Saturday, February 25, 2012

CFLs: Are Your New Bulbs Burning Out? | Light Bulbs for Home

Are your 5 & 10 year light bulbs are burnng out? Here are some money saving suggestions.

CFLs: Are Your New Bulbs Burning Out? Light Bulbs for Home

733 Gash Road, Mills River, NC 28759

Enjoy all the photos of this ideal equestrian proerty that includes heated workshops and outbuilding, pole barn, gated iron entries and more! 733 Gash Road, Mills River, NC 28759

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Existing-Home Sales Rise Again in January

Existing-home sales rose in January, marking three gains in the past four months, while inventories continued to improve, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

Total existing-home sales1, which are completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, increased 4.3 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.57 million in January from a downwardly revised 4.38 million-unit pace in December and are 0.7 percent above a spike to 4.54 million in January 2011.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said strong gains in contract activity in recent months show buyers are responding to very favorable market conditions. “The uptrend in home sales is in line with all of the underlying fundamentals – pent-up household formation, record-low mortgage interest rates, bargain home prices, sustained job creation and rising rents.”

Total housing inventory at the end of January fell 0.4 percent to 2.31 million existing homes available for sale, which represents a 6.1-month supply2 at the current sales pace, down from a 6.4-month supply in December.

“The broad inventory condition can be described as moving into a rough balance, not favoring buyers or sellers,” Yun said. “Foreclosure sales are moving swiftly with ready home buyers and investors competing in nearly all markets. A government proposal to turn bank-owned properties into rentals on a large scale does not appear to be needed at this time.”

Total unsold listed inventory has trended down from a record 4.04 million in July 2007, and is 20.6 percent below a year ago.

NAR President Moe Veissi, broker-owner of Veissi & Associates Inc., in Miami, said buying power is enticing more potential home buyers. “Word has been spreading about the record high housing affordability conditions and our members are reporting an increase in foot traffic compared with a year ago,” he said. “With other favorable market factors, these are hopeful indicators leading into the spring home-buying season. We’re cautiously optimistic that an uptrend will continue this year.”

According to Freddie Mac, the national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage was a record low 3.92 percent in January, down from 3.96 percent in December; the rate was 4.76 percent in January 2011; recordkeeping began in 1971.

The national median existing-home price3 for all housing types was $154,700 in January, down 2.0 percent from January 2011. Distressed homes4 – foreclosures and short sales which sell at deep discounts – accounted for 35 percent of January sales (22 percent were foreclosures and 13 percent were short sales), up from 32 percent in December; they were 37 percent in January 2011.

“Home buyers over the past three years have had some of the lowest default rates in history,” Yun said. “Entering the market at a low point and buying at discounted prices have greatly helped in that success.”

All-cash sales were unchanged at 31 percent in January; they were 32 percent in January 2011. Investors account for the bulk of cash transactions.

Investors purchased 23 percent of homes in January, up from 21 percent in December; they were 23 percent in January 2011. First-time buyers rose to 33 percent of transactions in January from 31 percent in December; they were 29 percent in January 2011.

Forty-seven percent of NAR members report that contracts settled on time in January; 21 percent had delays and 33 percent experienced contract failures. Contract cancellations are unchanged from December but were only 9 percent in January 2011; they are caused largely by declined mortgage applications and failures in loan underwriting from appraisals coming in below the negotiated price.

Single-family home sales rose 3.8 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.05 million in January from 3.90 million in December, and are 2.3 percent above the 3.96 million-unit pace a year ago. The median existing single-family home price was $154,400 in January, down 2.6 percent from January 2011.

Existing condominium and co-op sales increased 8.3 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 520,000 in January from 480,000 in December but are 10.3 percent lower than the 580,000-unit level in January 2011. The median existing condo price was $156,600 in January, up 2.0 percent from a year ago.

Regionally, existing-home sales in the Northeast rose 3.4 percent to an annual pace of 600,000 in January and are 7.1 percent above a year ago. The median price in the Northeast was $225,700, which is 4.2 percent below January 2011.

Existing-home sales in the Midwest increased 1.0 percent in December to a level of 980,000 and are 3.2 percent higher than January 2011. The median price in the Midwest was $122,000, down 3.9 percent from a year ago.

In the South, existing-home sales rose 3.5 percent to an annual level of 1.76 million in January but are unchanged from a year ago. The median price in the South was $134,800, which is 0.3 percent below January 2011.

Existing-home sales in the West jumped 8.8 percent to an annual pace of 1.23 million in January but are 3.1 percent below a spike in January 2011. The median price in the West was $187,100, down 1.8 percent from a year ago.

