Brevard NC Real Estate Blog

Cabin in the Mountains - Cashiers, NC

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:03:14 -0600

Looking for a place to get away from it all? A place where you can come for some peace and quiet.....maybe just for the summer....maybe during the leaf season....maybe for the rest of your life? The wonderful home in Cashiers, North Carolina is just the ticket.

A stone fireplace, hickory floors, and cathedral ceiling create a cozy cabin feel that melts your stress away as soon as you step in the door of this 3 bedroom, 2 bath in Cashiers, NC home. It is perfect for a seasonal or year round residence, or it can be used as a vacation rental property. New updates include new carpet and updated kitchen. The master bedroom and bath are on the main floor and two additional bedrooms and living area for guests are on the lower level.

Best of all, you're only minutes from all the things that make life here in the mountains so enjoyable. Enjoy your summers swimming and boating on beautiful Fairfield Lake at the base on the spectacular Bald Rock Mountain. Or lace up your hiking boots and take off on one of the numerous nearby hiking trails. There's also a fitness center, a children's play area, dining, golf, tennis and so much more that is all included in your annual association dues.

Western North Carolina is truly a four-season area where you can enjoy cooler temperatures in the summer, beautiful blooming trees and flowers in the spring, spectacular color during leaf season, and a moderate winter with just enough snow to make it interesting.

For more information about this home for sale in Cashiers, NC...or any other property in the Sapphire, Cashiers, or Brevard area, contact the Clay Team online. Or give us a call at 828-551-6290 or 828-551-6291. We'd love to hear from you.

The mountains called....it's time for you to come home!

November Market Report - Home Sales in Brevard, NC

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:10:17 -0600

Here in the mountains of western North Carolina the “buying season” for 2009, which starts around March every year, is now winding down. And as the year also comes to an end, it’s safe to say that our usual pattern of buying and selling has remained the same compared to years past, there’s just less of it going on.

In November, there were 21 residential closings in Transylvania County compared to 27 closings in October. The average listing price for the month was $594,283 and the average selling price was $539,929, or roughly 91% of asking. Overall, those numbers are significantly higher than October because of the number of homes in the $500+ range that closed this month. There were six properties closed at over $500K and of those, 4 were well over $1M.

For more information about homes and land for sale in the Brevard, North Carolina area,

contact the Clay Team online, or call us at 828-551-6291 or 828-551-6290.

Lake Toxaway Home for Sale - Cashiers, NC

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:52:26 -0600

"Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished." - Lao Tzu

And so it is on beautiful Lake Toxaway in Cashiers, North Carolina.

Now you can escape to this legendary location and relax your cares away in this lovely lake front home for sale. Long known as the perfect location for escaping the summer heat, Lake Toxaway is the kind of place you want to come to no matter what time of year it is. It just keeps calling you back.

This unique lake front home is one of only 5 and is the desired end unit with unobstructed views of Lake Toxaway. Your private boat dock is steps away from your back door and the lake side pool and tennis courts are only a short walk away. The POA dues take care of all the yard maintenance, and the unit is being sold furnished with only a few exceptions so all you have to do is pack your bags and head for the mountains.

For more information on this home, visit us online or call 828-551-6290 or 828-551-6291.

The mountains called...it's time to come home.

FOOD Insurance - Are you buying it?

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:58:46 -0600

OK, I know these are hard economic times, but today I found a website that left me wondering what in the world is happening to the world around me!

According to the website www.foodinsurance.com, "In light of the tragic events in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina, the power outage in New York City that brought the city to a standstill, and the constant threat of fires, earthquakes, tornadoes, and other natural disasters across the country, it is important to make sure we always have the basic necessities of life with enough home food storage for your family to survive for at least two weeks." It goes on to say for as little as $199.99, you can order enough of their freeze dried or dehydrated food to sustain one adult with three meals a day for 14 days.

Not sure what disasters could befall your friends and family? No problem! There's a handy map that allows you to "mouse over" a region to see a list of potential disasters common to that area. Now that you know what kind of disaster is looming in your future, you need to know how much food you'd need, right? Just click on the calculator and it will tell you which of their kits you need to buy.

