Ballantyne Buzz

Tale of the Tape – April Numbers out for Ballantyne Country Club!

Lynn Johnson — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:04:19 +0000

Homes for Sale in Ballantyne Country Club are finally picking up and home prices are also on the rise!

For the month of April 20

8 homes were listed for sale with an average sales price of $868,566

7 homes went under contract in April and are going through inspections, loan approval and the discovery process.

2 homes are pending which means they are ready to close

4 homes sold in April 2012 with an average sales price of $646,750 with an average square feet of 3777. That’s about $171 per square foot. (One of these homes was a relocation which sometimes sell for less than market price.)

The good news is that Ballantyne Coountry Club’s average price has increased almost 7% over the past 12 months (May 2011 thru April 2012) compared with the previous 12 months (May 2011 – April 2012).

Average Sale Price in Ballantyne Country Club over past three years April YTD

Based on data available as of May 16, 2012
All data from Carolina Multiple Listing Services, Inc. Powered by 10K Research and Marketing.

We are seeing home sales activity pick up dramatically in the past 2 months and are cautiously optimistic that the trend will increase. If you have any questions or need further information regarding the Ballantyne Country Club neighborhood or other South Charlotte neighborhoods, please call one of Charlotte’s leading experts with 10 years of experience, Lynn Johnson with Savvy Co. Real Estate at 704-756-7005! And that’s the latest buzz in South Charlotte and Ballantyne!

Kings Drive Farmers’ Market is Worth the Trip!

Lynn Johnson — Tue, 01 May 2012 20:22:46 +0000

Mom always said to eat your fruit and veggies. I would try to hide the brussel sprouts under the mashed potatoes; but,it wouldn’t take her long to figure it out…busted!…again Don’t tell Mom I told you this, but her idea of brussel sprouts was out of a box from the freezer…even swimming in butter, they tasted like kerosene to me. It was many years later I discovered fresh brussel sprouts, sauteed in olive oil and garlic with freshly ground pepper, would become a favorite side dish of mine!

So, what’s my point? Didn’t you read the title of this blog?? Kings Drive Farmers’ Market, a longtime Charlotte institution, is a great place to pick up fresh produce, flowers & herbs for your garden, fresh eggs and anitbiotic-free meats. Every year we drive by their location on the corner of Kings and Morehead in anticipation of the sign announcing the first day in April when they would officially open for the season… you can almost here the collective sigh of south Charlotte when we discover we will have another year of red, sweet strawberries, South Carolina peaches which bake up into the best peach cobblers and Lincoln County heirloom tomatoes for our ‘mater sandwiches… Mr. Simpson has run that corner market for many years: fresh food in the spring and summer, pumpkins in the fall and the most gorgeous Christmas trees during the holidays…

Charlotte is blessed with many good farmers’ markets and produce stands; but, the friendly folks at the Kings Drive Farmers Market treat you like family. Heck, they even have a cookbook filled with recipes from their loyal customers, including my famous squash casserole….oh yeah…almost time for making that and roasting the delicious silver queen corn on the grill. Is your mouth watering yet??

Kings Farmers Market:

Open Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays:

Tuesday and Friday: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Saturday: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: S. Kings Dr. and E. Morehead St. Charlotte, NC 28207

Buzzing Through Midtown at the Kings Drive Art Walk!

Lynn Johnson — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 14:55:13 +0000

Spring in Charlotte is an exciting time. Trees and flowers burst into life, farmers markets re-open, tables loaded with colorful fruits and vegetables and lots of annual outdoor activities begin such as the 2nd annual Kings Drive Art Walk. This event is a venue for 65 “fine and emerging” artists and must be original work.

And, not only will you enjoy the artwork, but you will also enjoy the venue - Little Sugar Creek Greenway which the city has totally renovated with sidewalks, benches for seating and beautiful water features runs from Morehead Street down to the new Metropolitan shopping, dining and residential area.

