The Bi-Weekly SOLD Murphy NC Real Estate Update

Posted by I Love Murphy on

Happy Post-Saint Patty’s Day!! The weekend is almost here and the weather is GORGEOUS in Murphy! Nice and sunny in the 60’s is a great reason to get outside.

 

Real Estate is producing a sale a day on average (factoring homes and land both), which is not to shabby! The market is slower right now with 30 sales in the past month compared to 39 sales per month last year. The difference is not in homes – they’re still extremely comparable to last years. Land is what’s making the difference. Sales are down to around half of what they normally are. Buyers are beginning to call and see land, which is exciting! Land has so many great investments out there right now, it’s time for buyers to begin seeing the opportunities that are in front of them.

 

Historically, sales pick back up and our “season” begins when Spring Break starts, which we’ve only got 3 more weeks till that hits!

 

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 past 14 Days.
See sold prices, pictures, and descriptions of what’s sold!
Email John at JohnPoltrock@gmail.com and join our SOLD Update!

 

 

 

If you have any questions or concerns about your property, give us a call! We’ll be in the office for the rest of the day and you can reach us here, toll-free, at 1-877-837-3002. Thank you for your business – we’re hard at work for YOU!

Foreclosure Horror Story Means Your Should Buy Real Estate Safe in Murphy NC

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I met with a man a few days ago who found us by reading our article on “What to Expect When Offering to Buy a Foreclosure in Murphy NC” and “Foreclosure Houses and Tips to Buying Them in Murphy NC“. It was one of the most discouraging attempted real estate purchases I’ve heard of in a long time.

The moral to his story is buy smart – go through a typical real estate transaction that have safeguards built in for your purchase. Read on and you’ll understand better what I mean.

Jim, as I’ll call him, bought a house with several acres adjoining the US Forest Service and absolutely loved it. He bought it from a wealthy friend of his who was a developer in Florida and life treated him well. They agreed to exchange it in a sale for $170,000. His buddy said he didn’t have to do a straight purchase, that he would be happy to finance it for him like a bank would. They did what’s called a Land Contract.

Jim put $40,000 in cash down on the house and has been making payments for several years. He’s put in a new well, done several major renovations, and by this time, he has invested about $120,000 total of cash in the property. Then he came home and found foreclosure documents on the door to his home.

Turns out the seller has a first mortgage and an equity line that’s been over extended on the property and hasn’t paid in months. The bank is foreclosing – simple as that. Since he has no legal ownership, his name is not on the deed, and the mortgage liens far superseed any right he has to the property, he cannot get anywhere. No bank will tell him what is owed on the property or anything else for that matter.

Jim has lost $120,000 in his own cash and now has nothing to show for it. His only option, if he wants to keep the house, is to wait for it to come out the other end of the foreclosure process and buy it. That means he will likely have $200,000 in a home that should be his that worth substantially less than that.

What could or should he have done in this instance? A traditional closing with owner financing in place. The closing attorney would have made sure there were no liens on the property (and if there were, they would have to be paid) and issued title insurance at closing.

Moral of the story again – Be smart about closings and buying real estate. Use a Realtor (namely The POLTROCK TEAM! 😉 and/or an attorney that specializes in real estate closings (you can find real estate attorneys in Murphy NC on our Gotta Guy List). That will give you true professional advice that can ultimately save you thousands, or in this case, over $100,000.

John Poltrock, Certified Residential Specialist – Murphy, NC Real Estate – www.MyMurphy.com – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call Toll-Free at 1-866-687-7496

The Finest Craftsman Cottage in Cherokee County is now for Sale in Murphy NC!

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470 Brook Green Lane; Brasstown NC
470 Brook Green Lane; Brasstown NC

Here’s an amazing 3 bedroom, 2 bath home unlike any you’ll find anywhere in Cherokee County! It’s located in the famous Brasstown area close to the John C Campbell Folkschool and also close to town. This home has exquisite attention to detail! The curb appeal when you go by this home is simply breathtaking and the inside is a perfect compliment to the exterior.

