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.  

Formerly known as The Sunledge when it was the summer home of its previous owners, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Goodyear, Jr of Albany Georgia, this now 60-year-old cottage has been enjoyed by Dr. and Mrs. Ferrell Harper and their family of Blakely, and St Simon’s Island, GA for many years.   A magazine article describing this historic house was published in the Fall 1987 issue of Veranda.

Midway between Cashiers and Highlands, this property is easily accessed from Highway 64 and basks in the sunshine.  From its wide lichen-accented stone patio the long range mountain views are just lovely. With nearly five serene acres, The Harper’s appreciation for nature is quite evident. This property is populated with beautiful hardwoods, and they have encouraged wild flowers native to the Highlands Cashiers Plateau, with at least eight different fern species, large trilliums, mosses, hybrid hostas, and a deep, clear, stream-fed pond.

The pond is crying out for some rainbow trout, and the water splashing over its stone dam is quite musical.  The area adjacent to it could make a distinctive, additional home site as well.

Across the road is a rather grand house belonging to the Flowers family  (www.flowersfoods.com), which sits on the former location of a Vanderbilt hunting lodge.   Steeped in history, this area can provide today’s active homeowner easy access to town, and country privacy that would be difficult to duplicate.

For more information on this special property, please visit our website or contact John Bynum at 828.200.0144 or Bill Peavey at 828.399-1553.   Or inquire by email at info@meadowsmtnrealty.com.

Lead based paint was fairly common in homes built prior to 1978.    That year the when the federal government forced paint manufacturers to stop using lead in their paints.    As a result, in North Carolina, the seller of a home built prioer to that time must furnish a prospective buyer with a “Lead Based paint Disclosure.”  

While we’re all aware of the health risks posed by lead, you might not realize that even common renovation projects can be hazardous in terms of lead.   According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), activities like sanding, cutting and demolition can create dangerous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to both adults and children.   

To protect against the lead risk, on April 22, 2008, EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning.   Under the rule, as of April 22, 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child-care facilities and schools built before 1978 must be EPA certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

If you are embarking on a home-improvement project, be sure to use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers to follow lead-safe work practices.  Lead dust can form when lead-based paint is dry scraped, dry sanded or heated.  Dust also forms when painted surfaces bump or rub together.  Lead chips and dust can get on surfaces and objects that people touch. Settled lead dust can re-enter the air when people vacuum, sweep or walk through it.

Here are some easy, common sense practices that should be employed during a renovation project:

• Contain the work area
• Minimize dust
• Clean up thoroughly

According to the EPA, to permanently remove lead hazards, you must hire a certified lead “abatement” contractor. Abatement (or permanent hazard elimination) methods include removing, sealing or enclosing lead-based paint with special materials. Just painting over the hazard with regular paint is not enough.

Would you like to know more?   Please visit www.epa.gov, or e-mail me directly.     If you are planning a renovation project at your home in Highlands NC or Cashiers NC, please give us a call at 828-526-1717 and we will be happy to provide you with a list of qualified home contractors who specialize in remodeling projects.   Meadows Mountain Realty – looking out for your best interest – always!!

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.

Plan your visit to Highlands North Carolina for April 29th through May 1st to kick off the 2011 culinary season with Wine and Dine on the Mountain.  

This special weekend will captivate all of your senses through fine meals, accompanied by fine wines and the artistic talents of Thomas Arvid.    Arvid has been named one of the top “25 Artists You Should Know” by US Art magazine.  His compositions of wine invite friends to appreciate the sharing of a great bottle, accompanied by tasteful food and lively conversation. 

The first event is a “Blue Jeans, Bluegrass Spring Harvest Barn Dinner” at the Farm of Old Edwards on Friday evening, featuring Whitehall Lane Wines.    On Saturday, Wolfgang’s Restaurant and Wine Bistro on Main Street will feature W.H. Smith Winery at a four course wine dinner at 7pm.    Finally, on Sunday, finish off the weekend with a delicious Jazz, Wine and Art Brunch at Madison’s Restaurant in the Old Edwards Inn.

