John Poltrock at REMAX in Murphy NC is Now Short Sale and Foreclosure Certified!

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John Poltrock at REMAX Mountain Properties in Murphy, North Carolina is now short sale and foreclosure certified! He has completed his SFR designation, which is sponsored by the National Association of Realtors and specifically designed to help those who are facing foreclosure or needing to sell their home in a short sale.

Not only that, it’s important for both buyers and sellers! In the complex world of buying foreclosures or short sales, there are certain steps and information required to ensure the closing goes smoothly and happens as quickly as possible. Without the proper knowledge, a short sale can easily task 120 days to close! We have the experience to Short Sale and Foreclosure Logo - The Poltrock Team in Murphy NC - Your expert!

  • Negotiate with lenders – both primary and secondary mortgage lien holders
  • Direct sellers to the proper finance, tax, and legal professionals.
  • Develop a short sale package for sellers giving them the greatest likelihood of being approved
  • Limit your risk! Both buyers and sellers have some risk, and we know what to minimize it!

Arming yourself with The Poltrock Team’s knowledge, expertise, and education ensures your short sale or foreclosure transaction in Murphy NC goes as smoothly as possible. If you’re looking for the best, call The Poltrock Team at RE/MAX TODAY!

The Poltrock Team – Call us Toll Free 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496 – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com – www.MyMurphy.com

The Murphy NC Real Estate Market Update – November 2009 Sales are In!

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Every two weeks, we email our sellers and those subscribed to our Bi-Weekly Sold Real Estate Update. Here’s this month’s edition! To get the most out of this update, subscribe to it! Email me at JohnPoltrock@gmail.com with your name, email address, and anything else you’d like to share. We’ll take care of the rest! Enjoy!

christmas tree and fireplace in murphy ncMerry Christmas! With the holiday season in full effect, real estate buyer activity in Murphy NC is beginning to to take its seasonal curb in the mountains. We still have folks here who are coming up later in the month, but more often than not, we’re finding they are looking to find Christmas presents for family members rather than shopping for homes and land. Personally, I think a good piece of real estate would be a heck of a Christmas present! 😉 Once we get past New Year’s, we’ll see buyers beginning to come in. Fear not – all is not lost! The buyers who come in the next several months are not as many in numbers, but for whatever reason are more qualified and ready to buy. Those are great buyers!

Now that November sales are in, we’re able to find out what the real estate market did last month and really get a good feel for things. Here we go:

Home sales for November reached 20 closed transactions in Cherokee County – which is quite an improvement over last year’s 4th Quarter average of 17 sales in a month. In fact, last November’s sales reached as low as only 10 transactions on homes.

Another impressive fact is that land sales last month hit 17 transactions – which is much better than the 13 transactions the market was averaging for land in 2008. Thats very close to the high side of what sold in a month for 2008 – and it’s November! We continue to expect great things from land because there are some outstanding opportunities for buyers out there and they are beginning to realize it.

Inventory is one of the largest obstacles we face in today’s real estate market. The more homes there are on the market, the more chances a buyer has of finding a similar property and buying it. The lower the inventory, the better your chances of selling. In the past month, we have seen the inventory of homes decrease 3.8% (which is a GOOD thing!) and decrease 7.6% from last year. Inventory is coming off the market – nice!

You must be a subscriber of The POLTROCK TEAM’s
Bi-Weekly Real Estate Update to get the Link to
the sold properties for the month of November.
See sold prices, pictures, and descriptions of what’s sold!
Email John at JohnPoltrock@gmail.com and join our SOLD Update!

 

With all this said, this is the last time you’ll get a SOLD Real Estate Update from us until December’s sales are in, so it should be the first of January. Until then, we wish you a

Merry Christmas!!

Written By: John Poltrock, Certified Residential Specialist – www.MyMurphy.com – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com – The POLTROCK TEAM at REMAX Mountain Properties – Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team – Contact us Today Toll Free 1-866-687-7496

 

Winter – the Best Time to Sell Real Estate in Murphy NC

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“I’ll wait till the Spring to sell my property, then I’ll do it.” I hear this rather frequently. It’s as though the spring season sells real estate itself.

