by Marcus Thomas 
It is still a sellers market in the Charlotte Market, but the supply of homes for sale here has been steadily rising in recent months, bolstered by a growing number of townhomes hitting the market.
Why it matters: A more balanced supply will make for a less frenetic environment for folks looking to buy or sell a home. Housing supply also affects affordability.
By the numbers: Thanks in part to lower mortgage rates, housing inventory in the 16-county Charlotte region increased in July by 48.6% year over year to 8,486 active listings, up from 5,700 active listings a year ago, according to data from Canopy Realtor Association.
The area now has 2.5 months of housing supply, up from 1.6 months of supply in July 2023.
The condo-townhome market’s inventory increased by 79.5%, according to the report
Zoom out: A healthy market is one with four to six months of supply, says Charisma Southerland, president of Canopy Realtor Association/Canopy MLS.
At that level, homes sell at market value “in a reasonable time frame, typically 60 days,” Southerland says.
What they’re saying: “A balanced market favors neither buyers nor sellers; buyers usually have more options, while sellers can expect a fair price for their home,” she told Axios.
Between the lines: The Charlotte region’s crop of single-family home inventory rose in July by 43.8% to slightly more than 7,100 homes for sale, per the Canopy report.
With September upon us, fall is just around the corner. This marks the special time of year when trees in the Carolinas transform into a breathtaking canvas of vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a weekend getaway, this guide will help you find the best spots to witness the seasonal splendor.
- Early October: Colors start to change in the higher elevations, particularly in the North Carolina mountains.
- Mid to Late October: The most vibrant colors move down into the mid-elevations and foothills.
- Late October to Early November: The peak foliage reaches the lower elevations, including areas closer to Charlotte
Top Destinations this Fall:
Pisgah National Forest:, encompassing over 500,000 acres, is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts. The forest is home to some of the highest peaks in the Eastern U.S., which means early color changes. Hiking trails like those leading to Mount Mitchell or Craggy Gardens offer unbeatable views of the fall foliage.
- Best Time to Visit: Early to mid-October
- Must-See Spots: Mount Mitchell, Craggy Gardens, Sliding Rock
Blue-ridge Parkway: The Blue Ridge Parkway is often hailed as one of the best places in the country to view fall foliage. Stretching from Virginia to North Carolina, this scenic drive offers endless opportunities to see the leaves in all their autumnal glory. The section closest to Charlotte runs through Pisgah National Forest and offers numerous overlooks where you can pull over and take in panoramic views of the mountains blanketed in fall colors.
- Best Time to Visit: Mid-October to late October
- Activities: Hiking trails, Mile High Swinging Bridge, wildlife habitats
Grandfather Located near Linville, North Carolina, Grandfather Mountain is another fantastic destination for fall leaf peeping. The mountain is known for its rugged beauty and diverse plant life, which means you’ll see a wide variety of colors. The Mile High Swinging Bridge offers a stunning view of the surrounding landscape, especially during the fall season.
- Best Time to Visit: Early to mid-October
- Activities: Hiking trails, Mile High Swinging Bridge, wildlife habitats
Crowders Mountain: For those looking for a quick trip, Crowders Mountain State Park is an excellent option close to Charlotte. The park’s peaks offer stunning views of the Piedmont region, which comes alive with fall colors later in the season. The Pinnacle Trail leads to the park’s highest point, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding foliage.
- Best Time to Visit: Late October to early November
- Activities: Hiking, rock climbing, picnicking
Lake Lure: Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lake Lure and the adjacent Chimney Rock State Park are perfect for a fall getaway. The area is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, and Chimney Rock itself offers an iconic view of the Hickory Nut Gorge. The combination of water, rock, and fall foliage makes for a picturesque setting.
- Best Time to Visit: Mid-October to late October
- Activities: Boat tours on Lake Lure, hiking to Chimney Rock, waterfalls
Uwharrie National Forest: A lesser-known gem, Uwharrie National Forest offers a quieter, more secluded experience for fall foliage enthusiasts. Located just east of Charlotte, the rolling hills of Uwharrie provide a different perspective on the fall colors, with a mix of hardwood forests and pine trees.
- Best Time to Visit: Late October
- Activities: Hiking, mountain biking, camping
Marcus..what are mortgage rates currently at? – September 14th, 2024
Facts: The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate from Freddie Mac remained unchanged at 6.35% this week from last week. At 6.35%, with 20% down, a monthly mortgage payment on a home with a price of $400,000 is $1,991. With 10% down, the typical payment would be $2,240.
Positive: Although mortgage rates did not move, there was a slight increase in mortgage applications for purchase from the Mortgage Bankers Association. Some buyers are taking advantage of lower rates and more housing inventory.
Negative: While mortgage rates are significantly lower than in recent months, anticipation of a Fed rate cut in two weeks may have buyers reticent to jump in so they can wait for even lower rates. However, as nearly everyone has forecasted a Fed Funds rate cut, it is unlikely to lower mortgage interest rates significantly…continue reading
