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

Many consumers comment that some realtors as well as some economists seem confused about the future of housing sales. They point out that sometimes we seem bullish and sometimes we seem bearish. Let’s set the record straight about this.

Whether the Highlands housing market is likely to be up or down in the future is based on how many people decide to buy homes. Their decisions are based on a myriad of personal factors such as health concerns, whether they are close to retirement, whether they need or want a second home, whether they can afford to buy and so on.

Their views are also affected by tax credits, home prices, mortgage rates and a host of other factors out of their control. In short there are more than a few variables.

What do we think? Going back over 30 years shows that one consistent barometer is the “5%” rule. That is over 30 years of data shows that roughly 5% of all households tend to buy a new or existing home each year. (Note: in 2005 the percentage had reached 7.2% or 44% ABOVE the sustainable long term rate.) On that basis, and given approximately 120 million households in the U.S. then “normal” housing sales should be around 6 million for this year. And given where we are at the start of June, that seems to be where we will finish.

 In short, we are bullish about a solid if not spectacular year for housing sales.

There’s also been some confusion about how the new health care bill may affect real estate. First, there is no 4% “sales tax” or “transfer tax” on the sale of a home included in the health care bill. Additionally, there is nothing in the bill that impacts the mortgage interest deduction. What was included in the health bill is a provision that imposes a new 3.8% Medicare tax for some high income households that have “net investment income”. Any revenue collected by the tax is dedicated to the Medicare hospital insurance program.

This new tax would only apply to households with Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of more than $200,000 for individuals or more than $250,000 for married couples. Since capital gains are included in the definition of net investment income, an additional tax obligation might result from the sale of real property.

The calculations of how much tax is owed are complex. However, even when the AGI limits are met, the new tax would not be applied to all capital gains that result from the sale of a home since the existing home sale capital gains exclusion rule still applies. So if the gain from the sale of the primary residence is below $250,000 (individual)/$500,000 (couple) then no Medicare tax will have to be paid on the gain.  The new Medicare tax would only apply to any home sale gain realized in excess of the $250K/$500K existing primary home exclusion that pushes the filer’s AGI over the $200K/$250K income limits. The new Medicare tax will take effect January 1, 2013. Of course, you need to check with your own tax professional to see how the new health care reform bill can affect your bottom line.

For more information on real estate in Highlands, contact Judy Michaud at Meadows Mountain Realty 828-526-1717 or toll free 866-526-3558. Please feel free to stop by our office across the street from “Sweet Treats” at 450 N. 4th Street in Highlands or at 94-1 Highway 64 West in Cashiers.  Or visit us online at www.meadowsmtnrealty.com   Judy can also be reached by email at info@meadowsmtnrealty.com

Highlands Falls Country Club is a lovely gated community in Highlands North Carolina.  Bordered by the Nantahala National Forest, the Highlands Falls Country Club is in a magical setting that offers not only fantastic golf but amazing recreational opportunities.  The community has a variety of home options, from cluster homes and condominiums to elegant custom built homes.  One of the hottest buys currently available is a Highlands Falls cottage located at 1100 Claire Lane.

1100 Claire Lane is a 3 bedroom 2 ½ bathroom cottage with impeccable details that include a beamed ceiling, a stone fireplace, hardwood floors, all-new appliances and new cabinetry.  Priced at $499,000 this home is a must-see.

Highlands NC has many wonderful homes for sale that run the gamut in terms of price.  If you are looking for a luxury estate it is here but if you want to live in luxury in Highlands NC and not pay a luxury price then this adorable Highlands Falls cottage is what you have been looking for.  Contact us today to look at this home or any other Highlands NC real estate.

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.

For those looking to live a mountain lifestyle that includes golf, a lake, incredible views and a spectacular setting Cullasaja Club in Highlands North Carolina fits the bill.  Cullasaja Club is known for its challenging golf course designed by legendary golfer Arnold Palmer.  Comprised mainly of single family homes, this Highlands NC community has some cottages and villas as well, affording their residents maintenance-free living with stunning views and easy access to the Cullasaja Club amenities.

The fabulous clubhouse at Cullasaja Club is a cornerstone of the community, offering a place to meet up with friends, swim, play tennis, work out, or just plain relax and enjoy life.  In addition to the golf course and clubhouse is Lake Ravenel, a stunning lake to one which to canoe, fish or picnic alongside.

Highlands NC is made up of a variety of communities, and Cullasaja Club is one which has a great deal to offer the outdoors-man, the golfer and families.  With amazing golf, a clubhouse to meet friends and make new ones, and a lake, What more does one need?

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 have been looking for the perfect specimen of Highlands NC real estate, your search is over.  1124 Billy Cabin Road in Highlands, NC, is an amazing home in an ideal location.  This Highlands property is in a private setting alongside Big Creek, allowing its residents to feel away from it all when they are actually close to the town of Highlands and all that it has to offer.

