Team Freeman Real Estate

Charlotte, NC - Team Freeman Real Estate - Bank of America

2009-01-22T08:10:00.000-08:00

Bank of America Corp., reports a fourth-quarter net loss of $2.39 billion, or 48 cents per diluted share. The news comes on the same day the Charlotte-based bank says it will slash its dividend to one cent per share from 32 cents and accept an additional $20 billion in bailout money.

The federal funds are in addition to the $25 billion BofA has already received under the Troubled Asset Relief Program, which is designed to unfreeze the credit markets and boost the economy.
BofA earned $215 million, or 5 cents per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2007.

The latest figures include results from Countrywide Financial Corp., which BofA purchased on July 1, but not Merrill Lynch & Co. Inc., which it purchased Jan. 1.

Net interest income rose to $13.1 billion in the latest quarter from nearly $9.17 billion in the fourth quarter of 2007. Total noninterest income fell to $2.57 billion from $3.64 billion in the same period.

BofA (NYSE:BAC) says fourth-quarter results were driven by escalating credit costs, including additions to reserves, and significant writedowns and trading losses in its capital-markets businesses.

"These actions reflect the deepening economic recession and extremely challenging financial environment, both of which significantly intensified in the last three months of 2008," BofA says.
BofA's provision for credit losses rose to $8.54 billion from $3.31 billion in the fourth quarter of 2007.

Global consumer and small-business banking and global wealth and investment management were profitable, boosted by BofA's expanding deposit business. However, BofA says negative results in capital markets and advisory services offset the bank's profitability in business lending and treasury services, which are part of BofA's global corporate- and investment-banking division.

Merrill Lynch's preliminary results indicate a fourth-quarter net loss of $15.31 billion, or $9.62 per diluted share, driven by severe dislocations in the capital markets.

As part of BofA's acquisition of Merrill Lynch, federal officials have given BofA an additional $20 billion in funds. The government also has agreed to provide protection against further losses on $118 billion in capital-markets exposure, primarily from the Merrill Lynch portfolio.

Under the agreement, BofA would cover the first $10 billion in losses and the government would cover 90 percent of any subsequent losses. BofA has agreed to pay a premium of 3.4 percent of those assets.

The latest assistance from the U.S. Treasury Department and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. come amid growing concerns about BofA's financial condition.

Federal officials announced the deal early this morning.

BofA's stock, which has traded between $7.35 and $45.08 over the last year, closed at $8.32 per share Thursday, down from Wednesday's closing price of $10.20. It dropped another 13.7 percent Friday, closing at $7.18 per share.

For the full year, BofA earned $2.56 billion, or 55 cents per diluted share, down from $14.8 billion, or $3.30 per diluted share.

Net interest income rose to $45.36 billion from $34.44 billion in 2007. Total noninterest income fell to $27.42 billion from $32.39 billion in the same period.

For More information, go to http://www.teamfreemanproperties.com/ or find more related articles on: Active Rain Team Freeman Blog Trulia.com or HomeGain

Aimee & Team Freeman
RE/MAX Executive Realty
http://www.teamfreemanrealestate.com/
888-278-4935

Charlotte, NC - Team Freeman Real Estate - Bank of America

2009-01-22T08:09:00.000-08:00

An Italian court has acquitted Bank of America Corp. of charges related to events before April 2002 in a trial of five banks, Dow Jones Newswires reports. The case revolves around the collapse of Parmalat Finanziaria SpA, the Italian dairy conglomerate that collapsed in December
2003 in one of Europe's biggest financial scandals.

An Italian judge ordered BofA to go to trial on allegations that it failed to prevent three former employees from market rigging in connection with Parmalat. The former employees faced charges for vetting a news release issued by Parmalat in 1999 that Italian regulators claim was misrepresentative.

The charges against Charlotte-based BofA (NYSE:BAC) were administrative. Italian law stipulates that a company can be charged for not having proper governance in place to prevent illegal actions.

The other banks ordered to go to trial by Judge Cesare Tacconi were Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C), Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MWD), Deutsche Bank AG (NYSE:DB) and UBS AB (NYSE:UBS). The banks have denied any wrongdoing.

According to Dow Jones Newswires, the Milan court acquitted BofA of charges related to events before April 2002, because at the time the law that attributes administrative responsibilities to companies wasn't in place yet.

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Aimee & Team Freeman
RE/MAX Executive Realty
http://www.teamfreemanrealestate.com/
888-278-4935

Charlotte, NC - Team Freeman Real Estate - Charlotte Hotels Occupancy Falls

2009-01-22T08:08:00.000-08:00

Occupancy at Charlotte-area hotel rooms fell to 49 percent in November, down 17 percent from a year earlier.

According to data from the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, local hotel occupancy fell 8.2 percent in the first 11 months of last year to 61.6 percent.

By comparison, in the first 11 months of 2008, hotel occupancy fell 4 percent in the United States and 6.6 percent in North Carolina.

The average room rate in the Charlotte area fell 1 percent to $81.40 in November.

For the first 11 months in 2008, the average daily rate was $87.36, up 4.9 percent from the same period in 2007.

That's more than the 3.7 percent increase in North Carolina and 2.8 percent increase nationwide.

Charlotte-market revenue per available room was $40.59 in November, down 17.7 percent from the same month in 2007.

In the first 11 months of the year, revenue per available room was $53.81 in the Charlotte area, down 3.7 percent from the same period in 2007.

It declined 1.3 percent in the United States and 3.1 percent in North Carolina in the same period.

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Aimee & Team Freeman
RE/MAX Executive Realty
http://www.teamfreemanrealestate.com/
888-278-4935

Charlotte, NC - Team Freeman Real Estate - Family Dollar Raises Dividend 8%

2009-01-22T08:07:00.001-08:00

Family Dollar Stores Inc. has increased its quarterly dividend by 8 percent.

The Matthews-based discount chain has declared a quarterly cash dividend on its common stock of 13.5 cents per share, payable April 15 to shareholders of record on March 13.

The company's previous quarterly cash dividend was 12.5 cents per share.

"Increasing our dividend for the 33rd consecutive year reflects our confidence in the long-term growth opportunity for Family Dollar," says Howard Levine, chief executive.

Last week, the company reported a 14.1 percent increase in earnings for its first fiscal quarter ended Nov. 29.

Family Dollar earned $59.3 million, or 42 cents per diluted share, up from $51.9 million, or 37 cents per diluted share, a year earlier.

Revenue rose 4.2 percent to $1.75 billion, and comparable-store sales increased 2.1 percent.
Family Dollar (NYSE:FDO) operates more than 6,600 stores in 44 states.

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Aimee & Team Freeman
RE/MAX Executive Realty
http://www.teamfreemanrealestate.com/
888-278-4935

Charlotte, NC - Team Freeman Real Estate - IKEA readies for Charlotte opening

2009-01-22T08:05:00.000-08:00

Swedish home-furnishings giant Ikea is putting the final touches on its first Carolinas store, which opens in five weeks in the University area.

The 356,000-square-foot store will be one of the chain's largest. It will feature three model homes and 49 room vignettes, including 17 kitchens. Shoppers will be able to buy more than 10,000 exclusively designed products - from furniture to art, tableware and even food.

Ikea is known for low-priced furnishings that customers assemble at home.

But it has expanded its offerings and services in recent years. For example, complete kitchen setups can be purchased from about $1,800 to $3,800, including Ikea-branded appliances, cabinets and countertops.

Ikea now offers on-site designers to help shoppers create complete rooms, take measurements and recommend contractors to assemble the furniture. The store also can arrange home delivery.

And customers can rent vans at the store to take their purchases home.

"We've taken a product that is pretty good and made it fantastic," says Joseph Roth, Ikea spokesman.

Most of the store's 400 employees have been hired and are working to assemble the furniture and displays. The store is opening ahead of schedule on Feb. 18, anchoring a new Crescent Resources development off the newly created City Boulevard exit on Interstate 85.

Roth says it normally takes up to 13 months to open an Ikea store. The company broke ground for the Charlotte Ikea in April and expects to open within 10 months. Roth says the accessibility of the site and good weather contributed to the fast pace of construction.

Shoppers can start lining up 24 hours before the opening. Ikea openings can attract several thousand shoppers for a grand opening.

Ikea, founded in 1943, is a privately owned retailer based in Helsingborg, Sweden. Its U.S. sales in 2008 topped $3.2 billion. The chain has more than 280 stores around the world

For More information, go to http://www.teamfreemanproperties.com/ or find more related articles on: Active Rain Team Freeman Blog Trulia.com or HomeGain

Aimee & Team Freeman
RE/MAX Executive Realty
http://www.teamfreemanrealestate.com/
888-278-4935

Charlotte, NC - Team Freeman Real Estate - B of A Stocks Plummets

2009-01-22T08:04:00.000-08:00

Bank of America Corp.'s stock, which had already dropped more than 27 percent this month, fell another 18 percent in Thursday trading.

BofA's stock, which has traded between $10.01 and $45.08 over the last year, closed at $8.32 per share Thursday, down from Wednesday's closing price of $10.20.

The drop in value follows a report from The Wall Street Journal late Wednesday that the federal government may commit billions more in aid to BofA as it acquires Merrill Lynch & Co. Inc.

According to the report, which cites individuals familiar with the situation, discussions over the funds began last month when BofA told the U.S. Treasury Department it might not acquire Merrill because of the securities firm's larger-than-expected losses in the fourth quarter.

The government agreed to a plan that includes new federal funds because it was concerned that a failed deal could affect the financial markets.

The report says details are slated to be released Tuesday when BofA announces its fourth-quarter earnings.

A possible arrangement might protect BofA from some losses on Merrill's bad assets, the newspaper says.

A BofA spokesman had no comment on the Journal 's report.

So far, BofA has received $25 billion through the federal bailout of the nation's financial system. Under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) program, the Treasury Department is purchasing up to $250 billion in preferred stock in U.S. banks. The program was designed to stabilize the ailing financial system and to encourage banks to increase lending and stimulate the economy.

The bank received $15 billion in late October. Another $10 million was originally intended for Merrill. Because BofA acquired the securities firm Jan. 1, the Charlotte-based bank (NYSE:BAC) got the $10 billion. Treasury forwarded the funds through the Troubled Asset Relief Program on Jan 9.

Concerns have grown about BofA's financial position in recent weeks. The $2.7-trillion-asset bank has enormous exposure to consumer loans, which are deteriorating along with the economy. It also is juggling two merger integrations in Countrywide Financial Corp. and Merrill, eliminating 42,500 jobs across the company tied to those two deals.

This week Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C) analyst Keith Horowitz said he expected BofA to post a $3.6 billion loss in the fourth quarter, and he also believes the company will cut its dividend again, to 5 cents from 32 cents. In the third quarter the bank cut its dividend by 50 percent.

In a research note last night, Standard & Poor's analyst Stuart Plesser said that even with additional government funding, BofA's capital levels will still be low relative to peers. Banks are required to maintain a certain amount of capital to protect against loan losses, and Plesser expects BofA will likely have to raise additional equity capital in the coming months and cut its dividend again. A capital raise via a common stock offering would dilute existing shareholders' equity further; in October the bank raised $10 billion in new capital through a common stock offering. Plesser continues to rate BofA's shares a "sell."

Christoper Mutascio, an analyst with Stifel Nicolaus, says he is reserving judgment on the latest capital infusion from the government. In a note this morning, Mutascio says while "the initial take on this is negative," the devil will be in the details and terms of the capital infusion. If the government assistance is "punitive, then it is a bailout of (BofA), which is not good. If it is advantageous then it would appear that (BofA) earned some ‘goodwill' from the federal government and any initial negative reaction would be premature." Mutascio rates the shares a "buy."

BofA reported net income of $1.17 billion in the third quarter, down from $3.7 billion a year earlier. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial expect the company to report fourth-quarter earnings of $1.2 billion, or 8 cents per share.

For More information, go to http://www.teamfreemanproperties.com/ or find more related articles on: Active Rain Team Freeman Blog Trulia.com or HomeGain

Aimee & Team Freeman
RE/MAX Executive Realty
http://www.teamfreemanrealestate.com/
888-278-4935

Charlotte, NC - Team Freeman Real Estate - Charlotte DOT

2009-01-22T07:57:00.000-08:00

Danny Pleasant has been named director of the Charlotte Department of Transportation.
Pleasant became interim director after the retirement of Jim Humphrey in late 2007. He has worked in executive positions at the department for seven years.

The department is responsible for Charlotte's road planning and operations.

"Danny has proven to be an effective leader during his tenure as interim director, helping to position Charlotte as a national model for land-use and transportation choices," says City Manager Curt Walton. "His strategic planning and urban design expertise will help guide the city as we prepare for the future in terms of managing growth, sustaining a high quality of life and accommodating more residents."

Pleasant says he will focus on enhancing services to developers, streamlining the development-review processes, improving the speediness of project delivery and finding a balance between transportation and economic-development objectives.

For More information, go to http://www.teamfreemanproperties.com/ or find more related articles on: Active Rain Team Freeman Blog Trulia.com or HomeGain

Aimee & Team Freeman
RE/MAX Executive Realty
http://www.teamfreemanrealestate.com/
888-278-4935

Charlotte, NC - Team Freeman Real Estate - Inflation Rate at Lowest in 50 years

2009-01-20T13:53:00.000-08:00

The United States posted its lowest rate of inflation in more than 50 years in 2008, mainly because of a record plunge in gasoline prices.

