Charlotte Real Estate Blog

Music in South End neighborhood Charlotte, NC

Brian Belcher — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 17:43:00 GMT

South End has become an important part of the revitalization of Charlotte NC real estate and uptown Charlotte. Once home to Charlotte's warehouses and mills, the South End has become one of the coolest places to own property in Charlotte NC. Tons of old warehouses have been converted to luxury lofts because of their proximity to uptown Charlotte and their ease of access to all its ammenities.

South End is located along South Boulevard which is the first leg of Charlotte's new light rail system. Now, you don't even have to drive to get downtown. Light rail stops are ample in South End.

The neighborhood has become a Mecca for young and fashionable folks who like urban living and like being close to uptown shopping, dining and culture. South End is near uptown Charlotte, Segefield, and Dilworth.

Check out Phat Burrito or Amos' South End for some good eats while you're visiting. And if you choose to move to South End, remember the Carolina Home Pros at Re/Max.

Higher Education in Charlotte NC Area

Brian Belcher — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 17:25:00 GMT

If you have school age children, Charlotte, North Carolina is a great choice for families looking to relocate. Charlotte, North Carolina real estate offers some of the most affordable higher education options in the country with some of the highest quality for the buck. There's also a wealth of options in Charlotte, North Carolina for those where money is no object.

The North Carolina University system features universities like UNC Chapel Hill and NC State located in the Raleigh-Durham area. UNC Charlotte is another option located in North East Charlotte close to the communities of Huntersville, Cornelius, and Concord.

Davidson is a small private college just north of Charlotte. It offers a competitive NCAA basketball and soccer program which is fun to watch. The town is a small quaint college town that has recently been populated by people looking for property near Charlotte NC. The current basketball star is Stephen Curry, son of the NBA basketball star who played for the Charlotte Hornets. The Davidson Wildcats made it deep into the NCAA tournament surpassing many expectations. Davidson is located north of Charlotte close to Huntersville, Lake Norman, Cornelius, and Concord.

Bobcats Basketball is in full swing in Charlotte NC

Brian Belcher — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 17:04:00 GMT

Charlotte NC real estate got a leg up when the Bobcats became the second NBA expansion team to call Charlotte NC home. After a few seasons of difficulty, the bobcats roster reads like a who's who of college basketball from the past few years. Center Emeka Okafor was a standout at the University of Connecticut, Adam Morrison started a moustache craze at Gonzaga, and Sean May and Raymond Felton took home a championship during their time at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Although Chapel Hill is two and a half hours away from Charlotte, many Charlotteans call that school, and other schools with basketball pedigrees in the Raleigh-Durham area like Duke and NC State, their alma mater.

The team currently has a wealth of youthful players, but, with a bit of luck, the Charlotte Bobcats will be pouncing into the playoffs with their eyes on an NBA Championship.

Sun City Carolina Lakes in Lancaster, SC

Brian Belcher — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:36:00 GMT

They don't call it Carolina Lakes for nothing, situated on more than a thousand acres of woodland and ten lakes Sun City Carolina Lakes is heaven for residents interested in Charlotte, NC Real estate, but want a more rural and relaxed existance. It's location is within easy reach of Charlotte NC, but it's just across the border in South Carolina, which offers advantages like lower gas prices. Sun City Carolina Lakes offers an 18 hole golf course and a huge rec center for community use which includes a clay tennis court.

Highway 521, which provides access to Charlotte, ends at I-485, the outer loop, which takes commuters to highway 74 or I-77 to get to uptown Charlotte. Commuters can also get to the center city easily through the city of Charlotte.

For the commuter who wants more house for the dollar, Sun City Carolina Lake is a must see in South Carolina.

