Catch This Snapshot of Spring and Summer Weather in Murphy, NC

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Here in Murphy, NC and Cherokee County, weather forecasting has become a real spectator sport. You’ll likely hear spirited discussions at the gas station or coffee shop, or among shoppers in the grocery store checkout line, about our region’s notorious wild weather swings.

Spring and summer are especially challenging to predict, as you can encounter multiple sets of weather conditions on the same day. And because of our region’s widely varied elevations, a cool breeze down in the valley can become a chilly wind up on a nearby mountain ridge. If you’re planning a vacation getaway, or getting ready to move to our beautiful mountains, here’s a snapshot of our changeable spring and summer weather. Continue reading “Catch This Snapshot of Spring and Summer Weather in Murphy, NC” →

Get These Guidelines for Trout Fishing Near Murphy, NC

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Here in Murphy, NC and Cherokee County, trout fishing season is one of the rites of spring. Whether you enjoy bank fishing along a local river, or cruise your boat on one of our scenic lakes, you’ve got plenty of chances to play cat-and-mouse with those wily trout. So gather your fishing gear, buy a fishing license, and get ready to enjoy some quality time on the water in our beautiful mountains.

Learn About Regional Trout Fishing Spots
In our western North Carolina mountains, you’ll find over 3,000 miles of rivers, lakes, and streams that have been designated as public trout fishing waters. Here in our local region, the Valley River, Hiwassee Lake, and the Nantahala River are popular trout fishing destinations.

Whether you cast your line from a convenient bank, wade into an ice-cold mountain stream, or putter along in a drift boat on the lake, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to challenge those crafty trout on their home turf. To learn about fishing destinations in Cherokee County, or similar spots in other western North Carolina counties, view the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s interactive trout fishing map.

Finally, remember that much western North Carolina trout fishing takes place on private property. In other words, landowners have graciously granted anglers public access to their property for fishing purposes. In return, fishing enthusiasts are asked to respect the landowner’s property, and carry out any trash from the fishing expedition. Continue reading “Get These Guidelines for Trout Fishing Near Murphy, NC” →

Should I Buy a Distressed Property in Murphy, NC?

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Deciding whether to buy a distressed Murphy, NC property is a bit like jumping into the stock market. You choose a potential candidate, weigh the possible benefits and drawbacks of your actions, and decide whether to make your move or stay on the sidelines.

Unlike the stock market, however, finalizing a property purchase only marks the beginning of your grand adventure. Before you sign on the dotted line, and commit your dollars and sweat equity to an often-complex project, step back and take an objective look at the challenging path ahead. Simply put, evaluate the pros and cons before jumping into the fray. Read on for several tips that may help you make an informed buying decision.

HALLMARKS OF A DISTRESSED PROPERTY
Although each case is different, a distressed property typically features a dramatically reduced price, often the result of an existing or potential foreclosure. Not surprisingly, Murphy, NC foreclosure houses are generally sold in “as-is” condition. In other words, the current owners (or the bank) will not make any repairs before the foreclosure sale’s completion.

ENJOY A WELL-KNOWN BENEFIT
Purchasing a distressed property generally comes with one major benefit: the property’s below-market-value price. Objectively speaking, the owners want to shake themselves free of their financial burden – fast. To accomplish that goal, they’re willing to sell now and accept less cash for the property. Equally importantly, they won’t have to spend money to make repairs and/or upgrades that would bring them a higher sale price later.

CONSIDER THE POTENTIAL DOWNSIDES
When you buy a distressed property, you’ll generally save some valuable cash, making it a tempting resale candidate after you return it to better condition. However, you’re likely to encounter one (or all) of these four obstacles during your house purchase and rehab process.

