Charlotte home|design, June 14, 2020

Real Estate News

C H A R L O T T E

home design

page 2

dedicated to showcasing charlotte’s distinctive homes

“There isn’t a lot of new inventory, so when buyers see something they like, they need to grab it. The good thing is, Charlotte has a lot of variety...We have something for every taste.”

– Sandy Kindbom, Allen Tate Realtors

Professional pads From first-time homebuyers to MVPs, Charlotte’s mid- and high-rises have something for everyone - story on page 4

real estate news What’s new p2

design instyle

real estate trends

straight talk

Étagère p14

Goodbye lease, hello mortgage p18

Pent-up demand p22

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|real estate news

what’s new? compiled by Whitney Berongi

DICKENS MITCHENER OFFERS AN UPDATE ON CHARLOTTE’S REAL ESTATE MARKET With health and safety procedures becoming critical to conduct business in today’s environment, Dickens Mitchener has polled companies across the globe and spent hours combing through guidelines to formulate the best plans of action to safeguard our clients, agents and staff while showing and listing property. Temperature checks, masks, gloves, sanitizer and booties are now the new normal.

Despite the stay-at-home orders and phases of reopening, home sales are moving forward. Inventory supply is at 1.5-months supply compared to 2.2-months supply at this time in 2019. The average days on market to close is down to 39 days versus 44 days in 2019. Transferees who were supposed to move to the area in March are now planning moves in July, bringing an influx of people into the area looking for homes. This increase in demand makes working with an agent who helps guide and navigate the market critical.

Dickens Mitchener is the local representative of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, a global real estate community comprised of 550 of the best known local and regional real estate firms, with 4,600 offices in 70

countries. Dickens Mitchener was selected for membership in Leading RE, which recruits only the best among local and regionally branded firms. As a member of this global network, Dickens Mitchener can assist home buyers and sellers worldwide and can access Leading RE’s full range of brokerage services. For more information, visit dickensmitchener.com or call 704-6612402.

Email real estate news to homedesign@charlotteobserver.com.

C H A R L O T T E

home design Editor

Coordinator/Designer

Christina Darnell

Melissa Kennelly

Creative Strategy & Real Estate Advertising

New Home Builder Advertising

Buck Brice, bbrice@charlotteobserver.com

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.

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|mid- and high-rise condos Uptown DID YOU KNOW? Uptown really is “up.”

Center City actually sits at a higher elevation than the rest of the city.

by Julie Cooper

A

EAT Angeline’s Head to this Uptown favorite for the pappardelle Bolognese and cioppino with some lamb-andpork meatballs to share. angelinescharlotte.com

PLAY Romare Bearden Park Get out and enjoy this 5.4-acre urban park across from BB&T Ballpark, which boasts a splash park, benches, restrooms, fields, fountains, covered dining tables and more. mecknc.gov

EXPLORE First Ward Park Check out this lovely park that has lots of little areas for the kids to play, a workout circuit and picnicperfect spots. mecknc.gov

merican suburbs are home to roughly 60 percent of the U.S. population. This translates to about 164 million people living the “American Dream” with a lawn to mow, gutters to clean and a car to take them here and there.

But this lifestyle isn’t for everyone.

More and more are waking up to the concrete benefits of a connected urban lifestyle—convenience, opportunity and excitement.

“Living in a high-rise is a unique experience. It seems exotic,” says Sandy Kindbom with Allen Tate Realtors. “The views are dramatic and ever-changing. I have clients who routinely post photos on social media of sunrises, sunsets, storms rolling in and all kinds of events on the streets below.”

It’s a perspective one can only gain from the buzz of urban living.

Charlotte offers that quintessential city feel with incredible employment opportunities while being much less dense than larger cities like New York and Los Angeles. In a world gripped by COVID-19, it’s definitely something to consider.

