The Real Estate Book of Asheville/Hendersonville & NC Blue Ridge Volume 10, Issue 5

...for your MOMENTS of bliss.

Marilyn Wright, CLHMS

828.279.3980

Marilyn.Wright@PremierSIR.com

MarilynWright.PremierSothebysRealty.com

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.

Caroline Kalpinski

828.575.7905 o 828.277.3238

Caroline.Kalpinski@PremierSIR.com

Brook Street, Suite 130 Asheville, North Carolina 28803

Caroline Kalpinski c 828.575.7905 o 828.277.3238

Caroline.Kalpinski@PremierSIR.com

10 Brook Street, Suite 130

Asheville, North Carolina 28803

Caroline Kalpinski

10 Brook Street, Suite 130 Asheville, North Carolina 28803

EASY LIVING with this fabulous one-level townhome in Stafford Crossing. Two-car garage, large primary bedroom, and updated bath makes for a very comfortable environment. A second bedroom, perfect for guests, offers tons of extra storage. Vaulted ceilings in living room with fireplace make for cozy nights. The back patio and deck are the perfect spot to entertain while you take in all the beautiful landscaping. Newer appliances and tankless hot water heater are just a few improvements to this lovely home. Exterior maintenance offered by the HOA.

back patio and deck are the perfect spot to entertain while you take in all the beautiful landscaping. Newer appliances and tankless hot water heater are just a few improvements to this lovely home. Exterior maintenance offered by the HOA.

EASY LIVING with this fabulous one-level Crossing. Two-car garage, large primary bath makes for a very comfortable bedroom, perfect for guests, offers tons ceilings in living room with fireplace back patio and deck are the perfect take in all the beautiful landscaping. tankless hot water heater are just a lovely home. Exterior maintenance offered

c 828.575.7905 o 828.277.3238

Caroline.Kalpinski@PremierSIR.com

10 Brook Street, Suite 130

Asheville, North Carolina 28803

EASY LIVING with this fabulous one-level townhome in Stafford Crossing. Two-car garage, large primary bedroom, and updated bath makes for a very comfortable environment. A second bedroom, perfect for guests, offers tons of extra storage. Vaulted ceilings in living room with fireplace make for cozy nights. The back patio and deck are the perfect spot to entertain while you take in all the beautiful landscaping. Newer appliances and tankless hot water heater are just a few improvements to this lovely home. Exterior maintenance offered by the HOA.

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5 TOP MARKETING TIPS FROM TOP AGENTS Selling?

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.

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.

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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.

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

(Outside NC)

Homesites starting at $175,000 with views and $70,0000 (WOODED) New low-maintance cottage homes. Call us for more information!

134 BROADMOOR DR.

One of the few estate home lots in Kenmure located on the golf course. This prime lot is located on number 15 green and offers views of the golf course, mountains and clubhouse. This 1.32 acre lot is at the end of a private cul-de-sac and city water and natural gas are available. Listing agent on-site to walk the lot and introduce your customers to the Kenmure amenities and lifestyle.

4062643 $179,000

143 POPLAR LOOP

Distinguished, thoughtfully crafted, custom built Kenmure home. Enjoy luxury mountain living while taking in the mountain views from the expansive windows of this home. Open floor plan with split bedroom suites on the main level. Primary suite has it's own fireplace. Great room with vaulted ceilings and stacked stone fireplace. Gourmet kitchen with high end appliances. Screened porch and open deck to entertain and dine with guests. Upper level is a private get away perfect for a den, craft room or office. Lower level has a third en-suite bedroom, family room and bunk beds. Two half baths, one located on the main level and one on the lower level. Plenty of storage. Gas generator installed.

4027323 $1,800,000

THE BEST PROJECTS FOR INCREASED HOME VALUE

One of the most important aspects of owning a home is increasing its value. This not only helps you gain equity in your property, but it also makes your home more attractive to potential buyers if you decide to sell in the future. While there are many ways to boost the value of your home, some home improvement projects are more effective than others. Here we share the best home improvement projects for increased home value.

Kitchen Remodel: The kitchen is the heart of the home, and upgrading it is one of the most effective ways to boost home value. A kitchen remodel can include anything from updating cabinets and countertops to adding new appliances and fixtures. The key is to create a functional and modern space that will appeal to potential buyers.

Bathroom Remodel: Similar to the kitchen, a bathroom remodel can have a significant impact on your home's value. Upgrading your bathroom with new fixtures, lighting, and tile can make the space more attractive and functional, which can lead to a higher resale value.

