Real Estate News
C H A R L O T T E
home design
page 2
dedicated to showcasing charlotte’s distinctive homes
“The area is a fusion of urban and neighborhood living, new and old...You can see both history and development in one look around the neighborhoods.”
– Genevieve Williams, Genevieve Williams Real Estate
Community and culture Progressive yet timeless, Plaza Midwood, NoDa, Belmont and Villa Heights offer the ultimate in livability - story on page 4
real estate news What’s new p2
design instyle Greeted by color p12
association answers Is the developer running the HOA correctly? p16
straight talk Spring sprucing p18
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|real estate news
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THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 15 2020
what’s new? compiled by Whitney Berongi
FORMER ESTATE OF NASCAR CHAMPION AND FOX SPORTS BROADCAST TEAM ANALYST ENTERS MARKET The 74-acre country estate once owned by NASCAR champion and FOX Sports broadcast team analyst Jamie McMurray has entered the market for $1.75 million. Located at 218 Pisgah Church Road, the gated residence is minutes from historic Statesville. Offering a secluded sanctuary ideal for an equestrian lifestyle, the home’s outstanding appointments include an expansive collector’s garage. The property is marketed exclusively by Rob Drag of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty’s Lake Norman office. Infused with Southern charm, the four-bedroom, 3.5-bath main residence encompasses over 4,800 square feet of luxury living. The gourmet kitchen is crafted with a Viking gas stove, built-in stainless steel refrigerator and warming drawers. The master suite showcases a cozy fireplace and spa-like bath. The home’s spacious, covered front porch and back deck boast majestic views. A 6,400-square-foot outbuilding is a dream for the auto aficionado and could easily be converted to an equestrian barn or aircraft hangar. The sprawling property is a wooded wonderland, replete with a stocked pond, stream and open meadows. For more information, visit premiersothebysrealty.com.
then work with Main Street Properties and Development’s expert designer/ architect team to design their home and select the finishes. Every home purchase comes with 20 hours of dedicated time with the architect and 20 hours with the interior designer. Pricing starts at $1,000,000. Main Street Properties and Development and Savvy + Co. Real Estate are hosting a kickoff event for the community from 4–7 p.m. on Thursday, March 5 at the model home at 101 Redbird Lane. Cardinal Crest is located just outside Charlotte in Union County, about a 40-minute commute from Uptown. For more information about Cardinal Crest visit mycardinalcresthome.com.
COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION LEGAL WORKSHOP FOR HOA VOLUNTEER LEADERS AND MANAGERS The Community Associations Institute - North Carolina chapter will host a daylong workshop in Charlotte to help volunteer community leaders and professional managers lead their communities. The unique annual event brings together board members and managers each year to learn about the latest developments in community association law and legal issues. This year’s speakers include the state’s premier industry attorneys in HOA and condominium association law as well as subject matter experts in related arenas such as insurance. The workshop will be held on Friday, Feb. 28 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Harris Conference Center in Charlotte. Cost to attend is $85 with a CAI-NC membership and $110 for non-members and includes all sessions, meals and slides. For more information and to register for the workshop, visit bit.ly/CLT2020LawDay.
Email real estate news to homedesign@charlotteobserver.com.
SAVVY & CO. REAL ESTATE AND MAIN STREET PROPERTIES AND DEVELOPMENT ANNOUNCE NEW COMMUNITY Savvy + Co. Real Estate and Main Street Properties and Development, a Charlotte custom home builder and developer, recently announced the Cardinal Crest development, a luxury home community located in Weddington, N.C. Cardinal Crest is a community of 15 lots, seven of which are designed for a basement. Homeowners can custom design a home that suits their individual needs on lots sized from one to 1.5 acres. Homebuyers can pick a plan or bring in their own
C H A R L O T T E
home design Editor
Christina Darnell
Coordinator/Designer Melissa Kennelly
Creative Strategy & Real Estate Advertising Buck Brice, bbrice@charlotteobserver.com
New Home Builder Advertising
Suzanne Parker, sparker@charlotteobserver.com
Sales Director
Vic Bowers, vbowers@mcclatchy.com 336-402-4673 Section published by The Charlotte Observer • 550 S. Caldwell St., Charlotte, NC 28202. Editorial material in this section is the responsibility of the Observer Content Studio, 704-358-5185. It did not involve the news staff of The Observer.
