Angela M. Armstrong's Blog

Lake Norman Waterlevels

Angela Armstrong — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:27:47 +0000

As a Real Estate Agent at Lake Norman, NC, often I am asked by newcomers to the area, why does the water level drop? Well, Lake Norman was created by Duke Power. The ground breaking took place on September 28, 1959. It took four years to finish the huge dam, and another two years to fill the lake.

The lake was created to general power. Therefore, the lake level fluctuates based on energy needs and weather such as snow, rain or drought. To check the current lake level, this link is provided by Duke Energy:

http://www.duke-energy.com/lakes/levels.asp

Labs – the ultimate Lake Norman Dog

Angela Armstrong — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 20:31:30 +0000

Labrador Retrievers are ideal dogs for lake lovers living on Lake Norman. There are two types of Labrador Retrievers, the English Lab and the American Lab. The English lab is typically shorter, stocker with “block” heads. American Labs are taller with smaller heads. Labs come in varying shades of yellow, chocolate and black. These dogs love water. They have webbed feet and otter tails which aid in swimming. My first lab, “Shady” lived to a ripe old age of 16. Originally named “Sadie”, but our daughter couldn’t pronounce the name, so it quickly became Shady. Shady was black, however later in life, turned gray around her eyes and face. She enjoyed lake living until the very end. Her favorite outing was a trip to an island on the lake. Her favorite island was fairly large and in the main channel closest to I-77. She would spend hours searching the island for ducks and if any were found, a good amount of energy was used swimming in an attempt to catch them. She had a passion for ducks. Once she dove off the moving boat when she spotted a few swimming. I have had many dogs, of varying breeds over my life, but my lab, Shady was different. Her intelligence and loyalty was unquestionable.

After Shady’s death, any other breed was unthinkable. Shady had big shoes to fill, so the family started the quest to find the perfect dog for our family (it would be a lab of course). We contacted a breeder who had a large litter of active, healthy puppies. Upon our arrival, numerous puppies ran and played with each other, except for one. We had decided another female would be best for our family. But as the next few minutes unfolded, that notion went out the window. A large white male decided the perfect spot to sit while his siblings played was… my husband foot. He perched there and looked up with those big brown eyes separated by his large pinkish brown nose. Well, its obvious, who came home with us, who actually picked us instead of us picking him. Samson, who is now 4 years old is large, 100+ pounds, white with yellow gold edging around his ears and down his back. He is tall, an American lab, but has a block head, a characteristic of an English lab. Samson’s passion is fishing. He has zero interest in ducks. Fish is the only thing on his mind around the lake. He fishes off the dock, waiting for one to pass, when one is spotted, he dives in. After 4 years of not catching a single fish, he hasn’t become discouraged. On the boat, he intently searches the water for any sign of movement or reflection. If he is on shore, his favorite pastime is retrieving every stick, branch or stump. These end up all over our yard. No yard of the month for us. When coming home, he will quickly pick one up, and offer it as a welcome home gift. His loyalty and intelligence is also unquestionable.

Two completely different dogs, same breed and the same wonderful characteristics that make this breed the ultimate Lake Norman dog. What do you think is the ultimate Lake dog?

Home Trends and Fads?

Angela Armstrong — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 22:48:09 +0000

I came across this article in the Realtor Magazine which notes 6 items that are declining in new homes. While some items I disagree with, I do see some truth in a few features. As a real estate broker, I am in and out of a ton of homes. We do see “eras” in styles, decorating, features, and upgrades. Ten years ago, granite countertops were the latest rage. Today, it is standard, almost “uncommon” in new homes.

Here is the article from Realtor Magazine…

“LAS VEGAS – Some home features don’t stay popular forever. More homes are inching away from incorporating the following home features, according to recent consumer preference surveys.

1. Fireplaces: The fireplace skyrocketed in importance in homes in 1991 with 62 percent of new homes having one or more. But the number has steadily been decreasing ever since. In 2007, the number dropped to 51 percent.

2. Carpet: While 54 percent of homes still have carpet floors, the number is decreasing and hardwood floors are taking the place. Vinyl and ceramic tile flooring also are being bypassed more by buyers. Seventeen percent of new homes contain hardwood floors throughout the entire house.

3. Living room: These once-decorative centerpieces of homes are slowly vanishing from newer homes. Thirty-four percent of consumers say they’re willing to buy a home without a living room.

4. Desks in the kitchen: These desks were once looked at as great storage areas but they’re often too small and quickly become clutter spaces in a home, said Gayle Butler, editor in chief of Better Homes and Gardens. Instead, more consumers say they prefer larger desks in or near the family room—equipped with a messaging center—where they can keep an eye on their kids as they work on the computer.

5. Skylights: The little windows that allow natural light to seep into a home from above are falling out of style. Only 10 percent of new homes will include them this year, a continuing downward spiral for skylights.

6. Upscale kitchen finishes: Granite countertops are slowly becoming less desirable among buyers who are now moving toward affordable, low-maintenance laminate countertops—which tend to last longer and now come in various styles.”

Well, what do you think? Will these features become extinct? What will be the next rage in new home features?

Foreclosure “the new buzz word”

Angela Armstrong — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 02:48:24 +0000

I think we can all agree the real estate market has seen many changes over the last two years. As a broker with Century 21 Hecht Realty in North Carolina, I am getting more and more calls from buyers and investors looking for foreclosed properties. While there are more and more foreclosed properties on the market, one must keep in mind a foreclosure may not always be the best deal. Many foreclosed properties are in need of improvements or repairs. Most do not have appliances or light fixtures in them. And many do not qualify for particular types of loans. Some buyers think foreclosures are priced below the market and better than other properties on the market. This is not always the case. There are sellers in the area who NEED to sell their homes (for different pressing reasons) and price the property accordingly. These properties usually have a stove, dishwasher, and light fixtures still in them and they convey with the property. Many of these homes are not vacant, they have water and electricity and this makes the inspection process much easier. My suggestion is to find a good Real Estate Agent. Look at all the inventory in your particular price range or area. Compare bank owned property with other property currently listed. Then make a decision based on the facts. The word “Foreclosure” may just be the latest fad.

Lake Norman Weather

Angela Armstrong — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 20:42:34 +0000

: Icy Shoreline on Lake Norman

January 2009

Cold Weather on Lake Norman

Lake Norman is brrrrrrr COLD. Temperatures dip in the surrounding cities. Highs in the mid-twenties and lows close to single digits. Ice has formed on the shoreline of Lake Norman in the smaller coves. Not many boaters to been seen. The only lake occupants, a few Mallard ducks swimming and looking for food.

Water temperature was in the mid-forties. A far cry from our desirable lake season water temperature.

Stay warm, protect your pipes, close vents in your crawlspace while the cold weather sticks around.
Just think, in four months we will be seeing the Lake in a different light.

Pass the suntan lotion please.