Lake Lure NC: Welcome to DiscoverLakeLure's Lake Lure Blog

Welcome to Discover Lake Lure's Blog. It's much more than Lake Lure NC real estate or Western North Carolina news.

I write about what strikes me as interesting to know, important to know, and occasionally amusing (even if it is a slightly warped kind of amusing) to know. I hope you find what I have written about equally interesting, important, and occasionally amusing.

Please comment about what I have written but do so politely.

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Kitchen Island Command Central

Today’s families are busy, busy, busy. It’s a challenge to find time to do it all. That means that handling many activities at once has become normal and a place to do that a must. Enter the kitchen Island.

It has gotten bigger and it has gone multi-task, a place to cook while kids sit and do their homework and parents discuss the day’s business while preparing meals.

Today’s kitchen island has gotten a lot bigger. Those big islands can handle room for more appliances ranging from flat-screen TVs that swivel out from the wall or drop from the ceiling to built-in vegetable steamers to warming drawers keeping dinner warm for late-comers. Lifts bring heavy appliances up from kitchen cabinets where they are neatly tucked away to counter space without back strain.

Maximize more counter space by going multi-level with the counters and multi-task with a built-in control panel to control everything from lighting to window shades to the security system.

Since few of us have Downton Abbey staffs to help us maintain formalities, even food prep is now part of the entertainment… at your kitchen island. A divided sink gives you room to wash the veggies and throw dirty utensils on the other side. Oversized drawers hold cutting boards, pots and pans, and even provide room for the kids’arts and crafts supplies. Grab a drink from the under-counter beverage refrigerator.

It’s all about making busy lives work and ease of multi-tasking. That’s not likely to go away anytime soon!!

Looking for your own dream kitchen? Or maybe just a get-away kitchen… call me or email me and I’ll help you find what you are looking for.

Joelle van den Berg

Joelle@DiscoverLakeLure.com

cell: 828-899-4536

Visit my website: DiscoverLakeLure.com

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Will Cookies In The Oven Sell My House?

What house hunter has never walked into a house filled with the delightful smell of cookies or an apple pie in the oven? Does this tactic REALLY work?

The answer is… close but not quite. A better option? Just keep it simple and uncomplicated.

Yes, how a house smells definitely does have an impact especially if the smell is a negative. Not surprisingly, cigarette and pet odors, or a damp moldy smell will drive potential buyers out fast. Obviously, you have to get rid of those smells if your home is for sale.

But what about the cookies or apple pie in the oven tactic? Does that make a difference? Does it help? Recent research indicates that the answer is no. The reason is that these are complicated smells and while they are appealing they can also be a distraction to potential buyers who may end up more focused on decoding the aroma than admiring the size of your Great Room.

It seems that a nice, simple smell works best, conveying attractiveness without distracting the buyers’ brain from the surroundings. What kind of scent? Try a fresh lemon or orange scent, vanilla, or fresh herbs such as basil or lavender.

Marketing researchers tried various scents in a home décor store. The winner? A simple orange scent induced buyers to spend the most money. So it seems that the right smaell could actually net you a better selling price.

Location, location, location. The location of the house remains important. The smell of fresh cut pine greenery will bring the outdoors surrounding your mountain house inside but a different smell is more appropriate for a beach house (no, not fish) or an urban loft.
Just keep it simple and natural- no artificial scents. The goal is not to distract buyers but to help them remember the house positively.

Some real estate agents remain unconvinced so apple pies and cookies in the oven are unlikely to go away.

(Buying or selling, give me a call and I will guide you through the process with expertise and an occasional bit of tongue-in-cheek.)

Joelle van den Berg
828-899-4536
Joelle@DiscoverLakeLure.com
DiscoverLakeLure.com

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News from the 2013 Home Builders' Show in Las Vegas

At the 2013 Las Vegas Home Builders’ Show, the future of home building is to be seen. This is where builders, suppliers, and distributors meet and talk.

Many new features start out as high luxury items that eventually trickle down to the homes you and I might afford to own.

The mood was optimistic, a big change from recent years. Construction of new homes was up 18.5% from a year earlier in 2012. The sale of new homes up an estimated 23% from the record low in 2011. The show was full: everyone was back and ... smiling.

So what’s new on the home building horizon?

Elevators. Multi-storied homes remain popular even as the general population ages. Mirrored, wood-clad, or even leathered, an elevator will move you up and down without knee pain. Price about $20,000.

The sauna is coming on strong as a must-have, whether as a stand-alone or an add-on to the bath or pool areas. Choose your size and type of wood. From about $5000….

With more frequent storms knocking out electrical power for days, home owners want their own generators as protection. These are getting smaller making them more practical where space is tight. Price? Around $2200.

Home fixtures keep going more high fashion with well-known designers teaming with manufacturers to produce high-end fixtures. The new look? Sleek, matte-black faucets and other bathroom accents.

Remember ice cube trays? (if you do, deny). Then the refrigerator that dispensed water and ice (hopefully either crushed and cubed) became a necessity. What could we be still be missing? Hot water for tea or coffee, filtered of course. Price $3200.

Grilling in the outdoor kitchen moves up another notch with a combo electric and hot-surface electric ignition (no pilot light) gas smoker/ rotisserie oven and barbecue combo grill. The price moves up another notch too. $7400.

An Australian company has designed a not-a-fireplace fireplace. No smoke, no smoke damage, and a surprising amount of heat from either built-ins or self-standing tank-like units. These Eco-Smart pieces burn denatured alcohol or bio-ethanol. $400 to $1100.

Looking for your own dream home? Visit DiscoverLakeLure.com and search all Western NC properties for sale in the WNC Mountains MLS. Need a Realtor? Call me at 828-899-4536 or email Joelle van den Berg at Joelle@DiscoverLakeLure.com. I can help you sort through online offerings to find what you are looking for.

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Retirement and Better Health in 2013

With the first month of 2013 and accompanying New Year resolutions already behind us -and maybe even forgotten- it’s time for a quick review to make the next 11 months of 2013 healthier. Some tips from the AARP magazine aimed at fifty-plusers but good advice for all (enhanced version):

1. Social connections help you live longer and healthier. Your brain stays more active and, like every other muscle, in better condition. Some think that poor social ties hurt longevity more than smoking, obesity and lack of exercise. So make an effort to socialize with family and friends and if that fails, see #2….

2. Adopt a pet. Furry or feathered, pets are more forgiving of our foibles than friends and family and they help you stay physically fit, lower your blood pressure, and make you feel less lonely. They lower your stress level and comfort the sad and lonely. Best of all, they don’t tell tales.

3. Eat chocolate. Has better news EVER been heard? Dark chocolate is full of flavonoids and these are natural anti-oxidants that help the human body resist damage that can cause disease. Flavonoids lower blood pressure, raise “good HDL” levels, lower “bad HLD”, and improve blood flow to heart and brain. So indulge daily but probably no more than an ounce. Calories still count.

4. Good news for coffee lovers is that for older adults coffee- regular or decaffeinated- can help protect you against a wide variety of ailments including Type II diabetes, skin cancer, liver damage, Parkinson’s and even may delay Alzheimers. Just watch the cream and sugar you add.

5. A daily glass of wine is good for your heart. So is a beer. A glass for women, two for the fellows seems to have a protective effect. (Disclaimer: there is no evidence that more consumption conveys more protection.)

6. Sex. Even half those aged 75-85 claim to have sex a couple of times a month. Sex releases endorphins which make you feel better, acts as pain killer, and generally reduces anxiety, makes you feel less depressed. Sex even bolsters your immune system.

7. Listen to your favorite music. Music affects us emotionally which increases blood flow, boosts mood, and makes us feel happier. Studies show that patients listening to music require less pain medication. So enjoy the music that makes you feel sooo good…

8. Take a nap. A 90 minute siesta will reboot your brain’s short-term memory center and make room for new information. A shorter 20 minute nap improves alertness and performance. (Disclaimer #2: not at your desk, of course).

9. Enjoy the outdoors. The physical activity is good for you and even a five minute walk will improve your outlook, boost your immune system, and improve your glucose levels.

10. Watch your use of household chemicals. New research suggests that many anti-bacterial products are no better at disinfecting than normal cleaning products and they may actually help bacteria develop resistant strains that are more harmful than the original you are trying to get rid of.

So there it is… enjoy your life and live it with attention to what can harm you but hey, a bit of fun is also good for you!

Thinking about retiring or finding a vacation or weekend getaway? Explore Western North Carolina and the Lake Lure area at www.DiscoverLakeLure.com.

Joelle van den Berg, NC&SC real estate broker
Coldwell Banker Quarters Real Estate
828-899-4536
Joelle@DiscoverLakeLure.com

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Lake Lure NC Communities

Many of the homes you will find in the Lake Lure NC area are going to be in communities, with a property owners association (POA) and often with a security gate. The reason for the POA is that outside incorporated towns and cities, there is typically little zoning regulation. The POA fills in that gap. POA rules vary from very minimal to very protective. You have to decide what level works best for you. As for security gates, since they are not always here, many second home owners prefer a bit of extra protection for their vacation or second homes. The Lake Lure is not a high crime area but isolated homes can be targets of quick break-ins that grab the latest in technology.

A few of our communities and what they offer:

Town of Lake Lure: Residents within the town limits of Lake Lure are co-owners of the lake. Town residents, full-time or part-time, get free access to the town beach as well as preference getting boat permits and boat slips. Prices range from modest cabins at $100,000 to boat tour worthy mansions on the lake.

Rumbling Bald Resort is located on the north shore of the lake. The community is popular with both full-time residents- many retired- and part-timers who offer their houses or condos as vacation rentals. There is on-site property management and three onsite restaurants, formal to casual. Amenities are extensive and make RB a destination for vacationers as well as weddings, golf retreats, family reunions, and corporate retreats. There are many events during the year including antique car shows, the Dirty Dancing Festival, and The Hickory Nut Gorge Olympiads. There is a beach and marina on the lake, a Wellness Center with well-equipped gym and exercise room, two outdoor and one indoor pool, tennis, hiking trails, two 18 hole golf courses and a mini-golf by the lake. Volleyball, basketball and other activities add to the choices as do the opportunities to rent a boat, kayak or canoe. Properties for sale range from affordable efficiency condos to grand lakefronts to lots to build on.

Riverbend at Lake Lure is a very casual rustic community with its own two small boat lakes with beautiful mountain views into the Hickory Nut Gorge. There is also frontage on the Broad River with a Nature Walk and a Swimming Hole. The community is gated with a low key POA. Log cabin as well as more traditional homes are tucked into the woods, barely visible during Spring-Fall. Prices start around $150,000. There are plenty of lots for sale too if you prefer to build.

Laurel Lakes is not gated. The community is just north of Rumbling Bald and has a minimal intrusive POA. Wide paved roads with underground utilities showcase the grand mountain views. Some homes have their own small ponds and the community shares access to Laurel Lake itself, small boat fishing and swimming lake. Lot sizes are at least one acre. Home prices start in the low $200,000s

Sweetbriar and Brookside are similar mostly log home communities on the north side of Lake Lure. Both are gated with minimal POAs. Small acreage lots are typical. Amenities are also minimal. Prices start around $175,000 for cabins.

Lake Lure Village Resort is located on the east side of Lake Lure close to Chimney Rock State Park. It is gated and the atmosphere is rustic. The eastside location means quick access to Hendersonville and Asheville as well as a 10 minute ride to the state park. LLVR has extensive frontage on the lake and two marinas for boat owners. All lakefront is shared by the community. Grand mountain views are also shared. Homes vary from cabins to grand, starting around $150,000.

Firefly Cove is well-known as a filming site for the movie that made Lake lure famous, Dirty Dancing. These days the dance barn is gone- except for the stone foundation- replaced by a new community of Arts and Crafts homes as well as upscale condos. There is an exercise room, swimming pool and community lake access. Price start around $300,000 for homes and about $50,000 for lots.

Lake Adger is located south of Lake Lure in the north part of Polk County. The lake is smaller than Lake Lure but is also a quieter destination during busy summer months. Lake Adger also offers equestrian trails. Homes vary from lakefront to offshore with deeded boat slips and multi-acre properties suitable for those who wish to keep horses. Both homes and land are available.

There really is something for everyone in the Lake Lure NC area no matter what your style is. I hope this guide has been helpful. If you have more questions, please do not hesitate to ask me.

Joelle van den Berg
Coldwell Banker Quarters- Mr. Lake Lure Team
828-899-4536
Joelle@DiscoverLakeLure.com

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Kitchens are getting bigger

According to the National Association of Home Builders, the average kitchen has increased 50% in size since 1973 (so have most of us but that is a different story).

That means about 12% of home square footage is now devoted to the kitchen.

Our more casual lifestyle is driving the trend. People want to prepare food with others helping or watching/sitting nearby and more people are cooking at home either for health or budget reasons though it has to be said that the term “cooking” now includes thawing or nuking dinner.

