The Power of Positive Thinking In Real Estate

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When it comes to buying real estate in the midst of economic turmoil, there’s certainly an amount of faith involved. There’s more to it than that. It’s a belief in America and the people who drive it. It’s knowledge in the predictability of business cycles and that our economy will survive and come back stronger than before – like it has numerous times. Its knowing that real estate is a solid long term investment – especially since there’s no more land being made. Its smart – many people have become wealthy or made handsome profits, and there’s no good reason why you can’t join their ranks.

Now is without a doubt a great time to invest in mountain real estate in Murphy, North Carolina. Start searching and see what real estate is for sale now in Murphy NC or sign up to get automatic updates of properties for sale in Murphy NC. See what’s out there, make the leap, and know that America has a positive outlook that’s brought to realization only one person at a time.

John Poltrock, Certified Residential Specialist – RE/MAX of Murphy, North Carolina – www.MyMurphy.com – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call us toll free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496 and get The POLTROCK TEAM today!

 

Certainly I’m Uncertain! Should I Buy or Sell Real Estate in Murphy NC Right Now?

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            It’s easy to question whether now is the time to make the leap and buy or sell real estate in Murphy, North Carolina right now. If you are in a position where you have to buy or sell a home in Murphy right now, you’ve got an easy decision. Fact is – you have to sell because your personal circumstances say you do. Perhaps you’ve got a job relocation, move to get closer to family, health conditions, or whatever the case, it’s a good reason. Where the question really comes in to play is if you don’t have to do anything right now.

            It’s easy to get caught in the mainstream news – look out!! The sky is falling! Albeit a favorite fable, we’re living in a world with a lot of Chicken Little’s.  Every time I watch, read, or listen to the news, there is a good reason to crawl into a concrete bunker and never come out. Between the so-called housing market slump, the presidential election, consumer confidence, and anything else you can throw in, it’s a good time to be nervous about buying or selling real estate.

Here’s the truth: sometimes it pays big dividends to be a naysayer. Depending on your situation, market corrections are the best time to buy and sell.

 

If you are planning on upgrading to a new home, there’s no better time. Here’s why:

 

  • You have to sell your current home which has a worth of $250,000. Because of high inventory and fewer buyers, you must reduce it 11.74% (Percent change from 2006-2008. Please read our last article in Country Roads for more details.). You sell for $220,650. You “lost” $29,350.
  • The home you want to upgrade to costs $400,000. Those sellers too have the same impact from high inventory and fewer buyers. The 11.74% reduction brings it down a whopping $46,960. That means you “gained” $46,960.
  • So if you “gained” $46,960 and “lost” $29,350, weren’t you able to buy $17,610 more home than you could buy in an appreciating market? This holds true for any move up, no matter how small or large the sale and purchase is.

 

Or if you want to buy and don’t need to sell a property, think of this: if rates go up, you won’t be able to buy as much home. FACT is, for every ½ point increase in interest rates, you loose $25,000 in purchasing ability. The Federal Reserve is constantly watching inflation and wants to make sure it doesn’t spiral out of control. With that said – have you bought, well, anything lately? Virtually everything is getting more expensive and that alone may force the Fed to increase rates and therefore cut back your purchasing power.

          When it comes to selling property, now really is a great time to sell. Buyers are getting more active, and more importantly, your equity in your property is still quite healthy. If you’ve owned for a number of years – say 5 years or more, you have great opportunity. You can still profit from your investment because your property has had a great appreciation rate! The most recent one I evaluated appreciated at 4.88% per year since 1998 – and that was on an older, less desirable property! You won’t find rates like that at your local bank, and believe it or not, that’s one of the lowest I’ve seen in some time.

          Despite all the negativity and uncertainty floating around out there, there’s a lot of opportunity right now for both buyers and sellers. Are you considering buying property in Murphy, NC and want to know what properties fit your wish list? Contact us or your local Realtor today! You can get daily or weekly email updates letting you know what’s going on in the market. Want to sell your property in Murphy, NC? Get a complimentary evaluation on your investment and make an educated decision! Call The Poltrock Team or your local Realtor today to find out why this is truly a great time to sell!

 

John Poltrock – The POLTROCK TEAM at RE/MAX Mountain Properties – www.MyMurphy.com – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call Toll Free at 1-866-687-7496

4.65+/- Acres of Land for Sale in Murphy, NC for ONLY $19,850!

