Union County Real Estate Talk

Downtown Matthews NC Comes Alive on Labor Day Weekend

There’s always something going on in downtown Matthews NC.  But Labor Day weekend is special in this quaint historic town.  On this weekend, the Matthews Alive Festival continues its tradition of being the one of the largest street festivals in the southeast.

Centered on Stumptown Park in the heart of Matthews, Matthews Alive begins this year on Friday evening, September 3, and continues through Sunday, September 5.  The Stumptown Park stage hosts musical entertainment throughout the festival.  Friday’s acts include a Billy Joel tribute and two beach music bands.  While you’re listening to the music, the kids can have fun with the rides, amusements, and games on the carnival midway.  Thirty food vendors provide your favorite festival foods during the weekend.

How about an old fashioned parade?  The Matthews Alive Parade is the largest Labor Day parade in the southeast.  It starts at 10 am on Saturday morning to kick off the day’s festivities.

Arts and crafts will be a big feature of Matthews Alive this year.  Textiles, pottery, photography and woodworking can be found in over 160 booths.  The Matthews Community Center, renamed the Matthews Alive Cultural Center for the weekend, features a juried display of artwork by local artists, a show of basket weaving art and the Matthews Alive Quilt Show.

There is truly something for everyone to enjoy at the Matthews Alive Festival.  All proceeds from the Festival go to support local non-profit groups.

See photos from a previous Matthews Alive Festival.

Top Ten Things to Do in Matthews NC over Labor Day Weekend

Want to know more about living in Matthews NC?  Visit www.CarolinaSmallTownLiving.com.

Copyright 2010.  Carol Fox.  Allen Tate Realtors.  *Downtown Matthews NC Comes Alive on Labor Day Weekend*

Matthews NC Homes for Sale--2438 Alaqua Court

2438 Alaqua Court in Williams Crossing.  Discover this stately brick-front home located on a quiet cul-de-sac street in quaint Matthews NC. A side-load garage adds to the curb appeal of this home.  The two-story foyer with architectural columns and moldings is a preview of the home's open floorplan. Wood floors extend from the foyer into the formal dining room.

A formal living room with crown molding flanks the foyer and provides space for entertaining.  Enjoy holiday dinners in the formal dining room with its crown molding and chair rail with wainscoting accents. A pretty gas log fireplace with decorative niche above is the focal point of the large great room at the back of the home.  The great room is open to the kitchen/breakfast area making entertaining and conversation easy. 

The spacious kitchen with beautiful cabinetry includes an island and a double pantry.  Counterspace is abundant in this pretty kitchen.  Kitchen appliances include a refrigerator, stove, microwave and dishwasher.  A large closet under the staircase provides additional nearby storage.  The breakfast area is set into a spacious bay window area overlooking the backyard. 

The fifth bedroom with adjacent full bathroom is tucked away in a private back corner of this home.  What a wonderful guest suite or office on the first floor!  Upstairs, the master bedroom suite is an elegant getaway.  A tray ceiling with molding and paddle fan adds volume to the room.  The master bathroom has double sinks, a garden tub plus separate shower and a huge walk-in closet.

Two additional bedrooms and a bonus room complete the upstairs.  The bonus room has a deep double closet making it perfect for a sixth bedroom.

Enjoy your own backyard resort.  Spend your summer by the in-ground pool with hot tub.  A heater warms the hot tub and pool when the days get chilly.  A large patio provides dining and relaxing space.  One corner of the backyard is reserved for a koi pond with waterfall.

See a virtual tour of 2438 Alaqua Court in Matthews NC.

Learn more about the Williams Crossing neighborhood.

Williams Crossing in Matthews NC--Homes for Sale and Neighborhood Profile

Copyright 2010.  Carol Fox.  Allen Tate Realtors.  *Matthews NC Homes for Sale--2438 Alaqua Court*

Williams Crossing in Matthews NC—Homes for Sale and Neighborhood Profile

Williams Crossing is tucked away on the quiet side of Matthews NC.  This small neighborhood is located off Williams Road, which still has the feel of a country road.  Shopping centers with big box retailers, restaurants, and other businesses are conveniently located within two to three miles of the neighborhood along Independence Blvd.  Historic downtown Matthews with its farmers market and quaint shops is a short drive away as well.

