CHARLOTTE DESSERT WARS AMERICA'S LARGEST DESSERT FESTIVAL "Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first." - Ernestine Ulmer Dessert Wars are coming to the Queen City this Saturday, August 26th. This sweet event is taking place at Charlotte's Park Expo located at 2500 East Independence Boulevard. "Dessert is like a cloud that melts in your mouth." - Jodi Picoult Do you love desserts? Is your dining philosophy  "that there is always room for dessert?" Then you should be heading over to Charlotte's Dessert Wars this Saturday. You'll be able to sample sweets from 50+ competitors who will be vying for the People's Choice Championship in Charlotte and later in the year for the national championship. Competitors at Saturday's Charlotte Dessert Wars include: A Kizz So SweetA&J SweetzBoonso BakesBoozie ... 08/24/2023

AUGUST IS HAPPINESS HAPPENS MONTH?DID YOU KNOW? STILL PLENTY OF DAYS THIS MONTH TO LET HAPPINESS HAPPEN! "If you want to be happy, be."Leo Tolstoy Happiness Happens Month is dedicated to celebrating whatever makes you happy! Happiness Happens Month encourages people to take stock of their lives and try to do and think about things that make them happy and share their happiness with others. "Remember this, that very little is needed to make a happy life." — Marcus Aurelius Have you ever thought about what makes you happy? Or whether you're a happy person in general? If you haven't, here's a 7-Days Happiness Challenge. What's most noteworthy, I think, is that some of the simplest things in life can lead to being happy and letting happiness happen!  "Most folks are about as happy as they m... 08/23/2023

Charlotte Real Estate: Cooling, But Still HotEveryone knew the red-hot seller’s market in Charlotte we’ve been reporting on for years couldn’t go on forever. It was so lopsided, sellers were routinely offered up to 25% over asking price, and the standing joke was that offers would flood in as soon as a “For Sale” sign went up. But while it’s true the real estate market has balanced out a bit, pricing and inventory are still headaches for home buyers.Tiffany Johannes, president of Canopy Realtor Association in Charlotte, put it this way: “We’re not seeing what we saw last year and the year before. But this year, we’re seeing more of a normalized market out there.”In fact, while inventory has notched up somewhat, it’s still low, and builders haven’t been able to meet rising demand. With t... 08/23/2023

IT'S BURGER WEEK IN CHARLOTTE! The Queen City's popular Charlotte Burger Week is in its eighth year. What's more quintessentially American in the summer months than a cold Coke or beer, fries, and a great burger? Who doesn't love a good burger? Even all the great chefs agree that there's nothing better than a burger. (Check out the quotes below from Anthony Bourdain, Julia Child, Paula Dean, Thomas Keller, Gordon Ramsay, etc.) "A hamburger is perfection wrapped up in a bun."-- Anthony Bourdain Through August 27, you can try all sorts of unique, specialty burgers (which will be available for just this week) for $7 each at over 20 restaurants in the Greater Charlotte area. (Price does not include sides, drinks, or gratuities; eat-in only).  Get your Charlotte Burger Week "Passport" here. ... 08/22/2023

 Schools Are Back In Session In Charlotte, North Carolina On Monday, August 28thDrive Safely In School Zones. Don't Speed In School ZonesBIG Insurance Penalties In North Carolina For Ignoring School Zone Traffic Laws Schools in the Charlotte/Mecklenburg area are back in session on Monday, August 28th. (Some of our neighboring counties are back in session this week.)  Keeping  children safe is a good reason, on its own, to drive safely and responsibly. But were you aware of the huge penalties in Charlotte and North Carolina if you don't obey traffic laws in schools zones, such as driving over the speed limit or passing a stopped school bus? Speeding in a school zone is punished more harshly than speeding in non-school zones. North Carolina law gives municipalities the right to set school... 08/21/2023

Speechless Sundays - A Glorious Sunset to Remember We've had a week of glorious sunsets here on Lake Wylie (the Charlotte side of the lake) and twice this week, the artwork in the sky changed completely in the same evening! This particular night, we had a brilliant orange sunset, illuminating the clouds in a bright red. It later turned to this! I love the pinks and the deep blue hues in the sky.Happy Sunday, Y'all! I hope you enjoy a marvelous sunset this week. ©Debe Maxwell, CRS | The Maxwell House Group | Savvy + Company | SavvyBroker@me.com | Speechless Sundays - A Glorious Sunset to Remember 08/20/2023

Popular SouthPark Neighborhood Market Update AUG 2023  - Barclay Downs Barclay Downs - A SouthPark Community - Market Report APR 2023 How's the Market in Barclay Downs? BARCLAY DOWNS SOUTHPARK CHARLOTTE:  SouthPark, once part of a 3,000-acre farm owned by N.C. Gov. Cameron Morrison, that has since been transformed into one of North Carolina’s most esteemed and successful live/work communities. It contains one of the most popular neighborhoods in Charlotte - Barclay Downs. Neighbors include SouthPark Mall, The Colony, Piedmont Row and more. Barclay Downs features several award winning public schools, a regional library, and plenty of general and specialty retail shopping.Barclay Down’s livability score is 68 – ranked #68 in Charlotte and #63 in North Carolina. Ranked A+ for amenities clo... 08/20/2023

