The Simplest Thing That Will Make Your House Sell

When we bought our first house here in Murphy, NC, it was a foreclosure—and there was maybe one working light bulb in every room. It made trying to make the house sell miserable and difficult. In fact, I tried to sell it no less than three times to different buyers before I made an offer on it myself, and no one would buy it! I decided it worked wonderfully for my family, so Jessica and I purchased it.

Perhaps I’m wrong; I suspect a major reason it didn’t sell is because of how poorly it showed. There were obvious things wrong with it: disgusting carpet, it needed staining outside desperately, the basement wasn’t completely finished, and a few other things. It was all cosmetic. The location was prime, repairs were reasonable, and the price was right. I, to this day, believed it didn’t sell for one simple reason – light bulbs.

This bathroom vanity is a perfect example of what you don't want!
This bathroom vanity is a perfect example of what you don’t want!

Too simplistic? Perhaps; perhaps not. Lightbulbs are one of the most overlooked yet effective tools in showing a property. In fact, anyone who has ever had their house listed for sale with me has probably heard me say, “When you have a showing, turn on every lightbulb in the house. I want it to look like the house is on fire!”

If you’re selling your house here in Murphy NC and surrounding, or anywhere for that matter, make sure that every light bulb in the house works. It may sound like a no brainer, yet you’d be amazed how many houses we show where there’s no light working in the stairwell, the kitchen, bathroom, you name it. Switch broken and that’s why the light won’t turn on? Replace it. This is simple, yet important.

The lightbulb itself matters. You want something in 3000k range of light. The “old fashioned” incandescent light bulb is the standard, yet is getting hard to find. It turns on to peak output instantly and provides a comforting, warm light. You do not want the “spaceship blue” lights as I call it (I believe the industry calls it Cool Blue or something of that nature). You also do not want the curlicue fluorescent light bulbs… unless you set the stage for each showing.

The light itself is fine in terms of output and color, however they tend to take a significant period of time to warm up and reach maximum output. By then, your prospective buyer is gone and on to the next room and didn’t get the best impression, whether they realized it or not. LED’s work great – instant on, easy to find color temperature, however can be cost prohibitive. When it comes to selling, or not selling your house, a light bulb is certainly worth the cost.

Don’t overlook the little things: lightbulbs go a long way. Want to know what else it takes to sell your house? That’s what we are here for! Call us on the number below or contact us by clicking here and we will guide you on what it takes to get it 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

Come Enjoy These Murphy, NC Christmas Celebrations

Good old-fashioned Christmas celebrations just never go out of style. You circle the date on the calendar, pile the family into the car, and head to your town center to view the annual Christmas parade. Or, maybe you gather at a local church for a special musical program or Live Nativity experience. Here in Murphy, NC, we’re lucky to have several community holiday events during the month of December. So round up your family and friends, and make this a Christmas season you’ll remember for years.

Friday December 2 at 6 p.m.

Town of Murphy: Lighting of the Tree

Murphy’s town square will again host its much-anticipated “Lighting of the Tree” event. This family-friendly program includes children’s music and dance groups, and the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a kids’ Jingle Bell Walk. To cap off this memorable evening, Santa Claus will arrive on a festive-looking fire truck. Busy Valley River Avenue will be closed for the evening, giving everyone plenty of room to enjoy the fun.

Saturday Dec. 3 at 11:00 a.m., Sunday Dec. 4 at 7:00 p.m., and Monday Dec. 5 at 7:00 p.m.

Murphy First Baptist Church
: 40th Annual Singing Christmas Tree

517 Hiwassee Street
, Murphy, NC
Share in a community Christmas tradition by viewing the Murphy First Baptist Church’s Annual Singing Christmas Tree. Now in its 40th year, the Tree features a “Find Us Faithful” theme presented by about 45 talented singers positioned on a 40-foot-high tree. While you listen to favorite songs from the Tree’s history, you can watch the Christmas story unfold before your eyes.

