Cherohala Skyway Named Hagerty’s 2025 Road of the Year — Just Minutes from Murphy, NC

The Cherohala Skyway, one of the most stunning scenic drives in the U.S., has just been awarded Hagerty’s 2025 Road of the Year. Known for its winding curves, breathtaking mountain views, and peaceful drive, the Skyway connects Robbinsville, North Carolina, to Tellico Plains, Tennessee—and it’s less than an hour from our office at The Poltrock Team – REMAX Mountain Properties in Murphy, NC.

Explore One of America’s Top Scenic Roads

Running 43 miles through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests, the Cherohala Skyway reaches elevations over 5,400 feet. With panoramic views of the Appalachian Mountains, smooth pavement, and very little traffic, it’s a favorite for car enthusiasts, motorcyclists, and anyone craving a quiet escape into nature.

Unlike the adrenaline-packed Tail of the Dragon nearby, the Skyway offers a more relaxed, scenic experience that’s perfect for fall foliage tours, photography, and peaceful weekend drives.

Only 50 Minutes from Murphy, NC

From our office located at 1900 US-64 W, Murphy, NC, you can be at the start of the Cherohala Skyway in under an hour. Whether you’re a visitor or a local resident, this national treasure is practically in your backyard!

Our clients love the fact that when they buy a home in Murphy or the surrounding areas, they’re gaining access to natural wonders like the Cherohala Skyway, Lake Hiwassee, and the Nantahala River. There are so many gems and things to do that are close to us, and this is one of many!

National Recognition, Local Living

This award from Hagerty—a trusted authority in automotive lifestyle and culture—highlights what we’ve always known: Western North Carolina is a spectacular place to live. From investment cabins and retirement homes to vacation getaways, owning real estate near iconic attractions like the Skyway adds lasting value and lifestyle perks.

Come See Why We Love It Here

Thinking about moving to the mountains? Want to tour property while you’re in the area enjoying the Skyway? Contact The Poltrock Team today—we’d love to help you find your home in the heart of North Carolina’s most scenic landscape. You’re also welcome to call us at 828-837-6400.

Then hop in the car, roll down the windows, and experience Hagerty’s Road of the Year for yourself—right here in our backyard. See their original article here: https://www.hagerty.com/media/driving/hagerty-road-of-the-year-2025-cherohala-skyway/

Breaking News: Tax Bill Clears House, ‘Very Positive’ for Real Estate

We just received an email from the National Association of Realtors and I thought it was important to share. Here’s their exact email they sent to all Realtor members:

BREAKING NEWS: Tax Reform Bill Clears House With Key Real Estate Provisions

The House of Representatives early this morning passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that delivers significant wins for the real estate sector, reinforcing tax provisions long championed by the National Association of REALTORS®. 

NAR’s advocacy team successfully secured its top five tax priorities in the bill, including an enhanced small business tax deduction, a strengthened state and local tax deduction, and protections for the mortgage interest deduction. The bill also makes the current lower individual tax rates permanent and increases the child tax credit, moves that could help increase homeownership access for more American families.

In addition to NAR’s top tax priorities, the bill includes a broad range of other NAR-supported provisions—such as enhancements to the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, estate tax certainty, renewed Opportunity Zone incentives, and the creation of tax-advantaged child investment accounts that can be used for qualified expenses of the beneficiary such as first-time home purchases—all of which strengthen housing affordability, investment, and generational wealth. 

“We appreciate House leaders for taking this important step with a bill that supports hardworking families and strengthens the real estate economy. With lower tax rates, SALT relief, and new incentives for small businesses and community development, this proposal brings real benefits to everyday Americans,” says Shannon McGahn, NAR executive vice president and chief advocacy officer.

“While significant changes are possible as this bill moves to the Senate, NAR will stay closely engaged with lawmakers to ensure real estate remains a central focus,” McGahn says. “We are committed to advocating for provisions that expand opportunity, support homeownership, strengthen communities nationwide, and put the American Dream within reach for more families.”

In a recent national survey commissioned by NAR, Americans expressed strong support for retaining provisions in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act critical to the real estate economy and homeownership. Fully 76% of voters are aware of efforts to extend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Among those familiar with the law, support grows significantly when specific provisions are highlighted—86% back lower income tax rates for individuals and married couples, 83% support a new 20% deduction for independent contractors and small businesses earning under $400,000, and 80% favor tax incentives aimed at spurring investment in underserved communities. 

The national survey of 1,000 registered voters was commissioned by NAR and conducted by Public Opinion Strategies and Hart Research April 3–6, 2025. It has a margin of error of 3.10%.

