Search results matching tags 'realtor jackson county nc', 'western nc real estate', 'Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap and Cherohala Skyway NC', and 'Announcements'

New Listing 49 ACRES in Bryson City, NC!

584125 — Wed, 15 May 2013 02:24:00 GMT

www.RickStrohm.com - Smoky Mountain Properties
Real Estate in the Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina

Fantastic Smoky Mountain Property! Undeveloped and unrestricted 49 acres of property in the beautiful Brush Creek area of Bryson City, NC. Several building sites on the property with Smoky Mountain views. Perfect for developing or for an extremely private residence. Property does have easement for road to property. Qualified buyers ONLY, Bring ALL Offers!

Click on the link below for more details and photos:

http://www.rickstrohm.com/Bryson_City/North_Carolina/Lots_and_Land/47948/Brush_Creek/Agent/Listing_80792874.html

Buyers - You Don't Need a BIG Down Payment?

584125 — Tue, 07 May 2013 12:33:00 GMT

www.RickStrohm.com - Smoky Mountain Properties

Rick Strohm, Jr. - NC licensed real estate Broker & Owner of www.RickStrohm.com

May 7, 2013

In the past several months I have closed on several transactions, and what I am going to tell you might surprise you. Down payments for these purchases ranged from just 3.5% down (FHA loan) up to 20%+ (conventional loan). As we all know, lending requirements have changed over the past few years; however, there are still tons of options for you if you do not want to make a large down payment. Here are a few examples:

FHA - a majority of my clients over the past year have purchased their homes using an FHA-insured loan. FHA loans feature a 3.5% down payment, that's just $3,500 on a $100,000 purchase (example).
VA and USDA - These two loans offer "zero" down payment programs. For this option, you and/or the property you are purchasing must qualify for the terms of these loan programs, but it's great if you qualify!
Conventional - this type of mortgage loan offer loans as low as 5% down payment, and are still common today.

The examples above are the most commonly used loan programs in today's real estate market, but there are others. How do you find them?? First you need to work with a solid mortgage broker (loan officer). This person will help you evaluate your loan options and will be able to walk you through the loan process entirely. Personally, I work with some fantastic pros that get the job done for my clients on a daily basis. Drop me an email (click here) or go to www.RickStrohm.com and I will connect you with them.

If home ownership in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina this year is your goal, contact me today. Together we will create a solid plan to move you from Point A to Point B - it's what I do, and I love what I do!

Rick

Vacation Cabin Rental in Smoky Mountains NC

584125 — Wed, 01 May 2013 14:49:00 GMT

www.RickStrohm.com - Smoky Mountain Properties

The Veranda at Seven Ridges is located in the Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina, more specifically beautiful Almond, North Carolina at the confluence of the Nantahala River & Fontana Lake.

Convenience: The Veranda is located in the middle of it all! 1/4 mile from the entrance to the Almond Boat Dock with boat slips on Fontana Lake (pontoon boat rentals available), 2 miles from Tsali Mountain Bike & Horse Trails on Fontana Lake (rated Top 10 Mountain Bike Trails in the United States), 6 miles from the Nantahala Outdoors Center (NOC) whitewater rafting/kayaking/zip line/food & beverage, 11 miles from downtown Bryson City, NC & entrance to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park & Great Smoky Mountain Railroad (10 minute drive), 20 minute drive to Harrah's Cherokee Casino (Las Vegas style 'live card dealing', alcohol beer/wine/spirits, Ruth Chris Steak House, Paula Deans Restaurant, live Ticket Master concert venue & much more entertainment!).

Comfort: The Veranda has ample parking & easy 24/7 year-round access. The ample parking includes plenty of room for your vehicles & trailered boat. You do not have to 'climb a mountain' to get phenomenal long-range Smoky Mountain views from The Veranda!

The Veranda, for its namesake, provides for your comfort (2) 15x20 & 15x30 covered porches with numerous seating & dining facilities for the entire family - all with long-range (Seven Ridges) views.