The “showplace kitchen” is now part of a Great Room open to be seen by all. Of course, that leaves the mess of cooking also open to be viewed by all. The solution? A kitchen within the kitchen, hidden from view. A kind of Butler’s Pantry set-up where the real dirty work is done, tucked out of sight for general viewing.

Typical add-ons? With everything open to view, fancier cabinetry, floorings, and appliances are a must. Larger kitchens may also include a sitting area with comfortable seating (even a couch) and perhaps an office alcove.

Fancier kitchens include more appliances. Steam ovens are becoming more common. A high-end kitchen with a gourmet cook might want to include a steak grilling system.

Kitchen make-overs or general updating are an investment that typically brings a high recoup when selling. That is unless the homeowners go “overboard”. It’s all a question of fitting the kitchen to the other 88% of the house.

Joelle van den Berg for DiscoverLakeLure.com

(Interested in buying or selling in Western North Carolina? Call me at 828-899-4536).

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The New Home of 2015

What will the next few years bring to new home construction?

Incorporating more technology is a sure prediction but beyond that, the most striking change is about size. Homes have been getting smaller and the prediction is that that trend will continue as the focus switches from more and more space to efficiency of space.

Recently questioned home builders expect future new single-family homes to average about 2,150 square feet. Current single family homes typically measure around 2,400 square feet, already a decrease from the 2007 peak of 2,500 square feet plus.

Of course, in tough economic times, it is no surprise that homes have been getting smaller. But the shift is likely to continue for many reasons.

One is a growing Green movement making consumers more aware of questions about efficiency. Smaller spaces means less heating and cooling and maintenance costs (and time!). Energy-efficient design, windows, lighting, and appliances tweak energy use even further.

Plus many new home buyers will be relocating baby boomers, empty-nesters who do not need or huge spaces to maintain. These buyers have specific needs and wants such as ground floor masters, walk-in showers, and grab bars.

With smaller floor plans, the focus is on efficiency. Some spaces will be made more multi-use capable and some are likely to just disappear. That includes that once rarely used space reserved for guests, the formal living room. The formal dining room too is likely to morph into a less formal flexible use space. Instead expect to find Great Rooms, a large combination space that combines many functions and flows into an open kitchen area where the cook can interact with the rest of the household.

What do buyers want?

Larger kitchens with eat-in space
Larger laundry rooms
Walk-in closets especially in the Master Suite.
Spaces that merge indoor with outdoor and expand living spaces: porches, screened or covered.
Two-car garages
Ceiling fans for heating/cooling efficiency

Builders too like the smaller homes. It’s an opportunity to focus on creative design, better floor plans, and more high-end amenities. The end product tends to be a better home.

Joelle van den Berg

Joelle@DiscoverLakeLure.com

828-899-4536

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Selling By The Numbers

In a tough real estate market, just about anything is worth trying to move your property aheadof the competition for buyers. That seems to include using lucky numbers..

The most common number in a listing price is - no surprise- a 9, as in the tried and true $19.99 price point looking less expensive than $20. Oddly, homes priced over a million tend to have a 8s rather than 9s.

Over a million, fives are also often seen, 2.5 million being more recognizable as affordable than 2.9 million. Under a million, the five is much rarer though as a mid-point number between 0 and 9, five immediately implies moderation. (Maybe that’s also why it works for millionaires?)

In the south, luck often draws from the Bible, as in using John 3:16. While the verse is not directly related to real estate, it is about faith, which certainly helps when you put your property up for sale. Surprisingly, 666 appear more often in the southern states too. Maybe the seller does not really want to sell?

Not surprisingly, a lot of sellers avoid the number 13. It also seems best to avoid a strange number like $146,783. The strangeness of the price may lead to potential buyers’ immediate reaction to your property as strange too.

Multiple 7s are viewed as lucky far beyond Las Vegas and rather than go the 999 route, some sellers opt for 7s which both sellers and buyers see as lucky.

Final advice? Price to sell and why not throw in your lucky number as an extra measure that can’t hurt.

Of course, hiring a full-time and successful real estate agent to market your property won’t hurt either.

(Thinking about selling- or buying- call me today to chat. No pressure- no obligation. )

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Your Bank of America

This is a true story. I did not need to make it up. It is so symbolic of how much corporate America has lost touch with the rest of us that I did not need to make it up.

I’m a real estate agent and I (mostly) enjoy my job. Every day is different. It’s fun to solve the puzzle, to help buyers find what they are looking for. It feels great to get them a good deal.

That’s how I came to write an offer for a Bank of America foreclosure (REO) lot listed in my MLS (Multiple Listing Service). It was a great deal. My buyer was excited and made a full price – cash- offer to close in two weeks.

At 10:34 AM I received a confirmation email- my buyer’s offer was accepted into the REO online system. Four hours later, I got a new email. The Offer had been rejected.

Are you ever been a seller of real estate? Full price cash offers accompanied by earnest money with two week closings do not get rejected.

So I hit the phone line for an explanation and this is what I was told: Bank of America rejected my offer in order to donate the lot to FEMA to help hurricane Sandy victims.

REALLY?

How? A Hurricane Sandy family is going to be flown to NC and given a tent as a temporary home so they can camp on this piece of land?

I had a buyer ready to go to the closing table in two weeks. BofA could have very simply donated the proceeds of the sale to Hurricane Sandy Victims. Cash in hand to give to a worthy person or project.

Call me cynical but I suspect a bottom line back story here.

Bank of America wasted my buyers’ time, my time, my supply of paper, copy machine toner, as well as the time of the REO Company charged with selling the property. An investment of time is money for us all, BofA. A little respect please.

Hurricane Sandy is one of the worse disasters of recent times. Americans have lost their homes and livelihood and their lives. Is it also an opportunity to fatten corporate bottom lines at the expense of taxpayers?

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My New York City October Adventure

If you’ve reached anything considered a “mature age”, you know that life is an adventure with unexpected twists and turns. A mini-family reunion in New York City sounded like the perfect late October extended weekend getaway. We could visit, catch-up, shop, and eat our way through The City.

Well, talk about flying into the eye of the storm….

I flew in early Saturday afternoon and by the very next day when we started asking ourselves if we should leave, the city was on alert and everything was shutting down. It seemed sensible to just find a place to hunker down.

We were lucky. Our part of Brooklyn was hit a lot less hard than many other areas. We spent two nights listening to rain and wind and watching a sky that glowed golden. Our electricity stayed on though internet, cell service, and the TV channels keeping us updated all came and went on the storm’s whims. Outside, everything not tied down was flying around and creating some very interesting sounds. The sound of sirens also never stopped as the city’s cops, firemen, and emergency workers worked long hours, heroes yet again.

New Yorkers are a resilient bunch and Halloween morning dawned to find some restaurants opening and costumed children being led about by parents determined that absolutely nothing was going to interfere with trick or treating. Joggers ran around the bigger puddles and the dogs were being walked.

Flight re-bookings and confirmations followed by cancellations led me to the question of how I was going to get home. LaGuardia Airport was underwater, tunnels and bridges closed. It was time for some out-of-the-box thinking. It was my daughter who suggested The Chinese Brothers Bus (officially Ming An Inc). Problem solved - I was back to the ole college days when I rode the bus back home.

It wasn’t until I took a taxi to the bus office in Chinatown that I saw the impact of the storm. A good portion of city was without power. Buses going uptown were packed with people getting food, water, and other supplies. It was not a good day to be loaded down with small children, dogs, or any kind of handicap. But again, New Yorkers rose to the occasion and although busses were overly crowded and getting on and off was a challenge, there was really very little bad behavior.

Eventually, both hungry and in need of a functioning bathroom, I too opted to head uptown.

Passing by the United Nations and The Trump Tower, everything looked normal again. There were two New Yorks to be seen that day and the difference was striking to me until I remembered that there are many New Yorks every single day. From Chinatown to Brooklyn to Manhattan to Queens and the Bronx, this is a city of many identities.

That was food for thought.

I was struck by the easy flow of many languages around me and how many young people have chosen the USA as the place to build their future when they could be anywhere. Obviously, despite a recession, this country is still the GoTo for the ambitious from many places. But it was easy to see – or rather to hear- that we are not preparing our own youngsters for the international jobs competition they now have to navigate. Why is that? If other countries can send us multilingual talent, are we not also capable of meeting the same challenge? In truth, we have no choice but to meet it and we better figure out how ASAP.

The other thing that struck me uptown was that the most fortunate of New Yorkers seemed to have a sort of deliberate blindness I don’t think was particular to the storm days. I think it is there every day. That was also food for thought. Blinders are put on horses so they don’t get spooked by what they might see, right?

Back to Chinatown where a few shops had managed to open and an entrepreneur had rolled out a gas barbecue grill and was heating water to brew coffee to warm the huddled masses. Just for extra fun, the temperature was dropping rapidly.

Candles lit up the bus station as the evening aged. It was filled with a mix of bus riders that included other storm refugees as well as the “regulars”. That made for opportunities to share stories between people unlikely ever to meet again. There was also some interesting behavior to observe. FYI, you can safely next to anyone. Brown does to not rub off.

My bus ride home depended on the tunnels reopening. A 5 PM bus headed to Ohio was met with joy that intensified as it pulled out headed west. Five full- to-the-max buses eventually left.

Next morning, I got off the bus in a parking lot in sunny Charlotte NC.

ã Joelle van den Berg 11/04/2012

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Are Buyers Really Liars?

The first rule of real estate is pretty much a given for anyone who has ever bought a house: Location! Location! Location!

The second rule of real estate is less well known to the public but oft repeated by real estate agents: Buyers are liars.

Offended? Appalled?

Why would anyone say that about you?

Because the couple looking for that little log cabin in the woods can end up buying a grand golf course home. What the buyers thought they wanted turned out to be something quite different.

Buying a home is a process. Buyers start out with one idea but over time, that idea can morph into something very different. Perhaps they are not quite as ready to downsize as they thought…. Perhaps the appeal of living deep in the woods loses a bit of shine when they begin to wonder where the nearest neighbor might be... Perhaps expectations had to be adjusted to their budget. Maybe they fell in love the moment they walked through the door and nothing else mattered.

It’s a process and a journey and your Buyers’ Agent will accompany you, helping you research and educate yourself.

Your Buyers’ Agent should be willing to show you every property of interest including For Sale by Owners if you want to see one. A reputable Buyers’ Agent will explain the pluses and minuses of each property and its location. Finally, a Buyers’ Agent will supply the information you need to make an informed Offer.

It’s a great deal for something you get for the price of committing yourself to a REALTOR working hard for you. Better yet if your agent has met the
educational requirements to become an Accredited Buyer Representative, ABR.

Joelle van den Berg, ABR.

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The New Mortgage Refi Plan

There is news once again for homeowners who are trying to stay current on their mortgages.

The Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) of 2009 was meant to help homeowners refinance their mortgages at lower rates, even allowing them to have less than 20% equity. But with an estimated 20% of US homeowners "underwater" (owing more than their home is worth), that program has not helped those who need help the most to be able to stay in their homes. As many as 1.6 million homeowners who would like to take advantage of current low interest rates in order to get lower monthly payments can’t refinance. Plus, refinancing can cost thousands in fees.

So what is the new plan and who can benefit?

Eligible are those whose loans are owned or backed by mortgage giants, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Fannie and Freddie own or guarantee about half of all U.S. mortgages. To qualify, a loan must have been sold to Fannie and Freddie before June 2009. Loans must be current without late payments in the last six months and no more than one late payment in the last year. They may not have been refinanced in the last 2.5 years.

Homeowners can go online to see if their mortgage is owned by Fannie or Freddie:

freddiemac.com/mymortgage

fanniemae.com/loanlookup

Eligibility won't be affected by how far a home's value has fallen. Some closing fees will be eliminated.

Previously, banks were not obligated to refinance their loans and they are still not obligated to do so. BUT these loans are already owned by Fannie or Freddie and the banks will be able to offer a refinance without buying the loans back. That should motivate them to refinance eligible loans.

Is it worth doing if you qualify?

A homeowner with a $200,000 mortgage at 6 percent can refinance down to 4.5 percent, and save $3,000 a year or $250 a month. The extra money could be used from anything from paying other bills to extra spending money to paying down the mortgage.

Fannie and Freddie will have complete details to banks and other mortgage lenders on November 15, 2011. Lenders may be ready to offer the refinance programs as early as December 2011.

HARP will be extended through 2013.

Consider it a holiday present for some homeowners who can surely use it.

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FHA 203 K Loans Solve Fixer-Upper Financing Problems

There are great buys to be found in today's real estate marketplace especially with older homes that need updates and because of that suffer the most from the very competitive marketplace we now have. Historically, the problem with those has been that you could only finance the value of the home “as is” and then you had to figure out how to make the needed changes out-of-pocket. Often that put nice homes in need of updating out of reach.
FHA 203 K loans solve that problem.

