Nancy Braun Earns Short Sale Seller Certification

Charlotte, NC December 7, 2017 – FORCE Advisory Council Chairperson Nancy Braun, owner and Broker-in-Charge of Showcase Realty, has earned the first and only North Carolina state specific Certified Short Sale Seller designation through Advance Mortgage Education. With well over two decades experience in the real estate and mortgage market, Braun will bring her expert knowledge of specialty markets to help short sale sellers and homeowners underwater navigate through the arduous process of short sales.

Braun states, “This North Carolina Short Sale Seller course provided updated, comprehensive and critical information to effectively represent sellers in complicated short sale transactions. I can provide a better option to sellers facing the potentially devastating effects a foreclosure can have on them and their families. It is gratifying to know that I can make a difference in my clients’ lives and help them get back on track to financial freedom.”

Advance Mortgage Education, Inc was the very first to conduct Short Sale and Loss Mitigation continuing education courses in North Carolina in 2003 stating, “We are the only education provider to have courses approved with the NC Real Estate Commission, the NC Banking Commission, and the NC State Bar. We have been providing North Carolina real estate agents, loan officers, mortgage brokers, paralegals and attorneys with Short Sale courses for the past fourteen years.”

FORCE. Creating Quality Connections.

Charlotte Was Just Ranked As One of America’s Best Cities To Live In

Here is an article I came across on CharlotteStories that listed the best cities in America to live in today.  Out of 49 others, Charlotte is the only major city that was included. If you need more proof why, keep on reading.

The Queen City was just ranked on 24/7 Wall St.’s list of 50 best cities to live in.

We were officially ranked as the 26th best city in America, but given the fact that we are the only major city featured on the list, you could say that we’re ranked as the #1 best major city in America (most cities on the list have a population of under 100,000 – the only other large cities were #30 Lexington, KY and #10 Raleigh, NC)

According to the official report, “24/7 Wall St. considered roughly 590 cities the U.S. Census Bureau reported as having populations of more than 65,000 in 2016. Only the top performing city in each county was considered in our ranking. Data were collected in nine major categories: crime, demography, economy, education, environment, health, housing, infrastructure, and leisure.”

The Top 5 on the list include three small cities from Colorado, one from Georgia and one from Indiana, all will populations of less than 120,000.

Here’s what they had to say about the #26 city, Charlotte, NC:

“> Population: 842,029

> Median home value: $201,500

> Poverty rate: 13.4%

> Pct. with at least a bachelor’s degree: 44.1% (top 25%)

Charlotte is one of two cities in North Carolina with populations expanding at a near nation-leading pace and are among the 50 best places to live. Charlotte’s population increased by 24.7% over the past 10 years, more than three times the U.S. growth rate and the most of any city in North Carolina other than Raleigh or Cary.

Charlotte’s rapid growth is largely supported by a prosperous economy. North Carolina was one of the first states to allow banks to operate multiple branches within a single state, a regulation that led to banks rapidly expanding throughout Charlotte and the surrounding region. Today, Charlotte is home to the headquarters of Bank of America and the East Coast operations of Wells Fargo. Financial services is one of many sectors leading employment growth in the city, which was more than double the U.S. employment growth rate from 2014 to 2016. Charlotte is also home to numerous entertainment amenities including an NFL team, an NBA team, and the Carowinds amusement park.”

To read more about Charlotte, go here: Charlotte Ranked One of America’s Best Cities to Live In

Charlotte Ranked One Of The Hottest Hipster Markets in America (Higher Than Asheville)

 

I came across this article on how Charlotte is one of the hipster markets in the country.  Just how did Banktown become a ‘hipster’ city, you ask? Well, with the aid of Yelp reviews and the number of ‘hipster’ businesses per area, see how our beloved city fared in this article by CharlotteStories:

The list analyses the highest concentrations of ‘hipster’ businesses for home buyers looking to embrace indie culture, using the number of times the word ‘hipster’ is mentioned in each city’s Yelp reviews, and how many ‘hipster-type’ business per capita are in each city.

It may not be a surprise that Charlotte is now one of the most hipster markets in America, given our growing coffee scene, thriving craft breweries, hardcore disc-golf community, and our massive annual hippie festival, but what may be surprising is how high we ranked.

Charlotte came in at #15, ranking higher than Denver, Fresno, CA, and even Ashville.

We were given an overall hipster score of 93.6 and Asheville was given an 83.6 – even Greensboro made the list at #43, scoring a 79.5.

