Costello Real Estate & Investments Blog | Costello REI

Charlotte is a very popular place for those looking to relocate to a new city. In fact, about 109 people moved to Charlotte every day throughout 2017 and that number has stayed rather consistent throughout 2018.

Now, with 2019 here, it's important to understand which Charlotte neighborhoods are the best choices. Whether you're relocating from another city or state, or you're just looking to relocate within Charlotte, the top neighborhoods may have changed since you last looked them up. Here's a quick look at the top 15 Charlotte neighborhoods to consider when shopping for your next home.

Plaza-Midwood

Found on the top of just about every neighborhood list for Charlotte, Plaza-Midwood is a vibrant spot with plenty to offer. It's not far from Uptown, making it a very popular location. In addition, the neighborhood is filled with art galleries, restaurants and it's home to the Charlotte Country Club.

Dilworth

Known as the first streetcar suburb of Charlotte, Dilworth has been very popular for those relocating to the Charlotte area. It's filled with history and plenty of things to do. The location also makes it easy to enjoy most of what Charlotte has to offer.

Uptown

Also known as Center City and Downtown Charlotte, Uptown offers the top employers and plenty of commercial buildings throughout. It's also the home of the sports teams in Charlotte including the Panthers (NFL) and Hornets (NBA).

Those choosing Uptown will also enjoy plenty of restaurants, entertainment options, and shopping throughout. It's a popular spot and many come from other neighborhoods to play in the Uptown area.

SouthPark

One of the larger neighborhoods...

Buying your first home should be exciting. However, it often comes with plenty of stress and can become rather overwhelming.

Last year, the real estate market experienced rather low inventory and many buyers were demanding affordable housing. This made the market sway towards the seller and buyers had to be on their toes to get the home they really want for a price they liked.

While the seller's market of 2018 has come and is starting to go, many are predicting a more balanced market for 2019. Plenty of new construction has helped to even out the inventory some and the market is inching back towards balance.

Regardless of whether it's a buyer's market, seller's market, or a balanced market, as a first-time homebuyer, you need to know what you're getting into. If you're planning to buy for the first time this year, here's a quick guide to help you along the way.

Your Credit Matters, so Start with Your Score

Pull your credit score and find out what it is. If you have poor credit, it's time to start here and work on getting your credit score up before you even attempt to buy a home. Even if your credit is good, but not great, you may want to do some work in this area first.

Your credit score will be used by any lender you try to get a mortgage from. They will pull your credit report and look at the score to help determine if you qualify and how good of an interest rate you may qualify for.

Speak to a Lender

After you've seen your credit score, it's time to speak to a lender. While not all will take your call and answer your questions, the ones that will are the ones you will work with when it's actually time to buy your...

No one denies that technology has completely changed the way we live.  It wasn't terribly long ago when having a PalmPilot meant you were on the cutting edge of the latest gadgets.  Now, within minutes of breaking my coffee pot, I can have one ordered that will arrive within hours.

Every industry has been shaken and the way we do business has to evolve.  You can either fight the change or embrace it head-on.  The same is true for how brokerages serve their agents and provide them the resources they need to thrive.  

To be perceived as more progressive, some newer real estate models are hailing the doom of brick and mortar real estate brokerages as an inevitable shift that they are ahead of.  They compare themselves with Netflix while contrasting brick and mortar brokerages as the Blockbusters that won't survive the shift.  

This is a great sales pitch that plays on the natural fear that comes from industry shifts in general. There is no doubt that an industry shift is taking place. They typically do when a customer's need is met in a new way and to stay in business companies are forced to evolve.  Again, think Amazon.  It wasn't online shopping the gave them the edge, it was free shipping.  For some reason, Walmart and Target have only recently jumped on board.

So, back to the sales pitch.  Is brick and mortar real estate on the way out?  

Let me start by saying that a real estate industry shift has NOTHING to do with a company having four walls.  In fact, Netflix also has a physical location where their employees work in Los Gatos, CA.  People having space to meet doesn't equate them being a relic like Blockbuster or Circuit City.  Those chains existed to advertise a product.  Brick and...

