7588 Natalie Commons Drive is a beautiful, barely lived-in, 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, brick front home in the lovely Villages of Denver subdivision with a pool.  The home features a wo-story entry way that leads into an eat-in kitchen and dining room.  Elegant archways frame the living room and bonus/sunroom.  The  kitchen has recessed lighting with a chair rail and picture frame moldings in dining room.  Vaulted ceilings grace the upstairs bedrooms, with a large master sitting area.  The master bedroom features a trey ceiling.  Neutral colors maintain the beauty of the home throughout.

Robin Husney, Your Charlotte NC Real Estate Specialist

A Good Scrubbing – Everyday cleaning isn’t enough.  Get down into the real nitty-gritty by moving the fridge and stove to get the floor and walls behind them clean.  Scrub down the backsplash and oven hood to remove any built up grease.  Take the top off the stove to get the drippings that fall down below.  Wash the baseboards and molding.  Get the cobwebs out of the corners.  Spring clean no matter what time of year it is.

Update/Add Hardware – Drawer pulls and cabinet knobs are cheap, especially if you buy them in bulk.  Changing out existing hardware or even adding some where there isn’t any can completely change the look of the entire room even before you add any paint.

Add a New Coat of Paint – At less than $20 per gallon, you can customize your paint colors to freshen up the look of the room.  Get rid of the ugly avocado greens, mustard yellows or too bright colors you experimented with a few years ago.  Keep the room bright but not fluorescent.

High End Additions – Spring for a serious upgrade in select areas of the kitchen rather than spending a fortune on the entire area.  Adding a nice trim, expensive tiled backsplash above the stove or even a custom hood range may cost a few extra bucks, but can make a dramatic impact on a potential buyer’s eyes.

As you can see, you don’t have to take out a second mortgage to make your Charlotte home shine.  These quick kitchen makeovers can be done with little to no money and will only take you a weekend to get done.  Let me know when you’re ready to put your Charlotte home on the market.  We’ll get it sold!

Robin Husney, Your Charlotte NC Real Estate Specialist

Originally posted on my Charlotte NC Real Estate blog here: http://www.realtown.com/robinhusneyrealtor/blog/kitchen-makeovers-for-less/.

What to Expect From a Home Inspection

A typical home inspection will review the following areas of your Charlotte NC home:

• Heating System (will not disassemble system but check that system is heating)
• Air Conditioning System (will not disassemble system but check that the system is cooling)
• Electrical System
• Interior Plumbing
• Roofing (will not go on top of roof but will inspect with binoculars)
• Chimney (visual inspection – will note if more involved inspection is needed)
• Attic (including visible insulation and vents)
• Walls
• Ceilings
• Floors
• Windows
• Doors
• Basement
• Foundation
• Crawl Space
• Decks/Porches
• Visible Structural Components

Please note that for all systems, the inspector will only test what is visible and will not open walls to inspect.

What Isn’t Covered in a Home Inspection

A home inspector is not required to move any furniture or other structures in order to inspect what’s behind it.  However, a good inspector will still do all they can to make sure they have investigated the property in question to the best of their ability, including moving pictures or other objects if possible.  The areas of the Charlotte property in question that will not be covered in a home inspection include:

• Septic System
• Sewer Drain Lines
• Phone, Cable or Satellite Equipment
• Burglar/Fire Alarms
• Personal Property (refrigerator and/or washer/dryer)
• Bugs/Termites
• Radon
• Mold (an inspector may notate it but is not required to test it)

Don’t worry.  You can’t fail a home inspection.  The point of the inspection is to let the buyer or seller know the condition of the Charlotte NC home.  Your inspector should give you pointers on what is in good condition, what should be fixed now and what may need repair at a future date.  This is information any buyer or seller can use in their real estate transaction. 

This post is meant as a guideline for buyers and sellers only.  I am not a home inspector.  If you want more information about home inspections, please visit the American Society of Home Inspectors’ website.

Robin Husney, Your Charlotte NC Real Estate Specialist

Originally posted on my Charlotte NC real estate blog here: http://www.realtown.com/robinhusneyrealtor/blog/what-to-expect-from-a-home-inspection/.

How about some good news for the Charlotte real estate market for a change? 

