localism: Asheville Relocation with a Nod to Nature
- 01/16/09 04:59 AM
Asheville, North Carolina! So many people want to be here. What for?
'll give ya' three quick reasons: 1) Asheville is a center for Cultural Creatives so there is an abundance of art and music to enjoy. . And 2) we have amazing organic produce readily available as per this and other tailgate markets so there is incredible food to delight in-even organic menus at local restaurants.
AND 3) the Greater Asheville areas just happens to be one of the most beautiful places on earth. (note the photo I took overlooking a neighborhood nestled in the hands of the mountains here)
A … (6 comments)
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localism: The Bridges of Our Madison County: Special Crossings
- 01/14/09 05:11 AM
They may not be the bridges of fictional fame in the book of the same name, but I submit that the bridges of Madison County, NC hold as much promise as those Robert James Waller seeks in the book (then made into a 1995 film of the same name )directed by Clint Eastwood. and starring Eastwood and Meryl Streep.
For those in search of a transition to majestic beauty and sanctuary, some say that there simply is no place like Madison County, North Carolina.
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, * Madison County maintains a sense of place the embodies the amazing attractiveness of the … (5 comments)
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localism: The Poet Writes....Flywheel Energy Storage
- 01/10/09 01:09 PM
Wouldn't it be totally poetic if after all the struggles we have been through in terms of energy resourcing, we- you and I, could tap in to renewable energy, save money and help heal a very challenged economy?
A poet of engineered solutions with long vision and I talked about this just this afternoon. He's no ordinary guy. To his way of thinking, meeting energy demands without having to go very far from home is, to quote him, "a no-brainer...well, except for the big anchors of the Status Quo."
I asked him about his startling conclusion. "Simple, " he told … (8 comments)
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localism: Teachers Go GREEN in Asheville and All Across the USA but Do They Pass the Green HOME Test?
- 01/10/09 09:09 AM
green school /grEn skül / n. a school building or facility that creates a healthy environment that is conducive to learning while saving energy, resources and money--
Not long ago teachers across the USA helped pass a resolution: "WHEREAS, green and sustainable schools are new or renovated schools that create a healthy environment that is conducive to learning while saving energy resources and money.
Green schools focus on improvements in site selection, daylighting, indoor air quality, thermal comfort, acoustics and classroom design - all of which have an important impact on a child's ability to learn and a teacher's ability to teach … (4 comments)
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localism: Eco-Friendly (GREEN) and First Time Home Buyers LOANS in Asheville, NC
- 01/10/09 08:21 AM
Eco-Friendly (GREEN) and First Time Home Buyers LOANS in Asheville, NC
In North Carolina, a first time home buyer can use money in the form of grants for down payment and closing costs. It is a wonderful program where first time home buyers can get up to $7,500 to use toward the down payment and closing costs. And it does not have to be paid back until 30 years (that amounts to almost $10,000 in interest saved.)
Here in Asheville, the very supportive and eco-friendly (GREEN) Buyers' Brokers at our Firm have created a list of contacts for our first … (5 comments)
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localism: Club Chaos Eye Candy – The Tale of Asheville’s Lonesome Canoe
- 01/10/09 03:19 AM
Once you have experienced Asheville, where beautiful sustainable living is the norm,
you will understand why the "Paris of the South" in the mountains of Western North Carolina ranks among the favorite second home and vacation spots-and that is true even in the depths of winter.
You will be able to create some amazing adventures and join our great storytellers perhaps over some hot chocolate while enjoying the locally -grown FOOD and telling tall tales....
(do you see tall tale teller in photo? )
TALL TALES like... the tale of the lonesome canoe (see photos taken by the lake, newly kissed with … (16 comments)
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localism: 10 + "Re-GREENs" Breathe New Value Into Old Homes
- 01/08/09 04:54 AM
When it comes to being an Eco-Starevery home can shine, even an "Oldie but Goodie" like this one in an historic and sustainable community in Asheville, NC.
Simple changes at home can add up to real benefits for your family, neighborhood and contribute to a sustainable community.
Here, for example, are at least 10 "re-greens' ( things you can do) to retrofit an older home that I collected as part of an on-going series I am doing to highlight Active Rain bloggers who have caught my attention with their wit and wisdom(Look for my reBLOGS)
Here, from your AR colleagues at … (15 comments)
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localism: Can a "Luxury" Home also be "Green"?
