Topper Cop (Basset) & Gritz (Boxer) 

My Bandwagon, My Passion - Our Pets

On the National News yesterday, I heard that 60% of all pets that enter a Humane Society, are euthanized.  How humane is that?  Not their faults, it's ours. 

Also, from Utah's 'Best Friends' animal rescue, they claim that 4 million pets were euthanized last year here in America alone, just because there were not enough homes to go around.

Aren't we human's suppose to be the most intelligent of all beings?  Why are the 'pets' having to suffer for our greed (puppy mills/breeding farms), or neglect (not spaying or neutering), or backward beliefs (a spayed or neutered dog, will not hunt as well).  I'm 'spayed' and I perform quite well.  Some of you men are nuetered and you too, have not lost an inkling of your desires or abilities.  You are no less a man and I am no less a woman, out of our choices to not have anymore offsprings.   So, that argument is just...well...backward.

I have friends that have paid mega-bucks for their  pure-bred dogs, just because they wanted a certain breed.  Well, I have 5 purebreds, but...they are all rescued dogs.  All purebred dogs (or cats) have organizations that cater to rescued pets that have been fortunate enough to find these caring humans.  For one reason or the other, they were turned in...or found.  Still, perfectly beautiful and  well-conformed and doting, willing animals.

In this economic market with short sells and foreclosures and the weather happenings that are all around us, more and more are being forced into an unwanted situation; both for the animals and the humans.  We MUST be the smartest beings and protect and waylay the puppies that are coming into this dismal future.  

I use to raise purebred Boxers, until I found out how many pets, even purebreds were having to be destroyed each year, just because their weren't enough homes.  I stopped.  IF we can get this population under control, then once again, we can use our purebreds for breeding....but, please...wait, until that time has come. 

Spaying and Nuetering can be almost free, if you can get humane socieities coupons or however each 'helps' in this process.  Please do so.

In Gary Kowalski's book; 'The Souls of Animals', mentions that all animals are "feeling, thinking beings".  Geese mate for life. Elephants actually bury their dead. When a mother seals' baby is clubbed to death, she sheds tears physiologically in pain.  I cry with them.  What kind of human could lift a club to bludgeon something so helpless?  We don't need the furs.  There are too many beautiful faux ones to purchase.  

Please be aware as you're out and about, that so much turmoil and confusion both with the weather and the economy has occured in the last several years, that maybe, just maybe, that wondering dog (or cat), has lost his family.  Take him in.  On one report I heard that after the tornado in Alabama, they had no more spaces for misplaced pets, so they were having to euthanize them the minute they picked them up.  THIS should not be.  

I leave you with this.  Will Rogers: "If animals aren't going to heaven, I want to go where they go."  My argument is why would God make all these unique creatures and have Adam name them all, and they NOT be in Heaven?  God don't make no junk.  He, himself will be riding a white horse, I read. 

My Passion.  My Bandwagon.  Our Pets.       Here's a bow...and thanks.....

Here's a Smile!                              A thinker!                                     And Group Therapy.   

                                                      A humane, human. debra

Not everyone has to ride a Harley Davidson to enjoy these Western Carolina Mountains.

Welllll.....my husband does, but I don't.  Here you see me with my 500BV Piaggio, aka 'PopEye' beside my husband's 1584cc Harley, aka 'Olive Oil'.  Looks impressive and I know that I'm gonna sound like a commercial, but I wanted something that I could 'age with', and yet keep up and down these mountains with my husband's powerful Harley SuperSport.  And "He", 'PopEye',  sure does.  

I use to do the changing gear, motorcycle thing, but I wanted something...well, simpler.  It is.   And yet, I wanted something that I could not be 'left in the dust' with either.  It takes the curves and the ups and downs of these mountains, perfectly.  Most scooters won't do it, but this baby, does.  

In the picture we are at the Summit at about 5000 or so feet, getting ready to eat lunch.  The food is quite good and the scenery, well, you wouldn't believe me if I told you, so come see it for yourselves. We are on the Blue Ridge Parkway here in the Western Carolina Mountains.  My back yard.  It's awfully spacious.  

Should Sellers Really be present at Open Houses?     Well, Noooooo !!!  

Welllll, let's rethink this for a moment.

