Donna Johnston

So you think we have it tough…

March 13th, 2009 categories: Home Financing, Jackie Stutts, Real Estate Grind

So you think we have it tough now, take a look at this. This was lifted off the front page of the Charlotte Observer on March 30, 1980. My wife Jackie Stutts and I bought our first house in closing months in 1980. Considering where the interest rates had been earlier in the year, we were more than thrilled when rates dropped below 12% and we got our first mortgage at the bargain basement rate of 11.75% for a 30 year fixed rate with a 10% down payment. We thought we had made the coup of the century and we felt good about what we had done. Rates would never be that low again.

Today’s interest rates are at the lowest level that they have been in years. If you are waiting for rates to drop another 0.125% before locking your loan, take a quick look back at 1980 for a reality check and think of just how lucky we are to have rates consistently below the 6.5% level.

Requirements to get approved for a home mortgage have tightened up some over the past year but these adjustments get us back to the 1980’s. The article talks about loans requiring 10% and 20% down payment. A down payment. What a novel idea. There is absolutely no mention in the Observer article of 100% financing. Can you believe it? Actually having a true investment in your home in order to buy it.

Yes requirements have tightened up some but with a good credit score, a little money for a down payment (only 3% for FHA loans) and a job in hand there is plenty of financing out there for a home mortgage for you.

Don’t get too bogged down focusing on waiting for rates to drop another 0.125%. If you are happy with your interest rate and comfortable with your monthly mortgage payment, you might want to consider locking in your rate while you can. You just never know (as this article shows us) when rates will move in the wrong direction for you.

By Terry Stutts-Myers Park Mortgage

Up and Away (almost) in the ReMax Balloon!

February 15th, 2009 categories: Fun for Grown Ups, Fun for Kids

TalkCharlotte Picnic from Mike Gibbons on Vimeo.

** please note that we are keeping this post at the top of the blog for a while so after you watch the video please check below for our most recent posts

Crisp autumn air, Carolina blue skies, a pastoral setting what else could you ask for? Well as it turns out a little less wind would have been nice! Last October the Charlotte Premier Realty team Donna, Betsy, Rhonda, Jackie and Blake invited clients and their families to an old fashioned picnic ~ great food, games and yes the famous ReMax hot air balloon. Almost everyone (some were understandably more interested in the watching than the riding) was excited about the chance to ride in a real hot air balloon! While the windy day dashed those hopes ~ we did get to see the balloon, learn from the expert  and watch as the propane jets spewed fire 20 feet into the air! (which was enough for all the boys & men in the crowd)

As we watched the video we could not help but  realize just how close we are to our clients and how much we enjoy their company. We work very hard in our client's best interest so it was really nice and a bit humbling to hear the nice things that were said  ~ we hope it's what sets the Charlotte Premier Realty team apart.

We can not thank our friend Cristina Cassidy enough (Rhonda helped Cristina & Ray buy their Charlotte home last year) for creating this video. We were very lucky to have Cristina an exceptionally talented local filmmaker capture the fun, warmth and friendship of that afternoon. Cristina is busy with some amazing projects please check out her Stick it To Me (you'll never look at a  bumper sticker the same) and her short trailer for her upcoming  hauntingly poignant documentary Concerto for Two Brothers - her work is stunning and soon to be award winning!

So thanks so much for everyone who made it out to the 2008 picnic ~ we loved having you ~ we hope to get the balloon and do it again in 2009 ~ we are all due for calm day don't you think!

Is your skin crawling as you view the slimy, night creature above? Don't worry, I'm not going to discuss that worm but I will discuss night crawlers in the form of bar and club goers in the Uptown Charlotte area. Please don't be offended as I'm not saying that bar and club goers are slimy and offensive. To say the least, bar and club goers are vibrant, hip people who generally are a lot of fun to be around both day and night.

Charlotte has a vibrant nightlife with an array of bars and nightclubs for whatever musical or drink preference that you have. From the tunes of the 1980s at The Breakfast Club to the high energy and superb DJ's at The Forum, or the charm of Rí~Rá, Charlotte Uptown nightlife has something for night crawlers from all walks (ha!) of life. Here are some Uptown dance clubs and Uptown bars that may catch your fancy.

