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Spotlight: Clairemont

The U.S. Census Bureau has issued population statistics for 2015-2016 and Lancaster County in South Carolina tops the list for growth in the Charlotte region. The population of Lancaster County rose to 89,594, up 4.1% from the 2015 figure.

One of our favorite places in Lancaster County is Indian Land. Indian Land has a great combination of great setting, rapid growth, wonderful schools, and lower South Carolina taxes.

Clairemont in Indian Land is a lovely neighborhood with homes of all sizes to fit any family. Clairemont is located off Route 160 near Johnston Road (Highway 521). It is just minutes from Ballantyne, Pineville, downtown Indian Land, and downtown Fort Mill. As Indian Land is growing, there are more and more retail and dining options in the area all the time. There is plenty of shopping just a 5 mile drive away in Ballantyne. There are also many options for fitness, entertainment, outdoor activities and more.

Access to I-485 is close by giving you access to Uptown Charlotte, the airport and more. A commute to Uptown is approximately 22 miles. With the rapid pace of growth, Clairemont will have even more options nearby in the future making it an even more desireable location.

Homes in Clairemont range between 1,300 square feet to around 3,000 square feet. The typically have between 3 and 5 bedrooms and between 2.5 and 3.5 bathrooms. Most homes have an attached 2 car garage. Floorplans are 1 or 2 story and many include bonus rooms. Most homes have vinyl siding with a mix of brick and stone accents. Lots are smaller sized at slightly less than a quarter of an acre which means you won’t spend your entire weekend doing yard work.

Clairemont is a great family friendly spot, with amenities guaranteed to please all family members. There are sidewalks great for walking, strolling, walking pets, and safe for kids to ride bikes. There is a playground for the kids, greenways for hikes, basketball court for a quick pick-up game, a large pool with separate kiddie pool, and a clubhouse. The neighborhood HOA maintains all of the common areas and also coordinates events for the whole family throughout the year.

Children in Clairemont currently attend Harrisburg Elementary School, Indian Land Middle School, and Indian Land High School. These schools are all highly rated, but there are also many private school options close by.

Expect homes in Clairemont to be in the lower $200’s on the low end and the low to mid $300’s on the high end.

If you are interested in viewing a home in Clairemont, give us a call at (704) 525-4045. You can view homes online on our website here.

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Spotlight: Beckenham

If you’re looking for an upscale neighborhood in Fort Mill, SC with opportunities to build your own custom home, Beckenham may be your place. Beckenham boasts grand homes on large lots with plenty of privacy. These homes are zoned for award winning Fort Mill public schools and are close to shopping, dining, and recreation all while feeling like a retreat.

Beckenham is located off Doby’s Bridge Road in Fort Mill, SC. One of the first things you notice when you drive into Beckenham is the quiet and peaceful scene. Homes sit on well landscaped wooded lots averaging well over one acre. There is no through traffic so residents enjoy quiet streets.

Homeowners enjoy easy access to all of the conveniences via Highway 521 or I-77. Beckenham is situated 25 miles from Uptown Charlotte, and minutes away from Ballantyne, SouthPark Mall, and Carolina Place. All of these areas are bustling with new growth and include retail, restaurants, fitness, churches, parks, and all other types of businesses you might need.

Beckenham is a young community, with lots still available to build your custom dream home. You can choose your own builder, or you can use one of the preferred builders for the neighborhood. In addition to having the opportunity to build your own home, there are also some completed homes available. Home prices tend to range from $450,000 to $850,000.

The large homes in Beckenham typically have between 3,500 to over 6,000 square feet of living area. Many of the homes have full finished basements. Three car garages with plenty of storage are the norm. Homes typically have 3-4 bedrooms and 3.5-4.5 bathrooms. Homes can contain many luxury features like:

  • Gourmet kitchens with granite counters and top of the line appliances.  
  • Media rooms with stadium seating
  • In ground pools
  • Master suites on the main level
  • Two-story great rooms
  • Indoor basketball courts
  • Steam showers and much more.

There is a Property Owners Association in Beckenham offering plenty of conveniences for residents. Beckenham does not contain the amenities that larger neighborhoods have, but most residents don’t miss them as they have their own pools, and value their privacy. Homes here are on septic tanks and have well water.

