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INDIAN TRAIL, N.C. – “It was an obvious fit here,” says Mark Sitzer. Β He was drawn from Hickory to Union County’s Indian Trail four years ago for the small town feel, good schools, and lower property taxes. Β Sitzer’s 4 bed, 4 bath home is 3,500 square feet. It was built in 2007 and has a tax value of $360,000. Β He pays $3,036 in county and town property taxes. Β The same home in Charlotte would cost him $4,624 in property taxes, a difference of more than $1,500 bucks. Β Sitzer says, “Our Realtor told us the tax rate has been consistent for years here.”Β
Sitzer’s far from alone in his positive assessment of the UC. Β “We’ve definitely seen growth across every section. Commercial, residential, you have it in Union County,” says Maren Brisson-Kuester. She is President-Elect of the Charlotte Regional Realtor Association. Β She says everything in Union County is rebounding, just at different rates. Β The western side of the county sustained its values much better than the eastern side. Β “But that makes sense cause it’s closer to Charlotte-Mecklenburg, the commute time is there, you have more jobs, more access to jobs,” she says.
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However, the Crown Town Effect isn’t all positive. Β Some UC schools are struggling with overcrowding, after years of families choosing them over CMS. Β Now, as county leaders consider re-districting, it’s scaring off some home buyers. Β For example, a six bed, five bath, half a million dollar home in Marvin went on the market in November. Β It was under contract–until the buyers heard about the possible re-districting.Β
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“That level of uncertainty has brought people back into south Charlotte to secure a home school for their kids. It’s a top priority,” says Weichert Realtor Tommy Williams. Β He says he isn’t the only one to lose a sale recently. Β “The agent who’s clients were buying my home had three contracts that week that she had to terminate because of it,” he says.
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Experts agree home buying fear will fade once the county makes a decision on schools. Β In the meantime, Sitzer remains pleased with his home purchase. Β The construction across the street from him bolsters his confidence. Β And he says no matter what school his daughter attends, buying in Union County is a decision he’d make again. Β He says, “It’s a great place to live, it’s a great place to work, it’s a great place to play, it’s a great place to raise a family.”
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The president of the Union County Board of Realtors tells WCCB the average home price was up almost 45 percent from January 2013 to 2014. Β Experts say ideally, single digit gains are best for sustainability. Β They say we’ll see those smaller increases as market health continues to improve.Β
