Did you know that Saint Patrick's Day is a national holiday in Ireland where residents feast? I love it when the Chicago River and Savannah River turn the rivers green with dye. They use the dye that is normally used to find leaks in the sewer and water systems. The cities also use the tugboats to spray the green water up in the air. Savannah, GA especially gets pretty crazy and has a huge festival on River Street. Lake Norman folks usually celebrate at the Galway Hooker Irish Pub, here in Cornelius, NC. It's located on Kenton Place and they put out outdoor tents to accomodate a large number of celebraters!   There are parades all over the World, celebrating St. Patty's day, dating back to 1762 in the US! HAPPY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY! Sandy Aichner, GRI, ABR, Broker,REALTOR RE/MAX Executiv... 03/17/2009

Norman's Grille Now Open! After nearly 8 weeks of waiting, it was official last week! They have now opened.  And it was well worth the wait.  The food speaks for itself! **They are located at the intersection of West Catawba and Jetton Road  between the new Aquesta and Community One banks "Premium Hand-Cut Certified Angus Beef, Fresh Seafood & Creative Specialties" Norman's Grille offers inspired, innovative cuisine, prepared by chef-proprietor Robert N. Coles, in an intimate, relaxed atmosphere. At Norman's Grille you may enjoy dining at the wine bar or be seated in a comfortable leather booth or on the outdoor patio. Norman's Grille specializes in the tenderest dry-aged beef grilled to perfection, the best fresh seafood and creative specialties. Accompanied by top notch service and an... 03/16/2009

  The more I study about "green", energy efficiency and "high performance homes" the more ways I have discovered for making serious upgrades to existing homes.  While you may not be able to attain a LEED rating for your Lake Norman home, you can make significant improvements today!   Evaluating the Existing Structure The very first thing a homeowner should do is hire a professional to evaluate your home in the following four areas: The Thermal Envelope The Moistrue Barrier Mechanical Systems Structural Defects The Thermal Envelope Basically, this assessment involves testing the drywalls, ceilings and floors for leaks using such methods as the blower door test which depressurizes your house and calculates how much air leakage there is and where.  Common solutions include sealing cracks ... 03/16/2009

  Active Listings By Price Ranges (Cornelius, NC/LKN)  So you’re interested in relocating to Cornelius, NC; also known as a part of the popular Lake Norman area. One of the largest and prestiges neighborhoods in Cornelius is The Peninsula. Other neighborhoods such as: Sterling Pointe, Wrights Emerald Cove, Shadowcreek, & Connor Quay have followed.  Wondering about the list prices of the area….wonder no more! Because I have that information for you. As of March 13, 2009 there are 385 single family homes listed on Carolina MLS. The highest price is $4,950,000 and the lowest price is $49,900. The graph below shows how many houses are listed within various price ranges.   About the author: Teresa Harris is a Lake Norman Residential Real Estate Broker who can assist you with the purchase and... 03/13/2009

Have you been looking for a place to get your hair cut or done in the Lake Norman area? Signature Style is a really great place. They just had their new grand opening at thier new location. My stylist is Jeannie and she is amazing! I have referred several people to her and everyone is extremely happy with their hairdo afterwards. I get a ton of compliments on my hair all the time, so I thought I would give a shout out to this great place and the people that work there! Need an appointment? Well good hair stylists are hard to find, so make your appointment with plenty of time in advance.  Here is a link to a coupon for $5 off a hair cut and style (expires march 15) Call now! 704-895-9844 20035 Jetton Road Cornelius, NC 28031 (near McAlister's Deli) Sandy Aichner, GRI, ABR, Broker,REALTO... 03/12/2009

Just minutes from Birkdale Village and an easy ride into Charlotte, Sterling Pointe is a desirable lake community with beautiful views and waterfront lots on Lake Norman. to see Sterling Pointe real estate currently for sale in Cornelius. Homes in this subdivision tend to range from $541,000 to $1,164,000. Therefore, with Terra Vista Realty’s 1.5% cash rebate, we can pay you from about $8,100 to $17,500 to buy a house in Sterling Pointe through us. Houses in this neighborhood generally range from about 3000 to 5000 square feet. Below is additional information on Sterling Pointe in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina... Neighborhood Amenities: Playground,Walking TrailsApproximate Lot Sizes: 0.23 - 0.457 acresBuilders: Tegland BrownHome Styles: Cape Cod, Traditional, TransitionalKey Roads:... 03/11/2009

This beautiful lake community offers condo and single family homeowners with lake access and boat ramps.  to see Biscayne Bay real estate currently for sale in Cornelius. Homes in this subdivision tend to range from $329,500 to $800,000. Therefore, with Terra Vista Realty’s 1.5% cash rebate, we can pay you from about $4,900 to $12,000 to buy a house in Biscayne Bay through us. Houses in this neighborhood generally range from about 3100 to 4100 square feet. Below is additional information on Biscayne Bay in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina... Neighborhood Amenities: LakeApproximate Lot Sizes: 0.45 - 0.595 acresHome Styles: Traditional, TransitionalKey Roads: Rainbow CIR, Lagoona DR or Biscayne DRZIP Code: 28031Approximate Homes Sales Annually: 1 I can help you find the home you want an... 03/11/2009