Mountain Cabin House in SnowThe upcoming winter wonder land will do a lot for us – it will bring about three of my personal favorite holidays. It will unite family members who haven’t seen each other in far too long. It’ll bring warm cups of marshmallow embedded cocoa around warm, crackling fireplaces. Yes, winter brings people together in ways no other season can. It also sells real estate.

Contrary to an incorrect popular belief, real estate sells well in Murphy, North Carolina in the middle of winter. Why or how you might ask? First my experience then facts.

I’ll let you in on a privy secret. Yes, buyer volume decreases slightly in winter. However, the buyer quality skyrockets. Buyers become more willing and dedicated to finding the home or land they want to purchase. Although I can’t explain it, it is certainly true. The best I can think of it is if someone travels all the way to Murphy to look at real estate while it’s cold outside, they certainly want to find their parcel. Not only that, the cat is out of the bag. Winter is one of the best times to buy. You can see the way land lays, the neighbors and surrounding land, and even the potential views the property has. Winter truly reveals more about the property than Spring or Summer could even dream of.

Now for the facts. The first quarter of 2008 produced outstanding results. In fact 19 homes and 20 parcels of land sold per month – that’s 39 properties sold each and every month, in the dead of winter! When an average of 1.3 properties are selling per day, that’s really good by pessimist’s standards. 39 property owners went against popular belief and fully succeeded in selling their property – why would you want to miss that opportunity?

Couple 1.3 sales per day with the reality that winter is when folks coming in Spring begin their research. They begin compiling the list of homes and land for sale they want to see in person when they get here. I’ve had buyers watch a house for months eagerly awaiting to see it! If your property is actively advertised during that time, you get the exposure to those “Springers” you would otherwise miss.

Truth is, now is an extraordinary time to list and sell your property. If you want to find out what your property’s value is in today’s market, call The POLTROCK TEAM or your Realtor today. While those who believe winter is a bad time, you can capitalize on their popular belief. While they’re missing a huge opportunity, you can seize the moment.

Want to Sell Your Home or Land in Murphy NC or Cherokee County NC? CONTACT The POLTROCK TEAM Today!

Written by John Poltrock, The POLTROCK TEAM at RE/MAX Mountain Properties. He can be reached at toll free 1-866-687-7496 – www.MyMurphy.com – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com

The Poltrock Team’s NEW Murphy NC Area and Real Estate Information Packet NOW Released!

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If you would like to request your FREE copy of our exclusive Buyer’s Packet, call us or email JohnPoltrock@gmail.com to get your copy today!

Request your FREE copy today!
Request your FREE copy today!

When buying real estate in the Mountains of Murphy, North Carolina, there are tons of things to take in to consideration and questions you may have- especially if you’re not very familiar with the area.

We’ve worked to put the information about Murphy, NC together in one place for you – our Exclusive Buyer’s Packet. Now, Version 2.0 is officially released today!

Here’s what you can expect to find in the new version:

  • A map of where Murphy, NC is
  • Weather and climate information on temperatures, rainfall, snow, and much more
  • Profile of Cherokee County
  • Area information
  • Types of Homes for sale here in Murphy NC
  • Golfing
  • Boating and Fishing
  • Camping and Hiking
  • ATVing
  • Horseback Riding
  • Income producing Cabin Rentals
  • Places to Go
  • Other activities and things to do
  • Area Hospitals and Health Care
  • Why REMAX and The Poltrock Team?

If you would like to request your FREE copy of our exclusive Buyer’s Packet, call us or email JohnPoltrock@gmail.com to get your copy today!

Search our inventory of homes and land for sale in the mountains of Murphy NC today on our website FREE with no sign-up required!

John Poltrock, Certified Residential Specialist – REMAX Mountain Properties – www.MyMurphy.com – Call us Toll-Free 1-866-687-7496

“Murphy NC Real Estate is Better Becaause of You!”

