Concord's Philip Morris manufacturing plant will begin to phase out its 2500 workers, approximately one year from 6/26/2007.  The company plans to close the 2.4 million-square-foot facility in 2010 in a plan to consolidate manufacturing in Richmond VA and expand manufacturing in Europe.  These are good paying jobs with good benefits that will be difficult to replace.  The company plans to offer relocation to Richmond, early retirement or severance packages to their Concord employees. The facility sits on 2100 acres of prime real estate adjacent to Hwy 29 in Concord NC.  McCormick, a Philip Morris representative, said that the company plans to sell the property once the facility is closed.  However, no decisions have been made as to how it will be sold.  Local officials are hopeful that ... 06/27/2007

What a huge blow to the economy in and around Concord NC.  News broke this afternoon announcing that the Philip Morris plant in Concord NC, which manufactures cigarettes, will be closing by third quarter 2008.It's not that this is the only employer in the area-by far, it's not.  But it's a blow to the tax base to lose them as an employer-we're talking 2500 jobs, and all high wage ones at that. PM is planning to move some of the folks to the facilities in Richmond, so of course I'm glad to help sell those homes for those families who choose to relocate to Richmond VA.  But when the moves come at a loss to the community, I'm just a little sad.The plant has been a strong part of the economy for years-I mean, after all, you all grew up knowing of North Carolina as the stronghold of the toba... 06/26/2007

There are generally 2 kinds of investors when it comes to the foreclosure market. There are the types that are strictly flippers; they want to buy low - put minimal materials and labor into the house - then sell it and cash out. Then there are the landlords; they want to put about the same effort into the house as the first group - then hold on to the investment for the medium or long term while collecting rent to carry the property.Occasionally, I run into a third type of investor - The Hybrid. I label them this because they utilize both of the first 2 group's strategies. While being a landlord (or hiring a property manager) may not be everyone's cup of tea, I think this strategy in the long term yields the highest rate of return. The main reason for this is because as the economy goes... 06/26/2007

Today the Concord North Carolina Planning and Zoning Commission approved the site plan for Wolf Lodge, a $100 million indoor/outdoor water park and 409-room Resort Hotel, proposed for a spot near Speedway Boulevard.  Unfortunately, only guests of the resort, averaging a whopping $300 nightly room rate, will be allowed to use the water park.  To read the article in the Independent Tribune, CLICK HERE. 06/19/2007

My wife and I live just outside of Charlotte in Concord.  We have come to love Concord.  It is unpretentious and family oriented.  Not to say that Charlotte isn't, it has it's nooks.  But Concord as a whole is just full of good hardworking people.  I am a little biased, I know, but for being just outside of Charlotte (you still have good access), having lower taxes (who doesn't like saving money), being home to the largest attractions in North Carolina-Concord Mills Mall and the Lowe's Motor Speedway (there's so much to see and do) and having many great established communities (people who live here don't want to move...good sign!), I have to put my lot in with Concord.  Come Visit Us Sometime!  We'll have a glass of sweet tea and some Carolina BBQ. 06/19/2007

With all the real estate shows on TV these days, especially those that deal in flipping houses, everybody wants to get into the business. It seems so easy to splash some paint on the walls, clean up the yard, steam the carpet, and you can have a 1 month turn from buying to selling and make thousands in profits. This is not the usual scenario when it comes to flipping properties. These shows are good entertainment, and you can get some general knowledge out of them, but the devil is in the details. First off, unless you buy a property and live in it for at least 24 months before you sell it for a profit; you will pay capital gains tax which is about 35%. Also, if you use contractors to do a lot of the renovation work, then you will further eat into your profits. So the biggest aspect of ... 06/17/2007

I want to pose a question to all of my Real Estate Agent counterparts out there.  What are the top 5 qualities that you look for when you partner with a local loan officer?  I am looking for all of you to pro's to think hard and give us your top 5! 06/11/2007

 If you feel so inclined as to roll up your sleeves and help with the remainder of the build, here's the schedule.  To volunteer, email Kristen Sloan at Habitat Cabarrus so she can keep a head count (kristensloan@habitatcabarrus.org).  The more the merrier!  (and we took a vote, men are welcome on the build site) Saturday May 5, 2007 - Roof/WindowsLunch- City of Concord Finance DepartmentSaturday May 12, 2007 - SidingLunch: Forest Hill UMCSaturday May 19, 2007 - InsulationLunch- Girl Scouts??Saturday May 26, 2007 - Memorial Day Weekend, No constructionSaturday June 2, 2007 - Interior TrimLunch- Wayside (Church Street)Saturday June 9, 2007 - PaintingVolunteers- Chix at Six/Calvary Lutheran (10-12) & PWB (5-10)Lunch- Kathy Allman's Church Thanks to everyone who is supporting our newest ho... 04/29/2007

Thanks to the many among you who check in periodically on our Women Build House for Habitat Cabarrus!We had a great build day in Concord NC on Saturday, framing day is rather special since it's the first volunteer event and the special event of the First Nail, which is of course hammered in by the prospective homeowner!Our group of volunteers, mostly women with a few token, hard-working men, got the walls up without incident (thank God!).  Only a few sunburned faces and backs to report.  We even had some much-needed publicity from the local newspaper, the Independent Tribune. Check out the photo of Virginia Halter hard at work!Here we are, raising the first wall!There's a week left in my personal challenge to raise the remaining money needed to build this house, I'll match whatever gift... 04/23/2007

