Merry Christmas from the NC mountains!!

We are now less than a week away from celebrating the birth of Christ! Health did not permit me to send out Christmas cards this year, but I figure we are all entitled to a break every once in a while.... Real estate continues to move in our area. The weather has been hit or miss. We've had lows into the teens, and today's high is supposed to be 62! No wonder so many people are sick! The warmer weather makes for showing real estate much nicer though. Still a lot of great deals to be found in our neck of the woods. Most of the holiday events are over. My son's local Cub Scout Pack won a big trophy in the Christmas Parade. I believe it had something to do with being the most joyous! Am told the boys were singing Christmas Carols. The Monthly Art Walk downtown has wound down for the season, Sweet Tooth is closed, and the Farmers Market in Murphy won't be back until April. Our community has been quite busy over the summer and fall! Happy Holidays to everyone. Be safe on the roads, and stay healthy!!!

Brrrrrrr......

Hi all! It's been a while since I've posted as I've been under the weather lately. Hope everyone else is staying warm and healthy! Real estate continues to move in our area. I should be closing on a nice piece of property today. Will be closing on an older home next week that is just perfect for my client! The weather has been pretty chilly in the mornings making for some ice. The frost on the trees looks beautiful! Afternoons are getting up to the 40s and low 50s. I do hope you have a blessed and safe Christmas and New Years, if I don't write again before then!

Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Hi All, hope everyone has been well and staying warm! Seems the weather has cooled down all across the country. They've been threatening us with snow, but haven't seen any at our elevation yet. I read an article this morning that said the mortgage industry was going to see a shift in 2014 from refinances to first home purchases. That's great for real estate! They expect a strong market, too. I've already started seeing an increase this year, and am looking forward to a great 2014. On another note, there are some things happening in the area. Following is a link to the folk school with their happenings for December: https://blog.folkschool.org/2013/11/14/john-c-campbell-folk-school-featured-craft-americas-holiday-episode-pbs/ Have a safe and blessed Thanksgiving!

Seasons Greetings from the NC Mountains!

The weather has turned cold! Last night's low was 19...brrrrr. Today's high is supposed to be 49, but is expected to warm up some over the next few days. Leaves, leaves everywhere!!!! Thought you might be interested in some happenings going on at the Folk School in December...sounds like fun! https://folkschool.org/event.php?event_type_id=15undefined&utm_source=November+2013+General+eNews&utm_campaign=eNews+Nov+2013&utm_medium=email

Fall Colors

Beautiful day in the mountains!! A bit overcast, but the colors are spectacular!!! I love the changing of each season...such simple pleasures! Hope the leaf lookers are here or coming this weekend!!! Supposed to get wind and rain this evening (hopefully after trick-or-treating). May just take all the leaves off the trees!!

Beautiful views are easily available with tree cutting (Main view pic from adjoining property)from this larger then normal tract. Only a short distance to historic downtown Murphy. Level to gentle terrain which is hard to come by with such a great view!! Located in newer subdivision of nice homes. Mild restrictions against farm animals, no mobile homes, and a few more. Neighboring property sold for $70,000 just a few years ago!! Great deal!!

Blue Ridge Homes For Sale

Andrews Homes For Sale Ellijay Homes For Sale Blairsville Homes For Sale Hiawassee Homes For Sale Jasper Homes For Sale Search All Homes For Sale See All Foreclosures Carol Robinson Coldwell Banker High Country 828-342-5616 murphycarol@earthlink.net

Level to gentle acreage only minutes to historic downtown Murphy. Easy access off state maintained road. Mild restrictions underground power to property.

Blue Ridge Homes For Sale

Andrews Homes For Sale Ellijay Homes For Sale Blairsville Homes For Sale Hiawassee Homes For Sale Jasper Homes For Sale Search All Homes For Sale See All Foreclosures Carol Robinson Coldwell Banker High Country 828-342-5616 murphycarol@earthlink.net

Awesome 2bed/2bath cabin you can call home, or just your home-away-from-home! Lots of kitchen cabinets with center island, gas log corner fireplace in the great room with vaulted ceilings, 2 good sized bedrooms, walkin closet in master bedroom. Large back porch perfect for entertaining, semicircular driveway and all in a great neighborhood just off state maintained road. Most furnishings included.

Blue Ridge Homes For Sale

Andrews Homes For Sale Ellijay Homes For Sale Blairsville Homes For Sale Hiawassee Homes For Sale Jasper Homes For Sale Search All Homes For Sale See All Foreclosures Carol Robinson Coldwell Banker High Country 828-342-5616 murphycarol@earthlink.net

What Are You Doing This Weekend?

