Sasha Levons

About Sasha T. Levons

Selling or buying real estate is a stepping stone for many people throughout their lifetime of success whether it’s settling down and starting a family, relocating for a new job or simply investing your money wisely. Simply getting the job done is not enough. What it ultimately comes down to is impeccable customer service, great results and most importantly building strong relationships.

“I am a trusted advisor to many family and friends. Reason being, I assess everyone’s needs individually and personalize our approach accordingly. I use very unique tools in assessing my clients and their personal preferences. I make a commitment to my clients to provide them with the best service in meeting their needs, desires and goals.”

Educational Background

Sasha Levons attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Cognitive Science.

Sasha held many leadership positions which allowed her the opportunity to become a true trusted advisor. She received numerous accolades during her time at UNCC including the Outstanding Student Organization Leader Excellence Award, the Leadership Medal Award, and NAN Women in Leadership Sponsorship.

Hobbies

Sasha, a native of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands has immersed herself in the charming southern metropolis of Charlotte, NC. She is a member of the Levine Museum of the New South as well as the UNC Charlotte Alumni Chapter. During her spare time, she loves to read, travel, scuba dive, play volleyball and go to the gym.

What People Say About Sasha

“Sasha Levons is a polished young woman, and a principled individual. I can say that I am most impressed with her work ethic. Sasha has never been interested in maintaining the ‘status quo’. She carefully thinks through her projects and sets out to accomplish her charge with a high degree of excellence; you see, with Sasha, there are no insignificant undertakings. If she is involved, you can be assured the task will be completed with merit.”

- Terre Lucas

“Sasha Levons is one of the most motivated, hardworking and organized people I have ever met. When there is a task to be done, Sasha always takes initiative and steps up to the plate before she is asked. She is a kind person with a good heart. It is in this spirit that she has won the respect of many. People know very quickly that Sasha can be trusted and she works very well with others.”

- Kristen Galloway

Helen Adams Realty and Residential Properties are members of The Active Enterprise Network, a union of privately-held real estate companies across the country that share information and strategy as well as a unified technology platform.

No Time Like The Future

It’s time to hop into the DeLorean and take a cruise into the future – to the year 2030. As Christopher Lloyd’s character Doc, in the Back to the Future trilogy so elegantly expressed, “that this point in time inherently contains some sort of cosmic significance. Almost as if it were the temporal junction point for the entire space-time continuum. On the other hand, it could just be an amazing coincidence.”

There could be a touch of foreshadowing in the Doc’s quote. This is a pivotal moment in time for technology. The Post-PC Era has begun, which could have a significant impact on the future of real estate.

There are 3 technology shifts that are developing right now that are reshaping the industry.

1: Mobile:
There’s no doubt that the explosion of mobile has impacted most industries and real estate is no exception! ComScore reports that 82.2 million people now own smartphones and that number is growing everyday. It’s safe to say that all phones will soon be “smart.”

2: Cloud Computing:
According to the Wav Group study, “The Shift in Real Estate Technology,” technology is the new hub that businesses are built around. Cloud computing will help enable and power that hub allowing Realtors® to work remotely and better serve consumers with valuable data at their fingertips.

3: HTML5
HTML5 will be the future of real estate websites and applications permitting consumers to access technology across all devices and screen resolutions.

With mobile and cloud computing still in its infancy and standards still being finalized with HTML5, these technologies will shape brokerages for the coming years. But what will the real estate industry look like even further down the road in 2030?

Not only will technology change but the style of homes will change as well. “The biggest thing that is expected to change in future single-family homes is the size.” Erika Riggs, Zillow, wrote in “A Look Ahead at New Homes of 2015.” Many of these changes reflect a desire for builders and consumers going green. Smaller space means more efficient heating and cooling.

Space and communities will be an essential focal point. Real Estate agents will use mobile technology to work in the field and become experts in not only managing the transaction but educating buyers and sellers on green technologies, the community, schools, life style, architecture and more!
Now let’s head back to reality. As Marty McFly declared, “Time circuits on. Flux Capacitor… fluxxing. Engine running. All right!”

By Tom Flanagan, Technology Director at Residential Properties, serving Rhode Island Real Estate, a proud participant of the Holiday Blog Swap, presented by The Active Enterprise Network.
Twitter:@tflan
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tflan
Google+: G+
Inman News: Syndicated Technology Columnist at Inman

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More article on Real Estate in 2030 found here: Smith & Associates, Helen Adams Realty, Murney Associates, Windermere Tri Cities, Reinhart Realtors, The Group, inc., Hasson Company, McEnearney Associates, N.T. Callaway, and LandVest.

Home sales in the Charlotte market rose 12.4 percent last month from October 2010 but fell 4.4 percent from September.

The Charlotte Regional Realtor Association Charlotte Regional Realtor AssociationLatest from The Business Journals30-year mortgages fall below 4%Mortgage rates drop sharplyNational Association of Realtors Chief Economist Yun speaks to Charlotte agentsFollow this company reports 1,882 closings in October, up from October 2010’s 1,674. There were 1,968 sales in September.

