Most people will never venture to the local building department; much less submit themselves (and their blueprints) to the bureaucratic process of obtaining a building permit, scheduling periodic inspections and complying with building codes.

That, of course, is a builder’s job… and one that construction professionals take pride in making efficient and hassle-free for their clients. To be sure, working through the red tape takes experience, savvy and patience. Those who know the drill are able to navigate the approvals and inspection process with confidence.

Consider the potential mine field of regulatory issues that most contractors must map out and manage to ensure their projects are in full governmental compliance.

Plan Check. Before a set of blueprints or house plans can be used to build or remodel a house, the building department must review them to make sure the drawings comply with applicable building codes. The plan checker looks at structural design, weight loads, plumbing, heating, and electrical layouts and specifications, and other details in the plans. If everything is in order, the drawings are approved for construction.

Prior to plan check, however, an experienced and professional builder will review the drawings and make any adjustments to speed the process. Before submitting the plans, he or she may contact trade contractors or building materials suppliers for their input, as well. Such refinements and attention to detail help avoid “red-lining,” causing a return of the plans unapproved and marked by the plan checker (in red pen) for necessary changes … thus delaying the building process.

Permitting. A building permit — a required document in most municipalities for almost any construction project — is the document that a building inspector will review and refer to when he or she visits the building site as the project progresses toward completion. The building department will only issue a permit for an approved set of blueprints or plans, and the inspector will rely on the permit and plans on the job site to compare what’s drawn (and approved) to what’s actually being built. It is imperative, then, to submit a complete and comprehensive set of plans for approval and permitting … and then follow those plans to the letter to avoid confusion, questions and potentially costly compliance issues that can stop the job cold until they are resolved.

Inspections. Inspections at key points of a project’s construction are necessary to make sure the approved plans are being built as drawn. Professional builders and remodelers have a talent for managing their own work crews, trade contractors and suppliers. They seek to keep the project on schedule. A tight schedule, in turn, reliably and accurately pinpoints those key milestones so that an inspector can be called with plenty of time to schedule his or her visit and, once on site, make a thorough review of the progress and approve it to continue.

Other red tape. Increasingly, builders are required to submit reports regarding the environmental impact, energy use, zoning or land-use variances, and other regulatory compliance issues. Professional contractors are familiar with what’s current in this respect, and can shepherd clients and their projects through the red tape to make sure their vision for their home becomes a reality.

This post was contributed by Zac Koenig of Koenig Homebuilders in Highlands NC.   

In this day and age, people often ask if they need to hire a real estate agent to sell their home or if they should try it on their own as a For Sale By Owner (FSBO).  With the volatility we are seeing in today’s housing market, we feel this is an easy decision: you need an experienced professional!

An experienced agent can be your guide in this uncertain market

Whether it is giving you an honest assessment of where your home should be priced or it is finding a buyer who is willing to pay fair market value for your home when there are many competing short sales and foreclosures, an experienced professional can steer you through many of the pitfalls that exist in real estate today. 

A skilled negotiator is invaluable

In today’s market, having a skilled negotiator on your side during a real estate transaction could save you thousands of dollars.  Not only do you need someone who can keep the deal together until it closes, you need someone who can provide you with trusted advice and assistance from the initial offer right through the inspection and appraisal.  Until a deal closes and you have your money in hand, an inspection report or a financing hiccup can cause it to take a nose dive quickly.  An experienced agent can direct you through these situations and help you get your home sold even when issues arise.

When an agent is negotiating their own commission with you, remember that they are actually negotiating their own salary.  This is the salary that pays their bills and keeps a roof over their heads.  If your agent was quick to back down and take a lesser commission when negotiating with you for your listing, you should see that as a red flag.  If they would not negotiate well for themselves, what makes you think they will negotiation well for you? 

Bottom Line

As with anything else, you get what you pay for.  A good real estate agent, like a good attorney or a good accountant, will save you money not cost you money.     The Brokers at Meadows Mountain Realty are experienced and can help you get the most for your property in today’s tough real estate market.    Give us a call today at 828.526.1717 or email us at info@meadowsmtnrealty.com.

Despite the doom and gloom the media portrays regarding today’s real estate market, several unique opportunities exist for home buyers, in particular, luxury home buyers.

While home prices across the country have dropped or stabilized to varying degrees, luxury home prices have been slashed, in many cases, as the market for such high-end properties has dwindled in challenging economic times.  This presents a great opportunity, for those who have the financial resources, to purchase a luxury home that might have been completely out of their range six years ago.