Right after you get done with the Christmas season, it's time to celebrate the New Year. Often, celebrating New Year's Eve gets forgotten or put off due to holiday shopping and other events. However, if you put off making your plans, you may have limited options for celebrating the New Year in Charlotte.

Make your plans now and you won't have much to worry about as 2018 comes to a close. Here are some of the best parties to enjoy ringing in the New Year in Charlotte.

Levine Museum of the New South

Found in the Uptown neighborhood of Charlotte, the Levine Museum will be providing a great New Year's Eve party to enjoy. The party will start at 9pm and the cost is $108.

This event is put on by the South Charlotte chapter of Jack and Jill of American. It's a fundraiser and provides a Harlem Nights theme. You will want to come dressed in your best flapper attire or in an ensemble from the 1920s. The night will include plenty of eating and drinking, along with dancing and more.

Tickets do include heavy appetizers from Mert's Heart & Soul, along with access to the museum and the party.

Bojangles’ Coliseum

A party held in East Charlotte, the Bojangles' Coliseum event will start at 8:30pm with a cost of $76 and up. This is a huge show and one of the most popular of the year. It will include The Avett Brothers performing for two nights and plenty more.

The Ritz Carlton

For those in the Uptown area, The Ritz Carlton may be the perfect spot for ringing in the New Year. They will have a party starting at 9pm at a cost of $44. This party will be held in their 7,000 square-foot ballroom with plenty to offer.

Tickets include passed appetizers, access to a photo booth and access to many bar stations. This will be...

The Town of Davidson, NC offers plenty of great neighborhoods to enjoy. It's a wonderful town to call home with its close proximity to Charlotte. Here's a quick look at some of the top neighborhoods found in Davidson.

Davidson Woods

A beautiful community found in Davidson, Davidson Woods offers custom homes built by the best area home builders. There are still plenty of opportunities for building here, while some of the homes have already been built. The prices range from the $400s up to more than $1 million with some of the homes providing complete custom options.

Park Creek

Another great neighborhood in Davidson, Park Creek is found on the east side of the town. It's a gated community with semi-custom homes and large home sites. The prices range from about $400K up to more than $600K here.

McConnell Farms

When you want something a bit more rural, McConnell Farms if the spot for you. Many of the lots here are large and wooded with plenty of home sites still available for building. It's a short drive from Davidson and offers homes starting in the $400s.

Runneymede

A horse-friendly neighborhood in Davidson, Runneymede provides wooded lots and plenty of estates with horse facilities. It's just a few minutes from downtown Davidson and offers plenty of luxury throughout. Runneymede is also known for providing plenty of privacy. The homes start in the $400s, but go up to $1 million.

Woodlands at Davidson

Found right on the Davidson, Huntersville line, the Woodlands at Davidson provides larger luxury homes with plenty to offer. It's a community found just minutes from downtown Davidson and not far from Huntersville. The River Run Country Club...

Even in Charlotte, it gets a bit cold in the winter. When the cold rolls in, you may feel like finding the perfect cozy indoor spot in Charlotte is necessary. Here's a look at some of the coziest indoor hangouts all throughout Charlotte.

Trade & Lore and Salud Cerveceria

A coffeehouse and a brewery in a shared space, Trade & Lore and Salud Cerveceria are great choices for a cozy hangout in Charlotte. You can grab a cup of coffee during the day and get some work done on your laptop. Then, when the evening rolls around, you can enjoy an exciting place with some good adult beverages.

You'll want to get a beer or a glass of wine and curl up in one of the booths. Of course, you may also want to enjoy the DJ on the first of every month, along with other specialty shows here.

Trade & Lore is open from 8am to 4pm Sunday through Thursday and from 8am to 5pm on Friday and Saturday. Salud Cerveceria is open from 11am to 10pm Tuesday through Thursday, from 11am to 12am on Friday and Saturday and from 11am to 7pm on Sunday. They are closed on Mondays.

Both are found at 3306 North Davidson Street in the NoDa neighborhood of Charlotte.

Dilworth Tasting Room

Those that love wine will love heading to the Dilworth Tasting Room. It's an excellent place to get a bit cozy with a bottle of wine, someone special, or just with some friends. You can enjoy the indoor areas with a modern art installation behind the bar. When it's nicer out, they also have a patio to enjoy with a secret garden.

