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Great Smoky Mountains Real Estate Blog

by Rick & Rick Strohm www.RickStrohm.com Realty Executives - Smoky Mountain Properties Bryson City & Sylva, North Carolina
Housing prices up in June

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Charlotte-area home prices continued to inch up in June, a closely watched index released Tuesday shows.

Prices in the metropolitan area rose 0.7 percent from May, according to the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index. Home prices climbed in June in 17 of the 20 market areas the index tracks, stayed flat in two and declined in one.

Charlotte has held up better than other markets in some respects, but it continues to lag on the Case-Shiller index, the latest data show.

Charlotte-area prices fell 2.7 percent in June from June 2009 - one of only five markets to experience a year-over-year decline, the index shows. That's well below the average gain of 4.2 percent for the Case-Shiller index's 20 markets.

I know what you must be asking yourself, "What does this have to do with mountain real estate...Charlotte is over 3+ hrs away??" Simply put...we are a 2nd home/vacation home area and most (roughly 90%+) of our clients are from "out-of-town" markets including Charlotte (Tri-Cities of NC), Atlanta & North Florida. These markets directly effect our Western NC mountain real estate market. You wouldn't believe how many clients I have calling me, on a weekly basis, stating, "I would love to just move to the Great Smoky Mountains...but I cannot sell/unload my home/property here in ______ (you fill in the blank)."

I cannot stress this enough...if you have been thinking (contemplating or even thought about) purchasing real estate in the mountains of Western North Carolina...NOW IS THE TIME! I'm not intending to scary anyone off by the "all caps" I used in the previous sentence, but it's the truth. In the late 1990s to early 2000s you couldn't touch real estate here in the mountains, in fact potential Buyers were lined up at our office door when we opened in the morning waiting to buy! Hard to believe?? Believe it. This isn't a joke...but times have changed. Our real estate market is on a downswing, better yet our market is steady. By "steady" I mean that we haven't experienced a major downswing (trying to find foreclosures in our area are few & far between), but property is stacking up on our MLS & there are Sellers right now who are willing to deal. However, just like a rollercoaster ride what goes down...must come back up and when our real estate market does come back up (I can assure you that it will) these "Sellers" might not be willing to deal so much.

The time to act is now. Most Sellers would be very hesitant to walk away from a "cash deal" (that's why we direct/encourage all of our clients to become "pre-qualified" before they even start shopping for real estate). It's like the old proverb states, "A Bird in the Hand is Better than Two in the Bush" (meaning that it is better to stick with something you already have, rather than pursuing something you may never get). 

Don't hesitate any longer. Contact us today to see how we can assist you - no obligations & you pay us "NO" commissions. Now that's a win-win for you!

Rick, Jr.

rickstrohmjr@realtyexecutives.com

MUST SELL Home in Bryson City

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Main

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION - THIS HOME MUST SELL! 

$325,000 -  Bring ALL Offers!

Very unique one of a kind home has two Master Suites both have jetted garden tubs, Huge walk in Closets (there are two in the Master and one in the junior suite) Spacious Guest suite. Crown Moldings, Boxed ceilings, 3 bedrooms, an office, and a Gameroom with Wood floors and tongue and groove ceilings, fantastic open floor plan with soaring ceilings, Chef's dream kitchen with updated Cherry cabinets, crown molding, and Breakfast Bar. Very close attention paid to the designer details! Nicely landscaped with very low maintainance required. This Home will impress the most discriminating of Buyers! Convenient to town, Shopping, & Dining. Currently priced $162,000 below appraisal.


DIRECTIONS: 74W U-Turn at River Rock Grill, right on Kenner Drive

Property information

Just Listed - Carolina Vistas/Robbinsville, NC

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MLS # 43580 (N. Jackson MLS) & 472966 (Western Regional MLS)

Address: 84 Goldfinch Lane Type: Residential Style:  Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Garage: Double, Attached "Carport" Basement: Yes, Full "Finished/Heated" Size: 2,480 sq. ft. "2400-2600 sq ft" Lot Type: Irregular Lot Size:  1.85 acres  Year Built: 1984 MLS®: 43580

REMARKS: This home is mountain living at it's finest! Located in beautiful Carolina Vistas this home is secluded & very private, the perfect vacation getaway or personal residence. This home is perfect for entertaining - with a large covered deck with great views of the Smoky Mountains, screened porch, outside rock BBQ grilling station, large fire pit with sitting area, picnic/outside eating area - 2 car attached carport, 18x20 storage unit & garden area. The inside is equally as nice starting with a stone wood burning fireplace, craft/office area, full finished/heated basement with 2 additional rooms & plenty of room for storage. This truly is a must see! Qualified Buyers only.

