The Real Estate Book of Asheville/Hendersonville & NC Blue Ridge, Volume 9, Issue 7

Nicholson BROKER, LRE (828) 674-3003 gnicholson@beverly-hanks.com

480 Crab Creek Road, Hendersonville, NC 28739

1547 Walnut Cove Road, Hendersonville

The possibilities are endless with this custom-built farmhouse on over 15 rolling acres nestled in the high ly desirable Crab Creek valley. A perfect home for entertaining, enjoy cooking in the large chef’s kitchen complete with Thermador appliances including two dishwashers. Outdoor living enthusiasts will love this home that boasts an expansive composite deck, two firepits, walking trails, and a lap pool and spa. Relax on the beautiful, covered porch while enjoying the views of Pinnacle Mountain. Fish in the large, stocked pond fed by both a natural spring and creek. The spacious three-car garage includes a workshop and full bathroom. The separate guest house is perfect for giving guests their privacy or as a potential rental for added income. Here you can have it all!

Stonewood Farm is situated on over 47 acres with stunning panoramic year-round views. Masterfully designed by Architect Wayland Shamburger, this meticulously maintained home boasts both beauty and privacy. As you approach the stone entrance and follow the long winding driveway past the private pond and pastures, you will feel the stresses of life lift away. Every detail has been thoughtfully designed and constructed from the directional placement of the home to the custom hand-hewn Canadian beams and the extensive stonework. Gourmet kitchen with Miele and Subzero appliances. Five fireplaces offer warmth and ambiance on those cool mountain nights. Four stall Morton Barn, large equipment building, and fenced pastures welcome the esteemed Equestrian.

MLS# 3918226 | $1,900,000

MLS #: 3747885 | $5,750,000

20 W Lakota Dr, Candler, NC 28715

$250,000

Come see this beautiful property conveniently located in Candler! Home has an open floor plan, 3 bedrooms and 3 FULL baths. With over 1.5 acres, this property would make a great mini-farm/ homestead! MLS# 3912287

61 Ashley Woods Drive, Arden, NC 28704

$840,000

This Beautiful 5 bedroom home is situated on corner lot and offers spacious living, inside and out. It features a two story great room with a cozy fireplace and private deck. The 2.5 car garage & wide driveway offer ample parking. MLS# 3906793

00 Kalmia Terrace Court Unit 36, Hendersonville, NC 28739

perfect cottage is waiting for you. You will love the open floor plan and front covered porches. Like-new condition, this property is fantastic. Beautiful floors and large primary suite. Amazing, private location close to downtown Hendersonville, Mills River, Asheville Regional Airport and the new Ecusta Trail. Mesmerizing winter view from the back porch. Large standing crawl space makes for storage. This home is ideal as a primary

residence, investment property or second Don’t miss this opportunity to own the most perfect cottage in Hendersonville. permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

PremierSothebysRealty.com The perfect cottage is waiting for you. You will love the open floor plan and front and back covered porches. Like-new condition, this property is fantastic. Beautiful hardwood floors and large primary suite. Amazing, private location close to downtown Hendersonville, Mills River, Asheville Regional Airport and the new Ecusta Trail. Mesmerizing winter view from the back porch. Large standing crawl space makes for tons of storage. This home is ideal as a primary residence, investment property or second home. Don’t miss this opportunity to own the most perfect cottage in Hendersonville. Caroline Kalpinski c 828.575.7905 o 828.277.3238 Caroline.Kalpinski@PremierSIR.com 10 Brook Street, Suite 130 Asheville, North Carolina 28803 Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

LISTING PremierSothebysRealty.com

PROVIDED HENDERSONVILLE

$70,000

HENDERSONVILLE

BY: CARLA DUNCAN 828-553-8316 NORTH CAROLINA Caroline Kalpinski c 828.575.7905 o 828.277.3238 Caroline.Kalpinski@PremierSIR.com 10 Brook Street, Suite 130 Asheville, North Carolina 28803 Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered

HOME MAINTENANCE REQUIRES MORE THAN A STANDARD CHECKLIST

the

Larsen

years before, and

me.

I’ve seen standardized home checklists over the years, and I sort of chuckle at many of them. I realize the authors have good intentions, but I often wonder if they’ve ever done any hands-on repair work for paying customers. If they had, then they’d probably add a few other items to their lists.

