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Most Expensive House EVER!

Assistant 2 — Thu, 23 May 2013 13:54:00 GMT

Most expensive house ever hits market at $190M

Erika Riggs Zillow

May 21, 2013 at 1:37 PM ET

The Greenwich, Conn. estate costs more than any home that's ever been listed -- $190 million.

There's Versace's former home, priced at $100 million, Steven Cohen's $115 million apartment and a Manhattan penthouse listed at $125 million. But none of them hold a candle to an estate that spans 50 acres of waterfront in Greenwich, Conn. that recently hit the market at $190 million, becoming the most expensive residential listing in the U.S.

While the house is impressive — public records measure it at 13,519 square feet with 12 bedrooms and 9 baths — it's the spectacular land that pushes the price tag. The home sits on 4,000 feet of coveted waterfront property on Long Island Sound, and that doesn't include access to two private islands in the Sound. The two parcels, one at 30 acres and one at 20, contain a grass tennis court, formal gardens, carriage house, apple orchard, two greenhouses and a 75-foot-long heated pool. Considering that a 75-acre Greenwich property nowhere near the water is listed at $32.5 million, the $190 million ask is a little more understandable.

Heavy on Old-World charm, the house has 12-foot ceilings throughout the main rooms, a solarium with a coffered ceiling, and sleeping porches. Most of the buildings throughout the estate – known as Copper Beech Farm -- hold details from the home's original build date of 1898: The carriage house still has a clock tower, and the garage includes milking stalls.

The home was built by the Lauder Greenway family — George Lauder was a partner in Carnegie Steel. It was sold 31 years ago to its current owner, timber tycoon John Rudey. Rudey and his wife Laurie Rudey also put their Manhattan apartment on the market for $16.5 million.

It's hard to say whether the home will go for its asking price. Candy Spelling originally listed her home at $150 million but ended up selling it for $85 million to British heiress Petra Ecclestone. One of the most expensive sales recorded in the U.S. — the $100 million Silicon Valley estate bought by Yuri Milner — is still significantly under the Greenwich estate ask.

Thinking about financing a place like this? According to Zillow's mortgage calculator and assuming a 20 percent down payment (which would be $38 million) on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, a monthly payment would be $687,734.

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Nationally, Appraisers are Putting Higher Values on Homes!

Assistant 2 — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:15:00 GMT

Home appraisals no longer derailing sales

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

By Les Christie @CNNMoney May 15, 2013: 9:14 AM ET

Consider this one more sign that the housing market is heating up: Appraisers are putting higher values on homes again, allowing for more deals to go through.

During the housing bust, sales were often derailed by low-ball appraisals that fell far shy of a home's selling price.

For example, if a home cost $500,000 and required a 20% down payment of $100,000, the buyer would need to finance $400,000. But if the appraiser valued the home at $450,000, the buyer would only be eligible for a $360,000 loan -- making the home too costly for some buyers.

But now, as home prices climb and housing inventories shrink, appraisers are valuing homes at or above their selling prices, according to Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors.

Between 2008 and 2010, appraisals for more than a third of Seattle-based real estate agent Michael Ackerman's sales came in below the selling price. So he had to get creative.

"I started pulling out the key boxes at the homes so the appraisers couldn't get in," said Ackerman. "They had to call me to let them see the home. I would bring a packet of comparables along and explain what I used to price the home."

But now, with home prices posting such strong gains, those strategies may not be necessary anymore.

"I've closed 15 homes so far this year and none of the appraisals have come in below the selling price," said Ackerman.

He was certain a recent deal in Wallingford, Wash. was going to fall through when the buyer agreed to pay $755,000 -- well above the average $690,000 other homes in the area had sold for. When the appraisal came in at the full selling price "everybody's jaws dropped," he said.

And in some of the hottest markets, appraisals are coming in well above the selling price.

Agent Eric Tan said one appraiser did a "drive-by" of a West Covina, Calif., home he was selling in April.

"He didn't ask for any comps, to see the inside of the house, or even schedule a time to meet with me. He wrote up the appraisal right at the purchase price," he said. "I was able to sell the client's home for about $40,000 more than I thought the appraiser would value it."

In Jacksonville Beach, Fla., where prices have soared 15% over the past 12 months, agent Cara Ameer was "holding her breath" when it came time to get an appraisal on a two-bedroom townhouse she sold for $5,000 more than its $189,000 asking price.