To create the Singing Christmas Tree, volunteers spent considerable time building and assembling the tree inside the church. Singers devoted many hours to rehearsals, blending their voices into soaring melodies and harmonies. Everyone’s hard work culminates in a memorable Christmas musical event you’ll want to experience every year.

Saturday December 3 at 2 p.m.

Murphy Hometown Christmas Parade

Bundle up the family, and get ready to enjoy a wonderful small-town Christmas parade. Beginning at the Valley Village Shopping Center, the parade route winds through downtown Murphy, ending at First Baptist Church across from McDonald’s. Choose your favorite vantage point, bring some chairs and hot chocolate, and prepare to experience some old-fashioned family fun.

Although parade participants vary every year, you’re likely to see marching units and floats sponsored by children’s groups, non-profit organizations, and local businesses. This year, The Poltrock Team will join in the fun, waving to parade-goers from the team’s “Santa’s Workshop” float. Come on out and greet them!

Friday December 16 & Saturday December 17 from 6 -8 p.m. (Drive Through)

Shepherd of the Mountains Church: Live Nativity

Providence Lane, Murphy, NC

With a calendar full of holiday parties, gift buying, and cookie baking, it’s easy to forget the real meaning of Christmas. Fortunately, Murphy’s Shepherd of the Mountains Church reminds us of the enduring value of the Christmas story, presenting a Live Nativity on its Murphy, NC campus every year since 2013.

Given as a community ministry, Shepherd Church’s Live Nativity re-creates the Christmas story using characters such as wise men, shepherds, angels, and even live barnyard animals. The much-loved manger scene is the highlight of the experience. This year, view the Live Nativity while you stay warm and comfortable in your vehicle. Note: The Live Nativity is free of charge, but donations are accepted.

Whether it’s the lights, music, or small-town magic, Christmas in Murphy is unforgettable. Ready to call this charming town home? Connect with the trusted realtors in murphy nc who know how to make it happen—The Poltrock Team is here for you!

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

Sell your House While Inventory is at Historic Lows!

If you are considering selling your house, now is the best time we have seen in years to do so! The real estate inventory is at historic lows, meaning you have the greatest opportunity and odds of selling because buyers have the fewest houses to choose from since 2007+/-. It also has the added benefit you are able to get more money than in the past. It’s a great time!

Areas that are getting great results selling houses:

  • Murphy NC
  • Hayesville NC
  • Brasstown NC
  • Marble NC
  • and many more of our surrounding, smaller communities.

Should I Wait Till Spring??

We’re getting this question a lot and, the short answer is NO! Many home owners wait to sell her house in springtime. What will happen is the inventory levels will rise as much as 20 to 30%. That will give home buyers far more choices and less opportunity and urgency for you to sell. If you’re considering selling, I see no benefit to waiting. I would encourage you to act now to get the greatest impact and likelihood of selling. Can we help you? Please fill out the form below or call us at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496. We’re here to guide you on your specific situation and property. We’re here for you!

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

October 2016 Sold Show for Real Estate in Murphy NC and Cherokee County

Watch the video above to find out what real estate sold in October in Murphy NC and Cherokee County. Questions? Ready to sell? Call us now at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496

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

RE/MAX SOLD 56% of HOUSE SALES this October!

**The link below can take up to a couple minutes to load depending on your connection speed. If it says invalid, close your window and re-click the link***

Click Here if you want to see the SOLD Properties in Cherokee County for October 2016 

Statistics for the Month:

MarketAbsorptionReportsOctober16.pdf

SOLDHousesbyMonth.pdf 

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? 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

Murphy’s Chophouse Offers Steak and Seafood with a Fine-Dining Feel

If you’re in the mood for a nice, juicy steak, but you don’t want to drive two hours to a big-city steakhouse, head over to Murphy’s Chophouse for a tasty meal that satisfies your palate. Conveniently located in the town of Murphy, NC, the Chophouse is just downhill from the First United Methodist Church, after you round the curve heading away from downtown. Murphy’s Chophouse offers lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, and serves up a Sunday brunch that combines classic breakfast dishes with tempting lunch bites. In other words, you can enjoy a Chophouse meal during any time of day.

