Tuesday, December 1, 2015

December 2015 Petit Home Team Newsletter




December 2015 Petit Home Team Newsletter

1. Petit Home Team NEWS

2. Winter Holidays Around The World

3. Take a ride on The Polar Express

4. Seven Reasons To List During The Holidays

1. Petit Home Team NEWS


The Thanksgiving and Christmas parades going on this time of year are really great at getting you in "The Spirit". It was enjoyable watching the Macy's day parade with my family and seeing the huge floats, antique cars, dancers and marching bands perform. It was a long holiday weekend that was spent with family and friends!

We were inspired by the pageant winners in the Mooresville parade to award Madi as our first Miss Petit Home Team! Bob's only grand-daughter has given us many reasons to smile this year :) She made honor roll getting all A's and B's on her report card. She started in Acro Fitness and has made big improvements in only a month... and she is a really wonderful girl who puts a smile on anyone's face that she meets.

The Petit Home Team wants to say THANK YOU to all of our wonderful clients this past year.  2015 has been a fantastic year for our team as we expanded by adding Mike, Kenda and Jitka. We strive to improve our communication, service and marketing so that each client working with us will ensure a positive experience in Real Estate. God bless you and have the best Christmas ever!

2. Winter Holidays Around The World

From Christmas to Diwali: During the winter time in the United States, we start decorating in typical Christmas colors of red and green with wreaths, lights and ribbons.  However, there are so many more winter holidays that exist around the world- and we would like to share a few with you today! 
Christmas: Celebrated all around the world, Christmas falls on December 25th each year to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The word “Christmas” literally means “Christ’s Mass”.
Christmas tree decorated with lights and ornaments is usually a staple to the house, particularly in the United States.

Hanukkah: Chanukah, is an eight-day Jewish holiday that celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabean Revolt (2nd century BCE). The holiday is observed for eight nights and days, and because it starts on the 25th day of Kislev on the Hebrew Calendar, it can fall anywhere from late November to late December on the Gregorian calendar.


Kwanzaa: This is a week-long holiday celebrated in communities in the United States and Canada, as well as in the Western African Diaspora to honor African heritage in African-American culture. Created by Maulana Karenga in 1966, it is observed from December 26-January 1, and ultimately ends with a feast and the exchange of gifts.


Las Posadas: With its origins in Spain, Las Posadas is a nine-day celebration that is now primarily celebrated in Mexico, Guatemala, and parts of the Southwestern United States. The roots of this holiday are in Catholicism.


Diwali: This past year, this five-day Hindu festival began on November 13th and is an official holiday in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar, among others. The festival is also referred to as the “festival of lights” and celebrates both the attainment of nirvana by Mahavira (an Indian Sage), as well as a Death Anniversary of Swami Dayanand (Hindu religious leader).


3.Take a ride on The Polar Express

"All Aboard" The Polar Express at the N.C. Transportation Museum!
http://www.nctrans.org

The North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, NC will bring the popular holiday 
movie "The Polar Express" to life again this season. Children and grown-ups alike will get to
experience the magic of Christmas in a special way.

As the train takes off and heads toward the North Pole there will be plenty of entertainment
on board for passengers to enjoy; from caroling and dancing to a reading of "The Polar 
Express." Hot chocolate and cookies will also be served.

Once the train reaches its destination Santa will present the first gift of Christmas. On the 
return trip, everyone will receive their own silver sleigh bell, heard by all who believe in 
Santa.

Trains will roll out of the station beginning the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 28 
and continue every weekend leading up to Christmas. Rides will take place at 4 p.m. and 6 
p.m., as well as 8 p.m. on select dates.

There are a number of different ticket options. Tickets for standard seating begin at $30 for 
adults and $24 per child. (Kids under the age of two do not need tickets.) Be sure to buy 
your tickets early as most Polar Express rides do sell out quickly.

Families are encouraged to wear pajamas like the movie’s characters.

http://www.gocarolinas.com/news/entertainment/all-aboard-polar-express/nhzGs/#sthash.Aju9ocLw.dpuf

4. Seven Reasons to List during The Holidays


1. While there may be less buyers out there, people who look for a home during the holidays are serious ... they are ready to buy!

2. There are fewer homes for buyers to look at during the holidays which means less competition for you ... less competition equals more money!

3. After the holidays the supply of listings increases substantially which lowers the demand for your home ... more competition equals less money!

4. Your home shows better when decorated for the holidays!

5. Many buyers have more time to look for property during the holidays (as opposed to a normal work week).

6. We will restrict the showings on your home to the times you want it shown. You remain in control.

7. You can sell now for more money and not have to physically move until January or February ... as opposed to just starting the whole process at that time. 