You need to be qualified for a mortgage just like any normal mortgage to purchase any home. After that, you let the FHA consultant know what you want to do to the house you want to buy. A new kitchen, updated bathrooms, new floorings, adding a garage, and any other improvement that will increase the value of the house qualifies for inclusion in your mortgage. The consultant works with a local contractor to evaluate the cost of those repairs and updates. The appraiser does an appraisal that reflects the “as if” value after desired improvements have been made.

Problem solved: the bank lends you the money to buy the house and make the desired improvements you want.

Call me at 828-899-4536 or email Joelle@DiscoverLakeLure.com for more information.

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Staying Alive...

Historically the big home builders have stuck to what they knew- building homes- and have been slow to explore the possibility of expanding into new areas of commerce. But with new homes sales down 75% from the 2005 peak, necessity has become the mother of innovation.

Toll Brothers has long developed raw land close to golf courses and country clubs. Now they are looking into the possibility of actually buying – at today’s lower prices- and operating the clubs.

Beazer Homes, another large builder, is expanding into the home rental business. They are buying and renovating foreclosures with the intent of holding them as rental homes. It’s an acknowledgment that some former owners and would-be owners are going to be renters for a while.

Miami based builder Lennar is investing in distressed property via a new subsidiary now buying billions in non-performing real estate loans from failed banks. Toll Brothers has also set up their own distressed asset business.

The question for big builders will be have they waited too long to diversify?

Explore Western NC at DiscoverLakeLure.com

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Lake Lure NC Spring Arts and Crafts Festival

FOOD!! MUSIC!! ARTS & CRAFTS!!

FUN FOR ALL!!

The Spring 2011 Lake Lure Arts and Crafts Festival

This weekend in the Arcade Building Parking Lot (across from the Lake Lure beach, across the parking lot from the 1927 Lake Lure Inn)

2011 Spring Festival Dates

Saturday May 28

Sunday May 29

Monday May 30.

10AM-5PM

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How to make your lender happy (and get what you want!)

It’s a good idea to begin house-hunting with finding a lender to work with. You’ll know what they think you can afford and be able to compare that with your own tolerance for debt. Then you can take that knowledge out into the real estate world and see what it will buy you secure in the knowledge that once you find what you are looking for, it can be yours. Furthermore, a pre-approval letter can only enhance your ability to negotiate from a position of strength.

How does the lender decide what they will loan? It’s simple: what the lender is most interested in is whether you are going to pay back the money you have borrowed.

They analyze two important ratios. Your total monthly mortgage payment is figured including principal and interest, real estate taxes, insurance cost and any other insurance needed such as mortgage or flood insurance and that number is compared to monthly pre-tax income. A strong housing ratio is 28% or less.

Equally important is a look at your total monthly debt as a significant part of your monthly income. Included here are auto loans, student loans, minimum credit card payments, and any other regularly recurring monthly debt. A good debt ratio to monthly pre-tax income is 36%.

But banks are eager to loan money so they look further because everyone is different. You are building a case as a reliable borrower. Job history is important. Do you regularly work overtime? Plus points. Another plus might be commissions above a base salary.

Your past behavior is a good indicator of future behavior so credit history is very important. A credit score above 720 is very good. As that number slides into the lower 600s, your reliability starts to look shakier. It’s a good idea to get the lender to begin with a credit check to see if there are issues there you need to fix.

It’s all about risk so “skin in the game” is important and the current focus on fixing the mortgage mess has focused on it. What are you willing to put up as a guarantee? The bigger your down payment, the better you look. But the bank does not want you putting every cent into the house so making a solid down payment and still having reserves in the bank counts. The lender also wants to know where that money came from. Are you a thrifty saver? Did Mom and Pop give you the money?

Last but not least, the home you are buying is the bank’s collateral in case you default on your loan. That’s why banks need an appraisal on the property you are buying. A reasonable Fair Market Value was established when you and the seller agreed on a price acceptable to both of you. The appraiser’s job is to make sure that was a realistic decision on your part.

It is true: the lender wants to lend you the money to buy what you want to buy. It’s about creating a Win-Win for everyone involved and these days that includes the American taxpayer still reeling from paying the tab for past bad decision making.

Looking for the perfect place? Visit

http://www.DiscoverLakeLure.com

Comments[6] | Permalink

Going Greener: Composting made easy

According to the NC Cooperative Extension Service, 20% of the trash overflowing landfills is yard and kitchen waste. Why not do something simple, good for both the planet and our plants, and turn that waste into rich nutritious compost to add to garden soil? It’s no harder than taking out the garbage, it’s inexpensive to do and there is nothing better to add to your garden soil.

Forget all the intimidating jargon about nitrogen levels, acidity, temperature levels, lime (or not), moisture, etc… just remember four words: BROWN GREEN WATER TURN

Start with a container. You can buy one price from $40 to $400 or you can make your own. Jon Vining of the Polk County Extension office suggests four wooden pallets and eight metal fence posts. The pallets will slide over the posts and you can lift them to remove your compost from the bottom of the pile.

What to throw in: kitchen scraps including tea and coffee grounds, eggshells and vegetable peelings and scraps; grass and leaves, and even a bit of paper. Remember the smaller the material, the faster it will decompose.

What not to throw in: meat wastes, and bones. Anything toxic.

Back to BROWN GREEN WATER TURN….

The BROWN layer: dry leaves and shredded newspaper, hay. This is your base layer.

The GREEN layer: kitchen scraps, grass clippings.

Another layer of BROWN if you can….

WATER: keep it moist. Rain will do it, otherwise water regularly.

TURN: Not essential though mixing it all up will speed up the process.

In 3-6 months you will have super-rich humus to add to your soil. It will be free of the petroleum based compounds found in most commercial fertilizers and it will help loosen up clay oil and help sandy soil hold moisture. It’s like giving vitamins to your plants: fruits, vegetables, and flowers will be healthier, more pest resistant and will grow faster and bigger.

All this for almost no $$ and a minimal amount of effort. And you can feel good about having added a little bit less to the world's pile of garbage.

Looking for a new garden space? Investigate Western NC at http://www.DiscoverLakeLure.com

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Long Live The American Dream!

A Pew Research study of just over 2000 adults polled in March of 2011 shows that, housing woes or not, most people still think a house is a great long-term investment.

57% of those polled are currently homeowners, 30% are renters, and the remaining 3% have special living arrangements, such as living with family.

Owning their own home was the #1 longer-term financial goal for those questionedfor this survey. That was followed by being able to retire comfortably, sending the kids to college, and being able to leave an inheritance.

81% of adults still think that buying a home is the best long-term investment they can make. That number is down only 3% from 1991. 37% "strongly agree" that a home is the ultimate long-term investment, while 44% only “moderately agree”. In 1991, those numbers were 49% “strongly agree” and 35% “moderately agree”. Still, a strong indicator of confidence in owning your own home during a time period when 47% of the survey takers said their own homes is now worth less than they were a few years ago. Of the homeowners, nearly half- 44% - who said their homes have dropped in value expect to recover their losses in three to five years. A less optimistic third expect recovery to take between six and 10 years. Since this was a national study, a difference influenced by location is to be expected. Some markets will recover faster; some will take more time.

About 81% of current renters reported that they would eventually like to buy a house. Only ¼ of the renters expected to continue to rent.

The American Dream is alive and well.

Now to get the economy moving…..

http://www.DiscoverLakeLure.com

is FULL of information about the Lake Lure area.

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You are a celebrity

You are a celebrity, both rich AND famous. Nice, isn’t it? Now that money is not an issue, let’s go house-hunting … WHAT are you looking for?

Having gone from invisible to TOO visible, celebrities crave privacy. Ultra-privacy. Uber-privacy. It seems that after a while, being chased by paparazzi loses its thrill. Telephoto lenses aimed at your back yard pool... not fun after the thrill of being famous wears off. So plenty of landscaping in the yard is required. Fencing and even walls to keep out the most persistent of fans and photographers. Need more? Jennifer Anniston recently bought a penthouse in NYC and for good measure, to make sure she had privacy, bought the floor below too.

Closet space to hold your glamorous wardrobe. Huge closets. Customized closets help to keep it all in order. Converting an extra room to a closet is not out of the question.

Since you are going to need to preview your new movies, a home theater where you can celebrate success or despair in private is a must.

Extra spaces for... whatever your hobby is. A home office like the rest of us or a hobby room or extra garages if cars are your collecting passion.

Got pets? They have their own lifestyle to maintain. Luxury quarters is in order for them too.

Whether you are looking for a mansion of your own or a little fixer-upper, you can search Western NC properties at http://www.DiscoverLakeLure.com

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Crybabies

Women, it seems, cry four times more than men. That assumes that men don’t under-report how often they cry- a definite possibility- but why is that?

There are tears that wash the eye but it is emotional tears in response to emotional or physical pain that are interesting because of the difference between male and female. It seems that both biology and societal pressures create the differences.

Part of the answer is piping systems. Female tear glands have smaller piping so women’s tears will spill over faster. When we experience physical or emotional pain or frustration, the emotional controls of the brain fire up signals to cry and if the stimulus is strong enough, to sob. After that, cultural conditioning comes into play.

It seems that testosterone helps raise the threshold between emotional stimulus and actually shedding tears. And boys are taught not to cry so they learn early to use distracting techniques that help brake tears. That a real man doesn’t cry is actually a relatively new idea dating back only to the industrial revolution when men on the factory floor were discouraged from expressing any emotion that might slow the production line. But even bible stories have men weeping so historically men’s crying has been seen as normal. These days, men over 45 are the least likely to cry at work. Outside of work, men do cry more as they age.

On the flip side, prolactin, a hormone that helps produce milk in females also helps tear production. A woman has 50% to 60% more prolactin in her bloodstream than a man and that’s another reason women cry more easily than men. Societal pressures impact women too. Women who live in in societies where they are empowered tend to cry more than women who have no power. That may seem counter-intuitive but being free to express yourself is an important side effect of empowerment. But they too are under pressure not to cry at work for fear of seeming unprofessional.

But WHY do we cry? Crying it seems probably releases stress and though criers initially are embarrassed, long-term the crying produces an outlet for emotional stresses so we can eventually feel better.

Some tears are tears of empathy reflecting the pain of others. Another reason women cry more is that they are much better at picking up signs of distress in others, 90% of the time versus the guys who get the clue that someone else is sad less than half the time. That seems to be hard-wired which means that it is not likely to change.

Learn more about the western NC Blue Ridge at

http://www.DiscoverLakeLure.com

Comments[4] | Permalink

I WANT that house!!

It’s a good idea to begin house-hunting with finding a lender to work with. You’ll know what they say you can afford and be able to compare that with your own tolerance for debt. Then you can take that knowledge out into the real estate world and see what it will buy you secure in the knowledge that once you find what you are looking for, it can be yours. Furthermore, a pre-approval letter can only enhance your ability to negotiate from a position of strength.

How does the lender decide what they will loan? It’s simple: what the lender is most interested in is whether you are going to pay back the money you have borrowed.

They analyze two important ratios. Your total monthly mortgage payment is figured including principal and interest, real estate taxes, insurance cost and any other insurance needed such as mortgage or flood insurance. That number is compared to monthly pre-tax income. A strong housing ratio is 28% or less.

Lenders exist to lend so they are eager to loan money. Past initial number crunching, they look further because everyone is.... different. You are building a case as a reliable borrower. Job history is important. Do you regularly work overtime? Plus points. Another plus might be commissions above a base salary.

Your past behavior is a good indicator of future behavior so credit history is very important. A credit score above 720 is very good. As that number slides lower into the 600s, your reliability starts to look shakier. It’s a good idea to get the lender to begin with a credit check to see if there are issues there you need to fix.

It’s all about risk so “skin in the game” is important. What are you willing to put up as a guarantee? The bigger your down payment, the better you look. But the bank does not want you putting every cent into the house so making a solid down payment and still having reserves in the bank counts. The lender also wants to know where that money came from. Are you a thrifty saver? Did Mom and Dad give you the money?

Carrying costs as a portion of income... your history of managing debt and putting something in the piggy bank, your history as someone who can be counted on to pay bills on time and the value of what you are buying… the case is built block by block. A weakness in one place can be countered by strength in another…. The lender wants to lend you the money to buy what you want to buy. It’s about creating a Win-Win for everyone involved without anyone getting into trouble including the American taxpayer still reeling from paying the tab for recent past bad decision making. For now, expect a more conservative stance.

Learn more about Lake Lure NC and the Western North Carolina Blue Ridge at http://www.DiscoverLakeLure.com

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Goodbye McMansion, Hello Usability

While The Great Recession has hurt real estate and many have felt the pain, there is longer-term good news as the economy’s revival moves forward.

Baby Boomers continue to be a huge and influential wave. They will begin to downsize and some will – finally! - build that Dream Home, often in a sunnier, lower tax location. The kids who have lived with them will move into their own places. So while it is going to take a while to see it, there is large pent-up demand for housing.

But some changes seem permanent….

Home buyers will be a cautious bunch not anxious to saddle themselves with high mortgages. Stricter mortgage rules will help them make conservative decisions. With existing homes in good supply and less expensive than new homes, new home construction is likely to be slow for a while.

