Charlotte Real Estate Talk: Recent Episodes
Pridemore Properties
Scott Pridemore and Mike Hege think Charlotte’s got a great story to tell. Roughly 15,000 people a year move to the Queen City, and let’s face it — they all have to live somewhere. Their stories of how they find their homes, and more importantly why they chose to live where they live, make every story as unique as the individual who took the journey to home ownership here.
Website: https://www.pridemoreproperties.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pridemoreprop
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pridemoreproperties/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Pridemoreproperties
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pridemore-properties
Scott Pridemore and Mike Hege discuss Compass Bridge Loan Services which provides clients access to competitive rates and dedicated support from industry-leading lenders, with the exclusive option to get up to six months of your loan payments fronted when you sell your home with a Compass agent.
I would tell you the largest majority of homeowners do because we have seen a lot of appreciation here in Charlotte and there's a lot of equity tied up in their home. (0:56)
Compass Bridge Loan Services https://pridemoreproperties.com/bridge-loan
Website: https://www.pridemoreproperties.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pridemoreprop
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pridemoreproperties/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Pridemoreproperties
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pridemore-properties
Pridemore Properties
6715 Fairview Road, Suite C Charlotte, North Carolina 28210
10224 Hickorywood Hill Ave #101b, Huntersville, NC 28078
704-562-0792
Scott@PridemoreProperties.com
Scott Pridemore and Mike Hege explain how much the Compass Concierge service can benefit clients when selling their home.
What's the difference in selling my home wholesale versus retail? (0:34)
We'll buy your ugly house right. Now, it's migrated into we'll buy any house, but we'll buy it at a fraction of what someone will get in the open market. (1:21)
If I had to guess a lot of the folks that may go the convenient route are also the same folks that really are not understanding their true value. (2:03)
Time and time again, we're finding sellers are making more and keeping more in their pocket by going a retail route. (3:05)
We have a program internally where we provide the capital and the up front cost. (4:09)
Landscaping, paint, carpet and staging, just those things alone can bring so much value to the consumer and back in the home owner's pocket. (5:21)
We're adding convenience to retail. So, if it's really convenience that people are looking for, then our solution effectively nets them more money. (6:49)
Compass Concierge https://pridemoreproperties.com/concierge
Website: https://www.pridemoreproperties.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pridemoreprop
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pridemoreproperties/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Pridemoreproperties
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pridemore-properties
Scott Pridemore and Mike Hege describe three ways that buyers can remain positive and calm in a competitive seller's market.
What are three ways that buyers can stay positive in a seller's market? (1:13)
Sometimes the first way that comes to mind might very well be the approach. (1:44)
It's always a good idea to try to identify your preferences from the beginning as just as a general framework. (4:19)
The good news is you're looking for one, you don't need five. (5:30)
If there's 15 offers on the property you may want, that means there's 14 other buyers in the same general geographic area. (6:12)
Their perception of what they can get for their money or can't get can sometimes slow things down. (7:15)
Let's talk about number three, be open to a home that may need work. (9:06)
Where you live is important and the box isn't as important as where the box is located. (10:55)
Website: https://www.pridemoreproperties.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pridemoreprop
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pridemoreproperties/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Pridemoreproperties
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pridemore-properties
Scott Pridemore and Mike Hege answer the question, are we in a real estate bubble?
If you lived through as we did and practicing real estate in 2008, 2009 and 2010, that was a very different time period in history than it is now. (0:44)
So another factor that was in play in 2006, 2007, 2008 when the bottom fell out, was the fact that you had plenty of inventory then. It wasn't a matter of shortage, which we're in today. (2:11)
Another layer that we have here in Charlotte that we didn't have to this degree in 2008 is the influx. Certainly people were moving to Charlotte, but I would tell you the influx that we're currently seeing is probably 10X what we saw pre-2008. (5:02)
This may be a shocker for you listening, but we are still in the metro Charlotte area, an undervalued city as it relates to the major markets all across the country. (7:27)
Website: https://www.pridemoreproperties.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pridemoreprop
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pridemoreproperties/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Pridemoreproperties
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pridemore-properties
Scott Pridemore and Mike Hege break down buyer and seller experiences in the Charlotte real estate market.
So if you've entered the market, you're really not too late. You're kind of in a perfect time where inventory is constantly coming on the market, but the reality is, there's not enough supply to equal the demand. (1:13)
If the buyer's looking right now, obviously we pivot and we're very proactive. We see properties right away. We're customizing a strategy for them to win in this current climate and that's what it takes to succeed. (3:11)
We do ask, 'what do you like most about where you live now.' And, if they do speak to parks, if they do speak to walk ability, then, you know, we have certain neighborhoods that we know match up with that criteria. (6:26)
When you have a buyer that's identified the right location for them, they're ready to make an offer, walk through, what is the process like of how you customize the strategy (8:26)
Website: https://www.pridemoreproperties.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pridemoreprop
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pridemoreproperties/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Pridemoreproperties
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pridemore-properties
Scott Pridemore and Mike Hege return for a new season of Charlotte Real Estate Talk with some exciting news.
