Archive for February, 2010

Million Dollar Clients* at Amelie’s French Bakery

February 10th, 2010 categories: Buying your Home, Charlotte Living

Yes…Amelie’s French Bakery is that good! Tucked in Charlotte’s trendy but un-stuffy NODA this is the place to read your favorite book (or mine), unwind with a few friends, break all those nutty new years resolutions – see who and what’s hot in Charlotte’s social media scene…or DRUMROLL pick up a million dollar client.*

* OK I dropped by Amelie’s couple Fridays ago to catch up on some blogging and within five minutes of settling in with my croissant (chocolate) YUMMO and coffee  – my phone rings and TADA a new client wants to see million dollar homes in South Charlotte – so of course I told them they’d have to wait until I finished my croissant (the blogging could wait)…

Watch Amelie’s Sandy Hattendorf describe this little “pastry oasis” and see if you don’t get just a little affamé…..

http://www.vimeo.com/9340905

Authored by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: 3 Comments »

The Realtor Killer iPhone App and Why We’re Not Dead Yet

February 10th, 2010 categories: Buying your Home

We knew it was coming; first stockbrokers, then music, soon newspapers and now Realtors! The internet(s) +  Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com wounded Realtors and now an iPhone App has delivered the mortal blow! Kinda.

Check out this short video and then let’s discuss…

Pretty cool huh? I think so – I use Realtor.com on my iPhone! So if you’re looking to buy a home in Charlotte you don’t need a Realtor anymore…right? Well you’d be half (maybe a third) right. You don’t need a Realtor to explore homes and neighborhoods (never did) but now you can explore more powerfully – tools like the Realtor.com app, Google Maps and apps like Homelikes give YOU the power of information and GPS makes it all so efficient….Hey, I like this neighborhood what else is for sale around me..click!

Here’s the rub and this is going to freak out a whole lot of Realtors – “We’re losing control of the information!”, “Why don’t you search for homes on my website!” (those horses left the barn so long ago the farmer sold the barn and bought a condo in Boca!) There’s more to the rub though and Realtors DO have a point – the good ones know it never really was about controlling the information so much as helping clients (yes people like you) manage and understand it. There are lots of homes/townhomes/condos/lots for sale – over 25,000 in Charlotte on any given day! Most are nice, some are dogs, many are gems and any one could be perfect for you – sorting the information, local knowledge and experience is what matters! (and that is not available from any app – yet!)

So are Realtors dead or not?….part time, dispassionate, uninformed real estate agents are (or will be shortly) gone for good. In their place is emerging a reinvigorated / new class of professional, informed and knowledgeable advocates who can walk clients through the increasingly complex transaction that is buying or selling a home. Tools like the Realtor.com app or those to come are welcome additions to those of us who understand the incredible value a Realtor brings and confident enough to cultivate intelligent and informed clients!

Oh and one thing if you find a house you like please don’t call Mary at Century 21…(hey remember like I said we’re not dead yet!)

Authored by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: 1 Comment »

Tall Tale in Myers Park Neighborhood

February 9th, 2010 categories: Great Neighborhoods

Myers Park may have some of the tallest and most beautiful structures in Charlotte – but if you ask the Myers Park Homeowner’s Association – they’d better be of the “natural” kind. TREES that is!

Charlotte’s Myers Park is venerated, beloved…treasured by all Charlotteans. It would be hard to argue there is a more beautiful cadre of tree-lined avenues in this city or for that matter any city in the southeast. That’s the good news…

The bad news is our beloved “forest” of old growth oaks is under siege first by canker worms and now by development. Homeowners Associations often take flack for their restrictive covenants but they also serve a noble purpose especially in historically significant neighborhoods like Myers Park. Read Ron Stodghill’s excellent commentary on just such a debate Myers Park gets worked up over height restrictions. Happily the tallest “structure” you’re likely to see in Myers Park will continue to be a structure no man can build!

oh and that>>>
Burj Dubai the world’s tallest building at 2717 feet (not in Myers Park)

Authored by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: Your Comments Please »

hungary? These kids are!

February 7th, 2010 categories: Charlotte Living

Every year my kids amaze me on how enthusiastic they are about sleeping in a box and fasting for 30 hours. It is usually cold and raining yet that just energizes them. My kids have a huge heart and soul and Haiti has been especially on their minds. This event is so unique because it is planned and ran by the youth and volunteers.

This year, St. John Episcopal Church is building its box city for the 30 Hour Famine on Saturday, Feb. 27th, 2010. The youth have to raise at least $360 to participate and hundreds do. This is not just for St. Johns but any youth (grades 6-12) that want to help raise money for a good cause while having fun. The 30 hour famine raises awareness for hunger not just around the world but in our city as well. St. Johns youth set records every year on how much money they raise for the 30 hour famine.

World Vision is a well respected 5 star charity that has a mission to feed the hungry. In the aftermath of the devastation of Haiti, the need is there more than ever. Did you know that over 25,000 children die from hunger or hunger related illnesses every DAY? This year at St John’s 30 hour famine the theme is “Western” and yes, I have heard they are going to have a mechanical bull for the kids to ride, Woo Hoo. I am looking forward to the Famine Hoe Down square dance they are hosting. I haven’t done that since I was a kid myself.

All are welcome to join in the fun for $5 or $20 per family and you don’t have to wear the square dancing dress- unless you just happen to have one in your closet…. Want to help, see it in action, donate, spread the word- please do. Click here to see more 30 Hour Famine St. Johns. Do you know of any event going on to raise awareness for hunger? As I am preparing the food for my guests coming over for the super bowl, I realize how fortunate we are. Imagine being so hungry without a kitchen to go to. Click Here to donate directly to St Johns 30 hour famine.

Authored by Donna Johnston | Discussion: Your Comments Please »

Charlotte’s Best On Us! LaVecchia’s Seafood and Steaks

February 3rd, 2010 categories: Charlotte Living

Here’s another in a series of TalkCharlotte partnerships – Charlotte’s Best On Us! This time we offered a trip to Neptune’s galley….better know as LaVecchia’s Seafood and Steaks. THIS IS Charlotte’s acknowledged expert in seafood!

From opening day LaVecchia’s has been a favorite of Charlotte’s locals – uptown workers would happily return to  uptown on the weekend to enjoy the freshest seafood and some would just stay enjoying the lively bar scene. LaVecchia’s is that rare place where a casual dinner or a big night out go hand in hand.

Since 1998 this award winning seafood restaurant is perfect for all sorts of gatherings. From Birthday celebrations to large business functions, LaVecchia’s Steak and Seafood offers the freshest seafood in uptown Charlotte, aged USDA Prime steaks, great pasta dishes and a hip wine list.  Affordable and stylish, LaVecchia’s is ALWAYS good. Entertainment every Friday and Saturday night. The unique interior design creates a lively atmosphere filled with giant sculptures and bright colors reminding the guest of an undersea culinary adventure….owner Nick LaVecchia

Sorry to say the LaVecchia’s promotion is over but Drop us a note here to receive our current offering see here it’s delicious too ~ and we’ll put you on the list for more monthly treats to Charlotte’s Best On Us!

Authored by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: Your Comments Please »

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