Once again, we hear that the McMansion has become less desirable than a quality home with a great floor plan that maximizes the usability of every square foot and is less expensive to operate and easier to maintain. A NAHB study found that the average size of single-family homes completed in 2009 dropped to 2,438 square feet. In the first half of 2010, the average size of new homes dropped again to 2,378 square feet. The number of homes with four bedrooms or more is also dropping from 39% in 2005 and 2006 to just over a third, 35%, in the first half of 2010.

Any extra bedrooms are doubling as office spaces. Extra bathrooms are going too: 68% of new homes completed in 2008 and 2009 had either 2 or 2.5 baths.

The McMansion's Grand Hallway is being traded in for more usable space with a more utilitarian staircase often located at the rear of the house.

Kitchens continue to becoming an important gathering room as everyone spends more time in the kitchen both cooking and entertaining friends. Eating within view of the kitchen is “in”. Goodbye to dust gathering formal rooms seldom used. Fancy kitchens with Uber-stoves are not necessary, just plenty of space for two cooks to work together, a good stove, a quiet dishwasher and perhaps a small second sink.

While Energy-Star homes are now the Gold Standard, more expensive Green options are being carefully evaluated and passed on if the return on investment is not quickly evident. Many like them but want to be sure they are cost-effective.

Value is the word of the times. Buyers are looking for livability for their families with less expectation of making a quick profit and moving on. Even those who can afford more are taking a more conservative approach and thinking about their futures and where to invest their nest eggs with the thought that a house is a home to live in and not a profit center.

Learn more about Western North Carolina at http://www.DiscoverLakeLure.com

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What your smartphone knows and is telling everyone (Part II)

Scientists are busy using the technology we interact with to study human beings and their behavior. Not surprisingly, this includes the cell phones nearly ¾ of us now carry about every day.

Data provided by smartphone usage and its analysis by computing tools is changing scientific ideas about our free will and autonomy. It turns out that we are pretty predictable creatures whose behavior is greatly governed by mental circuitry outside of our conscious thought and control.

1. When people move to a city twice as large as the one they have left, they earn 15% more, walk 15% faster and invent 15% more patents.

2. Our social networks- family, friends and acquaintances- influence our health. Our fat friends make us fatter and it seems that even the fat friends of friends can make us fatter.

3. Moods are contagious. Viral emotions spread quickly via networks such as Twitter and Facebook. (As do revolutions these days).

4. Entrepreneurs who interacted with the most diverse circle of contacts were three times more innovative.

5. Weak tie relationships- our casual interactions with people we rarely see- are often an important factor in getting a job. People with more weak ties spent less time job hunting and ended up with a higher quality job. Guess what? Successful job hunting is about who you know.

So it seems that while we want to believe that we are free and independent spirits, it turns out that we are quite predictable and researchers are increasingly able to analyze the data from our smartphones to predict our eating habits, academic interests, and political beliefs. Our predictability is how companies like Netflix and Amazon can develop algorithms that allow them to propose a movie to see or an item to buy.

Unsettling to know that you are predictable? Perhaps, but the research also tells us that no one is an island. We are always learning from our friends and our lives are all intertwined. The power of social networking is so strong that people cut off from the network live shorter lives. We are not built to live in loneliness.

Explore the Blue Ridge of Western North Carolina at http://DiscoverLakeLure.com

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What Your Smarphone knows and is telling (Part I)

Nearly three-quarters of the world carries a mobile phone. Mobiles are unique in that they are usually used only by one person and that person carries it with them the whole day long. Phone companies can pinpoint its location- and ours- when the phone connects to the nearest cell-phone tower and billing records know length and timing of phone calls. Messaging activity and online requests are also recorded. Many smartphones also record movements and proximity to other mobiles, as well as have cameras that take photos, compasses, gyroscopes and an accelometer to sense rotation and direction. All that data is providing a wealth of information about how we function as human beings interacting with the rest of society.

At MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), and other universities here and abroad, researchers are following smartphone usage and analyzing the data. Researchers can see where we spend our time, know what car we drive, our financial risk tolerance, and even our weight, concern about weight and our health issues. It is hoped this research will provide information that will improve public health, urban planning and, of course, targeted marketing.

What have the researchers learned so far?

First of all our movements tend to be rather predictable. Our daily routines are pretty set. But the predictability of our behavior seems to hold true even when we are traveling.

In the UK, the happiest time of the week is 8 PM Saturday (well, duh…). Worst day? Tuesday.

Analysis of messages on Tweeter predicted stock market movements.

In Belgium, a country where part of the population speaks French and part speaks Flemish, the discovery that these two groups rarely interact even when they are neighbors helps explain their inability to form a coalition government. The Belgians have broken a world record by going more than a year without a formal government. (Now THAT is a possibility to investigate!)

And while we have a social network we communicate with, we are now also linked to strangers who share our apps and may influence our behavior.

Privacy anyone?

Comments[6] | Permalink

App that room color!!

With tax season thankfully behind us, we can now look forward to spring, spring cleaning, and spring sprucing up….

If you are thinking about doing some painting at home, new technology is ready to help. Sherman Williams, Olympic (available at Lowes) and Benjamin Moore all offer free smart phone apps that let you photograph anything in your home – or anything you want to match- and find the paint company’s matching shade as well as a palette of complimentary accent colors.

Store experts recommend using the apps to narrow choices rather than to pick your final choice. Color accuracy will depend on how good your camera is and room lighting can greatly affect how a color appears on your wall so back to old technology… the recommendation remains to apply a sample to your wall and check it out at different times of the day. To help you , several companies allow you to order samples to be delivered straight to your house.

It’s just the beginning…paint companies will eventually team up with other décor providers and their websites will allow you to digitally design your room with furniture ready to order for delivery. MyDeco.com is one website where you can already create a complete room online and then hit order and get delivery on rugs, light fixtures, and furniture.

Once you decide to paint, new pivoting paint brushes and rollers can make the job easier on muscles. Another helpful new tool: Lowe’s Shur-Line paint lid replaces the original lid on a one-gallon paint can. Its flexible sprout makes paint much easier to pour without a mess. Well worth $2.97?

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65th Block House Steeplechase, Tryon NC April 23, 2011

Tryon NC is located about 15 miles south of Lake Lure, NC. It's an easy ride south on Hwy 9 then right turn onto Hwy 108 toward Columbus (the Polk County seat) and then Tryon, a few miles further on the same road.

If Lake Lure is about the lake and the mountains, then Tryon is about horses and dressage events.

The Tryon NC Block House Steeplechase event is the longest running steeplechase event in North Carolina, a yearly event since 1947. It’s the event that ushers in the spring of the year and the seasonal start of horse events. Crowds approaching 20,000 attend Block House events each year. The National Steeplechase Association sanctions a total of four races with purses reaching a total of $65,000. The feature race is the Carolina First Block House Cup feature race. Then, an amateur division event gives local jockeys a chance to hone their skills.

The Carolina Carriage Club and Paso Fino also get a chance to show off as do the Old Tryon Foot Beagles and Green Creek Hounds. The elegant ladies who have put on their best hats are another event tradition as are the family picnics, tailgating, and friend and family gathering together to enjoy the sights and sounds of pounding hoofs as the thoroughbreds race to the finish line.

Tickets may be purchased online, over the phone @ 828-859-6109, with a credit card.

Tryon Block House Tickets Online

(Parking Area Descriptions tell you about the views and turf of the different areas on the course.)

Comments[6] | Permalink

What Today's Buyers are Looking For....

Well, they want... EVERYTHING.

Solid well-maintained homes top the list of must-haves. In this economy, no one is looking for a potential money pit. With so many homes on the market, buyers don’t have to “settle” for anything. They can afford to be picky about condition even when looking at foreclosure and short sale homes. Not many buyers are looking for fixer-uppers and the banks are making it tough to finance them. For sellers that means repair, update, clean, and stage. Your property has got to really say it: buy ME!

Today’s thrifty buyers want functionally usable space rather than loads of square footage. They don’t want to heat and cool unused spaces and they don’t have time to clean them. Goodbye living rooms reserved for company and formal dining rooms used twice a year: spaces must be functional every day. Patios, porches, decks, and outdoor rooms expand living spaces of smaller homes and merge indoor spaces with outdoor areas. Especially high on buyers’ lists: screened porches, outdoor kitchens and fireplaces.

Open floor plans make smaller spaces look roomier and keep the cook(s) in the thick of activity.

Buyers are carefully evaluating carrying costs. That includes not only square footage but also makes homes with hi-efficiency insulated windows, energy efficient heating and cooling and kitchen appliances stand out. Passive solar designs are become important in high cooling cost markets.

Included in green elements is what are being called “repurposed materials”. Reused, recycled, elements with interesting architectural value are being added to new and existing homes, sometimes in unexpected, creative ways.

Once the basics are covered, it’s nice to balance thriftiness with a little luxury. Desirable bells and whistles include garden tubs, high-end stainless steel appliances in the kitchen, granite or other stone-like countertops, ceramic tile in the bathroom. Last but not least, it can be a nice touch to add a kitchenette in the master bedroom so that your morning coffee cup is only a short reach away…

But more than anything, today’s buyers want to know they have gotten a great buy. For sellers, that means you must expect tough negotiations no matter what your listing price. Some markets are also seeing creative incentives being offered. These vary from gift cards to financial incentives.

In a highly competitive market, you simply MUST stand out from the crowd.

http://www.DiscoverLakeLure.com

Comments[4] | Permalink

Boomers Are.. MOVING!

42% of surveyed 50-year-olds have said they are planning to move in retirement. Their top issues of importance:

81% cost of living

66% access to health-care programs

61% access to recreational and cultural amenities

60% More favorable climate

54% Community/networking opportunities

46% Close to children

38% Close to grandchildren

30% Close to parent/in-laws

Just how far from their present location do they plan to go?

22% will stay in the same city

22% will stay in the same state

49% will move to another state

7% will go to another country

As they approach retirement, couples are finding the decision to move an interesting one to negotiate. Many see their early retirement years as the right time to pursue dreams that were put aside years ago by everyday realities. But perhaps he is has been travelling for years and is ready to relax and play golf while she has yet to see the world and wants to travel? Perhaps one spouse wants the city for its cultural opportunities and the other wants country peace and quiet?

Expert advice is to start the conversation early and figure out what is really important to you. It is important to avoid mistakes which can be financially disastrous.

Downsizing primary homes and then finding a second home location seems to be a common compromise that works to satisfies everyone.

Want to learn more about Western NC? Visit

http://www.DiscoverLakeLure.com

Comments[3] | Permalink

Help at Last for Homeowners in Trouble

Help is - at last! -coming for property owners in trouble who have found bank procedures hard to navigate and finding a helpful contact point almost impossible.

Included in a major government settlement are ALL the big US banks. Under pressure from federal regulators, these are now revamping their procedures. Most have been found guilty of violating various laws and regulations regarding procedures.

It has taken time to get reforms. And a lot of pressure from both federal and state forces. Investigators have been reviewing policies and procedures for a while. They examined nearly 3000 foreclosures and found critical problems at many top lending institutions including Bank of America, Citibank, GMAC, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo and nine others…

The changes are numerous…. More oversight of the process including the attorneys who do the legal paperwork, better training of bank staff…. The biggest important change is that owners will have a single contact person at the bank. In the past, it was difficult to even find the person you had spoken to earlier. If needed to handle the volume, banks must hire more employees.

Review of foreclosures done in the last two years will be done by independent consultants whose job will be make sure no owner was unjustly foreclosed on or forced to pay excessive fees to the banks. If errors are found, compensation will be expected. Such review by an independent source will finally determine whether the abuses were common, or, as maintained by the banks, rare occurrences.

Lenders will not be able to foreclose on homeowners working to modify their loans.

The average foreclosure is now taking 500 days.

Fines on banks may be assessed later. For now the focus is on improving the procedures for owners.

Still an undecided issue: cutting the debt of underwater homeowners.

Learn more about Western NC at http://www.DiscoverLakeLure.com

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Hickory Nut Gorge Sale on the Trail April 16,2011

Mark your calendars !!

Saturday, April 16th

8 AM-2 PM

Sale on the Trail Community Rummage Event Hickory Nut Gorge's annual 19 Mile 'Sale on the Trail' event is taking place on US hwy 74A. The sale starts in Gerton, NC and continues all they way through Bat Cave, Chimney Rock Village and Lake Lure to north around the lake to Rumbling Bald Resort.

This is a rummage sale on steroids and can't be missed.

Questions? Call 828-625-2725 for more info....

visit: http://www.DiscoverLakeLure.com

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A message from the Hickory Nut Gorge Chamber of Commerce

Please HELP make sure The 2011 Dirty Dancing Festival in Lake Lure, NC is a success!!

As you all know, the Inaugural Dirty Dancing Festival was a huge success. We're excited about the 2011 Festival. Jo Beyersdorfer of JNB Marketing (Co-Director of the Festival) is working diligently on this year's event, and has begun a fund raising campaign.

