Archive for December, 2007
South Charlotte Homes and Communities| Dilworth, Myers Park, Southpark, plus Ballantyne and SW Charlotte
December 31st, 2007 Categories: south charlotte
What is South Charlotte, where is it?
Why do so many families want to move to South Charlotte? Where do they move from?
South Charlotte begins just south of town in the historic suburbs of Myers Park and Dilworth, then expands in the pie shaped area bounded by I-77 and Rt 74, East Independence, south to, and a bit beyond Rt 485, meeting Union County in the south, South Carolina to the southwest. It includes the 2nd downtown area of Southpark, Ballantyne, Matthews, the Palisades area, and the NC side of Lake Wylie.
I wanted to pull together All of my South Charlotte resources, in one post. If you visit the links, you’ll get to know South Charlotte pretty well.. First the pictures in my smugmug Charlotte Galleries, over 500 pictures in the galleries listed below, also, look for the mapping feature in the upper right corner of each gallery:
South Charlotte Communities, Close-In (4) Myers Park, Dilworth and Southpark
South Charlotte (8) including towns of Ballantyne and Matthews, zipcodes 28270, 28277, 28105
Southwest Charlotte Communities(4) The Palisades, The Sanctuary and more
I ‘ve written extensively about South Charlotte communities, home prices and the market. I’ve also sold many homes here too. You will the posts listed under the the link below:
South Charlotte Communities and Market Reports
For More on Myers Park Want more Charlotte information? Try the categories on the left… Search for Charlotte Real Estate? Fun Things to do, Lower Lake Norman, questions about North Carolina Real Estate, Ask-the-Broker FAQ’s and more… next post I’ll compose a number of links to outside resources in South Charlotte.
Are you considering a move to Charlotte? Like to see more Charlotte Homes and Communities?
Then I hope you will visit my Charlotte photo galleries, more than 1500 pictures
divided into 45 galleries, divided by area and fun things to do, have a look at: Uptown Dilworth, SouthPark, Ballantyne Country Club, High Gate and more. (Imaginon children’s libray on the left, and the light rail Lynx on right)
Here are couple of recent articles about the strong Charlotte real estate market by Forbes.com and ABC News To learn more about me, and my business in Charlotte, visit TerryMcDonaldRealEsate.com, my easy to use search for houses, condos, land or multifamily~
Please don’t hesitate to call me direct with your Charlotte real estate needs and questions, 704-351-1519
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16-0 New England Regular Season Perfection
December 30th, 2007 Categories: Charlotte News and Politics
Congratulations to all of you fans of the New England Patriots
on a history-making season of football. It was quite a sight watching Tom Brady just take control of what was previously a close game, and finish it strong, and leave no doubt in the process who was the best team on the field. Just 3 more, for the ultimate perfect season. I, and millions of others will be watching.
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Buyer Agency Illustrated, A True Life Story|Do's and Don'ts of Home Buying, Part 1
December 29th, 2007 Categories: About Charlotte, FAQs About Charlotte
Often, home buyers ask themselves, “Why do I need a Buyer Agent?” Here in Charlotte NC,
my answer is, “Because you need someone to represent your interests, and if you don’t have that, it will show itself at the worst possible time-like when you are talking money.” Many don’t know that I speak from first hand experience. This happened to me when I was not quite 30, my agent was a little younger, and is a great illustration of why Buyers ALWAYS need a Buyer Agent.
Back in the late-80’s, long before I was in real estate and knew anything about buyers agency or sub-agency, my family was looking for a house. I was in business for myself, had a home office, but needed more room, a separate building was the first choice. I’d been getting listings, and doing what all buyers do, driving by them and marking them off my list. After a few weeks of unsatisfying searches, I decided we needed to look at this one house dismissed earlier in the week, even though it had a less than impressive front and seemed over-priced, the listing said it had some features we were interested in. (Long before photos or the Internet!)