The lower living area is with full spacious kitchen, stacked rough cut marble wood burning fireplace with gas logs, cathedral Oregon Pine ceiling, leather furniture, fully tiled bath & enclosed shower, (2) bedroom with (2) double beds in each room, all new bedding (mattresses, box springs & all mattresses enclosed in Aller-Ease Bed Bug Mattress Covers) with the finest sheets & pillowcases.

The upper separate living area with its own entrance, encompasses a fully tiled bath, a full kitchen & dining area, a rocked gas fireplace in the family room, (1) bedroom with (2) double beds & a sitting area.

Cleanliness: Seven Ridges prides itself on cleanliness! All of the wood floors, sinks & toilets are totally disinfected (both with chemical, cleaning & the wrapping of our beddings with Aller-Ease Bed Bug Mattress Covers). The Veranda has been in our family since the 1960s as a retreat in the Smoky Mountains when all of the immediate family was living elsewhere. The family has grown, the kids have mountain homes of their own...this is the 'first' time we are putting our Pride & Joy into the rental market!

There is absolutely no doubt that you will enjoy this residence & property as much as we have over the years!

We look forward to serving you, contact us today to book your Smoky Mountain retreat!

Smoky Mountain NC Vacation Cabin Rental!

584125 — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 17:25:00 GMT

www.RickStrohm.com

Rick Strohm, Jr.
Owner/Licensed North Carolina Real Estate Broker
RickStrohm.com - Smoky Mountain Properties

The Veranda at Seven Ridges is located in the Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina, more specifically beautiful Almond, North Carolina at the confluence of the Nantahala River & Fontana Lake.
This is a "brand new" vacation rental listing, never been on the market before! Conveniently located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina just 10 minutes from downtown Bryson City, NC.
The Veranda at Seven Ridges
Convenience: The Veranda is located in the middle of it all! 1/4 mile from the entrance to the Almond Boat Dock with boat slips on Fontana Lake (pontoon boat rentals available), 2 miles from Tsali Mountain Bike & Horse Trails on Fontana Lake (rated Top 10 Mountain Bike Trails in the United States), 6 miles from the Nantahala Outdoors Center (NOC) whitewater rafting/kayaking/zip line/food & beverage, 11 miles from downtown Bryson City, NC & entrance to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park & Great Smoky Mountain Railroad (10 minute drive), 20 minute drive to Harrah's Cherokee Casino (Las Vegas style "live card dealing", alcohol beer/wine/spirits, Ruth Chris Steak House, Paula Deans Restaurant, live Ticket Master concert venue & much more entertainment!).
Comfort: The Veranda has ample parking & easy 24/7 year-round access. The ample parking includes plenty of room for your vehicles & trailered boat. You do not have to "climb a mountain" to get phenomenal long-range Smoky Mountain views from The Veranda!
The Veranda, for its namesake, provides for your comfort (2) 15x20 & 15x30 covered porches with numerous seating & dining facilities for the entire family - all with long-range (Seven Ridges) views.
The lower living area is with full spacious kitchen, stacked rough cut marble wood burning fireplace with gas insert, cathedral Oregon Pine ceiling, leather furniture, fully tiled bath & enclosed shower, (2) bedroom with (2) double beds in each room, all new bedding (mattresses, box springs & all mattresses enclosed in Aller-Ease Bed Bug Mattress Covers) with the finest sheets & pillowcases.
The upper separate living area with its own entrance, encompasses a fully tiled bath, a full kitchen & dining area, a rocked gas fireplace in the family room, (1) bedroom with (2) double beds & a sitting area.
Cleanliness: Seven Ridges prides itself on cleanliness! All of the wood floors, sinks & toilets are totally disinfected (both with chemical, cleaning & the wrapping of our beddings with Aller-Ease Bed Bug Mattress Covers). The Veranda has been in our family since the 1960s as a retreat in the Smoky Mountains when all of the immediate family was living elsewhere. The family has grown, the kids have mountain homes of their own...this is the "first" time we are putting our Pride & Joy into the rental market!

http://www.facebook.com/TheVerandaSevenRidges

Smoky Mountain NC Real Estate on Facebook!