Beverly Crest neighborhood in Charlotte NC

Brian Belcher — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:15:00 GMT

So you're in the market for Charlotte, NC Real Estate. You better not leave without taking a look at Bevery Crest in the South of Charlotte. Beverly Crest is located near the intersection of Highway 51 and Providence Road, a crossroads for Charlotteans. Across the street, the Arboretum offers convenient retail and dining for the person on the go. There's no 20 minute drive to the grocery store at Beverly Crest, the Arboretum Harris Teeter is right down the street and Lowe's Foods, another grocer is a few miles down Providence Road at I-485. Speaking of accessibility, Beverly Crest offers easy routes to Pineville or Matthews via Hightway 51. Providence Road offers a straight shot to uptown Charlotte. Travelling south on Providence Road leads to I-485 which is a great way to get to Highway 74 to get to the beach, I-85 to get to Concord Mills, or I-77 to get uptown.

Beverly Crest also features a swim and raquet club and walking trails in the neighborhood. It makes it easy to make a commitment to staying healthy when the places to get fit are right around you. If fitness isn't your thing, sitting in the shade of the trees is a mighty fine pastime as well.

Alive after Five in Charlotte NC

Brian Belcher — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 15:48:00 GMT

Uptown Charlotte North Carolina real estate gets a boost every year from the revitalization going on in center city Charlotte, NC. Part of the hullabaloo is Alive After Five, a uptown music series downtown for held every Thursday during the summer. Starting at 5:30 and lasting until 9 PM, the festival encourages uptown workers to stay a spell uptown with their friends and coworkers transforming uptown Charlotte from a banking center to a lively place were people can live and work. Festivals like this make it easier for residents of Charlotte to enjoy themselves without having to drive all over the city to find the things they want to do.

Alive after five features local bands some of whom play their own music. Most of them are popular cover bands from the area who emulate popular musical acts like the Rolling Stones, The Beatles, or Tim McGraw.

Historic Duke Mansion in Charlotte NC

Brian Belcher — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 15:09:00 GMT

If you're looking at Charlotte NC Real Estate, unfortunately, one of the best examples is not for sale. The historic Duke Mansion near downtown Charlotte, NC, was built in 1919 and purchased shortly thereafter by James Buchanan Duke, the famous North Carolinian who left behind the Duke Endowment and Duke Energy. It is one of the most beautiful homes in a neighborhood full of beautiful homes called Myers Park. Only two miles away from uptown Charlotte, the Mansion has been renovated and reinvented itself as an inn. It hosts business and recreational guests as a twenty room bed and breakfast. If you're a business owner looking into relocating your business to Charlotte, NC and hold conferences regularly, the Mansion is the perfect venue to impress clients. The gardens are beautifully maintained with water fountains. If that doesn't impress visitors, the marble floors and french doors will.

There is another option: if you don't like the Duke Mansion, you could build your own. Just get in touch with the friendly agents at RE/Max who can help you find the Charlotte real estate you need.

Ballantyne Village Theater, a Breath of Fresh Air

Brian Belcher — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 23:34:00 GMT

If you're looking for a less mainstream movie going experience in the city of Charlotte, look no further than the Ballantyne Village Theater, located in the Ballantyne Village shopping area, at the corner of Ballantyne Commons Parkway and Johnston Road. From the outside, many people say the theater looks a bit like a spaceship, making it easy to spot. Inside, you'll find mostly independent and arthouse films being screened. Going to the theater is a welcome break from the commercial, blockbuster type movies (not that there's anything wrong with those....). With many great restaurants in the same shopping center, you could easliy make an evening out of it. So if you're feeling a little more intellectual than usual and are in the mood for a good flick, check out Ballantyne Village Theater.

Single Story For Sale in Franciscan Terrace

Brian Belcher — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:23:00 GMT

• 1,100 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm single story - MLS® $129,900

Franciscan Terrace, Charlotte - Upgraded, recently renovated, maintenance free condo! Features include: spacious living room with hardwoods, formal dining room with marble floors, renovated bathrooms with garden tub, tiled showers, and dove-tail vanities, 1st floor drive up unit (no thru traffic). Convenient to Park Road Shopping Center, Park Towne Center, and in the Myers Park HS district! Great opportunity to purchase a condo in the Charlotte Real Estate market.

