December 2017 Petit Home Team Newsletter

December 2017 Petit Home Team Newsletter

1. Petit Home Team NEWS

2.Mortgage Information for 2018

3. Just Listed & Sold Properties

4. Festive Holiday Drinks

1. Petit Home Team NEWS

It's the most wonderful time of the year....Wrestling Season! Coach Pepere and I are entering our 3rd year with the Mooresville Recreation Department. The opening tournament will begin this Saturday at Elkin High School. We have a total of 41 kids on the team with ages ranging from 5 to 13 years old. There is a mix of veteran wrestlers and beginners which really helps the younger guys to see what happens on the mat during live wrestling. Be on the lookout of the Mooresville Recreation t-shirts! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at Petit Home Team.

Rob Petit, Bob Petit and Sarah Wojcio 

2. Mortgage Information for 2018

FHFA Announces Maximum Conforming Loan Limits for 2018

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Baseline Limit Will Increase to $453,100

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced the maximum conforming loan limits for mortgages to be acquired by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in 2018. In most of the U.S., the 2018 maximum conforming loan limit for one-unit properties will be $453,100, an increase from $424,100 in 2017. 

Baseline limit

The Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA) requires that the baseline conforming loan limit be adjusted each year for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to reflect the change in the average U.S. home price.  Earlier today, FHFA published its third quarter 2017 House Price Index (HPI) report, which includes estimates for the increase in the average U.S. home value over the last four quarters.  According to FHFA's seasonally adjusted, expanded-data HPI, house prices increased 6.8 percent, on average, between the third quarters of 2016 and 2017.  Therefore, the baseline maximum conforming loan limit in 2018 will increase by the same percentage. 

High-cost area limits

For areas in which 115 percent of the local median home value exceeds the baseline conforming loan limit the maximum loan limit will be higher than the baseline loan limit.  HERA establishes the maximum loan limit in those areas as a multiple of the area median home value, while setting a "ceiling" on that limit of 150 percent of the baseline loan limit.  Median home values generally increased in high-cost areas in 2017, driving up the maximum loan limits in many areas.  The new ceiling loan limit for one-unit properties in most high-cost areas will be $679,650 — or 150 percent of $453,100. 

Special statutory provisions establish different loan limit calculations for Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.  In these areas, the baseline loan limit will be $679,650 for one-unit properties, but loan limits may be higher in some specific locations.

As a result of generally rising home values, the increase in the baseline loan limit, and the increase in the ceiling loan limit, the maximum conforming loan limit will be higher in 2018 in all but 71 counties or county equivalents in the U.S.   

Questions about the 2018 conforming loan limits can be addressed to LoanLimitQuestions@fhfa.gov.

• For a list of the 2018 maximum loan limits for all counties and county-equivalent areas in the U.S. click here. 
• For a map showing the 2018 maximum loan limits across the U.S. click here.  
• For a detailed description of the methodology used to determine the maximum loan limits in accordance with HERA, click here.

https://www.fhfa.gov/Media/PublicAffairs/Pages/FHFA-Announces-Maximum-Conforming-Loan-Limits-for-2018.aspx

3. Just Listed & Sold Properties

Just Listed!

109 Lucas LN, Statesville NC

$135,000

Under Contract in 3 DAYS

406 Kickapoo Ave, Gastonia NC

SOLD

Congrats to new homeowners Cathy and Jeremy Pace!

4616 Hovis Rd, Charlotte

SOLD

2627 Westhampton Dr, Charlotte NC

SOLD

4. Festive Holiday Drinks

Ginger Bell Cocktail 

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces bourbon
• 2 springs of fresh mint
• 1/2 lemon, cut into discs
• 2-inch piece freshly-skinned ginger, cut into small pieces
• 1 bottle ginger beer
• ice
• In a cocktail shaker, add the bourbon, mint, lemon and ginger. Firmly muddle until pieces break down (less than a minute). Add ice and shake vigorously for 30 seconds, then strain into coupe glasses. Top with ginger beer, and garnish with a couple cranberries.

Rudolph's Tipsy Spritzer

Ingredients:

5 cups orange juice

2 cups chilled lemon-lime soft drink

1 1/2 cups vodka

1/2 cup maraschino cherry juice

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

Garnishes: lemon slices, fresh rosemary sprigs

Mix and enjoy!

Merry Christmas and 

Happy New Year!