Williams Crossing homes were built in the late 1990s and early 2000s.  The homes feature brick fronts and vinyl sides.  The floor plans are open with most offering five or six bedrooms.  Heated area ranges from approximately 2200 square feet to over 3000 square feet.

Williams Crossing Community Features

Community Amenities:  None

Builders:  Cambridge Homes

Schools:  Crown Point Elementary, Mint Hill Middle, Butler High.  School assignments are subject to change.  Check with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Public Schools for current school assignments.  

Williams Crossing Real Estate Market Update

January to December 2009

Single Family Homes

Homes Sold:  3

Prices:  $190,000 to $278,000      Average Sales Price:  $222,666 

Average Square Feet:  2815                

Average Days on Market:  53

Source:  Carolina Multiple Listing Service

Williams Crossing Homes for Sale

Click here to see Williams Crossing homes for sale.

Ever wonder what your Williams Crossing home is worth?

Click here to receive a free market evaluation.

Copyright 2010.  Carol Fox.  Allen Tate Realtors.  *Williams Crossing in Matthews NC—Homes for Sale and Neighborhood Profile*

Matthews NC Homes for Sale--302 Demaree Lane

Discover the pleasure of living in the heart of historic Matthews NC. You'll love this updated brick-front home tucked away on a quiet double cul-de-sac street in Hampton Green. Mature trees and landscaping shelter all the homes on this pretty street.

Step inside the front door to find a large great room. Crown molding accents this room, which has abundant wall space for your furniture. Fresh neutral carpet enhances the spacious feel and flow of the room.

The focal point of the great room is a masonry fireplace with gas logs. Picture cozy winter evenings around the hearth. Spotlights highlight this feature.

The formal dining room provides space for holiday dinners and celebrations. Crown molding and chair rail add architectural interest to this room. The chandelier is one of many updated light fixtures in this home.

An updated kitchen is the heart of this home. White painted cabinetry with new hardware brightens the space. Hardwood flooring adds warmth. The stainless steel microwave, smoothtop stove and dishwasher are brand new. The refrigerator is included.

An eating bar separates the kitchen from the breakfast area. Imagine taking your meals in this pretty bay window space with crown and chair rail molding overlooking the wooded backyard. The eat-in kitchen includes a desk and a pantry for extra storage.

Upstairs find an oversized master bedroom with plenty of wallspace for a king-size bed and additional pieces of furniture. This room has a paddle fan for circulation while a whole house fan in the hall can be used on cool evenings.

The master suite includes a walk-in closet and a glamor bath with skylight. New light fixtures and painted cabinetry with new hardware freshen this room. A tub with tile surround and a separate tile shower plus a linen closet complete this room.

There is plenty of room on the deck for dining and relaxing while you enjoy quiet wooded privacy. The backyard playset remains with the home.

View a virtual tour of 302 Demaree Lane here.

Learn more about the Hampton Green neighborhood.

Hampton Green in Matthews NC--Homes for Sale and Neighborhood Profile

Copyright 2010.  Carol Fox.  Allen Tate Realtors.  *Matthews NC Homes for Sale--302 Demaree Lane*

Hampton Green in Matthews NC—Homes for Sale and Neighborhood Profile

Would you like to live within walking distance to historic downtown Matthews NC?  If so, consider Hampton Green, a small neighborhood near the intersection of South Trade Street and Fullwood Lane.  Most of Hampton Green’s pretty homes are set among mature hardwood trees and private yards.

Hampton Green homes were built from the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s.  Most are two-story homes with brick front accents.  The neighborhood includes a few ranches.

Hampton Green has no formal homeowners association and there are no HOA fees.  The Hampton Green Swim Club is located within the neighborhood for those who want to join.  The swim club sponsors social activities for members throughout the summer season.

Hampton Green Community Features

Community Amenities:  Hampton Green Swim Club (membership club) located within neighborhood

Builders:  DR Horton, various custom builders

Schools:  Matthews Elementary, Crestdale Middle, Butler High.  School assignments are subject to change.  Check with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Public Schools for current school assignments.  

