IRMA, so glad you pretty much spared Charlotte! Wishing everyone and their families the best as the long recovery continues. Little surprised it seems they have totally forgotten Harvey and it's devastation on Houston?   Amazing how soon the news cycle changes but it's been a great break from the political scene. Hopefully the disasters pull us all together and both parties realize that compromise is needed to move us forward. 

Everybody likes the fridge. I'm sure those without power won't take their's for granted for a while. Who wouldn't have a soft spot for the workhorse appliance that keeps our milk cold and our ice cream frozen? Of course, we also rely a lot on refrigerators, so when there's a problem with it, things can go downhill quickly. Read on to find out what can cause a refrigerator leak and what to do if you spot one.

September Charlotte Market Update

August tends to mark the waning of housing activity ahead of the school year. Not all buyers and sellers have children, but there are enough parents that do not want to uproot their children during the school year to historically create a natural market cool down before any actual temperature change. Competition is expected to remain fierce for available listings. Savvy sellers and buyers know that deals can be made well into the school months, as household formations take on many shapes and sizes.

The prevailing trends lasted through summer. This was expected, since there have not been any major changes in the economy that would affect housing. Factors such as wage growth, unemployment and mortgage rates have all been stable. Every locality has its unique challenges, but the whole of residential real estate is in good shape. Recent manufacturing data is showing demand for housing construction materials and supplies, which may help lift the ongoing low inventory situation in 2018.


Stats from Charlotte Regional Realtor Association
 

August
 2016
August
 2017
%Change
Homes for Sale 12,477 10,153 -18.6
Pending Sales 4,116 4,753 +15.5
Closed Sales 4,467 4,297 -3.8
Days on Market 54 51 -5.6
Average Sales Price $270,920 $273,549 +1.0
Months Supply of Homes 3.4 2.6 -23.5

Based on information from the Carolina Multiple Listing Services, Inc. for the month of August 2016 & 2017 for the entire Carolina MLS area.   
What Paint Color Boost your Home's Value
Muted blues and grays add the most value while warm colors including reds, oranges and yellows reduced a home's value the most.  Blue was especially recommended for bathrooms since its the color of water. Our minds associate water with cleanliness, something home buyers particularly value in bathrooms.  

Causes of Refrigerator Leaks

Maybe your water alarm alerted you, maybe you see a puddle or some dripping, or maybe you see some signs of water damage (corrosion, water stains, etc.). Once you've discovered a leak, consider the possible causes.

Blocked defroster. A blocked defroster can stop defrost-cycle water from draining properly. We talked about drain blockages in our laundry room post, and the same troubleshooting tactic applies. Try clearing out the small drain by pouring hot water into it. Remove any debris with a pipe cleaner.
Drain pan. Sometimes the drain pan itself can leak. Check for cracks.
Filter. Refrigerators with filters can leak if the filter is the wrong size or not installed properly.
Water line. This is potentially the most problematic. Refrigerators with ice makers or water dispensers have water lines running between the main water supply and the back of the fridge. Feel to see if the water line is wet or dripping. Cracked hoses and loose connections are often the culprit.  

Steps to Take When Your Refrigerator Water Line Leaks
* Verify that it's a water line leak-be sure it isn't one of the other causes listed above.
* Turn off the water supply to the refrigerator. The shut off valve is often located under the sink.
* Unplug the refrigerator or turn it off at the circuit breaker.
* Replace the water line yourself or call a plumber to do so.

Call a Charlotte Plumber to Fix Your Refrigerator Water Line Problem
If you've got a puddle under the fridge and want some expert help diagnosing or repairing it, contact us. Our service area is Charlotte and the surrounding 30-mile radius. Feel secure knowing you've got water damage prevention measures in place. We're available at 704-846-5371 or via our online contact form.

Source: E.R. Plumbing 704-846-5371

 Six Factors that influence a home's value 
  • Historical sale prices.  One of the first things real estate agents, appraisers and prospective home buyers look at is the historical sale price of the property.
  • Neighborhood. The neighborhood is one of the biggest influencers of a home's value, responsible for both qualitative and quantifiable aspects of a home's appeal. For example, school system quality and home prices tend to be strongly correlated. Crime rates, similarly, are negatively correlated with home values in the neighborhood.
  • The market. The current state of the housing market will also influence a home's value. Home prices are shaped by supply and demand, like any other economic asset, and may fluctuate based on subtle changes in your area's economy.
  • Size and appeal. A home's size has a major influence on its value, with some prospective home buyers looking specifically at price per square foot to filter out this effect and determine value. Bigger houses tend to sell for higher prices, of course. You'll also have to consider the appeal of the house; traditional, neutral layouts tend to carry more value than obscure layouts that appeal only to niche audiences.
  • Age and condition. In addition to size and appeal, you'll need to think about the home's age and condition. Newer homes will sell for more than older homes because they'll typically require less maintenance. Things like the home's foundation, structural integrity, electrical work, plumbing and fixtures are all worth considering.
  • Nearby features. Finally, you'll want to think about where the property is located, in relation to other accommodations and features. For example, homes that are close to shopping locations, and ones with easy access to major highways, tend to sell for more than ones far away from everything. The more time you spend looking at, valuing and comparing homes in your specific area of expertise, the better you'll get at making accurate projections of a home's potential selling price. In many cases, it's worth hiring a formal appraiser to provide a second opinion, or reinforce your valuation with more authority. 

 

 
Thank you for your business and Referrals
Of course, nothing is   appreciated more than referrals  so if you know of anyone looking to buy or sell please keep us in mind! We would be delighted to assist in any way we can. 
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Sincerely,
  
The Guy Ward Group                      Guy Ward     704-491-5373   [email protected] 
RE/MAX Executive Realty
2901 Coltsgate Rd                            David Reed  704-488-2073   [email protected] 
Charlotte, NC 28211
www.guywardgroup.com                  Rose Lotz     704-609-9610    [email protected] 
                                                                 Alisa Conner   [email protected]             
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The Guy Ward Group  
Guy Ward
Guy Ward
(704) 491-5373 
 [email protected] 
  David Reed   
   704-488-2073  

Rose Lotz
Rose Lotz  
   704-609-9610  

Alisa Conner


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