They also list a variety of disaster scenarios so I chose "severe winter storm" just in case I should ever find myself in that situation. Their list of things you should do to prepare for a severe winter storm didn't include anything I hadn't heard a dozen times before. Keep your documents in a waterproof container, keep a small preparedness kit in your car, install safety features like smoke alarms. All good advice for sure, but again, nothing I hadn't heard before. I found it interesting that they didn't say anything about keeping your cell phone charged since land lines don't work when the power goes out...a common problem with severe winter storms.

So I moved on to what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Guess what! Their steps for preparing for a terrorism attack are the same as a severe winter storm. In fact, their four basic steps are the same for all 8 potential disasters. The only one that varied was "unemployment". There they suggested you buy their kits BEFORE you're unemployed. I guess if you wait until after you are unemployed you're screwed because you couldn't afford to buy their stuff.

We all need to be better prepared for the unexpected but is this website really necessary? There's nothing there that couldn't be accomplished with a trip to your nearest Sam's, Costco, or camping store. Online stores like REI and Cabela's are two of my favorites and you'd be amazed at the things you can buy to keep in your emergency kit. Doesn't it just make sense to incorporate some of these things into our daily life?

buy extra batteries the next time you go to the store
stock up on canned goods when they go on sale - especially ones that don't require cooking like peanut butter and tuna
if you're lucky enough to know how to can foods, keep plenty in your pantry
buy a simple camping stove and some containers of fuel
while you're in the camping section, pick up some freeze dried or dehydrated foods to have on hand
store bottled water for drinking and cooking that freeze dried food you just bought
make your plans well in advance so you aren't caught off guard
make sure you have plenty of candles and matches (kept in a dry container)
sporting good stores, especially those specializing in camping and hunting sell all sorts of things that would come in hand in an emergency like instant hand warmers that are air-activated and can provide heat for up to 7 hours

There are plenty of other helpful hints that you can find on a myriad of sites that aren't trying to sell something. In my opinion, this "Food Insurance" site has nothing to do with insurance. It is an opportunistic money grab and plays shamelessly on people's fear.

Brevard, NC | Cashiers, NC Homes for Sale

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:00:21 -0600

Even though it's beginning to look a lot like winter here in the mountains, it's a great time of year to be looking for a summer home. The leaves are down so it's much easier to see the surroundings and the spectacular views. And, from now until spring, there are fewer buyers to compete with so sellers are motivated to work a deal.

This mountain home is located in the golf course community of Burlingame at Sapphire Lakes. It overlooks the golf course and has a great mountain view from the expansive screened porch. Three bedrooms, three baths and 2,300 square feet of living area, all on one level. Updates include a new roof and newly updated kitchen. This is a great home for entertaining and welcomed guests year round or seasonally. Pack a suitcase and move right in.

84 Rhododendron Run, Sapphire, NC

Offered furnished with few exceptions for $799,000.

This stunning home in Burlingame at Sapphire Lakes is an Alan Brown design that's loaded with quality extras! Brazilian hardwood floors throughout, spacious rooms, year round lake, mountain and golf course view, screened porch plus two decks, guest suite,and more. Great floor plan for entertaining. All this plus a Studio apt. with full bath above garage. Over 4,000 sq feet of living space (Not including the garage apartment!) with three bedrooms, and three and a half baths.

161 Old Still Road, Sapphire, NC 28774

Offered at $1,399,900.

Enjoy your summers on beautiful Lake Toxaway. This pedestal home, one of only five, is the preferred end unit with privacy and an open view of the lake. Includes a private boat dock that's only steps away from your back door. Amenities include a lakefront swimming pool and tennis courts, all a short walk away. Bedrooms on the main floor plus and add'l loft space. POA dues include lawn care maintenance.

5 Toxaway Point Lake Toxaway, NC 28747

Offered furnished with few exceptions for $599,900.

Truly the most fantastic waterfall view anywhere in Sapphire Valley. Two wrap around decks afford year round sights and sounds of the Horsepasture River and waterfall. Private setting, beautifully updated interior, it's the ultimate mountain home experience. 2,600 square feet of living space with three bedrooms, three and a half baths. Includes Sapphire Valley amenities- pool, tennis, boating, golf course, and more.

