$5,850,000

MLS Number: 50913

City: Valle Crucis, NC
Stories: 2
Bedrooms: 4 Baths: 4.5
Area: Boone-Blowing Rock, NC
Year Built: 1990
Plus Five fully furnished 1,400 sq. ft. Rental Cottages. Each built in 1996 on approx. 1/2 acre sites. Current cottage average annual rental income $150,000.

39.4 acres with 360 degree view of Blue Ridge Mountains.

5,200 sq. ft. main house built in 1990 on 1.24 acres.

No restrictions and no zoning offer many other options:

* Family compound
* Corporate retreat
* Religous retreat
* Horse farm / Dude ranch
* Recording studio
* Cottages can be sold separately
* Land can be further subdivided if desired

Contact Elizabeth Carter, 336.973.5594 or Greg Stikeleather, Broker, 704.880.5247 or email eacarter@charter.net

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search for : Valle Crucis, NC, Blowing Rock, NC, Blue Ridge Mountains

For decades, the lowly garbage disposal is picking up some new fans outside the U.S. Environmental engineers and local government planners in Europe and Asia have been lobbied by InSinkErator, a Racine, Wis., unit of Emerson Electric Co. in the hope of altering the perception that garbage disposals are a water-guzzling convenience that can clog pipes and overtax sewage-treatment plants.

The green strategy has helped InSinkErator to nearly double its world-wide sales in the past decade to close to $500 million annually. InSinkErator has pitched disposals as an especially good fit in densely populated Europe, since the devices could help reduce congestion from garbage trucks.

fter studying disposal use in the United Kingdom, John Henry Looney, an independent environmental consultant based in Maisemore, England, became an advocate of the devices for urban areas. “You reduce the garbage runs and the carbon footprint, which is important,” he says. (more…)

search for : garbage disposal, InSinkErator

The Remodeling Institute of America tells us that the number one area for home remodeling is the kitchen, while the bathroom and basement come in second and third. Increasingly, homeowners are adding fireplaces to these remodels. The reason is prefabricated fireplace units, simple to install and easy on our pocketbooks.

The hearth has always been the essential and psychological core of every home, whether it is an actual fireplace or merely a mantel displaying the treasures and trophies of intertwined lives. Long past the days of strictly utilitarian purpose, fireplaces and stoves are a design feature in their own right. They are available in an array of styles, sizes, and colors; offer a variety of fuel choices; and feature benefits beyond mere aesthetics, including heat and cooking. (more…)

search for : prefabricated fireplace unit

WEST JEFFERSON NC MOUNTAIN PROPERTY

87.5 +/- Acres Available For Residential Subdivision Mountain Development, 7 miles from West Jefferson, NC

Paved Road and Bridge Built To State Specifications.

Average of $23,000 per acre.

This Property Should Retail For Approximately $50,000 to $60,000 per acre.

ALL PROPERTY HAS LONG RANGE MOUNTAIN VIEWS

Contact Greg Stikeleather, Broker, 704.880.5247

or

email Greg at grstike@charter.net

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A new law will benefit cash-strapped homeowners whose mortgage debt was forgiven, in part or in whole, during 2007. Taxpayers may exclude debt forgiven on their principal residence if the balance of their loan was less than $2 million (the limit is $1 million for a married person filing a separate return).

Also, a new deduction will help some people who purchased and paid for mortgage insurance during 2007. However, the deduction begins to phase out once adjusted gross income exceeds $100,000 (or $50,000 for married people filing separately).

The basic standard deduction for 2007 rose to $10,700 for joint filers from $10,300 for the prior year. For most singles, it’s $5,350 for 2007, up from $5,150. There are additional amounts for those who are 65 or older, or who are blind. (more…)

search for : mortgage insurance

Those building a new home soon understand that finding an architect who is the right fit both for the home and the owner(s) is crucial to getting the job done right. Key to getting a good design is to employ the architectural firm early-on in the life of the project.

Most architects will do their best to design a structure to work with whatever plot of land the owner wants to build on. Architects are also trained to help scout prospective builders with the land purchase, giving guidance on how the land lays, is oriented with surrounding structures, and fits into the community.

With a general vision of the house and a budget in mind, the architect can evaluate the pros and cons of a location that a client might overlook, such as whether a site is big enough to accommodate the dwelling or whether a neighbor’s right to a view will preclude the owner from building the size and style of structure. (more…)

search for : architect, architectural firm

Agents will tell you that in most all real estate markets, price is the key to selling your home within a reasonable time frame. It’s most important in a declining or buyer’s market as exists today in most parts of the United States.

As a rule of thumb, if after the first 21 days, your home has had a goodly number of showings, but no offers, the price is probably within 5 percent of market. But, if after 21 days there are very few, or no lookers, the price is likely at least 10 percent over market value, or worse, the price could be unrealistic.