The U.S. Department of Labor says consumer prices dropped 0.7 percent in December, and rose just 0.1 percent for the year.

The small uptick last year was much lower than the 4.1 percent gain in 2007, and the smallest year-over-year change since 1954, when consumer prices fell 0.7 percent.
For December, gas prices fell 17.2 percent, the largest monthly decline in records that go back 71 years. Overall energy prices also dropped a record 8.3 percent as home heating oil and natural gas prices declined.

Energy prices fell 21.3 percent for 2008, with gas costs tumbling 43.1 percent. Food prices were flat in December, but were up 5.8 percent for the year.

December marked the third consecutive month consumer prices dropped. Excluding volatile food and energy prices, core inflation was unchanged in December. For the year, it was up a moderate 1.8 percent, compared with a 2.4 percent increase in 2007.

Price pressures have eased as the recession intensifies. According to the U.S. Federal Reserve, production at the nation's factories, mines and utilities plunged 2 percent in December, capping the worst year for manufacturers since 2001.

Industrial production declined 1.8 percent in 2008, a sharp reversal from the 1.7 percent increase logged in 2007 and the worst showing since a 3.4 percent decline during the 2001 recession.

For More information, go to http://www.teamfreemanproperties.com/ or find more related articles on: Active Rain Team Freeman Blog Trulia.com or HomeGain

Aimee & Team Freeman
RE/MAX Executive Realty
http://www.teamfreemanrealestate.com/
888-278-4935

Charlotte, NC - Team Freeman Real Estate - Mortgage Update

2009-01-20T13:51:00.000-08:00

MMG Update + By The Numbers - Tuesday, January 20, 2009 10:19AM ET

Current Trend Direction: Sideways

Risks favor: Floating

Current Price of FNMA 4.0% Bond: $100.06, -12bp

Today marks the inauguration of Barack Obama, America's 44th president. President-Elect Obama has an arduous task ahead of him as he takes control of a nation that is in the midst of one of the worst economic downturns since the Great Depression.

There are no economic reports due for release today - but that hasn't meant much lately as Mortgage Bonds have traded in volatile fashion without the spark of economic news...and today is no different. Prices have already improved significantly from their worst levels earlier today.
The markets are waking up and realizing the cost of these rescue plans and stimulus packages will be to sell more Treasury Bonds. This additional Bond supply has to be absorbed by the market and when there is more supply than meets demand - prices drop. Treasuries, in particular, are under very heavy selling pressure this morning.

This morning's price action is causing a test of support at the 25-day Moving Average. Take a peek at the Bond Chart and you can see that prices are off the worst levels of the day, after touching support at the Rising Trend Line and improving. We'll float for now, as prices test this support.

But let's be mindful - and hopefully you are experiencing this as well - that investors are slammed with the uptick in volume during the past several weeks. This comes at a time when investors have both shrunk in number and have depleted head count, in an effort to slash costs.

So while the increase in activity is certainly a good thing, it may be too much too soon for investors to handle, and the only way to slow down the volume is by an increase in pricing. And if you're an investor...why not do this, while being maxed out in capacity anyways? It helps increase profits while making the workload manageable. As an originator, this can be very frustrating as you watch the actual markets improve from time to time...but this improvement is not being reflected in some investors rate sheets. Let's remember, this is a temporary phenomenon - but during the interim, this is not a time to cut short your lock-in time frames. In other words, make sure you have ample or even excess lock-in periods to get your loans closed during this bottleneck. Be smart and take 60 day locks, rather than trying to squeeze in a shorter time frame.

BY THE NUMBER$

1. THE BEST AND THE WORST - In the last half-century (i.e., the 50-years from 1959-2008), the largest percentage gain day for the S&P 500 (up +11.6% on 10/13/08) and the 2nd largest percentage loss day (a drop of 9.0% on 10/15/08) occurred within 2 days of each other. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of 500 widely held stocks that is generally considered representative of the US stock market (source: BTN Research).

2. GOOD DAYS AND BAD DAYS - In spite of losing 37.0% in calendar year 2008, the worst total return performance for the S&P 500 in 77 years, 5 of the top 6 percentage gain days in the last 50 years for the index occurred in the last 3 months of 2008. The S&P 500 also suffered through 4 of its 6 worst percentage loss days from the last 50 years in 2008 (source: BTN Research).

3. FEW STOCKS, LARGE IMPACT - The 10 largest stocks in the S&P 500 made up 23% of the total stock market capitalization of the index as of 12/31/08. Thus, 2% of the stocks in the index (i.e., 10 out of 500) have 23% of the stock value of the index. The S&P 500 is a market-cap weighted index (source: S&P).

4. BIG FOR A LONG TIME - 5 of the 10 largest capitalized stocks in the S&P 500 as of 12/31/08 were also ranked on the list of the 10 largest capitalized stocks for the index a decade earlier (source: S&P).

5. MISSING THE BEST DAYS - The average total return for the S&P 500 over the last 25 years (i.e., 1984-2008) is +9.8% per year. If you missed the 25 best percentage gains days in those 25 years (i.e., 25 days in total, not 25 days each year), your average total return falls to +3.9% per year (source: BTN Research).

6. TIME IS ON YOUR SIDE - The split between "up" and "down" days for the S&P 500 over the last 50 years is 53% "up" and 47% "down." The split is 58%/42% if the time period analyzed is months over the last 50 years, 63%/37% if the time period is quarters, 72%/28% if the time period is years, 76%/24% if the time period is 5 rolling years, and 88%/12% if the time period is 10 rolling years. The calculation was based upon the raw index value of the S&P 500 and thus would not include the impact of any reinvested dividends (source: BTN Research).

7. THE NEXT YEAR - In the last 75 years (i.e., 1934-2008), the S&P 500 stock index has suffered total return losses of at least 20% in 4 different calendar years, the most recent was last year's 37.0% decline. In the year after the 3 previous 20%+ tumbles, the index gained an average of +32% (source: BTN Research).

8. THREE OPTIONS - US businesses have an estimated $758 billion of corporate debt maturing this year. The bonds may be paid off, rolled over to new debt or could default (source: S&P, Wall Street Journal).

9. LIVE AND LET DIE - If it takes you 4 minutes to read this issue of BTN, in that length of time 30 births and 20 deaths will have taken place in the USA (source: Census Bureau).

10. OUT-OF-POCKET - Households pay 31% of total health care expenditures (e.g., prescription drugs, hospital care, physicians' costs, clinical services, nursing home care). The remaining 69% is paid by businesses, insurance companies and governments (federal, state and local). The data is from calendar year 2007 (source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services).

11. NOT THE FIRST - One of President-elect Obama's campaign pledges is to implement universal health care, an effort first undertaken by President Theodore Roosevelt more than 100 years ago (source: Newsweek).

12. GLOOMY FORECAST - The chief economist for a global economic forecasting company with offices in 14 countries worldwide believes the # 1 risk today facing the US is a timid response to the global financial crisis. Nariman Behravesh predicts the current US recession may potentially be the most severe America will experience since the end of World War II (source: HIS Global Insight).

13. TAX WORK - IRS audits of individuals and businesses resulted in the payment of $1.1 billion of additional taxes per week in fiscal year 2008. 33 out of every 34 individual taxpayers making at least $200,000 were not audited by the government (source: Internal Revenue Service).

14. BY THE NUMBERS - The top 3 jobs in the USA are # 1, mathematician; # 2, actuary; and # 3, statistician. The rankings were based upon work environment, income potential, employment outlook, physical demands of the job and work-related stress. The worst job in the nation: lumberjack (source: CareerCast.com).

15. WORKING IN WASHINGTON - Barack Obama becomes the 44th President of the United States tomorrow. His new administration is responsible for 7,840 appointees to fill government jobs. 85% of those appointees do not require Senate confirmation (source: Rocky Mountain News).

For More information, go to http://www.teamfreemanproperties.com/ or find more related articles on: Active Rain Team Freeman Blog Trulia.com or HomeGain

Aimee & Team Freeman
RE/MAX Executive Realty
http://www.teamfreemanrealestate.com/
888-278-4935

Charlotte, NC - Team Freeman Real Estate - BBB Complaints up 5%

2009-01-19T11:39:00.000-08:00

The Better Business Bureau of the Southern Piedmont says complaints against area businesses rose 5 percent last year to 14,972.

In 2007 the bureau received 14,180 complaints, up 25 percent over 2006.

"For the second year in a row, 85 percent of these complaints were closed satisfactorily, thanks to businesses and consumers who worked with the BBB to resolve their disputes," says Tom Bartholomy, chief executive of the BBB.

The average length of time it took the BBB to close a complaint in 2008 was 17 days from the date that the complaint was filed, up from 16 days in 2007 but down from 19 days in 2006.

The top five businesses with the most complaints are home improvement, new-car dealerships, Internet gaming, auto repair and service, and used-car dealerships.

Last year, the BBB provided consumers with 832,020 free reliability reports on area businesses. That's a 71 percent increase over 2007's total of 485,798, which was up 72 percent on the 2006 total of 282,000.

"In a down economy, consumers are making careful decisions and checking out businesses with the BBB first," Bartholomy says.

For More information, go to http://www.teamfreemanproperties.com/ or find more related articles on: Active Rain Team Freeman Blog Trulia.com or HomeGain

Aimee & Team Freeman
RE/MAX Executive Realty
http://www.teamfreemanrealestate.com/
888-278-4935

Charlotte, NC - Team Freeman Real Estate - Market Watch

2009-01-19T11:38:00.000-08:00

The average interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell below 5 percent last week, prompting many homeowners to investigate refinancing options, according to a report by real estate Web site Zillow.com.

For the week ended Jan. 11, the average 30-year rate in the United States was 4.92 percent, down from 5.10 percent the week before, according to the Zillow Mortgage Rate Monitor.

North Carolina experienced an almost identical drop, to 4.92 percent, from 5.09 percent.

Arizona had the lowest average rate last week at 4.80 percent, and Michigan had the highest, at 5.05 percent.

Seattle-based Zillow compiles rates quoted by 4,000 participating mortgage lenders to potential borrowers on its site.

If you are looking to sell or buy real estate, contact Team Freeman today!

For More information, go to http://www.teamfreemanproperties.com/ or find more related articles on: Active Rain Team Freeman Blog Trulia.com or HomeGain

Aimee & Team Freeman
RE/MAX Executive Realty
http://www.teamfreemanrealestate.com/
888-278-4935

Charlotte, NC - Team Freeman Real Estate - General Information

2009-01-19T11:32:00.000-08:00

GMAC Financial Services' interest in locating its corporate headquarters here has taken a turn toward uptown, according to sources familiar with the search.

Former Bank of America Corp. Chairman Hugh McColl Jr. and others have taken an active role in pushing for the company to focus on center city as it considers a move of its headquarters here from Detroit.

The company had considered a Ballantyne location, where GMAC has a 200-employee back-office operation. Uptown sites now seem to have the upper hand for the auto-finance giant.
The early speculation about GMAC's plans were fueled, in part, by the fact that former BofA Chief Financial Officer Al de Molina, who became chief executive at GMAC in April, has maintained a residence here.

For More information, go to http://www.teamfreemanproperties.com/ or find more related articles on: Active Rain Team Freeman Blog Trulia.com or HomeGain

Aimee & Team Freeman
RE/MAX Executive Realty
http://www.teamfreemanrealestate.com/
888-278-4935

Charlotte, NC - Team Freeman Real Estate - Home Improvement Update

2009-01-13T09:05:00.000-08:00

(ARA) - Increasing costs have become evident in every aspect of our lives. In addition to daily expenses like gas and groceries, home improvement costs are escalating across the nation as well.

The cost of construction materials has risen more than 10 percent during the past year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports. In addition, the American General Contractors (AGC) of America find that construction costs have increased more than twice the overall consumer price. As the summer months rolled by, construction prices kept increasing. By the end of July, the cost of steel, a material widely used in home construction, had increased more than 90 percent in the past year, according to the AGC.

Transportation expenses are a main contributing factor to increasing home improvement costs. Semis powered by diesel transport many building products and diesel has drastically increased in price. These increases have, in return, been passed to the consumer. When expanding, remodeling or repairing your residence, you can expect the cost of materials for your project to be affected by transportation costs.

Asphalt shingles, which cover nearly 85 percent of roofs in America, are a prime example of a building material with significant price increases. "The price of asphalt shingles has risen due to the dramatic rise in the cost of their main ingredient -- asphalt," says Stephen McNally, vice president of sales and marketing for TAMKO Building Products Inc. The cost of asphalt increased 40 percent within the first two weeks of July alone, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

If you are planning a home improvement, don't be discouraged by rising costs. Consider purchasing higher-quality products that may cost more initially, but can save you money in the future. Many products are available, but one option that homeowners may not think of as a high-quality product is metal roofing. For example, MetalWorks Steel Shingles, which resemble slate, shake or tile roofing, are an aesthetically-appealing product. They offer energy efficiency and a 50-year limited warranty -- two features that may save you money in the long term.

Homeowners planning to delay repair projects in hopes that prices will drop, can expect to pay a higher price the longer they wait. "When the prices of construction materials rise, they don't fluctuate like gasoline," says McNally. "These are the kinds of prices that go up and stay up."

