Whether you want to get your fitness in on your own or join a class there are many ways to get exercise in Highlands NC.  The hiking, mountain biking and trail running accessible in Highlands is some of the finest available in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains.  Guided or alone, a fitness adventure awaits.

If taking a class is more your speed, the Old Edwards Inn and Spa has a number of classes available in their fitness facility, ranging from Zumba and Yoga to Aerobics and Pilates.  In addition the fitness staff offers guided hikes, both in the wilderness and around historical downtown Highlands.  Nowhere is working out more enjoyable than in this lovely North Carolina town.

Click here to view this week’s class schedule at Old Edwards.

For more information about Highlands and Cashiers North Carolina, and for access to the Highlands/Cashiers NC MLS, contact Meadows Mountain Realty today, 866-526-3558 or email us today at info@meadowsmtnrealty.com.

This will be a great weekend to take a walk with your dog in Highlands North Carolina.  This Saturday, September 4th, marks the annual Mountain Tail Wagger Walk and Pet Fest, designed to not only show your support for our furry, four-legged friends but also to support the local Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society.

Here are some specifics about the event:

• online registration closes on Friday, September 3rd, registration can be done in person on the day of the walk.
• registration, start of walk and end of walk is at the Highlands Recreation Center.
• the cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children 10 and under.
• registration begins at 9:30 am and the walk begins at 10:30 am.
• the Pet Fest will take place from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm.
• for more information click here or call 828-743-5752.

Living in Highlands NC offers residents a variety of ways to give back to the community and a walk like this annual event is but one way.  The community of Highlands North Carolina is one which focuses on its environment, the arts, nature conservancy and bettering the lives of all that live in the area.

For more information about Highlands and Cashiers North Carolina, and for access to the Highlands/Cashiers NC MLS, contact Meadows Mountain Realty today, 866-526-3558 or email us today at info@meadowsmtnrealty.com.

The Gala of the Arts runs through September 2nd in Highlands NC, with a wine reception this Saturday at the Old Edwards Inn and Spa.  Over 800 works of art will be available to view or buy.  The collection is that of renowned collector and art aficionado, Ann Jacob.  This one-of-a-kind show will feature original oils, lithographs, watercolors, silkscreens and rare engravings.

There is no doubt that some amazing art will be available for all to view in Highlands North Carolina over the next few days.  The event, which opened Thursday, August 26, will feature talks by some of the artists, a book signing, wine receptions on Friday and Saturday, and a charity auction and wine event on Wednesday, September 1.  Click here to learn more about the Gala of the Arts.

Exposure to the arts is one of the aspects of Highlands which demonstrates its wonderful quality of life.  If you would like to learn more about living in Highlands NC please contact us today.  Whether you are looking for a primary home or a mountain getaway we can help find you the home of your dreams.

For more information about Highlands and Cashiers North Carolina, and for access to the Highlands/Cashiers NC MLS, contact Meadows Mountain Realty today, 866-526-3558 or email us today at info@meadowsmtnrealty.com.

Multi-media painter, artist, Mira Lehr, is headlining in Highlands North Carolina this week.  The Bascom will be hosting a talk by Lehr and a reception on Tuesday, August 24 at 4:30 p.m.  A mixer and cocktails will start the presentation and Lehr will take the floor at 5:00 p.m.

Residents and visitors of Highlands NC with an artistic leaning can take advantage of learning from Lehr this week as well.  Tuesday kicks off a great workshop led by Lehr.  The workshop is titled “Painting and Drawing” and artist Mira Lehr will teach the techniques of painting and layering, from 10:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m., August 24 through 28.  For five days artists and aspiring artists can fine-tune their talents through the tutelage of Ms. Lehr.

The stunning natural setting of Highlands North Carolina is inspiring for all types of artists and The Bascom is a Highlands institution which both showcases the arts and helps aspiring artists improve.  Click here to learn more about The Bascom.

For more information about Highlands and Cashiers North Carolina, and for access to the Highlands/Cashiers NC MLS, contact Meadows Mountain Realty today, 866-526-3558 or email us today at info@meadowsmtnrealty.com.

There is a great play opening this week in Highlands North Carolina.  The play Lettice & Lovage is taking the stage at the Highlands Playhouse, a comedy written by the same author who wrote Equus and Amadeus, Peter Shaffer.  Lettice & Lovage opens on Thursday, August 12th and runs through the 22nd.  This fun performance is certain to liven up an evening in Highlands and create great fodder for discussion. Click here for show times, further information and tickets.

On any given day or night there is something going on in Highlands North Carolina.  Whether you would like to partake in a physical, spiritual or cultural activity you can find something that fits the bill in this beautiful North Carolina mountain setting.  The Highlands Playhouse is but one cultural center in Highlands that prides itself on supplying the community with top notch theater and musical talent.