"It was FHA financing and [the FHA is] typically much more strict," she said. That appraisal too ended up coming in above the selling price.

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The Charlotte Area Market Continues to Improve

Assistant 2 — Wed, 08 May 2013 13:12:00 GMT

2 reports show Charlotte-area housing market picking up

By Deon Roberts
deroberts@charlotteobserver.comBy Deon Roberts The Charlotte Observer

Modified: Tuesday, May. 07, 2013

Two reports released Tuesday show a Charlotte-area housing market that continues to strengthen in favor of sellers after buyers had the upper hand during the economic downturn.

CoreLogic, an Irvine, Calif.-based company that provides monthly reports on housing prices, said they rose 7 percent in the Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill area in March from the same month a year ago. The figure includes sales of distressed homes. Nationwide, home prices, including distressed sales, rose 10.5 percent in March from a year ago.

Also Tuesday, the Charlotte Regional Realtor Association reported that Charlotte-area home prices increased by 1.1 percent on average in April from the same month last year, as inventory continues to dwindle. The April statistics on existing, not newly built, homes in the Charlotte region point to an ongoing shift in favor of sellers – and a market in which buyers continue to have fewer homes from which to choose.

According to the preliminary data from the association, the average sales price in April rose to $217,166 from $214,739 in April 2012. The number of sales increased 34 percent year over year, to 2,915 from 2,168.

Another statistic released Tuesday by the Realtor association doesn’t bode well for buyers: The inventory of homes for sale in April dropped 30.1 percent from a year ago to a 4.9-month supply.

Many in the real estate industry consider a seller’s market to be one in which the number of homes for sale is below a 6-month supply. The monthly supply measurement is an estimate of the time it should take for homes to sell.

As inventory keeps falling in the Charlotte region, it could result in more cases of multiple bids being made on homes and prospective buyers offering more than the initial asking price – both scenarios that some local brokers have reported this year.

The Realtor association’s April report also shows sellers are raising prices. The average list price last month was $275,150, up 4.5 percent from $263,391 a year ago.

On the bright side for buyers, more homes were put on the market in April versus the same month last year, according to the association. Last month, there were 5,115 new listings, up 11.7 percent from April 2012, giving buyers weary from too-few options more to pick from.

As the market strengthens for sellers, homes are selling faster than they were a year ago. The average number of days from when a home was listed until it sold fell to 142 in April, 13 fewer days than the same month last year, the association said.

The association also said Tuesday that foreclosures and short sales fell in April, accounting for 8.4 percent of new listings and 12.2 percent of sales.

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Before Relocating for a Job, Consider These 9 Things

Assistant 2 — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 17:02:00 GMT

9 Things to Consider Before Relocating for a Job

By Aaron Guerrero | U.S.News & World Report LP – 2 hrs 10 mins ago

Mired in years of either double-digit or high single-digit unemployment, your home state has hardly been flourishing with job opportunities.

Determined to steer your career in a new direction, you applied to jobs outside the state. And though landing a job elsewhere initially seemed like a long shot, an employer has bit on your résumé and offered you a position.

Before packing up your bags and settling into new digs, here are some questions to address.

1. How will this affect my relationship? If you're single, in your 20s, and enjoy a traveling lifestyle, you may be open to taking a job halfway across the country, notes Alexandra Levit, writer at the career advice blog The Fast Track and author of "Blind Spots: 10 Business Myths You Can't Afford to Believe on Your New Path to Success."

Being married, however, changes the calculus, particularly if your spouse has achieved great career success in the area where you currently reside. "If [your spouse has] a great situation going now and the relocation would force them to give up that situation, sometimes that's not a good idea," Levit says.

[See: 25 Career Mistakes to Banish for 2013.]

2. What about the kids? Moving your children from one place to another could have a negative effect, especially if schools and security in the area are a notch below where you currently live, Levit notes.

Moreover, with family members close by, you and your spouse have never had to worry about who would watch the kids after school. Setting up shop elsewhere could make child care problematic. "If there are grandparents nearby, [that's] a huge benefit," Levit says. "Moving away from them, you could find that your life becomes a lot more unpleasant."

3. What kind of financial shape is the company in? The job's duties read like a wish list of everything you've wanted professionally. But if the company is just getting off the ground or has struggled financially in the past, it should give you pause.

