C. Ervin Real Estate Blog

This blog has moved

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ervin Mulwee, Broker) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:53:00 +0000

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Here at C. Ervin,

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ervin Mulwee, Broker) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 23:05:00 +0000

Most of the homes and land we list for sale are in Morganton or Burke County, North Carolina. As the market changes and evolves, we continue to innovate and find new and better ways to serve our Buyers and Sellers in this challenging economy.

This month, we joined the Catawba Valley Multiple Listing Service. That's another 700 or so real estate brokers working hard to find a buyer for your property listed with C. Ervin and Associates. These brokers and their clients are all getting the complete information directly, in addition to our base from the Burke County MLS.

Another feature we are very excited about is our new and improved "Our Listings" page on this website. From that page, your views include slide shows, virtual tours, property details, and complete MLS information. We want to showcase every home, lot and piece of land we have listed and present each to its best advantage.

Take a look at our improvements and let us know what you think!

C. Ervin & Associates in 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ervin Mulwee, Broker) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:00:00 +0000

While the snow and ice have been piling up on all the houses here in Morganton and Burke County, we have been making some exciting changes here at C. Ervin.

Doug Wright has decided to go home to work. He will continue to send referrals to us and we will take really good care of all his clients.

Toni Powers joined us last week. We are thrilled to have her working with us at C. Ervin! She has valuable real estate experience that she brings with her to C. Ervin and she has been an RN for 18 years. Toni came to Burke County in 2005 when she relocated here with her husband Jeff, who is the Director of Support Services at Blue Ridge Healthcare.

Get in touch with Toni at 828-403-5892 or toni@cervin.com if you are looking to buy or sell in Burke or Catawba County.

Santa in Morganton, North Carolina

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ervin Mulwee, Broker) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:57:00 +0000

Off to have a chat with Santa this evening in downtown Morganton! He has been hanging out on the old Burke County Courthouse square lately. Rumor has it he may have been spotted taking a horse drawn carriage ride down main street to enjoy the festive twinkling Christmas lights. Homes throughout Morganton and Burke County have never been more beautiful, shining in the snow.

Merry Christmas from all of us at C. Ervin and Associates Realty!

Catch the Spirit in Morganton, NC

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ervin Mulwee, Broker) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 04:25:00 +0000

The Season is in full swing here in Morganton, North Carolina. Lessons and Carols at church this morning. Amazing music!

This afternoon was the Historic Burke Foundation's walking Christmas tour of homes, featuring 8 stately and beautifully decorated historic pieces of real estate on West Union Street in downtown Morganton.

Tonight at First Baptist Church was the most glorious combined choirs concert yet in Burke County.

And Santa is still making appearances in downtown Morganton, NC where horse-drawn carriage rides are all the rage.

Update on Real Estate Sales in Morganton and Burke County, NC

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ervin Mulwee, Broker) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:30:00 +0000

The Morganton News Herald ran a couple of very informative articles in the Sunday edition about recent home sales in Morganton and Burke County, NC:

Not the Norm

Two Tax Credits May Help Buyers

Another Reason to call Morganton and Burke County, North Carolina Home

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ervin Mulwee, Broker) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:29:00 +0000

Once again I am so happy to live in beautiful Morganton in Burke County, NC. Where else could you drop your kids off at school and spend the better part of the day exploring the Wilderness before heading home and picking the kids up again?

Our hiking in the Linville Gorge continued last Tuesday. We took the Conley Cove Trail down to the river and then followed the Linville Gorge Trail for a few miles before climbing back out of the Gorge at the Babel Tower Trail. The terrain was rough, steep and rocky on the way down, crossing slippery rocks and creeks all along the river, and a good solid climb on the way out.

The musical roar of the river was the only sound we heard for hours. My husband said I hobbled in like a wounded Civil War soldier when we got back home to Morganton, but it was worth it!

Posted by Bobbie McCombs

Burke County School Board

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ervin Mulwee, Broker) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 02:05:00 +0000

From Lake James and Glen Alpine to Jonas Ridge, from Morganton and Drexel to Valdese, Rutherford College, Connelly Springs and Icard, the message about Burke County on November 2nd was clear: Buddy Armour, Sam Wilkinson, Susan Stroup, and Catherine Thomas were the Stakeholder's choice for the Burke County School Board with nearly 90% of the vote! We have the utmost confidence that these four will put the Burke County School system back on track. Our students, families, businesses, and our housing industry in Morganton and Burke County depend on it.

More Hiking between Gingercake and Lake James

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ervin Mulwee, Broker) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:51:00 +0000

Last Thursday was the big hike day in October. Sorry for the delay in posting pictures, but we have been swamped around here!

