Kelly Bovi, Charlotte Area Real Estate

Union County North Carolina (Area 10) has 2,509 ACTIVE listings as of today, April 29, 2009.

There are 51 Contingent or Conditional (contract has stipulations) properties with an average sale price ranging from $239,790 to $273,590 with average days on market being 123.

There are 150 Pending (under contract) properties with an average sale price of $288,857, average days on market of 106.

122 Sold properties in April so far with an average sale price of $277,957 and an average of 95 days on the market.

The Charlotte Jumper Classic is one of the premiere equestrian events in the Carolina's, it is a three day Grand Prix event. It features 10 classes of intense competition where some of the best riders in the world compete for $585,000 in overall prize money.

Riders jump an obstacle course of between 15-20 fences set on a complicated jump course with the goal of not dropping a rail or falling off the horse. Also critical in qualifying for the jump-off round is timing, the jump-off round is the equivlent of a sudden death over time in other sports. In the jump off, the rider with the fastest time and the fewest jumping faults is declared the winner.

This years Jumper Classic will host more than 150 horses and give out $585,000 in prize money.

To make this event affordable for everyone this years tickets are all only $10.00! This is a great event for any horse lover to attend.

So you are ready to start shopping for a new home, your goal is to find the ideal property, in a neighborhood that is just right for you, in a price range that you can afford. Here is what you need to get started!

• A property wish list. do you know what your ideal home looks like? How many bedrooms, bathrooms? Do you need a big yard? Write down your wish list.
• A neighborhood wish list. What qualities do you want in a neighborhood? Walking trails, a pool? An HOA? Close to work? Write down your wish list.
• A pre-approved mortgage. Take the guess work out of what you can afford and get the financing handled up front. Home sellers will also take any offers you make more seriously when you have pre-approval.
• Realistic expectations. Most homes sell at or near the current market rates. Don't expect to find a bargain that no else has noticed. A Realtor can help you understand which home , in which areas are available in your price range.
• A GREAT REALTOR. Choosing the right real estate proforessional is crucial to helping make your home shopping experience less stressful and more productive.

What should you bring with you on your home search? While looking at houses it will be helpful to you if you bring the follwoing items with you.

• A notebook
• A digital camera
• Map
• flash light
• measuring tape

These few items can make you home viewing trips more productive.