10602 Vanguard Parkway - Huntersville

For more information on 10602 Vanguard Parkway, click HERE.

WHAT OUR SELLERS LOVE:
The Things We have Enjoyed Most about Living Here Are:

• Convenience to downtown Charlotte, the airport, shopping & restaurants
• Downtown Charlotte & the airport are 20 minutes away, there are lots of shopping & restaurant options within 5-10 minutes
• We love that the neighborhood has a zero-entry pool, playground, and pub within walking distance
• There are various neighborhood gatherings at the pub (Harvey’s) as well as breakfast with Santa, fall festival, and spring festival

We Enjoyed This Particular Floorplan Because:

• We love the large, open kitchen and the extra space in the garage
• The third floor bonus is awesome for a kid play space & movie room as well
• We also love our large, flat, corner lot

What Our Neighbors are Like:

• We have the BEST neighbors ever
• We have a block party for Memorial Day in which we block off Serenity Street so the kids can play, everyone brings a dish to share
• Most weekends during spring, summer, & fall all of our neighbors are outside playing games, watching football, watching kids ride bikes
• They are the type of neighbor you can call on if you need someone to take care of your dog while you are out of town, bring your mail in, or watch your child. We have many playdates with neighbors

Some Things You May Want To Know Are:

• There are three heating zones, one for each floor

15427 Northstone Drive - Huntersville

For more information on 15427 Northstone Drive, click here.

THE SELLER SAYS:
The things we have enjoyed most about living here:

• Convenience to amenities (short walk to clubhouse, pool, golf course, etc)
• Beautiful view of golf course & pond
• Peaceful & quiet!
• Can golf year round

We enjoy this particular house & floor plan because:

• Open floor plan that has a nice flow with huge kitchen, great for entertaining
• Lots of windows in the back which maximizes the incredible views
• Spacious guest room in basement with private full bath
• Basement features two recreation areas

Some things you may want to know are:

• This area of the community is very quiet & peaceful
• Can’t recall a golf ball land in our yard, the lot position is perfect
• HOA dues are such a great community, unless you decide to join the country club, which is separate from the HOA dues.

Should I Pull a Permit?

As REALTORS®, we get this question all of the time from current and past clients when thinking of adding an addition to their property. There are small projects that do not require permits, but in most cases, the answer to this question is YES!!!!! Buyers looking for homes do not want to have to deal with unpermitted work for many reasons. No matter what the cost to hire a licensed contractor who will actually pull a permit on the job, it’s worth every penny when trying to sell. When buyers see that the tax records show an unfinished basement and yours is finished, they run for the hills (except in very rare cases where we have “perfect” homes)!   Some of the pitfalls of unpermitted work for buyers and sellers are typically:

1. Safety- when dealing with electrical work everyone is nervous about the possibility that someone unlicensed did the work. You can never be 100% sure that all of the wiring in your home is completely safe, but having a licensed contractor do the work and a county inspector verify proper installation gives a certain level of comfort to buyers.
2. Back taxes- buyers fear that the tax office will try to come back and assess that extra square footage for years past when they didn’t own the home.
3. Warranty- many times work done after the fact or unpermitted will void the warranty that may still exist on a newer home or other products.
4. Quality of workmanship- typically a subcontractor who does not pull permits may not always have the level of skill and demand for their work that someone who does pull permits would have.

These are just a few of the considerations when deciding the right way to go when upgrading or renovating your home. Even if you know how to do the work, you should consider pulling a permit yourself when possible. For those penny pinchers that are looking to save a buck, this is not the place to do it.

So, unless your home looks like something out of Better Homes and Gardens and a quick sale is just a home run, always use qualified contractors with references that will definitely pull a permit on their jobs!

2003 Bishops Court - Cornelius

For more information on 2003 Bishops Court, click here.

This beautiful new M/I Home is located in Antiquity in the heart of Cornelius, NC.  Antiquity is a modern community, designed for today’s lifestyle.  Here are some excerpts from the Antiquity  community website: 

“Antiquity® is a new smart-growth community 20 miles north of Charlotte immediately adjoining downtown Cornelius and Davidson Elementary School. The covered-bridge entrance reflects the at-ease, friendly feeling envisioned for this new community.

The streets inside Antiquity will be lined with more than 1,000 residences built with all ages and stages in mind, from couples and growing families to young professionals and empty-nesters. On-street parking and garages accessible only by alleyways allow residents to enjoy uninterruped sidewalks throughout Antiquity, including those leading to and around the town center.

As a nationally recognized smart-growth community, Antiquity preserves and enhances the natural and cultural resources of Cornelius and surrounding communities. Perhaps top on the list of outdoor havens is a planned 30-acre park that will surround the village. An arboretum will give residents an opportunity to memorialize special people and times with donated trees and plaques. Athletic fields will be ready for pick-up play, and just past the creek, a hike-and-bike trail will connect with the trail system in neighboring Davidson. Finally, a 2,500-seat amphitheater will be the outdoor setting for various summer performances.”

