Here’s an article I wrote for the Cherokee Scout (Murphy NC’s local newspaper) and is scheduled to be published in their next edition of their magazine, Country Roads. I hope you enjoy!

No matter where you look, it seems as though there is constant bad news… a new prospect of disaster throughout the World. Whether it is the Greek debt crisis, the threat of rising fuel costs, Iranian nuclear testing, US debt, you name it.  There’s something on every horizon that leads to an uncertain future that seems to grow at an almost exponential rate.

It seems that no matter what news makes you most uncomfortable, one thing is certainly true: human nature generally seeks stability and reliability. When I look through the news to find out what is happening in other areas even just within the United States, there are natural disasters that decimate entire towns – hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, flooding, and so many other events that quite simply are scary. Destruction of property, loss of life, and years to rebuild are imminent. Combined with crime that plagues other areas, I must say we are blessed to live in one of the greatest areas of the United States.

Every day I drive through the streets of Murphy and count blessings. We generally don’t have major natural disasters – and you can usually tell that on your home insurance! Instead of thousands of dollars that many from other areas pay, it’s generally in the hundreds range. On every corner you see someone you know… a neighbor, a friend, a family member. When you park your car, you can rest easy knowing it won’t be on blocks when you come back. We truly live in a wonderful place!

It’s a blessing to be able to help share our area with folks. People come from far and wide to vacation, retire, get away, camp, and celebrate here with us. It’s always amazing to be showing homes to someone not from here and learn the reason of what brings them to Murphy in the first place. Over the years, I’ve heard many different reasons.  So here are couple stories I’ll share with you showing that things remain constant in Murphy.

I’ve talked to many folks who would come up over the summer to Bear Paw as a kid with their parents. They would fish on the lake, swim at the pool, play tennis, and surely chase the long lost summer love. A couple decades later, they return here to keep those memories alive with their spouse and give the opportunity for their kids to create their own memories.

Weather is a constant hot topic. Being in the Westernmost corner of North Carolina certainly has its advantages. Folks who want to be able to enjoy the four seasons without major heat or cold extremes find Murphy to be the best spot. Not only do we have great seasons and temperatures, the Western mountains bypass many heavy storms to the North and South of us. I even spoke with a gentleman who told me they settled here simply because those mountains not only diverted storms, but air pollution too. He said that gave us far better air quality than many other places.

One of the most unique and medically interesting reasons I have heard is some doctors are apparently saying that Murphy is a great place for those diagnosed with MS (Multiple Schleoris). I have spoken with a couple people now who have been diagnosed with it who swear that moving to Murphy was one of the best things they ever did. The combination of a variety of factors we have has even caused their disease to reverse and made them get better. I certainly cannot explain it, yet it apparently is a huge reason for those with the disease to come to the area.

Water – yes water is always a favorite in the mountains. Creeks, rivers, Lake Hiwassee, or the fishing and sports that come from them, water is a constant favorite. There’s nothing like water crashing over a rocky creek bed, a boat on the lake, or a kayak on a river to soothe your soul.

Being a Realtor, one aspect of Murphy that makes me proud is the fact that we have the greatest real estate values in the mountains. I’ve worked with many people that have chosen to buy a home in Murphy as opposed to other mountain towns simply because they feel they can buy a better home for their dollar. Perhaps they want a larger home for the same amount of money, more features, or simply save some money for a similar property, it comes down to the fact Murphy has a little bit of everything to offer.

So when you look around in the newspaper and it reads, “Imminent fear around the corner” or “so-and-so did such-and-such,” rest assured there is a place where there is a getaway from the incessant bad news. There’s a place where great weather, gorgeous views at every turn, or the best people you could ask for are all around. Yes, Murphy is the greatest place in the world to hang your hat and call your home away from home.

The Poltrock Team – REMAX of Murphy NC – www.MyMurphy.com – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call us Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496 – Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team

Here’s the most recent article I wrote for The Cherokee Scout’s (our local newspaper) magazine, Country Roads. I hope you enjoy!

