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Neighborhood Spotlight: Bridgemill

Bridgemill is a fantastic neighborhood in Indian Land, South Carolina. Residents enjoy low South Carolina taxes and excellent schools all while living in a planned community with resort-style amenities. This convenient location is six miles from I-485 and 10 minutes from Ballantyne, but feels like a retreat.

The original section of Bridgemill started in the early 2000’s by builder John Weiland Homes. These homes were grand with large footprints, 4 sides brick construction and meticulous attention to detail. John Wieland was building in the neighborhood and has homes as recent as 2015.

There is also a new section of the neighborhood with homes by Pulte Homes. These 20 homes include 9 quick move in homes and 5 luxury homes. Homes start at $242,999 and the luxury plans can be over $645,000 depending upon upgrades. Homes range in size from 1,961 to 4,734 square feet of living space. Many of the homes include 3 car side-load garages, fully finished 3rd floors, 4 sides of brick construction, butler’s pantries, coffered ceilings, hardwood flooring, spa-like bathrooms and much more.

Neighborhood amenities for Bridgemill include a 7,000 square foot clubhouse with fitness center, recreation room, gathering room and catering kitchen. Outside you’ll find a competition size pool with lap lanes, waterslide, zero entry wading area and water play features. For additional sporting events, there are three lighted tennis courts, basketball court and sand volleyball court. A private 3.5 acre lake is part of a walking trail system and leads to a neighborhood park and playground with gazebo, fireplace, and entertaining area.

Harrisburg Elementary School, Indian Land Middle School, Indian Land High School. Please verify school assignments as they can change from one school year to the next.

There are currently 44 homes on the market in Bridgemill with many of them under contract. If you would like to schedule a private tour of homes in Bridgemill, give us a call at (704) 525-4045. You can view current listings and create custom searches on our website here.

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May Market Statistics

The competitive Charlotte housing market is continuing for yet another month. This is according to the May report from the Charlotte Regional Realtor Association. The report is based on numbers from the Carolina Multiple Listing Services.

Limited inventory is one of the factors making the market so competitive right now. There are just 9,106 homes on the market right now, down 2,275 from last year at this time. This is a reduction of 20%. This means that buyers are competing for a dwindling supply of homes and new construction starts and new listings are not keeping pace with current demand. This lack of supply is even more pronounced in the below $350,000 range where the number of homes available has dropped more dramatically, even as much as 50% in some price ranges.

Another factor making the market a tricky place for buyers is rising prices. The average home price in the Charlotte region was up 10.7% from May of last year, up to $299,690. The median home price has risen 9.5% up to $245,000.

These higher prices combined with lack of inventory are pricing some buyers completely out of the market. The buyers that can still afford a home can face additional challenges. They may have to wait longer for homes to come on the market that match their criteria, or they may face direct competition from other buyers in multiple-offer situations especially in the lower price points.

These factors together appear to be slowing the market somewhat. There were 4.2% fewer sales this May than last May. Pending sales were up 9.7% and new listings were up 3.3% so this could be a dip for May only.

It remains to be seen how long this tight market can go on before there is a correction. For now, homes are selling faster than ever with days from list to close coming in at 87, down 10 days from last year at this time. For now, it appears that buyers need to be able to act quickly.

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Amazing Lifestyle in Masons Bend

Do yourself a favor and take a trip to booming Fort Mill this week and check out Masons Bend. This thoughtfully planned community has new homes, quick move-in homes and already built homes available for you to tour. There are many different floor plans and architectural styles sure to please every size and type of family. Fort Mill is just a few miles away, and there is easy access to I-77 leading you to attractions such as Carowinds, and all the way up to Charlotte.

Masons Bend was named Community of the year in 2017 by the Homebuilders Association of Greater Charlotte, and it’s not hard to see why. The amenities include a pool, clubhouse, and childrens park. There are also many opportunities for outdoor recreation in the Catawba river which flanks the community. There are social events throughout the year geared for fit and active community members. The natural landscape is integral to the community as is evidenced in the miles of trails that link this community to some of the most scenic parts of the Catawba river.