The National Association of Realtors®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing 1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

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Existing-Home Sales Rise Again in January, Inventory Down

Existing-home sales rose in January, marking three gains in the past four months, while inventories continued to improve, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
Total existing-home sales1, which are completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, increased 4.3 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.57 million in January from a downwardly revised 4.38 million-unit pace in December and are 0.7 percent above a spike to 4.54 million in January 2011.

Existing-Home Sales Rise Again in January, Inventory Down

WLOS ABC 13 News :: Top Stories - New Business is Booming - WNC is Entrepreneurial Hub

Brevard NC and Advantage West in the News, on how business friendly Brevard NC is.
Sign up for AdvantageWest e-news!

Programs and initiatives of the AdvantageWest Economic Development Group are:

Advanced Manufacturing Initiative; Blue Ridge Food Ventures; Blue Ridge Entrepreneurial Council; Certified Entrepreneurial Community Program; AdvantageGreen; MountainSouth USA; and the Western North Carolina Film Commission

Click this lin to watch the interview with Our New Business's booming WLOS ABC 13 News :: Top Stories - New Business is Booming - WNC is Entrepreneurial Hub

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Click Is There a "Better Selling Season" For Your Western North Carolina Real Estate?here to set a title.

As we come into the winter months, many Brevard would-be home sellers will think about holding off on listing their home, waiting for the perceived "selling season" to put their home on the market. But if you're ready to sell your home now, is waiting until spring and summer a better option? Surprisingly, no... Not according to the data, it isn't.
Analyzing a year's worth of data by season on three quarters of a million homes listed across the country found:
  • Homes listed in winter sell faster: 46 days in winter vs. 55 days in summer.
  • Homes listed in winter are more likely to sell: 59.2% sell in winter vs. 53.1% sell in summer.
  • Homes listed in winter sell closest to their original price: a 2.7% drop from the final price in winter vs. a 5.2% drop from the final price in summer, worth more than $7,000 on a $300,000 home.
Although spring-listed homes sell the fastest, winter comes in second at six percent below the median, while homes listed in summer and fall both sell slower than the median (12% and 16%, respectively). Overall, winter-listed homes sell best and they sell 1.4 % closer to their original list price than the median.
If you've been thinking of putting your Brevard home on the market, but think you'll get better results if you wait until spring or summer, winter may actually be a better time!
Contact Jay & Jewell Kaiser, through honesty, integrity, and responsiveness to your needs, we will make your Brevard, North Carolina real estate experience productive and successful.
Source: redfin blog

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BIKE Magazine deems Transylvania County "Ground Zero For Some Of The Best Riding In The Nation"!

Where does the premier mountain biking publication BIKE Magazine go to test and rate 25 of 2012’s most promising mountain bikes and gear for their annual The Bible of Bike Tests edition? If you are a biking enthusiast it will come as no surprise to hear Brevard, NC in Transylvania County or that BIKE magazine says "Transylvania County is ground zero for some of the best riding in the nation"! BIKE magazine calls Transylvania County "America's Best Kept Secret" and their team spent weeks here in Brevard back in October testing Cross-Country, Trail, Gravity, and All Mountain Bikes throughout the 400 miles of peerless single track biking trails, 1,000+ miles of gravel Forest Service roads, and 100,000 acres of public lands included in Pisgah National Forest, DuPont State Forest, and Gorges State Park. As one of the leading mountain bike destinations in Western North Carolina, known for its challenging terrain and offering riders a variety of rock gardens, steep climbs, swoopy descents, and even a few waterfall routes, Transylvania County is also rated among the best for road and endurance cycling. Not only does BIKE magazine praise Transylvania County for its bike-friendly attitude, but County Planning and Economic Development here in Brevard also encourages bike related businesses to consider the benefits of this area. It's no wonder Transylvania County is considered the Cycling Capital of the South! Click [here] to see photos of the BIKE Magazine team's rides and get details on the trails that they used. Shots of some of the many mountain biking hot spots that Western NC has to offer.Brevard, NC is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, let us, Jay and Jewell Kaiser, help you find a home here in the Western North Carolina mountains. Through honesty, integrity, and responsiveness to your needs, we will make your Brevard, North Carolina real estate experience productive and successful. Search Brevard NC Real Estate

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Horseback Riding In Western North Carolina

Along with cycling, mountain biking, and fishing, horseback riding is another one of the fabulous activities that outdoor enthusiasts enjoy in the Brevard, Hendersonville, and Asheville area of Western North Carolina. Amazing panaramic views and rugged mountain scenery are the backdrop for riders as they hit the multitude of trails located here in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. State and National forest cover one-third of Transylvania County with miles of trails to provide endless hours of riding opportunities. Dupont State Forest A favorite site for trail riders with 90 miles of trails around beautiful waterfalls with most of the trails being single track and old logging roads.

