Grandfather Mountain Documentary

Local Documentary on Grandfather Mountain that was shot, written, and edited by Jim Morton, Hugh Morton's son, in May of 2008 will be shown on UNC-TV on October 29 at 9:30. It will cover a large part of the species that call Grandfather Mountain home. It will be shown in chronological order, showing the changing of the seasons from Hugh’s perspective.

Don’t miss this chance to see a great work of art preformed by Hugh Morton.

Marc White

Marketing Specialist, ABR, GRI, ePro

Broker/REALTOR

Direct 828-406-2134

Marc@CedarFallsRealty.com

Marc White Real Estate Boone Blowing Rock Banner Elk High Country Real Estate

Grandfather Mountain Trails closed due to Bears...

I just saw a recent post that the Grandfather Mountain Trails were closed, until further notice, because of highten bear activity on the mountain.

Here is the exact post...

"The Grandfather Extension Trail, the Black Rock Trail and the Grandfather Trail from the Swinging Bridge to MacRae Peak are closed due to increased bear activity. Bears, including a mother bear with cubs, have been seen in this area. NC Park Rangers are also discouraging hikers from accessing Grandfather from the parking areas at the Profile Trail and the Daniel Boone Scout Trail."

Whatever you do, be careful, bears do bite (and chew),


Marc White
Marketing Specialist, ABR, GRI, ePro
828-406-2134
Marc@CedarFallsRealty.com

Highland Games return July 9-12

The 54th Annual Games return to Grandfather Mountain starting this thursday. The kickoff will be on Thursday night, with each night promoting unique aspects of the Scottish culture and heritage. This is one of the largest Scottish Clan gatherings in the world. Almost 100 clans will be represented at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games this year (mine will be one of them).

For more information simply go to www.gmhg.org or call 828-733-1333.

Thank you,

Marc White
Marketing Specialist, ABR, GRI, ePro
828-406-2134
Marc@CedarFallsRealty.com

It's almost offical, Texting while Driving could cost you...

Texting while Driving...

The Associated Press has reported that the North Carolina Senate gave final approval that would ban texting or emailing while driving. The North Carolina House of Representatives have also approved the law, so that leaves Gov. Bev Perdue to sign the bill into law.
It does not prevent talking on your cell phones or even dialing a number, but only texting or emailing. For those under the age of 18, it is illegal to text, e-mail, or talk on their phone while driving.

Marc White, ABR, GRI, E-Pro
Marketing Specialist
Direct 828-406-2134
Marc@CedarFallsRealty.com

First Monday Market Reports

For the first time this year, we have seen our Market Absorption Rates fall in two of our three categories (All & Land). This is great news, especially as we have also seen the number of properties under contract go up in the past few weeks.

While sales have risen, so have the number of listings, which is the main reason why residential listings had a small increase in their Market Absorption Rate.

Marc White, ABR, GRI, E-Pro

Marketing Specialist

Direct 828-406-2134

Marc@CedarFallsRealty.com

Smoking Ban

NC recent bills will prevent smoking from any resturant and bars in North Carolina.


Marc White
Marketing Specialist
828-406-2134
Marc@CedarFallsRealty.com

Blog

Test BLOG

Marc White
High Country Real Estate, Boone Real Estate, Blowing Rock Real Estate, Banner Elk Real Estate

Third Monday Market Update

Take a few minutes to see the large change in the number of homes and properties that have recently gone under contract in our market. If you remember earlier this month, I wrote the following…

“Many agents have stated recently the numbers of buyers is greatly increased; this opinion is based on ‘their’ activity over the fall and winter months. The important information is the number of properties being placed under contract, and then closed.”

Even though the market absorption rate continuous to increase, it seems that we may finally see the number reduce over the next few months. We have a ways to go, but these are good signs.

Thank you for your time,

Marc White, ABR, GRI, E-Pro
Marketing Specialist Broker/Realtor
Direct 828-406-2134
Marc@CedarFallsRealty.com

To see property listed on our website, PLEASE CLICK HERE Thank You for allowing me the opportunity to serve you. Absorption Rate: Again, I want to emphasize the use of the Absorption Rate versus the “normal” Days on Market approach. The days on market approach (especially for our area) changes so randomly that there are no actual predictors to show whether the market is getting better or worse. The days on market approach at the end of the year (December 31, 2009) will be at a high, while on January 15, 2010 it will be at a very small number. The reason; our days on market is for each specific listing, not each property. If you change your listing price and sign a NEW agreement, in most cases the agent has the opportunity to create a new listing, rather than keeping the listing as “older”; meaning your days on market has now started over. Absorption rate erases most of the errors that are caused by this fluctuation in time and listings. It is not exact and it requires much more work on an agent’s part to provide you with this information, but at the end of the day, the effort is truly worth the expense. *Another way to think of Absorption Rate is “Inventory”. In the automobile industry, dealerships try to keep a 75-90 day supply on-site. There are many reasons they use these numbers, which we don’t need to get into, but the information helps us to understand the Absorption Rate for our real estate industry.