Hampton Green Real Estate Market Update

January to December 2009

Single Family Homes

Homes Sold:  6

Prices:  $163,900 to $279,900      Average Sales Price:  $211,883 

Average Square Feet:  2311                

Average Days on Market: 106

Source:  Carolina Multiple Listing Service

Hampton Green Homes for Sale

Click here to see Hampton Green homes for sale.

Ever wonder what your Hampton Green home is worth?

Click here to receive a free market evaluation.

Copyright 2010.  Carol Fox.  Allen Tate Realtors.  *Hampton Green in Matthews NC—Homes for Sale and Neighborhood Profile*

Matthews NC Real Estate Market Report—April-June 2010

How did the Matthews NC real estate market fare in the second quarter of 2010 and how did it compare with 2009?

The single family average sales price in Matthews NC rose again in the second quarter of 2010 increasing 3% over the first quarter average price and 12% over the average price in 2009.  The number of homes sales almost tripled over the first quarter.  Average days on market dropped.  This market activity is most likely reflective of the tax credit stimulus package.

The average sales price for townhomes and condominiums decreased slightly in the second quarter of 2010 and the number of units sold remained low at 7 unit.

Matthews NC Average Real Estate Prices, Homes Sold, and Average Days on Market

The chart below shows average sales prices in Matthews NC for single family homes and townhomes in 2008 and 2009 plus first and second quarter 2010.

Single Family Homes in Matthews NC

2009 Average Sales Price:  $224,025   First Quarter 2010 Average Sales Price:  $243,508  Second Quarter 2010 Average Sales Price:  $251,925

2009 Number of Homes Sold:  175    First Quarter 2010 Number of Homes Sold:  31  Second Quarter 2010 Number of Homes Sold:  87   

2009 Average Days on Market:  98   First Quarter 2010 Average Days on Market:  100   Second Quarter 2010 Average Days on Market:  87     

Townhomes and Condominiums in Matthews NC

2009 Average Sales Price:  $199,640    First Quarter 2010 Average Sales Price:  $170,250   Second Quarter 2010 Average Sales Price:  $168,041  

2009 Number of Homes Sold:  34       First Quarter 2010 Number of Homes Sold:  6    Second Quarter 2010 Number of Homes Sold:  7    

2009 Average Days on Market:  179     First Quarter 2010 Average Days on Market:  152    Second Quarter 2010 Average Days on Market:  302

Source:  Carolina Multiple Listing Service

Most Active Neighborhoods in Matthews NC

The most active Matthews NC neighborhoods are listed below.  Click on each neighborhood to get a detailed description of the neighborhood, a summary of 2009 real estate activity and search for current homes for sale.

Sardis Plantation

Matthews Plantation

St. Andrews

Sardis Plantation in Matthews NC—Homes for Sale and Neighborhood Profile

Are you looking for a full brick home in Matthews NC?  A home with a basement?  Large wooded lots?  If so, Sardis Plantation may be the perfect neighborhood for you.

Sardis Plantation homes were built from the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s.  The earliest homes in the neighborhood were smaller and more traditional than the newest.  They can range in size from approximately 1600 square feet to over 3000 square feet.

Sardis Plantation has a great location off Highway 51 in Matthews near the Sardis Road intersection.  Uptown Charlotte is an easy commute from the neighborhood.  Historic downtown Matthews with its many community activities is a short drive away.

Sardis Plantation Community Features

Community Amenities:  Playground, walking trails, tennis courts, Sardis Plantation Homeowners Association

Builders:  Trotter Builders

Schools:  Elizabeth Lane Elementary, South Charlotte Middle, Providence High.  School assignments are subject to change.  Check with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg

Public Schools for current school assignments.  

Sardis Plantation Real Estate Market Update

January to December 2009

Single Family Homes

Homes Sold:  4

Prices:  $235,000 to $342,500      Average Sales Price:  $279,375 

Average Square Feet:  2642                

Average Days on Market:  62

Source:  Carolina Multiple Listing Service

Sardis Plantation Homes for Sale

Click here to see Sardis Plantation homes for sale.

Ever wonder what your Sardis Plantation home is worth?

Click here to receive a free market evaluation.