Purchasing a luxury property, however, is unlike a standard home purchase. I advise all my luxury-home clients to consider the following before embarking on their search:

1. Weigh the finances carefully.
Even if you’re ready to pay cash for your luxury home, you still want to ensure you’re getting the best possible value and potential return on investment from your home purchase. Make sure you truly have the financial wherewithal to remain in the home as long as you’d like. Consider the stability and growth potential of your future income before moving forward.

2. Have your documentation in order.
Many luxury home buyers derive their net worth from a variety of sources and investments. Given the high-end purchase price of a luxury home, along with today’s unstable economic climate, prequalification is often necessary when it comes to luxury purchases.

3.Investigate alternative search methods.
The best luxury property deals might not be found through traditional real estate search engines but rather through word of mouth. Make sure you’re working with a professional real estate agent who is well connected and networked in the communities your are considering

4. Seeing is believing.
Expansive square footage, sprawling property, and a bevy of incredible views often make luxury homes difficult to completely capture in photos, videos or virtual tours. A visit in person is an absolute must to make sure you’re not missing any potential details and, conversely, to make sure the property lives up to its image.

5.Consider the future.
Your luxury home investment needs to be carefully considered for the future, in particular your expectations in terms of your return on investment. Most luxury home buyers are buying a lifestyle and don’t intend on flipping their home anytime soon. Given the volatility that still exists in today’s market, make sure you’re not headed into your luxury purchase with unrealistic thoughts of financial gain but rather to enjoy a spectacular home for many years to come.

We would be happy to share more insights and strategies for buying a luxury home.   Please feel free to email us for further information.     There are many opportunities in the Highlands NC and Cashiers NC real estate markets right now.     Prices are as low as we have seen in years, mortgage rates are still historically low and sellers are motivated.     Call any of our brokers at 828-526-1717.

Sitting regally atop a small knoll overlooking the seventeenth fairway of the course which was first played by legendary golfer, Bobby Jones, the 4th Cottage combines the charms of yesteryear with the comforts of today.

Family and friends eagerly gather on the large front porch to enjoy the gentle breezes that stir the uppermost branches of decade old trees.   You are deep into your favorite book, but it is hard not to break away for a glance at the graceful swans that swim in Club Lake just a few hundred yards below.  Throughout the spring, summer and fall, the meticulously manicured grounds are ablaze with color. The combination of native and cultivated plants dresses the landscape in eye catching splendor.  The gently rolling lawn reminds you of homes found in your favorite movie.

From its first days in 1928 until today each owner has sacredly guarded the homes integrity. Wainscot paneling of pre-blight chestnut warm the walls of the Great Room with its massive stone fireplace and beamed cathedral ceiling. Built-in library book cases installed when famed author-psychiatrist, Corbett Thigpen, best known for The Three Faces of Eve, owned the home from 1955 to 1980, provide the perfect repository for your cherished books, photos and family memorabilia.    In 1999 the current undertook to renovate the cottage with the help of local architect Dennis DeWolf.    Paying careful attention to preserve the integrity of the original cottage, they set out to update the home with all of the features that families expect in a twenty-first century home.

Visitors to the home following the renovation marvel at the finished product.  A large stone fireplace on the expanded porch closely resembles the original one that anchors the Great Room.  Even the most finicky chef would feel at home in the updated kitchen.  The master suite with its his and her baths provides the perfect escape for a busy couple to rest and recuperate from a day filled with all the activities that Highlands has to offer.  Adjacent to the bedroom is a room which is an idyllic spot for a small office or library, or dressing room.  Use your imagination to personalize this space to your specific needs.  Throughout the house your eye is drawn to carefully thought out design details that you seldom find in homes built today.

When family and friends come for a visit, they will enjoy their own privacy in one of two guest cottages.   In addition, there is a workout studio and a two car garage.      

The 4th Cottage might just be the perfect mountain home.     For more information, contact Michelle Muraco at Meadows Mountain Realty at 828.526.1717 or by email at michelle@meadowsmtnrealty.com.

If your home is on the market, or if you’re planning to sell your home in the near future, you might be discouraged by the national media’s rampant reports of increasing inventory and languishing sales.

While there is, indeed, plenty of inventory currently on the market, there are steps you can take as a home seller to ensure your home sells more quickly, while still garnering the maximum sales price possible.     The team at Meadows Mountain Realty has years of experience working with home sellers and have learned a few strategies that really work toward securing a buyer more quickly.