I have to tell you about a wonderful new community being planned in Concord, NC.  I visited today and found LOTS of information about The Mills at Rocky River.  This community is being developed by Grace Development , Crosswinds Development, and Ryan Homes is the primary builder.  Ryan Homes currently has three different price points open in four different phases of the neighborhood.  The first price point is The Manor. These homes are located on roughly .2 acre.  They start in the $220,000s.  The next price point if The Estates. These homes are on roughly .25 acre and start in the $260,000s.  The final price point for Ryan is The Preserve.  Third of an acre lots, with a couple of lots up to half acre.  These homes start in the $360,000s.  Ryan plans to build both ranch and two story pl... 02/27/2007

Skybrook is a fantastic community at the edge of Huntersville NC (just north of Charlotte).  It straddles the Mecklenburg and Cabarrus County lines in an area that was once farm/rural and is now a sea of subdivisions.  (In fact, the original owners of the land on which Skybrook sits were third generation dairy farmers.)This is the entrance to the neighborhood-lovely, isn't it?Skybrook has many opportunities currently-both for resale homes and townhomes and for new construction homes and townhomes.The townhome section of the neighborhood is built by Ryan Homes, with homes starting in the $280s (all come with a two-car garage and many 'upgraded' features are standards here).  About an eight month build time currently.The single family sections of Skybrook are in a wide price range.  You c... 02/24/2007

(I'm a little behind in posting the stats for the month end for January!)Overview of the single family real estate market in Concord, NC for January 2007:Currently on the market:  610 homes (average of 123 days on market)Currently under contract:  213 homes (average of 73 days on market)Sold between Jan 1 2007 and Jan 31 2007:  103 homes (average 87 days on market)Lowest current listing price:  $24,900Highest current listing price: $1,500,000Overview of the condo/townhouse real estate market in Concord, NC for January 2007:Currently on the market:  33 homes (average of 194 days on market)Currently under contract:  7 homes (average of 138 days on market)Sold between Jan 1 2007 and Jan 31 2007:  14 homes (average of 230 days on market)Lowest current listing price:  $35,900Highest current ... 02/12/2007

Overview of the single family real estate market for Concord, NC (as of Jan 03 2007):Currently on the market: 573 (on the market an average of 128 days)Currently under contract: 141  (on the market an average of 74 days)Lowest list price $29,900Highest list price $1,499,999SOLD in the last 60 days: 496 (on the market an average of 75 days)Visit http://www.leighbrownandassociates.com/ for more information on the market in Concord, NC and surrounding areas.This property in Concord, NC just closed out for $195,500, at 99% of list price. Concord is known as the home of Lowe's Motor Speedway, has fabulous public schools, low property taxes, and is a short commute into downtown Charlotte. 01/03/2007

October State of the Market Report for Cabarrus:             The month of October 2006 resulted in fewer total home sales (228 properties) than in October 2005 (241 properties).  Of these, there were 5% fewer new construction sales in October of 2006 (30%) compared to October of 2005 (35%).  These numbers are promising for the resale sector which has been strained by stiff new construction competition in the past several years.              Another interesting statistical change from October 2005 versus October 2006 is days on the market.  Homes sold (new and resale) in October 2005 averaged 88 days on the market compared to an average of 37 days on the market for homes sold in October 2006.  Of these, the average days on the market for new homes sold went from 94 days last October to 7... 11/12/2006

Recent Happenings in Cabarrus:            According to a recent Independent Tribune article by Ben McNeely, another new neighborhood has been announced in the Kannapolis high end market.  Fisher Lake Farms will go up at Exit 63 of Interstate 85, along the western side between Lane Street and Brantley Road.  The project will encompass 65 acres and cost over $20 million.  The intent of the developers, DPE Investments, is for the location to be considered the northern entrance to the North Carolina Research Campus in downtown Kannapolis, a biotech research facility that is the brainchild of billionaire developer David Murdoch.  The NC Research Campus is collaborating with major universities such as UNC Chapel Hill, N.C. State University, Duke University and the local community college syst... 11/12/2006

So I just returned from a board meeting for Habitat Cabarrus, we were talking about development and opportunities for the upcoming year.  Can I tell you how EXCITED i am to be involved in this organization?  We're hoping to build more houses at full funding in 2007 than in any of our preceding 16 years, and identified some new partners to help us meet these goals.  Our affiliate is young, and already our homeowners contribute over $100,000 to our tax base annually!The mission of Habitat is to help families build and purchase their own homes to escape substandard housing.  One of the myths of Habitat is that it 'gives away' houses.  This isn't so!  Our homeowners go through substantial financial training to plan for budget changes that go along with homeownership. They also contribute a ... 11/09/2006

Welcome to Christenbury!I checked out the brand new community called Christenbury this week.  Builders in there include Ryan Homes.  Ryan is building gorgeous townhomes that start in the $340's and range in size from 2400 to over 4500 square feet.  The other builders are constructing single family homes.  They include M/I Homes beginning in the $370’s, David Weekley starting in the $400’s, and Simonini beginning in the $800’s.  The theme of the neighborhood is that of an English countryside.  There will be parks and preserve areas for relaxing walks and convenient shopping and restaurants.  The recreation area, the Manor House, will be situated on over three acres and include a pool with dramatic water features, tennis courts and clubhouse.  Nature preservation is an important focus in ... 10/27/2006

Orleans Homebuilders is nearing completion of its "Heatherstone" community in the Harrisburg market in the next few months.  They have done so well that they're adding three more communities in Cabarrus County in the weeks to come.Hearthwood will be located on Rocky River Road across from Rocky River Elementary School.  Pricing begins at $350,000 and the homesites are a spacious 1/3 to 1/2 acre.  Offering 4 & 5 bedroom floor plans, square footage will range from 2887 to 3950 and amenities are to include swimming pool, cabana and tot lot.  The countryside here is beautiful with rolling hills and gently winding streets.Bridge Pointe will be located in Harrisburg near the new Hickory Ridge High School.  There will be 199 homesites with 4 & 5 bedroom floor plans.  Amenities will include a J... 10/27/2006