The Charlotte real estate market has shown an increase in the median sales price.  According to Trulia, the median sales price for a home over the last three months is $185,000.  This is a $39,000 (26.7%) increase over the same time period last year.  We’re also seeing a decrease in inventory as demand increases.  Credit-worthy buyers are scrambling to get in on the great deal Charlotte homes have to offer.  Pending sales are also on the rise, which is a positive trend. 

The only obstacle that Charlotte buyers as well as others across the country tend to face is the incredibly strict lending standards put in place by the banks.  However, even with the restricted lending policies, the amount of buyers who have succeeded in purchasing their homes has increased over the same time last year.  This indicates an increase in demand for affordable homes on the market.  And Charlotte definitely has plenty of those!

If you’re interested in purchasing a Charlotte home of your very own, don’t hesitate.  There is plenty of inventory on hand.  However, it is beginning to decrease.  With home prices beginning to rise (again, $39,000 higher than last year) and interest rates remaining extremely low (4.04% as of this post, according to Bankrate.com), anyone with good credit and a downpayment should begin seriously considering a home purchase in the near future.  Just let me know when you want to start looking and I’ll be more than happy to help.

Robin Husney, Your Charlotte NC Real Estate Specialist

Originally posted on my Charlotte NC real estate blog here: http://www.realtown.com/robinhusneyrealtor/blog/charlotte-nc-real-estate-market/.

• Discontinuing the 125% loan-to-value ceiling for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans.
• Eliminating fees for converting a homeowners’ mortgage into a shorter 20 or 15 year term and reducing other risk-based fees for mortgages.
• Eliminating the requirement for an appraisal whenever Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac has a reliable automated valuation model (AVM) in place.
• Extending the end date for HARP from June 2012 to December 2013.
• Allowing Charlotte homeowners who bought their property as their primary residence originally but are now using it as an investment property to refinance through HARP.

To qualify for HARP under the current changes, Charlotte homeowners:

• Must have their current mortgage through Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.
• Must have purchased their home through Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac as their primary residence before May 31, 2009.
• Must never had refinanced their home under HARP at anytime previously.  The only exception would be if you refinanced your Fannie Mae loan under HARP between March and May 2009.
• Must have a loan-to-value ratio of at least 80%.
• Must be up to date on their current mortgage with no more than one late payment in the last 12 months (none of which can be within the last six months).

If you have questions about HARP and changes to it in the Charlotte real estate market, please contact me now.  Don’t lose your home to foreclosure if you don’t absolutely have to.  I’m always here to help.

Robin Husney, Your Charlotte NC Real Estate Specialist

Playing a sport is a great way for kids to learn good sportsmanship, how to work well with others and keeps their bodies healthy. 

Carolina Courts – Kids ages 5 and older can participate in the Carolina Courts’ basketball programs.  Winter Pee Wee Basketball begins December 3, 2011.  You can currently register online if you’re interested in having your child participate.

Charlotte Interfaith Basketball League – The Interfaith Basketball League offers programs for kids ranging from 3rd grade to 12th.  The deadline to register your 3rd graders is October 29, 2011, 4th grade to 8th grade registration ends November 5, 2011 and 9th grade to 12th grade registration ends November 12, 2011.

Indian Trail Athletic Association – As part of the Mecklenburg Youth Basketball League (MYBL), ITAA teams will be eligible to play in pre-season, holiday and post-season tournaments.  In-house registration for basketball players will be held from 10am to 2pm on Saturday, October 29th, 2011.  Registration will close on November 6th.

Mallard Creek Youth Association – The Mallard Creek Optimist Club sponsors all MCYA sports teams, including basketball.  The age groups accepted range in age from 4 years to 18 years old.  At registration, you will receive a form to sign up for a skills assessment to see where they will be placed in the association.  Registration with the league is currently underway.

Matthews Athletic Recreation Association – MARA accepts both boys and girls from the ages of 5-15 for their basketball teams.  They play against teams from Indian Trail, Mint Hill, Old Providence and Porter Ridge.  Registration is currently taking place online or via phone (704-579-1061).

Mint Hill Athletic Association – After a quick fall tryout, girls from ages 7-12 and boys from ages 7-15 are put onto teams to compete against others in their league.  Online registration is currently underway at their website.  Space is limited, so I suggest you register soon.

Park Sharon Athletic Association – Registration for the PSAA begins this Saturday, October 1st online.  Walk-up registration will be held October 16th at Dick’s Sporting Goods (9600 Pineville Matthews Rd, Pineville) from 10am to 2pm and again on October 23rd at the baseball fields of Quail Hollow Middle School in Charlotte from 9am to 12pm.  All registration will end on November 4th.