Ballantyne (Charlotte NC) Real Estate Market Report - AUG 2023One of Charlotte's areas showing the most growth, the Ballantyne Charlotte NC area is appealing to those who want more square footage for the price, top ranked schools and close proximity to a thriving business center. Homes in Ballantyne range from affordable or luxurious townhomes to sprawling estates in Ballantyne Country Club, situated on the golf course.  The Ballantyne area is pristine, clean, upscale and features shopping, entertainment and the list of popular restaurants seems to be growing by the month! Here is the updated market report for the Ballantyne area of Charlotte, NC. The real estate market in one of the nation's most popular zip codes, 28277 (Ballantyne) continues to be a strong one and one most definitely... 08/20/2023

 NINA HOLLANDER, COLDWELL BANKER, IN CHARLOTTE, NAMED A 2023 "BEST IN CLIENT SATISFACTION AGENT" FOR A 16TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR I am so very honored to have been named a Five Star Real Estate Agent in Charlotte and am sending a heartfelt "Thank You" to all of my clients in the Charlotte region for your positive feedback. Your nominations and feedback helped me win Charlotte Magazine's  "Best In Client Satisfaction" designation and award once again in 2023.  It's truly a privilege and honor to be named a 2023 Five Star Real Estate Agent in Charlotte for a 16th consecutive year, as fewer than 2% of Charlotte agents receive this recognition in any year, much less year after year. Thank you to my clients for taking the time to recommend me and so favorably evaluate my services to you. You're t... 08/19/2023

AUG 2023 Market Report for Zip Code 28277 Charlotte NC SFH (Single Family Homes)One of the nation's red hot zip codes is right here in Charlotte - 28277!  This area's growth has been propelled by new construction, great shopping and dining in the area, easy access to the city, a popular country club community (Ballantyne Country Club), business growth throughout the area and top-rated schools.This 5-year report is updated weekly and is data directly from Carolina MLS.  Click the interactive graphs below if you are seeking more targeted data.  For more information, specific to your own neighborhood, contact us and we’re happy to provide that for you.Average Sales Price**This graphic is interactive so you can follow the monthly changes in our marketplace. Increases in average sales price ... 08/18/2023

Zip Code 28203 Market Report AUG 2023Included in one of North Carolina’s hottest zip codes (28203), the Dilworth, Wilmore, Sedgefield, South End neighborhoods remain hot with very little inventory on the market.  All price ranges are entertaining multiple Offers and even more so, if homes are staged well and marketed properly. Wilmore & Sedgefield continue to be the up-and-coming west side 28203 neighborhoods with lots of new construction and renovation taking place on nearly every street. The location of the 28203 zip code simply can’t be beaten!Zip Code 28203 Market SnapshotClick the interactive chart below to track the historical data – average sales prices in ZIP CODE 28203.  The largest community within zip code 28203 is Dilworth.  Learn more about the Dilworth neighborhood. Here i... 08/18/2023

TWO NORTH CAROLINA BEACHES RATED IN TOP TEN OF USA'S BEST DOG-FRIENDLY BEACHES As we head towards the end of the summer beach season and into the height of the dog days of summer,  lots of people in Greater Charlotte are spending the remaining summer vacation days at the beach. Does your dog love the beach? If so, did you know that two beaches in North Carolina have made the list of the Top 10 Dog Beaches in the USA? The two North Carolina beaches that made the Top 10 Dog Beaches list in the USA are:   FREEMAN PARK CAROLINA BEACHThe northernmost coastal region off the coast of Wilmington,  Carolina Beach is home to the Freeman Park Recreation Area. Dogs are welcome April 1st September 30th on leash. From October 1st through March 31st your dog can be off-leash. What also makes this Nort... 08/17/2023

Today’s Quick Data for Charlotte Metro - 16AUG23 It doesn’t seem that long ago that our MLS daily data showed that our market had no price reductions, no expired listings and few homes coming back on the market. Today’s real estate climate in the Charlotte Metro has changed quite a bit.  In a nutshell… Charlotte home sales during the summer are notably lower than in prior years. However, there is still a demand from buyers, in search for homes. Undoubtedly, sales may have been even more robust had there been more inventory available.  Even with the 30-year fixed mortgage rate hitting 7% last month, demand from buyers does continue to be consistent and even intense in some areas. On the flip side, sellers, particularly those who bought properties during the era of exceptionally low-inter... 08/16/2023

