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
Who You Hire Matters
There are nearly 83,000 licensed Real Estate agents in North Carolina. Some are full time agents who pour their hearts and souls into creating the best possible experience for their clients. Those agents work tirelessly to stay abreast of what's happening in their local market, they network well and have spent years honing their negotiation skills. The really great ones know that no matter how long they have been in this business, there is always much to learn because it is an ever changing industry with new laws, new expectations, and new obstacles to contend with year in and year out. Some of those 83,000 agents are part time or hobby brokers who may sell a house or two per year, they do this as a hobby to help friends and family, but their main focus of their "work day" is not gaining expertise as a REALTOR®. Who you choose to work with when you are ready to buy or sell a home is one of the most important decisions you will make in the process. Having an agent with a lot of experience, or even a new agent who has significant support from their brokerage is at the top of the list of qualities you should look for. Here are some questions we think you should ask before you hire anyone to represent you for this important financial (and emotional) transaction. 1. How many clients have you helped to buy or sell a home? Even if the answer is not one that builds confidence in their experience, you should not automatically write them off! You may have found a super star who sells dozens of home each year and their experience speaks for itself. Or, you may have just stumbled upon an up and coming rookie who has little experience, but who works at an office with a very involved broker-in-charge and a support staff who give you a team to work with as opposed to just a newbie. Just make sure they either have experience or support. Both have the potential to serve you well. At Realty Executives, our rookie agents have a very involved broker and and in-house marketing specialist there to provide all of the support needed. 2. What is your communication style? What can I expect from you? Throughout the buying and selling process, there is much information that needs to get from one party to another. It is important to know on the front end what you can expect from your agent. Will they send you weekly communication on showings, feedback, and changes in the market? What happens if an offer comes in and your agent is "off" or out of town? How do they handle communication with cooperative agents? Are they beholden to texts only or are they willing to pick up the phone to have a conversation to get the deal done? Communication is hands down one of the most important factors in a real estate transaction. How your agent communicates with you and also the cooperative agent is of utmost importance. At Realty Executives, we offer regular training for our agents to hone these skills. 3. What is your marketing strategy? Selling a home takes more than a sign in the yard. When the market is hot and buyers are flooding seller inboxes with offers, it might seem like all you need is a listing in the MLS and a sign in the yard. That might get you an offer, but will it get you the most favorable terms? Having an agent who is willing to market every property to the best of his or her ability, regardless of the market, will help to ensure that you have more choices in the offer you accept. Professional photography is a must and when appropriate, drone video can highlight a property from a vantage point you can't get from the ground. You need an agent who understands visual marketing and also knows how to spotlight the best features in your home in order to draw in offers with the best possible terms for you. At the very least, ask them to show you how they have marketed past properties and what is considered included as a part of their listing service. Do they have a marketing professional at their office? Are they willing to pay a professional for needed materials? Every REALTOR® at our office has access to our in-house marketing specialist who can create custom marketing materials to get your home sold. Example of a drone video for one of our newest listings. 4. What do you believe will be your most important role as my agent? A REALTOR® is not a salesperson. A REALTOR® is a matchmaker, a communicator, and a problem solver. Their job is to help willing buyers connect with willing sellers and to facilitate an agreement that leaves all parties feeling like they got exactly what they were looking for. A great agent will be your guide through the process and leave you satisfied that their experience, education and know-how was exactly what you needed to navigate a process that can be challenging. Make sure that the agent you hire knows that you are relying on them to guide you, to find the answers to your questions, and to see you through to the closing table. Of the 80,000 plus agents in North Carolina, you deserve to find the one best suited to you. Make sure that your personalities mesh, because you may be spending a lot of time together. But beyond personality, find someone committed to their craft. Being a great REALTOR® doesn't look the same on every agent. But every truly great REALTOR® will put you first and be committed to your satisfaction with the process. Our brokers at Realty Executives of Hickory and Lake Norman are truly great. That's why we have been voted the Best REALTORS® in the Catawba Valley over and over again. Whether you are buying, selling, or both, we are sure that we have a professional who will be the perfect guide to take you from thinking about moving to the closing table. Connect with one of our executive brokers, you'll be glad you did. Check out our home buyer's and home seller's guides for success.
How a Danish Principle Can Change How You Sell Your Home
Moving in the winter can be tough, but coming home to an empty or show-ready house can make short, cold days and nights even harder. Enter hygge, a Danish principle that brings comfort and contentment as the essentials to create enjoyment during winter. Pronounced “hoo-ga,” it began as a lifestyle to help make Northern European winters more enjoyable, but has evolved into a style trend in recent years. There are some simple and easy ways it can add touches of it to your space without adding more stress to the sale and moving process. Hygge is all about creating a feeling, atmosphere and ambiance of relaxation by surrounding yourself with cozy things and doing activities you love. Beyond being a winter mindset, it is quickly becoming a trend for both self-care and interior design for good reason, since it can lift your spirits while also incorporating gorgeous seasonal decor. Even during the stressful process of selling a house or working to settle into a new one, hygge can still help make the winter days pass a little smoother! Hygge For Sale It might seem like decking out your space with candles on every surface and comfy overstuffed pillows covering all seating would be perfect for hygge, but minimalism is actually a big part of the practice. Taking this aspect of hygge to heart lends itself well for those staging a home to sell, since during this process less is definitely more. Pair down your accents to only what you need to make the space shine. You may have needed to put stuff in storage, so make sure you keep the pieces that can be multi-functional. Ultra soft and plush accents like pillows or throw blankets and using soft candle light while partaking in your favorite ways to unwind can still be stored easily in tasteful baskets or add small touches of decor to the room. Even while keeping your house ready to show at nearly a moment’s notice, that’s no reason you can’t still enjoy the space. Depending on what activities mean hygge to you, there are ways to hide them in plain sight and make them look like they belong, rather than being clutter. For example, if curling up with a book is your ideal, use the book to complete a small and tasteful coffee table display with a candle and fresh flowers. If a game night with friends is more your speed, find a space in your living area to neatly organize your games, either to keep them out of sight or to highlight any built-in storage your space features. Make Hygge Home While proper lighting is another important aspect of both hygge and showing a house, it can have even more impact as you settle into your new space. Proper lighting for the activities that speak to your needs is the fastest way to set the perfect ambiance for getting cozy and enjoying your new home. Once you’ve unpacked, leave the harsh overhead lights off and opt for softer sources like flame-less candles, string lights and task lighting like floor lamps. Adding more stuff once you move in isn’t the point of hygge, and there’s no reason you should add clutter to a brand new space. Even though winter decor pairs well with this trend, hygge can also be a lifestyle throughout the year. Items that can work now and during all seasons will always be your best bet for style and your wallet, look for pieces that will serve your taste no matter what decor you feature. If you’re planning on new furniture to go with your new house, shop around online for affordable sofas that can make your new space shine. Surrounding yourself with only cherished items and those that bring you the most comfort during the winter months is the essence of hygge. Get creative with storage and ways of displaying items that add a stylish touch without adding clutter. Hygge can make pared down houses warmer for sellers to live in and help new homeowners settle into their space quickly and stylishly. Written by Jennifer, a furniture fanatic who loves to write about the latest interior design trends. In her spare time she searches in the internet for cute dog videos and gorgeous home designs.
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