- 01/07/09 01:24 AM
Can a "Luxury" Home also be "Green"? If you think that it is possible for a home to be both a "luxury home" and eco-savvyyou are one person who has given some thought to how the building is to be used.
Flexible design a key feature in green-built homes. Size and function matter when you are talking about environmental impact. In fact, size can be quite a lively, if not controversial subject with our green buyer clients and eco-friendly builders and developers.
Can a "Luxury" home also be "Green"?
As you consider your answer, you may want to take into account the relationship … (5 comments)
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localism: Bridge to Happy Expectations, 2009
- 01/06/09 11:48 PM
There he stood at the end of a curious crossing. I didn't know how he got there. He seemed very pleased with himself, however, and he was beckoning me to cross where he had already gone. It was a beautiful but frigid wintry day.Carolina blueskies above. A noisy river below. No ice on the plank that served as his bridge. I didn't want him to assume I was any less brave then he was.....so I took this shot (just in case I fell in )took a deep breath...and crossed to the other side.......
… (5 comments)
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localism: CSA's across the USA! (Locally Grown in GOOD!)
- 01/05/09 10:48 AM
Farm stewards across the USA and CSA Farms here in the Greater Asheville area contributed so much to our holiday season. All across the nation farmer's markets offered sustainable, useful gifts such as honey, molasses, jams, jellies, pickles, salad dressings, and herb vinegars and oils directly from the person who made them.
Did your family, friends and wonderful real estate clients enjoy the small tokens of affection found for them as much as mine did?
I found "non-edible" gifts such as soaps, salves, lotions, pottery, baskets, quilts, pot holders, bee's wax candles, brooms, and more local wood and fiber crafts.
The excellent thing … (2 comments)
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localism: Asheville's Charm: Weaving the Threads of "Smart Growth" and Cultural Creativity
- 01/03/09 02:50 AM
Asheville's Charm: Weaving the Threads of "Smart Growth" and Cultural Creativity: Various and charmingly interwoven cultural threads make up the historic and eco-friendly communities in Asheville, NC.
As Green Buyers' Brokershere in Asheville, we feel lucky to be a part of "the design team for the future". Our small city, Asheville, N.C. can only grow so much until it becomes a large city. As we grow, and judging from the influx of folks (especially Baby Boomers) relocating to Asheville indicate, we will continue grow, how we grow requires consideration.
If a community likes its "small town feeling" then the community needs … (7 comments)
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localism: Asheville's Eco Communities: Hickory Nut Forest and RELOCATING to Asheville NC
- 12/30/08 12:42 AM
Asheville's Eco Communities: Hickory Nut Forest (series).
Hickory Nut Forest Eco Community IN CONTEXT...
It's all about "H E ART'
Just a few posts back, Jeff asked me to expand on what intrigues me about HickoryNut Forest, and Asheville eco-community with excellent opportunities for people relocating to the mountains who also cherish the idea of sustainability.
I thought about his question last night. One of the answers has to do with context.
CONTEXT The Eco-Community & Conservation Land : - Hickory Nut Forest is one of the first ECO developments in the USA to combine wide-ranging land conservation with … (2 comments)
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localism: Asheville NC Relocation `Asheville's Eco Communities (series) : Hickory Nut Forest
- 12/30/08 12:15 AM
Asheville's Eco Communities: Hickory Nut Forest. Now, I said that there are a number of very worthy eco-communities in and around Asheville. So you may wonder why I'm taking you to Hickory Nut Forestfirst...Here are 7 red-hot and GREEN reasons:
•1. Hickory Nut Forest Eco-developers protect the land. Covenants on the lots ensure that homes will blend naturally into the forest. The most special places are for all to enjoy: the cascading streams, tumbling waterfalls, sheer cliffs, and distant vistas.
•2. Nature Connections.With over six miles of hiking trails, people can enjoy the adjoining 800 acres in Little Bearwallow Mountain Preserve and Florence … (1 comments)
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localism: Asheville NC Relocation - Area Eco Communities
- 12/29/08 03:44 AM
One of the most exciting factors to consider if Asheville NC Relocation is on your agenda is our Area Eco Communities!
A "hub' of green and sustainable development, Ashevilleis an attractive place to relocate. And whether it is in an urban environment, or in the rolling regions beyond Asheville's city limits, buyers and investors and sellers of real property will tell you-
"GREEN" is the word here in Western North Carolina's mountains.