Outdoor Living Space: Outdoor living spaces have become increasingly popular in recent years. Adding a patio, deck, or outdoor kitchen can create a space for entertaining guests and relaxing outside. This type of upgrade can increase your home's value and appeal to potential buyers who prioritize outdoor living.

Energy-Efficient Upgrades: Making energy-efficient upgrades to your home can save you money on utilities and increase your home's value. Installing a new HVAC system, upgrading insulation, or adding solar panels can make your home more efficient and eco-friendly.

Curb Appeal: First impressions are crucial when it comes to selling a home, and curb appeal is one of the most important factors in creating a positive impression. Upgrading your landscaping, adding a fresh coat of paint, or replacing an old front door can make your home more attractive and increase its value.

Whether you're planning to sell your home soon or want to invest in your property for the long term, these upgrades can make your home more attractive, functional, and valuable. Consider consulting with a real estate agent to help you plan and prioritize your home improvement projects to ensure you get the best return on your investment.

Charming 1940’s bungalow with original hardwood floors. Just a short distance to downtown shopping, dining, and Ecusta Trail! 3br/2 baths, + lower level family room and fantastic porch space! Tons of outdoor parking as well as great garden space! Huge 3 car detached garage for cars and workshop space has 2 oversized doors + parking space for RV. Call Bruce Benton

MLS: 4054136 | $399,000

PRICE REDUCED!!! 3+BR/3BA, spacious home comes with this gorgeous pool and long range mountain view!!! Main level has 9’ ceilings, hardwood floors, “gourmet” kitchen and primary bedroom, all with lots of light and storage! Huge front porch overlooking the pool + large rear deck for lots of outdoor living, on 1.54 acres just minutes to shopping and dining.

MLS: 4011255 | $724,900

This is a Centennial Home having been occupied for 100 years. Comfortable rustic low maintenance interior and exterior in a friendly neighborhood. Economical to heat and cool. Low taxes. Great area convenient to town and greenway trails. Two (2) outbuildings including one that is very large with electricity. Great starter home or ideal for laid back retirement living. Won’t find many in this area at this price.

MLS: 4059030 | $229,000

Private setting in Carriage Park! 2 Br/2 ba townhome with sunroom. Active community with clubhouse, courts, and year-round indoor pool. Close to town. Call Amy Genao.

MLS: 4069623| $479,000

Serving

Western North Carolina For 45 Years

Lake Toxaway Estates - One of a kind 4 BR, 6.5 BA lakefront home with a large stone patio adjoining the water, and a separate pool house with heated indoor pool. Offered fully furnished including a like-new pontoon boat. $3,500,000. MLS 4058432

Alpine Log HomeOverlooking the 18th fairway from the expansive decking. $3,250,000. MLS 4068868

Chasewood - Lovely new home offering 3 BR, 5½ BA, and great room with fireplace. $1,888,888. MLS 4024710

Lakefront - This extensively renovated home in Lake Toxaway Estates overlooks Lake Cardinal and offers extensive outdoor entertaining space and privacy with a rare opportunity to own two lakefront lots. $2,250,000. MLS 4050373

Custom Home on 4.95± Acres - 4 BR, 4½ BA home with mountain views. $1,590,000. MLS 4053913

Straus Park Townhome - This spacious 4 BR home overlooks Lake Straus. $799,000. MLS 4054329

Lake Toxaway EstatesBeautiful lake and mountain views from this 4 BR home. $1,650,000. MLS 4010579

Pine Shore Lake - Updated 3 BR, 3 BA home with office overlooking the lake. $575,000. MLS 4032460

Two Houses - Situated on a 3.67± acre lot with a 2 BR home and 1 BR guest house. $599,000. MLS 4037908

39.5± Unrestricted Acres - With an older home. Many possibilities. $975,000. MLS 4030733

DECORATING TRICKS TO GET YOUR HOUSE READY FOR FALL

Think you don’t have the time or money to redecorate your entire house for fall? Don’t stress: There are plenty of ways to add a cozy autumn theme without a big design budget. It’s all about the accessories and colors; even small changes can make a big difference. Try a few of these ideas to decorate your house this fall.

1

Switch out pillows and throws. This is one of the easiest ways to bring something seasonal into a space without spending much money. “I like to add new pillows and throws around my house, when I can, as the seasons start to change,” says interior designer Emily Henderson. “I’ll use thicker blankets with more texture on the back of my couch, or style them in a basket next to an accent chair.” Bring in some chunky knits or faux fur for a luxe look.