Property information

Single Story For Sale in Waxhaw Farms

Brian Belcher — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:00:00 GMT

5 acre equestrian estate for 350k!

• 2,209 sq. ft., 3 bath, 4 bdrm single story - MLS® $350,000

Waxhaw Farms, Waxhaw - Bring your horses to this spectacular equestrian retreat. 5 acres of mature trees, a riding trail, barn and running creek! Home has been completely remodeled and features: hardwoods, granite counters in kitchen, spa-like master bath,office,and four spacious bedrooms with a separate entrance for an in-law suite! A rocking chair front porch and large deck offer great outdoor entertaining! Waxhaw NC real estate doesn't last long when a property is this nice.

Property information

Price Reduced on 3701 Alden Street in Lake Park

Brian Belcher — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:43:00 GMT

Lake Park, Union County - Announcing a price reduction on 3701 Alden Street, a 2,288 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story. Now MLS® $245,000 - REDUCED. This is a great opportunity to purchase Lake Park Real Estate.

Property information

Price Reduced on 4408 Waxhaw Indian Trail RD in Weddington

Brian Belcher — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:41:00 GMT

Weddington, Union County - Announcing a price reduction on 4408 Waxhaw Indian Trail RD, a 2,370 sq. ft., 2 bath, 4 bdrm single story. Now MLS® $273,900 - SELLER WILL PAY $4,000 CC. This is a great opportunity to purchase Weddington NC Real Estate.

Property information

Price Reduced on 3605 Urbana DR in Whispering Oaks

Brian Belcher — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:12:00 GMT

Whispering Oaks, Charlotte - Announcing a price reduction on 3605 Urbana DR, a 1,500 sq. ft., 1 bath, 3 bdrm single story. Now MLS® $125,000 - .

Property information

Homes For Sale In Crismark

Brian Belcher — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:17:00 GMT

• 2,821 sq. ft., 3 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story - MLS® $330,000

Crismark, Indian Trail - This is truly a FANTASTIC time to purchase Indian Trail real estate. Features include: Full brick, HALF ACRE LOT, wrap around front porch, screed-in porch, large deck, in-ground irrigation, site-finished hardwoods, mstr bedroom has double tray ceilings and sitting room with vaulted ceiling, over-sized bonus room, spacious side load garage, Corian counter tops, 42' maple cabinets, tile back splash, 2 community pools & tennis courts.

Property information

Uptown Living

Brian Belcher — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 16:18:00 GMT

Have you considered living in uptown Charlotte, but thought you couldn't afford it? There are some great historical neighborhoods currently going through a revitalization with homes available for a reasonable price. Chantilly is a great example.

The Chantilly neighborhood is located in the heart of Charlotte minutes from Uptown and Elizabeth. This sought after tree lined neighborhood of 1940s bungalows is currently experiencing a rebirth with numerous renovations and some new construction underway.

Chantilly offers a well established cottage like setting with beautiful oak-lined streets and numerous shops and restaurants within walking or short driving distance.

You can walk to both Elizabeth and Midwood’s shopping districts. The Penguin, a popular local eatery famous for their hotdogs and fried pickles, and Nova Bakery are nearby. Starbucks, Lupie’s southern home-style food, and Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find (comic book store) are a few blocks away.

Beautiful local parks such as Chantilly Park, Eastover Park and Independence Park are just minutes away.

With so much to see and do, Chantilly is a great place to call home!

Check out one of the newest listings in Chantilly:

http://www.4charlotterealestate.com/Charlotte/North_Carolina/Homes/SE_Charlotte/Chantilly/Agent/Listing_1248329.html

Charlotte's 55 and older crowd

Brian Belcher — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 19:07:00 GMT

Are you getting ready to enter the domain of the 55 and older category? If so, you have probably been thinking about where you would like to retire?

One of the hottest spots in the Carolinas is Del Webb - Sun City Carolina Lakes.

