Diane McDermott, Real Estate Broker, Charlotte NC

If you drive the southern leg of I-485, you may be interested in the upcoming meeting scheduled at the Ballantyne Breakfast Club.
Hey, I drive that road too and I know what a massive headache it can be! The stretch from I-77 eastward toward Johnston/Rea is ill equipped to handle to volume of cars that drive it everyday, throw in an accident or just plain old rain and be prepared to sit for a while.
Reps from the NCDOT will be giving an overview of potential remedies at the Ballantyne Breakfast Club (which is free to attend) February 2nd at 9amat the Ballantyne Resort Hotel.
The widening of the southern stretch of 485 has indeed been a hot topic especially for drivers who depend on that route for commuting. Due to funding issues, any widening isn't scheduled until the middle of the next decade but other suggestions have included utilizing the shoulders to ease congestion at peak times.
The Ballantyne Breakfast Club's website is: http://www.ballantynebreakfastclub.com/ where there's additional info on upcoming meetings and the group in general.

Diane McDermott
Real Estate Broker, REALTOR®
www.e2realestateteam.com
e2 Real Estate Team, Banks Calkins R.E. Inc.
"Exceeding Expectations"

Here in Charlotte, "built-in" appliances are supposed to convey with the house. But what exactly is a built-in appliance? Built-in means that it's permanently attached to cabinetry/walls/the floor, in some way affixed so that it can't be easily removed or pulled out.

What it is not may surprise some buyers. That oven/range sitting in between two cabinets....probably not "built-in". The dishwasher? If it can be pulled out and removed without damaging the cabinets...probably not "built-in". And then there's the ever popular refrigerator....if it can be pulled out, un-plugged and wheeled away it's not built in, which means the sellers get to take it with them!

Want to see an irate buyer? Take them to the pre-closing walk through to find that gorgeous stainless top of the line fridge they saw when they first viewed the home is gone or better yet, the purchase contract stated a "refrigerator" was to be included and the sellers have left a mini-fridge in place of the full size refrigerator!!!
Think it doesn't happen, think again. If buyers want to make sure the appliances they see when viewing the home are there when they close....put it in the contract! Just to be sure there's no doubt on what's to remain, include model,serial number, color of the kitchen appliances....may be redundant or overkill but at least then it's clear what's expected to remain!

And sellers - before you go out and buy a brand new shiny fridge to match your updated kitchen, make sure it's one you won't mind leaving behind. If buyers see it they'll ask for it!I'm not suggesting putting a mis-matched fridge in the kitchen but you can buy one that matches the decor without breaking the bank...and if the buyers don't want it you still have it to take with you when you move.

When you know the rules, you're better equipped to play the game, so be careful when it comes to assuming anything with regard to what stays and what doesn't!

Diane McDermott
Real Estate Broker, REALTOR®
www.e2realestateteam.com
e2 Real Estate Team, Banks Calkins R.E. Inc.
"Exceeding Expectations"

The Charlotte City Council will vote next week on whether or not to move ahead with preliminary studies for a light rail line to the University area.
One of the main issues that's up in the air is whether federal funding would be approved for any part of a light rail line to University. Apparently the government has guidelines and criteria that must be met for any amount of funding to be approved - imagine that, government has "red tape"!
Right now the South Blvd corridor is the only light rail line but the plan has always been to add more light rail lines to connect and lead to Uptown.
The main question is where that next line will be. The Lake Norman region is another contender but federal funding was NOT approved for that corridor so it may not happen if towns just north of Charlotte elect not to pay for any portion.
My thoughts on that: if you don't want to pay for it that's perfectly fine...keep your commute on I-77 and exits above #18 (yes, it's a mess even on weekends at those exits). Adding lanes to I-77 will not eliminate the fact that a bottleneck will still exist at some point.
It remains to be seen how any future light rail pans out, but the two corridors that keep popping up in the news and press releases are Lake Norman and the University area.

UPDATE: As of late February 2008, the Charlotte City Council gave approval to an engineering study for the Lake Norman (North corridor) light rail line. Once the engineering study is complete, possibly later this year there will be at least more data available on cost estimates for both the Lake Norman and University area light rail feasibility.


Diane McDermott
Real Estate Broker, REALTOR®
www.e2realestateteam.com
e2 Real Estate Team, Banks Calkins R.E. Inc.
"Exceeding Expectations"

In a city that is home to so many "transplants" from all over the country, sometimes it seems like Charlotte natives are a rarity. Really, they're not and there are many people who live here and have for quite some time.
I've talked to people who've lived here for their entire lives as well as those who moved decades ago. They've had a front row seat to watch the city change and grow tremendously. Even six years ago living in Uptown Charlotte was the exception, and recently Uptown's become a hot spot for those seeking a more urban lifestyle.
In the time that I've been here the city has maintained a constant evolution and growth that has been and continues to be amazing to watch. I can't recall ever passing by Uptown and not seeing a crane at work on some project.
Part of what makes Charlotte such an interesting place to live is the enormous mix of backgrounds that choose to call the city home now. Whether they came for jobs, the climate, or just a better quality of life than where they previously lived, Charlotte has proven to be a destination for people relocating from all over the country and the world.
Like it or not, somehow the word got out about Charlotte having a great deal to offer. This city is so much more than just a banking center (although #2 in the country isn't too bad!), it's a great place to call home whether you're originally from here or anywhere else!

Diane McDermott
Real Estate Broker, REALTOR®
www.e2realestateteam.com
e2 Real Estate Team, Banks Calkins R.E. Inc.
"Exceeding Expectations"