The Sanctuary Market Report - AUG 2023The Sanctuary in the Audubon waterfront area is aptly named. Encompassing 1,300 acres of untouched woodland, it offers just 188 homesites amidst the vast expanse of nature. This luxury resort community by Lake Wylie was recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of the TOP 10 luxury living spaces! Its features are truly unmatched: a 17-acre waterfront amenity park, 3 swimming pools, 6 tennis courts, an extensive 20-mile walking trail system, an amphitheater, water sports such as kayaking and canoeing, boat slips, a pavilion, an exercise room, a cozy lodge area, and a playground. Simply put, it's breathtaking. Live like you’re always on vacation at The Sanctuary! Conveniently located, it's a short drive to I-485, Uptown, and Charlotte Douglas International... 08/16/2023

 49TH ANNUAL DILWORTH HOME TOUR SEPTEMBER 15-16, 2023 Tickets are on sale now for the 2023 Dilworth Home Tour in Charlotte. If you love touring historic and architecturally interesting homes, if you love historic neighborhoods, you should definitely come out to the  2023 Dilworth Home Tour, Charlotte's oldest home tour in one of the City of Charlotte's oldest and most picturesque neighborhoods. 2023 marks the 49th year of this perennially popular home tour in the Queen City, which will showcase six homes and gardens. The Dilworth Home Tour is sponsored by  the non-profit Dilworth Community Association (DCA) and the Fallon Company with proceeds supporting Dilworth's Care Campaign Recipient for 2023-2024, Sedgefield Middle School.   WHEN: Friday, September 15th | 6:00 pm till 8:00 pm and ... 08/15/2023

GOODBYE SUMMER! HELLO NEW SCHOOL YEAR! "I've always loved the first day of school better than the last day of school. Firsts are best because they are beginnings."... Jenny Han It's back to school time in the Greater Charlotte area. Schools are back in session over the next couple of weeks. 2023/24 school year calendars for Charlotte Region schools are available on Great Homes In Charlotte's blog. Each county's school system has its own approved academic year calendar. And in some counties there are individual school districts for specific towns, as well.    "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."... Nelson Mandela TOP PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS IN CHARLOTTE REGION: 2023TOP PUBLIC MIDDLE SCHOOLS IN CHARLOTTE REGION: 2023TOP PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS IN CH... 08/14/2023

NINA HOLLANDER, COLDWELL BANKER REALTY-BALLANTYNE IN CHARLOTTE, NAMED A TOP 100 SALES ASSOCIATE IN JUNE 2023 & YEAR-TO-DATE-2023  I am honored to be ranked in Coldwell Banker Realty's Top 100 sales associates out of 1,600 in North and South Carolina for gross commission generated, ranking #12 in the CB Top 100 in June 2023 and ranking #23 in the CB Top 100 Year-To-Date 2023. My thanks to all my loyal clients who continue support my business year in and year out for 25 years with their business and referrals.  If you've been considering purchasing or selling a home in the Greater Charlotte area, I'd love an opportunity to earn your business, to exceed your expectations, and to show you why experience matters and how:"The Right Broker Makes All The Difference."   08/14/2023

Charlotte Metro Region Housing Market Overview - 13AUG23 Month-over-month, the Charlotte Region witnessed a dip in July’s home sales with 3,699 homes sold, marking a whopping 19.9% year-over-year decrease. However, the silver lining for sellers is that the average sales price continues to increase - as sales prices did 3%, year-over-year to $455,724. Canopy MLS data showed several areas, including Lincoln County, Denver, Lincolnton and Chester County, South Carolina, celebrating increased sales year-over-year. Contract activity in areas such as Anson, Cabarrus, and Gaston Counties also remained promising. Despite the downturn in new listings/inventory (-29.5% YoY), the region maintains a robust sellers' market with 1.9 months of supply, showcasing its resilience and potential for future... 08/13/2023

SouthPark Market Report - AUG 2023  SouthPark is an esteemed destination, nestled right in the heart of Charlotte. Its enviable location provides a perfect blend of convenience and charm, effortlessly bringing you within reach of all of the treasures that Charlotte has to offer. Within this luxurious community, there’s something that resonates with everyone! A diverse and dynamic community, SouthPark truly offers an inclusive atmosphere, where everyone's tastes are catered to, further amplifying its allure. We have something for everyone here in SouthPark! Read more about SouthPark neighborhoods here.  The SouthPark region encompasses three distinctive zip codes - 28210, 28211 and 28226. These areas paint a broad picture of the community that defines SouthPark. However, a small fragment... 08/12/2023

Royden (SouthPark) Market Report - Aug 2023This popular luxury neighborhood, situated in the heart of SouthPark, is approximately 2 miles from Quail Hollow Country Club, nearby Carmel Country & Myers Park Country Clubs and Cedarwood Golf Club is within close proximity as well.  Of course, if you’re into shopping and dining at fine restaurants, you will love the location, near SouthPark Mall and the mall’s surrounding fabulous restaurants.   Royden residents also enjoy the convenience of the Arboretum and its central location to all of Charlotte’s premier private schools.  This neighborhood boasts top-ranked public school assignments as well. How’s the market faring in popular Royden neighborhood?   The average price per square foot in Royden is $324    Average days on the market in Royd... 08/12/2023