“It’s no secret that Charlotte is continuing to expand at a very rapid pace—and COVID-19 is producing changes that will stay with us long past the pandemic,” says Dennis J. Marsoun with Church Street Realty. “We’re getting a lot of transplants who are used to an urban environment from northeast and midwest cities.”

“In the time since the governor reopened showings, other than virtual showings, 25 percent of the available inventory has gone under

contract,” Marsoun continues. “The median time on the market has been six days for those that have gone under contract. There’s been a definite pent-up demand.”

Properties like The Avenue, TradeMark and Fifth and Poplar have been the most sought after— all properties rich with amenities.

“Some have dog parks, lobby wine service and activities for the residents, like cooking classes and yoga,” says Kindbom. “These kinds of activities create a social environment which really appeals to younger clients looking for a community to plug into.”

The biggest amenity in an Uptown mid- or high-rise condo, however, is the walkable lifestyle. “Newcomers and homebuyers purchase these condos for various reasons, but for most it’s more about what’s on the outside than the inside,” Kindbom says. “They want the lifestyle— social, energetic, walkable and connected.”

“Walkability is what makes Uptown living so unique,” adds Marsoun. “The ability to go and do things, like go out to eat, attend a sporting event or theatre, do a bit of shopping and go to work without needing a car, is very attractive. For many, that is more important than having a bonus room or a lawn to mow.”

With that being said, Marsoun also mentions that downsizing to a condo can be challenging for a number of homebuyers. “One of the first things they have to confront is resizing,” he says. “Many people have homes in excess of 3,000

square feet, so moving into half that space in Uptown can present a challenge. To help, I work with several companies that focus on simplifying. While it may initially be painful for the downsizer, the end result is always worth it.”

Kindbom says downsizing doesn’t mean the fur baby has to go either.

“You might be surprised to know that 33 percent of all city residents have dogs,” she says. “Some are big dogs, and some people have more than one dog. Living in a building with an elevator does not seem to be a deterrent to those owning pets.

Not everyone feels they need to have a fenced yard for their dog.”

The only thing she says is essential before buying is finding the right match. “Be sure the vibe is what you’re looking for,” Kindbom advises. “If you like a quiet lifestyle, then you want to make sure you don’t end up in a building with a robust party atmosphere. Talk to the residents or the concierge. They’ll be more than happy to talk about their home building.”

Also, since Uptown hasn’t had any new, for-sale condos in quite some time, make sure to do research ahead of time so you’re ready to pounce when an opportunity arises. “Sales in the urban market in Charlotte are very good,” Kindbom says. “There isn’t a lot of new inventory, so when buyers see something they like, they need to grab it. The good thing is, Charlotte has a lot of variety due to the building boom over the last two decades. We have something for every taste.”

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mid- and high-rise condos Uptown| THE TRUST 139 South Tryon Street #5B, Charlotte, NC 28202 Price: Contact listing agent MLS: Contact listing agent Listing Agent: Shane McDevitt, The McDevitt Agency, 704-763-0063, shane@ themcdevittagency.com If you seek the ultimate in exclusivity and privacy, you belong at Charlotte’s premier address of only seven custom residences. The Trust caters to those who crave the vibrant city life without the limelight. This home comprises half of the fifth floor and melds modern elegance with masterful design to create the perfect setting for luxury living and stylish entertaining. From the state-of-the-art kitchen to the zen-like master bedroom retreat and the Crestron home automation system, this home offers endless upgrades and customizations.

Rare opportunity to live at the most exclusive address in Uptown.

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|mid- and high-rise condos Uptown THE GARRISON AT GRAHAM 715 Graham Street #508, Charlotte, NC 28202 Price: $674,900 MLS: 3580863 Listing Agent: Elizabeth Phares, Allen Tate Realtors, 704-651-8562, elizabeth.phares@ allentate.com Loft living at The Garrison on Graham is becoming a sought-after address in Center City.

This huge floor plan features a soaring ceiling, wall of windows and panoramic skyline view.