The Old Edwards Inn and Spa is offering special accommodation packages throughout the spring.  This Five Star resort and spa has been named the #1 Hotel Spa in North America by Conde` Nast readers.    Seating for all events is limited.  To make reservations, call 828-787-2625 or 828-526-3807.    For additional information visit www.oldedardsinn.com/wineanddine.    

The Highlands experts at Meadows Mountain Realty can help you with all things Highlands, not just real estate but all your should know for a visit to the mountains.  Call us today at 828-526-1717 or contact us by email at info@meadowsmtnrealty.com.   

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.    

If you are a pet owner and want to put a smile on your face, visit the Woof Gang  Bakery  in downtown Cashiers.    Perhaps you’ve seen the ads on TV featuring smiling dogs…well, the products offered by the Martin Family will put smiles on your dogs’ faces too!

This coming Thursday, April 7 from 4 pm to 6pm,  Dan and Janet Martin  along with their children will be hosting an open house with wine and treats for human guests and exotic treats baked in-house for their pets.      Having vacationed in Cashiers for more than 15 years, their love of the area and the community led to their decision to make Cashiers their home.   The Martin family, including daughter Joy and son Jonathan, has always been involved in community service and they are committed to supporting the Cashiers Highlands Humane Society.  When Jonathan is not in school, you will most likely see him working with Janet at Woof Gang Bakery  making this a true family business.

This Dog Treat Bakery and Pet Boutique Franchise opened one year ago.  Catering to the Highlands Area’s Health-conscious Pet Owners and Pampered Pups, they are open year ’round and provide a continuing source of pleasure to their customers.    Founded in Orlando, Florida about four years ago, Woof Gang Bakery, the franchise, has been growing rapidly, nationwide. This store is located in the heart of Cashiers at 11 Pillar Drive, up behind the Tommy’s Restaurant building off Hwy 107 South.   Their phone, appropriately, is 828-743-WOOF (9663).

We visited the store last Friday and amidst the fragrance of sheets of dog cookies fresh from the oven,  learned that Janet had just returned from the Global Pet Show in Orlando where she  previewed new pet care products and ideas which she could introduce to the Highlands-Cashiers market.

 The furry and four-legged member of their family is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Brady (after Tom Brady the football player). Brady brought tremendous comfort and healing to the Martin family after the loss of their eldest son Jacob. “We have seen first-hand that these incredible creatures bring so much joy to people,” said Janet.

The Martin family’s enthusiasm is evident the minute you walk in their door. Their bright, vibrant array of pet products for cats and dogs, and caring customer service to Cashiers and Highlands residents and visitors is immediately evident.      “Our approach is very simple  greet everyone with a warm smile and hello, and provide for their pets’ needs and wants,” added Janet.  “We wanted to give back to a community that has so warmly wrapped our family in their arms. We love the people here and the simplicity of life they embrace.  Our guiding principle is care, share and always do what is right!”

Woof Gang Bakery Cashiers specializes in healthy, natural pet foods and treats, including hypoallergenic, wheat-free and grain-free selections, plus food, treats and supplements specially formulated for hip and joint issues.  The store offers a variety of fun, fuzzy, floatable and tough toys, as well as fashionable accessories, collars and leads, and a wide range of pet grooming products.    Special order requests are welcome and delivery service to local homes, resorts and businesses is available.

To put a smile on your pet’s face or for more information please call them at  828-743-WOOF (9663) or visit Woofgang’s online at  http://www.woofgangbakery.com/locations/cashiers.asp.      This post has been provided by Bill Peavey with Meadows Mountain Realty.    Bill can help you with Highlands NC and Cashiers NC real estate, or provide he can also provide information on all that is offered on The Highlands Plateau.   Call Bill at 828-526-1717 or visit us online at www.meadowsmtnrealty.com. 

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.