Still, Brenda Harrington, president of Adaptive Leadership Strategies, an organization that specializes in work relocation, says moving is worth the risk if it aligns with your long-term career goals. "If you feel that the opportunity is in your long-term plans, then it's probably worthwhile," she says. "And that's regardless of the company's financial position or anything like that."

4. Will the company cover your moving expenses? Hauling your belongings thousands of miles away can be pricey. A single person moving from a one-bedroom, Los Angeles apartment to one in Chicago could spend approximately $2,240 for professional movers to load and unload a single mobile storage container, according to a cost estimate from the national moving company Atlas Van Lines.

If the company you work for won't cover the moving expenses, Harrington suggests performing a cost-benefit analysis, weighing both professional opportunity and possible financial sacrifice. However, "Companies will typically provide some benefit for new employees to move to a new location," she says, adding that assistance can come in either the form of a lump sum or a more defined benefit package.

A recently released Atlas Van Lines survey shows that 9 out of 10 companies reimburse or pay some relocation costs for transferees or new hires. Approximately 65 percent of companies fully reimburse transferees for moving expenses, while 57 percent do the same for new hires.

[See: The 10 Priciest Cities for U.S. Workers.]

5. Will my cost of living go up? Your new position may offer higher pay, leaving little to no reason to fret about the cost of living in your new area. Then again, your salary could be lower. Couple a decreased paycheck with a more expensive city, and the life you're accustomed to could be dramatically altered.

According to PayScale.com, a website that provides salary data for employee and employers, if you ended up working in New York City, where the cost of living is significantly higher than the national average, you could pay 48 percent more in groceries compared to the national average. You will also pay significantly more for housing (352 percent), utilities (28 percent), transportation (31 percent) and health care (25 percent).

6. How have others handled the transition? Find out from those who went before you. Contact someone from the company who transferred to the new place you'll be working and living in, Levit suggests. Hoping to lure you to the job, a company hand may give you a more sanitized version of events.

To balance out the advice you get, and for a possibly less-filtered description, Levit recommends that you also "get the 411 from somebody who's in a similar position to you that relocated who's not in the company."

Moreover, Levit says a Google search that combines the words "relocation" and the name of the area could also help fill in the blanks to your questions. Visiting travel message boards might also help. "See what people are buzzing about online in terms of whether it was a good move or not a good move and for what reasons," she says.

7. What will the day-to-day be like? Spending winters in sunny Southern California is lot different from spending them in ice-cold Chicago. "A city that one person could love, another could hate," Levit says.

Weather is only one daily attribute to consider. Take into account how commute times and other daily rituals unique to the location may affect not only your work routine, but your personal one. "You want to make sure that the overall location is a good fit for your life because you're only working a certain percentage of the day," Levit adds.

[Read: Does This Job Pass The Sniff Test? 4 Questions to Ask.]

8. Can you visit or stay beforehand? Reading about where you'll live via a pamphlet or website is no substitute for actually being there. If possible, travel to the place for a brief visit before saying yes to the employer. "It's really important not only to visit but to almost embed yourself in the local area and the culture and really try to develop the perspective that you would have if you were living there," Harrington says.

9. Have you done your homework? Relocating can have a major impact, both in the long and short term, on your personal and professional life. Be sure you've sufficiently analyzed the move from every angle. "The more information you can find out, the more educated a decision you can make," Harrington says.

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Four Great Reasons to Get Your Home Inspected BEFORE You Try to Sell It!

Assistant 2 — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 18:45:00 GMT

Get an Inspection Before Selling Your Home

According to the U.S. General Accounting Office, more than 85 percent of homebuyers who applied for a mortgage also requested an inspection -- not too surprising, since home inspections can reveal hidden flaws and potentially pricey repairs. But even though an inspection can make or break the deal, most sellers wait for the buyer to take the initiative (and chew their nails while awaiting the results). Here are a few reasons why you might benefit from getting your home inspected before you put it on the market.

Reason #1: Reassure prospective buyers.

Even after a walk-through or two, buyers rarely know exactly what to expect from a home inspection -- there's always the possibility of termites gnawing on that rustic log cabin or faulty wiring lurking behind those faux-finished walls. Providing a pre-inspection assures the buyer that no major surprises are in store; while they might not waive their own follow-up inspection, they'll at least feel more comfortable about placing a bid.

Reason #2: Buy time and save dough.

