13 Things a Burglar won't tell you

With summer approaching, many of our clients may be considering family vacations. You know who else is looking forward to their summer vacation? Neighborhood thieves!

AT Urban Realty, we want to keep in touch and help you protect your home by passing along a couple of useful articles on how burglars determine if a home is a good topic. From Reader's Digest, these two articles are great conversation starters:

13 Things a Burglar Won't Tell You
http://www.rd.com/your-america-inspiring-people-and-stories/13-things-a-burglar-wont-tell-you/article156709.html

8 More Things a Burglar Won't Tell You
http://www.rd.com/living-healthy/article-8-more-things-a-burglar-wont-tell-you/article156681.html

Also, you may be interested to discover this ingenious little device which simulates the look of someone watching television at night. The "FakeTV" creates the exact same sort of random illumination that a 27-inch television does, at a fraction of the electricity usage:

http://www.faketv.com/

For $29.95, its a great way to deter a casual thief! (Editor's note: We were not paid or compensated in any way to mention the FakeTV device; we simply thought it might be interesting to our community members.)

New Rule!

New Lead-Paint Renovation and Repair Rule Effective April 22, 2010


A new rule will go into effect this month requiring renovation and repair contractors to be EPA-certified to work with lead paint hazards if they will work on a residential property built before 1978 in which lead-based paint may be disturbed. HUD estimates that this could be as many as 35 million properties. The rule also applies to places where children under 6 spend large amounts of time, such as child care centers and schools. The certified contractor must provide the occupants (owner or tenant) with a new information booklet and must follow lead safe work practices.

There are several important exemptions to this rule:
1. Homeowner occupants or tenant occupants may do the work themselves without certification.
*Due to the potential hazards, EcoBrokers would recommend that these individuals be provided with the booklet mentioned below to avoid exposing the occupant families to lead hazard.
2. A residence where there are no children under 6 and no pregnant women as regular residents is a possible exemption.
3. If the area disturbed is less than 6 square feet indoors or 20 square feet outdoors, the project is exempt. Because lead paint was so prevalent on window frames in pre-1978 houses, window replacement on these homes is never exempt.
4. If a qualified lead test specialist certifies that no lead paint will be disturbed, the project is exempt.
5. There are a few additional less likely exemptions.

The required disclosure booklet is to be provided by the contractor, but you may wish to have it for your reference as well. You can get it at
http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/lead/pubs/renovaterightbrochure.pdf
(English) or http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/lead/pubs/renovaterightbrochuresp.pdf (Spanish). The EPA has also prepared a 17 minute film of information for Realtors - they appear to believe that all real estate brokerage professionals are members of the National Association of REALTORS®. That film is available to everyone at http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid25955667001?bctid=29590050001

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!!!

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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/.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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#

St. Patrick's Day Parade and Charlotte Goes Green Festival

Date: Saturday Mar 14, 2009

Time: 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM

Place: Uptown Charlotte Address: 525 North Tryon StreetCharlotte, NC 28202

Cead Mile Failte! (100,000 welcomes)! The 2009 Charlotte St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Charlotte Goes Green Festival invites our sponsors, our vendors, and you to participate in the Thirteenth Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Charlotte Goes Green Festival, which will take place on Saturday, March 14, 2009.
Over 40,000 spectators watched Charlotte’s Twelfth Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade as it marched through the heart of Charlotte to the sound of pipes and the cheers of the spectators lining the streets. The combination of flags, floats, kids, and pipe band music made everyone smile and be Irish for a day. The Thirteenth Annual Parade will be even bigger and better!
Parade:
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a non-profit event, open to the public. The Parade is open to neighborhood associations, schools, alumni groups, cheerleading and drill teams, international organizations, police, fire, elected officials, commercial businesses, and anyone else who wants to be Irish for a day.
The parade will step off at 11:00 A.M. at Tryon and 9th street in uptown Charlotte. The parade will march south to Tryon St. and 3rd. Street.
You can also apply online for the 2009 Parade on the website www.charlottestpatsday.com/application.htm.

Festival:
We expect that the 2009 Charlotte Goes Green Festival will be our biggest and most attended yet. There will be something for everyone from 6 to 60 to enjoy.
The Festival is located on S. Tryon St. between 1st St & 3rd St.The festival hours are 10AM – 6:30PM and it will feature Irish music, Irish dancers, bagpipers, food, vendors and plenty of beverages. There is no admission fee, it's all Free!
For more information: http://www.charlottestpatsday.com/

South End Gallery Crawl

South End Gallery Crawls are on the first Friday of every month. Many local restaurants are participating, so make a night of it with dinner and art. For the most unique gallery crawl experience in an historic district join us in South End!

Start out at Charlotte Art League, enjoy the food and entertainment.
Participating Galleries include:

Charlotte Art League1517 Camden Road(704) 376-2787
Ciel Gallery1519 Camden Road(704) 577-1254
DoMA Gallery 1310 S. Tryon Street#106(704) 421-0622
Elder Art Gallery1427 South Boulevard, Suite 101(704) 370-6337
Hidell Brooks Gallery1910 South BoulevardSuite 130(704) 334-7302
McColl Fine Art208 East Boulevard(704) 333-5983
Siskate Gallery1710 Camden Road(704) 370-2826