10 Easy Holiday Decorating Ideas and Tips

December 13th, 2011

During the holidays, while visiting friends and family, it’s likely you’ll encounter the Christmas over achiever. We all know this person – their house is a beacon, gleaming with countess outdoor lights; their living rooms smell of cinnamon and fresh pine; and every single dish towel, soap tray and candle has been swapped out for its holiday-themed counterpart. Kudos to those who have the energy and time to go all out with seasonal decorations, but unfortunately, most of us don’t have a spare second during the hectic holidays. Between parties and parades, gift buying and baking, we’re swamped.

Give yourself a break this Christmas – while still sprucing up your space for the season – and try a few of these quick and easy holiday decorating ideas and tips.

  1. Use greenery to decorate outdoors. You can pull pine boughs, magnolia leaves and other native greenery from your own backyard and use it to accentuate front doors, mailboxes and porch railings.
  2. Instead of fretting over Christmas candles throughout the holidays, use battery-powered alternatives. In addition to adding the ambience of flickering light throughout your home, these counterparts are safer and require less of your attention.
  3. Buy a few seasonal plants to place about the house. Paper whites and poinsettias are available at nearly every nursery in the Southeast during the holidays.
  4. Fill hurricanes and clear cylinders with colorful ornaments. Use them as simple, elegant centerpieces or coffee table decor.
  5. When baking gingerbread men, make a few extra. Let them dry, and hang them on your tree for vintage appeal. Go truly old fashioned by stringing dried cranberries or popcorn strands around its branches.
  6. Customize your wreaths this season by stretching the frame into an oval shape and adding small pinecones, mini-faux presents, decorative birds or other unique touches that coordinate well with your style.
  7. Focus on one large element. Don’t try to put together an impressive tree, decked out dining table, as well as a few other centralized holiday decorations. Put your energy into one main project and add simple, seasonal touches elsewhere.
  8. Enhance your mantle with basic winter garland. Within minutes, your fireplace is topped with fresh-scented greenery. Intertwine a few mini-Christmas lights for added effect.
  9. Light the walkway to your front door. This can be easily achieved with small, simple solar lights lining the path to your home.
  10. Don’t feel the need to put out every decoration you own. If you put out the rooftop Santa last year, let him stay in the attic this year. Alternate your holiday decorations to get use from them, but save yourself time by displaying only a few items from your collection every Christmas.

Most importantly, decorate your home to please yourself and your family. Although the holidays can get stressful at times, it’s important to focus on what’s truly important.

For more ideas on how to bring the holiday atmosphere into your home, chat with a real estate agent who has seen properties during every season. Give Katie Gray a call at 704.560.9699.

Posted in Charlotte Real Estate, General | No Comments »

Questions to Ask Before Buying a Loft

December 2nd, 2011

Loft properties tend to fall into a “love it or hate it” category. Some people find their wide open spaces, industrial appeal and typically urban locations attractive, while others prefer divided rooms and a more traditional atmosphere within the home.

If you follow the former line of thought and are considering buying a loft in Charlotte, there are several questions you should ask yourself and your Realtor before making your final decision.

Q: Is the loft development complete or will it be phased further?

A: Often, lofts are built within renovated industrial buildings, such as old warehouses and factories. If this is the case, ask your Realtor about phasing. Have all the lofts been built out already, or are there more waiting to be added? Most people don’t want to sink savings into the purchase of a home only to deal with construction chaos for several months or years to follow.

 

Q: How is the loft cooled and heated, and was energy efficiency taken into consideration when it was built?

A: As mentioned, lofts built within expansive industrial spaces have the tendency to be drafty. Plus, the open nature of the loft space itself is not always conducive to efficient heating and cooling. In many loft communities, however, resourceful construction counteracts these less than desirable qualities. Look for double-paned windows; efficiently insulated flooring and walls; and intelligently centralized heating and cooling systems.

 

Q: When I purchase a loft, what will I actually own?