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Here’s  rare find if land for sale in the mountains of North Carolina! Usually acreage in real estate always seems pricey – but not here! And I know what you’re thinking… there’s nothing wrong with this property! It’s a very private piece of land that is the perfect get-a-way. It’s 4.65+/- acres that is a great investment.

 Donley Road Real Estate for Sale in Murphy NC

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS PROPERTY

How far is this property from a paved road? Not far. The gravel road leading to it is only a 100 yards or so long. You then are on Donley, which is a very well maintained gravel state maintained road. It’s about a mile or two on it and then its state paved the rest of the way.

Are there utilities closeby? Yes. You would have the power company bring in a power line and you are only a 100 yards or so away from the closest line, so that will be easy.

How close is the nearest home? 200 yards away or something like that.

How far is this from a major highway? Probably 3-5 miles from Highway 294 and 16-20 miles form US 64.

How close is the closest town (shopping, supermarket, drug store, etc?). 10 minutes or so to Turtletown, Tennessee and about 20-25 minutes from Murphy.

Where exactly is the property located in Cherokee County? It is on the west side of Cherokee County in a community known as Wehutty. Visit a Google Map of the Property’s Location here.

Is this land flat or hilly? Rolling is a better word. Great homesite right by the road if you wanted easy access with a very nice mountain view. On the Google Map above, you can even see a terrain view of the surrounding area.

Is it all dry and buildable? Absolutely. The homesite is around 1,875 feet elevation and you will have no trouble building.

Are there other utilities in the area? Power and telephone. You’ll need to sink a well for water. Cherokee Well can do that for you.

We’re sorry – this property is no longer available.

Want to get more information or make an appointment to see this real estate in Murphy NC? Email me now at JohnPoltrock@gmail.com or call TOLL FREE 1-866-MURPHY-NC. You can also Search Land for sale in Murphy NC.

John Poltrock – The POLTROCK TEAM at RE/MAX Mountain Properties – www.MyMurphy.com

Satisfied Seller of Real Estate Approves The POLTROCK TEAM in Murphy NC!

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Here’s a testimonial from one of our clients who sold their real estate through The POLTROCK TEAM here in Murphy, NC:

From the first telephone conversation throughout the entire transaction, I felt at ease with your explanations of the process and your knowledge. I know I asked many questions, some more than once, to better understand, and you were patient and understanding. Most of all, I had trust in your honesty throughout. You told it like it is! You get rated a 9.847 out of ten!!

George
Orlando, Florida

Boating and Fishing Fun on Lakes around Murphy, North Carolina!

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It’s not always about the property you can buy and the types of real estate for sale in Murphy, NC. If there’s nothing to do, it’s no fun! Fortunately if you love the water, Murphy has a lot for everyone. Check out some of the base information available about boating and fishing in Murphy:

Appalachia Lake
Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of Western North Carolina is Appalachia Lake. This beautiful lake has 31 miles of shoreline and over 1,000 acres of water. Most of the shoreline is preserved by Nantahala National Forest with no developed recreation areas making it an excellent place to seek solitude. It is ideal for canoes and kayaks, but can easily accommodate a sport boat. Game fish in Appalachia Lake include small mouth and large mouth bass, white bass, walleye and trout.
Lake Blue Ridge
Lake Blue Ridge is one of North Georgia’s most beautiful mountain lakes with 65 miles of shoreline. Most of the lake is located within the Chattahoochee National Forest and is managed by the USDA Forest Service. Bass, bream, catfish, perch, and crappie call this lake home. Additionally, Walleye can be caught here and it’s of the few lakes south of The Great Lakes where that can be accomplished. There are numerous facilities on the lake including campsites, public swimming and picnic areas, boat ramps, and a full-service   marina.
Lake ChatugeChairs Watching Lake Chatuge in Western North Carolina
Chatuge Lake is a picturesque lake with 130 miles of shoreline in the Appalachian Mountains. Located on the Hiwassee River in western North Carolina the reservoir is 13 miles long and extends into North Georgia. Thousands of visitors come each year for the sport fishing this lake offers. Try your luck catching any of the 32 species of fish such as small mouth bass, large mouth bass, spotted bass, striped white bass, sunfish and crappie. Some facilities include a boat ramp, boat rentals, camping, picnicking, and you can even play a round of golf at Chatuge Shores Golf Course overlook Lake Chatuge.
Lake Hiwassee
Lake Hiwassee is located on the Hiwassee River in Murphy NC of Western North Carolina and is primarily fed by the Hiwassee, Nottely, and Valley rivers. The lake is surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest which offers stunning scenery and has almost 180 miles of shoreline and more than 200 feet deep in places. Several recreation areas allow public access to the lake with boat ramps, camping, hiking trails and picnic areas. There are even four marinas servicing Lake Hiwassee.
Nantahala Lake
Nantahala Lake is located in the Wayah Ranger District in Macon County, North Carolina. Some of the shoreline is publicly owned and is managed by the Nantahala National Forest and while the lake is regulated and maintained by Duke Power Company. There is one   public boat ramp.  Fish in the lake include walleye, crappie, sunfish, trout, bass, and is one of the few lakes in the Unites States clear and cold enough to support salmon.
Lake Nottely