So many people are moving to Charlotte from mega markets (1:27)
100 people a day are moving to Charlotte every day (1:50)
We've joined Compass (3:26)
Compass has a lot of programs to take pain points and friction points out of the real estate transaction, through the use of technology, financing programs, home improvement programs (4:56)
We've added a new office in Dilworth (7:35)
Website: https://www.pridemoreproperties.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pridemoreprop
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pridemoreproperties/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Pridemoreproperties
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pridemore-properties
So you want to put the house up for sale, but the thought of going through all of your stuff is too intimidating? Or maybe you just want more room in the house you live in now? We know that downsizing your possessions can be exhausting and emotional. But like any journey, it starts with that first step -- and maybe some help from the pro's.
Laurie Martin is that pro. She is a professional organizer and for the past 16 years, has helped people downsize, let go, or organize what they own. She owns Simplicity Organizers in Charlotte and has some good advice for us now about keeping it simple.
We know road races have been canceled because of COVID-19, but runners are still out there training and staying in shape. In fact, a lot of folks have picked up running as a new sport because gyms are closed but greenways, parks, and neighborhood streets are wide open. Now.. they want a place to put their skills to the test.
A lot of events have become virtual races, but one allows you not just flexibility.. but a great way to see some of the Queen City's favorite views, on 6 set routes, at your convenience. The RunCharlotte Neighborhood Tour checks out some of the best routes around the area. Tim Rhodes and Jeff Cooper are here with us on Charlotte Community Talk to give us the scoop.
We all love a big family meal, especially at times like this. But a big community meal is something we're missing -- meals like the kind that brought our communities together during civil unrest of the 1960's and other times when things got tense.
The community table returned to Charlotte last year, in a regular event called Civil Gatherings. It's on hold for right now, but organizers have used this time to do good in our community when they couldn't bring people together around a table. Terrell Huntley is here to tell us about all that's going on.
This time of the year is when our neighborhood pools open and the kids can't wait to get there. This year, however, is a little different. Pools closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and only opened under Phase 2 of the reopening process -- with new restrictions.
Luckily for us, we have one of the foremost experts on pools the Charlotte area here with us on the Charlotte Community Talk Podcast today. Welcome to Jeff Gaeckle, a well-known name in swimming circles -- from SwimMAC to the UltraSwim Swim Meet to Carolina Pool Management, he's got 40 years of pool experience to answer our questions.
The economy is stretched right now with so many businesses that were forced to close down during stay at home restrictions, but one essential business that picked up pace is bike shops. Since outdoor exercise has been allowed and even encouraged, a lot of folks either dusted off old bikes, or bought new ones to take advantage of outdoor opportunities. Ben Cooley is the owner of Bicycle Sport on Selwyn Avenue in Myers Park and is here to fill us in on this new in-demand activity.
As we debate the future of brick-and-mortar retail, pop-up markets have attracted shoppers in greater numbers than ever. We have quite a few of them here in Charlotte, and a lot of you have probably visited one to do some holiday shopping during December. Someone who has really grabbed ahold of the idea of organizing pop-ups ins Jordan Dollard, of Esther and Elsa. Once a retail store owner herself, Jordan changed gears to organizing markets for a number of popular venues -- and business has taken off.
If you've turned on your TV on a Saturday morning.. or caught a news show with a cooking segment.. chances are, you've seen Chef Alyssa doing her favorite thing for the cameras. In just 7 years, Alyssa Wilen and her husband, Andrew, have gone from hosting her first cooking class... to a new kitchen, catered lunches, take-home meals, and now, home delivery and online classes to still reach out to the community that can't get enough of her. The online classes are just one way Chef Alyssa's Kitchen has learned to grow and be flexible, in trying times that cut 95% of the beloved brand's revenue in a very short time. Andrew Wilen joins to tell us about their growth, and more recently, their pivot.
There are plenty of social challenges in Charlotte, and gratefully, also a great number of non-profit organizations tackling those challenges, too. The annual SEED20 program is just one effort from Social Venture Partners that identifies and connects the community to some of the most innovative ideas for solving social problems. Social Venture Partners has invested more than $1.5 million dollars in 21 organizations since 2005, in addition to $350-thousand dollars just for SEED20 since 2012. That is a lot of good for our community! And SVP has just named a new SEED20 class in its first-ever online celebration and vote. Kristin Beck is joining us on Charlotte Real Estate Talk to tell us how this all works.
Mike and Scott discuss the Local housing market update and how we can support local businesses who are affected by COVID-19
If you've lived in Charlotte a long time, you know there are great areas, and areas you just drive through to get to other great areas. One of those was -- and we emphasize WAS -- a huge swath of land north of uptown, between Statesville Avenue and North Graham Street. The area was a grey, industrial collection of old brick factories just a little too close to the railroad tracks. Well guess what... just like South End has transformed from industrial to lively, now North End has too. We are specifically talking about Camp North End, which over the last 100 years has been a Ford factory, a bomb factory, and a warehouse for prescription drugs. And there's nothing we like talking about on Charlotte Real Estate Talk more than transformation. Varian Shrum .. the Community Manager.. is here to give us all the details on this hip new place north of uptown Charlotte.