Porter Ridge Athletic Association – The PRAA accepts boys and girls from the ages of 5 to 15 years old.  Online registration is presently open and will continue through October 20th.  There will be just one on-site registration day on October 15th at the Hemby Bridge Football Field.  The on-site location is tentative at this time, though.  So, check with their website regularly to find out if it changes.

South Charlotte Recreation Association - For more than 40 years, the SCRA has served the youth of the South Charlotte area.  Practices for winter season will begin November 9th.  Online registration is currently in effect.  So, don’t hesitate!

South Park Youth Association – Both boys and girls are welcome to join the SPS Basketball League.  Online registration ends November 8th.  Evaluations will take place at Quail Hollow Middle School on November 6th to determine the skill level of each player.

Stewards of the Game – This interfaith basketball league believes in teaching life lessons along with their sports program.  All kids ages 5-16 can sign up until November 4th online.  The first practice is set to begin on Monday, November 21st.

Wesley Chapel Weddington Athletic Association – Online registration is currently open.  But, space is limited, so they suggest you sign up quickly.  Skills evaluations will take place at Marvin Ridge Middle School (2831 Crane Rd, Waxhaw, NC) on October 22nd, 23rd, 29th and 30th.

Yes I Can Basketball – Instead of only focusing on team offense and defense, Yes I Can coaches devote a good portion of practice to developing the talents of each individual player.  This has helped them build a reputation as Charlotte’s premiere youth basketball league. The girls’ winter leagues (ages 8-10 & ages 11-13) begin December 11th while the boys’ winter leagues (ages 8-10 & ages 11-13) begin December 10th.  Online registration is currently underway.

Help combat childhood obesity and teach your children how to work as a team by joining up with one of the kids basketball clubs in Charlotte, NC.  There is sure to be one available near you.

Robin Husney, Your Charlotte NC Real Estate Specialist

Discovery Place (301 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC) – Kids get a real hands-on experience at the Discovery Place.  Science is fun and entertaining here.  The Explore More labs allow kids to conduct their very own science experiments in a completely safe, informative environment.  You can even put yourself and the kids in a movie in the Discovery Place’s IMAX Dome Theatre.

Charlotte Nature Museum – Located next to Freedom Park and operating in conjunction with the Discovery Place, visitors can walk amongst the butterflies, see live animals, watch puppet shows and engage in a number of hands-on activities every single day.

US National Whitewater Center (5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte, NC) – The Catawba River can be your playground.  You can go whitewater rafting, zip line, mountain bike, kayak, paddle board and much more at the US National Whitewater Center.  The latest attraction, the Canopy Tour, takes you up amongst the trees, where you zip line from platform to platform high above the ground.  The River’s Edge Bar and Grill is a great place to have dinner after a day of fun in the sun.  Every Thursday during the summer, you can enjoy live music at the Whitewater River Jam concert series.

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden (6500 S New Hope Rd, Belmont, NC) – Named one of the country’s 20 Great Gardens by HGTV, the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden offers more than a stroll amongst the flowers.  Learn about photography, floral design, local wildlife and more.  The Orchid Conservatory showcases orchids and other tropical plants inside its glasshouse, the only one of its kind in the area.

NASCAR Hall of Fame (440 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Charlotte, NC) – Since Charlotte is home base for most of the teams in NASCAR, it’s only fitting that the NASCAR Hall of Fame calls Charlotte home as well.  Learn about the history of the sport, the pioneers and the legends, enjoy interactive exhibits, view cars from races past and even get a bite to eat at the Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant located on-site.

Carowinds (I77 & 14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC) – Charlotte’s premier theme park, Carowinds offers 122 acres of family fun.  In addition to the thrilling roller coaster rides, attendees can get soaked in the Boomerang Bay water park, watch live stage shows and eat at any of over 30 restaurants.  It’s a full day of fun you won’t want to miss.

As you can see, there are many things to do in Charlotte NC this summer.  These are just a few ideas to keep you busy.  If you want more information on what else Charlotte has to offer, feel free to contact me.  Have a great summer!