1. First, for your home to sell more quickly, it must be exposed to the maximum number of buyers possible, so make sure your home is listed with a local brokerage that has a comprehensive understanding of your market area and knows how to employ technology to increase exposure.  Find out how they will market your home online, what listing portals they will use, how they will utilize social media, how many pictures they will post, videos, etc.
2. While it’s understandable that you’d like the largest earnest money possible from a buyer, be willing to accept smaller earnest money, provided the buyer has been preapproved for a loan.   This can make a huge difference to cash-strapped buyers.
3. Do some legwork and ask your real estate agent for a tour of competitive properties. This will help distinguish what features of your home you should highlight or what small changes you can make to give your home an edge over the competition.
4. Choose your battles and understand where certain concessions might work in your favor. In a slow market, for example, it may be better to pay a “seller contribution” to help buyers offset closing costs than to lower the sale price. While a seller contribution may be smaller than a price reduction, it is often more attractive to buyers who need cash to close.
5. Consider including some value-added items in the sale of your home, such as yard tools, a gas grill,  or items of furniture that buyers fall in love with and/or really need.  A few freebies might be just what you need to close the deal.

If you would like to learn other ideas for selling your home more quickly, please contact any of the brokers at Meadows Mountain Realty at 828.526.1717.    We are the Highlands and Cashiers real estate experts.

Imagine waking up to the sounds of a rushing stream, then lounging on the screened porch with your morning cup of coffee enjoying the sights and sounds of the birds as they flock around your feeder.    This great cottage is not only streamside – it is an easy stroll to all that Highlands NC has to offer including wonderful dining, great shopping, theatre and other cultural activities.   

With three bedrooms each with a private bath, this home offers two master suites – one on the main and one upstairs.   The greatroom has cathedral ceilings, laminate wood floors and a floor to ceiling fireplace.    The large kitchen with eating bar will become the perfect gathering space when friends or family visit.    

Easy maintenance exterior with minimal landscape care, this home could be the perfect place to spend your summers in Highlands NC.      Offered fully furnished and ready to move in.    $550,000.   For more information on this home or others in the Highlands NC or Cashiers NC area, please give one of the well qualified brokers at Meadows Mountain Realty a call today.  828.526.1717 or email at info@meadowsmtnrealty.com.  

Just what everyone is looking for – a log home on a great lot with a mountain view.   Imagine all the good times you can have with your family relaxing on the covered front porch of this well built log home taking in the mountain view while your children or grandchildren play in the beautiful level front yard.   The property backs up to an eighty acre estate tract.  

The greatroom features vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors and a wood stove.   The open kitchen has custom cabinets and granite countertops.   The master is on the main with a deluxe bath.   Upstairs are two sleeping lofts which are perfect for kids.    In addition, there is a one bedroom/one bath guest house with a complete kitchen and gas fireplace in the cozy living room.   

The detached one car garage features an extra room for plenty of storage or a workshop.     This property is well located in close proximity to several country clubs including Old Edwards Club, MountainTop Golf and Lake Club and Trillium Links and Lake Club.    It is also just a quick drive to Lake Glenville, Highlands or Cashiers.

For more information on this property or other properties in the Highlands, Cashiers, Lake Glenville or Sapphire area, please give Meadows Mountain Realty a call at 828-526-1717 or email us at info@meadowsmtnrealty.com.    Visit our website for a complete list of properties.

Even though we had a minor blast of cold air this week dipping our overnight temperatures close to freezing, we are officially a couple of weeks into spring.   Just as you did when you left Highlands or Cashiers for the season, you’ll want to welcome the spring season with a bit of property maintenance and some minor adjustments (and repairs, if necessary).   Happily, the transition from the cold months to the warmer ones tends to be far more simple than getting ready for winter.

1. Throw open the windows.  If you have an older home with storm windows, which have been shut tightly during the winter months, welcome the sunshine by throwing them open. When the storm windows go up, the screens should go on—make sure that screens are installed properly and are in good repair. While you’re working on the windows, check for rotting along the window sills and make any necessary repairs.

2. Check air conditioning units.    Although the need for air conditioning is not as important on The Highlands Plateau as it is in the flatlands, we still occasionally like to crank it up, even if it just to dry out the house after a good  thunder storm. Take care of preparation work now by making sure all air conditioning systems are serviced and ready to go so that you’re ready for it. One item to check that often gets overlooked, but can cause the Ac to not work as well as it should is the outside condensing unit being out of level. Easy to check with a level and easy to adjust.

3. Do some spring time servicing.    Sunny weather is great for performing structural property checks and assessing any damage that may have occurred over the winter—this is especially important in the wake of winters such as this past one, which was particularly wet and snowy. Check for (and mend) damaged roofing and any structural rotting or wear and tear that may have occurred.