A: In most cases, you can look at a loft community like a condominium community, as many are organized and operated in the same way. Ask your real estate agent to get a list of the literal features you will own when you purchase. Is there a balcony or patio? And if so, is that considered the homeowner’s, or are they seen as common elements?

 

Q: What are the restrictions on customization?

A: When you buy a traditional home, your options to remodel are practically endless. In some lofts, however, there may be some restrictions. If you’re hoping to build a partition or wall to break up the open areas, for example, it may not be allowed if it affects the structural integrity of the space. Plus, adding any room that requires water or plumbing will depend on both the regulations imposed by the development plus available pipeline.

 

Q: Is there a homeowner’s association and / or a monthly assessment?

A: As with a condo community, there may be monthly HOA fees associated with ownership. You could also be assessed fees for maintenance, parking – and be sure to ask about available parking – as well as certain utilities. You’ll want to be aware of all expenses upfront so you can accurately budget before buying a loft.

 

In many ways, buying a loft is like purchasing a traditional property. You’ll want to get an inspection; bring a qualified, reputable Charlotte real estate agent on board; and do all your research before signing your name on the dotted line.

For more advice on buying loft properties, consult experienced Realtor Katie Gray by calling 704.560.9699.

Posted in Charlotte Real Estate, Home Buying Tips | No Comments »

Use Your Garage to Help Sell Your Home

November 14th, 2011

How do you utilize your garage? Is it a room for organized storage, or is there barely enough space to pull your vehicle inside? Is it cluttered? Is it used as a traditional garage? Or, maybe it was turned into a studio or rec room.

Whatever its function, the garage offers several benefits to the homeowner. Among them is the fact that it adds value to the property and can be used to your advantage when selling your home.

Think about ways you can maximize your garage’s potential, and bear in mind what buyers will appreciate in a garage when preparing to show your home.

Organization is vital in a garage. Buyers don’t want to step over debris or make their way around clutter when inspecting the garage.

Keeping things such as household cleaners, paints, yard bags and small tools in a cabinet will give the garage a more spacious, orderly feel.

Ample storage is what many people look for in a garage. Have plenty of wall shelves, moveable bins and cabinet space available. For tools and other items that you use frequently, consider installing a peg board.

Look at your garage’s floor and ceiling. Are there oil smears on the gritty floor and industrial elements exposed above? Consider installing a drop ceiling or using a nice acid wash on the concrete floor to disguise the stains. Much like a basement or crawl space, a garage with a “finished” feel has more appeal and value.

Inspect your garage door. Garage doors that are old, slow and loud are unattractive. Ensure your garage doors rolls up and down smoothly, as well as quietly.

Look at your lighting situation. Many garages have basic fluorescent rods or small bulbs that don’t adequately light the space. Updating your lighting can be an inexpensive and effective way to bring new life into a dim garage.

Let your garage help you sell your home by making it more functional and spacious. For more ideas on how you can better market your home and its features, speak with a reputable Realtor. Call Charlotte real estate agent Katie Gray at 704.560.9699.

 

 

Posted in Home Selling Tips | No Comments »

5 Reasons to Buy Real Estate This Winter

November 5th, 2011

Most people see spring as the ideal season for house hunting. It stays light outside later, the weather is warmer and the market is flooded with potential properties. While shopping for homes during the winter does offer a few challenges, it also provides several benefits to the buyer.

Here are five reasons to hunt for and buy real estate this winter.