         

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September 2017 Petit Home Team Newsletter

September 2017 Petit Home Team Newsletter

1. Petit Home Team NEWS

2. Median Sale Price & Days on Market

3. Just Listed/Sold Properties

4.  Gaining Perspective

1. Petit Home Team NEWS

Keller Williams’ charity arm, KW Cares, was finally able to send in its three 18-wheeler trucks from Austin, Texas, to a waiting warehouse in Houston at 10:30 a.m. CDT, Friday. The trucks had volunteers aboard ready to work on unloading the trucks at the other end. Keller Wiliams spokesperson Darryl Frost said the company was expecting 700 to 1,000 volunteers to be working over Labor Day weekend. Packed with generators, nonperishable food, diapers, cleaning supplies, wheelbarrows, flashlights and more, the trucks have been prepared to roll out since Monday, when Hurricane Harvey continued to make its ugly way through the region and wreak havoc.

The address of the Houston warehouse is only known to Keller Williams associates and leaders at this stage as KW Cares is a charity for Keller Williams associates primarily.The flooded roadways of Houston made the small fleet unable to enter the city until today.

With 16 market centers and 4,400 associates in Harvey’s footprint, Keller Williams had lined up three warehouses to help with the aftermath — one in San Antonio, one in Corpus Christi and one in the dryer part of Houston. But because of the way the storm has developed, Houston is the command center.

As of Tuesday morning, Keller Williams has confirmed 312 KW agents whose houses have been damaged by the hurricane to some degree, said spokesperson Darryl Frost, who expects this to rise. Leadership had made sure to touch based with each of the affected 4,400 associates this week, he added. On Monday afternoon, Keller Williams sent an email out to all staff to outline what steps it was taking to help its agents in the affected communities. Many around the country have asked what they can do to help.

“Due to large amounts of flooding and destruction, KW Cares estimates that we will need to raise millions to aid those affected,” the company said, directing those able to assist to kwrelief.org to contribute monetary donations and indicate that it’s for Hurricane Harvey. “Our primary need is for financial donations as well as Visa, Target and Walmart gift cards.”

Executive Director of KW Cares, Kathy Neu, was heartened by stories of KW agents going beyond the call of duty in flood-stricken Houston.

“We have an agent in Houston who heard that the wait times for people in trouble were unbelievable,” she said. “After he got his family to safety, he got his kayak out and went back out to help other Keller Williams agents and their families; he also helped neighbors in the community.”

Once further damage has been assessed, KW Cares will implement the “Heart to Heart” program, in which a market center can elect to “adopt” a family and provide for their needs over the coming weeks.

2.Median Sale Price & Days on Market

Here is a look into what is going on in your local market. The charts show the average sales price and the average days on market for properties across the entire Carolina Multiple Listing Service. As you can see, there has been a very obvious trend in the market over the past year of homes selling faster and for a higher price. The Petit Home Team is here to help you navigate and take advantage of the current market conditions and would love to speak with you about your personal real estate goals. We would be more than happy to provide a consultation that will help you understand what your house is worth and to provide you with more detailed information on your local market.

3.Just Listed/Sold Properties

20300 Bethel Church Rd, Cornelius

$205,000

Under Contract in 3 days!

Hard to find ranch in a fabulous location right near Lake Norman and all that Cornelius has to offer. Corner lot right on Bethel Church Rd with plenty of yard space. This home will not last long with features like a vaulted ceiling, large yard, and convex greenhouse window in the living room area. This property has been cared for very well and it shows.

7612 Maple Bluff Dr, Concord NC

$350,000

Under Contract in 8 days!

Wonderful brick veneer Ranch home w/3 beds, 2 baths,located in desirable Maple Bluff neighborhood! Stone-front entrance opens to large living room and kitchen and computer niche. A chef's dream kitchen w/updated marble counter-tops,tile back-splash and separate dining areas.Formal dining room w/ gleaming hardwood floors.Sliders to screened in porch.Master suite boast amazing tiled bath w/super shower and jet-tub.4+garage spaces w/ full workshop.Gorgeous landscaping throughout the 1+ acre lot!

123 Golden Oak Dr, Statesville

$425,000

Spectacular full brick veneer home w/finished BASEMENT and over 4400 square feet of living space!Located in desirable Meadow Oaks neighborhood.Grand foyer entrance opens to family room with stone fireplace,formal dining room,kitchen and Master suite.Fully updated kitchen features Viking appliances,granite counter-tops w/tile back-splash and custom cabinets.First floor Master suite w/full bath.Sliders to back deck and patio overlooking fabulous landscaping on .70 acre lot. Two car garage!