Fort Mill has the highest ranked schools in South Carolina. Beckenham is currently zoned for three of the best of them. Doby’s Bridge Elementary, Fort Mill Middle, and Nations Ford High School are all ranked 10 out of 10 by Carolina School Hub. Besides these award winning schools, there are many private school options in the area.

If you are looking for a private upscale neighborhood, with large homes, beautifully landscaped lots, and great access to dining, shopping and business then please call us at (704) 525-4045 to check out Beckenham in person. For more information on Beckenham or any other neighborhood in the Fort Mill area, please visit our website here.

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February Market Statistics

The Carolina Regional Realtor Association just released their monthly statistical analysis today. We have looked at their numbers and there does not appear to be much change from the trend of the past months. There is still a lack of inventory pushing prices higher. The seller’s market continues as there is only 2.3 months of inventory, a balanced market is considered to be 6 months inventory or more.

Digging a little bit deeper into their numbers, there were 4,702 new listings in February, up 14.8% from the 4,097 from the same time in 2016. This stronger spring showing is encouraging as we are just starting the spring when listings usually pick up. We will have to wait and see if this trend continues so we can get inventory numbers up to previous years levels.

Median home price was up year over year from $180,525 to $199,000. Average home price was also up from $229,856 in 2016 to $243,383 in 2017. Sellers are also now getting an average of 96.3% of list price. This lack of discount means that the market is bearing out these higher prices.

Inventory continues to be low in the Charlotte area. In the February report, there are 8,807 homes currently on the market. This is down 21.4% from last year’s 11,210. This leaves us with 2.3 months of inventory down from 3.2 months in February of last year. We are holding steady from last month when there were also 2.3 months of inventory.

While these findings are great for sellers, they can be distressing for buyers. With less inventory on the market, there are fewer choices for each buyer. Buyers will also have to be able to afford the higher prices homes are commanding right now.

We are hopeful that sellers are gaining confidence in the market right now. There have been more new listings than in previous months and the hope is that this is the beginning of the pendulum swinging the other way.

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

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Real Estate News Around Charlotte

Housing Permits

There has been an Increase in housing permits in the Charlotte region over the last year according to The Market Edge. The Market Edge is a marketing research company that tracks residential building permits in several Southeastern regions. This is positive news, but we are not yet at levels seen in 2015.

Overall there was 9% growth in the entire Charlotte region. There were some counties that saw larger growth than others. Lincoln, Stanley, and Rowan counties had the largest growth. Cabarrus, York and Lancaster counties were the only counties with fewer new housing permits.

Mecklenburg County had the most new building permits for homes over $400,000. They had 487 of them, a 36.4% rise over 2015.

 

Zoning Changes

Rendering of the proposed Foxcroft City Homes

There have been many zoning changes on the docket for City Council, but none quite so contentious as Foxcroft City Homes. This proposed residential development is seeking a rezoning from R-3 to UR-2 conditional. R-3 allows three single-family units per acre. UR-2 allows denser, attached residential development.

Neighbors have mobilized against the development on Sharon Lane between Providence Road and Heathmoor Lane. They are afraid the zoning change could set a precedent for high density development in an area of single-family homes.

The proposed homes are said to be targeted at empty nesters looking to downsize. Neighborhood residents question this assertion as the homes are going to start at 3,400 square feet with a price point around $1 million. There is also no age cut off for residents so the target of empty nesters has been called into question.

A third city council hearing on this matter may settle it once and for all. The property will be developed, but it remains to be see if it will be single-family homes on two cul-de-sacs or if the zoning change goes through to allow 24 townhomes in 12 buildings.

 

If you are interested in new construction in the Charlotte area, call us at (704) 525-4045. We can help you find just the right property for your needs. You can also view listings on our website here.

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Check out Fort Mill’s Ashford On The Water

If you’re looking for an elegant executive home with a short commute to Uptown Charlotte, look no further than Ashford on the Water in Fort Mill, SC. This small community is convenient to I-77, has great schools, low SC taxes, and has gorgeous grounds and homes.

