Waterside at the Catawba

This week, the Charlotte Business Journal released their list of the area’s top-selling residential neighborhoods. Waterside at the Catawba in Fort Mill topped the list when ranked by new home closings. There were 250 closings of homes in Waterside at the Catawba in 2016 with an average sale price of almost $318,000. Closings and sale prices were provided by Market Opportunity Research Enterprises.

Now is your chance to get in on this great neighborhood. There are a variety of home designs to choose from. They range from ranch style to three-story single-family homes. You can choose from many options and upgrades to create the home of your dreams.

Lennar has four separate phases at Waterside at the Catawba.

  • The Walk has homes ranging from $233,400 – $255,900. These homes range from 1,614 – 2,200 square feet.
  • The Meadows has homes ranging from $266,690 – $366,990. Homes here range from 1,677 – 4,164 square feet.
  • The Enclave contains homes ranging from $266,900 – $363,990. These homes have between 2,059 – 4,734 square feet.
  • Traditions contains the largest homes ranging from 2,650 – 5,641 square feet. These homes start at $326,640 to $414,640 and can go higher with upgrades.

Taylor Morrison also has a presence in Waterside at the Catawba. They are offering 6 floorplans in two series, the Classic and the Signature. Homes by Taylor Morrison range from the mid $300’s and have between 2,175 and 6,000+ square feet. 9 and 10 foot ceilings are standard with open-concept designs. Gourmet kitchens and owner’s suites are also standard.

Resort style amenities in Waterside at the Catawba include a lodge style clubhouse, state of the art fitness center, tennis courts, and a jr. Olympic swimming pool, wading pool, and playground for fun for the whole family. Five miles of walking trails are included. There are also a variety of outdoor recreational facilities nearby including hiking, biking, horseback riding, boating and camping.

Waterside at the Catawba is conveniently located with easy access to highways. This leaves you with a quick trip the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, Uptown Charlotte, and other area attractions. Current school assignments have children in Waterside at the Catawba attending Doby’s Bridge Elementary, Banks Trail Middle, and Nation Ford High School.

If you are interested in a home in Waterside at the Catawba, give us a call at (704) 525-4045. Remember that you don’t pay to have a Realtor represent you when purchasing new construction. The builder pays for the Realtor, but they can be a valuable asset when customizing a home to meet your needs. You can also view current listings on our website here.

To read more of the list, check out the Charlotte Business Journal.

August Market Update

The trend continues with no apparent end in sight. Once again, inventory is down in the Charlotte area while prices creep upwards. But the real story is that home sales took another hit in August. These numbers all come from the Charlotte Regional Realtor Association reporting on data from the Carolina Multiple Listing Service.

Inventory is down 18.6% compared to August of last year leaving just a 2.6 month supply. 10,153 homes were on the market for sale, while last year there were 12,477. Last month there were 10,174 for a decrease of 21 listings month over month.

Sales were down 3.8% for the same period. 4,297 homes sold in August as compared to 4,467 last year at this time. This number is up slightly over last month, just 1.2% higher than July.

Median sales price crept up to $230,000 while average sales price inched up to $273,549. This means median sales price is up 5% from this time last year but is down from last month’s $236,000. Average sales price is up 1% from last August, but is down from last month’s $280,696. These numbers can be affected by a few large sales so we will have to wait and see if this is a new trend where prices might be adjusting.

5,394 new listings hit the market in August which represents an increase of 6% over last year.

Industry analysts are predicting that the market will begin to balance over the next couple of years. They expect some relief to the inventory woes as the cooler months typically have a slowdown in the market. This seasonal slowdown should, weather permitting, allow builders to provide more inventory to the market.

The Charlotte area doesn’t seem to be cooling off anytime soon. There is still demand for listings and there is still positive job growth. This means it is still a great place to call home.

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

Neighborhood Spotlight: Waxhaw’s Barrington

Let’s check in with the fantastic new neighborhood of Barrington located in Waxhaw, North Carolina near South Charlotte in Union County. This beautiful new construction community posts a junior Olympic pool including a splash area, kiddie pool and open-air cabana. The neighborhood also has plenty of walking trails as well as a playground, making it a great place for young families.