516 Narrows Road, Cashiers, NC 28774

Offered furnished with few exceptions for $725,000.

For more information about these and other homes available in the Brevard, Sapphire, and Cashiers, NC area, visit the Clay Team online or call us 828-551-6290 or 828-551-6291.

The mountains called.....it's time for you to come home!

Charlie has a forever home!

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:25:27 -0600

For the last week, we have been caring for a wonderful dog named Charlie while his foster parents were out of town for Thanksgiving. He was rescued as a stray and orignally they were just going to foster him until we could find a permanent home. But they just called to let us know they are back in town and have decided to keep Charlie forever! I'm so happy for them....and for Charlie. He's a wonderful dog and we've had a blast with him. If our life as Realtors was a little more normal, we would have kept him in heartbeat. He's the kind of dog that just grabs you by the heart strings the minute you meet him.

So thanks to everyone who wrote about Charlie and reblogged my original post.

Watch for more deserving pups!

Merry Christmas Charlie! You got your wish!

Yummy Broccoli Salad

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:59:39 -0600

This past week we had our annual Thanksgiving pot luck at the office and one of our agents brought this salad. It was a huge hit so he sent the recipe around for everyone to share.

Thanks Pete!

6 cups Raw broccoli, chopped into small pieces, with shredded stems if you like
1 1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 sweet onion, diced
1 cup grated cheddar
1 T sugar
1 1/2 T vinegar
2/3 pound of bacon, cooked well and chopped to small pieces

Stir it all together and let sit in the fridge overnight. Optionally, use some diced red cabbage to give it some color, and currants or raisins are a nice addition if you have them.

Photo Source: Flickr.com

Brevard NC - wonderful dog needs rescue

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:20:47 -0600

What a face! Today's featured dog was rescued by a Good Samaritan and taken to the vet already. Has had all vaccines, heartworm negative and started to heartworm preventative, flea free and de-wormed. Is housetrained. About 7 months old. Very sweet, friendly, docile. About 40 pounds. Only needs to be neutered which can be done prior to rescue. Looks like beagle/hound/basset mix or any combination thereof..:) Can assist with transport.

Remember, even if you cannot adopt, you can help by reposting this blog and forwarding the information to everyone in your contact lists. The more people who know, the better our chances of finding homes for these wonderful dogs and cats.

For more information, contact Carol Clay at carolclay@kw.com.

Looking for a home for Christmas - Animal Rescue in Brevard, NC

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:07:21 -0600

My name is Charlie!
Charlie is a boxer/lab mix, approximately 8 months old. Right now he's about 35 pounds of pure love and affection. He's neutered and up to date on his shots. We're working on learning how to walk on leash, but he is very good at sitting, and playing with his squeaky ball. He loves attention and being with people.

But what he really wants for Christmas is his own family.

Charlie is just one of many dogs in the Brevard, NC area who have been rescued as strays and deserve to be adopted into a warm loving home they can call their own. Even if you don't live in the Brevard, NC area you can help Charlie by sharing his story with as many people as possible by re-posting this blog, forwarding it to friends and family, or letting one of your local rescue groups know that he is available. Transportation out of state is possible!

If you are interested in giving Charlie a home, or if you'd like more information,

please contact me at carolclay@kw.com,

or at 828-551-6290.

Thank you in advance!

Carol

Looking for Rescue or a Permanent Home

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:46:49 -0600

Last week, as I was about to cross a street in downtown Brevard, NC I spotted a small dog crossing from the opposite direction....right in front of a semi truck. Luckily the driver also spotted the dog and avoided hitting him. The little brindle dog, with long lanky legs and paws that he hadn’t quite grown into, came over and sat at my feet. Being a dog lover, I couldn't walk way. He seemed so lost. I tried all day to find who he belonged to but eventually took him home with me for the night. The next day after a concerted effort by a number of people we were able to locate the owners. It turns out, the family had adopted him the previous Saturday from our local shelter for their daughter’s birthday. Monday he had be slated to be euthanized. We met the owners the next night and there was a tearful reunion. His name was Lincoln and he was one of the lucky ones.

