It's been longer than I like between posts, but I have been watching with interest the effects decisions in Washington are having on our futures, and what is being done or promised with our money.  Some of the measures I advocated last August in the wake of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac failing, are finally being done.  Maybe not as far reaching as it could to get the real estate market turned around, but enough to benefit a lot of home buyers and, consequentially, sellers. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is providing tax credits for home buyers that have not owned a home as a primary residence for 3 years, otherwise referred to as first time buyers.  This is not a permanent program, but offers a generous short term window of opportunity to take advantage of three things... 03/07/2009

Copyright 2009 monroescoop.com Union County, NC 28110 Snow in the Carolinas! A 2nd time this year!   Twitter Friend @SteveSherron, of the Monroe Scoop took some of my simple shots, taken with my i-Phone and made this little video.  This is my farm, Blessing Hill, located in Waxhaw, North Carolina.  I love the outdoors and even when it snows, I like to be out  "in it."  One of the great things about Waxhaw, is that there are many scenic farms, and  beautiful parks, like Cane Creek  where you can enjoy the great outdoors, and scenic views.  And yes, we do REALLY have four seasons.  These shots are proof!  I hope all of you take time out of your busy day, to stop and look around you, and enjoy the great outdoors.  Have a great day!   P.S.  Please check out Steve's site at the Monroe Scoop... 02/05/2009

Charlotte Real Estate Price drops Top 10 Reduced Homes in South Charlotte & Union County (Area 5, Area 10) Last Updated: Thursday, January 20, 2009 $1,999,999 Pellyn Wood $699,000 Myers Park $1,450,000 Old Foxcroft $1,149,000 Myers Park $399,000 Myers Park Reduced by: $399,901 (16.6%) Reduced by: $100,900 (12.6%) Reduced by: $200,000 (12.5%) Reduced by: $150,000 (11.5%) Reduced by: $51,000 (11.3%) $400,000 None $62,900 None $53,500 None $359,900 Stonebridge $849,900 Chatelaine Reduced by: $550,000 (55.8%) Reduced by: $31,600 (33.4%) Reduced by: $26,400 (33.0%) Reduced by: $119,100 (31.4%) Reduced by: $300,100 (26%) Come back weekly to view the biggest price drops of the week! Keith is a Realtor with Wilkinson & Associates in the South Charlotte area. He is a member of the National, Nort... 01/21/2009

Do you want to know how the Waxhaw NC real estate market fared in 2008? This post will summarize the 2008 real estate sales for the town as a whole plus report on the most active neighborhoods within the Town of Waxhaw. 2008 Real Estate Market Report for Waxhaw NC Single Family Homes Number of Sales:  156   Price Range:  $84,000 to 644,990   Average Heated Area:  2815  sf   Average Price:  $307,668   Average Days on Market: 109 Townhouses and Condos Number of Sales:  12  Price Range:  $118,000 to $180,850   Average Heated Area:  1334 sf   Average Price:  $157,134   Average Days on Market:  113     Most Active Neighborhoods in Waxhaw NC 2008 Single Family Neighborhoods Harrison Park  Years Built:  2002-2008 Number of Sales:  22   Price Range:  $102,275 to $188,000   Average Heated Area: ... 01/15/2009

Cureton is the newest walkable neighborhood in Waxhaw, NC, once an historic railroad town in a rural setting of horse farms and rolling farmland.  Located on 380 acres at the intersection of Providence and Cuthbertson Roads just north of downtown Waxhaw, Cureton is designed to be a mixed use development of retail shops, offices and homes.  The neighborhood, consisting of both single family homes and townhomes, has something for everyone.  Walk to the grocery store or one of the restaurants in the retail center.  Enjoy the 4000 sq.ft. amenity center at the entrance to the neighborhood.  The clubhouse includes a library, kitchen and a fitness center.  A junior olympic pool and a playground complete the outdoor amenities.  Walking trails through the natural areas separating the residential... 12/28/2008

Charlotte Area Featured Listings Waxhaw, NC Town Data Town: Waxhaw Year Established: 3,600 County: Union Est. Population: 3,600 Population Per Sq. Mile: 1256 Schools Est. Household Income: $66k Median Resident Age: 32.7 Est. Home Price: $201,000 Miles From Charlotte: 20 Walk Score Zip Code(s): 28173 Nearby Towns: Weddington, Marvin, Mineral Springs, Lake Wylie, Wesley Chapel, Monroe, Indian Trail Waxhaw, NC is located just south of the city of Charlotte and has a population of just fewer than 4,000. Its lower taxes, beautiful landscape and quality schools have made it one of the Charlotte areas leading places to live. Beautiful homes, rapidly growing commercial and retail real estate has made convenience and job growth strong points for Waxhaw as well. With an average family income of ... 12/09/2008

