Tales From a Mountain Real Estate Office

Blooms & Wildlife Watching - Blue Ridge Parkway

2010-08-04T13:26:00.000-04:00

Blooms & Wildlife Watching - Blue Ridge Parkway

Spring has Sprung!!!

2010-03-24T09:35:00.003-04:00

Blue sky, birds singing, opportunities abound!

Come for a visit and enjoy!!

I took this picture on Main Street Yesterday, just couldn't pass up the opportunity!

Folk School Fall Festival This Weekend! (October 3 & 4)

2009-09-30T09:22:00.004-04:00

Folk School Fall Festival This Weekend! (October 3 & 4)

Come to Brasstown this weekend and celebrate fall with us! The 36th Folk School Fall Festival is Saturday and Sunday, October 3rd and 4th, 2009, from 10 am - 5 pm daily.

There will be over 200 craft and art vendors this year, live music and dance on two stages, incredible food made by local vendors, kids activities, and craft demonstrations throughout campus.

Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for kids 12-17, and free for those under 12. For a sneak-preview, you can download the entire program from our website to see the entertainment lineup and the vendors that will be here this year. We hope you'll make Fall Festival one of your annual traditions!

9th Annual Heritage Walk & Festival

2009-08-24T10:05:00.003-04:00

Visit http://www.heritagepartners.org/ and click on the 9th annual Heritage Walk & Festival for all the scoop on Saturday, September 5 in the historic downtown business district and Konehete Park along the Valley River. FUN! Also featured on this web site is the Murphy River Walk, the Scenic Circle I and II guides to outdoor eco-attractions, and more. As one who lives and works in this great place to be, we hope you will enjoy visiting this web site for yet another taste of all our community has to offer.

Skirmish at Hanging Dog Creek was one of Civil War's last

2009-08-19T08:55:00.002-04:00

For a month after Lee's surrender at Appomattox on April 9, 1865, the Civil War continued in the mountains. The last clash — or skirmish, or battle — east of the Mississippi occurred May 6 on Hanging Dog Creek.
Hanging Dog Creek tumbles through what is now the Nantahala Game Land, north of Murphy, and flows into the Hiwassee River, passing under Old Joe Brown Highway, once a Tennessee-North Carolina toll road. Along this road, during the final actions of the war, a deserter-turned-raider named Capt. Aker directed his band of men across the mountain boundary into North Carolina.
In Murphy, Aker's group set fire to the courthouse. It then headed north up the Valley River Valley to Valleytown, as Margaret Walker Freel documented in her Cherokee County history, “Our Heritage.” The raiders were after food. Unlike East Tennessee, eaten up by camping armies, Western North Carolina had game — and livestock.
“With only a small home guard and the women folks left to protect the vast rugged terrain, raiders found it easy pickings,” says Bill Carver, native Cherokee County author and storyteller. Carver points out that the Buncombe Turnpike and its feeder roads supported a cowboy trade here that beat what would pass out West.
A great memorial to that era survives in the Old Tatham House in Valleytown, near Andrews. In 1833, Thomas Tatham built a two-story log structure for his young wife, Polly, and their future large family. Writer John Parris celebrated Polly in a piece titled “A Breath of the Past.”
Barely 110 pounds and just 5 feet tall, Parris relates, Polly raised sheep, wove wool, plowed fields and chopped wood. “Her home,” he notes, “was a haven for neighbor women during the Civil War, when her own husband and five sons were off fighting for the Lost Cause.”
Aker's raiders never threatened Polly, for they'd turned and headed home when they discovered that Confederate soldiers under the command of Stephen Whitaker (of Thomas' Legion) were encamped there. “These men were definitely still in Confederate service,” says Terrell Garren, local author and Civil War scholar.
Gen. James Green Martin, commander of Confederate troops in Western North Carolina, had not surrendered to the local Union commander, Col. William C. Bartlett, until their meeting in Waynesville on May 7. When Whitaker heard, he surrendered in Franklin on May 12.
Rob Neufeld writes the local history feature, “Visiting Our Past,” for the Citizen-Times. He is the author of “A Popular History of Western North Carolina” and “Asheville's River Arts District.” Contact him at RNeufeld@charter.net or 768-2665.

Happy 4th of July!!

2009-07-02T12:31:00.003-04:00

Murphy Hometown Fourth of July Celebration Celebrate our nations's birthday with a good old-fashioned hometown celebration! From the 5-K run to, great food, music, crafters, kids games, cake walk, fishing tournament and more events than you can shake a stick at! It all starts at 8 am and ends with a spectacular fireworks display at dark. Organized by The Business Women of Cherokee County, Town of Murphy and the Recreation Dept., the event draws thousands of visitors from near and far. Highlights include a fly-over "Peanut Drop" and greased pig contest and is held at Konehete Park in downtown Murphy. Contact Jamie Keener at 828-837-8851 for more information.