There is a time of year that is unlike any other. It’s a plethora of sensations which bring folks from thousands of miles away to enjoy everything Fall brings to us in the Mountains. It’s a blessing, no doubt, to have all the vibrant colors, smells, and the cool temperatures to embrace us this time of year. It’s just now barely beginning and we’ll have month or so to enjoy everything God gives us.

I absolutely love all the celebrations of Fall, and it’s not just me. Lots of people from our community come together and bring our famous festivals to life. There are many – such as the John C. Campbell Folk School’s Fall Festival which attracts thousands to their grounds with live dancing and music, excellent food, crafts and vendors galore, horseback riding, demonstrations, and an incredible amount more. Couple that with the Sorghum Festival in Blairsville, GA (only 15-20 minutes from Murphy), Wild Ramp Festival in Robbinsville, NC, the Pumpkin’ Chunkin’ in Hayesville, the Pumpkin Fest in Franklin, the RE/MAX Client Appreciation Picnic (of course it’s one of my favorites!), Halloween at Duke Street, and so much more. There are countless celebrations of every shape and size that make things so exciting.

Fall is not all about celebrations and activities. It’s about nature’s show of fireworks that marks the end of a season. The hardwoods combine to give us an exceedingly vibrant show of colors that’s arguably better than any man-made fireworks show ever seen. The maples are my favorite, and they burst with a radiant red that can’t be duplicated. Not to be outdone, the oaks, birch, gums, and all others combine in a blanket of color fit for a king.

There’s no doubt that this time of year brings folks to the mountains of North Carolina… and ultimately come to call it home. There are so many clients and friends we’ve met and had come to Murphy over the years. And when they come in the Fall, it truly mesmerizes them into buying a home and making the mountains their home. I’ve seen it happen time and again, and I must admit, I completely understand it because every year I look more forward to Fall than the year past – and this year is no exception.

John Poltrock – The Poltrock Team – REMAX of Murphy NC – www.MyMurphy.com – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call us Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC -  1-866-687-7496 – Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team

Hamburgers, hotdogs, the aroma of smoldering charcoal, flying kites, boats, lakes, family, friends, time off, and of course, fireworks. If these things don’t make the Fourth of July great, I don’t know what does. Here in Murphy, we have one of the Greatest Fourth of July celebrations of anywhere! Where else can you find a celebration that lets kids chase a greased pig to win a contest?! I hope we have that this year because that’s one of my personal favorites. The kids and adults both love it! There’s even a peanut drop where an airplane flies low and drops thousands of peanuts. Kids scramble to grab as many as they can to win prizes! There are many other events that go on at Konaheeta Park like face painting, jump houses, food, crafts, vendors, and more that you need to check out.

Murphy, North Carolina is a place that brings family and friends together. The mountains are a place of relaxation, rest, and rejuvenation. It doesn’t matter where you are from – here, there, or yon, you are welcome to enjoy all that the mountains have to offer. Fourth of July provides opportunities like no other to get outside (or inside if it’s hot enough!) and enjoy everything from the mountain views, creeks, rivers, and down home celebrations.

Personally, I love to spend it with our family and friends on Hiwassee Lake. There’s nothing better than getting the opportunity to jump in the lake, fish, read, relax, and eat lots of good food. Finished with fireworks downtown, it makes it one of our family’s favorite days of the year.

So on this important day celebrating our Nation’s Independence, make certain you enjoy it and make the most of all there is to do and see. There’s no where better to be in the world in my book – and that’s what makes this home.

Written by John Poltrock for The Cherokee Scout’s Magazine, Country Roads – The Poltrock Team – REMAX of Murphy NC – Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team – www.MyMurphy.com – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call us Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496

Here’s an article I wrote for the Cherokee Scout, our local newspaper. It was published in theirs magazine – Country Roads – on Wednesday. Enjoy!

Spring Break – it’s the things legends are made of. Countless Hollywood movies have been created capturing hilarious Spring Break family vacations and college excursions. Here in the mountains, it’s a perfect opportunity for families to come and enjoy the bountiful selection of things to do that bond memories together forever.