The average sales price in October, $194,837, dropped 3.6 percent from $202,146 in October 2010.

The average price in September was $196,649.

The association reports 1,748 pending sales in October, up 14.1 percent from a year earlier. New listings in October totaled 3,181.

The share of closings on homes in foreclosure or in financial distress in October 2011 was 20.5 percent, down from 34.2 percent in October 2010. New listings of such properties were down 55.6 percent from October 2010.

The figures are for homes in Mecklenburg, Union, Iredell, Lincoln, Cabarrus, Gaston, Stanly, Anson, Montgomery and Alexander counties.

A few words from Dot:

Dot Munson

Dot Munson -  I have been licensed since 1981 and active in  Real Estate since 1984. I have sold, managed 4 different brokerages as the BIC and sales manager as well as owned my own company.

In the most recent past I served as President of CRRA/CMLS and HOF in 2007 and 2008. I have served on almost all commitees of the CRRA and served a total 10 years on the Board of Directors of CRRA as well as several years on the Boards for NAR and NCAR.

I have most recently served on the forms committee of NCAR and the Professional Standards.

I was chosen the “Realtor of the Year” in 2009. Selected as one of the Business Journal’s top 25 “Women in Business” in 2008. Attended Leadership Charlotte in 2006 and was nominated in 2009 as one of the most influential women in business.

As a hobby, I make pottery both on the wheel and hand built. I also serve on the Board of Directors for Clayworks (a non-profit devoted to the enrichment and instruction of the arts).

I have 2 Cairn terriers named Happy and Lucky who live with me and my husband (Harry) who is also a Broker with Helen Adams Realty.

My only granddaughter (Destinie) graduates in a couple of months from Applachian with a degree in Criminal Justice with intentions of continuing her education in law school.

A few words from Lucy:

Lucy Drake

I have extensive experience with local municipal government with Planning and Zoning, Land Use Plans and working with builders and developers in both commercial and residential fields.  I enjoy placing my clients in the right home, in the right area at the right price!  Call me and let’s Chat!!!

Lucy Drake – Personal Info:
Born in Iredell County, North Carolina
Resident of Stallings for 34 years
Married to a Vietnam Veteran
Have three children (daughter a dolphin trainer; son in law enforcement and son employed at Union West Library & Snug Seat in Stallings)
Five grandchildren
Four Term Mayor of Stallings from 1997—2005
Advocate for special needs children (proud mother of an autistic son)

Education:
Graduated Mooresville Sr. High
Executive secretarial and legal courses at various community colleges
Continual educational classes and computer classes
N. C. Real Estate Broker classes and continual Broker classes

Professional:
Presently employed as Broker/Realtor with Jamison Realty, Matthews, NC
Prior:  Consultant with D. K. Pressley Development
Prior: Legal assistant to James L. Roberts, Thomas Cummings and Fred McPhail, Attorneys at Law
Corporate Headquarters Secretary at McDevitt and Street
Credit Secretary at Carolina Tractor and Equipment Company
Port City Electric Company – Girl Friday

Organizations:
Ten year Board of Directors of PBH (five county area Mental Health Board); Board Chair 2007—2008
Friends of the Library
Republican Forum of Union County
Sweet Union Republican Women’s Club
Charlotte Offshore Fishing Club (Secretary for 3 yr currently Vice President)
Cole Memorial Methodist Church
Autism Society
Eight year member of Mecklenburg Union Metropolitan Planning Organization (MUMPO)
Charlotte Regional Realtor Association
NC Association of Realtors
National Association of Realtors
SFR Certified
National Rifle Association

Hobbies:
Boating  -  Family has an offshore fishing boat for king mackerel fishing and a smaller bass boat for enjoyment in the Intercoastal Waterway in North Carolina
Riding in Mustang convertible with grandkids
Being grandmother to three beautiful granddaughters in Anson County and two handsome grandsons in Florida

A few words from Tammy:

Tammy Manning

I am a Charlotte native so I am very knowledgeable of the area.  I am dedicated and aggressive when it comes to helping my clients with listing as well as purchases.  I am also very active with investors.
If you are planning a move either locally or relocating, I understand it can be a time of excitement, anticipation, and sometimes overwhelming, but that’s where I can help.  I will guide you through the entire process by keeping in contact with you and always paying attention to your needs and interests.
I am currently engaged to Dr. Bryan Woodward and I have two children.  My son is 20 and attends Montreat College and my daughter is a Junior in High School.
When it’s time for your next move, let me help you by taking the guess work out of it.

