Beaverdam Creek in Murphy, North Carolina – and enjoy a video of it!

Posted by I Love Murphy on

Part of nature’s beauty in Murphy, North Carolina is not just spectacular long range mountain views. Lower elevations show God’s beauty in the form of rushing water falls! Here is Beaverdam Creek, which is a rushing creek that could almost be a river.

It is accessed off of Joe Brown Highway and runs through the Hanging Dog, Beaverdam, and Unaka communities.

Call, click, or email and let us know if you are interested in real estate on this creek or others. We’d be happy to help you find it and can email you all the properties available!

We wish you were here, so we thought we’d bring Beaverdam Creek’s waterfall to you! Take a minute out of your day to enjoy the sound of the rushing waterfall…

[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eh1xYlj-6UY]

 

 

 

 

 

 

John Poltrock, Certified Residential Specialist – The POLTROCK TEAM – www.MyMurphy.com – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call Toll-Free 866-Murphy-NC or 866-687-7496

Spectacular New Chalet for Sale in Murphy NC – and a GREAT Mountain View!

Posted by I Love Murphy on
New Mountain View Chalet for Sale
New Mountain View Chalet for Sale

This Property is Now SOLD!!

If you love chalets in Murphy NC, or even like ‘em for that matter, you’ll really appreciate this great home! This 2 bedroom, 2 bath chalet has a full daylight basement! With poured concrete walls, you can rest assured this basement is a great way to have extra storage or finish in the future for more living space. Upstairs is a beautiful rock fireplace complete with gas logs included for you to curl up by the fire on cold mornings.

 

Built by Brasstown Builders, this home is finished with the quality you should expect in a home. Tongue and groove vaulted ceiling with enormous fixed pane windows really captures the gorgeous Mountain View this home overlooks year around. You must see it to believe how beautiful it really is! Tile is in the bathrooms and soft, plush carpet accents both the downstairs bedroom and the loft.

 

Highland Creek itself offers amenities you won’t find just anywhere. You have river access to Hiwassee River, paved roads, community water system, and close access to some of Murphy’s greatest attractions such as the John C Campbell Folk School, downtown, and the golf course.

 

This home is genuinely a work of art you should see for yourself, and it’s an outstanding price at less that $200,000!!

John Poltrock, Certified Residential Speckialist – The POLTROCK TEAM at RE/MAX in Murphy, North Carolina – www.MyMurphy.com – Call us Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496

Overview of Murphy, North Carolina – The Location, Population, People, Real Estate, History, and Facts

Posted by I Love Murphy on
One of the Entry Signs to Murphy NC City Limits
One of the Entry Signs to Murphy NC City Limits

Murphy is the westernmost town in North Carolina. Nestled in the Blue Ridge and Mountains, Murphy is the county seat of Cherokee County. The city limits of Murphy are actually quite small with a landmass of approximately 1,702.88 acres. On the same token, the “area” of Murphy is quite large. It comprises the entire zip code 28906.

 Location

Murphy’s downtown square is located at Longitude/Latitude N 35 05.267 W 84 02.060. It is located where the Valley River and Hiwassee River come together. Highways 64, 74, and 19/129 are the major roadways.

Directions to Murphy from internet sources such as Rand McNally and MapQuest tend to be down curvy routes.  Although the distance may be shorter, they tend not to be the best – especially coming from our South. You can get the best directions to Murphy NC here.

Population

The city limits of Murphy have a mere 1,568 people. Albeit a small number, if you were to step back and look at the entire area referred to as Murphy (the entire zip code 28906), it has 16,454 people who call these mountains home. All of Cherokee County NC has a total population of 24,298.

The People of Murphy

When you’re looking to move to Murphy or buy an investment and/or second home property, it’s very important to know what to expect from the folks in Murphy.  Locals are some of the kindest and most generous people you’ll meet. They are open to newcomers and don’t shun people. Being in the heart of the Bible Belt, a large portion of people are religious and attend a wide variety of churches with varying denominations. The bottom line is, you’ll meet a lot of people who will become lifelong friends before you know it!

