Making the plunge into a touch screen blackberry with my Gmail Sync, Facebook Page & Twitter got me to thinking about how things have changed over the last few years when it comes to communication. We are all connected instantly one way or another these days.
I was reading an article from RISMEDIA, March 8, 2010 [...]
Quick MLS Search
Newsletter Signup
Get Notified
Contact Information
Local Weather
Facebook & Twitter Access via Mobile Browser Grows by Triple-Digits
Making Smart & Timely Decisions About Your Home
Have you wanted to have a notebook binder that is always at your fingertips with helpful tips, ideas and progress reports on those household projects?
Here is your answer. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® have developed and rolled out a great homeowner website that has….
Improvement Ideas with How-To’s
Maintenance Suggestions
Tax & Incentives
Finances & Insurance
News & Activity
The HouseLogic [...]
Charles Shultz still lives!
The following is the philosophy of Charles Schulz?
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.
4 Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor [...]
Adult Snow Day in Brevard NC
As I sit here at the computer at 8:30am surrounded by windows, I am marveled by a winter wonderland as the snow continues to fall. All the trees and bushes are covered with fresh clean white snow promising 4 to 6 inches of new snow today. So, not having school age children, what is [...]
Brevard NC “White Squirrel Festival” Music Fund
The Heart of Brevard announces the creation of the “White Squirrel Festival MUSIC FUND.” This is a fund through the Community Focus Foundation that will allow for tax-deductible donations by individuals to support the festival concerts.
The 6th Annual White Squirrel Festival takes place in downtown Brevard over the Memorial Day Weekend (May 29-30, 2010).
16 concerts [...]
Banff Mountain Film Festival in Brevard, NC
This year’s Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour, presented by Sycamore Cycles, will be coming to the Brevard College campus with screenings at 7pm on March 19th and 20th, 2010. Tickets are $10 for one show or $15 total if you buy tickets for both shows. Our two nights of film screenings are different. The tentative film [...]
What Difference “Color” Makes!
For many months I have been working with the Seller of this lovely very unique property sporting lots of features trying to find a buyer – but – it was difficult for potential buyers to get past the Seller’s personalized colors.
This home was built green in it’s day in 1991 with over 7 different species [...]
Brevard NC in Western North Carolina
Western North Carolina
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The counties most commonly associated with Western North Carolina.
Western North Carolina (often abbreviated as WNC) is the region of North Carolina which includes the Appalachian Mountains, thus it is often known geographically as the state’s Mountain Region. It is sometimes included with upstate South Carolina as the “Western Carolinas”, [...]
Brevard NC in Transylvania County
Transylvania County, North Carolina
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Transylvania County, North Carolina
Location in the state of North Carolina
North Carolina’s location in the U.S.
History
The county was formed in 1861 from parts of Henderson County and Jackson County. Its name is derived from the Transylvania Company and has Latin origins: trans (”across”) and silva or sylva (”woods”).
Law and [...]
Brevard’s Dancing With the STARS!
Feb 13, 2010 – Feb 13, 2010 8 pm – 11 pm
Brevard’s Dancing with the Stars Hosted by Heart of Brevard
Sweetheart Dancing with Our Stars – Valentine’s Weekend Dance Sponsored by Heart of Brevard Talent doesn’t just thrive in Hollywood, California. Western North Carolina has plenty of community celebrities who are willing to compete for [...]
Transylvania County Arts Council-Body & Soul
Feb 12, 2010 – Mar 12, 2010 Monday – Friday from 10 am – 4 pm
Gallery Exhibit: BODY & SOUL -
by Transylvania Community Arts Council
Location: 349 S. Caldwell Street Brevard, NC – View Map
February 12 – March 12 BODY & SOUL: Gallery Exhibit at TC Arts Council The TC Arts Council is hosting an [...]
Road Trip to Western NC Mountains!
As the winter blues set in why not plan a trip the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in Western NC. In a recent article in the AARP magazine “Road Buddy” it tells about a free estimate of how much you’ll likely spend on gasoline – plus pointers to the cheapest stations along your route. You can [...]
Clock is Ticking-Repeat Buyers-Expanded Tax Credit
The clock is ticking for repeat buyers to take advantage and capitalize on the expanded Tax Credit. According to a RISMEDIA article dated January 23, 2010—By now it is well documented that today’s affordable housing prices, historically low interest rates and federal home buyer tax credit have combined to create one of the most [...]
What A Difference a Decade Makes!
It is interesting to note as we begin a new decade how todays buyers are searching for property. According to a RISMEDIA article dated January 5, 2010—At the beginning of the 21st century, most home buyers had never viewed a home online; the three top home sale marketing methods were yard signs, newspaper ads [...]