584125 — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 17:11:00 GMT

www.RickStrohm.com

Rick Strohm, Jr.
Owner/Licensed North Carolina Real Estate Broker
RickStrohm.com - Smoky Mountain Properties

If you're looking for "local" real estate news and information in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, then look no further than RickStrohm.com - Smoky Mountain Properties on Facebook!

Click on the Facebook logo above or click on the Facebook link below to become a fan and like RickStrohm.com - Smoky Mountain Properties on Facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/SmokyMountainProperties

3 Real Estate Myths - Are You Being Fooled?

584125 — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 15:03:00 GMT

www.RickStrohm.com

Rick Strohm, Jr.
Owner/Licensed NC Real Estate Broker
RickStrohm.com - Smoky Mountain Properties

Studies have shown that the real estate market is rebounding, there are more buyers and sellers who are entering the market for the first time. However, with these first time buyers and sellers into the real estate market comes "assumptions". These assumptions might stem from reality TV shows or watching a friend or relative and their house-hunting experience. Whether you are experienced in the real estate market or you are a newbie, there are real estate myths that we all have heard. I've taken the time to reveal three (3) of the top real estate myths below:

Myth #1: The best time to sell a home is in the Spring

The historical trend of real estate used to be typically tied to summer and the end of the school year. This makes sense, due to the fact that most buyers and sellers were families who wanted to move their children during the summer so their children could start their new school come September. This would be how spring became the price selling season. The statistics still show that there are more homes for sale in the spring, but that does not mean that spring is the best time to sell a home.

Reality: The best time to sell is during the holidays, or right after

In today's real estate market, more than half (1/2) of buyers are not married, so school schedules do not effect their buying habits. Also, most sellers think that buyers are not interested in purchasing a home during the holiday season(s). The fact is, many buyers are looking at properties in person and online right up until Christmas Eve! If a seller puts their property (home) on the market in mid-December, a serious buyer will notice (and there are a lot of serious buyers during this time). Most buyers jump back online and start property searching again after New Year's, even thought a lot of sellers do not even consider listing their property in January.

The online effect (or net effect): Savvy sellers will face less competition, for a still strong pool of buyers, during this time period. This makes November through January a fantastic time to market and sell your property!

Myth #2: Always start with your lowest offer

There is not a computerized model or strategy for making an offer on a home or property. In fact, the seller could have overpriced or underpriced the home (property) on purpose. My real estate experience shows that there is currently a 10-15% markup on home prices that you see on the Internet or local MLS. This means that a buyer is safe to expect buying a home or property 10% lower than the current list price of the property (this is a general rule, not always the standard!). Some real estate markets might be more competitive than other. Here in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, this is the case as we are highly competitive.

Most buyers have this thought in the back of their head, "Never offer the full asking price!" This strategy might work if you are trying to purchase a used PS3 on eBay and in some real estate markets years ago, but times have changed.

Realty: Low offers might not close the deal

In today's real estate market, inventory is getting tight. There are less and less "good" properties on the MLS (multiple listing service) and online. A serious buyer might be wasting their time making low offers right from the start. A home that is priced right and shows well can receive multiple offers, sometimes even over the asking price. Often a buyer constantly placing low offers on properties will lead to disappointment.

My advice, work with an experience and local licensed real estate agent. An agent, Realtor, that is well versed in their real estate market (contact me today if you are looking for property in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina!). This agent will help you better understand the market you are searching.

Myth #3: Cash offers always win

Many buyers think that a seller, considering two different offers, will always go with the cash offer because there is less risk involved. This causes many buyers who hear they are competing with a cash offer to assume they will lose the home, or they may not even make a formal offer on that particular property. On the other hand, many cash buyers assume that because they are paying cash, they can make an offer below the sellers asking price and it will be accepted.

Realty: Sellers may be more tempted by a solid financed offer

Let's take a look at an example - consider a seller with a home priced at $299,000. The seller then received two offers; one is a cash offer of $275,000 and the other offer is a full price offer, with 25% down, a bank pre-approval letter and swift contingency periods.

A good buyers agent, upon learning their client is competing with a cash offer, will give the seller lots of data supporting their clients finances, such as a verification of income and assets. The agent could possibly even arrange a call between the seller and buyers lender.

