Tag Archives: Real Estate

Cashiers NC Real Estate Market Update

access_time

Located at a cool 3,500 feet above sea level, Cashiers NC is a thriving Western North Carolina town with a distinctive culture.

And with a number of fantastic amenities and quality public schools nearby – It’s no wonder that Cashiers, NC real estate is constantly in high demand!

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

Cashiers, NC Homes for Sale

Here’s a brief overview of the Cashiers, NC real estate market, based on data from Trulia.com and Realtor.com:

  • There are currently 622 resale and new homes in on the Cashiers, NC real estate market.
  • The average listing price for a Cashiers, NC home for sale was $1,053,786 for the week ending on August 3, which is a 0.5 percent decrease of 0.5%, or $5,002, compared to the prior week.
  • For the week ending on August 3, the average list price for a 2-bedroom Cashiers home for sale was $368,000.
  • For the week ending on August 3, the average list price for a 3-bedroom Cashiers home for sale was $750,000.
  • For the week ending on August 3, the average list price for a 4-bedroom Cashiers home for sale was $1.5 million.

Investing in Cashiers, NC Real Estate

If you’ve been thinking about entering the Cashiers, NC real estate market as a Cashiers home buyer, then contact me, Dorothy Swearingen, today.

As your Cashiers NC real estate expert, I’ll answer any questions you might have about living in Cashiers as well as let you know about available listings in the area.

To get the process started today, please check out some of my online Cashiers NC home buying tools, including:

Until next time,

Dorothy

Cashiers NC Area County to Vote on Whether to Allow Alcohol Sales

access_time

The Smoky Mountain News recently had an interesting article about a proposed alcohol referendum for Jackson County during this year’s elections.

Jackson County, which is located in Western North Carolina, includes the Cashiers community.

Continue reading to learn more about this proposed referendum and what it means for Cashiers, NC area home owners and interested Cashiers home buyers.

Living in Cashiers, NC

According to the recent article,  four of five county commissioners in Jackson County told the paper that they would support an alcohol referendum – although no formal action has been taken yet to do so.

It remains unclear whether this referendum would be on the ballot during the May primary or during the general election in November.

Sylva and Dillsboro are the only two communities in Jackson County that have alcohol sales right now.  The referendum would open up the sales to all parts of the county.

Currently, Buncombe and Clay counties are the only ones in the western part of the state to allow the sale of alcohol countywide.  Henderson County residents will address the issue during their May primary.

Restaurant and store owners in Cashiers praised the proposed referendum because they say it will bring new energy to the local Cashiers economy.

Others are saying that it would help breathe new life onto the Western Carolina University campus, which is located in Cullowhee in Jackson County. Allowing alcohol sales near the campus would certainly stir economic activity, advocates say.

Investing in Cashiers, NC Area Real Estate

Voters in Jackson County will have much to decide on should the commissioners vote for an alcohol referendum.  They’ll have to address whether they want to allow beer, liquor, wine or all of them.  They’ll have to take a stand on whether to allow the sale in grocery stores or gas stations or simply keep it to sit-down restaurants.

What do you think of the proposed referendum?  Should alcohol sales be allowed in Jackson County or not? Let me know what you think!

Thinking about relocating to the Cashiers, NC area? I can help!

As an experienced Cashiers, NC area real estate expert, I pride myself on keeping up with the latest news in the area so I can help interested Cashiers area home buyers make informed decisions on the real estate market.

Contact me, Dorothy Swearingen, today to learn more about all of the helpful Cashiers home buying resources I can provide you, including:

Until next time,

Dorothy

Enjoy Summertime to Its Fullest in the Highlands, NC Area

access_time

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

access_time

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

access_time

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

access_time

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

access_time

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

access_time

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

 

 

 

Cashiers, NC Could Get New Recreation Center Soon

access_time

Jackson County commissioners are currently in talks about approving an $8 million recreation center for Cashiers, NC.

This concept has been in the works since 2006 and now it finally looks like some progress might be made on this development.

Over the past three years, the county has prepared the site for the recreation center by working on water, sewer and grading.  This has cost the county about $3 million.

Officials estimate that the recreation center  will cost about $5 million to construct.  The county may start taking bids on the project in as little as a couple of months, the recent article in the Smoky Mountain News reported.

The proposed recreation center in Cashiers, NC is expected to be about 25,000 square feet and will feature:

  • Basketball courts
  • A walking track
  • A weight-lifting room
  • A dance/aerobics room
  • Showers
  • Lockers

Purchasing a Cashiers, NC Area Home for Sale

The proposed recreation center is great news for Cashiers home buyers and home owners alike.

Not only will it stimulate the local economy by bringing more jobs to the area, but it will also provide Cashiers residents with even more recreational options.

Of course, as it is now, Cashiers residents have plenty of recreational amenities to choose from, including:

But this new recreation center is sure to make living in Cashiers, NC that much greater!

Navigating the Cashiers, NC Area Real Estate Market

If you’ve been thinking about moving to the Cashiers, NC area, then contact me, Dorothy Swearingen.

I’ll tell you everything you need and want to know about living in the NC Mountains as well as provide you with such useful Cashiers home buying tools as:

Until next time,

Dorothy

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

access_time

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