On our website, www.iLoveMurphy.com, I wrote an article on Bear Paw Resort here in Murphy NC that said, “It is surprisingly common to have a middle-aged person come who spent their summers as a kid in Bear Paw and want to purchase a property so they can continue to enjoy and prolong those great memories that have captivated them for years.” I received a call from a gentleman a week or so ago saying, “I’m one of those guys!” Now, he wants to come back to Murphy, NC to create the same fond memories in the minds of his young children so they too can look back at family vacations and Spring Breaks in the mountains.

However, fond memories are certainly not confined to Bear Paw. There are lots of opportunities throughout Murphy and Cherokee County. Fortunately, we are not a “Panama City Beach Spring Break” type partying place. We are the retreat for both couples and families.

There are so many things to do here in Murphy NC! In fact, I have quite a comprehensive list on our website. Things like ATVing, hiking, camping, fishing, boating, antiquing, farmer’s markets, festivals, Field of the Wood, zoo, flying, and so much more leave something everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re an adult or 5, you’re bound to find something to do and build those memories that last a lifetime.

So many folks come here on Spring Break, or another vacation, and find they absolutely love it! Murphy is one of the few places on earth that the more you come, the harder it gets to leave. It grows on your soul and becomes part of you. That’s why so many people choose to buy land or a permanent/vacation/retirement home. Land offers the opportunity of owning a sliver of the place you love.  A home provides instant use so on the few times per year you can break away, you have that special place to come to awaiting your arrival. Or, if you’re lucky enough, you can move here full time and become a true Murphy-onian.

No matter your age, no matter the ages of your family or lack of, I hope you have a wonderful Spring Break. Make it something that touches the heart and soul of those around you. Be certain to explore the opportunities that lie close to you. Leave no rock unturned and genuinely enjoy the time off to recharge your batteries and create memories that last decades.

John Poltrock – The Poltrock Team at RE/MAX – Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team – www.MyMurphy.com – John Poltrock@gmail.com – Call us Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496

Here’s an article we wrote for The Cherokee Scout, and you can even see the article (this one below on Lake Hiwassee) and advertisement spread we did in their magazine, Country Roads, on this post we wrote.

Whether you live in an area, are moving to an area, vacationing, or are planning to buy a vacation home somewhere, an important question to ask is, “What is there to do?” While we have many great resources and places to go here in Murphy, North Carolina, there’s one major asset that deserves attention – especially this time of year.

Lake Hiwassee.  Yes, many areas of the entire United States have lakes, and beautiful ones at that. So why would Hiwassee be any different or better than another? Why should it influence a decision to move to Murphy or spend your days here in Western North Carolina?

Fisherman, skiers, boaters, swimmers, and all those who spend time on the water – have you ever been on a lake where the boats are so thick in the water you can’t get a truly relaxing moment? What about a place where the water is so choppy it beats you to death when you’re moving or skiing? What about a lake with so many homes and people along the shoreline that you can’t “get away?” That describes many of the lakes in the United States. They’re incredibly commercialized to the point you can’t enjoy the water in the way you hoped and intended.

That’s what makes Lake Hiwassee different. It’s surrounded by US Forest Service on 93% of Lake Frontage, so you can enjoy the lake as God and nature intended it. When you consider the lake itself, it is roughly 6,280 acres – that’s a lot of natural lake! To top this off, the fact the mountains of Western North Carolina surround the shoreline of Hiwassee and act as a barrier to holding back winds. This creates glasslike water and the perfect environment for water skiing, wakeboarding, knee boarding – you name it. Smooth water is sought after and found regularly on Hiwassee.

For fishermen, Hiwassee provides many great opportunities. Swimming within the waters, you’ll find Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Pike, Brim, Bluegills, and many more varieties of fish. With so many coves branching off the main channel, you’ll find lots of great fishing spots to spend your day with friends, family, or just a peaceful evening to yourself.

