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/

In this episode of the Lake Norman Home Team Podcast, Melissa and Erik break down one of the most challenging—and misunderstood—parts of today’s real estate market: multiple-offer situations. They share how they guide sellers with complete transparency, ethical standards, and a process that focuses solely on contract terms rather than personal details. From the importance of anonymity to why they never represent both sides of a deal, Melissa and Erik walk listeners through how to evaluate offers objectively and choose the one that best fits a seller’s goals.

They also shift to the buyer’s perspective, revealing the strategies that help buyers stand out when competition is fierce. From understanding seller motivations to crafting a “best offer first,” they offer practical advice rooted in real Lake Norman experience. Whether you're navigating tight timelines, financing questions, or the temptation to chase a “deal,” this conversation highlights how preparation, communication, and expert guidance can make all the difference in a competitive market. Tune in to learn how to win—or sell—with confidence.

Melissa Sanchez & Associates
Coldwell Banker Realty Lake Norman
https://lakenormanhometeam.com/

In this episode, Melissa dives deep into one of the most common topics sellers ask about: how to properly stage a home for the market - and what actually makes buyers stop scrolling, schedule a showing, and fall in love the moment they step inside.

From the importance of first impressions to the power of a clean scent when the door opens, Melissa breaks down the simple details that truly move the needle.

Melissa shares why staging isn’t about “sterilizing” a home or removing every trace of personality - it’s about creating a fresh, welcoming canvas that helps buyers imagine themselves living there.

She explains how stagers highlight a home’s best features with the right furniture scale, cohesive color palettes, strategic lighting, and thoughtful décor. And yes - she gives plenty of real-world examples, including the homes that sat…and the ones that sold immediately after staging.

Whether you're preparing to sell, debating DIY versus hiring a pro, or just want to understand how buyers think, this episode is packed with practical tips, myth-busting insights, and Melissa’s signature, down-to-earth guidance for getting the best results.

Moving to Lake Norman? Contact Melissa:

https://lakenormanhometeam.com/contact-us/

Welcome back to the Lake Norman Home Team podcast! In this episode, Melissa Sanchez shares her expert tips on preparing your outdoor space to wow potential buyers. With the Fall & Winter seasons upon us, discover how small updates can make a massive impact on your home's curb appeal.

Thinking about selling your Lake Norman home? Contact Melissa Sanchez and Associates for a personalized consultation on how to prepare your property for maximum market impact.

Visit: LakeNormanHomeTeam.com

Melissa Sanchez | Lake Norman Real Estate Agent
Coldwell Banker Realty Lake Norman
Address: 129 Mecklynn Rd Ste E, Mooresville, NC 28117
Phone: (704) 775-0258

In this episode of the Lake Norman Home Team Podcast, Erik Sanchez of Melissa Sanchez & Associates shares an in-depth look at the latest Lake Norman real estate market data. Recorded the first week of November 2025, the discussion focuses on September’s closed numbers, trends across Mooresville and the greater Lake Norman area, and what buyers and sellers can expect heading into winter.

Key stats:

• New listings: Up 9% year-over-year and 14% year-to-date in Mooresville.
  
  
  
• Pending sales: Increased 15% in September compared to the previous year.
  
  
  
• Closed sales: Rose 13% year-over-year, reflecting strong buyer activity.
  
  
  
• Seller performance: Homes are selling for 94–95% of the original list price.
  
  
  
• Inventory: Slightly higher than last year but still a seller’s market with under four months of supply.
  
  
  

The conversation also explores the growing impact of new home construction, particularly in Mooresville and Troutman. Prices have risen sharply since 2020, but incentives are now back—builders are offering rate buy-downs, closing cost assistance, and upgrades on move-in-ready homes. Eric explains why this makes late fall an ideal time to purchase new construction.

For homeowners considering a sale, Erik offers clear guidance on pricing, timing, and preparation, emphasizing that partnering with a trusted real estate advisor is key. Whether relocating, upsizing, or downsizing, understanding current trends ensures better decisions in today’s evolving market.

Learn more or connect with Melissa and Eric at LakeNormanHomeTeam.com.

Contact Erik:
https://lakenormanhometeam.com/contact-us/

Learn more about Lake Norman, North Carolina real estate:
https://lakenormanhometeam.com/

Melissa Sanchez | Lake Norman Real Estate Agent
Address: 129 Mecklynn Rd Ste E, Mooresville, NC 28117
Phone: (704) 775-0258