How can you help? It's easy ....

Make a contribution great or small here: www.indiegogo.com/dirtydancing

Become a sponsor. Packages from $500: www.dirtydancingfestival.com/images/2011Sponsorship_Packet.pdf

To learn more about Lake Lure visit: http://www.DiscoverLakeLure.com

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April Fool’s Festival in Tryon, NC

Mark Friday April 1 and Saturday April 2, 2011 on your calendar for silly fun in downtown Tryon. It’s a Street Festival with fun and activities for all ages.

Festivities begin at 6:33 PM Friday evening with a street dance on McCown Street. There will be a dance contest sponsored by the Tryon Fine Arts Center.

The April celebration will continue Saturday with games and activities at the Tryon Depot from 10 AM to 5 PM. There will be a Bad Art show and music from noon to 3 pm.

At 4:30 PM, there will be a Trashion Show at The Depot. Featured will be recycled fashions made of whatever recycled materials contestants can put together as an outfit. Each Trashion entry will need to be modeled for the runway. For more information contact Mary Prioleau 828-859-9962.

The Fool’s Parade will come down Trade Street at 3 PM. After the Parade, festivities will continue with Outhouse Races and a Three-Legged Race.

The Festival wraps up Saturday night at 6:33 PM with a Masquerade Ball on Palmer Street. Tickets required for this event- Call 828-859-8316 to reserve your place.

Food and drink- including a beer and wine cash bar- will be offered with proceeds going to TDDA.

Saturday evening, more live music will be provided by the Carberators, a regional band often heard at summer music fests.

For more information call 828-859-8316 or artzycarson@gmail.com

To learn more about Western NC visit: http://www.DiscoverLakeLure.com

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Is the American Dream Dead?

In her newest book, The Money Class, financial guru Suze Orman, declares the American Dream dead. She points to the unemployment rate and the difficulty of getting credit as factors that mean most people will never be able to buy a home.

Then there’s Warren Buffet, a self-made billionaire, who has a totally different opinion. He sees home ownership as making sense especially at current lower prices and advantageous interest rates. He considers the purchase of his own home one of his best investments.

So who’s right?

What has really changed? What hopefully has disappeared is the idea that your home is something that you can use as a piggy bank, continuously removing equity to use for things you should have either saved to buy or admitted you could not afford.

Nearly ¾ of the public say that owning their own home is an important goal for them. For most families, home ownership remains both a desirable financial investment and an emotional investment not likely to go away. But for the foreseeable future, there will be years when homes appreciate in value and there will be years when they don’t.

Buffett’s practical advice:

Buy the home you can afford. Don’t over-mortgage yourself even if you find a lender willing to lend you more than you feel comfortable accepting. Many Americans got caught in the housing crash because they were overextended and their bailout plan that values would keep increasing and mortgage rates would help them stay in homes they could not afford did not materialize.

Buffett says take a long-term view. Buy to hold for at least ten years. Don’t over-extend yourself today in the hope that you will be able to fix your problem in two years. If values drop short-term, a long term plan will keep you solvent.

He’s a believer in sensible down-payments and fixed affordable mortgage payments. Unless you know for certain your income will increase fast in the next few years, stick to a fixed mortgage payment that together with taxes and insurance is no more than 30% of take-home pay.

In short, Buffett says you can achieve your goal but be conservative in your approach. Be a turtle... slow and steady is the right approach.

Learn more about the communities of western NC at http://www.DiscoverLakeLure.com

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Neighbors make the neighborhood

So if you could pick your favorite celebrity as your neighbor who would you pick? And who might move in next door and make you consider putting your house up for sale?

According to the fourth-annual Zillow.com Celebrity Neighbor Survey, Americans would like to live next door to Sandra Bullock.

Cast members of the reality TV show Jersey Shore were named the least desirable neighbors.

The Obama family and Sarah Palin took spots on both top 10 lists as “most desirable” and also “worst neighbor” lists.

Here are the Zillow poll’s most desirable neighbors for 2011:

· Sandra Bullock

· Sarah Palin

· Ellen DeGeneres and Portia DeRossi

· The Obama family

· Connan O’Brien

· Lady Gaga

· Katy Perry and Russell Brand

· Justin Bieber

Here are the least desirable neighbors:

· The Jersey Shore cast

· The Obamas

· Sarah Palin

· Kanye West

· Mel Gibson

· Charlie Sheen

· LeBron James

· Mark Zuckerberg

PS: if you do not know who some of these are, you have company.

Visit: http://www.DiscoverLakeLure.com

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Fixing the Mortgage Mess… Episode III

Republican lawmakers are getting ready to introduce their own Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac fix-it plan.

Jeb Hensarling, a Texas Republican, has been the leading voice calling for the death of Fannie and Freddie and for quick implementation of his plan. Republicans are committed to getting rid of Fannie and Freddie and turning the mortgage markets over to the private sector. But now, in a move that decidedly acknowledges the complexity of the problem, they are backing off a bit.

What is now being suggested are individual bills that would slowly wind down Freddie and Fannie. It’s a less drastic move than simply doing away with Fannie and Freddie and that would be much less risky to a housing market that remains very fragile.

One suggested measure would accelerate the decrease of the mortgage giants’ portfolios, currently about 1.5 trillion dollars. These are already set to decrease 10% annually.

Another possibility is to do away with the affordable-housing goals that are part of the Fannie/Freddie mandate. Guarantee fees that Fannie and Freddie charge lenders would gradually go up, a move meant to encourage private investors to take over from Fannie and Freddie.

Some of these ideas have already been suggested by the White House “white paper” released last month.

It’s all a bit ironic. Republicans criticized Democrats for excluding Fannie and Freddie from radical financial regulatory overhaul. But Republicans, now in charge of the House of Representatives, are finding that fixing the problem is not so simple after all.

Predictably, there is plenty of finger pointing and accusations of posturing. There is also some fear that as the housing markets improve, the momentum for change will fade.

Fannie and Freddie guarantee about five trillion dollars in U.S. mortgages, and together with the FHA and other government agencies, back 90% of mortgages. Getting rid of all government guarantees is a risky proposition. Without those guarantees, will the private sector step forward to provide mortgages? Not likely without substantially higher costs to borrowers.

The most likely solution calls for new federal guarantees to replace the roles of Fannie and Freddie. This solution has garnered wide support from consumer groups, many Democrats and some Republicans.

Call it a “new and improved” government guarantee model which will hopefully have a good memory for past failures.

Learn more about the mountain lake region of the Hickory Nut Gorge at http://www.DiscoverLakeLure.com

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Booming with the Boomers II

MORE proof that the world of marketing is not ignoring the tsunami of aging boomers AKA consumers who can be counted on to spend money…..

Research is showing that as the boomers have matured, their TV shows have matured with them.

To begin with, it seems that the average TV viewer is 51 years old. Boomers watch a LOT of TV, up to six hours a day. They are The TV Generation and TV has always acknowledged that. From Charlie’s Angels to today’s The Good Wife, TV has adjusted what boomers have wanted to watch.

Historically, those 55 plus+ wound down spending. That made “seniors” of little interest to TVmarketers and more importantly, TV marketing dollars. But boomers are different so the game is changing.

It’s tricky. Younger viewers are still seen as “trend-setters, the ones who decide what is cool and what eventually will become the must-haves everyone of every age will buy. But “Alpha-Boomers” age 55-64 are proving themselves to be willing to change brands, spend money on new technology, use social networking sites, and buy online. They spend 1.8 trillion dollars a year on food, cars, personal care and other products. That’s pretty hard for TV marketers to ignore.

1991-1992 #1 TV show is… CHEERS Median viewer age = 34.7

1995-1996 #1 TV show is… E.R. Median viewer age = 37.7

2003-2004 #1 TV show is … CSI Median viewer age = 48.8

2009-2010 #1 TV show is… NCIS Median viewer age = 57.4

Explore Western North Carolina at:

http://www.DiscoverLakeLure.com

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Family debt is down to the lowest level in six years….

American families are shrinking their debt. According to the Federal Reserve, total U.S. household debt fell in 2010 down to $13.4 trillion. Still an impressive number but the lowest number in two years Household debt peaked in 2007 with an income to debt ratio of 130%. That ratio is now 116%. Some economists believe a healthy income to debt ratio is around 100%.

Average household net worth is now $505,000 down from a peak of $595,000 early in 2007. The reason for the 15% drop? Decreasing home values.

How are families lowering their debt? With a combination of scrimping on expenses and defaulting on loans. Strategically defaulting on mortgage debt and credit card debt played a big part of lower debt ratios. That means that he level of financial stress is still high. Commercial banks wrote off $118 billion in credit card and mortgage debt in 2010. That’s more than ½ the drop in household debt. But people are also fixing their debt burden the hard way, by paying down debt even when it means saving less. But savings are also up to the highest levels since the 1990s with a personal savings rate of 5.8% in 2010.

With shrinking debt, people may be getting in the mood to buy again and that’s good for the economy.

Want to learn more about Western North Carolina. Explore http://www.DiscoverLakeLure.com

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Is this the right place?

Finding the right place means both finding a place that is in the right place for you and equally important, a place where your investment will hold its value.

Start by thinking about what is most important to you. Create your dream neighborhood. What does it look like? Do you want to sit on your deck and look at great scenery? Walk to downtown? Not see a single neighbor? Make a list. Everyone is different….

Check out property taxes and public services like the library and other services important to you. What do you like to do? Find a place where you can do what you find enjoyable whether it is streets you can jog on, or as in Lake Lure, a place to enjoy looking at nature's beauty.

Got kids? Then the local school system should be your starting point. If your kids have special needs, check out the district’s special services. Most school districts have websites full of information. Talk to people with kids in the schools.

Explore the neighborhoods or towns you like. See too many for sale signs? For rent signs? Empty businesses? These days most places have some level of trouble (which means it’s a great time to be a buyer) but if every other property listed for sale is a foreclosure, that gives you a pretty good idea about what is going on. It’s a red flag. You have to figure out your level of comfort with risk.

Listen for noise. Anything that is going to bother you?

Don’t be shy. Talk to people. Approach a stranger and ask them if they live there. What do they love? No place is perfect . What don’t they love? You may discover an issue you have not thought about.

Did you like the people you met? Is the area culture something that suits you? Tweaking your new home may be as simple as a few gallons of paint. Changing your neighborhood is not. I once lived in a neighborhood where no woman walked to her mailbox without putting on her lipstick first. Not for me.

Take your time. Explore.

To learn more about Western North Carolina visit : http://www.DiscoverLakeLure.com

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Giving up Facebook for Lent…

Lent has started. This is the 40 day period between Ash Wednesday and Easter when Christians remember Jesus’ sacrifice with their own sacrifice. In the past, what was given up was typically a luxury like chocolate or a favorite TV show. Now, Facebook seems to have joined the list of luxuries some people choose to give up.

Per Lisa Hendey, webmaster for St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Fresno, California, it is not a surprising choice. Facebook has become an important part of people’s lives and fans often spend hours a day on the website. It is almost compulsive, say some church leaders. So giving it up for 40 days of Lent makes sense.

Want to learn more about Western North Carolina and the Hickory Nut Gorge mountain lake region? Visit my website at: http://www.DiscoverLakeLure.com

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Beverly-Hanks & Blue Ridge Log Homes= Synergy For Buyers

Neal Hanks, CEO of Beverly-Hanks & Associates, REALTORS, and Chip Smith, CEO of Blue Ridge Log Cabins have joined forces to provide a synergy that takes building a log home to a new level of convenience and quality.

It’s a partnership that makes sense. Beverly-Hanks is the largest real estate agency in western NC. Blue Ridge Log Cabins is one of the fastest growing log home companies in the US. Both companies are dedicated to providing a top-notch customer experience and their combined resources will make the process of finding a lot or land to build on and meshing that purchase with construction of a new log home nearly seamless.

Buyers can visit the Blue Ridge Log Homes in Campobello SC and watch the craftsman build homes at the huge facility there. It’s an impressive experience. They can almost totally customize their new homes with a wide range of house plans and many choices of interior finishing. Plans vary in size, and styles range from traditional log homes to a lodge-style Arts and Crafts home.

Beverly-Hanks’ job is to help the buyers find a homesite. Then the project, including purchasing a home site, onsite preparation, and the new home is financed in one single easy process. The cost is known before work begins and because this process minimally weather driven- only site preparation and final installation work is done on site- it is faster, cleaner, and more predictable. It’s no wonder the banks love the method and are willing to finance as much as 95%.

Call me at 828-899-4536 for more information or check out my Blue Ridge Log home information page at http://www.discoverlakelure.com/1301588.html

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NC‘s Green Movement Has a New Mascot

The NC State Zoo in Asheboro has chosen a new mascot to promote clean rivers in the state....

Snot Otters, also known as Hellbenders, are oversized prehistoric salamanders found under rocks at the bottom of pristine streams in the Ozarks and Appalachians. They look like eels with short stubby legs and can grow to be a couple of feet long. Their good looks are enhanced by a slimy- and toxic- skin secretion. Not to worry. It is only poisonous if you eat them.