Cents & Sensibility-Home Improvers
This is the forth of four blogs on the Cents & Sensibility of the 2010 HOMEBUYER having to do with smaller and more energy-efficient homes.
It was reported in a RISMEDIA article dated January 22, 2010—Better Homes and Gardens recently revealed proprietary research and insights on what consumers are looking for in their next home and [...]
Cents & Sensibility-Family-Friendly Home
This is the third of four blogs on the Cents & Sensibility of the 2010 HOMEBUYER having to do with smaller and more energy-efficient homes.
It was reported in a RISMEDIA article dated January 22, 2010—Better Homes and Gardens recently revealed proprietary research and insights on what consumers are looking for in their next home and [...]
Cents & Sensibility-Organized-Multi-Tasking Home
This is the second of four blogs on the Cents & Sensibility of the 2010 HOMEBUYER having to do with smaller and more energy-efficient homes.
It was reported in a RISMEDIA article dated January 22, 2010—Better Homes and Gardens recently revealed proprietary research and insights on what consumers are looking for in their next home and [...]
Cents & Sensibility-Smaller Energy-Efficient Home
This is the first of four blogs on the Cents & Sensibility of the 2010 HOMEBUYER having to do with smaller and more energy-efficient homes.
It was reported in a RISMEDIA article dated January 22, 2010—Better Homes and Gardens recently revealed proprietary research and insights on what consumers are looking for in their next home and [...]
Cents & Sensibility-2010 Homebuyers Top Priorities
It was reported in a RISMEDIA article dated January 22, 2010—Better Homes and Gardens recently revealed proprietary research and insights on what consumers are looking for in their next home and overall priorities guiding current and future home improvement projects.
In a speech at the NAHB International Builders Show, Eliot Nusbaum, Better Homes and Gardens Executive [...]
REMEMBER-Those STILL Missing in HAITI!
Over these last few days I have been following closely the desperate pleas of a fellow Rotarian and friend, Matthew Beck, as he tries to get word about his brother missing in the rubble of Hotel Montana in Haiti. Brendan, an engineer doing consulting work in Haiti, checked into the hotel for a night to [...]
Making Sense of the NEW GFE & HUD-1 Statement
The National Association of REALTORS produced this video explaining the different aspects of the new Good Faith Estimate & HUD-1 statement that went into effect January 1, 2010.
Click here to see the new forms from a previous post.
Expanded Homebuyer Tax Credit-Chase Away Winter Blues
I found this article from RISMEDIA, dated January 7, 2010 having some good insites on the expanded homebuyer tax credit and how it could chase away the winter blues.
As we begin 2010, both real estate professionals and home buyers have something to look forward to and more importantly, take advantage of—the extended and expanded home [...]
Preventive Maintenance-Appliances Humming Along
In these challenging economic times we all could use a few simple tips to keep our appliances, electronics and kitchen gear running smoother longer. This RISMEDIA article dated January 16, 2010 gives some excellent suggestions on how to do a little preventative maintenance.
Taking the time to do a little preventative maintenance on household items is [...]
Live Where You Play NOW with Tax Credit
Recent changes to the American Recovery and reinvestment Act of 2009 have helped even more folks make their retirement and 2nd home dreams come true sooner than later! This exciting news comes at a time when many are already taking advantage of low home prices and the lowest interest rates in years. Even more reason [...]
NC State Parks Declare 2010 ‘Year of the Birds’
Beverly Eaves Perdue, Governor
Dee Freeman, Secretary
N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Release: Immediate
Contact: Charlie Peek
Date: 2009-12-29
Phone: (919) 715-8709
RALEIGH — North Carolina’s state parks will pay tribute to its winged residents and visitors in 2010 by celebrating the “Year of the Birds,” according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.
Throughout the year, birds and bird-watching [...]
9 Simple Tips to Save Money
Thinking about the new year and getting my books in order to close out for 2009, I ran across this RISMEDIA, January 12, 2010 article I think you may enjoy as I did.
If you’ve weathered this past year’s wallet-squeezing, here’s some how-to advice for keeping more money in your pocket now that the New [...]
5 Feng Shui Concepts to Help a Home Sell
More times than not I hear potential home buyers as they are walking through a home for the first time talk about how the home FEELS. To put the best face on a listing and appeal to buyers who follow feng shui principles, keep these tips in mind.
1. Pay special attention to the front door, [...]
10 Big-Impact, Low-Cost Remodeling Projects
Working with sellers who have some—but not unlimited—cash for upgrades? Here are budget-minded enhancements you can suggest to make their home stand out.
