Come celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas in Waxhaw, NC just south of Charlotte, NC.  This Saturday, December 4, 2010 from 10am to 8pm and Sunday, December 5, 2010 from 1pm to 5pm the Waxhaw's Women Club will present "Then and Now", The Holiday Tour of Homes". "This year's tour features two historic homes and a church in the heart of Waxhaw, and four new homes in Waxhaw's Cureton development." As a special surprise meet Mr. Leo Maguire.  He is the man in the Norman Rockwell Painting "Home on Leave (Sailor in Hammock)."  Mr. Maguire will make his presentation on Saturday, December 4, 2010 at 2pm.  "Home on Leave" was on the front cover of The Saturday Evening Post on September 15, 1945.  The original sold at Sotheby's New York for $4,520,000. on May 23, 2007.   Come meet Mr. Leo Maguire wh... 12/03/2010

Waxhaw homes come in just about every style; from large estate homes to horse farms, along with many of its communities offering neighborhood amenities and social activity directors. For location, the closer you are to the border of Charlotte, the higher your home price will be. What you will not find in this area, are a lot of townhomes and condos. Waxhaw homes for sale and neighborhoods were developed on farm land, and the demographics haven’t given way to multi-family housing units…nor has the zoning. Located just south of Charlotte, North Carolina, Waxhaw homeowners enjoy the easy access to the Interstate, an abundance of shopping, eateries, fine dining along with theaters and sports venues. If you think South Charlotte is great...you're correct, it is...but don't short-change yours... 12/03/2010

If you've come to Charlotte from outside the South, you're looking at more than just a change of address, my friend. You're potentially looking at a new way of life. Of course, there are lots of places here where you can't swing a snake without hitting someone from New Jersey, Ohio or California, and many neighborhoods feel about as Southern as a snowmobile trail. But just a few exits down the interstate in any direction, and you'll quickly realize you're a long ways from home. The kudzu will be the first clue. The roadside stand selling boiled peanuts will be your second. In that spirit, here's a primer on some things you may have to get used to, and others you'll love right away: The pace of life. It may be a cliche, but it's also true. The pace IS slower. You'll find some people -- a... 12/01/2010

There are all types of investments in this day and age. One of the most often touted for creating millionaires around the world however is real estate investing. Even in the field of real estate there are several different investment styles. Each style involves varying degrees of risk on behalf of the investor. If careful consideration is taken there is a type of real estate investment that is best for most people though there are some that real estate will never be a good investment for.Those who are simply not cut out for real estate investing are those who love to watch the ticker roll across the computer monitor or television screen indicating the worth of their portfolios on a daily basis. Those who need to see in print the wisdom of their investment practices rather than those who... 11/29/2010

I hope that you all had a relaxing and FUN Thanksgiving holiday.....in keeping with the shopping trends of the past couple of days, I wanted to share with you some great CYBER MONDAY deals in the world of real estate. I spoke with my great friend who is a builder sales representative at Ryland Homes today, and she let me know that they currently have 4 great inventory deals available and 1 home that will be ready in March reduced for a quick sale in Waxhaw. Ryland Homes will be leaving the Millbridge community, so they are selling 2 inventory homes at an incredible price, but also the model home. The model home is upgraded with just about every option you can choose and was originally priced at $385,000. Due to the move, they have priced it aggresively at $333,000. The home is well over... 11/29/2010

The Dairy Barn in Waxhaw NC—A Great Place for an Afternoon Treat The sky was a brilliant blue.  The temperature was balmy.  Golden leaves were falling from the trees.  A beautiful day to be in Waxhaw NC. I felt like having a snack as I drove through downtown Waxhaw one day last week.  Just as I was wondering where I could stop to get something to eat, I spied a new shop among the historic buildings lining Main Street. The Dairy Barn.  It sounded like the perfect place to find an ice cream or other treat.  I parked along the railroad track that runs through the town and walked across the street. When I saw the old-fashioned screen door at the entrance, I knew that I would enjoy the interior of the shop.  Once inside, I discovered that I wasn’t the only person who had decided that The Dai... 11/26/2010

