Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to Everyone!!!

Hello everyone, Urban Realty wants to wish you all very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays this year. We thank you all for making Urban Realty as special and unique as it is! We love you all and thanks for a great year!!!!! Bring on the New Decade as we welcome 2010!!!

Ice Skating in Uptown has returned again!!!!!

We are all so excited to see the return of the ice skating rink at "The Green" in the premiere location at the Ratcliff in Uptown Charlotte. My son has enjoyed this every year and is now quite good at it. He is 7 years old and loves just watching all the "big people" fall. He laughs out loud with his full belly convictions. So come have some family fun and skate around Charlotte. It will stay around unil January 9, 2010. Tickets are $7.00.

Save a Bundle with this home to-do list!

Christopher Solomen of MSN Real Estate explains that energy-efficient upgrades mean lower utility bills, but they can also earn you tax credits - this year or next year. Read more by clicking on the title above.

National Green Building Code is in the works

The construction zone is basically the entire country. The builders are a variety of specialists, including architects, plumbers, masons, and lighting, heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning experts. Since July, they have been meeting in cities - they were in Philadelphia, PA last month - to construct not with bricks and steel beams, but with words. The goal: a code to guide all development of green commercial buildings in the United States. The international Green Building Code would, as its name implies, also be available to other countries. Read more at the link.

Tax Credit Extension has Passed!!!

Earlier today the House of Representatives passed legislation to extend and expand the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit, which was approved by the Senate this week. The legislation will be sent to the President, and upon his signature, made law. NAMB strongly advocated for an extension and expansion of the homebuyer tax credit, and considers this a victory for consumers, the housing industry, and NAMB.

Under the legislation, homebuyers will qualify for the tax credit until April 30, 2009 (as long as they have entered a binding contract), and have an additional 2 months (until June 30, 2009) to close the transaction. Borrower income limits have also been increased to $125,000 for individuals and $225,000 for couples (up from $75,000 and $150,000 respectively under the current program). The legislation also includes a tax credit not exceeding $6,500 for move up buyers who have owned their current homes for at least 5 years.

Halloween Safety

Halloween is just around the corner, and this year it will fall on the best of days: Saturday! What a great year to go all out with your Halloween decorations and host a Halloween party!

Here are some tips from the Fire Department to keep you, your guests, and all your little goblins safe as you create your own “Monster Ball” or get ready for a night of trick-or-treating:

1. Keep candles and jack-o-lanterns away from curtains, decorations, and other combustibles.
2. Never leave candles unattended.
3. Make sure indoor or outdoor lights have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory. Check wiring and extension cords for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections.
4. Don't overload extension cords or electrical sockets.
5. Keep candles and jack-o-lanterns away from high traffic areas to avoid being knocked over.

Other safety tips include:
• Look for “Flame Resistant” labels on costumes.
• Make sure masks do not hamper the visibility of the wearer.
• Choose costumes made with bright colors to make them visible to motorists.
• Give Trick-or-Treaters flashlights to help them see better at night.
• Costumes should be well fitting to prevent tripping or falling.
• Children should use crosswalks and not run into the street from between parked cars.
• Parents or other responsible adults should accompany children.
• Parents should closely examine the treats collected by the children to ensure that they are safe to eat.

VA Loans extended $8000 TAX CREDIT

For one more year, veterans will be able to receive the $8000 Tax Credit for first time home buyers announced yesterday!!!! Call Urban Realty for more details. 704.377.8212

45th Festival in the Park

September 24-27, 2009
THURSDAY September 24 - 6 pm – 9 pm
FRIDAY September 25 Kid's Day 10 am- 1 pm
FRIDAY September 25 - 1 pm- 9:30 pm
SATURDAY September 26 - 10 am – 9:30 pm
SUNDAY September 27- 11 am – 6 pm

Uptown Restaurant Week: Sept. 18-27

Here's a list of all participating restaurants:
• Aquavina
• Blackfinn
• Blue
• Chima Brazilian Steakhouse
• Capital Grille
• Ember Grille
• Enso
• LaVecchia's
• Fiji
• Luce
• McCormick & Schmick's
• Mez
• Mimosa
• Morton's the Steakhouse
• Ratcliffe on the Green
• Room 112
• Sonoma
• Therapy
• Zink

HOW DOES IT WORK?

This time it’s all about you. Uptown Restaurant Week is all about maximizing your culinary pleasure while minimizing your effort. Follow these simple steps for a fantastic meal at a delicious price.

10 days of culinary pleasure.
Ten days of Uptown's top restaurants each presenting exquisite three-course meals for only $35.

Offerings range from the freshest sushi to the thickest steaks. Now there's no excuse to miss out, so bring a date, bring your mom, or maybe even just treat yourself to some of the best restaurants Uptown Charlotte has to offer, at only a fraction of the normal price.

AQUAVINA
This beautiful seafood restaurant overlooks The Green, giving it one of the best patios in town. Inside, the look is both warm and cool, with undulating artworks all around.

BLACKFINN
BlackFinn is perfectly suited for those looking for a casual “bite” or a more complete dining experience. On the casual side, the Finn offers its carefully chosen selection of premium quality “Saloon Favorites.”

BLUE
Blue Restaurant & Bar is a sophisticated Charlotte uptown restaurant that offers flavors from around the Mediterranean region. Award-winning Executive Chef Gene Briggs has created a multi-cultural menu that takes fine dining in Charlotte to new heights, and your taste buds on a whirlwind tour.

CHIMA BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE
Chima offers all you can eat authentic Brazilian cuisine and a chic dining experience.
Chima Steakhouse – named after chimarrao, a traditional drink of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, that symbolizes hospitality and friendship – certainly lives up to its name. Legend has it, in South Brazil traditional gauchos (cowboys) would consume a diet that consisted almost entirely of beef.

CAPITAL GRILLE
You are cordially invited to join us for an evening or afternoon of relaxed elegance and exceptional cuisine.
Rich African mahogany paneling and warm lighting from one-of-a-kind art deco chandeliers set the tone for a comfortably elegant evening (unless it’s a lively, social atmosphere you seek, in which case our sophisticated bar might be your destination).

EMBER GRILLE
A international grill igniting a passion for modern global cuisine fusing tastes, textures and aromas from around the world. Rejuvenate your palate with our seasonally inspired menus that feature creative chops, seafood and market fresh vegetables.

ENSO
Charlotte receives a taste of Asian-influenced culinary sophistication with the opening of ENSO, a new restaurant featuring inspired sushi combinations and Asian-fusion cuisine in uptown’s premier entertainment destination, EpiCentre.

LAVECCHIA'S
Dine in an atmosphere as lively as the culinary experience itself. Taste the freshest seafood available Uptown. Sip a sophisticated wine in between bites of the finest aged USDA Prime steaks. Enjoy entertainment every Friday and Saturday night. LaVecchia’s is stylish and award winning, yet always affordable.

FIJI
Fiji Sushi Bar & Lounge boasts an extensive menu of sushi and delectable Asian fusion dishes along with an ultra lounge flavor. Be sure to check out the Buddha bar/nightclub called Kashmir in the lower level.

LUCE
Looking for old world elegance, impeccable service, and authentic Italian cuisine?
LUCE is located in the Hearst Tower uptown, and is Charlotte’s premier upscale Italian restaurant.
We offer a warm, intimate atmosphere, with fine Italian marble, sandstone balusters, travertine tiles, Venetian plaster, and Murano sconces accented by world renowned local fresco artist Ben Long’s artwork. The exquisite Northern Italian fare features house made pastas, prime meats, and the freshest seafood.

MCCORMICK & SCHMICK'S
The menu at McCormick & Schmick’s is printed twice daily and features more than 30 varieties of fresh fish and seafood locally to being flown in from both U.S. and international waters. Other menu highlights include tempting pasta, poultry and beef specialties to tempt any palate. Centrally located in Uptown Charlotte at the corner of 4th and Tryon Streets, McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant is just minutes from Bobcats Arena, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, and Bank of America Stadium.

MEZ
Entertain the palette. Enliven the senses. Engage the moment.
In the heart of Uptown’s EpiCentre, Mez offers stunning atmosphere, soaring ceilings, dramatic downtown views & an intimate lounge. Featuring innovative, eclectic cuisine from award winning, acclaimed Miami Chef Klime Kovaceski. Mez is sure to become Uptown’s new quintessential dining experience.

MIMOSA
Located in the heart of Uptown Charlotte, Mimosa Grill offers fine, Southern cuisine in a casually sophisticated ambiance. Executive Chef Jon Fortes has created a seasonal menu that features a “farm to plate” signature style by using only the best of locally raised and grown ingredients.

