Internet Services Providers Available In Murphy NC and Cherokee County NC

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Internet Services can be a huge consideration when buying a home no matter where you’re looking to purchase. When you’re shopping online for real estate, determining what internet speed is available is nearly impossible. When working from home is crucial, homeschooling is common, and simply wanting to watch a movie to relax is important, knowing what internet is available is vital.

Several companies have reached out to us wanting us to add their maps of internet coverage to our website. After we dug into them, we realized they had major flaws in being able to provide what properties have what type of internet. Because of that, we didn’t use them and decided to post this to give you insight as to what to expect.

Here are the types available here in Murphy NC:

  • Fiber Optic Internet – Provided by Blue Ridge Mountain Electric Membership Corp., this is the fastest option with no data caps. The base package is around $40 per month and download speeds tend to be 15-40 Mbps. Other packages are available. Finding homes with Fiber Optic is a gem – they are not common because our area is spread out and the cost of building the infrastructure is high. Thanks to a federal grant many years ago, the system was built out and is much larger than it once was. If you find a home with fiber optic, this is a huge plus.

 

  • SkyTek Internet (now River Street) – this is a local company that offers point-to-point internet and is largely found in homes that are higher up in elevation with views or unobstructed views to their repeaters. It works through Blue Ridge’s Fiber Internet Service and covers folks who don’t have fiber directly available at their home. It also has no data caps and plans start around $40 per month as well but are slower speeds than fiber. They do have higher-level packages that come close to the speeds of fiber and can be around $70 per month. This is what I personally have at my home and have been very satisfied with their service. The customer service is great, the owners are very good, hard-working folks, and I love that we support a local business in the process. They can do a site visit to any property and tell you whether service is available.

 

  • Cable Internet – Provided by Murphy Cable, they offer TV services and internet with no data caps. They have excellent speeds in our experience and do a good job. Their region is largely confined to being close to town so properties that are far out are unlikely to have this option available. They’re cost-effective and speeds are quite fast. Their speeds can vary widely based on distance from their stations so you are best to contact them IF cable TV is available at the property to see what you can expect from their services. 

 

  • DSL – Provided by Frontier Communications and/or AT&T depending on where you are in Cherokee County, DSL generally offers 3 MBPS download and up to 512 KBPS upload speed with no data caps. It can stream YouTube and other services but does tend to buffer especially in times of high usage. It is important to note they are out of ports in many parts of the county so if you buy a property that has active DSL services you want to continue that same service, be sure to have the seller set up for a transfer of the port rather than canceling service. If you don’t, you may find there isn’t a port available.

 

  • Satellite Internet – this is usually available in areas where none of the above options are. The two main companies we see folks use are Hughesnet and Viasat. We’ve heard the best feedback on Viasat from our clients. Most of their packages have caps on data usage and different plans are available based on your needs. Check out their website by clicking the name for more details.

Have a specific property in mind and need to know what it has available? Do you require a certain type of internet? Give us a call at 1-866-687-7496 and we can help you find out what there is so you can find the perfect home! Search all available properties online here!

Please note all information provided herein is based on personal experience, speed tests, customer feedback, and more. All info is subject to change, package pricing changes, location differences, and more. If the Internet is very important to you, we highly recommend you independently verify it will suit your needs prior to purchasing a home.

5 Tips for Planning a Fall & Winter Vegetable Garden in Murphy, NC

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Growing vegetables in our Murphy, North Carolina mountains is always an adventure. You’ll encounter wild weather swings, alternating drought and monsoon conditions, and ravenous deer who munch their way through your carefully cultivated garden.