Who's responsible if a potential 'client' comes in and starts rummaging through the medicine chest, for instance, and takes some prescription drugs, or if not 'borrowing' the drugs, but 'just happens to 'borrow' the prescription number, with the intent of re-ordering later, at least? hmmmmm...

Who is responsible if that Ipad or special pair of diamond earrings becomes, by the slight of hand....all of a sudden missing? hmmmmm

Or...who is responsible if an automobile gets accidentally, 'keyed', while checking out the garage?  Who?  Who, did you say?  

Well, whomever you said, the agent is the one that will be blamed.  Insurance or not.  Sellers' upset, blames Agent. Agents gone...or sued, with a bad name when they left to boot.

Maybe, just maybe the Seller(s) need to be present to protect what's there and be aware that they are to let the knowledgeable agent  do his/her job, by handing out pamphlets or answering questions.  Maybe Sellers are a good thing to have around.  Most Sellers know to hang back, and maybe, just maybe some of the comments that are 'overheard' might just help them be realistic in what they are offering, or better yet, proud of what they are selling. And yes, some Sellers are so desperate to do their job, they may just run some potentials away.  But, just maybe it's good to have them 'not to far away,' for liability's sake. 

What say you?     

      Cashiers-Highlands, NC. Market Statistics - 1 Q

From 1/1/10 thru 3/31/10 - 1st Quarter 

Commerical: Only 1 Commercial Property sold during the first quarter. 

Listed for $1,150,000.  On the market for 35 days and Sold for $800,000. on Main Street in Highlands, NC in Macon Co.  

Condo's/Townhomes:  4 Condo/Townhomes sold during the first quarter.

Total Listing Price: $566,000. On the market for an average of 337 days; varying from 127 days to 518 days. Total Listing Price - Lo  $99,000. - Hi - $189,000.

Total Selling price: $500,250. Lo -  $92,750. - Hi - $162,500.

Median $122,500.  Average $125,062.

Lots/Land:  30 tracts of land sold in the 1st Quarter.

Sizes Ranged from - Lo -.020 to Hi - 50/acres

Days on the market ranged from 13 days to 1,657 days. (4.5 years)

Total Listing Price. -  $5,726,400. Lo - $14,000. - Hi - $1,000,000.

Total Selling price: $4,108,999. Lo - $10,500. - Hi - $675,000.   

Median $52,250. with Average $136,967.

Homes: 29 Homes sold during the first quarter. 8 were sold under either short sales or foreclosures.

Total Listing Price: $26,012,500. On the market for an average of 3 days to 1,421 (3.89 years)

Total Listing Price: Lo - $95,000. - Hi - $4,395,000.

Total Selling Price: $ $19,729,478. - Lo - $85,000. - Hi - $3,800,000.

Median $380,000. with Average $680,327.

These figures are gathered and compiled from the Highlands/Cashiers MLS system.  They cover 4 counties; Jackson, Macon, Rabun and Transylvania.   

Western Carolina Mountains - Cute, Cozy, Quaint, Cottage, Bungalow - My Niche.        

 I LOVE the small home.  Less to clean.  Less to maintain. Less to heat or cool.  Makes you 'get out' more often.  Cute, Cozy, Quaint, Cottage, Bungalow - My Niche.  Just the sound of it is romantic and warm and fuzzy all over.

Being in Construction as well as Real Estate, just think about this.  The smaller home can be enlarged to suit your needs.  Whereas, the larger home is much more difficult and expensive to down-size.   Being an 'outdoorsy' kind a girl, I've always been more attracted to the smaller home with a big, back yard.  Yessiree...and that's what I have.  Suits me just fine.

Here in the Western Carolina Mountains - Cute, Cozy, Quaint, Cottages and Bungalow's usually sit on some of the prettiest property...usually.  Or if not found, let's find you a place.  The lushness of the mountains keep this small, home in privacy...and that's what we really want to get away to, don't we?       

         Cashiers, N.C. is the Place to be. 

Now, there are 'City Folk' and there are 'Country Folk' and there are 'Urban Folk'.  But where can you go that accomodates all of the above.  Why, Cashiers, of course.

The 'City Folk' come here to get away from the crowds, the subways, the trains, planes and buses.  But they also come here to get some of the best food in the world, some of the best golfing in the word, tennis and plays performed by locals and 'stars' as well.  The hand made Rolls Royce parks right beside the pick-up truck with the coon dogs in their cages in the back, howling.  The $1,000.00 Coach handbag is on the shoulder right next in line to the bluejean bag.

