Lake Norman to Uptown Charlotte Living

Huntersville NC Elementary School Report Cards - Huntersville NC

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 14:23:12 -0800

Huntersville NC has some of the best Elementary Schools in Mecklenburg County.

Along with being a Realtor, I am also a parent of 8 yr old triplet boys who attend Barnette Elementary in Huntersville NC. One of the questions I am often asked is, "How are the schools in Huntersville?"

This is our boys' first year of school at Barnette Elementary and we could not be any happier. Our boys continue to impress us with the progress they are making and we look forward to many more successful years.

There are 2 additonal elementary schools in Huntersville and they too are receiving high praise from around the district.

Huntersville Elementary School

Presently, there is a population of 820 students. Many of our teachers are National Board Certified and have advanced degrees. The staff provides a safe and welcoming environment. Children are encouraged and expected to grow into well-rounded productive members of society through character education development. Our students, staff and academic program have earned us the status of an Exemplary School in the 1999-2000 school year, School of Excellence in 2002-2003, Honor School of Excellence in 2003-2004, 2004-2005, 2006-2007, School of Distinctionin 2008, and Blue Ribbon School Award in 2007-2008.

Torrence Creek Elementary School

Torrence Creek Elementary School opened its doors in August 2005. The first year the school had 960 students in Kindergarten through Fifth Grade. They have grown rapidly with a current student enrollment of approximately 1200 students. Torrence Creek has consistantly reached their expected growth and is considered a top 10 elementary school in CMS.

Mike Carpino
Mike@LakeAndTown.com
704 301-9264

Trending Upward in Real Estate Market - Lake Norman/Charlotte Real Estate

Sat, 19 May 2012 18:19:28 -0700

TRENDING UPWARD IN CHARLOTTE/LAKE NORMAN REAL ESTATE

The Charlotte Regional Realtor Association recently released a report based on data by the Carolina Multiple Listing Services Inc. (CMLS) that shows some positive trends in the local real estate market. Comparing April 2012 statistics with those of the same time period last year, the number of closings are up and home prices have increased, while the number of distressed listings has fallen significantly as has the overall housing inventory in the region.

The number of closings for April 2012 was 2,170, a 15.3 percent increase over last April’s total of 1,882. The average sales price rose by 5.6 percent to $214,779, and the median sales price, the best measure of trends over a period of time, increased by 4.6 percent to $159,995.

The report also showed overall inventory continuing its downward trend, dropping 18.7 percent compared to April 2011, leaving the CMLS region with a 9.7-month supply of homes as compared to a 13.7-month supply at this time last year.

The share of new listings that were distressed in April 2012 was 11.3 percent, compared to 18.7 percent the previous year. Nearly 16 percent of all closed sales in April were distressed, compared to 31.5 percent for April 2011.

Mike Carpino
    Owner/Broker
    Lake And Town Realty
    Mike@LakeAndTown.com
    704 301-9264 Mobile

Lake Norman Waterfront Homes for Sale on 1+ Acres - Lake Norman Real Estate

Sun, 06 May 2012 11:09:19 -0700

Lake Norman Waterfront Homes for Sale on 1+ Acres

The Lake Norman region of Charlotte, NC has become a very popular destination for many looking to retire or just relocate. I have lived in the region for over 10 years and just love all that the region has to offer.

It is only 20 minutes to Uptown Charlotte, 1 1/2 hours to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and 3 1/2 hours to Myrtle Beach, SC. The option to either spend a weekend in the mountains or to take a trip to the beach are just a couple of great options for many families to choose from.

If you are looking for a home on the lake with acreage I found there are over 70 homes located around Lake Norman with at least 1 acre or more. They range from just under $200k to $5.9 million.

Mike Carpino
Broker/Owner
2011 Charlotte Five Star Real Estate Agent
Mike@LakeAndTown.com
704 301-9264

The 15 Most Expensive Lake Norman Waterfront Homes for Sale-Lake Norman Waterfront Real Estate

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 10:47:51 -0700

View the most luxurious Lake Norman waterfront homes for sale - The top 15 most expensive homes located on Lake Norman.

Lake Norman located only 20 minutes from Uptown Charlotte, NC is becoming a very popular destination for many people looking to relocate. It has some of the most luxurious homes not only in the region, but in the state of North Carolina.

The Lake Norman area offers a mild, four-season climate. Located in the central part of North Carolina, the area is partially protected by the western mountain ranges from cold air. Fall tends to be the area’s driest season, with July tending to be the wettest month. Average temperatures range from the high 30s to mid 50s in the winter and high 80s and mid 90s in the summer. From Lake Norman, you may enjoy the ease of traveling anywhere in the state. We're just north of Charlotte, and the mountains and coast are only a short drive away. Whatever your desire, find it outside your door in Lake Norman!

