Top in Nation for Customer Service

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Posted By Helen Adams Realty on July 7th, 2009
In Press Releases,Real Estate News

Quality Service Certification, Inc. and Leading Research Corporation have identified 20 companies and offices in North America that, according to consumers, deliver the best service quality and customer satisfaction. Helen Adams Realty has been awarded a “Top 10 in Nation Customer Service” award by Quality Service Certification, Inc. Helen Adams Realty’s qsc-logoRandolph Road and Lake Norman offices also won an additional “Top Individual Office in Nation” award for their outstanding customer satisfaction ratings.  This award is based upon feedback from 250,000 consumer surveys of more than 500 participating companies and 30,000 real estate agents.  In 2007, Helen Adams Realty was ranked the #1 Quality Service Certified® real estate firm in the Nation!
QSC® is a nationally recognized training program which focuses on providing premiere customer service.  This program introduces standards of practice and procedures to deliver more valuable service to clients.

Top 10 Companies in Nation
Helen Adams Realty— Charlotte, NC
Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston— Raleigh, NC
Coldwell Banker Pennington-Chen — Houston, TX
Prudential Northwest Properties— Portland, OR
Prudential Tropical Realty— Tampa, FL
RE/MAX Creative Realty, Inc.— Lexington, KY
RE/MAX First— Clinton, MI
RE/MAX Properties, Inc.— Colorado Springs, CO
Tomie Raines, Inc.— East Lansing, MI
WEICHERT, REALTORS® Rebhan & Ass.— Charlotte, NC

Top 10 Offices in Nation
Helen Adams Realty – Randolph Road Office, Charlotte, NC
Helen Adams Realty – Lake Norman Office, Huntersville, NC
RE/MAX Properties, Inc., Colorado Springs, CO
Real Estate Professionals GMAC, Redding, CA
New Tampa Office— Prudential Tropical Realty, Tampa, FL
Downtown Office— Prudential Palms Realty, Sarasota, FL
Hillsboro Branch— Prudential NW Properties, Hillsboro, OR
New Providence Office— Prudential, New Providence, NJ
Hillsborough Office— Coldwell Banker, Hillsborough, NC
SouthPark Towers— WEICHERT, REALTORS®, Charlotte, NC

Investment Return from Remodeling

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Posted By Helen Adams Realty on July 1st, 2009
In Charlotte Area Crime Statistics,Real Estate News

Despite home price drops in many cities, remodeling projects are holding their own as a way for owners to add value.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® statistics show that home prices have fallen by an average of 7 percent nationally in the past year. But the value of home owners’ investment in remodeling projects has declined only 3.86 percent on average between 2007 and 2008, according to Remodeling’s 2008–2009 Cost vs. Value Report.
Remodeling produces the Cost vs. Value Report each year in cooperation with REALTOR® magazine. REALTORS® responding to a survey in midsummer said home owners could expect to recoup a national average of 67.3 percent of their investment in 30 different home improvement projects. At the height of the housing boom in 2005, home owners could expect to recoup a national average of 86.7 percent on projects.remodeling-costs
Remodeling remains hot in 10 cities, where, on at least some projects, home owners can recover 100 percent of their costs. In Charlotte, N.C., for example, decks, midrange kitchen remodels, vinyl siding, and window-replacement projects all would net more than they cost, in respondents’ estimation. High rates of recovery were seen in both strong real estate markets and weak ones.
Seattle also made the list of cities with a cost recovery of more than 100 percent on decks and minor kitchen remodels. In fact, Pacific Coast cities recorded the best payback on remodeling by a wide margin, as they did in 2007.
The result is an average cost-recouped percentage that’s 14.8 percent higher than in the rest of the country. The toughest place to get your money back: Midwestern cities such as Chicago, Cleveland, Indianapolis, and Milwaukee.
Top 10 Project Paybacks

Exterior remodeling projects lead the way for recovery on dollars spent in this year’s Cost vs. Value survey. When you compare the national averages, replacement projects that boost curb appeal—siding, windows, and decks—give you the greatest chance of recouping your money. Inside, only kitchen remodels can compare, at least on a national level.