Within the next three years, the cost of cement is estimated to increase 20 percent -- iron and steel prices more than 120 percent and copper prices nearly 170 percent -- according to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics Producer Price Index. The rising cost of these raw materials will, in turn, raise the costs for a variety of items used in home improvements.

Whether planning to fix your leaky roof, add a deck for enjoyment or increase your living space, the price of building materials continues to climb. Regardless of the home improvement projects you are considering, it's important to remember that the longer you delay, the more you're likely to pay.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Aimee&Team Freeman
RE/MAX Executive Realty
http://www.teamfreemanrealestate.com/
888-278-4935

Charlotte, NC - Team Freeman Real Estate - Time Warner Cable to raise rates!

2009-01-13T08:52:00.000-08:00

Time Warner Cable Inc. will raise its local cable rates next month.
Under the new plan basic rates will increase to $12 from $11 per month, while standard service will rise to $54.95 from $51.95.

The monthly cost of DigiPic 1000 will grow to $71.95 from $67.75. The company will raise the price of DigiPic 2000 to $89.95 from $85.75, with DigiPic 4000 going to $99.95 from $95.75.
Company spokeswoman Melissa Buscher says more than 60 percent of local subscribers won't face an immediate increase as they have discounted bundle packages or other promotions.

She says the price increases will offset high programming costs and infrastructure investments. Buscher says Time Warner invested $50 million to upgrade local service last year and expand its offerings.

And she says Time Warner Cable is not the only provider increasing rates.

For More information, go to http://www.teamfreemanproperties.com/ or find more related articles on: Active Rain Team Freeman Blog Trulia.com or HomeGain

Aimee & Team Freeman
RE/MAX Executive Realty
http://www.teamfreemanrealestate.com/
888-278-4935

Charlotte, NC - Team Freeman Real Estate - Mortgage Update

2009-01-13T08:10:00.000-08:00

Weak economic data and strong demand for mortgage-backed securities (MBS) helped mortgage rates remain at historically low levels during the week. Refinancing activity has increased dramatically as borrowers have rushed to take advantage of low rates. As a result, backlogs have developed at almost every step in the origination process, extending the time necessary to close many loans.

On November 25, the Fed announced a plan to purchase as much as $500 billion in MBS. On Monday, the Fed revealed that it had begun to actually purchase securities. The Fed reported that it bought $10.2 billion of a wide range of MBS. Mortgage rates are affected by MBS prices, and this added demand for MBS helped support low rates.

Investors knew that the economy was in tough shape in December, so there was little reaction to Friday's ugly Employment report. The economy lost 524K jobs in December, and 2.6 million jobs were lost in 2008, mostly during the final four months of the year. The manufacturing and construction sectors remained weak, while there were small gains in education and health care. One bright spot was that wage growth increased at a faster than expected 3.7% annual rate. The current economic weakness also helps support these low mortgage rates.

The monthly inflation reports will highlight the economic calendar next week. The Consumer Price Index (CPI), the most closely watched monthly inflation report, will come out on Friday. CPI looks at the price change for those finished goods which are sold to consumers. The Producer Price Index (PPI) focuses on the increase in prices of "intermediate" goods used by companies to produce finished products and will come out on Thursday. In addition to the inflation data, Retail Sales will be released on Wednesday. The Retail Sales report is a major indicator of spending levels by consumers, who account for about 70% of economic activity. Industrial Production, another important indicator of economic activity, will be released on Friday. Consumer Sentiment and Import Prices will round out the schedule.

Copyright @ 2009 MBSQuoteline

For More information, go to http://www.teamfreemanproperties.com/ or find more related articles on: Active Rain Team Freeman Blog Trulia.com or HomeGain

Sincerely,

Aimee & Team Freeman
RE/MAX Executive Realty
http://www.teamfreemanrealestate.com/
888-278-4935

Charlotte NC - Team Freeman Real Estate - U.S. loses 524,000 jobs in December

2009-01-11T11:40:00.000-08:00

The United States lost more than half a million jobs last month and the unemployment rate soared to 7.2 percent.

Unemployment stood at 4.9 percent in December 2007.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a loss of 524,000 jobs between November and

December. That continued a four-month streak, which saw 1.93 million jobs vanish between August and December.

The national unemployment rate crossed the 7 percent mark in December, rising from 6.8 percent in November to 7.2 percent.

The biggest decline occurred in the manufacturing sector, which lost 149,000 jobs in December. A total of 791,000 manufacturing jobs disappeared in the 12 months of 2008, an average loss of 66,000 per month.

The nation also lost 101,000 construction jobs in December and 632,000 in the entire year.
Employment in the retail-trade sector declined on a seasonally-adjusted basis, despite the holiday season. There were 66,600 fewer retail trade jobs in December than in November. Retail losses for the year totaled 522,300 jobs.

The only sectors to register increases between November and December were health care, which picked up 31,600 jobs nationally; educational services, up 7,000 jobs; and government, which added a total of 7,000 jobs at the federal, state and local levels.

For More information, go to http://www.teamfreemanproperties.com/ or other related articles at: Active Rain or Trulia.com

Charlotte NC - Team Freeman Real Estate - Charlotte Sales Pummet 47.2%

2009-01-11T11:35:00.001-08:00

The number of houses sold in the Charlotte market fell 47.2 percent last month, and the average closing price declined 8.3 percent, according to the Charlotte Regional Realtor Association.

The number of closings dropped to 1,350 last month from 2,559 in December 2007.
The average sales price declined to $200,226 from $218,399 a year earlier.

The average number of days a home spent on the market before a sale was 147.5.

The figures are for homes sold in Mecklenburg, Union, Iredell, Lincoln, Cabarrus, Gaston and Stanly counties.

The Charlotte Regional Realtor Association operates the Carolina Multiple Listing Services Inc., which has more than 10,000 subscribers. The trade association provides resources and services to more than 9,000 Realtor members.

For More information, go to http://www.teamfreemanrealestate.com/

For More information, go to http://www.teamfreemanproperties.com/ or find more related articles on: Active Rain Team Freeman Blog or Trulia.com

Charlotte NC - Team Freeman Real Estate - Home Improvement

2009-01-09T09:34:00.000-08:00

(ARA) – A few years ago you finished your basement. You put in all the hard work to make it a perfect retreat and lounge. But you haven’t done a thing with it since. So often, people finish their basements and then forget about any upkeep.

Though the basement is often viewed as a rugged recreational room, it still deserves the same decorative and functional attention as the rest of the home; and the winter months provide the perfect opportunity to tackle some of those projects.

These simple tips will help renew and rejuvenate your basement by making it more usable, durable and inviting for your family and friends. Plus, each project is affordable and won’t require excessive work to accomplish. Most can be completed in one weekend, or a few evenings after work.

Paint in the Winter? Yes, You Can One of the best ways to make your basement look brand new is to repaint. A fresh coat of paint will re-energize the room and provide a whole new feel. And, with newer paints having very low VOC (volatile organic compound) content, it’s safe to paint even with the windows closed.

Additionally, many of today’s low-VOC paints, like Pratt & Lambert’s RedSeal Porcelain, are also extremely durable, which is essential in a basement. This green-certified latex interior paint is actually scrubbable. Tiny porcelain beads in the paint don’t allow stains to penetrate the wall surface, making it simple to clean up. So whether your 2-year-old splashes his grape juice on the wall, or a Sunday football game ends in a celebration of flung nacho cheese, wall cleanup will be quick and easy.

Light it Up, or Down Basement lighting can be tricky. Trying to balance the volume of light emitted from fixtures ranging from a single pull-chain bulb to fully-integrated recessed canister lights is no easy task. Simple dimmer switches are one of the easiest ways to make sure you can balance a basement lighting scheme at any point in the day.

Dimmer switches allow for a multitude of lighting options, whether you have a windowless basement that is completely lit by artificial lighting, or even if you have a fully finished walk-out basement with large windows and sliding glass doors. Dimmers can be purchased at any hardware store and are quickly and easily installed even by novice electricians and homeowners.

What’s Under Foot Generally, because basement flooring is set on top of concrete slabs, most people opt for heavily padded carpet so they won’t feel the rigidity and hardness of the slab. The problem, however, is basement carpeting can become very dirty, worn and outdated rather quickly. The good news is that even if you already have carpet installed, you can update the flooring to a more modern, sophisticated pattern relatively simply and inexpensively.

Tarkett’s FiberFloor resilient flooring offers what homeowners desire most in their basements: resistance to water and moisture, scratches, scuffs, stains and indentations. And, it’s easy to clean – a basement must. Resilient sheet flooring offers an attractive option for a high-end appearance with the latest styles and patterns in a wide array of colors, designs and textures. Plus, after tearing up the existing carpet, all you need to do is roll out the sub-floor padding and then lay the floor.

The Good Kind of Mold-ing Decorative architectural elements such as baseboards and crown molding can add dramatic effects to a basement, but many homeowners are concerned that using these molding pieces will shrink the appearance of the room. Though it is true that most basements have lower ceilings than the rest of the home, some simple, thin, crown molding creates a very polished look in a basement.

Accenting the crown molding with color-matched baseboards easily turns the basement from a modest recreational area to a coveted destination area for your family and guests.

Each of these basement remodeling options is easily accomplished, no matter how cold it might be outside. The basement is most often a multi-use room, and these simple projects will certainly improve the room’s usability, quality and appearance.

Click the link for more information about Pratt & Lambert’s RedSeal Porcelain. Click the link for more information about Tarkett flooring. Courtesy of ARAcontent

For more information about staging your home to attract buyers, contact Team Freeman today.

For More information, go to http://www.teamfreemanproperties.com/ or find more related articles on: Active Rain Team Freeman Blog or Trulia.com

Charlotte NC - Team Freeman Real Estate - Market Statistics

2009-01-09T09:10:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone!

I just received my new statistics from the MLS board this afternoon so I wanted to send them over. These will be for October and November 2008 to show you how much of a decline we have had, and we are expecting December to be even worse.

October:

Total homes sold = 1,848
Total homes on the market = 28,555

A total of 6.5% of homes listed actually sold.

Closed sales are down 31% from last year at this time.

Under $120k = 11.0% sold
$120k-150k = 8.9% sold
$150k-190k = 6.7% sold
$190k-250k = 5.7% sold
$250k-350k = 5.0% sold
$350k-500k = 3.9% sold
$500k-1 mill = 3.0% sold
1 mill + = 2.4% sold

The average days on market is 134.4 days.

November:

Total homes sold = 1,521
Total homes on the market = 27,515

A total of 5.5% of homes listed actually sold.

Closed sales are down 37.8% from last year at this time.

Under $120k = 9.7% sold
$120k-150k = 7.7% sold
$150k-190k = 6.5% sold
$190k-250k = 5.6% sold
$250k-350k = 3.7% sold
$350k-500k = 2.6% sold
$500k-1 mill = 1.9% sold
1 mill + = 1.2% sold

The average days on market is 134.7 days.

If you have any questions, please contact Team Freeman today at 888-278-4935.

For More information, go to http://www.teamfreemanproperties.com/ or find more related articles on: Active Rain Team Freeman Blog or Trulia.com

Charlotte NC - Team Freeman Real Estate - HUD, Foreclosure, REO, AS IS

2009-01-09T08:21:00.000-08:00

Someone asked two questions that I felt ALL buyers should be aware of when working with a Real Estate Agent. "Are foreclosures a good deal when presented by a real estate agent from the MLS and is it a hard process to buy???" Here is your answer to those questions:

First of all, I would caution you against thinking something is a good deal simply because it is in foreclosure. There are a lot of people making that mistake. A deal is a deal is a deal regardless if it is in foreclosure or a straight up seller sale or something in between. What makes it a deal is the price you can get it for in relation to how much you think it is worth or will be worth soon.

Bear in mind that if something is listed as a bank-owned property (foreclosure) for sale on the open market (MLS) then it has already been sifted through and passed over by a lot of savvy investors and buyers. The most savvy investors will find a deal long before it ever gets to foreclosure. Then once it goes up for sale at the courthouse there will be another level of investors looking over it then and snatching up any good deals there. If at that point no one else has bought it then the bank "buys" it and it goes for sale on MLS. Not to say it isn't a good deal at that point, but it isn't the "best" deal and my main point is that just because it is a foreclosure does not automatically make it a good deal.

Plus every neighborhood is so incredibly unique. Just because something is priced low doesn't mean anything without understanding the context of that specific neighborhood. It is SO important that you work with a good buyer's agent (particularly one that is experienced with investment properties) who can assess the value of the house in relation to the neighborhood for you and advise you on what truly is a good deal.

As for your question of buying a home in foreclosure being difficult. It is easy if you work with an agent who is experienced in these matters.

If you are in the market of buying or selling real estate, contact us today!

For More information, go to http://www.teamfreemanproperties.com/ or find more related articles on: Active Rain Team Freeman Blog or Trulia.com

Sincerely,

Aimee & Team Freeman
RE/MAX Executive Realty
http://www.teamfreemanrealestate.com/
888-278-4935

Charlotte NC - Team Freeman Real Estate - Mortgage Today

2009-01-08T07:44:00.000-08:00

MMG Update - Thursday, January 8, 2008 10:14am ET

Current Trend Direction: Higher

Risks favor: Floating

Current Price of FNMA 4.5% Bond: $102.69, +22bp

Mortgage Bonds are trading higher and at historic levels. The Fed was likely active in the markets continuing their purchase program this morning. The results from the Fed's purchases are expected to be released sometime today.