When you arrive at Murphy’s Chophouse, you’ll see a white stucco-style building with crisp brown trim. During the warmer months, you can enjoy your drinks and meals on the inviting patio, located just outside the restaurant’s front door. If you’d prefer to dine indoors, the Chophouse’s warm gold walls and brown furniture complement the casual atmosphere.

Now, let’s get to the most important topic: the food. First, open up the enticing lunchtime menu, where you’ll find tasty appetizers, soups, and salads. Choose from three Chophouse burgers (including a bison bacon cheeseburger), or browse the extensive sandwich menu. For a change of pace, try a specialty plate, such as a smoked ham and cheddar quiche, fish and chips, or even a flame-grilled rib eye steak. Several gluten-free items are also available.

Next, let’s say you’ve arrived for an early bird dinner, served Monday through Thursday from 4 -5 p.m. Or, maybe you prefer to dine a bit later in the evening. Either way, the Chophouse’s fine-dining dinner menu offers plenty of tempting choices. Begin with an appetizer, hearty soup, or main-dish salad.

Next, satisfy your palate with a USDA beef selection, such as a filet mignon or slow-roasted prime rib. Or, select a fresh seafood entree, such as a shellfish platter, bacon-wrapped jumbo scallops, or Carolina mountain trout. Don’t forget the specialty selections, including the grilled quail and venison sausage and chicken scallopini. Two vegetarian pasta dishes are also available.

Best of all, you can top off your satisfying dinner with a delectable dessert. If you’re a chocolate fan, try the five-layer “Extreme Dream” dark chocolate cake. Or, consider the hot chocolate-caramel turtle cake and rich, creamy cheesecake. For a lighter touch, choose a tasty ice cream or sherbet. Enjoy your dessert with a cup of steaming hot coffee.

If you’ve always been a Sunday brunch fan, come enjoy the Chophouse’s signature brunch experience. Served from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., the restaurant’s sumptuous brunch includes traditional favorites such as Eggs Benedict and stuffed French toast, along with omelets and Sunday chopped steak.

Finally, if you’re searching for a private dining venue in Murphy, NC, Murphy’s Chophouse makes a very attractive choice. Whether you’re hosting a business meeting, greeting friends at a social get-together, or planning a wedding reception, the restaurant’s event planning staff can seamlessly coordinate the occasion. Customized menus, along with an award-winning wine list, make Murphy’s Chophouse an appealing option for a full range of events.

Looking for more local favorites or thinking about making Murphy your home? Let our murphy nc real estate agents help you settle in and discover the best of the area—including where to find the best fine-dining around!

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

Extraordinary Commercial Property for Sale

Explore a Top Commercial Property Opportunity Between Murphy and Hayesville, NC

If you’re searching for an exceptional commercial property with outstanding visibility, accessibility, and versatility, look no further. Welcome to the Wood Creations building – one of the best commercial buys on the market today. Nestled between Murphy, NC and Hayesville, NC, this prime location offers the perfect setup for a business looking to draw from both thriving communities.

Prime Location with Incredible Access

Situated directly off Highway 64, the property boasts a paved driveway and a generous parking area for customers, clients, or team members. Accessibility is key for any successful commercial operation, and this building offers not only direct highway access but also a secondary egress to keep traffic flowing efficiently.

A Flexible Interior for Any Business Type

As you enter the building, you’re greeted by a spacious open room that can be customized to suit a wide range of business needs—from retail and office space to studio or showroom setups.

Just around the corner, you’ll find:

  • A kitchenette

  • A half bath

  • A private office with a separate exterior entrance—ideal for meeting clients without disrupting operations at the front

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner, or investor, the flexibility of this layout allows for seamless customization.