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“Friendly, fast and efficient“.  Those are the first words that came to mind when describing the experience David and Stella Rusaw received from Murphy NC real estate‘s Poltrock Team.  “John did a great job in the hard (economic) times we are facing currently.  He was able to locate a buyer for our home and are very happy to have it sold.”

The quick sale generated by my ongoing marketing, both online and offline, and knowledge of the Murphy, NC real estate area allowed us to receive this great review from one of our many sellers.  David and Stella also gave us a 10 out of 10 rating on the level of service we provided him with and that he would undoubtedly work with us again.  Thank you, David and Stella for your kind words!

David and Stella Rusaw, Murphy NC Real Estate Sellers

The Importance of a Home Inspection in Murphy NC Real Estate

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When you’re getting a home inspection on a home you’re buying in Murphy, NC, it simply makes “good sense.” In fact, I commonly equate it to buying a Carfax Report when you’re purchasing a car – you hope you’re throwing your money away, but if there’s something that pops up, you’ll be glad you did it.

Home inspectors commonly go through a home and check a variety of items. A few of the items they check on while going through your future home can be: appliances, electrical outlets, light fixtures, heating and air conditioning systems, possibly the water, radon, commodes, water heater, and much more.

Base cost for most home inspections is $350 and can go up from there based on the size of the home and a few a la carte tests that can be done. Once the inspection is completed, you get a thick report with many pictures showing issues, concerns, and maintenance items. This report allows you to request repairs, if needed, on the home you’re buying.

One important thing for real estate buyers and sellers to remember is that home inspectors almost always find something that needs repair. In fact, if you think about it, if someone paid you $350 to check out a house, you would feel a bit obligated to find something. If there’s small nit-picky items on the inspection, in many cases you don’t need to worry about it. The key is you’re looking for major issues of concern that need to be repaired.

Need a home inspector? Go to our Murphy NC “Gotta Guy” List for Recommended Contractors today! You can find several choices on folks who do good work. The next time you’re buying a home, be certain to get a home inspection – even if your house is brand-spankin’ new. Sometimes, those check out worse than resales because sub contractors forgot to do something, something was overlooked, or a shortcut was taken.

Enjoy your new home!

John Poltrock – The POLTROCK TEAM with RE/MAX Mountain Properties – www.MyMurphy.com – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call us toll free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496

Understanding the 2009 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit in Murphy NC

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Why is the Government doing this?

            It is a pretty simple concept to understand.  If the Government can pass legislation that grants a tax credit to first time home buyers…it just might stimulate people to buy houses! When people start buying houses it starts a trickle effect on the economy and in the end helps everyone! 

Who is a First-Time home buyer?

            To be deemed as a First-time home buyer the purchaser or his/her spouse may NOT have owned a home during the passed 3 years from the date of purchase of your new home. 

           

How is eligible for the Tax Credit?

            If you are a first time home buyer that purchases a home between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009.

Are all properties eligible?

            NOL This is for primary residences only. This includes single-family homes (example stick built or manufactured), condos, town homes and co-ops.

How much is the Tax Credit?

          The maximum Tax Credit is $8,000. There are 2 factors that determine the amount First-Time Home buyers will get.  

  • 1) The purchase price of your home. The Tax Credit is 10% of the purchase price of the home, up to $8,000.
  • 2) Buyers Income- Single men and women with income up to $75,000 and married couples up to $150,000 can qualify for the maximum tax credit of $8,000.

What if we make to much money?

          If you are single and make between $75,000 and $95,000 or married and make between $150,000 and $170,000 your tax credit decreases but you still may qualify for a reduced tax credit.  If you make over the amounts stated you do not qualify for any credit.

Do I have to pay back the Tax Credit? 

No!!! J As long as you occupy the home or at least 3 years you do not have to pay it back.  However, if you sell with-in the first 3 years the credit will be recouped on the sale of the home.  

Since laws change every 27 seconds it seems like, if you are interested in the First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit, please call us or contact your local Certified Public Accountant to see how this affects your personal situation. Visit our Murphy NC list of local Recommended Certified Public Accountants.