As a seller, you should understand that most buyers are willing to offer 5 percent under the asking price and not be afraid of offending you. But, very few buyers will offer 10 percent, or more, under the asking price. The buyers, and their agents, will simply refuse to even look at a property that is 10 percent or more over priced.

(more…)

Vacation property, an investment for retirement or a permanent residence, this Lake James waterfront home may be your dream property.

The beautiful water front home is located in a private community with spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It has a double deck boat dock, an enclosed boat garage and a private ramp to launch your own watercraft. The home was built originally in 1972 and totally renovated in 2002. A four car detached garage was built in 2002.

There is a total of 264 ft. of water front. Beautiful three tier sea walls accent this elegant home. Hard wood and tile floors, modern appliances and vaulted ceilings are only a few of the amenities that capture you with this home.

Private dock permit.

List Price: $1,800,000
Flexibility: Willing to finance
Acreage: .75 acres
Type: Waterfront

Floors: 2
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 4
Sq. Footage: 3700
Garage Size: 4.0
Year Built: 1972, totally renovated in 2002
School District: Nebo

Suitable Use: Residential

Topography: Rolling
Road Frontage: Private Road
Location: Lake James, Burke County, NC

Amenities: Waterfront, Fireplace, Central AC, Alarm, Wood Floors, Gas Range, Patio, Wheelchair Accessible, Nature/Bike Paths, Boating, Controlled Access, Spa/Jacuzzi

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search for : Lake James waterfront home, Blue Ridge Mountains, Lake James, Burke County, NC

Less than 1% of U.S. homes have geothermal systems, and that’s decades after the technology emerged as a significant energy saver. The biggest hurdle is the upfront price. A geothermal system can cost twice as much as a new conventional gas or electric system. To get their money back, homeowners might need to stay in the house at least three years, and maybe as long as 10. Or, they need a buyer who understands the advantages.

A typical installation might require as many as four 150-foot holes drilled in the soil. A loop of plastic pipe is then inserted into the holes, covered with dirt and connected to inside gear that looks much like a conventional furnace. The inside unit pumps water into the ground, causing it to emerge at a constant ground temperature, typically 55 degrees Fahrenheit. That water is used to precondition refrigerant for increased efficiency and lower energy usage. (more…)

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A decade ago, most people started off with enough equity in their homes to make foreclosure irrational from a financial standpoint. Consumers with significant equity in their homes were reluctant to walk away form their mortgage obligation.

But over the past few years, lenders and the mortgage-backed securities investors who bought the mortgage paper weren’t demanding substantial down payments. In fact, in response to market demands, these lenders were content with 5% or even nothing down.

Essentially, mortgage-bond investors, seemingly unwittingly, sold homebuyers a put option, without properly pricing it, and now homeowners are exercising that option. (more…)

search for : mortgage-backed securities investors, mortgage paper

The decision to buy a second home can be a daunting task when one considers the financial and logistical tasks. In addition to taking on a mortgage, vacation-home owners face a second set of utility, maintenance and tax bills.

Combine that with the stress of managing the home as a rental property, and some would-be second-home shoppers might be wiser and happier sticking with renting.

But with proper planning, a little common sense and some friends spreading the good word, renting out a vacation home can be a positive experience. (more…)

Beautiful Wilkes County NC Timber Frame Home and Mountain Property.

MLS Number: 51166, List Price: $898,500

2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, 2 half baths, 2 car attached garage, full basement, and a barn on 5 acres of land.

These terms are used to describe thousands of homes and yet some things just can’t be described, they have to be experienced. This is one of those homes that really has to be seen to be appreciated.

This majestic Timber Frame home of the Bob Timberlake genre is not just another house, it provides a feeling of home that is not about walls and floors and windows and doors. It creates a feeling of the flow between your outdoor and your indoor environment that is seamless. Everywhere you look there is a view. Everything you touch feels natural and beautiful in a way that cannot be described, only owned.

Contact Elizabeth Carter, 336.973.5594 or Greg Stikeleather, Broker, 704.880.5247 or email eacarter@charter.net

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Recent actions (or maybe inactions) may help solve the current “mortgage meltdown” crisis. But as we enter into a new year, there are other real estate issues confronting consumers. Here are some New Year’s resolutions recommended for legislators, lenders, appraisers, title companies, and consumers.

If you are in the market to buy a house (whether it is a single-family, condominium or cooperative), it’s imperative that you shop around for your mortgage. Many new-home builders will offer you a cash discount if you use the lender’s “preferred lender” and its “preferred title company.” Sometimes these discounts are worthwhile, but sometimes the extra charges imposed by that lender and the title company exceed the amount of the discount.

Make sure that you carefully inspect the house. If the current owner is reluctant to give you this opportunity, move on to another property.