This Highlands home has 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms and was built in 2008.  The attention to detail make this home special.  Built to resemble old world construction this Highlands home has all of the modern conveniences one needs to feel comfortable and pampered.  Old beams, stone fireplaces and nostalgic baths accent this unique Highlands property.  Call us today to set up a showing of this home or any other home that is currently on the market in Highlands North Carolina.

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.

Old Highlands Park offers hassle-free, luxury living in Highlands NC.  The Old Highlands Park Condominiums are well-planned, luxurious condominiums that require no maintenance from their residents in a convenient in-town setting.  For those that want to escape to the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains yet not have to worry about landscaping and maintaining a large home, these Highlands condos are a must-see.

Located next to a lakeside park, complete with picnic tables and benches, the Old Highlands Park Condominiums give homeowners access to the true beauty of the Highlands NC area.  At the same time, the best of what the town of Highlands has to offer, top notch shopping and fine dining, is all within walking distance.

Please call us today to learn more about the Highlands Park Condominiums and to take a look at what a luxury condo in Highlands NC 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.

If you are looking for a Highlands home that has privacy yet the convenience of being located in town, look no further.  93 Old Edwards Circle is a home that offers its residents the impeccable quality and design expected from the mountain style architecture of Highlands NC.  The detail is this home is evident throughout, from the natural stone fireplace to the timbered trusses that accent the coffered ceilings of its great room, this Highlands home offers a luxurious retreat to its lucky inhabitants.

A well-designed kitchen was built as much for low-key home cooked meals as it was for elegant entertaining, adding to the versatility of this particular Highlands home.  If you have been looking for a home in Highlands that will give you the charm and the serenity of a private location, the security of club membership and an in-town location, look no further.

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.

Many of the homes in Highlands North Carolina are second homes.  Buying a second home is a big investment and should be considered thoughtfully.  If you are thinking about buying a vacation home in Highlands NC there are some important points to weigh.

Can you afford to own a vacation home?  There are other costs involved besides the obvious price of the Highlands home you want to buy.  There will be repairs that will need to be made from time to time.  There will also be the cost of insurance, utilities and maintenance.

Will you be renting your new Highlands vacation home?  If so you will need to decide whether you want to use a property management company or do it yourself.  Either way there will be costs involved.

If you have weighed the pros and cons of purchasing a second home and decide to move forward, Highlands is a beautiful area to escape to.  To learn more about the area and Highlands real estate contact us today.

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 Spa at the Old Edwards Inn in Highlands was just awarded the highest ranking possible based on responses from clients of The Spa obtaining a perfect score of 100 in all three categories of treatment, staff and facilities.    The Spa at Old Edwards Inn edged out world renowned hotel spas from across the country including the likes of The Bellagio in Las Vegas, The Mandarin Oriental in Washington DC, The Ritz-Carlton in NYC and The Four Seasons in Chicago.     This is the twentieth year of ratings by Conde’ Nast Traveler and the first time that a perfect score has been awarded to any spa.     This award is in addition to the many other acclaims that have been received by the Inn including the Traveler’s Choice Award for 2010, a four star ranking from Forbes, and the Four Diamond Award from AAA.

For the first time, the Old Edwards Group is offering an opportunity for ownership with their Private Residences at Satulah.   These special properties arewithin walking distance to all shopping, dining and arts activities in Highlands NC.    Included in the pricing of these new mountain homes is membership in the Old Edwards Club including golf, two swimming pools, tennis, two fitness facilities and spa amenities plus discounts and preferred reservations at all the Old Edwards dining and shopping venues.      Only 11 of the fourteen homes are still available.    For more information on the opportunity at Satulah, Old Edwards Private Residences please contact any of the brokers at Meadows Mountain Realty at 866-526-3558 or by email at info@meadowsmtnrealty.com.     Please visit our website for more information about Highlands at www.meadowsmtnrealty.com.

Second home ownership in the Highlands/Cashiers area of Western North Carolina is a dream for many.  People who dream of second home ownership dream of having a home to escape to, make memories in and enjoy for a lifetime.  The Highlands/Cashiers  area offers all of that and more.

The natural beauty that surrounds Highlands and Cashiers allows its residents and visitors to feel as if they are truly away from it all.  Whether families want to spend time together exploring nature, getting active, or being quiet and playing games, everything is possible in this beautiful part of the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains.

Owning a second home in Highlands and Cashiers offers a safe haven to escape to as well as a place to build a lifetime of memories.  Whether you want a simple mountain cabin or a modern mountain masterpiece, you can find what you are looking for in Highlands/Cashiers NC.

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.