www.RickStrohm.com
Rick & Rick Strohm, Jr.
Follow REALTY EXECUTIVES - Smoky Mountain Properties by clicking on the image below.
(Click here)Once you have a Twitter account you can receive "mobile" and "new listings" by:
(standard text/SMS messaging rates apply) 1. Text the following to Twitter's designated phone number, 40404.
2. "FOLLOW SmokyMtnProp" where username is the name of the person you wish to follow. (**Please do not enter the quotation marks) For example:
FOLLOW SmokyMtnProp
This will ensure that you will receive mobile phone updates from our company!
Note that using "FOLLOW username" from a cell phone is the same as using "ON username" It makes no difference which command you choose to use.
______________________________________________________ What is Twitter?Twitter is a service for friends, family, and co–workers to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing? Why use Twitter?Why? Because even basic updates are meaningful to family members, friends, or colleagues—especially when they’re timely. - Eating soup? Research shows that moms want to know.
- Running late to a meeting? Your co–workers might find that useful.
- Partying? Your friends may want to join you
How does it work?With Twitter, you can stay hyper–connected to your friends and always know what they’re doing. Or, you can stop following them any time. You can even set quiet times on Twitter so you’re not interrupted. Twitter puts you in control and becomes a modern antidote to information overload. ____________________________________________ If you have any questions...contact me! Rick, Jr. |
www.RickStrohm.com
Rick & Rick Strohm, Jr.
All Aboard for a Historic and Scenic Journey
That's an invitation to a delightful journey through the majestic mountains and colorful countryside of Western North Carolina, over a sprawling lake, past rushing rivers, through a deep mountain gorge, into dark mountain tunnels.
Get On Board!
Today's passengers see the Great Smokies as travelers did more than a century ago, riding in comfortable coaches, open cars that are perfect for taking photos or just taking in the view. First class club car service is available for adults year-round. The Railroad operates January 17-December 31 with schedules varying seasonally.
Train Schedules
Choose from round-trip half day excursions, departing from our historic Bryson City Depot. Special Events: The Lone Ranger, Day Out with Thomas, The Great Pumpkin Patch Express & The Polar Express. Order tickets in advance to ensure seating preference. Ask about upgrading tickets to the adult class club car or family class club car (June-August).
New for 2009
Onboard luncheon service available in restored dining cars. All trains depart from the historic Bryson City Depot. Smoky Mountain Trains Museum admission included with all train excursion tickets. Admission without train tickets: adults $9 and childres $5.
Plus ask about the "Mystery Theatre Dinner Train" - it's enjoyment for the whole family! Contact me to find our more information...
Rick, Jr.
www.RickStrohm.com
Rick & Rick Strohm, Jr.
Bryson City, North Carolina is considered the "basecamp" for adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains. Bryson City has plenty of craft shops, hotels, restaurants, historic B&Bs and the best access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Bryson City is also home to the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, which offers scenic excursions, mystery theatre trains and other railroading events throughout the year.
This small mountain town has a big reputaton for adventure, history and Southern hospitality.
Surrounded by the highest peaks in the Great Smoky Mountains and is home to outstanding whitewater rafting, Lake Fontana, miles of hiking and biking trails, The Dragon and unparalleled views.
A quaint downtown features specialty shops, arts and crafts, delightful lodges, country inns and historic B&Bs.
Adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bryson City is truly the basecamp for adventure. For more information about homes and land in/around Bryson City, NC - just contact me!
Rick, Jr.
www.RickStrohm.com
Rick & Rick Strohm, Jr.
Disconnect from today's fast-paced world and enter another, thousands of years old. Experience Cherokee history and culture brought to life in hair-raising ceremonial dance, ancient artifacts,stirring legends, nationally renowned theatrical performances, and traditional Cherokee arts and weaponry by today's Cherokee Master Artists. An experience for the whole family that can't be had on any video game!
This beautiful, rich landscape of 100 square miles has been the home of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians for more than 10,000 years. Cherokee is situated at the mouth of the east entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the south entrance of the Blue Ridge Parkway - just a short 45 miles from Asheville, NC!
Don't miss this season's special events and attractions:
- "Unto These Hills" Outdoor Drama
- Oconaluftee Indian Village
- Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual, Inc.
- Museum of the Cherokee Indian
For more information and details - contact me.
Rick, Jr.
www.RickStrohm.com
Rick & Rick Strohm, Jr.
When the outdoors is as challenging, exciting, varied & beautiful as it is in the Great Smoky Mountains, it's just a darn shame to stay inside. So grab a paddle, lace up your hiking boots, strap on your waders, tighten your spokes & clean your binoculars because a Smoky Mountain adventure is waiting for you!
Now that you have a better understanding of the seasonal changes (previous blog post), in a place graced with a Southern latitude and towering altitude, you can pick adventures accordingly.
