Former Murphy Sherriff Joins The Poltrock Team

Let’s extend a warm welcome to one of our newest team members, Derrick Palmer! 🎉

Derrick has been part of our team for several weeks now, and it’s high time he gets his own spotlight on our page. Many of you might already know Derrick, but here’s a chance to get to know him even better:

Derrick Palmer is a lifelong resident of Cherokee County. He graduated from Murphy High School and attended Western Carolina University. With 28 years in law enforcement, including 8 years as the elected Sheriff, Derrick brings a wealth of experience to our team. He is also the pastor of Ranger Baptist Church and has previously served as a pastor in two other communities, giving him a unique perspective on Western North Carolina.

Derrick is married and has three grown children and two grandchildren. He enjoys outdoor activities such as hunting, camping, and college football. Derrick obtained his real estate license in 2022 and is excited to serve the citizens and visitors of the area in this new capacity.

Exploring the Serenity of Cherokee Lake: A Hidden Gem in Murphy, NC

 

Nestled amidst the breathtaking beauty of Murphy, North Carolina, lies Cherokee Lake, a tranquil haven that beckons adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and serenity seekers alike. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of city life, this pristine lake offers a serene escape surrounded by the majestic Appalachian Mountains. Let’s embark on a virtual journey to uncover the allure of Cherokee Lake and why it deserves a spot on your travel bucket list.

A Natural Oasis

Cherokee Lake, with its crystal-clear waters and lush greenery, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re an avid angler, kayaker, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of nature, this hidden gem has something to offer for everyone. The lake spans approximately 400 acres, providing ample space for various recreational activities while maintaining an intimate atmosphere that allows visitors to connect with nature.

Fishing Paradise

For fishing aficionados, Cherokee Lake is a dream destination. Stocked with an abundance of bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish, the lake offers excellent fishing opportunities year-round. Cast your line from the shore or venture out onto the water in a boat, and you’re bound to reel in a memorable catch. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a novice, the tranquil surroundings and plentiful fish make for an unforgettable fishing experience.

Water Recreation

Beyond fishing, Cherokee Lake invites visitors to indulge in a myriad of water-based activities. Kayaking and canoeing are popular choices, allowing adventurers to explore the lake at their own pace while immersing themselves in the serenity of the surroundings. The calm waters and stunning scenery create the perfect backdrop for a leisurely paddle or an adventurous expedition.

Scenic Beauty

One of the most captivating aspects of Cherokee Lake is its scenic beauty. Surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, the landscape offers a picturesque setting that seems straight out of a postcard. Whether you’re admiring the vibrant hues of fall foliage or basking in the warm glow of a summer sunset, every moment spent at Cherokee Lake is a feast for the senses.

Wildlife Watching

Nature enthusiasts will delight in the diverse array of wildlife that calls Cherokee Lake home. From majestic bald eagles soaring overhead to playful otters frolicking along the shoreline, the lake is teeming with animal life waiting to be discovered. Keep your camera ready, as you never know what fascinating creatures you might encounter during your visit.

Planning Your Visit

Cherokee Lake is conveniently located near Murphy, North Carolina, making it easily accessible for visitors from near and far. Whether you’re planning a day trip or an extended stay, there are plenty of accommodation options available in the area, ranging from cozy cabins to family-friendly campgrounds.

Before embarking on your adventure, be sure to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits for fishing or boating activities. Additionally, remember to respect the natural environment and leave no trace of your visit to ensure that Cherokee Lake remains a pristine paradise for generations to come.

Conclusion

In a world filled with hustle and bustle, Cherokee Lake offers a welcome respite—a tranquil oasis where time seems to stand still and worries fade away. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, peaceful relaxation, or simply a connection with nature, this hidden gem in Murphy, North Carolina, promises an unforgettable experience. So pack your bags, embark on a journey of discovery, and let the serene beauty of Cherokee Lake captivate your heart and soul.

Sold Show February 2024 – How’s the Market Doing?

 

Hey there, this is John Poltrock with the Poltrock team at Re/Max, your number one real estate team. And I’m excited to share with you that we are your number one team yet another year running. We were able to serve 233 families who trusted us with the sale of their property. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you for giving us business, sending us business, referring us. You are the heart and soul of our business, so thank you for that. And I want to share with you in this Sold Show what’s happening in the real estate market as a whole.

Before I jump into that, I would love your help. We need real estate agents or people that you think would make amazing real estate agents to join our team and help us best serve our clients. We’re growing and we definitely need help. So if you know someone or can think of someone, real estate agent now or not, that you think would make a great person to fit our team, please send them my way.

So be thinking of that. Now, let’s jump into real estate. What’s happening in there? How did 2023 go? What’s going to happen in 2024? It’s an election year. All these things are running in people’s heads and I’ve got all of our stats and figures and all the stuff that I nerd out on and I’ll put a lot of this in the link below if you’re one of our subscribers. If you’re not one of our subscribers, be sure to go to our website, ThePoltrockTeam.com and add yourself to this list that way you get all these great stats, all the sold properties and a lot more information than what you find on the internet with this video.