You may think this rather unattractive creature is an unlikely choice for a mascot but snot otters have their fans. While there have been some PR problems mostly caused by their lack of typical mascot cute and cuddly (their cannibalism is an unspoken issue), the Asheboro NC zoo has been testing Snotty, a human-sized replica, at zoo functions. A smiling lizard with a big tail, brown skin, and beady eyes, their new mascot has been a success with visiting zoo patrons, as well as a summer employment opportunity for local college students.

Snot Otters are currently on a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Bureau list of proposed endangered species. They have been disappearing and no one knows exactly why. Fishermen, who have been known to kill them on sight are certainly part of the problem, but lack of fertility caused by less than clean waters is also suspected. They reproduce poorly in captivity but it is hoped that egg hatching experiments will prove successful.

Expect to see the NC Zoo’s Hellbender t-shirts, stuffed animals, and “Beauty is only Skin Deep” posters soon.

To learn more about snot otters:

http://www.hellbenders.org/The_Hellbender_Homepage/Home.html

For Rutherford and Polk County information and more about the mountain lake area around Lake Lure visit: http://www.DiscoverLakeLure.com

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Should you pay off your mortgage and live mortgage-free?

It depends on your goals and your tolerance for risk.

Young families may consider it worthwhile to pay down their mortgage balance a little faster than the terms of their loan demand with the goal of growing their equity faster and eventually being in a better financial position to move into another home.

Those approaching retirement may have only a few years of mortgage payments left and want to enter retirement years mortgage free.

Comparing investments: historically putting money into the stock market has earned higher returns (over the long term) than investing in real estate. On the other hand, mortgage interest is tax deductible.

With home values still shaky, is it a wise move to pay down your mortgage or get rid of it entirely?

It comes down to your individual situation and your financial priorities:

It’s important to remember that home equity is not liquid so you should not tie up all your money in your house.

How much debt do you have? Get rid of yuour most expensive debt first. That is typically credit card debt so your first priority should be to get rid of credit card balances.

If your employer matches your 401(k) contribution, it makes sense to take advantage of the match as much as you can.

Emergency funds: you should have enough cash on hand to pay bills for six months. For some, additional funds for medical emergencies need to be considered too.

Do the math. If you itemize your tax return and take off mortgage interest, multiply the amount of your mortgage interest deduction by your tax bracket. That’s how much the deduction saved you in taxes. The older your loan, the more of your payment applies to principal rather than interest so over time, the value of the deduction goes down. Retirees also often end up in lower tax brackets so the mortgage interest deduction is worth less to them.

If you did not have a mortgage payment, what would you do with the extra money?

If you invest it, historically, a 50/50 stock/bond portfolio has earned investors 8.2% long term, though a more conservative estimate of future returns is a more modest 6%.

Last but not least, will you sleep better at night if you are debt-free? A good night’s sleep is worth a lot.

Learn more about the Blue Ridge and Western NC at http://www.DisoverLakeLure.com

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Home Sales Data: even worse than reported??

It now seems that National Association of Realtors (NAR) Homes Sales Data may have been overly optimistic as far back as 2007.

The NAR compiles data used by economists, investors, and the real estate industry including mortgage bankers, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. NAR reported 4.9 million sales of previously owned homes in 2010, down 5% from their 2009 numbers.

CoreLogic , a real estate analytics firm, measures sales by tracking property records recorded at local courthouses. They report just 3.6 million homes sold in 2010 down 12% from 2009.

NAR uses a sampling of sales data reported by local Multiple Listing Services (MLS) to calculate monthly sales. Their model makes certain assumptions for population growth and other economic measures. Due to recent consolidations among MLS systems, the NAR model may have over counted home sales. Because not every homes sale is made through MLS (or a real estate agent), the NAR model also makes assumptions to correct for missing data. But the recession has hit For Sale By Owners sales even harder than homes listed in the MLS. Now it seems NAR may have overestimated the FSBO numbers.

The Nar is reviewing their model. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR says “this is a very important issue and we are looking at it very carefully”.

Learn more about Western North Carolina at http://www.DiscoverLakeLure.com

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After Green Comes...BLUE

Dan Buettner has written a NY Times best seller The Blue Zones: Lessons For Living Longer From The People Who’ve Lived The longest. He researched four places in the world where people not only live to be old but stay fit and active deep into old age: Okinawa Japan, Costa Rica, Sardinia Italy, and Loma Linda California. The book looks at culture, and daily routines. From interviews, Buettner distills what he calls “The Power Nine”, a guide to living longer and healthier.

1. Move. Not fitness training designed to put you in marathon condition but maintaining an active lifestyle of walking, working, gardening, etc. Just get off the couch.

2. Know your purpose. Volunteer, learn something new, tackle a project… find a reason to get up in the morning.

3. Chill Out. Work has its place but so does relaxing with friends and family. Stress hurts you.

4. 80% Rule. Eat but don’t gorge. Stop when you feel 80% full.

5. Eat wisely. Make your diet heavy on plants and light on meat.

6. Antioxidants. Eat colorful foods full of antioxidants. Moderate wine consumption is also a staple of most Blue Zones. Put blueberries on your cereal.

7. Belong. Socialize, make friends, have a social support network (an extension of #2)

8. Beliefs. Most Blue Zone populations participate in some kind of spiritual or religious belief or meditation.

9. Tribe. We all need people. Family culture is important in the Blue Zones. (A revisit of #7 and #3.)

So it's not complicated. Of course genetics plays a part but you can do what you can do. To stay healthy, stay active, work but not too much, eat sensibly, and take time out to enjoy friends and family.

Learn more about Lake Lure NC and the Western NC Blue Ridge at http://www.DiscoverLakeLure.com

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Not Golf= Flogton

It’s no secret that fewer people are playing golf. More golf courses are closing than opening. Opinions for the downturn vary from “it’s the economy” to a simple change in demographics. But some are wondering if the rules of the game are part of the problem. Enter Flogton (not golf spelled backwards).

Flogtonites argue that the game needs an overhaul to increase its appeal to younger players used to fast-paced video games, those with less than stellar athletic abilities, and an aging population of golfers who can’t quite hit the ball as hard as they used to. They argue that alternative golf formats will bring more players onto the courses.

You can hear the purists grinding their teeth. Have no fear. There would still be rules. Different rules. The goal is not to replace PGA golf but to expand the golf possibilities. Flogtonites point out that skiing traditionalist resisted the addition of snowboarding to their sport. They think most flogtonites would eventually become regular golf game players as their skills improved. Besides, everyone knows that out in the real world, golfers have been known to modify the game’s rules just a little bit……

One proposed change would have players follow USGA rules of play but allow souped-up balls and clubs. More radical proposals would change the rules thoroughly, legalizing one mulligan per hole, allowing 6-foot bumps to evade trees and other obstacles, and requiring a second shot from a bunker to be thrown. Totally revamped golf would be aimed at beginners to make the game easier for those just learning to play. Social changes would include loosening up of dress codes and allowing trash-talking.

Most interesting is the possibility of allowing Super Golf balls capable of correcting player shortcomings. Polora Golf is about to introduce a non-conforming ball later in 2011 that it claims will self-correct up to 90% of a slice or hook. The AGA thinks technology could add a 25% increase to the average golfer’s drive and double the amount of backspin on wedge shots hit into greens. Of course, if everyone has access to the same new technology, the playing field will level off again….

For more about Project Flogton see http://www.flogton.com/

Learn more about Western NC and the Lake Lure area at http://www.DiscoverLakeLure.com

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What’s Wrong With the Thirty Year Mortgage?

Reform of the mortgage markets is coming. It has been mandated by the Dodd-Frank Law. But how to meet the challenge of avoiding another financial market meltdown while making sure Americans will be able to get a mortgage is not simple. The recently made public Obama Administration report offered three possible scenarios. Even among the top economic experts, there is no clear consensus about how to fix the problem.

Many want Fannie and Freddie, the two government-backed mortgage giants who have required a $135 billion taxpayer bailout to disappear. They argue that government is interfering with what should be private market functions. The problem is that the thirty-year fixed rate mortgage with its no penalty pre-payment option is incompatible with the goal of replacing Fannie and Freddie with private investment.

It’s no surprise that 30 year fixed rate mortgages are popular. Borrowers are locked in at known interest rates and if these drop, they can refinance at a lower rate. But that’s exactly why these mortgages are a problem for investors. Absent any kind of government guarantee to protect them against credit losses, private investors will demand a higher yield to compensate for their risk. That means higher interest rates for home buyers.

One possible plan offered replaces Fannie and Freddie with another government backstop through a form of insurance, much like the FDIC guarantees bank deposits. Again, that would add extra costs to mortgages.

The Treasury Dept. acknowledges the problem and notes that with less government backing, the 30-year fixed rate mortgage option becomes less feasible. It also says that there would be a reward. With less money going into housing, there would be more capital available to flow elsewhere, potentially leading to more long-term growth for the economy. Plus fewer mortgages made would mean less demand for housing and would keep home prices from going up, reducing inflationary pressures. Loans would cost more but homes would be less expensive.

Tough choices.

Learn more about Lake Lure and the mountain lake area of the NC Blue Ridge at http:///www.DiscoverLakeLure.com

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Chimney Rock NC / Worlds Edge fire photos

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Chimney Rock & World's Edge Fire 02/14/2011

I’ve driven past World's Edge twice today. This morning the fire at Jude’s Gap had dwindled down to about three plumes of smoke. By 3 pm though, the wind had picked up and it was easy to see that there was a lot more smoke. I could hear at least two helicopters going back and forth with buckets of water.

According to the Hendersonville Times News and the NC Fire Service, as of yesterday evening the fire had consumed about 120 acres.

Containment lines are obvious to see. I could see several plumes south of of what seemed to be the smokiest area. The Fire Service says it has cleared out old logging trails. As locals know, this is very difficult, very rugged terrain to access.

Per David Brown of the Fire Service "a burn-out operation was started on Sunday and will continue today," he said in a press release. "Once the burn-out is completed the fire area will comprise over approximately 295 acres. About 200 acres will be in Chimney Rock State Park in a remote area that does not threaten any park facilities."

The fire apparently started mid-afternoon Saturday. My husband spoke to a resident of the area who told him he has lived here all his life and this is the second time in five years he has seen a serious fire at World’s Edge. Before that he said, there were very rarely fires. He suspected “the bums who like to go up the mountain". I don't think he was referring to those who like to hike these mountains but rather those who camp and are sloppy with campfires.

Another resident whose home was closer to the flames told my husband he was advised by the firemen to leave.

Update 8:30 PM: We live about four miles south of World's Edge and my husband decided to go see what progress is being made. He reports that he could clearly see flames shooting out from the mountains. There is still quite a bit of wind. His opinion is that the fire has been contained to the south (deeper into Polk County) but is now spreading north toward Chimney Rock. Even this late in the day, he saw a lot of activity - Forest Service, firemen, equipment being bought in. ...

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EXTREME MAKEOVER FOR FANNIE AND FREDDIE: The Saga Continues....

The Dodd-Frank law has legally mandated a makeover for mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Fannie and Freddie, along the FHA (another government- backed agency), are behind nearly 90% of US mortgages. The goal of reform is to make sure we do not ever see another financial meltdown requiring a $150 billion dollars taxpayer bailout.

The question: how much should the U.S. government be involved in mortgage availability?

The challenge: making sure home buyers can get affordable mortgages.

Will Fannie and Freddie disappear completely? No one knows yet but what is becoming clear is that the government’s role in mortgage markets is likely to become a lot smaller. At stake is a 10.6 trillion dollar mortgage market.

There is no consensus on how to best meet the challenge and no single proposal has been made to overhaul the system. With last week’s issuance of a long-awaited Obama Administration report, three plans representing three possible futures are now on the table. With real estate described as “fragile”, change will be implemented slowly and carefully and is likely to take at least five to seven years. But the first changes are coming and are meant to attract private capital into the mortgage market and to lessen the influence of Fannie and Freddie. As of October 1, 2011, both mortgage giants’ ability to make mortgages is going to be decreased by lowering their maximum loan limits to $625,500 and by requiring higher down payments of at least 10%. Insurance payments on loans backed by FHA could also go up.

The Three Proposals:

Option #1 would almost totally privatize housing finance. That proposal is similar to the one offered last year by Texas Representative Jeb Hensarling. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac would disappear; lenders would originate their mortgages and then securitize them (sell mortgages to private investment) without any government backing. Only the FHA, currently backing about 20% of mortgages, would remain in place, financing low and middle income borrowers, theoretically higher-risk and less appealing to investors.

Option #2 is a modification of option #1 leaving the mortgage markets in the hands of private investors but adding a government backstop mechanism which would either buy or guarantee loans, an option to be activated only if private lenders decided to withdraw from mortgage markets during periods of financial crisis.