MORTON'S THE STEAKHOUSE
USDA prime-aged steak is just part of the Morton’s story.
The Best Product… Genuine Hospitality… an Experience to Remember.
For more than 30 years, Morton’s has served only the finest quality foods, featuring USDA prime-aged beef, fresh fish and seafood, hand-picked produce, delicious appetizers and elegant desserts.

RATCLIFFE ON THE GREEN
Experience an unforgettable evening of French influenced cuisine at Ratcliffe on the Green in Uptown Charlotte. Upon entering through the well-stocked wine room, guests are surrounded by the warm atmosphere of the tastefully decorated dining room set behind the original Tiffany façade of the historic Ratcliffe Flower Shoppe, circa 1929.

ROOM 112
MODERN ASIAN CUISINE + SUSHI LOUNGE

SONOMA
Sonoma is not a place for the timid or the hidebound traditionalist. But lovers of inventive translation will enjoy one of Charlotte’s rare provocative menus.

THERAPY
Proper therapy is a “round-the-clock ” proposition. that’s why therapy is open for your late night sessions. we boast charlotte’s most extensive list of double martinis; featuring the old favorites, and creative new martinis with exotic twists.

ZINK
Zink American Kitchen’s creative menu and “speakeasy” décor offer Uptown Charlotte guests a unique and memorable experience. The menu takes traditional American comfort foods and reinvents them into “cool” dishes that give this restaurant its distinct style.

Construction Halts at the VUE

A construction worker pulls down the R.J. Griffin and Co. sign from the construction site of The Vue on Monday.
Construction on The Vue, a 51-story uptown condo tower that kept on building as others stalled, will be stopped as of today because the developer hasn't paid its bills, according to an e-mail sent Monday by the project's general contractor.

It's the latest sign of trouble in the center city condo market, where sales have plunged in recent years. The delay also illustrates the real estate market's lingering weakness as lenders scrutinize projects more closely than in the past.

The e-mail to subcontractors, signed by contractor R.J. Griffin & Co.'s senior project manager and obtained by The Observer, said Griffin had not been paid for work done in July and, while it has been working with the owner and lenders to resolve the matter, “to date we have been unable to reach a resolution.”

As a result, the contractor directed subcontractors to stop all work on the $275million-plus project effective at 12:01 a.m. today, according to the e-mail.

Calls to R.J. Griffin's Charlotte office were not returned. The Vue's owner, Chicago-based MCL Cos., declined to talk with The Observer.

At the work site, at Fifth and Pine streets, workers streamed out of the tower at the shift's end Monday, carrying an assortment of items, such as ladders, buckets and drills, that workers often leave overnight. Workers with four subcontractors, and half a dozen Griffin employees, said they had been told that work might stop because of unpaid bills.

Employees also removed R.J. Griffin signs from fences and used cranes to hoist portable toilets and other heavy equipment to the ground from The Vue's upper floors.

Uptown Restaurant Week: Sept. 18-27

Okay, you got us. We call it a week, but it’s really a full ten days—ten days of Uptown's top restaurants each presenting exquisite three-course meals for only $35.
Offerings range from the freshest sushi to the thickest steaks and much, much more. There's no excuse to miss out, so bring a date, bring your mom, or maybe even just treat yourself to some of the best restaurants Uptown Charlotte has to offer, at only a fraction of the normal price.

FHA Program Offers Purchase & Renovation Aid

The Federal Housing Administration is encouraging use of its little-known 203(k) loan program.

The 203(k) lets an owner-occupant borrow money for both the purchase and renovation in one loan, and put down only 3.5 percent.

The program requires the use of credentialed contractors and can include cosmetic improvements as well as major renovations like replacing plumbing or electrical. Completing the application process requires patience, says Nancy Hammock, an associate with RE/MAX Properties in Western Springs, Ill.

But in this lending environment, more homebuyers are finding 203(k)s worth the hassle. In fiscal 2008, the government insured about 6,700 of the 203(k) loans. This year, more than 11,000 loans have already been insured, according to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

Source: Chicago Tribune, Mary Ellen Podmolik (08/14/2009)

Uptrend Continues in Pendng Home Sales

Pending home sales are up for the fifth consecutive month, the first time in six years for such a streak, according to the National Association of Realtors(R). The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward looking indicator based on contracts signed in June, rose 3.6% to 94.6 from an upward revised reading of 91.3 in May, and is 6.7 % above June 2008 when it was 88.7. The last time there were five consecutive monthly gains was in July 2003.Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said in a combination of positive market factors in fueling the gains. "Historically low mortgage interest rates, affordable home prices and large selection are encouraging buyers who've been on the sidelines. Activity has been consistently much stronger for lower priced homes." he said. "Because it may take as long as two months to close on a home after signing a contract, first-time buyers must act fairly soon to take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit because they must close on the sale by November 30th, 2009."

J.S. Kempf & Associates filed for Chapter 7

The matthews based homebuilder filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy this week. The company builds homes in communities including The Palisades, a luxury home development near Lake Wylie, and The Club at Longview off Rea Road.

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing indicates the company is planning to liquidate its assets, as opposed to shedding debts and reorganizing, as is done in Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings. More than 30 percent of bankruptcy filings in the Charlotte area this year have involved construction-related companies.

Board approves Mint Hill boundaries

After contentious debate with each other and impassioned citizens, Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board members voted 6-3 Tuesday night to approve proposed boundaries for the new high school in Mint Hill.

The vote means most students in Mint Hill will actually attend Independence High – and most students at the new school in Mint Hill will be drawn from surrounding schools.

More than 30 parents, teachers and students spoke at the school board meeting, arguing for and against the proposal.

Supporters said it was the fairest way to balance student enrollment and demographics.

Those opposed, mainly Mint Hill residents, said the new school was promised to Mint Hill in return for their support of a bond measure in 2007. They also said their children deserve to go to school in their town, and that the board doesn't have uniform standards when it draws school boundaries.

A plan Mint Hill presented would have opened a 1,650-student school, with a 32 percent poverty level.

The board's plan calls for a 1,530-student school with a poverty level of 52 percent.

The fight over Mint Hill has dragged on for five months, with 14 different boundary plans presented.

At stake were a number of issues that have persisted since Mecklenburg County revamped student assignments in 2002, such as whether suburbs should have schools that serve them and reinforce their identity, what the role of diversity in school assignments is, and whether the school board should assign students to balance differences in school poverty levels and performance. The new high school, on Truelight Church Road, is scheduled to open in August 2010.

“The board has really lost the trust and respect of many of the residents of Mint Hill,” said Julie Andrews at the meeting. “I specifically voted for that [bond] package because of it. For us to receive no benefits and for them to put us in that old high school (Independence) that is overcrowded is so unfair.”

Board members Ken Gjertsen, Kaye McGarry and Larry Gauvreau voted against the measure.

District 6 representative Gjertsen said it was an issue of living up to the board's word: “In my opinion, promises were made, and we're ignoring that.”

Gauvreau, who represents District 1, was more outspoken. “You can't call this any more than a sham,” he said.

School board chairwoman Molly Griffin said that it would have been impossible for the board to satisfy everyone. “For every four e-mails I get, I get four different points of view,” she said.

And at-large member Joe White had a message for parents who left unhappy: “Wherever your kids end up, dedicate yourself to making it the best place it can be.”

Reedy Creek neighborhood resident Adrienne Trent, whose daughter just graduated from Independence, said she supports the plan because it is the fairest way to even out the schools' demographics.

“It is the most balanced,” she said. “It was the most sensible one there.”

A strong contingent of East Mecklenburg High School supporters showed up to ask the board to delay their vote. The Mint Hill plan will slash East Meck's enrollment from just over 2,100 to about 1,400. They said they fear this will restrict class and extracurricular activities and lower standards at the school.

They said it could drive parents to pull their students to private or charter schools instead of East Meck.

The school board decided to study the possibility of moving students from Myers Park High School to East Meck to compensate for the loss of students.

And although they disagree on the issues, Trent and Andrews agree on one thing – the fight over boundaries isn't over. “By the time he's ready to go to high school, these boundaries will be redrawn,” Trent said of her 6-year-old son.

Said Andrews: “I'm confident the lines will be redrawn before my kids get to high school.”