  1. Less competition. People are less likely to spend Saturday mornings checking out open houses if they have to trek through snow and ice to get to the front door. Less competition leads sellers to be more highly motivated, plus you have fewer offers to compete against once the time comes to start negotiating price.
  2. Room for negotiation. When sellers are motivated and the interest in the property is low, there is often more room to negotiate the price of the home. One of the biggest benefits of buying real estate in winter is the chance to snag a property for a bargain.
  3. Financing. During the spring, lenders can quickly become overwhelmed and lines of credit clogged because of the sheer number of potential buyers applying for home loans. In most markets, things can move a little quicker during the winter season.
  4. One-on-one time with your agent can be hard to come by if he or she has many other clients. This isn’t likely to be the case during the cold seasons. Enjoy a more personable relationship with your Realtor buy buying real estate in winter.
  5. Inspecting the home. Of course you want to check faucets and look in kitchen cabinets before you purchase a home. Buying during the winter offers extra opportunity to inspect the home. Check for draftiness around windows; ask about the home’s insulation; and inspect the heating system, as well as the hot water heater.

If you’re interested in buying a Charlotte home this winter, be courteous about scheduling viewings around holidays, special occasions and shortened days. To speak with a Realtor about the ins and outs of property hunting in winter, and to discuss the benefits this offers to the buyer, consult Katie Gray by calling 704.560.9699.

Posted in Home Buying Tips | No Comments »

Happenings in Dilworth

October 17th, 2011

One of the most historically-rich, inner-city neighborhoods in Charlotte is without a doubt Dilworth. The 1970s were a time of struggle for this community, but they were also a time of growth, as well as the beginning of some long-standing traditions. The Dilworth Jubilee and Home Tour were born.

The Dilworth Community Development Association says this about the traditions: “In 1973, the Dilworth Jubilee began as a celebration of the diverse place known as Dilworth. The Dilworth Home Tour was an outgrowth of the Jubilee, and, as a 1973 editorial column in The Charlotte News said, “ ‘It was not just an effort to show off, but to share; the home tour, for example, was intended to not only display the products of renovation, but to pass on the secrets and to perhaps infect visitors with the enthusiasm to try it. The City was invited to see not a wax works or museum, but a work very much in progress. The celebration was not just of the place that is Dilworth, but of the human energy that is trying to make of it a Community.’ ”

Today, the Dilworth Home Tour serves to exhibit some of the area’s most historic, diverse and impressive homes. This year, 2011, the 3rd Dilworth Quarterly recapped the featured bungalows, brick ranches and remodeled, traditional homes throughout the area – the construction of most dating back to the early 1900s. If you like what you see and want to learn more about Dilworth real estate, contact experienced Realtor Katie Gray at 704.560.9699.

But it’s not just the homes or the community events that make Dilworth such a great place to live. It’s the people. “There is a good chance that if a pet has been either lost or found nearby, or a new person is moving onto your street, or there is a block party being organized for Halloween, or there is a crime alert…..your block captain might be your best source for information,” notes the DCDA. This is part of the Dilworth Neighborhood Network. Neighbors helping neighbors stay informed. There is also a Men’s Club, a Ladies of Dilworth organization, clubs for children and charity programs in place throughout the community.

Plus, the people of Dilworth are always looking for new and engaging ways to improve their neighborhood. The Dilworth Art Sculpture Project, for example, will be the area’s first public piece of art, slated for installation in 2012. It will incorporate materials salvaged from the community’s old streetcar line – Dilworth is commonly referred to as Charlotte’s first streetcar community – and it will be created by a local, Carolinas-based artist.

The perfect neighborhood doesn’t exist, but Dilworth comes pretty close. It’s progressive but intent on preserving and celebrating its history. It’s smallish, but it’s nearness to the City of Charlotte makes its location ideal. And its residents are involved, communal and dedicated to maintaining Dilworth as a wonderful place to live.

Posted in Dilworth | No Comments »

Charlotte October Event Guide

October 14th, 2011

Charlotte is such a vibrant city. You can see this in its diverse real estate, its progressive communities and its always moving, interacting people. It’s interesting to look at the city of Charlotte from a neighborhood perspective. It’s broken into distinctive, different and very character – filled portions. Some areas center on history, others on art. Some are very urban and modern, while others are surrounded by parks and greenspace. No matter where you live – or if you’re planning a visit to Charlotte this fall – you won’t be disappointed by all the fantastic things October has to offer.

