Tag Archives: Highlands Real Estate

Highlands, NC Area Real Estate Attracting Those Seeking a Cooler Summer

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More and more interested Highland home buyers are purchasing homes in the N.C. Mountains because of their summer getaway appeal, according to a recent news article.

Many Lowcountry residents are attracted to the North Carolina mountains because they offer an escape from the oppressive humidity in the Piedmont.
Interested Highlands home buyers are also attracted to the low prices on Highlands area homes for sale, the article noted.
Other reasons that are often cited for relocating to the Highlands, NC area as mentioned in the recent article include:
  • Breath-taking vistas during the fall and spring
  • Plenty of recreational amenities, including hiking and fly-fishing
  • A small-town atmosphere with close proximity to major cities, including Charlotte and Atlanta
  • A variety of home style options, including the traditional log cabin and more contemporary styles

Entering the Highlands NC Real Estate Market

As illustrated by the recent news article, there are plenty of great reasons to invest in Highlands, NC real estate – and not just for the summer, but year-round. This beautiful area includes such charming and unique communities as:

Have you recently been thinking about entering the Highlands NC real estate market as a Highlands NC area home buyer?

Then contact me, Dorothy Swearingen, your Highlands, NC area real estate expert!

When you do, I’ll be happy to  answer any questions you might have about living in the NC Mountains.

To get the relocation process started, feel free to check out some of my helpful Highlands NC area home buying resources, including:

Until next time,

Dorothy

Fun Things to do in Highlands NC Area This Month

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When people think of the North Carolina mountains, perhaps one of the most vivid images that come to mind is the brilliant fall foliage and the beautiful blooms in springtime.

What many people might not be aware of, however, is all of the incredible events that go on all summer long in the Highlands, NC area.

From festivals to 5Ks, there’s always something fun and exciting going on.

Relocating to the Highlands, Lake Toxaway, and Cashiers Area

Here’s a sampling of some of the amazing activities that you and your family could be enjoying this month if you were living in the Highlands, NC area.

Group Hiking: The Nantahala Hiking Club regularly hosts group hikes.  Contact this Franklin-Highlands area club to find out when the next hiking excursion will be.

  • When: Various days throughout summer
  • Where: Throughout the Highlands, NC area
  • Admission: FREE
  • More Info: Call 369-6820 or visit www.nantahalahikingclub.org.

State Parks Visit: Some state parks, including the Gorges State Park, is free to the public.  This Transylvania County Park features trails, waterfalls, picnic areas and campsites.  It’s quite popular among the locals in the Highlands, NC area.

  • When: Anytime during park hours
  • Where: Transylvania County
  • Admission: FREE
  • More Info: Call 966-9099.

Highlands Area Triathlon: During this triathlon – which features individual and relay team options – you’ll participate in a 250-yard swim, 9 mile cycle and 5K run.  Those interested can register at www.setupevents.com.

  • When: 8 a.m. on June 25
  • Where: Valdese Aquatic Center
  • Admission: Prices vary
  • More Info: Visit www.setupevents.com

Brevard Rotary Firecracker 5K/10K: The 16th annual 5K and 10K races will take place in downtown Brevard and is a great way to get to know your neighbors!

  • When: 8 a.m. on July 4
  • Where: Downtown Brevard, 299 S. Broad St.
  • Admission: Entry fee is $25 for the 5K and $30 for the 10K ($5 more after June 26), $20 for students 18 and younger and seniors age 65 and older.
  • More Info: Visit www.BrevardRotary.org.

Investing in Highlands, NC Area Real Estate

As you can see, there’s always something fun, new and exciting going on in the Highlands, NC area.

If you’ve been thinking about making the Highlands, NC area your permanent home, then contact me, Dorothy Swearingen, your Highlands, NC real estate expert.

I’ll answer any questions you might have about living here, let you know about available listings in the area, as well as provide you with a number of invaluable Highlands area home buyer resources.

These helpful tools include:

Until next time,

Dorothy

 

A Good Idea for Hendersonville and Why Highlands NC Area is an Amazing Place to Call Home

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The city of Hendersonville is thinking about converting an old rail line into a multi-purpose  trail that can be used by bicyclists, walkers, joggers and even equestrians, according to a recent article.

The 18-mile Norfolk Southern Ecusta rail, which travels from Hendersonville to Brevard, was built in 1894.  At one point, the line ran all the way from Hendersonville to Lake Toxaway.

Over the years, however, the rail has become obsolete and is currently inactive.  While portions of the line in the Brevard area have already been converted into a multi-use trail, the Hendersonville side remains unused.

The city is using a grant from the Federal Highway Administration to pay for the majority of the study, which costs about $65,000.

The final report is expected to be released in January 2012.

Living in the Highlands NC Area

This new development in Hendersonville is a fantastic thing for all who live in the North Carolina mountains.