Located on the Cornelius/Davidson line, Antiquity offers easy access to the shops, restaurants and amenities of both of these desirable Lake Norman communities.  to see Antiquity real estate currently for sale in Cornelius. Homes in this subdivision tend to range from $280,800 to $493,600. Therefore, with Terra Vista Realty’s 1.5% cash rebate, we can pay you from about $4,200 to $7,400 to buy a house in Antiquity through us. Houses in this neighborhood generally range from about 2200 to 3300 square feet. Below is additional information on Antiquity in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina... Neighborhood Amenities: Pool,Recreation AreaApproximate Lot Sizes: 0.065 - 0.16 acresBuilders: Cunnane Group, Meeting Street HomesHome Styles: Colonial, GeorgianKey Roads: South ST, Advocates CT, Chape... 03/11/2009

Cornelius Ranks on Business Week's 2009 Best Affordable Suburbs  State by state, the most affordable suburbs that offer the lowest crime rate, finest schools, and best quality of life for the dollarHousing prices across the nation are being flattened by the worst economic crisis in decades. But it's still not necessarily easy to find affordable suburbs with good schools, low crime, reasonable commutes, strong economies and a good quality of life. That's where BusinessWeek can help. We've selected one affordable suburb near the biggest city in each state where residents can find the best quality of life for their money in 2009.#7) Cornelius, North CarolinaNearest major city: CharlottePopulation: 17,290Median household income: $87,016Median home price: $206,000Unemployment rate: 3.3%Viol... 03/09/2009

Mecklenburg County, Charlotte, NC Real Estate Housing Statistics for ZIP Code 28202 Week Ending March 7, 2009 From Michael "CURLY" Curl, Real Estate Broker, REALTOR®, Buyer Agency, Listing Agent and Real Estate Investment Consultant Email me at: curly@cbunited.com       Visit my website at: http://www.cbunited.com/curly 704-724-4441 Subject: Charlotte, NC Real Estate Market Conditions for ZIP Code 28202 Charlotte, NC Real Estate As a REALTOR®, Broker with Coldwell Banker UNITED, REALTORS® I continuously monitor local real estate statistics to keep my clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends. Following, you will find ZIP Code 28202 real estate statistics for the Week Ending March 7, 2009. Number of New Listings for Single Family homes in Charlotte ZIP Code 28202--- NONE Avera... 03/09/2009

Lake Norman, North Carolina... ...is one of Charlotte's finest crown jewels. It is located just north of the city and is accessible by road or highway. On a fine summer day, the lake is spotted with the boats of lake goers who are fishing, swimming, or just enjoying the sun. It borders: Huntersvillle, Cornelius, Davidson, Mooresville, Troutman, Sherrills Ford, and Denver NC.   There are also a handful of parks that edge on Lake Norman. They are heavily forested, pedestrian friendly and never lack things for people to do. One of those parks is Jetton Park located on the Peninsula in Cornelius, NC          The next time you're down this way, be sure to stop in.               There are plenty of places to sit and enjoy the scenery here at the lake.               You and your children will... 03/08/2009

LAKE NORMAN | CORNELIUS | MOORESVILLE | DAVIDSON | MOORESVILLE | DENVER, NC - HOMES, CONDOS, TOWNHOMES FOR RENT LAKE NORMAN REAL ESTATE FOR RENT With the economy and the home structure the way it is today, people are now looking for places to rent rather than purchase because they are not ready to buy at this time.  It is that along with the feeling that they cannot qualify for a mortgage.  As we know...the dreams of owning a home are starting to become lost.  But there are other options to be had and today we are seeing a big change in the Long Term Rental Market in the Lake Norman area.  Our Lake Norman rental market is now changing.  Many Lake Norman Condos and Lake Norman Home owners are eager to bring in renters so that they can have money coming in to help pay their mortgages as i... 03/02/2009

Lake Norman Wine Enthusiasts Meet fellow Lake Norman (LKN) Wine Enthusiasts near you! Come to a local Wine Meetup to taste new wines; learn about noses and legs; and discuss great vintages and estates. We may have some tasting sessions, an opening information session by a local sommelier, or just have a few glasses, some cheese, and talk! Everyone over 21 years of age is welcome, from new bouquet-sniffers to educated connoisseurs. Wine Drinking and Dancing Entertainment - Cornelius - Havana BBFriday, March 13, 2009 at 7:00PM Wow! this is one of the coolest events EVER!!! I spoke with the management at Havana Banquet & Ballroom, and they would love to host our Lake Norman Wine Club! They want to provide some wine, fun, and entertainment --including a professional DANCE performance! We a... 02/26/2009