The key word for environmental awareness these days is sustainable. From how we get our energy, to where we get our food... there is growing awareness of the footprint we leave behind. And talking about growing awareness... our guest today on Charlotte Real Estate Talk is all about awareness of growing. Sam Fleming of 100 Gardens a hydroponic farmer, but he doesn't run just one farm, he runs many -- at local schools. And what's even better, is that these hydroponic farms, or greenhouses, not only provide food for school lunches, in some cases, but to sell, make money, and -- here's the best part -- TEACH kids about horticulture, chemistry, agriculture, business, and a number of other academic topics. Wow! And the key to it all.... is FISH.
The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has been a great resource for our community since its first predecessor opened in 1891 on South Tryon Street. Replaced 10 years later by one of the famous Carnegie Libraries, a public library in Charlotte has now stood on the same site in uptown since 1903. The Library's reach has since expanded to all corners of our county through 20 branches, a children's library, and digital access. But right now -- the city/county library is making big plans for that original site on Tryon Street, for a NEW main library. It's an ambitious, 3-year, $135-million-dollar private-public partnership, and we are full of questions about it. Luckily, David Dillard from the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is here to tell us what we need to know!
Ahhh... Spring. They say it's when a young man's fancy turns to love. But sometimes it also turns to home renovations, as we get a new zest for spring cleaning and upgrades in our familiar surroundings. We have advice for that too, from someone who has nearly 20 years homebuilding experience. Joining us today on Charlotte Real Estate Talk is Josh Jones, of Jones & Hedges Custom Homes, with some practical tips for making that happen -- whether you want to upgrade the house you're living in, or renovate to sell and find something else.
We all know being a teen is rough -- a time of transition and change in our lives, where we realize we are growing up and sometimes, just aren't sure how to handle that. Our next guest is all about handling those teen years by learning who you are, by discovering what gifts you can share with others. Jen Band is the founder of the non-profit Playing for Others, which helps teens understand who they are through personal development, service, and the arts.
Art can transform a community, and it doesn't need to be a statue in the town square to do it. Sometimes, a creative corner of a neighborhood can bring people together to work and share and get to know each other, while making an empty space a point of community pride.
The League of Creative Interventionists organizes projects like these in cities all over the U.S., including right here in Charlotte. Locally, they've just named their 2019-2020 Creative Interventionist Fellows, and we've got one here today on Charlotte Real Estate Talk. Welcome, Alex Alcorn.
Chances are, while you're listening to us, you are not more than an arm's reach from your phone. (Or you may be actually listening to us on your phone!) Well, listen up... more than 266 MILLION people aged 9 and over in the U.S. have a smart device, and they spend almost FIVE HOURS A DAY on it. Wow.
While smart devices are great for connecting us, letting us know the weather, or schedules, or the quickest route to our destination... they're also responsible for negative health effects like sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, and ADD. Yikes. Our next guest on Charlotte Real Estate Talk is Dr. Lori Whatley. She's na clinical psychologist who tackles these problems with families and businesses who have become technology-obsessed.
We know a hungry child doesn't focus as well in school, and that makes learning harder. And we take it for granted here in America, that if children can't afford a school lunch, they can get help buying a warm meal during the day. We probably also know that's not always the case around the globe.
Charlotte lawyer Rebecca Wofford saw that first hand in 2011 when she took law school students on a trip to Tanzania to study public education in developing countries. The kids were hungry, and the headmaster asked Wofford if there was anything she could do to help. From there, The Lunch Project was born - and its Executive Director Tricia Sistrunk joins on Charlotte Real Estate Talk to tell us how this is just not a program that sends food overseas... it does a lot more. Welcome Tricia.
There's an old Far Side cartoon showing vultures sitting in a tree wearing dark sunglasses and listening to headphones. The caption says, "Birds of prey know they're cool." It's always good for a laugh! But maintaining the population of sick and injured raptors in Mecklenburg County is also a lot of work.
Enter the Carolina Raptor Center -- started in a basement at UNC-Charlotte nearly 45 years ago, and now grown to a place at Latta Plantation that has taken in more than 20-THOUSAND birds and released 8-thousand of those back into the wild. It's a long, wild history... and getting bigger and better as we speak. Kris Cole joins us now on Charlotte Real Estate Talk to tell us just HOW cool these birds are!
“Get a job, kid!” – we’ve all heard it, but finding a job can be daunting. If you’re an employer, you probably know the challenges with finding summer staff. You probably didn’t know that Charlotte has a program to meet these needs.
The Mayor’s Youth Employment Program has been connecting teens and jobs for years. Andew Knoblich joins us on Charlotte Real Estate Talk to tell us all about the program and how employers – and kids – can get involved!
In a city full of bankers, you often hear that what Charlotte needs is more of a funky, artsy vibe to attract young people. We're getting there... with NoDa now a very popular place to live, and murals popping up around South End and North End as appreciation for them grows. They make Charlotte a more colorful place to call home, amid all of the glass and steel.
We have with us today on Charlotte Real Estate Talk, one of the people who makes our home more colorful with murals. Sydney Duarte - you might know her as the "traveling gypsy" on Instagram - paints murals with her mom, who is also an artist. You can check out one of them on the side of Two Scoops Creamery and we can't wait to hear where else. Welcome Sydney, and first, thanks for making Charlotte more colorful!
