2016 Year End Sold Real Estate Update in Murphy NC

Posted by I Love Murphy on

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

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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

Posted by murphylover on

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.

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

 

SOLD SHOW! Christmas Edition

Posted by I Love Murphy on

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Watch this video to find out what the real estate market in Murphy NC and Cherokee County NC is doing! Want more details?  Join us to see properties that sell each month, our exclusive statistics, and more! 

Questions? Ready to sell? Call us now at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496

RE/MAX SOLD 57% of HOUSE SALES this November!

Statistics for the Month:

Monthly Sold Stats

We hope you have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We’re here for you so if you need your real estate sold or have questions, we’re only a call or click away!

 

 

 

Deck Your Home with Natural Holiday Decorations

Posted by murphylover on

 

‘Tis the season to decorate your home – inside and out – with brightly colored Christmas decorations. If dusting off last year’s leftover trimmings doesn’t sound exciting, and you’d rather not fork over money for new ones, why not let our beautiful mountains decorate your home this year?

Take a walk outside your Murphy, NC home, and you’re likely to find evergreens, pinecones, dried flowers, and more. Add some strategically placed fruit and craft items, and you’ve got the makings of stunning decorations your family and friends will enjoy. So put on your boots and grab a basket, and gather a bounty of natural materials just a few steps from your door. Then, create your decorations using the tips below – or put your imagination to work and design your own holiday trimmings.

HOLIDAY HOME DECOR
Door or Mantel Decoration: Create your own holiday swag by collecting a bundle of nicely textured brown twigs. Secure the twig ends with a wide rubber band that’s covered with a colorful ribbon. Add some holiday greenery by tucking one lush evergreen branch inside the rubber band.

Festive Wall Accents: To liven up your home’s bare walls, gather several beautiful evergreen boughs. Tack up a branch in each room, accenting your dining table, buffet, or other focal point. Add some color by hanging Christmas cards, glittery ornaments, and fancy gift tags on each fragrant green branch.

Indoor Woodland Display: Comb your garden and nearby woods for several unusual-looking bare branches. Fill a narrow glass vase with artificial snow, and create a branch arrangement that birds might find inviting. Add some tufts of snowy-looking cotton on the branches, and wire on colorful berries cut from faux flower sprays.

Next, wire a few realistic-looking cardinals onto your carefully placed branches. Create another desirable destination by placing a bird’s nest on the window sill. Rearrange your display several times during the winter.

FESTIVE TABLE TRIMMINGS
Colorful Tabletop Centerpiece: Place a striking beveled-edge mirror on your dining table. Arrange white or colored pillar candles on the mirror, adding pinecones and evergreens to provide contrasting color. Add clementines, red apples, or green pears as you wish.

Natural Forest Centerpiece: Choose a good-sized clear glass container. Gather pinecones, moss, seed pods, and other natural materials from the nearby forest. Find other dried floral items at a craft store or online. Beginning with the pinecones, layer your materials to create a pleasing multilayer centerpiece that adds an organic touch to your table.

Cranberry Candle Decor: Place a cranberry-colored candle inside a clear glass jar or cylinder. Carefully pack fresh cranberries around the candle, leaving room for the candle to burn safely. Spice up your table decoration by adding several sparkly Christmas ornaments around the container’s base.

Simply Beautiful Greenery: Bring out several differently sized glass vases. Fill each one with evergreen sprigs, varying the greens’ shapes and heights to create a pleasing collection of table accents.

CHRISTMAS TREE ORNAMENTS
Miniature Cranberry Wreaths: Give your tree some welcome red color with these easy-to-make cranberry wreaths. For each wreath, string 20-25 plump cranberries onto a section of floral wire. Shape the wire into a circle, tie it, and you’re ready to hang your mini-wreath on the tree.

See-through Ball Ornaments: Purchase affordable clear plastic ball ornaments at a craft shop or online. Gather miniature pinecones, small evergreen sprigs, and even colorful berries or seed pods from the nearby forest.

Carefully arrange the natural materials inside the bottom half of each ornament, and tack in place with hot glue if needed. Add the top half of the ornament, and make a colorful ribbon hanger for the tree.

Earthy Pinecone Ornaments: Gather a bowlful of impressive pinecones from the nearby woods. Tie each cone with a burlap ribbon. Use twine to string the pinecones together, and create a one-of-a-kind garland for your tree.

KID-FRIENDLY ORNAMENTS
Dried Fruit Tree Accents: If you have a dehydrator, get busy drying fruits that will retain their shape and color when thoroughly dry. Show kids how to string holiday ribbon or rustic-looking twine through each dried fruit. Ask your young helpers to trim the Christmas tree with their special holiday bangles.

Homemade Bark Christmas Stars: Take the kids on a bark-gathering trip through the woods. Select sections of bark from varied trees, and use glue to transform the bark pieces into star-shaped ornaments. Add a sturdy twine hanger to each one, and invite the kids to hang them in favorite spots on the tree.

Cinnamon Stalks Ornaments: Bind several cinnamon stalks together, and tuck in dried fruit for varied colors and textures. Add a natural-toned twine hanger. Ask kids to place their fragrant spiced ornaments in special spots on the tree.

With so many natural Christmas decorations, your biggest challenge is choosing the best ones for your Murphy, NC home. Once you select your favorites, begin gathering those materials, and watch your creations take shape. Chances are, you’ll enjoy the finished results so much you’ll plan an encore for next Christmas!

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

Check Out Our Newest Listings and Price Changes

Posted by I Love Murphy on

You can tell winter has come to Murphy, NC with temperatures dipping in the teens at night and chilly day temps below 40, but no snow in the forecast yet. Despite the colder temperatures, we still have buyers looking and buying properties along with sellers listing theirs. So, if you are interested in buying a home here in our beautiful mountains, just give us a call. One call to The Poltrock Team is all it takes, whether you are selling or buying.

PS – Getting this on Social Media? Did a friend forward it to you?? Quit lolly gagging and get it sent straight to you! 🙂 Join our updates for free by CLICKING HERE!

Click This Link to See the Newest Listings and Price Changes in the Murphy Area

If you need anything at all, we’re only a call or email away! We’re here for you when you need us 🙂

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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 Simplest Thing That Will Make Your House Sell

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When we bought our first house here in Murphy NC, it was a foreclosure and there was maybe one light bulb in every room that actually worked. It made showing it 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, 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

Posted by murphylover on

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.

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!

Posted by I Love Murphy on

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!

We'd love to help you get your property sold. Please complete the following form to the best of your knowledge and comfort, and we'll get with you quickly and get the job done. Remember: The more information you provide, the better we can serve 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

Posted by I Love Murphy on

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

Posted by murphylover on

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.

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