After dropping a car on Wolf Pit Road, we parked in the Table Rock parking lot where we hopped on the Shortoff Trail. Passing through the chimneys, then down through a pine forest, then through miles of burned out trees on Shortoff, we were never at a loss for brilliant leaf colors and amazing views!

Lunch was on the cliffs at Shortoff, with an unbelievable view of the Linville Gorge and our 5.7 mile trek from Table Rock.

To our surprise, the toughest part was the long (mile and a half or so) rocky descent from Shortoff down to Wolf Pit Road. Rounding a curve to see Lake James was our reward.

Bobbie McCombs

C. Ervin on Facebook!

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ervin Mulwee, Broker) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 02:00:00 +0000

Join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=170336197272&ref=ts

Early Voting for Burke County School Board

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ervin Mulwee, Broker) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:34:00 +0000

Early voting began this morning for the Burke County School Board race here in Morganton, North Carolina. There are two locations set up for early voting: Foothills Health & Science Center - New Location for the Board of Elections and the old Morganton City Hall at 201 West Meeting St.

Please encourage your friends, family, and neighbors to have their voice heard in this election that is so important to the citizens of Morganton and Burke County.

Early voting continues through October 31st. Election Day is November 3rd.

Fall in Morganton and Burke County, NC

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ervin Mulwee, Broker) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 21:18:00 +0000

Fall is in the air! The leaves are turning in Morganton, NC and especially in the mountains of Burke County. Leaf lookers from all over are coming to our area to enjoy the vibrant shades of gold, red, and orange as nature puts on her show. Western North Carolina is one beautiful place to live!

Vote in Morganton, Burke County, NC

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ervin Mulwee, Broker) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:05:00 +0000

Tuesday, October 6 is the day to vote in Morganton, NC for city council. Please stop by the Collett Street Recreation Center, if you haven't already voted in the early voting. Hours are 6:30 AM until 7:30 PM.

On Tuesday, Novemeber 3, Burke County voting will take place for the Burke County School Board and mayors in Glen Alpine, Valdese, Connelly Springs, Drexel, and Rutherford College. If you don't know where your voting place is, you can contact the Board of Elections.

Gingercake to Hawksbill

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ervin Mulwee, Broker) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:04:00 +0000

Hawksbill was our destination yesterday. Round trip, about 6 miles starting from my place at Gingercake Acres, over Gingercake Mountain and down to the Sitting Bear Rock, through the forest, then up to Hawksbill and back. The morning was a bit overcast, with dark clouds hovering low and moving in and out.

We had our bear protection, my dog Marley, and our neighbor's dog, Ditch also came along. All colors, sizes and varieties of mushrooms, but no wildlife to be seen at all yesterday. Oh, but what views! I have always thought Hawksbill to be one of the most breathtaking spots anywhere.

As we headed back to Gingercake, the ominous clouds had settled over our homebound destination. Climbing back up the Sitting Bear trail on all fours with hearts pounding was the toughest part. We were back home, headed back to real life and picking up children from school way too soon!

Posted by Bobbie McCombs

More Hiking from Gingercake Acres

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ervin Mulwee, Broker) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 18:26:00 +0000

On Tuesday, a friend and I decided to make the most of the last few days of our kids being gone to "Grandma Camp". We walked out the door of my cabin at Gingercake Acres and took the trail over the ridge to Sitting Bear. We climbed up on the rock and enjoyed the view looking down through the Linville Gorge. Lake James was barely visible through the haze.

Then we headed down to the Devil's Hole trail, which led to the bottom of the Gorge and the Linville River. Wow! It was easy to understand why they call it "the Grand Canyon of the East"!

After lunch, we headed home. Our total descent from the rock above Sitting Bear down to the river was about 2,000 feet, so the return ascent was tedious. We were very tired hikers when we trudged in just before the afternoon thunderstorm.

Bobbie McCombs

Something to Think About in Morganton, NC

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ervin Mulwee, Broker) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 20:26:00 +0000

When you shop at an independently owned business, your entire community benefits:

The Economy

Spend $100 at a local and $68 of that stays in your community. Spend the same $100 at a national chain, and your community only sees $43.
Local businesses create higher-paying jobs for our neighbors.
More of your taxes are reinvested in your community--where they belong.

The Environment

Buying local means less packaging, less transportation, and a smaller carbon footprint.
Shopping in a local business district means less infrastructure, less maintenance, and more money to beautify your community.

The Community

Local retailers are your friends and neighbors; support them and they will support you.
Local businesses donate to charities at more than twice the rate of national chains.
More independents means more choice, more diversity, and a truly unique community.