So get outside and enjoy the day with friends! :

SATURDAY APRIL 28, 2012 11:00 am – 8:00 pm

SUNDAY APRIL 29, 2012 11:00 am – 6:00 pm.

Delicious Strawberries at the Kings Farmers Market

The Kings Farmers Market is open across the street and there is also a beautful garden area, selling everything from pots of geraniums to herbs and perennials to create your own little oasis in Charlotte!

Part of the Little Sugar Creek Greenway next to the Metropolitan

The Metropolitan

The Buzz in Ballantyne is that it May Become a New City!

Lynn Johnson — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 01:38:32 +0000

Ray Eschert

The April meeting of the Ballantyne Breakfast Club was a-”buzz” with candidates for local, state and national political positions as well as discussions of making Ballantyne a separate town ANDbreaking the CMS school system into 3 different systems. Ray Eschert, one of the founders of the Ballantyne Breakfast Club kicked off the meeting with asking the 20-plus candidates in attendance to introduce themselves.

The next piece of the meeting was a discussion between City Councilman Warren Cooksey and Oliver Porter who served as interim city manager during the annexation of Sandy Springs from Atlanta, GA. He and several others successfully took an unincorporated area and tuned it into a self-sufficient town. Now “self-sufficient” in loose terms as they outsourced most of the services such as water, sewer, jails, libraries, etc. His recommendation? Read his book, Creating the New City of Sandy Springs: The 21st Cetury Paradigm: Private Industry, which showed all of the lessons they learned, empower a group in advance to make decisions without the usual bureaucratic red tape and expect it to take time. It took them 30 years with Sandy Springs but 4 other cities in Georgia using his paradigm were able to do so in less time. An interesting fact quoted by Mr. Porter was that the had a 94% vote for annexation which was an overwhelming mandate plus there were no tax increases even though they were able to re-pave roads, build parks and build a reserve of funds.

Warren Cooksey & Oliver Porter

The next topic was dividing more than 141,000 students and 159 schools of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) into South, Central and North districts. Presented by Tom Davis, who is part of the group Strategic Partners for Accountability and Reform of Key Educational Performances (SPARK), Davis says this is not a “de-consolidation” but a creation of independent school districts with a cap on enrollment.

Evidently this dialogue has begun with Ballantyne residents being disappointed with the lack of attention to their area, even though they pay a lot of taxes to Charlotte. Plus the overcrowding of schools has some residents saying they promote violence and other problems in the school system.

Time will tell if the incorporation of the Ballantyne area as a separate city will become a reality. If you see me buzzing around Ballantyne, I would appreciate your opinion! Til then, read the Charlotte Observereditorial section – it is interesting to see the various, passionate, lively opinions!

Politicians Politicing!

Airport bets a billion on future amid USAir concerns

Lynn Johnson — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 15:21:04 +0000

Via Scoop.it – Charlotte Real Estate News

According to this article in today’s Charlotte Observer, the Charlotte-Douglas Airport is the 6th busiest airport in the country. Our latest huge corporate company to relocate to Charlotte, Chiquita, says that our numerous flight options was one of the biggest deciding factors in coming to Charlotte. Our airport is a one of the major positive factors when our city leaders are out recriting business for Charlotte and that translates into J-O-B-S for our commuity! Chiquita is bringing approximately 400 jobs to Charlote! Jerry Orr, head of the Charlotte-Douglas airport has done a great job keeping costs down and airlines happy!

Cranes rumbled and smoked last week at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, as workers drove pilings deep into the ground for the airport’s new, $160-million hourly parking deck.

Via www.charlotteobserver.com

We’ve Got Some New Homes For Sale in Ballantyne!!