  • The Waterfall Loop This is a great loop affording views of four of the major waterfalls. Many loops can be developed by connecting the trails. All trails are open to horses except for Triple Falls Trail and a few clearly marked hiking trails.
  • Lake Imaging Access Area. There are several trails that lead off of this trail, but to do the loop stay on Lake Imaging Road.

Pisgah National Forest The Pisgah National Forest is a popular area for horseback riding. With many loop rides and most trails connect to the South Mills River Trail.

  • South Mills River Area Trails Streamside and wooded trails as well as old logging roads ranging between 1 and 12 miles long.
  • North Mills River Area Trails here go through fields, run along streams, and follow the ridgetop. Ranging in length from 1-5 miles longs, you'll find easy grades as well as steep, and opportunities for multiple loop rides.
  • Davidson River The horseback riding area at Davidson River is several miles from the river. The horse area is near Pink Beds, Cradle of Forestry area.

Biltmore Estate Equestrian Center Over 80 miles of horse trails that include wide open spaces as well as roads and trails along the edge of the beautiful French Broad River. You'll find cross-country jumps and many of the trails also have optional jumps. Don't own a horse but would like to experience this beautiful area of Western North Carolina on horseback? Not a problem! Brevard has several riding stables that offer guided trail rides with experienced guides who will bring you out to explore and safely enjoy the private mountain trails. Balsom Grove Riding Stables, Shoal Creek Road, Brevard, NC 28712 828-862-5759 Pisgah Forest Riding Stables, 476 Pisgah Dr, Brevard, NC 28712 828-883-8258‎ Free Rein Stables, 420 Las Praderas Cir, Brevard, NC 28712 828-883-3375‎ Keystone Riding Center, Cashiers Valley Rd, Brevard, NC 28712 828-883-8232 Gwynn Valley, 1080 Island Ford Road, Brevard, NC 28712 828-885-2900 Contact Jay & Jewell Kaiser, we are the most informed professionals in our market area and we will make your Brevard, North Carolina real estate experience productive and successful. Search Brevard NC Real Estate

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Assault on the Carolinas…by Bicycles

For 13 years now, the Assault on the Carolinas, which takes place in beautiful Brevard, North Carolina, has served as one of the Pisgah Forest Rotary Club’s annual fundraisers. It is the perfect opportunity for cycling enthusiasts to enjoy their favorite sport while supporting the Rotary Club’s efforts to serve the youth and community of Transylvania County. This year’s event will take place on April 14th, beginning at approximately 9:00 a.m. Your exact start time will depend on whether you choose the 100k, 60k, or 40k ride. The 100k ride is intended for serious, experienced cyclists ready for a challenge that benefits a good cause. It will take you through mountains and valleys in both North and South Carolina, at one point going uphill for 6 miles at Caesar’s Head. The 60k ride offers a good challenge for intermediate cyclists, and the 40k ride takes you on a relatively gentle ride through the scenic river valleys of beautiful Transylvania County. No matter which ride you choose, the event will begin at the Water Oak Suites Building at the corner of East Main and Johnson Streets in Brevard, NC. All of the courses are well-marked and have fully-stocked rest stops with bathrooms. There will be traffic support at all major intersections along the route, and a hot lunch will be waiting for you upon your return. Brevard, NC is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, let us, Jay and Jewell Kaiser, help you find a home here in the Western North Carolina mountains. Through honesty, integrity, and responsiveness to your needs, we will make your Brevard, North Carolina real estate experience productive and successful. Search Brevard NC Real Estate Photo Source: AssaultontheCarolinas.com

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For 13 years now, the Assault on the Carolinas has served as one of the Pisgah Forest Rotary Club’s annual fundraisers. It is the perfect opportunity for cycling enthusiasts to enjoy their favorite sport while supporting the Rotary Club’s efforts to

To experience the arts and cultural events of the Brevard area, look no further than the Brevard Music Center.  The Brevard Music Center is situated in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina and is one of America's premier summer training programs for high school and college students every summer, culminating in a series of concerts open to the general public.

Not content to only share music during one part of the year, the Brevard Music Center also holds free concerts the first Monday of every month from October through May, with the exception of January.  These free concerts take place at 12:30 p.m. at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, which is at 22 Fisher Road in Brevard, North Carolina.