So, that being said, last year, 2023, finished out down in comparison with what it has in the past. 666 houses sold in the year That’s an odd number, but that’s what sold in the year. In 2022, 759 houses sold. And before that, and the record that has ever been set here was 812 houses sold in the year of 2021. That is staggering. We may not meet that number ever again. Who knows? But it has trended down just a little bit compared to what we saw in that hike and getting back to a normal, healthy market.

Now, what’s interesting is when I compare what happened as far as stats over those years, 2023 finished out really strong. You’ve got a total supply of three months of inventory. That means that we’re still in a seller’s market. Inventory is short compared to what it has been.  The average house price finished out at $314 ,079. That is little changed from the prior year, which was $311,380, which was a percent or less of difference. So prices are staying very, very stable compared to what we’ve seen.

Now what’s interesting is sellers are trying to ask for more. The average asking price this past year was $322,958, but the year prior was $304 ,900.  So, sellers are getting a little bit higher of a spread versus what they’re getting. And that shows up in the list to sale ratio. It’s come down a schmidgen, but not a lot. On average, our sellers are getting 97.19 % of what they’re asking for in their price. And last year, year, or the 2022 I should say, was just over almost 98%, not quite. So it hasn’t changed much. It’s holding very, very stable.

Now, what I thought was particularly interesting is I jumped in, I said, okay, that’s what last year did. What should we expect for 2024? You know, this is an election year. What’s gonna happen? So when I ran the numbers on exactly what happened for 2023, all the way through January 1st, or February 15th, right now, we are down 7.53 % in new listings, about 7.53 % in new listings. That means that people are not putting their houses on the market in the same volume that they did.

Pending sales are only down 7%. That’s almost a negligible amount at all. What’s interesting though is that actual closed sales, meaning the transaction happened, recorded at the courthouse, it’s done. That’s down almost 23%. That’s a pretty substantial number. Only 47 have closed in 2024 with 61 that would have closed in this same time frame in 2023.

Median sales price right now is sitting around $299,800 and closed volume is right at $15 million dollars down almost a similar number of 22.45%. Days on market is ticking up compared to what it had last year. We’re right now sitting on an average of 170 days on market so far this year compared with last year at 125, which has been normal and steady and pretty solid for years prior to that. So these are all these changes that we’re making, but what I’m wondering is, is how does that stack up compared to an election year?

Well, interestingly enough, I decided to pull back some of our archives going back to the volume of houses that have sold compared to an election year and the year prior. What I thought was fascinating and honestly didn’t expect is that on average, years go up an election year is 10.8% higher than what it was the year before. So typically speaking and looking forward, if we match history, we’re going to go up this year in terms of total volume. So do expect another good year. Don’t care what side of the political fence that you fall on, it’s just stats and numbers, my friend. That’s how it looks like it’s gonna be.

So that being said, there’s so much more I’d love to share with you. If you have questions about your property and how all of this relates to your specific house or property feel free to give me a call. Shoot me an email at johnpoltrock@gmail.com and we will absolutely be here to help you every step of the way when you get ready to sell your property or if you just like a market update and to know what specifically is happening for you.

Thank you. Thank you for everything you do for us. Please continue to recommend us, refer us. And again, if you’re a subscriber, I’ve got all kinds of goodies right below plus one of the worst floods that I’ve ever seen in my entire career in a house with a burst pipe that is a wild video to watch. So if you’re not a subscriber, be sure to jump on the PoltrockTeam.com request to get yourself at it and we’ll send that to you and know that we are always here for you. Thank you for choosing the Poltrock Team. Take care.

Celebrating Success: The Poltrock Team Wins 2023 Gold Award from Mountain Lakes Board of Realtors

In the competitive world of real estate, recognition is a testament to hard work, dedication, and excellence. We are thrilled to announce that The Poltrock Team has been honored with the prestigious Gold Award by the Mountain Lakes Board of Realtors for the year 2023. This accolade is particularly meaningful as only 13 out of 222 members received this esteemed recognition, placing us in the top 5% of all board members.

Achieving this milestone is a testament to the relentless commitment and unwavering determination of our team. Day in and day out, we strive to deliver exceptional service, exceed expectations, and achieve outstanding results for our clients. Winning the Gold Award based on the number of transactions is a reflection of our team’s exceptional performance and dedication to excellence in the real estate industry.

We are incredibly grateful for the trust and support of our clients, whose confidence in our abilities has propelled us to this remarkable achievement. Whether buying or selling a home, our clients’ satisfaction and success are always our top priorities. We are deeply thankful for the opportunity to serve our community and help individuals and families achieve their real estate goals.

As we reflect on this milestone, we are filled with gratitude for our hardworking team members, whose dedication, professionalism, and expertise are the driving force behind our success. Together, we have overcome challenges, embraced opportunities, and consistently delivered outstanding results for our clients.

