
Joy Watson Real Estate
Blog
Greensboro’s Big Three: What Kotis, Zimmerman, and Carroll are building — and how it touches Midtown Idlewood
Greensboro’s major developers are reshaping the city: Marty Kotis canceled his Publix plan at 1410 Westover Terrace, Andy Zimmerman is proposing apartments and maker space at South Elm and Gate City, and Roy Carroll is building the $62M Carroll at Parkside across from the ballpark. These projects bring growth, walkability, and buzz that will ripple into Midtown Idlewood, raising both opportunity and questions about traffic, green space, and neighborhood character.
The Urban Birdhouse: Greensboro’s Tiny Home with a Big Story
Stay in the Urban Birdhouse Tiny Home in Greensboro, NC — a veteran-built model home from Tiny House Greensboro that once toured trade shows showcasing sustainable ADU living. This eco-friendly rental offers a private deck, lofted queen bed, and walkable access to Downtown Greensboro, Cone Hospital, and local dining.
When Slumlords Shake Hands With City Hall: How Substandard Rentals Slip Through the Cracks
In Greensboro, unsafe rental homes often remain occupied because enforcement is weakened by landlord influence, tenant fear, and too few inspections. Without stronger accountability, substandard housing continues to slip through the cracks at the expense of renters, neighbors, and taxpayers.
When City Hall Starts Acting Like Your HOA—And You Never Signed Up
Greensboro property owners are facing city rules that look and feel a lot like HOA covenants—trash can fees, code compliance fines, and even tree regulations—all without ever opting in. Staying informed and speaking up at City Hall is essential to protect your costs, autonomy, and homeowner rights.
🏡 The Home We Can’t Move Out Of: Why We’re Doing a Liver Cleanse
This month, Eric and I started our first-ever liver cleanse as a way to care for the one home we can’t move out of—our bodies. Guided by trusted sources like certified herbalist Ivy Ham, Medical Medium, and Ray Peat, we’re embracing this reset as part of a bigger commitment to wellness and maintenance.
North Carolina Due Diligence Money vs. Earnest Money: A Clear Guide for Homebuyers
In North Carolina, Due Diligence Money is a non-refundable fee paid directly to the seller in exchange for time to investigate the property, while Earnest Money is a refundable deposit held in escrow to show good faith and is only forfeited if the buyer backs out after the due diligence period. Both are paid at contract signing and credited toward the purchase at closing.
When Consent Isn’t Optional: Happel v. Guilford County Board of Education
A North Carolina Supreme Court case is moving forward after a 14-year-old Greensboro student was allegedly given a COVID-19 vaccine without parental consent, violating both state law and constitutional rights. As a former special education teacher and advocate for informed consent, I believe this case highlights the urgent need to protect bodily autonomy and parental authority—especially when public institutions are involved.
Hunsucker Piano – Live Piano Performance in Greensboro, NC
Hunsucker Piano is the professional music brand of Greensboro-based pianist Eric Hunsucker, offering live piano performances for weddings, memory care communities, private events, and country clubs. With a blend of classical skill and yacht rock flair, Eric brings decades of experience and a genuine love for playing wherever real music is welcome.
Joy Watson Real Estate: Where Home Meets Story in Greensboro, NC
Joy Watson Real Estate is a locally owned, non-corporate firm offering personalized real estate services and thoughtfully curated rental homes in Greensboro, NC—each filled with meaning, story, and real furniture. We work with buyers, sellers, and renters only when it’s one of our homes, blending legacy, design, and community impact in everything we do.
Why Wafco Mills Is One of the Best Places to Live in Greensboro
Wafco Mills Condominiums offer modern comfort in Greensboro’s Historic College Hill. Walk to downtown, cafes, and the Greenway; explore current condos for sale.
Move Over Asheville: Why Greensboro Is North Carolina’s Real Hidden Gem
It IS easy being Greensboro, North Carolina, which is emerging as a captivating alternative to Asheville, offering rich history, vibrant culture, and lush green spaces without the crowds. For those considering a visit or relocation, Joy Watson Real Estate provides locally managed short-term rentals and expert guidance for buying or selling homes in the Triad area.
What Zillow Won’t Tell You: Why Working With a Licensed Greensboro Realtor Gives You a Major Advantage
As a licensed Greensboro NC Realtor, I provide homebuyers exclusive access to Triad MLS data, including property disclosures and agent-only remarks not visible on Zillow or public websites. Learn how to research neighborhoods legally and effectively, avoid costly surprises, and make informed offers with professional guidance.
How to Use a 1031 Exchange to Grow Your Real Estate Portfolio (Without Paying the IRS… Yet)
If you're selling an investment property and planning to reinvest, a 1031 exchange lets you defer capital gains taxes and keep your equity working for you. Here’s how it works, why it matters, and how to find the right Qualified Intermediary in North Carolina.
Not Married? Not a Problem: What NC Buyers Need to Know About Co-Owning Property Without the “I Do”
When you buy real estate with anyone, married, friends, or relative, know and understand how your new real estate will be titled. Also, what to do if you get married after buying property.
Why Buying a Condo at Wafco Mills Beats Renting in Greensboro, NC
Buying a condo at Wafco Mills can be a great investment that will pay you back with equity and a great home!
Renting a Dorm Room vs. Buying a Condo at 102 D Wafco Lane: A Cost-Benefit Analysis for College Students in Greensboro, NC
Discover why purchasing the $230,000 condo at 102 D Wafco Lane in Greensboro’s historic College Hill is a smart investment for people looking to attract tenants from Greensboro College, UNCG, or A&T, offering equity growth, rental income potential ($1,700–$2,700/month), and proximity to the Downtown Greenway. This cost-benefit analysis compares dorm rentals ($42,250–$71,250 over four years) to owning, highlighting Wafco Mills’ 283–360% appreciation since 1987 and College Hill’s 35.5% price surge in 2025.
Mastering Due Diligence in Greensboro, NC Real Estate: Your Ultimate Guide
Whether you’re eyeing a cozy bungalow in Fisher Park, Idlewood Mid-Town, College Hill, College Park, Old Irving Park, Kirkwood, Browntown, Westerwood or Sunset Hills, or a family home in Oak Ridge, Kernersville, or Summerfield, understanding due diligence is key to protecting your investment.
Navigating Material Facts in NC Real Estate: Your Guide with Joy Watson
Looking to buy a real fixer upper or cash in your own skills on some sweat equity in North Carolina, sellers and their real estate agents are legally required to disclose known material facts to potential buyers. This often happens through the Residential Property Disclosure Statement, a form where sellers answer questions about the property’s condition. But here’s the kicker: not every material fact fits neatly into that form. For instance, if a seller knows about a pending foreclosure notice or a septic system that’s only permitted for three bedrooms (not four), they need to spill the beans.
Why I’ll Never Change My 928 Phone Number: A Story of Stability
For over 20 years, my 928-699-8883 phone number has been a constant through 24 moves and nearly ten schools, symbolizing stability and authenticity as a realtor with Joy Watson Real Estate in Greensboro, NC. Despite my love for Greensboro, where I ride e-bikes with my partner Eric Hunsucker and visit my daughters nearby, I’ll never change my 928 number, a touchstone of my journey.
Homes for Rent in Mid-Town Greensboro NC