Located just over the NC state line, in Fot Mil, SC, this 55 and older community boasts more than 1,200 acres of rolling hills, greenways, wooded areas and 10 ponds and lakes. The area is only 5 miles from the Ballantyne area providing shopping, dining and entertainment within a few minutes drive.

Sun City Carolina Lakes offers a variety to suit almost any lifestyle of the 55 and over crowd. A 35,000-square-foot Recreational Center slated to open May 2007 will offer state-of-the-art fitness center, an indoor lap pool, an indoor walking track, a ballroom, billiard room and numerous classrooms where clubs can meet.

For the avid golfer, a professionally designed 18-hole, 165-acre golf course recently opened December 2006. Other outdoor activities will include tennis, basketball, volley ball, two outdoor pools, croquet, a boardwalk along the wetlands, and miles of beautiful walking trails.

Dell Webb is offering a variety of single family homes and villas that are designed to accommodate the adult homebuyer.

Due to the SC location, you can also take advantage of low South Carolina property taxes.

So if you are looking for the ideal retirement opportunity, contact me to learn more about Carolina Lakes. It is what you have been dreaming of!

Brian Belcher

704-287-3868

New Developments in Pineville and Waxhaw

Brian Belcher — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 14:56:00 GMT

Pineville:

After almost 10 years of waiting for a new home development in Pineville, construction has begun on one of Pineville's newest housing developments. Huntley Glen, a 100 acre development along Dorman Road near the state line, will be home to 142 new residences with the first homes available by spring 2008. The builder is Lannar Homes and prices will range between $350,000 and $400,00.

Huntley Glen is part of the larger development of Emerald Lakes - 1,000 acres being developed by Coulston Enterprises. Emerald Lakes will eventually include 800-900 single family homes and 300-400 multifamily units. Most of the homes in Emerald Lakes will be located just across the state line in Lancaster & York counties.

Some other communities ready for construction in Pineville are Carolina Village - a 300 single family and townhome development along Dorman road and Parkway Crossing - a 180 residential and mixed use development near Carolina Place Mall.

In addition, the much anticipated John Weiland community McCullough, a 1,000-home development bordering the state line near N.C. 51 will begun constuction.

Waxhaw:

The neighborhood of Mill Bridge has construcion underway. Homes are priced from $300,000 - $1 million+. Builders are Mattamy Homes, Ryland Homes, The Cunnane Group, Shea Homes, Bonterra Builders, Hazlett Homes and MacNeil Homes.

Want to know more? Contact me or visit www.4charlotterealestate.com or www.4charlotte.com.

Ballantyne - New Development

Brian Belcher — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 20:32:00 GMT

One of the hottest areas in Charlotte, NC right now is Ballantyne. This area has been totally transformed from rolling farm land 15 years ago to the upscale shopping and residential area of today! Some new development in the works for Ballantyne was recently announced at the Ballantyne Breakfast Meeting.

What's new in Ballantyne?

Plans are underway in the Ballantyne area for the opening of a new 49,000 square feet Presbyterian Healthcare facility, additional condos at Ballantyne Village with prices from 180-750k, a new 27 seat viewing room at the Village Theater with three 60 inch plasma TVs, and the addition of Acorn, Aveda, Banana Republic and Hue Libby Loo among other stores at the Blakeney shopping center.

Ranch For Sale in Auburn Place

Brian Belcher — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 21:02:00 GMT

• 1,584 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm ranch - MLS® $240,000

Auburn Place, Charlotte - Welcome home to 9015 Beaver Brook Way - a charming Pulte Birch plan offering gracious and convenient living! This two bedroom two bath ranch home offers granite counter tops , hardwood floors, custom tile, an office/formal dining room, sun room, patio, fireplace, 2 car garage and refrigerator. Professional lawn care is included. Take a stroll to Starbucks or the bookstore on a Saturday afternoon - you are within walking distance. Easy living awaits you here!

Property information

Fun things to do in Charlotte...

