Executives Dawn Kilby & Gina Jenkins Representing Realty Executives at NAR NXT
Realty Executives of Hickory and Lake Norman would like to extend our gratitude to Executives Brokers, Dawn Kilby and Gina Jenkins for representing our firm at the 2024 NAR NXT – The REALTOR® Experience! Dawn Kilby tells us about her experience: NAR NXT is an opportunity for education, networking and business-to-business discounts, demonstrations, etc...at the Expo. Meetings are frequently held while at the conference, and The National Association of Realtors® board of directors/delegates meeting concludes the conference. Our local board, CVAR, has one voting delegate. The president of the association (or a designated person in the president's absence) is CVAR's representative. The schedule is grueling. There are classes that overlap throughout the day, so as a board, there were 4 of us in attendance this year. We have learned to divide and conquer," We attended classes on the future of MLS, AI and how to use it in our business, building wealth with real estate, social media tips and tricks, leadership classes, and the list goes on. There was an awesome class on RPR and the new things coming including AI for RPR. There were classes on lead generation utilizing AI, social media, etc...the classes are taught by people just like us...boots on the ground in the field doing real estate every single day. There were classes on creating a business plan, how to sell your business when you are ready to get out of the business, etc... The conference also offers a great deal of networking opportunities. I have made many new friends and have people from all over the world to refer clients to as well as receive referrals. We had an opening celebration which was a street party! The entire street was closed. There were bands, food (more than you could imagine), drinks (all kinds - alcoholic and non), items that were unique to Boston, and what a wonderful party that was. It was over by 10:00 so we could all be in classes the next morning. RPAC - on the national level - had a huge thank you party for major investors. North Carolina had a welcome party for our contingent. It was awesome seeing some familiar faces and enjoying food and beverage with those folks. The most exciting time was when Magda Esola, Canopy President-Elect, walked in with a cardboard check in the amount of $100,000! The prizes at the expo are amazing! Homes.com was doing a drawing on the last day of the expo, and Magda won it! It was so amazing to see a NC Realtor® win that prize! The great thing is, she is such a remarkable lady, she is sending the funds to Africa for schools for children. Last year was the first time that I had attended a national event. I was so excited when I got back. This year was no different. It was exhilarating and energizing. I can't explain how recharged and ready to go it makes you. Gina Jenkins, of course, was like the energizer bunny going from class to class and sending group texts about the exciting things that she was learning! I would love to have a group or even a few people from our office go in the future. In 2025 the event is in Houston, TX! As you know, "everything is bigger in Texas"! My words of wisdom would be do not wait until you have been in the business 28 years to attend a national conference. Go, learn, network and incorporate the many ideas into your business and grow your sphere by meeting like minded Realtors®. Thank you Dawn Kilby & Gina Jenkins
Solving the Burke County Housing Crisis
Carl Beardsworth has always had a passion for helping people. This passion led him to getting his real estate license in 2017 with the goal of assisting buyers in the American dream of owning their own home. After a few years in the business Carl became frustrated with the difficulties of obtaining a loan for many lower income borrowers and felt he could make a bigger difference as a loan broker educating and working tirelessly to provide the funding so desperately needed to these hardworking buyers. Unfortunately as the pandemic wore on an affordability crisis began to take shape. The lack of available homes in our area led to dramatic pricing increases and that same American dream again became out of reach to many buyers. Frustrated in his role as a mortgage broker Carl has decided to reenter the housing market as a real estate agent with the goal of creating workforce housing for our teachers firefighters policemen nurses and so many other underappreciated members of our workforce that make this country go. Carl has identified the biggest need in Burke county just west of Hickory and has hit the ground running beginning with phase 1 of solving this crisis. Phase 1 entails bringing more buildable land to the market and courting builders who also share a passion for workforce housing. This process will take time with multiple phases needed to solve this crisis But he expects to have several hundred acres online within the next several weeks. Please read more below about the crisis and how you as a landowner or builder can help solve the problem. Burke County Housing Needs Assessment - 2023 Insights and Recommendations Burke County, North Carolina, has experienced significant demographic and economic shifts over recent years, creating unique housing needs. In a comprehensive Housing Needs Assessment conducted by Bowen National Research, key insights were identified, pinpointing current and future housing challenges and opportunities in the county. Here’s an overview of the findings and recommended strategies to address Burke County’s housing needs. Demographics and Population Trends Between 2010 and 2020, Burke County's population slightly decreased, contrasting with North Carolina's overall growth. However, a modest increase of 0.6% was recorded from 2020 to 2023. Looking ahead to 2028, the county expects a 1% population rise, with a significant increase in senior households projected. Notably, over half of all households in Burke County are senior-led, pointing to a growing demand for senior-oriented housing options. Economic Landscape Burke County’s economy is heavily influenced by the manufacturing and healthcare sectors, providing essential employment opportunities. However, many workers face housing affordability issues due to lower wages compared to state averages. With an estimated 14,000 individuals commuting to the county daily for work, the demand for affordable, local housing remains high. Housing Supply and Affordability The county has limited availability in both rental and for-sale housing markets: Rental Market: With a high occupancy rate of 