Category Archives: North Carolina

Nine Carolina Cities Make Improving Markets List for April

Nine cities in North and South Carolina made the list of housing markets showing measurable improvement in April. Compiled by the National Association of Home Builders and First American Improving Markets Index (IMI), April’s list included 101 metropolitan areas across the nation.

Seven North Carolina cities: Burlington, Charlotte, Goldsboro, Greensboro, Greenville, Rocky Mount and Winston-Salem made the list. Charleston and Spartanburg made the list for South Carolina.

The IMI identifies metro areas that show increases over a six month period for each of the respective lows related to employment, housing permits and house prices. The data is collected from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the US Census Bureau and Freddie Mac. The list of 101 cities is up from the 99 listed in March, with 11 slipping from the list and 13 new ones being added.

“While housing markets across the country continue to struggle under the weight of overly tight lending conditions and other challenges, the April IMI indicates that at least 101 individual metros are showing measurable and consistent signs that they are headed in the right direction,” said NAHB Chairman Barry Rutenberg. “A total of 35 states are now represented on the list, with 10 states having four or more entries. This positive news is in line with what our builder members have observed regarding firming conditions and improved buyer interest in certain locations.”

The National Association of Home Builders is a trade organization of 140,000 plus members involved in multifamily construction, home building, subcontracting, remodeling, housing finance, property management, building product manufacturing, design and more. NAHB builder members are expected to be involved in 80 percent of new housing projects this year.

If you’re interested in buying a home in one of these booming cities in North Carolina or South Carolina, visit Carolina Real Estate Forum.

Charlotte Ranks in Top 25 U.S. Cities with the Most Energy Star Buildings

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Charlotte was recently listed as one of 25 cities with the greatest number of energy efficient buildings that earned the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star certification in 2011.

These buildings sprawl over a combined 25 million square feet, and are expected to save almost $15 million annually in energy costs and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equal to the emissions of 2,600 homes.

Buildings and plants that carry the Energy Star label are the best in terms of energy efficiency. They save the most money, use the least amount of energy and significantly reduce green house emissions. Across the nation, the 16,500 Energy Star certified buildings have helped save $2.3 billion in utility bills annually and have prevented greenhouse gas emissions equal to 1.5 million homes.

The list of the top 25 cities with the greatest number of energy efficient buildings was first released in 2008. Since that time, Los Angeles has remained the top city. Other top cities include Washington D.C., Atlanta, Boston, Tampa, Colorado Springs, Salt Lake City and Riverside. This year, California was the top represented state, with six of its cities making the list.

The Energy Star rating was launched by the EPA in 1992, and is a market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. Over the program’s 20 years, $230 billion has been saved on utility bills and 1.7 billion metric tons of carbon pollution have been prevented. There are a total of fifteen types of commercial buildings in addition to new homes that can earn this designation including office buildings, retail stores, K-12 schools and more.

If you’re interested in buying an energy-efficient new Carolina home, visit our website.

Lakefront North Carolina Home is Up To Par

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So maybe your golf game is not quite up to par with Masters champion Bubba Watson, but your North Carolina home sure could be. Forbes recently reported that the newest Masters champion’s lakefront home in Lexington, N.C. is selling for $1.45 million.

Watson’s home has been on the market since February, but his newfound notoriety is sure to help this home become a highly desirable commodity. The home, which was purchased a few years ago for $1.1 million, is situated on High Rock Lake. This gated, 5,000 square foot home has four bedrooms, five bathrooms and two indoor kitchens. The two-thirds of an acre lot also contains a detached three-car garage, aluminum pier with covered boat life and entertaining area. This entertaining area is sure to be a hit for any occasion with its location over the lake and features such as a heated salt water pool with spa, outdoor kitchen with stainless steel appliances, exterior television and outdoor fireplace.

This has historically been the summer home for the Watson family, with their main place of located in Scottsdale. However, the couple has decided to sell the home after adopting their one month-old son. They will be residing with him in Orlando until the adoption process is complete.

Interested buyers can view pictures of this gorgeous home here, or if Masters-style lake living isn’t your thing, check out the rest of the Carolina new homes on our site.

Free Trip to the Lake to Enjoy Outdoor Activities

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Does the crisp, fall air make you want to get outdoors? The Village at Reflection Lake Nantahala, an exclusive lake and mountain view community, is offering a free day at the lake until September 30. So, grab your fishing poles and hiking boots and travel to Topton, North Carolina! Potential buyers will be treated to lunch at the famous Lakes End Diner, a $25 gas card, a pontoon boat tour of the lake, a tour of available lots and a chance to win a weekend at the lake in a cabin.

Plus, guests can also experience other outdoor activities that are perfect for fall. Put those fishing poles and hiking boots to good use! Lake Nantahala has inviting waters for boating and fishing. Additional activities near the lake include hiking, camping, rock and waterfall climbing, horseback riding and golfing.

The Village at Reflection Lake Nantahala features home sites priced from $94,900 to $129,900. There is no build-out requirement, so buyers can take their time planning their dream vacation homes. When completed, cabins will have incredible views of Lake Nantahala.

A standard cabin features 3,023 square feet of space with three bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths plus a loft. The kitchen includes granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a double sink with disposal and a sliding cutting board over the trash bin. The great room includes a wood or gas burning fireplace, timber mantle and custom, stacked-stone surrounded with built-in bookcases. The master bedroom features a sliding door to a private, screened-in sleeping porch for open-air sleeping. In addition, the master bath includes a double vanity, tub, shower seat and walk-in closet.

Residents will enjoy the community’s gated entrance, protective covenants, underground utilities, shared water wells and a park, which provides a shared pavilion, fire pit, camp site and golf cart parking.

For more information or to schedule a day at the lake tour, call 866-218-8439 or visit www.lakenantahalareflection.com/thevillage.

Last Chance to Spend a Free Day at the Lake

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Travel to the mountains in Topton, North Carolina and escape to the lake. The Village at Reflection Lake Nantahala is offering a Day at the Lake promotion. Hurry, you only have until the end of this month to enjoy:

-Lunch at the Lakes End Diner

-A $25 gas card

-A pontoon boat tour of the pristine Lake Nantahala

-A tour of available lake view lots

-And a chance to win a weekend at the lake this fall in a cabin that sleeps up to 14.

Besides receiving all of this, you can find your dream home! The Village at Reflection Lake Nantahala is a new exclusive lake and mountain view community. Home sites start from just $94,900. Standard cabins feature 3,023 square feet of space with three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a loft, gourmet kitchen, great room with wood or gas burning fireplace and a huge master bedroom.

Community amenities include a gated entrance, protective covenants, underground utilities, a shared pavilion, walking trails and lush green space. Plus, enjoy all of the recreational activities that the lake brings.

Reflection is a tranquil retreat that is easily accessible from Charlotte and Greenville. For more details or to schedule a day at the lake before the promotion ends, call 866-218-8439 or visit www.lakenantahalareflection.com/thevillage.