Tag Archives: Highlands, NC Real Estate

Property Values Addressed on HIghlands, NC Area Real Estate Market

I recently read an interesting article in the Smoky Mountain News about property valuations in Western North Carolina.

Evidently, Macon County officials may decide to postpone their property valuations from 2013 to 2015.

Macon County  includes the communities of Flats, Franklin, Highlands, Smithbridge, and Sugarfork.

Continue reading to learn more about why officials are considering delaying the revaluation – and how it may affect Highlands area home sellers.

Highlands, NC Homes for Sale

According to the recent article, the proposed delay in revaluations is in response to the sluggish housing economy.

According to Macon County’s tax assessor, not enough properties have been sold to new owners to create meaningful property value levels.

What’s more, inaccurate property revaluations may result in a lot of property value appeals from residents, which could be costly to the county.

It’s the county’s hope that if they wait to complete the county-wide revaluation, more Macon County properties will change hands between buyers and sellers, creating for a more accurate reading property values county-wide.

Macon County’s proposed response to the sluggish economy is a stark contrast to Jackson County’s.

Jackson County includes the communities of Cashiers, Scotts Creek and Webster.

Jackson County is still planning to move forward with its property revaluations in 2013, even though the county has a similar housing market as Macon County.

The last time Jackson County and Macon County did their property revaluations was in 2008 and 2007 respectively.

According to state law, every county must complete a property revaluation at least every 8 years.

Your Highlands, NC Area Real Estate Experts

In Macon County, commissioners are expecting that property values on more expensive homes and undeveloped land will decrease while property values on the homes in the $150,000 range will increase.

The proposed delay on property revaluations may actually be good news for those Highlands area home sellers who own high-end homes.

After all, property valuations is a good point of reference for many Highlands area home buyers trying to decide how much they’re willing to pay for a home.

Thus, if property values on higher-end homes are expected to decrease after the next property valuation, it behooves Highlands area home sellers to sell their home before that revaluation happens.

Thus, if you’re a Highlands area home seller, contact me, Dorothy Swearingen, today.

As your Highlands area real estate expert, I’ll work hard to sell your home in as little time as possible for the best price possible.

I’ll also provide you with a number of helpful Highlands area home selling tools to help you navigate the market.  These include:

Until next time,

Dorothy

 

Highlands, NC Real Estate Market Report

Now is a great time to purchase a Highlands, NC home for sale.  After all, over the last couple of weeks, the average list price for a Highlands NC property for sale has steadily dropped from $813,000 to $801,000.

Continue reading to learn more about the current state of the Highlands, NC real estate market, and what it means for interested Highlands NC home buyers.

Highlands, NC Real Estate

Here is the most recent data on the Highlands, NC real estate market, according to real estate website Trulia.com:

  • During the week ending on August 31, the average price per square foot for a Highlands, NC home was $572, which was 8.7 percent increase when compared to the year before.
  • During that same week, there were 872 resale and new homes on the Highlands, NC real estate market, including   2 homes in the pre-foreclosure, auction, or bank-owned stages of the foreclosure process.
  • During the week ending on August 31, the average listing price for Highlands NC homes for sale was  $801,010, which is a 0.7 percent decrease when compared to the week before.

Highlands, NC Homes for Sale

If Highlands, NC sounds like the kind of community in which you’d like to call home, then contact me, Dorothy Swearingen.

As your Highlands, NC real estate expert, I’ll help you navigate the Highlands housing market by providing you with such helpful home buying tools as:

I also encourage you to check out some of my pre-defined Cashiers home searches for the area to help simplify the home buying process.  These include:

Until next time,

Dorothy

Highlands, NC Real Estate Market Update

Founded in 1875, Highlands, NC is a beautiful Western North Carolina town in Macon County.  

Highlands, NC offers its residents the best of both worlds – easy access to natural wonders like the Appalachian mountains as well as to such major metropolitan cities as Atlanta, Georgia and Charlotte, NC.