By Ely Portillo
elyportillo@charlotteobserver.com
Posted: Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009

Movies in the Park

The 5th ANNUAL Movies in the Park returns to Freedom Park this summer! Can you imagine a better way to spend a summer evening than sitting under the stars, chomping on popcorn, hanging out with friends & neighbors while watching one of your favorite flicks? Neither can we. So come join us at Freedom Park this Summer and make some memories with your family!
Presented by Watershed and the Char-Meck Park & Recreation Department.

::DETAILS ::
•All movies take place on the 2nd Friday of the month
•All movies begin at SUNSET
•Located at the Freedom Park Amphitheater (bring a chair/blanket!)
•Popcorn provided FREE of charge
•Drawings for prizes (DVD players, gift certificates, and more!)
•Fun for the whole family, a date, your dog, or just you!
•TOTALLY FREE

This month's movie is August Rush.

Charlotte Irish Summer Festival

The third annual Charlotte Irish Summer Festival is scheduled for Uptown Charlotte on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 14 & 15, 2009. This year's family-friendly event will feature Irish music, dancing, drinks and food, as well as crafts, games (for adults and kids!) and more!

Saturday's Festival is Located at 3rd & Tryon St. & Starts at Noon

Courtyard Charlotte City Center
237 South Tryon St.
Charlotte, NC. 28202

Charlotte's Urban Realty is on Facebook!

We here at Urban Realty wanted everyone to know that we have a facebook page now. Feel free to email us your inquiries about any properties you are interested in and might have a general question about. Feel free to contact us at your leisure. Just look for us as Urban Realty or on our website www.urbanrealtync.com. Have a great week!

Charlotte's Urban Realty Office Goes Green

Urban Realty has taken the office and gone GREEN! We are limiting our use of resources that are not green friendly. For example, all of our inner documents are stored electronically now thus saving room, space, and trees. Our Brokers simply logon to a website and get the form they need at their convenience. We are turning everything off unless it is in current use for office hours. We are recycling everything that Meck county will allow us and then some. We hope that as we continue to do this we will get more and more better at being GREEN minded and reduce our footprint on this planet Earth.

Charlotte's Dilworth Neighborhood Home Tour

Yep, It's that time of year again that Dilworth is revving up for their annual home tour. Save the dates: September 18 and 19. There will be a wine tasting Friday night at 5pm Spetember 18 at The Wine Shop on Park Road to kick off the tour---grab a friend, mark your calendars now and stay tuned for details. We still need volunteers to work a 2 hour shift in one of the tour homes.

Charlotte's South End - The Tremount

No HOA Dues for 2009. And the builder we provide $2500 towards closing cost too. Contact Bruce Moyer for more information. 704.377.8212

Myer's Park Walking Tour

Charlotte Event Detail - Charlotte's Got A Lot

Shared via AddThis

Charlotte Restaurant Week Continues

Charlotte Event Detail - Charlotte's Got A Lot

Shared via AddThis

Charlotte Restaurant Week Continues

Queen’s Feast - Charlotte Restaurant Week! July 10-19, you can get a three course meal at nearly 100 of Charlotte’s best local restaurants for just $30 per person (tax and gratuity not included).

This 10-day feast is a great opportunity to try some of Charlotte’s most remarkable chefs and trendy hot spots. If you are working on a budget you can’t beat these deals. See the menus of all the participating restaurants.

Almost all my favorites are on the list. In the Elizabeth neighborhood, Carpe Diem, Customshop and Cajun Queen all offer a great New American menus. In Dilworth you can do a “Taste of the World” tour with the scrumptious Italian of Dolce, Indian at Copper, Spanish at Sole and fine Asian at Zen.

You may want to walk to your choice restaurant so that you don't gain too much weight.

Charlotte is #19 for Best Places for Business and Careers

As reported by Forbes, Charlotte is the #19 Best Place for Business and Career in the nation. You can see the rankings at www.forbes.com

Red, White, & Boom! Uptown Fireworks / Family Fun Festival

Lance will bring wholesome family fun to Uptown Charlotte and beyond on the nation’s birthday. The fireworks show will be approximately 20 minutes long, and begins at 9:30 p.m. (weather and fire department clearance permitting). The show will be synched to a music track that will be heard exclusively on 96.9 FM WKKT, The Kat and played live at all viewing venues.


The Family Fun Festival at Memorial Stadium is free, with live music as well as games for kids of all ages. Sweetbriar Jam, a young and talented bluegrass band will play from 6:30-7:30 p.m. as well as Band of Gold kicking off at 8:00 until 9:15 p.m. There will be stadium and grass seating to watch the fireworks blast off at 9:30 p.m. so get there early for a prime spot!

Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be on sale inside the stadium…no food or beverages may be brought in. You are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chairs to take advantage of the field for viewing. Parts of the stands that do not have a view of the fireworks will be blocked off, but most of the stands will be available for seating for optimum viewing.

Everyone who comes is asked to bring non-perishable food to donate to Second Harvest Food Bank to help feed the hungry in our area. That donation qualifies you for a drawing for a list of prizes, including a $500 voucher to fly anywhere in the continental US on US Airways!

Charlotte Could Benefit from New Tax Credit Options

Home Buyer Tax Credit Could Expand:

A first time home buyer tax credit of up to $8000 has helped to move housing inventory during an otherwise sluggish real estate cycle. Now both legislators and the business community are hoping to build on the incentive's success by expanding it.
A number of bills have been introduced in the House and Senate that lobby for an expansion of the measure. Among the proposed changes:

+ Setting a new cap of $15,000
+ Extending the tax break into mid-2010
+ Making the benefit available to all home buyers, not just first-timers.
+ offering a separate tax credit to $3,000 for borrowers who refinance.

Dilworth Parade July 4th

10:00 A.M.
Decorate your bikes, tricycles, strollers, and wagons
Meet at the corner of Berkeley and Lexington
The fire truck will lead the way
(look for the donation can for the firefighters)
Ribbons for the best decorations
Family Games at latta Park
Immediately following the parade
Water slide, potato sack races, balloon toss and more
Fun Fun Fun for everyone

Charlotte Sypmhony's Summer Pops 2009 Series

The Charlotte Symphony wraps up its popular Summer Pops 2009 Series with two more concerts at Symphony Park, June 28 and July 3. The ever-popular Albert-George Schram will return to the summer stage each Sunday evening in June to lead the orchestra in light classics and popular favorites. These shows are free; a $5 donation is suggested. Preludes are at 7 p.m., and the orchestra begins at 8:15 p.m. For more information, visit charlottesymphony.org.

Brown Bag Wednesdays Summer Drop In at Freedom Park

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department sponsors the “Brown Bag Wednesdays Summer Drop-In” series on Wednesdays, June 17 - August 5, 2009, 10am–12pm at Freedom Park shelter #3 (just below the Mahlon Adams Pavilion near the lake). Youngsters should bring their own bag lunch and share a picnic in the park!

These sessions are for boys and girls, ages 6-12. All sessions are FREE! Participants engage in a variety of fun activities including crafts, African drumming, wacky science, sports, wellness and fitness activities.

The following is a list of scheduled activities:
· June 17: Super Olympics
· June 24: Sports
· July1: Fitness with Ms. Brooke
· July 8: African Drumming
· July 15: Wacky Science
· July 22: Do it yourself crafts
· July 29: Do it yourself crafts II
· August 5: Party Time (Lunch provided this day!)


Participants must register by June 10, 2009. Space is limited. To register visit www.parkandrec.com, click on Eparks, and use Course Barcode #45427 or call 311 or Linda Ramseur Williams at 704 336-7644.

Dilworth Parade July 4th

The summer is upon us and it's time to celebrate Dilworth-style on the 4th of July. We are holding a 4th of July parade down Berkeley Avenue --- open to all of Dilworth ---complete with Fire Truck followed by kids and families on bikes. We hope you all can come and be seen with your neighbors. It's truly a special event for Dilworth.

Dilworth introduces "Dilworth Cares"

DCDA Launches DILWORTH CARES Initiative

If you are not familiar with "Dilworth Cares", please read the article in the most recent Quarterly or check it out on the Dilworth website (dilworthonline.org) .
http://www.dilworthonline.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=213&Itemid=155

"Dilworth Cares", in a nutshell, is a new initiative of DCDA with the goal of connecting people who have with people in need. There are so many needs in our community and sometimes we are not aware of them until too late. The Dilworth Cares Loop will strive to keep you informed as to immediate needs of agencies or individuals in our community. Who knows when something you have and don't need is exactly the item that will make a difference in another person's life!

Rather than send future needs through the Neighborhood Network, we will be sending emails to only those persons who have requested to be on the Dilworth Cares email distribution list so.......................

