It’s a new age for home stagers. Many today are using natural products that lend an air of casual living, making the home enticing to prospective buyers. However, it isn’t just about cashing-in on what might appeal to buyers; it’s really about creating a better environment and lessening potential health issues that can come from synthetic materials. Non-natural products are known to be the cause of allergies and can even be carcinogenic.

Getting started in the natural décor theme doesn’t have to break the bank. Home stagers know that using something that is also 100 percent natural fiber helps the environment. An inexpensive start might be with throw pillows and curtains. When shopping for products to use in home staging, experts recommend that you turn over the product label and look at it. You might be surprised by what you find. (more…)

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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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Can a 150-square-foot backyard garden include little orchard? More and more homeowners and condo dwellers are cramming their spare space with fruit trees, fruit-bearing vines and bushes. Among the plant varieties are cherry and apples trees, plums, and grapevines. Those interested in growing edible-fruit trees at home will find a number of books available to help them make the right choices..

One book “The Backyard Orchardist” includes help on selecting the best fruit trees and information about each stage of growth and development, along with tips on harvest and storage of the fruit. Those with limited space will learn about growing dwarf fruit trees in containers. Appendices include a fruit-growers monthly calendar, a trouble-shooting guide for reviving ailing trees, and a resource list of nurseries selling fruit trees. (more…)

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According to a recent survey, more than seven in 10 condo and townhome residents say they are satisfied with their purchase. Satisfaction is a big trend in housing communities governed by homeowners associations due to a host of reasons. A huge reason is that compared to single-family homes, condos are generally less expensive.

Also, given the average condo has a smaller square footage footprint than the average single-family home, keeping the interior spic and span is easier and condo owners spend much less time and money on upkeep than with the average sized single-family home.

The survey also reports that eighty-six percent said they knew they were moving into a homeowner association governed community when they decided to purchase, 61 percent had no qualms about the association’s existence, and 30 percent said the association made them more likely to buy or rent. (more…)

Beautiful Wilkes County NC Log Home and Mountain Property.

MLS Number: 50863, List Price: $359,900

Bedrooms: 3, Full Baths: 2, Half Baths: 0, Est Total SqFt: 2600, Type/Style: Log Home, Area: Area 6, Middle School: Cntrl Wlks, High School: Wlks Cntrl, Construction: Log

Foundation: Combination, Roof: Metal Roof, Floors: Carpet/Hardwood/Tile, Garage/Carport: None-Garage, None-Carport, Interior Features: Master Bedroom, Main Level, Large Master Bedroom, Walk-In Closet(s), Hardwood Floors, Fireplace(s), Great Room, Exterior Features: Double Pane Windows, Wooded Lot, 1-5 Acres, Hot Tub, Subdivision: N/A, Lot Size: 2.47, Apx SqFt: 2600 - 2800 SF, Basement: None

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

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Insurance experts tell us that it’s extremely important that we make an inventory of our household possessions.

When you experience a loss covered by your policy, it is your primary obligation is to notify your insurance company of the loss, prove your loss and make your damaged property available for inspection by the insurance company.

In the most extreme situation, if your home burns to the ground it is easy to prove that you have had a loss. But, the problem arises when you have to prove the dollar amount of your loss in a timely manner

With a detailed inventory in hand, making a claim for replacement of your valuables will be much, much easier.

To make the inventory, go from room to room photographing, or videotaping the contents of each, making sure to open each cabinets, drawers, and closet doors for a close-up shot of the articles. Take individual pictures of particularly valuable items and include pictures of serial numbers on electronics and appliances.

Make sure you document ownership of the larger items in the garage, basement, or outbuildings, all the while writing a description of each item with its serial number and brand name.

Once you have made the inventory, consider using some free home-inventory software such as KnowYourStuff, a service of the Insurance Information Institute, or MakeLifeEasy. Either of these software systems will help you inventory your home by creating separate files for individual rooms and adding descriptions of the items, including the purchase date, replacement cost and serial number. (more…)

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