If you’re thinking about investing in Highlands, NC real estate, I recommend you continue reading to learn more about the current state of the Highlands, NC real estate market.

Highlands, NC Homes

Here’s some data that Trulia.com and Realtor.com recently released about the Highlands, NC real estate market:

  • There are currently 904 resale and new homes on the Highlands, NC real estate market.
  •  The average listing price for a Highlands NC home for sale  was $822,306 for the week ending on August 3, which was the same as the week before.
  • The average price per square foot for a Highlands NC  home for the week ending on August 3 was $572, which was an increase of 8.7 percent when compared to the same period last year.
  • The median sales price for a Highlands NC homes between October 10 and December 10 was $425,000.
  •  Compared with  the same period in 2009, the median home sales price increased by 9 percent – or about $35,000

Thinking About Entering the Highlands NC Real Estate Market?

Then contact me, Dorothy Swearingen, today!

As an experienced Highlands, NC REALTOR, I’ll work hard to provide you with the most up-to-date information on the Highlands real estate market.

This information will prove invaluable as you navigate the Highlands NC real estate market and ultimately will save you both time and money.

To get the Highlands, NC home buying process started today, please feel free to check out some of my helpful N.C. Mountains real estate resources, including:

Until next time,

Dorothy

Enjoy Summertime to Its Fullest in the Highlands, NC Area

The North Carolina mountains are well known for their scenic vistas during the spring and fall.

However, visitors will find that there’s plenty of reasons to journey to the North Carolina Mountains during the summertime as well.

One of those reasons: white water rafting.

This exciting sport gives you one-of-a-kind views of the North Carolina Mountains while giving you quite a workout and adrenaline rush.

A recent article in the Asheville Citizen-Times gave some tips on how to plan a whitewater trip in the North Carolina Mountains.

Continue reading to learn more about these useful tips.

Living in the Highlands, NC Area

According to the article, one of the first things you should consider when charting a whitewater trip is the minimum age allowed on a river.

This minimum age will tell you how fast the river flows. For instance, while the Lower Pigeon allows individuals ages 4 and older,  the Cheoah requires rafters to be at least 16

Next step is to pick what paddle you’ll use.

After that, consider how much you want to spend on the trip.  While some places such as ones on the Nantahala charge just $19 to rent a raft, the Chattooga charges as much as $400 for a multi-day trip.

The paper notes that the average price for a half-day, guided trip is $45 a person.  That price includes a guide, transportation to the river entrance, gear and even lunch.

Here’s a brief list of some of the most popular rivers that whitewater rafters check out during the summer:

  • Nantahala – A Class II-III river that many families with children and first-time paddlers use.  This river is located in Swain and Graham counties
  • Lower Pigeon: A Class I-II river that is also good for families with children and first-time paddlers.  This river is located in Hartford, Tennessee.
  • French Broad: A Class III and IV river in some sections, which means this river is for more skilled paddlers.
  • Upper Pigeon: A dam-controlled river located in Hartford Tennessee.  This river is also good for families with children, as evident by the minimum age requirement of 8.
  • Chattooga: A rapidly moving river near Cashiers in Jackson County.  This river is well known for its scenic beauty and thrilling tours.

Investing in Highlands, NC Area Real Estate

If you’re the kind of person who has a great appreciation for natural beauty, I recommend that you consider living in the North Carolina Mountains.

This area is overflowing with natural beauty, which locals make use of everyday through whitewater rafting trips, hiking, biking and more.

If this sounds like the kind of lifestyle that complements your interests, then contact me, Dorothy Swearingen.

As your Highlands, NC area real estate expert, I’ll let you know about available listings in the area, as well as provide you with such helpful Highlands, NC relocation materials as:

Until next time,

Dorothy

Fun Things to Do in the Highlands, NC Area This Month

During the summertime, it seems like there’s always a fun and exciting festival going on in the mountains of North Carolina.