Along with the great wine, the tasting room offers some snacks, such...

You don't have to go to a Christmas event or join a group tour to enjoy Charlotte during the holiday season. If you prefer a self-guided Christmas tour, there are several great options throughout the Uptown area. Here are some of the best choices.

Before we get into the list, it's important to note that The Christmas Village was moved from Romare Bearden Park to 7th and Tryon for this year. In addition, the official Uptown Christmas Tree was moved from The Square to The Christmas Village.

The Charlotte Christmas Village

The self-guided tour options in Uptown don't get any better than the Charlotte Christmas Village. You can enjoy this area of the city from 11am to 7pm on Tuesday and Wednesday, from 11am to 9pm Thursday through Saturday and from 11am to 6pm on Sunday. It's closed on Monday and open through Christmas Eve for the year.

Throughout the Christmas Village, you will find plenty of vendors with all kinds of options from bratwurst to cider to fudge and so much more. You can also get your picture with Santa and visit the official Uptown Holiday Tree.

The Square

Found at 100 North Tryon Street, The Square is a great choice for a self-guided tour. You can also add in Thompson Polk Park and Founders hall as they are all found at the intersection of Tryon and Trade.

Even though the Uptown Tree was moved to the Christmas Village this year, there is still a huge decorated Christmas tree at The Square. In addition, there are plenty of other decorations and it's a great place to get into the festive fun.

Founders Hall can be added to your tour with the Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra performing every hour. It's an orchestra of animatronic bears and one of the longest traditions in Charlotte. The bears will perform through...

It's that time of year and finding gifts for everybody on your list isn't always easy. Instead of wasting time trying to shop online, it may be easier to head to some of the best spots for shopping in the Queen City.

While the places below are great for holiday shopping, they are also great for shopping any time of the year. Here's a look at some of the top places to shop in Charlotte when you need gifts or just want to treat yourself.

The Beehive

Found inside the Overstreet Mall, The Beehive is a great spot for local products, such as Cloister Honey products, Trapp fragrances, and David French paintings. You'll find all kinds of excellent gift choices in this quaint shop.

Along with the local products, The Beehive also carries plenty of handbags, housewares, shoes, and jewelry. They are open from 10am to 6pm, Monday through Friday and from 10am to 2pm on Saturdays.

The Map Shop

With more than 7,000 maps in stock, along with globes and other map-related items, The Map Shop is perfect for the traveler on your list. You can find all kinds of nautical charts, street maps, atlases, hiking maps, sightseeing guides and so much more. Whether you want a city map or a country mat, this is the place to go.

The Map Shop is open from 9am to 6pm, Monday through Friday and from 10am to 4pm on Saturdays. They are located at 1500 East Morehead Street in the Midtown area of Charlotte.

Taylor Richards & Conger

With more than 25 years of experience, Taylor Richard & Conger or TRC provides some...

Denver is a town found near Charlotte and offers a great place to call home. Many homebuyers relocating to the Charlotte area are looking for a smaller town, such as Denver to settle in. Here's a look at some of the great neighborhood found in Denver, NC to choose from.

Sailview

A waterfront neighborhood with plenty to offer in the Denver area, Sailview is one of the most popular neighborhoods in the town. The neighborhood offers a variety of homes with plenty of great amenities and lake access. Residents enjoy a clubhouse, picnic area, community pool, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, and plenty more in Sailview.

The neighborhood is located right in the middle of Denver and very close to the newest recreational developments in the town. Homes in Sailview start around $400K and will go up to as much as $3 million.

Killian Crossing

A master-planned community with some new home sites available, Killian Crossing offers larger home sites. It's a Denver community with plenty of amenities more affordable homes ranging from $300K to more than $500K.

Norman Estates

A waterfront, gated community with plenty to offer, Norman Estates is the premier luxury community in Denver, NC. With less than 30 estates here, this is one of the most sought-after communities in the Lake Norman areas. Homes in the Norman Estates are found on the water and many top executives and professional athletes call this neighborhood home.

Norman Estates offers lake access, a community RV and trailer parking area, and a gated entry. Homes here start around $1.25...