Some folks pass several trailers, to get to their $5,000,000.00 mansion with private guest homes and outdoor living spaces.  They do this, because that multi-million dollar home is usually atop a mountain with a 360 degree view, that configures around several curves and many dips in the road.

Then there are the 'Outsiders' that have become 'Locals' such as I am.  Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, I came to the area just to visit for a long stay.  Ended up staying, longer than I thought.  Thirty years later, I am still here.

We ALL come because the air is fresh, there are 4-seasons, the water flows like wine from the mountains themselves and is some of the purest in the nation.  The rivers offer excellent fishing, whitewater rafting, tubing and just a cold, refreshing, swim.  The sound of nature is usually the loudest it gets...except for 4th of July.  But, in a nutshell, if you love wateralls, fishing, biking, motorcycling, skiing, (both winter and summer), swimming, horse-back riding, hiking, and pure 'T' exhiliaration and a super good nights sleep...then Cashiers, NC is is the Place to Be.               

Jackson County 2009 Summary  (Cashiers, NC is a main part of this) according to lOCAL MLS :

Residential Closings:  143 Homes Sold      

 Total Listing Price - $125,056,64.         HIGHEST PRICED - $4,200.000.    LOWEST PRICED  - $30,900.  

                                                                         MEDIAN $595,000.   -    AVG LISTING PRICE  -  $874,522.  

Total Selling Price - $105,741.452.        HIGHEST PRICED - $3,575,000.    LOWEST PRICED - $26,000.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lots/Land Closings:  92 Properties Sold

 Total Listing Price - $16,682,099.         HIGHEST PRICED - $999,000.      LOWEST PRICED  -  $7,500.

                                                                         MEDIAN - $94,250      -     AVG SELLING PRICE  -  $181,327.

Total Selling Price - $13,277,930.         HIGHEST SOLD  - 800,280.            LOWEST SOLD -  $4,300.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Condos/Townhomes:  21 Sold

 Total Listing Price - $6,664,999.          HIGHEST PRICED - $950,000.        LOWEST PRICED - $85,000.

                                                                        MEDIAN - $150,000.      -     AVG  - $317,381.

Total Selling Price - $6,043,250.            HIGHEST SOLD - $950,000.            LOWEST PRICED - $65,000. 

 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you for stopping by....debra edwards    - cashiers, nc - www.edwardsbuildersandrealty.com                                                                        

In a recent article on the front page of the Cashiers Crossroads Chronicle, there was an article regarding the healthiest counties in the State of N.C.  Out of 100 counties, Jackson County, where Cashiers is located and where I live, was ranked 12th.  But Jackson County was ranked the Healthiest County in the entire Western North Carolina Mountains.  Now that's good news...no, that's great news.  This came from a 3 year study published by MATCH; Mobilizing Action Toward Commity Health.   

Of other interest were Transylvania County, which fared at #17, that's where Sapphire Valley and Lake Toxaway, NC are located and Macon County, which is the Highlands, NC area and Franklin, NC areas, came in at #44.  Haywood County, which is Asheville, came in at #56.

The reasons, as stated by Ms. Paula Carden, director of the jackson County Health Department, were "Great Resources and LESS STRESS!"  She went on to say that Jackson County has "Good Providers and Good Hospitals".  Plus we are more "laid back" but yet are "more active" as well, she said.

The report also showed that Jackson County has better numbers than the state averages, in premature deaths, poor or fair health, poor physical health days, poor mental health days, low birth weight, adult obesity, teen birth rates, diabetic screening, unemployment, income inequality, single parent house holds and  Homicide rates, air pollution and Ozone Days.  More great news. 

Now coming from a Realtor/Builders point of view, delving deeper, there are NO Planes, Trains or Subways...except for the food source, that is.  There are no factories, high-risers, or bus stations, either, at least in the Cashiers area.   (There may be one paper mill in Sylva, if it is still operational).  But, the moral of the story is, the lakes and streams are clean, pure and the air is oh, so fresh and breathable.  Hearing, even, I understand has proven to become better as the quietness of the mountains soften sounds.