More than 48-thousand children in Charlotte live at or below the poverty level, and basics such as food, shelter, and healthcare are sometimes hard to come by. So it won't surprise you that these same students have a very limited access to youth sports, where they could learn the skills and discipline that so many parents rely on to help their kids learn and grow.
Soccer FC is trying to change that. The Soccer Foundation of Charlotte provides access to these same learning opportunities through the game of soccer in under-served communities. Katie Phillips of Soccer FC is our guest on Charlotte Real Estate Talk to tell us all about this program that helps kids grow while having a ball.
Beer and ice cream... maybe you don't want to eat them together (or maybe you do?) but they are just two of the many business interests of our next guest on Charlotte Real Estate Talk.
Rich Moyer is a name you should know, and if you don't, you probably know his brands that have hit Charlotte in just the past couple of years and been an instant success. We're talking about Hoppin', the first self-serve beer and wine bar in South End; Pinhouse, a similar concept in Plaza Midwood but with duck pin bowling; and Two Scoops Creamery, which just makes us want to go out for ice cream right now. Welcome, Rich.
When our streets fill with runners for the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon, you'll see some of the participants with distinctive blue T-shirts that say "Running Works." It's not just another run club though - the members of Running Works are running towards a different set of goals than most marathoners.
Running Works is giving Charlotte's homeless population an avenue to take control of their lives through health and wellness, and helps them along that course with mental health counseling, group therapy, career development, and housing assistance, too. Matt Sharp is their Chief Operating Officer, and joins us now on Charlotte Real Estate Talk. Welcome!
There's a saying that when you don't know what to talk about, you can always talk about the weather. But... you may get more than you bargained for if you're talking to our next guest on Charlotte Real Estate Talk! She's the Chief Meteorologist at Fox 46 and has been forecasting Charlotte weather for nearly 20 years. She's a pro -- and we say a big WARM welcome to Tara Lane.
If you've ever thought your neighborhood could use a little boost -- like an entrance sign, sign toppers, more trees, or any number of things that would bring it together and make it nicer -- there might be a city program to help. But who do you talk to, to find out? Our guest today on Charlotte Real Estate Talk might be that person. Nicole Storey is the Neighborhood and Community Partnership Manager for the city of Charlotte. She's the woman who reaches out and serves as a bridge between Charlotte's neighborhoods and city services to bring the two together, to make Charlotte better by making neighborhoods more connected.
No matter how far along in life we are, or how successful, we all need a lift now and then. Billy J. Brown started life needing a lot of encouragement, and it didn't come easily. But once you hear his story, you'll be pretty motivated too. Thank you for joining us on Charlotte Real Estate Talk, Billy. You have an incredible story to tell.
Nothing starts a day like a great cup of coffee -- and we know where you can get one. But this place is different -- it's where buying that cup of coffee or any of the delicious dishes to go with it, serves a purpose greater than waking you up and easing your hunger. It also helps men and women recovering from addiction and homelessness get back on their feet, off the street, and into more stable lives. Ed Brown joins us now on Charlotte Real Estate Talk to tell us the story behind Community Matters Cafe.
Non-profit organizations, by definition, are more socially-minded than profit-driven, but they still need to sustain themselves to survive and maintain their mission. And despite their shoe-string budgets -- or many times, because of them -- they still need the same type of strategic planning, development, and support as a business. This week's guest on the Charlotte Real Estate Talk is someone who helps emerging non-profits get on their feet, survive, and thrive. Caylin Haldeman is the Director of Cultivate, an incubator program for new non-profits, who does just that.
If you love to get out and into the open in Charlotte, your favorite time of year is coming up. Open Streets 704 is Sunday, September 15th, and the fall route OF COURSE winds its way west and south, from Seversville - through uptown around Bank of America Stadium and BB&T Ballpark - and down to Dilworth. It's become a favorite local event with more than 30-thousand people showing up to the last two spring Open Streets events here in Charlotte.
When it gets hot in Charlotte -- like it does in July and August -- we think about cooling off, and one of our favorite places is always the pool. Mecklenburg County has a few public pools we can go to -- 3 indoor pools and 2 outdoor pools -- and more on the way! The first in more than 15 years. This is pretty exciting if you're a fan of swimming, and Daniel Leatherman from Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation is here to fill us in.
The days are long, but the years are short... and before you know it, your bundle of joy has graduated from kindergarten and is going off to college. At least, that's how it feels sometimes! Wait - stop the clock! College? We just got done paying for preschool. How are we going to tackle college? Michael Trivette is someone who helps parents navigate the long, complex, and often-confusing world of college choice and admissions. He's an App State grad, and holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education from the University of Georgia. He's part of the team at College Transitions, a company that helps parents and high schoolers with one of the most important choices they'll ever make.
One real estate mantra is "location, location, location," but now a neighborhood that is connected to parks, greenways, shopping, restaurants, and even where we work, is more desirable than one where we have to get in our cars to go anywhere -- even to work out! Charlotte Real Estate Talk gets the skinny on healthy, active neighborhoods from two people who want to get you moving right where you live. Listen in to hear Kate Cavazza and Clint Grant from Mecklenburg County Public Health explain what that means to you.