Initial Jobless Claims were 467,000, much better than the 550,000 expected and the lowest reading in 3 months. The news is being taken with a grain of salt as this report took place over a holiday week were people may have delayed filing for unemployment claims. So while on the surface this report is much better than expected, we don't see this as having much of an effect on tomorrow's Jobs Report...read on for our Jobs Report strategy.

In a historic move, the Bank of England lowered their benchmark interest rate by .50% to 1.5%. Now get this - the benchmark rate has NEVER been this low since King William III founded the central bank in 1694 to fund a war against Louis XIV’s France. The rate began at 6% and fell no lower than 4% throughout the 18th century. It touched 2% several times in the second half of the 19th century. The central bank held it at that level throughout the Great Depression and World War II until 1951. These sure are historic times.

Stocks are under selling pressure thanks to a rash of earnings warnings from the nation's retailers. Wal-Mart said today that 4th quarter profits will miss expectations after one of the worst holiday shopping seasons on record. Macy's and Limited Brands cut their earnings forecast after the weak December sales readings and Macy's said they are closing 11 stores. The International Council of Shopping Centers estimates 148,000 retail stores closed in 2008 and that another 73,000 would do so in the first half of 2009. Should we see an accelerated pace of store closings, it could have a negative effect on commercial real estate and municipal tax revenue.

For More information, go to http://www.teamfreemanproperties.com/ or find more related articles on: Active Rain Team Freeman Blog or Trulia.com

Aimee Freeman
TeamFreeman
RE/MAX Executive Realty
www.TeamFreemanRealEstate.com
888-278-4935

Charlotte NC, Team Freeman Real Estate - Taxes

2009-01-08T07:40:00.000-08:00

Despite these difficult times in the economy how would you like to take home more money this year by paying less money in taxes? Of course you would. This is for everyone from the High-paid executive to the stay at home mom.

There are two tax laws in this country. Most people automatically chime in at this point and chant "one for the rich and one for the poor!" But in reality there is a tax law for business owners and a tax law for employees! Please read the following article to learn how joining iLearningGlobal could pay for itself over and over no matter how successful you are at building the business.

You should know that by joining iLearningGlobal as a customer or a marketer, you will get access to Sandy Botkin's complete tax savings program on the site. So sign up for iLearningGlobal today for only $79.95and view his entire tax course on the website. . Then spend some time on the website viewing hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of training on-demand!

You can't afford not to take advantage of this program. If nothing else, you should enroll in iLearningGlobal for one month before you decide not to be a regular subscriber. This tax training program alone would cost you hundreds of dollars to get anywhere else! We are confident you will want to remain a member, !

Tax-Planning Expert Sandy Botkin

Hire your children, write off your golf game and other legal tax deductions that you might not know about

By Laura Tiffany February 25, 2003

So you think the government is out to rob you of all your hard-earned money? Every time you hear the word "tax," you recoil in fear? Cheer up! It's not that bad--especially if you're a business owner.

Tax expert Sandy Botkin, author of Lower Your Taxes Big Time! and a former IRS attorney, says there is hope for all us saps who just hand over our paychecks to Uncle Sam. Read on for Botkin's tips on taking advantage of tons of business tax deductions--all within the letter of the law.

You say that homebased business is one of the few legal tax shelters left. What does that mean?
Sandy Botkin: First of all, understand something: We have two tax systems in this country. [Many] times people think there's one for rich and one for poor. That is a huge myth. What the systems are is one for employees--people who don't know the rules, which are designed to take your wealth--and one for self-employed people, [the rules of] which are designed to create economic growth. The reason for that is, small business generates over 70 percent of the jobs in this country. So Congress passes good tax laws. And there are good tax laws--let me emphasize this--for small business.

Let's say your business generates a loss. If that loss exceeds the income from that business, you can use that loss against any form of income you have: interest, dividends, rents, wages, pensions, anything. Say you make $50,000 in salary and you have a small business that creates a $10,000 loss. You only pay tax on $40,000. Let's say the loss exceeds your whole income. You can carry back all business losses in 2002 five years and actually get a refund from the last five years' federal and state income tax you paid. In 2003, by the way, that number is going down to two years. Or you can carry forward all business losses 20 years and offset the next 20 years of earning. So you never lose a properly documented business deduction.

What if your homebased business is profitable? How can you still save on your taxes?
Botkin: By having a profitable homebased business, you can set up a host of fringe benefits, many of which I include in my book. You can set up a self-insured medical reimbursement plan and write off all your deductibles, eyeglasses, co-insurance, pre-existing conditions. Usually that stuff has to exceed a certain threshold [7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income] to deduct anything. With a self-insured medical reimbursement plan, you get a deduction regardless. It's dollar for dollar.

What other deductions do people not typically know about?
Botkin: As an employee, you have to pay [taxes on everything]. As a self-employed person, you don't pay tax until all your deductions are over. So [if you're an employee making] $60,000 a year, you've got to pay Social Security on 15.3 percent of $60,000. You've got to pay income tax on $60,000, regardless of your employee business expenses. [But] if you're self-employed--let's say you have $40,000 of expenses on that $60,000, you only pay tax on $20,000. You pay tax on your net. See the difference?

So what are some things you can do? If you have a child and you want to send them to college, that isn't deductible. And if you pay for their wedding, is that deductible? The answer is no. But if you were to hire your children in your business and pay them [the same] wage you'd pay an assistant, that's deductible. And if they use that money to pay for their own college or their own wedding or their own car, aren't you in essence getting a deduction for those things?

And by the way, children under 18--if you hire them in a sole proprietorship business--are exempt from Social Security and federal unemployment taxes, and the first $4,700 they made in 2002 is exempt from income tax. Result? You get a deduction, and they get that money tax-free.

So to protect yourself, you need to do the same paperwork as you would a normal employee?
Botkin: Good point. You want to have things like time sheets or a tax diary showing what your kid did. So for example, you might say Matthew, my son, sorted files and made 3-by-5 cards for four hours on February 3. That shows what he did, when he did it and how long he worked.

You also want to pay by check--none of this under-the-table nonsense, because [checks] establish a payment from you to your child to your child's bank account. You want to have the appropriate paperwork done. There are W-2s you have to file once a year and 940s and 941s for unemployment and Social Security. But I recommend using a payroll service, because people don't want to do all this paperwork. They will do all the payroll, all the forms, all the filings. You also want to have a contract for services showing you hired your kids and what you're paying them, a normal contract like any other employee.

Does all this apply when you hire your spouse as well?
Botkin: Yes, it's all the same. Now for hiring your spouse, you can set up a self-insured medical reimbursement plan. I can deduct all my medical expenses, dollar for dollar--not because I'm paying medical, but because I'm providing a medical reimbursement plan for my employee, who I happen to be married to. And the IRS has approved this, by the way. It's not some loophole I thought up.

What are some other techniques for taking deductions?
Botkin: A lot of people don't know that when you're in business, you can deduct your fun. IRS says in their regulations that you can deduct 50 percent of your fun and 50 percent of your [business associate's] fun if you talk business within the same 24-hour day as the fun. Say you invite a prospect over to go to a football game. You talk business over the phone and then pick them up two hours later. Is that talking business within the same 24-hour day? The answer is yes. Say we go to a restaurant and I talk to you in the car about our business or try to get referrals and then we go to a nice theater. Is that talking business within the same 24-hour day? The answer is yes.

You also don't need receipts for entertainment if it's under $75 per expense. Now when you do entertain, the IRS requires certain documentation. So with entertainment, you have to write down what I call the four Ws and an H:

Who: name and occupation

Where: We went to Greasy Lloyd's restaurant.

Why: Why did you take that person out?

And here's one of the biggest mistakes self-employed people make. You must be specific in the documentation. The word "prospect" isn't specific enough. "Good will" isn't specific enough. Specific would be "try to get a referral" or "talked with a reporter about my book." Don't be general.

What: What was the date, and was it for breakfast, lunch or dinner?

And finally, how much.

If you write down all five things, you'll never have to worry about an IRS audit again. If you leave out any one of the five, your deductions will be disallowed and the IRS will hit you with a 75 percent penalty, plus interest.

Why is it so important to make yourself aware of these things?
Botkin: What amazes me is, say you look at your credit card statement and there's a $200 charge you never saw before. Aren't you going to call the credit card company and find out what's going on? And you might spend an hour on the phone doing that. Yet taxes are the number-one expense in this country. They exceed what most people pay for food, clothing, lodging and transportation combined. [But] 99 [percent of people] give it a 10-minute thought. And the reason is, there's a huge myth in this country. "My accountant takes care of my taxes."

What are some audit red flags that people need to avoid?
Botkin: The number-one red flag is failing to report all your income. The IRS matches all those 1099s you get from your bank accounts, your stock brokerage companies, whatever. If there's a mismatch--suppose you made $30,000, but you only report $28,000--then you're calling attention to your tax return.

The second thing you want to do is do not use cents in figuring out your tax return. Always round. Mathematical errors cause some of the biggest scrutiny of your tax return because things don't match up. If you use cents, you're just increasing your chance of making an error.

If you do your own tax return, for the most part, you increase your chance of being selected for an audit. The IRS figures if you do your own return, you don't know what you're doing, unlike accountants who might do hundreds of returns. People tend to make more mathematical mistakes when they do their own returns than accountants make.

Third major tip to reducing your chance of audit: Always, always send in your tax return with a return receipt. And if there's a check, send it registered mail or FedEx. There [have even been] cases where if you do send it FedEx [and it is lost], the IRS will waive penalties.

I'll give you another nice tip. Many times people call the IRS for information, especially during this time of year. The problem is, the IRS isn't bound to anything they tell you. However, there is one situation where you can call IRS and if you get a bad answer, they'll waive penalties. But you've got to get six things when you call them: The person's name, their badge number, the date of the call, the time of the call, the nature of the question and the answer. If you write down all six things and you get a bad answer that IRS relied on, they'll waive penalties.

For More information, go to http://www.teamfreemanproperties.com/ or find more related articles on: Active Rain Team Freeman Blog or Trulia.com

Aimee Freeman
Team Freeman
RE/MAX Executive Realty
www.TeamFreemanProperties.com
888-278-4935

Charlotte NC - Team Freeman Real Estate - Community Information - Berewick

2009-01-07T16:48:00.002-08:00

Team Freeman is one of the hottest/fastest growing real estate teams in the Charlotte area. With their top notch negotiation skills and their long list of raving fans, their professional team of licensed agents plan to take their business to new heights in 2009.

If you want to be represented by the best, you need to hire the best.

If you are in the market of buying or selling real estate, contact a Team Freeman agent to help you reach your goals. Call 888-2784925 or go to www.TeamFreemanRealEstate.com

Berewick

The villages of Berewick feature homes by some of the region's finest homebuilders offering single-family, townhome and apartment housing options.

With quaint villages of single-family and attached homes by some of Charlotte's top builders: KB Home , McCar Homes , MI Homes , Shea Homes , DR Horton, St. Lawrence Homes and Bella Sera .

Berewick is sure to be one of the most desirable communities in southwest Charlotte. Built around beautiful open spaces and neighborhood parks, these villages will enjoy connectivity to Berewick's TownCenter and Berewick Manor clubhouse. Home prices range from $180,000 to $450,000 and include membership in the Berewick Manor clubhouse .

For those purchasing homes in Berewick, the Berewick Manor clubhouse is just part of the Lifestyle/Amenities package that gives homeowners added value with their new home purchase. And, in addition to those amenities, enjoy the planned Berewick District Park .

Nature, Trails, & Park Life

Mix nature and fun and you have the beginning of a recipe that sets Berewick apart from other developments. With bike trails, open space, ponds, nature paths and a planned 195-acre district park adjacent to the property, Berewick will offer a park-like setting and recreational opportunities that encourage people to enjoy the benefits of being outdoors.

And, the natural beauty of the land is enhanced through Berewick's partnership with Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. Recently named one of the nation's "20 Great Gardens" by HGTV, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden experts are working with Berewick to feature special planting areas that will work to educate and enhance the Berewick community with species native to North Carolina.

Ask your me about the special offer for membership at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden available to new home purchasers!

Shopping, Dining, & Living

The crossroads of lifestyle and location meet at Berewick's TownCenter, the heart of this master-planned community.

With stores, offices and restaurants, the TownCenter provides all of life's little necessities within a short walk from home or office. By trail, bike path or car, the TownCenter's mainstreet lifestyle and park-like setting reflect the area's Scottish heritage in the architecture and streetscape design.

TownCenter life includes:

convenient on-street parking
pedestrian-friendly access
750 townhomes and apartments
250,000 square feet of neighborhood services
as well as shopping and dining
In addition, employees from the 725,000 square feet of employment campus will find the TownCenter makes lunch hour productive and pleasurable with shopping, dining and recreational facilities all within walking distance.

For those that live in the TownCenter, village life provides residents with all the convenience of nearby shopping and dining in a park-like setting. With a bustling mainstreet just outside their door, residents will enjoy the spontaneity of meeting their neighbors for coffee or a bite to eat on the pedestrian plaza.

