In this episode of The Lake Norman Home Team Podcast, Jeff sits down with Melissa Sanchez to kick off a short FAQ series designed to answer the most common questions buyers ask before purchasing a home in the Lake Norman area. This first installment focuses entirely on the buyer side of the transaction, with practical insight for both local and relocating buyers.

Melissa breaks down what truly defines the Lake Norman region, the towns that surround the lake, and whether the area is only for luxury buyers. They also discuss why Lake Norman continues to be a top relocation destination, how lifestyle plays a major role in choosing the right community, and what families should consider when narrowing down towns.

The conversation continues with important financial and strategic topics, including what buyers should budget beyond the purchase price, how North Carolina’s due diligence process works, why getting pre-approved early is critical, and whether fixer-uppers are worth considering.

Melissa also shares realistic timelines for buying, insight on local property taxes, and the most common mistakes buyers make when searching for a home.

This episode is a valuable resource for anyone thinking about buying or relocating to Lake Norman and sets the stage for the next episode in the series, where Jeff and Eric Sanchez will join the conversation to answer frequently asked questions from sellers.

Melissa Sanchez & Associates | Coldwell Banker Realty Lake Norman
129 Mecklynn Rd Ste E, Mooresville, NC 28117
(704) 775-0258

https://lakenormanhometeam.com/

In this episode, Erik shares a clear, data-driven breakdown of the October 2025 real estate market, focusing on the Lake Norman towns that feed into the Greater Charlotte region. He walks listeners through year-over-year changes in inventory, where nearly every town saw an increase in homes for sale—most notably Huntersville and the wider Charlotte market. Erik also explains how median sales prices shifted across Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, and Mooresville, why Lake Norman as a whole still reflects healthy long-term appreciation, and how new construction north of Mooresville and into Troutman is influencing price points and buyer options.

Erik then turns to average list prices and the growing divide between median sales and the luxury segment, driven by an uptick in $5M–$10M+ waterfront homes throughout Lake Norman. He closes with practical insight into what buyers are prioritizing right now—energy efficiency, move-in-ready condition, and proximity to friends and family—along with national trends like the rising average age of first-time buyers and more normalized fall-through rates. It’s a concise and insightful snapshot of where the October market stands and what it means for buyers and sellers moving forward.

Melissa Sanchez & Associates | Coldwell Banker Realty Lake Norman

129 Mecklynn Rd Ste E, Mooresville, NC 28117

(704) 775-0258

https://lakenormanhometeam.com/

Melissa breaks down the 10 things buyers notice most when touring a home—starting with curb appeal and ending with storage. This quick checklist helps sellers make the best first impression and avoid easy-to-fix deal breakers.

Top 5 First Impressions

1. Curb Appeal – Clean, trimmed yard and inviting exterior.
   
   
   
2. Entryway – Fresh doormat, good lighting, tidy porch.
   
   
   
3. Smell – Neutral, clean, no pet or cooking odors.
   
   
   
4. Natural Light – Open blinds and bright spaces.
   
   
   
5. Cleanliness – Professional-level cleaning, carpets, fixtures, switches.
   
   
   

Secondary Things Buyers Notice

1. Kitchen Condition
   
   
   
2. Floor Plan & Flow
   
   
   
3. Flooring Quality
   
   
   
4. Bathroom Condition
   
   
   
5. Storage & Clutter
   
   
   

Get the printable checklist: https://docs.google.com/document/d/15-rnQnyaggDBo02SHFXLDPBk7lw027gHcLBd4rPmFiA/edit?usp=sharing

Melissa Sanchez & Associates | Coldwell Banker Realty Lake Norman

Address: 129 Mecklynn Rd Ste E, Mooresville, NC 28117

Phone: (704) 775-0258

Website: https://lakenormanhometeam.com/