PLEASE email Nancy Kramer (nancy1981@mindspring.com) and indicate "Yes, I want to be on the list!" in the subject line if you want to stay connected to Dilworth Cares.

Additionally, it you have ideas or are aware of needs or opportunities, please let me know. Thanks!!

Nancy Kramer
DCDA Board, DIlworth Cares Chair

P.S. We have already fulfilled a need from Pat's Place for a crib. This crib will go to a young woman who is expecting a child as a result of rape.

Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency

By: Diane Tuman, Zillow Content Manager June 10, 2009
Don’t qualify for the Obama Refinance or Loan Modification programs but still want your piece of the pie? Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the Feds will pay you to save energy through home improvement projects (and energy-efficient autos).

Quick summary of Energy Tax Incentives (from Department of Energy):
Consumers who purchase and install specific products, such as energy-efficient windows, insulation, doors, roofs, and heating and cooling equipment in existing homes can receive a tax credit for 30% of the cost, up to $1,500, for improvements “placed in service” starting January 1, 2009, through December 31, 2010.

What you need to know about Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency (from ENERGY STAR):
must be “placed in service” (i.e., installed) from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010
must be for taxpayer’s principal residence, EXCEPT for geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters, solar panels, and small wind energy systems (where second homes and rentals qualify)
$1,500 is the maximum total amount that can be claimed for all products placed in service in 2009 & 2010 for most home improvements, EXCEPT for geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters, solar panels, fuel cells, and small wind energy systems which are not subject to this cap, and are in effect through 2016 must have a Manufacturer Certification Statement to qualify
for record keeping, save your receipts and the Manufacturer Certification Statement
improvements made in 2009 will be claimed on your 2009 taxes (filed by April 15, 2010) — use IRS Tax Form 5695 (2009 version) — it will be available late 2009 or early 2010

If you are building a new home, you can qualify for the tax credit for geothermal heat pumps, photovoltaics, solar water heaters, small wind energy systems and fuel cells, but not the tax credits for windows, doors, insulation, roofs, HVAC, or non-solar water heaters.

So, what is a tax credit?
A tax credit is generally more valuable than an equivalent tax deduction because a tax credit reduces tax dollar-for-dollar, while a deduction only removes a percentage of the tax that is owed. Consumers can itemize purchases on their federal income tax form, which will lower the total amount of tax they owe the government.

One big caveat according to the non-profit Alliance to Save Energy, “In order to be eligible for the tax credit, heating and cooling equipment must meet specified measures of energy efficiency. Individuals can search for qualifying products on the, Consortium for Energy Efficiency’s Web site.
So, if you were planning on doing these upgrades to your home anyway, make sure to follow the guidelines so you can get a tax credit!

Don't Lose Too Much Sleep Over Rising Mortgage Rates

By: Alison Paoli, Zillow PR Coordinator June 9, 2009
In the past few weeks, we have seen mortgage rates rise above 5.5% for a 30-year fixed loan from the sub-5.0% levels we have enjoyed over the past few months. And though it may seem like a big jump over a short period of time, I thought it was worth a glance back in history to see what rates once were to remind us that they are still historically low and that we are still getting a better deal than home buyers did back in the early 80’s.

The real-time rate as reported on Zillow Mortgage Marketplace at this very moment is 5.65%. Yes, it is higher than rates we have seen in past few months, but considerably lower than rates over the past 30-40 years.
Take a look at the image below. The graph ends in October of 2008 but even then, at one of its lowest points, it was at 6.0%.

So the bottom line is, if you are planning to buy or refinance in the near future, you can bet your bottom dollar that you will be getting a historically low interest rate.

Wilmore Day is June 13th

Charlotte’s Wilmore neighborhood celebrates community with its annual Wilmore Day celebration Saturday, June 13 at Abbott Park. This year’s event is shaping up to be the best Wilmore Day ever with music, a raffle, kid’s games, prizes, fish, hotdogs and more.
The parade will kick off at 10:30 a.m. Enter a car or float in the parade to represent your street. Call Jessica Barnwell to enter 704.375.4501. There will also be a raffle, and booths selling crafts and other items.
For more info, visit the Wilmore Neighborhood Association site.

June Garden Tours with Winghaven

Wing Haven Gardens in Myers Park is offering tours during the month of June. Wing Haven has been a special part of Charlotte since its creation by Elizabeth and Edwin Clarkson in 1927. The gardens, enclosed on all sides by brick walls, encompass almost three acres in the heart of Charlotte and include lovely vistas, formal gardens, and woodland areas. Throughout, the emphasis is on plantings for birds and other wildlife - providing cover, nesting sites, food, and water. Plaques and statuary, integrated into the garden walls and paths, reflect the spirit and beauty of Wing Haven and its creators.
All tours are free; a $5 donation is suggested.

Pet Palooza Raises $90,000 for Animals

Pet Palooza Raises $90K for Animals
Where do you go to enroll your beloved pooch into Camp Bow Wow or commission an oil portrait of your diva-dog? Why Pet Palooza, of course! What is a Pet Palooza? It is an event to raise much-needed money for the Humane Society whose goal is stop the euthanizing of any animal. Pet Palooza raised $90,000 to save the lives of wonderful companions and loving pets! Congratulations!
And you can indulge your perky pet from gourmet pet food to couture clothing to sending them to swanky doggie-day care! Oh, to be a dog!
Click here for more pictures from Pet Palooza!

Charlotte Shakespeare Festival 2009

Charlotte Shakespeare Festival 2009
The Charlotte Shakespeare Festival returns to the Queen City for a fourth year, presenting free family-friendly performances of classic plays through June 13. The festival kicks off Sunday, May 31, with the romantic comedy “Twelfth Night” outdoors at The Green Uptown. Wednesdays are Shakespeare trivia nights - come early at 7:15 p.m. for a chance to win prizes. Sundays are family days - free Shakespeare workshops held at 5 p.m. prior to the show. Picnics are welcome. No reservations required.
The Charlotte Shakespeare Festival is also offering free Shakespeare performance workshops for young people (ages 10-18) and their families on Sundays at 5 p.m. prior to performances. The workshops are taught by professional actors/educators and will consist of theatre games, exercises and readings from the script. Bring the family and enjoy a fun hands-on experience with one of Shakespeare’s plays. No experience necessary.
For more information, visit charlotteshakespeare.com/.

Taste of Charlotte - This weekend

This year marks the 11th year of the Annual Taste of Charlotte Festival! The festival starts Friday, June 5th at 11:00 and runs until Sunday at 6:00. The location is uptown Charlotte on Tryon Street, between MLK Jr Blvd to 6th Street. Admission to Taste of Charlotte is free, and guest can purchase coins for their food and beverages. Enjoy delicious food while you stroll along Tryon Street. The festival is an all ages event! Come out and see one of the best festivals in Charlotte!

Dunk your Dog Day

Join the Golden Retriever Rescue Club of Charlotte this Saturday at Wickersham's K-9 Ranch from 12-3. Come! Beat the heat. Plus all proceeds benefit the Golden Retriever Rescue. Admission is $20 for the first dog, $5 for the second dog, and all other dogs swim for free!! This event is BYOB! ( Bring your own ball!) You may also want to bring comfort items for yourself, including yard chairs and doggie towels. Please note that all dogs will be required to show proof of rabies and current vaccinations, including bordatella. All goldens must arrive on a leash, with collar and ID Tags. Wickersham K-9 Ranch is located at 6010 Fish Road, Marshville.

Skirt After Work - Go Red for Women

Today, Wednesday, June 3rd from 5-8, Skirt readers and staff will be at The Wine Shop at Foxcroft for an evening of networking and fun! The event offers $7 featured wines by the glass, and $7 Charcuterie and Cheese Plates. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Go Red for Women, the American Heart Association's movement to increase awareness of women's risk of heart disease. The Wine Shop at Foxcroft is located at 7824 Fairview Road.

Dilworth Community Meeting Tonight

Wednesday, June 3, 7PM
Your next Dilworth community meeting is scheduled for tomorrow (Wednesday) evening, June 3, at 7 PM. Join us at the Tom Sykes recreation center (entrance under the arch at Dilworth Elementary). All are welcome...

Charlotte Femme Fest 2009

Celebrating women in the arts, benefiting women in the community! FemmeFest will feature national, regional and local female songwriters, visual artists, writers, musicians and filmmakers. Proceeds from the event will benefit the ECO Center for Women at the Center for Community Transitions.

The second annual Charlotte FemmeFest will be held in the NoDa Arts District at N. Davidson Street and 36th Street on Saturday, May 30, 2009, from 5:30pm - 1am.