97.3%, vacancy in rental units is minimal, leading to increased rental costs. Since 2018, rental rates for common unit types have risen between 76% and 140%, with the largest gaps in affordable units priced below $891/month. For-Sale Market: Burke County’s housing inventory has decreased by almost half since 2018, resulting in a market with only 1.7 months of available inventory, well below the healthy range of 4–6 months. This low supply has pushed median home prices up by over 60% since 2019, reducing the availability of affordable options, particularly for first-time homebuyers. Community Feedback on Housing Needs The report’s community engagement found widespread concerns about affordability and availability: Stakeholders highlighted the need for affordable workforce housing and targeted solutions for single professionals and young families. Employers noted that housing challenges impede staffing, increase costs, and hinder expansion efforts. Residents and Commuters expressed dissatisfaction with the local market’s limited options and high prices. Developers cited barriers such as financing, high labor/material costs, and zoning restrictions, limiting new construction. Identified Housing Gaps To address current and future needs, the study estimates a five-year housing gap of 4,822 units across rental and for-sale markets, with specific shortfalls in lower-cost rental housing and moderately priced for-sale homes. Meeting these demands will require both policy adjustments and development incentives to encourage affordable housing projects. Recommended Strategies for Burke County The Housing Needs Assessment offers several strategic recommendations: Set Clear Goals and Prioritize Action: The county should establish short- and long-term housing goals, focusing on policies to support new developments and affordable housing initiatives. Establish a Housing Committee: A committee or dedicated housing director could provide ongoing oversight and help implement the county’s housing policies and programs. Encourage Senior-Oriented Housing: Given the county’s aging population, senior-oriented housing—including affordable rentals and independent living options—should be prioritized. Policy Adjustments and Incentives: Burke County can promote development by modifying density regulations, waiving certain fees, and supporting low-income housing programs. Enhance Community Education and Outreach: Educating residents, stakeholders, and potential developers about housing programs and incentives can foster community support for affordable housing solutions. Explore Partnerships: Collaborating with nonprofits, private developers, and local businesses could improve housing access and affordability. Burke County’s path to addressing its housing needs lies in a proactive approach, engaging stakeholders, and creating a supportive environment for new housing developments. By following these insights and recommendations, Burke County can improve housing options, making it a more accessible and thriving community for current and future residents. To work with Carl Beardsworth call (919) 616-1742
Agent Spotlight on Elizabeth Franklin
Meet Elizabeth Franklin! Elizabeth Franklin has lived in Catawba County since 2002 and is proud to call this area home. She loves the small-town feel, yet the fact that there are still so many incredible amenities at her fingertips. Elizabeth and her husband have 2 children and 5 beautiful granddaughters. In her free time, she enjoys walking, reading, traveling, and spending time with her family and granddaughters. A fun fact you may not know about Elizabeth is that she worked as a clown in college! When asked what she’d be doing if she didn’t have a career in real estate, she mentioned she would be working for a nonprofit organization or become more involved in marketing and writing. What she loves about her role as an Executive Broker is the opportunity to help people fulfill their goals and dreams. Elizabeth holds designations such as the Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI), Realtor's Commitment to Excellence (C2EX), and Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) and is committed to staying at the forefront of industry standards and best practices. Her dedication to excellence has been recognized with prestigious awards such as the Executive Club Award (top 10% of firm) and the Realty Executives 100% Award for outstanding achievement and service. Beyond real estate, Elizabeth is actively involved in the community, serving on the Catawba Valley YMCA Corporate Board, the March of Dimes Signature Chef's Auction Committee, the City of Claremont Planning Board, the Christ Church Care Team, and the Christ Church Children's Ministry, and volunteering for various local organizations. Elizabeth prides herself on being dedicated to every client and acts with integrity, compassion and excellence. She wants to make your home buying or selling experience as timely and stress free as possible and secure the most favorable terms for you! To work with Elizabeth Franklin call: 828-851-1372 Q & A with Elizabeth Q: What do you like best about living here in the Catawba Valley area? A: I love the small town feel with amenities Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time? A: Walking, reading, traveling, and spending time with my granddaughters – all 5 of them! Q: What would you be doing if you were not helping people buy or sell homes? A: Working for a nonprofit organization / marketing / writing Q: If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? A: Give some money away to charity and family – then travel! Q: If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? A: Not sure – maybe learn to not worry so much Q: What do you love most about your job? A: The opportunity to help people fulfill their goals and dreams Q: What is a dream that you want to make come true one day? A: Having time to travel and relax Q: Who are some of your biggest influences? A: My parents, my husband and Princess Di Q: Where do you see yourself in five years? A: Helping people buy and sell real estate Q: What’s your favorite type of food or cuisine? A: American Q: If you could pick any superpower, what would it be? A: To have wisdom and discernment Q: If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why? A: Anywhere tropical! Europe and especially London! Q: What is something no one knows about you? A: I worked as a clown in college Q: What’s your favorite company/ business/ organization in town or nearby? Why? A: Christ Church Check out our newest listings!
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