November 2014 Monthly Newsletter

November 2014 Newsletter

1. Happy Veterans Day
2. Realtor Conference and Expo

3. New Listings

4. Thanksgiving Desert - Pumpkin Roll Recipe

     

1. Happy Veterans Day

Teaching Kids About Veterans Day

Veterans Day is an opportunity to honor and give thanks to those who have served or are serving in the military. Sandwiched between the excitement of Halloween and Thanksgiving, this day can sometimes go unnoticed by kids, but I am trying to help my kids understand its significance. There are some very simple and age-appropriate ways we can teach young kids to show respect and appreciation to veterans. Here are some ideas.

Talk with Kids About Veterans

Help kids understand who veterans are. Adults often describe veterans as soldiers, people who wear uniforms, and live on military bases. Of course, these things are true, but they can be very abstract for kids who are not familiar with military families. It is likely that kids encounter many veterans on a regular basis, they just might not realize it.

Say Thank You

Be a model for your children. When you see a veteran, simply say, “Thank you.” Our kids learn from us. Talk with them about why you say thank you to the soldier at the grocery store and the soldier you pass in the airport. It is such a simple act of gratitude, but it means a lot.

Make a Card or Baked Goods for a Veteran

Kids can also make cards to say thank you to veterans they know. Even beginner writers can make a simple card with sticky foam letters or by simply coloring a background that an adult can write on. If you live close to a veteran, you could even help your child make some cookies or another treat to deliver.

Attend a Ceremony or Parade

Many cities or schools host Veterans Day ceremonies or parades.Check your local community calendars to find out which is best to take your kids.

2. Realtor Conference and Expo

Next week +Robert Petit Jr will be attending the +National Association of Realtors annual real estate conference in New Orleans. Making the trip with me is my good friend +Bill Fooks  of +Fooks Team Real Estate. The educational classes and broker panels allow agents from all over the country to share their marketing tips, technology tools and day to day activities. These are the top agents in the country sharing their ideas that work! Implementing these tips over the course of the year will add tremendous value to our team.  

3. New Listings

777 Chaffin Rd, Woodleaf, NC 27054

$499,500

Glorifying craftsmanship with Colorado-like views!Custom built 5 bedroom, 4 bath home sits on spectacular wooded lot overlooking Yadkin river. No architectural detail was spared.Cyprus Wood walls with windows galore.Open floor plan-granite kitchen,stone fireplace, hickory wood floors.Master bedroom suite w/ private balcony-marble/tile bathroom w/ jacuzzi. Large separate laundry room.Lower level great rm w/Vermont Cassidy wood stove. Add'l bedroom and full bath.Walkout to patio& deck.Come see your dream home!

70 Spencer St, Mooresville, NC 28115

$69,900

 Fresh and clean home available immediately! Property features new carpets throughout. New roof was put on in September 2014. Home sits on a corner lot with excellent location across the street from Magla Park. Call today!!

4. Thanksgiving Desert Recipe

Pumpkin Roll Recipe

How to make a Pumpkin Roll

Lightly spray a 10 X 15 jelly roll pan with cooking spray. Line the jelly roll pan with parchment paper.  The cooking spray helps adhere the paper to the pan.  Give the top of the paper a coat of cooking spray.

Pumpkin Roll Recipe (for cake )

1/4 cup powdered sugar (to sprinkle on towel)

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 large eggs

1 cup granulated sugar

2/3 cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)

(for filling)

1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, at room temperature

1 cup powdered sugar, sifted

1/4 butter, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Powdered sugar for decoration

Preheat oven to 375° F. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt in a bowl. Beat eggs and granulated sugar in large mixer bowl until thick. Mix in pumpkin. Stir in flour mixture. Spread batter evenly into prepared jelly roll pan.Sprinkle a thin, cotton kitchen towel with powdered sugar. A towel with little texture works best.  Be sure to put enough powdered sugar on the towel so the cake will not stick when rolling up the cake.Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until top of cake springs back when touched.  Don’t over bake.  Immediately loosen and flip cake onto prepared towel. Carefully peel off paper.Refrigerate cake until cool, about an hour. While cake is cooling prepare the filling.To make filling beat cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, butter and vanilla until smooth.Gently unroll the cake.Spread cream cheese mixture over cake. Reroll cake. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least one hour.Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy!

Your comPETITive advantage!

704-728-6944

info@PetitHomeTeam.com

         

Plan your weekend on the cheap with this list of free events, from Friday, October 10th, 2014, to Sunday, October 12th

Free things to do this weekend around Charlotte
http://www.charlotteonthecheap.com/free-things-weekend-4/?utm_source=feedblitz&utm_medium=FeedBlitzEmail&utm_content=883323&utm_campaign=0

35+ free things to do this weekend around Charlotte - Charlotte On The Cheap

www.charlotteonthecheap.com

Plan your weekend on the cheap with this list of free things to do around Charlotte.