Lynn Johnson — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 15:23:18 +0000

Happy Spring ! We love Ballantyne and South Charlotte in the springtime! Banks of azaleas spill over with lacy dogwoods dappling the lush landscape. Pansies are still blooming with their painted faces waving hello as you enter our lovely neighborhoods. So, fire up the grill, invite the neighbors over and enjoy some quiet time on the deck! What?? You don’t have a deck?? Well, now is the best time to buy a home in Charlotte! Give Lynn Johnson a call and we’ll find the perfect home with a sweet deck, porch, pool or whatever you yearn for in a home! One call solves it all – 704-756-7005!

Bexley At Ballantyne is a nice “little” Neighborhood!

Lynn Johnson — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 22:35:07 +0000

Ahhhhh, Bexley at Ballantyne in the Spring is quite beautiful! Because the area is so new, relatively speaking, Ballantyne homes are starting to have more mature landscaping. Dogwoods, azaleas and carolina jasmine are bursting out all over!

Bexley at Ballantyne is a little pocket neighborhood right off of Community House Road between Ballantyne Commons Parkway and Bryant Farms Road. Mostly all brick homes with sweeping yards and side-load garages, Bexley at Ballantyne is a good investment as long as you don’t back up to the power lines cutting through the neighborhood. The neighborhood is self-contained with no cut-through roads to other neighborhoods – much lower traffic throughout with several cul-de-sacs. Currently there are 2 homes for sale with one “Under Contract”. Two homes sold within the past 12 months.

The HOA dues run about $300 a year and pay for common areas. There is no community pool, playground or tennis courts; but , Ballantyne Country Club is right around the corner. Plus the Morrison Family YMCA, a popular spot for Ballantyne residents is within 5 minutes!

Speaking of a a great location, Bexley at Ballantyne is close to everything you may need – it is about halfway between Ballantyne Village and Stonecrest Shopping Center plus 10 minutes to the fabulous Blakeney Shopping Center. Restaurants ranging from delis, fine dining to sports bars and coffee bars are just minutes away plus Earth Fare, Trader Joe’s and grocery store chains are within easy driving distance.

So, looking for a nice home for sale in Ballantyne? Bexley at Ballantyne is a great neighborhood with lower HOA dues and a great location. You can view this neighborhood and other neighborhoods in the Ballantyne, Blakeney area or in Union County in Marvin, Weddington or Waxhaw by calling Lynn Johnson with Savvy + Co. Real Estate at 704-756-7005! I’ll give you the tour and show you all these areas have to offer!

Charlotte’s Getting Ready to Show the World our Southern Hospitality!!

Lynn Johnson — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 01:07:15 +0000

With the Democratic National Convention coming to Charlotte, NC in September, more and more publications, websites and writers are reporting on the Queen City. The following is a reprint from the Travel Channel. Makes me proud to live to Charlotte!

Enjoy Cosmpolitan Chic and Southern Hospitality

by Sam Boykin

With Charlotte, NC, hosting the 2012 Democratic National Convention, the city will be thrust into the worldwide spotlight like never before. While once thought of as just a banking capital, the Queen City has long since shed its buttoned-down image and grown into a dynamic destination with a unique mix of cosmopolitan chic and Southern hospitality.

What to See & Do

Nowhere is Charlotte’s renaissance more evident than uptown. The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art showcases works by the most influential artists of the mid-20th century. Explore African-American art and history at the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts Culture. Another impressive uptown venue is Blumenthal Performing Arts, where visitors can enjoy touring Broadway productions like STOMP.
Families will enjoy the NASCAR Hall of Fame, with its thousands of racing artifacts and exhibits. Discovery Place, another popular uptown family destination, showcases hands-on interactive exhibits on science and nature. The museum is also home to the Charlotte Observer IMAX Dome Theatre, where you can see tornados, dinosaurs and more in 3D.
For outdoor lovers, you’ll find roaring rapids less than 20 minutes from Charlotte’s uptown. Situated on about 300 acres, the US National Whitewater Center boasts the largest manmade river in the world, which varies from gentle Class II rapids to adrenaline-pumping Class IV waves. Nearby is the Catawba River, where the USNWC offers stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking — both great ways to soak up Charlotte’s natural beauty.
Come nightfall, try to stay out of the gutters at StrikeCity, a family-friendly bowling alley with dozens of flatscreen TVs. If you feel like taking in a movie, there’s the 5-screen EpiCentre Theaters, where visitors can bring in food from the adjoining Mez restaurant — think salads, burgers and sandwiches – then kick back in wide, plush love seats and enjoy the show. Another popular nightlife destination is the NC Music Factory. This sprawling complex features several unique concert venues, including The Fillmore, an intimate, 2,000-seat indoor music club.