Mike Carpino
Broker/Owner
2011 Charlotte Five Star Real Estate Agent
Mike@LakeAndTown.com
704 301-9264

Huntersville North Carolina still showing growth despite downturn - Vermilllion Neighborhood

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 07:08:25 -0700

Vermillion Subdivision Huntersville, NC is still growing despite economic downturn.

Here is a recent article in the Charlotte Observer by Elisabeth Arriero.

Huntersville is booming.

Despite a construction slump in many other parts of the country, the town is experiencing strong growth in building permits issued for residential and commercial construction, with no sign the trend will slow anytime soon.

Huntersville officials said the number of residential housing permits issued increased 52 percent from 2010 to 2011, to 353 permits issued last year. “To date through February, we’ve had 59 through the first two months of this year,” said Huntersville Principal Planner Zac Gordon. “That’s an indication that in our micro region, we’re doing fairly well compared to other parts of the country.”

Bowman credited the increase in the town’s new construction homes to Huntersville’s numerous amenities as well as close proximity to Charlotte.

Nate Bowman, developer of Vermillion, a project that includes homes and commercial properties, agreed. “Huntersville has so many things to offer, especially with I-485, the lake, shopping, nicely designed communities,” he said.

He said new urbanists – people who want walkable neighborhoods with a mix of uses – are particularly attracted to Huntersville because there is so much developable land around the town center.

“We’re doing really well in a down market,” said Bowman.

According to Gordon, single-family permits will likely hit 400 in 2012 and break 500 in the next few years. But while residential permits continue to rebound, it’s nonresidential growth that’s been a driving force.

Nonresidential permits, defined as commercial, office or upfit – meaning an existing, formerly empty space was changed to the needs of a new occupant, according to Gordon – have consistently increased annually. Between 2010 and 2011, the amount of money spent on new nonresidential construction in Huntersville more than doubled.

“That’s a pretty significant increase,” he said, projecting that nonresidential construction in 2012 will easily bring in at least $40 million.

“We have some big permits we know are coming. We’ve got a small company called Wal-Mart building in our jurisdiction,” Gordon joked, estimating the supercenter will cost about $15 million if the company builds at least a 150,000 square-foot facility.

On track to break ground in the Brighton development east of N.C. 115 and north of Interstate 485 “very soon,” Gordon said, Wal-Mart is slated to open in spring 2013.

“These are positive signs that at least locally we’re coming out of the (economic) doldrums. … The economy is coming out of a long slumber. And we’re poised.”

Huntersville officials expect more construction of multi-family housing, such as apartment complexes and condos, over the next decade, driven by the projected shift in demographics.

“The population is aging, though Huntersville is a very young community,” Gordon said, noting the town will likely see an increase in residents over over 65. “Folks moving into the area don’t necessarily want a single-family home.”

Since 2001, only one apartment complex – with 250 units – has been built in the town, he said. In the next 12 months alone, Huntersville could expect to see construction begin on 500 to 700 multi-family units, he said.

Though multi-family housing has traditionally only made up about 15 percent of the residences in Huntersville, Gordon expects that figure to grow to 25 percent by 2030.

“It’s because of our proximity to Charlotte and the expected and anticipated rail line,” Gordon said, noting the town would have three Red Line stations in its jurisdiction should the proposed 25-mile commuter and freight train come to fruition between Mooresville and Charlotte.

Trends also indicate that 2014 through 2019 will be “the second great wave of development in Huntersville, mainly commercial.”

Gordon emphasized they’re not anticipating the population boom that raised the population from 24,960 in 2000 to 46,773 in 2010, but the population will enjoy “modest growth.”

“We will continue to grow … in the next two, three, four years, we’ll see heavier numbers on the commercial side.”

Around the lake

North of Huntersville, the town of Cornelius is seeing more subdued growth. Becky Partin, communications specialist for the Cornelius Planning and Zoning Department, said the town hasn’t seen much commercial construction, but home-building has increased somewhat in the last two years.

“We have had very little, if any, new commercial building in the past couple of years. So far in 2012, we have issued about 40 new single-family building permits,” Partin said in an email.

Mooresville Zoning Administrator Tammy Heck said the total number of nonresidential permits issued – whether they were commercial, for adding signage, expanding a deck, adding a pool or garage addition – over the past three years has shown a “significant” increase and have reflected the economy.