1.  Upscale fiber cement siding (86.7%)
2. Midrange wood deck (81.8%)
3. Midrange vinyl siding (80.7%)
4. Upscale foam-backed vinyl (80.4%)
5. Midrange minor kitchen remodel (79.5%)
6. Upscale vinyl window replacement (79.2%)
7. Midrange wood window replacement (77.7%)
8. Midrange vinyl window replacement (77.2%)
9. Upscale wood window replacement (76.5%
10. Midrange major kitchen remodel (76.0%)

For more information on Charlotte Homes or other real estate questions please visit our website or call 1800-851-5253.

New Tools for New Times in Real Estate

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Posted By Helen Adams Realty on July 1st, 2009
In Matthews Real Estate,Real Estate News

The generational change of the home buyer has drastically changed how consumers begin their search for a new home, where they want to live, and what type of home they are interested in purchasing.
The Generation ”Y” or Milennials who were born in the late 1970’s to the mid-1990’s are tech-savvy.  Generation Y can’t remember life without a computer. This means they are consumers who research everything, including buying houses.  The internet has tens of thousands of sites that deal with real estate, both national and local.  The questions then becomes:
How can my house stand out from all the others?  information-sources-used-in-home-search
Exposure.   Your home must be visible from a wide variety of searches on many different websites.  Sending listings to multiple websites is called “Listing Syndication”.
Effective Keywords & Search Terms.  If you were moving to an unfamiliar city, think about how you would research the best neighborhoods online. They keywords entered in Google by a relocation user versus a local would be entirely different.  This affects how a home is marketed online:  Words used to describe a listing should always include: the address, the neighborhood or sub area of town, zip codes, and key terms like: golf, lake property, downtown condo, that add unique characteristics of the property and describe what it is like to live in that community.
Provide Detailed Information.  The only way to stand out is to provide the consumer with as much information as possible about your listing.  This is achieved most effectively if the home is searchable on it own behalf.

A new phenomenon has now surpassed email as the most popular form of communication on the internet.  “Social Networking” on websites like: Facebook, Linkedin, MySpace and Twitter have exploded in popularity in the past 4 years.  Blogging is also a component of social networking that has spilled over to the real estate industry on websites like Active Rain.  These sites have evolved into more than just a new way to stay in touch online.  They now provide a new avenue of marketing all types of products and services to their members.  Real estate is no exception, and many brokerages and agents are now using this forum to contact and attract potential customers.
How We Can Help You.  Helen Adams Realty firmly believes in internet marketing tools: syndication, exposure, enhanced information, social networking and blogging.   We continually train our agents on the latest technology, and our website is designed to integrate with the latest technology tools.
Helen Adams Realty provides every listing with its own website. This site allows unlimited photos, unlimited text describing the property, video of the home, virtual tours, unlimited attachment of documents like: site plans, Home Owners Association documents, neighborhood information, or any file that can be converted to digital format.  This additional information propels your listing up in the Search Engines, increasing the chance of selling your home by maximizing exposure for your listing.

Helen Adams Realty provides enhanced Individual Property Websites (IPWs) for each listing.  Showcase unlimited high resolution photos, unlimited text describing property, links to additional documents, Video Home tours, Virtual tours, Open House information and Satellite Mapping. Our IPWs also feature several “calls to action” like Schedule a Showing and Request More Information.

For more information on marketing your home please call 1-800-851-5253 or visit our website.

Maximizing Your Sales Price

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Posted By Helen Adams Realty on June 26th, 2009
In Charlotte Real Estate,Real Estate News

CHARLOTTE REAL ESTATE NEWS

In today’s market, A BUYER’S MARKET, it is imperative that sellers are aware of the five most important factors necessary to maximize the ultimate sales price. With a growing inventory of homes for sale, sellers who understand how to position their home in a buyer’s market will be the ones who sell their home in the shortest time possible at the best price possible. Begin by looking at your home through the eyes of a potential buyer.five-values-chart1