To find Ashford on the Water, go South from Charlotte on I-77 for 20 minutes and exit on Gold Hill Road (SC Hwy 460). Head west on Gold Hill Road and turn North on Pleasant Road. Ashford on the Water will be on the left hand side after about a mile.

When you turn into Ashford on the Water, you are first struck by the lush landscaping and large mature trees. Next you begin to see manicured lawns and grand full-brick homes on winding streets, some with cul-de-sacs. Homes have either a 2 or 3 car garage, mostly side-load. Many of these homes have beautiful views overlooking the two large ponds that give the neighborhood its name. Lots average a third of an acre, but with the hilly terrain, can seem larger.

Homes in Ashford on the Water were mostly built within the last 10-15 years. They are typically around 3,500 square feet and have 3 or 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Some homes even feature basements. Many homes here contain grand staircases, coffered and trey ceilings, custom built-ins, wainscotting, butler’s pantries, outdoor living areas, media rooms, bonus rooms, sumptuous master baths with soaking tubs and oversized showers. Many also feature in-ground irrigation, security systems, large open kitchens, built-in desks, sound systems and more.

Living in Fort Mill means you are close to Fort Mill YMCA, Fort Mill Library, Leroy Springs Recreation Complex, Anne Springs Close Greenway, Knights baseball, Carowinds Theme Park, beautiful golf courses, and more. There is plenty of shopping, grocery stores, local shops, dining, and fitness all within a 5 minute drive.

Ashford on the Water is currently zoned for great Fort Mill public schools. Pleasant Knoll Elementary School, Springfield Middle School, and Nation Ford High School are all ranked 10 out of 10 by Carolina School Hub.

In the past year, homes in Ashford on the Water have sold for an average price of $379,100. There is currently one home on the market, a 4 bedroom, 3 bath with 3,683 square feet, listed for $425,000.

If you are would like to view the currently listed home in Ashford on the Water or would like us to contact you as soon as a new listing comes on the market, call us at (704) 525-4045. If you would like to set up a search on our website, click here.

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January 2017 Market Statistics

The Carolina Regional Realtor Association has published the January 2017 monthly statistical analysis. This month continues the trend we have been seeing for a while. Inventory in the Charlotte area is still low, causing prices to creep upward.

If we look at a three year trend, the number of homes on the market or inventory in 2015 was 13,607 homes. In 2016 there were 11,513 homes on the market. In 2017, there were only 8,639 homes on the market.

This decline in inventory could be due to many factors.

  1. There are many more people moving into the area. The population of Charlotte has been steadily rising, but the metro area has increased significantly reaching just over 2.4 million in 2015. With this rise in population comes a lack of inventory and builders can’t keep up with the demand. People are moving farther and farther away from Uptown, with some not even counted in the metro area.
  2. Lack of inventory makes people less willing to sell their home until they have bought a new home. With fewer choices on the market, waiting seems like a good idea so you get the home you want before you have the risk of having to move before you are ready.
  3. Interest rates are creeping up. While this may not affect many buyers until rates go over 5%, there are still some homeowners opting to stay in their home with a low interest loan instead of moving and having higher carrying costs from a new mortgage with a higher interest rate.

As you would expect based on the laws of supply and demand, with less supply, comes higher prices. The average sales price of a home in the Charlotte metro area has risen steadily. In 2015, the average price was $214,166. In 2016, that average price rose to $230,026. The trend continues, and in 2017 the average sale price was $258,819.

There is some good news for buyers. New listings rose 4.7% from last year. This takes us up almost to the 2015 number. If this continues, supply will rise so there will be more choices for buyers. This means less competition for each home. It remains to be seen if this is an anomaly, or if it is part of a larger trend.

If you are interested in a home in the Charlotte area, give us a call at (704) 525-4045. If you would like to view listings on our website before you speak with us, click here.

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There is a lot of buzz in the Charlotte area about new townhome communities. Townhomes have long been popular for their ease of maintenance, convenience, and amenities. Townhomes are particularly attractive as an entry point into a popular neighborhood. They are great for young professionals, families, and older buyers looking to downsize.

