Reflection, Peace, & Purpose - This Week in Charlotte 💛

Christen Ripoli - REALTOR
1 day ago
7 min read

🌟Five To Try in the Greater Charlotte Area🌟

🎨 Reflection, Fresh Air & Meaningful Moments 🍿🥾

Mid-January in Charlotte brings a beautiful mix of culture, connection, and cozy fun. Whether you’re stepping into a powerful museum exhibit, honoring history through film, planning a snowy day trip, or simply grabbing popcorn deals with the kids, this week offers plenty of ways to slow down and be intentional.

This week’s Five to Try is all about learning, movement, and small joys that still make a big impact. 💛

And as always, THANK YOU for the support, referrals, and love. Your trust keeps my business growing through relationships, and I’m forever grateful!

Let’s dive in!

1️⃣ Screening of Selma + Community Discussion 🎬✊

Join the Levine Museum of the New South for a special screening of Selma, followed by a thoughtful discussion on history, justice, and leadership. Hosted at The Carolina Theatre, this is a meaningful way to honor Dr. King’s legacy through learning and conversation.

🗓️ Thursday, Jan. 15 | 6:00 PM

📍 The Carolina Theatre

🔗 https://www.thecarolina.com/events/detail/learning-from-selma-with-the-levine-museum-of-the-new-south-g5evzbzxtqi-p

2️⃣ Walk for Peace Passing Through Charlotte 🚶‍♀️🕊️

A global Walk for Peace is expected to pass through Charlotte around January 15, promoting mindfulness, compassion, and unity. While timing may vary, this peaceful movement is a reminder of the power of presence and collective intention.

🗓️ Expected Jan. 15 (timing TBD)

📍 Various Charlotte locations

🔗 https://dhammacetiya.com/walk-for-peace/

3️⃣ In Pursuit of Home - Exhibition at The Gantt Center 🎨🏡

This powerful new exhibition explores themes of home, belonging, and identity through contemporary art. In Pursuit of Home invites visitors to reflect on what “home” truly means - both personally and collectively. A meaningful experience you can revisit throughout the spring.

🗓️ Jan. 16 - April 26

📍 The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African- American Arts + Culture

🔗 https://www.ganttcenter.org/exhibitions/in-pursuit-of-home/

4️⃣ National Popcorn Day Deals 🍿🎉

Who doesn’t love a good snack deal? Celebrate National Popcorn Day on January 19 with free and discounted popcorn offers from theaters and local spots around Charlotte. A simple, fun way to treat yourself (or the kids).

🗓️ Sunday, Jan. 19

📍 Participating locations

🔗 https://www.charlotteonthecheap.com/national-popcorn-day/

5️⃣ Places to Ski & Snowboard Within 3 Hours of Charlotte ⛷️❄️

Dreaming of snow without a long flight? Several ski and snowboard resorts in North Carolina and nearby states are just a few hours away. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a weekend getaway, now’s the perfect time to chase some winter adventure.

🗓️ Through March & April (conditions vary)

📍 NC, VA & WV mountain resorts

🔗 https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/01/10/ski-snowboard-resorts-north-carolina-charlotte

NOTE: There's much more happening around Charlotte this week, so check out this Facebook group for tons of family-friendly events happening all over the Charlotte area. Family Fun in Charlotte and Union County I'm also trying to build up another group What's Up Charlotte. If you haven't already joined, I'd love your support!

Mortgage News

📉 Mortgage Rates Drop Sharply to Start the New Year

This week brought some of the most encouraging rate movement we’ve seen in months. The 30-year fixed dropped to 6.01%, down a notable 0.05%, while the 15-year fixed fell to 5.55%. These decreases can translate into meaningful monthly savings for buyers and homeowners alike.

The 7/6 SOFR ARM also dipped to 5.68%, continuing to offer one of the lowest payment options available. Jumbo rates edged down slightly as well. While FHA and VA loans saw very small increases, they remain well under 6% and highly competitive.

Overall, this downward trend is a strong signal for buyers considering an early 2026 move - and a great reminder of how quickly opportunities can open up when rates shift.

*Most recent mortgage rates according to https://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/

Featured Homes

📍1152 Stone Marker Drive, Monroe📍

Welcome to 1152 Stone Marker Drive - a pristine, 2-year-old home in one of Monroe’s most desirable golf communities! This beautifully designed one-story layout features 3 bedrooms and over 1,800 sq ft of open living space, perfect for both relaxing and entertaining.

The kitchen is the heart of the home with a massive island, abundant storage, and seamless flow into the dining and living areas. The primary suite is a true retreat, complete with a light-filled sitting room, spa-inspired bathroom, and generous walk-in closet.

Step outside to a fenced backyard ready for gatherings, pets, or play. A widened driveway and 3-car garage offer convenience and curb appeal. Plus, enjoy resort-style amenities - pool, cabana, tennis, pickleball, fitness center, and a premier golf course - all just 25 minutes from Uptown Charlotte.

🔑 Highlights:

3 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms
1,863 sq ft of bright, open living
Kitchen with oversized island
Primary suite with sitting room + spa-inspired bath
Fenced backyard + 3-car garage
Resort-style amenities in Stonebridge Fairways
Zoned for Western Union Elementary and Parkwood Middle & High

📍2006 Chapman Street, Indian Trail📍

Welcome to 2006 Chapman Street - where easy single-story living meets timeless Craftsman charm in the heart of Indian Trail. Lovingly maintained by its original owner, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch offers a thoughtful, functional layout that makes everyday living feel effortless.

