Saturday, January 31, 2015

Febuary 2015 Petit Home Team Newsletter


Febuary 2015 Newsletter
I. Super Bowl Nacho Bar
II. Valentines Day Hot Spots @ Lake Norman
III. New Listings
IV. Presidents Day - "Sons of Liberty"

Super Bowl Nacho Bar

Nacho cheese ingredients-
2 pound box original Velveeta cheese
1 cup mild La Victoria taco sauce
1 cup sour cream
milk for thinning
(OR buy a giant can of Nacho Cheese)
Other ingredients-
2 large bags of tortilla chips
2 pounds ground beef, cooked and seasoned
1 jar salsa
3-4 tomatoes chopped
1 jar jalapeno slices
2 bunches of green onions, sliced
16 ounces sour cream
2-3 small cans of sliced black olives
1-2 cans of black beans drained
guacamole: 4-5 avocados, ¼ cup sour cream, 1 lime, salt (directions follow)

Tex Mex Patties
Instructions:
  1. Cube the Velveeta, put in slow cooker with 1 cup of sour cream, and 1 cup of taco sauce. Cook on high for 1½ to 2 hours, stir often. Add milk to thin. You don't want the cheese to be gloppy. Keep the cheese on high during the party, so the cheese will stay thinned out, stir often, and keep adding milk if the cheese thickens.
  2. Guacamole directions:Take 4 to 5 avocados, mash with a fork and add ¼ cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons lime juice, and a dash of salt, mix lightly.
  3. Assemble Nacho Bar
  4. Put the cooked and seasoned ground beef in a small slow cooker on low, or a pan with a lid works fine. Put all your toppings in little dishes. Place the chips in a big bowl and invite all your friends over for the party! 

Valentines Day Hot Spots@Lake Norman

Search Results


New Listings


16111 Amber Field Dr, HuntersvilleNC 28078$159,900Fantastic home for sale in the Harvest Pointe neighborhood in Huntersville! Features include 3 beds/2baths, kitchen with dining area and open living room with wood fireplace. Large lot with portion of yard fenced with deck. No homeowners association.


111 Saint Martins Ln, Statesville, NC 28677$162,500

Bright & Sunny 3 Bedroom Home w/an open floor plan.Formal Dining & Spacious Kitchen w/lots of counter space,Breakfast Bar & breakfast area.Lg Living room with Vaulted Ceiling, stone fireplace with large mantel. French Door to Backyard Deck overlooking a huge backyard-perfect for entertaining! Split Bedroom Floor plan with fantastic Owners Suite. Oversized Garage is heated area, currently set up as a rec room or can park 2 cars inside.


197 Josey Road, Statesville NC 28625
$125,000
Cozy, 2000+ sq ft, 2 story, 3 bedrooms; 1.5 baths, master on main, traditional home located minutes from Statesville with quick access to I-77. This home is an investor's/fixer uppers delight and features plenty of living space for a large or small family. The home sits on 2.23 acres great for an avid gardener. There are 2 out buildings that can be used as garages, or workshops. Rural, quiet setting.

Presidents Day - "Sons of Liberty"



The History Channel put out a three episode series named "Sons of Liberty". The setting began in Boston during the early 1770's before the Revolutionary War. The cast of characters included Sam Adams, John Hancock, John Adams, Ben Franklin, Paul Revere, George Washington and the other members who signed the Declaration of Independence. Their hatred for the British Crown was fuel for the Colonist to riot and start events like the Boston Tea Party.
The show portrays epic battles at Concord and Lexington as well as the beginning of the Revolutionary War. Some parts are really gruesome as they show how war was at that time. It was inspiring to see the speech from George Washington and the passion everyone had which was the beginning of the United States of America.
You can watch all 3 episodes on Netflix.


          

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Friday, January 23, 2015

Real Estate Gate


I figured a title with the word "Gate" included in it, will make this story a must read! Anything at this point is better than hearing about the air in a football. I can't wait for the game to start so the two best teams can determine the Super Bowl Champion!

The beginning of 2015 in the Real Estate market has started with a surge of mortgage applications. We are seeing a large number of potential buyers looking to come into the market and buy a home. Interest rates are at an all time low, coupled with an improvement in the job market and evidence that credit availability has increased.  All these factors allow buyers who may not have been able to buy a home in the past, the chance to do so. What a boost this gives to the local real estate market!

Now we are seeking sellers who want SELL!! The inventory of homes in the Charlotte area is not keeping up with the number of new buyers in the market. We are seeking homeowners who want more information regarding the possibility of selling their home. The start of the year has many people prepping for a change, are you? Contact Petit Home Team for more information about getting your property ready for the market. Striving for Excellence!!

          

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www.MovingInLakeNorman.com



Thursday, January 1, 2015

January 2015 Petit Home Team Newsletter



January 2015 Newsletter
I. Happy New Year!
II. Housing 2015: Four Major Market Predictions
III. Just Sold property
IV. Welcome the newest member of PHT

Happy New Year 2015!

Happy New Year from the Petit Home Team to you and your family! We hope your new year is filled with much success, love, and happiness. Thank you for working with us during the past year. We look forward to growing our relationship with you in 2015 and continuing to help with all your Real Estate needs!