Lake Nottely is located in Georgia within the Chattahoochee National Forest with 106 miles of shoreline. It is a popular place for fishing and boasts two marinas and several public boat ramps. There is a beach with a swimming area, campground, and picnic facilities.

John Poltrock, Murphy NC Certified Residential Specialist – www.MyMurphy.com – Search Murphy NC MLS of all Real Estate – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call us toll free at 866-687-7496 and demand The POLTROCK TEAM!

The Weather, Climate, and Rainfall of Murphy, North Carolina

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Temperatures can vary depending on your exact location and elevation within Cherokee County. Mornings are chilly in the spring and quite comfortable during the day. However, it has been known to snow at the end of April! Summer daytime temps vary and can be warm and slightly humid while nights are quite comfortable. We often experience afternoon thundershowers. In autumn, you feel the temperatures take a dip and you can see its effects with the brilliant colors of fall leaves on the mountainsides. Winter is traditionally cool (or cold depending on your inclination). Snow is common in the higher elevations beginning mid-November. Snow falls are commonly 2-3 inches and last long enough to enjoy but not too long to become cumbersome. If Florida is too hot and Michigan is too cold, you will find Murphy just right.

Climate and Rain Fall Information for Murphy NC

If you are looking to relocate and/or buy a vacation home here in Murphy, NC, please use our free Murphy NC Real Estate MLS Search Feature or visit The POLTROCK TEAM Homes and Land Listings.

John Poltrock, Certified Residential Specialist – www.MyMurphy.com – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call Toll-Free 1-866-687-7496 and demand The POLTROCK TEAM!

 

Types of Real Estate for Sale in Murphy, North Carolina

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There are many different types of real estate you can purchase when you come to Murphy, North Carolina and our surrounding communities in Cherokee County NC. Here are some of the residential investments available to you:

Types of Homes

Real Estate - Chalet HomeChalets in Murphy NC—Our most popular and well known style. They are known for the large front that resembles an A-frame with lots of fixed glass      windows. We have many options and sizes available for these home. The average chalet consists of two bedrooms, two baths, a kitchen, and a large great room. The master bedroom is often in the loft (the upstairs bedroom) and some have dual master suites on both the main and loft level. Serious consideration should be taken on whether you are willing to have your master bedroom upstairs in the loft and if privacy there is important (many times the loft is open air to the great room).

 

Cabins—Somewhat of a broad definition, cabins are everything that’s “mountainy” and not a chalet. It could be a ranch styled home, home with a loft, and almost always had wood or log siding of some sort. Many times, the master bedroom suite is on the main level making it easier to access. We have brand new cabins available all the way to old, rustic get-a-ways.

 

Manufactured Homes—We don’t have as many manufactured homes, yet the are a very good home for the budget conscious. They offer some of the greatest square footage of living area for the purchase price.   Virtually always on one level, these homes frequently offer all the amenities that life has to offer at a lower cost of living.

 

  Traditional Styled Home

Traditional—For folks who love the mountains and don’t want to live in a chalet, cabin, or manufactured home, traditional homes are for you. They come in all shapes, sizes, and settings.                               

 

 

Land

Lots—We have lots in all shapes and sizes! Lot sizes generally range from 1/2 an acre upwards of about 3 acres. More land than that, and you start to get into small land tracts. Options are virtually endless! Great properties start around the 20’s and reach all the way to the 150’s. You can have many things to consider, and we can best guide you on this in person or on the phone. We can tailor your property to your lifestyle. Consider what kind of views and environment you would like. Bear in mind that creeks and mountain tops don’t usually go together—you have to be lower on the mountain and in valleys to get good water frontage. We can situate you on your own private estate all the way to on top of a mountain—the choice is yours.
 

