Donna Johnston

Florida can't relocate!

September 26th, 2008 categories: Friday Fun

We certainly don't want to minimize or make light of the catastrophic hurricanes the past few weeks (see Red Cross link below) - but we also know that life will go on and that one of our most precious possessions is not a possession at all it's our sense of humor.

So hopefully this will give you a chuckle and if you are so inclined here is a link to the Red Cross who among others is doing some amazing work putting lives back together in the Caribbean, along the Gulf Coast and in Florida.

Charlotte is a Perfect Four (seasons)!

September 27th, 2008 categories: Blake Garvin, Charlotte Lifestyle

Actually I think we all feel Charlotte is perfect especially at this time of year. As the summer turns to fall and our minds turn from warm days and gorgeous beach sunsets to crisp fall football weekends and mountain foliage. I know sounds like some sappy commercial but it's true Charlotte is so close to the mountains and the beach that you will once again fall in love with the change of seasons!

Blake says it best....

"Whether it is the beach or the mountains you like, Charlotte is surely close to both. I love my city life, but it is nice to be able to go away for a short weekend to a beautiful beach or a nice mountain inn. I love both of the beaches I have visited......Wrightsville Beach in North Carolina is laid back the quaint town within walking distance. While Charleston, South Carolina on the other hand has such great history to learn about in the downtown area and then there are so many beautiful beaches to choose from close by. We love the Wild Dunes resort. And remember with temperate weather the beaches are really a year round attraction for Charlotteans!

If you are up for more of a getaway into the mountains, I must recommend the Grove Park Inn. It has a amazing golf course and spa with wonderful accommodations and great restaurants to choose from, you don't even need to leave the resort if you don't want to. Asheville, is right there known for its funky art and eclectic restaurants. And don't miss the Biltmore Christmas a must do! There is something for everyone in Asheville and best of all you could do it in a day trip if you wanted to from Charlotte. Inn, this is about 15 minutes from the Grove Park and full of great history and tours to choose from. They also have wonderful gardens, a winery, horse back riding tours, even some off-roading in SUVs if that is your pleasure. There is something for everyone in Asheville and best of all you could do it in a day trip if you wanted to from Charlotte."

Thank you Blake. I think you summed up very well why so many people find Charlotte to be the perfect place to build a career, raise a family or just enjoy the four seasons!

Makes you think twice. Doesn't it?

September 28th, 2008 categories: Sunday Inspiration

I am not going to give this way except to say that you owe it to yourself take 5:55 minutes out of your day and watch this poignant beautiful short story.

Financial meltdowns, hurricanes, gas lines...this will make you think small - we can all make be a difference even in small way which is HUGE!

and you may prefer the original larger version click here

Radon, Run for your Lives?

September 29th, 2008 categories: Betsy Mayer, Real Estate Grind

OK Godzilla may be a little over top. It is not our intent to make light of the radon issue, especially when by some accounts radon poisoning kills 21,000 people in the US each year. (radon-induced lung cancer is thought to be the 6th leading cause of cancer death overall according to Wikipedia)

So hopefully our post today will be a start and provide some resources EPA says for a better understanding of a serious issue for some homeowners. Its should be pointed out that radon has not typically been a southern problem (Lord knows we have our share) but radon is not usually one of them owing to the fact that radon is most prevalent in basements and bedrock - apparently radon does not like red clay. While we usually "don't do basements" we have our fair share and we do on occasion have radon issues. Keep in kind that there is some chatter about radon in some types of granite.

Our own Betsy Mayer asked one of her trusted home inspectors Michael Lewis of Mecklenburg Inspections to share this thoughts on the radon issue here in Charlotte...

Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that occurs naturally in all parts of the US. Radon is a "Group A" carcinogen and the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. The primary concern about indoor radon gas is the increased risk of lung cancer that exists from breathing radon and its byproducts. The magnitude of the risk depends on the radon concentration in the air you breathe and how long you are breathing it. Radon is estimated to be responsible for the death of about 21, 000 people in the US every year. The US Surgeon General, US EPA, and The American Lung Association recommend that all homes be tested for radon gas.

Radon is a national concern. Soil, sand, and rock underneath the home are the primary sources of indoor radon gas. The soil under a house always contains traces of uranium that eventually decays into radium that then decays directly into radon. This soil constitutes an enormous surface area for release of radon gas into the air and into buildings. Material inside the home, such as concrete, granite, slate, marble, sand, shale and other stones can also contain traces of radium that release radon with varying intensities. The contribution from building materials to the indoor radon concentration is very dependent upon the building ventilation rate.

Diagnostic measurements of the radon in the air you breathe can provide better risk estimates. It is highly recommended that you have a certified residential measurement provider perform the radon gas measurement in your home. All certified measurement providers are aware of testing protocols and have the education necessary to take accurate measurements.

Thanks to Betsy and Michael for his expertise in this area, our home inspectors do a really nice job of keeping up with the most current data on issues like radon. If you' d like to learn more please click on the links above and of course feel free to contact our team for a wonderful selection of radon free housing in Charlotte NC!

Charlotte Sky Turns Pink with Hope!

October 6th, 2008 categories: Charlotte Lifestyle, Giving Back in Charlotte

A picture really does tell a thousand words ~ this from the Charlotte Susan Komen Race for the Cure this past Saturday morning. Fourteen thousand walked and ran raising over $1.4 million!! Learn more here
(more to come here)
** each pink balloon is a year of surviving breast cancer

Susan Komen Walk 2008 Charlotte NC