Saturday mornings in downtown Matthews NC are a lot of fun.  The fun begins at 7:30 am when the Matthews Farmers Market opens and continues all morning as area chefs, families and neighbors visit the stalls and participate in the activities.  Last Saturday, a beautiful and sunny day, brought many people out to enjoy the opening day of the spring-summer-fall season. The Matthews Farmers Market is located in downtown Matthews NC beside Renfrow Hardware on North Trade Street.  This is the market's eighteenth year of operation and it sells only goods produced within 50 miles of Matthews.  Visiting the market is an event.  A cooking demonstration by a chef of an area restaurant begins at 8:30 am.  These demonstrations are usually crowded and end with free samples for everyone.  This year, an... 04/13/2009

Are shoppers changing their habits? Just ask Matthews, N.C. based Family Dollar how's business? - UP 33% ! Now I know Wal-Mart, and many other discounters are seeing profits rise due to the present economic trends. I am here to say that we in the Charlotte area have a real winner of an employer in Family Dollar. We'll take good news when we can get it and this is good news. Started here in Charlotte and still owned by the Levine family, this is a company, that has been constant over the decades, has stores everywhere. They employ thousands of wonderful professionals and make a significant economic impact in our area. For those new to the area, take a drive down Monroe Road near the highway 51 intersection. They have an impressive facility. The Levine family are great benefactors to our ... 04/08/2009

Matthews NC first time home buyers should take note of a recent IRS press release designed to educate consumers about ways to claim the first time home buyer tax credit available for home purchases in 2008.  According to the press release, the Treasury Department wants taxpayers to maximize their credit and get their money back as soon as possible.  I'm sure that every eligible first time home buyer would agree with Treasury's goals. What are the basic provisions of the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit? Matthews NC first time home buyers can claim up to ten percent of the purchase price up to $8000. The credit amount will be phased out if your adjusted gross income is more than $75,000 for single filers or $150,000 for joint filers. The First Time Home Buyers credit does not have to be ... 04/08/2009

What happened in the Matthews NC real estate market during the first three months of 2009? This post will summarize first quarter real estate sales in Matthews NC plus compare average sold prices with 2008 closed prices. Matthews NC Real Estate Market Report--January to March 2009 Single Family Homes in Matthews NC Number of Sales:  33 Price Range:  $85,000 to $550,000 Average Heated Area:  2253 sq.ft. Average Price:  $201,744 Average 2008 Price:  $250,788      Change: -19% Number of Contracts Pending:  78 Most Active Neighborhood:  Sardis Forest, Somersby Current Active Listings on Market:  183 Townhomes and Condominiums in Matthews NC Number of Sales:  6  Price Range:  $122,000 to $313,942 Average Heated Area:  1753 sq.ft. Average Price:  $236,990 Average 2008 Price:  $253,348    Chan... 04/02/2009

Matthews NC wildlife advocates can be found in abundance every month at the HAWK meeting held at the Matthews Community Center.  HAWK is the Habitat and Wildlife Keepers chapter of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation.  According to their web site, the group is committed to preserving, protecting and restoring wildlife habitat in the southeast section of the Charlotte NC area, which includes Matthews.  Although HAWK lists only 32 members on their site, their monthly meetings attract 50 to 90 people. I've attended two of their meetings this year and highly recommend their programs to anyone interested in Matthews NC wildlife conservation.  The January meeting included a presentation about the Carolina Thread Trail, a proposed network of greenways and trails that would cover fifteen cou... 03/13/2009

Mecklenburg County, Matthews, NC and Charlotte, NC Real Estate Housing Statistics for ZIP Code 28105 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: Matthews and Charlotte, NC Real Estate Market Conditions for ZIP Code 28105 Matthews, 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 28105 real estate statistics for the Week Ending March 7, 2009. Number of New Listings for Single Family homes in Matthews ... 03/09/2009

Mecklenburg County, Matthews, NC and Charlotte, NC Real Estate Housing Statistics for ZIP Code 28105 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: Matthews and Charlotte, NC Real Estate Market Conditions for ZIP Code 28105 Matthews, 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 28105 real estate statistics for the Week Ending March 7, 2009. Number of New Listings for Single Family homes in Matthews ... 03/09/2009

Union County, Matthews, NC Real Estate Housing Statistics for ZIP Code 28104 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: Matthews, NC Real Estate Market Conditions for ZIP Code 28104 Matthews, 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 28104 real estate statistics for the Week Ending March 7, 2009. Number of New Listings for Single Family homes in Matthews ZIP Code 28104--- NONE Average List Pr... 03/09/2009

Union County, Matthews, NC Real Estate Housing Statistics for ZIP Code 28104 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: Matthews, NC Real Estate Market Conditions for ZIP Code 28104 Matthews, 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 28104 real estate statistics for the Week Ending March 7, 2009. Number of New Listings for Single Family homes in Matthews ZIP Code 28104--- NONE Average List Pr... 03/09/2009

Mecklenburg County, Matthews, NC and Charlotte, NC Real Estate Housing Statistics for ZIP Code 28105 Week Ending February 28, 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: Matthews and Charlotte, NC Real Estate Market Conditions for ZIP Code 28105 Matthews, 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 28105 real estate statistics for the Week Ending February 28, 2009. Number of New Listings for Single Family homes in M... 03/01/2009

