Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Real Estate Trends for 2016 - What Can You Expect?

2016 Trends in Real Estate



With such a great year in Real Estate and confidence completely back in the market place what can we expect in 2016.
  • Confidence in the market will bring out more buyers. Those who have been sitting on the fence will definitely be looking at their options
  • First time home buyers will be out looking for their starter homes. The Gen Y's may be looking in downtown areas, possibly condo and townhome lock up and go to suit their busy and free lifestyle or possibly those who are considering settling down will look in trendy suburbs close to their lifestyle choices.
  • The Baby Boomers are living longer and have an earning potential much later into life and because of their general good health they are also potential buyers. They may be looking for Over 55 communities but are also looking for the activities that complement their still active  lifestyle. They could find themselves not ready to take such a drastic lifestyle change and may even buy a smaller home in a great subdivision with great amenities and lower HOA fees. On a fixed income they will be wary of rising HOA fees.
  • The Gen X'ers will continue to buy bigger and better to suit their lifestyles and to spend their excess cash. They will have confidence in the real estate market, job security and will look for amenities to suit their lifestyle.
  • Investor / flippers will struggle to find property priced appropriately because they will be competing with those entering the market place who can take their time to remodel an older home in a good area. Investors have to buy in a great location at a lower price.
  • New construction will be a winner this year as we see more and more new home communities being developed. They will be competitive in terms of finishes and price and will have a big lean towards more technology in the home.
2016 is going to be a great year in Real Estate. Even with a slight increase in mortgage rates, their is much confidence in the market. Sellers will continue to get multiple offers on their homes if they are priced correctly. Its a great time to be a seller.

Looking to buy or sell a home? I am ready and able to assist you in your home search. Call or text me 704-534-9334 or Email

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Location: Charlotte, NC, USA

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Happy Holidays




















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Monday, December 21, 2015

Enjoy Charlotte In this Great Weather

Isn't this Weather Fantastic to Enjoy The Holidays?



While the Holiday Season is upon us and we get to spend a lovely long week end with those we care about, we should all get out and enjoy the lovely warm temperatures over the next week or so. The weather report says that we will have some rain, but thats not going to keep us indoors while we can soak up the last the warm weather. 

Here are a few things to do over the Holiday Season

US National White Water Center - Enjoy white water rafting and if thats too cold how about ziplining or even take a lovely walk, enjoy the outing and have a meal in the restaurant.

Jetton Park - Take a walk at Jetton Park. Pack a picnic lunch and stop along the way. Lets the kids enjoy the park or the beach area

Historic Latte Plantation - A little bit of history and lot of fun on this outing. Please check their holiday opening hours

Carolina Raptor Park - What a treat - See the beautiful birds and more - check opening times over the holidays

Lazy 5 Ranch - Visit this private game reserve. Go in your car or on our wagons for a real educational treat

Charlotte Motor Speedway - Festival of lights festival on at the moment. Its a wonderful evening experience and you can watch a movie too. Wrap up warm and enjoy this outing

Nascar Hall of Fame - If you are a Nascar Fan, you don't want to miss out on this attraction. Take a little extra time and ice skate under the stars in Charlotte at the Nascar Hall of Fame.

Billy Graham Library - A wonderful display of Christmas love. The library is closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day

Discovery Place - A wonderful place to visit with kids. So much to do and even the adults will enjoy the day. 

Body Works Exhibition at Discovery Place - Amazing human body exhibition on thru February.

Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens - Open through the season with wonderful Holiday light displays in the evenings from 5-9pm

Concord Mills - Enjoy a day shopping, going to the movies and having a meal and enjoy some retail therapy.


Day Trips from Charlotte

Visit the Vineyards of the Yadkin Valley - please check the individual wineries event calendars for their times over the holiday season. There are also age restrictions on some of the vineyards websites.Don't forget to have a designated driver.

Visit Grandfather Mountain - A wonderful day outing or even an overnight trip - beautiful anytime of the year. Couple this with a trip to Boone or Asheville and enjoy an overnight trip.

Crowders Kings Mountain - Hiking and Walking Trail or possibly enjoy some fishing. 

NC Zoo - Visit the NC Zoo - open all year with the exception of Christmas Day


Overnight Trips


Greenville SC - A picturesque city with a wonderful old town with several places to enjoy a meal, wonderful walking areas paths next to the river and even a suspension bridge to walk over. 

