Tacos, Art, & One Last SHOUT!: This Week in CLT 🌮🎨

Christen Ripoli - REALTOR
Apr 14
9 min read

🌟Five To Try in the Greater Charlotte Area🌟

📚 Tacos, Art, & One Last SHOUT! 🎨🌮

Spring in Charlotte is in full bloom, and this week is packed with events that celebrate creativity, community, and (let’s be honest) really good food. From the final days of Charlotte SHOUT! to taco deals and book adventures, there’s something here for every kind of weekend plan.

This week’s Five to Try is all about getting out, trying something new, and making the most of the season before April wraps up. 💛

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 Charlotte SHOUT! (Last Chance!) 🎶🎨

This is your final week to experience Charlotte SHOUT! before it wraps up! Explore interactive art installations, live performances, food events, and pop-ups all across Uptown. It’s one of the city’s most vibrant celebrations of creativity, so don’t miss it!

🗓️ April 3-April 19

📍 Uptown Charlotte

🔗 More details

2️⃣ Clayworks Spring Studio Festival 🏺🌿

Get a behind-the-scenes look at local artists in action! The Clayworks Spring Studio Festival features pottery demonstrations, handmade ceramics for sale, and a chance to meet the artists themselves. It’s a unique, creative experience you don’t see every day.

🗓️ April 17 from 6-9 PM | April 18 from 10 AM-3 PM

📍 4506 Monroe Road, Charlotte

🔗 More details

3️⃣ Charlotte Taco Week 🌮🔥

Taco lovers, this one’s for you! Charlotte Taco Week features special pricing and creative taco offerings from restaurants all over the city. It’s the perfect excuse to try new spots and maybe even plan your own taco tour.

🗓️ April 17-April 26

📍 Participating locations across Charlotte

🔗 More details

4️⃣ Greater Charlotte Book Crawl 📖☕

Calling all book lovers! Visit local bookstores across the Charlotte area, collect stamps, and discover new favorite reads during the Greater Charlotte Book Crawl. It’s a fun way to support small businesses and explore the literary side of the city.

🗓️ April 1-April 30

📍 Bookstores across the Charlotte area

🔗 More details

5️⃣ North Carolina Science Festival 🔬🌎

Curious minds, this one’s for you! The NC Science Festival features events all month long - from hands-on experiments and exhibits to family-friendly science activities happening all across the state (including plenty right here in Charlotte).

🗓️ April 1-April 30

📍 Various locations

🔗 More details

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!

Wondering What The Homebuying Process Is Like? This Workshop Is For You!

Looking to buy your first home in Monroe, NC or Union County? Join us for a FREE First-Time Homebuyer Seminar designed to educate, empower, and prepare you for the homebuying process!

📍 Location: Union County Public Library - Monroe Branch

🗓 Date: Saturday, April 25

⏰ Time: 10:00 AM

💲 Cost: Free (registration required)

This in-person homebuyer workshop is led by a local Realtor, Christen Ripoli and Mortgage Lender, Sarah Stokes, along with additional trusted resources, who will walk you through:

How to buy a home as a first-time buyer in North Carolina
Mortgage basics and loan options for first-time buyers
Credit, income, and down payment requirements
First-time homebuyer assistance programs
How much home you can afford
The full homebuying process from pre-approval to closing
Common mistakes first-time buyers should avoid

Whether you’re currently renting, casually exploring, or actively planning to buy a home, this seminar will give you clear next steps and practical guidance. Make sure you register in advance - seats are limited, so reserve your spot!

Mortgage News

📊 Mortgage Rates Hold Steady with Slight Upward Pressure

This week brought very minimal movement in mortgage rates, with most products holding steady and a few ticking up slightly. The 30-year fixed remains at 6.39%, while the 15-year fixed is holding just under 6% at 5.99%, both showing continued stability in the market. Jumbo loans edged up slightly to 6.56%, and the 7/6 SOFR ARM increased to 6.06%, reflecting a bit of upward pressure this week. Government-backed options followed a similar trend, with FHA at 5.92% and VA at 5.94%, both up just 0.01%. Overall, rates are still moving within a narrow range, giving buyers and sellers a consistent environment to plan and make confident decisions during the spring market.

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

Featured Homes

📍422 Bougainvillea Court, Monroe📍

Welcome to 422 Bougainvillea Court: a spacious and thoughtfully designed 1.5-story home in one of Monroe’s most loved communities. With 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, and nearly 3,000 square feet, this home offers the kind of flexible layout that just makes life easier.

The main level features a private primary suite, giving you the comfort of main-floor living, while the open great room and large dining area create the perfect space to gather, relax, and entertain. The kitchen is a standout with a center island, tile backsplash, and a full suite of appliances, including a double oven and cooktop.

Upstairs, you’ll find even more room to spread out with a generous loft and a large bonus room with its own full bath - ideal for guests, a home office, or a playroom.

