Carol Fox, Real Estate Broker, Union County NC Real Estate

Union County NC Home Buyers—Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended and Expanded

Union County NC home buyers got new options for receiving the Homebuyer Tax Credit when President Obama signed an extension of the tax credit law on November 6, 2009. The $8000 tax credit for first time home buyers was extended until April 30, 2010. A new $6500 tax credit for repeat buyers who have lived in their current residence for five of the last eight years was added to the program.

What should Union County NC home buyers know about these programs?

• A first time home buyer is defined as someone who has not owned a home during the three years prior to the date of purchase.
• A repeat buyer is someone who buys a home after living in their current residence for at least five consecutive years in the past eight years.
• Income restrictions have been raised to $125,00 for single tax filers and $225,000 for joint filers.
• The amount of the tax credit is 10% of the cost of the home up to $8000 for first time home buyers and up to $6500 for repeat buyers.
• The tax credit is for principal residences only, including single family detached homes, condominiums, and townhomes.
• The tax credit applies to homes under contract by April 30, 2010 and must be closed by June 30, 2010.
• The tax credit does not have to be paid back unless the home is sold within three years.
• Home buyers can claim the credit on their federal income tax returns filed for the year they purchase their home. If the credit exceeds the tax bill, the government will issue a payment. Taxpayers purchasing a home in 2009 can amend their 2008 tax return for an immediate refund.

What should be the first step in the process for Union County NC home buyers who want to participate in these programs?

• First time home buyers should contact a real estate broker and a mortgage loan officer for home purchase prequalification. Learn more about buying your first home here.
• Repeat home buyers will want to contact a real estate broker to determine the value of the current residence. Click here to request a comparative market analysis of your home.

Copyright 2009. Carol Fox. Allen Tate Realtors. *Union County NC Home Buyers—Home Buyer Tax Credit Extended and Expanded*

Veterans Day Activities in Charlotte NC Small Towns

Charlotte NC’s small towns are proud of their veterans and their service to the country. Several area events honor local veterans this weekend, November 7th and 8th with additional ceremonies on Veterans Day, November 11th. Here is a recap of some of the activities in the towns.

Monroe NC

The Warriers and Warbirds 2009 Air Show, one of the largest area celebrations takes place at the Charlotte-Monroe Executive Airport in Monroe NC. This two-day airshow features the Flying Fortress B-17 bomber, the Memphis Belle, and three B-25 bombers. Gates at the airport open Saturday and Sunday at 9am with the airshow starting at 12:30pm. Dauntless Dive Bomber rides and helicopter rides will be available to those who want to know what it was like for the veterans to fly into battle.

Local pilots started Warriors & Warbirds in 2005 to preserve the history of aviation and to memorialize those who perished while serving their country. The City of Monroe, the Veterans Council of Union County and local businesses support the organization and the airshow.

Matthews NC

At the Levine Senior Center in Matthews NC, daily events honoring veterans began on November 2 and continue until November 10th. These special activities have included a USO show, patriotic music, an ice cream social, a veterans seminar, and a movie. On November 9th, an F-4 cockpit simulator will be available. A veterans celebration with recognition and entertainment will take place on November 10th at the Levine Senior Center.

The Matthews Rotary Club will sponsor the 5th annual Matthews Rotary Bluegrass Festival on Saturday November 7th in Stumptown Park in downtown Matthews NC. Activities include a 30-mile/60-mile Bike Ride, a 5K race, a one-mile fun run, a chili cook-off and bluegrass entertainers.

Read more about last year’s Bluegrass Festival: Veterans Day in Matthews NC.

Mint Hill NC

The Mint Hill Historical Society presents a Salute to Veterans at the Carl J. McEwen Historic Village in downtown Mint Hill on Saturday November 7th. The grounds of the Historic Village will have Civil War re-enactors and demonstrators and military memorabilia, equipment and uniforms will be on display.

Read more and view photos of last year’s event: Veterans Day in Mint Hill NC.