Copyright 2010.  Carol Fox.  Allen Tate Realtors.  *Sardis Plantation in Matthews NC—Homes for Sale and Neighborhood Profile*

Charlotte Symphony at Matthews NC Stumptown Park

Picnic baskets and beach chairs.  Kids with balloon animals.  Dancing in the sand.

This was the scene last Friday night at Stumptown Park in downtown Matthews NC.  The park filled with families as the sun set below the tree line and the heat of the day cooled to a warm summer evening.  Then the Charlotte Symphony came on stage and played for an hour and a half in its Summer Pops series.

What a great way to spend the evening!  Stumptown Park provides a very intimate venue for the Symphony, which includes Matthews as a stop on its summer schedule.  Friday’s concert was a musical trip around the world with fun songs such as “La Cucaracha” and a medley of Irish dances.  Something for everyone, young and old.

It’s too late to catch the Charlotte Symphony in Matthews NC, but the Summer Pops series continues at Symphony Park at the SouthPark Mall.  There will be three more concerts held there, two on Sunday evenings on June 20th and 25th and the last celebrating America on Saturday, July 3rd.

Learn more about fun activities in downtown Matthews NC.

Stumptown Park is Matthews NC Community Hub

Copyright 2010.  Carol Fox.  Allen Tate Realtors.  *Charlotte Symphony at Matthews NC Stumptown Park*

Matthews NC Real Estate Market Report—January-March 2010

How did the Matthews NC real estate market fare in the first quarter of 2010 and how did it compare with 2009? 

The average sales price for single family homes in Matthews NC rose in the first quarter of 2010 compared to the average sales price for 2009.  Average days on the market were similar for 2009 and the first quarter of 2010 at approximately three months.  The average sales price for townhomes and condominiums slipped significantly during first quarter 2010.  Average days on market improved to slightly more than five months.

Matthews NC Average Real Estate Prices, Homes Sold, and Average Days on Market

The chart below shows average sales prices in Matthews NC for single family homes and townhomes in 2008 and 2009 plus first quarter 2010.

Single Family Homes in Matthews NC

2009 Average Sales Price:  $224,025   First Quarter 2010 Average Sales Price:  $243,508  

2009 Number of Homes Sold:  175    First Quarter 2010 Number of Homes Sold:  31    

2009 Average Days on Market:  98   First Quarter 2010 Average Days on Market:  100     

Townhomes and Condominiums in Matthews NC

2009 Average Sales Price:  $199,640    First Quarter 2010 Average Sales Price:  $170,250    

2009 Number of Homes Sold:  34       First Quarter 2010 Number of Homes Sold:  6      

2009 Average Days on Market:  179     First Quarter 2010 Average Days on Market:  152

Source:  Carolina Multiple Listing Service

Most Active Neighborhoods in Matthews NC

The most active Matthews NC neighborhoods are listed below.  Click on each neighborhood to get a detailed description of the neighborhood, a summary of 2009 real estate activity and search for current homes for sale.

St. Andrews

Windrow

Brightmoor

Matthews NC Farmers Market Opens for Summer Season on April 10, 2010

At 7:15am on Saturday, the Matthews Farmers Market opens its regular spring/summer season for the 19th time.  Located in downtown Matthews NC, the community farmers market is an event every Saturday morning.  Filled with local farmers and vendors, all food and other products at the market are produced within 50 miles of Matthews.  Each Saturday, local chefs give demonstrations and food preparation classes and local musicians provide music.

Special events throughout the season bring Matthews residents to the Saturday morning markets.  A cookbook exchange and pound cake bake-off are two special events planned for the market in April.

Special Events at the April 10th Opening

7:30am   Chef’s Secrets class on preparing omelets

8:30am   Cooking demonstration and bluegrass music

What will be available at the market this Saturday?

Look for carrots, beets, mushrooms, greenhouse tomatoes and lettuces, spinach and kale.

Other vendors will have pasture-fed pork and beef, goat cheese, and other products.

See photos from last year’s Matthews Farmers Market.  Downtown Matthews NC—Matthews Farmers Market Opens for the Season.

Copyright 2010.  Carol Fox.  Allen Tate Realtors.  *Matthews NC Farmers Market Opens for Summer Season on April 10, 2010*