1. Tidy up kitchen cabinets.
“Potential buyers do open kitchen cabinets and look inside,” says Morrissey. “Home owners can add rollout organizing trays so when buyers peek in, they feel like there’s lots of [...]
Q & A on Move-Up/Repeat Home Buyer Tax Credit
In researching to find answers to questions how the expanded Move-UP/Repeat Home Buyer Tax Credit works, I came across this lengthy piece that answers a lot of the ins and outs of how it works and who is eligible from the National Association of Home Builders. It really does give a complete run down on [...]
Top 10 Real Estate New Year’s Resolutions
2009 is GONE – GOOD BYE the events in 2009!
Looking forward to 2010!
Buyers and Sellers alike are looking forward to the New Year and are starting to plan what will be a priority when it comes to real estate. According to a Move.com survey, beginning a home improvement project is the most popular resolution, with [...]
Happy New Year! 2010!
Happy New Year to you and your Family! Here’s to 2010!
New Year’s Day Modern Practices & History
From Wikipedia:
Modern practices
January 1 marks the end of a period of remembrance of a particular passing year, especially on radio, television, and in newspapers, which usually starts right after Christmas Day. Publications often have year-end articles that review the changes during the previous year. Common topics include politics, natural disasters, music and the arts, and [...]
Free-Wheeling, Debt-Hungry Spending is OUT Actively Managing Your Personal Finances is IN
According to an article from RSMEDIA December 28, 2009, there are signs of improvement from a year ago. Some indications:
Retail sales rose 1.3% in November 2009, prompting some to suggest consumers were ready to spend in earnest this holiday season
Americans’ net worth—the value of assets such as homes, bank accounts and investments, minus debts such [...]
‘Tis the Season to Forgiveness & Reconciliation
I was reading an article from RISMEDIA, December 28, 2009, that really hit me with a message I believe we all can benefit from as 2009 draws to an end and 2010 right around the corner. 2009 gave us a lot of reasons to practice these principles as we approach 2010.
Dave Anderson, author of How [...]
4 Helpful Tips for Smooth Surfing in 2010
As I was reading the e-newsletter sent by the internet provider here in Brevard, NC, Comporium, I ran across this simple but helpful tip for smooth surfing in the new year.
Helpful Tips For Smooth Surfing In The New Year
As 2009 comes to an end, we realize more and more individuals are utilizing their Internet [...]
9 Silly Christmas Facts – Did YOU Know?
Did you know that…
In Brazil, Christmas presents are hidden outdoors (it is warm and they do not have to worry about snow) [...]
5 Facts About Christmas Carols & More
There is a distinction between a Christmas carol and a Christmas song. A Christmas Carol has a fairly rapid, regular beat, which would, therefore, exclude a meandering, crooning song such as “White Christmas”.
The world’s most famous Christmas carol is “Silent night”.
“Jingle Bells” was originally named, “One-Horse Open Sleigh”, and was written for Thanksgiving, not for [...]
Roger Whittaker – Darcy The Dragon
One of my family’s favorite contemporary Christmas song is Darcy The Dragon song by Roger Whittaker.
I hope you enjoy! A Merry Christams to Thee!
Roger Whittaker – Darcy The Dragon
Click here if you don’t see the flash player.
Mistletoe, Holly & Poinsettias
Mistletoe
Mistletoe was used by Druid priests 200 years before the birth of Christ [...]
Christmas Stockings History
Christmas stockings
Christmas stockings are hung near the chimney on Christmas Eve for Santa Claus to fill it with goodies for the children. It is an empty sock or a bag that is given the shape of a sock. The children in United States and some other countries have been following this tradition of hanging a [...]
Christmas Tree History
Christmas Trees
In 16th-century Germany fir trees were decorated, both indoors and out, with apples, roses, [...]
NEW HUD Statement – January 1, 2010
YEA – Monday Morning – we had a closing – all was in place – the i’s dotted – the t’s crossed – everything in it’s place – BUT WAIT – The closing attorney had a software update preparing for the NEW HUD statements we are required to use beginning January 1, 2010. As all [...]
Texting/Emailing While Driving? NO MORE!
It is amazing to me that we have to conduct studies and pass laws to determine texting while driving is dangerous. I have 3 children in their 20’s all with blackberries and it scares me to think they may be driving while texting or emailing.
Transportation Institute found that truck drivers who were texting were 23 [...]
New HUD Regulation to Save Nearly $700
Beginning 01-01-2010 HUD requires lenders and mortgage brokers to give a borrower a standard Good Faith Estimate. From 1974, few changes have been made on the process borrowers use to buy & refinance homes. HUD’s reform will improve disclosure of the key loan terms and closing costs consumers pay when they buy or refinance their [...]