From music festivals to antique fairs – there seems to be a festival for every interest and walk of life in this area.

Continue reading to learn more about the various festivals going on this month in the Highlands, NC area.  

Continue reading

Blue Ridge Parkway in the Cashiers, NC Area to Be Protected With Land Grant

The Asheville Citizen-Times recently had an interesting article about the area receiving a land grant from The Federal Highway Administration’s National Scenic Byways Program.

Evidently, North Carolina’s land trusts recently received federal funds to help protect about 20 of the state’s scenic byways, including the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Continue reading to learn more about this exciting development, and what it means for Cashiers area home buyers.

Cashiers, NC Area Real Estate

According to the recent article, this is the second time that North Carolina’s land trusts have received federal funding for land protection projects.

This time, the federal government gave $2.7 million to these area land trusts to help protect natural, cultural and historical resources along these scenic byways.

These land trusts will accomplish this noble goal by:

  • Educating landowners about conservation efforts
  • Acquiring property and conservation easements
  • Planning for conservation efforts on other area byways.

Some of the byways that will benefit from these efforts include:

  • Drovers Road Scenic Byway in Henderson County
  • 90 acres near the summit of Bearwallow Mountain
  • Six additional routes throughout Western North Carolina

Investing in Cashiers, NC Area Real Estate

I’m thrilled that the federal government is awarding our area more money to help keep out mountains beautiful.

After all, thousands of people all over the country flock to Western North Carolina each year because this area is known for its awe-inspiring natural beauty and breath-taking vistas.

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

As your Cashiers area real estate expert, I’ll answer any questions you might have about living in the area as well as let you know about available listings in our various communities, which include:

Until next time,

Dorothy

State Decided to Cut Landslide Hazard Map-Making in Highlands, NC Region

State lawmakers recently decided to cut the state’s landslide mapping unit, which was created to assess which mountain slopes are most likely to create a landslide.

The Smoky Mountain News reported that five state geologists who were working on the maps were laid off this week.

The state’s decision will save about $355,000 a year.

Continue reading to learn more about what this means for Highlands, NC area home owners and buyers.

Living in the Highlands, NC Area

Since the landslide mapping unit began working on the landslide hazard maps in 2005,  they have completed studying four counties:

The team was in the process of studying Jackson County’s mountain slopes when the state cut their funding.
The state’s landslide mapping unit has faced controversy since the beginning because many critics felt that mapping the landslide hazard zones would make it harder to sell property in those zones.

Critics of the mapping unit also questioned whether the unit’s conclusions were accurate.

But others thought that the landslide unit was a great public safety initiative – providing mountain residents with vital information about at-risk areas.

Since landslides typically follow predictable paths, proponents also said that the landslide maps wouldn’t hurt property values, but rather help people figure out on which side of a lot to build their home.

In fact, experts say that mapping where old landslides happen is the best way to predict where future slides will take place.

The geologists working on the landslide project relied heavily on old landslide sites to predict whether a slop was at a low, medium or high risk for a future landslide.

Macon County officials hope to use the findings by incorporating them into a new steep slope ordinance.  A handful of other Western North Carolina counties – including Jackson and Haywood – already have such an ordinance.

To view Macon County’s landslide map, visit www.geology.enr.state.nc.us/Landslide_Info/MaconCounty.html.

A partial map for Jackson is expected to be posted soon to wfs.enr.state.nc.us/fist/.

Highlands, NC Area Real Estate

What do you think of state lawmakers’ decision to cut funding to the landslide hazard map-making unit? Let me know!

And if you’re thinking about entering the Highlands, NC real estate market as a Highlands area home buyer or home seller, then contact me, Dorothy Swearingen.

As a Highlands, NC REALTOR, I strive to keep up-to-date on the news that affects Highlands area home buyers and Highlands area home sellers so I can help them make educated decisions on the Highlands area real estate market.