Even in a relatively new or completely renovated home, chances are a home inspector can find a red flag or two. After all, that's their job. When a fault is found during a typical home inspection, you may only have a few days to decide whether to make the repair or adjust the sale price appropriately -- and you'll need to find a solution that satisfies you and the buyer. A pre-inspection gives you more time to compare prices and treatment options from a variety of contractors. You may also avoid conceding a huge chunk of change for unpredictable repair costs like mold remediation or structural work.

Reason #3: Know where you stand.

Generally, your final selling price is determined long before the inspector ever sets foot inside your door. That leaves a huge question mark lingering over your negotiations -- are you going to be forced to drop your final figure again if a major problem is uncovered? By getting an inspection early, you'll know what concessions a buyer might request. That allows you to set your asking price accordingly and find out whether or not you're in a position to play hardball.

Reason #4: Prevent repeat repairs.

No matter how handy you are, there's always a risk of misdiagnosing a problem. But getting your home pre-inspected could help you avoid wasting money on unnecessary repairs. Say your toilet hasn't been flushing quite right, so you pay a plumber to replace it -- only to learn upon inspection that the problem was in your septic system. A pre-inspection helps you avoid doing double-duty, since the inspector can pinpoint the problem and recommend the right repair.

While the average home inspection costs a few hundred dollars, it can save time and money in the long run. To find a home inspector in your area, visit the American Society of Home Inspectors at www.ashi.org.

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2024 Olympics Coming to Charlotte??

Assistant 2 — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 14:56:00 GMT

U.S. Olympic Committee asks Charlotte to consider bid for 2024 Summer Games

Charlotte is among 35 cities that have been asked by the U.S. Olympic Committee to consider hosting the 2024 Summer Games. Pictured here is the Olympic cauldron during the opening ceremony for last year’s games in London.

photo BLOOMBERG

Susan Stabley

Staff Writer- Charlotte Business Journal

The United States Olympic Committee has asked 35 cities across the country — including Charlotte — to consider hosting the 2024 Summer Games, according to a report from The New York Times.

Letters have been sent to those mayors "to gauge their interest in making a bid," the Times reports.

The Times reports:

The cities that received the letter were Phoenix; San Jose, Calif.; Los Angeles; Sacramento; San Diego; San Francisco; Denver; Washington; Jacksonville, Fla.; Orlando, Fla.; Miami; Atlanta; Chicago; Indianapolis; Baltimore; Detroit; Minneapolis; St. Louis; Las Vegas; New York; Boston; Rochester; Charlotte, N.C.; Columbus, Ohio; Tulsa, Okla.; Portland, Ore.; Philadelphia; Pittsburgh; Memphis; Nashville and Davidson County; Austin, Tex.; Dallas; Houston; San Antonio; and Seattle.

Salt Lake City was the last city in the country to host an Olympics, in 2002 for the Winter Games. Past host cities for Summer Games have been Atlanta, St. Louis and Los Angeles, which hosted twice.

Such a bid might be a dream come true for starry-eyed local leaders who, since playing host to the 2012 Democratic National Convention, have their sights set on more high-profile events for the Queen City, such as the Super Bowl or the Olympics.

Charlotte is already in the running with about 20 other locales hoping to host the ESPN X Games

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Pulitzer Prize winner to speak at Davidson College on Feb. 26th-FREE admission

Assistant 2 — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 19:54:00 GMT

Pulitzer Prize winner to speak at Davidson

Posted by CW Web Adminon February 14, 2013in Davidson College, News|0 Comment

DAVIDSON – The Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer Robert A. Caro will speak at Davidson College at 8 p.m. Feb. 26 in the Duke Family Performance Hall.

Admission is free, but tickets are required. Tickets are available for pickup at the Alvarez College Union box office from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on weekdays.

A reception and book signing will follow the lecture.

Caro has won virtually every major literary honor in American letters for his five major works.

He is best known for his four-volume biography of former U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson, which the London Times called “the greatest biography of our era.”

Caro won his first Pulitzer Prize for “The Power Broker,” a 1975 study of New York politician Robert Moses.

In 2003, his second Pulitzer honored “Master of the Senate,” the third volume of his examination of President Johnson.

Caro’s other honors include two National Book Critics Circle Awards for best nonfiction book of the year, the National Book Award, the Gold Medal in Biography from the National Academy of Arts and the Francis Parkman Prize from the Society of American Historians for the book that “best exemplifies the union of the historian and the artist.”