A growing suburb of Charlotte, Mooresville, NC offers plenty to be excited about. However, there are plenty of things you may not know about this suburb. It's grown by nearly 75% over the past decade and the city has a very rich history.

If you're interested in moving to Mooresville or you're just curious about this city, here are some fun facts you may not be aware of about Mooresville, NC.

Was Moore’s Siding

Until March of 1873, the city was called Moore’s Siding. The Moore's were the unofficial first family of the city and it remained under the name of Moore's Siding until it was incorporated in 1873. When this happened, the name was changed to Mooresville, which still contains the First Family's name. The Moore's also donated much of the land for the city.

Mooresville is Growing Fast

The economic growth in Mooresville has made it a bit of a boom town. The expectations are for the city to have over 40,000 workers by 2025. Five of the largest projected areas for expansion in the city include:

• Retail/Tourism
• Technical Manufacturing
• Clean Energy
• Business/Financial
• Automotive

If you work in one of these industries, Mooresville may be the place for you very soon, if it's not already the right place for you. With the economic growth of the city, it's expected the population will continue to grow fast, as well. This could lead to more new homes for sale throughout Mooresville.

Natural Resources Matter Here

Mooresville isn't growing at any cost. It's a city growing with the idea of preserving natural resources and continued sustainable growth in mind. Mooresville is a Lake Norman community and it's known...

Davidson, North Carolina dates back to the 1800s and offers one of the best places to call home. It was founded when Davidson College was established and was actually just known as Davidson College for the first couple of decades of existence.

Ever since Davidson started to become popular, it has never stopped. It has been a thriving community for many years and it doesn't hurt that it's just 22 miles from Charlotte.

While you may think you know Davidson very well, there may be things you don't know. Here are a few of the top things you may not know about Davidson, NC.

Davidson's Parks

Davidson Proper may only measure 5.1 miles, but you'll find 19 parks and greenways here. That's a lot of green space jam-packed into a small area.

Famous Sculpture

Thomas Cain is the most famous sculptor from Davidson. He's known for the gnomes he has sculpted and they sell all over the world.

Not so Segregated

Many southern cities were very racial segregated back in the day. Davidson has a population of black slaves and poor white factory workers. What makes it unique is how well the cooperated together. The churches in the area created public schools for both white and black children. Even Sunday School classes were created for slave children in a time when this just didn't happen.

Cotton Was Davidson's Main Trade

In the early days, Davidson was all about the cotton. Cotton mills were all throughout the area in the 1800ss and by the early 1900s, more than 2,000 bales of cotton were sold in the town every year.

Davidson College

While you may think Davidson College is...

Do you love a good bungalow home? Charlotte has plenty of them and they are found in some of the most charming neighborhoods throughout the Queen City. If you're moving to Charlotte or just looking to move into a different Charlotte home, a bungalow home may be perfect for you.

The bungalow home offers a true southern home with the perfect front porch, great attention to detail and a popular style. The homes from the early 20th century are very popular, but Charlotte is also home to many newer bungalow homes, as well.

If you're searching for a bungalow home in Charlotte, here are the top neighborhoods to consider.

Dilworth

One of the best areas for bungalow-style homes is Dilworth. This neighborhood is also one of the most popular in the entire city. Home buyers will find plenty of great bungalows here with excellent front porches and plenty of charm. The neighborhood dates back to 1900 and was one of the first street-car suburbs of Charlotte. Many of the homes in Dilworth are even found on the National Registry of Historic Places.

NoDa

Names for the fact that it's off North Davidson Street, the NoDa neighborhood offers plenty of wonderful bungalow options. It's filled with historic bungalows with one or one and a half stories and a front porch. Many of the most common bungalow styles are found throughout the NoDa neighborhood.

This neighborhood is known as a very hip area with plenty of local art, excellent restaurants, and boutique shopping options. It's very popular and home to many beautiful bungalow homes to choose from.

Chantilly

With plenty of bungalows with front porches, hardwood floors, transom windows and tall ceilings in Chantilly, you're sure to find the right...

While Charlotte winters are mild compared to northern cities, you may still be wondering if you should sell your home during the winter or wait until the spring. Listing your home at the right time matters, but the winter isn't a bad time to list your home for sale. In many ways, it could be a perfect time.