141 Sawhorse Drive, Mooresville

Sold

$213,000

1824 Island Ford Rd, Statesville

Sold

$293,000

4. Gaining Perscpective

This illustration speaks volumes to the many different perspectives on property in the marketplace. When you make the decision to buy or sell a home it is important to understand the perspective of each and every person involved throughout the transaction. Having this understanding will put you in a much better position to place a proper value on a home. The agents that make up the Petit Home Team are experts in the market and are equipped with the knowledge and perspective to help clients achieve the best results time and time again.

       

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August 2017 Petit Home Team Newsletter

August 2017 Petit Home Team Newsletter

1. Petit Home Team NEWS

2. Ten Must Haves When Building a New Home

3. Just Listed/Sold Properties

4.  Easy Back To School Lunch Ideas

1. Petit Home Team NEWS

Football season is back! This is a very exciting time of year as both Tripp and Nolan are in their first year at Power House Pride Athletics. Please read the fundraising efforts below:

We are excited to launch our 2017 season and fundraising efforts. Our board and coaches have already begun to make personal commitments to our fundraising work. Together we have a goal of $5,000.00. The money we raise will benefit our Bennett Brown Scholarship Fund, which allows for student athletes to play in our organization regardless of their family’s abilities to pay. It also helps Power House to complete refurbishment of our equipment. Our plan is to reach our goal by utilizing two approaches. 

This year we will host our first Power House Fun Run and Movie on the lawn in early September and utilize our link for our families to email to family and friends or posted on social media sites.

Fun Run and Movie Night: 

The evening will start off with a fun run for our athletes. A fun run is a non timed walk/jog/run around the track. Athletes will collect donations per lap they complete or simply collect a straight gift. There will be a max number of laps. The fun run donation sheet will be emailed to you by your Admin or you can obtain a copy at any practice.

As the sun sets we will watch a football movie on the lawn together. Bring your blankets and chairs for your family. Concession will be available.

There will be an admission fee per car. The fee is either your collected pledges/gifts for the fun run or a donation to our fundraising efforts. The fun run is optional.

Fundraising Links:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/powerhouse-pride-athletics-donation-page-tickets-36309925966

This link can be used to secure donations on your student athletes behalf.

Lets get these pledges “running” in!

 

2. Ten Must Haves When Building a New Home

1. LAUNDRY CHUTES

Talk about MUST HAVES when building a new home – this feature is a MUST MUST HAVE. No more lugging dirty laundry all over the house! Have laundry chutes installed in key places like the family bathroom and mud room so you don’t have to worry about rounding up dirty hampers from all around the house. The three primary options – in-wall, in-floor and in-cabinet laundry chutes, these are beautifully camouflaged & incredibly useful.

2. MUD ROOM

If you’ve got kids and/or pets, a mud room is definitely a must. Create a space by a back door that has towel hangers, shoe storage, and a small shower/drain area with a hand-held sprayer. By putting everything you need right by the door, you can make sure muddy shoes get hosed off and wet dogs get dried properly so that your home will remain better protected from tracked-in dirt. As must haves when building a new home go, this is a universal need for most families with pets, kids, or an active lifestyle. The room can be country casual, downright rustic or even elegant.

3. UNDER CABINET OUTLETS

If you’re going to spend time and money on creating a beautiful kitchen back-splash, why ruin it with power outlets? Talk to your custom home builder about installing electrical outlets under the cabinets so that they remain hidden from view but are still easy to access for when you need to plug in appliances.

4. SPONGE STORAGE DRAWER

This is such a simple feature that will make a huge difference in your kitchen’s daily appearance. Take the decorative drawer cover under your sink and make it flip out for quick-and-easy sponge storage. Your sink will be free of soggy sponge clutter and you’ll be making use of previously pointless space

5. OUTDOOR OUTLETS & MEDIA CONNECTIONS

If you plan on using any sort of power tools, outdoor appliances, or decorations that require a plug, you will thank yourself for thinking ahead and installing plenty of easy-access outdoor outlets. Forget about long, tangled extension cords that create trip hazards and inevitably create an ugly, bright-orange line in your yard. With numerous outdoor outlets, you can easily install outdoor lighting and work on projects outside with much less hassle.

6. BUILT-IN SPEAKERS

Bring on the tunes! If you already know where you want to put the sound system and entertainment center, talk to your custom home-builder about installing built-in speakers in the room. You’ll save yourself valuable floor or wall space and have the luxury of having your house literally be filled with music.

7. BATHROOM DRAWER WITH OUTLETS

Solve the bathroom clutter problem before it starts. Install a bathroom drawer with built-in storage for personal care appliances like blow dryers, electric shavers, hair straighteners, and electric toothbrushes and also add some power outlets. Not only will this save you the headache of untangling power cords every time you need to use one of these appliances, but it will also keep your sink area clear of charging stations.

