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

That’s right! In the Reader’s Choice Awards for The Cherokee Scout, The Poltrock Team at REMAX in Murphy NC was voted the #1 Realtors!

Like many newspapers throughout the United States, our local newspaper, The Cherokee Scout, holds an annual vote where readers can vote for their favorite everything! From favorite fast food to hardware store, to Realtor, to eye doctor – there’s just about literally a field for anything you can think of!

Out of more than 130 active real estate agents in the Mountain Lakes Board of Realtors, it’s quite a honor to be voted #1 real estate agents by folks right here in Cherokee County.

2011 marks the second year in a row as the Reader’s Choice award winners! Jessica Poltrock was also the 2010 Reader’s Choice Realtor of the Year! Not only that, REMAX in Murphy NC was voted the BEST real estate company in Cherokee County – for the THIRD consecutive year!

Thank you everyone who voted for us – we will continue to work harder than anyone and be Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team.

Looking to sell your home and want the best real estate team to get it sold for you? Let The Poltrock Team get the job done for you! Contact us at the number below or use our SELL MY REAL ESTATE form!

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

This is our most recent advertisement in The Cherokee Scout’s magazine, Country Roads.  I thought you may enjoy it!

If you’re looking to get your real estate sold in Cherokee County or Murphy NC, call The Poltrock Team today! Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496

That’s right, not only was RE/MAX Mountain Properties in Murphy NC voted the #1 Real Estate Office by The Cherokee Scout’s Reader’s Choice Awards, Jessica Poltrock was voted the #1 Realtor in Murphy NC and Cherokee County! The vote was done by ballot in The Cherokee Scout, and all the readers chose her as the best real estate agent!

When you’re looking for results in real estate, call Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team – The Poltrock Team.

The Poltrock Team – www.MyMurphy.com – Call us Toll-Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496 – REMAX Real Estate in Murphy NC

The Poltrock Team sold more real estate than 90% of real estate offices in Cherokee County. When you take all our agents in RE/MAX Mountain Properties, we outsold every real estate company. You got it – nobody sold more real estate than RE/MAX.

When you want your home or land sold in Murphy NC, contact Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team to get the job done.

Check out our advertisement on the back cover of The Cherokee Scout’s magazine, Country Roads! Be sure to click the image to see a larger version.

The Poltrock Team at REMAX in Murphy NC – Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team – www.MyMurphy.com – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call The Poltrock Team TODAY 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

It’s official, RE/MAX Mountain Properties was just voted the BEST Real Estate Company in Murphy NC by the Cherokee Scout’s Reader’s Choice voting.

What does that mean? That means the readers of Murphy’s local newspaper, The Cherokee Scout, voted us the best real estate company out of all others!

Thank you Cherokee County – we’ll continue to serve you well and be Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team and company!

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

The Poltrock Team and the Trash! Wait... which is which?!

Lake Hiwassee is a gorgeous resource here in Murphy, and I find myself writing about it often in many different articles. A week ago today was the annual Big Sweep. It’s an arranged group of folks who spend at least half their Saturday on Lake Hiwassee cleaning up trash in different coves. Jessica and I did it, and I have to admit, it was a lot of fun! We even did it on our canoe, so we paddled the whole way! It was a bit more work, but I have to admit, it got us to places where larger boats would’ve had trouble and was fun.

It was organized by Silas Allen, our very own head of the Cherokee Building Department, and Susan Hersh (who I might add is the “face” of the Building Department as you always see her running the show when you go in ) It takes ton of preparation and organization, and thanks to them, the turnout was great. There were roughly 130 volunteers, 20 boats, and an estimated 20,000 pounds of trash taken from the shores of the lake. This year’s focus was right around Bear Paw. It was such a great event – it was on the front Page of this week’s Cherokee Scout newspaper.

Silas Allen and Susan Hersh stand on their mound of trash they were instrumental in cleaning up

The majority of the trash come from the rivers, creeks, and streams that are tributaries to Lake Hiwassee. It’ll come from someone’s yard and eventually end up in Lake Hiwassee. We found lots of things in the lake such as tennis balls, countless plastic bottles, Skoal cans, tires, coolers, televisions, and tons more. It’s amazing how many things end up in the lake, and it was nice to know we were able to make a difference.

John Poltrock – The Poltrock Team – REMAX Mountain Properties in Murphy NC – www.MyMurphy.com – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call us Toll free at 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