(map of the Asheville area)
"We are in a sustainable framework, and we're lovin' it!"
Numerous eco-communities are popping up in and around Asheville. Take for … (5 comments)
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localism: Relocating to Asheville's ECO-Friendly Neighborhoods with a Nod to Nature (Series)
- 12/29/08 01:36 AM
Relocating to Western North Carolina? (see map courtesy of Asheville.com)
Asheville, North Carolina is a favorite choice!
From baby boomers to first-time home buyers and young families, from artists to organic growers, Asheville is the spot for relocation. Happily, our real estate practice is well-prepared for the "newly arrived."
We love the idea of introducing our clients to Asheville area ECO-friendly properties-green-built homes in eco-friendly, sustainable communities, and in particular land for horse farms, organic growing and conservation.
Here in the mountains, we serve clients who demand healthy-built homes thoughtfully sited below the ridgeline. Careful planning is a must … (2 comments)
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localism: Debate Watching for Real Estate Professionals: Clues from the League of Women Voters.
- 09/21/08 05:07 AM
Mother was a member of the League of Women Voters. Even more than just being a member, she got involved...volunteered. Time and again over the years Mama was up at 4:00 AM and out of the house before "dawn's early light" to work at the polling place. She always came home after dusk, but with a smile of satisfaction on her face bringing with her amusing tales and a shared sense that she had participated in the democratic process at the "grass roots" level.
She also loved watching a good debate, and then opening up a discussion about it... in a … (3 comments)
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localism: Green-Builts in Asheville, Asheville's GREEN and Positive Real Estate Trend
- 09/09/08 02:39 PM
Someone asked me just this week for my opinion on the "green-built situation" in today's mortgage market. Personally, I am very positive. Why" Because excellence and sustainability seem always to stand for themselves, even in challenging times.
So, maybe I am more than "positive".... You could say that I am excited about the possibilities and the positive impact happening in terms of green building (and remodeling) here in Asheville and across the country.
More and more, eco-friendly homes are on the minds and buying lists of our clients. As I poll REALTORS® across the country, I find that the interest in … (6 comments)
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localism: Reconnecting with the Land; Meeting the People ~Asheville Area Events Series: Tailgate Markets- The Mars Hill Market.
- 08/16/08 06:27 AM
The Amazing (though small) MARS HILL Tailgate Market.
It's a mild August Saturday morning, and I'm on my way to the Madison County Tailgate and Artisans Market in Mars Hill, NC .
You may not be able to tell from this photo, but it is right on the campus of Mars Hill College!
This college is a bit of history in and of itself! . It is a liberal arts college founded WAY back in 1856.(For more on the college and Mars Hill, see my college and small towns around Asheville series.)
Summer's here, the mountainsides are blooming and … (12 comments)
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localism: Eco-communities, Organic Farms & Farm Life : #1 in The Carolina Blue Skies Local Color Series. Asheville Area Sustainable Agriculture
- 08/14/08 08:12 AM
When you think about sustainable agriculture, organic farms, eco-communities and quality of life in Asheville and the towns surrounding Her, you may wonder if this post is simply nugacity in an otherwise (hopefully) worthy landscape.
However, some redeeming wisdom possibly survives- especially if you are a lover of guineafowl. So I'm gonna' take the risk, and tell this story . . .
"Which One's the Guinea?" (A Carolina Blue Skies Local Color Story).
Once upon a time, approximately 11 miles from downtown Asheville; or 7 miles from the where bustling Patton Avenue intersects Highway 63; or 5 miles from … (4 comments)
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localism: Picnics and Day Trips: Trip # 4 of the Asheville Series- Hickory Nut Forest
- 08/11/08 06:33 AM
There are rumbles in the countryside. Becky and Bruce are praying this means rain, but it's been a dry, dry summer thus far, and rumbles or not, the sun is hot and so are we.
Luckily, we know where the enormous old shade trees and cooling waters of Hickory Nut Creek (see photo)can be found. So, today we headed out for a picnic. In our basket was the usual lettuce and tomato to combine with home-baked bread(see the series on Asheville's tailgate markets) for sure-but something was missing!
As we rode south … (5 comments)
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Asheville, North Carolina! So many people want to be here. What for?
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