Spread out and enjoy a functional two-level loft with an open floor plan but also some secondary doors and walls that give you the best of both worlds. The Garrison also has the most wowing community rooftop terrace. The Graham Street corridor leads you from Center City and connects you to the NC Music Factory and straight on over to popular North End and into NoDa. Easy access to I-277 loop.

FIFTH AND POPLAR 300 W 5th Street #326, Charlotte, NC 28202 Price: $239,900 MLS: 3625290 Listing Agent: Tiffany Moton, Allen Tate Realtors, 919-520-0541, tiffany.moton@allentate.com Located in the historic Fourth Ward district, residents are near a wealth of cultural experiences, sporting venues/events, dining, entertainment and the headquarters of many Fortune 500 companies. This home features a spacious covered porch overlooking the resortstyle courtyard/pool and sweeping views of the city. Equipped with stainless appliances, granite counters, hardwood floors, crown molding and ceiling fans. On-site amenities include: 24-hour concierge with secured entry, resort-style heated pool, 24-hour fitness center, cybercafĂŠ/business center, dog park, lounge with fireplace, coffee bar, billiards, putting green, media room and more.

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JEFFERSON SQUARE 401 N Church Street #206, Charlotte, NC 28202 Price: $410,000 MLS: 3622376 Listing Agent: Meg Wilkinson, HM Properties, 704-906-5747, meg@ hmproperties.com Jefferson Square is a mid-rise building in the heart of Center City, located in Fourth Ward. The tree-lined streets give this location a warm feel with all the conveniences of living in Uptown.

This light and bright unit is on the second floor with a view of Fourth Ward from the balcony. The splitbedroom plan features a large master and guest bedroom. Master bathroom and closet are spacious. New carpet, new prefinished wood flooring, new neutral paint and decor. Unit has two parking spaces in the parking garage and a storage unit.

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THE FOURTH WARD SQUARE 521 N Graham Street #3C, Charlotte, NC 28202 Price: $285,000 MLS: 3616882 Listing Agent: Maren Brisson-Kuester, HM Properties, 704-287-7072, maren@ hmproperties.com Move-in ready, two-bed/two-bath condo with soaring vaulted ceilings just seconds from everything Uptown has to offer. In addition to its spectacular location, this unit is totally updated and equipped with granite countertops in the kitchen, newer appliances, an open floor plan, spacious living room area, large bedrooms and beautiful tile work in both bathrooms. One assigned parking space under the carport and ample guest parking. The Fourth Ward Square complex features an outdoor pool, fitness center, grilling area and fire pit.

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mid- and high-rise condos Uptown| TRADEMARK 333 W Trade Street #1704, Charlotte, NC 28202 Price: $689,000 MLS: 3603940 Listing Agent: Joshua Drown, The McDevitt Agency, 704-200-9323, joshua@ themcdevittagency.com This light and bright corner unit condo is in impeccable condition. Modern and stylishly finished, features include floor-to-ceiling windows, hardwood floors and a granite and stainless steel kitchen. Unique floor plan boasts views of the sunrise and sunset. Sip coffee on your balcony with views of the skyscrapers, or watch the sun set over the treetops. Stroll through tree-lined streets, walk your dog in Fourth Ward Park, all with the best shopping, dining, sports and entertainment in the city right outside your door. Nearby Dilworth is home to Atrium Health’s Carolinas Medical Center and Levine Cancer Institute. Enjoy easy access to the streetcar and the light rail.