Berewick District Park

The future Berewick District Park promises to be the largest planned district park in Mecklenburg County. 195 acres of soccer fields, ball fields, playgrounds and even a dog park will be there for your enjoyment.

195 acres
Soccer fields, ball fields, dog park
Largest planned district parks in Mecklenburg County
School site reserved
A 30,000 square foot recreation center containing a gym, meeting rooms, and facilities for seniors. Also, there is an elementary school site proposed at the recreation center. If this occurs, the park and school will share use of the recreation center.

Over 3 and a half miles of trails, including a mountain bike trail
8 softball or baseball fields
8 soccer fields
Several playgrounds
3 outdoor basketball courts
6 tennis courts
A sprayground, which is a play area with fountains and spraying water
3 picnic shelters
Several other outdoor picnic areas
A recreation center with concession stand
Restrooms
Parking areas

For More information, go to http://www.teamfreemanproperties.com/ or find more related articles on: Active Rain Team Freeman Blog or Trulia.com

Charlotte NC - Team Freeman Real Estate - Community Info - The Palasades

2009-01-07T16:48:00.001-08:00

Team Freeman is one of the hottest/fastest growing real estate teams in the Charlotte area. With their top notch negotiation skills and their long list of raving fans, their professional team of licensed agents plan to take their business to new heights in 2009.

If you want to be represented by the best, you need to hire the best.

If you are in the market of buying or selling real estate, contact a Team Freeman agent to help you reach your goals. Call 888-278-4935 or go to www.TeamFreemanRealEstate.com

The Palisades

Envision a serene 1,500-acre master planned community within a high woodland peninsula above Lake Wylie, located off NC HWY. 49 near the Buster Boyd Bridge - destined to be Charlotte's premier amenity oriented development. Sensitive land planning considerations protect the watershed environment, preserving much of the site's natural features. The plan includes a Nicklaus Design championship golf course, private country club, town center for shopping and services, equestrian center, soccer-training complex, and miles of trails and paths - a combination unique to the region.

Town Center
The PalisadesTM Town Center will combine a 48,000 square foot Harris Teeter Grocery Store, national and neighborhood retailers, a full service bank and sit down restaurants. Local offices such as medical and commercial services and an innovative live/work village in a proposed 'main street' setting will be included. Single family residences, townhomes, condominiums and apartment homes will be woven closely together with small parks, nature corridors, walking and biking trails and other amenities. Other proposed uses include a day care, fire station, health club and a shared elementary school/community park site.

Amenities
The amenities at The Palisades are unsurpassed. With the Palisades Country Club, our Nicklaus Design Golf Course, state-of-the-art Equestrian Center and Soccer Complex, as well as the Tim Wilkison Sports Complex, our residents can gain access to recreation of all sorts without leaving their own community. In addition, our seven miles of multi-use trails connect each amenity and neighborhood to one another, so access is always easy.

Neighborhoods
The Palisades is clearly a one-of-a-kind community. Its natural beauty and spectacular amenities are unsurpassed. However, when you become a resident of The Palisades, you also join your own distinct community within the neighborhood you choose. Whether your home is located in Ashton Oaks, Turtle Point, Rusty Creek, or the Crosshaven neighborhood, you will enjoy a unique identity associated with it. Each neighborhood has a distinct architecture, style, and individual "feel"; instead of getting lost in the numbers of The Palisades as a whole, you'll get the benefit of your own community within a community.

ASHTON OAKS - Custom Homes from the $700,000's to $2 Million
RUSTY CREEK - Homes from the low $300's
TURTLE POINT - Homes from the mid $300's
CROSSHAVEN - Homes from the low $400's
BEAR CREEK - New Homes by Shea from the $600's
BRIAR CLIFF - French Eclectic homes from the mid $400's
DOVE HILL - Water View Homes from the $500's
EAGLES LANDING - Gated neighborhood from the $500's
HIGH CLIFF - Lakeview Homesites priced from the $800's
MARBELLA - Tudor Home Collection from the $400's
MONTAGE - Golf Course Homes from $1 Million
MORNINGSIDE - Luxury home designs priced from the $400's
THE RANCH - Equestrian Estate Lots from the $250's
TREE TOPS - English Village of Custom Homes from the $800's

For More information, go to http://www.teamfreemanproperties.com/ or find more related articles on: Active Rain Team Freeman Blog or Trulia.com

Charlotte NC - Team Freeman Real Estate - Property Info - Planters Walk

2009-01-07T16:45:00.000-08:00

Team Freeman is one of the fastest growing real estate teams in the Charlotte area. With their top notch negotiation skills and their long list of raving fans, their professional team of licensed agents plan to take their business to new heights in 2009.

If you want to be represented by the best, you need to hire the best.

If you are in the market of buying or selling real estate, contact a Team Freeman agent to help you reach your goals. Call 888-278-4935 or go to www.TeamFreemanRealEstate.com

Welcome to Planters Walk!

Located on the southwest end of Charlotte, in Mecklenburg County, Planters Walk has developed into a friendly neighborhood of 728 homes. New home sites will soon be available in our Planters Walk Preserve, and previously built homes continue to re-sell very well. Three builders built the homes in Planters Walk; Westminster Homes, Mattamy Homes and Ryan Homes.

Planters Walk offers several amenities - a Jr. Olympic swimming pool with sheltered picnic area and restrooms, two children's playgrounds, a sand volleyball court and wooded walking trails.

The community has a nice mix of home styles, with many having brick exteriors. Heated living areas range from approximately 1,200 to 3,500 square feet with homes priced from $140,000 to over $250,000.

Planters Walk is a Crosland Land Company development.

Planters Walk is close to shopping, award-winning schools, major hospitals, Charlotte's international airport and only fifteen minutes from all the excitement of uptown. Planters Walk features quality living in a beautiful community.

Pool & Clubhouse - The Planters Walk poolhouse consists of an open breezeway pavilion with picnic tables and restrooms. The Poolhouse is typically open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend each year. Vending machines are conveniently located.

Playgrounds - Planters Walk has two wonderful Playgrounds. The first is located behind the Pool House on Creekturn Dr. This playground has three slides and four swings. There numerous benches and tables for you to enjoy. The play grounds are open to the neighbors from 7am-9pm each day. Please help use keep these areas clean for our children.

Our second playground is located off of Griers Pasture Dr. in our Planters Walk Preserve Area.

Walking Trails - Planters Walk is a great place for walkers and joggers. Planters Walk has two wooded walking trails. There are wooden benches to sit down and relax on a warm day.

Volleyball Court - A sand volleyball court is located behind the swimming pool. The court is available on a first come basis to members of the Home Owners Association in good standing. When there are people waiting play time is limited to one hour.

For More information, go to http://www.teamfreemanproperties.com/ or find more related articles on: Active Rain Team Freeman Blog or Trulia.com

Charlotte NC - Team Freeman - Construction Loans

2009-01-07T15:33:00.000-08:00

Let me start by saying that your accountant, lender, banker or mortgage broker is going to be the best resource for what type of loan program best fits your financial goals. All builders are not created equal in regards to what type of financing you can choose for building a new home.

Some builders may want to carry the loan during the building process. This type of scenario is considered an end loan. An end loan is just that, the home owner does not start paying until the end of the building process once the closing takes place. With this product the builder typically collects a larger up front deposit for collateral as they are getting the loan and taking the financial risk to build the home. Typically, builder’s base pricing takes interest carry cost into consideration.

Some smaller semi custom/ custom/ design home builders will give you options on what type of loan the home owner can do during the building process. Typically, the smaller semi custom/ custom/ design builders will prefer the home owners to get a construction loan. With a construction loan the home owner closes on the property/ home site/ lot and building specifications with their lender prior to the start of construction. During the construction process the lender releases funds to the builder as each phase of constructions is complete. The home owner will then pay the interest of the portions of the loan being used throughout the construction process. With this type of loan the builder will typically give you a reduced price off the base price if they are factoring in interest carry cost into the base price.

Construction loans benefit the customer in many ways. One, they get to take advantage of the tax deduction generated by the interest paid on the loan. Two, the home owner receives a reduction off the base price if the builder factors in interest carry cost. Three, the builder will require less upfront deposit as the closing takes place right away so your deposit is more protected by the bank. Four, the home owner officially owns the home site, plan and specifications so if anything happens to the builder the home owner/ home owner’s bank still owns the property and the lender can find a new builder to finish the project.

By hiring Team Freeman as your buyer’s agent he will help you find the right lender for a constructions loan.

For more information on end loans vs. constructions loans please talk with a lender, banker, mortgage broker, accountant or financial advisor.

For More information, go to http://www.teamfreemanproperties.com/ or find more related articles on: Active Rain Team Freeman Blog or Trulia.com

Aimee Freeman
Team Freeman
RE/MAX Executive Realty
www.TeamFreemanRealEstate.com
888-278-4935

Hiring an Inspector for New Construction Homes

2009-01-07T15:28:00.000-08:00

Most builders will leave this decision up to the customer. The builder will more than likely discuss the fact that they have their own onsite inspections along with local municipality inspectors and building codes that they must adhere to. Some builders will require customers 3rd party home inspector carries minimum amounts of insurance.

For instance, the builder may require the 3rd party home inspector to carry workman’s compensation, liability insurance and to be bonded and fully insured through reputable insurance companies and governing parties at a specified dollar amount. This will protect the customer and the builder if the inspector becomes injured or damages the building during the inspection process. The 3rd party inspector will typically be at the expense of the customer/ future home owner.

There are several different levels of education and designations for home inspectors. The more educated the home inspector is the more thorough the inspection has to be. If the customer/ home owner decides to hire a 3rd party inspector it is best to hire them prior to the start of construction. This will allow every aspect of the building process to be inspected by the 3rd party vs. waiting until the end to complete one inspection.

The fees for an inspector for the entire building process will be much more expensive vs. a onetime inspection once the home is finished. This is so due to the fact they will be making several reports and trips to the job site throughout the process.

To sum it up, it is a good idea to have a 3rd set of eyes to inspect the property being built as long as the inspector is licensed, bonded, educated with nationally recognized designations and your builder allows you to hire a 3rd party inspector. Majority of builders who permit their customers to hire a home inspector have nothing to hide and want to do the right thing and build the home the right way or at least fix problems as they arise. Check with your real estate attorney for more legal advice in regards to home inspectors.

By hiring Team Freeman as your buyer’s agent he will help coordinate a reputable home inspector.

For More information, go to http://www.teamfreemanproperties.com/ or find more related articles on: Active Rain Team Freeman Blog or Trulia.com

Aimee Freeman
Team Freeman
RE/MAX Executive Realty
www.TeamFreemanRealEsate.com
888-278-4935

How do you choose a builder???

2009-01-07T15:14:00.001-08:00

Simply research the builders back ground. Check with the BBB (Better Business Bureau), local Home Builders Association or the National Association of Home Builders and hire a qualified Realtor® like Team Freeman, who is an expert in the home building industry and how to research the builders back ground.

Also, ask the builder to provide a list of past customers that had good experiences and bad experiences. For the customers that did not have the best experience find out if builder came back and took care of their problems after the fact. Find out what type of warranty program they carry. You will want to make sure the warranty is through a large insurance company with a great reputation. The minimum recommendations for warranties are a 10 year structural and a 2 year mechanical with a one year fit and finish. In addition, to the standard builder warranty find out what manufacture warranties come with the home.

Get a list of what subcontractors the builder is using and make sure they are licensed, insured and bonded. Check with the local Home Builders Association and the BBB for the reputation of the subcontractors. Find out if the builder allows the customer to hire a 3rd party home inspector to look out for their best interest during the building process. Majority of builders who permit their customers to hire a home inspector have nothing to hide and want to do the right thing and build the home the right way. Keep in mind building a home is not a perfect process, there will be mistakes and repairs that need to be done during the process.

All in all by doing this research ahead of time will assure the future home owner that if a mistake happens they will have a piece of mind knowing the builder will come back to fix the problem.

We look forward to representing you in 2009!

Aimee Freeman
Team Freeman
RE/MAX Executive Realty
www.TeamFreemanRealEstate.com
888-278-4935

Charlotte NC - Team Freeman Real Estate - Market Outlook

2009-01-06T15:59:00.004-08:00

Early 2009 could very well mark the lowest rates that we will see for the rest of our lives. Think about that. More importantly, your customers should be thinking about that too. We expect interest rates to stay in a range of 4.5 - 5.5%, with the potential to see rates moving toward the higher part of the range later in the year.

The forecast for the beginning of the year is important of course, but count on us at Mortgage Market Guide to keep informing and advising you throughout the coming year. With so many of your competitors having dropped away, opportunities abound for those who are willing to stay positive and work hard. The question is not who is going to let you be successful . . . it's who is going to stop you. During these volatile and historic times, we're proud to be with you on this journey, and appreciate each of you being part of our Mortgage Market Guide family.

