Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Google Fiber Proposal is Moving Foward in Charlotte!

Charlotte to move forward with Google Fiber proposal

 
 
 

The Charlotte City Council gave the green light Monday for a formal application requesting Google bring its gigabit residential broadband Internet service to the city.

Charlotte is one of a handful of cities being considered for the service, known as Google Fiber. It provides Internet speeds 100 times faster than conventional broadband.  The city released a list of 31 sites for so-called “Fiber Huts,” which Google would build to help bring the service to people’s homes.
The huts would be located on sites such as city-owned fire stations, water tanks, the police and fire academy, a landfill and even Evergreen Cemetery in east Charlotte. The city has leased space on its land to cellphone towers in the past. Google is considering nine metro areas for the service, after it debuted it in Kansas City; Provo, Utah; and Austin, Texas.

The Charlotte metro area is in the running for Google Fiber with Portland, Oregon; San Jose, Calif.; Salt Lake City; Phoenix; San Antonio, Texas; Nashville, Tenn.; Atlanta; and the Raleigh-Durham area.
The city of Charlotte will submit its proposal by May 1. It expects to hear from Google whether it will be chosen by the end of the year at the latest, said Phil Reiger of the Charlotte Department of Transportation.
Based on pricing in Kansas City, an Internet-only service from Google would cost $70 a month. The Internet service plus television programming would cost $120 a month.  The service would only be available inside the city limits.

The city said Google hasn’t asked for any financial incentives to build the Internet system. The “huts” would be 1,400 square feet each and would serve about 20,000 households. The city would lease the land for the huts for a 20-year term.

“Are we allocating staff resources on this that would normally be handled on the private sector side?” asked council member Kenny Smith. Reiger said that would not be the case.

In other action, council members unanimously approved a rezoning for 89.5 acres on Providence Road south of Interstate 485. The rezoning, requested by Crosland Southeast and Childress Klein, will allow for the construction of Waverly, a mixed-use development anchored by a Whole Foods.
Council members also approved the rezoning of 5.71 acres in the Cherry neighborhood as requested by Stonehunt LLC. Stonehunt has proposed building 39 single-family homes and two duplexes on the site.
City staff recommended the project be approved, but the Zoning Committee voted 5-1 against the project. Pasty Kinsey was the only council member to vote against the rezoning.

Saturday, April 26, 2014

New Listing in Lake Norman's Popular Westport Community!

New Listing!!

7867 N Golf Course DR
Denver, NC 28037
$274,900 



Call me for a showing today! 704-575-9202


Know someone thinking of buying or selling real estate in the Charlotte or Lake Norman area?
 I would LOVE to help!  

Jackie Young, Realtor/Broker
Keller Williams Realty
Call/Text: 704-575-9202
Visit my webpage to search the MLS for free!!  



Friday, March 28, 2014

9 Home Improvements to Make before Selling Your Home

When you own a home it seems that you are in a constant state of home improvement (My favorite!!). 
Research has shown that your home will sell faster and for a higher price 
if you do just a few simple things to make it stand out...




1. Clean and De-clutter. If you don’t do anything else you MUST do this. It is very difficult for buyers to see themselves living in the home if they can’t see the floor or the walls because there is stuff everywhere. Cleaning seems obvious but I mean a true deep clean inside cabinets, bathrooms,  and closets. Purge or place in storage all the items that you do not need or don’t use daily. While you are cleaning and storing, take out personal items, it’s important to help the buyer envision how they will fit into the space. Lastly, all  guns, valuables or personal items should be locked away. If there is a drawer, assume that it will be opened, if there is a door assume someone will look  inside.

2. Curb Appeal and Entrance. The front and back of the home should pop. Making sure that the lawn is mowed, planting flowers, ensuring paint is fresh, the door is free from cobwebs or dirt, screens are not sagging or broken, and the porch should be clean and free from debris.

