&
house home DEC 2025
A REAL ESTATE NEWSLETTER
Loki’s Barklight
What a year!
Coming Soon!
Winter
SNAPSHOTS WITH SUBSTANCE
HOME MAINTENANCE
market UPDATE
Wishing you and your loved ones a very
Happy Holidays!
Realtor Kathy Smith Broker-in-Charge
(803) 727-3346 kathy@smith.net
A message from
your Realtor
It’s been a wild stretch since my last newsletter. I was sidelined for a few weeks by a nasty virus, followed immediately by all the usual holiday chaos. The Singing Christmas Tree was wonderful, and spending time with family was exactly what I needed. The good news is that both the November and December newsletters are available on Issuu.com, so if you’re enjoying this quiet week between Christmas and New Year’s, it’s a great time to catch up on the latest market activity. Looking ahead, I truly believe 2026 is shaping up to be a strong year for real estate, as I’m already having multiple conversations about spring listings, plus the Fed reducing interest rates should help us have a robust start to the new year!
LIGHT YOUR HOME
Tips for Hanging Christmas Lights
REAL ESTATE RESOLUTIONS
Setting Your Property Goals for the New Year
HOME MAINTENANCE
Home Projects to Tackle During Winter
CHRISTMAS MOVIE LIST All-Time Fave Movies to Watch
LOVING LOCAL
Loki’s Barklight Coming Soon - Snapshots with Substance
FEATURED LISTINGS & MARKET UPDATE
SNEAK PEEK
LIGHT YOUR HOME WITH HOLIDAY CHEER
tips for hanging Christmas lights As the holiday season approaches, many of us look forward to adorning our homes with the warm and festive glow of Christmas lights. Whether you're a seasoned decorator or a first-time light-hanger, here are some valuable tips to help you create a dazzling and safe display: PLAN YOUR DESIGN
TEST BEFORE HANGING
Before you start hanging lights, take a moment to plan your design. Consider where you want to place lights, which areas to highlight, and whether you'll incorporate any themed decorations.
Plug in your lights to test them before you start hanging. This will help identify any issues and save you time during installation.
MEASURE & ESTIMATE Measure the areas where you intend to hang lights to determine how many strands you'll need. It's better to have a surplus than run short.
HANG ALONG EAVES & ROOFLINES The eaves and rooflines of your home are popular places for lights. Use clips or hangers to secure lights along these edges for a neat and attractive display.
HOME MAINTENANCE
MOVIE LIST ELF JACK FROST HOME ALONE THE POLAR EXPRESS IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE MIRACLE ON ELM STREET CHRISTMAS WITH THE KRANKS HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
GET YOUR SLED READY (Just in case!) HAVE A SHOVEL AND SALT ON HAND PREPARE YOUR PIPES WEATHERPROOF YOUR WINDOWS & DOORS CHECK YOUR WELL & SEPTIC PUMPS STORE SEASONAL TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
REAL ESTATE RESOLUTIONS: Setting your property goals for the new year
As the year draws to a close and we prepare to welcome the promise of a new one, it's the perfect time to reflect on your real estate journey and set property goals for the upcoming year. Whether you're a first-time Buyer, considering selling your home, or looking to expand your real estate portfolio, having clear resolutions can help you navigate the real estate market with confidence and purpose. 1. Evaluate Your Current Situation: Begin by taking stock of your current real estate situation. Are you a Homeowner looking to upgrade or downsize? An Investor aiming to expand your portfolio? Or a first-time Buyer ready to take the leap into homeownership? 2. Define Your Objectives: Once you understand your current position, define your real estate objectives. What do you hope to achieve in the new year? Is it buying your dream home, selling for a profit, or diversifying your investments? 3. Assess Your Financial Position: An essential aspect of setting property goals is assessing your financial readiness. Consider factors like your budget, credit score, and savings for a down payment or investment. 4. Consult with a Real Estate Professional: Engage with a real estate Broker (preferably me!) who can provide valuable insights and assist in shaping your goals. I can offer guidance on market conditions, pricing, and investment opportunities. 5. Break Down Your Goals: Divide your property goals into smaller, actionable steps. For example, if you're a first-time Homebuyer, your steps might include getting pre-approved for a mortgage, saving for a down payment, and researching neighborhoods. 6. Be Realistic and Specific: Ensure your resolutions are realistic and specific. Instead of a vague goal like "buy a house," aim for "purchase a three bedroom home in X neighborhood within 12 months." 7. Set a Timeline: Assign a timeframe to each of your property goals. Having deadlines creates a sense of urgency and helps you stay focused on your objectives. 8. Prioritize Financial Health: Alongside your real estate resolutions, prioritize improving your overall financial health. Reducing debt and increasing savings can provide more flexibility in achieving your property goals. 9. Celebrate Achievements: Don't forget to celebrate your milestones along the way. Whether it's closing on a new home or successfully negotiating an investment deal, acknowledge and reward your achievements.
Featured Community Events
COMING TO YOUR INBOX JANUARY 14TH! New in January 2026! Homebeat Quarterly Reports, delivered quarterly on the 14th, they provide a deeper look at the comps supporting estimated home values and are designed to complement your monthly ListReports updates. When you want insight beyond the numbers, always remember, I am happy to provide a full market analysis tailored to your home. Just let me know!
12/28
Carolina Panthers vs. Seattle Seahawks
until 1/6
Final nights for WinterFest at Carowinds
12//31
CLT NYE at Truist Field
1/1
Free Soup Day — 11:00 AM at Free Range Brewing
1/9 - 1/10
Charlotte Symphony: Strauss’s Blue Danube
Love Local, Support Local, Shop Local!
LOKI’s barklight Loki had a strong year and is now just two points and one major win away from his Conformation Championship, a big step up from where he was last year. In November 2025, he added some titles like his Beginner Novice Obedience (BN), Rally Excellent (RE) and BCAT, also known as “getting a beer,” his favorite way to blow off steam by running full tilt for 100 yards at trials. Over the summer, while I recovered from a broken foot, Loki earned his Fit Dog Silver (FITS) by jogging nightly for two months beside me while I was on a mobility scooter, much to the neighbors’ amusement. Looking ahead to 2026, I have a feeling Loki is not done adding letters to his name just yet: ArticCross Alioth’s Glorious Purpose BN RE BCAT CGCA TKN FITS.
MARKET UPDATE
CHARLOTTE METRO MARKET December 2025
Featured Listings
10007 University Park Lane, Charlotte List Price: $239,900
Market Statistics NEW LISTINGS AVERAGE LISTING PRICE
Market Analytics
3,536 $523,068
UNDER CONTRACT
3,161
HOMES SOLD
2,838
AVERAGE SALES PRICE
$512,066
DAYS ON MARKET
54 DAYS
Average Sales Price
20721 Pointe Regatta Drive, Cornelius
2024
$494,899
List Price: $4,385,000
2025
$509,732 Total Homes Sold
2024
38,776
2025
39,779
Average Days on Market
Current Market: SELLER
2024
38
10474 Black Locust Lane, Charlotte
2025
50
List Price: $609,900
Market Insights Charlotte’s market has cooled just enough to make sense for people to plan for moves in Q1 2026. Sellers still have the edge, but Buyers are no longer tempted to make panic driven decisions, and the increase in Clients reaching out to me during this past month signals a healthier, more realistic market. That is why I believe 2026 could be a blockbuster year.
3026 Forbes Road, Gastonia List Price: $525,000