       



Monday, November 2, 2015

November 2015 Petit Home Team Newsletter



November 2015 Petit Home Team Newsletter

1. Petit Home Team NEWS
2. Community Thanksgiving meal
3. Just listed homes
4.Preparing your home for Winter


1. Petit Home Team NEWS



Congratulations to The Petit Home Team for winning this years Keller Williams Chili Cookoff!! Mike's homemade recipe was delicious and had many people coming back for more. This hot tamale trophy will be displayed in the Petit Cove for the next year!

We would also like to welcome Jitka Sustrova as the newest member of the Petit Home Team. Jitka is a licensed Realtor and is working as the team administrator and buyers agent. We are thrilled to have her apart of our family. Welcome aboard Jitka!


2. Community Thanksgiving Meal


COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING MEAL in mooresville, nc






Please join us for our Annual Community Thanksgiving Meal!
Hosted by St. Therese Catholic Church in partnership with the Mooresville Soup Kitchen
All are welcome.  Please invite anyone you know who would enjoy this community event of food and fun!
 


Thursday, November 26, 2015
11:00am to 2:00pm


Meal will be served in the St. Therese Parish Life Center

We will be serving a full Thanksgiving Meal with all the fixings!

What’s on the menu:
Turkey, Stuffing, Potatoes, Yams, Gravy, Green Beans,
Cranberry Sauce, Rolls,
and Dessert!

  
Transportation can be provided.  Please call 704-453-4170 or email thanksgiving@sainttherese.net to volunteer or if you have questions.

All are welcome!  
St. Therese Catholic Church

217 Brawley School Road
Mooresville, NC 28117

3. Just Listed Homes


4806 Cottage Oaks Drive, Charlotte, NC 28269
$139,000
Spectacular end unit townhome in highly sought after subdivision PROSPERITY! Features include 3 beds on second floor,formal dining rm, living rm w/ fireplace.Sliders to patio.Property is very well maintained. Attached garage provides convenience, security & extra storage. Lots of windows provide natural light! Large closets & plenty of storage.Community pool.VERY convenient location is close to shopping, restaurants and malls. Sidewalks for community walking!MOVE-IN READY!Very close to new 485.

207 Flower House Loop, Troutman NC 28166
$225,000
7 acre parcel of land for sale located on Flower House Loop in Troutman. Premier location off I77 exit 42. Large garage/workshop (2000 square feet) on property. There is currently a home that was built in 1940 on the property. Property also has other barns and sheds on premise.


3040 Chelwood Drive, Concord, NC 28027
$349,900
Back on Market!Landscaped yard!Full brick veneer home located in desirable Zemosa Acres neighborhood.Home sits privately on a large lot at the end of cul-de-sac.Large open floor plan on main level includes kitchen w/ dining area, formal dining rm, living rm w/ fp and tiled sun rm.Full wall of windows open to wrap around deck.Finished lower level boast rec rm w/ fireplace, full bath, bedrooms and walkout to patio.2 car garage.Convenient location to Cabarrus County schools and interstates 85/77.



3312 Circles End, Charlotte, NC 28226
$105,000
Peaceful living in quiet, established neighborhood. Very Large yard! This single level condo offers 2bed/1.5 baths featuring hardwood floors in LR, exposed brick walls, fireplace, private patio out back. Kitchen & dining area with ceramic tile. Both bedrooms have hardwood floors. Ceramic tile in bath. Lots of parking and storage. HOA includes yard maintenance. Roof 2 YRs old, replaced by HOA. Great Schools, close to SouthPark area.Call today!

4.Preparing your home for Winter

Three Steps to keep your home safe for Winter Season

#1: Prep the Plumbing

Drain the water from your outdoor faucets and garden hoses and arrange to have any in-ground sprinkler pipes blown out. Roll up the garden hoses and store them inside. Identify any "problem" pipes that are prone to freezing in the house and consider using heat tape to keep them warm during extremely cold weather. If the worst happens, ensure everyone in the family knows how to turn off the water at the source. This will minimize leaking when and if a pipe bursts.

#2: Heat Things Up

Everyone enjoys cozy evenings by a crackling fire?  Ensure your fireplace is ready to provide warm nights all winter. Be sure to have the chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional before the first frost. Also, have a professional perform a routine check of the heating systems before cold weather arrives. This should include vacuuming the vents and other heating components. If your furnace has a filter, check to see if it needs replacing. For more energy savings, consider installing a setback thermostat that keeps the home cooler when you are asleep or away.

