There may be no more divisive topic here in Charlotte than baseball in the center city. At issue is a complex land swap between the board of education and the Charlotte Knights to build a stadium in second ward. The Charlotte Knights, a Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, currently have a stadium complex in Fort Mill South Carolina, just over the state line. Since the new trend in urban planning is to build a sports complex in the downtown areas, the city want to build a stadium to complement Bank of America Stadium and Bobcats Arena.
This plan has run into some opposition from more than one group. First from those who know that there's no such thing as a free stadium. While the stadium was said to be paid for by the Knights owner, the city would still have to provide adequate infrastructure to and around the park which currently do not exist. Those involved in Charlotte politics have lost faith in any proposal put before the residents because the cost over-runs are usually staggering. By the end of the project, don't be surprised if the infrastructure cost more than the actual stadium.
Next are from those who don't want a minor league stadium in the center of town. I am in this crowd. The proposed stadium will be too small to host a major league team and the site will not allow for future expansion. Therefore, Charlotte will be a minor league city with little hopes of capturing a big name team. I love the knight's current location in Fort Mill. Anyone who has been to a game knows there's plenty of parking, its easy to get to, and its easy to get on the highway and get home.
Finally is from those who want Charlotte to be able to get a major league team. The two teams always in talks to move are the Florida Marlins and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. The D-Rays are the only team in major league to make it to the playoffs and both want a new stadium (cause that'll make them successful). Charlotte is a player in this and ranks pretty high among cities courting major league teams. Of course, such a move could happen next season or 30 years from now. However, most residents are still reeling from the Charlotte Coliseum.
The Coliseum was opened in 1988 off of Tyvola Road to host the Charlotte Hornets and for concerts, big events, etc. It was the largest basketball arena in the entire NBA league, seating over 24,000. By 2002, the Hornets had relocated to New Orleans and the Coliseum was no longer a money maker. In one of its final uses, the Coliseum played host for Katrina victims. In 2006, the land was sold to an Atlantadeveloper and the building imploded to make way for a mixed-use development. In 2005, the smaller 18,000 seat Bobcats arena was constructed costing the taxpayers an estimated $260 million. The controversal arena was constructed without voter consent as the referendum to build the arena was defeated by voters. However, the city council found a way to pay for the stadium anyway.
For now, there are folks suing the city as a stop gap hoping not to repeat the mistakes of the recent past. In the meantime, check out the Charlotte Knights in Fort Mill some evening.
Jonathan Osman
Charlotte NC Homes, Charlotte Real Estate
Charlotte truly is a car guy's kind-of-town. Not only are there dealers for every make and model car imaginable and folks to modify them, there's also clubs for every make and model imaginable. Plus, in what other city can you end up pumping gas next to a NASCAR driver on your way home from work? However, if you're like me, cruising in your sports car on the highway is fun but not pure excitement and playing on the twisties are just dangerous. So what you need is a place to excercise your car's muscles, improve your skills, and even earn some bragging rights. While the Carolinas may be most well known for the dirt and paved oval tracks both large and small, sports car guys like to turn right and left. As a result, you need a road course and an empty church parking lot on a Sunday afternoon with yellow cones just isn't enough. You need a place with garage facilities, possibly a condo or hotel, even everything you'll need when you find your car's limits and break something (i.e. talent runs out). So here are the closest road courses to the Charlotte area.
If you've never done so, I want to encourage you to take your Ferrari, Porsche, Corvette or 350z to one of these race tracks and just see how awesome your car truly is.
Located just 20 mintes from uptown Charlotte is the Lowes Motor Speedway on Rte. 29 in Concord. The faciility is breathtaking if you have never visited before. A couple unique features about the Lowes Motor Speedway is that it plays host to 3 NASCAR Sprint Cup level events every year, has one of the longest races of the year, and the facility has condos which are lived in year round. While most are familiar with the 1.5 mile tri-oval, LMS contains a 2.25 mile road course, 1/5 mile road oval road course, 1/4 infield oval, .72 mile infield road course and a dirt track. You can rent the track for a day of blasting through the turns by calling the track at 704-455-3272.
An hour south of Ballantyne (Charlotte), you will find Carolina Motorsports Park. If you're looking for a challenging road course with an expert facility, this place is for you. The facility consists of a 2.3 mile 14-turn road course which can be divided into a East and West Course. Those longing for a true road course will enjoy this facility and may even see some NASCAR guys test. This track is set up country club style with memberships and training available.
Located just 45 minutes from Charlotte in Salisburg, High Rock Raceway is North Carolina's newest raceway and the only dedicated road course in the North Carolina. The track will be a 14 turn, 2.15 mile road course that looks to be divisable into both a north and south configuration. In addition, there are garage condos available for purchase, which means no more sleeping in the bed of your pickup truck.