Competition from Cash Buyers
Many distressed Murphy, NC properties attract well-heeled cash buyers ready to pounce on a desirable target. If you decide to submit your own cash offer, line up your resources beforehand so you can meet these savvy investors on a level playing field. If you’re not flush with funds, and must finance the house purchase, obtain an ironclad loan prequalification from a cooperative lender. To position yourself more favorably against the cash buyers, consider increasing the size of your down payment.

Potential Financing Obstacles
Many distressed Murphy, NC houses are in less-than-optimal condition, increasing the chances that they won’t meet a lender’s loan requirements. Before you decide to buy the house, order an objective property appraisal. After the lender reviews it, they’ll determine the property’s value, decide whether the house is in habitable condition, and take action on your loan application.

More Complicated Transaction
Buying a distressed property often requires lots of patience, as you’ll often encounter multiple rounds of paperwork compared to more conventional real estate purchases. So, temper your expectations accordingly, and you might be pleasantly surprised with the outcome.

Higher Repair/Upgrade Expenses
In many cases, the distressed Murphy, NC property has damaged walls or broken windows, and one or more appliances may be missing. The property’s electrical and/or plumbing systems might also require complex repairs. Regardless of the issues, the buyer (you) are likely responsible for hiring contractors to fix the problem(s) and bring the house up to local code requirements.

DISTRESSED PROPERTY PURCHASE GUIDELINES
If you have some solid home renovation experience under your belt, or have cultivated a network of first-class contractors, you’re in a good position to make a distressed property buying decision. On the other hand, if you’re new to this dynamic submarket, get some valuable professional assistance before investing your dollars in the project.

For starters, choose a Murphy, NC realtor who has proven experience with distressed property purchases. They’ll objectively evaluate a potential candidate’s condition, and provide details on the work (and dollars) required to make the property habitable again. With that knowledge in hand, you (and your realtor) can decide whether that’s an investment you’re ready to make.

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

Bring the Family to These Easter Weekend Events Near Murphy, NC

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The Easter holiday weekend is traditionally a popular time for family gatherings in Murphy, NC. Sometimes relatives come from other regions, and everyone attends church together to celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection. Afterward, some families share a hearty meal at a local restaurant, while others enjoy a wonderful feast at someone’s home.

Not surprisingly, the Saturday before Easter is also filled with family get-togethers. In fact, Saturday, March 31 marks the date for Easter events at three separate area venues. Each gathering has its own flavor, giving adults and children alike the chance to enjoy their time together in the beautiful spring weather. And if you plan your time carefully, you can make it to more than one Easter weekend event.

EASTER EGG HUNT
Saturday, March 31 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
John C. Campbell Folk School
1 Folk School Road, Brasstown, NC
The John C. Campbell Folk School’s annual Easter Egg Hunt is popular with youngsters from many area communities. Held at the school’s Open House near the vegetable and herb gardens, this lively event features crafts, games, refreshments, and entertainment. Our sources tell us that the Easter Bunny will also make a special appearance.

Plan to arrive at 12:45 p.m. for the main event, as the free Easter Egg Hunt begins at 1 p.m. sharp. Park in the large gravel lot on the corner of Brasstown Road and Harshaw Road, and walk to the Open House. Once you get there, head to one of three age-divided egg-hunting areas. Then get ready to watch the youngsters scramble for colorful eggs among the vegetable and herb plants. Bring your cameras and enjoy the happy chaos!

EASTER EGG HUNT
Saturday, March 31 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m
Bear Creek Mini Golf,  7289 Highway 64 West (west of Murphy)
This brand-new Easter Egg Hunt takes place at Bear Creek Mini Golf, an entertaining venue on Highway 64 West a few miles past the Route 129 intersection. Co-hosted by Bear Creek Mini Golf and Mountain Memories Antiques, this event promises to be an annual favorite with Cherokee County youngsters.

The Easter Egg Hunt begins promptly at 11:30 a.m., so arrive a bit early. Kids from ages 1-12 are invited to bring their favorite egg basket, and prepare for an egg hunting frenzy among the boulders, bushes, and trees. After the Easter Egg Hunt, kids can have their picture taken with the Easter Bunny.