Welllll, my husband has to replace all the screws in our metal roof this weekend. Not much fun, but needed. Me? I'm going to be making sure he doesn't hurt himself in the process! Our son has a unique birthday party on Sunday after church. The weather is supposed to clear up after today, but stay cool.....

GREAT INVESTMENT PROPERTY

This is a great rental property with 4 separate units ranging from a 3bed to a studio. Already has renters in 2 units. This property consists of 2 houses, 2 levels on over 2 acres. Easy access. With the casino coming in, it's sure to be a money maker!! Just click or paste the below link....

http://www.navicamls.net/displays/?n=309&i=1284968&k=t5EJTz

Happy Monday...

Beautiful weekend in the mountains!! Weather is cooling off and the leaves are about to display their gorgeous colors!!!

Heads up to those interested...the casino is about to break ground. So, if you've thought of investing in real estate, we will soon be in short supply of vacation rental properties!! We've still got some deals around that you'll surely recoup your costs on! Don't wait or you'll miss out on a great investment opportunity! Just call me (828-342-5616), visit my website (www.mtnpropertiesbycarol.com), or email me (MurphyCarol@earthlink.net) and we can discuss.

Have a wonderful week!

FALL COLORS ARE JUST AROUND THE CORNER!

Happy Wednesday!! The evenings have started to cool off some. I've even added a blanket on my bed! Daytime temps have been wonderful! Things are happening in the NC mountains! We've got the John C. Campbell Folk School Fall Festival this Saturday and Sunday. I love going to this festival every year! Great crafts,  demonstrations, great food, and fun entertainment. It's one of the local events I look forward to every year. I will actually be in Dillsboro, NC on Saturday with my mom keeping her company at their local craft fair. My mom is very talented and is selling her painted rocks. She paints them to look like houses, churches, stores, etc. She has a lot of fun doing it and they are a good seller. I even have some in my outdoor garden!

Looks like they'll be breaking ground on the new casino in a couple of weeks. There's going to be a real demand for vacation rentals once it's complete. If you're thinking on investing in real estate, I don't think you could go wrong buying a cabin here to rent out. Don't wait too long, though, as prices will be going up as well. You know how to get a hold of me should you be interested in real estate. I'm also licensed in GA.

Had the opportunity to share my "rocks" with some people in the office today. Ever since taking Geology in college, I've been fascinated by rocks. But, I have also found a couple of artifacts while showing real estate in the area. I've actually found an artifact on my own property! A couple of months ago, my son and I were walking in a creek looking for pretty rocks and I actually found a piece of petrified wood! Needless to say, if  you ever come to visit me, I have plenty of rocks to show you!  :)

Folk School Fall Festival

Where does the time go? Even my nine year old said to me the other day, "Mom, this year sure has gone by fast!" Boy is he right!! Seems Fall is here...the nights have cooled off, and our daytime temps have been wonderful this summer!!! Don't know that I'm ready for Fall yet as Summer has been so nice! But, one bright spot is the John C. Campbell Folk School's Fall Festival is just around the corner!! Here's a link to the event:

https://folkschool.org/event.php?event_type_id=6&utm_source=September+2013+General+eNews&utm_campaign=eNews+August+2013&utm_medium=email

Have an awesome Friday and a wonderful weekend!!

Carol...

Real Estate Statistics

What a beautiful morning in the mountains!! I woke up to a nice 64 degrees and fog. Now, at almost 11:30, it's a gorgeous 72 degrees with the sun shining. We've had a surprisingly mild summer so far. And, while it's been very wet, all the rain promises for some spectacular fall colors this year!! I think Fall is my favorite season...seeing the trees lose their old leaves only to sleep through the Winter and awaken with the promise of being renewed!

I saw in the Cherokee Scout yesterday they will be breaking ground on the Casino (Harrah's) in Murphy by mid-October. They are predicting 900 new jobs, which should be a real boost to our economy!

On a real estate note, recent statistics for the month of July show there were 7,461 properties on the market.  This may seem like a lot, but is waaaaay down from a high of 15,505 during the same month in 2008. While this is not ideal for a buyer, it is great for sellers. The less inventory for a buyer to choose from, the better position the seller is in to negotiate.

There were 296 closings in July, which is the highest in that month since 2007. 43 of those properties were in Cherokee county. The average sales price has gone up as well. Sales prices compared to list prices are at 91.72%, but sales prices to the original list prices (property prices were reduced during the time the property was listed) are at 88.45%.