This information is brought to you by: Bank of America - Adrian Boulton-Stewart & Team Freeman of RE/MAX Executive Realty

For More information, go to http://www.teamfreemanproperties.com/ or find more related articles on: Active Rain Team Freeman Blog or Trulia.com

Aimee Freeman
Team Freeman
RE/MAX Executive Realty
www.TeamFreemanRealEstate.com
888-278-4935

Weekly Market Review

2009-01-05T07:24:00.000-08:00

Conforming mortgage rates ended 2008 at the lowest levels in decades. One reason is that inflation is not a concern right now due to the current economic weakness and the decline in energy prices. In addition, the Fed has begun to purchase mortgage-backed securities (MBS), increasing the demand. Mortgage rates are generally determined by the price of MBS. On November 25, the Fed announced a plan to purchase as much as $500 billion in MBS, and mortgage rates have dropped significantly since the announcement. Low inflation and Fed purchases of MBS are expected to continue in coming months.

Along with low mortgage rates, homes have reached their best level of affordability in many years, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The NAHB index compares the cost of paying for a home, based on average home prices and mortgage rates, to the median household income. Increased affordability allows more people to participate in the housing market, which should boost demand for new and existing homes.

The consensus outlook is that the economy will begin to improve during 2009. In addition, both the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) and the National Association of Realtors (NAR) expect the housing market to improve next year. The NAR predicts that both the number of existing home sales and home prices will increase in 2009. The combination of a rebounding economy, low mortgage rates, and affordable home prices provides good reason to expect an improved housing market in 2009.

The important Employment report will come out on January 9th. As usual, this data on the number of jobs, the Unemployment Rate, and wage inflation will be the most highly anticipated economic data of the month, since the condition of the labor market is perhaps the single biggest factor in the performance of the economy. Early estimates are for a loss of 500K jobs in December.

Before that, the ISM Manufacturing index will be released on Friday of this week. The Pending Home Sales index, a leading indicator for the housing market, will come out on Tuesday of next week. The FOMC minutes from the December 16 Fed meeting will also be released that day. This detailed record of the discussion between Fed officials often provides additional insight into the reasoning behind the Fed statement. Factory Orders and Construction Spending are scheduled for next week as well. Mortgage markets will close early on Wednesday and Friday this week, and will be closed on Thursday.

For More information, go to http://www.teamfreemanproperties.com/ or find more related articles on: Active Rain Team Freeman Blog or Trulia.com

Aimee Freeman
Team Freeman Real Estate
RE/MAX Executive
www.TeamFreemanRealEstate.com
Info@TeamFreemanProperties.com
888-278-4935

What's on the horizon for uptown Charlotte?

2008-12-30T15:11:00.001-08:00

When native Charlotteans show off their city, they point to the skyline: modern, glimmering and, in a historical sense, built almost overnight.

The Charlotte Chamber gives it a boost each year with a skyline photo contest.

And millions of TV viewers catch a glimpse when the Panthers play at Bank of America Stadium.

But what they and many newcomers don't realize is that the skyline looks like that today primarily because of Bank of America, Wachovia and their predecessor institutions. Now, those institutions are changing, with Wachovia being acquired this week and Bank of America continuing to gobble up big, international companies.

Skyline competition between the banks heated up in the 1970s as their leaders strove for bragging rights to Charlotte's tallest skyscraper.

Using the clout of the financial institutions, the bank brass were able to fill the towers by pulling in law firms and other companies that cherished their business.

One-upmanship spilled over into philanthropy, the cultural arts and historic preservation.

Bank of America, for example, revived the burned out First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church as the McColl Center for Visual Art and put the Mint Museum of Craft + Design in the former Montaldo's department store.

First Union, before its merger with Wachovia, saved the Ratcliffe Florist building and incorporated it into a park called the Green on South Tryon.

But that was then.

Not only is office construction waning in the sluggish economy, but Wachovia is being acquired by Wells Fargo & Co. That deal is expected to close Wednesday.

Job losses are expected, and operations are being consolidated. The combined bank won't need another tower.

Wachovia's 48-story office building at Tryon and Stonewall streets and Bank of America's 32-story tower across from its corporate center might be the last bank skyscrapers for some time.

San Francisco-based Wells likely will be more interested in disposing of excess space, and its leaders certainly won't sense the hometown rivalry that fueled Charlotte's race for the sky.

At the same time, Bank of America's acquisition of Merrill Lynch puts it on a larger international playing field.

How much attention will its leaders pay to Charlotte?

Bank of America has denied it many times, but some of the city's most astute decision makers still believe the bank's headquarters eventually will end up in New York City.

Soft market for office space

Two non-bank towers, 15-story 440 South Church and 20-story NASCAR Plaza, are under construction.

They will be competing in what real estate experts believe will be a soft office market.

In most cases, the experts say, the banking giants are the magnet for office tenants.

The question now is: How strong will those banktown magnets be from here on out?

For More information, go to http://www.teamfreemanproperties.com/ or find more related articles on: Active Rain Team Freeman Blog or Trulia.com

Aimee Freeman & Team Freeman
RE/MAX Executive Realty
http://www.teamfreemanrealestate.com/
(888) 278-4935

What's a Charlottean???

2008-12-12T07:27:00.000-08:00

In a region with tens of thousands of newcomers a year, if you're a transplant, the answer is you.
My job is to write about newcomers – what brought them here, why they chose Charlotte, how they're adjusting, what they like and don't like – and answer their questions about living here. I do that in my Living Here columns in the Observer and New Around Town blog on www.charlotteobserver.com/livinghere.

My loose definition of a newcomer is someone who moved here in the last two years. But as a relative newcomer wrapping up my fifth year in Charlotte, I know it takes a while to feel at home. As much as I hear from new residents, I also hear from natives or those who have been here for decades, and I appreciate their perspective on how much Charlotte has changed.

No matter when you settled in the Charlotte region, if you have a question or comment or story to share, I want to hear it. Please be in touch.

Throughout this magazine you'll find suggestions for getting to know the area, making friends, networking and picking a doctor or school.

So, want to be a Charlottean or at least pass for one? Here are five tips for making that happen.

1. Experience uptown. Try taking a walk around uptown at the beginning of the workday or during lunch and ask yourself if you have ever been in a mid-sized city with so many professionals bustling about the center city. But you'll see more than just people earning a living uptown. You'll see people living there too – runners out pounding the pavement, dog owners walking their pooches and couples pushing baby strollers.

Wonder what the four statues at Trade and Tryon represent? Call the Charlotte Chamber for a tour. Local history enthusiast and volunteer tour guide Russ Ford gives free two-hour walking tours on Fridays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Registration is not required, but big groups should call ahead to arrange a special tour time. 704-331-2753, 704-847-3302.

2. Learn some local history. Don't let the phrase “New South” or all the construction crews and cranes make you think there isn't any.

Mecklenburg declared its independence from Britain a year before the colonies did – though some folks here dispute this. And Charlotte had a gold rush that preceded the more famous one in California.

Best bet for where to get schooled in local history: Levine Museum of the New South (www.museumofthenewsouth.org, 200 E. Seventh St.).

The permanent exhibit, “Cotton Fields to Skyscrapers: Charlotte and the Carolina Piedmont in the New South” covers 8,000 square feet and takes visitors through the Charlotte area from the post-Civil war era to now. It's an interactive tour. Visitors can step inside a one-room tenant farmer's house and run their hands through a pile of seed cotton. They can sit in a pew from Good Samaritans Hospital Chapel, one of the first African-American hospitals in the South, or at a lunch counter and listen to personal accounts from the Piedmont's civil rights era sit-in leaders.

3. Go to a NASCAR race. Again, set aside any preconceived notions (you know what they are – just a bunch of guys turning left, huh?) and just do it. Racing was born in North Carolina. Living here and not seeing a NASCAR race would be like living in Kentucky and never seeing a thoroughbred horse race.

You might be surprised and – gasp! – like it. At the very least, you'll appreciate experiencing the sound of 43 cars revving their engines at the same time and the excitement of the crowd when a favored driver takes the lead. Besides, what other sport allows you to bring in your own food and drinks?

For more on racing, go to www.lowesmotorspeedway.com or check out racing writer David Poole's story on page 141.

4. Go on a barbecue tour. There are three styles of barbecue in the Carolinas but one thing stays the same: it's always pork. Eastern style has a vinegar-based sauce and is slow-cooked from the whole pig. Lexington style is known for a redder (that's usually ketchup) vinegar sauce, and the pork typically comes from the shoulder. South Carolina style is known for golden-colored mustard-based sauce.

If nothing else, remember barbecue is a noun, not a verb. Cooking food on the grill does not equal barbecue.

Some places to start your barbecue tour: Bill Spoon's (Eastern style) on South Boulevard in Charlotte, Lexington No. 1 in Lexington and Bridges Barbecue Lodge in Shelby (Lexington style), and Sweatman's in Holly Hill, S.C. (mustard style). Holly Hill is a three-hour trek. Lexington and Shelby are each about an hour away.

Attention foodies: Want more? Read food editor Kathleen Purvis' stories on top local food experiences on page 30 and how to cook like a Southerner on page 134. Also check out her column Wednesday's in the Observer's food section and her online Q&A at www.charlotteobserver.com/food.

5. Get outside. One of the best things about living in Charlotte is the relatively mild weather, though summers are hot and humid. You can golf, play tennis, run and ride your bike year round. Mecklenburg and the surrounding counties have an array of parks and greenways. In the summer, take the kids to cool down at one of five spraygrounds in Mecklenburg.

For more info on Mecklenburg's public parks, greenways and spraygrounds: www.parkandrec.com.

Do all these things and give it a year or two and you might just start feeling like a Charlottean. Have fun exploring. I'd love to hear about your experiences!

For More information, go to http://www.teamfreemanproperties.com/ or find more related articles on: Active Rain Team Freeman Blog or Trulia.com

Aimee Freeman & Team Freeman
RE/MAX Executive Realty
http://www.teamfreemanrealestate.com/
(888) 278-4935

Info provided by: Amy Baldwin

Charlotte NC Real Estate - Home for Sale - 1512 Winston Drive - The Arts District!

2008-06-04T08:51:00.000-07:00

Charlotte NC Real Estate - Home for Sale - 1512 Winston Drive - The Arts District!

This home has been renovated & is move in ready! You will enjoy this very bright, open, & airy home with hardwood floors throughout, ceramic tile in kitchen & bath, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances that include a fridge, smooth top stove, dishwasher, & sink. Upgraded light fixtures, fresh paint, heavy moldings, new sinks & toilet, blinds,brushed nickel hardware, & recessed lights. You will also enjoy a ceramic tile, rocking chair front porch, relaxing back porch, large fenced in yard, storage building, & mature landscaping. Invest in this area & start earning appreciation today. Must see! ** Seller will even consider owner financing! **

Approx. 1191 HLA
3bd/1ba
.23 acres
MLS# 779227

Selling your home in the least amount of time, for the highest price possible, with the least amount of hassle!Team Freeman sells homes THREE times as FAST compared to other Realtors who average 132 days or MORE!

For more details and CURRENT pricing call 888-278-4935 Ext. 223

Your Home SOLD in 45 Days or Less or We Will Pay Your Mortgage!(Some Reasonable Restrictions Apply)

Charlotte NC Real Estate - Home for Sale - 9308 Royal Highlands Court - Ballantyne

2008-05-07T06:37:00.000-07:00

Homeowners are Landscaping Fans! Gorgeous Lot with Front & Back Irrigation & Fenced Yard. Home is Very Well Maintained from the Inside Out. Enjoy the Convenience of this Open Floor Plan with 10ft Ceilings & Plant Shelves. Home also features a Large Kitchen, Sunny Breakfast Area, Huge Master Bedroom with Deluxe Master Bath & Custom Built Ins in Closet, Blinds Throughout, & Beautiful Neutral Paint. You May Also Enjoy the Oversized 2 Car Garage, Ceiling Fans, Brand New Quiet Dishwasher, Laundry Room Conveniently off the Garage, Second Story Bonus or 4th Bedroom. This Home has it all. Sellers are also offering a 1 year warranty! ** Built ins in Bedroom 2 can be Removed by the Seller if Desired. **

Approx. 1866 HLA

4bd/2ba

.20 acres

MLS# 771623

For more details and CURRENT pricing call 888-278-4935 Ext. 235

Your Home SOLD in 45 Days or Less or We Will Pay Your Mortgage!(Some Reasonable Restrictions Apply)

Charlotte NC Real Estate - Home for Sale - 12014 Redspire Drive - Steele Creek

2008-03-18T13:33:00.000-07:00

Best Deal in Withers Grove! Stainless Steel Fridge Stays, Washer & Dryer Stay! This Home is Move in Ready. Fantastic Split Bedroom Plan, Vaulted Ceiling in Family Room, High Ceiling in Kitchen. Master Bedroom is a Great Size & the Closet is Huge. Blinds Throughout, & a Wonderful Cul-de-sac Lot. Priced to Sell & Won't Last Long.

Approx. 1206 HLA
3bd/2ba
.171 acres
MLS# 754063

Selling your home in the least amount of time, for the highest price possible, with the least amount of hassle!

Team Freeman sells homes TWICE as FAST compared to other Realtors who average 125 days or MORE!

For more details and CURRENT pricing call 888-278-4935 Ext. 245

Your Home SOLD in 45 Days or Less or We Will Pay Your Mortgage!
(Some Reasonable Restrictions Apply)

Charlotte NC Real Estate - Home for Sale - 413 Queens Drive - Concord

2008-03-18T13:30:00.000-07:00

What a Deal! This Home is Move In Ready & Offers a Gorgeous Cul-de-sac lot & HUGE Backyard. Your New Home Also Features: Formals, Ceramic Tile in the 1/2 Bath, Kitchen, Breakfast, & Family Room, Gas Fireplace, Open Kitchen with Fridge, French Doors Going Out to Patio, Large Master, Big Closets, Fantastic Bonus Room, Ceiling Fans, Garden Tub, & So Much More. Priced To Sell So Don't Wait Too Long!