From ERA Carolina Mountain Homes.....Have a save and wonderful 4th!!!

Our Lakes are Full!!

2009-05-27T09:43:00.006-04:00

I just wanted to share some pics I took over Memorial Weekend. Need a vacation? Call ERA Carolina Mountain Homes for Vacation Rentals. Need a Retirement place? Murphy is the perfect spot!! Beautiful Lakes, Beautiful Mountains, and 2hours from everywhere!! Call one of our Wonderful Agents to find the perfect place for you!!

2009-05-15T09:53:00.002-04:00

7 Reasons to Own Your Home

1. Tax breaks. The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, your property taxes, as well as some of the costs involved in buying your home.

2. Appreciation. Real estate has long-term, stable growth in value. While year-to-year fluctuations are normal, median existing-home sale prices have increased on average 6.5 percent each year from 1972 through 2005, and increased 88.5 percent over the last 10 years, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. In addition, the number of U.S. households is expected to rise 15 percent over the next decade, creating continued high demand for housing.

3. Equity. Money paid for rent is money that you’ll never see again, but mortgage payments let you build equity ownership interest in your home.

4. Savings. Building equity in your home is a ready-made savings plan. And when you sell, you can generally take up to $250,000 ($500,000 for a married couple) as gain without owing any federal income tax.

5. Predictability. Unlike rent, your fixed-mortgage payments don’t rise over the years so your housing costs may actually decline as you own the home longer. However, keep in mind that property taxes and insurance costs will increase.

6. Freedom. The home is yours. You can decorate any way you want and benefit from your investment for as long as you own the home.

7. Stability. Remaining in one neighborhood for several years gives you a chance to participate in community activities, lets you and your family establish lasting friendships, and offers your children the benefit of educational continuity. Online resources: To calculate whether buying is the best financial option for you, use the “Buy vs. Rent” calculator at www.GinnieMae.gov.

Get Off The Fence

2009-05-08T11:44:00.001-04:00

Get off the fence – you’ll be glad you did! Already own a home? REALTORS® are your best resource to explore your options if you’re thinking about selling or refinancing. Call your REALTOR® today! Don’t already have a REALTOR® on call? Click here to locate one.Up to $8,000 First-TimeHomebuyer Tax CreditThe American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides for an $8,000 tax credit that would be available to first-time homebuyers.The credit does not require repayment, and it will be claimed on a tax return to reduce the purchaser’s income tax liability. If any credit amount remains unused, then the unused amount will be refunded as a check to the purchaser.Unprecedented Incentivesfor New HomesBuilders are offering unprecedented incentives for new homes such as flooring upgrades, new appliances, and discounted financing. Don’t just dream about purchasing a home; make your dreams a reality. Right now is the right time to “Get Off the Fence!”
It's a Buyer's MarketBuyers who are pre-approved have incredible negotiating power. Financing options are available for those with a steady income and good credit. Sellers are pricing their homes more competitively.Lower prices also mean a wider range of options from which to choose in a variety of locations.
Historically Low Interest RatesInterest rates are at historical lows – lower rates equal lower payments, or a larger home – you choose. Contrary to perceptions, conventional mortgages are available at favorable interest rates for homebuyers. Buyers with good credit, a steady income and a realistic view of what they can afford are excellent candidates for a mortgage, even in this market.
Building Wealth with HomeownershipHistorically, homes are a solid long-term investment. For the past 40 years, real estate has delivered the most consistent positive return over any investment. When you buy a home, you are building equity and adding to your assets. According to the Federal Reserve Board, the average renter’s net worth is $4,800, while the average homeowner’s net worth is $171,000. Finally, you’ll see a sizable difference each year when you claim the mortgage interest deduction on your taxes.Get Off the Fence in 2009Prices are right, rates are low and there are plenty of homes on the market NOW. As the economy improves and more people look for homes, prices will rise.If you’re playing the waiting game, remember that the market will come back around – it always does – and you could miss your opportunity for a fantastic deal. Take advantage of today’s market - you’ll be glad you did. Get off the fence and into a home!Talk to Market Experts: REALTORS®Not only can REALTORS® help you find your perfect home, they are an invaluable resource for selling your home as well.Did you know there are over 180 steps in a typical real estate transaction? It’s not worth navigating such a complex process by yourself.

REALTORS® are your best resource to explore your options if you’re thinking about selling or refinancing. Call your REALTOR® today! Don’t already have a REALTOR® on call? Click here to locate one.