Below is a summary of the provisions included in the current bill:

Top Five NAR Tax Priorities

  1. Qualified Business Income Deduction (Section 199A)
    • The bill permanently increases the QBI deduction from 20% to 23%.
    • This deduction benefits more than 90% of NAR members, who are classified as independent contractors or small business owners.
    • 83% of voters said they supported the 20% tax deduction for independent contractors and small businesses making less than $400,000 a year, according to NAR’s national poll.
  2. State and Local Tax Deduction (SALT)
    • The SALT deduction cap is quadrupled from $10,000 to $40,000 for households earning under $500,000. However, the bill does not eliminate the marriage penalty. Thus, whether taxpayers are single filers or married couples filing a joint return, they can deduct a maximum of $40,000 in state and local taxes. The income cap and deduction both grow 1% every year over a 10-year window.
  3. Individual Tax Rates
    • Current individual tax rates, lowered as part of the TCJA, are made permanent and indexed for inflation, aiding taxpayers and improving affordability for prospective homebuyers.
    • 86% of voters support the lowered income tax rates for individuals and married couples, according to NAR’s national poll.
  4. Mortgage Interest Deduction (MID)
    • The draft preserves and makes permanent the MID at its current level, maintaining a key tax benefit for homeowners and supporting housing market stability.
    • There had been concern MID might be reduced or eliminated as a budget offset
    • 91% of voters support maintaining tax incentives such as the mortgage interest deduction for homeowners, according to the NAR poll.
  5. Business SALT and 1031 Like-Kind Exchanges
    • The draft bill protects Section 1031 like-kind exchanges, which are often erroneously regarded as a tax loophole.
    • It also includes no changes for most businesses deducting state and local taxes (sometimes referred to as “Business SALT”).
    • While the bill does provide limits in state-level business SALT workarounds for certain high-income professionals (e.g., law firms, hedge funds, consulting businesses, and other services), the provisions do not appear to impact real estate professionals.

Additional Positive Tax Provisions for Real Estate Economy

  • Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)
    • Key provisions from the LIHTC Improvement Act will be included to support affordable housing development.
  • Child Tax Credit Increased to $2,500 (2025–2028)
    • Temporarily raises the child tax credit through 2028 and then indexes it for inflation starting in 2029.
    • The child tax credit supports families and could help with housing affordability.
  • Creation of Tax-Advantaged Child Investment Accounts
    • Can be used for qualified expenses of the beneficiary such as first-time home purchases.
  • Permanent Estate and Gift Tax Threshold Set at $15 Million (Inflation-Adjusted)
    • Prevents a significant drop in exemption levels and supports generational wealth transfer, aligning with NAR priorities.
  • No Top Tax-Rate Increase
    • The proposed 39.6% top rate was removed from the bill.
  • Restoration of “Big 3” Business Tax Provisions
    • Full expensing of research and development (R&D)
    • Bonus depreciation
    • Fixes to interest expense deduction limits
  • Immediate Expensing for Certain Industrial Structures
    • Applies to structures used in manufacturing, refining, agriculture and related industries.
  • No Change to Carried Interest Treatment
  • Opportunity Zones
    • Renewed with revised incentives to encourage targeted investment, including in rural areas.
    • 80% of voters expressed support for tax incentives for investors to encourage economic growth and development in underserved and poorer communities, according to NAR’s recent national poll.

Harrahs Cherokee Valley River Casino and Hotel is Officially Open in Murphy NC

Harrahs Casino Murphy NC Harrahs Casino Opening Day in Murphy NCIt’s official! The approximately 110 million dollar project known as Harrahs Cherokee Valley River Casino and Hotel officially opened its doors for business today right here in Murphy NC. The attendance was so great it literally caused a several mile long traffic jam on the the eastbound 74! It’s an exciting business that has brought some great job opportunities to the area. As you can see from the pictures, there were a lot of people there checking it out.

It’s been over a year ago since the Cherokee representatives met with local Realtors in the area, and its amazing to see such an ambitious construction project come to fruition. It’s another thing to add to the To Do List in Murphy NC. As we understand, there are more phases in the long range plan that will bring ever more entertainment, food, and more right here to Murphy. If you’re a casino goer, enjoy! 😀

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

John Poltrock is elected to the Board of Directors for the Mountain Lakes Board of Realtors

2012 New LOGO

Today was the annual Mountain Lakes Board of Realtors meeting where real estate agents from all companies in the area met to vote on who was going to serve on the Board of Directors. John Poltrock served as the Secretary this past year and is now elected to a 3 year period as a Director. It is a great opportunity to work with other agents in the area and make it better for all the agents in the area to work together, help our customers and friends, and sell real estate 🙂

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

Leaf Season is Upon Us in Murphy NC – Enjoy the Changing Color of the Leaves!

It’s that time of year in Murphy, NC where the leaves start to grace us with their spectacular colors. As of today, we’re seeing glimmers of yellow in a sea of green leaves. It’ll be between a week and three weeks when the true peak of colors begins to grace us. My personal favorite is the red maple – it’s doesn’t get any more gorgeous than that!

If you’re looking to come to the mountains of Murphy NC where you can see the amazing spectacle of colors, now is the time to plan on getting up here before you miss the color!

Want a home where Leaf Season is right outside your door? Start your search at Murphy NC Real Estate.

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