This is just a glimpse into the exciting new community ofAntiquity in Cornelius, NC.

This beautiful M/I Home features a revolutionary approach to energy efficient healthy living with their Whole Home® system.  From the M/I website:  “Whole Home is the set of green building standards that go into every new M/I home. We used Energy Star® standards as a starting point, then we added to them. The result is independently certified home that’s cost efficient, clean, green and healthy. Our Whole Home standards save you up to 30% on your energy bills every month and improve your quality of life year ‘round.”

Fresh, clean air and a healthy, energy efficient home is just the start!  This home also features:

• Energy Star Qualified® home with Whole Home® energy efficient living
• Exclusive Confidence Builder® program with 30 year structural warranty!
• Builder paid closing costs, up to 3% of purchase price when using M/I Financial®
• Crown molding throughout first floor
• Scraped hardwood floors
• Study with French doors
• Upgraded Sky Line effect maple cabinets
• Stainless steel appliances
• Great island with granite, cabinets and shelves
• Window over sink with goose neck faucet
• Granite counter tops in kitchen and master bath
• Built in kitchen desk area with under cabinet lighting
• Pendant lights in kitchen
• Recessed lighting throughout
• Dual fireplaces in master bedroom and great room
• Upgraded stair case with oak treads and metal balusters
• Second floor loft
• Large master suite with tray ceiling and crown molding
• Luxury owners bath with granite tops and separate garden tub and shower
• Large master closet
• Two nicely sized secondary bedrooms
• Hall bath with dual vanities and separate water closet and tub area
• Structured wiring
• Security system
• Move in package with blinds and stainless steel refrigerator!!
• Two car detached garage with opener
• Overlooks beautiful pocket park
• Short walk to pool
• Short walk to downtown Cornelius & Davidson!

18534 Green Knoll Trace - Davidson

For more information on this 18534 Green Knoll Trace, click HERE.

Like new, well-appointed custom home in premier section of River Run Country Club with expansive outdoor space! Impeccably maintained, this master down home is thoughtfully designed for contemporary living & features a great room, keeping room, screened porch, upstairs loft & bonus room with over-sized walk-in storage and attached baths for each bedroom. Fine craftsmanship details include- custom cabinetry, Thermador gas cooktop with pop up exhaust, coffered ceiling, extensive trim, and extensive tile work. With a 3 car garage, stamped concrete patio and situated on a spacious 1/2 acre corner home site overlooking a gorgeous open space, this home is a must see!

From the River Run website:
“River Run is located in Davidson, North Carolina, only minutes north of Charlotte, but miles away in atmosphere. At River Run, you don’t have to wait. From the golf course, to the tennis center, and to the dining room, River Run provides our members with exclusive access to the finest country club facilities in the area.”

Visit the River Run link for information on joining the country club.


Property Features:

• Exclusive custom built home.
• Custom entry door with side lites greet you to this fabulous stone and fiber cement exterior.
• Extensive dining room trim including wainscoting and tray ceiling.
• Large dining room windows with transoms.
• Hardwood floors extending through the majority of the main level.
• Great room with coffered ceiling, recessed lighting and hanging fixture. Exit through the door, adjacent to two large windows for natural light, directly to the patio.
• Gorgeous staircase with wrought iron balusters, discreet stair tread lighting beautifully illuminating the hardwood treads at night.
• Kitchen with custom cabinetry, bar seating area and pendant lighting is accented by granite tops and stainless appliances, including a Thermador gas cooktop and Bosch dishwasher.
• The keeping room features a rustic stacked stone fireplace with custom mantle skirted by built in cabinets and shelving. Hardwood floors and extensive moldings continue into the keeping room, with 3 large windows and a door leading to the screened porch.
• The first floor master bedroom includes a large bay window, recessed lighting and a beautiful tray ceiling.
• The master bath features a jetted tub, oversized shower and two vanities with custom cabinetry. Modern details include custom tile work and a vaulted ceiling, giving the bathroom great volume and character.
• At the top of the stairs, you will arrive at the loft, which includes hardwood floors and extensive custom built in cabinets.
• The bonus room features bead board moldings along with access directly to a Jack and Jill bath and a huge unfinished storage attic. Perfect for expansion of the great room or for additional storage.
• All secondary bedrooms allow for direct access to bathrooms and include crown moldings. Bedroom 4 features an enormous walk in closet as well.
• The screened porch features a bead board ceiling and overlooks the large back yard.
• A stamped concrete patio extends from the screened porch into the back yard, with ½ acre of level yard space, this is a unique find in River Run.
• With an epoxy coating, the 3 car garage is a nice transition from finished space to the outside. You will find ample parking and storage.