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|mid- and high-rise condos Uptown SKYE CONDOMINIUMS 222 S Caldwell Street #1905, Charlotte, NC 28202 Price: $525,000 MLS: 3608819 Listing Agent: Scott Russo, The McDevitt Agency, 704-421-0706, scott@ themcdevittagency.com Clean lines and open concept plan seamlessly merge with large-format windows with amazing views. Kitchen features gas cooking, granitetopped workspaces, conversation island and stainless appliances. Massive covered terrace spans the length of the condo. Other features include a hot tub, unparalleled view, plus owner’s suite with direct city views, tray ceiling, dreamy walk in and access to the terrace. Ensuite bath with tiled shower and jetted tub. Second bedroom features built-in Murphy bed. Amenitypacked building with grand lobby, valet parking, theater, club room, fitness center, rooftop restaurant and rooftop pool with the best concierge in the city. Condo conveys with a rare storage unit and two prime parking spaces.

ROYAL COURT 701 Royal Court #1004, Charlotte, NC 28202 Price: $645,000 MLS: 3582474 Listing Agent: Scott Russo, The McDevitt Agency, 704-421-0706, scott@themcdevittagency.com This corner junior penthouse boasts generous living areas, an open line of sight, floor-toceiling windows and attention to detail. Custom interior opens to two southwest-facing terraces with commanding view over Dilworth tree canopy. Chef’s kitchen with granite-topped work surfaces, suite of Viking appliances, pantry and large conversation island. Romantic owner’s suite with private terrace, tiled spa bath, frameless shower, soaking tub and walk-in closet. Secondary bedrooms with large closets.

Bedroom three currently used as study with custom built-ins and Murphy bed. Separate laundry room, modern paint scheme. Amenities include saltwater pool, hot tub, grilling and seating areas, fitness center, lounge, plus concierge service. Two wide deeded parking spaces.

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Photos provided by Ballard Designs

|design instyle

Grand Tour Étagère / ballarddesigns.com

Étagère More than storage, this display piece is as versatile as the items you want to feature

by Vicki Donatelli

É

tagère is a piece of furniture consisting of a set of open shelves for displaying small objects. Sometimes, there’s an enclosed cabinet at the base. It is pronounced a-tazher. Their uses and impact on design have been enjoyed by

homeowners and designers since 1840. I’m sure they have been around for longer, but they didn’t receive an official name until then.

There are almost as many uses for the étagère as there are

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CINDY BARNES

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BEAUTIFUL 62 ACRE PRIVATE RETREAT 599 CHARLIE STACKS ROAD No plane, no train! Short drive from Charlotte.

Great hunting! Lancaster Co. $500,000 ~ MLS# 3497885 ct

Un

r de

ra nt

Co

3736 SURRY RIDGE COURT Fresh & bright, custom home in South Charlotte.

Updated kitchen & master bath.

MLS# 3599355 ~ $475,000

Aviary Étagère / ballarddesigns.com

styles. The reason they have endured for decades is their ability to adapt to design changes.

In the 1800s, they were used to display fine china, crystal and brica-brac. It was a sign of wealth and prosperity. Today, their uses have expanded to creating a space divider in a loft apartment, a storage space for towels in the bathroom and for dishes and pots and pans in the kitchen.

It is important that an étagère match the room’s décor. Its function is not

to stand out but to provide display shelves for the owner’s plethora of assets. It is just as important that the étagère not be overloaded. It is not a closet or pantry. It is a display space regardless of its location.

Matching its style to the room’s decor can be a bit tricky. The more unique the étagère, the more challenging its placement. The Aviary étagère by Ballard Design is a whimsical display accented with three songbirds perched on its tree-like branches. It is slender

Considering downsizing?

Overwhelmed?

OR need to sell “AS IS”?

If you need a place to start, call me for a practical, step-by-step approach.

HAND IT OVER

Cindy.Barnes@allentate.com | (704) 367-7203

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Connolly Corner Étagère / ballarddesigns.com

in style and finished in an antique gold finish.

This étagère works beautifully in a light and airy room decorated in light blues and creams. The display needs to repeat that lighthearted feel in both matching colors, shapes and slight-sized displays of books, vases and sculptures.

The Lorna étagère is also gold toned but has a geometric frame. The shelves are staggered, allowing for more display options. You can mix taller objects with lower stacks of books or small treasures.