Important!

Whether you are a buyer or seller, especially for the first time, the most important thing you can do is learn your real estate market. Contact me today (click here to email me) to see how I can assist you in my Smoky Mountain North Carolina real estate market.

Rick

http://www.facebook.com/SmokyMountainProperties

Home Prices Increase Largest Since 2006

584125 — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 16:32:00 GMT

www.RickStrohm.com

Rick & Rick Strohm, Jr.

January 17, 2013

Big news has hit the housing market today, according to CoreLogic Home Price Index (HPI) home prices have increased on a year over year basis for the 9th consecutive month. In November 2012 the HPI was up 7.4% from the same time in November 2011. This represented the largest jump in the HPI in nearly 7 years. In fact CoreLogic said all but 6 states are experiencing year over year price gains.

The current HPI, excluding distressed sales (i.e. foreclosed properties), is an increase of 8.4% since December 2012 as compared to December 2011. That was also a 0.7% positive increase from November 2012.

"As we close out 2012 the pending index suggests prices will remain strong," said Mark Fleming, chief economist for CoreLogic. "Given the recently released QM rules issued by the CFPB are not expected to significantly restrict credit availability relative to today, the gains made in 2012 will likely be sustained into 2013."

The states with the highest increases including distressed sales were Arizona (20.9 percent), Nevada (14.2 percent), and Idaho (13.8 percent. Excluding distressed sales the greatest increases were in Arizona (+16.5 percent), North Dakota (+12.9 percent), and Nevada (+12.6 percent).

The time to purchase real estate is now - even a better time here in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. All you have to do is contact me on my website or email me today to find out how easy it is to work with an expert in the WNC real estate market.

Rick, Jr.

Housing Market - 13 Reason to Look Forward to 2013

584125 — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 16:19:00 GMT

www.RickStrohm.com

Rick & Rick Strohm, Jr.

January 15, 2013

There are many that will look back on 2012's housing market as a disaster, but it was really the beginning of the recovery! 2012 was the year in which the housing market and real estate, as a whole, reversed its course and took a positive direction.

Guess what?? 2013 is upon us now and there are numerous reasons why the housing market/real estate is on the upswing. Here are 13 reasons:

1) Greater optimism about increasing home values - 65% of real estate professionals expect home values to rise in the next 6-8 months, an increase of 51% from the last quarter of 2012. There are 10 states where real estate professionals are "most" confident about rising home prices - and North Carolina is #9:

1. Idaho
2. Michigan
3. Arizona
4. Texas
5. Indiana
6. California
7. Florida
8. Virginia
9. North Carolina
10. Colorado

2) New households are forming - there is a growing trend in new household formations that are expected to drive up housing starts in 2013 that will outpace the apartment boom that we noticed in 2011-2012. Experts are forecasting a growth of 1.2 to 1.5 millions new households in 2013 that is going to provide a huge boost to housing in 2013.This growth is going to drive down apartment vacancy rates to 10-year lows and outpace the boom of apartment construction.

3) More urgency from home shoppers - with home prices on the rise in 2013, NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY and home shoppers will have more urgency to purchase a home NOW. Buyers are taking notice that home prices are edging up in most housing markets and they want to cash in before the rise to high.

4) For the Millennial generation, home ownership remains a goal - this generation has grown up through the housing boom and the bust. The unstability of the housing market over the years has deterred the Millennial generation from buying a home. In a recent study, 93% of Millennial's - aged 18 to 34 - stated that they plan to buy a home at some point (Trulia's 2012 American Dream Survey). A staggering 43% of this generation are already home owners.

5) Foreclosures are falling to pre-housing bust levels - since 2012 foreclosure starts have dropped 28% and are at their lowest level since December 2006 (a 71 month low). This evidence shows that we are pas the worst of the foreclosure problem brought about by the housing bubble bursting 6 years ago. RealtyTrac data shows the top states that have dropped the most in foreclosure starts are:

1. Oregon - 84% drop
2. Pennsylvania - 64% drop
3. California - 63% drop
4. Arizona - 59% drop
5. Georgia - 51% drop

6. Interest rates to remain low through 2013 selling season - The Federal Reserve announced that is plans on keeping interest rates low as long as the unemployment rate is above 6.5%. This notes the first time in history that the Fed has ever identified an exact unemployment rate to be reached before it plans to raise interest rates. In November 2012, the unemployment rate was 7.7% (that number appears to be lower than the actual unemployment rate nationally).