Four marinas bless the banks of Lake Hiwassee. If you would like to rent a boat or if you need gas and/or supplies, you’ll find them there. Duke’s Hideaway Marina, Shook’s Marina, Mountain View Marina, and Harbor Cove Marina are the four you’ll find. They’re all excellent places to start your day on the lake and you should certainly get going while the water is high and the temperature is perfect!

John Poltrock – The Poltrock Team – www.MyMurphy.com – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call Toll Free 1-866-687-7496

Here’s the most recent article I wrote for the Cherokee Scout’s magazine, Country Roads. This is one of my favorite’s and honestly, all Jessica’s idea! Enjoy!

Murphy attracts people from all over the United States. From Florida, to Alabama, to New York, to California, to Alaska, and just about every other state in the Union. Some folks show up to rent a cabin for a while and never leave. Some come for the thousands of acres of US Forest Service land. Some find themselves here for the love of downtown, for family, and hundreds of other equally important reasons.

You may know that I didn’t grow up in Murphy and that my wife was born and raised right here. I was born in Georgia and grew up near Fayetteville NC and don’t miss it in the least. When Jessica and I got married, I moved right away and can’t imagine being anywhere else. And in case you’re from here and know the history, Jessica’s family has been here several generations – she’s a Ritz and her mom is a Cook. With that said, I get to hear a lot of reasons why being in Murphy is the best place to be in the world.

I have the benefit everyday of being able to help people come to Murphy and find their personal, favorite part of being here. And because of that, I wanted to share with you some of the few reasons why folks absolutely love it here. Not just transplants, or locals, or vacationers – a little bit of everyone. Here’s what I’ve found. Enjoy!

“The people. The people of Murphy are the best people you’ll ever meet anywhere in the U.S. It doesn’t matter if you’re at a friend’s or a local bank. They treat you like a neighbor and remember your name. You’re not a number, you’re a neighbor.”

-Bill Robbins and Kathy Pasick, Bradenton, FL and Murphy, NC

“The reason I love Murphy is simple, I’ve lived in here for 71 years and I just can’t imagine living in a better place. The temperature is cooler and the people are amazing. I’m a better person for making their acquaintance and knowing them. The people are sincere, honest, hard working, good Christian people and it doesn’t get any better than that.”

-Mayor Bill Hughes, Murphy NC

“The weather. When the rest of the country is getting record breaking heat with a heat index in the triple digits, I’m sitting on my porch enjoying the comfortable temperatures and cool nights.”

-Donald and Marilyn Blane, Florida and Murphy, NC

“Its hard for me to nail down one thing because we just LOVE it here. If I had to say one thing… locale… and temperature. I absolutely love the location. Its close to us to get to and not just that, Murphy’s close to everything. Anything we need for shopping, restaurants, you name it, Murphy’s got it.”

-Tom and Chris Barnes, Byron GA and Murphy NC

“I was born and raised in Murphy, and honestly, I’ve never left because I’ve never found anywhere better than here.”

-Tony and Susie Godfrey, Murphy NC (Parker’s Drug Store)

“I love the wildlife. We see deer, turkey, and all sorts of different animals right on our land. The nature here in Murphy is spectacular and everyday we’re thankful we moved here.”

- John and Annie Faulkner, now Murphy NC residents

“Super people. No question about it. We love coming here and the value [of real estate] is amazing. We looked for homes all over the mountains and Murphy was by far the best value we saw anywhere. Top it off with great quilting, and Murphy is our half-the-year home!”

-Stanley and Monica Stein

“The peace and quiet. There’s something about Murphy that relaxes us unlike anywhere we’ve ever been. We love it and always look forward to coming in. The hardest part is leaving!”

-James and Cheryl Palmer, Chapin SC

“Family brought me to Murphy, and to this day, that keeps me here. I love the beauty and tranquility of the area – there’s nothing like it. Coming from a fast-paced corporate job in California was certainly a change of speed, and I simply can’t imagine going back to it. I’m able to slow down and genuinely enjoy life. I love this area and everything it offers and look forward to many more years here.”