View Overlooking Brasstown Valley in Martin's CreekLand Tracts—A virtually endless category, land tracts is usually no less than 3 acres. You can have smaller acreage all the way to hundreds of acres. Often you will have to run power, put in driveways, clear homesites, and many things like that. If it sounds like a cumbersome task, don’t worry about it! We have many very reputable contractors who can take care of everything for you from start to finish. The beauty of many land tracts is that you can make it your own and do most anything you like with it.

 

 

Which type of property are you searching for? Email me if you’d like me to search for you. Please visit our FREE online services and search our listings for sale in Murphy, North Carolina or Search ALL the listings for sale in Murphy NC.

John Poltrock, Certified Residential Specialist – www.MyMurphy.com – The POLTROCK TEAM at RE/MAX Mountain Properties – 1-866-687-7496 – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com

Golf in and around Murphy, NC

Posted by I Love Murphy on

When you purchase a real estate investment in the mountains of Murphy, North Carolina, it is very sensible to ensure you have your favorite recreations available to you. If golfing is one of your favorite things to do, then there’s many "green" opportunities available to you!

 

Brasstown Valley Resort

  Brasstown Valley Golf Club is located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Georgia. Ranked as one of the top courses to play in Georgia it offers breathtaking scenery and challenging play amongst    wildlife preserves, ponds and streams.

 

 

Butternut Creek Golf Course

Butternut Creek Golf Course

 

Butternut Creek Golf Course is nestled in the
beautiful north Georgia Mountains in the town of Blairsville. Come experience the thrill of playing “mountain golf” in one of the area’s best public golf courses with 18 holes and 6,536 yards of impressive fairways.

 

 

Chatuge Shores Golf Course

Chatuge Shores Golf Course 

Chatuge Shores Golf Course is located in the quaint town of Hayesville in the mountains of Western North Carolina. The course    offers 18 holes ranging from Par 3’s to Par 5’s alongside the beautiful Lake Chatuge with the Blue Ridge Mountains as a
stunning backdrop.

 

 

Cherokee Hills Golf Course

Cherokee Hills Golf Course

  Experience golf in the Great Smoky Mountains with Cherokee Hills Golf Course. Amenities include a par-72 championship course, driving range, pool, tennis courts, practice green, pro shop, snack bar, restaurant and more. Golf packages are available.

 

 The Ridges Resort Golf Course

The Ridges Resort Golf Course

  For a day of championship golf, visit the 18-hole, par 70 course at The Ridges Resort overlooking Lake Chatuge and the Nantahala National Forest. Located in one of the most scenic areas of North Carolina the course offers a challenge to beginner and advanced golfers alike.

 

John Poltrock – RE/MAX Mountain Properties – www.MyMurphy.com – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call us for Real Estate in the Mountains of Murphy, North Carolina – Call Toll-Free 1-866-687-7496

Beware Inflated Appraisals – They Don’t Help Your Real Estate in Murphy NC

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Appraisals are often viewed as the end-all for determining the value of your home. It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking to find the value of your chalet, traditional home, cabin, land, or other type of real estate from the mountains of Murphy, North Carolina all the way to the sandy shores of the coast, fact is, that’s not necessarily the truth.

Appraisals are usually for honest, genuine reasons. Don’t be confused though – an over inflated appraisal of your real estate won’t help sell your property for an inflated value. Then on occasion, they’re for fraudulent reasons. If you’re considering selling your real estate and would like to know if an appraisal would help, you should read this article.

Although con artists and fraudsters have dozens of schemes to steal property and money, numerous schemes rely on inflated appraisals – appraisals that claim the property is more valuable than it really is.

Some homeowners use inflated appraisals to pull more equity out of their home than they have in it. For example, say the owners owe $180,000 on a home that’s worth $200,000, and they want to borrow $40,000 to redo their kitchen. Most lenders will be reluctant to approve a $40,000 loan, because the owners have only $20,000 equity in the home. To get around this problem, the homeowners (and perhaps their loan originator) may hire a "cooperative" appraiser to appraise the home at $240,000, so the loan can be approved.

This may seem like an innocent "white" lie, because the kitchen rehab will probably raise the value of the property, the lender will make a larger loan and earn more interest, and the loan originator will earn a commission. On the surface, everybody wins. However, this is a form of mortgage fraud – it misleads the lender into approving an overly risky loan. It also artificially inflates property values, property taxes, and insurance, making housing less affordable.

