Fun Tip For Your New Construction – Add a Hoist to Make Moving In Easier!

It’s not always about real estate here in Murphy; sometimes we just have a good tip to share! When you go to build a new home, one of my most fun, simple tips is to add a hoist to make it easy to move your furniture to the second floor. I had the idea when we built our house before we put the walls and ceiling up and it has been such a blessing! It makes it so much easier to move furniture. We did this 5 or 6 years ago and an inexpensive hoist from a tool shop makes all the difference. Watch the video above and maybe it’ll help!

I’ve never seen another home with this so if you do it, please send me a video so I can check out your setup!

John Poltrock at The Poltrock Team at RE/MAX

View These 2022 Housing Market Predictions from the Realtor.com Crystal Ball

As 2021 winds down, it’s an ideal time to define some major goals for 2022. If you’ve decided to buy a home or sell a home during the New Year, you’d like to know about upcoming housing market trends. Or, maybe you’re considering the purchase of a Murphy, NC investment property. As you move forward, you’d appreciate some details on the real estate investment market.

Fortunately, the Realtor.com housing market analysts have done their homework. After examining United States economic trends and market indicators, these market experts recently presented their 2022 Housing Market Predictions. Buyers, sellers, and investors will likely have some opportunities along with some challenges.

 

Home Inventories, Prices, and Sales

Three separate variables are integral to every home purchase or sale. The term “home inventory” refers to the properties available for sale in a specific market. Home prices fluctuate up and down according to standard supply and demand principles.

A market’s home sales are determined by the relationship of the first two variables along with other economic indicators. View this summary of the Realtor.com United States housing market predictions for 2022.

Growth in Property Inventories

In 2021, low property inventories meant frenzied buyer competition for available homes. Houses often sold within hours, and homes in several price points quickly received multiple offers. To add another level of complexity, investors snapped up many properties, leaving even fewer houses for individual buyers.

In fall 2021, an increasing number of homeowners signaled their intention to list their home within the next 12 months. As a result, the inventory of homes is expected to increase 0.3% on average in 2022.

Realtor.com also expects an increase in new construction, which translates into additional properties for sale. However, builders must first play catch-up, finishing their not-yet-completed homes before breaking ground for new ones. Therefore, you’ll need plenty of patience if you’re building a house in 2022.

Less-drastic Rise in Home Prices

Since 2012, home prices have seen single-digit annual increases (on average). In 2020, however, the COVID-19 pandemic led to an unexpected buying frenzy. At the same time, the nationwide housing market was already short 5.2 million single-family homes.

While home builders focused on adding more properties to the market, existing home prices were driven higher because of reduced inventories. From August 2020 to August 2021, the market saw a double-digit rise in home prices.

For 2022, Realtor.com expects a 2.9% rise in median home sale prices. While builders continue aggressive production, homebuyers must adapt to higher purchase prices and mortgage rates. Even with those factors, though, prices are still projected to rise at a relatively reasonable pace.

Continued Increase in Home Sales

Strong housing demand is expected to continue in 2022. Realtor.com expects 6.6% higher home sales numbers during the New Year. This translates to a 16-year high across the country and in many metropolitan markets.

Over 45 million millennials will be buying their first house during 2022. Other demographic groups will also be searching for the perfect residential or investment property. With an estimated 3.3% national income growth by late 2022, buyers will have more discretionary income to spend on a home.

2022 Outlook for Buyers, Sellers, and Investors

Real estate markets of every size have one universal truth: Buyers, sellers, and investors each have differing perspectives and goals. Each group interprets a specific market through a different lens, and they make their decisions accordingly. View the Realtor.com 2022 predictions for these three key market subgroups.

Homebuyers Must Quickly Make their Moves

With housing inventories projected to rise in 2022, homebuyers will have more potential “dream homes” from which to choose. However, the market will be flooded with buyers – especially first-time millennial homebuyers and other entry-level purchasers. With lots of competition for available homes, buyers must make fast decisions and be prepared to go “above and beyond” to win the bidding wars.