Until next time,

Dorothy

 

Cashiers Area Scholars to Address Growth and Development in the Cashiers, NC Area

The Smoky Mountain News recently reported on an upcoming discussion that will be held at the Highlands Biological Station on growth in the mountains of North Carolina and how that growth will affect farm and forestland in the area.

The discussion, which is part of the Highlands Biological Foundation’s “Think About Thursdays” speaker series, will be led by Paul Carlson.

Mr. Carlson will address such pressing topic in the N.C. Mountain region as:

  • Steep-slope land values
  • How local officials plan to keep up with road systems as the area develops
  • How future development will affect the native flora and fauna in the area

For those interested in going to this event, here are the details:

  • When: 6 p.m. on July 7
  • Where: Highlands Biological Station, 265 N 6th St in Highlands, North Carolina
  • Admission: FREE
  • More Info: Call (828) 526-2602

Development in the Highlands, NC Area

One of the things that’s always impressed me about the Highlands, NC region is how the residents continually strive to strike a balance between development and natural beauty.

Thus far,  the region has  done a  great job of preserving that natural beauty, as evident by the numerous recreational amenities available to Highlands area residents.  These include:

With discussions like the one that will be held on July 7, Highlands area residents – as well as interested Highlands area home buyers – can be confident that that natural beauty will continue to be cherished and preserved for years to come.

Investing in Highlands, NC Area Real Estate

Have you been thinking about relocating to the Highlands, NC area? Then contact me, Dorothy Swearingen.

As your North Carolina Mountains real estate expert, I have years of experience working in various area real estate markets, including:

Contact me today to learn more about how I can help make navigating the Cashiers, NC area real estate market easier for you and your family.

Until next time,

Dorothy

 

Celebrate the Fourth of July in the Cashiers, NC Area

Are you still searching for that perfect Fourth of July event to take your family to this year?

Consider celebrating your independence with us here in the North Carolina mountains!

As evident by all of the events going on this Fourth of July, our residents are certainly full of pride for our country!

Here’s a look at some of the fun events going on this holiday weekend:

Live Concert: Come enjoy Hendersonville’s Music on Main series this Friday, July 1 at the Visitors Information Center.  The four-piece band Sound Investment will be playing your favorite 1960s and 1970s tunes.

  • When: 7 to 9 p.m.
  • Where: Visitors Information Center, 201 S. Main Street
  • Admission: FREE
  • More Info: Visit www.historichendersonville.org

Cashiers Mountain Music Festival: Now in its third year, this annual music  festival has grown quite a following!  Come enjoy such  acts as The Steep Canyon Rangers and Earl Scruggs.  Balsam Range will headline on Saturday and Doc Watson will perform on Sunday.

  • When: July 2 through 3
  • Where: The Village Common Areas in Cashiers, NC
  • Admission: $25 online and $30 the day of; Children under 12 get in free
  • More Info: Visit cashiersnorthcarolina.com/cmmf

Pops Concert: The Transylvania Symphonic Band will perform during the Pendergast Family Patriot Pots event in Brevard this Independence Day. The Brevard Community Band will also be featured at this family-friendly event.

  • When: 2 p.m. on  July 3
  • Where: Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium
  • Admission: $15 to $35
  • More Info: Visit www.brevardmusic.org

In addition, the following communities are expected to have fireworks shows on either July 3 or 4.  Visit individual community websites for more details:

Entering the Cashiers, NC Area Real Estate Market

As you can see, we here in the Cashiers, NC area enjoy community events and a family-oriented atmosphere year-round.

If the Cashiers, NC area sounds like the kind of place you would like to call home, then contact me, Dorothy Swearingen.

As your Cashiers, NC area real estate expert, I’d be happy to answer any questions you might have about living in the North Carolina mountains.

I’d also be happy to provide you with all of my helpful Cashiers NC area home buying resources. These include:

Until next time,

Dorothy

 

 

 

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

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