12659 Windyedge Road - Huntersville

For more information on this listing, click HERE

The SELLER says:

The Things We have Enjoyed Most about at 12659 Windyedge Road – Huntersville:

• Great neighborhood & HOA
• Very cozy & friendly
• Close to I-77, Presbyterian Hospital, grocery stores (Earth Fare, Publix, Harris Teeter, Food Lion)
• Close to shopping—Birkdale & Northlake Mall
• Restaurants Close—Pinky’s Westside, Verde Mexican, Five Guys, Yoshi’s,Groucho’s Deli, Firehouse Subs, Starbucks, McDonalds
• Next to Huntersville Business Park—great for walking, biking, or running
• Only 5 miles from Lake Norman

We Enjoyed This Particular Floorplan Because:

• Open floor plan that feels very spacious for a townhome
• Master & laundry are upstairs
• Cute porch—plenty of room for sitting outside and saying hi to neighbors

What Our Neighbors Are Like:

• Great neighbors!
• Mixed neighborhood of singles, families and retirees

Some Things You May Want To Know Are:

• The area is under tremendous growth—so more doctors & dentists are moving around the corner

Whole Foods Market

I had the opportunity to take a sneak-peek tour at the Whole Foods Market, located in the Northcross Commons shopping center in Huntersville. This opening has been quite the buzz lately – since Lake Norman residents won’t have to drive to South Charlotte anymore.

During the tour, I had a feast – sampling pineapple mango salsa, pulled pork, and even cupcakes! We all received a reusable bag filled with goodies at the end of the tour as well.

Whole Foods Market prides itself on providing the finest natural and organic foods available. They also follow the 3 R’s for their Green Mission : Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. The Huntersville store is beautifully decorated with reclaimed wood throughout, and also provides recycling and composting programs.

If you plan on going to the opening this Tuesday, November 4^th, get there early! From 8:00-8:30 they will have a spinning wheel, where customers will get a chance to win gift cards. 8:45 is when they will “cut the bread” (instead of cutting the ribbon). Like swordfish? Whole Foods will be hosting a swordfish cutting event that morning for just $9.99 a pound.

The only issue I see myself having is where will I go first?? The Pickle Bar, Olive Bar, Coffee and Smoothie Bar? Maybe the 24-tap growler station or the burger bar with the build-your-own fries station?

If you can’t make it on opening day, theHuntersville Whole Foods Market is hosting a series of events this week. November 5^th is “Wine Down Wednesday” with live music and wine sampling, starting at 5:00 pm. Thursday at 10:00 am is the “Healthy Eating Tour”, and Friday November 7^thstarting at 5:00 pm is “$5 Burgers and Pints Night.”

Lake Norman State Park

Lake Norman State Park is located in Troutman, NC – about 10 minutes outside of Mooresville.  Lake Norman State Park is a 1,934 acre park on the northern shore of the lake.  Open year-round, Lake Norman State Park offers many great family-friendly activities.

During the warmer months, there is a swimming area open that also allows families to enjoy all the lake has to offer.  You can swim, rent boats, fish, have picnics and more.

There is a Lakeshore Trail that you can hike.  It’s approximately five miles and follows the park’s lakeshore.  It provides a very scenic hike, with some rolling hills and beach areas for breaks.  The trail marker indicates it takes around 3.5 hours to hike the whole loop.  In a previous trip, we hiked almost half in a little over an hour, so a more brisk hike would not take as long.

There are multiple picnic shelters you can reserve for birthday parties, family reunions, cook-outs and more.  Along with campsites – primitive & less-primitive – these are available for rental online or by walk-up.

Regardless of your experience, there is something for everyone at Lake Norman State Park.  Take advantage of local parks right in your back yard and enjoy all fall has to offer!

River Run, Davidson Market Update

With over 26 years combined experience, Kay and Brian Fisher are a husband and wife real estate team with Keller Williams in Cornelius, NC. Thank you for visiting our site! River Run Country Club in Davidson, NC is one of the most popular communities in the Charlotte area. It is a great choice for those looking for country club living with convenient access to Davidson and Lake Norman. Featuring resort style amenities in a manicured, upscale golf community, River Run has natural areas, greenway access and some of the most sought after schools around. Members have access to an upscale swim and tennis club with a state of the art fitness center. The kids will love the 27 foot slide and kid's wading pool as well! Davidson is the home of Davidson College, a top rated liberal arts school. Residents enjoy all of the amenities of a college town, including a quaint downtown area with charming shops and restaurants. Local events include weekly farmer's markets, concerts on the green and Christmas in Davidson to name a few. Here are some statistics for River Run to give you an idea of current sales trends for price, days on market and more! These real estate stats are updated automatically every month.