So, in essence, from an Atlanta girl that came up here to visit...and stayed...30 years ago...is sold on the beauty, tranquility, peace and cleanness of these mountains.  For Health and Peace of Mind. 

No, I don't have the most techy office in the world, nor do I have the busiest office either.  Nor is it in the best 'location, location, location' one could ask for, ... But after spending twenty years in 'other people's offices', I decided I'd go on my own.

...to my farm.

You gotta love animals to enjoy my office as when you enter thru the gate, you'll be warmly, affectionately greeted by 5 purebred rescued dogs.  'The Full House'.  Three bassets and two whites.  One white german shepherd and one white boxer.  (But, they're not allowed to jump up on you):    Yep, you gotta love dogs...or the cat that adopted us that thinks he's one of the dogs.  He'll entertain you with his fence walking prowess, wanting to be admired but not really held, as he can't do his tee-tottering sprints on the 5/4" fence rail, if he's held.     

Then there are the equine.  Three horses and one 'tall drink of water' black, riding  mule named 'Betty Boop'.  She'll love for you to massage those long black ears, but then she'll turn that butt around to you, you'll think she's gonna whack you with both hooves, but really what she wants is for you to now scratch her butt.  Ahhhh !!! she loves that.

When the contract is drawn up in my warm office, with its gas logs and wicher furniture and it's time to reflect on your decision, it's now time to go have a cappuchino, cola, or a drink of sorts on the swing by the waterfall only steps away.   My husband (a builder) surprised me with an above ground curved walkway from the house or office to 'the swing by the falls.'  I do spend alot of time there with or without clients in  3 seasons of these mountains.  EVERYONE comments on the serenity of the place.  Mountains all around us, with Mill Creek running through it down here in the valley, but still at 4000'.  C-o-o-l !  & Blessed !!! 

           Then, if you need to take a stroll, I'll walk you through the pasture, with horses, dogs and cat , close behind, and we'll feed the fish in the pond.  Four Koi all named after ice cream flavors; Orange Sherbert, Vanilla, Lemon and the largest of all, Pistachio.    I DO love my office and its location.  It may not be everybody's 'cup of tea', but it suits me and mine, just fine.  And the city dwellers all seemed to relax and come down from their high pressured, fast paced lives, to breath some clean mountain air and watch pristine water in a stream.  Yes, it IS almost Heaven, and I know that we are only caretakers over it for our time, but in that time, we share what not everyone can have.  So, I no longer care if I'm not the biggest or the best or the most successful or the highest money maker...afterall there are more important things then money or power or prestige anyway.  Heatlh, being loved, enjoyed and enjoying others.  Life is just too short for the other stuff.  I know that in 'my office', our clients are able to relax enough to know that we are sincere, genuine and fun.   That we can be trusted and have professionalism even if I am in cut-off jeans and flip-flops.  'Cause my office is where the hope will soon come to that client, as well, as I want them to have it too.  Who knows?  We might even have a bon-fire with weiners and samoa's.     

Say What???

     Yep, that's right.  I have 3 bassets and 2 whites.  All purebreds and all rescued.  All spayed or neutered.  They are our kids.

With the title I was hoping to pull you into a distressing situation at hand.  With all the foreclosures and short sales and job losses, the animals are suffering the most. 

A distressing news report from Fox News with Julie Banderas reported that not 4 million as previously thought, but 10 million pets (according to the Humane Society of America) are being euthanized yearly now for the past couple of years.  In other words, since the economy crashed.  I, like Julie, carry a heavy heart for our animals that can't speak for themselves...so I am doing it for them.

California has been hit the worst and the government is cutting back from 6 days now to only 3 days for a pet to stay in the humane societies or animal control centers before being euthanized.  It is suppose to save Californians 26 million dollars. Sooooo, if you have lost your pet, and are desperate to find it, then you have 3 days to do so or it's gone.  I couldn't bear that with mine.

My plea is that if you've always wanted to adopt a pet, do so.    If you have one, adopt another.  If you  have two, then get that third one, and if you have four, you could be like me and get that fifth one.   If you simply must have a purebred, then go to the individual sites for that specified breed.  Good dogs, no great dogs are waiting for you.         Thanks for caring and I speak for the animals.  debra edwards, Cashiers, NC   www.edwardsbuildersandrealty.com