In years past, Charlotte's most elaborate outdoor living spaces were, if you'll pardon the pun, decked out. They featured elaborate architecture, expansive paved areas, and fixtures and finishes that rivaled the finest gourmet kitchens. As the economy and times have changed, the way homeowners view their outdoor living spaces has also been transformed. Homeowners are taking a conservative approach and undertaking projects that stretch their home improvement dollars. Fortunately, a well-planned outdoor living area remains a wise investment. Why? Because pragmatic outdoor living spaces are money well spent. If your backyard is designed for entertaining, you'll be more likely to have friends over, instead of going out. You may opt for a staycation instead ... Continue reading article →

Like many other things, custom homes have changed dramatically over the past few years. Not so very long ago, some Charlotte-area homeowners looked at custom homes as short-term investments – something to be built, enjoyed for a few years, and then flipped – typically at a considerable profit. A much tougher resale market and economic uncertainties have more people opting to stay in their homes longer these days. Yes, new custom homes are definitely being built in Charlotte, but in many cases, the people who are building them are taking a longer-term view. So how is that impacting the type of homes being built? Here’s a look at the top trends that we’ve seen in Charlotte’s ... Continue reading article →

So you're ready to take the plunge and build the custom home of your dreams? Before you dive in, it's essential to find the right builder to faithfully execute your plans. Unlike assembling a tract home, which entails building essentially the same structure over and over again, building a custom home requires a builder with a special slate of talents. Here are a few of the qualities you should look for when you are determining who you will entrust with your dreams: Legitimacy. It goes without saying that anytime you hire a contractor, you need to verify his credentials. Check the Better Business Bureau and professional groups like NARI for any complaints, make sure that the builder has all necessary licenses and insurances in place, ... Continue reading article →

As the weather warms and we begin to see some signs of economic improvement on the horizon, many people's thoughts are starting to turn toward a new home. Many clients have asked us if it makes sense to buy an existing home, opt for a deal on a new or foreclosed spec, or build a custom home. For a whole host of reasons, we believe that this might be the ideal time to consider building a custom home. Here are a few advantages of building custom now: Get exactly what you want If you truly want a home that really suits your lifestyle with a well-thought out layout and is designed around your tastes, nothing compares to custom. Oftentimes, people consider buying a home that’s a ... Continue reading article →

There are so many bargains out there, but do you really know what you are getting into purchasing a short sale or foreclosure' If you don't, I would highly recommend hiring a Union County REALTOR® who is experienced in these types of transactions, to guide you through what could be a long and arduous process. I would never recommend a buyer to "go it alone," without expert help. First of all price. The price that is often listed on short sales and foreclosures, mayor may NOT be the actual price the bank or lender will accept. Don't think you can go in and ask for 30-50% off the listing price, when ... Continue reading article →

One of the unintended effects of the recent financial crisis is that many homeowners are opting to fund necessary renovation projects out of pocket instead of taking out a loan. When every penny that is invested in a project is, shall we say, more personal, homeowners are often less likely to indulge in those little “extras” that normally would be financed over a period of years. Yet if you scrimp on items that will make a real difference in your comfort, enjoyment or the functionality of your space, you actually may be sabotaging the success of your renovation. So where does it make sense to save or splurge when your renovation budget is coming out of pocket? Here are a few ideas when ... Continue reading article →