 

-Written by Jessica Poltrock of The POLTROCK TEAM – Call us toll free at 1-866-687-7496 today!

Information on Drilling A Well in Murphy and Cherokee County, NC

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How much does a well cost? Who can I use to drill my well? Should I buy land without a well? How deep will I have to go to get water? What’s the chance I won’t get water? What happens if it goes dry? What kind of minerals are there going to be in my water? Will my water be good?

These are all questions I hear regularly when my clients and customers are looking buy real estate in Murphy, North Carolina. The truth is, these are all very pertinent questions that every buyer and investor should ask. The mountains make “hitting” water much different than flat land. The real advantage here in Cherokee County is that we have some of the purest, best tasting water come straight from a well and to your tap.

When it comes to wells, here’s a good summation – there are no guarantees. There’s good news though – experienced well drilling companies are a tremendous, and quite reliable, resource that can give you answers to your questions depending on the area you find your property. We frequently use and recommend Cherokee Well Drilling due to their extensive knowledge and many, many, many wells they have drilled.

Certain areas are prone to mineral deposits that can show up in your water supply. On the same note, certain areas are notorious for having deep and/or low yield wells. For example, parts of Hanging Dog, Wolf Mountain, Indian Rock Springs, and a few others are notorious for having deep and low yield wells. These really aren’t the norm but illustrate how you can ask to make sure the piece of real estate you choose is in a “safe” location.

Here’s the answers to many of those common questions. Yes – you can buy land without a well. People do it every day and end up just fine. Many swear they have the best water in the country. The answer to the rest of the questions? Ask your local well source, look at the neighbor’s well, and find out the history. The beauty of well water is that it is clean, pure, and reliable source of water. I, too, have a well I use every day and love it! You can also send your water to the state for a nominal $25 fee and find out the mineral content and whether there is any contamination from bacteria for only $10 more.

To sum it up, wells are a great source of water. Just ask a professional when you find the land you love and you won’t have to worry about sleepless, or thirsty, nights.

John Poltrock – The POLTROCK TEAM at REMAX Mountain Properties – Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team – www.MyMurphy.com – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call Today Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496

Septic Permits Bog Down Buyers in Murphy – But Do They Really?

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Obtaining septic permits in Cherokee County has become an issue shrouded in controversy and political pitfalls. I’ve found many of my buyers have been very disgruntled in the fact it takes an average of 6-8 months to get a standard permit. Hold it! Clear your head and use it to your advantage!

One of the most important things to understand is what got us to this point in the first place. This is a very small nutshell of what all has been occurring behind the scenes. We have lost several soil scientists to counties offering to pay them more and provides more benefits. To offset the losses, several younger scientists were hired, but they must train under a veteran in order to eventually work on their own. Coupled with many political issues, the problem snowballed into more than 600 outstanding permits and an average of 6 months wait time.

Now how can you turn this dilemma into a benefit? The fact is most land buyers (especially in the Murphy, North Carolina area) who intend to use their new found property to build their second home, or cabin in our local market, don’t want to build right away. If you’re planning on taking a year or more to build, PERFECT! In this case, you’re making a smart call to buy a tract that doesn’t have a permit.

Now, I’m not saying that buying a piece with a permit is bad – it’s not in any way. What I am presenting is you write an offer on land contingent upon getting a septic permit (FYI – it’s rated by the amount of bedrooms your home will have). That way, you only put up some earnest money and have the property tied up while you wait for the Cherokee County Health Department. You don’t even close on the land till a couple weeks after you have the permit in hand.

The benefit to the buyer? Lots! While the county is working to get you a permit, You’re not paying interest on a land loan, you’re not paying the real estate taxes, you many times get to enjoy appreciation on the property you’re getting, and some investors have even used this time to find a new buyer! There’s a lot of opportunity in what may initially seem like a “bad thing.” We live in an instantaneous age, but if we can sometimes slow down, great things can come to those who wait.

John Poltrock – REMAX Mountain Properties – www.MyMurphy.com – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call us Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496