Awards and Designations

Licensed NC Broker
Member of the National Association of Realtors  (NAR)
Member of the NC Association of Realtors  (NCAR)
Member of the Carolina Multiple Listing Service  (MLS)
Member of the Charlotte Regional Realtor Association  (CRRA)
Home Builders Association of Charlotte
2007 Gold Mame Award Winner
Multi-Million Dollar Producer

Contact Tammy Manning at 704-641-1669 or visit www.helenadamsrealty.com

More Camp Trends
Some of the hottest trends of late fall in the following categories –
Skill Courses (climbing walls, backpacking, ziplines, Y-camp or rock-climbing, Inner peaks, Whitewater Center all develop self-confidence and leadership skills)
Camps that Focus on Developmental Delays (not able to address in the classroom, so parents use the summer to focus, i.e. occupational therapy, ADHD camps, etc)
Language Camps (Language Academy for the Carolinas, Providence Day, Queens University for Chinese, Alliance Francais for French, etc)
Gaming Camps for middle and high school kids (programming and computer skill development)

More Camp Options for Younger Kids
Focus is more on literacy such as AK Classics, discovery such as Discovery Place, Noah’s Art or UNC Reading for the elementary age kids, and all around fun such as MACS Summer Camp

More Camp Options for Tweens and Teens
Volunteering becomes more of a focus for 13 and 14 years olders
Intensive music camps such as Academy of Music, Playroom in Fort Mill, and soon to arrive Elm Music School in Ballantyne area

Stayaway Camp
YMCA Camps such asThunderbird, Camp Cherokee
St. Christopher @ Seabrook Island or St John’s Island (cheaper than Thunderbird)
Lake Lurecrest for Christian Ones
Braodstone at Applachain University
ACA is one accreditation that provides baseline questions when interviewing camps, visit www.acacamp.org

Sources:
www.ACAcamp.org
www.charlotteparent.com
www.charlotteobserver.com

What is a Foreclosure?
A foreclosure occurs when a lender pursues its lien on a property.  Foreclosure action typically begins after 90 days of nonpayment but, recently we have seen the process take a bit longer, partially because of the vast number of homeowners who are delinquent on their mortgages.  Bidding on the property takes place as part of the foreclosure sale.  The Title will then be transferred to the successful bidder, subject to any applicable redemption period.

What is a Bank Owned Property or an REO?
When a property is bank owned, this most often refers to homes that have been ‘repossessed’ during the foreclosure process, having not sold to another party at the foreclosure auction.  These bank owned homes are also referred to as REOs, meaning the property is “Real Estate Owned”.  Search bank owned homes for sale in Charlotte NC

Rising Interest Rates Could Get Buyers Moving
Rising interest rates may finally push Charlotte real estate buyers off the fence and into the market.
In December, after President Obama agreed to extend tax cuts for two years, the financial markets  indicated this event would most likely push mortgage interest rates higher and, they have.

Analysts predict that buyers will continue moving now that rates are going up and are unlikely to come down.  “Once people see this might actually be the bottom, they’ll go for it,” says Paul Dales, U.S. economist at Capital Economics Ltd.

For an example of interest rate increases, note what happened Q4, 2010:
•    On December 2, the 30-year fixed interest rate hovered around 4.46 percent.
•    One week later, on December 9, it was up to 4.61 percent.
•    On December 26, the 30-year fixed interest rate was up again to 4.875 percent.
Charlotte Foreclosure Rates Fall
Has the real estate market hit bottom?  According to Realty Trac, foreclosure activity decreased dramatically in November with fewer than 300,000 properties receiving a foreclosure notice for the first time since February, 2009.  While foreclosures typically decrease in November, and we’re already begun to see a rebound in foreclosure activity in early 2011, these statistics are not to be dismissed because they show the lowest level of foreclosure activity since November, 2008.  Additionally, both the 21 percent month-over-month decrease and 14 percent year-over-year decrease in foreclosure activity were the highest drops recorded since RealtyTrac began publishing the U.S. Foreclosure Report in January, 2005.
Want to know more about the Charlotte real estate market?  Give me a call or email me to discuss our real estate market.  I look forward to hearing from you.

In response to the initial question – The difference between a foreclosure and a short sale is that a foreclosure is owned by the bank and a short sale is still owned by the homeowner of record. That homeowner is dependent upon the bank(s) approval of the sale of their property for less than what they owe on their mortgage(s). The short sale process can take awhile but, there are different schools of thought as to which is the best to purchase–short sales or foreclosures.

Consider this–Many homeowners who have lost their home to foreclosure, leave their homes angry and tend to stop maintaining or caring for their home, sometimes removing appliances and light fixtures as they are asked to leave their home, and sometimes even maliciously destroying their former homes as they leave the home. Many short sellers WANT to protect themselves from the 7-10 years of bad credit that a foreclosure can bring, therefore they do everything that they can to keep their homes maintained so that they CAN get a buyer and get out from under their mortgage with as little damage to their credit as possible.

Short sales can and often DO take longer than a standard home purchase or even a foreclosure but, the home that you buy, compared to other options (standard resale or foreclosure), can be in better condition and at a great price too.

Buying a foreclosure is easier on you and your agent but, if you have patience, a short sale can be the better investment, oftentimes requiring FAR less rehabilitation for you, as the buyer.