Nothing speaks so earnestly of Waxhaw NC market as the facts. As a local realtor, I closely watch the market in Waxhaw, NC, a suburb of the Charlotte Metro Area. I report the number of houses for sale by price, as well as the number of days per neighborhood required to sell each home. I update this quarterly; however, with the slow-down noticed around the presidential election, I researched a special post-election edition. Enjoy this FREE Home Sales & Marketing Resource. By Cindy Sweeney      http://www.cinsweeney.com Homes for sale zip code 28173:   29  $150,000-$200,000       47  $201,000-$250,000          67   $251,000-$300,000   74   $301,000-$350,000       81  $351,000-$400,000          58  $401,000-$450,000                     43  $451,000-$500,000       33  $501,000-$550,000     ... 12/06/2008

Why is Lawson's community clubhouse and amenity center reminiscent of a historic mill? The answer to this question is found in the history of the land where this Waxhaw NC neighborhood is under construction.  In fact, the developers named the community after John Lawson, an English naturalist who followed an ancient Indian trading path to the land of the Waxhaw Indians and in 1701 described the area as "Lower Providence, a land set apart."  Lawson's developers asked the Trading Paths Association (TPA) to evaluate the land prior to development.  The TPA discovered a place called "Five Forks", which was the spot where five ancient roads met above a mill site called Howard's Mill.  It is believed that a small settlement thrived at Five Forks in the mid-1700s. Lawson Community Plan and Amen... 12/03/2008

FEATURED LISTINGS Providence Downs and Providence Downs South are two adjoining luxury home communities about 1 mile south of the city limits of Charlotte in Waxhaw. This large multi-phased luxury community offers large home sites averaging nearly 1 acre in size. Many of the leading luxury home builders in the south Charlotte area have signed on as preferred builders at Providence Downs. With a very high ranked school system, great community features and beautiful community layout, Providence Downs is high on the list of places to live for families looking for luxury living. Community: Providence Downs (South) Price Range: $400's to $2.5 Million Location: Waxhaw, South of Charlotte County: Union Community Description: (South) Gated, Amenities: Club House, Playground, Pool, Recreation A... 10/25/2008

Visit historic Waxhaw NC in October and discover a number of fun and interesting things to do.   Autumn Treasures Fine Arts/Crafts Festival Stroll the streets of downtown Waxhaw NC during the second weekend in October.  Here are some things that you can do and see.   Browse the arts and crafts booths.   Shop for antiques. Listen to music.  See Waxhaw's fire engines. Museum of the Waxhaws The Museum of the Waxhaws is located just a half mile from downtown Waxhaw NC.  This museum documents the history of the Waxhaw region from 1650 to 1900.  Exhibits tell the story of the Waxhaw Indians, the area's first inhabitants, the culture of the Scots-Irish settlers who came after the Indians, Revolutionary War battles in the area, Civil War battles, the history of schools and education in the back... 10/13/2008

FEATURED LISTINGS WOODHALLWoodhall is an elegant gated equestrian themed community in Waxhaw, South of Charlotte. Residents enjoy large home sites ranging from one to two acres in sizes as well as a number of different amenities for the whole family to enjoy. If you are looking for prestige, gated privacy, large home sites and beautiful homes, Woodhall is a community you should take a look at. If you are interested in purchasing a home at this community contact: Charlottes Luxury home specialist Craig R. LePage at 704-618-2412 Community: Woodhall Price Range: $500's to $3 Million Location: Waxhaw / South of Charlotte County: Union Community Description: Gated, Equestrian   Amenities: Club House, Equestrian Facilities, Gated Community, Playground, Pool, Recreation Area, Tennis Courts   ... 07/21/2008

FEATURED LISTINGS Sedgefield is a beautiful gated community in Waxhaw south of Charlotte. This Private Gated Luxury Community offers stunning homes on large home sites. Residents enjoy the tranquil sites around the community pond and heavily wooded home sites. Prices at Sedgefield range from $900k to $5 Million. For further information or a personal tour of homes at Sedgefield, contact:  Charlotte's Luxury Home Specialist Craig R. LePage at 704-618-2412. Community: Sedgefield Price Range: $900's to $5 Million Location: Waxhaw / South of Charlotte County: Union Community Description: Gated Private   Amenities: Pond, Gated Entry   Home Site Sizes: 2 to 5 Acres Number of Home Sites: N/A Sq. Ft. Range: 4800 to 9500 Architectural Review: Yes Home Styles: Old World, Mediterainian, Transition... 07/19/2008