The months of November and December may seem like bad months for selling, but this isn't exactly true. Buyers are still out shopping for a new home and often, there are fewer homes on the market during these months. This might be the good news you were hoping to hear.

You may be thinking about how hectic it can be to work showings and open houses into your already busy holiday plans. However, if you have a home you'd like to sell in Charlotte, there are several advantages to getting it listed now. Here are some of the benefits of selling your Charlotte home during the winter.

The Internet is 24/7/365

In today's day in age, home buyers find you online first 95% of the time. There used to be a time when you couldn't search home listings any day of the week, at any hour of the day. Today's buyers will find you when it's convenient for them and that's good news for sellers in the winter.

With good online listing pictures and a good real estate agent on your side, you'll have a great chance of selling during the winter. The internet is your friend in this situation and as long as buyers can find your home, you'll have plenty of interest, no matter the time of year.

Less Competition

The spring will bring plenty of sellers flooding the market all looking to get their homes sold. However, during the winter, the number of sellers with homes listed on the market is much lower. In fact, you'll see about 15% fewer homes listed during November and December...

With the city of Charlotte growing quickly, many are moving to Charlotte from out of the state or at least out of the city. You may be making the move to Charlotte soon and you may be bringing your pets along. The more the merrier and Charlotte is a very pet-friendly place to live.

After making the decision on relocating to Charlotte, you may be wondering how smooth the move will go with your pets. Moving is already stressful and adding in pets can make it even worse. You have so many things to get done and keep track of already.

When you decide to move to Charlotte with pets, you need the right advice to help you get the move done smoothly. Here are some of the best tips to ensure your move with pets is handled properly.

Make the Pets the Job of the Kids

Often, kids feel lift out during a move and need something to do. Putting them in charge of caring for your pets is a great way to handle two things in one. Kids get something to do and you have someone else helping out with the pets.

Of course, you will still have to oversee this whole operation as they are still just kids.

Handling Packing

It's well-known that cats don't like change at all. Dogs, on the other hand, will go nuts anytime you get out luggage or bring moving boxes into your home. They just have a sense for what's happening and they don't know where you might take them next.

Bringing moving boxes into your home early in the process can help to ensure your dogs and cats have time to get used to them. This will also allow you to pack a little at a time, which can also keep the stress level of your pets down.

Have...

When it's time to sell your Charlotte home, you certainly have plenty of options for a real estate agent or broker. There are more than 2 million actively licensed real estate agents in the United States and plenty are found in Charlotte. However, not every agent is the same.

Several types of agents and brokers are found out there and it's important to understand how each one works. When you're ready to hire the right Charlotte real estate agent, you'll want to understand what you're getting into. Here's a look at the different types of real estate agents found throughout Charlotte.

Full-Service Real Estate Agents

The full-service real estate agent is the traditional agent and the most common. This type of agent will handle all the heavy lifting throughout the entire process to get your home sold. They will handle the staging, marketing, closing and so much more to help you get the home sold.

When it comes to negotiating the contract and terms, your full-service real estate agent in Charlotte will be right there to help. They may even schedule inspections or any appointments with a closing attorney to ensure everything is handled smoothly.

Limited Service Real Estate Agents

A less common type of agent you will run into is the limited service real estate agent. This type of agent is exactly what it sounds like. You'll get a limited amount of service from them and usually, you will pay a lower commission rate or a reduced fixed rate for their services.

Limited service real estate agents come in two varieties: Discount and Flat Fee. The discount real estate agent will provide a discounted commission rate in exchange for a lower level of service compared to the full-service agent. They may help with negotiations and contracts, but you may be in charge of open...

You've finally made the decision to move to Charlotte. With the city growing so fast and so many great things to do, you're in for a wonderful adventure. Charlotte offers plenty of professional sports, incredible outdoor recreation and all kinds of new businesses opening all the time.

Whether you've already found a new place to call home or you're searching for the right neighborhood, this guide is for you. Below, you will find our quick guide to moving to Charlotte packed with helpful information.

#1 - Where Will You Live?