3. If it’s broken, fix it. If a door lock is broken, shingles are missing from the roof, or a faucet is leaky all these will be noticed by a prospective buyer and may lead them to believe other home maintenance tasks have  been neglected. Buyers tend to inflate the costs of home repairs and may assume that the costs to repair are about twice the actual cost, this may prompt them to look over your home or put in a much lower offer.

4. Paint. A new coat of paint will make your house look fresh, clean and updated. It’s like a “little botox” for your walls and will cover all  the cracks, creaks and the occasional dent. Before your paint, cover holes with putty and sand smooth, and for bigger holes, spray texture to make them look less obvious. In addition, don’t forget to look up. If your ceiling needs it, do it.

5. Floors. Flooring gets the most wear over any other piece of your home. If your flooring is screaming for some TLC consider doing so before  you put your house on the market. Carpet should be free from stains or damage, tile and hardwood should be clean and free from cracks, and linoleum should be  clean and free from holes or gouges. If you are in the market to put new floor in, hardwood is the gold standard for what buyers want most of the time and there are a variety of cost options for most budgets.

6. The Roof. Buyer’s aren’t just in the market for a roof over their head, they are looking for a roof that doesn’t leak, sag or need repairs. If your roof doesn’t need a complete overhaul make sure that there  aren’t any shingles that need replaced. While you are up there, it is also a great time to clean out those gutters and caulk them.

7. De-odorize. Remove anything that could potentially produce a less than desirable smell. The two biggest things are animals and smoke. Take pets with you when you leave for showings. If there is a smoker in the house consider having them go somewhere not on the homes parameter. It may sound harsh but smell is one of the first thing a buyer will notice, and smoke is impossible to cover up without it being obvious, not to mention that smoke clings to outdoor furniture as much as it does to indoor furniture. Other things to help de-odorize, replace furnace filters and deep clean the bathroom and kitchen to get rid of and prevent mold, mildew and bacteria.

8. The windows. New windows are expensive but nothing takes an older home up a few notches better than new windows. If you can’t afford to put new windows in, make sure that they are cleaned inside and out. Look at the sills and if they are cracked or yellowing, paint them. Lastly make sure that the blinds and window coverings are clean, and in good condition.

9. Staging. This is a big one!!! Right before you put your home on the market, make  your home sale ready. Research has shown that having your home staged can increase the chance of your home selling faster and for a higher sales price vs. not having it staged. You can hire a professional, or have a friend with an outsiders opinion come help. I stage all my listings for free and it makes a huge difference!


Thinking of Selling your home within the next year and want some advice on any necessary repairs or improvements to help the home sell? Call me 704-575-9202 or email me jackieyoung@kw.com for a free seller consultation with no obligation to you. I look forward to hearing from you!


Jackie Young, Realtor/Broker
Keller Williams Realty 
Charlotte, NC & Lake Norman
Call/Text: 704-575-9202
jackieyoung@kw.com
 

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Plan Ahead Moving Tips



Moving? 
Non-Packing Essentials That Must Be Planned In Advanced

1.       Research & hire a mover 6 weeks before the big day. 

2.       Fill out a “change of address” form at your local post office 2-3 weeks prior.

3.       Notify utility services 2 weeks prior to your move.  Schedule them to turn off at your old home the day after you move, and turn on at the new home a couple of days prior to moving in.

4.       Call a locksmith and arrange to have your new home locks changed on moving day.

5.       Schedule a cleaning company to clean the  new home and steam clean the carpets a day or two before your move date.

6.       Have records transferred to new schools.

7.       Change address with creditors and financial institutions.

8.       Research cable, internet, and phone providers in new area and set up appointments for service installation.

9.       Preorder new checks with your change of address.

10.   Fill and transfer prescriptions a week before.

11.   Withdraw cash for unexpected expenses during the move.

12.   Properly dispose any flammable items that can’t be transported.

13.   If you bank with a regional bank and you’re moving out of town, you will need to set up an account with a new bank.