When you pull up, the two car garage is a great place to keep your vehicles sheltered from the weather. When you step inside the home, you’ll find spectacular accessories and features that no voice over can do justice. One of the first rooms you’ll enter is the kitchen with some of the most beautiful cabinets you’ll find! The golden ivory granite countertops sparkle brilliantly! In the center of the kitchen is an enormous 5’x8′ island centered for a large workspace and additional storage. Glancing up, you’ll notice the oak and acorn stained glass letting in glorious, natural light. As you walk through the home, you’ll notice the oak and acorns throughout the home which brings health and prosperity to those inside.

Stepping from the kitchen you’ll go by the dining area and find an amazing living room with an enormous true masonry wood burning fireplace. The vaulted ceilings stretch on seemingly forever and are accented with a beautiful cherry finished tongue and groove. On either side of the herring bone patterned fireplace are knotty cherry bookshelves and built-in entertainment center. The Bose central surround sound operates in virtually every room of the home and can set the mood perfectly for a romantic evening, to entertain friends, or to simply dance around the living room alone!

The master suite is truly that – it even boasts its own private sitting room! In the bedroom, the tray ceiling is a perfect accent to all the details throughout. The master’s bathroom is truly a work of art! It features a custom vanity built specifically for this bathroom. There are two walk-in closets with built in chest of drawers and shoe racks so each partner can have their own private place to put their things. In the center of the bathroom is a Roman shower that truly will give you shower-envy! It has two large, hand etched frosted glass panes for privacy. Inside the tile shower is rubbed bronze faucet fixtures that even have an overhead rain shower. Stepping from the shower is the claw-foot bathtub that is truly huge! It has its own telephone handset faucet. It’s the perfect place to take an evening bath and relax.

The additional 2 bedrooms and bath are certainly a beauty in their own right. One is currently set up as a bedroom and the other is being used as an office with custom made maple bookshelves with a fine distressed black finish. In the center of the room is a beautiful Tiffany acorn light fixture that is a stunning accent to the room.

This home is not only a home, it’s a statement. A work of art. Truly, it is unlike anything you’ll find. If you’re looking for a home that makes a statement and will leave you in awe, this is it. Seeing it in person will certainly not disappoint you, rather it will leave you amazed.

We’re sorry. This home is no longer available. Please check our active homes and land for sale on our wesbite.

John Poltrock – The POLTROCK TEAM at RE/MAX Mountain Properties – http://www.mymyurphy.com/ – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call Toll Free at 1-866-687-7496

Fixer Upper Home for Sale in Murphy NC with Lots of Land!! CHEAP!

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Here’s a true find in the mountains of Murphy, North Carolina! It seems like every other person I speak with is looking for a fixer-upper house as a real estate investment – well, look no further!! This 2 bedroom, 1 bath fixer upper is full of history, and best of all, it has 9.66+/- acres of land! Holy CANOLI!

The Home for Sale

This home has a lot of history and is an old homestead for the Radford family, which is an old family name here. The home may or may not be repaired and used for anything. It’s a neat piece of history!

The Land for Sale

The real value in the property resides on the 9.66+/- acres for sale. The land has an old road cut in on it that can easily be cleaned up for use. Just in strolling down the road, I found two very good building spots and many other spots that work, too. It’s right on a paved road, so the access is excellent. It’s in the Hanging Dog Community of Murphy, NC, so there’s a large amount of US Forest Service Land nearby and is not far from Lake Hiwassee access.

Click Here for Additional Photographs of this Real Estate for Sale and Current Price

Frequently Asked Questions about this Real Estate

  1. What kind of shape is the home in? It certainly needs a lot of work. In speaking with the owner, I got the impression that it was what I call a “burner-downer.” I was really surprised and impressed when I went through the first time! It really does have potential to be fixed up.
  2. What kind of water source does it have? One of the advantages is it has a relatively new well system for the water supply that I believe could supply both the current home and if more houses were built on the property, it could supply several of them as well.
  3. What’s going on with the bathroom? When the house was originally built, indoor bathrooms were not commonplace. Eventually, a bathroom was added in the most convenient spot – the back porch. It was enclosed as you would expect, but the porch was not built on the same foundation as the rest of the home. Because of that and years later, the porch posts have begun to deteriorate and the bathroom has begun to fall away from the house.
  4. Has the acreage been recently surveyed? Yup!

