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It's Back to School Time: Top Tips to Stay Sane
Going back to school is an exciting time. Kids get to see their friends, have a new year of field trips to look forward to and, with any luck, get the teachers your neighbors rave about. However, with homework and extracurricular activities, going back to school can be stress-inducing for both parents and children. Click here for tips to keep calm, cool and collected.
The first day of school for the 2017-2018 school year in CMS is
August 28
, according to a new calendar approved Tuesday by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education. The new 2017-2018 calendar accounts for 177 days of instruction.
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July Charlotte Market Update
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Housing price bubble chatter has increased this summer, as market observers attempt to predict the next residential real estate shift. It is too early to predict a change from higher prices and lower inventory, but the common markers that caused the last housing cooldown are present. Wages are up but not at the same pace as home prices, leading to the kind of affordability concerns that can cause fewer sales at lower prices. At the same time, demand is still outpacing what is available for sale in many markets.
New Listings were down in the Charlotte region by 0.4 percent to 5,576. Pending Sales increased 12.5 percent to 4,947. Inventory shrank 16.3 percent to 9,790 units. Prices moved higher as Median Sales Price was up 2.1 percent to $240,000. Months Supply of Homes for Sale was down 17.2 percent to 2.4 months, indicating that demand increased relative to supply.
Consumer spending on home goods and renovations are up, and more people are entering the workforce. Employed people spending money is good for the housing market. Meanwhile, GDP growth was 4.1% in the second quarter, the strongest showing since 2014. Housing starts are down, but that is more reflective of low supply than anything else. With a growing economy, solid lending practices and the potential for improved inventory from new listing and building activity, market balance is more likely than a bubble.
Stats from Charlotte
Regional Realtor Association
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July
2017 |
July
2018 |
%Change |
| Homes for Sale |
11,701 |
9,790 |
-16.3 |
| Pending Sales |
4,398 |
4,947 |
+12.5 |
| Closed Sales |
4,577 |
4,447 |
-2.8 |
| Days on Market |
49 |
42 |
-14.3 |
| Average Sales Price |
$276,434
|
$290,486
|
+5.1 |
| Months Supply of Homes |
2.9 |
2.4 |
-17.2 |
Based on information from the Carolina Multiple Listing Services, Inc. for the month of July 2017 & 2018 for the entire Carolina MLS area.
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Buyers have their eyes on schools, and with the irrefutable
link between the quality of schools and values, a district with high ratings trumps all-even coveted features of a home, according to a new
realtor.com®
survey.
To get into their desired district, 78 percent of the homebuyers surveyed had to let go of something on their wish list. When asked what they would compromise on, approximately one-fifth (19 percent) of respondents would forgo a garage, while 17 percent would go without a kitchen that has been remodeled. Another 17 percent would settle for less bedrooms.
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Summer Energy Savings Tips
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Conserving energy and saving money on utility bills during summer months may be easier than you think. In fact, some of these tips are so simple that you may be tempted to use them all year long. Here are some summer energy saving tips for you and your clients:
- Serve refreshing no-cook suppers several nights a week instead of hot meals. In addition to conserving energy use, your kitchen will stay cooler without added heat from cooking appliances. Some menu ideas that don't require a stove, oven or microwave include salads, fruit plates, sandwiches and cold summer soups such as gazpacho.
- Take advantage of warm, dry weather and save electricity by line drying your clothes outside. Your dryer will get a break and your clothes and linens will smell fresh and wonderful.
- Install solar powered exterior lighting. These lights harness their power from sunlight and don't require electricity.
- Do some research and find out how much water your grass type and landscape plants actually need to avoid overwatering. You'll conserve water, save money and avoid harming your turf and landscaping with too much moisture. To see how much water your grass and plants are actually getting from rain or from an automatic irrigation system, set small, shallow dishes around your lawn. During hot weather, it's best to water early in the morning when evaporation rates are lowest. It's also a good idea to mulch around plants to help minimize evaporation and lock moisture in.
- Plant trees that provide shade to your home. Talk to your local nursery for advice on fast-growing trees that will thrive in your area.
- Ceiling fans can help you stay cool and reduce air conditioning expenses. You can also use them to help cool certain rooms where people are present without lowering the temperature throughout your home. According to the Energy.gov website, ceiling fans can help you raise the thermostat by four degrees without sacrificing comfort. Just remember to turn off the fans when you leave the room.
- To help rooms stay cooler, close curtains or window treatments during the day. White or light-colored window treatments can help reflect heat and let in natural light. Exterior awnings can help reduce room temperatures, especially on south and west facing windows. Awnings can also block bright sunlight and help prevent fabrics, draperies and rugs from fading.
- If you have a swimming pool with an automatic pool sweep, turn the sweeping system on only when the pool is dirty or has debris on the bottom or on the steps. Running it continuously wastes energy and causes unnecessary wear and tear on the equipment. Turn lights, fountains and pool heaters off when the pool is not in use.
- Switch your dishwasher drying cycle to air dry or energy saving mode. Wait until the appliance is completely full before running a wash cycle.
- When you mow the lawn, it's fine to leave the grass clippings on the turf. The clippings will provide a natural fertilizer, and you'll reduce the use of plastic garbage bags.
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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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6246 Gothic Court -- 4 BR, 3.1 BA
Price: $519,900 (2853 sqft)
Subdivision: Sharon Hills
→ More info
Guy Ward | MLS # 3396412 | Under Contract
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1586 Old Friendship Road
Price: $315,000 (39.55 acres)
→ More info
Guy Ward | MLS # 3068361 | Active
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6634 Bunker Hill Circle
-- 2 BR, 2.1 BA
Price: $259,900
(2027 sqft)
Complex: Olde Georgetowne
→ More info
Guy Ward | MLS # 3412969 | Under Contract - Show
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7338 Preakness Stakes Lane -- 3 BR, 2 BA
Price: $154,900 (1179 sqft)
Subdivision: Cedar Lane Farms
→ More info
RE/MAX Executive | MLS # 3413124 | Under Contract - No Show
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9418 Windy Gap Road - 3 BR, 3 BA - 4099 sqft
Sold for $795,000 on Jul 6, 2018
Subdivision: Browns Cove
→ More info
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6501 Loyola Court -- 5 BR, 4.1 BA
Subdivision: The Oaks at Oxfordshire
SOLD
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9808 Park Springs Court - 3 BR, 2.1 BA - 1871 sqft
Sold for $335,000 on Jul 31, 2018
Subdivision: Cameron Wood
→ More info
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