When celebrities like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Oscar de la Hoya, or Michael Phelps talk — people listen. They’re among a growing number of big names talking about the impact of depression and the importance of minding our mental health. And it’s not just famous people who struggle with being open and honest about it, but their candor makes it easier for the rest of us to ask for and find help. But did you know? Until a couple of years ago, Charlotte had no comprehensive center with inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment. That's how Hopeway began. Dr. Kevin Marra tells us more on this episode of Charlotte Real Estate Talk.
We know summer just got underway... but it's already time to think about August. We have a great event in South Charlotte where your whole family can take part, the weekend before CMS goes back to school. It's a bike ride called Tour de Turns, and it takes place on some of the loveliest tree-lined streets in the Carmel Road area, to help feed our neighbors. What's not to love about that? Lane Holbert, found of Tour de Turns, joins us on Charlotte Real Estate Talk with Tina Postel of Loaves and Fishes - to tell us what Tour de Turns is all about. Welcome!
Say "financial management" to anyone in Charlotte who is not a banker, and they'll nod politely -- but might not be able to tell you about their own investments or retirement funds, or how much it costs them to invest. Strathmore Capital Advisors is a fee-only financial management firm and here to tell us how that's different is John Charles Kernodle himself. He's our guest on this episode of Charlotte Real Estate Talk.
Nearly 60 people a day move to Charlotte, and more than a million people already live in Mecklenburg County. How do we build a city big enough to accommodate all of them, while preserving the charm Charlotte residents enjoy? Garet Johnson of the City Manager's office joins us to explain the city's "Vision Plan" and the development rules currently being re-written for the first time in years. This is the kind of Charlotte Real Estate Talk you need to hear!
The idea of a clearinghouse of volunteer opportunities seems like an idea that just makes sense in Charlotte's large, energetic work force. SHARE Charlotte is a one-stop shop that serves that purpose exactly. Nicole Copsis joins Charlotte Real Estate Talk this week to tell you how easy it is to "plug in and make an impact," with more than 400 non-profits in the area. Listen in to find out how to "Do Good" in our town!
You've heard of a Renaissance Man -- well-rounded, well-educated, and fluent in a number of pursuits like the arts, science, sports, and in Charlotte, maybe finance. Dorie Fusaro is someone you could easily call a Renaissance Woman, one who fits that description and more. The banker, project manager, mortgage professional, and a mom -- along with being a veteran yoga instructor, blogger, and life coach -- shares her secrets of a full life on this episode of Charlotte Real Estate Talk, along with her passion for using her gifts to help the homeless.
On this week's episode of Charlotte Real EstateTalk, our hosts Scott Pridemore and Mike Hege talk about the current market, trends and what you need to know if you want to buy or sell.
Spring and early summer are the perfect time of year to get out and explore the many trails that make The Carolinas a great place to live. Hundreds of trails dot our region, and a perfect way to discover them is National Trails Day on June 1st. And one of the best ways to find your way around our extensive trail network is by following the many "threads" of the Carolina Thread Trail... a collection of more than 250 miles of trails and 100 miles of "blueways" that will eventually connect multiple cities and counties in North and South Carolina. Joining us today on Charlotte Real Estate Talk is Bret Baronek, who can "fill in the gaps" in our discovery of this extensive trail system. Welcome Bret.
Among the many great things to do in the month of May, here in our community... there are some that serve a greater purpose. We're happy to tell you about one of those today on Charlotte Real Estate talk. May is National Brain Cancer Awareness Month, and our guest is someone who is personally affected by the brutal reality of brain cancer. Michel died in 2014, and Linda went right to work organizing a 7k race called "Fight the Good Fight" 7k.
While the Queen City gets the most attention as the region's biggest city, smaller towns in Mecklenburg County are quietly doing business as great places to live.
One of those is the town of Huntersville, the first of the "northern towns" you'll cross into on your trip up I-77 to North Meck. It's also considered one of Charlotte's great suburbs because it's close to uptown, close to the lake, and home to a lot of amenities like a children's museum and an aquatic center, while still holding onto its small-town, family-friendly vibe.
We have with us today the mayor of Huntersville, John Aneralla, who -- breaking news -- has just announced he is running for a third term. Welcome to Charlotte Real Estate Talk, John.
The city of Charlotte is trying to make the paths safer for everyone. Last May, Charlotte's Department of Transportation kicked off its new initiative to help drivers and pedestrians travel safely on the same roads: Vision Zero. The goal is to create a city with zero traffic deaths or serious injuries, and it wants your help. Amy Mitchell and Alex Riemondy from CDOT are here with us on Charlotte Real Estate Talk to share that vision with us.
On this episode of Charlotte Real Estate Talk, Scott and Mike sit down with our own Van Deane to get his take on what's happening in Charlotte real estate right now.
On this episode of Charlotte Real Estate Talk, Scott sits down with our own Jobey Thomas to talk basketball, real estate, and life.