He also received the National Humanities Medal, awarded by President Barack Obama.

Call the ticket desk at 704-894-2135 for more information.

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Another great ranking for Charlotte, NC!!!

Assistant 2 — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 16:37:00 GMT

Charlotte among America's best cities for small business

Charlotte is among America's best cities for small business, according to a report from On Numbers.

Jen Wilson

Associate Editor/Online- Charlotte Business Journal

Charlotte scored high marks on a recent analysis of the friendliest places in America for small businesses. The Queen City ranked No. 11— not a bad spot on a list of the nation's 102 major metropolitan areas.

But Raleigh placed even higher, ranking No. 4. Austin, Texas, topped the list for a fourth straight year.

The rankings were determined through an analysis by The Business Journals, a division of Charlotte Business Journal parent American City Business Journals Inc., that used a six-part formula to assign scores based on the concentration of and growth rate among small businesses, population growth, employment growth and other factors.

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Neighborhood Highlight-River Run in Davidson, NC

Assistant 2 — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 20:32:00 GMT

At River Run, the living is easy and the fun is just around the corner. You can truly appreciate our challenging and highly rated golf course, or enjoy tennis at the modern, 16-court indoor/outdoor complex. There are walking trails that provide scenic views while strolling along or biking. This beautiful tree-lined neighborhood, rightly gives you a sense of community and quaint small-town setting. River Run invites you to experience the gracious tradition of fine living.

River Run is calling your name! With the gorgeous custom homes, living in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, will make you want to call this place home. And with a beautiful country club right in the neighborhood and so many recreational opportunities nearby, fun and entertainment are right at your back step.

River Run is far enough away from the busy city life, but close enough to enjoy all that the Charlotte area has to offer!

• Charlotte-Douglas International Airport: 25 minutes
• Concord Mills Mall: 15 minutes
• Northlake Mall: 20 minutes
• Lake Norman Regional Hospital: 10 minutes
• Presbyterian Hospital – Huntersville: 15 minutes
• Birkdale Village – 10 minutes

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Wal-Mart....giving back to those who have served in the military!

Assistant 2 — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 21:04:00 GMT

NEW YORK — Why wait on Washington when there's Wal-Mart?

Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world's largest retailer and the biggest private employer in the U.S. with 1.4 million workers here, said Tuesday that it is rolling out a three-part plan to help jumpstart the sluggish U.S. economy.

The plan includes hiring more than 100,000 veterans in the next five years, spending $50 billion to buy more American-made merchandise in the next 10 years and helping its part-time workers move into full-time positions.

The move comes as Wal-Mart tries to bolster its image amid widespread criticism. The company, which often is criticized for its low-paying jobs and buying habits in the U.S., recently has faced allegations that it made bribes in Mexico and calls for better safety oversight after a deadly fire at a Bangladesh factory that supplies its clothes. Wal-Mart said its initiatives are unrelated to those events, but rather are meant to highlight that companies don't have to wait for lawmakers in Washington, D.C. to fix the economy.

"We've developed a national paralysis that's driven by all of us waiting for someone else to do something," Bill Simon, president and CEO of Wal-Mart's U.S. business, said Tuesday at an annual retail industry convention in New York. "The beauty of the private sector is that we don't have to win an election, convince Congress or pass a bill to do what we think is right. We can simply move forward, doing what we know is right."

Any changes that Wal-Mart makes to its hiring and buying practices garner lots of attention because of the company's massive size. Indeed, with $444 billion in annual revenue, if Wal-Mart were a country, it would rank among the largest economies in the world. But critics say the changes amount to a drop in the bucket for the behemoth, and they question whether Wal-Mart's initiatives will have a major impact on the U.S. economy.

"America's largest retailers play an important role in our nation's economy and in the well-being of millions of lives," said Stuart Appelbaum, president of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union. "Retailers like Wal-Mart could provide the nation with a much needed economic boost by paying higher wages and providing stable scheduling – while still remaining profitable and continuing to offer low prices."

The centerpiece of Wal-Mart's plan is a pledge to hire veterans, many of who have had a particularly difficult time finding work after coming home from Afghanistan and Iraq. The unemployment rate for veterans who served in Iraq or Afghanistan stood at 10.8 percent in December, compared with the overall unemployment rate of 7.8 percent.