There are five basic factors that ultimately determine whether a home is going to sell, or simply be one of many homes on the market with very few showings and no offers:
Buyers have many choices in today’s market.  In order for a seller to maximize the selling price of a home, the home must be “Parade Ready” and priced right! PRICE is determined by:  CONDITION, LOCATION, SIZE, and FEATURES. A home that can rate a score of 10 in CONDITION, LOCATION, SIZE, and FEATURES can be more aggressively priced compared to a home that is deficient in any of the categories. A seller can only control CONDITION, FEATURES and PRICE.  LOCATION and SIZE are not controllable.
Currently there are 28,271 homes on the market, and over the past three months only 4,410 homes sold.
To be among the 4,410 homes that sell, your home must be Valued as a 10 in: CONDITION, LOCATION, SIZE, FEATURES, and that will allow a 10 in PRICE. If your home is not rated a 10 in all these categories, then PRICE will need to be adjusted for these deficiencies. the-pond
There are three categories for the 28,000 homes currently on the market:
FLOW. Homes that are considered to be the best Value and Price flow into the market and then leave the market SOLD in less than 45 days.
SHOW.  Homes that are deficient in Value or Price might be shown, but they are not getting any offers.  Adjustments must be made in Price or Value (Condition, Features) to get the listing sold.
STAGNANT MASS.  Homes that are greatly deficient in      both Value and Price do not even attract showings.  There     is  virtually no activity, and these listings never sell.
Ask yourself where you want to position your house in this competitive Buyer’s market. Remember, any deficiency in the five categories of: CONDITION, LOCATION, SIZE, FEATURES or PRICE will remove your listing from the “Flow” of the market and place it in the “Show but no offer” category or worst yet, in the “Stagnant Mass” with no showings.
If positioned properly, your home will be in the “Flow” of the market, and it will attract a buyer.

To have your home priced correctly by one of our professional agents please contact us at 1-800-851-5253 or visit our website at www.helenadamsrealty.com

SALES ARE BLOOMING FOR SIMONINI BUILDERS AT SOUTHPARK!

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Posted By Helen Adams Realty on June 12th, 2009
In Charlotte Homes,Charlotte Real Estate,Real Estate News,South Carolina Real Estate,Uncategorized

CHARLOTTE HOMES Sales are blooming for Simonini Builders; they have sold 4 spec homes in the past month in their Southpark area neighborhoods of  The Conservatory and Park South Mews!

The flowers are blooming too in the gorgeous gardens of  The Conservatory, their premier gated community off Park South Drive.  You will want to see the 3 beautiful ready to move into homes that remain there!

Located just 1 mile from South Park Mall, Conservatory is a 2008 winner of national community of the year and homes are open and available to see or show Monday – Saturday from 11 to 6 and Sundays from 1 – 6, or always by Supra located at the main model.

For more information visit www.helenadamsrealty.com

Laurie Knudsen, is running for President of the Charlotte Regional Realtor® Association (CRRA).

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Posted By Helen Adams Realty on May 21st, 2009
In Press Releases,Real Estate News

Helen Adams Realty Sales Manager and Broker in Charge, Laurie Knudsen, is running for President of the Charlotte Regional Realtor® Association (CRRA).  As one of the most respected leaders in the residential real estate community, Laurie’s credentials are nothing less than exceptional.laurie-knudsen2
About Laurie Knudsen

I am Sales Manager for Helen Adams Realty and Broker in Charge for the Ballantyne office of Helen Adams Realty.  I am also currently Treasurer for the Charlotte Regional Realtor Association (CRRA) and on the Board of Directors for the CRRA, and I serve on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Association of Realtors (NCAR) and the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

I am currently running for President of the Charlotte Regional Realtor Association .  The following is a list of my credentials, experience, civic activities and accomplishments:

  • 14 years experience as a Realtor.
  • Broker-in-charge (BIC) – Helen Adams Realty (2004-present)
  • General sales manager – Helen Adams Realty (2006-present)
  • BIC – Coldwell Banker Flouhouse/United (1998-2004)
  • Manager of the Year – Coldwell Banker United (2003)
  • Pastoral Council (St. Vincent de Paul)
  • Peace and Justice Committee (St. Vincent de Paul)
  • Board of Directors – Friends of the Opera
  • Lay minister (St. Vincent de Paul)

My strongest Attributes : I have the ability to understand differing opinions and bring people to consensus. I have also been gifted with the ability to motivate people to be the best they can be. As a manager/broker-in-charge, I listen in a fair and unbiased manner. I treasure my integrity above all else.