But sometimes, it all comes together and you get an impressive summer harvest of tomatoes, peppers, squash, and lots more tasty vegetables. While you’re basking in the moment, however, note that the fall and winter gardening season is right on the doorstep. With some initial preparation, and careful timing of your plantings, you can enjoy fresh vegetables right up until springtime. Continue reading “5 Tips for Planning a Fall & Winter Vegetable Garden in Murphy, NC” →

5 Reasons You Should Insist on Professional Real Estate Photography

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When you decide to sell your Murphy, NC mountain home, you make every effort to attract potential buyers. Before listing the property, you give your walls a new coat of paint, complete unfinished projects, and de-clutter your rooms and closets for a more favorable impression. After your hard work, your home is all dressed up and ready to be photographed and listed for sale on a multiple listing site in 2019 – and maybe on Facebook as well.

Because photography has become such a valuable real estate marketing tool, and you want your home to receive the best possible presentation, contact a realtor who takes time to include professional photography in their marketing program. More than half of the real estate industry’s agents adhere to this philosophy. Here, we’ll share five common-sense reasons behind this approach.

Better Marketing Strategy
When an agent makes the investment in professional photography services, they show that they’re committed to adequately marketing their sellers’ properties. As with other products and services, a well-coordinated marketing program begins with a striking visual presentation that showcases the home’s strongest features.

For example, let’s say your home’s stunning mountain view is a major selling point. When a talented professional photographs the property using top-notch equipment and expert technical skill, they’ll capture the mountains’ palette of colors and textures – and that’s what will grab buyers’ interest.

Higher Visual Appeal
Generally speaking, a home buyer wants to visualize themselves living in a striking, well-coordinated home that reflects their personal style and is pleasing to their eye. A skilled real estate photographer takes time to zero in on your home’s finest features, carefully making them stand out with top-notch camera equipment and innovative techniques.

The photographer will work to highlight desirable elements such as spacious rooms, textural and lighting effects, and jaw-dropping mountain views. When your home puts its best foot forward, those professionally sourced photos make the property more appealing to potential buyers. Then, the stage is set for people to request new information or (even better) contact the agent for a showing appointment.

Increased Buyer Interest
In 2019, selling your Murphy, North Carolina mountain home really is a numbers game. You want the maximum number of people to experience your listed property online, which increases the pool of potential buyers who will respond positively to your home.

Professional real estate photography provides you with a definite edge in this competitive market. In fact, studies have demonstrated that listings that include professional photography receive 60% to 100% more clicks than comparable homes with amateur photography.

Faster Property Sale
Once you decide to list your mountain home for sale, you want to quickly find a buyer and bring the process to a swift conclusion before moving on to the next chapter in your life. When home buyers view relevant properties online, professionally photographed homes typically receive a larger number of views than similar homes with point-and-click photography.

As you might expect, a bigger group of potential buyers can increase your odds of a faster property sale. In fact, studies have shown that professional real estate photography can help a listing to go under contract approximately 50% faster than similar homes with agent-generated pictures.

Higher Selling Price
Naturally, you’d like to realize the highest possible profit on the sale of your mountain cabin. Not surprisingly, listings featuring professional photography tend to sell for higher market prices than comparable properties that include amateur photos.

In 2010, Redfin, a Seattle-based residential real estate brokerage, analyzed MLS systems throughout the United States. After the study wrapped up, Redfin concluded that professionally photographed properties sell for higher prices than similar homes with point-and-click photos. The study emphasized that this trend holds true whether the property has a low-end, mid-range, or higher asking price.

Subpar Photography Risks
But what happens if you choose an agent who uses the “do it yourself” approach to real estate photography? The answer is simple: If your property photos are taken with a point-and-click camera, the pictures won’t show your home in the best possible light. Without superb camera equipment and professional skill, your home’s expansive rooms will appear cramped and will lack interesting visual elements. Your incredible mountain views will lack textural detail, and your home’s striking architecture won’t have as much impact.

So, to market your Murphy, North Carolina home’s positive points, and increase your chances of a faster sale at a good price, insist on a realtor who uses a professional photographer. By choosing The Poltrock Team, your home will be showcased with top-notch photography, and you’ll also benefit from high-caliber professional advice. Best of all, your home will receive a second-to-none marketing program that sets you up for great results.

