On Lake Norman with Eloise

One of the Most Popular...

2009-10-14T09:30:00.001-04:00

REAL ESTATE HEADLINES
Week of October 11-18
Poll Ranks North Carolina as Sixth Most Popular StateNorth Carolina recently tied with Arizona and Washington as the sixth most popular state in the nation when it comes to where people want to live, according to a Harris Interactive poll.

Are Million Dollar Homes the Next Big Bargain? Million dollar homes in virtually every city in the nation are selling at large discounts and are remaining on the market for far longer than they did two years ago. The smallest drops in price since the plateau in real estate prices have been in Charlotte, and Omaha, Nebraska, which dropped only about three percent.

See you on the lake!
Eloise
Eloise@LKNrealtygroup.com

Boating on Lake Norman Can Be Low-Tech!

2009-10-02T15:42:00.001-04:00

Okay, here it is. The biggest pleasure of living on or near Lake Norman:
I can't tell you the peace and pleasure there is in taking a non-motorized boat out onto the lake. You can sneak up on some great wildlife without disturbing them. I bring a camera in a ziplock bag, and can kind of float along and get a couple of wildlife shots while I'm out.

I can help you have this kind of lifestyle - whether the home is fancy or modest. I have some great suggestions on my website.
See you on the lake,
Eloise
Eloise D. Morano, Broker/REALTOR
Elose@LKNRealtygroup.com
LKN Realty Group

Birds on Lake Norman

2009-09-30T16:11:00.003-04:00

For those who love looking at wildlife - and doesn't that include most of us?? - it is great to live on the lake and be able to observe everything from Carolina chickadees & tiny hummingbirds to great blue herons. To watch a heron fish for his dinner is a sight to see. The one in the picture caught what looked (briefly) like a frog!

The hummer is enjoying the last of the nectar hanging near the house before leaving for the winter.....

See you on the lake,
Eloise

Live at Lake Norman...for the sheer beauty of it!

2009-09-17T16:55:00.000-04:00

This shot probably says it all. People love their views on this spectacular lake. And when the trees first start their very first s-l-i-g-h-t coloring (because of the cooler nights in Sept.), the views get even more spectacular. We have clients from Florida trying to move here for the lovely seasons - especially so that they can see fall in all its glory.
Yes, Lake Norman has seasons. But they are gentle.
This doesn't happen every year. but I remember one Oct 31st when I spent the entire day swimming from a lake island - yes, it was warm enough - and then getting ready for a cool night greeting ghosties and goblins at the door. Gotta love it.
Eloise D. Morano [Check out some of the great homes I could show you]
Broker/REALTOR, LKN Realty Group
704.582.1312

Logs Keep Their Cool

2009-08-11T15:32:00.004-04:00

Have you ever wondered why it is that log homes keep in the cool air conditioned air so well...and keep out the cold in winter?

A lot of it has to do with the tree's natural rings, which, any school kid can tell you, swirl around and around, deep within the log. You could think of it as any temperature transference getting 'short circuited' by those concentric rings in the log's pithy center.

A well-built log home should perform as well or better than brick or stone in energy conservation. As the builder of the home in the photos is fond of saying - you could build several stick-built homes out of just one of the walls of this home - that is if you wanted to mill all those logs into boards!

This 3/4 bedroom 2 bath home is on the market, by the way. Asking price is $319,997 .

The home's location is in a lovely country setting (eligible for 100% USDA financing) but close to all the major Mooresville amenities, which are only a minute or two away! Lake access only a few minutes down the street.

Affordable, newer-construction log homes are few and far between on Lake Norman.
If you're interested, call 704.582.1312, and ask for me,

Eloise

It's Easy Beng Green....

2009-06-22T10:18:00.003-04:00

...if you have the cooling effect of parks as part of your community. We've got a gorgeous Arts and Crafts style ranch for sale not only across from a park, but with all kinds of lovely amenities like pool and clubhouse as part of the community. Close to CATS transportation (the most elegant bus to Charlotte you can imagine commuting on), close to Birkdale Country Club and all the wonderful shops & restaurants in Birkdale Village, close to Lake Norman, and close to the best schools in the region! Asking price $245,000.

