Front Entry First Impressions

The front entry of your Dilworth home is the face of your home and should be well maintained and designed. Dilworth residents take great pride in the look and location of their homes but the front entry can often be overlooked in the design scheme.

Granite countertops, wood floors and upgraded appliances make for amazing interior updates but without an impressive front entry your neighbors, guests and potential buyers may not give your home the credit it deserves. Take these tips to help your home reach its fullest potential and become the star of the Dilworth neighborhood.

Front Door
Consider the front door to be an introduction to your home. Front doors with windows offer lots of natural sunlight. By using an install-ready prehung door, you can make an easy front entry upgrade in a day.

Lighting
Exterior lights add safety and illumination, which accents the front of your house. When deciding on your homes entry lighting, be sure to pick a style that complements your home's unique architecture.

Plants
Plants act as a visual anchor for an entry and provide a natural feeling at your front entry. Make sure the containers you put them in are weatherproof to prevent damage during severe weather.

Walkway
Its easy to turn a concrete stoop into a showpiece by capping the treads and risers with stone, split-brick, or limestone pavers. By taking the time to design a beautiful walkway, your house has the beginnings of the perfect entry.


Sprucing up these four areas can greatly improve your homes first impression, value and make it a focal point in the Dilworth neighborhood.

Talk to the fabulous staff over at Luxe Home Couture or the folks at Cottage Chic for more entryway advice. Or, if you'd like to receive Dilworth market updates monthly, email me (DilworthCharlotte@gmail.com) and I'll sign you up.

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Current Dilworth Home Values

Has listening to the news left you feeling like there's no hope for Charlotte's real estate market? Well rest assured that every cloud has a silver lining and if you're living in Charlotte's Dilworth neighborhood your silver lining keeps getting brighter. Real estate trends and fluctuations in the housing market can't always be applied to all areas of the country. Some states have seen gains in home values, some have seen declines in home values, some states have seen increases in population, some have seen decreases in population. The point is there is no calculable method that can be applied to all real estate markets. Every state, every city, every neighborhood, every house will be effected in a different way by real estate market trends.

North Carolina has continued to grow in the downturn and is forcasted to be one of the fastest-growing states in the country; that means more people needing homes in Charlotte which translates to your home being worth more. It's a simple case of supply and demand.

Now let's narrow the area down even further: Dilworth is one of Charlotte's most sought-after neighborhoods and its small size means there is limited supply available to a growing number of potential buyers. If you have a home in Dilworth rest assured that the sky is not falling and you are in one of a few neighborhoods that are seeing increases in real estate values. The most recent Neighborhood report for Dilworth shows these stats:

Homes in Dilworth currently for sale: 41

Average list price: $592,365   ($234.13/sqft)

Average price of homes sold

Past 1 yr    =  $491,547

Past 9 mos = $478,999

Past 6 mos = $497,671

Past 3 mos = $566,400

- This graph clearly shows the value of Dilworth homes showing a continuous growth pattern.

Average price/sqft of homes sold

Past 1 yr    = $196.26

Past 9 mos = $190.90

Past 6 mos = $191.61

Past 3 mos = $201.17

- These figures show that, on average, homes in Dilworth are experiencing continuous increases in value over the last 9 months and can provide a rough idea of what a buyer might be willing to pay for your home.

Average "discount" off list price given by sellers

Past 1 yr    = 5.04%

Past 9 mos = 4.4%

Past 6 mos = 6.22%

Past 3 mos = 9.22%

- These figures show that sellers are becoming much more flexible and willing to negotiate on the price of their house.

The graphs provided show what appears to be a market bottom for the Dilworth neighborhood nine months ago, and continued growth in real estate values since. If you're looking to sell your house, I hope these figures help you sleep better at night. If you're a potential buyer looking to move to Dilworth, I hope these figures show you that moving to Dilworth is an investment in your future.

If you'd like to receive these Dilworth market updates monthly, email me (DilworthCharlotte@gmail.com) and I'll sign you up. You'll simply receive the charts and data. Nothing more, nothing less.

Have a great weekend!

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Art Buyers Flock to Dilworth

If you are an art lover or you're just looking for a cool place to be check out the Ciel Art Gallery located on Camden Rd. near Dilworth. This is no ordinary art gallery; it is the only gallery dedicated to fine art mosaics in the United States which makes it a truly unique treasure of the near Dilworth area.

A wonderful collection of mosaic art is displayed in the gallery throughout the year. Heartistry, the newest exhibit displayed now through February 25th, is a collection of heart-themed mosaics from artists all around the world.                                                      



                                                                         Hours are:

Tues-Fri 1p.m.-5p.m. 