Option #3 would create new privately owned companies whose role would be to buy mortgages from banks and sell them as securities. Those financial instruments would be explicitly guaranteed by the U.S. government but would have to meet certain minimum criteria. The government would collect fees for that guarantee much as the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corp) now guarantees bank deposits.

While there is much support for a decrease in government intervention in mortgage markets, levels of trust in the Wall Street banks and investors who helped create the recent meltdown is not high. Their mortgage portfolios have performed much worse than Fannie and Freddie’s. There is also fear that rising costs will threaten access to mortgages. Debate is certain to be fierce.

What is all this likely do to consumers? What should you do now? If you are interested in buying a new house, relocating, or want a second vacation home, housing prices are now as low as they have been in several years and inventory is high. It’s a buyers’ market. Interest rates have already jumped up. These are all signals that the time to put off buying is over. Even if prices fall a bit more, any gain is likely to be offset by higher interest rates and more fees.

Learn more about Lake Lure and the Western North Carolina Blue Ridge mountain lake region at http://www.DiscoverLakeLure.com

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BOOMER BRAINS KEEP ON... ROCKING!

More good news for boomers! It seems we may be smarter than we were in our 20s.

You already suspected that, didn’t you?

For years, we have been told that our brains peak in early adulthood and then slowly go downhill from there. Now, science has discovered that our brains continue to produce neurons for brainpower and that some brain processes actually improve into mid-life.

It’s not all good news. Aging brains do slow down and process information more slowly in middle age (40-69 these days). Retrieving information – especially names - can become a challenge. And middle aged brains tend to lose focus sometimes. Ever stepped into another room and then could'nt remember why you went in there?

In exchange for a few inconveniences, middle aged brains are generally happier, more creative, and generally wiser. Barbara Staunch in her book The Secret Life of the Grown-up Brain found that as we get older, real life problem-solving skills improve and we are better able to evaluate complex problems, manage emotions, and process information. We may get slower but we get wiser, more cheerful, and we become more nimble problem solvers. All very useful skills even if we can't remember high school algebra lessons.

Best yet, the brain benefits from exercise, at any age. Learning something new stimulates neuron growth just like exercise grows muscle. As a matter of fact, physical exercise itself is a great brain neuron booster as is good nutrition. Foods high in antioxidants (dark and colorful fruits and vegetables) and fish rich in Omega-3 help keep the brain functioning well. Lastly, once again, there is evidence that stress is damaging and relaxing a necessity to staying healthy.

Now to remember all that…

Learn more about Lake Lure North Carolina and the Blue Ridge athttp://www.DiscoverLakeLure.com

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EXTREME MAKEOVERS: Episode III

The Dodd-Frank financial overhaul law passed by Congress to clean up the financial meltdown is marching forward….

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp (FDIC), jointly with the Federal Reserve, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and other banking regulators have approved a draft rule that will require large financial firms to hold at least ½ of top executives’ bonuses for a minimum of three years. The goal is to tie their bonuses – a large part of compensation packages- to the outcomes of their and their key employees’ trades and decisions… over time. Financial reward will now come from making good long-term decisions rather than decisions made for more immediate payoff. It is all meant to discourage what is being referred to as “excessive risk-taking” in favor of “long-term focus”. The primary targets: Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, and both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Also coming is a rule that will put the burden of paying for FDIC on the biggest banks rather than the smaller banks. As of April 1, 2011, J. P. Morgan Chase, Bank of America, and Citigroup will pay an extra $1 billion in fees each year.

Once approved, the draft rules will be presented for public comment before final approval. The feedback already coming in is centered on government interference with compensation packages and complaints that it’s “easy to point the finger” at those getting “big” compensation packages.

Your comments are invited.

Learn more about the Blue Ridge area southeast of Asheville NC at http://www.DiscoverLakeLure.com

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Marketing to the...hmmm... Maturing.... Boomers

Historically thrifty senior citizens have been of little interest to marketers but the 76 million boomers born between1946 and 1964 account for about half of all US consumer spending. Now rapidly turning 65, boomers are an affluent group used to asking for and getting what they want. Marketing experts think they will keep spending money.

This is a group that expects a longer life expectancy and wants to remain fit and active as they move into retirement. In order to meet their needs, many companies are adjusting product lines. Carefully adjusting. That’s because it seems that Boomers must be handled gently. You do not want to suggest to this group that they are ... well, to be horridly blunt, getting old. This is a group that prefers to identify more with their children than with their parents: trendy and modern, focused on maintaining a good quality of life.

Very quietly, adjustments are being made. Typeface is getting bigger… store shelves are being made more accessible… packaging colors are being modified for aging eyes that don’t see some colors well (yellow and blue). Products are being made easier to hold. Disposable coffee cups are growing handles; canisters, indentations, Packages are being made easier to open with shortened lid rotations.

In order not to offend boomers, euphemisms are flourishing. Adult diapers are looking more like normal underwear with “extra protection”. The bathroom grab bar is now a “belay shower handrail” (named for the rock climbing tool). ADT is marketing “companion services”.

A third of boomers expect to move and downsize into new homes. Since moving often involves decorating, companies selling products like paint and wallpaper are renovating their stores to make them friendlier to aging clients. Softer lighting, comfortable chairs, and even coffee service. Settle in and sit a spell…..

Even reading glasses are getting snazzier to please stylish boomers.

Learn more about Western North Carolina at http://www.DiscoverLakeLure.com

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Bat Cave: 48 acres on the Rocky Broad River

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Four Don’t Dos To Sell Your House

We all know that some renovations pay back more than others. Actually, the top home selling project- returning the most $$ on investment- is a simple clean-up and de-clutter so that potential buyers can see a clean, roomy attractive property. But what renovations and upgrades should you NOT invest in if you are thinking about selling soon?

Our homes are our nests and we want to enjoy them. But it’s important to know the difference between a project you invest in for your own enjoyment and one that someone else will love so much they will be willing to reimburse you your renovation expense. Worse, some renovations may actually turn home buyers away from your house.

Exhibit A is a pool or hot tub. It depends on where you are, of course. In some parts of the US, a backyard pool is almost mandatory. But if you live where pools are the exception and where the pool season is shorter rather than longer, potential buyers may see your pool as an expensive luxury they do not need (a typical pool costs $1500 a year) , and have no desire to maintain. A pool may be an improvement that will not only bring you nothing in financial reward but will also make it harder to sell your house.

Updating of older homes is a worthwhile project – it makes them feel newer. But it has to be done well. Renovating in character- making sure the new meshes with the old - is important. So is a renovation in line with the house you are selling. Take kitchens. An updated kitchen is definitely a plus for an older home but a super-deluxe kitchen upgrade in a modest home is not going to return you your investment. Renovations need to be APPROPRIATE to the house. If you are going to sell soon, a minor upgrade may make more sense.

The same applies to bathrooms. A super-sized Jacuzzi tub or luxury steam shower could lead buyers to think about how much hot water they’re going to paying for. Again, the focus should be on APPROPRIATE for the house and its price point.

Garage conversions are another popular conversion project. Maybe you want a media room or a place for the pool table of your dreams? But the garage is an important space for many buyers and the lack of a garage could lose you a sale. Most buyers will knock your house off their list rather than think about converting the garage back to a place to store cars, bikes, garden equipment, etc…..

Final Word: do it well, do it smart, do it with an eye to the future when you may want to sell. OR do what you want to do for yourself and your own enjoyment. But know what it will bring you. If you are thinking about updating your house with the idea of putting it on the market in the next couple of years, call a real estate agent and get a professional opinion about upgrades likely to add value to your house and help it sell fast.

Learn more about the mountain lake area near Asheville at http://www.DiscoverLakeLure.com

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Greening Your Favorite Burger

Building Green is spreading from residential to commercial. It makes sense. Beyond environmentally desirable construction, the ultimate goal is to use green design to save money. Restaurants, stores, offices, and banks are prime candidates. The US Green Building Council has recently launched a program to help national chains get LEED certification for design plans they can use in multiple locations. LEED is an internationally recognized Green Building certification system.

Certain elements of Green Building are the same no matter the location. These include the use of as much recycled material as possible, both interior and exterior, and elements that will reduce the bill for lighting, and heating and cooling. White roofs reduce urban heat island effect and bounce daylight into the building for natural lighting. Designs that maximize the use of natural daylight can cut power usage by 7%. Windows with high energy glazing systems, up to 3 times code requirements in some areas, help cut cooling costs as does designing with passive solar shading or motorized blinds to provide summertime shading. Outside, landscaping with native plants, drought tolerant when needed, can lower irrigation need by 1/2. Exterior lights can be set to turn on at night only when they sense movement. The last element is placing the building on the site to take advantage of daylight without cooking the interior during summer months.

What about the upfront costs of the Building Green investment? Consulting costs and time needed to design the first building do drive up costs as does investing in hi-energy efficient heating and cooling systems. But by creating Green Building prototypes that national chains can reuse in multiple locations, costs can be brought down to less than 5% above normal. That’s in exchange for a 25% improvement in energy efficiency. (and a few points for good citizenry)

The same prototype concept is growing for residential home design. One idea is to build houses from a standard kit of parts that can be assembled in different configurations as desired by the owner and appropriate for location.

Visit http://www.DiscoverLakeLure.com to learn more about the Western NC mountain lake region southeast of Asheville.

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A Brief History of Taxes

You can procrastinate till April 15^th but in the end, there’s no avoiding taxes and it’s been that way for a long time…

Taxation has been around since at least 3000 BC when the Pharaohs, whose legacy of lavish lifestyle is now among The Wonders of the World, taxed grains, livestock and oil. Tax collectors visited homes to make sure old cooking oil was regularly tossed out and replaced with new - and freshly taxed- oil. The Egyptians also get credit for inventing the first tax on alcoholic beverages. Taxing imported goods seemed like a good idea too. Both taxes have survived the test of time.

Taxation has also been used to mandate change. In 1705, Peter the Great, freshly returned from a tour of Western Europe, saw Russian beards as a symbol of the old ways to be discouraged in a country he wanted to modernize. To encourage clean-shaven faces, Peter decided to tax beards, excepting peasants and priests. (Maybe the peasants, or serfs as they were known, were too poor to afford to shave?) Bearded taxpayers had to wear proof of tax payments around their neck in the form of a medallion, probably the only time in history when paying taxes has earned anyone a medal.

Sometimes the change bought on by taxation is unexpected. England decided to tax windows in 1696. With tax assessors wandering the streets counting windows, homeowners opted to cover up their windows. An idea that spread to other European countries with similar results, the tax was repealed one hundred and fifty years later when someone decided that it was in the best interest of public health to have homes with windows.

Some recent American laws have been even stranger. Tennessee passed a “crack tax” in 2005. Aimed at drug dealers who were not only breaking the law but worse yet, not paying taxes on the income, the law mandated anonymous payment of taxes on drug dealing income. The law was struck down in 2009 and about 3,000 people asked for and got tax refunds. Tennessee has revised the law but not given up.

Occasionally taxation has gone really wrong. Once used to pay the Roman legions, salt and taxing salt has a history of stirring up the population. A French salt tax is regarded as part of the packet of complaints leading up to the French revolution. A similar tax imposed by the British in India helped inspire Ghandi to the nonviolent protest that eventually ended British rule. Then there was another British tax, this time on tea, a tax opportunity which did not go down well in Boston…

Learn more about Western North Carolina and the mountain lake region southeast of Asheville at http://www.DiscoverLakeLure.com

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Extreme Makeover For Fannie and Freddie, Episode II

In recent months, just about everyone involved in the housing industry has met with lawmakers to discuss the Fannie and Freddie makeover mandated by the same law that bailed them out to the tune of 134 BILLION of taxpayer money.

The government has helped would-be homebuyers by guaranteeing mortgages for a long time, since the 1930s. But many Republicans blame Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for the housing bubble and subsequent POP that took the US economy with it. The two government controlled mortgage giants guarantee loans for private investors. Some new members of Congress – especially Tea Partiers- see a clear mandate from the voters who have put them in office for less government intervention in the economy and for letting private capital do its work. Representative Hensarling of Texas, fourth-ranking Republican in the House, recently said he would introduce legislation to transfer Fannie and Freddie’s role entirely to the private sector within five years.

On the other side is the housing industry which worries that without government guarantees, mortgages will not be available for many Americans. Investors and the industry argue that without government guarantee, mortgages will become much more expensive or simply unavailable whenever investors decide to back off mortgages as an investment.

One possible solution proposed is an FDIC type insurance program that the mortgage industry would fund in exchange for government support. But some say that any government guarantees eliminate an essential element of market environment: investors’ risk analysis. They worry that any government guarantee would lead us back to a repeat of the recent scenario of deteriorating underwriting standards for mortgages and eventually, yet another bailout.

As a real estate agent with a decent background in economics, I am in a good position to see both sides. There simply is no easy fix. Those with good credit and a solid down payment will get mortgages. It is the young, the less affluent -often minorities - who will have difficulty getting mortgages. Owning your own home is an important part of the American Dream and we should not let that dream disappear, yet there is no getting around the fact that those whose credit is less solid and who have less money to put down as a down payment represent a higher-risk group. I suspect the solution is going to be a blend of higher rates for some mortgages and some level of continuing government guarantee for higher risk mortgages.