Do you want to build a new wall inside your home?

Perhaps you're trying to create a new small space for a home office or hobby room, or maybe you have a bigger appetite and are transforming a dank basement into a finished living space. But you have no idea where to start. I've been there. I've experienced your anxiety.

Here’s the normal things I see listed: Check the roof for shingle damage. Caulk cracks around windows and doors. Repair chipped paint. Check windows and doors. Check chimneys

You can't always do this in an existing home, especially if the ceilings in the room are finished with drywall or plaster. As you tilt the wall up, it binds against the ceiling. If you're challenged by a finished ceiling, you'll most likely have to install your top and bottom plates, making sure the plates are

pipes. The black rubber boot tends to crack over time where it touches the vent pipe, allowing water to leak into your home. The best plumbing vent flashings I’ve seen are the ones

Often the lists lack detail as to what to really look for. For that reason, I feel they are of not much value.

Water and ultraviolet (UV) light are the two big things that cause problems to homes, so I suggest we focus on these. I suggest we start at the top and work our way to the bottom.

Every now and then it's interesting to go back in time. I clearly remember having to build my first partition wall inside a house. I was a soaking wet-behind-theears carpenter working for a small remodeling company. One of my college professors, Dr. Larsen, had asked me to install a half bathroom in his home. I had no idea what to do, so I told him that my boss could do the job.

Once the simple plans were drawn and the contract signed, I was sent to my professor's house to start the job. I had painted the outside of

Chimneys are very important. If you can’t safely get on your roof to inspect it, hire a pro. The most important thing to look at is the chimney crown or cap. It’s the roof of your chimney. Most of the ones I’ve seen have been installed incorrectly and they crack. You don’t want water getting into a crack in the crown. There are special mastics that can coat the crown, and they perform quite well. Check for missing mortar and replace as necessary using hydrated lime and volcanic ash with sand for the strongest and longestlasting mortar.

Look at your roofing materials and pay close attention to the flashings. Look for excessive shingle granule loss in small patches, cracks in shingles and any slight curling at the shingle tips. Replace these damaged shingles as necessary.

Some common trouble spots are the cheap aluminum and rubber flashings around plumbing vent

Look at your roofing materials and pay close attention to the flashings. Look for excessive shingle granule loss in small patches, cracks in shingles and any slight curling at the shingle tips.

you don't know. Keep in mind this was decades before the Internet and YouTube. You have no idea what an advantage you now have when you have to educate yourself about how to repair and build things around your home. Count your blessings!

around windows and doors willy-nilly. Your home may have vinyl siding and the j-channel around doors and windows shouldn’t be caulked. It needs to expand and contract.

plumb in the same plane. You'll then cut each wall stud to fit snugly between the plates and toenail them in place. Drill angled pilot holes in the ends of the wall studs for the nails. Use no less than 3-inch-long 16d sinker nails to connect the wall studs to the plates.

that have a special siliconized-rubber compound that stands up against the harsh UV light from the sun.

If your home has gutters and downspouts, be sure they’re clean.

Building a new interior wall in an existing house can be much different from doing it on a new home job site. When we carpenters build a wall for a new home, we typically build it flat on the floor. Once all the studs are nailed to the bottom and top plates, we tilt the wall up and secure it so it doesn't fall over.

Spring is the worst time of year for gutters, as the flowers from deciduous trees and the winter buildup of bark, twigs and other debris can choke gutters with an organic smorgasbord.

After the gutters are clean, do a water test with a garden hose. Test to see if there are any leaks in the system. There are special caulks meant to seal the seams in aluminum gutters; they’re available online.

Be sure the water from downspouts is piped to the lowest part of your yard or, in urban areas, connected to approved storm drains. Water dumping out on the ground next to your foundation on splash blocks is a very bad thing, as the water simply enters the soil next to your home. If you have a basement or crawlspace, this water will almost always cause nightmares.

Don’t just go around caulking cracks

Decks are big problem spots. Many people ignore their decks. You need to inspect the railings closely to ensure they’re sturdy and will not fail if lots of outward pressure is applied. Get under the deck and look at all the galvanized metal connectors. Look for corrosion. If the corrosion is severe with lots of rust, you may have to replace a connector.