8. DEEP KITCHEN DRAWERS INSTEAD OF CABINETS

How many times have you lost the matching storage lid into the dark abyss of a deep kitchen cabinet? Or had to get on your hands and knees to search the very back of a under the counter cabinet? Solve these problems by switching out deep cabinets for deep drawers. You’ll be able to see and reach your kitchen items much more easily, and your back and knees will thank you.

9. TRASH AND RECYCLING CHUTES

Are you sick of fighting over taking out the trash? Make the trash take itself out. Ask your custom home-builder if it will be possible to install trash and recycling chutes in the kitchen that lead to bins in the garage or outside. No more trash cans full of last night’s fish stinking up the kitchen, and no more soda cans attracting ants.

10. SMART THERMOSTAT

Chances are your home doesn’t need to be at optimal temperature 24/7. Invest in a smart thermostat so you can program your home to ease up on the energy use when no one is in the house. You can also program it to warm up the house a little before you wake up on cold winter mornings, or cool the house down right before you get home from the gym in the summer.

3.Just Listed/Sold properties

4901 Thunderbolt Rd, Concord NC

$289,000

Beautiful spot in Concord including a home, a shop/barn (with electricity ran to it), and ample amounts of acreage. Very peaceful and serene setting with easy access to surrounding cities including Concord, Harrisburg, and Charlotte. Tons of potential here, so do not miss out on this opportunity!

4700 Thunderbolt Rd, Concord NC

$210,500

Beautiful 19 acre property with plenty of privacy and wildlife. This parcel has road frontage on Thunderbolt Rd as well as Miami Church Rd. Tons of potential with this property and certainly not one to miss out on. Adjacent property 4900 Thunderbolt Rd is also listed for sale mls #3302522.

4. Easy Back To School Lunch Ideas

Lunch #1

Salami and cheese kabobs

Assorted fresh fruit

Pita chips with hummus

It just so happens that if you snap a standard wooden kabob skewer in half, it fits perfectly in the sandwich container. It also makes these kabobs the perfect size for little hands. I did salami and cheese here but I’ve included some other variations below. Use your imagination!

Kabob variations:

• Swap out the salami for any type of deli meat your child prefers.
• Add cubes of bread to create sandwich kabobs.
• Add cherry tomatoes, olives, or pickles.

Lunch #2

Leftover grilled chicken

Grapes

Cheese and crackers

Trail mix

Whenever we grill chicken, I always try to add an extra piece or two because it’s so nice to have the leftovers on hand for a quick lunch. Add some grapes, cheese and crackers, and a little trail mix for a complete meal.

Variations:

• Use store-bought rotisserie chicken.
• Replace the trail mix with a dipping sauce for the chicken. Some mayonnaise or Ranch salad dressing mixed with a little BBQ sauce is really tasty and kid-friendly.

Lunch #3

Deli turkey and ham wrap with garden vegetable cream cheese and shredded Colby Jack cheese

Cheese popcorn

Veggies with Ranch dressing

Wraps are always a fun choice for kids and it’s easy to keep all kinds of ingredients on hand to make them interesting. The one here is super basic and starts with a flour tortilla with a smear of garden vegetable cream cheese. It’s then layered with deli turkey, ham, and shredded Colby Jack cheese. If your kids are more adventurous eaters, go for it! See the variations below – the possibilities are endless! I’ve also included some cheese popcorn and veggies with Ranch dressing for dipping.

Wrap Variations:

• Add greens, shredded carrot or store-bought broccoli slaw.
• Use any of the delicious flavors of store-bought spreadable cream cheese.
• Replace cream cheese with hummus.
• Make a turkey BLT wrap with deli turkey, crisp bacon, and thinly sliced tomato.
• Use colorful, flavored wraps like sun-dried tomato or spinach.

Lunch #4

Turkey hummus pinwheels

Pretzels

Fruit

Plain Greek yogurt with a honey drizzle

Pinwheels are fun – period. Tortillas, store-bought hummus, and deli meat make for a super easy, really tasty lunch item.Spoon some plain Greek yogurt into the sauce container and drizzle it with honey. This honey Greek yogurt dip is delicious with both fruit and pretzels! Try it for yourself, it is so simple but incredibly tasty.

Pinwheel Variations:

• Add finely chopped greens, shredded carrot, or store-bought broccoli slaw.
• Replace hummus with flavored cream cheese.
• Add chopped olives.

Fruit Dip Variations:

• Stir a small pinch of cinnamon and sugar into the yogurt before drizzling with honey.
• Swirl a teaspoon of any flavor of jam into plain Greek yogurt.

       

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