Housing 2015: Four Major Market Predictions


When it comes to the housing market, 2015 may be the year first-time home buyers make a comeback.  Here are four housing market trends economists and other industry experts expect to see in the year ahead.
1. Looser lending standards - In early December, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac put new lending guidelines in place and started offering 3% down payment mortgages that will make it easier for more first-time buyers to qualify for a mortgage. Add to that a strengthening job market, and prospects look much brighter for young home buyers.

“It’s already begun that Millennials are going back into the market,” said Mark Zandi, chief economist for Moody’s Analytics. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, sales of new homes are expected to climb by more than 13% in 2015, while existing home sales are expected to increase by 5%. A spike in the number of first-time home buyers should spark a chain reaction by enabling existing homeowners to sell their homes and buy more expensive ones, said Zandi.
2. There will be more homes to choose from - Builders are ramping up production of smaller homes to accommodate these new entry-level buyers, said Stan Humphries, chief economist for Zillow. Homebuilder D.R. Horton formed Express Homes, to build no-frills homes ranging in price from $120,000 to $150,000, about half the average price of the homes it normally builds. Other builders, like LGI Homes and KB Homes are also targeting first-time buyers.
3. Home prices will become more affordable - With so many new homes slated to come onto the market, the supply is expected to loosen up and take some pressure off of home prices. That should improve affordability in some of the more out-of-reach metro area markets like Washington, D.C., San Jose, Calif., and Seattle. Plus, says Robert Shiller, the Nobel-Prize winning economist and co-founder of the S&P/Case-Shiller home price index, “home prices look somewhat expensive.” In fact, he thinks a decline in home prices is a “distinct possibility.”
4. Mortgage rates will move higher — at some point - If there’s any single market trend that real estate industry pros have gotten consistently wrong lately, it’s the direction of mortgage rates. But most do expect rates to rise at some point in 2015. In December, the Federal Reserve signaled that it would not raise the Federal Funds rate until the summer of 2015 or perhaps even later. Keith Gumbinger of HSH.com, a mortgage information provider, expects mortgage rates to peak next year at about 4.75% for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage. He doesn’t see rates rising much beyond 5%, which would still be “very favorable rate, historically.”
Just Sold!

100 Worden Ct.
Huntersville, NC 28078
Sold for $180,000

Spectacular 1 level home in Shepherds Vineyard neighborhood on a cul-de-sac street! Property boast 3 beds, 2 baths, open layout w/cathedral ceilings in great room, corner tile fireplace, eat in kitchen and 2 car garage. Large master bedroom with private bath. French doors in great room open to screened in porch and deck area. Separate workshop building with electric. Convenient Huntersville location!!

http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/100-Worden-Ct_Huntersville_NC_28078_M60767-80430

Welcome the Newest Member of Petit Home Team!
Please join us in welcoming the newest listing agent on Petit Home Team, Mike Tolbert! Mike’s area of expertise is property sales thanks to his long, successful history with Daimler Trucks North America, Okuma Machine Tools, and American Honda Motor Company. Mike is a wonderful asset to Petit Home Team and he is looking forward to introducing himself to you in the new year!

          

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www.MovingInLakeNorman.com

Monday, December 1, 2014

December 2014 Monthly Newsletter


December 2014 Newsletter
I. Ten Unique Ways to Decorate Your Front Door
II. Saving on home utility cost
III. Sold properties
IV. Stocking stuffer ideas



10 Unique Ways to Decorate Your Front Door

Salvage Show

Re-purpose architectural elements. Two pairs of over sized shutters, painted jaunty red and hinged together, add a dash of holiday spirit without going over the top. Reclaimed shutters have an appealing weathered look, but you could simply buy them from a home improvement store and paint them the color of your choice.

Glistening Columns

Mass outdoor lights for a magical effect. Take traditional Christmas lights in a different direction by wrapping them tightly around columns, railings and other front-entry architectural details to yield an extra-radiant shimmer. You also could use this technique with tree trunks, mailboxes, trellises or any other part of the landscape that lends itself.


Local Flair

Rethink the standard garland. Pine, fir, spruce? You've done them all, and you're in the mood for something new. Instead, go for different types of evergreens that grow in the area where you live. For example, a Southern front porch and door would look pitch-perfect with a garland of magnolia leaves. Over sized white bulbs mimic the look of flower buds.

Initial Appeal

Show off your monogram. Embrace family pride with a custom monogram crafted from wood or another material. It’s easy to personalize this idea to suit the lines of your home and the style of your holiday decor.


Layered Look

Blend traditional colors and themes with unexpected touches. Old-fashioned ice skates, bountiful bows and lush greenery mingle with wooden clogs, twig trees and a jaunty plaid pillow. The combination feels homey, relaxed, slightly rustic and stylish. You could put your own spin on this approach by layering items you have around the house or inexpensive thrift-store finds.