October Newsletter is Here!

October 2014 Monthly Newsletter

                             In this month’s newsletter:

                  1. Safety tips for Halloween Decorating 

                  2. Featured Listings and Sold Properties

                  3.Charlotte Hornets 2014-2015 schedule

                  4. Home Buying In 6 Steps

              Safety Tips for Halloween Decorating

1.) Watch your step. Everyone wants their yard to be the spookiest on the block, but there needs to be a clear cut trail from the sidewalk to your door. Plus, if you are blocking any of the sidewalk it could be cause for a complaint. I would not complain, of course, but we all know at least one person that would raise a stink about it.

2.) Light the way. Of course a little dim lighting brings out the heebie-jeebies in everyone, but you want your trick-or-treaters to feel safe about the house they are approaching. Your walkway should be well lit as well as any other outdoor features that might make parents suspicious. Plus, if you really want people to appreciate all that effort you put into your decorations, don’t you want them to at least be easy to see? Besides, lighting is just another way to add character to your spooky theme! Consider purple lights under a layer of cobwebs, or bright orange lights lining your walkway. Have fun!

3.) Know the first safety rules. Some decorations are flame retardant, some are not. Some don’t heat up hot enough to melt surrounding decorations (like fake spider webs), and some do. Read all the instructions on your decorations in order to ensure that nothing goes up in flames. Candles may seem like a great way to give a spooky feel to your front porch, but the combination of wind, clumsy kids and dry leaves is just asking for a disaster. If you’re going to use any real flame of any kind, it should be covered in a fool-proof container, like a jack-o-lantern.

4.) Know how much your house can take. Decorations can urselbe quite elaborate nowadays, with motion detection mummies and life-size electrical werewolves. If you find yof pulling out more and more extension cords to make things work, you might be close to hitting your limit. Make sure you are not overloading your circuits with high wattage decoration requirements. 

5.) Know your neighborhood. Some neighborhoods are acceptable to certain creepy ideas. Other neighborhoods might not be as welcoming to new ideas. Always be aware of your surroundings and be respectful to all homes.

Featured Listings and Sold Properties

104 Galax Drive, Statesville NC 28677

Listing Price $275,000

This is a spectacular place to call home! Rocking chair front porch, 2 garages(attached and detached)and sparkling in-ground pool are the special features of this property.Delightful kitchen with breakfast counter area flows into formal dining rm and fireplaced family rm. 1 st floor master suite with master bath all have hardwood floors.Sliders to back deck area overlooking pool.Add'l bedrooms and bonus rm(4th BR)with freshly cleaned carpets on second floor.Bedrooms feature LARGE walk in closets!

5730 Old Plank Rd, Iron Station NC 28080

Listing Price $100,000

Large 4 bedroom 2 bath property located in Iron Station! The home sits on a fully fenced in 3/4 acre corner lot. Over 2000 square feet of living area. Open floor plan from kitchen to living room. Sliders to back deck. Call today!

754 Wallace Springs Rd, Statesville NC 28677

Listing Price $153,000

Rare home/workshop property available immediately for the right buyer!This is a bungalow style home featuring 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, tiled kitchen, living room and laundry room on second floor. Full garage/workshop in lower level with back loading door and 1800 square feet.Tall ceilings and open work area allows you to take on any project! All sitting on a extremely private and secluded 8.53 acre lot.Call today to see if this property is the one for you!

5699 Gold Creek Bay, Hickory NC 28601

Sold Price $203,000

108 Cholly Wood Dr, Mooresville NC 28115

Sold Price $232,840

3. Charlotte Hornets 2014-2015 Schedule

4. Home Buying In 6 Steps

​

Petit Home Team

Keller Williams Realty

Rob - 704-728-9625

Bob - 704-728-9824

www.PetitHomeTeam.com

"D" Day

Here is an article on the subject of "D" Day which describes the history of this special day. (courtesy of Wikipedia):

  

Normandy landings

The Normandy landings, codenamed Operation Neptune, were the landing operations on 6 June 1944 (termedD-Day) of the Allied invasion of Normandy in Operation Overlord during World War II. The largest seaborne invasion in history, the operation began the invasion of German-occupied western Europe, led to the restoration of the French Republic, and contributed to an Allied victory in the war.