Too many dogs and cats in this area aren't so lucky. So I am joining forces with a number of incredible volunteers who have, for years, dedicated their time and their resources to rescue animals from our high kill animal shelter here in Transylvania County. Animals who are picked up by our County Animals Services, are taken to the "shelter" where they have seven days to live. Often without proper food, heat in the winter, bedding, or medical care. This wonderful group of volunteers do what they can to save as many dogs and cats as they can by pulling them from the shelter, and often driving them to rescue to groups in other states. Last month, seven dogs were rescued and delivered to a group in Minneapolis. Yesterday, one was taken to a rescue organization in Georgia. But it's never enough.

I am hoping to help by using the power of social networking to reach out and introduce more and more people to these wonderful four legged friends that need our help. You may not be able to adopt one of these animals, but you can help by forwarding this information to any rescue groups in your area, reposting my blogs, and telling anyone you know that there is a wonderful dog or cat in desperate need of a warm, loving family.

Today, I’d like to introduce you to Dan and Desi. Both were pulled from Transylvania County Shelter in Brevard, NC. They have all their shots, have been wormed, flea meds done, are heartworm negative, and have been neutered. They are ready for adoption.

Dan is the younger one in picture with fencing. He is housebroken and gets along with other dogs and children. We don’t know about cats. He is still growing into his long legs and weighs about 35 pounds now. His current Foster parent reports that he will make a great new addition to a family.

Desi gets along with other dogs, cats, and children. He is housebroken and crate trained. He is probably 1 1/2 to 2 years old and weighs 40 pounds. His current Foster parent reports that he has adapted well to living in the house and is already learning basic commands and the doggie door routine. Really handsome fellow.

WE NEED TO FIND A RESCUE GROUP OR HOMES FOR THEM SO FOSTER HOMES CAN CONTINUE TO HELP WITH ANIMALS BEING PULLED FROM OUR HIGH KILL SHELTER. PLEASE HELP.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Carol Clay@kw.com
Evelyn Bridges at ebridges@citcom.net
Connie McNab at conniemcnab@yahoo.com

October Land Sales - Brevard NC

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:44:50 -0600

Land sales in Transylvania County continued to struggle during October. The last several months have actually faired as good or better than last year, but overall the number of sales is still very flat. In October there were 9 land sales that closed compared to 11 in September, and 13 in August. Of those 9 that closed, 7 were under $100,000, 2 were $100K-$200K and one was in $400K-$500K range. The average list price for the month was $94,530 and the average selling price was $85,015 or roughly 90% of the list price.

All this being said, although the buying "season" for homes is typically strong through October and November, the fall and winter months are the best time of year if you are considering making a land purchase. The leaves are down and the summer haze is long past, making it much easier to see the views and the lay of the land. Plus, since there are over 1,000 land listings currently on the market, it is a buyer's market in every sense.

For more information about land for sale in Brevard area, contact the Clay Team at 828-551-6290, 828-551-6291 or visit us online at BrevardNCProperty.co m.

October Market Report - Brevard, NC

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:20:58 -0600

For the third consecutive month, there was an increase in residential home sales in the Brevard, NC market. While the increases have been small, sales the last three months have kept pace, or surpassed sales during the same time last year. Overall, the market has not rebounded from they hey day of 2006, but this recent "buying season" shows signs of stabilizing.

In October there were 30 residential home sales. The majority of those sales were in the $100K to $200K price range, but there were sales in all price ranges including the $500K an higher price point. The average listing price during October was $319,916 and the average selling price was $294,963, or roughly 92% of list.

For more information about homes for sale in Brevard, NC and surrounding communities, call the Clay Team at 828-551-6291, 828-551-6290, or visit us online at BrevardNCProperty.com.

My calendar says 2009, how about yours?

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:58:31 -0600

The last two weeks, I have had the strange feeling that some sellers think it's still 2006. We've been really busy lately so just in case, I double checked my calendar and sure enough, I was right. 2009 is winding down and 2010 is just around the corner.