It also highlights the general philosophy in this area that celebrates outdoor recreation.

Here in the Highlands, N.C. area, residents constantly have an array of recreational amenities from which to choose, including:

Have a family member that doesn’t necessarily enjoy being outside too much but does enjoy the mountain environment? No worries! There are plenty of indoor recreational attractions that the N.C. Mountains offer as well!

Relocating to the Highlands, NC Area

If you’re considering moving to the North Carolina mountains, then contact me, Dorothy Swearingen!

When you call, I’ll tell you about all of our unique mountain communities, including:

As your N.C. Mountain Life expert, I’ll also provide you with a number of invaluable N.C. home buyer resources, such as:

Until next time,

Dorothy

 

 

 

North Carolina Waterfalls

Horseback Riding

Gem-mining

Fly-fishing

Golf

Tennis

Whitewater Rafting

South Carolina Waterfalls

South Carolina State Parks

Update on Property Values in Highlands, NC and Neighboring Counties

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Several Western North Carolina counties will be facing home revaluations in the next couple of years.

According to state statute, counties must reappraise their properties  every eight years at least. This is to ensure that home values are aligned with true market values and that there’s not runaway inflation or deflation.

Counties determine property values by looking at the property’s most recent selling price and the selling prices of surrounding properties.

Highlands, NC Area Real Estate Values

An increase in Highlands area home values can seem like a positive or negative thing, depending on whether you’re a Highlands, NC area real estate home seller or home buyer.

Here’s an update on property values in several Western North Carolina counties, including Macon, Jackson and Haywood counties.

  • Macon County – which includes Highlands – postponed its revaluation until 2013.
  • Jackson County – which includes Cashiers – postponed its revaluation until 2015
  • Rutherford County – which includes Chimney Rock -postponed its  revaluations until 2012.
  • In Haywood County – which includes the communities of Waynesville, Canton and Clyde – home values have held steady since the 2006 revaluation, according to the 2011 revaluation.
  • Haywood County saw new construction  increase by 13 percent.
  • Overall property value in Haywood county increased from $5.9 billion in 2006 to $6.7 billion.
  • Buncombe County postponed its revaluation, which it must complete by 2014.
  • Henderson County saw property values drop by 10 percent during its 2011 revaluation.
  • Property values in Asheville, NC have increased by about 7 percent on average since 2006.

Investing in Highlands, NC Real Estate

The Highlands area real estate market is a constantly evolving frontier.  That’s why you need an experienced Highland,s NC area REALTOR who understands the finer points on the housing market.

As your North Carolina mountain real estate expert, I have years of experiencing working in several Highlands, NC area real estate markets, including:

Contact me, Dorothy Swearingen, today to learn more about how I can help you and your family better navigate the Highlands area real estate market!

Until next time,

Dorothy

 

 

FIRST GREEN LIVING FAIR – FOCUS ON A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

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Green Living Fair August 2, 2008 Highlands Civic Center, Highlands, NC

The Jackson-Macon Conservation Alliance is putting on its first Green Fair so come join the fun and learn the latest home building “Green News”.  The fair will focus on the latest trends and techniques as well as sharing green building and green living ideas.

The kickoff will be a $5 spaghetti dinner August 1 at 6:30 followed by guest speaker Ned Ryan Doyle who will speak on “Available Options for a Sustainable Future”.

Saturday morning the Farmers Tailgate Market will feature local produce from 8 am to 11 am.  Come stock up with fresh organic vegetables.  Lectures will begin at 10 am focusing on Living Green…How Can You as an Individual Help our Environment.

Admission to the fair is $5/adults and 12-18 year olds $2.  Children younger than 12 are free.  If you have any used ink cartridges, old cell phones or batteries ready to be disposed of, recycling will be available.

Come to learn…it will be fun to visit and see the 40 vendors sharing their “green” knowledge.  Whether you are thinking of lawn reconstruction or tree removal to large real estate development projects, there is something for everyone.

As NC realtors, it is important to have the knowledge to share with customers who have questions on “going green”.  It is not a new topic, but one that is now being discussed with great interest.  One home in Lake Toxaway was built green and is available on the market today.  For inquiries email me at dorothy@NCMountainLife.com or visit our website at www.NCMountainLife.com  Stay tuned for more green articles. 

The Jackson-Macon Conservation Alliance remains focused on keeping the Highlands-Cashiers environment pristine as possible.  This plateau which is among the oldest in the world along with the combination of large amounts of rainfall and altitude has created the perfect environment for some of these unique and rare species to be found on Mother Earth.  Mankind must work together with the environment to sustain this fragile environment with better building habits.  With numerous building and real estate projects constantly being developed in the county, the alliance felt it was necessary to promote awareness and fight against water, air, and light pollution, and loss of forest lands and animal habitats.