Wondering what the condo market is like in Cornelius, NC as of February 23, 2009? Here are the current stats taken from the Carolina Multiple Listing Service: 46 Condos on the market in Cornelius, NC, ranging in price from $124,900-$450,000. Some of these include a deeded boat slip! Ask me for details. Neighborhoods include:   Terraces at Oakhurst Twin Oaks Alexander Chase Admiral's Quarters Windward Edinburgh Square Schooner Bay Dockside Bayshore Commodore's Landing Harborside Villages at Harborside The Moorings Harborgate (one of my favorites) Half Moon Bay King's Point Baybridge Average condos square footage ranged from 1100-1400, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, $219,563, with 147 days on market. Condos usually sell faster during the summer months! If you are interested in more condo informati... 02/23/2009

  January 2007, 2008, & 2009 Single Family Stats Cornelius, NC (Lake Norman) Okay, here is the Single Family Stats for Cornelius for the three January's. If you have read my blog already you know that I like stats!   Anyhow do to the current market conditions I thought it would be interesting to keep up with what real estate sales in January 2009 looked against January 2008 and January 2007. So here's some interesting stats of single family sales in Cornelius, NC (Lake Norman); going back to January 2007, January 2008, and January 2009. All figures were taken from Carolina Multiple Listing Services.    I hope that if you are thinking of buying and/or selling in the Cornelius area that you will find these figures helpful. If you are thinking of moving to the Lake Norman ~ Charlotte areas... 02/12/2009

Featured Listings Cornelius, NC Town Data Located next to the popular town of Huntersville, Cornelius has made a name for itself with its stunning waterfront homes. Cornelius hugs the shoreline of beautiful Lake Norman and has become a very popular place for replacing old lake houses with new high end luxury homes. Residents enjoy what many people think are some of the most spectacular views in all of Lake Norman. New luxury homes at this location, range from the $900's to $4.5 Million. In addition to luxury homes, Cornelius offers a number of newer family oriented communities that start around $175k and go up into the millions. Many new commercial projects are also in the works to serve the surrounding residents and their needs. Cornelius is also known for its quality schools. Explore... 02/10/2009

Goodwill Industries Get your clothes, shoes, cars, kitchen items, etc. that you don't use and donate them NOW!   (Cornelius NC Store) Are you familiar with it? It's a NON-PROFIT company that has helped tons of families and people get jobs and stuff to help them live. Goodwill accepts all kinds of donations and most are tax write-offs (ask your tax preparer to explain). North Carolina Goodwill You can donate goods You can donate cash You can donate cars You can volunteer They also have Career services! Did you know that? They help people of all walks of life to get jobs. Mooresville Location The two Lake Norman locations: One off Catawba Avenue in Cornelius, NC and one off Williamson Rd. in Mooresville, NC Over 2200 locations nationwide. Locate a Store   Sandy Aichner, GRI, ABR, Broker, ... 02/05/2009

As a Realtor in the Cornelius area, I have been following the interesting issue of whether or not vacation rentals should be allowed in Cornelius. It has been a topic that has clearly been bothering some Cornelius residents for quite some time.  I'm not sure how I would feel if I owned a single family home within a residential neighborhood and my neighbor rented their home as a vacation rental.  I suppose it would bother me a little, but now it looks like it won't be bothering anyone that lives in a single family home in Cornelius that is zoned either "neighborhood residential," or "general residential."  For further details about this issue, read the article written by Joe Marusak titled Cornelius bans some vacation rentals. SARA D'AMICO BROKER/REALTOR/ABR SOUTHERN HOMES OF THE CAROLIN... 02/04/2009

I woke up to a blanket of snow on the ground this morning. Icy Roads. Snow covered boats and 20 degree weather. But.....It's SUNNY! We never usually get much snow and I am sure it will melt in a couple days. The trucks are out salting the roads and most people went to work. The Charlotte and Lake Norman area schools closed, so a minor nuisance to some people.  Here are the latest photos  Hannah playing The poolside the snow on the boats Sandy Aichner, GRI, ABR, Broker, REALTOR ~ RE/MAX Executive Realty (704) 746-7513 Lake Norman Real Estate Copyright 2008-2009 by the Author - Sandy Aichner. Call me at: 704.746.7513 for information on purchasing or selling a home in Mooresville, Cornelius, Huntersville, Troutman, Denver, Sherrill's Ford, Catawba, Davidson, or Statesville, North Carolina ... 02/04/2009

Do you love Tea? Cornelius Tea Lovers Group in Lake Norman You don't have to live in Lake Norman to enjoy this fantastic group of tea lovers that just started up. You can go to the website to learn more about the group, see photos of other members, and decide if you want to join!This brand new meetup.com group is called  Serendipi"Tea Time You can meet other local tea lovers in the Lake Norman area. Mix and mingle in a beautifully restored historic home, called 'The Tea House.' Taste teas from around the world and learn about the regions they come from. Learn about the health benefits of tea, blending teas, cooking with tea, & more. New teas and new topics will be presented at each meeting. There are a ton of members in this new group and they have already had their first meetup. So if ... 01/29/2009