Lastly, I would love some feedback on my blog. Let me know what you do and don't like to see on it. I want this to be a place where you find helpful information, whether it be about the community or real estate. I really want your input...

Hope the rest of your day goes great!
Carol...

Upcoming Events in the NC/GA Mountains

Hi All, hope you have been doing well. The rain has finally tapered off, which has been good for my spirits, but now back to watering the gardens! That's OK, I love whatever God gives be it rain or shine...

Wanted to let you know of a few events that will be going on in the near future. The first is in Blairsville, GA this weekend. It's a 2-day event and there will be crafts, food, demonstrations on such things as chair caning, and basketmaking. My mom will be selling her "house" rocks. So, if you see her, be sure to say Hey! I plan on stopping in for a visit myself. Here's the link to the event:

http://theblueridgehighlander.com/calendar/index.php?eID=4728

Another event, coming in October, is the Air Show in Andrews, NC. It will be a 2-day event this year with a concert on the evening of the first night. We're excited they are doing this event this year and hope it will be a great success so they come back next year!! Here's the link:

http://gsmoperationwelcomehome.org/tickets.htm

And, thirdly, the October Festival at the GA Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiwassee, GA is just around the corner. Below is a link to the fairgrounds that have more information on the festival and other upcoming events:

http://www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com/

Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend, and be safe!!

Happy Monday!!!!

Happy Monday, everyone! My son headed off to his first day of school at The Learning Center in Murphy. The rest of the county will be starting next Monday though. Not sure why we started a week early, but am thankful to be getting back into my routine!

Wanted to share with you that my son and I, along with his grandparents, went to Tri County Racetrack last Friday for their "Back to School Nickel Night." What a great time we had! Macon Bank sponsored it, and put out 1200 nickels on the track for the kids to tackle and grab as many as they could. Over 100 kids participated and JD came home with $4.20 worth. Thank you Macon Bank for a great time!

The races were a lot of fun and the weather was perfect!! Am looking forward to more races in our future.

In real estate, things are moving right along in the mountains! July statistics show there are over 7,000 properties on the market in our area. Clearly half of the amount the same time in 2007. That's great for sellers! Surprisingly, the same number of sales in July as in July of 2007, but the highest since 2008!! The market has been changing. The sales price from the original list price is at 88.45%, which is at it's highest since 2007. Forecasts are that the market will continue to improve, and prices will increase. So, if you have been thinking about buying, I'd put some serious thought into it! Typically,  real estate is one of the most sound investments you can make...

FUN IN THE SUN IN HELEN, GA!!

A few weeks back, my son and I went with another mom and her child, to the new waterpark in Helen, GA!! The weather was perfect, traffic was easy getting in, and the part was very affordable!! The cost is only $15 per person (if guardians don't want to go on the rides, they don't have to pay). JD and his friend had a blast!!! Me and the other mom had a fun time, too! We enjoyed sitting next to the "lazy river" and watching the grown ups and kids tube around. The nice thing, too, was that Helen is just an hour's drive from Murphy! All-in-all a great way to spend the day...

Air Show Near Murphy

Happy Friday! Wanted to let you know there will be a 2-day event at the Western Carolina Regional Airport in Andrews October 26th and 27th this year! We've not had an air show in several years. It's actually called the Great Smoky Mountains "Operation Welcome Home," and is to support Hurlburt-Johnson Friendship House and the Veterans Restoration Quarters & Steadfast House. Both very worthy causes! For more details, you can visit their website at www.gsmoperationwelcomehome.org.

On another note, it's a great time to buy real estate in the area! Interest rates are still low, and prices are starting to go up, so don't wait any longer! Come get your property in the beautiful mountains! You can see what we have to offer on my website: www.MtnPropertiesByCarol.com.

Talk to you soon!

Happy Monday!

Good morning from bright and sunshiny Murphy, NC! Had a nice weekend with just a little rain. Low 90s for the highs. Finally got my front yard done, which has been a real eye opener as to my age. I ache in places I didn't know there were muscles!! Glad it's done, though.

The Georgia Mountain Fair is in full swing with lots of fun activities. If you are interested, here's the link to their site with details on what is happening and when: http://www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com/

Real estate has been busy, which is a good thing. I've been helping several military veterans find homes here, which has been a real honor and blessing. They are some of the nicest people I've met. If you are a vet, or know of a vet looking to buy real estate (or sell) in the NC/GA mountains, I have got experience in handling VA mortgages which can be a little tricky.

Hope you have a wonderful week!!