If there is no ceiling, you can tilt the wall up so long as you orient the wall in the same direction as the floor joists above. You simply make sure the top of the wall rises up in between two parallel floor joists. Once the wall is vertical, you can then slide it into position under

Look at the fasteners used to install the metal connectors. Are they corroded, or have they pulled out? Each time water enters a crack in treated wood, it has the tendency to make the crack bigger because the water gets deeper into the wood, causing it to swell. Important structural nails can pull out. Consider replacing all nails with special exterior screws meant for the newer treated lumber that contain lots of copper.

I’d also take a good look at the soil around your home. Be sure you have excellent, positive drainage. You want the soil to slope away from your foundation. It’s best to have at least 6 inches of foundation exposed above the soil line. Don’t add mulch to garden beds, which creates a moat around your foundation. Don’t allow water to be trapped between the foundation and the mulch.

©2022 Tim Carter. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

spaced center minimize of drywall so you Sixteen standard Don't opening you My your it at rough measurements Measure of the where attached the door. measurement. of your much frame the door. be trimming when you want between the top You height just the factory Trust install drywall gap between and the ©2021 Content

home three

Dr.

and his wife trusted

Little did they know, I had no clue how to build the three simple walls needed for the small new bathroom.

I survived with the help of a few phone calls to my boss. It was a humbling experience as I discovered you don't know what

Building a new interior wall in an existing house can be much different from doing it on a new home job site. When we carpenters build a wall for a new home, we typically build it flat on the floor.

As more and more baby boomers retire, many of them flock south for winters. Often called snowbirds, they like flying to a sunny, warm climate where they won’t need to shovel the snow off the sidewalk or face a car battery than won’t crank. However, before taking off for your winter destination, ensuring your home is properly winterized will make sure your return in the spring doesn’t bring any unpleasant surprises.

PROTECTION FIRST

The most important thing to do before packing your sunhat and swimsuit is to ensure your home is safe and that all the doors and windows are locked. You may also want to inform neighbors that you will be gone, leave a set of keys with a trusted friend or relative in case there are problems that arise, and periodically check on your home.

If you live in a suburb or have a homeowner’s association, letting someone know your home will be vacant will keep them from sending in the fire department to check on your safety. It’s also a good idea to place timers on lamps at various locations so it looks like someone is still home. For extra peace of mind, put valuables into a safe deposit box and install a video system that helps you keep an eye on your house using your smartphone.

PREVENT WATER DAMAGE

After that, protecting your home from the cold is paramount. The concern is always around pipes that can freeze or break and do thousands in damage. Turning water off at the main line or at your utility box is a good way to ensure that pipes don’t have water running. Once the water has been shut off, turn on all the water faucets both indoors and out to drain all the water remaining in the lines. Don’t overlook the washing machine. Turn the faucet off and be sure to drain any residual water in the washer’s water lines.

DISENGAGE

Indoors, set your thermostat to a temperature that will prevent the house from freezing so that your belongings don’t get too cold or damp. It’s also a good idea to unplug the hot water heater or to turn the gas off. If you have time, drain the water from your water heater. Be sure to call a plumber if any of these tasks are unclear or you are unsure about how to turn the water off or to cut the electric or gas off to your water heater.

Go through the house and unplug your appliances so they won’t be damaged if there is a power outage, storm or power surge while you are way.

Be sure to clean out your pantry of any packaged items and clear out the refrigerator. Clean the refrigerator thoroughly and prop the door open so it doesn’t develop mold while you’re away. Check and seal all the flues and openings, like the dryer vent, attic vents and the fireplace. Look for any holes in the roof or siding to prevent rodents from taking up residence while you’re away.

With all this behind you, you’ll come home refreshed and ready to enjoy your spring and summer in your home that’s in the same shape you left it.

©2022 Kathryn Weber. Distributed By Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Would you like to wake up with Masterpiece in your own back yard?

like to wake up with Tom Fazio’s Mountain Masterpiece in

Would

own back yard? Look no further than Champion Hills. Whether you love to get out on the course or relax with friends while taking in the pristine views, this is the perfect place for a new adventure.

Would you like to wake up with Tom Fazio’s Mountain Masterpiece in your own back yard? Look no further than Champion Hills. Whether you love to get out on the course or relax with friends while taking in the pristine views, this is the perfect place for a new adventure.