Is there a neighborhood you’d like to see featured? Do you know of a new design trend on the rise? Did you use one of our ideas for your own home or home purchase?
We’d love to hear from you.
homedesign@charlotteobserver.com
facebook.com/TheCharlotteObserverHomeDesign *Copyright 2020 by The Charlotte Observer. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or reprinted without written permission.
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 15 2020
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SATURDAY FEBRUARY 15 2020
|living in Plaza Midwood, NoDa, Belmont and Villa Heights DID YOU KNOW? The Gold Line, Charlotte’s streetcar system which has a track in Elizabeth, is proposed to add service in Plaza Midwood in the future.
by Julie Cooper
EAT
KiKi Bistronome Head to this intimate new restaurant and cocktail lounge from the team behind Soul Gastrolounge for unique dishes, including plant-based options, and delicious drinks. kikibistro.com
PLAY
STROKE Urban Golf Club Have fun at this popular Plaza Midwood hangout playing miniature golf and drinking innovative craft cocktails. strokeputt.com
EXPLORE
Little Sugar Creek Greenway Traipse along this portion of greenway, which navigates along different parks and many breweries. mecknc.gov
R
ight outside Charlotte’s Center City limits, Plaza Midwood, NoDa, Belmont and Villa Heights offer a welcome-home appeal amongst the bustle of the city. With tree-lined streets, local momand-pop shops, quirky restaurants and social hangout spaces, these neighborhoods have woven the true feeling of community and an undeniable buzz in each stitch of their Queen City tapestry. “The area is a fusion of urban and neighborhood living, new and old,” says Genevieve Williams of Genevieve Williams Real Estate. “It is a beautiful cross-section. You can enjoy the amenities and conveniences of the city while still experiencing the ease of life associated with a small neighborhood community. You can see both history and development in one look around the neighborhoods.” It’s an interesting mix you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in Charlotte. There’s a truth and inherent beauty to this area that must be experienced to be understood. “Initially, proximity to Uptown and easy commutability is the big draw,” says Williams. “But then, the personality of the area wins over people’s hearts. They tend to gravitate to Plaza Midwood and NoDa due, in large part, to the local businesses that give these areas so much of their identity. Once they decide this is the part of Charlotte they want to be, they then discover the smaller, adjoining neighborhoods like Villa Heights and Belmont.”
Once its difference has been felt and these neighborhoods draw folks in, there’s no turning back. “As our clients’ housing needs change, we find ourselves helping them move to a new home within the area. They become attached to the community and want to stay in the neighborhood,” Williams explains. “There have been many times our clients have moved only one block or one street away from their previous home.” The area undoubtedly draws in a lot of folks from various walks of life, partly because of its welcoming appeal. But, according to Williams, there’s another big reason—housing options. “There are multiple ways to enter the home market here, which makes it more attainable for buyers,” she says. “You can find modern condos, renovated bungalows, historic charmers that need love and newly-built homes at varying price points. There is something for everyone.” As for new construction, there’s plenty. All eyes are on the redevelopment opportunity of Central at Pecan Avenue, one of the most visible corners of Plaza Midwood. “With the closure of Dairy Queen and the listing of Central Square, the shopping center with a large parking lot directly across the street, this redevelopment will have a significant impact on the future of the neighborhood,” says Williams. “The VanLandingham Estate is another development of serious neighborhood interest,” she contin-
ues. “This historic home was built in 1913 and has served as a stately landmark in Plaza Midwood for decades. In 2019, rezoning plans were approved for the addition of two new commercial buildings to the grounds while preserving the existing 7,088-square-foot home.” The area is constantly growing and evolving while remaining true to its roots, which is something the locals are highly vested in. “While a small portion of these areas are upper class, they are all rooted in middle- and working-class folks who focus more on authenticity and community than privilege and exclusion,” says Matt Ewers of Grandfather Homes, which has a prominent presence in the sought-after Cramer’s Pond neighborhood in Plaza Midwood. “Upon moving in, there’s an immediate camaraderie that connects those who share this motivating and communal vibe. It’s so much easier to move to this part of Charlotte knowing very little people, and then within six months feel like you’ve lived here for decades.” It’s a feeling Ewers says makes big-city living more connected and livable. It’s a sentiment many share. No wonder the real estate market is so hot. “It’s surging,” he says. “Our home buyers are walking into six-figure equity within one or two years, and they deserve it for seeing the vision first. The comps speak for themselves—people are willing to pay more to invest in their homes and lifestyle in this area.”