Insulated Workshop & Storage Area

Through a set of double doors lies a large, insulated workspace complete with a concrete floor—perfect for behind-the-scenes production, inventory storage, or operations that require privacy and quiet. This area is truly a blank slate ready for your business vision.

Bonus Upstairs Space with Apartment Potential

One of the most surprising and exciting features of this commercial property is the upstairs. With plenty of open space, this area could be converted into a live-work apartment or additional office or retail space. It even includes a half bath setup and plumbing infrastructure for future upgrades.

Ready to Schedule a Tour?

Whether you’re expanding your business footprint or searching for a smart investment opportunity, this commercial property offers value, visibility, and versatility.

Extraordinary commercial property for sale right on Highway 64 between Murphy NC Realtors and Hayesville NC for only $109,800! Interested or have questions? Call us today at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496.

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’s Donna Srabian is the Best!

I met agent, Donna Srabian from The Poltrock Team through a mutual friend when I was looking to buy a home in Murphy, NC. Donna was always available to show me houses no matter how many I wanted to look at. She is friendly, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and always returned my phone calls! I could not have asked for a better real estate agent. She really is the best.

Looking for top-notch service like I had with The Poltrock Team? Let the murphy nc real estate agents guide you home with care.

~~Karen Gemmer, Murphy, NC

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 Microbreweries Serve Up Tasty Craft Beer in Murphy and Andrews NC

Sometimes, you just want a nice cold beer. Maybe you survived a killer day at work or helped a friend move an impossibly heavy pile of furniture. Or, maybe you’ve got something to celebrate, and a six-pack from the local grocery store just isn’t that special. You’d much rather guzzle some smooth-tasting suds from a local microbrewery. Fortunately, you don’t have to drive to far to satisfy that small-batch beer craving. You can visit three microbreweries here in Cherokee County – one right in Murphy, NC. You’ll find a third establishment not far away, in northern Georgia.

Let’s begin with Valley River Brewery and Eatery, at 71 Tennessee Street in historic downtown Murphy. Open seven days a week, this relatively new brew pub serves up wood-fired pizza plus other hearty fare and homemade desserts. Of course, the food is best enjoyed with an icy brew from the tempting craft beer menu. Currently, the restaurant’s tap beers are made offsite using the Brewery’s proprietary recipes, until the blends in the fermenters have just the right aroma and taste. Eventually, Valley River Brewery will have 15 types of beers, ales, and stouts – enough to satisfy even the most avid beer aficionado. In addition to their pizza, they have great gyros, philly cheesesteak,  a beer cheese pretzel, and more on the menu.

Next, hop on the four-lane and travel down to the Andrews Brewing Company, located at 565 Aquone Road near downtown Andrews NC. If that address sounds familiar, it’s the same piece of real estate occupied by Calaboose Cellars, the quirky winery housed in an historic jail. In fact, the two businesses share an inviting tasting room that overlooks the pleasant little vineyard. Open five days a week (closed Wednesday and Sunday), the Andrews Brewing Company boasts a nice lineup of 11 beers, ales, and stouts. As you might expect, each variety is named for a local landmark or piece of history, giving you some entertainment value along with those satisfying suds.

The Hoppy Trout is also located in Andrews. It is in downtown and very similar to the Valley River Brewery. They, too, have pizza, apps, and much more. Enjoy their proprietary brews in the restaurant or on their nifty patio overlooking downtown.

Finally, you’ll find another intriguing microbrewery in nearby Blue Ridge, Georgia, just a half-hour drive from downtown Murphy, NC. The Fannin Brewing Company has set up shop at 3758 East First Street, just off Highway 515 in northern Georgia. Using a variety of locally sourced ingredients, this enterprising operation has conjured up 13 diverse beers and ales, each with a distinctive name that reflects its origin. To sample them, visit the Brewery’s Tasting Room on Saturdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

While you’re enjoying these tasty brewed concoctions, remember to drink responsibly. If necessary, recruit a designated driver so you can indulge without worrying about the drive home.