Call The POLTROCK TEAM TODAY about this one! Toll Free 866-687-7496 or www.MyMurphy.com

John Poltrock is a Million Dollar Real Estate Agent in Murphy NC for 2008!!

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Just released in today’s Cherokee Scout Newspaper, John Poltrock is in the Million Dollar Club for 2008! This means that he sold well over 1 million dollars worth of real estate in Murphy, North Carolina. He’s in the Top 5 Real Estate Agents in the Mountain Lakes Board of Realtors by transactions closed.

Contact The POLTROCK TEAM today by calling 1-877-837-3002 or emailing him at JohnPoltrock@gmail.com

New 2/2 Home for Sale in Tarheel North of Murphy NC!

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We always love it when a new home comes up for sale on the market – especially an affordable home in a great neighborhood! Tarheel North is one of Murphy’s favorites! At less than $150,000, this ranch styled home is maintained perfectly and is one of the homes you feel comfortable in immediately. It features all the appliances, rock fireplace with gas logs, a full basement this is perfect for storage or to finish off for more living area, a private screened in porch to enjoy summer days and watch the many deer and turkey that frequent the area.

And in real estate, it’s always location, location, location and Tarheel North has it! Click, Call, Email, Smoke Signal, anything you need to do to get in touch with us about this one!

John Poltrock – The POLTROCK TEAM – www.MyMurphy.com – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call us Toll Free at 1-866-687-7496 today!

Bear Paw Resort in the Hiwassee Dam Community of Murphy, NC

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It is quite an amazing area that leaves fond memories in the minds of children and adults. It is surprisingly common to have a middle-aged person come who spent their summers as a kid in Bear Paw and want to purchase a property so they can continue to enjoy and prolong those great memories that have captivated them for years. We’ve spoken to and worked with many people who have fit this exact statement.

Being in Bear Paw alone is a wonderful experience. It features lots of things to do in the community areas such as a swimming pool, convention center, pond, guarded entrance, playground, basketball court, marina, and many other amenities. Property owners come from all over the United States just to be part of this exclusive mountain community. Surrounded by U.S. Forest Service and TVA land, the community is completely to itself and likely will never loose its natural mountain and lake views. It is on Lake Hiwassee, and the lake itself houses approximately 6,090 acres to fish, boat, water ski, or whatever you please.

The History of Bear Paw

Tucked in among the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, bathed by a 6,000 acre Lake Hiwassee and virtually surrounded by 500,000 acres of the Nantahala National Forest, there is a place called Bear Paw. This information summary will help you understand why we think you may come to spend a day and wish to remain a lifetime.

The history of Bear Paw begins with a decision to build a series of dams, Hiwassee and Chatuge Dams on the Hiwassee River and Nottley Dam on the Nottley River, a tributary to the Hiwassee River. All three dams are operated as a unit for the purpose of flood control, navigation and power generation. Hiwassee Dam is one of 51 dams in the TVA, Tennessee Valley Authority, water control systems that provide flood regulation in the Tennessee, lower Ohio and Mississippi Valleys. This system also creates a navigation channel on the Tennessee River and provides hydroelectric power. Construction on the Hiwassee Dam began in July 1936 and was completed in May 1956.

After the site of the dam was chosen, the first task undertaken by the TVA was the development of access roads to the site. The only roads available were winding mountain roads, unsurfaced and impassable during wet weather. Consideration was given to building a rail spur to the dam site. However, after the job was completed the spur would be abandoned and a good highway would have to be constructed as a permanent part of the development. It was decided to locate the job railhead at Turtletown, Tennessee, and to build a highway from there to the job site. Today the road is TN Highway 123 to NC Highway 294 to Hiwassee Dam Road.

