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Friday, November 30, 2007
Seven Reasons to Own Your Own Home
With low interest rates and an extensive available home inventory, the market is ripe with opportunities for you as a buyer looking for a home in the Morganton and Burke County area.
Today's Real Estate Market
Seven Reasons to Own Your Own Home:
1. Tax breaks. The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, property taxes you pay, as well as some of the costs involved in buying your home.
2. Gains. While there is no guarantee of appreciation, a 2001 study by the National Association of REALTORS found that the typical homeowner has approximately $50,000 of unrealized gain in a home.
3. Equity. Money paid for rent is money that you will never see again, but mortgage payments let you build equity ownership interest in your home.
4. Savings. Building equity in your home is a ready-made savings plan. And when you sell, you can generally take up to $250,000 ($500,000 for a married couple) as gain without owing any federal income tax.
5. Predictability. Unlike rent, with a conventional fixed rate mortgage, your payments do not go up over the years so your housing costs may actually decline as you own the home longer. However, keep in mind that property taxes and insurance costs will rise.
6. Freedom. The home is yours. You can decorate any way you want and be able to benefit from your investment for as long as you own the home.
7. Stability. Remaining in one neighborhood for several years gives you a chance to participate in community activities, lets you and your family establish lasting friendships, and offers your children the benefit of educational continuity.
Contact me and I will be glad to show you some of the available real estate listings in Morganton, NC and Burke County.
Starla Hoke
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Morganton, NC Real Estate: Silver Creek Plantation Townhome
Western North Carolina is known for its friendly people, mild four season climate, and great views! Morganton, North Carolina and Burke County in general have become the destination of choice to retirees who want the small town life, the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the culture the city of Morganton has worked so hard to offer. Lake James is also a main attraction here.
Morganton is indeed a small Southern town, but its manufacturing and furniture base has turned it into quite a cosmopolitan town. There are folks from all over the country here, not just fifth generation Morgantonians, so all nationalities and walks of life feel welcome here.
And thankfully, Morganton real estate is not suffering the dramatic losses we hear about daily in the media. Real Estate in Morganton and Burke County continues to be an excellent investment.
On the outskirts of Morganton, a local family has built a beautiful golf course framed by nothing but views. There are fine, gorgeous homes popping up all over the neighborhood. At the top of the neighborhood, with the best views, are the Townhomes of Silver Creek Plantation.
C. Ervin & Associates Realty has a townhome for sale with one of the best views in Burke County! 
This one-level, 2 bedroom, 2 bath townhome overlooking the 16th hole and framed by the South Mountains offers quality features, hardwood floors, vaulted and tray ceilings, and a gorgeous screened porch to enjoy the views.
MLS # 16184
Get in touch today for more information or to take a look for yourself!
Bobbie McCombs
888-278-2383
bobbie@cervin.com
Friday, November 16, 2007
Phil's View of Lake James
The Autumn leaves are at their peak this week here on Lake James near Morganton in Burke County, North Carolina. Vivid Red Maples, Orange Oaks and Yellow Poplars are twice as vibrant when reflected off the lake's mirror surface.
Yes, it is a quiet time as the cooler weather has sent the warm water boaters in for the year. Occasionally a lone fisherman will come into my cove with hopes of catching a largemouth bass or perhaps an elusive walleye.
Early morning is my favorite time of the day. As the sun rises and warms the water, clouds of mist rise into the long rays of the morning sun. I look forward to even colder weather as the lake will become even more peaceful.
Get in touch. I would love to introduce you to real estate around beautiful Lake James.
Phil Howerton, Jr.
North Carolina Real Estate Broker at Lake James
828-584-0563
phil@cervin.com
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Buyer's Agent
When buying real estate, you may have several choices as to how you want a real estate firm and its agents to work with you. For example, you may want them to represent only you. If so, here is some info.
If the real estate firm and its agents represent you, they must promote your best interest, be loyal to you, follow your lawful instructions, provide you with all material facts that could influence your decision, use reasonable skill, care and diligence, and account for all monies they handle for you.
Whether you have a written or unwritten agreement, a buyer's agent will perform a number of services for you. These may include helping you find a suitable property, arrange financing, learn more about the propery and otherwise promote your best interests.
If you have a written agency agreement, the agent can also help you prepare and submit a written offer to the seller.
If you are looking to buy real estate in Morganton, NC or Burke County, contact us so we can tell you more about working as a buyer's agent for you.
cervin@cervin.com
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
2462 Watering Place
SOLD
The exceptional brick masonry craftsmanship gives this three bedroom, two bath, brick home an elegant, handsome look. Conveniently situated on a beautiful, level lot with mature trees in the Dogwood Subdivision in Morganton, North Carolina, this new home exhibits quality throughout.
The covered front porch boasts a grand front door that welcomes you into an expansive, vaulted open living/dining area with hardwood floors-perfect for family living!