Where to Eat

Charlotte’s South End neighborhood is home to the beloved Price’s Chicken Coop, which opened in 1962 and remains one of Charlotte’s most popular eateries, serving fried chicken along with cole slaw, tater rounds, hush puppies and a roll. For dinner, enjoy hip bars and restaurants at the EpiCentre. A great place to start is BlackFinn American Saloon, where you can dine on a variety of meat, pasta or seafood dishes. If Asian fare is more to your liking, try Enso Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar — a sleek and hip spot with several signature specials, such as Kung Fu Duck.
For authentic Italian dishes, try Osso Restaurant and Lounge. From renowned Charlotte restaurateur Alex Myrick, Osso’s dishes include lobster bolognese, grilled lamb chops and pan-seared Mediterranean sea bass. For a more casual dining experience, try Mattie’s Diner, a popular late-night spot — it’s open around the clock from Thursday to Sunday night — that serves meatloaf, sandwiches, burgers and handspun milkshakes.

Where to Stay

To stay near the action of uptown Charlotte, a great option is The Westin Charlotte. One of the swankiest hotels uptown, the 25-story, 700-room Westin has a sleek, contemporary style, and is within walking distance to the Charlotte Convention Center and Bank of America Stadium. The Westin also features great views of the Center City.
For true opulence, check in to The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte. Adjacent to the EpiCentre, this 18-story LEED Gold-certified hotel offers 146 rooms — look for unique touches such as the flatscreen TVs built into the bathroom mirrors. For big spenders, the 2,900-square-foot presidential suite features panoramic views of Charlotte, a private study, dining room and even a baby grand piano. The hotel also has several restaurants — 2 rooftop beehives provide the hotel with fresh honey — along with a penthouse-level spa with a pool.

Getting Around Charlotte

With Charlotte’s LYNX Blue Line, traveling to the city’s uptown has never been easier. The Charlotte Area Transit System’s sleek light-rail train system runs from south Charlotte to the heart of uptown, terminating at the 7th Street Station. (This is within walking distance of Levine Museum of the New South and ImaginOn, a children’s theater.)
There are 15 stops along the 9.6-mile route, including several in Charlotte’s bustling South End. (This neighborhood, located just south of uptown, includes trendy shops such as Niche, an apparel and footwear boutique, and Bead Me, which sells funky handmade jewelry.) The light-rail system complements Charlotte’s expansive bus system, which runs more than 70 routes throughout the city.

Charlotte in the top 5 U.S. Cities With the Fastest Growing Job Markets

Lynn Johnson — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 16:12:04 +0000

Via Scoop.it – Charlotte Real Estate News

According to the magazine, The Atlantic, Charlotte is in the top 5 U. S. cities with the fastest growing job market! We have seen more and more people moving to Charlotte, NC and the demand for housing has definitely increased, not only in the rental market; but, also in purchasing a home.

The article is begins below and click on the link to continue reading:

Last year was a decent one for employment growth in large metros.

Via www.theatlanticcities.com

Feeling the Luck of the Irish??

Lynn Johnson — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 22:00:45 +0000

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Savvy + Co. Real Estate might as well be Irish because we are located within blocks of several fine Irish pubs such as Kennedy’s Bar and Grill and the brand new Fitzgerald’s Irish Pub and let’s not forget the St. Patty’s Day Celebration at our nearest next door watering hole – Jackaloupe Jacks!

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