Brian Belcher — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 17:13:00 GMT

For many of us, Charlotte is not our native home - it is our adopted city. I have grown to love my adopted hometown, but due to a hectic work schedule as a Charlotte Realtor, 2 small children and a new home, I have to say that I have not jumped out there and explored the hometown attractions that make Charlotte a unique and wonderful city to work and live. It is one of my goals this year to vist some of the historical sites of Charlotte's past, eat some of the good down home food that Charlotte is known for and explore some of the beautiful parks and exciting attractions that Charlotte has to offer.

Even if you are a native, I bet there are some things on this list that you haven't done. Join me and get out there and give it a try! Did I miss something on your favorite things to do or places to eat around Charlotte? Post a comment. I would love to hear from you!

Whether it’s eating Carolina style barbecue, going racin’ or strolling through uptown, here are some of the hotspots to hit when looking to experience the true Queen City!

Eateries

Lupies

Great chili and other comfort foods.

2718 Monroe Road

http://www.lupiescafe.com/

The Penguin

A diner serving great dogs, burgers and fried pickles.

1921 Commonwealth Ave

Art’s Barbecue

The place to go for breakfast.

900 E. Morehead Street

Brook’s Restaurant

Best fried balogna sandwiches around.

400 Mallorty Street

Price’s Chicken Coop

Charlotte’s favorite fried chicken.

1614 Camden Road

Cajun Queen

1800 East 7th Street

The best Cajun fare in Charlotte with live jazz.

Santé

165 N. Trade St.

Matthews, NC

Homey family owned restaurant with sophisticated menu in an historic building.

Solé Spanish Grille

1608 East Blvd.

Great tapas in the Dilworth neighborhood.

Talley’s Green Grocery

1408-C East Blvd.

The best place in Charlotte for vegetarian grocery shopping.

Nona’s Sweets

9601 N. Tryon St

Everything from mouthwatering Italian pastries to good old chocolate chip cookies.

Some of my personal favs:

Restaurant I

Great sushi and French Japanese fusion cuisine.

1524 East Blvd.

www.restaurant-i.com

Frankie’s Italian Grille

Great Italian food with a Frank Sinatra themed atmosphere.

800 E. Morehead St.

Attractions

The Manor Movie Theater

Charlotte’s oldest theater.

607 Providence Road

Lazy 5 Ranch

A drive through zoo where you can feed the animals through the car window.

15100 N.C. 150E Mooresville, NC

www.lazyfiveranch.com

Paramounts Carrowinds Theme Park

The only theme park in the Charlotte area also features a waterpark.

14523 Carrowinds Blvd

http://www3.paramountparks.com/carowinds/#actions

Carowinds Boulevar

Lowes Motor Speedway

This is NASCAR country after all! Tour the speedway or go to a race.

5555 Concord Parkway Concord, NC

http://www.lowesmotorspeedway.com/colossal/

Discovery Place

Catch a move at the IMAX theatre or tour the latest exhibit.

301 N. Tryon

http://www.discoveryplace.org/home/discovery_place-home.asp

U.S. National Whitewater Center

820 Hawfield Road

Visit the world's only multi-channel recirculating whitewater river. You can also attempt the country's tallest outdoor climbing center along with rafting, canoing, mountain bike trails and more.

http://usnwc.org/

NoDa – Charlotte’s Historic Arts District

North Davidson and 36^th Street

The best collection of galleries and performance venues, there is a Gallery Crawl every 1st & 3rd Fridays from 6pm to 9:30pm.

www.noda.org

Heroes Aren’t Hard To Find

1957 E. Seventh St.

Charlotte’s hangout for comic book enthusiasts.

The Spa at Ballantyne Resort

10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy.

World class spa – check out the NC red clay treatment!

Lunchbox Records

1419A Central Ave.

New and used records – vinyl – yes vinyl!

Hornet’s Nest Park’s Frisbee Disc Course

6301 Beatties Ford Rd.

Hornet’s Nest Park also boasts a Frisbee Disk and BMX course!