4 Mix in prints. There’s nothing like curling up by the fire with a cozy blanket or tartan throw. “The patterns of your home decor will naturally tell a seasonal story, just like the colors do,” Henderson says. “Floral patterns and bright colors signal spring and summer. So for fall, try more substantial patterns like plaid or thick stripes, in warmer colors.” This is also a great way to introduce pattern into your home if your current decor contains lots of solids and neutrals. Just a blanket, pillow or rug in these designs will signal “autumn.” 5

2

Style the mantel. When the days get crisper, nothing sounds nicer than getting cozy by the fireplace. “Make your fireplace the focal point of your living room by restyling the mantel,” advises interior designer Karen Vidal. “Group a different piece of art and some objects from other areas of your home, then enjoy some new scenery by the flames.” This is also a great opportunity to update your fireplace accessories. Consider purchasing a new basket for firewood or a decorative fireplace screen.

Accent with seasonal colors. Oranges and reds are staples of the fall color palette. “Fill a vase with orange blooms or fill a bowl with oranges instead of mini pumpkins,” Vidal says. “You can also showcase books with spines or arrange vases or ceramics in the hues more prominently for autumn.” The best part: You can keep these out well into fall and through the Thanksgiving holiday.

3

Bring the outdoors in. It’s time to showcase the best of fall foliage, such as beautiful autumn leaves and green garlands. “I love layering fresh greenery throughout my house all year long, but especially in the fall,” Henderson says. “Try silver dollar eucalyptus – it will leave your home smelling fresh and it’s very affordable. I like to style branches in vases throughout my house.” Create simple arrangements with in-season blooms like dahlias and chrysanthemums. Place the flowers or branches in a copper vase or even a canning jar.

North Trade Street Tryon, NC 28782

TEXT: RBJWSRK

3.3 UNRESTRICTED acres! Easy access to Hwy 74 and I-26. Vacated by tenants approx 2 years ago & hasn't been touched since. There is a well (no pump) & septic on the property. Debris & personal property remain from the tenants & will be the responsibility of the buyer to remove. Property being sold "as is, where is". Don't let clean-up deter you - it's a WONDERFUL piece of property.

TEXT: RBJWRDR

In the beautiful Lake Adger Community, at the end of a cul-de-sac, sits this wonderful 1+ acre property on the main channel of Lake Adger, with a drive already in place for your perfect lakefront getaway. Place a boat dock right at the property to enjoy fishing, swimming and boating. This property has recently been surveyed and has a current 4-bedroom septic permit. There is a shared well available. Call Ellen

TEXT: RBJWKDW

Welcome home to your Waterfront retreat on Lake Adger! This lovely home is nestled on 1.23 acres in peaceful Southcove on Lake Adger with long range lake & mountain views. $1,275,000 Call Ellen

Once operated as The Foxtrot Inn & Guest Cottage this majestic property is ready to be returned to its grandeur. 'The Inn', built in 1915, along w/ 'The Cottage' rest atop 6.11 beautiful ac w/ winter mtn views all within the Tryon city limits.

This is your opportunity to live in the very desirable Diamond Ridge Condominiums! Skylight in foyer allows for a light and bright welcoming entry. Charming 2br, 2ba and very well maintained. Open floor plan with large living and dining room space with a wood burning fireplace.

Looking for a beautiful, peaceful place to build your private mountain retreat? Rixhaven is the perfect place for you! This 3.8 acre corner lot offers a few great potential homesites and access areas.

Conveniently located between Columbus & Tryon, you will find this 1.20 ac lot tucked into the woods off Cherokee Circle, a paved drive in what was originally Silver Ridge Estates. This lot is buildable and has a gravel driveway roughed in to the building site. Call Cindy

Great long range, winter mountain views! Perfect building spot for that getaway you've been seeking. Located in the White Oak Mountain Community which features ponds, picnic area, and green space for your enjoyment. Waterfalls and lookout points are a couple of other treats to explore. $25,000 Call Stewart

Paradise

Welcome to Mountain Laurel Estates, a gated community located near Lake Lure, NC. Immaculate 2.68 ac parcel which offers a couple great building sites, one of which is on the elevated slope above the creek. 3-bedroom septic permit on file. $69,900 Call Cindy

We serve Tryon, Columbus, Saluda, Campobello, Landrum, Gowensville, Green Creek, Lake Lure, Mill Spring, and Lake Adger. We can help you whether you are buying or selling residential properties, multi-family homes, vacation homes, commercial properties and land.