Happy Monday!! We have finally been seeing some sunshine the past few days! My lawn dried out enough to mow it. Good thing as my dog was getting lost in the "jungle." Well, it wasn't that bad, but my mower didn't know the difference. My tomatoes have started ripening and am trying to think of things to do with them. I'd like to can them, but don't think I have enough yet.

Murphy finally had our 4th of July celebration this last Saturday. It had been rained out on the 4th. The day started at 10:00 with the parade. Not much of a turnout, but the kids that were there sure did make out like a bandit with the candy!! We were on the float for Cub Scout Pack 400 and actually won "Most Patriotic!" Great job Pack 400!!!! 

Festivities continued downtown throughout the day. We went to the peanut drop which was at noon. My son has been going to the peanut drop since he was one (he's 8 now). He loves it! Hasn't found a colored peanut yet (you win money), but has a great time. We went home after that and came back for the fireworks. An awesome show, as usual. I love being in a small town where we don't have any problems finding a spot to put our blanket, and always find friends there to visit with. Traffic leaves something to be desired afterwords, but still got home in 15 minutes.

Shifting thoughts a little, just a heads up that mortgage rates have increased a little, but still over 1% below the rates in 2002! If you've been thinking about buying a mountain property, now would be the time as we're already seeing a shift in the market. Remember I am licensed in both NC and GA!!!

Have a great week!

Anyone started building an ark yet?

I'm starting to feel like we live in Scotland! Rain, rain, rain. Although I don't want to complain as I'm thankful for it. Because of the weather, the town of Murphy and others in the area have postponed the 4th of July festivities for tomorrow (Saturday).

So, yesterday (the 4th), my brother and his boy, myself and my boy, went for a drive to look at waterfalls on our way to Highlands, Cashiers, and Glenville, NC. Needless to say, the waterfalls were very active!! It rained off and on all day, but we had a great time either way. The boys enjoyed looking in the gem shops in Highlands and were sure to pick up a few goodies while there (they are 9 and 11 years old). Brought back memories for me and my brother when we were kids and would visit Highlands, NC and get a small back of gems. We dodged raindrops as we went from shop to shop. Then it was on to Cashiers where we stopped at Carolina Smokehouse for lunch. Again, memories as our family used to go there when we were kids.

Our final destination was a cabin in Glenville that my grandparents built in 1969. It's not in the family anymore, but we are in contact with the current owner should he ever decide to sell. He is a landscape architect in Atlanta, GA and has done some beautiful things with the grounds! The cabin and landscaping were actually in a magazine, Southern Accents, many years ago.

Our day ended at my folks place in Murphy for a barbecue and some of our own fireworks.

I've attached a few pics of our adventure. The first pic is actually of the "Beck" cemetery near my grandparents cabin. We used to go there every year when we went to visit the cabin. The second pic is of Dry Falls (not very dry), the third is of the drive under falls on Hwy 64 between Franklin and Hayesville, NC.    Hope everyone had a wonderful 4th!!!

Happy Friday!!! We've really been having some interesting weather this Spring, now Summer! Even though we've had afternoon showers quite frequently, our overall weather has been on the mild side. Temps have been wonderful overall, hovering in the mid 80s for the last couple of weeks. Haven't seen hardly any ticks or fleas so far this year either! Plants are lush and green, and our garden is growing quite well! And, the rain has not kept real estate buyers away either. I do love living in these mountains...a little piece of Heaven, if I do say so myself. Have a wonderful and relaxing weekend......

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog!

Just to start out, I'd like to mention that I've been living in the NC mountains for 11 years and love being out of the rat race. I moved here with my husband from northern California where we shared the roads with around 1 million people! We're used to the mountains, but wake up each day to a slower and more relaxed way of life here! No more sitting through lights, and long lines. I love the fact that people here will open a door for you, look you in the eyes, and say "hi." A lot of kind, loving, and helpful people is what you will find here.

And, the price of properties is much less expensive then where we came from! I'd hate to tell you what our house in CA would be worth here (not much), and what our house here would be worth in CA (quite a bit). People are not stacked on top of each other and most properties run around an acre. Of course, you can find properties up to over 100 acres as well. Most of the properties are not in city limits, so you don't have to deal with zoning issues. And, most properties are on clean and great tasting mountain wells! Cost of living is so much less, too!

My website also provides you with several links and resources as well as access to both the local NC and GA MLS sites. The link is www.MtnPropertiesByCarol.com.

Feel free to contact me and/or ask questions as I love to talk about my community. Do know I am also licensed in GA and serve cities such as Blue Ridge, Hiawassee, Blairsville, and Ellijay (and all the others inbetween). I love the career I have chosen and strive to do my very best in all I do!

Enjoy!