#3: Seal the Leaks

Keep drafts to a minimum this winter. If you have them, install storm windows and doors -- and don't overlook the basement. Add or replace worn weather stripping around the doors and windows and caulk any gaps. If doorstops are worn, replace them. If any pipes or ducts travel through an exterior wall, be sure to use caulking and weather-stripping around all entry points. These steps will block any potential entry points for cold air. That's an idea you can warm up to.


       


Thursday, October 1, 2015

October 2015 Petit Home Team Newsletter


October 2015 Petit Home Team Newsletter

1.The 10-Best Kept Secrets for Buying a Home
2. Great Pumpkin Fest
3. Just listed/Just sold properties
4. NC Drought Advisory

1.The 10-Best Kept Secrets For Buying a Home
Buying Secret #10: Keep Your Money Where It Is
It’s not wise to make any huge purchases or move your money around three to six months before buying a new home. You don’t want to take any big chances with your credit profile. Lenders need to see that you’re reliable and they want a complete paper trail so that they can get you the best loan possible. If you open new credit cards, amass too much debt or buy a lot of big-ticket items, you’re going to have a hard time getting a loan.
Buying Secret #9: Get Pre-Approved for Your Home Loan
There’s a big difference between a buyer being pre-qualified and a buyer who has a pre-approved mortgage. Anybody can get pre-qualified for a loan. Getting pre-approved means a lender has looked at all of your financial information and they’ve let you know how much you can afford and how much they will lend you. Being pre-approved will save you a lot of time and energy so you are not running around looking at houses you can't afford. It also gives you the opportunity to shop around for the best deal and the best interest rates. Do your research: Learn about junk fees, processing fees or points and make sure there aren’t any hidden costs in the loan.
Buying Secret #8: Avoid a Border Dispute
It’s absolutely essential to get a survey done on your property so you know exactly what you’re buying. Knowing precisely where your property lines are may save you from a potential dispute with your neighbors. Also, your property tax is likely based on how much property you have, so it is best to have an accurate map drawn up.
Buying Secret # 7: Don’t Try to Time the Market
Don’t obsess with trying to time the market and figure out when is the best time to buy. Trying to anticipate the housing market is impossible. The best time to buy is when you find your perfect house and you can afford it. Real estate is cyclical, it goes up and it goes down and it goes back up again. So, if you try to wait for the perfect time, you’re probably going to miss out.
Buying Secret # 6: Bigger Isn’t Always Better 
Everyone’s drawn to the biggest, most beautiful house on the block. But bigger is usually not better when it comes to houses. There’s an old adage in real estate that says don’t buy the biggest, best house on the block. The largest house only appeals to a very small audience and you never want to limit potential buyers when you go to re-sell. Your home is only going to go up in value as much as the other houses around you. If you pay $500,000 for a home and your neighbors pay $250,000 to $300,000, your appreciation is going to be limited. Sometimes it is best to is buy the worst house on the block, because the worst house per square foot always trades for more than the biggest house.
Buying Secret #5: Avoid Sleeper Costs
The difference between renting and home ownership is the sleeper costs. Most people just focus on their mortgage payment, but they also need to be aware of the other expenses such as property taxes, utilities and homeowner-association dues. New homeowners also need to be prepared to pay for repairs, maintenance and potential property-tax increases. Make sure you budget for sleeper costs so you’ll be covered and won’t risk losing your house.
Buying Secret #4: You’re Buying a House – Not Dating It
Buying a house based on emotions is just going to break your heart. If you fall in love with something, you might end up making some pretty bad financial decisions. There’s a big difference between your emotions and your instincts. Going with your instincts means that you recognize that you’re getting a great house for a good value. Going with your emotions is being obsessed with the paint color or the backyard. It’s an investment, so stay calm and be wise.
Buying Secret #3: Give Your House a Physical
Would you buy a car without checking under the hood? Of course you wouldn’t. Hire a home inspector. It’ll cost about $350 but could end up saving you thousands. A home inspector’s sole responsibility is to provide you with information so that you can make a decision as to whether or not to buy. It’s really the only way to get an unbiased third-party opinion. If the inspector does find any issues with the home, you can use it as a bargaining tool for lowering the price of the home. It’s better to spend the money up front on an inspector than to find out later you have to spend a fortune.
Buying Secret #2: The Secret Science of Bidding
Your opening bid should be based on two things: what you can afford (because you don’t want to outbid yourself), and what you really believe the property is worth. Make your opening bid something that’s fair and reasonable and isn’t going to totally offend the seller. A lot of people think they should go lower the first time they make a bid. It all depends on what the market is doing at the time. You need to look at what other homes have gone for in that neighborhood and you want to get an average price per square foot. Sizing up a house on a price-per-square-foot basis is a great equalizer. Also, see if the neighbors have plans to put up a new addition or a basketball court or tennis court, something that might detract from the property’s value down the road.
Today, so many sellers are behind in their property taxes and if you have that valuable information it gives you a great card to negotiate a good deal. To find out, go to the county clerk’s office.
Sellers respect a bid that is an oddball number and are more likely to take it more seriously. A nice round number sounds like every other bid out there. When you get more specific the sellers will think you've given the offer careful thought.
Buying Secret #1: Stalk the Neighborhood
Before you buy, get the lay of the land – drop by morning noon and night. Many home buyers have become completely distraught because they thought they found the perfect home, only to find out the neighborhood wasn’t for them. Drive by the house at all hours of the day to see what’s happening in the neighborhood. Do your regular commute from the house to make sure it is something you can deal with on a daily basis. Find out how far it is to the nearest grocery store and other services. Even if you don’t have kids, research the schools because it affects the value of your home in a very big way. If you buy a house in a good school district versus bad school district even in the same town, the value can be affected as much as 20 percent.

