The Lake Norman Pulse

Hosts Jen and Barrie sit down with Courtney Ford, General Manager of NorthStone Country Club — a private golf and country club founded in 1997 in Huntersville, NC. Courtney has been with the club for 22 years, starting as head golf professional before stepping into his current role.

What makes NorthStone unique is its position at the literal center of the surrounding neighborhood — members can walk to the golf course, pools, restaurant, and bar. Over time, the club has evolved from a golf-focused facility into a full country club experience, investing $6.5 million over the last five years in renovations including new greens, bunker work, seven resurfaced tennis courts, four new pickleball courts, and fitness center upgrades. Next on the list: an improved driving range, expanded fitness center, and additional parking.

Membership has shifted noticeably toward young families, with 75–80% of new members being active households where parents play golf, tennis, or pickleball and kids participate in swim team and sports camps. Golf membership is currently full with an 18-month waitlist; tennis and social memberships remain available. Courtney attributes long-term member loyalty to two things: consistency and value.

To inquire about membership, contact Kirsten Combs in the membership office, Tuesday through Saturday.

NorthStone Country Club
15801 Northstone Dr
Huntersville, NC 28078
(704) 948-4286

northstoneclub.com

Foster Rojahn Premier Properties | Keller Williams Lake Norman
19721 Bethel Church Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031
(704) 604-3054

https://frpremierproperties.com/

It's birthday month AND St. Patrick's Day season! In this episode, we cover the best local St. Paddy's Day celebrations happening around Lake Norman and Charlotte this March.

Fun Fact: North Carolina has the largest percentage of Scots-Irish ancestry of any state in the U.S. — no wonder the celebrations are so big here!

Events Covered:

• Birkdale Village (Huntersville) — March 14, 4:30–7:30 PM. Irish dancers, live music, and a social district vibe.
  
  
  
• Shamrock Stroll & Festival (Davidson) — March 14, 11 AM–2 PM. Parade, festival on the green, benefits Senior Community Connections. Kid wristbands $15.
  
  
  
• Harper & Crown (Cornelius) — March 13–15, full Irish pub weekend with live music and Irish dancers.
  
  
  
• Boatyard Eats (Cornelius) — March 14, doors open at noon. St. Paddy's block party with live music. Wear an original Galway Hooker t-shirt for free entry before 2 PM.
  
  
  
• Shamrocks & Shenanigans (Mooresville) — March 14, 3–8 PM. Live music, pipe band, food trucks. Bar crawl tickets $25 in advance (includes scarf, pin & lanyard) or $30 at the gate.
  
  
  
• U.S. National Whitewater Center (Charlotte) — Outdoor festival, trail races, live music, food — and yes, the water turns green!
  
  
  
• St. Patty's Day Parade & Festival, Tryon Street (Charlotte) — March 14, 11 AM–7 PM. Floats, live entertainment, family-friendly all-day celebration.
  
  
  
• Lake Norman Brewery (Denver, NC) — "Shake Your Shamrock" race starts at 9 AM on March 14, followed by live music featuring the Connick School of Irish Dance and Lake Norman School of Music. Three food trucks including King of Fire.
  
  
  

Foster Rojahn Premier Properties | Keller Williams Lake Norman
19721 Bethel Church Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031
(704) 604-3054

https://frpremierproperties.com/

Buying a home isn’t just about timing the market — it’s about understanding it. In this episode, the team sits down with Matt Doyle of Guild Mortgage to break down one of the most misunderstood topics in real estate: mortgage rates, the Fed, and what actually matters for buyers right now.

Matt explains why connecting with a lender early — even months before buying — gives buyers clarity, confidence, and leverage. The conversation clears up common misconceptions about Federal Reserve rate cuts, why mortgage rates often move before Fed meetings, and how the bond market plays a bigger role than most people realize.

They also dive into practical advice buyers care about: when rates can be locked, why waiting on the sidelines can backfire, and how “mock scenarios” help buyers understand real monthly costs long before writing an offer. From down payments and credit scores to purchase price differences, Matt pulls back the curtain so buyers aren’t learning everything for the first time at the closing table.