Boone NC - Wonderful time of the year to visit Boone NC. The old town is spectacular, with gorgeous shops and restaurants. 

Asheville NC - Head for the mountains and visit beautiful Asheville NC. Take in the beauty of Biltmore or even the Omni Grove Park Inn - Its such a beautiful area, you may want to stay a day or two?

Charleston SC - A wonderful place to visit. Enjoy the historic old town and the beautiful buildings, churches and markets. A must visit. Walk at Folly Beach and free your soul.

Wilmington NC - Enjoy the River front and the eclectic downtown - a lovely waterfront City.

If you have any suggestions of other great places to visit while the weather is so good, I'd love to hear from you. Please comment below.

If you enjoyed this blog, please share!


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Location: Charlotte, NC, USA

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Home Seller, What Does the Interest Rate Hike Mean For You?

What Does The Interest Rate Hike Mean For The Seller?


When interest rates are raised even slightly the consumer's pocket will be negatively affected. Suddenly his mortgage payment will go up, his car payment, the interest on his credit card debt and any personal loans and other debt are likely to cost more. Every spare dollar should be used to get rid of debt.

The .25% hike will mean very little to the Home Seller right now. The 'priced right' home will sell in this bouyant marketf as the economy continues to grow. An interest rate hike, although it is marginal, will definitely affect the buyer's psyche as he knows that the interest rate is not going to fall any time soon. The motivated home buyer will want to lock in a purchase sooner rather than later. First time home buyers should make a move to get into the housing market right away.

Home owners who have an Adjustable Rate Mortgage may want to refinance their home and fix the interest rate while they still can. The Mortgagor could choose to have a higher fixed interest rate that may cost the home owner more initially, however if they are going to be staying in their home for the long term, then it may be to their advantage to take on that fixed rate option.

The American Dream is to be a homeowner and that will not likely change. When interest rates were at their highest, there were still people who wanted to own a home, so the .25% hike is not going to shake the market too much. This is unlikely to be the end of the interest rate hikes and if you are thinking about buying a home you had best think about doing that sooner rather than later. You are going to be buying the most home for your money right now.

Considering your options? Buying or Selling a home? I would love to assist you in your decision. Call me for a confidential chat - Karen Browder 704-534-9334 or email Karen@KarenBrowder.com



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Location: Lake Norman, North Carolina, USA

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

1288 Fawn Ridge Drive NW Concord 28027

Concord Home 1288 Fawn Ridge Drive NW Concord 28027


Full brick home on .83 acre lot in Carriage Downs. Updated bathrooms and Kitchen, light fixtures and fans. Granite counter tops, Stainless Steel appliances, plantation shutters, new tankless water heater, central vac, sprinkler with well, huge covered and uncovered brick porches! Newer roof, furnaces, frameless glass showers! Oversized Bedrooms and several walk in closets. Wonderful walk in storage areas! Air jetted garden tub, 3 car garage, this one is really loaded with upgrades! 5BR 3.5BA plus large bonus and dual stairs!







  • Listing Information:

    •  1288 Fawn Ridge Drive NW
    •  Concord
    •  NC
    •  28027
    •  Cabarrus
    •  $409,000
    •  3102936 CAROLINAMLS
    •  Single Family
    •  Resale/New
    •  Carriage Downs
    •  Active

  • Property Information:

    •  Transitional
    •  5
    •  4
    •  3
    •  1
    •  1990
    •  4114
    •  Crawl Space
    •  Attached Garage, Garage Door Opener, Garage - 3+ Car
    •  Central Air,Multizone
    •  Gas Hot Air,MultiZone
    •  Community
    •  Brick Veneer Full
    •  2
    •  In-Ground Irrigation, Porch, Porch - Covered; Storm Door(s)
    •  Attic Walk-in, GardenTub; Floors: Ceramic Tile, Wall-to-wall Carpet, Wood
    •  Cable Prewire, Ceiling Fan(s), Central Vacuum, Convection Oven, Cooktop Electric, Dis
    •  City Water, Well; Gas
    •  135.25
    •  Club House, Pool, Tennis Courts
    •  RL
    • 107x248x163x255

  • School Information:

    •  Harold E Winkler
    •  Carl A. Furr
    •  Jay M. Robinson





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Location: 1288 Fawn Ridge Rd NW, Concord, NC 28027, USA