Great Old Photos of Murphy

2009-05-05T12:24:00.003-04:00

Thank you to Town of Murphy Web-Site for photos

2009-03-23T14:32:00.002-04:00

The Art of Chat

"From smoke signals to the Internet… the art of chat has come of age.
Contrary to words like rendezvous, petite and peeyew; the English definition of chat is not rooted in French. You see, cat means chat en Francais. But the Association of French Cat Huggers has a whole white paper on the offensive nature of having a chat on a plane.
A chat is a nicer way to say, we need to talk. But trying to be nice about saying, “let’s chat” might be misinterpreted, as we don’t care enough to have a substantive conversation. Not so.
Chat is a speed word. It implies short, sweet and comfortable. It can definitely have deep meaning too.
To chat, in person, is quite simple. You say what you have to say. I reply (Unless you’re my sister and then I can’t get a word in edgewise. Don’t worry, she never reads these.). We might volley a few ideas and we’re done. We had a chat.
Chatting over long distances on the other hand has gone through quite the evolution.
Chatting via smoke signals had to be short and sweet. One puff. Danger. Two puffs, I need Tatunka. Three puffs, Do you have some ice? (I’m spit-balling here.)
Then chatting went to a whole new level when William Morse thought up a whole code with electronic taps. One tap, I. Two taps, love. Three taps, Where’s the freaking ice?
An evolutionary leap in the art of chat happened when Alexander Graham Bell had Ma Bell jump on a treadmill outside his workshop. While she powered the new fangled telephone, Bell said the words. “In your face, Marconi.” This added a new dimension to chatting. Many call it talking. But the phone is still good for the odd chat now and then.
Let’s jump ahead to the digital age where chatting is inspiring a whole buffet of options. Chat lines, IM (Instant Messaging… aka inst msg) and email."
Vince Poscente, New York Times Bestselling AuthorSpeaker Hall of Fame and Olympian

Now you can chat when you don't expect it. Visit our website www.CarolinaMtnHome.com and in the left hand column you can chat live with one of our knowledgeable agents!!

Ask ANYTHING! from Financing to what the weather is like!!

We are here for you.

Reverse Mortgages

2009-02-16T12:18:00.004-05:00

Is a reverse mortgage for you?

Today, there are more options for retired individuals and couples than ever before.

Make the Most of Retirement! If you are at least 62 years old and have low or no outstanding mortgage debt, our Reverse Mortgage programs can allow you to borrow against the equity you've built in your home. That's the "reverse" part of this kind of mortgage loan. Instead of making monthly payments, you can opt to receive them!

For More Details contact one of our knowledgeable real estate Agents or follow the link for all the requirements.

WellsFargo

ERA CMH

Ask This Old House!

2009-01-05T12:02:00.003-05:00

Two trusted names. One fantastic relationship. Endless tips for you.ERA Real Estate and Ask This Old House, one of the most respected names in home improvement, are teaming up to make exclusive content available to you. Whether you are interested in buying, selling or improving a home, you can find it here.We will offer you original advice on everything from room makeovers and home staging tips to ideas on how to boost your home's curb appeal. And, best of all, we’ll do it in a fun, easy-to-follow format.

REALTOR OF THE YEAR!!!!

2008-12-05T08:49:00.003-05:00

WE HAD MUCH FUN HELPING OUR

MICHELLE CELEBRATE WINNING

"REALTOR of the YEAR"

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO FOR US MICHELLE!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Snow Predictions from the Farmer's Almanac

2008-12-04T08:09:00.005-05:00

Taken December 2nd

December 2008

Avg. Temperature: 29.5° (4.5° below avg.)Precipitation: 3" (avg.)

Dec. 1-2: Rain to snow

Dec. 3-7: Snow showers, cold

Dec. 8-14: Snow showers north, sunny south; cold

Dec. 15-18: Snow, then sunny, seasonable

Dec. 19-23: Snow showers, very cold

Dec. 24-28: Snow, then sunny, mild

Dec. 29-31: Occasional rain, mild

2009 Holiday Home Tour

2008-11-18T08:30:00.003-05:00

Come to the 2009 Holiday Home Tour

Sunday, December 7

1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Featuring 5 homes off Valley River Avenue
This year's tour features 5 well loved homes in historic downtown Murphy, ranging in age from the late 1800s to mid century, and in styles from Craftsman to high style Victorian.

Tickets are $10 per tour guest, and available in town in advance and on the day of the tour at the Valley River Merchants building (the old Badcock location by the service station on Valley River Avenue)

This year's tour proceeds go toward funding of the Amphitheater project,to be sited across from the Murphy River Walk and Koneheta Park in historic downtown Murphy.

Check out Just Some of our Color!!