- 4-Wheeling - Spring, Summer, Fall
- Boating - Spring, Summer, Fall
- Camping - Spring Summer, Fall, Winter
- Fly-fishing - In Season
- Gem Mining - Spring Summer, Fall, Winter
- Golfing - Spring Summer, Fall, Winter
- Hiking - Spring Summer, Fall, Winter
- Horseback Riding - Spring Summer, Fall, Winter
- Hunting - In Season
- Kayaking - Spring Summer, Fall, Winter
- Mountain Biking - Spring Summer, Fall, Winter
- Rafting - Spring, Summer, Fall
- Rock Climbing - Spring, Summer, Fall
- Sightseeing - Spring Summer, Fall, Winter
- Snow Skiing - Winter
- Sport Fishing - In Season
- Trout Fishing - In Season
- Water Skiing - Spring, Summer, Fall
Contact me for more information on all the fantastic outdoor activities that the Great Smoky Mountains have to offer!
Rick, Jr.
www.RickStrohm.com
Rick & Rick Strohm, Jr.
We get friends & clients constantly asking us, "What are your seasons like in the mountains?" Well below I have put together a guide, if you will, of what you can expect during the passing months in the Great Smoky Mountains:
March, April & May
Spring breezes blow new life into the Smokies. Dogwood, redbud and apple blossoms bring color and fragrance to the countryside. Carpets of wildflowers cover meadows, bathed by afternoon showers that roll out as quickly as they roll in. Brisk mornings turn to cool days and even cooler nights.
June, July & August
Summertime turns barren branches emerald green as morning mists float through the valley like rivers of clouds. Blooming rhododendrons are a traveling show, starting in the valleys and working toward the high mountain balds. You'll enjoy crisp mornings, lazy afternoons and evening cooled by mountain breezes.
September, October & November
Fall paints the Smokies with brilliant splashes of red and gold as nature reveals its most colorful jewels. A time of harvest, the mountains last hurrah and a promise of more to come. Invigorating mornings are warmed under deep blue skies. It's sweater weather in the Smokies.
December, January & February
It's time for a crackling fire, when the morning light often reveals a vista of shimmering white. Enjoy the exhilaration of a downhill ski run and the laughter of children sledding. Mornings and evening can grow cold, but low altitudes often enjoy sunny days.
And that...is life in a nutshell here in the Smokies! Want to know more information just contact me....
Rick, Jr.
www.RickStrohm.com
Rick & Rick Strohm, Jr.
Just wanted to wish everyone a safe & wonderful Memorial Day!
Please pray for the safe return of all our men & women in our armed forces - and to remember those who gave their lives for the freedoms that we all share - God Bless.
Rick, Jr.
www.RickStrohm.com
Rick & Rick Strohm, Jr.
Ok so does this not seem like a GREAT time to be a homeowner? How about a 1st time home buyer?? Thought you might be interested in seeing some "National Homeownership" statictics:
- Nationally, the median existing-home price increase for all housing types from February to March was 4.2%, much higher than the typical 1.8% seasonal increase between those two months.
- The National Association of Home Builders recently announced that half of all U.S. households (55 million to be exact) can now afford to buy the median priced $200,000 new home. That's up 45% in the past 24 months!
- Home-builder confidence was in "double digits" in April for the first time in 6 months.
- First-time homebuyer activity has surged. In March, first-time homebuyers accounted for 53% of transactions.
- The average price of a home in March 2009 has increased approximately 20% when compared to March 2000.
It's time we quit listening to the National News programs that keep talking about a "crisis" - and it's time to start acting! This is the prefect time to purchase a home - or - land here in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. The "smart" homebuyers are 'acting' now with national interest rates at an all-time low and $8,000 "down payment" at the closing table for 1st time homebuyers...it's no wonder our housing market is on the incline!
For more information just contact me - I'd be happy to share more fantastic news about our housing market with you.
Rick, Jr.
www.RickStrohm.com
Rick & Rick Strohm, Jr.
Here are some interesting facts about the North Carolina economy that I thought I would share with you:
- Six North Carolina cities - Raleigh, Durham, Asheville, Wilmington, Winston-Salem & Charlotte - were among the "Top 20 Best Metros" in the country for business & careers, according to Forbes.
- In a recent study from the National Low Income Housing Coalition, North Carolina ranked 21st in affordable housing.
- North Carolina recently was named the second best state in which to conduct business, according to Chief Executive magazine.
This goes to show you...North Carolina is a fantastic place to live and conduct business. For more information feel free to contact me.
Rick, Jr.
www.RickStrohm.com
Rick & Rick Strohm, Jr.
While foreclosure filings rose 24% nationally, the number of foreclosures in North Carolina fell 42% in the first quarter from the same period last year.
In the latest quarter, North Carolina ranked 36th in the nation for foreclosure filings. In March alone, foreclosure filings fell 40% when compared to the same period last year.