There are currently six homes on the market in Barrington representing 3.1 months of inventory, which is lower than Waxhaw’s inventory as a whole, which is currently at 5.5 months. While Waxhaw has a fairly balanced market, Barrington’s inventory seems to favor the sellers.

However, the average price per square foot has gone down over the past year from approximately $120 per square foot to approximately $115 per square foot, which bodes well for buyers. Furthermore, the average sales price has remained fairly steady over the last 12 months.

Homes currently on the market range in size from just over 2800 square feet to just under 4100square feet and range in price from $349,900 to $469,900. Many of these homes also feature premium finishes, including hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, granite or quartz countertops, and more.

This is a great family neighborhood in a sought-after school district featuring floor plans that cater to families and beyond.

If you want to learn more about Barrington, give us a call at (704) 525-4045. You can also view current listings on our website here.

The Dilworth Home Tour is right around the corner

Get ready for some great architecture!

Each year, the Dilworth home tour offers visitors a chance to preview homes throughout one of Charlotte’s most popular historical and charming neighborhoods. The self-guided tour includes seven stunning homes all differing in size and architectural style.

This annual home tour will be taking place on Friday, September 15 from 6 to 9 PM, and on Saturday, September 16 from 10 AM to 4 PM. Charlotte’s oldest home tour is organized each year by the Dilworth Community Association (DCA) with proceeds of ticket sales benefiting the Dilworth community. Tickets for the tour are $25 and can be purchased at the Dilworth community association website.

While it is a self-guided tour, attendees should allow approximately two hours in order to be able to view all of the art, architecture and sheer square footage included on the tour. Homes on the tour include 410 East Park Ave., 830 East Park Ave., 317 East Kingston Ave., 1300 Myrtle Ave., 1239 Belgrave Pl., 1214 Belgrave Place, and 804 East Worthington Ave.

The Dilworth home tour is a fantastic opportunity to get a much closer look at the beauty and uniqueness of this historic neighborhood. For more details and information on the Dilworth home tour and all it has to offer, be sure to check out the full article at Charlottefive.com.

And, for more information on Dilworth or the homes on the market there, give us a call at (704) 525-4045. You can also view current listings on our website here.

Exclusive Elegance in the Club at Longview

Formerly a 500 acre dairy farm, the Club at Longview is so much more now. Elegant homes, a premier golf course, and club are all housed within this serene community. This privately gated community offers 24-hour security. The lush grounds throughout are meticulously maintained, and residents enjoy amenities on par with the finest luxury resorts.

The Longview community is in Waxhaw and straddles Tom Short Road just south of Ardrey Kell Road and north of Rea Road. Residents enjoy low Union County taxes, and also top ranked Union County schools. Children attend Rea View Elementary, Marvin Ridge Middle, and Marvin Ridge High Schools. Please verify school assignments as they are subject to change. There are also many private, preschool, mother’s day out and daycare options nearby.

Homes in Longview are grand. They range from $700,000 up into the millions. Lot sizes range from 0.5 to 1.7 acres. Homes range from 3,500 square feet up to 18,000 square feet. Phase three still has lots available along the 3rd, 4th, and 5th fairways starting at $250,000. Longview offers gorgeous manor style custom estate homes with distinctive architectural designs built by some of Charlotte’s most elite custom builders.

Amenities of Longview include premier and casual dining in multiple dining areas in the 28,000 square foot club. The club also features a state of the art workout facility, complete with massage and steam room. An onsite personal trainer is always available, as is a full-service concierge. There are weekly events for members and their guests including clubs, dining and wine tasting events, and more. Onsite childcare and a youth lodge are in the 10,000 square foot activity center just across the street from the clubhouse. There are two pools, one for families, and one just for adults complete with hot tub. Competition style tennis courts have incredible views of the community.

If golf is your game, there is truly no better course in the Charlotte area. The 18-hole course at Longview is the only signature Jack Nicklaus one in the region. It features a variety of elevations, numerous water features, and tree-lined fairways set among the Carolina hills. There is a full-service practice range as well as putting and chipping areas. Onsite instructors are available to help refine your game. They also have a junior bears program with golf lessons for children as young as three.

Full Longview membership application is required before the purchase of a home here. The club offers different membership categories including: Golf Memberships, Social Memberships, Corporate Memberships, and National Memberships. Private residences and Longview Club amenities are extraordinary! Home site & club tours are available by appointment only. If you would like to learn more, give us a call at (704) 525-4045. You can also view current listings here.