That Saturday our agent took us to see it. We went immediately to the home’s rear (what was of most interest had to be there) where we found what the listing called a “barn” but actually was quite different: it had about 2500 square feet, 1000 sf finished with 6 telephone lines underground, fully plumbed etc. It had its own driveway, separate entrance, and to top it off a wonderful inground gunnite pool 100′ from the office (barn) front door. It was truly a diamond in the rough. It sat on 1.75 acres and as we walked to look at the main house, I said to my wife, that since a) we had just looked at $100K of improvements, b)I was in business (remodelling/design) for myself, and this back area met my needs exactly,and c) even if the house was a wreck, I’d fix it, so without seeing the main house I bravely told her we should make an offer. Surprisingly, she still wanted to see the main house. 
So we did. It had new carpet, a surprisingly open floor plan, new paint and remodeled baths… it wasn’t bad at all, in fact the interior was much more than we expected from the over-grown front we had seen upon entering.
While we were there, two other couples were viewing the property- and they, like us, were staying a long time.
As we were leaving but before reaching the car, I said to my agent quietly, “I want that house… lets not screw around, write up a full price offer and get it off the market tonight.” I knew it was one of a kind- knew it fit our needs better than anything we would find, it seemed just what we had wanted. He was happy.
After writing the full price non-contingent offer, our agent submitted it and found the Listing Agent was out of town until Monday, so he couldn’t present our offer before Monday, so there wasn’t going to be any “getting it off the market tonight.” On Monday, he spoke to the Agent and she said she would be presenting “All the offers- all three, to the seller” later in the day. My Agent called me, told me the news and added he thought if we really wanted the house, our offer might be in trouble and we might need to do more. “How much more?” I asked an he said he didn’t know. I hung up and told him I’d call him back.
In those days, offers were registered with the broker office– so the other two offers knew of our offer, but of course we hadn’t known about them. I paced in my office a few minutes, then called him back and gave him the go ahead to raise our offer $10K. He called me back about 7 pm and told me we got the house, that all 3 offers were over asking, and that one was $2000 over and the other was $8,000 over asking.
The events above are what I was told happened, and believe happened, but let me present an alternative scenario, based on what I now know about Agency and real estate.
Alternative Agency Scenario- All Agents represent sellers
Remember, this was in the late-80’s, we were all young, and this was a few years before buyer agency started to become common. Imagine an older more experienced Listing Agent inviting my 20-something Agent over to the Sellers (who were in their 50’s) house… introductions are made all around, and then the Listing Agent turn quickly to my agent and says something like this: “Now David (my agent) remember who you are working for, you represent this man and woman, Mr. and Mrs. Seller… and then the sharp angle question, “Will your couple pay more for this house?” and a silence follows– and if my agent so much as pauses, they know the answer… Following the law, he is obligated to share that I might, and also that “this house meets their needs exactly, they love it, and yes I think they would pay more for it…he (me) said “Don’t screw around, get it off the market tonight.”
That is what I meant when I said above, “Each buyer needs their own representation, and if they don’t have it, it will show itself at the WORST POSSIBLE TIME.”
That is the conundrum of real estate agency laws without buyer agency. That is why more than 30 states now have Buyer
Agency laws. This is what we face in North Carolina in the absence of a Buyers Agency agreement, the default setting in North Carolina is: All Agents represent the Seller. In the absence of a Buyers Agency agreement, I am legally obligated to represent the Seller, and if you have shared personal confidential information too bad for you. Luckily, this will NEVER happen with me as your Buyer Agent. Let me explain.
Now lets replay the above Alternative Scenario, but this time I am represented by a Buyer Agent, here in North Carolina. When the Seller’s Listing Agent asks, “Would your Buyer pay more?” My only response would be, “Would you like to make a counter- offer?”
Buyer Agency removes the obligation to represent the seller, now we only are required to tell the truth, and now the expectation is that I represent the Buyers and negotiations can continue on a fair field. And that is as it should be, and how it is if you hire me, to help you buy a North or South Carolina home.
I learned lots of lessons over the years from this one personal real estate transaction… We stayed only a few short years, sold the house myself (FSBO) at a terrific profit (I’ll share how in a future post) and moved on. And David, if you read this, know I still believe you did the right thing by us so many years ago!
I will continue Buyers Do’s and Don’ts in part II next week. Search for Charlotte Real Estate?
Are you considering a move to Charlotte? Like to see more Charlotte Homes and Communities?