Charlotte FemmeFest 2009 is a celebration of music, art, culture and community designed to provide a showcase for female artists and a forum in which to inform and empower the women of our communities. All can embrace the talents and resources available to us, regardless of gender!

Music is an important part of the creative community and Femme Fests looks forward to sharing and experiencing a wide variety of musical genres from folk to hip-hop, americana to indie-rock!

FemmeFest aims to reach, inspire, and strengthen the cultural community with the work of underrepresented female voices throughout the region and beyond. In addition, FemmeFest will continue to assist non-profit organizations that serve the women and children in our community.

Pet Palooza

PetPalooza is the Humane Society of Charlotte’s annual dog walk and pet festival.

Participants sign up to walk with their friends, family and co-workers, two-legged or four, to raise funds and awareness for the Society. PetPalooza is a fun-filled day for the entire family and includes refreshments, entertainment, a vendor fair as well as a fido fashion show, featuring the fabulous dogs from the Humane Society.

Who: You and everyone you know! Register to walk as an individual, as part of a team or sign up to be a vendor or volunteer.

What: The Humane Society of Charlotte’s largest fundraiser!

When: Saturday, May 30, 2009– 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. & Walk starts at 9:00 a.m. Rain date is June 6, 2009

Where: Independence Park - 300 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte, NC, 28204

Why: Because it is fun and every cent helps the Humane Society of Charlotte's animals find their forver homes

How: Register today at http://humanecharlotte.donorpages.com/PetPalooza2009


For more information, please call 704-377-0534, ext. 229 or email dcanzano@humanesocietyofcharlotte.org

Local home prices rise, best among 20 markets

Charlotte-area home prices showed a slight monthly gain in March, the first uptick since last summer, according to a widely watched index released today.
Sales prices rose .3 percent compared with February results from the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index. That was the best monthly performance among the 20 urban markets measured by the index and another milestone that could signal the region's housing market has reached a bottom.
Charlotte-area sales prices remain down compared with March 2008, marking a full year of declining prices. But at 9.3 percent, the yearly decline also showed a tiny improvement over February's reading.
Comparisons to a year earlier are important because they compare similar periods and reduce the impact of seasonal effects, such as the typical rebound of home sales during the spring.
Still, monthly results can signal a trend. The Charlotte market started a string of monthly declines in July and peaked at a loss of 2.6 percent in December's index. The index is especially meaningful because it measures repeat sales of existing houses.
March was the second consecutive month since October 2007 in which the index for the 20 markets did not post a record annual decline.

Charlotte Shakespeare Festival: Twelfth Night

Collaborative Arts presents the region's only free Shakespeare festival, kicking off its 2009 summer season with William Shakespeare's comedy Twelfth Night outdoors at The Green Uptown. Don't miss this Shakespeare classic...and see it under the starry skies of the Queen City. Patrons are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs and may bring food and beverages, if desired.

Begins this week May 28th and runs through June 14th, 2009

Location:The Green
Date:05/28/2009 - 06/14/2009
Schedule:Daily
Time:Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings @ 8:00 p.m. and Sundays @ 6:30 p.m.
Cost:Admission is Free (donations will be accepted at the end of the performance)
Address:435 S. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Website:Click here

LOOK CLOSELY AT CHARLOTTE AND YOU'LL DISCOVER A LOT

Captivating, Colorful, and Cosmopolitan, Charlotte NC is eager to introduce itself to you. With character to spare, it's no secret that Charlotte delivers cultural distractions and attractions, dining and nightlife for every persuasion, and a Southern ambiance all its own.
More than just the nation's second largest financial center, Charlotte's changing face will surprise you. As a magnet for progressive growth and smart development these days, the Queen City finds itself welcoming more and more new faces—both visitors and residents alike. So meet Charlotte, North Carolina and explore all the wonderful and unforgettable attributes it has to offer. You'll be a fan of this winning city in no time.
Charlotte's Got A Lot! Learn more about what makes Charlotte a great city: Charlotte Events, Attractions, Entertainment & Nightlife, Dining, Shopping, Accommodations and moreCaptivating, Colorful, and Cosmopolitan, Charlotte NC is eager to introduce itself to you. With character to spare, it's no secret that Charlotte delivers cultural distractions and attractions, dining and nightlife for every persuasion, and a Southern ambiance all its own.
More than just the nation's second largest financial center, Charlotte's changing face will surprise you. As a magnet for progressive growth and smart development these days, the Queen City finds itself welcoming more and more new faces—both visitors and residents alike. So meet Charlotte, North Carolina and explore all the wonderful and unforgettable attributes it has to offer. You'll be a fan of this winning city in no time.
Charlotte's Got A Lot! Learn more about what makes Charlotte a great city: Charlotte Events, Attractions, Entertainment & Nightlife, Dining, Shopping, Accommodations and more

Myers Park Mansions Walking Tour

Come see the mansions of historic Myers Park during an exclusive walking tour on Thursday, May 28, 2009.
Presented by Levine Museum of the New South (the tour starts there at 5:30 p.m.), Charlotte Trolley and Historic Charlotte, participants can learn about nationally renowned 1910s landscape planner John Nolen and the families who shared his vision. The tour begins at Panera Bread, 601 Providence Rd.
Cost is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, $5 for Museum and Historic Charlotte members or groups of 10 or more. Space is limited; reservations are required and can be made by calling 704.333. 1887 ext. 501.

"Dog Social" May 26th, Third Ward

Instead of their monthly neighborhood meeting, the Third Ward Neighborhood Association is bringing back by popular demand the “Dog Social” at the Frazier Park dog park. Starting at 6 p.m., everyone and their dogs are welcome. Afterward, come by Pie Town for dinner and drinks. For more information, visit third-ward.org.

Food Lion Speed Street

Food Lion Speed Street races into the streets of uptown Charlotte this weekend - May 21-23. Speed Street will satisfy any NASCAR fan's appetite for driver access with some of the biggest names in racing, Richard Petty, Clint Bowyer, Kurt Busch, Jamie McMurray and more. Speed Street will also bring some of music's biggest names, including: Gavin DeGraw, Clint Black, Bell Biv DeVoe, Jason Aldean, Lifehouse, and Rodney Atkins. Music performances, as well as driver meetings will begin on Thursday, May 21st. Located in the heart of Charlotte, Speed Street provides fans live entertainment, access to NASCAR's brightest starts, and vendor displays. Admission is free.

Wine tasting with Network, Women and WINE!

On Wednesday, My 27th at 6:30, come join the Wine Tasting, with Networking, Women, and Wine at Vintage Wine Cellar. Networking, women and wine was created from a passion to access our unique abilities as women to connect and create solutions both personally and professionally. Our lives are then enriched and our sphere of influence is enlarged. We enjoy and learn about wines from around the world while connecting with like minded women. If interested, please RSVP to events@networkingwomenandwine.com. Tickets are $25.

Vintage Wine Cellar is located at 12206 Copper Way, Charlotte, NC 28277 - Near Ballantyne.

More Tax Credits for First TIme Home Buyers

If you are buying your first home, there may be even more tax credits available to you. The Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) from the NC Housing Finance Agency can place more money in your pocket, making your mortgage payment even more affordable. The MCC allows eligible buyers to take a federal tax credit of 20 percent of the mortgage interest you pay annually. It can save you up to $2,000 each year you own your new home.

What does this all mean? If you borrow $183,000 at 5.5% interest, you will pay approximately $10,000 in interest for the first year of your mortgage. With the 20% MCC, you can reduce your federal income tax liability by $2,000 for that year, allowing you to reduce your monthly tax withholding by $166. That is $166 more per month in your paycheck! Over the first 10 years of home ownership, you would save $18,547 in federal taxes. As with most mortgages you can also claim an interest deduction on the remaining 80% of the interest you pay.

This combined with the $8,000 tax credit offered by the federal government, this is a great time to buy!

$8,000 Tax Credit Can Be Used for Down Payment

Shaun Donova, secretary of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) said that the Federal Housing Administration is going to permit it lenders to allow home buyers to use the $8,000 tax credit as a down payment. Previously, most buyers wouldn't receive the funds until after they filed their tax return.

Donova says FHA's approved lenders will be permitted to monetize the tax credit through short term bridge loans. This will allow eligible home buyers to access the funds immediately at the closing.

Are you eligible for the $8,000 tax credit? Give me a call, 704-763-9117, or send me an email at KimDowns@urbanrealtync.com, and we can work together to find out!

Pit Crew Challenge 2009!