Downtown

A Bird’s Eye View of Downtown Murphy, NC

Downtown Murphy has tons to offer! It’s one of the few downtowns that is walkable and full of great shops! You can easily park your car downtown and walk to every store downtown has to offer. There are many great options that include, and are certainly not limited to, a bakery, quilting shop, auto parts store, hardware and supply, shoe repair and shoe shop, antiques, sporting goods, women’s botique, coffee shop, book store, candy store, furniture store, drug store, and much more. You’ll enjoy it!

Demographics

As of the census in 2000, Murphy was made up of 89.60% white, 5.48% African American, 1.28% Native American, 1.34% Asian, 1.15% from other races, and 1.15% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.87% of the population.

Real Estate

Real estate is one thing The POLTROCK TEAM knows well! View many of the common types of real estate for sale here. If you would like for us to search for specific property for you, let us know! You can call toll free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496 or email me at JohnPoltrock@gmail.com . You are also welcome to use our online Contact Us forms.

History

Murphy was named for the North Carolina Politician, Archibald Murphey. Murphy originally started along the trading path known as the Unicoi Turnpike which connected the Cherokee lands east of the mountains with the “Overhill Towns” of Tennessee. Once the Indians were removed in 1836 across the Trail of Tears, the US Army built Fort Butler in what is today Murphy. Fort Butler was used as the main collection point for the Cherokee on the eastern side of the mountains. They were moved from Fort Butler, across the Unicoi Turnpike, and then to Fort Cass (which is now Charleston, Tennessee). Today, the Unicoi Turnpike is better known as Joe Brown Highway.

The site where Murphy is now located at along the Hiwassee River was known to the Cherokee Indians as Tlanusi-yi, which translates to the Leech Place. This name originated from a legend about a giant leech name Tlanusi that lived in the river.

Neat Facts

Murphy is closer to the capitals of six other states than it is its own state capital in Raleigh. The capitals of Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, Kentucky, and West Virginia are all closer than Raleigh.

Eric Rudolph, the fugitive who was responsible for the 1996 Olympic bombing in Atlanta, GA was arrested in Murphy by the Murphy Police Department after a futile, extensive FBI search. He was found behind Save-a-Lot grocery store.

Murphy, NC is rated by Forbes in the Top 10 list of up and coming vacation home markets.

There’s a rumor, albeit unsubstantiated, that President Lincoln’s Father is buried at the old Harshaw Chapel.

Mark Deweese, All-American Cross Country and Track athlete was both born and played at Murphy High School.

Carl Pickens, legendary football star, is a Murphy prodigy of years past.

Visit the Town of Murphy NC’s Official Website

Written By: John Poltrock, Certified Residential Specialist – www.MyMurphy.com – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call us Toll-Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496

References and Sources
Cherokee County Mapping Department
Wikipedia
The 2000 U.S. Census

Chalet with a Full Finished Basement For Sale in the Ranger Community of Murphy NC

Posted by I Love Murphy on

There’s a great new listing for sale in the Ranger Community of Murphy, North Carolina! This beautiful chalet styled home is full of upgrades that you won’t see in the run-of-the-mill chalet. Here’s the laundry list of great features you’ll find out about it:

  • 3 bed, 3 bath homes
  • All tile, hardwood, and carpet floors – no vinyl here!
  • tongue and groove ceiling in the great room that extends through the loft!
  • Full finished basement
  • Jacuzzi/Whirlpool type bathtub
  • Wet bar in the basement
  • Super gentle land
  • Wood burning Rock Fireplace that currently has gas logs in it
  • Upgraded Appliances – including a front loader washer and dryer!
  • All of this for less than $200,000!!!
John Poltrock – www.MyMurphy.com – The POLTROCK TEAM at RE/MAX in Murphy, NC – Call Toll Free at 866-687-7496 – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com

What to Expect When Offering to Buy a Foreclosure in Murphy NC

Posted by I Love Murphy on

When you find a foreclosed home in Murphy NC that you want to buy, there are several things you need to know to expect when you go through the process. It will be an interesting experience that is unlike buying a home from a “normal” seller.