These statictics go hand-in-hand with what we have been telling our clients when they ask us, "Hey Rick, do you know of any properties that we might buy cheap? Any foreclosures in your area?". To put it simply - "No". North Carolina, for the most part, has stayed out of the foreclosure mess that the rest of the country is experiencing. Furthermore, Western North Carolina - particuarlly our area of the state - has experienced very, very few foreclosures. Our property prices have remained steady and constant, we haven't seen the decrease in property values like the rest of the country.
Again, this is why we keep educating our clients by saying "now is the perfect time to buy your home or land here in the mountains of North Carolina" - you can gain comfort in the fact that when you do purchase in our area of the country, you will not experience a decrease in your property value. Like we always say "look at mountain property like beach property...they just don't make anymore of it!".
If you'd like to know more information please contact me anytime.
Rick, Jr.
www.RickStrohm.com
Rick & Rick Strohm, Jr.
Ever wonder what your real estate Broker is doing? Haven't heard from him/her in a quite some time? Well that's not the case with me, Rick Jr., in fact I just added a "Chat with Me" button on my homepage, so now you can contact me at anytime 24 hrs/day! I never want to be out of touch with my clients or my prospective clients/visitors to my site - this way whether I'm out of the office or walking some property I'm always available!
www.RickStrohm.com
Rick & Rick Strohm, Jr.
Hey everyone just wanted to acquaint you with some new "features" that our personal real estate website - www.RickStrohm.com - has just added.
Starting today I, Rick Jr., am available 24 hours/day (which if you knew me, I already was ha!) to answer any of your real estate questions. From the "homepage" just click on the button "Chat with Rick Strohm, Jr.", a new window will appear where you can type away & I will receive your message 24 hrs/day straight from my Blackberry as a text - pretty cool huh?
We know that always be in constant contact with your Broker is important - and now you always are! Try out the feature...
Also I added a widget on the left side of the homepage under the navigation toolbar that shows all of you the "live visitors" to our website. Its a pretty neat feature that lets you see that we are getting website traffic from all over the world!
Ok well that's all for now, but I am always looking for new ways to improve our website - check out what's "new" and let me know your thoughts!
Rick, Jr.
www.RickStrohm.com
Rick & Rick Strohm, Jr.
Welcome to our backyard! My father & I want to introduce you (if you haven't been already) to the Great Smoky Mountains. It's larger, higher and older than most backyards, and we think it's the most beautiful place on Earth - we like to call it "God's Country".
The Great Smoky Mountains are a grand and glorious place to explore, and we (Rick & Rick as we go by up here) are here to help you in anyway we can - from providing you with great lodging recommendations to helping you become our neighbor & finding your dream mountain property!
We will help you find real estate that fit your style and budget, simple mountain living that suit your tastes - or - we can become your friendly resource here in the Smokies until you decide you want to live this lifestyle.
My father & I want to personally welcome you to our website - www.RickStrohm.com - and if you haven't had a chance to visit our site, please do! Plus, I'm always looking for "feedback" so please drop me a line and let me know your thoughts about the site.
Rick, Jr.
www.RickStrohm.com
Rick & Rick Strohm, Jr.
The Smoky Mountains are laced with highways & country roads leading you to great places. No matter where you're staying, no matter what you want to see or do, everything is just a short country drive away.
The Smokies are dotted with quaint mountain towns & remote villiages ready to welcome those passing through & to provide fun, history, adventure & a world of discovery for those who can stay a while.
To find out more about these mountain towns, contact us - Rick & Rick - or visit our e-Booklet page on our website! We are more than just real estate Broker's we want to be your guide to a great time in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina - whether you're looking for a great place to eat or a mountain hike - we strive to be your Smoky Mountain resource. Like my father always says "We don't just sell mountain property - we aim to make you neighbors!".
Contact us today - with over 20+ years living in Western NC dad & I are sure to know the best places to visit, eat, relax & stay....have to run, it's too beautiful here to be sitting indoors!
Rick, Jr.
www.RickStrohm.com
Rick & Rick Strohm, Jr.
From a home buyer's perspective, finding a good home inspector is kind of like finding a "good buyer's rep". There are many to choose from, but buyers would be better off if they worked with someone who has made the commitment to meet the professional requirements of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). Here are four key criteria that you should use when finding a home inspector:
- Industry Knowledge - members must pass a national home inspector exam, administered by the Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors, an independent organization that administers licensing requirements in 19 states.
- Ethics & Standards - members must also complete the ASHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics education module.
- Experience - Before attaining full membership, inspectors must perform 250 property examinations.
- Continuing Education - All ASHI members must stay current on various topics by completing 20 hours of Continuing Education (CE) credits each year.
Or you can always contact us - Rick & Rick - and we can help you with any of your real estate needs! Ahh, isn't it great that summer is right around the corner??
Rick, Jr.