Saturday 11a.m.-5p.m.

1st friday of the month open until 9

other cool stuff:

• Private Appointments to view the collection are available...date night?
• Classes are offered for a number of different projects. You can be an artist, too!
• A community mosaic is displayed outside of the Charlotte Art League building. The owner of Ciel, Pam Goode, directed the installation along with a few others.

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Ideal Home for Sale in Dilworth



Introducing: 2321 Cumberland in Dilworth!
Come check it out this Sunday, 1/30/11 from 2-4pm...you'll fall in love.



On Freedom Park, this location cannot be beat. It is just a few blocks to the restaurants and shops on Dilworth's trendy East Blvd. If you're in the medical profession, walk to CMC hospital complex!



The large wrap-around deck and patio is where you might spend most of your time. 

Surrounded by a private brick wall you'll love grilling out and relaxing in this piece of paradise.

The back yard is one of the current owner's favorite spots. Stacked stone wall and steps lead to the lower level play area.

 

Aluminum fencing and brick wall surround your private paradise. The new screened porch completes this wonderful space. We don't need to sell the kids on this playset!

Kitchen opens to a large sun-filled breakfast room with tile floor and a built in "command central" home office.

The large kitchen is open to a warm family room with hardwood floors throughout the space.

The kitchen has stainless appliances and a large granite island with breakfast bar. We love the tray ceiling.

The fireplace is flanked with built-ins and an oversized bay window looks out into the large back yard.

Other features of this house include:

•   Fireplaces in Living Room and Great Room

•   Attached one car garage

•   Tile Baths

•   Extensive Decking

•   Fenced Yard

•   Attic Storage accessible through bookshelves in hall

Come and see this beautiful home during Open House on Sunday, January 30 from 2 - 4p.m.

Email me if you need directions. Have a great week!

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Restaurant Week in Dilworth

Hi, Dilworth Foodies! What a glorious week for us! Restaurant week is in full swing (from now through Sunday 1/30/11) and the dishes here in Dilworth are simply delightful (pardon my alliteration; it was just too tempting).

In no particular order...

Dolce is featuring:
gnocchi, velvet lobster bisque, piccata, tiramisu, charcuterie plate...and more

Copper is featuring:
masala roasted cauliflower, goat cheese vegetable croquettes, semolina crusted trout...and more

Bonterra is featuring:
Braised short ribs, filet mignon, scallops, ribeye, lemon icebox pie, duck & pork plate...and more

Check back tomorrow for more Dilworth restaurants featured in Restaurant Week.

Bon Appetit!

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Dilworth Location Makes a Good Investment

It's tough to know in this economy if it's the right time to buy a house...or sell a house, for that matter. If you are looking to take advantage of historically low interest rates as well as lower home prices (as compared to the peak in 2007), then now is a great time for you to buy.

Buyers are more cautious of location and price since the market downturn; location has remained the single most important factor even throughout this "mess." (Hence: the "location, location, location" mantra). It's never been more important to buy the right house at the right price in the right neighborhood.

If you're a stats person, enjoy the info below...and email me if you have any questions about why it is a good time to buy or sell in Dilworth.

• If you already own in Dilworth, you know it's wise to probably stay put for a little while longer; you'll recoup more of your investment if you can hold onto it for a few years longer (and why not when you've got a great neighborhood to enjoy?!?).

•  Recent reports from the 2010 NAR (National Assocation of Realtors) Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers shows that first-time home buyers are seeking a home that they will live in for at least ten years while those who have bought and sold a home before plan to stay in their new residence for at least fifteen years. With all that Dilworth has to offer, it's no wonder homeowners are staying-put in their homes longer.

• Dilworth offers many amentities such as restaurants, shops, art galleries, coffee shops, a strong school district (it's no secret that parents flock to this school distrcit), the parks, and the sidewalks, it makes it a key place to buy; in this market or in any other.   

One of the main reasons people purchase a home is the desire to have a place that they can call their own. If you’re looking for a home to commit to, consider residing in one of Charlotte’s best neighborhoods! With a wonderful community-focused attitude, Dilworth in Charlotte, NC has a rich historical background as well as a blossoming future!

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Ride the light rail to the NASCAR Hall of Fame!

Looking for a fun, near Dilworth attraction?

Located just outside of Dilworth, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is a great spot for you and your family to have a whole lot of fun! The great thing about this wonderful Charlotte attraction is that you don’t have to be a NASCAR buff to enjoy yourself!