Adding two or more of this étagère can create the perfect room divider for a small Wilton Étagère / ballarddesigns.com

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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 Cra sman 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!

4721 BETTY DAVIS DR. LAKE WYLIE Past winner of Charlotte’s Green Home of the year award will dazzle you with luxurious custom features, 1.4 acres on the main channel. Private beach and Clover Schools! $863,000

385 Squirrel Ln Premier Lake Wylie Waterfront lot with dock. 1.86 wooded acres, Clover Schools $325,000 172 AcresCharlotte Charlotte Hwy KD 172 Acres Hwybetween between KD Lake Wylie and York. Historic with WR farm Lake Wylie and York. Historic farm with gorgeous pastures, hardwoods and creek gorgeous pastures, hardwoods and creek for possible pondsite. $1,209,040 WH for possible pondsite. $1,209,040

Lorna Étagère / ballarddesigns.com

(10) 1+ACRE Neighborhood Lots

apartment or a large open floor plan.

Not all étagères are free standing.

Some are designed for corner placement. This shape is perfect for bathrooms, bedrooms and small kitchens. Even if storage is not a problem, consider its use as simply display. In a bathroom, stacks of fluffy white towels, bath salts in clear glass jars or fresh flowers add style to a simple corner.

Black is one of the most dramatic finishes you can put on furniture, walls or artwork—it is one of my favorites. If you have a chair or bench that you’re tired of, consider painting it black and reupholster the seat in black velvet. Set

it in a hallway next to a black étagère and, bam, you’ve created a chic composition.

If you love to collect beautiful items for your home, enjoy books and can’t resist a pretty little vase or sculpture, the étagère was created just for you.

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.

(10)Rambler 1+ACRE Neighborhood Lots Ln Blacksburg $13,000 each Rambler Ln Blacksburg $13,000 each 3004 ASHWOOD PARK DR. .76 ac

You

16412 Here at Last Ln. New Construction behind 501 RIVIERA PLACE in Rock Hill's The Palisades. Get in early to customize this baby prestigious Waterford Glen golf right from your couch! 3429 sq. ft on 1.2 wooded course community just acres with Lake Wylie water views. $710,981

30 minutes f/Charlotte. $348,000

2070 Tiger Paw Ln Custom Cottage on Lake

646 WEST PARK DR. in Historic Lincolnton.

Wylie with panoramic views, double decker dock The Reinhardt House features original on a deep cove, stellar new kitchen & wood floors, dental moldings and outdoor living areas. $635,000 groove pine walls. $230,000

Reflection Point DR. $40,000 3004Belmont’s ASHWOOD PARK .76 ac 2 AcresReflection Caroline Acres Road Belmont’s HI WL Point 3R $40,000 Indian Land in established area. $180,000

2 Acres Caroline Acres Road HI 2.46Land Acres Dr.,3R Indian Land Indian in McFalls established area. $180,000 in established area $220,700

2.46 Acres McFalls Dr., Indian Land CAROBROOK NEIGHBORHOOD in Fort established $220,700 in Lawn (2)area lots water/sewer

availableNEIGHBORHOOD $7500 each CAROBROOK PINE MOSS 4 WATERFRONT LOTS in Fort Lawn (2) lots water/sewer on Lake Wylie, 3$7500 with docks, available each 1 with dock permit. 1.6-3.8 Acres $258-450,000

PINE MOSS 4 WATERFRONT LOTS 4.4 wooded 26 21 1acre 276 on10620 Lake Sweetleaf Wylie, 3 with docks, with home site in The Sanctuary $120,000 dock permit. 1.6-3.8 Acres $258-450,000