The Arts District

NoDa, commonly referred to as Charlotte’s arts district, has been a thriving artist hub since the creative began flocking there in the 1980s. The community is going all out this October and has several exciting events on the calendar that will give you ample opportunity to express yourself. NoDaWEEN is sure to be a hit with young and old alike.

Free fun begins at 2:00 pm when KIDaWEEN kicks off at NoDa’s Neighborhood Theatre. Dress up the little ones and let them bob for apples, have their faces painted and watch the movie Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, which starts at 3:00 pm. If you’re planning to run the Freaky 5K this year, don’t worry. The event will let out in time for you to grab your running shoes and jump into your costume – that’s right, costumes during this road race are highly encouraged.

As the sun sets on October 29, 2011, folks will hit the NoDa streets donning their favorite Halloween duds to raise funds for the NoDa Neighborhood Association and other notable causes. Registration for the Freaky 5K begins at 5:00 pm – so does costume judging – and the race begins at 6:00 pm.

There are other spooky and fun events planned for NoDaWEEN including dinner and a movie, where attendees can get a thrill watching the 1976 classic Carrie and eating some down-home food catered by Mac’s Speed Shop. Lastly, you can catch the sole midnight showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show in Charlotte on the Neighborhood Theatre’s expansive screen. Come dressed up and either bring your props or buy some onsite. If you don’t understand the connection between props and the watching of this cult-classic, you might do a little research before venturing downtown.

Plaza Midwood

On the Saturday before Halloween, Plaza Midwood’s Fall Crawl will be in full swing. It’s the sixth annual celebration and awareness event serving to both connect neighbors, as well as fight the cankerworm, a danger to the historic area’s tree canopy.

Activities are scheduled all day, and they are free to the public. Starting at 9:00 am at Midwood Park, residents can purchase discounted treebanding supplies. Measure your trees, and bring a bucket or bag to carry home your tanglefoot.

From 11:30 am until noon, kids can parade their best costumes through the streets, eventually landing at Kilgo Church for some fun and safe trunk-o-treating.

From 1:00 until 6:30 pm, Midwood Park will be filled with free entertainment, live music, local artists, food vendors, field games, pumpkin painting, scarecrow stuffing and much more.

If you want to learn about more opportunities to get out, about and involved in Charlotte this season, consult a community-focused real estate agent. Give Katie Gray a call at 704.560.9699

 

Posted in Charlotte Events & Festivals | No Comments »

Make a Fall Checklist – Readying Your Home for Seasonal Transition

September 13th, 2011

When you think of the approaching cool weather, do images of falling leaves, full gutters and heat-chipped paint come to mind? Many people would answer yes. We’ve all bided our time during the summer months because of the heat, or taken vacations, putting housework toward the end of our to-do lists. But as fall approaches, the time for tackling seasonal household chores does, as well.

Make it easy on yourself by putting together a checklist. Organize the list into categories and subcategories, differentiating between small tasks that require relatively little effort and the warrior weekend chores that you’ll need to set aside time to undertake.

Here are some quick guidelines to help you get started.

Begin Outside

The hot, dry Charlotte summer took its toll on your home’s exterior and yard. Think of a few things, big and small, that need sprucing up outdoors.

  • Check gutters before heavy leaf fall begins.
  • Give your patio, porch and appropriate home surfaces a thorough pressure washing before the temperature drops. This is big job, so set aside a weekend to get it all done.
  • Organize your outdoor storage spaces. Put away pool toys and bring out the blower.
  • If you have raw wood exposed – you had a new deck built this summer, for example – go ahead and paint or seal it before wetter, cooler days arrive.
  • Give your yard a little TLC. A quick mow does wonders. Remove debris and dead seasonal plants from your flower beds, and consult a local nursery to see if it’s the right time for some pruning.