- Mike Webb, Murphy NC (Duke’s Marina)

“The seasons. There’s nowhere in the entire United States that offers the perfect blend of the seasons like Murphy does. The Spring is unbelievably comfortable as all the foliage comes back to life. The Summer is warm without the thick humidity. The Fall is one of my favorites with the change of the colors on the leaves. Even the Winter is quite mild and offers just the right amount of snow – not too much and not too little. You won’t find a more wonderful place with so much to offer.”

- Mark W., now a Murphy NC resident

If you’d like to come to Murphy and join us, give us or your Realtor a call. There’s no better place on Earth and we’re always looking for a new neighbor.

John Poltrock – The Poltrock Team at REMAX in Murphy NC – www.MyMurphy.com – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call us Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496

The Cherokee Scout creates a magazine periodically call Country Roads and we run an ad and an article I write. This past one I wrote on Lake Hiwassee and had a creative ad that Jessica came up with. Here it is! Enjoy

Read the text version of the Lake Hiwassee Article Here

The Poltrock Team – www.MyMurphy.com – Call us Toll Free at 1-866-687-7496 or 1-866-687-7496

Spring. It’s finally here. After a much colder than normal Winter for not just us, but the entire Southeast and beyond. Spring holds promises of blooming flowers, hummingbirds, and Summer.

I love the Summer and everything about it. Folks are out and about gardening, meeting new friends, playing on the Lake Hiwassee (one of my favorites!), camping, hiking, ATVing (another one of favorites!), spending time at the John C Campbell Folk School, and so much more. The options and opportunities are seemingly endless here in the mountains so long as you’re willing to get up and go enjoy them.

Real estate, too, enjoys the Spring and Summer season.  Buyers excitedly shop around for the home or cabin they’ve been dreaming of and working to get for many years. Sellers anxiously anticipate the buyer who simply loves their home. It’s a great time that builds memories and changes lives for not just a season or a year, but for an entire lifetime.

I still speak to many pessimists who believe the world is crashing in around us… and I’m ready for Spring to change their mind. There’s no doubt I’m a full fledged optimist who believes last year was the year of positive change. That’s right – I did say and did mean last year. 2009. You got it. And its not just optimism, it’s facts.

2008 was simply the worst year we’ve had for real estate in more than a decade. Things changed so rapidly, you couldn’t possibly keep up. 2009 indicators and statistics show strong improvements. 2010 is already showing improvement over 2009. Life is good! We’re witnessing history in the making that historians are going to be talking about for hundreds of years. We’ve lived through one of the most challenging economies the U.S. has seen and must keep moving forward. If you’re still facing hard times, pick your head up and hang in there as best you can. Things are changing for the better.

As things change around us, give us a call and let us help you with your real estate and show you how the changes have affected you. If you’re facing hard times and there’s a home or some land in the way that’s hanging over your head, let us help. That alone can change your family tree faster than almost anything. If you’re doing great and don’t have to sell or just want to, give us a call. If you know now is the best time to buy and want to take advantage of a great opportunity that’s out there for you, give us a call. We’ll point you in the right direction, always be honest with you, and give you that Rockstar service you deserve.

The Poltrock Team at REMAX Mounain Properties – Murphy NC – www.MyMurphy.com – JohnPoltrock@Gmail.com – Call us Toll Free at 1-866-687-7496

Here’s the most recent article written by John scheduled to be in The Cherokee Scout’s upcoming magazine, Country Roads.

As I write this on a quite cold winter day, snow gracefully falls from the sky. My daughter is even excited at the prospect of not having school – something a child always looks forward to – a snow day! Snow days are sporadic in a year, only gracing us a few times a year. But when they do, it’s magical. Folks get time to spend with their family, get a few well deserved hours away from work, a warm cup of coffee or cocoa, and always, snow angels. Lots and lots of snow angels.

Although an unlikely comparison, the falling snow reminds me of the blessings in real estate we have seen from winter to winter. Yes, despite the bombardment of bad news from the media and everywhere else you turn, real estate has the ability to bless people like a snow day – only better.

