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In the dead of winter, it's easy to get into a funk. You may not be able to spend time outdoors, and depending on where you live, you might be seeing very little sunshine. If the long, dark days and chilly weather are getting to you and you aren't able to take a vacation somewhere warm anytime soon, here are a few ways to lift your spirits this season.
Buy Fresh Flowers or Plants
If you find the dead foliage depressing, bringing some life into your home may help perk you up this winter. Visit a nursery and buy some vibrant plants or beautiful flowers and place them throughout your home. Certain plants even help purify air and remove toxins from your home.
Get a Sunlight Lamp
Buy a lamp that's made to simulate sunlight. These are proven to help treat Seasonal Affective Disorder, though they're great for anyone who is feeling dull from a lack of sunshine. Sitting in front of one for 20 to 30 minutes every morning while you eat breakfast or read can help reset your circadian rhythm and give your mood a boost. You can find affordable sunlight lamps on Amazon.
Move your Body
During the winter, it's so easy to want to just curl up and hibernate. But exercise releases endorphins and reduces stress, and it can be a great way to combat the winter blues. You don't need an expensive gym membership; clear a little space in an area of your home and stream free workouts from YouTube. There are countless exercise videos of all types and lengths, and it's a free way to get yourself moving and feeling better. Why not make it a family affair?
If you're looking for a fresh start in a new home this year, we would love to help.
Please reach out anytime!
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January Charlotte Market Update
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Despite a strong U.S. economy, historically low unemployment and steady wage
growth, home sales began to slow across the nation late last year. Blame was given to
a combination of high prices and a steady stream of interest rate hikes by the Federal
Reserve. This month, the Fed responded to the growing affordability conundrum. In a
move described as a patient approach to further rate changes, the Fed did not increase
rates during January 2019.
New Listings were up in the Charlotte region by 12.9 percent to 4,543. Pending Sales
increased 14.9 percent to 4,010. Inventory shrank 3.4 percent to 8,723 units.
Prices moved higher as Median Sales Price was up 5.1 percent to $226,000. Months
Supply of Homes for Sale remained flat at 2.2, indicating a stabilizing supply-demand
balance.
While the home affordability topic will continue to set the tone for the 2019 housing
market, early signs point to an improving inventory situation, including in several
markets that are beginning to show regular year-over-year percentage increases. As
motivated sellers attempt to get a jump on annual goals, many new listings enter the
market immediately after the turn of a calendar year. If home price appreciation falls
more in line with wage growth, and rates can hold firm, consumer confidence and
affordability are likely to improve.
Stats from Charlotte
Regional Realtor Association
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January
2018 |
January
2019 |
%Change |
| Homes for Sale |
9,027 |
8,723 |
-3.4 |
| Pending Sales |
3,490 |
4,010 |
+14.9 |
| Closed Sales |
2,759 |
2,510 |
-9.0 |
| Days on Market |
62 |
59 |
-4.8 |
| Average Sales Price |
$263,294
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$268,271
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+1.9 |
| Months Supply of Homes |
2.2 |
2.2 |
0.0 |
Based on information from the Carolina Multiple Listing Services, Inc. for the month of December 2018 & 2019 for the entire Carolina MLS area.
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5 Things to Expect when Selling in the Winter
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Winter is traditionally a slower time for home sales, but don't despair. Here are a few ways the timing might play in your favor.
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1. Buyers tend to be more motivated
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Buyers looking for homes are doing so because they really must relocate due to job, family or other unavoidable circumstances. You'll probably waste less time dealing with real estate tire-kickers.
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Because there are fewer transactions during the winter, mortgage companies, home inspectors and appraisers have less on their plates. You should be able to schedule appointments sooner and expect faster turnaround for reports and approvals than in the busy warmer seasons.
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3. You can leverage the smaller inventory
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With fewer homes on the market, your property's unique features stand out even more. Are you the only townhome within walking distance of downtown? The only split-level with a pool in your school district? I'll be sure to mention it in your listing.
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4. Summer buyers are looking now
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Not everyone looking in the winter must move immediately. We can discuss ideas about how to market your home among local businesses and organizations with fluid populations, such as universities, or via school district websites that might attract families moving to the area.
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5. You can remind buyers of warmer weather
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Be sure to include images of your home during greener summer months, including lifestyle shots of your deck, patio, porch and/or yard. Feature these photos in a frame during showings to remind buyers how the home can come alive in the spring.
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Thank you for your business and Referrals
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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.
Sincerely,
RE/MAX Executive Realty
Charlotte, NC 28211
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$444,900
6227 GOTHIC COURT
CHARLOTTE, NC
Neighborhood: Sharon Hills
4 BR, 2.0 BA, 2,054 sqft
MLS# 3471588 | RE/MAX Executive
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$334,900 Under Contract
22350 MARKET STREET
CORNELIUS, NC
Complex: Antiquity
3 BR, 2.1 BA, 2,145 sqft
MLS# 3465258 | RE/MAX Executive
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$279,900
362 SADIE DRIVE
MATTHEWS, NC
Complex: Park Place
3 BR, 3.1 BA, 2,296 sqft
MLS# 3464834 | RE/MAX Executive
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$200,000
413 W 8TH STREET UNIT L
CHARLOTTE, NC
Complex: Springfield Square
1 BR, 1.0 BA, 720 sqft
MLS# 3465984 | RE/MAX Executive
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$315,000
1586 OLD FRIENDSHIP ROAD
ROCK HILL, SC
39.55 Acres
MLS# 3068361 | RE/MAX Executive
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$214,900 Under Contract
11008 ATRIUM WAY
MATTHEWS, NC
Neighborhood: Habersham
3 BR, 3.0 BA, 1,624 sqft
MLS# 3461510 | RE/MAX Executive
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$59,000
HWY 28 HIGHWAY
LANCASTER, SC
6.50 Acres
MLS# 3435775 | RE/MAX Executive
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220 Bacon Avenue
-- 2 BR, 1 BA
Subdivision: Biddleville
MLS # 3427263 | SOLD
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4427 Hounds Run Drive
-- 3 BR, 2 BA
Subdivision: Habersham
MLS # 3443268 | SOLD
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