7. Loan demand is climbing - mortgage applications for home purchases reached a new high for the year for a 3rd consecutive week and 30-year mortgage rates sank to a new all-time low. Applications for home purchases, viewed as a leading indicator of future home sales, rose 0.7%.

8. Now is a good time to sell - More Americans are confident about selling their home/property to their highest level since Fannie Mae started a survey in June 2010. Consumers attitudes toward both the economy and the housing market continue to gather momentum.

9. Improving housing markets on the rise - In December 2012 the number of improving housing market grew by 76 to a total of 201, according to the National Association of Home Builders. It identified U.S. metro areas that have shown improvement in home sales, employment and property values for the past 6 months. Some of the newly added markets are:

1. Atlanta, GA
2. Bloomington, IL
3. Ann Arbor, MI
4. Seattle, WA
5. Green Bay, WI

10. Job creation will provide boost to the commercial sector - According to NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yum, " The primary factor holding back greater job creation has been uncertainty over regulations and associated costs. With the elections behind us and Washington apparently resolved to prevent a fiscal cliff, it's hoped that ambiguity over regulatory issues will clear relatively soon so employers can understand the rules of the game and the layout of the field."

11. Builder confidence increases - builder's optimism over the direction of the housing market continues to grow, but the "fiscal cliff" has many worried. Builder's all over the country are reporting some of the best sales conditions they've seen in more than 5 years, and they are seeing more serious buyers coming forward which is leading to a shrinking number of vacant/foreclosed properties on the market. However, the difficulty that many families are encountering in getting qualified for a mortgage due to today's overly stringent lending standards is still holding back potential home sales.

12. Housing values rise and equity returns - During the 2nd quarter of 2012, nearly one million home owners were able get "right side up" on their mortgages dues to rising home prices, according to Zillow. We have seen a 30.9% drop with homeowners who owe more on their home than it is currently worth, that is down from 31.4% from the summer of 2012.

13. The economic recovery will be the contributing cause of real estate - The economic "boost" that we witnessed last October and November of 2012 was due to an increase in home sales and consumer spending. The slowest of economic growth was in the Northeast, due to the impact of Hurricane Sandy which struck the region in October 2012. The rise in home prices is helping to life consumer confidence.

These are just some of the reasons to look forward to 2013. We are not out of the woods yet, and there still will be more that Washington needs to do to help the housing market.

I've said this a million times to my clients and in my blog - NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY real estate!

The housing market will return, interest rates will rise and home prices will rise as well. Contact me on my website or email me (click link) today to see how you can own real estate in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina.

Rick, Jr.

US Housing Market Warren Buffet Makes HUGE Bet

584125 — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 13:27:00 GMT

www.RickStrohm.com

Rick & Rick Strohm, Jr.
Owner/NC Licensed Real Estate Brokers
RickStrohm.com - Smoky Mountain Properties

November 8, 2012

Well the American election is 'finally' over. One thing is for sure, you are either extremely happy or extremely disgusted with the outcome. Which ever emotion you are, we must all understand that we need to come together to fix the problems with the great country in the world! A major problem, along with the economy, is that of the housing crisis. Nothing, absolutely nothing, has been done to remediate the housing market. So why would anyone in their right mind make a huge bet on the US housing market, let along legendary investor Warren Buffett?

Warren Buffett has been buying up real estate brokerages around the country as he is betting that the housing market will turnaround. Buffett has teamed up with Brookfield Asset Management, a Canadian real estate investor, which more than doubled the size of his brokerage business. A press release stated that the new company did a combined $72 billion in sales in 2011 (that is more than twice the $32 billion in sales without the new brokerages in 2011).