More than 350-thousand Americans suffer a sudden cardiac arrest every year, according to Harvard Medical School -- and survival rates are grim if those heart attacks occur outside a hospital. Lester Oliva and Gabrielle Purick from MEDIC makes this their mission, and they’re here today to talk about ways you can learn to save a life. Thanks for joining us on Charlotte Real Estate Talk.
Having a child born with a heart defect can really strike fear into parents, and create hundreds of questions about how your child can survive, and even thrive. Can they play like other kids? Run? Swim? Play sports? Julia Engel was that child, born with "ventricular septal defect" or VSD -- more commonly known as a hole in her heart. A doctor told her in high school not to go out for the track team, but she has finished 3 Boston Marathons and enjoys bike riding too. Now she hosts a charity event, Bike LUCK that helps kids like her with heart defects, enjoy more active lives through Camp LUCK. Welcome to Charlotte Real Estate Talk Julia!
This week, we talk with Pridemore's own Rob Hall talks home values with Mike and Scott.
The last step in buying your dream home is signing on the bottom line, and our next guest helps you do that. Josh Knipp is a closing attorney who can run the bases of your paperwork and field your questions with ease.
The Mecklenburg County Revaluations are out, did you get yours? While most of the time we think about rising property values as a good thing, this is about the one time most of us wish they'd stay the same. And residential property values here have risen -- get this -- 40 percent since the last revaluation 8 years ago. John Shaw is with us on Charlotte Real Estate Talk from our Huntersville office to discuss what revaluations mean to you, the homeowner.
Finding the home of your dreams is just the beginning. You love the location, the floor plan, the back yard, and the local schools. So just buy it and move in, right? Okay, we know there's some paperwork involved, and Peter Carlino is the guy who dots the i's and crosses the t's and makes sure your new dream home is finally yours. He's a closing attorney here in the Charlotte region, and fills us in on what we need to know about closing the deal.
A blue wave swept Mecklenburg County in the November elections, including an unprecedented takeover of the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners. The Board now seats 9 Democrats and no Republicans, after 3 longtime incumbent Republicans were voted from office.
One of those Republicans was in District 5, a traditionally conservative district in south Charlotte. The new commissioner, Susan Harden, has a Masters Degree in Economics, and a Ph.D. in Education-- and is currently an Assistant Professor of Education at UNC-Charlotte. She gives Charlotte Real Estate Talk the scoop about school funding, revaluation, and her work with America's future teachers.
We can all use a moment or two in our day to relax and de-stress, to help us focus on our work. And we all need to spend a few hours a week outside of work, getting some healthy exercise.
Our next guest on Charlotte Real Estate Talk is one of Charlotte's most popular yoga instructors, Rian Harris. Listen in on what turned him to yoga and how he enjoys helping students get their minds in the right place to focus their week.
The real estate market has been pretty hot in Charlotte the last few years, and now we're seeing several published reports that might make it hotter. Millennials - those born roughly between 1983 and 2000 - are starting to settle down, have kids, and move to the suburbs. Some are selling their starter homes for better schools and more family-friendly neighborhoods. On today's Charlotte Real Estate Podcast, Troy Meeks of American Security Mortgage fills us in on finding the right balance between selling one home and buying another.
Charlotte has one of the best real estate markets in the country -- with homes hot and in high demand. We were even one of the last 3 cities in the country to avoid the initial real estate bust of the Great Recession. Our area is a great place to live!
But buying a house anywhere is an involved, sometimes confusing process because it is likely the biggest purchase of your life, and banks don't like making bad loans. Our next guest can help guide you through getting a mortgage when you find the home of your dreams. Paul Carini is the branch manager of Primary Residential Mortgage, and he's here to answer your questions.
Charlotte is always growing, but lately, it's been from the inside out. While development continues to push the outer rims to the county line, new growth is happening in areas around the city core that were forgotten or neglected for years.It takes a special eye to create beauty that makes old Charlotte shine in a new way, and our next guest specializes in that. Paul Pennell is a Principal at Urban Design Partners, who is focused on infill design -- like we've seen in older neighborhoods just outside of uptown, like Optimist Park, Villa Heights, and South End. Hear how he envisions what is old, becoming new again.
Charlotte is a city of trees -- a 47% canopy coverage, according to the non-profit TreesCharlotte, and a Tree City USA for 38 years running, according to the Arbor Day Foundation. Trees add to a neighborhood's value -- but caring for them takes work.
Our next guest on Charlotte Real Estate Talk LOVES trees, and made it his profession and his mission to care for them. Patrick George, of Heartwood Tree Service, speaks for the trees, and tells us what they're trying to say to us.
Good roads and good schools have traditionally been two key factors in a city's growth, and now more than ever, Transit is taking its place as another, very important part of shaping a city's development.
Our guest on Charlotte Real Estate Talk has an important job in that regard -- as Director of Planning for the City of Charlotte. Taiwo Jaiyeoba oversees the direction of growth in the Queen City, and has the Herculean task of revamping the city's development codes. But he brings an important perspective to the office, with a background of 25 years in transit. His appointment to the planning director's job this year is a strong statement about how Charlotte city leaders envision the city's growth.
It's no secret that craft brews are a big business now -- and Plaza Midwood, NoDa, and South End are neighborhoods where you can find great local beers in Charlotte.