Would you like to wake up with Tom Fazio’s Mountain Masterpiece in your own back yard? Look no Champion Hills. Whether you love to get out on or relax with friends while taking in the pristine views, the perfect place for a new adventure.

Would you like to wake up with Tom Fazio’s Mountain Masterpiece in your own back yard? Look no further than Champion Hills. Whether you love to get out on the course or relax with friends while taking in the pristine views, this is the perfect place for a new adventure.

Would you like to wake up with Tom Fazio’s Mountain Masterpiece in your own back yard? Look no further than Champion Hills. Whether you love to get out on the course or relax with friends while taking in the pristine views, this is the perfect place for a new adventure.

Would you like to wake up with Tom Fazio’s Mountain Masterpiece in your own back yard? Look no further than Champion Hills. Whether you love to get out on the course or relax with friends while taking in the pristine views, this is the perfect place for a new adventure.

Here, you’ll find life’s perfect balance; secluded, but not isolated, casual yet elegant, relaxed, but with easy access to limitless activities, healthcare and entertainment. It’s our pleasure introducing you to the Club & Community we hope you’ll soon call home.

Here, you’ll find life’s perfect balance; secluded, isolated, casual yet elegant, relaxed, but with easy to limitless activities, healthcare and entertainment.

Here, you’ll find life’s perfect balance; secluded, but not isolated, casual yet elegant, relaxed, but with easy access to limitless activities, healthcare and entertainment. It’s our pleasure introducing you to the Club & Community we hope you’ll soon call home.

Here, you’ll find life’s perfect balance; secluded, but not isolated, casual yet elegant, relaxed, but with easy access to limitless activities, healthcare and entertainment.

It’s our pleasure introducing you to the Club & we hope you’ll soon call home.

Champion Hills. Whether you love or relax with friends while taking the perfect place for a Here, you’ll find life’s perfect balance; isolated, casual yet elegant, relaxed, to limitless activities, healthcare

Here, you’ll find life’s perfect balance; secluded, but not isolated, casual yet elegant, relaxed, but with easy access to limitless activities, healthcare and entertainment.

Here, you’ll find life’s perfect balance; secluded, but not isolated, casual yet elegant, relaxed, but with easy access to limitless activities, healthcare and entertainment.

Real Estate: CHRealEstate@championhills.com Club: membership@championhills.com

It’s our pleasure introducing you to the Club & Community we hope you’ll soon call home.

It’s our pleasure introducing you we hope you’ll soon

Real Estate: CHRealEstate@championhills.com Club: membership@championhills.com

CHRealEstate@championhills.com membership@championhills.com

It’s our pleasure introducing you to the Club & Community we hope you’ll soon call home.

It’s our pleasure introducing you to the Club & Community we hope you’ll soon call home.

SET UP YOUR CUSTOMIZED TOUR TODAY!

Real Estate: CHRealEstate@championhills.com Club: membership@championhills.com

Real Estate: CHRealEstate@championhills.com Club: membership@championhills.com

Real Estate: CHRealEstate@championhills.com membership@championhills.com

Real Estate: CHRealEstate@championhills.com Club: membership@championhills.com

HOW TO

SELECT EXTERIOR HOUSE PAINT COLORS

Giving your home a new coat of paint can make it look refreshed and renewed, but the problem is never deciding to paint, it’s usually around trying to decide which colors to go with. Following a few guidelines will help you select an exterior paint color that looks terrific for your home.

COORDINATED

When selecting colors, it’s always best to try to find colors that will work well with your home using the home as your guide. Starting points will include colors that are already in the house, such as from the brick or stone if you have any on your house, or from the roof. A home’s roof color, especially if it’s a composite type roof, it will have a variety of colors that make it read like one solid color, such as taupe, but you may be able to draw off of the variations in the roofing to help you define your color palette.

HOUSE STYLE

Yet another option for selecting colors is to choose based on the style of home. There are certain color standards for various styles of homes, such as a Colonial or Craftsman. Victorian and modern homes also have their own color styles, so looking online at homes that are similar to your home’s style is a helpful way for choosing a paint palette.

