Hendersonville and Asheville Homes and Living

Taking Charge of your Finances

Lita — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 14:13:06 +0000

Taking Charge of Your Finances

We all know someone who is struggling with money. Or maybe we ourselves are the ones who have the struggle. Over the last few years many people have had to take a step back and evaluate our relationship with the beast that many see money as.

If you are in the Asheville/Hendersonville area there is a class being offered that will assist many in conquering this beast. If you or someone you know needs assistance here is a great place to start:

What: Dave Ramsey’s “Financial Peace University” Get out of debt, stay out of debt and build wealth.

Where: Lelia Patterson Center, 1111 Howard Gap Road

Sponsored by: Park Ridge Health and Lelia Patterson Center

When: February 27 through May 21, Monday’s from 7-9 pm

Cost: $100

What is a Walk Through and Why is it Important?

Lita — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:09:12 +0000

A Walk Through is a final inspection of a home just prior to closing, in fact just hours prior to closing.

No more than 24 hours, preferably within 2 hours of your closing a walk through must to be performed. And it must be performed by the buyers Realtor and all buyers involved. And the second rule is that the property has to be 100% empty at that point.

If you are a buyer and don’t get why this is important, then read on. Furniture, boxes and other objects can cover may issues. You absolutely must be able to investigate the home one final time, in it’s empty state. Why? To see if anything has changed since you last saw it.

Case in point, a friend of mine a few years bought a home in Wilmington NC. The Realtor took them on the final walk through just a few hours prior to closing. The house was still full of boxes and so they were unable to really get in and see anything. In fact it was packed with boxes! They went to closing, signed all of the paperwork, and got the keys and went right to their new home. What did they find? Cat urine in bedroom carpets, so bad that they could not save it and even had to pull the sub-flooring below the carpet. Who paid for this? The buyers did, because they accepted the home as they saw it in the walk though. The walk through is to identify issues PRIOR to closing. These issues can get resolved before closing if found. Once the contracts are signed the buyer is out of luck.

Another reason buyers must inspect properties close to closing, is that anything can happen within the forces of nature. A tree can fall down on the home, winds can loosen shingles on a roof, or any number of other scenarios. Who pays for that? The person who owns the property the day the mess is discovered. If it is found prior to closing the seller will do the repairs and more than likely they will have insurance to cover it.

Did the sellers leave the appliances, lighting and other things that were a part of the contract? Did they dig up plants or trees? Did they leave a mess?

If the buyer discovers any of these things after closing, then the buyer does the repairs, or lives with the missing items. Do you as a buyer really want to start home ownership with repairs and a fight with a new insurance company?

So you may be tempted to think, “I can’t jeopardize moving day. I have the moving truck on the way.” Well, isn’t one more day or two worth having the home the way you want it PRIOR to moving in? Think about that.

Always do a walk through as close to closing as possible, and always inspect the property when fully empty. As buyers performing the due diligence really does involve this point. Always insist on a walk through with an empty property the day of closing, hopefully within just hours of closing time. Doing so can save head aches on moving day.

What is your Realtor doing to protect your interests?

Jerri McCombs, Contributing Writer and Photographer

Biltmore Park Town Center (South Asheville)

Lita — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:49:01 +0000

Located in beautiful South Asheville, and surrounded by mountain views, is Biltmore Park Town Center. Built in the last decade, Biltmore Park Town Center has an amazing array of unique shops and restaurants in a promenade of sculptures, gardens and benches. Stay at the full service 165-room Hilton Asheville, which also houses Sensibilities spa. Spend the day perusing gift shops, fine dining, the first Asheville Stadium Style theater, Barnes and Noble bookstore, and a YMCA.

Located just three miles from the Asheville Regional Airport and just off I-26, it is very accessible. Spend a day at the Biltmore Park Town Center. Here is what you will find!

Welcome Sierra Nevada to Mills River (South Asheville area)

Lita — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:05:31 +0000

We are Thrilled to have you in our area!

Read all about the company and the plans they made to ensure remaining the Number One Green Brewery in the country, here in Asheville.

Windsor Forest (Fletcher/South Asheville area)

Lita — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:42:59 +0000

Windsor Forest is a beautiful, established neighborhood located in the Fletcher/South Asheville area, just minutes from I-26 and three major shopping/dining venues in Biltmore Park, Biltmore Village and Airport Road. It is convenient to Asheville, Hendersonville, Mills River and Brevard.

If you love woods and mature gardens, Windsor Forest is a great neighborhood. Built in the late 1990′s, the developers were able to save many trees, and they planted more to fill in where needed. As a result, this is a great green neighborhood, with sunny winters and cool, shaded summers.

Windsor Forest is a very desirable neighborhood where homes sell more quickly than many other neighborhoods. In 2010 six homes sold in the $194,000 to $268,000 price range. In 2011 five homes sold in the price range of $202,000 to $251,000 price range. The majority of homes have 3-4 bedrooms and two baths, and average about one half acre in size.

Currently there are two homes for sale. One a 4 bedroom, 3 and 1/2 bath on .35 acres for $258,500. The other a 3 bedroom, 2 bath on .42 acres for $239,000.

If you are interested in homes in the Windsor Forest Neighborhood, call Lita at (828)388-4544, or email her here.

Blossoms at Biltmore Park

Lita — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 03:26:23 +0000

Today Lita and I were out discovering businesses at Biltmore Park Town Center. We ran across Blossoms at Biltmore Park, a unique floral shop. They have gorgeous vases and gifts, and we watched them making some exquisite floral arrangements.

Meet Audrey, co-owner and see what she can do for your next event. Stop by 2 Town Square Boulevard, or call them to place an order at 828.650.6464.

Jerri McCombs, Contributing writer and Photographer

Asheville Local Movers

Lita — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 19:20:00 +0000

If you are looking for a Local Moving Company, Bruce and Clete may be the guys for you. They are well known for their professionalism and over the top service. You can check their website for references and reviews, as well as to see what they do.

Hearts with Hands 2011 Annual Wreaths of Love Fundraiser

Lita — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:55:51 +0000

With the holiday season beginning, Hearts with Hands has numerous ways for you to help those in need at Christmas.

Now is the time to order your handmade wreath or centerpiece during our 4th Annual Wreaths of Love fundraiser. Each piece is uniquely made of Frasier fir and will be a beautiful addition to your Christmas decorations. Call Sandy at Hearts with Hands to order yours today, (828) 667-1912 or (800) 726-9185.

All proceeds will go to Christmas from the Heart which helps provide Christmas for children in need and the Bak Pak Bunch which helps feed hungry children in Buncombe & Henderson Counties each weekend.

Naturally decorated with a bow
$35.00
Designer Decorated
$50.00
3′ to 4′ Cross
$50.00
Mantlepiece – 3′ to 5′ with candles
$50.00
Centerpiece with taper candles – large
$35.00
Candle centerpiece (single 8″ pillar)
$25.00

Click here to open a PDF and see images of Wreath’s offered