DIRECTIONS: Highway 28N to Lower Tuskeegee Road, turn right on Lower Tuskeegee Road to Carolina Vistas on the Right, turn Right, cross bridge and stay on Carolina Vistas (main road), keep on that road until RIGHT on Goldfinch Lane, pass home on right, bare LEFT & continue to home. See signs - call listing agent for detailed directions & showing instructions.

CLICK HERE for more details & pictures

 

N.C. has 2nd lowest mortgage closing costs

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While scouring the Internet this morning I ran across an interesting statistic: North Carolina boasts the second lowest mortgage closing costs in the United States, according to a survey released Monday by Bankrate.com.

The study found that on a $200,000 loan, North Carolina home buyers pay an average of $3,255 in closing costs – $1,476 in origination fees charged by the lender and $1,779 in average title and third-party fees.

Only Arkansas, with average closing costs of $3,007, fared better than North Carolina in the study.

North Carolina, Arkansas and Iowa are the only three states with average closing costs at least 25 percent below the national average of $3,741.

I will close by say...looking for Great Smoky Mountain real estate?  Now is the time to contact me and let me search for your dream mountain property.

Rick, Jr.


 

Just Listed - Hall Heights/Sylva, NC

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MLS # 43566 (N. Jackson MLS) & 472797 (Western Regional MLS)

Address: 11 West Hall Heights Type: Residential Style:  Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1 Basement: Yes, Full "Game/Rec Room" Size: 1,672 sq. ft. "1600-1800 sq ft" Lot Type: Irregular Lot Size:  0.3 acres  Year Built: 1985 MLS®: 43566

REMARKS: If you're looking for a home in walking distance to shopping, dining, downtown - at an unbelievable price - then look no further! The property is close to downtown Sylva & Dillsboro and very convenient to WCU/Cullowhee. This would be the perfect year-round home, investment property or college rental. Home is on city water & sewer. Recently upgraded Zickgraf hardwood flooring throughout upstairs main part of house. Large basement with laundry room, could be easily turned into game/rec room! Motivated Seller - qualified Buyers ONLY - bring all offers!

DIRECTIONS:
Sylva/Cullowhee/Western Carolina Univ exit 85, Asheville HWY, pass Harris Regional Hospital, pass Skyland Drive (red light), stay in left lane, just past McDonald's look for Council Circle - Turn Left, take first Right onto West Hall Heights, first home on left - look for signs.

CLICK HERE for more details & pictures

 

 
 
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Reduced Home Prices?

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Rick & Rick Strohm, Jr.

Are home sellers getting more realistic? More sellers reduced their homes prices in July, the fourth straight month in which price reductions tracked by the firm have increased. None of this should be that surprising, given that inventories of unsold homes in many markets are rising, and that sellers may be seeing less traffic after that expiration of the home-buyer tax credits.

Several reports show that housing inventories are building from relatively lower levels in the West, and our data shows that several of those markets saw an increase in the number of homes with reduced prices. In Las Vegas, nearly 18% of listings had price cuts in July, from 12% the previous month. In San Diego, the share of price-reduced listings increased to 23%, up from 20% in June.

I know what you're thinking...what does this have to do with our local real estate here in the Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina?  Well, it's simple there where many "over priced" property listings and now Seller's are starting to realize that their property "is not worth as much as you think". 

Again, that's why I continue to say "now is the perfect time to buy here in the Great Smoky Mountains". It's not that I'm just saying that...I mean it. Don't wait till the real estate market comes back, the time to buy is now when prices are lower. I strongly feel that we are in for some major changes (in Washington) come November and feel that consumer confidence in the real estate market will return once the housing market debacle is addressed properly.

 Did you know that as your "Buyers Broker" you pay me "no commission"?  What a deal!  I work for you and protect your interests for FREE (Sellers pay all commissions), so why not contact me and let me start working for you today...there is no better living than here in the Great Smokys.