Homes in Masons Bend have a wide range of sizes and styles. There are one story or two homes with anywhere from 2 to 4 car garages. There are three builders for the neighborhood, Saussy Burbank, The Cunnane Group Inc, and Fielding Homes. Each builder has their own character for their homes, but each has amazing attention to detail. These well crafted homes have open floor plans, fantastic kitchens, flexible spaces perfect for home offices, playrooms, home theaters and more. Prices range from the $300’s to the $800’s.

The homes are not the only draw for residents. Masons Bend is also zoned for top rated Fort Mill Schools. Current school serving the neighborhood are Riverview Elementary, Banks Trail Middle, and Fort Mill High School. Please verify school assignments as zoning is subject to change. There is also a parcel in the neighborhood plan slated for a future school.

If you are looking for a thoughtfully planned community that respects the legacy of the land while providing amazing opportunities for living and gathering, look no further than Masons Bend. If you would like to arrange a private tour, give us a call at (704) 525-4045. You can explore current listings and create custom searches on our website here.

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April Market Statistics

The story is much the same for the Charlotte region this month. According to data from The Charlotte Regional Realtor Association, home prices are still on the rise and inventory is still on the decline. The report data is based on information from the Carolina Multiple Listing Services Inc.

When you compare year over year, inventory is the most striking with a decline of 22.6% from 11,008 homes for sale in April of last year to just 8,515 homes for sale this April. This means that buyers have fewer homes to choose from and prices are being driven higher by lack of supply.

Both median and average sales prices are up for the region as well. Homes sold for an average price of $292,158 last month, an increase of 8.1%. The median sales prices was $240,000, up 7.4% from the same time last year.

It appears that there are still buyers out there which means that we won’t soon see a reversal of this seller’s market. A seller’s market is generally considered to be a 4-6 month supply of homes, and in the Charlotte region we are sitting at just a 2.1 month supply of inventory. While this is great news for sellers, unless they are moving out of the region, it can be difficult to find a new home to move into.

Pending sales were up 10.7% from last year which gives hope that there are still buyers in the market. Sales of homes were also up by 1.6% from last year. Homes also sold quicker this year than last, spending just 44 days on the market on average, down 5 full days from last year.

New listings were up, though only slightly from last year, just 0.7% or 39 homes more than last year. This means that we won’t see the market begin to reverse just yet.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home in the Charlotte area, give us a call at (704) 525-4045. We have the knowledge and expertise to help you through the entire process. You can also view current listings and create custom searches on our website here.

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Custom Luxury Awaits in Longbrooke

In the Northern part of Lancaster County is a true retreat of luxury homes. Longbrooke is a gated community with large lots and custom built European inspired country homes. This is the only gated luxury community in the area and it is the ideal setting for your next home. These amazing homes have it all with lower South Carolina taxes, serene setting, yet are close to everything.

Located south of Ballantyne conveniently off 521, Longbrooke is close to shopping, dining, entertainment, and outdoor recreation. A trip to Charlotte Douglas International Airport is 25 miles away and Uptown Charlotte is 24 miles away. Quaint shops are just up the road in Indian Land, and a trip to Lake Wylie is about 15 miles. This means that Longbrooke is easily accessible, yet has a remote country setting.

Custom crafted estates in Longbrooke have many handcrafted details, from the iron gates welcoming you into the neighborhood, to the gas lanterns and fountain garden tying the community together. Lots are wooded and private with gently rolling hills.

Homes in Longbrooke have four featured custom luxury home builders. Pasko Homes, Arthur Rutenberg Homes, Harland Homes, and New Old are the featured builders. You can also bring your own builder of choice to create your custom dream home.

Homes in Longbrooke harken back to old world style, but with all of the modern conveniences. Expect elegant styling, outdoor living spaces, sumptuous interiors, and all the bells and whistles. No expense has been spared in the details of these homes. Accordingly, prices start in the $600’s and can go well over $1 million. But you get what you pay for, most homes are near or over 4,000 square feet of living space and include many flex spaces, home offices, game rooms, libraries, gourmet kitchens, pools and much more.

