Buyer beware! Take an experienced local Charlotte area REALTOR with you as a guide. A specialized consultant can save you lots of time and money.

Jonathan takes you through a quick review of some reasons to get a BUYER AGENT on your side when looking at property for sale in Charlotte, Matthews, Stallings, Weddington and Waxhaw. 

Home inspections are typically done after the home is under contract in North Carolina, but when possible, it’s great to bring in a trusted contractor like Green Frog Waterproofing to review a home prior to making an offer if you suspect there to be issues with a crawlspace. Overall, home inspections are a crucial step that home buyers should never skip. Here are five reasons why thoroughly inspecting a home is essential:

• Identify potential problems: A thorough inspection can reveal any existing or potential issues in the home, such as electrical problems, leaky roofs, or plumbing issues. This can help you make an informed decision about whether the home is worth the investment.
• Negotiate repairs or price: If the inspection reveals any issues, you can use this information to negotiate repairs or a lower price with the seller. This can save you money and headaches down the road. BUT the standard REAL ESTATE CONTRACT IN NORTH CAROLINA IS AN AS-IS CONTRACT. This means the seller does not have to repair ANYTHING if they don’t want to.  That’s what the contract says folks!
• Understand the home's condition: A thorough inspection can give you a clear understanding of the home's overall condition and help you plan for any necessary repairs or upgrades.
• Avoid surprises: An inspection can uncover any hidden surprises that may not be visible during a walk-through, such as mold or pest infestations. This can save you from unexpected expenses after you move in. And if you discover this sooner than later, you can just move on to another home if the one you’re looking at just has too many problems.  And you gotta ask yourself, “if the seller didn’t fix these things before they listed it, what else is wrong?”
• Peace of mind: A thorough inspection can give you peace of mind, knowing that you've done your due diligence and made an informed decision about the home you're buying.

We want our clients to buy EYES WIDE OPEN. Skipping a home inspection is like getting married without dating first – you never know what you're getting yourself into! So take  the time to thoroughly inspect any home you're considering purchasing, and you'll be much more likely to make a smart investment in your future.

Charlotte-Matthews NC, March 20, 2023

Inflation and job losses have caused many families in our community to hit hard times. For many, credit card balances are going up and bank deposits are declining. 

Seventeen local businesses with offices in Charlotte and Matthews decided to do something about it.

“We started with twelve companies, and now we have seventeen,” said Jonathan Roberts who owns a local real estate agency. They started the effort to provide a helping hand to local families who were struggling. Roberts and mortgage broker Bob Kennedy picked up the phone and started telling other businesses about the vision to create a local utility fund.

“For me, the initial thought came when I was talking to my daughter about the rising cost of living in the Charlotte market,” said Roberts.  “It’s hard enough to pay rents and mortgages, and then add on the rising cost of utilities. We find that many of our real estate clients have equity lines of credit and the interest payments on those lines of credit has skyrocketed over the last ten months. We had to take action.”

Roberts and Kennedy partnered with Amy Carr, the executive director of the Matthews Free Medical Clinic on Trade Strett in downtown Matthews.

“This is such a wonderful idea and is so needed,” says Carr.

The businesses raised $3,350. On Friday March 24, the area businesses will hand deliver the check to the Matthews Free Medical Clinic.  The Clinic will distribute the funds direct to the utility companies to pay the back due bills for these families.

“I can speak from experience. When a family starts to drown in medical bills, the contagion spreads and then you’re faced with not knowing how to keep the refrigerator full and the electricity on,” Roberts said.  “We simply want to help people that own a home but are having trouble making ends meet. These are our neighbors and friends. They just need a little helping hand up.”

The seventeen businesses will help three families that own their home and are struggling to pay their utility bills. Participating businesses are Whitlock Builders, Elite Physical Therapy, Bear Foods, Veritas Construction Services, Hunter and Chandler Law Group, Charlotte Heating and Air, Chiodo Custom Painting, Shingles Roof Direct, Window Hero, Brite Ideas Electric, Safeguard Insurance Advisors, Skidmore Surveying, Grattan Pest Solutions, Greenfrog Waterproofing, Matthews Free Medical Clinic, Jonathan Roberts Realty and Alcova Mortgage.