Market Absorption Rate 2009-05-04

The market sees its ups and downs. For the most part, our market continues to increase its inventory (Market Absorption) and signs of buyers continue to come and go. Many agents have stated recently the numbers of buyers is greatly increased; this opinion is based on ‘their’ activity over the fall and winter months. The important information is the number of properties being placed under contract, and then closed.

Though our absorption rate continues to grow, the number of properties placed under contract has increased slightly. This usually is indicative of the market beginning to reduce its inventory (comparably speaking).

Our Absorption Rate for our entire market is 69.99 months, for land it is 169.91 months, and for residential is it 38.42 months.

Thank you for your time,


Marc White, ABR, GRI, E-Pro
Marketing Specialist
Broker/Realtor
Direct 828-406-2134
Marc@CedarFallsRealty.com
To see property listed on our website, PLEASE CLICK HERE Thank You for allowing me the opportunity to serve you.

Absorption Rate: Again, I want to emphasize the use of the Absorption Rate versus the “normal” Days on Market approach. The days on market approach (especially for our area) changes so randomly that there are no actual predictors to show whether the market is getting better or worse. The days on market approach at the end of the year (December 31, 2009) will be at a high, while on January 15, 2010 it will be at a very small number. The reason; our days on market is for each specific listing, not each property. If you change your listing price and sign a NEW agreement, in most cases the agent has the opportunity to create a new listing, rather than keeping the listing as “older”; meaning your days on market has now started over. Absorption rate erases most of the errors that are caused by this fluctuation in time and listings. It is not exact and it requires much more work on an agent’s part to provide you with this information, but at the end of the day, the effort is truly worth the expense.
*Another way to think of Absorption Rate is “Inventory”. In the automobile industry, dealerships try to keep a 75-90 day supply on-site. There are many reasons they use these numbers, which we don’t need to get into, but the information helps us to understand the Absorption Rate for our real estate industry.

Unemployment Rate Falls in Every High Country County

The unemployment rate fell in 84 counties across the state last month, including every county in the High Country.

According to the latest county-by-county numbers released by the North Carolina Employment Security Commission, Alleghany County’s unemployment rate fell 1.2 points to 14.1 percent, Ashe County’s fell 1.4 points to 13.3 percent, Avery’s unemployment rate fell 0.8 points to 9.9 percent, Mitchell County’s fell 1.8 points to 13.8 percent, Watauga County’s fell 0.7 points to 7.9 percent, and Yancy’s unemployment rate fell 1.4 points to 13.1 percent.

Nearby counties had mixed results for the month of March. Burk County’s unemployment rate fell 0.3 points to 15.6 percent, Caldwell’s fell 1.1 points to 15.3 percent, and Iredell County’s unemployment rate also decreased 0.2 points to 12.7 percent. Catawba County’s rate increased 0.6 points to 15.6 percent and Wilkes increased 0.7 points to 13.9 percent.

Watauga County continues to have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state as the county is tied with Chatham and Gates counties for the state’s third lowest unemployment rate.

Thank you,

Marc White
828-406-2134
Marc@CedarFallsRealty.com

Written by Adam Hicks
Recent article from Go Blue Ridge.net

Foreclosure rate for North Carolina

Interesting information about the foreclosure rate for NC compared to the country. It people are comparing NC to what the media reports nationally, and especially our area, here are the numbers as reported for the state. Obviously we aren’t seeing the big increases as reported. If you click the link for North Carolina in the chart it takes you to Realtytrac to see what foreclosures they show for sale by each county. It appears a lot in our area are in Beech Mountain, which seems to mimic the lack of sales in that area as well.

North Carolina has a state ranking of 36, which shows positive for our state. Total state filing for Q1 of 2009 5, 988. That is a change of -19.69 from the fourth quarter of last year till the first quarter of this year. Also the change from the first quarter of last year to the first quarter of this year is -41.77.

Thank You,
Marc White
828-406-2134
Marc@CedarFallsRealty.com

Easter Baskets

Recently, an article made its way to the local newspaper, I thought you might like to read it...