From indiebound.org

Hiking in Roan Mountain

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ervin Mulwee, Broker) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 18:28:00 +0000

I went hiking in Roan Mountain, TN on Saturday. It's about an hour from Morganton, NC. It was a beautiful day, but quite chilly for mid July - 57 degrees and windy. Luckily, there was a jacket in the car. As I walked closer to the top of the mountain, I began hearing a strange humming noise. Bees? Flies? A UFO? No, just weed eaters. The Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy was busy cleaning up Grassy Ridge. Not an easy job. They carried their tools over an hour (not an easy hike) to their workplace. There were children, parents, grandparents and lots of dogs.

After resting a while at the end of the trail, I headed back down. After walking about 10 minutes, I looked up and 5-6 feet in front of me stood a deer. He wasn't startled at all after seeing me. He just stared back, then slowly walked across the path. What a great day!

Laura Ervin Mulwee

More Gingercake Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ervin Mulwee, Broker) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 20:32:00 +0000

Last night before dinner, the girls and Marley and I did a short hike. We walked through a beautiful fern forest and along the ridge until we reached that massive rock that hangs over the entrance to Gingercake Acres. You can see it from several spots across NC Highway 181 in Upper Creek Acres. I think it is called Rattlesnake Ridge. Gorgeous spot!

Bobbie McCombs

Picnic at the River

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ervin Mulwee, Broker) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:15:00 +0000

Along with two other families, we packed up the grill, a couple of dogs, hamburgers and hot dogs, and plenty of marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate for s'mores and went to the Linville River Picnic Area off the Blue Ridge Parkway for a cookout Tuesday evening.

This part of North Carolina has some of the most beautiful natural scenery anywhere. My family and I love spending time at our Gingercake Acres cabin and exploring the surrounding forests, creeks, and river.

Bobbie McCombs

School's Out!

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ervin Mulwee, Broker) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:46:00 +0000

Summer officially begins in Morganton and Burke County this week with the last day of school for the 2008-2009 year!

As the Burke County School Board drama continues, our hope is the Board will bring an end to the conflict at hand and realize the negative impact they are having on our children, our community, and our economy.

As we strive daily to improve the housing market in Morganton and Burke County, North Carolina, the climate created by the current situation is NOT helping the real estate market here.

We urge these board members to look at the big picture and do what is right.

Monday Again

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ervin Mulwee, Broker) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 23:45:00 +0000

Today is Monday and we are all exhausted from weekend showings and phone calls. Not only are we getting new listings, but we are definitely under pressure to make sure all of the buyers get to see the properties they want to see.

Appraisals are becoming a bit of a problem due to the lack of recent comparable sales. There is no doubt that a price adjustment has hit Morganton and Burke County, North Carolina real estate.

We think the last few weeks have been the busiest we have seen in some time. We will let you know how the trend goes. Keep your fingers crossed!

Knock on Wood

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ervin Mulwee, Broker) — Thu, 28 May 2009 18:36:00 +0000

We are cautiously optimistic here at C. Ervin about the recent surge in showings, phone calls and emails from potential Buyers looking for homes in Morganton and Burke County.

Our office has had 5 closings in just the last two weeks.

Hopefully the showings and increased level of interest in buying homes and property in Morganton and Burke County will translate into more offers!

Friday Nights in Morganton, North Carolina

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ervin Mulwee, Broker) — Wed, 20 May 2009 00:47:00 +0000

The Friday night "TGIF" concert series is in full force again on the historic Burke County courthouse square in dowtown Morganton. Join your friends and make new ones at this laid-back summer tradition that signals rising temperatures and "school's out for the summer".

Here is the schedule for the 7PM concerts: City of Morganton Downtown Concert Series

Hope to see you there!

Burke REALTORS Take a Stand

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ervin Mulwee, Broker) — Fri, 08 May 2009 00:09:00 +0000

At our monthly luncheon meeting today, the Burke County Board of REALTORS passed a resolution to the Burke County School Board, Burke County Commissioners, Office of the Governor of the state of North Carolina, and the North Carolina State Board of Education requesting the immediate resignations of school board members Tim Buff, Tracy Norman, Rob Hairfield, and Kim Sain.

The resolution cites serious concerns about our local economy and housing market, not to mention our education system, due to the recent actions of these Burke County School Board members.

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Ervin Mulwee, Broker) — Wed, 06 May 2009 19:37:00 +0000

It has rained "cats and dogs" today here in Morganton, NC. Outside our office, it rained so hard that when the rain hit the ashpalt it actually started blowing uphill. I had never seen such a sight!

All the trees and grass are very green from the rain that we have already been sent from the heavens. Starla and I both remarked on how beautiful everything is, even though there is not a lot of blooming on the flowers yet. Green is my favorite color, so that might influence my opinion.

We are catching up on the rainfall that has been lacking for the last couple of years. Let's be thankful!

Donna Wright
Morganton, North Carolina