Live River Run, Davidson, NC Market Update

  
Davidson Farmer's Market entrance, downtown Would you like to see statistics & available homes for your neighborhood? Leave a comment or use the contact form to send us a request! We can also help y0u with buying or selling a home anywhere around Lake Norman. This includes Davidson, Cornelius, Huntersville, Mooresville, Denver and more! Our team al #riverrun

Real Estate 101: Understanding Due Diligence in North Carolina

What is Due Diligence?

If you haven’t bought or sold a resale home in NC since before 2011, you may not have heard of Due Diligence (this doesn’t apply to new construction). This is a process in which a buyer will give a non-refundable fee directly to the seller in order to have time to inspect, appraise and do their “due diligence” in determining if they will close on the home. The amount of the fee is completely negotiable and is in ADDITION to the earnest money deposit. A check is made directly to the seller at time of contract for the due diligence fee, which the seller deposits upon receipt. The earnest money deposit is still held by the escrow agent as it was before (typically the real estate firm representing the buyer, or closing attorney). During the inspection period (or Due Diligence Period), the buyer can cancel for any or no reason at all. If the buyer cancels before the Due Diligence Period ends, they are entitled to get their earnest money deposit back, but not the due diligence fee. After the Due Diligence Period ends, the buyer would also forfeit their earnest money if they cancel the contract. If the buyer closes, they get a credit for both the due diligence fee and earnest money deposit on the settlement statement.

Due diligence replaces the repair contingency of the past. With the old repair contingency, if the dollar amount of repairs exceeded a pre-determined amount, the buyer could cancel the contract.

How long is the Due Diligence period?

The length of the due diligence period is negotiable and is determined during contract negotiations. Most of our buyers usually request 30 days for the due diligence period and 45 days to close. This usually allows time for inspections and to finalize their loan process. For buyers with loans already in place, or cash buyers, this time frame may be shorter. For VA or USDA loans, we sometimes request up to 15 more days depending on lender recommendations.

How much is the Due Diligence fee?

The due diligence fee is negotiable and can range from $0 up to 1% of the purchase price or more, depending on the strength of the offer, seller or buyer circumstances and market conditions. The buyer and seller will negotiate this as part of the contract terms. We have seen sellers accept lower offers on price with stronger financing in place and a higher due diligence fee, so this can be an important piece of a strong offer. Although due diligence fees can vary widely, on a typical $250,000 home we usually see a due diligence fee of around $500-$700 in the Lake Norman area, which is about ¼ % of the purchase price. This, combined with the earnest money presented with the offer can make it more or less appealing to sellers in multiple offer situations, which are coming up more and more for good homes.   Your REALTOR® can advise you on a good amount for the due diligence fee based on your situation.

What’s the Due Diligence Request and Agreement?

99.9% of buyers hire a professional home inspector to investigate the condition of the home. In addition to a general inspection, most lenders require a termite inspection be performed on the home.   Buyers may also choose to inspect for radon, do a septic inspection or get a physical survey of the property. Once the inspections are complete, the buyer will submit a Due Diligence Request and Agreement. This document typically references the home inspector’s report & requests items to be repaired before closing.   The next step for the seller will be to get an estimate to see how much it will cost to repair the items the buyer requested. The seller may want to contact past contractors if some of the items are from recent projects, to be repaired at no cost if still under warranty. Regardless of which items the sellers agree to repair, it’s best to know the full cost. Some sellers will also credit the buyer for items at closing if there is not time to make all repairs, or if the seller doesn’t have the cash on hand to make repairs. Also, not all sellers will repair all items requested, so buyers should be prepared for what is essentially a second round of negotiations.

Typically, the buyers will attach the summary home inspection report to their request for repairs. It is from the home inspector and details the actual items found during the inspection. There are certain things that a licensed home inspector in NC can & can’t report on the “summary report”- basically components of the home that aren’t functioning as intended are allowed on here. Cosmetic items are not allowed. The inspector may also recommend that the buyer have other licensed professionals investigate problems, such as electrical, plumbing or HVAC issues, if there is an indication of an issue found by the inspector. These investigations would all be at the buyer’s expense and occur before the Due Diligence Request and Agreement is submitted to the seller.

What will the inspection report look like?

The inspection report is often divided in to chapters and sub sections. The due diligence request references these chapters. It can get confusing if there are extensive and/or detailed items. Your agent may review with you or include notes on what the requested numbered items are to help you decipher the items. Here are some typical inspection items and how they could be referenced:

2.7 2 a& b- left crawl space- Install vapor barrier; Replace fallen insulation

4.14 item 6- Repair steam generator leak

6.6 7 a,b,c- Add new light bulbs so light fixtures work, or repair fixtures if new bulbs do not work

7.4 9- Repair balances on windows

9.4. 11- Install drain line properly for dishwasher

10.26 13a- Fix hot & cold water reversed in shower

11.10 15- Repair loose fasteners on deck

16- Add flashing at deck/ perimeter joist where attached to house for water infiltration

There are many other typical items you can expect to find on inspection reports, so be sure to consult your REALTOR® to help you navigate the ins and outs of this. Please contact Kay Fisher and Associates with other questions on the Due Diligence process or to buy or sell a home today!