Please contact us today if you would like to learn more about the Highlands NC area and all that it has to offer.

For more information about Highlands and Cashiers North Carolina, and for access to the Highlands/Cashiers NC MLS, contact Meadows Mountain Realty today, 866-526-3558 or email us today at info@meadowsmtnrealty.com.

What does Highlands North Carolina have to offer?  Plenty.  Located in the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains, in southwestern North Carolina, Highlands is in the Nantahala National Forest, a spectacular setting that is well worth a visit.  In addition to a spectacular location, Highlands temperate climate is ideal.  Activities in Highlands NC include golf (fantastic golf at that), fly fishing, hiking, and mountain biking.  For the less avid outdoorsmen the shopping, dining and sightseeing are entertainment is fabulous.  The fine dining will not disappoint and on any given day one can witness a top notch play or listen to the melodious sounds of chamber music.

Graced with picturesque waterfalls, a quaint downtown, and a stunning landscape it is hard not to say that Highlands NC is a town that has it all.  Offering peace, serenity and a healthy quality of life Highlands is a great place to visit and an even better place to call home.

Click here to learn more about Highlands NC by visiting the Highlands Chamber of Commerce website.

For more information about Highlands and Cashiers North Carolina, and for access to the Highlands/Cashiers NC MLS, contact Meadows Mountain Realty today, 866-526-3558 or email us today at info@meadowsmtnrealty.com.

Highlands Plateau Audubon Society Picnic will take place on the Village Green in Cashiers NC this Sunday, August 8th at 5:00 p.m. The Highlands Plateau Audubon Society is a wonderful chapter of the national society, dedicated to preserving and appreciating the local birds and wildlife as well as preserving natural habitats and educating the public on the area and its inhabitants.  The Highlands and Cashiers area is fortunate to have the opportunity to learn from the Audubon Society through lectures that occur throughout the tear.

Highlands and Cashiers offer a stunning natural setting for this wonderful national association to enhance with both its knowledge and expertise.  The Audubon Society’s annual picnic brings nature lovers and environmental supporters from Highlands and Cashiers together to celebrate the beautiful area in which they all live.  Click here to learn more about the local Audubon Society.

For more information about Highlands and Cashiers North Carolina, and for access to the Highlands/Cashiers NC MLS, contact Meadows Mountain Realty today, 866-526-3558 or email us today at info@meadowsmtnrealty.com.

If you’re looking to sell or refinance your home, you know that a home appraisal is a necessary step in the process.  Even though the value of your home may not be as high as it once was, it is important for homeowners to be realistic when it comes to getting their home appraised.

As a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I know how vital it is to list your home at the right price.  Although price is only a part of marketing, it is important and having an appraisal done is the first step toward making the  pricing decision.

Here are 10 ways to prepare for a home appraisal:

1. The appraiser will need approximately 30 minutes to one hour to complete the inspection phase of the appraisal process, which includes: exterior photos of the front and rear of the home and a photo of the street in front of the property; measurements of the exterior of the home, garage and any outbuildings; a walk-through inspection of all rooms and levels of the interior of the home, including the basement.
2. Get organized. Put together a checklist that will help you get ready for your appraisal.
3. Be flexible when scheduling the appointment.
4. If possible, have a copy of your home’s floorplan to help verify measurements and lot size.
5. Provide a list of improvements made to the property since the purchase.  Include improvements like adding a deck, updating your kitchen or bathroom, and any room additions, etc.
6. Allow your appraiser access to the entire property, including access to any crawl space or attic areas.
7. Keep in mind that a clean home makes a good impression. Be sure to trim the lawn, clean our garage, repair cracked windows or torn screens, check for leaky faucets and secure gutters and down spouts before your appraisal.
8. Point out any amenities that may not be obvious to the appraiser:  patios,  security systems,  vacuum, etc.
9. Provide a copy of last year’s tax assessment information.
10. Know what year the house was built and when improvements were made.
Following these steps will go a long way toward making the home appraisal process a bit easier.  For more information on home appraisals and preparing your home for sale, please email us at info@meadowsmtnrealty.com. 

If you are looking for your real estate  in Highlands NC or Cashiers NC, please give any of the brokers at Meadows Mountain Realty a call at 866-526-3558.  Visit our website at www.meadowsmtnrealty.com

HIghlands North Carolina offers an environment in which to both look at and learn.  The natural beauty of this southern Blue Ridge Mountain area is stunning, offering a stunning backdrop for almost any activity.  This natural playground also offers a great outdoor science lab.  The Highlands Nature Center offers classes in Highlands which allow residents and visitors alike to learn more about their environment and gain appreciation for the area.