Approx. 1754 HLA
3bd/2.5ba
.25 acres
MLS# 755912

Selling your home in the least amount of time, for the highest price possible, with the least amount of hassle!

Team Freeman sells homes TWICE as FAST compared to other Realtors who average 125 days or MORE!

For more details and CURRENT pricing call 888-278-4935 Ext. 202

Your Home SOLD in 45 Days or Less or We Will Pay Your Mortgage!
(Some Reasonable Restrictions Apply)

Waxhaw NC Real Estate - Home for Sale - 11009 Royal Colony Drive

2008-03-18T13:23:00.001-07:00

Approx. $60k in Upgrades in this Home! As Soon as You Enter This Home You Will See That There Is Nothing Else of this Quality in The Reserve. The Private Back Yard & Extensive Stone Patio with Built In Grill, Fireplace, & Sound are Perfect for Those Upcoming Spring & Summer Evenings. You Will Enjoy the Feel & Luxury that This Home Offers. Nothing has Been Overlooked in this Home. Home Features Extensive Hardwoods on the 1st Floor, Limestone Floors & Granite Countertops in the Bathrooms, Upgraded Crown Molding Throughout, Gourmet Kitchen w/Extended Island, Granite, Upgraded Stainless Appliances & Cabinets, Bright Sunroom/Breakfast Area, Stone Fireplace & Additional Fireplace in Master, Surround Sound, Extra Large Driveway & 3 Car Garage, Study/Bonus Down, & Open Floor Plan!

Approx. 3405 HLA
5bd/3ba
.74 acres
MLS# 754822

Selling your home in the least amount of time, for the highest price possible, with the least amount of hassle!

Team Freeman sells homes TWICE as FAST compared to other Realtors who average 125 days or MORE!

For more details and CURRENT pricing call 888-278-4935 Ext. 244

Your Home SOLD in 45 Days or Less or We Will Pay Your Mortgage!
(Some Reasonable Restrictions Apply)

Charlotte NC Real Estate - Home for Sale - 12616 Frank Wiley Lane

2008-03-18T13:14:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous Home that has Never Been Lived In! This Home Offers Plenty of Space & More. Features Include: Formals, Large Family Room, Bright Breakfast Room, Angle Kitchen with Plenty of Space, Huge Pantry, Iron Spindles, Enormous 18x15 Bonus Room, Secondary Bedrooms the Size of Some Master Bedrooms, Master with Large Sitting Area & Deluxe Master Bath. This Home has Everything but You! Don't Miss Out!

Approx. 2775 HLA
3bd/2.5ba
.2099 acres
MLS# 755877

Selling your home in the least amount of time, for the highest price possible, with the least amount of hassle!

Team Freeman sells homes TWICE as FAST compared to other Realtors who average 125 days or MORE!

For more details and CURRENT pricing call 888-278-4935 Ext. 243

Your Home SOLD in 45 Days or Less or We Will Pay Your Mortgage!
(Some Reasonable Restrictions Apply)

Charlotte Real Estate For Sale - 12421 Oakbriar Lane!

2008-02-04T11:36:00.000-08:00

This Home Shows Like a Model! Hardwoods in the Entry, Dining Room, & Kitchen & Tile in the Bathrooms. Lots of Large Windows to Keep the Home Bright & Airy. Ceiling Heights Range from 9ft to 14.5ft. Tons of 42' Cabinets in the Kitchen, Gas Fireplace, Berber Carpet & Built Ins in the Family Room, Oversized Garage Fits 2 Cars & Plenty of Storage, Huge Deck off the Back & Gorgeous Landscaping! Over $10,000 in Window Treatments, Washer, & Dryer to Stay. Front & Back Automatic Irrigation System. Homeowner has all Service Records. Heating/AC is on Bi-Annual Maintenance Contract & there is also a Termite Bond. This Home has Been Taken Care of!

Approx. 2730 HLA
4bd/3ba
.237 acres
MLS# 745250

Selling your home in the least amount of time, for the highest price possible, with the least amount of hassle!

Team Freeman sells homes TWICE as FAST compared to other Realtors who average 125 days or MORE!

For more details and CURRENT pricing call 888-278-4935 Ext. 232

Your Home SOLD in 45 Days or Less or We Will Pay Your Mortgage!
(Some Reasonable Restrictions Apply)

Rock Hill, SC Real Estate - Priced Under Appraisal!

2008-01-16T12:28:00.000-08:00

Instant Equity! Home Appraised for $150k 10/07! Priced to Sell & is being SOLD AS-IS with No Repairs. A/C Unit replaced in 2004. Roof approx. 6-7 years old, Wood/Ceramic Tile Floors throughout & New Appliances in 2004, Screened Porch, HUGE lot, Large Bedrooms, Plenty of Cabinets, Tile Island in Kitchen. Home is on Septic but City/County may be Avail. Seller is offering up to $4k in Closing Costs!

Approx. 2212 HLA
3bd/2ba
.85 acres
MLS# 739685

Selling your home in the least amount of time, for the highest price possible, with the least amount of hassle!

Team Freeman sells homes TWICE as FAST compared to other Realtors who average 123 days or MORE!

For more details and CURRENT pricing call 888-278-4935 Ext. 224

Your Home SOLD in 45 Days or Less or We Will Pay Your Mortgage!
(Some Reasonable Restrictions Apply)

Mint Hill Real Estate for Sale - New Listing - 2.24 Wooded Acres of Privacy!

2008-01-16T08:53:00.001-08:00

Shows Like a Model! Gorgeous Home on 2.24 acres of Wooded Privacy! Ceramic Tile Entry, Kitchen, & Breakfast. Family Room w/Gas Fireplace & Fantastic View of the Back Yard, Formals have Crown & Chair Rail, All Five Bedrooms are Large, Dual Stairs, Laundry Up, Oversized Garage, Extra Long Driveway with Extra Parking, Super Bright House with Plenty of Windows, & No HOA! This Home is Waiting for You!

Approx. 2693 HLA
5bd/2.5ba
2.24 acres
MLS# 740141

Selling your home in the least amount of time, for the highest price possible, with the least amount of hassle!

Team Freeman sells homes TWICE as FAST compared to other Realtors who average 116 days or MORE!

For more details and CURRENT pricing call 888-278-4935 Ext. 224

Your Home SOLD in 45 Days or Less or We Will Pay Your Mortgage!
(Some Reasonable Restrictions Apply)

Charlotte NC Real Estate - Home Values on the Rise!

2007-12-27T14:30:00.000-08:00

Charlotte is 1 of just 3 places where home values are up 10:48 AM

10:48 AM EST on Wednesday, December 26, 2007

By STEPHEN BERNARD / Associated Press

NEW YORK -- There are only three places in the country where homes prices are rising -- and Charlotte, N.C., is at the top of that very short list.

Along with Charlotte, Portland, Ore. and Seattle posted year-over-year home price appreciation in October, with Charlotte posting the largest gains at 4.3 percent, according to the Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller home price index released Wednesday.

The index found that nationwide, U.S. home prices fell in October for the 10th consecutive month, posting their biggest monthly decline since early 1991. The record 6.7 percent drop marked the 23rd consecutive month of price deceleration.

"No matter how you look at these data, it is obvious that the current state of the single-family housing market remains grim," said Robert Shiller, who helped create the index, in a statement Wednesday.

The previous record decline was a drop of 6.3 percent, recorded in April 1991.

The S&P/Case-Shiller home price index tracks prices of existing single-family homes in 10 metropolitan areas compared with a year earlier. A broader index of 20 metropolitan areas fell 6.1 percent. Among the 20 metropolitan areas used in the broader index, 11 posted record monthly declines.

Miami posted the largest decline among the 20 markets reviewed. Home prices in the Miami metropolitan area fell 12.4 percent in October compared with the same month last year, surpassing Tampa, Fla. as the worst-performing city. Tampa posted a year-over-year loss of 11.8 percent.

Besides those two cities, Detroit, Las Vegas, Phoenix and San Diego also posted double-digit year-over-year declines.

Atlanta and Dallas, which had previously been posting price appreciation, fell in October compared with a year earlier. Prices fell 0.7 percent in Atlanta and 0.1 percent in Dallas.

All 20 cities in the broader index posted month-over-month declines, with San Diego posting the largest decline of 2.6 percent.

Charlotte Real Estate - Enjoying Big Gains!

2007-11-28T20:03:00.000-08:00

Posted on Wed, Nov. 28 2007

SEATTLE ALSO SAW BIG GAINS
Charlotte bucks housing trend
Home values grew while other cities saw declines

J.W. ELPHINSTONE
Associated Press

Housing prices in Charlotte and Seattle enjoyed the biggest gains over the last year, according to data released Tuesday, rare good news from a sector widely battered elsewhere in the country by foreclosures and swooning home valuations.

In a Standard & Poor's index measuring housing prices in 20 metropolitan areas, only five cities gained ground.

Charlotte and Seattle tied with an increase of 4.7 percent compared with the same time last year. However, S&P data showed the pace of that increase was slowing.

Atlanta (0.4 percent), Dallas (0.2 percent) and Portland, Ore., (2.2 percent) rounded out the winners.

Overall, U.S. home prices fell 4.5 percent in the third quarter from a year earlier, the sharpest drop since S&P began its nationwide housing index in 1987 and another sign that the housing slump is far from over, the research group said.

One of the index's creators also predicted a significant chance of a recession as the economy contends with falling housing prices, spiking foreclosures and turmoil in the financial markets.

"Over 50 percent," said MacroMarkets LLC Chief Economist Robert Shiller, giving his odds for a recession. Other economists have put the chance of recession at one in three.

"We're in the aftermath of the biggest housing boom in history, so how do we use historical data to judge the outcome?" he said. "We're out of the range of the normal variation in the data and I take that as very significant."

The S&P/Case-Shiller quarterly index tracks prices of existing single-family homes across the nation compared with a year earlier.

The index also showed that prices fell 1.7 percent from the previous three-month period, the largest quarter-to-quarter decline in the index's history.

After 13 years of rising home values -- with the greatest increases occurring in the first part of this decade -- the housing market has started to unravel.

Declines in housing prices have kept homeowners, especially those with riskier mortgages and spotty credit, from refinancing, sending them into default and foreclosure at a quickening pace. More foreclosed properties have added to an already ballooning inventory of homes on the market, further depressing values.

Investors holding securities backed by mortgages have taken billions of dollars in losses as they rewrite the value of defaulting assets. Spooked, they have stopped funding mortgages, hurting lenders' ability to issue new loans and shrinking demand.

The Federal Reserve has stepped in, cutting interest rates two consecutive times -- once by a half-point in September and by a quarter-point in October -- to 4.5 percent to encourage economic expansion. The Fed said last week it expects the housing slump and credit crisis to slow economic growth and push unemployment up slightly next year.

Tampa and Miami led the index with the biggest year-over-year declines at 11.1 percent and 10 percent, respectively. It also showed drops in San Diego of 9.6 percent; Detroit, 9.6 percent; Las Vegas, 9 percent; Phoenix, 8.8 percent; and Los Angeles, 7 percent.

The S&P's 10-area index decreased 5.5 percent in September from the previous year.

On Thursday, the Washington-based Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight is to release its third-quarter index of U.S. home prices.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Observer staff writer Mike Drummond contributed

Mount Holly Real Estate - New Listing at 125 Brinkley Park Drive in Mount Holly, NC 28120!

2007-10-30T14:50:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous Home in a Quiet Community with Private Back Yard! This Home offers Large Rooms, Lots of Light, & Many Upgrades including Carpet, Fans, Washer, Dryer, & Fridge! Enjoy Hanging out in the Bonus Room or by the Woodburning Fireplace that is also Gas Line Ready! Amazing Kitchen & Enormous Pantry. Dual Sinks in both Full Baths & WIC in all of the Oversized Secondary Bedrooms. Must See!

Approx. 2321 HLA
3bd/2.5ba
.19 acres
MLS# 723832

Selling your home in the least amount of time, for the highest price possible, with the least amount of hassle!

Team Freeman sells homes TWICE as FAST compared to other Realtors who average 116 days or MORE!

For more details and CURRENT pricing call 888-278-4935 Ext. 225

Your Home SOLD in 45 Days or Less or We Will Pay Your Mortgage!
(Some Reasonable Restrictions Apply)

Clover SC Real Estate - New Listing at 1914 Leesburg Drive in Clover, SC 29710!

2007-10-30T14:16:00.000-07:00

This Home has Space! Gorgeous, Bright, Open Floor Plan Features a Large Dining Room, Huge Family Room, Fantastic Kitchen with Lots of Light, Secondary Bedrooms are the Size of Many 'Normal' Master Bedrooms, Master Features an Incredible Sitting Area & the Closets are Amazing! This Corner Lot is .33 Acres & is Fenced & Beautifully Landscaped! Need I say more?