Rick, Jr.

Single Story For Sale in Sylva Township

Main View
Fantastic Location!

• 1,200 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story - MLS® $144,900 - PRICE REDUCED!

 -  REMARKS: ATTENTION First Time home buyers.Sellers offering $5,000 to assist buyer with closing costs. This adorable home is conveniently located in Dillardtown just minutes to Hospital, Food Lion and Downtown Sylva. Owners had made many recent improvements to this home. Fresh paint, new laminate floors, bead board, and new stove just to name a few. Year around mountain view and wonderful covered rocking chair porch. Large eat in Country kitchen great for family gatherings. Flat usable yard. 2 Heat Sources from electric and propane. This is one of the nicest homes around in this price range. $8,000 Home Buyer Tax Credit expires soon!Owners willing to negotiate a 1 year Home Protection Plan.

DIRECTIONS: Asheville Hwy to Dillardtown Rd to Hillcrest to 576 Look for pointer sign on mailbox

Property information

Just Listed - Chestnut Ridge/Sylva, NC

www.RickStrohm.com

 

MLS # 43432 (N. Jackson MLS) & 470717 (Western Regional MLS)

Address: 841 Falling Leaf Trail Type: Residential Style:  Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 "1/2 Bath" Garage: Double, Attached Basement: Yes, Crawl Size: 2,960 sq. ft. "2800-3000 sq. ft." Lot Type: Irregular Lot Size:  2.16 acres  Year Built: 1997 MLS®: 43432 

REMARKS: Beautiful custom wood sided home in Chestnut Ridge (off Blanton Branch Road) sitting on 2.16 acres & just minutes from downtown Sylva, Cullowhee & Dillsboro, NC. The home has the master bedroom on main, spacious kitchen, covered back deck with hot tub, laundry room, large master bedroom with walk-in closet, huge game/rec room on 2nd floor, additional storage building, paved driveway & outside fire pit! There is an attached 2 car garage with plenty of storage room. Easy year-round assessable roads for full-time home or vacation property. The property is beautifully landscaped, extremely private in quiet development. Motivated Sellers - Qualified Buyers ONLY!

DIRECTIONS: From Sylva - take HWY 74 E, turn RIGHT on Blanton Branch Road, Blanton Branch will turn to gravel road, turn LEFT on Falling Leaf Trail, continue to home on LEFT. Call listing agent for detailed directions.

CLICK HERE for more details & pictures

Just Listed - Barkers Creek/Whittier, NC

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 MLS #43363, 44364 (North Jackson MLS) & 469965 (Western Regional MLS)

Address: 1305 Nations Creek Road Type: Residential Style:  Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 "1/2 Bath" Garage: Double, Attached Basement: Yes, Crawl Size: 2,800 sq. ft. "2800-3000 sq. ft." Lot Type: Irregular Lot Size:  4 acres  Year Built: 2006 MLS®: 43364 

REMARKS: Custom builder/contractors own home! 19.68 acres with numerous home sites & panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains - can see Clingman's Dome from back deck! 3 Bedrooms/2 1/2 baths & large, upstairs Bonus Room/Office. Beautiful hardwood flooring & ceramic tile. Bay windows in Living Area & Master Bedroom let in natural sun light. Jacuzzi Tub in master bath. 12 ft ceilings, 2 huge stone/wood burning fireplaces. Kitchen has a Double Decor oven with Decor Range, Decor Grill, top of the line stainless steel appliances & granite countertops. 2 car attached garage, landscaped yard with garden area - home comes with 4+/- acres TBD. Motivated Seller/Qualified Buyers ONLY!

DIRECTIONS: From Sylva - HWY 74 to Left on Barkers Creek, Right on Thomas Valley Rd, Right on Nations Creek Rd. From Bryson City - HWY 74, Left on Wilmont Cemetary Rd, stay Left on Thomas Valley Rd, Right on Nations Creed Rd. Turn left on gravel drive across from Arrowhead lane, stay Left at fork follow gravel drive to the top. See signs/call listing agent for details.

Acreage TBD guaranteed 4 acres - depending on offer Seller would extend acreage to 7-8 acres! Bring all offers.