Realtor.com® and Yelp’s Hottest Hipster Markets:

Ranking	Market	Yelp Hipster Score*	Market Hotness**
1	Columbus, Ohio (43202)	90.1	99.8
2	Seattle (98122)	95.9	94.1
3	San Diego, Calif. (92104)	95.6	93.7
4	Fort Wayne, Ind. (46802)	88.2	95.7
5	Rochester, N.Y. (14620)	92.5	92.8
6	San Francisco (94117)	84.3	96.0
7	Long Beach, Calif. (90814)	93.2	90.7
8	Louisville, Ky. (40217)	97.5	87.8
9	Grand Rapids, Mich. (49506)	88.8	92.4
10	Colorado Springs, Colo. (80903)	86.8	92.9
11	Royal Oak, Mich (48067)	77.6	98.2
12	Oklahoma City, Okla. (73103)	94.9	87.8
13	Milwaukee, Wis. (53207)	96.4	85.6
14	St. Louis (63143)	75.9	96.9
15	Charlotte, N.C. (28205)	93.6	85.9
16	Minneapolis(55406)	80.7	92.7
17	Riverside, Calif. (92501)	88.6	87.0
18	Denver (80203)	93.0	85.0
19	Eugene, Ore. (97402)	82.0	90.5
20	Tampa, Fla. (33603)	99.5	80.1
21	Omaha, Neb. (68104)	91.7	85.0
22	Fresno, Calif. (93728)	84.5	88.4
23	Asheville, N.C. (28806)	83.6	88.7
24	Arlington, Mass. (02474)	68.2	97.5
25	Dallas (75208)	93.5	82.7
26	Boise, Idaho (83702)	89.1	85.2
27	Lawrence, Kan. (66044)	91.8	82.6
28	Santa Rosa, Calif. (95401)	68.6	95.8
29	Fargo, N.D. (58102)	89.3	82.7
30	Santa Clara, Calif. (95051)	65.7	94.5
31	Chico, Calif. (95928)	71.2	90.8
32	Richmond, Va. (23220)	94.1	77.9
33	Orlando, Fla. (32803)	94.5	77.4
34	Buffalo, N.Y. (14222)	83.8	83.0
35	Salt Lake City, Utah (84105)	85.6	80.8
36	Lancaster, Pa. (17603)	85.2	80.5
37	Ann Arbor, Mich. (48104)	80.4	83.1
38	Vancouver, Wash. (98660)	78.1	84.1
39	Gilbert, Ariz. (85234)	71.9	87.4
40	Akron, Ohio (44303)	98.5	73.1
41	Memphis, Tenn. (38104)	81.8	80.5
42	Sacramento, Calif. (94819)	53.1	97.1
43	Greensboro, N.C. (27403)	79.5	81.7
44	Santa Cruz, Calif. (95060)	60.6	92.6
45	Birmingham, Ala. (35222)	90.2	75.8
46	Tulsa, Okla. (74120)	87.9	76.4
47	Indianapolis, Ind. (46205)	95.3	72.6
48	Provo, Utah (84601)	82.3	78.9
49	Nashville, Tenn. (37204)	81.1	79.3
50	Alexandria, Va. (22301)	72.6	83.8
Read more about this article here: //www.charlottestories.com/charlotte-ranked-one-hottest-hipster-markets-america-higher-asheville/

Start Networking Now | The 2017 Five Star Conference

TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF ALL THE NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES AT THE 2017 FIVE STAR CONFERENCE AND EXPO!

September 18-20, 2017

Hyatt Regency, Dallas TX

As the Chairperson of The Force of the The Five Star Conference, Showcase Realty’s Nancy Braun will be speaking at this conference.

The Five Star Conference and Expo is an integral source of information, collaboration, and progression for the housing and mortgage industry. 

Having long been a fountain of diverse perspectives and a platform for all voices throughout the industry, the Five Star is making inclusion the theme of the 2017 conference. The 2017 Five Star Conference and Expo will explore the theme of inclusion from all angles—from the inclusion of ideas and voices from all sectors of housing and mortgage to the promotion of diversity and inclusion throughout the industry. From the diverse roles that make up our industry and the diverse individuals who work in those roles to the various backgrounds and financial profiles of those the housing industry aims to serve.

Read more here: https://fivestarconference.com

REGISTER NOW!

Median Days on the Market Drops to 27!