The episode wraps with a look at what sets Matt and Guild Mortgage apart — flexibility, education-first lending, and accessibility — all with the goal of making the home-buying process feel transparent, calm, and predictable.

Contact Matt:
https://branches.guildmortgage.com/nc/charlotte/matt-doyle-511-cbmdo.html

Foster Rojahn Premier Properties | Keller Williams Lake Norman
19721 Bethel Church Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031
(704) 604-3054

https://frpremierproperties.com/

Thinking about selling your home this spring? This episode explains why waiting is a mistake—and why the smartest sellers start planning now. The hosts break down how listing in February or March helps sellers get ahead of the competition and capture early, motivated buyers who begin searching online well before spring.

They walk through the most important prep steps sellers should tackle early, including decluttering, deep cleaning, and strategic pre-packing to maximize space. The conversation also covers the four upgrades that matter most to buyers—paint, flooring, lighting, and overall presentation—and why addressing them early reduces stress, shortens days on market, and strengthens your negotiating position.

The takeaway: early planning creates flexibility, confidence, and better results when it’s time to list.

Foster Rojahn Premier Properties | Keller Williams Lake Norman
19721 Bethel Church Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031
(704) 604-3054

https://frpremierproperties.com/

Recorded on location at Barrel & Fork in Cornelius, Jen and Barrie unpack one of the most overlooked — yet most powerful — elements of selling a home: professional photography. They frame listing photos as a property’s first conversation with buyers, happening long before anyone schedules a showing. In today’s online-first shopping world, visuals determine whether a buyer pauses or scrolls past. From high-quality still images to video and drone work, Jen and Barrie explain how intentional photography builds emotional connection, showcases a home’s strengths, and positions a listing to compete from the very first glance.

They also walk through the behind-the-scenes prep that turns ordinary photos into standout marketing. Lighting, decluttering, staging, and working closely with a trusted photographer all contribute to creating those “supermodel” listing moments that draw buyers in. Jen and Barrie emphasize that cutting corners is immediately visible — and in a competitive market, that visibility affects traffic and days on market. The core message is clear: strong photography isn’t cosmetic polish; it’s strategy. Done right, it invites buyers to imagine themselves in the space and gives a home its best chance to shine online.

Foster Rojahn Premier Properties | Keller Williams Lake Norman
19721 Bethel Church Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031
(704) 604-3054

https://frpremierproperties.com/

Spring and summer selling season is around the corner, and now is the time to start interviewing agents. But most homeowners don't know what to ask to truly vet a realtor's qualifications. In this episode, we break down five essential questions every seller should be asking — and explain why each one matters.

What We Cover:

• Why the right questions can reveal whether an agent is truly equipped to protect your investment
• A striking industry stat that might change how you think about choosing an agent
• Why national real estate headlines don't tell the full story for your neighborhood
• How to get past vague, rehearsed answers and dig into an agent's real experience
• The communication mistake that costs agents clients — and how to make sure it doesn't happen to you

Your home is your largest investment. Don't default to a friend or family member without vetting their qualifications. Interview multiple agents, ask the right questions, and make sure you genuinely connect with whoever you choose.

Listen to the full episode to get all five questions and our breakdown of what to look for in the answers.

Foster Rojahn Premier Properties | Keller Williams Lake Norman
19721 Bethel Church Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031
(704) 604-3054

https://frpremierproperties.com/

In this episode, the hosts explore what makes Cornelius, North Carolina such a sought-after place to live on Lake Norman. From its waterfront lifestyle and strong school districts to unbeatable access to Charlotte, Cornelius offers a rare mix of convenience, community, and quality of life.

They break down current Cornelius housing market stats, including inventory levels, days on market, and price ranges—highlighting the dramatic difference between waterfront and non-waterfront homes. The conversation also covers why early winter can be a strategic time to buy before spring demand surges.

The episode wraps with a tour of the Cornelius lifestyle—local parks, greenways, marinas, and favorite restaurants like Hello Sailor, Peninsula Prime, Lake House Bar & Grill, and Barrel & Fork. Whether you’re considering a move or just love Lake Norman, this episode shows why Cornelius continues to attract buyers year after year.

