Charlotte · Lake Norman · Fort Mill · Tega Cay
Personally Guided Luxury Real Estate in Charlotte
A lifelong Charlottean's insight, a private network built over decades, and the global reach of Christie's International Real Estate.
Illustrative imagery
Meet David Strause
Real Estate, Guided by Someone Who Has Lived It
Charlotte born and raised, I spent a decade in New York before coming home. Today I am a broker with Ivester Jackson Christie's International Real Estate, licensed in North Carolina and South Carolina, and a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist.
My background in finance, valuation and negotiation means advice grounded in data and delivered with candor, plus a clear plan, regular reporting and a trusted circle of professionals.
How I Price, Negotiate and Structure the Deal
Every recommendation starts with the numbers for your neighborhood and price tier, then the financing that closes the gap.
Reading the Market
Days on Market
How long comparable homes take to sell, and when a listing loses leverage.
List-to-Close Ratio
The share of asking price similar homes actually close at, which shows the negotiating room.
Months of Inventory
How long current supply would last at today's pace, showing whether buyers or sellers hold the advantage.
Competitive Analysis
A room-by-room comparison with active, pending and sold homes, adjusted for lot, condition and finishes.
Showing Activity
Showings, second visits and agent feedback against competing homes, which tells us when to push and when to hold firm.
Financing Strategies That Win
Seller Financing
The seller carries part of the loan, widening the buyer pool and supporting price.
Temporary Buydowns
A seller-paid credit lowers the buyer's early rate, often more effective than a price cut.
Bridge Financing
Buyers use equity in their current home to buy first and make a non-contingent offer.
I know which structure fits, and I coordinate with your lender, attorney and tax advisor.
White-Glove Service, to the Christie's International Real Estate Standard
One point of contact from first conversation to closing, backed by professionals I have trusted for years.
Real Estate Attorneys
Closing, title and contract counsel in North Carolina and South Carolina.
Contractors and Craftsmen
Licensed builders, roofers, HVAC, painters and handymen.
Stagers and Designers
Professionals who prepare a home for market or make a new one your own.
Photography, Film and Social Media
Top architectural photographers, videographers and drone operators, so every home shows at its best.
Appraisers and Inspectors
Independent appraisers and licensed inspectors.
Lenders and Advisors
Mortgage, bridge and jumbo lenders, plus tax and wealth advisors.
Christie's Specialists
When appropriate, an introduction to Christie's specialists for fine art, jewelry, watches and collectibles.
Movers, cleaners, organizers and storage too. You choose; I handle the details.
How I Help
Two Significant Decisions, One Trusted Advisor
Buying a HomeA private search, including homes that rarely reach the market, and an offer strategy that wins without overpaying.Begin Your Search →
Selling Your HomePricing grounded in real comparable sales, editorial photography and film, and global exposure through Christie's International Real Estate.Request a Valuation →
Luxury and Estate Homes
Certified luxury marketing, private showings and complete discretion for exceptional properties.
Executive Relocation →
Moving to Charlotte for a new role? I will be your eyes on the ground, from first tour to closing.
New Construction
Guidance on builders, lots, contracts and upgrades, so your custom home is delivered as promised.
Downsizing and Estates
A calm, organized process for transitioning a long-held home or settling an estate.
Where I Work
Know the Neighborhood Before You Commit to It
Each community has its own character, schools and price story. Here is the short version.
Myers Park
Willow oak canopies, historic estates and Queens Road, Charlotte's most storied address.
Explore →
Eastover
Quiet, gracious streets, generous lots and the Mint Museum Randolph nearby.
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SouthPark
Refined shopping and dining, with classic homes and luxury condominiums around it.
Explore →
Dilworth
Charlotte's first streetcar suburb: restored bungalows, Freedom Park and a walk to South End.
Explore →
Ballantyne
Golf-course living and newer estates near the south Charlotte corporate park.
Explore →
Lake Norman
Waterfront estates across Mooresville, Cornelius, Huntersville, Denver and Sherrills Ford.
Explore →
Davidson
A college town with a classic main street, leafy neighborhoods and nearby lake access.
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Fort Mill and Tega Cay
A South Carolina address minutes from south Charlotte, with Lake Wylie views in Tega Cay.
Explore →
On Film
See Charlotte Through My Eyes
“He is far more than a Realtor. He is a trusted advisor, local expert, and someone who truly goes above and beyond.”
Abby and Andrew R. · Buyers and sellers
Corporate Relocation
Moving to Charlotte, Made Effortless
For Professionals and Families
Relocating to the Carolinas?
An area briefing, efficient home-finding trips, remote buying support and help selling the home you are leaving.
Plan My MoveFor Employers and HR Teams
Recruiting Talent to Charlotte?
A relocation partner for your new hires, backed by more than 135 Ivester Jackson Christie's International Real Estate agents across the Carolinas.
Request a ConsultationThe Private Library
Everything I Would Tell You Over Coffee, Written Down
Complimentary guides for buyers, sellers and homeowners across Charlotte and the Carolinas. No sign-up needed for the essentials.
Client Reflections
In Their Words
As a Charlotte native, his knowledge of the city is unmatched. His strategic approach and skilled negotiation helped us win in a multiple-offer situation.
Entrusting my townhome to David was the smartest move I have made. We had a strong offer while competing homes sat dormant, and closed on my exact timeline.
From attorneys to contractors and inspectors, David brought in top-tier professionals at every stage, and he advocated for us with integrity, professionalism and care.
Having David sell our home was the best decision my wife and I could have made. We never felt like just another listing.
The Journal
Insight on the Charlotte Luxury Market
The Charlotte Real Estate Newsletter
Straight Talk on the Market, Once a Month
What prices are really doing and which neighborhoods to watch, from someone who has lived this market for thirty years.
- The Charlotte market dashboard, with Canopy MLS numbers
- Luxury Watch: $1 Million to $3 Million, and $3 Million and above
- Neighborhood spotlights and notable area listings
- A Charlotte edition and a Lake Norman edition
Buying and Selling Internationally
Charlotte, Connected to the World's Finest Addresses
Christie's International Real Estate is an invitation-only network of luxury brokerages in nearly 50 countries and territories, so you have a trusted partner on both ends of any move.
Selling to Global Buyers
Your Charlotte home is presented across the Christie's International Real Estate network, reaching buyers on every continent.
Buying Abroad
A second home in Europe, the Caribbean or beyond: I introduce you to a hand-picked Christie's International Real Estate affiliate in that market.
Relocating to Charlotte
International executives and families get a local guide, with schools, neighborhoods and logistics handled from day one.
One Standard Everywhere
The expertise, discretion and service Christie's clients have relied on since 1766, wherever you buy or sell.
Selling a Collection
Your Home, Your Art and Everything You Treasure
Fine homes often hold fine collections, and Christie's has served collectors since 1766.
An Introduction to Christie's
When you sell or downsize, I can introduce you to Christie's specialists for appraisal, auction or private sale.
More Than 80 Categories
Auctions and private sales of fine art, jewelry, watches, wine, furniture and other luxury goods.
Estates and Downsizing
One coordinated plan for the house and its contents, handled discreetly on your timeline.
Discretion First
Private conversations, private viewings and the confidentiality a collection deserves.
Images are illustrative, courtesy of Christie's International Real Estate.