Move Inside

Don’t overwhelm yourself by thinking your Charlotte home needs an entire makeover to get fall ready. Start small to build momentum, and move to bigger projects later in the season.

  • Put away seasonal decorations, and if you have them, bring out your fall/winter accessories.
  • Get ready to replace your light, summer comforter and other bedding with their cold weather counterparts.
  • Take a look at your closets. Bring your seasonal items – boots, sweaters and jackets – to the front. This is a great time to do some thinning. If there are items you haven’t worn in over a year, consider donating them.
  • Did the summer heat damage your walls? Do a quick walk-through and look for cracks in corners or chipped, peeling paint. While many people manage their homes’ painting projects on their own, if you notice a substantial need for touch-ups and repairs, consider hiring a reputable painter to get the job done right.
  • You’ll also want to check your chimney, the seals around doors and windows and your heating system before chillier days arrive.

Give yourself plenty of time so you don’t feel rushed to accomplish all of these things. And while they’re not all necessary, they will help you feel more comfortable when fall reaches you.

For more advice on getting your Charlotte home ready for the season change, speak with a real estate agent who has experience with homes year around. Consult Katie Gray by calling 704.560.9699.

Posted in Charlotte Real Estate, General, Home Owner Tips | No Comments »

Get Out and About in Charlotte

September 13th, 2011

There are several reasons Charlotte residents consider themselves lucky. Living in a beautiful city with a balanced blend of real estate options is just one of them. Another is surely the fact that there is always something going on. If it’s not the spring festival season or myriad art shows, it’s community enrichment events or – this fall – something special for women and wing lovers.

The Southern Women’s Show is celebrating its 29th year, with things kicking off on Thursday, Sept. 15th with a benefit. This is a great event for women of all ages. Enjoy cooking demonstrations and tastings. The firefighter fashion show is always a hit. Spend time with friends shopping among the various vendors. Participate in contests. The Southern Women’s Show has so much to offer. Presentations from local and renowned chefs, plus beauty tips and advice on smart shopping, will be taking place. You’ll have the opportunity to give back, as well, by purchasing products for a cause. View the entire catalog of events, and keep in mind, tickets are affordable – $8.00 dollars in advance and $9.00 dollars at the door.

Men, if you’re feeling left out, don’t. An upcoming Charlotte event is sure to cheer you up. On Saturday, Sept. 17th, starting at noon, Charlotte residents and visitors alike can enjoy the famed fun of the Carolina Wing Festival. Charlotte is kicking off this year’s Road to Buffalo Tour and will be the first stop in a series of several regional festivals celebrating the American food icon that is the wing.

The Carolina Wing Festival is not only a great time for attendees but for participants, too. It’s a trade show during which nearby eateries show off their best wings and sauce recipes. Over 50 wing recipes from over 20 restaurants will be featured. Live music will take place until 10:00 pm, and in between concerts, enjoy eating contests, bobbing for hot wings and other great entertainment.

Tickets are only $10 dollars, and they do more than simply get you in the door. Your admission automatically enters you to win a trip to Buffalo, NY for the National Buffalo Wing Festival next Labor Day.

There’s never a dull moment in Charlotte. All year, there are events and festivities for people of all ages, as well as family-friendly fun. If you live in or around the area and want to stay abreast of everything that’s happening, consider keeping in touch with a local, connected Realtor. For questions about real estate and all things Charlotte, call Katie Gray at 704.560.9699.

Posted in Charlotte Events & Festivals, Charlotte Real Estate | No Comments »

Making the Rent-to-Own Transition

September 1st, 2011

Home prices and interest rates are historically low, and this has prompted many people to consider the transition from renting to owning their own homes. It’s an important decision that requires forethought, planning and budgeting.

If you’re considering giving up your status as a renter, here are some things to keep in mind.

Money. Your finances should be your biggest consideration. The costs of owning a home are different than those involved with renting. Mortgage payments are often more expensive, and when you need a new appliance or home repair, you don’t have the freedom to make a quick call to the landlord. All home maintenance expenses fall to you when you own your own home.

