Lake Norman and Charlotte Homes

As a Realtor with Estates And Condos Realty, I am involved on a consistent basis in the home inspection process. As a rule, inspectors here in North Carolina follow a set of guidelines set forth by the North Carolina Home Inspectors Association. Here is an example that happened on July 10, 2007.

The inspection took place at 10:00, in the neighborhood of Macaulay in Huntersville. The home is approximately six years old and was built by St Lawrence Homes. Macaulay, as a development was built by four construction firms. They were: St Lawrence Homes, Ryland, Shea Homes and DR Horton. The quality of construction had a direct influence on the outcome of the inspection.

We spent approximately 2 hours going over the home with a fine tooth comb and only came up with the most minor repair issues, mostly related to homeowner use over time. Some system adjustments were recommended, but the final cost was minimal in scope.

Buyers who select a reputable service can depend on obtaining a full scope “sight inspection”. This means that the inspection is a “look” at the property at a given point in time. These services are not technically exhaustive, but do provide a professional assessment of home condition where a consumer might not know what to look for when reviewing a home.

In buying a home, look for quality of construction, as referenced by your Realtor. Any of the homes in this particular neighborhood, Macaulay, would be good choice, but the adjoining development of Birkdale is also a fine example of quality construction that, when maintained, will provide the home owner with many years of comfortable enjoyment.

Call Ben Wirtz, Realtor and Partner Toll-Free at 1.888.88ESTATE of Estates And Condos Realty

May 20, 2007

Skybrook Golf Club Home For Sale Huntersville

This home is Saussy Burbank built, but has so many extras is hard to keep up! Upon entering through the front door, you’ll notice the door has a French country cottage flair to it. Beautiful hardwood floors flow throughout the main level.

The formal dining room features crown molding, French doors that open to a private patio and a decorator chandelier. This dining room is large and will accommodate a large table.

Off of the foyer is the parlor with double French doors. This can be your living room, office, or whatever you would like.

Large great room has a stone fireplace with gas logs, eyeball lighting and a ceiling fan with a light.

This is a dream kitchen. 42 inch cherry cabinetry with crown molding, granite countertops, a unique brick backsplash, stainless steel appliances, gas cook top, double wall ovens, center island, breakfast bar, butlers pantry, an under mount stainless steel sink, pantry, under cabinet lighting, recessed lighting. The breakfast nook sits in a large bay of windows. All the windows allow for a great view!

The kitchen is open to the great room. An atrium door leads to the TREX deck where you will find a natural gas connection for your grill. They have thought of everything!!

Large laundry room is on the main level with plenty of cabinets and a utility sink.

Going up the stairs you will find hardwood treads.

This master bedroom will make you feel like you’re on vacation! It’s stunning. This large bedroom with a trey ceiling and a ceiling fan with a light will hold today’s oversized furniture and it also features a sitting area. The walk in closet is to die for!! It’s so large you may have to buy more clothes!!! The spacious master bath is like a spa retreat! Cherry cabinets, his and hers vanities, two- tone bath fixtures, corner garden tub, separate shower, ceramic tile flooring, private water closet and a double linen closet. Whew!

Bedroom # 2 has a built in desk and bookshelf, a double door closet and a ceiling fan with a light.

Bedroom # 3 has a ceiling fan with a light and a double door closet with built-in’s.

Bedroom # 4 is pre-wired for a ceiling fan and has a double door closet.

The bonus room, or bedroom # 5 has a ceiling fan with a light and a double door closet with built- in’s.

Two secondary baths service these four bedrooms. They both feature cherry cabinets, ceramic tile galore, silver accent bath fixtures, tub / shower combo. One of the baths has dual sinks and a custom mural.

If you like entertaining you are going to love this totally finished custom basement! A built in bar with a sink, built in wine rack, wine cooler and mini fridge. A billiard area and a perfect place for you plasma TV is over the fireplace. Exercise room, full bath, plenty of walk out storage, even a THX 7.1 wired media room (currently being used as a bedroom). A separate closet houses all of you audio / video controls.

Detached 2 car garage has a workshop, which can remain or the seller will dismantle it. The 2 car attached side load garage has a painted floor. Both garages have electric garage door openers. 4 car garage…more than convenient!

Additional features of this home include:

Private backyard with over $50,000 in landscaping and hardscapes, to include fire pit, fountain, fencing, lighting and great memories!
Over 700 sf of a beautiful paved patio.
Irrigation system with 7 zones.
Whole house audio and CAT5 wiring. Built in BOSE speaker system in 8 rooms and both decks, THX 5.1 and 7.1.
Security cameras inside and outside.
Custom brick privacy wall.
Custom draperies and blinds throughout.
Extensive millwork throughout.
Transferable Golf Membership.