Main attractions of this architecturally-unique site include:

·“High Octane Theater” educates visitors on the history of NASCAR

·Ramp that takes you to the second floor of the building also serves as a display area for a number of historic cars. Very cool.
·Check out the Racing Simulator that is sure to get you pumped for this sport

·Shop NASCAR
·Restaurants to fuel you up after all that fun are in walking distance

Just in case you’re looking for another reason to go: now through Jan 14, beginning at 4:00p.m., the Hall of Fame is offering FREE ADMISSION!

The close and fun activities that Uptown has to offer are just more reasons that Dilworth is THE place to live in Charlotte!

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Should I Wait to Buy a House in Dilworth?

A cozy Colonial is on the market (3bed/2.5bath/1600/ft) for $349,000-

sellers will have to bring money to sell. Doesn't this sound like a good time to buy?

You may have asked yourself, or heard friends chatting, “Is now a good time to buy a home?” The bigger question often is: “Are home prices going to continue to fall?” followed by “I think I’ll wait”.

Take a look at the following reasons on why NOW looks like a good time to buy in Dilworth or any other area, for that matter:

1. 30-YR and 15YR fixed rates have come off their lowest point and have begun to rise; currently up .250-.375% off their lows.

2. The new NC purchase contract (which goes into effect on 1/1/11) will require tighter time lines and due diligence dollars to purchase. After 1/1/11, buyers will now have to come up with money for two deposits: Earnest Money and Due Diligence. The need for buyers to be more proactive in getting loan approval will go up significantly after December 31st – so will overall stress levels.

3. Home prices have continued to drop; sellers are becoming more realistic about the value of their homes. According to Zillow over 27% of the homes sold in September were sold at a loss.

End of the year- when other buyers want to stay in next to the warm fireplace- is a great time to buy. The buyer pool is depleted (holiday's, cold weather, etc) and sellers know that. They are anxious and hopeful that someone, anyone! will come see their home...and buy it! Bidding wars and multiple offers are far less likely in the "off" season.

4. It is very difficult to predict an absolute bottom; however, we are getting very near. Any small incremental price savings can be wiped away if interest rates continue to rise. According to the National Association of Home Builders a rise in interest rates of .25% will price 7,621 borrowers out of the market in the Charlotte MSA (BTW: rates were over 6%in 2005).  

So today as you think about buying (or selling!) and you're thinking of waiting, ask all the questions above and consider getting off the fence; the affordability factor and hassle factor may make the decision to get down off the fence easier.

If you have questions about any of the above information, the team over at Cunningham & Associates do a wonderful job. Todd Croy & Deanna Valeo are two stellar lenders who know the patterns the market is currently making. It may be worth a 15 minute  call to see how close you can be to buying the best investment you've ever made.

Your family tree will thank you for making the investment now...

(If you love the pictures you see, shoot me an email and I'll schedule a tour of this home that is currently on the market...it is one of the best renovations I've seen in a long time)...

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Opportunity for Home Seller's in Dilworth

HGTV’s producer’s are looking for upbeat, fun, and charismatic folks to participate in their upcoming season of their hit show, My First Sale. There are at least 5 homes that have already begun taping for the show, but they need more! If you are selling your home for the first time, thinking about selling your home, or know someone else who would fit the bill, email: mbrush@highnoontv.com. She’s a fabulous gal to work with and will do everything in her power to help you get chosen for the show. It’s been a great experience (and amazing exposure) for those who have already participated. Here’s a still shot from one of the Plaza Midwood homes that has already begun the process. Dilworth: we need to represent!

Photo by Lynn Johnson, www.BallantyneBuzz.com

Photo by Lynn Johnson, www.BallantyneBuzz.com

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2415 Marshall Place

Amazing renovation job in this Dilworth home for sale! Rare 2 bed + 2 BATH home with all of the 1940's details retained: arched doorways, refinished hardwoods, crown molding, dining room chair rail, antique built-in bathroom sinks, tiled showers. The outside is just as cute as the inside with landscaping and deck. Enjoy entertaining your friends and neighbors all year round. Home shows magnificently and is staged. If you're house-hunting or searching for homes in Dilworth you definitely will want to check out this great home.

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The Dilworth Neighborhood

Dilworth is one of Charlotte's hottest neighborhoods. Originally created as Charlotte's first street-car suburb, Dilworth is designated as historic, with many homes on the National Registry. Most Dilworth homes were built from the 1900s to the '30s and are filled with fascinating architectural details and great history. The wide tree-lined streets and neighborly attitude add to the charm. Latta Park, in the center of the neighborhood, features a playground, water park and theater. Residents enjoy strolling through the neighborhood and the easy walk to restaurants and shops on East Boulevard and South End. Additionally, the proximity to downtown and the light rail make this neighborhood very convenient.

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