The Poltrock Team is the Real Estate Team to Call in Murphy, NC

We found out about The Poltrock Team through a Craigslist ad. After Wayne’s return call, we learned that the home was sold. Then, Wayne asked me, “What would you like in a home?” I gave him a list of interests I want in a home, and three days later he forwarded four specs with pictures to follow. We then decided to work with The Poltrock Team. The team put forth an excellent effort to help us find and purchase our house.

During our real estate transaction, The Poltrock Team was most helpful in providing knowledge on the home inspection, termites, etc. Wayne talked to me like I was a family member, being honest and downright informative. He helped us with our mortgage questions, as well as information he had from being in Murphy.

Overall, we are 100% satisfied with our real estate experience with The Poltrock Team. We are very happy with Wayne, and we would definitely recommend him to friends. We are also very pleased with the team’s professionalism, and we rate the level of service received as a “10.” We would absolutely work with The Poltrock Team again.

From honest conversations to expert guidance, this real estate team made buying our home in Murphy a 10/10 experience. Work with the trusted murphy nc realtors who treat you like family.

–James A. Brown, Jr.  and DeAnn Wilke

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

7 Energy Efficient Tips For Murphy, NC Homes

As winter’s cold temperatures make your home a bit chilly inside, you’ve been cranking up the heat to keep your family warm. And because winter isn’t the best time for outdoor activities, everyone has been spending extra time watching shows and surfing on the computer.  Thus testing how energy efficient your home really is.

Your family’s increased power consumption often means a higher electric bill, and you’d like to begin reversing that trend right now. By making your Murphy, NC home more energy efficient, you’ll save money over the long term. As an added bonus, you’ll reduce the demand on your power generation company’s resources. To get the ball rolling, follow these simple strategies that contribute to positive results.

KEEP THE COLD AIR OUTSIDE

During our region’s colder months, you’re focused on keeping your home comfortably warm, without spending a fortune in the process. You’ve tried to be conservative with the heat pump, and maybe you’ve been running the gas fireplace as well. So, don’t allow subpar windows and/or doors to sabotage your efforts.

Button Up Your Drafty Windows. If your home’s windows have gaps larger than ⅛ inch, seal those leaks by placing adhesive-fitted closed-cell foam onto the window sash’s bottom. Or, tape bubblewrap over the entire window, creating a plastic barrier that’s surprisingly effective.

Seal Your Home’s Leaky Doors. To decrease cold air intrusion through your doors, apply foam strips on each door’s top and sides. To finish the job, place a door sweep on the bottom.

REDUCE YOUR HVAC AND LIGHTING BILLS

Keeping your home toasty warm in the winter, and pleasantly cool in the spring and summer, just makes life more enjoyable. And when you’re relaxing inside with your family, you create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere with your interior lighting and accent lamps. However, your comfortable, well-lit home could be contributing to a higher electric bill. Fortunately, you can make several small changes that will help to get your electric expenses under control.

Fine-Tune the Climate Control System. To stay warmer during the winter, set your ceiling fans to rotate in a clockwise direction. Reversing the air flow helps to push warm air downward toward your living space. And while blades are stopped, wipe them down to eliminate any dust. Also, turning the thermostat down to 55 degrees at night will give your heat pump (and your budget) a break.

During the warmer months, minimize your air conditioning expenses by setting the thermostat at 78 degrees, especially when you’re away from home. Or, if it’s not excessively warm, run your ceiling fans instead to maximize air flow without placing demands on the heat pump.

Turn Down Your Light Consumption. To quickly and painlessly decrease your lighting costs, simply turn off the lights when you leave a room. If you’ve been leaving lights on when you’re away from home, consider putting them on easily managed timers.

In addition, consider trading your incandescent light bulbs for compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), the curly-shaped bulbs derived from tube-shaped fluorescent lights. An Energy Star-compliant CFL uses one-fourth the energy, and lasts ten times longer, than a similar incandescent bulb that emits the same amount of light. Although each CFL costs more than an incandescent bulb, you’ll typically recoup that cost in less than nine months,

DECREASE YOUR HOME’S POWER USAGE

Powering up your computer, TV, and household appliances is as easy as flipping a switch. When you’re finished, you hit the “Off” button and walk away, assuming that the device’s power consumption has stopped.

However, if each piece of equipment is still plugged in, it’s racking up charges on your electric meter. This “standby power” usage costs you more than you realize. In fact, standby power makes up 5 percent to 10 percent of residential energy usage, with the average American household shelling out $100 per year. However, here’s some good news: you can easily reduce your standby power consumption, which will translate into savings over time.