You may also want to select your house color using regional influences. If your home is located near the shore or the coast, colors that reflect a seaside feel will look

appropriate. A house in the desert Southwest will always look better with a color palette that looks right for the region versus the palette for a house on Cape Cod. Most paint manufacturers have paint color palettes that can be used by region or by style of home that help with your color selection.

WHICH COLORS?

Start your color search by determining your main house color, which is called the field color. If you want your home to draw you in, or if you feel the house sits too close to the street, try a field color that is darker so that the house recedes. If the house feels too far away or it’s surrounded by trees, a lighter shade will help brighten it up and keeping it from fading into the background.

By the same token, small houses will look smaller with dark colors and will seem larger and have more presence with a lighter shade.

A large home can handle dark colors more easily than a small one. Once the field color is chosen, then the trim and accent colors come next.

COLOR COMMITMENT

Before making your color selections, be sure to check color palettes from your local paint dealer. They often have a variety of options, and some have smartphone apps that will let you see how your house would look with various colors.

If you can’t leave your home, check your local store’s website for paint samples and supplies. Places such as Lowe’s and Home Depot even have painting tutorial videos for novice painters.

Once you’ve done all the research and narrowed down your choices, it’s still a good idea to order those samples and paint a small section of your home first to ensure that the colors are exactly right before making the investment in paint.

©2022 Meredith Corporation. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

GIVE YOUR HOME A THANKSGIVING MAKEOVER

After the Halloween decorations have come down, but before the Christmas ones are up, think about dressing up your home for Thanksgiving. Although it’s a “tweener” holiday, there’s no reason it can’t create a warm, inviting mood that puts guests at ease before Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year’s Eve roll around. Better still, it shows your guests how grateful you are to have them at your house this Thanksgiving.

INVOLVE EVERYONE

By getting the whole family into Thanksgiving decorating, you’ll get everyone into the mood of the holiday before the turkey hits the table. Pull kids into the mix by having them craft some pinecone turkeys. Gather or purchase pinecones and pick out your favorite turkey pattern online for kids to create as place card holders for the table. Have guests go outside to gather branches to place in a vase, then hang simple leaves from the branches with their messages of gratitude. It gets everyone into the thankful spirit – and out of the kitchen while you’re busy.

ALL AROUND

Although guests may tend to hover in the kitchen while you’re the busiest, set up a wine bar in the dining or living room to draw guests out into the rest of the house. Set out a punch bowl for the younger crowd or create a mix-your- owndrink bar with a few select recipes for your guests to make and enjoy themselves. Be sure to add festive touches such as acorns or a small bundle of wheat on the bar. In the living room, set out pumpkins by the hearth as a reminder of the pie you’ll be serving later.

To get everyone in the mood for the dinner ahead, place a chalkboard with a description of the meal on the kitchen counter or in the entryway foyer. If you don’t have a chalkboard, try a simple framed mirror with a stand. Write in the names of all your dishes in erasable marker to make show guests the delights they’ll be enjoying. In the guest bathroom, add some paper guest towels so guests don’t have to re-use a damp towel. Be sure, too, to add a candle with a spicy scent such as cinnamon to create a cozy atmosphere and manage all the heavy use of the bathroom.

NATURALLY THANKSGIVING

Because the meal takes center stage, play it up by creating a beautiful table setting. Simple gathered bunches of shrubs, natural grasses, sticks and twigs when combined together can transform a plain table to one symbolizing nature’s abundance. If you have a magnolia tree, tuck leaves under plates and write in a gold marker to create simple, yet elegant place cards or messages of thanks.

Don’t forget the front door. This is the first place your guests see when they come for dinner, so pop in an urn of colorful moms and maybe a pumpkin or two to greet guests.

HOW TO FIND A HOME REPAIR SERVICE

Ahome is the biggest purchase most of us will ever make. Protect your investment by taking care of repairs quickly and properly. When you have a routine maintenance problem that you don’t have the time or skills to tackle, a home-repair or handyman service can help. These services are generally less expensive and faster than general contractors, who often focus on topdollar gigs like home building and remodeling.

It can be scary to invite a person or crew into your home to do work, especially if you won’t always be around to keep a watchful eye. It’s important to find a home repair service you can trust to provide prompt and quality work. Whether your project is as small as painting one room or as big as rewiring your whole home, follow these steps before hiring anyone.

Get written estimates.