This Thursday, May 14th, at 7:00 PM at Time Warner Cable Arena, all the teams that qualified for the 2009 Nascar Sprint All-Star Race will be eligible to compete in the 2009 Pit Crew Challenge. 7 members of each team are allowed to compete. Each member will complete their individual challenge and then will meet in the center of the arena to push their own 3,200 pound car across the finish line. Come out and enjoy this start to the Charlotte Race Week events.

Saturday Night Spring Fever!

Come out to Ballantyne Corporate Parkway on Saturday, May 16th from 7-10PM. Enjoy appetizers, wine, cash bar, live entertainment from "The Hold Outs", a silent auction and photography competition. Cost is $30/person or $50/couple. The event will be held on top of Ballantyne Corporate Park's newest 10 story building, the Boyle Building. All proceeds will benefit the YMCA Community Outreach Program.

Get a Feel for Life Uptown

Today begins the Urban Living Showcase to highlight residential developments and properties in Uptown and South End. Starts on the roof of the EpiCentre with information about the various Uptown and South End locations.On Saturday, you will have many options. Trolley tours will leave EpiCentre every 20 minutes beginning at 11am, and guided walking tours will leave every half hour, also starting at 11am. Visitors can take the Lynx light-rail train to South End, as well. A skyline tour is available to see the best views from high-rise rooftops and penthouses Saturday from 10am to 3 pm.

Cycle Charlotte - Crank it UP Music Festival

The first Crank it UP Music Festival is coming to Charlotte this Saturday, May 9th. The event, which includes a 13 mile bike ride, post-ride food and entry into Amos' for the Music is just $20. The event begins at 5:30 with a casual twilight bike ride through uptown Charlotte. If you choose to forgo the 13 mile bike ride, enjoy the music at Amos' beginning at 6:00. Musicians include: The Byron McMurry Trio, The Custom Grass Revue, and Lindy Dobbins and the Red Velvet Manx. Tickets for this all ages show are $18 at the door and $15 in advance. All proceeds will go to the Tarheel Trailblazers and Dirt Divas for trail-building projects in our local community. Although there is plenty of on-site parking, attendees are encouraged to ride the Lynx Light Rail if possible, to promote the use of the Light Rail for bike-commuting.

Open House at Maple Crest in Ballatyne

Come out this Saturday, May 9th from 10-3, to see this spacious and welcoming townhome, located minutes away from the heart of Ballatyne.

You enter this former model townhome into a dramatic 2 story living room with gas log fireplace. The home has been meticulously cared for, and boasts fresh paint, newly cleaned carpets, and includes all appliances. This end-unit townhome is a short walk to the community pool.

Located within minutes of the best Ballantyne has to offer; great restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. Along with some of the top rated schools in Charlotte/Mecklenburg.

Mention you saw this blog, and you will receive a free gift card!

A Taste for Fashion

Join the ladies of 107.9 the Link, as they light up the runway and share some of the latest fashion and newest designs at Morrison. Morrison is located on the corner of Sharon and Colony in SouthPark. There will be beer and wine available, all proceeds benefit The Western NC Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The Link will also be giving away great prizes throughout the night. The month of events starts out this Thursday, May 7th from 6-9. Candy will be hosting and and theme will be accessories. Come out for a night of fun and fashion, all for a great cause!

Midwood Mania - THIS WEEKEND - May 1 & 2

Midwood Mania returns for its annual home tour and celebration May 1-2 in the Charlotte Plaza Midwood neighborhood.

Find inspiration in Plaza Midwood’s finest homes and gardens! The home and garden tour begins the evening of Friday, May 1 with a candlelight home tour beginning at 6 p.m. The tour continues on Satruday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. See the lineup of homes and gardens for 2009.
The fun continues Saturday with the Midwood Miles 5K Race, a pet parade, live music, fun activities for kids, and more. All Charlotte neighbors are invited to come out and enjoy this yearly treat.
For more information, visit plazamidwood.org.

New Teen Environmental Club in Dilworth

Recently there has been a Teen Environmental Club started in Dilworth. We meet at the Sykes Center. As one of our first events, we are organizing a clean up of Little Sugar Creek at Freedom Park, where the water quality is currently "degraded." It will be 4:30 -6:30 on April 30---meet at the tennis courts at Freedom Park and we will provide trashbags. We could really use all the help we can get! Great for community service hours. To register to help, email craig.colistra@mecklenburgcountync.gov.
If you have any questions or want a flyer to pass around, email me at henryandeliot@yahoo.com or call me at 704-335-9996.
Thank you!
Henry Schoenhoff

Art and Soul is this Weekend!

Art and Soul of South End is back and better than ever! This weekend, April 25-26, the Charlotte community festival returns with some of the finest artists and craftsmen in the nation. This two-day arts fest also includes: Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools‘ Art Activities and Dancing in the Streets. Come along and enjoy the excitement while supporting your community.For more information, visit the Art & Soul Website.

100 Best Places to Live and Launch a Business - FORTUNE Small Business

And the winners are...
FSB scoured the country for towns that combine a great business environment with alluring leisure offerings. We looked at economic conditions such as local tax rates alongside natural beauty - and easy access to museums, hungry gamefish, and more. More
1. Bellevue, WA
6. Portland, OR
2. Georgetown, TX
7. Denver, CO
3. Buford, GA
8. Charlotte, NC
4. Marina del Rey, CA
9. Fort Worth, TX
5. Bethesda, MD
10. Franklin, MA
• See the top 100

Charlotte Tailgait Farmers Market Opens this Weekend, April 25th

Opening day for the 2009 Charlotte Tailgait Farmers Market is Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m to 1 p.m. at 100 West Park Ave. in South End. You won’t find resellers, chemicals, or pesticides here. Only local growers and producers, committed to sustainable agriculture and educated consumers.
If you are a local farmer, grower, or artisan committed to sustainable practices and have an interest in vending during the 2009 season, please contact at info@charlottetailgatemarket.com.
For more information, visit charlottetailgatemarket.com.

Art and Soul is this Weekend!

Art and Soul of South End is back and better than ever! This weekend, April 25-26, the Charlotte community festival returns with some of the finest artists and craftsmen in the nation. This two-day arts fest also includes: Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools‘ Art Activities and Dancing in the Streets. Come along and enjoy the excitement while supporting your community.
For more information, visit the Art & Soul Website.

Market is Improving!!!

Inventory is down from 6 months ago, and more importantly, "under contract" listings (as a percentage of overall) are up! Over the past 6 months, the average percentage of listings (houses + condos) under contract has been 12.87%. Today, it's over 14%!
It will get better for everyone in Charlotte. We have to maintain the course and keep our outlooks up and positive.

6 Resons Why It's Still a Good Time to Buy!!!

The housing market is looking healthier. Here are six reasons why now is the time to jump into the market.
1. Uncle Sam is willing to help. First-time buyers (defined as anyone who hasn’t owned a home in the last three years) are entitled to a maximum $8,000 tax credit; interest rates are at record lows; and the Federal Reserve is doing its best to make mortgage loans available.
2. People have to live somewhere. About 800,000 new households are formed each year in this country, ensuring that the housing market will tighten, even if the economy doesn’t soar.
3. Borrowers leverage their investment. If you put $10,000 into the stock market and it earns 10 percent, you’ve earned $1,000. If you put $10,000 down on a home and its values increases 10 percent, you’ve made $10,000.
4. When prices come back up, you’ll have instant equity. In parts of the country where foreclosures have driven down prices, better times will mean the price of the home you buy will rise rapidly.
5. Mortgage costs stay the same. If you get a fixed-rate mortgage, the monthly payment stays the same – while everything else, including rent, goes upward.
6. You own it. There is something comforting in the notion that your home is your own. You can paint it any color you want, let the dog run in the back yard and hang a swing for the kids in the front.
Source: The Wall Street Journal, June Fletcher (03/27/2009)

Real Estate Hits Another Record High

Real Estate is more affordable today than at any time in 1988.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) released its latest Housing Affordability Index (HAI) today, showing that housing affordability reached an all-time, historic record high of 173.5 in February (see chart above). A HAI of 173.5 would mean that the typical household earning the median family annual income of $59,726 in February would have 173.5% of the qualifying income to purchase a median-priced existing single-family house ($164,600) with a 20% down payment, which would be the highest level of housing affordability since the NAR started reporting housing affordability in 1971. Since mid-2006, the HAI has risen almost 74 points, from 99.6 in July 2006 to 173.5 last month. Stated differently, the annual qualifying income required to purchase a median-price house (with a 20% down payment) is only $34,416, with monthly payments based on a 5.12%, 30-year fixed-rate mortgage ($716.58 per month for principal and interest). Given the median family income of about $59,726, the typical family would have 173.5% of the income required to qualify for the mortgage to purchase the $164,600 home.MP: The record-high housing affordability will play an important role in the real estate market's recovery, and should be considered very positive news. This key real estate market statistic frequently gets overlooked by the media, which often seems more interested in reporting "record high jobless claims/employment losses/______ fill in the blank" when it's negative news, than reporting record high statistics like housing affordability when it's good news.