 

The National Association of REALTORS® surveyed their members for their monthly Confidence Index.

A key indicator of the housing market strength based on a monthly survey sent to over 50,000 real estate practitioners, the REALTORS® Confidence Index asks practitioners about their expectations for home sales, prices and market conditions.

Read more of the highlights here: https://www.mykcm.com/2017/07/07/median-days-on-the-market-drops-to-27-infographic/

If you’re looking to put North Carolina home on the market, call Nancy Braun at 704-997-3794 today!

Check out our awesome real estate marketing services and more by visiting our social media profiles below:

Facebook: https://business.facebook.com/ShowcaseRealtyLLC/

Instagram: https://twitter.com/showcaserealty

Twitter: https://www.instagram.com/showcaserealtyllc/

Home Remodeling Trend Expected to Hold Steady with Millennials

According to a report by the Harvard University Joint Center for Housing Studies, they foresee home improvement projects to increase by 2% annually through 2025, due to a more stable economy and an increase in home valuations. In 2015 alone, remodels done by homeowners as well as renters hit a record high of $340 billion!

As millennials continue dominating the overall population in the U.S., it is expected that they along with the next largest population, the baby boomers, will together be the ones to update their living spaces to accommodate their ever-changing needs.

In North Carolina, many millennial homebuyers choose affordable homes for sale in places like Raleigh or Charlotte, with the intention of doing at least one home improvement project – everything from landscaping, to upgrading the master bathroom or kitchen, and adding on rooms.

Among these many types of remodeling projects, 56% of them will be upgrades to baby boomers’ existing homes to ensure their safety and accessibility, while millennials will have more of an interest in the latest innovations in technology and energy efficiency for appliances and systems that will help them save money while making their lives easier.

Remodeling in Markets with Low Cost of Living

It makes the most sense to remodel where the cost of living is low, so remodeling expenses will also be the most economical and give you the advantage when it comes to selling your home for a profit! North and South Carolina are among the states with the lowest cost of living right now. Affordable living in the South is so much easier than it is in the North and Northeast regions of the country. In fact, when totaling costs from real estate and sales taxes, as well as personal income taxes, North Carolina is 4th lowest averaged at $6,460 while South Carolina is 4th lowest at $6,480. The other states from the rankings are Tennessee 1st, Florida 2nd, and Georgia 3rd.

If you are looking at either North Carolina or South Carolina homes for sale, then here are some cost comparisons between the two states:

North Carolina averages
$1,800 spent for property taxes (with a mill rate of .009 mills) on a $200,000 home
$1,860 spent on sales tax (state sales tax is 7.75%)
$2,800 personal income tax (for $40,000 annual income) 6% over $12,750 annual income
Less expensive living in the cities of: Charlotte (29%), Wilmington (25%), and Asheville (23%)

South Carolina averages:
$2,000 spent on property taxes (with a mill rate of .25 mills) on a $20,000 home
$1,680 spent on sales tax (state sales tax is 7%)
$2,800 personal income tax (for $40,000 annual income) 7% over $13,700 annual income
Less expensive living in the cities of: Greenville (31%), Charleston (25%), and Beaufort (20%)

For homes for sale, neighborhood information, guidance and more, get in touch with Showcase Realty experts to help you find the perfect home. Give us a call at 704-997-3794 or email us at OfficeAdmin@ShowcaseRealty.net. We’re at your service!

Welcome to the New Member of Showcase Realty!

Showcase Realty is thrilled to announce experienced NC & SC Broker, O’Donna Pittman, to be part of the award winning Showcase Team!

O’Donna, a native Charlottean, holds over 15 years’ of experience serving real estate clients in NC and SC. Formerly with Realty Resources of the Carolinas, LLC, O’Donna holds an impressive resume, including previous ownership of two hair salons.

She also holds notable designations such as Accredited Buyer Representative and Certified Internet Professional: e-Pro and Financing Dreams Certified. We’re proud to include in her impressive resume her service as a United States Army Veteran for 3 years and a Certified Military Residential Specialist.

About Showcase Realty

Showcase Realty is an innovative boutique Charlotte real estate firm located at 1430 S. Mint St. in the Historic South End district. Owner and Broker-In-Charge, Nancy Braun, founded Showcase Realty in 2008 on the principles of innovation, teamwork and community mindfulness. Committed to selling homes and surpassing customers’ expectations, Showcase provides professional service, personally delivered. For more information visit www.showcaserealty.net.