My definition of leadership : The ability to persuade, influence, motivate and inspire people and organizations to reach their full potential and to achieve collective goals for the betterment of individuals and organizations. A leader must have passion, knowledge and understanding. A leader knows when to delegate and when to change course.

My vision for CRRA/CMLS : To maintain a strong presence and promote the Realtor® image in the local community; to work in conjunction with the state and national organizations to promote the status of Realtors® as professionals; to work in conjunction with Government Affairs advocating candidates and policy favorable to the real estate industry; to continually work to maintain the Realtor® as central to the real estate transaction

A few words from me: Coming to Charlotte 15 years ago, I was at a loss regarding what I might do to occupy myself. I had previously been involved in social work, which was quite rewarding, but there were no similar positions to be had in this new community. I thought I might give “stay-at-home-wife-and-mom” a try.

After breaking the microwave, as a result of a diligent cleaning, and then arranging my youngest son’s crayons in order of color and shade, I thought this stay-at-home-thing might not be for me. I then enrolled in real estate school. I believed, as many do, real estate would be a good way to occupy some of my time. Well, little did I know, I would have the most joyous, thought provoking, all-encompassing and challenging experience of a lifetime. The real estate occupation is truly free enterprise at its best and as such must be protected. The people I have come to know along the way have been generous, sharing their knowledge, as well as being entrepreneurial and creative. They have been willing to give of their time and talent to improve and enhance the way we do business.

In the course of my real estate career, I have been honored and continue to be honored serving the real estate community in many different capacities. I am also proud to serve in a leadership position in an association that continually keeps its membership at the forefront of industry changes and central to the real estate transaction. We have experienced many changes in the way we conduct our business; we have managed to adapt to the free flow of information and embarked on using social networking to enhance our business.

I hope to continue serving our membership and leading our association through the changes that the current economy will inevitably bring. By embracing change, and determining the best avenues to incorporate these changes, we will become stronger and provide added value to the consumer. Our knowledge, experience and dedication to this industry will propel us into the future. Real estate is and will continue to be my passion. It will be my pleasure to serve.

Designations

  • Broker
  • GRI
  • QSC

Builder Services for Charlotte, NC Metro Area

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Posted By Helen Adams Realty on May 18th, 2009
In Charlotte Homes,Charlotte Real Estate,Matthews Real Estate,Press Releases,Real Estate News,South Carolina Real Estate,Uncategorized

CHARLOTTE REAL ESTATE Helen Adams Realty has a reputable history in Charlotte and an exceptional knowledge of the real estate market.builder-services-11

With over three decades of new home sales experience in Charlotte, Helen Adams Realty has developed an extensive network in the real estate industry.  Our new home developments receive maximum exposure within the segments of the community most likely to generate sales.  The Helen Adams Realty name is known for providing the highest level of personal service and real estate expertise.  A partnership with our firm will ensure a successful sales process.

Helen Adams Realty understands new construction sales and marketing.
We are a leader in the industry, and our experience enables us to provide valuable market input to get the sales effort up-and-running quickly. Our years of success in marketing new home communities limits your risk, and our knowledge of the process minimizes the learning curve.

Helen Adams Realty will provide an experienced, talented sales team and support staff.

Members of our new construction team represent some of the finest real estate brokers in our company.  Their professionalism, drive and insight will enhance the sales effort for the duration of your project.

Helen Adams Realty has a proven track record in new construction sales.
Since the early 1990′s, Helen Adams Realty has successfully represented over $835 million of new construction communities in the Charlotte area. As a result, our firm has become one of the most sought-after new home representatives in the industry.builder-services-22

For more information visit our website, www.helenadamsrealty.com

Selwyn Avenue Project.