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living in Plaza Midwood, NoDa, Belmont and Villa Heights| MIDWOOD 1832 Nassau Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28205 Price: $634,000 MLS: 3578892 Listing Agent: Rachel Frazier, Genevieve Williams Real Estate, 603-867-2836, rachel@ gwclt.com
Renovated craftsman-style three-bed/2.5bath home in Plaza Midwood. A large flex space flows into the updated kitchen with Italian marble countertops and backsplash. The main floor hosts two bedrooms and a full bathroom. The rare finished basement hosts high ceilings and full-size windows, plus a wet bar, living room and theater room. Screenedin porch and deck overlook beautiful backyard. Upper-level master suite boasts almost 1,000 square feet with a jetted tub, oversized shower, dressing room-style walkin closet and an alcove space. Walkable to Plaza Midwood restaurants, parks and shops.
FEATURED HOME
RECENTLY SOLD
OPEN HOUSE SAT 2/15 1-3PM
Genevieve Williams OWNER, BROKER, REALTOR® « 704.323.9127 â GW@gwclt.com
Plaza Midwood ~ 1832 Nassau Blvd
MLS# 3578892 | 3 Beds, 2.5 Baths | 2,872 SqFt | $634K
RECENTLY SOLD
Villa Heights ~ 2001 Pinckney Avenue
MLS# 3467281 | 4 Beds, 3.5 Baths | 2,868 SqFt | $705K
Plaza Midwood ~ 1320 Ivey Drive
MLS# 3559785 | 3 Beds, 2.5 Baths | 2,560 SqFt | $587.5K
OPEN HOUSE SAT 2/15 1-3PM
Plaza Midwood ~ 2332 Commonwealth Avenue MLS# 3587495 | 2 Beds, 2 Baths | 833 SqFt | $325K
Rachel Frazier
SELLING PARTNER, BROKER, REALTOR® « 603.867.2836 â Rachel@gwclt.com
Chantilly ~ 431 Lorna Street
MLS# 3588890 | 5 Beds, 4 Baths | 3,669 SqFt | $1.1M
FOR SALE
ALL 5-STAR REVIEWS ON ZILLOW & GOOGLE: “From start to finish this was the best realtor experience I’ve ever been through. Genevieve and her entire team went above and beyond in the process, and we ended up with an offer significantly above the asking price. I could not have imagined selling this house without them.” - Jon D.
NoDa ~ 906 Steel House Blvd
MLS# 3569082 | 4 Beds, 3.5 Baths | 3,078 SqFt | $520K
1200 The Plaza | Charlotte, NC 28205 704.774.8686 | www.gwclt.com
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|living in Plaza Midwood, NoDa, Belmont and Villa Heights MIDWOOD 3015 Virginia Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28205 Price: $659,900 MLS: 3591291 Listing Agent: Jennifer Monroe, Savvy + Co. Real Estate, 704-307-3369, savvyjennifer@ me.com
The open flow of this brand new craftsman boasts beautiful finishes, a gas fireplace, dining area and a kitchen with island, stainless appliances with gas range, handcrafted cabinets and quartz countertops. Huge master on main with large sitting area and spa-like bath. Loft area upstairs has tons of natural light. Sizable bedrooms with ample closet space. Laundry rooms up and down. Site-finished hardwoods. Dual HVAC system, on-demand H2O, sealed crawl space. Large fenced yard, two-car garage and circular driveway in front.
THE LOMAX 2157 McClintock Road #322, Charlotte, NC 28205 Price: $472,294 MLS: 3516232 Listing Agents: Lana Laws, 704-779-9005, lanalawsrealtor@gmail.com; Patrick Deely, 704-604-9303, patdeelyrealtor@gmail.com; Savvy + Co. Real Estate
Stunning second-floor, three-bedroom condo with balcony overlooking McClintock Road. Each condo features an open floor plan, spacious master suite and a large front porch. Main living areas are finished with 4.5-inch crown molding, custom lighting and hardwood plank flooring. Kitchens in each unit come equipped with a sizable island, built-in cabinetry, ceramic tile backsplash, quartz countertops and a stainless appliance package. Ride your bike or walk to coffee shops with outdoor seating, cozy bars brimming with craft brews, stylishly unconventional boutiques that line popular Central Avenue and all the amenities in between.