Brian Fisher, REALTOR®, Kay Fisher and Associates & Keller Williams Realty®

Fall Festivals at Lake Norman

Fall Festivals at Lake Norman are on the calendar.  Beginning in late September, the Lake Norman area starts gearing up for fall and the holidays.

One of the most popular fall festivals is The Carolina Renaissance Festival.  This festival is every Saturday and Sunday from October 4th – November 23rd in Huntersville.  The Renaissance Festival is based on medieval themes and offers rides, interactive circus, pubs, arts and crafts, games of skill, and castles.  The festival is located off Poplar Tent Road in Huntersville.

This weekend LaketoberFest will take place at Bailey Road Park in Cornelius.  The event runs from 4:00-9:00 pm on Saturday, October 18th.  LaketoberFest will feature local bands, NC breweries’ beer, food trucks, and a kids zone.  Admission is free and the event proceeds will benefit Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationists.

If bands, beers, and food trucks aren’t your area of interest, the Stumptown Tractor Showis also happening this weekend at Rural Hill off Neck Road.  The event is free and family-friendly!

The annual Rural Hill Sheepdog Trials and Dog Festival is November 8th-9th at Rural Hill off Neck Road.  This festival hosts agility trials, dock diving, and dog sports demonstrations (herding, etc).  If you have an interest in agility or dock-diving, this is a great event to attend.

In a upcoming post, we will highlight all of the Halloween celebrations in the Lake Norman area.  These range from trunk or treats, Halloween marches, ghost walks, and the history of All Hallow’s Eve.

Crab Cakes with Remoulade Sauce & Easy Carrot Slaw

Crab cakes with Remoulade Sauce and Easy Carrot Slaw

Wine Pairing: Erbaceo

(Crisp, white Italian wine)
- Jenny Ingraham

1 lb. North Carolina Backfin Crabmeat, picked free of shells

1⁄4 c. Panko bread crumbs

1⁄2 c. Red onion, finely chopped

1/2 c. Bell pepper, finely chopped

1⁄4 c. Mayonnaise

1 tsp. Dry mustard

2 Tb. Lemon juice

Tt Salt and pepper

In a sauté pan, add 1 Tb. oil and peppers and onions. Over medium heat, wilt peppers and onions until softened and

Remove from heat and add with remaining ingredients to a large bowl. Mix well and form into patties. Dredge in

flour, and fry in oil over medium heat until golden brown on both sides. Serve with remoulade sauce.

1⁄2 c. Mayonnaise

1 Tb. Lemon juice

1 cl. Garlic, minced

1 dash Cayenne pepper

1 Tb. Fresh Dill, minced

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine. Serve a dollop on top of each crab cake.

2 ea. Carrots, peeled grated

1 ea. Turnip, peeled, grated

2 Tb. Lemon juice

1⁄2 bu. Green onions

2 Tb. Cilantro, minced

1⁄2 tsp. Garlic powder

1⁄2 tsp. Onion powder

Tt Salt and Pepper

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and toss to coat. Serve as a light, refreshing side along with crab cakes.

The Mills at Rocky River - Ryan Homes

The Mills at Rocky River is a very The Mills at Rocky River is a very impressive community in Cabarrus County. It is conveniently located on the border of Concord and Harrisburg – one of the newest hot spots in Concord. The first thing you will notice about this neighborhood, is that it sits far back from the main road. Winding tree-lined streets with sidewalks take you home.

Ryan Homes, with 65 years of home building experience and ENERGY STAR Certified, offers a variety of floorplans to choose from. The Mills also has basement lots available. The design of the neighborhood is great. It is divided into four sections – Enclave, Meadows, Millspring, and Cascades. All having their own unique charm, meaning there is something for everyone! The amenities are fantastic also. A two-story clubhouse, fitness center, splash pad, a pool with slide, play area, and plenty of open space are just some of the things to enjoy in your new community.

Patriots Elementary and CC Griffin Middle School are located within the neighborhood!  Not to mention you are minutes away from Concord Mills Mall, Charlotte Motor Speedway and much more shopping, dining, and entertainment.  The Mills at Rocky River is also close to I-485 and I-85.

Fall Race Season is Here - Greater Charlotte Area Road & Trail Races

Fall race season is here!  Of course, the NASCAR races are next weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway, but we’re talking about road racing!