Then I hope you will visit my Charlotte photo galleries, more than 1500 pictures divided into 45 galleries, divided by area and fun things to do, have a look at: Uptown Dilworth, SouthPark, Ballantyne Country Club, High Gate and more.
Here are couple of recent articles about the strong Charlotte real estate market by Forbes.com and ABC News To learn more about me, and my business in Charlotte, visit TerryMcDonaldRealEsate.com, my easy to use search for houses, condos, land or multifamily~
Please don’t hesitate to call me direct with your Charlotte real estate needs and questions, 704-351-1519
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ImaginOn, A Charlotte Treasure
December 28th, 2007 Categories: Things To Do Charlotte, Uptown Charlotte
ImaginOn in Charlotte NC is a joint venture of two award winning children’s programs in Charlotte, the City of Charlotte 
Public Children’s Library and the Children’s Theater of Charlotte. This innovative children’s library and theater are located in their own building on 6tth street, a 100′ from a Lynx station, across the street from Bobcat stadium. There is also free parking beneath.
ImaginOn December Newsletter
Programs and Events for Children and Teens
This is a hands on learning zone for children of all ages.
*Exterior picture courtesy of Holzman and Moss
And if you live in South Carolina, Ballantyne, Pineville or South Charlotte, why not take the Lynx in? It’s easy and will add to the adventure of the day.
Are you considering a move to Charlotte? Like to see more Charlotte Homes and Communities? Search for Charlotte Real Estate?
Then I hope you will visit my Charlotte photo galleries, more than 1500 pictures divided into more than 45 galleries, divided by area and fun things to do, have a look at: Uptown Dilworth, SouthPark, Ballantyne Country Club, High Gate.
Here are couple of recent articles about the strong Charlotte real estate market by Forbes.com and ABC News To learn more about me, and my business in Charlotte, visit TerryMcDonaldRealEsate.com, my easy to use home, condo, land or multifamily~
Please don’t hesitate to call me direct with your Charlotte real estate needs and questions, 704-351-1519
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CharlotteCommunitiesOnline- Seeking and Speaking the Truth About Charlotte, Real Estate and More
December 27th, 2007 Categories: About Charlotte
Seek the Truth and then Speak The Truth: Critical Real Estate, Blogging and Life Tips
This Charlotte street art is just outside ImagineOn, the award winning Children’s Library and theater at 6th and the Lynx rail line, and is part of the larger display in tribute to former Charlotte Observer Publisher Rolfe Neile. It is terrific city art, and as I was photographing it, these two pieces caught my attention.
As I’ve been thinking about about real estate, and what I do blogging here, I saw the harmony in how they work together, and why they are such a good fit for my life. In real estate, I always seek the truth- the truth about what my customer wants, the truth about strategy’s to sell or buy, and seek the best path for them to achieve their goals. We lay out plans, strategies and goals together. Their goals become my goals. Often, to reach those goals, I need to speak the truth to my buyers or sellers. Sometimes this is easy, other times, less so. Occasionally the truth is unpalatable, or worse. While difficult, my fiduciary relationship to my client requires it. Even when in the words made famous by Jack Nicholson in a Few Good Men, “You can’t handle the Truth” ring true. Good real estate – helping my clients achieve their real estate goals, is all about truth telling~ diplomatically of course, but truth telling none the less.
As I put my blogging hat on, I ask, what is it my readers would want from me? Flowery prose? A wonderful story about how wonderful I am? Tell them what they would like to hear? I think not so much…
I think blog readers want more truth… seek the truth in the blog setting means to me that I must do my very best to be accurate… get the facts right, report it as factually as possible, and inform it by my opinion, with reasons, as it makes sense to me. I try and present the case and let my customer decide. When pressed I may offer an opinion, but only one with reasons attached so the client can see whether my reasons would apply to them. Opinion without reason is a good definition of bias. I try and avoid that at all costs.
I am not here to be cheerleader for a certain project, subdivision or builder. Neither am I to be judge, jury and executioner either- essentially if I have nothing good to say, I won’t say anything. If you are a client and asking me about specific questions, that is different. But I won’t publish material that will be harmful to individual homeowners and communities- it does no good.