6 GREAT BATHROOM TRENDS TO TRY

Bathrooms aren’t just utilitarian spaces anymore; they’re becoming personalized, spa-like retreats. If you’re ready to hit refresh on your bathroom, these eight ideas will inspire you to turn this everyday space into a calming sanctuary.

1. ACCENT WALLS

Homeowners and designers are increasingly using accent walls to amp up interest in the bathroom. These can be used to liven up a neutral palette or help draw focus to a show-stopping feature, such as a soaking tub or custom vanity.

If you decide to add an accent wall to your bathroom, carefully choose which wall to showcase. Look to the features around or on the wall to help you decide. If you’re still not sure which wall is best, select the one most visible from the doorway.

2. FREESTANDING VANITIES

Personalization continues to be a top priority for homeowners, and freestanding vanities (with their furniture-like appeal) present a great opportunity to add a custom look. Plus, freestanding vanities generally offer the same design and storage options as built-ins, but at a less expensive price point.

Updating your vanity is one of the quickest ways to change the look of your bathroom without undertaking an entire remodel. To customize your freestanding vanity even further, swap out the hardware with pulls in your favorite metallic finish, then accessorize the countertop with a pretty tray or vase.

3. BLACK ACCENTS

Though hardware and faucet finishes are one way to try this trend, you can also go with deep-hued vanities, black accent walls and even plumbing fixtures. Used sparingly, black accents can provide a pop of contrast in a traditional white bathroom. When applied liberally, black accents help foster a glamorous vibe.

4. NATURAL TONES AND TEXTURES

As homeowners seek to create a calming space, subtle natural hues are on the rise. In addition, natural materials like wood and marble blend beautifully with a wide range of color palettes. Whether you prefer a minimalist Scandinavian look, a rustic farmhouse vibe or a traditional feel, natural tones and textures work well with a variety of design styles. To help modernize the space, incorporate a small dose of black to ground the look.

5. DOUBLE VANITIES

As the average house size increases, bigger master bathrooms mean more opportunities to incorporate convenient design elements like double vanities. Although double sinks can reduce the amount of usable counter space, many manufacturers are now addressing that issue with creative storage solutions. Vanities outfitted with power outlets, full-extension drawers and custom holders for grooming tools can help minimize clutter and make the most of limited space. Side-by-side vanities are another stylish choice with numerous customization options.

6. LARGE SHOWERS

When space allows, homeowners are ditching the shower-bath combo and opting for a walk-in shower and equally luxurious tub. A larger shower area presents ample opportunity for introducing customization and spa-like extras. Add an element of luxury with built-in storage niches or a teak bench lined with pampering products.

©2022 Meredith Corporation.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Chris and Annie Battista

Lake Adger

Lake Adger has 14 miles of shoreline and 438 surface acres of water where you can enjoy boating, kayaking, fishing and swimming. The Lake Adger Community is a private planned community with 3250 +/- acres and includes 13 miles of private equestrian and hiking trails. Conveniently located to Asheville and Hendersonville, NC and Greenville and Spartanburg, SC.

Pictured: Lot 17 South Cove Rd

1.95 acre lake front lot with year round lake and mountain views! Wooded and private, 230 feet of usable lake front, gentle building site, existing deep water dock plus shared well and a driveway is already cut in so that you can drive close to the lake and build your lakeside dream home.

4061330. $299,000

25+ acre estate with year-round mountain views. One-story home w/ separate art studio. Great outdoor living spaces. Fenced backyard and gardens. Fruit trees and berry bushes. Your own private trails plus direct access to 13 miles of community trails for hiking and horseback riding.MLS 4045393. $895,000

14.77 very private acres located in the gated Mountain Park section of Lake Adger. Features year round mountain views, a creek and deeded boat slip for your pontoon or recreational boat. Come build your dream home and live the ultimate lake life in this beautiful nature preserve. MLS 4061453. $189,000

Lake Adger waterfront lot located in the Jackson Cove section and surrounded by all very newly built homes. Private 2.16 acres of land and 210 feet of waterfront with both lake and mountain views. Comes with a deeded boat slip. MLS 4045466. $149,500

ACREAGE IN THE MOUNTAINS!