Imagine quiet nights on the deep rocking chair porch gazing at the greenery and hearing the crickets and frogs. Did I mention that it is a quiet street with no thru traffic? Or walk to the park with the waterfall. The location is Lake Norman's sought-after MacAulay subivision of Huntersville - the best of the lake.
I'll take you on a tour real time. Just call 704.582.1312. or email Eloise.

2009-05-28T15:49:00.003-04:00

Tip of the day:
Did you know that many property locations here in NC are rural enough that they qualify for a 100% USDA loan for the buyer? That is one of the special government loans you have probably read about. Here's the link a lot of people don't know about:
Check out the property you are interested in at
http://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do?pageAction=rbs
I have 4 homes listed in MLS that qualify for this loan: 2 in Denver and 2 in Mooresville. Several are log homes and one is a big brick beauty. All are located close to lots of amenities, so it is not as if they are in the boonies!!

Let me know if you want more info and see you on the lake!
Eloise
704.582.1312
Eloise@lknrealtygroup.com

Early Summer Blooms

2009-05-18T15:19:00.004-04:00

Wow, I have neglected you!
Can you believe the spring has already passed into early summer?

You can tell by the rose blooms, which are gorgeous. These are Knock Out Roses - terrific for blooming from spring into fall.

Nothing prettier than the beautiful scarlet blooms against the waters of the lake.

Get out and enjoy!
Eloise

Deep Red Spring Blushes on Lake Norman

2009-04-07T15:43:00.004-04:00

One of the most beautiful spring 'blooms' in North Carolina isn't a flower at all.

But it looks like it, doesn't it? These are the bright scarlet leaves at my dock, the new growth of native 'Redtips' (Photinia).

Many, if not most, redtips were killed off in the 50's by a nasty blight, and only in the past few years have hybridizers like Monrovia (big name plant breeders) come up with a blight-resistant variety.

You can still see very tall hedges of native redtips here and there, but I found these plants more than 3 years ago in Walmart of all places. Glad I grabbed them because I haven't seen them sold since. These are growing happily by my dock, and are my first bright harbingers of spring in the beautiful piedmont!

Eloise D. Morano, LKN Realty Group
704.582.1312 Call anytime...or email for your private showing of wonderful homes in all price ranges - there is a wealth of choice homes to be had in this buyers' market! Eloise@lknrealtygroup.com

Spring's a-Bloomin'

2009-03-26T13:28:00.002-04:00

More pea soup today, bloggers.

Fishing boats are only ghosts in the mist.

But trees are popping their blooms onshore, and happy for the moisture. Look at this redbud from yesterday during a slice-of-nice in the overcast.

See you on the lake,
Eloise

2009-03-18T16:13:00.004-04:00

Foggy out there this AM, with warmer temps over the cold water.
Trees and land masses were gulped down by the mist, and then as the sun began burning it off, forms slowly emerged from the gloom. Very cool. Ghostly and beautiful.

I am planting mesclun greens and nasturtium flowers today. I love adding the nasturtiums to salad - it's something I miss all winter and can't wait to see blooming agan. The greens and the nasturtiums like cooler weather, so there is a shorter window to enjoy them. They hate hot summer temps, but I coddle them as long as I can, in pots that get watered frequently.

Enjoy the lake,
Eloise

I thought it was spring,,but

2009-03-12T15:03:00.002-04:00

.....it's chilly on the lake and onshore today, & we are going to get cold rain for the next few days.
For the past week, we've had gorgeous weather - just yesterday in the upper 70's - and the boats were out! Fishermen and joy riders, just like the lead-up to Memorial Day. Awesome to see.
But we can always use the rain that is a coming...to water all the stuff I planted yesterday!

See you on the lake,
Eloise

Lake Norman Snow

2009-03-03T16:30:00.003-05:00

Just about every 4 or 5 years, there's a snow or ice storm here at Lake Norman - this one was a combo of both, including some "thunder snow", which is basically a thunder and lightning show while it's snowing. Our power was out over 36 hours, and it was windy as all heck from the northeast...but what a gorgeous synrise on the several inches of fresh white stuff. And since the camelias have already started to bloom, we had the rare treat of camellias in the snow. I love NC!

