Home warranties have become so commonplace in real estate transactions that we sometimes take them for granted. They are a fact of life in just about every contract that is written these days. For example, I advise all of my buyers to write it into their Offer to Purchase regardless of the age of the home. That is because all homes come with the obvious potential of failures and breakdowns that may come into play in the future. Even new homes are prone to have defects which are sometimes overlooked by the builder, as well as, the building inspector.
A recent sale brings into focus the great importance of having a home warranty for both the buyers and sellers of any home. This particular transaction involved a beautiful full brick home built in 1990 in a popular neighborhood in South Charlotte. The home also had the original HVAC system. However, the home was covered by an existing home warranty that the sellers have had in place for some time.
The ensuing inspection of this home revealed, among other things, a faulty HVAC system. To quote the inspection report, “Scorching was noted on both sides of the HVAC unit in the crawl space…The burners on both the unit in the attic and the unit in the crawl space are rusted...Unusual flame pattern noted at the unit located in the attic...There were carbon monoxide leaks detected at 1ppm in the downstairs unit at the time of inspection.”
Doesn’t sound too good, does it? I didn’t think so, either! I had a sneaking suspicion that we were looking at some serious issues with the heat exchangers of both of those units. So, I urged my clients to request that the home warranty company get involved immediately in order to address this hazardous situation.
During the course of diagnosing the HVAC repair it was learned that replacement parts are no longer available for that unit, and that 2 new HVAC systems would be required – at a potential cost of over $10,000. This also meant an immediate upgrade in SEER rating, as well as, an enhancement to the value of my clients’ new home! Not to mention the comfort in knowing that a dangerous situation with the carbon monoxide was eliminated.
The moral of the story is two-fold: Buyers, make sure that you get a home inspection and a home warranty when purchasing your next home. Sellers, if you do not have a home warranty, make your life a little easier by purchasing one when you list your home for sale.
Chuck Webb, Wilkinson & Associates, www.chuckwebb.net
Bonterra Village is a blend of old world charm and new conveniences, located close to I-485 and HWY 74 in Union County. This wonderful community hosts green pastures, horse stables, athletic fields, swimming pools and tennis courts. Bonterra Village offers unique features including lofty porches to visit with your neighbors, open sidewalks and boulevards for evening strolls, and walking and riding trails that wind through natural settings on this beautiful rolling land. With many different styles of homes to choose from; such as Craftsman, Charleston,
The flexibility of lifestyle makes the Village Series at Bonterra Village a great place to call home. These ranch style plans give you the convenience of maintenance free lots in an amenity rich community. Plans also offer second level bedrooms, lofts and storage space, with an attention to detail. Hard surface counter tops, 42" cabinets, extensive trim details, and hardwood floors make these homes distinctive. 
The Charleston Homes at Bonterra Village reflect the easygoing nature of a coastal southern town while being a part of an active community. Three distinctive plans ranging from 1897 up to 2700 square feet boasting first and second level front porches on maintenance free lots. The Charleston Series of homes makes it easy to just relax and enjoy the moments that make your new house a home.
The Manor Series present charm in the heart of Union County. There are many unique plans to choose from, ranging from 2600 to almost 4000 square feet. All of our homes feature large front porches and style that fits many different lifestyles. Your new Bonterra Builders home will be the setting for many happy and priceless memories.
Community amenities include multiple playgrounds, junior-Olympic pool and cabana with a separate kiddy pool area, tennis courts and soccer field. Sidewalks and walking trails connect the entire community offering you 10 miles of walking. Nearby community amenities include restaurants, shops and the Siskey YMCA.
Elementary School: Porter Ridge
Middle School: Porter Ridge
High School: Porter Ridge
View available Homes for Sale with area map in Bonterra Village
Search for Homes for Sale along with area map in Charlotte
Chuck Webb, Wilkinson & Associates, www.ChuckWebb.net
NorthStone Club is a planned golf club community located in Huntersville, North Carolina. The club is only 20 minutes north of Charlotte and convenient to Uptown and Lake Norman and a short distance from the I-77 corridor. NorthStone is situated on 237 artistically landscaped acres and features a P. B. Dye signature course. This immaculate course will impress even the very best players with its challenging layout, bent grass greens, and generous fairways. 
Besides the ultimate golfing experience, NorthStone Country Club offers Members four swimming pools, three tennis courts, children's play center and picnic area. NorthStone offers a number of children's programs including summer camps, junior golf and tennis clinics, swim team and swim lessons, and a variety of teen activities. The Club serves lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday.
Northstone Club is within minutes to I-77 and the I-485 interchange providing easy access to Lake Norman, Uptown Charlotte, Birkdale Village, University City, and South Charlotte. Great shopping, dining, and business centers are also easily within reach of your front door. 
Currently available homes from 2000 to 5000 square feet are priced ranging from the mid $200's to the mid $500's. NorthStone is also offering a special promotion with NO initiation fees, NO minimum spending requirements and NO assessments. If you are thinking of buying a home in a golf course community, now is an ideal time to take a closer look at the wonderful selection at NorthStone Club.
Elementary School: Huntersville
Middle School: Bailey Road
High School: North Mecklenburg
View available homes for sale in Northstone
Conduct a custom search for golf course communities in Charlotte.
Chuck Webb, Wilkinson & Associates, Charlotte Home Guide.net
Highland Creek is a large planned master community of 13,000 residents nestled in the heart of the thriving University City area north of Charlotte. Highland Creek offers an active, fun lifestyle and plenty to do for evreyone, regardless of age or activity.
The Villages of Highland Creek offer a varied assortment of lifestyle choices. Each village is situated with its own entrance and is designed to build a sense of community with Highland Creek. Each home has memberships in the Community Association offering amenities, sports and social activities.
The many amenities of Highland Creek include:
Elementary School: Highland Creek
Middle School: Alexander
High School: Mallard Creek
View available homes for sale in Highland Creek
Chuck Webb, Wilkinson & Associates, www.ChuckWebb.net.
The design of Lake Shore on Lake Wylie in Tega Cay, South Carolina, takes into account lifestyle and amenities. Located on a peninsula on 12,000-acre Lake Wylie, not far from uptown Charlotte and Charlotte/Douglas International Airport, the community is a welcoming residential, recreational destination for homeowners. The name “Tega Cay” is a derivation of a Polynesian phrase that means “Beautiful Peninsula”, and it is truly a magnificent location for the community of Lake Shore.
Residents of this community's 1,200 single-family homes enjoy the many recreational opportunities on the lake, plus a beach club, parks, hiking trails, tennis and golf. Homes in Lake Shore range from in price from $200,000 to more than $700,000. 
With over 465 acres, the community offers its residents lakeside living, including Tega Cay Golf course, a 27-hole daily-fee golf course with a new clubhouse and restaurant. Tega Cay Golf course, originally constructed 1971, was expanded to 27-holes in July 2001 by architect George Clifton. Tega Cay features narrow fairways with small landing areas. Accuracy is a must when playing this course, which features a spectacular variety of mature oaks, spruces and gums lining the fairways. The greens are sloped toward the fairways and are medium in size.
The Beach Club features a junior Olympic-sized pool for swimming and family fun, plus a clubhouse with a workout room, tennis courts, and plenty of places for afternoon excitement. There are also miles of leisure trails, several parks and playgrounds, all located on Lake Wylie with 325 miles of shoreline.
Elementary School: Riverview
Middle School: Gold Hill
High School: Fort Mill
View available Homes for Sale with area map in Lake Shore
Search for Homes for Sale along with area map on Lake Wylie
Chuck Webb, Wilkinson & Associates. www.ChuckWebb.net
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