5 Ways to Create YOUR Version of the Holidays!
I was reading a RISMEDIA article dated December 10, 2009 talking about creating our own version of the Holiday Season and it struck me so I thought I would share it with you and hope you can relate & benefit. We all have from time to time experienced the stresses associated with the hustle & [...]
What Does Wikipedia Write About Brevard, NC?
Ever wondered what the one-line encylopedia has to say about your city? It is interesting to look up and see what is being said about your home town.
Here is what Wikipedia has to say about my home town, Brevard, NC:
Brevard is a town in Transylvania County, North Carolina, United States. The 2005 population estimate by [...]
Western NC Spotlighted on GMA
On GMA this morning they spotlighted George Vanderbilt’s Biltmore House located in Asheville NC just a mere 40 minuet drive from my home town Brevard. It is truly an experience should you be in Western NC you can not miss!
Below is the article from Good Morning America’s web site:
Click on the picture of the Biltmore [...]
Doom Lurking? Is it the Dreaded CRASH?
As I was sitting in front of my computer as I do 75% of my day working away trying to create this blog, I heard this low grinding noise coming forth from my laptop. Beads of virtual sweat covered by face as fear started to bubble up inside me. Then it hit me like a [...]
ATOM Museum in Brevard
One of the attractions I visited during Brevard’s Twilight Tour Saturday was ATOM the Vintage Aluminum Tree Museum.
I hope it brings back some memories for you as it did for me.
OH, don’t worry – it won’t tell our age!
This is just one of the great events during Brevard’s Twilight Tour – if you missed this [...]
22nd Annual Twilight Tour Downtown Brevard NC
Tomorrow, the downtown streets of Brevard will be transformed into a magical world of holiday cheer during the Heart of Brevard’s 22nd Annual Twilight Tour.
Twilight Tour takes a turn back in time…join us this year for a “Christmas by the Campfire”…celebrating mountain traditions.
Instead of streets lined with vendors, each downtown block will have an open [...]
How to Make a Home Office Look Bigger & Inviting
One of the most important aspects about selling a home is inviting the potential buyer to come into a room and engage. What is meant about engaging – inviting the buyer to picture themselves and their things in your space. This video shows how to take a home office and transforming it into a much [...]
Property Wish List-Checking it Twice!
With December right around the corner – the air is cool – Christmas decorations beginning to appear – excitement is in the air and Santa is making a list and checking it twice. So it is when buying property – having a check list to help prioritize the features you want in your new home.
Click [...]
Why is Black Friday – Black Friday?
Black Friday is the Friday after Thanksgiving in the United States, which is the beginning of the traditional Christmas shopping season. The term dates back to at least 1966, although its usage was primarily on the East coast. The term has become more common in other parts of the country since 2000. Because Thanksgiving falls [...]
5 Things I am Thankful for this Thanksgiving!
As I rush to prepare for the Thanksgiving dinner in my house with our daughter and her son, our grandson, Mr. Nuggles, I pause a moment to reflect on the many blessings I have in life. After all it is Thanksgiving – a time to reach out and count our blessings.
So here is my list [...]
Thanksgiving – Turkey Day Eve
Alas the poor turkey. His day cometh.
Christopher Columbus back in 1492 mistook the large native pheasant for a peacock. Fast forward 129 years and the Pilgrims have landed at Plymouth. There, as tradition has it, the Thanksgiving tradition began. The first Thanksgiving lasted three days.
We don’t know if the Pilgrims had turkey. Fowl and venison [...]
Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Proclamation – 1863
By the Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States of America.
A Proclamation.
The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others [...]
Thanksgiving Day Proclamation – 1789
“Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection [...]
Food Drive Down Town Brevard Gazebo!
The Pisgah forest Rotary Club is facilitating a Food Drive Tomorrow, Saturday, to benefit Sharing House.
The Drop Off site is down town Brevard at the Gazebo next to the court house. There will also be volunteers at some of your favorite grocery stores.
Linda McCready the executive director of TCM-Sharing house explains, our home here in [...]
ZUMBATHON for Cystic Fibrosis in Brevard NC
The Zumbathon for Cystic Fibrosis is THIS Sat. Nov. 21st at Zero Gravity Skate park from 10 to Noon.
Come learn the latest dance/exercise craze while helping fund the cure for cystic fibrosis.
CF is a genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system, and just a few years ago, not many kids lived passed [...]
Selling in FL = Buying in NC
In September I wrote about the effects of a recovering Real Estate market in Florida.
In a Nov. 14th article, RISMEDIA, it was written sales of existing single-family homes in Florida rose 33% in the third quarter 2009 compared to the same period a year earlier, according to the latest housing statistics from Florida Realtors®. [...]