Mecklenburg County, Matthews, NC and Charlotte, NC Real Estate Housing Statistics for ZIP Code 28105 Week Ending February 28, 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: Matthews and Charlotte, NC Real Estate Market Conditions for ZIP Code 28105 Matthews, 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 28105 real estate statistics for the Week Ending February 28, 2009. Number of New Listings for Single Family homes in M... 03/01/2009

Union County, Matthews, NC Real Estate Housing Statistics for ZIP Code 28104 Week Ending February 28, 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: Matthews, NC Real Estate Market Conditions for ZIP Code 28104 Matthews, 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 28104 real estate statistics for the Week Ending February 28, 2009. Number of New Listings for Single Family homes in Matthews ZIP Code 28104--- NONE Average... 03/01/2009

Union County, Matthews, NC Real Estate Housing Statistics for ZIP Code 28104 Week Ending February 28, 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: Matthews, NC Real Estate Market Conditions for ZIP Code 28104 Matthews, 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 28104 real estate statistics for the Week Ending February 28, 2009. Number of New Listings for Single Family homes in Matthews ZIP Code 28104--- NONE Average... 03/01/2009

Matthews NC first time home buyers have received a nice gift from the IRS.  The recently enacted American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 revised IRS Form 5405 to allow first time home buyers to claim a tax credit either on their 2008 or 2009 tax returns. What should Matthews NC first time home buyers know about the First-time Homebuyer Credit? You may qualify as a first time home buyer even if you've owned a home before.  The IRS considers you a first time home buyer if you and your spouse (if married)  have not owned another principal residence during the last three years.  This three-year period ends on the date of purchase of your new home. The First-time Homebuyer Credit is available if you buy a home before December 1, 2009 but can be claimed on either 2008 or 2009 tax retur... 03/01/2009

Mecklenburg County, Matthews, NC and Charlotte, NC Real Estate Housing Statistics for ZIP Code 28105 Week Ending February 21, 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: Matthews, NC Real Estate Market Conditions for ZIP Code 28105 Matthews, 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 28105 real estate statistics for the Week Ending February 21, 2009. Number of New Listings for Single Family Matthews & Charlotte ZIP... 02/27/2009

Union County, Matthews, NC Charlotte, NC Housing Statistics for ZIP Code 28104 Week Ending February 21, 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: www.cbunited.com/curly 704-724-4441 Subject: Charlotte, NC Real Estate Market Conditions for ZIP Code 28104 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 28104 real estate statistics for the Week Ending February 21, 2009. Number of New Listings for Single Family Charlotte ZIP Code 28104--- NONE Average List Price... 02/27/2009

Matthews NC active adults and seniors have a new option for retirement living.  Epcon Communities is breaking ground at their newest community called The Polo Club at Silver Oaks.  The Polo Club at Silver Oaks is  located at the intersection of Idlewild Road and Stallings Road within the Town of Matthews.  An interchange with I-485 is just a half mile away from the community.  The popular Levine Senior Center is within two miles of the community. The Polo Club at Silver Oaks is Epcon's first age-restricted community in the Charlotte area.  What age-restricted means for Matthews NC active adults is that 80% of the community homeowners must be at least 55 years old.  Homeowners between 50 and 55 can make up the remaining 20% of community purchasers.  No one under the age of 19 will be all... 02/26/2009

My favorite house in historic downtown Matthews NC is the Nancy Reid house.  The small white clapboard house with the turret, front porch loaded with gingerbread, and green shingled roof is familiar to anyone who passes through Matthews.  It evokes an earlier era when Matthews was a very small town indeed. The Reid House was built in 1890. It may be the only Queen Anne Victorian home in downtown Matthews NC and is one of only a few remaining in Mecklenburg County.  It was owned by Dr. Thomas Reed and his wife Ellen.  Dr. Reed practiced medicine in Matthews until he died in 1946.  His youngest daughter, Nancy, inherited the house and lived there until her death in 1986.  After Nancy's death, the house was given to the Matthews Historical Foundation, which maintains the house and grounds.... 02/20/2009

Buyers' market or sellers' market in the small towns to the south of Charlotte NC?  The media would lead you to believe that sellers don't have a prayer in this real estate market.  As I was reviewing the 2008 real estate market in Matthews NC, Mint Hill NC and the small towns of Union County NC recently, I took a look at absorption rate in each area.  I found some surprises in the numbers.  You may be surprised too. First, some background.  What is absorption rate and how do you define a buyers'  market and a  sellers' market?  Absorption rate is a way to calculate how much inventory of homes is selling each month and how many months supply exists in the current market.  Number of sales in the last six months divided by 6 months equals sales per month.  Dividing sales per month into cu... 01/21/2009

Books, computers and people are what I expect to find in my local library.  But on Saturdays, you can find dogs in Matthews NC area libraries! Therapy dogs are part of the children's reading programs in libraries in Matthews NC, Mint Hill NC and Indian Trail NC.  I stopped by the Union West Regional Library in Indian Trail this morning and found two groups of children reading to a golden retriever and a golden-doodle.  Each dog was patiently sitting on the floor next to a child who was reading aloud.  This reading program, designed to help build confidence in children who are embarrassed by their reading skills, has become an extremely popular program in each of these libraries.  Offered two Saturday mornings a month at Indian Trail, the program is called Paws to Read.  Matthews' Tail W... 01/18/2009