Con artists also use inflated appraisals to rip off home buyers and investors. In a recent case in Florida, a company was converting apartments into condominiums and selling them to (mostly out-of-state) investors. The company hired an appraiser from hundreds of miles away to appraise the properties without ever seeing them; the appraiser had no idea what similar properties in the area were selling for. The company fed the appraiser the information that was used to write up the appraisals, usually indicating that the properties were worth anywhere from 30 to 100 percent more than their true market value.

Many of the investors assumed that if the lender (or bank) was willing to loan them the money to purchase the properties based on the values stated in the appraisals, the appraised values must be accurate. Unfortunately, this assumption was wrong. The loan originator was in on the scam with the company that was selling the properties. Together, they were pulling all the strings, misleading both the lender and the investors through the use of inflated appraisals.

For an appraisal to be valid and reliable, it must be unbiased. If you are buying a property and have no clear idea of what similar properties in the same neighborhood are selling for, then order your own appraisal. Hire a reputable appraiser who is familiar with property values in the area and instruct the appraiser that you want an unbiased appraisal. Don’t rely on what the seller or loan originator (or their appraiser) is telling you. That person’s view could be the most biased of all.

Ralph R. Roberts, GRI, CRS is a real estate and mortgage fraud forensics expert and author of Protect Yourself from Real Estate and Mortgage Fraud: Preserving the American Dream of Homeownership (Kaplan Publishing). If you’re interested, you can find out more in his book.

 We’re fortunate here in Murphy that we rarely see fraudulent activity as a result of false appraisals. If you would like a reputable appraiser, please don’t hesitate to ask us to find an appraiser for you. It’d be our privilege to help.

John Poltrock, Certified Residential Specialist – www.MyMurphy.com – Call Toll Free (866) 687-7496 and demand The POLTROCK TEAM!! – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com

Chalets Are Popular in Murphy NC Real Estate. What exactly is a Chalet?

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Chalets are a very popular style of homes in Murphy, NC real estate. They are the perfect styled home for capturing our renowned long range mountain views or just overlooking your estate in the woods.

According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, a chalet is, “a Swiss dwelling with unconcealed structural members and a wide overhang at the front and sides.” According to Wikipedia, a chalet was originally referred to the hut of a herder. Well, things have certainly come a long way from the days of the herder to today’s first-class version.

Chalet HomeThere are several characteristics that make a chalet a chalet in Murphy:

  • Large Fixed Pane Glass Windows in the Front
  • Vaulted Ceilings
  • Open Floor Plan with the living room/great room in the front
  • A Large Loft, commonly where the master bedroom is
  • Steep Pitched roof in the front with “bump outs” over the loft with a far less pitched roof in that section
  • Covered porches on either side
  • and you’ve really got to have a fireplace 

Builders today are constantly adding their own unique twist and making each one just a little bit different. Truth is, a classic is simply a classic. Just like every home in any market, you can upgrade a chalet till you heart is content. It offers a lot of flexibility, so its a lot of fun to make it your own home.

If you are considering buying or building a chalet, here are a few considerations you should take into account:

  • Chalets with a basement (finished or unfinished) sell much better and provide you with much more usable space. Walk-out basements are common.
  • Be sure to plumb your basement and go ahead and upgrade your heat pump to handle the basement should you or someone else decide to finish it.
  • Privacy is key in the loft. If you’ll be by yourself a lot, don’t worry about this part. If you entertain a lot and your master bedroom is in the loft, you won’t have any privacy.  If you want your own privacy, upgrade a bit and get a larger chalet with a blocked off loft.
  • Dual masters with a suite in the loft and a suite on the main level is a major plus.
  • Make sure your great room is large enough. I’ve seen small great rooms devastate the sale of a home. When it doubt, add a bit of room.

Would you love to have your own Chalet in the Mountains of Murphy, North Carolina?

Then use our Murphy NC Dream Home Finder and see what’s available that fits your needs. Be sure to mention you love chalets! We have many opportunities for you!

You can even search the Murphy NC MLS of Homes for Sale directly from our website.

Do you own a chalet and want to sell it?

Then use our Home Worth form and let us do the work for you! We specialize in chalets and can put our expertise to work for you. We can share with you your home’s worth and our proactive marketing plan that will get your home sold.

John Poltrock, your Murphy NC Certified Residential Specialist – www.MyMurphy.com – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call Toll Free (866) 687-7496 and demand The POLTROCK TEAM!!!