Check out the Dilworth Home Tour 2017

If you’ve ever thought about living in one of the historic homes in Dilworth, or you are just curious to see the inside of some of them, you need to attend the Dilworth Home Tour. This is Charlotte’s oldest home tour and it is celebrating it’s 45th anniversary this year. The event runs from 6 pm to 9 pm Friday, September 15th and 10 am to 4 pm Saturday, September 16th.

There are seven homes on the tour this year and they can be toured in any order. They vary greatly in style and architecture. Some homes are in original condition, some have been remodeled. Homes contain features like pocket doors, slate roofs, original wood flooring, extensive millwork, and more. Some homes have been lovingly restored while others have been remade in modern style. There is even a home that has been featured in architectural magazines.

The home tour is put on each year by the Dilworth Community Association. Each year since they began in 1973, they choose a charity to receive the proceeds. This year they have chosen Dilworth Soup Kitchen. Many local businesses have teamed up to help the event to be a success. Charlotte B-cycle will offer bike rentals for the tour, with a limited number of them free. They will also provide bike racks at each home on the tour. Sodoma Law in the historic Brem House at 211 East Boulevard will provide parking for those walking or biking. They will also have refreshments available. Bonterra will provide half-priced glasses of wine with a home tour ticket on the days of the tour.

Tickets for the Dilworth Home Tour can be bought in advance for $25 and are available at High Cotton Home, Park Road Books, Paper Skyscraper, Dilworth Drug, and both locations of Ultra Running Company. You can get them online at www.dilworthonline.org until September 14th. You can buy them the day of the event, but the price goes up to $30.

If you can’t make it to one of the tour dates but are interested in owning a home in Dilworth, give us a call at (704) 525-4045. We can take you through any home currently on the market and help you decide which one is best for you. You can also view current listings on our website here.

Find a Hidden Gem in Lansdowne

Lansdowne is truly one of the hidden gems of Charlotte. Built in the 1960’s and 1970’s, Lansdowne is well established, with lush landscaping and large lots. Most of the homes are original to the neighborhood. There was one new construction home just down the street from Providence Day School that sold in July for $1.59 million. Another new construction home is listed now for $1,399,999. These large lots close into town are tempting for new construction.

Don’t be too concerned about the high price tag of the few new construction homes in Lansdowne. Most of the homes here average just under $400,000. This is a much more reasonable entry point for the neighborhood, and could be a great investment if the trend of rebuilding on this great land continues.

Many of the homes in Lansdowne have great architecture and come in a variety of styles. There is a great concentration of mid-century modern homes, traditional ranches, split-levels, and two-story homes. Many have vaulted ceilings, open floor-plans, remodeled interiors, great natural light, outdoor living spaces and more.

Lansdowne is bordered by Providence Road on the South and Sardis Road in the North. This means you have easy access to SouthPark Mall, Cotswold Village Shops, and Phillips Place. An uptown commute should take around 20 minutes, while a trip to Charlotte Douglas International Airport will take about half an hour. Levine Jewish Community Center, with it’s health club, social events and mix of religious and non-denominational events is just around the corner.

Lansdowne is currently zoned for Lansdowne Elementary School, McClintock Middle School, and East Mecklenburg High School. The neighborhood is also located near many private schools which is one of the big draws.

There are currently 15 homes on the market in Lansdowne which represents a 5 month supply. This is a much more balanced market than most neighborhoods in Charlotte. Prices have been steadily rising for the last year so now is a great time to get in before they rise further.

If you want to learn more about Lansdowne, give us a call at (704) 525-4045. You can also view current listings on our website here.

River District One Step Closer

Back in November of 2016 we wrote about the River District master planned community slated for a vast undeveloped tract of land between the Catawba River and Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The plan has moved one more crucial step forward as City Council has voted unanimously to approve funding. The economic development committee has allocated public money to help fund infrastructure for the development. The improvements will be for roads, police facilities, fire fighting facilities, schools, sanitation, and transit facilities.

A total of $31.2 million in public money will join $30 million from developers Lincoln Harris and Crescent Communities. $16.2 million of the public money is from the city’s Community Investment Plan. The remaining $15 million of public funds will be reimbursed to the builder through a tax increment grant. The $16.2 million from the CIP was already allotted for roads in the Dixie-Berryhill area as part of a $44.7 million bond package approved last year.