🔑 Highlights:

4 bedrooms | 3 full bathrooms
2,919 sq ft of living space
Primary suite on the main level
Open great room + spacious dining area
Upgraded kitchen with island + full appliance package
Loft + bonus room with full bath upstairs
Fenced backyard for entertaining or pets
Located in St. John’s Forest (NO city taxes!)
Zoned for Rocky River Elementary, Sun Valley Middle & High

📍2237 Balting Glass Drive, Indian Trail📍

Welcome to 2237 Balting Glass Drive - a home that truly feels like it was designed for the way life is meant to be lived. Nestled in the heart of the Glendalough community, this 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers 2,644 square feet of light-filled, inviting living space.

Step inside and you’re greeted by a layout that flows effortlessly, perfect for both quiet mornings and lively evenings. The kitchen is the heart of the home, featuring an oversized island that naturally becomes the gathering spot for family and friends. Upstairs, the primary suite feels like a private retreat, complete with a spa-inspired bath, soaking tub, and oversized shower designed for true relaxation.

And then… the backyard. This is where the magic happens. A fully fenced space with a massive covered patio, pergola, and cozy fire pit creates the ultimate setup for entertaining. With space already prepped for an outdoor kitchen, it’s ready for summer cookouts, fall nights by the fire, and everything in between.

🔑 Highlights:

4 bedrooms | 2.5 bathrooms
2,644 sq ft of living space
Open, light-filled layout
Kitchen with oversized island
Spa-inspired primary suite
Covered patio + pergola + fire pit
Fenced backyard with space for outdoor kitchen
Located in Glendalough with community pool
Zoned for Porter Ridge Elementary, Middle & High

📍3574 Nimbell Road, Monroe📍

Welcome to 3574 Nimbell Road: a beautifully designed townhome in the Secrest Landing community that blends charm and everyday functionality from the very first step. This 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers 1,752 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space with welcoming touches throughout.

It all begins on the inviting front porch, perfect for morning coffee, evening chats, and friendly waves to neighbors passing by. Inside, the open-concept main level creates an easy flow between the kitchen, dining area, and family room. The kitchen features granite countertops, stylish cabinetry, and a spacious island ready for barstools and conversation. Natural light fills the breakfast nook, while the family room opens to a sunny patio ideal for relaxing or entertaining.

Upstairs, the spacious owner’s suite offers a peaceful retreat with a private bath and walk-in closet. Two additional bedrooms, a full bath, and convenient upper-level laundry complete the second floor. Located just minutes from Highway 74 and the expressway, commuting to Uptown Charlotte is quick and convenient. Schedule your private showing and see how perfectly this home fits your next chapter!

🔑 Highlights:

3 bedrooms | 2.5 bathrooms
1,752 sq ft of comfortable living
Kitchen with granite countertops + large island
Open-concept main living area
Sunny patio for relaxing or entertaining
Sealed driveway + automatic sprinkler system
Community amenities including playground, pavilion, fire pit & pocket park
Zoned for Poplin Elementary, Porter Ridge Middle & High

Under Contract 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

Video of the Week

Check out this video featuring: The REAL Pros & Cons (Before You Move)

Thinking about moving to Charlotte, North Carolina? 🏡

In this video, I’m breaking down the REAL pros and cons of living in Charlotte, NC so you can decide if it’s the right move for you.

As a local Realtor®, I help people relocate here every single day - and while Charlotte has a LOT to love, there are definitely a few things you’ll want to know before making the move.

✨ In this video, we cover:

✔️ Job opportunities and why so many people are moving here

✔️ The lifestyle and what day-to-day life actually feels like

✔️ What the weather is REALLY like (yes… we’re talking about the heat ☀️)

✔️ The not-so-fun parts - like traffic and those famous Carolina bugs 🐜😅

My goal is to give you an honest, balanced look so you can make a confident decision not just based on the highlights you see online.

📧 christen.ripoli@gmail.com

📞 330.301.0687

Charlotte Market Minute

📢 Charlotte Market Update | April 7th - April 14th 📢

A total of 864 properties were sold this week, with the average sales price rising to $509,686 and the median sales price at $398,500. Properties spent an average of 62 days on the market and sold for 97.91% of list price, showing continued strength as the spring market stays active. The average price per square foot came in at $240.97, reflecting a noticeable uptick in pricing compared to recent weeks. The lowest sale closed at $48,750, while the highest reached an impressive $8.65 million, highlighting strong activity across all price points. Even with a slight dip in total sales, pricing remains solid and buyer demand is holding steady. This is exactly what we expect to see in a healthy spring market! If you’re thinking about making a move, now is a great time to take advantage of the momentum.

📊 Here’s your weekly snapshot:

864 total properties sold
Average sales price: $509,686
Median sales price: $398,500
Average price per square foot: $240.97
Properties are selling for an average of 97.91% of list price
Average days on market: 62
Lowest sale: $48,750
Highest sale: $8.65M

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!!