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SATURDAY FEBRUARY 15 2020
SPECIAL EDITION
EUROPEAN INSPIRED HOMES SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22ND
Charlotte’s premier real estate publication viewed by 339,500 readers weekly! Space Reservation: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19TH For more information and advertising options, Contact: Buck Brice | 704.358.5454 | BBrice@CharlotteObserver.com
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living in Plaza Midwood, NoDa, Belmont and Villa Heights| MIDWOOD 2406 Lynhaven Street, Charlotte, NC 28205 Price: $565,000 MLS: 3585804 Listing Agent: Bobby Sisk, Nestlewood Realty, 704-819-0710, bobby@ nestlewoodrealty.com
Enjoy Midwood living in this well-maintained brick cottage that lives large with spacious rooms throughout both floors. Great room has a gas fireplace and leads through a wide gallery hall to the dining room and kitchen. Two main-floor bedrooms, plus a full bath. Upstairs, the owners’ suite boasts built-ins, a sitting area, walk-in closet and bath with double vanity, roomy shower and great natural light. Refrigerator and washer/dryer convey. Relax on the screened side porch or on the newly resurfaced deck that overlooks the large landscaped yard with stone patio and water feature. Two-car carport with additional storage.
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OPE N HOU SE S AT URDAY 1 – 3
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All under contract the first weekend on market!
Just Listed: 2508 Olde White Lane, Charlotte
1. 2406 Lynhaven Street, $565,000
Easy living in this custom four bedroom, 3 1/2 bath with spacious first-floor owners’ suite. Upgraded kitchen, plantation shutters throughout, screened porch and fenced yard great for entertaining. Offered at $579,900. MLS #3591892
2. 1716 Truman Road, $499,000 3. 2547 Country Club Lane, $485,000
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BOBBY SISK | BROKER/REALTOR®
Results-driven real estate! Jen Haire, Rodney Hines, Joseph Mathews, Bobby Sisk
704-819-0710 cell 704-302-4464 office bobby@nestlewoodrealty.com bobbysiskhomes
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|living in Plaza Midwood, NoDa, Belmont and Villa Heights MIDWOOD 3130 Cramer Pond Drive, Charlotte, NC 28205 Price: $1,199,995 MLS: 3521289 Listing Agent: Matt Ewers, Nestlewood Realty, 704-201-2889, matt@nestlewoodrealty.com
Beautiful “Charlopean” plan with open floor plan designed by Robert T. Foster. One of 17 custom homes built by Grandfather Homes in new 36-home Plaza Midwood community, Cramer’s Pond. Gourmet kitchen has enormous island, built-in entertaining buffet, Thermador appliances and walk-in pantry. Master retreat on main with walkin closet. Rear covered deck and rocking chair front porch. Electronic gate opens to fenced-in backyard and detached two-car garage. Second level has private office suite, secondary bedrooms share Jack-and-Jill bathroom. Bonus room and fourth bedroom on upper level. Pool option available as upgrade.
3126 Cramer Pond Drive Unit 11, Charlotte, NC 28205 Price: $1,174,995 MLS: 3572556 Listing Agents: Jessica Faulkner Grier, 704-690-1303, jessica@nestlewoodrealty. com; Matt Ewers, 704-201-2889, matt@ nestlewoodrealty.com; Nestlewood Realty This European farmhouse architecture with open floor plan was designed by MArchD. One of 17 custom homes built by Grandfather Homes in new Plaza Midwood community. The gourmet kitchen has an enormous island, Thermador appliances and a walk-in pantry. Master retreat with walk-in closet features private bathroom with dual vanities, soaking tub and shower. Enjoy outdoor living on the rear covered deck and rocking chair front porch. Porte cochere leads to detached two-car garage. Upperlevel secondary bedrooms. Guest on main. Bonus on upper level. 11 lots sold and only 6 remain.
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|design instyle
Greeted by color Lessons from the charming front doors of Europe by Vicki Donatelli
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very time I travel internationally, I’m constantly moved by the various colors people use to express their home’s unique presence. As I swipe through the photographs I’ve taken throughout the world, they are always dominated by doors, windows and exceptional hardware.