House for Sale? You Are Selling Space!
I was stuck when viewing the video below how true the statement is “When you have a house for sale, You are selling space”. We all acquire many treasures through the years and furnish our homes for comfort not for show. We have lots of furniture so friends and family can gather and enjoy, we [...]
Today, We Pause & Honor our Veterans
I am visiting my family in OHIO to be with my Dad, Bob Seiple, who is turning 80 years young on the 22nd of November. Reflecting, I was thinking about the importance of today and all the men and women and their families who answered the call to protect the freedom of the United State [...]
7 Q & A on Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit for CURRENT Home Owners!
Were you on the fence deciding when to buy your retirement home in the Brevard NC Mountains?
NOW IS THE TIME!
With the Home Buyer Tax Credit extension’s new terms, it opens the door to current homeowners wanting to relocate.
Expands the credit to grant up to $6,500 credit to current home owners purchasing a new or [...]
1st Annual SAFE’s Llama Rama in Brevard, NC
Meet Peaches and Rock Star!
They were our caddies for Safe’s first annual Llama Rama to raise money to assist those effected by domestic violence and sexual abuse.
Players from left to right: Lynda Hysong, Sandi McCauley, Bobbie Jaavice, Patti Coleman
The event was a great success having raised approximately $5000. The money raised will go towards the [...]
NC Incentives & Tax Credits THIS WEEKEND!
Sales Tax Holiday for Energy Efficient Appliances
Certain EnergyStar® certified appliances are exempt from the sales and use tax if purchased during the first weekend in November. Eligible appliances include:
clothes washers;
refrigerators and freezers;
central air conditioners and window air conditioners;
air-source or geothermal heat pumps;
ceiling fans;
dehumidifiers; and
programmable thermostats.
Solar Energy Systems Property Tax Abatement
Eighty percent of the appraised value [...]
Senate Votes to Renew 1st Home Buyers Tax Credit
The Senate voted Wednesday to renew the government’s $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers through the first six months of next year as part of a broader bill designed to extend unemployment benefits.
For the first time, the tax credit program would also enable many homeowners who buy a new primary residence to receive a [...]
Energy Pulse Survey-Pretty wins over Environment
Energy Pulse® 5th annual survey conducted by Shelton Group, found consumers is reverting to their old priorities as the recession wanes- perhaps at the expense of the environment.
504 Americans surveyed by telephone in September 2009, were asked, “Assuming you were suddenly given $10,000 to make home improvements, which two of the following would you choose?” [...]
Homebuyer Tax Credit Extension Nov. 3rd?
In a statement issued by Harry Reid, the Senate Majority Leader has confirmed that the Congress might approve the extension of the $8,000 homebuyers credit tax scheme and unemployment benefits. The approval is expected to come through as soon as early next week. The scheme, the actual deadline of which was December 01, has been [...]
27th Annual Halloweenfest in Transylvania Today!
The only other Transylvania is in Romania, so where else would you want to honor Halloween, but with us today!?
Started by the Chamber of Commerce in 1982, Halloweenfest is celebrating its 27th year!
There is plenty of [...]
Thank you to Great Folks Everywhere!
In this age of instant information -
instant gratification -
data overload -
we at times forget the humanity behind the written word.
So I would like to say a simple THANK YOU for following my Blogs.
It’s nice to know what interests me also interests some of you.
I enjoy connecting with great folks all around this great country
and the [...]
12 Tips for Buying Investment Property
I found an interesting article published with RISMEDIA, September 19, 2009—Christine Van Tuyl and Margaret La Grange, an award-winning mother-daughter team with Prudential California Realty in Coronado, have compiled their latest list, the “Top Twelve Tips for Buying an Investment Property.”
“Real estate investors aren’t necessarily all-cash buyers with millions in the bank,” said Van Tuyl, [...]
Hiking Fitness – 2 Options in Brevard
Keeping physically fit is very important. We live in a beautiful mountain area that makes the effort to keep one’s body in good condition a pleasure.
Envision:
Hiking a mountain trail with a running stream alongside.
Hiking in one of our county park areas with fabulous waterfalls to enjoy.
Transylvania County has over 150 waterfalls. A box [...]
What Did The Woolly Worm Say?
Old-timers in Appalachia have many ways of predicting snow-fall and the harshness of winter. Among them are observing various plants and animals, the amount of acorns and other foods that animals rely on in the winter, observing clouds and/or smoke, counting the number of rainy days in the summer, judging the thickness of a horse [...]
Survey – One of the Important Inspections
In the typical residential real estate transaction, a buyer offers to purchase property from a seller. After negotiating the price and terms, the buyer and seller sign an offer to purchase and contract, and the buyer gives the seller (or the seller’s agent) an earnest money [...]
