced inspectors and awesome staff, all very helpful.  The rates are competitive and the inspections are very thorough.  If you find yourself needing a home inspection for an upcoming home purchase or if you're thinking of selling your home and would like to have an inspection done, call Home Inspection Carolina. Click image below for their website.