April 21, 2007

Lake Norman News and Views

Oliver Hofmann and Ben Wirtz, both former Allen Tate real estate agents have united to form Estates And Condos Realty in Cornelius Lake Norman.
Disappointed by the inflexiblility of Allen Tate's structure and their low commission structure for their Realtors, they decided to leave the Allen Tate Company and implement a company policy where their Charlotte and Lake Norman real estate agents are able to earn 100% commission.
Oliver Hofmann and his Partner, Ben Wirtz, SBSSGBVP (don't ask) of Estates And Condos Realty give their agents the opportunity to negotiate their own listing commission, unlike the folks at Allen Tate.
Estates And Condos Realty is a full service real estate brokerage that offers discounted commissions to the sellers, while offering more than the traditional brokerage do!
Most consumers associate nothing good with discount brokerages. The fact is, the work is the same whether an agent sells a house for $60k or for $3Million. Why should he get paid so much more for the same work we asked ourselves and decided to start our brokerage giving sellers a brake on their commissions.
We take either 0.99% for a Lake Norman waterfront listing or 1.99% for a non waterfront home while still paying the full 3% to the co-operating broker who brings the buyer making it a total of 3.99% or 4.99% commission to you.
So why are you still paying 6% commission you might ask yourself?

Call Oliver at 1-888-321-LAKE or Ben at 1-888-88ESTATE to list your Lake Norman Real Estate.
We at Estates And Condos Realty have our own in house SEO (search engine marketing) expert who can get your home for sale to the top of Google within days. Who else can do this for your home?!

April 19, 2007

Lake Norman Visitors Guide

Lake Norman State Park

Lake Norman State park is situated in the North Lake Norman area. Lake Norman is the largest man-made lake in the state. When filled to capacity, it offers 520 miles of shoreline and a main channel 34 miles in length! It has earned the nickname, the "Inland Sea." The Lake Norman State park offers 13 miles of the shoreline which also provides boating access.

The state park also boasts its own 33-acre lake where fishing and boating are enjoyed. Visitors can enjoy the hiking trails, picnic areas, and the campgrounds.

Park Hours areNovember-February, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. March and October, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. April, May, September, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. June-August, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Closed Christmas DayPark office hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays Closed state holidays

Pedal boats and canoes are available for rent. They are available daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the summer and are available from noon to 4:15 p.m. on weekends in spring and fall.

Privately owned boats and watercraft may access Lake Norman from the boat launch area located at the south end of the park. Use of the area is free, but cars must leave the parking area by the park's closing time.

Tent and Trailer Camping is available upon a first come, first serve basis. Tent pads, picnic tables and grills are available at 33 sites on a first-come, first-served basis for a fee. Occupancy is limited to one family or six people per site. Park gates are locked at the posted closing hours. Campers may not leave the park after closing or before 8 a.m. except in an emergency.

Group Tent Camping may be reserved by organized groups for a fee. Campers without reservations must confirm site availability with park staff before occupying a site. No more than 25 people are permitted on each site. Drinking water and restrooms are available nearby; picnic tables and a fire ring are provided at each site.

Community Building located near the group camping area may be rented for events. The facility has a large meeting room, kitchen facilities, restrooms and a fireplace. The building may be occupied between 8 a.m. and a half hour before park closing. Contact the park office to reserve the facility.

Education and Events are held regularly by Rangers about Lake Norman State Park. To arrange a special exploration of Lake Norman State Park for your group or class, contact the park office. Educational materials about Lake Norman State Park have been developed for grades 4-6 and are correlated to North Carolina's competency-based curriculum in science, social studies, mathematics and English/language arts. The Lake Norman program introduces students to aquatic organisms. The program also focuses on water quality and resource management, demonstrating how watersheds should be managed to maintain healthy aquatic ecosystems and drinking water. Accompanying the program is a teacher's booklet and workshop, free of charge to educators.

Fishing is popular recreation. Fish in Lake Norman include crappie, bluegill and yellow perch, as well as striped, largemouth and white bass. The smaller park lake also has some choice fishing spots. Regulations of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission apply for both lakes.

Hiking is avaialbe in the park. The Alder Trail: begins this easy .8-mile loop at the parking lot near the swim beach. The trail crosses the picnic area, circles the peninsula between Norwood and Hicks creeks, and then skirts the edge of the lake. Take a short side path to the dam and view the spillway and gates that control the lake's water level before returning to the trailhead. Lake Shore Trail: The trailhead for this moderate but lengthy 6.7-mile trail is at the parking lot near the group camping area, but the trail may also be entered at several other points. Approximately a half mile from the trailhead, venture right or left for a loop around the peninsula bordered by Lake Norman and Hicks Creek. The trail follows the iakeshore, passes the family campground and returns to the trailhead. Take the Short Turn Trail for a shorter hike of 3.9 miles.Mountain BikingItusi Trail: Designed, built and maintained by volunteers, this 4.2-mile mountain bicycle trail winds through mature hardwood forests and offers a unique mountain bicycling experience. Novices as well as accomplished riders will enjoy the gentle but lengthy climbs of this single track trail. As volunteers continue their efforts to extend the trail, it will eventually cover a minimum of 10 miles. To protect the Itusi Trail from damage, the trail will be closed whenever conditions are too wet to allow riders. Accordingly, riders should contact the park prior to arrival to confirm that the trail is open.