Many runners spend their summer sweating through mid-week tempo runs, Saturday or Sunday long runs, early morning run groups to enjoy the crisp fall weather for their fall races.  The greater Charlotte area is home to many races of all distances and below is a calendar of upcoming events.  If you are a seasoned runner or just starting out, there is something for you!  Many of these races are family-friendly or offer different distant options.  Some offer great race shirts, cocoa, beer, and door prizes!

• Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure:  THIS Saturday, October 4th in uptown Charlotte – Marshall Park.
• Rhyne Financial 8k: October 18th in downtown Lincolnton – benefiting Lincoln County Public Education Foundation
• Peak to Creek Marathon:  October 25th – race begins in Jonas Ridge & ends at Brown Mountain Beach running through Pisgah National Forest.  This race is well-known as a FAST, net-downhill course.
• Runway 5k: October 25th – a fast, flat 5k at the Charlotte Airport.
• Pancakes for Pills:  November 8th in Huntersville.  Helping to raise awareness and money for community members who sometimes have to choose between prescription medications for ailments and food.
• Thunder Road:  November 15th – 5k, half-marathon, marathon in uptown Charlotte.
• Charlotte Turkey Trot:  November 27th – Thanksgiving morning in Southpark!  Join others in running for the bird before your holiday lunch!
• Girls on the Run Fall Fest:  December 6th – Huntersville.
• We Believe Santa 5K: December 13th – U.S. National Whitewater Center – This race begins at noon – stay afterwards for cocoa, bonfire, cookies, candy canes & beer!
• Frostbite 5k:  December 20th – Kannapolis YMCA

Castlebrooke - Mattamy Homes

Castlebrooke is a wonderfully unique neighborhood, located off of Route 73 in Concord. Mattamy Homes realized this area is becoming highly desirable and developed a community that has it all!

You quickly realize this when greeted with the castle entrance monument. The streets are lined with sidewalks on both sides, and perhaps one of its most distinct features – all homesites back up to woods! Amenities will include a Pool, Club House/Cabana, Parks and Ponds.

"Think Outside the Box” is what Mattamy Homes says, and they certainly deliver. With 12 different Floorplans – including three Master Down Homes, 67 different elevations, and 12 designer color packages; each home owner will get to showcase their own taste.

Homes in this community start in the low $200,000s and is also located near highly ranked schools in Cabarrus County.  If you are interested in viewing any homes in Castlebrooke or have questions about the area, please contact Kim Drakulich – kim@kayfisherandassociates.com or 704-778-6959.

Denver Days Festival

Rotary Club of Denver (LKN) is once again hosting the Denver Days Festival this week!  This annual festival opens on Wednesday, September 24th and runs through Saturday, September 28th.

Denver Days is a community festival, sponsored by Rotary, and full of entertainment for the whole family!  There are rides, food, local vendors, talent shows, martial arts demonstrations, and free concerts.    The money raised from this festival goes towards Rotary’s goal of building a park in Denver – the Rescue Squad Park.

Cole Rides provides the rides for Denver Days – tickets for the rides are purchased at the ticket booth.  Cole Rides will provide over 10 rides for Denver Days and is known for its family friendly rides!  On opening night, Wednesday night, it is student night.  All rides are one price!  This is a perfect way to kick-off fall and enjoy a night out with family!

Saturday night’s free concert is Craig Woolard.  Craig is a former member of The Embers as lead singer and now his own band – the Craig Woolard Band.  He is a great performer, with an emphasis on beach music.  Bring your family, camping chairs and enjoy fall weather while listening to great music!

Wake the Lake 2014

Wake the Lake 2014 takes place this Saturday, September 20th, on Lake Norman in Mooresville.  It’s a wakeboard competition for all ages, beginning at 9:00 am and lasting until the sun sets.  The event takes place at Eddie’s Seafood & Raw Bar off Williamson Road.

The competition is available for all ages, divided into nine & under, 10-15 boys/girls, intermediate, advanced, and outlaws.  It is $50 to enter and is free for spectators to watch.  You can watch either on land or water – if you travel by boat, be sure to anchor and stay, as to not disturb the water while competitors are on the course.  The competitors will show-off their best tricks for the judges, so watch closely for jumps, 180s, 360s –  and cheer on your favorite wakeboarders!

While you are enjoying the competition, be sure to support the local restaurants  – Eddie’s Seafood & Raw Bar and The Prickly Pear.  Enjoy chips & salsa, prickly pear margaritas, oysters & beer on the patios of these restaurants while watching the wakeboarders.

Wake the Lake 2014 takes place, rain or shine, so be sure to come out and support your local wakeboarders – bring your snacks, umbrellas, chairs, and sunscreen and make plans to stay all day!