Looking ahead, we are excited about the possibilities that the future holds. With our proven track record of success and unwavering commitment to excellence, we are confident that the year ahead will be filled with even more achievements and milestones. We cannot wait to continue serving our clients, forging new relationships, and making a positive impact in the real estate industry.

Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a home, we invite you to experience the difference of working with The Poltrock Team. Contact us today to learn how we can help you achieve your real estate goals and make your dreams a reality. Thank you for your continued support, and here’s to another great year ahead!

Is November a Good Month to Sell My House?

Introduction

November is a great time to sell your home in Murphy NC and Western North Carolina, but there are factors that could impact the closing process. If you have been thinking about selling your home in November, here’s what you need to consider before getting started.

Homebuyers In November

As a seller, you may think that November is a bad time to sell your house. After all, it can be a little chilly outside and the holidays are just around the corner. But could this actually be a good month to sell your home? The answer is yes! In fact, November can be one of the best months of the year for selling because buyers are more serious during this time. Not only that, many home sellers erroneously think they need to “wait till Spring” to sell. Because of this, they don’t put their home on the market and they miss out on a lower monthly inventory, meaning buyers have fewer homes to choose from. That gives sellers on the market in November a distinctive edge.

In addition to being more serious about buying their new homes, many people have already made up their minds by this point in the year about whether or not they want to make any changes in their lives that might include purchasing another property or moving into an entirely different area altogether. Therefore, if your house isn’t ready for sale yet or doesn’t look at its best currently (e.g., no paint job), then don’t worry too much about it because there will still be plenty of potential buyers looking despite these inconveniences!

Why November is a good time to sell your home

November is a great month for selling your house because it’s not too late and not too early. If you wait until the end of November, it will likely be too late to close on your house before the end of the year. If it is important to close before the end of the year for tax implications or other reasons, the earlier you call us to sell your house, the better. We can help you strategize on how to set you up for success and a sale.

If you’re wondering why it’s a great time to sell your house, take a look at the statistics below.

Challenges to Selling in November

While you should always be aware of the season or time of year to sell your home, there are some additional challenges that can arise in November. Here are a few things to keep in mind when selling in November:

  • You have to plan for inspections more carefully. Buyers view inspections as essential, and timing due diligence/inspection periods around them can be challenging. Inspectors and service providers are frequently out of town for holidays, hunting, and other things. It’s definitely doable to make it all happen in time, it just has to be planned better.
  • The holiday season is the time of year when homeowners have the most on their plates—and it can often make planning a move more challenging. Family events, holidays, and more make it tougher, logistically, to make it all come together. The good news is that is doable as well. We have a great network of service providers, including movers, to make it flow smoothly for you.
  • North Carolina is an attorney state and we need them to close real estate! They’re human just like anyone and want to be able to enjoy the holidays with their family. As a result, they often close their offices around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year. That creates bottlenecks around closing dates. This can easily be worked around with proper planning, which our closing coordinator helps accomplish.

 

Conclusion

If you are thinking of selling your house, it’s important to know that November is a great month to get the ball rolling. Earlier in the month is definitely better so we can properly plan and execute your move and closing. The old adage of “wait till Spring” is frequently not the best strategy as you can see in the stat chart below.

Ready to strategize when the best time is for you to sell and get your house on the market? Give The Poltrock Team at REMAX a call today and we’ll help guide you through the process. 1-866-687-7496 or 828-837-6400.

12 Memorable Holiday Gifts for Your Favorite Homeowners

As the holiday season gets into full swing, you’re probably hearing “The Twelve Days of Christmas” everywhere you go. Whether in your car, in the stores, or on your favorite holiday music channel, you can’t get this classic holiday song out of your head. Besides hearing the catchy tune, it’s fun to visualize the parade of unusual gifts that someone might find on their doorstep.

During this holiday season, set aside your carefully curated gift list. Instead, consider these 12 home-oriented gifts that will add warmth and style to your favorite homeowners’ abodes. Whether they own a cozy little Murphy, NC home, or a slice of real estate on the beach, these gifts will be right at home.

 

Continue reading “12 Memorable Holiday Gifts for Your Favorite Homeowners”

Agency’s Dedication to Customer Service Leads to a Smooth Murphy, NC Home Sale

After owning our Murphy, North Carolina home for some time, we decided to put the property on the market. We began to look for a realtor with a track record of getting results.

We found out about The Poltrock Team by receiving one of their refrigerator magnets in the mail. Based on their knowledge of the local market, and their high number of sales, we asked this market-leading real estate agency to sell our home.

After we completed the listing paperwork, The Poltrock Team’s Listing Coordinator arranged for professional real estate photography for our home. Next, she placed our home on the MLS. Our real estate agent brought us a buyer, and we proceeded to a timely closing.

Overall, we had a very good real estate experience. The Poltrock Team is very professional, and they are also very knowledgeable about pricing. They provided good advice on pricing our home for sale. And, they are dedicated to great customer service.

We would give The Poltrock Team a “10” for their outstanding real estate client service. We would absolutely work with them again.

Craig and Debbie Horton

Vidalia, GA