I do make exceptions for crooked builders, real estate agents and brokers, mortgage people etc. who take advantage of others-and the occasional crazy listing, you know the one, listed for $1Million and will get about a third of that. But otherwise, my philosophy is like a doctor’s: First do no harm.
Seek the truth, tell the truth and finish with courage… not reckless courage, but the courage that comes from listening, great preparation, and then understanding. I think this is also learned, and for me it comes from knowing I’ve done my homework. So maybe it is not fearlessness, just the willingness to do my homework and forge ahead on a firm footing~ in real estate, with this blog, and with life.
If you are a client, or potential client, know that my “agenda” is your happiness, not just the day you move in, but a year later too. I am sure you’ve had other experiences that might make you doubt that, but that truly is my objective, and any agent that wants to work on my team. Test us It is not rocket science what we do, but we will listen, and help you find that which you are looking for in Charlotte.
Are you considering a move to Charlotte? Like to see more Charlotte Homes and Communities?
Then I hope you will visit my Charlotte photo galleries, more than 1500 pictures divided into more than 45 galleries, divided by area and fun things to do, have a look at: Uptown Dilworth, SouthPark, Ballantyne Country Club, High Gate.
Here are couple of recent articles about the strong Charlotte real estate market by Forbes.com and ABC News To learn more about me, and my business in Charlotte, visit TerryMcDonaldRealEsate.com, my easy to use home, condo, land or multifamily~
Please don’t hesitate to call me direct with your Charlotte real estate needs and questions, 704-351-1519
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Merry Christmas to All
December 26th, 2007 Categories: About Charlotte
Happy Holidays, traveling to Washington DC area today…
See you on the other side,
Terry
A few pictures from Charlotte at Christmas…
I’m hoping your holiday season is all that it can be- and that the things to be thankful for outweigh the burdens of the heart. Terry
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Charlotte NC|4 New Uptown Charlotte Condo Photo Galleries
December 23rd, 2007 Categories: Uptown Charlotte
Uptown Charlotte| Condo Sales are Booming in 2007!
Condominium sales are booming in Uptown Charlotte, NC. Prices are up. Below are introductions to 4 new photo galleries, in no particular order – here are some options for those interested in Uptown Charlotte living:
The Avenue,
a block from “Main and Main” (Trade and Tryon), approx 400 condos, 1 br from 235K, 2 br from $383,700, HOA-condo fee about 30cents a sf, great amenities, 90% sold out,(on right) The Avenue
Another hi-rise, the
Trademark,
on Trade, a block from Tryon, 1 br from 255,900, 1br w/den from 315,900, and 2br2ba from $479K, with 2 parking spaces- one side overlooks Panther Stadium (left) Trademark
Another option is the
Court 6 Complex. 
Court 6 (right) is a 4 story mid-rise complex located in the 1st Ward next to Courtside Condos. A block from Bobcats Arena these condos are aptly named. Granite counter tops, hardwood floors and ceramic tile in the master bedroom come standard. 2bd2ba units begin around 300k with HOA fees of $258. At 525 6th St the Court 6 complex is also only a few blocks from the city center.
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Thankful in Charlotte NC|A Christmas Message to All
December 22nd, 2007 Categories: About Charlotte
On this my 50th Christmas, I’ve much to be thankful for. A lovely wife of 28 years, who became Dr. Judy McDonald this year, a culmination of 6 years work…
a son in an MBA program assisting with my marketing, my web “properties” and this blog,
a son who graduated from the Naval Academy and announced his engagement to a wonderful young woman,
a daughter excelling in college,
another daughter struggling and succeeding in high school, and getting admitted to the colleges of her choice… there is much to be thankful for personally.
Professionally? I’d like to say a personal note of thanks to my many customers who made this a great year, despite our numbers being off the record year of 2006 ~we were still ahead of 2005, so not so bad, just my relocation business fell off a bit as families around the country found it difficult to sell their homes.
About 4 months ago this blog was born. As I was writing this post, a close blogging friend compared starting her blog to giving birth… gave that new meaning to me! It has been consuming, yet rewarding I began it intermittently in the spring, and grew more dedicated by August. I moved it to its current name and format in early October. With the help of some great guys at The Real Estate Tomato, wonderful Cyndee Haydon who blogs at Clearwater Beach Real Estate and a bunch of blogging buddies, Janis Gagliardi, Sandi Bauman, Paula Henry, Mary DeLuca, Their help and encouragement has kept me going. As a result, I’ve found one of the things I am supposed to be doing in life- writing- and what I write about is perfect, I get to share life in Charlotte NC with families thinking about moving to Charlotte.