“It is wonderful to see local businesses collaborating in this endeavor,” says Jessica Tullar, Executive Director, Matthews Chamber. “Businesses assisting those in need is what community is all about.”

What do you like about the Greenway System, specifically the Four Mile Creek Trail in South Charlotte and Ballantyne?

You may have noticed Mecklenburg County has been improving the infrastructure throughout the county. They are joining many of the once solo stretches to thread a beautiful system of trails. Ideal for taking a walk or riding a bike. Be sure to take your furry four legged friend!

Did you know these factoids?

1. The Charlotte area Greenway System includes over 50 miles of developed greenway trails, with an additional 150 miles planned for the future.
2. The Four Mile Creek Trail is a 2.5-mile trail that runs through the Four Mile Creek Greenway and connects to the McMullen Creek Greenway, providing over 7 miles of continuous trail.
3. The trail is paved and primarily used for walking, running, and biking. There are also several access points direct into neighborhoods.
4. The trail runs through the heart of Ballantyne and South Charlotte and Matthews, offering a peaceful escape from the busy city while still being conveniently located.
5. The Four Mile Creek Trail is just one of many beautiful and well-maintained trails in the Charlotte Greenway System, which provides a variety of outdoor activities and recreation for residents and visitors alike.
6. There are several parks along the way with all kinds of features including fishing ponds, frisbee golf, mountain biking trails, playgrounds and more.

The trails in the Charlotte area, including the Four Mile Creek Trail, are a fantastic resource for outdoor enthusiasts and those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. With its well-maintained trails, convenient access points, and beautiful natural scenery, it's the perfect place to get outside, get active, and enjoy all that Charlotte has to offer. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and explore! And let us know which trails are your very favorite.

Why Living Near Parks, Trails, and Greenways Should Be a Priority When Purchasing a Home in Charlotte, NC?

When it comes to buying a home in Charlotte, there are many factors to consider, including location, price, and size. However, one of the most important factors to consider is the proximity to parks, trails, and greenways. Living near these amenities can have a significant impact on your quality of life.

• Improved Health and Wellness Living near parks, trails, and greenways can improve your health and wellness. Studies have shown that spending time in green spaces can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost overall mental health. Additionally, having access to trails and greenways can encourage physical activity, such as walking, running, or biking. This can lead to improved cardiovascular health, weight management, and reduced risk of chronic disease.
• Increased Property Value Homes located near parks, trails, and greenways tend to have higher property values. This is because these amenities are highly desirable among homebuyers, and living near them can increase the quality of life. If you ever decide to sell your home, having access to these amenities can help you attract more potential buyers and increase your home's value.
• Access to Community Events Living near parks, trails, and greenways can give you access to community events and activities. Having access to trails and greenways can provide opportunities for group activities such as walking, running, or biking clubs. These events and activities can help you connect with your community, meet new people, and enjoy all that Charlotte has to offer - and with our great weather...the trails are usable year around!

Buyers are constantly asking us about neighborhoods convenient to parks, trails, and greenways. If you're interested in finding a home near these amenities, contact a local experienced real estate agent who can help you find your dream home near one of south Charlotte's incredible park and greenway system.

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Curious about local real estate? So are we! Every month we review trends in our real estate market and consider the number of homes on the market in each price tier, the amount of time particular homes have been listed for sale, specific neighborhood trends, the median price and square footage of each home sold and so much more. We’d love to invite you to do the same!

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You can sign up here to receive your own market report, delivered as often as you like! It contains current information on pending, active and just sold properties so you can see actual homes in your neighborhood. You can review your area on a larger scale, as well, by refining your search to include properties across the city or county. As you notice price and size trends, please contact us for clarification or to have any questions answered.

We can definitely fill you in on details that are not listed on the report and help you determine the best home for you. If you are wondering if now is the time to sell, please try out our INSTANT home value tool. You’ll get an estimate on the value of your property in today’s market. Either way, we hope to hear from you soon as you get to know our neighborhoods and local real estate market better.