Replies

1. 
   Mike_Smith | Jan 07, 2002 04:21pm | #1

   *
   what can you tell me about starter homes in the Charlotte area... both new and existing...our daughter and SO are actively looking...naturally i've got my opinions.. but i'm advised to keep them to myself.. what are the odds of that happening ?

   mostly i'd like to talk to those of you that build and remodel in the Charlotte area....

   she has a laundry list of info she sent me..

1. 
   blue_eyed_devil_ | Jan 08, 2002 12:32pm | #2

   *Here's my opinion: Don't bad mouth your daughter's first house. No matter how awful, it's still the most exciting thing that she has ever purchased. It's her/their dream.Be a good dad and be supportive. Think like a teenager when you first see it: "...IT'S AWESOME...!". Just cuz you wouldn't live there doesn't mean that it's not awesome.blue

1. 
   Mike_Smith | Jan 08, 2002 03:43pm | #3

   *gosh,thanks blue !.. now back to the question, she's looking and i was wondering if anyone in the Charlotte area has some insight... to share..or just opinions... like north, south,east... west.good builders / bad builders...yada, yada, yadabut , feel free to jump in , blue.. talking to you is better than talking to the wall... ah,you no what i mean....as a matter of fact...the worse it is, the more i like it..especially if it's in a great LOCATION

1. 
   Allyson_Stiles | Jan 08, 2002 07:24pm | #4

   *Mike,South Charlotte is the best region...but not too affordable.She should be able to get a starter home (around 1400 sq.ft.) for about $90,000 to $150,000.East is probably her best bet. It's nice on the east side too (other than the traffic).I would stay away from Cherry Homes and Eastwood Homes.If M/I Homes has something in her price range, that is who I would recommend.Just tell her to take her time. There is over 200 different homebuilders there. Any more questions...just ask.The only definite would be is NOT the west side. Carowinds area is nice and affordable too. (South side).Have fun!Billy

1. 
   Cloud_Hidden | Jan 08, 2002 10:10pm | #5

   *If she wants to REALLY get out into the burbs, Asheville is beautiful, and only 2 hrs from downtown Charlotte. OK, so that's not better than talking to the wall...

2. 
   blue_eyed_devil_ | Jan 09, 2002 03:39am | #6

   *Mike, be nice!wall

3. 
   Mike_Smith | Jan 09, 2002 07:21am | #7

   *billy...thanks , that's good solid info.. just what i'm looking for.. and wall and cloud... you also serve, even if it's just to keep this thread on the board....keep those cards and letters comming ,boys and girls... tell me more about charlotte .. old neighborhoods on the way back is what intrigues me.. i think the lure of new houses intrigues my daughter...

4. 
   blue_eyed_devil_ | Jan 09, 2002 07:25am | #8

   *Ahh philosophical differences about neighborhoods eh dad?I'm partial to new subs....blue

5. 
   Mike_Smith | Jan 09, 2002 07:39am | #9

   *..i noticed that , blue...that's why you live in one, right?... me.. i live in a new sub... can't wait to move back into townso, here you are, blue.. with your real estate .... how many new constructin deals can you put together for your "affordable" customers?that's the concept i'm trying to convey ... my thinking is ..your house dollar goes farther with old houses in good neighborhoods than with new houses in new subs.. naturally i'm leaving out the owner-built house on a single lot... or the distressed spec house in an economic downturn....how 'bout it wall ?

6. 
   Tim_Mooney | Jan 10, 2002 12:30am | #10

   *Actually if you could go up there for a short working visit, you could put her a repo together in nothing flat if she would do the looking and leg work.Save her a lot of money maybe. Maybe because I dont know what they sell for there.I have bought 5 yr old homes that I made new looking in a 2 week hurry.You are in the perfect trade to help her.Make your daughter and your wife proud of you.Besides I had to travel two states away and do my daughters lol. I sure wouldnt want you to be left out .Now I realize thats not what you asked . hello wall.