Great cooks and food lovers alike will appreciate the detail in this kitchen that features hardwood floors, granite countertops, custom cabinetry with built-in spice racks, lazy susan, and all stainless steel appliances, including a built-in microwave.
All three bedrooms have nine foot ceilings, Berber carpeting, ceiling fans and extra-large closets with the master containing a large walk-in closet. The master bath features a whirlpool tub encased in exquisite ceramic tile, separate shower and granite countertops with a double-sink vanity, while the second bathroom has large, built-in custom cabinetry, granite countertops and tub/shower combination.
Create the perfect playroom for your children or move your office into the large bonus room above the garage!
Enjoy the convenience of having a laundry room located on the main level next to the kitchen that has a ceramic tile floor, work sink and a storage shelf.
The screened-in porch and deck located off the kitchen/dining lends itself to entertaining or simply savoring your morning coffee and paper
If you would like to preview this home, please contact Starla Hoke at C. Ervin & Associates Realty at 828-438-0800 or toll free 888-278-2383.
starla@cervin.com
What is A Home Inspection?
A home inspection is an objective, visual examination of a home's structure, systems and mechanical systems. Think of it as having a personal physical check-up that includes blood pressure, reflexes, temperature, etc., only on a home.
What Does An Inspection Include?
The home inspector is required to observe readily visible and accessible installed systems which include: structural compponents, exterior, roofing, plumbing, electrical, heating, central air conditioning, interior, built-in appliances, insulation and ventilation. The home inspector shall operate the mechanical systems using normal operating controls except when conditions or other circumstances may cause equipment damage.
What If The Inspection Reveals Problems With the House?
No house is perfect. Just because the house may have some problems doesn't mean it isn't a good investment. the inspection will help you understand the conditionof the house. It is up to you and your contract with the seller to determine which problems you can live with, if you may be able to get repairs done before closing, or to negotiate wih the seller on the price of the home.
Can A House Fail Inspection?
No, a house cannot fail since the inspection is an objective, visual examination of a home's sturcture, systems and mechanical systems.
Should I Be Present At The Home Inspection?
It isn't required for you to be present at the inspection; however, being at the inspection will help you learn about your new home. The inspector can give you tips on maintenance and upkeep. Plus it is a good time for you to ask questions.
When Should I Call A Home Inspector?
Normally, it is a good idea to call in an inspector after you have made an offer to purchase the property and before closing. Many "Offer to Purchase" contracts include an inspection clause in the contract, making your purchase contingent upon the findings of a professional home inspection. This inspection clause often specifies the timeframe when the inspection must be completed.
Click here to go to the NC Real Estate Commission website ot view a brochure on Home Inspections.
Call us and we will help you find a qualified home inspector in Morganton, NC or Burke County.
cervin@cervin.com
Friday, November 2, 2007
The Best Kept Real Estate Secret in Burke County
About a half hour from Morganton, North Carolina, and high in the mountains, just through the Pisgah Forest on the very northernmost tip of Burke County, is one of the most beautiful areas on earth. It is also one of Burke County's best kept real estate secrets. Primitive hiking trails through the Linville Gorge Wilderness area draw outdoor enthusiasts from all over. Folks never tire of the breathtaking vistas and the woods thick with rhododendron and mountain laurel.
There are a few homes for sale in the neighborhoods of Gingercake Acres and Upper Creek Acres, both of which border National Forest. In a single year, there are normally only a handful of home sales in this area.
The first is a recently remodeled 4 BR, 2.5 BA home in Gingercake. It has 2 gorgeous rock fireplaces, updated kitchen and baths, and warm pine throughout. A newly added dining room adds much needed dining space and charm. The most wonderful thing about this place is that the master suite is on the main level, along with the living room, kitchen, dining, and garage, but there are 3 more bedrooms and another living area and kitchen below, perfect for children or guests! For more information, see MLS # 15642
Also in Gingercake, this log-sided charmer has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, hardwood floors, tongue and groove walls and doors, a rock fireplace in the living room and another in the family room downstairs, and updated tile baths. The pine kitchen is open to the dining room and has rustic slate tile floors. The outdoor areas are beautifully landscaped. You need to see the virtual tour to appreciate the true mountain charm of this one!
Click here To View the Virtual Tour.
MLS # 15983
If you have your heart set on a log home in the mountains, check out this 3 bedroom, 2 bath new construction in Upper Creek Acres. You will love the rustic feel and quality of this cabin located on just over an acre. The Great Room has vaulted tongue and groove ceilings, a rock gas fireplace, and hardwood floors. The kitchen has hickory cabinets and ceramic tile counters and floors. And then there is a wonderful front porch and a full-length back deck.
Click Here to View the Virtual Tour. MLS # 15355
If you would like to know more about this special part of Burke County and the mountains, get in touch and I will be happy to help. Real estate in this area north of Morganton is my specialty.
Bobbie McCombs
bobbie@cervin.com
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