You found a foreclosure home you want to buy. Here are some tips and what to expect.

(I also recommend you read our article on finding and buying foreclosures in Murphy NC)

 

  1. Lots of paperwork. You’ll have all the standard paperwork you have when you buy a house and then endless addendums they will send afterward for you to sign.
  2. Crazy Addendums. They’re something else. They will limit the bank from any and all liability and specify how to expect the closing will take place. There will be mold addendums even if the house doesn’t have mold (basically says the bank doesn’t know about any mold and is not liable for any), addendums on other hazards, addendums to the addendums, and addendums to the amended addendum! Trust me though… there’s a lot.  You will find contradictions in the paperwork. For example, in one spot they may say they will pay your closing costs and then in another say you are responsible for them.
  3. Slow paperwork processing. It takes the bank forever to sign your offer to purchase. They have to approve it on many different levels and they are in no rush to sign it. They will give you verbal acceptance pretty quickly and the signed and executed offer can often take a week or more to receive.
  4. Contradictions. You’ll find the left hand doesn’t talk to the right hand on the bank’s side. The listing agent will contradict what the closing agent said and so on. Be prepared for a few “inconveniences” to crop up because of this. You have to remember, “I’m getting a great deal. I must be patient…” and so on to put up with some of it.
  5. Delayed closing. This is a case of the left hand not communicating with the right hand. If you can close in a week and they agree to it on the contract, expect it not to happen. Not because they have ill intent, rather because they have so many steps they have to go through and it just doesn’t “accelerate” well. No need to worry, no matter where you are at, you can get closing documents by mail or UPS.
  6. Attorney costs. Sometimes they offer to pay your closing costs. There is a bit of a catch to this. If you do, they expect you to use their attorney. Many times they will even pay for title insurance for you. If they do, it’s not too bad of a deal. There is a bit of consideration to this, however. Who do you think an attorney that represents the bank and does many transactions for them is most interested in? Especially if they’ve never seen you and don’t know you from Adam, they’re not as worried about you. Hiring your own closing attorney may cost you more, and it may be worth it to know you have someone who is representing your best interests – not the banks. You’ll have to decide which approach is better for you. It may even be worth it to consult an attorney (often a free consultation with many of our local attorneys) to find out the benefits of both ways. You can find an attorney on our recommended contractors list, or Gotta Guy List as we call it.
  7. Get EVERYTHING in writing. When we got to the closing table for the foreclosure we bought, several surprises happened. They told us they would pay for our attorney and title insurance costs. We had this verbally, not in writing. We ended up having to pay for our attorney costs. They told us they would repair some plumbing issues we discovered. They disputed it. We produced email correspondence on it where they agreed to pay it and they did, indeed, end up paying it. Point is, since the right hand doesn’t communicate with the left very well, you need to have everything they agree to in writing.
  8. Remember and always come back to the fact that you’re getting a great deal. Unless the stars align in a way that I’ve not seen, expect closing not to be as smooth as it is with a “normal” seller. There’s a good chance you’ll get frustrated with it, so always come back to and remember that you’re getting a great deal. After all, you’ll be saving thousands and when you look back on it after owning your home for a few years, it will all be worth it.
John Poltrock, Certified Residential Specialist – The POLTROCK TEAM at RE/MAX Mountain Properties – www.MyMurphy.com – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496

Foreclosure Houses and Tips to Buying Them in Murphy NC

Posted by I Love Murphy on

Foreclosures have become a hot topic in the national real estate market, and that is just as true for Murphy NC. We’ve been fortunate – we don’t have nearly as many foreclosures in Cherokee County NC as much of the country does. The good news is they are still out there and you can still buy them at great prices.