We worked with a couple this year who purchased a property that is now their home. And by that, I don’t literally mean it has a house on the property – it’s their home. In fact, it is currently only a vacant piece of land now, but it is going to be their home and where they spend many years together making it that much more of a home. It brings them hope for the future – a place they will come to enjoy their lives.  The feelings that wash over them and the excitement the property brings to them is better than that of any snow day. It will literally last them a lifetime and be the place they will enjoy a few brilliantly white snow days together.

On an opposite token, we worked with a couple who were in serious danger of losing their house. In fact, it wasn’t just a danger, it was eminent. Foreclosure notice had already been served and the writing was on the wall. This couple’s house went from a home, to a house, and finally to a huge burden. It was a weight on their chest that can’t be picked up no matter how you try. And for those of you who have been blessed enough to not have experienced a foreclosure, it’s one of the worst feelings and emotions you can possibly imagine. It’s one of the most terrible, most embarrassing things that can happen to you. With this couple, we were able find a buyer and come to an agreement with the owners and their bank. Although that statement sounds simple, it was one of the hardest, most challenging transactions we’ve ever worked on – and also one of the most rewarding. For the homeowner when it was over, it was far sweeter than a snow day from work. It was a feeling of full relief to know that stage of their life was over with and complete.

Snow is a gift that we only get to enjoy a few times a year. Real estate is an opportunity to enjoy the feelings that snow days bring not just a few times, but every day. So while winter grasps hold of us and the cold weather keeps us by our fireplaces, enjoy yourselves, your family, your home, dream of your future home, and know that we are blessed to be in mountains, in God’s Country.

If you have real estate needs, give us a call. We work hard for you to get you the results you need. And no matter your situation, whether buying or selling, we strive to get you to the day where the job is done and the good feelings you remember from a snow day wash over you from a job well done.

Written by John Poltrock, Certified Residential Specialist – www.MyMurphy.com – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call Toll Free 1-866-687-7496

Every two weeks, we email our sellers and those subscribed to our Bi-Weekly Sold Real Estate Update. Here’s this month’s edition! To get the most out of this update, subscribe to it! Email me at JohnPoltrock@gmail.com with your name, email address, and anything else you’d like to share. We’ll take care of the rest! Enjoy!

Merry Christmas! With the holiday season in full effect, real estate buyer activity in Murphy NC is beginning to to take its seasonal curb in the mountains. We still have folks here who are coming up later in the month, but more often than not, we’re finding they are looking to find Christmas presents for family members rather than shopping for homes and land. Personally, I think a good piece of real estate would be a heck of a Christmas present! Once we get past New Year’s, we’ll see buyers beginning to come in. Fear not – all is not lost! The buyers who come in the next several months are not as many in numbers, but for whatever reason are more qualified and ready to buy. Those are great buyers!

Now that November sales are in, we’re able to find out what the real estate market did last month and really get a good feel for things. Here we go:

Home sales for November reached 20 closed transactions in Cherokee County – which is quite an improvement over last year’s 4th Quarter average of 17 sales in a month. In fact, last November’s sales reached as low as only 10 transactions on homes.

Another impressive fact is that land sales last month hit 17 transactions – which is much better than the 13 transactions the market was averaging for land in 2008. Thats very close to the high side of what sold in a month for 2008 – and it’s November! We continue to expect great things from land because there are some outstanding opportunities for buyers out there and they are beginning to realize it.

Inventory is one of the largest obstacles we face in today’s real estate market. The more homes there are on the market, the more chances a buyer has of finding a similar property and buying it. The lower the inventory, the better your chances of selling. In the past month, we have seen the inventory of homes decrease 3.8% (which is a GOOD thing!) and decrease 7.6% from last year. Inventory is coming off the market – nice!

With all this said, this is the last time you’ll get a SOLD Real Estate Update from us until December’s sales are in, so it should be the first of January. Until then, we wish you a

Merry Christmas!!