CLICK HERE for more details & pictures

 

2 Story For Sale in Lower Tuskeegee

 

Main View
180 degree views of Lake Fontana!


 

 -  REMARKS: This is a fantastic home with amazing close views of Lake Fontana and the Great Smoky Mountains! The original structure was build in 1974, but in 2005 the home received the addition of a spacious master bedroom & downstairs craft/workshop area. The home is over 3,500 sq. ft. The kitchen has recently been updated with new tile flooring & new appliances. This home sits on 1.86 acres and is surrounded by National Forest Service land, very peaceful & quiet. This truly is a MUST SEE for anyone looking for a beautiful home, that is quiet and tucked away, with 180 degree views of Lake Fontana & 360 degree views of the Great Smoky Mountains!

• 3,500 sq. ft., 2 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story "With "full" finished basement" - MLS® $670,000 - Close Lake Fontana view!

DIRECTIONS: HWY 28N to Right on Pink Sawyer Road, Right on Lower Tuskeegee Road & follow all the way back until it turns on to dirt/gravel road, stay Left & pass over bridge crossing creek, follow back (you can get lost, please call Listing Agent(s) for specific directions!).

Property information

Find us on Facebook!

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We're officially on Facebook!  All you have to do to follow us is by clicking on the icon below, which will direct you to our Facebook page, and then just click on the "Like" button...its that simple.

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Just Listed - Deep Creek/Bryson City, NC

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•  lot / land - MLS® 43184 - $359,000 - Close to Downtown!



  REMARKS:  Beautiful log home in a fantastic development in the Deep Creek area - very secluded & private! All paved access - paved road to development, paved roads in development & paved driveway to home/parking area. Just minutes from downtown Bryson City, shopping, dining, tubing, hiking, biking, whitewater rafting - this is an outdoor enthusiasts dream home & location! Master on main, large master walk-in closet, large master bath with whirlpool tub & slate tiled shower, laundry room, gas fireplace in living/family room, covered front deck with gas fireplace on deck...this home has it all! Motivated Seller who wants qualified Buyers ONLY!

CLICK HERE for more information & pictures!

Pending Home Sales Surge Continuing

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Rick & Rick Strohm, Jr.

There seems to be more "good news" in the real estate market. Pending home sales have risen for three consecutive months, reflecting the broad impact of the home buyer tax credit and favorable housing affordability conditions, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator, rose 6% to 110.9 based on contracts signed in April, from an upwardly revised 104.6 in March & is 22.4% higher than April 2009 when it was 90.6. That follows gains of 7.1% in March & 8.3% in February. Pending home sales are at the highest level since last October when the index reached 112.4 & first-time buyers were rushing to beat the initial deadline for the tax credit.

These are all good signs showing that the real estate market might be on an upswing. Of course there is still a long uphill road to travel, but we its comforting to see a light at the end of the tunnel. 

My guess is that if you're reading my blog, then you're obviously interested in real estate here in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. Feel free to contact me today to discuss that land & homes are available in our real estate market.

Rick, Jr.

 

Lot / Land For Sale in Lake View Landing

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•  lot / land - MLS® 41926 - $299,000 - DRASTICALLY REDUCED!



  REMARKS:  DRASTICALLY REDUCED!!! This is a fantastic large (22.49 acres) piece of property - perfect for a private estate or for developing! The parcel has been surveyed into 9 lots with a common area. All the lots have been approved for septic, 2 of the lots have a prepared home site on them already. If you're looking for mountain view property close to Bryson City, NC - then look no further. This property offers it all! There are amazing panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains, close to shopping & dining, established roads and the property is extremely private. This is an awesome investment property - lots are ready to be sold individually. Motivated seller - BRING ALL OFFERS!

CLICK HERE for more information & pictures!

Home For Sale in Lucky Cove Estates

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Home / 2 Story - MLS 42997 & 466585 - $365,000
Fantastic Custom Log Home! 


  REMARKS:  Fantastic custom built home with great views of the Great Smoky Mountains. Back of home has large glass windows from ceiling to floor to take in the view, master on main, laundry room, 2nd master bedroom in fully finished basement, 20x20 rec room in basement, private, great community, large decks on 1st & 2nd floors, easy access to shopping/dining. This home has it all!

CLICK HERE for more information & pictures!

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