Providence Grove in Waxhaw NC—Homes for Sale and Neighborhood Profile Providence Grove is a small neighborhood conveniently located off Providence Road between New Town Road and Cuthbertson Road in Waxhaw NC.  It’s an easy drive from the neighborhood to the shopping and restaurants at Cureton and then on to historic downtown Waxhaw with its quaint shops, farmers market and community festivals.  Although Providence Grove has a Waxhaw mailing address, it is located in unincorporated Union County NC. Ryland Homes began construction in Providence Grove in 2004 and continues to offer new homes there today.  The transitional homes of Providence Grove range in size from 2500 square feet to nearly 5000 square feet.  Some lots in the neighborhood accommodate basements.  The neighborhood offers a... 11/23/2010

Waxhaw dedicates recently expanded Military Wall of Honor.  The wall was created in 2004 and has over 800 names honored and has room for 1000 more names.  People claim that Waxhaw is..."This is a community that really appreciates its veterans."  The wall is a wall of history and there are names of people who served as far back as the American Revolution. If you are in Waxhaw, NC make sure to stop by and see how the veterans are honored who serve or haved served.  During the ceremony Winston Churchill was quoted..."Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few."                                                   www.charlottehomeinfo.com Judith Parker, CRS, GRI jparker@kwcharlotte.com Keller Williams 11/21/2010

Waxhaw, North Carolina Waxhaw, North Carolina is an historic town located in the western part of Union County.  Named after the Native American tribe who originally inhabited the region, the Town of Waxhaw dates from the 1770s.  A bedroom community of the state's largest city, Charlotte, Waxhaw offers the best of suburban living with nature just outside the back door and culture just around the corner. Waxhaw boasts some of the best public schools of Union County, an active retirement community, and singles' night life just minutes away in the Ballantyne area of south Charlotte. Having gained its popularity decades ago as an equestrian community, many horse lovers still call Waxhaw home. Whether you choose to pasture your horse on your own estate, or you board him with a local stable, ... 11/14/2010

Shocking as it may seem, I have come up against several listings with my buyer clients that have multiple offers on them over the past 12 months. I am seeing this mostly in the Union County area of Waxhaw, NC in a pricepoint between $400,000-$1,000,000 which seems odd in this market, but the evidence is there. Waxhaw foreclosures have been at an all time high due to Union County building ever so fast in 2005 and 2006. There was such a demand for the area at that time due to schools, builder incentives and growth, that we saw prices soar. Once things began to change in the marketplace due to job loss, overbuilding and less demand for home buying in the area, things started to POP and we have been riding this cycle for the past few months. Short sales have now become foreclosures and the ... 11/08/2010

Definition of Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure and why you would want it.Q. Can you provide the definition of a deed in lieu of foreclosure?A. In technical terms, you exchange the ownership interest in your home, represented by a deed, back to the secured lien holder for consideration of avoiding mortgage foreclosure and in some cases forgiveness of a mortgage deficiency.Q. Great, now can you give me the definition of a deed in lieu of foreclosure using words I can understand?A. You give the bank the keys to your home and you walk away, they agree not to hold a foreclosure sale or ever ask you for any more money. Everyone rebuilds their lives from that point forward and leaves the other one alone.Q. Why would anyone want to do a deed in lieu of foreclosure?A. Many reasons exist that make a d... 11/04/2010

  Home for Sale in Marvin Creek Waxhaw NC - JUST SOLD!   Marvin Creek, located in Union County (Waxhaw), boasts rural charm with a location that is just minutes from the city.  Marvin Creek features luxurious, private, single family estate and executive homes on large lots with stately architectural style.  Marvin Creek homes for sale offer top-of-the line amenities and customization by popular Toll Brothers builders.  The amenity-filled neighborhood includes a 6,500 square foot clubhouse with fireplace and full kitchen, perfect for celebrations and meetings.  Tennis courts, beach pool, walking trails and playground as well as a lazy river, geyser park and basketball courts are available for residents to enjoy.  Our sellers were thrilled to sell their home at 305 Hickory Bark Court!  Th... 10/30/2010

I have lived in the Charlotte area for more than 20 years and the majority of my life which is very rare for most residents of the area. I grew up in the town of Matthews where my parents still live today. The area has developed into a gorgeous town and the changes are astounding when I remember what it looked like when we first arrived in 1987! During college, I got married and made a new life for myself in Monroe which is located in Union County. We lived there for over 4 years and really enjoyed the friends we made in the community and the things there were to do so close to home.  I have most recently become a resident of Waxhaw. As a small child, we used to go out to Waxhaw to visit the JAARs Center for field trips with school or to go camping with friends. At that time, we would A... 10/23/2010

