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!!