On February 6, the concert series will feature Steve Cohen, professor of clarinet at Northwestern University.  In addition to his university teaching, he performs and teaches master classes throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and Korea.  He was the principal clarinetist with the New Orleans Symphony, later known as the Louisiana Philharmonic, from 1975 to 2004.  Accompanying him is pianist Katherine Palmer, who has taught at the Brevard Music Center and remains an active chamber musician.  Together they will be performing chamber pieces by Francis Poulenc, Benjamin Britten, Ennio Morricone, and others.

On March 5, the concert series will play host to the Blair Quartet, one of the most-acclaimed string quartets in the United States, who will be playing Schubert’s Quartet No. 14, “Death and the Maiden.”

Other upcoming performances include the Trio Solis on April 2 and the Georgia Woodwind Quintet on May 7.

 

 

We strive to be the most informed professionals in our market area, contact Jay and Jewell Kaiser and let us make your Brevard, North Carolina real estate experience productive and successful.

Search Brevard Real Estate

Posted via email from jaykaiser's posterous

Assault on the Carolinas…by Bicycles

For 13 years now, the Assault on the Carolinas has served as one of the Pisgah Forest Rotary Club’s annual fundraisers.  It is the perfect opportunity for cycling enthusiasts to enjoy their favorite sport while supporting the Rotary Club’s efforts to serve the youth and community of Transylvania County.  This year’s event will take place on April 14th, beginning at approximately 9:00 a.m.  Your exact start time will depend on whether you choose the 100k, 60k, or 40k ride.

The 100k ride is intended for serious, experienced cyclists ready for a challenge that benefits a good cause.  It will take you through mountains and valleys in both North and South Carolina, at one point going uphill for 6 miles at Caesar’s Head.  The 60k ride offers a good challenge for intermediate cyclists, and the 40k ride takes you on a relatively gentle ride through the scenic river valleys of beautiful Transylvania County.

No matter which ride you choose, the event will begin at the Water Oak Suites Building at the corner of East Main and Johnson Streets in Brevard, NC.  All of the courses are well-marked and have fully-stocked rest stops with bathrooms.  There will be traffic support at all major intersections along the route, and a hot lunch will be waiting for you upon your return.

 

 

Brevard, NC is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, let us, Jay and Jewell Kaiser, help you find a home here in the Western North Carolina mountains. Through honesty, integrity, and responsiveness to your needs, we will make your Brevard, North Carolina real estate experience productive and successful.

Search Brevard NC Real Estate

Photo Source:
AssaultontheCarolinas.com

Posted via email from jaykaiser's posterous

Jay Kaiser | SLS: SG20152289

Media_httpwwwusproper_kfbav

Your dream home in the Mountains of Brevard NC and Jay Kaiser are now offering the best in Brevard NC Real Estate! Located in Connestee Falls this easy to access home from Downtown Brevard offers mountain living at it's best! Connestee Falls is full of amenities, gated, lakes, golfing, clubhouse and more!

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Friday, February 10, 2012

MLS 512741

This is the best value in all of Connestee Falls for a well maintained A frame home, a full almost finished basement. Sold as is but when you see it the house is in fine shape. Winter views, lots of outdoor decks, wildlife haven, close to town & club house. Loft larger than shown, propane furnace is new needs finish install to heat & cool if desired entire home. Beautiful wood flooring, open floor plan, light & bright, must see to appreciate!

MLS 512741

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Mission Health, Transylvania Hospital team up to save baby with rare condition | Mountain Xpress | Asheville, NC

Brevard's Hospital and Mission take a team approach to the finest health care in the area. Example to read on about it the baby with a rare condition. This is just one more reason why Brevard and Transylvania County known as the Land of Waterfalls should be your next retirement, second or primary residence destination spot!

Mission Health, Transylvania Hospital team up to save baby with rare condition Mountain Xpress Asheville, NC

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Saturday, February 4, 2012

NC Foreclosure Prevention Fund

NC Foreclosure Prevention Fund.
Hear from Counselors
Learn more from housing counselors about how we may be able to help you. Louise Mack of Prosperity Unlimited in Kannapolis explains how the Mortgage Payment Program works while Joe Paradise of Triangle Family Services in Raleigh discusses what to expect when you meet with a housing counselor.
NC Foreclosure Prevention Fund

NC Association of Realtors, Professionally Guiding You Since 1921

All you would ever need to know about finding and using a Realtor in NC

NC Association of Realtors, Professionally Guiding You Since 1921