If you’re moving from an apartment to a house, you’ll likely need an experienced Realtor to help guide you through the complicated buying process. Don’t forget that commission costs and – once you find the perfect property – closing costs will be involved.
There are additional expenses, including property taxes and homeowner’s insurance. For these reasons, budgeting plays a serious role during the transition from renting to owning. If you’re uncertain whether or not you’re financially ready, speak with a real estate agent who has experience with first-time homebuyers. Consult Charlotte Realtor Katie Gray by calling 704.560.9699.

But while you still have dollar signs in mind, and before you decide that home ownership is too expensive, think about the benefits. Instead of paying your apartment complex or landlord, your monthly payments will be invested into your own home, giving you autonomy, helping you build equity and putting value back into your property. The right home can be a wonderful investment.

Another important consideration is your lifestyle. Do you enjoy your mobility, or are you ready to put down roots in your city? When you rent, you have the freedom to move. When you own a home, you have to go through the rigmarole of selling before you can relocate. Even more so in our current market – a buyer’s market – you need to be sure you’re prepared to spend some years in a purchased home.

A great benefit of home ownership is that you get to enjoy more choices than you do when you rent. If you want to paint your living room blue, go for it! You have the full freedom to remodel, decorate and alter your space however you wish.

These are just a few of the larger considerations that must be taken when buying a home. It’s easy to overlook the details. Will you need to buy appliances, or do they come included? Have you given sufficient notice to your landlord, alerting him, her or the property management company of your move? Have you decided on a moving company or considered the down payments that might be required to connect new utilities?

The move from renting to owning is a daunting one. Give yourself a big advantage by first finding a Realtor. He or she will keep your best interests in mind and will be instrumental in making the process go as smoothly as possible.

Posted in Charlotte Real Estate, Home Buying Tips | No Comments »

Have Housewarming Gifts Gone Out of Style?

August 21st, 2011

When was the last time you attended a housewarming party or purchased a gift to welcome someone to his or her new home? In the past, housewarming parties served to help newlyweds stock their first place, but the tradition seems to be fading now that the traditional homeowner varies so greatly. Many single individuals own their own homes, some couples rent and some people move around.

But it is important to remember that when someone buys a home, it’s the beginning of a new phase in his or her life. If a family moves in next door, it’s a good idea to meet them, since they’ll likely be your neighbors for quite some time. And housewarming gifts – regardless of whether or not a party is thrown – make people feel welcomed to a new community.

So if you’re wondering if housewarming gifts have gone out of style, the answer is no. They are still wonderful gestures of care and an excellent way to build relationships with your neighbors.

Curious about what to give?
Here are some traditional and non-traditional options.

  • Housewares are popular gifts. If you’re thinking about giving something useful or bulky – such as a coffee maker or larger appliance– you may want to check with the new homeowner first to ensure you don’t give them something they won’t use or already have.
  • Accessories are typically safe gifts to give. Picture frames, candles, wine racks…these are all items that most people can put to use without giving up much space in the home.
  • For something a little different, consider giving a housewarming gift that’s not for the house at all. Simple yard ant, decorative planters or a potted, seasonal plant are all great options.
  • There’s a lot to do when you move into a home. Consider giving gifts that save the new homeowner time. A gift certificate for a home cleaning or to a local restaurant could be quite convenient.
  • There’s always the DIY route. Put together a welcome basket. Include a map of the area, information about the neighborhood and some home-baked goodies. Putting the effort into the gift yourself will only make it more meaningful.

Although the tradition of housewarming parties seems to be on a downward trend, giving a gift to a new neighbor will always be a warm and welcoming gesture.

For more ideas about what to give as a housewarming gift and for all your real estate inquiries, consult Charlotte real estate agent Katie Gray at 704.560.9699.

Posted in Charlotte Real Estate, General | No Comments »