Because Hiwassee Dam was built in a sparsely settled and isolated region, there was a shortage of available residential labor and a lack of housing facilities for the imported labor. These conditions necessitated building a complete construction village as a self-contained community unit. The village consisted of 42 permanent houses, 73 temporary houses, five men’s dormitories, one women’s dormitory, a cafeteria, hospital, a community building, personnel office, and a school for those children in the village that were in the higher grammar school grades. In addition, there were nine group garage buildings, a service station, bowling alley, and an observation building.

Estimates of the personnel requirement for the construction of the dam showed that housing facilities at the dam would be required for 1,100 people. Also, because of the remoteness of the site, it was important to not only provide housing for those who were building the dam, but also those who would eventually operate the dam and power plant. The site of the village was to be within walking distance, about 1,500 feet, from the construction site.

1959 – “Hiwassee Lake Resort Village” was organized to own land in Cherokee County. The tract of land described in the deed came from the United States of America acting through the Tennessee Valley Authority. The land recorded on February 17, 1959 included the Hiwassee Dam construction and operating village.

1963 – The property was known as “Hiwassee Lake Estates Subdivision.” It was divided into “Hiwassee Resort Village” and “Hiwassee Lake Estates.” Hiwassee Resort Village consisted of mainly a clubhouse, rental cottages and beach. Hiwassee Lake Estates consisted of subdivided lots for the construction of private homes.

One of the first sales offices was located in Atlanta, Georgia. Those who were interested were invited to the Peachtree Office Building for a buffet supper. Displays were presented depicting the property. Those interested were invited to the resort for a two-day stay at no cost. The adults and children explored the lake resort and subdivision.

By mid-year 1963, 210 home sites were sold. Three miles of road were constructed throughout Sections I, II and III. Before that, property was shown by boat and by horseback. The first new water well was completed and tied in with the original water storage and treatment system. Three estate homes had been completed and there were plans for twelve more. Work began on the parks in Sections I and II. The original Clubhouse facilities were for the exclusive use of the property owners and their guests were completed in April that year.

Later that same year, the first 12 cottages were offered for sale. They were located on the right side of Village Road starting near the social pavilion and extending to the entrance of Hiwassee Lake Estates. That entrance was near the intersection of Village Road and Highland Road. You can still see the “Bear Paw” at the intersection, imbedded in the rock face. It’s quite the landmark!

1965 – 589 home sites bad been sold, more than 50% of the available lots. Steps in the development were being finalized to make it a year-round resort. The first phase of the security system was put into effect. Sixteen homes were completed. A model home was constructed at the intersection of Village Road and Lonesome Pine. It is the gray house on the southeast comer. Another model is farther east on Village Road, the “A-frame” cottage on the top of the hill to the left.January 23, 1973 – The resort community became known as “Bear Paw” under the ownership of Dr. Robert Bretches, Errell Steele, Jr., and First Georgia Investment Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cousins Properties. They wanted to provide for the preservation of the values and amenities of the “Resort” and “Common” properties. “Common properties” were then known as the “Class A Residential Area,” which included the security gates, open spaces, roads and similar facilities. “Resort properties,” included a timber and fieldstone lodge, a gym and a snack shop. Surrounding the lodge were the tennis courts, swimming pool, ice skating rink, and playgrounds. Recreational facilities also included a sled slope, stables, and marina.

 

 

Bear Paw of Today

 

 

Bear Paw was 1,000 acres of woodland, of which 469 acres were exclusively devoted to privately owned permanent homes. Two hundred and 30 acres were designated specifically for condominiums. December 19, 1973, the lodge burned to the ground and was. subsequently replaced by the present-day clubhouse/office facility.

