Mainstage Morganton NC: 25th Season's Kickoff with GRITS:Girls Raised in the South, Sept.24, 2011 - 08/31/11 09:24 PM
One of the City of Morganton's most precious gems is the City of Morganton Municipal Auditorium (affectionately known as CoMMA) - 1000 seats in a beautiful structure offering great entertainment beginning in the Fall and ending late Spring, celebrating its 25th season in 2011-2012.
First in the impressive season line-up is the production, GRITS: Girls Raised in the South - The Musical! based on the book by Deborah Ford and Edie Hand-Plume. Think four women, four generations, four points of view. Think your Mama, your sister, your Grandma, your best friend. It'll be as southern as sweet tea, collard greens and 'naner … (0 comments)

Where’s the Money? Part 2 of 3 - 08/28/11 11:51 AM
 In the second of a three-part series, my colleague, Lisa Von Domek, outlines terminology for buyers overwhelmed by the home-buying process. See if this helps.
Via Lisa Von Domek - Broker/Associate (Lisa Von Domek & Associates / Real Living Real Estate Group):
Where’s the Money?   Part 2 of 3
 

Ready to buy a home and are overwhelmed with the news and mortgage information? 
When it comes to paying for your home, you have a wide range of financing options. Your home mortgage will likely come through a financial institution such as bank, or it may come through the seller.
I … (0 comments)

"North Carolina Got In the Way" - Hurricane Irene - 08/28/11 11:14 AM
Just heard on the news coming from national weathercaster (CNN or The Weather Channel - been switching between them) that the reason NY metropolitan area wasn't hit harder was that
                                                       " North Carolina Got In the Way!"
Please keep our beautiful coastal communities in your thoughts as they get ready to go into recovery mode - sure to be long and costly.
 Irene in NC - Luanne Ferragine    By: Headline Truth News
 
 
… (7 comments)

Historic Morganton NC Festival - time to mark calendars for September 9 - 10, 2011 - 08/27/11 11:20 AM
Historic Morganton Festival September 9-10, 2011 Country Crazy Weekend to celebrate 30 years! Come enjoy everything that makes the Historic Morganton Festival the exciting event that it is: friends, food, fun, crafts and free music!
Friday night, head over to City Stage for opening ceremonies at 7:30, followed by a FREE concert by national country recording artist DAVID NAIL!  
Saturday night, City Stage features national country singer RODNEY ATKINS, starting at 8:30.
There's also lots of other music throughout the weekend.
Stay tuned for more on the Downtown Art Walk, Food & wine event at The Cedars, featuring Chef Aaron … (4 comments)

Keep this Website Handy: www.RedCross.org - 08/26/11 11:36 AM

"Disaster Alert: Hurricane Irene

Hurricane Irene poses an extraordinary threat and is one that no one has yet experienced from North Carolina to the Mid-Atlantic to the Northeast to New England. As of 5 a.m. Eastern Time Friday, the center of Hurricane Irene is located about 420 miles south-southwest of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, has winds near 110 miles [...]." From the Red Cross website, www.redcross.org .

Check out this website for more, up-to-date information. I'm a Hurricane Andrew survivor, and know from experience that the storm itself is awful, and the recovery is even worse. It's hot with … (2 comments)

Inspiration Found: Art Exhibit Opening at MESH Gallery, Morganton NC - August 29. 2011 - 08/25/11 09:33 PM
 
… (2 comments)

STAY HOME? - 08/25/11 08:50 PM
For Sale By Owner: if you go this route, think carefully about the pros and cons. Some are listed below - take a look at this blog by my colleague Joy Daniels.
Via Joy Daniels (Joy Daniels Real Estate Group, Ltd.):
STAY HOME?
 
Run ads in the newspaper and place a “For Sale” sign in your yard, and you may expect to receive inquiries.  Individuals may come to your front door unannounced, which means you must be there at all reasonable hours and graciously show the home at their convenience. 
 
They may also call. You may think, “I’m home most … (2 comments)

WHAT IS A "CLOSING COST"?? - 08/22/11 01:01 PM
My colleague, Lenn Harley, has given a great explanation of just what closing costs are (and are not). Take a look and get "the scoop" from one of the most experienced REALTORS around!
Via Lenn Harley, Real Estate Broker, Virginia & Maryland (Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate):
WHAT IS A "CLOSING COST"?
Inspired by George Souto's excellent article wherein George refers to the ubiquitous ads by mortgage companies touting "No Closing Costs".
George's article took me back to the days when I learned the difference between a "closing cost" and all the other numerous items/charges on a HUD-1.  Loan officers … (4 comments)

A Most Unusual Yet Official Morganton Trail Guide - Happy Trails, everybody! - 08/08/11 11:58 AM
 
 
You just have to love the opening line, “You’re holding in your hands what is possibly the strangest trail guide ever assembled, meant to describe all the adventures to be had here in Morganton, NC.”
Since Morganton has recently been dubbed “The Trailhead of Western North Carolina,” there’s just plenty to see. The Golden Leaf Foundation provided for the preparation and publishing of this guide, and you can have your very own by requesting it from www.DiscoverBurkeCounty.com  or calling our Travel and Tourism office at 888.462.2921.
So what can you expect? A witty (think Bill Bryson, or at … (2 comments)

This needs to be seen by as many Realtors as Possible! Closings MAY be delayed if word does not get out! - 08/08/11 10:47 AM
I know, appraisals can be confusing and difficult to understand, but we're all better off if we know what's coming. To my Sellers (and Buyers!): take a peek at this, and you'll understand why I ask all those pesky questions!
Via Mary Thompson Lake Lanier Appraiser in Georgia (LakeFrontPros.com):
Pass this along to every Realtor you know. Re-blog this post, whatever you can do to get the word out!  

As of September 1, 2011 appraisals will change drastically. We now must complete appraisals in what is defined as UAD or Uniform Appraisal Dataset format. This is a GSE Fannie, Freddie requirement. 
… (4 comments)

Privacy in Sherwood Forest! 1770 Little John Drive Morganton NC 28655 - 08/03/11 05:06 PM
Privacy in Sherwood Forest! 1770 Little John Drive Morganton NC 28655 … (0 comments)

Pool!Acreage!Views!Storage! 4068 BelAire Drive Morganton NC 28655 - 08/03/11 03:55 PM
Pool! Acreage! Views! Storage! 4068 BelAire Drive, Morganton NC 28655 … (0 comments)

The "Big Six" Home Selling Factors - 08/03/11 02:33 PM
My colleague Karen Kruschka has outlined six critical factors in getting a home sold. To My Sellers: We had this conversation, or a similar one, when we listed your house. But it's never too early - or too late - to be reminded of these points. I'd add to her remarks that it has never been more crucial to price things carefully and realistically! It's a different world out there, and the real estate market really reflects this!
Enjoy reading this...
Via Karen Kruschka - Prince William, Fairfax ,Stafford County VA Real Estate Service (RE/MAX Olympic Realty):


Although they can be stated … (3 comments)