“People were reusing what they already had, instead of building new, in the commercial realm anyway.”

Heck said the total number of permits for 2012 has “almost doubled” since 2011.

“We’ve seen a definite increase in activity in the last couple months,” she said.

In the Catawba Springs Township of Lincoln County, which includes the Denver area, construction has actually slowed in the last two years, according to county data. But Lincoln County Director of Planning and Inspections Kelly Atkins said he expects numbers will start to rally.

“There are many reasons that Catawba Springs is the fastest-growing area in Lincoln County: Its proximity to surrounding cities and counties, Lake Norman, lower taxes, good school reputation, several industrial businesses, the completion of Highway 16 and a committed Economic Development Association,” Atkins said in an email.

Catawba County Assistant Planning Director Mary George said that, much like Cornelius, permits for new commercial construction are low, as businesses typically opt to upfit an existing space. While she didn’t have specific nonresidential permit numbers for the west shore, George said there typically hasn’t been strong commercial interest in the area because there isn’t been readily-available commercial access to public sewers.

Davidson Planning Manager Lauren Blackburn said the number of building permits processed annually are seasonal and only a fraction of the other towns. “Basically because we are much smaller to begin with,” she said. “ I don’t see strong trend in changes between 2010 and 2011.”

Mike Carpino
Broker/Owner
2011 Charlotte Five Star Real Estate Agent
Mike@LakeAndTown.com
704 301-9264

Lake Norman Waterfront Homes for Sale - New Construction to Foreclosure Lake Norman Real Estate

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 11:19:53 -0800

Lake Norman Waterfront Homes for Sale - New Construction to Foreclosures

Lake Norman New Construction

Lake Norman Homes $400-$500k

Lake Norman Homes $500-$600k

Lake Norman Homes $600k-$700k

Lake Norman Homes $700k-$800k

Lake Norman Homes $800k-$900k

Lake Norman Homes $900k-$1mil+

Lake Norman Foreclosures

Lake Norman Short Sales

Mike Carpino
Broker/Owner
2011 Charlotte Five Star Real Estate Agent
Mike@LakeAndTown.com
704 301-9264

Lake Norman NC New Waterfront Home Lisitngs 2012 - Lake Norman NC Real Estate

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:12:47 -0800

Lake Norman NC New Waterfront Home Listings 2012 -Lake Norman NC Real Estate

Lake Norman home sales are beginning to pick up but so are the listings. In the past week 29 new listings have come on the market. There are a number of phenomenal deals out there if you are looking to enjoy Lake living.

I have personally viewed a number of Lake Norman waterfront short sale homes as well as other waterfront home listings and are amazed at the value you can get on Lake Norman. However, those listings usually do not last long on the market.

If you are seriously considering relocating to Lake Norman the time is right. I can set you up today on an auto-email alert that will notify you daily on properties that meet your criteria. It is a free service and you can unsubscribe at anytime. It will help save you a lot of time when searching for that perfect home. Just email me your specific criteria and I will have your first email batch of homes sent to you today!

Mike Carpino
Broker/Owner
2011 Charlotte Five Star Real Estate Agent
Mike@LakeAndTown.com
704 301-9264

Lake Norman 1+ acre Waterfront Lots for Sale - Build Your Dream Home Now! - Lake Norman, NC Real Estate

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 13:27:53 -0800

Lake Norman 1+ Acre Waterfront Lots for Sale - Build Your Dream Lake Home Now!

How to buy land – A checklist for every buyer A land purchase is a long-term investment. And, buying land is different from buying a house, so I have compiled a short checklist for your reference during your land research.

Before you start your search, do you know what are you looking for? The main considerations for most buyers are:

Price: What is your budget? Land is sometimes sold with a price tag, but more often you’ll see land prices in terms of price per acre. Bear in mind that you may be able to negotiate with the seller to divide a tract to help meet your budget.
Location: Do you need your land to be located in a specific county or state? Or are you open to various locations as long as the land is within a set travel distance from your primary residence? How often will you be traveling to your tract?
Size: Do you need a specific size or are you flexible on acreage to accommodate your budget? Can you manage 2,000 acres or would 75 acres be a better fit?
Intended Use: Depending on your intended use, there are a variety of amenities and utilities that can mean the difference between enjoying your land right away, or spending time and money making inprovements.

Mike Carpino
Broker/Owner
2011 Charlotte Five Star Real Estate Agent
Mike@LakeAndTown.com
704 301-9264

Lake Norman Waterfront Homes for Sale - 20 Minute Commute to Uptown Charlotte

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 19:08:31 -0800

Lake Norman Waterfront Homes for Sale 20 minutes from Uptown Charlotte

The Lake Norman region continues to be a great destination for many people relocating to Charlotte, NC. It has some of the most beautiful real estate in all of North Carolina.

