Joy Watson Real Estate
Blog
Class Action Law Suit Against Realtors®
The recent class-action lawsuit settlement against the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) is set to bring significant changes to the real estate industry, including new rules on compensation transparency and written agreements for buyers starting in mid-August 2024. These changes could reshape how homebuyers and sellers negotiate, with potential impacts on affordability and agent commissions across the U.S. Stay updated on the latest developments at Joy Watson Real Estate.
Local Non-Corporate
In a world saturated with corporate greed and invasive marketing tactics, I prioritize meaningful contributions to my community over profit. By investing time and knowledge into local students through our small business and youth apprenticeship farm in Greensboro, NC, we create real value that transcends the impersonal, profit-driven models of corporate giants.
Urban Farming
Eric and I find joy in working outdoors, tending our garden, and adding new plants each year, often propagating from the yards of friends and family. With guidance from local gardening experts and Eric’s beekeeping efforts, our garden continues to thrive, creating a welcoming, ever-growing space for our guests.
Hosting Joy
I am passionate about providing a unique brand of hospitality where guests can truly feel at home, not just staying in a space, but in a warm, welcoming environment designed for relaxation. With a focus on cleanliness, natural linens, and low-fragrance cleaning products, I create an inviting, chemical-conscious space for guests who value comfort and authenticity during their stay.
Silent Quitting Airbnb
After years of hosting on Airbnb, I've decided it's time to work on our leave, as the platform's corporate model no longer aligns with my values or business goals. I’ve grown tired of the same issues and, like my exits from Guilford County Schools and Corporate Real Estate, I know it's time to move on to better serve our guests and focus on sustainable growth for our homes and business.
Baking Therapy and Favorite Treats
One of my favorite ways to make guests feel welcome in my short-term rentals is by leaving fresh-baked treats like sourdough oatmeal cookies or seasonal flowers, inspired by a personal touch I experienced at an Airbnb in Portland. Whether it's indulging in homemade Toll House Pie or savoring Oreo cheesecakes, I believe these thoughtful details add warmth and humanity to each stay, making guests feel valued in a truly authentic home.
Running a Self Managed HOA
As a long time member of the Wafco Mills HOA Board, I bring years of experience in navigating the complexities of property management, ensuring our community thrives through effective leadership and clear communication. With a passion for fostering a supportive, well-maintained environment, I’ve focused on modernizing our processes, creating a user-friendly website, and advocating for transparent, accessible resources for all owners and residents.
Sourdough
My passion for bread baking started in my 20s with a bread maker, but over the years, I transitioned to mastering sourdough using a vintage KitchenAid mixer and organic ingredients. With guidance from the La Brea Bakery Cookbook and modern tips from Little Spoon Farm, I’ve perfected the process of creating delicious, artisanal sourdough loaves that are both flavorful and satisfying to make.
Health Care?
I am deeply frustrated with the broken healthcare system after receiving a $180 bill for nothing more than phone numbers for referrals, despite having "good" insurance with BCBS. My experiences with traditional Western medicine have left me disillusioned, and I've found real healing through homeopathy, an approach that has profoundly impacted both my life and my family's, including my daughter Ivy, now a certified herbalist focused on non-Western health solutions.
Sustainability and the rehabing of 1007 Grayland
In the summer of 2023, we welcomed my nephew Austin from Spokane and captured a special moment with him, Ivy, Eric, and me in front of our recently purchased home at 1007 Grayland. We’ve made significant progress since then, from finishing repairs and installations to adding personal touches like vintage cabinets and painting peach-colored awnings. Our focus on sustainability and salvaging materials, combined with careful planning, helps us create welcoming and unique spaces for guests to enjoy, all while preserving the history and charm of the home.
Occupational Course of Study
On a day in late October of 2022, four students from Page High School's OCS program began their job site experience at Joy Watson Real Estate, working four days a week for the whole school year. Throughout their time with us, the students engage in various tasks such as assembling rocking chairs, baking sourdough treats, leaf blowing, and gathering eggs from the chicken coop, gaining hands-on job skills while contributing to our business and learning valuable life lessons.
Our first rental property
907 W Wendover Ave was the first rental property Eric and I purchased together, and it holds a special place in our journey as property investors. After touring multiple homes, we finally chose this house, despite its initial state—filled with the smell of catbox, ashtray, and carpeted rooms. Over time, we transformed 907 into a welcoming rental, with everything from new Ikea cabinets to a beautiful upstairs primary suite. From fixing electrical oddities to painting and planting gardens, each step in its renovation was a labor of love, turning it into a home we're proud to rent.
Neighbors
My childhood home at 5808 5th Terrace South in Birmingham, Alabama, left me with fond memories of a tight-knit neighborhood, where our neighbors, like Mrs. Wilma Williams and the Hydengers, shaped my understanding of community. From fig trees to zucchini bread, these early experiences of neighborly connection have influenced how I approach homeownership and community today, whether in Birmingham, Asheville, or Flagstaff.
Kick-Ass Ladies I Know & Love
Dottie Erickson, a true kick-ass lady: From life-saving CPR actions to touching lives at the Watsucker Urban Farm, Joy Watson honors her mother's remarkable journey.
Kiddy and friends
Kiddy, our fiercely affectionate and playful cat, loves to follow me around the Wendover homes, always ready for head scratches and lap naps when the mood strikes her. Adopted in 2022 from our fav HVAC contractor, Red, to keep the mouse population in check, she's since transformed into the queen of the house, while Ziggy, a spirited kitten, found his forever home in Summerfield in July 2024 after showing off his impressive hunting skills.
What’s and Why’s of Transitional Housing
Moving can be a disruptive experience, and after 26 moves, I understand the importance of transitional housing that provides time and space to settle into a new area. We offer clean, fully furnished homes in the heart of Greensboro, perfect for those relocating, traveling for work, or simply visiting, with a focus on affordability and accessibility for families, professionals, and guests seeking a home away from home.
Equal Regulation for All Housing Providers - Protect Homeowner Rights and Address Conflict of Interest
On July 9, 2024, I applied and paid for Short Term Rental Permits for all properties we rent for less than 30 days. Although Greensboro's City Council passed regulations affecting short-term rentals, I continue to advocate for equal treatment of all housing providers. With my background in real estate and personal experience navigating these regulations, I strive to offer affordable, clean homes in Greensboro while working through zoning variances and city council processes to ensure compliance.
What is going on with STRs in Greensboro?
Since 2016, we've proudly hosted guests from all over the world at our five West Wendover homes in Greensboro, all while teaching job and life skills to local high school students. As the city of Greensboro introduced new short-term rental regulations, we've had to navigate rezoning and variance applications for our properties, all while advocating for fair and equal treatment of all rental types, believing that improving neighborhood living conditions should apply to both short-term and traditional rentals alike.
Is Greensboro NC Safe? A Look at Crime Rates and Growth in the Past Decade
Considering a move to Greensboro, NC? With a relatively low crime rate, thriving economy, and a growing population, Greensboro is one of the safer cities in North Carolina, making it an ideal place to call home. From excellent schools and outdoor recreation to a vibrant arts and culture scene, Greensboro offers a welcoming community for families and professionals alike.