And while breweries are part of a young, hip culture -- they're also a real estate phenomenon with WHERE they're locating, and how they're spurring growth around them in former low-rent, industrial areas. Brad Shell -- owner of Unknown Brewing in South End -- has done all this and he's our guest on Charlotte Real Estate Talk, with some great stories to tell.
If you live here, you know Charlotte is a great place to live. In fact, about 35-thousand people a year find that out for the first time when they move here -- that's about 60 a day, according to the city's planning director -- and a lot of them have families, or will settle down and raise families here.
At least one poll lists Charlotte at number 11 for best places in the U.S. to raise a family. Our guest today is doing just that -- with two small children of his own -- as well getting an inside look at some of the factors that make this a great city for families. Mecklenburg County Commissioner Matthew Ridenhour is our guest on Charlotte Real Estate talk with Pridemore Properties.
How many times have we heard arguments -- from schools to traffic to new businesses -- brought up in terms of property values? Specifically, what will hurt them, and what will help? Now let's flip the argument -- to when Mecklenburg County does its re-valuations, as required by law once every 8 years.
Experience tells us that not everyone will enjoy having higher property values following revaluation, and many will appeal. There are always a lot of questions, and we have just the person with us to give us some answers. Tiffany Pettit is the Quality and Training Coordinator with the Mecklenburg County Assessor's office, here to answer your questions.
Winter is coming, and that can mean rough weather -- snow, rain, and ice. And of course, we're just wrapping up hurricane season, which our friends at the coast and a few in Charlotte experienced this year with Florence.
If you own a home, you have insurance -- but most of us also have questions about how to update coverage, and when to call an adjuster for damage. Brad Corriher, a local State Farm agent, keeps us "covered" with what we need to know about insurance.
It's no secret that plenty of people are living closer to uptown, and closer to work, in higher-density developments than our car-driven city has been used to over the last 50 years. But as more people forego cars for bikes, walking, even riding a scooter, have our transportation systems -- roads, paths, and sidewalks in particular -- kept up?
Scott Curry wants to make sure it does. As Active Transportation Coordinator for Charlotte DOT, Scott's job is to find the gaps in bike and pedestrian paths and fill them, connecting the city in ways other than by car. His job sounds more important than ever, and he's here with us to tell us how the city is going to get that goal done.
As an at-large member of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education, Elyse Dashew has been part of redrawing school boundaries, rearranging and expanding magnet choices, and hiring a new superintendent. She balances the responsibilities of her position with the demands of parenting her own children through CMS. She led campaigns not just for School Board, but for bonds and school funding, all while being active in PTA and school leadership teams. Arguably, she sees the value in education. And her own far-from-typical education provided her with a unique perspective. She's our guest on Charlotte Real Estate Talk with Pridemore Properties.
As an at-large member of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education, Elyse Dashew has been part of redrawing school boundaries, rearranging and expanding magnet choices, and hiring a new superintendent. She balances the responsibilities of her position with the demands of parenting her own children through CMS. She led campaigns not just for School Board, but for bonds and school funding, all while being active in PTA and school leadership teams. Arguably, she sees the value in education. And her own far-from-typical education provided her with a unique perspective. She's our guest on Charlotte Real Estate Talk with Pridemore Properties.
Fall is in the air, or at least on the calendar. And along with that comes Carolina Panthers football! We might be several weeks away from cooler weather, but this football season has plenty of storylines. We've got just the person to "tackle" them: Jourdan Rodrigue from The Charlotte Observer is here to talk football, her predictions for the Panthers, and what we can expect this season. She's our guest on this episode of Charlotte Real Estate Talk with Pridemore Properties.
Schools do more than impact where we want to live. They shape our neighborhoods and families, too. Some things about school, and particularly middle school, never change. Those awkward, nervous feelings? Students and parents have them! Technology has changed the middle school experience with social media, cyber-bullying, and even the day-to-day distraction of smartphones. Michelle Icard of Michelle in the Middle is a pioneer in helping parents and students navigate these new frontiers. The Washington Post, TODAY show, NPR, and many more lean on her for "how to" parenting advice. She's our guest on Charlotte Real Estate Talk!
As Charlotte grows and the roads get more crowded, a lot of attention is being paid to how we'll get around. One of the most talked about projects, is bike and pedestrian paths that connect neighborhoods to work, shopping, and entertainment. What does the City have planned to create safe, convenient connectivity -- without cars? Vivian Coleman is Charlotte's Transportation Planning Program Manager, and she's our guest on this episode of Charlotte Real Estate Talk.
Homes and neighborhoods say more about the flavor and feel of a city than any hotel room. That's part of the attraction of services like Air B&B. Our guest on this episode of Charlotte Real Estate Talk takes that concept further, with his high-end property rental service called RABBU. Curated homes and condos with high-tech features and high-touch service, and perks from local businesses that "share" the culture of Charlotte with guests from around the world. Listen in on what inspired Emir Dukic to launch this service-- and it can help you, too!