The towns of Denver, Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson and Mooresville provide residents the opportunity to enjoy the lake lifestyle without the long commute to Uptown Charlotte.

Real Estate on Lake Norman has become more affordale and people are realizing that it is a great opportunity to buy lake property. Home prices that were once listed between 700k-800k are now selling for $500k.

Mike Carpino
Broker/Owner
2011 Charlotte Five Star Real Estate Agent
Mike@LakeAndTown.com
704 301-9264

Lake Norman Waterfront Real Estate - Hough High School District

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:17:21 -0800

Lake Norman Waterfront Real Estate - Hough High School District

For many of the families who are relocating to the Lake Norman region of Charlotte, NC one of their main concerns is what school system their children will be attending and can I get waterfront property.

Hough High School which is located in the Lake Norman region is considered one of the top schools in the county. It is the only school in the county that you can attend and live on Lake Norman.

William A. Hough High School is one of two schools that opened August 25, 2010 for students. It is built on land on Bailey Road. The school is a prototype for future high schools in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School system. It consists of 99 classrooms along with football and baseball fields and track and tennis courts.

Click to view all Lake Norman Waterfront Homes for Sale in Hough School District

Lake Norman NC Waterfront Homes for Sale Less than 5yrs Old - Lake Norman Real Estate

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:27:24 -0800

Lake Norman Waterfront Homes for Sale Less than 5yrs old - Lake Norman Waterfront Real EstateLake Norman in North

Carolina is the largest man-made lake in NC, and is located in the northern part of Mecklenburg County, just 18 miles northwest of Charlotte. It is sometimes called an "Inland Sea," with over 520 miles of beautiful shoreline. It also has some of the most expensive real estate in Charlotte, NC.

The Lake Norman area actually consists of lakefront neighborhoods, spectacular golf, elegant shopping and the charming village atmosphere of Cornelius, Davidson, Denver, Mooresville and Huntersville. It is now one of the most rapidly growing and popular areas in North Carolina.

Think of it as “Charlotte casual.” A place where you can enjoy the benefits of doing business in one of America’s most dynamic metropolitan areas, yet still find countless reasons to kick off those wingtips and ease into your flip-flops.

Serious Business. Serious fun. That’s what North Carolina’s Lake Norman Region is all about. However, if you are not ready yet to buy one of those homes there are plenty others Lake Norman waterfront homes priced between 300k to over 1 million.

Mike Carpino
Broker/Owner
2011 Charlotte Five Star Real Estate Agent
Mike@LakeAndTown.com
704 301-9264

The 30 Most Expensive Homes on Lake Norman, NC - Lake Norman Real Estate

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 18:17:40 -0800

Lake Norman Real Estate - The 30 Most Expensive Homes on Lake Norman

Lake Norman in North Carolina is the largest man-made lake in NC, and is located in the northern part of Mecklenburg County, just 18 miles northwest of Charlotte. It is sometimes called an "Inland Sea," with over 520 miles of beautiful shoreline. It also has some of the most expensive real estate in Charlotte, NC.

The Lake Norman area actually consists of lakefront neighborhoods, spectacular golf, elegant shopping and the charming village atmosphere of Cornelius, Davidson, Denver, Mooresville and Huntersville. It is now one of the most rapidly growing and popular areas in North Carolina.

Think of it as “Charlotte casual.” A place where you can enjoy the benefits of doing business in one of America’s most dynamic metropolitan areas, yet still find countless reasons to kick off those wingtips and ease into your flip-flops.

Serious Business. Serious fun. That’s what North Carolina’s Lake Norman Region is all about. However, if you are not ready yet to buy one of those homes there are plenty others Lake Norman waterfront homes priced between 300k to over 1 million.

Mike Carpino
Mike@LakeAndTown.com
704-301-9264

Lake Norman Waterfront Homes For Sale - Waterfront Communities - Real Estate

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:12:38 -0800

Lake Norman Waterfront Homes For Sale - Waterfront Communities - Real Estate

Sailview - Nestled on Lake Norman's west side, Sailview is perfect for those with active lifestyles. Yet, it's also a great place to find peace and tranquility. Residents enjoy a host of amenities, including a swim and tennis club overlooking the lake. An 8-acre park with a playground and an exercise station lies at the heart of the community, while walking paths provide quick and easy access to the community's boat slips. There is also a public boat launch nearby.