I have been a story teller for years. I ‘ve been thinking, debating,and considering Charlotte from all angles for years-likewise with this blog, thinking, debating, writing- I still remember coming here 14 years ago with a young family, all depending on me to have made a good decision bringing us here. Some were skeptical, that would be a kind way to put it. At times I was skeptical, but it has worked out. Thanks to all who helped in our move here so many years ago… and as I think back on our move, I remember those yet to come.
Thanks to my many virtual blogging friends, who are becoming real friends as we grow our blogs together.
Now back to one of the first Christmas stories I remember, told their way…
Have a Merry Christmas, I’ll see you in Charlotte
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Moving To Charlotte? Considering a Job Transfer/Move to Charlotte? What is Charlotte Like? A Video Introduction and Welcome To Charlotte NC
December 22nd, 2007 Categories: Buy A Charlotte Home
Moving To Charlotte? Transferred to Charlotte? Considering Retiring To Charlotte…
perhaps you’ve heard good things but would like to see more… this professionally produced video was designed for you, take a tour,from Uptown to Waxhaw, Lake Norman to Lake Wylie.
Here are a few past posts that might help:
Charlotte ranks LOWEST in Cost of living among Southern Cities
Hows the real estate market in Charlotte? Tops in appreciation through 3 quarters in 2007, according to Standard and Poors
Are there Over55 Active Adult Communities? How about Del Webb’s Sun City Carolina LakesÂ
Search for Charlotte Real Estate?
Like to see more Charlotte Homes and Communities?
I have more than 1500 pictures at my Charlotte photo galleries, I’ve taken about 95% of these, have a look at: Uptown Dilworth, SouthPark, Ballantyne Country Club, High GateThere are more than 45 Charlotte galleries of homes,condos and communities in total, I try and add new ones every week. That is an interior of ImagineOn on the right
 Here are couple of recent articles about the strong Charlotte real estate market by Forbes.com and ABC News
To learn more about me, or my team, visit TerryMcDonaldRealEsate.com, my easy to use home, condo, land or multifamily~ ALL CHARLOTTE SEARCH. tm
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Charlotte NC|Uptown Condo Prices Up in 2007
December 21st, 2007 Categories: Buy A Charlotte Home, Uptown Charlotte
Uptown Condo prices rose in 2007, 4.87% over the first 11 months of 2006,
according to the average sold cost per square foot, figured from the Carolina MLS. Amidst all the doom and gloom, the talk of over construction blah blah blah, prospects are good. Unit Sales are up too! Here are the numbers, through November 30:
In 2007, 409 Condos sold for an average price of $326,291, average square foot of 1081, or an Average SF Sold Price of $301/sf.
In 2006, 348 Condos sold for an average price of $298,030, average square feet of 1038, or an Average SF Sold Price of $287/sf. Four floors, with an elevator 701 N Church above, 3 br from $649,000, with a roof top deck.
This is virtually the exact average price increase of the entire Charlotte area as reported by Standard and Poors 3rd Quarter Report…Â
Search for Charlotte Real Estate?
Uptown Charlotte Condo Prices are up, 4.8%, interestingly, the unit sales are up as well, 17%. Wow! Like to see more Charlotte Condos? Here are the new Uptown Charlotte Condo galleries.
Like to see more Charlotte Homes and Communities?
I have more than 1500 great pictures at my Charlotte photo galleries, I’ve taken about 95% of these, have a look at: Uptown Dilworth, SouthPark, Ballantyne Country Club, High GateThere are more than 40 Charlotte galleries of homes,condos and communities in total, I try and add new ones every week.
Here are couple of recent articles about the strong Charlotte real estate market by Forbes.com and ABC News
To learn more about me, or my team, visit TerryMcDonaldRealEsate.com, my easy to use home, condo, land or multifamily~ ALL CHARLOTTE SEARCH. tm
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