Robin Husney, Your Charlotte NC Real Estate Specialist

Sunday, May 29, 2011
US National Whitewater Center (5000 Whitewater Center Parkway) – Begins at 3pm.  This free event features live music from Trampled by Turtles (a combo of bluegrass and folk music), The Apache Relay (indie music sensation) and American Aquarium (Raleigh’s own alt-country band with a bit of rock & roll thrown in).

Monday, May 30, 2011
Patriot Festival, Symphony Park at SouthPark (4400 Sharon Rd) – From 9am to 5pm.  For just $10 per person ages 6 and older, $5 per military service member (with ID) and free to kids under 6, enjoy live music, military exhibitions, a rib competition and picnic, a 5K run in honor of wounded military members and a special tribute to our troops that ends with an honor salute and playing of Taps.

Forest Lawn Cemetery (4601 Freedom Dr) - At 11am, there will be a salute and tribute to veterans we lost as well as others in attendance.

Huntersville Memorial Day Celebration (Birkdale Village, 8712 Lindholm, Huntersville, NC) - At 6:30pm, the North Mecklenberg High School Junior ROTC Cadets will hold a special flag folding presentation.  Additionally, special guest speaker retired USMC Captain Lee Sargent a Vietnam Veteran will be on hand along with Mayor Jill Swain, the Huntersville Police Department’s Honor Guard, local boy scouts and American Legion Post 321.  This event is free to the public.

No matter which Memorial Day event in Charlotte NC you choose to attend, make sure to thank any military service member you see for all they do to serve our country.  They are real American heroes and should be treated as such.  Happy Memorial Day, everyone!

Robin Husney, Your Charlotte NC Real Estate Specialist

The April 2011 Market Report for Charlotte NC real estate is in.

Inventory levels have gone down an average of 16.5% throughout the Charlotte NC region, indicating that the area may be experiencing a slight rebound.  Lower inventory means that supply and demand levels are starting to climb back into a better balance.  As of April 2011, Union County’s inventory was 19.4% lower than the previous year, with the median sales price at $171,000 (a 10% decrease from April 2010).  The south-southeast area of Mecklenburg County saw their inventory decrease by 20.8% while the median sales price for a home in the area increased to $283,328 (a 15.2% increase from the same time last year).  The southern area of Mecklenburg County experienced a 22.3% decrease in inventory while the median sales price decreased 8.8% to $255,000.

Another bit of good news for the Charlotte NC real estate market is that the number of foreclosures and short sales on the market have decreased as well.  In fact, foreclosure sales were down 28.3% in Union County, 29.5% in the SSE Mecklenburg County and a whopping 43.6% in the southern section of Mecklenburg County.  Newer foreclosure and short sale listings continue to come on the market.  However, they are beginning to show up at a slower pace than in the past, which is another indicator of a market that is possibly beginning to come around.

It is still a great time to buy or sell your Charlotte NC home.  While inventory is lower than last year, there are still plenty of Charlotte homes to choose from that will fit your needs.  And springtime continues to be one of the best times of the year to sell your home.  Please contact me if you need help buying or selling a Charlotte NC property.

Robin Husney, Your Charlotte NC Real Estate Specialist

The featured entertainment at Alive After Five’s Block Party will be Party on the Moon.  Named the #1 corporate and private party band in America, Party on the Moon plays music ranging from classic rock to current dance, 80s music, disco/funk, Motown, swing and even today’s country hits.  Their high energy show is sure to get everyone on their feet.  So, make sure to strap on your dancing shoes and get your voice ready to sing along.

The featured act for the first official Alive After Five event on Wednesday, May 11th, will be Skate Rink Jukebox, a local Charlotte band that offers music “from Willie to Prince and everything in between”.  Comprised of musicians Donnie Marshall (on drums), Carey Sims (vocals and guitar), Joe Lindsay (on guitar and vocals) and Rick Blackwell (on bass and vocals), Skate Rink Jukebox tailors their performances to the listeners.  They are sure to please.

There will be a free valet service available at the Piedmont Town Center Parking Garage.  However, if you and your group don’t have a designated driver, you may want to consider using the LYNX Blue Line Light Rail to get to and from the event.  Remember that you can have fun, but please act responsibly as well.

Come to Charlotte’s Piedmont Town Center to celebrate Alive After Five with their Block Party on Friday, May 6, 2011.  Enjoy live entertainment, tasty beverages and fun with friends.  Follow them on Twitter or check out their Facebook page to keep up with the latest news.

Robin Husney, Your Charlotte NC Real Estate Specialist