It’s not that these homeowners adore color more than any of us, it’s their self-confidence. They’re not afraid of judgment. As you drive through American neighborhoods, in comparison, most front doors are pretty much the same—dark wood, white and a rare black door.
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 15 2020
In Greece, blue is the color of choice for most islanders. What makes each home distinct is the combination of colors from flowers they plant to purposely enhance their entryways. Pots of pink and red geraniums are so beautiful you can’t resist snapping a photo at every corner. Why do we continue to overlook the
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most important aspect of our homes? We paint our doors the same color as our neighbors and plant the same holly bushes and non-blooming evergreens in pots framing that ordinary entryway. It’s so humdrum. London is one of the most charming cities I’ve visited. There you can find row after row of basically the same
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brick townhouses. But what makes each one figure prominently in the cityscape is its matchless styling of the entryways. It is typical to see two doors in London side by side, one door painted a nautical blue, the other cherry red. Besides the difference in color, each door displays its own unique accessories, such as different door knockers and doormats. The planters and hanging baskets are the same, but homeowners choose different flowers to enhance their individual entries. Another feature that never fails to dominate my photo gallery is door hardware. My favorite are faces, cast in metal and showing the patina of age. From Morocco to Italy, you can find hundreds of door knockers shaped like faces that have greeted visitors for hundreds of years. Even if you have one of those digital doorbells, you can still adorn your front door with a charming door knocker, kick plate, lock and house numbers. I have treasure hunted through antique shops,
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LOT 1 PINE MOSS Customize this Lake Wylie waterfront dream home to YOUR specifications and Six King will build it for you on this 3.81 AC lot w/Master and terrace overlooking water and your dock. $1,060,000
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LOT 4 PINE MOSS Custom Craftsman Cottage will be built for you on this 1.63 acre waterfront lot w/dock. Full finished basement to customize any way you like with Six King. $813,000
Robin knows DIRT! You
13424 SAGE THRASHER Build your dream estate in The Sanctuary on 9.4 waterfront acres! You CAN pick another plan! Pier permit. $1,570,888 Or buy the lot @ $475,000
You
4188 TOBE EDGEMOOR just 10 min. f/Rock Hill. Upscale cabin surrounded by 166 acres of recreational paradise. $780,000
OPEN HOUSE SAT 2-4
172 Acres Charlotte Hwy between Lake Wylie and York. Historic farm with gorgeous pastures, hardwoods and creek for possible pondsite. $1,209,040
(10)1+ACRE Neighborhood Lots Rambler Ln Blacksburg $13,000 each
the Paris flea market and online catalogues to find just the right hardware for my clients and myself. It’s a fun adventure. If you are limited by HOA rules or you just lack the self-confidence to paint your front door, consider your back door or deck. Most of us come and go through our back or side doors daily. Why not greet yourself with your favorite color, surround it with your beloved flowers and adorn it with unique hardware? Paint is the least expensive decorating resource you have. Any door can
be painted with less than a gallon of paint and completed in a day. The search for perfect hardware will take you longer, but the chase is the thrill of the hunt.
Vicki Payne Donatelli is an interior designer, project coordinator and popular speaker for renovation and new construction projects. She is the host of the national PBS series “For Your Home.” Visit her blog at ForYourHome.com.