 

Boomerang Buyers Head Back into the Market

Those who lost a home to a foreclosure or short sale between 2007 and 2013 are projected to make about 10 percent of all U.S. home purchases this year, according to John Burns Real Estate Consulting. That percentage is expected to rise in 2015 and 2016 as more of these so-called “boomerang buyers” become eligible for new loans, the firm estimates.Some former home owners are finding they can buy again in as little as a year following a foreclosure or bankruptcy. For example, the FHA’s Back to Work loan program, introduced in 2013, helps individuals who lost their home in a foreclosure or bankruptcy to apply for a new loan in as little as 12 months. Eligible borrowers must prove their foreclosure or bankruptcy was due to a hardship, showing their income dropped by 20 percent or more due to a job loss or reduction in salary. They must also meet other requirements and agree to take housing counseling before a new loan will be approved.

“The borrowers need to be able to document the reason for the foreclosure or short sale and show that they’ve been responsible with their credit before and after they lost their home,” says George Beylouny, branch manager of Silverton Mortgage Vinings in Atlanta. “A drop in credit score is okay as long as they can show they had good credit before the crisis.”

Former home owners will have to explore options with a mortgage broker to see what they qualify for, but with rising rents across the country, the incentive to do so is increasing.

“FHA loans are easier to get after a short sale,” says Steve Cohen, a senior mortgage banker with Talmer Bank and Trust in Rockville, Md. “In fact, some borrowers don’t have to wait at all if they never had any late payments on their mortgage. Borrowers who were in default on their loan have to wait three years to qualify for an FHA loan.”

Borrowers who underwent a foreclosure who are trying to qualify for a VA loan—which requires no down payment—may only have a two-year waiting period to qualify for a new mortgage, says Hope Morgan, branch manager of Mortgage Network in Salisbury, Md.

Conventional loans often require a two-year wait for short sellers who can make a 20 percent down payment, a four-year wait with a 10 percent down payment, or a seven-year wait with 5 percent down, lenders say. Borrowers who lost a home in foreclosure and defaulted on their mortgage often have the longest waits of up to seven years before they can qualify for a new conventional loan.

“All of these waiting periods can be shortened with extenuating circumstances, such as a job loss, a divorce, a serious illness or the death of the person who was the primary wage earner,” Cohen says.

Source: “After Losing Their Homes in the Foreclosure Crisis, Boomerang Buyers Are Back,” The Washington Post (Aug. 21, 2014)

Houzz.com - 5 Ideas for a Great Home Learning Zone

article originally from Houzz

As children head back to school, it’s back to reality for parents too. Now is the time to organize our homes for the homework that’s soon to come. Advance planning and a few simple strategies, the experts say, can help boost productivity and reduce the frenzy. Parents out there know what I’m talking about — there’s that special time of day when you’re monitoring homework, making dinner and maybe trying to entertain a rambunctious younger sibling, all before rushing off to sports practice or dance class. So take a deep breath and try these expert-approved tips at home.

Mina Brinkey

1. Create multiple homework zones. Here’s the good news: You don’t need to have one designated homework space that’s fully tricked out with all the bells and whistles. In fact, education expert Ann Dolin, author of Homework Made Simple: Tips, Tools and Solutions for Stress-Free Homework, says it’s best to have two to three spots in the home where children can work. “Moving around to different places can actually improve productivity,” she says.Divide homework time between the kitchen table and the home office, for example. And Dolin says parents don’t need to spend a lot preparing a space. “It doesn’t have to be spectacular. The thing that matters most is that there aren’t a lot of distractions in the room,” she says.To ease mobility among the various spaces, organize school supplies (pens, highlighters, scissors and such) in a portable container. Dolin suggests a plastic shower caddy from Bed, Bath & Beyond. Here the supplies are cleverly positioned on a rotating lazy Susan. Corralling all the supplies in one place before the child sits down also helps avoid unnecessary interruptions later. A portable supply caddy or bag is also great if younger siblings often do homework from the soccer field sidelines.

Meritage Homes

2. Change up the chairs. Judy Shincarick, director of the Occupational and Physical Therapy departments at The Lab School of Washington agrees that a change of scenery can boost productivity, but believes a change in chairs can help too. She recommends different chairs (or no chair at all) for different homework activities. Because most children can’t sit still in one spot, like a chair, for too long, breaking up the monotony is important. “A solid chair, pushed in at a solid tabletop, is a good place to start,” she says. But it’s only one scenario.

Karoleena

Some children are able to focus better sitting on a ball chair, gently bouncing as they work. The subtle movement engages core muscles and allows for increased alertness. “Ball chairs can help with focus or be a distraction, depending on the child,” says Shincarick, who advises parents to consider their child’s individual needs and adapt as necessary.

Maydan Architects, Inc.

If it’s a solid chair for science and a ball chair for math, try a cozy beanbag or club chair for reading time. “Many children like that snug feeling of closeness to read a book. The cocoon feeling can ground them,” says Shincarick. Of course, if you notice your child getting a little too comfortable and drifting off, then it’s probably time for a move. Another option is to stand up for certain tasks, maybe at the kitchen counter to review vocabulary words.