Finally, get written estimates (these should be free) from a few companies before choosing one. Be sure the companies are bidding the same specs for the project so you can compare apples to apples. While reasonable pricing is important, going with the lowest price isn’t always the best bet. A poor repair job will cost twice as much when you must pay to fix mistakes. When working with a new-to-you repair person, particularly someone who doesn’t come with recommendations from people you know well, you might want to give him or her a test run on a small project.

Talk to friends and neighbors.

First, ask neighbors and friends for recommendations, preferably for someone with whom they have a positive, ongoing relationship. If that doesn’t net results, check peer-review sites, such as Yelp or Angi, or do an online search for “home repair” or “handyman services.” Make a list of at least three companies, and call the Better Business Bureau to see if complaints have been filed against any of them.

Ask for references.

Next, ask the candidates for references. Ask these customers if they felt the service provider was prompt, courteous, professional, affordable, fair and trustworthy. Ask to see photos so you can judge the quality of the work. It’s best to interview customers who hired the contractor for a project similar to the work you need.

Outline your agreement clearly.

Hire only a repair service or handyman who is insured, bonded and licensed or knowledgeable in the type of repairs you need. Before they begin even a small job, get a written contract that outlines the terms of your agreement, including timeline, fees and warranties. Without this step, you’ll have a much harder time recovering your expenses if the handyman doesn’t deliver as promised.

cathyd.realestate@gmail.com

Welcome Home

I love my job

and have based it on honesty and service to my customers and clients. So I thought I would share a few kind words from them

Client testimonials:

Thanks for your hard work and much needed help. It was a long road to this point. We appreciate your efforts and your loyalty through the whole thing. You are a great Realtor.

T & J

Words cannot express how grateful we are for your help I selling our home. We are relieved that the sale is complete and we are continuing to settle in. Thank you again for everything you do and especially putting up with our ‘hundreds’ of phone calls .....

B & T

We recently sold our home in the Asheville area and Cathy at Diepholz Realty helped us. She was professional, pleasant, and always available. She answered our questions and supported us from start to finish. We highly recommend her if you are contemplating a home sale for purchase.

Dr.’s B & C

Seeking to sell real estate? I learned of Cathy from a realtor friend well know in the Hendersonville area {now retired). My goal was to sell about 5 acres off an 85-acre tract ... Within a day, she posted a sign, used multiple listing, and received several offers at our asking price. She evaluated each buyer on a blue card (side by side) including when the deal could close, terms, etc. She visited my home 3 times for document signing. She is very energic and exceptionally nice. Answers the phone immediately. She had to split her commission with another realtor, but her goal was to SELL, and that she did marvelously. Bravo and kudos. Don’t think twice ... call CATHY 828-699-0224

PRICEREDUCED!

219 FERN CREEK DRIVE

You found it! The perfect villa in Kenmure where convenience and comfort coalesce... Large floor to ceiling windows in the great room welcome you as you step in the front door and show off the views of the course from the main living areas. 2-car entry level garage, 2 bedrooms on the main floor, this 2-story villa works well as a primary residence or a seasonal getaway. Enjoy the expansive upstairs primary suite with sweeping views of the golf course and surrounding mountains from your private balcony! This home has easy access to the main gate and the amenities. These Ridgeview villas are very popular and don't stay on the market very long.

3899859 $495,000

701 BLOSSOM LANE

Updated stand alone villa in Kenmure with open floor plan and beautiful Amber Acacia wood floors. Kitchen has updated appliances and cabinets with laundry room/mud room located off of kitchen and garage entry. Main level has large primary suite and bath, guest bedroom, vaulted ceilings in great room with gas fireplace and built-in book shelves. Fantastic private screened porch that is a great spot for a dinner party or a nap. Lower level is equipped for guests with a kitchenette, family room, two guest bedrooms, full bathroom, office and plenty of storage. Large bonus room/office with outside entrance.

3900643 $729,000

FIVE

FALL HOME PROJECTS

Home improvement projects may not be the first things on your to-do list this fall, but you may want to add a few items to that list (maybe after “book holiday travel” but before “buy new soccer cleats for the kids”) to help prepare your home for the chillier months approaching.

If you’re relatively handy, you can handle many these check-ups yourself; if not, have a trusted home repair pro (ask neighbors for their recommendations) come out and take a look. The process should be quick and easy, and if any repairs are needed, you can start coordinating those ASAP.