You also have to have a complete title search done before you go to closing — even if you plan to pay all cash. Distressed properties can carry a lot of problems — such as tax liens, unpaid assessments, or judgments against the current owners. (more…)

search for : preferred lender, title company, title search, Distressed properties

Even for the smallest of remodeling budgets, improved energy efficiency can have a variety of benefits. Environmental gains will appear through drastic decreases in water consumption and electricity use. These include lower energy costs, qualification for tax breaks and rebates and the ability to market a property to buyers or tenants as being environmentally friendly.

Energy efficiency projects come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from as simple as changing light bulbs to as complex as performing a complete remodel. One fine source for detailed renovation ideas is the book shown on this page — Green Remodeling: Changing the World One Room at a Time, written by David Johnston and Kim Master in 2004.

The easiest and least expensive solutions involve lighting, showerheads and thermostats. Regular incandescent light bulbs use technology that has been obsolete for some time; they lose most of their energy as heat instead of light. Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) use about 75 percent less energy to produce the same amount of light, and will last up to 10 times longer. (more…)

search for : energy efficiency, lower energy costs, Green Remodeling

Jack M. Guttentag, Professor of Finance Emeritus at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania has composed an excellent series of articles on the Mortgage 101 website

Entitles “New mortgage underwriting rules will be tough to enforce”, Guttentag discusses the problems that regulators will have when trying to make sure that lenders comply with the intent of the Federal Reserve Board.

In writing, the Professor examines board proposals to curb lax underwriting rules, unfair practices by mortgage brokers, and abusive practices by loan servicing agents in respect to this salient statement

Underwriting requirements set by private markets tend to become increasingly liberal when house prices are rising. Rising prices convert bad loans into good ones — good, at least, from a lender perspective. If the borrower can’t make the payments, having equity in the property allows the borrower to refinance into a mortgage with lower payments, or to sell.

It is our opinion that this one series will do well to educate current and prospective mortgage holders as to the problems facing themselves and the mortgage industry.

search for : mortgage underwriting rules, lax underwriting rule, unfair practices by mortgage brokers, abusive practices by loan servicing agents

If you are thinking of selling then one hassle you don’t need is a last-minute renovation. With the housing market continuing to weaken, many sellers are going beyond the usual cleaning, painting and “staging” with flowers and pillows, by taking on big-ticket projects.

Real estate pundits warn that sellers are unlikely to get their money back from extensive renovations. But owners often feel they have no choice if they want to sell, especially when builders of newly constructed homes are throwing in hardwood floors, finished basements and other free upgrades.

According to Remodeling magazine’s annual Cost Versus Value Survey, the overall return for remodeling projects is on the decline, falling to an average of 70% in 2007 from 86.7% at the market peak in 2005. (more…)

It used to be, years back, that there were two types of real-estate agents: Those who listed homes and those folks who took buyers around to look at homes represented by a listing service (MLS). Both were necessary at that time. Because the Internet and online real-estate listings didn’t exist, the agents who showed homes to buyers generally spent a lot of money on gas and earned every penny of their commission.

With changes in technology, a new kind of agent has emerged. These agents are called “exclusive buyer agent,” and are responsible to the buyer alone. Although a full service agent could be employed as a buyer’s agent, some don’t list homes at all.

Some real estate pundits recommend that buyers seek out such agents, as they’ll not only keep your confidence, they’ll also drive you around, give you valuable insight into market conditions and negotiate hard on your behalf, without any possibility of a conflict of interest. (more…)

search for : real-estate agent, MLS, buyer’s agent

In this overly litigious society in which we live, manufacturers feel the need to paste a warning label on every available square inch of just about every tool we use. Because we are so inundated and overwhelmed with the stickers, we often don’t give the warnings much deserved attention.

Safety warnings are there for a reason. Some are generic in nature, yet some are specific to that particular tool. And, while many may seem like simple common sense, to ignore basic safety procedures is stupid, and dangerous in the extreme. So take a moment to review some of these common power tool safety precautions. Keep them in mind the next time you’re working with power tools. (more…)

Beautiful Wilkes County NC Log Home and Mountain Property.

MLS Number: 50863, List Price: $359,900

Bedrooms: 3, Full Baths: 2, Half Baths: 0, Est Total SqFt: 2600, Type/Style: Log Home, Area: Area 6, Middle School: Cntrl Wlks, High School: Wlks Cntrl, Construction: Log

Foundation: Combination, Roof: Metal Roof, Floors: Carpet/Hardwood/Tile, Garage/Carport: None-Garage, None-Carport, Interior Features: Master Bedroom, Main Level, Large Master Bedroom, Walk-In Closet(s), Hardwood Floors, Fireplace(s), Great Room, Exterior Features: Double Pane Windows, Wooded Lot, 1-5 Acres, Hot Tub, Subdivision: N/A, Lot Size: 2.47, Apx SqFt: 2600 – 2800 SF, Basement: None

Contact Elizabeth Carter, 336.973.5594 or Greg Stikeleather, Broker, 704.880.5247 or email eacarter@charter.net

click here for more information