Virginia International Raceway
VIR is located three hours north east of Charlotte in Alton, VA. It has a 3.27 mile full road course, a 2.25 mile north course, and a 1.65 mile south course. VIR has some of the most picturesque surroundings for your day at the track and the facilities are world class. Designed more like a country club than a raceway, there are condos for purchase, excellent paddock space, a kart track. and even a lodge. VIR is also home to the Grand Am Rolex Sports Car Series, the Grand Am Koni Challenge Series, and the AMA Superbike Championship.
Jonathan Osman
Charlotte NC Homes, Charlotte Real Estate
Real Estate Market Update for
Single Family Homes in Mecklenburg County North Carolina Area 5 including:
Charlotte Neighborhoods West of Providence Road and East of Park Road including, Cherry, Dilworth, Myers Park, Barclay Downs, Foxcroft, Beverly Woods, Cameron Wood, South Park, Quail Hollow, Olde Providence, Shadow Lake, Stone Creek Ranch, and Ballantyne.
Data gathered for February 1 2008 - February 29 2008
In February 2008, 432 new single family detached listings were added to the market in Area 5. This represents an increase of 27.4% over February 2007 when 339 listings were added.
February saw a 51.6% decrease in the number of homes that received a contract (155) over the year prior (235).
In February 2008, 121 homes were sold which was a decrease of 13.22% from the year prior (137).
Sellers received 95.9% of their asking price in February. The year prior, sellers received 96.09%.
The average days on the market increased from 66 days in February 2007 to 78 days in February 2008.
February saw a dramatic increase in the average sold price from $428,137 in 2007 to $532,703. This is a 24.42% increase over the year prior.
February is historically one of the slowest months for real estate sales and the decreases in the units sold and units pending follow that trend for 2008. The increase in the average sold price isn't a huge suprise as the Area 5 corridor represents some of Charlotte's priciest real estate. However, receiving only 95.9% of their asking price says that sellers were optimistic in their original list price and negotiated favorably for the buyers to ensure a sale. One downside to having a neighborhood with so many higher priced homes is that financing remains a challenge with the Jumbo credit market still uncertain. This means that the number of potential buyers has decreased, which puts greater leverage for buyers.
In the coming months, I expect sales in this area to remain strong in spite of the credit challenges which have hurt some buyers financing options. Charlotte remains a strong relocation destination as well as Area 5 will continue to draw buyers with its affluent shopping areas, greenways, urban living, and so much more.
Jonathan Osman
Charlotte NC Homes, Charlotte Real Estate
This morning, a change went into effect changing how Square Footage is displayed. Before, the MLS required that agents go and measure each home and put their findings in the system. The Real Estate Commission even has a booklet that anyone can read and figure out as to how to measure. There was even a margin of error of 5% given because no one is perfect but they expect you to be close. However, chaos ensued with agents not measuring their own listings, going off of plans, using tax data, and ultimately trying to find every short cut to get out of measuring the home.
As a result, listings are now displayed in this manner.
This is my in-law's home in Lincolnton. It is a rancher without a basement and a two car garage. I took the time to measure this one out and a home like this could not have been easier. Came up with 1735sq. ft. The plans on this house said 1,590 sq. ft. although when I compared my numbers to that of a recent appraisal, 1,735 was also the appraisers measurement. This home is now listed with having between 1500-1900 sq. ft. I'm sure they're happy of the additional square footage but its kind of silly if you ask me.
400 sq. ft. is the size of a small 2 car garage (20x20). Being in the business for as long as I have, I can walk into a home and come away with a size idea if I walk around. I can definitely tell the difference between a home that's 1500 sq. ft. and one that's 1900 sq. ft. The space will either be very obvious like an addition or just larger rooms, a larger footprint; which is more deceiving. Buyers who have been in a few homes also know that feeling as well.
If my in-laws home sells tomorrow because a stampede of folks rush to see a 1900 sq. ft. home for only $169,900 then I guess it will work. The catch is that after closing and I fill in the final sales price and switch the status, the real size will be revealed. You don't think that'll make some folks upset?
Personally, I'd rather see square footage go away altogether. When I sold in the DC Metro Area, we never displayed square footage as a matter of CYA and magically, we managed to sell quite a few properties.
If this is successful, maybe we should display a range of acerage (between 1 and 100), range of bedrooms (4 to 25) or maybe garage size by the size of car you drive (3 mini coopers or 1 hummer h2 and a motorcycle).
Real Estate Market Update for
Single Family Homes in Mecklenburg County North Carolina Area 4 including:
Charlotte, Matthews. Neighborhoods West of Hwy 74, Indepdendence Blvd. and East of Providence Road including, Grier Heights, Chantilly, Cotswold, Elizabeth, Eastover, Beverly Crest, Sardis Woods, High Timbers, Downtown Matthews, and Providence Plantation.
Data gathered for February 1 2008 - February 29 2008
In February, 223 new single family detached listings were added to the inventory in Area 4. This is 16% more new listings than February 2007.
84 listings received and agreed upon an offer in area 4; 65% fewer than the year prior.
62 listings were sold in February, 58% fewer than a year earlier.