Use a Switch-Equipped Power Strip. Install a power strip with On/Off switches for your electronic devices and other equipment. In your living room, for example, use a power strip for the TV and DVD player. Place another power strip near your computer, printer, paper shredder, and desk lamp. By plugging all equipment into an adjacent power strip, and turning off the power strip switch when those devices are idle, you’ll stop their electrical power consumption.

Unplug Your Power-Consuming Products. By simply unplugging your household devices when they’re not needed, you guarantee that they won’t add to the electric bill. While you wouldn’t want to unplug the refrigerator or home alarm system, for example, consider using this tactic on the microwave or bread machine.

Run Full Loads in the Washer and Dishwasher. Washers and dishwashers are the epitome of convenience. Several times a week, you hit the “On” switch, and clean clothes, dishes, and flatware appear in a couple of hours. However, if you run your appliances without full loads, it reduces their efficiency and costs you considerable money.

First, let’s say you throw a few things into the washer, and choose the appliance’s “Small Load” setting. Surprisingly, the machine will use almost as much water and energy as a full load of clothes. By running full laundry loads rather than half loads, your household could save up to 3,400 gallons of water annually, according to the United States Department of Energy. Speaking of energy savings, running one large load of laundry saves you roughly 25 percent to 50 percent of the energy used by two small loads. Even better, these water and energy savings translate into extra cash for your family.

Use a similar strategy to operate the dishwasher more efficiently. Although one full load consumes more water and energy than a half load, that single large load uses considerably less water and energy compared to two half loads. So, consistently pack the dishwasher full, and you’ll gradually reduce your water and energy expenses over time.

With this easy-to-follow blueprint, you can make your Murphy, NC home more energy efficient. Over time, you’ll likely see a smaller electric bill, giving you extra cash for home projects and enjoyable family activities.

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

Donna is the Best Realtor I Have Ever Dealt With

Our agent, Donna Srabian, showed us quite a few houses in Murphy and we were able to find one which was perfect for us. She then negotiated a wonderful deal and we got it at a great price. She went above and beyond the norm to take care of us. I have dealt with quite a few Realtors in my life and I can truthfully say that she is the best I have ever dealt with and I would recommend her without any reservation.

From finding the right home to sealing the deal, Donna is the best realtor we’ve ever worked with. Trust murphy nc real estate agents who deliver unmatched service every time.

–Lamar & Gayle Ham

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

2016 Year End Sold Real Estate Update in Murphy NC

Watch the video above to find out what real estate sold for in all of 2016. It covers Cherokee County NC, Murphy, NC, Andrews, and more. Questions? Ready to sell? Email a reply or Call us now at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496

Did you WIN the $100 this Month? Watch NOW to find out!

Be a pal, share with a friend and give them a chance to win $100! Know someone who would appreciate our SOLD Show? Send it immediately to them by CLICKING HERE!

RE/MAX SOLD 66.7% of HOUSE SALES this December!

 

We hope you enjoy! We’re here for you so if you need your real estate sold or have questions, we’re only a call or click away.

PS – Feel free to forward this video to your friends and family. Not getting this to your inbox and want it? Also, WIN $100 Each Month!! Click HERE to join our SOLD Real Estate Update.

 

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

County Courthouse Lantern Repairs Grab Residents’ and Visitors’ Attention

Historic buildings are always good candidates for repairs and restorations. In cities and towns across the country, you’ll find workers shoring up sagging floors, replacing peeling paint, and even beefing up the building’s structure. However, here in Murphy, NC, the Cherokee County Courthouse recently received a rather unusual type of facelift.

Courthouse Lantern Removal & Repair

On the morning of Thursday, January 12, two huge hydraulic cranes lumbered into action on Murphy’s Peachtree Street, just outside the courthouse. Managed by Cannon Roofing Company, the cranes had a highly challenging task: remove the super-heavy copper lantern from atop the courthouse’s large dome. The word “lantern” is an architectural term, in this case referring to the ornamental structure that has topped the Cherokee County Courthouse since its 1926 construction.

First, a crane operator gently lowered the lantern’s dome to the street. Once workers examined the dome, they found that it was only secured by one solder joint, where up to eight joints had originally held it in place. In other words, the dome could have given way at any time, crashing onto the pedestrians and court patrons below. What had caused the joints to work themselves loose? Most likely, the dome’s waving American flag, followed by a copper American eagle, had created sufficient windage to negatively affect the dome’s structural integrity.