The first thing you need to do when you plan to move to Charlotte is figuring out where you will live. You may want to rent for a few months while you search for a home or maybe you'd prefer to buy before you move. Either way, finding the right neighborhood is key.

Choosing a neighborhood isn't always easy and with so many great choices in Charlotte, it can be very difficult. You can choose one of the infill neighborhoods, such as Myers Park, Uptown or Dilworth. You can also consider one of the suburbs, such as Davidson, Mooresville or Ballantyne. These are just a few of the many top neighborhoods found in Charlotte.

#2 - Hire a Real Estate...

Winter is nearly here and the Yadkin Valley Winter Wine & Beer Passport offers a great way to visit wine country in North Carolina. If you've been looking for a way to enjoy incredible wineries and craft breweries, you can use this passport to really check them out.

Found north of Charlotte off I-77, Surry County offers some of the very best wineries in the state. You can enjoy ten award-winning choices, along with two breweries with the Winter Wine & Beer Passport this year. A visit to wine country can be quite a bit of fun when you get the passport for your trip.

If you're looking for a great way to get out of the city during the holidays, this is one of the best choices. It also makes a good gift and provides plenty of fun for anybody that loves wine.

What You Get with the Passport

The Passport will be valid for use from November 23rd to March 20th and offers plenty of perks. You get to enjoy 12 wine and beer tastings with a commemorative keepsake and discounts at many of the local merchants, hotels, and restaurants.

It's a bit like you will be on a treasure hunt as you will have a treasure map to lead you to the wineries and brewers in Surry County. This makes it fun for a group, a couple or anybody looking to enjoy wine tastings in a fun, unique way.

Participating Wineries

For this year, the following wineries are all a part of the Winter Wine & Beer Passport in Surry County:

• Roaring River
• Slightly Askew
• Shelton Vineyards
• Adagio Vineyards
• Elkin Creek
• Grassy Creek
• ...

Plaza Midwood is very popular and it's one of the oldest neighborhoods in Charlotte. You may know quite a bit about this amazing neighborhood, but you may not know it all.

The neighborhood is known for the incredible restaurants, unique bars, thriving culture, and arts scene and so much more. It's a true Charlotte institution and one of the best neighborhoods in the city.

Plaza Midwood is also a great place to call home with plenty of wonderful homes. Many of the houses here are historic and have been well preserved. There's also some new construction on the larger streets and many residents love the fact that the neighborhood is very walkable.

If you're considering moving to Plaza Midwood, you'll want a real estate agent familiar with the area. You will also want to learn all about the neighborhood. While you may know some of the main facts about Plaza Midwood, you may not know everything. Here are some of the top things you may not know about Plaza Midwood.

WBT Radio Station

F.M. Laxton is a famous early resident from Plaza Midwood. He set up a radio transmitter in his backyard chicken coup back in the 1910s. Eventually, he became the founder of the WBT radio station, which was only the third licensed station in the entire county. This caused Charlotte to become a hotspot for music recording early when the industry was first born.

Many historical facts like this make Plaza Midwood special and there's plenty to learn about the area. It's steeped in history and you can feel it as you walk throughout the neighborhood.

Originally...

It's a wonderful time of the year in Charlotte with the holiday season right around the corner. Halloween is nearly here and once it's over, it won't be long before Christmas lights are found everywhere and the cheer of the season is in the air.

When the holiday season rolls around, several annual events also come to town. If you want to know some of the best ways to celebrate the holidays in Charlotte, here are 17 to choose from.

Southern Christmas Show

Get your holiday season started early from November 8th to 18th with the Southern Christmas Show. This is the place to enjoy freshly decorated trees, plenty of gift shopping and more. It will be held at The Park Expo & Conference Center.

Vintage Charlotte Winter Market

On November 17th, you can enjoy the Vintage Charlotte Winter Market with more than 60 vendors on hand with all kinds of items. Find the perfect gifts at The Fillmore during this event.

Speedway Christmas

You don't have to be a race fan to enjoy the Charlotte Motor Speedway from November 18th to December 31st. It will be filled with light displays you can drive through and enjoy with classic holiday movies playing and plenty more.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical

Starting on November 23rd and running through December 23rd, this is one of the best holiday events of the year. It will be held at...