You
501 RIVIERA PLACE in Rock Hill's prestigious Waterford Glen golf course community just 30 minutes f/Charlotte. $348,000
3004 ASHWOOD PARK DR. .76 ac Belmont's Reflection Point $40,000
You
3609 VENETIAN WAY The Lakes at Derby Downs. Meticulously maintained, endless wood floors with master and 2nd bedroom on main, gorgeous 1 acre yard. $350,000
OPEN HOUSE SAT 2-4
VOLUNTEER • DONATE • SHOP 4084 Charlotte Hwy., Clover, SC 29710 (803) 324-1960
1000 Village Harbor Dr Lake Wylie, South Carolina
You
2 acres Caroline acres Road Indian Land In established area. $180,000 2.46 acres McFalls Dr., Indian land in established area $220,700 CAROBROOK in Fort Lawn Lot water/sewer available $7500 PINE MOSS 4 WATERFRONT LOTS on Lake Wylie, 3 with docks, 1 with dock permit. 1.6-3.8 Acres $258-450,000
16432 HERE AT LAST NEST HOMES NEW CONSTRUCTION craftsman cottage in NEW River’s Edge next to The Palisades on 1 wooded acre w/seasonal water views $629,900
10620 Sweetleaf 4.4 wooded acre home site in The Sanctuary $120,000
803-526-1225
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|association answers
Is the developer running the HOA correctly? by Michael S. Hunter
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n my HOA law practice, I often hear complaints from homeowners in communities that are still being developed that the developer is not tending to the affairs of the HOA as it should be. Many developers view management of the HOA as an afterthought, instead focusing on development and sales. In most cases, developers have various tools available to them (all legal) to allow the developer to control the HOA—typically by retaining the authority to appoint most or all of the members of the board of directors—until the development is complete and sold out (or nearly sold out). A recent case from the North Carolina Court of Appeals has brought this issue
into sharp focus. Though it dealt with an office condo as opposed to a residential condo, it is nevertheless instructive. The case is Ironman Medical Properties, LLC v. Chodri. Chodri is a doctor who developed a 10-unit office condominium in Asheboro through his development company, White Oak Medical Properties, with one of the condo units housing his medical practice. According to the court’s opinion, Dr. Chodri had no experience as a developer and no experience running an HOA or otherwise managing real estate. However, he undertook management of the HOA, basically running it as part of his medical practice. The HOA never held meetings and
never held a board election. It kept no corporate records. Chodri did not establish a separate bank account for the HOA’s funds—the HOA’s funds were co-mingled with the bank account for White Oak. He relied on his medical office manager, who also had no experience managing real estate or an HOA, to manage the affairs of the HOA. White Oak did not pay any separate assessments on the units it owned—it simply paid the HOA’s expenses out of the co-mingled account. Ironman Medical owned one of the other units in the office condo, which it leased to another medical practice. Ironman and its tenant requested financial records from the Association. After
discovering the mismanagement and improprieties, Ironman stopped paying its condo assessments and sued the HOA, White Oak and Chodri for breach of the condominium’s governing documents, breach of fiduciary duty and fraud. The HOA filed a counterclaim seeking to recover the HOA assessments owed by Ironman of more than $37,000. The trial court in essence dismissed all of the claims against White Oak and Chodri except the claim for breach of the condo’s governing documents. The jury awarded Ironman only $1 in damages and awarded the HOA over $51,000 in damages against Ironman due to its willful withholding of the assessments it owed to the HOA.
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OPEN HOUSES: Sat 2-4 pm & Sun 1-3 pm
Summerlake | 2720 Flintgrove Road, Charlotte NC 28226 4 B R | 3 .1 B A | 4 , 2 8 2 s q . f t . | 0. 6 5 a c r e l o t | $ 9 24 ,0 0 0 Incredible SouthPark loca on! This stunning home is situated on a private lot and features fenced back yard with a pool, hot tub, mul - ered deck overlooking woodlands. The main level has a MBR Suite, grand 2 story foyer, formal Dining Room, and chef’s kitchen with oversized island and custom cabinetry. The 2-sided fireplace between the Living Room and Family Room creates a great atmosphere. Fabulous office and spacious laundry room are also on the main level. Hardcoat stucco exterior. Upper level has 3 secondary bedrooms and a Bonus Room with adjoining 5th bedroom or flex room. Side load 2-car garage.
JEN BUSH & JAMIE THOMAS Bush | Thomas Team Brokers | Realtors ®
704-904-1212 | 704-649-2855 jennifer@hmproperties.com jamie@hmproperties.com
HMPROPERTIES.COM
Nasty crawl spaces? We can fix it.
Though this case is an outlier, there are some lessons to be learned here. Developers who don’t have the experience or interest in managing the HOA should hire a professional management company with HOAmanagement experience and ensure that all finances for the HOA and the developer are segregated. Observe corporate formalities and keep good records. Hold regular meetings of the
board and the HOA members, communicate with owners frequently and provide them with accurate financial statements. On the other hand, homeowners should take from this case that it’s never a good idea to withhold payment of assessments simply because information and communication from the HOA or the developer is not forthcoming.
Charlotte attorney Michael Hunter represents community and condominium associations for the firm Offit Kurman Horack Talley. Email questions to commonelements@ offitkurman@com. Not every question receives a reply. Find his blog at CarolinaCommonElements.com.