The Easter bunny recently got some help from members of the Avery-Watauga Association of Realtors (AWAR) as residents of local adult care facilities received Easter baskets filled with goodies, along with refreshments and music.
Association members Sandy Byrum and Mary Jones of The Sterling Company co-chair the group’s community action committee. Laurie Phillips, executive officer for the association, said several Realtor offices drew names, filled baskets, and got them ready to be delivered, bringing some spring cheer to local residents.Directors of Sugar Mountain Assisted Living in Avery County and Mountain Care in Watauga County work with the association so residents receive a fun basket each Easter. The holiday project is just one of the community efforts of the Association of Realtors. They also coordinate the distribution of Christmas gifts to these same nursing homes; college scholarships to local students, and food and donations to deserving organizations in the community. This year, the association gave a total of $11,500 to the Hunger Coalition, Resort Area Ministries in Avery County (RAM), WAMY Community Action Inc. in Avery County, the American Red Cross and OASIS (Opposing Abuse with Services, Information and Shelter). The group also donated Kmart gift cards to those at the Hospitality House, Boone’s homeless shelter. Those interested in helping with this and other community efforts may contact the Association of Realtors at (828) 262-5437. It is composed of members in Watauga and Avery counties and the surrounding area who maintain a marketplace where buyers and sellers can safely transfer property under the guidance of a professional. More information is available at http://www.awaronline.org/.

Thank You,

Marc White

828-406-2134

Marc@CedarFallsRealty.com

Help, I can't ReFinance

Today, I came across an article in the Wall Street Journal by Ruth Simon, she indicated that several of the Nation's largest banks have begun to offer money from Obama's recent stimulus package. The housing-relief package has allowed many banks to offer refinancing options for those that have not been able to refi under the current banking regulations.

Many banks have begun to accept applications for these new refi loans. The article also included the recent information from Bank of America indicating that BOA is not (yet) accepting application with mortgage insurance. This is mainly because no one seems to be sure if the insurance companies are able to transfer the insurance from one loan to another.

Thank You,

Marc White
828-406-2134
Marc@CedarFallsRealty.com

Recent Market Figures

Over the last month our financial markets have been thriving (relatively speaking). This is great for our real estate market, as banks begin to add some form and consistency to their lending applications and approvals the overall real estate market in our area will be to steadily revert back to what we know as normal. Prices still remain depressed, but as our inventory numbers will suggest to us, how long will the reduced prices last.

Thank You,

Marc White

828-406-2134

Marc@CedarFallsRealty.com

Hundreds of Homes Sold at Auction

A recent blog revealed the latest information...and quoted a co-worker of mine. Take a few mintues to read this article written by Jesse Jestes


More than 500 foreclosed homes from North and South Carolina were auctioned this weekend for amounts that were far below their original asking prices.
The weekend auction included some properties that were sold for less than half their previous asking prices, The Charlotte Observer reported.

More than 1,000 people attended the auction Saturday and watched as pictures of the houses were flashed on a screen.

Properties sold ranged in value of less than $100,000 to those once valued in the million-dollar range.

Some attendees were looking for a place to live and others were looking for an investment that could increase in value. But the low prices still stunned some.

"This is scary," said Carol Laney, a Lake Norman real estate agent. "This tells you what shape the market is in. People are out there looking for deals, and they're not willing to pay much."
The Observer said its analysis showed foreclosure filings last year were up nearly 9 percent across North Carolina. Mecklenburg County accounted for a sixth of the state's 54,000 foreclosure filings and the area's sales prices dropped more than 7 percent at the end of last year.

During the auction, a $675,000 downtown condo sold for $225,000 and a $234,000 house sold for $135,000.

According to local Realtor, Daveta Tolbert, Associate Broker and Realtor with Cedar Falls Realty, foreclosures have not significantly increased in the High Country however, there is a little twist.
"We haven't seen an increase in mortgage foreclosures in the High Country, but we have noticed a new element to our real estate market with the introduction of short sales," said Tolbert.
"What we are starting to see is people calling in wanting to buy a foreclosure, hoping to find a deal. But, just because it's a foreclosure doesn't mean they'll get a better deal in the property."
Tolbert warns those looking to purchase any foreclosed property that it's, "buyer beware."
When someone purchases a foreclosed home they are typically sold in an "as is" condition with a limited period time to research or investigate the property," added Tolbert.

She recommends contacting an experienced realtor in foreclosed properties before making any purchasing decisions. Information from: The Charlotte Observer, http://www.charlotte.com/

Thank you,

Marc White
828-406-2134
Marc@CedarFallsRealty.com

Stimulus packages for everyone.