Laurel Park Home Offered in Concord NC

  • 658 Summerford Court NW Concord, NC 28027

    Amazing home in Laurel Park. Privacy & lush landscaping. Interior condition is like new! New carpet throughout & inside freshly painted. 3Car garage, full irrigation w/well. Large covered front porch. Spacious open floor plan with beautiful stairway. The backyard looks like a park it's so nice. Formal LR/Home office & DR. Great bedrooms w/ several walk in closets and custom organizers. HW floors, private deck and large stoned patio. SS appliances, granite. Just move in to an immaculate home





    • For an appointment to view Call 704-534-9334 karen@karenbrowderlakenorman.com mailto:Karen@KarenBrowder.com

      Listing Information:

      •  658 Summerford Court NW
      •  Concord
      •  NC
      •  28027
      •  Cabarrus
      •  $418,000
      •  3082147 CAROLINAMLS
      •  Single Family
      •  Resale/New
      •  Laurel Park
      •  Active

    • Property Information:

      •  Transitional
      •  4
      •  4
      •  3
      •  1
      •  2006
      •  3412
      •  Crawl Space
      •  Attached Garage, Garage Door Opener, Garage - 3+ Car
      •  Central Air,Multizone
      •  Gas Hot Air,MultiZone
      •  Community
      •  Brick Veneer Full
      •  2
      •  Deck, Outdoor Fireplace, Patio, Porch - Covered
      •  GardenTub; Floors: Ceramic Tile, Vinyl/Linoleum, Wall-to-wall Carpet, Wood
      •  Cable Prewire, Ceiling Fan(s), Cooktop Gas, Dishwasher, Disposal, Ice Maker Connectio
      •  City Water; Gas
      •  225.00
      •  Club House, Playground, Pond, Pool, Recreation Area, Tennis Courts
      •  CURC
      • 90x144x90x143

    • School Information:

      •  Northwest Cabarrus
      •  Weddington Hills
      •  Northwest Cabarrus
    More Homes Offered For Sale in Laurel Park Concord NC 28027

     CONCORD HOMES OFFERED FOR SALE


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    Location: 658 Summerford Ct NW, Concord, NC 28027, USA

    9304 Kestral Ridge Drive Charlotte NC 28269

    Charlotte NC Home 9304 Kestral Ridge Drive

    For Full Listing Details of 9304 Kestral Ridge Drive Charlotte NC 28269 Follow This Link

    Completely updated throughout! Upgraded rough hewn high end laminate all rooms & stairs, except bathroom areas which are tiled. 2 walk in closets, several updated light fixtures, fans, mirrors & new microwave & the roof was replaced in 2011. Open floor plan in great living areas with 2 story Great Room, Dining Room and this home boasts a white Kitchen. Granite and tile backsplash pull it all together. Eat at bar, pantry & built in shelving to side of fireplace with gas logs. 2 car garage, brick wall in rear of lot and small covered porch! No more mowing!



    • Listing Information:

      •  9304 Kestral Ridge Drive
      •  Charlotte
      •  NC
      •  28269
      •  Mecklenburg
      •  $219,900
      •  3123558 CAROLINAMLS
      •  Single Family
      •  Resale/New
      •  Highland Creek
      •  Active

    • Property Information:

      •  Transitional
      •  3
      •  3
      •  3
      •  2001
      •  1875
      •  Slab
      •  Attached Garage, Driveway, Garage - 2 Car, Garage Doo
      •  Central Air
      •  Gas Hot Air
      •  Community
      •  Brick Veneer Partial, Vinyl
      •  1.5
      •  Patio, Porch - Covered
      •  Breakfast Bar, Built-Ins, Kitchen Island, Pantry, Split BR Plan, Vaulted Ceiling, Walk-In Closet(s), Attic Other, Attic Walk-in; Floors: Ceramic Tile, Laminate
      •  Cable Prewire, Ceiling Fan(s), CO Detector, Cooktop Electric, Dishwasher, Disposal, El
      •  City Water; Gas
      •  330.00
      •  Club House, Fitness Center, Golf Course, Playground, Pond, Pool, Recreation Area, Tennis Courts, Walking Tra
      •  R9PUD
      •  58 x 130 x 98 x 143

    • School Information:

      •  Ridge Road
      •  Highland Creek
      •  Mallard Creek

    For an appointment to view please call me 704-534-9334

     More Homes Offered For Sale in Highlands Creek

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    Location: 9304 Kestral Ridge Dr, Charlotte, NC 28269, USA
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