Art and Soul of South End April 25-26 2009

Round up the troops for family bonding pursuits sure to be crowd pleasers. Art and Soul of South End takes to the streets this month, combining dancing, singing, performances, and lots of visual masterpieces. Hundreds of local artisans will have pieces available for purchase, but bring the kids for interactive salsa, swing, and hip-hop dance instruction or for hands-on sculpting, weaving, and drawing lessons.

Lights Out in Charlotte Saturday, March 28th

Everyone likes to feel as if we are contributing to this planet of ours. Well, we all have a chance this weekend. Charlotte will be one of thousands of cities participating in Earth Hour this Saturday, March 28, in an effort to promote energy awareness.
Earth Hour asks people to turn off the lights for an hour – but save energy all the time.
At 8:30 p.m. Saturday, nonessential lights will be doused at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center, the Education Center, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police headquarters, Duke Energy and at least some uptown towers, including Gateway Village, Charlotte Plaza and the Carillon.
A number of other government buildings will do the same. Charlotte Center City Partners is asking uptown businesses and residents to join in.
Read more at Charlotte.com.

The Krawl - PLAZA MIDWOOD

The crawl is on this weekend for Plaza-Midwood. Saturday, March 28 from 7 to 11pm. Come and enjoy what our neighborhood has to offer for entertainment.

BWWC organizing an Easter Egg Hunt in Beverly Woods

Hi everyone! The BWWC Easter Egg Hunt is just around the corner and we are looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday, March 28th at 11 a.m. We will have the Easter Bunny there, hot dogs and drinks, and plenty of eggs to find (and even a few Golden ones!) The hunt is located in the same spot as the last few years, at the corner of Meadston Road and Severn Avenue. Check out the attached flyer for full information. There are a few outstanding things that we need and if you can provide or volunteer, please email Marie McDaniel at mmcdaniel@mindspring.com1. Folding tables (we need two more)2. We need 8 more people to help hide the eggs at 9:30 am - this is a great activity for Dads!3. We have some juice boxes but could use more. Two people bringing 24 boxes each should do it. If it rains, we will postpone the hunt to the next day, Sunday, March 29 at 4 pm. This is a great event and wonderful way to see all your neighbors. All ages are welcome.

8 Reasons Why You Should Work With a REALTOR®

What A REALTOR Can Offer You
8 Reasons Why You Should Work With a REALTOR®

Not all real estate practitioners are REALTORS®. The term REALTOR® is a registered trademark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Here’s why it pays to work with a REALTOR®.
1. Navigate a complicated process. Buying or selling a home usually requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multipage settlement statements. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes.
2. Information and opinions. REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more. They’ll also be able to provide objective information about each property. A professional will be able to help you answer these two important questions: Will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?
3. Help finding the best property out there. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your REALTOR® to find all available properties.
4. Negotiating skills. There are many negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession, and inclusion or exclusion of repairs, furnishings, or equipment. In addition, the purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.
5. Property marketing power. Real estate doesn’t sell due to advertising alone. In fact, a large share of real estate sales comes as the result of a practitioner’s contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, and family. When a property is marketed with the help of a REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.
6. Someone who speaks the language. If you don’t know a CMA from a PUD, you can understand why it’s important to work with a professional who is immersed in the industry and knows the real estate language.
7. Experience. Most people buy and sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. Even if you have done it before, laws and regulations change. REALTORS®, on the other hand, handle hundreds of real estate transactions over the course of their career. Having an expert on your side is critical.
8. Objective voice. A home often symbolizes family, rest, and security — it’s not just four walls and a roof. Because of this, homebuying and selling can be an emotional undertaking. And for most people, a home is the biggest purchase they’ll every make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on both the emotional and financial issues most important to you.

Wilmore Community Center Cleanup

The Wilmore Neighborhood Association is hosting a clean up of the Wilmore Community Center on Sunday, March 29, noon - around 4 p.m. in anticipation of new youth summer and after-school programs. Bring cardboard boxes, cleaning supplies, pick-up trucks for hauling off trash and recycling and donations. Everyone is encouraged to donate as much time as they can. For more information, email info@wilmorenc.com. Everyone please come out to help us keep our neighborhood and center clean.

Home Maintenance Tips

Repair the Ravages of Winter

As Spring approaches, keep these tips to freshen the outside of your home.
1. Prune your trees and shrubs.
2. Head to the shed and do a “tool inventory” to make sure you have all the items you'll need in the months ahead. Inspect the tools you already have. For example, test your hoses for leaks.
3. Spring is a good time to paint fences and the exterior of your home, especially wood surfaces, to protect them from summer heat and sun. Wood decks should also be sealed once a year.
4. Now that the heating season is over, have a chimney sweep clean fireplaces and flues.
5. Inspect door and window screens for tears. You can often repair small tears using a kit from your local hardware store. This will prevent insects from getting into your home, and keep you comfortable on the screened porch.
6. Have your gutters cleaned.

Tax Credits for First-Time Home Buyers

What could you do with $8,000? How about using it to finance a home? In order to stimulate the economy and revive the housing market, Congress has enacted legislation providing a tax credit of up to $8,000 for first-time home buyers. Just last year, home buyers and owners were able to take advantage of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act's $7,500 tax credit. This credit served as a 15 year interest free loan for those who purchased their home after April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009. With the new and improved $8,000 tax credit plan in place, buyers have the opportunity to receive a good chunk of cash which, unlike the last year's tax credit, does not have to be repaid. If you're interested in taking advantage of this opportunity, you only have a short while to act.
Are You Eligible?
First-Time Home Buyer:Have you leased your home for the past three years? If so, then you may qualify for the tax credit, as the plan defines a first-time home buyer as a 'buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase.'
Purchase Date:Buyers are encouraged to act fast as the cutoff date for this $8,000 credit is December 1st, 2009; not at the end of the year, as you might expect. If you purchased your home before the New Year, you're out of luck, though you may qualify for the Housing and Economic Recovery Act Tax Credit.
Principle Residence:According to the plan, a “main home” is 'any home that will be used as principle residence,' and includes 'single-family detached homes, attached homes like townhouses and condominiums, manufactured homes (also known as mobile homes) and houseboats.' Multiple home owners, or those looking to purchase their second, third or even fourth home, will not qualify for this particular tax credit.
Income Limits:Those buyers with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of less than $75,000 for single taxpayers and $150,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return will receive the full tax credit amount. If it is more, the tax credit amount is reduced until your MAGI meets or exceeds $95,000, at which point you are no longer eligible for the credit.
Stay Put:In order to qualify for the tax credit, plan to stay put in your new home for a minimum of three years. Buyers cannot move, sell or otherwise leave their home for at least three years after they purchase.
Price:The plan states that the buyer receives 10% of the purchase price of the home or $8,000, whichever is less. So the monetary amount you're awarded is determined by your new home's price. In order to receive the maximum credit of $8,000, the buyer must purchase a home for $80,000 or more.

Participating in the tax credit program is simple. Determine your tax credit amount by completing the IRS Form 5405 and claim the tax credit on your federal income tax return. With home prices and mortgage rates at all time lows, buyer incentives and tax credits greatly contribute to your goals of homeownership.

GMAC to bring 200 jobs to Charlotte, get $4.5M in incentives

GMAC adding jobs in the Charlotte Market!!!

"GMAC Financial Services will receive up to $4.49 million in incentives to bring 200 new banking jobs to Charlotte.

N.C. Gov. Bev Perdue and a handful of local officials announced the jobs Friday afternoon during a ceremony at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center.

GMAC Vice President Anthony Marino says the jobs will be divided among the company’s existing Charlotte-area offices and include positions in marketing, compliance and project management.

The jobs will be filled over the next two years.

“I’m actually going to post 37 new jobs today,” Marino said after the ceremony.

The incentives will be provided over nine years if the company meets criteria that include $16.4 million in capital investments, including lease payments, the N.C. Department of Commerce says. The 200 jobs will have a average wage of $96,124.

“It’s all about jobs,” Perdue told a large gathering of local business leaders and elected officials. “It is a tremendously important opportunity. We have made a new friend.”