In some respects, I can't blame sellers for wishing it was 2006. Three years ago, things were cranking! Business was good, prices were strong, and there were lots of transactions. But things have obviously changed. It took a while for the decline in real estate to hit the mountains of NC but by 2008, one by one, buyers started falling by the wayside, the number of transactions began to free fall, and frankly, life as we know it in the real estate business changed dramatically.

So why is it that so many sellers still think it's 2006? Have they not noticed that financing is harder to get and that there is a glut of inventory for sale? If they know those things, I'm really struggling to understand why a seller would cling to a 2006 pricing strategy.

This week one of our buyers made a cash offer (yes....CASH) on a high-end home that has been on the market for nearly three years. It's a nice enough home, but not without issues. When the home hit the market three years ago, it had a big shiny price tag. But it didn't sell. It has languished on the market since then and has been reduced a couple of times, but still isn't where it needs to be. So when we wrote up our buyer's offer, we knew it was a little low, but certainly enough to "get on the dance floor" so we could start the negotiating process. I was confident that we could find a happy place in the middle and in 45 days, we'd be sitting around the closing table. Less than 30 minutes after submitting our offer to the listing agent, we got a return phone call. There was no counter offer...just a flat NO. HUH? This offer wasn't out of line for the market and certainly warranted at least a conversation. If I was a seller who had been trying to sell for three years, and I got an offer of any kind, I do believe I would have at least returned with some kind of counter offer.

Frankly, I'm left with the nagging feeling that either the listing agent has done a disservice by not providing the seller with up to date market information...or the seller, with their rosy 2006 glasses, really don't want to sell. Either scenario is not good and everyone's time was wasted.

I'm afraid there are still too many sellers like this one who see their home through the same eyes as when they bought it...eyes that seem closed to what the market is now. Truth is, sometimes we go to listing appointments knowing that we may not get the listing because we can't tell the seller what they want to hear and that what they want for their house just isn't realistic in today's market.

In the meantime, our buyer has moved on to another property and "Mr. and Mrs. three-years-on-the-market" lost the chance to possibly sell their home. What a shame.

Get Away to Lake Toxaway, NC

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:39:09 -0600

There's just nothing quite like having a place on the lake....Somewhere you can go to get away from the hurried hassles of everyday life. A place where you wake up to the sounds of nature, grab a cup of coffee, and take a short walk down to your private boat dock where you take in the splendor of the morning light glistening on the water, the mountains framing the background, and you think....ahhhh, this is good!

This home in Toxaway Point is located in beautiful western North Carolina on the shores of the famed Lake Toxaway and it's waiting for you. At Toxaway Point, you can relax and enjoy your time in the mountains knowing that everything has been taken care of. Your yard will be cared for, the tennis courts are swept, and the heated lakeside pool is there whenever you are ready for dip after a day on the lake.

Toxaway Point is centrally located about 20 minutes from Brevard, NC and Cashiers, NC. It's close to restaurants, hiking, waterfalls, and rivers for some of the best fly fishing in the southeast. But it's also the kind of place where you can sit on your porch swing and catch up on your reading if you choose. Cozy and convenient, this home being sold furnished with few exceptions.

For more information on this great lake house for sale in Lake Toxaway, give us a call at 828-551-6290 or visit us online at BrevardNCProperty.com.

Rate vs Price - Which is the better deal?

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:05:25 -0600

Which is the better deal for a buyer? A $10,000 price reduction or a full price purchase with a lower interest rate? At first glance, a lot of buyers would jump at the price reduction. But that's not always the best choice if you are buying a home that you plan to live in for awhile.

Consider this home for sale in Brevard, North Carolina. In this scenario, a buyer could pay full price for the home and still save nearly $45,000 more than if they bought it after a $10,000 price reduction. It's possible with a simple seller credit at closing that reduces the buyer's loan rate. In the case of this home at 5 Crestview Drive, Brevard NC, a buyer would save $123.84 a month on their mortgage payment or $44,582 over the course of a typical 30-year loan.

For information about this or other properties for sale in the Brevard NC area, contact the Clay Team today! Or, visit us online at BrevardNCProperty.com.

SOLD IN HENDERSONVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:13:10 -0500

THIS HOME IN HENDERSONVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA WAS UNDER CONTRACT IN 47 DAYS AND JUST CLOSED FOR 92% OF ASKING!

