Home sales in the Charlotte region rose 22.2 percent in July, compared with a year ago, according to statistics released Friday by Charlotte Regional Realtor Association. Sales prices also inched up slightly, while list prices fell. But pending contracts were down 15 percent in the month, compared to a year ago, which association officials said was a sign that the market is returning to a normal seasonal cycle. Read the full story

Davidson Design Review Board will meet Wednesday, Aug. 15, with an agenda that includes a review of material samples for Mooney’s Corner building, at 212 S. Main St., and presentations about two proposed projects: an expansion to Davidson College Athletic Center, and an expansion at Hoke Lumber on Jetton Street. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at Davidson Town Hall Board Room, 216 S. Main St., Davidson. Read the full story

Davidson’s Design Review Board on July 18 approved the design for MSC Industrial Direct Co.’s planned six-story, 180,000-square-foot “co-headquarters” off I-77 Exit 30 in Davidson.

MSC, based in Melville, N.Y., is a national distributor of industrial and metalworking supplies. The company announced June 20 that it would move key operations to the new building in the Harbor Place development, north of the Homewood suites. Read the full story

Charlotte Regional Realtor Association
Do you know of a worthy individual, group or project whose work and service enhances the lives around them? Take the time to nominate them for the Charlotte Regional Realtor Association Housing Opportunity Foundation’s 2012 Humanitarian Award. Read the full story

Customized kitchen storage has expanded with a multitude of options that allow you to maximize the space and accessibility in your kitchen. Having abundant, well-organized and accessible storage is a major plus for anyone working in the kitchen. Because of the rise of the multi-functional kitchen, the need for flexible storage options is even more important. Kitchen cabinets look the same on the front; it is what’s inside that counts the most.

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Because of the wealth of solid colors in painted or wood stained kitchen cabinets, kitchen floors and counter tops, kitchens call out for a way to add both accent colors and pattern. A tile backsplash is the place where you can add both color and pattern. While we have always had tile backsplash choices, the majority have been somewhat tame in both the patterns and colors available up – until now. Read the full story