Heart Attack? Aspirin Chewed Works Faster!
Aspirin helps by inhibiting platelets. Only a tiny amount is needed to inhibit all the platelets in the bloodstream; in fact, small amounts are better than high doses. But since the clot grows minute by minute, [...]
Little Bitsy – Week 12 – PLEASE VOTE!
It is the beginning of the last week in the CUTEST DOG COMPETITION
and Little Bitsy is SO SO close!
On September 29th, I posted a blog about Little Bitsy being entered in the CUTEST DOG COMPENTITION. Now we are in the last week of the competition and WE NEED YOUR HELP!
If Little Bitsy wins, she is [...]
PEAK LEAF SEASON HERE IN BREVARD!
According to the Weather Channel – Western North Carolina is in PEAK leaf season. Looking out my window the colors are all around – bright reds, yellows. oranges. Click on the picture below to see the Weather Channel’s map:
FUN FACT:
What do autumn leaves and ripening bananas have in common?
The green color in unripe [...]
Stop! Beware of signing that document on your client’s behalf!
The best policy is to encourage the parties to sign the documents for themselves. If a document must be mailed to a party for signature, the signature should be acknowledged by a notary public to confirm authenticity.
When a party is unable to personally sign a document-the agent representing him should obtain the written permission of [...]
The Pisgah Mountain Bike Stage Race in Brevard NC
Today Brevard is the host of the Richest Cash Purse Stage Race in America. The Pisgah Mountain Bike Stage Race is a 4 day epic journey in the backcountry of Western North Carolina. They can race individually [...]
Great Ideas on How to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
I found this article from RISMEDIA very interesting with great ideas we may not have thought about – enjoy the read.
RISMEDIA, October 14, 2009—(MCT)—You’re committed to curbside recycling. Now how do you tackle the tough stuff? Check out these solutions for seven hard-to-recycle items.
1. Appliances – Most appliances can be tricky to dispose of. Refrigerators and [...]
4 Q & A about Earnest Money Deposits
Here are 4 commonly asked questions and answers about Earnest Money Deposits from The North Carolina Real Estate Commission’s pamphlet Questions and Answers on Earnest Money Deposits.
Q: What is “earnest money?”
A: It is money you give to the seller (or the seller’s agent) to show your good faith when making an offer to purchase the [...]
Gaelic Storm at Brevard College Porter Center
Last night along with a sold out crowd, we enjoyed experiencing Gaelic Storm’s performance with an appearance from Darcy Donkey, returning after their debut in Brevard 8 years ago. Every age group was represented from 10 to 90 – all having a grand time – clapping – dancing – singing. You had to be there [...]
3 Reasons to Stop & Notice Your Surroundings
As I was walking my dog this morning, I was pondering on how to encourage my agents at our office meeting this afternoon. Keeping a positive attitude in these challenging times, is a difficult at best. So in an effort to brighten things up at our lunch meeting – I asked them all to bring [...]
2009 Brevard/Transylvania Chamber EXPO-Commerce Carnival!
Tonight – October 6th – Come One, Come All to the Commerce Carnival Chamber Expo 2009, an evening full of fun games and desirable prizes. Admission is free to the public! The doors will be open from 5:00 pm until 7:30 pm. For more information about “The Biggest Show in Transylvania County”, [...]
MERS & The Mortgage Machine
An article from the NY Times was emailed to me from a friend entitled “Fair Game – The Mortgage Machine Backfires” talking about a court decision in Kansas. Knowing my background in Mortgage banking, he thought I would find the article interesting. He was right – now the question I pose – how many of [...]
Pictures Versus The REAL Thing
In elementary school (or grade school if you are my age) we were taught a picture is worth 1000 words – a true statement to an extent. We have all seen the McDonald’s ads showing the luscious Big Mac – purchased our very own and it didn’t look exactly like it did in the ad.
It [...]
October-Breast Cancer Awareness In Brevard & Beyond
As we begin October with Fall in the air and the leaves begin to change to a brilliant array of colors, let us not forget to THINK PINK!
According to NBCAM (National Breast Cancer Awareness Month): Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, aside from skin cancer. According to the [...]
11 Issues Not to Overlook on a Final Walk-through
Your offer is accepted – the inspections & repairs are complete – the mortgage is approved – you’re packed are ready to move and it is the day of closing. You have a closing time of 2pm and meeting with your REALTOR at noon at the new home to do your walk through. Be prepared [...]
Fall Changing of the COLOR in Brevard NC!
Fall is beautiful for many reasons in Western North Carolina – the air is crisp – the sky is deep blue – the days are warm and the nights are cool – gentle breezes blow. All factors in our many hardwood trees to put on their best show – the changing of the COLOR of [...]