Planning for the operation began in 1943. In the months leading up to the invasion, the Allies conducted a substantial military deception, codenamed Operation Bodyguard, to mislead the Germans as to the date and location of the main Allied landings. The weather on D-Day was far from ideal, but postponing would have meant a delay of at least two weeks, as the invasion planners had requirements for the phase of the moon, the tides, and the time of day that meant only a few days in each month were deemed suitable. Hitler placed German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel in command of German forces and of developing fortifications along the Atlantic Wall in anticipation of an Allied invasion.

The amphibious landings were preceded by extensive aerial and naval bombardment and an airborne assault—the landing of 24,000 British, US, and Canadian airborne troops shortly after midnight. Allied infantry and armoured divisions began landing on the coast of France starting at 06:30. The target 50-mile (80 km) stretch of the Normandy coast was divided into five sectors: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword Beach. Strong winds blew the landing craft east of their intended positions, particularly at Utah and Omaha. The men landed under heavy fire from gun emplacements overlooking the beaches, and the shore was mined and covered with obstacles such as wooden stakes, metal tripods, and barbed wire, making the work of the beach clearing teams difficult and dangerous. Casualties were heaviest at Omaha, with its high cliffs. At Gold, Juno, and Sword, several fortified towns were cleared in house-to-house fighting, and two major gun emplacements at Gold were disabled using specialised tanks.

The Allies failed to achieve all of their goals on the first day. Carentan, St. Lô, and Bayeux remained in German hands, and Caen, a major objective, was not captured until 21 July. Only two of the beaches (Juno and Gold) were linked on the first day, and all five bridgeheads were not connected until 12 June. However, the operation gained a foothold that the Allies gradually expanded over the coming months. German casualties on D-Day were around 1,000 men. Allied casualties were at least 12,000, with 4,414 confirmed dead. Museums, memorials, and war cemeteries in the area host many visitors each year.

The actions by these brave men and woman, allow us to enjoy the many freedoms this country has to offer.

Freedom to buy and own a home is one that comes to mind. Remember to exercise that option as we are in this busy Real Estate Season.

Rob (USCG) and Bob (USMC) are both veterans.  Each served during a different era and we are both very proud to have served.

Let us help serve you in the process of buying or selling your home.

We look forward to hearing from you.

God Bless America

Petit Home Team

(704) 728-6944

www.PetitHomeTeam.com

Happy Flag Day 2014, 6 Seller Secrets for Summer Real Estate, and More in This Month’s Newsletter!

In this month’s newsletter:

1. Happy Flag Day, June 14th 2014!2. 6 Seller Secrets for This Summer’s Real Estate Market3. The Benefits of a Well Maintained A/C System4. HUGE List of Free Summer Fun Ideas for Kids Around Charlotte

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Flag day is right around the corner on June 14th, 2014!

 

 Flag day represents our unity as a nation. Take a moment to show respect for our flag’s glorious history,
and those who designed this symbol of our independence.

 

Don’t forget to brush up on your Flag Etiquette for this special day!

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6 Seller Secrets for This Summer’s Real Estate Market

1. Right Now = A Great Time To Sell
The winter home selling season was crippled by the polar vortex, especially in the east and northeast,
so there’s pent-up demand from buyers who’ve been waiting for better weather to brave the house hunt.
Mortgage rates are still at historic lows, so buyers ARE poised to buy and ready to hit the streets.

2. Know Your Numbers: 60 percent
Sixty percent of all homes in 2014 will be bought and sold from May to August.
Putting your home on the market at the beginning of the selling season will help your chances of snagging a
winning offer before buyers turn their attention back to school starting in September.

3. Price It Right
Many metros in the country have seen double-digit price increases in the past year. But this last quarter,
prices started to slow nationally – and pricing is a critical component to getting your house sold. With this fluctuating
market, you need to look at comps of similar homes in your area, and recency matters:
make sure you’re looking back no more than 60 days. The sale price of homes that sold recently paints a much better
picture of what to expect than the price of homes that sold six months ago (or of homes that have yet to sell).

4. Bidding Wars Aren’t Back (Phew!)
Bidding wars were common in the summer of 2013, but we’re hearing less about them right now.
So don’t bank on fielding two or three offers at once. There is, however, a good chance that you’ll still
get the one that will be a win/win for both you and the buyer.

5. It Pays To Be Ahead Of The Curve
Trying to get a jump on the competition? Right now we’re on the cusp of prime selling and buying season,
and if you list soon, you’ll have less competition. Since it’s still early, your home can have its ‘moment in the spotlight’

 more than it will when inventory increases – and the buyers who are braving the cold to house shop are clearly motivated.