Picnicking can be enjoyed by all who visit here! One of Lake Norman's two picnic areas is near the swimming area on a ridge overlooking the beach. Tables, grills and drinking water are provided. Another picnic area is located near the park entrance. Picnic tables are scattered throughout the woods. Picnic shelter areas available at each area and may be reserved for free. Restrooms are also provided at each area.

Swimming with lakefront swimming area and beach are located near the southernmost picnic area. Lifeguards may be present from 10 a.m. -5:15 p.m. daily from early June through early August, but call the park before your visit if you need to confirm that a lifeguard will be on duty.

N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation: 1616 MSC - Raleigh, NC 27699- (919) 733-1181

April 11, 2007

The Park Huntersville Exit 23 Gilead Road

The Place To Be

The Park - Huntersville, located just minutes from Charlotte, NC, is one of the Southeast's premier mixed use communities, offering space for lease, land for sale and build-to-suit opportunities in one of the nation's fastest-growing areas.
Amenities within The Park include:

* On-site leasing & property management
* State-of-the-art teleconference center
* Fiber optic telecommunications
* Six-acre lake with walkways
* Well-appointed landscaping
* On-site day care
* On-site hospital and related medical facilities

About The Park

In the early 1980s, Bank of America, N.A., as Trustee for the Bank of America Pension Plan, began assembling the rolling, wooded farmland that is now The Park - Huntersville. The vision, then and now, centers on creating a complete community in the Charlotte and Lake Norman region. The Park is a place that provides quiet, well-designed workspace in the midst of area neighborhoods, shopping, and entertainment.

The vision is fostered and protected by The Park's comprehensive protective covenants. While ensuring the highest quality development, these flexible standards allow for a wide variety of building types within The Park. On-site management provides each tenant with impeccable property services, including leasing and general maintenance.

The pioneering spirit of the Bank and its anticipation of the phenomenal growth of the Lake Norman region continue to be rewarded. The Park has grown to over 920,000 square feet of space owned and leased by the Pension Plan. During that same period, several firms have purchased land to construct their own facilities. With approximately 300 acres still available for development, the future of The Park is bright.

To discuss Leasing, Land Sales or Build-to-Suit Space, contact Ted Lee or call 704-875-0100.

For Property Management issues, contact Paula Davis or call 704-875-0100.

April 5, 2007

Stone Hollow Subdivision Huntersville For Sale

Stone Hollow Subdivision Homes

Estates and Condos Realty

Call Oliver (704) 724 - 0404

email oliverh@estatesandcondos.com

A must see!! Gorgeous 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, gas log fireplace, very open floor
plan, Ranch home with Bonus over a 2 Car Garage. This Ranch home has Vaulted
Ceilings in the Greatroom, Kitchen, and Master Suite. This Ranch home is
less than 15 minutes from Birkdale Village, Shopping, and the magnificent
Lake Norman.

The Master Suite has a seperate shower and garden tub. The design of the
floor plan is great for family or vistors, to come and have privacy, the 2
bedroom's and bath, are very spacious and cozy, with double door closets for
alot of space. These quest room's are at one end of the house, and the
Master Suite is at the other end.

The Greatroom and Bonus Room is wired for surround sound, for your
enjoyment! This Ranch home has a Beautiful fenced in backyard, with a over
sized patio, this must see home has a underground irrigation system, the
irrigation system is underground that runs on timers, in the back, front,
and side of this Beautiful Home. This spacious, desirable, 1800 sq ft, home
can be yours! You must see to appreciate.

13425 Philip Michael Road
Huntersville, N.C. 28078

Lake Norman Homes and Real Estate

Lake Norman Real Estate, as high in demand as ever this year is experiencing double digit gains per year.
Where else in the country can you find this in todays slowing real estate market in the USA.
Click on Search Homes to find your dream home in the Charlotte, NC area or call Toll-Free 1-888-88ESTATE to talk to our Broker in Charge, Ben Wirtz about a possible relocation.

March 14, 2007

Huntersville Lake Norman Area Homes

15007 Almondell Drive
Huntersville, NC 28078

14927 Almondell Drive
Huntersville, NC 28078

15926 Dunster Lane
Huntersville, NC 28078

8119 Cottsbrooke Drive
Huntersville, NC 28078

15830 Glen Miro Drive
Huntersville, NC 28078

8032 Bytham Castle Drive
Huntersville, NC 28078

14216 Harvington Drive
Huntersville, NC 28078

14530 Harvington Drive
Huntersville, NC 28078

14912 Carbert Lane
Huntersville, NC 28078

Home Search Lake Norman, Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson

March 6, 2007

Lake Norman Search