14.   Unplug and defrost your refrigerator 1-2 days before packing it in the truck.

15.   Empty gas and oil out of your lawn mower and weed eater.

16.   Back up all computers.

17.   Take a family photo in your old home before leaving.


Jackie Young, Realtor/Broker
 Keller Williams Realty
Charlotte, NC
Call/Text: 704-575-9202
jackieyoung@kw.com

Thursday, March 13, 2014

2014 Saint Patty's Day in the Charlotte Area!!

St. Patty's Day Festivities 
around Charlotte!


Saturday, March 15th - Largest bar crawl in the world !!

Saturday, 11am to 5pm. Free. Live music from Mike Strauss and Love Cannon. At 1pm the whitewater river turns green. There’s a charge for parking, and activities at the center incur a charge. Also there’s a 5K in the morning that is not free. 

Saturday, 10am to 4pm. Free. Follow the Leprechaun’s clues through the woods to find the hidden treasure.

Saturday, 10am to 6pm. Free. Popular festival in Uptown Charlotte. There’s lots of entertainment, vendors and a kids’ amusement area. 

Saturday, 11am. Free. The parade draws over 70,000 spectators. It steps off at 11am from Tryon and 9th Streets. 

Saturday, 12pm until late. Monday, 8am until late. Free. This two-day block party in Cornelius features Irish music and dancers, bagpipers, games, DJs and more. It takes place both inside and outside.

Saturday, 2pm. Free. The party starts outside with live music on the MetStage overlooking the Little Sugar Creek Greenway. Later it moves inside to Hickory Tavern, where there will be a DJ. 

Saturday, 3pm. Free. DJs and the band NONONO.

Saturday and Monday, 7am until late. Free on Monday through 7pm. Cover charge at other times. Irish music and dancing, Crash Box Band, DJ. 

Sunday, 1pm to 3pm. This one is for the kids. Features Radio Disney Charlotte, face-painting and crafts.

Monday, 4:30pom to 9:30pm. Free. This festival in Rock Hill is worth the drive. Irish music and dancing on the stage, amusement area for kids, vendors.

Monday, 6:30pm. Free. This story time at Myers Park Library also includes Irish-themed songs and a craft.

Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 4pm. $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, $6 for students, ages 5 and under are free. Learn about Celtic people in history. Live music, food, drink, storytelling and more. Historic Latta Plantation.

Saturday, 6pm to 9pm. $10 per person. Or pay $15 for a combination ticket to the music night and the Latta Celtic Festival. 

Saturday, 1pm. $5 gets you admission, one drink and a raffle ticket. Bring the dogs to The Dog Bar in NoDa for this bash. It’s a fundraiser for Great Danes Friends of Ruff Love, a rescue organization for Great Danes.

http://www.charlotteonthecheap.com/free-cheap-st-patricks-day-events/



For More Information about the Charlotte and Lake Norman Areas 
Contact Jackie Young at 704-575-9202 or jackieyoung@kw.com

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Keller Williams Realty ranks #1 again!

In 2013...

We added 15,000 Associates (up 20%)

We handled 644,000 Transactions (up 20%)

We closed $158 Billion in Sales (up 30%)

We earned $4.2 Billion in Commissions (up 30%)

We pocketed $78 Million in Profit Share (up 40%)


Go Keller Williams!! I love his company!


Jackie Young, Realtor/Broker
Keller Williams Realty
704-575-9202
jackieyoung@kw.com
JackieYoungHomes.com

Friday, February 14, 2014

Happy Valentine's Day!







Thinking of buying or selling real estate in the Charlotte or Lake Norman area?? 

Contact me today!! 704-575-9202 or jackieyoung@kw.com 

Visit JackieYoungHomes.com to search the MLS for free!


Jackie Young, Realtor/Broker
Keller Williams Realty
704-575-9202
jackieyoung@kw.com
JackieYoungHomes.com