If you are interested in buying or selling real estate in the Brevard or Hendersonville area of western North Carolina, visit us online today at BrevardNCProperty.com, or just give us a call at 828-551-6290 or 828-551-6291. Be sure to ask for a copy of the most recent market report.

I just love happy endings!

AR Spam

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 06:50:21 -0500

Good morning fellow AR fans.....

I've been getting a ton of spam comments on some of my blog posts. Mostly links and junk for UGG boots. This morning I had about 8 that I "reported as a concern".

Anyone else having this problem....and what is the solution??

Thanks in advance.

FORECLOSURE - 8.8 acres Glenville, NC

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 08:55:22 -0500

CALLING ALL INVESTORS. This 8.83 acre parcel is located in the Sims Valley development in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. Perched high in the mountains at 4,000+ elelvation, it feels like you're above the clouds and far, far away from the hussle and hassle of city life...because you are!

Sims Valley is convenient to Lake Glenville and located approximately 20 minutes from the mountain community of Cashiers, NC.

For details, contact the Clay Team at 828-551-6291.

Leaf Season Is Here in the Mountains

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 11:23:04 -0500

Say good-bye to summer! Fall is officially here and in western North Carolina that means leaf season has begun.

Peak leaf season runs from mid-October into early November although there is usually still plenty of color around as late as Thanksgiving as long as there are no heavy rains or winds to blow the remaining leaves to the ground. Sourwood and tulip trees traditionally kick off the season in late September with splashes of reds and yellows followed by the deep purple of the Bradford Pears (which aren't really pear trees, by the way). As we get into October, the birches, maples, oaks, sweetgums, and hickories join the party and everywhere you look is a blaze of color.

Naturally the higher elevations being to show color first. Around the Brevard area where the elevation reaches 3,000 ft., we're already seeing signs of fall in certain trees. Of course, pumpkins have been popping up at area tailgate markets and road side stands along with colorful mums and dried cornstalks, more sure signs that the season of crisp clear days, roaring fireplaces, and snugly sweaters is upon us.

Every year, I am confused about what truly determines whether or not we will have a good leaf season. Some experts say we've had abundant rain this year so the leaves aren't stressed and that will lead to a great season. Others say too much rain means there won't be as much color. I never know who to believe. According Wikipedia the color we see every year is actually there all year long. During the growing season, chlorophyll is produced at a faster rate which keeps the leaves green. But as the growing season comes to a close and the days become shorter, chlorophyll is used up faster than it is being produced in the leaf and over time, the green begins to fade away...revealing the "fall" colors underneath.

The fall season is also a great time of year if you've been thinking about land for sale in the Brevard, NC area. During the summer months, when the trees are full, it can be difficult to appreciate the value and location of a property. As leaves begin to drop, you have a much better idea about the "lay of the land", what is around it, and what kind of views are possible. It's also cooler and the summer bugs have gone where ever it is they go in the winter making the whole experience of walking land that much more enjoyable.

If you are planning a trip to the mountains, the Asheville Chamber of Commerce is a great source for tracking fall colors for the entire area. And if you're planning a trip to the Brevard area (only 30 minutes west of Asheville) be sure to check the new Visit Waterfalls website. It's chock full of great information about the Brevard area, the abundant outdoors activities, and more.

For more information about homes and land for sale in the Brevard, NC area, visit the Clay Team online, or call us at 828-551-6290 or 828-551-6291.

Western North Carolina Flooding

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 21:15:23 -0500

We live across from the Horsepasture River in Transylvania County...about 30 minutes west of Brevard. Even though we can't see the river from our front porch, we always hear it. It's typically a nice flowing mountain river that meaders through our community. Just down the street is a park where we can follow the river down to a waterfall.

All that has changed after days and days of torrential rain here in western North Carolina. In the park, the river, which normally runs about 2 feet below the edge, is now spilling over at least 20 ft from where it usually is. And the water fall....well, see for yourself.