See you on the lake,
Eloise

Amazing Log Home could be yours....

2009-02-23T15:27:00.005-05:00

Kick back in a one-of-a-kind, Craftsman-style log ranch w/true waterview, set in an acre of woods. Genuine Old Hickory builder's model w/rocking chair porches & all the upgrades: granite, tile, knotty cherry cabinets, tung-oil finished hardwoods, stone fireplace, huge master walk in, big bonus w/bath over finished 3-car garage.

For your boat - LAKE ACCESS, day slips & boat storage at private Pebble Bay facilities.
Close to the new NC 16 for easy commute to Charlotte. Close to shopping & several great golf & tennis clubs. Call or email Eloise.

$475,900 - a great price, with great views of Lake Norman! And it's 20K BELOW appraised value.
Anyone who emails me from this blog, has me write up the offer to purchase, & successfully buys the house, gets $1000 in closing costs paid by me at the closing table. Make sure to tell me where you saw this home promoted, & ask me to be your agent. And the special offer is yours!

See you on the lake,
Eloise

2009-02-19T11:16:00.003-05:00

Dear Bloggers,

I have been so busy listing and selling real estate that I have sadly neglected you. Just know that it snowed here 2 weeks ago and was mighty cold for NC - but I think spring is just around the corner. I saw daffodils coming up yesterday!

Mortgage interest rates are due to come down again today, says my mortgage source. Closing dates are hard to come by quickly because of all the refi's and new purchases going on. If you have good credit, a job history -and especially - a downpayment, you are good to go and can get a great rate.

Keep the faith, good change is here. See you on the lake,
Eloise

LKN white squirrels, totally cool

2009-01-12T11:28:00.003-05:00

For all of your nature lovers out there - ever seen an albino squirrel?
Lake Norman has these fluffy whitish beasties on the islands that dot the interior of the lake, and apparently they have made their way ashore.

I spotted one that lives on the main shore, on a peninsula in Mooresville.
Luckily I managed to raise the camera in time as he darted along a branch.
He was fat and thriving!

See ya on the lake (though it is chilly enough for a wet suit today!)
Eloise

2009-01-05T11:50:00.004-05:00

Morning Bloggers:

You gotta know it's a happy New Year when you look at the thermometer, and it's in the 50's. Such a mild and gentle winter, compared to so many parts of the country.

Winter mornings on the lake are awesome, since the temps so often drop at night....After sunrise, you see the most beautiful tendrils & clouds of mist rising from the lake's surface and winding around the trees. Sometimes it's so thick, you can't see out at all!

See you when the mist rises,
Eloise

2009 is the Year of the Lake

2009-01-04T13:37:00.004-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
If you haven't already done it - make this the year you enjoy the lake lifestyle. I can point you to homes large and small, on or near the lake. SO... let's get you moved. Check out my listings, to the right. (To see the photos properly, go to my website at www.eloiseisyouragent.com )

If none of these is to your liking, hey - I can easily find more possibilities in your price range than you could shake a wet dog at! We have a wealth of tasty properties - better than anyone has ever seen.

I can set you up on your own lake property search website for free. Just email me and say' Happy New Year, Eloise - find my home!'

See you on the lake,
Eloise
Eloise@LKNrealtygroup.com

2008-11-26T16:34:00.004-05:00

Colder weather has moved in...I grabbed this shot (if you are reading this in the format that shows my photos to the right) as the cold front came in. Clouds and light over the lake can't be beat in a situation like this.

Happy thanksgiving, bloggers one and all.
I'll be watching for you weekend fishermen on the lake,

Eloise

Fall on Lake Norman :Awesome Panorama of Color

2008-11-06T12:39:00.006-05:00

It's the magnificence of creation, altering its colors every moment with the fast moving fall sun.

The leaves around the lake have peaked into the intense reds of dogwood, red maple, hickory, sourwood, and some oaks...punctuated by shouts of yellow and gold from other oak species, striped maples, and tulip poplars, with the deep green of pines and hollies. All grow taller here than in the northeastern states. A feast for the eyes.

I am not sure it would be possible to love the lake as much without the spectacular blast of color in fall....