With home prices and interest rates expected to rise, finding budget-friendly properties will take skill and patience. However, increasing remote work opportunities may expand geographic search parameters to more affordable areas.

View Two Useful Home-buying Tips

To maximize their chances, homebuyers should set their home-buying budgets before making property-viewing appointments. Buyers should also run several simulations to determine how rising mortgage rates could affect their house payments.

Buyers should also refine their lists of “must have” and “nice to have” home attributes. By being more flexible in their choices, they’ll encounter a larger pool of potential candidates.

Home Sellers Will Enjoy Several Advantages

With higher expected home values and prices, sellers should be in a favorable position in 2022. Although there will be more homes on the market, realistically priced properties in nice condition have a good chance of selling quickly. In addition, sellers who purchased their homes awhile ago will likely receive a respectable amount of cash at closing.

Some sellers are chafing at the bit to list their homes for sale. However, they haven’t done so because they’re afraid they can’t find another home to purchase. Sellers who liquidate their current home, and who come up empty on another one, have few options other than renting until their luck changes.

Sellers ready to unload second homes, or who want to sell their vacation getaways, probably don’t need to buy another property right away. Therefore, they’re likely in the best position in this current market. However, sellers in vacation home markets may not see the same buying frenzy that occurred in 2021.

Investors Will Likely See Favorable Returns

Investors who hold rental properties will continue to receive good returns on those homes, says Realtor.com. Existing owners are well positioned to benefit from rising home prices. Rising rental costs may entice rental investors to keep buying homes, as the extra income may outweigh higher mortgage rates.

For perspective, note that in early 2021 many investors purchased homes at a higher rate than they sold them later in the year. If these investors choose to rent the properties, they should receive good yields because of continued demand and increasing rental prices.

Predictions May be Subject to Change

Note that the Realtor.com housing market predictions may (or may not) actually come to pass. The projections could be affected by economic conditions and other variables throughout the year.

To learn about predicted trends in your regional market, speak with your local realtor early in the New Year. The Poltrock Team utilizes sophisticated analytical data, along with its realtors’ local expertise, to provide you with second-to-none market analysis designed for your needs.

 

The Poltrock Team – REMAX Mountain Properties – Murphy NC   

 Call us Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496

 Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team      ilovemurphy.com

Meet The Poltrock Team’s Four Exceptional Realtors

Preparing to buy (or sell) a home means you’re moving on to the next chapter in your life. To make the experience as seamless as possible, work with a realtor who knows the local market like the back of their hand.

A highly effective realtor knows about the changing trends that influence the local economy. This highly focused professional is also intimately familiar with the local real estate market. And, they combine that substantial knowledge with top-tier technology to get results – every single time.

Perhaps most of all, this extraordinary real estate professional has unparalleled concern for their clients. When other agents might say, “that’s good enough,” your realtor rolls up his or her sleeves and goes the extra mile without a second thought.

Meet The Poltrock Team’s Four High-Achieving Realtors
Here at The Poltrock Team, Murphy’s Top-Selling Real Estate Team, that’s simply the way we do business. Although each of our four high-achieving realtors has their individual style, each professional goes above and beyond to get the desired results for their clients. To sum it up: They love what they do, and it shows.

John Poltrock
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource (SFR)
Mobile: 828-557-2270

Meeting John Poltrock is like reconnecting with a close high school friend you haven’t seen in years. John’s friendly Southern manner makes conversation a breeze, and you’re quickly chatting about every subject under the sun and then some. Simply put, even if you weren’t buying a home or selling a home, you’d enjoy spending time with John and come away smiling.

As The Poltrock Team’s Lead Listing Agent, John is known for his exceptional client service and sincere concern for his clients’ well-being. And, his many years spent in Murphy and Cherokee County give him the insider knowledge to be an effective advocate for his buyers and sellers.

In addition, John is deeply immersed in real estate market mechanics. In other words, he keeps a finger on the pulse of local real estate trends and the factors that drive them.