Whether you want to learn about mammals, plants, insects or fungus you can find a course that suits your interests in Highlands NC.  There are also special speakers throughout the summer that, through the Highlands Nature Center, offer talks and information about nature.

This Thursday there is an author, Paula Robbins, who is speaking about The Man Behind the Mountain Laurel, Peter Kalm in America.  The talk takes place at the Nature Center at 7 p.m.  On Friday there is an exhibit on snakes, “Snakes of the Highlands Region” will take place from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., and is open to all ages.

Highlands North Carolina is the perfect environment in which to learn.  Click here for more information on programs available through the Highlands Nature Center.

For more information about Highlands and Cashiers North Carolina, and for access to the Highlands/Cashiers NC MLS, contact Meadows Mountain Realty today, 866-526-3558 or email us today at info@meadowsmtnrealty.com.

It was long time coming, but season has finally arrived.    The July 4^th weekend was crazy in Highlands and Cashiers – it seemed as if there were more visitors here than ever before.   The Town of Highlands put on spectacular fireworks show lighting up the night sky while the local radio station played continuous patriotic music.     Everyone cheered when the finale ended a busy day of activities.

 We have all been on the go showing property and have had some offers from buyers and a few that went to contract.    It is still very difficult to get buyers off the fence – they are understandably nervous that the US economy will dip again.

 As the mercury rises, most of us on the Highlands Plateau would prefer to hear the word “dip” only in relation to swimming pools, lakes or streams.  Unfortunately, the doom-sayers have hijacked this word and incorporated it into their latest dark scenario: a double-dip recession.     There’s no question that chatter about a double-dip has intensified.   A search of Google News turned up nearly 6,000 stories about a double-dip recession in the first week of July.  That compares with 120 such stories for all of July 2009.  

 There is still plenty of evidence however, that the double-dippers don’t have all the cards.  In the past week, jobless claims dropped, retailers said June wasn’t as bad as feared and the Dow Jones Industrial Average managed to rebound decisively back above 10000.      In a double-dip recession, the economy falls back into negative territory not long after emerging from recession.  Growth in gross domestic product turned positive in the third quarter last year and has remained so ever since.   Later this month, second-quarter growth estimates should show that the string of positive quarters is continuing.

The Federal Reserve has some moves they can take to support the economy if threatened by a renewed downturn.    ”We still have tools. Obviously we have more room on the tightening side than we do on the easing side,” said Federal Reserve Board Governor Elizabeth Duke on Monday in an interview on Fox Business Channel.  “But we still have balance sheet tools and we could still bring interest rates down just a bit,” Duke said. At the moment, it doesn’t look like a double-dip recession is likely, Duke said. “It is a moderate recovery even though some of the recent data has come in pretty soft,” she said. Economists said the Fed could lower the interest rate paid on excess reserves to zero from 0.25%.    Overall, we’re more likely to see modestly slower growth than we’ve recently experienced. But the only double-dips in sight involve ice-cream cones, nachos or a return to the water.

Foreclosures and short sales are still a minor factor here.  There are 29 properties in foreclosure in the Highlands market – 14 homes, 9 condominiums and 6 home sites.   Eight of the 9 condominiums are the Town Place units by the ballfield in town.   In the Cashiers/Glenville/Sapphire market there are 79 properties in foreclosure/short sale including 34 homes, 9 condominiums and 36 homesites.    

There have been 28 sales so far in Highlands this year – this compares to 37  in the same first six months of 2009.     In the                  Cashiers/Glenville/Sapphire market there have been 41 sales so far compared to 27 in 2009.     There have been 12 land sales in Highlands so far this year with an average sales price of $189,587.   There have been 44 sales in Cashiers/Glenville/Sapphire with an average sales price of $119,855.  There are currently 259 home sites on the market in Highlands and 986on the market in Cashiers/Glenville/Sapphire.

There have only been 2 condo sales in Highlands so far this year and 6 in the Cashiers/ Glenville/Sapphire community.   There are currently 83 active condo listings in Highlands and 112 in Cashiers/Glenville/Sapphire.

The inventory of available properties has increased again.    There are currently 497 homes on the market in Highlands and 719 in the market in the  Cashiers/Glenville/Sapphire area.

There will never be a better time to buy a place in the mountains.   Inventories are up, so you have the best selection; many Sellers are anxious to move on or move up, so they are more likely to make you the best deal; interest rates are at historic lows, so you can afford more house.    Let the professionals at Meadows Mountain Realty help you find the best buy possible in the best place in the world to live – the place we call home.   Call today at 866-526-3558 or email us at info@meadowsmtnrealty.com.