Norman Estates - Norman Estates is located on the west side of Lake Norman and has some of the most magnificent open water views around. These gated estate offer privacy and sophistication that you can expect from a multi-milliion dollar community.

The Peninsula - Luxury living at its Best! This is one of the subdivisions that Crescent Communities developed on Lake Norman. The Peninsula boasts beautiful waterfront Real Estate priced up to $4.5M

The Point - The Point Communityis situated on the shores of Lake Norman, the largestinland lake in the Carolinas. The waterfront setting sets a soothing backdrop to the days here, while nearby are the quaint towns of Mooresville, Davidson, and Cornelius. And, the city of Charlotte is a short drive down I-77.

Bahia Bay - This community is located in desirable Cornelius, NC. Minutes from shopping, restaurants, Birkdale Village, I-77 and in a great school district!

Patrick's Purchase - Beautiful custom built homes located in Cornelius, NC on Lake Norman. Large wooded lots with privacy and serenity.

Mike Carpino
Broker/Owner
2011 Charlotte Five Star Real Estate Agent
Mike@LakeAndTown.com
704 301-9264

Get Ready to Ride the Wave of Foreclosures - Lake Norman to Charlotte Region Real Estate

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 12:49:04 -0800

The next wave of foreclosures in the Charlotte and Lake Norman Region is coming.

OK, so let's put 2011 behind us and start off the 2012 in a good mood. Well, I was ready to but I had to stop drinking my coffee and read the headline story today in the Charlotte Observer. "Housing Glut looms behind the region's "shadow inventory".

Now I know after some of yoy have read the story feel like that is bad news for the Real Estate market I look at it as a great opportunity for many looking to move to get a terrific buy. Many of my clients are looking to buy on Lake Norman and are noticing the tremendous value on waterfront homes.

Lake Norman is a great destination for many who want Lake Living with access to city ammenities. There is over 500 miles of shoreline with homes and lots priced from $150k to over $8 million.

So, let's ring in the New Year with optimism and opportunity. I hope everyone has a healthy, safe and prosperous 2012!

Mike Carpino
2011 Charlotte Five Star Real Estate Agent
Mike@LakeAndTown.com
704-301-9264

Northstone, River Run and Birkdale Golf Courses and Real Estate

Sun, 24 May 2009 19:53:43 -0700

This past weekend I had a chance to view homes in some of the most pristine golf course communities in the Lake Norman/Huntersville NC area. River Run, Birkdale and Northstone are three of the nicest Golf communities outside of Uptown Charlotte.

The private NorthStone Country Club golf course and club facilities at NorthStone were developed by Mr. Rhein. NorthStone Club marks the third golf course environment created by Mr. Rhein - utilizing the talents of P.B. Dye as golf course architect.

NorthStone Country Club is by far the best selling private golf club community in greater Charlotte. Mr. Rhein attributes this success, in part, to his many years of experience, but more so to a great team of employees and group of Preferred Builders who, together, have created in NorthStone Country Club the standards by which all other communities will be measured.

River Run is situated on over 1000 acres of landscaped and natural rolling terrain, including a centuries-old forest, four lakes and the Rocky River, River Run offers residents a true sense of community and relaxing lifestyle in one of our area's most beautiful settings. Located in the lovely college town of Davidson, North Carolina, River Run residents enjoy the ambience of small-town living while only minutes away from all the conveniences Charlotte has to offer.

So whether you enjoy gourmet dining in the elegant setting of our clubhouse, playing a round of golf with at our 18-hole championship course or a friendly set of tennis at our 16-court indoor/outdoor tennis facility, taking a vigorous hike on our many walking trails or a leisurely dip in one of our pools, River Run provides you with the opportunity to live life your way.

The Arnold Palmer designed Birkdale golf course, is a public facility with a "private club" atmosphere. Located on 200 acres of rolling terrain, carved between tall pines and natural streams, Birkdale is a challenging 7,013 yard, par 72 course made up of Bermuda fairways and Crenshaw bent grass greens offering a true test of golf skills.

Birkdale has received a good deal of acclaim, being voted one of the top five public golf courses in North Carolina. When it opened in 1997 it was voted The Best New Golf Course in North Carolina and was named Charlotte's Best Public Course in 1998.Four sets of tees allows golfers of all abilities to enjoy the layout at Birkdale. The course features a number of elevation changes, which are appealing to the eye and add to the challenge. Well placed water hazards require players to use every shot in their bag.

Always well manicured with firm and true greens, Birkdale Golf Club provides an outstanding daily fee golf experience that should not be missed.