Create a healthier living space and save money on utility bills while avoiding unnecessary repairs. You can even gain extra storage space! Symptoms of a Crawl Space Problem: Interior Drywall Cracks • Uneven Floors Foul Odors • Increased Allergy or Asthma Symptoms
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|straight talk
Spring sprucing Tips for painting the exterior of your home in early spring by Allen Norwood
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ainting the exterior of your house in the early spring rather than midsummer is good for a couple of reasons: It’s easier on you than a 95-degree day would be—and, it turns out, can be better for the paint, too. If you follow a few easy rules you might even get a longer lasting paint job. Just pay attention to the temperature and weather forecast, say painting experts Frank Harrelson and Jim Murray, and don’t cut corners. Also, just because the fine print on the paint can says you can apply a product at 35 degrees doesn’t mean that’s a good idea. “Who wants to paint at 35 degrees?” Harrelson says. (The obvious answer: nobody.)
6471 Hwy 73 Denver, NC 28037 | 704.483.6000
Inventory Home Open House
L AKE WYLIE
BELMONT, NC
Open House This Weekend:
1.5 Story Master Down
Master Up
February 15/16 & 22/23 Saturdays: 12 - 4 PM; Sundays: 2 - 4 PM
Please start your tour at our model home, where the refreshments are located
Overlake at McLean offers: • 1 & 2-story homes from the low $300’s • 1,977 - 3,200+ sq ft; along Lake Wylie • Pool, playground, miles of trails, restaurant, marina, & more! • Easy access to charming downtown Belmont, Charlotte airport, I-485 & uptown Charlotte
Overlake at McLean
2012 Rockbrook Ln - $374.482* 4 BR, 3 BA, 2,766 sq ft Rear covered porch. Second floor has large Loft, 2 secondary bedrooms and full bath. Large flex room framed for barn doors. Owner’s bath has large tiled shower. SS appliances w/ gas cooking. Large Mud/Laundry room.
3012 Winged Teal Ct. - $395,883* 4 BR, 3 BA, 2,745 sq ft Rear covered porch, Bonus Room. 1st floor guest bed. 2-story Family w/ gas fireplace & built-ins. KT w/ 36” gas cooktop, SS, marble counters. Owner’s bath has large tiled shower; 2 walk-in closets. Complete in March
Sun/Mon: 1 - 6; Tue - Sat: 11 - 6 2001 Rockbrook Ln Belmont, NC GPS: 6529 S. New Hope Rd 704-778-1288
sheahomes.com/charlotte
Sales: Shea Group Services, LLC DBA Shea Realty (10424). Construction: Shea Builders, LLC, G116074. This is not an offer of real estate for sale, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, to residents of any state or province in which registration and other legal requirements have not been fulfilled. Pricing does not include options, elevation, or lot premiums, effective date of publication and subject to change without notice. All square footages and measurements are approximate and subject to change without notice. Trademarks are property of their respective owners. Some images have been virtually staged; inventory homes are not furnished. Equal Housing Opportunity. *Price for this home does not include closing costs, application of incentives, includes costs for certain options and upgrades, specific list of which is available at the McLean sales office, and is subject to change.
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 15 2020
“The manufacturers tell you you can apply it at 35 degrees,” Murray says with a laugh, “but I’m not going to apply it at 35.” Let’s back up and start at the beginning, though. When painting outdoors, you always need to wash the surface to remove grime and kill mildew, then let the surface dry before painting. If you caulk, the caulking needs to cure a while before you paint. I asked Harrelson, who owns Eastway Paint in Charlotte, and Jim Murray of Color My World Painting in the Lake Norman area if they would allow more time for both steps at this time of year. Daytime temperatures in the early spring are lower than they would be at midsummer, and nighttime temperatures might dip to freezing. Does that slow everything and change the general rules for getting a quality job with 100 percent acrylic exterior paint? You might not need to wait longer, they agree, but don’t try to cut corners
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by reducing the wait time. Waiting periods are more important than ever this time of year. It’s a good idea to let surfaces dry for 24 hours, and let caulking cure at least overnight. “Waiting longer definitely will not hurt,” Murray says. Both say they recommend starting later in the morning, to allow the day to warm a
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bit, and quitting earlier in the afternoon. Murray says he likes to quit no later than 4 o’clock when working in the early spring. “If you go too far and get freezing temperatures [overnight], the paint is going to fail sooner.” Harrelson says he recommends working, say, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. While manufacturers say some products can
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be applied at 35 degrees, he says, paint does “funny things” below 50 degrees. You can apply paint when the temperature is below 50, he says, “but we like for it to get to 50 or close to it sometime during the day.” Here’s one important thing about paint: The slower it dries, the more durable the paint film is likely to be. So, if the cooler air and surface temperatures in early spring slow everything down a bit, that can be a good thing. Harrelson explains it this way: “Fast dry means brittle.” That’s definitely not a good thing. “When paint dries slower,” Murray says, “it penetrates, and does what it’s supposed to do. You might not have to repaint as soon.” To keep paint from drying too fast, even this time of year, remember to “follow the shade”—or work on the shady side of the house out of direct sunlight.