ALL-DAY EASTER CELEBRATION
Saturday, March 31 from 12:00 p.m – 8:00 p.m.
Fields of the Wood, 10000 NC-294 (off Highway 64 West)
Experience Easter’s grandeur at Fields of the Wood, an acclaimed biblical theme park west of Murphy on Route 294. This free all-day Easter celebration takes place from 12-8 p.m., and kicks off with an Easter Egg Hunt at 1:00 (registration at noon). Come watch the youngsters comb through the park’s bushes and grasses, searching for those elusive colored Easter eggs.

From 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., gather for a memorable special singing program. A dramatic passion play begins at 6:00 p.m., bringing the Easter story to life in a beautiful mountain setting.

Now that you know about these Easter weekend events around Murphy, NC, gather your family together and enjoy some quality time during this beautiful spring weekend.

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

5 Must-Haves When Searching for a Realtor in Murphy, NC

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When you’re buying or selling a Murphy, NC home, choosing the right realtor is key to achieving a positive outcome. If you’re selling, working with a market-savvy, accomplished professional means your home will receive a targeted marketing plan – similar to launching a brand-new product.

Best of all, you’ll be an active partner in the process, as your agent will share their marketing strategy and provide regular updates. If you’re prepared to get the ball rolling, here are five “must haves” tips for finding this “cream of the crop” real estate professional.

Look for Extensive Local Knowledge

Although realtors frequently represent residential and commercial properties across your regional market, you’ll get the best results with a real estate business expert who has up-close knowledge of your immediate area. In other words, they must be intimately familiar with your community – rather than depending solely on published reports and online research for their information.

If you’re purchasing a home with your family, you’ll want “must haves” details about school quality, recreational options, and medical services. If you’re selling a house, you’d like specifics about comparable home sales in your area. Regardless of your goal, a well-rounded realtor should be informed about planned commercial developments, apartment communities, retail businesses, and expanded infrastructure that could influence your quality of life. Continue reading “5 Must-Haves When Searching for a Realtor in Murphy, NC” →

REMAX Hot Air Balloon Pilots Treat Andrews Elementary School Students to an Exciting Flight Demonstration

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When it comes to learning about hot air balloons, the kids at Andrews Elementary School have gained some valuable firsthand experience. In mid-November 2017, two REMAX Hot Air Balloon Pilots visited the school’s Andrews, NC campus, and gave an impressive demonstration on the principles of hot air balloon flight. The pilots’ easy-to-grasp slide show, presented in the school’s gymnasium, provided great background information geared to the students’ grade levels.

To bring this entertaining science lesson to life, one REMAX pilot inflated a colorful, lightweight balloon with hot air from a hair dryer. Right on schedule, the balloon lazily rose to the gym’s high ceiling. Naturally, the second pilot had to top that performance, using the same technique to send a plain black garbage bag soaring up as well.

Before the students’ demonstration, the Andrews Elementary School administrators were delighted to get a ride in the real-life REMAX balloon, tethered just outside the building in a spacious open spot. Looking back, you might say a great time was had by all – including the pilots and The Poltrock Team!

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 Things to Do Before Listing Your Home in Murphy, NC

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Selling your Murphy, NC home can provide a great opportunity. Maybe your circumstances have changed, and it’s time to transition to a new chapter in your life. Or, you’ve decided you love living in our beautiful mountains, but you’d like to enjoy the experience from a different house. Regardless of the reason for selling your home, you’ll increase your chances of success by making the property look attractive to potential buyers. Read on for five things to do before listing your home that will really help your home to shine. Continue reading “5 Things to Do Before Listing Your Home in Murphy, NC” →

John Poltrock Named Best Real Estate Agent in The Cherokee Scout 2017 Reader’s Choice Awards

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When you find work you really enjoy, and add technology mastery and a passion for great customer service, you can often achieve amazing results. Here in Murphy, NC and Cherokee County, REMAX REALTOR John Poltrock has earned a highly coveted award that speaks of his commitment to excellence. John was just voted Cherokee County’s Best Real Estate Agent in the Cherokee Scout’s 2017 Reader’s Choice Awards. The award is voted on by all the readers and subscribers of The Cherokee Scout, the area’s local newspaper.