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Posted By Helen Adams Realty on May 12th, 2009
In Charlotte Real Estate,Neighborhood News,Real Estate News

Charlotte Real Estate News The Charlotte Mecklenburg DOT contacted Helen Adams Realty today with an update on the Selwyn Road Priject  The DOT is considering changing part of Selwn Road from 4 lanes to 3 lanes and adding traffic circles.  The final plan has not had final approval yet, but a decision is expected soon.  I was told that Selwyn Road work will be done during 2009.  This could mean the resurfacing or the total rework of the street.  Selwyn Avenue is scheduled to be resurfaced as part of the City’s resurfacing contract for 2009. CDOT is currently analyzing the possibility of applying a street conversion to Selwyn Avenue. We would like to hear what the Selwyn Avenue area residents, and the general commuting public, think about a Selwyn Avenue street conversion. The following are a few questions/answers to help you understand a street conversion and the pros and cons associated with one on Selwyn. Please read through the information below and complete our survey (link is below). Your input is very valuable for this and future street conversions.

For more information please visit Charlotte Meclenburg DOT site or contact Helen Adams Realty.

4926 Piper Glen Drive, Charlotte, NC 28277

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Posted By Helen Adams Realty on April 6th, 2009
In Charlotte Real Estate,Real Estate News,Videos

CHARLOTTE REAL ESTATE Spacious executive home, warm and livable. Large lot on golf course, fully fenced, screened for privacy. 5 bedrooms, 4 full/3 half baths, 7763 sq ft. 2-story foyer, formal living/dining rms, family Spacious executive home, warm and livable. Large lot on golf course, fully fenced, screened for privacy. 5 bedrooms, 4 full/3 half baths, 7763 sq ft. 2-story foyer, formal living/dining rms, family rm, keeping rm, master down, huge family/game room up, screened porch, terrace, pool. Kitchen granite, tile backsplash, island, Thermador gas cooktop, Bosch double ovens/dishwasher, SubZero fridge.

For more information please visit 4926 Piper Glen. or contact Kerry Beach.

Property Video


The Cotswold on Walker

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Posted By Helen Adams Realty on April 2nd, 2009
In Charlotte Real Estate,Neighborhood News,Real Estate News

CHARLOTTE REAL ESTATE The Cotswolds on Walker, a condominium conversion in 2003 of rustic apartments built in the 60’s, has kept its laid-back attitude as a quiet retreat in a location midway between Uptown and South Park.
The 11-building brick complex was developed among trees on 4.8 acres off Walker Road in Cotswold, a few blocks from the stores, restaurants and services clustered around Sharon Amity and Randolph roads.img_2204
Walker Road gets its name from an original horse farm called Walker Stables that used to be at the intersection of Walker and N. Sharon Amity.  Old-time Charlotte folks may remember the birthday pony rides back in the days. Many a kid became an unfortunate member of “the dusty bottoms club” if they didn’t hold on tight enough!
As part of the conversion, the developer made significant repairs and improvements while retaining the classic “Old Campus” exteriors. This is one of Charlotte’s select few all-brick condo complexes built on crawl space foundations (instead of on concrete slab) and that still have solid hardwood flooring. During the renovation, some of the unit’s floors damaged beyond repair were replaced by carefully matching the original oak.  There is no substitute for the richness and warmth of beautifully finished wood floors!
Most of the condo homes are townhome style, with two bedrooms and a full bath up. The bedroom dimensions are generous, and the master has a walk-in closet.  The living room is a big, boxy “shotgun” style with exterior doors front and back. This particular listing, 4323-D Walker Rd., includes a private fenced-in patio garden.
The kitchens are well laid-out and efficient.  All the cabinets, appliances and counters have been remodeled.
The landscaping is very pretty; each building nestled under a canopy of mature oaks and pines. The full size pool is surrounded by a two-tier deck with plenty of room for entertaining.
Cotswold Village Shops are close by. Originally known as Cotswold Mall, it was Charlotte’s first suburban mall. Cotswold is emerging as one of the nicer areas for living and shopping. Many 50′s and 60′s homes are being remodeled and sold. The area is neighbored by Randolph Park, Echo Hills, Grier Heights, Myers Park, Oakhurst, Providence Park, Sherwood Forest, and Wendover/Sedgewood.

For more detailed information visit the property website or for Charlotte Real Estate information visit www.helenadamsrealty.com.