Kim Trouten

08/23/2026

The neighbor’s daughter was recently married down here at sunset. Can you even imagine? 🕊️

Pool days. River sunsets. Long weekends that become family traditions. The kind of place your family will talk about for years. 🌿

Nearly 18 private acres, 400+ feet of Catawba River frontage, a pool, guest house, trails and shared dock.

📍 312 Old Hickory Ct, Fort Mill, SC
Offered at $2,750,000

Ready to experience it for yourself? Message me to schedule a private tour.

Fabulous Charlotte Homes
Howard Hanna Tate Realtors
704.877.8719

08/13/2026

Some very REAL TIPS if you’d like a home in the style of these beauties ... 🏠

Brought this series back because it’s been a fave… 🤩

The idea of “blending into the landscape” is more common in wooded or natural areas. Or classic streets where you’re building new and don’t want to stick out. Landscaping is your Best Friend and…

🖋️ Google “LRV (Light Reflectance Value)” it will tell you how bright or muted a paint color will be. This, combined with these tips can make 1000% difference.

🖌See the list of fave neutral taupes/grays/browns in my highlight profile.

🖌Figure out what direction your house faces & understand if it’s north, you’ll probably need a “warmer” color base. East is the easiest direction, but remember to still follow all the steps.

🖌If it’s south or west, you may need a “cooler” color base.

🖌White trim makes a darker house “pop”. If you use white, make it a soft white or cream. Dark trim will make it look calmer and blend better.

🖌 Paint several large sections (2’x2’) on all sides of the house & look at it at different times of the day before deciding. Get a few opinions. Don’t rush the process.

🖌Natural materials like stone, slate, copper, cedar will contribute to a more natural setting. A deeper roof in a dark color provides the feel of shelter like a tree would. 🌳

🖌 Using stain instead of paint allows you showcase natural wood. Hardiplank makes cement board & cement shakes that mimic wood without the maintenance.

🤎 Use a variety of materials to keep it from looking boring. Please don’t try to save money on cheap faux stone.

🤎 Your doors & porch should be extra wide to make the house inviting.

I’m always here to help my clients. But always also here to keep you from making mistakes. 😬 Because chances are high you’re going to call me one day to sell that sucker. 🤩

✨Follow for more inspo! I’m a former interior designer, now leading a top real estate team in Charlotte, NC & here to serve our clients! ✨

Fabulous Charlotte Homes
Howard Hanna Tate Realtors
704.877.8719

08/09/2026

Back by popular demand…
If you’re thinking about painting your house black 🖤 or any dark color... 🏠

And you email asking what paint color to look like one of these beauties. 💻

Dark paint is not a huge trend in the South, but we’re seeing it more and more. If you’re thinking about it, some of the same rules for white paint apply too.

❓Ask yourself if this is a trend you really, really want to jump on.

🖌Figure out what direction your house faces and understand if it’s north, you’ll probably need a “warmer or browner” black or it could look purple. East is the easiest direction, but remember to still follow all the steps.

🖌If it’s south or west, you may need a “cooler” black or it could appear brown.

🖌White trim will make a dark house “pop”. Dark trim will make it look “moody” or more modern.

🖌 Paint several large sections (2’x2’) on all sides of the house and look at it at different times of the day before deciding. Get a few opinions. Don’t rush the process.

🖌”Blacker” blacks are not better, often they won’t blend with the landscape and will just look harsh. A softer tone is usually the better choice.

Some pitfalls of dark homes:
🖤 they’re prone to fading A LOT on the west/south side of the home.
🖤they require more frequent painting as they fade.
🖤 They require more coats of paint and a quality contractor.
🖤pollen and tree leaves will stick and can make it look dusty or dirty-maintenance costs can be a little higher
🖤 they’re going to attract the sun and be more $$ to cool in the South

I’m always here to help my clients. But always also here to keep them from making mistakes. 😬 Because the chances are high you’re going to call me one day to sell that sucker. 🤩

✨ I shared my favorite black paint colors here. My top white paints are in the highlights on my profile.

I lead a top real estate team in Charlotte, NC and here to serve my clients! 🖤 If you’d like to work with us, reach out! 📲 704.877.8719

Fabulous Charlotte Homes
Howard Hanna Tate Realtors

08/06/2026

So you just got a tax bill in the mail for a property you’ve sold in the last year. Maybe even as recently as a few weeks ago. What’s up with that? 🤷

The good news is, in NC and SC, where our real estate team works, this bill is not your responsibility. When you closed on your property, there was a line item where you paid your share of the taxes for the year. The county can’t close a property that has outstanding taxes. You are good. 👏🏼

As a courtesy, you can mail the bill to the present owner for their records, or take a picture and send it to your Realtor. 📩

The only caveat is your attorney likely had you sign a document stating that if there was a discrepancy when the tax bill came out, and if it was more than $100 (or so) you would get with the new owner and “work it out”. This is most commonly used in a year when there is a tax assessment or increase. In the hundreds of closings I’ve ever had, I’ve never seen this done. ❌

So good news on this front. 🙌🏼 Pass this on to someone who may have a question about their property tax bill. 😘

Fabulous Charlotte Homes
Howard Hanna Tate Realtors

07/15/2026

The short answer is 100% Return on Investment. (ROI) 💰

In resale price?
No. 🙈
In personal entertainment, outdoor family time value, if you can afford it?
Yes. 🙌🏼

Will it make your house sell faster?
Yes.
Will you get a return on family fun, entertainment and overall love of your home?
Yes, yes, yes. 💦

It used to be a 20%-30% return at resale. But Charlotte, since Covid, (and it’s a trend I don’t see changing) is becoming a city where people EXPECT pools. Depending on community, you can get a 50%-90% resale ROI depending on how much you invest and how you do it.
The other investment is your personal enjoyment. If your home is valued over $1.5M or a “luxury home” and in a community with other pools, it could be harder to sell without one.

Always reach out if it’s a question on your mind..do we move, or do we get advice on whether to plunk down the $$$? (Which by the way is running $125,000 for BASIC up to $300,000++ for extras.)

Yesterday, I told clients to STAY and build the pool. Always here to give you real advice that serves you. ✨

poolturf

07/09/2026

🏡 $700,000 | 4 🛏 | 3 🛁 | 3,167 Sq Ft

Golf course living on half an acre. ⛳️

This stunning full-brick home offers move in ready, spacious living, and a peaceful half-acre cul-de-sac setting in Emerald Lake. The perfect place to call home.

Pool ready! 💦
Freshly painted and ready for your updates.

1703 Caddy Ct.
Matthews, NC 28104
$700,000

Call Zack for more info!
(919) 222-2503

Fabulous Charlotte Homes
Howard Hanna Tate Realtors

Reach out for a private showing!

07/09/2026

04/12/2026

Swoon worthy real estate. Watch till the end. Special doesn’t begin to describe it. ✨

Multiple offers & now firmly under contract.

Fabulous Charlotte Homes: we specialize in special properties.

Fabulous Charlotte Homes
Howard Hanna Tate Realtors
704.877.8719