I can assist you with all your Waxhaw real estate needs. 07/07/2008

If you are considering selling your home in the Waxhaw area, please consider using a Realtor who actually lives, works and plays in Waxhaw, like myself. 07/05/2008

FEATURED LISTINGS Kingsmead is a luxury home community located in Waxhaw just south of Charlotte. It convenient location offers suburban life with just a short drive into downtown Charlotte. Excellent Union Country taxes and quality schools lay the ground work for families looking for the perfect place to settle. Home sites average about 0.4 acres and homes prices range from $700's to $1.25 Million. Residents enjoy over 90 acres of green space, fishing pond, walking trails, Basketball Courts, Pool, Club House, Children's Playground and Tennis Courts. For further information about Kingsmead luxury home community contact: Charlotte Luxury Home Specialist Craig R. LePage  at 704-618-2412   Community: Kingsmead Price Range: $800's to $1.25 Million Location: Waxhaw / South of Charlotte Coun... 06/15/2008

FEATURED LISTINGS Providence Downs and Providence Downs South are two adjoining luxury home communities about 1 mile south of the city limits of Charlotte in Waxhaw. This large multi-phased luxury community offers large home sites averaging nearly 1 acre in size. Many of the leading luxury home builders in the south Charlotte area have signed on as preferred builders at Providence Downs. With a very high ranked school system, great community features and beautiful community layout, Providence Downs is high on the list of places to live for families looking for luxury living. Community: Providence Downs (South) Price Range: $400's to $2.5 Million Location: Waxhaw, South of Charlotte County: Union Community Description: (South) Gated,   Amenities: Club House, Playground, Pool, Recreation... 06/07/2008

Buying real estate is a tricky business, and buying real estate in Waxhaw, NC is no exception. When you're looking to purchase a home, a storefront or an apartment complex in this quaint country community there are a few things you should know before you sign on the dotted line.Waxhaw, located about 30 miles away from Charlotte, NC, is a living, breathing piece of history. Originally settled by the Waxhaw Indians and established by Scot-Irish and German immigrants in the 1700s, Waxhaw has grown and transformed from a small coastal community into one of the largest dining centers in the state. Visitors and residents alike will be able to enjoy its vast array of bistros, fine dining restaurants and good ol' fashioned soul food, as well as the swiftly growing industry that has taken Waxhaw... 04/30/2008

Underwriting rules are being modified just as quickly as mid-day rate prices.  Compensating factors and exceptions for income, debt ratio, credit or down-payment that used to be the "norm" may still be listed in investor's guidelines, but are unlikely to pass underwriting.  Automated underwriting is only the first step for approval.  After automated underwriting the file goes to a live underwriter, which is where new rules that haven't even been entered in the automated machines yet are being enforced.Prepare your clients in 3 ways by suggesting for them to:•1)       check their credit at http://www.annualcreditreport.com/ or http://www.myfico.com/ and gather payoff letters to prove any inaccurate credit reporting •2)       gather the most recent 30 days' paystubs, 2 yrs W2s and tax ret... 04/15/2008

Waxhaw is trying to preserve its historic appeal--one of its most often cited desirable features--by creating a historical district. In essence, any historic home owners would be restricted from certain architectural and physical changes. Waxhaw's historic downtown has been established for over 100 years and town leaders are hoping to both capitalize on that point and also maintain the tradition as a trademark for the area. Visit: http://www.charlotte.com/union/story/539065.html to read an article about the movement. 03/18/2008

Time For Fence Sitters to Jump OffInventories are beginning to drop with builders in the area and sales are starting to improve.  Why is this coming about when the press still talks doom and gloom?  Market forces.  Interest rates have showed signs of creeping up an little bit, and when inventories go down, prices adjust as well.  Speculators of further interest rate declines will notice the reversal and begin buying before they lose the advantage they have been waiting for.As builders inventory from last year fall, their prices will see the normal annual adjustments we have always come to expect in the begining of a new year.  These inventory homes will no longer be in significant competitions with resale homes, and this will begin a gradual shift in what is now a very weighted buyers m... 03/08/2008