6. Make It Pop Off The Computer (Or Smartphone) Screen!
In this new mobile era, a huge percentage of buyers use apps to start their home search. And that percentage
is expected to rise this year as more buyers take advantage of easy access to the wealth of information online.
Get in on this trend by making sure your home pops on those computer screens. Great homes with mediocre

quality photos will be quickly discarded and ultimately get less showings.
Sellers should insist that their agent take the time to beef up their online listing so the quality of
the home jumps off the screen and gets buyers’ attention.

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HUGE List of Fun and Free Summer Activities for Children Around Charlotte

Your kids can have fun in the Charlotte area this summer without putting a hurting to your wallet!

Roller Skating

 Skate For Free is a national program that allows kids to roller skate for free this summer
in many rinks across the country. Two rinks in Gastonia are participating.

Bowling:
Several bowling alleys in the Charlotte area are participating in programs that allow
kids to bowl for free all summer. In some cases there are great deals for adult family members as well.

Free Swim Lessons:
Charlotte’s two public outdoor pools, Cordelia Pool at 2100 N. Davidson Street, and Double Oaks Pool,
at 1200 Newland Road,  offer free swimming lessons throughout the summer.

Reed Gold Mine:

 Reed Gold Mine, just a short drive away in Midland, is a great outing for kids.
It’s free to tour the mine. Pay just $3 to pan for gold.

Dan Nicholas Park:

 Also a short drive away, Dan Nicholas Park in Salisbury is definitely worth a visit or two this summer.
Everything there is either free or just a couple bucks, including an old-fashioned carousel, a mini-train ride,
sprayground, nature center, paddle boats, mini golf, animals, and gem mining.

Drop-in Day Camp at Gaston County Museum:Gaston County is offering a free drop-in day camp for kids age 5-12 on Thursday mornings starting June 12.
Kids will learn about life in the 1800s through hands-on activities.

Cheap pools and free spraygrounds:
Charlotte Park and Rec’s spraygrounds and swimming pools opened for weekends and will be open every day
of the week starting soon. The spraygrounds are free and the swimming pools cost just $1 to visit.

Free outdoor movies:
Once again, several Charlotte area locations are showing free outdoor movies this summer.

$1 (or less!) Weekday Morning Movies:
Many Charlotte area movie theaters are offering weekday movies for $1 or less for kids.

Summer Reading Programs:

 In addition to Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s great program, several bookstores offer kids prizes for
summer reading. Read about three Charlotte summer reading programs.

Kidgits Summer Camp at Concord Mills:
It does cost $5 to join the Kidgits Club, but that’s for the whole year. After that all the activities are free, including this
“summer camp” at Concord Mills. Mondays through Thursdays from June 23rd through July 17th there
will be kids’ activities at Concord Mills, including music, movies, science, mini-golf and more.

Outdoor concerts:
Free summer concerts are held all over the Charlotte area. These are family-friendly and sometimes include
special activities for kids like face-painting and bounce houses.

Terrific Tuesdays at ImaginOn:
ImaginOn is presenting free performances for kids on Tuesdays at 11am and 1pm.
Although they are free, tickets are required and they go quickly. You can reserve the tickets online.

Libraries:
Charlotte Mecklenburg Libraries offer free activities and events for all kids, from babies up through teens.
Search their events listings for dates, time, ages, and the type of event your child is interested in.

Free crafts and projects:
Michaels, Lakeshore Learning, Lowes, and Home Depot all offer regularly
scheduled free crafts and projects for kids on Saturdays.

Schiele Museum:
The second Tuesday of every month, Schiele Museum in Gastonia is free.

Energy Explorium:
Always free to visit, Energy Explorium at McGuire Nuclear Station in Huntersville gives kids a chance to
learn about energy, weather, the environment and nature through interactive activities at the visitor’s center.
There’s a mile-long walking trail along the shore of Lake Norman and a picnic area.

Nature Centers:

Charlotte Mecklenburg Parks and Recreation operates three nature centers, each within a nature preserve,
Reedy Creek, McDowell and Latta Plantation.

ImaginOn:
ImaginOn is a joint project of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and Children’s Theatre of Charlotte.
It contains the Spangler Children’s Library and presents dynamic shows for kids of all ages.
Although tickets are required for theatre presentations, visiting ImaginOn is always free and there’s plenty to do.

Lego Mini-Build:
The first Tuesday of every month, the LEGO Store in Concord Mills holds a free mini-build for kids,
who get to build a little model and take it home with them.

Greenways:
Mecklenburg County maintains over 35 miles of developed greenways, and more are on the way.
The greenways run along creeks and are a great place to walk and ride bikes.

UNCC Botanical Gardens:
UNCC Botanical Gardens include two outdoor gardens to explore, and a greenhouse.

Kids love the butterfly terrrace, Asian Garden, bridges and ponds with waterfalls. It’s free to visit.

Posted on June 5, 2014 by Petit Home Team