Today, the Bear Paw community consists of 1,090 lots, over 200 homes, 42 cottages, 23 condominiums and Mountain View Marina. More and more of the friendly people at Bear Paw are permanent residents. They choose to enjoy the services provided year-round, such as security, well-maintained roads and grounds, as well as hiking, fishing and boating. They also enjoy the summer months that are best for swimming and tennis.The Bear Paw community consists of the “Bear Paw Service District,” a special service district ratified by the State of North Carolina, that serves the common properties and the majority of the property owners. A small number of property owners are excluded and are members of the “Hiwassee Lakefront Property Owners Association.” The “Cottage Owners” and the “Condominium Owners” Associations are also excluded. However, both are under contract with the Service District to provide most of the services like security, roads and recreational facilities.

 

 

The benefit of the “Bear Paw Service District” is that as a special service district ratified by the State of North Carolina, it levies taxes based on the assessed value of property and homes in the district. A seven member board that is elected by the property owners in the Service District administers the income from the taxes collected by Cherokee County for the Bear Paw Service District. These monies are used exclusively to provide the services of security, roads, grounds and recreation. The Service District helps insure that every property owner shares fairly in keeping Bear Paw, on Lake Hiwassee, a premier private living and vacation community in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina.

 

Bear Paw Downloads

Download the Bear Paw in Murphy NC Current Zoning Ordinance Document (as of 2/9/09)

 

Need to sell your property in Bear Paw?

 

Call or email us! It’s a toll-free call at 1-866-687-7496 or email at JohnPoltrock@gmail.com. You’ll receive aFREEcopy of our Seller’s Guide and a market analysis to find out what your property is worth in today’s market!

 

Want to buy property in Bear Paw?

Call or email us! You can even Search Homes for Sale in Bear Paw right here on our website! It’s a toll-free call at 1-866-687-7496 or email at JohnPoltrock@gmail.com. We’ll immediately send you a list of all the properties in Bear Paw so you can see what is available. We can also notify you the instant new real estate comes available – all for FREE!

 

The Poltrock Team at RE/MAX –www.iLoveMurphy.com–JohnPoltrock@gmail.com – The Poltrock Team – Call usToll Free at 1-866-687-7496for Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team!

 

 

 

 

Five Forks Development in Martin’s Creek Community of Murphy, North Carolina

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Five Forks in Murphy NC Entrance Sign Five Forks in Murphy NC Entrance Sign

Five Forks is a gated subdevelopment in the Martin’s Creek community nestled in the mountains of Murphy, North Carolina. It is largely respected as one of the finer and better done cabin and chalet developments in Cherokee County. It is complete with a gated entrance that closes at dusk, paved roads, underground utilities, community water system, and spectacular long range views. In fact, you can overlook the mountains of North Carolina and Georgia and even see Lake Nottley in the distance. See the picture below to get an idea of what it’s like on the top of the mountain – and the picture doesn’t even do it justice. Five Forks has a great location and is very close to Bellview. Not only is it quick access to Murphy, it is equally easy to go to Blairsville, GA. It is just off of 19/129 on Moccasin Creek Road. Click Here to see a Google Map of Five Forks’ Location and more.

The raw land tract that would become Five forks, or just 5 Forks as a few folks write it, was originally owned by developer Manny Hernandez. The site plan and much of the orchestration was done by our very own RE/MAX mountain Properties Broker/Owner, David Ritz. It wasn’t acquired as one single tract. Rather, Phase 1 was done and then additional parcels were purchased and added to the development over time.
Five Fork's Spectacular Long Range Mountain View
Five Fork's Amazing Mountain View

The paved roads are a huge asset. With double lane, paved roads coming into Five Forks, it makes travel a breeze. Much of the other developments in the area lack wide roads and can cause issues when two vehicles approach at the same time. Jonathan Wells (of Wells Contracting) built the initial phase of roads, Chris Dockery, and Bill Cook are the men largely responsible for putting in the road system. As you come in the entrance, you cross a large tract of land and a good thing for the community is that Five Forks owns the road coming in – it doesn’t just have an easement like many do.

It contains 129 lots  ranging from less than an acre to over five acres.

