sunrise dream in asheville, nc.

update: if you like this post, please subscribe to my blog! Thankyou!

 

Dawn's a good time to scope out property, especially a land sale a short drive from Asheville, N.C, -  one of interesting proportions  - 27+ irregular acres.  So today , as I rolled down a highway where pale-blue mountains fringed the still-pink skies,  I considered the anatomy of this particular land sale, and how it could play out for sellers and buyers.

•1) It might be an investment, a 1031 Exchange.
•2) It could be someone's prized find for a second home.
•3) It could be the perfect mountain retreat with sheltered cove, distant mountain views, two homes, two guest cottages.
•4) A cascade is at the edge of the property, the well is already in place. . .water sources. Good-good!

  Reveries and Realities

I have to tell you, by the time I arrived at the land,  I was imagining a sunny acre, in the midst of the other twenty-or-so,  fed by a cool mountain stream, and embraced by big old shade trees who stood majestically around protecting an organic herb garden.  I  could almost smell the sage and lavender. The neighbors in this eco-friendly development would come singing down the road to visit and share stories there in the garden.

Isn't imagination is a wonderful thing?  27 + AC land for sale asheville, n.c.
What I really saw before me
pushed the envelope. 

•1) The gravel driveway into the property had disappeared under an intense bramble of grass and wild carrot.  

•2) Almost all 27+ acres were overgrown.. .hard to see the amazing view.

•3)It's summer. Ticks, gnats, bees, and snakes could alarm my clients.  (Now you know why land specialists do lots of business in the winter.)

While it might not be what I had imagined (YET),  "magic" was here . I'm going to take this listing as soon as I get the go-ahead on this checklist:

 

 

                                       CHECKLIST : Site Prep for 27+  Land Listing, Mountain Retreat 

27 + AC land for sale, asheville, n.c.

 1. Bush-hog. Call and schedule Handsome Masters. (This is our land "curb appeal" crew. They will do basic bush hogging and cleanup. Free the stream and cascade. Unearth the incredible huge rock outcroppings. Make paths to the 300 degree overlook and deep, cool woods. And show the potential of that sunny acre.

2.  Professional Photo Shoot . This will be refined when we get good weather for photos

3. Pests.  Call and schedule the non-toxic pest control  folks. (They can discourage pests from crawling on trousers and bare legs on the newly formed paths.)

4.  ECO-site evaluation. Marcus Renner, professor and past President of the Green Building Council (see the GREEN RESOURCES Directory) here in the mountains, will review the property for appropriate building sites and development, solar, wind and other eco-friendly assets.  His analysis, a wonderful marketing plusfor our eco-friendly audience and for green builders, will be the centerpiece in the marketing strategy.

 

 

 

What's Next?  Stay tuned for Part II.  and in the meantime, please do let me know what you think. 

         "Subscribe to Your Favorite BLOGS, Comment & Bring Your 'Energy' to the Posts You Read"
                                                                                                                               ~ Green-o-Lina 

####

 

 

33 Comments on Anatomy of a Land Sale ~ 27+ AC Mountain Retreat (Part I) The CHECKLIST

JUL
17
2007
321,981 Points 64 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
I took the photos you see here. I can hardly wait to see the next set showing our progress. . How about you?
12:43am • #1
348,033 Points Outside Blog
Lovely photos. Looking forward to hearing more in future posts.
1:02am • #2
321,981 Points 64 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Thanks for your comment on my photos. I carry my handy pocket-sized camera with me at all times . .. . Nice to meet you and look for part II in a few days.
1:09am • #3
170,478 Points 32 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Looks like there are some great views from this piece of property. 
1:30am • #4
321,981 Points 64 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Laurie~ 

It is going to be one of the most attractive acreages imaginable. It just needs "curb appeal".

1:37am • #5
119,228 Points 7 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Do the Vistas face east or west for sunrise-sets ??? Those type of pictures always capture an audience and knowing the elevation is perfect-should be a colorful display for photos. This sure is a lovely piece of land. How rural is it ??

  ...  I love that you control the pest population for potential buyers  :-)    Very thoughtful.

6:13am • #6
197,658 Points 56 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Hi JaneAnne, I don't know what if I would do if I saw a snake.  I would have nightmares for months.  Looks like a great checklist and I can't wait to hear what happens next!
12:54pm • #7
193,680 Points 64 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Nice check list, great photos.  You make it look and sound inviting
1:10pm • #8
464,040 Points 13 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
JaneAnne - I can so relate to your experience, be thankful it was only 27 acres.   I also like your checklist and was interested in your Eco -site evaluation.  I am in the process of identifying some green contractors for my area.
2:46pm • #9
109,021 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Hi janeAnne, I hate these continuing sagas! I don't like soap operas either. The only thing close that I watch is "24."