FORECLOSURE Opportunity in Hendersonville, NC

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:04:05 -0500

Champion Hills is a member-owned country club community in Hendersonville, North Carolina, located approximately 30 minutes from downtown Asheville. At the center of this development is the Tom Fazio designed championship golf course that was just named as one of the top 5 golf courses in the entire state of North Carolina by Golf Digest magazine. Links Magazine also recognizes Champion Hills as one of America's Premier Properties for its perfect combination of mountain life style with world-class amenities.

Now, you can be a part of the Champion Hills community with the purchase of this amazing home. The home was built by Morgan-Keefe builders, one of the areas finest builders, in 1999. The low country design with it's sweeping wrap around porches recalls you to days past when life was a little more simple, and moved a little more slowly. Inside you'll find soaring 32 ft ceilings, 5 fire places, a private library, and unmatched craftsmanship. Equally special are the nearly 3 acres the home sits on. The level yard and mature trees creates your own private forest complete with a gazebo for enjoying the long range views.

This home is listed over $800,000 below the tax value. As a foreclosure property is represents a unique opportunity for the right buyer. Call today for current pricing.

For more details, contact the Clay Team at BrevardNCProperty.com, or call 828-551-6290.

Where to eat when you're in Brevard, NC

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 10:21:49 -0500

When I visit a small town like Brevard, whether I'm there for a vacation, or just passing through, I like to look for those small out of the way places where the locals go. Chain restaurants are fine in a pinch, but it's special when good food meets local charm. That's what you'll find at a new eatery in Brevard, NC called The Gate Keepers Table. You'll find it in the WalMart shopping center on the corner of Hwy 64 and 276 which is also the entrance to the Pisgah National Forest. If you're here to visit a while, the Hampton Inn is right across the parking lot.

We first tried Gate Keepers for lunch which is when we met Lynley Todd, the owner. Lynley is a local gal and single mom of three teenage boys. She was busy that day serving tables and visiting with the growing lunch crowd. The lunch menu is an eclectic blend of fresh home-made Mexican cuisine, vegetarian, and all American staples like hamburgers and sweet potato fries. Lynley will happily point out that they never fry beef or poultry in their vegetable fryers so vegans, or anyone who just doesn't eat meat, can be assured that no animal products were used in the preparation of their meal. Robert had the American hamburger that day ($6.50). It was a big 8 oz burger with all the fixings and it didn't stay long on his plate. I had the warm goat cheese salad ($8.95). Two hearty slices of goat cheese are breaded with sliced almonds and bread crumbs then lightly sauteed to create a warm crispy crust.They are served on a bed of greens, including spinach, sprinkled with dried cranberries, granny smith apples, and cucumbers, and topped with the restaurant's own honey-poppy seed dressing. That dish alone will bring me back for lunch any day of the week. Other lunch items we tried since that first visit include the warm cashew chicken salad, and the grilled chicken breast sandwich. Both tasty. Veggie lovers will find plenty of choices on the lunch menu including a veggie fajita burrito, open face veggie burger, and a fresh veggie sandwich. For south of the border flare, try taquitos mexicanos, spinach enchiladas, quesadilla de fajitas, or my favorite, the caldo de pollo soup. I haven't tried the desserts yet but with choices that include homemade roasted walnut-cranberry bread pudding topped with brandied granny smith apples, homemade REAL chocolate mousse, crepe of the day, and fresh grapefruit-mint sorbet, you can be sure I'll have a hard time choosing!

Gate Keepers has also become a popular spot for breakfast so one Sunday morning we stopped in with a group of friends to give it a try. If breakfast is your favorite meal of the day, you'll have lots to love at Gate Keepers. They serve only cage-free eggs, the grits are stone-ground and cooked with milk and cream and plenty of real butter, and their sausage is home-made. The specialty is their homemade southern buttermilk pepper biscuits. From our table, the omelets got high marks for fresh ingredients and plenty of them. The peppery buttermilk biscuits were tasty, but a little confusing for folks who like lots of jelly on their biscuits. But eat them simply with some butter or have them under some of the homemade sausage gravy and it's wonderful thing. If there was one item that came up short it was the pancakes. Personally, I like my pancakes big and fluffy and these were more like crepes. Tasty for sure, but next time I think I'll opt for the French Toast of the day which looked divine.