For those who enjoy the outdoors, Five Forks is laced with walking trails and a road system that is perfect for getting out and taking a stroll by yourself, with friends, family, or pets. It even has an outdoor picnic facility complete with a restroom.

Homes in Five Forks

Chalet Type Home in Five Forks
Chalet Type Home in Five Forks

Five Forks is well known as a chalet and cabin type community. All of the homes there have earth tone colors and are designed to make you feel like you’re “in the woods” while not secluded and by yourself. Homes in Five Forks start in the 100’s and go to the highest real estate transaction on record at $449,000 (as of this writing).

Interesting Facts on Five Forks

  • Five Forks has a tract 11.63+/- acre tract right in the middle of it that’s not part of Five Forks. It cannot be accessed through the Five Forks entrance, but rather must use Grape Thicket Road and come in through a side entrance.
  • The lots on the Northwestern side of Five Forks (which used to be part of tracts that were part of Grape Thicket) have a secondary right-of-way to come in through Grape Thicket Road. Although this is not as desireable an entrance, it is useable. The large parcel in the middle of Five Forks only has right-of-way through Grape Thicket and cannot use Five Forks’ main entrance.
  • The success of Five Forks is largely contributed to impeccable market timing, great paved roads, competetive pricing, good design, and huge, long range mountain views. Original prices started out around $25,000 and up.
  • Many of the homes built in Five Forks were built by Chris Twiggs, Mark Thorsen, John Ritz, and Ray Newcomb.

Need to sell your property in Five Forks?

Call or email us! It’s a toll-free call at 1-866-687-7496 or email at JohnPoltrock@gmail.com . You’ll recieve a FREE copy of our Seller’s Guide and a market analysis to find out what your property is worth in today’s market!

Want to buy property in Five Forks?

Call or email us! It’s a toll-free call at 1-866-687-7496 or email at JohnPoltrock@gmail.com . We’ll immediately send you a list of all the properties in Five Forks so you can see what is available. We can also notify you the instant new real estate comes available – all for FREE!

Downloadable Documents on Five Forks

 John Poltrock, Certified Residential Specialist – www.MyMurphy.com – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call us Toll Free at 1-866-687-7496 for Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team!

3/2 Cedar Sided Home for Sale in Ranger Community of Murphy NC!

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Here’s a unique, cedar sided manufactured home built in 2005 by Palm Harbor on a permanent foundation! It offers a year-round mountain view through its ceiling to floor palladium window in the living room.

It has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and roughly 1,700 feet. Crown molding throughout, upgraded light fixtures, warm wall colors to complement the wood burning fireplace in the living room. Laminate floors in the kitchen and dining room, large utility room. French doors open into the office with built-in desk and bookshelves.

The home has a split floor plan. The master suite has a walk through closet, private bath with a double vanity, and garden tub.

It has 2.51+/- acres that is low maintenance and move-in ready. A must see home with a truly amazing view!

Click Here to See More Pictures of this Home! – Be sure to contact The POLTROCK TEAM Today!

John Poltrock, Certified Residential Specialist – The POLTROCK TEAM at RE/MAX Mountain Properties- Murphy, NC – Call Toll Free 866-687-7496 – www.MyMurphy.com – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com

Hanging Dog US Forest Service Campground in Murphy, North Carolina

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Murphy, North Carolina is known for its natural beauty and resources, and the US Forest Service maintains an excellent facility in Hanging Dog. The Nantahala National Forest has camping sites set up and ready, bath facilities, two public boat ramps on Lake Hiwassee, group picnic shelter, bike riding, trail heads, and much more.

Because it is maintained by the US Forest Service, all of the resources available here are either free or quite inexpensive. The facilities are in excellent shape! You can find more information from the local Ranger District. You can find out more from them at:

Tusquitee Ranger District
201 Woodland Drive
Murphy, NC 28906
Phone – 828-837-5152

 

John Poltrock, Certified Residential Specialist –www.iLoveMurphy.com – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call The POLTROCK TEAM at RE/MAX Mountain Properties today at 866-687-7496