Vote for Little Bitsy & help Animal Rescue of WNC
We need your help – VOTE for Little Bitsy!! Little Bitsy has been entered in the Cutest Dog Competition. If she wins, she is donating her winnings to Animal Rescue of WNC. She has been in top 30 for 4 weeks straight and there are over 60,000 dogs entered. Wow! The contest runs for 12 [...]
Transylvania Regional Hospital Board Welcomes Dick Larson
Transylvania Regional Hospital (TRH) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dick Larson to the Hospital’s Board of Trustees. Formed in 1933 with the mission to serve the healthcare needs of the community, they remain true to that commitment by providing state-of-the-art healthcare delivered with the personal attention.
Larson is a full-time resident of Connestee Falls, [...]
Wood-Destroying Insect Information Report
Pest Control Operators and Reports
What should real estate consumers reasonably expect of North Carolina Pest Control Operators when they complete the standard “Wood-Destroying Insect Information Report”? This was the subject of a recent memorandum from the Structural Pest Control Division of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture which has been excerpted below:
PEST CONTROL OPERATORS
[...]
4 Florida Upside Down Market Positives Benefit Brevard, NC
Florida Association of Realtors® recently took a look at some of the opportunities and positive indicators for the future of Florida’s real estate market. I decided to look at 4 of Florida’s market positives and how it directly benefits Brevard and Western NC market positives.
Florida – Great prices. Statewide, home prices have fallen about 20 [...]
Brevard NC – The Land of Waterfalls
Yes, the Land of Waterfalls – in Brevard NC. For the past days – it has been WHERE the Water falls. With the southeastern part of the United States, we too received our share of rain drops – lots of rain drops.
In an area where we have over 250 waterfalls and we get a [...]
Photography – Let the Sunshine in!
On this rainy day – rainy week in the mountains – thinking of Light & Bright may help turn the falling rain into liquid sunshine. It is what makes the mountains lush and green, yet having grown up in Ohio where gloomy days were the norm and now living where we don’t normally have [...]
FNMA 09-19 Amends Guides 09-01-09
Remember the days when getting a mortgage was fairly cut and dry – 28 to 40% of your monthly income for housing and 36 to 50% for housing and debts. You had to pay your bills on time without late payments and the property needed to appraise for at least the purchase price. Today, what [...]
5 Staging Tips – A Good Beginning to Selling Your Home
In our current Real Estate climate it is even more vital to have your home in show readiness. Good pictures, dynamic description, & global marketing is important. Yet as important is the continued process of making a house into a home in the eyes of a Buyer. There is a saying – Simple but NOT [...]
Where Were You When the World Stood Still?
A full nights sleep is not always my friend and this morning was no exception, I finely gave up at 4:30am. Turning on talk radio, I was reminded of the day that will be etched in each of our memories for years to come – September 11, 2001. I began thinking about all the life [...]
5 Things to Consider When Buying a Home!
A question asked again and again is “When is the Right Time to Buy a Home”. There is not a right or wrong answer to this question. Buying a home is the largest purchase most make in their lifetimes. The right time to buy a home will NOT be the same for every person. Here [...]
Connector Connestee’s Salola Trail to Soco Way OPEN!
A new extension, opened on September 5th, 2009, connects the Salola trail to Soco Way.
I was unable to attend the Grand Opening yesterday morning – but Nutmeg (my 13 lb pup) and I went out on our own in the afternoon. What a treat – it is [...]
63rd Annual Apple Festival – 5 Ways I Benefited
After hearing the ads about the Apple Festival, yesterday I decided to take a day off and attend. I called a friend and we set off to take in the sites, sounds, smells and excitement. Here are 5 ways we benefited from attending the Apple Festival.
28th Annual Gem & Mineral Spectacular – this was our [...]
On a Scale of 1 to 10 a 5.9 RE Confidence Index
As the Summer draws to an end and Fall right around the corner, I thought it would be good to see what the statistics are so far for 2009.
Released today by REUTERS was an article reporting on the Real Estate Confidence Index (RECI) survey for the month of August 2009. The RECI extended its upward [...]
What IS the FUN to INFECT with Cyber H1V1!?!
This morning as we were milling around getting ready for the Brevard Board of REALTORS executive board meeting, Amy our EO received a message from one of our board members on her FaceBook page through her blackberry. Now this was interesting because she was standing face to face having conversation with the person who sent [...]