South End townhomes by Barringer & Smith and Alan Simonini Homes

Lets face it, Uptown can be expensive. Many people are looking for a home farther out of town with the feel of Uptown. Townhomes can be attractive for a village feel. Many are in walkable areas with shopping, dining, fitness, and entertainment right outside your door.

Another reason people love townhomes is exterior maintenance and plant care is usually included in the Homeowners Association fees. This is particularly great for people with busy lifestyles.

Townhomes are also attractive due to amenities. Many of the newer townhome communities have gyms, pools, clubhouses, dog parks and more. The Charlotte area has many options for townhomes, and there are many more new projects on the horizon.

One of the new projects that has garnered much early interest is David Weekly Homes’ project in Waverly. There are reportedly hundreds of people interested in the 75 townhome units. Twenty-five units are currently under construction with expected completion of phase one in April. Phases two and three, with the remaining 50 units, will follow later. Expect prices to range between the high $300,000’s to the high $400,000’s.

Site Plan for Capital Land Partners project at Selwyn and Runnymede

Another development we are excited about is one by Barringer & Smith and Alan Simonini Homes in South End. If their zoning change comes through, they have proposed developing 18 townhomes on a .7 acre property on West Tremont Avenue between South Tryon and Hawkins Streets. City Council will vote soon on the zoning change from industrial use.

A third project we are excited about is one by Capital Land Partners. They are working on a rezoning petition to develop 29 townhomes on a 3 acre site near Selwyn Avenue and Runnymede Lane. Units here should be 4-story with an optional roof terrace. Each unit is expected to have a 2 car garage and 400 square feet of private open space.

The biggest challenge right now in Charlotte is lack of supply. There are many projects in the works, from zoning to building, but they are not ready yet. These are just some of the many townhome projects in the area. If you are interested in a Townhome in the Charlotte area, new or existing, call us at (704) 525-4045. You can also view townhomes on our website here.

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Spotlight: Balmoral

Balmoral is a newer home community located in Fort Mill, SC. Located right off A. O. Jones Road behind Nation Ford High School, Balmoral is in a great location. A commute into Uptown Charlotte is just a short 25 minute drive away. Homes in Balmoral are great for any sized family and range from 2,500 to over 4,000 square feet.

This great home sold in 2016 in Balmoral

Homes here in Balmoral were all built within the last 9 years. They are traditional in style and feature some brick homes, but most are vinyl with brick or stone accents. You will see beautifully landscaped yards with lots around a quarter of an acre. Most homes have a two car front load garage, with some homes having a 3 car garage. Many homes back to wooded green space and have outdoor living spaces to take advantage of the great weather.

Balmoral features homes with between 3 and 5 bedroom floor plans. Many also include separate office spaces. Homes here also feature large kitchens with islands and many with butler’s pantries. Spacious master suites are the norm, with large walk in closets and spa like bathrooms. Most homes also have granite counters, stainless appliances and many feature “drop zones” or mud rooms just inside the houses from the garages.

Balmoral also features many homes that have been recently upgraded. Upgrades include but are not limited to: tankless hot water heaters, Nest thermostats, hardwood flooring, energy efficient appliances and more. Not all homes have been recently updated so there are plenty of homes where you can add your own personality.

Another fantastic home in Balmoral sold last year.

Balmoral is included in the Regal Manor HOA. This is a diverse community within a collection of developments including Adler Grove, Baden Village, Balmoral, Bexley, Fallbrook, Regal Manor, Stafford Oaks, Stanton Heights, Summerlake Townhomes, and Wellsley Ford Townhomes. Inclusion in Regal Manor affords residents the use of a large community pool, beautiful clubhouse, children’s playground, and nearby pond.

Balmoral enjoys a great SC tax rate, but still has great schools. Children in Balmoral attend award winning Sugar Creek Elementary, Fort Mill Middle School, and Nation Ford High School.

Balmoral’s great location is only a short 2 minute drive away from local banking, shopping, and dining establishments. More shopping, dining and fitness is close by at Carolina Place Mall just 7 minutes away, or in Ballantyne just 10 minutes away.

In the past year, homes in Balmoral have sold for between $272,000 and $340,000. There are currently two homes on the market. If you would like to view one of these homes, give us a call at (704) 525-4045 or you can view the listings first on our website here.