The governor touted the GMAC jobs in the midst of rising unemployment. “Let me emphasize: The state has a real investment in their success,” she said.

Perdue hinted at more corporate prospects for the Piedmont but offered no details.

Marino, chief of human resources at GMAC, says the new jobs are necessary as the company transitions to bank-holding company status, a move started last year to make GMAC eligible for federal aid.

“As a bank holding company, there are certain skills we needed to have in areas such as compliance, treasury and legal,” he says. “We looked globally, and when we looked at Charlotte it was a perfect fit. We could quickly find the skills we were looking for in the banking sector.”

Marino says GMAC has banking positions at a number of other sites, including New York, Detroit and Indianapolis. He declines to name other locations the bank considered for the expansion that’s coming to Charlotte.

Mayor Pat McCrory noted the layoffs at Charlotte’s big banks but praised the cooperation of state and local government in recruiting the GMAC expansion. “There are people being laid off across the street,” the mayor said. “We empathize with them.”

McCrory noted GMAC executives told him over lunch earlier in the day that the city’s existing labor pool — particularly in banking — played a role in the company’s decision to grow here.

Speculation began early this year about GMAC moving operations to Charlotte. The Charlotte Business Journal in January reported former Bank of America Corp. (NYSE:BAC) Chairman Hugh McColl Jr., among others, was pushing for the company to focus on center city for more offices. GMAC already runs a Ballantyne location, where it has a 200-employee back-office operation.

Some believed GMAC planned to move its headquarters here from Detroit. But officials say GMAC will maintain its headquarters in Michigan.

The early speculation about GMAC’s plans was fueled, in part, by the fact that former BofA Chief Financial Officer Al de Molina, who became chief executive at GMAC in April, has maintained a residence here. Although, Marino says de Molina will have an office in Charlotte.

GMAC is a global financial-services company with operations in about 40 countries. Its services include auto financing, real estate financing, insurance and commercial financing.

It is a division of General Motors Corp. (NYSE:GM) of Detroit."

MONA Day - Merry Oaks Neighborhood

MONA Day
The Merry Oaks neighborhood will celebrate its annual MONA Day on Saturday, April 18. This year’s activities will include:
A neighborhood-wide yard sale. A city permit is required - send $5 to Carol Herrington (1823 Arnold Drive) by April 1 to participate.
Adopt-a-creek walk. Join neighbors as they clean up litter around the neighborhood, starting at 9 a.m. at Greenway Bridge. Trash bags provided.
MONA Day Party at 2301 Arnold Drive. Bring an appetizer to share, BYOB. Contact Cate Martin at 704.488.4559 or cate1868@yahoo.com.
For more information, visit the MONA Web site.

Neighbors for a Safer Charlotte (NSC)

Charlotte’s Dilworth Neighborhood is seeking volunteers to be involved on the neighborhood’s behalf in Neighbors for a Safer Charlotte (NSC), a non-partisan, non-profit grassroots coalition of neighborhoods and citizens partnering with civic and business leaders to improve the safety of Charlotte’s communities.
If you are interested in crime and law enforcement issues and want to be a part of the solution for Dilworth, please contact David Matvey at davidmatvey@carolina.rr.com

Moe's Robbery

It saddens me to post this but I do believe we all need to know what happens in our community. Let's all protect one another every chance we can. By now you are no doubt aware of last night's armed robbery at Moe's. We will not repeat the details here, but rather provide a Dilworth web address below which you may copy and paste---it will take you to the section of the Dilworth website (dilworthonline.org) called "Neighborhood Forum"----a subset of which is "Crime". You can read a statement from Officer Stahnke here. Please familiarize yourself with this site and refer to it for more information in the days ahead. Officer Stahnke visits this website regularly and posts information here for our reference. He also answers questions directly that are posed on this site, as you can see from his response to an inquiry this morning regarding the suspects' description.
http://dcdaforums.org/htdocs/dcforum/DCForumID21/200.html#

Charlotte ranks high in February affordability study

Deals abound in Charlotte!! (click on table to see detail)

"Since we began tracking the data for the major metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) in 1981, there has never been a better time to buy a home. The median-income household needs only 27 percent of their income (an all-time low) to qualify for the median-priced home, and that household is also only paying 3.3 times their income for the house (3.1 is the all-time low).

While we acknowledge that there is a tremendous demand/supply imbalance that will probably drive prices lower, long-term-oriented homebuyers have the opportunity of a lifetime in most markets around the country. Phoenix is clearly one of those markets. New York clearly is not. Do prospective buyers in most markets really want to gamble that prices AND mortgage rates will be cheaper next year, or can they take a longer-term view that it doesn't get much better than this?

The table below shows the comparison between the current and historical average housing cost/income ratio for the top 20 resale markets in the country. All markets are below the average, with the exception of New York, which is currently at its average, and Seattle, which is slightly above average."

23rd Annual Elizabeth 8k

Organized by the Elizabeth Community Association the Elizabeth 8k is a charitable event to help support the Historic Elizabeth Neighborhood. This wonderful event is either an 8k run/race through the Elizabeth area or a 3k stroll through the heart of the area.

It starts at the Hawthorne Recreation Center at Independence Park at 8am Saturday morning, March 28th. I look forward to seeing everyone out there. This will be my first year participating in the event. My wife and I are looking forward to it.

For more details visit: http://www.elizabeth8k.com/

Attention Dilworth Teens

Dilworth Teen Environmental Group to Kick Off

Attention all Teenagers!!!!! Interested in a Healthy Environment? Clean Water? Clean Parks? Enjoy the Outdoors?
Join us Thursday, March 26th from 4:15pm-5:15pm, at Tom Sykes Recreation Center for the first meeting of the Dilworth Teen Environmental Group. Take action to help protect our local environment and educate others on ways to conserve the local resources and reduce pollution in Dilworth. We will learn about the condition of our local resources, flora and fauna, and ways to protect them, we will plan community projects (looks great on college resumes), and take Field Trips i.e. Kayaking, Hiking, Camping, exploring and enjoying nature. Contact Craig at Tom Sykes Recreation Center at 704-432-4806 or craig.colistra@mecklenburgcountync.gov or Becca at becca@catawbariverkeeper.org to MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!

Local Dilworth Success Story!

North Carolina-based Racer Starts Eco-Friendly Clothing Line
Written by: SPEED Staff SPEEDtv.com
03/05/2009 - 04:18 PM
Charlotte, NC


Dirtball uses nothing but American-made materials for their line of clothing. After a career spanning decades racing in sports cars, the NASCAR Nationwide Series and as a driving instructor, North Carolina native Joe Fox knew it was time to spread his entrepreneurial wings. His creation is Dirtball Fashion (http://www.dirtballfashion.com/), an eco-friendly clothing line for men, women and children. Based in Hickory, N.C., Dirtball Fashion produces clothing made exclusively in America from recycled cotton fiber and advanced post-consumer polyester blends.“Our goal is to provide stylish, comfortable clothes for active individuals,” said Fox, describing Dirtball Fashion’s unique mission. “We use only recycled and organic materials, and all of our clothing is made in America. That has the added benefit of keeping manufacturing jobs here at home, while reducing our carbon footprint by eliminating the need to ship product from overseas.”While the eco-friendly aspect makes manufacturing a bit more difficult, Fox has found that the extra effort is worth it. “Everything is sourced within a 250 mile radius of Hickory, North Carolina,” Fox explained. “It is important to offer products that don’t have a negative impact on the environment, and in today’s economy, support our local workforce.”

Eco-friendliness goes beyond the initial purchase of a Dirtball Fashion product, thanks to the company’s unique guarantee. “Our recently introduced shorts line has a return policy, so we can recycle it into new garments,” said Fox. “Once we receive a used pair of shorts, we offer the customer a 20% discount on their next on-line purchase.” Dirtball Fashion also offers consumers another way to give back to their communities by donating $1 from every purchase to the charity of the buyer’s choice.Since launching in 2008, Dirtball Fashion’s lineup now includes T-shirts, shorts, hats, knits and moisture management. Coming in Fall 2009 is a “water bottle-based” jacket, backpack and organic cotton canvas pants. “Since I founded the company, the response has been incredible,” said Fox. “We have a great on-line presence, representatives in 11 states, and we are continuing to expand our territory, including opening up a store near our headquarters.” “Dirtball Fashion is active, urban, eco, outdoor and American,” Fox added. “That is the way that our customers live, and in these times, what better statement can one make." Please visit http://www.dirtballfashion.com/ for more information and an on-line catalog.