Children in Longbrooke currently attend Harrisburg Elementary, Indian Land Middle, and Indian Land High Schools. Please verify school assignments as zoning boundaries can change from one school year to the next.

There are still new construction opportunities in Longbrooke. If you would like to schedule a private tour of homes, give us a call at (704) 525-4045. You can view current listings and create custom searches on our website here.

 

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March Market Statistics

It looks like the Seller’s market is going to continue for a while in the Charlotte area. According to data from the Charlotte Regional Realtor Association, the Charlotte area is down to just a 2 month supply of homes. This data is based on information provided by the Carolina Multiple Listing Services monthly report. The report was released this week and looks similar to previous months, with a few exceptions.

One of the most striking changes from previous months is the drop in sales. There was a decline of 11.2% from March of last year. This is possibly a sign that the hot market could slow down at last.

New listings were also down 4.5% year over year. The lack of new listings typically indicates that there could be more competition for existing listings which makes a seller’s position in a transaction stronger. Currently the supply of homes is at just 2 months. A balanced market between buyers and sellers is typically 6 months.

One of the things that typically happens when there is a lack of supply in the market is that prices go up. This is what has been happening in the Charlotte area. In March, median sales price was up 7.1% to $235,000. Average sales price was up 4.6% to $279,726. These higher prices are paired with rising interest rates which can price some buyers out of the market entirely.

Another side effect of rising prices and interest rates is that homeowners are staying in their homes longer. This is truly an opportunity for sellers to list their homes as they can get higher prices, but many homeowners are cautious because they worry about not finding their next home. There is a ready and willing buyer base so hopefully we will see inventory rise soon.

If you are interested in buying or selling a home in the Charlotte area, give us a call at (704) 525-4045. You can view current listings and create custom searches on our website here.

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Neighborhood Spotlight: Avery Lake

If you’re looking for a charming neighborhood with great schools in Fort Mill, SC, look no further than Avery Lake. Homes are affordable and there is great highway access making a commute a breeze. There is a small lake in the neighborhood for residents to enjoy.

Avery Lake is located just off Steel Street and Springfield Parkway walking distance from Fort Mill Middle School. A five minute drive will have you in Downtown Fort Mill with quaint shops as well as national retailers, dining, and entertainment. A commute to Uptown Charlotte should take around 25 minutes, and Charlotte Douglas International Airport is about 25 minutes away as well. There are many nearby options for outdoor recreation including the Anne Springs Close Greenway, Fort Mill Golf Club, as well as nearby Lake Wylie.

The neighborhood includes apartments, single-family homes as well as a new townhome development currently under construction by Mcor Builders. The single-family homes are typically 3 bedroom and 2 bathroom homes with 1,100 – 1,200 square feet of heated living space. These homes were built between 2000 and 2004 and have lots around a fifth of an acre.

The new townhomes have modern designs featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Each home will have around 1,300 square feet of heated living space with the loft and third bedroom being upstairs, perfect for a media room or home office.

In the last year, homes in Avery Lake have sold for between $172,000 and $196,000. The townhomes are listed at $165,995, but are all currently under contract, expected to be completed in 2018.

Children in Avery Lake currently attend award winning Fort Mill Schools. These include Fort Mill Elementary School, Fort Mill Middle School, and Nation Ford High School. Please verify school information as zoning changes from time to time.

If you are looking for a home in Avery Lake, give us a call at 704-525-4045. You can also view current listings and create custom searches on our website here.

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February Market Statistics

The Charlotte Regional Realtor Association has released their monthly report of home sales statistics based on data from the Carolina Multiple Listing Services, Inc. According to the report, home prices in the region continue to be higher than previous months. The average sales price rose year over year to $265,761, an increase of 8.3%. The median price also rose 12.9% to $227,000.

Pending sales were up 8.3% from 2017 with 4,092 sales pending at the time the report was released last Friday. There were 2,792 sales that closed in February, representing a 3.4% increase over 2017.