2008-10-29T15:15:00.002-04:00

This picture are actual leaves that I scanned in the copier, they turned out real well!!

We acually had a few snow flurries yesterday!! What a contrast, this color with the white snow!!

13th Annual Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Chili Cook Off

2008-10-13T14:43:00.007-04:00

Here we are!! We did not win any awards but we had a BLAST!! And made some great friends. There were some ladies that come here just for the Chili Cook Off who said ours was the best hands down!!! And I think we had more people come back for seconds!! I think the best was Bob's Corn Muffins!!! Thanks for everyone's hard work and help!!

Deal of the Week!!

2008-09-26T14:06:00.005-04:00

Michelle Has one SWEEET Deal!!

Click above and check-out all the details!!

3 bedroom, 3 bath Log Home for $275,000

Link us to your TomTom account!!

2008-09-11T16:52:00.004-04:00

We Remember

2008-09-11T16:21:00.002-04:00

Local Crafting Show!!

2008-09-03T14:25:00.002-04:00

You need to check out this wonderful website!! They have such great videos on the local (and not so local) Crafters, Farmers Markets, etc!!! Our Office gives it 5 stars and 2 thumbs up!!!

Franklin VA Clinic Opens

2008-08-27T14:57:00.002-04:00

At last: Franklin VA clinic opens By Colin McCandless
pressreporter@thefranklinpress.com
At a glance:
Opened Wednesday, Aug. 20.
Hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Phone number: 828-369-1783
Location: 647 Wayah Street, Franklin.
Provides: Primary care, optometry and mental health services, by appointment only.
It's official: veterans of the region will no longer have to make the 70-plus mile trek to Asheville to receive primary care from the VA clinic. Now they have their own facility closer to home.
An estimated crowd of 700 people including veterans and their families, local, state and federal leaders and citizens gathered Aug. 18 to celebrate the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new Franklin Community Based Outpatient Clinic.
The CBOC, which started serving patients Wednesday morning, is located at 647 Wayah Street across the street from Franklin High School.
Event festivities kicked off with music from the Franklin High School Marching Band followed by remarks from a variety of speakers, tours of the building and the ribbon cutting. Nikki Corbin and her mother Susan Pons sang the National Anthem.
Photo/Linda Mathias Surrounded by dignitaries, Senator Richard Burr cuts the ribbon for the grand opening of the new Veterans clinic in Franklin. Others shown are Graham Fields, Western Regional Director for Senator Elizabeth Dole; Gen. F.P. Bodenheimer, Ret., who donated the building for use as a clinic; Burr; Representative Heath Shuler, Susan Pendergrass, director of the Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville; Daniel F. Hoffmann, director, VA Mid-Atlantic Health Care Network.
Keynote speaker Daniel F. Hoffman, director of the VA Mid-Atlantic Health Care Network, VISN-6 (Veterans Integrated Services Network) quipped that probably every possible type of delay has affected this Franklin CBOC.
"I want to welcome you to the long-awaited CBOC," said Hoffman, whose Mid-Atlantic Health Care Network serves more than 300,000 veterans and averages 1.3 million outpatient visits a year. The network covers North Carolina, most of Virginia and portions of West Virginia and South Carolina.
"We are very proud to provide access to you closer to your homes."

YARD SALE

2008-08-27T12:17:00.002-04:00

We will be holding an office wide YARD SALE on Saturday, August 30th.

Bug Bite Information

2008-08-26T16:59:00.002-04:00

Very Useful Bug Bite Information. I was on WebMD.com and came across this bug bite slide show. Very cool and creepy. Hope this helps with some questions on some of the bugs we have around here!!

J

WIKIPEDIA on MURPHY

2008-08-22T08:31:00.002-04:00

This is a cool site Michelle came across....feel free to use it for some information. Remember, you can also add area information to it about Murphy!!!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murphy,_North_Carolina

Back To School!!

2008-08-18T12:02:00.003-04:00

School Will be starting Monday, August 25th!!! Just a reminder to be aware of the school buses in the mornings and afternoons!!

Welcome to Heritage Partners

2008-08-14T09:43:00.006-04:00

Come to the 8th annual Heritage Walk & Festival!!

The 2008 main festival venue is moving to Koneheta Park!
You'll also enjoy other happenings at the Old L&N Depot and the historic town center of Murphy, NC.
Last year's event drew 3,000 people from 13 states and 113 cities. We thank the 85 volunteers and local business people who provide the time and sponsorship funding to make it happen.

Saturday, August 30 9am-4pm
Free Admission to all events.

2008-08-14T08:21:00.004-04:00

Welcome to our new blogg!!!

Please feel free to ask Real Estate questions, Area Information, or just say HI!!