Now I am a buyer of land. Not a seller. And I represent buyers of land. I have never thought about "curb appeal" in referrence to land. You have opened my eyes.

Thank you.

Bill Roberts

P.S. I still don't know what happened to that waterfall property.

3:54pm • #10
458,421 Points 28 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
JaneAnne, I love that you can see what's not there yet--it's a wonderful way to look at things because you'll never miss the potential.  I loved the pictures and can't wait to see this transformation.
6:35pm • #11
JUL
18
2007
257,389 Points 7 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Watch out for Lyme disease.  I got that in 2005 from wandering around overgrown property.  Not pleasant...
12:13am • #12
2 Featured Posts
JANEANNE- you put as much energy into your listings as you do in your posts! I love the checklist -- especially the ECO-site evaluation. I can't wait to hear about it and see it all develop!
7:31pm • #13
2 Featured Posts
Oooooo I so am paying attention to this stuff.  I love the country, and want to have tons of land of my own someday (only 2 acres right now) but don't know what I would need to do to sell the stuff! Or help someone buy it! Thanks for the tips!

Lexa Montierth
11:45pm • #14
JUL
19
2007
321,981 Points 64 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Michele~ 

I am waiting to get my Eco-site evaluation back from Green Consultant, Marcus to make sure I am correct on the orientation...to me it seems as if it faces west/southwest...in addition, I want to know what the best place for siting a home(s) would be... 

for photos...totally!...you are so right on! our photographer hopes to get there soon at dawn/dusk to get some incredible shots. 

Glad you like the idea of pest control (all natural),,,

12:59pm • #15
321,981 Points 64 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Stephanie~

Nice to talk with you the other day! You and me both about the Snake situation. The folks around-here say the best advice is to carry a chain saw...NO..NOT to cut the poor critter up!..They say if you start it up and lay it on a rock, the VIBRATION alerts the snakes and they slither off for safe hiding...  ~<<<<----

1:02pm • #16
321,981 Points 64 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Teresa~

Thanks for the comment...I really enjoy land sales. It is a "different" kind of real estate adventure...I have to say, I carry some"different" tools with me...a clipper, a shovel, one of those old-timey grass swinger-mow-things...and wear some pretty weird outfits...like white jeans and socks inside and OUTSIDE rolled up (for the pests)...maybe I'll put a photo of us out in the fields in my follow-up on this post

1:55pm • #17
321,981 Points 64 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Jennifer~

Yes...this was a 'small" parcel for us...we generally do alrger acreages...and work to connect conservation trust investors with sellers. I love working with a team of hydrologists, ecologists, botanists, and bush-hoggers...well-drillers, environmental scientists for the health department (they do the perc tests) and other land brokers.

1:57pm • #18
321,981 Points 64 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Bill~

You will NOT believe what happened with the waterfall property! You could guess, but I bet you never would hit what went on. I will go over an update that post later on tonight.

Glad I could be of service with the idea of "curb appeal" for land. This particular parcel may have great appeal to a family...so I wanted to be sure that it would be easier for them to envision where their home would "fit" on the acreage... how to orient it to gain passive solar advantages, , where the gardens  could be, and how the cascades that create a refreshing pool beneath the shade of the old trees. . . . 

The only problem with LAND...is that I fall in love with these acreages. . .=)

2:03pm • #19
321,981 Points 64 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Carole~

One of the things I like best about the practice of real estate is that it calls on our ability to "see potential"...One of the things I like best about being a land specialist is that each parcel has a personality...and after some time of "getting to know" various tracts around the Greater Asheville area, you can "recognize" the individual "personalities". . .  It's hard to explain, but I bet you get it. . .

2:07pm • #20
321,981 Points 64 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Jeff~

Yes...sorry to hear about your Lyme Disease!!! This is one reason why I advise my sellers to call in a pest control expert.

There are all different kinds of ticks .... I am putting a LINK  here for anyone who would like information. A black-legged (deer) tick is notorious. Here's a picture gallery ...If I were going to look for a way around ticks in my pasture, I'd probably enlist the aid of guinea fowl. THEY actually love to feast on the ticks.