Foster Rojahn Premier Properties | Keller Williams Lake Norman
19721 Bethel Church Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031
(704) 604-3054

https://frpremierproperties.com/

In this episode, Jen and Barrie visit one of Cornelius’ most iconic dining spots—Barrel & Fork—and share why it’s consistently one of their favorite restaurants in the Lake Norman area. Housed inside a beautifully preserved 1906 historic home, Barrel & Fork delivers a moody, intimate, speakeasy-style atmosphere that feels more like an experience than just a night out. From dim lighting and vintage photos to cozy fireplaces and thoughtfully designed rooms, the setting alone makes it a go-to for date nights and special occasions.

They dive into what really sets the restaurant apart: the legendary bourbon bar, handcrafted cocktails, and a seasonal menu featuring standout dishes like scallops, filet, and the unforgettable elk chop. Jen and Barrie also highlight the outdoor covered patio and fire pit, perfect for sipping a drink while waiting for your table. To top it off, they announce a Valentine’s Day giveaway—a $250 dinner at Barrel & Fork—and share how listeners can enter through social media. If you’re looking for a true Cornelius dining experience, this is one spot you’ll want on your list (and yes, reservations are highly recommended).

Foster Rojahn Premier Properties | Keller Williams Lake Norman
19721 Bethel Church Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031
(704) 604-3054

https://frpremierproperties.com/

In this episode, the team breaks down the luxury real estate market on Lake Norman and what truly defines waterfront living at the high end. From turnkey estates to teardown and renovation opportunities, they discuss how buyers approach luxury differently—and why the lake itself is always the top priority.

They cover current market trends, including limited inventory, strong appreciation, and recent luxury sales reaching eight figures. The conversation highlights why Lake Norman remains a smart long-term investment, driven by demand, proximity to Charlotte, and easy access to a major airport.

A key focus is the importance of docks in lakefront properties. The hosts explain why an existing, well-maintained dock adds significant value, the challenges of dock permitting, and why dock upgrades often deliver the best return for sellers. They also touch on Duke Energy regulations, shoreline setbacks, outdoor living spaces, pools, and other details buyers must understand before purchasing on the lake.

The episode wraps up on the dock itself—underscoring why the water, the view, and the lifestyle are the true definition of luxury on Lake Norman.

Foster Rojahn Premier Properties | Keller Williams Lake Norman
19721 Bethel Church Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031
(704) 604-3054

https://frpremierproperties.com/

In this episode, it’s Barrie’s turn in the spotlight.

Co-host Jen Foster flips the mic and invites listeners to get to know the story behind Barrie—her background, her family, and the winding path that ultimately led her to real estate in North Carolina.

Barry shares her upbringing in Northern Virginia as a Navy kid, her college years playing competitive soccer, and the unexpected career pivot that started when she walked into a leasing office to break a lease—and walked out with a job instead. That moment launched a career spanning multifamily housing, HOA management, and nearly two decades of hands-on problem solving inside complex communities across the Charlotte region.

The conversation dives into what those experiences taught her: how to manage high emotion, navigate conflict, think critically under pressure, and keep deals—and people—moving forward. Barrie explains why those years shaped her into the calm, steady presence her real estate clients rely on today.

They also unpack some common misconceptions about real estate, including the myth of “schedule freedom,” and why the most underrated skill in the business isn’t sales—it’s being a master problem solver with a cool head when everything feels like a fire drill.

The episode wraps with some personality-driven fun, including Barrie’s walk-up song (an iconic Caddyshack moment), her love of fitness and running, and the one piece of advice she’d give her younger self: don’t take everything so personally—learn, move on, and keep going.

This is a candid, behind-the-scenes look at the experience, resilience, and mindset that Barrie Rojahn brings to Foster Rojahn Premier Properties—just the beginning of her story.

Foster Rojahn Premier Properties | Keller Williams Lake Norman
19721 Bethel Church Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031
(704) 604-3054

https://frpremierproperties.com/