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” →

How to Winterize your Home

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If you leave your home in Murphy NC during the winter when the temperatures dip below freezing,  it is a wise precaution to winterize your vacant home to prevent damage. This article will guide you when you are ready to get the water operational, it is quite easy to get it going. Follow these simples steps:

  1. If you drained your water heater, DO NOT TURN POWER ON to it just yet. If you do, you’ll likely burn out your elements.
  2. Turn your faucets on with both the hot and cold water running.
  3. Turn the main water line valve to your house back to the “On” position. This will allow water to flow into your home’s plumbing.
  4. You’ll hear a bunch of sputtering, spitting, and crazy noises as the air escapes the pipes. This is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about.
  5. Let this go on till you no longer hear the sputtering of the air in the pipes and it sounds like normal, running water.
  6. Turn off all your faucets.
  7. If you drained your water heater, go to a faucet and turn the HOT water back on and allow it to run till you are certain there’s no air left. Once you are, turn power back on to your water heater. This is typically done by flipping the breaker in your power panel and/or by plugging in the pull switch above the water heater.
  8. Go through and flush your commodes and you’re good to go! To be double safe, turn off all faucets and listed for any running water to ensure you don’t have a leak. If you do, turn off your water main and call a plumber. Feel free to use our Gotta Guy List for recommended plumbers if you do not have one you prefer.

 

For more information look at our articles on winterizing your home .

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” →

Going from Stink To Sold – Make it Smell Good to Sell Your House

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Selling a house in Murphy, North Carolina, or any area for that matter, is really hard when it stinks. Both literally and figuratively! If a buyer’s nose is negatively assaulted by a strong smell when they arrive in a house, they’ll often leave with a bad impression no matter how perfect everything else is. I’ve literally shown houses where the buyer took two steps inside, then turned around and left over stench.

There are all kinds of offensive odors which stand out in buyer’s minds. Something you may have become completely desensitized to will stick out like a red flag and cause buyer not to purchase your
house. Common foul odors are:

  • Pets
  • Smoke
  • Staleness and must, especially when caused by excessive moisture
  • Mold or mildew
  • Trash
  • Sewer or septic odor

Some smells can be particularly challenging to destroy, and for those, we have vendors who can take care of the worst of the worst. However there are easy things you can do to make a world of difference and ultimately contribute to hanging a SOLD sign in your yard.

Febreeze works miracles! This is one of our top secrets to make your home smell fresh and inviting to a buyer. Don’t get any “fancy” sprays or scents that particularly stand out (many folks think you’re trying to hide something if its too strong), but rather the original Febreeze seems to work the best. It doesn’t particularly standout nor is it overpowering. It makes for a fresh, clean house worthy of buying. I would encourage you not to use anything that smells stronger than Fresh Baked Cookies.

Get rid of the perpetrator! If you have a pet bed Fido has been using for the last 15 years, it may be time to go shopping for a new one. If you have covers on sofas, curtains, soiled rugs or carpeting, or any other fabric needing to be washed, now is the time! Then, maintain it with Febreeze.

As part of our service to you, we won’t sugarcoat smells! If something stands out to us, we will tell you so you can identify and take action. The nose is a sympathetic organ and can omit alerting you to a smell, especially if it has been around a while. Don’t take offense! Rather, as constructive feedback. Our goal is selling your house for the most money in the shortest period of time, and bad smells can definitely cause the opposite if you’re unaware of an issue.

Please give us a call or contact us here and let us help stage your house so you can get the best results and ultimately get your real estate sold!

John Poltrock – The Poltrock Team at RE/MAX – Murphy NC – www.iLoveMurphy.com – 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496 – Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team

Cherokee County Medical Facilities: Eyes, Ears/Nose/Throat, and Orthopedics

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OPHTHALMOLOGISTS/OPTOMETRISTS (OD)
If you suddenly have trouble reading the small print on the cereal package, or your computer screen looks a bit blurry, it might be time for an eye exam. You may even have a standing appointment for a yearly vision test. In Murphy, NC, two different types of medical professionals provide eye care services.