John is also a master of technology, and skillfully interprets data to shape the marketing strategies for his clients and for The Poltrock Team. To support these high-level endeavors, John relies on his Bachelor’s Degree in Financial Planning from Western Carolina University.

When John’s not engaged with the real estate world, he enjoys everything our beautiful mountain region has to offer. Hiking, camping, and boating are tops on his list. John and his wife Jessica have been married since 2005. They have a high-achieving daughter in college, and their energetic young son certainly keeps them on their toes.

Wayne CoferWayne Cofer
Mobile: 828-361-7603

The residential and commercial real estate markets are two different animals. Multiple factors affect each market at any given time. Getting results in each arena depends on whether a realtor has the skills to meet those market-specific challenges.

Fortunately, our Universal Realtor Wayne Cofer has the extensive business and management background to excel on both playing fields. And, he’s adept at working with both buyers and sellers. When obstacles arise during a real estate transaction, Wayne’s proven negotiation skills are essential to finding a “win-win” solution.

Whether you’re ready to buy (or sell) a small mountain cabin or a large commercial building, having Wayne in your corner makes good business sense. And, he combines his impressive knowledge base with a personable manner that makes him an ideal business partner.

Outside of the office, Wayne enjoys mountain life with his wife Kathy. He also spends as much time as possible with his three grown daughters and four grandchildren. Wayne frequently explores our region on his touring motorcycle, and he’s an avid United States and world history buff.

Paige McKnightPaige McKnight
Mobile: 828-557-1234

The Poltrock Team’s newest realtor, Paige McKnight combines 14 years of experience with an unfailingly positive attitude. Although she’s a seasoned realtor with many successful closings under her belt, Paige views every property purchase or sale with a fresh perspective.

Naturally, every real estate transaction comes with its distinctive challenges. Financing, home inspection, and documentation issues are common hurdles. Contractors sometimes drag their feet on required repairs, and other issues may threaten to derail the process entirely.

That’s where Paige McKnight’s well-known perseverance and follow-through make the difference. She’s dedicated to meeting (and conquering) every challenge, and she goes to great lengths to support her clients throughout the process. And as you might expect, this determined lady gets results.

An Exceptional Support Team Makes the Difference
A highly effective support team enables our top-tier realtors to perform at their absolute best. First, our real estate professionals are backed by Re/MAX, the world’s largest real estate company. That coveted status means our support team can access Re/MAX’s proprietary software and management systems.

In addition, the Re/MAX website is the world’s highest-ranking real estate agency website. This gives The Poltrock Team unparalleled market visibility compared to our competitors.

On the local level, The Poltrock Team’s support staff includes a Client Concierge, who provides immediate assistance to potential buyers. Our highly efficient Listing Coordinator, Closing Coordinator, and Marketing Associate round out this top-notch group.

Every member of The Poltrock Team truly respects and supports each other. And, they’re all committed to achieving the best possible results for our clients. With countless testimonials from satisfied buyers and sellers, they’re confident they’re on the right track.

The Poltrock Team – REMAX Mountain Properties – Murphy NC – ilovemurphy.com – Call us Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or
1-866-687-7496 – Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team

5 Reasons to Buy a Log Cabin in Murphy, NC

Log cabins really are an authentic slice of Americana. Whether you’re in a cozy little house tucked into the woods in Murphy, NC, or in a soaring log home in high mountain terrain, log cabins can evoke images of our country’s hardy settlers’ abodes. And log cabins certainly offer a rustic, earthy type of charm while often containing space for a vegetable or flower garden. As an added bonus, these distinctive houses offer five extra advantages that make them worth a serious look when you’re buying a home.

Warmth During the Colder Months
During the colder fall and winter months, you’d like your log cabin in the mountains of Murphy, NC to be toasty warm inside. If the interior walls are warm to the touch, that’s even better. Fortunately, wood’s “thermal mass” enables your log home’s walls to gather and store valuable energy, releasing it back into your home and making chilly walls a thing of the past. The bottom line: your family will stay more comfortable when it counts the most.