Allen Norwood: homeinfo@charter.net
New Townhomes! Open Houses Every Weekend in Plaza Midwood; Saturday: 11 - 4; Sunday: 1 - 4
sheaurban.com
1609 Chatham Ave. Charlotte, 28205 | 9 Townhomes Available, including 1 Live/Work unit for a home business.
$424,526* - # 6 $479,519* - # 7 2 BD, 2.5 BA, 1,697 sq ft. 2 BD, 3.5 BA, 2,109 sq ft. Terrace w/ storage. Bar area w/ 1st fl. flex space w/ full bath. wine fridge. 3rd floor Master 42” white cabs, quartz, SS, w/ large tiled shower. Hardwine fridge, farm sink. Both woods, tile, carpet. Abundant beds have WIC & private bath. windows. MLS# 3522829 MLS# 3522841 $414,900* - # 1 2 BD, 2.5 BA, 1,697 sq ft. Farm sink, wine fridge, GE Cafe gas range, quartz. MLS# 3457769
Shea Urban Sales Office
Sun/Mon: 1 - 6; Tue - Sat: 11 - 6 601 S. Kings Dr Charlotte 28204 980-293-5886
$469,410* - # 9 2 BD, 2 BA, 2 1/2 BA, 2109 sq ft. 1st floor Flex space w/ 1/2 bath. 3rd floor Large Master w/ large tiled shower. Hardwoods on 2nd floor. Tiled full baths & Laundry room. MLS# 3522850
$595,485* - # 10 3 BD, 3.5 BA, 2,529 sq ft. 1st floor guest suite. Large great room. Dual Owner’s Suites on top floor. Both have WIC, large tiled shower, dual sink vanity. MLS# 3522859
$469,675* - # 2 2 BD, 3.5 BA, 2,109 sq ft. 1st floor Flex space w/ full bath. Large Owner’s Suite. Quartz ctrs MLS# 3457855
$589,950* - # 5 2 BD, 2 BA, 2 1/2 BA, 2529 sq ft. 1st floor Work/Flex space w/ 1/2 bath & 2 entrances. Large KT w/ 42” cabs, GE Monogram app. 2 Owner’s Suites. MLS# 3457918 $475,000* - # 4 2 BD, 3.5 BA, 2,109 sq ft. 1st floor flex w/ full bath, wine fridge, large Master, hardwoods. MLS# 3457857
Shea Urban offers in Plaza Midwood & NoDa: • 3-story townhomes, 1,614 - 2,529 sq ft. 9’ ceilings throughout • 2-car attached garage, covered terrace, & CPI Security smart home package included with every townhome
$395,929* - # 3 2 BD, 2.5 BA, 1,614 sq ft. Terrace w/ storage. Bar area w/ wine fridge. 3rd floor Master w/ large tiled shower. Hardwoods, tile, carpet. Abundant windows. MLS# 3457856
Scan for Details
Sales: Shea Group Services, LLC DBA Shea Realty (10424). Construction: Shea Builders, LLC, G116074. This is not an offer of real estate for sale, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, to residents of any state or province in which registration and other legal requirements have not been fulfilled. Pricing effective date of publication and subject to change without notice. All square footages and measurements are approximate and subject to change without notice. Trademarks are property of their respective owners. Equal Housing Opportunity. Some photos have been virtually staged. *Price for this home does not include closing costs, application of incentives, includes costs for certain options and upgrades, specific list of which is available at the Shea Urban sales office, and is subject to change.
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SATURDAY FEBRUARY 15 2020