OPHTHALMOLOGISTS
Ophthalmologists are highly trained physicians who specialize in medical and surgical eye care. They provide treatment for conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, physical trauma, and chemical burns. In addition, an ophthalmologist diagnoses and treats eye conditions that relate to other diseases, such as diabetes. When this medical specialist conducts an eye exam, he’s literally viewing your eyes through a medical lens.

Ophthalmologist
Dr. Daniel Eichenbaum, 1321 US Highway 64 West in Murphy. Call for an appointment: 828-837-5404.

OPTOMETRISTS (OD)
Each dedicated optometrist has earned a Doctor of Optometry Degree, and some practitioners have completed additional clinical training. Optometrists focus on standard vision care, performing eye exams and identifying conditions such as farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. They can also diagnose glaucoma, cataracts, and conjunctivitis. Optometrists prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses, and also provide vision therapy services.

Optometrists
Peachtree & Andrews Family Eye Care
Dr. Jeff Taylor, OD and Dr. Lynn Taylor, OD
Peachtree Location: 4295 E. US Highway 64 Alternate, Murphy, NC (828) 837-1000
Andrews Location: 29 Chestnut Street, Andrews, NC (828) 321-2020
Office Hours for Both Locations: Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to Noon.

Dr. Keith Clay, OD
137 Peachtree St # 3 in Murphy. Call for an appointment: (828) 837-2014.

Dr. Holly Gutierrez, OD
Vision Center, Inside Walmart, 2330 Highway 19 in Murphy. Call for an appointment: (828) 835-3177.

OTOLARYNGOLOGISTS (Ear, Nose, and Throat Physicians )
If you’ve ever had a really stubborn earache, or maybe some persistent sinus symptoms, your family doctor might recommend that you see an ENT (or Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist (also called an otolaryngologist). These specially trained physicians treat patients who have diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, and throat, and related head and neck structures.

Otolaryngologist
Dr. Richard Weisenburger, Peachtree ENT & Facial Plastics
145 Medical Park Lane, Suite J in Murphy. Call for an appointment: (828) 837-3223.

ORTHOPEDIC PHYSICIANS (or Orthopedic Surgeons)
If you (or your child) breaks an arm or leg, suffers from nagging back pain, or experiences a nasty sports injury, an orthopedic physician (or orthopedic surgeon) will likely diagnose your problem and provide targeted treatment. These skilled physicians care for your musculoskeletal system, consisting of bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, and skin. Besides surgery, treatment techniques might include medication and/or a rehabilitation program.

Orthopedic Physician
Dr. Brent Davis, 75 Medical Park Lane, Suite B in Murphy. Call for an appointment: (828) 837-9181.

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

Cherokee County Medical Facilities: Obstetricians/Gynecologists, Pregnancy Services Providers, and Pediatricians

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OBSTETRICIANS/GYNECOLOGISTS
Obstetricians/gynecologists are like two sides of the same coin. If you’re currently a mother, or will be playing that role sometime soon, you know your obstetrician will become your best buddy during your pregnancy. She’ll keep close tabs on your health during those important nine months, deliver your baby, and provide care just after the baby is born.

In contrast, a gynecologist (or GYN) provides reproductive health care throughout your lifetime. Whether you’re a teenaged girl, a woman of childbearing age, or a lady who has entered (or completed) menopause, you’ll benefit from regularly visiting your gynecologist. During those appointments, she’ll provide routine screenings and diagnose and treat infections. In some cases, she might perform surgery to address a specific problem. A trained obstetrician/gynecologist switches effortlessly between both roles. Here in Murphy, NC, two types of medical professionals can provide you with good reproductive health support.

Murphy Group Practice: Obstetrics & Gynecology
Dr. Larry Holder and Dr. Pushpa Phillips, supported by dedicated nursing and operating room staff, provide the full range of obstetrics/gynecology services in Cherokee County. They’ll conduct your annual screenings, perform targeted procedures, support you through pregnancy and delivery, or help make your menopausal years smoother. Location: 75 Medical Park Lane, Suite D in Murphy. Hours: Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. to Noon. Call for an appointment: (828) 837-1332.