You

10533 Steele Trace Ct Charlotte. Your private country 103 Kings Mountain St. Historic York. This completely 16432 HERE LAST HOMES NEW estate in the middle of Steele Creek, close to everything. renovated historic AT treasure willNEST take your breath away! crabrought smanback cottage in NEW CONSTRUCTION Beautifully renovated with an amazing kitchen, lovely baths Over 3000 sq. ft. of history to life on River’s Edge next to The Palisades on 1 wooded and sweet sunroom on 1.7 wooded acres. $360,000 .56 acres in The Charleston of the Upstate. $354,000

10620 Sweetleaf 4.4 wooded 26 21 acre 276 $95,000 home site in The Sanctuary $120,000

acre w/seasonal water views $629,900

1000 Village Harbor Dr Lake Wylie, South Carolina

803-526-1225

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|real estate trends

Goodbye lease, hello mortgage Tips for making the transition from renting to owning in the Queen City

by Emily Gunn

C

onsidering saying goodbye to your apartment lease and embracing a mortgage instead? You’re in good company—with soaring rent prices, more Charlotteans are looking to become their own landlords. But before you say farewell to your South End apartment or Uptown loft, check out these tips for first-time homeowners. From finding savvy ways to furnish a larger space to making sure you’re working with a reputable real estate agent, this guide will help you find your home sweet home—and keep it that way.

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GET LOCAL NEWS AND INFORMATION THAT’S THE REAL DEAL.

Unexpected home repairs will inevitably pop up over time.

PREPARE FOR THE UNEXPECTED When you’re renting, every home repair fix is just a phone call away (if you have a good landlord, that is!).

But when you purchase a home, the buck stops at you. It can be tempting to spend all your savings on a down payment so you can afford a nicer

home, but you need to reserve some money for unexpected home repairs that will inevitably pop up over time.

When Charlotte’s blistering summer hits and your A/C unexpectedly goes out, it’ll be up to you to scrounge up the cash to fix it. Make sure you have enough of a cushion that you

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won’t have to sweat these kinds of expenses, especially if you’re purchasing an older home.

TEST DRIVE YOUR COMMUTE If you’re leaving behind your central-city apartment for a home that’s a bit closer to the suburbs, you’ll want to test drive your new commute during rush hour to make sure you’re up for the longer drive.

While a longer commute can be a great opportunity to catch up on podcasts and daydream about how you’ll redo your new downstairs bathroom (maybe a fun wallpaper?), it can also significantly change your morning routine and even your after-work happy hour plans. Make sure you know just how long you can expect to spend in your car, so you don’t end up resenting your new home later. And don’t forget to factor in the cost of more expensive

weekend Ubers or Lyfts, if you’ll still be meeting up with friends for Saturday night drinks. It’s a small price to pay for your dream home, but still a price you should take into account!

DON’T LEAVE BEHIND ANY LEAVEBEHINDS If you’re transitioning from a smaller apartment to a bigger home, be ready to take on the expense of furnishing a larger space. You may want to consider savvy ways to furnish your new home on a budget. For instance, sellers are often willing to leave or sell pieces of furniture they don’t want to bring to their new place. Make sure you ask your seller to find out what they might be interested in leaving behind, and then negotiate from there. You just might get that table and light fixture that looks

If you’re transitioning from a smaller apartment to a bigger home, be ready to take on the expense of furnishing a larger space.

55+ Active Lifestyle Community NEW HOME S FROM THE LOW $300’S

Make 2020 the year of change! Come see what Eastwood Homes has to offer at Heritage in Wesley Chapel, NC, an age-restricted community.

NEW YEA R. NEW YOU. NEW HOME. Amenity Center Opening 2020 Clubhouse, pool, game rooms, workout room, and sports courts

L E A R N M O R E AT

EastwoodHomes.com

SUNDAY JUNE 14 2020

absolutely perfect in your new dining room.

BE READY TO POUNCE If you’ve been renting in a hot spot of the city, you probably already know how competitive it can be to find a rental for a decent price.