 

Are you looking to buy a foreclosure in Murphy NC?

Then there’s a few things you need to know before you look any further. 

 

  1. There’s no way to get a full list on by searching the Murphy NC MLS on your own. Finding them is rather obscure on my end and almost impossible on your end. If you’d likeForeclosure Sign to a full list of the active foreclosures here, email me now (Copy and Paste into your email program JohnPoltrock@gmail.com). I will respond with a link to all the current ones so you can be up-to-date and save a ton of time.
  2. Banks expect you to be prequalified for financing before you even make an offer. If you’re serious about buying a foreclosure, the very first thing you need to have prepared before you even open the door of a foreclosed house is your financing. Banks won’t even look at your offer in almost every case until they know you have the means to buy it. Simply put, have your financing ducks in a row or buy it in cash. Need financing? Go to our Murphy NC recommended contractor list, or “Gotta Guy List” as we call it, to see several excellent local lenders who can get you started.
  3. Expect multiple offers. There can’t be a “I’m not getting in a bidding war” attitude when you’re buying a foreclosure. Be prepared for multiple people to be looking at the same property while you’re shopping. The last two foreclosures we sold (one of which we bought) had multiple offers on them and it’s just part of it. It doesn’t mean you have to pay too much, and that’s where we’ll help you.
  4. Act fast. This somewhat ties into the last one. The best way to avoid multiple offers is to not waste time. If you find a house that fits what you want to buy – do it! Waiting around to make a decision, consulting lots of friends, and anything else that takes up a lot of time is a good way to loose the house. Remember – there’s lots of people looking at them and you want to beat them to it. There’s a lot to the “early bird gets the worm” philosophy here.
  5. Expect to swing a hammer. By that I mean you’ll more than likely have to do work to it. If you’re not in to working on a house or are unwilling to invest more money back in to it, foreclosures may not be for you. You don’t want to buy one with structural issues. Cosmetic problems are okay and most foreclosures will have their fair share of them. I can tell you a few stories about our house and the challenges it had – and they are all fixable!
  6. There’s no dream homes here. Don’t get me wrong on this one – our house is now rapidly becoming a dream home to us. That’s because we’re putting “our” touches on it just like you will do to your foreclosure house when you buy it. Until that point, you won’t walk in and have that “This is it!!!” feel. You can’t expect to find “The One” when you’re shopping for good deals. You’re going to have to settle on some things, so have your list of things that you have to have and things you would like to have and can live without. If it fits the parameters you set, than you’re good! Just remember, you start working on it and putting your own personal touches in it, it will become a dream home for you once you’re finished with it.
  7. Don’t exclude non-foreclosure homes from your list. There are lots of great properties out there at even better prices. Keep an eye out for ones that are not bank owned too because you can sometimes find sellers that have to move a house. We’ll be happy to help you find these, too.
John Poltrock, Certified Residential Specialist – Murphy, NC – The POLTROCK TEAM at RE/MAX Mountain Properties – www.MyMurphy.com – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496

A Home-Made Cheesecake is a TRUE Real Estate Testimonial to The POLTROCK TEAM in Murphy NC!

Posted by I Love Murphy on

There’s a lot of things in life that makes you feel good when people do little things. In real estate in Murphy NC, we get to work with some of the best folks in the United States! Jay and Peggy Center brought us a home made cheese cake to say thank you for helping them invest in a few properties here in Murphy NC and in Hayesville NC.

They say a picture speaks a thousand words – but I think a cheescake might just be better!

 

John and Jessica Poltrock – The POLTROCK TEAM at RE/MAX Mountain Properties – Murphy, North Carolina – www.MyMurphy.com – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call toll free at 1-866-Murphy-NC

Halloween at Konaheeta Park and on Duke Street was an Amazing Success in Murphy NC!

Posted by I Love Murphy on

Halloween this year was celebrated at Konaheeta Park and at Duke Street this year in Murphy NC. It turned out to be a huge success!