So the next time you're in Brevard and feeling hungry, stop by The Gate Keepers Table. It's only open for breakfast and lunch. You can reach them at 828-877-2200. Tell them the Clay Team sent you! We give it 4 Spoons!

Photo Source: Flickr.com

Does it have to be a TKO?

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 10:13:38 -0500

Negotiating a deal with "the other side" is a fundamental part of this business. Whether it's the price, the repairs, or any other part of the offer, the process of going back and forth is expected, and for some people, it's the part of the game they like most. But why do some agents and their clients feel like the only way to "win" is by a knock out punch, leaving the other side feeling beat up and bruised?

I guess it's my nature, but in all aspects of life, I'd rather work towards consensus than conflict. I'd rather find that middle ground where both sides, including the agents, come to the closing table feeling like they've gotten a fair deal.

Lately I've been in negotiations where my ability to do my job has been questioned and buyers have asked for far more than I believe they are entitled to, and frankly, I don't like it. No matter what side I'm on, I take my fiduciary responsibility seriously and work hard to get the best deal I can for my client, staying professional and above board along the way. Unfortunately, that isn't the way all agents operate. Recently, a buyers agent actually asked me if I had pulled comps on one of our listings when we priced it. What I wanted to say was "Nope, I just pulled that number right of thin air"...but I didn't. The point is, there's a big difference between stating one's case then backing it up with facts....and questioning someone else's integrity and ability to do their job. And with buyers, here's a news flash....there is a point in the price negotiations where getting a good deal morphs into greed.

Maybe it's just the times we live in. It's a buyers market and those buyers and their agents feel like they have the upper hand...and they use it to try and clobber the seller side.

Luckily, not all deals are like this. We're headed to a closing in a couple of weeks where both sides have bent over backwards to be accommodating. When we all meet at the closing table, there will be friendly hand shakes all around and everyone will leave feeling like got what they wanted. Isn't that really the bottom line?

Brevard NC Ranks Among Top US Cities For Raising "Outdoor Kids"

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 07:03:40 -0500

According to the August 2009 Backpacker Magazine, there's one more reason why Brevard, North Carolina is a great place to call home. The magazine, along with The Outdoor Foundation, have identified America's top 25 cities to beat what they call "nature deficit disorder" and Brevard ranks among the top 25 in a list that includes Bozeman, Montana; Boulder, Colorado; Burlington, Vermont and others.

To come up with this list, they examined 38 seperate metrics, including non-outdoor factors such as unemployment, obestity rates, and others. The formula gave greatest consideration, though, to climate and trail-specific data. Some of the key sources for data were the U.S. Census, Centers for Disease Control, American Lung Association, County Business Pattern Data, USDA Economic Research Service Natural Amenity Scale, Google Earth, Boy Scouts of America, American Camp Association, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and city-data.com.

It's no surprise to us that Brevard would be included in this list. Afterall, Pisgah National Forest, Gorges State Park, and Dupont State Forest are right here in our backyard!

If you would like more information about Brevard, North Carolina....contact the Clay Team, or visit us online today!

Farm Fair in Brevard NC!

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 09:35:01 -0500

If you're looking for a fun way to spend the Labor Day weekend, come visit the Brevard area and take in the Transylvania Farm Fair and Founders Day on Saturday, September 5 from 9 am - 2pm. Celebrate our rich mountain heritage and enjoy food from many of our local farms. Begin the day with breakfast with farm fresh eggs, sausage, and more. While you're there, be sure to pick up a jar of local honey or any of the other items available for sale thoughout the event.

From 10 am - 6 pm Transylvania Heritage Museum will be holding their first Annual Founders Day Fair, celebrating the Founding Families of Transylvania County. Starting at 10 am, crafts people will be demonstrating their skills in the old-fashioned arts of spinning, weaving, patchwork, woodcarving, and more. They will be selling their wares, many dressed in period costumes. Raffle tickets will be sold by the Museum for a hand-carved bowl made that day by Walter Kluge, with the winner announced at 6 pm, the close of the event.

Farm Fair is sponsored by the Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit online, or you can call the Chamber at (828) 883-3700.