Learn more about Western North Carolina and the Blue Ridge mountain communities around Lake Lure NC: http://www.DiscoverLakeLure.com

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If you can't be bothered to do a decent job, don't take the listing!

I am mad so this going to be more rant than blog.

I have been reviewing previous attempts to sell two tracks of land a young couple REALLY wants/needs to sell. They have been trying to sell it for more than two years. They listed TWICE with the same agent.

What did this agent do for them? As little as possible. Take photos? One for one piece and two for the other. Description? 13 words (include “the” & “and” so I am being generous). Made it easy to find? No. Made it easy to show? “Pick up key to gate in listing office”. No.

Surely this is a new, young inexperienced agent who simply needs some training or mentoring? No. It’s an experienced agent who runs his own development company.

Here’s how I see it: if you accept a listing, you have a moral and legal and ethical duty to the owners who have placed their trust in you. If you can’t be bothered to do a decent job, don’t take the listing. Lousy agents give us ALL a bad name.

Learn more about Lake Lure NC and the Blue Ridge Mountains at: http://www.DiscoverLakeLure.com

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Lake Lure NC IS ON YOUTUBE

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EXTREME MAKEOVER FOR FANNIE AND FREDDIE

Last year’s Dodd-Frank law forced regulation overhaul for the two mortgage giants whose failure has cost taxpayers 134 billion since the government took them over in 2008. Change has been legally mandated but where to go next seems to be a decision with no clear consensus.

The Obama administration report recommending changes to be made is expected in mid-February. It has been delayed about six weeks. The delay has been caused in part by staff turnover but also because of policy disagreement between the factions involved in the overhaul. The lack of consensus means the final report is likely to recommend two or three proposals with discussion of the merits and drawbacks of each rather than a single mandate for change.

The questions to be answered are important. Should the government be involved in backing mortgage-backed securities at all or should the free market prevail? Can the mortgage markets survive without government guarantee?

If the government guarantee route prevails, the next question is about explicit rather than implicit guarantee. The existing model was one of implicit guarantee with investors assuming the government would bail out Freddie and Fannie in times of trouble - as it indeed did. Under one new proposed model, bank-owned cooperatives or companies would operate like regulated utility companies and would issue securities explicitly guaranteed by the US government. But the government would need to be able to collect enough fees from mortgage originators to cover the cost of the guarantees. Without that ability, we would be returning to the same conditions that led to Fannie and Freddie’s collapse.

As a minimum step forward, the Treasury is likely to begin encouraging private capital to return to the market by allowing Freddie and Fannie to raise fees they charge to lenders and increasing the number of available mortgages the private companies can purchase.

Any steps that limit the availability of mortgages to home buyers or raise their costs could hurt the fragile housing markets further. On the other hand, a return to business as usual is not an option.

Learn more about Lake Lure Real Estate at http://www.DiscoverLakeLure.com

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Bullish About Economic Recovery in 2011

There are signs that banks are beginning to approve more loans to consumers for the first time since the credit crunch began. Important factors include big banks posting good profits, and job-loss statistics decreasing, and a stock market at its highest point since 2008.

So far, most loans have been to businesses with consumer loans lagging behind due to concerns about unemployment, and foreclosures. Consumers who have been paying down debt and saving more are beginning to spend more also fueling the optimism.

With the stock market and bank profits up, banks are slowly beginning to focus on making new loans rather than dealing only with their bad loans. That is good news for borrowers, at least those with good credit histories. The bullish outlook is good news for auto dealers, retailers and home builders. In the third quarter of 2010, banks made more than 36 million consumer loans mostly on credit cards, consumer-finance, school loans and home equity lines.

The totals reported exclude new mortgage loans but does include refinances. Some smaller banks have raised the total that can be financed to 90% from 80%. Some borrowers are using the loans to pay for home improvements, to get rid of mortgage insurance or to escape higher interest rates of jumbo loans. Some are even using home equity lines to buy new homes.

Any good news is very good news.

Learn more about the Western North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Mountains at : http://www.DiscoverLakeLure.com

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THE TOP FIVE HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR HOME SELLERS

One more BEST list (I told you I love these!)

From the latest Realtor' poll - or better said, from the real estate agents trying to sell your house in a tough economy: THE TOP FIVE HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR HOME SELLERS:

Project #1. CLEAN AND DECLUTTER. Average cost $290. Rate of return 586% (this is not a typo!) .Think this is a no brainer? It certainly should be but spend a bit of time touring homes for sale and you'll quickly see that the obvious is often overlooked. It's a psych 101problem: Our houses are our homes and home is who we are so please don't suggest any of us are slobs! I know I live in a house that is more comfort zone than showplace but it's not for sale. For sale means up-ticking the housekeeping. No, it's not fun but buyers see what is there a lot faster than they see what it could be. Kitchens, closets and garages especially look as large as the empty space to be seen between whatever is filling up the room. Anyways, you're going to have to pack it all up when you move so why not go ahead and sort through rooms, closets, garage and attic/basement. Do you need it? Yes? Enough to pay to have it moved? Organize. Put it where it belongs so you can find it post-move. If you're a true pack rat and can't bear to part with anything, store it elsewhere.

Project #2. LIGHTENING AND BRIGHTENING. Average cost $375. Rate of return 313%. Dark and dreary doesn't sell as well as bright and inviting? Duh.

Project #3. HOME STAGING. Average cost $550. Rate of Return 299%. In theory you can do this yourself. In practice, it can be awfully hard to step back and view your home though the eyes of a stranger. A professional stager will make recommendations and recommend tweaks that may be no more expensive than the effort of moving furniture. If you think a friend or even a critical relative (I know I have a few) can help, try it. Begin with Projects #1 and #2 and make sure every room looks its best. But sometimes a professional eye does see it best.

Project #4. LANDSCAPING. Average cost $540. Rate of return 258%. Curb appeal is about the first impression buyers get when they arrive and it counts. Cut the bushes so buyers can

Project #5. REPAIR ELECTRICAL AND PLUMBING. Average cost $535. Rate of return 181%. A dripping faucet, or a light switch offering no result all lead buyers to wonder how well the house has been maintained. With the great majority of buyers getting inspections done, you're going to fix it anyways.

Isn't this an amazing list? NONE of these is a major project yet the rates of return are something to celebrate. Not included here? Weeks (or months) of time saved before finding a buyer. Aggravation avoided? Priceless.

NOW, JUST DO IT.

To learn more about Western NC and the mountain lake region around Lake Lure visit: http://www.DiscoverLakeLure.com

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Do you still need me; Will you still want me?

What’s the really BIG news? It’s the growing power of consumers to find it ALL online, including the property they want to buy. According to REALTOR.com president Errol Samuelson, 2010 was the first year that more people found their new home themselves than real estate agents found homes for them.

Real estate agents: did your heart just miss a beat? The data wave available to consumers is huge and growing and it is only restricted by the apps on smart phones. That means that consumer are empowered in ways they have never been. Real estate agents, the revolution in technology has changed your job forever and it is going to be ride the wave or go under.

Home buyers: If I’m not finding you the home of your dreams, do you still need me; do you still want me? YES! You need me to find the information you don’t have and you need me to ask the questions you haven’t thought about asking ye. As your buyer’s agent, I need to be thinking hard about what questions need answers.

Home Sellers: The dependence on online presence means your listing agent needs to go beyond adequate to SUPERB. It’s really competitive out there. Until the market changes, there are going to be more sellers than buyers and your for sale needs to stand out from the crowd. When those buyers start cruising listings, they need be able to find your property and it had better look inviting and worthy of further inquiry.

Learn more about Western North Carolina at : http://www.DiscoverLakeLure.com

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Why ever come out of the closet?

Closets. Not anything you spend a lot of time thinking about until lack of space forces your attention onto your closet space.

With average home size dropping, and remodeling projects replacing moving to a bigger space, a desire to spruce up closet space and improve efficiency comes as no surprise as a project rising in popularity. There is no lack of companies whose modular inserts or custom closets promise to improve whatever closet space you have.

What’s new? Corner carousels make “dead” corner useful space again. Shelves create quick accessibility and visibility and are used for storing everything from handbags to clothing folded and stacked, on display as in a store for visibility and access. Drawers are built-in. Mirrored door expand the space and offer a review of today’s fashion decision. Some are adding windows or skylights for natural lighting and center islands for storage, planning and a handy spot to set down that morning coffee cup.

For the luckier among us, there are status closets, his and hers “personal spaces”. The WIC (walk-in-closet) has morphed into new standard of luxury, the LIC (live-in-closet). Options include integrating a shower and toilet to create both a spa-like atmosphere and shorten the morning rush. Need more luxury? Add an ottoman so your friends can hang out! Closet kitchens have also been spotted though it can be argued that if you spend that much time in the closet, it is definitely time to come out.

Learn more about Western North Carolina and the mountain lake area of Lake Lure at: http://www.DiscoverLakeLure.com

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Jobs! Jobs! Jobs!

Jobs are expected to be the focus of tonight’s State of the Union speech by President Obama.

Though the magic solution is yet to be found, a fourth quarter 2010 poll of The National Association for Business Economics (NABE) found that 42% of them expect to hire in the first half of 2011. That is up from 29% in the first quarter of 2010. Only 7% of companies surveyed expect that they will shed jobs.

The US economy has been growing for a year and a half but companies have been slow to hire new employees. That is hopefully going to change as the economy continues to pick up stream and business that have thus far depended on increased productivity to meet the demand, will reach the limit on increased productivity.

Make no mistake, the 2007-2009 recession was a deep one and a lot more jobs need to be created to make a dent in the current 9.4% unemployment rate. But the recent drop in weekly jobless claims may be an early signal of an improving economy. The tax-cut package approved at the end of 2010 is also likely to help the economy.

It is more than just good news. Since job creation is widely viewed as the last leg needed for an improving real estate market, anything that is not bad news is great news.

*******

Learn more about the Western NC Mountain Lake lifestyle at http://www.DiscoverLakeLure.com

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Western North Carolina: Best Places To Retire

The Western North Carolina Asheville Metro area (which includes Lake Lure) regularly makes the, Best Places To Retire Lists. Happily for those of us who work and have invested here.

Weather is high on the best places to live criteria list. I can go along with that one without critique. As I write, I see snow outside. It’s lovely but its beauty is enhanced by my knowledge that it will soon be gone. I love my Western North Carolina four seasons climate… a little bit of this, a little bit of that. Lake Lure in the fall is glorious!

Bookstores and movie theaters? I wonder… between Kindle and Netflix, should these be as high on the priority list as most “best” lists put them? The times, they-are-a changing… An internet connection? Well, count that as a “must have” for linked-in baby boomers!

Taxes. Now, there’s a direct hit! But let’s get real: There’s no such thing as tax-free living. It’s income tax or property tax or a combo of both that states need to pay their bills and make sure their citizens have desired services. You have to figure out which tax hit is likely to have the bigger impact on YOU. Or learn to love bumpy roads with potholes (my husband jokes that when he crosses the state line into a certain neighboring state, he would know blindfolded that he had crossed the state line. The road conditions change that fast!)

Medical services. Not pleasant to think about but let’s face it, as we accumulate miles, we do need more regular maintenance to keep running smoothly and yes, an occasional major overhaul.

The Western North Carolina Asheville Metro area (including Lake Lure) often makes these lists and that is not surprising. Weather, nature, taxes, and value we have it all!

The “best places” and even the “places to avoid” lists are great food for thought. They’re a chance to stop and think about what’s most important to each of us. But let’s not swallow them whole without a bit of chewing.

Learn more about Western North Carolina at http://www.DiscoverLakeLure.com

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Lake Lure Rocks On: The Rolling Stones' Retirement Communities Tour?

January 1, 2011. As we begin a New Year full of promise, the first boomers turn 65! The tsunami of post-war babies produced wave after wave of societal changes as they progressed though life and that’s not likely to change in the next few years. Here’s a peek at the next phase, Rock & Roll, geriatric style:

http://dalesdesigns.net/rock-on.htm

Learn more about the Western NC mountain lake region: http://www.DiscoverLakeLure.com

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Welcome 2011 to Lake Lure, NC

2011. We celebrate because a brand new year full of promise is another chance. A chance to reflect on the past and a chance to think forward about the coming year. New Year resolutions to make - and maybe a couple to keep. A friend sent me this New Year’s greeting and I think it is perfect.

“May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you’re wonderful, and don’t forget to make some art – write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself.” Neil Gaiman

Learn more about the Western North Carolina Mountain Lakes region: http://www.DiscoverLakeLure.com

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Coldwell Banker Quarters Real estate
6852 Memorial Hwy 64/74A PO Box 401 (near the Riverbend entrance) • Lake Lure, NC 28746
(828) 899-4536 •