2.Great Pumpkin Fest
                                            

Carowinds, Charlotte, NC,,, It's fall, and that means it is time for spooktacular fun at the Great Pumpkin Fest. During the daytime, Planet Snoopy is transformed into the ultimate fall festival, full of frightful fun for kids and their families. In addition to all of your favorite rides and attractions, you'll enjoy an exciting compilation of shows, attractions and interactive activities throughout the dayThe Great Pumpkin Fest runs Saturdays & Sundays from Sept.19 - Nov.1.Halloween activities are from 11:00am - 5:00pm, visit www.carowinds.com 
for more details.


3. Just listed/Just sold properties



137 Dannyn Grove Court, Mooresville, NC 28117
$247,500

Traditional 2 level home located on a cul-de-sac in a great location of Mooresville!  Home features 4 bedrooms plus a bonus room, 2 full baths and 1 half bath, kitchen with dining area, and a fireplace in the family room. The home also includes a porch, patio, and an attached garage.


1914 Ora Drive, Statesville, NC 28625
$125,000

All brick 1 level home sits on over an acre of land! Home features 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, kitchen with dining area. Fireplace in Family room. New laminate wood floors in kitchen and bedrooms. Very large lot with possibilities to expand. Great location in Statesville!



1237 Lizzy Lane, Salisbury, NC 28147
$429,900

This home is an absolute beauty and loaded with features making this home a must see! Located on a quiet cul-de-sac, this spectacular traditional 1.5 story brick home in the Davis Farm subdivision near Salisbury, NC features 3 large bedrooms, 2 and a half baths on the main floor, a bonus room with a 1/2 bath above the 3 car garage and a large, unfinished basement. This home has a security system, is professionally landscaped with an irrigation system.

SOLD
129 Glade Valley, Mooresville, NC 28117
Congratulations to Angela and Jason Leighton!


SOLD
5436 Kerry Lane, Charlotte, NC 28215
Congratulations to Joy Lucas!

SOLD
212 Whispering Hills Dr, Locust, NC 28097
Congratulations to Emily and Preston Munger!

SOLD
106 Aberdeen Dr, Troutman, NC 28166
Congratulations to Tut and Martha!

4. North Carolina Drought Advisory
Iredell County and Mecklenburg County are D1 Moderate Drought Conditions.
Released: October 1, 2015
The North Carolina Drought Advisory issued by the Drought Management Advisory Council has been updated to reflect drought conditions on September 29, 2015 indicated on the weekly U.S. Drought Monitor of North Carolina.  Until further notice, the NCDMAC strongly urges the implementation of drought response actions.
  • (D1) Moderate drought conditions.
  • The NCDMAC advises all water users in the counties that are indicated on the US Drought Monitor Map as suffering from Moderate Drought (D1) conditions to enact the following precautions in addition to previous advisories until further notice:
  • Adhere to local water use restrictions.
  • Participate, as appropriate, in regional and local coordination for the management of water resources.
  • Stay informed on drought conditions and advisories (www.ncdrought.org).
  • Project water needs and available water supply for a ninety day period from the issuance of this advisory.
  • Assess your vulnerability to the drought conditions and adjust water usage to prolong available supply.
  • Inspect water delivery system components (e.g. irrigation lines, fixtures, processing equipment, water system lines, etc.), repair leaks and ensure that existing equipment is operating as efficiently as possible.
  • Minimize nonessential uses of water.
  • Implement available public awareness and educational outreach programs emphasizing the need to conserve water.