Today was a learning experience. I was out with a client from Florida. Nice guy that needed a specific priced home in a specific area. Nothing special, just a $200,000 dollar home in the southern portion of Charlotte suburbs. He asked me to take him to some of the new construction neighborhoods so he could compare them to the used homes on the market. Everywhere I went the same story was heard. No one had a spec homes in progress. It seems the builders don't want to carry any debt into the new year even at the risk of losing clients to the used home market. The worst part is each builder says they are 5 months out from completion of a new construction home to be built. We went to 2 Ryland neighborhood sites and 2 Ryan neighborhood sites. We did find a Tuscan home that was on the road frontage lots. My client was happy to see one builder with the nerve to carry stock crossing into the new year. Every used home we visited seem to be the dog on the block. Each needed some TLC. Many were over priced. I don't see the bubble bursting in Charlotte I just see a lack of stock on the streets. I assume this will all change as we get closer to spring. The agents who are listings the over priced, under cared, homes really need to counsel their clients. I suggest they take them out and tour them through other homes in the area for comparison.

Notes From The Broker Updated January 06, 2006

The new year is here and 2006 has already proven to be a great start for real estate. The relocation of many northern based companies are fueling the Charlotte economy as well as the movement of floridians fleeing the rising insurance cost. The Mooresville area has also contributed to the local growth after its mention as a top city to retire in. Lake Wylie has completed its 5 year road project and has 4 lanes from Charlotte down through South Carolina. Walmart and Target have made the first move building a new complex on the corner of Hwy 160 and Hwy 49 (Tryon Street). The Crescent Resources group is doing well with the Sanctuary which is off Shopton Road. The Crescent group does a great job at preplanning their developments and booming land values in any area their build. My Town Agent is handling the growth well. We are listed on most of the preferred vendor list in the city. You must consider our company if you are relocating to the area. Our new office is located at 5200 Park Road Suite 207H Charlotte NC 28209. Our direct line is 704-523-7200.