Next, an even larger crane plucked the much taller lantern from atop the building’s dome, and brought it safely to the ground. Constructed of eight 10-foot-high hollow copper Greek columns, the metal lantern is certainly a grand-looking structure. However, it’s also the subject of a mystery: the lantern is chock full of rifle bullet holes.

Cherokee County Courthouse’s Colorful History

The lantern repair’s unusual nature is the latest chapter in the courthouse’s unconventional history. In fact, the current building is the latest in a series of structures, the first of which was supposedly burned by Federal troops during the Civil War. Two more courthouses suffered the same fate, with the last one falling victim to fire in 1924.

In 1926, Cherokee County commissioners approved construction of the current courthouse. Designed by James J. Baldwin, and built with a veneer of imposing Blue Marble from nearby Marble (of course), the two-story Neo-Classical Revival-style courthouse easily commands your attention. Inside, the ground floor is home to numerous offices, while the expansive second-floor courtroom features finely crafted woodwork and plaster furnishings.

However, the Cherokee County Courthouse’s most dramatic feature is the two-story cupola that soars high above the entrance pavilion. Above the cupola’s lower stage, you’d normally see a striking large domed roof, topped by the lantern and smaller dome. With the lantern and small dome missing, though, the building looks strangely out of proportion.

What’s Next for the Lantern Repair Project

Of course, getting the lantern on the ground was only half the battle. To safely contain the cumbersome structure, Cannon Roofing workers had constructed a massive wooden box, which arrived atop a flatbed truck. After workers buttoned up the lantern for transport, the truck headed for Andrews-Murphy Airport, where skilled craftsmen would perform repairs inside an aircraft hangar.

Not surprisingly, fixing the 91-year-old copper lantern will be quite expensive. The Cherokee County government will soon issue a request for repair estimates, which should be the subject of much discussion around town. After the lantern repairs have been completed, workers will carefully reattach the copper eagle to the dome. Fittingly, this symbol of American liberty and freedom will soon resume its watch over downtown Murphy, NC.

From bullet holes to bold repairs, Murphy’s iconic courthouse continues to stand tall. Love small-town history? Let our murphy nc realtors help you find a home in the heart of it.

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.

The Poltrock Team was Motivated, Friendly and Willing to Help at Anytime

We found out about The Poltrock Team through word of mouth. We decided to work with them because John is awesome! During our real estate transaction, John was able to negotiate a reasonable price with the seller. He was patient with the process so that we could get what we wanted.

Throughout the transaction, John’s staff was motivated, friendly, and willing to help at any time. I was able to drop by the office to talk about my concerns, and I never felt that I was wasting anyone’s time. John was always there to answer questions, or he called back immediately.

Also, I just wanted to let you know how encouraging it is to see the group out for breakfast at The Daily Grind. It’s nice to see how well everyone gets along and are truly team players. Having your morning meetings in a public venue shows that you support the community and each other. Well done!

Based on our recent experience, we would rate the level of service received as a “10.” We would absolutely work with The Poltrock Team again.

From start to closing and even breakfast at The Daily Grind, The Poltrock Team goes above and beyond. Work with murphy nc real estate agents who care about results—and community.

–Renee Lamance & Zach Kilmer

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

We Give The Poltrock Team a 10

We found out about The Poltrock Team through online research, and we decided to work with them because they are #1. We had a very successful real estate experience with The Poltrock Team, during which they were most helpful in providing us with updates and videos.

During a time in which home sales were far outpacing unimproved land sales, John and his team found us a buyer who qualified to purchase. However, the buyer later backed out of the deal just before closing. Fortunately, John found a new prospective buyer who did complete the sell/buy agreement within about two weeks of the first failure.

We are very grateful for John’s diligence, and for the successful sale of the property, that resulted from our having employed the right team for the job. We would rate the level of service as a “10.” Based on our experience, we would absolutely work with The Poltrock Team again.

Thanks to smart marketing and relentless follow-up, The Poltrock Team got our land sold. Choose murphy nc real estate agents who never give up and always deliver.

James & Judy Obert

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

First Class Service

John Poltrock and his team at ReMax in Murphy, NC were a pleasure to work with from start to finish. They kept us constantly informed on their efforts to sell our vacation house. Within only three months after listing with John, we signed a contract to sell.

After signing the contract, there were several things that needed to be done to the house to meet the seller’s requirements. Because we live hundreds of miles away, this could have been difficult for us. However, The Poltrock Team completely relieved us of that burden. Whatever needed to be done – they did, cheerfully and efficiently.

Here is the best example of that. After we closed on the sale in Murphy, we were driving back to our home in Florida. While underway, we called Dish Network to discontinue our service. We found out that we were required to box up the TV receiver and other components, and ship them back to Dish.