Stimulus packages for everyone…

With the recent passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, amounting to $787 Billon has recently began to enter the economy. But what does this mean for us? Well with a little quick reading, this Recovery and Reinvestment Act has been earmarked by several government leaders in our state for several projects. N.C. Governor, Beverly Perdue has already announced that $466 million has been earmarked for the improvements of roads and bridges. In the High Country, $14.4 million is proposed for the widening project on East King Street in Boone. For more information and notes on where YOUR money is going, please look at http://www.ncrecovery.gov/ a website built by Perdue to help show where the money is headed.

Thank you,

Marc White, ABR, GRI, E-Pro

Marketing Specialist

Broker/Realtor

Direct 828-406-2134

Marc@CedarFallsRealty.com

High Country Conservancy

Even during these tough times, there has been a dramatic amount of land and resources given/spent on the conservation of land and water in the High Country area. The High Country has always strived to keep the “High Country Beautiful”, whether it was the “green presentation” at ASU’s Plemmons Student Union last week or the local High Country Conservancy growing its resources across the state, we all benefit from their achievements.

Last week, at ASU, the office for entrepreneurship devoted several hours to the advancement of networking for local builders, developers, conservationist, and all others who are devoted to reusing our resources. With hundreds in attendance, the devotion of the area is well noted. Several more events will be scheduled for the future, as the area continues to embrace their “gifts”.

A quick note, ASU students have given time, money, and other resources to help purchase a new windmill that will sit atop Broyhill Mountain, near the Broyhill Conference Center.

Thank you,

Marc White, ABR, GRI, E-Pro

Marketing Specialist

Broker/Realtor

Direct 828-406-2134

Marc@CedarFallsRealty.com

SNOW - update

The other day the High Country experienced up to 12 inches of snow that blanketed the area, as well as slowing businesses for several days. For the 16^th time, Watauga County Schools has been cancelled this year. Many people were excited to see the record-breaking snow; probably most of the ski resorts were hoping the snow would continue to fall for many more days. After digging out, many residents returned to normal habits until we received record breaking High temperatures over the latter half of the week and weekend. Temperatures from Monday to Saturday were 70 degrees difference.

Thank you,

Marc White, ABR, GRI, E-Pro

Marketing Specialist

Broker/Realtor

Direct 828-406-2134

Marc@CedarFallsRealty.com

What can we do to 'fix' our market

After watching predictions for todays market, I thought it would be another great Monday to start the week. But after another 200+ point drop in the market, I am reminded of what our US economy is based on: speculation. Simple predictions of what a bunch of people 'think' our market will be doing over the future. I am not a licensed economist, nor do I pretend to know about the state of business. What I do know is that it would be wise to listen to those that have become rich off of the 'speculation' of the future of a particular business. The Snowball as he has become more widely called, since his recent book, has acres of diamonds to share with us all. Warren Buffett once said our stock market should only be open for trading a few times a year. This would prevent the 'speculation' market, at least as it is now. I have not read his new book, nor any book he has been a part of in the last four years. His wisdom transcends the current state of our market and places a great perspective on our business.

Over the last several years I have tried to study our US market economy. What little I have gleamed from this process continues to point towards our perceived notions as the basis for our US market. When people think our market is getting better, the pour money into the markets, when they perceive the market as getting worse, they tuck tail and run. So where does that leave us? I will answer that with a quick story about the local news...

We get the Charlotte news in our area. It has become affectionately known as the nightly crime report. For some reason the main channel my TV is on when the 'news' starts or is advertising for later is FOX. They are masters at taking every single incident in Charlotte and making it seem like the world is coming to an end. The reasoning for this approach is clear, more people watch the news when it is negative or suspensionful than when the story is about the person who saved his neighbors life.

So, is it any wonder why our speculative market continues to get worse when we allow our minds to get inundated with the 'media spin' on the state of our market.

Thank You,

Marc White

Marc@CedarFallsRealty.com

Cedar Falls Realty, Boone, NC

The Green Economy

While this might be a great title for a new book, speech, or argument against the current recession; I am talking about the upcoming information and networking event hosted by ASU Center for Entrepreneurship. Tuesday, February 24 at 8:30 pm, this free event is designed to provide an arena of discussion and information for people to have a greater understanding about the technologies and advancement going green has for both private business and private home owners. It also will focus on how builders, developers, and other business owners can take advantage of this movement.



Renewable energy is not new to the High Country, for years ASU has been using renewable energy around their facilities. The local community embraces the idea and has supported renewable and sustainable energy initiatives in many ways. As gas prices soared through the roof last year, people in the area began finding out more about the current green technology than ever before.



While we embrace this change, we must also start to make it a staple in our communities.



Thank you,

Marc White
Marc@CedarFallsRealty.com
Cedar Falls Realty, Boone, NC