UPTOWN DANCE CLUBS

The Forum is located on North College Street. It has a spacious dance floor which is great since the DJ's keep the music loud and the energy level high. During warm nights, the rooftop garden provides a great view of the Charlotte skyline as well as the 7th street alley. The ice bar keeps drinks at a comfortable and "chill" temperature for the hip crowd. The Forum seems like a great place to get a workout without trying too hard.

The Breakfast Club is located on Caldwell Street. The club takes its name from the 1980s movie which bears the same name. The club is on three level and features a vibrant mix of 80s music at all times. There is an outside patio for warm night and a tiki bar. In addition, there are TV's scattered throughout the club which play videos from MTV's early days in addition to 1980s movies. Most club goers wear 1980s memorabilia so that they can get fully in the mood of this big hair, big earrings era. I was a teenager during the 1980s so this club is definitely on my "must go to" list.

Tilt is located on West Trade Street in the heart of Uptown Charlotte. Tilt has live music, flat-screen TV's. Chandeliers and hardwood floors reflect an upscale feel. In addition, Tilt has a strict dress code which tends to attract young, professionals. Tilt offers some of the better drinks in town so you may be slightly "tilted" when you leave this fun club.

UPTOWN BARS

Rí~Rá is located on North Tryon Street. It is an Irish pub with a charming and comfortable feel. The bar has a collection of Dublin ledgers and an antique Guinness mirror. The bar was built using original materials from original Irish pubs. Guinness is obviously the more popular beer in this locale.

Cosmo's Cafe is located on College Street near The Forum dance club. Cosmo's has an extensive martini list with such favorites as the Fruit Loop, Liquid Sunshine, and the Flirtini. If you're a martini fan, you may have found your watering spot. Cosmo's also has an extensive sushi menu. I'm a big fan of Cosmo's sushi platter which has a lot of choices for you raw fish connoisseurs.

Now, aren't you glad that you took the time to peruse this selection rather than running away at the sight of the night crawler worm? I hope that you found something that made you want to become a night crawler if only for one night!

They're not laughing at Peter Schiff now!

December 10th, 2008 categories: Real Estate Grind

Have you ever been laughed at for being right but just a bit too early (I think I have but it's too early to tell haha). Peter Schiff definitely was. Watch this video compilation of what Peter Schiff, president of EuroPacific Capital was saying in 2006-2007 about the looming housing and banking meltdown. Sure it's easy to look back now with 20/20 hindsight but his words were eerily specific and right!

After that you may want to hear what he has to say about the auto bailout. Is he right...again? I know one thing most of the experts turn out to be anything but - trust your gut is sage advice I think!

Thanks to my friends at Church of the Customer blog for pointing this one out!

Gimme a Break, Please!

December 5th, 2008 categories: Charlotte Eats, Charlotte Lifestyle

Have you already had your fill of turkey, dressing , and ham for this holiday season? Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa are around the corner so why not take a break from the typical holiday staples. I suggest that you try an ethnic restaurant to add some flavor to your palate. Dilworth, a Charlotte community south of Uptown, has several options to give you that much desired break from turkey overload.

• The Kabob Grill, which is on East Boulevard, offers "exquisite Middle Eastern cuisine." In addition to mouth watering kabob entrees, the Kabob Grill offers spicy appetizers and savory salads. My daughter is a big fan of their pita bread which is replenished often during your meal. In addition to the tasty food, maybe you will enjoy watching the rhymthic movements of a belly dancer. A belly dancer performs at the Kabob Grill every weekend evening.
• Thai Taste is another option for ethnic food. Thai Taste is also located on East Boulevard. It provides typical Thai cuisine that's inexpensive yet delicious. There are also Thai Taste locations in Matthews and the University area. Thai Taste deems itself "Charlotte's first and best Thai restaurant." It's packed during weekday lunchtime so it's a favorite for working folks in the area.
• Greek Isles is a restaurant located on East Bland Street in the Dilworth community. It offers authentic Greek cuisine including Greek salads, seafood dishes, and other Greek specialities. The decor of the restaurant is authentic as well including many columns and statutes which exhibit Greek architecture.

Now, that you've tried something a little different, your break is over and you may now return to your regularly scheduled holiday staples. I hope that you enjoyed that brief interruption.