I have to tell you, when it comes to new homes there are two decent size bulders I love. SP is one. (and it is not the builder I currently live in, although I would say they are OK, middle of the road). I do love Standard Pacific homes.  So does J.D. Power and Associates, you know they review organizations and rank them according to surveys and such! Some communities are: The Reserve At Gold Hill Cureton Beckett This Weekend Only: 10/22 to 10/24 So if you are in town, and need a REALTOR, they are giving some goolish rates, so don't be spooked! You may just want to see some Re-sales too, then you will need a REALTOR, and not just a Sales Associate sitting at one of the New Home Models. Here is a link to the communities!     10/22/2010

Have you spent years renting homes or apartments and have grown tired of paying all that rent money to someone else? If so, then it might be your time to consider purchasing a home, and keeping that cash for yourself. However, you do need to ensure that you are prepared on more than one level before jumping into the equity market. There are many financial considerations to make note of before you start looking for a home. But, if you can arrange your finances into a sensible plan and secure a mortgage then this can ultimately be the most rewarding purchase you have ever made or will make. Finance plays a huge role in the decision to purchase your first home. This is to be expected as if you are purchasing your first home you will not likely have a few hundred thousand dollars sitting ar... 10/18/2010

  Now that the baseball championships are upon us, I thought you would enjoy some advice I've gleaned from two quotes of an outstanding 1897 baseball player.   ‘Wee’ Willie Keeler is one of the smallest men to ever play Major League baseball.  At 5'4" and only 140 pounds, he was a fascinating player.  He perfected the ‘Baltimore chop’, where he would hit the ball hard into the ground just in front of the plate.  The ball would hop so high that he would be on first base before it came back to earth!   In 1897, Keeler, a right fielder for the Baltimore Orioles, was on a hitting rampage.  He wound up the year hitting .432.  When Abe Yager of the Brooklyn Eagle asked how he did it, Keeler famously answered, “Simple.  I keep my eyes clear and hit 'em where they ain't; that's all."   So what ... 10/15/2010

Waxhaw NC Real Estate Market Report—July-September 2010 How did the Waxhaw NC real estate market fare in the third quarter of 2010 and how does 2010 market activity compare with 2009? Average sales prices in the Waxhaw NC real estate market rebounded during the third quarter of 2010.  The single family home average sales price was up 6% over the second quarter and up 3% over the 2009 average sales price.  There were no townhome or condominium sales in Waxhaw during the second quarter but the third quarter average sales price was off just 3% from the 2009 average sales price.  The number of single family sales decreased about 30% from the second quarter.  The increased pricing and decreased number of sales most likely reflect the end of the federal tax credit for first time home buyers a... 10/15/2010

  Charlotte NC Home Search Waxhaw NC in Union County Home Search The Town of Waxhaw is located in Union County, North Carolina, about 23 miles south of Uptown Charlotte NC homes. Their are some really great places to eat in downtown area. Waxhaw is the perfect place to call home. Check it out! When you are ready to look at homes in Waxhaw (or have one sell) give me a call.  I would love the opportunity to earn your business. *** 10/14/2010

  There are three common misconceptions consumers have about the real estate market right now:   (1) People can’t get a loan,   (2) Affordability is out of reach, and   (3) Consumers should wait for rates to go lower.   The truth of the matter, however, is that money is available for those who meet basic requirements, affordability today is better than it has been in several years, and interest rates are historically low. There is also a load of inventory – from new homes to existing homes to foreclosures. This all adds up to the home-buying opportunity of a lifetime!   In the not-to-distant past, sellers controlled the market, but we’re now in a buyer’s market – a great opportunity for buyers to negotiate a favorable price and other concessions from the seller. If you’re qualified to b... 10/08/2010

Here is the Solution! If you are caught in the catch-22 situation of your buyer needing repairs made to the home prior to closing, and the seller (Bank!) having no resources to make the repairs, here is what you do:      1.  Get a firm estimate of the cost to perform the repairs.  Make sure the contractor(s) understand that they will have to wait a week to get paid.      2.  Negotiate that figure into the purchase price so that all parties are satisfied with the seller's 'net'.      3.  In the Offer to Purchase, have the seller agree to do the repairs AFTER you get a commitment letter from the lender.  The commitment letter should have no conditions on it except the completion of the repairs.      4.  The contractor completes the repairs 7 days prior to closing.      5.  The appraiser ... 09/29/2010