Approx. 3242 HLA
3bd/2.5ba
.33 acres
MLS# 721012

Selling your home in the least amount of time, for the highest price possible, with the least amount of hassle!

Team Freeman sells homes TWICE as FAST compared to other Realtors who average 116 days or MORE!

For more details and CURRENT pricing call 888-278-4935 Ext. 228

Your Home SOLD in 45 Days or Less or We Will Pay Your Mortgage!
(Some Reasonable Restrictions Apply)

Charlotte Real Estate - New Listing at 12531 Morning Creek Lane in Charlotte, NC 28214!

2007-10-01T13:50:00.000-07:00

Upgrades Galore! This gorgeous home features tons of space, plenty of windows, blinds, 9' ceilings, moldings in the living/dining, ceramic tile, 2 story great room, enormous kitchen w/breakfast area, huge island, 42' cabinets, black appliances, desk area, large study, oversized secondary bedrooms, relaxing master suite with upgraded bath, 5th bedroom/bonus & so much more!

Approx. 3112 HLA
5bd/bonus, 2.5ba, & study
.252 acres
MLS# 716134

Selling your home in the least amount of time, for the highest price possible, with the least amount of hassle!
Team Freeman's average days on market is only 55.4 compared to other Realtors who average 122 days or MORE!

For more details and CURRENT pricing call 888-278-4935 Ext. 221

Your Home SOLD in 60 Days or Less - GUARANTEED!

Clover Real Estate - New Listing at 4178 Shasta Circle in Clover, SC 29710!

2007-09-28T11:49:00.000-07:00

Enjoy this open floor plan with plenty of space! Home is ready to move in & includes the fridge, washer, dryer & smooth top stove. All rooms are larger than most homes. Master bedroom has an enormous WIC, there is plenty of storage, laundry is down, blinds on windows, & the backyard is flat & private. All this home needs is you!

Approx. 2062 HLA

3bd/2.5ba

.188 acres

MLS# 714940

Selling your home in the least amount of time, for the highest price possible, with the least amount of hassle!

Team Freeman's average days on market is only 55.4 compared to other Realtors who average 122 days or MORE!

For more details and CURRENT pricing call 888-278-4935 Ext. 220

Your Home SOLD in 60 Days or Less - GUARANTEED!

Indian Trail Real Estate - New Listing at 5000 Thicketty Parkway in Indian Trail, NC 28079!

2007-09-28T10:47:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous home in the wonderful Bent Creek Community! Enjoy the open kitchen with white pine cabinets with breakfast area, a comfy great room, and the spacious vaulted ceiling entertainment room. A Master Bedroom with vaulted ceiling and walk in closet. Master Bath, with jetted garden tub, seperate shower and dual vanity. How can anyone not enjoy all the available living area.

Approx. 2538 HLA

4bd/2.5ba
.317 acres

MLS# 714828

Selling your home in the least amount of time, for the highest price possible, with the least amount of hassle! Team Freeman's average days on market is only 55.4 compared to other Realtors who average 122 days or MORE!

For more details and CURRENT pricing call 888-278-4935 Ext. 507

Your Home SOLD in 60 Days or Less - GUARANTEED!

Waxhaw Real Estate - New Listing at 2035 Dunsmore Lane in Waxhaw, NC 28173!

2007-09-26T18:03:00.000-07:00

Contact us to see our new listing at: 2035 Dunsmore Lane in Waxhaw, NC 28173!

Open floor plan, huge rooms, bright & airy! You are going to love this home! Kitchen is open to the great room & has black appliances & space for a large breakfast table. Home features a loft, upgraded light fixtures & fans, blinds, big bedrooms, & a HUGE master bedroom closet. You must see inside to appreciate this home.

Approx. 1564 HLA
3bd/2.5ba
.0073 acres
MLS# 714720

Selling your home in the least amount of time, for the highest price possible, with the least amount of hassle! Team Freeman's average days on market is only 55.4 compared to other Realtors who average 122 days or MORE!

For more details and CURRENT pricing call 888-278-4935 Ext. 217

Hamilton Green Real Estate Market Conditions

2007-09-25T22:38:00.001-07:00

Hamilton Green Real Estate

Here at the Team Freeman Home Selling Team we are continuously monitoring local real estate statistics to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends. Below you will find Hamilton Green real estate statistics for the 4th week of September.

Total number of homes on the market: 20
New homes on the market this week: 2
Number of homes entering escrow this week (pending): 1
Number of homes closing escrow this week (sold): 2
Number of homes expired this week: 0
Average Days on Market over the last 30 days: 63.8 - Team Freeman’s average is 55.4!

To find the value of your home with a FREE, NO OBLIGATION, over-the-net home evaluation, please visit: http://www.teamfreemanrealestate.com/.

If you would like a FREE list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood, would like more information about Hamilton Green or would like to be the first to know about hot new listings before other buyers do, then give me a call at: 888-278-4935 Ext. 110.

Aimee Freeman & Team Freeman
RE/MAX Executive Realty 888-278-4935 Ext. 110
http://www.teamfreemanrealestate.com/
Sold@TeamFreemanProperties.com

The Crossings Real Estate Market Report

2007-09-25T21:54:00.000-07:00

The Crossings Real Estate

Here at the Team Freeman Home Selling Team we are continuously monitoring local real estate statistics to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends. Below you will find The Crossings real estate statistics for the 4th week of September.

Total number of homes on the market: 20
New homes on the market this week: 2
Number of homes entering escrow this week (pending): 1
Number of homes closing escrow this week (sold): 2
Number of homes expired this week: 0
Average Days on Market over the last 30 days: 63.8 - Team Freeman’s average is 55.4!

To find the value of your home with a FREE, NO OBLIGATION, over-the-net home evaluation, please visit: http://www.teamfreemanrealestate.com/.

If you would like a FREE list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood, would like more information about The Crossings or would like to be the first to know about hot new listings before other buyers do, then give me a call at: 888-278-4935 Ext. 110.

Aimee Freeman & Team Freeman
RE/MAX Executive Realty 888-278-4935 Ext. 110
http://www.teamfreemanrealestate.com/
Sold@TeamFreemanProperties.com

Planters Walk Real Estate Market Conditions

2007-09-25T15:40:00.000-07:00

Planters Walk Real Estate

Here at the Team Freeman Home Selling Team we are continuously monitoring local real estate statistics to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends. Below you will find Planters Walk real estate statistics for the 4th week of September.

Total number of homes on the market: 29
New homes on the market this week: 0
Number of homes entering escrow this week (pending): 2
Number of homes closing escrow this week (sold): 2
Number of homes expired this week: 0
Average Days on Market over the last 30 days: 34.6

To find the value of your home with a FREE, NO OBLIGATION, over-the-net home evaluation, please visit: http://www.teamfreemanrealestate.com/.

If you would like a FREE list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood, would like more information about Planters Walk or would like to be the first to know about hot new listings before other buyers do, then give me a call at: 888-278-4935 Ext. 110.

Aimee Freeman & Team Freeman
RE/MAX Executive Realty
888-278-4935 Ext. 110
http://www.teamfreemanrealestate.com/
Sold@TeamFreemanProperties.com

Lake Park Real Estate Market Conditions

2007-09-25T13:19:00.000-07:00

Lake Park Real Estate

Here at the Team Freeman Home Selling Team we are continuously monitoring local real estate statistics to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends. Below you will find Lake Park real estate statistics for the 4th week of September.

Total number of homes on the market: 44
New homes on the market this week: 1
Number of homes entering escrow this week (pending): 0
Number of homes closing escrow this week (sold): 1
Number of homes expired this week: 0
Average Days on Market over the last 30 days: 94.6 – Team Freeman’s average is 55.4!

To find the value of your home with a FREE, NO OBLIGATION, over-the-net home evaluation, please visit: http://www.teamfreemanrealestate.com/.

If you would like a FREE list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood, would like more information about Lake Park or would like to be the first to know about hot new listings before other buyers do, then give me a call at: 888-278-4935 Ext. 110.

Aimee Freeman & Team Freeman
RE/MAX Executive Realty 888-278-4935 Ext. 110
http://www.teamfreemanrealestate.com/
Sold@TeamFreemanProperties.com

Brandon Oaks Real Estate Market Conditions

2007-09-25T12:38:00.000-07:00

Brandon Oaks Real Estate

Here at the Team Freeman Home Selling Team we are continuously monitoring local real estate statistics to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends. Below you will find Brandon Oaks real estate statistics for the 4th week of September.

Total number of homes on the market: 49
New homes on the market this week: 9
Number of homes entering escrow this week (pending): 0
Number of homes closing escrow this week (sold): 1
Number of homes expired this week: 0
Average Days on Market over the last 30 days: 57.8 – Team Freeman’s average is 55.4!

To find the value of your home with a FREE, NO OBLIGATION, over-the-net home evaluation, please visit: http://www.teamfreemanrealestate.com/. If you would like a FREE list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood, would like more information about Brandon Oaks or would like to be the first to know about hot new listings before other buyers do, then give me a call at: 888-278-4935 Ext. 110.

Aimee Freeman & Team Freeman
RE/MAX Executive Realty
888-278-4935 Ext. 110
http://www.teamfreemanrealestate.com/
Sold@TeamFreemanProperties.com

Charlotte Real Estate - Charlotte is One of the Best Markets to Buy a Home!

2007-09-20T17:58:00.001-07:00

This information was taken from Forbes.com.

National housing prices continued to slide last quarter, dropping an average of 1.5% over the year before, according to the latest report by the National Association of Realtors.
But things are looking up for two-thirds of the country's big cities where median home sale prices rose.
Leading the charge was Seattle, where prices increased 8.9%; in San Jose, Calif., they rose 8.8%; and in Raleigh and Charlotte, N.C., prices jumped 8.3% and 8.4% respectively.
Compare that to Detroit and Cleveland. In these metros, prices fell 7.1%. Skies aren't much sunnier in the West. Median home sale numbers in Sacramento, Calif., Las Vegas and Phoenix dropped 6.3%, 3.6% and 2.7%, respectively.

http://finance.yahoo.com/real-estate/article/103394/Best-and-Worst-U.S.-Housing-Markets

Indian Trail Real Estate - New Listing at 6114 Trevor Simpson Drive in Indian Trail, NC 28079!

2007-09-20T17:48:00.000-07:00

Call us to see our new listing at 6114 Trevor Simpson Drive in Indian Trail, NC 28079!

July 2007 Yard of the Month! This home shows like a model! Neutral Colors & Clean! Enjoy the Hardwood Floors, Open Kitchen with Black Appliances, Large Family Room with Stone Fireplace, MBR has Trey Ceiling, Garden Tub w/Sep. Shower, all Bedrooms have Fans, Blinds, Oversized 2 Car Garage w/tons of Storage Above. Backyard Features a Stone Patio, Pond, Fence, & Backs up to Trees! Won't last long!

Approx. 1531 HLA
3bd/2.5ba
MLS# 703980

Indian Trail Real Estate - New Listing at 1002 Bridleside Drive in Indian Trail, NC 28079

2007-09-20T17:18:00.000-07:00

Come see our brand new listing at 1002 Bridleside Drive in Indian Trail, NC 28079!

Gorgeous home in a community that can't be beat! The cook in you will enjoy the kitchen with plenty of cabinets, black appliances, tile & backsplash. Hardwoods in foyer & half bath. Master Suite has huge WIC, trey ceiling, sep. shower, dual vanities, garden tub, & 2 windows to keep it bright & airy. Secondary bedrooms are also large. Home has blinds, security system, upstairs laundry & so much more.

Approx. 2186 HLA
4bd/2.ba + loft
MLS#713093

Concord Real Estate - New Listing at 3166 Yates Mill Drive in Concord, NC 28027

2007-09-20T17:10:00.000-07:00

Call us to see our brand new listing at 3166 Yates Mill Drive in Concord, NC 28027!

Gorgeous home in highly desired area with unfinished 3rd floor! This home has it all. Cul-de-sac lot, fenced yard, large patio, 1/3 acre, & playset! Enjoy the open kitchen w/white appliances, berber carpet, hardwoods, upgraded fans, lights, & moldings, gas fp, large master with double door grand entry, upgraded MBA, lots of storage space, blinds, bay window in dining room, & so much more.

Approx. 2417 HLA

Approx. 596 Unheated

4bd/2.5ba

MLS# 709459

Fort Mill Real Estate - 408 Meadowside Drive in Fort Mill has SOLD in only 36 Days!

2007-09-20T17:07:00.000-07:00

Wow. Another Team Freeman listing is sold in only 36 days! List with us & get your home SOLD!

SOLD
408 Meadowside Drive
Fort Mill, SC 29715

Charlotte Real Estate - 2332 Shenandoah Avenue was SOLD in only 60 Days!

2007-09-20T17:06:00.000-07:00

Team Freeman sold 2332 Shenandoah Avenue in the Chantilly community in only 60 days! Another happy seller!

SOLD
2332 Shenandoah Avenue
Charlotte, NC 28205

Charlotte Real Estate - 12022 Duke Lancaster Drive has SOLD in only 18 Days!

2007-09-20T17:03:00.000-07:00

Team Freeman was able to sell this fantastic, 3 story, townhome in the Kingsley subdivision in South Charlotte in only 18 days!

SOLD
12022 Duke Lancaster Drive
Charlotte, NC 28277