9.68 acres located in the River Park Section of Lake Adger. There is a gentle knoll providing a premier building site, plus a spring head, creek and potential mountain views.

MLS 4022862. $119,900

WE’RE LOCAL. WE’RE GLOBAL. WE’RE DIFFERENT BY DESIGN.

Located in the gated Mountain Park section of Lake Adger, this 3.12 acre building lot features year round mountain views and a deeded boat slip for your pontoon or recreational boat. MLS 4061408. $110,000

We are part of the number one luxury real estate company in the Carolinas. In 2022, Allen Tate and Allen Tate/ Beverly-Hanks combined sales equaled over $2.14 billion.

Peaceful, quiet, and surrounded by nature. 2.34 acre building lot with a cart path for direct access private park and deeded boat slip. Minimum home size 1350 sq. feet. Enjoy boating, kayaking, fishing and swimming.

MLS 3870179. $77,900

Our focused global marketing seamlessly infused with local market knowledge allows us to reach qualified luxury buyers interested in the Blue Ridge better than any other.

HOME MAINTENANCE REQUIRES MORE THAN A STANDARD CHECKLIST

the home three years before, and Dr. Larsen and his wife trusted me. Little did they know, I had no clue how to build the three simple walls needed for the small new bathroom.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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. 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.

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.

2BR/2BA home features a large wood-beamed great room w/beautiful stone fireplace. Enjoy the great outdoors from your covered deck w/long-range mountain views, also seen from great room & large primary suite w/his & her walk-in closets. Spacious guest BR w/bath. Granite countertops, hardwood floors, walk-in laundry/mud room + much, much more! MLS 4012900

THINGS TO BUY WHEN MOVING INTO YOUR NEW HOME

New locks. Whether you choose to get brandnew locks or have a locksmith re-key the current ones, it’s important to have these changed. When moving into a new home, there’s really no telling how many copies of the house keys have been made. Another option? Install electric passcode locks. This way, you won’t need a key to enter the house, and no one will have your passcode.

A garage keypad. A garage keypad is extremely handy to have and gives you another way to enter your house when you don’t want to have keys, or simply need to get into the garage easily. Have your local garage door installer or electrician wire it up.

An alarm service. Some homes are wired with alarm systems and simply need to be re-activated with your account information. However, if you move into a new house and want an extra layer of security quickly, opt for a wireless service. These can be set up and secure in a snap.

A new dryer hose. One of the most common sources of house fires is the dryer hose. If your new home has one left from the previous owners or you’re bringing your own, consider getting a new one so you’re assured it doesn’t have holes, tears or any buildup that can cause fires.

Air filters. Install new, high-quality air filters when you move in. This allows you to get a fresh

breath of air and not recirculate the previous owner’s air. Plus you just don’t know when they were last changed. Afterward, your move-in date can be the date that you change them monthly. New cleaning supplies. It’s always nice to start fresh at a new home with a new mop, broom and other cleaning supplies.

New toilet seats. It may seem silly, but somehow changing the toilet seats to ones you prefer, such as one-touch closing, is a nice way to feel clean and fresh from day one of move in.

Fire safety items. If the home you move into doesn’t have a fire extinguisher, this is a great time to install a new one or replace an existing one. Next, replace all the batteries in smoke detectors so you know you’re protected.

A first-aid kit. If your home doesn’t have a first-aid kit or you didn’t move one from your old house, start safe with a new one that’s fully stocked with fresh supplies.

Extra lighting. While you’re stocking up on light bulbs, don’t forget to add a rechargeable flashlight and a set of nightlights. Because you’ll be in a new house, strategically placed nightlights will help you navigate in your new house if you get up in the night; flashlights at the ready will prove useful should the electricity go out.

HOW TO SAVE UP FOR A DOWN PAYMENT

Saving up for a down payment is one of the biggest challenges for aspiring first-time homebuyers. A typical down payment can range from 5 to 20 percent of a home’s purchase price–that’s no small chunk of change. Although it might seem overwhelming to rack up thousands of dollars, practicing some discipline and using the right tactics can help you pull it off, making it possible for you to go from renter to proud homeowner.

To help you save for a down payment, consider these tips from the American Bankers Association: Develop a Budget and Timeline. Start by determining how much you’ll need for a down payment. Create a budget and calculate how much you can realistically save each month–that’ll help you gauge when you’ll be ready to transition from renter to homeowner.

