It’s National Homeownership Month – Here are 10 Reasons to Celebrate

It’s National Homeownership Month - Here are 10 Really Good Reasons to Celebrate National Homeownership Month began as a week-long celebration of homeownership in 1995. In 2002, President George W. Bush proclaimed June as National Homeownership Month saying, “Homeownership is an important part of the American Dream…A home provides shelter and a safe place where families can prosper and children can thrive. For many Americans, their home is an important financial investment, and it can be a source of great personal pride and an important part of community stability.” During an … Continue reading...

Americans Choose Real Estate as the Best Investment [INFOGRAPHIC]

Americans Choose Real Estate as the Best Investment [INFOGRAPHIC] Americans have chosen real estate as the best investment for 8 years running. There’s a reason for that - home equity has risen exponentially with the incredibly low inventory levels. This is even more evidence for sellers to take the plunge and sell during this low supply market. It’s never, in the history of selling real estate, been a better time to sell!For buyers, even with the rising prices, why NOT begin building equity while the market is hot? I recently did a neighborhood sales increase for one in my market and … Continue reading...

P. U. – What’s that Smell?

P. U. - What’s that Smell?  When a circuit breaker overheats, the plastics and heat-resistant chemicals used to make the breakers, as well as outlets or wiring insulation, may emit a fishy or urine-like odor. You can often smell the odor throughout the house, but it is more intense near the breaker box or in the room of the faulty outlet or wiring. The odor may intensify or diminish with changing temperatures and circuit usage. Because it is often a circuit breaker of a high-demand appliance (HVAC, dishwasher, etc.), it can be difficult to identify the origin as those appliances … Continue reading...

5 Ways to Protect Your Yard from the End of Winter Temperature Drops

5 Ways to Protect Your Yard from the End of Winter Temperature Drops Each year, about this time, we have one or two freezing nights, just when you think spring has sprung! Each year, beautiful blooms, exposed to the freezing temperatures, die or are browned/damaged by the frigid weather.  When the below-32º temperatures are predicted, here are a few easy tips to protect your budding or blooming yard at winter’s end:  5 Tips to Protect Your Yard when the Temperature Falls • Place patio chairs over larger plants and shrubs to protect them from the elements. • Cover the … Continue reading...

What You Need to Know about the 2019 Mecklenburg County Tax Revaluation

Shot through the heart

Charlotte homeowners have been bracing for big increases in the tax value of their properties since our last revaluation was done during The Great Recession. So, as you can imagine, the revaluation of real property is going to be considerably more than the ‘normal’ increases since we went from them being performed during the lowest of lows to now, the highest of highs.  Sales prices have continued to be on the rise, therefore our valuations are going to reflect that. Charlotte’s real estate market has boomed out of The Great Recession with some 70 new residents moving here each and … Continue reading...

Home Maintenance & Inspection Schedule – Annual Checklist

Checklist for homeowners when selling a Charlotte home for sale

Today is officially the first day of winter and we are reminded of the harsh treatment our homes receive from Mother Nature each and every winter season. Owning a home is a dream come true for many and keeping that dream home in its top condition requires a little preventative maintenance. Just as we have an annual physical with our physicians, consider yourself your home's doctor - at least the one that oversees all maintenance! You may not be able to do the work but, if you need a vendor to help with any of the items on the checklist below, let me know. I have a great list of vendors who … Continue reading...