Pregnancy Services Providers
The Cherokee County Health Department ensures that expectant mothers have access to numerous pregnancy care services. Two nurse practitioners serve as care managers, handling prenatal care appointments and referrals, and counseling patients about healthy habits during pregnancy. Information on Medicaid childbirth classes is also readily available. Location: 228 Hilton Street in Murphy. Call for an appointment: 828-837-7486.

PEDIATRICIANS
Your child’s pediatrician can give your child a healthy start, and provide health-related guidance until he (or she) reaches age 21. Besides conducting regular physical exams and administering recommended immunizations, the pediatrician will diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries. She’ll also provide you with child nutrition and safety guidelines, and ensure that your child meets appropriate developmental milestones. If your child needs specialized care, your pediatrician will closely collaborate with a recognized medical expert.

Peachtree Pediatrics
At this established pediatrics practice, your child or adolescent will receive professional care from board-certified pediatricians and nurse practitioners. Location: 125 Medical Park Lane, Suite F, Murphy, NC. Hours: Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. After-Hours Clinic most days from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday Urgent Walk-In Clinic opens at 9:30 a.m., and all patients must be signed in by 10:00 a.m. Note: The Saturday Clinic does not operate during June, July and August. Call for an appointment: (828) 837-2128.

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

Murphy Massage Therapists Help to Relax Your Body and Mind

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Let’s face it. We’ve all overdone it with the yard work, or completely overextended ourselves at the gym. Or, maybe your job has been a real pressure cooker lately. Whatever the reason, there’s nothing like a nice professional massage to relax your muscles and banish that stress from your life. Fortunately, even in a small town like Murphy, NC, we have several skilled massage therapists who can help their clients get an important physical and mental boost.

Soul Therapy Massage & Bodywork
First, book some time with licensed massage therapist Renee Lamance of Soul Therapy Massage & Bodywork, who can provide you with a delightful customized massage session. Renee’s studio is located inside Avalon Salon on Biddie Lane in Murphy, and it’s the calmest, most welcoming place you can imagine. She also works in private-practice therapists’ offices. Depending on her client’s needs, Renee applies deep tissue massage, hot stone therapy, reflexology, Reiki, Thai massage, and more. She also delivers a top-notch chair massage, great for clients who just can’t squeeze in a trip to the studio.

Carolina Orthopedic Massage
For a decidedly different twist on massage therapy, visit Carolina Orthopedic Massage, conveniently located at 429 Hill Street just past downtown Murphy. This dual-focus business is operated by Jay and April Gibson, who each practice a different type of massage. Jay focuses on orthopedic massage, designed to correct your body’s dysfunctions so your joints can move more freely. In turn, your body becomes better able to function like it’s supposed to. In contrast, April enjoys giving her clients a relaxing deep-tissue massage, with each session focused on the client’s specific needs. Both massage modalities can contribute to a better healing process. If you have specific medical concerns, however, check in with your doctor first.

Murphy Massage
On the other hand, maybe you’d like to choose your own massage therapy location. If that’s the case, contact Murphy Massage, operated by Roy and Linda Bamfield. This husband and wife massage therapy team operates a private studio near Cherokee Hills Golf Course, just outside Murphy, NC. Or, take them up on their “have massage table/chair, will travel” offer, and book an appointment at your home or business.

Roy specializes in cranio-sacral therapy, neuromuscular therapy, and sports massage. Linda’s Registered Nurse background provides an ideal foundation for her massage therapy work. She offers deep tissue massage, cranio-sacral therapy, reflexology, Swedish massage, and medical massage. Finally, believe it or not, Roy and Linda are also experienced in animal massage. They happily work on dogs, cats, and horses – and these four-footed friends get many of the same benefits humans enjoy. And after all, they’re worth it, right?