Wal-Mart said it plans to hire every veteran who wants a job and has been honorably discharged in the first 12 months off active duty. The program, which will start on Memorial Day, will include jobs mostly in Wal-Mart's stores or in its Sam's Club locations. Some will be at its headquarters, based in Bentonville, Ark. or the company's distribution centers.

Dave Tovar, a Wal-Mart spokesman, said Wal-Mart hasn't worked out the details but it will "match up the veterans' experience and qualifications." Simon, who served in the Navy, said that veterans have "a record of performance under pressure" and "they're quick learners."

"I think that Wal-Mart has a tremendous opportunity to leverage operational skills that today's veterans bring," said Sean Collins, director of G.I. Jobs, a magazine and web site that highlight employment, education and small business opportunities for veterans.

Wal-Mart said first lady Michelle Obama, who spearheaded a White House drive to encourage businesses to hire veterans, has expressed interest in working with Wal-Mart and with the rest of the business community on this initiative.

In the next several weeks, Simon said the White House will meet with the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense and major U.S. employers to encourage businesses to make commitments to train and employ American's returning veterans. The first lady on Tuesday called Wal-Mart's announcement "historic."

"We all believe that no one who serves our country should have to fight for a job once they return home," she said in a statement. "Wal-Mart is setting a groundbreaking example for the private sector to follow."

In addition to hiring veterans, Wal-Mart plans to spend $50 billion to buy more products made in the U.S. over the next 10 years. According to data from Wal-Mart's suppliers, items that are made, sourced or grown in the U.S. account for about two-thirds of the company's spending on products for its U.S. business.

Wal-Mart said that it plans to focus on buying more in areas such as sporting goods, fashion basics, storage products, games and paper products. The commitment comes as economics are changing for making goods overseas: Labor costs are rising in Asia, while oil and transportation costs are high and increasingly uncertain.

But even with the additional $5 billion that Wal-Mart plans to spend each year – the breakdown of $50 billion over 10 years – the amount that the company will spend each year on buying goods in the U.S. will only account for 2 percent of its total spending in the country. In the fiscal year that ended in January 2012, Wal-Mart bought $238.8 billion in goods for its U.S. stores.

"They sound impressive when you first hear the numbers but when you begin to look at them, it's a very tiny scale that doesn't add up to much," said Stacy Mitchell, senior researcher at the Institute for Local Self Reliance, a nonprofit national research organization.

The final piece of Wal-Mart's plan is to help part-time Wal-Mart workers transition into full-time employment if they so desire. Among the strategies, Wal-Mart said it will make sure that its part-time workers have "first shot" at the full-time job openings in the stores in their area.

Wal-Mart said the move will give part-time employees much higher earning potential. About 75 percent of its store management start as salespeople, who earn an average of $12.47 hourly. Managers, the company said, can make an average of $50,000 to $170,000 a year.

"There are some fundamental misunderstandings out there about retail jobs, and we need to do better at explaining the opportunities we offer," Simon, Wal-Mart's CEO, said.

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Charlotte New Year's Eve-For All Ages!

Assistant 2 — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 17:18:00 GMT

Charlotte-area New Year's Eve celebrations for all ages

By Hilary Trenda and Brittney Cason
htrenda@charlotteobserver.com

Posted: Friday, Dec. 28, 2012

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Simply Irresistible will perform at First Night Charlotte as celebrants count down to midnight. Photo courtesy of Moira Quinn.
Whether you want to ring in 2013 with a rowdy crowd of confetti-covered strangers or on a quieter, smaller scale, local New Year’s Eve celebrations aren’t hard to find. Here are a handful that caught our eye. (Remember to take a taxi and a brush up on the lyrics to “Auld Lang Syne.”)

Family-friendly

First Night: This alcohol-free salute to community celebration and visual/performance art is back for its fifth year. Events are held at NASCAR Hall of Fame; WBT’s “Holiday on Ice” rink; Charlotte Convention Center’s stage and outdoor terrace; Wells Fargo Atrium; The Green; and Duke Energy Main Stage at Levine Avenue of the Arts. Adult wristbands are $10; kids 5-12 are $5 with a banded adult, 4 and younger are admitted free.

First Night Kids runs noon-5 p.m. and is geared towards families with kids ages 2-10, with storytellers, puppets, mascots, circus performers, dancing and more. Kids Countdown will be 4:40-5 p.m. on Duke Energy Main Stage.