Watch Your Step

Illuminate your walkway. Simple glass candle holders with sprigs of greenery and berries, cast a gentle glow to guide guests to your door. Just as a blazing fire draws people to the hearth, the candles set an unmistakable tone of welcome. They look especially bewitching in the snow, but if you live in a warmer climate, try tucking shatterproof silver and white ornaments among the votives to create the impression of glittering ice. Or use sand, shells and beach grasses in a coastal setting.

Modern Greenery

Freshen up the scheme with contemporary elements. Pheasant feathers and green apples inspire the palette of this sophisticated front door ensemble. The feathers feel slightly edgy yet still suitable for the classic garland, wreath and topiary trio. Keeping the colors monochromatic also helps to modernize the look.

Personal Welcome
Pay tribute to your favorite crafts and hobbies. Yarn-covered balls are grouped into a one-of-a-kind wreath that leaves no doubt as to the owner's love of handmade treasures. This one features wintry cream, blue and gray tones; go with reds and greens if you like the traditional Christmas color scheme. Or try bright blue and white for Hanukkah.

Door Frames

Try a frame treatment. Got an old picture frame that’s begging for a fresh face? Transform it into a festive holiday door decoration that makes a fun alternative to a wreath. Here, a frame painted brilliant turquoise sets off a cluster of ornaments. Choose one with sculptural lines and detailing to create visual depth. Amp up the effect by hanging three of them in a vertical stack — keep them identical for a contemporary look, or vary the sizes, shapes and colors if your style is more collected.

Gift-Box Topiary

Pile up the presents. Large boxes, wrapped in sturdy paper and topped off with ribbon, perch atop a footed urn for a whimsical twist on the usual topiary. Want to take this idea a step or two farther? Line porch steps with tiny wrapped boxes, stack faux gifts like columns beside the front door, or glue small boxes in varying sizes to a wreath form and mount it on the door.


Saving on home utility cost

1. Auto-temperature. By installing a programmable thermostat, homeowners can save up to $180 a year in heating and cooling bills.

2. Stop gushing. Turn the valves under the kitchen and bathroom sinks halfway off. When you open a faucet above, the water won't come gushing out, but there'll be plenty to wash dishes or brush teeth.

3. Hang out. Your electric clothes dryer is the biggest energy-gobbling appliance in your home after the refrigerator, costing about $85 a year to run. So hang clothes outside, or inside until they're almost dry, then pop them into the dryer.

4. A drip in time. Your AC system and dehumidifier pull water out of the air that's perfect for gardening or car washing. Some devices will route the water to your garden.

5. Winter savings. Inflatable fireplace dampers keep your home's warm air from escaping through a fireplace with a leaky metal damper. Pay $50 to $200 once and save $50 to $200 every year. 

6. B.Y.O.B. Supermarkets in some areas charge 5 cents a bag. Some big stores give credits if you bring your own bag. Target discounts 5 cents for each throwaway bag not used, while CVS issues a $1 coupon every fourth time a customer checks out with a 99-cent "Green Bag Tag" that's sold at the store.

7. Power down. If you have an electric water heater, install a switch so that it's on only when you need hot water. Or buy a timer to do the job automatically. Turning down the temperature on an electric or gas water heater will also save you money year-round.

8. Don't fill the kettle. When you boil water for a cup of tea, put in just the amount you need. You're wasting energy for anything extra.

9. Heat health. To conserve energy, turn off radiators or close heating and cooling vents in vacant rooms. Heavy drapes also lower energy bills.

10. Unplug. Disconnect your cellphone and other electronic gadgets when they are fully charged, or you're just wasting energy. They draw power when they are plugged in, so don't let them soak up juice all night.

Sold properties

196 Gannett Rd, Mooresville NC 28117
Sale price $483,000


Waterfront house lot sits in a popular cove on Lake Norman! Located just off Brawley School Rd and Isle of Pine Rd, located on a quiet, dead end street. This .71 acre lot is ready for your dream home to be built. Luxury properties surround the area. Bring your own builder if you wish. Boat slip and floating dock already in place. Septic and well systems are on site. 



4. Fifty Stocking stuffer ideas


General:
- $5 gift card to restaurant or store
- Magazines
- Flower or plant seeds
- Slipper socks
- Puzzle books (Crossword, Sudoku, etc.)
- Rubix cube
-Scarf, mittens, hat, other winter accessories
- Bookmarks
- CD's
- DVD's
- Tickets to a concert, museum, or other show
- Pajamas
- Umbrella
- Books you recommend


Children:
- Piggy bank with "starter" penny
- Stickers
- Play dough
- Stuffed animal
- Hot Wheels or Matchbox cars
- Paint set
- Ready-to-make craft sets
- Barbie dolls
- Coloring book
- Silly Bandz
-Hair clips/headbands
- Bubbles
- Pez dispenser
- Crayons or markers
- Pencils


Adults:
- Stationary
- Phone case
- Nail polish
- Chapstick
- Wine stopper
- Lottery tickets
- Scented candles
- Mini tool set
- Cookie cutters
- Magnets
- Hot chocolate or coffee in fun packaging
- Coffee mug
- Reusable grocery bags
- Ear buds/headphones
- Body lotion
- Mini sewing kit
- Golf balls


          

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