Who settles disagreements and interprets the rules when residents and HOA board members don't see eye to eye? Believe it or not, there are attorneys who specialize in that field. Cynthia Jones of Horack Talley is one of those attorneys who sorts things out so everyone can live in peace. She's our guest on the Charlotte Real Estate Talk podcast with Pridemore Properties.
Charlotte knows real estate booms, and you'll likely find no argument that we're experiencing one right now. With inventory at historic lows, and construction crews in nearly every neighborhood, what are the hottest spots on the real estate landscape? Charlotte Real Estate Talk welcomes Andrew Dunn from the Charlotte Agenda for more on the trends he's following!
Living in a town with public art gives a community personality, culture, and "pop!" Art pieces around a city just make it feel more alive and look more eclectic. We can thank a woman some call the "Fairy Art Mother" for making Charlotte and 13 other U.S. cities more colorful places. How does she do it? We'll ask Wendy Hickey how she merged her career in outdoor advertising -- yes, billboards -- with her love of art, to create the public sensation called "ArtPOP."
If you want a total stranger to fall in love with your home so much that they want to buy it, or you want to enjoy the home you're in but adapt it to lifestyle changes, tastes, or need... what improvements would you make and how do you decide? We've got Josh Jones, of Jones & Hedges Custom Builders with us on the podcast. Josh tells us what home improvements are worth the effort and the expense.
One of the biggest questions about owning a home is figuring out how to afford it. Even if you can make the monthly payments in a neighborhood you love, there is a down payment, homeowners insurance, and property taxes, and so on. Then along comes marriage, children, car notes, and other expenses you may or may not have predicted. How does it all add up? Dr. Michael Sass helps first time homeowners do the math to develop economic self-sufficiency and peace of mind via the non-profit Catalyst Academy.
Seventeen years, millions of dollars, and untold lives touched. That’s quite a track record for any charitable event. That’s the very, very short history of the 24 Foundation which began right here in Charlotte with a guy riding his bike around in circles. Now there are similar events in Indianapolis and Baltimore that raise money for cancer navigation.
Lisa Dale and Brittany Wilson from the 24 Foundation join us on this edition of Charlotte Real Estate Talk with Pridemore Properties.
One of the city’s fastest-growing, family-friendly, come-as-you-are celebrations is back for its fifth go-round. Open Streets 704 powered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina returns Sunday, April 29th for another day of car-free and carefree streets.
On this edition of Charlotte Real Estate Talk with Pridemore Properties, Scott and Mike welcome Al Bangoura from Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation-- who’s part of the planning team that helps make this event happen.
Did you know? The Housing Opportunity Foundation advocates for workforce housing and educates homebuyers about affording the American dream. On this episode of Charlotte Real Estate Talk, Terri Marshall describes putting that mission into action during Charlotte's "Realtors Care Day."
South Charlotte is valued for its shopping, homes, and quality of living -- areas like SouthPark Mall, and neighborhoods with highly-rated schools. Southeast Charlotte is known for both its established and its up-and-coming neighborhoods that have seen re-emergence and growth over the last 20 years as cool, hip places to live and do business. On Charlotte Real Estate talk, City Council Members Tariq Bokhari and Larken Egleston ponder the future of these hot properties.
With the opening of the LYNX Blue Line Extension, is University City set to be the next Charlotte area that's prime for development? If history is any indicator, then the answers is most likely, "yes!" On this episode of Charlotte Real Estate Talk, Scott Pridemore and Mike Hege welcome Tobe Holmes, Planning and Development Director at University City Partners.
We've all heard about Due Diligence, but what does it really mean? Scott and Mike break it down.
List price isn't the only number that factors in to the cost of a home. The current price coupled with interest rates and the rate of appreciation all play a part in this “bottom line” scenario. But what are other predictions that will affect buying and selling in 2018? Scott Pridemore and Mike Hege crunch the numbers in this edition of Charlotte Real Estate Talk with Pridemore Properties.
Kevin Ratliff talks with Scott and Mike about Charlotte, real estate and how he found his way to Pridemore Properties.
Charlotte's reputation is growing as a great place for young people to move, finding itself near the top of many lists as a great place for Millenials. But guess who else is calling our region home? Their parents -- and even grandparents. Scott Pridemore, Mike Hege, and Kevin Ratliff detail why the Charlotte region is the "perfect package" in this episode of Charlotte Real Estate Talk.
A home is the biggest investment most people make in a lifetime, and they want to get the most out of it. How do you do that? And when is the best time to buy -- or sell -- to maximize your investment? Scott Pridemore, Mike Hege, and Kevin Ratliff give us their best home-selling tips in this episode of Charlotte Real Estate Talk. Don't sell before you listen!
The loss of his 2-year-old daughter to neuroblastoma put Kevin Ratliff's life on a different path. He switched careers to real estate, but with wife Emily, did something more -- he created an "Army" of volunteers to help families with sick children. In this episode of Charlotte Real Estate Talk, Kevin tells the story of "Claire's Army."
Today’s home buyers — and sellers — are more savvy than ever before. Pairing that knowledge with their unique likes, wants, and needs can make for an interesting and challenging market!
Charlotte’s got a lot, as the saying goes. It’s hot enough to attract business, families, young talent and more, but is that enough for Amazon?