Establish a Separate Savings Account. Set up a separate savings account exclusively for your down payment, and make your monthly contributions automatic. By keeping this money separate, you’ll be less likely to tap into it when you’re tight on cash.

Shop Around to Reduce Major Monthly Expenses. It’s a good idea to check rates for your car insurance, renters insurance, health insurance, cable, internet and cellphone plan. There may be deals or promotions available that allow you to save hundreds of dollars by adjusting your contracts.

Monitor Your Spending. With online banking, keeping an eye on your spending is easier than ever. Track where most of your discretionary income is going. Identify areas where you could cut back (nice meals out, vacations, etc.) and instead put that money into savings.

Look Into State and Local Home-Buying Programs. Many states, counties and local governments operate programs for first-time homebuyers. Some programs offer housing discounts, while others provide down payment loans or grants.

Celebrate Savings Milestones. Saving enough for a down payment can be daunting. To avoid getting discouraged, break it up into smaller goals and reward yourself when you reach each one. If you need to save $30,000 total, consider treating yourself to a nice meal every $5,000 saved. This’ll help you stay motivated throughout the process.

EXPLORE MORE THAN COMMUNITIES IN ONE LOCATION.

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.

Fully-Furnished Short-Term Rentals for any Lifestyle, Including:

Fully-Furnished Short-Term Rentals for any Lifestyle, Including:

Between Homes • Temporary/Contract Job Assignments

Between Homes • Temporary/Contract Job Assignments

Relocation • Traveling Nurses & Doctors

Relocation • Traveling Nurses & Doctors

SUITE 2

Studio guest apartment sleeps three and features queen bed plus futon, comfortable sitting area, desk, kitchen/dining area and private bath.

AMENITIES

AMENITIES

Fully-Furnished Units Include New Furniture, Fire TV with Wi-Fi, Full Kitchen with Range/Oven, Microwave and Refrigerator. Private Entrance & Private Parking. Utilities Included.

Fully-Furnished Units Include New Furniture, Fire TV with Wi-Fi, Full Kitchen with Range/Oven, Microwave and Refrigerator. Private Entrance & Private Parking. Utilities Included.

•19 Miles from Mission Hospital

•19 Miles from Mission Hospital

How Is Working With a Real Estate Agent Better

THAN FINDING A HOME ON YOUR OWN?

Selling your home without an agent is often an appealing idea because you can forego the commission rates. The major downside, however, is you lose out on all the important qualities and experience an agent has when they do the work themselves. Here are four reasons why selecting a reputable, local real estate professional is beneficial for sellers:

NEGOTIATION SKILLS

Your real estate agent knows how to get the buyer to make the purchase as close to the asking price as possible. They do this work for a living, so agents understand the ins and outs of contract and price negotiations. Another factor is the market conditions—agents have to stay on top of changes, so they can make the most money on commissions. They know what items they can negotiate and what things are best to avoid.

NO EMOTIONAL CONNECTION

One of the biggest things about hiring a professional that sellers find appealing is the fact that an agent is not biased. They’re not connected to your property, so they see it at face value. Things like older home equipment, cracks in the sidewalk or areas that you can improve before the open house are more visible to the agent than the person who has lived in the home for years. With no emotional connection, the agent can make decisions that many homeowners are afraid of or unwilling to make.

ACCESSIBILITY

Does your schedule afford you the time to talk with every person interested in your home? Probably not. Additionally, agents must accommodate the schedules of prospective buyers and show them your property when they’re available. If you go the For Sale by Owner (FSBO) route, then you must handle screening buyers and scheduling showing times yourself.

LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY

One thing most people do not realize when they choose to go the FSBO route is that they’re legally responsible for anything they don’t disclose to the buyer. Even inadvertent omissions can cause you to incur a lawsuit. Breach of contract may occur when the owner accidentally forgets to mention something hazardous about the property.

Property agents and brokers have insurance that covers them if they miss something a buyer finds a nuisance or danger after signing a home contract. You have nothing to protect you should you miss something.

Agents spend a lot of time and money earning their real estate license. Knowing the local market and laws is a necessary part of the business. If you’re not a legal professional, you could put yourself in danger of a lawsuit if you decide to sell your home on your own rather than hiring a professional to handle the process.

Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She finds happiness in researching new topics that help expand her horizons. Looking to purchase a home? Belnap recommends working with Dee Evans, ABR.

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(828) 436-5120 | 1518 Memorial Highway, Lake Lure, NC 28746