Fairhaven in Stallings NC--Homes for Sale and Neighborhood Profile

Fairhaven in Stallings NC is an ideal neighborhood for someone who wants to live in a quiet area that has convenient access to shopping, entertainment, and highways. You can find the Fairhaven neighborhood off Stevens Mill Road in Stallings NC. Stevens Mill Road is still more country than city with small subdivisions surrounded by farms and woods. Two interchanges with I-485 are just a couple of miles away. The quaint historic town of Matthews NC with its shops, parks and farmers market is within five miles of Fairhaven. Hotels, restaurants and big box retailers, such as Lowes and Target, line nearby Independence Boulevard. While Fairhaven is located within the Town of Stallings in Union County, it has a Matthews mailing address with a zip code of 28104. Nearly new Stallings Elementary school is located within a mile of the neighborhood.

Construction began in Fairhaven in 2006 and continues today in the neighborhood. The builder, Lennar, is currently building in two sections of the neighborhood called The Meadows and The Oaks. New homes in The Meadows range from 1556 sq.ft. with a one-car garage to over 2100 sq.ft. with a two-car garage. Prices in The Meadows are from $141,000 to $159,000. Homes in The Oaks are larger, all with two-car garages. Homes in this section of Fairhaven are approximately 1990 sq.ft. to 2800 sq.ft. Prices range from $171,000 to $198,000. Resale homes are also available in the neighborhood.

Map of Fairhaven in Stallings NC

View Fairhaven Neighborhood in Stallings NC in a larger map

Fairhaven Community Features

Community Amenities: Homeowners Association, swimming pool and cabana, soccer field

Builder: Lennar

Schools: Stallings Elementary, Porter Ridge Middle, Porter Ridge High. School assignments are subject to change. Check with the Union County Public Schools for current school assignments.

Fairhaven Real Estate Market Update

January to November 2009

Homes Sold: 33

Prices: $142,000 to $260,000 Average Sales Price: $180,357

Average Square Feet: 2334

Average Days on the Market: 98

Fairhaven Homes for Sale

Click here to find Fairhaven homes for sale.

Ever wonder what your Fairhaven home is worth?

Click here to request a free market evaluation.

Copyright 2009. Carol Fox. Allen Tate Real Estate. *Fairhaven in Stallings NC--Homes for Sale and Neighborhood Profile*

Squirrel Lake Park in Matthews NC is Perfect for Quiet Getaway

Squirrel Lake Park near downtown Matthews NC is the perfect spot for walking, fishing and just enjoying wooded views. This 29-acre park is tucked away between two Matthews neighborhoods on Pleasant Plains Road. Eventually, it will provide a pedestrian connection between the neighborhoods along Pleasant Plains Road and the new Four Mile Creek Greenway, where construction is just beginning.

The Squirrel Lake Park entrance reminds you of a drive down a country lane where open fields and surrounding woods invite you to explore. Once you reach the middle of the park, you'll find a pretty view of the lake where benches invite you to relax and enjoy the quiet activity around the lake. Or you can bring your pole and tackle for fishing in the lake. A picnic shelter also overlooks the lake.

Not all activities at Squirrel Lake Park are passive. The park includes a 12-hole disc golf course and a small playground for children. A master plan developed for the park in January 2009 proposes to add another picnic shelter, horseshoe pits, a fishing pier and expand the playground.

HAWK, the Habitat and Wildlife Keepers chapter of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation, maintains habitat gardens of native plants in Squirrel Lake Park. HAWK often sponsors wildlife activities there, including hummingbird seminars and a butterfly garden where milkweed will be planted to provide a way station for monarch butterflies.

Read more about parks in Matthews NC.

Stumptown Park is Matthews NC Community Hub

Copyright 2009. Carol Fox. Allen Tate Real Estate. *Squirrel Lake Park in Matthews NC is Perfect for Quiet Getaway*

How did Marvin NC real estate market activity in the third quarter of 2009 compare with the second quarter?

This post will summarize third quarter 2009 real estate sales in Marvin NC plus compare changes in sales data with second quarter 2009 results. The chart shows average sales prices in Marvin NC for 2008 and each quarter of 2009.

Marvin NC Real Estate Market Report--July to September 2009

Single Family Homes in Marvin NC

Number of Sales: 18

Change from second quarter: +157%

Average Price: $577,425

Change from second quarter: +20%

Average Days on Market: 95

Change from second quarter: -8%

Most Active Neighborhood: Weddington Chase, Marvin Creek

Current Active Listings on Market: 51

Change from second quarter: +4%

Source: Carolina Multiple Listing Service

Compare with the 2008 Marvin NC real estate market.

Copyright 2009. Carol Fox. *Marvin NC Real Estate Market Report--July to September 2009*