Design Development NYC

This home office offers flexible seating options — chairs for tasks requiring writing or typing and a comfy bench seat for reading and studying.

MAKE Design Studio

3. Select homework spots based on children’s ages and development. Younger children require more monitoring and support, so keep them close. The kitchen, dining room or a first-floor home office would work well. While my kids have done a lot of homework sitting at our kitchen stools, I love the designated homework space in this kitchen and the built-in chalkboard and shelves. With a setup like this, your child can work close by while you cook, but will be removed from the hustle and bustle of food prep.

Seattle Staged to Sell LLC

Here an unclaimed space off the kitchen has been converted to a homework area. The simple countertop desk is made from painted MDF. If your child works in or around the kitchen, make sure the tantalizing smells of dinner cooking aren’t a distraction.

Charlie & Co. Design, Ltd

Consider setting up a homework space in the family room. The advantage is that the kids will be nearby, so you can check in easily. Of course, you’ll need to make sure there aren’t too many other activities going on in the room at homework time. Some children can tolerate background noise better than others. In fact, some work best with music playing.

Amanda Miller Design Studio

Older children and teenagers can venture a little further, although Dolin thinks most still do better choosing a spot for homework other than the bedroom, where distractions exist at every turn. A basement is, of course, one option. I would have loved this arrangement when my kids were younger — a workstation with a computer for the oldest and a table and chairs for the little ones. (I can see us here, all happily coexisting; me folding laundry while they peacefully work and color for hours. Well, a mom can dream, can’t she?) Still, a crafts table is a great addition to the homework zone for those larger projects, such as science fair boards.

Just Basements

If your teenager opts to work in the basement or den, limit the distractions as much as possible. Today’s students rely on technology for their homework, so it isn’t often feasible to ban electronic devices altogether. But Dolin suggests setting some guidelines. Silencing the cell phone and putting it out of reach on the other side of the room can help prevent temptation. Children of all ages need frequent breaks during homework, so decide if they can check texts during a break. But Shincarick recommends keeping video gaming devices off limits until after homework. “Gaming devices zap their attention,” she says. “They’re not a good idea during breaks, because they suck you in to the next level.”The homework station here is set away from the basement’s main entertainment area (and distractions).

Somers & Company Interiors, Gillian Somers

If you do decide that your older child is ready to work in the bedroom, be sure to create a separate work zone — the bed may be too relaxed for optimum productivity. Remember, though, the space doesn’t need to be grand. This demilune desk (it’s actually a round table that folds down) doesn’t take up much space yet provides a solid work surface. Garden pots organize supplies and keep the desktop neat, and a pegboard is great for posting notes.

Toblesky-Green Architects

4. Don’t forget the essentials, and consider some special tools. Good task lighting is key for any workspace, and these hanging fixtures offer form as well as function. A homework station like this, tucked out of the way in an upstairs hall, is another great option for older kids — it will keep them away from distracting family interactions but still within earshot when you want to check in.

Ezra Lee Design+Build

Of course, when you’re planning or choosing any homework zone, be sure to factor in the need for multiple electrical outlets for all the high-tech devices permanently attached to our children (and ourselves) these days. This space also offers great storage options to keep the work counter clutter free. Identify a permanent resting place for device chargers so they’re always available when you and the kids need them. The blue mason jars are creative vessels for storing smaller supplies, such as paper clips and pushpins for the fun corkboard squares.

Residents Understood

This homework station includes workspace essentials (flexible options, great lighting and portable supplies) and helpful extras too. The chalkboard and wall calendar are great for planning, prioritizing and reminding.But here’s the thing: Once everything is lovingly in place, your child actually will have to sit and work. Remember that famous line from Field of Dreams, “If you build it, he will come”? It’s not always that smooth. Often, the hardest part for kids is beginning. Dolin is a big fan of timers (she especially likes the visual Time Timer tool). She recommends setting the timer for five or 10 minutes of concentrated work effort, what she dubs “5 Minutes of Fury” or “The Tolerable 10.” The strategy helps kids over that initial resistance: “They need to get over the hurdle of just getting started, and then they can keep going,” she says.

Napolitano Homes

5. Engage your child in the space-planning process. Shincarick recommends giving your child a vested interest in the homework space(s). “It should be a joint effort between the child and parent,” she says. If your child has a dedicated homework area, make the space his or her own by adding homemade artwork and other personal touches. Of course, there is a delicate balance — too many personal items may be distracting.

Renewal Design-Build

If your children work in the home office or a common area, they can still get involved in organizing the space. Task them with stocking the portable supply caddy. Shop together for colorful containers, printed file folders and other supplies.