Sellers received 98.12% of their asking price, which is 1.07% greater than in 2007 when sellers received 97.08% of their asking price
The average days on market dropped from 63 in 2007 to 62 in February 2008. This was the lowest average days on market in four years.
The average sold price in February was $326,063 which is 3.6% less than average sold price in 2007 ($337,655).
So what happened?
Those who are the doom and gloom crowd will in no doubt be disappointed with the market stats from February. While there was a drop in the average sold price, 3% in one month is hardly something to be concerned with (especially since January set a high price for that month). The lack of pending and sold listings is a concern that is probably a reflection of February being one of the slower months for real estate sales in the Charlotte area. Overall, I would categorize the housing market in area 4 as being balanced, without wild swings one way or the other.
Jonathan Osman
Charlotte NC Homes, Charlotte Real Estate
Specializing in REO, HUD & Short Sale Homes in Charlotte, Matthews, Concord, Lake Norman and Wylie, Union County, and Fort Mill, Rock Hill South Carolina. Keller Williams Realty
Jonathan Osman, REALTOR, eAgent
Like the majority of people living in the Carolinas, I am not originally from Charlotte. I am a native of Washington, DC but grew up in the Maryland suburbs. I attended Liberty University to pursue a degree in Biblical Studies and while there met Tabitha...and as they say, the rest is history.
At the age of 20, I purchased my very first home and have bought and sold many since then. I love finding a deal that no one else has uncovered and matching up a unique property with the right buyer. As a result, I invest a lot of passion, knowledge, and experience in every one of my clients to aide them in making only the best decisions when it comes to purchasing one of life's largest investments.
Memberships and Awards
Tabitha Osman, Client Care Coordinator
We specialize in REO's, HUD, and Short Sale properties in the Charlotte area. This includes Matthews, Charlotte, Mint Hill, Indian Trail, Monroe, Weddington, Marvin, Waxhaw, Concord, Fort Mill, Rock Hill, Pineville, Gastonia, Belmont, Mt. Holly, and others surrounding areas.
Bradd and Megan G.
We have been so blessed to have "fallen" into such reliable hands during our first home buying experience. It's not everyday that you can feel completely confident in the huge decisions that we were making. Thank you so much for your guidance and patience.George S.
Jonathan treated me like a long time friend and was always available for me when needed. I have nothing but praise....on my treatment, and would be happy to deal with them in the future for other real estate transactionsGeorge and Chistine C.
I have bought and sold a lot of homes and I have not particularly liked the agents I have worked with. Jon changed my perspective. He is a knowledgable professional that I completely trust to handle all of my real estate needs.Kenyetta O.
He sold my home for $13,000 over my asking price in a matter of hours. I am very pleased.Paul and Tara M.
You have really impressed us with how much care you provided us here with our move. We will definately use you again and tell all of our friends.Adam & Jen Paper
I've known Mr. Osman for approximately 8 years and over the course of this time, I have sat at both ends of the table: as Jonathan's client and he as my client. As a client of his, I received the utmost attention at every stage of my home's sale, allowing maximum return on my investment while fostering a true sense of pride and accomplishment for both myself and the buyer. He was (and still is) The Consummate Professional. As my client, Mr. Osman was appreciative, responsive and extremely loyal; The Perfect Customer. Jonathan is one of those very rare people that are truly gifted in every area of life. He is a person of utmost integrity, extreme initiative, wonderful patience, enduring empathy, sincerity and tremendous creativity. I have been honored and grateful to have met his acquaintance so many years ago. My only regret was not talking him out of his decision to move out of our community. I cannot convey clearly enough -in these few sentences- how wonderful Mr. Osman has been as a vendor, a client, and as a friendCarole D
We asked Carole what we did well and she responded "Communication!! Marketing!!!!!!! Going outside the box to call buyers agents about the property (which got it sold!!) You also negotiated well. You listened to my situation and responded accordingly rather than providing the usual type of service (or lack thereof)!!!! "Dave Conord
Jonathan merges creativity and energy with compassion and integrity, resulting in a high success rate for his customers and a pleasaing transaction for all involved. His attention to detail and focus on results have attracted both buyers and sellers to hire Jonathan when it comes time to make a move. Jonathan's fresh approach to offering real estate services brings a higher level of service to our industry. It has always been a pleasure to work with Jonathan and I am glad to have him (and Tabitha) as friendsAngela Parker
Jonathan helped us find a home that was greater than our expectations and negotiated the asking price on our behalf successfully. He went out of his way to assist us with inspections, a fixed rate low interest mortgage and closing costs. I was on a business trip far far away while making the offer on the home, but Jonathan made sure I could review everything electronically, as well as sign the necessary contracts.
Overall, I couldn't have asked for a more helpful buyers agent and recommend him to anyone shopping for a new home. He was always available and willing to go out of his way (day or night-pacific or eastern time) to make purchasing our first home easy and stress free!!
Eric and Amber
When asked what we did well, they responded:
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