Cherokee Scout Best Real Estate AgentWith over 13 years of real estate experience under his belt, John Poltrock is a highly focused professional who skillfully combines diverse analytic tools with a thorough knowledge of our regional real estate market. Using his Bachelor’s Degree in Financial Planning (from Western Carolina University), John deftly interprets often-complex market and trend reports. He utilizes relevant data to provide his clients with real-world advice that helps them to reach their buying or selling goals.

John combines his highly regarded technical expertise with an easygoing manner and a talent for making the most of every situation. He regards each challenge as a new opportunity, and frequently “thinks outside the box” to find the best solution. John’s commitment to client service is second to none, and many home buyers and sellers have happily provided testimonials about their positive experiences with John.

Like any high-achieving professional real estate agent, John Poltrock works with a superb support team. While John is The Poltrock Team’s lead Listing Agent, the five-member team also includes a Buyers’ Agent, versatile universal Realtor, Listings Coordinator, Closing Coordinator, and Marketing associate. Together, John Poltrock and The Poltrock Team enjoy providing Murphy, NC and Cherokee County with top-notch service while sharing their love of our beautiful mountains.

Total Solar Eclipse Brings Epic Viewing Experience Near Murphy, NC

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Watching the August 21 Total Solar Eclipse was like opening a highly anticipated present on Christmas morning. For several weeks (even months) ahead, we read about this rare natural phenomenon. A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes in front of the Sun, completely blocking the Sun’s light and briefly turning day into night. During the August 21 event, viewers in a nationwide 70-mile-wide swath would enjoy the maximum effect. Here in Brasstown, the spectacle began at 1:05 p.m. EDT in a clear, hot day dotted by puffy clouds.

As we settled into our Brasstown, North Carolina viewing spot (just a few miles from Murphy, NC), we kept our eclipse viewing glasses and water bottles close at hand. Every few minutes, we slipped on the glasses and gazed at the Sun, watching the Moon’s slow migration across the brilliant white sphere. First, the Moon’s effect was barely noticeable; however, the Sun’s circular shape gradually transformed into an ever-shrinking crescent as the sky darkened around us. Shadows began to appear, and the surrounding landscape took on the colors of twilight.

As the total eclipse (or “Totality”) crept closer, we noticed a drop in temperature, with some observers noting that it felt 10 degrees cooler. Shortly before the magic moment, our environment grew very still, with birds flying up to their nighttime roosts and crickets chirping in the distance. A rooster also began to crow, likely convinced that the “twilight” meant it was time to begin a new day.

Finally, at 2:34 p.m. EDT, we experienced “Totality” in Brasstown, with a dark twilight taking over the forested landscape as the Moon completely covered the Sun. This amazing spectacle lasted only 2 minutes 26 seconds, giving us just enough time to enjoy the view before a sliver of sunlight peeked from behind the Moon’s shadow. When that occurred, we quickly donned our eclipse glasses to safely enjoy the rest of the show. Watching for more than an hour, we saw the Moon continue its path across the Sun, with daylight and warmer temperatures gradually returning as well.

Finally, the Great American Eclipse was over, not to return nationwide for many years. As we swapped viewing experiences and sipped cold drinks, we marveled at this stunning solar extravaganza that had unfolded right before our eyes. This was certainly a once-in-a-lifetime event, made for sharing with family and friends across the country. Even better, we had experienced it from peaceful Brasstown, just a stone’s throw from Murphy, NC in a beautiful little corner of the world.