Ok, so what does this mean for you? Well if Warren Buffett is positioning himself to benefit from the worst US home market in more than 7 decades, don't you think you should too? I know that, most likely, you don't have the millions to invest like Buffett, but if you have been thinking about purchasing real estate...NOW IS THE TIME! The time to sit on the sidelines is over. Whether you voted for our current President or not, the US housing market will be recovering. Interest payments on loans will GO UP, sellers will raise their prices on their properties, down payments will increase...things will get better.

If you have been thinking about purchasing real estate in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, all you have to do is contact me today and I will assist you. Do not let these fantastic investment opportunities pass you by!

Rick, Jr.

5 Buyer Questions to Ask Before Submitting Offer Price

584125 — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 15:29:00 GMT

www.RickStrohm.com

Rick & Rick Strohm, Jr.
Owner/NC Licensed Real Estate Brokers
RickStrohm.com - Smoky Mountains Properties

November 1, 2012

This is the Internet Age and has been for quite some time. We do basically everything on the Internet these days. From shopping to car searching, its no wonder that we even begin searching for our new home on the Internet. In fact, over 92% of all home buyers begin their research on the Internet. Today's buyers do everything from searching for the home, finding the best mortgage rates, rating the local schools in the area and even find their Realtor online.

One area that is still difficult for the potential home buyer, who has not selected a Realtor yet, is finding the exact "price" to offer a seller for their property. This can be a high pressure situation; too low and you can lose the interest of the seller, too high and the buyer won't feel like they got a "deal". If you are having a hard time coming up with the offering price for a particular property, then here are 5 questions you will want to review first:

Have you found comps? You might be asking yourself, "What are comps?" Or perhaps maybe you already know what a comp is. For those that don't, a "comp" are property(they can be home or land depending on whether you are buying a home or raw/vacant land) sale prices of similar home near your target home/property. Comps should be within the past 6 months, but can stretch out to the 12 month mark if need be. Obviously, the closer the sales/settlement date the better and more accurate the comp will be. You will want to find a home/property that is the most comparable to your target home/property; square footage, beds, baths, acreage, etc. Once you found the comps then you will tell, for example, if the properties all sold for 5-10% over or under the asking price (or list price). This is a critical step in finding the best "offering price" for a particular property. You will need the assistance of an experienced Realtor to find comps, as the Realtor is the only one with access to their local MLS - contact me if I can assist you today!
Is the home in good condition? This is important to ask yourself and find out due to not all fixer-upper homes qualify for low-down payment FHA financing. In turn this will require you to come up with a larger down payment or the possibility of obtaining a rehabilitation loan. Conversely, if you were expecting to put a large down payment on the fixer-upper home, you might want to save some of the down payment money to pay for repairs to the property. It is best to discuss all of your options with a mortgage professional before you decide on the offer price.
Is there competition for the property? If the home is being marketed at a fair price (fair market value), then you are most likely not the only one that has their eyes on the property. If this is the case, you will want to make sure that your offering price is competitive. Again, if your offer price is too low the seller(s) will probably move on to another offer or disregard your offer completely. Your offer price is one in which you want to be smart, deliberate and logical about. Again, talk this over with your Realtor before making an offer.
Do you love the property? How much do you want this property? It is a "must have" an done you cannot live without? Your personal desire and motivation level about the property is a must when factoring in the offer price. Your home (for most people) is the largest asset in their estate, so your offer price is a decision you will want to take very seriously. Would you regret it if another buyer out bid you for the property? If so, then you will want to make your offer price is not too low. If you wouldn't mind the property being sold to another buyer, then make your offer price lower and test the waters. Again, your personal desire will drive the offer price.
Can you afford the property? This is not a trick question, but one that you should (again) take very seriously. If you have not asked yourself this question, you need to do that first! Consider all the variables before submitting your offer price:

- Have interest rates changed?
- Do you need to offer more for the property due to higher competition?
- Have your expenses changed (daycare expenses, new car payment, etc)?

I hope this has helped you in finding the best offer price and made you think of some questions you should ask yourself before submitting your offer to the seller. If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further email me. I handle real estate in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina and I would love to assist you in finding your dream mountain property.

Rick, Jr.