Highly Energy Efficient
“Home energy efficiency” has become a much-discussed topic among homebuilders nationwide. In its simplest form, “home energy efficiency” means decreasing unnecessary energy use and lowering the demand for non-renewable resources. Besides providing measurable cost savings over buildings with conventional energy usage, energy-efficient homes ideally provide residents with a healthier living environment.

Not surprisingly, properly built log homes can be highly energy efficient. To achieve this optimum outcome, the wooden home must be properly sealed between the foundation and the first course of logs. Log-to-log connections, and the junction between the roof system and log wall, must also be completely sealed.

So, just how energy efficient is a correctly built log home? Some log and timber homebuilders construct homes that meet the United States Department of Energy’s desirable “Energy Star” standards. In other words, an Energy Star home will be 30 percent more energy efficient than mandated building code requirements. If that’s your log home in Murphy, NC, you’ll reap considerable cost savings over time, giving you more cash to enjoy life with your family. Continue reading “5 Reasons to Buy a Log Cabin in Murphy, NC”

Odor Hog Stops Septic Gas Smell From Around My Home

My wife, Jessica, and I recently completed building a new home. It’s not the first we’ve built, but the first for us personally. Septic systems reign supreme in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Truth be told, they are excellent at disposing wastewater. While most professionals recommend annual to semi-annual maintenance and pump out, many homeowners choose not touch them until there is a problem. I know of endless scenarios where owners haven’t touched their system in a decade plus.

When we finished construction, we had a unique scenario I’ve never come across in over ten years of being a real estate agent. Brand new system, brand new home, septic system stench in the driveway. It was awful. There were days you could walk outside and it smelled as though the septic tank lid was open in front of you.

I researched to learn this is a fairly common issue. New septic systems vent, or breathe, from the vent stack in your home that normally vents through your roof. Essentially, it is a straight line to the septic tank itself. During low pressure systems in the atmosphere, it can push septic gasses down to where you live and play. Also, our home is built against the bank of a mountain. That, too, can cause downward air flow and cause those gasses to linger against your home.

We found a solution. After much research, we realized this is not uncommon at all. I’d never come across it in selling hundreds of homes. We found a company, Odor Hog, that produces a product that slips over your pipe vent on your roof and filters it using a replaceable carbon bag. It can provide 10 years of service, which was impressive. The reviews were spectacular, yet I skeptically ordered one. 


It works. Through a compression fitting requiring no tools, it slips on and immediately starts working. We’ve not smelled it again, not once, since we installed it. I highly recommend if you find yourself with this apparently common, but still unique, problem, you should buy one. Visit their website below and watch a miracle happen!

Want to learn more about how a septic system operates and how much it costs? Read our article! Searching for a home in the mountains of North Carolina? Let us help! Contact us or Search for Homes and Land in Mountains of NC here.

https://odorhog.com

Building a New Home in Murphy NC

Sometimes when you look to a buy real estate in Murphy NC, building a brand new home that fits your style and tastes makes the most sense. You can find or have already found the perfect piece of land you intend to build your home on. Now the question is, who do I build a home with? Who’s a good general contractor? Who’s a good builder? Who can I trust to build a good, solid home? Who can I trust to spend my money and build what I want? And sometimes the hardest, who can I trust to get the job done and within budget?

Finding builders in Murphy NC can be challenging because many of them do not advertise on the Internet. The few that do seemingly don’t return calls nor want to give competitive bids. That alone can be a red flag. The truth is some of the best, and most reliable, builders in Cherokee County don’t use the Internet. They work with their hands and not with the computer.

That’s where The Poltrock Team at RE/MAX Mountain Properties can come in. We have access to the best builders in the mountains of North Carolina. Get bids from several, get specific recommendations, no matter what the case is, Contact Us Now. We can help you have a good experience. You’re getting ready to invest your hard earned money, and we want you to have the best case scenario. Don’t risk it – call us today.

The Poltrock Team – RE/MAX Mountain Properties – Murphy NC – www.MyMurphy.comJohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call Us Toll Free 1-866-687-7496 or 1-866-Murphy-NC