CHECK YOUR ROOF

The summer’s sun exposure – plus general wear and tear since the last time you had your roof checked – can cause roof and siding materials to warp, chip and more. Look for any cracks or other damage; it will be much easier to fix these issues now than in the midst of winter if it starts to leak or is otherwise damaged.

SWEEP THE CHIMNEY

If you plan to use the fireplace this fall and winter, make sure the chimney is clean and in good shape. (And make sure no squirrels or other critters have taken up residence inside!) A blockage in the chimney can cause a fire or other hazards and be an inconvenient mess. Get ahead of any smoke- or ash-related issues by giving the whole set-up a good cleaning.

CLEAN THE GUTTERS

Yes, fall will drop a ton of freshly fallen leaves into your gutters no matter what you do, but getting ahead of that can prevent water damage and other high-cost repairs. Take some time (or, better yet, have a handyman come by) to check your home’s gutters for dead leaves and other potential blockages. If there are any, have them cleared them out so water can properly drain.

LOOK AT THE WEATHERPROOFING

Doors and windows should be sealed against the elements with weather stripping and/or caulking. These protective materials keep nasty weather out and the heat in – cracked, chipping or otherwise damaged seals can cause much higher energy bills as you lose heat to the outdoors. Also check that doors and windows are properly attached to their frames, with no gaps or cracks.

EXAMINE YOUR FLOORS

Summer’s heat and moisture (thanks, humidity) can cause signs of wear and tear in floors, especially if you have real hardwood flooring. Scratched, dull or damaged floors can be sanded down and refinished; more substantial damage, such as loose floorboards or deep scratches, may call for replacement boards.

©2022 Meredith Corporation. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Selling?

5 TOP MARKETING TIPS FROM TOP AGENTS

1. GOOD PHOTOGRAPHY

In most instances, buyers see photos of your home before they see your home in person. Take well-lit, HD photos to spark the most interest in your home.

2. DON’T RELY SOLELY ON THE WEB TO SELL YOUR HOME

Lots of people shop on the web for homes, and there are lots of homes on the web. Stats say that 65 million shop for homes in the U.S. every month. However, only 5 million homes are sold in the U.S. every year. It’s a very crowded space, and your home should be on as many sites as possible. Make sure your agent also takes advantage of targeted print when advertising your home. More on this later...

3. MAKE SURE YOUR AGENT INCLUDES MOBILE TECHNOLOGY IN YOUR MARKETING PLAN

Today, we rely on our phones to look up everything, including real estate. Your home should have a marketing plan that includes mobile tools as a significant element. For example, your home should have a yard sign with a text code on it so that potential buyers driving by can look it up on their phone right away.

Put simply, don’t wait around for homebuyers to find you. Get out there and find them through advertising—both online and offline.

4. MARKET YOUR HOME OFFLINE—LOCALLY

Good agents know where potential buyers of your home live, work, shop and play. They use local real estate publications, targeted direct mail, brochures, and other tools to ensure your home gets in front of local home buyers.

5. KEEP YOUR HOME LOOKING GOOD

Part of the marketing plan for your home is in your court. This includes how potential buyers perceive it when they walk through the door. Living in a home and keeping it ready to show is a challenge, but it will pay off when buyers find your home more attractive than others they may be considering.

With more than 200 communities in Western North Carolina, nding your dream home can be a daunting, time consuming task. Private Mountain Communities o ers the region’s most comprehensive Buyer’s Resource and Discovery Showroom where you can streamline your search for the property that is right for you. As real estate advisors, our experienced brokers work exclusively with buyers so their unbiased approach is focused on you, and ultimately helps you make a more informed decision. From mountain retreats and downtown condos to lake properties and golf communities, let the experts at Private Mountain Communities help you nd your perfect place.

Custom Homes in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Do You Dream About a Home All Your Own?

Building a custom home takes experience, attention to detail, and an ability to match a home buyer’s vision.

Vista Home Builders uses our years of experience and our expertise in home design to ensure your custom home will be exactly what you’ve been searching for.

Review our plans or bring us your own. We can provide a customized experience and budget to get you on your way to making your dream a reality.

Learn more about Vista Home Builders and what we can offer that other custom home builders just can’t match.