Helmeted Guineafowl, Numida meleagris  photo courtesy of Wikipedia

2:39pm • #21
321,981 Points 64 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Mary~

I can hardly wait to read what Marcus has to say in his site evaluation, either. I don't have it back yet, but will let ya'll know...possibly in the next post in this series.

2:41pm • #22
321,981 Points 64 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Lexa~

It makes me smile to read a bout your response to LAND! I feel the same way. There is just 'something" about it that makes me merry.

2:42pm • #23
109,021 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog

OK janeAnne, no more complaints about "continuing sagas," I'll wait patiently for the conclusion to the tale of the waterfall.

BTW, what is the asking price of the 27 acres? I haven't even seen it and I'm in love with it also.

Bill Roberts

3:56pm • #24
321,981 Points 64 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Bill~ 

It is a HUGELY REASONABLE $270K. This is an amazing price for this land. It has the well already in place. it has the septic permits for a 4 BR home...and it is just 20 minutes from Asheville, but it feels as if it is a vacation-time away. I love the sounds of the stream, cascades and chirping birds. ALSO very little light pollution, so the stars at night are big and bright...

4:11pm • #25
197,658 Points 56 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
JaneAnne, that's interesting.  Chainsaw?  If I sold more vacant land I would have to buy one.  Here, I put Moth balls in the backyard to deter them.  :)
9:41pm • #26
2 Featured Posts
JaneAnne, must be the way we were raised or something ;)  The analogy my dad always uses came to mind, "If you grew up with a pickup truck (insert land here), you will always want and need a pickup truck.  If you never had one, you don't find the necessity of one. "  I guess it's the same as land.  If you grew up in NYC, you will never know or yearn for the open view of acreage.
11:39pm • #27
JUL
28
2007
321,981 Points 64 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Stephanie~

Mentioned your-moth ball remedy to Ann Cummings when she was here visiting. I am wondering how that would work on 27+ aces...I am actually laughing at the thought of neighbors on adjoining acreage waking in the middle of the night ...suspecting a strange visitor to the Woods...and wondering what IT could be...hoho

9:54am • #28
321,981 Points 64 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Lexa~

I just subscribed to your BLOG. I see that you cover rural Arizona. Hope that we can stay in touch, and thanks for the land analogy and wise words from your Dad.

10:00am • #29
359,648 Points 9 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
I don't have the opportunity to work in an area such as you.  I am enjoying this experience of transforming this piece of land to an eco-friendly experience.  I feel like I am there with you!  Thanks for taking me down this path!  I can't wait to read and see more!
8:22pm • #30
JUL
29
2007
358,447 Points 38 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
janeAnne, Good luck with the listing and congratulations on being featured in Localism!! Way to go.
12:29am • #31
JUL
30
2007
425,117 Points 81 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router
Beautiful photos!  And what a wonderful post.  My business is so boring compared to this... lil' ol' subdivision houses...
6:48am • #32
AUG
18
2008

I think that's a great idea, and the term "curb appeal" in regards to land brings a giant smile to my face. 

It seems that so many amazing properties (that could be future organic farms, homesteads, ecovillages, etc.) get overlooked because nobody thought to create a checklist and give that property any "curb appeal". 

Thank you for all the wonderful work that you do!

11:23am • #33

Leave a response…



(optional)
What does the graphic say?
 
Ja_sept_2009_1_copy_head_shot_600 Ambassador_large

janeAnne, Asheville's "Green-o-Lina" NAR GREEN Real Estate Consultant

Asheville, NC

More about me…

GREEN Eco-Friendly LAND & Green Built Homes

Address: One Tampa Avenue, Beautiful Greater Asheville- Weaverville, Marshall, Hot Springs, Black Mountain, and Gorgeous Horse Country, Asheville, NC, 28801

Office Phone: (828) 255-1082

Cell Phone: (828) 776-0773

Email Me

Real Estate & Green Resources INFO from Asheville's original and only ALL Eco Certified ® Real Estate Consultants Brokerage. Our "GREEN Team" is ECO-friendly, into sustainable innovation, highly focused on quality of property and LIFE, and has YOU in mind.
TELL US WHAT'S MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU

Click for Asheville, North Carolina Forecast

polls - Take Our Poll

Widgetbox!

Get great free widgets at Widgetbox!

Locations of visitors to this page

<!-- Site Meter --> Site Meter <!-- Copyright (c)2006 Site Meter -->

script type='text/javascript' src='http://track.mybloglog.com/js/jsserv.php?mblID=2008042610244131'></script



Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog

Find NC real estate agents and Asheville real estate on ActiveRain.