Trick-or-treating on Duke Street is a family favorite every year. Duke Street is located right inside Murphy city limits and is a residential neighborhood home to many of the area’s influential people, such as Mayor Bill Hughes. With hundreds of families and children, it was a tremendous turn out after dark! The city police keep through traffic off the roads making it safer for the children. The ticket to Duke Street is to show up after dark! There’s lots of candy, lots of people, and lots of friends and family you’ll see making the rounds house to house.

Before dark, Peachtree’s on Fire Family Church sponsored an excellent celebration at Murphy NC’s Konaheeta Park. It was full of families and children running around, collecting candy, playing games, and eating hot dogs. Admission was completely free for everyone and all the kids were given a free hot dog to keep their stomachs full of more than just candy! There were well over a dozen games for the kids to play and they could win candy for winning! Throw in jumpy toys, a hay ride, and music, it was a great Halloween for 2008!

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

The Watt Family of St. Augustine, FL Recommends The POLTROCK TEAM at Murphy NC REMAX!

Posted by I Love Murphy on

Watt Family at REMAX Client Appreciation PicnicThe Watt family just recently purchased a property from us in Turkey Creek, which is a great Nottley River Community in Murphy NC. They wrote two testimonials – one on paper and one by email. We’ll share them both with you!

Testimonial to Office Manager: I got to meet John by accident. I was working with a real estate agent in North Georgia who basically did not want to be bothered with smaller real estate purchases. Out of frustration, I “Googled” Murphy N.C. and John’s real estate website www.MyMurphy.com came up. I placed a call to him and was immediately impressed with his personable attitude and knowledge of his properties compared to my interests.

John spent all day Friday and Saturday showing us properties that matched the criteria we gave him. On our first trip, we purchase property – a lot of that decision was based on his trust worthiness – he wasn’t selling us a bad deal.

I would absolutely call John for any future needs and have already passed his name and number to my co-workers.

I hope John is able to “ride out” the the lull in real estate the country has managed to find itself in. He would certainly make an excellent mentor to those new in the field. I look forward to working with him for any future transactions.

Email Testimonial: Just wanted to share my experience with the Poltrock team regarding our real estate transaction …. What a breath of fresh air to work with someone who’s sole purpose was to insure customer satisfaction! My family and I made arrangements to visit Murphy during the summer just to ’scout’ the area out for our retirement at a later date. John lined up 2 days worth of prospects from the criteria we gave him – he made us feel very comfortable and welcome in a totally new place. John recommended lodging, food, and even gave us a brief tour of Hiwassee Dam. John’s knowledge of the area and his ability to understand our needs resulted in a purchase in Turkey Creek on our first trip! He was extremely helpful during the ’process’, making a long distance transaction seamless. He also made sure we had comfortable accommodations on our second trip to Murphy just last week – staying at a rental that was as clean and comfortable as our own home. His trust and honesty laid the foundation of our friendship – Big Kudos for John and REMAX of Murphy. I would recommend them to everyone!

The Watt family
St. Augustine, Florida

P.S. I really enjoy your blogs … I read them when I’m suppose to be listening on conference calls.
The Watt family
St. Augustine, Florida


P.S.  I really enjoy your blogs … I read them when I’m suppose to be listening on conference calls.

A Testimony from and Elderly Couple who Bought and *SOLD* a Home with The POLTROCK TEAM in Murphy NC!

Posted by I Love Murphy on

This testimony is from a great elderly couple who we helped sell their home in Unaka and buy a new home in Marble. They were great folks to work with who needed a lot of extra help, and that’s exactly what they got from us.

“I would recommend this agent John for selling of homes to anyone that is looking for one. He has a great personality and is very good with selling. He is fun and easy to talk to and he sold our home for us in less than a month. He is excellent in every way and kept us involved with the information of buyers for our home and did a great job finding us a new one home. He really listened to what we wanted and what what we were looking for in another home.”

Mr. & Mrs. Leon Little
of Murphy, North Carolina