Step inside and you’ll immediately notice how seamlessly the living, dining, and kitchen spaces flow together - perfect for quiet mornings at home, casual get-togethers, or hosting friends and family. The primary suite is a comfortable retreat with a private bath, while two additional bedrooms provide flexibility for guests, a home office, or hobbies.

Located in a desirable Union County school district, this home blends comfort, convenience, and long-term value. If you’ve been searching for a well-cared-for ranch with character and practicality, this one deserves a closer look.

🔑 Highlights:

3 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms
Single-story Craftsman-style home
Well-designed, flowing floorplan
Primary suite with private bath
Original owner & thoughtfully maintained
Zoned for Sardis Elementary, Porter Ridge Middle & High

📍3627 Secrest Landing, Monroe📍

Welcome to 3627 Secrest Landing - an end-unit townhome designed to make everyday living easy, bright, and comfortable. This popular Catawba floorplan offers an open, welcoming layout with extra natural light thanks to its corner location, creating a space that feels warm the moment you step inside.

The main level flows seamlessly from the living area into the kitchen and dining space, making it perfect for relaxed mornings or hosting friends. Step outside to the patio for fresh air and quiet evenings at home. Upstairs, the spacious primary suite provides a peaceful retreat, while additional bedrooms offer flexibility for guests, a home office, or hobbies. Convenient upper-level laundry keeps daily routines simple.

With a two-car garage, low-maintenance townhome living, and a location close to shopping, dining, and major roadways, this home truly checks all the boxes.

🔑 Highlights:

3 bedrooms | 2.5 bathrooms
End-unit Catawba floorplan
Bright, open layout with extra natural light
Primary suite with room to unwind
Upper-level laundry
Two-car garage
Low-maintenance townhome lifestyle
Zoned for Poplin Elementary, Porter Ridge Middle & High

Video of the Week

Check out this video featuring: Pros And Cons Of Monroe, NC 2026 | Best Affordable City In Charlotte

Thinking about moving to Monroe, North Carolina? You’re not alone and before you pack the boxes, you need the real pros and cons.

In this video, I’m breaking down what it’s actually like to live in Monroe, NC the good, the not-so-great, and the things that surprise most people when they move here. From affordability and growth to commute times, schools, and everyday lifestyle, this is the honest overview I wish more people shared.

✨ In this video, we cover:

The biggest pros of living in Monroe, NC
The most common cons people don’t realize at first
Housing prices and affordability compared to Charlotte
Commute and traffic realities
Schools, growth, and what Monroe is becoming
Who Monroe is a great fit for - and who it might not be

Whether you’re relocating from out of state or moving within the Charlotte area, this video will help you decide if Monroe, NC is the right place for you.

📧 christen.ripoli@gmail.com

📞 330.301.0687

Charlotte Market Minute

📢 Charlotte Market Update | January 6th - January 13th 📢

A total of 614 properties were sold this week, with the average sales price rising to $504,994 and the median sales price coming in at $387,350. Properties spent an average of 66 days on the market and sold for 97.01% of list price, which is very much in line with typical early-January activity. The average price per square foot landed at $230.09, showing steady value as the market continues to ease back into motion after the holidays. The most affordable sale closed at $59,000, while the highest sale reached an impressive $7.738 million - proof that buyers and sellers are active across all price points. As momentum builds through January, these numbers set the stage for what’s ahead this spring. Let’s talk about how this market fits into your plans!

📊 Here’s your weekly snapshot:

614 total properties sold
Average sales price: $504,994
Median sales price: $387,350
Average price per square foot: $230.09
Properties are selling for an average of 97.01% of list price
Average days on market: 66
Lowest sale: $59,000
Highest sale: $7.738M

Have questions about how this impacts your home plans? I’d love to help!

📩 Christen.Ripoli@gmail.com

📞 330.301.0687

🏡 Christen Ripoli, REALTOR® | Real

Discover "What's Up Charlotte?"

Looking for fun things to do around the Queen City? Check out the Facebook page What’s Up Charlotte? - your one-stop hub for local events, festivals, family-friendly activities, date night ideas, small business spotlights, and so much more!

It’s the perfect place to find weekend plans, connect with fellow Charlotteans, and uncover hidden gems in our city. Whether you’re new to the area or a longtime local, this community has something for everyone.

👉 Join the conversation here: What’s Up Charlotte?

Christen's Connections

"I know a guy" (and plenty of ladies too!). Are you in need of a connection? Maybe you want to have a deck added onto your home, or you need new blinds, or perhaps a cleaning service - I've got an extensive list of the best connections in the area. Consider me your own personal Yelp! Clicking on the link above will bring you to my quick connections list, but I have lots more saved in my Google Drive. Let me know how I can help!

Referrals

We love it when you have an incredible experience moving to the area and we're so grateful when you refer us to your friends and family considering making the move!

Share our channel with them as well as our other social media profiles so that we can keep in touch.

BEST WAY TO SEND ME A REFERRAL

1. Call (Let's talk about your referral)

2. Introduce me in a group text or email

Thank you in advance!!