Agents will tell you that in most all real estate markets, price is the key to selling your home within a reasonable time frame. It’s most important in a declining or buyer’s market as exists today in most parts of the United States.

As a rule of thumb, if after the first 21 days, your home has had a goodly number of showings, but no offers, the price is probably within 5 percent of market. But, if after 21 days there are very few, or no lookers, the price is likely at least 10 percent over market value, or worse, the price could be unrealistic.

As a seller, you should understand that most buyers are willing to offer 5 percent under the asking price and not be afraid of offending you. But, very few buyers will offer 10 percent, or more, under the asking price. The buyers, and their agents, will simply refuse to even look at a property that is 10 percent or more over priced.

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Vacation property, an investment for retirement or a permanent residence, this Lake James waterfront home may be your dream property.

The beautiful water front home is located in a private community with spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It has a double deck boat dock, an enclosed boat garage and a private ramp to launch your own watercraft. The home was built originally in 1972 and totally renovated in 2002. A four car detached garage was built in 2002.

There is a total of 264 ft. of water front. Beautiful three tier sea walls accent this elegant home. Hard wood and tile floors, modern appliances and vaulted ceilings are only a few of the amenities that capture you with this home.

Private dock permit.

List Price: $1,800,000
Flexibility: Willing to finance
Acreage: .75 acres
Type: Waterfront

Floors: 2
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 4
Sq. Footage: 3700
Garage Size: 4.0
Year Built: 1972, totally renovated in 2002
School District: Nebo

Suitable Use: Residential

Topography: Rolling
Road Frontage: Private Road
Location: Lake James, Burke County, NC

Amenities: Waterfront, Fireplace, Central AC, Alarm, Wood Floors, Gas Range, Patio, Wheelchair Accessible, Nature/Bike Paths, Boating, Controlled Access, Spa/Jacuzzi

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search for : Lake James waterfront home, Blue Ridge Mountains, Lake James, Burke County, NC

Less than 1% of U.S. homes have geothermal systems, and that’s decades after the technology emerged as a significant energy saver. The biggest hurdle is the upfront price. A geothermal system can cost twice as much as a new conventional gas or electric system. To get their money back, homeowners might need to stay in the house at least three years, and maybe as long as 10. Or, they need a buyer who understands the advantages.

A typical installation might require as many as four 150-foot holes drilled in the soil. A loop of plastic pipe is then inserted into the holes, covered with dirt and connected to inside gear that looks much like a conventional furnace. The inside unit pumps water into the ground, causing it to emerge at a constant ground temperature, typically 55 degrees Fahrenheit. That water is used to precondition refrigerant for increased efficiency and lower energy usage. (more…)

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A decade ago, most people started off with enough equity in their homes to make foreclosure irrational from a financial standpoint. Consumers with significant equity in their homes were reluctant to walk away form their mortgage obligation.

But over the past few years, lenders and the mortgage-backed securities investors who bought the mortgage paper weren’t demanding substantial down payments. In fact, in response to market demands, these lenders were content with 5% or even nothing down.

Essentially, mortgage-bond investors, seemingly unwittingly, sold homebuyers a put option, without properly pricing it, and now homeowners are exercising that option. (more…)

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The decision to buy a second home can be a daunting task when one considers the financial and logistical tasks. In addition to taking on a mortgage, vacation-home owners face a second set of utility, maintenance and tax bills.

Combine that with the stress of managing the home as a rental property, and some would-be second-home shoppers might be wiser and happier sticking with renting.

But with proper planning, a little common sense and some friends spreading the good word, renting out a vacation home can be a positive experience. (more…)

Beautiful Wilkes County NC Timber Frame Home and Mountain Property.

MLS Number: 51166, List Price: $898,500

2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, 2 half baths, 2 car attached garage, full basement, and a barn on 5 acres of land.

These terms are used to describe thousands of homes and yet some things just can’t be described, they have to be experienced. This is one of those homes that really has to be seen to be appreciated.

This majestic Timber Frame home of the Bob Timberlake genre is not just another house, it provides a feeling of home that is not about walls and floors and windows and doors. It creates a feeling of the flow between your outdoor and your indoor environment that is seamless. Everywhere you look there is a view. Everything you touch feels natural and beautiful in a way that cannot be described, only owned.

Contact Elizabeth Carter, 336.973.5594 or Greg Stikeleather, Broker, 704.880.5247 or email eacarter@charter.net

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