First Night Charlotte is 7-11 p.m. and features silent disco, a mocktail booth, aerialists and entertainment for teens and adults.

“Countdown to Midnight” is 10 p.m.-midnight at Duke Energy main stage, featuring the dance band “Simply Irresistible.”

Details: www.firstnightcharlotte.com.

John Tosco’s third annual variety show: The Tosco Music Party founder’s event is reminiscent of “The Ed Sullivan Show” and features comedy, dance, music and more. 8-10 p.m. at McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. Tickets are $20.12. Details: www.ncbpac.org.

For the adults

Soul in the City: The South Charlotte Chapter of Jack & Jill America will host its annual NYE party 9 p.m.-1 a.m. at the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture (551 S. Tryon St.). Tickets are $75 per person (tax-deductible) and include the nouveau Soul Food buffet, cash bar, live and dance music, silent auction and the chance to be the last guests to view the “America I AM: The African American Imprint” exhibit in Charlotte.Details: www.southcharlottejj.org.

Boom! New Year’s Eve Bash: Tickets to last year’s event sold out in two days. This year’s party runs 9 p.m.-2 a.m. at VBGB (920 Hamilton St.) and will include buffet, one drink on the house, and DJ on the tented, heated patio/dance floor. Tickets are $55 for men and $45 for women. Details: www.vbgbuptown.com or in person at VBGB or NoDa Brewing (2229 N. Davidson St.).

Rich and Bennett’s NYE Bash: Phoenix Nightclub (300 N. College St.) hosts three levels of partying, two DJs, party favors and a balloon drop and confetti cannons at midnight. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $55-$75 (includes beer, liquor, wine, champagne and appetizers from Cosmos). Details: www.rockhouseevents.com.

Back to the Future NYE Bash: At Roxbury Nightclub (116 W. Fifth St.), DJ Jody spins hits from the ’80s and ’90s. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. $20. Details: 704-375-8090 .

RE:GENESIS: The Sound Council greets the new year at Central Station (2131 Central Ave.) with a glow-friendly 18-and-older party featuring music from Krikett, Madinfluence, Theoretical and more. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $5 cover. Details: 704-313-4430 .

NYE x 2: Big Ben’s British Pub and Restaurant (2000 South Blvd.) will celebrate twice: One countdown will be held at 7 p.m. (midnight in London), and the second will take place in local time. Both celebrations will feature entertainment, champagne and party favors at both seatings. Table reservations are going quick, so calling ahead is strongly recommended. Details: 704-817-9697 ; www.bigbenpub.com.

Livin’ it up at the hotel: The New Year’s Eve party at The Westin (601 S. College St.) is conveniently located – if you pop too much champagne, you can just get a room. DJ Lil Betty spins. 9:30 p.m. No cover; VIP tables (including one bottle of premium champagne and seating for six) are $175. www.cltfun.com. Also at the Westin: Charlotte Salsa Dance Company hosts a Latin Dance Party 9 p.m.-2 a.m. in two of the hotel’s ballrooms. $25 person, or $40 couple. Details: 704-449-8112 .

Dinner and a show: The Comedy Zone (900 NC Music Factory Blvd.) will host two shows featuring headliner Shaun Jones and Carmen Morales: the 8 p.m. dinner show and the 10:15 “Welcoming the New Year” show. The latter will include final countdown to 2013 with champagne toast and party favors. General admission tickets for both shows range from $20 to $30 with dinner and dessert packages available. Details: 980-321-4702 ; www.cltcomedyzone.com.

Dinner and a murder mystery: The Old Courthouse Theatre presents its 22nd annual NYE murder mystery dinner theater and silent auction. Festivities begin at 7:30 p.m. in the fifth-floor ballroom at Charlotte Motor Speedway. “Dealt a Deadly Hand – Murder at the Pocono Royale Casino” spoofs “Casablanca” and the dream of hitting the jackpot. $85 per person/$170 per couple includes appetizers, dinner, dessert, wine, champagne toast, party favors, murder mystery and DJ. Details: www.oldcourthousetheatre.org.

Dinner and a party: City Tavern in SouthPark (4331 Barclay Downs Drive) offers a four-course meal for less than $40, then you can burn it off on the dance floor as DJ Rob Reeves spins. Free cover until 10 p.m.; $10 thereafter. Details: 704-442-4000 .