Please contact any one of our agents by calling our office at 704-997-3794. We look forward to hearing from you!

Welcome to the New Member of Showcase Realty!

JC Zuniga has joined Showcase Realty’s Award-Winning Agent Team!

JC has over 14 years of experience in real estate, having founded Rhino Realty Inc in South East Florida, he brings with him a wealth of experience in buying and selling real estate – with expertise in negotiation skills, marketing, stellar client services, and more.

JC holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business, and Master’s in Marketing from ICESI – Colombia. With a dedicated and ethical approach to serving his real estate clients’ needs, JC’s philosophy is to be your partner REALTOR? “for every stage of your life”.

About Showcase Realty

Showcase Realty is an innovative boutique Charlotte real estate firm located at 1430 S. Mint St. in the Historic South End district. Owner and Broker-In-Charge, Nancy Braun, founded Showcase Realty in 2008 on the principles of innovation, teamwork and community mindfulness. Committed to selling homes and surpassing customers’ expectations, Showcase provides professional service, personally delivered. For more information visit www.showcaserealty.net.

Please contact any one of our agents by calling our office at 704-997-3794. We look forward to hearing from you!

Nancy Braun Among List of Honorees of the 50 Most Influential Women

On May 19^th, 2017, at the Hilton Charlotte Center City, real estate broker and owner of Showcase Realty, Nancy Braun, was among the 50 women nominated and awarded with the distinction of being the most influential women in the Charlotte Mecklenburg community.  For the past 9 years, this annual event, hosted by the Mecklenburg Times, has recognized women whose leadership and roles within the local community in Charlotte have served to improve the economy and its residents.

Check out some of the photos from the event below:

About Nancy Braun

In Mecklenburg county and throughout the Charlotte region, Ms. Braun’s proven success in real estate has consistently put her in the forefront of the industry, and she is considered one of the 15 best realtors in Charlotte, NC, while Showcase Realty has been ranked 7^th best real estate company in the country for 2015 and 2016 by the Wall Street Journal/REAL Trends top 1000 real estate companies.  Nancy has been featured in the Mecklenburg Times on numerous occasions for her real estate insights, and her dedication to the community extends to her work as Chairperson of the Resource Development Committee at the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Charlotte, and is also on their Advisory Board as well as Executive Board.

SHOWCASE REALTY HOSTS TEAM-BUILDING AGENT LUNCHEON

As a part of our team-building endeavors at Showcase Realty, we hosted an agent luncheon at Luciano’s Ristorante Italiano on South Boulevard. The bard and ambiance, as always, were fantastic. The company, even more so.

As owner and broker-in-charge of Showcase Realty, I aim to regularly provide a fun and stress-free venue to improve the team’s morale and to empower each agent to reach his or her maximum potential.

During the luncheon, we explored each agent’s career goals and aspirations as well as any challenges they’re often faced with that prevent them from achieving these goals. With an ever-changing industry, I keep my finger on the pulse by attending several industry conferences and mastermind groups that prepare me to navigate Showcase Realty’s success. By extension, I share as much valuable information and insights with my team so they can overcome obstacles and meet their challenges head on, armed with top-level information to assist them. They also know that they have the strong backing of the best real estate administrative and marketing systems and support in place to take care of time-consuming tasks, so they can focus on the business of assisting buyers, sellers and investors.

I’m a great believer in growth and innovation — through learning, business building, progress and problem-solving. That’s why get-togethers like this are wonderful opportunities to encourage, assist and support my team. Our time together is both, fun and productive.

If you’re an agent looking for real support from your brokerage, we’d love for you to join us. My team and I at Showcase Realty invite agents to be a part of a family that has your best interests at heart.

I hope that you will give me the opportunity to assist with your business growth. Call me at 704-997-3794 or email Resume@ShowcaseRealty.net to arrange a confidential discussion.

At your service,

Nancy Braun, Broker-In-Charge

Find out how you can join Showcase Realty by visiting www.greatbrokerleads.com. Make at least $25K more over the next 12 months or Showcase Realty will pay you the difference in CASH*! (*conditions apply)

More about Showcase Realty: Showcase Realty is an innovative boutique Charlotte real estate firm located at 1430 S. Mint St. in the Historic South End district. Owner and Broker-In-Charge, Nancy Braun, founded Showcase Realty in 2008 on the principles of innovation, teamwork and community mindfulness. Committed to selling homes and surpassing customers’ expectations, Showcase provides professional service, personally delivered.