Need help with real estate here in Murphy? Let us help you! Please contact us and let us know what we can do for you. We’re here when you need us!

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 Rates A 10

I saw a billboard with The Poltrock Team advertised and I decided to meet with them regarding selling my house in Murphy, NC. I liked them from my first impression and let them list my house. It was a great experience, all my calls and questions were always answered. I enjoyed the ease and relaxed transaction of selling my home and would definitely recommend the Team if you are looking for a reputable real estate agency.

Ready for a smooth and easy sale? Let realtors in murphy nc like The Poltrock Team take care of everything.

~~Manny Manzano, Miami, FL

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

Discover Doyle’s Cedar Hill Restaurant in Murphy, NC

If you’re craving top-notch restaurant food prepared by a skilled chef, but you’d like a place that doesn’t take itself too seriously, Doyle’s restaurant is the perfect spot. Now, add a popular Tiki Bar with live music and seasonal patio dining to the mix. Welcome to Doyle’s Cedar Hill Restaurant, a Murphy, NC mainstay since 2002. Open Monday through Saturday for dinner, and weekdays for lunch, this popular eatery occasionally opens for special-occasion Sunday brunches and holiday dinners.

Perched atop a hill near the Andrews Road/Lowe’s stoplight, this local landmark is located in a spacious building that includes two dining rooms and an inviting bar. The famous Tiki Bar occupies an adjacent covered patio, with a wind-blocking plastic enclosure and toasty heaters for cooler weather. During growing season, the patio showcases hanging baskets, herbs, and vegetable plants for sale. Before the March 2, 2012 tornado paid Murphy a visit, the restaurant was nestled among several impressive cedar trees. Now, the landscape isn’t quite as shaded, but the restaurant is better than ever.

Now, let’s say you’ve arrived for lunch, served in the dining room and in the seasonal Tiki Bar. Lighter fare includes fresh trout cakes, spinach and artichoke dip, and chicken flatbread pizza. Also consider five tasty main-dish salads with optional enhancements. Or, opt for a hearty sandwich, including the grass-fed beef burger, Carolina BBQ sandwich, traditional Cuban panini, or garden veggie burger. Gluten-free bread is available upon request. Sides include a delicious creamy cole slaw and addictive sweet potato fries.

When the dinner hour arrives, Doyle’s adopts a fine-dining menu, but keeps its friendly, welcoming demeanor. Appetizers generally mirror the lunch menu, but the dinner entrees are in a class by themselves. Meat lovers will appreciate the Grilled Black Angus Ribeye and Filet Mignon. Seafood fans can choose from Shrimp Scampi, Grilled or Blackened Salmon, or Fresh Mountain Trout. Vegetarian diners gravitate to the Pasta Primavera and legendary Eggplant Parmesan. And let’s not forget the melt-in-your-mouth desserts.

Of course, it would be tough to enjoy a top-notch meal without equally good service. Skilled servers are a Doyle’s Cedar Hill Restaurant hallmark, always well-versed on the menu and willing to go the extra mile to accommodate their patrons. Also, they’ll gladly add a choice wine or cocktail for 21-and-older diners.

After your sumptuous dinner, stroll outside to the Tiki Bar, featuring a Caribbean beach bar vibe embellished with Jimmy Buffet touches. Many talented regional musicians perform here, some with dedicated fan bases who never miss a concert. The Tiki Bar is also a favorite Happy Hour destination, drawing a diverse late-afternoon crowd during the warm-weather months. Each season, Doyle’s opens the Tiki Bar on St. Patrick’s Day (aptly named St. Patio’s Day), inviting Murphy, NC residents and visitors to enjoy another season of tasty food and revelry.

Want to live near local gems like Cedar Hill Restaurant? Our murphy nc realtors can help you find your perfect place.

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