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!
Agent Spotlight on Cynthia Tupman
Meet Cynthia Tupman! Cynthia Tupman lives in the Catawba Valley area with her husband David and 2 children. Although Cynthia has an incredible resume of working in other countries such as Costa Rica, Germany and Poland, Catawba county is the only other place she’s had the pleasure of calling HOME after immigrating to the USA. She loves the fact that this area provides a wonderful balance between larger cities and rural areas. Cynthia enjoys spending time with her family and dogs. She enjoys audio books and cooking. She also loves to learn about everything - moving here from another country meant she has had to adjust and become a person that can now contribute to this great country! If she wasn’t in the real estate business, Cynthia would be teaching children or caring for dogs. She said, “The way I see it, if I can help ease the life load of a young child or animal by what I have learned through my life, I would consider my hurdle and lesson from that time well spent because it allows me to help others.” The thing Cynthia loves most about her career in real estate is that she is able to guide people through a very stressful time in their life. Cynthia mentioned, “It’s exciting but not stress free! My husband and family say I have too much of a mother mind set, so if you don’t want a mother watching over your real estate transaction, then I am not your realtor! If you want to be cared for as if your mother was looking after you, then I am the Realtor for you!” Cynthia is not your average Realtor, she has also earned her Graduate of Realtor Institute (GRI) which is a designation that provides clients with extra knowhow in the negotiation, pricing and execution of your real estate transactions. To work with Cynthia call (828) 381-4193 or visit her website at www.tupmanrealestate.com - The time is always right to achieve your real estate goals! Q&A With Cynthia Q - What do you like best about living here in the Catawba Valley area?A - I like the fact that in Catawba County you have access to bigger cities like Charlotte, butwe are close to more rural areas allowing us to enjoy a balance. It is nice to live close tonature while still having a lot of services a big city can offer. Q - What is your most memorable sale?A - The one where the property did not appraise and it was a first-time home buyer whowas doing everything in his power to make it happen (moneywise), but every singleparticipant of the transaction: the seller, the seller’s realtor, the second lender, the buyerand I were all working towards the same GOAL- making the purchase go through! Ittruly a team effort and I was so thankful it all worked out to get the seller and buyer whatthey wanted! Q - What do you enjoy doing in your free time?A - I enjoy spending time with my family and dogs. I like audio books and cooking. I alsolove to learn about everything! Moving here from another country means I have toadjust and become a person that can now contribute to this great country! Q - What would you be doing if you were not helping people buy or sell homes?A - I would be teaching children or caring for dogs. The way I see it, if I can help ease thelife load of a young child or animal by what I have learned through my life, I wouldconsider my hurdle and lesson from that time well spent because it allows me to helpothers. Q - If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?A - Buy land and set up a pet, dog, cat, and horse sanctuary. Maybe travel a little but that’snot a must. Q - If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?A - Computer coding…and hacker LOL! Q - What do you love most about your job?A - That I can guide people through a very stressful time in their life. It’s exciting but notstress free! My husband and family say I have too much of a mother mind set, so if youdon’t want a mother watching over your real estate transaction, then I am not yourrealtor! If you want to be cared as if your mother was looking after you, then I am theRealtor for you! Q - What is a dream that you want to make come true one day?A - No unwanted pets and not pets left in rescues, etc. Q - Who are some of your biggest influences?A - My grandparents on both sides. Totally different people, yet with lots of qualities! My firstboss and now friend. Also, my German friend, Marion, from whom I learned that acompletely different way of business existed! Q - Where do you see yourself in five years?A - Still selling Real Estate. Maybe enjoying grandkids LOL Q - What’s your favorite type of food or cuisine?A - Mexican of course! Is there any other food that can combine sweet and spicy? NopeLOL! Q - If you could pick any superpower, what would it be?A - Not sure, maybe to be able to take people’s pain away. Q - If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?A - Having grown up in a country where you can find a diverse climate and great friendlypeople, I think Mexico of course! Q - What is something no one knows about you?A - I’ve worked in different countries – Costa Rica, Germany and Poland Q - What’s your favorite company/ business/ organization in town or nearby? Why? A - Salvation Army! They tend to help local people in need. I think we can make a biggerimpact locally and make a better place where we live by doing this. Having had a retailbusiness in the past, I see how much further money can go if we keep it local. I tend towant the best outcome for my efforts. Check out our newest listings!
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