Hiking in the Pisgah National Forest
Yesterday I had the most incredible experience of hiking the Middle Prong of the Mountains-To-Sea Trail in the Pisgah National Forest. It is an unmarked wilderness trail riddled with blueberries and blackberries. The sound of silence was refreshing, renewing and inspiring. At times we forget the treasures we have in our own back yard. Below [...]
Green Tax Deduction Advantages
A tax credit is generally more valuable than an equivalent tax deduction because a tax credit reduces tax dollar-for-dollar, while a deduction only removes a percentage of the tax that is owed. Consumers can itemize purchases on their federal income tax form, which will lower the total amount of tax they owe the government.
In addition [...]
School is Back in Session!
Transylvania County Schools opened its doors to returning students on Tuesday – Brevard College students came back on Sunday and engaged in community service projects. Classes begin today! The future of our nation is in the hands of our youth. It is so important that we give them every chance to succeed as they follow [...]
Title Insurance – Is Lender’s & Owner’s Coverage Different?
Title insurance protects the holder from any losses sustained from defects in the title. It’s required by most mortgage lenders. It protects your ownership right to your home, both from fraudulent claims against your ownership and from mistakes made in earlier sales, such as mistake in the spelling of a person’s name or an inaccurate [...]
Gallery Walk
Part of the fun of Downtown Brevard, NC is there is always
somewhere to go – someone to see – something to do!
Brevard’s 4th Friday Gallery Walk – August 28th beginning at 5PM
Enjoy an evening stroll [...]
Credit Card Debt
As this is the time of year many young people get ready to head off to college I am reminded about the plethora of credit card offers thrown at our students without the parent’s knowledge. A notice in the school mail box, a free drink, a cool article of clothing, free tickets to a much [...]
Buyers Market
A “Buyers Market” forces the market to move with more leverage on the
buyer’s side of the buy/sell scale.
Taking advantage of today’s Buyers Market is only relevant when the Buyer buys and buys right.
Here are some ways used by buyers in an effort to achieve their goal of buying and buying right.
Look for homes – listed [...]
Radon
You can’t see it – You can’t smell it – You can’t taste it – The sugeon General has listed Radon as a Class A carcinogen, which means that it is Cancer causing. Radon is the nation’s 2nd leading cause of lung cancer. Elevated levels of radon have been found in all types of homes: [...]
Llama Caddies!
Sherwood Forest in Cedar Mountain NC is making local, national and even international news with their Llama Caddies. Aubrey Woodard, Diane Woodard’s husband, and granddaughter Alex was shown on NBC national news Sunday Night with the Llama Caddies. Here is an article about the Llama Caddies posted in The Hendersonville Times News Online:
The game [...]
1st Annual Transylvania Farm Fair
Don’t travel for Labor Day – We have a great day planned – September 5th from 9 to 2 at the American Legion. Not just farm fair – 1st Annual Founders Day Celebration hosted by the Transylvania Heritage Museum. Also included are local producers of eggs, sausage, beef, produce, and much more. OH – don’t [...]
When is a Contract a Contract?
The question came up today working with a buyer. A buyer decides they love a home and makes an Offer to Purchase.
According to the NC Real Estate Commission, now suppose that the seller rejects the buyer’s offer but makes a written, signed counteroffer. To accept the seller’s counteroffer, the buyer must do two things: (1) [...]
“We Were Selected for a PRESTIGIOUS Award”; BUT….
I received an email today saying the following:
“I am pleased to announce that Connestee Falls Realty has been selected for the 2009 Best of Brevard Award in the Real Estate Agents category by the US Commerce Association”.
As you can imagine I was flattered & elated- but then I thought why [...]
It’s Important to Enjoy Where You Live!
Working on a Sunday afternoon, I pause a moment and hear the stream in front of my office traveling to take the plunge over Connestee Waterfall just 1/3 of a mile down river.
Life sometimes is like water in a stream – at times calm – then a little further, rushing – then all of a [...]
Getting Back to Basics!
Anyone with more than 10 years experience in buying & selling homes realizes the SO CALLED tightening down of the underwriting guidelines followed by conventional lenders is getting back to basics. Up until the last few years, borrowers had to have a 2 year work history MAKING money no matter their credit score. I found [...]
Pending Sales Sustained Uptrend 4 Consecutive Months
GOOD NEWS – Pending Sales are up -
CAUTIOUS NEWS – delays in the number of contracts that go to closing due to the application of new appraisal rules.
NAR President Charles McMillan, a broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Dallas-Fort Worth, said the appraisal issue is complicated. “We see that distressed homes often are selling [...]
© 2010 Connestee Falls Realty | Designed by Think It Studio | Log in
All Rights Reserved Graphics and content are exclusive to Connestee Falls Realty Company Reproduction is strictly prohibited under penalty of law.
Working With Real Estate Agents