However, we were well away from Murphy, and the new owners were already moving in. It could have posed a serious dilemma for us, but it was no problem for John. We called John, and informed him of the situation. Remember, we had already closed on the house, and John’s formal responsibilities could have ended there.

But John is not that kind of person. He quickly said “Have them (Dish) send the return box to me, and I will box things up and send them back.” Another problem solved quickly, cheerfully, and efficiently.

From proactive updates to going the extra mile after closing, John Poltrock gave us first class service. Trust murphy nc realtors who treat you like family, not just a sale.

Thank you, John, and your staff!

— Rob & Carol Johnstone

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

The Poltrock Team Sold my House Fast

John was never too busy to communicate with me. John and his office staff answered my every question in a timely manner. To an inexperienced seller such as myself, this was invaluable. My house sold much more quickly than I expected as well.

For a first-time seller, The Poltrock Team made the process smooth, clear, and fast. Work with murphy nc real estate agents who truly have your back.

— Pat Ferguson

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

New Year’s Resolution #2 for Your Home: Improve the Air Quality

As 2017 gets underway, you’re becoming well acquainted with New Year’s resolutions. Maybe you concocted a personal resolution (or two). Or, you decided to focus on getting your Murphy, NC house shipshape this year. If that’s the case, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to work. First, let’s assume you’re taking steps to minimize your home’s hazards. That’s certainly a worthwhile way to spend your time and resources.

However, you might not realize that your home’s indoor air can also leave much to be desired. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency has designated indoor air quality as a primary environmental health hazard. Think about it: your home’s air contains dust, pollen, mold spores, and maybe even viruses. You’re especially at risk during the winter, when your doors and windows are tightly closed to keep out the cold. But here’s some good news: by adopting four easy-to-follow home maintenance strategies, you can greatly reduce dangerous lung irritants and improve your home’s air quality.

Keep Your HVAC System Maintained

Your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) System just seems to run itself. When you flip a switch or adjust the thermostat, the heat pump jumps into action and provides you with heated or cooled air on demand. In other words, you expect a lot from this essential home system.

Just like your car or truck, maintaining your HVAC system will help to protect this expensive piece of equipment – and might help to improve your home’s indoor air quality. So, change your system’s furnace and/or air conditioning filters regularly. In fact, during the peak heating and cooling months, change your filter every month. Stock up on filters so you can keep the preventive maintenance on track.

Use Adequate Ventilation Systems

When you cook up a batch of bacon, or fry some chicken for dinner, you don’t want to smell those leftover cooking fumes for hours. An above-the-stove range hood fan should vacuum up those smells and remove them from your kitchen. Next, quickly (and safely) dispose of the used bacon grease or cooking oil (but don’t wash it down the sink). Finally, wash or soak your frying pan and/or cooking pots so the smell of cooked food doesn’t linger in the house.

In the bathroom, install a powerful exhaust fan to remove unpleasant odors and unwelcome humidity. Ensure that the fan (and all ventilation systems) transport air to the outdoors – and not into your attic crawl space or gaps between ceiling joists. Note: If you aren’t comfortable installing the fan yourself, hire an experienced professional to complete the project.

Burn Real Firewood (not Synthetic Wood)

When you crank up your fireplace or wood stove, you look forward to soaking up the rustic ambience while you watch a show or enjoy a hot drink. Warming your toes would certainly be an added bonus.

Although you might be tempted to burn some super-convenient, low-debris pressed wood logs, make the decision to burn real firewood instead. By putting several nicely seasoned hardwood logs on the fire, you’ll avoid exposure to formaldehyde, a hazardous substance often found in synthetic wood products.

Stick to Low-VOC Interior Paints

If your remodeling plans include painting your home’s interior, plan to put low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints on your materials list. VOCs are harmful chemical substances emitted by varied gases and solids, including paints and lacquers. As you might expect, you should minimize your exposure to these nasty compounds, which have been linked to respiratory illnesses and memory problems.

To find low-VOC paints, browse the paint aisle in your local hardware and/or home improvement store. Chances are, you’ll see low-VOC products from several manufacturers. To make a better-informed buying decision, research your favorite brand’s paints before visiting the store.

Now that you have a plan to improve your Murphy, NC home’s indoor air quality, you’ve taken a step toward improving your family’s health. As an added bonus, you’ve also made your home a more pleasant place to live.

Cleaner air means a healthier home. Follow these tips to improve air quality in your Murphy, NC house—and when you’re ready to move, trust murphy nc realtors to guide you to a fresh new start.

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