4. Replace batteries.    The recommendation is to replace the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon dioxide detectors twice a year, usually when the time change occurs. But now that those dates are somewhat unbalanced, just add this to your spring schedule as you open your mountain home.

5. It’s time for spring cleaning!    Spring is the perfect time to spruce things up. Clean your gutters (this should be done twice annually), the exterior (siding, etc.) of your property, all windows, and all mats and carpets that had sand and salt stomped deeply into them over the course of the winter. Additionally, you may want to take some time to spruce up your landscaping.

Even though it may seem as though you made seasonal updates just yesterday, remember: There’s a lot of room for damage to occur in the winter months. Not only will your property look great by the time you’ve finished spring maintenance, but it’s the perfect time to catch those little problems that occurred over winter before they turn into big problems down the line.

For more information on Highlands NC or Cashiers NC real estate, please email us at info@meadowsmtnrealty.com or give us a call at 828-526-1717.   The brokers at Meadows Mountain Realty are the experts when it comes to buying or selling on The Highlands Plateau.   

Today’s real estate landscape offers some great buys for savvy real estate consumers, especially when it comes to foreclosure properties. Unfortunately, even though there are already a large number of foreclosures on the market, analysts are predicting that yet another wave of distressed properties will crop up in the coming months.

We’ve consulted with many clients seeking to capitalize on a foreclosure purchase and always advise them to weigh the pros and cons. While a foreclosure could represent the best chance to get a great deal, make sure you educate yourself about the potential pitfalls of purchasing a distressed property in advance – and what correcting those pitfalls might cost. In most cases, it’s not so much about what damage occurred but rather the source of the damage and how long before the problem was addressed.

Here are the top 10 signs that may indicate trouble in a foreclosed home:

1. Unheated house in winter months. If the home has been properly winterized, there’s no need for heat. But if the home has not been properly winterized, pipes will burst and cause water damage.
2. Missing sinks, toilets and other fixtures. Make sure they’ve been properly removed and not ripped from walls and floors.
3. Peeling, bubbling and discolored paint; swelling in walls or ceilings (especially around kitchens and bathrooms), or a musty odor all indicate water damage and, potentially, the presence of moisture and mold.
4. Mold or mildew growth inside cabinets, behind drawers and built-ins. Mold could mean that there has been water damage. Since water falls down, look for the source above the mold.
5. Blocked drains or pipes will cause future problems and may have already created sewage backups.
6. Black cobwebs, greasy gray residue on walls and/or a strong oily odor. This could point to potential soot damage or a malfunctioning furnace.
7. An older home with extensive renovations. Check with the city for pulled permits in order to get remolding details. If asbestos is present and has been disturbed, be sure it’s been remediated by a certified specialist.
8. Excessive painting of every nook, cranny, door and floor may mean that the seller is covering up mold.
9. Discolored subflooring. From the basement, check the subflooring above for stains and small holes, both caused by mold.
10. Air quality. The air quality within a home tells a lot about the home’s condition. Be sure to include air and surface testing in your home inspection. It’s a few hundred dollars well spent.

There are indeed many great opportunities in today’s market, but proper education and preparation are essential to making the right investment.  Please drop us an email at info@meadowsmtnrealty.com or call us at 828-526-1717 for further information.    For a list of foreclosed or short sale homes in Highlands, Cashiers, Glenville or Sapphire NC, please visit our website.    

Located in prestigious Bald Rock is where you’ll find this wonderful  4 bedroom, 3 and a half bath home with a 1 bedroom, 1 bath guest cottage.   You’ll have plenty of privacy on 4.92 acres which is very suitable for a pasture and barn.   In addition, there is also a small creek running through the property.   This home features soaring ceilings, two fireplaces, and decks galore to enjoy the long range mountain views.

Dubbed a “civilized wilderness” with over 1000 acres at Bald Rock and its sister community, The Divide at Bald Rock.   The lifestyle here emphasizes the wilderness aspect of the mountains by offering those amenities appreciated by true nature lovers  including an equestrian center, hiking, biking and riding trails, a community pavilion, plus access to the 6300 acre Pantertown Preserve.   

If that’s not enough, owners also have access to all the amenities available at the Sapphire Valley Resort which includes snow skiing and snow tubing in the winter, fishing and canoeing on Fairfield Lake, golf at Sapphire National Golf Club plus supervised children’s activities.

Call John Bynum at Meadows Mountain Realty at 828-526-1717 today for a private showing of this property or any real estate in the Cashiers or Sapphire area.    John is an expert when it comes to finding the best property to meet your needs and wants on The Highlands Plateau.   For the best in service and expert knowledge on market conditions, call the best Highlands/Cashiers/Sapphire real estate agents today.