Mornings dawn cool, even cold, down to 48 degrees. But by afternoon, it is frequently 70, calling for layers of clothing that you can throw off at midday. When morning rolls around again, the residual heat means that gorgeous cats paws of fog rise over the lake. They weave and crest around moored boats, past docks, and in front of spectacular foliage.

Rejoicing on the lake,
Eloise

2008-11-01T11:47:00.006-04:00

Something's going on.

Maybe people have just gotten tired of waiting, and of all the bad news.

Anyway, I just sold a brand new log home on 2 acres of land. The one pictured next to this post. Yes, in this economy. Yes, the sales price was a little less than the builder could have gotten a year or two ago. But not by a lot.

And I have been getting calls from other people looking - not just for homes on the lake, but in the lake area. I think I've spotted a new trend: baby boomers who are looking to downsize, pay cash, and not have a mortgage. About half of them want to continue working. I think that's a great new trend.

So, all is not the doom and gloom the media would have you believe. And this lake holds its value, even in the worst market anyone has ever seen.
Just remember: you are what you think and believe.
I believe this a strong area to live in, and that real estate continues to be a good investment going into the future. There are always people who want this lifestyle, and I believe always will be.

See you on the lake,
Eloise

Outdoor Living all year in NC

2008-10-18T15:36:00.003-04:00

Last night temps dropped, and it is chilly ( that is, chilly for here. In New England, my friends would choke with laughter at the idea that 'in the 50's' is "chilly"! But as I say, living here has made me a wimp, and proud of it.)

One of my favorite things about North Carolina is the concept of outdoor living - I know it's popular everywhere these days, but here you really get to do it. Pretty much year 'round. Thus the popularity of the screened porch.
And of course, the ever-popular outdoor living space with its stone fireplace and kitchen.
I visited a particularly beautiful one this week - a lovely outdoor patio and kitchen with a double-sided hearth that you can enjoy from the patio or from the screened porch "inside". Weather in the 50's is perfect for this, especially with our legendary carolina blue skies.

See you on the lake, or by the hearth,
Eloise

2008-10-08T14:14:00.005-04:00

Shadows are getting longer...and fall is in the air. Plus, of course, there are fewer hours of daylight. The hummingbirds are among the first to leave, along with big noisy V's of Canada geese. I confess to enjoying the last of summer over the last month, swimming and transplanting perennials, rather than writing in this blog ...

A lovely feature of lake lifestyle has to do with the glowing effect of lighted houses at dusk near the water. I think it brings to mind comfort and safety, even in these strange times. The nights are not as full of cicadas and peepers, bullfrogs and tree frogs - all of which make a symphony of sound during the summer. But there is a cold breeze off the water and there are lots of cracklings and rustlings out there in the dark woods - sometimes it's almost spooky when you sit in the dark on your screened porch.

People seem to be staying inside, not driving as much - the mood is somber as people wonder when the housing market will recover. As a realtor, I can tell you that we have some amazing lake homes available - and never again will we see these prices. So many people want to move here -that hasn't changed.

I love finding the best deals for people - so don't be afraid to make a little noise out there. Did you know that it is your right in NC to ask me to be your buyer's agent? And that it costs you nothing to do this? In fact, it means I will be your extra set of eyes and ears. It's statistically true that agents help buyers negotiate the best price possible 9 times out of 10. So don't go it alone. I can help.

See you on the lake,
Eloise
Eloise@LKNrealtygroup.com

2008-09-01T15:57:00.002-04:00

Enjoy the beauty of this weekend while you can...by the end of the week, the western NC Piedmont will be seeing some powerful wind and rain. Tropical storms often give us actual white caps on the lake, not to mention incredible rains, wind and thunder.

In the spirit of enjoying the lake while the sun shines, here (in my photos to the right) is our neighborhood great blue heron sitting on our dock roof, while a boat goes by in the background.

See you on the lake,
Eloise

2008-08-29T12:01:00.004-04:00

Labor Day weekend...and we are finally beginning to dry out from nearly a week of the tropical effects of Fay. It is a good thing to see the lake level high! Look at the photo to the right - this was the sunrise this morning.

There will be some beautiful swimming and boating today...

See you on the lake,
Eloise