Another dinner and a party: The Grand New Year’s Eve party at 5 Church (127 N. Tryon St.) features a lavish four-course meal, champagne and beats by DJ Edward Shouse. A portion of proceeds will be donated to Levine Children’s Hospital. First seating ($85) is at 5:30 p.m.; second seating ($150) is at 9 p.m. Details: 704-919-1322 .

And another: Celebrate the new year on the waters of Lake Norman with three different cruise options. All include a dinner buffet (tickets start at $75 per person) and the pricier packages ($110-$175 per person) include hotel room and transportation to and from Queen’s Landing, 1459 River Highway, Mooresville. The Catawba Queen boards at 8:30 p.m., departs at 9 p.m. and returns at 12:30 a.m.; Lady of the Lake boards at 9 p.m., departs at 9:30 p.m. and returns at 1 a.m. Details: www.queenslanding.com.

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25 Tips to Having a Stress Free Christmas

Assistant 2 — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 20:33:00 GMT

Christmas 'To Don't' List: What Not To Stress About This Year

Posted: 12/19/2012 8:46 am EST | Updated: 12/19/2012 10:59 am EST-Huffington Post

Between buying and wrapping gifts, playing Santa and prepping and cooking a meal for 12, the joy of the Christmas season can quickly dissolve into stress if you're not careful.

Some simple tactics can help reduce the holiday stress and allow you to enjoy the season more, like letting go of past family arguments and making time for yourself, whether it be to get some extra sleep or go to yoga.

Just in case that's a little easier said than done for you this year, here is your official permission to stop stressing about these 25 things this Christmas. What holiday stressors will you stop worrying about this year? Tell us in the comments below!

1. Spending big bucks on the best presents. A homemade gift can be worth much more.

2. Crafting. On the other hand, if you just don't have the time, no need to stress over homemade gifts, either.

3. Thinking up the perfect present for everyone on your list. A gift certificate for a massage may not be the most personal choice, but she'll like it, we promise.

4. Giving the same gift to multiple people. Unless they live under the same roof, they'll never know!

5. If one of your giftees wants to return your gift. Don't take it personally!

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6. Cooking everything yourself. It's okay to delegate!

7. Staging elaborate scenes with the Elf On The Shelf. Who has the time?

8. A homemade pie crust. No one will notice.

9. A last-minute addition to the guest list. They won't expect an elaborate, personal gift; they'll just be glad to have your company and hospitality.

10. A real Christmas tree.

11. Christmas-themed table decorations.

12. Sending Christmas cards/photos. You keep in touch with the people you want to keep in touch with already. Shoot your other friends a "Thinking of you" email and save yourself the stress of staging the family photo.

13. Arguments. They happen. Move on.

14. Wrapping stocking stuffers. That's what the stocking is for!

15. Attempting to be everywhere at once. Trying to make it to 4 p.m. Christmas dinner at your mom's house, dad's house and significant other's house is physically impossible. Don't ruin your own Christmas just to please others!

16. Accepting every holiday party invitation. It's important to say no to certain things to make time for yourself.

17. Going to church service on Sunday, Christmas Eve service on Monday and Christmas service on Tuesday. If things are getting stressful, just pick one.

18. Preparing a 100 percent traditional meal.

19. Inviting the whole family over for Christmas Eve or Christmas dinner. There's plenty of time to see everyone throughout the holiday season.

20. Professional-caliber wrapping. It gets torn, after all. Why not recycle some newspaper?

21. Spending the same amount of money on each friend/sibling/child. Just because a gift for one of them costs a little extra doesn't mean you love one any more than the other.

22. Dining out. Lots of restaurants are open on Christmas, and you can start a fun tradition. Others will even whip you up a more traditional holiday meal to eat in the comfort of your own home.

23. Buying a card for every present. A simple tag -- even something made out of wrapping paper -- will do.

24. Trying to cram in every single Christmas tradition -- going out to look at lights, building the perfect snowman, making sure you bake the Christmas cookies, having the house all decorated. If you run out of time for one (or a few!) of these traditions, remember: There's always next year!

25. Taking the lights down promptly.

For more ways to de-stress this holiday season, check out these tips from PsychCentral.com Founder, and HuffPost Blogger, Dr. John Grohol:

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When searching for a home, find the right style for you!

Assistant 2 — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 16:17:00 GMT

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Assistant 2 — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 21:28:00 GMT

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