Road projects will include extending West Boulevard, Garrison Road, and Dixie River Road. These projects could begin construction by 2019 once planning and design by the city are completed.

Plans are still in the works for the site, but currently they call for 8 million square feet of office space, 500,000 square feet of retail, 1,000 hotel rooms, 2,300 single-family homes, 200 retirement units, and 2,550 multi-family units. These will be spread through the nearly 1,400 acres of River District. About 40% or 550 acres of the site is expected to be preserved as natural space for residents to enjoy.

The vote by the economic development committee means the next step is a vote by the full council. This should happen at the September 11th meeting, with a vote likely at the September 25th meeting. Development for homes in River District could begin by 2021. River District is expected to take 20-30 years to fully develop, so that would put finishing around 2041-2051.

For more information on this community, call us at (704) 525-4045, or check out current listings here.

Spotlight: Montibello

Montibello is a well established neighborhood of 571 custom homes in Charlotte’s SouthPark area. These homes were mostly built in the 1980’s, though there have been some extensive remodels, and some recently constructed homes. One of the homes was the most expensive home sold in July according to the Charlotte Business Journal. This home sold for an impressive $2.1 million, but it is hardly the norm in the area. Homes typically average $643,915 and usually range between $399,000 and $1,350,000.

Situated between Colony and Carmel Roads, Montibello is in a prime location. There is easy access to uptown Charlotte and SouthPark’s business and shopping district. It’s a quick drive to the airport for a business trip or vacation, or to pick up guests to stay in your guest house.

There are also many amenities close by Montibello. Cedarwood Country Club and Carmel Country Club and Golf Course are just around the corner. Olde Providence Racquet Club is on nearby Sharon View Road. There are a number of area parks, fitness centers, YMCA, all within minutes. SouthPark is has a plethora of restaurants to choose from to delight any palate.

Because homes in Montibello are custom built, they have varied styles. Many of the homes in Montibello have features you that are on wish lists. Movie theaters, pools, guest houses, designer touches, large lots, outdoor kitchens and more grace these homes. Homes here are large, 2,400 to over 5,000 square feet, and have plenty of storage, home offices, gourmet kitchens, and more. A hallmark of Montibello is the large sweeping lawns with mature landscaping. It’s easy to see why Montibello is one of Charlotte’s most desirable neighborhoods.

Currently, Montibello is zoned for Beverly Woods Elementary School, Carmel Middle School, and South Mecklenburg High School. Please verify school assignments as they are subject to change. There are also many private school options close-by. In addition, there are preschool, mother’s day out,  and daycare options that are a quick drive away.

If you are interested in a home in Montibello, give us a call at (704) 525-4045. You can view current listings on our website here.

Tiny Homes More Popular than Expected in Charlotte

Earlier this month we told you about the new tiny home community called Keyo Park West. This past weekend they held an open house that drew 1,600 people. Many just wanted to get a look at how ingenious these homes are. Many were looking at these small homes as investment properties. Many were looking at how to duplicate them in other locations. There were, at the end of the open house however, 21 people who put down a $4,000 non-refundable deposit to purchase one of these homes.

In the coming weeks, the rest of the homes will probably be purchased. The next step for the buyers is a meeting with the designers to design every part of the home to meet their individual needs. There are some large options such as an additional bathroom, extra square footage, or garages. Two more meetings will help buyers decide on the rest of the design. Basic room layout, window and door placement, and final finishes will be decided at these meetings. Also tile, cabinets, counters, flooring, and paint will be decided. Once the design is in place, building will commence.

Keno Park West has become so popular that a second phase is already in the works. They expect lots in the next phase to be available for purchase in spring of 2018. The level of interest shows that Charlotte is ready for more of these tiny home communities.

Millennials and empty nesters are a perfect fit for tiny homes. Keyo Park West is imagining them as a solution to the shortage of affordable housing in the Charlotte area as well. Price points for these homes is in the $89,950 area. If you add the additional square footage, additional bathroom, and the garage, the price will jump up to the $135,950 to $150,750 range.

If you are interested in these or any other homes in the Charlotte area, give us a call at (704) 525-4045. You can also view current listings on our website here.