First time buyers searching for affordable condos in Charlotte’s Historic Dilworth neighborhood are faced with a balancing act.  Although there are some wonderful home choices, not many that are for sale – even in today’s economy – are what one might label “within the range” of affordability.  Realtors often hear from clients that living in Dilworth is a top choice, and rightly so!  Urban living in Dilworth ranks right up there by everyone’s measure.  Folks moving to the Queen City from elsewhere quickly discover Dilworth’s charm. Much is written about it, and once a visitor cruises East Boulevard or Dilworth Road - or better yet - leaves the car behind and either walks or bikes the “first planned subdivision” in Charlotte, it is easy to want to be part of it all.
If someone were shopping today for a Dilworth condo, they would find the local MLS lists 137 units for sale, at an average list price of $306,000.  That amount can be out of reach for many first time buyers. However, there are some value-based condos available if one knows where to look!  The accompanying chart shows 17 current active listings in Dilworth priced below $175,000.  These particular condos are among those constructed since 1991, so fit most buyers’ image of a condo in a free-standing complex and not in an old home that has been partitioned into separate quarters.

For more information please contact me at 704-944-9230 or visit my website.

What’s so great about condo living in Dilworth? Lots! For starters, convenience to everything that’s truly wonderful about Charlotte.  The Dilworth OnLine Motto rings true, “IF YOU CAN”T FIND IT HERE, IT MIGHT NOT BE HAPPENING!”   In Dilworth the “Old” and the “New” blend harmoniously. Historic homes dating back to the turn of the Century are framed by massive old-growth Oaks in this neatly planned grid of quaint streets.  Charlotte is known as “The City of Trees”, and that truly is evident throughout Dilworth. Simply walking the neighborhood is a guaranteed stress reliever! Don’t overlook Latta Park and Freedom Park, host to the Festival in the Park.  The shopping district which runs along East Boulevard is loaded with terrific specialty shops and great restaurants. Try the wood-fired pizzas at Brixx – they’re the best! Another favorite is 131 Main, voted Best Overall Restaurant by Charlotte Magazine for 2009.
A few excellent condo developments are spread throughout Dilworth. Latta Pavilion is an attractive 4-story mid-rise brick and stucco complex on the block between Scott and Kenilworth just off East Boulevard. Right next door are Harris Teeter Supermarket, Starbuck’s, plus many more destination shops and services.  At Latta Pavilion the interior raised-planter courtyards provide a quiet retreat. Amenities include secure covered parking, security entrances, a fitness center, and roof top terrace.  Latta Pavilion offers one and two bedroom urban living at its finest! Granite counter-tops, custom cabinetry, and well designed open living spaces with balconies are standard.  For an example of condos at Latta Pavilion, click here to see 1320 Fillmore or visit the Individual Property Website .
Other condos/townhomes for sale in Dilworth that are newer construction include Royal Court ; The Arlington , Unit 307 in the Arlington, Dilworth Walk ,  The Tremont http://www.tremontcharlotte.com/  , 1315 East , Magnolia Place, Ordermore8, and Dilworth at Lexington.

For more information contact me at 704-756-8124 or visit my website.

About five years ago, I wondered for my three boys what types of educational, fun programs in Charlotte there were for elementary and middle schoolers interested in science and engineering careers – I know, thinking of their futures already.  Well, my boys are only 2 years apart, so they have turned me into their official activity director.  We did all the Discovery Place camps and athletic programs at the local YMCA, so what next.  I found FIRST Lego League (FLL).  It has been a tremendous experience.  This year’s robot challenge was called SMART MOVE www.NC-FLL.org FLL engages kids in a playful, yet meaningful way, while helping them to develop fundamental science and technology skills. In a nutshell, they design and build their own robots and compete with other teams in their community.

This is my second year as FLL coach, and I have been impressed how many teams have formed in Charlotte over the years. It is hot!  This past weekend, my team competed in the regionals in Greensboro with about 30 other teams.  The missions this year focused on transportation in our community.  In addition to performing robotic runs around transportation obstacles, my team like the others had to study a transportation problem in the community and propose a unique solution to judges.  Additionally, they had challenges testing their teamwork skills and technical interviews were also a component where judges asked the kids detail questions on their robot design.

The ages that compete in the US range from 9-14. It’s an international organization so some countries have participants as old as 16.  And for those interested, this year’s world finals will be in the US (in Atlanta).  I’m proud to report my 4th and 5th grader team placed 6th at the regionals against teams that much older, and we still have a chance to advance to the state finals based on teamwork and technical interview scores.

Have questions on FLL or forming a team in Charlotte, don’t hesitate to visit my website.    And if you don’t mind my amateur video clip, you can even see my team performing their last robotic run before the round ends at this weekend competition.sabrina-brown

Charlotte Homes :   3030 South Charlotte NC3 is a unique blend of contemporary architecture and urban planning with focus on modern day transit needs.  At first glance, you’ll think that this hip complex is just that–a new, architecturally appealing condo complex in South End Charlotte NC! This complex is a mix of flats, townhomes and live/work townhomes.  The lower level of the 4-level live/work townhomes, is zoned for commercial use, just for your office, hair salon–the possibilities are endless! There’s plenty of parking for your visitors and you, of course, will have a large office and storage area on the ‘business’ level as well as two entrances on that same level.  Your home, above your office, has its own entrance–either through the garage or on the main level.

For more information contact me at 704-491-3310  or visit my website.