7. 
   Mike_Smith | Jan 10, 2002 01:17am | #11

   *tim.. miserey loves company... it's 14 hours unless you're driving a pickup with a trailer...plus.. still got a mortgage here to take care of...but keep those thoughts flowin.....

8. 
   blue_eyed_devil_ | Jan 10, 2002 07:52am | #12

   *Mike, I couldn't tell you which would be better-a new house in a new sub, or a nice old house in a new sub. Economically speaking, I think it's a wash. The real question is: What do they want? Often, the economical discussion is secondary to other issues. For instance, I moved out of an old sub when my daughter was 4. There weren't any kids to play with on our street. Every one was old, or so it seemed. The new sub we moved to was teaming with kids. I think there was over 70 kids in a 38 house subdivision. Sure maybe we "spent" more money moving in there, but we also "made" more money when we moved on. Economics is only one small part of the equation.Incidently I'm living in an old sub that was developed around the lake. I'd like to move this house off the lot and start a new one, but instead Im heading to warmer climates.blue

9. 
   Tim_Mooney | Jan 10, 2002 08:51pm | #13

   *She can pay you or anyone else to do the work.This is where I do a lot of business.She doesnt have to have you there Mike.http://www.towerauctions.com/ Also have her look in the legals in the paper. The best ones for me are marshal sales.Hope this helps.

10. 
    Mike_Smith | Jan 11, 2002 01:28am | #14

    *tim... that's a neat site... thanks

11. 
    JC | Jan 12, 2002 07:07pm | #15

    *Mike,The Dilworth area is a booming area that was an old middle class neighborhood when I was in high school that has been and is undergoing gentrification. It is difficult but if you can find something beat up there, it's worth it's weight in gold. A step down in price, but another old neighborhood being revamped is the central avenue/ hawthorne/ elizabeth areas. It is also a stone's throw to uptown. As far as new construction goes, charlotte is suburban hell, sprawling everywhere, with a lot of crap being thrown up. I'd advise one to be very very careful here. Probably the most well known and revered new residential construction contractor is notorius for putting up garbage and he has suffered many lawsuits but the uninformed still think he's "great."Where is your daughter planning to work? If you'd like to know anything, let me know. Lived for 18 years in Charlotte.JC

12. 
    Mark_Bentley | Jan 14, 2002 06:50am | #16

    *MikeI love Charlotte. Been here 7 years and its a great place to raise a family. The biggest problem here is the sprawl. I would be very weary of most new homes. The growth in the area has spread thin the resources, and the large national builders have a hard time keeping up with demand. Plus they also lack translators. There is a lot of great older neighborhoods all over Charlotte, but I like the south the best.

13. 
    Mike_Smith | Jan 14, 2002 07:51am | #17

    *thanks , all..keep 'em coming

14. 
    Bucksnort_Billy | Jan 15, 2002 02:17am | #18

    *Hey Mike, can't help you much with Charlotte, but when you're on your way to see your daughter's new place, stop off and I'll show you Chapel Hill. It's Jesse Helms' worst nightmare, kinda makes me proud...BB

15. 
    Tamara_ | Jan 25, 2002 05:05am | #19

    *Mike we have some friends with a home that is in the historical part of Charlotte area down town. It is on South Treemont Street. Asking price is $250,000.00. This is South of downtown Charlotte. It needs some work, but let me tell you I wish we could move there. I love the neighborhood. If need any more info. please ask. I know the amount may not be what she is wanting to pay, but thought I would tell you.

16. 
    Mike_Smith | Jan 25, 2002 05:33am | #20

    *thanks , Tamara...sounds like the kind of thing i would want.. even though it's out of their budget

17. 
    MikeSmith | Dec 13, 2009 10:12pm | #21

    wow......all these threads are resurfacing from 7 years ago ......

    btw.....that's one wedding and two grandkids ago

18. 
    YesMaam27577 | Dec 15, 2009 11:08am | #22

    Mike said:
    >>btw.....that's
    Mike said:

    >>btw.....that's one wedding and two grandkids ago<<

    Well for me it was two and two.

    Plus one major mess-up at a forum that I follow.

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