Latta Plantation Nature Preserve

6211 Sample Rd.

Guided trail rides and horseback riding lessons.

Richard Petty Driving Experience

5555 Concord Pkwy. S

Lowe's Motor Speedway

Ever desired to experience a stock car for yourself? Try the Richard Petty Driving Experience!

Blumenthal Performing Arts Center

130 N. Tryon St.

Check out the hottest musicals or a great Shakespeare production.

Carolina Raptor Center

6000 Sample Road

See birds of prey–owls, vultures, eagles, hawks, and falcons–up close as they are rehabilitated and then released back into the wilds. Light Factory

345 N. College St.

Mint Museum of Art

2730 Randolph Rd.

Originally a branch of the U.S. Mint, this museum houses a wide range of exhibits and offers frequent lectures and demonstrations.

The Belmont Drive-In Theatre

314 McAdenville Rd.

Catch two movies for around $8 a carload. Nastalgia and a cheap family night! Grab a dog and some popcorn while you are at it.

Roush Racing Museum

4600 Roush Pl. NW

A must-see for race fans – grab an autograph from a driver or two during race week!

A new year, a new you, a new home?

Brian Belcher — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 17:11:00 GMT

I hope that you and your family enjoyed the holiday season!

Here we are again and I can hardly believe it! A new year and a fresh start. This time of year for me is always filled with hope and a sense of looking forward to great things!

All signs seem to point to another promising year in the Charlotte real estate market.. There are some exciting new developments springing up, especially in the Pineville and Ballantyne areas. If you would like some more information regarding these new communities, please let me know!

If you have recently purchased a home, then I am sure your new year will be filled with decorating and landscaping projects.

My wife and I recently purchased a new home, and we are plugging away at the many tasks that come along with the purchase of a new construction!

If you are actively looking for a home, you have an exciting year in front of you. There is nothing more exciting in my book than the selection and purchase of a new home!

If you are in the process of selling a home, I hope that you only endure a few showings before it sells at full price (especially if you are listed with me!).

Whatever your situation may be, please let me know if I can be of service to you in any way!

A special thank you to our clients who purchased and/or sold a home with us in 2006. We appreciate your business and referrals! Thank you for helping us make 2006 so successful.

May you and your family have a blessed and joyful 2007!

Sincerely,

Brian Belch

Property For Sale at 330 Gallant Fox Drive!

Brian Belcher — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 18:04:44 GMT

330 Gallant Fox Drive
Waxhaw

5BR/5.5BA with 5,844 sq. ft. Guest suite on main, 3 car garage and sitting room off master bedroom. Rec room on upper level. For details call 800-240-8551. Enter ID #2993.

View Details

Price: $825000USD

Property For Sale at 13011 Palermo Pl W!

Brian Belcher — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 18:04:38 GMT

13011 Palermo Pl W
Fort Mill

Basement home. Study on main level, large open kitchen w/granite countertops. Whirlpool tub in master and so much more. To find out more, call 800-420-8551. Enter ID #5643.
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Price: $394900USD

Property For Sale at 13808 Ballantyne Meadows Drive!

Brian Belcher — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 18:04:32 GMT

13808 Ballantyne Meadows Drive
Charlotte

Premium lot on cul-de-sac. All hardwood on main floor except greatroom. All Berber carpet. Upgraded maple cabinets. Kitchen with gas cooktop in island. Wonderful backyard with lots of privacy and large deck. Freshly painted outside.
View Details

Price: $334999USD

Property For Sale at 12708 Cumberland Cove Drive!

Brian Belcher — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 18:04:27 GMT

12708 Cumberland Cove Drive
Charlotte

This 3 bedroom w/loft is located on a beautiful pond. New construction with garden tub in master, gas log fireplace in greatroom and cozy front porch. Make an appt. to see this home today. 800-240-5881. Enter ID #5913.

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Price: $250000USD