Imagine the stress of hunting for an affordable rental, but multiply it by 10. In a seller’s market, you have to be ready to pounce on any house that meets your qualifications before someone else snatches it up. You’ll want to have everything buttoned up before even making an offer. A knowledgeable realtor will help you make sure you’ve taken the necessary steps, from getting pre-qualified to working with a responsive lender. Ask friends and family members for recommendations when it comes to finding a realtor that you can trust.

Word of mouth is often the best

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way to find someone who can be instrumental in getting you into your dream home.

TAKE YOUR TIME WITH THE NONESSENTIALS When you’re moving into a new rental, you can feel a lot of pressure to furnish and decorate your place immediately—after all, you’re only going to be there a year or two. But when you move into a new home, you finally have the chance to take a deep breath and take your time when it comes to decorating, renovating and getting things exactly the way you like them.

Unlike with a rental, you can paint, refloor, refinish, and more, all to your heart’s desire. But instead of making a bunch of hasty decisions, take your time so your new home continues to feel “new”—and perfectly you—for many years to come.

Welcome home.

Unlike with a rental, you can paint, refloor, refinish, and more, all to your heart’s desire.

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|straight talk

Pent-up demand One car in the real estate train—estate sales—is revving back up

by Allen Norwood

N

ancy Baldwin likens her estate sales business to one car in the real estate train. That image seems appropriate. All the many steps in a sale, closing and relocation are connected and have to follow in order. Until one car moves, the next one can’t proceed—nor the next, nor the next.

And the estate sales car is regaining a little momentum this month, after eight to 10 weeks of being sidetracked, in what has to be a welcome sign for the area housing market.

Baldwin and her daughter, Emily, operate Tag Sale Treasures (www. tagsaletreasures.com) in the Lake Norman area. They hosted a sale in midMarch—“That was B.C.: Before COVID,” Baldwin says—then shut everything down.

During the tightest restrictions, you’ll remember, real estate agents weren’t even supposed to show homes.

“We sold some things online, but we

can’t put everything online,” Baldwin says. “People would pay with their cards, but they would want us to hold it, or they’d want to pick it up at the end of the driveway.”

You can host a traditional garage sale online. Such sales are so important to homeowners that the National Association of Realtors posted a story at Realtor.com explaining how to pull one off. Post items online, check the CDC web site for the most current health advice and consider collecting money via Venmo and PayPal. Things will sell in time.

But estate sales don’t work that way. Typically, the previous owner has just moved out, and the new owner is planning to move in. Or perhaps the owner has passed away and the family needs to clear the home. Everything must go.

During the hiatus, Baldwin’s phone kept ringing. Clients were eager to

complete sales. But the online site where she and others advertise, www. estatesales.net, said no. “During the time of the stay-at-home order, if I had posted a sale, they would have taken it down.

Of course, donation centers were closed.

Consignment shops were closed.”

The tag sale car on the real estate train was still.

When I spoke to Baldwin earlier this month she had two sales scheduled for June.

She planned to take appropriate precautions, like other retailers.

“Customers wear masks. We wear masks. We have hand sanitizer.”

Estatesales.net warns sale organizers to follow changing rules as they evolve, she says. Limit crowd size, practice social distancing.

“We’ve had to make some modifications,” Baldwin says. “We’ve always been mindful of the homes we were in. We’ve always limited shoppers

[in the house]; now we’ll be more limited.”

She’ll place strips of tape on driveways to help buyers practice safe distancing outside as they wait to go inside.

She worried that crowds might upset neighbors leery of so many strangers, but that hasn’t been a problem.

Typically, the home is no longer occupied by the time the estate sale is scheduled, so owners aren’t worried about strangers in the house.

Baldwin already has discovered there’s lots of pent-up demand, among shoppers as well as prospective clients.

When she posted a recent sale online, it had 8,000 views by the time the sale rolled around. She watches that count to gauge interest. “People were chomping at the bit,” she says.

Allen Norwood: homeinfo@charter.net

SUNDAY JUNE 14 2020

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