Despite these gains, inventory was down yet again from a 2.6 month supply to a 2.0 month supply, a decrease of 23.1%. There were only 8,035 homes on the market at the time of the report. This leaves homebuyers with fewer choices, and makes competition more common when a home does come on the market. Buyers are at a disadvantage in negotiations as there are more buyers than sellers at this time.

Buyer demand may be steady, but new listings were down year over year from 4,695 down to 4,627 representing a decline of 1.4%. This means that we can’t expect a reversal of the market any time soon.

It will be interesting to see what will happen as the FED has recently raised rates, which usually tracks with a corresponding rise in mortgage rates. This could cause a slow-down of the market as people may not be able to afford large mortgages. We will keep tracking the trends.

If you are interested in a home in the Charlotte area, give us a call at (704) 525-4045. You can view current listings and create custom searches on our website here.

 

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Spotlight: Forest Grove

Forest Grove is a new D.R. Horton neighborhood in desirable Fort Mill, South Carolina. The project has great amenities, low taxes, outstanding schools, and easy access to Uptown Charlotte and Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Fort Mill is considered a suburb of Charlotte even though it is in South Carolina as it is only 18 miles from the city so you get all of the amenities of the city while having the advantages of living a slower, quieter life. What’s not to love?

Located off Highway 160 about halfway between Highway 49 and I-77, Forest Grove gives homeowners great access to options for shopping, dining, fitness and outdoor recreation. Lake Wylie is just minutes away for water sports, boating, hiking and more. Forest Grove is also just outside Baxter Village and is close to Carowinds Amusement Park and McDowell Nature Preserve.

Homes in Forest Grove are craftsman style on the outside but have open concept floor plans and are filled with luxury features. Prices start in the low $300’s and include between 1,906 and 3,265 square feet of living space. This includes 3-5 bedrooms and 2.5-3 bathrooms. There are possibilities for upgrading the home in many ways to make it perfect for your family. There is also an inviting entrance and resort-style amenities.

Children in Forest Grove are currently zoned for top rated Gold Hill Elementary, Gold Hill Middle, Fort Mill High Schools. Please verify school assignments as zoning boundaries can change. There are also private schools, preschools, mother’s day out programs, and daycare options close by.

If you are interested in being the next owner in Forest Grove, let us set up a private tour. Give us a call at (704) 525-4045. You can also view current listings and create custom searches on our website here.

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Get in on Fort Mill’s Oakland Pointe

CalAtlantic is bringing another amazing new neighborhood to Fort Mill called Oakland Pointe. This intimate community has just 100 home sites only 20 miles from Uptown Charlotte. The great location isn’t the only thing drawing people to Fort Mill, the amazing schools are bringing people to the area too.

Oakland Pointe is located off North Dobys Bridge Road at Kimbrell Road on the East side of Fort Mill, South Carolina. A quick 1.4 mile drive will have you in quaint downtown Fort Mill for shopping, restaurants, historical sites and major retailers. Fort Mill Golf Club is just 1.3 miles away, and Anne Springs Close Greenway is just across Tom Hall Street. Also close by are Carowinds Amusement Park, Ballantyne Village, and Lake Wylie is a quick drive as well.

Homes in Oakland Pointe start at $322,990 and can go higher for larger plans or upgrades to the plan. There are five floorplans to choose from with many different features including owner’s suites and retreat areas, game rooms, screened in porches, and gourmet kitchens. Plans have between 3 and 6 bedrooms and have between 2 and 3 bathrooms. Square footages range between 2,473 to 3,567. There are currently 9 quick move-in homes available or you can choose a lot and start your home design from the ground up.

Children in Oakland Pointe are eligible to attend Fort Mill Elementary, Nation Ford Middle and Nation Ford High School. Please verify school assignments as they are subject to change. All of these schools are in close proximity to the neighborhood. There are also many options nearby for preschool, daycare, and private schooling.

If you are looking for a home in Oakland Pointe, let us help you find the home of your dreams. Give us a call at (704) 525-4045 and we can schedule a private tour of the community. You can also view current listings and create custom searches on our website here.